Finally. Photos!

I found my camera cord. Yeah! Under the pile of papers on my desk. Ugh. I'm truely not talented at taking pictures and quite technologically challenged, so grant me grace.

Here is a picture of the gold fish we bought on Sunday and it died on Wednesday. Gabby brought it to me asking to dissect it.

Here is a photo of brave Gabby and her friend riding the Octopus at The Good Ol' Days. You can't see their heads because as soon as the ride started her and her friend were all tucked down screaming for dear life. The ride was stopped and while many of the onlookers found it hysterical with a pinch of great compassion. The carny was not amused.

Here is a picture of Makensie and Brian playing it safe on the "baby" ride as Gabby referred to it, before she rode the death trap.

Here is Wyatt with his new haircut.

This is what those black snake fireworks look like after a couple of hours of fun.

This is what boys look like after playing with black snake fireworks. Thank you Grandpa John for suggesting the idea to them.

This is the cannon that Grandpa John built for the 4th of July.

I do not have any photos of the problems we had with trajectory, or the sheriff that stopped by. Part of the success with fireworks is from the power of the blow pushing the ball of fire high into the sky. If the tube is say, oh, I don't know, much larger than the firework, rather than the ball of flames exploding a hundred feet up in the air, it will explode at 20 feet sending scalding shrapnal your way. Those fireworks are even prettier up close! The bombs last year and the cannon this year. What ever will Grandpa John make with acetylene gas next year?

A Time to Sow and a Time to Reap

Sometimes as a mom it feels like we just keep planting seeds, watering, weeding and praying for that harvest and praying that we won't pass away before getting to reap the fruits of our efforts. Now I know that pride comes before a fall, but I just wanted to share a little snippet from Gabby as it filled my heart with joy and I am so proud of this little girl.

This weekend we visited some of our family. As we pull in to their large new home, with large new shop, with 2 large new 4 wheelers, parked beside their new vehicles on our way to jump into their new in ground pool. I 1st worried about Allen's heart, if it was painful to compare our situation with his cousin. I was thankful for all they had been blessed with and while I can't say I envied all the material possessions, I did hope that someday we would have the luxury to live a life that was peaceful and blessed abundantly without financial strain.

As we were getting out of the car and Brian was whooping over the 4 wheelers and tractors the girls took in the beauty of the home standing before us. Then Gabby tells me, "I'm going to make lots of money someday. And I'm going to live in a little house and eat beans and cheap food."

I was honestly surprised at her comment. So I asked her, "Why do you say that?"

She said, "Because we are going to have a mansion in heaven and have everything we could ever want."

"What are you going to do with all your money than?" I asked.

Gabby tells me, "I'm going to give it to Makensie because she wants to be a Missionary."

And gladness filled my soul and tears filled my eyes.

For All This Life is Temporary

I hadn't shared this publically as it was still very painful but as time has passed there is healing. I shared this yesterday and decided that even though this was a difficult failure for us, I pray that it will bring encouragment and wanted to share with you what God has done for us.
___________________________

In the last part of March this year our entire lives took a new direction. While it was the hardest thing we had ever faced as individuals, as a couple and as a family, it has been a blessing to see us all grow and see God so evident and real in our lives. We had been struggling financially the last year. Despite all, we still lost our home. We were still hoping to work things out with the mortgage company as we were awaiting paperwork. However, what we received was being served with an eviction notice at 7am Wednesday morning from the sheriff with a 10 day time frame. During that time our heads were spinning and satan was present. And as you know with financial strife comes marital strife. We almost lost our marriage and family all in one. The fear and lies crept in fast. While in our heads we knew that God was in control and loved us and had our best in mind, our weak flesh could not seem to grasp the peace in the midst of the storm. I had called our pastor 2 weeks prior to the sale date of the home asking for help in the way of just counseling and advice, at the end of my strenghth. Ending the phone conversation with hope that all he promised might be the answer. But he never came or follow up on us. This brought on questions as if our own pastor had forgotten about us, did God really knew what we were being faced with, had he forgotten us? Had we did something so wrong that He had turned his face against us? But God showed up with his work gloves on.

From about 2 hours after the sheriff showed up, through the days that followed, I was not alone. I sent out an email cry just in need of help to prepare for a yard sale and help with the kids. What came in return was more than we could have ever expected. Over 30 families came along side us over the next month. Friends, people we barely knew and complete strangers. A pastor we didn’t know stopped by just to pray with us. Ladies brought meals by with paper products, families came and took our children so that they didn’t have to be there and see me crying and packing up all our belongings.

The kids didn’t understand all the whys, they had not been prepared to be getting rid of ½ their things and beds, or to give up their home they had grown up in. Allen and I were so emotionally drained ourselves that it was difficult to even have the right answers for the kids. We didn’t even know where we were going for the 1st week. I didn't even know if I wanted to be moving with Allen anywhere. So the only answer we could give to these little confused faces was, "God will take care of us." Close friends stepped in during this time. They were able to just make decisions and run things while my head was faint. They would make me stop and eat and pray. They talked me through a lot and prayed with me when I couldn’t find any words or when I was off track spiritually. There were women there marking things for the sale and setting up. There were men and boys there helping set up tents for moving things. I personally packed very little and Allen had more than enough help moving. Our neighbors and friends cried with us. Friends donated items to the sale. Friends gifted us a piece of furniture as a new start. Another friend provided a cake for Makensie’s 9th birthday in the middle of all this. Another family brought us their van to borrow as we didn’t even have tags or insurance to drive the van for the past 2 months. Women showed up to clean the house from top to bottom when we were out.

We had our things moved to this new location. And it was a sickening feeling. On one hand so thankful that we had a home, so thankful that God provided a location quickly and one that had a bedroom big enough that we can have the office at home. But did we deserve a “nice” place? Did we deserve anything? No. But God’s grace had given us a new start. I didn’t want to even say I liked the house out of feeling we should be punishing ourselves for our loss. Had we failed others because our weakness? Psalms 69:6 “May those who hope in you not be disgraced because of me…” kept running through my head. While it was hard to know it was all going to be OK during that week and a half, God didn’t leave our side the day we moved. While out to supper with my mom when she came to town, a stranger brought a word of prophesy to our table. Then an acquaintance called just minutes after a negative phone call, with a word of prophesy, saying that she was almost embarrassed to call as we weren’t close but felt she was suppose to share a word and story with us. One of financial loss and marital gain. The scripture she shared was that the battle was won and to look forward. “God wants you to know you are not alone.” She had no idea what we had just gone through when she called. Then a Wal-Mart gift card showed up in the mail with no name for $100.

A call came in during the midst of the move that our 2 & 6 year old’s lead test was very high. They wanted to do a vein draw. I put it off till after we were moved and when we did it was normal. Perhaps the 100 year old pipes and paint were the cause of so many illnesses before?

Not that we wanted to ask for more grace than we deserved, but we were driving a borrowed vehicle from friends at this time. We received some money for cleaning our home one last time. We bought tags and insurance for the vehicles, bought QuickBooks and paid some bills. Then the van wouldn’t start. At all. Just so you know, two years ago we bought this used van and while it has served us well most of the time, it also about 6 months in starting acting much like a cat. Starting when it wanted, going to sleep when it wanted, getting mad and overheating when it wanted. Although my father is a mechanic, our pet would never act up when we would take it in. And since it seemed to be an electrical issue it was next to impossible to figure out the cause unless it was hooked up to the reader. While nothing too serious ever happened I always drove in the right hand lane just in case she decided she needed to take a break. Sometimes she would quit and with a little coaxing by way of a couple of pounds on the dash with the chair leg we carried, she’d start back up and we’d go on. Sometimes she would need a couple days of vacation and then be ready to go again. If it was just me or other adults, so be it. But with 4 little ones, it was rather scary. After being stranded in the Chick Fil A parking lot til 10pm one night with all 4 kids, one being barely 6 months old and having no more bottles, we choose to never go to Fayetteville or out of town unless I knew Allen could come and help us if something happened.

So we started to pray for a reliable vehicle. We prayed Romans 13:8, that we could find a vehicle without going into debt. Allen called and there was a suburban in Springdale. 3 seats, rear air and they wanted $2000.00. But we didn’t have $2000.00 so we continued to pray. Then the guy said he would possibly take a trade in on the van. So we were getting closer, the van while not running well, still wasn’t that old. But even a $1000 difference was not attainable. As the next couple of weeks came, the panic that the suburban might be gone was tempting to go ahead and get it. The guy offered for Allen to work off the difference. Then early one Tuesday morning a call came in looking for Allen to come by and talk. A friend was here for our prayer meeting when Allen came home crying. I was so scared when I saw his tears as I’ve only seen them twice before. He handed over some money. As I started counting it there was $620.00. $620.00! Allen shared how this man had called him in and shared how our family had been on his heart. My friend asked if we had been praying for anything financial. Yes. The suburban. Allen called to ask if the guys mechanic would check it over as we just couldn’t get something that was going to need work. We got the word that all was ok with the vehicle. The guy even brought it to Siloam for us. And when he left, he decided he didn’t need the van. Then we were looking through the glove box and found a bill. The guy had the air conditioning fixed for us $788.00. It has been a tremendous blessing to be able to go to Aldi’s, the library, the Dr’s, the grocery store without that fear of if we’ll be walking home. I’m even taking some cake decorating classes in Springdale, something I’ve wanted to do for years in hopes of blessing my kids and possibly bringing in some extra income if that is God’s will. Every time I’ve went anywhere I can’t help but say a prayer of thanks for the men that made this happen and for God’s provision and love.

Since this loss, I have seen a growth and desire for the Lord soften my husband and seen his light shine brighter than ever as he too has seen the love of God pour out on our family. I have taken on the office position to help Allen out. While I had always resisted taking this on fully and only offering to do the paperwork, I’m thankful and honored to be working with him. This is the way it always should have been. I didn’t think I could handle more. To be schooling the kids and still have a toddler running around then to add answering the phones and scheduling the appointments, ordering and doing bookwork too. On paper it doesn’t work out at all, but God has given me strength and balance than I never knew possible. I remember someone saying once, there is only enough time in the day to accomplish all God has in store for you. I believe that God is pleased that Allen and I are working together when just a couple of months ago there was the possibility of us not even living together. We all have gained a “tent” mindset. We had placed our security in our home and rather than in the One who was providing it. This life is all temporal and the pruning was for our best to grow our character and faith.

It is all still very emotional and I still tear up each time I think of all that was given to us and how undeserving we truly are. We had always thought of our “church” as the one we attended on Sundays. But we saw the words of the Lord come to life as He wants the church to be.

Romans 12: 4-8
“Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these embers do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.”

Thank you. Thank you for blessing our family. By each of you following the promptings of the Lord on your heart, you ministered to our family in a way that has changed our lives.

Where O Where

is that camera cord at? I refuse to post all these funny, but not hilarious without the photos, life events!

"The Other Book"

So in addition to the IBLP study I'm doing, I currently switch off with Raising Godly Tomatoes and another book. These are the questions for study this week from "the other book". Which I'm hesitant to list the Title so as not to confuse or set you up with preconceived ideas about the answers. Seek them out for yourself. I would love to hear any thoughts or comments.



1. Suppose it were possible to write to the original apostles, asking them about church life. Do you suppose they would answer back that they expected you to follow their examples regarding church practice or would they have encouraged you to follow a way of your own devising?



2. How can the axiom form follows function be applied to the way that the apostles first set up and organized churches?



3. What passages in the New Testament indicate whether there was a basic uniformity of practice in all New Testament churches or whether each was unique and different?



4. Jesus criticized the Pharisees for holding to their traditions but Paul praised the Corinthians for holding to his traditions. Why the difference?



5. Why is it important to make a distinction between apostolic tradition, as found within the New Testament, and the later tradition of the church fathers, as found in history? Which should be given preference? Why?



6. Mosaic law was paradigmatic in nature. How would the paradigmatic principle apply to commands in the New Testament to follow specific apostolic traditions?



7. How might Philippians 4:9 apply today with respect to the way that Paul organized churches?



8. What gave the apostles authority to establish patterns that all churches are obliged to follow?



9. What is the difference between holding to apostolic traditions and mindlessly copying everything seen in the New Testament (wearing sandals, writing on parchment, studying by oil lamps, dressing togas, etc.)?



10. Jesus washed His disciples' feet and the Jerusalem church practiced communalism. How can we determine what is and is not intended to be an apostolic tradition?



11. What are some of the apostolic traditions for church practice that are often neglected today?



12. What should we make of the fact that there is general scholarly consensus regarding the actual practice of the early church?



13. How, exactly, should today's church view New Testament patterns of church practice? Are the traditions of the apostles just interesting history or should they constitute some kind of normative church practice?



14. Some think it folly to try to recreate the "primitive" first-century church, since it was far from perfect. God expected His church to mature, to grow up, beyond the infancy state, they say. As much as anything, early believers are seen as examples of how not to function as a church. Besides, it is argued, it is impossible to behave exactly like the first-century Church since we no longer have the original apostles with us. How would you respond to this argument?



15. Why is historical church tradition often given preference over New Testament historical tradition?



16. Does the church you fellowship with give careful attention to New Testament patterns, ignore them almost totally, or select cafeteria style which apostolic examples will be followed? How do you feel about this?



There you have them. Just a little light reading and studying for this week. psh. Just so you know, I don't even know the meaning to some of these words, so I have a long haul in front of me.

How to Live a Life That's Not Boring

There truly is a book about this very subject. And probably there are many that would view our lives as boring and suggest I purchase the book straight away. And I understand and, but I'm ok with that. Just like I was ok with the fact that I heard that teenage girl comment today that she thought my shirt was ugly.

I wish I was better at documenting our lives with photos. I carry my camera with me, but rarely think "Oh, I'll take a picture!"

I joked recently that I have no social life at all any more. But this week I did, just not the social life I used to have and one that I doubt will impress anyone.


Monday was the 3rd night of our cake class and our final project is due this next week. I'm so nervous! There really isn't a pass or fail, or even a certificate...although I might print one up for myself. :) Just complete the class and hopefully not stink as badly as when you started.


Tuesday night I hit the town with my girlz. Or at least we went and got a cookie, (I had coffee) and sat in the fancy coffee place and chatted before covering every square inch of Wal-mart twice and the bathrooms three times.


Wednesday night a couple of us ladies got together for coffee, dessert and a mini makeover birthday party for a friend.


Thursday night I had late coffee with a friend. Wonderful, deep conversation.


(I'm seeing a normal addiction, um, I mean trend of coffee, but all the social dates are abnormal, honestly. Me even leaving the house, much less alone for something for me is quite an event. And if you are concerned about me leaving Allen out so much...the man just went hog hunting last weekend and left tonight to go fishing, so trust me, he's good.)


Friday night, we were invited to supper at a friend's house. I was honored and excited to go as I really have enjoyed each time I've gotten to spend with this gal, but life has got in the way and I admit, I am terrible at thinking I'm too busy to just stop to make fun plans versus sticking to the "to do" list.


I knew that her husband had to eat gluten free and was sure that we would get to try something new to us, but I was also confident in her cooking skills. However, I was not confident in my children's etiquette skills. So we went through the formalities of reminders.


"What do you do if you don't like the food?" I asked.


In bored unity they answered, "Eat it and say 'Thank you' ".


Then Gabby pipes up, "Just eat it and if it's really gross you can just vomit when you get home."


I'm glad to inform you that there was no need for vomiting to top off the evening. We had delicious corn bread muffins chicken enchiladas, peach chutney salsa and a spicy salsa. And not only is she a talented cook, this gal might just be the next HGTV star. This woman can decorate. And on a shoe string budget! Everywhere you looked in her house it reminded me of Pottery Barn, which she said is the secret to her success...their ideas in placement. Still...it takes talent.


Allen then went and finished an emergency after hours job, (which I was informed that I'm still booking him too much and to which I informed him that he is salaried and needs to make up for the winter hours.) Next dad loaded the older kids up at 9:30pm and took them to the Rodeo. Brian was so excited to sport his new UltraSuede Stetson Black Cowboy hat that I snatched up at a yard sale for a quarter earlier that day. And if you don't know how incredible of a deal that is, check this out.

Friday all day, had been a rather long, extremely hot day. The kids and I had hit the yard sales. A lot of them. We got some rather great deals. We had prayed before we left that we'd find some of the items on our "would like" list as well as our regular purchases list. I just recently read a good rule of thumb when looking at yard sales/thrift shops: Shoot for 90% less than the original price of the object.


My list of exciting finds (at least to me)

$1 a bag clothes - that had 1 pair of corduroy pants, 1 pair of camo pants, 2 pair of jeans, 1 of which were a brand new pair of wranglers (normally $14.95 new) all for Brian and a swimsuit for Gabby, 2 shirts for the girls to wear to the one room school house or dress up.

.50cent-new kids sprinkler that they have been playing in all afternoon. Can that replace bath time?

$1 - for a box of home interior jar candles some new and others only slightly used, to put back for winter

$5 - sofa cover in red, new. (this has been on our list for a long time, cushion covers are hard to wash!)

$2.50 JCPenny home collection drapes for the front room also in red and beige

$3.00 for an ottoman/coffee table/extra seating in the front room (in browns and red) and all of my red decorations were from different places and they all coordinate.

.75cents - 3 American Girl Books

$5.00 - working Singer Sewing Machine (this was a prayer request-Wendy has inspired me lately to at least attempt sewing again.)

$1.00 - 1 pair of boots for winter for Gabby and 2 pair of sandals for the girls

$4.00 - 1 wooden tee ball bat and 1 aluminum softball weapon, um I mean, bat

.25cents for the rooster rug that I've been eyeing at WalMart for 2 months.

$3.00 For a microscope to check out bugs and I'm sure blood at some point.

$3.00 for 3 pair of jeans for Makensie for next year. (They were even slims and still had the tags on them)

.50cents for a pair of winter boots for me, couldn't tell they've ever been worn.

$3 for 2, yes 2 bikes for Brian. We got the 2nd one for the tires to replace the ones on the 1st one. So Allen and him can have a little build-a-bike session.

$5.00 for over the toilet shelf and cabinet unit (also has been on our prayer list as there is little storage in the bathrooms) These were $78.00 at WalMart.

$2.00 for 2 Princess/Tinkerbell costumes for Halloween, um, Fall festival, for the girls

.25cents for a Tinkerbell tulip bucket for candy collection

$1.00 for Double H cowgirl boots THIS exact new pair for my budding horse enthusiast

$1.00 for new gymnastics's suit. It's ok to use this as a swimsuit, right?

$1.00 for Horse flannel blanket for Gabby.

.50cents for black dress shoes for Makensie. The crocks just weren't cutting it with the dresses any longer.

$10.00 for a small side table that matches my Bombay bedside tables and jewelry box.

$40.00 for an antique buffet for the kitchen (which I had only planned on spending $20, but my husband didn't follow the "say no thanks and walk away slowly to give them time to counter offer" plan.

$2.00 for a bookshelf, since Mr. "I can build that" hasn't

$1.00 on misc toys to keep the peace. People are so generous to actually give kids stuff, especially when kids say things like, "Can I have this?" or if something is marked 25 cents and a cute little person hands over a penny and walks on.

.25 cents on a gallon jug with the push tab for kids to help themselves.

$1.50 on 6, yes, 6! amazing square dance dresses that I plan to follow Wendy's instructions with the new sewing machine and make up some really cute aprons for self and Christmas gifts.

$2.00 for a giant electric roasting oven, in case I ever actually get to have Thanksgiving. I'm already thinking this item needs to find a new home and was not a sound thought out purchase.

$7.00 total for some wall and home decorations plus a shelf for the other bathroom and some gifts that I cannot disclose in case its for one of the three readers that visit this site. :)

$5.00 for 31 books, most are Scholastics, some came with tapes, some are read alouds, 1 is a complete curriculum for 1st grade, several chapter books and several devotional books. The book "Captivating" which was on my wish list. And is a picture book of Claude Monet (one of the girls' favorite artists)

.25cents for a multiplication toy/workboard

$1.00 for a life jacket for Wyatt - or Kathryn whenever she needs

$2.00 for a sheet set and 2 pillow cases, they look brand new. Don't even ask why we need a spare set of sheets...you'll get an earfull of frustration.



All in total: $117.25. All for less than the cost of a mediocre sewing machine. I admit that's a lot of money for yard sales. But I'm still very pleased. Allen called it my little bonus for helping him so much lately.

Total estimated value if it were all bought new: $4069.01 and I didn't have to pay tax which would have been another $366.21, or shipping costs ...

I used to go to sales all the time and then got addicted, and now remember why. So for the past 2 summers I only went one day each summer. I'll be starting my 12 step program for yard saleaholics next Friday.

And There Was Evening and There Was Morning

Why did God say it that way? I had personally always thought of the evening as the end to the day. Time to unwind and reflect. Some days to cry and just breathe. Sometimes to just fall in bed spent or veg out in front of the TV. However, it appears that God designed our days to begin in the evening. Why would He do that? Why does it matter?

I have heard it said "we don't get up on the wrong side of the bed, we go to bed on the wrong side." Quilty as charged. I can survive on less sleep than 8 hours and feel good and so I push the limit, to 7, 6, sometimes 5 hours or less if there is a lot to do. But that sets the mood for me getting grumpy and tired and not thinking clearly the next day. But if I know what I've got going on, do my prep work, have my game plan, think over my goals, go to bed at a decent hour so I can get up and started on time, the next day always seems to go smoother. But I'm not the quickest student and haven't been 100% consistent with this.

Another challenge with this IBLP study was to go to bed meditating on the scripture, praying for wisdom for areas of concern and repenting for a clean heart so that you would have a clean head as you laid in upon your pillow.

Why would it make a difference? Psalms 16:7 tells us, "I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons." God can talk with us and give us insight and direct us even in our dreams. Maybe because this is when we are actually quiet enough to listen. When we meditate on His word, we gain wisdom and just as Prov 8:12 says, "I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions." So if you need a solution to a problem, repent, pray about it before bed and truly contemplate the scriptures. See if you don't awake with an answer or idea.

Psalms 119:130 "The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple." The word of God brings light to darkness. It is a path unto our feet. The more we read the more we understand. The more we focus on it the more we comprehend. God Himself in Spirit can teach us.

I pray you have a great day tomorrow by having a great night tonight.