Day by Day...

Test

2011-05-30T18:27:00.001-05:00

Blogging on the go

He Leads Me

2011-05-17T16:49:00.002-05:00

All the way my Savior leads me
Who have I to ask beside?
How could I doubt his tender mercy
Who through life has been my guide?

All the way my Savior leads me
Cheers each winding path I tread
Gives me grace for every trial
Feeds me with the living bread

You lead me
You keep me from falling
You carry me close to your heart
And surely your goodness and mercy will follow me

All the way my savior leads me
All the fullness of his love
All the sureness of his promise
In the triumph of his blood
When my spirit clothed immortal
Wings its flight to realms of day
This my song through endless ages
Jesus led me all the way
Jesus led me all the way!

You lead me
You keep me from falling
You carry me close to your heart
and surely your goodness and mercy will follow me
You lead me
You keep from falling
You carry me close to your heart
and surely your goodness and mercy will follow me
Will follow me

All the way my Savior leads me...all the way my Savior leads me...

Going Deep

2011-05-15T19:46:00.003-05:00

The Spirit, not content to flit around on the surface, dives into the depths of God, and brings out what God planned all along. Who ever knows what you're thinking and planning except you yourself? The same with God—except that he not only knows what he's thinking, but he lets us in on it. God offers a full report on the gifts of life and salvation that he is giving us. We don't have to rely on the world's guesses and opinions. We didn't learn this by reading books or going to school; we learned it from God, who taught us person-to-person through Jesus, and we're passing it on to you in the same firsthand, personal way. The unspiritual self, just as it is by nature, can't receive the gifts of God's Spirit. There's no capacity for them. They seem like so much silliness. Spirit can be known only by spirit—God's Spirit and our spirits in open communion. Spiritually alive, we have access to everything God's Spirit is doing, and can't be judged by unspiritual critics. Isaiah's question, "Is there anyone around who knows God's Spirit, anyone who knows what he is doing?" has been answered: Christ knows, and we have Christ's Spirit.
1 Corinthians 2:10-16

A Shift in the Wind

2011-05-03T16:16:00.009-05:00

Winds change. Directions shift. Seasons pass. Oh, how to keep up with it all? I can't seem to keep up with it, much less write about it! :) We are well into spring, school is out and we are dreaming about summer plans and goals, unfinished and yet-to-begin projects.

The tree quilt is sandwiched and rolled up waiting patiently for me to work up the courage to attempt my first machine quilting. Surely we will get into a rhythm here soon and there will be space and time for me to settle down to it. My next quilts are lining up in my head, waiting to get onto paper and then fabric.

Since I last wrote, the Lord has brought an unexpected art and ministry to our house, amazing me with His creativity and His desire to give His children good things that stretch us and that He knows we will love.

Last November, my friend Jodi came from Ohio to teach us how to paint silk dancing veils and scarves. I was drawn in and loved every minute of it!

Painting awakened a desire for creativity in me that I hadn't known was there.

Cheery paints "Bethlehem"

Before I knew it, silk painting frames were set up in our garage and people were arriving on our doorstep to experience this creative expression, and to learn that they too are created to be creative, and that God can speak through art.

Since November, I have lost count of the number of silks that have been painted, but I know it to be in the hundreds.

Jodi also taught us to use the silks in some ancient Davidic (Jewish) circle dances. Many have painted their silks, and then stayed to learn the steps. I have expected interest in this to die down, but people have continued to come every week.

In February, a group of us from our community went to Springfield to bring the silk painting and dance to a church there. Jodi met us there and spoke to us about the power of the Holy Spirit in the arts, and bringing the arts into the church. Jodi asked me to run the silk painting sessions and I was so blessed. Taking charge of such a thing was a stretch for me, but I was so encouraged and supported that it felt natural and right. Jodi taught the Davidic dances and the church there received this new thing with open hearts.

I am still astounded that the Lord unexpectedly dropped this very unusual ministry in my lap, and I continue to watch for where He is taking it, all the while holding and tending it with open heart and open hands. Thank you, Father, for the good gifts you give to your children!

Firmly Planted

2010-09-17T20:41:00.015-05:00

They will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water,

Which yields its fruit in its season
And its leaf does not wither

This summer the Lord gave me a picture and I knew that it was a glimpse of a quilt that I was to make for some dear friends. It was to be for them and about them, but the making of it was to be for my own heart's journey as I walked with them through this time in their lives. This quilt was to be unlike any other quilt I had made. It would speak the truth about my friends' lives, unfolding as a declaration of God's word spoken over them. Everything about it was to be prophetic, not just the picture I saw, but the very way that it was made, the time spent piecing it together, the times that I would have to lay it down and let it rest, and the things that I heard and learned along the way.

On the mountain heights of Israel I will plant it; it will produce branches and bear fruit and become a splendid cedar. Birds of every kind will nest in it; they will find shelter in the shade of its branches. All the trees of the field will know that I the LORD bring down the tall tree and make the low tree grow tall. I dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish.

" 'I the LORD have spoken, and I will do it.' "

Usually when I get an idea for a quilt, I jump in and find the fabric, get it washed and ironed, and start cutting as soon as I can. I plow quickly through the piecing because I can't wait to see the finished quilt top. This time I had the picture, but I had no idea how to make it happen. The picture would have to be portrayed in an applique quilt, and I had never attempted applique before. I began googling quilt trees to see if there was a pattern out there that I could copy or adapt to make it look like the tree in my picture. I looked and looked, but nothing suited the quilt in my mind. I began looking for the tree as I drove around town, searching for the perfect one.

One day I was sitting on my prayer room couch and I glanced out the window and saw a tree I had probably looked at a thousand times across the street in the neighbor's yard. I felt a jolt in my spirit and knew that was the tree! It's imperfection made it perfect. Twisty and bent like it had weathered some storms, it had a knot where a limb had been cut off-probably to keep it away from the power lines. The more I looked at it, the more I liked it. I sketched what I could see of the tree while sitting there and then walked across the street to get a better look. Not surprisingly, this tree when examined closely, was completely different than the tree I could see from my window.

I gave the sketch some detail then asked a friend to scan the picture into his computer and project the tree on the wall, adjusting it to the size I wanted. I taped freezer paper to the wall and traced the tree onto the paper. I cut out my paper tree and now it was time to find fabric. I knew that I wanted my background to be a lighter fabric framed by a dark brown fabric, so that the detail could spill over into the border. I wanted this tree to feel like it was continuing to grow beyond the borders that were originally placed around it. I found a tree fabric I thought would do, but it seemed too light of a brown, so I dyed it a darker brown. I ironed the freezer paper onto the fabric and cut out my tree. Placing it on my background, I hand stitched the tree to light fabric.

As I accomplished each of these steps, I would put the project aside for a few days or even longer until I felt it calling my name again. All of a sudden I would think, "Okay, it's time to get the fabric," or "No, I am not supposed to sew the border on yet. I'll wait." Some days I would simply need to stitch on it to have something to do for my friends...something tangible to put my hands to, bolstering my heart's hope. This past week I finally finished stitching the tree to the background.

I cut open the back of the quilt top where the tree is and carefully removed the freezer paper from inside the tree. I have been admiring the quilt top for several days. :) I set out the fabric that I purchased for the leaves and I glance at it several times a day, waiting for the go ahead to start creating those. It's not quite time. At least not today.

As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Instead of the thorn bush will grow the pine tree, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. This will be for the Lord's renown, for an everlasting sign, which will not be destroyed.

Where Does One Begin?

2010-09-13T22:46:00.003-05:00

This is the burning question following seven months of blogging silence. And these months were not full of long, boring, nothing-to-write-about days. These days have been earth-shattering, life-altering, never gonna be the same type days.

So where does one begin? Or, does one begin at all? Should I just start from here and carry on? Because there is so much that just can't be put on a blog page. That maybe cannot even be put into words at all. Some things that can only be hidden in a heart until the right form of expression comes along.

So I guess I will just start with some pictures and fill in some blanks as best I can...

These pictures are of Bookworm practicing her part for a worship dance recital. My three girls and I attended a worship dance class this spring in the local big city. It was unlike anything we have done before, and a lot of fun. Bookworm had a solo part and used these streamers...

Fire by night, cloud by day...my strong tower, send the latter rain!

Foster Care Update

2010-02-28T21:19:00.003-06:00

On September 1st we welcomed this little guy into our home and he was with us for about six weeks. He was a little love, but didn't sleep very well for us. This made for a groggy, grumpy mama and teacher. ;) In the middle of October we decided to take an indefinite hiatus from foster care and have spent the past few months focusing on our family and the purposes that the Lord has for us there.

To go back and look at these pictures tugs at my heart, but at the same time, I have cherished the past few months of "just us" and am so thankful for what the Lord has done in us without the added stress of an extra. We're still not sure to what the Lord is leading us next, but we trust and know that He knows the plan.

A Geographical Study - Beginning with the Good Ole USA

2010-02-28T20:48:00.006-06:00

We made globe cakes at the beginning of our study of countries and cultures - a very fun (and yummy) activity...

Our USA meal included hamburgers, french fries, lemonade and apple pie...

It may just seem like this unit is all about the food... :) Finishing off the fried okra dressed in prairie dresses.

Lovey sewed a nine-patch as we learned about the pioneers and the place quilts took in their lives...

Cheery picked a four-patch...

Creative Camping Cake

2009-08-17T21:05:00.003-05:00

This weekend we went camping with friends to celebrate their daughter's 12th birthday, and Bookworm had the idea to make her friend a cake. We had fun getting endless ideas off the internet and then implementing our favorites.

The candle sits in the middle of the fire ring.

J Turns the Big 3

2009-08-17T20:43:00.006-05:00

Eeek. I guess I reserve birthdays to blog these days as it doesn't seem I can take the time to do it for other reasons. But I can't miss a chance to write about my big boy.

We are in the throws of potty-training - something I am reminded that I would rather pass on. J is doing SO well though, and I am thankful that he is "getting it" pretty quickly. He even got to practice on some trees while we were camping this past weekend. :)

We are so blessed to have J in our family and our lives. He is a delight and a joy and a hoot. Last night we celebrated and had a bunch of friends over. :) Here are some pictures to share....

Bookworm organized games and this was the donut eating competition

Camping playground

Greer's Ferry lake

Cowboy boot Caramel and Chocolate cake

Cheery Turns Eight!

2009-07-02T23:39:00.006-05:00

Thank you God for this beautiful blessing! She delights us daily.

Hours old... July 3rd 9 pounds, 4 ounces

Nine months old...

About 2...

With Mama...

Six years old...

Prairie girl in the fall leaves...

Six year old Cheery

7 -1/2

Incredible

2009-05-13T21:15:00.003-05:00

This actually makes me want to practice piano again...or dance...or something.

Happy Gotcha Day J!!

2009-05-10T17:43:00.002-05:00

This Mother's Day falls on a very special anniversary - the day the Lord placed J in our home and hearts. He was our first foster placement and our intro to falling in love with a child that didn't come from my womb.

Cheery helping with one of J's first feedings...

Bookworm giving J a first bottle

And today, a beautiful, joyful part of our family...we can't imagine life without him

Thank you Lord, for Your perfect plan - beyond all we can ever ask or imagine - You are so good to us.

Latest Favorite

2009-05-08T23:06:00.000-05:00

Oswald Chambers for Today

2009-04-25T14:43:00.001-05:00

What happens when we lose the inspiration of those exceptional moments?
We do it anyway.

Many of us suffer from the unbalanced tendency to "be ready" only "out of season." The season does not refer to time; it refers to us. This verse says, "Preach the Word! Be ready in season and out of season." In other words, we should "be ready" whether we feel like it or not. If we do only what we feel inclined to do, some of us would never do anything. There are some people who are totally unemployable in the spiritual realm. They are spiritually feeble and weak, and they refuse to do anything unless they are supernaturally inspired. The proof that our relationship is right with God is that we do our best whether we feel inspired or not.

One of the worst traps a Christian worker can fall into is to become obsessed with his own exceptional moments of inspiration. When the Spirit of God gives you a time of inspiration and insight, you tend to say, "Now that I’ve experienced this moment, I will always be like this for God." No, you will not, and God will make sure of that. Those times are entirely the gift of God. You cannot give them to yourself when you choose. If you say you will only be at your best for God, as during those exceptional times, you actually become an intolerable burden on Him. You will never do anything unless God keeps you consciously aware of His inspiration to you at all times. If you make a god out of your best moments, you will find that God will fade out of your life, never to return until you are obedient in the work He has placed closest to you, and until you have learned not to be obsessed with those exceptional moments He has given you.

Spring Happenings

2009-04-09T19:42:00.004-05:00

Handy neighbor Thomas installs benches on our deck...yay for safety and comfort!

A boy and his dog and his chickens

Planting "fairie gardens"

Watching Mama quilt the cowboy quilt

New foster brother - Baby R

Out of Winter

2009-02-28T21:24:00.003-06:00

Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding,
which must be curbed with bit and bridle,
or it will not stay near you. Psalm 32:9

I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. You shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers, and you shall be my people, and I will be your God. And I will deliver you from all your uncleannesses. And I will summon the grain and make it abundant and lay no famine upon you. I will make the fruit of the tree and the increase of the field abundant, that you may never again suffer the disgrace of famine among the nations...
"Thus says the Lord GOD: On the day that I cleanse you from all your iniquities, I will cause the cities to be inhabited, and the waste places shall be rebuilt. And the land that was desolate shall be tilled, instead of being the desolation that it was in the sight of all who passed by. And they will say, 'This land that was desolate has become like the garden of Eden, and the waste and desolate and ruined cities are now fortified and inhabited.' Then the nations that are left all around you shall know that I am the LORD; I have rebuilt the ruined places and replanted that which was desolate. I am the LORD; I have spoken, and I will do it.
Ezekial 36:25-36

Valentine's Day Breakfast

2009-02-18T13:49:00.001-06:00

Homemade waffles made with soft wheat, whipped cream sweetened with agave, and fresh strawberries...yum.

Dying to Self

2009-02-06T16:44:00.001-06:00

When your good is spoken of as evil, when your wishes are crossed, your advice disregarded, your opinions ridiculed, when you reach out and the door is closed in your face and you refuse to let anger rise in your heart, or even defend yourself, but take it all in patience and with love-that is dying to self.

When you lovingly and patiently bear any disorder, any irregularity, any impunctuality, any interruption or any annoyance; when you stand face-to-face with folly, wastefulness, spiritual insensibility and endure it as Jesus endured-that is dying to self.

When you are content with any food, any offering, any climate, any people, any clothing, any shelter-that is dying to self.

When you never care to refer to yourself in conversation, or to record your own good words and when you can truly love to be unknown-that is dying to self.

When you can see your brother prosper and have his needs met and you honestly rejoice with him in spirit and feel no envy, nor question God, while your own needs are far greater and in desperate circumstances-that is dying to self.

When you can receive correction, reproof, encouragement, advice or exhortation from one of less stature than yourself and can humbly submit inwardly as well as outwardly, finding no rebellion or resentment rising up within your heart-that is dying to self.

-Author Unknown.

The Word on Breaking Yokes

2009-02-04T21:27:00.002-06:00

Galatians 5
1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
13 You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature[a]; rather, serve one another in love.
16 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

Isaiah 58
6 "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free
and break every yoke?

7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry
and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe him,
and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness [a] will go before you,
and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.

9 Then you will call, and the LORD will answer;
you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.
"If you do away with the yoke of oppression,
with the pointing finger and malicious talk,

10 and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness,
and your night will become like the noonday.

11 The LORD will guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail.

12 Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins
and will raise up the age-old foundations;
you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls,
Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.

The Genocide of Abortion

2009-01-26T17:16:00.002-06:00

Reverend Luke Robinson speaking at the 2009 March of Life.

Between 1882 and 1968, 3,446 Blacks were lynched in the U.S. That number is surpassed in less than 3 days by abortion.

1,452 African-American children are killed each day by the heinous act of abortion.

3 out of 5 pregnant African-American women will abort their child.

With 1/3 of all abortions performed on Black women, the abortion industry has received over 4,000,000,000 (yes, billion) dollars from the Black community.

For more information see BlackGenocide. Be warned that this site is not for children or for the faint of heart.

Although this is not exclusively an African American issue, so many of Planned Parenthood's clinics are placed conveniently in black neighborhoods. As the mother of a black child who hopes to be gifted with more black children, this topic makes me physically ill.

In the same moment I am so incredibly thankful for the life that was given to J by his birthmother. And I can do nothing but weep for the souls that are being murdered and thrown away and for the mothers who are throwing them away.

Far Above All Rule and Authority

2009-01-20T15:49:00.001-06:00

Daily Light on the Daily Path
January 20

Morning
And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.—For you have exalted above all things your name and your word.

“And they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).—“And you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

“That all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father.”—Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name.—Far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet.—He has a name written that no one knows but himself . . . King of kings and Lord of lords.

The Almighty—we cannot find him.—What is his name, and what is his son's name? Surely you know!

Isa. 9:6; John 1:14; Ps. 138:2; Matt. 1:23; Matt. 1:21; John 5:23; Phil. 2:9; Eph. 1:21, 22; Rev. 19:12, 16; Job. 37:23; Prov. 30:4

Life

2009-01-20T15:17:00.002-06:00

Aired during the Inauguration on Black Entertainment Television...

I Have A Dream

2009-01-19T10:28:00.003-06:00

But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:16-18

I have a dream that one day...little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.
And when this happens, when we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, "Free at last! free at last! thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"

~Martin Luther King, Jr., 1963

Free At Last

Free at last, free at last
I thank God I'm free at last
Free at last, free at last
I thank God I'm free at last

Way down yonder in the graveyard walk
I thank God I'm free at last
Me and my Jesus going to meet and talk
I thank God I'm free at last

On my knees when the light pass'd by
I thank God I'm free at last
Tho't my soul would rise and fly
I thank God I'm free at last

Some of these mornings, bright and fair
I thank God I'm free at last
Goin' meet King Jesus in the air
I thank God I'm free at last

~by J. W. Work

Soul's Winter

2009-01-16T15:09:00.011-06:00

There are days. There are slow-moving, cold days.

I scrape the bottom of the barrel.

My soul lives in a winter all its own, cold and grasping for any warmth it can find.

In these spaces, I am to wait and to rest and to look for new growth.

My heart strains for any sign of birth, of spring.

What will He birth out of this forced stillness?

I listen to the words given me. Good and bad. Spirit-filled and from the flesh.

I am encouraged and I am discouraged.

I am churning and turning words over and over.

Something is forming in me.
A new thing.
As I wait, I reach down deep.
What do I know?

There are many things I do not know, but this I do:

Jesus.
Jesus.
Jesus.
This I know. The One Sure Thing. All else fades. All else changes. All else fails. All else is pretense. All else is fluff.
Jesus. My brother. My friend. My Lord. My Lover. My Only Hope. My Only Hope for Spring. My Only Hope for life in this winter of my soul.

One Year Anniversary

2009-01-01T21:03:00.003-06:00

Just realized that it has been exactly one year ago (last night) that I began blogging. I have very much enjoyed sharing our lives, and my thoughts and musings. I look back and am amazed at all that has happened in the last 365 days, and I wonder what God holds for us in 2009. My prayer is that I can learn to live in the moment, to treasure the time I have with the wonderful blessings the Lord has poured out on me - my amazing husband, beautiful children and dear family and friends.

The Lord Almighty is Faithful and True.

Christmas Festivities

2008-12-29T20:18:00.008-06:00

Here are some pics that I was forced to heist from my sister-in-law as it apparently didn't cross my mind to take pictures!

We got a little squirrely and house-bound with the cold weather, and at one point I ordered Bookworm to get everyone dancing in the schoolroom. This is Bookworm leading my little ones plus one cousin in the cha-cha slide. :)

Bookworm promised the little cousins a tea party and came through eventually...

J and J: the cutie patooties in the house

DH reading Twas the Night Before Christmas to seven lambs on Christmas Eve

The cinnamon rolls that launched a thousand ships, or shall I say, HIPS. Find the recipe here. One word: AMAZING.

The girls sporting their adorable scarves knitted by Auntie L. (I'll post a pic of me in mine as soon as it gets cold enough again for me to wear it.)

Here is the beautiful, brined turkey that fell apart when I attempted to carve it - YUM.

And the spread in order: sweet potatoes, green beans with bacon, baked pineapple, homemade dressing, turkey, mashed potatoes, frozen cranberry salad. And not pictured were the butterhorn rolls, Dan's amazing homemade creamed corn, homemade cranberry sauce, "The" Holiday salad, pecan pie, caramel apple pie, pumpkin pie, Laura's dried fruit cake, and caramel dipped pretzels. Wow.

Laura set the table beautifully and I was able to use my red and white transferware for the first time.

The little lambs waiting for their food...

All in all it was a wonderfully blessed Christmas-if I come up with any other pics of it, I will post later.

Crying Out

2008-12-17T21:31:00.006-06:00

To the widow who suffers from being alone
Wiping the tears from her eyes
For the children around the world without a home
Say a prayer tonight

There is hope for the helpless
Rest for the weary
Love for the broken heart
There is grace and forgiveness
Mercy and healing
He'll meet you wherever you are
Cry out to Jesus, Cry out to Jesus

-Third Day

Crying out to Jesus tonight for some little ones who have no mother or home...

there is Hope.

Birthday Girl

2008-12-13T20:41:00.008-06:00

Dear Lovey,

Today you turn 9 years old and I can hardly believe it. Yesterday I wrapped my arms around your little frame and held you and held you saying, No, don't grow up, don't do it, I remember your sweet chubby baby self and your soft soft skin and you are getting too big! You just giggled at my silliness.

But I do remember what a sweet, quiet, dear baby you were and how everyone said, "Now, I want a baby like THAT." I could hardly hear you cry even when you were just across the room from me. And you hardly ever cried, so that when you did, we just listened and enjoyed hearing from you. You didn't even roll over until you were almost eight months because you were content to watch and smile at big sister.

And you are still that easy to adore, soft, gentle person. I see you growing up and I love the young lady you are becoming. You are pure of heart and gentle with others' hearts. You nurture and take care.

You began the year by asking to be baptized and Daddy baptized you on January 27. I thought that you would want to do it during the week, but you chose Sunday morning and confessed Jesus as your Lord and Savior in front of the largest crowd I have ever seen for a baptism at our church. The Lord has done mighty things in your life this year and will continue to make you more and more full of His grace and mercy.

You are a wonderful gift from God to your daddy and me. We love you so much. Happy Birthday Lovey!

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7

Best Friends Forever

Stand By Me

2008-12-11T11:07:00.001-06:00

This was inspiring...

Mocha Club

2008-12-10T11:30:00.003-06:00

Transformation

2008-12-05T09:49:00.002-06:00

Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold.

We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at it while the radiance was fading away. But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read.

It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away.

Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

2 Corinthians 3:12-18

Decking the Halls...

2008-11-30T20:51:00.001-06:00

The girls putting all the ornaments on the tree...

How it really looks in our dimly-lit living room.

A Few Pictures of Our Day of Thanks

2008-11-30T20:43:00.004-06:00

Lovey and I rolling out hundreds of butterhorn rolls amid Bookworm's apple pie fixings. I am not sure what possessed me to make so many...

Rolls, rolls, and more rolls...

My first cheeseball was a hit!

Quite a spread at the B's house...

Visiting with more B's...(You gotta love dearhusband's holiday socks!)

We dearly missed family but were so blessed to be with friends that are so dear to us! Thank you Lord for the family of God.

Welcome Home

2008-11-23T22:18:00.002-06:00

Take me, make me
All You want me to be
That's all I'm asking, all I'm asking

Welcome to this heart of mine
I've buried under prideful vines
Grown to hide the mess I've made
Inside of me
Come decorate, Lord
Open up the creaking door
And walk upon the dusty floor
Scrape away the guilty stains
Until no sin or shame remain
Spread Your love upon the walls
And occupy the empty halls
Until the man I am has faded
No more doors are barricaded

Chorus:
Come inside this heart of mine
It's not my own
Make it home
Come and take this heart and make it
All Your own
Welcome home

Take a seat, pull up a chair
Forgive me for the disrepair
And the souvenirs from floor to ceiling
Gathered on my search for meaning
Every closet's filled with clutter
Messes yet to be discovered
I'm overwhelmed, I understand
I can't make this place all that You can

I took the space that You placed in me
Redecorated in shades of greed
And I made sure every door stayed locked
Every window blocked, and still You knocked

Take me, make me
All You want me to be
That's all I'm asking, all I'm asking

-Shaun Groves

See The World In Color

2008-11-19T21:12:00.001-06:00

You And I Are Not That Different

2008-11-18T22:18:00.000-06:00

Some people try to listen to the bottom of a bottle
Some people try to listen to a needle in their arm
Some people try to listen to the money in their pocket
Some people try to listen to another's arms

You and I are not that different
We got a void and we're just trying to fill it up
With something that'll give just a little peace
All we want is a hand to reach to
Open arms that say I love you
We'd give anything to hear
The voice of a Savior

Some people try to find it with blind ambition
Some people try to find it where no one else has gone
Some people try to find it in the crowns of victory
Some people get defeated and lose the strength to carry on

You and I are not that different
We got a void and we're just trying to fill it up
With something that'll give just a little peace
All we want is a hand to reach to
Open arms that say I love you
We'd give anything to hear
The voice of a Savior
The voice of a Savior

Some people try to find it in the shadow of a steeple
Some people try to find it in the back row pew
Some people try to find it in the arms of Jesus
That's where I found it, how about you?

You and I are not that different
We got a void and we're just trying to fill it up
With something that'll give just a little peace
All we want is a hand to reach to
Open arms that say I love you
We'd give anything to hear
The voice of a Savior
The voice of a Savior
We'd give anything to hear
The voice of a Savior
The voice of a Savior
The voice of a Savior

Perfect Soup Weather

2008-11-11T13:53:00.006-06:00

This recipe is a mix of a couple of different of recipes, but my own take on a yummy fall soup. It was a hit in this house except for little J who turns up his nose at orange vegetables.

Butternut Squash and Chicken Chowder

1 large butternut squash, baked and cubed
3 chicken breasts, boiled and diced
3-4 Tbsp. butter
1 yellow onion, diced
1 leek, finely chopped
1 tsp. thyme
1/8 tsp. cumin
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup flour
1/4-1/2 cup cream
1 can chicken broth
3 medium yellow potatoes, cubed
1 can whole kernel corn

Place whole squash on foil covered baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for one hour. Allow to cool a few minutes, then peel off skin and scoop out seeds. Dice squash and put aside.
Place chicken breasts in pot and cover with water. Bring to boil and allow to boil until chicken is cooked. Remove chicken and dice, setting aside. Reserve chicken "water."
In a large soup pot melt butter and add onion and leek, cooking until soft. Add thyme, cumin, salt and pepper, stirring for a few seconds. Add flour to onion mixture and allow to cook for a couple of minutes, making sure flour is all stirred in. Pour in cream, the can of broth, and chicken "water." Stir thoroughly and allow to thicken slightly. Add cubed potatoes and let cook until softened. Stir in can of corn, squash and chicken. Let simmer for a few minutes and serve.

YUM! I can't seem to get enough of this soup on this cold day...

The True Meaning

2008-11-10T21:17:00.002-06:00

Buy one less gift this Christmas...I am planning on sticking to my four gifts plan: something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read. After watching this I am considering reducing to three gifts for each child.

Manna for the Moment

2008-11-08T22:21:00.002-06:00

A dear friend encouraged me so much a couple of weeks ago with this and I hope that it encourages you too...

It is on my heart to tell you that He is our Moment By Moment Manna.

In the O.T. it says that His mercies were new every morning but that wasn't enough for wandering sheep so under the new covenant His mercies are new every moment.

He is our moment by moment peace, moment by moment wisdom, moment by moment strength. He is enough in this moment. In this moment he will give us joy. Every moment it is fresh. It is not something that we can collect and store up for the next moment. He won't give us a lump sum in the morning to last for the day.

He is our every breath. And every moment we breathe him in. And exactly right now we have everything we need for life and Godliness so that we can participate in the divine nature and escape corruption. Not for five minutes from now but for exactly now.

And there are times when we are so acutely aware of our desperate reliance on Him for our every thought our every word and our every movement. And our tendency is to despise this weakness but this is what it means for Him to be made perfect in our weakness. It is a blessed time when we know that without Him we can do nothing.

It is these times that we are so aware that He is our all in all. It is in these collections of moments that we know that it is He who will carry out to completion the work that He started in us. That it is He who is the author and perfecter of our our faith. That it is He who is making holy those He has made perfect forever. It is He who has delivered us thus far and it is He who will deliver us completely.

What is the work that we must do? Believe in the one He sent. We must not despise his timing when we are aware that we are still in process. In this moment because of Jesus, we are perfect in our fathers eyes, holy and dearly loved.

In this moment He will lift our heads. In the next He will give us hope. In the next He will give us contentment. In the next He will give us Joy, In the next He will give us strength. And though today I may fall a thousand times, yet ten thousand times will He lift me up.

We can no more deliver ourselves than we can save ourselves. And we are delivered the same way we are saved- by believing that He will do what He says He will do.

He is so good, so loving, so faithful. It is who He is.

Growing Up

2008-11-08T22:10:00.002-06:00

But still funny...

And a total goofball...

Another Perspective

2008-11-08T22:09:00.000-06:00

John Piper

A Bird in the Hand

2008-11-06T21:57:00.005-06:00

This poor little bird somehow ended up in our laundry room via our garage and after we tried to flush him out, eventually ended up in our kitchen flying into our windows. He flew into the pantry and when he had exhausted himself, Bookworm picked him up and carried him outside. He darted into the sky the minute Bookworm opened her hands.

A Few Hours with Grandad

2008-11-06T21:47:00.003-06:00

Sonic ice cream treats with Grandad after a drive to the lake to see the turning leaves...

Finally a smile from J - all we had to do was ask and he produced one on demand, but only for the camera. :)

She Says It Better Than I Could...

2008-11-05T08:45:00.002-06:00

As we welcome President Obama by Barbara Curtis
Friends, we have a new president. While he is not the president many of us wanted, he is the president God has given us.

I'm an optimist, which means I see the silver lining in every cloud. Yes, I know that's trite, but the reason cliches have a habit of sticking around is because they tend to hold true. For practical reasons - like having to run a house and raise a family - I cannot afford to wallow in discouragement and despair.

And then there's God's grace - which is the only thing I can credit for the fact that within minutes of having the election called for the candidate I worked tirelessly to defeat, I caught a glimpse of silver lining. And like any sensible person would, I grabbed it and followed it up to the clouds - to see things from a higher perspective.

And I saw that in this situation - though it was not what I would have chosen - there is much to be grateful for.

Let us be grateful that the election of our first African-American president has made so many of our countrymen happy. Let us not begrudge their celebration, and even if we don't feel like putting on our dancing shoes, let us see it through their eyes and feel the fullness of their hearts. Let us respond as the Bible has taught us - rejoicing with those who rejoice.

Let us pray that under President Obama's leadership we will finally see the end to the bitterness and hardness of hearts - on both sides - that has stood in the way of reconciliation and final healing for the sin of slavery. Conservatives voted for Sen McCain for political reasons, not because of racism. But we can all share in the pride at how far our country has come. May the reality of an African American family in the highest place of honor bring assurance to every person on Earth that in this regard the American spirit, with the grace of God, has triumphed over evil.

May we receive what many felt would be a catastrophe instead as an opportunity God has given us to let His light shine through the work He will do in our hearts - if we let Him.

To read the rest of this article...go here.

Perspective

2008-11-04T16:24:00.001-06:00

Our Sugar Maple written by Bookworm

2008-10-15T22:02:00.002-05:00

Every autumn, the sugar maple in our front yard changes from a majestic emerald green to a breathtaking ruby red. In late October to early November, the leaves cascade down to ground as the tree whispers in the wind. The tree is admired by all who pass by and many people stop and pick up a leaf or two to take home. As the leaves drift to the ground, I treasure each one.

Fall in Branson

2008-10-14T23:36:00.004-05:00

J put in the stockade by Daddy. Not sure what he did to deserve it, but he doesn't seem to mind...

Daddy and J on the choo-choo train-what a thrill!

The girls look thrilled too!

We enjoyed three days in Branson (despite me being sick) and had the most beautiful weather. The leaves were just beginning to turn, so we didn't see the turning in all its glory, but it was still beautiful.

BBQ as a Noun

2008-10-14T23:26:00.002-05:00

Particularly for our loved ones who don't live in the South...thought you might appreciate this... :)

A Blessed Birthday

2008-10-09T23:14:00.003-05:00

What God gave me for my birthday this year:

1. A surprise party at the local coffee shop...

2. With dear, dear friends...

3. An Italian Cream Cake made by my twelve-year-old who relished putting that many candles in the cake...I'll make you count :)

4. Dollar Tree treasures from my daughters too numerous to name

5. A new bicycle from my love

6. Flowers from a dear friend - red, my favorite!

7. Blessings through words of love from many dear friends and family members
8. A group of women praying for my heart

9. A new word for the journey, RISK (more on this later)

As I reflected on my walk this morning, I thought about how it was just all too much. I mean, why should I have all this love and attention? Why should I feel treasured and honored? I asked God that I would be able to receive the love into my heart and not allow it to just "bounce off."

I heard Him whisper, "See, this is how I love you. This is Me." And being the slow processor that I am, I am slowly steeping myself in that thought and will be for days.

Life and Joy with J

2008-10-09T23:09:00.005-05:00

Here is J all jammied and jamming on his self appointed "guitar." He will make anything into a guitar-he is completely enamored with that particular musical instrument. And though he has a word bank of less than five words, he manages to belt out his favorite, Shout to the Lord when we are singing it. My friend Cindy told me today that she and her husband managed to pick out that song on the guitar and learn it so they can sing it with J next time. :)

And here, finally with the real thing!

Some more silly pictures of the little man...

Saying cheese for the camera.

Weed eating in just a diaper. Its a tough job, but someone has to do it.

A Return to Christ

2008-10-07T22:23:00.002-05:00

Back in the day when I would read anything without regard to what I was putting in my head, I read a couple of Anne Rice's vampire books. Anne was interviewed about her return to faith in Jesus Christ on Dr. Dobson's show today and will be on again tomorrow. Interestingly, she said that she lost her faith at age 18 on a college campus. Something to think about...

This video is one she made to speak directly to her vampire book fans about her return to Christ.

The Lord Is Near

2008-10-05T21:01:00.002-05:00

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 3:12-14; 4:4-9

Living Proof

2008-10-04T23:49:00.001-05:00

See Part 2 here.

Best Carrot Cake Ever

2008-10-04T21:29:00.003-05:00

ETA Picture of Bookworm's cake...

I sit here enjoying a last piece of Bookworm's birthday cake with a glass of milk and I thought I'd share the recipe with you. My mom first made this cake to celebrate Bookworm's RE-birthday a few years ago, and it was a hit with everyone. The birthday girl requested any cake with cream cheese frosting (a girl after my own heart) so I chose this one as I have not made it before. The unique aspect of this carrot cake recipe is the Buttermilk glaze that is poured over the hot cake, giving the cake an incredibly moist, almost candy-like texture. Enjoy!

Best Carrot Sheet Cake
From Southern Living March 2003

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
2 cups sugar
3/4 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup buttermilk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups grated carrots (about 3 large carrots)
1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
1 (3 1/2-ounce) can sweetened flaked coconut
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Stir together first 4 ingredients. Beat eggs and next 4 ingredients at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Add flour mixture, beating at low speed until blended. Fold in carrots and next 3 ingredients. Pour batter into a greased and floured 13- x 9-inch pan. [I baked the cake in 3 9 inch layer round pans.] Bake at 350° for 30 minutes; cover pan loosely with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning, and bake 13 more minutes or until a wooden pick inserted into center comes out clean. Drizzle Buttermilk Glaze evenly over cake; cool completely in pan. Spread Cream Cheese Frosting evenly over cake.
Yield: Makes 10 to 12 servings

Buttermilk Glaze
From Southern Living

1 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon light corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Bring sugar, baking soda, butter, buttermilk, and corn syrup to a boil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Boil, stirring often, 4 minutes or until mixture is golden brown. Remove from heat, and stir in vanilla extract.

Cream Cheese Frosting
From Southern Living

1/2 cup butter, softened
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (3-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (16-ounce) package powdered sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Beat butter and cream cheese at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract; beat at high speed 10 seconds or until smooth.
Yield: Makes 4 cups

12 Years

2008-10-01T23:13:00.008-05:00

Dear Bookworm,

I can hardly believe that 12 years ago this evening you finally came onto the scene...12 days overdue. We named you Sheltered and Pure. And this, by God's grace you have been. I remember crying in the first week after your birth, astounded by the fierce love I felt, amazed that my mother had felt the same for me and that mothers for centuries had felt this same thing.

From the start you were half grown. You were such a strong baby and never felt fragile to me. Your strength gave me the confidence I needed as a new mom. Daddy commented on how relaxed I seemed in caring for you. I am sure that part of this confidence came from the confidence you carried from birth, confidence that God made and grew within you.

You were so awake and aware and so there. And so you have remained until now. You embrace life with gusto. You love without conditions and with abandon. You reach out without pride. You are enthusiasm personified. You are fearless. You are a hot air balloon, constantly straining to go, fly, and we anchor you until your time comes, allowing you to float a little off the ground. Oh, how to hold you down while releasing you a little at a time?

From the time you could talk and walk you were a determined seeker, demanding to know and do everything. And in this you will continue to walk. You will seek our God with undying passion. You will throw yourself into serving with determination. You will refuse to become discouraged or tired. You will mount up on wings as an eagle. You will run and not grow weary. Your youth will be continually renewed as you listen, grow, learn, stand, try, succeed, obey, strain, and persevere. May this 13th year bring your heart and mind into complete submission to our Father, seeking only to serve and love as Jesus did when he gave up everything to do his Father's will. We love you so much and are loving the impression of Jesus on you. We thank Him for guiding you and making you a warrior for Him. You will do mighty things in Jesus' name.

Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:7-11

Happy Birthday dear daughter,

Mama

The Glory of the Lord?

2008-09-28T16:42:00.003-05:00

Two people commented on how I looked at church today...they said I looked "different," "wonderful," "glowing," that they "almost didn't recognize me."

Now, I ask you, what does this mean when I have not changed in my outward appearance in any way, shape or form? I may have gained a couple of pounds, but I hardly think that would change me so amazingly and certainly not in a positive way.

Is it the amazing chili I ate last night at Lisa's?
Is it the glow of new motherhood, the peace of knowing J is ours?
Is it the people I have been around lately? (Highly possible since these people are "different" and "glow" in their Jesus love.)
Is it the expectancy I feel of what the Lord will do next in my heart or in our relationship?

I have been thinking a lot lately about how the physical world or our physical bodies are such a picture of the spiritual realm. That the physical pain we bear and the physical joy we experience reflects our spiritual well-being or our spiritual, for lack of a better word, constipation. (Forgive me E, but it is so true!) I think of Moses who was in the very presence of God Almighty and to those around him, he appeared to physically glow. Make no mistake, to my knowledge there is no physical change in me, except that which might come from inside me.

I feel like the Father is saying, "See, I AM changing you and molding you, even if you don't see it yourself, even if you constantly second guess yourself, even if you listen to lies whispered telling you that you'll never change. I am changing you so much that people who don't even know you see ME in you and have to say something. I WILL have my way in you."

Early Morning Animal Antics

2008-09-24T21:25:00.004-05:00

Early the other morning, Bookworm heard the neighbor's dogs yelping and ran out to find this squirrel running with a limp toward the woodpile, trying to escape becoming our dog Oscar's breakfast. She managed to get it away from Oscar and it seemed happy to be in her hand out of the dogs' reach. I was grossed out and asked her to put it outside the fence so it could make a clean getaway, and then required her to throw her jammies in the washer and take a shower... :)

Foster Carrier

2008-09-24T20:57:00.003-05:00

I was so excited to receive our new chocolate Ergo carrier in the mail-each girl had to try it out with Jack in it, and by the third girl he wasn't too thrilled. :) He still loves to be carried, so this will be a blessing when we have to be on our feet a lot or walk long distances. The other day he was having a grumpy day, and was just happy to ride on my back while I made lunch. Hopefully many more little ones will benefit from riding in ergonomic comfort!

A Pumpkin?

2008-09-24T19:50:00.002-05:00

Now that the plant pictured below is growing to gargantuan preportions, we are wondering if it might be a pumpkin. It has many huge blossoms that are the most beautiful pumpkin color. I suppose time will tell... :)

Squash Volunteer

2008-09-15T21:43:00.003-05:00

This volunteer squash plant appeared right off our deck and it is growing beautifully with all the rain we have been enjoying. The blooms are beautiful and we keep checking for some squash-what a nice surprise after our garden (across town at our friend's house) has been done for more than a month! We must have thrown some squash leftovers to Oscar or something-who would have thought?

Who Needs Those Big Rentable Blow-up Slides...

2008-09-15T21:26:00.004-05:00

When you can just make your own at home? (This is sideways for part of the video)

Mute music at right before playing video.

Dedicated and Showered

2008-09-15T20:59:00.004-05:00

Our dedication of J to the Lord with one of our elders, Michael leading prayer

Tea (even my favorite - Tetley British Blend Decaf) and Geo's soft gingerbread cookies

Cousins came...

Baby Animal crackers and paper gingerbread cut-outs for blessings and well-wishes

Friends visiting...

DH thanking all for loving us so greatly and for making a big deal of J's arrival-it was a very touching moment

Mal and J with J's new Thomas trains

Me seeing green

We were so incredibly blessed by the love shown to us yesterday...so many people came and so many people gave-we are still taking it all in. God sure does know how to pour out his love and approval when his will is accomplished! Thank you Lord and thank you dear, dear friends!

Learning The R's

2008-09-13T23:37:00.003-05:00

The Lord has spoken these words over me in the past couple of months: Rest, Relax, Receive, and now most recently, Respond. Each word is heavy with meaning for me as I listen to God and learn these new things. The Lord is teaching me each one of these things in His own patient and quiet way.

Rest...stop striving, don't calculate, be here and now, trust Me

Relax...do not fear, enjoy, close your eyes, breathe

Receive...open arms, reach to Me, look up, take the gift with thanksgiving

Respond...rise, run to Me, open your heart completely, be intimate with Me

As I teach my children and pray into His building of their godly character, I speak of allowing God to have our hearts so that He can impress His Son's image more fully upon us. I am being taught as much as they, and I understand more and more the heart of coming into a deeper relationship with the Lord...He is not finished with me yet! Praise the Lord!

Str-etch-ing...

2008-09-07T19:39:00.003-05:00

Sorry for the silence around here. We started our first week of school last Tuesday and made it through the week! I am now prepping for this week and seeing what needs to be changed to make life flow more successfully. To be honest, I do not like school start-up and it seems to be harder for me than it is for the children. I am attempting to build and stick to a MOTH (Managers of Their Homes) schedule which is a stretch for me just coming off of a free-spirited summer. :) I am hoping to attend the Titus 2 Ministry conference next week for some encouragement in this area.

Another reason this year will stretch me is that it is my first year to not follow a set out-of-the-box curriculum, but to teach the things that I feel God is calling me to pour into the hearts of my children. This includes Biblical Character and a program called Spell to Write and Read that is completely new to me. I am discovering that this will require a lot of prayer and guidance from the Holy Spirit because in my flesh, I know I will fail-or at least feel like a failure. But God is wanting to grow me in discipline and consistency, and I trust Him to guide me in this too.

The Big Moment

2008-08-26T22:31:00.003-05:00

Too tired to write much now...but we had a blessed day and the adoption went off without a hitch. Left the house at 7am and returned at 9:45pm. We are all exhausted. Ended with a wonderful time of praise and prayer and blessing at The Exchange - our Tuesday night worship. Came back to the house to a wonderful welcome home sign on the front door and one on the garage. Anonymous, but I have my theories... :)

With the judge

Outside the courthouse that reminded me of Africa, it was so run-down inside.

Headed home...

Blessed by friends

Thank you Father God for the unexpected gifts you bring in life.

Sing to God, sing praise to his name,
extol him who rides on the clouds —
his name is the LORD— and rejoice before him.
A father to the fatherless,
a defender of widows,
is God in his holy dwelling.
God sets the lonely in families,
he leads forth the prisoners with singing;

Tomorrow is A-Day

2008-08-25T20:35:00.002-05:00

Well, tomorrow is the big day. We leave at 7am to drive two hours to the big city and have our five minutes before the judge. :) We are so excited.

Today we received a phone call from J's birth county adoption specialist saying that she had some documents we needed to sign and have notarized! Yikes--24 hours before court. I pictured myself driving two hours each way to get these documents...but she said she could email them and we could look over them for mistakes, sign and have them notarized, and just bring them to court in the morning. WHEW.

The documents she sent included the adoption decree, and I wasn't prepared for the rush of emotions that came over me reading those words of finality. Wow. Tonight at dinner we recognized the fact that tomorrow at dinner, J will officially be a R__s. We are so happy and blessed. :)

He's Ba-ack...

2008-08-18T23:29:00.002-05:00

Phil Vischer, creator of beloved Bob and Larry is back with new ideas. Check out his newest creative idea at JellyTelly.

Dear Littlest One

2008-08-17T21:57:00.005-05:00

Today you are two years old. You are growing and trying hard to communicate. You say, "Mom...mom...mom!" with insistence. And somehow you get across what it is that you want. I can tell by the toothy grin that spreads across your face. You are sleeping in your big boy toddler bed now and telling me when you need a diaper change. :)

I remember the night I first saw you. Mama B and Papa T had just taken you in their home that day-that was 18 months and 10 days ago. It was a Wednesday night at church and Mama B was holding you and I remember thinking what old eyes you had for a five month old. I also thought how beautiful and precious you were. It didn't cross my mind that you might come to me three months later and then a week from now become my forever son. It didn't cross my mind that I would be the mother of a son at all.

But you came. God brought you and you came. Into our home, and slowly, slowly, deeply into our hearts. Nothing has ever been so easy as accepting the gift of you. You are a delight and a joy to each heart in our family and my heart overflows when I see what God has done.

For me. For you. For us.

O happy happy birthday dear littlest one.

Commentary: Our tragedy and God's love for orphans

2008-08-14T09:33:00.002-05:00

FRANKLIN, Tennessee (CNN) -- According to UNICEF, there are 143 million children in the world who have lost one or both parents.
In America alone, there are half a million children in foster care, and approximately 120,000 of these children are waiting to be adopted. In many countries, children are too often orphaned or abandoned because of poverty, disabilities and disease; every 15 seconds, a child loses a parent because of AIDS. These are staggering facts that can seem overwhelming and discouraging, but I believe that God has a loving plan for each child, and that plan is you and me.
Caring for these children is not the job of governments or institutions; instead, it is the job of families, people and communities. As Christians, our compassion is simply a response to the love that God has already shown us. Mother Teresa would constantly remind those who worked with her that the Bible clearly teaches that whatever we do for the least of these, we do for Jesus. So in a very real sense, caring for orphans is a chance to meet the person of Jesus in "the guise of human suffering." This is an invitation from the heart of God to know him and to experience his love.

To read the rest of this article by Steven Curtis Chapman, click here.

WAHOOOOOO!!! Praise the Lord!!

2008-08-13T11:14:00.002-05:00

We are officially an "open home" for adoption in our state! Just in time for our adoption of our little guy to happen on the 26th!!! Thank you Lord!

I called the adoption specialist this morning to get our disclosure package on J (this has to happen before we can finalize) and she was literally walking out the door --for the rest of the month!! (GULP! Thank you Lord I didn't know this or I would have been stressing the last two days!!!) She told me that the background checks came in and as of last night we are an open home in the DHS computer and that everything is in order for J's file and his adoption. So now just to wait for the 26th and our audience before the judge for finalization.

Praise the Lord with us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

First Cuppa

2008-08-12T16:43:00.002-05:00

A day to commemorate ~ the first morning cool enough to have a cup of hot tea. Yeh!! I mentioned to DH the other day that I miss my daily ritual in the summer. It's not so much the tea, but the ritual of partaking. Then here in mid-August we have some mornings cool enough to imagine autumn - I am sure we will be back to sweating before we actually have autumn, but it is a nice preview. :)

Little Big Helper

2008-08-12T16:40:00.002-05:00

I have to share this picture of J helping big sis, Bookworm make the pizza dough. You can't tell from the photo, but he is holding out the wooden spoon that she allowed him to lick. And yes, that is a pink apron you see on him-he does have his own man-apron, but preferred this one this time.

Well Up in Me

2008-08-12T09:53:00.003-05:00

"Men are in a restless pursuit after satisfaction in earthly things. They will exhaust themselves in the deceitful delights of sin, and, finding them all to be vanity and emptiness, they will become very perplexed and disappointed. But they will continue their fruitless search. Though wearied, they still stagger forward under the influence of spiritual madness, and though there is no result to be reached except that of everlasting disappointment, yet they press forward. They have no forethought for their eternal state; the present hour absorbs them. They turn to another and another of earth's broken cisterns, hoping to find water where not a drop was ever discovered yet."
~Charles Spurgeon

I have done this, hoping for a quenching of my thirst in what I can see, not accepting that everything in earth, though a gift from God for which to be thankful, will never take the place of fulfillment in Jesus the Christ.

Lord, give me this water, so I will not be thirsty and seek to draw from the well of everlasting disappointment. Father, grow in me a thirst for the Living Water, and let me, like the woman at the well, drop my earthly water pot and run to tell others about the Living Water, given to me by Jesus who satisfies unlike those broken cisterns that never produce a drop of lasting satisfaction.

A Possible Wrench

2008-08-07T21:06:00.003-05:00

Hopefully the news we received today that one of our background checks is expired will not completely throw a wrench in the works of our adoption. The social worker said that usually it takes about two weeks turn-around time for this, but that she would fax it instead of mailing it and hopefully we will get it back in time for our August 26th court date. Also there were two other missing forms that we need to turn in, and that we will do tomorrow. We know that this whole thing is in the Lord's hands and we are just along for the ride. HE is in control. Thank you, Jesus!

On a more cheerful note, my friend Leigh Anne came over tonight and took some pictures of J and got some really cute ones. J is so funny about just sitting still and looking at the camera. He is an especially laid back two year old little boy! So be looking for new pictures and an announcement soon - Lord willing! :)

Encouraging Peace...from Nancy Campbell

2008-08-05T14:47:00.002-05:00

SOWING SEEDS OF PEACE
Part 1

Zechariah 8:12 (NLT), "I am planting seeds of peace and prosperity among you..."

God spoke these words to encourage the people when rebuilding the temple of Jerusalem. God loves to sow seeds of peace. If we walk in God's ways, we will also sow seeds of peace. This is God's character and His way. Because we are created in His image, it should also be our way. When we sow seeds of peace we will reap a harvest of peace.

How can we sow seeds of peace in our home and family? The following are some seeds that I am sure will bring a harvest of peace. If you can think of other seeds, you are welcome to share them with me.

Pray for Peace
I believe that this is the first thing we need to do. Every morning when we have devotions as a family, my husband prays for peace to fill our home. If we constantly pray for it, we are well on the way toward making it happen.

God commanded us to pray for the peace of His city, Jerusalem . (Psalm 122:6) It is just as important to pray for the peace of our homes. If every family prayed for the peace of God to be in their home, we would have peace in our homes, in our cities and then in our nation.

Speak Peace
We should not only pray for it, but speak it. As we were raising our older children, my husband would constantly confess these words, "I am a man of peace" or "I am for peace." We needed that confession in the midst of our six very exuberant and outspoken children. Unfortunately, our children have it in their genes. My husband comes from a family of nine children, who, although most are totally radical for God and serving the Lord full-time, have very loud voices, are very opinionated and not afraid to speak their opinions. It is a fun riot to be together.

I come from a smaller family, but just as loud. A friend of ours, who lived with us for a while as we were raising our family used to say, "What hope is there for your children with a "crowin' Campbell " for a father and a "blowin' Bowen for a mother!" Amazingly, in the midst of all our loudness, we mostly had an atmosphere of peace.

As you pray for your children each morning, minister the peace of God upon them. Walk into your kitchen with your "gospel of peace" shoes on your feet and release peace on each one of your children. Pray it over them. Confess it over them. Speak it into their lives. Be a peace-bearer rather than a tension-bearer.
I love the Jewish greeting of Shalom, meaning peace. What a wonderful way to greet people. This is the way Jesus greeted people and encouraged others to do the same:

Luke 10:5, "Whatever house you enter, first say, Peace to this house."
Luke 24:36, "Jesus himself stood in the midst of the, and said to them, Peace to you." (John 20:19, 21)

Psalm 85:8 says "God will speak peace to his people and to his saints; but let them not turn back to folly."
Peace is a noun, but the Bible verbs it. It tells us to extend peace, pursue peace, love peace, make peace, establish peace, preach peace, proclaim peace, seek peace and speak peace. If you seek to do these things each day, you'll be constantly sowing seeds of peace.

Love and Obey the Word of God
We sow peace into our home when we love the Word. Of course, if we love the Word of God, we will want to read it and impart its truth to our children.

Psalm 119:165 says, "Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing causes them to stumble."

Isaiah 48:18 says, "Oh, that you had heeded my commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea."

It is not always easy to obey the Word of God. God's ways are usually the opposite of the way we feel, but obedience always bring peace.

Start sowing seeds of peace. The more you sow, the more you will reap.

We will discuss more peace seeds in the next couple of weeks.

Love from NANCY CAMPBELL

PRAYER:

"Lord, I long for peace. I hate it when there is tension in my home. Please help me to daily sow seeds of peace in my home. I know it won't happen unless I make it happen and start doing something about it. Amen."

AFFIRMATION:

I am a Peace Sower in my home.

Peace verbs: Isaiah 66:12; Hebrews 12:14; Zechariah 8:19; Isaiah 27:5; Isaiah 26:12; Acts 10:36; Isaiah 52:7; Nahum 1:15; Psalm 34:14; 1 Peter 3:11; Esther 10:3; Psalm 85:8.

To read more by Nancy Campbell, go to www.aboverubies.org

Progress

2008-08-05T14:43:00.003-05:00

We heard last week that our adoption disclosure has been handed to our county's adoption specialist! This is a huge deal-that J.'s county would complete this in a timely manner and hand it over to our specialist. We have yet to hear from our specialist who is supposed to set up a time to go over the disclosure with us before we can finalize on the 26th - just three weeks from today! Expectant and excited over here... :)

Unveiling

2008-08-05T10:32:00.002-05:00

Now if the ministry that brought death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with glory, so that the Israelites could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory, fading though it was, will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? If the ministry that condemns men is glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness! For what was glorious has no glory now in comparison with the surpassing glory. And if what was fading away came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts!

Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at it while the radiance was fading away. But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Oh, Father, make not my mind dull, but continually unveil my face more fully...

Peaches and Apples

2008-08-04T22:02:00.005-05:00

Last week we went with friends to a peach orchard, arriving at about 7:15 a.m. to pick before the temperature became unbearable. We had a wonderful time picking, and actually it was the moms who just couldn't get enough and had to force themselves to quit picking. ;) Just as we were finishing, we discovered the tree right beside my van had little ripe peaches, so we proceeded to pick that one clean. Those little ones were the best ones. (There has to be a spiritual lesson in this...)

I ended up bringing home 80 lbs. (yes, 80!) of peaches. I had so much fun figuring out recipes for jellies and jams and then canning the proceeds. I ended up with peach jam (which was too sweet in my opinion), peach jelly, peach spread, peach pineapple spread, and peach peel/pit jelly. Not to mention a bunch of frozen peaches. Mmm, mmm!

Last night we raided an overloaded apple tree in our church parking lot and picked enough to fill the back seat of our van and half of the front seat. I made one crockpot of cinnamon applesauce overnight last night and Bookworm made apple crisp tonight, but I still have two big boxes of apples in the kitchen calling my name. Back to the cutting board!

A Room with a View

2008-08-04T21:56:00.002-05:00

We (mainly DH) recently spent some time putting in the last of our new windows. It took DH, Bookworm and I about two hours to get this last, biggest window into our front room. It is amazing to look out and see a crystal clear view instead of the murky view we have seen for three years. ;)

Now THAT'S a Zucchini!

2008-07-25T11:20:00.000-05:00

He Has Done It

2008-07-24T10:00:00.002-05:00

Psalm 22
29All the prosperous of the earth eat and worship; before him shall bow all who go down to the dust, even the one who could not keep himself alive. 30Posterity shall serve him; it shall be told of the Lord to the coming generation; 31they shall come and proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn, that he has done it.

Psalm 52
8But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God. I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever. 9I will thank you forever, because you have done it. I will wait for your name, for it is good, in the presence of the godly.
(English Standard Version)

Whom Will I Serve?

2008-07-14T08:05:00.001-05:00

Although we will never hear this from the world, becoming free from overeating is a matter of learning how to enjoy the Lord. Freedom comes from learning how to drink Him in, how to quench our thirst in Him, how to feast our souls on Him. It is impossible to enjoy sin and enjoy the Lord at the same time, and those who are nourishing their souls and quenching their thirst in Jesus are done with overeating. The Lord's Table, Setting Captives Free

Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness? Romans 6:16

What a Great Anniversary Gift - Hope!

2008-07-11T13:46:00.002-05:00

Today is my sixteenth anniversary and I praise God for His purpose and plan in my life in bringing my Lower-case lord into my life. Although marriage has not been the bed of roses that I read about in books as a young girl, I look back and see how Jesus delivered us from ourselves and has brought about a beautiful thing. DH is indeed the one planned for me since the beginning of time.

Today the adoption specialist from J's county called wanting to know J's doctor's name. She also sent me the form to have his name changed. So, we are having some movement and progress over there! This is surprising, but hopeful and we pray that God's will and timing for this adoption will come to pass. Thank you for your continued prayers.

Liberty

2008-07-11T07:58:00.001-05:00

16 but whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 2 Corinthians 3:16-17
Oh yes, when the veil is taken away, we can see Jesus! And when we see Jesus we are granted liberty! Do you see it? The answer to our weight problem is to turn to the Lord; that is, to stop attempting to gain God's favor by what we do, to stop trying to work our way into a right standing with God, and simply turn to the Lord! When we thus stop working for righteousness and turn to the Lord in repentance, we will catch a glimpse of Him and His beauty that will stun us! We will see in Him all that is needed to deal with our entire sin problem; the guilt, the shame, and the power of it. And as we gaze at Him we are slowly changed into His image.
-The Lord's Table, Setting Captives Free

Fireworks

2008-07-04T08:37:00.005-05:00

I was up at midnight last night during a huge storm we had here. It was a little scary, but not too bad. After the worst had past I heard a pretty loud cracking noise, but couldn't see anything in the back yard.
We awoke to this view out our front door this morning...

The pictures don't do justice to the size of the tree. A huge part of our old maple tree came down, stretching right up to our front bay window.

This shows more clearly how big the tree is...

Guess we'll be firing up the old chainsaw on the 4th of July!

Adoption Date

2008-07-03T23:40:00.002-05:00

J had a court date on July 1st, and we found out that the county that is over his case has received all our paper - yeah! Barring any complications or incompetence on our part or theirs, our adoption should be complete on August 26th! We are excited about the possibility of it happening, but still not holding our breath. :)

Stay tuned for further developments!

A Garden Birthday Tea

2008-07-03T22:05:00.005-05:00

Come right through our garden gate...

Please dress up and don't be late...

We're celebrating [Cheery's] 7th Birthdate!

Hey, this tea party thing isn't all bad (I like the cream puffs!)

The big girls helped the "guests" decorate straw hats

My first and last attempt at petit fours...they were good, but oh my, do I have a new appreciation for people who make them! :)

And my dear friend H, learning to carry baby the African way...

I wish I had a picture of all we served. We had cucumber cream cheese sandwiches, scones with strawberry jam and lemon curd, cream puffs, chocolate-covered strawberries, and petit fours with raspberry sherbet. Thanks to dear Daddy for the balloon arch and spraying for mosquitos so we wouldn't be devoured, and thanks to Bookworm for organizing our games - pin the lid on the teapot and musical bean bag toss. I think Cheery had a wonderful birthday.

Veggie Plate

2008-07-03T22:01:00.002-05:00

We came home to a full huge garden! You should have heard the shouts and exclamations as the girls ran through the garden looking at the huge sunflowers, countless butternut squash, cucumbers, and on and on. Here was our haul from Monday night:

And here was our dinner - everything from our garden except the sweet potato. Fried okra (my first time to cook it!), squash and zucchini, green beans, cucumbers and grape tomatoes in vinegar. This is our first garden ever and we are amazed at the way God makes the ground grow our food. What a blessing!

Rocky Mountain High

2008-06-30T13:02:00.005-05:00

Oh, I regret that I didn't take more pictures. My only excuse is that we were too busy catching up with family, playing with cousins and managing the business of camping with children. But a wonderful time was had by all, despite our lack of documentation. :)
Blessings:
*getting to know cousins better
*introducing J to the family - and they adoring him
*meeting new cousins from countries far away
*being supported and blessed by the older generation specifically for adopting
*crafts, crafts, and more crafts!
*great campground
*great borrowed tent (thanks B & B) -except that we froze at night. In June.
*spending time with like-minded brothers and sisters in Christ

Then,
*returning home to fridge full of fresh veggies and breakfast for the next morning from dear friends!
*checking out our garden after 10 days - 10 foot sunflowers!
*sleeping without noticing what you are sleeping on -the best according to Bookworm whose hips were sore from sleeping on the ground. :)

Some of my very few pictures...
Baby cousin Rachael - J's favorite person with whom to dig in the dirt (I called her Pigpen)

Pigpen's parents finding out that Baby #9 is on the way!!

One of the many wonderful crafts - book making

More book making

Hawaiian night - dinner each night had a theme - American, Western, Italian, etc.

Cousin Ashley and J tossing rocks

Yes, I like to dig in the dirt!

Off to the Beautiful Colorado Wilderness...

2008-06-18T21:46:00.002-05:00

We leave early in the a.m. for Colorado Springs - Dh's family reunion. We are all so excited to be surrounded by God's beautiful creation and enjoying the outdoors. We will be tent camping and Cheery is looking most forward to sleeping on the ground. In fact, she has been practicing the past couple of nights by sleeping on her floor!

The campground does have wireless ! so keep in touch...

Thank you, God

2008-06-12T08:25:00.003-05:00

Thank you for praying those who saw the previous post in time...I think my talk went well last night -- at least I managed to get through it without breaking into tears (although I choked up a couple of times), throwing up or dying. :) I think the ladies were encouraged and glory was given to God which was what I had prayed. I was also encouraged and very supported - thank you dear sisters.

And, its FINALLY OVER. I can now think about something else!-like a garage sale tomorrow and a trip to Colorado in a week. :)

Please Pray

2008-06-11T12:56:00.003-05:00

News from the social worker today is that the county adoption specialist thinks there is "no way" that the adoption can take place at the next court date on July 1st. Our children's home social worker thinks that it can still happen. Would you pray that God's timing is just amazing and evident. We are not in such a rush since J is with us, but we would like to see the Lord's glory in this, and we want his will and his timing.

Also, pray for me tonight as I share my story with a group of ladies. I have an amazing peace with just moments of sheer panic (about the public speaking part). I know that the Lord will use my words in the way he wants, and I just want him to be glorified.

The Plight of the Orphan

2008-06-09T12:44:00.003-05:00

Mary at Owlhaven posted a letter here, from her sister who is working in a hospital in Ethiopia for the summer. I think it (and some of the comments below it) so aptly express the heart break over the plight of so many orphaned children in this world. One commenter quotes a stat that if 7% of Christians adopted just one child, we would eliminate the orphan population. If only each one could reach one!

Living the Transparent Life

2008-06-09T11:23:00.002-05:00

What keeps us from sharing our true hearts with others? Is it fear or is it pride? I think for me it is a little of both, although mostly it is a fear of speaking. This Wednesday night I have the opportunity to share my life story with a group of ladies. Although the thought of standing up and talking has stressed me out, I relish the opportunity to become transparent to others. There is something so freeing about being known - to have someone know all your flaws and to still accept you and love you.

Yesterday I took the opportunity to go forward in church and confess the sin of idolatry with food. Although I dreaded being in front, my heart was pounding so hard that I knew I was being nudged and that I couldn't say no to the Holy Spirit. So down the aisle I went. I repented before God for going to food my entire life for joy, comfort and peace, and for failing to receive those things from Jesus. The Lord Jesus is doing a saving and sanctifing work in me and teaching me that the importance I have placed on eating and overeating has reached the level of idolatry in His eyes. And by teaching me to turn to Him, He is saving me from a battle that I have waged my whole life. Praise the Lord! To find out more about the tool He is using in my life, go to this website.

So in the midst of living and changing and being sanctified, I am looking back, writing and preparing to share my life with others this week. I pray that His name will be glorified in all I say or do.

Going Green

2008-06-07T18:33:00.003-05:00

My new cloth diapers came in today! Thank you so much Sandra for you and your Dad's generosity. This is going to be a blessing to our budget and a blessing to any more babies the Lord sends our way. And besides that, look how darling our little man looks in them! :)

Transporting Africa-Style

2008-06-06T19:32:00.002-05:00

Who says the Dodge Caravan of the Non-Grand variety can't carry much? How about eleven new windows for our house? and two children...and two adults... The Lowes people were impressed with Dh's packing expertise, and were calling it a "Cara-truck." :)

Untamed Pet

2008-06-04T21:22:00.003-05:00

If you look in the very center of this picture you will see our little resident baby bunny. We see him calmly munching every day on the side of our driveway. He lets us get about ten feet from him and then darts into the brush. I look forward to our meeting everytime I go to the van and then again when I pull into the driveway. :)

D.O.C.!!!

2008-06-04T14:49:00.002-05:00

No, that does not mean "dossier to China" as it does to some. To us it means dossier to C_____ county! For those unfamiliar with adoptionese, this means that all of our paper is finally "in" and the ball is in the court of the county to begin the process of finalizing the adoption. To the best of our understanding, we now wait on the county for our "disclosure" that reveals to us all the information about J's history, including anything we may not already know. After we receive the disclosure, we give the go ahead and hopefully schedule the adoption to take place at the next court date. The upcoming court date is scheduled for July 1st, and our social worker thinks that there is no reason that the adoption couldn't happen then. I am personally not holding my breath, but am hopeful and praying for the Lord's timing.

One interesting development is that according to J's birth family's lawyer, J's birth family are entitled to a "goodbye" visit with him. This will probably take place at the July 1st court date, so it may happen that we meet J's birth family. This will be interesting because we have already heard that they are not thrilled about the adoption or our ethnicity. We are praying for some positive closure for them and for us as well. God's timing is perfect and we trust Him.

ABC's Meme - Just for Fun

2008-05-27T22:13:00.006-05:00

A is for age:

B is for burger of choice:

In-N-Out double double, of course. ;)

C is for what kind of car you drive:

2000 Dodge Caravan (the non-Grand variety)

D is for your dog's name:

Oscar

E is for essential item you use everyday:

Without fail, my mom's electric tea kettle

F is for favorite TV show at the moment:

Not watching TV at the moment...

G is for favorite game:

Uno Attack

H is for HomeState:

Arkansas is the state in which my home is ..:)

I is for instruments you play:

Piano -although I am pretty rusty

J is for favorite juice:

Grape (especially if it is sparkling)

K is for whose butt you'd like to kick:

My own...but I won't go into that...

L is for last restaurant you ate at?

Pizza Pro-its Tuesday and kids eat free!

M is for your favorite Muppet:

Never was very into the Muppets, but maybe those things that don't really talk, but just sort of "mememememememememe"

N is for Number of Piercings:

O is for overnight hospital stays:

Bone tumor surgery at age 11, three births at ages 25, 29, and 30

P is for people you were with today:

My three girls and one boy and hubby

Q is for what you do with your quiet time:

Bible study, read, pray, journal

R is for biggest regret:

Not knowing to teach my children certain things early

S is for status:

married and blessed beyond all imaginings

T is for time you woke up today:

6:30

U is for what you consider unique:

My friends. My DH thinks I like unique people, but I think its just because everyone is very unique when you really get to know them.

V is for vegetable you love:

Avocadoooooooo.

W is for worst habit:

Not being tidy enough

X is for x-rays you've had:

Lots of leg x-rays, teeth

Y is for yummy food you ate today:

Hawaiian Pizza!!!

Z is for zodiac sign:

Zilch - nonsense.