Here is a photo of my hubby working hard. This is on one of his overnight shifts. He looks pretty good in green, doesn't he?

Labels: Family

I Corinthians 10:13b
God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

This verse is so very often taken out of context and used to the discouragement of those who are struggling and suffering. How many times have you heard someone say, "God will not give you more than you can handle?" Maybe you have even said it yourself, I know I often said this when I was a young Christian. The fact is that sometimes we do have more than we can handle! This verse is the one often referenced when people make that statement. But LOOK at what it really says! It says the Lord will not let us be TEMPTED beyond our ability. It does not speak to circumstances of life, it speaks to temptation. Sometimes our circumstances are more than we can handle. What a discouragement to tell someone in the midst of overwhelming circumstances that they CAN handle it. There are things that are too much for us but nothing is too much for our great God!

So then when in these overwhelming circumstances what temptations arise? We are often tempted to become angry with God, grow bitter, give up, curse others. But these sinful temptations are not more than we are able to overcome. God provides a way of escape. That escape is God himself. Rather than indulging in the temptations of wrong responses we can cry out to the Lord of Creation and he will help. Often times God allows circumstances beyond our ability to bring us to a place of greater dependence upon him rather than relying on ourselves, others, or our societal system.

When in overwhelming circumstances ourselves or when we see someone drowning in their circumstances. Rather than using the phrase, "God doesn't give us more than we can handle," deceiving and discouraging them or or ourselves, we should be saying, "Cry out to the Lord for strength to endure and a possible rescue! Cry out to God! He alone is our rock, our refuge, our strength, our shield, our hope and our salvation! Praise be to God! May he be glorified!"

Labels: Christianity, Encouragement, hope

Yes, I do believe there is such a thing. I have experienced it. This crying hormone rears its head during pregnancy. This current pregnancy is no exception and it seems to be in abundance. Anything and everything makes me cry these days.
I get sick...I cry
I am tired... I cry
The house is a mess... I cry
I have no energy to clean...I cry
The children cry...I cry...it doesn't even have to be my child.
Hubby has to be at the hospital overnight for work...I cry
I have a conflict in the schedule...I cry
The thought of my dental appointment that I still need to schedule...I cry
I watch Princess Diaries...I cry...there is nothing, absolutely nothing in that movie to cry about!
I went to church yesterday, hubby was gone, after dropping the little one off I realized I was a bag short. The bag I carry my Bible in was left at home on the table...I cried! I was telling a friend at church about it and started tearing up. Her hubby was looking at me like I had completely lost it and said, "It is a church I am sure we can find you a Bible to use." Funny I know but I cried.
When I spoke with my hubby later that afternoon I related the story and cried again.
I emailed a friend and cried as I typed it!
When anything slightly stressful happens the tears flow with an over abundance very disproportionate to the event.
I am aware that this Crying Hormone is at work and try to divorce the tears from the situation and see things clearly but it is a difficult task.

I am in awe that the Lord has blessed us with another child (which also makes me cry tears of joy and gratitude) but I wonder why all the tears! Since the Lord keeps our tears in a bottle after this past week I think I must have moved up to a larger bottle!

So, please say a prayer for me then leave me a comment. Any comment at all. Go ahead, I dare you! *grin* No matter what you leave, even if it brings a smile to my face is sure to make me cry too! *grin* Which just maybe is something I need right now!

Labels: pregnancy, Quiverfull

We have had another birthday! My hubby works with someone who is a very talented artist. This is a pencil sketch of our daughter drawn from a photo of her. She loved his drawings and has said how she would love to have one so we asked him. It took about a month but he drew a picture of her and at no charge! Thank you Jonathan! Our daughter absolutely loves it, in fact, I think she was trying not to cry when she opened it. She was so surprised and happy!

Labels: Family

I had my hubby help in the drawing of the winner.

And the winner of the Bible on cassette is.....

Renee from Strokes of Magic. Congratulations Renee! Thank you to all who entered and I hope you come back often. On occasion I do offer giveaways so be sure to check back!!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Labels: Giveaways

Red Skelton was before my time. I do not know much about him but for those of you who are completely unfamiliar with him, Red Skelton was a movie star and comedian on television back in the 1950s. He created a number of characters, and his show was watched by millions. He ended every show by saying, "GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS." Listen to the end of this. It is something he said 39 years ago. It is very important that you listen to the very end! Eerie! Take a moment and listen to it (from 1969). How would he have known that this is what is happening today?

Labels: Conservative

1. You might have noticed I have been a bit random in doing memes lately. I have moved to doing whichever one comes the easiest at the time rather than sticking to them on a regular basis. Sorry about that but right now easiest is the best.
2. I had my first OB appointment yesterday but it is still too early and we did not hear a heart beat yet. I will have to wait until next time.
3. I have an ultrasound scheduled for May 12th!
4. They are going to finish resurfacing our street today. It is a good thing I am not going anywhere!
5. I have to finish filling out a mortgage application. I do not know how we are going to qualify for enough for the size of a home we need, have you seen the prices for a 5-6 bedroom in the Anchorage area??? Ouch! It is double than what we pay here! We may end up having to rent!
6. 68 days until we pull out of town and head to Alaska.
7. One month until I head to the midwest to visit my parents and siblings.
8. I am still dealing with morning sickness and feeling a bit crummy but I am hoping it passes in the next couple of weeks.
9. I cannot wait to move somewhere without the big nasty Texas bugs that are creeping into my house!
10. Only 3 more weeks and we are finished with Sunday evening programs and AWANA.
11. Only 4 more weeks of piano.
12. We only have 2 out of our 6 spring birthdays left to celebrate which is good because we are running out of money with that many birthdays!
13. Randomness is the state of this pregnant lady's mind and you are stuck with it for the next 7 months! If I can get anything coherent out then I am doing pretty well!
    

Labels: Thursday Thirteen

It is that time once again to share more testimonies and stories from others. I pray that you are touched and blessed by those who are sharing the work of the Lord in their lives.

TF at Made from Scratch shares her journey. She says "I told J what I had been reading, and we read scriptures in the Bible together that concerned having children and trusting God completely, we talked about it and we both knew this was the way we wanted to live. We wanted to show God how much we loved him, We wanted to trust Him in every aspect of our life. Having children shouldn't be any different. I refuse to make excuses anymore. No matter if I have 2 children or 10, I will accept them joyfully, and I won't forget for one second how blessed we are." Read more of her article, Living a Quiverfull lifestyle.

Lisa shares, "One of our family's passions is letting others know about our conviction to let GOD plan our family. Of course our beliefs must always be Scripturally aligned with our convictions, which is why we seek out GOD’s opinion on the issues first and foremost." Take a moment and read the rest of her post, Obedience Results in Blessings of Children.

One of our newest blogroll members is Raani. She addresses several questions often asked of those who hold this conviction of God's sovereignty over the womb. Stop by and see what she has to say as a means of Answering the Questions.

Quiver Mamma shares, "Early in our Christian walk we also learned that walking in obedience to the word of God brings blessings. People often say that life does not come with an instruction manual, but it does, and it is called the Bible! And when we step out in obedience and apply the word of God to our lives, great things happen. When we trust in Gods promises for us and our lives he fulfills them. And this was the backdrop for what became our quiverfull conviction." Read the rest of her story, Yes, We are Quiverfull.

Labels: children, Christianity, Quiverfull, Quiverfull Carnival

I decided to participate in this quarter's bloggy giveaway! This is my first time participating and it looks to be a great giveaway! As my part of the bloggy giveaway carnival I am offering the Bible on cassette. This is the Holy Bible, International Children's Bible, Volumes 1-2. Volume 1 is Old Testament portions and volume 2 is New Testament. This is on audio cassette narrated by David Carlson and put out by Aurora Ministries.

If you are interested in entering please leave a comment with an email address. I will be drawing and announcing the winner on April 26th.

For more great giveaways visit the Bloggy Giveaway Carnival.

Labels: Carnival, Giveaways

When we lived in Colorado several years ago, we experienced some of the effect of wildfires. There was a large one on the other side of the mountain range. The sky was brown and it was difficult to breath. This past week things got much closer than I would have ever liked to be (and I am here in Texas). There was a wildfire that went through the town of Ordway, Colorado. (you can do a search and read about it) Ordway is a small town of about 1200 residents. We are familiar with this little town because my hubby pastored for several years in a nearby town. We still have some very dear friends who live there.

The fire was so bad that they evacuated the town. Three lives were lost, about 20 homes destroyed, and several other buildings in town. We received an email from these friends about what had happened. Here is a small excerpt of a very long and heartbreaking email...

On Tuesday afternoon the children noticed a large amount of smoke in the
sky coming from the southwest of us. I watched it for a couple of minutes and
grew uneasy....

I told all the children to grab their bags and put in two sets of clothes. I told (son) to pull out both the mini van and the big van from the garage and park them in the driveway, then I told him to grab the CPU from my computer and his Dad's laptop. I told (daughter) to grab all the pictures from her room (that's where we scrapbook) and grab as many off the walls as she could. ...

Less than 2 minutes after (hubbys's) last call, he called again and said,
"GET OUT! they are evacuating the entire town you have to go now!".....

The small children were already in the vehicles with all the bags. The
older children were still helping me grab the last pictures and the "blankies" of
the youngest children. I looked out the back door and saw our field on fire
to the west just on the other side of our duck pond and the fields to the north
were completely engulfed in flames. The smoke was horrendous, we could hardly
breath. I told (daughter) to open the gates on the pens of all her animals. That
was the hardest thing she has ever done in her life. I was sobbing by then. A
neighbor girl, came running in our front door and said "Mrs. M, you have to leave NOW!", she literally pulled me from the house.....

(Son) was driving the mini van following me. All the other children were with me and we were all just sobbing. (Daughter) for all the animals she cares for and has poured her heart into. (Other son) was crying "I want my Dad, I want my Dad". It wasn't just the house we felt we would never return to, it was the home, the memories. It is so hard to express those feelings in words. And then (Other Daughter) began to pray out loud. Her words were so soothing. The crying did not stop completely, but it softened.....

When we reached my sister-in-laws house we were glued to the TV news of course. The
pictures they were showing were horrific. And then we heard that a family with 12
children had lost their home.(THEIR HOME) By then we were just numb. So thankful for our own safety , wondering about all our friends and neighbors......

Later, we decided to try and get back into Ordway and just see for ourselves if the house was still standing and to check on our animals. That was quite a drive. There were downed power lines, some still in the roads. Their were flames just everywhere still. The night was so dark, all you could see were the flashing lights of the emergency vehicles everywhere and the red flames and embers glowing all around us....

The homes of two of our neighbors to the west were completely burned and the barn and corrals of the neighbor to the north were in flames. The house just on the other side of them was also totally destroyed. It was so good to see our home, just standing there in the dark. The fields all around completely scorched. All of our animals were there. In fact they were all in their pens except for the lambs. Their shelter had been completely destroyed and the field where their pen is was burned, so they were in the milk barn where we store the feed. The wind was still terrible and soot and ash was blowing so bad. My eyes burned for 2 days. All the fields on three sides are either blackened or just completely gray with the ash. But the flames just stopped all around our home. But we are so thankful we were spared. If you look at our land, you can see God's hand of protection.

Please pray for the families in Ordway. I am so thankful for God's hand of protection where our friends are concerned but there are many families who have lost everything. There is mourning for what was lost and for the lives that were lost. Two that died worked with our friends husband. There is a need for great healing in that community and I ask that you pray for them and for the Christians in that community to minister with the love of Christ.

Labels: News

For show and tell today I thought I would share my birthday cake with you all. It was so good! My two oldest daughters made it for me. It is filled with chocolate pudding and strawberries!!! Yum! I think they did a wonderful job! What do you think?

For more show and tell visit Mary!

Labels: Family, Show and Tell

Another occasion for cake! My son has turned 12! He has a cousin with same birthday and the two of them got together and went for a game of lazer tag with a few siblings and other cousins. I think they had a great time. Our families actually bought the same gift each other and that was rather funny!

Happy Birthday Micah! We love you!! Even if you are a little bit crazy!!

Labels: children, Family

I have been interviewed by one of the team members over at the Homeschool Blog Awards site. If you are interested stop by and see my interview.

Labels: Blogging

Labels: Laughter, Preschoolers, Wordless Wednesday

Maj. Mark E. Rosenberg
32 years old from Miami Lakes, Florida
3rd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division
April 8, 2008


Mark Rosenberg grew up in South Florida. "All boy," his aunt, Madelyn Rosenberg, remembers. "Very active, but very lovable." As long as she can recall, Maj. Rosenberg wanted a military career like his father, Burton Rosenberg, had.

He attended New Mexico Military Institute and entered the Army in 1996. Later, he met a woman, Julie, and they
married one day after his sister's wedding. He and Julie had two boys, now 3 and 22 months. They settled in Colorado near Fort Carson, where he was assigned to the 4th Infantry Division.

Maj. Rosenberg was on his second tour of duty when the Humvee he was riding in was struck by an IED in Baghdad.

"He would say he's over there to do a job," Madelyn Rosenberg remembered. "He loved what he was doing."

These
brave men and women sacrifice so much in their lives so that others may enjoy the freedoms we get to enjoy everyday. For that, I am proud to call them Hero.
We Should Not Only Mourn These Men And Women Who Died, We Should Also Thank God That Such People Lived.

This post is part of the Wednesday Hero Blogroll. For more information about Wednesday Hero, or if you would like to post it on your site, you can go here.

Labels: Conservative, Military, Wednesday Heroes

This past Sunday evening there was much rejoicing. Two of our children were baptized!

Acts 2:38-39
And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”

They were asked several questions in front of a small congregation and gave their testimony in that way. I video taped the questions EXCEPT for the first two questions (I couldn't remember how to work my camera). The questions not on the video are:
1. What is the sign of baptism? Answer: Washing with water
2. What does the washing with water represent? Answer: that we are untied with Christ and cleansed from sin by his blood.
You can listen to the rest....


Here are a few pictures.....

The service was concluded with someone playing Amazing Grace on their trumpet, which of course, brought tears to my eyes.

Labels: Catechism, children, Christianity, Family, Sacraments

Today I am posting over at Weekend Kindness. We were to share something from the mouths of our children. I posted one of my daughter's papers on finding a spouse. I think you will be blessed by reading it.

Take a moment to read it and comment. I would love it if you came back here are let me know what you think too!

Labels: Conservative, Courtship, Weekend Kindness

Today I was sitting and talking with my 6 year old and 4 year old. I was explaining how the baby in my tummy gets food, drink, and breathes. I continued to tell them how we need plants to live, you know the oxygen/carbon dioxide exchange. I continued by asking them, "Isn't it amazing how God made everything to work?" My 4 year old, shown in the photo, piped up and matter of factly said, "It's for God's honor!"

This is just a glimpse that the love of the Lord is growing within her and our teachings are being rooted in her heart. Even at 4 years old, she knows the chief end of man and of all creation; to glorify God!!

Thank you Lord for such a rich blessing!!

Labels: children, Christianity, Encouragement, Give Thanks, Homeschooling, Preschoolers, Train Up a Child

Click for more Photo Hunt participants.

Labels: Laughter, PhotoHunt

For show and tell this week I thought that I would share with you one of my birthday gifts! Especially since I know there are a few of you who are anxious to know what was in my big box.
I must say, I have the bestest hubby in all the world! He bought me something that I have wanted for a long time and the color is one of my very favorites too! He is the greatest! Ok, so what what is the box???

Well......


It is a prayer bench/kneeler!! Take a look!





















For more Show & Tell visit Mary or Kelli.

Labels: Prayer, Show and Tell

We are clearing our shelves. We have many books for sale, some homeschooling and some ministry books. Most are in like new condition. We prefer paypal non-credit but will accept other forms of payment as well. I hope these can be of use to someone.

Here is the list:

• Jesus Fact or Fiction DVD Never Opened $5
• After the Fall DVD $3
• Developing the Leader within You : John Maxwell $5
• The Empowered Leader : Calvin Miller $5
• Following in You Footsteps, How to Pass on Your Faith to your Children: Focus on the Family book and cassette $10
• What on Earth am I Here For? :Rick Warren pamphlet and DVD $5
• The Teaching Ministry of Church: Eldridge $5
• Church Administration Effective Leadership for Ministry: Charles Tidwell $5
• Christian Worship 2nd Edition: Segler & Bradley $8
• The Educational Ministry of a Church: Charles Tidwell $8
• Customs & Controversies, Intertestamental Jewish backgrounds of the New Testament : J. Julius Scott Jr. $8
• Christian Education Handbook: Bruce Powers $8
• Introducing the New Testament: Archibald Hunter $4
• Rick Warren Saddleback Ministries study on Book of 1st Thessalonians Volume 1 and Volume 2. Each contains 8 student books and a VHS (2 sets of each) $8 each
• After the Boxes are unpacked: Susan Miller $3
• 1st Corinthians Life Application Bible Studies $2
• Choices on Morality: Serendipity Youth $2
• Connect With God, Sermon on the Mount :Bill Haybels $2
• Sermon Ideas: Johnny Hunt $2
• Timely Answers to Key Questions, selected parables unique to Luke: Frank Pollard $2
• Live for the Future Now, 1-2 Thessalonians: Michael Martin $2
• Joshua, courage for the Future :Waylon Bailey $2
• How to Live by Faith in a Secular World, leader guide and 2 student, book of James $8
• Our Christian Hope, leader guide and student :David Dockery $8
• Shall We Dance, dance and drama in worship: Brian Edwards $2
• Down Range to Iraq & Back : Bridgette C. Cantrell & Chuck Dean (2 copies) $5 each
• He said Press, hearing Go through Grief (10 week Bible study) Patty Mccarthy Broderick $5
• Introduction to Pastoral Care: Charles Gerkin $5
• Transformational Discipleship: Barry Sneed & Roy Edgemon $5
• Paul’s Epistle to the Romans: Jim Anderson $5
• When Duty Calls, guide to equip service members & loved ones for military separation: Carol Vandesteeg $5
• Rick Warren, Better Together 40 days of community $5
• Heroes at Home, help & hope for America’s military families: Ellie Kay $5
• Money Talks: O.S. Hawkins$3
• Barnes Notes: 14 Volumes, practically new! Albert Barnes and James Murphy wrote this 14-volume commentary on the entire Bible (KJV), verse-by-verse from Genesis through Revelation. Published in the 1800s, it is still well-loved and well-read by evangelicals who appreciate Barnes' pastoral insights. $100 PPD
• Abingdons Reproducible Maps Old & New Testaments, laminated $8
• Saxon Phonics Intervention (video, Teachers, Student kit and workbook, masters) $50 PPD
• Youth Builders Group Study: The word on sex, drugs, & Rock-n-Roll:Jim Burns $2
• Group Growers, 183 youth activities $4
• Fresh Power: Cymbala $4
• Youth ministries in small Churches 28 involving activities: Rick Chromey $4
• Jubilate II Church Music in Worship & Renewal: Donald Hustad $8
• Coming Revolution in Youth Ministry: Mark Senter III $3
• Creative Bible Studies: Dennis Benson $5
• Violence, the desensitized Generation: Debbie Harned & Jimmy Myers $4
• Basic Student Ministry: Dwayne Ulmer $4
• Revival: John Avant, Malcom McDow, Alvin Reid $4
• Layman’s Bible Book Commentary set volumes 1-24 (Broadman) $45 PPD