A little Christmas memory.....

And we were just talking at the lunch table about bedtimes. I was explaining that some families have early bedtimes for their children because it gives the parents time at night to visit with each other more. Our choice has been to allow our children later bedtimes (I realize this is more feasible because we home educate!) so that they have more time to spend with Daddy after work, especially since he doesn't come home at the same time every day. THIS little sprite said..

"I don't know WHY they (the parents) want to see more of each other, I mean, you sleep in the SAME ROOM!"
Point taken. Who can argue with wisdom like that?
Happy New Year

Merry Christmas to all!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

World's Fastest Three Legged Man, Josh Sundquist

A local guy, an amazing story. Our God Reigns!

This is ONE of the lists staring at me today! This is just the baking one...but at least my girls like to help! Almost done with the wrapping...never before have I been THIS CLOSE!

A Surprise

Here is what was going on in late November...sorry it has taken me so long to post! And I couldn't breathe a word beforehand! My blog-friend Crystal 's husband threw her a surprise birthday party only two weeks after they moved here. We were all happy to oblige! We love a party!

What a day!

Things are crazy here today, but in a very good way! And I think I may have a new gas fireplace by the end of the day....hmmmm...... I'll explain later.

Still love me??

OK, time for some levity here. Sorry for the previous rant. But I feel better (cheesy smile). I guess my perfect world would be one where we rejoice with those who rejoice and cry with those who mourn. I have a dream that one day we could be a people who spur one another on with encouragement and acts of kindness, always holding each other up, as the treasured gifts they are. And when one stumbles, we all close ranks to tend to, to help, to heal those who are hurting. And in all that is a celebration of the hope that new life brings. The promise of redemption. The power of love.

After I got that out yesterday, I heard from the Lord. (yes, unfortunately He is sometimes not heard until after I say my peace....hmmm) I was reminded of Ephesians 6:12 that we wrestle not with flesh and blood, but against powers and principalities, and rulers of darkness...

My beef isn't with people. But it is with the powers and principalities of this world we occupy. That principality says that life isn't sacred. That children are a bother, and we should limit our exposure to them. It is a lie. I stipulate- they will grow up! They will become adults, and they will either change this world we live in, or they will assimilate into the culture of this Age.

It is not my intention to condemn, but maybe to provoke..? Please forgive me if you were hurt.
But we (and I mean me, too) need to ask ourselves this.
What spirit are we walking in when we do certain things?
Are we in agreement with the powers of this world?
Or do we choose to walk following the Light of the World (John 8:12)
Are we joining the Spirit of the promise?

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:24-25

Love you more!

Planning

Ok, so, as my friends in Theophostic training would say, I've been "triggered".
I read a sweet post by a friend today who tried answer all of the questions she imagines people would be asking themselves, (and, let's be honest, eventually speaking them out LOUD to her, as well, because they just-can't-stand-it!) about her recent pregnancy announcement. So to avoid repeating herself over-and over, she posted them Q&A style. And, of course, this one made the list.


Q.Was this planned?

REALLY


My A.

What do you think?



First I just want to THANK (facetiously) Margaret Sanger and her eugenics movement that we even have the question to ask someone who is expecting. Because, of course, we can play GOD these days, and choose the number, spacing, sex, and even health of our "chosen" children!
We have control over that which formerly was wholly attributed to a higher authority. There have really been neat advances in science and technology, don't get me wrong. But it feels like the joy of the anticipation is lost now that the wizard is exposed. (apologies to Mr. Baum)


I think what really bothers me, (since I am on this rant) is that we will joke with one another about "putting a stop to it", or "figuring out where that comes from". Really? I didn't know. To be honest, I do have a sense of humor. (really) and I can appreciate banter among friends. But what irks me is those nice little busy-bodies who decide what is best for others, and use this kind of pressure to impose their opinion regarding someone ELSE's family size.

For us it came at the announcement of our third child.

You see we already HAD a BOY child and a GIRL child. And we had heard the praises and comments of "Oh, a perfect family!". I do want to know what determines that ideal too, but I digress.
So there we were. Pregnant again. Blew some fuses, as you might imagine. I believe that I have heard all of the comments, questions and, oh yes, tepid congratulations at the birth. I have often felt a deep sadness when I think what we would have missed by stopping at that "perfect" family. There are so very many that I am now aware of that I would never, ever, have experienced had I stopped at Perfection.

But people seem to understand if a family of all boys or all girls is expecting again, they're trying for the opposite sex. So, while we feel a little edgy about it, we can understand their desires. We will accept that, and cluck our tongues because we feel sorry for them, poor dears. (I have prayed for certain families who really wanted a girl-child to be blessed with their hearts desire- and God has been faithful, but that was their decision.)
See my point?



The very last thing a woman needs when facing an unplanned pregnancy of any kind is the selfish question of "was this planned?". What difference does it make for the asker? I call it selfish, because it is our own curiosity getting the better of us, and if we find out that they didn't PLAN, that it was ACCIDENTAL, then we can enjoy "our" relief. They aren't crazy. But is that the way we should look at it?? Some women, nervously make a point of telling everyone the child was accidental, because they are afraid of the judgement of others. This saddens me. But I understand.

There is a child coming into the world, and the Bible is very specific about what that means. JOY, Blessing, Arrows in the hand of a warrior. Who would want to intentionally limit that? Of course not.

How a couple arrives at the size and spacing of their own family, is totally up to them and the LORD. imho. They are perfectly equipped to make those determinations without the help of all the rest of us. Should they choose to share this info, because they want to or desire to seek encouragement, that is their prerogative. But every child is a blessing. And who wants to saddle a child (who hears in the womb) with that kind of legacy?

So I would just propose. Can we just be happy for people? Does it really matter if they planned all their children? None of mine were planned,( and I know if I had, I would still be childless)--when does it really suit?

How many ways do we limit God in other circumstances? Oh, not now Lord, I don't think..........

So you will never hear me ask someone if they are "done" yet. Or if they "planned" this. And you'll never get the answer out of me, either. So don't ask. (smile)


And yes, you can send a copy of this to your in-laws. (just joking, please!)

Another totally random video!

If you like cats, or not, this is a really funny video! Our entire class enjoyed it!


Thanks Colleen!

Black Friday Cometh

Having worked in retail during college, and while my dear husband was in the Air Force, I despised Black Friday.

What.A.Mess.

BUT, after a decade of de-tox, I stepped back into the fray. IT WAS A BLAST! Now, I will tell you I started out slowly, taking all my ads in to ToysRUs for their price match guarantee, and all I had to do was wait in line there. But I so enjoyed getting into the Christmas mood. I wasn't there for any hard core reasons. I just liked to go to the marketplace, see the people and hear the Christmas Music. If I could get a bargain or two for my dear sweet little ones, all the better! It was a great opportunity to get out an see people I hadn't seen in years, and to talk to complete strangers while waiting in line. It was therapy for this mom who was sequestered away at home with little ones, (before blogs!) and limited access to adult conversation. It was an adventure.

BUT THEN, the children grew up, and TR-Us closed in our town. (Yes, my children panicked, where else was there to go to worship at the shrine of Big Materialism for children.) But, as I told them, it closed because they, like everyone else, actually purchased their toys at Wal-Mart. (groans.."we didn't know"!)

So then I began to invite a friend to go with me, since there were two of us, there was no way to canvass every single place we needed to go, but it was fun doing it together. And we could split up the Wal-Mart grab frenzy. She on one side of the store, me on the other.

AND THEN, I found out that you didn't have to wait until Thanksgiving Day to find out what the sales were! There were ads posted online. Some are real, some fiction, and I recommend always double- checking the real ad when it comes out, but it does help in the planning before hand.

(no, I won't buy that sale online right now, Costco will have it on a BF sale.. at a better price)

So I have again subscribed to the Black Friday Websites. Just do a search for Black Friday ads.

I won't enumerate them here, but I am happy to hear anyone's suggestion of a good one.

BuggyPost

In keeping with my posting of random videos, I now present to you a great director/ producer in the making. The next Spielberg, heck why am I limiting him to that? They're the next Alex and Stephen Kendrick! And I can say that I knew him when. I knew him when he was just knee-high to a grasshopper and beating away on the homemade dinosaur pinata that I made. (Now that would have been something to have on tape-why wouldn't it break?) We're very proud of you Mr. C. Keep it up! I love the music at the end,and that actress had to be expensive, how did you afford her?


PS. I fixed the link for the Joe Scarborough video below. Thanks Crys!

Post?

I've realized that I have spent a lot of time replying on Facebook, and catching up with others blogs, and no time to post on my own site. A quick post of a video I've been impressed by and then I'm off. And I wonder if anyone is reading. And who would? I haven't been writing!! But yet, I hear from people who come up to me and say, "I've been lurking on your blog". I appreciate the feedback, because I do want to know who is reading, but it is also like finding out your neighbor has been watching through the open window. Exposed, but it was your own fault. So I encourage you to post a comment, so at least I know you've passed through here. And I hope to write more soon. God knows I love you all. Since I took my blog off Google searches a few months ago, I CAN say that with certainty, because I do know you!

Oh, and by the way...


My Camera was highjacked (again)
If anyone has any ideas how to prevent this, or how to direct these qualities into a Godly characteristic, I'm all ears! And YES, she DOES have HER OWN camera!!

BBC SHUNNED ME FOR DENYING CLIMATE CHANGE

Hmm. I'm beginning to wonder if global warming is the new Religion of Science.

http://www.dailyexpress.co.uk/posts/view/69623

MSNBC's Joe says what I'm thinkin'

God Bless The U.S.A.

Having been a military spouse, during the Gulf War...I appreciate this man's views. I have unending respect for the members of our voluntary military. God Bless us and give us wisdom as we choose the direction for our country, and for the world.

The Angelic Heart of Sarah Palin:

This brought tears to my eyes. In all this vitriol, here's truth.

On our way home Friday night, my daughter said, "I am so excited about the Fawley's coming tomorrow, that I'm about to jump out of my pants!" So, while we are all still dressed, I wanted to share some photos of the day. I think the girls had fun with the camera(and the babies!)

PS. BOTH of those girls are now taller than me! Maybe I'll post a before and after photo soon!

Lots O' giveaways here, folks! Check it out!

Proverbs 31

Proverbs 31 is the Bible passage that most Christian women both love and dread. It suggests such great heights of feminity to aspire to, which can also be depressing...as we all fall short. Recently my fellow blogger (what am I saying?? She leaves me in the blog-dust!) wrote a tribute to her mother on her birthday. What was special to me was that I know her mother, and watched her for a number of years. So I know she's telling the truth. And the truth bears repeating.

Life on Sylvan Drive...: Barbara#links


But I mostly wanted to post my own photo...because not only was this wonderful lady a blessing in my life, but she also shared some of her many talents on my wedding day 19.5 years ago. Not only was she an accomplished organist who could play Canon in D, and the 20 other songs I chose, but she also had the wisdom and talent to jump to the piano to play Forever and Ever, Amen (yes the Randy Travis song,..a token to my country loving spouse!) .
.
As if that wasn't enough, this great Woman of God (with the help of a friend) rolled up her sleeves and voluntarily collected most of the fancy plastic plates and cups from the reception (even retrieving some from the trash) washed and returned them to my mother. In a word- she was GREEN before it was COOL. (we thought she was just thrifty!)
.
So I say in my own words, with a lump in my throat. God Bless you, Barbara. I love you, too.

I AM JOE THE PLUMBER - McCain Supporters Fight Back Against the Media and Stand with Joe, John, and Sarah

This is interesting....wondering if it is real???

Kingdom Life

I've been thinkin' lately. (I know, it's dangerous.) I am so blessed.
There is a benefit to meeting new people and going new places, experiencing new things. Like going to a great concert- thousands of people sharing in the same experience.
.
.
.
I know none of them.
. And so, somehow, it seems hollow to me.
.
.
There have been times, even, that DH and I have gone to hear, or experience "the latest, greatest". Believe me, it was good.
.
I didn't know anyone else there, so it seemed, I don't know, empty.
.
Now, I realize for some people, the complete anonymity that you can only achieve by attending a large, distant gathering, feels safe- and I wouldn't deny them that.

But for me, and this blog is for me, I get so much more out of experiencing something together.
Not just me, but also my friend, my brother.
I have such a strong desire to pull things IN, closer to US. So, instead of going to that great speaker, conference, concert; I want to bring them here.
I want to experience it with my friend who is suddenly single again, my friend who is dealing with miscarriage, my girlfriend who is trying to reach out past all her fears of exposure, and become real. (skin horse real)
Because when I see those people touched, I am moved. When I see a word of encouragement given to someone I've cared about for years, it means more to me than watching a TV preacher make a woman get up and walk from her wheelchair. In other words, if I knew that lady for the last 10 years, seen her struggle with her handicap, held the door for her, prayed with her...it would mean so much more to me to see her walk! So I seek not to go everywhere, as much as I want to claim those same experiences for my sisters and brothers. Rich! How cool is that?!!

Casserole Day

I was privileged to be allowed to participate in my first ever Casserole Bake. I don't know what else to call it right now, but that is exactly what we did. A group of young ladies (yes, I think I was the oldest there) gathered together to assemble a large quantity of entrees for a couple from our church who is expecting their firstborns. Yes, twin boys!




Start to finish, it was two hours. It took our coordinator a good bit longer than that! (thanks Jo!) But I thought it was great fun! This idea needs to be packaged! What a great reason to get together and cook! At the end, there are two coolers worth of dinners for a blessed couple! Just take them out of the freezer and bake! What a great idea for a new mom and dad! I really think we could get this down to a "science", and periodically do these for a variety of occasions! Cooking together is much more fun than doing it alone! (And these girls did the dishes, too!~WOW!) Thanks for including me gals! I had a blast!
(Now I've got to do my own bit o'bulk cooking!)

I Like This Lady

editor's note, the female pictured here is not the one I'm talking about..please play for a clip of E.D. Hill!

E.D. Hill. I know..I know.. I've been long on video and short on prose lately. And that is just the state of my mind...but to venture away from Politics for a moment...This Woman Speaks My Language!

A little bit of state politics, BUT as a member of one several of those groups mentioned, I think it is important to get the word out.






Every year it seems like that imaginary world introduced to us by Mr. Peretti and Mr. Orwell is becoming more possible. Newspeak. Doublethink. People believing one thing and saying another, because they know they cannot be elected if their true beliefs are shown.
It is up to the voter today, to seek Higher Wisdom in searching out the truth- and not just be told by their Television what they should think and feel. Investigate. The Internet is full of rumors, conspiracies, and truth. Seek the truth. VOTE, and preserve the right privilege for your children.

Job 28:28

TODAY.... I Didn't

I promised someone, somewhere that when I found this, I would post it.
So, today, as I sort through a mountain of paperwork I stop to remember...

TODAY I Didn't..

Today I didn't say the right things.
I didn't give enough hugs.
I didn't listen to all of their imaginary stories.

Today I hurried through what could have been very special
moments, to achieve my binding agenda.

Today my prayers were too short and my lectures too long.
My smiles, I'm sure, didn't hide my fatigue.

Today I didn't heal any wounds; in fact, I'm sure I caused some.
Their tears fell and I felt too lifeless to wipe them away.

Today I felt completely defeated and totally inadequate for this
position called mom.

But as I kneel in prayer to confess my failures, I am reminded:
I am not their hope.
I am not their total joy.
I am not their salvation.

JESUS CHRIST IS!

And they are His children even more than they are mine.

I am reminded: He always listens,
always guides,
always touches,
and always loves perfectly.

I can rest now, Lord, remembering that I am not alone.


(Found in KEEPERS AT HOME Summer 2000)

Sorry, just gotta do it...praying for the light to shine!

Williamsburg 2008 The Colonial Life...

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I know, I know, I'm bad. :-)
...you'll forgive me, right?