Wednesday, October 1, 2008 A new job for Our Marine
EDITED~~This is predated to keep it at the top, please scroll down for recent posts! This will be at the top for awhile! Thanks and God Bless!
Christian Love
MarineMama
September 7th, 2007
Yesterday Our Marine was approached and asked to go to take a new job.
Next weekend he will head to NC for about 4 mns of training. Learning to his new job. It is a pretty special deal for him being in the Air Wing to get to do some Grunt work. He is so excited and I am for him! I know this is what he loves to do and what he has been called to do from our Lord!
He will be away from us during the week and a few weekends while he is living in NC. On some weekends he will get to come see us and we will get to come see him. Thankfully we have some friends up there from our first duty station, so that will be nice to see them too!
Please keep Our Marine and the others going with him in your prayers, please feel free to add him to any prayer list you come across! Thanks so much!!!
Christian Love
MarineMama |
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Monday, April 21, 2008 Quick Update
Well as you can read from the previous thread we've been a little busy. Between taking care of and raising 2 Littles, taking care of me who's growing a new life in me, taking care of our house and working in the ministries God has called us too takes a bit of time! So I haven't been blogging or reading blogs to much in the past few months. I really hope to be able to get back to it as I miss it. But first things first and that's family!
The Littles are doing well. Both just had a check up about a wk ago. Little Monkey's surgery back in October really did him well. He doesn't get to many runny noses, coughing is gone, no ear infections or throat infections and no more snoring sinse his adenoids were removed! Praise the Lord!!! Princess JoJo is doing well too, but the Dr, well the Dr is another story all in it's self so for times sake...., thinks she needs to be seen by a Physical Therapist because she is not pulling up or walking and she's 11mns old. Personally I find nothing wrong with this and between her Daddy and I she had to get one of our genes for walking. He didn't walk til 16mns. She doesn't crawl either, which I never did, but she finds her way around to get into plenty of stuff! She's on God's time and He will have her walking when He is ready for it! So we have a PT evaluation on her 1yr birthday. So we will see what they think. When talking to them on the phone they didn't seem to have a problem with her age and not pulling up and/or walking. So all this really stims from one persons perspective on things!
Our Marine is doing fine, he is in the process of making a reenlistment package. So we are awaiting those details. Praise the Lord it's for staying here for another 4yrs and for him to go back to DI school!
We are getting ready to finish our K3 work and move on to some K4 but mostly K5 work. But that's another post too! So it's a busy time of year!
God Bless everyone! |
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Monday, April 21, 2008 "Package #3" from God
It's official, we finally told our family and friends and now we are sharing with the world! We are expecting OUR NEW BLESSING in September! September 15th, is the Due Date, which is a bit funny around here! See my birthday is July 15, Little Monkey's is March 15th, and Princess JoJo's is May 15th. Only Daddy is not a 15th, he is June 27th. So we find it very funny, almost a little "note" from God with all the 15th's of our children's birthdays!
Right now I am 19wks. On the 30th we will be finding out if we are having another boy or another girl. Right now Little Monkey calls the baby "Jelly Bean" as all our kids names start with "J" and since "Jelly Bean" starts with a "J" he thought this was a good name for the baby. So we will probably refer to the baby as "Jelly Bean", for now at least not sure how long that will last! =)
So far everything is GREAT! The baby is growing well and BIG, as our babies do! Jelly Bean has the legs of his/her Daddy, very LONG! My BP is a little high, which is "normal" for me during pregnancy, so we will see how it goes! We are just praying for God to help me with it as we are very against BP meds, or any meds, while pregnant! I feel great most of the time. It's spring so it's allergy season and that causes me to get sinus infections every once in awhile, just went through one this weekend and PRAISE THE LORD He healed it without meds! Other than that the common things, resting more often and not lifting things that are heavy. That doesn't really seem to include our kids though! ;) This is a bit different for me as I've never been pregnant during the warm months, well warm is putting it modestly, the HOT months. So I'm having to buy a new wardrobe and praying that the electric bill doesn't sky rocket because I feel like I'm swelltering!
As soon as I can get pictures of the baby I will. And as soon as we know BOY or GIRL we will be telling the world as well! |
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Monday, April 21, 2008 "The Bridge"
The Bridge
Sharri Kerkhoff, Area Coordinator
There is a new interstate overpass and exit near our home. We pass by it frequently, but have only used it once. This frustrates my six-year-old daughter significantly.
"Mommy, let's take the new bridge!" Julia exclaims. I explain each time why driving over that new patch of roadway is not necessary, but with no success. She is disappointed every time.
The last time we passed it, she asked a different question, "Mommy, why don't you like the new bridge?"
"I don't dislike it, Julia. In fact, I wonder why you like it so much," I replied.
"Because it feels safe, Mommy," she said quickly. "It's new and wide and clean. There are no holes and it's prettier than our old roads."
Her all-girl response made me smile at her in the rearview mirror. I could not disagree with that, but a lesson was afoot for both of us.
"It doesn’t take us anywhere we need to be today," I said. "When we’re trying to get somewhere, we don't take a road just because it's new and wide and clean. We take the roads that help us get where we're going, even if they are old, narrow and dirty. Otherwise, we'd just be driving around and never getting anywhere."
My reply satisfied Julia, but convicted me.
As a mom, I sometimes feel as if I'm randomly taking exits and on-ramps in my mothering journey. I'm always trying new things, but am I really getting anywhere? In fact, do I even know where I want to go?
It's time to stop evaluating the road I'm on by its condition, start figuring out where it is I need to be and if the road I'm on can get me there.
Prayer From a Mother's Heart
Dear God, direct my child to seek good, knowing that you will be with her wherever she goes. Amos 5:14
"Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live:
and so the LORD, the God of hosts,
shall be with you, as ye have spoken."
Amos 5:14
MOPS INTERNATIONAL |
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Monday, April 21, 2008 A GOOD LAUGH!
THE SYMPTOMS of A.A.A.D.D.
By: Anonymous
Recently, I was diagnosed with A.A.A.D.D. -
Age Activated Attention Deficit Disorder.
This is how it manifests:
I decide to water my garden.
As I turn on the hose in the driveway, I look over at my car and decide it needs washing.
As I start toward the garage, I notice mail on the porch table that I brought up from the mail box earlier.
I decide to go through the mail before I wash the car.
I lay my car keys on the table, put the junk mail in the garbage can under the table, and notice that the can is full.
So, I decide to put the bills back on the table and take out the garbage first.
But then I think, since I'm going to be near the mailbox when I take out the garbage anyway, I may as well pay the bills first.
I take my check book off the table, and see that there is only one check left.
My extra checks are in my desk in the study, so I go inside the house to my desk where I find the can of Coke I'd been drinking.
The Coke is getting warm, and I decide to put it in the refrigerator to keep it cold.
As I head toward the kitchen with the Coke, a vase of flowers on the counter catches my eye--they need water.
I put the Coke on the counter and discover my reading glasses that I've been searching for all morning.
I decide I better put them back on my desk, but first I'm going to water the flowers.
I set the glasses back down on the counter, fill a container with water and suddenly spot the TV remote.
Someone left it on the kitchen table.
I realize that tonight when we go to watch TV, I'll be looking for the remote, but I won't remember that it's on the kitchen table, so I decide to put it back in the den where it belongs, but first I'll water the flowers.
I pour some water in the flowers, but also spill some on the floor.
So, I set the remote back on the table, get some towels and wipe up the spill.
Then, I head down the hall trying to remember what I was planning to do.
At the end of the day:
the car isn't washed
the bills aren't paid
there is a warm can of Coke sitting on the counter
the flowers don't have enough water,
there is still only 1 check in my check book,
I can't find the remote,
I can't find my glasses,
and I don't remember what I did with the car keys.
Then, when I try to figure out why nothing got done today, I'm really baffled because I know I was busy all day, and I'm really tired.
I realize this is a serious problem, and I'll try to get some help for it.
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Monday, April 21, 2008 "Letter by a Florida Teacher"
This came to me in an email from a friend in FL. Being that My Beloved and I were born and raised in Central FL ALL our single lives we see this type of thing a lot! Being that My Beloved is a Marine we have very strong feelings on things such as US Citizenship! We don't share this to offend anyone, but to just share!
Letter by a Florida teacher................ A teacher speaks
This is a subject close to my heart. Do you know that we have adult students at the school where I teach who are not US citizens and who get the PELL grant, which is a federal grant (no pay back required) plus other federal grants to go to school?
One student from the Dominican Republic told me that she didn't want me to find a job for her after she finished my program, because she was getting housing from our housing department and she was getting a PELL grant which paid for her total tuition and books, plus money leftover.
She was looking into WAIT which gives students a CREDIT CARD for gas to come to school, and into CARIBE which is a special program (check it out - I did) for immigrants and it pays for child care and all sorts of needs while they go to school or training. The one student I just mentioned told me she was not going to be a US Citizen because she plans to return to the Dominican Republic someday and that she 'loves HER country.'
I asked her if she felt guilty taking what the US is giving her and then not even bothering to become a citizen and she told me that it doesn't bother her, because that is what the money is there for!
I asked the CARIBE administration about their program and if you ARE a USCiizn,you don't qualify for their program. And all the while, I am working a full day, my son-in-law works more than 60 hours a week, and everyone in my family works and pays for our education.
Something is wrong here. I am sorry but after hearing they want to sing the National Anthem in Spanish - enough is enough. Nowhere did they sing it in Italian, Polish, Irish (Celtic), German or any other language because of immigration. It was written by Francis Scott Key and should be sung word for word the way it was written. The news broadcasts even gave the translation -- not even close.Sorry if this offends anyone but this is MY COUNTRY.
IF IT IS YOUR COUNTRY SPEAK UP -- please pass this along. I am not against immigration -- just come through like everyone else.
Get a sponsor; have a place to lay your head; have a job; pay your taxes, live by the rules AND LEARN THE LANGUAGE as all other immigrants have in the past -- and GOD BLESS AMERICA! |
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Monday, April 21, 2008 "Tired People"
Tired PeopleBy Elisa Morgan, Publisher, FullFill Magazine
People in church are tired. Not just the professional pastor/leader people. Today the regular folks are tired too. The ones who work in children’s ministry and youth work, the ones who wash the communion cups and direct the parking.
And yet these days, foreign missions – the short term trip type – is enjoying a GIANT insurgence of interest from regular folks. Somehow it seems more energizing and “value-adding” to fly to Africa to help HIV orphans than to show up week after week to do the everyday ordinary business of church.
Perhaps we people, both professional and regular, will experience restored passion when we re-examine our offering in the body of Christ. How can we reframe our perspective so we understand the kingdom significance of even the most ordinary aspects of ministry?
Cars need to be directed so that hungry people can find hope. Children need to be held so that their parents can be encouraged. HIV needs to be addressed so that our planet continues. Africa needs water wells. It all matters.
Here are some questions to consider: What can we stop doing so that we can do what must be done? And how can we have a fresh perspective on the everyday actions of ministry? |
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Monday, April 21, 2008 "When I say I am a Christian"
"When I Say I Am A Christian"
'A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ
That a man should have to seek Him first to find her.'
When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not shouting 'I'm clean livin''
I'm whispering 'I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven.'
When I say... 'I am a Christian' I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.'
When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.'
When I say.. 'I am a Christian' I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.'
When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I am worth it.'
When I say... 'I am a Christian' I still feel the sting of pain..
I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.'
When I say . . . 'I am a Christian' I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner who received God's good grace, somehow
-- Maya Angelou |
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Monday, April 21, 2008 "Stranded"
Stranded
Barb Vogelgesang, Area Coordinator
I was traveling recently and found myself stranded at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport. This unexpected curve allowed me to spend some time people watching. The waiting area at the gate was crowded with stranded passengers. I noticed a young mom with two children pushing a carriage while she struggled to pull along their carry-on bag. She stopped and scoped out the available spaces and moved to two chairs near the ticket agent counter. It was interesting to watch her set up camp.
She blocked off the two chairs with the bag and the carriage creating a safe play area for her toddler. A blanket was put down with some toys and the little guy sat down happily at his mom’s feet. Every once in awhile he would stand up to check on his baby brother sleeping in the carriage and pat his mom’s leg. His mom’s desire and ability to create a temporary home for him made him content. When the ticket agent announced that our flight was canceled the mom left the safe corral to get on line. She built her “home” close enough to the ticket counter that she was able to keep one hand on the carriage at all times. As long as her little guy could see mom’s hand he was just fine.
It’s amazing how as moms we can establish a cozy dwelling place and the security this gives our children. A carriage, a suitcase, two chairs, and a blanket in a crowded airport and a little two year old played happily while his infant brother slept, all because mom was near. I’ve heard the saying home is where the heart is, but the reality for a young child is home is wherever mom is.
Prayer From a Mother's Heart
Dear God, allow my child to feel your presence wherever she goes and in whatever circumstance she faces.
MOPS International |
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Monday, April 21, 2008 Preparing Your Testimony: The Four Parts of Your Story
Our MOPS Steering Team Coordinator found this for our steering team to use to help us write our Faith Testimonies out so we might have them prepared to give them at our last meeting of the year, which is our "Tea & Testimony". I thought it was a neat little guide line. Especailly for someone like me who can tend to wonder without meaning to because something poped into my head. So I thought I'd share!
I don't know who made the outline up, but if you do please leave me a comment or email so I may give credit where due!
Preparing Your Testimony: The Four Parts of Your Story
If you became a Christian as an Adult:
1. What my life was like before I met Christ.
a. What common circumstances would an unbeliever identify with?
b. What were your attitudes that an unbeliever would identify with?
c. What was most important to you?
d. What substitute for God did you use to find meaning in your life?
2. How I realized I needed Christ.
a. What significant steps led up to your conversion?
b. What needs, hurts, or problems made you dissatisfied with the way you were living without God?
c. How did God get your attention? What motivated you?
3. How I committed my life to Christ.
a. What specifically did you do? Where did it happen?
b. What did you say in your prayer? Be specific.
4. The difference it has made in my life.
a. What benefits have you experienced or felt?
b. What problems have been resolved?
c. How has Jesus helped you change for the better?
d. How has it helped your relationships?
e. Give a current example.
If you became a Christian as a Child, but walked away or never grew until a deeper recommitment as an adult:
Use the same four steps above, but with this modification: You made the decision for Christ as a child, but your life was characterized by spiritual immaturity-a lifestyle similar to a non-Christian-until you made a later recommitment of your life to Christ. Evaluate whether your early conversion was genuine.
If you became a Christian as a Child and never strayed:
Use the same four steps above, but with this modification: Point out some deep need or common problem you see other people trying to resolve. Point out how unsuccessful their attempts are to meet their own need. Then explain why you never experienced that problem by trusting Christ early in life. Don’t say the exact age. Continue with Steps 3 and 4.
THE TESTIMONY PYRAMID
1. Spend the least time on Part 1
2. More time on Part 2
3. Even more time on Part 3
4. Spend most of your time on Part 4
THE VALUE OF YOUR PERSONAL TESTIMONY
1. It is unique! There are no others just like it.
2. It is personal and easy to understand.
3. You are the authority on it. It’s difficult to argue with.
4. People love to hear personal stories and they remember them.
5. People can relate to it.
6. It builds a relational bridge.
7. In our postmodern world, it may be your most effective witness.
“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” 1 Peter 3:15
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