Our Journey Through Home School - Homeschool Blogger

UPDATE ON KELLI

Thu, 4 Jun 2009 12:39:00 -0500

This is the story.... unbelievable if you will...... The Lord is in control and an awesome doctor at that!! Well it all started in 2007, but we will skip to the nitty gritty of the the surgery's. On march 31, 2009 I had the cervical cancer removed as well as some reconstruction due to my pregnancy from my twins. . On April 1, 2009 I came home recovering lovely, then about 8 days post op.... PAIN PAIN PAIN... I went back and forth to the dotor, everything was healing properly and no infections. Due to the reconstrution of my ligaments the doctor said that it could be painful.. just take pain meds and walk, walk, walk so I did.. Well, the pain kept getting worse... Finally on April 23, I had Steve drive me to Morristown, with the intention of not leaving because of the pain. They hooked me up to IV's gave me super duper pain meds and took blood as well as did a CAT scan. My WBC were through the roof 22,000 to be exact. (normal is about 6- 10) so I had
an infection, the CAT scan came back showing an abcess. ( post OP infection, it happens.. 1% of the time) I was admitted put on 2 different antibiotics around the clock. They were hoping this would stop the infection. Two days, later, another CAT scan. The abcess was still the same size, they put in an abdominal drain. ( I felt like the Christmas goose getting the temp. taken) Well two days with that and nothing drained ( shown by the 3rd CAT scan) so they scheduled surgery... Yes, I had to have another surgery!! After the surgery, I was told I could go home the next day, well my WBC were still outragous and according to the the 4th CAT scan, they have found another Mass. Well, needless to say the next morning when the doc came to see me I was "high" on the Lord, had been praying and reading all night.. Anthony had called me at 6 am in the morning also reading and praying as well as completing college essays all night. When the doc saw me he had seen my bible, asked "is there anything in
there about WBC's" I said no but here in Psalm 30 verse 2 it says I CRIED OUT TO MY LORD AND HE HEALED ME! He looked at me as if I had 2 heads or possibly 9. I asked him what my WBC were he said he did not get them yet. He did his exam left and came back 10 minutes later. He told me my WBC were 11,000. PRAISE GOD HE IS AWESOME!!! The doctor saw the Lord work right in front of his face!! I LOVE IT. He is Roman Catholic on his Moms side and Jewish on his dads side but practices no religion. What a testimony from GOD himself. They agreed I could go home the next day (which was friday, with the promise I would get blood work done on Monday and go to his office) ok fRIDAY CAME AND my WBC were now 9,000!!! Moday came, went for blood work and my exam at the doctor was great and my WBC 6,000. positivity NORMAL. In the misdt of all this, Steve lost his job three days after I went into the hospital, the insurance stopped, my refrige. croaked and the Lord
Provides. I will have a BRAND NEW refridgerator delivered tomorrow. I went to the doctor today, had blood work done will be having some more scans because of the other mass that was found.. The awesome thing is this...l GOD knew that it would not have been seen if I did not have the infection. They were right next to each other. Pray that this is just a ovarian tumor that can be removed. I was told it is either a Leuetome (spelling not correct, which is a tumor on the ovary) or Rare ovarian cancer. Needless to say, I have another surgery to look forward to but the Lord is my strength and he is my healer. Thank you for all the meals that were provided for my family, YOU are all truly a blessing from the Lord. I will let you know about the results of the last test this week. In all of this, I was able to witness to the 74 yo precious soul in my room dying of pancretic cancer. She said she understood the gospel, but pray that there are more believers put
in her path. Also to all my surgeons and nurses. There is a purpose in all of this. We may not always see it but GOD KNOWS what is going on. It is for HIS glory.

Psalm 30 verse 2

I CRIED OUT TO MY LORD AND HE HEALED ME!!!!!!!!

My SOLDIER, Peter, Stephie & Rebekah and Rachel.

Wed, 8 Apr 2009 16:57:00 -0500

Ok, here we go.. Army logistics called yesterday to schedule Anthony for a mandatory medical screening. (Hmmmm, think they are getting ready to deploy him????) IF they are this is alot sooner then we thought. His appointment is for June 1. Time goes by so fast, cherish the moments you have with your children. We have been playing twister as a family lately, it is alot of fun... esp. when all the family is here. I am still in bed recovering, but getting alot of paer work and computer stuff done. Peter went to the Bronx Zoo today and then he will be at Montclair State University at night to watch a performance of SPLINTER. I wish I could have gone, but that would really not be a good idea. Stephanie made me the best Minestrone soup I have ever had. The twins, well since we are not doing full days of school, they are on each others nerves!!

Jehovah Jireh!!!

Sun, 5 Apr 2009 21:25:00 -0500

Speaking of our LORD the provider. I have had a meal delivered to me everyday!! What a provision especially for a family of 7!!! My Mother in law was here last week and made food, that was eaten for lunch by my kids and husband, Dinners have been delivered everyday. What a provision. I am to be off my feet and it is such a blessing.. Today, I was up a bit to much and paying for it.... This is alot harder then I wasa hoping. I have to stay off my feet or the pain begins. I over did it today. The LORD has provided for more then me.. It is so great to be "Drunk in the Spirit." Our God is so awesome. My husband also had the week off to help and starting today I was by myself with my 3 girls, tomorrow Peter will be back (he is installing a hot water heater!!) and I will have all 4 of my children here. The Lord will help me manage. Pray for me for the strength to do just what the Lord wants sdone in a day from me, so I do not over do it again!!!

Jehovah Jireh!! HE HAS PROVIDED!!!

Sun, 5 Apr 2009 15:23:00 -0500

Jehovah Jirah!!! He Has provided. The family needing the hot water heater no longer needs one. THE LORD IS OUR PROVIDER. In order to continue the blessing to this family we are asking that you get a $10.00 SHOP RITE gift card instead!!! We are asking just $10.00 per family. Mail them to us at Stephen Yanez
53 Black Oak Drive, Vernon, NJ 07462. Do not worry, if you already mailed your LOWES CARD TO US, THAT IS GOING TO THEM AS WELL. If there are 60 SCCHS members and we all send $10.00 that is $600.00 of food for this family. This is about a 2 month supply of food and will help them get back on thier feet. Thank you for all that have responded. I will keep you posted.

In SERVICE to the KING,
Kelli & Stephen Yanez

Jehovah Jirah

Sat, 4 Apr 2009 21:21:00 -0500

As I am sitting in my bed recovering It has come to my attention that a member of SCCHS has a very great need. This is a family that will help you at any cost a very servant family. They can not take baths/showers and have not for at LEAST 2 weeks that I know of. They need a new hot water heater. My husband and I are praying and have set up a fund for them (using a Lowe's gift card) We are relying on the Lord for this. We are asking that anonymous donations be sent in the form of gift cards to LOWES in any amount that you feel the Lord is leading you. Will be collecting them for 10 days, so mail yours today!! We then are going to have a hot water heater delivered to them from anoynmous or should we say the LORD!! Mail then to Stephen Yanez
53 Black oak Drive
Vernon, NJ 07462
ANy questions, e-mail. I have nothing to do but check it every so often.

In Service to the KING,
Kelli

Surgery Update

Thu, 2 Apr 2009 21:18:00 -0500

It is I Kelli, In bed on pain meds.. I hate this and pain meds with a passion.. Steve is at the park with the twins, Stephanie is making me spelt bread and Peter has just washed a ton of pots.. It is great to be a home schooling family. The surgery was 4 and 1/2 hours, it was to be only 2. Steve was very upset because he did not get to see me out of the recovery room. He had to go and get the twins. I belive the surgery went as planned, the doctor told me he would call me withthe biopsy results as soon as he knew. I was having a few emotioanl moments knowing that my uterus is gone. I will be here in bed, checking e-mail periodically. This is really worse than I thought. Keep me in prayer about the horrific pain.

My Final Surgery I Pray

Sun, 29 Mar 2009 21:12:00 -0500

Dear Brothers and Sister in CHrist,

This is a request for prayer for me.. I will be having my surgery on March 31. The recovery time is between 6-12 weeks. I am starting to get upset with the fact that I will not be able to have any more natural children. I am also in pain as we speak, I had to take pain medicine yesterday, something I hate to do. I will not be home until the 1st, Lord Willing. Quick recovery and complete healing. Thank you for your prayers.

Under HIS Grace,

Kelli

Please also pray for Steve as he will be taking care of the kids, school (probably only history and reading) and the house. The Lord is truly in control

Exodus 15:10-12

¹⁰ You blew with Your wind,
The sea covered them;
They sank like lead in the mighty waters.

¹¹ “Who is like You, O LORD, among the gods?
Who is like You, glorious in holiness,
Fearful in praises, doing wonders?

¹² You stretched out Your right hand;
The earth swallowed them.

Pray Request for Anthony, My Soldier

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 08:09:00 -0500

With this news of Obama sending troops to Afgan. This involves my son. Please pray for him now that he will always be protected in the name of the LORD. Now, more then ever have I been a Jabez... calling on God for those things I normally would not.. Shame on me... I do not know what is going to happen, Anthony could get a phone call and off he goes... He is to be in the Sahara for training in July, this may be sooner.. Please pray the Lords will be done and for his protection and safety and my peace of mind...

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President Barack Obama plans to send thousands of troops to train Afghan forces as part of a new war strategy that will focus U.S. efforts on destroying al Qaeda safe havens and rolling back the Taliban insurgency.
A Taliban commander poured scorn on the new plan, which will be announced by the president at 9:25 a.m., saying an injection of 4,000 troops would make no difference on the ground.
Three senior U.S. administration officials said in a briefing before the announcement that Washington will reach out to Russia, China, India and even Iran in an "aggressive regional effort" that also recognizes Pakistan as part of the theater of war.
"For the first time, we are approaching this problem as two countries -- Afghanistan, Pakistan -- but one challenge and one theater for our diplomacy and our reconstruction efforts to work in. We see this as an integrated problem," said one of the officials, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The new strategy comes at a time when violence in Afghanistan is at its highest level since U.S.-led forces invaded in 2001 to oust the Taliban from power. The Islamist militia has staged a strong comeback and sharply escalated its attacks, often operating from safe havens in tribal border regions of Pakistan.
Obama, who criticized his predecessor George W. Bush for becoming distracted by the Iraq war and allowing security to deteriorate in Afghanistan, ordered a review of U.S. policy as one of his first official acts after taking office on January 20.
"This is not a reversion to a narrow War on Terror focus," said Alex Thier, an Afghanistan expert at the U.S. Institute of Peace in Washington.
He said that although the Obama administration was talking about going after al Qaeda, it was also committing to a broader effort to stabilize Afghanistan. "This is a comprehensive approach to dealing with a critical, unstable region," he said.
Under the plan, 4,000 military trainers will embed and partner with the Afghan military, while hundreds of U.S. government civilian personnel will boost under-resourced reconstruction and development programs.
The trainers are in addition to the 17,000 troops Obama has already ordered sent to Afghanistan to help stabilize the country ahead of a presidential election in August.
"We want to move as aggressively and as quickly as possible to build up an Afghan army that is capable of defending its country and defeating the Taliban and al Qaeda," an official said.
DISRUPT AND DESTROY
Taliban commander Mullah Hayat Khan scoffed at the plan.
"Sending more troops will have no impact on the activities of the Taliban," he said, speaking by telephone from an undisclosed location. "Four thousand trainers for the Afghan army is not a solution to the problem."
The strategy will have a unified military goal -- to disrupt, dismantle and eventually destroy al Qaeda's sanctuaries in Pakistan and its support network, and prevent it from establishing safe havens in Afghanistan.
The officials said al Qaeda leaders, including Osama bin Laden, were believed to be in an unknown location in Pakistan plotting fresh attacks on the United States and its allies. U.S.-led forces invaded Afghanistan after al Qaeda launched the September 11 attacks on the United States.
Initial descriptions of the strategy left many questions about Pakistan unanswered.
Many experts believe the nuclear-armed country's instability and its al Qaeda havens present a far greater threat to U.S. national security than Afghanistan.
U.S. drone attacks on suspected hideouts in tribal areas of the country began during the Bush administration and have continued under the new president, provoking anger in Pakistan.
Hasan Askari Rizvi, a Pakistani security and political analyst, said drone attacks would continue but a strain would stay in relations between the United States and Pakistan.
"The West considers Pakistan the main problem but the Pakistani government and non-official circles perceive themselves as innocent victims," he said. "There is such a wide gap in the interpretation of the situation by the two sides and that indicates that the problem and the strain will continue."
As part of a new diplomatic effort, the United States will engage India, Russia, China and Iran, and Obama's special envoy to the region, Richard Holbrooke, will hold bilateral meetings with Afghanistan and Pakistan every six to eight weeks.
Washington plans to expand the size of the Afghan army from about 80,000 to 134,000 and the police force from 78,000 to about 82,000. The U.S. officials said further increases were possible.
"It is much cheaper in the long run to train Afghans to fight this war than it is to send Americans half way around the globe," one official said.
In the short-term, however, the current $2 billion a month cost of U.S. military operations in Afghanistan are projected to increase 60 percent, another official said.

Lessons from Obama

Wed, 7 Jan 2009 13:06:00 -0600

The election of Barack Obama as the 44th President

of the United States should be a time of “great

searchings of heart” for American believers. He has

promised change and don’t be surprised if he delivers.

Rated as the most liberal U.S. senator, with his V.P. not

far behind, he will come to power with a Democratdominated

Congress in his corner as

well. But what lessons can he teach us?

First, he should cause us to rejoice

in the sovereignty of God. Whatever

powers he may wield as Chief Executive,

he would do well to remember that, to

paraphrase Paul, he has a Chief Executive

in heaven. World affairs are not

finally in the hands of men. It may be

that the next four (or eight) years will

be used by God to bring many in this

nation to a place where they will lose

hope in men and be ready to hear of real

hope—“the hope of the gospel.”

Which brings us to his second lesson

for us: Christians should not be looking

to politicians to do what only the Savior

can do. Many of those to whom has been

committed the ministry of reconciliation have retreated

into holy clubs (some not so holy) where entertainment

and trendy preaching is intended to attract and convince

unbelievers. This is not the way of the Master.

Real societal change is brought about one life at a

time by an individual’s repentance and faith in the

Lord Jesus. Only in this way does a new day dawn in

the life of a soul. Soul winning is hard work, as commercial

fishing and big-time farming are. Christians

in the West need to abandon hope in the red pottage

of world politics and the thin gruel of seeker-focused

religious entertainment. After all, the healthiest

churches seem to be thriving under the most oppressive

regimes. It’s time for Christians serious about the

Great Commission to reclaim our ambassadorial status,

and get back into the harvest fields.

Senator Obama should also teach us something

by his historic rise as the first black President of the

United States. Many Americans, whatever their political

affiliation, feel a certain closure in the fact that, in

a fuller measure than ever before, the documents and

the deeds are in agreement. But we are also reminded

that, according to the Barna Group, the most segregated

hour in America is still Sunday morning at 10 o’clock. Is

it not time for evangelicals to bring their documents and

deeds into alignment? If secular politicians applaud such

a step, what of disciples who affirm at least in theory,

“There is neither Jew nor Greek,...there is neither male nor

female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus”

Not that there should be coercion in the first instance,

or unbiblical compromise in the second, but rather that

they might have hearts as big as the God who “will have(1 Tim. 2:4).

all men to be saved”

Let’s remember, too, that whether we voted or not, a

subject on which the New Testament is silent, it is not

silent about us praying for the man. Where ballots may

have failed, prayers may yet turn the tide of history. It

would not be the first time. —Jabe Nicholson

Frugalness and Restaurants

Wed, 7 Jan 2009 12:52:00 -0600

I have used this service and it is WONDERFUL.. For those that like to spend quality time with your husbands/wives/ self, but have cut back on eating out. This is a great deal. I purchased $200.00 (8-$25.00 gift certificates) Over the holiday I recieved 80% off of the purchase price. I recieved $200.00 worth of certificates for $16.00. We have printed it out and used it... They really work, this is not a scam.. visit this page and you have to make a free login account

http://www.restaura nt.com/index. asp?

If you use the code REWARD you pay only $5.00 for a $25.00 certificate. This is for a limited time. The codes are always changing.

Oatmeal Cookies NO BAKE!!!!

Tue, 6 Jan 2009 17:53:00 -0600

Oatmeal No Bake Cookies Recipe

1 stick of butter
2 C sugar
1/2 C milk
1/2 C peanut butter (sometimes I add more) (can substitute apple sauce)
3 Tlbs cocoa
1/2 tsp vanilla

Bring to a boil. Boil 3 minutes. If you don't wait 3 minutes cookie will not set up. If you boil longer cookie will crumble

Take off burner and mix in 3 to 4 cups of oats. I use quick oats. If you use whole oats it might take less.

Spoon out onto counter and let set.

You may add raisins, coconut or nuts if you like.

Sour Dough

Tue, 6 Jan 2009 17:51:00 -0600

Sour Dough Starter 1 pkg/cake of yeast
2 C. lukewarm water from cooking potatoes
1 tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
2 C. flour

Soften yeast in some of warm potato water. Mix and set in a warm place loosely covered for 48 hours to ferment. Put in a jar and keep in a cool place till needed.

To make bread - Add 1 C. warm water
1/2 C. flour
1 tbsp sugar to the starter in the evening. The next morning take out 1 C. of starter and put in a jar and keep in a cool place for the next baking.

To save starter if you do not use if for over a week, add ingredients as for baking bread, at least once a week. This will give you extra starter, to share with a friend. *Milk may be added instead of water.

Sour Dough Biscuits

Take 1 C. sour dough starter
1/4 C. melted shortening
3/4 tsp. soda
1 C. flour

Mix well. A little sweet milk may be added if dough seems rather stiff. Back in muffin pans or bake on greased cookie sheets. Bake in hot oven (350) for 15 minutes until brown

Sour Dough Bread (1 loaf)

1 C. starter
1/4 C. sugar
1 tbsp. melted butter
1/2 tsp. salt
flour (enough for a soft dough)

Mix all together to make a soft dough, knead well. Place in a warm place till 3 times its size. Knead well and shape into loaf. Let rise till light and double in size. Bake at 400 for 45 minutes.

Bread for two loaves

1 C. warm water
1C. starter
2 tbls. honey or sugar
5 to 5 1/2 C. flour
1/2 tsp. soda
2 egg yolks
2 tsp. salt
1/4 C. shortening or veg. oil
1 tsp. dry yeast (optional)
If you use yeast it will rise faster. Add yeast before starter.

Mix all ingredients and add about 1/2 the flour. Mix well. Add enough flour to make a soft dough. Knead until smooth. Shape into 2 loaves, in greased pans. Let rise to double size. Bake in 350 to 400 oven about 1 hour.

Bread (2 loaves) Not sour dough

2/3 C. sugar
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tbsp. lard/shortening
2 1/2 C. lukewarm water
2 pks yeast (2 tsp.)
Flour to thicken (about 5 cups)

Combine sugar, salt lard and water. Stir and add yeast, mix. Set in warm place for 15 minutes. Add flour to make a soft dough. Let rise 30 minutes. Punch down. Let rise 35 minutes., punch down again. Let rise 1 hr. and form into 2 loaves. Let rise to almost double in size. Back at 250 for 20 minutes and finish at 350. Total of 1 hour.

Amish Friendship Bread Recipe

Tue, 6 Jan 2009 17:50:00 -0600

Friendship Starter

2 C unbleached flour
2C warm water
1 package yeast

2C milk
2C unbleached flour
2C sugar

First day in a glass bowl, mix the first three ingredients thoroughly. Leave on the kitchen counter uncovered; don't refrigerate. The next three ingredients will be added on days five and nine.

Day 2, 3 and 4: Stir well with wooden spoon.
Day 5: Stir and add 1 Cup milk, 1 Cup flour and 1 Cup sugar. This will feed the starter.
Day 6, 7 and 8: Stir with a wooden spoon.
Day 9: Stir and add another 1 Cup milk, 1 Cup flour and 1 Cup sugar. Stir well
Day 10: Stir well
Day 12: Remove 1 Cup of starter into 4 glass containers. Keep one for yourself to make bread, Store another in glass and put in the refrigerator. Give the last two away to friends.
*Note: if you do not bake on this day add 1 teaspoon of sugar to mixture to feed the starter. Keep it in the refrigerator.

This is when you would start a new day and that is where the recipe picks up.

Recipe to Pass On

Accompanying these instructions when you make this bread and wish to give it to a friend should be a Ziploc bag of started. Keep the starter on your countertop. DO NOT REFRIGERATE!

Day 1: Do nothing

Day 2: Mush bag two times during the day.

Day 3: Mush bag two times during the day.

Day 4: Mush bag two times during the day.

Day 5: Mush bag two times during the day.

Day 6: Add to the bag:
2 Cups flour; 1 Cup of milk; 1 Cup of sugar
Close the bag, letting out as much air as possible. Mush thoroughly.

Day 7: Mush bag two times during the day.

Day 8: Mush bag two times during the day.

Day 9: Clip off corner of the bag and squeeze into a large bowl.
Add to the bowl:
1 Cup flour; 1 Cup of milk; 1 Cup of sugar
Stir thoroughly. Measure out 4, 1 Cup starters into Ziploc bags.
Give these bags and a copy of these instructions to other to enjoy.

To the small amount of starter left in the bowl, Add:
1 Cup oil; ½ Cup milk; 3 eggs; 1 tsp. vanilla

Mix well then add:
2 Cups flour; 1 Cup sugar; 1 ½ tsp. baking powder; 2 tsp. cinnamon; ½ tsp. salt; ½ tsp. baking soda; 1 or 2 small Vanilla instant pudding mixes; 1 Cup chopped nuts (optional)

Mix well. Spray 2 loaf pans with non-stick spray. Sprinkle pans generously with cinnamon and sugar mixture. (1 Tbs. cinnamon & 4 Tbs. sugar) Shake or stir together. Pour batter into pans and sprinkle tops with more cinnamon/sugar mixture generously.

Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour or until toothpick comes our clean.

Tomorrow starts Day 1 again.

Variations: Lemon pudding and poppy seeds.
1/3 Cup oil, 1/3 Cup apple sauce-preserves and nuts or dates.

Have fun personalizing your recipe!

Head Covering/Missionaries in Peru

Tue, 6 Jan 2009 16:24:00 -0600

Well today was a great day!!! We sewed head coverings for a missionary in Peru. They will be sent there so the woman can cover thier heads during the Lords Supper as commanded in 1 Cor.

"Therefore ought the woman to have a covering over her head because of the angels." 1 Cor. 11-10

For those of you that are not familiar with head coverings this is a study that Ihave done.. EXCELLENT!!!

Glories Seen & Unseen

Glories Seen & Unseen - A Study of the Head Covering by Warren Henderson

Many Christians simply brush off the question of whether or not a woman should cover her head while she is praying or during meetings of the church. They consider the topic to be of low priority. What real significance does a head covering have in the 21st century anyway? What does the Bible specifically teach about head covering? Should women wear a head covering today during church meetings or at other times? What were the headdress practices of the early Church? Is a woman's hair an acceptable covering for her? Was Paul's teaching only addressing converted prostitutes? These and many more questions will be addressed within the confines of this book.

Table Of Contents:
Chapter 1 What is Symbolic Truth?
Chapter 2 What were the Old Testament Headdress Practices?
Chapter 3 Let Church History Speak
Chapter 4 Who is Paul's Target Audience?
Chapter 5 Why was Paul Writing?
Chapter 6 Praise, Ordinances, and the "But"
Chapter 7 What is Headship?
Chapter 8 The Glory of Divine Order
Chapter 9 Taught by Nature and Unto Angels
Chapter 10 But When?
Chapter 11 Who Should Be Covered?
Chapter 12 What Constitutes a Head Covering?
Chapter 13 Arguments and Defense
Chapter 14 Conclusion

Chapel woman and girls making head coverings!!!!!!

Mrs. Tally..

Frugal New Year

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 12:59:00 -0600

With the new year upon us and the uncertainty of the economic crisis, we all need to be more frugal in the way we spend our money. I have come across several families in need right now. There is a ministry call ANGEL FOOD. The link is here and it is a nationwide progam. For $30.00 you get

1.5 lb. Ribeye Steak (4 x 6 oz.)

4 lb. Leg Quarters

1.5 lb. Beef Patties (4 x 6 oz.)

18 oz. Cheese Filled Manicotti

2 lb. Pork Rib Strips

1 lb. Chicken Breast Fajita Strips

1 lb. Ground Turkey

1 lb. Broccoli

1 lb. Peas

6 ct. Oatmeal Variety Box

2 each-Regular, Maple Brown Sugar and Apple Cinnamon

32 oz. 2% Shelf Stable Milk

8 oz. Blueberry Muffin Mix

12 ct. White Corn Tortillas

1 lb. Pinto Beans

7 oz. Chicken Flavored Rice & Vermicelli

One Dozen Eggs

Dessert Item

They even take EBT cards (food stamps)

I hope this little bit of information will help you this year. Even though our economy is unstable.. Our Salvation through CHRIST is very stable.

BLESSED CHRISTMAS TO YOU!

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 12:46:00 -0600

This is a devotional that I get from ABOVE RUBIES

Luke 2: 8-11, "And there were in the same country, shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them and the glory of the Lord shone around them and they were sore afraid. And the angel of the Lord said unto them, Fear not for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you are born this day, in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord."

Dear friend, I still have to send to you Part 5, in our series of Home Destroyers. However, it is Christmas week and therefore I thought I would send you a Christmas devotion this time. Instead of writing it myself, I have asked my sister, Kate, to write it for you. Kate and I are both familiar with sheep. Our father, Ivan Bowen, designed the way shearing is done across the world and he was the fastest shearer in the world in his prime. He passed away at nearly 92 years of age this last January. Kate also shepherded a flock of sheep when she lived up in the Caribou of Canada. She has a special love for sheep. May you be blessed by her writing...

I would love to share a couple of thoughts that came to me as I pondered again the Christmas story.

God Chooses the Poor and Despised!

The Palestinian shepherds in Bible days were despised by society. They were not allowed to give testimony in a court of law as they were considered unreliable. Doesn't it astonish you that God chose the despised members of society, those with unreliable testimony, to be witnesses of the most important message of all time? He entrusted them with a message that was foretold by prophets hundreds of years before and would change the course of history. If it was me, I would make sure this message was given to the most influential, reliable men of the nation to ensure it was accurately broadcast world-wide. Yet, how God is this! His ways are greater than our ways. (Isaiah 55:8)

I believe these ancient shepherds were good shepherds. I was a shepherdess in Northern British Columbia, Canada for a time, and as I worked with the flock, I experienced something of the heart of the shepherd. The sheep pulled at my heartstrings. I believe these shepherds would have had tender hearts.

They would also have been tough physically, braving the elements. They were watchmen, always on the lookout for predators, or the enemy that would attack the flock. Remember how David contended with the lion and the bear? In fact, a shepherd never rests until the entire flock is safe in the fold, especially at night. "There were ninety and nine that safely lay in the shelter of the fold, but one was out on the hills away, far from the gates of the fold..." This old hymn speaks of the shepherd going out to look for the one astray. I had to do this many times in my shepherding days.

These ancient shepherds were courageous, too, willing to lay down their lives for the sheep. And, ultimately, they were a living illustration of the Great Shepherd of the Sheep. God saw beyond what society perceived these shepherds to be, and saw their tender, courageous hearts.

God Chooses the Sheep!

The other point that hit me is that not only were the shepherds there when the angels appeared, but who else? The sheep! The shepherds were keeping watch over their flocks by night. As we fast forward two thousand years later, we peer back into this divine hallowed moment in history and see ourselves represented through the sheep. Again, how God is this! He does not make mistakes. What does God liken us to in the Bible? Sheep! It is one of the recurring themes throughout Scripture--the shepherd and his sheep. On looking through one of Promise's (my six year old) Bible story books, this same passage was illustrated with bright lights beaming on the shepherds. But, I was fascinated to see that the illustrator had perceptively drawn the cute little sheep with their heads looking up at this light also!

All we like sheep! They go astray, wandering off unaware of the dangers from under the shepherd's care. They get dirty; they're stubborn, often stupid--although not dumb as is the popular belief. They're vulnerable and need constant attention. In fact, the flock cannot survive without the shepherd. Sound familiar! In spite of this, the sheep are entirely loveable.

Today, as 21^st century sheep of His flock, we are witnesses to and of this amazing proclamation that the savior of the world is born and has come. In the business of this season, let us remind ourselves that we carry this great proclamation wherever we go-in our homes, into the city streets, into the stores, on the road, as we go out and come in. Whatever we are doing, this proclamation is with us. And remember, it is backed by a multitudinous heavenly choir! It is the message of hope in these troubled times.

Truly He is the king, worthy of proclamation!

Kate Marchiniak

Can I add some more thoughts that came to me this morning?

Jesus Wants His Sheep around Him

After the amazing experience of seeing the multitude of angels praising God, the shepherds decided to go to Bethlehem and see the Savior who had been born! Did they go alone? Or did they take their sheep with them? I am sure the sheep went too. The shepherds would not have left the sheep, vulnerable and alone, to be attacked by animals. In the Middle East the sheep always follow the shepherd as he leads them.

Nativity scenes often show one or two sheep, but there would actually have been many sheep around Jesus. Remember, it wasn't only one shepherd, but number of shepherds, each with their own flock.

As the sheep surrounded Him at His birth, Jesus still wants His sheep around Him. He wants them to be close enough to Him in order to hear His voice as He speaks to them.

Shepherds Lead their Sheep

Just as the Bethlehem shepherds led their sheep to Jesus, so as a mother shepherdess, we should also lead our flock to Jesus. This is the big question?

Am I leading my flock to Jesus?

I am going to be asking myself this question over this Christmas time? Am I leading my children to Jesus by His character which they see in me? Am I truly showing them the way? Are there some ideas or better ways that can I implement to lead my lambs to Jesus? I don't want to tell you how to do this. God will show you and me individually. But will you pray this prayer with me?

God is Looking for Father Hearts

God wants mothers and fathers to have shepherd hearts. It is interesting that God chose a carpenter to be the earthly father of His son, Jesus. Like the shepherds, carpenters were not on the highest rung of the career ladder. Joseph was a humble man, but the Bible says he was "righteous." But he must have had a father's heart. God would not have put His son into a family of a man who did not have a father's heart. God was more interested in this quality than what career he had. Now, in our 21^st century, God is still looking for father hearts to father His sheep and lambs. This is more important to God than a high-powered career.

In fact, every aspect of Jesus' birth was bathed in humility--his earthly parents, the place of His birth and his dedication where Joseph and Mary brought turtle doves because they could not afford a lamb. In the birth of Jesus, God revealed to us His true character. Although He is the God of the universe, King of kings and Lord of lords, He is not afraid to come to the lowest place to associate with and meet the needs of His created ones. Read Psalm 68:4-6; 107:41 and 113:4-9.

May this same spirit of humility be upon us at this season.

May God's peace and anointing be upon your home. May you enjoy the presence of the Lord, whether you are celebrating Hannukah or Christmas.

New Year on Its Way

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 09:43:00 -0600

Well here it is December 31, 2008. This has been a growing year for me here at my home. I have had surgery and have to wait now another three months to find out the results. More on the cancer in March 2009. Christmas was quite, just our family and mother in law. The twins ended up with "Rotovirus." This was the worst virus I have ever seen as a mother. vomitting and diareah for 3 days. That has subsided, now it is snowing. The girls went outside for a little sledding. The twins are still not 100% so they are in already. I will post more later. It is tea time. May the Lord richly bless you as you begin this new year. My goal with my family is to read through the bible this year. I will post the passages as we read them, holds me accountable in a way.

Thought for the Day

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 15:23:00 -0500

This was an e-mail the I have recieved from my friend Laura at co-op. I asked her permission to use it. (yes, you have permission to use it. Jim said that was the highest compliment for him and Grandpa. Thanks so much.)Laura's Grandfather went home to be with the Lord and this is what her father wrote.

Thought for the day

With my dad's illness and with much time to study and meditate I have thought back many times how over the seventy two years of mom and dad's married life how they have loved the Lord and each other. They have lived in Anderson all their lives in a small home paid for years ago, and will die here and be buried just a few miles from where they have lived all these years.
In my youth, their lives were a foundation upon which I could stand when all else was crumbling. I saw them in times of war, hardships, death and dying stand firm in what they believed and did the things that were right. I have never meet a man that my dad didn't like or spoke bad about. They have loved Jesus through thick and thin, and sung His praises. What a foundation of love and God fearing people, what an example of love and caring. Now comes that hard question; " What kind of foundation will we leave behind? What will your legacy be? What will your children say of you, what will you have given back to this world? I hope and pray it isn't just money, or how hard you worked, and there is nothing wrong with those things, but I pray and hope it is memories on how much you loved God and the things that made this world a better place to be than when you found it.
Take a little time or maybe take a lot of time today and think about your legacy.

In Jesus name and power
Jim

How to Get Sick: Eat Grocery Store Produce and Processed Foods

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 09:17:00 -0500

What a mouthful — literally! Pesticides and herbicides are among the world's most deadly chemical compounds. If a pesticide or herbicide kills one thing, it will probably kill, mutate, or seriously damage a whole host of other things. The problem with these compounds is that they tend to stay on the fruit, vegetable, or plant they were applied to. Toxins from our water, air, food, and buildings only make things worse.

Most pesticides are known carcinogens, and some of them pose as counterfeit versions of the female hormone estrogen. These xenoestrogens may promote cancer by stimulating estrogen receptors in the body.

Animal growth hormones are another cause for concern. They don't disappear after an animal is butchered, prepared for market, or cooked. They go right into our stomachs. Nor do they disappear from the milk of a cow treated with antibiotics. It is estimated that one glass of commercial, non-organic milk purchased from a grocery story may contain the residue of up to 100 different antibiotics!

Beyond the hormones that are injected directly into the animal, many of the meats we eat come from animals fed with antibiotic-laden feeds. Growth hormones in our food supply are even blamed for causing the abnormally early menses of young girls and for the overabundance of female hormones in young men. (Female hormones are given to milk cows to increase production.)

Hybridized foods are also unhealthy and could cause dangerous symptoms. God says to eat every seed-bearing plant after its own kind. Hybridized, seedless watermelons or grapes cannot reproduce, and they may not be the healthy food sources we think they are.

Source: Don Colbert, M.D., Toxic Relief (Lake Mary, FL: Siloam, 2001)

Classical Home School Helper

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 07:11:00 -0500

My Book is complete!! How awesome is God. Without the grace the Lord bestows upon me daily, this would not be complete. It was picked up by CURRCLICK!! That is even so cool!!! You can pick up your copy here. CURRCLICK IF you really want to have it, I will give away 5 copies!! Be one of the first 5 and I will send it to you!! I would just like you to write a review on CURRCLICK for me. May God Bless you!!! Have a wonderful day!! e-mail me at built_upon_the_rock@yahoo.com and put currclick review in the subject line and your copy will be on it's way!!!