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Well,
Alyssa kicked off her club on Saturday, "Kids for the Kingdom". She was a little disappointed that we didn't have a bigger turn out. Including her sister she had 5. Saturdays are not the best days to probably do something like this. We prayed that God would bring the kids He wanted to be here. So we must trust in His plan.
She did such a good job telling the Easter story using the Resurrection Egg kit. After telling the story she let each child come up and put the eggs in order according to sequence in story. That was really cool. Not only did they hear the story, but they got their hands on it, helped the other kids put it in order and heard an invitation to come to Jesus, the ABC version.
Thanks for those of you who prayed for her that day. We will try again on another afternoon; an after school time would probably be better. At any rate, she had practice in planning, preparing and praying. Three disciplines we need for ministry whether it's motherhood, teaching sunday school, homeschooling, or working outside the home. We also had a chance to discuss perseverance.
In Christ, Renee |
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I ran out of room....here is the rest of what God has shown me in the life of John Baptist. Remember I was talking about humility. Like I said before, John knew who he was, who he wasn't and MORE importantly knew who Jesus was. His life is a picture of what a true servant leader should be. He always pointed others to the coming Christ. He didn't think more highly of himself than he should have. When the people came to him to be baptized in the Jordan River after repenting of their sins, John made sure they knew who could forgive and cleanse them from their sin, Matthew 11 "As for me, I R68 baptize you with F42 water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, and I am not fit to remove His sandals; He R69 will baptize you with F42 the Holy Spirit and fire. Never once did he want others to look to him, only Christ. What humility!
In the book of John, John the Baptist sees Jesus coming and proclaims "Behold, the Lamb of God who taketh away the sins of the world". John the Baptist baptized our Lord and Savior how humbling that must have been. He did it out of obedience to the Lord. When Jesus began his earthly ministry John's disciples left him and followed Jesus. You don't see a streak of jealousy, pride or an arrogant spirit. John says "I must decrease, He must increase". He humbly and gracefully let go. His mission was complete. His message had been delivered. Jesus had come to seek and save the lost.
I asked myself these questions: Do I truly know who I am? Do I recognize who I am not? Do I know why I am here? Do I know my purpose and am I living it out in Christ, daily? Would those whom I come into contact with describe me as a woman of humility and grace? Ouch!!! If I am in Christ I also have a mission and a message. I need to get busy "the kingdom of heaven is at hand".
In Him, Renee
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God has impressed upon my heart a desire to go back through the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John). To read them slowly, prayerfully, and methodically. I want to go back to the basics and see for myself how Jesus ministered and taught his disciples to minister to those around them. It's easy to get our eyes on others, to be bound by traditions of men, religion, etc. and miss JESUS in the middle of it all, Jesus...the TRUE JESUS...not the way "man" has portrayed Jesus today. The Jesus of the BIBLE.
While reading in Matthew, God wouldn't let me get past Chapter 3. I was captivated by his calling, challenged by his courage, convicted by his love for Christ. The word humility kept coming to my mind. A much needed quality that is so lacking in business, society, the church, and sadly to say in many christian homes.
Back to John the Baptist...Listen to Isaiah's prophecy Chapter 40:3 - "A voice is calling, clear the way for the LORD in the wilderness, make smooth in the desert a highway for our God". John the Baptist was that voice calling. John was the baby boy in Elizabeth's womb that jumped within her womb when she spoke with the mother of Jesus, and she was immediately filled with the holy spirit.
John knew who he was, why he was here, what his purpose was...talk about the "purpose driven life". Even more importantly John knew who Jesus was. We live in a world full of people who want to know basically three things: Who am I, Why am I here, and what is my purpose? It is "In Christ" that we find all the answers to these questions.
John was a man with a mission and a message. His mission, to point others to Christ; his message, "Repent, the kingdom of heaven is at hand". Later he would cry out as he saw Jesus coming to be baptized, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world".
The simplicity and humility of his mission and message are so refreshing. John a man with no seminary degree, phd, or masters was commissioned by God Almighty to point others to "His Beloved Son in whom He is well pleased". John who wore a camel's hair garment with a strap of leather around his waist, who ate locust and wild honey, who lived outside of the city in the wilderness. Not a very likely candidate for such a task. I love how God works. He most often choses the "ordinary" to preform the "extraordinary".
I wonder how many churches would allow someone with John's appearance to stand in the pulpit and preach the same message today? How about yours? When I read that John called the religious leaders in Jerusalem "brood of vipers" I didn't quite understand it at first. Vipers are a dangerous snake. John had lived out in the wilderness. I am sure over time he had developed a keen sense of what to look out for in the way of venomous snakes. |
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I haven't blogged in a long time. I have really missed reading my friends blogs. Here in North Carolina we have had crazy weather. We had practically no winter. My kids so wanted it to snow
Me and my husband will leave tomorrow afternoon for a long weekend away alone
We are still looking for a new church home. My verse for this entire year has been Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding but, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path. God's word is such a comfort. Thank you for the priviledge of being part of such a wonderful community of homeschool bloggers. I receive so much encouragement from this place.
Today was Jessie's (my 16 yr. old daughter) first day in a Youth Choir offered by the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. She really enjoyed it and met some new kids. We are so blessed to live in a area that is so homeschool "friendly". There are so many opportunities available for us here, especially for High Schoolers. I know this is not the case in alot of states. With all the rich resources and opportunities that are offered, Jesus Christ is still our best source. He is our source of wisdom, strength, joy, comfort, knowledge, understanding, riches, energy, encouragement, you name it. If you don't know Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord of your life, you can meet Him right now. Many people know about Jesus and who He was, it's not enough, we must know Him as our "personal" Savior and Lord. "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23)"The wages of sin is death but, the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23). While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:10). "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). Because He loved He gave...all...I pray if you don't know Jesus as your Savior you will ask Him to save you today. "Whoever calls on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ shall be saved." (Acts 16:17)
Oh, I was just interrupted by my daughter...a close friend of her's has a cousin who is in the hospital in Georgia she is not breathing on her own. The girls's name is Dallas she is 18 yr.s old and has had a very hard family life. PLEASE PRAY FOR DALLAS and her family in Georgia.
Trusting Him, Renee |
they were disappointed about that. The temperatures have been like a roller coaster up and down, down and up. The past couple of weeks it has been like late spring to early summer temps. I don't know why I spend so much time each season putting clothes away and pulling others out. I think I just need bigger closets or more under the bed bins with wheels. I am really not complaining. I actually prefer spring weather. It just makes it a little harder to concentrate on "school". 
NO KIDS!!!! 
We will do the dance of JOY. I will miss them, but, it will be so nice to have time to talk without being interrupted, to lay down at night and have no knocks at our door wanting this or that. We are looking forward to it. My mother and her new husband will be keeping the younger kids for us. They have offered to come up here and do some work on her old house and let us go stay at their house in Wilmington. They live 20 - 30 minutes from the beach. What a ministry my mother has provided for me and my hubby for so many years. She is also a great grandmother. 
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Posted in family life
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Have a good week.
Renee |
Just thought I would put a "face" to a name. This is Angel our dog. As you can see she is safe and sound. What a blessed doggie to be loved by so many people. |
WOW, what a Saturday afternoon. We were busy cleaning
I have never seen my 10 year old cry that hard. She is our animal lover (esp. dogs). She wants to own a farm where she can rescue dogs that are neglected and abused by their owners. She is also very persistent, not in an annoying way, in a good way. She asked us for a dog for two solid years. A dog was all she asked for on her birthdays and every other holiday (including Easter). She didn't just ask us, she faithfully prayed and asked God. Two years ago on Christmas God answered her prayers and rewarded her persistence with a precious 3 month old puppy, which she fittingly named "Angel".
It's funny I have never been a true "animal lover". God changed that on a dime. When I thought Angel was gone, my heart was broken and I cried as hard if not harder over the situation than Alyssa. Of course part of it was because I knew how heart broken Alyssa would be if Angel didn't return. A big part was also because Angel has become a part of our family. She sleeps in my room every night, is obedient and sweet, yet very protective over our family. She wouldn't bite a fly but if she doens't know you and you pull up in our driveway, you might think she means business, of course, all you have to do is stomp your foot and she will run to the back yard, some guard dog.
Oh yeah, back to the missing dog story...we had looked everywhere, even my 20 yr. old son who sometimes can be somewhat selfish joined in on the search, everyone in our family loves Angel. After searching we all ended back in our yard at the same time, all shaken up and saddened. Something told me to check in the storage shed attached to our house, I though to myself ...
Trusting Him, Renee |
so we could get our showers and head over to a friend's house to enjoy some much needed fun. I had made my list and checked it twice (I am a big list person) we were right on schedule. I went to pick
up my 10 year old from a sleep over and was headed for the shower when she stopped me and asked if I had seen Angel, her dog. We have an underground fence and Angel never leaves our yard, when she is not outside enjoying herself she is inside with us. I didn't think to much about it, just figured she had found a nice sunny place and was taking a little doggie afternoon nap
. Before I got to the shower, Alyssa came in crying hysterically
, her dog was no where to be seen. I said a quick prayer
and assured her she hadn't gone far. She hopped on her bike and rode through the neighborhood. I jumped into my car and drove up and down the roads that lead to our subdivision, NO ANGEL. Now I was crying 
We were ecstatic. I thank God for that dog sent from heaven to my little girl and God used that day to remind me to not take for granted even the "small" blessings he sends our way. |
God is good all the time, all the time GOD is GOOD
I have been a stay at home Mom for 16 years and have never regretted a single day. I have always thanked God for His providing this for our family and I still do. But, honestly I have struggled over the years, especially back when we began homeschooling with "ministry" outside of my home and "ministry" inside my home. Do you ever get the feeling that your home but not really an "all there" Mom? You know, your mind is elsewhere, your there physically going through the routine of it all, but you have other more "important" things even "good" things calling out for your attention and energy? I have been there many times over the past several years.
I know women who "seem" to be experts at juggling several plates brimming over with way too much on them. For me, it took a toll on my nerves
I have such peace in my soul since giving up some things
In Him, |
. I praise God for the priviledge and honor of being a child of the King, a wife and a mother of four blessings. Since giving up some things to be an "All" there Mom. I realize I haven't given up anything. I have gained so much more. It is all His anyway. Everything belongs to HIM. My time, is not mine, it belongs to Him. He has made me a steward of the time He has so graciously given me. I want to spend it glorifying Him in my relationship with Him, in my marriage and in my mothering. We have had such a great time in our home for the past several months. Such peace and joy and harmony (most of the time)
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, emotions, and my family. I can't do women's ministry, bible studies, homeschool my children "effectively", train them up in the Lord and minister to the needs of my husband and family all at the same time. It has taken me several years to admit this. Nothing gives me the thrill and satisfaction in my soul like teaching the bible to women and seeing them grow in the knowledge and love of Christ. Seeing the light come on. I enjoy learning new tools for teaching, love doing homiletics and allowing the Word of God to shower my heart and mind with His truth and pass that along to eager hearers. I have had seasons like that over the years. Lately though, God has been pulling my heart all the way "home". 
that were fighting 
for my attention and energy. He has confirmed the decisions over and over again in His word, through this blog, through books He has put in my hands and through conversations with friends. Seasons come and seasons go. I want to enjoy each and every one. To live the abundant life fully with my heart and mind whole not divided into pieces. My oldest son is 20, oldest daughter 16, next is my 10 year old and 7 year old. They need me to be an all there Mom. To listen to them, to help them navigate through this life, to pray for them with passionPosted in homeschooling
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God has lead me to lay many things down lately, things that have been hard to give up. The ladie's Sunday School class I taught for the past year. Bible Studies I wanted to be involved in, etc...He is so patient with me. He has taken several things off my plate over the years and has called me all the way "home" to homeschool His children. I am a slow learner or maybe just a little stubborn
Renee |
We are back to the books and back to school. We started the new year off back to school on New Year's Day. I think we were all ready to get back to the routine. I know I was. I love a long break at Christmas but, part of me longs for that routine. 
You know, a place for everything and everything in it's place. We will begin our unit on the Human body in science. The kids are excited about this. Our first lesson is on the reproductive system 
. My ten year old rolled her eyes
when she found this out. We have made a few adjustments in our schedule. My oldest daughter has moved from voice lessons back to piano, which is her passion. I am very glad about that. She likes to sing, but, loves to play the piano. We are in the market for a new piano teacher someone who will stretch her and take her to a new level. My 10 year old who is taking band this year (percussions) has informed me she would like to take guitar lessons next year and my 7 year old would like to play the bells. Life is certainly not boring around here. |
Well, Christmas is officially over
After "entertaining" the residents we handed out homemade ornaments to each resident. My favorite part was when we delivered 5 very special presents wrapped in all the pretty bows and shiny paper and 5 decorated trees to some residents who never get a visit or a gift from family. Their reactions both melted and broke my heart all at the same time.
The next week we went to see a portion of "The Nutcracker Ballet". It was absolutely beautiful! I give it "two thumbs up"
My husband has been off since December 20th
Christmas was great. We had family over on Christmas Eve day and sat back that night and watched my all time favorite movie "It's a Wonderful Life". Then tucked the kids in bed and got busy. Christmas morning our two youngest woke us up at 5:00 Everyone was very happy with their gifts.
This week we have managed to get everything back in it's place. Tree down, decorations packed away and the house cleaned up. I did decide to leave one remnant of Christmas out all year. An angel that my S. S. class bought me this year (my last year teaching). No one knew but God that I wanted an angel just like this one. God is soooo personal. I put her in my foyer she is metal spray painted gold and matches my gold mirror perfectly. That way I can have a little bit of Christmas all year long.
I started my blog with the phrase "the new year brings changes for the Peebles famly" after many years of prayer and waiting on the Lord, we have decided to look for another church home. After waiting so long for me and my husband to be on the same page, I somehow thought it would be easy to leave. I am afraid I was wrong. I have grieved about this decision alot over the Christmas season. I am still praying for my pastor and church. It is just hard to leave. God reminded me this morning that it wouldn't be right for me not to grieve. That body of believers has been our home and family since 1991. We have roots there and many good friends. We will be visiting a new church this Sunday, we feel it is God's perfect timing it being a new year and all. God confirmed it with His word to me this moring in my quiet time, which He woke me up for at 4:45 a.m. Boy am I glad I didn't sleep through it.
If you think about us please lift us up in prayer. He is our Shepherd and He will guide us to the green pasture and lead us to the clean water. God bless you all this new year. May you go and bear much fruit. Fruit that will remain.
Renee
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. I just love Christmas. We had such a good time together as a family. For the month of December we laid down our "regular" school days and read two of the books in the C.S. Lewis series and discussed the meanings and symbolism of the characters. We had a great time. The rest of the month we baked and delivered goodies to our neighbors, went to a rest home with a group of friends and sang Christmas Carols with them. My oldest played two songs on the piano for them. A friends 7 yr. old played several tunes as well. My 10 yr. old played her bells for them. Another child played a lap harp (never seen one of those before), and one girl decided she would stand up and sing a couple of solos. 
I love having him at home with us. The first week we went to see "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" we all loved it. My 7 yr. old hid her face in Daddy's chest during the scene when Aslan was on the stone. The demon like creatures frightened her. After that she watched the rest. I am so glad we read the book before seeing the film. My husband took each of the kids out to buy for each other and for us. He does this every year. It gives him the biggest thrill and of course they love it. 
. The older ones got up around 7:30. We always have a special Christmas morning breakfast which I prepare the night before and bake the next morning. I enjoy this time with my family. I always set the table really pretty with our special Christmas dishes and light a candle. Before eating we read the Christmas Story in Luke 2. This year we applied the story to our own lives. Most of us got a lesson about making room for Him in our "inns" every area of our lives. My youngest was just thankful for His birth and couldn't understand "why they wouldn't make room for Mary, being pregnant and ready to give birth". WOW the lessons children teach us. After breakfast we ran to the living room and opened our presents. Well, we don't just open them up all at once. My husband loves the "anticipation" of it all. One of the kids plays Santa and passes out all the presents and we go around the room one at a time opening up one present until they are all unwrapped. |
Wow,
It has been so long since my last blog.
We have had such a good time getting ready for Christmas. A friend of mine had been praying about how to make Christmas extra special this year for her kids, how to focus more on His birth and serving others...Well, you know how creative God is...He woke her up in the middle of the night during late November...at first like most of us she tried to go back to sleep and tossed and turned...but, God is patient and persistent...she finally got up around 3:00 a.m. and opened up her bible to Luke 2, the Christmas Story. As she read verses 1-20 the Holy Spirit revealed verse by verse applications she could do with her family. She shared this wonderful application with a few of her friends, me included, and it has been awesome.
If you go back and read Luke 2:1-20 - the first thing you see is "the census" - we can also take of census of those around us in our neighborhoods, communities, churches, etc. who need a touch from the Lord this Christmas season. Ex: widows, widowers, rest home residents, the lonely, the lost, you name it. Who do you know in your town or community who needs Jesus, or a helping hand this season? Me and my kids are going to a rest home tommorrow and deliver gift bags to residents who never get a visit or a present. We will do this secretly (We call ourselves the undercover angels).
In the following verses Joseph has to go back to the place of his birth.... Who back in your hometown needs a card or letter from you. Maybe that is something you could do.
As the story goes on...Mary is getting ready to deliver the baby Jesus...Who do you know that is pregnant? or just had a baby? Maybe you could take buy a gift or cook a meal for that famly. What single moms do you know who could use a night out? offer to babysit and get the children bathed and to bed for her.
She delivers the baby and wraps Him in swaddling cloths. Who needs a warm coat or hat and mittens this winter? Is there a family that needs help clothing their famly this winter?
As you can see the possibilities are endless. We have had a great time so far and we are not finished.
I just wanted to pass this along. My friend has named her idea Christmas Capers. They have even done some ring and runs - ex: the kids made pretty ornaments out of candy canes hotglued together to make a heart and put the verse John 3:16 on it. They then put the ornament on the porch and ring and run.
However you decide to celebrate Christmas this year, don't forget the real "Reason for the Season".
Merry CHRISTmas, Renee
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God is SO GOOD
I want to thank God Almighty for the freedom to disciple and train my children. Over the past year we have truly begun to live the abundant life that Jesus came to give. I know it's been there all along...it has just taken me a while to begin living it. I thank God for His faithfulness and patience with me and my husband.
I am sooooo thankful that this life is a process....nothing happens over night and there are NO PERFECT PARENTS, no magic recipe and no method that if you follow will guarantee perfect children...sorry to say we are all just sinners saved by grace. I do believe we are commanded to live out Deuteronomy Chapters 6 & 7, to teach and train them according to His ways but, only God is the perfect parent and we know very well that even his children strayed and broke His heart at times. It is such a relief to me that more than anything; it depends on the GRACE of God coupled with prayer that will make the most difference in the end.
This weekend was terrific I also had a great time. I met several new people (moms) and even got in a game of air hockey. I won although, if you asked my opponet she would say she won
Sunday my oldest daughter turned 16
A little tired during school today
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My first two discipleship meetings have gone great. We have really hit it off. Thanks to all those who have been praying
went to a Tea on Saturday afternoon. Actually it was more of a home blessing Tea. We went through each room of a woman's home and prayed for God's blessing, protection, restoration, provision, etc...it was absolutely awesome
I then took my oldest daughter and a friend to a teen mixer with our teen suppot group. There were around 40 kids there. They really had a blast. They played a game called "Bunko" You would break up into groups of 4 and play a round, after so many minutes or points the bell would ring and you would switch tables and resume playing. It was great because you are forced to meet new people. GREAT IDEA
right after church on Sunday afternoon. We then took the whole crew, all 15 of them, to a friends horse farm
to ride for several hours. "It was her best party ever." She was so thankful. God gave me a little surprise that day as well. Just as I was about to snap a picture, my husband jumps up on a Palamino and trots off! 17 years of marriage and he is still full of surprises. 
, but thankful for the opportunity to do this. We are using our Tapestry Year 2 and I believe we have finally got a rythym
going. Don't know how good it sounds though (ha, ha...), I still need to fine tune a few notes. I am learning so much and enjoying it all at the same time. Well, need to go and start dinner. Pray that you all have a great week. Walking in the abundant life. Your friend and sister in Christ Jesus. |
I am so excited
I have been praying about leading someone else through and everyone just wouldn't commit. She is so excited and willing and hungry for more of God. PRAISE GOD
In His Service, Renee Peebles
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It's official...school is now in session at the Peebles home. We had a pretty good day
Praying for those hit by Katrina, asking God what would you have us to do besides the obvious, give money. I have heard that Knightdale, NC a town near me will be housing people in their High School Gym? Don't know if this is rumor or if it has been confirmed. Praying about how we can minister as a family to those God brings to us.
My oldest was supposed to play volleyball this season with our homeschool team but, sprained her ankle badly in a practice. With gas prices on the rise it might have been a mixed blessing. Not that I am happy she hurt her ankle, just not having to travel for 3 months at this time, when we really can't afford to.
I am not sure how you get friends to view you blog and write to you or email you? New to this blog thingy. If you want to write me please do so. Especially if you have a word of encouragement to offer up. Well, need to get going finish dinner and shower and off to our monthly homeschool support meeting.
In His Grip, Renee |
. We began our day in the book of wisdom, with our key verse for this week being Proverbs 1:7 "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge". I have learned that without the Lord and His word directing my day I can't do what He has called me to do. Oh, how we need Him. |
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