Happy New Year!!

I hope all of my friends, "IRL", online and bloggyland have a safe, happy, and blessed New Years.

Isaiah 12:2
"Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation."


Psalm 111:1
"Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation."

Christmas Miracles

I first heard this story Christmas Eve on Fox News. Everytime I see it mentioned it brings a tear to my eye to think of the miracle that happened with that young girl.

What's interesting is the reactions of the news reporters reporting the story. We as Christians know angels exist, but what about unbelievers? How do they explain this? ya know? It makes me think of the simple story earlier this month about the little girl who asked Santa to bring her daddy home from Iraq. He cares so much for us, even the little ones he answers prayer.

Ironically? Both of these stories are out of North Carolina (where I live) ;)

I hope you have a Happy New Year! Stay safe!

Wordless Wednesday 12-31

Around the web 12-30

Katie from Making This Home posted an idea about donating old Christmas cards to St Jude's Hospital- read more.

I don't throw my cards away, though ;) I like to keep them and hang them for
decorations the next year. It makes our dining room feel warm and fuzzy knowing
people thought about us enough to give us a card. :O)

Simplemom is asking if you make New Year's Resolutions?

I do but I don't. The beginning of the year always makes me reflect on
things I would like to do better, but I think I quit a few years ago actually
"making" resolutions. For me, I think this idea offers one the opportunity to
procrastinate something for the "New Year", instead of just doing it. Does that
make sense? Like the Bible in a Year challenge on CGDevo- it's open all year long for people to enjoy. They can start their "year" any month in 2009!

Ask Babykid is talking about what she learned about blogging in 2008.

Those are some good tips, too. If I believed in "goddesses", I would agree about that comment about Gisele. Cause you know what" Gisele ROCKS! :D What did I learn about blogging in 2008? That I have a lot more to learn ;o)

Gohn Crazy is sharing recipes- Yummy!!

Jessica is making me want to learn to sew and make clothes and stuff. Yah- like that's attainable for me. I can make digital clothes, will that work? ;) Look at these snippets of pics of the outfits she made her kids for Christmas, darling!!

Dawn posted some stunning photos on her newly redesigned blog, it looks great! :o)

That's enough for now! :o)

Christmas morning funny

Below is the kids on Christmas morning. MIL had no idea that the Wii would be a popular item this year so she waited a bit too late to get the kids a Wii. She got crafty though in her presentation. What's funny is Hannah's reaction at the end. Come to find out Jackson had overheard conversations that week while at MIL's house and already had an idea he might be getting one. We didn't know that when this happened, though ;o)

The irony is at breakfast I was telling SIL how incredibly NOSY Jackson is, and he sure proved it! They thought he was playing video games in the bedroom while they were making phone calls to stores :p

2009 Bible in a Year Challenge

Skip to the gist of the challenge :o)

I'm up to a challenge, are you?
I almost achieved it in 2008, and in 2009, I am determined to. The challenge? To read my bible in a year.
I am inviting you to join me :O)
Are YOU up to this challenge?
How are we going to do this? you ask?

Simple.

Last year, and this year I will be using the bible in a year plan presented by http://www.christianity.com/. You create your own account there to login each day, and you find the "daily assignments". I'll preface by saying you can choose your own choice of translation, (of course anything you find here is going to be King James Version), and you can choose to read in the right pane from the website (it gives you an option of font size which is nice) or you can use the assigments as a guide and read from your own bible.

It looks like this-





Being one that likes to work from lists and check things off, I can appreciate the little check box on the right, not that bible reading is something to merely check off of a daily list or anything! I also like that you can print off the chart to be able to keep it in your bible, too.

I went a step further this year in using the audio feature from http://www.biblegateway.com/ as well. When you pull up a chapter, you see the audio button underneath it:



I thought of this verse when the idea hit me to do this-
Romans 10:17
"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."

It REALLY helps me when I'm going through the OT passages, especially in the genelogies! It really gives it new meaning, I think because as you're reading, you're seeing the names, and you're hearing them pronounced correctly.

You do not have to listen as part of the challenge, but I wanted to offer that for you, because it helps me so much and best of all, it's FREE!!

You're excited about this, aren't you?
I was, too, when I spoke with my online buddies about it. But we cannot allow our adversary to dampen our passion to grow closer to the Lord by the faithful reading of His Word! Part of the challenge will be coming here each day (or as much as possible) to check in with challenge participants, for an extra measure of accountability. It would be nice to share what verses jumped out at us that day, wouldn't it?

You are not obligated to be here every day to be a challenge participant, but you are making a committment to reading your bible each day, with the goal of finishing it in a year.

Remember, the goal is to read the bible in a year, not neccessarily in 2009. If you find this challenge in May, you are not 5 months behind, start where you are! Just be sure to come here and share what verses from your reading really spoke to you.

Remember, you do not "have" to use the plan I shared above, use whatever works best for you!

If you blog, and make a blog post about what you read, please come here and link us to your post in the daily "BIAY" post, okay? :o)

Are you ready for the challenge? I hope so!
If you are joining the challenge, simply comment to this post, and grab the graphic on the right side of this blog (or below) to show off on your own and invite your friends to join you.

<a href="http://calvarygirldevo.blogspot.com/2008/12/2009-bible-in-year-challenge.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Click to Learn More" src="http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j161/chocolategurrl/CGDevo/CGDevoicon_ch.jpg" /></a><br /><br />

edited 1-23-09
The skinny:

Check in when you are done reading in the comments area.
Remember to let us know what passage you read (today)!
Be sure to click "subscribe by email" to continue reading the discussion, and be aware of when someone else comments (or "posts") to the "thread". You will have to click that for each post you comment in.

To receive an automatic daily summary of new posts to the blog, subscribe in the right sidebar through my feedburner subscription service.

Happy Reading!

New Years, memories

Do you have plans for New Years Eve/Day?
As of now I have no idea what we'll be doing. We'll be childless, though- the kids are headed to Alabama for a spontaneous trip with MIL to go see her mother. My babies are gone! :( They'll be back on Friday, which is Jackson's 10th birthday. We're planning his party for Saturday, a food fight! :D

This time of the year always brings me back to when I was pregnant with him. It was such a fun, peaceful pregnancy despite the 52lb weight gain ;) I cooked allllll day long New Years day, ham, collard greens, black eyed peas ("traditional" southern New Years food). I started contracting at 4pm. If I had known that 10pm "weird" contraction was him actually flipping into breach position he could have been born before midnight and been a New Years Baby, but that wasn't God's plan for him. The cord would wrap around his neck twice, and he would be without oxygen until he was born at 4:32am.

I had a fill-in doctor that did not really want to be bothered with a first time mother's concerns that night. He hung up on me around 2am with the words "do NOT come to the hospital until your contractions are 2-3 minutes apart- goodbye!". With my contractions spacing between 2-4 1/2 minutes apart, about 2:40 I said that doctor could kiss my ever lovin' butt I was going whether he liked it or NOT (we weren't in church at that time, hadn't been since a few months before he was conceived). We called everyone, packed up what was left, and went to the hospital. I was checked and asked if I knew the baby's sex which we "didn't" (had an idea but didn't know for sure), so they were talking in a "code" of sorts to avoid sharing that instead of feeling a head they were feeling testicles ;)

So I was 5 cm dialated with a baby whose feet were resting on my hip bones (basically), saying "Nope, not tonight!". After five days of being "dropped", that's what Mr Jackson decided to do. So the doctor when he come in to check me, said "your baby has decided to be difficult and is in breech position, you are going to get a c section .." then looks to the nurse to say "prep her" and walks away. Oh what support! When they pulled him out, I saw Jay's face drop, his mouth falling open. I thought it was amazement at the birth process, but found out later that Jackson's skin was SO dark (black, I caught a blip when they took him to the baby station) having been without oxygen for so long, Jay immediately thought it was possible I had cheated on him with a African American guy but come right back to his senses to realize something was wrong.

It took Jackson one and a half minutes before he cried for the first time but once the first cry come, they came in LOUD waves. The nurses later confirmed that he was a rather LOUD newborn- it sounded as of you were killing him he cried so intensely! Jay later shared that it was in that minute and a half that he prayed for the first time in months and months and months- asking God why he let us get that far to just take our baby from us, and to please save him. I, drugged at the time, did not realize what was going on and Jay was instructed NOT to tell me because of my state of being cut open and whatnot. As far as we were from God that night, it amazes me that he answered Jay's prayer, but that night he started a ministry to us that only hindsight would reveal. It would be 16 months later before we would return to church.

By all rights Jackson should have had some developmental delays with the length of time he suffered, and I give God the glory for delivering him, us, from those kinds of difficulties. He was a hard child to parent for the next six years, and I still believe God has used Jackson to prepare us for something yet to be revealed. It was only after his sixth birthday that parenting him would become easier, and it was miraculous.

On his sixth birthday, he accepted Christ as his personal Savior. So his birthday and "re-birthday", or spiritual birthday, is both on January second. That birthday was on a Sunday, and he got saved during the service at the beginning in a sunday school room. We were talking about sin on the way to church, like we always did, for months I recited Romans Road to him every Sunday night on the way to church, but this night, the lightbulb went off and the Lord might as well had been sitting there beside me telling me it was time. He was so proud he went before the church that night and professed his salvation, and te next baptismal service, February 16th, the was baptised.

Every year he asks about the story of his birth, and then he tells me about the story of his rebirth with a sparkle in his eyes.

What sweet memories.

I have strep throat

We spent Christmas night at BILs, and when people started leaving a couple of people started smoking in the house / lr. I woke up Friday morning with my throat feeling very irritated, and my chest was tight so I assumed it was the cigarette smoke. However, it kept getting worse and worse, and the swelling was horrid by yesterday morning, so I went to the dr, and voila! I can swallow somewhat decently today but it's still rough.

The last time I had strep Jay come home with season 2 of Grey's Anatomy (LOL, it had just come out), but this time he said they were out and brought me home the book Multiple Blessings :D I started and finished it today, it was SO good! It was a real blessing and just a GIANT testimony for the Lord.

Any Jon & Kate fans out there?

Merry Christmas Friends!!

I have my last sheet of Gingerbread cookies in the oven, and as soon as they cool we're headed off to my parent's house for Christmas Eve festivities. That would be Hamburger soup for dinner and the opening of presents. Our day is packed tomorrow so I doubt I'll be online unless it's to fling food on facebook in the morning ;) So be safe, and we'll see you on Friday!!

The love of baking

I used to love baking, frosting, decorating baked goods, name it. I guess I got out of the groove of it. I can't tell you if I baked this year, sad, huh? Well, I'm gonna bake tomorrow. Hannah and I are going to attempt gingerbread men. I've never done them before, but I'm going to do the Hungry Girl recipe instead. Worse comes to worst, the house will smell good and Hannah can decorate them. Bakerella blew me away with her last post: Snow Globe Coca Cola Cupcakes. I'm going to try a version of these for Jay and see how they turn out, lol Just look at the pictures, they're beautiful!!

Hannah decorated the tree today. I gave in, I wanted a decorated tree for Christmas. Jay never found our traditional ornaments. When I pulled the "new" ones out of the bag in the box, I realized my ambitous thought from last year- I wanted the kids to have their own trees this year. The new ornaments was a GIRL set, red and purple balls, a specialized lipstick, a tiara, two satin dress ornaments .. an adorable set ;) So we have a girlie tree. pictures to come. It looks really nice with the popcorn-cranberry garland we made, and the cinnamon applesauce ornaments we made.


We had church tonight. It was wonderful, our candlelight service. It brought back memories from two years ago when Christmas was on a Sunday, and it fell upon our Communion service. It was Jackson's first Communion. It was such a special night :) Pastor preached a wonderful message on the shepherds in the fields the night Jesus was born. A friend and her family were in town tonight and we got to see them (at church). Wonderful news, they're expecting their seventh child! PTL! It's Hannah's BFF#3 and her family. I'm so happy for them. The girls were so happy to see each other tonight. Yep- I have pics ;)

Jay cleaned Hannah's room today ~whew~ It looks great. He put up the canopy I bought for her this summer- Disney clearance sale. She took the ten mylar balloons from her party and tied them to each post of her bed, lol Her bed now looks so festive *g*

Oh! The new baby mice are here! Dakota delivered early, I have no idea how early so I Imagine she's went into heat again and and yet again, we were too late. We were going to go get a new aquarium to put them in today to separate them but I found the babies under the bedding yesterday. She technically wasn't due until Thursday-Sunday. We need to separate them anyway- pray for us. Four of the Thanksgiving babies refuse to be handled- they jump from our hands. The other four are okay being handled. I want to move Dakota back to the regular cage with the new babies so we cna watch them grow like the others. We cannot even see the new ones! I trust they are okay. She has the food bowl flipped over on top of them and crawls under it to be with them. I know the little girls are sneaking in and being maternal with them too :p Very cute. It's amazing how big the Tday-babies are getting. Marty is a wonderful dad. I was watching him groom the bigger babies tonight. So sweet.

:::big sigh::: lets go to bed. It's very late.

Wordless Wednesday 12-24

Win $160 in coupons

I found a new blog today called "Mom Saves Money". It looks really neat and she's running a giveaway for $160 in coupons, no duplicates. If you live in my area and don't know yet, Harris Teeter will double twenty coupons per day up to a dollar (if over 20 they'll accept them at face value).

"My plan" includes taking advantage of that in the new year so this would be a neat start, don't you think?

center of attention

My aunt is sick tonight so my other aunt is picking me up soon to go see "A Christmas Gift" at our local arts theater in a few minutes. We went to see the movie and her friend's mom decided her and little sister would stay and watch the movie, so that was VERY nice cause I really like the mom and we visited seen them in months and months. The movie was VERY good. Go see it! (and tell Hollywood we want more family friendly movies made! )
After the movie I was instructed to kill some time, so we did. I was letting her think she was choosing our lunchspot, but I "accidentally" missed the turn to go where she chose (Golden Corral). I went the 1/3 mile down the road to turn around while passing the place we were meeting at, and she said "hey look!.." I asked if she wanted to go there and she said "YES!". So we got in there and she was shocked to find my parents, sister and her two sons, my aunt (her 'other' maw maw), Jay's mom (Nanae), his brother and Jackson. Her first words "what are y'all doing here?!" as she ran to everyone hugging them.

Ironically, a group of ladies from my high school class had been working on a get together date, and it just so happened that today worked best for about everyone but me cause of Hannah's birthday. When we decided on the surprise party, and this restaurant, I had to giggle cause that was where they chose to go eat, for lunch ... and I realized last night we had chose the same time they had. (However Hannah and I did not arrive til 45 minutes later, LOL!) So I got to see friends from school that I literally had not seen since 1993 ;) That was cool.

Lunch was delicious, that Whole Foods Cake was to DIE for (BETTER than Dewey's Bakery people!!) ... she LOVED her presents and said this was the best birthday after. O have a ton of pictures but I need to go get ready, so, I'll leave you with a teaser from what happened today.

and we're off

Hannah woke up a little before 8, and come and got in bed to snuggle and inform me she was seven years old. We have her "special outfit" sitting on the table beside the tree, I was going to let her find it herself but she left my bed when I dozed back off to go play Barbie on the computer ;) So I'm outof the shower, she's in the tub. I'm going to do my bible reading and put my makeup on before I go get her. We put her smell-good bath beads in the tub and I fluffed up the shampoo into a lotta bubbles so she's soaking like a beauty queen right now. (It'll be a while).

I'm going to let her scramble eggs for breakfast (translate: eat before movies to avoid popcorn and soda!), and then we'll be on our way to the movies! :)

Happy Birthday Hannah!!

oh the pain!!
Seven years ago right now I was severely pregnant, and had spent the day Christmas shopping in preparation for the big day, the 20th. The day my Hannah would be born. We walked all over Walmart, so much I thought I might had been starting some contractions! My feet were hurting SO bad. With balancing that big ol belly, my hips were hurting something bad, too. That's some kind of pain! But the next day, my baby girl was born weighing just two ounces less than her brother but with more hair.

Fast forward seven years. I was again, in Walmart, but this time not shopping just picking up my photo cards *g* I sent in one copy just to see how they printed, we went home, adjusted, and put in the order. From Walmart I went to the kids school and walked and walked and walked- back and forth between their classes. Uhg! It was nice to be there with them but I knew I would be paying for it tonight.
After school we took the kids to meet MIL and we went shopping for birthdays and Christmas. Yes, Hannah is getting her "special birthday dress" she picked out- the one she wanted to wear for her birthday ;o) and I scored the one I really liked (for her) too! (It's this fabric) LOL I just love Gymboree.

Moving on. We go from the mall to Dicks Sporting Goods, then to O'Charleys for dinner. While sitting at dinner I felt the pain coming on. See, I now have arthritis in my feet (and have had burcitis, a form of arthritis, in my hips for years) and can only stand / walk for so long at a time before it just radiates through me. These days when the feet and hips are hurting, my lower back gets jealous and decides to join in. So I'm in recovering mode now, and have finally realized WHY I like to shop online so much these days *g* After dinner, we went to Whole Foods and picked out the best birthday cake we could with the choices we were left with at 8pm. From there, we went back to pick up the kids from MILs.

So seven years later- I'm STILL in pain! ;o) But I'll be alright- I have a happy, healthy soon to be seven year old girl laying in her bed right now dreaming about being a princess. (That's what she always dreams about) . She has accepted Christ as her Savior and is confident in her relationship with Him.

I could not ask for more.

Amanda wisdom

from December 10th-

Amanda wrote on Gracie's Blog again today. Her words about ^Gracie^ resonate so much with how I have been feeling about ^Jordan^ and working through my own grief. I feel horrible that someone losing their own child, has actually helped me deal with my own grief with my great nephew.

Some of her post today:

Yes, God has a wonderful plan for every life. But, we may never understand reasons why He does things and that’s where I have the trouble. I want an answer! I want to see the end result. Not only from my losing a child…but in my ministry…in my life. I want to see what God is doing right now.

I want every wrong to be made right--right now! If I have to live right, I want everyone to live right! My heart is too tender to deal with any more hurt. The fact that I stood next to my precious little girl’s body in a cold casket should make everyone want to be right to me!

But, that’s not how life is. If I am a believer, I have to trust God in the midst of an evil and cold world--in the midst of what seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel--in the midst of unanswered questions--and empty arms. Even if years go by and we don’t see why…I have to believe that God is good and fair in all.

.... I still don’t have an answer as to why everything that took place in 2008 did.

But, the Holy Spirit answers every charge I throw at Him with a “still, small voice” and I have to accept that answer for now. What the devil wants is for me to not be satisfied with the answers for now and forsake it all! ....

... But, the trusting the Lord as Saviour doesn’t end at Salvation…it is a continual-blind-unknowing-not understanding--honored and suffering kind of trust. The other day, I read in the Psalm where David was having trouble with evil men-a wicked world, and what seemed to be a despondent God. Then David said, “ I HAD FAINTED, UNLESS I HAD BELIEVED TO SEE THE GOODNESS OF THE LORD IN THE LAND OF THE LIVING.” In spite of my questions, I have to believe to see the goodness of the Lord in the land around me--even when the devil says He is not. Otherwise, I will faint.

***David goes on to say, “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. ...

Such wisdom in those words. Gracie was about a month younger than Jordan. When I look at he rpictures I can't help but think to myself how they would have been about the same size. He was so tiny when we lost him, such a little fella. I look at Gracie and think of all the suffering she endured in her short little life, and can't help but wonder- what kind of "bullet" did Jordan miss by the Lord taking him home like he did? Was there one? Or was he sent here for those short weeks to teach us something? The only thing I've learned is unbelievable grief, but Amanda is right, His grace is sufficient, that's for sure!!

Finding perspective

I woke up with such happy news. My BFF had called to let me know that in the past six days since we've spoke, she found a house and purchased it. Not just any house, but a really AWESOME house, perfectly fit for her growing family for some $30k LESS than the asking price. That, my friends, is a happy wake up call.


Then J had some not so good news ... that explains the prayer warrior comment on my Facebook page. I won't say anything about it, but the Lord knows what it is and that's most important. If you're the praying type, this situation needs prayer. Big time. I will say, a big component is someone needs salvation. If that happened, the situation would be much better. But the prayers said this morning helped, so for those who saw the comment and did pray, thank you from the bottom of my heart.


So I get up while talking to my BFF on the phone, make me some coffee, we get off the phone and I do my bible reading. The day, while rocky with the not so good news- was still in the positive because I'm so happy for my BFF and her awesome new house. After reading I get online, and catch up on posts at the Frugal Kitchen. Then I check in at the staff board to find the news ...


One of my online friends' baby has had cancer for the past year. He turned 2 in September. (See his pics) He was dx'd this time last year. Things were looking so positive just two weeks ago, but, it happened. The cancer is back, and it is here .. to stay. For my new friends who might not know, my great nephew passed in his sleep in April at seven weeks. I watched him while his mom worked from 3 weeks, had him anywhere from 60-70 hours a week. It has been a HARD year, very emotional, and really- just in the past couple of months have I allowed myself to start processing it.

This year, I got to know a little baby named Gracie, who was basically born with half of a heart. She went home to be with the Lord in October. Through her mother's posting, I have found a lot of healing in regards to the spiritual perspective of losing an infant. I've also been dealing with a lot of guilt that, this mother had to watch her child fight for her life for eight months, and bury her, for me to findthe healing I need through her testimony in how she handled it all.

However, it is NOT FAIR. I'm an emotional rollar coaster right now. Parents should NOT have to bury their children. Babies should NOT be buried. I read my friend's site, and see how they're planning her ds's life celebration, and just think- parents should NOT have to do this. It's NOT FAIR. YES I'm upset! Babies should not have cancer! Or should they? What is really better? For him to grow up and possibly never know the Lord personally, and face death then, or face it at two years old and go straight into the arms of Jesus?

Really. How do you put death into perspective? How do you keep your heart from breaking thinking about losing an infant or child? How do you put into perspective that a parent must worry about their child's pain level? Why does this have to happen? Will it really make sense when I get to heaven and ask the Lord about it?

I think I need to go reread my post about Amanda's wisdom again. Oh, that reminds me. I forgot to ost it here. I meant to, really. I promise. As a matter of fact, I'm going to go get it and post it before this post.

Wordless Wednesday 12-17

In the News: 12-16

America's Most Wanted: Case Closed

Fla. police close books on '81 Walsh killing
HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – A serial killer who died more than a decade ago is the
person who decapitated the 6-year-old son of "America's Most Wanted" host John
Walsh in 1981, police in Florida said Tuesday. [read
more]

I saw the interview with the dad on Fox News today. I felt SO sorry for him, I could not imagine being in his shoes right now. I had no idea that was how that show originated, either. To imagine the grief that man was feeling at that time and he dedicated his life to helping others who were going through what he was going through. To think of how he felt when another family's case was solved and closed, and he continued to wonder ... WOW. I agree with him. what kind of person does that to a child? :o(

Speaking of what kind of person, it looks like we're getting closer to finding out what happened to Caylee Anthony. While I had no idea about the Walsh case, I have been following the Anthony case from day one and it BLOWS MY MIND -

totally! How can a mother wait a MONTH before telling anyone her daughter is missing? It's all phooey if you ask me! It appears they've put first degree murder back on the table for Casey, which I believe is the only right thing to do. For those who are not very familiar with this story, you can read the timeline here.

Did anyone see the story about the little girl who wrote a letter to Santa and turned it in at school ... and one of her requests was for someone in her family to stop touching her and her sister? :o( Great man alive! PTL her wish will be coming true this Christmas.

Oh and what about the shoe thrower? According to this story, the guy is being lifted up as a folk hero, his brother saying it was their way of saying goodbye to Bush, etc .. do they not realize that because of what Bush has done in Iraq in regards to the Operation Iraqi Freedom, that man did not die for his actions? That because of OIF, he actually has the liberty to express his opinions and views in a peaceful fashion (not through violence!) without fear of action by his own government? Seriously people!

Here's the video (I chose this one for the slow motion, George Bush is QUICK!! lol)-

Thoughts? Opinions? Anyone?

Need a laugh?

Jackson sent this to me and I thought I was going to DIE LOL'ing ... maybe this shows the state of my sense of humor, too though ;)

Recouping from the weekend

We had a much busier than normal weekend. Birthday party, Christmas play practice, alternate childcare arrangements, sunday school Christmas party, playdates, family get togethers, WHEW!~ I didn't do much today. Got some housework done. Jackson started up with a fever last night, complaining with his throat hurting. I wasn't surprised when he said it, the girl we take to school had strep throat last week. So having some amoxicillian left over from his ear infection two weeks ago, we started him on that last night. He was still running a low grade fever tonight. Not sure if he'll be home tomorrow or not.

I'm very bothered at how sick he has been. He has not been sick like this since he was a year old. I'm frustrated cause I know how I can strengthen his immune system, but there are others in our household that would never comply or support what it takes to accomplish that, and it makes me MAD! It just reminds me of how some people will never "get it", no matter what is faced in front of them. I know of a wife whose dh was morbidly obese. The doctors literally said "lose weight or die". The wife didn't stop bringing fast food into the house. Her H eventually died. He did not stand a chance.

Why do people choose to continually make decisions that are bad for them and their family? :o( Yes, Hannah is a picky eater. I would not mind fixing extra dishes, of they were HEALTHY extra dishes and not a serving of frozen pre cooked processed chicken nuggets! Why would you choose to give your children sugar laden cereal in the mornings? Do you just not listen when they say the sugar crash is bad for their ability to retain what they are being taught? That it is overall bad for their blood sugar levels? That it will make them cranky mid day and potentially cause trouble for them because of their inability to control said crankiness? ::sigh:: I just don't understand.

He has SO much homework, and with him being out of school like he has been, he's having to work twice as hard to get everything caught up, and it's overwhelming for him. I'm glad J has stepped up and is working with him on his homework. I believe he appreciates the extra attention, too.

Hannah's birthday- we've decided I'm going to call her bff's from her school last year and invite them to the movies to see The Tale of Despereux Saturday, probably around lunchtime. After that, they'll come over to the house for some playtime. Jackson's bff #1 come home with us from church Sunday, and it done his spirit a world of good. I believe this will lift Hannah spiritually being with these friends. Her "good friend" at school seems to be really sensitive from what she comes home saying. It's like she cannot play with another child without the friend getting upset and actually crying? Hmmm... Not sure if I'll manage the crown I wanted to do, and I remembered today that months ago she picked out a mini cake at Whole Foods she wanted for her birthday, so I'm going to get her one of those instead of baking this week like I was originally thinking.

So I was surfing the blogs a little bit and found these ADORABLE hand sewn Care Bear ornaments! How precious are these? Our tree is up, and we've created popcorn - cranberry garland and hung it on the tree, but no ornaments. J hasn't found our old ones, though we've found the new ones we bought from Target after Christmas. As far as I'm concerned, they'll go up tomorrow. I'm ready for it to feel like Christmas. Honestly? It's not, really.

All that's left with our cinnamon applesauce ornaments is to tie the string in them so we can hang them. I believe I'll start another batch of those to cut up and dry- Hannah really enjoyed decorating them with glue and glitter. They look cute. I also want to do a gingerbread house. Check this cool one out :) So far the only one the kids have gotten to do is the one in k5- a milk carton with graham cracker walls and roof, decorated. It was yummy though!

Head is sore, starting to hurt, good night!

Get out your tissues

The bible says we should come to God with the heart of a child. I have always thought children had a special connection to God because their prayers are so pure, so unhindered by the cares of this world. I saw a clip from this on Fox and Friends this morning, I mean just a BLIP- and I bawled my eyes out. I could not find video this morning but as I was watching the O'Reilly Factor on DVR they showed her name and I googled to find that this story actually is from where I live! LOL! This makes me even more proud for some reason.

Get your tissues out, you're gonna need them:

Wordless Wednesday

Mouse Babies

We're famous now, we're on youtube ;) I cannot believe how fast the babies are growing. They were no bigger than jelly beans when they were born! Twelve days and they're tripled in size. I'm amazed at how Dakota manages to nurse them. Right now they either are lined up like little itty bitty COWS, or she's laying across them like she's on a mosh pit or something, LOL!! (See end of first video)

Oh, and Dakota is pregnant again @@ So we get to do this in another 2-3 weeks, too. Anyone in the market for sweet little pets for Christmas? They'll be hand raised and lots sweeter than those psycho hamsters people buy ;o)

I'm filming them with our digital camera. They were born in the "nest" area of their cage, and it is green tinted. So that's why the color isn't the best in the world but we plan on moving them to a clear, solid cage soon so I'll have lots of great material then :D



Notice how they're all still until she comes in the nest and they mob her? All you see half the time are feet and butts, LOL It's so funny how they just drag behind her.



I got tickled with this one below watching that one this morning clean itsself, they just started cleaning theirselves today. One's eyes have opened as well- it won't be too long!



This one below was cute- the 'grownup' in this video is Marty, previously Mary, sitting with the babies while Dakota went below to eat some food. He's a good babysitter and we've caught him at times laying across them as if he was nusing them (awwwww). Dakota will be laying up there feeding the babies and Marty will be grooming Mary, LOL!!

Also notice how he starts sniffing my way, and packing the bedding against where I might stick my hand in the cage (protective daddy!)? At the very end you see "Speck", the white one stick its head out from the pile. That's Titus you hear in the background. He sits and watches them too ;o)

Cinnamon Applesauce Ornaments

We made the ornaments I mentioned previously the other night. It wasn't quite what we thought it was going to be, BUT, we ended up having a good time anyway ;) It helps when mom doesn't have a busting headache and dad isn't tempted to the game on TV, lol

"Christianity" taken OUT of dictionary

Yes, that is right! The Junior Oxford dictionary (Oxford University Press) has taken the word "Christianity" out of it's most recent version. Hopefully this is not a widely used version for children in the US, from other articles it seems it's more of a UK directed text.

Words removed from the Oxford Junior Dictionary:
NATURE
Bluebell,
budgerigar, cygnet, dandelion, gerbil, goldfish, guinea pig, kingfisher, magpie,
marzipan, minnow, newt, piglet, primrose, starling, willow,
wren.

CHRISTIANITY
Carol, cracker, holly, ivy, mistletoe, abbey,
altar, bishop, chapel, christen, disciple, monk, nun, pew, saint, sin

HISTORY
Coronation, duchess, duke, emperor, empire, monarch, decade

Words added:

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Blog, broadband, MP3 player,
voicemail, attachment, database, chatroom, analogue, incisor, square number,
trapezium, food chain

SOCIETY
Celebrity, tolerant, vandalism, negotiate, interdependent,
drought, biodegradable, bilingual

POLITICS
Citizenship, EU, euro, committee, democratic *

Read more:
World Net Daily : Cultural Cancer
Daily Mail: Is it a sin? Christian words deleted from Oxford dictionary
John Stossel's 'Stupid in America'

Hopefully Something Rhetorical: Giveaway

This is just too cute. If I don't win it, I think I might try to make it myself. But I really want to win it! There's still time to enter, she's extended her deadline til Sunday at 7pm CST.
Go check her out.

Birthdays and Holidays

I'm going to be in party planning mode for the next month. Hannah's birthday is the 20th, and Jackson's birthday is January 2nd. I need to figure out soon what we're going to do!! However, I found this most adorable crown tutorial, and I think I can manage hand sewing it, don't you think? I mean, Jay and I cross stitched quite a bit when we were dating. It wasn't bad. Hannah will be so surprised to find this on her birthday morning!!

I also found this method for making homemade applesauce ornaments. I saw directions here for bird patterns, too, so between the two of them I believe we have some good direction. I think we might try this this weekend. I like the idea of using glitter to decorate them.

Speaking of new traditions. With the kid's birthdays being so close to the holidays I constantly feel like I'm failing them with birthday-only related things. With their getting older and all, they're paying more attention to things now. Up until now, they've been perfectly contented with their $25-pick-what-you-want-within-reason allowances. (On their birthday, we go out and they pick whatever it is they want.)

It may sound hokey, but I wonder. In one of my favorite movies, The Divine Secrets of the YaYa Sisterhood (see trailor for a good LOL), Vivi (the mother of Sandra Bullock's character) had a tradition is "sneaking" a birthday cake into the kid's rooms and waking them up first thing on their birthday mornings. They'd have their own little "party" to start out the day, blowing out candles, etc ... This is the first year they will NOT be in school on their birthdays! They will get out of school the day before Hannah's (bday Sat. 12-20), and they'll go back to school three days after Jackson's (bday Fri. 1-2).

I saw Bakerella's idea of making mini-double layered cakes using her moist yellow cake recipe she put together. Naturaally I'm only capable of doing the "messy" design, but still.

What do you think of starting that tradition this year for something new?
Oops, gotta run- here they come ;)

Confessions of a Craft Addict: Giveaway

Dawn, I'm thinking about you in this giveaway!
COCA is having a giveaway associating it with Give Away Day, called "Have a Craft Addict Christmas", and she's giving away a TON of craft supplies! Going through all of these craft blogs, I'm inspired now. I am going to ask my mom if we can dig her sewing machine out of the spare bedroom and bring it over here so she can teach me how to sew. (Lord help us all! lol) This year might not be a handmade Christmas, but next year has a good chance!!

As with previous entries, you get extra trys at the giveaway when you post about iton your blog, so guess what I'm doing ;) Go check it out!!

Edward and Lilly Blog Giveaway

Yes, I bet you are laughing at me by now, but I am still trying to get through that list at Sew Mama Sew, and you can too!! Since the list was so humongous, a lot of the blogs have graciously extended their deadline. I shouldn't be telling you this, cause it lessens me chance of winning, but ... I'm nice like that ;)

The blog Edward and Lilly have an adorable set of little handmade birdie ornaments they are giving away, and if you post on your blog about it, you get an extra entry. So guess what I'm doing ;) Go ahead and enter too!

Christmas Cookies

Will you be making cookies this year during the Christmas season? I usually make my pumpkin chocolate chip cookies the day of our fall festival, at the kid's now-former school. It's the provate school that is associated with our church, so we were still planning on going (my working in it ..), like usual. It's tradition for us, been doing it for five years now!

But the week of the festival, Jay's grandmother passed away. The funeral was the day of the festival, and it was raining, so we did not get to make it to the destival. Due to the funeral events (cooking, planning, etc ..) I didnt get to bake the cookies like I usually do. So guess what? It's technically not fall yet ;) Oh you didn't know that? It's not fall until my cookies are totally eaten, LOL

I'm going to reformat the recipe this year to make it more healthful, too.
I'd also like to do some cut out cookies and decorate them with the royal icing with the kids, I think they'd like that a lot. Have you ever done that?

We usually have a cookies swap for my Sunday school class, but I don't believe one is planned for this year. Maybe I'll host one. That would be so much fun! Have you ever been to a cookie swap?

Will you be making cookies this year during the Christmas season?
Have you ever baked cutout cookies and decorated them?
Have you ever been to a cookie swap?
What is your favorite Christmas cookie?

Speaking of sweets. I found a new blog "Bakerella", and I am in AWE of this woman's talent! The photography on this blog is mesmorizing, not to mention the sheer yumminess of it all. She also has a giveaway going on through December 6th, too. Check it out!

Rick Warren dares someone to "get saved"

I'm watching Rick Warren right now on Hannity and Colmes, and Alan Colmes, a self proclaimed Jew, is asking him about how God views non Christians. Warren actually told Alan, to give Jesus a 60 day trial!

"Give him a 60 day trial.. (everyone laughs) see if he will change your
life, I DARE you ... try trusting Jesus for 60 days .. your money guaranteed
back ... "
--- Rick Warren

Seriously? How can he say something like that when thousands of non Christians are watching? That is SO theologically WRONG on so many levels! All that wrapped up in a clear cut message of the gospel. He laid it out well, yet he throws something as callous as that in there, weakening the entire meaning.

So sad :(
If I have time I might record the video of it and post it.

Mommy and Beyond, I wanna win!

Okay from the post below you know I'm having a good ol time with this give away day event. Well, I've run into a blog I really I want to win on!! Check out Mommy and Beyond, and look at the things she is offering!! :-O How generous!!

Seriously, y'all gotta get in on this *g*

I'm so very excited - Give Away Day!

I found this post from Sew Mama Sew, as a result of Gisele and Birdie's post (thanks Gisele!). The crafting-blogging community have come together for Give Away Day, and there's a HUGE list of participating blogs. Each blog is giving something handmade away to a lucky commenter. All you gotta do is comment!! How great is that? How awesome. I'm having a good time looking through these blogs as a craft-inept person from way back ;) I'm in awe at these ladies' talents!

Be sure to start here, and have fun!!

'Under God' pastor dead at 97

I did not know the story behind how "under God" come to be a part of our pledge of allegiance, until I read this article. Did you? I wonder if this will have an impact on the attack against the pledge, if it will make it worsen or not.

N.C. School teacher bully's 5th grader

This teacher is SO partisan it's unbelievable. The girl's parents are very forgiving, much more than what I believe I would be. It's okay for a child to say they support BO because he's black, but it's not okay to support McCain because he believes in finishing the war? Not to mention, she completely misquoted the "100 year" statement too- she literally lied to those students! This is an outrage IMO The undue stress she has put on that poor girl. Shoot, mine had enough of a time being a McCain supporter without having a teacher belittling them!

Parrot Saved Girl's Life With Warning

Check it out!
http://cbs4denver.com/watercooler/life.saving.parrot.2.860499.html

Election Reflection

Did you get free stuff for voting yesterday?
We got free Krispy Kreme donuts *g* Both of the kids had "I voted" stickers too, and thier sign said anyone with a sticker got a free star shape -white frosted-red & blue sprinkled donut. So we got three ;) but when we got there., that "hot donuts" sign was on - YIPPEE!! So I bought a dozen glazed, right off the line. aawwww MAN they were so good. I was campaigning for a local person last election so I had no idea you got free stuff for voting, I was busy! LOL So we started a new tradition this year ;o)

There are instances shown in the Bible, that God gave the nations what they wanted. Has this happened again? When the people realized the error of their ways, God freely forgave and restored them when they humbled theirselves and repented of their wrongdoing. This morning I'm reflecting on my role as a Christian in all of this- if the church was witnessing like it should be, would this be happening? If we all (including myself) were more conscious of our witness in front of people, and actually went before people instead of staying in our comfortable little holes we live in- what kind of impact would that have had in this election?

The next four years can be a time for real revival in our country to where there can be a bigger conservative base as a result of GOD changing the hearts of men!

Did you vote? How was it?

I was going to head out to the polls when they opened this morning, but A) I did not sleep well and needed more Z's B) I have kids that come here at 7:15 and got to thinking "what if there's a line that early?"... so we waited and we were ready to go when they got here.

We got to the polls at 7:20, and yep, there was a line! The people at the end said they were there when the polls opened ;) So that told me I would not be through the line before the kids had to be at school by 8:10, so we come back home for a few minutes before I took them to school.

I'm going to go get the kids out of school early, about 2, and we're going to go vote. I'll double check the line before I go get them. The poll, my house, and the school are all on the same road, the poll 1/2 mile to the right of us, the school 1/2 mile to the left ;) So it's not a lot of running. I want them to be a part of the process. Hannah (6 yrs) was bummed we didn't get to vote this morning, she was excited. They had mock elections last week that got her pumped up- she created signs and hung them in the livingroom, LOL!!

They voted with me in the primaries and we so excited with everything. I have darling pics on my camera phone, but my service is off and I'm not sure I can get them off of there!!

God's chastening, part 1 of 3

The bible is clear that God will chasten His children.
Hebrews 12:5
And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:

Lets look at the definition of chasten as it pertains to the Word:

1) the whole training and education of children (which relates to the cultivation of mind and morals, and employs for this purpose now commands and admonitions, now reproof and punishment) It also includes the training and care of the body
2) whatever in adults also cultivates the soul, esp. by correcting mistakes and curbing passions.
a) instruction which aims at increasing virtue
b) chastisement, chastening, (of the evils with which God visits men for their amendment)

WOW! That's a lot more than what we commonly think when we consider chastening, isn't it? Lets go further into this verse to the phrase "... when thou art rebuked ..."

1) to convict, refute, confute
a) generally with a suggestion of shame of the person convicted
b) by conviction to bring to the light, to expose

2) to find fault with, correct
a) by word

1) to reprehend severely, chide, admonish, reprove

2) to call to account, show one his fault, demand an explanation
b) by deed

1) to chasten, to punish

How does God do this?
I believe He uses His Word, for one. I also believe he allows us to suffer consequences from our sin. If we are not in His will, then we are possibly in sin, are we not? If we do not keep our word to someone because we think we have a better idea for a situation, we are bound to suffer the consequences of not keeping our Word. The bible says we reap what we sow! Lets go further into this passage to verse 6:

6For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

Lets examine "... he chasteneth ...":

1) to train children
a) to be instructed or taught or learn
b) to cause one to learn

2) to chastise
a) to chastise or castigate with words, to correct

1) of those who are moulding the character of others by reproof and admonition
b) of God

1) to chasten by the affliction of evils and calamities
c) to chastise with blows, to scourge

1) of a father punishing his son
2) of a judge ordering one to be scourged

From here we can gather that God will chastise with either words (be it from a loved one, or from His Word), or actions- 'by the affliction of evils and calamities'. Being chastised from anyone never feels good, so lets not fool ourselves in thinking that evils or calamities will not fall upon us. I do however believe that God can bring upon good during chastisement. This leads to my continual thought: "What is God trying to show me (or teach me) through this situation?". Food for thought!

What about "... every ..."? Oh this is a good one. I often see the mindset that unless you are suffering from some type of persecution or calamity all the time, you are not a "good Christian", but this verse appears to dispel that mindset. Lets look:

1) individually
a) each, every, any, all, the whole, everyone, all things, everything
2) collectively
a) some of all types

side note: "... 'The whole world is gone after him.' Did all the world go after
Christ? 'Then went all Judea, and were baptized of him in Jordan.' Was all
Judea, or all Jerusalem baptized in Jordan? 'Ye are of God, little children',
and 'the whole world lieth in the wicked one.' Does 'the whole world' there mean
everybody? If so, how was it, then, that there were some who were 'of God?' The
words 'world' and 'all' are used in some seven or eight senses in Scripture; and
it is very rarely that 'all' means all persons, taken individually. The words
are generally used to signify that Christ has redeemed some of all sorts—some
Jews, some Gentiles, some rich, some poor, and has not restricted his redemption
to either Jew or Gentile." (Charles H. Spurgeon, Particular Redemption, A
Sermon, 28 Feb 1858).

Okay we're learning here! Lets go deeper ... "... son ..."- this was a LONG definition, so I'm going to put the first part here and if you want to read the rest, go on to the page, okay?

1) a son
a) rarely used for the young of animals
b) generally used of the offspring of men
c) in a restricted sense, the male offspring (one born by a father and of a mother)
d) in a wider sense, a descendant, one of the posterity of any one,
1) the children of Israel
2) sons of Abraham
e)) used to describe one who depends on another or is his follower
1) a pupil

Does this mean that God only chastises men? No, women are not excluded from God's chastisement. I know when the Lord first started dealing with me about my role as a wife in our home, I was receiving some rough chastisement, the Lord sure gave me a great big spiritual spanking, and I knew it! Women depend on God just as a man, therefore, women are not exempt from God's chastisement. But looking further, this word also encompasses the following definition:

3) those whose character God, as a loving father, shapes by chastisements (Heb. 12:5-8)
d) those who revere God as their father, the pious worshippers of God, those who in character and life resemble God, those who are governed by the Spirit of God, repose the same calm and joyful trust in God which children do in their parents (Rom. 8:14, Gal. 3:26 ), and hereafter in the blessedness and glory of the life eternal will openly wear this dignity of the sons of God. Term used preeminently of Jesus Christ, as enjoying the supreme love of God, united to him in affectionate intimacy, privy to his saving councils, obedient to the Father's will in all his acts

Lets move on to "... he receiveth ..."

1) to receive, take up, take upon one's self
2) to admit i.e. not to reject, to accept, receive
a) of a son: to acknowledge as one's own

When we are born again, we are adopted into the family of God:
Romans 8:15
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

The reason we need salvation to begin with is because sin separates us from God, he is a Holy God. When we are born again, a bridge is made between us and Him, and he receives us to himself. We become His, he adopts us. I like to say we become "spiritual Jews" ;o)

Words to live by

Zechariah 8
16These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates:
17And let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbour; and love no false oath: for all these are things that I hate, saith the LORD.

I read this passage this morning and found it so profound, yet so simple. "These are things you need to do", and he just lays them out.
Be truthful.
Do not tolerate lieing within your gates (home).
Plan no evil against anyone ... this one I'll go as far as to THINK no evil towards anyone.
Find false oaths unacceptable.

These are things he hates, so we should, too. Such a basic plan to live by in our daily lives. What a great foundation to lay for our children. This is what kids can grasp, so there's no reason we as adults should not be able to grab hold of these concepts and do so. Yet, will we choose to do so?

I was reading in a forum recently a conversation about Christians boycotting companies that promote, or even, do not oppose, homosexuality. There were scores who said they had nothing to do with a major theme park in our country, or the merchandise of the company that owns the theme park, because of their refusal to stay neutral in the culture war. There was a lone Christian there that shared her thought that she felt such a boycott was not ... necessary perse, because there are TONS of companies out there, that support the lifestyle in one way, shape, form or fashion and we might be supporting that company.

I understood what she is saying. "Choose your battles". I watched the thread unfold, with her conversing when she could with the rest of those who chose to boycott, then there was "the post". The one that says anyone who has that wavelength of thinking is just making excuses not to live a godlier life and stand up for the Lord. Whhhaaaaaattt?

Okay lets step back. The bible says nothing about boycotts. Can we acknowledge that? Are we really questioning the fruitfulness of some one's spirituality because they choose to purchase merchandise from a company that supports the homosexual lifestyle? Since when did we become the judge and jury of what is in some one's heart?

That person was thinking evil towards their neighbor. Even worse, towards a sibling in Christ, which IMO is worse. We all have our own convictions regarding certain things, but we must be careful in our words not to strike down another because they do not share the same convictions. If the bible does not say "boycott companies that ...", then clearly, there's a gray area and we are left to seek the Lord in the matter.

If we all acted the same, we would be one boring family, that's for sure. We all have our own purpose in this giant family in Christ, lets remember to respect each other.

Lets be truthful:
acknowledge there are gray areas that the Lord has left in our world to cause us to seek Him out for His guidance, not the opinions of others.

Lets not be so dogmatic about our convictions that it might cause someone in our home to lie to us for fear of confrontation. Have you ever had someone visiting that was lost, and when trying to talk to them about the Lord they acted much more spiritual than you know they are? There's such thing as showing respect for some one's way of life, then there's the matter of someone feeling like they have to act like something they are not around you, because of how you act through your attitudes, words, and actions.

Plan no evil against anyone.
If someone does not share the same convictions as you, and you are having a hard time wrapping your mind around how someone can feel that way- it might be a good idea to just not say anything at all. You stand a better chance of getting understanding and wisdom in the matter of you pray for that person, rather than accusing that person of making excuses for not being the same as you, and coming off as legalistic or "better than thou". That person might be the weaker Christian and your attitude may cause them to stumble greatly in their walk with the Lord because of what you might say.

Find false oaths unacceptable.
This can be applicable to witnessing. Most anyone will say "Yes I'm a Christian" to avoid speaking to you. There are many versions of the term "Christian" out there. To us who know truly what it means to be a Christian, this is unacceptable, that person may indeed be false! How about asking "Have you been born again?". You can tell from their reaction where the truth lies. Even if you don't get to lead them to the Lord that day, you know more what to pray for then rather than accepting the person's word that they were a Christian, when it's very possible, they truly are not according to the Bible's standards.

Have you ever read through the book Zechariah? This is my first time. What a treasure. Those two verses just jumped out at me this morning. I hope this was a blessing for you, as it was for me to find these verses. Why not comment and share your thoughts?

Message to our children

I love King David. Out of all of the people in the bible, I am drawn to David most. The Lord saw fit to show him at his best, and at his worst. Though David he shows the potential we have as humans to be righteous, pleasing to God, on the mountaintop, as well as in the valleys, at our worst with sin in our lives taking rule. Having clinical depression, I relate with David greatly because after reading about him you can see the same highs and lows in him that a Christian dealing with clinical depression would have in their own lives. David "makes it real".

I'm reading in Chronicles now, and run into David's charge to Solomon for when he will become King over Israel. I am wowed each time I read about David, and this time is no exception. David tells Solomon what we all should be telling our children (and remember for ourselves!):

1 Chronicles 28
9And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.

20And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD.

What comfort and security is to be found in these verses! David in these verses was leaving a legacy of holiness to his child, assurance of the faithfulness of our God. He not only tells him how good God is, but how HOLY he is as well. Oftentimes we tend to forget to remind our children how HOLY God is.

Lately I have been reminding our children when things are not going well for them, how what they are experiencing could possibly be the result of unconfessed sin in their life that they have not repented from. In my own life it has been hard enough to keep that in the forefront of my own life, I want to train my children to have that thought second nature unlike their mom's experience. I don't want them to forget that our God will not tolerate sin in our lives, and when we walk in sin and with self centered prideful attitudes, we lose our fellowship with God and our prayers will be hindered.

Likewise, I want them to be confident of the faithfulness of our God. This is why it is important to always remind them when God's faithfulness is being revealed in our lives. We experienced the loss of an infant family member just a number of months ago, that we were very close with and spent an unordinary amount of time with. That tragedy was devastating to our family and I've felt as if I lost one of my own children. It's one thing to experience the loss of an infant as an adult, but imagine what goes through the mind of a tender 6 year old girl's heart when thinking about God allowing a baby to die. Imagine feeling helpless as you watch her go through the motions of grief, not really knowing what do to but praying without ceasing! Yet, time heals all hurts. It is when I see her able to look at the baby's picture, and not burst into uncontrollable tears, I am able to show her how God has helped her in her grief. How God has given her peace in her heart to be able to start thinking about how much she loved the baby, without having the overwhelming thoughts of how much she misses it.

God is so good, so faithful, and so true to us. We don't know why God allowed the baby to die, but we do know he done it for His glory. That, we can count on. He started a work in us the day the baby died, and one day we might be able to minister to another family that experienced the same thing we did. One day my daughter might be able to comfort a classmate that does not know Christ, who experienced the loss of an infant in their life. I want my children to understand and be confident that when they seek the Lord, they will find Him. That as long as they are seeking Him, He will finish the work He started in them until the day He returns.

*CG

Josiah's testimony

I have been reading through the books of Kings, and it has been quite interesting. It seems more Kings than not, "..done evil in the sight of the Lord". Today I read the most positive testimony yet from the book of Kings, and unless there's a more positive one in chapter 25 (the last, which I will read tomorrow)- it is, the most positive, God honoring testimony by a King of Israel. When we hear of people who have accomplished great things for the Lord, we think "wow, I wish God could use me ...". Ladies (and gentleman)- God CAN use you!! Don't let the enemy Satan deceive you in this matter! Seek Him, and you will find Him.

You see, Josiah was eight years old when he become King in Jerusalem. He reigned for thirty one years, so he was thirty nine when he died. He died fighting on behalf of the Lord. I can only imagine, how did Josiah, having such a wicked father in Amon, and grandfather in Manasseh (Ma-nas`-seh), turn out so godly for the Lord? One can only conclude that his mother, Jedidah (Je-di`-dah) taught him the way of the righteous. Thank God for godly mothers!

Lets see what the scriptures say about young Josiah-

2 Kings 22
1Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned thirty and one years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Jedidah, the daughter of Adaiah of Boscath.

2And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in all the way of David his father, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left.

I love how God made sure to be so precise in His Word to include "... and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left.". At eight years old, this boy knew exactly what to do to please God. I bet the inhabitants of Jerusalem turned their heads to the side, puzzled, at the godliness of this young leader, knowing the wickedness that went on before him! For sake of time I'm hitting only the highlights of this story but I encourage you to read all of it from 2 Kings 22-24.

We start seeing what Josiah accomplishes for the Lord in the eighteenth year of his reign. First he restores the temple. The priests find a book of the law, brings it to him, and he learns of the wickedness of his forefathers, and is distressed. Why? Because he knows what is right. I've noticed that a big concern of godly Kings is that their country live in peace, and that they know they will die in peace. Lets see more into our story:

2 Kings 22
11And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the book of the law, that he rent his clothes.

13Go ye, enquire of the LORD for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that is found: for great is the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this book, to do according unto all that which is written concerning us.

{Below is the messages from the prophetess... she had just explained the wrath that wold be upon the people because of the forefather's wickedness ...)

18But to the king of Judah which sent you to enquire of the LORD, thus shall ye say to him, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, As touching the words which thou hast heard;

19Because thine heart was tender, and thou hast humbled thyself before the LORD, when thou heardest what I spake against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and hast rent thy clothes, and wept before me; I also have heard thee, saith the LORD.

20Behold therefore, I will gather thee unto thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered into thy grave in peace; and thine eyes shall not see all the evil which I will bring upon this place. And they brought the king word again.

From that point, we see King Josiah on fire for the Lord, casting down alters to false gods, slaying the priests that had committed such abominations against the Lord- he was finally bringing Jerusalem back to its original state of righteousness, putting it back in God's will for them again. They were about to have the passover again, and it was mention that there had not BEEN a passover held (for a very long time).

chaper 23:
21And the king commanded all the people, saying, Keep the passover unto the LORD your God, as it is written in the book of this covenant.

22Surely there was not holden such a passover from the days of the judges that judged Israel, nor in all the days of the kings of Israel, nor of the kings of Judah;

Josiah, becoming a king at 8 years old, dieing at 39, had pleased the Lord. It is written:
chapter 23:
24Moreover the workers with familiar spirits, and the wizards, and the images, and the idols, and all the abominations that were spied in the land of Judah and in Jerusalem, did Josiah put away, that he might perform the words of the law which were written in the book that Hilkiah the priest found in the house of the LORD.

25And like unto him was there no king before him, that turned to the LORD with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses; neither after him arose there any like him.

Who is Richard R. Hill?

Richard R. Hill is my brother in Christ, come to find out. Yours too, if you have been born again! I got to "meet" him while researching something for a devotional, and I found his testimony:

On Dec. 25th, 1943 I left NYC going overseas to Ireland, then to England.
Leaving New York Harbor I saw the Statue of Liberty going out of sight. I left
with a sad heart not knowing if I would ever see her again. I arrived at Port
Stewart, Ireland and moved on to England. I camped and trained in the beautiful
Nottingham Forrest for the "big night". During the six months there, I met a
girl named Joan Pilgrim. Her parents took me in and made me more comfortable
when I was so far from home. Wedding plans were discussed but God had other
plans for me. On June 5th, 1944, I was part of the D-Day invasion into Normandy.

While flying over the English Channel, I made the greatest decision of all
time -to give my life to Christ. I had always heard THE WORD during my boyhood
in Oklahoma at the old camp meetings; but, now it all came back to me and the
Holy Spirit was calling my name. In that big old C-53, I kneeled to pray. I saw
plainly the face of Christ, but His eyes were closed. I continued to pray until
...Jesus opened His eyes. I knew without any doubt that at that moment I was
forever saved. Whatever happened from then on was all in God's hands.

I encourage you to read his page. You see, Mr. Hill served our counntry in World War 2 and was a POW for a year. We should be so thankful for the sacrifice his family and he made for our country. I also encourage you to read this page about D-Day, too. You'll be blessed!

The praying church

sun PM notes, sermon by K.B. on 8-3-08

Acts 2:42
42And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

A church will never be on fire for the Lord unless it is a church of prayer. Satan wants to keep us from praying. That is his biggest goal in his fight against the church- not to keep us from studying the bible, not from working within the church, but from praying. Praying is us, fellowshipping with God. It is us, calling on the God almighty, our heavenly father, asking, for His power.

The praying church is proclaiming its dependence on God to make things happen.
Acts 1: 14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

In Acts 2:42 they were "steadfastly" in prayer:
1) to adhere to one, be his adherent, to be devoted or constant to one
2) to be steadfastly attentive unto, to give unremitting care to a thing
3) to continue all the time in a place
4) to persevere and not to faint
5) to show one's self courageous for
6) to be in constant readiness for one, wait on constantly

Are we steadfastly in prayer today? How often do we pray with our church family? What is the first service to give up, when the thought comes of not going to a service in a week's time? Usually, it is the mid week prayer meeting, isn't it?

The praying church is depending on God's power to do God's work.
Acts 3:1
Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.

Acts 4:31
31And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
Acts 4:33
33And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

Without God's power, plans, strategies, all the study in the world means nothing! Prayer links our nothing to His power. A prayerless church is like a tank in a car without gas- it can go nowhere.

The praying church is a united church:
Matthew 18:19
19Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.

Of course the context of that verse is having to do with dealing with a brother that has offended you, but would you not agree that a church is much more than two or three people? A church that prays is in one accord. We get our English word "symphony" from the word accord; imagine a church praying together as if it was a symphony, everyone praying their special "part", all in harmony seeking to God's will, unified, together.

Have you ever prayed with someone you did not care for? I would think it wold be hard not to love someone who I was praying with. When Pastor mentioned that I thought about people who not that I necessarily don't get along with (I'm easygoing most of the time ;o) but people who I know we disagree on a lot of things. I think of a family member of mine. I would really have a hard time not feeling closer to her, knowing she and I were praying with the same purpose and of the same frame of heart, to my God. When we are praying, our desires become God's desires, we are closer to Him as a result of seeking His power and will through prayer.

The praying church seeks God for laborers.
Matthew 9:37 -38
Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;
Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

It prays for protection over God's people, likewise, it trusts God for protection from Satan. It is aware that Satan wants to discourage and divide the body of Christ, and will tempt Christians not to live for the Lord. He would love nothing more than to distract our attention from what the Lord wants us to do individually, and as a church.
Matthew 26:41
Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

The praying church is able to go through great trials and tribulations because they are unified in prayer.
Acts 12:
3And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)
4And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.
5Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

Here we have Peter, thrown in jail. Instead of the church coming together and figuring out how to make bail for him, or how to bust him out of there, they called a prayer meeting. How many times do we exhaust every measure of our own selves that we can come up with, then when we can do no more, we pray? Isn't that a bit backwards? I remember someone saying once "Well all that is left to do is to pray...", like that's the last resort. Praying, should be our FIRST resort. Trust me, I'm preaching to myself too! I tend to forget my own life verse a lot when I am wallowing in my flesh!

Proverbs 3:5-6
5Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

"He who prays the most, helps the most". It is these people who are able to trust God more wholly and depend upon His power to make things happen. That has got to be a peace that is unbelievable to understand unless you have actually experienced it, don't you think? Have you experienced that kind of peace?

A praying church asks for the opportunity to share the gospel.
Colossians 4
1Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.
2Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
3Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:

TRAVELING ON YOUR KNEES

Last night I took a journey
To a land across the seas.
I didn't go by ship or plane
I traveled on my knees.

I saw so many people there
In bondage to their sin,
And Jesus told me I should go,
That there were souls to win.

But I said "Jesus, I can't go
To lands across the seas."
He answered quickly, "Yes, you can
By traveling on your knees."

He said, "You pray, I'll meet the need.
You call, and I will hear.
It's up to you to be concerned
For lost souls far and near."

And so I did; knelt in prayer,
Gave up some hours of ease,
And with the Savior by my side,
I traveled on my knees.

As I prayed on, I saw souls saved
And twisted persons healed,
I saw God's workers strength renewed
While laboring in the field.

I said, "Yes Lord, I'll take the job.
Your heart I want to please.
I'll heed Your call and swiftly go
By traveling on my knees."

By Sandra Goodwin