Happy Thanksgiving Week

"It being the indispensable duty of all Nations, not only to offer up their supplications to ALMIGHTY GOD, the giver of all good, for his gracious assistance in time of distress, but also in a solemn and public manner to give him praise for his goodness in general, and especially for the great and signal interpositions of his providence in their behalf: Therefore the United States in congress assembled...

...Do hereby recommend to the inhabitants of these States in general, to observe, and request the several States to interpose their authority in appointing and commanding the observation of THURSDAY the twenty-eight day of NOVEMBER next, as a day of solemn THANKSGIVING to GOD for all his mercies:...

...and they do further recommend to all ranks, to testify their gratitude to GOD for his goodness, by a cheerful obedience of his laws, and by promoting, each in his station, and by his influence, the practice of true and undefiled religion, which is the great foundation of public prosperity and national happiness. ..."

(excerpts from The Declaration of Celebrating Thanksgiving, By the United States Congress, 1782)

One Thousand Gifts (145+)....

145. friends who understand....and love you anyhow

146. comfy blankets to snuggle up on the couch with

147. cheesy Christmas movies, just b/c they make you feel good

148. hope

149. warm baths

150. good books

151. the library

152. the Starbucks peppermint mocha hubby brought home to me today

153. big, strong arms to hold me

154. the ability to feel "mushy" after 16 years together

155. hot tea and good conversation

156. just knowing we're not alone in this race of life, having friends to encourage us along the way to "keep pressing on"

157. my two nephews, who gave their lives to the Lord last night

158. christmas music

159. getting to know family members again

160. gluten free chocolate chip cookies

161. a day of refreshing

162. a fabulous date night with the man who melts my heart and always makes me laugh

163. children to cuddle with

164. homemade popcorn

165. TWO cars that work

Praise, not Perfection (Anne Voskamp)

Once again, Anne's blog post melts my heart and makes me glad that she is REAL and authentic, because I can relate, as many of us can....(full post here)

She says:
"...I remember what the Farmer said when I first met him and asked why he was so quiet and he quoted Proverbs, that in many words are many sins, and I have spoken too much of late, said too many things, and I question them, wonder, and why not joy instead of a thorn, wallflower instead of brimstone, and I think about this: the making of an ambition of quietness and the way of grace…

I lay on our bed and I liquid murmur that I am not smart enough for any of this, that I fail miserably and everyday and I’m getting so much wrong, and how do you really invest just one life and what about the laundry? And the Farmer he draws me onto his chest and he strokes back my hair, wraps one strand around a finger… and he is quiet. Because sometimes it’s only silence that simply waits that can hear God.

The man is a farmer. He feels wind and he knows rain. He breathes prayers. He pulls me close.

It’s after a long quiet that he whispers it into my caverns,

“Remember? He asks for Praise not Perfection… Grace not Grindstone…”

With a smile and a kiss, that bulk on my shoulders slips, ice to vapor, and I sink into the mattress and sleep comes, tattered relief."

A Thousand Gifts (131...)

131. grace, grace, God's grace

132. fleece pajama bottoms..I could live in them!

133. forgiveness

134. conviction of sin..that way I don't stay stuck

135. help with the household chores..I don't have to do it all alone

136. quesadillas and smoothies

137. flavored coffee creamer

138. a great visit with a dear old friend yesterday

139. backrubs

140. cuddle time with Myra in bed last night..so thankful she opens her heart to me

141. chilliness outside, warmth inside

142. date night with Shane tonight

143. the ability to read...and good books

144. God's word that brings comfort

Grace, Grace, God's Grace...

"If God's supernatural, undeserved, sovereign grace is to flow through you, you must be willing to maintain a right relationship with God by confessing your sins the moment you become aware of them, and as you do, accepting God's free grace... the power to acknowledge that He has forgiven them. Christian groups have done a reasonably good job of imparting the need to spend time alone daily, usually in the morning, with God. Some call it a "quiet time". (Those are the folks without small children). Some call it "time in the Word". That's a misnomer, unless all you do is study. Some call it their "devotional time". It is a vital part of maintaining your relationship with God, and if you don't do it, you're missing one of the great opportunities to introduce enough discipline in your life to free God to work.

But remember, your time with God in the morning is not your meeting with God for the day. It is the beginning of an all day relationship. So often, we pray, ask God for grace, ask forgiveness of sins, make our needs known, and press on into the cruel world that awaits us, with a "So long, God, that was neat, see you again tomorrow" mentality. Your "quiet time" (or whatever you call it) is simply God calling the meeting to order. The meeting never ends. And while it is vital to begin the day with God and realize that "His compassions fail not, they are new every morning," it is just as vital to realize that as you venture out into the world, you will sin countless times against a holy God, either by commission or omission, and the very moment you do, your fellowship is bruised. Don't wait for the next day's meeting to be called to order. Stop whatever you are doing, and ask God to forgive you. No one need know but you. In fact, no one should know but you. But the secret to power in the Christian life is the constant renewal of grace that comes when you confess your sins, and a God who is faithful and just to forgive those sins cleanses you of all unrighteousness. However, when we sin, and it is a whole day until we meet with God again, we tend to ignore it or enjoy it until the moment of reckoning comes. If we're really enjoying it, we may just happen to skip our time alone with God for a day or so until we're ready to confess.

That is quenching the grace of God. God has arranged free, unmerited cleansing for us at a moment's notice, and we deliberately choose to postpone appropriating that grace, either by specific choice or by willful apostasy. In either case, God is offended and we lose power. Begin practicing the process of immediate confession. If you offend someone, stop what you're doing and deal with it. If you offend God, stop what you're doing and deal with it. Grace greater than all your sin is yours for the taking; but unless you receive it, it's all for naught." (R. Kelfer)

Press on

"They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb..and they loved not their lives even unto death." (Revelation 12:11)

"...The greatest things are always hedged about by the hardest things, and we, too, shall find mountains and forests and chariots of iron. Hardship is the price of coronation. Triumphal arches are not woven out of rose blossoms and silken cords, but of hard blows and bloody scars. The very hardships that you are enduring in your life today are given you by the Master for the explicit purpose of enabling you to win your crown."

"It matters not how the battle goes,

The day how long;

Faint not! Fight on!

Tomorrow comes the song."

(both excerpts from Streams in the Desert, Cowman)

Grocery List

Earlier today,my "grocery list" on the whiteboard on my refrigerator said:

1. Black tea

...Later tonight I noticed someone had added:

2. junk food

3. waffles

4. nothing healthy

ha! My poor, deprived children! :)

Ick..Ugly Mama

I was an ugly mama this afternoon/early evening. Yep. Ugly. As in, not attractive emotionally. I don't know what really happened. I had a great day. Got to see my dear friend and her kids today. Nothing was wrong. Then...3 o'clock hit and I was done for. I felt like I'd been hit by a truck, felt all the life and energy had been drained from me, and yet there were these three little ones...needing me, asking of me. Didn't they know I had nothing left? Didn't they know I was about to blow? Didn't they know I needed a break?

Right about that time, Mr. husband called me and reminded me he would be gone tonight to a church meeting, and oh yeah..could I cut his hair before he left? What? Didn't he know I was empty? Didn't he know I was stuck in a moment of self? Didn't he realize the world was revolving around me at that very moment? I don't think he did, but I have a feeling my FATHER did. And, as I seethed in selfishness and sin and fatigue, the world seemed to crash in around me. I cried, I pouted, I might have even stomped my feet in a tantrum. (MIGHT have)

The children went for quiet reading time, I finally opened my Bible. ahh. Could that be it? Was I not walking in the spirit because I had not taken time to fill my empty cup yet? ahh. Breathe. Pray. Repent. Lord, fill me. I am empty.

Well, the night got better and worse and then better again. Hubby came home, said he'd stopped to get me flowers but they were all wilted. Sigh. He thought of me, even in my ugliness. He rubbed my shoulders. Sigh. He loves me in spite of me. (makes me cry even now) He never asked me to cut his hair. I didn't offer...still stuck in selfishness. He didn't hold it over me. He loves me unconditionally. Humility.

I finished dinner, got grumpy at child at dinner. Sulked up to my room. Tried to read. Spirit wouldn't let me. Repented again to my FATHER. Grace washed over me. I then was able to extend grace to same child. She cried, we held each other. Our hearts opened up to one another. Ugliness gone. (for today) Hubby left for church. Haircut tomorrow. :)

Menu Plan for Nov. 15-21, 2010

Well, here's my menu plan for this next week. I like to make my menu plan out a week ahead, so I don't have any last minute planning to do. I find that, otherwise, I'm too tired in the afternoon and it takes twice as much work to figure out what to make. Anyhow, here's my plan for this week-I noticed that some days the kids' snacks are heavy on the carbs, so I will probably switch those up some. I also have lots of cereal and snack foods stocked up from sales, so I'm trying to use some of that up this week. I'm still doing good keeping my grocery budget down. Trying not to spend alot this week, but use up what I have on hand mostly.

(B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner, am-am snack, pm-afternoon snack, N-night snack)

Monday:

B-cereal

am: pears

L-leftovers

pm: crackers and peanut butter

D-Salmon cakes, rice, veggies

n: granola bars (have a few boxes left from (2) B1G1 free coupons)

Tuesday:

B-homemade muesli or oatmeal

am: apples

L-leftover soup, grilled cheese or grilled pb&j, cottage cheese

pm: crunch n much

D-Tuna Fettucine, broccoli

n: crackers and pb or cheese

Wednesday:

B-cereal

am: carrots

L-mac and cheese for kids (Owen's had Annie's organic on sale for .49/box..I bought ten!), leftovers

pm:yogurt

D-Pork burgers, cole slaw

n-homemade soft pretzels

Thursday:

B-oatmeal

am:apples

L-quesadillas on rice tortillas, smoothies

pm:granola bars

D-Turkey (on sale this week for .69/lb at Owen's-this will feed our fam. several meals), mashes sweet potatoes, veggie

n-leftover soft pretzels

Friday:

B-mexican egg scramble, sausage (from local farm)

am:muffins

L-turkey cobb salad with cranberries

pm:pirate booty

D-butternut squash soup, salad

n:granola bars

Saturday:

B-gluten free pumpkin pancakes w/homemade syrup (made with sucanat, not hfcs)

am:?

L-gluten free spaghetti with sauce, organic ravioli (sale item)

pm:muffins

D-turkey hash, veggies

n:homemade popcorn

Sunday:

B-yogurt, fruit

L-turkey sandwiches, fruit and veggies, cottage cheese

D-snacks, homemade popcorn (Sundays we don't eat dinner, we just eat leftovers and snacks)

Daily Pledge

**(By Russell Kelfer, taken from Choosing Gratitude, Nancy Leigh De Moss)

"Having been born into the kingdom of God, I do hereby acknowledge that God's purchase of my life included all the rights and control of that life for all eternity.

I do further acknowledge that He has not guaranteed me to be free from pain or to have success or prosperity. He has not guaranteed me perfect health. He has not guaranteed me perfect parents. He has not guaranteed me perfect children. He has not guaranteed me the absence of pressures, trials, misunderstandings, or persecution.

What He has promised me is eternal life. What He has promised me is love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, meekness, and self-control. He has given me all of Himself in exchange for the rights to my life.

Therefore I acknowledge this day the relinquishment of all my rights and expectations, and humbly ask Him by His grace to replace these with a grateful spirit, for whatever in His wisdom He deems to allow for my life."

Signed, Kari

(Russell Kelfer, A Grateful Spirit: part 2)

A Common, Unpoetic Life

"The colored sunsets and starry heavens, the beautiful mountains and the shining seas, the fragrant woods and painted flowers, are not half so beautiful as a soul that is serving Jesus out of love, in the wear and tear of commoon, unpoetic life." -Faher

A Thousand Gifts (121+)....

121. thankful today that the flu does NOT last forever-God's grace for sure!

122. a sweet little 4 year old boy who took care of the rest of us yesterday when we had the worst part of the flu (he was the only one who did not)

123. my daughter...she is away from us this week, and I realize how much I miss her when she's gone

124. gf chicken noodle soup..thank you, Sara. It's all I can eat right now.

125. great friends who bring us food when we're sick...I love being a part of the body of Christ

126. a sweet time of communion with my Lord this morning...revealing to me His grace and mercy

127. a God who provides all our needs

128. my lovely new "K" mug that my dear friend, Jama, brought me..along with a yummy candle and some chocolates. More than that, I'm thankful for my time with Jama. Thank you for giving me a day, which I know is precious, when there is always so much to do. I love you.

129. free butter and organic tea and a kombucha scoby and live kefir grains from my sweet friend, Beth (if I get shunned by everyone else, at least I will have you!) :) ha!

130. sunny days in the middle of November

Prayer for Heart of Hospitality

(from Karen Burton Mains, "Open Heart, Open Home")

LORD,

Thank you for having given your self in intimate,

inexplicable hospitality.

You have been the Host to all creation.



Without a dwelling, You have contained the

whole word and habited Yourself in the winds,

the corners, and the depths, inviting us to be

at home with You. Beneath the shadow of Your

wing You bid us hide, and in the depths of Your

Being You shelter and refuge us.



Without meat You have nourished us.

Without beverage You have refreshed us.

By Your very Word came sustenance.

On bread and water without price have we been fed.

You have been manna in the wilderness of our lives.



Without a table You have banqueted us, inviting us, yea, to be married unto you.

Over our heads flies the banner of Your love.

We are entertained with the mysteries of faith,

the songs of the Spirit, holy laughter.

You have garmented us in festal righteousness.



As we wandered in wastelands,

You sought us before we called.

You extended eager welcome

though we had scarcely knocked.

You embraced us when we were filthy

and oppressed and undeserving.



You are the Samaritan who passes not by,

Who finds lodging for us in the warm inns by the way.

You bake fish over coals, waiting for us,

though we have forgotten to wait for You.

With broken hands You break the loaf of blessing.

Those same wounds caress our leprous spirits.

You do not fear to openly accept the intimate worship

of our harlot hearts.



You are the Host of all mankind.

Lifted up, suffering, without breath, You yet

extend greeting to all the masses,

'Come unto me....

Come...

Come....'



You give us the mystery of Your presence

in this supper of the ages, this remembrance of

Your ultimate hospitality



O Lord,

Make my hospitality as unto Yours,

Be forever my archetype of endeavor,

My firstfruit of harvested goodness;

Love for the battered, misused child,

Grace to bind running ulcers of flesh and soul,

Eagerness for the wealthy without servility,

And for the poor without superiority.



Through eternity You have been and will be

utterly hospitable.

Help me,

poor, faltering, unfeeling me,

to be like you,

with breath-beat and soul-heart

poured out

emptied

opened.

Help me,

to be given to hospitality."

More on Hospitality...

"...The temptation...is to do more than is required. It is easy to spend days in elaborate preparations which have nothing to do with ministry, but a great deal to do with demonstrating one's own abilities. One must look carefully at those hidden motives and ask, 'Am I really seeking to serve, or am I trying to impress?'

A good thermometer as to whether pride was rising in me was to ask two good questions: Am I nervous? Am I fussing? These were pretty good indicators of the true nature of my intentions. If I was nervous, getting jumpy before that sit-down dinner for eight, I could assume something had gone awry within. Was I afraid the new recipe would flop, or that someone might wander into an unclean room-and people would think less of me? For me, nervousness stemmed from nothing more than pride.

What did it matter if the centerpiece was less than spectacular, if the rolls were slightly more brown on the bottom, if the door to the little boys' room was closed because to enter was to take one's life in one's hands?

If I found myself fussing too much about spots on the glasses, getting upset because I had to clean the bathroom sink again, going wild because someone had walked on the freshly vacuumed shag-what did it mean? Who was coming that I was trying to impress with all these efforts? Didn't my over-concern indicate that I was depending on my human efforts to make the evening a success? Hadn't I forgotten that undefinable spiritual quality which found its source in the Holy Spirit? Again the answer was pride, pride rearing it's subtle and manipulative head, forcing me to think self..." (Karen Burton Mains, "Open Heart, Open Home:How to find joy through sharing your home with others")

True Hospitality

A couple months ago, not long after we'd moved back to Indiana, I met one of our pastor's wives one day at the park nearby. Afterwards, she asked if she could walk back with us, because she wanted to get the exercise. I was glad for the company...until we neared my home! See, that morning, we had finished school when my friend dropped off her child so she could go to the doctor's office. We left the school stuff on the table, the blankets unfolded on the couch and the sink full of the days' (and possibly the night before's?) dishes. "I'll get it it later, I thought. It's too beautiful to be inside. We're going to the park!" You must understand that those thoughts are not often in my head. Too often I am weighed down with all that needs to be done and feels left undone. I'm always one step behind in my own head.

When I arrived at the house with this dear lady and her grandbaby, I realized it was only nice to ask her in, but found myself inevitably saying "oh, sorry for the dishes. Sorry for the school mess...(all while I'm folding the blankets on the couch quickly!). " I was very uncomfortable, because here's how I'd rather it have gone...I'd rather have had the house all together, clean and dust free, smelling like cinnamon (my comfort smell), cookies freshly baked on the table....yes, that's how I'd rather have had it. That way she could see the "real" me, right? That's what my pride likes to tell me. Rather, she DID see the real me. And, she saw my struggle with my pride that day. In her graciousness, she asked if I'd ever read, "Open Heart, Open Home." I suppose she wasn't surprised when I said I hadn't. :) She said her favorite line from that book was something along the line of "Always keep your home open to others, even if you have to write 'welcome' in the dust." We had a good laugh, and I had a decent dose of conviction that she was not offended by real life.

Well, seems the Lord wanted me to really see what was going on in my heart, because she "just happened" to find the book the next day at a garage sale. I have been reading this book, and have been convicted, challenged, and encouraged. Mostly convicted, though. I have always opened my home to others, always felt 'hospitable.' God is showing me, though, that I have always had more of a heart for entertaining...focusing on things and my own abilities to impress than a true heart of serving others. Can I be that real with you, my friends? I think God gave me a gift and heart's desire, yes, but I have misunderstood what that really looked like. I do love to serve, but I must look back at all the times my own heart was angry that a child just left toys where I'd just cleaned up...didn't they know people were coming to my home and would judge me for those toys on the ground? I mean, what kind of a mother would I be? Pride. Fear of man. Ugly. Ugh!

So much of this book has stuck out to me. So much the Lord has opened my eyes to. So much He is changing. So much more He needs to change. I'll be sharing more in the days to come...but one 'funny' story of how God allowed me not only to read and nod my head, but practice what I am learning....

Shane called a few weeks ago, about 15 minutes til 12 noon. He asked if he could bring Mark, our new youth director, home for lunch. Now, I had showered, but put clean jammies back on, since I'd just "be home alone" that day. I had school stuff on the table (again, yes!), sink full of dishes (again, yes!...I'm seeing a theme here of who I REALLY am, not who I want others to think I am...), and then there's the issue of what I'd planned for lunch...

It had been one of those days, towards the end of a paycheck, when I delve into the cabinet to see what we have. Well, we had hot dogs, but no buns, and we had baked beans. So...beanie weenies! Yes, I had homemade beanie weenies on the stove, pjs on, and a messy house and company was coming. My prayers for an angel of God to come clean my house were not answered in those fifteen short minutes...actually, I barely got my clothes on before they walked in the door. I pushed down my pride (which was huge!), opened the door, and said "come on in for some beanie weenies!" And, guess what Mark said? He said, "Awesome! I love beanie weenies!", with a big smile on his face. We ate our "main course", had cut up veggies and cheese on the side, and enjoyed getting to know this man God had brought into ministry with us. There was never a complaint, never a slight look out of the side of his eye to my "mess." There was only greatfulness from his heart. And, though this story makes me laugh, it also brings tears to my eyes. Because God is faithful and kind. He's faithful to point out my flaws and to test me, but not so that he can overwhelm me or throw me down to be laughed at, but to grow me. I grew that day.

I don't have it all together. My dishes are not always (rarely ever) all done. My laundry is NEVER done. You WILL find dust on my furniture. But, you are always welcome in my home, for it is the Lord's home, and my desire is to glorify him by loving and serving you.

Yes, I am flawed...

photo by Kari McGrath

"I don’t open my eyes…. To my dust and my smudges and my grime and my love-smeared mess. Why can’t I remember…the state of my space doesn’t reflect the state of my soul...I don’t have to have smudgeless windows and empty laundry baskets and gleamy toilet bowls! I don’t have to have a perfect life, all problems solved! ......I simply need have a grateful heart to give Him glory.." (A.V) (whole blog post here)

Anxiety

photo by Kari McGrath

This was taken from the Girl Talk blog.....

* When I am anxious about some risky new venture or meeting, I battle unbelief with the promise: “Fear not for I am with you, be not dismayed for I am your God; I will help you, I will strengthen you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).

* When I am anxious about my ministry being useless and empty, I fight unbelief with the promise, “So shall my word that goes forth from my mouth; it will not come back to me empty but accomplish that which I purpose, and prosper in the thing for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11).

* When I am anxious about being too weak to do my work, I battle unbelief with the promise of Christ, “My grace is sufficient for you, my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9), and “As your days so shall your strength be” (Deuteronomy 33:25).

* When I am anxious about decisions I have to make about the future, I battle unbelief with the promise, “I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you” (Psalm 32:8).

* When I am anxious about facing opponents, I battle unbelief with the promise, “If God is for us who can be against us!” (Romans 8:31).

* When I am anxious about being sick, I battle unbelief with the promise that “tribulation works patience, and patience approvedness, and approvedness hope, and hope does not make us ashamed” (Romans 5:3–5).

* When I am anxious about getting old, I battle unbelief with the promise, “Even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save” (Isaiah 46:4).

* When I am anxious about dying, I battle unbelief with the promise that “none of us lives to himself and none of us dies to himself; if we live we live to the Lord and if we die we die to the Lord. So whether we live or die we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and rose again: that he might be Lord both of the dead and the living” (Romans 14:9–11).

* When I am anxious that I may make shipwreck of faith and fall away from God, I battle unbelief with the promise, “He who began a good work in you will complete it unto the day of Christ” (Philippians 1:6). “He who calls you is faithful. He will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:23). “He is able for all time to save those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25).

A Thousand Gifts continued....

photo by Kari McGrath

101. our family that joined us this weekend to celebrate Shane and Myra's birthdays

102. Myra's greatful heart

103. Lizzie's hugs

104. Nehemiah's kisses

105. Pastor Nate's ordination today...such a sweet time at church

106. a husband to hold me when I cry (even when a Colt's game is on!)

107. a mother who loves the Lord and continues to speak wisdom to me

108. the greatest dad in the word and for his being alive 62 years today (even though he is not my dad by blood, he's the best!)

109. Cassie's smile, which always lights up a room

110. plenty of food in the pantry, when I know so many are hungry tonight

111. snuggle time on the couch with Lizzie

112. God's grace and kindess, to point out my sin, but not leave me stuck there

113. Jama coming to visit me this past week..what a dear, sweet, old friend (she's not old, just our friendship)

114. humility I see in our church staff

115. gluten free mac and cheese...Sara's recipe of course! comfort food!

116. rainy, overcast days...my favorite (for a short time, at least!)

117. hot coffee and yummy creamer

118. Julie H., my friend and kindred spirit

119. Jen L. and her genuine, giving, thoughtful heart...it never ceases to amaze me

120. a washing machine and dryer...though they are always full and never finish their jobs, they keep me from having to wash my clothes in the creek! (or lake!)

November Giving Challenge

I just saw a link from Money Saving Mom for this 30 day Giving challenge for the month of November. I thought it was a great idea to focus on others and realize how much God has blessed us with that we can give..even if it's just a batch of cookies or a note of thanks.

I find that, staying at home, I am alone alot more than I'd like to be (being such an extrovert) and that can often lead my thoughts to be focused on...ME! Now, I know some of you love me and have nice thoughts of me, but these thoughts I have often start with either how I'm failing in one area or another or they are just thoughts that are not gospel-centered. I often have to stop, remind myself of the gospel, pray, and move on. I also often pray that God would give me someone else to think about so that I get my mind off myself. This challenge fits so well with that prayer! So, I have printed off the calendar to fill in and praying that God would help us to be a family that gives out of a greatful heart of all that He has given us. Would you join me in this challenge?

The Homemaker's Mentor

I just found a site that I LOVE! It's called The Homemaker's Mentor. They have a monthly newsletter you can sign up for, and they also sell homemaking lessons, cookware, cookbooks, etc. I plan to utilitze this new site for my girls (and myself!) here in the near future, as I am always preparing them to be homemakers one day. I love what they have to offer, and though I was blessed to have a mom who taught us, I know many women out there did not have such a mother. If not, and you're still wondering how to clean and cook, this is a great site! You know, I'm sure I'd still learn alot here, too! (like "Keeping a sparkling bathroom!") Let me know if you check it out.

If I could go anywhere in the world... (Lizzie)

I'm sharing Lizzie's work, because Myra is more timid and I have to sneak hers into my blog! ha! (again, spelled like she spelled the words. I used to get upset over spelling mistakes, now I realize they are precious and will be a treasure one day. However, we use the spelling mistakes as our spelling words for the next day.)

10/12/10

"If I could go anywhere in the world...

I woulD go to Haiti.

in Haiti I woulD Be a mishenarie.

I woulD live in haiti.

I woulD Give the childern candy.

I woulD help out.

I woulD teacH them abot God.

I woulD teacH them about How to cook.

I woulD say ther's only one God.

I woulD give them toy's.

I woulD tell them a bote crismas.

I woulD Give them steak.

I woulD teacH them Games.

I woulD make a church.

I woulD Give them a hot Dog.

I woulD Give them a Hamburger.

I woulD give them a cheesebugur.

I woulD bring flarp.

I woulD bring mac and cheese."

"If I were the teacher..." (Lizzie)

(personal journal writing assignment for 10/13/10) (spelling mistakes left in tact!)

"If I were the teacher....

I woulD not strike.

I woulD be nice.

I woulDint yell.

I woulD spank.

I woulD do a hunting class.

I woulD be super nice.

I woulD be super super super nice.

I woulD be Good.

I woulD spank the bulleys bottem till it was Bright purple.

I woulD trow tomatos at the kids.

I woulD hit them with a footBall."

I think we'll have to work on not ending every lesson with violence! ha!

New Gluten Free Blog

My friend, Sara, has just started a new blog on Gluten Free cooking. She was diagnosed with Celiac's disease recently, and has had to start experimenting with new recipes, and decided to share them with all of us! I'm excited, because of having to go gluten free myself. While not diagnosed with Celiac's, I have found that I am sensitive to gluten to the point of having extreme pain while ingesting any, even in small amounts. It was pain I lived with for years, and couldn't figure out. I plan to get tested before long to see if I'm just sensitive or have Celiac's, so I'll keep you updated on that. For now, I look forward to some new recipes! Thanks, Sara! (note: the picture has nothing to do with her blog, but it's one of my favorite pictures, and since meat is gluten free.... :) )

A Few Thoughts On Hospitality

"Entertaining says, 'I want to impress you with my beautiful home, my clever decorating, my gourmet cooking.' Hospitality, however, seeks to minister. It says, 'This home is not mine. It is truly a gift from my Lord. I am His servant and I use it as He desires.' Hospitality does not try to impress, but to serve." Karen Burton Mains, Open Heart, Open Home

1000 Gifts Sunday...

74. a fun day out with my sister and my girls yesterday

75. a great day at church

76. cool, fall weather

77. healthy children

78. my dear sister in the Lord, Kim, who opened up her heart to me today...for knowing we're not alone

79. for God's grace and mercy on sinners such as I

80. for the True Woman 2010 conference..what a blessing!

81. for a FREE ticket to True Woman

82. for my new friends..Holly, Renita, and Nancy..and for God's sovereignty in putting us together

83. fall flavors

84. Godly parents

85. the joy of children, not just my own, but the joy that they all bring

86. for God's gentleness to keep reminding us that this world is not our home

87. women like Joni Erickson Tada who realize God's sovereignty and who spur us on

88. the opportunity we have daily to make God famous, through our choices

89. the grace we get when we fail miserably at that

90. the friendships of women

91. dirty dishes...because it means we have food to eat

92. dirty laundry..it means I have a family to care for

93. today our needs are met

94. hot coffee with lots of creamer :)

95. thankful kids

96. almost 11 years with our oldest daughter

97. suffering that brings about growth

98. all things apples in the fall

99. good, deep conversations

100. authentic people

Journal Writing-Myra

Here's Myra's journal entry today...

If I were a Parent...

"I would buy myself nutela every week, I would buy beef jerky every week, I would watch any show i want, I would buy three musketeers every week, I would buy a bunch of treets every week, I want as many kids as god gives me, I would go to church every Sunday enless somebody sick, I want to work as a police man, animal cop, or waitress, I would go out to eat once a week, If i have girls i want to name them emily, cristy, sam, and madison, If i have boys i would name them Alex, ben, rex, and cody, I would like to live on a Farm house with 6 bedrooms, 3 full baths and a pool, I would let my kids watch pirets of the caribean one, pirates of the caribean two, pirats of the caribean three, all the lord of the rings, batman one, sighns, the pashion, star wars, all the Jurastic parks, all the indiana jones, and all the iron man vidios real people, and all the spider man vidios real people."

ha,ha!!! So cute! Talk about a run-on sentence! :) So, next week we work on punctuation, capitalization, and spelling! ha! But, at least they are loving to write, where they never did before. I know I will treasure all these journals full of misspellings one day! I love to see how their minds work, what they think about, what they love...and I see "Nutella" as a running them in both of their passages. They always ask for it and I always say "no", so I guess it's time for a special treat soon. :) I'm seeing this as a great way to get "into their little heads", too. Very fun! My favorite line? "I want to work as a police man, animal cop, or waitress." :)

Journal Writing-Lizzie

Today's Journal Entry topic was IF I WERE A PARENT.... here's what Lizzie wrote. :) (spelling and all!)

"If I Were A Parent...

I would spank my children.

I would buy everything.

I would get my own cell phone.

I would get a DS.

I wouldit have to do school.

I would yell at my husband.

I would move to Montana.

I would kill Myra.

I would have my own gum.

I would be in a game show.

I would buy newtela. (nutella!)

I would hug my mom.

I would kiss my husband.

I would sail the high seven seas.

I would be a astrunat.

I would love my family."

So, I guess we need to work on "yell at my husband" and "kill Myra", but overall I thought it was adorable! The kids have asked that we do this assignment every week. I love creative writing-they love it so much more than technical writing! Thanks, Julie at Brave Writer!

1000 Gifts Thursday

59. the library-and the never ending amount of books for learning
60. cool days, bright sunshine
61. creative kids
62. curry-mmm...beef curry for dinner, one of my favorite flavors
63. new friends, like Sara...thanks for such great fellowship yesterday
64. gluten free banana muffins (mmm...thanks Sara!)
65. gluten free chocolate chip cookies (better than the regular ones)
66. this town..it is, honestly, the nicest (people) town I've ever lived in!
67. warm clothes on cool days
68. our Toyota van-that has been such a great vehicle
69. our truck-which was free and gets Shane where he needs to go
70. kids who are grateful for what they have
71. purified water
72. my camera
73. God's grace, that never ends, and His love that never fails

Teatime Tuesdays

One of my goals this year is to have "Teatime Tuesdays." This first week, we had time, this past week, we did not. However, the kids enjoyed it so much, that they were bummed we didn't do it this week. Teatime Tuesday is a time where we have tea or hot cocoa, sweets, and we read poetry together (each taking turns). Since I left most of our poetry books at home (oops!) , we are starting with Robert Louis Stevenson's "A Child's Garden of Verses."

Enjoying our tea and brownies. :)

Our poetry book.

Pretty girl. :)

First week of school highlights

This year we are studying Geography/Cultures of the Word/Children around the world. We're really enjoying it so far. Here are a few highlights of our first week of school...

Our math programs this year are on the computer...we LOVE it!


Each day we have what we call "book basket" time, where the girls spend 15-30 minutes looking/reading through books I have gotten from the libraray on our current subject. These first two weeks are basic geography/culture books. Later in the year, they will be more specific to our week of study (i.e...Africa, China, etc..)

This first week, the girls filled out a "passport application" for their "trip around the world. They had to fill out the form, write a "check", and address an envelope to the "passport office" (c/0 mom and dad's address!) :) When the "passport officer" (mom) gets around to it, they'll get their "passports" and we'll put a "stamp" of each date we "travel to another country." In this picture, Liz is filling out her "check."

Addressing the envelope.

This week, we colored three pictures from around the world (this one is Korea), and each of them had John 3:16 in that country's language written out.

Nehemiah's first week of school..

Last week, we all started our schoolyear. Nehemiah is doing preschool this year. Thought I'd share a few highlights of his first week..

Tracing (pre-writing)

We're reading stories each week on animals for science.

He learned to trace his hand! He did this all by himself! :)

His new "thing" is drawing on white paper. We now need a "white paper" fund in our budget! :) I have to limit his number each day. Anyhow, these were some monsters he drew..too cute!

And, this was where he learned HOW to draw his hand. :)

One of my gifts

These were from my hubby last week...just unexpected and for no reason at all..except he loves me. I am so blessed.

1000 Gifts Revisited...

49. the breeze that surrounded me tonight as I was walking...ahhh...
50. homemade strawberry jam (thanks to sis again) (was great on my homemade gluten free yeast rolls)
51. goodnight kisses from the little ones
52. the faithful that have gone before us, and have left their stories to encourage us along (was listening to Piper's sermon on George Mueller on my walk)
53. 14 inches lost in the last month!
54. fall flavors
55. comforting embraces from my hubby
56. family
57. new bikes coming for two of the kiddos (free to us)
58. quiet evenings at home

One Thousand Gifts....Tuesday

So..my "One Thousand Gifts" post is 'technically' a 'Monday post,' but since I didn't have the time yesterday, I'm sure I'm still allowed to be thankful on a Tuesday! :) So, to add to the list......

26. that I got to spend time with my dear friend, Elizabeth, and her precious children for a day last week

27. red barns...one of my favorite scenes while driving in Indiana

28. fresh cherry tomatoes, brussel sprouts, and green peppers from my sister's garden

29. crisp, cool days-I LOVE the fall!

30. warm coffee with real cream

31. hugs and kisses from my little ones (all three of them)

32. that the bills are payed and there is food in the pantry

33. Marc and Stephanie-new friends we got to open our home to this past weekend

34. that, as we studied in 1 Kings this past Sunday, 'Jehovah is God'-there is none other!

35. for Larry and Gladine...so full of grace and humility, so encouraging to all who they cross paths with

36. a dishwasher-amen, ladies? :)

37. an amazing husband, who helps me with my kitchen messes (because a good cook makes messes!) by cleaning up my kitchen so often after dinner-how that blesses me!

38. a beautiful, unexpected bouquet of flowers from said husband

39. the missionaries who sacrifice so much to share the gospel

40. that I serve a living God

41. the warmth and coziness of a down comforter (which came with the furnished house, by the way..we are enjoying the gift while we have it!)

42. homemade ice cream (thanks, again, sis!)-there is nothing like it!

43. cute, toothless, crooked teeth smiles that light up my day

44. Myra's laugh..I love her laugh!

45. the man who didn't have to be my husband's dad, but CHOSE to be, not giving up on him when so many did

46. the man who CHOSE my mom and always treated me as his own and love me as his own, who led me to see the Lord in the character and grace he exhibited

"It is good to give thanks to the Lord..." Ps. 92:1

Haircut...Before and After

Do you see the boy, happy and blissful in his curly-headed beauty? (the orange spot on his left nostril is from putting an orange peanut m&m up his nose! As proud as we were of his new "skill", we quickly discouraged that!) Well, daddy was not so happy about boy's bouncy curls...saying he looked like a "girl"...so.....
...out came the scissors and trimmers...and, this is what happened (remember who's idea this was?)...

...and this was the result! Handsome boy? Yes. Happy boy? No. :) He actually told me the next day that he was "just teasing me" with his tears. :)

By the next day he liked his hair. Daddy told him he was "handsome like Peyton Manning." :)

One Thousand Gifts

I just read a lovely article over at "A Holy Experience." It's a blog a friend here, Robyn, told me about. I have been blessed by what I've read. But, I read this article on starting a 1000 Gifts List, and it reminded me of the blessings journal I started here so long ago. I have also been reading "Choosing Gratitude" by Nancy Leigh DeMoss, and this idea goes along so well with what I've been reading in her book.

Over at "A Holy Experience", Anne Voskamp talks about starting a list of 1000 gifts you are thankful for. Not gifts you want, but gifts you have. The everyday things. And, I thought it would be great to pick up my blessings journal by starting this list. Maybe it will help keep me blogging, too. Especially, because lately I have been thinking of so much God has given me that I'm thankful for.

Anne wrote in her blog post, "It is happening to me as John Milton wrote: "Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world."

Before I start my list, I'll leave you with one last encouragement from Anne...."Father, You are the Giver of all Good Gifts. They are everywhere. I can hardly jot them down fast enough. How You love.~~Will you too begin your list of a Thousand Gifts? It will change your life. Guaranteed."

(By the way, she does hers on a Monday...so I'm just getting a head start here!) :)

1. the lovely orchid on my side table in my living room..a gift from our church staff

2. the gorgeous flowers on my table..a gift from the love of my life

3. a bowl full of homegrown tomatoes from my sister

4. another bowl full of garden fresh squash from Sara

5. two computer desks and two bookshelves for a total of $5 (we needed those when we came to IN and prayed, and God provided-again!)

6. this lovely lake house that we could never afford if we didn't have "kingdom-minded" landlords

7. our screened in porch and quiet nights

8. free lakes/beaches for the kids to swim

9. three nights of wonderful meals when we moved here two weeks ago from lovely church members, which gave us time to get settled

10. an amazing church to be a part of

11. money in the bank and a kitchen pantry and fridge full of food

12. peace that passes all understanding

13. that I get to see my dear friend Elizabeth tomorrow and meet her new baby girl

14. that I get the choice to school my kids at home, and get this time with them that I will never regret

15. for a pile of laundry...which means I have a family to take care of

16. for a son who tells me all day long how beautiful I look :)

17. for a "free walking track" around our lovely "island"

18. the God-given ability to create art

19. coupons and my dear friends, Sarah and Mandy, who changed my way of shopping and helped me to cut our food bill in half :)

20. Kate letting me borrow her glue gun til I can get mine from our house in KY.

21. my sweet sister, who watched our kids last night so we could go out

22. my parents, who are always helping us out however they can

23. parents who led me to Christ

24. a husband who follows God wherever He leads..even when it doesn't make sense to others around us

25. Kerry doing so much work on our cars before we left KY, and the discounts he gave us, because he, too, is kingdom-minded

(and that's just a start).....

Update!

(right around the corner from where we live!)

This is for you, Elizabeth, since I think you're the only one who is patient enough to keep coming back and seeing if I've updated my blog in five months or not! So...oh well for my "new resolution to keep my blog up better!" ha!

We have gone through alot of changes and have recently moved from the hills of Kentucky to good ol' Indiana! In 13 years, it looks like we have come full circle...Indiana, California, Kentucky, and back to Indiana. :) We're so happy to be here, though. It had been something we had prayed about off and on for our whole marriage, and never reallly new why we were drawn to this area. But, now we know. God is sovereign and had a sovereign plan for us to be here. Shane is now the Children's Ministry Director at Christ's Covenant Church in Winona Lake, Indiana.



In our two and a half short weeks here, we have been so blessed and in awe of the Lord. The people here in this town and at our church are amazing. We came, sight unseen, to our rental home-as our home in Kentucky has not yet sold. And, this house is just what we would have picked. Probably better than what we would have gotten on our budget, but our landlords are kindgom-minded and are helping us out. What a blessing to be part of God's family! :)



We live 200 yards from the lake, in the cutest town. It's one of those "nobody locks their doors" kind of town. We walk almost daily, the kids ride their bikes to the park or the beach or just around the "island" where we live. We could not have asked for anything better.



We are so thankful for our time in Kentucky. Our seven years spent there made it become home to us. We were able to meet so many wonderful people and I left with some of the greatest friendships of my life. We were always blessed with wonderful neighbors (Seminary, Cedarmore, and Frankfort), who we will miss terribly. But, we are just thankful for each and every moment God gave us there and all He taught us, knowing is was all just preparation for this step of our lives.



(more to come...no promises when, though!) :) ha!

Anti-Bacterial Soap

Here's a good article I read today. Wanted to pass it along! :)


http://simpleorganic.net/good-bacteria-bad-bacteria-how-to-wash-your-hands-and-be-gentle-on-the-earth/#more-658