I am in GodsHands

FRENZY!

2011-09-19T08:49:00.002-05:00

Frenzy!
That's the word that comes to mind today.
Frenzy for the minute.
Frenzy for the hour.
Frenzy for the day.
Frenzy for... and so it goes.
Lord, I pray that You would take over.
Only You know what my mind cannot, at the moment,
cannot organize.

Organize!?!?!?!
Vacation?

WorldPulseFestival Pay Attention!

2011-08-22T19:20:00.000-05:00

25th Anniversary of the World Pulse Festival.

Why, I ask myself, have we not been participating in this before?

Maybe because it is 3 hours away. (Family lives in the same town...)

Maybe because we have to get up at 4 am to get the best seats?

(I didn't see any pushing and shoving...very polite Christians!)

Maybe because the NEWSBOYS were there this year? And we got to MEET them!!!!

And Jars of Clay

And Third Day

And Hyland

And Chris Sligh

Group1Crew

Dara Maclain

We had a great time!

God had His hands all over this weekend!

This was the night that the Indiana State Fairground stage collapsed.

That happened 20 minutes after we got home and unloaded the car.

Amazing things God does when you just pay attention.

Pay attention,

And be renewed everyday by the Glory of God!!!

~\*/~

Summer

2011-08-22T18:47:00.000-05:00

Summer time is supposed to make everything slow down.
we never have a slow summer.
It doesn't seem like I get anything done though, either.
2011 Summer wasn't any different.
We did some fun stuff, too!

Disc-golf at the new course at our church!

they are getting very good!

Tournament soon!

Mooresville pool with the church! SLIIIIIIIDDDEEE!

Even I went down the slide this summer! WOO!

So handsome!

Crazy divers!

So much fun!

I pray that you have enjoyed your summer.

And that you made some memories!

~\*/~

16 and 18

2011-08-19T18:41:00.002-05:00

Our kids turned 16 and 18 in the last two weeks.

They didn't want to make a big deal out of it.
We have such great kids. They never ask for anything.
Well, we went to see Grandma and Grandpa V., the Aunt
and cousins on my side...

We had our very first taste of Sushi!
Love!

Sushie=non focused?

... and we met the Newsboys.
You read that right.
Duncan Phillips.
Jody Davis.
Jeff Frankenstein.
Michael Tate.

All of em.

They are awesome!!!
Chris Sligh was at the World Pulse Festival, too...

After that amazing meet and greet, we met out dearest friends

Becca

Lizzy

Josh with a smile!

Matty!

Paul Jodi

Noah Steve

Micah

William

Carrie with Feathers!

Long time friends

Deer in the Headlights

Angie always serving!

at
the
Incredible Pizza Company

(Greenwood location)
for specialty Gluten free Pizza and buffet,
Angel food cake and Chocolate Fudge Ice~cream cake!
Yum!
An hour of go carts, bumper cars and games!
Good times!
Great friends!
Happy Birthday, kids!

I love you!
~\*/~
Mom

The Last Page of the Internet.

2011-05-03T11:34:00.002-05:00

www.wwwdotcom.com

Dinners

2011-03-29T16:49:00.000-05:00

Oregano Chicken and Capers
with New Potatoes and Steamed Asparagus

1/4 cup dry white wine
2 Tbl capers, drained
2 med. garlic cloves
1 1/2 tsp. lemon juice
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
4 4~oz boneless/skinless chicken breasts
   halved and flattened to 1/4" thickness
2 tsp. dried oregano leaves
2 Tbl. extra~virgin olive oil
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

*Combine the wine, capers, garlic, lemon juice,
   salt and pepper  in a small bowl.   Set aside.

*Sprinkle both sides of the chicken evenly with
  oregano.   Heat a large, non~stick skillet over med. high
  heat until hot, then coat the skillet with cooking spray.
  Cook the chicken 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until
  no longer pink in the center.
  Do not overcook. Place on a serving platter.

*Add the wine mixture to the skillet and boil for 30 seconds,
  scraping the bottom and sides of the skillet. Remove from
  heat, stir in the oil, and pour evenly over the chicken pieces.

*Sprinkle evenly with parsley.

SERVE WITH:
Boiled new potatoes and steamed asparagus
with one lemon, quartered.

YUM,YUM,YUM!!!! We devoured this meal.
It was really difficult not to eat it all...
we need lunch tomorrow!

ENJOY!!
~|*/~

2011-03-04T10:43:00.000-06:00

WOW! I can't believe it has been so long since I have posted!
Life.
Ugh!
God has been so good to us so far in 2011!
something that I am UBER grateful for!
God.
My Saviour!
My... life.
More later.
Really.
~fave

Thinking Spring

2010-12-28T09:59:00.000-06:00

GROWING LAVENDER

Lavender should be planted in full sun! Plant it in an area that will get 8 hours of the hottest sun of the day. Plants with less sun will not thrive as well. Our backyard is the perfect place for a Mediterranean retreat!
Think, Mediterranean!

Lavender needs sandy, well-drained, amended soil! I will prepare our soil with sand, gravel, or stone for drainage. Lavender does not like to have wet feet as it promotes root rot. I have clay-like soil as is common in Indiana. Because of the need for good drainage, lavender does not grow in clay. Lavender thrives in a well-amended soil mixture composed of 1/3 garden soil, 1/3 sand and/or pea gravel, and 1/3 organic compost. Lavender likes alkaline soil with a pH of 7 to 8. IMPORTANT! Adding lime when planting, as well as a yearly application in the spring, will help to ‘sweeten the soil.’ Fertilize with organic compost in the initial planting. Mound beds for even better drainage. A south-facing slope is ideal for growing lavender.I'll have to get my compass out... we slope, but to the South? Dunno!
Think, proud!

Lavender wants regular watering until the roots are established! In the first year of growth, lavender should be watered when it becomes dry to the touch. After its roots are established, mature plants become drought tolerant and do well on their own.
Think, wet and dry!

Lavender likes room to grow! In multiple planting, keep enough space for your young plants to mature as air around the base of the plant discourages mold, an enemy of lavender. Also, lavender roots do not like to compete with other plants.
Think, island in the sun!

Lavender should be mulched with non-organic material! Lavender is susceptible to mold and mildew at its base. To eliminate this possibility, I'll use gravel or rock as mulch instead of the more popular wood mulch products. Organic material such as wood mulch holds moisture that promotes the growth of mold. Another benefit in using stone mulch is the reflective heat it generates at the base of the plant. Reflective heat may produce more blooms.YAY!
Think, out-of-the-mold!

Lavender can be planted in early spring into late fall! The optimum planting for lavender is spring. This allows the plant to experience a full growing season. However, lavender can be planted up until late fall. The only consideration in planting late in the season in the Midwest is that plants may not be anchored well and are in danger of heaving as a result of the ground freezing and thawing.
Think, the early bird catches the worm!

Lavender wants to be pruned, pinched back, and harvested! As a rule-of-thumb, true lavenders (angustifolias) can be pruned in spring or fall while hybrid lavenders (lavandins) should only be pruned in the fall. Pruning a hybrid in the spring will strip it of its flowers for that season. Diligent harvesting of lavenders promotes new growth and bushy habits. It also keeps the plants from sprawling and becoming leggy. In the first year plants, pinch back any bud formation to allow the energy to go into root production. The second year plant will be larger and produce many times the bloom as a result.
Think, the more, the better!

THINK SPRING!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Turtle Tickling

2010-12-21T19:48:00.000-06:00

Teachers

2010-11-23T10:47:00.000-06:00

You go to school.
You sit in a room for fifty minutes and study
history.
Then they ring a bell, and you go into another room and study

foreign language.
Then they ring a bell, and you go into another room and study
biology...

Doesn’t that seem a little unnatural to you?

The world isn't divided up into little water-tight compartments of aerospace science,

engineering, agricultural and environmental education, animal biology, animal

science management, anthropology, art history, art studio, atmospheric science, avian

sciences, biochemical engineering, biochemistry; molecular biology, biological sciences,

biological systems engineering, biomedical engineering, biotechnology, cell biology, chemical

engineering, chemistry, Chinese, civil engineering, classical civilization, clinical nutrition, communication, comparative literature, computer engineering, computer science, dramatic art,
ecological management; restoration, economics, electrical engineering, English, entomology,restoration, economics, electrical engineering, English, entomology, exercise biology, fiber; polymer science, film studies,

food science, French, genetics, geology, German, history, human development, hydrology, international agricultural development, international relations,

Italian, Japanese, landscape architecture, linguistics, mathematics, mechanical engineering, medieval & early modern studies,

microbiology, music, neurobiology, physiology, nutrition science, optical science & engineering, philosophy, physics, plant biology, political science,

psychology, religious studies, Russian, sociology, Spanish, statistics, textiles and clothing.

One teacher will say, “I teach chemical engineering.”

Another will say, “I teach German.”

Let us give five stars to the teacher that says, “I teach students.”

What a novel idea!—treating students as if they were humans, rather than

receptacles into which they can pour a single distilled subject.

Wabi-Sabi

2010-10-20T09:12:00.000-05:00

OK, so it has been a busy 4 weeks since I visited you, dear Blog.
So sorry.
But not really.
Enjoying this first term of home education with our children!
BIOLOGY!!!
Can you believe I am teaching Biology!!??!?!??!
psst! it's fun!
This is why I have not visited you.
See how off the wall my thoughts are?
Soon, very soon, I will sit down and really fill you in.
For now,
ART!!!!!

Wabi-Sabi – this is a compound word with a long history, and carries a lot of meaning. Put succinctly, it’s a way of living that emphasizes finding beauty in imperfection, and accepting the natural cycle of growth and decay.

This was something that Anita Renfro shared. Wabi-Sabin in a nut shell means no one is perfect, everything gets old, but we are all beautiful in God's eyes.

How I look...

2010-09-13T19:06:00.002-05:00

God judges persons differently than humans do. Men and women look at the face; God looks at the heart. — 1 Samuel 16:7 MSG

It is so easy to believe that God is silent on the subject of beauty. Maybe it is because the church is silent, or maybe it’s because we have to be so still to hear what God is saying. Either way, so many women simply think God is not saying anything about how they feel about themselves. Here is the simple truth: God loves you passionately and intensely, and that love has nothing to do with the way you look. It isn’t affected one ounce by the size of your blue jeans or the way your nose slopes up or how much dental work you’ve had done. It isn’t lessened by wearing the wrong dress to a party or having no skill in applying makeup or by hating exercise. God simply loves you as you are.

But before we just gloss over that and go right on to the next thing, let me ask a hard question. Have you let that truth into your soul? I mean, really let it in? God is the one who has never criticized you or belittled you or made fun of your appearance in any way. He is the one who formed you, and said afterward, “This is good.”

— Nicole Johnson

ACADEMIA 2010

2010-09-08T14:31:00.001-05:00

8 September 2010
First Official Day of High School
Winship Academy 2010

The first day is always a long one.
It's where we find out what is expected of us.
The children, yes;
But I always learn what they expect of me, also.
I love it.
We all sit down on the couch and read our Bible together.
Haley always wants to read aloud, Corban, not so much.
And that's ok.
On to History, Geography,Handwriting, Literature, LUNCH,
Math,Science (biology this year), and Spanish.
Today took until 3:00.
(we didn't get started until 10:30, sleepyheads!)
You say home education is supposed to take less time than PU school;
I say it does... on days 2~180.
(we won't sleep so long tomorrow...)
Just today, it was fun reading, playing and serving each other.
Tomorrow we will be done around 1:00.
Or sooner.
Yeah.

What to Wear

2010-07-26T08:02:00.000-05:00

Teaching my young children to dress themselves in the morning takes patience. I painstakingly waited as they learn to manipulate buttons, zippers, and shoelaces. However, by far the most agonizing aspect of the morning ritual of getting dressed is the statement, "I can't find anything to wear." As a mother, I realize this statement doesn't mean there is nothing in the drawers and closets, nor does it mean my child has not looked hard enough. What they really are saying is they think the clothes available to them are not good enough for them to wear.
As an adult, I dress myself in the same fashion. I waste my time manipulating the outward appearance because I worry about what other people will think. What about going to the closet of God's Word and choosing to dress myself according to His wardrobe. "Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness" (Colossians 3:12-14). Do I desire to dress in the "clothes" God has given me, or do I continue to "not find anything to wear"?

Becoming more Christ-like is the ultimate goal for me as a home schooling parent. The Lord does not look on the outward appearance of man, but at the heart, as when Samuel was led by the Lord to anoint David to be king. Choosing to dress myself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and love is what He can use the most to influence my children and teach them how to live godly lives.

So what will I put on to wear this morning? I will look to His Word and find the clothes that fit and reflect God's character to my family and my world. All the academics I teach will not have as lasting of a value as modeling the love of Jesus Christ in my words and actions. "But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof" (Romans 13:14).
Father, thank You for giving me the opportunity to dress in the character of Christ. Show me those areas in which I have forgotten to put on the "clothes" You have provided. Help me to reflect Your Son in all I do and say this day. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

the fight

2010-07-03T07:09:00.000-05:00

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith" (2 Timothy 4:7).

Christian education is a spiritual battle that must be fought by every homeschooling parent. The desire to see our children raised according to the standards of God's Word requires more than wishful thinking. We must ever be alert to Satan's schemes and the world's ways that try to suck our children into the mainstream of ungodly learning. We must be willing to risk popularity and acceptance to lead our children down an educational path that declares God is at the center of all things and the beginning of all creation. Most of all, we must declare our own love for Christ and be willing to crucify the flesh and its selfish desires in order to win our children's hearts to the Lord.
The great men and women of faith mentioned in Hebrews 11 are listed as our inspiration to hold fast to God's truths. Like Abraham, we must be willing to follow the Lord wherever He leads. Like Moses, we must be willing to give up the pleasures of life to serve a higher purpose. Like Rahab, we must have faith to believe what the Lord says is true. Like Noah, we must face opposition daily, even if it takes years to complete the task God has given. Like countless others who never saw the results of their faith, we must cling courageously to the future promise that God will bless the work of our hands in the lives of generations to come (Psalm 112:2).

If the Lord has led you to teach your children, pray for the courage and wisdom you need to stand firm and fight. Raising your children in the Lord is as much a spiritual battle as resisting temptations for yourself. Don't give in to the lies and harassment of those around you. Fight for the hearts and minds of your children and the work God can do through their lives in winning countless souls to Christ.

Lord, renew Your passion within me today to homeschool and teach my children Your truths. Guide us as we prepare for schooling in the fall and show me how to hold fast. In Jesus' name, Amen.

God's Promise

2010-06-16T06:26:00.000-05:00

Vacation Bible School was a little rough tonight. We had some rain last night, but tonight it was a little different. Wind conditions were extreme, and there was rumor of large size hail. The building lost power. 200 people in one school cafeteria makes for some loud conversations! Some good conversations that were long overdue, and some tension with people that are still unsure, and misguided.

When we finally left the building, it was still raining a little bit, the power was still not on, but we got into the van and off we go!! As we turned the corner to get to our street, lightening was flashing, thunder rolling, and the most beautiful double rainbow was stretched from one side of the block to the other. Right over our house! It seemed as if God was re~telling me that He is in control, and He remembers the Promise He made~ oh so long ago.

I should also keep remembering.~

2010-06-04T21:49:00.000-05:00

More abstract pictures. From this blog on...I will be using my new CAMERA!!!!!! (Thanks for taking the beating, Andrew! You are awesome!!!) Canon is my weapon (YAY me!!) ...watch out, I may just get you unannounced!

The Abstract

2010-06-04T21:29:00.001-05:00

What is it about abstract things that I identify with lately? Abstract life, food, home, academics, schedule? Could be. Mostly I think it is just that there are so many questions that need to be answered; that will not be answered. So abstract is this situation, that it brings me to tears almost daily. I believe eventually, that will subside. So many were and are being hurt. So much hatred has accumulated. Abstract information, lies, really, are doing so much damage to everyday living. I pray for healing and closure for all who are involved. Swiftly, Lord, heal us.

2010-05-04T08:39:00.001-05:00

He must become greater; I must become less. ~John 3:30

choose

2010-04-27T17:13:00.000-05:00

God doesn't call us all to be missionaries. Some He calls to do ordinary things. Each service is honorable, if it's God's Plan. We are all called; it doesn't matter how many lives we save or diseases we cure; if we've missed God's calling for us, we've missed our purpose in life. God still wins!!!! Our choices won't change His ultimate victory, but they will determine if we are used in this victorious adventure!!!!

2010-04-13T18:07:00.001-05:00

I just love listening to an orchestra. I have missed going to concerts in the last so many years. I am glad Danny is playing in town again. Ahhh, music.

2010-02-18T16:29:00.001-06:00

Soooooo yeah. TIGER woods is having his press conference HERE at our hotel!!. Oh yeah!

trip without kids

2010-02-16T17:14:00.000-06:00

The two parents are leaving for a few days.
My husband and I.
We are going 23 hours drive away.
We have never left the kids for more than a day.
This is all new to us
The kids will be fine,
But will I?
I am looking forward to being with my man.
Time to talk without interruption.
18 hours of driving time.
The kids will be fine,
But will I?
Yes.
I'll be fine.
Please pray for me.
Thanks.
~\*/~
l
/\

Out Loud

2010-01-28T05:30:00.000-06:00

Worship is an expression of our love to our Creator. This happens in a lot of ways, and it doesn't have to involve music. One way to worship God is just to know who He is and to declare it. I can get to know God by discovering who He is... and the Bible is full of descriptions of our awesome God! His name is = to His presence. And God has quite a few names...ALL of which describe who He is.

Gideon was dealing with his inferiority complex when God gave him a great assignment. (Book of Judges) He worried, and complained, and found excuses. But God reassured him, "Peace be with you; do not fear" (Judges 6:23 NKJV) Gideon immediately built an altar to the LORD and called it "The LORD is Peace"

When I am feeling inferior somehow, I just call on the God who is Peace... worship Him as my Peace...thank Him for Jesus and the peace he left...and work hard not to let my heart be troubled.

Psalm 100:2 ~Worship the LORD with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs.

A New Day

2010-01-27T07:29:00.000-06:00

Say "Baaaaaa"

2010-01-26T08:29:00.000-06:00

If the Lord is your shepherd, what does that make you?

A sheep. A small, defenseless mammal facing life without claws, without self-control, and without a clue. Plus, sheep are remarkably tasty.

In the same way a sheep needs a shepherd, you need guidance. Direction. Encouragement. A clue.

Pay attention to where you get guidance. Realize that whenever you receive good advice, it’s God speaking into your life.

How has God reassured you of his active presence in your life?

Imagine you were writing a book about your life and your relationship with God. What would the title be? What would you focus on?

“I’m reading His WORD to see God, in my readings each day. That, to me, is the real cause for celebration! I wondered if/when/how I would see God, I am! And it’s now not just through the day’s reading, but from what I have read before and how this is spilling into the rest of my life. I’m more watchful to see what God is showing me.”

Devotion

2010-01-26T08:01:00.000-06:00

de*vote

v: to give or apply one's time, attention, or self,

entirely to a particular activity, pursuit, cause, or person.

Devotion implies faithfulness and loyalty.

At any moment of any day, I am devoted to something.

husband, children, church, work, dishes, laundry~

the list goes on.

When I devote myself to something,

it consumes me.

During my moments with God,

I try to be totally devoted...

Giving myself entirely to the pursuit of

building a relationship with my Creator.

The goal isn't to clock in

and spend a certain amount of

time;

the goal is

to deepen the relationship

and, LORD willing,

come out looking a little more like

the woman

God created me to be.

How awesome that the God who created the universe

wants to have an intimate relationship

with me!!!

I have much to be grateful for.

Colossians 4:2

"Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart."

No Worries, Mate

2010-01-25T07:04:00.001-06:00

Today, on a sheet of paper, I wrote down one thing I am concerned about.

You see, we have only one vehicle,
a 2 seater tiny pick-up, for 4 big people

A cascade of stuff happened to the car, all in a matter of two weeks.
Now, I am not a worrier. I'm not.
I let things stress me,
but with a

Firefighter hubby, Autistic son, daughter w/ Juv Rheumetoid Arthritis,

if I was a worrier,
I would be a basket case all the time!!!!

Back to the paper.
I wrote it out all nice and neat.
Practicing my calligraphy skills.
Then I held it up as if offering it to God saying,
"I let go of this concern, Father,
trusting that You will take care of it."

Now I am going to throw that paper away.

And I am not going to take it back!!!!

I gave it to God, and He is more than capable of handling it.

Phillippians 4:6~7 says, in The Message

"Don't worry or fret. Instead, pray.

Let petitions and praises shape your

worries into prayers, letting God know

your concerns. Before you know it,

a sense of God's wholeness, everything

coming together for good, will come and

settle you down. It's wonderful what
happens when Christ displaces worry at

the center of your life."

On a sheet of paper, write down your concerns.
All of them.
And then give them over to the Father,
who is more than capable of handling them!!

And have a great day in HIM!!!

   O
~\frogaphant/~
   I
   I
   I
   / \

Becoming the Woman God wants me to be...

2010-01-24T06:31:00.000-06:00

  Honestly, 2010 has already been a year of struggle. I have had to remind myself daily that what won't take me down, will make me stronger! So many days so far in the infancy of this year I have had to reach for much greater strength than was in me. When I am at the end of my strength, I know my God is there.
  One of the things I have done, diligently, is spend every day with God. I have been following Christ for 19 years now, so I know the importance of taking time to read the Bible and pray. It is just that this year, already, the quiet, still time I spend in the early mornings, has become my salvation. Truly, I hunger for my time with Jesus. It has become more than just my Christian duty... it is my lifeline.
   2010 is going to be an adventure for me, and I am going to share it with you. I am striving for the much needed strength that He gives to me daily, and the concrete evidence in my life that I am becoming the woman that He wants me to be.

   Come along... join me in my adventure, but make it your own!

Psalm 5:1-3
O LORD, hear me as I pray; pay attention to my groaning. Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for I will never pray to anyone but You. Listen to my voice in the morning, LORD. Each morning I bring my requests to You and wait expectantly.

   I am not clocking in and out here, in my time together with God... it is all about developing the relationship that I have with my loving Creator. He longs for me to willingly come to Him, love Him, and choose to spend time with Him. So here I am LORD...use me today as YOU will!

In His Eyes...

2010-01-20T08:25:00.001-06:00

In His eyes are love. Psalm 68:19

This scripture reminded me that our eyes reveal more then we realize.

I can still remember my daughter saying to me,

" I can tell

when you're upset
just by looking at your face".

Our faces can reveal Jesus and His love,

or our faces can reveal the

sadness we are holding inside.

Our true feelings and emotions can be revealed through our eyes.

What are your eyes saying today?

Hidden sadness, anger and resentment can be felt and seen by

those around us,

even when we think we are doing a "good job"

of hiding them.

Eventually the truth is revealed.

Jesus showed love and compassion to all sinners and still does today.

Lord, help our hearts to be open to hearing the truth from you.

Reveal any hidden sadness, anger and resentment that we are holding onto.

Help us recognize anything that does not glorify you.

As you gently show us where we are sinning, remind us that you

are a God of forgiveness and change.

Forgive us our sin of resentment,

fill us with your Spirit to remove this

from our lives.

Help us find, read and learn Your Words with Your

promises of healing and forgiveness.

Provide Your peace and guide us
to accept change as we grow
in our relationship with You.

Help us see

others through Your eyes
and not our own.

You are the only One that can

remove these negative thoughts from our minds.

Lord, we accept your forgiveness and the challenge of changing to be more like You.

Help our eyes be like Yours,
revealing love to everyone we meet.

In Jesus precious name,

we pray.

Amen.

2010-01-18T07:28:00.000-06:00

If you are walking through a time of refining or testing, don't lose heart.

Do your best not to complain, gripe, gossip, or lose hope.

Don't camp here, don't make big decisions here;

and don't make empty promises here.

You won't do it all perfectly and God doesn't expect you to.

His mercies cover our imperfections.

Even so, to triumph amidst our trials is to humble ourselves like Job did;

honor God like Joseph did; and speak the Word like Jesus did in the wilderness!

In due time, He WILL lift us up and bless us before a watching world.

How we handle this test will determine how we fare once this season has passed.

Trust in the Lord, He is with you and He will restore you!

~"He brought me out into a spacious place. He rescued me because He delighted in me" (Psalm 18:19).

a long time ago...

2010-01-17T15:59:00.000-06:00

...in a fairy tale dream, Sanibel Island honeymoon! WOW! Look at me then! There's a goal to picture... minus the gorgeous locks of brown cascading curls. WOW!

The Spiritual Significance of Numbers

2010-01-11T08:23:00.001-06:00

Numbers are used in Scripture, not merely as in Nature, with supernatural design, but with spiritual significance, which may be summarised as follows ¹ :-

   ONE. Denotes unity, and commencement. The first occurrences of words or utterances denote their essential significance, in interpretation. Words that occur only once, in the originals, are emphatic and important. First day, Light. The first ocurrences of all important words and expressions are noted in the margin.

   TWO. Denotes difference. If two different persons agree in testimony it is conclusive. Otherwise two implies opposition, enmity, anddivision, as was the work of the Second day. Compare the use of the word "double" applied to "heart", "tongue", "mind", etc.

   THREE. Denotes completeness, as three lines complete a plane figure. Hence, three is significant of Divine perfection and completeness. The third day completes the fundamentals of creation-work. The fourth, fifth, and sixth days are the counterpart and repetition of the first, second, and third, and correspond respectively. (See the structure of Genesis 1) The number, three, includes resurrection also; for on the third day the earth rose up out of the deep, and fruit rose up out of the earth.

   FOUR. Denotes creative works (3 + 1), and always has reference to the material creation, as pertaining to the earth, and things "under the sun", and things terrestrial.

   FIVE. Denotes Divine grace. It is 4 + 1. It is God adding His gifts and blessing to the works of His hands. The Hebrew Ha'aretz (the earth), by "Gematria" (that is to say the addition of the numerical value of the letters together) is a multiple of four, while Hashamayim (the heavens) is a multiple of five. The Gematria of  (charis), the Greek for Grace, is also a multiple of five. It is the leading factor in the Tabernacle measurements.

   SIX. Denotes the human number. Man was created on the sixth day; and this first ocurrence of the number makes it (and all multiples of it) the hall-mark of all connected with man. He works six days. The hours of his day are a multiple of six. Athaliah usurped the throne of Judah six years. The great men who have stood out in defiance of God (Goliath and Nebuchadnezzar and Antichrist) are all emphatically marked by this number.

   SEVEN. Denotes spiritual perfection. It is the number or hall-mark of the Holy Spirit's work. He is the Author of God's Word, and seven is stamped on it as the water-mark is seen in the manufacture of paper. He is the Author and Giver of life; and seven is the number which regulates every period of Incubation and Gestation, in insects, birds, animals, and man.

   EIGHT. Denotes resurrection, regeneration; a new beginning or commencement. The eighth is a new first. Hence the octave in music, colour, days of the week, etc. It is the number which has to do with the LORD, Who rose on the eighth, or new "first-day". This is , therefore, theDominical number. By Gematria (see above),  (Jesus) makes the numbers 888. It, or its multiple is impressed on all that has to do with the Lord's Names, the Lord's People, the Lord's works.

   NINE. Denotes Finality of judgement. It is 3 x 3, the product of Divine completeness. The number nine, or its factors or multiples, is seen in all cases when judgement is the subject.

   TEN. Denotes Ordinal perfection. Another new first; after the ninth digit, when numeration commences anew.

   ELEVEN. Denotes disorder, disorganization, because it is one short of the number twelve (see below).

   TWELVE. Denotes Governmental perfection. It is the number or factor of all numbers connected with government: whether by Tribes or Apostles, or in measurements of time, or in things which have to do with government in the heavens and the earth.

   THIRTEEN. Denotes rebellion, apostasy, defection, disintegration, revolution, etc. The first occurrence fixes this (Genesis 14:4); and the second confirms it (Genesis 17:25). It, and its multiples, are seen in all numbers, and in the Gematria (see above) of all names and passages that are associated with rebellion, etc.

   SEVENTEEN. Denotes a combination of spirit and order (10 + 7). It is the seventh prime number (as 13 is the sixth prime number).

   Other numbers follow the laws which govern the smaller numbers, as being their factors, sums, products or multiples: that is to say 24 is 12 x 2, a higher form of 12.
   25 = 5².   Grace intensified.
   27 = 3³.   Divinity intensified.
   28 = 7 x 4.   Spiritual perfection in connection with the earth.
   29 = 3³.   Intensifying of Divine judgement.
   30 = 3 x 10.   Divine perfection, applied to order.
   40 = 10 x 4.   Divine order applied to earthly things. Hence, the number of probation.

   The four perfect numbers, 3,7,10, and 12, have for their product the remarkable number 2,520. It is the Least Common Multiple of the ten digits governing all numeration; and can, therefore, be divided by each of nine digits, without a remainder. It is the number of chronological perfection (7 x 360).

~Ethelbert W. Bolinger

WOW!

My First Applique Quilt

2010-01-01T19:37:00.000-06:00

This is the Names of Our God quilt that I made for a friend. It is the most gorgeous thing I think I have ever made.

2009-12-10T15:17:00.001-06:00

God tells us to watch for warning signs in our spiritual lives...
When we start to see the evidences of "adultery, fornication,
uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred,
variance, emulations, wrath, strife, heresies, envyings, murders,
drunkenness, revellings, and such like"

(Galatians 5:19b-21a),

we are headed down the dangerous road of living life in the flesh.
Before you are pulled over by the Holy Spirit,
take the next exit and pray.
Turn your heart back to the Lord, and heed His warnings
to keep your life headed in the right direction.

Lord,
help me to recognize the danger signs of evil in my life
and turn back to You.Teach me to stay close to You
and to Your Word,
so I stay on the path that leads to righteousness.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Newness

2009-12-03T10:01:00.000-06:00

Today is a new day. December 3, 2009. The only one there will ever be.
Almost a new year. 2009 is a year that won't be forgotten,
but where did it go so quickly?
I have a new job, that is utterly amazing.
Nothing will ever top being a wife to
my husband fire fighter with integrity,
and Mom to my two up and coming christian leader teenagers,
but by golly, this working Momma couldn't be happier...
working at a fabric store!!!!!
I have a new heart for Jesus.
I pray that will change, and grow stronger the closer I get to Him.
Every day should be a new day to read the Word,
converse with the Saviour,
and see the blessings that are everywhere.
ok, be inspired,
and do something new.

Date Day

2009-11-28T14:02:00.000-06:00

Today is date day for our family. Corban, Uncle Jason and Paps are going to the Monster Truck Rally at Conseco Fieldhouse, Haley, Grandma H, Aunt Alma and Cousin Kasey are doing the shopping and Starbucks thing and Dan and I are going to eat Barlo'sPizza and maybe a movie.
We don't do this much, trying to live like no one else, so later on, we can live like no one else. (Dave Ramsey...) So, we are definitely doing better than we deserve here in the midwest!
The sun is shining, and it's so quiet here in the house. That doesn't happen much either. I kinda like it.
I'm sure Haley will have pictures to update with, and I will try to get a good one of Dan and I too. So, Pizza, here we come! MMMMMmmmmmm!!!!

2009-11-17T07:48:00.000-06:00

Gingerbread House

2009-11-17T07:43:00.000-06:00

TaDa!!!!
This house was so much fun to embroider!
I still have a few minor touches to add,
but isn't it so cute!
Dan is making a platform for it that has
trees, a cobblestone walkway, Narnia lights
and even a pond! The Trains are even going
to be going! I can't wait to set it up at our
Stewardship Celebration and Ladies Tea
this!
Enjoy....

2009-11-16T20:40:00.000-06:00

I can't wait to share what I have been doing...

oh, just regular stuff;

and some really cool embroidery stuff too!

'Tis the season....

~\o/~

Praise the LORD!

Field Trips

2009-10-17T15:46:00.000-05:00

What a fun field trip we had this week... Firefighters were training at a house by the airport, and we got to watch. Igniting while three firefighters were still in the building, waiting for safety exits, and watch the flames and faces in the fire! WoW!!!

I love my Firefighter

2009-10-17T15:42:00.000-05:00

Hauger Home Vacation Day 2

2009-10-06T20:47:00.000-05:00

Indianapolis Museum of Art was the trip of the day... This is, by far, my favorite piece of artwork! Such a feeling of Patriotism in this work! Thank God for artful talents!

Katya

2009-10-02T09:55:00.000-05:00

Well, Katya, our new friend from Ukraine...she loves Mushrooms home cooked meals and now she has experienced...Starbucks! Vanila Latte YUMM!!! Up up and away in the Aerial71 Ladder.!! How exciting!

2009-09-25T05:47:00.005-05:00

Isaiah 45:15a,18

Truly, God, " You created the heavens and earth and put everything in place. You made the world to be lived in, not to be a place of empty chaos." Yet, it seems so many days are filled with chaos. So many THINGS are filled with the chaos of being here.

2009-09-23T11:54:00.001-05:00

Jesus has overcome!!!

Kingdom Minded

2009-09-18T10:09:00.004-05:00

I often hear the saying, "Put first things first". Did I place a higher emphasis on teaching my children multiplication facts over training a rebellious heart? Or did I work more on shaping my childrens hearts towards Christ rather than writing? Perhaps both. But realistically, I know in my heart that I placed a heavier emphasis on one over the other. I know that when my priorities change, I find myself rushing through devotions and Bible reading so I can get to the so-called "more important" subjects. Although that is not my heart, it is how I have been conditioned by the world. Yes, I want my children equipped so they can build the kingdom of God and I want them to thrive in life, but there is always a cost to consider."All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way . . ." (Isaiah 53:6) It is a constant battle of my mind to continue to pursue Christ and His ways before all other things. I need to always remember what the Bible says: "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33) In this verse,"all these things" refers to our basic necessities of life--food and clothing. Earlier in this passage Jesus said,"For after all these things do the Gentiles seek" (vs. 32) and he rebukes his disciples as he tells them that "your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things." (vs. 32) Will this passage still apply to my children when they are grown? Of course it will! However, it is very easy today in this society to get caught up in the ways of the Gentiles, but that is not how I should think or even speak to others as I purpose to educate my children. In my mind I am educating them so they can further the kingdom of God and also so they can provide for their families. My intentions are good and honorable, but God does not require my children to have minds filled with a bunch of knowledge; He is seeking men and women who have a heart after Him, like David. ". . . I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will." (Acts 13:22) The Bible does not state that David was an educated man like Paul, so it is safe to assume that he was not. What the Bible does say about David is that he was a shepherd who tended and protected his flock of sheep from lions and bears; he had boldness as he approached the king, along with courage and faith as a young boy when he fought the giant, Goliath; and he was a servant as he played his harp to king Saul. This was David's resume before he became the king of Israel! When I read Paul's resume, most assuredly according to the world's standards I would be impressed by it. Paul himself said in Philippians 3:4 that he was a man who had confidence in his flesh. He goes on to say,"But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ." (Philippians 3:7) When I get to the end of Paul's list of achievements, this is what he had to say about it, "Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ" (Philippians 3:8) Paul knew what mattered most in his life. He spoke with authority about worthless pursuits. I won't lose heart or become discouraged. I will keep in mind the race that I am running. "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 25And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible." (1 Corinthians 9:24-25)As hard as this journey may be at times, I am encouraged to know that I am running to obtain an imperishable crown--one with an eternal purpose. My children will reflect the things that I put into them, so I'll make sure that the things we pursue will last forever. God does not require my children to have a college degree in order to use them, but what He does require is their hearts!

2009-09-11T19:31:00.002-05:00

She came to the house of God with her heart smashed into bits. Her dreams had been crushed. Words of bitter cruelty had been hurled at her. And in those deep crevices of one's heart, where no human understanding penetrates, the pain finally rolled out. At the throne of God, with tears pouring down her cheeks, Hannah, we are told: "spoke from her heart." While Hannah had tried to share her hidden secrets, as author Mary Dixon Thayer so correctly notes, "Always there remain portions of our heart into which no one is able to enter, invite them as we may." Hannah had tried to explain how she felt. She tried to tell her husband who rebuffed her with, "What's the matter with me? Am I not good enough for you?" She even tried, on an annual basis, to express the loneliness and the sorrow that scraped the tender lining of her heart before her God at the sacred setting of Shiloh - but to no avail. Accused as a drunk she found herself in the uncomfortable place of defending herself from false accusations. So I ask you, had you been Hannah, what would you do? With the shreds of a broken heart in your hands, it might have been the easiest thing to recoil from anything and everyone who had the slightest potential for further damaging what was so wounded. Many times, in all our lives, there are people, who through the cruelty of their actions and words so deeply wound our sensibilities, we no longer have the strength or the will to plod ahead. The author, Henry David Thoreau said that most of us live lives of "quiet desperation." And it is in this quietness where many choose to reside, never speaking, never sharing, and never living. For Hannah, life within the walls of a broken heart wasn't any life at all and so, in spite of the hurt and pain, she went to her Father, again and again. And the Bible says she, "spoke from her heart." How I love those words. Hannah didn't pull out some book of transcribed prayers or prepared text, instead she went into those gashed chasms where no one dared enter and she laid open every pain, no matter how desperate it was or apparently inconsequential it might seem to another human being. And she asked for help from the "One" she knew she could count on. Like Hannah, the Psalmist David spoke from his own shattered heart when he cried out, "O God, You are my God, earnestly will I seek You. My inner self thirsts for You...so I have looked upon You in the sanctuary to see Your power and glory." (Psalm 63: 1, 2). Just as Hannah came to Shiloh, so David came to his Father's dwelling place hunting and longing for that "Balm in Gilead." As he spoke from his heart to his loving Father, he was given a glimpse of the glory and power that as he so eloquently penned, "Satisfies us with marrow and fatness" (Psalm 63: 5). I do not know what pain is wrecking havoc in your world today. I have no idea what sorrow is tearing your heart apart. However, I do know that when we speak from our heart to our Father, we will find healing for our hurting and hope in place of all our dashed dreams. In the comforting words of the prophet Isaiah, "He has sent Me to bind up and heal the brokenhearted" (Isaiah 61: 1). "The poor broken-hearted, going into (her) bedroom, bends (her) knee, but can only utter (her) mournful cry in the language of sighs and tears. Look! That groan has made all the harps of heaven thrill with music; that tear has been caught by God, and put into a vase made especially for tears, to be perpetually preserved." C. H. Spurgeon "Thou tellest my wanderings; put Thou my tears into Thy bottle; are they not in Thy book?" Psalm 56: 8 King James Version

2009-08-30T17:06:00.000-05:00

Training your children for their lives here and for heaven hereafter is the most important task you will ever take on, other than preserving your own soul before God. How you handle this task will affect your children for the rest of their lives, long after you are gone. What is more, you have one chance to do this job well. You can't reset the video to start over when you are older and wiser.

You are surrounded by skeptics and critics who are ready to ask questions and to pounce upon every perceived weakness of the homeschooling approach. Some of these skeptics are in your family; some are in your church. The failures of public schools somehow get a pass from the public--unless they generate a plea for increased funding. But let a homeschooling family miss a state requirement or do something bizarre, and the editorial writers, pundits, and politicians wag their heads and talk about the need for greater oversight of homeschooling.

You lie awake at night asking yourself questions such as, "What will people think?" "What if my child has special needs?" "Can I cover everything?" "Which approach should I take?" "Will my children be ready for college?" "Do I know what I am doing?" and the grand prize winner, "AM I GOING TO RUIN MY CHILDREN?"

2009-07-22T10:38:00.001-05:00

God has always been, and always will be the same. God is One and yet Three Persons, existing in the divine mystery called the Trinity - Father, Son, and Spirit.

God spoke creation into existence by his Word, and has chosen to reveal himself through Scripture -- the written Word -- and Jesus -- the Word-made-flesh. The Scriptures that tell us about God are fully inspired, authoritative and reliable.

God gave humanity the gift of his image. This gives us great dignity. It also reminds us that we are dependent on him for all things. God's gracious gift of his image was marred by our first parents. The first sin and our continuing sin separated them and us from the full experience of God's presence, brought death into the world, and affects every aspect of humanity.

God is infinitely loving and has worked ever since the Fall to restore us to his relational presence. Just as Adam brought sin and death into the world, God sent his Son into the world to bring righteousness and life. Jesus was fully human, born of the virgin Mary, and yet fully divine, without sin.

Jesus taught of God's kingdom -- heaven coming to earth even now as God brings all things under his authority -- and demonstrated God's power in his earthly ministry. Because he was without sin, Jesus could and did offer himself as a perfect sacrifice on behalf of humanity's sins. Jesus bore all the sins of history on the Cross, covering all people's transgressions with his blood. God's forgiveness is now available to anyone who will turn from their own way and cling to the good way of Jesus.

Jesus died on the Cross and was physically raised again on the third day. After appearing to his followers, Jesus was taken back into the presence of the Father, where he sits and mediates for us until he returns.

Jesus did not leave his followers alone. The Holy Spirit was sent to empower all those who follow after Jesus and give God control of their lives. God's Spirit empowers us as our advocate, helper, and counselor. The Spirit binds us to each other, making us into the embodiment of Christ on earth. The Spirit makes followers of Jesus increasingly holy as he lives in us, though we will never attain perfect holiness in this lifetime.

God carries the message of his salvation to the world through the Church. The Church is to proclaim and demonstrate the good news of Jesus and God's kingdom. The Spirit gathers the Church together from every tribe, tongue and nation. God is glorified by the Church as we love him, each other, and those who are far from him....

I Believe

2009-07-13T12:50:00.002-05:00

A Birth Certificate shows that we were born. A Death Certificate shows that we died. Pictures show that we lived! I Believe... That just because two people argue, that doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, that doesn't mean they do love each other.

I Believe... That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel. I Believe... That we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change. I Believe... That no matter how good a friend is,

they're going to hurt you every once in a while

and you must forgive them for that. I Believe..... That true friendship continues to grow,

even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love. I Believe... That you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life. I Believe... That it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be. I Believe.... That you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them. I Believe... That you can keep going long after you think you can't. I Believe... That we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel. I Believe..... That either you control your attitude or it controls you. I Believe... That heroes are the people who do what has to be done,

when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences. I Believe.... That money is a lousy way of keeping score. I Believe... That my best friend and I can do anything,

or nothing, and have the best time. I Believe.... That sometimes the people you expect to kick you When you're down will be the ones to help you get back up. I Believe... That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had, and what you've learned from them.....and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated. I Believe... That it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself. I Believe... That no matter how bad your heart is broken

the world doesn't stop for your grief. I Believe... That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become. I Believe... That you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life Forever. I Believe... Two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different. I Believe... That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you. I Believe... That even when you think you have no more to give, if a friend cries out to you........you will find the strength to help. I Believe... That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being. I Believe... That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon. I Believe..... The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; They just make the most of everything. Thank you God for the journey of life!

Father's Day 2009

2009-06-25T09:47:00.002-05:00

we took Dan to see Chicago/EarthWind&Fire

in Indy for Father's Day this year. It was amazing,

and God was proclaimed as the giver of blessngs

in the 40 years that these groups have been

together...performing, original members still strong.

Like a marriage that puts Him first, 40 years is

full of times of trouble, sadness and shakey ground,

but the lowest valleys WITH Jesus are higher than

the highest mountains witout Him!

God is good!

God is good...

2009-06-25T09:42:00.002-05:00

2009-06-22T08:06:00.003-05:00

to make the decision to have a cheerful heart!
I don't always choose it, and my strength is ALWAYS. Sapped!

2009-06-22T08:06:00.001-05:00

Proverbs 17:22
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person's strength.

I am so thankful to God for the opportunity every day

2009-06-16T11:16:00.000-05:00

Being confident of this,

that he who began a good work in you

will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 1:6

HIM

2009-06-09T07:21:00.001-05:00

If everything comes down to love Then just what am I afraid of When I call out Your name Something inside awakes in my soul How quickly I forget I'm Yours I'm not my own I've been carried by You All my life Everything rides on hope now Everything rides faith somehow When the world has broken me down Your love sets me free When my life is like a storm Rising waters all I want is the shore You say I'll be ok and Make it through the rain You are my shelter from the storm I'm not my own I've been carried by You All my life Everything rides on hope now Everything rides faith somehow When the world has broken me down Your love sets me free You've become my hearts desire I will sing Your praises higher Cause Your love sets me free Your love sets me free Your love sets me free

Addison Road

2009-06-08T21:19:00.003-05:00

Open up your eyesAwake, ariseLove like a hand reaches downAnd pulls us up from the dirty groundNow is the timeTo step from the dark into the lightCause you can’t change what you’ve doneBut you can choose who you’ll become(CHORUS)Every moment is a second chanceAt starting over, at starting overMove from the past to the present tenseYou can start over, start over againIf you feel ashamedOf the choices that you’ve madeYou can be whole againAnd return to your innocence(CHORUS)Every moment is a second chanceAt starting over, at starting overMove from the past to the present tenseYou can start over, start over againYesterday is goneToday is all you’ve gotYou don’t have to be who you’ve beenYou can change withinIt’s never too lateTo start over again(CHORUS)Every moment is a second chanceAt starting over, at starting overMove from the past to the present tenseYou can start over, start over again

Matthew 4:23-24

2009-06-03T09:03:00.003-05:00

Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues,

preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every

disease and sickness among the people.

News about Him spread all over Syria, and people brought

to Him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering

severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and

the paralyzed, and He healed them.

Dear Jesus,

I want to live a passionate life.

A life of loving people,

just like You did.

Providing what they need;

a shoulder to cry on,

a ride to work,

a word of encouragement.

I want to be an instrument

of Your healing in this world.

Amen.

~\0/~

2009-05-25T06:48:00.001-05:00

What kind of peace is this? Ohhhh its called CONTENTMENT! Wow never felt it until this very second. Ahhhhhhhhhhhh

2009-05-20T12:57:00.002-05:00

I love homeschooling because fixed hours aren't required to learn
a subject. When I discovered God had given me a night owl who
loved to sleep in, I simply adjusted and made a schedule that worked
best for our family.

I love homeschooling because there are so many fun things to learn.
Not only are there great curriculums for covering the main subject
areas, but there are also countless extracurricular topics and activities
to explore.

I love homeschooling because I have the flexibility to adjust our day depending on what God brings. If my child is grasping concepts quickly
and wants to know more in language arts, great; I'll keep going and forget about doing history that day.
I love homeschooling because it gives me an opportunity to really know my children. As teacher and parent, I see both their heart and mind and

have the blessed privilege to develop both in the Lord.

I love homeschooling because I don't have to wait until school's out at
3:30 p.m. to receive a hug and a kiss. I have the joy of loving and being
loved by my children throughout the entire day.

2009-05-19T10:26:00.001-05:00

Romans 8:6b. ....the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.

2009-05-18T07:23:00.001-05:00

God You Reign!

2009-05-16T10:46:00.001-05:00

In Christ alone will I glory

2009-05-13T09:20:00.001-05:00

It a so exciting to be in God's work for the kingdom. I just can't explain!

2009-05-13T09:19:00.001-05:00

It a so exciting to be in God's work for the kingdom. I just can't explain!

the Dash

2009-05-11T08:17:00.002-05:00

I had nothing to do with the date of my birth, and I will have nothing to do

with the day the LORD takes me home, but I have everything to do with

the dash in between! What will I do with my life for Christ?

"Sheryl Hauger, servant of God, and of the Lord Jesus Christ." James 1:1

Lovliness

2009-05-07T09:16:00.002-05:00

"A true woman would hardly care to exchange her delicate

instinct, her versatile mind~which enables her to do the many

little and great things in her everyday home-life equally well~

her quick perception, her motherly all-aroundness, her sweet

womanly loveliness, for any other marketable thing, or any

other characteristic or capability attained by culture or

training. A true woman is a woman, and she does not desire

to be anything else, unless she can add it to her womanliness."

~Emma Drake in 'What a Young Wife Ought to Know" 1908

2009-04-22T10:31:00.002-05:00

Woodrow Wilson - "I not only use all the brains that I have,

but all that I can borrow."

~sacred echoes~

2009-04-14T08:50:00.002-05:00

As I’ve been growing in my relationship with God, I’m finding that I’m not listening for the whisper as much as I am the echo. Often when God speaks, He will say the same thing through a sermon, a passage of scripture, a chance conversation, or an unexpected encounter. When we begin looking for these ~sacred echoes~ then we are better able to recognize God’s voice in our life and more confidently walk in the fullness of what God has for us.

Devotion

2009-04-14T08:22:00.002-05:00

Making Room For The Savior While other people may struggle with worldly temptations, my struggle has always been in the area of spiritual disciplines. My devotional life has been haphazard at best. Because I hadn't developed the habit of a quiet time as a child, when the busyness of adulthood came, I found it difficult to find time alone with the Lord. Some of you may be aghast at such a thought. Your devotional life runs like clockwork. You find it impossible to make it through the day with out time alone with God. If that is true for you, may I tell you how blessed you are? It has taken me nearly twenty years to come to this discipline, and even then it has been a gift of grace, not an accomplishment of my own making. My spirit began to grow and thrive as the soil of my heart was tilled deep and fed by the Word of God. But then my Martha-like perfectionist tendencies kicked in, causing me to approach my devotional time as another duty to perform. I loved the feeling I got as I checked of chapters in my Bible reading and conquered another memory verse. Robert Boyd Munger's article "My Heart Christ's Home" changed all that. Through the simple analogy he suggested, I discovered what it meant to have a Mary heart toward God. Suddenly my eyes were open to what true devotion is. It is not a duty. It is a delight. It is not an exercise in piety. It is a privilege. And it is not so much a visit as it is a homecoming. "Without question one of the most remarkable Christian doctrines is that Jesus Christ Himself through the presence of the Holy Spirit will actually enter a heart, settle down and be at home there," Munger says. "[Jesus] came into the darkness of my heart and turned on a light. He built a fire in the cold hearth and banished the chill. He started music where there had been stillness and He filled the emptiness with His own loving, wonderful fellowship." Munger goes on to tell how he showed Christ around the house of his heart, inviting him to "settle down here and be perfectly at home," welcoming him room by room. Together they visited the library of his mind - "a very small room with very thick walls." They peered into the dining room of his appetites and desires. They spent a little time in the workshop where his talents and skills were kept, and the rumpus room of "certain associations and friendships, activities and amusements." They even poked their heads into the hall closet filled with dead, rotting things he had managed to hoard. As Munger described each room, they reflected my heart as well. But it was his depiction of the drawing room that would forever change the way I viewed my time with the Lord. "We walked next into the drawing room. This room was rather intimate and comfortable. I liked it. It had a fireplace, overstuffed chairs, a bookcase, sofa, and a quiet atmosphere. He also seemed pleased with it. He said, 'this is indeed a delightful room. Let us come here often. It is secluded and quiet and we can have fellowship together.' Well, naturally, I was thrilled. I could not think of anything I would rather do than have a few minutes apart with Christ in the intimate comradeship. He promised, "I will be here every morning early. Meet with Me here and we will start the day together." So, morning after morning, I would come downstairs to the drawing room and He would take a book of the Bible... open it and then we would read together. He would tell me of its riches and unfold to me its truths.... They were wonderful hours together. In fact, we called the drawing room the "withdrawing room." It was a period when we had our quiet time together. Little by little, under the pressure of many responsibilities, this time began to be shortened... I began to miss a day now and then.... I would miss it two days in a row and often more. I remember one morning when I was in a hurry... As I passed the drawing room, the door was ajar. Looking in I saw a fire in the fireplace and the Lord sitting there... "Blessed Master, forgive me. Have You been here all these mornings?" "Yes," He said, "I told you I would be here every morning to meet with you." Then I was even more ashamed. He had been faithful in spite of my faithlessness. I asked His forgiveness and He readily forgave me...He said "the trouble with you is this: You have been thinking of the quiet time, of the Bible study and prayer time, as a factor in your own spiritual progress, but you have forgotten that this hour means something to Me also." What an amazing thought - that Christ wants to spend quality time with me. That he looks forward to our time together and misses me when I don't show up. Once that message started sinking into my heart, I started looking at my devotional time in a whole new way - not as a ritual, but as a relationship. And a relationship doesn't just happen. It has to be nurtured, protected, and loved.

RESURRECTION DAY

2009-04-12T08:07:00.001-05:00

Jesus is Alive!!!!

2009-04-02T08:09:00.002-05:00

Quotable

Think not that faith by which the just shall live

Is a dead creed, a map correct of heaven,

Far less a feeling fond and fugitive,

A thoughtless gift withdrawn as soon as given:

It is an affirmation and an act

That bids eternal truth be present fact.

-Hartley Coleridge

Despereaux Tilling

2009-03-31T10:35:00.000-05:00

By far the most honorable meecy I know!

Pondering the Past

2009-03-30T08:38:00.003-05:00

THE TRACK

My morning walk awhile back was a bit more challenging than usual. Snow covered the paved track at the local high school where I like to walk, making it impossible to tell where it was. As I stood staring at the whiteness, I realized I had a number of choices: I could choose to make my own path, I could choose to follow the tracks of others or of the snow mobile that had gone through, or I could search for the real path. The path of the snow mobile seemed the most solid, so I started there. It didn't take me long to realize however, that this path wasn't the right one. Besides going through the deepest snow, it led towards the middle of the open track area, in front of the baseball diamond, nowhere near the paved path. I then decided to follow in the tracks of others, but again, I quickly realized that they hadn't necessarily followed the path, either. Instead of going around the field, their tracks led off towards the high school campus. Making my own path was also not a good option. My tendency was to take short cuts, and where the ground underneath was a bit lower, I sank into knee-deep snow. Finally I decided to search for the true path. I knew that the track ran just to the outside of the 5-6 lights around the course. This was a good place to start! Next I watched for patches of pavement where the snow had melted, and I soon discovered that there were actually quite a few of these. Finally, I watched for signs of grass coming up through the snow, and if I could identify this on both sides but not under my feet, I had a pretty good idea I was on the track, even when there was snow. I soon found that parts of the track were easier to identify than others. The backside, for example, was easy. It was nearly bare. The front, on the other hand, was covered in about six inches of snow. I definitely had to pay more attention there.

This reminds me of the Christian's walk through the world. We are told to stay on the path: "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." (Matt 7:13-14 NIV).

This could mean lots of things, but one of the very important applications is to have good, God-given convictions, and to stick to them. But often the path is hard to find because there is too much "snow"-our own desire-covering it. We want to "fit in", to "be like the crowd". We wish for an "easier path", one that runs into fewer conflicts! These desires can completely obscure our way! So what do you do? Just like I had several choices then, we have several choices.

1. Make your own path-look at what seems logical and socially acceptable to base your convictions upon. This alleviates the problem of not being like the crowd. But the world's wisest man warns against this:"There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death." (Prov 14:12 NIV)

2. Follow the crowd. If everyone else is doing it, it can't be that bad! But what happens if the crowd's way isn't Jesus' way? If you aren't careful you will soon find yourself on the wrong way! Jesus warns against this option: "For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it."(Matt. 7:13)

3. Take the "path of the snow mobile"-the "easy road"-the path of least resistance. Paul warns adamantly against this: "… All they want is easy street. They hate Christ's Cross. But easy street is a dead-end street." (Phil 3:18-19 The Message)

And none of these options worked for me that morning. There is one other choice, the one that worked for me: Search for the true Path, the "small and narrow road" that leads to life: "But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." (Matt 7:14 NIV).

So how do you find this "small and narrow road"? The same way I found the track this morning:

1. Watch for the lights: Just as my track had a few lights around it, we have been given a light, God's Word. The Bible gives you all the guidance you need, and God's Spirit helps you apply the principles of His Word to your individual situations.

2. Clear away the snow: Allow Jesus to work in your heart to change your desires into Godly ones, to learn to hate the things of the world.

3. Watch for the grass: Ask God to show you what compromise looks like and watch for it. Ask Him to show you the moment you step off the path! Naturally, this is easier to do sometimes than others. But in all times, we can ask God to help us, for "I can do all things in him that strengthens me" (Phil 4:13 NKJV)

Lord, help us to not see the world in shades of gray, but in black and white! Help us to hate even the tiniest tinge of compromise so that like David, we will to be able to say: "I try to walk a straight and narrow path of doing what is right …" (Ps 26:11 TLB)

SPRING

2009-03-19T21:09:00.002-05:00

Spring has finally peeked it's head out of my front border in the form of Daff~o~down~ dillies.hosta buds and tulip leaves! Yippee! Thank you God for the miracles You give us in the morning, and everyday!

Following

2009-03-11T07:59:00.006-05:00

The Holy Bible, New International Version. Psalm 143 A psalm of David Ps 143:1 O LORD, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief. 2 Do not bring your servant into judgment, for no one living is righteous before you. 3 The enemy pursues me, he crushes me to the ground; he makes me dwell in darkness like those long dead. 4 So my spirit grows faint within me; my heart within me is dismayed. 5 I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done. 6 I spread out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. 7 Answer me quickly, O LORD; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. 8 Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. 9 Rescue me from my enemies, O LORD, for I hide myself in you. 10 Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. 11 For your name’s sake, O LORD, preserve my life; in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble. 12 In your unfailing love, silence my enemies; destroy all my foes, for I am your servant. Clearly, the psalmist, David, wrote these words amidst circumstances of deep trouble and turmoil. In situations of suffering, we all know how appealing it is to wallow in the mire or self-pity and to think dark, vindictive thoughts against our 'enemies'. The Psalms are very candid in expressing grief and anger; and they give us the language for our own prayers when our own language fails us. God seems to be saying, through the Psalms, that it is all right to recognize and express these deep emotions to Him! After all, he knows that we are feeling them better than we know it ourselves! There is more to this poem than complaint, "I hide myself in You!" writes David. The place to flee in the midst of our struggles is to God, the only secure place of refuge. God is the only place of hope and comfort and safety. God is also the place to learn. "Show me the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul." To remain in the place of refuge, and to know the peace we all long to have in our hearts, we must seek to know and do the will of God. Isaiah 55:8 says "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says the LORD." Because this is true, we need to be taught His ways and His will. He teaches us His will in many ways, and even though we may not find the discipline easy, there is tremendous fulfillment in following them. We are learning as we follow. Our prayers are being answered even as we pray.

2009-03-10T09:02:00.001-05:00

"While we must devote enormous energy to conquering disease, it is equally important that we pay attention to the moral concerns raised by the new frontier of human embryo stem-cell research. Even the most noble ends do not justify any means."

— President George W. Bush, Aug. 9, 2001

Tuesday Dinner...

2009-03-03T08:46:00.002-06:00

Dishwasher Salmon with Carrot Soup!

For years I have tried to remember where I saw that Salmon could be cooked in the dishwasher. I think it was the Galloping Gourmet when I was little...

Anyway, no one has heard of it, and I thought I was crazy...but guess what we are having for dinner?!?!?!?!?!

Picture...

2009-03-02T16:23:00.001-06:00

I really like this picture. It's so cool. It's how I feel sometimes. Jesus just holding me. Cool.

2009-02-24T19:31:00.001-06:00

Disney World and Downtown Disney were so much fun! Bundled up in three sweatshirts and hats...we were cozy...

WinterHaven, FL and Clearwater, FL vacation

2009-02-22T15:29:00.002-06:00

...once we got there...

what a wonderful, and totally stress free vacation we had. Aunt Donna and Uncle Jim are the most wonderful hosts we have ever encountered! "Thank you, thank you and thank you, again!!!!! We love you and your home! An inspiration for Dan and I to work as hard as we can so someday we will be able to move in next door!!!!!!!"

Even though the cold blasted in, 50' during the day and 20's at least 2 nights, and stayed, as we did, we couldn't have asked for a better vacation with our family of 4, and now an added two with tons of memories!! Pineapple growers unite!!!!

Tampa PowerWorks with the Manatee observation deck and education building is a must for any Manatee lover! The synchronization of their breathing was amazing! Are Manatee and a Dugong the same thing?

Later, with the rest of the story...

2009-02-10T10:03:00.000-06:00

"Children, yours and mine, are the true wealth of any nation, and in them lies the hope of the future. A society that is too busy or too preoccupied for its children is just a nation of aging, dying people who feed on their own selfish interests."

Tribute to Mammy Hamster

2009-01-23T15:00:00.002-06:00

Mammy.

She was by far the most endearing hamster EVER!

She never bit anyone in her 2 1/2 year life.

She loved carrots and cabbage.

When we first got her from our friend Drifter,

she was so small. Tiny, in fact.

She would get food in her little pouches,

the run to her wheel and RUUUUUUUN!

{We always said she was running to South Dakota}

She'd drop her food in the wheel, and go get more.

She was so silly!

When we had her wire cage, she would climb,

up and down, up and around, and then JUMP off of her

red platform.

She sure had night~time energy.

For someone nocturnal.

She escaped one time, and our Border Collie found her.

Sitting behind the washing machine.

Daddy got her and took the tiny little feet in his big hands,

checking for boo-boos.

She did hurt her back left paw, but she healed up fine.

The last time she escaped her cage, we looked fervently.

We tore the house apart.

We couldn't get the Border Collie to do her job again.

I was a mess.

Every song reminded me of her.

We called the radio station to ask for prayer.

We checked under the dresser as a last thought...

She was sleeping , under the dresser, where she was...

probably all day.

I was not a mess any longer.

I just wanted to hold her.

Recently, she had been gaining weight.

She was fat.

She was LARGE...

ok, she was OBESE.

Last night we played with her and loved her,

and cleaned her cage.

We heard her on her wheel ,

cause it was really squeeky,

cause Ma'am was FAT!

Then this morning when I said good morning,

She didn't lift her little head

squint her little eyes and

rub her tiny face

to say good morning.

That's when I knew.

Mammy died.

I woke Haley,

we cried together.

Now we have to bury her.

By the Hibiscus in the garden.

She loved flowers.

Or, she would have,

I'm sure.

I loved Mammy.

Goodbye, dear girl.

~\0/~

2009-01-22T18:38:00.001-06:00

Creating a successful Butterfly Garden involves attracting a wide variety of butterflies and encouraging them to return the next season. The best way to do this is to plant both nectar-producing and host plants. The nectar-producing plants need to provide flowers that bloom throughout the season, especially in mid- to late summer when most butterflies are active. These plants should be grown in open, sunny areas, as the adults of many species rarely feed on plants in the shade. The host plants should offer a source of food and shelter for larvae and a place for adults to lay their eggs.

Plant a variety of nectar-rich plants, as well as shrubs and evergreens for shelter.
Grow a wide range of host plants to provide food during butterflies' larval (caterpillar) stage.
Avoid using pesticides, especially around nectar-producing plants. Even the use of some organic or biological controls can harm butterfly larvae.
Provide a shallow source of water (try a birdbath with pebbles lining the bowl).
Place a rock in a sunny spot for basking and resting.
Create a "puddling area" by digging a shallow hole filled with compost or manure where rainwater will collect and release essential salts and minerals.

2009-01-20T12:37:00.000-06:00

Note about 'new chapter' In another presidential ritual, Bush left a note for Obama in his desk in the Oval Office, wishing him well as he takes the reins of power.

"I won't provide any details, but the theme is similar to what he's said since election night about the fabulous new chapter President-elect Obama is about to start, and that he wishes him the very best," outgoing White House press secretary Dana Perino said.

She said the two-term Republican incumbent wrote the message to his Democratic successor on Monday and left it in the top drawer of his desk, which was crafted from timbers from the H.M.S. Resolute and given to the U.S. by Great Britain in 1879.

During his last moments in the Oval Office, former President Ronald Reagan scribbled a note for his successor on a notepad with a turkey insignia that said "Don't let the turkeys get you down." He, too, slipped the note in the presidential desk for his successor, President George H.W. Bush.

Four years after that, the elder Bush left a note for President Bill Clinton. And eight years after that, Clinton wrote a note for Bush, and included a copy of the message he had received from Bush's father.

2009-01-20T12:21:00.000-06:00

It's ironic that Barack Obama chooses to infuse these opening days of his presidency with the imagery of Abraham Lincoln. I don't think there could be two more different men. Understanding why may help us think about what to expect in the days ahead.

Beyond his trademark "change we can believe in," Obama's defining theme has been unity and inclusiveness. "...There's not a liberal America and a conservative America -- there's the United States of America....We worship an awesome God in the Blue States...and have gay friends in the Red States." Obama, of course, does not suggest that we don't have differences. His point is that those differences are not critically important and they're getting in our way. Let's put differences aside, get practical, and solve our problems. The inaugural ceremonies have pastors for everyone. A white evangelical that opposes same-sex marriage, a white homosexual, a left-wing black male, and a left-wing black female. His economic stimulus plan has large government expenditures to please Democrats and tax benefits to please Republicans. Lincoln, too, sought unity. But Lincoln's notion of where national unity would lie was far different from Obama's. He prophetically stated the challenge after accepting the Republican nomination for the presidency in 1858. "A house divided against itself cannot stand. I believe this government cannot endure half slave and half free. I do not expect the union to be dissolved. I do not expect the House to fall. But I do expect it will cease to be divided. It will become all one thing, or all the other." As historian Harry Jaffa points out, "For Lincoln, as for Jefferson and for all genuine supporters of the principles of the Declaration of Independence, the distinction between right and wrong is antecedent to any form of government and is independent of any man's or any majority's will." Lincoln knew that some principles are so fundamental they cannot be compromised. He knew that we couldn't ignore our key differences. Unity could only come from facing them and making the hard choices. He knew that even though there were competing religious claims on the issue of slavery -- some found biblical sanction in it -- we would still have to choose and decide who we are. As Americans killed each other, he observed: "Both read the same Bible and pray to the same God....The prayers of both could not be answered...." We have many Americans today who read the same Bible but see the truths that define this country very differently. And, of course, we have Americans who do not see the Bible as relevant to those truths at all and those who would claim that there are no truths. As Lincoln observed, the prayers of all cannot be answered. Unless we're resigned to meaninglessness, we must believe that our future will reflect today's choices. On the hardest moral dilemma of his day, Abraham Lincoln stepped up to the plate and took a stand. He did not say that it was above his pay grade. And this is what makes Abraham Lincoln very different from Barack Obama. Each time has its challenges. Americans feel betrayed by what they see as unethical behavior in American business and in Washington. Yet few seem to appreciate that moral problems lie at the root of our faltering economy.

Sanctity of life and sanctity of property are cut from the same cloth of eternal law. In the view of many, including me, it's this law that defines our free country. Our new president, who sanctions both abortion and massive government intrusion into our economic lives, sees things very differently. So let's not pretend these fundamental differences don't matter. How we choose will define our future. As Lincoln said, the nation "will become all one thing, or all the other."

2009-01-04T13:12:00.001-06:00

God's Spirals

2009-01-04T10:54:00.003-06:00

When God planned the spiral, He had more than numbers, beauty, and dynamic symmetry in mind. He wants me to thrill at the tiny accuracy of His Creation. He longs to reveal Himself by sharing His wisdom and love. Won't you bow in admiration and reverent worship with me? "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways," says the LORD, "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9 Global spirals appear in air and sea currents, rotating in one direction in the northern hemisphere and the opposite in the southern hemisphere. In an area of high pressure, winds blow clockwise in an outward spiral, usually bringing fair weather. Owtwardly expanding spirals are all good and bring growth or life-giving benefits, but ever since sin entered our world, destructive patterns have come in the form of reversed spirals. In areas of stormy weather, low pressure winds spiral inward in a counterclockwise pattern. Destructive cyclones blow inward toward the center, and the enemy must delight in the fury of hurricanes and typhoons and tornados with winds up to 300 mph, causing massive damage and loss of property and life. Satan surely becomes outraged when he sees God expanding my spiral of growth toward eternal joy as I focus on things above that are not of this world. The devil uses anything he can (from tv, to fashion, to over-consumption of anything) to turn my thoughts from God and His Word. Gradually my life would turn inward, centered on my own selfish desires. Spiritually, mentally, physically, and emotionally, my selfish thoughts would grow smaller and less spiritual, possibly spiralling out of control, like a hurricane, headed toward self-destruction. God can and does reverse Satan's spiral if I claim the promise of Jeremiah 29:11-14, "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon Me and pray to Me and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," says the LORD, "and I will bring you back from your captivity." Yes, God planned for my life to expand by His spiral. I am called to reach out away from my selfish center and grow by His power. He longs to enlarge my capacity to receive more and more of His character. Daily He will impart wisdom, love, strength, and joy! No limit! With God, I have infinite possibilities to become like Him spiritually, physicaly, mentally, and emotionally. I claim His promise to "...supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" ~Philippians 4:19 ~ a limitless spiral of hope on into eternity, you should too! ~\0/~

Red

2008-12-29T18:08:00.002-06:00

Red has always been my favorite color.

Growing up, everything in my closet was

one shade of red or another. It was quite

a chore choosing what to wear to school

on any given day. I'm glad we have

chosen to home school our children...I would

feel awfully sad if the kids didn't wear red to

school!

Speaking of red, I just found out that Red

Skelton is from Indiana. We used to love to

listen to Red Skelton, living in Pittsburgh we

didn't have much to laugh about...except

maybe the lopsided birds. Daddy thought

Mr.Skelton was quite funny!

YouTube shows some silly out~takes!

Here for your viewing pleasure.

Does anyone still wish for laughter in the New Year?

Happy!

~\0/~

Reflection on Friends

2008-12-27T09:22:00.002-06:00

When twilight drops her curtain down;

and pins it with a star;

Remember that you have a friend;

'though she may wander far.

2008-12-23T17:48:00.002-06:00

So many distractions in our lives. Some fun, others just bothersome. While I try to say "No" to stuff that is meaningless, visiting the elderly in our church is the best thing I have said "YES!" to this week. In particular, Grandma and Grandpa Pastor! My favorite people! They moved here last Spring when Grandma got sick and they needed to be taken care of by one of their children. Well, Albuquerque was out, because Grandma 'hates that mesa filled place.' Grandpa is at home 'wherever he hangs his hat' , but Indiana is their new home. First Winter blues and getting used to the climate has been difficult. BUT, I was privileged to be invited to spend a day with them due to a day that their son would be out all day. Vacation for me!

Grandpa is a master clock workman, and he is working on my Grandmothers Cuckoo Clock that just wouldn't stop going. With out the energiser bunny! What a remarkable thing the talent and gifts God gives us. What a blessing it was to spend the better part of the day with my favorite adopted Grandparents!!!

Kitchen hair!!!

2008-12-17T19:13:00.002-06:00

WOW! Look at those curls! Look at how th elight reflects into the We call it kitchen hair in the industry.

Beach hair, if you are getting ready to plan a trip to the beach, which we are. Only the female of this family wish to get ready for the beach with beach hair. And really, only the youngest female in this house. the older one just want to live vicariously through her daughters hair! People pay BIG BUCKS to get beautiful, strawberry blonde/platinum highlighted beach hair!!!! Haley, she just has to ask and do her little ant dance.!

Winter

2008-12-17T15:17:00.003-06:00

We've had our first 'winter storm' Whoopee!!! Ice everywhere!

The bare trees look so beautiful with all the ice on their branches.

The streets do too, except when sliding instead of stopping...

I love this time of year. We play games and have challenges on the Wii.

Drink hot chocolate with {sugar free} candy canes to stir it with.

Don't forget the mini-marshmallows!

Even though the rest of the week is going to be raining and warmer,

today is good, and just knowing that there is a possibility of more,

that is what makes this time of year my favorite.

And the planning of the February Florida vacation!

2008-12-16T10:11:00.003-06:00

"Life is ten percent what happens to you

and ninety percent how you respond to it."

Forgive, and Celebrate HIM this CHRISTmas

2008-12-16T09:45:00.002-06:00

Remembering a past hurt, I prayed about how to forgive. Obviously I sometimes don't listen well. But, here's what I found out; God was up to something when He tickled my Spirit inside, and being the mature and godly woman that I was, I was furious! "That woman does not deserve forgiveness, Lord" I ranted. My Father whispered, "Neither do you, child." I was still angry. "Lord, she is the one that hurt me," I cried. "Just as you have hurt me," He responded. I wasn't through. "I think it is only fair for me to wait for her to make the first move. And then she needs to come crawling on her hands and knees, begging for my forgiveness!" In the silence, I heard the words of the Great Physician, a voice I have come to love so much, "Aren't you glad I didn't wait for you to come to me?"

I suddenly realized I had a choice to make. I could choose to hang on to my anger and bitterness, making her my jailer, or I could choose to forgive her and set myself free! But I just couldn't forgive her on my own, so I did what David did. I cried out to God.

Psalm 40:1-3a (NIV) "I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit; out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God."

As I wrestled with the choice to forgive, I learned several life-changing truths:

If we make the choice to forgive, God will supply the forgiveness.
There should be no limit to our forgiveness because there is no limit to His.
Forgiveness is not a feeling or an emotion. Forgiveness is a deliberate choice.
Forgiveness is our greatest need and God's greatest gift.

While we cannot change the past, we can change our response to the past and dictate the power it has over us. If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent an educator. If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent a scientist, but because our greatest need was and is forgiveness, God sent a Savior, Jesus Christ, who is calling us all to a higher place, a place of forgiveness. The choice is ours to make. Today, we can choose freedom by choosing to forgive.

Let's Pray Father, it is not within my power to forgive, but it is within my power to choose forgiveness. Right now, I surrender my pain and hurt to You. I choose to forgive as You have forgiven me.

In Jesus' name, I pray Amen

Now It's Your Turn For some reason, the holidays seem to intensify old wounds and resurrect old hurts. Examine your heart for wounds that have not healed. Decide today to deal with the pain of the past. Choose to give the gift of forgiveness and receive God's healing and restoration in return.

Emmanuel

2008-12-14T09:07:00.005-06:00

For the last few years, many conservative Christians have been concerned with the secularization of Christmas. They've spent a lot of energy protecting their right to say "Merry Christmas" and perform other public acts of sectarian merry-making.

There is much to lament in this particular front of the culture war, especially since the brouhaha distracts us from combating the real threat to Christmas. But for now, I just want to point out the irony of Christian attempts at protecting our right to make merry.

In keeping with Christian tradition, we should be reflecting on our longing and need for the Messiah, not defending our right to a public Nativity scene. December should be marked by humility, not cultural defensiveness. Let's not reflect on the need of others to acknowledge our privileged status in this pluralist democracy; rather, let's reflect on our own need for hope, for a visible inbreaking of God, for salvation.

I value the wisdom of the gorgeous Advent hymn "O Come, O Come Emmanuel," which sums up what should be our true holiday spirit in the days before the 12 Days of Christmas:

O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel, that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, thou Wisdom from on high, who orderest all things mightily; to us the path of knowledge show, and teach us in her ways to go. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, thou Rod of Jesse, free thine own from Satan's tyranny; from depths of hell thy people save, and give them victory over the grave. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, thou Dayspring, come and cheer our spirits by thine advent here; disperse the gloomy clouds of night, and death's dark shadows put to flight.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to thee, O Israel.

Gingerbread

2008-12-12T18:05:00.004-06:00

YUM!

For a couple of years we went to my friends home and made Gingerbread houses...with graham crackers for ease. Gingerbread men were made from scratch to decorate, and oooohhhhh, they were yummy. Just the smell is good for me. This year, my dilemma is this; Corban is Autistic and on a special diet. {Wheat free, gluten free and casein free diet. That removes all breads, pastas and goodies that also include milk and the by~products. He is the healthiest one of the family. I am going to switch after the first of the year. } I digress...

With this specialized diet, Corban can't eat cookies, let alone gingerbread men, or houses!, and I feel that I need to be a little more sensitive to his cause... none of us are going to eat or make Gingerbread anythings this year...well, I do have a sewing project... and there's the Muppets Gingerbread Song from the very first Muppets season that we found at the library. You can watch it over there------>

Soon it should snow, then we can take our winter wonderland picture, before we go to Sanibel in February! 2nd Honeymoon...with dependants this time! Mucky Duck....here we come!!!

Digressing again, I found a recipe for wfgfcf gingerbread!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! {AWESOME BOOK!!!!! 'The Gluten~Free Kitchen' by Roben Ryberg}

...here goes:

Ingredients:

1/3 cup molasses

1/3 cup light corn syrup

2/3 cup boiling water

3/4 cup cornstarch

1/2 cup plus 2 Tablespoons potato starch

1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda

3/4 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon ginger

1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4 teaspoon xanthan gum

1/3 cup oil

1/3 cup sugar {I'll use Splenda}

1 egg

Directions {or destructions depending on the chef! ;D}

Preheat oven to 325deg. In a small bowl, combine molasses, light corn syrup, and boiling water. Set aside to cool.

In large bowl, combine cornstarch, ginger, salt and xanthan gum. To flour mixture, add oil, sugar, egg and cooled molasses mixture. Mix well to remove lumps.

Pour batter into greased 8x8 or 9x9 pan. Bake 40 minutes, until toothpick inserted in middle of cake tests done.

Makes 9 large servings.

oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh! Here are some gingersnaps!

This is what we'll use for gingerbread men this year! Yippee!

Ingredients

1/4 cup shortening

1/2 cup sugar {Splenda again}

1/3 cup molasses

2 egg yolks

1 1/4 cups cornstarch

3/4 cup potato starch

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 cup oil

1 teaspoon xanthan gum

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

For Topping

1 Tablespoon sugar (real this time)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350deg. In large bowl, cream together shortening, sugar, and molasses. Add remaining ingredients, mixing well to remove all lumps.

Drop by rounded teaspoonful onto greased baking sheet. Sprinkle well with sugar. Bake 8-9 minutes. Dough will be just set, with no wet spot in the middle.

Over baking will make the cookie too hard...so use them for a

GINGERBREAD HOUSE!!!!!

Yeeeeeeeeaaaaah!

Off to make some...Merry Christmas Season.

May He be with you for eternity!

You only have to ask 'him in and trust that He will guide you through!

Jesus is truly the answer~

~\0/~

Inspiration from HSLDA

2008-12-04T10:05:00.002-06:00

This article was inspiring and exciting for me to read! We are not alone! We will show You strong in our lives, LORD!

For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect [at peace with or loyal] toward him.

—II Chronicles 16:9 KJV

I find this verse one of the most personally inspiring verses in the entire Bible. Let me share how it became such a powerful life verse for me in the hope that it will bless you as well.

I have been speaking about homeschooling teens for over 20 years. I have a list entitled “Ten Reasons to Homeschool Teens” that has been shared at conferences and in magazines across the country. Several years ago I was preparing my notes for a talk when I felt the Lord was getting my attention and sending a very clear thought to my mind, “There’s another reason to homeschool your teens. I want to show Myself strong on your behalf.” II Chronicles 16:9 immediately became the 11th reason on my list of reasons to homeschool teens.

Over the years I have come to realize that the Lord wants his Word to be very personal to us. He wants it to be a “living Word” in our lives. Each day in my quiet time I open the scriptures expecting to hear from Him, and I try to take it as personally as I can.

In that vein, let’s take a closer look at this verse and see how each one of us can be encouraged in our commitment to homeschool to know that we are not alone in the task.

It is hard for me to wrap my mind around the concept that He is going back and forth over the whole world, continually scanning the earth, seeking us out and searching for those of us who are completely loyal to him. To me it means God is pursuing us with a desire to walk with us everyday. He says He does this because he wants to “show” His strength in the things we face day in and day out. He knows our frailties and the limitations of our human condition. And because He is a loving God, it gives Him pleasure to meet our needs in this way.

Of all the compelling reasons to continue to homeschool our teens, none compares to these few powerful words that tell us that the Lord wants to meet us where we are with His help and strength.

Paul knew how to tap into God’s strength for his life. In II Corinthians 12:10 he says, “Therefore I take pleasure in my infirmities for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then I am strong.” KJV

The necessary ingredient we need for God to release His strength in our lives is humility. All we need to do is acknowledge our own need or weakness. Our willingness to humble ourselves and admit that we can’t do it without Him is all He asks.

Wouldn’t it be a little insulting to the Lord for Him to make us this offer and for us to disregard it? Hasn’t He proved Himself by sending His own Son to earth to give His life to satisfy God’s requirement that our sins be covered by Jesus’ blood sacrifice? What more could God do to prove His love for us? It is through God’s sheer power, or strength, that He raised His Son from the dead and won the final victory over sin and death. It is this very strength that is made available to us when He offers “to show Himself strong” on our behalf.

So, when we begin to doubt our ability to homeschool through high school, when we feel we can’t teach challenging courses, or our children are pressuring us to go to “normal” school, or we worry that they won’t get into the college of their choice, perhaps it is time to remember the Lord’s offer to provide us with the strength we need.

I want to leave with you a prayer to pray when doubt sets in:

Dear loving Heavenly Father,
I face so many unknowns as I consider the decision to homeschool through high school. You know my fears and concerns. I confess that in my own strength I can't do it, but with your help I know I can. Right now I ask you for your strength to continue to teach through the teen years. Please grant me the grace to do what you have called me to do. Thank you for answering my prayer.
In Jesus name, Amen

2008-12-03T08:15:00.002-06:00

The question that plagues modern homeschoolers, in the same way that men and women in the middle ages wondered if the world was flat, is: "Are we making any progress and are my kids really learning anything?" I say 'modern homeschoolers' because I don't think the pioneer homeschoolers asked that question.

For them, it wasn't about whether their children knew enough, but about 'what' they knew. They used God's standard in the Bible as their standard. In the last couple of decades, we've changed that standard.

Now the standard used is the level of academics a boy or girl should be at by age 8, 12, or 17. We look towards the "experts" who say a child should be reading chapter books by age seven, doing algebra by 9th grade, and taking Chemistry in 11th grade.

"Says who?"

It certainly isn't God. The truth is that some children don't read until they're ten, struggle to learn algebra, or never make it to Chemistry. And that's OK!

Our children are learning! They will be well prepared for whatever it is God created them. That gives us grace to enjoy our children at whatever level they are.

"Everybody is a genius. But, if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will spend its whole life believing that it is stupid." - Albert Einstein

I couldn't have said it better...