Christmas is over. We are home. Archie goes back to work today and so do I.
I've been pushing all my regular chores to the side the last couple of months. In Sept. my Grandma died and we went out of town, in October we went out of town for my sister's wedding Nov. 1st, Then my family was here for Thanksgiving just 4 weeks later, and then we went out of town for Christmas as well! So its been a busy last few months!
The business isn't going to end either. In 3 1/2 weeks we are going on a trip to Georgia!
So for the next 3 weeks I want to focus on getting the house back in order, and getting as much school work done as we can. I really want to have the boys finished as early in the year as possible so that we won't have to worry about school the last few weeks we live here.
Today is Sunday. Today I mostly want to get the floors clear so the baby can play without being in danger. I also want to get the tree taken down. Other than those things, I just want to make a list for what I want to accomplish this week, both school wise and chore wise.
Back to work I go!
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday Victoria!
My niece turned 1 year old today!
Though we are also celebrating Jesus' birthday, we do not count His years, because He is ageless. He was before the world began and He will always be.
I think of the babe, wrapped in swaddling clothes, laying in a manger. I think of the wide eyed newborn, quietly taking in His surroundings. I think of his mother, perhaps a little sad that He is born in such a lowly place, but at the same time, she must have been in awe. So amazed to see God incarnate with her own eyes. Wondering if all this was real, knowing that it was. I think of Joseph, completely amazed at it all. Wondering how he was going to provide for this newborn King, believing that it would all be ok.
I am amazed just as they were. Not fulling understanding all of this, but believing all the same. God the Son, became flesh. He lived among us. He showed us the Truth, and became our Way to God the Father.
As the song says "I stand amazed in the presence, of Jesus the Nazarene, and wonder how He could love me, a sinner condemned, unclean."
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him, shall not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
Thank You Heavenly Father, for Your perfect gift. I could not ever be good enough to be reconciled to You, thank You for making a way. You gave so much to be with me. I want to give my all to You. I pray in the precious name of Jesus, Emanuel, Yeshua, Amen.
Though we are also celebrating Jesus' birthday, we do not count His years, because He is ageless. He was before the world began and He will always be.
I think of the babe, wrapped in swaddling clothes, laying in a manger. I think of the wide eyed newborn, quietly taking in His surroundings. I think of his mother, perhaps a little sad that He is born in such a lowly place, but at the same time, she must have been in awe. So amazed to see God incarnate with her own eyes. Wondering if all this was real, knowing that it was. I think of Joseph, completely amazed at it all. Wondering how he was going to provide for this newborn King, believing that it would all be ok.
I am amazed just as they were. Not fulling understanding all of this, but believing all the same. God the Son, became flesh. He lived among us. He showed us the Truth, and became our Way to God the Father.
As the song says "I stand amazed in the presence, of Jesus the Nazarene, and wonder how He could love me, a sinner condemned, unclean."
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him, shall not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
Thank You Heavenly Father, for Your perfect gift. I could not ever be good enough to be reconciled to You, thank You for making a way. You gave so much to be with me. I want to give my all to You. I pray in the precious name of Jesus, Emanuel, Yeshua, Amen.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Praise the Lord! Only 3 more!
Dh finished one of his classes last night. Now he only has 3 more to go and he'll be done with Bible College and graduate in May!!! I am so excited!
He has been working towards this for nearly 7 years. We moved out here in June of 2002. (I found out I was pregnant with G half way between California and Georgia). We started out living with my parents while Archie looked for a job. He started out working two part time jobs until he got hired full-time at Home Depot. All the time taking classes part-time. Then we moved down closer to the Bible College.
We had discussed visiting several different churches but then a neighbor recommended one we hadn't heard of. We ended up visiting that one first and immediately felt that we were home. I still praise God that He brought us to this church!
Since then, we've had 3 sons (for a total of 4), moved from apartment to apartment to house, and I think both Archie and I have done a lot of growing up.
Just 3 more classes to go. Wow, all I can say is "Praise the Lord". Without Him, none of this would have happened. He directed us, and He has given us all we need to complete His will.
He has been working towards this for nearly 7 years. We moved out here in June of 2002. (I found out I was pregnant with G half way between California and Georgia). We started out living with my parents while Archie looked for a job. He started out working two part time jobs until he got hired full-time at Home Depot. All the time taking classes part-time. Then we moved down closer to the Bible College.
We had discussed visiting several different churches but then a neighbor recommended one we hadn't heard of. We ended up visiting that one first and immediately felt that we were home. I still praise God that He brought us to this church!
Since then, we've had 3 sons (for a total of 4), moved from apartment to apartment to house, and I think both Archie and I have done a lot of growing up.
Just 3 more classes to go. Wow, all I can say is "Praise the Lord". Without Him, none of this would have happened. He directed us, and He has given us all we need to complete His will.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
If he follows the pattern...
Silas will be my earliest walker!
The other three boys started walking about 2 months after they started pulling up on furniture. Silas started doing this yesterday. Though he still crawls on his belly, not on his hands and knees.
The other three started walking at 9 1/2 mos, 10 1/2 mos, and 10 mos. *I'm* not in a hurry for S to walk, but it looks like he might be. We'll just have to wait and see!
The other three boys started walking about 2 months after they started pulling up on furniture. Silas started doing this yesterday. Though he still crawls on his belly, not on his hands and knees.
The other three started walking at 9 1/2 mos, 10 1/2 mos, and 10 mos. *I'm* not in a hurry for S to walk, but it looks like he might be. We'll just have to wait and see!
To the recipe makers
I just want to take a moment to say "Thanks" to all the men and women, all around the world, since the world began, who created recipes.
I say thank you, for all the times you tried just a little more cinnamon. For all the times you tried to make a batch of fudge before it came out "just right. For all the recipes that got thrown out because they didn't turn out. For all the wasted ingredients from your failed experiments. Thanks for figuring out the perfect temperature, the right amount of liquid, and exactly how much salt to add.
Without your effort I wouldn't be able to make so many yummy things to eat.
So today I say, Thank you!
I say thank you, for all the times you tried just a little more cinnamon. For all the times you tried to make a batch of fudge before it came out "just right. For all the recipes that got thrown out because they didn't turn out. For all the wasted ingredients from your failed experiments. Thanks for figuring out the perfect temperature, the right amount of liquid, and exactly how much salt to add.
Without your effort I wouldn't be able to make so many yummy things to eat.
So today I say, Thank you!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Heart 2 Heart
Monday morning, I'm up and ready to go at 8:30. Four other ladies and I are all reading the same book. We meet in one of our homes together to discuss it and share what the Lord is teaching us. We read together, we pray together, we share our struggles and our discoveries, both about ourselves and about the Lord. Most importantly, we grow together, lifting each other up, praising the Lord.
This has been the scenario for my Monday mornings once a month for the past year. I've actually read through two whole books! It has been a wonderful experience for me. Learning alongside other women. Learning that I am not alone in my struggles. Learning that no one is perfect and that we all have a lot to learn about being bondslaves, and daughters of Christ.
I have loved receiving godly counsel, I have loved sharing my heart, I have loved praying with my sisters, and I have loved learning.
I hope to take this model and continue to use it. I am already going through another book with a lady from church, and another one with my sister. I hope that when we move to Georgia I will be able to start another group. I am already praying that the Lord will show me which book to use and who to ask to join me in reading it, I know He will.
Women need to have close relationships. We are just made that way. I think this model is such a great way to build those relationships! Its so much easier to say "Hey, would you like to get together and go through a book with me?", than to say "Would you like to build a strong, deep friendship with me, as we grow closer to the Lord together?".
I pray that God will use this ministry here at this church, and I pray that it will spread to other churches, and other women everywhere!
This has been the scenario for my Monday mornings once a month for the past year. I've actually read through two whole books! It has been a wonderful experience for me. Learning alongside other women. Learning that I am not alone in my struggles. Learning that no one is perfect and that we all have a lot to learn about being bondslaves, and daughters of Christ.
I have loved receiving godly counsel, I have loved sharing my heart, I have loved praying with my sisters, and I have loved learning.
I hope to take this model and continue to use it. I am already going through another book with a lady from church, and another one with my sister. I hope that when we move to Georgia I will be able to start another group. I am already praying that the Lord will show me which book to use and who to ask to join me in reading it, I know He will.
Women need to have close relationships. We are just made that way. I think this model is such a great way to build those relationships! Its so much easier to say "Hey, would you like to get together and go through a book with me?", than to say "Would you like to build a strong, deep friendship with me, as we grow closer to the Lord together?".
I pray that God will use this ministry here at this church, and I pray that it will spread to other churches, and other women everywhere!
Friday, December 12, 2008
Our Christmas picture
Well, there it is! I'm starting to think I should have gone with the one where everyone was looking but Silas, oh well, its already done, I already all printed up! I think it turned out pretty good anyway.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Answering the phone
I read in a book once of a lady who, every time she answered the phone, said something like "Lord, whoever it is, whatever it is, help me to help".
What a great idea! I know I have, unexpectedly, received phone calls from people seeking advice or encouragement, sometimes it has been a very serious situation. Praying that quick little prayer, "Lord help me to say the right things to whoever is on the phone, whatever the subject of our conversation, help me to be an encouragement", seems like it would make a world of difference. Not only would it give me a different perspective, but it would invite the Lord to be part of the conversation.
One day I got an interesting phone call. I did not pray that prayer before I answered but as soon as I heard the question I shot up that prayer really quick!
~The man on the other end of the phone said "Is this the 'such and suck' crisis line?"
~I said no, I'm sorry, you must have the wrong number, what number were you trying to call? maybe I can look it up for you"
~He said "no, thats ok, I just needed to talk to someone. Can I just talk to you?"
~I said "I don't think I am the best person for you to talk to" (me being female) "but I can pray for you"
~He said "oh, ok, thanks"
~I prayed for him, that he would find the help he needs, that he would look to the Lord for the answers, and that the Lord would reach out to him.
~He said "thanks" and we both hung up the phone.
Now I don't know if that was a person that was really in need, seeking someone to talk to, or if it was just some guy making prank phone calls. But I really believe that the Lord gave me wisdom that day when I prayed that prayer.
Lord, whoever it is, wherever they are, what ever the subject is, help me to help, and to offer encouragement.
What a great idea! I know I have, unexpectedly, received phone calls from people seeking advice or encouragement, sometimes it has been a very serious situation. Praying that quick little prayer, "Lord help me to say the right things to whoever is on the phone, whatever the subject of our conversation, help me to be an encouragement", seems like it would make a world of difference. Not only would it give me a different perspective, but it would invite the Lord to be part of the conversation.
One day I got an interesting phone call. I did not pray that prayer before I answered but as soon as I heard the question I shot up that prayer really quick!
~The man on the other end of the phone said "Is this the 'such and suck' crisis line?"
~I said no, I'm sorry, you must have the wrong number, what number were you trying to call? maybe I can look it up for you"
~He said "no, thats ok, I just needed to talk to someone. Can I just talk to you?"
~I said "I don't think I am the best person for you to talk to" (me being female) "but I can pray for you"
~He said "oh, ok, thanks"
~I prayed for him, that he would find the help he needs, that he would look to the Lord for the answers, and that the Lord would reach out to him.
~He said "thanks" and we both hung up the phone.
Now I don't know if that was a person that was really in need, seeking someone to talk to, or if it was just some guy making prank phone calls. But I really believe that the Lord gave me wisdom that day when I prayed that prayer.
Lord, whoever it is, wherever they are, what ever the subject is, help me to help, and to offer encouragement.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Jelly Telly
Just had to post about Jelly Telly. It's Phil Vischer's new website for kids. Its a Christian TV network for kids.
I love letting the kids watch it. I especially like the Bible songs. They have these two brothers singing about the books of the Bible and telling what each one is about. They also show clips of Drive Thru History. I really like that too.
You can sign up for a free month and then for a very reasonable fee you can continue your membership. We have decided its definitely worth it.
Its just really nice to have Biblically focused "TV" shows for them to watch! I hope that it does well and continues to expand.
www.jellytelly.com
I love letting the kids watch it. I especially like the Bible songs. They have these two brothers singing about the books of the Bible and telling what each one is about. They also show clips of Drive Thru History. I really like that too.
You can sign up for a free month and then for a very reasonable fee you can continue your membership. We have decided its definitely worth it.
Its just really nice to have Biblically focused "TV" shows for them to watch! I hope that it does well and continues to expand.
www.jellytelly.com
Monday, December 8, 2008
Christmas
Its that time of year again! Shopping, trees, presents, baking, candy making....
Of course I know this is not what its all about. This holiday is to celebrate the greatest gift ever given to mankind, Jesus Christ.
The tree reminds me of a couple of things, the cross where Jesus gave His life for me, and the new life I have because I accepted His forgiveness and give my life to Him.
Baking reminds me how the Lord always provides for my needs, and to "taste and see that the Lord is good".
Take some time this year and read the accounts of Jesus' birth in the Gospels. Meditate on the gift that God has given to us. Ask the Lord to help you see this season in a new light.
And ask God to bring you an opportunity to show His love to someone else this year. He surely will.
Of course I know this is not what its all about. This holiday is to celebrate the greatest gift ever given to mankind, Jesus Christ.
The tree reminds me of a couple of things, the cross where Jesus gave His life for me, and the new life I have because I accepted His forgiveness and give my life to Him.
The presents remind me of the gifts given to baby Jesus by the Wisemen, but more importantly of God's gift, Jesus, His only begotten Son. I am also reminded of the free gift of Salvation.
Baking reminds me how the Lord always provides for my needs, and to "taste and see that the Lord is good".
Take some time this year and read the accounts of Jesus' birth in the Gospels. Meditate on the gift that God has given to us. Ask the Lord to help you see this season in a new light.
And ask God to bring you an opportunity to show His love to someone else this year. He surely will.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Life of a mom...
Please tell me I'm not alone! Ever have one of those days?
Where the children turn into tornadoes?
Where you have to clean and vaccum the living room 3 times in one afternoon?
Where your heart stops because you found a child carrying a lit candle into their room?
Where you have to re-decorate the Christmas tree more times than you can count?
Where your kids are so hyper you wonder if they've found the stash of candy you so carefully hid?
Where you are so excited to have a baby sitter coming over so you can go out with your husband, but nervous about whether or not she'll be able to handle the kids while your gone?
Where your three year olds pants are ripped to shreds and you can't figure out how he did it?
That's about how my day has been.
Of course then there are the other moments of the day...
When the 5 year old sets up a game of "roll the ball" with his little brothers, and the baby puts the ball in his mouth every time its rolled to him, making the 3 year old laugh his head off.
And then the same 5 year old brings the baby to me all wrapped up in a white blanket and says "look momma! its baby Jesus!".
And the 3 year old plays peek-a-boo with the baby with that same blanket.
Then the 8 year old tells the 3 year old "its alright if you can't play the computer game right, you'll learn, making mistakes is how we learn!"
Sigh.
And at the end of the day, I know, without any doubt, that God has given me these children for a reason. He gave me this husband for a reason, this life for a reason. As challenging as it is at times (well, most of the time), its good and I am blessed.
Thanks Lord.
Where the children turn into tornadoes?
Where you have to clean and vaccum the living room 3 times in one afternoon?
Where your heart stops because you found a child carrying a lit candle into their room?
Where you have to re-decorate the Christmas tree more times than you can count?
Where your kids are so hyper you wonder if they've found the stash of candy you so carefully hid?
Where you are so excited to have a baby sitter coming over so you can go out with your husband, but nervous about whether or not she'll be able to handle the kids while your gone?
Where your three year olds pants are ripped to shreds and you can't figure out how he did it?
That's about how my day has been.
Of course then there are the other moments of the day...
When the 5 year old sets up a game of "roll the ball" with his little brothers, and the baby puts the ball in his mouth every time its rolled to him, making the 3 year old laugh his head off.
And then the same 5 year old brings the baby to me all wrapped up in a white blanket and says "look momma! its baby Jesus!".
And the 3 year old plays peek-a-boo with the baby with that same blanket.
Then the 8 year old tells the 3 year old "its alright if you can't play the computer game right, you'll learn, making mistakes is how we learn!"
Sigh.
And at the end of the day, I know, without any doubt, that God has given me these children for a reason. He gave me this husband for a reason, this life for a reason. As challenging as it is at times (well, most of the time), its good and I am blessed.
Thanks Lord.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Give Thanks, Always!
Thanksgiving is past and I did not take the time to write a Thanksgiving blog. But its always a good time to be thankful!
I am thankful for many things, I'm thankful that I have a working washer and dryer, that I have 4 amazing sons, that I have an awesome husband, that I have a wonderful church family, that I live in a free country, that I have the health to be able to take care of my family, I'm even thankful for the internet! It opens up a whole world of ways to keep in touch with loved ones and is a wealth of information.
I am thankful for a husband who loves me even when I'm crazy, and at my worst, and in doing so shows me God's love for me. Mostly, I am thankful for my Lord and Savior who loves me even though He can see into my wicked heart. He knows the worst that is in me and yet He loves me enough to have died for me! I am so Thankful for Him and to Him! I am so Thankful that He is patient with me even when its the millionth time He's tried to teach me a lesson, I am so Thankful that He blesses me just because He loves me and not because I've earned anything. I love Him, because He first loved me.
What do you have to be thankful for today?
I am thankful for many things, I'm thankful that I have a working washer and dryer, that I have 4 amazing sons, that I have an awesome husband, that I have a wonderful church family, that I live in a free country, that I have the health to be able to take care of my family, I'm even thankful for the internet! It opens up a whole world of ways to keep in touch with loved ones and is a wealth of information.
I am thankful for a husband who loves me even when I'm crazy, and at my worst, and in doing so shows me God's love for me. Mostly, I am thankful for my Lord and Savior who loves me even though He can see into my wicked heart. He knows the worst that is in me and yet He loves me enough to have died for me! I am so Thankful for Him and to Him! I am so Thankful that He is patient with me even when its the millionth time He's tried to teach me a lesson, I am so Thankful that He blesses me just because He loves me and not because I've earned anything. I love Him, because He first loved me.
What do you have to be thankful for today?
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