Jesus Paid it All

Normally, I have a hard time liking those somewhat cheesy kids crafts....I liked this idea though. It was a great tool to illustrate to the kids how Jesus paid it all, especially since I made them use pennies from their own banks. They felt the sacrifice in a very real way....especially the little ones who don't realize that pennies are really not "worth much." None of us were worth much either, but Jesus thought we were worth his all.

~~~Jesus paid it all. All to Him I owe.

Sin had left a crimson stain. He washed it white as snow!~~

Facing the Future with Faith and not Fear

I'm not a negative person, I have never seen the point. That being said, I am human, and I do have fears.

Sometimes the unknown can be a little scary. I am a person who plans ahead. I have menus, schedules, lists and more lists. I can usually deal with tomorrow, next month, maybe even next year, but beyond that the future is a little frightening. I fear losing my parents, my husband or a child...I fear being sick myself and leaving my family. Maybe what I fear most is for my children. I wonder/worry what they will face. Our freedoms are threatened now....what of the morrow? Will they have the strength to stand? I am parenting right?

Sometimes, yesterdays mistakes can influence tomorrows fears. I hope I am learning from the past, so that I do not repeat the same mistakes. I hope I am healing from the hurts...but not just healing...learning. Learning that everyone hurts. The cause of our hurts are not all the same, but the pain is always similar.

I ran across this quote the other day and I really liked it, so I put it on a picture of my kids. I think it's appropriate since their future is one of my greatest sources of fear. I must go back, again and again and place my future in the SAFEST place--God's hands. He has told us not to worry--that he will provide. My duty is to live today--to enjoy today--to love my family and know that God loves them even more.

"If what lies before you, scares you

And what lies behind you, hurts you

Look above~

He will always help you!"

Holocaust Museum

They asked that photographs not be taken here and quite honestly, it would have been in bad taste anyway. This would better be called a Memorial than a Museum. When you enter, on the bottom floor, you receive an ID card including a name, picture and story of a real person during the holocaust. From there, you take an elevator to the fourth floor and and slowly work your way through the horrific details and back to the first level.
A few things really stood out to me:
1. Homelife.
How important it is to "Train up a Child." Who better than the parents of Alolph Hitler to have prevented this portion of history?
2. Personal Choice.
You can make the choice to rise above difficult circumstances, or you can get bitter. In his younger years, Hitler lived a loner's life, he wasn't popular, but had a big addiction. Pornography. If you don't believe me, reshearch it for yourself and you will find that sexual sin is at the heart of a large majority of crime. Ted Bundy spoke to this fact just hours before his execution. Hitler was also a man filled with bitterness and hatred. For various reasons, his hatred was directed at Jews, Homosexuals, Jehovah's Witness's and other minorities. This hatred led him to do things that even he himself never imagined. He was able to deceive others well, because he himself was deceived. As his addictions and hatreds grew, he needed more and more to satisfy the demons.
3. Failure to act.
Martin Neimoller put it this way,
"First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out -- Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out --
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out --
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me -- and there was no one left to speak for me."
We must remember that ALL men are created equal. Notice that they did not come first for the Jew, but for the Socialist.
Many a plea was put out to the world for help, but everyone turned a blind eye--until it was too late.
4. Spiritual pride.
Even Martin Luther, the man we christians credit for the Protestant Reformation, called the Jews "blind, stupid, foolish people." He felt that they should be given an opportunity to convert, and if they chose not to, they should be eliminated in some way. He thought the Jews were proud, but it sounds to me like HE was a little proud himself. This is also another reminder that everyone is human--doing something good does not give you special priviledges with God.
5. Never forget.
In Germany, high school students are made to watch footage and study the history of the holocaust. If you ask the average American college student about the halocaust, they won't be able to tell you what it was....they think Adolph Hitler was an actor or something.
"Take heed…lest you forget the things which your eyes have seen, and…teach them to your children and to your children's children." —Deuteronomy 4:9
6. A Mother's Halocaust.
Every day, Americans murder babies--and call it abortion--if that doesn't chill your mother blood, nothing will!
We saw the actual door to a gas chamber, some of the bunks, a portion of the rail those many death trains rode, the ovens they burned bodies in, and saw a room FULL of shoes--shoes that stopped walking forever....never again to stroll hand in hand with a lover, to walk the floor with a crying child, to skip off to school...some never got to take those first steps at all.
There were personal items....combs, razors, toothbrushes, hairbrushes, baby bottles....yes, I cried.

Hugging Mommy's Heart!

This is Kammy getting ready for her dedication. She's wearing a dress big sisters wore and laying on a blanket that mommy made especially for her!

I mentioned this before, but she was the easiest going baby ever. Below, she is just home from the hospital, content and having a little chat with her daddy.These photos were all before my digital camera craze, so I had to pull them out of the scrapbook and scan them. Kayla and Kalli had more than their fair share of sister spats, but when Kammy came along, she gave them something different to focus on and everyone actually got along much better! =) Of course, looking at them in these sweet pictures, you would never believe that they ever fought at all. I was one happy mommy!Kammy asked for another horse party this year. Now 4 out of 6 parties have been such!It was easy and inexpensive, as we used mostly items on hand for decor. Here is the gift corner.Daddy brought home a huge horse balloon--sort of the highlight of party decor!For the third year in a row, Kammy chose Pepperoni Pizza and Root Beer Floats. I'm well aware that it's not the healthiest, but we always let the girls choose this one meal a year--whatever they want!Kammy enjoying her float!We printed a huge unicorn and played "Pin the horn on the unicorn!"Kammy asked for and icecream cake from her favorite place, Dairy Queen and then she put her favorite little horse, Beauty on top.

"Blow hard, Kammy!"She is at the funnest age. Six is awesome! She woke up literally bouncing and saying, "I'm six years old today, I'm six years old today!"

She was so grateful for all of her gifts, but the best part came when I was tucking her in for the night. She said, "Mommy, thank you for the wonderful party! You are the one that made it special--Mommy, you always make things so special for us!" There are a few things about that little articulate statement that thrill me:

1. I am proud to have a 6 year old who is thankful. One who does not have an entitlement spirit--who is not selfish!

2. The way she articulated her thoughts. Maybe I am wrong, but I don't think many girls her age can express themselves so honestly or so well.

3. She noticed! Let's face it, a mom's work often goes un-noticed. We just do what we are supposed to do. There's not really such a thing as going above and beyond, and if there was, we wouldn't get a bonus for it anyway. Her little heartfelt thanks was like a bonus to my heart--a great big hug, and I walked on air from her room back to mine. =)

A new day!

I've never been big on New Year celebrations. Maybe I'm funny, but to me, it's just another new day. I'm thankful though, for ever new day. If I have a resolution this year, it is much the same as last year....every year....every day. It would be to slow down and enjoy the moments more. Enjoy my family more, my friends more, and even God more. For example, Kaite is wearing a little dress in this picture that all of our girls have enjoyed. I can remember fairly well when Kammy wore it, but it seems so long ago that Kalli did, and it's almost hard to believe that Kayla was ever that size.

I guess what I'm trying to say is PRIORITIES. Yes, the house will still need cleaned, we will still have to do laundry, and the meals will not cook themselves in the New Year either, but I want to be careful not to lose the "moments." Sharing a cup of java, a smile, a laugh a hug, a conversation with a friend or family member. These are the things I cherish most in life. I resolve to be a better person, not by doing more, but by doing LESS. Thanks to all my blog friends for the inspiration, encouragement, love and prayers throughout 2011, may your New Year be joyful and blessed of God!

Promises

I have been thinking of some of the promises God has given me, promises of which I have not yet seen the fulfillment. I am thinking too, of how long the world lay in darkness before the SON was born - before the fulfillment of the greatest promise ever given. All of this causes me to think that I can wait a little longer, and I know that "when the fullness of time is come," it will be well worth the wait!

My New Mantle ;)

For lack of a fireplace mantle, I had no where to hang the girls' stockings. This was a huge concern to certain little girls--especially the 5 year old one!

Daddy was the solution, as he many times is. He built us a shelf for the living room, and now the stocking have a home. I love the look of the new crown moulding shelves anyway so this was as good an excuse as any.I didn't put a lot of effort into decorating, just strung some jingle bells on twine and used things I already had. I made the stockings last year from fabric off the clearance table. Not only are they cuter than the storebought ones, they are smaller too, which makes them easier to fill! ;)The picture I had above the couch was very "springy" so I used my white frame and some ribbon to hang a green snowflake. You know me and my green--love it!Who knows, it might evolve a bit more before Christmas, but for now I am happy--and the 5 year old is happy too!

I know that all of my faithful friends and prayer warriors will want to know, so here is the "health update" I am still waiting to get in to an endocrinologist....there is a very limited number of them here in the valley, so I have been warned that the wait might be lengthy. I was able to go to my chiropractor and I think he helped some with the pain in my back, shoulders and neck. He told me that the muscles in my neck are weak and swollen (I knew SOMETHING was swollen) causing strain on my back. I'm really not entirely sure what all is going on--being sick is not my cup of tea. It's a tough job, trying not to worry over it all--still praying for answers--and SOON!

Stillness

Do you like to be still? I do not. I am not a still person by nature. Since I have been sick though, I have been much more still than usual. The only kind of still I really enjoy are those moments in the early morning~with a cup of tea or coffee, my Bible, a good book, facebook, or quiet conversation with my hubby. One other kind of "still" I like is the still after the work is completed....the satisfied still of looking around and seeing success. Being sick is not the sort of still that brings me pleasure. Often the laundry is NOT done, the dinner is NOT made and sometimes even the children's hair is NOT combed. It is an uneasy still that does not know what is wrong and fears the worst. I do know this though....that even in the still, He is STILL God.

Our Thanksgiving was one that made memories. Of course, I was feeling sick, but made a few of the traditional favorites anyway in preparation for dinner at my parents. My girls all have colds and Thanksgiving eve, Rick came down with a fever and sore throat! One our way to my parent's for dinner, we hit and killed a poor puppy dog. There was nothing we could do, but of course we felt terrible! The clothes washer also went out recently as did the garbage disposal and we made the horrifying discovery that we have had small furry visitors in our house! Keren WAS one of Job's daughters for a reason, right?!?!

All these things, while I am "still." My only consolation is this, that while I am being "still," I know that He is STILL God!

PS. Please keep me in your prayers. I see the Oncologist Tuesday. I would LOVE for God to heal me before then!

WHOOO!?!?!

Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

James 3:13

Owls are all the rage. Did you know that? I've fallen for them. Honestly, my hubby about freaked when I told him I was looking for an owl the other day. I think he was thinking of the 70's owls....beautiful weren't they?
My Grandma had owls. Lots of them. And, they. were. ugly. Now I wish I had them though, because ugly is something spray paint can fix! (although I doubt very much that Grandma would agree, lol)

The owl nursery theme is just almost cute enough to make we want another baby. Almost. But not.

And the pillows....Oh, my! DIY world is currently full of owls!

For now, I settled on the little guy at the top of the page. Yeah...he was 1/2 off at the thrift store and all gold and brown. Just look at him now. Love him. And he keeps reminding me that a wise man shows his wisdom best through conversation and deportment.

In fact, Clarke said this, "Who is a wise man - One truly religious; who, although he can neither bridle nor tame other men's tongues, can restrain his own.
And endued with knowledge - And qualified to teach others.
Let him show - Let him by a holy life and chaste conversation show, through meekness and gentleness, joined to his Divine information, that he is a Christian indeed; his works and his spirit proving that God is in him of a truth; and that, from the fullness of a holy heart, his feet walk, his hands work; and his tongue speaks. We may learn from this that genuine wisdom is ever accompanied with meekness and gentleness. Those proud, overbearing, and disdainful men, who pass for great scholars and eminent critics, may have learning, but they have not wisdom. Their learning implies their correct knowledge of the structure of language, and of composition in general; but wisdom they have none, nor any self-government. They are like the blind man who carried a lantern in daylight to keep others from jostling him in the street. That learning is not only little worth, but despicable, that does not teach a man to govern his own spirit, and to be humble in his conduct towards others."

"Whoo" would have thought it?

Blessed Baskets

Deuteronomy 28:5a

Blessed be your Basket

I read this just this morning in my Bible reading time. I thought it was such a pretty verse and sounded like "Harvest Time."

We housewives often gather things in baskets; I place blackberries fresh from picking in a basket, use a basket to store lovely garden tomatoes, laundry is carried in a basket, a basket holds pens in our schoolroom and spices in the kitchen. I even used a basket to store extra diapers for the baby.

God chooses to bless all of my baskets, for which I am so grateful!

The verse goes on the say, "and your store." That just might mean those things we "store up" for the winter months. The canned beans and tomatoes the jellies and preserves. Even the special Chocolate Cappuccino Cake I made as a treat for my family.Kitchen work can at times seem drudgery...hands deep in dough...the phone rings...baby climbing on the counter fussing for a snack...someone wanting a story read...spilled milk...a voice calling, "Mmmmooooommmmm!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

When my hands are the fullest, it does me good to remember that my baskets too, are full (and not just the laundry baskets either).

Smile.I love how gathering in baskets and storing speaks of harvest.

What a blessed time!

Baskets seem to imply something "extra" more than enough.

The cake was not necessary to our survival after dinner today, it was extra.

God's blessings, too, are extras!

They are the "icing on the cake" so to speak.I confess, I have already added some "Autumn" touches to my decor.

I love the harvest season and what it means to me,

--all the extras of God--

His blessings on my life.

May I be faithful to labor in the harvest he has given, so that it may not be said of me,

"The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few."

My Baskets are BLESSED!

Wisdom, Knowledge and Understanding....

Below is a shot of our classroom. I got the desks from a friend and painted them. The tops are done with chalkboard paint. I'd still like to find some chairs at some point that look more "schooly" but it all will come in time.

The old ladder in the corner is being used as a bookshelf for some of our literature books. It also holds a set of flags and a Bible for pledges.
I had taken the desks apart to paint and here hubby was working on putting them back together. Kaite saw the opportunity and used the leg for a microphone to treat us with her version of "Grace."

I did these somewhat pitiful silhouettes of my students and the bulletin board holds our own signed copy of the Declaration of Independence.

Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established. And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches.

With school beginning just around the corner, I was thinking this an appropriate “theme verse.” But, what does it mean? It uses the words wisdom, knowledge and understanding, but aren’t they all the same thing?

By wisdom is the house builded.

Wisdom.

Wisdom is the comprehension of what is true or right coupled with optimum judgment as to action. Wisdom often requires control of one's emotional reactions (the "passions") so that one's principles and not feelings determine one's actions.
The house spoken of here refers to the life as a whole. Not only the inside, but not only the outside either. The house is where the family lives and learns (whether your house is a homeschool house like mine or not). The house of God, the church of the living God, is built by Wisdom, that is, by Christ; on a good foundation, a rock, upon himself, against which the gates of hell can never prevail. My “house” may be unique and may stand out on my block, but I must follow God’s blueprint. There is no glory in being exactly like all the others and at the same time, there is no salvation found in being different simply for the sake of being different. The previous two verses warn us against envying another man’s house or studying destruction. See, the evil man studies as well, but his study is that of mischief. Wisdom says that I alone am responsible for this house. To tear down another’s house will not aid the building of mine. A critical spirit or a tongue that tears down others will only make my own foundation weak.

Understanding.

By understanding is it established.

Understanding is a relation between the knower and an object of understanding. Understanding implies abilities and dispositions with respect to an object of knowledge sufficient to support intelligent behavior. The prosperity of a one's family is continued and secured by his prudent conduct. The church of God is established by Christ, who is understanding as well as wisdom. Every true believer is established in Christ, and in the faith of him; and that as he has more and more an understanding of him and of divine things. I think understanding is like step two. It’s knowing how to accomplish what you already know to do. It’s not only KNOWING that I need God to guide me as I build, it is understanding how to hear his voice and sense his direction. Without understanding, wisdom will never get the house built.

Knowledge.

By knowledge is the house filled.

Knowledge is a familiarity with someone or something, that can include facts, descriptions, information, and/or skills acquired through experience or education. When I become familiar with God, he can then fill my life with all precious and pleasant riches. Things that are both of worth, value, and usefulness, and for ornament and delight; the more private and retired parts of a man's dwelling house, as well as his shops, warehouses, barns, and granaries, shall be filled with all kind of valuable substance. This may be understood spiritually, of the fullness which the church has from Christ, and of those unsearchable riches of his she receives from him; and of those treasures of wisdom and knowledge, which the chambers of the soul of a believer are filled with by him; and of all the riches put into them, which are both precious and pleasant; such as precious promises, pleasant doctrines, the valuable truths of the Gospel, and blessings of grace.

This is my prayer for my house (my life) and the little houses (the children) my husband and I have been given the privilege and responsibility of helping to build. I plan to keep these things in mind during the coming school year.

The Bible always amazes me...how powerful it’s message. As occurs over and over throughout the Bible, I also saw here a clear message of holiness.

1. Wisdom sees the need.
2. Understanding accepts the cure.
3. Knowledge brings the filling of The Spirit.

Sources: Biblios, E-Sword,

How deep is the sea?

Of late, I have been troubled by the ever popular idea that God somehow lacks the power to deliver from sin--both sin committed and the sin nature. Perhaps we have failed our young people by making it look to hard, maybe they see pastors and christian day school leaders fall into gross sin and perversion all the while harping on "stuff and nonsense" -things that ought to remain strictly of personal preference or conviction. Maybe we try to hard to make everything black and white. Sin is black and white, God's Word is black and white, but there is a color known as gray--an area for God to speak to us as individuals. I am not a theologian, but God's Word is pretty simple.

He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea. Micah 7:19

So, our sins are cast into the sea....exactly what does that mean?

The story is told of a factory girl in Northern Ireland who was of frail health. The family doctor sent her on an extended vacation to the sea for the sake of her health. While there, she met the great physician and maker of the sea. He dealt with not just her body, but healed her heart. You see, she had a greater trouble, a spiritual one, old; yet ever new, universal; and yet oh so individual. Sheila O'Gahagan was not alone in this, for hers was the burden of a guilty conscience and unforgiven sin and we all have been one with her there. We ALL have failed to meet God's standards...His standard is the first and greatest commandment...that of loving Him with all our soul, mind and strength. We may attain to the 99% mark, but if we fail here, then we are guilty all along the line, on every count. Remember Pilgrim's Progress??? He did right in that he turned his back on the city of Destruction, but his journey toward the celestial city would have been much easier had he not the heavy load load on his back.

While on this vacation, Sheila was sitting one day by the cliffs of Giant's Causeway, one of the most beautiful spots on the coast of Northern Antrim. Below her the waves broke over the rocks showering up their silver spray. Sheila had her Bible open and read the verse above. She lifted her eyes and glued them for a moment to the distant horizon, in it's haze of blue. "Into the depths of the sea" she cried, "my sins are there!"

But what exactly does it all mean? Scientists tell us that there are parts of the sea too deep to be explored--too deep to even know their depths. The deepest known part of the sea is slightly less than 7 miles. You couldn't go down to the bottom. It is too deep for anyone--even for a scuba diver. The water pressure would crush you, just as the blood of Jesus 'crushes' our sin. If it were possible for the largest vessel in the US navy to be sunk there, it would be crushed like a child's matchbox car under a giant bulldozer. Light disappears 6,000 feet down and the water is inpenetrable by man-made light. It is as black as ink there and even darker. What an appropriate place for our sin, and this is exactly where God has promised to put them! "If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins." It is also a promise of acquittal, which is much more wonderful even than forgiveness, as wonderful as that may be. The sinful past can be so dealt with that it is never allowed to raise it's head in condemnation again. "There is therefore now NO condemnation!" The past, with it's sins, mistakes, heartaches, sorrows, failures, dissappointments, ect., has gone and that FOREVER, buried in the unplumbed depths, NEVER to be remembered against us anymore!

Permit a word of warning here. If on the Divine side, our sins are to be remembered no more, then on the human side, they are to be committed no more. Amtinomianism is still an ugly word and in the realm of theology, it implies that "live as you please" spirit, using the grace of God in it's great abundance as an excuse. God grants salvation from sin, never salvation in sin. Salvation implies deliverance. "Shall we (justified ones) continue in sin?" asked the apostle Paul. Even though grace abounds? God forbid! Jesus said, "Go and sin no more!" A repentant person truly lives a repentant life! And why would we, after experiencing the matchless grace of God and the unfathomable depths of His forgiveness ever desire to return to the bondage of sin?!?!? It is not a matter of one day waking to the fact that he died to pardon, but waking to the fact that WE continue to slay him every time we sin. When we sorrow for that sin, he forgives like the scripture states AND He delivers--what other purpose would there be for his suffering if we had yet to live under the bondage of sin?

A Father's manner of love

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the children of God I John 3:1a

I have been blessed in this life with the most wonderful father a girl could ask for, my children too, have the best that I could dream of for them. Most important of all, we (all of us) have a heavenly father with eyes which look on us with mercy and a heart that cares for us with and unfathomable love. I have added just a few of my favorite "father pictures" and personal stores below. They carry a double blessing for me, reminding me of both my earthly and my heavenly blessings.

The photo above reminds me to hold tightly to my Heavenly Father's hand. He knows where He is leading, the path may be rocky, but clinging to him, I will not fall.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

This photo reminds me that His plan is not new. From the very beginning he held us--even before our earthly father did. He knit us together in our mother's womb. Stitch by stitch, loop by loop, each one of our parts was delicately and carefully crafted by Almighty God. He could have blasted us together, or snapped His fingers and we would have appeared, but He chose a more delicate process in which He could be intimately involved. He sees in his heart what he wishes for us to become. His masterpiece.

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. Psalm 139:13While my heavenly father never SENDS hard trials my way, we do live in a fallen world and he does allow trials to cross my path. Who else beside my God has a way of using those hard times to send a special blessing? Growing up, my daddy didn't splurge much on us kids. I remember once, seeing at D&B, an "Idaho" ball cap that I just adored. Well, if it had been just momma in the store that day, I likely would have been the new owner, but daddy was there, and I didn't NEED it. The following week, I had the most terrible bike wreck of my whole life. There was blood everywhere and just as I was pulling my little self up off the ground to go crying into the house, daddy drove in the driveway and stepped out of the car holding that very ball cap my heart so desired! I quickly forgot the pain and saw only the present! See, God not only knows what we need, he know WHEN we need it! When the bikes wrecks of life happen, his arms are always underneath!

The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them. Deuteronomy 33:27

This last photo reminds me of who my heavenly father is and what he is doing. He is always interceding on my behalf. Why would he have died if it were not to save? Why would he have risen if it were not to return? Meanwhile, he has sent a Comforter.

One night not long ago, a small girl's voice cried out in fear sometime during the dark night. My husband ran to our daughter's room and scooped up a trembling little 4 year old in his arms saying, "What's wrong, baby?" Her reply came softly as she drifted back to sleep, "Nothing." Sometimes that's how it is, we just need to know that he is there. That we are safe. He's there. He's praying and pulling for us, and we can make it through the darkest night.

Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Romans 8:34