All 4 Jesus

Encouraging words and Actions

2011-07-21T08:10:00.000-07:00

"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

Addendum

2011-07-12T12:07:00.000-07:00

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

Deciding What to do with the Blog

2011-07-11T10:49:00.000-07:00

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

Blessings

2011-06-15T17:02:00.001-07:00

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

Enjoying Life

2011-06-08T13:23:00.000-07:00

"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!

Lots to Blog About

2011-05-21T04:44:00.000-07:00

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!

Tea Time w/ My Girls

2011-04-21T21:56:00.000-07:00

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

What's Up

2011-04-16T18:02:00.000-07:00

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

Nutrition and Physical Degeneration

2011-03-23T07:39:00.000-07:00

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

The Way Things Used to Be

2011-03-22T20:08:00.000-07:00

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

Preserving Me or Serving Christ?

2011-03-18T20:33:00.000-07:00

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.

A Quiet and Peaceable Life

2011-03-09T16:27:00.000-08:00

" 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.

Thankful

2011-02-25T17:45:00.000-08:00

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

1 Corinthians 13

2011-02-22T10:57:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-15T17:05:00.000-08:00

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

A Little Behind

2011-02-14T09:19:00.000-08:00

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

Just What Do You Do All Day?

2011-02-11T17:56:00.000-08:00

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

More Snow

2011-02-08T15:51:00.000-08:00

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

Storms

2011-02-01T12:38:00.000-08:00

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.

Psalm 8

2011-01-26T05:24:00.000-08:00

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.

What's Up

2011-01-18T06:10:00.000-08:00

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.

Read Your Bible

2011-01-01T06:53:00.000-08:00

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

God is SO Good

2010-12-20T15:01:00.000-08:00

Today is the 2 year anniversary of the fire. God really does work everything for good to those that love Him, to those who are the called according to His purpose. As I sit here, in this wonderful house He provided, I know He does all things well. I have been very ok all day. I hope the rest of my family has felt the same way.
One thing that helped was a visit from a friend. She and her children came up to see Little Britches.
They brought some clothes for him, a turkey, a ham, and approx. 3 ricks of wood! We just never know what to expect from them.
They will be having another baby soon, too. I am looking forward to seeing her new one.
A mix-up at Farmerboy's school got straightened out. Now he can re-enroll for school once the administration office opens.
We started school back up last week. I'm not sure how great an idea that was, considering we may have more company this week. The children are all doing well. NaeNae finished McGuffey's Primer, and has read 9 lessons in McGuffey's 1st Reader.

Proverbs 20 Hebrews 8&9

Baby, it's cold outside!

2010-12-11T18:37:00.000-08:00

Wow. It has decided to be December here. It's supposed to drop to 19 degrees (not counting the wind chill) tonight. The snow is falling, and tomorrow is the church Christmas party.
All the girls and I finished baking cookies and making cards for the church family today. It should be a lot of fun. Last year, we were very blessed with the music and testimonies people shared.
Our family read "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever"this last week. It really challenged our family's perspective on the Christmas story. I would encourage any Christian family to consider reading it around the holidays. Another book we have enjoyed is "The Bird's Christmas Carol" by Kate Wiggins(?).
The children will be starting school on Monday. Everyone seems to be looking forward to it, b/c they have run out of things to do:). Some folks are more excited than others.
I will also be easing back into my normal work routine. My biggest problem is not doing too much.
Right now I am trying to watch "It's a Wonderful Life" as I post. This is my favorite movie of all time, especially at Christmas time.

Luke 1&2

Don't Feel Sorry for Me

2010-11-30T19:09:00.000-08:00

Today my husband and I went out w/ new baby. Every once in a while we go out to breakfast at the same restaurant. Usually, we have the same waitress, a thirty-something, mom-looking woman. I realized while talking w/her that she had never seen all of our children w/us. Farmerboy had come in a bit before on his way to school. I mentioned that he was our oldest and she commented that was quite an age gap. I then told her not really because we had 9. Her reply was "You poor thing." I, of course, said" no, it's actually a lot of fun."
Yes, I really mean that. It is hard work, it is tough sometimes, but I am always glad we have ALL of them. Life would be pretty boring with out them.
Please don't feel sorry for me, I am blessed.

Psalm 119

Thankful

2010-11-29T16:20:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with 'da Dad's family. This is usually the holiday we host, but my sister-in-law graciously took on the responsibility. Baby boy got to meet his other grandma and his aunts. They've decided he's a "keeper",too!
Families from church have been blessing us w/ suppers since his birth. This is such a blessing. Supper is the meal I normally fix. It makes one less of my jobs the children have to pick up. Sometimes, there's even enough left over for lunch the next day!
There's not much else going on. I'm just enjoying God's blessings and trying to behave myself:).

Psalm129

PS-kdk- tell J we're sorry we missed his b-day!

Baby News

2010-11-23T16:47:00.000-08:00

Corban Gabriel joined the family this past weekend. He weighed 8# 3 oz. and was 21" long. He was born joyfully at home, and is being a great delight to everyone. Thanks to the many friends who prayed for a nice delivery and a healthy baby. We gratefully received both. Praise the Lord!
Psalm 118

Back Home

2010-11-18T07:25:00.000-08:00

Yes, that's right! We moved back home the 29th of October ! God blessed us with just enough help to be really efficient. There were about 4 young men (14-19), 2 young ladies from our church, and our family. The move was completed in less than 6 hrs! Praise be to God!
Thanks to all who prayed, gave, listened, and loved us during this time. God blessed each one of you!
BTW, anyone facing a move should go to flylady.net and use the ideas on there for moving. That really made a lot of difference. I've never had an easier move.
Now we're waiting for baby;).

Psalm 118 Proverbs 18

Update

2010-10-27T10:44:00.000-07:00

Just a little update. We have 4 things left to do before we move in. I big, three small. 3 'da Dad has to do (one w/help) and 1 others can do. Keep praying.
Baby and I are both doing great. I am looking forward to nesting for this little darling:)
Got to go!

Proverbs 27 Psalm 106

Change of Focus

2010-09-29T10:49:00.000-07:00

We have been busy around here. We are planning to move before baby arrives, so we will have a bigger nest to bring him/her into. So, we have been working on packing, decluttering, and cleaning in earnest. I made up a schedule for how to get the things in our current home ready ASAP (thank you Flylady!)
I am trying to work in last- minute preparations for the baby and ,yes, we are still home schooling.
I just try to apply the "do-it-now" principle to most things. I may decide to divide my days up, though.
Something like do my portion of the packing/cleaning (the big girls are helping pack and the boys haul it out for us) before school while Gypsygirl does her dishes, then schoolwork after, then baby prep in the evenings. Fitting in normal work, such as dishes and putting laundry away, that's the tricky part. Please pray that we can balance it all and that everything we need to do, gets done.
The men did get some work done last week. I cannot tell you all about it b/c I was not there. 'da Dad gave some of us the day off, so we went to a local state park festival. We all had a great time.
I may be spending a lot less time on here, w/ the prep for the move, the move, and baby coming. But, I'll do what I can :).
Be blessed.

Proverbs 29 Revelation 14-15

Random Meanderings and House Update

2010-09-20T09:40:00.003-07:00

It's been a while since I've posted anything, but I've had a lot of ideas cooking in my mind.
God has been teaching me some interesting things, largely through my children. As we teach them, and help them through their difficulties, God is also revealing Himself. He is, after all, the best, most perfect parent.
As a family we are studying disobedience/obedience from an outline in For Instruction in Righteousness (available from Doorposts). One of the things that has become clear to me personally is that obeying God means that I am saying Him and His will are the most important thing. If we love Him we will obey Him. Our pastor has been preaching on John 14-17 and His sermon yesterday dovetailed perfectly with what we were reading about last week. It's really neat how God works things out like that.
Another thing I've been mulling over is the Biblical command that the older women teach the younger women. This almost never happens anymore, but it is really worth it if you can manage to find a mentor. Having said that, are we ready ourselves to come along side another younger lady? One of my older girls was discussing with me how she feels a special responsibility to a friend b/c she takes her opinion very seriously, often adopting her views on various things. What most of us don't consider is that we are all that older woman to someone else, even teenagers.
I remember the day I realized I had influence in a young girls life that I did not know I had. I was then teaching Sunday school and this little girl was in my class. In those days, I wore make up, permed my hair, and typically wore heels to church (those of you who know me, please don't choke laughing). Well, one day her mom told me that she was parading around her house with heels and pearls on saying she was "Ms. A". Wow. I was shocked b/c I could never have imagined anyone wanting to be like me, and I realized what I did mattered, even in the small stuff. Someone is always watching us. Maybe they need help, and maybe you're the one God wants to use to aid them along their path to glory.
I was reminded last week to pray for God's viewpoint when dealing with my children, not leaning on my own understanding. Oh, how I needed that fresh perspective on the situation. God is so good to give us people who love us enough to tell us the truth?
I am now reading Proverbs and Revelation. Proverbs b/c it has so much direction on how to live a blessed,Christian life (yes, I know it's OT, but the same God directed the writing of the whole Bible, so the whole thing works together :). Revelation because I've really needed to focus on the victory at the end-remembering Who is really in charge.
Since I last posted we have done more insulating upstairs (approx. 1/2), painted areas on the cabinets we could not get to before, finished the soffit on the front of the house, set the toilet, built some scaffolding, and started building the bathroom vanity. We are getting there. Please keep praying.

Proverbs 20, Revelation6

If I Were a Feminist...........

2010-09-01T08:47:00.000-07:00

I knew that would get you!
If I were a feminist I would hate abortion. It kills women (at least 1/2 of all abortions are female). It victimizes women, because it causes long-term mental and physical health issues. Lastly, it encourages the one thing feminists hate most-men using women and then allowing them to dump the "responsibility" on women. Feminists who are anti-life are not consistent in their world view.
I am not a feminist. I do believe abortion is wrong because it kills children, hurts women and men, and encourages people not to take responsibility for their actions. I just happen to believe what God says about children in Psalm 127-8-they are a blessing.

A while back I said I canned some grape juice. All of the seals popped, except the 2 I water bathed. Never again. Always water bath.
Then, i had an opportunity to can 1/2 a bushel of peaches. The big girls and I worked on those, and that gave us 10 quarts of peaches.
On Saturday, a friend sent over a box (approx. 1/2 bushel) of pears for us. We put those up, and now have 8 quarts of them.She called a little later to say she would have access to another tree come October. We'll see where we are at by then.
Not to bad for a lady with no garden, who didn't think she'd be putting any home grown food by?
We finally got some good rain here. It sure has been dry. Pastures have been burning up, and some cattlemen have already started feeding hay. It's a pity b/c beef prices have been better (for them) and now they have increased overhead. One of the most thankless and risky jobs is farming/ranching. I hope we are all as thankful as we should be, and treat those folks with some respect. Prayers would be good,too.
Nothing got done on the house last week due to commitments at church.
Everyone is doing well, progressing in school. Farmerboy is faced with some tough classes, but is working hard to persevere. I am very pleased to see him putting forth the extra effort needed.
I have added in some exercise for Lionheart and Red during the school day, just to help them manage their "wiggles". They are a lot more able to concentrate when the y have had some physical activity.
I also read on The Robinson Forum that it is helpful to have a routine of sorts to help them know when you are shifting to "school time". We have one that we use irregularly, but I am going to try to be more faithful in this area to see if it helps the littles.
I was thinking a while back that our clothing was getting a little shabby. I sort of passed it off to my vanity. 'da Dad brought it up yesterday evening while he was sorting out some clothes, so it probably is for real. Good thing city wide yard sales are coming up.

Be blessed.

Psalm 110 Proverbs1

Update on Our House and Another New "House"

2010-08-25T14:53:00.000-07:00

Well, last weekend the men from church came to work on the exterior of the house. It was wicked hot-104 degrees with who-knows-what for a heat index.(BTW, we are this week enjoying 80's for highs and 50-60's overnight.)
They got the front almost completely sided, and part of the soffit up. The south side is just over half sided. The North and west sides were already nearly finished, they are about ready for the soffit and fascia.
A lady from church came out for a little while to help put shelf paper in the kitchen cabinets. That was all the "girl" wok available. We didn't get to finish that job b/c we spent the rest of the day running for the men and helping set up and clean up after lunch. Several ladies at church planned and provided most of lunch. This was a real blessing for us. The older girls and I usually just handle it ourselves.
Last week we were privileged to attend a very special wedding celebration. One of the young men who did so much to help us get moving on the new house got married. The lady he married is also a friend to Gypsygirl. Part of what made it so special was their dedication to a pure, God-driven courtship and marriage. We got to sit on the groom's side of the room, and it was very difficult to see where the bride was going to enter, so I just made up my mind to watch him.
The look on his face was so awesome. You could see so many emotions sweep across his face, hidden by a boyish grin. When she stepped in, he actually took a step forward and then contained himself. He was eager to take his bride to himself. As I was observing all of this, I realized that is how Jesus feels about me (us), his bride. Just as S. had waited many years and had prepared a place for R., so Jesus is longing to be united with us and has been preparing a place for us. It just made me cry. What love.
"Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife,even as Christ is the head of the church:and He is the saviour of the body.Therefore,as the church is subject unto Christ,so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.Husbands love your wives,even as Christ loved the church,and gave himself for it;That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church,not having spot, or wrinkle,or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man yet hateth his own flesh;but nourisheth and cherisheth it,even as the Lord the church.For we are members of his body,of his flesh,and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery;but I speak concerning Christ and the church." Ephesians 5:22-31
It's going to be neat to watch them build their spiritual "house".
This week is fair time, so different members of the family will be involved in various activities. Farmerboy also started school. It seems to be going very well, but he sure is gone a lot b/c of the way his schedule worked out and the distance he travels. I'm glad he's so resilient, and able to try new things.
I was looking at a couple of other blogs today, and few mottoes stuck with me. "I'm going to miss this." -talking about the things that we get tired of that we'll miss when our children are grown. "For mothers the days are long, but the years are short."
Psalm 100-103 Proverbs 25

Tired and So Much to Do....

2010-08-20T08:02:00.000-07:00

Last night I did not sleep well. Bunny woke up at 1:30 and I could not get back to sleep. Partly it was b/c I was hurting (did too much somehow) and also b/c I had too much on my mind. I finally got up, had a snack, and read for awhile. I looked at one of the local shopping papers, read this week's info from "Your Pregnancy Week By Week", and then read some from the Bible. My problem was focusing on some "what-if" situations. *sigh* I knew I needed to take my mind to God's word. The Bible I picked up happened to be The Evidence Bible. I remembered a section in the very back that I read right after the fire. It is called "Closing Words of Comfort". In it Ray (Comfort) talks about trials & fears and how we can deal with them in a Biblical fashion. I re-read this last night, and I was reminded that it really all boils down to trusting Him. So, sinceworrying won't make me any taller (5'3"), it won't change anything else either. As His children, we are promised that all things work together for those who love Him, who are the called according to His purpose.
As for today, I need to do laundry, teach school,do some food work for the work day,go to the bank, do home blessing, and just take care of the normal things required everyday.( Did I mention I was tired :) I'm sure we'll get it all done. I say we b/c I don't do it all myself. Some of it only I can do,but I only have 2 rooms to "bless", some of the food stuff can be done by one of the big girls or even Lionheart. I really do need a nap later though, b/c we have plans this evening.

Be blessed.
Psalm 101 Proverbs 20

Crazy Busy

2010-08-19T06:31:00.000-07:00

We have had a busy week. Monday, I had to pick my aunt up (27 mi one way) and bring her down here to get her eyeglasses fitted. Then, we stopped by the house we're living in, so I could pick up Lionheart and so my aunt could give my dad some papers and visit w/ our other children. After that I was supposed to take her back and then go grocery shopping. Well, that's not what happened.
When I got back here, Farmerboy said they had been visited by the police while I was gone! Apparently, there had been a robbery at one of the businesses behind the railroad tracks in the backyard. While investigating it, they discovered Lionheart's "fort" and decided to look further into it. Two officers questioned the three boys (praise God Farmerboy handled things perfectly, and stayed with his brothers the whole time!) and then requested that I come down for questioning. So, needless to say,I didn't go anywhere after that! I called 'da Dad and he decided he would call the pd and ask what this was all about. He really blessed me by doing that, b/c I'm kind of hormonal and pretty much nuts when it comes to feeling my children are being threatened! Anywho- all it boils down to is that they want us keeping an eye out for suspicious activity. It was very creepy to have them patrolling 6+ times the next day. That seems to have stopped, but we do have a lot of patrolling here anyway, b/c it's a low income area, and of course that has to mean crime (insert sarcasm here).
Can't wait to get home, town life is crazy. We have had 4 visits from police officers since we moved here. We never had 1 when we lived at home. Maybe that's because we aren't doing anything wrong?!
Tuesday, we went and picked grapes at a friend's house. With so many helpers it didn't take long. Then, we came home and I made grape juice. This same lady gave me the recipe. 1 c. of grapes and 3/4 c. sugar (I used evaporated cane juice crystals) and then boiling water to cover. This makes 1 qt. She said to just put the flats and rings on tight and they mostly seal themselves. Well, 2 of them didn't, so I water
bathed those for 20 minutes. You are supposed to let this set for at least a week, but I am planning longer. This is really more like punch to me, but I'm sure we will enjoy it. I may save some for after baby is born, as I always grape juice right after.
Last night, 'da Dad and Gypsygirl, Ms. Petite,and Lionheart, went to work on a project for the upcoming fair. I stayed at home with the 4 youngest and did dishes and sorted laundry. The laundry took quite some time, b/c there was 4 days worth (12 loads ?) to sort. Putting that away is priority 1 today, even before school.
Right now this is our laundry schedule:
Monday-Gypsygirl
Tuesday-Red
Wednesday-Ms. Petite
Thursday-Lionheart
Friday-Mom
Saturday(if we're home)-1 load each-Mom, Gypsygirl, Ms.Petite
Sunday-off (unless we're desperate)
3-4 loads must be done daily, and the person washing is supposed to wash the bedding laundry from their room on that day.
Farmerboy went up to the new house and did more dirt work, so it will be smooth for scaffolding this weekend.
Also planned for today, is school, Lionheart's laundry,making some phone call for dh (*me), Farmerboy is helping my brother this a.m., going to pick books up for school (starts next week), and finish his day completing the dirt work. He sure is blessing us with that. His dad is working so much ,that working this in would have been extremely difficult.
Tomorrow, we have all the usual things plus a wedding. We are all looking forward to that.
I need to get off here and get to inspecting their work.
Be blessed!

Psalm 100 Proverbs 19

What's Up

2010-08-09T07:55:00.000-07:00

The men worked on more plumbing. I got the hinges cleaned and 1 coat of flat black paint put on them. They look much better.
I did not do any mending this weekend. I washed,hung, and put away a load of towels.
Yesterday, I made some beef broth (only b/c we had a roast for lunch) and another batch of kombucha. Mostly, we rested.
The children and I have been packing more non-essential stuff to be taken down to storage. Saturday, 'da Dad went down to the unit w/ me. It is getting pretty full, and I teasingly told him that when it gets full we have to move! He just looked at me & laughed.
Public school starts here on the 18th. That means going back to keeping the children in from 8-3. The last few days of last week I worked on switching them over to that schedule. There are good things about it though. Their house chores are usually completable during that time also, so when 3 o'clock rolls around, they are totally free.

Psalm 114

Nothing Much

2010-08-07T08:20:00.000-07:00

What to write about.......
Not much going on around here. Went to see the midwife and all is well with babe and I. Soon I will start collecting birth supplies. After my next prenatal, I will be seeing her every 2 weeks!
Some work will be going on this weekend at the house. I'll post more on that later.
I plan to sort laundry and do some mending today, if I can get moving :).

Bearing One Another's Burdens

2010-08-02T08:26:00.000-07:00

The last few weeks I have been either the one needing wise counsel and/or a listening ear or the one listening. We all need to be able to be truthful about our pain,struggles,etc, with someone. We can always depend on God, He is our ever present help in trouble. There are times when we need a human face, someone we can count on telling us the truth (God's perspective) and who won't blab. I have a few of those people in my life, I hope you do too. In the Bible (NT), we are admonished to bear one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ. We should remember each other in prayer and consider each other's needs, challenges, and struggles. No one lacks these things. Often, we get so selfish and focus only on our life, how bad we have it and how Sister So-and So doesn't have any problems or worries. It's just not true. Last night, at church we had a time of prayer and share with the ladies. Everyone of them had their needs and problems, most of them I knew nothing about. I am so glad I know now b/c I can pray for them more easily and I can extend them more grace.
This last week we got more work done on the plumbing and the girls put in the last of the downstairs insulation. Maybe next week we'll get an indoor toilet :).
On a side note, Lionheart was weed eating the path to the "necessary" and hit a nest of ground bees! I don't think I've ever seen that child move so fast! Thankfully, he only got stung 4 times. I know that sounds bad, but this type of bee is extremely aggressive, so 4 is actually pretty good. We treated the welts with chewed up broad leaf plantain.
A few people have asked what we need to have done before we move home, so I am going to make a list here, and ask you all to pray it gets done so we can move home before baby comes:).
-siding and soffet on exterior of house
-back door installed
-kitchen finished
-downstairs bath finished
-upstairs walls insulated
-upstairs ceiling finished
-attic insulated
-attic fan installed
-floors sanded and painted
-one bedroom window upstairs fixed and installed
That's it :).
Also, the church men are planning on coming up one Saturday this month to finish the exterior of the house, so please pray for clear, cool weather for them to work in. Thanks.
Be blessed.

Psalm 87-88 Proverbs 2

Eating the Elephant, One Bite at a Time......

2010-07-27T07:34:00.000-07:00

I just got done reading a story on flylady(.net)'s daily email. It was about her dh dismantling a car one piece at a time until it was gone. It was funny, you should look it up.
Anyway, it got me thinking. Yesterday, I had a bad "I don't want to be here anymore (stomps her feet, acts like a two yo throwing a tantrum)" kind of day. It didn't help that I ended up with the stomach "bug" in the afternoon, either. But, oh, my attitude stank! God forgive me. (Back to the ranch...) The house is like that. Most weeks we get a few bites out of the elephant. Actually, according to our tax appraisal, already half of the elephant has been eaten. So, why should I complain? My problem is, it's not going along with my time frame. Me,me, me,and I,I,I. *sigh* I don't know how God, my husband,family, friends put up with me. I'm going to try to keep the elephant in my mind and look at this glass half empty ( as in, less to be done).
It sure has been hot. I'm trying to find some reason to thank God for this weather, maybe it's vital for some crops? Any way, fall is less than 2 months away. Fall is my favorite season and fall is when the baby comes!
Psalm 82 Proverbs 27

Thanks

2010-07-24T11:26:00.000-07:00

Thanks to those who prayed for our dirt work. It was completed last night, with no delays! I could pinch myself!
Yesterday, I went to see the chiropractor about some numbness I have been having in my hand and arm. He adjusted me, which always helps, but it didn't fix it. My problem has to do with my thyroid not working correctly, so he upped my kelp. If it doesn't get better after that, i guess we'll try another supplement he sells which has other things + the kelp. A few other nutritional issues have come up and he recommended going off carbs (no toast-boohoo) and adding in probiotics. So, today I am making kombucha ( fermented tea), and lacto-fermented sauerkraut. Both of these have probiotics, the kraut has enzymes and the kombucha has an acid that helps with detoxifying your body. I have also bought plain yogurt, which I will be eating....plain. Food is a lot cheaper source of these things than supplements, and they work as well and sometimes better than supplements. Now, if I can just avoid the coffee and chocolate....

Psalm 80 Proverbs 24

Prayer Please

2010-07-22T07:25:00.000-07:00

This evening the man who is doing our major dirt work will be bringing his equipment up and possibly starting work. This is a crucial step to getting some other major things done on the house. Please pray that the weather will cooperate and for safety and easy work for this man. Hopefully, he will be able to finish it this weekend.
We are doing pretty well. The heat has been hard on everyone (100+ heat indexes for almost 2 weeks). Farmerboy works out in the heat all day. So far he has done alright, he drinks plenty of fluids. He is pretty grateful to come home to the a/c. It's not real fun be pregnant during all this, but I'm glad to be looking forward to cuddling a new little person when cooler weather hits.

Psalm 78 Proverbs 22

Things No One Wants to Talk About

2010-07-20T07:38:00.000-07:00

(I hope I can remember everything I was going to talk about.......)

So much of the time bloggers only post the good stuff. I do not want to come off as having it "all together", because I don't. Occasionally, I seem to have my (and all the family's) life under control, but then life changes or circumstances occur that require adjustment. There is still peace, but life cannot continue on at the same rhythm.
Right now, our family is blessed with 8 children. Our oldest is 18, moved out to work, lost his job, and is now living with us again. Just yesterday we got him enrolled in college (he is actually working for 2 technical certificates). So, needless to say, it has been a challenge for him and us to acclimate. Our two older daughters are trying to finish high school and are learning to be home keepers. They have their needs and frustrations, too. Then, there is my 13 yo boy. He is just sort of starting to mature, so I have to think about how to enable and encourage him.
Of course the younger ones have needs too, but they are at times easier to meet, because as their physical needs are met, so are their emotional ones (this is less true for Red and Belle). Bunny is toilet training, and it's ..um..messy. I feel so inadequate at times. I am inadequate. But, I know the same God who gave us these children will enable us to raise,train, counsel, and encourage them. I merely need to ask for wisdom, which God gives liberally and does not make me feel dumb for requesting. Then, I have to obey Him.

I have been trying to gain extra understanding/refreshment regarding scriptures related to parenting. That is why I have camped out in Proverbs. I have also started reading a book "The Heart of Anger" by Lou Priolo. This book deals with the issue of anger from a biblical, no psychology perspective. It was written for parents so they can deal with their own sin and then their children's. It has been eye-opening. There are things I have been doing that contribute to my children's struggles, and I am trying to work on them.

Yesterday, as we were working on Andrew's enrollment I realized that some of his classes could have been avoided by accomplishing more in his High School years. When Home school parents purchase curriculum,they need to consider what that $50-100 book might save them. Classes are $95 per credit hour, not including books, fees, or travel expenses. Suddenly, those books just don't seem very pricey, do they.
Also, find out what your state graduation requirements are (or the state where they will be attending school) so you at least know what colleges are expecting your student to have completed. Just my 2 cents.

Be blessed.

Psalm 76 Proverbs 20

Struggles and Answers

2010-07-14T07:38:00.000-07:00

The last few weeks I have been struggling with feeling very inadequate as a mother. I have looked at others, and have found myself and my children lacking. This is something that plagues most (all) moms at one time or another.
I have been praying some about this. The Holy Spirit brought to mind the scripture about "judging themselves by themselves". This started me thinking, just who am I and my children supposed to be judging ourselves and modeling our life after? Why, it's Jesus! So, I asked the Lord what He thought, and asked Him to show me where I was failing. I have felt so condemned, as the enemy of my soul flung (some true, some half-true, some out right lies) accusations at me. I was listening and hearkening more to his voice than God's. But, you know what? God didn't do that. He reminded me of what I needed to be doing, and I realized I (really 'da Dad and I) have been doing it,mostly. So, if God is for me and my husband is pleased (he is- I asked, no one else's opinion/comments matter. We are not to fear men, but God alone. Also, please note how many times I used "feel" in the above. Feelings are not truth. Only Christ and God's word are truth.
Some scripture that came up in my quiet time reminded me that I need to be taking my refuge in the Lord when satan comes at me with his charges.
"In You, O Lord, I put my trust; let me never be put to shame. Deliver me in Your righteousness, and cause me to escape;incline Your ear to me, and save me. Be my strong refuge, to which I may resort continually;You have given the commandment to save me,for You are my rock and fortress." Psalm 71:1-3
"For You are my hope, O Lord God;You are my trust from my youth.By You I have been held up from birth; You are He who took me out of my mother's womb. My praise shall be continually of You. I have become as a wonder to many, but You are my strong refuge. Let my mouth be filled with Your praise and with Your glory all the day." Psalm 71: 5-8
That really helped my focus yesterday. I actually have these posted on the bathroom mirror ( a pregnant lady's favorite place) so I can memorize it. It helps so much to break the "crazy cycle" in my mind to switch over to God's thoughts, expressed through His word.
School is going well. I had a hard time getting much else done yesterday, so I need to work on that. (ok the computer won't go off italics.)

Be blessed.

Psalm 72 Proverbs 14

Moving On

2010-07-12T08:34:00.000-07:00

Another weekend has passed. Saturday the big girls and I did a load of laundry a piece, and then, we went to the park. I think we all enjoyed a change of scenery. They played for a while and then we investigated the garden, fish pond, and creek areas. It's always fun to go on walks with children. It wasn't really planned to be a "nature walk" (as per Charlotte Mason), but it turned out to be one. Nae Nae has chosen 3 trees she wants to keep an eye on for the next few weeks. I believe that they are ginko, tulip, and a fir or pine. I was considering setting up a shared nature journal, where each of the children can add their "collections", notes, pictures,etc. to it, sort of as a nature through the year book. This might be a less laborious way to do nature study, by sharing their interests, and the responsibility of keeping it.
'da Dad worked half a day (at work) Saturday, so he could take Gypsygirl to her livestock auction. She did very well.
Sunday was good. I was out of church with Bunny. I need to ask the children what they remember:). We had 2 guests for the day yesterday. 'da Dad's mother and Farmerboy's friend were with us for lunch, and visited for the rest of the day. I think my honey really enjoyed playing cards with his mama. I plan to have her over more often. I know the children had a good time with their other company, too.
We are going back to a full slate of school work this week. I am excited and I hope the children are as well.
I have been trying to do some extra educational reading. Right now I am reading "The Charlotte Mason Companion" by Karen Andreola. It is pretty good. I realize from this book, why the Robinson Curriculm fits this method of teaching so well. It is all about getting the student to find meaning and knowledge by themselves (self-teaching, advocated by both Robinson and Mason). She would have the lessons much shorter (ours are, but not as short as she would suggest) than Robinson, but much of their ideas are the same. Actually, the first book I read about the Charlotte Mason (or living book) method was "For the Children's Sake" by Susan Schaeffer Macauley (Sp?). It is a very good book, but made me feel very guilty, because of all the suggestions to "diversify" their education. Andreola's book has been a breath of fresh air. I have decided that just having some things available to them, instead of trying to build them into our program would be better. They will pick them up as interest and time allows. This way I can focus our attention on the basics.
I am planning on reading the "Original Homeschool Series" by Charlotte Mason. It is available free online (to read or print at Ambleside Online or An Old Fashioned Education). I will probably print mine, as soon as the internet works at the house again.

Be Blessed.

Psalm 70 Proverbs 12

What We've Been up To

2010-07-08T09:45:00.000-07:00

I am just about finished writing up the children's course of study. I may post it here (another day), just in case anyone is interested, or needs some fresh ideas. We have been doing schoolwork "lite" this week, because of Gypsygirl's 4-h fair.
She showed 4 goats, got 3 blue ribbons, a grand champion and one red ribbon. She seems pleased. She really enjoys working with animals.
I am helping with a wedding quilt. It is an Irish Chain, in black, white, and cream. There are some embroidered square between the chains. I have pieced 2 blocks, and Ms. Petite did 1 embroidered block. It is a poem taken from an Amish wedding invitation. Maybe I'll try to post it later.
We worked on the house this weekend. 'da Dad got 1/2 of the plumbing in and he and Farmerboy also got the treated boards put up for the porch. Once the flashing is on, the siding can be hung!
The ladies in the family were busy, too. Ms. Petite, Gypsygirl, and I finished painting the cabinets and cut and hung more insulation. After that, Gypsygirl fixed some fence (so we can move their ponies home) and Ms. Petite and I cleaned and reorganized the tool room. Of course, the littles helped with these projects as well, fetching and so on.
Today is my mom's birthday, Happy Birthday Mom! I love you! Thanks for always being there for me.
I need to scoot.
Be blessed.

Psalm 67 Proverbs 8

Great News!

2010-07-01T15:44:00.000-07:00

I was gone for a little while this morning . When I returned, Belle had a secret to tell me. She gave her heart to Jesus today, with Gypsygirl's help! This is so awesome, and generally made everyone's day at our house. She has been asking lots of questions during Lord's Supper (observed weekly at church) over the last few months, so we new she was getting close. Praise God!
On a side note: a few clarifications seem to be in order. A dear friend of mine has asked me about a few details on some recent blog entries, that she felt were giving the wrong impression. So, here goes. We do not home church. When I say "home church" I mean the one we are members of, and
attend regularly. We fellowship in an unbaptistical southern baptist church with a more or less family integrated congregation. This means that they support what we are doing as parents instead of complicating or competing with it. Our family is growing in the Lord and we are blessed. We consider ourselves Christians who happen to go to a baptist church.
Hope that clears any confusion.

Psalm 58 Proverbs 1

Food Storage Helper

2010-06-28T06:55:00.000-07:00

This is an LDS site ( we are not LDS), but I had a friend interested in it. The address is foodstoragemadeeasy.net. We are not currently doing this, but I am intrigued at the idea of having a years' worth of food and supplies on hand at any given time.

Work to be done

2010-06-26T17:27:00.001-07:00

Last night the children and I met 'da Dad at the new house. We did chores and helped unload some supplies. We ended up having an impromptu wienie roast. Farmerboy's friend came up, too with her little brother. The older girls worked in the garden some, planting some raspberry plants for me.
We returned today, to work on clearing out the area around the house so we can have someone come in and backfill (put dirt in the remainder of the foundation hole, around the outer edge) it.
'da Dad and Lionheart did weed eating so they could find the rest of our siding material (overgrown weeds). Sometime soon the men from church will be helping finish the exterior of the house.
Once the girls and I were done helping them move things, we went inside to paint the cabinets again. I had originally bought a $5 bucket of mistinted paint for this. After we put the first coat on I realized there was no way I could ever make myself like it. It was a nasty hot pink/dusty rose hue. So today,we went to WalMart and bought the color I had picked out to begin with. It's a nice dark berry shade. The new color is perfect, just what I had in mind.
Be blessed.

Peoverbs 26

New Every Morning

2010-06-24T07:03:00.000-07:00

At church, we have been doing a Bible study (Sun. nights) on our thought life. This has been eye opening for me. Why is it so easy to accept satan's lie, but so hard to embrace the truth God gives us? We all sin and fall short. But God has made a way for us to be free ( confessing our sin, accepting Christ Jesus as Savior and Lord). Those who are saved are no longer condemned by God, but satan is the accuser of the brethern. What he says is often true, or partially true, but God is no longer holding it over us. We need to focus on our forgiveness and our position before the Lord, and rebuke satan (tell him in Jesus' name to be quiet!). God's mercies are new every morning! Praise God! I know I need it!

Psalm 50 Proverbs 24

Wow, it's hot!

2010-06-23T05:52:00.000-07:00

Yesterday the children and I went up to the place to do chores and play for awhile. 'da Dad worked late and I didn't want him having to stop and do chores afterwards. When we left town at 4pm, it was 102! Of course, it was probably cooler at home, because there is no concrete or buildings. It also is windy out there. Anyway, the house was not too bad, but it was still hot.
We did chores first, and then I gave the children some jobs.
Ms. Petite swept the floor downstairs. Our dog had rubbed all over it, working to remove her winter coat. When that was done, she and I planned the kitchen layout. We purchased used cabinetry and had to re-think how to best use them. This replaces our original plan.
Gypsygirl weeded her little garden. It has volunteer squash or pumpkins and sunflowers in it.
Lionheart made a path the the pigeon coop and the "necessary". It is getting kind of grown up out there. The youngers entertained themselves and Bunny.
After that, we stopped and visited a few minutes with one neighbor. We were picking up supplies to make 2 pieced blocks to go on her brother's wedding quilt. Gypsygirl and I will be sewing those. Ms. Petite has been working on an embroidered one to go with it. She has the talent and skills to do that, I don't.
Then, we went to our neighbors we buy milk from. They had 3 gallons for us. Mmm.
I am feeling pretty good now. The baby seems to be doing well. I do seem a little (LOT) more emotional, but I am just trying to lean more on the Lord and my husband.
Psalm 48 Proverbs 23

Who Do You Go to for Advice?

2010-06-17T11:48:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday we had a family reunion of sorts, and due to the timing, planned to attend church in that town. We went to a baptist church that some of our friends attend. I enjoyed the more traditional service, but I am glad for how our home church does things,too.
The thought that has stuck with me most is a comment the pastor made during his sermon. He was discussing 1 Samuel 28, where Saul consults with the witch of Endor. He mentioned that a lot of people ask why they can't play with ouija boards, follow their horoscopes, use tarot cards, have their palms read, etc. It is because when you consult these things, you are asking satan for direction! We should ask God for direction.
This got me to thinking about what the Bible says about God and satan's "feelings" toward us.
God-" I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me,and gave himself for me."
(The computer now wants to remain in bold **sigh**, I am not yelling.)
satan- " Be sober,be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour."
Now, I don't know about you, but I sure don't want to be taking life suggestions from someone who is out to kill (destroy) me. I believe I'll be praying to the Maker of the stars who loves me.
Just something to ruminate on.
Oh, btw, Christians are not immune. Watching horror movies, reading horror novels, listening to demonic music, playing role playing games, pornography and dabbling in any of the previously mentioned activities will affect you spiritually because you have given satan permission to invade that part of your life. He always wants more ground. He will make you miserable, scared, unloving, and completely ineffective in your Christian walk. Remember, he is bent on devouring you.
Not to be all doom and gloom here :). We have had a very good week. It has rained here twice. It kind of looks like it might storm today. I guess we'll see.
My dad got the internet working again (yay Dad!), and so I am able to blog here again. Very nice.
Gypsygirl had a birthday a while back, and 'da Dad and I are planning to take her out. It should be fun. We do not always get a lot of alone time with each child, so we grab what we can. She is now 17, and is very much the young lady. She is such a blessing.

Psalm 45 Proverbs 17

WhooHoo!!!!!

2010-06-14T09:34:00.000-07:00

Just got a phone call from Farmerboy. He finally received his GED results..........and he...........passed! Praise the Lord! Our first one is now graduated!

Adjustments

2010-06-09T13:00:00.001-07:00

First, an addition to yesterday's post. When I was writing about the way we homeschool, I by no means was saying this method was they only/best way. We have used unit studies and textbook only approaches as well. They served us at the time, but don't work well anymore. If something is blessing your family and helping educate your children in the way God has led you, then go for it!
I am struggling with adjusting to the changing needs of one of my children. I am so glad that God knows him and me inside out, and that His word says that He will give wisdom to those who lack it and ask for it. Not only that, but He won't make me feel foolish for needing it in the first place! Thank you Lord!

Psalm 33 Proverbs 9

The Children

2010-06-08T07:19:00.000-07:00

Yeay, blogger is working today! I was going to post yesterday, but I couldn't use blogger while I was over here at my parents'. So here I am today.
I can't remember anything I was going to blog about either :p.
School is still going very well. All but 2 of the children are done with this year's school work (school year runs from July 1 to June 30 of the next year here). I am so proud of the hard work they have put in. The others are all now working on "next" year's books. These will not actually count toward next year's hours, but it does put them ahead in their level of work. We are expecting to take a bit of a break for the move and the baby's birth, so continuing full speed ahead right now makes sense.
We use several different teaching methods with our children, but we are largely Charlotte Mason/living books/life experiences folks. Our children do some "delight directed" study and exploration on their own, but we would not want their entire education to be that style. We believe that life is full of things we have to do and they may as well learn that early. Don't feel sorry for them, though. Robinson teaches the basics and they enjoy nature, read encyclopedias voraciously, and have access to all kinds of art projects, and they have plenty of time to play outside and imagine. They also work hard and enjoy each other. These things and a thorough exposure to God and His word are what we consider an education.
Sometimes I forget to just really enjoy and appreciate my children. They are such neat people. They have gifts and abilities that God can use. They really like to bless others by making cards or singing, or just saying I love you. I am trying to be more focused on them and less focused on all the "stuff" I think I need to do. Life is more than a to-do list. All that stuff will be forgotten, but my children will remember what kind of mother I was. Did I point them to the Saviour, or did I shuffle them out of the way so could get things done?
My growing family is growing up.
We were unable to hang laundry yesterday, due to rain. It was cool enough not to run the a/c, so we used the dryer. Today it is supposed to be warmer again, and then rain later in the day. Little Red has to get his laundry done early, or it won't be dry on the lines before the rain comes. Yes, even my boys have laundry days. It is a good life skill.
I have been re-reading "Passionate Housewives Desperate for God" by Jennie Chancey and Stacy Mc Donald. My dear husband bought it for me last year. I devoured it in 2 days. This time I am reading it slower, a chapter a day, with my quiet time. I am getting a lot more out of it this time. If you need encouragement as a stay-at-home mom or your wife could use it, it is available from Vision Forum.
Be blessed.
Psalm 34 Proverbs 8

Settling Things

2010-06-01T15:50:00.000-07:00

If anyone decides to try my padded panties idea, I would suggest leaving your "pads" separate and pin them in. I am having a hard time getting them dry in a day's time on the line. The dryer doesn't dry them well either, because the sensor thinks it's dry because the thin fabric is.
Well, I got our first post-a/c, post- line drying electric bill. Yikes! If it weren't for the line drying, we could not afford the a/c! The bill is the same as it has been basically every month since we've lived in town. Earlier today I was working on a cost comparison of expenses of living in town to living at home. We could be saving about $200 a month!
'da Dad and I had a date/meeting last week and were able to settle a few things. We are not taking time off school until the move,and I am going to print next year's school books ahead of time. We also set a budget for the baby, birth supplies (we home birth), school supplies, and the things we need to finish the kitchen and bathroom in the new house. It was nice to look ahead together and make some plans. I am so blessed to have a husband and friend all in one.
I am pretty sure we are not putting a garden in. I will probably still have some tomatoes in buckets, but that will be it.
I have been doing a little sewing for myself. Most of my clothes are no longer comfortable. Baby is doing well and so am I.

Proverbs 28

Making Do

2010-05-22T19:02:00.000-07:00

I worked on a project Thursday that kind of just hit me all at once. Bunny is needing to potty train. I have tried to find training pants (cloth) on the used market (not to be squeemish, that's what hot water and bleach are for ;)), to no avail. I don't like the price of the new ones either. I have been dragging my feet about starting her because I just didn't want to pay the price for new, when she was just going to well, you know on them! Anyway, I was working on some laundry when I noticed a package of 9 prs of girls underwear, the wrong size for any of our other girls (they had been a gift). So, I decided to sew them down small enough for her and added some "padding" in the form of strips taken from an old towel. They are working just fine, and were basically free, except for my time.
Why do I mention this? I just wanted to say that tightwad choices are not always about not having money. Sometimes, like this one, I wanted to apply that money to something else more lasting.
Besides, I enjoy the challenge of making do with what we have (useless underwear and old towels, in this case).
Now everyone who reads this blog knows for sure that I am crazy!
I have been super busy today. I guess I made up for "ma" of "Abundant Life" not having any "go" today.
I did 5 loads of laundry, hung 4 of them, made a grocery list, shopped,scrubbed the bathroom sink, swept my bedroom floor,chased the little girls, fielded several phone calls, and now I need to go home and sort the laundry and do my Bible reading. Tonight it will be Psalm 22 & Proverbs 22. 'da Dad and I listened to the book of Romans on MP3. It was OK. I am not an auditory learner, though he is. The recording is not very good. It came from Dollar Tree and it sounds like the man reading has never read the KJV before. It does help you test how well you are listening and how well you know a passage ;).
I am doing much better with my pregnancy, and am having a lot more energy.

The Little Things

2010-05-17T14:42:00.000-07:00

Last week, Nae Nae was very intent on helping me in the kitchen with breakfasts. She did a really good job. I almost forgot how much fun a 6 yo can be as a helper. Then, of course, that always makes Bunny (2yo) want to get in there too.
One day, she helped make bread. We took turns stirring, and of course she had to taste the flour and then, the dough (no eggs). After we finished kneading it, she wanted to help with the dishes!! What a mess! I was much less patient with the water all over her, the counter, the floor! I was thinking to myself, "Child you are a piece of work!" The Lord gently spoke to me, "She is My workmanship, and very precious in My sight, be careful with how you treat her."
All my impatience just melted away as God allowed me to see her (and her siblings) through His eyes. It can be easy for us moms to forget what a precious treasure comes in those earthen vessel we call children.
Farmerboy is doing well. This job is really growing him. It is really neat to see how his relationships with the men in his life are changing. He is willing to seek out the advice of others, but I can see that he is definitely now a man in his own right. Praise God for His work!

Psalm 16-17

A Relaxing Day

2010-05-13T15:54:00.000-07:00

Today was really nice. After 2 weeks of crazy, busy insanity, I got to rest and the only phone call we received was from Farmerboy! Very nice.
We have been covering Genesis on Wednesday nights at church. Last night, one of the elders taught on Genesis 2:1-17. This chapter is a recap of ch.1 and adds in some important details. One thing that he mentioned that I hadn't really thought about was that Adam and Eve could have chosen the Tree Of Life or the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. They could pursue life or knowledge. Knowledge is not wrong in and of itself, but knowledge that sets itself against God is sin. The Bible tell us that professing themselves to be wise, they became fools. A great many people are educated, but there education leaves no room for a supreme being other than themselves (idolatry). Also, did you consider that before they took of the tree of Knowledge, that they only new good? This is where sin came in, thinking they (we) knew better than God. That was satan's lie, "you shall become as God." See what God was trying to protect them (us) from with His few commands? Brokenness, pain, separation, every bad or evil thing you can think of. He loved them so much, and us too, and now we blame Him for the pain we created (why does God let bad things happen to "good" people,etc.).
Just thinking.

Psalm 13 Proverbs13

Adjusting

2010-05-11T07:44:00.000-07:00

We got Farmerboy moved last week. He seems to be doing well. The job is a challenge, and he really enjoys trying and conquering new things.
I had a really nice Mother's Day. Church was good. One of the elders preached our of Proverbs 31. We had lunch as a family, then 'da Dad and I went out to help Farmerboy with a few things at his house. When we finished there, we went out and spent the evening with his mother and extended family. I was definitely ready for bed.
My younger brother brought over his Kent Hovind DVD's. He is a creation evangelist. We have seen his seminars before, but the children will watch them over and over again. They are great for helping see the fallacies of evolution and for giving ideas to challenge those you might witness to.
Everyone else is doing great. We are still doing schoolwork. I haven't made up my mind for sure about whether to take a month off or not. I'm thinking I probably will. That way I can get all the printing and binding done for the year, so when the baby comes (it will be in the middle of the school year) I won't have to try to keep up with that and be caring for the baby. Everybody's needs would be better met that way.
I'm going to check out my favorite blogs.
Have a blessed day!

Psalm 11, Proverbs 11

Many Happenings

2010-05-04T15:39:00.000-07:00

A lot has been going on since my last entry.
We found out we are expecting a new baby in November! All of us are very excited. The children and daddy are hoping for a boy. I'm just glad to be looking forward to a new little one in the house. I love babies.
Farmerboy will be sitting for his GED on Thursday, and will move out on Friday. He got a job working at a hotel, and it requires living on-site. There is a good chance that school will have to wait till next fall, as his classes are already full and the entry-level ones are only offered in fall semesters.
We will miss him. He'll still be close by ,though.
We have done more work on the house. Last week, we put up paneling to partition the upstairs rooms off. This will give us some privacy even though it won't be "finished".
We still haven't put in the garden.
each thing in it's turn, I guess.

Psalm 2-4

School Progress, plans, and miscellani

2010-04-03T12:47:00.000-07:00

I have been printing out more Robinson books for school. The children are doing very well this year. I was reviewing the course of study I designed for each of them and all are either right where they should be or a little ahead of schedule. I am very grateful to see them doing so well.
Lionheart will be starting "Pathfinder" by James Fenimore Cooper. This type of book is perfect for him, as he loves action and history. Red will be reading "Rover Boys in Southern Waters by Arthur Winfield. It has a geography focus. Belle will be moving into "Reddy Woodpecker" by Arthur Scott Bailey. The main theme of that book is scientific information about birds.
"da Dad and I very happy with this method of homeschooling. It combines some of favorite methods (Charlotte Mason-also known as living book, classical education, principal approach) into one extremely user friendly curriculum. We tried unit studies, and all text-book approaches and they were just too "Mom-dependent". This curriculum does not eliminate the need for my involvement, but it could. My hubby and I just prefer that I continue to "help" with math and Language Arts. This means they try it first, then ask for help if they can't figure it out. I know the children are learning a lot more because they are not so dependent on me. All but NaeNae read fluently, so, of course I spend more time with her.
I'm not sure when/if we'll take time off this summer. We'll just have to see.
We still don't have our garden in. I hope we manage to get that done. Fresh vegetables are so nice.
I am planning on writing out an exit strategy for moving. Wish me luck!
Today, I get to make 3 dozen biscuits and some sausage gravy for church breakfast tomorrow.
That should simplify things tomorrow. I will just put the gravy in the crockpot on low to warm up when one of the kids wakes me up during the night.
I finished reading Genesis the other day. It is great to do that. It helps correct what we think we know, to what the Bible actually says. Now I am in Exodus.
It is getting green around here. For several weeks (before the last snow!) ,the spring peepers(frogs) have been calling. I so long to be back home. You cannot hear those sounds in town. They and the crickets give you music to drift to sleep with. Here, there is mostly noise.
Still, I am grateful to have someplace to stay till the house is finished.

Exodus1-3 Thank You Lord

Busy Week

2010-03-26T07:16:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been an interesting week. (She understates here.)
Last Friday it was 74 outside, Saturday and Sunday we had so much snow that church was canceled, and two of my friends had babies this week! Pretty neat.
Today, we will be doing school and laundry. I have been doing a lot of running today, and am looking forward to a day at home. I think the children are going to enjoy it also.
Within the next week, Bunny will turn 2. Then she won't be a baby anymore:(. Oh, well, we don't raise them to stay little, do we?
Hopefully, we will be working on the house some over the weekend. I guess I need to check the weather when I'm done here.
We haven't started working on the garden yet. It is to wet, but I do need to finalize the layout so I can buy seeds. I'm ready to get out in the soil again. There's nothing quite like being outside.
On another note: our state democratic representative voted against the healthcare bill. If you appreciate him (for once, imho) doing the right thing email or call one of his offices to say thank you. It's not enough to complain at them. We should encourage them when they make good decisions that actually represent the will of their people. A lot of reps didn't do that. BTW, I'm not usually a fan of his, and have never personally voted for him, so I have no bias in his favor. :)
Please do be praying for our leaders, and that God would be glorified in the choices they make and the ones the American people make in November.

Genesis 40-42 Blessed Assurance

Alive and Kicking

2010-03-19T17:51:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post to let everybody know that we're still alive. Several of us have had a slight (some more than slight) touch of tummy "yuck". Nothing too serious though.
We will probably not do much at the house this weekend, as the forecast is calling for 30's and maybe 3-8" of snow tomorrow. Did I mention it was sunny and 74 today? So much for global warming!

Psalm 33-36

Balance

2010-03-09T12:26:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking a lot about balance here lately. I don't have this one mastered, but I guess I'll just have to keep working on it. :)
Mostly, I have been pondering balance between the sexes, particularly husbands and wives. Men are bashed constantly for being "unrespectible". But, the Bible tellsthem to love us as Christ loves the church. That means when we are unlovely. Wow! I can be pretty "ugly" sometimes, how about you? We respect because we want to respect our husbands in honor of Christ.
Another thing, there is much talk among conservative circles about a man being able to provide for a family when he marries. But, where is the discussion about wives being wise with their husbands gain and content with whatever circumstances she finds the family in. Doesn't it make sense to teach and expect these things to go hand in hand, each strengthening the other?
I guess I'm ranting. Life is full of double standards. As Christians, we should each strive to hold the standard we are given , male and female alike. She should work to be that Titus 2 and Proverb 31 lady. He should work to be that Psalm 1 and Ephesians 5 man. What a blessing that would be.
Next subject.
The weather here is very beautiful. The sun is shining, though it is a few degrees cooler than yesterday. No matter, at least there is the sunshine.
Most people are tilling there gardens in preparation for potatoes, lettuce, and radishes. If we put in anything soon,it will only be potatoes. I generally wait until the last chance of frost is past before I plant anything else. This is especially important since we are not there to cover the tender plants.
Genesis 16-18 Psalm 24

The Blessings of (coming) Spring and Other Things

2010-03-06T19:02:00.000-08:00

The weather here has been fabulous! Today it was in the high 50's , cloudy, but no rain.
I noticed earlier this week while walking with Gypsygirl, that the leaves of the daffodils are pushing up. Then yesterday, while I was hanging out laundry, Ms.Petite and Bunny brought me a tiny blue flower. I also noticed the first dandelion of the year. Very exciting! Spring is definitely in the air.
Two of the older children have signed up for the next age group in basketball. We will still not be as busy as we were with upward.
I had a very nice birthday celebration with my honey. The children also made me a lovely card and chose some pretty and practical gifts. I am blessed. The children and I enjoyed the brownies, but I don't think I will make that type again. I am a fudge brownie lover and these were kind of dry. Well, at least we learned what not to do!
I still have not touched that 2nd quilt. I hope to work on it tomorrow after church.
I haven't worked on the LR curtains either.
I did get some stuff we don't currently need packed away. Now I just need to move it into storage.
This weekend we got some insulation put in, work done on 2 doors, a wall moved to better fit the upstairs bath sink, and all handles removed from our "new" cabinets. I think we are going to have to remove the hinges too, and paint them to match our new handles :). It was really nice to make some progress in that direction.
It was very peaceful and quiet at the place. We all really enjoyed it.
God is good.

Genesis 13-15 He Leadeth Me

The Next Thing

2010-03-02T07:54:00.000-08:00

Upward season is now over. Awards night was held last night. It was very good. I am interested to know what the response was. Some of it we may not know this side of heaven.
BTW, thanks for those praying for the testimony time. God was good.
Today will be a busy day. We will be doing school and the usual things associated with keeping a house up. There is also a fundraiser for upward that a few may be helping with later.
I need to get my part of the second quilt done today, because I'm supposed to be passing it on. This will be my golden opportunity to visit the R family.
My birthday is this week. 'da Dad and I will be going out sometime. I haven't decided what I want to do yet, but I did get the stuff to make my dessert. I am having turtle brownies. It's a really good thing I have so many children to help me eat them. I like chocolate way too much for my own good!
I finished ordering our school materials. Now we are just waiting on math. We actually had much less to purchase than other years, due to using the Robinson Curriculum. Mostly, I ordered toner, a new drum, and Math-U-See. Paper I am buying at Walmart by the 10 ream case, because it is the cheapest I have found. (Yes, I have checked online:)
I would like to get the curtains sewn for the living room of the new house, as they will be real nice for privacy when we first move in. Some other rooms can wait, but that one is pretty important.
I have been noticing a lot of buzz on a couple of forums and another blog about giving out too much personal info. Please use good judgment. There are a lot of things I do not share on here, partly b/c I am fairly private, and partly b/c there are a lot of people out there with evil intentions and I don't wish to give them access to my family. We also do not facebook, so don't be offended if you aren't added to our "friend" list. We don't have one. After seeing what others are dealing with (which I am not), I am all the more convinced I don't want it.
Just my $.02.

Genesis 7-9 All the Way the My Savior Leads Me

2010-02-22T09:40:00.000-08:00

We are definitely gearing up for more work on the house. Farmerboy, Lionheart, and I purchased more material last Friday. Eventually I think we will be dividing up our days, spending half at the place working and the other half here at the temp/ house doing school and housework.
I am currently working on pieces for two friendship quilts. One is for a wedding. I think we will possibly be doing another one later in the year, as I have gotten wind that another of the young men back at home is courting. It sure is nice.
Usually, we let the couple pick colors and then we divide the # of blocks amongst the various families. Sometimes we only do pieced, embroidered, or appliqued blocks, but this time we get to do what we want. It is to be a western themed quilt in muted colors. I'm always anxious to see how these turn out.
Maybe I'll post my contribution.
I did finally get to finish Job yesterday evening. It was just hard to get more than one chapter read this weekend.
'da Dad pointed out to me that this week I'll be sharing my testimony.
Just last week one of our former teachers came up to Robert to talk to him about his testimony. God is working.
We seem to be having colds at our house. Nothing really seems to help, it just kind of runs its course.
Someone (;) has asked for more pictures. Well, our other camera died. We have gotten another one, so I hope we can soon share some pictures. The house has changed a lot since the last ones we took.
Have a blessed day!

John 9 Blessed Redeeemer

Busy, busy, busy

2010-02-19T08:11:00.000-08:00

I want to finish reading Job today. There is a lot to do, so it may not be until bedtime. I was hoping to read the last of it this morning, but little tummies started growling ;).
I need to help the children with school, do laundry ( a bit behind here), take Ms. Petite shoe shopping, chore at the place, and maybe do some more house shopping. (She smiles here.)
Busy times.
Belle had a birthday a while back. She is now 9. We bought her a family of giraffes and took her out to Chick-fil-A. She is now too tall to play in the play area, bummer.
She is very precious to us, and has always been a little ray of sunshine. Her smile just lights up the room.
Well, upward season is drawing to a close. Please continue praying that hearts will be softened and lives will be changed for Jesus. In a couple of weeks I will get to share a testimony after a couple of games. Would those of you who know me please pray that I will speak right words? 'da Dad shared a lot of our story when he gave his testimony, so I don't know which thing I will talk about. God has just been so good to us. I could talk for hours about how God has intervened in my life.
One of the things I most appreciate about God is that His mercies are new every morning. Oh, how I need His mercy and the mercy of the other people around me. I step in the hooey more times a day than I can count. Thanks to all of you who give me grace. I only hope I can be as gracious to others as they are to me.
It is so neat to see God working in the lives of our children. God doesn't have spiritual grandchildren. Our young 'uns have to have their own walk with Jesus. This week one of ours will be baptised by her daddy. It will be a very precious time.
Isn't God good?

Job 33-36 I Will Sing The Wonderous Story

Bits and Pieces

2010-02-16T17:48:00.000-08:00

Just a few comments tonight.
Yesterday we picked up some used cabinets for the kitchen and bathrooms. We bought them cheap. I plan on painting them country red and switching out the yucky 70's hardware to some more "country-fied" black hammered metal handles.
We also purchased the insulation for the upstairs walls. That, we bought at Lowe's. The rest of the insulation and the soffit, fascia,etc., will be purchased at the local lumber yard. It actually had the best prices. Who says bigger is better?
Our schedule will definitely be getting an overhaul, as we adjust to make more time to work on the house. Life will be very busy.
Things are a little wild around here. Lots of changes going on as the children grow up. I am trying to treasure life as it is now, with all of us together. It won't last forever.
Well, that's all for now.

Job 25-27 I Will Call Upon the Lord

I'm Over It

2010-02-04T17:26:00.000-08:00

God is just so good and patient with His children.
The very same evening after I wrote the last post, several of us were listening to christian radio on the way to church. The announcers were discussing the plight of the Haitians.
We still have each other, shelter, clean water, and plenty of food. What do I have going on that is worth complaining about?Please pray for and support the people of Haiti.
We will be gearing up to start working on the house in earnest soon, so keep an eye on the blog to monitor our progress. Who knows, maybe we'll even get some more pictures posted!LOL!

Job 9-11 Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing

Discontent

2010-02-01T08:58:00.000-08:00

In the last 2 months, two families we love very much have moved into larger homes. I am very happy for them, but have struggled with feeling envious, too. I am glad they have been blessed, I just wonder, "When will we get to move into our house?"
I know God has not forgotten us, and that day is coming. We are closer than before.
I think of the verse that says godliness, with contentment is great gain. (I'll look that one up later, I'm blogging @ my parents' and don't have my good Bible with me.)
One of the things I know God is working into our character is contentment. The last of Phillipians 4 Paul is talking about knowing how to have little or much (be abased or abound). We need to be like that.
A friend of mine once said that she thought it was easier to be grateful when you had the least. I believe she is right. When we have a lot, we want MORE. When you have little, you can be thankful for what you DO have b/c you know it could all be gone in a flash.
That is probably one of the most vivid lessons we have gleened from the fire. Stuff is just stuff. It does not love you. It will not be with you forever. It could all be burned up, stolen, blown away or lost. Even if you have insurance, grandma's buffet will go and you will never be able to replace it again. The only things that last forever are PEOPLE. So, we choose to focus on people, especially our family. Those relationships are ETERNAL. Don't miss this. Work and invest in what lasts forever!
I have been lead to read the Bible in the order it was written, so I will be working on Job.
Have a blessed day in the Lord!

Job 1-3 I Will Sing of the Mercies of the Lord

More on Phillipians 4

2010-01-24T16:32:00.000-08:00

Well, life sure is interesting.
Since I last blogged, the weather has been up to the 50's and rainy off and on. The roads to church are pretty bad. It was cold again today though. The weather here is fairly unpredictable.
The last few weeks we have been dealing with a stressful situation. It got resolved on Friday, Praise the Lord! His faithfulness never ceases to amaze me!
That is why I have been meditaing on Phillipians 4 so much. It has been very important to focus on those things.
" Let your moderation (self-control) be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful (worried) for nothing ; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding , shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally ,brethern, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest (honorable), whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure,whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report,; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Phillipians 4:5-8 (Open Bible KJV- items in parenthesis denote a clarifying definition given after the verse in the text)
So, Paul's advice to Christians is to think on true, honorable , just , pure, lovely, things; things that are well reported of, virtuous and praiseworthy before the Lord.
For my situation it meant not focussimg on the "maybes" and the "what-ifs" or listening to the accusations of the adversary (satan). It meant concentrating on the truth and putting my eyes on Jesus and being obedient to following HIm.
THis is the reason I could keep on smiling, being kind to my family and others around me. It is why I could still serve the Lord, sing HIs praise, read His word. He didn't get less worthy b/c we were having a difficulty. He became more real and intimate because of it.
Today is the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade. Please be praying for Moms and babies hanging in the balance. Pray that hearts will be changed, and that there will be no more reason for the abortion industry to exist.
be blessed
Proverbs 23 Philippians 4

Thankful Thursday

2010-01-07T05:35:00.000-08:00

A number of other bloggers do this, and it's the only title I could come up with :).
The weather here is brutal. It's supposed to be about 11 degrees for a high today, with a wind chill of -15! Tomorrow the high is forecasted to be 5 degrees, with a wind chill of -20.
So, I am grateful for warm clothes, a house with heat, water that is still running, and hot coffee!
I am also glad to have a wonderful family to enjoy the snow with (though I think they should probably not be out much, if at all today. We are all starting to feel cooped up, however.)
The last couple of days I have been meditating on Phillipians 4. Verse 4 says, " Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice." (KJV) We can always rejoice in our Savior no matter what is going on. This verse does not say be happy about your problems or circumstances, it says be joyful because you have the Lord with you. What a comfort those words are! In any circumstance we can still smile, knowing our God is with us! Praise to His holy name!
Have a blessed day!
Proverbs 7, Phillipians 4 God's Grace

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T20:16:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful day! I hope everyone else did, too.
Our family has several traditions I did not mention in an earlier post.We permit the children to open whatever gifts they have on Christmas Eve. There is too much going on Christmas morning. We all swap names and shop or make something just for that person. On Christmas morning, we have blueberry pancakes, and bacon or sausage. ( I wonder if our northern friends made donuts today, as they usually do?)Then, we go to my Uncle and Aunts' house to eat.
The Lord did provide us with a white Christmas. I guess we got 2-3 ". It's also very bitter and windy.
This also kept some of our older family members at home. A few are sick,too. Of course, the children have been playing in it as much as possible.
Red and Farmerboy have upcoming birthdays. Time sure flies by.
Remember Jesus!

Luke 1-10 Hark the Herald Angels Sing

God's graciousness

2009-12-21T10:42:00.000-08:00

Well, yesterday was a year since the fire. I have been dreading the arrival of that day, but you know what? It wasn't too bad. A friend from church asked me last night how things were going emotionally. I was a little surprised anyone remembered, but grateful. I know at least 2 people knew about it, and must have been praying for us. I know that God heard and answered those prayers. He has been so faithful to us. We could not have made it through the last year without His presence, comfort, and provision. Praise His name!
Christmas plans are finalized. This week will be busy, as was last week. We have some special things for just our immediate family, and a day for the extended family.
Yesterday, Farmerboy, Gypsygirl,Ms.Petite,Lionheart, Bell, and I went caroling with our church family. It was fun.
We missed the caroling with our friends up north, but it couldn't be helped :(.I guess you just can't do everything.
I have also been making trips to the dentist. 2 children had teeth that needed immediate attention. So, I guess I'll be shuttling them to and fro for a few weeks.
It may snow here w/in the next few days. It would sure be fun to have a white Christmas.
Have a blessed day!
1 Peter 1-2 I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

Great News

2009-12-14T09:02:00.000-08:00

We got some great news on Friday. 'da Dad will be a bank employee as of Jan.1! We were all pretty excited. He was hired there originally through a temp service, so it's nice to have a little more sense of permanence (whatever that means these days).
The men in our family worked on the ceiling upstairs again. I believe it is completely prepped for hanging the material, so maybe we can get that done this or next week.
We have had some enjoyable times so far this season. A couple of parties and this week we will hopefully be able to go caroling twice. I am really looking forward to this, b/c we all love to sing. This is some of my favorite music.
This is how we remember our Savior's birth. (We do not believe He was born this day, we know the day is pagan in origin,but His birth was major b/c it fulfills prophecy.) We read scriptures foretelling HIs coming and the fulfillment in the NT. We want our children to know from the word that Jesus really was the Messiah.No one has control over where they were born, to whom, etc,UNLESS they are God:). We use symbols to help them remember the scriptures. This is done as our evening Bible reading. We have also used advent coloring books found on the internet that use scriptures and pictures for the younger children.
You can google Jesse Tree and Advent to help you pull up ideas if you are interested.
We also go looking at Christmas lights on houses one eveining and then have icecream afterwards, kind of a family tradition.
We have decided not to retain certain traditions b/c they don't seem to be readily identifiable with Christ, but we don't reject remembering His birth. Some people are more open to the Truth during this season, so we want to be a witness for HIm.
If He wasn't born the way He was born, He could not die for us. His word is reliable, from start to finish.

Hebrews 1 God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

Normal

2009-12-09T07:36:00.000-08:00

Wow! It has decided to be December here in the heartland! Today the high is supposed to be 19. It is currently 15, with the windchill making it feel like -2. It is forecasted that the overnight temperature will be 5. It seems like the weather this year is about a month ahead of schedule. These are usual conditions for January.
This weather pattern started back in September, rainier and cooler. We had hoped to move home and work on the house in October, as they tend to be fairly mild here. Not this year, it was actually colder in October at times than November. So, we are behind where we had hoped to be on the house. (I know our WYO friends are going to read this and laugh, but remember-it's all about perspective!)
We have bought pvc pipe for the house, but we may be taking that back in exchange for pex pipe. We are to the point where we can put water in, but the pvc glue will not work in these temperatures. So, in order to move forward we will probably have to go with plan b. I think our contractor friend prefers it that way anyway :).
Yesterday, I was working with the children on schoolwork, and I realized we were having a routine day. This is huge for me. I never thought life would get "normal" again. What a blessing.
I deep cleaned the bathroom and dejunked under the sink yesterday. Today, I am going to do the same in the hallway/laundry area.
My arch nemesis in this house is the kitchen (the livingroom is a close second). It always seems cluttered, because it is. There is a lot of stuff that comes with cooking and feeding a family of 10. (I just feel so blessed as I write this, God has been so good to us. We have a houseful of wonderful children!)I guess I'll start working on that 15 minutes at a time, like flylady says.
I think my next post will be about how we handle Christmas at our house, in case anyone is interested.
Life is picking up for our family, on the ministry front. The church we are attending conducts an Upward basketball league. I was very skeptical about this for years, but after having Lionheart play last year, I'm convinced God is in it. God is really given the glory and the whole point of it is to reach people for Christ with testimonies and the love of Christ lived out by coaches, and support people. Anyway, most of our family will be involved in one way or another. So, our focus will be changing from house to ministry for a few months. That's okey, b/c a house is temporary but souls are eternal. God will make sure that house gets finished in His timing and His way.
Just praisng Jesus today and thanking Him for HIs faithfulness!
I just finished reading "Pathway to Christian Marriage" by John W. Thompson. This is an excellent booklet on Christian courtship and is available free from Chapel Library. Thier address is 2603 W. Wright Street, Pensacola, Fl 32505. Their web address is:www.mountzion.org. They are somewhat Calvinist (I think) in some of their materials (we are not),but a lot of their literature is good. We are using their "Catechism for Boys and Girls" by Erroll Hulse during Bible time in school. I have not come across anything yet that we do not agree with, but if I do, it will be a great time to deal with that from the scripture. No, catechisms are not necessarily catholic. It is simply a series of question regarding life( why did God create man, how many person does God exist as, how are we saved, etc) with scriptural proofs and answers. Basically, it's the teaching of doctrine in a systematic way. I hope that helps explain, if not, leave a comment and I'll try to answer.
Have a blessed day!

Psalm 1 I Need the Every Hour

Project completed and Meanderings

2009-11-24T06:18:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we finally finished the electrical work (wooohooo!!!)
Now, we can move on to putting up the ceiling upstairs so we can insulate.
Ms. Petite played in a tournament Friday and Saturday. Their team placed 3rd overall.
Farmerboy and Gypsygirl have made awesome progress on their ponies. He says his is basically broke. It will be really nice for them ( and maybe some others....) to be able to ride once we get moved.
Our family is going to be able to host Thanksgiving dinner. The church fellowship hall was available, so we will be having it there. There is a lot more space there. I am so excited.
It is sort of a dreary day outside. It has been raining and it looks cold. I haven't been out yet. I guess I can ask Gypsygirl, she feeds the bunnies every morning.
I am determined to have sunshine in our home, though. That makes me think of a song "Sunlight in My Soul". I wonder, does anyone but me remember that one? It's out of a 1950's edition of the Broadman Hymnal. I do love so many of the old hymns. This one says " when Jesus Christ came in , and saved my soul from sin, I have sunshine in my soul today." Wish I could remember the rest.
I am so thankful to God for all He has done for us. I could make out a laundry list here, but I won't.
I will just leave it to this: I am so thankful that He is who He says He is, He loves me even though I am what I am (sinful), and wants to be a Father and friend to me. I am also grateful that He wants that for everyone He created. Isn't God good?
I was thinking of how the last year has been for me. There have been times when I thought I would go crazy or just wished I could die, b/c it was too hard. In this time, God has shown me that
2 of the keys to sanity are gratitude and contentment. These 2 are inseperable. You cannot be grateful and not earn some contentment to go along with it. Over the past year, I have been grateful for breathing, getting up in the morning, the children's smiles, etc. Of course there have been big things ,too. I have all of my family, lots of people to love me, a new church home, continuing to homeschool, and so on. But learning to be grateful for house that's is not as large as our original one and other things that are not to our preference, that is the real test. When I want to complain or feel grumpy, I stop and ask myself, "How could this be worse?" There has never been a time I could not think of some worse thing, so I am always able to be thankful. Praise the Lord! His command to be content whatever our circumstances has been such a blessing to me.
Psalm 118

HOPE

2009-11-17T09:24:00.000-08:00

A lot has happened since the last time I blogged.
My brothers step daughter was murdered. Please pray for God to be real to the family and a source of comfort for them.
(pulling out soap box...) I am tired of hearing stories about young people dieing, killing themselves, using drugs, alcohol, sex, etc to blunt their pain. They have been told that they are just animals (evolution) and that there is no God (humanism, atheism-also linked to evolution). What is there to hope for, if this wretched life is all there is? I could not hope. I believe this is what is happening to our youth.
When the house burned down, I was able to turn to the comfort of a Father who loves me. If I didn't have hope that He was looking out for my LONG TERM good , I think I would have just given up. Maybe killed myself, I don't know. Life without Jesus is not worth living to me. He is my hope.
Titus 2 (the whole-NKJV)
"But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine:that the older men be sober, reverent,temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; the older women like wise,that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers,not given to much wine,teachers of good things-that they admonish the younger women to love their husbands, to love their children,to be discreet, chaste, homemakers,good, obedient to their own husbands,that the word of God may be not blasphemed. Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded,in all thing showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity,reverence,incorruptibility, sound speech
that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you. Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, not pilfering,but showing all good fidelity,that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things. For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you."(emphasis mine)
How different would our world, and your (mine) life be if we really believed, lived, and shared these things with those hurting around us?

Ok, now for the house.............
All that is left on electrical are 7 light fixtures, 4 outlets, and the water heater (which can't be connected until the water is on). The wiring is all in place, so it's just a matter of installation. We put up some ceiling in the upstairs hallway. It's actually beginning to feel like a house on the inside! Soon we should be finishing the ceiling. Then we can blow the attic insulation in.

As for our "regular" life............
We aren't really decided about polans for Thanksgiving. We have had several offers, but this is usually our "home" holiday. We'll just have to see.
Farmer boy and Lionheart are helping our next door neighbor from up home move. We will sure miss him.
Over the weekend Farmerboy also went deer hunting. He helped a friend get a nice 8 pt buck. They will be sharing the meat. Yay!
Ms. Petite is playing on a traveling basketball team with other homeschooled girls from church. She seems to be enjoying it.
Gypsygirl and Farmerboy have been able to ride their ponies some. We do need to try to get more tack, though.
'da Dad's job is going well. No slow down there, b/c everybody is refinancing their homes and all those loans must be reviewed.....
The littles are doing well.Some days are tough, when it's raining and they have to stay indoors.
I am doing alright. I have good days and bad days. God has been so good.
A couple of days ago, I was having a pity party, when I drove by a church that was burned (arson)
a few days after our house went. They haven't even torn down anything to begin their rebuild. It could be worse. At least I can see the relief to come!
James 1 I Need Thee Every Hour

Progress

2009-10-26T07:46:00.000-07:00

The last 2 weekends I have stayed at home. The first week it was b/c some of the little girls were sick. This past week it was partially that, but mostly b/c I hurt my back. I am doing much better, but I would have been no help working on the house.
Everyone else got a lot done. Yay for them! I am so grateful to have children who step up when they are needed.
The wiring is nearly finished. Yay!
Several weeks ago we purchased the insulation for the attic. Now that the electric is finished up there, we can put the upstairs ceiling in and insulate. There was a lot of prep work to do for this step. Someone offered us a huge stack of painted, tempered masonite. We decided to use it for the ceiling upstairs. (We did this with the old house, too, only it wasn't prepainted :)So, the older children spent most of their time ripping down 2x4's and pre-drilling holes. It is now finished (the prep work). I'm so excited to see this done!
Next will come the water lines. I'm really happy about that. It goes so much faster than electricity.
The challenge I posted about last time was eye opening. I hope you all will try it sometime. Also, I would suggest that you ask your older children if they see Jesus in you. Then, really listen, and do it with a humble heart, especially if your children are brethern in the Lord.
Life is going well. We have had a lot of rainy days. That always makes this house seem smaller, and tempers are shorter. Mine included. I just keep trying to encourage them (and myself) that our situation is not permanent. We sure will appreciate that new house!
Thanksgiving is coming up. It is my favorite holiday. No commercialization. Just family, enjoying each other and good food, and (hopefully) being grateful to the God who made it all possible.
I need to go set down with the children and start school.
Have a blessed day!
the mama
Ephesians 1-3 Great is Thy Faithfulness

Challenge

2009-10-05T11:50:00.000-07:00

Yesterday our pastor was talking about young people (18-20ish) leaving the church. He believes it is because they don't see anything real in the "christians" around them, even their parents. So, he proposed that we all document how we spend our time the next week, to see if there was enough evidence to convince a young person that we were really disciples (followers) of Jesus Christ. His premise was to pretend we had an 18 yo hot on our heals, looking for proof this Jesus "stuff" is real. So, I issue you the same challenge. Comments would be interesting.
Saturday, we put face plates on outlets and put switches in,etc., downstairs. We can now actually turn on some lights. I received a gift this weekend that should speed up progress. Praise God!
Last weekend the men went camping and we girls stayed up late watching the 6 hour (yes!) Pride and Prejudice. We enjoyed other girl activities. I did miss the guys, but I think both we and they enjoyed extra space. It was nice to not be piled all over each other.
Moving home will be so nice!
Another thing about yesterday that I forgot to mention was the life chain. It is a silent demonstration reminding people of the tragedy of abortion. I stayed home with the little people. Our 5 yo asked me why people kill babies. The Lord used this opportunity to show her how evil came into the world. I opened the scripture to Genesis 3,verses 1-7. The thing that I wanted to make clear was that people were responsible for the knowledge of evil in this world. Eve and then Adam,made a choice to believe satan rather than God (see Ch.2 of Genesis). Up to that time, they had only known good.
To shorten this up, people still want their own way,not God's.
We live in a fallen world. This is why bad things happen, even to good people. People have a choice,they can serve God through Jesus, or they can purposely,or by default, serve satan (also known as doing it your own way). There is no middle ground. More on that later. The truth is, man is responsible for the presence of sin (bad things, evil) not God.
Have a blessed day,
the mamma

Romans 1-3 I Will Call Upon the Lord

Not Much

2009-10-01T14:28:00.000-07:00

We have worked on the house since the last time I posted. 'da Dad improved the water situation and completed more of the electrical wiring. Some brothers came from church and almost finished siding 2 walls of the house. Hoping to get more done this weekend.
We have been busy. Just life, but a rich and full one.
I need to get back to packing. We are moving eventually:).
Jesus died for you. Have you trusted Him?

Acts 12 I Need Thee Every Hour

Work

2009-09-15T05:51:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we got an access point for water fixed up. Now, we no longer have to hook up hoses at the neighbor's place. Thanks Richard and David.
We also started working on the upstairs wiring.
Last Friday was Lionheart's birthday. There are now officially 4 teenagers in our family. It sure makes life interesting ;).
In a few weeks some men from church are planning to work on siding more. This is very nice, because it frees us up to do other work. I really appreciate all the help we have received. We could never have done this by ourselves. Thank you, Jesus.
Someone mentioned to me the other day, that we had a daunting task ahead of us (finishing the house). I just listened. It is very overwhelming if I think of it as a whole. But, if I take it project by project, it's doable.
The Lord is really working on the unbelief in my life. Sunday morning was a particularly hard day for me. My focus was all wrong. I was looking at all that we still need to do and buy,etc......Then, the Holy Spirit just impressed upon me that a God who couldn't be trusted for a little thing like a house, couldn't be trusted with my eternity either. That'll get you straightened out fast. I'm just going to trust Him. Period.

Acts 12-14 I Need Thee Every Hour

Tired and Happy

2009-09-07T18:50:00.000-07:00

That's what we are.
We had a full weekend. Friday night most of us went to a baseball game with friends from church. It was pretty fun. 'da Dad's team won, so he was very happy.
Saturday we went to a homeschool music festival. It lasted all day. We enjoyed the company of our "home" friends.
Sunday was the Lord's day. I spent most of my morning working on training her to sit quietly. This work will really pay off later, then I should be able to actually sit through the service. After church we had a meal and played games with a couple other families.
Today (Monday and also Labor Day) we worked on the house. More electrical. Ms. Petite and Gypsygirl removed the hardware from some drawers and cabinet doors we are refurbishing for the kitchen. The girls and I are planning to paint them country red.
So, we are tired,happy, and grateful.
May each one of you find peace through Jesus, joy in every good and perfect gift from Our heavenly Father above, and comfort through the Holy Spirit.

Acts 1 Amazing Grace

Getting Real

2009-09-04T05:47:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I was reading a favorite blog, and the writer stated that she was worried about another blogging friend. The lady had just had a baby (by c-section) and it seemed like she felt like she needed to jump back in and start doing all the tings she was doing before (baking homemade bread, fermenting veggies,etc...). The blogger writing was concerned that sometimes we only share the "good", so people think we are always in control. I do have a tendency to only tell certain things, but it is more to protect my family or myself. Having said that, I will share a few things today.
There are so many areas of my life that have changed in the last year. I loathe change.I'm still struggling to make adjustments.One of the hardest things for me right now is church. I know we are where God wants us. I miss our old church family. I am trying to learn to know people, but it just takes time. Sometimes, I feel very lonely and out of place. The folks there are as nice as can be, I think it's just me.
Also, our oldest is going to be 18 in January. There's a lot we need to do for him. Where did the time go. I guess when they get this age, you see every mistake you've made as a parent. I have made many. God help us.
As you know, we were hoping to be moved by 'da Dad's birthday/our anniversary. Those days are now passed. I am surprised that doesn't bother me more than it does. I really do not want to be living here come winter. We are paying more in just utilities, living here. This does not include the extra gasoline for him driving 2x the distance to work. We also spend more because there are so many "conveniences" in town. At home we did not make special trips for some trifle, now it's too easy to go to WM. :P (Wanting to go home.......)
In all of this I know God is control. Change happens to everyone. Not all change is bad. A great deal of it uncomfortable.
This is where I am at. Learning to be content in whatever state I am in,trusting Jesus and His love for me. He is enough. When I am lonely, He will never leave me, nor forsake me. When I am afraid,He is my Prince of Peace. When I am discouraged and sad, He is my joy and song. When I am tired, He is my strength. Oh, how I love Jesus! He is my best friend.
My friend, what have you done with Jesus?

John 19-20 More About Jesus

This and Last Week's Happenings

2009-08-24T05:41:00.000-07:00

This was in yesterday's church bulletin. It's so good, I just had to share it here.

The Cross by the Numbers
by Stephen Bradd

0-sins;bones broken
1-Sovreign Lord;atoning death
2-natures(mortal and divine)
3-days;crosses(one died in sin,one died to sin,one died for sin)
4-way division of his garments
5-major wounds(back,head,hands,feet,and side)
6-unmerciful hours
7-sayings on the cross
8-days after the resurrection(John 20:26-31)
9-gifts given by Christ after His ascension (1 Cor. 12)
10-days between His ascension and Pentacost
11-apostles who waited in Jerusalem (Acts 1)
12-apostles who turned the world upside down (Acts 17:6)

That just makes you want to go back and check it out doesn't it? You might just have to read all 4 of the gospels to catch them all ;)!

We have had some beautiful fall-type weather, courtesy of some hurricanes. I always feel bad about this, b/c I know someone, somewhere had a hard time first. We'll be praying for them.
Anyway, it did make for nice conditions to pick and can the last of the corn, and of course to work on the house.
We did more electrical work this weekend. A friend came and put in the wire that runs from the pole to the house. He knew exactly what he was doing, so we just let him do it. Farmerboy did act as his helper and gopher.
The next couple of weekends we probably won't be doing much b/c of prior commitments. Maybe we can do some work during the week, though.
School is going very well. All of the children are making good progress. There is one silver lining to our present circumstances. They are usually done with their schoolwork by lunch time or shortly after, so the balance of the afternoon(before ps lets out) is spent putting laundry away or doing daily cleanup chores. That way, as soon as 3:00 rolls around, they are free to go. Works for me.
There is a county fair here this week. Our family plans to go. I had thought about entering some of our produce for judging, but I never have found out the particulars, so I probably won't. Some of us are going to work in a food stand for the Upward basketball program, and 'da Dad and I will be attending the Right to Life booth. These are 2 good opportunities to speak for Christ this week. The children have their plans,too. :)

John 8-9 I Will Call upon the Lord

What Else We've Been up to

2009-08-12T10:36:00.000-07:00

Farmerboy got his driver's license on Monday, too. We are all really happy for him. He got a 95% and even passed parallel parking!
Last week we canned 15 qts. of pickles, 8 bread and butter,7 sour dills. I don't think I will make more. That way if they are a flop, I won't have 30 qts. of them to suffer through ;).
Some friends of ours had a baby yesterday. Congratulations J&R!
Farmerboy, Lionheart, and 'da Dad got most of the trench dug for the underground wire. I was impressed. Those guys really worked hard.
Today I took Red and Ms. Petite down to the storage unit. We are finally done deciding what to keep and what to share. The bedding has been reduced to the final amount we can use, it needs to be boxed, as soon as we get boxes. After that, we are done with that step, and will merely be adding boxes packed out of our temporary home. I cannot say how much a relief this is. Thank God.
I stayed up late last night reading Pride and Prejudice. Now I am reaping the consequences. Oh, well, I guess we'll all have a resting time this afternoon.
I am looking forward to a nice day with my family. God bless each of you!

Luke 18-20 All the Way the Saviour Leads Me

Tidbits

2009-08-10T05:31:00.001-07:00

Isn't God good? Yes, He is. Today my dear husband and I have been married for 18 years. It just doesn't seem like it has been that long, and in other ways, it feels like we've always been together. I give all the credit to our Lord for keeping it together. We are both way too human to have stayed together by our own merit or willpower. Jesus is the glue that keeps our marriage in one piece, even when we break each other's hearts. That said, he is my best friend this side of heaven. I am so grateful that God gave me to my husband, and He gave him to me. We fill in each other's weak spots. He keeps me from seriousing (not a real word :) )myself to death. Just thanking Jesus for my husband today. As an aside, because there is a husband, there are children. I am sure happy about that ;).
I always wanted to be a wife and mother. I know that's not P.C., but it's true. I thank God for putting that dream in my heart and for making it a reality.
Let's talk about the house. This weekend we were blessed with some great helpers who began working on our siding! They got most of the j channel up around the windows (still waiting on a window) and actually got to hang some siding. It looks really good.Thanks guys!
We got a surprise when we got to the place on Friday. 'da Dad came out of the house and asked me if I knew anything about wire. I ,of course, didn't. He took me into the house and showed me a pile of 4 aught (probably writing that wrong) wire, conduit,fittings,primer and glue, everything needed to run the electricity from the pole to the house!!! What a blessing! Thank you Jesus!
No one will admit to knowing anything about it, but I pray that our God who knows in secret will reward them openly and meet any needs they have.
Have a blessed day!

Luke 14-16 While I'm Waiting

Still Working on It

2009-08-06T12:27:00.000-07:00

Still working on the electric. Almost done with the windows. Not too much to update on the house.
We are preserving the harvest. I'm hoping to make my first-ever pickles today, freeze some corn, and can green beans (if I can get the instruction manual to print off).
The Lord is keeping us uncomfortable, so we'll want to move on. I really miss privacy. REALLY.
Ms. Petite read Psalm 40 for us the other night. The phrase that stuck out to me is "Lord do not tarry." So, that is my request for the move home.
We took a little break from school, in preparation for moving, which will be a while yet. Sooo, we got back to the books this week.
God is good, all the time, He is in control, and He loves each of us. Have a blessed day!
Luke 6-8 Blessed be the Name

2009-07-27T06:29:00.000-07:00

It's been a while. Right now the computer we were using is down, so I'm blogging at my parents' house.
The last 2 weekends we have worked on electricity. The downstairs is nearly done. This process is very time consuming. I know the whole family will enjoy the benefits, though.
The doors are also ready to hang. I spoke to the man who donated them, and he thinks the hinges we bought are not sturdy enough. I'm thinking he's right, b/c they are steel. We hadn't even thought about that. It sure is good to have " a multitude of counselors".
My dad fixed one of the double windows for the house. There is a second one he needs to repair, but there's time,b/c we have 2 windows we have to retrofit. Anyway, it looks nice, and will go to live in the classroom. Thanks, Dad!
We are still packing and purging for the move. 'da Dad and I went and worked at the storage unit, reorganizing and boxing those things up. I want that done before we move the things we have ready at the trailer. Otherwise, it will be a mess when it comes moving day!( No thank you!) So, that is one of the priorities this week.
Yesterday was a really good day at church. The pastor has been teaching out of John 7. He pointed out some cultural things that really added to my understanding of what was going on while Jesus was talking. I really was challenged when he spoke about Christians having rivers of life gushing our of their hearts. WOW! Can God use me like that, to bless others? Do others know that the Power of Christ and HIs resurrection are living in me? Not b/c of something I have done, how good I am,etc., but just b/c I am willing to lay down what I want and embrace Him and His will? I want to be like the apostles, their life was so different, that the people noted that they were but common, unlearned men, but they had been with Jesus. I want to be that kind of vessel. How about you?
God is just so good. I could not bear many things, if I wasn't firmly convinced of His love for me and my family. He is the rock which I cling to. There is no other real hope.
This morning I was reading Psalm 23-26. I have prayed a lot lately that Jesus would hold onto me, b/c I was climbing up on uneven ground (usually a bad attitude, or a pity-party) and I would be sure to stumble (say or do hurtful things to my loved ones or anyone else in my path :p). In Psalm 25 or 26 it says that God had set his foot on an even place. *sigh* That is just wonderful. Thank you Jesus.
Well, you all have a blessed day.

Memories

2009-07-14T07:15:00.000-07:00

The other day I was thinking about some things we had lost in the fire. Then, the Lord pointed out to me that we have a lot of new memories made since then.
The day of the fire was an absolute whirlwind. We were ministered to almost immediately. (Maybe now would be a good time to share that. *SIGH*, here we go.)
Gypsygirl came downstairs from her room and said, "Daddy,there's a fire in Farmerboy's (not actual name ;) room." Of course, we bolted upstairs and sure enough, there was fire climbing up one of the walls! I ran and grabbed Nae Nae out of the bed , woke Farmerboy up and told him to take his wool blanket and try to put the fire out. I will never forget the look of horror on his face.
'da Dad told me to get the other children out of the house, so they all grabbed a blanket and went outside. I ran to our roon picked up Bunny,wrapped her in a blanket, grabbed our quilt and the telephone. When I got outside, I could see that the fire was actually on the exterior wall of his room. There was nothing 'da Dad and Farmerboy could possibly do. I called 911. When they asked for our address I just went blank. We had a rural route number, and they wanted our new E-911 number, which we had received about a week or 2 previous and I didn't have it memorized. So, I described it the best I could. It took 30-45 minutes after that call for them to find us. Anyway, 'da Dad came out and told us to go to the van. He ran back in and grabbed some clothes and my dayrunner,and no one went back in after that point.
After the firecrews showed up 'da Dad sent us to the neigbor's. He had been on a trip and the children had been doing his chores,so we had access to his house. Farmerboy started a fire(in the wood stove) for us and then he and 'da Dad went back over. I sat ther watching our house burn down, trying to comfort our children, and keep bunny asleep (yes, she had slept through all of this!). I started praying. I just told the Lord that it was allin HIs hands now,that we could do nothing for ourselves. I just had peace, God was going to take care of it. Oh, it hurt,to see all the work my husband, father,son,cousin,friends had put into it go up in smoke. I just knew God was sufficient. I thought about all the stuff we were losing. Heirlooms, years of homeschool books,on and on......I did cry, but after that I was just totally numb.
I made 3 calls. One was 911, then once we got to the van I called, by cell phone, my neice and my parents. That was about 3-4am. I called those people b/c I figured all of our friends,family, and church would find out. I was right.
So, the Red Cross came and talked to us. One of the volunteers had been through a fire also, so she had some good counsel to give. After that, my parents,brother , auntie, and our friends started showing up. One sister brought me a gift (tea,goodies) and a cup that said"The mighty oak tree was once just a nut that held it's ground." I love that. We received so much love and encouragement from frirnds, family,neighbors, and yes, strangers.
This seems so inadequate. I just can't say enough about God's goodness to us, and how He used and still uses people, especially His people to meet our needs and to push along. There are so many time we would have just given up, if hadn't been for friends loving us enough to give us a nudge.
Back to the ranch...........new memories.....
-my dad fixing up a place for us to sleep the first night, and buying us stuff for breakfast the next morning
-special people who donated our new beds ( not mentioning more,you know who you are)
-quilts from others (one from Costa Rica)
I could go on, and on. The point is, we still can have memories, they're just different ones.
Also, we worked on painting the exterior doors yesterday. All the children had a hand in it, some literally. Bunny, 5 minutes into the operation stuck her hands into the paint pan! Thankfully, Lionheart caught her just in time! Red, Belle, and Nae Nae did the "X" and triangle parts of the doors with a brush, and then, Ms.Petite, Lionheart,Gypsygirl,and I did the rest with rollers. We went with a medium gree color called "Summer Ivy" from WM colorplace. They look really nice. We bought 9 lite windows to put in the doors.
After that we worked on the garden. It is coming up very nicely. The children found and harvested our first zucchini. That will probably be part of lunch today.
When 'da Dad got there we started measuring for the downstairs wiring and planning for heat registers upstairs. The plan is to work on electrical this weekend. I'm very excited.
Need to go. Have a blessed day!

Mark 1-3 Wonderful Grace

Clarifying

2009-07-03T09:33:00.000-07:00

I got a call from a friend last night. Somehow she had the impression from my last post that we were, right now moving. We are preparing to make the move. We are planning to be moved before 'da Dad's birthday and our anniversary. I'm not giving a date specifically, but those who know us personally know that means soon. Sorry, if I gave the wrong picture of our situation. Praise God we have a reasonable amount of time to pack and do more work on the new house before then.

Matthew 21 Sweetest Name I Know

Sorting, saving, sharing, and scrapping

2009-06-30T14:17:00.000-07:00

Well, I know we are moving. The other day, I felt the Lord impress it upon me that I need to prepare
to move. That means packing the things we can do without temporarily, throwing away, giving away,and doing some deep cleaning along the way.
Last week I began addressing the storage unit stuffed with all the house wares we were given after the fire. This place had a terrible effect on me every time I went in there. Now after 2 days of paring down, I can actually feel good about what's in there. I am planning on taking the rest of the goodies to thrift/free stores, so they can be a blessing to someone else. God has been so good to us, we want to share with others.
I haven't really started packing yet, but I got some great ideas from Ladiesagainstfeminism.com and flylady.net. I want to call a few local stores about surplus boxes today, so I need to get off here soon.
I want to share something the Lord showed me this last weekend. I never made it up home last week. I had 2 fairly "bad" fire days (remembering stuff I lost in the fire that I need,etc). When I took the elder children up to do chores, I walked into the new house. My first thought was, "Who's house is this? This is my house? I'm going to live here?" I was shocked that I had gotten my focus so much on surviving in this present state, that I forgot about the blessing to come in my new home. That's when the Holy Spirit reminded me that as Christians, we need to keep our mind on eternal things and not get so caught up in this temporal world. We are strangers here, we need to remember the lost and their fate in hell. We need to retain in our knowledge a holy God who loves us and wants a relationship with every person, through Jesus Christ His son. We need to remember heaven is our home, so, live in anticipation!
Just one more thing. Farmerboy and I were hoping to purchase new laying stock. I didn't really think we should spend $ on them, since we are trying to be extra careful with funds right now. Anyway, he noticed several weeks ago that our cochin bantam (miniature,sort of) hen was setting.
Well, when we went to work on the place yesterday, we were welcomed by 10 bantam chicks. So, again the Lord provides!

Matthew 17 I Could Sing of Your Love Forever

Busy

2009-06-20T18:15:00.001-07:00

Today we went up home to work on the garden. We laid plastic over the empty spaces to help with weed control and water conservation. I hope it works :). The children were very helpful, and so was 'da Dad.
After that, we ate lunch. Sandwiches, chips, and carrots. By the time we get moved back home I reckon we'll be burned out on sandwiches, but it makes for less time prepping food, and more work done on the house.
The rest of the afternoon was spent putting in more windows. We have 5 left to hang, then the doors (which also have windows). I think we have 19 windows, not including the doors. That's what happens when the wife (me) loves natural light. God bless my sweet man (installer) and all the helpers that cut holes for all those windows!
Now we are home and making preparations for another Lord's day. I look forward to this day all week long. Spending special time with the Lord and His people just sets the tone for the whole week. It helps me to regain focus on what lasts. Only what is done for Jesus will stand.
I hope you all have a blessed day tomorrow and find yourself refreshed to serve Him faithfully!

Matthew 10 Abide with Me

Roof

2009-06-17T15:51:00.000-07:00

Our helpers finished the roof on Monday. I haven't seen it yet, but 'da Dad has. He has resumed doing our chores at home again, since his new job takes him up that way. I am hoping to see it tomorrow, since the children and I are planning on laying the plastic on the garden and meeting him there for supper.
Thanks to all who prayed for him to get a job. He seems to like it. The hours are different than any he's ever worked before, so we are all trying to adjust.
God is good!

Matthew 4 Amazing Grace

2009-06-11T15:31:00.000-07:00

'da Dad and Framerboy finished up the housewrap today. I was the "ground guy" for them. I got crisp. It sure is nice to have that job done.
Over the week we have installed about half of the windows, too. It really is looking more like a house all the time.
On Monday, we had some helpers come and work on the roof. They were able to put the front of the hipped roof (think pyramid shape) before a storm hit. Now, we are waiting for another clear, still day to work on that some more.
The upside to all of this rain is that the garden has miraculously come to life. Ms. Petite and Gypsygirl helped plant it Friday and Saturday of last week. Itinerant planters and waterers were: NaeNae, Belle, and Red. I couldn't have done it as quickly, nor as well, without all of their good help. It makes me wonder how I ever got anything done before.;)
I read some very encouraging poetry this morning. Maybe I'll be able to share it on here sometime.
Have a blessed day!

Psalm 3-4 He Lives

Heavy Metal

2009-05-31T13:27:00.000-07:00

LOL! Just couldn't help myself!
Anyway, we were able to buy the sheet metal ( barn tin) for our roof. It is dark green. We paid just over 50% off retail. We purchased it at an auction. Such a blessing from God.
The house will be sided in a greyish-tan vinyl with a green roof and doors.
Someday we will get some pictures put on here :).
We had planned to work on sorting the tin out by length and putting the house wrap on tomorrow, but we have an opportunity to help split and remove some wood. The new house will be heated with a woodstove, so we need to take the fuel when we can get it. We'll see how the day goes.
Have a blessed Lord's Day!

John 6 I Will Sing the Wondrous Story

Wet

2009-05-28T07:45:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we went up to the place to clean some more. We got most of the construction "debris" out of the way so we can begin backfilling. This needs to be done before the siding goes up.
One of our neighbors disced our garden for us. I was hoping to till it, but it started raining. Maybe this weekend?
Monday we purchased the house wrap and roofing felt. A local chain store had a 20% off sale. We saved about $50.
Hopefully this weekend a friend will be able to get our roofing tin for us. We really need to get the house covered, it just keeps getting wet.
Please pray for 'da Dad's job situation. He's been looking, but hasn't been hired yet.

Revelation 16 I Need the Every Hour

Framing finished

2009-05-18T07:39:00.000-07:00

Sorry, it's been a while. I just wanted to up date on the great progress! All the framing if finished, except the stairs (interior) and we will be finishing that up today! Praise the Lord! The shell of the house was raised in just 5 days!
Thanks to all the young (and older ;0) men who did the work. We are praying for God's blessing to rain down on you.
Now we'll be looking into the roofing material. We are not completely sure whether to use metal or shingles. After a real bad storm a couple of weeks ago, the only roofs that I've noticed that are damaged were shingled. So, we'll see.
We also need to get the house wrapped and siding up.
Farmerboy has been working some for an uncle, cleaning up a fence line so it's easier to mow. I'm glad he has something to do.
We went to 2 graduations this weekend. 'da Dad's is on the 23rd. I am very proud of all the hard work he has put in.
The public school lets out this week. We home school year round. It will be interesting to see how the neighborhood children react to our children still being "busy". Life sure is different.
The Lord reminded me Saturday that I needed to relax and trust Him to take care of me. I looked around at everything around me and realized anew that almost everything I now own, someone else GAVE me. It's pretty humbling to remember how God has used so many people to meet our needs, and even a few wants. Sometimes, I, just like the children of Isreal, lack faith and gratitude. It is so easy to judge them for their behavior in the wilderness, but most of us forget God's faithfulness. We get jaded. I want to remember.
I think we may only get tomatoes and corn in the garden, but a neighbor reminded me that I can put in a fall garden. I am now planning that. I was feeling a little bummed about the rain, but God was good to show me a different way.
Well, laundry and teaching are calling my name. Good bye for now.
the mama

Revelation 8 Blessed Redeemer

House work

2009-05-05T17:45:00.000-07:00

(This title was suggested by Lionheart.)
Well, we got all of the block cleaned up. Two of the piers went in on Saturday, the rest on Monday (5th). Then they got all the joists, sub floor and 2 of the exterior walls done on the first floor. Today the framer was hoping to get the second floor up, but the rain held us up. The sub floor can go up tomorrow, Lord willing.
It sure is a blessing to see a crew of men and boys working on our house as though it was their own. Some of them we don't know at all, some are only acquaintances. May God bless each one of them and their families.

"Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart." Psalm 37:4

"Thou wilt keep (him) in perfect peace, (whose) mind (is) stayed (on thee) : for (he) trusteth in thee." Isaiah 26:3

I Will Call Upon the Lord