God's Daily Grace

Never promised easy

2010-09-29T13:14:00.003-04:00

I think about a million times as I was growing up I though how "unfair life was" or how "not easy" things were for me. I think it has been in the last 5 year of ministry that I have "grown up" in my thinking and know that God NEVER promised easy, He promised He'd be there for me. I am excited for all the Lord has for me and my family. I know that He has a reason for all that happens to me. This last move from Nebraska to Calafornia has shown that. I know that I am an emotional creature and that women tend to be in general...I think there is always a part of us wanting things to be easy, and getting upset when it is not. Yet, I need to remember that I need to take that moment, talk to God and then do, say, post, text, blog or whatever else that HE would have me do/say. I want to teach my childern that God is always faithful and will never let us down. I want them to learn their place. My 5 year old has been so use to being with the older kids, that she sometimes forgets she is 5. I need for her to know that 5 year olds have a certian role to fulfill in life. My teens are not adults and until they are 18 or out of highschool they are still teenagers training to be adults. I have seen so many push there children into growing up beyound what the child understands and then gets upset if the child is not excepted into the older peer group. Let them be kids or teens...the growing up to adulthood comes all to fast. God never promised easy, this I must remind myself--but oh the blessing I get by learning in the moments I want "life to be fair" to lean and trust solely on my Lord and Saviour.

"God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow,
sun without rain.
But He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears,
and light for the way."

20 years since Highschool graduation

2010-08-31T11:06:00.002-04:00

Well believe it or not I am at the age where I am getting ready for my 20Th high school reunion. No, I can't make it but I keep in touch and remember. I was reading about the classmates who have passed away and yes, I cry. I didn't know them all but it saddens my heart. Some died by accident, some due to medical reasons, some unexpected, but sadder still those who chose to leave this world. My heart hurts for their loved ones and for the tragedy of it all. I have done a bit since leaving my high school, but even getting closer to 40 it doesn't seem enough. I wish I could reach the world and share the love of Christ with them. I wish John 3:16 would be understood for the true meaning it holds and not just a "sports events" sign. This is not a long post but friends if you don't know for sure you would go to Heaven when you leave this world or you feel like there is no hope--please know the loving God who made all things (John 1:3 &4)wants to hear from you and be the Saviour of your life and soul. I just can't believe it is 20 years since high school and it seems like yesterday. Christian time goes by quick, friends we are not promised tomorrow or our next breath. Christian share the God of your salvation, Friends listen with an open heart and let Christ come in.

Think Before Reacting

2010-08-12T09:04:00.003-04:00

When judging someone else my friend, you never should for get, that there's, no doubt, at least one thing not known to you as yet; 'bout circumstances of the one, which known, would temper you, and make you ask: if in his place I wonder what I'd do? It may be someone crossed his path and ruffled up his day, and that is why he spoke those words he'd never planned to say. And you, because you did not know, a judgement harsh did make, if you'd but known, perchance a prayer you'd offered for his sake. And he, no doubt, would then have felt a strange and pleasant glow; think how it might have changed his day, tho' you might never know. Nor pat yourself upon the back that somthing great you've done, yet your regard for someone else had turned him to the SON. This world, no doubt, would sweeter be and we'd be more relaxed, If we'd remember that each man with problems great is taxed: and so he often says the things he later does regret. But if our hearts are filled with love, those words we'll just forget. -Nels Stjernstrom

Just Wondering....

2010-06-07T23:23:00.011-04:00

MMMM...sometimes I just wonder. "About what?" you might ask. Well, people...and how they think. Not just any people but those who call themselves "Christians" - born again believers.

I know that a true Christian's walk is not easy, but easy and carefree or not...are we to just give up? If we are raised in a home with Godly standards and honest Biblical beliefs, do they suddenly turn wrong because there is a tragedy in our lives, or someone failed in their Christian walk, or we have grown up into adulthood? Do we forget that the Bible is the Word of God and it's truths and principles are timeless? Do we think that it was a surprise to the Lord that there would be Christians in the year 2010?

Sadly, we want to pick and choose when and where the Bible is relevant and applies to our modern day lives. We want to use it when it makes us feel good, yet not when it corrects or guides us in a way we should go...but don't want to.

I do not think we should look down or judge someone for the different stages of Christian growth they are in, but do we ignore or not address the issues because it will offend another? Jesus himself addressed the issues head on. He did it with love, and so should we. My husband, has a blog that quotes a Bible verse "Preach the Word, be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine." II Tim 4:2 [emphasis is mine]. So while it implies preaching, we think that this only applies to preachers...I think it applies to all believers. Remember we are told "to go into all the world and preach the Gospel" (Matt 28:19-20; Mark 16:15).

I am heart broken to follow some of my friend's lives, people I once admired, to see how the devil has influenced them to "change" or have some kind of "awakening" that goes against the timeless teaching of the Bible and what they once stood strong for, because of the "hard times" in their lives. God never promised us it would be easy, in fact He told us the world will hate us for loving, serving, and following Him. Yet, we find it easy to throw away our standards and our moral compasses, just for a few short "moments" to fit into the world. How easy we forget that "life is but a vapor."

Some say that we (Christians, who stick to what the Bible says) are legalistic, but that is not so. I asked my husband, and legalism is the idea that you must obey a set of rules or "the law" to obtain salvation. Salvation only comes by faith and faith by the Word of God. I don't have standards to earn heaven or make me a Christian; I have standards to show I am a sinner saved by grace to be a better example of a Christian. Another thing that seems to come out in conversations from someone after their "awakening" is that one who has standards is wrong and narrow minded to still live a life of standards. Is this one of those popular things or as the Bible put it a wide path with many traveling it? Everything a Christian does reflects Christ: at church, at home, at work, at play, etc. I want to have the best reflection I can even if that seems a little "narrow minded." I also never forget that everything a Christian does should be with Godly love and we (in our home and church) strive to lead with/show this kind of love. Of course, just because we love (and I love these dear friends that I have observed go through tough times) please understand that Godly love doesn't allow for compromise!

Please don't take this wrong but I just can't imagine getting to heaven and hearing the Lord say, "I think you were a little to strict in your morals and standards, shame on you." Can you?

Just wondering....1 Cor. 10:31- 1 Cor. 11:1

Time just keeps passing

2010-03-11T12:58:00.002-05:00

I look in the mirror and see the young girl I use to be. Then I look at my children and wonder who the young adults are. My oldest got his driver's permit last week and I know that is not possible. He will be 16 this year, Philip will be 14 and Elisabeth starts K-5. My husband will celebrate his 40th and I am close behind. Time just keep passing.
I pray that for the Christian, we are using this time to witness and share salvation with the lost. My heart breaks, when I see so many Christians get lost in the contemporary life of being a "Christian". We use a song the way we should be using a Bible. We say you've got to hear this...yet some of the groups being listen to, you can not understand, and let us not mention the "coming out and being separate from the world". Time just keeps passing and I know the Lord is coming back soon. His heart must break so much more than mine, for not only does the world not take notice, but Christians have given up the good fight....How are you passing the time??

Trust God's Heart

2010-01-17T14:00:00.002-05:00

God is too wise to be mistaken;
God is too good to be unkind,
so when you don't understand,
when you don't see His plan,
when you can't trace His hand,
trust His heart.

Somedays!!

2010-01-12T17:55:00.004-05:00

I was having a wonderful day, until I let the devil have a small victory. Like with all ministry; it has its ups and its downs. We have been in full-time ministry for about 5 years. I am thankful for that time-but my heart has been hurt. I know the Lord allows us to go through things to teach us but sometimes I wish we didn't have to have the scares. Like I was saying...all was great till an e-mail from someone that the devil used (and maybe still using) to hurt a ministry. I know what they said, was only to cause hurt and ill will. I should have not let it, but my human side won out for a bit. It took a while for me to really give it to the Lord.
Some days I just wonder why me--when my human nature takes over. On other days, I understand; why NOT me...what blessing is the Lord giving me?! I hope that if you are having a "someday" day, that you will allow the Lord to use it to strengthen you--not give the devil victory.
The devil will put those people in your life--if they are not there already. We must pray for them; but know that "God is not mocked" and He will deal with the devil, even if someday is not today.

Yearly Bible reading: 3 chapters a day---stick with it!

2010--Already!!

2010-01-01T15:39:00.007-05:00

I can not believe how fast the years go by. Wasn't it just yesterday I was in high school, taking piano lessons (which I wish I'd stuck with), working at Ross? I was getting ready to graduate and head to college? Now my 20 year high school reunion is coming up this year and I am hoping to go. I just celebrated my 17th wedding anniversary and my first born is 15!! If I didn't have my 4 year old daughter, I'd really feel old.
We always seem to put thing off for tomorrow. May I be so bold to remind us, that tomorrow may not come for any of us. Like I said my high school reunion is coming up and on it's site it has the memorials for 3 of my class mates. In the grand scheme of it all we are still young and have our whole life ahead of us---but do we? The Bible says, "...now is the day of salvation." 2 Cor. 6:2 The Bible is full of this fact: Tomorrow may never come. I pray that I have been a good friend,a Godly example, a wonderful mom and wife, a blessed Pastor's wife--but more than that, I hope that my putting something off till tomorrow did not send a soul to an eternal hell. If you didn't witness like you should, if you didn't live like you should, or you weren't the Christian you should be---choose this first day of the new year to change. My favorite song says "little is much when God is in it.." So the little things do count--just give them to the Lord.

Yearly Bible Reading(to read through your Bible in a year)--Genesis chapters 1-3

Picture:

They were just babies yesterday....right??

just a thought for mom

2009-11-15T17:30:00.010-05:00

I have been catching up with friends and family, which made me think. You know we all (ladies) seem to want to change something about ourselves. I am about change for me, but why is it when we lose weight or start feeling better about how we look, we wear less? I read a book that I would recommend. It is called, "Dressing for the Lord", by David Cloud. I found it enjoyable and up to date (with great Biblical truths).
I get nervous when we, as children of the Lord, find guidance from the world's standards acceptable. We listen to their "Christian-words-to-a-worldly-beat", and say it has "blessed" us. We quote from these songs more than we quote the Bible. We allow our children to watch stuff on TV that we "amen" against on Sunday and wonder why we are dealing with rebellious children, who don't want to go to church. We don't lead by example mom.
We worry about being friends with our kids instead of being their parent. I would rather have my children raised with love and security, than worried if they will be my friend. I know that our relationship, as mother and child will be blessed, if I obey the Lord in my parenting and they obey (not befriend) the authority placed over them. It breaks my heart when parents say, "well if the child wants to" or "I don't push because I don't want them to hate church." Really, how about stopping them from jumping off a bridge-even if they want to.
The reason our children find things like, church things, Christian guidelines, and Biblical standards hard to follow is that we as adults do not have the right heart attitude (or example) toward them ourselves. If mom and dad go home and "have" pastor, youth director, or Sunday school teacher "for lunch" (in that gossipy, not-invited-to-lunch sort of way), than how will our children learn Godly respect?
Do we teach or daughters how to be submissive wives--or to be a "liberated" woman. What is wrong with being a women--dressing and acting like one? The world says we are door-mats if we take on the role of help-mate. Do we show our sons how their wives are to respect them? Do our actions teach them how to be the loving head of the house? Or do we make our husbands look weak, and do a disservice to our boys, who should be learning from the Bible.
Just a thought or two--our children are watching--what are we teaching? Hopefully that the Bible is to be our guiding light and a right example from their parents (both should be mutually supporting of each other)!!

Changing of the times

2009-11-12T10:05:00.004-05:00

Do you ever see things that were in and popular when we were kids? My heart is troubled by the fact that A LOT of things we did or wore as kids--the devil has corrupted. I think by the time Elisabeth gets older, she will not be able to do anything, that at one time was innocent. I am one of those crazy parents that researches EVERYTHING. I really should stop, but my curiosity always seems to win. More times then not the things I look up are fine, but every once in a while I find something that was once innocent has been used for sin and ugliness.
I am thinking of the jellie bracelets. We use to wear them non stop and trade with our girlfriends. Now the world has gotten in there and no young Christian lady should wear them--they are no longer innocent in meaning. Very sad.
I am only 37, so I am sure some of you have seen it longer than I have.

I see the day of the Lord's coming back, getting closer and closer. Are you ready? I pray so.

Almost 38, which is almost 40 ??

2009-10-31T12:12:00.007-04:00

What is it with aging? When we are young we want to be teens. When we are teens we want to be adults. When we are adults we want to be married with families of our own. Never have I ever wished to be a grandparent. Why is that? Society tells us wrinkles and gray hair are not acceptable or pretty. Society says, the weight you gain, that makes you have curves (not the unhealthy weight gain) is ugly and you should never leave your home. Yet, watching old I Love Lucy re-runs, back then size 12 was the go to size.
I can not believe I will be 38 in a matter of weeks. I got on the scale and wanted to cry. I am looking to attend my 20th year high school graduation. I can not believe how crazy fast time goes by.

The Lord has been so good. He has blessed through all the years. Without His guidance I could have so many regrets. It may sound silly to say, but I am thankful for the gray, I cover; the weight, I am working on losing; and the life I have. Be thankful for the thing the Lord gives--for blessings are in all things.

Eye Exams

2009-10-29T21:20:00.005-04:00

We spent the morning at the eye doctor's today. Philip had broken his glasses at camp and with the craziness of life we never got them replaced. Today we were able to get them replaced. All three got their eyes checked only Philip got glasses. Elisabeth was SO disappointed. She said, "mommy, please tell the doctor I NEED glasses, they are cute on me." She had found a cute pair of pink little girl glasses. They were cute on her (sorry no camera). We had to talk and tell her that the doctor knows best. She was still sad but understood. Even though later she was heard telling her dad that she wants her eyes to be bad, so that she can wear glasses.

Then we went grocery shopping and saved $16 in coupons. The library was next and then home. Actually, home for 5 minutes and then out with the hubby for another 2 hours.

It was a full day.

Been some time

2009-10-24T16:49:00.003-04:00

WOW! I will be surprised if anyone still reads this. Facebook seems to be all consuming--yet we still don't keep in touch like we want. The Lord has been so good. We have gone through a lot of changes but the Lord has been always faithful.

We as humans focus on the silly things. I focus on my awful weight gain. Then I think, what is more important--my weight gain or my walk with the Lord? I know the answer. Not to say I haven't joined the YMCA in the last week.

I am thankful for God's daily grace. I enjoy His grace everyday. Without it, how awful life would be.

The Lord knows

2009-07-06T17:41:00.005-04:00

Sometimes when things happen, they truly knock the wind out of you. I was there a few Sundays ago and so were my kids. I tried to answer all their questions, while still having my own. The Lord knows the darkness of the human nature--we all have it. That is why He had to die for us. Yet, how wonderful He is with His words at just the right time. I Thessalonians 5:18 tells us, IN everything to give thanks. It does not say FOR everything give thanks. I believe God wants us to always remember to be thankful to Him, even in hard times. I believe that this verse tells us that we are to be grateful to God, even through trials and difficult situations. I do not believe that He is telling us that we must be happy about the trials, or enjoy the problems. But we always have so much to be thankful to God for.

There are heartaches and burdens that sometimes we cannot even begin to understand - death, abandonment, chronic illness, betrayal, slander. There are also the more general burdens of financial hardship, temporary illness, relationship struggles, and the daily stresses of life. But through every rough situation, God is still God, and He is still worthy of our gratitude. Dwell on the goodness of the Lord. He has been so kind to each of us. Can we ever thank Him enough for saving us from Hell and giving us Heaven instead?

Someday we will be able to look back at our hard times and see how God worked them for good in our lives. Then we will be able to thank Him for everything. Until then, even through the storms, we should remember to thank Him IN EVERYTHING.This will help us have the right Christian attitude.

Someday, I know I will write a book--for the ministry is full of so many things that people will think, "no way that happened", but yet it did. So until that book comes out remember to pray for those you love or just happen to meet--for today could be their day of testing.

*sources used from Me, KJBible and wonderful friends at Christian Womanhood.

"I can sleep with you now"

2009-05-15T12:42:00.009-04:00

Last night I wasn't feeling well, so I went to bed early. Elisabeth, let daddy put her to bed. Well daddy put her to bed and he fell asleep and snored. Elisabeth woke him up and let him know he was being loud. She said she wanted to sleep with me, but just a few seconds of hearing me snore, changed her mind.

--Insert side note here, I didn't snore until I got pregnant with Elisabeth, now I snore like a lumber jack. How embarrassing, but such is life.--back to the story

At about 6 am in comes Elisabeth to sleep with daddy and mommy. I get her settled and fall back asleep. In a few minutes she wakes me up to ask if I could stop snoring. Then after the second time of being woken up, I went to her room to go to sleep. I had just fallen to sleep when in comes Elisabeth looking like this.....

She says,"mommy, I can now sleep with you." Yes, those are ear muffs my mom-in-love bought her when we lived in MA. She got into bed with my pillows and laid down, ear muffs and all. The ear muffs came off about 20 minutes after she fell back to sleep.

It just reminds me how exciting life is with my children. I love them so much and could not imagine life without them. The everyday is fun, but moments like these are too precious for words.

Trials for a Season

2009-05-13T13:37:00.001-04:00

I just finished reading a friends blog that really tears at my heart. She is a dear lady who loves the Lord, but is going through a heartache that only God can help her through. I remember spending time with this lady and other homeschool moms. I still have the last group photo on my fridge-it reminds me to pray for them. I read her blog and understand the hurt-I was there at a stage in my own life, but unlike her, I blamed God for not protecting my heart from the pain. My family had grown apart and we were on the world's familiar road of Divorce. My husband had his work and no time for us or the things of God. Yet, the Lord in His grace,kept us from getting that far.

It took awhile for me to start talking to the Lord again-but He loved me through it all. My husband and I could not be more complete or in love with each other-but we know marriage is each giving 100% to God not to each other and expecting nothing from the other-knowing God is in control. My friend, she is a wonderful christian and I know this a rough for her and her family, yet we know that God has a plan and His way is perfect. I say all that to say this--God is the same in good times as in those bad hurting times. Job was a faithful servant but God allowed him to be tested. Job was found faithful (in spite of bad advice from wife and friends) and was given everything back and then some.

Friends be faithful to God, the trials we face are for a season, and the Lord is ALWAYS in control. Through our testing we too will come forth as gold. Read Job and be reminded how much the Lord truly cares.

True Heart Healing

2009-05-11T18:00:00.002-04:00

Do you pray for that person who hates you or treats you wrong? I know I have heard many a devotions on this subject but never really listened. Hate and discontentment will eat you up if you let it. It will turn you into a person you don't recognize.
We all strive to be liked and find it hard to believe when anyone has a bad thought or says an unkind word about us--but we are not living their lives or see the hurt they are going through. I was given the idea to give a gift in secret to a person that may show hate towards me. Why? If they don't know where it is coming from they won't know to be nice to me. Just like with prayer, the gift is for our hearts. To change the way we look at them, not how they look at us. God only made us accountable for ourselves--so do a heart check. Love that person who maybe causing stress and hurt. Leave the correcting to the Lord. If we do this with an open heart--the healing will begin.

Where do the years go?

2009-03-07T09:46:00.000-05:00

I thought when my oldest turned 13, it was such a milestone. Now he will be 15 and my youngest son will be 13. My daughter will be 4 and it feels like they were all just born yesterday. It just seemed like I blinked and they were all grown up!

I know that is what eternity will be like. I also know that if we equate "mom time" to "God time" we will understand that the Lord is coming back soon. Are we ready? Do you know without a shadow of a doubt--when that trumpet sounds, you will meet Him in the air? John 3:16 is one of the simplest verses, with the greatest truth. My friend you can not add anything to salvation. Jesus paid it all!! You will never be good enough or strong enough to get into Heaven by your own abilities or goodness. Nor will you be bad enough to be rejected by Christ but you must choose His Way. Christ died once on the cross and that is all it took.

There is no need for an extra book to add to the Bible, no need for any Bible version to explain it more simply than the King James Bible. When we dummy down the word of God--aren't we calling God a liar. Almost like saying, "sorry God, you must not have known how hard reading the Bible was going to be--so we 'fixed' it for you."

I only want this to be the focus for today--if you were standing before the Lord (one day we all will) and He opened the Book of Life, will your name be in it? If not make sure today--for this moment is all we are promised. The Lord is returning, are you ready? Don't let it be you realizing one day, "wasn't it just yesterday, I had the chance to except Him and I refused?"

2 Cor 6:2 - "...behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation."

What time I am afraid

2009-03-04T23:13:00.010-05:00

"What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee." Ps. 56:3

This Bible verse is one we have taught to all our children. We remind them of it when they were afraid of a dream or the dark or a strange noise. Yet sometimes we forget this simple truth as ladies. We ladies tend to rely completely on our husbands or our independence and leave God out of it--until the very last moment. We forget that our Heavenly father wants to hear from us, when a bad dream happens, when our life is just a mess, when our heart is so broken-we can't even find the pieces. Sometimes we have fear that keeps us away from a time with God through prayer and Bible study. Often this same fear couples with pride and we can't admit when we are wrong. We refuse to say I am sorry, to the ones we love and most often to our Heavenly Father.

Do you wonder in worry, in fear of what tomorrow holds? Is your future uncertain because of circumstances you are going through? Do you understand that God wants to hear your fears, He wants to hold you in His hands. Too many times we lose ourselves in a "good song" when we should lose ourselves in prayer or our Bible study but always in the Lord who cares for us.

Rely on the Lord, ladies, for your strength and comfort. Our husbands and/or loved ones may let us down--pain may come along with disappointment--but having God as our focus, will help us mend our hearts a lot faster. 1 Peter 5:7 states it very simply - "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."

It has been a long time...

2009-03-03T11:20:00.004-05:00

I can't say why blogging has become such an non issue for me. I see all these people who can blog and make even the regular day-to-day stuff seem so exciting. I, on the other hand, did not do that well in English Comp. Now if only I could hook up a recorder to my daughter, life would be exciting 100% of the time!

Last night, we were watching a show on TV. I asked her to be quiet, then she starts moving her hands and her mouth at the same time--no words coming out. I asked her what she was doing, she said, "I am using sign language so I can be quiet." I have been teaching her a bit to go with her Bible verses and now she thinks she is fluent. Then she goes around say "ola" all the time and informs us she now speaks Spanish. It is never a dull moment with the kids. Yet, the boys are getting so big--so no major moments with them.

We are doing well with the church. The Lord is blessing. We do however, have a church member in the hospital, but she seems to be recovering. I am taking piano lessons, which I don't hate but finding time for practice is a challenge. I am just very busy..like the rest of us, I'm sure.

You are on my mind and in my heart, my friends.

Ish. 40:31 - "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

Ron Hamilton's "Rejoice in the Lord"

2009-01-27T22:02:00.003-05:00

I think the words to this song are so wonderful. Take a moment to listen and really let the words reach your heart. Remember that "God does not make any mistakes." He is in control, He loves us and never leaves us...normally we do the leaving.

Good Morning

2009-01-24T18:28:00.008-05:00

Life is too short to wake up with regrets.

So love the people who treat you right.

Love the ones who don't just because you can.

Believe everything happens for a reason.

If you get a second chance , grab it with both hands.

If it changes your life , let it.

Kiss slowly.

Forgive quickly.

God never said life would be easy.

He just promised it would be worth it.

*I got this in an e-mail and wanted to pass it on. Hope it made you smile.

It has been a while

2009-01-16T12:57:00.003-05:00

We have been so busy and I have not been on line, for long, on any given day. I check my e-mail, respond to what I need too and then go. For those of you who read my blog and live in Yucca Valley or 29 Palms, we are going to be looking for housing the first part of August. I can not promise peace and quiet, but I will promise to not take up a ton of space. So if you feel sorry for us or know someone who will--please let me know. Well, many of you may have heard the church had a in door flood about 3 weeks ago. One of the water pipes busted and when we went to church, it was a pool. The Lord blessed and we were able to get it taken care of and our insurance covered most of the needed repairs. Please pray that we can find someone to fix the hole in the boy's bathroom and the plumbing that is not so expensive. We did get some quotes, but oh my the pricing. The Lord has blessed our family in giving us a bit of our needed monthly support. We just found out yesterday--so praise the Lord for His goodness. I think I have hit all the roads in my mind with this blog. Sorry, if you feel dizzy from reading. Have a great weekend!!

Isn't it true!!!

2008-12-16T14:35:00.006-05:00

A wonderful friend sent this to me, it touched my heart and made me smile-so I share it with you!! Thanks Cindy!

MOTHERS

Real Mothers don't eat quiche;
They don't have time to make it.

Real Mothers know that their kitchen utensils
Are probably in the sandbox.

Real Mothers often have sticky floors,
Filthy ovens and happy kids.

Real Mothers know that dried play dough
Doesn't come out of carpets.

Real Mothers don't want to know what
The vacuum just sucked up.

Real Mothers sometimes ask 'Why me?'
And get their answer when a little
Voice says, 'Because I love you best..'

Real Mothers know that a child's growth
is not measured by height or years or grade...
It is marked by the progression of Mommy to Mom to Mother...

The Images of Mother

4 YEARS OF AGE - My Mommy can do anything!

8 YEARS OF AGE - My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot!

12 YEARS OF AGE - My Mother doesn't really know quite everything.

14 YEARS OF AGE - Naturally, Mother doesn't know that, either.

16 YEARS OF AGE - Mother? She's hopelessly old-fashioned.

18 YEARS OF AGE - That old woman? She's way out of date!

25 YEARS OF AGE - Well, she might know a little bit about it!

35 YEARS OF AGE - Before we decide, let's get Mom's opinion.

45 YEARS OF AGE - Wonder what Mom would have thought about it?

65 YEARS OF AGE - Wish I could talk it over with Mom.

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair.

The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes,Because that is the doorway to her heart,The place where love resides.
The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole,but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul.
It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows, and the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows!

Wow 37!

2008-12-03T10:34:00.005-05:00

I know when I was a teen, 37 just seemed sooo old. Well, today I am at that year that "seemed sooo old" back then, and now it looks really young. It has been a great day so far and I know it will just get better. I am thankful for the years the Lord has given me and for all the wonderful things I get to do for Him. I look forward to many more years. And if I give it a honest look--it's my husband who really is sooo old anyway!! Love ya and have a great day!!

That time of year!!

2008-11-24T13:28:00.008-05:00

For those of you who read my blog and I follow yours...I have been checking in on you all, I just haven't taken time to comment. I too lose my thoughts after a shower, love the weather proof wrap, glad the computer is up and running, nice to spend time with hubby,the new baby and other pictures are just fabulous! I am sad to see that sometimes life is busy and we can't post too.

We just got back from Sears...it is that time of year again where you make the family dress-up and get pictures taken. My favorite is the one I added to this post. Elisabeth was such a good girl..she even prompted us all to remember to "say cheese!" (this was an impromptu kiss and the photographer was ready)

We had some friends who are missionaries to Scotland visit with us for a while. It is hard to believe they were/are a big part of my life. They were my youth leaders 23 years ago! My does that make me sound old?...okay but older. It was wonderful spending time with them again and sad to see them off. It was nice to get some perspective on things that have been laying heavy on my heart. The things that you just want to set straight, but know that doing so, would accomplish nothing. And those who believe lies and those who tell them--won't listen to you or your side anyway. So grateful for the "peace that passes all understanding." I need it, on a daily basis. ;)
I must go now...time for lunch. Love you all and Have a Wonderful Thanksgiving!!

...and still cute!

2008-11-08T18:01:00.012-05:00

So there we are...getting ready to go to the store and Elisabeth goes to do her hair and when I tell her I am leaving she says, "I'm ready!" Thus coming out with a crown on her head. Martin, smiles and jokingly says he can not be seen with her like this. I then remind him that it is only at 3 that she can wear a crown out in public on any old day and still be cute. She got 5 compliments and was very glad everyone liked her crown and she told all of them, "it is because I am a princess,that is why I get to wear this." She is too funny.

Then tonight while I was walking she came in and said, "I got ready for bed!" and the following picture is what I saw. I just wish I knew how her mind works most days. She just amazes me with the things she comes up with. I love my boys to death, but my life is so much more "exciting" with Elisabeth. All I can think of is wait until she starts courting--all the pictures I have. ;)

facebook

2008-10-27T19:03:00.007-04:00

I have been doing a lot of facebook lately (look me up Kimberly Coon). I had previously avoided it because, let's face it, have you seen some of the pictures and people on there? Yet, a lot of my wonderful family and church/military friends--past and present--are on there and it is a great tool to keep in touch. So if you don't see me on here, check there, if I haven't posted either place...watch the news closely. :) LOL

Not much to write. My heart is heavy but the Lord is faithful. I learn new things every day and for that I am grateful.

Pray you all are doing well too.

Changes!!

2008-10-08T21:42:00.006-04:00

Well, no new babies (and part of me is happy and ok with that) however, we did get a new four legged baby. Her name is 'Ninja'...Martin picked the name and has now picked the names for all three of our cats...somethings wrong with that...anyways, Ninja is well, a black kitty that needed a home and we are such suckers that she now has a home. Denver and Espresso are NOT happy. Espresso (much more than Denver) is having a melt down. All three of these cats are girls with Denver and Espresso being sisters. You know when you have a new baby and your potty trained toddler decides they are a baby again and makes such a mess in their idea of being a baby again...well we are in that stage of the cat game. They say animals are stupid but let me tell you they are more like children than we give them credit for.

Now a kitchen update: I have been sanding and cleaning cupboard doors and when the rain stops I will be able to start painting. I have taken pictures and will show you all when the final outcome is done.

Now a thought from me: Life has been busy this week and full of such changes, but if life did not change, it would be so boring.

Love the Coupons!!

2008-10-02T16:46:00.006-04:00

I am sure that many of you clip coupons and save money. I was always hit or miss, but with the economy the way it is I have become a big believer in the coupons. I however do not get a Sunday paper, but have you seen the coupons you can get on line?! I visit a number of websites my favorite are wwww.couponmom.com and www.coupons.com. Once there you can print off what coupons you want and they have many. You can also go to other popular food company websites (such as Kraft or Slimfast) and they have coupons for you to print too. I just kinda spend one day googling coupons, printing, cutting, and sorting. I saved $22.40 today with all the groceries I bought. They will last us a month. We usually only have to get milk and cheese more than once a month, but the coupons have been a blessing. So let me encourage you too...go get those coupons and pinch those pennies!! It will help us be the good steward God wants us to be.

Love you all!!

Not everything I WANT but everything I NEED

2008-09-30T12:34:00.005-04:00

As many of you may know I don't have a kitchen..per se. When we moved in the old renters were just awful about cleaning up and this was evident in the kitchen with the amount of gunk and grease on the kitchen cupboards. I had hoped to be able to have a refacing and/or remodelling of the kitchen, but we nor the church has the money for that, so I am going to scrub and repaint. It is suppose to cool down by Friday, so I will get the cupboards all washed, sanded, primed (thank God for Kilz the heavy duty primer that covers all!) and ready to paint.

I think I am going to go with a chef theme. I have this really cute Yankee Candle tart burner and I have found things to match it. I know that repainting will save money and make it look better, yet it will not give me added counter space or storage. I just keep reminding myself that even with it's lack of things I would LIKE, it does have everything I NEED.

The Lord is great in that way and daily I am thankful for His love and guidence.

We're back

2008-09-26T11:26:00.004-04:00

What a wonderful Lord we serve! We did get approved for the support we needed. The final details of exactly how much and when the support will actually start are still not nailed down. We had to do a film about our church and to show our family. Can I say how stressful standing in front of a camera is? I FROZE, to say the least. I did get it done but I think I would have rather had all my teeth pulled. But in spite of all that, the Lord blessed and I am EVER so thankful to Him for that.

Then the next blessing came on Wednesday night, we were able to go to a wonderful friends home. Jen and her boys were so wonderful and opened their beautiful house to us. It was great to see them again and just sit and talk. It felt as though no time had passed. We were stationed with them in Japan. Their home is beautiful! James and Philip had fun playing with Seth and Caleb. Elisabeth was Seth's shadow and has not stopped talking about him. I can not say enough about Jen, she was a great hostess and made the BEST chili I have EVER had! What a blessing to have friends that make you always feel like you're at home. Again thanks!! The Lord is so good to us in EVERY way!! Thank you especially for your prayers!!

Just the girls

2008-09-12T16:27:00.003-04:00

Tonight Martin and the boys are going to a father/son meeting. They are leaving at 4:30 and will be back this evening. Elisabeth and I are going to have a girls night in. We have decided that it will be pancakes for dinner and fun movie night with popcorn. Right now she is matching all the socks that have lost their matches. She enjoys doing that and it keeps her busy for a while. So it will be a fun evening for all.

I would ask for your prayers on the following..We are seeking support as a new church plant and we go for some interviews on Sept 22-24th. Please pray that this will be the Lord's will. This will allow Martin to not have to work a second job and we can put ALL our time into the church and its needs. We are also wanting to start an ACE school by next year. The Lord is wonderful and His grace is all we need. So please do keep all this in your prayers.

Have a wonderful weekend!!

Sanity is not needed here...

2008-08-28T22:31:00.008-04:00

Being a mom, a wife (a pastor's wife at that), a home-school teacher, a nurse (I am always handing out the band-aids or ice packs), and let us not forget...referee. I have decided that sanity is not something that is required for any of the above mentioned jobs. I think the more insane you are--or get--the better. At lease when Elisabeth takes the glue stick to the cat to reattach the cat's fur because she is shedding, you laugh instead of cry. When the children sit in the next room and you hear them fighting over the fact that "girls are stinky and not allowed in the boy's room." or "NO, boys are stinky and are not allowed in the girl's room." Or do you know that we have designated "boys bafroom" and "girl's bafroom" and at no time can one or the other use the wrong restroom without the bathroom police [e.g. Elisabeth] letting you know you are in the wrong "bafroom." Then there is the daily discussion on taking bath and showers. Elisabeth convinces me and herself that she is a big girl and that big girls take showers. After I start the shower and get her ready to get in, then she decides she is not a big girl and asks for a bath tub instead. Yes, we do this EVERY bath time. I do not want to tell her she is not a big girl, for one day I dream she will use her pink room to sleep in, so I join her in this shower and bath tub ritual. Did I not mention Sanity is not a part of my daily needs!!
The one person that I need and don't know how in His Sovereignty that He puts up with me, is the Lord. I thank the Lord daily for His love and kindness. It all started with John 3:16 and gets better from there! So in our insanest (is that a word?) moments of life, let us remember that the Lord will never leave us or forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5)

I have always known that the Lord has a sense of humour...but I see it in my life more and more every single day spent with children!!

The trip to Target that changed my life!

2008-08-23T17:39:00.000-04:00

Have you received this email? It goes something like this:

I was walking around in a Target store, when I saw a Cashier hand this little boy some money back. The boy couldn't have been more than 5 or 6 years old.

The Cashier said, 'I'm sorry, but you don't have enough money to buy this doll.' Then the little boy turned to the old woman next to him: ''Granny, are you sure I don't have enough money?''

The old lady replied: ''You know that you don't have enough money to buy this doll, my dear.'' Then she asked him to stay there for just 5 minutes while she went to look around. She left quickly.

The little boy was still holding the doll in his hand. Finally, I walked toward him and I asked him who he wished to give this doll to. 'It's the doll that my sister loved most and wanted so much for Christmas. She was sure that Santa Claus would bring it to her.'

I replied to him that maybe Santa Claus would bring it to her after all, and not to worry. But he replied to me sadly. 'No, Santa Claus can't bring it to her where she is now. I have to give the doll to my mommy so that she can give it to my sister when she goes there.' His eyes were so sad while saying this. 'My Sister has gone to be with God. Daddy says that Mommy is going to see God very soon too, so I thought that she could take the doll with her to give it to my sister.''

My heart nearly stopped.

The little boy looked up at me and said: 'I told daddy to tell mommy not to go yet. I need her to wait until I come back from the mall.' Then he showed me a very nice photo of himself. He was laughing. He then told me 'I want mommy to take my picture with her so she won't forget me.' 'I love my mommy and I wish she didn't have to leave me, but daddy says that she has to go to be with my little sister.'

Then he looked again at the doll with sad eyes, very quietly. I quickly reached for my wallet and said to the boy. 'Suppose we check again, just in case you do have enough money for the doll!'' 'OK' he said, 'I hope I do have enough.' I added some of my money to his without him seeing and we started to count it. There was enough for the doll and even some spare money.

The little boy said: 'Thank you God for giving me enough money!' Then he looked at me and added, 'I asked last night before I went to sleep for God to make sure I had enough money to buy this doll, so that mommy could give it to my sister. He heard me!'' 'I also wanted to have enough money to buy a white rose for my mommy, but I didn't dare to ask God for too much. But He gave me enough to buy the doll and a white rose.'' 'My mommy loves white roses.'

A few minutes later, the old lady returned and I left with my basket. I finished my shopping in a totally different state of mind from when I started. I couldn't get the little boy out of my mind.

Then I remembered a local news paper article two days ago, which mentioned a drunk man in a truck, who hit a car occupied by a young woman and a little girl. The little girl died right away, and the mother was left in a critical state. The family had to decide whether to pull the plug on the life-sustaining machine, because the young woman would not be able to recover from the coma. Was this the family of the little boy?

Two days after this encounter with the little boy, I read in the news paper that the young woman had passed away. I couldn't stop myself as I bought a bunch of white roses and I went to the funeral home where the body of the young woman was for people to see and make last wishes before her burial. She was there, in her coffin, holding a beautiful white rose in her hand with the photo of the little boy and the doll placed over her chest.

I left the place, teary-eyed, feeling that my life had been changed for ever.. The love that the little boy had for his mother and his sister is
still, to this day, hard to imagine. And in a fraction of a second, a drunk driver had taken all this away from him.

I don't know if this story is true but it does pull on the heart strings and should make us appreciate what we have. And it should help us to be patient and understanding with others around us...we don't know what they are going through!

A Mouse in the House

2008-08-21T13:29:00.005-04:00

I have debated over posting this, but everyone assures me that they have had a mouse in their homes and that having a tiny mouse guest does not equal piles of garbage in the house.

We have two cats, Denver and Espresso. Espresso is our cat that likes to explore everywhere and conquer the other animals in the house. This she does at night when I am trying to sleep. Well on Tuesday morning about 4:25 am, I hear the cats "exploring" but there is a more vicious sound to it than normal. So I get up to check it out and as I turn on the last light by the cats...there is Espresso with her mouth full of a mouse's head. Of course I calmly had her put it down, put the dead mouse in a bag and went back to bed. NOT EVEN CLOSE!

I called Martin at work and told him what was going on. He of course could not come home and here I am imagining all kinds of diseases this thing must carry and if it is not dead and only playing dead and it bit the kids..what would I do? So, Martin is trying to calm me and convince me to make the cat give it up and get it out of the house. The man forgot for a while who he is married to. So in not a calm manner, I make the boys get in my room and close the door. The cats are in the living room...playing with a dead mouse (or so I thought) and I leave them alone. I close all the doors and stuff towels under them so no rodents will get into the rooms. I then go check on the cats and see if I should pick up a dead mouse. THE MOUSE WAS NOT DEAD!! So I called my husband again...he says to get a towel and in male logic I should use this to chase it out of the house...Yes, he is insane, but I still love him! So I again not so calmly asked him to come home and check on us when he got home. So I was praying and waiting from 5 am to 7:30am , cold and tired. I laid in bed without my heavier blanket, because in the panic, I forgot to have the boys bring theirs and I needed them to be comfortable. Then I couldn't sleep, because our door has a big space at the opening and I just imagined this mouse would scale our door and come right in...did I mention I was very tired and not thinking straight.

So fast forward to 7:30 am and Martin is home. We move everything to try and find the dead mouse, that mouse had a run of luck, for it was still alive. When my husband chased it out of it's hiding place Espresso grabbed it. Martin opened the door and the cat took it out and Martin had her release it. The mouse took off and Martin killed it, so it would not come back to the house. So now while Martin is not home at night, we close all the doors put towels under the doors and go to bed this way. I have been sleeping better...but what a horrible night that was.
Oh, Yes I did get up and wash and sanitize EVERYTHING, just so you know.

The poodle look is good right??

2008-08-14T13:41:00.006-04:00

I am off to get a perm in just about 30 minutes. I know that flat, straight hair is the "in" thing but I just need low maintenance hair. You may be saying what do you do that you need a perm? Well, have you not been reading my blog?! ;) I hate the first few days after a perm, for I do look like a poodle having a bad hair day, but it settles in the end. I remember right after Martin and I got married, I got a perm. I had tried to warn him of the first few days look--he must not have believed me. I got home and he said, "is it going to stay that way?" I cried, for that is what newlyweds do and then much later we laughed about it. So we will see how Elisabeth reacts...she has only known me with straight hair. She has been on a 3 year old roll, with saying whatever seems to be on her mind. It has been funny. Well gotta run. Love ya all and pray all is well. Anyone coming to SC anytime soon? (hint hint)

Who would have thought

2008-08-12T10:47:00.005-04:00

Well this is such a crazy thought pattern for my life. I have hit every end of the spectrum in the last few weeks. We have decided to try and have another baby, this will be the focus for the next 4 months, if nothing happens by then we will forgo that idea. I am also going to go to a class to learn and get certified to carry a concealed weapon. With Martin's work schedule, this will make me feel more at ease. I also went to Curves today and would like to join. That I have to see how our budget goes. It is just a "gym" for ladies and only about 15 minutes away from the house. I have a 14 year old..so babysitting is covered. So see I want to lose weight, have a baby and carry a gun. Doesn't that sound like a Movie of the week? I would ask for your prayer about the baby...that it is the Lord's will and that if it is all will go well. Any "you are insane" comments will be understood completely. ;) Love you all!!

Your Health

2008-08-08T14:53:00.005-04:00

Friends, I just wanted to share this video with you regarding a form of breast cancer that is more serious and more common than what we hear about when we talk about breast cancer. Please watch this video and I encourage you to pass the information along.

Disclaimer: this video is from a news report by a television station and is slightly graphic in the portrayal of diseased breasts.

I know God is in control of our health and the most diligent person may still suffer a deadly disease or illness but please let's care for and encourage each other so that we may enjoy a long life as faithful witnesses for Christ.

God bless you, my sisters and friends!

Getting ready for School

2008-08-07T12:31:00.009-04:00

I will start by saying, I am now the mom of a 14 year old. James' birthday was Monday and we had a special day with him. Oh my! I am just getting to be so much older than I feel, with every one of their birthdays.

We are getting ready for another school year. I have gotten everything set up and the grading system all set up and ordered the missing PACEs that I never found. The kids are not so excited but we still need to get into the swing of things. It always seems harder to get into the "groove" after a move. Maybe that is just me, but now we must push forward. With the new school year comes a new routine. I will not bore you with the details but Lord willing we will find that consistent and helpful routine that is so needed in home-schooling.

I am making a whole chicken in the crock pot. I have this crock pot cookbook and I decided to make it my main meals for the next few weeks. I enjoy fixing and forgetting, which may seem crazy, but then most of you know how much I HATE to cook. It smells great, just pray it turns out the way it smells. I just wanted to post...pray you all are having a wonderful Friday and will have a great weekend.

Fallen off the face of the Earth?

2008-07-30T22:31:00.009-04:00

Sometimes it does feel as though I have fallen [or is it jumped?] off the face of the Earth.

But nope we are still here! The last couple of months, I have been so busy..praise the Lord. I don't have as much time to blog this summer like I wish, but it is nice to know you all have missed me. I miss you all too. We are doing well. The church is growing, we now have 20-25 people in attendance on Sunday mornings [compared to the 10-15 when we first started in March] which is a huge praise! The Lord is so good!! I have been trying to get the kids out to enjoy their summer break, so that is a lot of my time not blogging. Also with Martin's new job and him working the 3rd shift (11 pm to 7 am), I do not sleep so well and by the time I hit a heavy sleep cycle...It seems like 11 am comes to early. So when you are 'lazy' like that and your day starts later than it should...you get the picture. Well Elisabeth is here to let me know she is in bed by herself (heaven help us if that happens ;) ) So When school starts again...we will get back on track and blogging will be more constant. I pray you all are doing well. Miss you and love you tons!!

This Touched My Heart...

2008-07-21T21:52:00.002-04:00

I pray that it touches your heart and keeps you tender to others around you. But sympathizing with people is not as important as loving them enough to tell them of Jesus Christ! Keep your heart open and your testimony pure.

God bless you my family & friends!!

Busy, Busy

2008-07-08T13:32:00.006-04:00

I feel like it has been forever since I have written. We have had family visit in and out for the last two weeks. It is always exciting and full of challenges when family comes. I do enjoy having them all around and the kids enjoy spending time with their cousins. Being in the military for so many years, it is now nice to be close to family.

My mom-in-love stayed with us the longest, and she seemed to still be sane when she left, we think. I admire her so much, though we had our offs and ons for the first five years of my marriage to Martin (some of it being Martin's fault and yes he admits to it, too) but Mom and I have come out of it as great friends and I am so thankful for that.
She listens when I just need her to listen and she gives advise that is so wise. I do thank God for her and that she loves larger than her heart. She is beautiful both inside and out, and I just wanted to share with you the lovely lady I am honored to call my mother-in-love. Thanks Mom! I love you and miss you, already!!

Pray you all had a wonderful 4th of July with your family and friends!!

THE WINNER IS....

2008-06-27T18:03:00.004-04:00

First, let me say I am sorry it is almost 6 pm and no news. I did the drawing at four, with Philip's help and wasn't going to post till I had the pictures...but, we have family coming in and out this weekend..so with no further delay....THE WINNER IS HEATHER. Who seems to be having a run of winnings...YOU GO GIRL!
Love you all and will try to do another give away next month.

Okay Martin got home from his 2nd job and helped me upload the pictures from the camera. He is such a 'geek'...Thank God!! Here are the official pictures...

Drawing time..

2008-06-26T22:40:00.004-04:00

Ladies to let you know, I will be drawing the winner Friday after 4pm. Martin now is working a 2nd job and doesn't get home till after 3pm. Since he is the person picking the name...I will do the drawing after 4pm. Just keeping you updated. The winner will be posted ASAP. God Bless...Love ya!

Just another Monday!

2008-06-23T12:15:00.004-04:00

Good Morning to all! It is Monday and I and the boys spent the waking hours straightening the house. I did my morning 2 mile walk and now I need to clean up my stamping area. I will spend today trying to come up with a "logo" for our ladies group at church. We have elected to call ourselves "Jewels for Jesus." I have an idea of what I want to do, so maybe I will post it when I get it to work right on paper...actually a book mark will be next month's craft. We are not doing anything at our church for the 4th. We will get together with those who want and go to the fairground and watch the fireworks. Yet, last year Elisabeth did not like it so much. Or maybe I misread the screaming and running away as fast as possible. We will see if this year goes better.
It is hard to believe where the Lord has moved us in a years time. I will say there were many things and people in our last ministry that blessed my heart and made all the tough times easier. Yet, I am thankful to be able to be in this chapter of our lives the Lord has given us. The Lord knows what we need, when we need it and for that I am truly grateful. Every day that He gives is such a blessing and today may be just another Monday...but thank the Lord for this Monday and all the Mondays to come.

Until His return, may we be found faithful!

Who ordered Pizza?

2008-06-20T11:17:00.008-04:00

I enjoy making cakes but I'm such a novice. I have 2 friends, Cindy S and Jen K, who put what little talent I have to shame. They actually gave me the 'cake-making-bug'. Although it's not too good for the diet I do enjoy making cakes...it gives me a sense of accomplishment!

So today, I made Philip's birthday cake because we are having an Ice Cream Social get together at our church tonight and so not to have tons of cake at the house, he asked me to make it to share on Friday. I got the idea from a TV show and Philip loved it. I made the cake from scratch, using a Splenda cookbook. The frosting is ALL BAD (I mean real sugar bad!) and the candies are royal icing--which cracked, but I think it gave it some definition and a little bit of realism. For example, the mushrooms do not stand out noticeably like the fondant 'green peppers' but they are there as you can see in this closeup. To cap it all off, Martin went a got a pizza box from Noble Romans to add an authentic flair. Other than this cake not much going on for the day... so I figured I'd just show you what I made.

Have a great day in the Lord, my friends!!

SNAKE!

2008-06-19T10:01:00.004-04:00

Yes, that is what I almost got close to yesterday. I was minding my own business walking to church, talking to Elisabeth (who I was thankfully holding) and there it was. This big black 'rope' in the church yard. It was laying between our home and the church and if it would not have raised it head at me I might have gotten much closer to it. I saw it and froze, not sure what to do when you come on a snake that raises up at you. Did the guy on animal planet say they come at you or chase you if you run!? Okay, well I have to chance it..no cell phone on me and I have the baby. So I slowly backed away to what I considered a safe distance and then ran for the front of the church, praying the snake did not follow and that Martin did not go out his office door and get bit. Yes, I looked and acted like a crazy person. Yelling at the boys to go back in the house--like the snake was thinking, "if I can't get her, I will get her children." But I was taking no chances. Well needless to say...the snake went away and I pray I NEVER see it again. Have a wonderful day!!

Diet update: I am at a stand still this week but not giving up. I am exercising and still eating better. I am determined to loose this weight.

Happy Birthday Philip!!

2008-06-18T11:03:00.004-04:00

Today is Philip's 12th birthday! I never feel quite so old until my children start having birthdays. It is hard to believe that I have a 12 year old and in August I will have a 14 year old. I try to keep "young" in the fact I have Elisabeth and she is only 3. I remember when Philip was first discovered to be a boy, I had wanted a girl--for I thought Philip would be our last. Yet, the Lord always knows best. I was doing a Bible study and came across the name Philip during my reading, then Andrew and thus Philip's name was chosen. He and James were night and day as far as babies go...Philip slept from day one home from the hospital and could be alone as a child and not scream. Yet, his personality switched as he got older. Now he is the child who needs someone with him at all times, doesn't like to try many new things and is really emotional (like his mom...poor kid!). He is growing by leaps and bounds. So many days show me so many new ways Philip is becoming a young man. I am blessed to have been given two young men to raise, and thankful to the Lord for His guidance and for giving me boys who make being a mom easy. Happy Birthday Philip...I love you!!

Diet run down

2008-06-12T17:57:00.005-04:00

I have appreciated your concerns for our weight-loss progress so far and I should have probably mentioned this program that we are using earlier to alleviate any unneeded concerns. So let me share a bit of detail about this specific weight loss program, both Martin & I, are doing. It is the "Michael Thurmond's 6 week body makeover." So it really is not a diet, in a sense, I guess it would be more of a lifestyle change and breaking of our bad eating habits. The program helps you see what body type you are. I am a type A and Martin is a C. This means our bodies metabolize different foods differently. (I know you are thinking, "I know that") Where the issue comes in is that people don't pay attention to what they eat when. This program takes out all the refined sugar, crazy dairy fats and all the salt from your daily diet. The dairy comes back in 6 weeks but only very moderate amounts. We cook/season with Splenda and/or Mrs. Dash (or a similiar non-sodium seasoning). You combine your meals and watch your measurements and you eat! We eat 6 times a day, 5 if we forgo evening snack..which I don't do,unless I really am not hungry--and that happens. You also get a customized exercise routine, that you do 2 times a week and it only takes 18 minutes--30 if you have Elisabeth. ;) Then you do Cardio 3 times a week (optional but recommended--get out and walk, enjoy the fresh air). Oh, you also must drink 100 oz of water! Yes, water--unflavored, it's good for you and your body needs it. So this is it in a nut shell. I am not leaving anything out of my diet and feel great--except for the cravings that happen sometimes--maybe I should stop watching the Food Network. :) The boys eat the meals with us at night. I am getting them into watching their portions and eating healthier. Having the fruit and veggies in the house for snacks helps them too. I will share a meal with you that we had tonight...if you want try it and tell me what you think.

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

Ingredients:
1 lb.ground turkey
2 green onions, chopped(green only)
1 1/2 Tbs. fresh ginger, grated
1/2 tsp. black peper
2 egg whites
8 oz. can pineapple chunks in natural juices ( no sugar added)
1/4 cup Splenda brown sugar substitute
1/1/2 Tbs. cornstartch (Optional--not on the plan)
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
1 green peper, cut in very thin strips

Directions:
1. In large mixing bowl, mix turkey, green onions, ginger, black pepper and egg whites together throughtly.

2.Shape mixture into 1" balls and place on cookie sheet that's been lightl sprayed with non-fat cooking spray. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes. (You may have to cook longer..Use a meat reader to make sure they are done.)

3. Stain pineapple, saving liquid in a measuring cup. Add water to juice to make 1 cup of liquid.

4. In non-stick skillet, combine juice, brown sugar substitute, cornstarch, vinegar and green peppers over medium heat. Stir constantly, until sauce begins to thicken, about 4 minutes. Now it says to add the meatballs and pineapple to the sauce and simmer for 10 minutes. I didn't for I don't like soggy meatballs. So just added the sauce to the meatballs when ready to serve.

So I had 3 meatballs, 2 cups of veggies and 1/2cup sticky rice--boy was it great!! (and filling)

We are eating more by eating more often, but we are eating the right portions and we're filling up and still the pounds are coming off! I do moderate exercise and Martin does none and yet the fat is being burnt. This jumpstarting or repairing of our metabolism is amazing and refreshing after all the special diets that we've tried, from the 'buy/eat only our food' or those 'eat only such-n-such' or the 'eat nothing but such-n-such' diets. Understanding that we can eat real, tasty, easy food is helpful and encouraging and watching the weight come off just in this week alone is motivating! Martin has written more about it at his new blog (Martin's Mumblings) and compares it to the other 'programs' he was involved with or participated in while in the military.

IT IS COMPLETELY FREE!! JUST COMMENT

2008-06-12T09:18:00.006-04:00

Alright ladies...I have been stamping and made this set (I personally think it's a very cute set) of note cards. There is a total of 6 notecards with coordinating envelopes. 2 different styles and messages with 3 cards of each style. The circlular text reads "the time to be happy is now. the place to be happy is here." And the other set's text is "best friends listen to what you don't say." They were made to have the crackled glass look, so that is not a "flaw". [note: Any "flaws" that might be there are just love spots shining through.]

All you have to do, if you want to be in the drawing for this notecard set is to leave your name in the comments section. I will put the names in a hat and have my husband draw-out a name on June 26th. This gives everyone two weeks.

A lot of time and love went into these cards, so enjoy! I will share the technique on how to make them, for those interested, after the drawing.

Diet update!!: I have lost 7.5 lbs so far this week. Last night I was ready to make a run for a cheeseburger and tater tots but I didn't. (Actually Martin wouldn't --good man!!) So far so good...goal is to lose 100 lbs, if I never mentioned.

Love You ALL!!

The Mind and Thoughts of a Child

2008-06-11T10:14:00.013-04:00

So on Saturday, Elisabeth continued watching, "Because of Winn Dixie" for about the one-thousandth time. We had to leave the house to go do some errands, so I hear, "Mom, can I bring my movie?" Okay sure, but let's hurry...tons to do. So with her backpack/purse filled with too much, and her umbrella (which she NEVER leaves home without--raining or not!), we are off. We have to go get things for church on Sunday, boy's haircuts and then I go and splurge to get my eyebrows done. We are leaving the barber when Elisabeth says, "Mom, call me Elisabeth Noelle Opal Coon, please." I smile and ask why--knowing full well it is because of the movie. She says, "Opal has a daddy who is a preacher, and so do I. She had a dog like me and I want to call Samantha, Samantha Dixie. We also both wear ponytails in our hair." (which now when she wants a pony tail in her hair, she request "Opal hair") So I say, why not? Sure! Then we keep talking in the car and she asks daddy if she can get her ears pierced, "I am a big girl...pleeeese!" So daddy and I talk and we agree. After my eyebrows are done, we take her to a place in the Orangeburg Mall (yep we have one of those..though it is small) to get her ears done. She must have pink, then I tell her "just close your eyes and it will be over with faster." YES, you guessed it BIG MISTAKE! She wasn't expecting the gun and it "shot" her and oh, my the tears and screaming. I was ready to just let her leave with one ear ring but daddy stayed strong. So as Elisabeth and I are in the store crying, she gets her other ear done and then after she calms down says, "Can I have a lunch box?" The mind of a child--so many things covered in such a short amount of time. So because I have caused her trauma, I get her a lunch box at Wal-Mart. When asked why she needs it she says, "So I can pack my lunch and go to work and eat with daddy!" (with a look that says, "Duh, mom why didn't you know that?"). So now when we leave the house we have to wait for Elisabeth to get "Opal hair", her back pack, her lunch box, a purse, and her umbrella. If we are lucky, she will occasionally leave her purse at home--but then EVERYTHING goes in her trusty back pack.

Here's a couple of pictures of her in 'travelling outfit':
Here's a close-up of her new earrings (little pink flowers): : Here's the content of her very full and heavy backpack/purse:
What a crazy and beautiful child!

Scrappin Day!!

2008-06-10T10:08:00.010-04:00

I had a wonderful friend ask about Scrapbooking, and then a few e-mails too. Here are some pages I did with Stampin Ups "BOHO Blend" kit.For the page with the color pictures I used only the Boho Blend kit. The writing is done with the Stampin Up Journaler in black and the pictures are attached with the snail adhesive. For the Black and White pictures I used the same Boho Blend kit but embellished a bit more. I used the Love and Happiness rub ons..these are the black vine and flowers and the heart on the clear button. I used the "Enjoy every moment stamp set along with the Old Olive classic stamp pad. I adhered the pictures with the snail adhesive and the clear button (which has twine accent)with the mini glue dots. I used black eyelets from the eyelet basic set. I used the Crop-A-Dile to punch the holes and set the eyelets (it is a neat tool that does it all without the loud hammering..it just takes the squeeze of the hand and the eyelet is set).
So ladies you can have nice and easy scrap booking pages for little (Kits run $19.95) or by adding a bit more (no one needs the Crop-A-Dile, unless you love to add eyelets as much as I do!) So get those pictures out and have fun, making it personal does not mean you have to have a designer page...your heart will shine through and that ladies, IS ALL THAT MATTERS!

It is Monday!!

2008-06-09T11:11:00.006-04:00

Okay, so day one, meal one of our 6 week makeover. I have never eaten a rock like muffin before, but this one is okay. Luckily I only have to eat one now...Martin has to have 2. ;) I do feel sorry for him, but grateful it is not me. Mid-morning snack will be another muffin and 1/2 fruit. Lunch is chicken,squash and rice. Then it will be another afternoon snack, dinner and then a PM snack. I have to set a timer to remember to eat...yes, it sounds silly, but I am only use to eating twice a day and that is if I remember or am not too busy to do so. I know you all can relate. I am going to go exercise now!! This I really don't want to do but what is eating better without extra movement? With this plan I am to do 2 times a week, target muscle exercises and 3 times a week, cardio. So not too bad. I will keep you all posted. Have a wonderful day!

My only thought for today is? "Should you really be eating that?"

Are you an info commercial junkie??

2008-06-06T10:39:00.004-04:00

Okay ladies, please tell me I am not the only one who sits at home and gets sucked into the infomercials that come on T.V.? (not that I get a ton of down time to watch but on the days I do) Well, needless to say I did it!, I ordered the 6 week makeover program. That is the one thing I have struggled with my WHOLE life -- my weight. Well starting Monday, I start this program. I have a chubby buddy, my husband(but don't tell him I said so). I was ordering the program and they asked if I had someone that I wanted to lose weight with and I said, "yes!" I then told my hubby he was my official chubby buddy. He really didn't like the term, but I found it cute. (you know my crazy sense of humor) So all this to say, I will let you know if it works. I have made my grocery list and my menus. You have to eat 6 times a day for your body type, the only bummer is until you reach goal most dairies are out of the question. So friends here is to hoping I have success. I will let you know, I would publish the picture I had Martin take for my keeping track log--but I think the blog has rules about posting gross pictures!! ;)

Here is the update on "time to myself"--It was a great day, but I really only got 3 cards done...the planing processes always takes a while,then getting supplies out, then just the time to put it all together. It was a wonderful day however and I am and was so thankful for it!

Just about the time...

2008-06-05T17:04:00.005-04:00

You know when you get to the point where you just don't know the right thing to do or say...it's just about the time to pray.

When you feel so alone you know your heart will break...it's just about the time to pray.

You know when you get to the point where you just can't figure it all out anymore...it's just about the time to pray.

When the kids are crying, the house is a mess, you feel pulled in ten different directions and all you want to do is quit...it's just about the time to pray.

Ladies, I hope you stopped to pray today. I know I needed that communion with God like nothing else today. He loves to listen and He is never too busy...so take the time to pray!

Taking some time for me

2008-06-03T21:51:00.005-04:00

As many of you know, I am a Stampin Up demonstrator. I really have not done any crafting since we have been back in the states and for those of you who know me..that is SO not me. Well after talking to my hubby, he has graciously given me a day or two of the week for me to do my crafting. I homeschool, and we do not take a summer break...just days here and there, so he has offered to take the kids to church and let me take time for me. Any of you with busy lives, know how EXCITED I am! I know most of you have demonstrators who are family and I am not asking you to jump ship. I am asking you to please pray that I can do what I love...demonstrating in people's homes and if you do not have a demonstrator that you use, keep me in mind. I can ship anywhere and a current catalog can be found at www.stampinup.com Here is to letting that creative side of us all have some time out in the open!

A busy day with a reminder from the Lord

2008-05-26T21:06:00.004-04:00

Today is a holiday for most schools and jobs but I guess not so much here in SC, because it seems everyone was still doing their day to day...me included. We had a Memorial Day cook out planned with our church family and this included an open house at the church parsonage. Well, of course this included the white glove cleaning for company...for some reason, I feel everyone is coming over to look behind the toilets...has anyone ever thought of even looking there on your visit to a friend's home...NO! I am just crazy this way.

Anyway while in tunnel vision mode, I had to run to the super Wal-Mart and get the items for the cookout. The lesson for today was, "do not get so focused you forget to smile and be sweet, showing a Christian attitude--someone is always watching." This man and his wife stop me in the store and said, "hello, I met you in the parking lot, do you remember me?" I got that deer in the hidelight look and said,"Sorry no." (did I mention I was suffering from tunnel vision and instead of smiling I was trying to figure out this person's face). Well, he explained that we left a track on their car in our church parking lot (they park there to commute to work about an hour away), so we left tracks on all of the cars and I was able to actually meet and talk to a couple of them once when they were getting off of work. So you know how it is trying to put a face in place that you can't remember when you're in a mood trying to do 100 other things?! Yeppers, I got caught in a bad moment...silly tunnel vision. I then apologized for being so overly focused on getting my shopping done and hoped they would come visit us at church and forgive my lack of smile and not remembering them. I can say I wasn't rude, I just wasn't has friendly as I should have been. They were kind and said they understood and would come visit soon. So, God and I had a long talk (or was it a scolding?), you know the one where we're kindly reminded that we must remember the world around us is watching and we are to always be a Christian example and smile--even in tunnel vision mode.

The Lord did bless the day and all our wonderful church family came out and we had such a wonderful time of food and fellowship. Everything is wonderful when spending time with Christian family and friends. I am so thankful to the Lord for bringing us here...so many new blessing everyday!! Looking forward to tomorrow.

Friends who know one's heart

2008-05-19T12:45:00.008-04:00

I took the kids strawberry picking this morning. It was so much fun! The one who got the most mess on them was James...maybe the other two did too but they were wearing red.:) However it got me to thinking about all my homeschooling moms and all the friends I have made from all of our duty stations in California, North Carolina, Florida, Japan, and of course our first full time ministry in Massachusetts, and now our new friends here in South Carolina. They are all wonderful women who have loved me at face value. We have shared times at lunch, watching a movie on the t.v., taking our kids to the park to play, or on a "field trip" to explore. You are the friends who have taken time to know my heart and to realize that I do not just lash out in anger or hurt. You have watched me grow and even lift me up in prayer every day. We may do things that the other does not always agree with or maybe doesn't even understand completely, but the bond is never broken.

To all my wonderful friends that have truly taken the time to know each others' hearts, as the Apostle Paul said, "I thank God upon every remembrance of you." You have opened your homes to me and my family, on Holidays or just because we needed a place to spend the night. You have shown your true Christ-like heart and today the Lord brought you to mind and know I think of you with love, a smile, and a prayer...you mean more than you know and more than my words can describe!!

Trip to the dentist

2008-05-13T09:39:00.007-04:00

So it is about 8 pm and I hear James calmly say, "Mom my tooth fell out!" My first response was "okay, who hit you?" We had the cousins (Jeff's family) over and Philip was there...they were all on the trampoline playing. Well no one hit him...he got his brace caught on the net! Yep, I said "caught on the net" while jumping around he bounced opened-mouth right into the net and it pulled the already loosed tooth out of the socket. Okay before you all run to take down your trampoline nets or not allow your children with braces to not play on anything ever again, let me give you the back story.

As most of you know from my earlier post, we went to Pensacola for a friends graduation. We got invited over to one of our former Okinawa-military friend's house for dinner and all the kids went to play outside. Well, for some reason all the times their mother said,"Don't throw sticks or play with them" was conveniently forgotten. About 30 minutes after arriving and just when the adults are hanging out in the kitchen chatting, in comes Philip running. He sheepishly says "Come outside, I threw a stick and James turned into it with his mouth and he is bleeding!" Of course, James comes in a half-minute later and his bleeding from the mouth, trying to catch his blood with his cupped hand, his braces look like they were in a car crash, the wire that connects his top teeth has sprung hanging out of his mouth, and his front tooth is knocked substantially lower than the other front tooth. After getting him calmed down and realizing that we have to wait until we return to South Carolina to get him to his orthodontist we lay down the rules for his acceptable activity and we share "parental looks of future punishment" with Philip.

Once we arrived back home, we immediately go to the dentist, who said everything looked fine and that it should heal fine and then if needed the lower front tooth will be repaired in a couple of weeks when his braces are adjusted.. no problem, right? The dentist obviously did not know my sons. So catch back up to last night, we are back at the dentist's office with the previously crooked tooth now completely out. The dentist had to "hard wire" his mouth. I was impressed that he was not screaming but James is my "grin and bear it" child. They did get the tooth back in the socket, reattached his brace wire, added another supporting wire to the front two teeth. After maybe 40 minutes, we are on our way to the Pharmacy to get some pain med, since James' trauma has caused a bit of pain to his mouth.

Through it all, the Lord blessed and today James is not in a lot of pain and we had insurance that covered this emergency. My brother and sister in law were here, for Martin was gone with our only car (at the monthly Low Country Pastor's Fellowship about 2 hrs away). And Praise the Lord, the dentist we see has emergency hours, one thing that I never really considered before last night. The Lord is such a God of details (Luke 12:6-7) and He knows what we need before we ask (Matthew 7:11). Hallelujah!

Getting finished

2008-05-12T16:52:00.004-04:00

My brother in law and his family are here, helping us to finish up on the house. It is coming along wonderfully. I am so thankful everyday for all the wonderful things the Lord does and gives us. I know that He is in control of everything we do and say and how we live. Sometimes it is hard to understand the lessons we must learn but it is a must for the youngest child and the oldest adult, to be taught the lesson God has for us.

In other news, I do not know how many of you have done a Bible study with a book called, "Lies Women Believe and The Truth That Sets Them Free" by Nancy DeMoss. A good friend in Massachusetts recommended this book and let me tell you it will change the way you see things...or it should. A great quote from the book today is, "Regardless of the immediate source, anytime we receive input that is not consistent with the Word of God we can be sure Satan is trying to deceive and destroy us. What we read or hear may sound right, may feel right, may seem right--but if it is contrary to the Word of God, it isn't right." I have really taken a look at myself, I used to just let my husband correct from the pulpit but then I started to think, "If my friend or neighbor were in a burning building would I wait for the firefighter to come or would I want to help them escape the flames?" I know that I would want to help them myself. I will not mix words to let a fellow Christian women be fooled by the devil's lies. Yes, sometimes people may be offended and only want to hear the nice things from day to day, but ladies we must get out there and be the soul winner, the witness, and the Godly example God expects...no, God commands us to be! I will tell you this much that even though we are to have a sweet spirit, we are also to reach the perishing and those Christians who may be struggling with sin...sin is not pretty so helping those deal with it will not be either---turning a blind eye, ear and heart is NOT ACCEPTABLE!

Martin preached Sunday Evening on "Presence"...meaning the way that we are with others around us or when others are watching. He asked us "Who's Watching?" But he explained that "Presence" is more than just being good because someone is looking, it is being good period! He pointed out 4 areas of 'who's watching' whether we acknowledge their presence or not. First, Who is In Us is watching. Second, Who's Around Us is watching. Third, Who's Following is watching. And finally, Who's In the Crowd is watching. So it is with this double confirmation (through my personal studying and the preaching I hear) that I am motivated and determined to share my experiences and the 'Truths of the Bible' with my fellow ladies and anyone else the Lord brings into my life! God bless you, Ladies...I love you!

Children keep trips fun!!

2008-05-10T20:11:00.005-04:00

We just got back from Pensacola,It was such a blessing to see one of our dear friends graduate from College. It was wonderful to catch up with friends that we had not seen for a while. I will share with you a funny thing that happened on the way home...

Picture this, you are traveling with a 3 year old who is potty trained and not wearing a pull up. We had just stopped for gas and asked all to go potty. All went and we were on our way. We get about 5 miles down the road and we hear, "I got to go bafroom." "Okay, Elisabeth let me find a potty." We get to the next exit...no anything. Go down to the next exit, no bathroom there..this happens at the next 2. So daddy says, "baby, I will take you potty behind a tree." All the sudden there is a BIG outburst of tears. Thinking that there had been an accident, we stop and get ready to clean her. She says, "I not go pee pee in my pants." Martin asked, "Baby what is wrong?" Elisabeth responded with "I am not a puppy! I not go potty in the trees!" and more tears. So getting back on the road, daddy calms her down and we finally get to an exit with a bathroom. Martin and I did have a good laugh...but not where she could see.

So this was just another fun chapter in having children. I have ended with a poem a friend sent...pray you all have a wonderful Mother's Day!!

A newborn's conversation with God:

A baby asked God, "They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being that I am so small and helpless?"

God said, "Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you."

The child further inquired, "Here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy; Please tell me how will it be there?"
God said, "Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you; And you will feel your angel's love and be very, very happy."

The child continues to ask,"How am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?"
God said, "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak."

"And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?"
God said, "Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray."

"Who will protect me?"
God said, "Your angel will defend you, even if it means risking its life."

"But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore."
God said, "I will always be next to you, and your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way back to Me."

At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, "God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name."
God said, "You will simply call her 'Mom'."

I am determined

2008-04-29T10:22:00.006-04:00

Frazzled, exhausted, burned-out, defeated, angry, frustrated and discouraged are all words that would describe who I allowed myself to became during our ministry in the church we served in Massachusetts. I am currently doing a Bible study covering these very issues and even though I know how wonderful the Lord is,sometimes I need to be reminded. I realized that the people I allowed to affect my life in this way, were and are telling lies. They are lying to others in such a way that they are being believed, but that belief comes from within themselves not from the truth; they are believing the lies enough in their mind that they take it on as 'truth'. I use to get so angry because I felt God was not paying attention but in my reading today, I was reminded He already knew...2 Corinthians 11:13-15, "For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel;for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works." So as many of you may know but we often forget yes, even a Christian college graduate, a pastor's daughter or son, the church secretary, the pastor, pastor's wife or a lay person can be used to cause all kinds of heartache and pain. I am determined to remind myself of...Matthew 11:28-30, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me;for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." The Lord has made my heart so light and happy today! I know that if I choose to believe the devil's lies or allow others lies to effect my walk, I am not relying on the One true Saviour (who holds me in His hand...a place I can never be snatched from!) and I'm not being effective in the ministry for Him. I'm working toward forgiving those who would lie and make it easy for the devil to use them to harm the Lord's work, but for now I am so excited to be getting back to my close walk with the Lord! I'm convictingly reminded that He never leaves, we just tend to wander from Him, when we should not. DEar friend, if you are going through a time where you are feeling down or discouraged, may I encourage you to get back into you daily walk and talk with the Lord. HE IS SO GOOD!!

What a great week!!

2008-04-25T09:07:00.002-04:00

Ladies if you have never been to a good old time Southern tent revival, you have missed out! We went to an independent Baptist good ole southern tent meeting and it was such a wonderful time!! The Lord moved and lives were changed. The music was very uplifting too, without all the praise band of the modern day church. I was so blessed to be able to go. We were in Walterboro, SC and it was wonderful fellowship and food for the body and soul. I look forward to next year too!! We got back and I got a stomach bug..I was a bit nervous but no worries..it was just a bug. :) I am going to go now. I am making Elisabeth a cake for her 3rd birthday. She was 3 on the 18th and I had not unpacked the right boxes..so I told her when i found my pans I would make her a cake. She helped me this morning with the mix..let me not forget the quotation marks for "help". She is turning into such the little girl and bossy sister. I pray you all have a wonderful day and weekend. May the God who made everything, make His presence know in your lives today and all the days to come. John 3:16...let us not forget what this verse really means.

Just a quick note

2008-04-08T10:40:00.002-04:00

Hello my wonderful friends. We are here and have been for 3 weeks. We just got moved into our home. The last renters were a bit upset having to leave and left a mess to say the least. I will not go into full details but they had a lot of animals (that they did not clean after), they were smokers, and cleaning up anywhere must have been a task. The Lord has been WONDERFUL for we replaced all the floors and can freely walk around the house..maneuvering around the boxes of course. That is my plan for today...boxes.
Oh, how pretty to sit here typing and see the reddest cardinal ever on the tree branch outside the office window!
Sorry the bird distracted me and the cat. So back to boxes..yes, I am getting to that today. Martin is out of town for the week. He is in Texas for a BBIF or BBFI(I can never remember the name or the initials).It is a church planting/refresh meeting. They help support pastors of small churches or help them plant churches with support for a time, so the church itself does not have to stress about that for the first year or two. We are praying for the Lord's will for this and ask you to do the same. Well I must go...boxes, boxes, boxes...anyone want to help??

Happy Birthday to all of you that I missed or will miss in the next month or two..I do love you all and pray for you, even if the computer communication is next to nothing. Take care and PRAISE THE LORD FOR STAY AT HOME MOMS!!!

Moving on South

2008-02-29T16:03:00.004-05:00

Hello friends...sorry I have not updated in a while but the Lord has been keeping us busy. We were extended a call to Gospel Light Baptist Church in Orangeburg,SC and Martin excepted the call to be their pastor. I am excited for what the Lord has in store for us there. I know there will be some heartache and maybe a few tears along the way as we move from one ministry to the other, but if the Lord is for us who can be against us?!

However, I do not look forward to packing. Out of pure curiosity I called a moving company to see how much they would charge...if you can believe it...$18,000 or $17,000 if Marty sold the owner our big TV. So needless to say we will be moving ourselves. The Lord will provide!

We are going to a great church with a lot of love and people with a servant's heart...what potential! Please pray that we can make this move with the least amount of stress, with the lowest expense possible and that the money will be provided. The Lord is always faithful and we are trusting in Him.

I would also ask you to keep a friend of mine in prayer. I will not share her name--the Lord knows who she is--but she is going through a hard time. She kinda feels like there is no one for her to turn to, and I am trying to be there. She knows the Biblical answers and is saved but right now the anger, the hurt, and the emotional wounds are very tender and real. She needs love from Godly friends and I am praying she will seek Godly council for what she is going through. I know I have experienced this and maybe you can relate to a time when you were so upset,angry or hurt that you blamed God--even though you knew He would never do something to hurt you or cause pain. We forget that the Devil is a real force to be battled against. So please do pray and if you have a friend who is going through a rough patch of life..give Godly and Biblical council but remember two things: 1. Love them in spite of the sin in their life and 2. there are always two sides to every story, only God knows the heart and the truth people tell.

PS. As soon as we get a new address and phone numbers I'll shoot ya'll an email with the updated info.

UPDATE

2008-02-20T11:23:00.001-05:00

Having so much fun!! Getting spoiled by the members. Martin was asked to stay another Sunday and they will vote this Sunday. Will write more when we know it. Sorry not able to write more or often, the church does not have internet and we are using a church member's home. Please keep praying...love you!!

Please Pray...

2008-02-14T07:09:00.001-05:00

We are on our way to SC this weekend. Martin got called to canidate at a church there this weekend and into next week. I have tons to do, so please pray for us. Pray the Lord will show a clear "yes or no", safety as we travel, the kids to have fun, and for anything else you may feel laid on your heart to pray for regarding our situation. I am so excited and so nervous. I have been made to feel so insecure about who I am since serving in this ministry here. I know that our God is a great God and that He truely makes no mistakes. I say that to say this, please say an extra prayer or two for me. Also a quick sell or renter for our house, when the time is right. Thank you all for loving me and being my friend and sister in Christ.

change

2008-02-09T22:27:00.000-05:00

We are getting some beautiful snow. I am so thankful for the snow--which I say everytime it snows. We are staying at a hotel tonight...Martin, is getting to preach at a church that is an hour away from the house so this was just easier. Elisabeth is not happy...she wants to go home and "go to her bed." She does not like the idea of being somewhere overnight. She liked the heated pool but when we left she was ready to go home. She is to funny. You can tell that she wasn't part of our military life..she hates change. Well it is bed time just wanted to write. Pray you all are well and your families. Good night!!

Do me a favor

2008-02-03T21:56:00.001-05:00

I know your husbands are busy with taking care of their families, but could you do me a favor?, would you ask them to every once in a while visit my husbands blog (the link can be found from mine) and leave a small--however important comment. Again I know they are busy, but your husbands are my husbands few and only friends, and sometimes even the men need some support from their peers. Thanks ladies. I love you much and pray for you and your families--through the changes of life. oh, he may read this post, but Martin does know of it as of now. LOVE YOU HONEY!!

We Found Nemo...

2008-02-02T20:58:00.000-05:00

For Christmas we got extra money from my in-loves (what I call my in-laws) and some church family. We decided to use it to go see Disney-On-Ice's "Finding Nemo" show at the Verizon Center in Manchester, NH. It was very enjoyable and the kids had so much fun! While watching them enjoy themselves, I took a moment to thank the Lord. I started to cry, even though that may seem silly...I was just so overwhelmed with a heart of graditude. It might not seem like something to be thankful to the Lord for, but without Him providing the extra money, the ability to get there, and the opportunity to get inexpensive seats--that were great seats by the way!!--we would not have been able to go. I was thankful the lights were out during the "teary" times. God blesses so much in our "big parts" of life, that sometimes the "small things" go unnoticed (but my heart is so full with thankfulness for the big and small). Pray yours are, too.

Thanksgiving in February

2008-02-01T20:57:00.002-05:00

We have heard of Christmas in July, well I did Thanksgiving in February. You might think, "why go to all that work when you don't have to?", well to be honest, turkey was the only meat left in the house. We had decided to "clean out the freezer" and I got down to the one thing I hate to cook, even for Thanksgiving...turkey. Today was my day off and so I down-loaded and located some Thanksgiving recipes. I got the best Roast Turkey with pecan glaze from Paula Deen--who I adore, for her cooking. Then we had mashed potaoes, sweet potatoes, mac-and-cheese, green bean casserole, rolls and two pumpkin pies. We had the whole spread. It was fun just taking time to cook for my family. The boys really enjoyed it and the hubby was happy too. Elisabeth is happy whenever mac-and-cheese is involved. That was my day, a woman in her kitchen. I wish now I would have taken pictures, mostly of the Turkey..it looked Food Network worthy. Well, I will close by saying...Happy Thanksgiving in February. From my heart to yours...may we have thanksgiving in our hearts for all the Lord has done for us and blessed us with!

Philippians 1:4

Bible Study thoughts

2008-01-15T21:18:00.000-05:00

Today is Tuesday, time to take James to Speech Therapy. It is an hour appointment and nothing but time on my hands. I used my time today continuing my Bible study in Mark. I was in chapters 7 and 8. While reading the Bible truth of the Mom who sought the Savior to cleanse her daughter of the demons. The Saviour gives her what I see has a "test" of her true self. We see she is a Greek and it even mentions her "city". This allows us to see the true history of the woman. She is from a place that was not thought highly of or a race that wasn't either. Yet, she comes to Jesus feeling her request is as worthy as anyone elses. The Saviour compares her, in all honesty to dogs. Now she could have let her pride get in the way and left receiving no blessing but her heart was right. She willingly accepted the comparison and still let the Master know that even the dogs do get crumbs from their master's table and are thankful. I believe that the Bible shares this with us that because she was not prideful her request was answered. Her daughter was cured of the demon not because of who she was but how she came to the Saviour with a humble and willing heart. How does this relate to us? I feel it relates to us in two ways... First of all we should never let people, attitudes, feelings or pride get in our way of seeking the Lord's will for our lives. We should be willing to except not only others short-sightedness or short-comings but our own as well. I know it is nice to listen, and helpful to listen to others give us advice, we need the interaction, but I feel sometimes we seek people's opinion first and then the Lord's will second(and only seeking the Lord because we are "suppose to"), not because it was our first thought. I know this Greek woman may have heard that she should not go, that the Lord would not help someone like her, and that her journey was pointless. Yet she was determined, despite everything, to get to the Lord--like we should be. The second thing that really touched my heart was that she asked and received even though the Lord was nowhere near her daughter, yet she was healed. We tend to see God as being so far away and that there is no way He will do great things for us, because He is not physically on earth or it doesn't seem as if He is near enough. We tend to limit God...we allow our waning prayer life and our unfaithful, stressed-out hearts to show it. We need to be more like this Greek mom and ignore all the nay sayers---those that want to limit our Lord because He is not here. Those who would say that we are not worthy of the Lord's time. We need to seek God first then once we have talked with Him, seek Godly council. Not what the latest fades are or the latest pop christian cultural has out there. Just go straight to God's Love Letter to us, the Bible (by the way I think you ought to use the King James Bible, not just anything). Understand the Lord has all the answers and it is not that He doesn't want us to have them all...it is that WE don't want to seek and listen.

Weekend

2008-01-12T19:49:00.000-05:00

Well today was a good Saturday. Elisabeth got to go to the "grogery store" with her daddy. She came home happily with her cheese and crackers (aka lunchable) and her peaches. She love to go to the grocery store and actually cries when we pass it and don't need to stop. Most kids want toys...Elisabeth is all about the food. ;) When she got in she let everyone know she was back from the store and she sat to eat. Then she just spent the day hanging out with her brothers and helping mommy do the laundry. (you know the kind of help that really isn't). The boys studied their Bible verses for school and Philip his MACS competition memory work. So we got a bit done and it was a good family day.

Elisabeth is now standing at the bottom of the stairs yelling, "bubba", (which is how she says Philip) come det me to doe up the stair so I am not scared." He came to get her...the great big brother he is, she got peaches and brought them down stairs with a spoon. A tablespoon that is. Daddy traded her for a teaspoon, and she took it with a smile and a "tank you daddy, I lub you!"

Family is such a blessing from the Lord.

Quick Post

2008-01-09T18:11:00.000-05:00

Today I spent THREE HOURS cleaning the upstairs!! Now I know that makes it sound like my family has been living in a pig pin, but no they haven't. I just got the "it's time to clean EVERYTHING and throw things out" bug. I feel good that the upstairs (or top level) is cleaned but when I come down to the bottom level, I feel so defeated. I will tackle the lower level tomorrow after school or Friday, my day off. Maybe I am the only wife who feels like she spends all day getting things in order only for it to feel like you've spent the whole day standing still. Yet, I do feel good to have gotten done what is done. :)
I got to talk to a dear friend today and it was nice just to have someone to just talk to. I miss that. We are heading out to church tonight, but wanted to blog. Nice and warm today but it looks like we will be getting colder by Friday. I am looking forward to a nice blizzard, yes, I said blizzard. ;)

Love you All!!

PS....Heather, in Japan, if you read this...please e-mail me.

Thoughts

2008-01-05T21:49:00.000-05:00

Thought today how crazy life gets.

Thought today how much there is to do.

Thought about the New Year resolution I made.

Thought how I can't wait to start a new chapter of our lives in the ministry.

Thought about all the blessings we have.

Thought about all the heartache the Lord saves us from daily.

Thought about how long it will be till my children start to move on.

Thought about those whose husbands are deploying or are deployed.

Thought of the loved ones that have passed away.

Thought of the friends I may never see till eternity.

Then I bowed my head and heart and prayed. I think of you all, my family and friends(who are like family);I am not great with the writing but that does not mean you are not close in my THOUGHTS and prayers.

Verse today that spoke to me:

Hebrews 13:5-6

"Let you conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as you have: for he hath said , I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me."

Blessings at Christmas time!

2008-01-02T14:11:00.000-05:00

It is hard to believe that it is the New Year already. We have been on school vacation, but really have gotten nothing done but the laundry (that is an accomplishment all on its own). The Lord however has blessed this December with snow and it is beautiful.
We had a tragedy on Thursday, December 28, 2007. Our kitten, Denver, was being curious and that saying.."curiosity kills the cat" almost came into play. Denver was climbing up the speaker and pulled it down and somehow when she was falling she hit her head really hard. I heard her yowl and ran to see her. When I got there she was surrounded by blood. The person of panic I am, I called for Martin. He came and got her, cleaned her and the area up and took her to the hospital. I am so happy to say that the Lord has allowed her to make a full recovery. She still stumbles when she gets to tired but she is doing good. Elisabeth is happy to have her kitty back. She has been really good with letting her be. When she sees Denver sleeping she will take her blanket (a pillowcase she uses for a blanket) and covers her up. Then she spends half the time telling everyone to "be quiet please" because Denver needs to get better..... "Jesus wants her to rest."

This is funny, at least to me... Elisabeth got a new, bigger dollhouse for Christmas. She keeps it in her room, but last night she wanted to play with it down stairs. She asked me and I said she needed to to ask daddy. So she asked daddy if "Jame could bring down her dollhouse?" Martin asked if she wanted to bring her dollhouse downstairs to play with (just to be clear) She said "No daddy." He asked her again if she wanted to bring down her dollhouse. She said, "No, daddy it is too heaby, Jame bring it down for me, I to little." Then we started to laugh. The literal two year old had told her daddy she did not want to bring her dollhouse down when he asked, but she did want it down, just wanted James to bring it downstairs because it was to heavy for her to do on her own. Maybe you had to be there but it was funny at the time.

The boys don't have to many cute moments anymore...but watching them do the exercise tape with their mom, is cute.

Romans 14:19

One thing down...

2007-12-08T20:59:00.000-05:00

I am so thankful to the Lord above for allowing us to get science fair projects done. They are not wonderful per say, but not a tidal wave project among the bunch. ;).
The boys have been under the weather. They are doing much better, yeah!
Elisabeth has been going through her "I don't want to phase." We are taking care of that, but potty training is done!! I am so excited for that.
My mother-in-love made Elisabeth some beautiful dresses. I wish I could sew. I have started to learn a few times, but always when we were getting ready to move, so nothing "stuck." I will not admit to getting old and the "old dog, new tricks" saying.
Today is just wonderful. That is one thing I am always thankful for...when we must have a "hard day" the Lord gives us a wonderful day to remind us that He is always in control.
I pray you all are having nothing but wonderful days and that you are looking forward to a wonderful Christmas season. One where I pray we remember to remind and share with all the true meaning of Christmas...The celebration of Christ's birth, our one and only Saviour and way to heaven. Luke 2:11 and John 3:16

Is it okay to SCREAM!!??

2007-12-06T17:44:00.000-05:00

I am hoping the answer is YES!! Do you feel as though everyone is out to spread as many lies about you as they can? Do you feel like the kind person you know you are (or thought you were) is made out to be a monster? Do you feel as though you can scream and cry because everything you say, wither in joking or not is held against you? Do you just wish you could stay home and never leave again? THEN YOU HAVE HAD MY DAY...WAIT NOT DAY BUT YEAR!! (tears) Nothing we do, and mostly me, is right. I say anything and it gets switched until I have said something wrong, dumb, or hurtful. Yet, no one will ever come to me, that is what my pastor husband is for apparently. I am growing thick skin, but these words from ignorant people still make me bleed. I know the Lord never promised easy tomorrows. I know in the mist of all this craziness, He and my family still love me. I just need this to be over soon. Maybe I am too young and naive to be a Pastor's wife, yet I know this is where the Lord wants me. He will give me His Daily Grace, for today of all days I need it the most. Ish.40:31

What a wonderful Birthday!!

2007-12-03T21:04:00.000-05:00

Today God gave me the most wonderful gift, no I did not find out I'm pregnant, but it did snow. We had a beautiful snow day and that meant no school!! Not that I got to sleep in, for Elisabeth doesn't do that, but it was nice being a stay at home mom again. I pray the Lord allows me to do this full time, some day soon.

The kids played outside in the snow. Elisabeth looked like a fluffy pink cloud, she was pink and puffy from head to toe. Her brothers did their best to get her involved and go sledding, but she just wanted to stand bossing and holding her spoon. I will try to get the slide show working and you can see for yourself.

Oh, for those of you that I do not have a current address...please e-mail me and I will send you a Christmas card. Oh, with all of my free time...this year, the cards are just family pictures...yeah!! That brings me to my weight issues but that is not for this blog, for our Lord knew how'd I look and made me beautiful to His goodness.

Time Goes by so fast

2007-11-28T20:20:00.000-05:00

First of all...praise the Lord that Martin is doing so great! He is now up and about and eating a bit of solid foods. The boys have been a great help around the house. Elisabeth just wants daddy to get better so she can go to "Cuky Cheese." So every day she comes home to see if daddy's ow-wee is better so we can go. The world of a two year old. :)

I can not believe it has been a week since writing. It just seems like we got home, it was Thanksgiving, the weekend, and then the school week. It has been a blessing to have some of the ladies at church make meals for us. I just need sleep...then don't we all. That is the one area Martin and Elisabeth are having problems in, therefore so is mom. I know why Martin doesn't sleep but Elisabeth is just having a bit with restless nights...but all us moms understand and can sympathize.

So did I also mention we have kittens? They are the best lap cats but oh my, do they love to play at all hours of the morning. We named them Espresso and Denver...both girls. Espresso is black and orange and Denver is white, grey and orange...my husband likes the Denver football team and since we will never have a blue and orange cat, so she got Denver as a name.

Well as some of you may tell from my lack of a train of thought I am tired and need to get some sleep...but wanted to blog...even if it is a bit sporadic. :)

The Lord's time

2007-11-20T11:52:00.000-05:00

The Lord truly has a time for everything. Martin having surgery,and getting to his room when he did, made it possible for the Lord to allow him to lead a 64 year old Vet. to the Lord. Martin shared with me this morning, that this gentleman, Joe, was his room mate. Joe had been in the Korean War and had served his nation well. He now lives in Lowell (just a bit away from our home) and was diagnosed with cancer in his kidney. He came to the VA hospital 4 days ago and was getting released today. Last night the Lord allowed Martin to be coherent enough to be able to share the gospel with Joe. Martin says the older gentleman was crying has he prayed for the Lord to forgive him and make him whole spiritually. What a wonderful experience not only for my husband, who just is so honored on how the Lord's timing allowed him to lead a soul to heaven but for Joe who the Lord allowed to go through so much and get saved in his later years. As Joe was leaving, like a young child with so much joy over a new toy, he hugged Martin and said, "The doctors saved my life by taking out the cancer, but you my brother, saved my soul from an eternity in Hell by showing me Jesus' love."

What a joy to know that we now have a new soul on his way to heaven...all because the Lord's timing is PERFECT!!

Holding back the fear

2007-11-19T21:23:00.000-05:00

May I just start with a huge praise to the Lord! Martin came out of surgery, more than fine!! (happy tears) I played my "role" well, by not shedding a tear that anyone could see, but God knew my fears. He just held me right in the center of His love. To top off a wonderful night, with wonderful news...God let it snow! To me it was His way of saying "all is well and will continue to be, I will always hold back the fear." What a wonderful Lord I serve...that He would care enough to send even the smallest amount of snow, to make my tired night end with a smile and a prayer of thanks.
Thank you so much for your prayers. It was wonderful knowing that all my sisters in the Lord, friendship and prayer were supporting me with what I needed the most. I am truly blessed with so much because I have a great family and sisters in the Lord.
Going to bed, for I am so very tired. oh, will publish pictures as soon as I figure out how...baby steps for me and this blog.

"Butiful rum"

2007-11-17T20:25:00.000-05:00

Today, my daughter, Elisabeth got a second hand bedroom set from some friends of ours. The husband was kind enough to bring it over to our home and set it up. It is very study and nice. After it was all set up Elisabeth walks in and says, "oh, tank you for my butiful rum!" She gave the man a hug and has showed everyone her room and plays in there non stop now. Now my prayer is she will want to sleep in her room. She is so funny. Her potty training too is on the up swing, she loves to sing songs while on the potty, "Yes Jesus loves me!" to the top of her lungs.
Too funny, but what a joy to have little voices singing with her whole heart. So many lessons my children teach me on a daily basis. Sunday will be busy so you may not hear from me till after Monday....we are staying at a hotel with Internet, so if it works will let you know about the surgery. Night to all.

New doors to walk through

2007-11-17T08:49:00.000-05:00

We are praying and searching God's will for our lives. They say you truly never know someone until you live with them. The same can be true with a church. The Lord has allowed us to see somethings here at the church we are serving in that have brought us to this time of getting ready to move on. We know that the Lord has/had a purpose in bringing us here and we have truly grown. I always said, "I'd never make a good pastor's wife" but the Lord has taught me to stop saying that. He has grown me to be the best helpmate to my husband, and not that I don't have room for improvement (don't we all) but I am the pastor's wife the Lord would have me be. I am young and still have tons to learn but just because I am not like the Pastor's wives I admire and strive to be like, does not make me a "bad pastor's wife." Seems simple enough but the Lord has been patient while I learned this simple lesson. I would ask you all to pray for us as we continue to seek the Lord's will. Pray for the church that we will be leaving, for spiritual growth in the church body.
Also a side note...Martin is having surgery at noon on Monday, November 19th. I will try to keep this blog better--so you know how everything turns out. I admire every one's blogging skills...I will learn to do that soon enough...simple lessons and all. The Lord truly is good and gives us the Daily Grace we need...thus the name of my blog page.

Psalm 18:30 "As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him."