FaithFulness

I knew I had a busy day ahead of me. Gym class in the morning for 2 of my kids and another one had to be dropped off at a science field trip. I had 1 hour to kill in between both followed up by a bridal shower for the cutest couple getting married this Friday at my church and then topped off with my Revelation bible study. So, tuesday night as hubby and I sat in bed and watched the late night news, I didn't know what to do. The weather forecasted for wednesday was treacherous! 3 to 5 inches of rain falling in less than 12 hours... Um, that's ALOT! Flash flood warnings and river warnings were already in effect. All I could think about was hauling 6 kids in and out of the downpours all day long. Wet pants, cold shivers and soggy shoes make me cringe. I knew I had to pray. Only God could help me out of this one. I usually stay home in bad weather. Even the kids know that. But I just had to go to this shower Wednesday night.

I canceled the field trip and gym class much to my kids sadness. I prayed thru the day that this massive rain would cease! By noon (when I would have been out picking up kids) The water began to fall. I was happy to be indoors. We watched as on and off showers pounded on our windows.

The kids kept checking to see if it would lighten up. Nothing makes my heart swell with happiness than seeing my kids just begging to go to church. Too sweet for words.

I pretty much gave up for a few hours but then the rain lightened up to a slow steady. I figured, if it stayed this way then we could possibly pack up our van and head down. The streets would not be too flooded... hopefully!! I prepared as if we were going. Dinner in the oven by 3:45, hair done, socks and shoes put on and jammies laid out for when we returned home. Bags packed, diapers changed... and table set for dinner. We were ON schedule. Once we sat down to eat our meal (which I allotted 15 minutes for) Molly began to say Grace. I had asked her to also pray for God to hold back the rain for us so we could gather in His house for the shower and bible study.

The rain still stayed steady. Not too bad. We rushed and loaded up the van and pulled out of our driveway exactly 1 minute behind schedule. (for anyone that knows me, that in itself is a MIRACLE!!) We only got lightly rained on. Enough for it to not even phase me or get my perfectly wrapped Leopard bridal gift ruined. ( Isn't it so pretty!)

Chatter, music, songs, loud weird noises all emerged for our 20 minute carride. As we stopped at the top of the hill right before our church, I noticed something... I yelled out in delight...

"MOLLY LOOK! GOD ANSWERED YOUR PRAYER FROM DINNER. I HAVE NOT USED THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS SINCE WE PULLED OUT OF OUR DRIVEWAY."

We were so busily happy driving to church that we almost missed our coveted answer to prayer. We all cheered and were so happy. We also got a FRONT parking space... which is another miracle as our parking lot is very hilly and always full.

We were able to attend the lovely shower and see the precious couple open all their gifts. Now, our church has 2... TWO buildings which requires me to walk outside and drop some off here and some off there... which was another reason I stay home on rainy days.

But when I walked outside to drop off AND 2 hours later when I went to walk outside to pick up, the night was beautiful and not one drop of rain fell on my skin. As I walked thru the night I quietly Thanked God for His amazing attention to detail. MY INSIGNIFICANT detail. When so much hurt and evil and heartache is rising up before Him, He STILL answers my little meaningless prayer. Tonight, He was sooo faithful to me. As always. He taught my children of His faithfulness. He taught me more about faithfulness and a beautiful young couple was blessed by so many gifts because the weather let up and people came!... He works ALL things out for good.

Tuesday night the rain bands headed our way from the gulf were practically historic. Rain starting from the wee hours of Tuesday night till Thursday morning were expected.  Thunder, possible tornadoes and up to 5 inches of rain in some areas... But God saw fit that we make it to church...

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Romans 8:28

Just A Spoonful Of Sugar....

Have you ever thought about that spoonful of sugar you place in your coffee every day? Or the bag of sugar in your pantry that you make sweet treats for your family with?

Well, neither did I. Every morning I get a small teasponn out of this cute container and stir it in my cup and begin my day without a thought beyond.

Last Sunday, while in church, I was blessed to be able to hear a 5 minute testimony from the missionary Freddy Cooper. Him and his wife Paula are missionaries in The Dominican Republic and Haiti.

They briefly shared the truth behind the slavery that takes place in the sugar fields. Men and women forced to work 16 hour days cutting the sugar cane with macheties. Cildren as young as 5 or 6 are also handling these razor sharp tools and forced to work as well. 7 days a week for about $3 a week. They have little food, contaminated water and no medical care. Many of these dear souls cut and injure themselves on the job but nothing is done to help them.

After a touching video presentation, He asked us if we ever thought about where our sugar came from? He asked us to say a prayer for those people and for the missionaries who are going there to help them and bring them the gospel every time we spooned sugar in our coffee.

Since last Sunday morning when I heard this, I have not been able to look at sugar the same. Prayers go up whenever I spoon that white sweet grain in my hot cup and I also Thank the Lord for being free.

So, today I ask you.... where does your sugar come from???

Segregation

Growing up as a public-school kid I was fascinated with history. Mainly Ancient Civilization. Egypt, Rome, The Greeks. I loved it all. I participated in the Greek Olympics and proudly wore my toga thru the school gym as a Spartan!

I made Egyptian Jewelry for my social studies project and spent most of my time at the Metropolitan Museum Of Art in the Pyramid and Mummy halls. Amazing!!

I learned all their was to know (at that age of coarse) and I was happy!!

I also grew up as a Sunday School girl. A Missionette!! (FOR JESUS!) My chart was filled with stickers for memorizing my Sunday School verses, I knew all the New Testament stories and had the ABC'S of salvation down pat!

Fast-forward many years and my mind is still segregated. World history over here and biblical history over there.

After church yesterday, Hubby sat down to watch a documentary on the egyptian pyramids and the Shpinx. I half watched as I surfed the net. I heard all these scientists babble about how amazing the structures were, who made them and how!!!

A few years back something so simple dawned on me!!! The Hebrew slaves, the ones who Moses delivered all those years ago, were the ones responsible for those ancient wonders!... in my eyes at least.

I began doing some research as this documentary continued. Exodus never names specifically what Pharaoh was in place during the great Exodus nor does it give us a specific year, but thanks to a few books ahead (and before) times are listed and timelines can be made.

My research took me all over and right before my eyes, my public history lessons and my sunday school lessons collided. The two became one! It was amazing.

Perhaps this is not as profound to most people. But for me, the angels sang. For 15 years I have segregated the two. Never making the connections of where the bible stories and the school lessons would intertwine. No one told me, no one mentioned that possibly during Caesars " E to Brutus" moments, Paul.. the greatest missionary of all times was in the middle of writing his letters.

I never made the connection of the Hebrews building the great pyramids. Bible time lines and secular time lines begin to slowly interweave.

On skype last night with my cousins (who happen to be visiting my sissy-Cindy-lu in NY0 our topic turned to just this. My cousin's wife (a TRUE homeschool scholar) began rattling off countless forms of information to me. Where both sets of history collide and why/where are the records.

Im on a mission. Im going to stop the segregation of world history. My journey begins today. Whenever I can, I will research. I will be buying books and studying timelines.

In 2 weeks my girls start a new History subject! The Ancient World... how convenient. I plan on learning right along with them, soaking in everything these Christian educators have to say.

My children will not have a segregated view of history as I knew it anymore!

I am excited to uncover "secrets."

I will be hanging timelines and world maps on our walls.

Dvds will be watched and studied.

Can you feel the excitement?

Records on the Old testament will be slim as paper was just being invented over in China during certain times (thanks again Alicia) but I will do my best to learn everything I can. Perhaps I will become a walking history buff. We homeschool, so we can all join in on the fun.

Reason # 73976 of why I love homeschooling my kids....

The Family Table, Psalm 128

How important is The Family Table?

Recently I have taken an interest in the family dynamics and how they relate to shaping our culture. Better yet, how they COMPLETELY shape our culture. In our itunes library, we have a great audio message by Doug Phillips called "The Family Table." What an amazing 45 minutes. What seems like just a place to eat our vegetables and balance our checkbooks actually is the key to defining family culture. Especially Christian family culture.

Did you know the table was patterned by Christ through the bible? Doug Phillips explains how the table... your table is the center of peace, instruction, hospitality, discipleship, and cultural transformation.

It was at the table where we were given our first communion and where Christ broke bread. We in turn gather with our families and break bread with them.

In Psalm 128 we read about the gathering of the table and who is to be seated there... The righteous man, his wife, who is the fruitful vine and the sons... like olive shoots. Olive shoots.... did you know that olive shoots were highly sought after in a Hebrew economy? The bible compares children as highly sought after jewels. Blessed is the man who has them...

The knowledge this man pours forth is amazing. Too much to ever include in one post.

We have one precious table in our home. It was our dream to have a big one. So far ours seats 8, but we have squeezed 12. We are never limited. There is always room.

Our table is the center of our home.

Its where we laugh, where we gather to talk, where we teach, where we play and at times where we cry. Each chair has a story. We have welcomed many many people at its side in the couple of years we have owned it.

In the center sits our big red cast iron pot filled with delicious warm food I cooked on my stove. Its used every day.

Every meal is eaten together at this table. Hubby at the head, children gathered at its side and myself on the other end.

All are welcome. We discuss our day and share our souls. The table is our heart.

During the day, we school on it. We learn, we study and we write. What better place than learning at our heart?

I would not have it any other way.

Our table remains the center point in our home. Its worn and a bit stained. Its comfortable. I don't wish for another. 2 tables do not excite me. I love my one.It defines OUR Christian culture. It defines OUR family. Its where dreams and hopes are shared. Its where we break our bread.

How do you define your table?

Luke 6:45

Our words tell who we are...

The expression on your face shows what is in your heart...

Your face is the greatest witness you have...

Your face tells others who Jesus is...

"The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks...."

Who Is Your "Rabbi?"

Last night I braved the frigid temps and went to my connect group at the church. Im so glad I did. Not only did I walk away with amazing insight into "my rabbi" (Jesus). But we dined on 3 different home made soups, sandwiches, biscuits and CHEESECAKE!!!! ( much to your confusion, I do not attend this group for the food alone. Hee hee)

We have been watching this video series by Rob Bell called Nooma. Gapboy and I are longtime fans of Rob. We have his books and have done some of his series before.

In our dvd session, Rob explained exactly what a Rabbi was and the devotion it takes to become one... and an even stronger devotion to become a disciple.

During 1st century Jewish culture, around the age of 5 years old. Jewish boys went to school to study the Torah. A quick explanation... the 1st 5 books of the bible which was the focus of their educational system.)

By the time they are 10, the first part of school was over, by this time they had the entire Torah studied and memorized!!! WOW!

Most boys began learning the family business, thus ending their education but the best continued on to the 2nd part of school where they studied and memorized the entire Hebrew bible. Genesis-Malachi.

If you were the best of the best of the best, you then went to a rabbi and asked to be his disciple. Which means, you devote your entire life to him. Study his interpretations of the Torah, his ways, his life. You left your family, your home and your city to now follow your Rabbi. BUT only if the Rabbi thought you were good enough.

If you passed his own tests and he found you worthy, he would tell you to "Come, follow me..."

Thus, your discipleship had started.

Looking into Matthew, we read the start of Jesus's ministry. The calling of the first Disciples... With this bit of knowledge I just learned, the story in Matthew 5:18-22 takes a whole different turn.

These men he called were young. They were not in school meaning they were not the best and far from the best of the best. James and John were with their father...learning the family trade... fishing. They too were very young and not good enough for any rabbi. But here comes Jesus. The most holy Rabbi of them all. He saw these men and in His eyes, they were perfect. He CHOSE them. He said those most coveted words any Jewish man wants to here from any Rabbi....

" Come, Follow me...."

Upon hearing those words, they dropped their nets and "Immediately left their boat and father and followed Him..."

Wow!

I have heard this story a million times growing up. I sang the songs, acted out the story and taught it to my 3 year olds many times. But now, I can say, I truly understand the story.

Jesus could have picked anyone. He could have walked straight to the temple and picked the best of the best. He chose a different path. He chose every day people. Imperfect people. He chose you and me... with faults and failures and sin and blemishes (and big mouths =/) because He KNEW we could do it. He knew we had what it takes to do His work.

At the end of the study, we were asked this simple question.

" Are you a disciple?"

Again... wow... by the biblical definition?? Sadly, Im not sure. To have that devotion, to leave everything behind, to take that yoke and see one way. I want to say YES!

I struggle to read thru the entire bible in one year. I am challenged to make sure we get to church on time. I, in no way, have the first 5 books memorized. But God in His infinite wisdom already chose me and knew I can answer the call.

As I start a fresh week and a great New Year, I hope to truly become a disciple of Christ. Its a challenge, but one Im excited to take the challenge. Are you a disciple?

Happy New Year

Last night we welcomed in a new year along with a new decade. For the first time ever, my Hannah Banana actually stayed up (barely) to watch Dick Clarks Rockin-New Years Eve ball drop in Times Square. For years past my poor 2nd born would fall asleep on the couch just minutes before the big moment. We would try and wake her but to no avail, she was exhausted.

Before that big moment, We all had our favorite dinner (tacos) decorated the house with streamers and hats and headed out the door. After sparklers, blow horns and echoing screams, the littles went to bed and the 4 of us had some great family time together.

Now that the first day of the New Year has almost come to a close, I will formally list my resolutions. These are things I have been thinking about alot the last week. Some are silly and pretty cliche, others are dear to my heart and I share them with you as another motivational tool to make them happen.

1) Lose those annoying last 10 pounds that have been following me all thru the town!

2) Sift thru my home and organize to the fullest. Not just clean. I have the deepest desire to go beyond normal day to day clearing and really make sure every little thing has its perfect place. I want to go beyond plastic storage bins and invest in decorative boxes, baskets, fabric bins and even a custom label maker. Hobby Lobby will be my newest and dearest bestie. Coordinating correspondence stationary with matching push pins, photo holder, letter opener, note pad, folders weekly calendar and mouse pad. (some of which I already have) My dearest hubby bought me more shelves for the garage and a nice 4 drawer filing cabinet. I can't wait!! Every closet, every corner, every cabinet will have a make-eovr. I already started in the kitchen and the downstairs LV room closet. What a difference that has made!

3) Every year my church publishes a bible reading plan book. If done according to the calendar and their scriptures, I would have read the entire bible in one year!! Every year I try and every year I fail. This will not be another year I let it slip away from me. With my organization resolution and with new order and scheduling taking place in my home, I am determined to read each and every day. I look forward to the wonderful plans God has in store for me thru this new goal.

4) Continue to be an even better help-meet to my husband and loving mother to my children. My 2 favorite books will remain on my nightstand and will be picked up often when I need encouragement and ideas. Understanding our full roles that God gave us enriches our lives more than we will ever know.

5) Let go and let God.

For my faithful readers, you all know the struggles I have had the past 2 years trying to conceive and keeping my pregnancies. It has not been an easy road... especially when friends and acquaintances have come and gone along the pregnancy road. They welcome their babies with such ease. Its hard to remain hopeful sometimes. Its hard to accept reality. Its just plain hard.

I want to leave all that behind. Its such bondage. It takes effort to feel that way and sucks the smile right off of my face. I hope and pray that this year will change. Not just in a successful pregnancy but in just an overall attitude. Gapboy and I will leave our family planning up to God. We don't use any forms of prevention but are well versed in ourselves to know when is good and when is bad.

I pray I can leave all emotions at Jesus's feet and be completely satisfied with His provisions...whatever they may be. I pray I can wait in faith. Peacefully. I pray that no matter the outcome, my heart will be healed. I pray for God to completely handle this situation.100%. I can't handle it on my own. I don't even know what to pray for anymore... its time to hand it over. It won't be easy but thats why its a resolution. It might take all year to accomplish but I will give it my all.

6) FINALLY finish decorating my beloved Little Red House... but then again... are we ever done decorating ;) I hope not!

My list is not long but it is meaningful. A year that will not be wasted. A year that will not find me wondering where the time went. Every moment is precious and every moment needs to be used for good. I pray I can make that happen, even when I have bad days, a messy house and unruly children. Tomorrow is a new day and order can always be restored.!

XoxoGapGirl

He's NO King Xerxes...

I have been finding out that my bad school girl habits have somehow lingered and found me in my adult years. Back in my college days, I spent my classes half listening, waiting for the last minute to do my work (except for my art classes) and then spending one night cramming a semesters worth of learning during an all nighter.

Fastforward time about (gulp) 13 years and here I am, in a great bible Study in my church, behind on my work. Last night, after a very compelling dvd lesson in my sunday school class, I decided it was time to play catch up! I sat on the couch with book and bible in hand and dug in. The information was amazing, and I realized I was the one who was gypping myself for letting this study slip thru my fingers.

I studied The Book of Esther and the contest for queen. My thoughts came to the show The Bachelor and how similar it was!

Hundreds of girls competing for one man, sharing one man and being nothing more than a pretty face.

Once she was chosen Queen, she went months without being in the Kings presence. How horrible.

We ended our lesson yesterday chatting about how empty their relationship was. She had to be called to him and often went months without seeing him... knowing full well, he was with other women.

It made me so thankful for the relationships of today. For MY relationship. For my Gapboy who loves me and actually wants to spend his days with me. I can go to him whenever I want. I don't need an invitation.

Many years ago, I received an Emilie Barnes book called "more hours in my day..." as a Christmas gift. At first, I tossed it aside. I hate organization and cleaning books. But this one caught my attention. I picked it up and read it straight thru in 3 days. It was amazing. Emilie touched my heart in many of her stories.

In one chapter, she talks about how to welcome husbands home. She recommends dropping everything and giving him a welcome home hug, kiss and cheers from the kids... every day! Most women would scoff at this advice. But not me! As Emilie said, He comes home to YOU every day after working hard. He doesn't have to. There are many other places he can go and other women who would be happy to welcome him into their arms, but he chooses YOU! So welcome him and show him you love him.

That is something I have been doing since my Emma was little. When hubby pulls down the block, cheers erupt in our home. The pitter patter of little feet echo thru our foyer and our front yard is flooded with kids of all ages. Daddy waves and smiles and the babies pound on his work truck until the door opens. The whole house breathes a relaxing sigh... Daddy is home!

Yesterday, I spent my day reflecting on the fact that my husband was NO King Xerxes. I thank God, I am no Queen.

I am simply me, with my Gapboy and together we are Thankful for each other.

FYI

Todays Esther Lesson was about how sometimes God leads us out in the "wilderness.." We sometimes think He is crazy and doesn't know what He is doing. (how silly of us) But while we are roaming and trusting, He is doing NEW THINGS. We shared testimonies and read Isaiah 43:18-19. Please take a moment to read it!!!
In service I heard a new worship song and fell in love. It perhaps is not new, but was new to my ears. When I got home, I looked it up and really listened to the words. God is amazing. How He ties all things together. I added it to my playlist. Its called "The Desert Song" by Hillsong. I declared it my "Morning song..." A song I will sing in the morning to prepare for an unknown day ahead of me.
But makes me wonder... is God trying to tell me something? Is He leading me to the "wilderness" for a bit.. perhaps a time in the "Desert??" Yikes, I pray not.... but if He does... I will be READY!
Scroll down and take a listen and then go look up those verses. You won't be dissappointed. I promise.
XoxoGapGirl

Emma

Last week my firstborn decided to follow in her sister's footsteps and get baptized! She was so nervous but knew it was something she wanted to do. Together, we stood behind the tank up in the wall of our church and giggled and whispered. I promised her it would be quick and after we would celebrate with chocolate cake!!!

I was so proud of her when Pastor Jimmy (her youth pastor) dunked her under. She did it!! What a good little follower of Christ. My heart beamed with pride. Its moments like these that make motherhood indescribable.

Our Thoughts On Halloween

Tomorrow is that dreaded day of the year for us. HALLOWEEN. Im not dreading it for reasons you might think... but for reasons that have never quite been solidified. Im sure as a christian mommy, I am not the only one that has really struggled with this holiday. Please tell me I am not the only one!!!
For years we have gone back and forth on what we should do. We hated Halloween and everything it stands for but in a childs eye its just a day to get candy.
I have heard the arguments before. Pagan this and Devil that. I have argued the points on the Christmas tree and where that originated. Some years I have let the kids dress up and some years I have not.
Once our church started to have a Halloween alternative, the pressure was off! No costumes, pure christian fun. It gave the kids something to do and parents a small reprieve from the sad eyes looking out the windows.
Once we moved and changed churches, they too had a Halloween alternative but with costumes. Oh what to do. There I was, going back and forth, having to change what we have grown used to for so many years.
After much thinking this year, ( and some solid words from Hubby) our decision was finalized. Having older children helped the process along.
I explained to our kids that we will go to church and enjoy all the fun and excitement they will have for us but we will not be dressing up.
"Why why why why why..." echoed in our home.
I explained to them that people who dress up as demons and ghosts and goblins, witches, devils and dead people don't realize the real evil that exists in todays world. I explained how I didn't think glorifying someone who will be spending eternity in hell is fun. They all stayed quiet. They know how important salvation is. We have talked about what happens to people who die and are not saved.
A few days later, Emma had a guest speaker in youth group. It was a fun night, another church came, pizza and soda was served after and Emma got to mingle with some kids from camp that she has not seen since the summer. On the way home , her little voice echoed from the back of the van...
"Mom, can I talk to you about something later? They talked about things in youth that scared me..."
"ok, no problem. Lets just get everyone in bed first..."
My curiosity was exploding! I could not throw those littles under their covers fast enough.
Once the house was settled, hubby and I gave her our full attention.
" The youth pastor was telling us about a girl who was demon possessed...."
She began to tell the story and ask how it happened. Can it happen? To anyone? How real is it? Is the devil around all the time? What are demons? How many are they? Can they ever repent and become christians? Do they realize what hell is??
The questions kept flowing and I tried to answer as best as I could. Her eyes were wide as I tried to be as honest as I could. She was old enough to know most things about the spiritual world.
As our conversation ended I re-iterated how she is protected because she is a child of God. She has His covering as promised in the bible but to keep it, she has to remain close to Him.
As I walked her toward the stairs and off to bed I asked her this simple question...
"Em, now do you kinda understand why Mommy and Daddy don't think Halloween is a great holiday to celebrate? Even though it appears to be fun and great?
"Yes, I get it now..."
We kissed and hugged and off to bed she went.
That was an amazing moment. A brief understanding into each others world. She got it! She understood.
I plan on researching more about Halloween and why its not comparable to the Christmas holiday. An argument thats brought up so many times. For me, even if the Christmas tree came from pagan origin, We still worship the KING OF KINGS ON HIS BIRTHDAY. Who are people glorifying on Halloween? Certainly not Christ.
For me that is the only reason I need.

Prayer...

I was in church one sunday morning when a dear friend of the family and my Sunday School teacher handed me a pink envelope before sitting in her pew. I was very pregnant with Abigail, so as worship started and everyone began to rise and sing, I opted to remain seated while I opened the letter. As my eyes read each word, tears started streaming down my face. The letter was written about my grandmother who had passed away years earlier. This woman and my grandmother were friends for many years. Thinking back, as a little girl, I remembered seeing her occasionally at my Mama's house.

She described to me what an amazing woman my grandmother was and how her favorite scripture was 3 John 4

" I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth."

I continued to read as she wrote how it was a privilege to be able to teach her granddaughter (me) and how proud my Mama would be if she were able to see from heaven the woman I have become and the family I have.

I never knew my grandmother as an adult. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer's when I was 12 years old and rapidly declined from there.

I was so moved from that letter that I had to remove myself from service to get my bearings. This was the first time I have cried about my Mama since her death in 1999.

That verse has stayed with me since. As I was filling out this years homeschool goals for each of my children, this verse was what came to mind. No matter what I teach them, how many fractions they simplify or antonyms they can think of... none of these matters more than their eternal destiny. This is my goal. This is my hope for them as I teach them this year.

Im committing my children to prayer. That their eyes are opened. That they see God for who He is and they have a relationship with Him.

My prayer for them in all they do is to display the character qualities we study in every day life. That their joyful attitude and selflessness displays the love of Christ.

My prayer for them this year is to grow closer to Jesus and to realize that the world is so much bigger than them and the latest Wii game.

My prayer for them is that they will hide Gods word in their heart. Let it be something that NO ONE can ever take away from them. May it be something they think about during the day and sing about at night.

My prayer for them is to be certain that no matter what this life brings thru the years, no matter what happens, we will all be together again in Heaven.

This is my prayer.

Just Reflecting

Every time I turn on the news, read the paper or browse the internet I am bombarded with grim news. Last night was no exception. After a wonderful time celebrating the Mpact moving-up ceremony and feasting on cake with fellow believers and friends , we hurried home and tucked the kids in bed. The news was on and so was Aol. Latest news was read. My eyes and ears could not believe what was before them.

This comes as no surprise. To anyone with any biblical knowledge, know the events that must unfold... whether or not they choose to believe. How close it was at hand was what really hit home. A few years? If that? Guns being found in elementary school? Our health being handed over on a platter? Being forced to vaccinate or lose your job?? On vaccines that are not even done with testing? Laws are being placed into effect without our knowledge and when we finally get the "memo" its too late. The list goes on and on. Perhaps this was Gods way of knocking on my heart and telling me to get ready. Prepare our hearts and continue building our foundation.

I was chatting with a non-homeschooling friend a few weeks ago and we were discussing whether certain people feel that every Christian should homeschool or not. I have always stood on the grounds of..."its a personal choice..." its a calling from God and should not be done without His leading. As the world rapidly shifts so has my thinking. Last night as I prayed and thanked God that Homeschoolers still have this freedom, I realized that perhaps we should not wait for God to call us to home school. Perhaps we need to seek Him on this subject. Maybe us moms need to step forth in faith... as us home schoolers know, faith is needed in heavy doses. See, the world has blocked so much of our way to Him. So much muck and grime has slipped into our paths of us Christians that we sometimes don't know a clear line of Christian vs. worldly doctrine.

I started letting fear fill me last night. 100 scenarios filled my heads, all pertaining to my precious children. For one of the first times in my life, I lifted my head and asked the Lord to rapture us real soon....

I opened my bible knowing the only one that can calm my fears and ease my anxiety is Him. I would love to write that God led me right to this amazing prophetic verse... but He did not. Instead I "stumbled" across the life of Paul... an all to familiar missionary. I skimmed thru his letters and read about his persecutions and imprisonments... all due to his faith.

"Oh Lord" I prayed..." Im way to weak to ever go thru what Paul went thru... just take us now and guarantee our place..."

It was a cowards prayer but a truthful one, after all, God already knows what im thinking anyway.

I got too tired to even hold the book and had the most restful slumber. I dreamed of shopping (seriously) and for all of you that know me, know, God could not have placed me in a more peaceful sleep than that!! =)

This morning I felt lighter. "Joy comes in the morning..." as promised. I still was not happy about our current situation but knew I would have to pray it thru.

As I was doing the dishes and discussing our day with the kids, I (not so happily) reminded Hannah that her bible verse MUST be memorized by the end of the week. I write a new one on the board every sunday night from her list of "Must learn" for Mpact. I pick them in no certain order.

I glanced over at the board again and there it was. My answer to prayer.... in my own handwriting from 4 days ago... Its from the "End-Times" unit. I read it and smiled. God is so Good.

The very verse I needed for the exact reasons of why I was fearful was on my board in big bold letters... It was as good as if God had hand written it himself. Click on the picture, maki it bigger and read for yourself. Isn't God amazing????

Cool Temperatures.

Today is a perfect fall day. We are taking full advantage of the cool temperatures and cloudy day. We rode bikes, took walks and ran barefoot thru the tall grass... (that needs to be mowed) I know the fall is still some ways away and the heat will return but until then we will pretend its fall.
As I was pulling my 2 little ones in their wagon while Molly rode her bike next to me my thoughts began to wander to a different type of temperature... Spiritual temperature. I glanced at my little Red House in the distance and wondered what the spiritual temperature was in my home.
It looks so welcoming on the outside. Vines growing up and around my front porch. Fresh blooms of all color greet you at the door, and a family quilt is there for you to snuggle with on the front porch. What about when you stepped inside? Can my guests feel Christ? Can they sense their is something special about our home compared to others?
Does my kitchen table tell a story? Do those I welcome, and those that live here feel God present even in the small things served?
It got me thinking that perhaps I need to raise my thermostat. Not just for my newcomers but for the very special people that I serve every day. Christ came to serve not to be served. That is exactly the example we need to follow. Without grumbling, without whining and without (gulp) yelling.
So as of today I will adjust the spiritual temperature in my Little Red House. Tonight I will re-read Jesus's perfect example and pray I can exhibit just a trace of His goodness. I have tried not to yell... something that is shamefully a constant reminder for me...
and I will pray for grace... lots and lots of grace...

Conversations At His Best...

Im having an amazing conversation with a 17 year old girl telling me her calling from God to go to China for missions. She will be leaving in the spring to help a friend with missions work in the mountains of Tibet. When her time is up, she will attend a bible college up north that was specially picked by her.Her major? World Missions. The #1 priority... her spiritual life. She wanted a school that focused on her relationship with the Lord just as much as her grades. Her relationship with God takes priority over dating.
I have heard her talk this way before over the last few years but had to pick her brain.
"How are you like this in such a boy-crazy world... please tell me your secret as I have 4 girls..."
Her response was quick. She knew why and didn't even need to pause...
" Because I see what dating does to people... I see how it messes with your life.I see the broken relationships and I don't want that.
WOW. Amazing! I will end this blog so I can hear more, I want to know her whole story.
As she leaves to do Gods work we will pray. We will add her picture to our wall and look forward to her visits. We want to hear what God is doing on the other side of the world.
We look forward to hosting a missionary in our home in the future... but not just a missionary but a friend!!! A girl we saw grow up to preach the gospel to every creature...

A Few Things I Still Strongly Believe In...

*Prayer

* Wearing your Sunday Best To Church

*Going To Church On Sunday

* HANDWRITTEN Thank You notes

*Hostess gifts

*Saying Grace before dinner, no matter who is dining with us!

* Introductions

*Prayer

*Holding doors open for others

*Please, Thank you and everything in between

*Social Graces

*Traditions

*Family meals

*Prayer

*Dating your husband

*Wearing your wedding rings

*Having your husband lead

*Hospitality,Hospitality Hospitality

Just some things I have been thinking about....

Ruth 101

Tonight I spent the night with my Ruth girls. A name we came up with together based on our unique backgrounds and the one thing that brought us together. Much like the biblical Ruth and Naomi, we will stay with each other thru the good times and the bad times.

We are a small group of girls from all different parts of the country and different walks of life. We were brought together from a vision and God slowly weeded us thin. We see now how great that weeding was and have remained united ever since.

When we get together it is a safe place. A place to cry and laugh. A place to pray together. A place that your understood.

We don't have a secret handshake but we have an unspoken tie.

Tonight was special. This time all of us were together!! A first for us! A silly night was in order. Just a few hours to forget the cares of this hard world and remember what it was like to giggle and sneak around in the dark.

As always yummy treats are shared, secrets are learned and time flies by all too quickly.

It was a great night. I truly love my Ruths....

Today my Hannah Banana was baptized in the morning service. We believe that baptism by water is a personal choice. A choice personally made by oneself to become a Christ follower and be born again. This can't be done as babies, the decision can't be made for you. Only you can decide to become a follower of Jesus.

Hannah has been wanting to be baptized for a long time. She came to me and said very boldly that she wanted to be baptized and she wanted it done when her Nana and Aunts were here visiting. She was determined and made sure I had talked to the pastors.

All weekend I was nervous for her... and excited too... but she was as cool as could be, confident in her decision and focused on the task at hand.

A few weeks prior, we had discussed what baptized meant. Even Jesus... God's son was baptized. We read the chapter in the New Testament and discussed it at dinner. Baptism is a choice and Jesus was put on this earth for a reason, He had a destiny. He had free will and chose to be baptized and to follow God. Now my Banana had done the same thing.

I got the privilege to walk Hannah up to the tank and hang out with her backstage. My palms were sweaty and my stomach was in knots...

I looked over at her across the way and she was grinning ear to ear. She could not wait to jump in that warm water and publicly make her claim. Shamefully, I can't say I was the same way when I did it 14 years ago. I did it knowing I had to. I wanted it over with and behind me. I mumbled something into the mic, practically threw myself under and ran off to the bathroom.. Not Hannah. She knew exactly what she was going to say. On her card she wrote...

"My name is Hannah and I want to be baptized because in my heart I know I should..."

She had a divine appointment with the Lord that day and nothing was going to stop her. Thats how she always has been.

Exactly 11 years ago Jason and I were suddenly surprised to find out we were expecting. Emma was 9 months old and we were prepared to be a permanent family of 3!! Back then we considered her an "accident." But to the Lord, she was placed on this earth for such a time as this. All my children were. God had a purpose for her and He has a plan for her.

As I looked across the baptismal tank my heart swelled with pride. I know God has something big planned for her and I know she will follow Him. Her faith puts mine to shame and her relationship with Jesus is to be admired. I wonder where His calling will take her and I pray it won't be too far.

My Banana was always special... from the first day I met her I knew... I knew something was different about her. Now as she gets older I know a little more. I cry because I see God preparing her every day. I see her yearning to read the bible and I see her stride towards completing all her Mpact lessons. I pray that I can be the mother God needs me to be to raise her for His timing and I sit here and wonder what I did to ever deserve to be the mother of this very special little girl. A little girl who will grow up and undoubtedly preach the gospel to every creature....

Look Who YOU Voted For America!!! =)

Rebekah Faith Budd 4lbs 6 oz...

Me and my Girls

Minutes after this picture was taken Baby Rebekah Faith Budd was born into this world. As my friend said... we must have prayed her out.Lol. Labor was long and tiring....By God's grace and mercy and healing power she is alive and well. Her heart and lungs are strong. Mommy is holding her and feeding her at this moment and plans on sleeping with her all night long. Continue to pray as she goes thru more tests and praise God for allowing her parents to meet their little girl.

I was listening to the song "God of this city" on my playlist. If you have the time, please scroll down and listen to this song. How true are those words...

"Greater things are yet to come... Greater things are still to be done in this city...."

AMEN!