The power of prayer never ceases to amaze me... So often I feel so insignificant... like the problems of my loved one's and the world are just too big... I think... "What can I do? What can I do?" Always there is end though, "All I can do is pray." But why can't I get it through my head that prayer is not the end result when there is nothing else I can think of to do. Prayer should be my first option in all things.
In my last blog post I wrote about my obsessive journal keeping habits. Well this habit is a constant source of comfort for me. I like to read back and I'm always seeing God's handiwork in life around me. Last night I talked to my husband who is away this week for work, and I learned he had the privilege to have dinner with the owners of the company he works for. The night before in my prayer journal I had taken time to pray for him. I pray for Chris often but this felt special because I remember the thoughts as I was writing this prayer and I know that God was sending Chris special grace. I just thought this was so cool to hear Chris tell me about his dinner and know that God had already answered my prayer from the night before.
As I look around and see families in need and so many souls suffering I know I don't have to feel helpless because I don't have enough time, energy and money to help them all. I have the power of prayer and the true living God who works all things together for good who I can turn to for help.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Journal Writing....
I am ever so thankful for my crazy journal keeping habit. I currently keep a personal journal that I write in almost every night. I also keep a prayer journal, prayer request journal, bible study journal and a journal for each of my kids and my husband. Yea yea I know... that's why I called it a "crazy" habit.
Keeping a journal is a very useful tool in looking back at the past and learning life lessons. I asked my husband Chris the other night, "do ya wanna know what you were doing a year ago today?" Of course he said yes and I proceeded to read more than just one entry. I even dug out the really early years when all I ever wrote about was how mad he made me. I love those one's because it makes me really appreciate my family now. I was on the verge of giving up right at the beginning. I would have missed out on so many blessings... I'm very thankful God gave me wisdom to become a better wife and mother. It's a wonderful thing to be able to look back at these times in my life and know that I made it through and I'm doing better. I give all the credit to God, without the wisdom of scripture and help from other faithful Christians I wouldn't be where I am today. I'm sure in five years I will take another look back and say "oh wow I've really learned so much since then."
Keeping a journal is a very useful tool in looking back at the past and learning life lessons. I asked my husband Chris the other night, "do ya wanna know what you were doing a year ago today?" Of course he said yes and I proceeded to read more than just one entry. I even dug out the really early years when all I ever wrote about was how mad he made me. I love those one's because it makes me really appreciate my family now. I was on the verge of giving up right at the beginning. I would have missed out on so many blessings... I'm very thankful God gave me wisdom to become a better wife and mother. It's a wonderful thing to be able to look back at these times in my life and know that I made it through and I'm doing better. I give all the credit to God, without the wisdom of scripture and help from other faithful Christians I wouldn't be where I am today. I'm sure in five years I will take another look back and say "oh wow I've really learned so much since then."
Monday, November 15, 2010
Blessed By Fashion Sense!
Anyone who knows my 10 year old daughter will testify that she has a "unique" sense of fashion. Many times I have cringed as she presented herself "ready for church" or other events. Sometimes I let it slide but there are times I just have to make her change... Candy striped toe socks, flip flops, and orange skirt and a blue shirt... These are the atrocities I try to make Emily notice, but things like that really don't bother her. She really just likes to wear all her favorite things at once. She is also a fan of all things comfortable. She would live in sweat pants, stretchy pants etc... if I'd allow it. It's now a standing rule at our house that when I say to get dressed because we're leaving the house, there are no sweat pants allowed!
If you really know Emily you will also know that she is my biggest helper. I was very blessed to have a daughter as my first born. Especially since the next three are crazy little boys! Emily is know as "Memy" by her littlest brother Taylor. He sometimes even prefers her over his Mamma when things aren't going his way. Emily spoils him rotten! One thing Emily does super well is when things are hectic and busy during getting ready to leave the house, she will always help by getting Taylor ready to go. Today was no exception. When Taylor came into the bathroom to get his hair combed I took one look at him and was just overwhelmed with thankfulness. You might think I'm crazy but everything about what he was wearing shouted "MY SISTER LOVES ME." So as I'm typing and holding back the boohoo's I just have to smile and brag on my sweet Emily. It's funny how something so silly as what my son is wearing brought a huge blessing to my day.
If you really know Emily you will also know that she is my biggest helper. I was very blessed to have a daughter as my first born. Especially since the next three are crazy little boys! Emily is know as "Memy" by her littlest brother Taylor. He sometimes even prefers her over his Mamma when things aren't going his way. Emily spoils him rotten! One thing Emily does super well is when things are hectic and busy during getting ready to leave the house, she will always help by getting Taylor ready to go. Today was no exception. When Taylor came into the bathroom to get his hair combed I took one look at him and was just overwhelmed with thankfulness. You might think I'm crazy but everything about what he was wearing shouted "MY SISTER LOVES ME." So as I'm typing and holding back the boohoo's I just have to smile and brag on my sweet Emily. It's funny how something so silly as what my son is wearing brought a huge blessing to my day.
Notice the too small tucked in dress shirt paired with sweat pants and snow boots...
Taylor removed his snow boots to reveal his colorful, totally Emily, mismatched socks...
Everything about this picture says to me.... "My sissy loves me!"
Saturday, November 06, 2010
Black Walnuts Life Change!
My sweet sister told me a few months ago that instead of a "diet" her and her husband doing a "life change." I thought that was so cool and I ask her often if she's still on her "life change." She's doing very well and seems happy.
My husband Chris is about to experience a "life change." We're a homeschooling family and the kids and I are making him our project for the next few months. I'm slowly picking up bits and pieces of information to begin the process. Of course we will all be doing this "life change" with Chris because as a family we all eat together.
One interesting thing I picked up while watching a documentary called "Food Matters" is to drink one liter of water first thing in the morning before you eat anything. So we're going to start trying this. Now the kids won't be able to drink quite that much but I think a glassful will do just fine. This is supposed to help your digestive system clean itself out... We'll see. I thought it sounded like something easy that we could add to our "life change." Things have to be easy and habit forming because otherwise I don't see us sticking to it.
The next thing I thought of was while I was shelling Black Walnuts. Normally this time of year I shell them and sell them! Well not this year. Instead we are going to keep all the nuts we shell and use them in our "life change." Black Walnuts are rich rich rich in nutrients. I had thought about starting a multivitamin but they cost money. The Black Walnuts were laying all over our lawn for free. It just took a little elbow grease.
So for Chris and I we will start our day off with a liter of water and 3.5 Tbs of Black Walnuts. The kids will have lower doses of both. Black Walnuts contain essential minerals, like magnesium, copper, selenium, iron and potassium. The amount we're going to work with has 175 calories which I have no idea if that's high or not but they also have 6.8 grams of Protein, 11.9 grams of Fiber and 11 mg. of Vitamin C. I haven't researched yet to find out what the recommended daily intake of all these nutrients is but this is a start. Isn't that what a "life change" is all about? Taking the first step and actually STARTING! Black Walnuts also have good cholesterol and are good for lowering cholesterol and decrease the risk of cancer and heart disease.
Wish us luck and I'll keep ya posted in the next week or so to see if I notice a difference.
My husband Chris is about to experience a "life change." We're a homeschooling family and the kids and I are making him our project for the next few months. I'm slowly picking up bits and pieces of information to begin the process. Of course we will all be doing this "life change" with Chris because as a family we all eat together.
One interesting thing I picked up while watching a documentary called "Food Matters" is to drink one liter of water first thing in the morning before you eat anything. So we're going to start trying this. Now the kids won't be able to drink quite that much but I think a glassful will do just fine. This is supposed to help your digestive system clean itself out... We'll see. I thought it sounded like something easy that we could add to our "life change." Things have to be easy and habit forming because otherwise I don't see us sticking to it.
The next thing I thought of was while I was shelling Black Walnuts. Normally this time of year I shell them and sell them! Well not this year. Instead we are going to keep all the nuts we shell and use them in our "life change." Black Walnuts are rich rich rich in nutrients. I had thought about starting a multivitamin but they cost money. The Black Walnuts were laying all over our lawn for free. It just took a little elbow grease.
So for Chris and I we will start our day off with a liter of water and 3.5 Tbs of Black Walnuts. The kids will have lower doses of both. Black Walnuts contain essential minerals, like magnesium, copper, selenium, iron and potassium. The amount we're going to work with has 175 calories which I have no idea if that's high or not but they also have 6.8 grams of Protein, 11.9 grams of Fiber and 11 mg. of Vitamin C. I haven't researched yet to find out what the recommended daily intake of all these nutrients is but this is a start. Isn't that what a "life change" is all about? Taking the first step and actually STARTING! Black Walnuts also have good cholesterol and are good for lowering cholesterol and decrease the risk of cancer and heart disease.
Wish us luck and I'll keep ya posted in the next week or so to see if I notice a difference.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Tell The Truth Mamma!
***DISCLAIMER***
I've had this on my heart the past few days. I'm not judging anyone or trying to pick a fight. It's just what's in my heart. If you disagree that is fine we all have the wonderful freewill to believe as we choose. This is my belief...
She could see from the slump of his shoulders, and the droop of his little head as he climbed off the school bus that something was bothering her sweet little boy. He’d been attending kindergarten classes for three months. Each day she’d watched him skip happily down the bus steps, but not today. This was the first time he’d been unable to meet her with a smile as she greeted him at the bus stop.
“Whatever is wrong big guy?” Mamma asked, when her son buried his face in her hair as she leaned down to hug him close. “It isn’t true,” Johnny sniffled. “They’re liars, all of them!”
Mamma was more confused hearing his words. Johnny was friends with everyone. He had never known a stranger and had been overjoyed to get to see all his playmates when he started school.
“Come on sweetie, we’ll talk over milk and cookies.” Mamma led him down the gravel road to their home in the country and into the welcoming glow of the kitchen.
“Now tell me who lied to you?” Mamma said as she poured a big glass of milk for them to share. Her son looked up into her eyes as his own overflowed with tears. “They teased me Mamma. They said I was a baby and that Santa ain’t real. But I know that’s a lie! I know cause my Mamma don’t lie and Mamma, you said Santa comes if I’m good, and I’ve been so very good.” Johnny looked up into his Mamma’s eyes with so much trust and hope. If a boy can’t trust his own mother to tell him the truth, who can he trust? "What do I say?" Mamma thought as she stared back into her son’s chocolate brown eyes.
“Oh Johnny, I’m so sorry honey.” She hugged him close and decided she’d have to break it to him gently. She wished this could have waited a few more years. She recalled the time she learned the truth about Santa, the Tooth Fair and snuggly Mr. Easter Bunny. But she had been in the third grade! “My if kids don’t just grow up too fast,” Mamma said with a sad look in her eyes.
She turned to Johnny and told him the truth. “Honey, Santa was real a long time ago but not in the same way that you’ve been told. The story of Santa Clause comes from a wonderful Christian man named Saint Nicholas. I suppose the story has been changed and added to over the years. No, Santa is not real in the way that you’ve been told. There are no reindeer, no elves or magic sleigh. I really thought you’d be much older before I had to tell you this."
Johnny could see his Mamma was hurting but he didn’t understand why. He was a good boy though who didn’t want to make things harder on his Mamma so like all young children he easily forgave her.
Life goes on and the days came that Johnny learned many things from his great pals at school. They weren’t always gentle and kind with the telling, like Mamma was. Unfortunately for Johnny it was a rare occasion that Mamma got to be the first to tell him something. Most of the incidents mirrored the first.
Johnny began losing all his teeth in the first grade and he was saddened when he came home to have Mamma confirm, “Yes honey the Tooth Fair is just a story too. But it was just for fun we can still play the game.”
Then the day came that Johnny surprised the Easter Bunny in the restroom at the park. Only Mr. Easter Bunny had ducked in for a quick break and he didn’t have his head on. Mamma had to tell him then that, “Yes Johnny, the Easter Bunny was just for fun too.”
Mamma did admit one thing from the beginning though, or so she thought. “Honey Halloween isn’t real. It’s just a fun day for us all to dress up and get candy. They call it the Devil’s Holiday but it’s not real so it’s ok.”
Johnny remembered all of this as he sat in church one Sunday morning. It was strange that these things would all come to his mind at a time like this. He was no longer the innocent little boy from the day’s of Santa Clause and Trick or Treating. He was “almost a man” as Daddy would say. In just a few weeks he would be able to drive on his own. Oh to be sixteen and be free! Johnny’s thoughts had begun to wander but something drew him back. “Today is the day,” said the preacher man. “Jesus is the only way.”
Johnny began to think back to the stories his Mamma would read to him. He’d always been taught about Jesus. He did some amazing things. He even walked on water! “Wow,” Johnny thought. “I’d sure like to be friends with someone like that.”
“Repent! Don’t leave today without everlasting life. You’re not promised a tomorrow.” The preacher just kept going. Johnny couldn’t make up his mind. “Mamma told me about Jesus,” he thought. “But she told me about Santa too and all the rest of those guys. Jesus is probably the same so I’ll be smart this time and Mamma won't have to feel bad when she tells me the truth. I have better things to do than waste my time with kid stuff.” As Johnny left his seat at the end of the service he felt a strange tugging at his heart. But it was easy to ignore the thoughts of the past entered his mind.
Years passed by and Mamma watched Johnny lose his way. She cried and prayed for him day and night. “Lord I taught him, I read to him, I took him to church. Lord please rescue my son!”
Mamma jumped as the heavy metal door slammed shut behind her with a loud bang. She stared around the room at all the strange, scary men in brown jumpsuits. She spotted him after just a moment. She would never forget those beautiful chocolate brown eyes. She made her way through the maze of tiny box tables to her son. Mamma spent the next five hours visiting with her sweet brown eyed boy, no longer a boy but a man. She’d brought her worn leather Bible in the hopes that he’d listen. But as soon as she began he’d stop her just like all the time’s before. “Aww Mamma, enough with the preachin’. Jesus is just a story, it’s not real. Even if he was how could he help me after all the wrong I’ve done? I deserve to be here Mamma and no one’s gonna set me free anytime soon.”
They hugged as she stood to leave. Visiting hours were over. It was time for Mamma to go home. “I love you my sweet boy.” Mamma said as she kissed his cheek. It was hard to leave him. She jumped again at the bang of the heavy metal door slamming behind her, separating her from her son.
The story is a sad one yes it is true.
But listen closely Mamma, it could happen to you.
Are you lying to your children thinking, “oh it’s just fun.”
Don’t you know there are some things that can’t be undone?
The stories you tell them, make sure that they’re true.
So when you get to Heaven they can come too.
I've had this on my heart the past few days. I'm not judging anyone or trying to pick a fight. It's just what's in my heart. If you disagree that is fine we all have the wonderful freewill to believe as we choose. This is my belief...
She could see from the slump of his shoulders, and the droop of his little head as he climbed off the school bus that something was bothering her sweet little boy. He’d been attending kindergarten classes for three months. Each day she’d watched him skip happily down the bus steps, but not today. This was the first time he’d been unable to meet her with a smile as she greeted him at the bus stop.
“Whatever is wrong big guy?” Mamma asked, when her son buried his face in her hair as she leaned down to hug him close. “It isn’t true,” Johnny sniffled. “They’re liars, all of them!”
Mamma was more confused hearing his words. Johnny was friends with everyone. He had never known a stranger and had been overjoyed to get to see all his playmates when he started school.
“Come on sweetie, we’ll talk over milk and cookies.” Mamma led him down the gravel road to their home in the country and into the welcoming glow of the kitchen.
“Now tell me who lied to you?” Mamma said as she poured a big glass of milk for them to share. Her son looked up into her eyes as his own overflowed with tears. “They teased me Mamma. They said I was a baby and that Santa ain’t real. But I know that’s a lie! I know cause my Mamma don’t lie and Mamma, you said Santa comes if I’m good, and I’ve been so very good.” Johnny looked up into his Mamma’s eyes with so much trust and hope. If a boy can’t trust his own mother to tell him the truth, who can he trust? "What do I say?" Mamma thought as she stared back into her son’s chocolate brown eyes.
“Oh Johnny, I’m so sorry honey.” She hugged him close and decided she’d have to break it to him gently. She wished this could have waited a few more years. She recalled the time she learned the truth about Santa, the Tooth Fair and snuggly Mr. Easter Bunny. But she had been in the third grade! “My if kids don’t just grow up too fast,” Mamma said with a sad look in her eyes.
She turned to Johnny and told him the truth. “Honey, Santa was real a long time ago but not in the same way that you’ve been told. The story of Santa Clause comes from a wonderful Christian man named Saint Nicholas. I suppose the story has been changed and added to over the years. No, Santa is not real in the way that you’ve been told. There are no reindeer, no elves or magic sleigh. I really thought you’d be much older before I had to tell you this."
Johnny could see his Mamma was hurting but he didn’t understand why. He was a good boy though who didn’t want to make things harder on his Mamma so like all young children he easily forgave her.
Life goes on and the days came that Johnny learned many things from his great pals at school. They weren’t always gentle and kind with the telling, like Mamma was. Unfortunately for Johnny it was a rare occasion that Mamma got to be the first to tell him something. Most of the incidents mirrored the first.
Johnny began losing all his teeth in the first grade and he was saddened when he came home to have Mamma confirm, “Yes honey the Tooth Fair is just a story too. But it was just for fun we can still play the game.”
Then the day came that Johnny surprised the Easter Bunny in the restroom at the park. Only Mr. Easter Bunny had ducked in for a quick break and he didn’t have his head on. Mamma had to tell him then that, “Yes Johnny, the Easter Bunny was just for fun too.”
Mamma did admit one thing from the beginning though, or so she thought. “Honey Halloween isn’t real. It’s just a fun day for us all to dress up and get candy. They call it the Devil’s Holiday but it’s not real so it’s ok.”
Johnny remembered all of this as he sat in church one Sunday morning. It was strange that these things would all come to his mind at a time like this. He was no longer the innocent little boy from the day’s of Santa Clause and Trick or Treating. He was “almost a man” as Daddy would say. In just a few weeks he would be able to drive on his own. Oh to be sixteen and be free! Johnny’s thoughts had begun to wander but something drew him back. “Today is the day,” said the preacher man. “Jesus is the only way.”
Johnny began to think back to the stories his Mamma would read to him. He’d always been taught about Jesus. He did some amazing things. He even walked on water! “Wow,” Johnny thought. “I’d sure like to be friends with someone like that.”
“Repent! Don’t leave today without everlasting life. You’re not promised a tomorrow.” The preacher just kept going. Johnny couldn’t make up his mind. “Mamma told me about Jesus,” he thought. “But she told me about Santa too and all the rest of those guys. Jesus is probably the same so I’ll be smart this time and Mamma won't have to feel bad when she tells me the truth. I have better things to do than waste my time with kid stuff.” As Johnny left his seat at the end of the service he felt a strange tugging at his heart. But it was easy to ignore the thoughts of the past entered his mind.
Years passed by and Mamma watched Johnny lose his way. She cried and prayed for him day and night. “Lord I taught him, I read to him, I took him to church. Lord please rescue my son!”
Mamma jumped as the heavy metal door slammed shut behind her with a loud bang. She stared around the room at all the strange, scary men in brown jumpsuits. She spotted him after just a moment. She would never forget those beautiful chocolate brown eyes. She made her way through the maze of tiny box tables to her son. Mamma spent the next five hours visiting with her sweet brown eyed boy, no longer a boy but a man. She’d brought her worn leather Bible in the hopes that he’d listen. But as soon as she began he’d stop her just like all the time’s before. “Aww Mamma, enough with the preachin’. Jesus is just a story, it’s not real. Even if he was how could he help me after all the wrong I’ve done? I deserve to be here Mamma and no one’s gonna set me free anytime soon.”
They hugged as she stood to leave. Visiting hours were over. It was time for Mamma to go home. “I love you my sweet boy.” Mamma said as she kissed his cheek. It was hard to leave him. She jumped again at the bang of the heavy metal door slamming behind her, separating her from her son.
The story is a sad one yes it is true.
But listen closely Mamma, it could happen to you.
Are you lying to your children thinking, “oh it’s just fun.”
Don’t you know there are some things that can’t be undone?
The stories you tell them, make sure that they’re true.
So when you get to Heaven they can come too.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Saturday, October 09, 2010
I'm Growing FOOD!
This morning I opened up my Facebook page to get "in touch" with the world. I love Facebook but this is about FOOD. So I viewed a YouTube video on the Senate Bill S510. Basically from what I understand the government is looking to regulate our lives a little bit more.
This past summer I helped organize a local Farmers Market in our community. You would be surprised at the long list of rules already in affect for people to abide by if they want to sell their home produced products. You need a license for EVERYTHING. Last time I checked it was the major food producers that were shipping out products that made people sick. I've been buying local raw milk for the past 6 months or so and LOVE it. The government has placed limits on farmers wishing to sell their milk to others. I have to drive out to the farm to pick this up each week.
Anyway basically my point is that we have so many problems in this country WHY is our government wasting time and money trying to prevent people from taking care of themselves? Would it be better if the government was in charge of raising all our food? Would we never get sick from bad food if it were in their hands? I think not. Mass production of food products is not healthy. I don't want to eat what they're shelling out which is why I've been trying my best to learn to produce my own food. I am far from being self sufficient but I grow a lot of my own food and preserve it myself. I know what is in it and I feel confident in feeding it to my family. It gives me shivers to think that some day the police could come knocking on my door and purge my home of my heirloom seeds, canning jars and food processors. Seriously I'm just growing food not making METH!
I thank God that he placed in my heart the desire to learn to grow my food and preserve it. It's been almost 8 years since my first attempt at home made salsa and I'm learning more all the time. My family is healthier because of it and I'll keep growing and preserving even if they pass laws banning this freedom. It's scary to think that some day my backyard garden could get me in trouble with the law....
Isaiah 5:20
20Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
This past summer I helped organize a local Farmers Market in our community. You would be surprised at the long list of rules already in affect for people to abide by if they want to sell their home produced products. You need a license for EVERYTHING. Last time I checked it was the major food producers that were shipping out products that made people sick. I've been buying local raw milk for the past 6 months or so and LOVE it. The government has placed limits on farmers wishing to sell their milk to others. I have to drive out to the farm to pick this up each week.
Anyway basically my point is that we have so many problems in this country WHY is our government wasting time and money trying to prevent people from taking care of themselves? Would it be better if the government was in charge of raising all our food? Would we never get sick from bad food if it were in their hands? I think not. Mass production of food products is not healthy. I don't want to eat what they're shelling out which is why I've been trying my best to learn to produce my own food. I am far from being self sufficient but I grow a lot of my own food and preserve it myself. I know what is in it and I feel confident in feeding it to my family. It gives me shivers to think that some day the police could come knocking on my door and purge my home of my heirloom seeds, canning jars and food processors. Seriously I'm just growing food not making METH!
I thank God that he placed in my heart the desire to learn to grow my food and preserve it. It's been almost 8 years since my first attempt at home made salsa and I'm learning more all the time. My family is healthier because of it and I'll keep growing and preserving even if they pass laws banning this freedom. It's scary to think that some day my backyard garden could get me in trouble with the law....
Isaiah 5:20
20Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
Friday, October 08, 2010
Oh Blog world... I have forsaken thee!
I received an email from YouTube this morning letting me know that one of my video's is popular enough for them to wanna put some ad's on the page. This reminded me of my blog and the adsense account I started oh so many years ago. I thought it was so cool that I could put ad's on my very own page and earn money! I think I began blogging around 5 years ago and in that time I've made a whopping $18.71. Anyone who knows me knows that I'm always trying to come up with creative ways to add to our families income. My husband works hard and takes care of us just fine but I like to feel like I'm contributing so I work at odd little tasks here and there, sometimes spending more than I make but I'm always busy :) The adsense was another one of those inkling idea's I had that might earn me some money. So now that it's back on my mind again I'm here for another 5 years to start raising pennies again. That's what started my blog adventures to begin with and that's what's re-sparked my interest in the blog world. So oh sweet blog of mine with very few readers... I have returned! LOL
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Ready For Valentines Day!!!
I have spent the last two days helping my children build their Valentines boxes. I have to admit I built Taylor's all by myself and yes I obsessed just a little. The past two days have actually been a LOT of fun for me. Who knew crafty stuff could be such fun!
Now I'd like to introduce you to our creations. Emily shares my love of reading and so the idea for her box was of course, a book! I helped her with the poem but it was her idea to name it "Guido Guido" (pronounced GWEE DOUGH) It was also her idea to have it be about all the cats. I did help her with the poem and writing and the general construction of the book box.
Now I'd like to introduce you to our creations. Emily shares my love of reading and so the idea for her box was of course, a book! I helped her with the poem but it was her idea to name it "Guido Guido" (pronounced GWEE DOUGH) It was also her idea to have it be about all the cats. I did help her with the poem and writing and the general construction of the book box.
The poem goes...
"Old Lady Tweedo, names all her cats Guido"
"And she has too many to count"
"She waits each night, as they begin to fight"
"What is this all about?"
"Guido Guido, he wants Tostito's"
"But Old Lady Tweedo only has Dorito's"
"Guido Guido don't like Dorito's"
"So he settled instead for a burrito"
"Now Guido Guido has to go Pee-Dough"
"Old Lady Tweedo, names all her cats Guido"
"And she has too many to count"
"She waits each night, as they begin to fight"
"What is this all about?"
"Guido Guido, he wants Tostito's"
"But Old Lady Tweedo only has Dorito's"
"Guido Guido don't like Dorito's"
"So he settled instead for a burrito"
"Now Guido Guido has to go Pee-Dough"
Logan built a dragon!
Brett built a Turtle!
And this is my creation for Taylor. He loves the movie "Cars" so this is perfect for him.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Christmas Music Rant!
I listen to a Christian radio station 88.3 The Wind. I love Christian artists and their music and this station was the first in our area that I found who played contemporary Christian music. I've listened to this station for years but noticed something this Christmas season that I hadn't noticed before. Come Christmas time they began playing the Christmas music non stop which is okay but I am so disappointed that they don't exclusively support Christian artists during this time of year. They do the rest of the year but for some reason during Christmas time it's okay to play Mariah Carey, Sarah McLachlan, Elvis and every other secular artist that has a Christmas tune.
Not everyone would agree with me and that's fine. I just find it to be a contradiction that a Christian station supports artists who are pro abortion and openly bisexual or practically naked at Best Buy! (Mariah Carey advertisement)
Not everyone would agree with me and that's fine. I just find it to be a contradiction that a Christian station supports artists who are pro abortion and openly bisexual or practically naked at Best Buy! (Mariah Carey advertisement)
Saturday, December 05, 2009
City Ordinance Endangers Lives!!!
Back in May I posted an angry rant about my neighbors pit bull dog. Click Here To See Post.
Last night my family and I were sitting on the couch enjoying some cool Netflix video's when I heard a dog fight outside. Chris ran out back to see what was going on and came back in screaming that two dogs were attacking our dog Banjo who was chained up in our back yard. Everyone in our house was scrambling to find flashlights and the phone book to call the police. Chris went back outside to try to break up the fight as I called the Police. Chris is lucky the dog didn't turn on him but he said at the time he wasn't thinking he was so angry. He beat the dog with a golf club which is now bent, and the dog would not let go. When we found our flashlight we could see our neighbors pit bull dragging our dog around the back yard as far as his chain would go. We thought Banjo was dead by the way he was being drug around. Chris went inside to get the shotgun and I was on the phone waiting for the Police to arrive. I had to scream at my very angry husband to get him to put the shotgun away because our town has a city ordinance against discharging a firearm in the city limits. We would have probably received a ticket for shooting the attacking dog.
When the Police arrived I waved them to the backyard. The officer got out of his car and we watched as the pit bull chewed on our helpless dog. After trying to call off the dog the officer shot him. It was terrible because the dog didn't die right away and had to be shot again. I was shocked to see Banjo was actually still alive. We brought him in the house and cleaned him up. He has a big gash under one ear, another on his tail and his neck is shredded from the chain that got wrapped around his neck as he was being drug around by the pit bull.
I lay in bed last night sick thinking how lucky we are that this wasn't one of my kids that was attacked. Emily had just been outside retrieving something from the van and her little dog needs to go out at night and it's Emily's job to put him on his leash to go to the bathroom. I'm shaking right now thinking about it. Chris told me this morning all he could think about when he was beating that dog to get him off Banjo was how hard it would be to get the dog off one of our children if it were attacking them.
So thanks to the city ordinance we have in our town human lives rank under the rights of animals. This dog was a danger to everyone in my neighborhood and I know I'm not the only person who's called this dog in. Back in May when I first posted about this the dog was aggressive towards Emily. I don't normally do the "what if" thing but WHAT IF that had been my daughter!!! City ordinances are there to protect citizens and this one puts everyone in danger. Not everyone is a responsible pet owner and even if they are accidents happen. I believe one act of aggression should be enough to get rid of a dangerous dog. It should not have to attack first!
Last night my family and I were sitting on the couch enjoying some cool Netflix video's when I heard a dog fight outside. Chris ran out back to see what was going on and came back in screaming that two dogs were attacking our dog Banjo who was chained up in our back yard. Everyone in our house was scrambling to find flashlights and the phone book to call the police. Chris went back outside to try to break up the fight as I called the Police. Chris is lucky the dog didn't turn on him but he said at the time he wasn't thinking he was so angry. He beat the dog with a golf club which is now bent, and the dog would not let go. When we found our flashlight we could see our neighbors pit bull dragging our dog around the back yard as far as his chain would go. We thought Banjo was dead by the way he was being drug around. Chris went inside to get the shotgun and I was on the phone waiting for the Police to arrive. I had to scream at my very angry husband to get him to put the shotgun away because our town has a city ordinance against discharging a firearm in the city limits. We would have probably received a ticket for shooting the attacking dog.
When the Police arrived I waved them to the backyard. The officer got out of his car and we watched as the pit bull chewed on our helpless dog. After trying to call off the dog the officer shot him. It was terrible because the dog didn't die right away and had to be shot again. I was shocked to see Banjo was actually still alive. We brought him in the house and cleaned him up. He has a big gash under one ear, another on his tail and his neck is shredded from the chain that got wrapped around his neck as he was being drug around by the pit bull.
I lay in bed last night sick thinking how lucky we are that this wasn't one of my kids that was attacked. Emily had just been outside retrieving something from the van and her little dog needs to go out at night and it's Emily's job to put him on his leash to go to the bathroom. I'm shaking right now thinking about it. Chris told me this morning all he could think about when he was beating that dog to get him off Banjo was how hard it would be to get the dog off one of our children if it were attacking them.
So thanks to the city ordinance we have in our town human lives rank under the rights of animals. This dog was a danger to everyone in my neighborhood and I know I'm not the only person who's called this dog in. Back in May when I first posted about this the dog was aggressive towards Emily. I don't normally do the "what if" thing but WHAT IF that had been my daughter!!! City ordinances are there to protect citizens and this one puts everyone in danger. Not everyone is a responsible pet owner and even if they are accidents happen. I believe one act of aggression should be enough to get rid of a dangerous dog. It should not have to attack first!
This could have been one of my children!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Am I a Strong Swimmer?
I was listening to the radio this morning and heard a story. I don't know if this is a true story but it really touched my heart.
A father and his two children were swimming in the ocean. They were all good swimmers but soon the father looked up and noticed the tide was coming in and the current was taking them out to sea. He was a strong swimmer but he knew he would be unable to fight the current and save both of his children. He turned to his daughter who was the older of the two children, and he said to her, "Honey you are a strong swimmer and I know that if you try you could float on your back for hours. I need to swim to the shore with your brother and I will find help. Don't be afraid, I will come back for you." And he left his daughter our in the ocean.
When he reached the shore with his son they went for help. Within the hour there were hundreds of searchers out on the ocean looking for the little girl. After four hours they found her, still floating on her back far out to sea. When asked if she was scared the little girl replied, "No I wasn't afraid. My Daddy said he'd come back for me, he told me he'd send me help. I was just doing what my Daddy told me to."
This story touched my heart and I felt like God was reaching down to give me a great big hug. He's telling me just hang in there you're a strong swimmer, I'll send you help, I'll come back for you soon.
A father and his two children were swimming in the ocean. They were all good swimmers but soon the father looked up and noticed the tide was coming in and the current was taking them out to sea. He was a strong swimmer but he knew he would be unable to fight the current and save both of his children. He turned to his daughter who was the older of the two children, and he said to her, "Honey you are a strong swimmer and I know that if you try you could float on your back for hours. I need to swim to the shore with your brother and I will find help. Don't be afraid, I will come back for you." And he left his daughter our in the ocean.
When he reached the shore with his son they went for help. Within the hour there were hundreds of searchers out on the ocean looking for the little girl. After four hours they found her, still floating on her back far out to sea. When asked if she was scared the little girl replied, "No I wasn't afraid. My Daddy said he'd come back for me, he told me he'd send me help. I was just doing what my Daddy told me to."
This story touched my heart and I felt like God was reaching down to give me a great big hug. He's telling me just hang in there you're a strong swimmer, I'll send you help, I'll come back for you soon.
Saturday, November 07, 2009
Mine Field in the Grocery Store!!!!
When I moved to this small town one of the biggest changes I noticed right away was the conservativeness. I'm not sure if that is even a word but I'm using it ha ha! When I say "conservativeness" I mean things like, no buying alcohol on Sundays, and no slot machines in the gas station, and a church on every corner (even in a small town).
When I became a Christian and a mother I began to appreciate small things like how the local grocery store I shopped in did not sell alcohol. I am a recovered alcoholic and there are times when the urge to drink is so overpowering it's only by the grace of God I am able to escape it. I am a born again Christian and Jesus changed my life. I don't desire the lifestyle I did before being saved but there are times when I am so tempted. I can't explain it and I wish I could be rid of it but it's part of my flesh and I am pretty sure I will live with this for the rest of my life. That is one reason why I counsel my children not to even bother with the first drink. I pray they will live a life free from the scars of drugs and alcohol.
A few years ago our "conservative" local grocery store began selling alcohol. I was so disappointed to walk in and see the stacks of cases of booze... I got in the habit of just not walking by the alcohol section. Then they grew wise to my methods because they started placing displays of beer all over the store!!! So now when I'm shopping with my family it's like a mine field of temptation. God tells us in the Bible to flee from sin and I do every time I see one of these displays. I dart down the closest isle or scoot past as quickly as I can.
I am getting stronger every time I refuse to give in to my temptation. I know God allows me to be tempted for this very reason. To make me stronger. I'm sad to see the slow decay in our society. It's actually not so slow anymore. It's spiraling out of control. So many people have lost the sense of right and wrong and those who haven't are like me in the grocery store, walking through a mine field of temptation. I am sad to think of the world my children are growing up in, and what they will face as adults raising children themselves. It makes 1Thessalonians 5:17 mean more to me than ever. "PRAY WITHOUT CEASING"
When I became a Christian and a mother I began to appreciate small things like how the local grocery store I shopped in did not sell alcohol. I am a recovered alcoholic and there are times when the urge to drink is so overpowering it's only by the grace of God I am able to escape it. I am a born again Christian and Jesus changed my life. I don't desire the lifestyle I did before being saved but there are times when I am so tempted. I can't explain it and I wish I could be rid of it but it's part of my flesh and I am pretty sure I will live with this for the rest of my life. That is one reason why I counsel my children not to even bother with the first drink. I pray they will live a life free from the scars of drugs and alcohol.
A few years ago our "conservative" local grocery store began selling alcohol. I was so disappointed to walk in and see the stacks of cases of booze... I got in the habit of just not walking by the alcohol section. Then they grew wise to my methods because they started placing displays of beer all over the store!!! So now when I'm shopping with my family it's like a mine field of temptation. God tells us in the Bible to flee from sin and I do every time I see one of these displays. I dart down the closest isle or scoot past as quickly as I can.
I am getting stronger every time I refuse to give in to my temptation. I know God allows me to be tempted for this very reason. To make me stronger. I'm sad to see the slow decay in our society. It's actually not so slow anymore. It's spiraling out of control. So many people have lost the sense of right and wrong and those who haven't are like me in the grocery store, walking through a mine field of temptation. I am sad to think of the world my children are growing up in, and what they will face as adults raising children themselves. It makes 1Thessalonians 5:17 mean more to me than ever. "PRAY WITHOUT CEASING"
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Updates...
Well Facebook has really made it difficult for me to keep up with my blog. I originally started my blog for my mom who moved off to Hawaii. I wanted to be able to keep her updated on the family. Well I quickly learned how much fun blogging is. Now I've discovered Facebook and have drifted away from blogging. So this is me updating my neglected blog. Maybe I'll think of something interesting to write about again soon :p
Sunday, October 04, 2009
And Still They Prayed.
Occasionally I try to write songs. This is my newest attempt. I am posting it here for all my friends and family who don't have facebook yet. I am posting the lyrics here as well. I hope you enjoy, I'm a little insecure sharing my songs because they're personal to me. I'm getting better though :)
"And Still They Prayed"
There's a time and place for everything. We never know what tomorrow brings.
So through the pain and suffering, she tried to be strong.
She told her children it would not be long. Before the Lord would call her home.
And not to fear her being alone. Jesus would be there, yes Jesus would be there.
Take care of Daddy for me please. I'm sorry that I have to leave. Trust in God.
Always believe. His word is true. Be strong.
And still they prayed. Every hour of every day. Lord please let her stay.
We trust in you to bring us through. To give us strength and faith.
But if there's any other way, please let her stay.
It was hard for him to see his wife. Struggle each day to stay alive.
He knew that he would pay any price. Just to end her pain.
He tried so hard to be strong. To comfort her and carry on.
Their love was a never ending bond. He knew would never die.
Their love would never die.
And still he prayed. Every hour of every day. Lord please let her stay.
I trust in you to bring me through. To give me strength and faith.
But if there's any other way, please let her stay.
Her hair had gone many months ago. But her faith in God continued to grow.
She left behind her family....
And still they pray. Every hour of every day. Even though she couldn't stay.
He gives them strength to face each day. Jesus brought them through.
Even though she couldn't stay, they still have faith.
They still have faith. They still have faith.
"And Still They Prayed"
There's a time and place for everything. We never know what tomorrow brings.
So through the pain and suffering, she tried to be strong.
She told her children it would not be long. Before the Lord would call her home.
And not to fear her being alone. Jesus would be there, yes Jesus would be there.
Take care of Daddy for me please. I'm sorry that I have to leave. Trust in God.
Always believe. His word is true. Be strong.
And still they prayed. Every hour of every day. Lord please let her stay.
We trust in you to bring us through. To give us strength and faith.
But if there's any other way, please let her stay.
It was hard for him to see his wife. Struggle each day to stay alive.
He knew that he would pay any price. Just to end her pain.
He tried so hard to be strong. To comfort her and carry on.
Their love was a never ending bond. He knew would never die.
Their love would never die.
And still he prayed. Every hour of every day. Lord please let her stay.
I trust in you to bring me through. To give me strength and faith.
But if there's any other way, please let her stay.
Her hair had gone many months ago. But her faith in God continued to grow.
She left behind her family....
And still they pray. Every hour of every day. Even though she couldn't stay.
He gives them strength to face each day. Jesus brought them through.
Even though she couldn't stay, they still have faith.
They still have faith. They still have faith.
Monday, September 07, 2009
Memories...
When I was 16 years old my Dad owned a gas station. This provided me easy access to alcohol. I had a serious drinking problem. I didn't know it at the time but I used alcohol to numb myself. I could drink and not feel anything and that's how I spent my time. When my Dad padlocked the beer cooler I had to turn to hard liquor because it was harder to sneak the beer.
I would take what I could get my hands on and then find me a place to be alone and just drink. I didn't always drink alone. Sometimes I would hang out with people I called my friends and drink with them. I would try to get home before my Dad closed the store for the night so I could be in bed before he could see me. This didn't always work out and there were many times that my little sisters had to clean me up and put me to bed. Sometimes they didn't get the chance and I would wake up covered in the previous nights vomit. When I think back on it now I don't understand why I couldn't stop. But now I have something I didn't have back then that keeps me from falling victim to my old vices.
One specific memory I have that I don't ever want to forget, is a time I had hidden away in my memory that God used to show me something amazing. I was 16 and I had just gone through a huge fight with my Dad. I was in trouble for staying out too late and of course coming home drunk. Our fights usually ended up with hugs and me saying I was sorry and would do better. I always intended to do better, I truly wanted to.
After this fight with my Dad I found myself sneaking a tall can of beer. Yes I knew it was wrong. I just told him I was going to stop. I told myself I was going to stop. I promised and when I promised I intended to keep the promise. I took my can of beer out the back door and sat down behind a shed and cracked it open. I took my first sip and my Dad walked around the corner and sat down next to me. He just looked at me with this look in his eyes that I could not explain then. He was so disappointed yes, and I was ashamed. I cried I wanted to stop, I wanted him to love me and not be mad at me. But he didn't take the beer away. He just looked at me with his disappointed eyes and something else that I couldn't tell at the time. Then he got up and left me there, alone.
Twelve years later I know so much more about what was going on in my Dads eyes and my own soul. I am still tempted to drink but today I have something in me more powerful that this temptation. I have Gods Holy Spirit living in me and giving me strength to fight the temptations. The hole in my soul is filled and I don't have to turn to those things to numb the pain of my existence. I no longer have this pain because I am healed! Praise God I couldn't be who I am today if he wasn't part of me. He makes me who I am. I am a sinner, I would turn back to alcohol if he didn't keep me from it. I am thankful for my salvation that God freely gave, I just had to accept it.
My Dad looked at me that day with disappointment and abandon. He had given up on me right then because he didn't know how to help me. The only thing that could have helped me then was Jesus. If my Dad had the peace of God in his soul he could have offered this to me as well. He could have told me about Jesus, but he didn't know him so he had nothing to offer me. He loved me still and he wanted to help me but he had tried everything he knew to try and nothing worked.
There are so many parents today trying to save their children from the sins of this world and they are failing because the only cure is Jesus and they don't have him. You can't offer what you don't have. I praise God that I have the antidote to offer my children and any others God gives me the privilege to influence. You can give your children fancy clothes, toys and things but none of that matters. Give them Jesus, teach them every day about the savior who loves them and gave his life for them. Our children will face harder trials in the future and they can't hope to win the battles without Jesus. He is the only way.
I would take what I could get my hands on and then find me a place to be alone and just drink. I didn't always drink alone. Sometimes I would hang out with people I called my friends and drink with them. I would try to get home before my Dad closed the store for the night so I could be in bed before he could see me. This didn't always work out and there were many times that my little sisters had to clean me up and put me to bed. Sometimes they didn't get the chance and I would wake up covered in the previous nights vomit. When I think back on it now I don't understand why I couldn't stop. But now I have something I didn't have back then that keeps me from falling victim to my old vices.
One specific memory I have that I don't ever want to forget, is a time I had hidden away in my memory that God used to show me something amazing. I was 16 and I had just gone through a huge fight with my Dad. I was in trouble for staying out too late and of course coming home drunk. Our fights usually ended up with hugs and me saying I was sorry and would do better. I always intended to do better, I truly wanted to.
After this fight with my Dad I found myself sneaking a tall can of beer. Yes I knew it was wrong. I just told him I was going to stop. I told myself I was going to stop. I promised and when I promised I intended to keep the promise. I took my can of beer out the back door and sat down behind a shed and cracked it open. I took my first sip and my Dad walked around the corner and sat down next to me. He just looked at me with this look in his eyes that I could not explain then. He was so disappointed yes, and I was ashamed. I cried I wanted to stop, I wanted him to love me and not be mad at me. But he didn't take the beer away. He just looked at me with his disappointed eyes and something else that I couldn't tell at the time. Then he got up and left me there, alone.
Twelve years later I know so much more about what was going on in my Dads eyes and my own soul. I am still tempted to drink but today I have something in me more powerful that this temptation. I have Gods Holy Spirit living in me and giving me strength to fight the temptations. The hole in my soul is filled and I don't have to turn to those things to numb the pain of my existence. I no longer have this pain because I am healed! Praise God I couldn't be who I am today if he wasn't part of me. He makes me who I am. I am a sinner, I would turn back to alcohol if he didn't keep me from it. I am thankful for my salvation that God freely gave, I just had to accept it.
My Dad looked at me that day with disappointment and abandon. He had given up on me right then because he didn't know how to help me. The only thing that could have helped me then was Jesus. If my Dad had the peace of God in his soul he could have offered this to me as well. He could have told me about Jesus, but he didn't know him so he had nothing to offer me. He loved me still and he wanted to help me but he had tried everything he knew to try and nothing worked.
There are so many parents today trying to save their children from the sins of this world and they are failing because the only cure is Jesus and they don't have him. You can't offer what you don't have. I praise God that I have the antidote to offer my children and any others God gives me the privilege to influence. You can give your children fancy clothes, toys and things but none of that matters. Give them Jesus, teach them every day about the savior who loves them and gave his life for them. Our children will face harder trials in the future and they can't hope to win the battles without Jesus. He is the only way.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
It's been a while...
Over a month since my last blog post to be exact. Not much has been going on but things are starting to speed up around here. We are excited to be starting this new homeschool year. I love homeschooling so much!!! I am so thankful God directed us down this path because I couldn't imagine my family any other way.
We are trying to organize a homeschool co-op in our town and I will also be helping out with a class in another co-op AND I'm teaching a Sunday school class AND planning Wednesday night youth meetings at church!!! So YES I will be busy busy busy and I am really looking forward to it. The last one isn't really a big deal right now because we don't have much of a youth group on Wednesday nights. My job is to change that ;) So wish me luck and remember me in your prayers.
We are trying to organize a homeschool co-op in our town and I will also be helping out with a class in another co-op AND I'm teaching a Sunday school class AND planning Wednesday night youth meetings at church!!! So YES I will be busy busy busy and I am really looking forward to it. The last one isn't really a big deal right now because we don't have much of a youth group on Wednesday nights. My job is to change that ;) So wish me luck and remember me in your prayers.
Monday, July 13, 2009
A Wonderful Sunday!
Just when I start getting in a slump God does something truly amazing to get my attention once again and show me that he is still working all around me. I was amazed this past Sunday at the outpouring of Gods Holy Spirit. We had ten people baptised! One of them was my nephew Devin!!! I've been praying for that little guy and I feel like a huge weight has been lifted. I know there are so many more people who need salvation and I'm not trying to trivialize that fact by saying how blessed I am to see him saved but praise God I am so happy for him.
Another young boy who was baptised Sunday was saved the night before! God had special plans for this Sunday and he worked it all out and I am still feeling giddy from the huge blessing I got from being privileged to witness this event.
Part of the crowd gathered to witness the batptism.
Mother and son!
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Mom's Back WHOO HOO!
My Mom and Ken (stepdad) finally made it back from Hawaii. They don't have any of their things shipped over yet but it should be soon. We went for a visit yesterday. It was the first time Chris had seen their house. I love that they are so close. Only 46.8 miles from my driveway LOL. It was a fun visit and I'm thankful to have them back.
Me and my Mom
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Me and Jake
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Me & Emily goofing off.
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This is a whole nother subject... I have siamese twin squash... Isn't that the weirdest thing you ever seen? LOL I didn't know squash did that.
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