Saturday, January 24, 2009

In ALL things.............Give Thanks!

Well, I don't know about you but this is a very hard thing to do at times....... Sure its easy to give thanks when all is well, things are going our way and life is smooth sailing. It is when you experience trials and stress that Giving Thanks in All things is difficult. When things happen that our out of your control and seem unfair...........we are still to give thanks in ALL things.......I will admit, I have had a hard time giving thanks in all situations lately. As many of you may or may not know Mark was terminated from Kennewick Police. We were so sure that God opened this door for him, we struggled through 5 months of Mark being away at the Academy.....we experienced financial stress, physical stress, emotional distress and many more things because the Lord opened the door for us and we walked through........in our eyes we feel totally forgotten........depleted and warn out. However, Mark has been able to deal with the stress of this ok, He was under such oppression at work that for him to be out from under that has been refreshing to him. He did the best he could, but for Kennewick it was not good enough. It was very hard for him, but we know now that God has greater plans for us. I have struggled like I never have before, I will admit I was questioning God and His ways......I was asking Him where are you? Don't you know we are struggling? Don't you care what this has done to us? (As if He was unaware).....I have been asking God many questions.........and He has been silent. That is so very hard for me......I am not very patient when it comes to God's silence.....I need to know why things are the way they are, I know God hears my cry, but at this time He is choosing to remain silent. I am certain that He has a plan and we will one day look back and know that this was for the best. But, it is very difficult while you are in situations like this to understand the reason. But I know that God has kept us in His loving hands and we will remain there.

We are on a new adventure......Mark is opening up his own business.... "Columbia Private Investigation".......We are praying that God will bless this new journey and we have already seen Him moving. WE ask for your prayers as we try to feed & provide for the needs of 7 people. We will trust God that He will make a way for us. My job is going great, I truly thank God for it, and ask Him to sustain me while I struggle to deal with the stress at home, and at the same time remaining strong for work. God is molding me and this process hurts........it is painful & uncomfortable, but I know He is at work and for that I am grateful.......it is a process, and He is making me into the person He wants me to be.........I am learning that not only in the Good times, but in ALL things to give thanks to our God who so gracioulsy provides for our every need according to His plan and purpose!

On the day He got terminated our devotion read this......"Life is not always fair, but God is always Faithful"........This is so true!


Surrendering to Him,


Kari

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Cody & Sammi


Cody and Samantha before heading out on their fun night out. They went to Liberty Christian's homecoming. They had a great night........Sammi & Cody have been friends since Kindergarden so they have a very special friendship. Hard to believe that he is my little boy....... :) isn't he so handsome??

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Saturday, November 1, 2008

I have been tagged.....thanks Amy.... :)

7 random or wierd facts about me..........

1. I was born in Montana.

2. I just got a job.

3. I am addicted to lipstick & purses....... :)

4. I Love working out.

5. I worked at the state Penitentary while i was in College......Very scary!!!!

6. I would love to adopt again.

7. I would love to go to Italy!!!

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

2 yummy options for dinner time-

I have not tried this yet, but my friend Sandy sent me the recipe today.....thought you might like to give them a try! I am going to!! I think they look delicious.

Patti's sweet & sour Meatballs

2- pounds ground beef
1 -cup cornflake crumbs
1/3- cup dried parsley
2- eggs, beaten
2- Tablespoons soy sauce
1/4- teaspoon pepper
1/2- teaspoon garlic powder
1/3- cup catsup
2 -tablespoons dried onion -- minced

1- can cranberry sauce -- jelly style
12- ounces chili sauce
1- tablespoon brown sugar
1- tablespoon lemon juice

Combine all meatball ingredients and blend well. Shape into meatballs and arrange in a 13x15" pan.

In medium saucepan, mix sauce ingredients and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until smooth and creanberry sauce is melted. Pour over meatballs.

Bake uncovered in 350* oven for 30 minutes or until done.

Serve over rice or pasta

My friend Sarah made these for Bunko on Friday night......they were delicious!!! You have to try them!

Twice-baked sweet potatoes

2 large sweet potatoes
2 oz. cream cheese, 1/3 less fat,Cubed
1-2 T. milk
1 T. brown sugar
1/4 t. cinnamon
1/4 cup pecan pieces

Heat oven to 425. Cut potatoes lenghthwise in half; place, cut-sides down, in foil lined jelly roll pan. Bake 30-35 min. or until tender.Scoop out the centers into a bowl, leaving 1/4-inch-thick shells. Add cream cheese, milk, sugar, and cinnamon to potatoes; mash until blended.Spoon potato mixture into shells; top with nuts. Bake 8 min. or until potatoes are heated through and nuts are toasted. -- She said she jazzes them up a bit by sprinkling a little bit of extra brown sugar and cinnamon before baking.


Enjoy!

Saturday, October 25, 2008

3 years ago today.....a day we will never forget!

Mia has been home for 3 years now. She has been such a blessing and we can't imagine our life without her in it. God took us on an amazing journey one that has changed us forever. God gave us a precious little girl who needed a family and we are so thankful HE chose us to be her mommy & Daddy....We are also grateful to Him for supplying our every need to bring her home. Please pray with us for the millions of orphans still in China waiting for their forever families!

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Surrendering to Him,

Friday, October 24, 2008

~A Funny for Friday~

I overheard this conversation yesterday and thought it was just priceless!

Mia: Hey Micah and Luke did you know that there are three pieces in God??

Luke: "Yes, Mia"........"The Holy, Spirit, Jesus and God...... I already knew that"...... ; )


A while back Luke told a friend of ours that Mia did not believe that Jesus and God are the same person. He was so concerned for her..... Well, I think he can rest assured now...... :)


"Hear o Isreal!! The Lord is our God, the Lord is One" (Deut. 6:4)

Jesus said.. "I and the Father are one." (John 10:30)


Have a beautiful Friday.......


Surrendering to Him,

Kari ♥

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Product Review and a Giveaway! Soda Stream Club!!!

Hey click on this link and enter to win a free soda maker.....doesn't that sound fun? I really want to win this for my family!! They seem healthier than regular soda and the diet ones are sweetened with splenda.

Yummy!

...And Everything Else: Product Review and a Giveaway! Soda Stream Club!!!


Surrendering to Him,