NOVEMBER - my FAVORITE TIME OF YEAR!

I've said it before & I'll say it again - November's GRAND! Just reference my November post in 2007 and you'll see there are Many reasons why I love November so much. This year - I will actually be on vacation for the entire week of Thanksgiving! I'm so excited - a whole week to reflect, thank God for my blessings and spend time with my family! So rather than list all the reasons again - this year I've written a little poem. HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVEYRONE!

• Tasty treat
• How delightful and sweet...
• Awesome flavor
• Now's the time to savor...
• Kinda smells like
• Something yummy;
• Gotta go get some
• In my tummy.
• Very intoxicating -
• Indeed - I am the judge!
• Now's the time of year to
• Get some of Aunt Bo's Fudge!

4 YEARS! Learning to Love Jesus' Way!

Wow! Curtis and I have now been married 4 years. I am continuing to learn to love Jesus' way. With God in our lives, I believe He will take us thru the remainder of our years together.

For Jesus, love was a motive - not a duty. Many times I've served Curtis out of a sense of duty, or to "keep the peace", without the motive of love. I'm still learning what it means to love as Christ loved. As Paul said, we should "be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us" (Eph 5:1-2).

If Jesus were preaching about marriage today, he might say: "Remember my love and sacrifice, and do the same for each other. Let love be your motive and humility be your attitude. Love the way I did."

This may seem like an impossible task - but we have a secret weapon: God's power to love.

I thank you Lord for the 4 years Curtis and I have been married. I pray that you will continue to guide us and draw us closer to You and closer to each other. Help me to strive to love as Christ loved!

Another Great NEPHEW!

Congratulations to my niece, Jennifer and her hubby Jason on the birth of my newest great nephew! Jacob Lee Kemp arrived August 14th, 2008 around 5:30pm Eastern time. Although he can't talk just yet, No worries - he'll soon be saying "Favorite Aunt Ruthie"!

I think he already looks like a football player!

Say Hello to My GRANDSON!

WOW! Thank you Lord for allowing me to witness the birth of my grandson! We welcomed Julian into the world on Thursday, July 17th, 2008 at 3:16pm. He weighed 7 lb, 11 oz and is 21 inches long. My heart just melts when I look at him! And, my heart is warmed to see my "baby" girl smiling so much! We just can't wipe the smile off of our faces!

I'm a Stay-At-Home Mom!

For over 20 years, I have wanted to be a stay-at-home mom! I FINALLY get to be one! Yes, I still have to work, I still have to take Chloe to day care. But, I get to stay at home to work - and I get paid for it! Staying at home may not seem like something you'd like to do. I have had my social butterfly days and the older I get, the more I like to just stay at home. I am an "In Home Agent" (IHA) for customer service for a major appliance corporation. I answer calls and speak with customers - just like I did at the call center.

To me - there are many benefits. For example:

It's GOOD for the budget - I save a lot of money on gas!
It's GOOD for the teeth - my toothbrush & toothpaste are waiting on me!
It's GOOD for the skin - I can float in the pool during lunch and get a tan!
It's GOOD for the health - I started a new exercise program - I walk to work!
It's GOOD for romance - my husband walks me to work many mornings!
It's GOOD for the mind - no more stressing out about "Where did I park"!
It's GOOD for the menu - I can eat what I want & start supper if I choose!
It's GOOD for the wardrobe - they have good sales in the Pajama department!
It's GOOD for the bladder - nothing like peeing in your own potty!
It's GOOD for the Family - Cause when Momma's Happy - Everybody's Happy!

Thank you God for allowing me to have this opportunity to work at home!

How Many Are there of You? Use this Link to find out http://howmanyofme.com/search/

HowManyOfMe.com

There are 2 people with my name in the U.S.A. how/'>http://howmanyofme.com">How many have your name?

Here's the Link
http://howmanyofme.com/search/

FIFTY = FRANKIE :-)

Man, can you believe it? I have a sister who's 50! I am a LOT younger than her. She's a dinosaur! Just kidding... HAPPY BIRTHDAY FRANKIE! In case you don't know, Frankie means a lot to me. She helped raise me. No, it's not her fault I turned out like this. :-) Frankie has always loved me - unconditionally. What a great example she has set. She never turned away from me, even when I did stupid things. She loved me anyway. She always has listened when I whined and griped. And she rejoiced with me when things were good.

If you're not lucky enough to call her sis - you do have someone that loves you unconditionally. God is in control and loves you - no matter what - even when you do stupid things! He always listens to us and He knows the plans he has for us... And He brings goodness into our life. Thank you Lord for blessing me with my sister Frankie & for all your other blessings too!

BLESSINGS BY THE BOX!

A.K.A. ANGEL FOOD!

I am proud to let you know that our church, GRACE ASSEMBLY OF GOD, is now an official host site for Angel Food Ministries. We strongly believe in adding value to people's lives. One way of doing this is through Angel Food Ministries. Why? Because everyone needs to eat and everyone wants to save money!

Angel Food Ministries is a food based ministry - with a Servant's heart. Angel Food Ministries is a non-profit, non-denominational organization dedicated to providing food relief and contributing to benevolent outreaches in communities throughout the United States. In 1994, Pastors Joe and Linda Wingo found their hearts going out to the families of many of the local families in Monroe, GA, affected by the recent industrial plant closings. On their back porch, the first Angel Food distribution fed 34 families. Over the next years, other churches wanted to be get involved, and Angel Food began feeding hundreds of families across the southeeast. Now, Angel Food feeds over 500,000 families a month in 35 states. Praise the Lord for his faithfulness!

ABOUT THE FOOD Each month's menu is different and consists of fresh, frozen and packaged food. Angel Food is purchased from the nation’s top food suppliers. Providing quality, nutritious food at significant discounts on a regular basis is one practical way to give people a “hand up” during difficult times. The cost for a box of Angel Food is $30 and provides approximately $65 worth of food. There is no purchase limit for boxes of Angel Food. There are no applications or qualifications necessary to purchase. Cash and EBT (food stamps) are accepted as forms of payment.

HOW TO ORDER or DONATE Visit or call GRACE ASSEMBLY OF GOD at 1976 Westland Drive, Cleveland, TN 37311. Phone: 423-472-PRAY (7729). Email: gracesangels@gmail.com. For your convenience, there are other host sites throughout the area. For more info on Angel Food, please visit their web site at http://www.angelfoodministries.com/. For more info on Grace Assembly of God, feel free to contact by mail, phone, email or in person. Our Lead Pastors are Stephen and JoAnn Lewis, Youth Pastors Marvin and Linda Smalley and Associate Pastors are Lowell and Janis Brannen.

For your convenience - I've posted May 2008's menu.

M A Y 2 0 0 8 M E N U

1.5 lb. Bacon Wrapped Beef Filet (4 x 6 oz.)
2.5 lb. Breaded Chicken Breast Filets
1.5 lb. Bone-In Pork Steaks (4 x 6 oz.)
28 oz. Salisbury Steak Dinner Entrée
2.5 lb. Beef and Bean Burritos (10 x 4 oz.)
2 lb. Popcorn Chicken
9.5 oz. Stouffer’s Flat Bread Pizza
16 oz. Cauliflower & Carrot Blend
15 oz. Corn Niblets
16 oz. Green Beans
2 lb. Fresh Onions
29 oz. Pears
32 oz. Borden 2% Reduced Fat Shelf-Stable Milk
9 oz. Breakfast Cereal
8 oz. Corn Muffin Mix
16 oz. Bean Soup Mix
1 Dozen Eggs
1 Dessert Item
ALL THIS FOR THE LOW COST OF JUST……..…..$30.00

***One or More Specials Available Only with the Purchase of a Regular Box Above***
MAY SPECIAL #17 lb. Grill Box $20.00
1.75 lb. Chicken Breast Kebob Kit (makes 6-8 Kebobs)
1.5 lb.Chicken Breast, 4 oz. Vegetables (Onions, Peppers) & Skewers
1.25 lb. Ribeye Steaks (2 x 10 oz.)
2 lb. Thick Cut Pork Chops (4 x 8 oz.)
2 lb. Beef Hamburger Steaks (4 x 8 oz.)

MAY SPECIAL #25 lb. Steak Box $20.00
1.5 lb. Bone-In New York Strip Steaks (2 x 12 oz.)
1.5 lb. Bone-In Ribeye Steaks (2 x 12 oz.)
2 lb. Sirloin Strips (4 x 8 oz.)
MAY SPECIAL #312 lb. Chicken Combo Box $20.00
5 lb (avg) Whole Chicken
2 lb. Breaded Chicken Tenders
30 oz. Individually Vacuum Packed Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (6 x 5 oz.)
1 lb. Fully Cooked Breaded Chicken Wings
2 lb. Chicken Breast Nuggets


Angel Food is for EVERYONE! If you WANT to SAVE MONEY & LOVE TO EAT, YOU QUALIFY!

Orders may be placed from 4-26-2008 to
5-18-2008 via Cash or EBT (food stamps).
TO PLACE AN ORDER, Visit or Call
GRACE ASSEMBLY OF GOD
Approved Host Site
1976 Westland Dr, Cleveland, TN
PHONE: 423-472-PRAY (7729)
EMAIL: gracesangels@gmail.com



ORDER INFO:

Orders Due:
Sunday, May 18, 2008 No later than 12:00 Noon
Distribution Day:
Saturday, May 31, 2008
At Grace Assembly of God
Time: 10:30am – 11:00am

~~Orders must be pre-paid by May 18th~~
We Accept Cash & Food Stamps (EBT).
Angel Food Ministries is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Complaints of discrimination should be sent to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights,Washington, DC 20250-9410


Angel Food Ministries Reserves the Right to Substitute Any of the Above Items Due to Availability, Cost and Quality

"SOON" & HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

Webster's Definition of Soon - "At once; immediately." "Before long." "Without undue time lapse." "In a prompt manner; speedily." "Before the usual time." "In agreement with one's choice or preference; willingly."

Brannen's Definition of Soon - Hopefully this year! :-) I suppose the "Before the usual time" could also apply!

Okay - okay, I know I said I'd post soon - so, it is this year & it is before the usual time. LOL!

Here's a little thought provoking note that I received and I'd like to share it with you.....

HELPFUL HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

TOOTHPICK - to remind you to pick out the good qualities in others.

Matthew 7:1

RUBBER BAND - to remind you to be flexible. Things might not always go the way you want, but it will work out. Romans 8:28

BAND AID - to remind you to heal hurt feelings, yours or someone else's.

Colossians 3:12- 14

PENCIL - to remind you to list your blessings everyday. Ephesians 1:3

ERASER - To remind you that everyone makes mistakes, and it's okay. Genesis 50:15- 21

CHEWING GUM - to remind you to stick with it, and you can accomplish anything. Philippians 4:13

MINT - to remind you that you are worth a mint. John 3:16- 17

CANDY KISS - to remind you that everyone needs a kiss or a hug everyday. John 4:7

TEA BAG - to remind you to relax daily and go over your list of blessings. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Hope you have a Blessed and Happy Day!

FEBRUARY - a Month of LOVE

Okay, okay - I know it's already past February - but ... other than the love that flows on Valentine's Day (thanks for my pretty roses Curtis), I wanted to let you know that CHLOE turned THREE!!!

Can you believe it?! Our baby girl turned 3 on the the 12th of February! Now - that's something to celebrate. Each day with her is such a joy. We're so blessed that God entrusted us to take care of her. She is so much fun! She wanted to learn how to spell her name, so mommy created a song. You sing it to the tune of The B-I-B-L-E... It goes something like this

C-H-L-O-E

Yes, That's the Girl for Me!

I Love Her So Much

And She Loves Me

C-H-L-O-E!

And yes, Chloe sings it all the time. She says "I not know how to write me name, but I can spell it!"

Okay, guess that's enough for now. I'll post again - SOON. Yes, I really mean SOON. :-) Much love to my Favorite People!

January 2008 - Oh where did it go?

My oh my! I didn't post anything in January! Well, I can tell you the month started off with a new year 2008! And, the very next day, Lydia turned 23. And then, Phil had a birthday and Tabby turned 39! And, Aunt Donice & Marcus had birthdays. I did manage to tell my daughter happy birthday - but I was late for everyone else! Maybe it's because I had a house full.... Maybe it's because I failed to reorder the calendar refill & didn't have it in my face.... maybe there are lots of excuses. But, nevertheless, January has come and gone!

One thing about January is that it was never quiet. We had 10 people (my step-son, Terry & his family) living in our house beginning on January 5th - with 1 bathroom! 3 of those 10 people were under the age of 3. They managed to get into lotion, mashed potatoes, nail polish, toilet paper, Pine Sol, etc., etc., etc. It was a challenge to get ready for school, work & day care every morning too. But, on the nice side, a "Merry Maid" cleaned a lot & cooked supper for me many of the days. As of February 1st, they moved into their own place. I miss my "Merry Maid" but the thing I miss the most is being greeted at the door by my grandchildren saying "NANA! Yeah!" - They really had a way of making me feel like they were glad I was home.

Amazingly, all the adults worked really good together. How did we do it? By the grace of God!
Guess I'm done updating January - hopefully I can update February soon. :-) Luv to you all!