Bible Study Fellowship=BSF

Last year I started attending Bible Study Fellowship in Tulsa. I only made it to the last 4 weeks on the study of Moses, but I was hooked! I loved it! It is at a church where no one knows me as a minister's wife...except for the few that come from our church.

We recently started back up and we are studying the book of John. If you are not familiar with BSF, it is a great study. Believe it or not I like rules...organization...expectations...and sticking to them. That is of the big reasons I like going to BSF. What are the "rules" you ask? Well they aren't really "rules" but they help keep it on task.

When you arrive you must have your name tag on...why? So they can call you by name of course! It starts at exactly 9:15 sharp!!! We sit in the "sanctuary" and sing 2 hymns...yes they actually have hymnals at this church! WOW! I love love love our worship at our church it is very contemporary and brings you to the throne of God, but there is just something about grabbing that hymnal and turning to page... and singing all 4 verses of a hymn. It takes me back to when I was a kid and sat in those pews. Anyway...we sing and they say a few things and then we head to our groups.

Now about the Groups, I don't know a single person in my group...and I love that. Though I have a feeling by the end of our study I will have a great bond with these ladies. I love that they don't know I am a minister's wife. I feel like I am under cover or something..yeah..I'm just that weird ok! There is no pressure to lead it or be the one with the best answer. We are put in groups by the leaders of BSF. They pray over it and put us where God leads them. I have a sweet fellow red head as my leader. She is very much to the point and will call on you even when you are not making eye contact with her! The nerve! LOL! Our questions are tough girls! We can only use the bible and scriptures set for the week. No asking the husband or the commentaries for the answer. Just straight from the scriptures. We are going to spend the next 9 months breaking down John..verse by verse. I love it! I love learning more about God's word and hearing what others are saying also. Now the "rules in the groups are...nothing to personal...unless it is one of the questions...can't share where you go to church...can't name drop any commercials, products or anything. They keep it strictly about learning the Bible! And if anyone starts to turn the conversation away from that...they cut them off. I love it!

ASK....What is ASK you ask? It is the time at the end of the group when the leader tells us the prayer request that have been given to her that week. She takes the time each week to call each of us personally. At this time you can give her any prayer request you have and if something comes up you can simply call her anytime. Now...unlike most bible studies...you can't give prayer request right there...as many of us know..this can turn into a gossip session...a poor me session and into a huge discussion that takes us off track of our point in being there. So I love that it has to be done in advance and you can't turn it into an "all about me" session! Do I sound rude or unsympathetic? I am really sorry...I don't mean to do that honestly. I just get weary of going to bible studies and people taking time away from us studying God's word to pour out their issues in class. Yes...I think there is a time and a place for that. I love to pray and counsel people. It is a passion of mine. But I think there needs to be boundaries. @ 10:10 we are dismissed and head to back to the sanctuary for the "lecture".

We sing another hymn and then Karen...the leader speaks to us about the chapters we have studied that week. I promise...I feel like she always talks straight to me!! Her insight and direction about the scriptures are amazing! She is very wise and keeps it fun and spunky too. Now one of favorite things is...at 11:05...WE ARE DONE!! There is a time schedule and they stick strictly to it. We get our lessons and we are gone. And did I mention this is all free? They simply ask for donations when you can.

They have separate questions available for you to take home to do with your family. I am doing that this year. Our family each night is reading thru John and we are answering the few questions from the study as a family. I spoke about how I wanted to dig deeper with my kids the other day and this is one of the ways we are doing that. So I am excited to see what God is doing thru our family with studying John together. It's been great so far. I am praying we don't allow our schedule to get in the way of this.

Anyway...do you have a bible study you are going too? Let me know what you think about BSF. If you are interested in going, I would love to have you come with me! If you want to check out their website here.

Blessings,
Steph

No I haven't De-friended You!!

As some of you have noticed I have been missing from Facebook for a couple of days. It's just a little break for me to focus on a few things in my life so I deactivated my account so I won't be tempted to check it. Because I know myself...I would. I will be back in a day or so. No worries...and no I haven't de-friended you people! LOL! Several have accused me of such horrible things...just kidding! I know you are just wondering what in the world happened to me. Love you all! See in back on Facebook soon.
Love ya!
Steph

No place like home..

I went to New Orleans with my sister, her family and my parents this weekend. Wow...what a place. I have been thru there a couple of times on our way to rebuild houses down in Louisiana and have always felt an uneasy feeling as we passed thru that city. It is a fun city. Lots to do...amazing food to eat and very pretty in some places with the old buildings. But when it comes down to it. It is a very sad city also. So many lost people wandering around, looking for love and comfort from the things of this world.
I would have to say the most unforgettable street was Bourbon street. Not a place for me at all. I don't drink...did that in HS too much, I only have sex with one man on this earth, I don't like to flash my boobs to people for beads and I don't like to gamble. So yeah...if that makes me a bump on a log, no fun...then that is fine with me. I don't need these things of the world. You could feel the presence of Satan all around us as we walked down the street. But I could also feel the Holy Spirit standing next to me protecting my mind and spirit from the things around me.

It also made my heart so sad...so much work for Jesus needs to be done there..here and anywhere you live. You don't have to go anywhere except walk across the street to your neighbors house to find someone who needs Jesus.
I also made me want to dig deeper. I want to make sure my kids are prepared for the battle Satan wants to forge on them. We pray and read the bible with our kids and talk about God and how he works in our lives. I am so thankful we do that. But some days we let football practice, school work, TV, computer and many things get in the way of those times. We need to get back on the ball again and not let those things rob us from our time spent with God as a family and as individuals.

At church we have been going thru a series of "One Month too Live". I love it. It has been a great reminder for me in so many ways. I am thankful for a church that loves the Lord and partners with us as family to teach our children God's word. I love watching my kids serve at such young ages at church already and I can see how they are taking those opportunities into our community and teaching others about Christ. Watching Lauren...even though she waited till the last minute to get it done...I won't go there..:) last week at See you at the pole. I loved how she looked up the scripture, found friends to read it and lead the time on community in front of her classmates. I see so much ahead of her in the kingdom of GOd. I appreciate that our youth minister took the time to ask her to help in that leadership role. And how Brooke's Sunday School class is making 150 plus Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to pass out to the homeless shelters down town once a month. I love watching my 10 year old be so bold and walk up to these complete strangers and talk to them about Jesus. I think she is going to be a missionary. I keep thinking about that all weekend and how cool it would be if we could go back to NO and do the same thing some day!! One of the weeks for One month to live was...Live Boldy...that one really hit me this weekend in New Orleans...am I living boldly everyday...even when the McDonalds employee is driving me crazy and I really wanted to tell her how I felt about her service...I almost totally lost it. Would she know I am a Christ follower if I was mean to her...NO!! So this weekend was good for me in many ways to remember who I serve and what impact am I making on my family, the community around me, our church family and just every where I go.

I love to travel and see new places and take adventures...but there is no where I would rather be than in my own home. I have an amazing life...
faithful man of God as a husband who cleaned the house, took care of the kids, did the laundry while I was gone...and never gave me a hard time about being gone for one minute and I missed him like crazy!
I have 3 beautiful, obedient, children who are growing to love the Lord and my hearts pray is for them to serve God every day.
I have an amazing family...I love my sister and her family, I love my parents are they are so good to me, I love Matt's family also, they are so good to us!
I have been called to serve an a church that I truly miss going to when I am out of town, I love the encouragement I receive, the word, the worship and the family of friends God has put in our lives there....no their not perfect...but geez...neither am I!! I love that my kids LOVE to go to church...and serve and have made their closes friends there...
I love my friends...I have lots of friends...but I have some that are as close as sisters...you know who you are...I couldn't imagine my live without your support and the laughter you bring me..

Getting away is always good for me...it reminds me of all the blessings I have, how much I love my life...and how much work for the Kingdom needs to be done. It also makes me get our life back in order and not let the things of this world overtake our lives and our time!

Here is my question to end this long O post! sorry!! What are you doing with your family to ensure they are growing daily in Christ? Have you told those around you how much you love them lately? And what are you doing for Christ outside of your home as a family or as an individual? Facebook or email me your comments if you don't want to on here. Seems like that is the best way for many of you!

As you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith.
Colossians 2:-7

Blessings,
Steph

My BIg Sis Turns 40...

I've started something new on my blog...when someone close to me has a bday...I'm going to celebrate on my blog by dedicating it to them.

My sister is almost 3 years older than me. She was 2 grades ahead of me in school. As kids we played and had fun...but we did a great deal of arguing. We were a little jealous of each other in some ways. She always said I was mom's favorite and I said the same about her with my dad. :) Growing up I was scared to sleep by myself...still am really. But she would always let me sneak in bed with her. For some reason her bed was safer for me. I guess the boggy man wouldn't come in there for some reason. LOL!!

When my sister was a Senior in HS she found out she was pregnant. She didn't tell our family. She was too scared. My mom found out and confronted her...she was already 5 months at that point. This information changed our family in so many ways. I remember my mom coming into my room on a Sunday morning before church and telling me. I just couldn't believe it really. I was shocked. She had already broken up with the father of the baby. We didn't know why at the time, but later found out that he told her to get an abortion...she wouldn't...so he was gone.

In October, 1988...Danielle Marie was born. One of the biggest blessings in our lives. My sister was an amazing mom. She handled it so great. She lived with my parents until she married Greg. Danielle was almost 2 years old. Greg has always loved Danielle like his own and never made her feel like she was anyone elses. I think about my sister and how she faced finding out she was pregnant...as a senior in HS, the boyfriend telling her to abort the baby. She made a choice...the right choice. What courage she had to stand up and face the decision she had made...without him along to help.

She is the type of person that is loyal...always there for you when you need her. She will come at a moment's notice and help. She has taken care of me..my parents and my cousin several times. She never expects anything back. She is a giver. She is very generous with her things. My mom always said...if you ask Steph for a bite of her candy bar she will cut a piece off and give it to you...Christy will give you the whole candy bar and let you get what you want. And that about sums that up! She is a tell you how it is girl. No messing around. She is a lot of fun too. I know she always has my back when I need her.

We are very different in alot of ways and how we run our homes, lives and marriages, but we are a lot of like in many ways too. I have to say...I love spending time with her and her family. We always have a great time. I love my nieces and consider them my own. I am very protective of them. Danielle will soon be 21 and Kenzie will be 17. I love Greg...he is tons of fun and one of the nicest guys you will ever meet. I am truly blessed to have her in my life. My kids love her. She is an amazing aunt and they adore her.

She is not only my sister...she is one of my best friends. Here is a picture of us in New Orleans. This is where she wanted to go for her 40th bday. She is beautiful! I love her...that's my big sis!



So HAPPY BIRTHDAY SISTER!!
I LOVE YOU!
STEPH
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John Vincent McCroskey...a real man

On Sunday, September 13 a "real man" met Jesus. We celebrated Matt's grandpa, John Vincent McCroskey's life on September 16th. Matt, his brother Brian and his cousin Mark spoke at the funeral. They all had such great respect for their grandpa and knew he was a man of God. He was a hard working, simple man who loved his wife and family. I would like to share with you a note Matt's mom...Joyce...wrote about him. I think it says so much"

Throughout his life and especially during the past 3 years of dealing with cancer- he has left a legacy of quiet strength and determination, honesty, integrity, and humility.

It was noted (in bold letters) on his paper work the last day of his chemo and radiation treatment - John McCroskey is a real man.
He seldom complained of any of the pain and side effects - we know there had to be many!

He was a quiet yet fun loving man. Though he seldom told me outright- I knew without a doubt from the things he said and did - that my Dad loved me.

Joyce Zurcher

Here are a few pictures that were in the video that will show you just the kind of man he was...I personally love these:




I took these pictures of him once when he was at our house. It shows how fun he was:

Here is a little scrapbook of pics I put together that I took at the Celebration. Too many to post on here so I put them in a flip scrapbook. These are pictures of Matt's cousins and family.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

I'm so thankful to have known such a great man. I'm so thankful to be a part of such an amazing family. I'm so blessed.
John Vincent McCroskey...a real man...a man of God...one we should all admire.

We interrupt this blog due to working full time!

So...my blogs have been few and far between these last 3 weeks...I have been working full time! Yes...for all of you working moms out there...I bow to you. I am not worthy of you! LOL!! Seriously...that was hard!! I subbed in Kindergarten for 3 1/2 weeks girls! I survived! To be honest when I was there...I loved it. I loved working with those kids and the ladies. But my house...oh yea...that was hard for me to keep straight. Luckily I have a husband who helps me out tons! I could do it if I had to, but I don't so there ya go. Now...the extra money come Oct 15th...girls that will be amazing!! It will go to paying off our stinking Yellowstone trip!! Yes...we still owe a ton on a credit card we used to make it through the trip, and we are not usually credit card people AT ALL!! It was a GAP card so it earned money toward my kids clothes, but it is going to be torn up and done with! We wouldn't have been able to make the trip without using it due to emergency issues. So I am glad God provided me work the first couple of weeks of school to help out with that...since I'm the one who got us into going on the trip in the first place! :) But I would do it all over again in a heart beat. I loved every minute of that beautiful place and getting to share it with some amazing friends! I love to look at the pics from there. It makes me smile! Ok...way off the subject now...sorry!
But I am thankful for not working full time and I admire all you moms who do it every day. So I will be back on my blog game hopefully soon. The next few days are packed full of things and then I am leaving for New Orleans for my sister's 40th bday celebration for the weekend. So it never slows down does it?

That Crazy Little thing Called Love Book Give AWAY!

I follow a minister's wife blog named Lori Wilhite. I have posted about her before and how much I love her blog! But she is giving away one of her husbands books called "That Crazy LIttle Thing Called Love" It sounds fun! If you want to win it go to her blog and leave a comment about the best date you have ever had with your husband. Good luck!!

Steph!

QT...Pumpkin Spice Cappuccino..

I love this time of year because Starbucks has Pumpkin Spice Lattes, but I can't be a spending $4 on a Latte very often! Just can't bring myself to do it! But today I discovered QT has Pumpkin Spice Cappuccino and girls you can get it for $1.18!!! WOW!! I added a little coffee in mine to not make it so sweet, but it was AMAZING!!! Now of course this isn't so healthy for you, so I won't be making it a regular thing for myself, but just knowing it is there for so cheap makes me feel so great inside...:) So go try one and let me know what you think!

Happy Fall!
Steph

Football and your Best bud!

So it's football season at our house...along with most of you I'm sure! We went to the HS game last night. It is always fun for me to be at my hometown games and get to see a lot of faces I haven't gotten to see in a long time.

But this morning was a special morning for Jaden...he got to play against his best bud Baylor. These Little guys have been buddies since preschool. What is really cool is they were born on the same day in the same hospital..January 8, 2001!! But his mom and I didn't know each other then...but how cool would have that been? This is them in Ms. Pam's preschool class at 4 years old: So cute!


They are so much alike in a lot of ways...Kenna (his mom) and I call them a couple of old men. They like to play outside, build forts and just a bunch of old country boys. I like having Baylor over, he is one of those kids you barely know they are there because you don't see them unless they are hungry or need you for something. I like that!

We won the football game, but it didn't really matter to their friendship. Which I think is so cute! But the funny thing was...they were matched up with each other several times during the game...I got a great shot of Jaden and Baylor. Baylor is the one in white and red...#24 and Jaden is maroon and red #66. I don't know if you can see it, but check out Baylors grin as they are matched up. I would love to know what they were saying or what they were thinking...


I pray they stay friends forever. Kenna and I have become close over the years and I am so thankful for that, she is a straight up, no messing around girl who loves her family and God. We are in the same small group at church and that has blessed me beyond words. This is Kenna and I ...the "football moms"


This is after the game...a few cute shots of them...we played them @ The Collinsville High School field. Baylor already took his shoulder pads off...so don't think Jaden is that much bigger than him!! LOL!! They are some handsome little men!



So thankful for the friendships God has placed in my kids lives already!
Steph

That was Plankin Good Salmon!

First time to make Salmon...I am really surprised it has taken me so long. But really, I have never been a fan..but....I am now!
Here is what I did...

This morning I put the Salmon in some Olive Oil, garlic and lemon juice and let it sit in it all day. Came home and soaked my Cedar Planks I bought at Lowes. I soaked them for about an hour and a half. I also made some chicken just in case this was a disaster! Then I followed the directions for grilling on the planks and began to cook the Salmon. One of the hardest parts for me was knowing when it was done, but I guess that will get easier the more I cook Salmon. I am a freak after my dad almost died of Super Salmonella, so I always make sure things are cooked now! I cooked it about 20-25 minutes on the grill. Meanwhile, I put some Olive Oil in a pan...added some red onion, fresh garlic, fresh spinach and fresh cherry tomatoes from my garden...cooked it until the spinach was tender (thanks Nicole for the idea). I also made Long Grain Rice to go with it. Brought everything in and holy salmon...it was so good!
And Ta Da....


The kids couldn't get enough of the Salmon! They love rice also. They had salad instead of the spinach. Here is how it all looked when I was done. It was very yumo and I will definitely be making Salmon again soon. So many people gave me recipes I am going to try all of them! My kids love any kind of fish...must be an Okie thing!

Our Review: Amazing...kid tested and approved!!

Steph

How to cook Salmon

Ok...going to cook Salmon this week. Nicole gave me one way she does it that sounds yummy and easy...but if you have a favorite way you make it let me know...email me @ stephtmomof3@sbcglobal.net or Facebook me.

Thanks,
Steph

So long Summer

Well, it's Labor Day weekend. Usually we spend this weekend at the lake in Ark, but we had puppies this week so we had to stay home. It was sad not to go, but enjoyed our new puppies and hanging out this weekend. Had fun hanging with my sister and Kenzie and then Rick and Nicole today. Probably the last time we will swim for the season.


This was a great summer, it went really fast for us. Getting ready for our trip seemed to take all summer, then after the crazy ride of a trip...it took us awhile to recover! But we would do it again in a heartbeat! Loved it!

Next summer I will have 2 Jr. high girls..one of them being an official teenager...WhAT??? But we are already planning on going to the beach again next summer. I miss it...I seriously could live there. NO JOKE!

But I love Fall, it is my favorite time of the year! I love football games, soup, leaves falling off the trees, hoodies, cold nights, weenie roast, coffee on a cold morning, pumpkin everything...the decorations. Oh I could go on and on about it. What about you..what is your favorite thing about Fall?

So long Summer 2009...God has blessed us so much. Bring on FALL!! I really need to go to Starbucks and get a Pumpkin Spice Latte...anyone else?

Blessings,

Worry Wart!

You know...I am just a worry wart! Every once in awhile I get a good reminder not to worry. Today it was on a coffee cup of mine that I haven't used in awhile that has been shoved in the back of the cabinet. Here is what it said:
Worrying: does not empty tomorrow of it's troubles...it empties Today of its Strength!

That is so true! I worry about things and let it take away my joy and strength for the day.

I also want to share this scripture for me and all my fellow worry warts!
Matthew 6:25-34
THerefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Soloman in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how GOd clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, What shall we eat? or What shall we drink? or What shall we wear?. For the pagans run after all these things, and your Father knows that you need them. But SEEK first His kingdom and HIs righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well. THerefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. EACH day has enough trouble of its own!

Have a great day and don't worry! He is in control!
Question? Are you a worry wart? What do you worry about?
Steph

Happy Birthday to my Man!

A couple of days ago we celebrated Matt's bday. We started off the day with making his favorite breakfast..eggs, bacon and biscuits and gravy. My mom dropped off hot chocolate chip cookies!! Then that evening since it was a church night we needed to stay close so he choose Baja Jacks. Which if you haven't been there, We love that place! We split the BYOB burrito..You can "build your own burrito" for $6!! And you get a basket of chips and a salsa bar to go with it! So for $6 we can eat cheap because it is so big we can split it!! And you get all the chips and salsa you can eat!

Anyway...they all headed off to church. I was on a mission to find him something. I had splurged on Father's day this year so I needed to keep the price tag a little lower on the bday. So I ended up at Kohls. He has been wanting some Tall man undershirts and he desperately needed a few new belts...so that's what we did. NOthng flashy...but practical...just like him! He will never go shop for himself so I have to do these little things for him every once in a while. We got home from church and had his favorite dessert...my famous Coconut pie. (or so people tell me...I don't like coconut so I can't be a good judge of it) We opened gifts and he loved it.

Now...I want to say a thing or two about this husband of mine. He is one of the most amazing men I know. I feel in love with this young guy long before he even took notice of me...at YQ...many years ago! He has a killer smile that can get people to do things they wouldn't normally do. He is one of the most kind, genuine people I know. He is who is he is no matter if he is at church or home or wherever. He has a passion to serve the Lord and do His kingdom work. He inspires me to love God and our family more every day. He is so patient with me and loves me in spite of my many downfalls. He is very humble and is the most laid back people I know. He is a hard worker and can fix anything! In fact...if he can't fix it...I am speechless! He is so smart, it really amazes me at times. He is loves working at the church and would never think about doing anything else with his life. He is so patient...he has taught me so much about keeping my mouth shut. He is a thinker...he thinks before he acts.
And he is an incredible dad to our kids. He is involved and doesn't miss any thing they do. He takes time to teach them things and play with them and be silly with them. He is so wise about so many things. I am just so truly blessed beyond what I deserve.
And the last thing is...he is HoT! I just think he is just so cute. His smile can melt my heart and make my bad day turn good.
I thank God every day for giving me a husband who loves Him and our family.
This is his breakfast pic

Here is Dinner:

THE FAMOUS COCONUT PIE!!

And the gifts:


Happy Birthday My Love! You deserve the best!
I love you so much!

One Day at a time

Last night at Walmart I was in a hurry and as I was by the books I thought...I need a new daily devo book. I whipped into the isle and picked up Beth Moore's book...Believing God Day by Day. I hadn't planned to buy it, just had a feeling I needed it.

Of course I have declared that I am making some changes and so I wanted to share this with you...

Here is the quote on the back of the book...

"Never Forget that Long-Term Victory Happens One Day At A Time"

I truly believe God placed that right in front of me today to encourage me. Thank you Jesus for loving me even before I know what you are doing!WOW!!