Should I combine my blogs?  What I mean is should I close htis blog and just keep the one blogspot blog?  It is hte one I have claled my evangelism blog.  It is more public and open.  It is 'out there.' 

I've never shared anything about my kids ont hat one, including pictures of them.  I have always felt this blog was safer, more protected. 

But...Should I do anything different her?  Is this any safere?  really?

Blogspot has a much easier format.  Maintaining two blogs is a problem.  It takes guilt to keep them both updated.  Wouldn't one be easier to keep up with?

I'll let you know what I decide.

Today I am planting my first garden!

I'm planting it in my basement.  I bought the seeds, I'm only planting what I like.  That limits the selection.  We are talking vegetables here.  No dark chocolate carmel plants!?

So I'm planting my seeds today.  Not all of them, just those that need a little headstart before going out into the big cold windy world.  See, you don't start all seeds out in the cold.  You provide them a protective enviroment and then keep them close until they are strong enough to face the forces that will challenge their roots.  So we grow their roots strong here, close to home where we can nuture and prepare them. 

Later comes the hardening.  You do it slowly, still once they are 'hardened' they are not just tossed out into the elements.  I prepare a place for them as the Lord has done for His children.  Providing them with what they need to stand firm and grow into productive little assets.  The tomatoes will need some proteciton from the wind, the lettuce needs some shade in the afternoon sun, all need protection from bugs and cats.  They still need care: water, weeding and maybe some food.  Even after all the preparations there are threats but at some point they will prove themselves.  Are the roots strong?  I've done all I can.  

I believe there is a measure of faith in gardening.  What makes one seed grow and another never sprout?  With all our careful work, some wither and fade.  It seems we have no control in the real plan of it all.  Never the less, I am going to labor with hope for the best results and trust it all into HIs hands.

 Chris Tomlin \ Forever

Give thanks to the Lord
Our God and King
His love endures Forever
For He is good, He is above all things
His love endures Forever
Sing Praise, sing Praise

With a mighty hand
and outstretched arm
His love endures Forever
For the life that's been reborn
His love endures forever
Sing Praise, sing Praise
Sing Praise, sing Praise

My children reported the sighting of the first dandylion which is the official sign of spring.  But since I did not see it myself I am sure it is not spring yet.  Strange things happen in spring.  I'm plotting a garden.  You read that right!

As soon as I get the yard wired for Air conditioning we'll be all set!... Kidding of course.  I figure the morning air is pretty moderate on the worst of days.  I can always assign weeding as a chore to a child in need of a cure for those forbidden words, "Im bored."  My children rarely say that because I am quick to apply the cure from an early age.  Work!

Same with fighting..."hmmm, you need something better to do, go clean out the car."

Well,  I'm off to a rocket launch today.  Just overcome with guilt and the pressure of another month about to end so I had to type something up.  If you stumble on this soon, then you will find all the typos.  Otherwise, wait a few hours and I will be back to edit.

!0, 9, 8, 7...  We're off!

Sooo cold outside!

The kids and I have just finished reading the Long Winter and once again I hear familiar words in the kitchen, "Don't be so picky!  Laura had nothing but potatoes and brown bread for months!"

I love this book for reminding us all how good we have it now.  I love the line, "Don't get up, I'll shovel the snow off you as soon as I dig your Ma out."  And that was inside the house!

They wrote letters using as few words as possible to make the most of the paper.  A letter was a rare thing.  Every few years depending on where you lived and then months between sending it and the person getting it. 

Food was seasonal.  No greens until the snow melted and everything grew large enough again.  Candy on Christmas day.  That was it! 

I wonder about privacy.  The girls wait until Pa left to do chores to dress.  No mention of bathing.  Of course during the worst of the long winter they only ate bread twice a day.  They rose late and went to bed early because their was no lamp or candles,     They burned grass to keep warm so I imagine that boiling water to make a bath was a luxury they could not manage. 

Blizzard after blizzard for seven months and a town left to starve because the train could not get through.  This is a great book.  I read later that this book was edited because it was too sad for a children's book.  makes me wonder what was left out. 

Laura speaks breifly about faith in this book, memorizing scripture,praying and singing hymns together.  Mary's testimony is in here as well and if any of them were truely saved it was her. 

Anyway, this book is a family tradition.  I love how my girls react at certain parts.  Like Laura describing Cap Garland... She really had a crush on him.  How Almanzo thawed his frost bitten feet with snow and still did his share of the chores with feet so swollen that he had to borrow his brother's boots.  How Laura describes working with her father in the field even though ma did not like her working like a 'foreign woman' though relented because Pa did need the help..  However, she did not allow Laura to go to town to help Pa, it wasn't proper. 

Now we have started in on The Little Town on the Prairie.  These books are more and more appealing as my girls have grown. The courting of Laura and Almanzo.  For me it is the way Laura expresses the bitter sweet feelings of the changes in her life.  The amazing bond and love for family and the necessary parting that comes.

Which one referred to a spiders web as an analogy for the situation of an unbeliever?

Which one was good with a hammer?  Who knows?

His name is always related to a dutch flower?

Who is known as a prince?

It is almost the end of December and my pace is at least once a month.

I know you will excuse me for being super busy this time of year.  Christmas was just as you would expect in a family of ten.  Or maybe not.  We like calm and peace so we arrange things to avoid the frenzy that some families might experience.  Plenty of time for unwrapping presents and enjoying them before we open more.  a little nap time and good food prepared by all.  The only frenzy is the last half hour when we are trying to get all the food to the table while it is still hot.

 Timing is everything they say.  Speaking of timing... I was thinking...

Is it ever the wrong time to share the truth of salvation?

The scripture says to be ready in season and out.  Also that today is the day of salvation.  That we are to be Ambassadors.  We do not know how much time we have so we need to make the most of it.

But...  Perhaps if you find yourself in a situation that it is not the right time to share the gospel them maybe the truth is that it is the wrong place.  Are you where you should be if you are some place where you can not share the truth of God's hope and salvation?

Often times we are forced into situations because of social and family pressure.  Especially during the holidays.  I wonder if when the relatives start drinking, isn't it time to go then?  What fellowship do we have with unbelievers outside of sharing the gospel?  If that door is closed then shouldn't we be on the other side of it?

What a wonderful year!  Life in the Graff family is rolling along.  I know that some of you really want to know what and how we are doing so here is the state of the family, annual report.

Starting with Samantha, our college student working on her English major.  She is studying at home through an accelerated distance learning program and will earn her BA in English in 18 to 24 months.  After she and Paul went on a mission trip to Russia this summer, she came home focused on becoming equipped to better serve the Lord by acquiring more education.  When she is not studying she still teaches ballet, sings with the worship team, serves in AWANA and fills in at the county museum. 

Anna is our rocket scientist!  She has formed a TARC (Team America Rocket Challenge) team and hopes to compete nationally in the spring.  For more info, check out the team’s web site:  www.mvhe-tarc.blogspot.com.  Meanwhile, she is still working at the insurance company part time and is the new administrator for the county museum.  She loves setting up the antique displays and learning more about local history.  Piano is still foremost in her life and she is playing on the worship team with Paul and Samantha.  Did I mention she killed her first deer this year?  Great meat from our mighty hunting girl!

Sara is taking piano and voice this year.  She is my most dedicated student and her favorite subject is literature.  When her work is all done, she can be found in her room painting, reading or working on her book.  In 4-H this year she took the top trophies for art and for the beautiful quilt she made for Anna.  She is a huge help to me in the home as my older girls are too busy for many home chores right now.

Joshua got his first deer this year too!  I have never tasted such good deer meat.  Joshua is busy designing armor and castles much of the time.  He took the top trophies in 4-H this year in rocketry and in archery for the arrows he made.  He is so grown now that he works by Paul’s side cutting wood and helping with the ever present home repairs.   He has become my handy man much of the time.

Emma and Julia are dancing in the Nutcracker this year and enjoy taking ballet from their big sister.  They both like to knit, crochet and quilt.  Emma took the crochet trophy in 4-H! Most days they can be found in their room arranging their doll house or dressing their dolls while listening to a story CD.   

  
Jeremiah and Joe: The boys!  They are all about swords, guns and ambushing Joshua.  They are getting pretty good at getting him to the floor and sitting on him or making him giddy-up as they ride on his back.  Little Joe is not so very little.  He is turning two this December and is adored by all.  When he gets caught being wicked he will throw his arms open wide and ask, “huggie?” in a sweet voice that proves this child is knowingly sinning.  Smart boy, but oh so much work to be done there.  So loved!

Something special happened with Jeremiah this year.  He and Emma were talking over what they had heard in church on a Sunday afternoon and Jeremiah told Emma  that he wanted to be a Christian.  Emma told him to go talk to Daddy!  Paul was taking his Sunday nap when Jeremiah crashed through the door and announced that he wanted to be a Christian.  Paul shot out of bed and they went and had a long talk.  Jeremiah understood that he had sinned and need to repent and ask God’s forgiveness.  He prayed and will now tell you that he is saved, belongs to Jesus and will someday live in heaven with Him. 

What more can we say? God is good and we are so blessed with the family, friends, church and the life we have in Him. 

3 John 1:4 “I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.”

Merry Christmas and God Bless You
           

Saw the doc today.

The doc asked me if I thought Obama was the anti-christ.

I was a little surprised by his very sincere question.

My on the spot response was, "I suppose he has a good a chance as any."

You ever say things and even after thinking long and hard, you still don't know what you said, why or what it means?

Please don't let me out without proper supervision.

I don't want to pay for the old timey looking pics for my wall but all my other kids had them done.  I needed some of Joe.  I decided to try it myself.  You like?  I think he is kinda cute!

I'm having it machine quilted.  I can't afford the $6000 dollars for the machine. 

Below is a close up for fabric details.

My daughter is studying literature.  Right now the focus is on poetry.  She challenged me to write a poem using structure that was unfamiliar.  This is called a Sestina.

Light possessing color
Setting of the seasons
Flavoring misty air
Taste it as you breath
The first taste of morning
Drink it in with your eyes

Appraising with the eyes
Changing gems of color
Setting of golden morning
Jewels for all seasons
Sweet spring and bitter winter, breath
Pink and blue is the air

Green summer and golden autumn air
Preceive not with just your eyes
Life made vivid with each breath
Living cloaked in color
Days written in the seasons
Illustrated memories, born each morning

Open your eyes and breath
The morning air of the seasons
The color of your life lived

Needs puncuation help.  Not a big fan of poetry.  Always seems to fal into the pit of flowery and mooshy gooshy.  Which I'm not.  I think. 

Here is my young lady, Anna.  God has used Anna to teach me much.

The biggest lesson He has taught me through her is that a lady is capable of being diversely interesting.  There is a stero-type in the home-school movement that proper young ladies all wear dresses only; homemade and floral preferred.  They have tea parties, play with baby dolls and sew.  They sing and play but not publically.  Modesty is often defined by quiet and plain.

Then here comes Anna.  I put Anna in dresses and made her take ballet for years.  She always managed to rip her skirts from running or climbing trees.  God has gifted her with musical talent.  She plays lovely things when I ask but her taste is for contemporary composers.  She likes movie music like Lord of the Rings and Pirates.  I often call her taste, Horse race or circus music.

Anna can sew but she prefers to build rockets.  Cooking... well she likes to try but has a reputation for lighting things on fire in the kitchen. 

Her mother does not like sports but Anna is a baseball fan.  Her mother doesn't shoot but Anna not only shoots, she hunts and is building a gun.  Anna likes to read books about space rather than Jane Austen.

Is Anna a lady?  Anna loves warm comfy clothes, chocolate and icecream.  She likes monkeys; especially on her Pjs and socks.  She likes to snowboard.  She likes to drive her dad'd pick-up truck. 

She loves babies, wants to be a mom and wears pink.  She wears pretty floral scarfs in her hair too.  She picks flowers and sings song.  When she wears camoflage, she always likes to add a little pink.

Is Anna a lady?  Anna is my young lady.  She has taught me that God creates His children very differently.  His designs are perfect.  Ever wonder why there are so many different kinds of flowers?  Which one is your favorite?  It is probably different than mine.  But often when you pick a bouquet, don't you fill tha bouquet with many different kinds and colors of flowers?

I'm very pleased to be Mom to such a lady.

I think being disappointment is just a selfish sin.  When disappointment is caused by sin in others it is just compounded.  Now it is not just their sin, you are now sinning too.

Sin is contagious like a cold but more catastrophic like cancer.  How quietly it sneaks in.  No one's heart is ever broken over a cold but cancer... it's a heart breaker and a life changer.  It stops the world and has your attention, front and center.

We often live in resignation with our own sin,  but the sin of others, that will consume us!  It can become all we think of and begins to define that person and our relationship with them.

Like cancer or even a cold their is no cure for sin, but there is a treatment: The cross and forgiveness.  We need to receive it and give it.

Grace.

After the Constitutional Convention had finished its work in 1787, a woman asked Ben Franklin what kind of government had been decided upon. He replied:

"A republic, if you can keep it."

Remember Lincoln’s words at Gettyburg? 

“…and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

There are those who want more than anything to change this country; making the government our provider, our savior, our god

and Obama, his prophet.

There once was a Greg named Bear

Who read blogs, from here and there.

Though entertained, no comment he'd leave;

Which for bloggers is a real pet peeve.

So I choose this day to write,

A reader participation invite.

Come and be brave and share:

A thought if you really do dare.

I have been looking at my list.  I took care of what had to be done...Well except cleaing out the refrigerator.  I'm hoping one of my children will disobey me tomorrow so I can make the child do it as a punishment.  In our house we sentence to hard labor. 

Anyway,  I got what had to be done and tomorrow there is so much more.  I am torn sometimes with priorities.  I want to stay home and read to the kids all afternoon but things need to be done.  For some reason I'm the one that needs to be doing these things.

If you have seen my house you know that dh and I have the same problem.  So much to do and what suffers is the yard, remodel, washing cars and such.  We do what has to be done and it seem that little time remains for what else needs to be done.

Is this just a season or a lifestyle?  I'm going with a lifestyle because it has always been this way.  Well, as long as we have been involved in a church. 

But I have satisfaction for the moment:  The dishes are done, the laundry is folded and waiting to be put away (quick before Joe comes and unfolds everything with a grin and giggle) I sewed the binding on the baby quilt for my brother's child and now I have the hand stitching left which is one of my favorite parts.

Soooo...what is left on today's to do:  Put the kids to bed, wash up, read the Word and sew.  Ahhhh, now this is good.

God is so good! I'm so blessed, really I am. I have a home, family and church.  I have my savior, hope and love. What do I lack?  Nothing.  What do I desire? Only that others would know this life.  That they might be saved.  No, not so they can all do housework and sew.  But so there purpose can be found in Him.  That joy can be found in life as it is.  That they would love, have hope and serve the Lord while praying for others to do the same.  High ideals...

I need to remember that my life is about what I get to do, not what have to do.

Bedtime for kiddos...  Ahhh, this is good!

Daughters are like the bride's bouquet.
Beauty she holds dear.
Reflecting all she finds lovely,
While knowing she must give them all away.

The girls had a ladies' night at the fair.  We went for the cheap seats at the rodeo.

My personal favorite and a yearly tradition at the fair is the steak on a stick! yum!

 She took my picture?!?!?!

2nd Timothy 3:14-17 “You, however, continue in the things you have learned and   become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from   childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”

I look toward the Scriptures for guidance in my line of work, ie. Wife-ing and  Mommy-ing.  Every word of the Scripture is there for me so I look to these God given examples and lessons.

To start at the beginning, I looked at Eve.  Poor Eve has been thought ill of by every laboring woman.  I remember trying to reason with God during one of my own labors.  I told Him that I didn’t eat the fruit…  Couldn’t He suspend the curse just for me?  Yep, It is all Eve’s fault! How about looking beyond the garden incident?  Okay, Her son was the first murderer… maybe Eve was a bad choice as an example?  But God wants me to learn something here so I keep trying.  She led her husband in sin, disobeyed God, tried to hide from Him and then lied to cover.  This isn’t getting any better for her, is it?
 
But I kept looking.  One author said: “If man represented the supreme species, created in God’s image, Eve was the living embodiment of humanity’s glory.  Adam was refined dirt, Eve was glorious refinement of humanity itself.  Eve was Adams necessary partner to make his existence complete and to complete creation itself.” 

Mathew Henry said: “The woman was made of a rib out of the side of Adam; not made out of his head to rule over him, nor out of his feet to be trampled upon by him, but out of his side to be equal with him, under his arm to be protected, and near his heart to be beloved.”

She was the flawless example of feminine excellence.  We don’t know of her physical appearance but in a sermon by Dr. Bill Barrick he said that the original Hebrew expresses Adams response as an enthusiastic, “This one!” with the implication that it was said with the same inflection as “WOW!”

Eve is called “the mother of all living.”  Still we don’t know how long she lived or where.  We don’t know how many children she had, or how and when she died.  But her life teaches us several truths:  Her fundamental equality with her husband, being taken out of man means being made of the same essence.  She was not his inferior but rather his spiritual counterpart, his perfect mate and companion.  Her creation teaches us about the divinely designed role of a woman: Mother, comforter, nurturer and helper.
 
Eve knew that her children were a gift from God. Genesis 4:1 "And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD."  In naming her son Seth which mean ‘appointed seed’, it is evident that she was laying hold of the hope and she believed that her seed would indeed someday overcome the curse and destroy the destroyer as the Lord had said to the serpent in Genesis 3:15 “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, And between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise you on the head, And you shall bruise him on the heel."

If you compare yourself to Eve, you could find comfort in the thought that you have not done all the wrong she did and suffered the extreme consequences that she lived out.  Although in truth, are we really that different?           “But for the grace of God...”

Psalm 119:132-133 “Turn to me and be gracious to me, After Your manner with whose who love Your name. Establish my footsteps in Your word, And do not let any iniquity have dominion over me.”         

I'm so pleased!  I know it is all going to be dust but for now it is pretty and so nessessary at the same time.  My youngers are doing the dishes more but couldn't handle the stoneware which was old, heavy and chipped sooooooo.....  Now we have these.  Aren't they pretty.  Corelle, durable and affordable! 

Look close to see the white on beige pattern.  Paul likes them too! 

Maybe someday we can agree on a couch!

We are half way through August and where we live the last week of August is relatively cold.  Relatively meaning it can get into the lower 80s sometiomes 70s.  We are busy with 4-H and running toward fair deadlines.

The quilt is still onthe table (literally) but I am slow on it as other things need my attention. It is all cut and the 4 inch squares are done.  I have started sewing the 14 inch squares.  I also have my next project picked out and purchased.  Zipping right alone. 

School is coming into focus.  We should be starting this month but I may wait until after fair just to have the last of our rest, finish up fair and do a little fall cleaning before we huddle down for winter.  I also need to set up Cubbies.  ACK!  Just looked at the calendar.  Need to get on that soon!

Very little camping this summer. We are hoping to camp on the first day of hunting season.  Fall is such a great time to be out!  Anna, Josh and Paul enjoy hunting while the rest of us like the time around the fire and in the woods.  Just being together is great. 

I'm starting my Sister-in-law's quilt today.

She is being deployed with the army and wants something homey to take with her.  I have the design but the colors are a little different.  She asked for three shades of purple. I'll share pics when I get the top pieced together. Also I am doing 24, 14 inch squares and this pic I'm going to share has only twelve.

As the Amish say, "Only God is perfect."   So I get this quilt all pieced together, lay it on the floor to start tying it and notice one of the 4 inch squares are turned a quarter of a turn! I decide that I can live with that as only God is perfect.  But then... I find another square turned...  Now the truth comes out.  Only God is perfect and only I would invest this much time in a project and not check more carefully before finishing the work!  Oh well, it has character and God loves to add character through labor so I have gained from this quilt.  On to the next project.  A quilt to be deployed with my Sister-in-law this winter.

Ladies/mothers in a war zone... another topic for another day.

Mother necessity is sleeping on the job.  I know it is true!  Being a mother, she surely would have solved a few obvious problems first thing. 

Self folding laundry

Dishes that put themselves away

Dinner that cooks itself

self cleaning floor

self cleaning windows

No it is not purely being lazy...  I just don't have time for all these chores.  I could be quilting!

Yes, my children are well trained but they are also very busy with other things.  No, not sports.  I can see the non-sense of a child being over committed in activities that are just time fillers.  Sure sure, talk to me a sportsmanship... Pthththt.  They can learn that from board games.  Physical fitness?  How about some gardening or home improvement?  Getting along with others?  Can you say, "Large family?"  So please... Sports is the devil's distraction.  Yeah, I know, pretty strong statement.  But really.  I see sports divide families all the time.  Can't be home for dinner, got a game.  Can't be grounded for disrespect, got a game.  Dont' have time to visit grandpa, got a game.  No time to attend Bible study, got a game.

And what do they learn from being on a team?  This group of people come first.  New words from Trash Mouth Tommy.  Atitudes.  Making new friends?  This is by far the biggest argument against sports for me.  Can I go over to Johnny's house? Johnny's mom isn't home, she works full time.  Dad left years ago.  Johnny likes to play video games and watch TV.  Any channel he wants.  His older brother likes to bring his friends over to hang out.  What's that he is drinking?  What's tha he is smoking... "Hey, you want to try some?  Don't be a sissy."  We filter or children's books, media, music, food but we let them hang out with whoever?  The gamble: Maybe they will be a good influnce on Tom and John... More likely, the sin nature being what it is, and a child's (not to mention adult's) desire is to be accepted and approved of...  It's a trap to becoming a man pleaser.  Socially dependent on the interaction with others who will drop you like a rock or run you down in a heart beat.  Why?  Their loyalty lies with number one, that is themselves, not God, not the team, not their family and certainly not your child.  Ok, worse case senario.

I do know some dear people who are very sporty.  This is their family's way of 'being together'  That is their way.  They may very well out live everyone in my family for it...  But, who wants to live into the spoon-feeding years?  I just see the risk as out weighing the benefits.  Now let me include a little hyprocriscy confession... My older two daughters play softball, coed, with their daddy.  Not my choice, its a church team and daddy is with them.  So compromise under the right circumstance, but I still see it as a huge waste of time and distraction from more important things. 

But I digress... My children are busy,  My three oldest are working at VBS this week with their daddy.  (Kind of a team sport thing)  They come home exhausted so I hold my tongue when I really want to say, "dishes, laundry, floors..."  For years I have let them take care of the house work and a good deal of the cooking.  The oldest did the menus and shopping.  Now I'm back in charge of it all.

I'm training the youngers who are 12-1 in years but it is slow.  I can see the blessing here as they are woefully lacking in skills.  Their work ethic is more to the idea of, "can't someone else do it?"  I'm also teaching them how to cook.  This part they enjoy much more than washing dishes and folding laundry.  Ah... summer fun!     

This won't be changing soon either.  My oldest is going to Russia with her daddy on a mission trip.  She is going with a team...ack!  There is that word again.  I hope she plays well with others and is a good sport.  *Snort* lol.  Yeah, yeah, I see it!  They will be gone about two weeks.

DD number two is very gifted with the piano.  This is what the Lord has put in her and it is our job to nurture this gift so we are letting her go to a piano conference .  It is week long.  Then the next week she and her yonger sister, my third oldest are going to a music camp here in town.   This is as far out as I let my children go.  It is hard.   Two and half more weeks of very little of my older children being more than furniture, with the exception of meal time when they will be a little more animated. 

It really is a great thing that the older are too busy to do their normal work as it is forcing me to do the tedious work of training the younger.  I know it is for the best.  I'm feel more productive and I like being on top of everything.  I know where my socks are!  I know where my pots are!  I know how many cans of beans I have! 

I'm a good administrator but I need to be working along side these younger ones.  Maybe today I will do bathroom class!  Toilet cleaning 101!  Oooh fun!  Team work! Team work! Rah rah rah!  *snort*

Maria Sue Chapman, adopted and youngest daughter to Mary Beth and Steven Curtis Chapman, was killed March 21st, in a tragic accident in the family driveway on Wednesday evening. She was LifeFlighted to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital, but for only reasons God can explain she went home to Him... not to Franklin as we all so  desperately wanted.

“Your prayers are needed for all in the Chapman family. This is a family who has so generously loved and given to so many. Just hours before this close knit family was celebrating the engagement of the oldest daughter Emily Chapman, and were just hours away from a graduation party marking Caleb Chapman's completion of high school. Now, they are preparing to bury a child who blew out 5 candles on a birthday cake less than 10 days ago. These words are unthinkable to type. And yet we trust in a God who was not surprised by this and because of Jesus I am certain through faith in Him we will see Maria again.” - Jim Houser (Manager)

Steven Curtis Chapman has won five Grammy awards and 51 Dove awards from the Gospel Music Association. The singer's Web site said that Chapman and his wife, Mary Beth, were persuaded by their oldest daughter to adopt a girl from China. The         experience led the family to adopt two more children and create Shaohannah's Hope, a foundation and ministry to financially assist thousands of couples in adoption. The Chapmans did missionary work at Chinese orphanages in 2006 and 2007.

"After our first trip to China, my wife and I knew our lives were changing — our eyes and hearts were opening to how big God really is, and we have wanted to experience more of that,"      Chapman says on his Web site. "We've really wondered whether or not we should just go to China and stay there. But I don't think so. I believe God is saying, 'I want you to go, get your heart broken, your eyes opened, and then take this story back to the church in America and around the world."'

Chapman has released a book about being a father entitled "Cinderella: The Love of Daddy and his Princess."  Chapman also wrote a song for Maria called Cinderella.  Please pray for this family and let this story move your heart to hold your children, evaluate your priorities and make the most of your days.

Psalm 90 

    1 Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations.
    2 Before the mountains were born
         Or You gave birth to the earth and the world,
         Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.
    3 You turn man back into dust
         And say, "Return, O children of men."
    4 For a thousand years in Your sight
         Are like yesterday when it passes by,
         Or as a watch in the night.
    5 You have swept them away like a flood, they fall asleep;
         In the morning they are like grass which sprouts anew.
    6 In the morning it flourishes and sprouts anew;
         Toward evening it fades and withers away.
    7 For we have been consumed by Your anger
         And by Your wrath we have been dismayed.
    8 You have placed our iniquities before You,
         Our secret sins in the light of Your presence.
    9 For all our days have declined in Your fury;
         We have finished our years like a sigh.
    10 As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years,
         Or if due to strength, eighty years,
         Yet their pride is but labor and sorrow;
         For soon it is gone and we fly away.
    11 Who understands the power of Your anger
         And Your fury, according to the fear that is due You?
    12 So teach us to number our days,
         That we may present to You a heart of wisdom.
    13 Do return, O LORD; how long will it be?
         And be sorry for Your servants.
    14 O satisfy us in the morning with Your lovingkindness,
         That we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
    15 Make us glad according to the days You have afflicted us,
         And the years we have seen evil.
    16 Let Your work appear to Your servants
         And Your majesty to their children.
    17 Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us;
         And confirm for us the work of our hands;
         Yes, confirm the work of our hands.

Here is a portion of the song he wrote for his daughter called “Cinderella”

She spins and she sways,
To whatever song plays,
Without a care in the world.
And I'm sitting here wearing
The weight of the world
on my shoulders.

It's been a long day,
And there's still work to do
She's pulling at me,
Saying "Dad, I need you
There's a ball at the castle,
And I've been invited,
And I need to practice my dancing.
Oh, please, Daddy, please?"

So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms.
'Cause I know something the prince never knew’
Oh, I will dance with Cinderella
I don't want to miss even one song
'Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight. ’

And she'll be gone...

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZinemmausinn

Hi everyone.  Please go take a look and forward the info to anyone you think would be willing to help my daughter and husband pay their way to Russia.  For a mission trip with Slavic Gospel Association.  I made all the items listed with the help of my daughters.  These quilts are very hard to part with.  I have spent 3 or 4 months working on these.  Even if you are not looking to buy, go look, they are real pretty.  I especially love the Kaleidoscope quilts. Please forward the link.  This ends next Sunday and I need as many people as possible to get involved for a good auction.

I only have two little girls left.  I was sorting through all my fabric,  while I was searching, I found fabric and patterns to make my ten year and eight year old some jumpers.  I bought this fabric and pattern back when they were the smallest size on the package, now they are the largest.  Good thing I always buy a little extra fabric. I'm going to make them right away while I still have enough fabric.  This may be the last summer they will want to wear the little girl jumpers. 

All my children are growing up.  I have more older children than young ones.  I have no baby girls.  My son is twelve and I am already having trouble telling the difference between his clothes and his father's.

It just makes me feel old and sad.  Time goes so fast.  At least Jo at 18 months, is still a baby but he is learning to talk already.  He was out playing with his big sister and came in smelling like a boy with a limp flower hanging over his ear and telling me in baby talk about the kitties (the only discernable word). 

I love that they still bring me flowers.  My oldest who told me she will be twenty in nine months still puts flowers in her hair.  I like that.

What I have learned is that this kind of surgery is pretty easy for me.  The docs and nurses were kind.  I was not nervous or uncomfortable.  I slept through it.

The hard part is recovery.  This is day 9 post surgery.  I have not had any pain pills today.  Dh annouced that he is going back to work and I am flying solo as all my older kids are down with the flu, which by the way I had on days 4-5-6 post surgery.  WHY!?  As if this isn't all hard enough, lets toss our cookies as well and add to the trainwreck of a house without a director/dictator, making all thing run.

So today I am forced out of my room and into the light which seems very dark. in a kitchen full of dirty dishes and a laundry room heaped high as all the laundry has been crisis laundry of bedding, towels and messy things.

Did I mention that I had the flu at the same time as the 18 month old?

I hate to complain so i will stop now.  This too shall pass and light will return, slowly, one limpy step at a time. 

I wonder how long it will be.  I'm having surgery on Tuesday.  It is my knee.  I wasn't worried at all until the doctor started talking about; bleeding, swelling, bruising, pain, and death.  So if I die I'll be in heaven.  Pray my husband finds a good loving, young energetic new wife to homeschool the kids.  He deserves a good wife, he has done twenty years with me.  He really is a great guy.

Well tomorrow we go camping.  That should be a great motivation for prayer and maybe by the time we return, death will be looking real good. I know the fifty pain pills will be welcome but I think I am suppose to wait until after the operation to take them. (lol)  Bummer.

Perhaps if I'm not too druggedup I can log on with the lap-top and give you a very interesting diary of my recovery. 

Spring begins with the sighting of the first Dandelion.  I saw my first yellow blooming dandelion of this season on April 1st.  Now everyday I see a few more.  Soon, they will be in the fields and it will be hard to look and not see one.

When I was a kid I used to love to pick a Dandelion that had gone to seed.  I'd make a wish and blow.  If I could get all the seeds to leave in one breath, then my wish would come true.  I can't remember what I wished for then.  Now I have prayer which is better than wishes.  No conditions on how much air I use to dispatch the request either.  Wishes are prayers for people who pray to air. Once when I was wishing with a Dandelion, an adult informed me in a condeming disgusted tone that I was 'just spreading weeds'.  It stopped me long enough to leave that adult's sight but it did not stop me from blowing wishes on the wind.

Who decided that Dandelions are weeds?  Perhaps one man's weed is another man's free and abundant bouquet.  In Colorado the white daisies grow wild and are called noxious weeds.  In Washington state they are lovely and growing freely beside the roads. Sunflowers too are weeds in some places but you can buy them in a flower arrangement.

So let me draw an analogy... another situation based of perspective:  Are these 'weeds unwelcome because of their perceived value? 

I can remember being up in the Colorado mountains and seeing literally miles of wild flowers...  Were they weeds?   In those same mountains the Dandelions grew right along with those wildflowers.  Hardly anyone saw these flowers high in the hills.  I wondered about the flowers growing beyond the road, beyond the path, beyond what we can see and enjoy.  I figured that God didn't plant flowers for our pleasure alone, but for His. 

Well, I guess I could go on and on about weeds, flowers, wishes and prayers.  I'll simply say that my prayers are spreading weeds to some and abundant free bouquets to others.  The prayers I pray are for the salvation of others.  I want them to repent, believe and live!  Some see it as no value at all.  I may never see the answers but it would bring me great pleasures, though small compared to the joy in heaven when one sinner repents.

"We Plant the Seeds, God Makes them Grow."

I felt that the last two post were pretty good.  But... What good is all this effort if no one reads?  I do learn when I write.  It is like I think in print.  I work out my thoughts as I put them in type.  So this is some kind of public personal therapy?  But it is a little discouraging as I believe the Lord has gifted me and no one wants my gift.  (lip quiver, sad wet eyes)  Well, perhaps I could wallow in self pity or maybe I will just see this blog as an internet storage back system for some of my articles.   

Well then...  Let me share:  I have been studying Revelations.  It has taken me deeper into what I think about end times and the rapture.  I have never really studied it.  I was content to just not know.  I always felt it was more important to spend my time on things that would serve Christ now, like evangelism.  But I have sunk my teeth into this and one study always leads to something more.  Chain reference...  Look up one verse on a topics and who knows where it will lead.

I am not satisifed to believe what I am taught no matter how much I respect the teacher.  Not as long as I have read the scriptures and it contradicts what I have been taught.  Then I seek to find out if I am mistaken in my understanding.  As long as questions remain I can't really check my brains at the door and go along with the popular dogma.  If scripture puts a shawdow of doubt on a teaching then I will study until there is light enough to remove the shawdow.  Makes sense? 

Not chasing shadows but rather seeking light... who knows where it will lead?

I decided to look at some of the Mothers in the Bible for Biblical mothering advice. 

            To start at the beginning, let’s look at Eve.  Poor Eve has been thought ill of by every laboring woman.  I remember trying to reason with God during one of my own labors.  I told Him that I didn’t eat the apple…couldn’t he suspend the curse just for me?  Yep, It is all Eve’s fault! Let’s look beyond the apple.  Okay, Her son was the first murderer… maybe Eve was a bad choice as an example?  Let’s keep trying.  She led her husband in sin, disobeyed God, tried to hide from Him and then lied to cover.  This isn’t getting any better for her, is it?

             But I kept looking.  One author said: “If man represented the supreme species, created in God’s image, Eve was the living embodiment of humanity’s glory.  Adam was refined dirt, Eve was glorious refinement of humanity itself.  Eve was Adams necessary partner to make his existence complete and to complete creation itself.  

Mathew Henry said: “The woman was made of a rib out of the side of Adam; not made out of his head to rule over him, nor out of his feet to be trampled upon by him, but out of his side to be equal with him, under his arm to be protected, and near his heart to be beloved.”

             She was the flawless example of feminine excellence.  We don’t know of her physical appearance but in a sermon by Dr. Bill Barrick he said that the original Hebrew expresses Adams response as an enthusiastic, “This one!” with the implication that it was said with the same inflection as “WOW!” 

              Eve is called “the mother of all living.”  Still we don’t know how long she lived or where.  We don’t know how many children she had, or how and when she died.  But her life teaches us several truths:  Her fundamental equality with her husband, being taken out of man means being made of the same essence.  She was not his inferior but rather his spiritual counterpart, his perfect mate and companion.  Her creation teaches us about the divinely designed role of a woman: Mother, comforter, nurturer and helper.

              Eve knew that her children were a gift from God. Genesis 4:1 “…and she said, "I have gotten a man-child with the help of the LORD." In naming her son Seth which mean ‘appointed seed’, it is evident that she was laying hold of the hope and believed that her seed would indeed someday overcome the curse and destroy the destroyer as the Lord had said to the serpent in Genesis 3:15 “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, And between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise you on the head, And you shall bruise him on the heel."

              Another example from scripture of a Godly mother was Sarah.  Sarah didn’t have an easy life.  She started wandering around with Abraham when she was in her sixties!  There were no rest stops or Denney’s.  She left everything familiar as a faithful wife and followed in dangerous situations.  She even posed as his sister instead of his wife, TWICE!  She risked her life in obedience to her husband.

               Much of her life was consumed with the desire for children and the grief of barrenness.  She knew of God’s great promise in Genesis 12:2-3. “And I will make you a great nation, And I will bless you,  And make your name great;  And so you shall be a blessing;  And I will bless those who bless you, And the one who curses you I will curse and in you all the families of the earth will be blessed."

               She must have contemplated this promise and as time went by, this no doubt only increased the weight of the burden.  She had fits of temper and finally took things into her own hand and played god by scheming and orchestrating the ‘Hagar Maidservant Fiasco’, resulting in 1000s of years of mid-eastern Jihad.  After Ishmael was conceived we find that Sarah can be downright heartless and cruel.   

               Still God is faithful.  He blessed her with laughter and with Isaac.  He keeps His word no matter how we try to go our own way with our own plans.  He forgives our sins and forwards His purposes.  Sarah’s life on the whole is characterized by humility, meekness, hospitality, faithfulness, deep affection for her husband, sincere love toward God and hope that never died.  After all this she is mentioned in the hall of faith.  Hebrews 11:11,12 “ By faith even Sarah herself received ability to conceive, even beyond the proper time of life, since she considered Him faithful who had promised.  Therefore there was born even of one man, and him as good as dead at that, as many descendants AS THE STARS OF HEAVEN IN NUMBER, AND INNUMERABLE AS THE SAND WHICH IS BY THE SEASHORE. “ Sarah believed God’s promise.

              Then there is Mary.  I read recently of Mary being described as: “a little lying Jewish minx. “  No surprise that that quote was written by an atheist.  Even now she is slandered with unjust accusations.  Mary is a great illustration of faith and perseverance.  When told the life altering news by an angel she only asked, “How.”  Not “why?” and not “why me?” From the outside she was a teen suffering from a crisis pregnancy.  No doubt ostracized and under scandal, fearing rejection and even death but she still believed. Joseph only believed her after an angel visited him.  

               Mary is recorded in scripture as trying to guide Jesus at the Wedding in Cana.  Jesus gently corrects her as He did when He was in the temple as a twelve year old and they had ‘misplaced’ him.  He was letting her know that any plans of His earthly parents could not override the higher authority of His heavenly Father.    Just because she was His mom did not give her any say in His mission.  As a man He was her son, but as God, He was her Lord.  Never again in scripture does she try to influence His actions. 

               As a relatively young widow, she witnessed her eldest son killed in a time when the loss of an eldest son meant losing everything:  Home, security and provision.  As she stood at the cross, there were those shouting ugly taunts, as the sword pierced His side it must have pierced her heart.  She must have felt the injustice, having known better than most His sinless and divine nature.   She stood and witnessed His death with dignified grace and courage.

               One of Jesus’ last acts on earth was an expression of love for His mother, John 19:26-27 “ When Jesus then saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, "Woman, behold, your son!"  Then He said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother!" From that hour the disciple took her into his own household.”  He made sure she was going to be cared for. 

               She was blessed and she knew it, she praised God and submitted to His leading. 

 Luke: 1: 46-55

46And Mary said:
         "My soul exalts the Lord,
    47And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
    48"For He has had regard for the humble state of His slave;
         For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed.
    49"For the Mighty One has done great things for me;
         And holy is His name.
    50"AND HIS MERCY IS UPON GENERATION AFTER GENERATION
         TOWARD THOSE WHO FEAR HIM.
    51"He has done mighty deeds with His arm;
         He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart.
    52"He has brought down rulers from their thrones,
         And has exalted those who were humble.
    53"HE HAS FILLED THE HUNGRY WITH GOOD THINGS;
         And sent away the rich empty-handed.
    54"He has given help to Israel His servant,
         In remembrance of His mercy,
    55 As He spoke to our fathers,
         To Abraham and his descendants forever."

Mary understood her place in the plan and yet remained humble.

             Like all these women, none of us are perfect but their lives are designed by God Himself and we can learn from their examples.  Like Eve,  Be a woman living by traditional design.  Thanks God for your children and place your hope in Him.  Like Sarah, know your life is in His hand and every good and perfect gift is from Him in His time.  Believe His promises, especially, Philippians 1:6 ”being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

              And lastly, like Mary, practice a faith that is persistent, quiet, dignified, strong and courageous.  Know your place in His plan is to trust, obey, hope and believe.   So the Biblical mothering advice is simply this: “Lean on Christ.  Trust and obey, He’ll lead the way.”

A proud Papa and his lovely girls. 

I made this for my grandma.  She is on dialysis three times a week.  She isn't a believer.  Please pray for her.  I think this quilt will make her smile and bring her some joy.  Need to hurry and get it done.

I'm sick.  I think it is just a cold but it just slows me down and I wasn't that quick to begin with.  I missed Bible Study this week and I'll miss the 4-H meeting tonight.  A God induced time-out.  So what is it I should be thinking about while I am restricted? 

I'll think of Heaven and how it will be when sickness, great or small, is no more.  The Bible study I missed is on Revelation.  I am enjoying it more than I ever thought I would.  The Bible is God's voice telling us what He wants us to know.  As Psalm is God singing then the book of Revelation is God shouting with excitement.  I see God in heaven, I see God on Earth, I see His plan unfold and His glory revealed. 

I used to avoid the book of Revelation.  Before I was a christian, all I read of the Bible was the red words and the book of Revelation.  I was terrified!  Then I read the Late Great Planet Earth by Hal Lindsey.  I was really terrified!  I knew I was a sinner and I was terrified about what was going to happen to me as I read Revelation.  So I decided to clean myself up.  I decided what would please God and changed my life. 

The problem was, it was Christianity according to me.  I decided what sin was and it was an easy standard.  I called myself a Christian but I was really no different than any person on earth who has determined their own moral code.  I was trying to please my imaginary god by tipping the imaginary cosmic scale in my favor.  This was complicated and had no assurance but it was easier than submitting to God's standard of righteousness.  Easier than reading His Word and Seeking His will.

It took years but finally there came a time when I came to hear the Word of God, all of it.  And not just hear, but listen and then to understand.  Understand that to be Savior He must also be Lord.  Now I rejoice!  Revelation is scary, but scary in an awsome way.  Scary in the way that John fell at the feet of the feet of the Lord and worshipped. 

To God be the glory, great things He has done;
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,
Who yielded His life an atonement for sin,
And opened the life gate that all may go in.

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the earth hear His voice!
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father, through Jesus the Son,
And give Him the glory, great things He has done.

O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood,
To every believer the promise of God;
The vilest offender who truly believes,
That moment from Jesus a pardon receives.

Great things He has taught us, great things He has done,
And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son;
But purer, and higher, and greater will be
Our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see.

I finished writing the devotional for the ladies' meeting, I finished the article for the newsletter and I am studying for the devotional still. 

Hubby is traveling with two of hte boys so we ladies are left to ourselves.  Hubby always says that women need to be supervised.  He might be right.  We are haivng a lot of fun but not being terribly productive. 

I hope to clean and re-arrange the boys' room tomorrow while htey are gone, it will be easier for all involved.  So hard to get rid of perfectly good toys but... it is all just lcutter if they don't play with them.

I need to pick up a couple of lamps to, to brighten it up in there.  I wish I had time to get to the thrift store today.  Maybe tomorrow.

Right now I have other things that need to be done but my mind is always so busy.  Am I the only one?  I try to live int eh present but... Well, hubby is visiting my unsaved family... PRAY PRAY PRAY!

Oh Lord how I want them to know you and be saved!

My brain is busy! 

I am working on a sermonette to share at our annual ladies' tea.  Don't know if I should call it that.  My church doesn't believe in ladies preaching.  I have no desire to preach but... I have a something to share and it would be nice to have it well received.  So I am 'writing' it in my head and once I get my direction figured, then I will sit down and write.  That is the hard part.  I write best alone and in my busy house. that means late night.

Next, I get to do the devotional for a friend's Baby shower.  I I have the idea but it is scripture intensive so I need the study time.  Believe it or not, it is easier to study with kids running in and out than it is to compose. 

 I guess the difference is... Study is things going in and writing/composing, is things coming out.   Anyway,  That is my excuse for not sharing much here lately.  I have been 'working' in my head.  As soon as I get them done I will share them here.  I am ready to write the frame for the devotional,  Just need to collect the scripture... You'll understand when you read it.

Oh the prospects!  I'm forty this year... Or as I like to say, "Half way to dead."

Life is all about opportunity,  Such a gift God has given and now let us make the most of it for His glory. 

I don't make resolutions because I feel you should never put off changing your life.  So You should never wait until a date to change.  If it needs changing/fixing... DO IT NOW!

But I have made a few decisions about what I want to do when school starts again on Monday.  The children will be listening to 26 lessons on the doctrine of God from a great teacher out of California.

http://www.calvarybiblechurch.org/teaching.aspx/basic_bible_doctrine_2003_2004

This is meaty stuff.  My older ones will participate and the younger will just absorb.

In parenting we have taken in hand the stewardship of lives for Christ which He has entrusted to us.  Thank God He has taken us in hand and won't let go.

Philippians 1:3-11  I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

I read an article recently by the late pastor Richard Wurmbrand.  He related a story of a fellow prisoner that occurred during one of his fourteen years of imprisonment in which he suffered for his faith.  Here is my paraphrase:

A Pastor was arrested and taken from his family. The officials beat and tortured him because he would not renounce his faith. The interrogator, a communist officer said, "I am tired of beating you. Instead, we will deport you to Siberia.”
The Pastor replied, "Where can you deport me? The whole earth belongs to God. Wherever you send me I will be with Him."

This angered the officer. He said, "We will take everything away you own." The Pastor said, "You can take all I have, but my treasure is in heaven and you will need a very tall ladder. I have nothing on Earth."

The officer shouted, "We will kill you!" The Pastor replied "You can take away my life and my real life will begin. I am not afraid to die."  The official then said, "We will not kill you! We will lock you alone in a cell and we won’t let anyone visit you.”  The Pastor replied "I will not sit alone in a cell. God can pass through locked doors and iron bars. Nothing can separate me from the love of Christ."

Paul who also suffered imprisonment for his faith gives us this direction:

2nd Timothy 2: 11-13

It is a trustworthy statement:
         For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him;
If we endure, we will also reign with Him;
         If we deny Him, He also will deny us;
If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.

God has blessed us with perfect provision for our needs and then heaped blessing on top.  We are warm, fed, entertained, housed, dressed and loved.  In addition I have a house full of books with only about 70% read. The closets and pantries are full. I have a trunk of keepsakes too.  Some of these things are necessities and some of them are purely sentimental.  For those that know me best; Yes, I can be sentimental.  But there is nothing in my home that I would not trade for any of those that I love.  The question came to mind… Would I trade any of those that I love for the One that loves me? 

The children made cards and we took them to the old folks home. 

Here are a few they made.  I'm thinking, next year I may just use one of these images and make our own cards.  I especially like the one card with  the house, made by my 11 yo son. 

Be careful...very careful!

My oldest daughter somehow managed to stab a knitting needle deep into her thigh.  From what we gathered, she had her knitting bag and the (rather heavy) bathroom door at church slambed into the bag which contained a size four knitting needle.  The needle and bag and door were all set up in such a way that the door pushed the needle out of the bag, through the skirt and nylons, into her leg. 

She said she tried to pull it out and couldn't so she screamed for help but no one heard her.  Later she told us she was screaming softly because she didn't want anyone but Daddy to hear.  Well her little sister found her and ran to get us.  We came running followed by the pastor and his family.  There she was standing by the bathroom door.  Daddy pulled the needle out and she fainted, I caught her.  We sat on the floor until she was conscious, while everyone stood around trying to figure out how it happened.

Lasting effects are a slight limp, a small red hole and a bright red face.

Extreme Knitting... Be very very careful! 

This is an excellent message.  Only 17 minutes.  I pray someone will go take a listen.

http://hisperfectlaw.blogspot.com/2007/12/pastors-nightmare.html

Merry Christmas!

Another busy year is gone already!  Samantha graduated last spring and is teaching ballet. 

Emma, Julia and Sara are among her students.  Sara dances elegantly on Pointe.  Jeremiah

started kindergarten and enjoys reading.  He is excited about learning.  Anna is putting in her

driving hours in hopes of getting her license this spring so she can finally drive the flame decorated

Suzuki that her Grandpa gave her.  Joshua is the big brother.  He has grown so tall but still loves

to sword fighting and play Legos with Jeremiah.  Josiah is about to turn one, the time has flown

by and he is starting to take steps.  We look forward to watching him experience this Christmas

but we are not looking forward to him undecorating the tree. 

Sara led the younger children in putting up decorations this morning.  We decided that we will not

put up the tree until after Josiah’s first birthday on the 6^th of December.  Samantha hung a wreath

on the door and is leafing through cookbooks looking for candy recipes.  Joshua runs to the mailbox

daily, hoping for packages from my mail order shopping.  Anna is practicing Christmas music.  I

especially like: Carol of the Bells that she will be playing in church this Sunday.  Emma and Julia

are busy with rehearsals for the Nutcracker, they are Angels this year. Jeremiah is just bouncy with all the

excitement.  He wants to know; “How much longer? When do we get a tree? Do I get presents?” 

We are so busy with so many plans and the calendar is full. 

James 4: 13-15 Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit." Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. Instead, you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that."

In all this busyness we try to keep the Lord’s will in focus as a priority, teaching our children what Christmas is really all about.  As Christians we see Christmas as a time to celebrate the gift of Salvation that God provided in His son, Jesus Christ.  We tell them Romans 3:23 “…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…”  Romans 6:23  “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” We teach them from the Bible that it is up to every man to receive Christ’s payment for their sins or pay for their sins themselves at judgment.  Hebrews 9:27  “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment…”

We pray with hopeful hearts that maybe this year, this time, this message will be heard by those we love that do not know Jesus as Lord and Savior.  Romans 10: 8-11 “But what does it say? "THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART"--that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.  For the Scripture says,

"WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED."

We know it is the Lord’s will that we share the truth of who Jesus is and what He has done.  We pray that you know Him as your Lord and Savior.   

                                                                                                                                             God Bless you,

Christmas Cookie Devotional

This is a great way to share the gospel message this season.  Wrap each individual cookie and add a tag with the scripture and message to give to family and friends.  You could also use this for an object lesson for Children’s church, Sunday school or Christmas tea party.

If you use this, please reference my blog.  Thanks.

Cookie cutter shapes needed:

Candle: Star, Candy Cane, Christmas tree, Gift or Stocking, Snow Man, Angel

Candle: 

John 1:1-5, 9-14

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  2 He was in the beginning with God.  3 All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.  4 In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men.  5 The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

9 There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man.  10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him.  11 He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him.  12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name,  13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.  14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, God’s Son and chosen savior.

John 3:16 16"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

Star:

Matthew 2: 10-11

10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.  11After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

The visit of the magi fulfilled the prophecies of the Old Testament: Balaam prophesied about the coming Messiah marked by a star: Numbers 24:17 "I see him, though not now; I behold him, though not near: A star shall advance from Jacob and a staff shall rise from Israel..."  Psalm 72 speaks of how the Gentiles will come to worship the Messiah: "The kings of Tarshish and the Isles shall offer gifts, the kings of Arabia and Seba shall bring tribute. All kings shall pay Him homage, all nations shall serve Him" Isaiah 60:6: "Caravans of camels shall fill you, dromedaries from Midian and Ephah; all from Sheba shall come bearing gold and frankincense, and proclaiming the praises of the Lord”

Matthew recorded that the Magi brought three gifts, each also having a prophetic meaning: Gold, the gift for a king; Frankincense, the gift for a priest; and Myrrh-- a burial ointment, a gift for one who would die. In studies, the gifts were also interpreted to mean King, God, and Suffering Redeemer.

Candy Cane:

Many have heard of the story of the candy cane.  Truth be told, it is more legend than fact but a good symbol for teaching about Christ’s suffering. The J shape is for Jesus and Good Shepherd’s staff.  The cane is for the beating that Christ received.  The white color is a symbol of His purity, being without sin, and the red is for the blood that was shed for the atonement of sin. 

Isaiah 53

    1Who has believed our message?
         And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?
    2For He grew up before Him like a tender shoot,
         And like a root out of parched ground;
         He has no stately form or majesty
         That we should look upon Him,
         Nor appearance that we should be attracted to Him.
    3He was despised and forsaken of men,
         A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief;
         And like one from whom men hide their face
         He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.
    4Surely our griefs He Himself bore,
         And our sorrows He carried;
         Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken,
         Smitten of God, and afflicted.
    5But He was pierced through for our transgressions,
         He was crushed for our iniquities;
         The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him,
         And by His scourging we are healed.
    6All of us like sheep have gone astray,
         Each of us has turned to his own way;
         But the LORD has caused the iniquity of us all
         To fall on Him.
    7He was oppressed and He was afflicted,
         Yet He did not open His mouth;
         Like a lamb that is led to slaughter,
         And like a sheep that is silent before its shearers,
         So He did not open His mouth.
    8By oppression and judgment He was taken away;
         And as for His generation, who considered
         That He was cut off out of the land of the living
         For the transgression of my people, to whom the stroke was due?
    9His grave was assigned with wicked men,
         Yet He was with a rich man in His death,
         Because He had done no violence,
         Nor was there any deceit in His mouth.
    10But the LORD was pleased
         To crush Him, putting Him to grief;
         If He would render Himself as a guilt offering,
         He will see His offspring,
         He will prolong His days,
         And the good pleasure of the LORD will prosper in His hand.
    11As a result of the anguish of His soul,
         He will see it and be satisfied;
         By His knowledge the Righteous One,
         My Servant, will justify the many,
         As He will bear their iniquities.
    12Therefore, I will allot Him a portion with the great,
         And He will divide the booty with the strong;
         Because He poured out Himself to death,
         And was numbered with the transgressors;
         Yet He Himself bore the sin of many,
         And interceded for the transgressors.

Christmas tree:

A symbol of the season.  Has anyone ever seen a Christmas without a Christmas tree?  Maybe you have read the controversy in the news about this tree.  No longer a Christmas tree:  let’s call it a holiday tree or a family tree, even a Hanukkah bush.  Many try to remove Christ from their lives, some by simply ignoring and avoiding the truth, some by blatantly denying it. 

1^st Peter 2:24

24 who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.

Gift or stocking:

Have you ever received a gift and asked, “What’s this for?”  Does anyone refuse or say, “I don’t need this.”  If you don’t believe you have a use for a gift then it has no value.  Jesus dying for your sins will make no sense if you don’t believe you are a sinner, at least not a bad one.  Or perhaps you believe that you can somehow make it all right by being a good person.  You may be a good person by comparing yourself to other people but are you a good person according to God’s standard?

God’s standard for measuring goodness is simple, take a look at the Ten Commandments.  Pretty basic:  Have you ever stolen anything? Ever? Lied? Dishonored your parents? Used God’s name in vain?   Ever killed someone?  The Word says if you hate your brother it is the same as murder and if you have looked in lust, it is the same as adultery.  By this standard, would you be guilty?

Galatians 3:24

24Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith.

Romans 3:1-24 and 6:23

21But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets,  22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction;  23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,  24being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus;

6:23For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Will you receive His gift, the payment for your sins or will you pay for them yourself?

Snowman:

Isaiah 1:18

18"Come now, and let us reason together," Says the LORD,  "Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They will be like wool.

Romans 10: 8-11

8 But what does it say? "THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART"--that is, the word of faith which we are preaching,  9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;  10 for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.  1 1For the Scripture says, WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED."

Angel:

Luke 15:10

“…I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

Have you repented, which means turn from your sins? Ask God to forgive your sins and become your Lord.  Being a Christian doesn’t mean you will never sin again but it does mean you will desire not to sin and the Scripture says you will have the Holy Spirit to help you.

John 14:26-27

26"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.  27"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.

Isaiah 25:8-9

  8 he will swallow up death forever.
       The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears
       from all faces;
       he will remove the disgrace of his people
       from all the earth.
       The LORD has spoken.

 9 In that day they will say,
       "Surely this is our God;
       we trusted in him, and he saved us.
       This is the LORD, we trusted in him;
       let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation."

Consider this my Thanksgiving greeting.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9k5WuqIuSQ

This is just an audio.  77 minutes to change your life.

As a newlywed, Darlene Deobler Rose served as a missionary in New Guinea with her husband from 1938 to 1942. Then, for three years, she was imprisoned by the Japanese during World War II on the island of Celebes (now Sulawesi) and endured almost unspeakable hardships, including solitary confinement, near starvation, beatings and loss of her husband, the Rev. C. Russell Deibler.

 You'll never forget it.

The trees are bare!  I am making my Chistmas shopping list and baby will be walking soon.  Goodness, why does time speed up?  When I was a kid, summer lasted forever.  The school week nevered ended and the weekend was so far away.  Three minutes on the classroom clock was an enternity.  Now...  We finish lunch and its time for breakfast.  The laundry is never done.  The sink always has dishes in it.  I Just paid the bills and hey are due again.  Morning already?  Songs over and time to go again. 

Heaven heaven... Must be the place to finally breath and rest. 

The good news is: At this rate I'll be there sooner than I expect...But won't we all?

My nephew was killed in a car wreck on Monday.  34, dad to 4 girls.  Husband to three wives (not all at the same time)  Not a Christian.  Spent the day with unsaved family and others. 

So much to think on...

Maybe some other time when babe is not fighting sleep on my lap.

Dinner is in the oven, husband is in town running errands and tonight is WATER AEROBICS!

I will be sure to share the adventure.  Tonight I am taking my oldest along to try it out. Just what every 40 somehting, slightly over weight woman wants, A perfectly perky 18yo reflection of the past.  Not a hint of fat to be found and energy without limit.

In preperation for tonight I went and purchased new swim suit bottoms.  Yes, bottoms, yes two.  I discovered at my last class that the man trunks I had been wearing for modesty sake...  Because they cover more... Was floating up so much that my entire behind was playing peek-a-boo.  My dear friends are so polite that they all claim to not have noticed.  Anyway, as I was in the middle of one exercise which requires the hine parts to fact north I realized that the breeze was unabated. 

I found that I was about a week late for the swim suit clearance sales.  All the racks were as bare as my wet behind.  I dug through the remains and found at the third store (Target) a few parts left.  Parts meaning:  The shiney metallic camoflage bikini top is not my thing.  Seems that miss matched was all that was left.  So I got creative...  I found some black bikini bottoms that I figured I could wear under my peek-a-boo bottoms.  When did XL get so small?!  I also found a black skirted bottom.  Black is, afterall, so slimming, right?  The skirted bottom could have only made me happy if it was atleast knee length and weighted to not float.  Since I was carrying the super large, loud, 30 pound 8 month old, I did not try them on before buying them.

I got home and had a locked door fashion show.  Me, The Mirror and My Self-esteem.   My self esteem made a fast exit.  I was left alone with the mirror.  Was it the lighting or is my eye sight getting really bad? Maybe the tightness of the suit made my eye wrinkle up just like the skin it was compressing?  I was squinting to try and understand what I was looking at.  A fine look!  Squinting aging mother of eight trying to figure out how a mirror can distort an image in such a way.  I've never seen so little fabric do so much to emotionally scar in such a short amount of time. 

So tonight I am left with the tight black bikini bottoms underneath the boy trunks or the skirt bottom that allows my belly button to make it's first public appearance outside of labor and delivery since the early 90s.    I'm so grateful for the covering of the water.  That is until... bottoms up! 

Yes, I shared that request on my homeschool email loop.  Having kids causes you to do strange things, doesnt it?  Say things you never would have said: Don't sit on your brothers head.  Don't lick the dog.  Don't play with broken glass.  Do you think I'm crazy?  I'd like to get my daughter a rifle for Christmas. Take my card, My pin number is...

And today I asked the entire homeshcool community for a fake arm.  Not really wanting a prostetic, more like a part of a maniquin for a 4-H display.  I am certain this is the first time I have asked for an extra limb.

Of course, among home-schoolers, this may not even raise an eyebrow.  Perhaps the response will be, "I can get you the arm but little Billy will need to borrow your propane torch to remover the inner metal rod.  Do you need a head or leg while he is at it?" 

Too much romance reading is like too much junk food.  Messes with your appetite for what s healthy.  But... Like the candy bar, I love Jane Austen.  Forgive me as Jane Austen is to romance what Strawberries are to junk food.  Not the same thing, huh?

Jane Austen fans will love this video.  Please enjoy!

http://video.xanga.com/SUPERMUSICMACHINE/deb92433033/video.html

*sigh*  My Hero...

How helpful. How thoughtful.  How ... Embarrassing! 

The nice lady who teaches water aerobics sweems to ask this at least once in every class.  Do I look like I am in distress?  Goodness, it makes me wonder just how bad I appear to merit such personalized attention.  

She knows I am not entirely comfortable in the pool.  I have a water phobia.  I hold my breath driving over bridges.  If I am driving next to a river I lean into the middle of the car.  I can't watch Cast Away (the plane crash scene)  I can't breath if I see a movie scene of someone under water.  I'm okay at the 4 to 5 foot end but I can't go to the deep end.  I start to panic.    

But at water aerobics I have figured out by a mark on the wall and cieling, where I am safe so even if I drift a bit, I know how far I can go.  When everyone goes long way in the pool for an exercise, I go across.  It is like a freaky game of Frogger.  

For years I have said that swimming is just trying to not drowned.  I can do that from dry land, so why get wet?  Now I think I must appear to be drowning as I am always offered these concerned enquiriers.

"I'm fine! I'm fine!", I gasp, as I cling to the side of the pool.   The 'Oh so bored' 13 year old life guard glances up.  Made his day.

I will say... I don't like drinking pool water through my nose... or any other way for that matter.

I spent some time being condesended to by the local doctors office in an attempt to over charge me.  They lost... so nice to be right.  But when you have no insurance, it seems to entitle them to talk to you like you are dumb.  I don't have insurance because at $1000 dollars a month that we had to pay to have it, we couldn't afford to go to the doctor.  We had the huge $5000 deductible.  Insurance is a fraud!  Still I am not for socialized medicine.  I just wish there was reasonably afforadable health care for the self-employed.  Burns me up that my tax dollars pay for every whiney ache and pain of people who don't work for a living while while I can't afford to go to the doctor and we make too much for state aid.

There is my political rant of the moment.

Now on to something else...  Went to the Dirve-in last night, stayed up way late and all are sleepy today.  Fortunately or schedule allowed for recovery.  This evening dh has a meeting and a softball game.  I have Water aerobics again.  Need to go find the swim suit.  I'm just sure I'll have  super model body in no time at all!  LOL

We have harnessed the power!  He does laps at light speed in this thing.  Now we need to figure out how to wire it to the computer and lights! 

I found a few bargins at Target.  In their dollar section they had puzzles, workbooks and games.

So we are playing math Bingo, timed math sheets and a Map/puzzle of the US. 

Oh and flash cards!  My very smart 9yo is struggling with multiplication.  We are at a stand still until she commits the facts to memory.  How can we go forward to division without this?  Her math book brough in work last winter that assumed she had already mastered the facts.  So we have languished.  I have tried and tried and so has she.

We have sung, timed drill, worksheets, flash cards, games, not to mention begging, pleading and reasoning, expalin and encouraging her to apply herself strongly.

How will we get this stuff in to stick?!

So she sits in my comfy chair with the kitchen timer and a cup of decaf, (you read that right) trying to beat the clock.   

Years of homeschool have offered some insight.  I know she will get this eventually.  Maybe this is where I need all that patience people always assume I possess.  How wonderful for her to have this struggle, knowing that she will have victory too.  These little battles will build in her the character to strive and accomplish.  Boy, when you think about it, all the time we have struggled to learn multiplication is not wasted at all, time well spent learning and building more than math skills... We are forming a person who can take on challenges, persevere and achieve.  Pretty good lessons for Summer school. 

I miss Laura.  I miss Ma. I miss Grandpa and John Boy.

I am homesick for Walnut grove and Walton's mountain.  I want to have soda at Ike's store and listen to the radio with the family.  Long dresses, polite manners (mostly) good food around the table, holding hands and praying. A tire swing and walking barefoot.

I think I missed something.  My childhood was someone elses'.  Created by someone else and lived by someone else... Sadly they didn't live it either. Cheated... but redeemed. 

Perhaps it is that longing in my life that has directed me to provide it for my children.   

Listening for my own theme music... Action! 

It's that time again!  Wait... it is the middle of July! 

Well I bought crayons for ten cents, some glue and bookcovers.

I have a new student this year and he is excited to start kindergarden. 

He is my 7th kindergardener.  Goodness, never thought about that before.

Today we have a 4_h meeting here.  Should I bake cookies or buy? Need to go shopping for a purity ring for my soon-to-be 14yo dd.  What am I going to do for my 11yo son when he gets that age?  A purity gun or knife?  Ideas?  Right now Legos and drawing armor, knights and castles are his world.  Not the time to bust in with the facts of life.  So glad he is sheltered here at home. 

Blissful rain this am but it will be 100 again this afternoon.  I need to do the bills, assemble a new dresser, clean my room, make a phone call and prepare for tonight's meeting.  Beyond that, I get to nurse my 7 month old and listen to my almost 5 yo explain life from his prespective.  Amazing mind!

Nope, that is not a typo.  My new adventure in Water Aerobics has a couple of problems.  Do you think it would be disruptive to the class if I brought a snorkle?  How about nose plugs and goggles?  I'm just having a little trouble with the waves.  Yes, it is an indoor pool but with so many ladies moving with so much enthusiasm... well,  try doing crunches on your back while floating and not get a nose full!  

I did speak to the teacher today and laughing burns calories so she is okay with it.   

I admit, it is fun but... I spend the entire time thinking about fast food!  Instead of counting crunches I say with each one, "Bacon burger, Bacon Burger, Bacon Burger"  Motivation is very important, right?

Stradegy is also important, that is why I only take one dollar with me so I can't go through the drive-thru on the way home.  A buck is all I got if I run in to trouble.  I wonder how much oxygen it would get me if I offered it to the brave lady on the other side of the pool doing her crunches with the oxygen tank.  Seems to me if gives her and unfair advantage. 

Hmmm... Oxygen or snorkle...  hmm???

Overheard the 16yo daughter  talking to husband on the way into the house after the firework show.

Daughter pointing up: "That is the constellation I was telling you about.  It looks like a /P/ on its side.  Saturn kind of messes it up. A greek /P/...Pi..."

If only I had someone to read. 

The article called Regret needs some more work.  I will polish it up and make it suitable for the church newsletter.  (What a pain, typos are.  I should just leave them in ans shock everyone one... well since no one reads, then no one will be shocked)  

Well, my busy day:  Hubby went to Boise to take His dad (93yo) to the doc.  I stayed home and did allmost nothing.  I did clean out the refrigerators which served to remind me to manage better so we don't waste so much food.  In the evening I went to the Y and did water aerobics. Don't be impressed, I don't believe in exercise but hubby likes me to go. Exercise just prolongs your life into the spoon-feeding years.  Is that really something you want to do?  I have gone three times and it is kind of fun.  Though I always feel like I am being naughty when I am enjoying myself.  People take exercise so seriously! 

I think water aerobics is the perfect exercise: 

My body is hidden under water.

I don't have to sweat.

If I get tired, I can float. 

I am not in the worst shape,

                   one brave lady brings her oxygen.

I can slack off and no one knows as long as I splash.

Still untitled.  Please don't use without emailing me for permission.

Fire season is approaching quickly.  Soon the evening news will be filled with frightening scenes of horrific destruction.  Did you know that many of these fires are caused by arson?  Why would someone deliberately cause destruction, damage property and sometimes cause people to lose their lives?  If you saw the arsonist with a lit match, what would you do?  If you did nothing, would you be partly responsible for the damage caused?

Proverbs 26:20 “Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down”

Gossips cause irreparable damage to the body of Christ. Accusations and rumors cause grief and discouragement to fellow Christians. Gossip splits churches, creates strife, and promotes division. It divides friends and prevents new relationships from forming. Gossips use their mouth as a weapon, aimed to enact the schemes of the devil to; “steal, kill, and destroy” Proverbs 11:9 “With his mouth the godless man destroys his neighbor…” Gossip is one of the most dangerous sins because it is so subtle, many are unable to recognize it. Be on guard when you hear a secret or anyone’s name used in a conversation. Gossip exists whenever people talk about others in less than a favorable way. The heart of gossip is negative, judgmental and jealous. Avoid people who gossip.  “Proverbs 20:19 "He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, Therefore do not associate with a gossip.”

Gossip often masquerades as concern for others. Rumors or gossip will seem more innocent when hidden behind an expression of concern, even a prayer request. A gossip seeks confidantes to unburden their heart or vent their frustrations.  Sometimes they come as one seeking council.  In reality, a gossip is not concerned about solving a problem, only in talking about it and stirring it up. The Gossip’s food is negative, controversial private morsels. Proverbs 16:28 “A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends.”  A person who is genuinely concerned about solving a problem, will go privately to the person at the source.

Gossip is often true information that is conveyed in a way that is intended to impugn the character of the person being talked about. A gossip confides secrets or concerns about other people. You may express your half-hearted agreement with their concerns, or you may even be enticed to confide your secret concerns to them. The gossip, in turn, may likely repeat the process with someone else… but next time, they may add your name as an endorsement and may even disclose the secrets you shared to them. And on it goes. Gossip is like feathers in the wind.  Can they be gathered again?  Avoid revealing anything to a person who gossips, they can’t be trusted! Proverbs 11:13 “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret”

Romans 1:29-32"…being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips,  30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents,    31 without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful; 32 and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them."

In this scripture, Paul refers to those who have embraced a lifestyle of sin. It mentions greed, deceit, malice, adultery, and murder.  Interestingly, it includes gossip and slander. Paul said that gossips were in the same league as murderers and God haters; sins worthy of a death sentence. According to the dictionary, slander means “malicious talk; to spread damaging information; to defame; to speak ill of.” Satan is called the “accuser of the brethren” in Revelations  12:10. A gossip is an accuser of the brethren too while breaking the 9th commandment   Exodus 20:16 "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor."  According to the same dictionary, “gossip” means “To indulge in idle talk or rumors about others; spreading of sensational stories.” The dictionary defines gossip as “Idle, or malicious talk about others.” Gossip is quite similar to slander and both are placed beside murder and other wickedness worthy of death.

Do you occasionally slip up and commit a murder? How about steal? Of course not: a Christian doesn’t behave that way. How about gossip or slander? Do you participate in spreading rumors about others? Do you allow others to tell tales to you? Romans 1:32 “and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.”

According to the Bible, which sin is less severe? Murder or gossip?

•   If you have been a gossip, confess your sin and ask Christ to forgive you. (1 John 1:9, 1 Cor. 7:10, Psalms 39:1)
•   If you can’t say something good or encouraging, say nothing. (Eph. 4:29).
•   If someone starts gossiping to you, stop them in their tracks, refuse to be a partaker of their sins (1 Tim 5:22). Instruct them to go to the person they are speaking about as prescribed in Matthew 18 and then follow-up to be sure they have done it. Hold them accountable.
•   Avoid association with people who gossip (Prov. 20:19).
•   Gossip should be treated as any other vile sin (Eph. 5:11).

Remember what our old friend Smokey the Bear used to say? “Only you can prevent…”  Do your part to put out the flame or next time it may be you who gets burned.  

James 3:5-6 “So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell.”

For your reading pleasure… Are you a believer?

 

Is Global Warming a myth or a ploy in a global conspiracy for power and position? The facts are out! Global warming is caused by the Easter Bunny.  This is a sinister plot to over throw Santa as the lead Fictional Child Fixation AKA the FCF. If it fails, Santa will be secure. Santa’s success is certain since he has that little known power that makes him shimmy down chimneys and carry all those toys in that wee little sleigh with the forced labor of innocent reindeer.  Some sympathize with the Easter Bunny because of the animal cruelty issues (PETA) and are working to promote the global warming myth. But Santa who can live where there are no grocery stores and still feed his own mutant work force has no fear.  In a recent tabloid expose' Santa boasted of his sure victory due to secret information that has been revealed in a Republicans Independent council report.

The Tooth Fairy was not available for comment causing rumors of a gag order. He gave up the competition for the number one Fictional Child Fixation (FCF) but his retirement is safe thanks to a deal with the orthodontists who are not fictional and yet it is hard to believe anyone would give them the amount of money they get.  It is a widely held belief that the Tooth Fairy got some dirt on the orthodontists and his cut of the funds is due to blackmail. He is therefore content to be number three and stay out of the battle despite the personal injury case settled out of court.  You may remember Santa making disparaging remarks about men in tights.  After a hefty donation to the gay and lesbian alliance, the charges were dropped. 

You've heard that nobody takes on city hall...well that's nothing to the North-pole!   The secret Republican Independent council findings sighted abundant bunny emissions as a possible cause of a temporary and limited global warming effect. (which is cleared up by walking away rapidly while waving your hand behind you) Investigators found a complex system of bunny breeding bordellos.  Shockingly, the report explains that compensation of colored boiled eggs are offered for excessive reproduction and the resulting emissions.  (Everyone knows of the exceptional gaseous emissions caused by boiled eggs)  This complicated plot is supported by, unknowingly? Millions of people. 

This information has been suppressed not only by chicken farmers and bunny breeders but by the EPA who need the job security.  Evidence of the conspiracy is directly linked to the Democratic party which, as we all know is full of big stinkers spewing all kinds of filth for their personal gain.

So as you can see... Global warming is caused by a vast left wing conspiracy. 

But take hope, Santa is on our side!

I've been growing a baby boy.  Gus (nickname) is growing well, very well!  I'm measuring big and worried about problems that may cause.  Seems I worry about the most obscure things when pregnant. Facing a homebirth has its own special concerns.  We want to be sure there is no possible cause to require a medical birth but we check every possible reason to avoid unfortunate surprises.

I've got about 8 weeks to go.  Took the bassinet out of the basement today and the carseat too.  I may toss the carseat.  I put it in the shower, had the kids take a scrub brush to it but it still doesn't seem clean. 

Trying to make my bedroom bigger than it is. I removed some books that dh had stacked in there.  How many bookshelves does a person need?  Every bedroom has at least one bookshelf (average 6 shelves) per-person.  Then the homeschool room has four all shelves!

Dh goes to the Shgepherd's conference in California every year and comes home with about twenty new books.  Enough to keep him busy for the year and them some.   Can't complain as the spiritual growth is amazing!  He even brings me a few books too.

So much to do but with the enormous baby belly and arthritic hips...  Well, I'm on break.  But I have other writing to do.  I need to work on my articles for TEACH so I can have a few in advance before baby.  Then I have to write for the church newsletter.  The pastor informed me that I have to do something for the coming Elder-Deacon retreat.  Yes,  He thinks I'm going.  I haven' really decided.  Three weeks before due!  It is 3 hours from home so maybe I should pack a cord clip? 

My oldest daughter made us a king size Double Irish Chain Quilt for our anniversary.  It is her 4-H project but she let my influence the color choices.

The question is:  Will Gus or the Christmas tree appear first?  I plan to do my Christmas shopping in October.  Oh, his real name is Josiah David which mean "Fire of the Lord, Beloved."  Now I realize htat I can read ultrasound pics easy but I have had a good deal of pratice.  If you can't make this out I have another copy I can post with all the visible parts labled.  Hint:  This is his face lying on his side with his fist under his chin. 

Now tell the truth...  Would you go to your 20th highschool reunion 6 months pregnant?  With your eighth child?  It's funny, it always begins the same way, "Is this your first?"  And I try, knowing full well what is to come, say, "No, my ____"  Then their reactions. With only a few variations and always with the same result.: A telling dialogue of their values and view of life.  

It has been this way for a very long time.  My oldest is 17.  Then we have 15,12,10,8,6,3.  No, I'm not mormon or catholic.   I'm not trying to earn my way to heaven by way of the maternity ward.  I know it doesn't work that way.  

My story is about faith beyond reason or as some would accuse... common sense.  I agree, I prefer an uncommon sense... Walking by faith, not by sight.

Love a secret?  I'm not sure I do.  I've been keeping this baby a secret and that is why I have not posted.  I knew if I started writing I would tell.  Why keep it a secret?  Well, it's only a secret from those that have no joy in the news.  It was selfish of me but I wanted to guard my heart a little longer.  I wanted to have my joy without the bruising that comes from the view of others.  So I told those that I knew would not strike out to hurt me.   I told those who I knew would share the joy. 

 Trusting God in His plan for our lives means no necessity of a back-up plan.   

Now that I have told those that had to be told but didn't really want to hear. The response? Silence.  A sad empty echoing silence that says, "So what."  So what, to a dear creation of God and a blessing in our lives.  A dear child, sibling and friend to share a lifetime with.  An opportunity to participate in a miracle.  To see God's hand shaping and forming, not just in the womb but throughout our time together.

I can now share the news.  It wouldn't have been right to let them find out by a chance that they might come to this blog.  Truth is, I doubt they would have.  I mean, they don't share our values, our joy or our faith.  They have very little interest in our lives so I believe they don't visit this blog ever.  Another large, loud, "So what." 

38 and pregnant.  Not my plan.  My plan would be the easiest way.  The shortest level (and probably broad) path to the destination of personal comfort.  God's plan is about loving because of Him.  God gives me all the blessings I would miss and I would never have known what I was missing if I had not submitted my life to His plan.  There are times when I drag my feet, pause and look at the other pathes but this is the path I am on, He keeps me here and I'm glad he does.  He is faithful even when we are unfaithful for He cannot deny himself.  I am His, He is mine, we are one.     

This was taken yesterday at the falls in town!  Maybe our Christmas photo. 

I wrote this a few years ago.  It is on my web site and recently printed in TEACH magazine.  Lately I have had requests to use it in birth annoucments.  All you need to do is change the number of children to suit your family.  Please email me if you wish to use it so I can give you my name to put with it.  Glad you like it!

Life's Treasures

Digging holes, climbing trees,
  Picking flowers, banged up knees.
  Watching the stars, searching the clouds,
  Leaping and dancing, singing out loud.

Another lost shoe, more missing books,
  Common memories, knowing looks.
  Blowing bubbles, performing plays,
  Late night giggles, long hot days.

Left out bikes, messy yards,
  Crayon pictures, handmade cards.
  Hand-me-down sweaters, worn out toys,
  Five lovely girls, two lively boys.

Some still ask if we are done.
  We can't imagine lacking just one.
  Each a precious gift from the Lord.
  Within them all, great treasures are stored.

Are You Fitted For the Task?

Ephesians 6:15 And having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace.

Do you know that less than 2% of Christians share their faith? I was a zealous new believer but was told that when I matured, I would settle down. My many unsuccessful attempts to convert people with the God-shaped Hole in their lives or the Wonderful Plan Offer was discouraging to me until I learned that it could all be blamed on God’s timing. In the meantime, I thought, “maybe evangelism isn’t my gift.” Then I was told I could just pray for my part of evangelism instead of all the failed methods. I began to pray that God would send the right person in the right time to the lost. It is easier to talk to God about people than talk to people about God. All this would ease my restless conscience for a time but the burden of reaching the lost never went away.

I tried to have relationships with unbelievers in hopes of influencing them but I found they often influenced me and worse, my children. I was told that if I lived my faith, others would come to me and ask what made me different. Somehow I could make them want what I had. Is anyone shocked to find out that not many unbelievers came banging on my door to find out how to become a comfortably situated, home-schooling, church every Sunday, mom of many? I now call that idea the “Gospel of Envy and Covet.” No matter how well I hid my struggles and tried to sell the Wonderful Life Plan, I just couldn’t make them want what I had. They were comfortably situated in their sin.

What of those with horrible lives? I knew plenty of people who had failed marriages, drugs, alcohol, and rebellious children. Surely my life would appeal to the miserable. They could trade up and try this Jesus thing that worked so well for me: “Just repeat after me and mean it with your whole heart...” But things didn’t change for them. They didn’t care to read the Bible or go to church. They didn’t want to stop going to the bars or fighting with their spouse and children. Their bills still didn’t get paid, they couldn’t keep a job and God wasn’t helping pay for the desires of their hearts. Trials came and they slowly faded away. Was their pit just not deep enough to need the Lord? Is the gospel only for the extremely miserable and desperate? Where was that wonderful plan for their lives? Had I made God a liar?

Haunted by the thought, “How will I settle my heart when my loved ones die unsaved?” I found all my excuses only lasted until I found a new excuse. I knew the Bible said today is the day of salvation. How, then, can God’s timing be wrong? I knew we are all to be ambassadors so the “not my gift” excuse couldn’t apply. I looked around and didn’t see anyone else being successful in evangelism or even trying to save the lost. Maybe heaven was smaller than I originally thought?

Are you one of the 98% of Christians not sharing your faith? Do you read you Bible or wait for it to fall open? Do you go to church or do you have to be invited? Do you only pray when asked? No, I believe you are more deliberate and dedicated in living your faith. But somehow evangelism isn’t a part of that. Maybe you think you don’t know how to evangelize. Maybe it just isn’t that important to you, but I know it is very important to God. “He came that they may have life…”

This excerpt is from The Way of the Master by Kirk Cameron and Ray Comfort:

“There was once a respectable captain of a ship whose crew spoke highly of him. They esteemed him to the point where everyone knew of the crew’s professed love for him. One day, however, the captain saw, to his horror, that an ocean liner had struck an iceberg and people were drowning in the freezing water ahead of his ship. He quickly directed his vessel to the area, stood on the bridge, and made an impassioned plea to his crew to throw out the life preservers. But instead of obeying his charge, the crew lifted their hands and said, “Praise the captain…praise you …we love you! You are worthy of our praise.”

As I read the story above, I saw that my worship was offensive in light of my disobedience. I was convicted that I needed to be deliberate in sharing my faith and to do that, I needed to be prepared. I began studying The School of Biblical Evangelism through The Way of the Master Ministry. 

I left my family for twelve days and went on a little mission trip with the sole, or should I say soul purpose of sharing my faith with family, friends and whoever else God would bring across my path. Traveling alone by car to a neighboring state, I determined to seek and create opportunities and was dedicated to making the most of them. I want to share all that the Lord taught me!

“Save some, O Christian! By all means, save some. From yonder flames and outer darkness, and the weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth, seek to save some! Let this, as in the case of the apostles, be your great, ruling object in life, that by all means you might save some.” Charles Spurgeon 

On my mission trip I had one agenda. My ‘soul’ purpose was to share the full, true, uncompromised gospel that first convicts, bringing repentance and then grace to redemption. The Lord showed me that He had an agenda too. He had some things to teach me.

The first lesson began before I left home. I had to overcome the fear of leaving my family and traveling alone. Learn also to overcome fear when speaking to strangers, friends and family about eternal things. This, I learned, by doing. Each time I gave a tract or spoke of Christ I got stronger. As I spoke of all that Christ did, I was reminded too and my faith was being renewed. When a fearful thoughts rose, I would dismiss it with, “If I die, I die. It’s His plan.” This may seems extreme but my fears were extreme.

He gave my faith feet to stand on by showing me that I could deal with the unexpected circumstances, be they physical or spiritual. This lesson came by way of my first blown tire, in the middle of nowhere, with no cell phone coverage, during a wind storm. With this came an opportunity to practice all that I had been studying. He sent a man to fix my tire. I rarely speak to men but I found myself crouching by my spare tire, yelling to him over traffic about the consequences of his sins. I explained the gospel clearly and told him he had a choice to make. Did he fall on his knees and repent? No, he finished changing my tire. I thanked him for stopping and for listening. Urging him to consider what I had told him, I gave him a tract for the Spirit to use, to work on his conscience. He thanked me.

Everyone knows that you can lead a horse to water but you can not make him drink. In studying evangelism with The Way of the Master Ministry: The School of Biblical Evangelism, I learned not only how to share the gospel clearly. I also learned that I just need to be faithful to do all I can to salt his oats with the gospel of truth and he will run for the living water. I don’t have to drag him, convince him or argue with him. Neither do I have to take him to the water one little step at a time or walk him there again everyday for the rest of his life.

I have always desired to see the power of God displayed. (Now the skeletons come out of the closet. Let them dance for the glory of God.) This desire led to the flakey side of Christianity. I witnessed, participate in and have since repented of the idolatry that makes best-selling Christianity a sideshow. I was seeking to experience God; His miracles, His supernatural works and His power.

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes.

On my trip I saw miracles. First, this coward gained courage and learned to walk boldly in faith. I saw Him open eyes and ears for the first time to the truth of Christ and the Scriptures. I saw tears of repentance as twenty years of wounds were healed with simple words, “I hold nothing against you, no anger or resentment. I forgive you.” When I shared His gospel I witnessed Him reaching out, touching people, and loving them. I was blessed to participate in and receive His ministry.

As I was driving home, I was looking around. I decided that if the traffic stopped I would speak through any open window. When I got back to my town I was sitting at a traffic light, waiting next to a car full of teens that were shouting for attention. I leaned out and gave them a tract. The mission trip doesn’t end. If I give a tract and find I am talking to a Christian then my message is to encourage them to be deliberate in sharing their faith. To remind them that Christ came to save sinners. This is the work we should be about! This is my Soul Purpose.

Proverbs 24:11 & 12 Deliver those who are drawn toward death, And hold back those stumbling to the slaughter. If you say, “Surely we did not know this,” Does not He who weighs the heart consider it? He who keeps your soul, does He not know it? And will He not render to each according to his deeds?

“If sinners be damned, at least let them leap to Hell over our bodies. If they will perish, let them perish with our arms about their knees.” Charles Spurgeon

If you want tools to share your faith biblically and effectively with those you love then follow my link to WAY OF THE MASTER and devote yourself to learning

how to serve the Lord by applying the principles of Biblical Evangelism.

GOD BLESS YOU!

Wednesday is not a good day for a birthday.  My plans are a snapshot of life at 38 and all it's glories.  The kids are making me breakfast and then I will take the dog to the groomer.  I have to get my driver's license renewed and then come home to gather craft items for tonight's AWANA Cubbies.   

Okay... Who's idea was it to make people hang out at the DMV on there birthday?  Seems a terrible joke!  Sure it is easy to remember and memorialize how you look on your birthday... then the depression can follow you through the year and be revisited whenever check you write.  

I'm being proactive this year...  Did my hair for the picture!   

More later... breakfast is done.

>>>After breakfast I went to town, my oldest daughter came along to keep me out of trouble.  Went to three thrift stores and bought three dresses (they ought to fit someone), one skirt and dozen books.  Spent... Eight dollars!  Thrift stores are the best! 

I have a few hours before it is time to leave for AWANA.  Think I will celebrate the rest of my birthday by watching a Jane Austen movie with a few daughters.

Sometimes I ask myself, How did I get here?  I look around at my life and I know I never had a clue of how my life would look but here I am. On especially trying days you might ask yourself, “Did I sign up for this?”  Well… maybe you did…  Did you read an ad for this job one day:

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Long term team player needed for challenging permanent work in potentially chaotic environment.  This is a position of extensive responsibility.

Candidate must possess excellent communication and organizational skills.

Candidate must be willing to work variable hours which will include evenings and weekends, and frequent 24 hour shifts on call. Some overnight travel required including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and countless sporting events, some requiring travel to far away cities.

Meals and Travel expenses are not reimbursable.  

Extensive courier duties are also required.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The candidate must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5. 

Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly.  

Must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf. 

Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges such as:

small gadget repair

mysteriously sluggish toilets

stuck zippers

Knotted necklace chains

Able to unlock bathroom doors with anything but a key.

Candidate must be skilled in assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys and battery operated devices.  

Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars, and coordinate production of multiple homework projects.  

Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks.  

Must be willing to be indispensable one minute and an embarrassment the next. 

Responsibilities also include floor maintenance, laundry duties and janitorial work throughout the facility.

Must assume accountability for the quality of the end product.

POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION:

Your job is to remain in the same position for years, constantly retraining and updating your skills so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you. 

Promotion to the position, duties and title of ‘Grandmother’ is to be determined by those previously in your charge.

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE:

None required though extensive education in psychology may be considered helpful, it has not proven to be generally applicable.  On-the-job training is offered on a continuing basis.  

WAGES, COMPENSATION and BENEFITS:

You will financially provide for your charges, to be determined on an as needed basis.  Frequent raises and bonuses will be expected.  A balloon payment is due when the charge turns 18 because of the assumption that college will help them become financially independent.  

Upon your death, your charge(s) receives whatever is left.  This reverse-salary scheme is considered rewarding and you are expected to wish you could only do more.

While there are no health insurance, no dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays, and no stock options offered...

This job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth.

AND SO…

Before you knew it, you were hired and here you are!  The best part of this job is that God hired you.  He picked you to fulfill this unique position in the lives of the people in your charge.

The job description I just shared does ramble a bit and at times is a little exaggerated. But the job description found in God’s Word is pretty clear:

Job Description:

To be patient, kind, not envious, not boastful, not proud, not rude, not selfish.  Not easily angered, keep no record of wrongs, rejoice in the truth, always protect, trust, hope and persevere.

Responsibilities:

Proverbs 22:6 Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. 

Deuteronomy 11:18-21 Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, so that your days and the days of your children may be many in the land that the LORD swore to give your forefathers, as many as the days that the heavens are above the earth.

Possibility for Advancement & Promotion:

Philippians 1:6 being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Previous experience:

Ephesians 2:9&10  Not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Wages, Compensation and Benefits:

Colossians 3:23&24 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

The best news is that your boss is well invested in your interests.  He is measuring your success not in results but in faithfulness.  Best of all, He is there every moment of everyday to direct and guide you in all that He asks of you.

I have fixed the English language!  Now I need to know how to market these changes and influence the world for the better! Just a few simple changes.

*No more silent /e/ on the end of words.
*long vowel sounds will have a /-/ over them though I am not sure how to type that. No need for vowel digraphs anymore.
*No more soft /c/ or /g/. Just use /s/ or /j/.
*no more /r/ combinations. Just use /r/. Hard or long /r/ is now r-
*All /c/s are hard and there is no need for /K/ or /x/ anymore
*consonant digraphs will be replaced with a new letter design.
Instead of :
    CH we will have ~
    SH will be #
    TH will be & for the soft sound and $ for the hard sound
    WH will just be w
    PH is now f, no symbol needed.
*/ou/ or /ow/ has a new symbol ^
*Final /Y/ sounds will be shown with a phonetically correct /I/ or /E/
*No more double consonants, just use one! duh!
*All other phonic applications will be common sense based.

For example:
(imagine the dash above the vowel signaling a long vowel sound)
&e- cwic red focs jumps o-vr &e la-ze br^n dog.

N^ I- undrstand &at in &e- be-ging &is wil ta-c a- litl geting u-sd tu-. But
&is wil ma-c li-f so- mu~ betr fo-r ol! 

&a-nc u- ol so- mu~

This poster is made to hang

 on our ONE bathroom door. 

Feel free to copy and use for personal application.

FYI

THIS REALLY HAPPENED

The Dinner-Plate sized Spider!

It was a dark and stormy night many years ago… Well, not so very stormy but it was dark.  My dear husband was startled awake by my shrieking.  “Kill it! Kill it!”

Pointing toward my bedside table I continued, “Kill it! “Kill it!”

He met my hysterical tone with one just as hysterical but riddled with concern, and in return questioned, “What?! What?!” While leaping from the bed.

Still pointing, I huddled under my blankets for protection and shriek. “A spider!  A huge spider!  A dinner plate sized spider!”

In the dim light my hero quickly searched for a weapon.  There in his boxer shorts and t-shirt, holding a soft-soled slipper.  Again he asked with a tone full of adrenaline, “Where is it?” Standing as far back as he could. 

I saw the slipper and thought, “He needs a bigger slipper.” But there was no time for that, he needed to kill it already so I remained silent on that detail.

I pointed again and gave instructions.  “On the table behind the books!  A huge black hairy spider with long legs and a big huge body!  I saw it!”  Shaking in fear and ever ready to spring from the bed and run from the room.  I continued pointing from behind the blankets.  “It went behind the books!

My dear husband still standing way back, started moving books with two fingers while holding the slipper like a club in his other hand.  He watched for the smallest sign of movement from the dinner plate sized spider.  He continued,  “I can’t see it! It’s dark!” 

There was a pause.  He turned to me in a deeper tone and spoke slowly. “It’s dark in here.  How could you see the spider?”

To which I replied meekly, “Why am I awake?” 

My dear husband dropped the slipper and walked heavily back to his side of the bed.  He didn't say anything but even in the dark his body language grumbled with embarrassed annoyance.  I watched the table, and continued on alert, looking for the dinner plate sized spider. The next morning both he and I took one more look.  We never did find it.

A few nights ago the dinner plate sized spider visited us again.  This time he was crawling up my side of the bed.  My dear husband was again brought to his feet out of a deep sleep.  Prepared for battle on a moments notice. My Hero!  Perhaps it was from my sounding alarm or was it from my moving to his side of the bed at  such a high rate of speed?  Did he spring from the bed or was he thrust from it?  

The above scenario was repeated there in the dark, although while seeking his trusty slipper turned club, recognition brought him to his senses.  He returned to bed with that familiar embarrassed annoyance while recognition visited me.  I still watched for that spider until I fell back asleep. 

Joined by a stranger on the road,

Their grief He did not share.

Had He not seen the one broken?

All their hopes become despair?

They told Him of their sorrow,

The trial and the shame.

"In Him we had our promise,"

Now only anger, doubt and shame.

The stranger listened to their tale.

Deliverance ended at the cross.

He opened up the Scripture,

Showing what they'd lost.

He spoke of time and prophets,

Of fathers and their sons.

Prophecy and promises,

And things that must be done.

From Moses to the present.

The humble baby to be King,

Servant, Healer and Sacrifice,

Then victory over death's sting.

What had been written at the start,

To fulfill all that was told.

A plan, a law, a covenant,

From the days of old.

When they reached the village,

They begged Him, "Enter in."

He joined them, prayed and broke the bread,

Their eyes were opened then.

In that moment He was gone,

Their breath He took away.

When once more they could speak,

They recounted all that day.

Were our hearts not burning,

With every word He said?

The true words of the Son of God,

Spoken by one thought dead.

On the road to Emmaus,

There we'll see His face.

His Word is opened, our hearts will burn,

To dwell within that place.

In Emmaus we will find,

The risen Lord and truth.

Our souls grasp hold of answers,

And the living proof.

Jesus Christ, Lord of life,

Not fashioned by any man.

God's only chosen Savior,

Fulfilling salvation's plan.

Okay, I went to the store.  I tried, I really did, read so many cards.  Bunches of cute, silly, and vulgar cards. Sad attempts at humor that were generally insulting. Any surprise that none applied?  Love is not cute, silly or vulgar.  It is serious business!  Now I realize that doesn't make much sense either.  In twenty years of marriage there has been tons of fun but there has also been a great deal of effort.  I have never found a card to express a twenty year old married love.  Simply putting sentiment on cardboard and selling it for three dollars to people who are buying it because everyone else is...  That alone seems to cheapen the love itself, as if it can be stuffed in an envelop.

I'm not sure when we finally gave up the tradition.  No balloons, not cards, no hearts full of chocolate are needed to express any thoughts.  My husband provides for our family everyday.  He has for a long time.  Think about it: A forty year old man shopping for toys and barrettes. When he does shop for himself he buys tools to use to earn the money to buy these things.  Self-less. 

I don't need a card, candy or a garish bouquet of latex.  I have a house littered with hair ribbons, match box cars and half finished remodel projects to make his house my home. I have the expression of his love in every direction I look.  In addition to all this he still takes a moment now and then to look in my eyes and makes me feel like I am the most important person in his world.     

I have a deep water phobia.  I hold my breath while driving over bridges, I walk far from the deep end of the pool, never will I dip my toes where the bottom isn't clearly visible and marked for depth.  In the shower I wash my hair with my back to the nozzle.  To great a risk of getting any of that wet stuff too close to my breathing parts.  I use a wash rag when necessary.

That is why it is so strange that ever so often I get this craving, an overwhelming need that must be satisfied.  I need to see the ocean and feel the water in the air.   I grew up in Seattle so water all around was a part of my life.  Maybe that explains the phobia?  Spending 300 days of every year, damp and chilled can have lasting effects on an impressionable child.

But the ocean... It is very frightening in a different way.  I love the sound and can watch for hours to seek the point where waves meet the sand.  I especially love the Oregon coast when one of the frequent storms come crashing.  The Washington coast with so much history.  I find on that shore, my highschool history class, listening to Mr. Link tell of the Native Indians lives on those shores. 

This is the one thing I would pay to see.  I'm not a big traveler, don't care for old buildings and statues that can be explored in books.  The marvels of man, I find disappointing and another man has always come along to improve on design and function. 

But the ocean...  Awe on the shore! Standing, facing the waves as they come thundering toward me, the spray in the air, I drink it in. Strengthened and humbled, I want to raise my arms and shout praises while running like mad!  The power of God's creative hand.  There is no improving, there is no comparing.  God is greart declares the roar! Only God's hand can create this mighty one in subjection to His will alone.         

See... a pic is worth a thousand words,

But only God could write something this

mysterious, lovely, frustrating and wonderful. 

It has been some time since my last blog.  If anyone is reading, I have just been busy.  Hard to believe, huh?  Well the house is under construction and I'm not doing any of the building but it does cause a mess.  We are replacing the old wood burning stove.  Heating oil cost so much that it is worth the effort.  Then we are putting in two french doors which has no real necessity other than I want a pretty house.  It will help, I hope, with keeping the front room company ready.  Also when the electricity goes out (which it does a lot) we will have one room cozy and warm with the stove. All this is dh's Christmas present to me.  Acts of service is his love language.  I don't know mine.  I like to get presents but not for the presents themselves, just to know he was thinking of me when I wasn't in front of him.  Busy man that he is, there is a lot of competition for his thoughts.   I feel priviledged to get his attention sometimes. 

Wish I had something more interesting or deep to share.  How about:  Who do you know that isn't saved?  How many have gone to eternity in hell while you read this blog?  Minutes gone forever. Go. Tell!  Mark 1:17

Satisfaction in shattered glass.
A statement of finality.
All cease to the alarm.
Sudden and lasting, the notes linger.
The pitch and tone penetrate.
Every nerve experiences.
Perfect crescendo!
Light splinters, the eye embraces.
Now the master, it beckons.
Come, kneel and assemble.
Everything else will wait.