Peace on Earth

Merry Christmas!

More Memories

Okay, so my nephew is posting old photos on Facebook. We're taking a family trip down memory lane via the Internet. He's in Florida, and I'm in Cali. It's been an adventure....

So I see this photo of my mom and myself from over 25 years ago...I'm a junior or senior in highschool or maybe a freshman in college. Please don't judge the puffy hair. We all did it! Admit it and move on.

I just love this photo!

Christmas Tour 2010

Welcome, welcome, welcome! I am so glad that you stopped by today! So seldom do I get visitors from so far away! Here, let me take your jacket. Are you enjoying our Southern California weather? Can't believe it's been raining the last two days. This has been the coldest fall we've had since Glen and I moved here almost 10 years ago! Sit down, enjoy a cup of tea while we visit!

I've really missed the snow from back east. So much so that I've been collecting snowmen since coming west. Here are few of my favorites!

A present from my hubby years ago.

L made the one on the left this year.

I got these at the 99 cents store our first Christmas in CA.

This is our dining room/setting room. Usually this tree is in L's room. I wanted something out front to help decorate the front of the house. Little did I know that this was going to be our Christmas tree for the season. It's decorated with ornaments the kids made this year and candy canes.

Oh, do you like my Christmas tree table cover? It's the one that I won at the Southern California District Women's Retreat last month. I really wanted the one with the snowmen but am very happy with the one I have.

Let's head back to the living room and get more comfy.

These are the stockings that Glen's grandmother has made over the years. They are in age order from youngest to oldest. M is on the far left, then L, then mine, and finally Glen's; and yes, those are my holiday Barbie dolls from previous years. That collection has grown quite large over the last 20 years with my husband.

Here have a seat. We've totally changed things around since you were last by. The stuffed animal collection is still growing.  New items are added with every trip to Disneyland! :)

Then here's the newest addition to our Christmas decorating - a Fisher Price nativity. It lights up and plays Away in a Manger. The kids love playing with it (and so do I). It was a gift from San Diego Christian Homeschools, our home school support group.

Time to go, already? Thanks for coming over to visit. I've enjoyed our time together! Let me get your jacket. Come again and have a merry Christmas!

Matthew 1:23 - "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
   and they shall call his name Immanuel" (which means, God with us).

May God be with you as you enjoy the season of His birth!

You can see the tour from 2008 here. Visit Nester for more Christmas Home Tours!

Memories of Christmas and Birthdays

What's your favorite memory of Christmas? I asked L what was her favorite family tradition of ours. I was surprised by her answer. I thought it would be putting the star on the top of the tree with Daddy or baking cookies with me (which we did today). Her answer showed me how much she has changed since coming to live with us four years ago. Are you ready for her answer? She replies, "Getting gifts for others and keeping it secret." Definitely her father's daughter. Her tenderness toward others often overwhelms me.

My favorite memory growing up is today - the date - December 18th. Why? It was my father's birthday. He would be 88 today had he been alive. This is a man I never really knew, except from family stories. Dad passed away two months after I was born. He was 44. However, this date was a tradition in my family. Mom said that Dad always wanted to celebrate his birthday by decorating the tree and spending time with family. That's what we did until Mom died. Every December 18th, Mom and I would decorate our tree, bake cookies, and have a nice dinner. Sometimes my nieces, JJ and Linda, would join in the fun. So what did I do with my day today? Made cookies - Glen's grandmother's sand tarts and my sister's peanut butter balls. L, M, and I had flour everywhere, listened to Christmas carols, and created memories.

I also want to wish another family member a happy birthday! My niece, H, was born eight years ago on her great-grandfather's birthday. They are off celebrating as a family in Colorado, yet my heart is very close to them. Happy birthday to two special people - Dad and H! I love you both!!!

Thankful Thursday ~ Trials & the Ministry of Others

It's been a tough week. I expected a lot of  fun and Christmas events in my life this week. There were parties, a Disneyland trip, and two field trips. Instead, I've spent two afternoons in various doctors' offices. Glen and I each had to visit the doctor and have been sick with colds and my finger injury (the shower door shattered when opening and cut my finger and M's foot). What this week has taught me is that I need to graciously accept the help of others as they minister to me.  I am thankful for the two women who cooked meals for my family when I couldn't, for the woman who came and washed my dishes and helped clean the house, and for the woman who took me to the doctor's and footed the bill. With my injury on my right hand and my left hand experiencing some tendinitis, I feel helpless. Yet, in the words of Pam Farrell, "I'm choosin' joy!" I'm thankful that the shower door crashing didn't end in much worse injuries to M and I. I'm thankful that the family has spent the last few days together, even though we've been ill. I'm thankful that others have been given the opportunity to minister in the name of our Lord.!

James 1:2-4

Count it all joy, my brothers when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Visit Grace Alone for more Thankful Thursday!

Here's my hand after the doctor's visit. I take the bandages off Thursday afternoon and will get to see how my pinky finger is doing. I'll be getting the house tour up ASAP. I've still gotta get the pictures taken.

Thankful Thursday

Having a place of refuge and safety in a storm is the source of my thankfulness this morning. I know that I can bring all my cares to the Lord. He alone can solve the issues, comfort the hurting, and call others to Himself. I currently am praying for one going through a tough storm. I am praying she finds her comfort and strength in God. I am thankful for opportunity to listen and support her and direct her to God. I am thankful that God has placed me in this season of my life.

Philippians 4:6&7 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Psalm 118:8 - It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.

Psalm 28:8 - The LORD is the strength of his people; he is the saving refuge of his anointed.

Join Iris at Grace Alone for more Thankful Thursday!

Crazy Christmas Thoughts

After last Christmas season, Glen and I decided that I wouldn't work retail for the next Christmas season. So this year there are no Macy's stories for you. I did enjoy my time of service there (and secretly at times miss it). So far, it truly has been a blessing to me and the family. I've been able to keep school on track, to keep up with the daily chores, and to enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas in our house - that's one reason we decorated before Thanksgiving!

However, the other day, Glen and I went out on a date. Dinner and walking around the mall. We entered Macy's (not one of the two I've worked in) and I felt weird. It was strange. I wanted to get to work - tell someone to dress the mannequin, fold the clothes, and clean off the messy counter. The music was the same; the decorations were similar; I was dressed for work; I was a shopper. Weird, I tell you. Strange. Wonderful. Freeing. I am thankful for the provision of the past two years with Macy's and for not being there this year. I even skipped watching the parade on Thanksgiving Day - something I haven't done in YEARS!

So what's keeping me busy this year (maybe I should say who)? Keeping school on track. I don't want L to fall behind and go to school longer than necessary. M, who being 3, loves jumping on the beds and sofas - gotta break that habit. Keeping the two kids from fighting all the time. Being Glen's supportive wife and allowing him to have time to minister to the congregation instead of hogging all his time. Our ladies' ministry. I've gotta finish the Bible study for this Saturday morning and make reservations for Ladies' Night Out. Our homeschool support group with park days, field trips, and a Christmas party. Okay, I'm getting tired just listing everything.

Here's what I want you to look forward to. This weekend I plan on photographing our house for a Christmas Tour! I'm planning on joining Nester for the annual Christmas Homes Tour. Be on the look out. I trust you all will enjoy your visit to SD!

Then Sings My Soul Saturday

Join Amy for other Then Sings my Soul Saturdays!

Family Photo Friday

Sorry I didn't get these up earlier!

Where to next?

an old favorite of mine!

Binky, Oh, Binky....

The binky habit...How do you break it? We've tried numerous times. Maybe this time it will stick.

M has been clinging to his binky in the most stubborn of ways. One of my favorite issues with the binky I wrote about here. I can't believe that was over a year ago.

Anyways, back to the present. M has been wanting to hide his binky so that we can't find it. He didn't want to give it up. So last Sunday, the binky fairy came and took it away. He will be four years old in February. It has been quite the problem. I cave in every time he's cried for it. He has been binky free since then.

Sunday night was the roughest. He hasn't asked for it but a handful of times since. He's excited to collect his stickers to go to Chuck E. Cheese. I'm happy for him and a little sad to lose my "baby time." However, it is time for mommy to grow up, too. One of the things M said earlier last week was that he didn't want to grow up and be a big boy without a binky and that he wanted to stay a baby and use it.

That broke my heart.

I know it's time.

I know it's the right thing to do.

I know I should have done it sooner.

But I hung onto it. Then I got to thinking. I'm like that with my sins. They're comfortable. They're mine. I don't want to let them go. I don't want to change. Yet, my loving God gently encourages me to let them go. He wants me to trust in Him and Him alone. God wants to release me from my sins that so easily come to me to make me a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come). God wants to mold me in the image of Himself...and yet, I fight and struggle with the things that are good for me. I cling to things I no longer need in my life.

And so, as God molds and shapes me everyday, may I repent and turn my sins over to the one who took them away by His death on the cross. May He be glorified in my life!

A Blessing!

Okay, one of my dreams was to meet another blogger. I've been following different blogs and meeting different people online. Didn't think it could happen. Then, I got the idea to invite Lynn from Spiritually Unequal Marriage to the retreat for my session. She came! Here we are together! What a blessing! Thanks for coming, Lynn!

What Kind of Love

A few posts ago, I placed some verses from 1 Corinthians 13 with blanks for us to fill in our names. How have we been showing love to those around us? I've been continuing my Bible study on love and was reading some mini-biographies on different people. It's amazing what people have sacrificed for God. I often feel like I haven't sacrificed enough. How more can I show His love? What more can I do? After all, He gave EVERYTHING!!

Philippians 2:5-11 

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

What ways are you showing love today?

Thankful Thursday ~ A Thirst that is Never Quenched

Visit Laurie at Women Taking a Stand for more Thankful Thursday entries!

I've been thinking a lot about thirsting for God over the last year. It's become a theme in my life; so much so, that it was the topic of my lesson this past Saturday. I am thankful that the God I serve is a fountain of water. He satisfies my soul in ways that only He can. He is a never ending well no matter how often or how long I drink. God is more than enough for me!

In my lesson, I've used this quote from John Piper from A Godward Life.

"When you drink my water, your thirst is not destroyed forever. If it did that, would you feel any need of my water afterward? That is not my goal. I do not want self-sufficient saints. When you drink my water, it makes a spring in you. A spring satisfies thirst, not by removing the need you have for water, but by being there to give you water whenever you get thirsty. Again and again and again."

Thank you, God, for creating my thirst and for satisfying it! You are amazing!

School Projects

I just wanted to share some of our recent homeschool projects.

First, we celebrated Veteran's Day by making memory ribbons. The kids cut out ribbons, wrote names of past and present service men and women on white cut out stars, glued the stars to the ribbons, and sprinkled glitter. Yes, I used glitter with my three year old!

M's ribbon

L's ribbon

 Have I mentioned how much I love this science program? I think Apologia is the best! We've been studying the animals of the oceans. This week we started studying sea turtles and sea snakes. I've learned a lot of new vocabulary...wait a minute, M and L learned a lot of new vocabulary. :) I've never really heard of words like oviparous, viviparous, and brumate. Anyways, one project was to draw a life size sea turtle. Here she is on our sidewalk - nine foot long by six foot wide. What an amazing job L did!

Our sea turtle

L and M next to our big sea turtle!

Catching Up

It was such a wonderful week-end! I met many new friends and renewed many old friendships! Now it's back to the real world and homeschooling, cleaning, cooking, etc. I am thankful that God has placed me in this part of my life. He is good!

I took some pictures of our recent science activity that will be posted later. I need to download them onto the computer. See you soon!

Family Photo Friday

Such big blue eyes!

Thankful Thursday ~ Veteran's Day

Today, I wish to thank those who have served or are serving our country. I take for granted the freedoms I have because of those who lay down their lives. In the past, I've not often thought about it. However, after living in an area with many different bases for a variety of branches, I have gained a greater appreciation for their sacrifices.

I am blessed to call many Marines and Navy service men and women as friends and my heart goes out to them today. I wish to say, "Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

Visit Women Taking a Stand for more Thankful Thursday!

Wednesday's Word

I've spent a lot of time this week working on my message for the upcoming women's retreat. Here's some of the scriptures I've been meditating on:

• Psalm 34:8 - O, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!
• Hebrews 13:5 - I will never leave you nor forsake you.
• Job 36:26 - Behold, God is great and we know Him not; the number of His years is unsearchable.

Pray for me over the next few days as I wrap up the lesson and teach on Saturday morning. I appreciate it!

A Challenge

How loving are you? This week in my devotions I was challenged to reflect on how much I love....

Take 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 and place your name in the blanks:
_________is patient and kind; ______ does not envy or boast; ______is not arrogant or rude. ______ does not insist on its own way; _______ is not irritable or resentful; _______ does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. ______ bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

I don't know how you did, but I know I need to show more love (especially in regards to irritability and resentfulness). God, please work on me!

Family Photo Friday

L and I celebrating our birthdays on 10/16

Thankful Thursday - Just The Little Things

It's Thankful Thursday over at Women Taking a Stand.

The other week, when L was sick with a cold, I was helping her change into pajamas and brush her hair. From her 10 year old wisdom, she looks at me and says, "Thanks for taking care of me." I was so humbled by her sincere thankfulness, knowing that at times in her life she wasn't cared for. I've heard words from her that mothers only dream of. :) It was a touching mommy moment.

Then, another day, M looks at me and asks where he got his cuddles (his favorite sleeping toy - a giraffe). My response - "Sissy and Mommy bought it for you the day you came home to live with us." His little boy smile grew wide, his arms opened and hugged, and the words "Thank you, Mommy" poured from his mouth. Again, another touching mommy moment.

The one thing I love about my children is their thankfulness. Where do they get it? I can't say it is always from me. I reflected last night on my past week. Oh, boy, did I ever mess up!

Here's how it went:

Occasion	My response	What I should have done
Battery dies in the car	Complain that we missed a volleyball game and interrupted Dad on a very important work day	Been thankful that the car wouldn’t start at Sonic where there was food and bathrooms instead of the little dirt country road I had been on earlier
Didn't get informed of volleyball schedule change	Complain that I had another appointment that I needed to change and inconvenience another family because of someone's inability to communicate schedules	Been thankful that we've had an opportunity to still get to volleyball and minister to the other family
Wanting to go out for dinner and a movie with only my hubby	Sad and grumpy – washed dishes with a vengeance and yelled at kids	Been thankful that we had a nice home-cooked meal with dessert and a new DVD from Netflix
100+ pigeons who have made my yard, house, fence, and telephone wires their new home	Hide inside the house and complain about the noise the birds make on the roof and flying around the yard	Still working on this….

Okay, so I am still a work in progress and am going to turn the little things into praises for God. I need to thank Him for so much. He has blessed me abundantly and I neglect a simple thank you. I loved Laurie's post on Gratitude or Gratefulness. I want to be more grateful! I want to see God in the little things!

Colossians 2:6 and 7
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Let us be overflowing with thankfulness!

Housewife Day

Today was National Housewife Day! Didn't even know such a thing existed. Check it out here. So in honor of all stay-at-home mothers - HAPPY HOUSEWIFE DAY!

October in Review

Hope you enjoy our past month's activities.

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

MIA

Yes, I know that I've been missing in action. I tried a computer fast for a while. It's been interesting being away from all the stuff I usually do on the computer; yet, I've got a lot more done around the house. Yes, I said "RAIN!" We've had a lot of it recently. The grass is so green one would think it is spring instead of fire season in southern Cal.

Family Photo Friday

the kids before church one Sunday morning.

Thankful Thursday

I am just filled with thanksgiving for the things the Lord is doing in our lives! He is choosing to bless and guide through many things.

1. Getting celebrate L's 10th birthday on this Saturday
2. Getting celebrate my birthday as well
3. Visiting with a friend from far away (Mr. Frank, our tribal connection, came to visit from Alaska)
4. Studying God's Word for an upcoming speaking engagement
5. Giving comfort to those who mourn 
6. Going to an awesome Bible study today where I wasn't the teacher - I need to be refreshed by others..
7. I can go on and on and on but am choosing to allow Jesus to intercede for me because I am so overwhelmed with His graciousness!

God is good; He is faithful; He is incredible! I am so in love with my Lord. My heart is just overflowing with love for my amazing Savior!


Lynn is hosting Thankful Thursday again today. Join her and others as we return our gratitude to the one who created it!

What is life?

Life is so short. This blog has been such a blessing to me in dealing with the grief of loved ones who have passed on before us. I am asking you to pray for friends of ours in Ohio who lost a loved one unexpectedly today. His entering into glory has given him the wonderful sight of Jesus, but his wife, children, and other family are missing him. Pray for them, for God's comfort, and a peace that only He can give.

Take time today to tell your loved ones how special they are!

Ecc. 9:9-10

Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun— all your meaningless days. For this is your lot in life and in your toilsome labor under the sun. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.

Thankful Thursdays - Pastors

Lynn is hosting Thankful Thursday during the month of October. I just loved her post on Fall Joy! Jump on over to read others.

This month is Pastor Appreciation Month. So for me, I am starting off October being thankful for my pastors. I've labeled it pastors because I am thankful for all the pastors who have influenced my spiritual growth. Currently, my pastor is my husband. Glen works so hard and studies so much. I am blessed to have a husband/pastor that loves God more than me! I am thankful for his endless hours of study and service to our congregation (although sometimes, I do admit to jealousy over the issue). 

I am thankful for the pastors in our church district who mentor, guide, and encourage us in our ministry. Glen and I would be very lost here without you! 

I'm thankful for  Pastor Crowley who introduced me to my husband through Summit Lake Camp.

I am thankful for Pastor Mike and Pastor Chuck - the pastor and youth pastor from my first church. You two helped teach me the basics of the Bible as a new believer. 

Working in the ministry can be such a blessing. Thank you, pastors, who share yourselves so willing with people. May God bless you all today!

2 Timothy 4:1-5

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

I Have No Words...

Today's Reading

Proverbs 4:20-27

My son, be attentive to my words;
   incline your ear to my sayings.
Let them not escape from your sight;
   keep them within your heart.
For they are life to those who find them,
   and healing to all their flesh.
Keep your heart with all vigilance,
   for from it flow the springs of life.
Put away from you crooked speech,
   and put devious talk far from you.
Let your eyes look directly forward,
   and your gaze be straight before you.
Ponder the path of your feet;
   then all your ways will be sure.
Do not swerve to the right or to the left;
   turn your foot away from evil.

Family Photo Friday

Disneyland Sept. 2010
Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Thankful Thursday ~ Homeschool

I am considering myself to be a blessed woman. I get to stay home and be a wife and mother: I also get to do something I love - teach! My work background is in elementary education. I love teaching children. I've taught everything from K-12th as well as done administration, technology classrooms, and drove a bus. Now, here I am twenty two years later, still teaching, running a school, using technology, and driving a seven passenger van! I have a small class - two regular students and a part-time student. I teach fifth grade and three-year-old preschool. I get to spend time with my kids. I couldn't do this unless God had it planned. Who knew that all my teaching experience would come in so handy! God did. He orchestrated it. He gave me challenging children in the classroom to be prepared for the challenges we faced through our adoptions. He knew the intimate desires of my heart! He combined my dream of being a stay-at-home mom with my love of teaching! How awesome is our God!

1 Samuel 16:7 - But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart."

Psalm 139:1 & 2 - O LORD, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. 

 Join Iris at Grace Alone for more Thankful Thursday entries.

What a week

I can't believe the week has gone by so fast. It's time for Thankful Thursday tomorrow. I've been rather busy with homeschool and other activities. It was such a blessing on Tuesday. Glen took the day off and we headed to Disneyland with our annual passes. It was a lot of fun; we got to ride "Finding Nemo" for the first time. I vaguely remember it from when I was four and a half - but wasn't "Finding Nemo" then. It was "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea."

Then today is one of my nieces birthday. Linda was a junior bridesmaid in my wedding. Now she's all grown up and has two adorable kids of her own. Happy birthday, my hummingbird! It was so good to talk to you today!

Summer 2009

Family Photo Friday

That's my sissy!

Thankful Thursday ~ Mothers

I am thankful today for my mother. I've written a lot about her here on the blog. She was such an influential person in my life. Today I wish to honor her and call her blessed. If she were alive here on earth, today would be her 82nd birthday.

Proverbs 31:28-30
Her children rise up and call her blessed;
   her husband also, and he praises her:
Many women have done excellently,
   but you surpass them all."
Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
   but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

My mom walked with the Lord and I am looking forward to seeing her again in heaven. May I some day be half the woman my mother was! I love and miss you, Mom!

Check out Iris at Grace Alone for more Thankful Thursday.

Growing Gracefully

Yesterday started our homeschool co-op classes. I have the blessing teaching young girls about the Lord. We spent our time talking about how big God is (which we can't even begin to explain) and yet how He knows us intimately...It was a joy to be teaching teens again. I forgot how much fun it can be. Glen and I spent ten years in teen ministry (many of which are probably reading this right now). It was a great time; it was a blessed time. I treasure those years. The co-op classes are centered around texts written by Elizabeth George. We'll be focusing on different areas of our lives and seeking God's direction for them. It will be a great time in the Word!

Camp Pictures

Here are some of our camp pictures.

On a hill far away, stood an old rugged cross...

my nature girl!

Can you spot my girl?

Mom, are you ready to go yet?

I'll fly away, Oh Glory
I'll fly away; (in the morning)
When I die, Hallelujah, by and by,
I'll fly away (I'll fly away)

A glimpse of God's beautiful creation

Amazing Discoveries

I've been spending a lot of time reflecting today. Been kinda withdrawn and quiet, as Glen so kindly put it today. I have a lot of things pressing on my heart right now. Things I really can't share, especially here in the blog world. Things that only can be prayed for; things that can only be laid at the feet of Jesus. This verse was posted as someone's FB status and God used it to speak volumes to me!

Psalm 40:1-3
I waited patiently for the LORD;
   he inclined to me and heard my cry.
He drew me up from the pit of destruction,
   out of the miry bog,
and set my feet upon a rock,
    making my steps secure.
He put a new song in my mouth,
   a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear,
   and put their trust in the LORD.

As I'm hanging out here in my miry bog, I know God hears the cries of my heart. I know that He sets my feet upon a rock and makes my steps secure. I really want to hang out here in my bog. I want to wallow in my thoughts. I am unmotivated to do anything else. Yet, tonight, I am crying out to my Lord. I am waiting patiently. Although I have always known that He is there, His presence still amazes me! I pray for those who are heavy on my heart tonight that they will know the gift of salvation and eternal life, the healing power of Jesus, and His calming presence.

Thankful Thursday ~ Creativity

I am so thankful for creativity today. Mostly, it is a creative God who makes simple organisms to complex humans; creative God who paints the trees every fall; a creative God who places such a beautiful world under water. The God we serve is amazing, awesome, and all-powerful! 

As I working with the children in our homeschool, I see their creative side. Even as I type. L is off at an art class. God has gifted her with a love and talent for drawing. My niece, J, has a creative side with textiles. I love crafts, scrapbooking, quilting, and other things. It is a great sense of accomplishment to complete a project. Glen calls me the queen of unfinished projects. He's still waiting on his 10th anniversary present and we've been married 19 years. 

Everywhere I look, I see creativity today. May God be glorified in my creative spirit!

Isaiah 40:26

Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.

Visit Iris at Grace Alone for more Thankful Thursday.

A Quarter

One of the things our speaker, Eric Hovind, brought out that really caught my attention was his quarter comparison. An infinite almighty God knows me intimately and loves me. Compare our sizes though:

Imagine a quarter, you know the one with George Washington's face. If this quarter was our universe (the sun and eight planets) the earth's orbit would be a small spot by Washington's eye; the rim of the quarter would be Neptune's orbit. The Milky Way Galaxy then would be the size of the North American Continent (Canada, North America, and Mexico). Now there are innumerable galaxies - all of which are created by God. He is bigger than all of this and yet, He created us for His glory.

Even though we are less than a tiny speck in G. Washington's eye, God loves us and sent His Son to die for our sins. I don't know about you, but I'm feeling rather small and humble today.

Questions that Go Round and Round

The messages at camp last week all focused on creation and how to refute evolution. I was challenged to review my thoughts on this issue. I grew up in a public school and some of the things I learned fell in line with both theories, but that was thirty years ago. So, I've given a lot of thought about how I view dinosaurs. Are they really extinct? I never knew that lizards and reptiles never stop growing their whole life - even after 20+ years teaching. Wouldn't our lizards today, if they lived to be hundreds of years old, be the size of dinosaurs? I've always thought all the dinos died in the flood. Now I'm re-evaluating my beliefs. This is only one area God is molding and shaping me for His glory. There are many other thoughts going round and round in this crazy brain of mine.

Glen and kids at Hartland

Back from the Woods and into the City

It was quite the week. God was incredible! We had a great time. Here's the family in our matching shirts made by Krista. Great memories and great times! Can't wait to share some of the lessons we've learned!

Closing Time

Okay, it's official.  We will be away for a few days. Taking the family camping with other homeschool families. We'll be gone Monday through Friday. I hope to have some great stories, pictures, and insights in store when we return.

How would you finish?

How would you finish this sentence?

I will always remember when God....

Family Photo Friday

Here's L as a flower girl in a wedding this past May. What can I say, this girl loves her tennis shoes!

Thankful Thursday

It's Thankful Thursday. This month Iris at Grace Alone is hosting this meme. I am so thankful for the ladies who host this each month. It gives me a chance in writing to thank the Lord for His blessings!

I am constantly amazed at God's work in my daughter's life. Today, watching her at volleyball practice, I could only praise God! When I reflect back to the dark times of our first summer together and look at where we are now, I stand in awe of a God who is alive and working miracles today!

Four summers ago, we received our five year old daughter into our home. She had been in foster care for two and half years and we were her tenth set of parents. This little girl struggled with respect, attachment, and anger. She fought any kind of authority. I'm not going to go any further into details of that desperate time of our lives.L is a true example of Second Corinthians 5:17 - "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." It is His work and His alone that has brought such a change in her life! L is a joy and blessing. I love her so much!

Time Consuming

I did not realize last night how much time I spent working on the blog (changing the background, adding pages, etc) until I went to read to L as part of our bedtime routine. Time just slips away from me when I sit in front of this rectangular screen. Facebook, the blog, email, and research of things to do in homeschool can take hours out of my day. Then I reflect on the time I used to spend on the computer because I know that I've cut back some. However, I know a lot of my time could be better spent - studying God's Word, playing with the kids, being with Glen, etc. Yet there is a need for me to be on the computer - it is my current hobby. I've quilted, scrapbooked, made crafts, and other hobbies. Each occurs in a different season of my life. I still like all those things, yet have been showing preference for the computer. Glen is still waiting for our tenth anniversary present - a quilt that I started in 1996. Here we are married 19 years and it's not finished - maybe this winter it will get done. :)

Time is such a precious commodity. Ecclesiastes 3:9-14 states "What does the worker gain from his toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on men. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God. I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him."

God gives me time to use and to glorify Him. How have I been using that time? Have I been focused on Him? Have I sought His glory in all that I do? I know that I can do more for His kingdom than I already am. I am thankful for God's work in my life and that His time is perfect!

Too Cute

Each evening as the children go to sleep I have my "sayings," short little sentences that I say and then I talk no more. So, for my three year old, I tell him: "I love you. You're my special boy, my best friend. Sleep tight." Last night, I no sooner got out "You're my special boy" that in his sweet little boy voice and big smile says, "You're my special boy, too, Mommy." Just too cute!

Family Photo Friday

Here are pictures from our homeschool Back to School Party last Saturday. We were at Glorietta Bay Park on Coronado Island. It was a beautiful day! I couldn't choose just one photo! :)

Enjoying the sand and surf

Enjoying a snack after swimming

My boys!