Our Team

'daDad (38 yo), the Mama (36yo), FarmerBoy (19 yo ds), Gypsygirl (17 yo dd), Miss Petite (16 yo dd),LionHeart (14 yo ds), Red (12 yo ds), Belle (10 yo dd),Nae Nae (7 yo dd),Bunny (2 yo dd), Little Britches (3 months)







Thursday, July 21, 2011

Encouraging words and Actions

"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not whither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." Psalm 1:1-3
'da Dad and I had the blessing of visiting last Saturday w/ some "senior saint" friends.
Our time there was such an encouragement to me as a mom.
This couple raised their (now grown) children to love and serve Jesus. We know their children, and you can see the hard work paid off. They are now enjoying grandchildren and helping support their children's efforts to rear godly offspring.
The one thing I walked away with is, what we do really,really does matter.
I will confess I have become "weary in well doing" at times. It's hard to mother many (and several littles) and not lose perspective some days. Thankfully, God has given us 2 adult children still living at home to remind us (me), they grow up very quickly.
The scripture above was part of our collective "school" Bible reading.
It was a good reminder to me that my children and myself will bring forth good fruit, in it's season. Not when I want things to be done. Corn can't be harvested the day after it's planted. The same applies to the spiritual walk. Our job as parents and Christians is to be faithful to train
and weed.

Look to Jesus.
Amy

John 17, Romans 5

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Addendum

BTW, I will give this a week from the last post. If you don't want to/can't leave a comment here on blogger, you may comment via our email.

Hebrews 7

Monday, July 11, 2011

Deciding What to do with the Blog

I started this blog so the wonderful people who blessed us so much after our house fire could keep up with how God was working for our good.
I believe that purpose has been fulfilled.
Life has assumed some semblance of normal. God is still working, but some of what He is doing for our family is not open for public consumption, so I find I have less to share with readers.
Then, too, I wonder if anyone is reading the posts anymore. If not, being on here, even occasionally is a waste of my already limited time and energy.
So, if you are reading this, and you want me to continue posting, please leave a note in the comments section.
Be blessed.

Hebrews 5-6

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Blessings

Life is full of good things to enjoy.
God didn't have to make food taste good, colors and flowers beautiful, or songs melodious. How glorious is His creation!
Sunday, Little Britches crawled and stood up by himself(!!) for the first time! He's not even 7 mo yet! It's so wrong! He's just so precious, standing their with his two little teeth peeking out from his huge grin. Priceless.
Gypsygirl took her GED last week. It should be a couple more weeks before she knows her score. Then, we can plan a celebration for her.

I have kind of drug my feet about mentioning this, but I have been working on losing weight. I want to lose about 50 lbs. Seven weeks ago, I started The Maker's Diet (outlined in book form-the author is Jordan Rubin). I lost 11 lbs. in 6 weeks.
Now, I am working on continuing most of that diet coupled with an exercise book called, "8 Minutes in the Morning" by Jorge Cruise. That's about all I have most of the time. I like it because it's different every day. It's a lot like Pilates and it contains some yoga stretches (which I skip-every yoga position is a prayer pose to one of their million gods), so there's one caveat. Anywho, I have lost another 6 lbs in 2.5 weeks since I started that.
I have now lost almost 1/3 of my goal!!!!
Psalm 125

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Enjoying Life

"O, give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: because his mercy endures forever." Psalm 118:1
This psalm is the one that refrains " his mercy endure forever" after every declaration. Must be really important that we know God's mercy is everlasting.
In the preceding chapter, it says, "O, give praise to the Lord, all you nations; praise him, all you people. For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord." Ps. 117:1-2
He is available to all.


A few days ago, 'da Dad and Lionheart put up a temporary clothesline. I am so happy! I love to be outside hanging clothes. They always smell so fresh, and it saves us $50+ a month!
Then, Monday they installed a ceiling fan in our livingroom. What a wonderful addition to our comforts!
Farmerboy actually got it for free on a job he worked last summer.
The garden is coming up nicely. We were concerned it would be a washout b/c of storms, but there seems to be minimal loss.
A friend has offered me some raspberry and blackberry canes. I hope to pick those up this evening before or after church. This same lady also blessed us w/ some alpine strawberries. They are now putting out runners and need to be moved to a permanent home.

Have a blessed day!

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Lots to Blog About

There has been a lot going on around here. I will not be sticking to 1 topic, but I will try to make my subjects clearly divided.
Bible Reading
First, today's Bible reading. I began again in the Psalms earlier this week. It has been very good to be there. Anywho, this morning my reading included Psalm 56:9 "When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me." One interesting thing God has shown me while I have been studying Psalm is who my enemy is. I do not consider myself to have personal enemies, so a lot of psalms seemed to have little application for me. But, the Lord showed me that there are ppl out in the world who are out to ruin spiritually and probably physically. I remember reading once about a man who used to produce online p*rn, who converted to Christianity. He said that one of his greatest thrills (as an unbeliever) was to get a Christian man addicted to that filth!!! So, the plans of ppl like that, who are governed by satan, the enemy of our souls, I want to be frustrated!
The other place that scripture (56:9) reminded me of was Romans 8:31 "What shall we say then to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?" What were these "things" Paul was talking about? Suffering b/c we belong to Christ. I just can't leave it here
"He that spared not his own son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died,yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness,or peril,or sword? As it is written, FOR THY SAKE WE ARE KILLED ALL THE DAY LONG; WE ARE ACCOUNTED AS SHEEP FOR THE SLAUGHTER. Nay, in these things we are more than conquerers through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life,nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:32-39. actually all of Ch.8 is a good reminder of our position if we are in Christ. What a hope we have within us!
Thanks to My Dad & Mom
Every year at church we are given an opportunity to publicly honor our parents on mother and father's day. My parents do not attend church w/us, so I'm going to do it now :).
I am so very grateful they took me to church and laid the foundation for all the work God has done since then. My parents were "more experienced" when they had me, so they didn't fall in with all that Dr.Spock, permissive, stifling your child junk. If I needed it, I got a spanking. I am a well adjusted adult, if anything, I might have been even better off w/ a few more trips to the woodshed (just remember, you can't spank me anymore :). Another benefit of having "more experienced" parents was the fact that they did not, nor did they allow me, to just go along w/ what everyone else was doing. This has made it so much easier to be different in all the ways I and my family are different. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I always knew my parents were going to be there when I came home from school. I always knew they loved me, and were trying to do their best for me b/c they wanted to see me living a blessed life. Mom and Dad I just want to thank you for every sacrifice you made for me, every tear you cried, and every prayer you have ever prayed for me and our family. I understand you both better with every passing year with my own children. So, you just keep getting smarter as the years go on! LOL! I love you both!
Storms
Life storms. Thursday I was at an appointment about an hour away, when I began to have chills. By the time the appt was over, I was running a fever and had pain in a specific area. I wasn't sure I could even make it home, but being the only driver, I didn't have any choice. I had Gypsygirl make some calls so everyone at home would be ready for a sick mama. 'da Dad came home from work, so he could take NaeNae to her dental appt. I don't think I've been that bad off in my life. Maybe when I had a double ear infection when I was 16. Anyway, we got right on it, and w/in about 6 hours, the fever broke and I was feeling less miserable. I have been what we call "gassed" since then. Then last night, I started in w/ an ear ache and sore throat. All those things should be helped by what I am taking for the other infection, but I do feel a little done in.
One other thing that happened Thursday-one of the key pieces of equipment I use in ministry to families I discovered has a broken part. I realized this will be the 2nd time I have replaced that in 7 years. So, God is affording me lots of opportunities to trust Him. He is good all the time. I am anxiously awaiting how He works all this out.
A Word on Courtship
Something I have noticed is a lot of emphasis on the young man pleasing the girl's parents. There is some of that surely. For us, his beliefs need to be pretty close to our, but not b/c he changes them to conform. After all, it is the woman who is to be helper and conformer to her husband (Gen 2:18-25).A couple of great question the young lady should be asking herself are "Can I complete this man? Can I conform myself to him and support him in the vision/ministry/vocation God has called him to?" Just my 2 cents.

Be blessed!

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Tea Time w/ My Girls

For a month or so, I have been trying to keep a special tea time with my girls. Because their ages and needs are different, I meet with the older girls on Thursdays after supper. The little girls (Belle and NaeNae) I gather with on Sunday afternoons. We typically have tea or coffee in my tea set ( a very neat "coffee pot", sugar,and creamer set my dh bought me as an anniversary gift 2-3yrs ago-I was wanting one just for this purpose.), and cookies or scones.
Gypsygirl, Ms. Petite, and I have been reading "Raising Maidens of Virtue" by Stacy MacDonald. It has been very good.
I am reading through "The King's Daughter". I cannot remember who publishes it, but it has various authors.
I think we are all enjoying our time together. It gives us an opportunity to learn what God wants for us, as well as knitting our hearts closer through prayer and sharing our thoughts.
My first responsibility as an "older woman" (Titus 2) is to train my own girls to be all God wants them to be (as I too am learning).
The men in our family have been turkey hunting several with no success. At least they get some time outdoors together.
Tonight we had a really nice supper. It was really peaceful.
Little Britches now has his bottom 2 front teeth in. He is so cute,sweet, and chubby. We are having a lot of fun with him.

1 Timothy 1&2

Saturday, April 16, 2011

What's Up

Sometimes it's hard to know what to blog about, so I don't write for a while.
The weather here has been typical (read erratic). Last night it got cold enough for a fire, and we'll be grateful for one tonight.
Tomorrow our church is traveling over to another community where 2 elders are starting a church plant. It is a college town, with lots of international students, so they could literally be" reaching the world" with the gospel. Next week is their first official week as a "church". Please be praying for them.
Farmerboy shared his testimony at half-time for the first time today. He had an opportunity to talk to 12-15 yo boys about Jesus, and talking to and trusting their parents. I hope it blessed someone.
He is planning to work this summer for the state park service. We'll see what he does next fall. Right now he is looking to take a breather and reassess what God wants him to do.
Gypsygirl is planning to take her GED test on June 2. After graduation, she is looking to develop her animal husbandry skills by raising boer goats.
Ms. Petite still has 1-2 yrs of school left, depending on how the credits work out.
Soon we will be putting the garden in. Somehow we always end up a bit late, but at least we'll get one this year.

Ephesians 6

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Nutrition and Physical Degeneration

This is possibly the best and most eye-opening book I have ever read on nutrition.
The next is Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon.
You can read Nutrition and Physical Degeneration (by Dr. Weston Price) on-line for FREE at: http://gutengerg.net.au/ebooks02/0200251h.html.
Be prepared to have your hair blown back;)
Thanks to my good friend S. for putting the link on her blog. Great minds must think alike! I have been wanting to post on this, but my computer is not allowing for much "cruising" on the internet. Thanks for doing the research.
have a blessed day!
Titus 3

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

The Way Things Used to Be

Used to be, families spanned the different developmental stages. It was nothing for the parents to be raising a little one when their oldest child got married. That was normal.
Oh, what I wouldn't give to talk to an older woman like that now!
Well, my good friends and I are just stumbling along, depending on the Holy Spirit to lead us one step at a time. It can be very mind bending at times.
At least God has gifted me with some sisters to share the journey with. Maybe someday we can help the younger women.

Titus 2

Friday, March 18, 2011

Preserving Me or Serving Christ?

What to post about? This has been a long week, not necessarily bad, but a lot has happened.
Farmerboy went on a camping/hiking trip for spring break. He seems refreshed and really enjoyed the nature and company of his friends.
I was glad for him to come home. We all were.
Now it's back to the books.
Sunday's church services really helped me get some things straightened out between my ears.
I've built a wall around my self emotionally, to avoid more pain. I hate pain.
I was reminded that I am not called to "preserve" myself, but to be poured out as a sacrifice (I keep thinking of a drink offering here, not sure why)to God.
We are never more like Jesus than when we love when it hurts, even when met with rejection, and forgive any way, especially when no one offers an apology for the wrong(s) suffered. This is where the rubber meets the road.
Anyway, it really freed me up.
Also, God reminded me that He allows me (us) to be put in positions that are painful to grow me and to show me things (sin) in my life and heart. So, I can be doing exactly what He told me to do, and suffer. But, He is there, working everything out for my good, and all others involved.
Not sure I'm getting out what I mean. I hope this helps somebody.
Here's a few verses I have been thinking on:
"Pursue peace with all people, and holiness,without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble,and by this many become defiled." Hebrews 12:12-13 (NKJV)
Unforgiveness leads to bitterness. Life affords many opportunities to become bitter. We have to choose to become better through our trials, not bitter.
God gives grace, we must ask Him for it.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

A Quiet and Peaceable Life

" I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men;
For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may live a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty." 1 Timothy 2:1-2

"And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;
That you make walk honestly toward them who are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing." 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

"Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;
While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price." 1 Peter 3:1-4

This is what I am working on. Outside commitments have *finally* dwindled, and I feel the need to circle the wagons (my family), and focus on letting God work in us, and just enjoying each other.

We have been sick w/ some evil stomach something for about a week. I haven't gotten it, but I am pretty worn out from taking care of the children and picking up their end of the work. (I'm shocked and impressed w/ how much they do!)
The healthy ones have still been doing school. Thank God for Robinson!

I have a few sewing projects going, and was trying to figure out how to prioritize their completion. I decided that working on the ones that belong in the weeks' zone made the most sense. For instance, this week is the living room and dining room. 'da Dad bought some awesome hardware for the LR, so I am going to work on the curtains for them. I accidentally told Ms. Petite to sew them up wrong. So, I am doing the ripping :p. One or the other of us will sew them up correctly.
Next time, I'd like to work on cloth napkins. I'd love to make a runner for the table, but with littles, that's not too smart. I could maybe make a small fabric doilie, though.

Have a blessed day.

Friday, February 25, 2011

Thankful

This week 'da Dad was able to get his vision corrected in one eye. It was such a blessing to watch him enjoying those first moments!
I also went to the eye doctor. I have an astygmatism (sp?), which means my eye is shaped like a football, instead of being round :). Adjusting to my glasses has been interesting. The ground appears to be sloping down to the left. lol!
I'm hoping things will slow down some,but.....
Tomorrow I will be giving my testimony at Upward. God changed my original plans, so I need to spend some time this evening preparing for that. Please pray that God will work, and I will stay out of the way.

Hebrews 4-5

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

1 Corinthians 13

I have been dealing with a few situations where I am finding it hard to forgive. God has graciously helped bring one of those to reconciliation in the last week. Praise Him! But two are still unsettled.
I am praying for the right timing and way to rectify them also.
In the meantime, Ms. Petite let me look @ one of her coaching papers. It contained a letter & in it was a quote from 1 Corintians 13:4-8a (Amplified Bible):
Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily. It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God's love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it (it pays no attention to a suffered wrong). It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail. Love bears up under anything and everything that comes,is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything (without weakening). Love never fails (fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end).
Please look this up in your preferred version. I know these scriptures in the KJV very well, but the amplified makes an attempt to take into account the full meaning of some of the original words. I was astounded and convicted.
As you can see, I didn't get my week all posted. I was just too busy.
Yesterday, da Dad was home. We spent the day picking up furniture various ppl had said we could have. We are now enjoying a new tv cabinet, sewing cabinet, and I now have a desk to do my school related tasks,etc. at. da Dad did a great job of making my ideas work.

Hebrews 2-3

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Tuesday

This is turning out to be a bad week for this. Several ppl have appts this week and we are in the midst of finishing up 2 basketball seasons. Well,here's for transparency!
- got up and around
-did supper dishes I could not face up to last night
-went w/dh to pay bills
-helped w/ math and graded papers
-started our laundry
-cared for baby
-worked w/ Bunny on PT
-spent some special time w/ Gypsygirl shopping for groceries
-spent time reconciling w/ a friend
-listened to aunt's concerns
-got to see my mom (while in town earlier)
-ordered some of the hs materials (computer not working so well)
-fixed supper
-washed dishes
-5 min room rescue-several rooms


Psalm 37:5

Monday, February 14, 2011

A Little Behind

Saturday
-got up & prepared for day
-finished cooking breakfast
-cleared breakfast mess & did dishes
-printed & hole punched some school lessons
-checked and sent off some emails
-planned & picked up food for lunch @ church
-worked on toilet training w/ Bunny
-wiped down stove & swept floor while listening to aunt on the phone
-decluttered 2 tubs of kitchen utensils
-took Red to his basketball game, watched part of it
-fed baby multiple times
-planned card & surprise for dh on valentine's day
-listened to & comforted a friend
-tried to make extra effort to speak words of encouragement to each child
-printed off something for a friend
-calculated cost of hs materials
-cooked some food for tomorrow
-prayed about problems
-spent some focused time w/dh
-5 min room rescue on living room

Sunday
-made card & wrapped present for dh
-helped w/breakfast
-finished putting food together for lunch
-drove part of family to church
-gathered w/ the body of believers-very good guest speaker
-ate lunch & then had Bible study after
-put the 2 littlest down for naps
-back home, time spent as a family (Farmerboy was sick, not very fun)
-went out w/dh to celebrate (baby,too, he has to eat,too)
-came home, visited w/ two oldest boys
-to bed

Monday
-started re-reading "Created to Be His Helpmeet" by Debi Pearl in prep for going through w/ a friend
-helped younger children w/ math, graded papers, assigned spelling words, vocab, checked writing work
-fed baby & changed diapers
-potty training-in all it's, um, gore
-printed vocab for Red's book- Jungle book by Rudyard Kipling
-worked on binding some already printed books
-supervised Red doing 5 min room rescue in LR
-stripped diapers in preparation for cloth diapering
-read flylady digest,checked emails, sent 1
-took Ms. Petite to b-ball practice
-fixed supper
-swish and swipe in the bathroom
-went to appointment
-came home, visited w children
-visited w/ dh
-bed

Genesis 1-3

Friday, February 11, 2011

Just What Do You Do All Day?

This is a question my dh never has asked me in all our years of marriage. He has asked me what I had been up to, but never in a critical fashion.
The reason this came up is two shows about stay-at-home wives (also called housewives-not very accurate-who's married to a house???). One is DesperateHousewives. trash. Now there's another one called "REal Housewives". yuck and double yuck. Now, Ionlyknow about these from snippets of commercials as I am attempting to watch the news,but I get the gist. Neither of these shows represents me, or any of the other homemaker/stay-at-home moms I know. No one is fooling around, killing anybody, getting hopped up on drugs, or swilling drinks at noon. We're much too busy living.
In an attempt to show what a real woman in the home does, I thought I would post my activities for the next week. If anyone wants to join me please leave your diary in the comments.
This should dispell any myths regarding home life being boring or stifling;).

Friday (so far):

got up and dressed
made bed
fed baby 8-10 times (total)
changed diapers
went car shopping with husband
took Belle out for her birthday dinner and shopping
called insurance agent to check on new car changes
test drove car
made supper from leftovers (casserole made from potato soup thickened, green beans,corn, and hamburger)
dried 2 loads of towels
laundered new fabric bought to make self a new blouse (lavender-my favorite!)
watched weather
washed supper dishes
discussed w/ dh pro's and cons of painted floors vs. vinyl tile or other floor coverings (researched
(last night online)
listened to teenagers problems
loved on the children, esp. Bunny-she missed Mommy today

Today was unusual. As you can see, I was home very little. Being a homemaker does not mean being a hermit (though there are times I want to be).
I still need to do Bible reading. This am dh let me sleep in a bit and then we left early. So, I need to spend time with Jesus before bedtime.

Titus 2

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

More Snow

It's snowing here again. Possibly 6", on top of the 12" + we got last week. At least we are warm and well-fed. It does concern me some when 'da Dad and Farmerboy have to travel in it. I just have to trust God.
A friend of mine asked me why God grows people through painful circumstances. I sure don't have all the answers, but the other night during our family Bible reading, we read some scripture that might help. It is Psalm 147. I have meditated on those verses many times, how God himself heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds. We are not unloved or forgotten.
It's kind of like last week when NaeNae showed me an infected spot on her foot where a splinter had become lodged. In order to bring healing, I had to cause the pain of lancing, cleaning, and dressing the area. Today, she showed it to me, and it is all scabbed over. Not totally healed, but well on its way. Now she knows to be sure to deal with stuck splinters immediately. She also knows if Momma hurts her, it must b/c Momma is helping, and Momma knows best. God works like that, only He is perfect.
I am making plans for school next year. It will be a cross of Robinson Curriculum and An Old Fashioned Education (free online homeschool curriculum-a great resource). Robinson is a little light on world history for my taste, so much of the add-ins will be of that nature.
I never talk much about food on here, but I will tonight. Supper will consist of baked potatoes smothered w/ leftover chili, sour cream, cheese,and salsa, w/ apples. Several of the children have been hauling wood, so I have hot water going for tea or hot cocoa.
Sure is nice to be home.
Be blessed.

Job 22-24

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Storms

Well,we are in the midst of those terrible storms they were predicting. Right now, I'd say we have drifts of 18-24" outside, with no signs of stopping. Kind of pretty, but I'm glad we don't have to go anywhere. They even canceled 'da Dad's work.
Last night I went in to pick him up after work. We decided to stop @ Walmart to pick up a few things. This was approx. 9pm. Anywho, the bread aisle was nearly empty, there were only 3 dozen or so of the "expensive" eggs, and all the wm butter was gone. We,ourselves bought the last kerosene lantern they had. So, we are good to go. I hope everyone else is doing as well.
Life has been interesting here lately. I can make all kinds of good plans, do everything right, and God can still take me in different direction than I thought I was going.
Today, I ran onto a poem that I think is really good for this instance.

The Weaver

My life is but a weaving
Between my Lord and me,
I cannot choose the colors
He worketh steadily.

Ofttimes He weaveth sorrow,
And I in
foolish pride
Forget He sees the upper
And I, the underside.

Not till the loom is silent
And the shuttles cease to fly
Shall God unroll the canvas
And explain the reason why.

The dark threads are as needful
In the Weaver's skillful hand
As the threads of gold and silver
In the pattern He has planned.
-author unknown

On the other side of this tract is another poem,new to me.

He Maketh No Mistake

My Father's way may twist and turn,
My heart may throb and ache,
But in my soul I'm glad I know,
He maketh no mistake.

My cherished plans may go astray,
My hopes may fade away,
But still I'll trust my Lord to lead
For He doth know the way.

Tho' night may be dark and it may seem
That day will never break;
I'll pin my faith, my all in Him,
He maketh no mistake.

There's so much now I cannot see,
My eyesight's far too dim;
But come what may, I'll simply trust
And leave it all to Him.

For by and by the mist will lift
And plain it all He'll make.
Through all the way, tho' dark to me,
He made not one mistake.
-A.M. Overton

Jer 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.(the new open Bible adds this as a footnote:hope in your latter end.)

May this bring each of us encouragement as we run the course marked out for us.






Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Psalm 8

Sometimes I am left with thoughts that are unproductive. When I have these struggles, I turn to the Bible, so I can think God thoughts. I learned to do this after the fire, when my mind would be filled with painful, conflicting thoughts. He speaks the words of life.
This morning I was reading Psalm 1-8. I just want to highlight ch.8 because it glorifies God.
Please remember to turn to God's word when you have struggles. He loves each of his children especially,as the apple of His eye. He may be taking you through a storm or a valley, but He walks through it with you.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

What's Up

I have been doing some projects to make our house "homier" (is that a word?). I repurposed some white striped, sort of seersucker-ish swags into a curtain that tie up sort of like a roman shade, only it's billowy,like balloon valance (clear as mud?). I got the idea from a Country Curtains catalog.These are going up in the hall.
Ms.Petite and I also hung the artwork in the hall. There is a magnolia watercolor at the head of the stairs, two lily prints across from my bedroom door,and a slightly impressionist painting of a family on an fishing outing.
Then,at the end of the stairs as you come down them, are some barn red plaques with faith,hope, and love written on them. Between each of them is a star. So, now when I am in these areas, I have things that make me smile.
Yesterday, I bought some light filtering blinds. I got them at a salvage place. No returns. They are made of paper! They were only $2 each, but paper! Oh, well, they are up, and they are serviceable. I just wonder about how long they'll last.
We are back into Upward season, so life is busy, especially for the older children. Please be praying for people to come to know and serve Jesus.
As an aside, there seems to be an attitude w/in the church that says: "Don't have too many children. It will keep you from serving God." Well,that is just plain not true. By having a large family and raising them for Jesus, we have effectively multiplied our ministry. Three or four of our children help at church regularly. Sometimes I feel like I don't contribute much to the work. But, then I remember that training up helpers and leaders for tomorrow is my ministry. If I don't do that well, nothing else I do will matter. In addition, I can be praying at any time about what is going on.
Isn't it a blessing to be able pray without ceasing? That God is available all the time?

Genesis 35-end of book
BTW,Farmerboy got all of his desired schedule this semester and he starts back today.

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Read Your Bible

Just wanted to drop in and say "Happy New Year" and to share the Bible reading plan some of us are using for this year. It's a chronological reading plan. You can find it at www.esv.org/biblereadingplans. It is copyrighted by www.backtothebible.org. That ministry is headed up by Woodrow Kroll and we listen to his program "Back to the Bible" often on our local VCY America radio station.
BTW, VCY America is accessible online. It is the best (possibly only) conservative Christian radio station I know of. Lots of sound preaching, news, some talk, and a lot of hymns.
Have a blessed day!

Genesis 1-3