Mrs. Rodgers Neighborhood

Remember the Sabbath?

2010-05-10T09:39:00.000-07:00

We went to see Lee's mom yesterday for mother's day, and as usual I reached a point in the visit where I needed to laugh, but it would have been rude. She was telling me about the church service she attended that morning. The drive in service. It's earlier in the morning and you don't even have to get out of your car. They serve you communion even..............interesting.

Now if you know me at all you know that I'm pretty conservative in my views. So I've been pondering this.......remember the sabbath to keep it holy. Holy........set apart. It's a commandment and He said it more than once. I am concerned that we as Christians are trying to work in our worship time instead of setting it apart, and not just a couple of hours.......the day.

The example was to work 6 days and rest on the seventh. Instead we stay so busy that we aren't setting apart our day for God, we're merely working Him in at our convenience. Should pastors and their staff be working so hard at making church convenient or should we be remembering the Sabbath and keeping it Holy. Forget groceries, laundry, dishes, mowing, shopping. Remember the Sabbath....He told us to.

Watch and Pray

2010-04-02T12:09:00.000-07:00

I took the time this morning to actually read my bible before coming to work. Naturally, once I opened it I was spoken to. I wanted to read about the night Jesus went into the garden. He had already told his disciples what was going to happen to him and he desparately needed to talk to his Father. What did the disciples do? They fell asleep! The master had just explained he was going to be arrested and sentenced to death and would rise again.....and they fell asleep!

Now we know what Jesus told them was true. He was arrested. He did die. He rose again. On over in His word he tells us again what is going to happen. Things will change. Life may even get rough. Then He says He's coming back to get us!

We all want to go to heaven. We want to see Jesus who died for our sins....but it's been years and years since He was here last. We're tired. ...."Watch and pray that you enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." Matthew 26:41

Are you watching? Are you praying?

Integrity

2010-04-01T19:34:00.000-07:00

I heard someone define integrity as "being the same person when you're alone as when you are in public". That thought has really been on my mind the past few days. Am I going to offend another person when I'm alone? Doubtful. Could I show a lack of integrity and offend the Lord when I'm alone? Less doubtful.

I want to live with nothing to hide. I want people to feel comfortable with me at all times. More importantly, should I have an unexpected visit from my Saviour, I want Him to find me to be the same person at home as I am sitting in a pew at church.

I have some work to do, but I'm ready to dig in.

Enjoy your Easter!

Spring......

2010-03-22T06:24:00.000-07:00

I love spring, even if it has gotten off to a cold start. Spring means new growth, and birds singing and frogs croaking.......it's so nice.

Along with all the lovely things nature has to offer us comes Easter. What a wonderful time of year! The celebration of our risen saviour, the reminder of his sacrifice and a love for us that words simply don't do justice. To read about it just stirs the heart and to be still and really think about what He did.........well you just can't wrap your mind around it. But to accept it.....you can FEEL it! He lives! In our hearts! Wow!

Let's face it, the world is not getting any more cheery. People are weary, and searching, and anxious, and lost. Things are going on we don't agree with, and frankly can do very little about. One group fights for a cause, another fights against the cause, and we are left to sit and wait. So to the naive wake up! To the ones trying to wake them up, keep on trying. And to the Christian who sees it all for what it is, look up! Your Redemption draweth nigh!

Have a lovely spring day!

Kirk Cameron....

2010-03-17T06:24:00.001-07:00

Did anyone see the interview yesterday morning on the Today Show with Kirk Cameron? They were discussing the loss of two actors who were close to him in age. Of course there were the usual comments about what fame brings to childhood actors, and how easy it becomes to get everything you want. When Kirk was asked why he escaped drug addiction, the man sitting next to him was quick to say, "Well he's not an addict........" followed by this long explanation of our physical makeup blah blah blah. There may be something to that I guess. I'm not a doctor. However, once Kirk was given the chance to answer he shared how his parents had given him a firm foundation for dealing with life situations. Then he added that drawing close to God had saved him from that lifestyle. I was so proud that he said that and so proud it was broadcast!

I'm so thankful for people who publicly take a stand for our Lord and are willing to tell others about Him when it's not exactly the most popular thing to do. It's so important to let the world know about Jesus and how powerful He is, and how He can work in our lives if we let Him.

Have a wonderful day.

Saturday............oh what bliss

2010-03-13T05:46:00.000-08:00

Turns out the jerk Monday was only the beginning of what proved to be one of the most maddening weeks I can remember. One thing after another! Even a stupid dog attack.........geez. But now it is over and we are headed to the indoor water park for some fun with our kids. Brenna has talked about this trip for a month now and today is the day. The kids from churh are excited too. Can anything really replace the joy of children?

Have a great weekend.

(Hey Monday, I'll be watchin' you!)

Hello Monday.......Jerk

2010-03-08T06:46:00.000-08:00

What a rough morning! Actually, it was preluded by Sunday evening when I found out Jacob had hurt his dad's feelings by being disrespectful and I couldn't say "Welcome to my world." I've only been dealing with this for 7 years and 5 months. Suck it up pal if you're not going to do anything about it.

The snoring! Oh that horrible snoring! I got next to no sleep which made the fight with Brenna over her socks even more dramatic than usual. She finally made it to mom's to catch the bus, but apparently was a bear there too. Geez!

Then I arrive at work. Okay....I'll stay busy, the day will fly by, and I'll go home and bury my head. Wait! What's this? Is that part of the design wall off the hanger? The same wall that apparently jumped right out and broke Connie's fingernail the other day when I forgot to hang it back up after fighting with our stupid server so we could work? It can't be........she wouldn't take it down and leave it after whining to me for 2 hours about her nail and if I would have hung it back up that never would have happened! For crying out loud!

So hello Monday.......you Jerk!

Let's talk about Things.......

2010-03-01T07:48:00.001-08:00

I had a very good time with my friends whom I love dearly this weekend. We played a hilarious game which would seem to be pretty innocent. About midway through I managed to backslide and just felt awful. I believe it was then that my head began to pound, but by the end of the evening I had repented and taken two tylenol.......aw back on the straight and narrow. I opted to let Lee drive thinking I'd shut my eyes and let the tylenol kick in. That was a mistake. I barfed before we got out of the city limits of Springfield, but I did feel better. Despite the discussions I had been involved in earlier, I slept like a rock when I got home.

Sunday morning I felt fine and church was so good. The spirit of God just filled the place, and the fellowship with Him was so sweet. Who wouldn't want to be in fellowship with Him? I'm so thankful for my church family.

All in all I had a great weekend! Hope you did too.

I don't like to Bragg....

2010-02-25T12:23:00.000-08:00

I've decided to add 2 tablespoons of Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar to my daily routine in addition to the hula dancing and walking. This was day one.......gonna have to dilute the vinegar. Mama is that stuff tart!

Stay tuned.......

HULA

2010-02-23T06:09:00.000-08:00

Brenna and I finally had a chance to try the hula dvd.....ever had your hiney kicked by the hula? However, it was fun and I can feel the burn today......so I got some good out of it. I do okay until I have to go up and down, side to side,fan my arms, and wiggle my hips in one smoothe motion......note to self, take dramamine before hulaing! Brenna liked it until we reached that point..it was a bit hard for her so I'm going to order her the hula for kids. I think it will be more her speed and she'll stay interested......maybe.

On another note..have you seen this season of High School Reunion? How can an entire group of people stay stuck in one year? It's so sad.....and yet you gotta keep watching to see what stupid thing happens next. The guy in drag who wore a mullet wig pretty well iced it for me......WELCOME TO 2010!

Enjoy your day.

Training our Kids..........

2010-02-21T18:40:00.000-08:00

Our Pastor preached to us today about being examples for our kids.........which is actually a big job. It's so easy to get in the habit of going to church, singing the songs, listening to the sermon and go back home, but when you get there your kids are there too so it becomes our job to make sure church continues.....yikes. It's one thing to tell our kids about God and His love for us and Heaven, but it's another for them to actually be able to watch us and see our faith and know God is a very real presence in our lives without us saying a word.

I fail at this often as I let the problems of the world get to me, but how will my daughter learn to deal with life if I don't allow God to shine through all the gloom? So I ask you to pray for me as I try to do better, and I will do the same for you.

Spring Fever..........

2010-02-20T15:21:00.001-08:00

Long time no blog!

I was going to sew today, but it was so nice out this morning the mood to stitch went out the window.

I have decided to make it a point to exercise regularly so I ordered a dvd to walk my belly flat......this morning was day one. Lee and I both walked and really enjoyed it! Brenna did it a little while too, but she's more excited to try the hula dvd.........oh yes........Brenna and I are going to hula and haha together. It should be a hoot.

I'm so anxious for spring, and flowers, and bike riding, and WARM weather. And I think we're going to build Brenna a tree house to play in.........minus the tree. Gotta get some plans together for that and break out the hammer!

Everyone have a good evening!

Sweet Hour of Prayer

2009-12-14T06:52:00.000-08:00

While last night at church was great and we had a lot of fun, our morning service was filled with such a sweet spirit. During our offering we sang Sweet Hour of Prayer and as I played it a thought came to me. ........The other day I was listening to Whoopie talk about her experience of meeting the Queen of England and how there are so many rules to follow like never turning your back on her and not touching her and only speak if spoken to. Wow! All that for one lady! So as I sat at the piano I thought how lucky we are as children of God that He tells us we can come BOLDLY to the throne! He wants to hear from us! He wants us to reach out and touch Him! And he made a way so we could do just that!

Why would anyone ever turn their back on Him?

That's a wrap!

2009-12-14T06:11:00.000-08:00

How do you spell relief? The play at church was wonderful! Everyone got their lines, the characters were hilarious, and Jesus was glorified.

We had quite the crew this year, and they were all outstanding. It was so much fun working together and laughing at each other........what a wonderful church family.

Our kids were great!! They got in on the action as they dressed up and sang about our Lord. What a treat to see our children worship God through song and even a little dance. I have to say they made our play with their final song that told how there is one Lord and we need to love Him with all we have. I'm so thankful for our kids and their willingness to spread the gospel in the most simple and beautiful way.

Thanks to my friends and family who made the drive to Wolfcreek to share in our fun. It means the world to me. I love you all.

Have a great day!

Showtime!

2009-12-10T11:23:00.000-08:00

Only 4 nights til showtime! Wolfcreek's production is sure to bring a smile to everyone's face. We have had a ball struggling to get our lines and actions worked out. The play is not all that long, but everyone has worked hard to make it a fun time. I'm anxious to see the final performance.........I think.

Then Christmas! I've got a few loose ends to tie up, but everything will fall into place. Brenna is full of the Christmas spirit. I had so much fun with her the other night as we drove around to look at the lights. She had herself a little party as she sang along with the radio and danced...it was great. The best part was when we got back home she said, " I like our lights the best." We have a humble display compared to others, but she loves it. Thank you Lee for all your hard work on a very cold Saturday!

Enjoy the holidays!

WHEW!

2009-12-06T15:44:00.000-08:00

Well, glad to have that mess straightened out.

A Night In Bethlehem was wonderful!!!! I was really worried that the kids would be be bored but they had a ball! They made clay pots, wooden tops and leather bracelets. They painted the tops and baked bread in the bakery and it was so much fun! Kind Herod was roaming around looking for the new king and the kids were on guard. They weren't going to let anything happen our Savior. Mary and Joseph survived the cold and the animals behaved. What a wonderful experience.

Now I am at home resting while it sleets outside. The tree is up and decorated thanks to my girl. I need to get out the rest of our stuff and decorate Brenna's room, but for now I will rest.

Alert!!!!!

2009-12-02T14:55:00.000-08:00

Mrs. Rodgers neighborhood is experiencing technical difficulty. Sadly old posts have disappeared in to no man's land. Please bear with us during this trying time. Mrs. Rodgers hopes to be back in business soon.

What a weekend!

2009-11-09T06:14:00.000-08:00

I got up early Saturday to get in line for a laptop at Wal-Mart. I hate the dread of waiting in line knowing there's a chance you have tortured yourself in vain. But, it paid off and I was happy. The rest of my Saturday was uneventful. I had hoped to go to Silver Dollar City but that didn't pan out. I suppose it was okay since my left leg throbbed off and on from the knee down most of the day. I guess I've had one too many spills in the past couple of years........watch that last step. It's a lulu!

Sunday was the Veteran's Day Program at Ava Victory Academy. The kids all did a fine job. Of course there's always chaos and distractions along the way, but it's nice to honor the veterans. I'd also like to give a shout out to Tara and Hailey for sharing in the joy of the day. I'm pretty sure I could never repay your kindness so there's no need to ask.

Then I got the news that our friends' boy had an accident and needed prayer. So pray I did along with several others and he's fine! What a joy to be able to go to our Father and share our needs and see Him work in our lives!

Everyone have a wonderful day.

So much to do......so little time.

2009-11-04T06:19:00.000-08:00

After much halloween fun was had, Brenna was home three days with a cough and bubbly snoot. She's back at school and I'm back at work. I'd rather be home, but here I am anyway.

Christmas is quickly approaching and I'm feeling a smidge overwhelmed. My shopping is under control but will I ever get the church stuff done? Yes. Will it be good? I'll get back to you.

Back to our halloween fun.....I'm so thankful for our good friends in Willard! They are the best. What a crew! In such a short time I have grown to love them and appreciate them all. It's always fun to watch our kids interact and get to know each other. They are a great group of kids and I hope they will remain friends throughout their lives.

I'm also thankful for my sister. She's such a good person and I don't tell her enough that I appreciate her. She helped get my daughter all fixed up for Halloween and passed out candy with us. I do appreciate her and love her so much!

Everyone have a good day!

Getting ready for Christmas!

2009-10-28T13:34:00.000-07:00

I've got almost all my sewing done for Sunday School! Last year I was sewing til midnight so I'd be done the next morning. That is not a good feeling. Plus, I've got a pretty good start on my shopping. Go me!

Mondays.......

2009-10-26T06:34:00.000-07:00

Another weekend has gone by and now I'm back at work. It was good to be back at church with my Sunday School class. I love those girls! However, most of them were out sick along with several others so I a little bit wanted to get back in my car and head home until spring. But we had a great service! It was Pastor Appreciation Day so we had some special singers come in. They were good and the presence of God was so near and tears were flowing from eyes that I thought were closed................you just can't replace the peace of our Almighty God!

Everyone have a good day!

Back in the swing of things....

2009-10-21T06:08:00.000-07:00

So we had a good weekend, and I kind of hated to come back home except I was missing my girl! She gave us a warm welcome home and has been a pretty good girl the past few days. The big news is she has slept in her own bed the past 2 nights! Let's give it up for Brenna Vaughan!

Parent teacher meetings were last night at Victory Academy. We went over what the kids have been working on and what is coming up for the 2nd quarter. We also found out that some times while Brenna is working at her desk she likes to sing. What's great is the teacher lets her! Mrs. Adams said sometimes she'll sing along with her and the other kids may or may not. I'm just so thankful for that school and her teachers!

Have a great day everyone!

FALL!!!!!!!!!

2009-10-10T08:15:00.000-07:00

So Fall is here and I love it, except for the cold temperatures of course. ( My feet are officially frozen until spring.) But I love the feeling in the air that comes with fall.....ah! The decorating with pumpkins and mums and burning the caramel apple candles is just the best. Plus it means it's time for our annual weekender with our friends! YAY! No worries, just fun and laughter and rest for the weary.

We're also starting to get ready for the Christmas play and church which is going to be a blast. Also, we're trying something new as an outreach so I really hope it goes well. I'm feeling a little pressure, but I know God will bless it.

Have a happy weekend!

PS......Enjoy your game Tara!

We all need revival!

2009-10-07T06:32:00.000-07:00

We were in revival last week, and while it was good, I'm just plain tired now. I will say that the sermon Sunday morning was just what I needed though. It was an old fashioned, tell it like it is, no sugar coating message on hell. Since Sunday morning I've just been thinking about all the good people who I know and love who are lost as can be and what can I do to help them? I believe more than ever that we are quickly approaching the return of our Saviour, and I don't want anyone to be left. So I would encourage all my brothers and sisters in Christ to pray earnestly for the conviction of the Holy Spirit to fall on our lost and loved ones and friends. As we know, unless He draws them, they will not find salvation.

That leads me to another thought from another message. Our salvation serves as more than a way to Heaven. It's our means of glorifying our Creator! He has so much for us and loves us so much! What a gift............

Catching up

2009-09-17T07:39:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've written and I don't have much to say other than today I am praying for my friend who has alot on her plate. We love Baine and hope he has a speedy recovery, and your other needs will not be forgotten. We have the promise that God is our stronghold and He knows those who trust in Him.

Kindergarten and socks.........

2009-08-19T06:37:00.000-07:00

So my girl is back in school and excited to be in kindergarten. She is not excited about having to wear socks with her shoes........they drive her nuts so you can imagine the battle that comes with putting on tennis shoes. Good grief! This morning she wore new shoes with no socks. They are cute, but maybe a bit roomy right now, of course with a little sock they would be fine. Nope. No socks. Oh well, it is what it is and I didn't want to fight over it again.

The trip to Turkey Creek was fun. Everyone had a good time, and I'm pretty sure would have stayed another day if we could have. There was plenty to do and we had a nice place to rest. It was a good trip so I'm sure we'll go back some time.

Our big movie screen arrived yesterday! It's 9 feet tall and over 12 feet wide. I'm anxious to get it inflated and show a movie for our kids at church. We've got a backyard campout in the works at Wolf Creek that we're all excited about. What a fun way to spend time with your church family!

out with the old..........

2009-08-05T10:23:00.000-07:00

I've been working on getting rid of old clothes and toys and anything else that's taking up space in my home. It's quite a process, but my goal is to have a stress free atmosphere within a few weeks. Out with the old is the easy part.......in with the new is not so easy.

I'm headed out tomorrow with the boys for a couple of days of fun. It's gonna be hot, but there's plenty of water available should I decide to get in. I'm anxious to get there and get settled and spend some time with a good group of boys.

The big event of the week however was the departing of Hatch and Rose......Brenna's chickens. It was a tough decision to make for a 5 year old, but she understood it was for the best. She handled it pretty well even though her little heart was aching. They were her chickens and she loved them and I love her more than I can put into words.

Thinking about Christmas

2009-07-22T06:49:00.000-07:00

It's only July, and I've got Christmas on the brain. Lee and I are helping with the play at church for the kids and adults. I think we've come up with some fun stuff and I'm anxious to get started planning. The goal is to avoid stress and make it fun for everyone. Surely 4 months will give us enough time to get props gathered, built, and painted. I refuse to wait till the last minute on this. I am praying the kids will like the event I have planned for them and that we can reach out to our community to share the good news about God's gift to us! New songs and hands on activities are part of the plan. I think it will be great.

First though we have to go on one more outing with the boys. Our kids have all worked hard this year with their scriptures and songs, and they have earned a reward. Two days of taking it easy at the lake with lots to do should be fun. Lee and I love those kids and are looking forward to hanging out with them. My nephew will be joining us and I'm glad about that.

Have a great day!

Swim Baby Swim

2009-07-09T10:33:00.000-07:00

Brenna started swimming lessons this week and did fine. One more week and she'll be well on her way to being a good little swimmer.

We leave for Branson tomorrow where we will join the Jenkins's's's for another weekend of fun in the sun. We're staying at Castle Rock which has an indoor water park and if the temperatures get as hot as they say I may actually jump in! It will be fun I'm sure.

We had a good time in Willard for the 4th. Some new faces were on the scene this year, and we were able to see our good friends the Weltons. There was tons of good food, and watching my daughter interact with all those boys is always good entertainment!

MRI at 5:00! Woo Hoo!

We survived!

2009-07-02T06:37:00.000-07:00

We had a great time camping, even if it was hot. It's always fun to be around good friends. We were sorry the Johnsons weren't with us but understood.

Another weekend of fun coming up! We're headed to Theodosia tomorrow to spend time with the Keith family then we're off to Willard for the 4th of July with the Jenkins'. We are looking forward to seeing them and and the Weltons!

God has blessed us with so many good friends and family. I am thankful for all of you, but most of all I'm thankful for the bond we share through the blood of Jesus.

It's hot!

2009-06-25T14:26:00.001-07:00

We're headed to the lake tomorrow and I fear we will surely die. ( That was for you Hailey.) It is so hot! So to all my friends.....I love you and if we don't meet again here, I'll see you at the pearly gate.

Moving on. I have an appointment for my knee on Monday. I'm hoping to avoid surgery of any kind. If I do need my knee cleaned out, I'm thinking I'll have trouble walking for a few days. So....if anyone has a cane send it my way. It doesn't matter what it looks like because I'll make a beautiful cane cozy for it anyway.

Have a nice evening!

Booster shots....yikes!

2009-06-24T06:10:00.000-07:00

My daughter will be entering kindergarten in August so we visited her doctor yesterday for a checkup and the dreaded booster shot. Her doctor said she was very healthy for which I am so thankful. We waited for the nurse to come in for the booster. I had in my mind that she would get a shot in the arm and we would be on our way. It turned out to be 4 shots given a bit lower than the arm. I felt so bad for her, but they are out of the way and she is fully ready for school.

I hope everyone has a good day, and try to stay cool!

Working today, resting tomorrow!

2009-06-20T09:36:00.000-07:00

So it's Saturday and I'm working at the shop with not much going on. Of course if I were home I would be continuing with my laundry marathon. Where does all that laundry come from anyway?

Lee, Jacob, and Tyler are floating somewhere. I'm sure they're having fun in the sun! I myself am a bit afraid of the water so float trips don't appeal to me. I'd rather go shopping!

I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend. Have fun with your family, and enjoy church tomorrow!

Summer fun

2009-06-18T09:28:00.000-07:00

I have had a busy summer already, and it has just started! It began with getting ready for VBS which was alot of work, but well worth it. Then we had a tea party for all the girls at church. It was so exciting to see the joy in all their eyes. A big thank you to my dear friend Stephanie who helped make it a big success! I'm thinking it will become an annual event which is great! Brenna and I squeezed in a short trip Branson to visit Tara and her family on vacation, and now we're resting up for a few days of camping next weekend.

Happy birthday to Lee and happy Father's Day to all the dads!