The Kindle Crew

moved for good!

2012-01-12T15:41:00.000-06:00

Over our blogging years, we've moved way too many times.

This is the last time. If you follow, your feed should not stop.

Click on The Kindle Crew.

Another week down, 15 more years to go!

2012-01-06T19:12:00.000-06:00

If you came just for what we did this week for our Weekly Wrap-Up, skip down to the picture. If you first want a little story of what God has done in my heart this week....start reading now....

I mentioned to my husband the other night, "I'm not sure I want school to start again." He smiled and shot his infamous "I'm married to a crazy lady" look my way. "Why can't I be like everyone else and just send their kids away all day....I have 15 more years of this!"

His sweet reply was, "you're right, they do." That was it. No encouragement, no talking me out of a pity party, nothing. Nothing except pure brilliance! That's one thing I admire about my sweet Brandon. He never (and I mean NEVER) feeds my pity party. This use to annoy me but really, who wants a friend (or spouse) that encourages sin. I'm so thankful that he said nothing so the Lord could say something.

I've been reminded this week of God's calling on my life. I know it, I'm thankful for it but I'll be honest....I don't always want it. I want to do what I want to do. I want to fulfill my own selfish desires and go about my day doing this, that and whatever my little heart desires. Yes, I love homeschooling way more times than not. I'll spare you of all the benefits that far outweigh the negatives....but none of that....I mean absolutely none of the negatives or positives have anything to do with my homeschooling this brood.

The only reason I do what I do is because God stamped his seal of approval over my life then called me to this extreme nonsense. Who said following Christ was easy, eh? Who said Jesus was reasonable?

At the end of a long, hard day, I ponder the thought of giving in to my flesh over this homeschooling idea. Really, how bad could life be if I were to be disobedient. Yes, God makes it very clear to me this path of life he has chosen for The Kindle Crew in this season but seriously, I'll still be obedient in everything else...just this one thing, I'll do what I want to do. Can you believe it....I really do play this out in my mind.

I then dig around and pull up from the hidden Scripture reserve and I remember Deuteronomy 28. I encourage you to read the entire chapter.
All these blessings will come upon you and overtake you if you obey the LORD your God....But it shall come about, if you do not obey the LORD your God, to observe to do all His commandments and His statutes with which I charge you today, that all these curses will come upon you and overtake you.

The Lord has made known to me the path of life which The Kindle Crew must travel. I now must rest in the knowledge that God's ways are higher and greater than mine and I must walk this path.

All that being said, I'm linking up with Kris' Weekly Wrap-Up over at Weird, Unsocialized homeschoolers.

This week was a three day week for us. Just getting back into the swing of things after a month off has it's challenges. I figured we could swing three days. One of those days were even a 1/2 day. Oh my, I just laughed out loud.

I have nothing to inspire you academically because this week has been a week of peeling back the layers of all of our hearts. I've had to refocus on what's best and most important, not academically, but in the light of eternity. We may not have acquired any new bullets to add to our Harvard application but I feel accomplished, motivated and refocused.

Our focus this month is gratefulness. After Christmas, I thought gratefulness would be a good quality to introduce. We are learning about the porcupine and how his eyesight is very poor, no one likes him, everyone is terrified of him and how if we were treated that way it would be easy to live in self pity. Instead, Mr. Porcupine wants to sing. He stands on his hind legs and sways back & forth singing YUUUMM OOOOO EEEEE UUUMMMM! Interesting huh? He always finds time to be grateful and sing his heart out...shouldn't we too be grateful like Mr. Porcupine, regardless of our circumstances?

We love Apologia, Parker & Brett are studying Who Am I? together and started out learning about what in the world are we doing here? We are identifying the attributes of God and characteristics we should have since we are created in God's image. I love this series and wish I had grown up on it.

The book I think is the best for little ones is Leading Little Ones to God. I recommend this for every family. This week Crew & Kate have learned that God Talks to Us through his Bible and how important it is for us to read God's Word every day so we will know what it is God has for us to do. Toddlers are sponges and I see how we were so diligent with the older two and haven't been so much with the younger two. I'm eager and excited to invest in the younger two. They are eager to learn and I'm thankful for that.

Crew learned a little about gravity, is working on putting words together and is eager to step up our learning to read pace. I haven't put much thought into schooling this little guy because we have all of the time in the world for this but his sister is eager so I figure we better kick it in gear. In gear for us simply means more intentional guidance, speaking when spoken to, serving others, putting your own trash in the can, putting away your own plate, etc...and a little reading, writing and arithmetic thrown in to pacify grandparents! wink wink!

I need to be more intentional with Kate being as I feel called to lead her into a passionate desire to mother her own brood one day. She is learning to be independent in grooming her own hair and deciding how it's fixed, even if that means three pony tails. She loves to help in the kitchen and I helped her color her castle, hide in there from daddy and all other sorts of snuggling, talking, singing and teaching her to serve with a grateful heart.

We've spent a bit of time browsing through these super cool Christmas gifts. You can see the insides of the human body, sharks and dogs. More books like this are out there but these are ours. They love them and are excited to read all of the interesting facts jam-packed in there.

Mr. Squirrel joined us for a few days, helping with Explode the Code and Math U See. He is quite the character, that Mr. Squirrel. We hit the jackpot on great gifts for Christmas. Parker put together the entire Marble Race you see in the first picture. I think his daddy helped 30 minutes or so but that's it. We really encourage Parker in his ability to follow WRITTEN directions. We are working this month with all of the children on following spoken instructions....awe, what a day that will be. Brett is an eager beaver in proving he can write with a broken collar bone and doing a fine job at it. He and Parker both are reading more and enjoying their books.

We are working on showing respect, working as if working for the Lord and speaking as if speaking the very words of God.

I hope your week back to school was more of a blessing than a burden. I'm eager for our year to unfold with all that God is teaching me through this journey following him.

Again, I'm linking up with Kris for the Weekly Warp-Up!

My One Word - Wait

2012-01-04T21:15:00.002-06:00

My One Word to ponder, to take hold of, to practice and to let become a part of me this coming year is WAIT.

The moment the Lord gave me this focus, he also provided ample opportunity for me to do so. He opened my eyes to many areas where I needed to let WAIT become who I am and how I respond.

I desire to wait on the Lord to reveal to me who to pray for and how to pray.

I'm eager to wait on the Holy Spirit's guidance in responding to my children.

I will honor and glorify him best if I will wait for direction in seeing what his best activities are instead of jumping into all the good activities around us.

I desire to encourage my readers through my blog and I can only do that in a manner worthy of him if I wait for him to show me what to share.

I purpose to wait on the Lord to show me his plan for our day, regardless of what I had in mind.

There are many other opportunities the Lord has shown me that I need to learn to wait in.....our budget and our money should reflect our love and desire for Jesus, our menu should reflect my waiting on the Lord's leading of our home...every detail of my day and life should be a reflection of God being in control of my heart and my home.

Waiting is not natural for a recovering control freak but as we learned this morning; we are made in the image of Christ, therefore we should reflect Christ.

I'm excited to know that in waiting on my God, he will renew my strength and not let me become weary. I will wait for the Lord, my soul waits and in his word I put my hope. My soul waits for the Lord.... (Is40:31&Ps.130:5)

Oh, Thank you God for your longing to be gracious to me. You desire to show me your compassion. You are a God of justice and you will bless all those who wait for you! (Is30:18)

As I wait patiently for you Lord, hear my cry and answer me. (Ps40:1)

I heard about One Word 365 here and I'm linking up with Heather over at It's a Long Story.

Do convictions resemble laundry? Part Three

2012-01-04T05:27:00.004-06:00

You can read Part One and Part Two of this series first.

I've gone back and forth about which basket to work on first but have finally decided that (in my opinion) it's better to clean up the prejudices & preferences baskets before working on the convictions basket. I've realized as I've looked back over my year, that once God cleans out my preferences & prejudices then I have more to add to my convictions and can focus on being obedient to all he is convicting me about. When I still have unkept items in the other baskets, I am not at rest.

Let's work on the preference basket first. It's full of likes & dislikes. Perhaps it's full of self indulgence, a bit of slothfulness because of what we feel we deserve and maybe a little bit of "because I can" attitude. It's quite eclectic, this basket, very diverse and pretty much what suits us from time to time. Our attitude and mood probably have a lot to do with what's in this basket, along with responses to how we've been treated or circumstances in our lives that have torn at our core.

With all the baskets, take these thoughts, mind sets & attitudes to the Lord. One by one if you have to. I never said this cleaning up process would be short & easy. Let God work on your heart, issue by issue and let his character become your character so that your preferences are his preferences. There's all kinds of preferences: for people, for food, clothing, colors, activities, music, movies, the list is forever long....examine these preferences of yours up against his Word. Are they transforming you into being holy because he is holy? Are you growing closer to the Lord by living under the influence & direction of your preferences? Are others seeing Jesus in you because of what you prefer to take part in, adorn yourself with, speak about and give your money to? Let God work in your heart and in your life to transform all that you prefer into what he prefers for you and the advancement of his kindgdom.

The prejudice basket can be cleaned out in the same manner of prayer. Let's begin by asking why we have certain prejudices, why our opinions have such an effect on our worldview and how we can guard our hearts from allowing ourselves to become judgmental toward others. Are we prideful, have we allowed the Lord to humble us or do we tend to think more highly of ourselves than we ought? Are we under the impression that God needs us? Who are we that God should be mindful of us? We are filthy rags before a holy God. He holds the stars in his hand and has them numbered. We need to seek God's face and fall at his feet in humble adoration that he would even invite us to be used by him. Our prejudices are turning many a people away from the god we've created with our own preferences and prejudices.

Once God has done a work in our hearts turning our preferences into his and has removed the self righteous prejudices we've allowed, now is the time to make a long, prayerful search of how these convictions fit into our day to day, what God wants us to do with them, how we can please the Lord through them making sure above all else, we are clothed in love.

Convictions are hard to persevere in. Some convictions require little of us and some require much sacrifice and diligence relying on the power of God in us to allow us to live out our convictions.

Sometimes we live out our convictions awhile until it gets too hard then they end up on the bottom of our laundry pile until we can get to them again with ease. My desire is to be the person that boldy lives out my convictions in a pleasing manner. In a manner that offers much grace and shows God's love as the underlying foundation of all we do. My prayer is that I won't allow the convictions I have to not be dealt with. I don't want to store them away until I can get to them. I want to keep them out on the table, throw them around in my prayer room and let the Word of God penetrate my soul in a way that my conviction is taken out of the laundry basket and is melded into my heart's innermost desires.

As does always, the laundry is never ending. The preferences & prejudices always find their way in our home as well and my goal for this year is to keep these things sorted and in their appropriate places in our hearts so that the Lord can deal with them and mold us into his likeness.

I desire to be used by God in a brand new way this year. I encourage you to take some time to sort out the dirty laundry of your own heart and figure out what God is calling you to do, how to live and to worship in a pleasing manner.

May the God of all hope and peace be with you this coming year as you seek to live in obedient to Christ's commands!

"Without Biblical convictions, people will always go the way of culture."
- Sally Clarkson

Do convictions resemble laundry? Part Two

2012-01-03T05:18:00.002-06:00

You can read Part One here!

Yesterday we talked about what to do with this overwhelming pile of unmanageable convictions.

Today I want to encourage you in digging into that pile and getting on your way to peace and rest in knowing you are following God's call on your life.

To keep it simple, let's gather three baskets to sort into. Afterall, our pile doesn't just consist of convictions. We have convictions, prejudices and preferences. The three are confused so often. I frequently hear, "God doesn't call us all to the same thing!" I think I know what that comment means but for today I'm going to go out on a limb and say I disagree. God calls all of us to Truth! I will agree that God doesn't lead us all on the same journey and quest toward Truth but he does call us all to live by Truth.

Sometimes it's easier to say we don't have certain convictions or that God hasn't called us to this or that but I believe if we are seeking the face of God diligently then our conviction basket will be more full than the baskets of preferences & prejudices.

Convictions compel us to live by Truth. Preferences are just choices we prefer and prejudices are opinions or judgments. Seems to me that the only Truth basket we really have is the conviction basket, if we want to be set free by Truth that is.

How do we know what goes in which basket? We have to examine ourselves. We must examine our hearts up against the Word of Truth. Do I have this idea because God's Spirit spoke into my heart or because I'm trying to be like someone else? Do I choose this way of life because Chirst called me to it or because I want to look good in front of others? Do I feel this call for my family because it's God's best for us or because everyone else is doing it?

One thing I've learned and found much freedom in is that God is not a cookie cutter kind of Creator. He doesn't make us all alike (thank him, right!) He doesn't give us all the same likes & dislikes. He doesn't require from me what he requires from you. One common thread that runs through all of his children though is that we were made to worship. We were made to bring honor and glory to him. We were made to share his love with others. Those Truths should be a common character trait that the world sees running through the lives of Christ followers. I'm afraid and ashamed that we, that I, have failed. Again, thankful for his mercies that are new every morning.

I'm getting off track....no wonder my pile is unmanageable, huh?

To start on your pile, gather your three baskets (or your paper and pen) and start throwing your ideas, your reasons for this or that, your way of doing things into their appropriate baskets. The convictions you know are from the Lord, throw them into the conviction basket. Preferences you have just because you have the right to think this way, be that way, etc...throw those where they go and we will work on those later. Prejudices, those opinions you have based on nothing close to truth, just something you've allowed yourself to become since childhood or circumstances, your judgmental spirit or attitude...throw those into the prejudice basket and we will work on those later too.

___________________

Examples:

Treating others with the love of Christ would be based on a conviction. I'm reminded of the Scripture, be ye holy because I am holy! Treating others with the love of Christ isn't a preference for me, it's a conviction to be righteous. Remember, I didn't say I always submit to the Spirit's leading in these convictions but this is certainly a conviction.

Treating others with malice and contempt would be thrown into a preference basket because there's nothing in God's Word of Truth that allows me to have any opinion about another except love. Never have I been given the right to keep God's love from others. It's not mine to hold for myself. Preferences aren't always a good thing!

Treating others with a judgmental and self righteous spirit because I have a certain opinion about how they should live, what they should do, etc falls into my prejudices basket. Again, who am I to micromanage everyone elses convictions?

___________________

I hope those examples help a little as you sort out your pile into their appropriate baskets.

Tomorrow we will talk about what to do with these three baskets once we have them all sorted.

Do convicitons resemble laundry? Part One

2012-01-02T13:16:00.001-06:00

To know that Christ wants, desires and is eager to do a new thing in my heart is very exciting. I'm very thankful that he is so willing to pour out mercy upon me, time and time again. I wrote this on my pantry door New Year's Eve as a reminder that I have much hope and freedom in Christ & that he plans on shaping and molding me into a new thing.

As this verse is folded into my heart, this overflowing pile of laundry will not leave me alone. In my puposing of seeing God in every detail, I've prayed about this photo and about what God wants me to learn from it. I'm refreshed and encouraged in what the Lord has shown me.

As I think back on this past year I recall how I've been poked, prodded, shaped and molded by the Lord. He has pulled, tugged, torn & mended me heart in all sorts of ways. He has done many a new thing and brought up many an old thing that needed to be made new. I'm still raw and unfinished but I'm pleased in seeing little ways in which he has grown me more into his likeness than I was this time last year. Change is a blessing and welcomed this coming year as well.

As I think about this pile of laundry, I think that as God does his new thing in our hearts, he does so in the form of convictions many times. He stretches us and convicts us but we don't always know what to do with it so we do nothing. When I'm being slothful or have the "I don't care" attitude this pile of laundry grows and grows until I don't even have an idea of what's in my pile. My convictions resemble this pile of laundry many times.

The Lord convicts, I'm not sure what it means for me so I pile it up over in the corner of my heart. He convicts in a different area and I again don't act, I store away to be dealt with later because I'm not quite sure how it fits into my life, what I'm suppose to do with it, or where it's place is in our family. Again, the pile grows.

As the laundry never ends, neither does the conviction of the Holy Spirit in my life. I go about living my way with the conviction pile growing into an overwhelming, unmanageable mess. I'm not at peace because really, who is at peace with chaos? The peace is there for the taking but it requires something of me. I have a few choices.

I can either completely disregard my pile of convictions stored up and continue to life a life of unrest or I can sort out what the Lord has put in my pile, find it's appropriate place and clean out the storage shelves of my heart making room for peace and rest. The first option requires less of me today but eventually takes it's toll on my life in a way that is not desired. The second option requires more from me today but offers many blessings and rewards and ends in a life well pleasing to the Savior.

I'm thinking a righteous life, pleasing to the Savior is what I was made for.

Where to begin though? The pile is so high. The Lord has been convicting for so many years and I haven't done a thing with it.

Do you ever feel like this?

Check back tomorrow and I'll have for you some ideas on how I've learned to start the process of managing this pile......

Liebster Award

2012-01-01T05:49:00.000-06:00

How thoughtful of Andrea over at My Homeschool Tale to award me the Liebster Blog Award.

I was unfamiliar with the Liebster Blog Award until now.
It's basically like a chain letter, but for blogs. The idea is to spread the love from one small blog (under 200 followers) to other small blogs. This helps to build community and readership. Sounds fun, huh?

According to Andrea, the origins of the award are hard to find. But she did find out that "liebster" in German means "dearest". As part of the Liebster award tradition, I am going to award 5 small blogs that I enjoy keeping up with, that bless my heart and encourage me in my walk with the Lord.

Here are the rules to pass along the award to another fellow blogger.
1. Show your thanks to the blogger who nominated you by linking back to their blog
2. Nominate five other happy little blogs by posting a comment on their blogs.
3. Post the award on your blog.
4. Now you get to stop by and see what these up and coming blogs have to offer.

The blogs I am passing this award on to are

http://www.intentionalpursuit.com/

Katie's blog always encourages me to think outside the box, to dig deeper into the Word of God and to keep on keeping on in what the Lord has called me to.

http://www.byfaiththecarlsons.com/

Lindsey doesn't blog often because she is busy with four little ones but everytime she does she blesses my socks off. God has gifted her in writing (in my opinion) and every post she writes, the Lord works on shaping my heart.

http://www.afirefighterswife.blogspot.com/

I love Stacie's blog because she seems so down to earth and so eager to please the Lord as a wife and mother. Her blog encourages me in my homeschooling adventures and in being who God created me to be.

http://www.raisingrealmen.com/

I haven't followed this blog long but long enough to know God wants me reading it. I am intrigued by this large family and their desire as a couple to raise a generation of godly, righteous warriors.

http://www.elmerandcricket.blogspot.com/

Lisa's blog always reminds me to be intentional with my children. I love how she nurtures and is so involved in every detail of their day. She creates fond memories for her children and I love her passion to love Jesus well.

Congrats you guys! Thank you for encouraging me.

Happy New Year.

Cousins

2011-12-30T17:08:00.001-06:00

I grew up with most of my cousins around me. I was the youngest girl on one side and the oldest girl on the other. What's fun is when cousins become not only family, but friends.....

We got to meet the newest Kindle cousin yesterday.....

My kiddos LOVE babies! Kate is relentlessly asking for a baby sister AND a baby brother....talk to Jesus, sister...talk to Jesus!

Congrats to Aubree on becoming Aydan's big sister.

On the Parker side we have Nicholas & Landon who we were excited to spend some Christmas Eve time with.

I'm sure this isn't the last of cousins......bring 'em on!

Moon Orchid Motifs

2011-12-29T01:42:00.001-06:00

I'm so excited to feature Moon Orchid Motifs and their super cute cash envelope wallets and clutches. We've been using our cash envelopes for almost a year now and I am so excited about having a cute one to carry with me.

Pretty fabrics make me happy!

Isn't this too cute to carry......

*all photos property of Moon Orchid Motifs

All you readers are being blessed with 10% off your purchase throughout the month of January on any cash envelope clutch or custom cash envelope wallet! Thank you, Moon Orchid Motifs!

There are many fabrics to choose from HERE so if you aren't fond of this print, check out the link.

Click HERE to see details and to order.

Use code Kindle10 to redeem your 10% off.

2011-12-28T16:40:00.000-06:00

The other day I read a comment about someone's house looking as if momma got ran over by a reindeer. I thought it hilarious because my house looked neglected at the time as well. I've had a horrible cold for several days now so I made the comment that not only does my house look like momma got ran over by a reindeer but momma feels like it too!

One of my goals for the coming year is to not let this become (or stay) the norm......

Sick or not....this is absolutely ridiculous. I'm great at keeping up with having clean clothes...not so great at putting them away. If you were feeling discouraged, maybe you feel a bit better now!

This is one of my favorite pictures that made it on my camera. Brett was listening to Papa read about the birth of Jesus...isn't my Nana beautiful!!!

What a blessing that my kids have even GREAT grandparents investing in them. Many cherished memories they will have....a heritage of faith.

I've been praying for my family, our starting school next week and for my blog. I've been praying about what our family is suppose to be a reflection of and what we are to be apart of this coming year. I've prayed about who we need to invest in and how I'm to minister to others.

I'm excited about a new year, perhaps I can make it through the Bible this year without getting behind and giving up. I'm deciding on my book list for the year. I've neglected my love for reading and that will not be on the back burner any longer. I'm determined to learn a new handicraft with my children. I am going to purpose to see God's handiwork in everything. I plan on being creative in using the gifts God has graced me with to build up his kingdom. I desire to grow in my prayer life and am eager to see what God has in store for me and my role as a wife & mother.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T00:36:00.000-06:00

Me and my favorite girl (with battle scars)............

Christmas Eve Gift!

Why is today different?

2011-12-23T13:55:00.001-06:00

Congrats to Lisa...enjoy your Sonic card for winning our Christmas Tree contest!

A million random posts are running through my mind. I thought I would be funny and tell you I'm rockin' some Tina Turner hair today. I love vintage aprons and can't find one for the price I'll pay. A tiger, which Kate named Bebe, is sitting here watching me type. My cheese is still thawing so I can grate it. My friend, Katie makes the best hot tea mix EVER. We are almost out of ovaltine. There is a pink tricycle and a baseball bat in my kitchen floor. My kids are on their 14th movie of the week. Kate is wearing a strawberry princess costume and I love The Keeper!

Instead, I thought I would tell you why today is different but first, tonight is Friday Family Fun and The Kindle Crew is having a party!!! Enchiladas, rice, homemade salsa, baked apples and Memaw's Chocolate Cake. I haven't made my enchiladas in....well, I can't remember how long but they are delicious and we are all pretty pumped!

Here's the delicious enchilada sauce...I used tapioca flour instead of reg.flour and almond milk instead of reg.milk...it's tasty...yes, I licked the spoon (a couple of times). I'm using flour tortillas except for the few corn I'll slip in there for me. Decisions...gluten/flour or genetically modified corn....who cares!

Did I mention that randomness seems to be my theme these days. Randomness mixed in with a little bit of shock effect and who cares....striving for perfection is way overrated...some of you will figure that out in January!

Check out this bad boy we will consume tonight.....

Parker got a little sift happy!!

So, is today different for you?

I've been annoyed lately. Annonyed with my children, annoyed with the holiday festivities, annoyed with my lack of housekeeping, annoyed with trying to decide what to cook, annoyed with people's indulgence, annoyed with self-inflicted expectations, annoyed with feeling trapped with traditions, annoyed because we've had no structure for a month....get the picture, I've just been annoyed.

Why is today different?

The house is still a wreck, all but the kitchen! There isn't one bed made. I take that back, Crew's is made because last night he slept in our bed and the night before he slept at g-parent's. Laundry is spilling out of the laundry room onto the couch. My dining table isn't set for Friday Family Fun, my wrist is killing me, Brett's bone is still broken and hindering my sleep, books are still unread, I have a child that can't spell CAT if you spotted him with the C and the T, and there are still ceilings to be textured.

Today is different because I decided to put on my big girl panties and deal with it. Today is different because I decided that my attitude stinks and this pity party is not God's plan for me. Today is different because I've realized that this Christmas season isn't anymore about Jesus than next month will be.

I posted earlier about being torn since Thanksgiving about what all this holiday business is all about. Don't worry, I'm not taking Christ out of Christmas by saying, "holiday", I'm simply including Thanksgiving...so, grab your big girl panties and deal with it too. (smile)

I've read post after post after post about Christmas...the reason for it, why we celebrate, how we celebrate, we do santa because, we don't do santa because, we decorate our tree with, we don't even have a tree....on and on and on. It makes my head spin and my heart long for something fresh and new.

Katie over at Intentional Pursuit wrote a post about Fitting into a Box. I had already been thinking on these things. I read another great post, can't remember where, about how Christmas isn't about us, our satisfaction or pleasure...it's about Jesus.

Isn't it true...Christmas is about Jesus. What I've been annoyed with though is that I have been frustrated at myself for not making Christmas memories, cooking this, doing that, making this, reading that....I've had an expectation to jam all this "holiday goodness" into our lives...I haven't been so great at it so I just gave up, said "who cares, it's not about that anyway" and went the complete other end of the spectrum and haven't done a thing that I had hoped to do.

I threw all of our candy away in our countdown because I had to say one too many times, "if you leave your trash on the floor then I'm throwing it all away." I've been ready to take down the garland and not-working lights off the stairs for a week now, I haven't made any Christmas candy because I haven't wanted to and peanuts are so expensive!!! Yadayadayada...pitiful, isn't it. Yes, that's what I tell myself too.

I then sit and contemplate what is WRONG with me and Jesus, as he so often does, whispers to me (way more times than he should've) that it isn't about all of "this stuff"....it isn't about cramming Jesus into Christmas or making sure we don't write XMAS (gasp) or say "happy holidays"...it isn't about whether this is really Jesus' birthday or not or how many wise men there really were or the fact that they shouldn't even be at the nativity because they weren't there at the birth....it certainly isn't about whether we lie to our children and bribe them about Santa or that we don't do Santa at all for the sake of making sure we make Christmas about Jesus...goodness...there is so much to remember, so much to get right, so much to think about, so much that we allow ourselves to get wrapped up in....gosh..my head is spinning again.

I guess my point is that we, especially Christians, want to make sure we get it "right" by keeping Jesus in Christmas, by celebrating his birth, by holding on to childhood memories and making sure we create our own traditions.....we certainly want to light our advent candles and do our devos....I'm not being a smarty-pants here in case you are sensing that....I'm trying to figure out my own convictions on how we do Christmas and do it well....and then what I've been struggling with for over a month now.....I realized...in the bathroom...go figure!

I should celebrate Jesus everyday!!

Yeah, simple as that...but, it's huge for me. I've not wanted to be like everyone else who celebrates Jesus just at Christmas but their lives have no fruit. I've wanted to make sure we celebrate in a way that brings Christ honor. I'm reminded that our goal shouldn't be to not be like "them" but we should strive to be like Jesus. Everyday. Not just Christmas or any other day of the year the post office lets off....every single day.

I believe my unfilled spirit was because I was convicted that we haven't celebrated Jesus daily like he desires but that I was putting so much effort and time into trying to make sure we keep Christmas about Jesus. Whether that makes sense or not....it frees my soul!

I'm certainly not saying we shouldn't celebrate this weekend. What a blessing God gave us to send his son....what grave danger we would be in had he not died on the cross, risen and given us new life if we believe in him and give our lives to him. Thank you, Jesus.

What I certainly AM saying is that when the last gift is unwrapped, the last tissue paper folded to use again for spring bday gifts, the last china dish dried and put away...let us not forgot WHO it is that gives us life.

My prayer as we embark on another day tomorrow and another one to follow (the Lord willing) that we will celebrate big. That our celebrations for Jesus will not just be at Christmas time. Every breath I have is because of what Jesus did for me. My celebration should be every day, reading God's Word aloud should be every day, singing praises to Jesus should be daily....it's not a seasonal celebration....we should live a life of celebration!

Whoever offers praise glorifies Me;
And to him who orders his conduct aright
I will show the salvation of God.

Psalm 50:23

Brett & a contest

2011-12-20T01:12:00.001-06:00

If you read my last post then you know Brett broke his collar bone. He has been down in the dumps lately but what a nice Sunday surprise for his friends to make him cards and brings him a goodie bag...thank you Heather and the Good boys!

I think his spirits were lifted a bit by being able to sing in the Festival of Lights Sunday night. He missed Saturday night but was in so much pain that he didn't even care.

We've encouraged him to seek the Lord these next six weeks because more than likely He has something to teach Brett but, that's hard for a very active 7 year old who even moves in his sleep. With droopy-dog facial expressions his answer is, "I think God just wants me to have a broken arm so I can't do ANYthing!" I assure him that's not God's plan...then I just pray for Brett's little heart.

I found this pic in a box of crafts....this child came into the world cute...

I can see God's hand in so many ways even over the past few days. A few weeks ago I was praying that Parker would learn to serve his family with a cheerful heart and today I watched him with Brett...he took his plate to the sink, zipped up his coat, picked up a piece of trash Brett dropped...all with eagerness to serve. I made a point to give thanks for even that victory.

I can see the siblings having such compassionate hearts for their brother and so eager to make sure he is comfortable. It really is sweet. I can also see God doing a work in my own heart about serving. We are trying to be extremely careful about Brett moving his arm as little as possible....when Brett moves, there is nothing gentle about it...I haven't given him a bath in forever. I haven't helped him brush his teeth, unbutton his jeans, dry him off, comb his hair...this boy is so independent and he is the one that is 90 to nothing jumping around serving the rest of the family....I didn't realize how much we take for granted..and with just a broken collar bone.

We've talked about Bethany (Soul Surfer) and other people with only one arm. We've talked about the Angels protecting Brett during his fall and Brett imagines his angels cushioning his fall and positioning his body just so he would break his collar bone and have no other injuries. We do not want to overlook what could've been. When Parker told me he was thankful that his head didn't slam into the shed, we made a point to list all of the what ifs if God's hand hadn't been on Brett. Seems like we are making something into nothing...it was just a collar bone, right? Not to us.

Today the flower shop called with a gift for Brett. It was a massive amount of balloons and a jam-packed gift bag full of goodies. Of course, Brett shared more with everyone else than he kept for himself. God has big plans for this child!!! When we drove into town to pick it up Brett said, "I think this is the first time I've seen sunshine in days!" Poor fellow. Thank you to Bebe, Gramps, Aunt Emily & Uncle Josh for making a part of Brett's day FANTASTIC!!!

When you read this please say a prayer for Brett. Yes, for quick healing but mostly for Brett's eyes to be open to whatever it is Jesus has for these next six weeks. And for the rest of us to be able to learn what God has for us too during this time of serving the servant's heart of our family.

Just for fun....before Brett's dominant hand was out of commission...we grabbed some in-stock supplies and made trees...aren't they lovely. Brandon was at work since that's what he does during the day so these are made by me, Parker, Brett, Crew & Kate. If you can guess in order who made what tree you will win a $5.00 gift card to Sonic...and if you use it during happy hour...this could turn out to be a great deal!!! The first person to guess correctly wins!

Happy guessing.

In the past several of you guys have told me that you can't leave a comment on my blog. If you are having trouble, leave it as annonymous, over look it if I spelled that wrong, and make sure you end your comment with your name and a contact email if I don't have yours!

Maybe just maybe I can mail it out in time for Tuesday's 5 burgers for $5.00!

. I called that one...

2011-12-18T00:01:00.001-06:00

I normally don't rush when I hear screaming from outside because I've come to realize most of them mean nothing and because if it is something I have time to pray for "please no blood" before I get there.

Today was different. I could hear it in Brett's voice. I opened the door to four other boys....two of mine and my 2 nephews...all telling me at once what had happened.

I immediately had a flashback from when my brother broke his collar bone...I took a quick look under his shirt and went to get Brandon. I made a joke about us still being ready to sit down and work on January's budget.....we love ER visits around here.

I think I said this last December....and the one before that...and the one before that..."we've made it all year without an ER visit until NOW!" Why is it that our children get hurt when the doc's office is closed?

Brett is a trooper and he is so tough. When tears were streaming down his face I just knew the xray would show a fracture. You could see the pain in his eyes and I felt sorry for him. My rowdy boy will have to control his need for speed for six whole weeks....which brings me to ten minutes ago when he runs in the house and says he made three baskets with his left hand. Oh my!

God is so gracious to us. Yes, we now have yet another ER bill. All of Brett's Christmas presents require two hands. He was in such pain and that "thing" (sling) itches his little arm pit....God is so good. We either believe in his goodness and faithfulness or not and we pray that our lives reflect that we trust him.

Yes, it's just a collar bone but we must TODAY choose whom we shall serve because tomorrow may not just be a broken bone....I've read so many new blogs lately....heart wrenching journeys...journeys of faith and perseverance...journeys of trusting in the Lord...journeys where families chose whom they would serve regardless and when trials came...they were found faithful.

We never know what tomorrow will bring so today, Lord, strengthen our faith and trust in you so when tomorrow comes...we are found strong, steadfast and faithful to your Holy Name.

. Merry Christmas, Friends!

2011-12-17T12:44:00.000-06:00

I'm linking up with the Christmas Card Carousel over at walkwithmebyfaith.com.

I've never linked up with them before but I found their idea very fun and exciting. Plus, it seems that most of my cards are still in the "shipped" status so if I wait any longer, I will have to make them Easter cards for sure.

Apparently so many moms out there stress over their Christmas card every year. I don't stress over ours but I certainly do love sending them and receiving them. If you click on the link at the beginning of this post you can see all kinds of great ideas for your cards next year.

Every year we clear our art line off and clip our photo cards to it so we can see them in all their splendor. The other cards (with no photos) go in the basket on the island. When Christmas is over we keep all our cards and pray over each family throughout the year. We are really diligent about it until about April but this year I'm trying to think of a more creative way to use the cards in our family prayer time through the entire 2012.

If you feel lead, we would love for you to grab the idea about praying for families.....hey, even print ours off and add to your collection. We covet your prayers!

Merry Christmas from our family to yours.....

and the back.....

. cookies

2011-12-16T01:27:00.000-06:00

I thought today would be a great day to gather ingredients for our cookie decorating day. We loaded up, list in hand, eager to fill our cart with sprinkles, red hots and more.

Parker took along our timer to see just how long it would take us, I remember asking him the results but I don't remember listening to the answer. I was busy pondering our much needed training day in "how to go grocery shopping like God's little boys and girls"....I then ventured off toward Sonic for a happy hour coke (it's becoming a trend this week). I ordered a large and simply stated to the lovely blessings tagging along that perhaps if they learned how to behave in the store then next time, they could order too.

We unloaded our goodies with only one princess pop (this is a no whining zone) and started our memory making baking day.

Isn't it a lovely memory to be had......

A picture may say a thousand words but...not this picture. This one is full of lies...lies, I tell you...LIES!!! (Yes, my smile is F A K E!) If you look really close you can probably see the line-wrinkle between my frustrated eyes.

Oh but "look how sweet and cooperative they are"....if this picture could talk it would say....

"Hold the bowl, it's my turn, I never get to put anything in, when is it going to be my turn, why are you so mean, give it to me, it's my turn, he isn't sharing, she got my place...yadayadayada"

Then, booming in a loud voice you could hear me saying, "THIS DAY IS SUPPOSE TO BE FUN BUT IT'S NOT. WE ARE SUPPOSE TO BE MAKING MEMORIES BUT WE ARE NOT! I CAN'T EVEN EAT THE STUPID STUFF AND YOU ARE ALL SO STINKIN UNGRATEFUL!!!"

Nice...I know. What a godly example of a humble servant I have been today.

My words, "I would never want Jesus if that's your Jesus" rang loud and true in my own heart today. But why oh why are my children so ungrateful? Jesus very tenderly answered that with, "oh but Jennifer, you are so ungrateful for them today." Then all the things I believe to be true came flooding over me. Isn't all that God offers me a gift of grace. Shouldn't I be thankful regardless of my circumstances. My children need to be trained, they haven't fully arrived, nor have I.

I would like to say I swept my little darlings up into my arms, apologized, prayed for words to be long forgotten, attitudes to dissolve into space and all be well. I didn't though.

Brett slipped off into the less chaotic and colored me a picture to (see above) apologize. His heart is sweet like that. Mine melted. I hugged him, held back a tear (because I wasn't quite finished letting off steam) and I did apologize to him because he wasn't even part of the problem but I treated him like he was. My frustration level just fueled the fire.

I didn't and haven't apologized to any of them. I was angry with them still when we put them to bed. I didn't care that they were frightened from the thunder..."go to bed...only Jesus can help you with that"....oh...really...I did say that! The nail into Jesus' feet went deep...because of me!

I baked the cookies so they would be ready for decorating tomorrow. "No, you can't watch me, go to bed! I want to be alone!" Ouch. Our words have the power of life and death...I don't even want to type what mine did today.

So, here I sit. Scrolling back up to look at my sweet babies pics...my heart breaks because of how I failed today as their nurturer. This week as a matter of fact, I have not been a nurturer at all...a life sucker, that's me.

The power I have to point them to Truth. Jesus says that he has shown us the path of life and we must just walk in it. God has called me to direct them to that path of life....failure to thrive today.

His mercies are new every morning!

I say all of this not so you will comment about how everyone has bad days, no worries, you're a great mom...please don't. I type this to remind us that we are nothing without Jesus. There are no great moms...there is only a GREAT GOD.

I can look back upon today and be thankful that my Lord has once again reminded me of my need for him...I need thee oh I need thee, every hour I need thee. I'm reminded that I can't even love my children without Jesus. I can't even like them without the power of the Holy Spirit pouring out of my life.

Why do I continually try to do things on my own. Forgive me, Lord. Renew a right spirit within me. Fill me up, pour yourself into me, let your love flow through me, father fill me up!

Tomorrow will be different at the Kindle house because I believe God's promise when he says, "I'm about to do a new thing." Early in the morning, will I rise to meet you, rise to meet you, you are my God....

I will make it right with my little loves first thing in the morning.

. congrats to

2011-12-15T17:55:00.001-06:00

Thanks to random.org we have three more winners for the great giveaways we've had....

Beverly scored the PC knife along with 60% off any one item!
Lee will be getting the scripture cards.
Sharon won the block light.

Congrats to all of you.

Just for fun.....another family picture of The Kindle Crew...

I will be glad when the rest of my cards come in...maybe I should've said, "Happy Easter" on them instead!!

. this week.....

2011-12-14T16:31:00.000-06:00

I've wanted to write a post about what's on my heart lately but I haven't been able to put any of it into words. Mandy over at Biblical Homemaking expressed my heart so profoundly...I'll just let you read her post about how He is Changing Christmas this Year! She has a blog worth following anyway so be sure and check it out.

Today we went to renew my TXDL. I think they just love their job. They are always so friendly and efficient with your time....and they take great photos! She took the time to snap three photos of me.....I just couldn't seem to get my hair "off of my brow"..."Austin is so picky these days" so they say! She wasn't the least bit frustrated with me even when I forgot to check a few required boxes. :)

Surely you caught on to the sarcasm!! Made me stop and think about how my children see me. The Lord knows my frustration level has been off this week....I know my children sense when I just "love my job"....

This afternoon we went on a Sonic Happy Hour run and decided to take the long route home. We drove out near the cemetery and the brightest idea I've had all week came to me. I told the kids that we needed to start driving over to the cemetery to walk/exercise/ride bikes, etc.....it's so peaceful, there's no traffic and it's really close. The track has so many rules about scooters, bikes, strollers, etc that it deters me from going. All the boys agreed!

Kate, very matter of factly, said, "I do not want to go there!"

Crew replied, "Kate, you don't die there!!!"

Gotta love my handsome boy...

Last night we did the $5 burgers for $5 at Sonic...which makes me realize we've been there two days in a row now....there's nothing else around here okay peeps!! Anyway, we grabbed burgers for everyone except me, packed GF brownies for dessert and drove over to a nearby town to see lights. These lights are put out every year by a family with a huge lot.....it really is crazy how much work, effort & money they put into it. The kids loved it. I don't know how many times Kate said, "wow!"

We got out to snap a picture and Crew ran back to me really fast with a horrible look on his face. You can't see them but behind Parker and Brett were two flamingos that were moving in the wind...he cried, "they're alive!" It too was so funny. And yes, Parker and Kate are in their pjs! Should I be concerned that Crew is fearful of flamingos?

Because I'm bursting at the seams to show you our Christmas card pics...I'm posting one that didn't make the card. Isn't it so cute. My friend Mitzi did a great job with our pics this year...I'll show you more soon. Contact her if you need pics.

My other friend, Lynsey, also takes fantastic pictures and she designed The Cutest Christmas Card we've ever had!! I'll show you soon. It may be too late for Christmas cards but if you need bday cards, announcements..anything, CONTACT HER! She is amazingly creative (in my opinion!) And....via the internet....she is practically local to all of you readers.

. Refine your talents

2011-12-11T16:18:00.001-06:00

It amazes me to see how unique God has crafted us. With six people living in my home I am daily reminded of some distinct similarities but mostly very distinctive differences...all for God's glory.

God designed us specifically to bring honor to him and it has been on my heart lately about the use of my gifts and talents for his purposes. Stop and think about your gifts and talents. Not so much what you are good at because it comes easy to you or because you've done it so long it has become the norm...but those gifts hidden away in your innermost parts...those talents tucked away that you know are useful but you haven't mustered up the courage to be confident in them.

I read this week that an "undeveloped talent is like a fertilized field that never grows, a muscle that withers from atrophy, or a promise unfulfilled. An undeveloped talent is a waste."

Ouch....do we waste away our lives because we aren't using our talents to further God's Kingdom? Am I....is my life..an unfulfilled promise because I hoard my gifts? But...we say, "look at what I'm doing, look at what I've accomplished, look how far I've come...." but if we are created in Christ's image and he prepared good works for us to do for him way before our conception...then we are wasting away our lives...we really are unfulfilled promises if we aren't using our gifts and talents for his glory.

Then I aruge that I'm certainly not a waste....my goodness...look at the sacrifice I make to disciple my children...oh woe is me...look at how I (try to) submit to my husband...look at how I I I I I......for the grace of God go I!

We...or I anyway, sometimes find myself hidden behind all the good things I do, all the "offerings" I bring before the Lord when in reality, he has chosen me to do more specific tasks that I don't do...therefore, put aside all the good things which he alone calls me to do and he alone fulfills through me....I'm still useless in areas where I'm not obedient with my gifts and talents.

With all that said...my point of encouragement to you today is...refine your talents! Here's the rest of what I read this week....

"God has endowed you with talents and skills. Determine to PRACTICE and refine your abilities for him."

What do you have stored away....do you need to pick up the guitar pick and start plucking away, a paintbrush & canvas...what about your singing skills....."take the talents you are using for God to the next level for his glory."

I have to end with telling you what I've been hoarding...a very underdeveloped talents that I trust the Lord keeps nudging me in. Think on the tune of I sing because I'm happy....I sing because I'm free....now change it to I write because I'm happy, I write because I'm free....

I love to write, always have, didn't realize it at the time. It's never been developed which is why I argue with the Lord over even this blog. There's a million blogs out there that have very gifted, talented, developed writers behind the keys....what does my voice matter I think?

The Lord says to write. I say I do in my journal then trash them so noone can see them or find them when I die. The Lord says to write here. Why, Lord? If my offering is to you then why can't I just write to you. It's prideful to write for others. The Lord says to write for him here. How can that be? If I'm writing here then am I not writing for others and not for you, Lord. The Lord sends other voices in my life to say write (thank you StacyB) and so I say okay Lord, if your gift to me is writing, I trust you to develop it, I trust you to use it for your glory and I trust you to use it to grow me...for whatever purpose you see fit...I do not want to be a promises unfulfilled.

So...there you have it in a most humble way...I want to write for God's glory...whatever that's suppose to mean....my prayer for you as you read this is that the Lord will put your hoarded talent on your heart and that you will be convicted about what God has for you that you aren't using. May the Lord bless us for our surrender to his will for our lives....big or small.

Quotes from 101 Ways to Find God's Purpose for Your Life by Natalie Gillespie

Sunday afternoon fishing!

(Cousin Aubree with my kiddos)

. Crew

2011-12-10T21:32:00.001-06:00

There's so much to say about this little boy....he is a bundle of life wrapped up in a very tiny package. His personality is almost too much to fit into himself.

See why I can't ever get him to take a picture....he is always busy....

When he isn't shooting his gun, aiming a slingshot or poking the fire, he is snuggling his momma, playing with his sister and learning to be gentle.

When he isn't kicking his brothers, throwing his boots on the roof or stabbing a babydoll with his knife, he is loving on his daddy, slipping his little hand into mine or helping me stir the muffins.

He is quite the character, full of life, a quick learner and eager helper....we love this blessing and pray for God's discernment in guiding him to be a mighty warrior in God's army.

. Kate & Conference

2011-12-09T21:12:00.001-06:00

The boys aren't that fond of the camera anymore but I have someone that will still let me take her picture.

This girl brightens the day....

My prayer is that I teach, train, disciple and guide her well. That she is passionate about her Creator, that His love overflows out of her life into others and that her desire is to make His name great in her every day to day!

I'm so thankful for the opportunity to be a good steward of this precious gift, may I be found faithful with it.

I'm thankful He promises to gently lead those with young.

Giving thanks with a grateful heart.....

I'm so thankful that God draws me and continues to shape my heart into the likeness of his character...does your heart need reshaping??

Your life will be forever changed...come and go with me to

. recipe - giveaway

2011-12-08T20:57:00.002-06:00

The Pampered Chef Party I have going on ends Dec.15th so make sure you check that out at THIS LINK...read about the giveaway HERE so you can get lots of extra entries to win the free knife!

Don't forget to enter the Scripture Cards giveaway which will end soon.

Today's giveaway will be at the bottom of this post but make sure you check out the Hands-Down Favorite Blueberry Muffin Recipe by Sally Clarkson. I ate two of them for lunch...yummo!

I must admit that I haven't actually eaten these muffins (until today) because they aren't gluten free BUT...I've seen them and they more beautiful than you can imagine a muffin could ever be.

I did, however, adapt the above recipe to be GF so...if you want the Hands-Down Best GF Blueberry Muffin Ever recipe....go to Sally's link above and do everything like she says EXCEPT:

Instead of Whole Wheat Flour use Pamela's Baking & Pancake Mix &
instead of All Purpose Flour use Sorghum Flour....there you have it...easy peasy and oh so delicious!!

Brandon said it was "the best blueberry muffin he has EVER eaten!"
I'm thinking I should start working out again since I've discovered this great recipe!!

GIVEAWAY

This giveaway may be the last for a bit....saved one of the best for last.

TXSBUG has such cute light blocks. My Kate has one in her bathroom I leave on every night. Where's that picture? Good question.....thought it was on my camera. Hers is just like this with "Kate" under the crown. We love it.

Carita over at TXSBUG is giving away one free light block. She is also taking orders so if you are interested in ordering, please contact her HERE.

She can talk price/shipping etc. If you are close to me, be sure and tell her because she can deliver near my area at times.

There are tons of designs to choose from...horses, flowers, whales, lighthouses, dogs...flowers, crowns, castles...too many to name. She can also do initials, names, etc...you name it. Contact her for more info but be sure and leave a comment below to enter for the free one.

The winner of the free block light will pick their design...woohoo!!

To enter leave a comment telling me if you are finished Christmas shopping!

For extra entries (you can leave as many as you would like but leave a separate comment for each one) do all the FB sharing, twitter sharing, subscribing to this blog..yadayadayada....tell me your new years resolution, tell me if your Christmas cards are mailed out, ask me a question, tell me what color car you drive...I don't care....just for fun...enter as many times as you want but you have to be creative with either your comment or your question. I will answer all questions in a blog post so...here's your chance to find out anything you want to know...should be fun!

Go....comment away and I hope you win the awesome giveaway!!!

. Craft

2011-12-08T20:31:00.001-06:00

I just love this craft we did last year with all of our handprints.
The boys sewed most of the buttons on and we painted a star on top.....so easy and fun!

. some funny stuff...

2011-12-03T11:44:00.000-06:00

I'm off today for a date day with the hubster but I have all of these funny things with my kids lately that I wanted to share.....

Yesterday we went to a mini-version of the Nutcracker. I sat by Chatty Crew and he was very disturbed about the girls showing their panties. One girl was "okay though" he said because she was "wearing tights like momma does"....disclaimer: I do not wear tights with tutus!

Crew was very intrigued that the girls could "put their legs up so high" but he decided that he could do that too. A few minutes later he concluded that "he guesses he probably cannot put his leg up that high!"

The male performer in the production was too much for Crew to handle. His purple "girl" outfit should never be worn by a boy and "why (in the world) would he wear that?" is beyond Crew's understanding. His brother agreed in the car that the purple guy was probably the wrong body to wear that...very interesting!!

Kate sat on the end with Bebe and asked why the girls were not talking. Bebe told her because they were ballerinas and ballerinas dance, they don't talk. Kate asked, "then why do they have mouths?"

Later in the car we were giving examples of grace and Kate matter-of-factly said, "Amazing Grace!" Melted my heart....when I told Brandon he said, "awh..I sing that to her at night when I'm kissing her goodnight!" Sweet hubby I have.

There are so many more funnies I could share and yes I realize...they are mostly funny to the momma but still....

I splurged yesterday on a teepee for Brett because of his love and adoration for the Indian culture right now (I'll spare you the details) but last night my self named "Black Hawk" which changed to "Red Hawk" this morning slept here....

...and this morning I woke up to this and the words, "I glued it on!"

He glued his feather to his chest with "school glue" and that is when he renamed himself "Red Hawk"....gotta love the creativity God put in this family!

Happy December!!

. more giveaways!!!

2011-12-03T11:29:00.000-06:00

Check this opportunity out to win free christian books from Vision Forum. You can check that offer out at the following blogs and enter away....
Generation Cedar
Raising Olives
Life in a Shoe
Smockity Frocks
The Modest Mom
A Wise Woman

Don't forget to check out all of my november giveaways from last month and stay tuned for the ones coming up.

.more winners...

2011-12-02T23:53:00.000-06:00

Winners of the chris tomlin cds are andrea and mimi! Congrats, I will contact you for your mailing info.
Congrats to heather on winning the giveaway from mabels labels. I will contact you!

Have a blessed weekend...dont forget about the pampered chef and scripture cards giveaways in previous posts.

. Scripture Cards giveaway

2011-12-01T00:20:00.001-06:00

I just love handmade papercrafts and even more so when someone else gives them to me!! I've hooked up with PACOKECO to bring you some of my favorite verses as a mom seeking to please the Lord in this walk of motherhood.

I just love her shop, I've ordered before and she is one of the most generous online retailers I've ever worked with...be sure and check out all of her goodies.

I'm especially fond of this giveaway because I got to tell her what verses to put on these cards you are signing up to win....my prayer is that His Living Word will not only penetrate your heart but encourage you on this journey you are called to as you hide His Word in your heart.

Here's what one winner will win....shipped all cute and fancy straight to you straight from PACOKECO!

Go back up there and read Revelation 12:17...eek...how is that encouraging to know that the dragon is waging war against our offspring? I love Jesus...it is my children that Satan seeks to destroy....this verse constantly reminds me of how important it is to be intentional in discipling them and pointing them to Jesus....

Be encouraged today, ladies. We mothers, grandmothers, great grandmothers...we have the power to change the world. We hold the hearts of the future generation in our hands. Embrace your role...speak truth into the lives of children..choose to wholeheartedly serve the Lord with passion and humility....raise up an army of soldiers for the Kingdom of God...

anyway...back to the giveaway....

To enter leave a comment telling me what your favorite color is.

For extra entries order from PACOKECO's esty shop and tell me so.

. Giveaway Pampered Chef Knife

2011-11-29T05:35:00.001-06:00

Who doesn't love Pampered Chef products?!?!

Who wouldn't want to win this color coated utility knife for free?!?!

Thank you to my PC consultant Sarah Duke for this fun giveaway. Be sure and check out her website to finish off all your last minute holiday gifts.

To make it simple, I decided to host an online party for her since she was generous enough to do this giveaway and because she is giving me a free knife too just for doing it....yeah!

Be sure and shop at my party and just for making a purchase I'll put your name in a drawing to be able to purchase a Bakeware or Entertaining item at 60% off! That's a steal of a deal!!

(Party must reach $150 for this 60% off item to be offered.)

Items ordered before Dec.15th will be here before Christmas!

To enter the knife giveaway just leave a comment telling me what your favorite PC product is.

For extra entries (separate comment for each)

1. comment on each item you purchase from my online party

2. share offer with FB friends

. congrats & something fun

2011-11-28T19:04:00.000-06:00

Congrats to Amy for the Stork Vision Giveaway!
Congrats to Katie for the Come Together Giveaway!

You are invited.......

If this interests you, contact the email on the invite or feel free to ask me and I'll give you directions!

Don't forget the other giveaways going on:

Mabel's Labels

Autographed Chris Tomlin CD

. Giveaway - Chris Tomlin CD

2011-11-26T00:18:00.000-06:00

If our God is for us...who can be against us?

My kids always recognize Chris Tomlin on the radio!

Today we have 2 autographed cds to give away...

(thank you, Mrs.T)

and....

To enter leave a comment telling me which cd you prefer if you are one of the winners.

Two winners will be chosen randomly and announced on Mr. T's (Chris' dad) birthday!!! (Dec.3rd) Happy Happy Birthday, Mr. Tomlin!!!

For extra entries (separate comment for each)

1. leave a comment telling Mr. T happy birthday

2. tweet this giveaway @teamkindle

3. tell your FB friends

4. comment about your favorite song of Chris'

. winners announced

2011-11-25T17:20:00.000-06:00

For your viewing pleasure.......a sneak preview of the cousins photo shoot....without the brothers & cousins!!! Thanks, Mitzi!

Congrats to Martha! Enjoy Sally's MomHeart conference in Colorado!!!
Email me and I'll get you all signed up.

Congrats to Lena on winning the custom photo cards from Admire Photography. She is actually my cousin so...I better get a card!!!

Congrats to Sarah Duke on winning the family pass to Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge!!! I'm excited to see Sarah in the winning slot since she will be giving away a pampered chef knife soon.

Thank you to random.org for drawing our winners today!

There's only a few days left to sign up for even more giveaways...don't miss them:
Mabel's Labels
Come Together Trading
Stork Vision

Tomorrow the giveaway is for two autographed Chris Tomlin cds!

. Sticky Labels Giveaway - Mabel's Labels

2011-11-24T08:00:00.001-06:00

Are you familiar with Mabel's Labels? You should be if you aren't!

Sticky Labels are fantastic for toys, bottles, dishes and more, providing that famous Mabel's Labels durability in an exciting NEW look!

Mabel's Labels is offering this fun giveaway for

45 colorful sticky labels.

Winner will choose from 27 different designs for her Colorful Sticky Labels! I have the owl ones with "The Kindles" on it to stick in all of the books we loan out. The ideas are limitless!

As you browse their site, check out all they have to offer....they have labels for everything it seems. They even offer fundraising opportunities for groups.

To enter please take the time to look at their products and leave a comment about your favorite item!

For extra entries (separate comment for each)

1. follow this blog

2. tweet this giveaway @teamkindle

3. blog this giveaway

4. tell your FB friends

5. tell what you would do with these labels if you won

*giveaway open to Canadian and US residents only.

. Sonogram Giveaway from Stork Vision

2011-11-22T08:00:00.003-06:00

Every good and perfect gift is from above.....not from the Stork.

But, speaking of storks, my friends at Stork Vision in Tyler, Texas are offering a 2D/3D Ultrasound Imaging Package valued at $125 absolutely FREE to one of you gift carriers!

All Stork Vision® 2D, 3D, and 4D Baby Ultrasound Packages are completed and ready for you to take home on the day of your Stork Vision® appointment.

Stork Vision® Prenatal Imaging Centers comfortably seat eight (10) of your family and friends however, you are welcome to bring as many guests as you like.

Stork Vision® encourages and welcomes expectant parents to bring young siblings to participate in this bonding experience so they have a feeling of acceptance and love for their soon-to-be baby brother or baby sister.

All of our packages include a complimentary re-do sonogram, if your baby is uncooperative. At Stork Vision Tyler your satisfaction is our number one priority!

******

To enter leave a comment telling Stork Vision how awesome they are for doing this great giveaway!!

For extra entries (separate comment for each one)

1. follow this blog

2. tweet about giveaway @teamkindle

3. tell your FB friends

4. blog about this giveaway

*For this package, it is recommended that client be at least 16 weeks gestation!

To see all of Stork Vision's Packages click HERE.
**This free giveaway is only good to be used at the Tyler, Texas location.

Winners will be announced on Monday, November 28th!

. Moms like me....Katie

2011-11-21T01:01:00.004-06:00

Katie blogs over at Intentional Pursuit, she is one of my favorite people. She always has words to encourage me in this adventure of mothering and homeschooling..I consider her to be a mentor and I'm so thankful for her!

Intentional Thanksgiving

As the leaves begin to change…whether from drought or temperature…I become excited. I love the beautiful colors that are a testimony to our marvelous creator. I love the smells…crisp air, dry hay and PUMPKIN baked into cookies, pies, breads…even in my coffee.

For my family, Autumn is about looking forward to Thanksgiving. Because of the changes in scenery, smells and food, our senses are heightened to the marvels of the Lord. We can’t help but to say “Did you see that marvelous sunset?” or “Isn’t God awesome when he painted those trees?” In every drive down the back roads and camp fire we enjoy, we give thanks to the Lord for his provision and creativity.

The first day of Autumn is celebrated by Harvest Pancakes and adorning our home with fall leaves and place settings. We pilferage through our collection of books and pull out all the ones about Autumn so we can, once again, read about Mr. Scarecrow or Johnny Appleseed. We are intentional about giving thanks.

As the months go on, we make preparations for the grand Thanksgiving feast that will take place. The dressing is made, the sweet potato casseroles, and dreams of pie fill our heads!

Thanksgiving Day is bigger than Christmas around here! We have family and friends…sometimes up to 40 people! Every year looks a little different, but each is marked with family and friends, lots of pictures and great food. We take time to Praise the Lord in Heaven for his bounty. We praise Him for the Freedoms we still have in the Country. We praise Him for the blessings of Children. Thanksgiving for jobs and direction fills the air as we share with the loved ones around us.

“If you give thanks with your spirit, how can anyone in the position of an outsider say "Amen" to your thanksgiving when he does not know what you are saying?” 1 Corinthians 14:16

David praised the Lord with thanksgiving continuously. Praises of thanksgiving flowed from his lips in feast or famine… good times and bad…in joy and sorrow. One season out of the year, no… one month out of the year we become intentional to give thanksgiving to the one who created us, provides for us, redeems us and loves us with an un-comprehendible love. Is that enough? Each Autumn, I realize that I need to speak my thanksgiving aloud more often…to share with others what the Lord is doing…to humble myself and wholeheartedly thank Him.

“Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!” “I will give to the LORD the thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the LORD, the Most High.” “I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.” “The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him. The LORD is the strength of his people; he is the saving refuge of his anointed.” “Sing praises to the LORD, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name.” “But we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will give thanks to you forever; from generation to generation we will recount your praise.”

1Ch 16:34, Psalm 7:17, Psalm 9:1, Psalm 28:7-8, Psalm 30:4, Psalm 79:13

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! May Thanksgiving to the Lord be on your lips!

Katie

. Giveaway.Come Together Trading

2011-11-20T01:32:00.001-06:00

My first knowledge of Come Together Trading Company was this postcard:

My cousin, who knows my heart for orphans, brought this postcard to me...it hung on our fridge for a while before I actually made it over to the local coffee house. (wouldn't she be such a cute sister for The Kindle Crew!)

For those of you that make frequent trips to cute java houses...know, this is a unique treat for us around here that live in NoMan'sLand!

Come Together Trading Company is a Fair Trade retail store and coffee house. Learn more about Fair Trade from their site.

The Come Together Blog has a great post about how our shopping is actually a form of giving. I tried to reword it but I can't do a better job than their post. Be sure and check that out and browse their Retail Store to see all the holiday gift items you can purchase for family and friends...and give back to those in need at the same time!

Browse all the unique products while sipping on your Latte or try their Gluten Free Smoothies....or, take a break and relax on the sofa while enjoying their free Wi-Fi. I'm tempted to take our school stuff over one day and educate ourselves while at the coffee house! This place has so much to offer.

If you happen upon Canton, Texas and the Come Together Trading Company on a Saturday night, you will enjoy live music...the atmosphere is worth the trip for you to check this place out.

I'm so excited that Come Together is offering this giveaway today!

Be sure and enter for a chance to win a $25.00 gift certificate to be used in their retail store! (either in house or online).

To enter leave a comment and tell me if you were familiar with Fair Trade before today.

For extra entries (separate comment for each one)
1. visit Come Together Trading Online and tell me what you like
2. tweet this giveaway from username @teamkindle
3. tell your FB friends about this giveaway
4. blog about this giveaway

Even more entries (separate comment for each one)
5. Friend them on FB: http://www.facebook.com/ComeTogetherTrading
6. Comment on their Blog: http://cometogethertrading.blogspot.com/
7. Follow them on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/cometogethertrd

Winners will be announced on Monday, November 28th!

. Tiger Creek Family Pass Giveaway

2011-11-18T06:00:00.002-06:00

My family has so enjoyed visiting Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge!

As seen on Animal Planet, Tiger Creek is home to over 40 rescued big cats..and they are really big...up close!! The main purpose over at Tiger Creek is to provide rescue and rehab of big cats that have been abused, neglected or displaced. It is an attraction you don't want to miss.

Tiger Creek is being VERY generous in offering this fantastic giveaway here! I'm so thankful and have been so eager for this to post.

Ready....this giveaway is for a FREE FAMILY PASS!
A family pass gets your entire immediate family in for free for an entire year, you will receive a quarterly newsletter and 10% off in their gift shop.

Tiger Creek is located in Tyler, Texas so...apologies to those of you that aren't near enough to make this work for you. Those of you that are, enter away...great stocking stuffer. If you can't use, I'm sure a family would love to have this gift so...anyone close, enter enter enter!

To enter leave a comment thanking Tiger Creek for this GREAT opportunity!

For extra entries you may (separate comment for each):
1. follow this blog
2. tweet this giveaway from @teamkindle
3. post on your FB
4. link this giveaway on your blog

If you missed the previous awesome giveaways be sure check those out.....
Sally Clarkson's Mom Heart Conference Ticket
Admire Photography's custom Christmas card design and mounted 11x14

Winner will be announced Friday, November 25th

]

. Show and Tell

2011-11-17T07:45:00.000-06:00

We reflect the heart of Jesus when we serve out of the overflow of love for him in our hearts....I've purposed this week to get up before anyone should be allowed, spend time with the Lord, make breakfast and serve my family well to begin our day.

This happens more often than not because I'm so desperate for quiet time and I know I can't survive without the power of the Holy Spirit...but this week, I've purposed it with eager anticipation, not out of desperation.

(I think it is okay to be desperate for Jesus but being joyful in Jesus is much more exciting these days!)

As I seek to serve my family...I sip my daily cup of hot chocolate, brown sausage patties and bake biscuits....and enjoy the solitude....one child awakes...another child awakes....the hubby awakes (louder than any of the children)...Jesus has me in his grip.....my child drinks his chocolate milk snuggled on the couch under the covers that I had a few minutes ago...

This child shall remain nameless to protect the sweet thing....(he is five and cute as a button)...insists on drinking his morning chocolate milk out of a sippy cup. This annoys me but I haven't come to terms with whether it's a big enough deal that I care. Regardless of the fact that he is five....he is a boy...and drinking from a pink sippy with yellow flowers....very loudly because his nose is always clogged in the mornings....just something eats at me EVERY morning over it....ridiculous I know but hang with me!

So....I'm in the middle of my prayer journaling when said child finishes his sippy and holds it high in the air saying, "I'm finished". I, like every morning, tell him to put in on the coffee table or hang on to it. Again, held high, "I'm finished" then it accidentally slips out of his itty bitty hand.....I told him to get off the couch and pick it up about the same time his sibling picks it up for him...we thanked him.....

In my prayer I was about to ask the Lord how to serve well, to be like him but to also teach my children how to be responsible and to not rely on me to wait on them hand a foot....what's the balance?

Like a rocket that hit me in the head, "Hello, McFly.....discipleship!" The Lord very clearly brought images from his Word how he was always showing and always telling. He didn't only tell his disciples how to serve...he served. They watched him serve, then he taught with words.

My new purpose is to show and tell. I will show my children how to serve and tell them after they have seen me do it.

I've thought that at some point there needs to be a switch of who is serving around here but this morning I realized with a different Truth for me...Jesus came to serve, not to be served. I may have to go out of my way for many many more years and at times I'm sure I may think my service is in vain. I may wonder if my children will ever learn to do anything on their own.....

I remember how the other awake child picked the sippy up instantly for his brother....he served. I see during the day one sibling offering to make lunch for the others....he served. I hear my little girl ask if she can be the one that serves the drinks today....she wants to serve.

I see small fruits of my labor interwoven in my days and I invision the harvest of my labor when my children grow to serve my grandchildren well.

I desire to leave a legacy that will be carried on throughout the coming generations.....I purpose today to show and tell.

Be sure and check yesterday's giveaway from Admire Photography. We also have a ticket up for grabs for the MomHeart Conference and tomorrow I'm featuring Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge.....next week brings exciting giveaways too!

As this post comes to an end...my little servant girl cuddles in my lap...I type...she drinks from a sippy...with Lightning McQueen on it.....funny!

. Giveaway from Admire Photography

2011-11-16T05:02:00.004-06:00

I'm excited to offer you this giveaway below from Admire Photography!

Lynsey @ Admire Photography is giving away a

custom designed Christmas Card valued at $25.00!
(designs can be made with any picture you send in)

Check out some of her designs:

Aren't the so cute. I love them!

In addition to the custom designed card, she is also throwing in a mounted 11x14 with linen texture. Tell me that's not worth entering this giveaway!

Thank you, Lynsey, for your generosity!!

The winner can use any of Lynsey's current designs or she will design a card just for you with your choice of colors, patterns, wording, etc.

You may have them printed yourself or she is available to take direct orders which will be printed on heavy pearl cardstock.

Those interested in custom orders, just contact her about pricing!

(Available for local photography in the Tyler/Van area)

She also does photography so if you are local....she does great work!

Here is my princess from last summer...

To enter leave a comment about which design is your favorite.

For extra entries you may (separate comment for each):

1. follow this blog

2. tweet this giveaway @teamkindle is my username

3. post giveaway on your FB

4. link this giveaway to your blog

Winner will be announced Friday, November 25th!

If you missed our first giveaway, be sure and check it out:

Free Ticket to Sally Clarkson's Mom Heart Conference

In the spirit of giving...contact me if you have something to give away here at The Kindle Crew!

. Don't miss this free giveaway!!!

2011-11-14T10:51:00.000-06:00

The Lord Jesus Christ himself said, "it is better to give than to receive!"

I am so very excited about this, in celebration of Thanksgiving I am going to be giving away lots of FREE stuff this month. Be sure and follow this blog so you don't miss these great opportunities.

I'm very thankful for those joining me in blessing you!!!

To jumpstart these giveaways, I have a sweet lady (wink wink) willing to donate one ticket to Sally Clarkson's Mom Heart Conference 2012!! Whoop! I am leaping for joy....I love Sally Clarkson and her God-inspired ministry to moms.

If you aren't familiar with Sally be sure and follow her blog at I Take Joy!

There are several opportunities to go to the Mom Heart Conferences:
Colorado Jan 20-21
California Feb 3-4
Texas Feb 17-18
North Carolina (dates to be determined)

Check out all conference info HERE!

Not only will you win a free ticket...you will also get a $10.00 gift certificate to use at the book table while at the conference...SCORE!!

Are you already registered for the conference?
Enter this giveaway anyway and bless a friend with a free ticket!!

To enter, leave a comment telling me which conference you would go to if you won! (make sure you leave your email if it's not in your profile)

To earn extra entries you may: (leave comment for each one)
1. follow this blog
2. tweet this giveaway @teamkindle is my username
3. share giveaway on FB
4. link giveaway on your blog

Winner will be announced on Friday, November 25th.

*** By entering giveaway, you agree to attend the conference or pass ticket along to someone who will attend. If you can't fulfill this, please let me know so we can bless someone else who is eager to attend.

Be sure and follow....you don't want to miss all of these exciting giveaways....

. I love being their mom

2011-11-14T10:24:00.000-06:00

. Thanksgiving Craft

2011-11-14T10:23:00.000-06:00

We took all of this....

burned only a few fingers in the process and made this......

. Daughters of the King

2011-11-13T22:03:00.001-06:00

Kate and I got ourselves all dolled up for girly girl night with our homeschool group. I love the ladies in our group and am always so encouraged by being with them. What I most admire about the leadership is that family is the primary focus and the main goal of this year is to nuture, build up and strengthen the most important relationships we have...those within the walls of our own homes. Thank you, Katie, for always being a very hospitable hostess!

Sarah tagged along with us since her Mom had to stay home nursing the sweetest little 4 day old blessing they birthed in the car! (check that story out here...congrats to the Marshalls on the arrival of baby Josie.)

We painted fingernails, made bracelets, decorated cupcakes and devoured lots and lots of cake pops and chocolate. We danced, had a fashion runway and enjoyed ourselves with lots of ladies who are in love with Jesus!

The most important part of the night is when each girl opened and read a card from The Most High King encouraging them in their walk with the Lord and what it means to be God's princess. It was a special time and I know Kate will treasure her card. I encourage you today to speak truth and words of life over your sweet princess today.

The dads and sons spent their Saturday together as a group on a ropes course. I can't wait to see pictures from the day. My boys and husband came home chatty cathys about how "totally awesome" it was!!

Thanks again to you guys who put so much effort into helping us be intention with our children. We love you!

. Moms like Me....Trisha

2011-11-12T19:24:00.000-06:00

Trisha went with us to Prison Ministry....read what God put on on heart:

I've known just over a year God was calling me towards Prison Ministry. I've prayed about it and knew I was going to go, but didn't really know when. You see, I had put limits on Him; I told him, "Use me, lead and I would follow."

Up until this point, though, I wasn't following. I thought it would be several years form now-- after my kids were a little older maybe.

This time I could really feel the Holy Spirit tugging at my heart. Still thinking it wasn't the right time, I began to pray, I mean really pray, and listen. One late night while reading Hebrews 13, verse 3 really called out to me. It was like I could hear God shout at me, "GO!" This indescribable peace came over me and I knew I had to go. So excited, I tried waking my husband to tell him...he wasn't having it. I knew I would call him the next morning to talk to him about it; that's when Satan tried to creep in. I started thinking I would have to convince my husband. And, who was going to take care of my three little guys-- for three days? No one is as good as momma, right? Then, there is always the matter of money. How was I going to pay for it?
God went before me and worked out every last [little] detail!! I found myself wondering why I was so surprised. My favorite verse ever since I was a little girl filled my heart and soul the days that would follow.

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as
you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope
by the power of the Holy Spirit."

Romans 15:13

He definitely filled me with joy that was overflowing. I couldn't wait to get there-- to fill these prisoners with Hope! Hope in Him, hope for their future, a kind of hope that nothing but God can give!

Day one, into prison I go!! I couldn't wait. I was told that your first time in you are partnered with someone who was a veteran. Well...I wasn't. Nonetheless, I thought it would be okay. I had prayed myself up before going in, been to church my whole life, been to bible study after bible study; I am ready for this.

Clueless is what I was. Nothing can prepare you for this. I knew I was going to have to rely on the Holy Spirit! These girls I was talking to wanted nothing to do with me and what I was "selling." I could tell they were at least listening to me. As long as they would listen I was going to talk! I left that first day thinking, "Oh boy, what have I gotten myself into? I can't do this." Honestly, my thoughts were that I had just wasted a whole day...a day away from my family and money that was gifted to me.

On the ride back I was praying, and again, I was filled with joy and peace. I knew that sharing Jesus was not time wasted. I know that seeds were planted. I thanked God for the lesson he had just taught me.

Day two. Feeling a little overwhelmed I headed to a different facility. Did I mention that I was sent to youth facilities? That itself is a whole different testimony; Feeling like God was calling me to youth ever since this past February. Anyhow, it started out kind of the same. The girls wouldn't talk. In fact, one girl turned her chair around and told me she didn't want to hear that crap. I told her I was very sad to hear that and she was missing out! I could tell as I spoke to the other two girls that she was listening. And I was glad for that.
We broke for lunch and they told us we could eat with the kids or on our own. Our choice. I was going to go sit by myself so I could pray and reflect on what had just happened. I walked into the cafeteria and this boy (probably 15 or 16) looked at me. He pointed and said, "Will you come sit with me?" Several of us had walked in together, and after how my two days had gone, I just knew he wasn't talking to me. But he was so I went to sit with him.

He started to talk about his life. I won't share all of the details because it's a long story, but it felt like this was the one. This is why God sent me....to talk to this boy, Jonathan. But then, after we broke in to groups after second session, there was this other little boy, about 10 years old, who Jonathan had told me about. Sadly, I didn't get his name because it was just before leaving time. This boy wouldn't talk with anyone. But, because Jonathan introduced us he opened up. As I asked him what his beliefs were, I could see the anger dwelling from deep within. So sad! He shared about his family and how they would pretend church when his moms family came to town. He was so bitter and closed off. Then, he started to talk about the guilt he felt over his parents divorce and how it was all his fault. I could tell that's where this hurt and anger was coming from. I was able to share with him, even as a 21 year old grown woman (if that's what you want to call a 21 year old), I found ways to make my parents divorce my fault. He looked at me shocked. We locked eyes and I was able to tell him it wasn't his fault. Trying to play it off he says, "Yeah, I know." So I made him look me in the eyes again and told him again. He started to cry. Which was hard because we aren't allowed to hug them. How was I to sit there and not hug this adorable broken little boy. Ugh! I grabbed his hands, because that's all we are allowed to do. He really started to cry then. We talked a little more and then it was time for me to go. It was so hard to leave. I never thought I would go to prison and want to take them home with me.

I'm so thankful for the lessons learned. Grateful that God chose me! It's not at all what I thought it would be. It was hard and I had to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit. God proved himself faithful, yet again!!

Thanks, Trisha, for sharing your heart. Like I've said before....that's what I love about prison ministry...you have to rely on the Spirit!!

. Praise God

2011-11-10T21:14:00.001-06:00

Picture this....

Two parallel sidewalks a stones throw apart.

One side filled with hundreds of prisoners all dressed alike but each with a very different story, different hopes, dreams lost, some new creations, others left their salvation offers on the table...

The other side filled with hundreds of women who love Jesus, dressed all differently, all carrying different stories, hopes, dreams and the gift of grace and salvation.

Both sides, humbled arms raised high in praise, voices lifting to the heavens singing, "praise God, praise God, praise God, praise God, praise God, praise God, praise God!"

I couldn't even sing, I stood listening to hundreds of women singing praise to Jesus...I whispered the words in my own heart...so grateful...so humbled...so overwhelmed by his unconditional love for a sinner such as I.

One day, every knee will bow, every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. There will be no distiction between races or social classes....it will not be about us, our likes, our desires...it will be all about you, Jesus...make it all about you in my heart today, Lord.

..Eyewitnesses of his majesty

2011-11-09T21:13:00.000-06:00

Be inspired....read this link..I've seen what living looks like then come back here....

I can't seem to gather my thoughts on prison but after reading the post at the above link, it reminded me of the realization this past weekend in prison: Living fully in the freedom of Christ is a matter of the heart.

Women (and men too according to my husband) are living fully and passionately for Christ behind bars. I dare say, the abundant life Christ offers us is being lived out in so many of their lives. We, on the other hand, out here in the free world.....do we choose to live fully? Are we in bondage, imprisoned behind bars we've chosen to build ourselves? So many of these people are so free...I left encouraged by the scripture poured out over me by several inmates, their hope was contagious...they pointed me to Jesus!

This prison experience was quite different than my experience at this event last year. God's creativity continues to amaze me. How he goes to great lengths to reach each of us on an individual basis never ceases to overwhelm me. What I needed to learn last year was perfect and this completely different learning process this year was again, suited for me.

Prison ministry is like nothing I have ever been apart of. Peter assures us that they weren't following cleverly invented stories when they told us about the power and coming of Jesus, but that they were eyewitnesses of his majesty. (2Peter1:16)

I feel as though I am an eyewitness of his majesty, that his power is raining down on us and pouring out through us as we are his vessels. As one guy commented, "we aren't looking in the rear view mirror saying, "look what God did", we are standing there seeing, firsthand, what God is doing in our midst!"

Continue to open my eyes, Lord Jesus, to what you are always doing in my midst.

...stories to share

2011-11-07T12:28:00.000-06:00

I have much to share about prison ministry. Be sure and check out the newest link on my side bar....look for the prison bars!

I hope to post some testimonies from the weekend soon and I have a giveaway coming up so...stay tuned. Happy Monday!

. Who gave man his mouth?

2011-11-04T06:38:00.000-05:00

Moses said to the Lord, "O Lord, I have never been elequent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant, I am slow of speech and tongue."

The Lord said to him, "Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say."

One of the exciting things about prison is that it's so out of the box for me.

It's not a speech that I can prepare for, there is nothing to memorize, I don't have a delete button as I type.....it is so very unpredicatable. I love this because there is nothing I can do but rely on the Lord.

Prison ministry has motivated me to be a better steward of God's Word. Not only to hide his words in my heart that I won't sin against him but that those hidden words in my heart will flow out when prompted by the Holy Spirit.

If I were a prisoner I wouldn't be so impressed with knowledge, I would be impressed by the character of grace and love and that someone took the time to hang out with me, to not only speak truth into me but to show me what it's like to talk with me, hug on me, cry with me, pray with me, eat (nasty food) with me, to share my spoon......

Pray for me this weekend, please. Read these names and lift them up to the Father....John, Brenda, Brandon, Trisha, Shirley, Cheryl, Nancee & Becky. As we seek to be the hands and feet of Jesus this weekend....pray we are confident in Jesus Christ alone, pray we speak as if speaking the very words of God, pray that we serve with the strength God provides so that in all these things Jesus will receive all glory and power forever and ever!

Last year I met a heroin addict right before lunch time. She offered me her spoon (because they aren't provided spoons)...what was I to do? As I recall this memory I remember that it was only the power of God through me to overcome all prejudices for me to take her spoon with a grateful heart....and to eat with it. Lord, forgive me, for ever thinking I'm too good to share a spoon with one that you died on the cross for.

As you read this today in the comfort of your own home, think about us locked in behind razor wire fences and locked prison cells...pray that the hope and salvation of Jesus will be planted, seeds watered and souls saved.....that hope will be offered and invitations will be sent out with clear details.

May I always remember that it is only by the grace of God that I am not the one on the other side of those fences.

...knowledge waging war against Truth

2011-11-03T09:55:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I sat down and blogged a post to post tomorrow morning...straight from the heart about how I love prison ministry because it is so out of the box for me and I can only trust upon the Lord. Come back tomorrow to read it.

I wasn't planning on blogging this morning but I must sort through these thoughts and fears and I wanted to encourage you today to be aware of knowledge and how it can war against truth in our own lives.

I just deleted a gazillion words......my words are scattered and taking away from the point so.....here we go again...try to hang with me.....

My thoughts as of yesterday:
I trust the Lord.
He has made it clear to me to go into the prison ministry.
I trust the Lord with my health & safety.
I trust the Lord leaving my children.

My actions as of last night:
I researched the distance from my hotel to the prison unit I will be in.
I stubbled upon way too many websites discussing this unit.
I read articles, know names and saw faces of the women serving in this unit.
I let fear get out of control.
I let go of trusting God with my health & safety.
I premediated making myself throw up in the middle of the night to fake sickness. (this is ridiculously true...it was late, okay!)
I didn't even pray....I just worried.
I didn't fight the spiritual battle with prayer...I let it wage around me and press me deeper into it's snare.

My actions this morning:
I prolonged getting out of bed.
My immediate thoughts were on fear.
My first words were, "4 murders, 44 attempted, 40+ assumed...that's one lady".
My second words were, "and I'm suppose to be okay sharing a spoon..."
Brandon's words were, "you shouldn't have read that and now you are letting Satan make you not want to go!" (DUH!)

My actions now:
I keep replaying "Dumb Dumb, I want Gum Gum" in my head...how can I be such a dumb dumb.
I'm speaking truth over myself.
I'm remembering all the times God has been faithful to me.
I'm reciting all the verses with promises to me.
I'm allowing God to fight this spiritual war for me using the words of Truth.
I'm slowly resting in peace.

I can see how in my own life, this spiritual journey is a day by day trust walk. Rather, a minute by minute. One minute I'm living in complete trust, the next, I'm in bondage to overwhelming fear. It was the strangest chain of thoughts. I didn't slowly slip out of peace...it was as if the bottom of the floor fell out beneath me and I was sucked down further and further...I could see the light above me, the glimpse of hope, but the pull downward was so strong that I felt hopeless in resisting it. It's almost as if I wanted to trust the Lord but I couldn't in my own strength take my thoughts captive. Hince the "Dumb Dumb"...I can't do it in my own strength. If I would have started fighting that spiritual battle with the Word of Truth.....how much misery the Lord would've spared me.

What I'm thinking on now:
God made it very clear that he has called me to go into the prison to share his love. He didn't put a footnote in that thought that had exclusions or exceptions. He called me to go! He promises me a hope and a future. He promises to go before me and to speak through me. He commands me to set my mind on things above, not on earlthy things. He tells me to devote myself to prayer. He encourages me to clothe myself with compassion, kindness, humility and gentleness. He boldly says, "do not fear" and he promises to be with me, to never forsake me, to uphold me with his righteous right hand. He sings over me with joy. He has me written in the palm of his hand. He says there are blessings in obedience. He promises to meet all my needs. He says not to be foolish, but to understand what his will is. He said that he has shown me the path of life, now I must walk in it. He says to make the most of every opportunity.....may I live the life worthy of the calling I have received.

With tears of peace and abundant blessings....to you, sweet readers!

...Moms like me.....Kimberly

2011-11-02T10:06:00.000-05:00

Not knowing a soul, I stepped off the plane in Colorado last year, anticipating great things from the Lord. The very first mom I met was Kimberly. She was a sweet blessing at that moment and a treasure today. It's a joy to know her and pray for her family. Read from her heart and be encouraged.....

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). This familiar verse has been intriguing to me since I was a child. It always brought great comfort, even at a young age.

I had no idea that God would lead me to marry into the military, with ten major moves, including four years overseas and with a husband who has traveled to over 30 countries! Seven years into our marriage, with two sweet youngsters to train, my husband, then a captain in the Air Force, came home one day with big news about his next assignment. As a small-town “country girl,” it wasn’t surprising that my reaction to our new assignment to the heart of Washington D.C. was utter devastation! My tears flowed quickly as soon as he told me, even though I tried to hold them back for his sake. God’s plan definitely didn’t look at all like I envisioned, but oh, what treasures He has for us especially when we least expect them. So three years later, my eyes were filled with tears again, but this time it was for a much different reason. These tears were telling the story of three years of deep friendships, exciting spiritual growth, interesting cultural opportunities, a renewed confidence and another baby in our home (despite the fact that my husband deployed again 10 days after she was born, but God, in His amazing ways, provided so faithfully through the separation)!

We have recently completed a marathon of four moves in four years, but God continues to lead us each step of the way. In recent years, the verses preceding Jeremiah 29:11 have also become especially meaningful. God told the exiles to settle in, plant gardens and enjoy what they produced—even though they were foreigners in a strange land—clearly God knows what He is doing! I am still learning that even though we seem to be on a merry-go-round of new houses, new (or no) friends, new communities, and new churches as we hop place to place, we can see small glimpses of God’s plan for our family. His purposes for each assignment have become clearer as we continue our journey.

Now, by His grace, I choose to trust Him and share with others in similar circumstances, because I know He has a hope-filled future in mind for us. Other monumental verses that have provided hope is Ephesians 3:20-21, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” His blessings abound even in unexpected places~Look for them today!

Kimberly and Jason met in Florida and were married in June of 1994.

Since then, they’ve lived near Cambridge, England, for four years, and in the heart of Washington D.C. for three years. They’ve also lived in San Antonio, Texas; Kansas City, Missouri; Bartlesville, Oklahoma; Omaha, Nebraska and Columbia, South Carolina.

They steward, and try to inspire, five fantastic children (ages ranging from 4-14): Brittany, Wesley, Tiffany, Lindsay and Jack.

..The biggest benefit of homeschooling

2011-10-23T21:29:00.000-05:00

I rethink all I've ever attempted in life and it's pretty pathetic really. Yes, there were some victories and accomplishments here and there. Some failures along the way that I learned from. Life is good...I turned out all right. Isn't that how we figure it mostly?

I rethink all I've ever allowed God to do through me and that's pretty exciting really. There's something about denying yourself, taking up your cross and following Jesus that brings gratification like nothing else.

There has never been any adventure in my life like homeschooling. I simply cannot do it on my own. Only through the power of Christ in me can I walk this journey that is his divine calling. I'm so very humbled and thankful that God chose me and my family to hear his voice and have the strength to deny ourselves and follow hard after him.

The biggest benefit of schooling at home for me and my family is that this Momma's relationship with the Lord just continues to grow. I believe with all my heart that as mothers, we can never lead our children closer to the Lord than we are ourselves. I want my children to know the Lord, to have his heart, to reflect his character and to seek him daily. I have a long way to go.

God promises us in his Word that he leads those with young (Isaiah 40:11) and where he leads, sweet friends, I want to follow.

Whatever God is calling you to do...
Do you trust? Will you follow?

There are sweet, abundant blessings in obedience. Thank you, Jesus.

My time in prison....

2011-10-07T17:46:00.000-05:00

My time in prison...

I bet that title threw a few of you guys off. I don't look the type, right?
We look like the all-american family, huh?

Who-da-thunk-it...ME...finding myself in prison!

Well, I wasn't a prisoner....Brandon and I went to our first Weekend of Champions with the Bill Glass ministry last fall and were so very blessed. It's coming up again on the weekend of November 3-5th in Dallas so if you are close I want to highly encourage you to sign up....the deadline is OCTOBER 12th..that's not much time.

Click the link above and check it out. It is so worth your time, your investment and you pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. Here's a little story about how God led me into prison....

I've always had a heart for adoption and long story short, I was reading a book about adoption and in it Mathew 25 was reference.

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.

Immediately upon reading that scripture the Lord was very clear in saying, "STOP asking me to bless your ideas and start doing what I tell you to do....GO TO PRISON!"

Okay....I didn't argue. I did think, "I can't possibly get an orphan in prison!" I told Brandon I had to go to the next prison ministry event and the Lord told him to go too (after 10 years of being asked to go!)

So...we went.

I was extremely nervous...excited...not scared...but uneasy. What if they asked me a question I didn't know, what if I told them wrong....what if they slit my throat (very unlikely by the way), what if they ganged up on me and raped me (don't ask...just my thoughts!!) ...what if, what if what if...geez! I bet the Lord just laughed at me. I finally realized...WHAT IF...just what if I shared the love of Jesus with them?!?! That was an exciting thought.

I walked in my very first prison pod with two other ladies and about 40 women prisoners. Bunks lined the outer edge of the pod and cafeteria type table/chairs were in the middle. Two of us were first timers and the other lady was a prison ministry pro...she just walked in, said her thing and sat down, opened up her Bible and went to town....

I couldn't stand there looking like a scared to death idiot so I waved, smiled and took a few steps when I heard, "Jennifer...come sit with us!" How'd they know my name...whew...the name tag!

Their first words were, "we have a question for you." Palms began to get clammy and I said a prayer of "please, Lord, give me the answer!" I knew the answer by the way...another whew!

When roll call came around the women had to line up in front of their bunks so that left me at the table in the middle of the room by myself. An overwhelming feeling came over me and the Lord whispered, "this is who you are, this is why I created you...to share me with others!" I quickly contained the faucet of tears that was about to be turned on...I couldn't cry for pete's sake...it was roll call! I realized right then and there that I had never felt so complete as I did those moments of sharing Jesus with these women.

There's much more to this story but that moment was a moment I will NEVER forget. If there had been stones I would've set up stones as a reminder that Jesus spoke to me there....I'm so very thankful that I followed in obedience his call to take part in prison ministry. There are more blessings in it than I can type.

I pray you will come and go with me to the prison house...it's a big big house...with lots and lots of rooms...a big big table with very disgusting food...a big big yard with razor wire on top...a big big house....invite them to my Father's house!

You should go to prison if.....
1. you are self righteous and think only certain people end up in prison
2. you are scared to death to go to prison
3. you really want to make the most of every opportunity
4. you want to be more confident and bold in sharing Jesus with others
5. you lived a sheltered, naive life thinking everyone grew up in a secure loving family
6. you need a new perspective
7. you've never felt the weight of someone else's sins on your shoulders so much so that all you wanted to do was take a shower....(for the first time in my life I was grieved over semi-understanding Jesus taking on the sins of the whole world...can't understand it but he certainly brought it to my mind...the heaviness!)

Those are just a few things I learned to think differently about!

If you register and plan on going...please leave me a comment and tell me so.

If you aren't going...please leave me a comment and promise to pray for me on that weekend, then go write it on your calendar so you don't forget.

. Aunt Bevy's Pumpkin Bread

2011-10-03T14:36:00.001-05:00

Aunt Bevy's Pumpkin Bread Recipe

This recipe makes 3 loaves. We eat one warm, eat one the next few days and normally give one away to bless another family....enjoy! Thank you, Aunt Bevy, for the delicious recipe my kids devour.

1/2 cup nuts (I don't put nuts in unless I have some on hand)
3 cups sugar
1 cup oil
4 eggs
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp nutmeg
2/3 cup water
3 1/2 cups flour
2 cups (1 can) pumpkin
(I think I accidentally put in two cans this past time and my kids said it was delicious!)

Mix sugar and oil. Add eggs, mixing well.
Add dry ingredients alternately with water.
Add pumpkin and nuts, mixing well.
Grease and flour three loaf pans.

Bake at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes!

Happy Harvest.

. my little ones

2011-10-02T14:36:00.000-05:00

My cousin was married over the weekend...it was such a pretty wedding to be a part of. The bride was lovely....and so were my little ones.....

Crew was very determined NOT to wear his suspenders or bow tie but he was absolutely adorable!

Kate was very determined to always be the princess....as she picks her fingernails off!

(I keep telling myself it's better than chewing on them.)

I love seeing my children dressed up so pretty!!!

. Deceived by darkness

2011-09-27T07:21:00.000-05:00

My little sweet lips has been sick this week. She placed herself on the stairs in an attempt to "stand her ground" about not wanting the pink "mesiden"...she wanted the red!

She fell asleep.

My Nana suggested food coloring. Great idea! I only had pastel colors.

I moved her from the stairs to my bed and when she woke up I suggested her medicine and she agreed. The lights were out and I pulled the door shut so it remained dark enough to make the pink medicine appear darker (red). She asked if it was red and I simply said, "here...look at it."

She took her medicine.

The Lord reminded me how easily we can be deceived if we judge by darkness.

It's only when we put it up to the light, God's Word, Christ's example, etc...that we truly see it for what it is.

Here's the passage I'm reading this week.....go figure...about light and darkness!

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from allsin.

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.

1 John 1:5-10

. Discipline & Boys

2011-09-26T11:49:00.000-05:00

A friend once complained to another friend about the difficulty of training boys....

"What is to be done with them? They are incorrigible ruffians. We never stop beating them day or night, and they only get worse and worse!"

"You never stop beating them? And what are they like when they grow up?

"Stupid Brutes," he answered.

The wise friend replied, "you raised them to be brutes! Tell me, if you planted a tree in your garden, and hemmed it in on all sides so that its branches could not be stretched out in any direction, what sort of tree would it become?"

"A useless one, with its branches all twisted and knotted," he supposed.

"And would not the whole fault be your own, who forced it to grow so unnaturally? So it will turn out also with boys treated with severity and without love or kindness."

So...how do we train boys' hearts for God? With love and discipline.

. Telling others about Jesus

2011-09-26T08:08:00.000-05:00

Just think...

What if I ran into you at Walmart (seems that's where I run into everyone) as I was preparing to host a party in my home. My cart was full of delicious food, drinks, snacks, decorations, etc....I told you all about the specific details of how the party came to my mind, what my plan was for the party, when it was, my expectations, how the parties have gone in the past....I will talk to a pole so just imagine....on and on about this celebration...ONLY...I never invited you.

As I was praying this morning that thought came to my mind as the Lord said, "you do that all the time!"
What, how Lord? He replied, "you are so free to tell others about my goodness...and high five to you...but, you never offer them salvation." OUCH. It's true. It's easy for me to tell how great God is, that he has a plan Satan can't thwart, that I prayed about this or that...it's comes easy for me to "throw" Jesus into conversations but.....I'm guilty...it's not easy for me to offer them an invitation to salvation.

We may speak of God's goodness, we may be the hands and feet of Jesus here on earth, we may offer our services out of the kindess of our hearts and out of the overflow of the love of our Savior....BUT....if we aren't inviting them....have we really "been like Jesus" at all?

Jesus invited. Jesus offered himself as the living water that will quench thirsts.....we have to invite and offer.

Peace, boldness and blessings this week as you share the gift of salvation with those in your path.

. Almost the same

2011-09-24T08:33:00.000-05:00

This little five year old wild warrior of a spirit is bundled up in a tiny package. I love how God has so many things going on with him. Who doesn't like a challenge? I haven't quite figured out exactly the best approach in trying to balance grace, discipline, responsibility and expectations of behavior for this guy......he is so beautiful to me though.

I wish I could put into one sentence what a joy it is to watch him at this exact moment. He teaches me about God's grace and unconditional love so very often.

He wanted to get his brother's slingshot and use his "circle bullets" this morning so I agreed that he could get three bullets. Give them an inch, they want a mile....he asked if he could get four.

I agreed.

When he came downstairs his exact words were, "I got five because four is almost five!"

I said okay before really realizing what had happened....God said, "isn't that what you do sometimes?" Learning opportunity...Crew and I had a little chat.

Isn't it though......God may clearly instruct us in the way we should go and we do it our way because "it's almost the same."

You make known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Psalm 16:11

Whether you turn to the right or to the left,

your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying,

“This is the way; walk in it.”

Isaiah 30:21

....and the winner is.....

2011-09-23T21:21:00.000-05:00

Drum roll please.............

Debbie in Washington....you are the winner of The Mission of Motherhood book by Sally Clarkson!

Congrats and may the Lord bless you, encourage you and inspire you as you seek to please him.

. Paisley Princess

2011-09-23T07:58:00.000-05:00

My little brood on our family nature walk one Saturday.....

Our little outing wasn't planned so Kate was sporting her freshly painted canvas Toms. I have talented friends and Mitzi made Kate quite fashionable with her pink and red paisleys. They looked much more stylish before our walk but here they are....in all their dirty glory!

Mitzi loves to paint and would love to paint up some shoes for your little sweet pea....be sure and CONTACT HER! Tell her The Kindle Crew sent you.

. Broccoli

2011-09-22T15:00:00.000-05:00

What girl doesn't like broccoli?

Kate loves "broccoli"...
broccoli shoes, broccoli bows, broccoli polish and especially broccoli lip gloss.

I'm sitting here now typing with my fashionable broccoli lip gloss that Kate insisted every mommy needs.

All I know is that this sweet girl has made my life a bit SPARKLY!

. Hodgepodge

2011-09-21T21:14:00.000-05:00

I've gone through my life frequently saying, "I never win anything" when asked to enter this or that drawing. Even the local grocery store raffle....yeah, who doesn't want that money or a cruise...I fill it out time and time again...never expecting to win anything. I haven't won the grocery store raffle but......

A big thanks to Sprittibee I have won a FREE ticket to the Apologia Live Conference. How cool is that! Thank you, Heather. I am thrilled about meeting you!!!

And...just today I won FREE Colorful Sticky Labels from MABELS LABELS!!!! I think there are 42 labels in my lot so I'm super excited but had the hardest time deciding on what name to put on them...I finally decided on "The Kindle Family" so I can stick them in all of the books we loan out. I guess I should've put "The Kindle Crew".....too many kids were talking to me...I couldn't think! Thank you Christy over at Devotion Mama for the giveaway. I don't know if Christy remembers it or not but I sat a chair over from her and her little boy at the women's tea with Sally Clarkon last year...I remember Sally holding her little boy...fun, small world!

I just love giveaways and I love them even more when I'm a winner!!!! What sweet blessings...thank you, Lord.

Don't forget...my giveaway ends this FRIDAY and The Mission of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson needs to be in your home!

This picture is a few months old but I needed a picture....I posted this for your enjoyment...my little ones playing dress up. I did not post this so you could ask Crew about his Super Women outfit or his high heels!

. Redefined Responsibility

2011-09-21T09:27:00.000-05:00

I'm linking up with Women in the Word Wednesdays over at Good Morning Girls. We are studying in 1 John this fall and you can read one of my post that came from my time in his word about experiencing God with all our of senses.

I'm also doing a study on Tuesday nights where I'm learning so much about God's principles for living according to his perfect design. It is such a blessing...God's timing is so perfect in how he works out good for those that love him and seek him with all of their heart.

Early in the morning I rise to meet my Sustainer, how else could I walk fully in this calling to nurture these souls, grab their hearts and make a house a home of life giving words.

My time, as usual, was nourishing. I asked the Lord to fill me to overflowing, that his fruit would pour out of my life into the hearts of those I am to be a steward of today. Mornings like these I aim to tackle the day with the song from The Sound of Music where Maria is on her way to the VonTrapp home and she sings, "I have confidence in confidence alone"...only my version sounds like, "I have confidence in Jesus Christ alone!"

Ready to tackle...and comes along two crusty eyed, stinky breath boys. So sweetly they sit in my lap together. I pray quietly for their hearts then I pray with them about God's plan for their lives, our day, how our hands are made to show kindness and our words are made to encourage. I still FEEL that my confidence is in Jesus Christ alone. Thankful that expectations are met.

The clock ticks and brings the other two...chocolate milk requests are filled, praise music turned on to allow me to finish my "quiet time"...quiet is relative in this house....a hand isn't used to show kindness, a tongue sticks out at another.....one child gives in to Satan's attempt to turn our morning upside down. Where is my confidence? I take a few moments to pray and ask the Lord to show me how to handle this situation...what words, what reactions, what disciplinary actions...so much responsibility.

I am such a work in progress, I actually laugh at my simple minded ways. It took a long time for God to work in my heart over trusting him with my children...I sometimes take the responsibility back as if they are my children to protect but for the most part, the Lord has it worked out in my heart that they are his children, he will protect them, he gives, he takes away, they are his.

This morning it hit me that I have taken it upon myself to assume the responsibility for grabbing their hearts. I've been so wrapped up in speaking truth and words of life that build that somewhere in doing it God's way, I allowed myself to take on the role of the Holy Spirit. How was I so blinded? Conviction. Confession. Restoration. Thank you, Lord, for opening my eyes and freeing me today.

I learned this morning that it is not my responsibility to convict my children. I've known that but I haven't lived it. There is a difference. Wisdom isn't knowledge. Wisdom is the application of knowledge!

God is more powerful and creative than I am. It is not my responsibility to convict my children. It is my responsibility to seek God's face and let him live through me as an example of Jesus. I pray that I teach by example and speak truth into their hearts without trying to be the Holy Spirit.

I give these hearts of my children to you, Lord. Use me to be an example. Help me to live in a way that honors you, points my children to you and motivates them to seek you earnestly. Allow my words to be spoken to glorify you, to encourage them and to be full of truth, grace and life. You are the creative one, O God...change me and I wait patiently to see your fruit. I don't want to battle you in grabbing their hearts. I don't want their hearts...I want you to have their hearts. I give you ownership of their hearts and I trust you to convict, to work out their salvation and to bring them to righteousness. May they never be like me and my filthy heart, grab them Lord, I wait in expectation...however long it takes. Guard my own heart that I never try to take the responsibility back. Thank you, sweet Jesus for your grace...for not knocking me out of the way but gently urging me in a different way but still allowing me to be the vessel in which you want to grab them.

How ever will they hear his whisper if all they hear is my "life giving" yapping!?!

*********

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for Sally Clarkson's book, The Mission of Motherhood. The Giveaway closes on Friday!!

. a link

2011-09-21T04:07:00.001-05:00

If you haven't read this post about The Kingdom of Home and you love Jesus from your core....go read this now. So encouraging!

. Blessed Assurance

2011-09-20T15:43:00.000-05:00

Blessèd assurance, Jesus is mine!
O what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.

This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior, all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior, all the day long

"Oh what a foretaste of glory divine" are the words that keep coming to my heart this afternoon.

I know the Lord wants me to encourage you today. I trust that somehow through these scrabbled words you will find a new passion to persevere in your intercession on behalf of others and in your quest to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

I'm at a loss of how exactly to write this post. I don't want too many details because some things should just not be on a blog but I need enough details for you to understand and see how God lovingly wraps his arms around you through other people...which is why we need to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

Lord, I pray now that the details of this story will highlight you and what you put on my heart to share and that the details will not become the story.

Yesterday morning Kate and I were in the kitchen and one of the very first things she said to me was, "my girlies hurt." (Yes, we call her privates girlies!) I didn't think too much about it...soap from the tub, etc...I would keep my ears open and see if she kept saying it throughout the day and if it hurt her when she went potty. I'm trying to let her wipe herself all the time (except in public...reason for that) so I didn't wipe her all day long until last night. Long story short...her girlies were bleeding.

My husband and I both are really calm about most things...stitches and such have made us expert underreactors so when I told Brandon about Kate....I honestly thought I was going to have to slap some worry right out of him. Seriously...funny sidenote...he is the one that NEVER reacts to anything or anyone. I on the otherhand am praying through this for myself. I ask him a simple question and it takes a few days before I get my answer...HE IS CALM...he is the tortoise, I am the hare. I finally said, "go take a shower and stop worrying about it...I will call the doctor first thing in the morning!!"

I too allowed worry to creep in a wee bit but I have committed my thoughts to the Lord these past few weeks and have asked him to help me take my thoughts captive so I wouldn't let myself go anywhere I didn't need to go. My prayers were, "Lord, thank you for the plan and future you have for each of my children, Lord your ways are good, you prepare the journey, I just have to walk in trust." So thankful for a peace that is totally uncharacteristic of me but so totally God! He is detail oriented. I pray you can read between the lines of how creative and involved he really is and was through this.

Brandon carries the BRCA1 gene (the breast cancer gene) and it has been on our minds for our little Kate because girls are at a higher risk for female organ type cancers with this gene. She has a 50/50 chance of carrying it so when we let our guard down, Satan easily distracts us with worry and "what ifs" that have no place in the heart of a child of the Most High King who planned our days before the foundation of the world! I do know what was fueling my sweet husband's worry...and I do know that as much as we love our children and want to protect them...His ways are greater....this gave me a whole new visual of God's love for us...overwhelming.

Brandon was fidgety this morning....antsy to hold Kate and give her kisses. I finally said, "what is wrong with you?" He said, "I want to hold fefe!" (yes, we call her fefe and I do not know why!) Pray without ceasing....protect my little girl, whatever your plan, Lord, you give and take away, blessed be your name, strength, take away worry, help us submit to your authority...

I called the doc at 7:59 and made an appointment. Before we left a friend texted to remind me of something so I just texted back a quick, "do you mind praying for Kate this morning...it's probably nothing..." Of course, she did and before I walked out the door her husband pulled up and prayed for us before we left. What a blessing. My heart was so thankful and very overwhelmed. All I could think of is how faithful God is. I know and have experienced the blessing of interceding in prayer on the behalf of others but to be on the end where others are praying for you and your child....I was humbled and so very very thankful. All those I'm praying for came to my mind and how it was a reminder from the Lord...."never stop praying because it is Kingdom work and you are the hands and feet of Jesus."

I had told Brandon to go ahead to work and he should come to the doctor if anything progressed.....he did and he texted me to tell me that he and the three men he was with stopped, gathered together and prayed for my sweet little girl. This momma's heart....it's hard to function with so much emotion welling up.....

Later Brandon told me that they had prayed that it be something that wasn't a big deal and easily taken care of.....which is exactly how the case stands as of right now.

We serve a God who is endless in his ways to shower love upon us. It ended up not being a big deal but I think if I wouldn't have allowed myself to think perhaps it could be a big deal I would have totally missed out on how the Lord took the time to knit this day together in a way that I saw and felt his power, his comfort, his peace and his love that endures forever.

Today I experienced a foretaste of glory divine!

Praising my Savior all the day long.

. Giveaway, The Mission of Motherhood

2011-09-17T09:55:00.000-05:00

Sally Clarkson blogs over at I Take Joy. If you don't follow Sally you are missing out on a tremendous blessing. Every post inspires, motivates and encourages me in the walk of motherhood. She is one of my favorite authors and I'm honored to call her a friend!

I love this book. Keep in mind...it's a hard read if you aren't willing to hear from the Lord about intentional mothering and God's perfect design. The Holy Spirit convicts me everytime I read this.

However, I believe that the Lord puts motherhood on the hearts of all women. There is a deep desire to nuture children and build a home of love and a legacy of faith in the hearts of Jesus loving mommas.

I've given so many of these books away and I hope they have been read and I pray that hearts have been turned toward Jesus and motherhood. I pray for the winner of this book as well and whoever will read it...that the children under the influence of the one that reads this book will feel loved, will be shown much grace and whose lives will be changed forever.

There are several ways to get an entry to win this must read! If you already have this book, feel free to enter...you can always pass it along, give it away free yourself or as a gift. There are 6 ways to enter and you can enter up to 6 times...woohoo.

1. comment about your favorite thing about motherhood.
2. follow @teamkindle on Twitter
3. tweet about this giveaway
4. post about this giveaway on your facebook
5. subscribe to TheKindleCrew via email
6. follow TheKindleCrew

I will announce the winner on Friday, Sept.23rd...the first day of fall and opening day of the Dolphin Tale movie.

. Friday Family Fun

2011-09-17T09:29:00.000-05:00

We established Friday Family Fun a year or so ago...the kids love it.

Last night Brandon moved most of the furniture out of the living room so we could do this......

Who else has Friday Family Fun....what do you guys do?

. Fall Family Craft

2011-09-15T18:28:00.001-05:00

Over at Meet the Dubiens you will find the cutest little crafts for you to do with your children. I never have gotten around to do any of them because my craft intentions seldom make it beyond intentions. However, her Leaf People craft was so cute I put it in the back of my mind to do sometime before winter!!

Today, I happened upon this book at the local library. What a great reminder to do this craft. It was a cooler day than we have been having so it was the perfect opportunity.

The bigger boys gathered the nature goods while I collected the hot glue gun, sharpie (for the mouths) and eyeballs....the younger two argued over saltine crackers. No wonder I never get crafty!

Here is what we came up with.......

(double click on this picture so you can see how creative they were with their people)

Notice Rex by their feet and Kate is telling her baby to smile for the picture.

Yes, we went to the library with Kate in her jammies!

******** Side story *********

The cooler wind is blowing, the boys sword fighting,I try to read while chatty cathy plays with her dollhouse on the front porch....

My sweet princess comes to show me her two wet index fingers. I ask what is that..seriously not knowing..her voice is sweetness to my ears...she says they are boogers!

Oh..gross I say. Like any mother trying to teach good manners I tell her to wipe them on her pants. With a giggle she wipes them on my pants and says, "your pants" and continues her giggle as she skips back to her doll house.

. The Five Senses

2011-09-15T08:07:00.001-05:00

Anytime Brett experiences anything...he does it with all of his heart. Even when he brushes his teeth he has toothpaste remains in the middle of his back and behind his ear...he is all out and in full force. It's a joy (when I purpose to see him as God sees him) to be around this warrior in training.

I've been thinking on our design this morning and how God created us with five senses. Anyone who has ever been around an infant knows that everything goes to the mouth...that's their world and how they experience all that is around them.

I'll venture out this morning and ask the question "is it possible to experience God to the fullest if we aren't experiencing him with all of our senses?"

You may be thinking that you can't taste him or touch him....but, oh can't we?

In my prayer time this morning I asked God to help me to experience him to the fullest. I know there are mysteries that aren't for me to know but all that is available to me, I want to partake in. I believe that in our acknowledgement of him, we give him praise and I want to learn how to "rejoice in all things" and I think maybe if I haven't learned to rejoice in all things then maybe I haven't been experiencing him like he intends for me to....if we experience Jesus...we can't help but rejoice, right?

Touch-Taste-See-Hear-Smell

How can I feel Jesus? The disciples felt him with their own hands. When I reach out and touch my children I can feel them. They can also feel me. Jesus touches my heart, my emotions, my mind...I can feel him all around. I can feel his peace, his joy, his love. I feel his goodness and I feel his blessings everytime I do touch one of my children. I do indeed feel the touch of Jesus in my life.

Taste - doesn't his Word say, "taste and see that the Lord is good" - we can taste. We can drink in the living water and taste his goodness. I can also taste him in the delicious foods he created for our enjoyment. I can taste his sweetness in the kisses of my family. Lord, don't let us miss out on you because we don't acknowledge you in our tasting.

Where do I see him? In the wind, the rain, my children's faces, my husband's grace giving, the working out of details to circumstances...oh, I can see Jesus...the question isn't about sight...it's about acknowledging him as Sovereign for me to see him and rejoice.

I hear him whisper into my heart and soul. I hear his truth jump off the pages of his Word, I hear him in my children, I hear him when I speak to my children, I hear him in the words of others, I hear him in books, in movies, in conversations and in the stillness of my quiet times...I hear him.

I'm so thankful for the sense of smell. I smell all that is wonderful that he created for our enjoyment. He created these so our response would be directed at him and his goodness. The scent of a flower, the aroma of our favorite holidays, the smell of a newborn baby.

God gives us so many opportunities to experience him through our senses. My prayer for today is that I won't go about this day unaware of my Creator but that I seek to find him with all of my senses. He promises that if I seek him I will find him IF I seek him with all of my heart.

Experience him today....taste him, see him, hear him, smell him, touch him......and when you do...praise him!

. Trust

2011-09-14T15:38:00.000-05:00

I can't come up with an example of what's on my heart that I can share here so I hope this short post encourages at least one of you today....

Do you ever struggle with God about trusting others?
Trust comes in lots of different shapes and definitely sizes but whether it's trusting them to fulfill obligations or trusting them with your hearts.....it is a struggle at times.

God calls us to be obedient and who are we to decide who God can love through us? God also calls us to praise him so who are we to withhold praising because of others?

If you are having a heard time trusting someone today......I hope you will hear these words spoken to me from the Lord this week....

"I'm not asking you to trust THEM...I'm asking you to trust ME!"

. Warning

2011-09-12T22:35:00.000-05:00

This post as been on my mind for over a week as we've been tuned into the dry Texas land going up into flames all around us.

We've prayed for firefighters and their families. We've prayed for those who have lost so much. We've prayed for protection for those in the path of what could be total destruction. We've prayed for calm winds and efficiency in putting out the fires.

We've talked as a family about giving up some of our Christmas gifts to purchase goods for those in need...their lives, their families, their loss, their hopelessness...their souls have been heavy on our hearts.

Some were able to receive warning, others maybe not. Some I know had evacuation orders/plans in place ready to leave their homes behind as soon as they got the call. Fire...it's serious business...nothing to play around with.

As I watched and heard all of these events unfold I was thankful that so many steps were taken to make sure everyone had the best opportunity for survival and safety. Many sleepless hours were put in to making sure warning was put out in plenty of time so homeowners wouldn't be caught in the fire which destroys so quickly.

Hmmm....that was my thought when I realized how much effort was being put into these warnings!

Fellow Christians, we know our Lord Jesus is coming back for us and with those unbelieving that are left behind...an eternal fire which will torment forever will be nothing short of agony. Friends, family, people we see everyday, people we see once in our lifetime....God's created beings are in the line of fire and if we don't warn them who will?

I haven't made much effort to warn others. I haven't lost much sleep keeping a watchful eye making sure everyone I know is warned before it's too late.

God, forgive me!

. Who likes to fish?

2011-09-09T05:34:00.006-05:00

Come follow me and I'll make you fishers of men. - Mark 1:17
This verse won't leave me this week.
Come, follow me. Okay....I'll follow you.
AND...I'll make you fishers of men.

Hmmmm...is that one of God's promises to us that I've overlooked all these years?

If it is...then God's promise to us (if we follow him) must be that we will become fishers of men.

If I'm not fishing....does that mean I'm not following.....

What's on the end of your hook these days?

. I wanna be I wanna be like Noah...

2011-09-08T15:19:00.000-05:00

It is a rare occassion that I sleep through the night undisturbed. This morning it was because of a dream that weighed heavy on a child's heart. He said that in his dream our family was called to build the ark like Noah's and that our friends and family were left behind. I prayed with him, assured him that God does indeed call our family to things that others don't hear a call to and that we should trust the Lord for strength to help us.

As much as I dislike being interrupted in my sleep, I'm always thankful for the opportunity in the middle of the night to pray with a child and for God to speak to my heart. The few words to a song came to my mind this morning as I was thinking about those few minutes alone with my son and Jesus; in the secret, in the quiet place, in the stillness you are there.....Jesus is always here but the sweet times in the middle of the night when the world sleeps is when God speaks very clearly most of the time for me. Just being able to praise him and give him thanks at an unexpected moment is overwhelming.

We saw the Noah Musical last weekend, which was amazing by the way. There is so much to say about it but the main two things that keep coming back to my mind is Noah's obedience and the call to be set apart.

I've known the account of Noah since I was Kate's age so I'm afraid that it's become commonplace for me at times. That saddens me. Seeing the account in drama and music was very thought provoking. It seems as though Noah went about his day like normal and the Lord chose to speak to him and without question, Noah obeyed. He didn't ask his friends their opinion or roll it over in his heart for a few days until the passion dissipated and he talked himself out of such a crazy endeavor. He obeyed. He didn't start to obey then let all of his well-meaning, biblical advice givers talk him out of it. He obeyed.

It struck a chord with me. I have had many ideas, passions and thoughts I know the Lord has put on my heart and I haven't shared most of them with anyone because of how crazy they are...I stick feelers out there and allow the passion to fade because of how crazy I would be if I were to follow that idea....how sickening I must be before the Lord. Here was Noah having never even seen rain and God told him to build some big boat because it was going to rain....either Noah was crazy or he had a crazy love and passion for God.

What has God put on your heart that you haven't obeyed?

The other thing that stood out to me (in the musical..not in scripture) was when Noah's son cried out to God in discouragement and wonder over why family and friends have abandoned them and turned their backs on a Holy God...he asked the Lord, "why do we have to be so different?"

About that time Noah walks up to his son after overhearing his crying out to God and Noah answered, "because we are different, son!"

Because we are different. Aren't we called to a higher standard as born again believers. It's hard. Hard is an understatement. It takes everything I have to submit to what I know and believe in my heart is right and true and just. I fail...everyday I fail but I serve a grace giving Savior who keeps tugging and whispering and waiting. Do I love others well...absolutely not. Do I love others even okay....not even.

There are so many posts written between these lines and I pray that they are posts God has for me to share with you but I'm worn out from the struggle of disobeying. No, God isn't calling me to build an ark but he is calling me to be an open window that his love flows through....why is that so hard.

He calls me to extend grace to my children, my husband...and especially myself....why is that also so hard.

He calls me to many many things....some bigger than others....I'm afraid it's not only the children in my home that should be asked about, "when will they learn to obey?"

My prayer this minute is that I will sense the voice of the Lord and obey immediately...regardless of how hard it is to choose Jesus' will over Jennifer's want.

. Thirsty

2011-09-06T09:20:00.000-05:00

My mornings are pretty predicatable as far as when the little ones wake up and their desire for chocolate milk. The first words out of Crew's mouth every morning (even before "I love you" and before I get to ask if he had any dreams) are "can I have chocolate milk?"

This morning I was in my normal chair when he walked straight through the living room, without a glance my way, went to the cups, filled it with water and downed it!

I knew something was up and asked if he was so thirsty. My first thought was, "wow..what if we thristed for Jesus like that every morning...a desperate need for him before anything else consumes us" ..I prayed a prayer that I would be like that.

After downing his water I picked him up for some snuggle time before the others showed themselves. He was quiet, pale and snuggled tightly so I asked if he felt okay and he replied with a vomit all over my chest. Okay...first thoughts were, "okay, God...what I had planned today wasn't in your plans...thanks for diverting us."

Before I had time to stand to carry him to the restroom I got showered again. Take it in stride...GRACE Grace grace....choose grace today. It seems weird that I would have to choose grace over a sick child because it certainly isn't his fault but don't we choose ungratefulness sometimes over things we have no control over. So...the practice of choosing grace is one I must put effort into. Grace...God's blessing and gift to us.

I'll spare you the rest of the details of a sick child but my thoughts immediately went to the Living Water. Crew woke up thirsty! He immediately quenched his thirst with what he thought was best for him but it didn't settle well.

Aren't we the same. We approach every day immediately thirsty and we seek to fill ourselves with numerous activities, ideals and goals that we believe will quench us. In reality, none of these "things" quench us...none of them settle well with us. Only Jesus, Living Water, will quench our thirst.

Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. "He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, 'From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'"

John 7:37-38

I want to flow rivers of living water from my innermost being.

I am thirsty, we all are.

Will we go to him, drink..and be filled to the point of overflowing.

. dolphin tale movie giveaway

2011-08-31T11:26:00.000-05:00

I am not having much success linking up to the giveaway on my phone but I dont want you to muss out...go to www.itakejoy.com to find link to rsvp to opening day and to enter the giveaway! If its not her most recent post then search for thehe aug.31st post...sorry for the rabbit hunt.

. road trip

2011-08-31T11:11:00.000-05:00

We love road trips!

Three hours into this one we have consumed more sunflower seeds than should be aloud...almond joys, peanut butter cups, cheezits and other various snacks prompted our potty break and sonic stop. I should have brought travel yahtzee so I could ping Crew with it when he asked how much lo ger...the 18th time.

My sweet little family full of chatty cathtys, along with Mimi, have tickets for the Noah's Ark musical in Branson. We are super duper fantastically excited.

There are so many trucks on the road today and almost all of them have the warning, "if you can't see my mirrors then I can't see you." I am reminded of our gentle Jesus who always sees us. Days ir weeks...even months go by that we may not feel Jesus near or think he doesn't even notice us but regardless if we see or feel him near...he always sees us abnd never forsakes us!

Be encouraged today that God loves and cares for you. He rejoices over you with singing. He takes great delight in you.

JESUS...lover of my soul.
JESUS...I will never let you go
he's taken me from the mirey clay...set my feet upon t he rock and now I know....my Jesus my savior...

. Gluten Free Banana Muffins

2011-08-29T21:05:00.000-05:00

Banana Bread use to be a staple at our house and it has been a long time since I've made it. In my attempt to be better at preparation, I decided to make these tonight so I wouldn't have to worry about breakfast...we already ate half of the batch so this is what's left for breakfast. A lot of my gluten free baking has been less than desirable but these Brandon said were delicious!!! Score for me.

I hope you and your family enjoy these Gluten Free Banana Muffins.

4 mashed bananas

1/3 cup butter, melted

3/4 cup sugar

1 egg, beaten

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 teaspoon baking soda

pinch of salt

1/2 cup brown rice flour

1/2 cup sorghum flour

1/2 cup tapioca flour

3/4 teaspoon xanthan gum

Preheat oven to 350.

Mix bananas and butter in large bowl.

Mix in sugar, egg and vanilla.

Mix in baking soda and salt.

Add in the flours and xanthan gum after you have sifted them together.

Put in muffin cups and bake for 22-28 minutes.

I sprinkle a generous amount of brown sugar on top before baking....yummy!

. Lengths He Goes & "Quotes from Kids"

2011-08-29T09:16:00.000-05:00

I have been so thankful to read Misty's story. God's creativity keeps my heart searching for details of his fingerprints. As far as the east is from the west is how far and more that he goes to reach us on an individual basis. Oh how he loves us.....adores us...wants us to worship him.

What has caught my attention is the contrast of personalities and preferences in which we are created...therefore, his creativity towards grabbing our hearts is so different as well. For Misty is was a disney balloon that was the desire of her heart.....for me that wouldn't have had the same meaning but the Lord reached out his hand and specifically touched her heart with the desire he first put into her. He never stops drawing us to himself!

A few weeks ago I was a bit disappointed where God has asked me to bloom....it's a bit ridiculous at first thought but it's a reminder to me of God's unfailing love and once again....how he is detail specific to individual hearts....isn't that what we do though...we think it ridiculous because it doesn't mean anything to someone else so we overlook it instead of worshipping the Lord for it.

My story was Painting with a Twist. A handful of pictures were before me in the same week of friends here and there with their art work they had made...this led me to my pity party of living in nowhereville with nothingtodo. It didn't take but a day or two for the Lord to work in my heart about being content and to bloom where you're planted....he gave me a little story for a children's book of a lonely little flower (maybe I'll share that sometime since I have no plans for a REAL book)...and then I was fine and thankful that God's purpose can be fulfilled in my life regardless of location if I will just be obedient. I then went to our yearly planning meeting for our homeschool group and by golly gee if one of our Mom's Night Outs isn't going to Painting with a Twist.

Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. -Psalm 37:4.

Quotes from Kids

"Who knew colored plastic could be so much fun" -Parker (about Legos)

When Crew asked if John Wayne was the sheriff Kate looked at him and said, "No he is not, Woody is!"

"I'm trying to have a good day all my life but I just can't do it because everyone is being mean to me!" -Brett

. fickle fickle pickle

2011-08-27T16:46:00.000-05:00

Happy 11 year Anniversary to my sweet Brandon.

Who knew that our story would start out as two crawdad fishin', football playing, merrygo ridin' neighbors.....I'm thankful for such a kind, patient, grace giver as a husband!

Come grow old with me, the best is yet to be.

Several months ago I saw the cutest mugs on A Holy Experience or at least I think it was her blog....if I'm wrong, please tell and if you find the link, please share....anyway, I thought they were so cute so I decided to make them myself on my last painting pottery trip. They aren't perfect but I'm proud of them and Brandon liked them for our anniversary. There's a cute little heart on the bottom and on the inside. Not to shabby.....

If you missed it, make sure you meet Misty in my most recent Moms Like Me post. Click HERE

...Moms like Me....Misty

2011-08-27T09:30:00.000-05:00

Meet Misty....

Misty Krasawski is the overly-blessed mom of eight children whom she homeschools in sunshine-y Florida. She has been clinging ferociously to the hand of her Lord since she was knee-high to a grasshopper, homeschooling for the past thirteen years, and has eighteen more years ahead of her with the children who are glad she will have done most of her experimenting on those who went before. Her wonderful husband Rob has much treasure laid up for him in heaven for having been called to such a daunting task.

I met Misty a year ago and although I didn't get a lot of one on one time to hear her heart I already knew a bit about her love and passion for Jesus and family because I had already been reading her blog and didn't realize it....enjoy this story from Misty's heart.

"I’m still so … amazed by what happened less than 24 hours ago that I’m not even sure where to start. The story begs to be told, though, and so I’ll just begin.
I shared last week the heartbreaking news that our tiny expected blessing had gone home to be with Jesus. To tell you the truth, I was surprised at the depth of my own grief over the loss. While my midwife had cautioned me the previous week that there was a strong possibility that the baby’s development had ended a few weeks before, I walked into the appointment Wednesday morning feeling mildly optimistic. Trusting that God would do what was best; that He could breathe life into my tiny one if that was what was needed, or take my angel home if that was His highest good. When the picture first came up on the screen, in fact, I thought I saw movement there–was that the flicker I’d been longing to see? Alas, it wasn’t. So, I think my next thought was that if there was no baby on its way after all,  it was because there was something wrong right from the beginning. That there had been a mistake of some sort; that no baby had ever truly been started. And that, of course, would mean that there was not quite the same reason to be sad …
No comfort there, either. Everything had been going fine, it appeared … and then, somewhere around 7 weeks 2 days, development just … stopped.

In a daze, I carried the book my midwife had loaned to me, A Time to be Borne, out to the truck. Knowing I wasn’t quite ready for the hour-long drive home, I began to read, hoping to find some comfort there–and for words to use to explain the situation to my sweet children awaiting my arrival home. Racking sobs were all I could manage as I read the first few pages. The drive home wasn’t much better. The rest of Wednesday was a blur of tears. As I pulled weeds from the front garden later that evening, I pondered the story told in Heaven is For Real by a little boy who took a trip there during a life-threatening surgery and illness. He tells of meeting his older sister as He stood near Jesus’ throne–a sister he’d previously had no idea existed, as she was miscarried at only a couple months gestation; that she recognized him, ran to him and kept kissing him, and told him she’d died in his mommy’s tummy, and couldn’t wait for her parents to get to heaven.

Sob.

It struck me then; something important. If the percentage of miscarriages is as high as it is reputed to be–around 25%, then there can’t be no purpose to those little lives. It’s something my college-aged son and I discussed months ago–why on earth does God let that happen? Of course we all could think of reasons that have to do with us; I know in my own life this has reminded me of the preciousness of every baby, enhanced my gratefulness for the children I already have, and broken my heart so more of Jesus can show. God is God, though, and life is certainly not just or even mostly about me! So if 25% of pregnancies end in miscarriage, and He is in charge, then I have to believe He *does that for a reason.* I don’t know if we’re talking about the official heavenly children’s choir, or what, but it’s *something.* They have a job, a purpose, a reason for having been created by God–even if their feet never walk this earth and they’re here only a short time. Even because their feet never walk this earth and they’re here only a short time.

Anyway, I told Rob what I was thinking about and that at some point, I wanted to go get a balloon I could hold and then let go; something to commemorate this tiny life that had flown away. Unfortunately, there wasn’t really time for that. Thursday I was scheduled to head out to Orlando with some sweet friends for the Florida Parent Educator Association’s yearly convention, and we all felt it would be best if I went ahead and kept to my plan.

My sweet friends were so kind to me. Thank the Lord for girlfriends! We ate and chatted and laughed a lot (and cried a little.) Staying up late, we looked at silly pictures and talked about our life stories and sorted through curriculum, listened to inspiring speakers and ate way too much food and stayed up late discussing theology. It was really wonderful. On Friday afternoon we drove the few short miles to Disney and had an incredibly wonderful time having High Tea at the Grand Floridian Resort. My midwife had encouraged me to go partly because I was in the midst of a semi-dreadful waiting game. She expected I’d actually lose the baby within the week. Graciously, the Lord let me enjoy time with my girlfriends as well as some time to grieve alone.

On Friday night, I woke around 2 am with serious cramping which went on for about an hour and a half. While nothing was really happening, I couldn’t fall back to sleep. As I lay there, I kept thinking about how I really wanted–needed– to send a balloon to heaven sometime. And what I really wished I could do was to get a Disney balloon. You know, one of those giant, clear balloons with the Mickey ears inside that cost about a gazillion dollars. Like these …

I guess the fact that it was the middle of the night and I was a bit sleep deprived led to crazy thoughts about high-tech Disney security and the fear that they probably didn’t allow people to release balloons into the sky anyway, since it’s probably environmentally unfriendly.  Perhaps someone would yell at me–or worse yet, pop it– and so I’d best forget that. I never told anyone what I was thinking.
We had another great day of lectures, discussion and shopping on Saturday. I hadn’t yet decided what to do that evening–to ride home with one dear friend who had to be back early for church, or stay with the girls one more night. I sent a note to my husband, who quickly replied that I should stay. So we closed down the curriculum exhibit hall and headed out to dinner. What a fun time! A local steakhouse was a perfect place to end the day. Walking into the restaurant, we got a big kick out of something odd: a man riding through the busy parking lot on a bicycle, with a live squirrel clinging to his back. During dinner, we took turns sharing the stories of how we’d met our husbands, and were amazed at the lengths He went to get some of us together. Around 8:30 we agreed it was time to head back, so we slung purses over our shoulders and headed out.

When I passed my friend’s van and rounded the corner to get in, I stopped dead in my tracks. So did everyone else, though they didn’t know why yet. “Umm, that’s for me,” I managed to get out before I started to cry. Because this is what we found, wrapped purposefully around the door handle–*my* door handle, to be precise …

Yeah. I know.

So … I told everyone the story of the night before. How I’d wanted a balloon–any balloon, at first, and then how I’d been really wishing it could be a Disney balloon, but thought that was probably impossible. We stood around in shocked silence for a bit. Then someone said, “HOW? How did this happen??” The only options seemed to be that God had sent an angel, *or* He’d caused some random person to come bring me exactly what I was longing for. (The poor, unsuspecting souls probably just thought their kids were driving them crazy, fighting over the balloon in the car, and they got sick of it, thinking perhaps it would be appreciated by someone else! Had no idea some angel was in the back seat poking the child in the behind with a needle.) None of us had left the table the whole evening; the three or four other friends we had in town didn’t know where we’d gone for dinner; and even if some sweet friend *had* found a way to surreptitiously leave it for me, God would have had to tell them my secret first.

The four of us are actually most in favor of the angel theory, and suspect the squirrel-toting bicyclist. My husband and family agree.

After about five minutes of crying in the parking lot, we climbed in and took the balloon back to the hotel. A trek around back brought us to a quiet grassy spot lined with palms. My sweet friends prayed; prayers straight from their hearts, thanking our wonderful God — the God who flung the stars into place! The One who placed a boundary for the sea, and keeps snow and hail in storerooms, and counts nations as nothing! The One who right now is sustaining all life and in Whom all things are held together — that God, who took a moment last Satuday to send me a pink Mickey Mouse balloon! We were in awe. Amazed at His goodness and care for this one little hurting mama, and for what that means: that He cares for and knows each one of us intimately, and holds all of our concerns close to His heart and in His hands. The fact that similar losses had been shared by a couple of them made the gift of this balloon even more meaningful.
Finally, it was my turn to pray. I thanked Him for the gift her brief life was. Told Him again that I trust Him and am so grateful for all the blessings He’s already given me in my precious children. And then I asked Him to hold *her* til I get there. Because, of all the colors it could have been–yellow, or green, or a more typical Disney red or black–nope. This one was pastel pink, so He’d even been kind enough to let me know it’s a girl we have waiting on the other side.

And then, I slowly let it go, and we watched it float straight up into a clear night sky. I believe with all my heart that it went straight to her.

I don’t have any idea why God chose to do this for us. But I do know that my friends feel like we were part of a miracle. If you get there before I do, give her a hug for me. She’s the one with the pink balloon."

Thank you, Misty, for sharing your miracle story with us....may many moms who have lost little ones be encouraged today. Misty blogs over at Encouraging Hearts at Home ....go, be encouraged!

a day in the life

2011-08-26T12:14:00.001-05:00

It's hard to answer the question "what does a normal homoeschool day look like at your house" because 1. we aren't normal 2. we don't want to be normal and 3. because I'm a wannabe organized educator....then you have reasons 4,5,6 and 7 (a.k.a Parker, Brett, Crew and Kate)...

Week one was pretty structured and this week has been everything but. Yesterday when I got back from the doctor we watched two movies (The Perfect Game & The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry....highly recommend both) and today we read about 5 chapters in our read aloud, made a sonic run, pharmacy run and now everyone is playing Legos so I can tell you what a day in our life looks like.......

In my "everything goes well-perfect homeschooling day" here is what The Kindle Crew does.

I slap the alarm off at 6 and wait until my watch goes off at 6:05 before I tip toe to the restroom to get dressed....sometimes I don't even flush the toilet because I don't want Kate to wake up....gross...whatever works! I spend time with the Lord until 6:55 then drive to the track to walk for 30 minutes before I come home to a house full of well rested, angelic children begging to start school. (remember this is the everything goes well-perfect day)

We all grab a bite to eat, play a few minutes, pick up any blankets & pillows out on the living room floor (stress trigger) and Daddy reads a chapter in Proverbs if he hasn't already left. If he has, I read it. We do all family work first...Bible, Art, History, Character Devlopment, etc. Parker and Brett then start on their individual work while I do letters and numbers with Crew and Kate. I then let Crew do his reading to either me or one of his brothers and then I help the big ones with their questions. Snacks, lunch, laundry, dishes, drawing and playing breaks are all mix in there somewhere. We do read alouds usually after lunch then they get to play if they don't have any unfinished work.

In my planner we throw in a Nature Study but let's be real people....I can't tell you the last time we have attempted a Nature Study....we do feed the Turtles, watch them eat and discuss how their bowl needs cleaning, we watch our Beta eat his flakes and we see birds outside the windows. Maybe when it isn't 110 degrees everyday we will study some nature.

After typing all of that it doesn't sound like we do much schooling but....I've realized that when my day is started in prayer and asking of a day in which we do only what the Lord has for us that day...we do nothing more and nothing less....I always rest my head on my pillow each night and realize we got everything done that needed to be done.

Blessings as you raise your little ones...who are growing all too quickly into big ones!

Link up and share what you do...
(for some reason it isn't letting me put the button on here so click HERE if you want to link up!!)

do we really surrender all?

2011-08-26T11:40:00.000-05:00

We voice the words "I surrender all" but do we really?

On the outside we may look totally surrendered to Jesus but what about on the inside.

Are my thoughts in complete surrender? Do I think only on that which is true, noble, honorable and trustworthy?

What about our tongue....do we surrender to the Holy Spirit our speech and let only words that build up come out?

And worry...are we surrendering our worry, our anxiety, our need for planning and control?

perfectionism, vanity, money, wants, desires, goals, dream...

even hospitality..have I surrendered to being hospitable to those I choose or am I willing to be hospitable to those He chooses....have I surrendered?

love....am I an open window for His love to flow through or do I slam it shut and not freely allow His love to flow....who am I to hoard someone elses love?

I wonder if I can sing with an honest heart today....all to Jesus, I surrender, I surrender all!

...Restless Running

2011-08-23T08:06:00.000-05:00

Music accompanied my walk this morning. "Restlessly running after you" were the words that caught my attention.

I thought about all the times that my soul isn't at rest and on the flip side, the times that my soul is at rest. Only one thing holds my heart at true rest...doing what He has called me to do. Nothing else.

We do, I have been....guilty of running so hard after Jesus, looking for him here and there until we are restless.

this ministry, that service obligation, this job, that degree, this unfulfilled dream, that goal....

this friendship, that idea, this suggested book, that suggested curriculum....

justified anger, hypocritical devotion....

You have your own list, mine is long too.

"All you who are weary, come and I will give you rest."

The only time my soul magnifies the Lord is when I spend time in prayer and reading his Word, when I am walking the path of life which he has shown me and when I'm obedient to him...that brings me peace.

The times in my life when I have realized this truth, my above list is much shorter because what is important to the Lord becomes what is important to me. My perspective changes and I realize that as I rise early in the morning to meet him with all my heavy burdens for self and friends...they are lifted off of me and I can rest in knowing that he is in control and my soul has peace following hard after Jesus and what he thinks is the most important thing for me today.

The more i seek you, the more i find you.
The more i find you, the more I love you.
I wanna sit at your feet, drink from the cup in your hand.
Lay back against you and breathe, hear your heart beat
This love is so deep, it's more than I can stand.
I melt in your peace, it's overwhelming.

Mercy Me

2011-08-19T08:59:00.000-05:00

I've been convicted of my family's lack of being punctual so I've attempted to overcome this lazy rut we've allowed ourselves to fall into. This morning I had somewhere to be and I had plans for my brood to spend the morning with their great grandmother. The morning went well, I was up before anyone else so I was able to spend a good amount of time in prayer for this sinful family of mine (and myself), we showered in timely fashion and were ready to walk out the door at the exact time that allowed all details to be completed before I arrived at my intended destination.

STOP!

I had to make the most of the opportunity I had to show a child grace instead of wrath so that set us back a good three to five minutes. When this child was unable to accept this grace in a most gracious manner I unloaded on him and all the other character flaws of the rest of the children who were asked to be buckled in their car seats and not messing with the radio. (Yeah, who isn't acting like Jesus now...huh huh huh?)

Needless to say, I wasn't very gracious nor very on time so my heavy foot didn't realized the highway patrol headed toward me until I was already going 80mph. eek. I slowed down and turned my blinker on before he even got turned around. I wasn't anxious or nervous. I knew I deserved a ticket.

"You were going fast, ma'am....where are you headed?"

"I am late going to a training at Hope Pregnancy Center, I got my kids off late to the sitter and yes, my inspection sticker has been out since June and I haven't gotten it fixed because my emergency brake is broken." I handed him my TXDL, insurance card, fault slip from inspection place and a smile....I'm sure he wished he wouldn't have asked.

He read my stuff, looked up at me and said, "here's the deal, and it is a deal because you do not want to have to pay a speeding ticket."

"No sir, I do not want a speeding ticket." (smile)

"I am not going to give you a ticket for your speeding, I will issue you a citation for your inspection and I need you to slow down."

"Thank you, Sir. That is way more than generous."

While he was in his car writing me up for my inspection I laughed at the Lord and was overwhelmed by the length He goes to keep grabbing my heart. It was a very clear message to me that He shows so much mercy to me...so much mercy. I almost cried and realized it and didn't want the HWY patrolman to think I was an idiot so I gathered myself together and said a prayer of thanksgiving. The thought of how detailed the Lord is with us on an individual basis kept coming to my heart. He has taught me so much this week....again, when we seek...he is so faithful to let us see him.

Mr. Patrolman came back, gave me what reads to be a warning even for the inspection....thank you again.

I said to him, "I was not very gracious to my children this morning so thank you very much for your mercy today." He said, "where is it you are going again?" I explained to him what we do at the pregnancy center and I got to tell him that Jesus is the most important thing.

I was late but I got to experience Jesus even with red and blue lights in my rearview mirror.

May the Lord bless him that blessed me today with the gift of mercy.

. Moms like me...Erica

2011-08-18T15:12:00.000-05:00

Hello friends and fellow bloggers, I would like to introduce you to Erica. Erica and I haven't officially met but I have been inspired by her blog for a few years and we have a mutul friend so....that's enough to know you need to know her....

A few of my favorite things about Erica is that she is very creative and intentional with her children. She loves the Lord, it shows in her writing and I believe one of her passions is scripture memory...which I desire to grow in. I always get a new idea to do with my little ones and am always pressed on in my walk with Christ after reading from her heart. My Kate has an autographed book of hers (which you must get) and one thing I notice about her (and strive to be like) is that her children ALWAYS dress up for the first day of school. That's meant to be funny because Crew's first day pictures were in his pj shirt but I do love that Erica always considers details...its shows she is thinking about her family and the investment she is making.

Erica has been blessed to be married to Brian for 12 years. They met their senior year in high school, and married 3 1/2 years later. They were young and in love! While they struggled like most young, married couples, their fervant commitment to each other, the Lord, and their marriage, brought blessings they could have never imagined. Two of those blessings keep her very busy. She is a mom to Brea (6 1/2) and Brooke (4 1/2). The 1/2's are very important these days! They are a home schooling family that is quite "normal." Ha! When they moved into their home last year, that was one of the comments a neighbor made.

She loves that she gets to use her passion for teaching with her 2 favorite kids in the world. In her "spare" time, she loves to write, take pictures, and work on digital scrapbooks. She also loves to sing and have a blast helping to lead worship at church from time to time. For the last several months, she has enjoyed serving in the elementary Sunday School classes, which she knows is an eternal investment.

I know Erica has always loved to write so I asked her about her love for writing and when she really felt God's call to write the silly sisters blog and book, which she authors.
"My love for writing began in a journal...one that I wrote to the Lord expressing joy, sorrow, delights, and desires. There were certain seasons that my journal became one of my closest companions. Out of those seasons, some of my most profound reflections were birthed. The Lord spoke clearly to me and I penned our interactions. I love that because I have such precious times with Him recorded, my faith is deepened and I do not waver when He appears "silent."

As far as blogging, I started it because we lived far away from family, and I wanted a way to share our everyday life with them. I also had two very silly little girls and my friends would often say, "You should really write that down." I titled my blog, "Amazing Adventures Await," because I truly believe the Lord has incredible plans waiting each and every day. It is up to us to embark on those adventures or let them pass right on by.

I have always been passionate about mothers being intentional with their children. Because I was blessed with a mom that made the everyday extraordinary, motherhood was a season I embraced and one I was thrilled to be chosen for. One afternoon, the girls were being especially silly. I threw my head back and said, "Those Silly Sisters." Those 3 words birthed a dream in my heart. I could not escape the idea of writing a series of books that would foster intentional interaction between parent and child. The books would have an adventure, craft, and recipe that could be duplicated by families everywhere. I believe that the Lord desires the same thing. Moms and dads being purposeful in their parenthood calling!"

A quote that is forever imprinted in my mind is that "a calling will NEVER trump God's primary calling for you." As mothers we sometimes forget our primary calling to motherhood so I asked Erica how motherhood "gets in the way" of her writing:
"Obvioulsy, motherhood often gets in the way of writing. Right now, for example. I am attempting for the third time to pen answers to these questions, and I have two little girls doing gymnastics on my bed over the top of my legs. But, there will always be spills to clean, "emergencies" to tend to, and quarrels to settle. I used to feel guilty when I would want to sit down and write, and at the same time, I felt a tug toward my journal or computer.
It wasn't until I spoke with a writing coach that I realized, time spent writing was an act of obedience to the Lord. I should set aside time to do so, from my first fruits, not just try to squeeze it in. She helped me see it as a "tithe" of sorts. A giving back to the Lord a portion of what He has given to me.
When I am faithful to this time, others are blessed, including my children."

What is your advice to mothers? How do you encourage them to follow their heart to be obedient to God's call but at the same time, not neglecting their role as a mother.

"The Lord has really been showing me how to fill my "plate" sparingly. I have the "buffet" type personality that wants to put as much on my plate as it can possibly hold. Trying a little of this and a little of that, I never get the full benefit of any of it. Many times things end up spilling off, and I am left to clean up the mess, with a mood that is far from desirable.

God made it very clear over the summer that I was to get a smaller plate this year! So many things I was involved in this last year have come to an end, and while it would be easy for me to find substitutes, I am choosing to focus on a few things that matter greatly.

So, I would take some time to really ask yourself that question. What are 1 or 2 things that I sense God wanting me to commit to whole heartedly? Take that leap of faith and know that it is okay to say 'no' to the others!"

Why do you think it is so important to invest so much in the lives of your children? "Investing in the lives of our children is imperative! We have an enemy who wants nothing more than to lure them into the trappings of the world, and unless we actively show them the benefits of living full out for the Lord, they will be lead away. I am very aware that the enemy wants to steal, kill, and destroy...I choose to purposefully engage in the battle for the hearts of my children!"

What is the silliest thing you have done as a mom to reach the hearts of your girls?"It might seem ironic, but I don't consider myself a silly person. I am however, pretty creative, and that coupled with my girls' child-like wonder is a great combination. I encourage them to live "full-out," embracing who God created them to be, and I try to give them a multitude of opportunities to shine! Last October, we had a bake sale to raise money for orphans~a dream of Brea's!
I held an open house for our "school" so they could show off their work to grandparents and friends, and just last week we had a "back to school" sleepover with several of their friends. We have dance parties to Toby Mac, bubble baths in our swim suits, and hot chocolate parties in our pj's. I try to make myself available. The mom that they can talk to, have fun with; be encouraged and trained by!"

What silly ideas do you have up your sleeve in the near future? "Well, I never really know what a day might bring, and it is usually the girls that add the dash of silly. Just the other day I heard them

cracking up in the bathtub. When I went to check on them, their faces were covered in a bath foam...they were pretending to be mummies!
I do however try and add little extras that make an impression on their hearts. Just a few examples: I wrote them notes from their "teacher's" perspective for the first day of school, we tie-dyed leotards for dance class, and I made pancakes that spelled out their names. We drink princess milk (strawberry) and have unique back rubbing techniques (bear, spider, and butterfly...all their ideas!)"

"Swimming in the Rain" is the first book in Erica's Those Silly Sisters series. Buy one before August 22nd and you get the second one HALF OFF! Order from her blog or email her and tell her I sent you!

Do you have plans for a second book in the series?
"When I first sat down to write "Those Silly Sisters," I actually penned 4 more stories, with outlines and ideas for another 4. It was always my dream to have a series of books, which would help foster memories in families. Each story would incorporate an adventure, a craft and a recipe that could be duplicated in homes everywhere. I would love for subsequent books to be published, but I am waiting on God's timing and blessing to move forward.
Opportunities to write other genre, including devotionals and short stories have come up, along with a multitude of speaking engagements. I am just taking it a day at a time, trusting the Lord to provide His best for me!"

If you could leave your readers with one thought to ponder as they raise their children, what would it be? "One thing I have really been pondering lately is the idea that God, in His ultimate wisdom, could get rid of all negative character traits in myself, my husband and in my children. But, He simply does not do that. We have struggles in our home, just like everyone else. One of our daughters has a very passionate personality. She can be extremely kind, compassionate and sympathetic, but the contrast of that is harsh anger, mood swings, and verbal attack. Our other daughter is light hearted and funny, but pretty selfish and self-centered. While I would love the negative aspects of their personalities to be "zapped" away, I would never want to diminish the unique giftings the Lord blessed them with. Because there are both negative and positive aspects of any personality, it is my job as their mother to help train and teach them how to use those gifts for the glory of God. I believe they help refine me as I help refine them.

So, ask yourself these questions. What personality trait would I love God to "zap" away from my child? Is there a positive aspect to that trait that could be developed? What might He be trying to teach me as I am faced with training this character trait?"

*****************************************
Great thoughts to ponder! A big thanks to Erica for taking time to share with us. I pray that she has been a blessing to you today.

..check this out....

2011-08-17T17:17:00.002-05:00

Dolphin Tale Movie Free Screening for Leaders