Love trumphs Law...

I am reading the book of Leviticus again in the Bible.  To say the least, it is a hard read.  The more I read, the more I realize how hard it must have been to keep the law in those days.  I wonder to myself how the Priest could even sort through all the people?  How did they eat everything that was sacrificed?  What did they do with all the unclean people, when the priest declared them unclean? The chapter I am reading now is about infectious skin spots, how, when, why, where, what it looked like, gosh, it is exhausting.  I am so grateful that Jesus came to this earth, was born, died and rose again.  I am so glad we do not live by the laws in the Old Testament.  God gave each of us the "decision" of believing in his son, or to not believe. We have a Choice to make, how ingenious God is, he did not want us to be robots, but he wants us to Choose Him! He loves us more than we can ever love anything!  How simple that is, but how hard it is - with that said, the hard part is giving up one's self desires and following Jesus.  I soooo do believe! 

Hot and Thirsty...

I have to say that I have been so hot and thirsty lately...and I love watermelon... this pic made me smile.  :)  Stay cool y'all!

A cake?

These photos were taken at a wedding inLouisiana.
 Get ready for this:

It's A Wedding  Cake!
 The crabs, corn, and even the container of Old Bay Seasoning

are made of white chocolate.
 The sand is crushed graham crackers and vanilla wafers.
 The mallets are fondant, a confection used for decorating.
 The entire $700 cake is edible! 

This is just amazing! Love it!

Lorri Loggins, Realtor

Cornerstone Brokerage, LLC

Cell 903-571-8033

Fax 1-866-929-0375

Flushing away...no!

I read this tonight on Facebook, from Walk in the Word...

"By choosing to complain, by clinging to the idol of a perfect life...you are flushing away the grace of God."

This is deep, but so true.  I can sooooo relate.  Whenever hard times,  inconveniences, hurts, disappointments come and last but not least - a biggie, comparing myself to others.... thinking if I do this, or do that, if I save enough money, if I work out all the problems for other people, trying to make the "pefect life".  What I am ultimately doing, is flushing away, getting rid of, avoiding, God's Grace for me in hard times.  Ever notice, how each person's grace is different from another's?  I mentioned to my mother today about an instance, not knowing how this person as survived such a tragedy.  Like my mother told me, God's grace is different for everyone.  

If I could just learn, appreciate and thank God for the inconveniences and disappointments in my life.  KNOWING, that God's grace is sufficient for ME.  Custom made!

Calm...

My new picture in my office, I think it is very fitting due to my profession as a Real Estate Broker! :)

Family Fun...

My sister's kids from California are here this week, Rylee, Skye and Kennedi, 11, 10, 9....
I love these kids so  much!  We had a blast in the pool!  Brings back memories! :)

19183 Fawn Creek, Flint, TX 75762...

New Listing
19183 Fawn Creek, Flint, TX 75762

A Place you can Call Home... Comfy and Cozy floor plan, updated throughout. The list begins here: 2010 A/C 13 seer 3 ton, 2011 Roof w/ ridge vents, 2011 Gutters, 2010 HWH, 2010 Outside chimney with hardy board, 2008 Fence sealed, stained and old planks replaced, 2005 Stainless Oven, 2008 Cermaic tile floors and fresh paint throughout, 2011 wainscoat in Kitchen, 2008 Front Storm Door, 2010 Fixtures and piping to kitchen sink, 2010 master toliet & water efficient, 2010 piping under sinks in master bath replaced, 2008 hardware upgraded in Master Bath, 2005 attic ladder replaced, 2011 Speed controls for ceiling fans, 2011 updated french drain in backyard, 2010 garage door motor replaced. This house has been meticulously maintained. Large backyard with covered patio. Warm paint colors. A delight to show. ORHP warranty seller coverage and available for the buyer, along with a survey. Come see today!  Priced to Sell at $155,000, MLS # 10013212

http://vt.realbiz360.com/Listing-781072.html

Call Lorri today, 903-571-8033

Surely Says...Texas Real Estate Update...

Chief Economist, Real Estate Center, College Station, Dr. Mark Dotzur quotes:

"Why do investors like to put money to work in Texas real estate? As I travel around the country, I’ve met lots of private equity firms and high-net-worth individuals that may live in New York, Boston or Laguna Beach and want to own Texas real estate. The long-term outlook for Texas is strong, with population and job growth on the horizon. Houses will need to be built. Shopping centers and offices will come with the houses. Construction jobs will play a role in the future recovery as Texas leads the country out of recession."

Be Happy!...

Who am I that I should expect God to do things my way? Surrender all, and be happy and thankful in all things...
I sure love this pic!
I am thankful today that I am healthly, and I can work!

Space Shuttle Atlantis...

I saw this pic on Facebook today, to me it is fascinating and just beautiful...perfect touch down in the dark! Amazing!

The Least of These...

This is a close cousin of mine, please prayerfully read... ( I have copied his letter to our family, of course, with his permission).

Dear Wood Family and Friends,
As some of you know, over the last several months I have felt led to make a change in
my life. To leave the life in which I have become comfortable and venture out to seek
the will of the Lord across the world. The idea of leaving the place that I have loved
and lived (my whole life) is both exciting and, at times, intimidating. I cannot help but
be flooded with memories every time I think of each one of you. I know, however, that
God Himself has a divine purpose for my life at this time, and that purpose, is missions.
Specifically missions in Africa! God has laid on my heart the people of Africa and the
adversity they have experienced and continue to suffer through-- for something as
simple as a drink of water.
The missions group I will be traveling with is called Seeds of Hope International
Partnerships (SHIP or SoHIP). Seeds of Hope is a mission’s organization that partners
with different individuals, churches, and organizations internationally to train and equip
those in need, using community development ideas based on biblical principles. They
equip them to not only survive in their surroundings, but train them to flourish and also
pass this life-saving knowledge to others in need. But more importantly than all of this,
they teach about the love of God and the sacrifice that Jesus made for us to live
eternally. This Fall, I will be travelling to Zambia, Africa for three months, making use of
the experience and enrichment that I have gained through my studies and work here in
the states as an engineer, to help in developing the SoHIP water well drilling program.
A staggering statistic I recently read stated that as much as 50% of the infant and
maternal mortality rate in rural Zambia can be attributed to waterborne illnesses. Very
sad numbers, but there is hope! With the work Christ is doing through SHIP, more and
more people are gaining access to clean drinking water every day, and you can help!
I would like to invite you to partner with me in advancing the kingdom of God in
Zambia. I ask that you keep the team and me in your prayers while I am away. Please
pray for our safety, good health, and for the Lord’s favor in Africa. In order for me to
go to Zambia, I need financial support as well. I am working on some projects to
support myself, but am also in need of additional support. I would be blessed by
anything that you could contribute, if you are in a place to do so.
Please prayerfully consider supporting me financially. Seeds of Hope International
Partnerships is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization (Federal Tax ID # 26-3460983)
and your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. To support me,
please make checks out to “Seeds of Hope International Partnerships” with the code
“VolCW2011” in the memo and mail them to:
Seeds of Hope International Partnerships
1023 Nipomo St, Ste 110
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3882

You can also donate through the SHIP website at sohip.webconnex.com/generalgive
by selecting the “volunteer travel” option in the “use my gift for” section and
typing “VolCW2011” into the comments box.
Thank you for all your support, for without it I wouldn’t be able to make it. If you have
any questions or would like any more information about my trip please give me a call at
903-360-1706, or email me at caw1634@gmail.com. You can also follow me on
my blog as I prepare to go at www.sayafricablog.com.
God be with you all,
Chase Wood
"And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones
because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his
reward." - Matthew 10:42

I have linked his blog to mine on the right side of my blog page :)

Be Still...

My mother sent this to me today,
"Be Still" , notice the sheep...
What would I do without God and my sweet mother ?

It is SO...

Psalm 4:3

"Know that the LORD has set apart his faithful servant for himself;

the LORD hears when I call to him. "

Little did I know when I read this chapter this morning, that the verse that I kept coming back to today, is the one I needed most. If you ever want the devil to kick you from all sides, start a blog praising God. What a week, ask me how many times I have prayed this week, he hears me, I just know, why?, because he says SO...

By the way, I reminded the devil of his future today! his future home will be hotter than Texas :)

Strawberries and Crust...

My grandmother made "Strawberries and Crust". This is my all time favorite.

You just dump and mix,

Strawberries, washed, sliced and mashed.

Lots of sugar, I mean lots, 1 cup or more. Sweet, sweet...must be sugary sweet. You will know by tasting. My mouth is watering.

Throw in baked pie crust, chop up in bite size pieces and mix.

Serve with whip cream or just plain.

***I prefer homemade pie crust, I am not a fan of store bought, but I suppose you could use.

Crust

1/2 cup shortening

1/2 t salt

1 1/2 cups flour

4-5 T cold cold water

Cut in shortening with dry ingredients, add water, mix with a fork until it looks like small peas.

Flour cutting board, roll out dough. Cut in strips or big squares. Bake at 450 degrees for about 10-12 minutes. Till light brown.

No calories or fat... lol...

The next time I have this, I will take a picture of the finished product... I hope it is not long, right mother?

Thank you Lord for Skills...

Psalm 138:8

"The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever— do not abandon the works of your hands."

Exodus 31:6

"Also I have given skill to all the craftsmen to make everything I have commanded you: "

I read both of these passages, while reading through the Bible, not knowing that they go hand in hand. I am beginning to think my favorite Book in the Bible is Exodus. I absolutely am intrigued with Moses. He had such a intimate relationship with God. If you can take time, start on chapter 1. Moses felt unfit for the task prepared for him. He even asked God, who do I say that you are?, God told Moses, "I Am, Who I Am". I just love that. God has given us all talents, not by the works of what we do, but he has given us all skills, he has prepared a way, a purpose for those that love him. Sometimes, I think to myself, why am I doing the job that I am doing, dealing with people is hard, but then I know I am doing what God has led me to at this time. Too many doors and opportunities open for me. I am humbled each day in my study and prayer time. I truly thank God numerous times a day for everything going on during that day. It is only in thanks that I can get through the tough times. Maybe today is a hard day for you, turn it over to God, but in return, just do the next thing, just get through today doing your part. You do what you can do, and let God do what you cannot do. :)

Mischief... Do you think?

I am Victorious...

I listen to James MacDonald while I dress each morning, wow, I needed this today ...

Just a few notes,

God leads us into trials before he leads us out, he usually leads us to a dead end, we then must depend on him. Most of the time we pray for an easier path, but we should pray for stronger shoes. I love that one. I know when I am in the midst of trials, and I am right now, I want to be strong in my faith, oh that I would just act like it. He quoted the definition of a trial, here it goes, A trial is a difficult circumstance that will transform our conduct and our character. Read that again.

He talked about, it is going to get worse before it gets better. We all know that, correct? BUT, God always wins, and he wins BIG. He brings us into these circumstances, he leads us out and it is always for the good. I am definitely waiting for the BIG. God is Victorious, and I can be Victorious during trials. Walk in the Work while waiting for Him to work!

If you have an iPhone, there is an APP, called oneplace.com
The Free App looks like the picture below. You can choose James MacDonald and listen to him while at work, etc. I look forward each day to his 20-30 minute lesson.

Surely,

Happy Anniversary Again!

They just sent me this picture, they are headed out and coming home! Can't wait for my prize, hehe!

They sure look happy!

Lorri Loggins, Realtor
Cornerstone Brokerage, LLC
Cell 903-571-8033
Fax 1-866-929-0375

Happy Anniversary!...

51 years my parents have been married! Wow! Look at these two while in Branson this week, they were in Bass Pro in a boat, their friends snapped this picture!
I love you mother and daddy! And I am glad you are coming home today! :)

Story Time...

Wow, is all I can say, need we question more? God is in control...

July 8, 2011
It's Not What You ThinkMicca Monda Campbell
"'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,' declares the LORD.'" Isaiah 55:8 (NIV)
When the phone rang in the middle of the night, I couldn't help but wonder if one of my greatest fears had become a reality. It was the police. They were calling to tell us my 21-year-old son had fallen asleep at the wheel while driving home from a friend's house.
Mitch was only four months old when his biological father died. Since then, I've have had two fears; that my son's life would be greatly affected by the loss of his father and that he would die young, too.
When Mitch was four, one of those fears was relieved. God brought Pat into our lives, filling the role of both father and husband.
Like any good father, Pat is a wonderful man who supports his family in the good times and bad. This night things were bad. When Pat arrived at the scene, he found our son's demolished car hugging the mangled 50 foot guardrail that had kept him from crossing the highway into oncoming traffic.
Mitch, however, didn't suffer a single scratch, bruise, or broken bone — not one. His dad was stunned, but the police officer was astonished even more. In fact, the officer had this to say to our son.
"If I were you, I wouldn't go home and go to bed. I'd go to the nearest church and thank God for saving your life because He obviously has a purpose for it." It was as if God was speaking directly through the officer. Pat drove Mitch home in silence. The police officer had said it all. What more could he add?
Sunday afternoon, we drove to the junkyard to retrieve Mitch's personal belongings from the car. The first thing I noticed about the damaged vehicle was the date, 9-9, painted in large orange numbers across the windshield of the mangled car.
That's when it hit me. Mitch's accident occurred on the anniversary of his biological father's death. Stranger still, they were exactly the same age. As my eyes fixed on the date, I realized it was a message from God — an undeniable clear sign from above. Mitch was in the hands of God.
That truth pierced my mind and Satan's lie was broken. I was no longer afraid of losing my son to death.
God has a different plan for Mitch than he had for his dad. I always knew that truth intellectually but, that day in the junkyard, it became a reality. How could I doubt God anymore when my son walked away from a near death experience on the anniversary of his father's death? I couldn't.
Regardless of my doubts and fears, God has a plan. Usually it doesn't look like mine. This experience reminded me that my thoughts are not the same as God's thoughts. He sees the bigger picture. He knows His plans. It also taught me to fall on my knees and relinquish all my fears to God while trusting in His good and perfect will for my children.
You see, the only power and control you and I have over any fearful thought is to place it in the hands of God. Doing so keeps us from being taunted day and night by "what if?" Instead, we can rest in the assurance that God's thoughts, ways and plans are more marvelous than anything we can imagine ourselves.
Dear Lord, help me to see my circumstances through your eyes and not mine. Teach me that your ways are good and marvelous and they can be trusted. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

2331 Lingner Drive, Tyler, TX 75701

Just an adorable lil' house! Three bedrooms, 1.5 baths, 1 car carport, with 1554 square ft., 2 living areas. Spacious rooms, large kitchen, utility room and clean! Per owner, Roof is 11 yrs, paint outside 2011, paint inside 2004, A/C 2000, Furnace 2002. Refrigerator, Freezer, Washer and Dryer convey to buyer at closing. Large fenced backyard, with beautiful, majestic trees. 2 storage buildings remain with property. Close proximity to schools, shopping and hospitals. You need to see this today! MLS # 10012702 $86,900

Virtual tour, http://vt.realbiz360.com/Listing-764429.html

Pocket Pigs...

I saw this pic on Facebook...pocket pigs, is this adorable or what? And they are for real!
I bet this makes you smile!

Branson again...

Mother and Daddy are on the right, Jim and Eugenia on the left ...
Cute pic from their trip to Branson. I sure hope they stay out of trouble ! Lol

Weekend at the Lake...

Layton's first trip tubing... Lauren, Lorri, Layton and RuRu...

Yea, I had the grip on him... :)

Layton driving with Uncle Andy... he will not forget this, poor Andy :)

He would not smile, he was concerned... lol

Layton was so hot, so I filled him a bucket...

The water hose was the best entertainment...

Love this picture of Layton's eyes... I soooo do not love my picture, but it is what it is... lol