Words Cafe

Like Spaghetti and Venus

2012-02-08T15:29:00.003-06:00

He’s a morning person….I’m not.

He has a clean closet….I don’t.

He is a germaphobe….I wipe noses with my hands. (Not just anyone’s nose, btw.)

He lays down and is out….I lay down and wait for my brain to shut off.

He’s a verbal processor….I’m naturally contemplative.

I may think & then talk about problems….He finds solutions to problems. Charge!

He’s an idealist…I’m a realist. ("I don't think so, Tim.")

He’s competitive…I am not. But it is quite fun beating him at cards.

He has a slapstick sense of humor, I have more of a dry, sarcastic wit. *I'm smarter. Duh*

I’m an oldest child, He’s a youngest, but a firstborn boy. If you know anything about birth order and you know us personally, you may have an "Aha!" moment.

He apologizes easily and quickly; I need time to think.

He likes the dark; I like the light.

I love puzzles, games and books…He loves vegging in front of the TV...in the dark.

I’m strong-willed but also passive, He’s strong-willed and aggressive! Guess who wins?

He doesn’t mind PDA, I do…gross!

I plan ahead…He likes to be impulsive.

He seems to thrive on change...I am learning it's not so bad, but heaven better be the next place I move to or there might be trouble, people.

I'm stubborn...He isn't. Bless his little heart.

I multitask….He compartmentalizes.

He likes books about leadership...I like books about relationships.

So what I've learned is I'm like spaghetti and he's from Mars? Does it really matter? We were created differently, but we're not from separate planets or in any way similar to pasta. We were God's second try, with added details, emotions and outer beauty, but apparently weaker in the temptation department, based on our Great-Grandma Eve's flesh-filled need for wisdom. **spoken like the Church-lady** And feel free to adlib her famous line here. He was created to provide, care for and work the land. Duh, duh, duh....Superman!

Yep. We're different. Time to get over it, celebrate it, embrace it or whatever you'd like to do with it...just don't use it against the other. There's no point in trying to figure each other out, just go with it. What God has joined together, let no one divide. Amen.

Show Him Some Love....14 Days is Here Again!

2012-02-01T08:18:00.000-06:00

WIVES....You have been invited to 14 DAYS of VALENTINES

LOVE is a decision. When we marry, we have committed to continue to choose US every day for the rest of our lives. And not only do we choose us every day, but we fight for us with everything we've got, because what God unites, Satan wants to divide. We commit from the bottom of our hearts to work out every detail that seeks to destroy us. We have chosen US....until death do we part.

This is a great time of year to show your husband you'd choose HIM all over again. Even if you're in a season where this might seem too difficult, this 14 days is for you! You CAN turn things around! Commit to pray for Him for 14 days. That's it! Encourage your married girlfriends to do the same and spur one another on toward love and good deeds...(Hebrews10:23-24)

You may also want to BLESS your husband daily with small gifts or encouraging notes starting February 1st through February 14th. Be creative!! Tell him how much you love him and thank God for him!
Here are some ideas:

1) Have someone/several others at his job or in his daily life help you leave cards on his desk for him to find.
2) Cards at the Dollar stores are usually 2/$1, get a box of valentines or just hand-write your own. Think of 14 different reasons you love him, and write one on each.
3) Leave his favorite candy or treat with a little message on it. (Pop Rocks: You ROCK my world, OR a Bottle of Orange Crush: "I still have a CRUSH on you!) I think you get the idea. ;)
4) Take him lunch from his favorite takeout and have a carpet picnic in his office!
5) Plan a date night with a theme that revolves around HIS favorite movie.

I'm sure you have other creative ideas or links to creative ideas, so leave a comment!

Wives, understand and support your husbands in ways that show your support for Christ. Eph. 5:22 MSG
Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate. Mark 10:9 NIV

Explanation

2012-01-30T13:25:00.000-06:00

Thought maybe I'd explain why my blog posts are few and far between....
my computer stinks. It's a piece of junk. I inherited it from my husband several years ago and then it had an accident. It was connected to my phone, got knocked off the chair onto the ground and the phone landed right on the screen. Ouch! See the black, bat-looking bruise? Not only is it ugly on the outside, it has a hard time remembering to pick up the wireless signal so it won't let me blog.
My phone is usually where I get my email, and on facebook and pinterest.

More M.o.r.i.a.h.

2012-01-29T22:00:00.001-06:00

Momma, can I have some chocolate milk with not any milk in it?

So basically you just want the bottle of Hershey's syrup?

YESSSSSSSS!!!!

:)
And just because I'll want to remember how she said this when she's 18....

Janamas = Pajamas

Gull Lake Family Camp

2012-01-16T21:24:00.000-06:00

In the summer of 2011 we found a treasure that I've been meaning to share with you. We see it as such an amazing investment in our family that it will become a honored summer tradition for us and love it so much that we don't want to keep it to ourselves! How many vacations can you go on and come home saying?....our family bonded, growing closer to Christ and to each other. We had a blast and were so blessed with refreshment from the LORD, that even though now the drive will be even longer since we've moved to Texas, it is SO worth it to us, especially when we think about how fast our kids are growing and how few summers we have left with them. The oldest 2 would rather go HERE than DisneyWorld! This is serious, people. We also know that going to DWorld or any place of the sort, would have us all separated with the wide ages of our children. This is fun for our WHOLE family! Our kids had amazing counselors that valued them, taught them, and exemplified for them the love of Jesus. Even Moriah had a fun camp experience and loved being a "MONKEY" for the week!

There are videos and more info HERE at the GULL LAKE CAMP website.

Research it like I did. From the moment we arrived after that long drive, our family is served and blessed like royalty. All of the belongings in our van were put in our hotel room (or cottage, if you choose) for us. The hotel is very nice, NOT a camp-type place you'd imagine at all! The food is yummy and some nights the meal is a date night and the kids eat with their counselor groups. (ahhh...) I wondered if my oldest would make friends easily, knowing no one there, and he did immediately, even with the counselors! We had family nights where we all dressed up and there were themes they told us about before we got there, so we brought clothes and fun stuff on our trip! The mornings are spent in God's Word, memorizing verses and worshipping as families, then separately listening to amazing teaching from the week's speaker. The afternoons are as relaxing as you want them to be, but you can sign up to do tons of things on or around the lake.... ride the pontoon boat, sailboat, water-rocketing behind a speed boat, swim, waterslide, water trampoline, or just sit by the lake building a sandcastle or reading a book (my favorite).

Here are just a few pictures of our trip last year...

Hope you will pray about it and experience the FUN with us in beautiful Michigan!!!

FAM BAM - PENGUIN STYLE

2012-01-07T18:03:00.000-06:00

We got the idea from family camp to have a family night (aka FAM BAM) that revolves around a theme and go ALL OUT!!!

We gave them clues a few days before so they could start guessing what the theme would be.

Clue#1 BLACK & WHITE
Clue#2 DANCING
Clue#3 FISH
Clue #4 ANTARCTICA

By clue #4 which was given this morning, they had it! :)

Crafting....

Eating shrimp & sushi....

Watching Happy Feet & Mr. Popper's Penguins....

Making a snowflake cake....

Merry Christmas from Our Home to Yours

2011-12-25T09:24:00.000-06:00

This Is Not Heaven

2011-12-19T07:04:00.001-06:00

Christmas is a glimpse of the light, love and happiness we will one day experience in heaven, but it's only a glimpse. When we expect too much of this earth, it disappoints every time. This devotional makes so much sense as to why so many are depressed this time of year.

If you need a wonderful devotional, this one by Max Lucado was a blessing to me the past few days.

Here are a few quotes to chew on until you have the time to study it for yourself....

Unhappiness on earth cultivates a hunger for heaven. By gracing us with a deep dissatisfaction, God holds our attention. The only tragedy, then, is to be satisfied prematurely. To settle for earth.

We are not happy here because we are not at home here. We are not happy here because we are not supposed to be happy here. We are “like foreigners and strangers in this world” (1 Peter 2:11).

And you will never be completely happy on earth simply because you were not made for earth. Oh, you will have your moments of joy. You will catch glimpses of light. You will know moments or even days of peace. But they simply do not compare with the happiness that lies ahead.

Thou hast made us for thyself and our hearts are restless until they rest in thee.³

....you were not made for this place and that there is a place made just for you.

But until then, be realistic. Lower your expectations of earth. This is not heaven, so don’t expect it to be. There will never be a newscast with no bad news. There will never be a church with no gossip or competition. There will never be a new car, new wife, or new baby who can give you the joy your heart craves. Only God can.

--Max Lucado, taken from "When God Whispers Your Name"

December

2011-12-16T00:26:00.001-06:00

Lists are my life. Lists, lists everywhere!!!! Sorry it's been so long. If you're here, it means you really love me....or you're really lost. Either way, hi. I'm enjoying life. I miss homeschooling but have cherished the time I've had with Moriah playing and ok yeah, even homeschooling. She's a smart little cookie. Speaking of cookies, here's my December lists so you know where I've been....

Baking cookies using my 4 POUND bag of chocolate chips from the pounding (see below)
Going to church Christmas parties, about 15 all together by the time we're done! Great way to get to know the people we've grown to love!
Christmas shopping----online. Oh yes! Almost completely done in my PJs. And that my friends is how you KEEP your Christmas spirit! ;)
Wrapping presents as they show up at my door.
Decorating this beautiful blessing of a house God has given us....mantle pic coming soon.
Voice Recital--have loved teaching my sweet girls (and one boy) and they performed a Christmas recital at the beginning of this month.
Laundry---Boring I know but it's on the list because I do it....a LOT!
Pinterest....yep my new favorite. So many ideas, so little time. It sparks creativity for sure!
Reading to Moriah & listening to her read the books she knows! "5 Little Monkeys", "8 Little Ladybugs", "Brown Bear, Brown Bear" & my favorite is when she reads her Bible....

".....And then Jesus got a chipmunk on his shoulder!!!"

Her translation & vocal expression makes it very exciting!

Helping with homework and keeping up with grades online!
Studying Isaiah and blessed by the HOPE I have knowing Jesus is the Messiah and that this world is not my home. Thy Kingdom Come!!!
Praying our 2nd home in Kansas would sell. It seems to be God's glory in progress, as we've struggled with why and what we're to learn from it. We know God has a purpose and we're trusting His perfect timing. To God be the Glory!
Driving. Seems I do this the most these days.
Looking forward to the kids being out of school and spending time together again.
Looking for ways to bless others. I've been so blessed. Lord, give me Your eyes to meet needs the way Jesus, our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God & Prince of Peace did and still does today.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-16T08:24:00.000-06:00

Blessing Soup

2011-11-10T08:14:00.001-06:00

Our church gave us a POUNDING Sunday night at our chili supper fellowship! WHAT is a pounding, you ask? Well we choose one person in our family for the congregation to line up and pound with a nerf bat. We chose Grace. Mostly because she asked the same question, and also because she's gullible. :)

An old-fashioned pounding is an old welcoming party where when a new pastor comes, each family from the church brings a pound of sugar or a pound of flour....etc. etc. We ended up with 10 bags of sugar, 30 cans of green beans, 20 cans of corn, many cans of chili, beans, soups, fruit, chicken, macncheese, spaghetti sauce and pasta. We also got a 20lb. bag of chocolate chips, a ham, gift cards to grocery stores & restaurants, boxes and boxes of cake mixes and crackers and cereal and well....basically, does anyone want to go shopping in my pantry? It's FULL.

And so is my heart. God is so good to show us His love through His people. What a blessing!
So I call this recipe that I made last night ALL out of things we were given from the Pounding.....

BLESSING SOUP (Perfect for a cold day with 2 sickly girls.)
1 32 oz. box of chicken broth
1 can of cream of chicken soup + 1 can of water
1 large can of chicken breast in water
1 can of corn
1 can of green beans
1 can of sliced carrots
1/2 envelope of Lipton onion soup mix
dash of creole seasoning
dash of garlic salt
salt/pepper to taste
1/3 bag of egg noodles
1 box of Saltines (to crush into your soup, of course!)

Put all in crock pot on low for 4 hours, except leave out the noodles until the last 30 minutes of cooking time. Stir occasionally or leave it and let it simmer. Perfection Purely from a Pounding.
Thank you, Shady Oaks.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-09T14:13:00.001-06:00

You Are For Me

2011-11-08T14:55:00.002-06:00

Halloween 1983

2011-10-31T07:57:00.000-05:00

Miss Pacman.....oh yeah baby. Atari was huge at the time and going to the mall to play video games! I loved this costume! My Uncle Ed made this for me out of a box. And see those shorts I'm wearing....I sewed them myself! Oh yes. I sewed.

Not sure what my sister is supposed to be but I remember that she wore that tutu thing for a talent show and did a gymnastics routine while singing "I Am a Promise". That's funny just thinking about it. "I am a great big bundle of po-ten-ti-al-i-ty-y!" Annnnd....cartwheel into the splits! Ta-da!

Cookie Monster is my cousin, who is now a Children's pastor at a large church in my hometown of Wichita, KS. His son who is now about that age, looks eXACTly like him!

The baby tiger is my baby brother, about a year old. Awwwww......

My mom makes that same expression even today and hasn't aged a bit....well a little. :)

I am called...

2011-10-27T06:56:00.000-05:00

to belong to Jesus Christ. Romans 1:6
according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
to be conformed to the likeness of His Son. Romans 8:29
to be justified and then, glorified. Romans 8:30
to be holy. 1 Corinthians 1:2
into fellowship with Jesus. 1 Corinthians 1:9
to live in peace. 1 Corinthians 7:15
to be free. Galatians 5:13
to press on toward the goal to win the prize. Philippians 3:14
to bear with each other and forgive as the Lord forgave me. Colossians 3:15
to fight the good fight of the faith and take hold of the eternal. 1 Timothy 6:12
to a holy life--because of His purpose and grace. 2 Timothy 1:9
out of darkness into His wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9
to suffer for doing good and to endure it, because Christ suffered for me. 1 Peter 2:20-21
to repay evil and insult with blessing. 1 Peter 3:9
to serve my God and Father. Revelation 1:5-6
to be with Him, the Lamb, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, who WILL overcome! Revelation 17:14
to follow Jesus John 21:19-22

M.o.r.i.a.h.

2011-10-26T12:48:00.003-05:00

= Moments Of Random Intermittent Awesomeness--Ha!

You know what day it is?
--Well, it's Wednesday.
Yes, it's Wednesdaaaaaaaay and also it's MUFFIN DAY! We can have a Muffin Parade and wear Muffin clothes, with a Muffin shirt and Muffin skirt and Muffin leggings!!!!!

---Pretty sure I don't need any more Muffins added to my body, but does anyone know where I can get some Muffin Leggings???

Oh, and then after a second in thought....

And it's also Blue day!

O.K.

Trick or Treat?

2011-10-24T14:53:00.000-05:00

Halloween bible study for my kids....

List what the enemy wants for those who love Jesus in Psalm 143:3 --Trick or Treat?
List what God does for those who love His son, Jesus in Psalm 103:2-5 & John 3:16 --Trick or Treat?
What is God's plan for those living in darkness? Find the answers in Luke 1:79, Acts 26:18, Colossians 1:13-14, Ephesians 1:18-19
What does the Bible say about sorcery, magic and wizardry? Acts 13:8-12
2 Chronicles 33:6 tells of a man who took part in evil magic, sorcery and talking to spirits of the dead (psychic readings, etc). How did this make God feel?
Sorcery or witchcraft is listed among other deeds of the sinful nature in Galatians 5:19-21. What does verse 21 say will happen to those who practice such things? Does this seem like something God is serious about or okay with, then?
Explain why mom and dad are not allowing you to watch Disney channel for the month of October (or anything else that has to do with halloween, sorcery, magic and wizardry)
You might not be involved in sorcery, magic or wizardry so what's the big deal? When you let evil in through your eyes, ears or mind, you let evil into your heart which comes out in your attitude. In the movie Facing the Giants, Coach Taylor says..."Your attitude is like the aroma of your heart, if your attitude stinks, it means your heart's not right." Write Proverbs 4:23 and draw or paint a picture that represents this verse.

For the Parents***This can be a controversial topic for parents who follow Christ. In our family, we have chosen to dress up because it's fun and who doesn't love candy? For us this holiday is more about those things. It's a great time to talk about all the evil we see in the world, and how to live in the world but not love it. I think I've talked about this book on my blog before but if not, check it out. It's a story explaining where this holiday came from and how we turn something that the enemy meant for evil into something fun and happy and pleasing to God instead. This book is actually my favorite for this time of year. We read it as we're carving the pumpkins, which we'll do this Saturday at our house. This year I will take Miss M. out trick-or-treating, GC will be with her girlfriends walking around the neighborhood, and the boys will stay home and pass out candy but also a tract that tells the kids how much Jesus loves them and an invitation to our church. Here is one I found to print out! If I had the money, I'd pass out bibles. Wouldn't that be great?!

World's BEST Burger

2011-10-22T13:08:00.001-05:00

...declared my teenage son! Although it's really not a burger. It's pulled pork I made the other day in the crock pot. I've never made this before but it was a HIT! (even for leftovers!)

HERE is the recipe. (You can omit the tomato paste. I did just because I didn't have any.)

Luke added fresh jalapenos and shredded mexi-cheese to his!

That's one happy, greasy-haired boy having his own creation for lunch on a lazy Saturday!

Happy Birthday, Grace Caroline

2011-10-18T08:17:00.003-05:00

Today Grace is 11 years old. Here is a glimpse into what she's like now:

My favorite food is: cheese pizza
My favorite sport to play: swimming and volleyball
My favorite sport to watch: gymnastics
The best show on television: Ant Farm
The coolest person on earth: Jesus
My favorite thing to learn about in school: science & reading
Who are your best friends at school: Katie, Elisabeth, Catherine, Kaleigh & Taylor
The thing I do the most awesomely is: sing
If I could go anywhere in the world, I'd go to: Hollywood
My favorite color is: green and orange
When I grow up, I'm going to become an: art teacher
My current favorite song is: Dynamite!
The book I am loving right now: Ivy and Bean series
Three words that describe me are: kind, funny, creative
When I was little, I used to: call Hawaiian Punch, "tiger pants" (and no one could figure out WH?AT she wanted!)
My favorite season of the year is: winter
The absolute best thing about winter is: playing in the snow
One food that I really dislike is: sushi
The snack I like best is: cookies after school
My best friends are: Lauren, Jayne, Hope
If I had one wish it would be: to do CYT again
My best memory: CYT shows

What Pleases the Lord, con'td

2011-10-17T14:50:00.000-05:00

This post, though written long ago, is still on my mind....among a few other things. :) Remember that straight-to-the-point verse that jumped out and slapped me a while back?

"and find out what pleases the Lord." Ephesians 5:10

Here is another poignant verse that tells specifically what CANNOT please God:

...and those who are in the flesh cannot please God. Romans 8:8 (ouch.)

If your mind is not SET on the Spirit, by default your mind will be SET on the flesh. I don't know about you but it seems to take no time at all for my mind to reset back to the flesh if I'm not feeding my Spirit with His Word, the bread of life.

Paul in Romans 1 talks about how many of us KNOW God, but because we fill our idle minds with worldly things instead of continually giving glory and thanks to God, our thinking becomes "futile" and though we think we're wise, we become fools...

For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools. Romans 1:21-22

Definition of futile: unlikely to produce a useful or desired result--useless or ineffective, lacking substance or value.

Ick. I can relate. It feels awful to be futile. Sitting still produces nothing. I don't want to be useless, ineffective, lack substance or value. I want to fill my mind with the things of God and be useful in His kingdom. Most of all I want to please God.

For more in depth study of the flesh and spirit, Read Romans 8 and make a list of what we have in Christ when we are setting our minds on the Spirit and another list of what the mind set on the flesh is like. Then read the book of 1 John to cross reference with the picture of walking in the light or the darkness.

For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:6

Friends

2011-10-12T21:32:00.000-05:00

This weekend we had our first visitors come see us from Kansas, our good friends that have become like family through our involvement with CYT Wichita.

Grace & Gracie love to read. They are sweet little friends.

Easy to see the acting bug is in each of these little characters!

We have NO idea where they could have gotten it! Oh My Cow! :)

(credit to Dean for this one:) Ladies and gentleman, the new cast of Sesame Street!

My dear friend Audra.

The oldest & the youngest, Moriah & Savannah

Even the dads are good friends....and so much alike it's scary!

Gracie x2

Wedgie moment for Luke

Girls really do just wanna have fun!

Open House

2011-10-09T06:37:00.008-05:00

We had an open house for the staff, search committee and all those who helped us move in to our new house.

Grace adds her loving touch to chocolate-covered strawberries.

Moriah helps by licking the spoon.

Yum!

MamaC. gave me a wonderful recipe for Strawberry Pie and I used Splenda so it was SUGAR FREE!!!

This is my favorite part of my kitchen---the serving bar. Love love loving it!

Cupcakes & cheesecake ball & pie....oh my!

Carrot Cake & Chocolate Mousse Cake from Central Market....YUM!

Don't forget RoRo's CinnaRolls. (Always keep these in the freezer for emergencies!)

Always nice to use my wedding china. I love it. Very southern.

Come visit the all-new Cafe Martin. Complete with Sweet Tea.

And Rude Tea, too! (Get it. It's UN-sweet tea, so it's rude. Harhar.)

Interview with MORIAH, age 3

2011-10-08T07:29:00.002-05:00

1. What is something Mommy always says to you?
I love you.
2. What makes Mommy happy?
Squeezes.
3. What makes Mommy sad?
*sad face* (She doesn't want to think about that.)
4. How does Mommy make you laugh?
Funny things. Silly faces.
5. What was Mommy like as a child?
Like me! A princess.
6. How old is Mommy?
ummmm...I don't know. 13? (This is about as high as she counts. Well I could have been "eleventeen". That's my favorite number.)
7. How tall is Mommy?
*holds hand up as high as possible*
8. What is Mommy's favorite thing to do?
play and go shopping
9. What does Mommy do when you're not around?
Go to church?
10. If Mommy becomes famous, what will it be for?

flowers? (Don't think she understands the word famous, but flowers are always a good go-to answer regarding Mommy.)
11. What is Mommy really good at?
playing. (Hidden agenda alert: She's trying to get me to do something when we're done here. Smarty girl.)
12. What is Mommy not very good at?
mowing the grass. Me: "Have you ever seen me mow the grass?" Moriah: "You can't mow the grass, Mommy. You don't know how." (*sly smirk*)
13. What does Mommy do for her job?
Take care of me....and teach.
14. What is Mommy's favorite food?
salad (No, but I wish it was my favorite. With a side of cookie dough and cinnamon rolls, please.)
15. What does Mommy want for Christmas?

boots (ok?....I'll take that.)

16. What makes you proud of Mommy?

When you scream at Luke at his Cowboys games. (All games are Cowboy's games.)
17. What do you and Mommy do together?
Play Little People and go in the car.

18. How do you know Mommy loves you?
Hugging. *runs over for a hug*

Time to play. :) Love this girl.

From Homeschool to the Classroom

2011-10-06T07:17:00.000-05:00

I'm writing this post because while looking for others' experience and wisdom on this subject, I found nothing. I believe in research. I hardly ever do ANYthing without much research and prayer. I realize that this is personal and unique to each person but it is always nice to hear the experiences of others as you pray for guidance in areas of life. This post is my answer to questions about making the transition from homeschooling to the classroom.

Why? ....this is going to be personal for each situation but here is my answer to our family's Why: Each year we pray and ask God to guide us and to bless us as parents and to show us how to raise our children. Last year when Luke was in 7th grade and Grace was in 4th, I just knew God was moving us to something new but I didn't know what. Luke was going to a Christian school just a few blocks away from where we lived. It was the perfect transition into the classroom because the curriculum they were using was Abeka, which is mostly what we have used over the past 5 years. I have worked in a Christian school, and have had Luke attend both private and public and what I can tell you about our personal experience is....it really is not much different than public school. (It just costs aLOT more.) The kids are the same in both. They go through the same issues as public school kids. God let Luke experience some tough issues last year, which told me very certainly that Luke is ready for the classroom. He is courageous and stands up for what he believes. He is strong and tells his parents when something is going on that he's unsure about. These are the things we learned while he was in 7th, that gave us assurance from God that he was ready. Grace has always been ready. She's (in my opinion) every teacher's dream student. She loves to read. She loves to please. She works well in a group. There was never a question that she'd love the classroom, but homeschooling is a family experience. We believe God led us and called us to school at home. We know why He called us now and are grateful for that time spent with our children. He is so good to know what we need more than we do. He knows when it's time to move on. Sometimes the WHY needs to be answered as simply as... because God said so. So there you go.

How? ....Prayer and research. Prayer and research. Research includes asking those you know and trust, as well as online reviews (I spent much time on www.greatschools.org) and even scriptures. Before I read, I ask for wisdom to make the right decisions and guidance for staying on the right path. God is so good to make our path clear when we cling to His word and His promises. My bible study book by Anne Graham Lotz (see sidebar for more info) led me to these scriptures on June 21st:
Isaiah 40:11 He carries my kids and gently leads me.
Isaiah 44:1-3 Don't forget He made them and me too! He will pour out His blessing on my kids.
Isaiah 54:13 My children will be taught by the Lord.
Psalm 100:5 His faithfulness and lovingkindness continues through ALL generations.

In other words God was saying....I've got your children's lives in My hands. Trust Me.

How do you make decisions that are in the center of God's will? Anne says...
1. The confirmation of God's Word
2. My inner conviction
3. Practical circumstances
4. The counsel of godly, mature Christian friends

That's how.

Do I still believe in homeschooling? Absolutely. I did it for 5 wonderful years. (Luke, 2nd-6th & Grace K-4th) Some days were blissful and others were difficult. Isn't that just like any job or school anywhere? It's a calling. No human being can do it without being certainly called. He will equip those He calls and He did for me. I wouldn't trade one day of it for anything. I loved it and was passionate about it. I still love to talk about it with those doing their own research. I have the unique background of saying I've experienced public, private and homeschool and have seen the benefits and challenges of all of it.

What? ....What should you prepare for? What to know when making this transition?
1. Your child/children will be tested. Prepare them by taking them to yearly skills tests, like Iowa Basic Skills Tests held in most large cities to test their skill level and tell you exactly what grade they would fall into and what they need to work on.
2. I would often take a week off of our regular curriculum and give them state tests using online study guides that the state gives, like these. This not only prepares them for future testing but makes me aware of what is lacking in our curriculum at home. Make it fun! It doesn't have to be dreadful like it is in the classroom.
3. TEACH them to write their names on their papers. This is the biggest adjustment I've heard teachers say for homeschoolers. It has proved to be hard for Grace to remember as well. She has come home twice having to write her name 25 times because she forgot. :(
4. Pray for your child's teachers. You know better than anyone what they have to deal with while teaching your student, but not only do they teach him/her but 20 others. Pray that their lives are blessed. Pray that they know Christ and His love.
5. Pray for the other kids in the classroom as well. I took a picture of the list of names that were up on our first orientation at the school. They are on my phone when I want to pray for each of them by name. They will teach your child as well mostly through influence, but YOU will always be their greatest influence.

What was the hardest part of the transition: 1)missing my kids, 2)all the driving around I seem to do now, 3)all the papers they bring home that I have to sign and send back or figure out what to do with, 4) blaming myself for Grace having to write her name 25 times (I told myself if she has to do it again, I'm writing them for her.) :) and the worst part by far....5)Waiting in the pick-up line. Sheesh! That's annoying!

What I have learned so far....

Continue in the mindset of homeschooling and do homework together around the kitchen table. I am loving this time of day. You can hear about their day. They will talk more around a plate of chocolate chip cookies.
Find out who their friends are and nurture those relationships.
Listen to scripture in the car on the way to school and talk about how they can please God today. It sets my mind on the right track for the day as well.
God holds our lives in His hands. It's surrendering our will that's the key to any transition.

August & September in Pictures

2011-10-05T11:26:00.000-05:00

August 17, 2011

Luke likes to get settled. His room was the first one finished, unpacked and set up for living.

His door represents his journey.

Happy to be living close to Cousin William & our godson.

Grace's church friends, Mandy & Ryann

Moriah- happy to be going to Preschool.

Luke's friend at church, Mandy

More friends at Shady Oaks - OAK FEST!

Acclimated & Blessed

2011-10-05T10:16:00.001-05:00

Oh my goodness. Blow the dust off your screens. It's been a while. I tried to clean out the cobwebs by getting a new background, but it's still awfully quiet around here. If you go over to facebook or pinterest, you may see more movement, but even twitter has gotten the shaft lately. There is just way too much going on in my over-stimulated mind to put down into 40 characters.

But since you obviously didn't come here expecting to spend too much time reading.... (Actually, if you are here at all, you must really love me. *By the way, Hi 'Chelle!) I will put down a timeline of what I've been doing over the past few months. August was a blur. September was... Wait, is September over already?! *sigh* I do heart fall. So glad it's here but I'm not sure that Texas got the memo. Maybe that's why I'm so discombobulated. I think I'll go back and start with July.

July 10 Shady Oaks Baptist Church calls Brad to be their pastor.
July 14 Brad & Luke go to Brazil (see Mission trip blog) while the girls & I go home and start staging our house to sell.
August 6 We receive an offer on our house. (Note: That's less than 3 weeks on the market, in a market that's not selling, in a town, much-less a neighborhood that's not selling....Oh, and at the end of a triple-digit heat wave, with a pool. Sorry about the heat wave, Kansas, but thank you, God for that selling boost!)
August 14 Last day at RiverPoint Church, Drive to Texas
August 17 Moving truck arrives at our rental house with all of our possessions.
August 19 Offered a job teaching voice at a middle school close to our new house!
August 22 Luke and Grace start school! Luke is starting 8th grade and playing football in his last year at middle school! He's in Advanced Placement Science and getting good grades in everything! Grace, after K-4 homeschooling, is starting 5th grade which here, is the last year of elementary school. We decided on public school after much research and have loved it! All 3 of Grace's teachers have told her that "the most important part about them is that they are Christian". Praise God! Grace is now Gracie to all of her classmates, but Mom's not budging. She'll always be my Grace Caroline! Grace enjoys choir and reading and has friends in our neighborhood that she wants to play with daily!
August 30 Moriah begins Preschool 2 days a week at a church down the street from our house.
September 3 Open House for staff, search committee and all those who helped us move in to our new house.
September 6 Start teaching voice on the days while Moriah is at preschool. Luke's football games begin every Tuesday in September & October!
September 15 SPARK SEATTLE trip - My favorite trip ever! God is so good.
September 24 My mom's surprise birthday celebration reunion with friends and family back in Kansas!

What miracles!!! See what God has done! I'm overwhelmed with His provision and love and blessing. My friend, Hopie, texted this a while back and I still think how wonderful God's blessing is....

Definition of blessed: "one is pronounced blessed when God is present and involved in his life. The hand of God is directing all his affairs for a divine purpose and thus the person lives before the face of God."

Hearing Rich Mullins' song "Hold Me, Jesus" the other day, I realized that right now....He is King of my glory. There are times in life, and have been times and will be times again when I need Him to be my Prince of Peace. But right now, I'm praising the King of my glory for directing all of His affairs for a divine purpose and that I am getting to live before the face of God. It's a beautiful place to be! *sigh* It's good to be back. Thanks for dropping by. I hope you are BLESSED today.

2011-08-04T07:50:00.001-05:00

The "don't know" times are God's instrument to drive you deeper into Him, to surrender all self-reliance for a desperate dependency on Him. You may not know which way to go, but you don't have to stand there fearful, paralyzed or marching in circles. Your Lord, your Shepherd is placing His arm inside yours to lead you where you could never go without Him. (from gospel.com)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil.4:6-7

Newletter: Summer Edition

2011-08-01T12:43:00.000-05:00

Create a newsletter

Who Likes Change?

2011-08-01T09:24:00.000-05:00

Here's an acronym for the word change by Susan Miller.

C- Cling to God! Hold on to Him with all your strength.
H- He is immovable! His presence will never leave you.
A- Always trust Him! Trust that He knows what lies ahead.
N- Never give up! Press on, keep moving forward, and keep your eyes focused on Jesus.
G- God will make the "rough places smooth"! Be reassured as you read His word and abide in Him.
E- Expect a few bumps on the road! The reality of life is that everything will not go smoothly all the time. If you expect some bumps along the way, you can be prepared, have a plan, and pray, pray, pray!

July 4th....a little late.

2011-07-29T16:38:00.000-05:00

This scrapbook created with Smilebox

Psalm 16:8

2011-07-25T21:21:00.003-05:00

I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalm 16:8

Summer Recipe

2011-07-17T13:24:00.000-05:00

Grilled Corn Salad

So healthy! So good!!

Martin Cafe Dinner Table

2011-07-03T01:03:00.001-05:00

We have a nasty old dinner table that has seen better days. One leg has been super-glued at least 20 times, and still has a bad slant. The chairs were painted.....back in the day (of which I blogged) and so the paint is now chipping off. The top has an entire paragraph written sharpie that smeared off during a science project, plus several other "artworks" permanently etched by the younger members of the house.

But I wouldn't trade it for the finest dining furniture money can buy.

It has memories. It has 6 chairs, which say "there's always room for one more". It's a casual place for conversation, and a desktop for education. It welcomes friends and family, young and old. It's so Martin-ish, which takes quite a uniqueness to say, trust me.

When my kids were little and they wanted to eat out....which they did quite often and the hope was always for McDonalds....bleck!....I would tell them we WERE eating out at a fancy-schmancy little cafe I'd heard about called "Le Cafe Martin". It didn't take long for them to catch on. Even today, when Moriah wants to go to "Ladonalds", Luke will tell her we're going to the Martin Cafe....which I love. I love that our family has it's own place to call our own where we sit together and eat and talk about the things we think about......random mostly, because we Martins excel at random, but sometimes the random leads to the eternal and that's a really good place to sit.

I like what Ronald Reagan said....

All great change in America begins at the dinner table.

Posts Past #2

2011-07-01T14:49:00.000-05:00

Another favorite post from 2005 when I first began blogging....HOME

July housekeeping calendar

2011-06-30T07:46:00.001-05:00

I'm printing this beautiful calendar for this month, created by this beautiful lady over at Time-Warp Wife blog.

Check it out!

Posts Past

2011-06-16T21:38:00.000-05:00

I've now been blogging for 6 years. In celebration of my blogiversary, let's visit some posts of the past.

One of my favorites.....I remember so clearly writing these thoughts, and God speaking so clearly His responses.

WHAT YOUR PASTOR'S WIFE WANTS YOU TO KNOW.

HG for Missions

2011-06-06T07:46:00.000-05:00

Homemade Gourmet fans! Go over to our family missions blog to see how you can help raise fund for Luke's mission trip to Brazil and have yummy mixes to feed your hungry family on these summer nights!

What Pleases the Lord

2011-06-04T15:25:00.001-05:00

A few months ago, I'm reading along in Ephesians 5, while writing a bible study for my kids, and a very inconspicuous, wee little verse jumps off the page at me and smacks me, in a gentle but very firm way, over the head! I haven't been able to stop thinking about it since. This is why I love God's Word.

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light ⁹ (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) ¹⁰ and find out what pleases the Lord. ¹¹ Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. ¹² It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. ¹³ But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light.

....kinda like that. Ephesians 5:10. Wow! 7 words.

So since these words played like Annie songs over and over in my head....(Add as many over and overs as you like to enhance the reality. Just don't come to my house without expecting at least one performance of a song from the Annie score sung in it's entirety with a dance and the command to "CLAP!" after it. It's a daily experience. Over and over.)....it was time to dig in and see what God wanted to teach me, tell me, show me and challenge me to live by.

I started in the Proverbs: 15:8 Prayer pleases Him, 15:26 Pure thoughts & gracious words please Him, 22:18 Keeping wise words in your heart pleases Him.

I Samuel 15:22 (New International Reader's Version) asks a question and give us the answer:
"What pleases the Lord more? Burnt sacrifices or obeying Him? It is better to obey Him than to offer a sacrifice..." So I go on to find out more about what this means and guess what I learn....

Did you know that God enjoys when we speak LOVE LANGUAGES to Him? I knew that my husband did. I know that my kids have a specific love language. Brad's is Acts of Service, Luke's is Quality Time, Grace's is Physical Affection and Moriah's (so far) has to be Words of Affirmation. ("CLAP!") :) We love to speak and be spoken to in love languages at our house, but God.....God is pleased when we speak these to Him as well.

God's Love Languages
QUALITY TIME- Romans 12:1 "Offer yourselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God." When we off ourselves to Him in full, we can't help but obey Him, which is again, pleasing to God.
ACTS OF SERVICE- Romans 14:18 says that serving Christ with righteousness, peace and joy is pleasing to God.
GIFTS- Philippians 4:18 says that when you give gifts that supply the needs of a brother, you are a fragrant offering that is pleasing to God.
WORDS OF AFFIRMATION- Hebrews 13:15 God is pleased with continually offering a sacrifice of praise with lips that confess His name.

And since we know that Jesus was the exact representation of God (Hebrews 1:3)....we can take his example of how God would give and receive the Love Language of...

PHYSICAL AFFECTION-
"At sunset, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them." Luke 4:40 [His touch heals.]
"People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them." Luke 18:15 [His touch is gentle.]
"Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly." Mark 8:25 [His touch changes how we see things.]

How do I know these things were pleasing to God?

John 5:30 Jesus said "...for I seek not to please myself but Him who sent me."
John 8:29 Jesus said "I always do the things that are pleasing to God."

So we make it our goal to please him (NIV)....our ambition to be pleasing to Him. (NASB)
2 Corinthians 5:9

Prayer from Hebrews 13:20-21
Now may the God of peace...equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Day 26 - A picture of something that means a lot to you

2011-05-26T07:22:00.012-05:00

CYT.

Christian Youth Theater.

Developing Character....One Stage at a Time

This is a picture of a few of the leads, including Annie, praying together before the show.

Seeing kids look to God for strength and then give Him praise means A LOT to me!

Day 25 - A picture of your day

2011-05-25T12:18:00.000-05:00

Today, I had coffee with my friend, Cindy who brought over Annie costumes to be returned to our local high school.

Later, going with the youth to All Star Sports!

Somewhere in between I might clean the kitchen.

Day 24 - A picture of something you wish you could change

2011-05-24T07:32:00.001-05:00

There should be a Chick-fil-a in every town in America.

I know. That's not very deep or world-changing. But it's preposterous that I have to drive to Okla-stinkin-homa to get a chicken sandwich and waffle fries. Yes, I said preposterous.

But it's true. Please write your congressman or woman. ASAP.

Day 23 - A picture of your favorite book

2011-05-23T19:32:00.000-05:00

Besides the Bible, of course...THIS is my all-time favorite.

Day 22 - A picture of something you wish you were better at

2011-05-22T22:27:00.000-05:00

There are many things I wish I were better at, like remaining calm in stressful situations and speaking only words that are helpful for building others up. (eph.4:29--the verse I'm memorizing now) But dancing is a much more beautiful picture and I've always wished I were a better dancer, so.....maybe I'll get to in heaven!

Day 21 - A picture of something you wish you could forget

2011-05-21T07:56:00.002-05:00

Yep. A movie I saw back in 1990....that still gives me nightmares. My husband says I "sleep-slap" my pillow thinking it's covered in those creepy-crawly things.

Day 20 - A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel

2011-05-20T07:18:00.003-05:00

Honestly, I'm not a big travel buff. I don't feel an urgency to go anywhere before I die, because I'm pretty sure heaven will be so much more. This picture is Hawaii, though I love any beautiful, relaxing place with a beach.

Day 19 - A picture and a letter

2011-05-19T14:40:00.000-05:00

Dear summer,

Please arrive soon. Kansas needs you. We can't swim without you. You are aware that it's almost June, right?

Love,

NEW BLOG

2011-05-17T09:16:00.001-05:00

Somehow the other blog was deleted and no longer exists. Ahhh the world of technology....

Here is the new recreated blog.

Thank you!

New Blog

2011-05-11T13:34:00.000-05:00

I must interrupt this month of pictures and month of Maying to announce that the Martin Family has a NEW BLOG created to announce exciting new missions ahead in our family.

Go to http://martinsmissions.blogspot.com/ for more!!!

Day 09 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most

2011-05-09T10:27:00.000-05:00

These verses give the best word picture of Who has gotten me through the most, and gives me hope that I will get through anything, even death.
Hebrews 1:3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.
Philippians 2:5-11

Christ Jesus....Who, being in very nature God,
   did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing
   by taking the very nature of a servant,
   being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
   he humbled himself
   by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh

2011-05-08T09:15:00.000-05:00

This picture makes me laugh, because it's my son, but it reminds me so much of my husband. He is in his element when he has an audience to entertain. When I was in college, and I couldn't find my boyfriend, all I had to do was look for a group of people gathered around laughing, and I knew he'd be in the middle. I have an apple here that hasn't fallen far from the tree. :)

Day 07 - A picture of your most treasured item

2011-05-07T21:15:00.000-05:00

My bed.

In peace I will both lie down and sleep,For You alone, O LORD, make me to dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8

Day 6

2011-05-06T08:57:00.000-05:00

Day 06 - A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day

I've thought this one over for a few days....and honestly, I wouldn't trade places with anyone for any amount of time. I love my life. I love who God is creating me to be. I love where He has placed me, and who He has placed me with.

I will however put a picture of someone I would love to spend the day with, just to glean some of her wisdom, watch how she lives firsthand and hear how God has molded her into the amazing teacher of God's Word that she is.

Day 05 - A picture of your favorite memory

2011-05-05T11:54:00.001-05:00

I have way too many memories to pick a favorite, so I'll put a picture of the person that shows up most often in my favorite memories. :) It's good to share life with someone you really, really like. Even if he is kinda dorky.

May Days

2011-05-04T23:08:00.001-05:00

May is my favorite month. Can you guess why?

This looked fun, and I'm a few days behind, but here we go!!! Go back to May 1 to see the first one.

Day 01 - A picture of yourself with ten facts
Day 02 - A picture of you and the person you have been closest with the longest
Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show
Day 04 - A picture of your night
Day 05 - A picture of your favorite memory
Day 06 - A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day
Day 07 - A picture of your most treasured item
Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh
Day 09 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most
Day 10 - A picture of the person you do the most messed up things with
Day 11 - A picture of something you hate
Day 12 - A picture of something you love
Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist
Day 14 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without
Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die
Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you
Day 17 - A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently
Day 18 - A picture of your biggest insecurity
Day 19 - A picture and a letter
Day 20 - A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel
Day 21 - A picture of something you wish you could forget
Day 22 - A picture of something you wish you were better at
Day 23 - A picture of your favorite book
Day 24 - A picture of something you wish you could change
Day 25 - A picture of your day
Day 26 - A picture of something that means a lot to you
Day 27 - A picture of yourself and a family member
Day 28 - A picture of something you're afraid of
Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile
Day 30 - A picture of someone you miss
Day 31 - A picture of yourself smiling

Day 04 - A picture of your night

2011-05-04T20:46:00.001-05:00

This sweet baby girl fell asleep on me at 7:30pm.

Love these moments.

Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show

2011-05-03T18:44:00.000-05:00

Reviewing Easter

2011-05-03T12:12:00.000-05:00

Overheard at my house recently:

Grace & Moriah are doing ART at the kitchen table.

Moriah: Remember when we got baskets with candy in them?

Grace: Yes, that was Easter!

Moriah: That was really fun! Easter is when we find eggs and get candy!

Grace: Yes but that's not what Easter is really about. Remember, it's about Jesus! Jesus died and then came back to life!

(pause for thinking)

Moriah: Did he get candy when he came back to life?

Grace: Hmmm, well maybe he did!

Day 02

2011-05-02T07:00:00.000-05:00

- A picture of you and the person you have been closest with the longest

My mom is my best friend. She knows me better than anyone and still likes me. :) She exudes joy and fun, but supports and encourages with wisdom from years of having a relationship with God. She was a PK and a PW, a music teacher and now an ESL teacher. Happy Mother's Day, Mom!

Day 01 - A picture of yourself with ten facts

2011-05-01T19:08:00.003-05:00

10. I have 2 daughters, 1 son, 1 brother, 2 sisters, 5 nieces & 4 nephews....and 1 dog. (This is a picture of my newest niece, Brinley Kay when she was born a month ago.)
9. I pay my 10 year-old daughter to play with my hair.
8. My first best friend I met in first grade. We had the same coat in the 3rd grade and people thought we were twins. We still talk (or text) several times a month to this day.
7. My first job, besides babysitting, was at an indoor amusement park in high school. The first time I was told to clean up vomit....I quit.
6. I have lived in 15 houses, 1 dorm room, 1 1-bedroom apartment, 1 very large 2-bedroom seminary apartment, 1 lovely 3 bedroom apartment & 1 maids quarters in Eastborough!
5. I enjoy buying/having many calendars and journals. I have no idea why.
4. I am double-jointed. This means nothing.
3. I like peanut butter on my pancakes.
2. I sang my first solo at my aunt & uncle's wedding when I was 3. The recording of it was played as my flower girls walked down the aisle.
1. Billy Joel was my first concert ever when I was 17.

Majesty

2011-04-29T13:28:00.000-05:00

Today is full of the royal wedding. As majestic as it looks, I can't help but think of how much that groom must be missing his mom today. Underneath the pomp and circumstance, there is sadness. Behind the crowd of waving people, there is an emptiness. I pray that couple has found or finds fulfillment and everlasting hope in the One, True God and truly lives happily ever after....

I will exalt YOU, my God the King;

I will praise YOUR name forever and ever.

Every day I will praise YOU and extol YOUR name forever and ever.

Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness NO ONE can fathom.

One generation will commend YOUR works to another; they will tell of YOUR mighty acts.

They will speak of the glorious splendor of YOUR majesty, and I will meditate on YOUR wonderful works. They will tell of the power of YOUR awesome works, and I will proclaim YOUR great deeds.

They will celebrate YOUR abundant goodness and joyfully sing of YOUR righteousness.

Psalm 145:1-7

Dance Your Shoes Off

2011-04-24T22:20:00.000-05:00

Martin Family Bible Study cont'd

2011-04-15T14:14:00.000-05:00

Let’s continue in our study of Ephesians, chapter 4.

Read verse 3. What is unity?

Underline the word ONE in your bible. How many times do you see it?

Deuteronomy 4:34-35 Moses told the Israeslites to remember that Pharoah’s god did not win and their God, the one true God saved them from slavery in Egypt.

Finish writing verse 35- “You were shown these things so that you might know that the LORD is God; besides Him…

_________________ ______ ______ ________________

Isaiah 45:5 says “I am the LORD, and

_________________ ______ ______ ________________

Isaiah 45:18 says “I am the LORD, and

_________________ ______ ______ ________________

Isaiah 45:22 says “I am GOD, and

_________________ ______ ______ ________________

Reading Eph. 4:4-6 List what all believers have in common. One…

Remember in the first 3 chapters of Ephesians, Paul talks about WHO we are as Christians. Now he begins to tell us, as a family under the ONE TRUE GOD, HOW to behave or “walk” as Christians.

Read these verses and mark the word “walk” with a cloud around it.

Ephesians 4:1, 17; 5:1-2, 8, 15

What does it mean to walk? How did you learn to walk?

What are we walking towards? What is our goal? Find the repeated word in Eph. 4:13 & 15.

and become _______________

Verse 14 talks about infants but doesn’t mean literally little babies. When we are first born again, we only know Jesus a little bit and learn little by little like a baby learns to walk. As we spend time with Jesus and learn more about Him, we walk with Him so we grow closer to Him and more like Him every day. Mature Christians trust Jesus and live for Him in holiness.

When Paul talks about the “Gentiles” in 4:17, he means those that are not walking with God. Read 4:17-24

What does vs.22 say to “put off”?

What does vs.24 say to “put on”?

List the things to “put on” and “put off” in verses 25-32.

DO: DON’T:

Write verse 32 and draw a picture or doodle around the words to help you remember what it says.

Write verse 23.

Let’s pray that God will make our attitude like the attitude of Jesus.

Read & pray with Philippians 2:5-8.

Martin Family Bible Study cont'd

2011-04-12T10:40:00.000-05:00

Ephesians 4

Where was Paul when he began writing this chapter?

The first 3 chapters of Ephesians were about WHO we are as Christians. Now he tells us HOW to walk. Read Ephesians 4:1. What does Paul ask us, the church, to do? Underline it in your bible, and write it here.

Memorize verse 2 and list here what Paul says we should “BE”:

Let’s look at some Proverbs that will tell us more about each of these words. Write what you learn about each word.

BE HUMBLE! (NKJV)

22:4 What does humility bring?

15:33 What comes before honor?

16:5 Who will be punished? (Look at NIV, too.)

27:2 Write this verse below.

How humble & gentle should we be? __________________

BE GENTLE!

15:1 A gentle answer ______________________

A harsh word ________________________

15:4 What does a gentle tongue bring? _______________

What does a mean tongue do? ___________________

BE PATIENT!

15:18 What can a patient person do? ____________________

16:32 A patient man controls his/her _______________

14:29 What does a patient person have? ___________________

LOVE ONE ANOTHER!

17:17 A friend ___________ when? _______________________

22:11 Who may have a king for a friend? One who

_______________________________________________

Jesus gave us a new commandment in JOHN 13:34. Write it below.

How will everyone know we follow Jesus? (see John 13:35)

Write Romans 12:10.

What does 1John 4:7-12 say about this love?

How does Galatians 5:13 say we can show love humbly? (The answer was the title of Daddy’s sermon last Sunday, 4/10/11.)

_______________ ___________ ____________________

You're Invited

2011-04-11T22:12:00.000-05:00

“This is the kind of life you've been invited into, the kind of life Christ lived. He suffered everything that came his way so you would know that it could be done, and also know how to do it, step-by-step. He never did one thing wrong, Not once said anything amiss. They called him every name in the book and he said nothing back. He suffered in silence, content to let God set things right. He used his servant body to carry our sins to the Cross so we could be rid of sin, free to live the right way. His wounds became your healing. You were lost sheep with no idea who you were or where you were going. Now you're named and kept for good by the Shepherd of your souls.” 1 Peter 2:24 MSG

EASTER SUNDAY ~ RIVERPOINT CHURCH

9am & 10:45am

It's time to "let God set things right" and let His wounds become your healing.

HG Party Bundle

2011-04-02T07:46:00.000-05:00

The It’s Party Time Bundle includes 6 PRODUCTS, 4 of which are Double-Packs!

Everything you need for some GREAT Spring/Summer entertaining! Whether it’s Bridal Showers, Graduation Parties, family Easter gatherings or even to welcome that new neighbor… this bundle has got it covered!

NEW! Orange Honey Biscuit Mix

Spinach and Artichoke Dip Mix, double-pack
Sun-dried Tomato Dip Mix, double-pack
Black Bean Salsa Mix, double-pack
Spiced Dip Mix, double-pack
Cinnamon Sopapilla Dessert Mix

Available March 25, 2011 through May 5, 2011

Sign up to be a Preferred Customer or simply order from my website today!

Being Refined...

2011-04-01T07:43:00.000-05:00

What is your birthstone??? Mine is emerald. I love it. It sparkles!

“And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver…” Malachi 3:3

This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.

One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.

That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining Silver. As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities. The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: “And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver…” She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time. The man answered that yes, He not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, 'How do you know when the silver is fully refined?'

He smiled at her and answered,

'Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it.'

If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.

RiverPoint Church Presents.....Refined

2011-03-31T07:28:00.004-05:00

RiverPoint Church Women's Ministry is now called "REFINED".

Our desire for the women of Refined is to be refined into precious G.E.M.S.

Refined focuses on four areas: Growing, Encouraging, Mentoring, and Serving. Wherever you are in your walk with Christ, we have a place for you!

Our goal is that as you become involved, build friendships and apply God's Word to your life, you will experience the love God has for you, your heart will be strengthened and your true beauty will be Refined!

We'll Leave the Light on For Ya.

2011-03-30T06:41:00.002-05:00

Give my oil in my lamp, keep me burning, burning, burning,
Give me oil in my lamp, I pray,
Give my oil in my lamp, keep me burning,burning, burning,Keep me burning 'till the break of day.

If you can sing this song, it's probably because you went to church camp or Vacation Bible School when you were growing up. It's funny that this song came into my mind, or the silly version of it while giving blood, I mean getting gas at the local Kwik Shop.

Give me gas in my Ford, keep me truckin' for the Lord,
Give me gas in my Ford, I pray Hallelujer! :)

Yes, I went to church camp for rednecks, ok? Proud of it! Anyway! As I sang this to myself, I started thinking....what in the world does that mean? Give me oil in my lamp? Then God led me to this study by Kay Arthur.  I want to be ready when my bridegroom comes back and I've been doing everything I can, and studying everything I can that leads to that.

Read Matthew 25:1-30 Parable of the 10 Virgins
Read Luke 12:35 -36 This relates to the Jewish wedding customs. The bride has to be ready for the bridegroom by keeping her lamp on at night, so that he can come and "steal" her away. It's very exciting! I love the symbolism. For more about this, find the 6 week study "Restore My Heart" by Denise Glenn.

How do I keep oil in my lamp? I'm accountable for what God gives me and for what I know. Am I going to keep it hidden and store it away for the future or use what He gives me, making the most of every opportunity? This scripture shed more light on things....(badumpshhh.)
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. ¹⁴ This is why it is said:

   “Wake up, sleeper,
   rise from the dead,
   and Christ will shine on you.”
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:8-16

As the Lord taught us to pray...."Thy Kingdom Come"....I ask that until then, I'm basking in His presence and in His presence is Light. May my lamp be filled with oil, ready in every way for my bridegroom to come and sweep me off my feet!

Heaven by Randy Alcorn

2011-03-29T13:04:00.002-05:00

Heaven - Randy Alcorn from Oak Hills Church on Vimeo.

Monday Blahs...

2011-03-28T22:50:00.000-05:00

Spring Break + Sick + Confusing Kansas Weather =

I can totally relate....

Devotions from Annie #3

2011-03-18T08:39:00.000-05:00

I Think I’m Gonna Like It Here…

"Get me now! Holy Cow! Would someone pinch me please?"

How many of you have plans for your Spring Break? Are you going somewhere fun? Isn’t it fun to anticipate those fun things you’ll be doing? Grace called her Grandma to ask what we’ll be doing while we’re at her house and she got off the phone SO EXCITED!!! J

Yesterday was 3.16 and it got me thinking about John 3:16…For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have...

….Everlasting Life!!

How much do we really think and anticipate how exciting heaven will be?! It’s going to be so awesome, that we can’t even imagine.

I want you to think of your favorite things right now. When I say go…tell your buddy your 3 favorite things in the whole world….your phone, your bedroom, DisneyWorld, the beach, your dog, a hot fudge sundae or your mom’s chocolate chip cookies warm out of the oven, CYT, your best friend, your Mom. J Go!

Heaven will be like all of your favorite things times a million! Randy Alcorn wrote a book all about his study of heaven and he said…For those who have a relationship with Jesus, this life on earth is the closest we’ll ever get to hell but for those who don’t accept Jesus as their Savior, this earth is the closest they’ll ever get to heaven.

God lives there and we know He is good and the book of I John says He is love…HE IS LOVE. And since God hates sin we know that no sin will be there, the Bible also says there will be no more pain and no more sadness. I'm looking forward to my "happily ever after" with my Father and getting to see Jesus face to face....how about you?

In My Father’s house are many mansions; (Better than Daddy Warbuck's mansion) if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. John 14:2

His Presence

2011-03-17T11:23:00.000-05:00

There is POWER in His Presence...
The fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the beasts of the field, every creature that moves along the ground, and all the people on the face of the earth will tremble at my presence. The mountains will be overturned, the cliffs will crumble and every wall will fall to the ground. Ezekial 38:20

When You did awesome things which we did not expect,You came down, the mountains quaked at Your presence. Isaiah 64:3

There is LIGHT in His Presence...
You have placed our iniquities before You, Our secret sins in the light of Your presence. Psalm 90:8
(Light casts out darkness. In other words, the light of His Presence causes conviction, which reveals our sin, and allows us to place it before Him so that He can cleanse us from all that is not pure. His Light is cleansing.)

There is PEACE in His Presence...
For David says of Him,
         I SAW THE LORD ALWAYS IN MY PRESENCE;
         FOR HE IS AT MY RIGHT HAND, SO THAT I WILL NOT BE SHAKEN. Acts 2:25

There is JOY in His Presence...
You will make known to me the path of life;
         In Your presence is fullness of joy;
         In Your right hand there are pleasures forever. Psalm 16:11
For You make [her] most blessed forever; You make [her] joyful with gladness in Your presence. Psalm 21:6

There is REST in His Presence....
And He said, "My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest." Ex.33:14

Prayers & Jerry McGuire

2011-03-16T11:56:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite stories in God's Word is in Exodus 33, when Moses would go into the tent of meeting and speak with God "face to face, as a man speaks with his friend". (vs.11) I would like to learn to pray as Moses did. Verse 13 says that Moses said to the Lord, "If you are pleased with me, teach me Your ways, so I may know You and continue to find favor with You." What a great prayer to say daily!! I can also pray this prayer over my husband and kids...."Lord, if you are pleased with [Brad], teach [him] Your ways, so [he] may know You and continue to find favor with You."

What an amazing reply from God to this prayer in verse 14! "My Presence (Yes Presence is capitalized, indicating it's someone's name, not just a common noun, but a Proper Noun. Who was the expression of God's Presence? John 1:1 And Who said He will always be with us? Matthew 28:20) shall go with you and I will give you rest." Deuteronomy 12:10

SHOW ME YOUR GLORY! Another prayer I want to learn to pray daily! I want Your goodness to pass by in front of me, Lord. I want to see Your glory! Hide me in the cleft of the rock, so I can see Your awesome power and glory. SHOW ME YOUR GLORY! (Said with the enthusiasm of Cuba Gooding Jr. in Jerry McGuire)

Homemade Gourmet IN STOCK NOW!

2011-03-15T09:57:00.000-05:00

Three Cheese Garlic Biscuit Mix (3)
Beer Bread Mix (2)
Roasted Onion Bread Mix
Cinnamon Swirly Bread Mix
Chocolate Mousse Pie
Chocolate Chip Pie Mix
Sassy Sangria Mix
Baked Potato Soup Mix
Corn Chowder Mix
Bonnie's Chili Mix
Mom's Smashed Potatoes Mix

CLEARANCE SALE ON THESE MIXES:
$2.50 each:
Grandma's Buttermilk Pie
Spiced Molasses Cookie Mix
Tropicolada Cheesecake Mix
Chipotle Cheese Straws Mix
Cranberry Almond Pasta Salad Mix
Rosemary Citrus Seasoning Mix
Ooo LaLa Onion Soup Mix
Panko Parmesan Casserole Mix
$5.00 each:
Chipotle Seasoning Pantry Staple
Southwest Seasoning Pantry Staple (discontinued- last one ever!!!)

Order from my website or call me today!

Dumb Dog...

2011-03-10T07:05:00.002-06:00

This song isn't in the musical, but it's one of my favorites from the movie, so here's a tribute to that song.

Devotions from Annie #2

2011-03-09T07:41:00.005-06:00

The sun'll come out tomorrow, bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow, there'll be sun...
Have you ever tried to stay up as late as you could? Eventually your body is made to shut down and go to sleep. God created us to live and work in the light of day, and to sleep at night while it's dark. [God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day. Genesis 1:5] I think it's an interesting fact, that before He created us, His people or even animals, He created all that we would need to live an abundant life. He knew what we'd need and provided it, before we even came to be. I can just see God's planner now: "Project Creation of the World: Day 1 Day & Night". I for one am glad our God is so good to know that we'd need to sleep....every. night.
If you know me, you know that I LOVE me some sleep. *sigh* Sleep is one of my favorite things God provides. I love love love my bed, my squishy pillow and my red blanket. It's so comforting to be all tucked in, which reminds me that I'm being held in the palm of God's hand. [You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Psalm 139:5] When you're going through a rough time, or even just a rough day, isn't it so nice to know that bed is waiting at the end of it?! Not only does sleep give us comfort, it also gives us strength to go on and make it through the next day. Annie was not just singing an optimistic little song to encourage people. She was actually singing a biblical truth that even if today you messed up BIG, made a lot of little mistakes, or just felt like it was one of "those" days (that's gray and lonely)...His mercies are new every morning and Tomorrow is only a day away. He is faithful to provide the sunrise every morning that tells us we have a clean slate to start over. I'm so thankful for His mercy and forgiveness in my life that take my sin as far as the east is from the west and lets me begin anew each and every day.
Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
So, ya gotta hang on 'til tomorrow...come what may. It's only a day away!

My Bio

2011-03-08T07:52:00.050-06:00

My favorite character in the Bible is: Besides Jesus, the woman who touched his cloak Matt.9:20-21

My life verse is: Hebrews 12:2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
If I could ask God one question, it would be: Why spiders?
Nobody knows that I: almost took a different path down the wrong road, and that I'm so grateful for God's guiding hand in my life.
I'm happiest when: I'm in the center of God's love and my husband's arms.
On my iPod: Broadway, Worship, Country, Jazz, Big Band, 80s, Oldies, Classical...
The one book (besides the Bible) I'd recommend to anyone is: The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer
My last meal would be: a McGuire's salad, A Saltgrass steak and then The Melting Pot for dessert
I'm most excited about: seeing Jesus face to face.
My trademark expression is: Let go and let God
The team I root for most is: The Dallas Cowboys
My proudest moment is: hearing my kids talk about Jesus. 3 John 1:4
If I could, I'd: like to teach the world to sing, in perfect harmony. Ok, not really but I do believe the children are our future and we should teach them well and then at the appropriate age of course, let them lead the way. I'd also rid the world of evil, but I don't have a song about that. Sorry.
My pet peeve is: mediocrity, disloyalty, artificiality & trains (They're so 1890's.)
My perfect day would be: bible study on the beach, lunch & mani/pedi with girlfriends, shopping with and for my kids, then a date on Broadway with my hottie.

My favorite childhood memory is: the daily reunion with our daddy when he came home from work
In my free time, I: write.
My favorite TV show is: The bachelor/bachelorette (I'm a sucker for a love story...fiction and otherwise.)
Three people I would want to have a meal with: Ruth Bell Graham, Laura Bush & my grandma (who lives in heaven)
I would spend $1,000: taking my husband to NYC for our 15th anniversary.

Maybe...

2011-03-07T02:53:00.007-06:00

So maybe now it's time, and maybe when I wake; They'll be there calling me "Baby"...Maybe.

This song is about a little girl who doesn't feel like the orphanage is where she belongs. She pictures herself in a house all hidden by a hill with a mom that plays the piano and a dad that plays the bills.

Annie was dreaming of what life would be like if she wasn’t right where she was. Have you ever been in a place in life where you didn't feel you belong? Maybe it was a place of pain or a place of hardship or a place you just didn’t plan on ending up. Maybe it was a job that you didn’t get, or that part in the musical that had to have been written just for you…but then you saw the cast list. Life is full of disappointments, but the good news is…that disappointment can actually be part of God’s plan in moving you to the next step of His best for your life and future. (Jeremiah 29:11)

What we don’t see is what God sees. He loves us so much and as our "Daddy", He wants the very best for us. (Romans 8:15) He holds us in the palm of His hand and even though it wouldn’t seem that the orphanage was the best place for Annie at that time in her life… it was. It was also good for the orphans around her that she was there. She was a natural nurturer. Who would comfort Molly if she hadn’t been there? Maybe it’s more about how God can use us right where we are, while we are dreaming of belonging somewhere else. Maybe it's more about how He's stretching our faith. Maybe it's more about His will, than ours. Maybe He allows you to go through the orphanage, so you'll come running into His arms, right where you've belonged all along.

Maybe…

And [Jesus] withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done." And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. Luke 22:41-43

Added later: Here is something that might put our disappointments into perspective: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mcraekate
Please hold this family up in your prayers.

Princess Moriah is 3...

2011-03-04T13:17:00.000-06:00

Apparently it's been so long that I have forgotten that age 3 is a snarky, little, imaginative age where little princesses seem to start getting more and more ornery every day and find ways to get themselves into interesting little.....um....."situations". Here is a list of things that have happened at our house just this past week:

M. locks herself in the bathroom every day. Yes, every. day. The toilet is her stage. She stands on it singing "Tomorrow" at the top of her lungs. She is actually a smart musician, knowing that the acoustics are better in there. I give her that.
By the way, when I asked her to open the door, her response was: "I can't. It's too locked." So I guess there are variations on just how locked a door can be! I never knew that.
M. "painted" the bathroom sink and toilet with an entire tube of toothpaste.
M. called her daddy "Daddy Warbucks" and insisted that he call her "Annie"!
M. "cleaned" the kitchen floor and dining table chairs with Mommy's favorite Bath & Body Works fruity hand soap.
M. "fed" the dog an entire container of Cheerios. (Fun fact: Cheerios make dogs gaseous.)
M. says "That's enough talking now." when clearly what you're saying is uninteresting, insignificant or even limiting to her independence. Yikes.
M. also says "I need some lovins." which means she wants to stand on the coffee table and JUMP into my lap for a hug. A simple hug would just not do. This mom is happy to oblige.

Happy birthday to my sweet happy princess!

HG Spring Products are Here!

2011-03-03T13:03:00.000-06:00

I'm thinking about placing another order soon just to try out some of these NEW products! Yum! Here is a link to the SPRING/SUMMER CATALOG! Check it out and click on my website icon on the left column to order! Happy Hearts & Tummies!

Mountains & Valleys

2011-03-01T10:58:00.000-06:00

Send forth Your light and Your truth, let them guide me;
let them bring me to Your holy mountain, to the place where You dwell.

Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight.
I will praise You with the harp, O God, my God.

Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.

Psalm 43:3-5

I have suffered from depression since high school. I didn't know that that's what it was called until after I had my baby, Grace 10 years ago. They called it postpartum, but it was just a more intense version of what I'd always experienced. I don't understand the physical body and why my mind so easily gets trapped in darkness, but it does. In high school, friends would annoy me with the words, "Cheer up!". (That doesn't work, in case you're wondering.) Those words mean nothing to someone feeling so down in the dumps. I wish I could say that all it takes to "snap out of it" is reading God's Word and prayer time with Him. That's what I thought for years, which made me feel even worse because I MUST not be doing it right, or being a "good enough" Christian if I still felt so down. It's an imbalance in my brain that needs medication to set it right. Medication is not something to be ashamed of; I recently heard someone say that it's just the same as getting glasses for weak eyesight. I believe that the psalmist who wrote the above Psalm knows the battle of depression. We want the joy of His presence and to feel the mountaintop high and yet as wonderful as the mountaintop feels, it's so hard to stay there. The lows come quickly and without warning, and we end up deep in down in the valley. Verse 5 says (in my own words), okay so here's what to do when you're down in the valleys: HOPE. Put your hope in God. Yes, this feeling stinks, and it may not go away soon, but there is HOPE. Look up. That mountain is right there, which means HE is there. HE will never leave you, and HE is the joy-giver, so HOPE. Look up and praise Him anyway. "I will YET praise Him." The "yet" means that even though you don't feel like it, you praise Him. THAT is a sacrifice of praise. That means You know the God of the mountain, but you also know that He is faithful to be the God of the valley. So praise Him wherever You are, and know that You are loved.

SPARKle & Shine part 3

2011-02-28T14:18:00.005-06:00

So while we’re sitting in our own version of the darkness, His Light breaks in on us, picks us up & shines the light toward the path of life He already has planned out for us…but this only happens, the whole reason He shows up and gives us His light while we are in the darkness is because of HIS great love for us…

Through the heartfelt mercies of our God, (Luke 1:78)

This is His love pouring out. But we must watch for it like we watch for the joy… He wants to shower us with His love and with His joy.

PP-Jude 1:20-21MSG But you, dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, …[stay]ing right at the center of God's love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life!

Open your arms daily, and be ready, watching for the mercy to pour in! Our heart is a Dixie Cup and God's [love & mercy] is Niagara. We simply can't contain it all. (Max Lucado)

When God’s light and love pours in, He’s gently preparing us for the Hope and the Future that He has already planned out for us like He tells us in His word. We have His light but it’s our choice to see it and follow it or to ignore it. Will we stay? Sitting in the darkness? OR will we choose to try and walk in the darkness in our own strength? The Bible says that walking in darkness is just foolishness…

Have you ever tried to walk in the dark? I do it a lot because of having to get up during the night. I also usually walk in the dark for a few moments after everyone has gone to bed when I turn out the lights. When I do walk in the dark, I don't run; I don't even walk confidently. I'm usually feeling around with my hands and arms trying to identify objects that are where I know they should be. I walk very gingerly making sure of my steps before I put my feet flat on the floor (you never know when there is going to be a small metal toy car there, and while they aren't that big, they sure hurt when you step on them without any shoes on). Then, after I am sure of my step, I'll put that foot down and pick the other one up. I'm also very careful to make sure that I know where furniture and other objects are so that I don't stub my toe or bang an arm. Even when you know what the basic layout of the house is and where the furniture is located, walking in the dark is at best, difficult. It is so much easier to just turn on the light and walk in confidence.

PP-Psalm 56:13 NIV For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.

God loves us so much and wants us to not only get up from where we are, seeing His light and His love, but He wants us to walk confidently WITH HIM in His wonderful light. Now the truth is: Life is tough. Stuff happens. I don’t know what you’re going through but I know some of us feel like we’ve been through hell. Literally. So what do you do when you’re going through hell? You keep going. You certainly don’t want to stop and sit down in it. You want to keep going to get out of it. Like Psalm 23 says…Yea, tho’ I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. Keep walking! Press on!

SPARKLe & Shine part 2

2011-02-27T20:41:00.001-06:00

We talked about different versions of darkness. And though everyone has their own times and perceptions of darkness. It's all the same. Darkness is darkness. Pain is pain.

When I lost a baby last summer, I felt the darkness of pain. I was so angry. I knew He was there, but I hurt. This was a time in my life when I felt darkness consuming me and I had a choice… stay in it and let it consume me OR ask God for that light to see, and walk the path of life where I could find JOY. A few weeks later I was thinking -Wow! I’m really being blessed lately. In little ways, but I just felt…blessed.

Then I took my Moriah to the dr. for shots, and I had to sit there while she cried, (You Moms know how this is...excruciating!) but I promised to take her for a happy meal or a present later. I realized that that was a lot like how God felt when I was in pain and He was now blessing me with….Joy Presents.

PP-Psalm 16:11 NIV 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.

Who doesn’t want more JOY? His presence alone gives us JOY. Just the fact that we are being led and we don’t have to be afraid gives JOY. I think so many times we miss the little blessings, the little joy presents that God so sweetly gives us because either we’re not looking or we’re looking in the wrong places, or maybe because the world has called them “coincidences”, like getting the green light when you’re in a hurry or the friend who says just the right thing at just the right time. I think the key to seeing His joy presents is really…just watching for them. When the darkness begins to fade and the light comes in, watch and pray for the JOY that's coming your way. God loves to give good gifts to His kids. (Matt.7:11 & James 1:17)

SPARKle & Shine

2011-02-24T10:25:00.014-06:00

Through the heartfelt mercies of our God, God's Sunrise will break in upon us, Shining on those in the darkness, those sitting in the shadow of death. Then showing us the way, one foot at a time, down the path of peace. Luke 1:78MSG
I love the scripture for the weekend and when I read God’s Word, I like to pull it apart in order to really understand what God wants to tell me. God’s Word is truly a love letter that’s written to each of us. So let’s break it apart. I want to start where I think it begins…and where I remember my walk with God beginning...

“those sitting in the shadow of death.” This picture of the girl sitting alone on the staircase could be any of us. Those in the darkness, sitting in the shadow of death...

Darkness is the absence of light. There are different kinds of darkness: spiritual darkness, when we refuse to let God enter our lives. (No one is perfect. We all need Him to enter our lives. Romans 3:23 says “We ALL sin & fall short of the glory of God.”) There is the darkness of negative emotions like unforgiveness, pride, jealousy, anger, bitterness or intense fear. There is the darkness of living in disobedience to God’s ways. Sometimes we feel as if we were put there & find ourselves in the darkness
, for reasons out of our control,
because of something or someone in our lives. We find ourselves sitting in the hopelessness, unable to move or unwilling to move. "Sitting" indicates we've been there a while, and have given up trying to get out. The darkness can be paralyzing.

BUT let’s look at what God’s Word says… while we were there sitting in darkness, in the shadow of death… God’s light penetrates the darkness. (Like in the picture)
God did not create us to live in the darkness. He wants us to see His light, so He reveals Himself to each of us in His own way.
"God's Sunrise will break in upon us, Shining on those in the darkness,"
Another translation says God will visit us, or come to us because some of us need Him to appear gently, like the gentleman that He is. This translation says that He will break in, like a hero, that appears in just the nick of time! Some of us need a hero.
God’s Sunrise is God’s beloved Son, JESUS who is "The Light of the World". Jesus WILL break in when we’re sitting in the darkness. It doesn’t say He might…He will.
John 8:12 Jesus...said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but WILL have the light of life.
Our lives are touched with many different kinds of light: stoplights, city lights, candlelights, blinding lights, confusing and deceiving lights. All of these have 1 thing in common: they eventually go out. They’re not reliable.
The world’s light is false & leads back to darkness. The Bible even says Satan poses as “an angel of light”. (
2Cor.11:14)
But God doesn’t say follow A light, He says follow my Son, the light. His light will never dim and never goes out. Now we sometimes do things that separate us from the fullness of His life and cause His light to appear dim in our lives. I have electricity in my home but if I don’t plug into it I don’t see the light. I have Jesus in my heart, but if I don’t plug into Him daily, I won’t see His light either, even though it is there. I have to connect with Him, talk to Him, worship Him. Spend time with Him.
More tomorrow...

SPARK Pics

2011-02-23T12:30:00.005-06:00

Thursday: Carnival with families, single mom & kids!!!

My dear friend Molly, founder & director of SPARK Ministry.

My Kansas friends were CLOWNS: Hope & Amy my friends from RiverPoint, Lisa my friend from Crossroads Friends Church (pictured with me above, also my hairstylist extraordinaire!)

I painted faces, supervised the bounce houses & taste-tested the cotton candy. ;)

Molly's theory for planning mission trips is work hard, play a little, too!

Friday: we went shopping at Downtown Disney!!! (Hope felt a little sad that she got the smallest lollipop. Those are the moments that we change her name to "Mope".)

Amy & I posed with Cindy, like the princesses that we are!

Everything was decked out in Pepto-Bismol Pink!!!

My Plano friend, Casey was "Heidi Bloom" in our small-group fashion design competition, "Project SparkWay". (When Casey is not on a trip, Heidi is my role, but she actually rules it. She's just more naturally perfect in every way.) :)

Righteous Rappers visit every trip and this time my friend, Amy (2nd from right) once again joined the group and does the "wikkety-wikkety" like no one can! Carla Cox, (far right w/arms raised) our roomie on the trip was ONE BAD rapper. She rocked it! (and scared us just a little too.) :)

We spent Saturday with the mission ladies at a Disney Disco Lounge and danced and ate the day away! Hope, who was back to being Hope again....and at this point could be called "Yope", wore her 70's Disco outfit which came straight from her present closet cuz she's just retro-cool like that. She also rocked the big, black FRO!

They all called us "The Kansas Girls" which I was proud to be a part of, because my friends were the BEST. They have such servant hearts that give abundantly, love deeply and reflect the light of Jesus in everything they do! So proud to be called a "Kansas Girl".

SPARK Weekend in Orlando

2011-02-21T22:33:00.001-06:00

Orlando Union Rescue Mission ~ Jacksonville women also joined us!

February 16-20, 2011

Our theme was SPARKLE & SHINE! Luke 1:78-79 MSG

This was my 7th trip/8th retreat with SPARK MINISTRY. When I get back from a trip, and friends ask me how it went, it's always hard to find the right words. You just can't explain what happened. God shows up and miracles happen but I just can't do justice to the entire weekend by putting it into words. So for the first time, I took notes during our last "share time" with the 52 Spark servants who went to minister to the women at the rescue mission and ended up ministered to themselves. (Like me! On every trip!) We always have a time to share what God did, comments that were made, praises and moments behind the scenes that reveal how God worked in individual lives....so to answer your question: How'd it go? Here are a few of the answers:

"She said this was the first time she ever felt loved."
"It's good to know we are all the same, all going through struggles."
Girls finally opened up. Walls were broken down.
"I never got to be a princess when I was a little girl."
Started the weekend emotionally empty, "now so excited!!!"
"I've never had this much FUN sober!" (overheard in the bathroom)
One girl dealing with anger said she felt numb, and couldn't cry. Then on the last day, she put her hand on her friend during worship and said she "felt her pain" and wept.
Yolanda led a young girl who realized she didn't know God to a relationship with Christ.
"I'm so full I don't even think I need my counselor this week!" Counselors say after a SPARK weekend, healing is accelerated.
God spoke to one woman: "You're not by yourself. I'm there."
"I discovered peace."
Testimonies were amazing and transparent. "We never would have guessed." [...that we have women on the Spark team that God has brought through so much.]
They want to share their testimonies/stories now.
Even women on the Spark team shared how they now feel "loved and encouraged". It's just as much for us as it is for them.
Mrs. Moody, the director of the OUR mission now retired after 33 years of serving, said "Thank you for blessing the women you see here, but also for generational blessings to come." Lives have been affected for eternity.

I will try to post some of my notes from our bible study sessions and pictures in the next few days. Check out www.sparkministry.org for more about the blessing of attending the next SPARK trip to St. Louis in April or Seattle in September.

VALENTINES DAY....Praying for Our Marriage

2011-02-14T07:14:00.009-06:00

Lord, I pray You would protect our marriage from anything that would harm or destroy it. Shield it from our own selfishness and neglect, from the evil plans and desires of others, and from unhealthy or dangerous situations. May there be no thoughts of divorce or infidelity in our hearts, and none in our future. Set us free from past hurts, memories, and ties from previous relationships, and unrealistic expectations of one another. I pray that there be no jealousy in either of us, or the low self-esteem that precedes that. Let nothing come into our hearts and habits that would threaten the marriage in any way, especially influences like alcohol, drugs, gambling, pornography, lust or obsessions. Unite us in a bond of friendship, commitment, generosity, and understanding. Eliminate our immaturity, hostility, or feelings of inadequacy. Help us to make time for one another alone, to nurture and renew the marriage and remind ourselves of the reasons we were married in the first place. I pray that [my husband] will be so committed to You, Lord, that his commitment to me will not waiver, no matters what storms come. I pray that our love for each other will grow stronger every day, so that we will never leave a legacy of divorce to our children.

Amen and Happy Valentines Day.

For more wonderful prayers to pray over your husband and your marriage, check out The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian.

Day 13....Praying for His Future

2011-02-13T07:34:00.001-06:00

Taken from The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian....

None of us can live without a vision for our future. If we don't have one, we flounder aimlessly. Without it, life seems pointless and we die a little every day. "Where there is no vision, the people perish." (Proverbs 29:18)

Lord, I pray that You would give [my husband] a vision for his future. Help him to understand that Your plans for him are for good and not evil- to give him a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11). Fill him with the knowledge of Your will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that he may have a walk worthy of You, fully pleasing You, being fruitful in every good work and increasing the knowledge of You (Colossians 1:9-10). May he live with leading from the Holy Spirit and not walk in doubt and fear of what may happen. Help him to mature and grow in You daily, submitting to You all his dreams and desires. Give him God-ordained goals and show him how to conduct himself in a way that always invests in his future. I pray that he would be active in service for You all the days of his life. Keep him from losing his sense of purpose and fill him with hope for his future as an "anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast." (Hebrews 6:19).

Day 12...Praying for His Faith

2011-02-12T07:44:00.019-06:00

Lord, I pray that you will give [my husband] an added measure of faith today. Enlarge his ability to believe in You, Your word, Your promises, Your ways, and Your power. Put a longing in His heart to talk with You and hear Your voice. Give him an understanding of what it means to bask in Your presence. May he seek You, rely totally upon You, be led by You, put You first, and acknowledge You in everything he does.
Lord, you've said that "faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17). Feed his soul with Your Word so that his faith grows big enough to believe that with You all things are possible (Matthew 19:26). Make his faith a shield of protection. Put it into action to move mountains in his life. Your Word says, "the just shall live by faith" (Romans 1:17); I pray that he will live the kind of faith-filled life You've called us all to experience.

Amen.

Taken from The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian