All Hallows Eve

A Hallows Eve, more recently known as, Halloween is the day before All Saints Day. A day we remember all of the saints who have gone on to the church triumphant before us, yet just by knowing them we are inspired to live as they did.



I remember the saints in my life.



I remember my grandmother Rogers, Aggie, who through stories of her life inspires me to love my church and cherish my church family. She was known to make all of her guests feel so special in her home by her hospitality. Every occasion was special when you came to her house. My daughter and I enjoy using some of her tea sets from time to time and I tell my daughter about her great grandmother and how she loved tea parties and laughing with friends.



I remember my grandfather Rogers, Skinny, who was a kid at heart. He'd sneak in candy bars in his pockets for my brother and I and peel apples for us while we sat in his lap by the fire. He came to church, mostly on holidays, and we always knew he was there by the ringing of his hearing aid. Though absent on Sundays he did have a close personal relationship with God. He gave the gifts of confidence and self accomplishment to many men in the community by providing them jobs. He taught me and others the blessings of hard work, by visualizing and seeing the end result. No project was too big for my Grandpa!



I remember my grandfather, Patrick, Grandpa to me, Pepaw to others. He taught me the importance of the Word of God. He read it to me as a toddler and for as long as I would listen. He lived a life in service to others. He served not only his own family but the whole community. If some one was in need he would be there. He was a quiet man, but when he talked we all listened as it was usually wise. He also gave the best hugs I have ever received.



I remember my husband's mother, Charlotte. When life gave her lemons. She made lemonade. She was diagnosed with a disabling disease when my husband was two and the plans she and my father in law had made of adopting five children were suddenly put to a halt. Their marriage was a true example of a covenant between themselves and God; a bond that could not be broken. They had vowed to each other they would serve each other as Jesus serves-and by humbly putting the others needs as more important than their own. They took on the tough times together peacefully knowing God was an ever present force in their lives. Their sons were watching and I know this example has helped my marriage.



I remember my husband's grandmother Holzworth, Nana. A strong woman of faith in an tiny package. She raised two young children on her own, after her husband had died when she was thirty. She was an adventurous spirit who inspired my husband to dream of serving in far away places. (Zambia) She packed up and moved in with my husbands family when her daughter, Charlotte, needed help in caring for the children and household. She remained by her daughter's side until the day Charlotte finally defeated MS and rejoiced in heaven. This was the same morning our first son was born so their souls past. Nana held our first child which was an enormous blessing.



I can even think of saints here living in our midst. Today I am thankful for a dear friend who in the middle of a crisis is thinking of the eternal ramifications. Putting aside all feelings of vengeance, even though she was wronged, she is sharing the gospel, along with forgiveness and love. Her faith in God inspires me to keep my eyes on what is eternally important.



Now I know none of these saints I mentioned are in any books or have any recognition except to those who knew or have known them. But through these lives God has touched many, who in turn will be used by God for other purposes. Today on Halloween think of the saints in your life.

Dear God,
I am thankful today for the many saints I know, and have known. They have helped me in my search for You and inspired me to seek You as they have and do in their lives. May I continue to pass down this rich heritage to my children. May we, on this day that concerns many, be a light shining out to our neighbors. May we show hospitality and love and recieve the chance to touch lives that You need us to be a part of.
In Jesus Name,
Amen.


Hebrews 12:1 "Therefore since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us"

Psalms 116:15 "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints."

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 "Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him."


See below for picture post

Who's who?

My daughter wore the same lion outfit that my my middle son wore three years ago! It was neat to see her following in his pawprints!

Today her preschool had a dress up parade, games, hayride to a "pumpkin patch", and yummy snack time. They also sang songs for the Mommies and Daddies which were, oh so sweet. My boys watched the video of their sister up there with all of the other children and were proud that she did it. She did not sing but did do all of the hand motions.

Pin the nose on the pumkin

Tractor ride around the school to a field were pumkins were "placed" ripe for the picking!

Yummy snacks to finish the day!

Tiger Earns His First Badge!

Our youngest son recently earned his Bobcat badge. We are all very proud. He and the other Tigers were inducted into the Pack with a special face painting ceremony. Each color stands for something:

BLUE is from the sky. The paw print of the Bobcat on your forehead is the spirit of the bobcat. This reminds you to do your best. YELLOW is from the sun. The marks under your eyes will help you see the light. WHITE is for purity. The mark on your nose helps you know right from wrong as you go through life. RED is for courage. The mark on your chin reminds you to always speak the truth. GREEN stands for the spirit of nature. The marks on each cheek will guide you to live in harmony with the great outdoors.

The boys were so excited and could not help but giggle a little during the ceremony where a scout leader also lighted a candle for each of the colors. These boys are working on becoming men who will first serve God then their country. Now they are young boys, eager to learn, ready to be molded, and full of excitement and zest for adventure! As his mom I have vowed to help him along this journey in life, and in scouting, until he soars with the Eagles as a man.

Weather Forcast: Gentle Breeze or Torrential Storm

Chelle, from the World of Chelle, challenges all with the Love Dare from the movie Fireproof. We would love to see this movie and are hoping for a date night before it leaves the theaters! I am behind/late (as usual) for the dares and am only on day six. Days one through five seemed fairly easy for me to accomplish. I bet the dares get harder as you go along. Day six deals with selfishness and irritability.



Irritability..........in a house with three young ones during cold season.........in a house where one member is absent most evenings due to classes and studying.........in a house with a selfish, (yes, I admit it!) woman.

Oh dear!!!! The love dare just became a REAL challenge!!!!




Chelle says,
"If you are walking under the influence of love, you will be a joy, not a jerk. Ask yourself, "Am I a calming breeze, or a storm waiting to happen?" "


If I am honest and not putting on my perfect mask (please read my friend, Nicki, from Three Girly Girls, post) then I would say pack your umbrella, storms a brewing!



Often times I wear my mask for others, and inside the storm is a brewing, and at those times my dear sweet hubbie gets the down pour. He should get my best, but often times gets my worst. I let the stress of caring for a family and the numerous activities and committees I join build up and over whelm me and then I unload on him.



I am working on this. I know it is not how God wants our marriage to be; and Mr P's time devoted to getting his MBA, is my time to work on this. He does not necessarily need to hear about how difficult every minuet detail of my day was. He does not need to hear me nag about all of the projects that are on hand for home, church, scouts, and school.


Dear God,


Please help me to respond to my husband each day with love, giving him encouragement and patience in place of a bitter rendition of how tough my day was. May he feel at peace in our home, knowing he is safe from the stressors of the world. May he know he is loved by You most importantly, and then by his wife and children. I thank you for giving him to me as a wonderful blessing of a husband!

In Jesus Name, Amen.


Colossians 3:12-14 "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with one another and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."


We will need to go back a verse, to read why check Kelly's blog.....Therefore....


Colossians 3:8-13 "But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of it's Creator. Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is in all."

At Your Feet

My boys sang with their choir at church on Sunday. They like to sing and sing happily and LOUDLY at home but not so much, in front of the whole congregation. My oldest plays chimes and was thrilled to get the opportunity to in this song.

The song they sang is based on Luke 10: 39 where Mary, Martha's sister is sitting at the Lord's feet. May we all be like Mary, and make........ the right choice, to sit at the Lord's feet and listen. Take time to be in God's word, take time to sit at His feet today and everyday!

At Your Feet

At Your feet, I'll sit and listen, At Your feet I want to be.
Daily help me stop.... and listen,
Speak Your words of truth to me.

Let me hear Your voice each and every day.
Let me hear Your voice, guide my feet, show me the way.
Let me hear Your voice each and every day
Let me hear Your voice in all I do and say.

All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth!

To celebrate the loosing of the teeth we enjoyed Popsicles!

The tooth fairy will be coming tonight!

Next Wed. is school picture day! To capture age six in this way is priceless!

Prayers For A Friend

Please join me in praying for Cindy, a sister in Christ who is battling Stage III breast cancer. Her dear daughters are encouraging the whole country to pray for their mom as she is bravely battling this disease. They are making bracelets in her honor, and hope to have prayer warriors in each state. Cindy though weak, is tenaciously giving glory to God by sharing her trust in Him through this trial. Please join me in my prayer.




Dear God,
You invite all who are burdened to come to You. Place Your healing hand on Cindy. You have already touched her soul with Your compassion for others. Touch her heart with Your courage, to help her face the difficult days of her chemo treatments. Touch her doctors minds with Your wisdom, and their hearts also with compassion, as they guide Cindy through how best to battle this cancer. Lord, I thank you that Cindy is helping to lead others to You by her example. May You, bring her health in body and spirit as she continues to serve You with all of her strength. Touch gently this life which You have created. In Jesus Name, Amen.


Ephesians 3:20 "Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask of imagine, according to his power that is at work within us."


Read Cindy's blog for updates and specific needs to pray for on her site. Army Brats and Me

Pumpkins!

A friend of mine found fun, press on Mr Potato Head faces for their pumpkins last year, and it made pumpkin carving easy enough for even a three year old! I found these faces at Walmart, not as cute as Mr Potato Head, but my children had fun pressing in the faces!

I love the fun of fall. The crisp cool mornings and the warm beautiful afternoons. Everywhere you look there are glorious colors to see! We stayed outside today to do homework, it was too pretty to go in.

Tonight was our last Upward flag football practice; finally we are having real "football weather." My oldest son's team had a scrimmage between the parents and their team. Since Mr P was in class, I asked my son, "Are you sure you want ME to play?" He assured me yes he did. I then said, "You know your mom does not know how to play football." He again assured me he knew, and yet still wanted me to play. I had a great time! I can't catch a football to save my life, but I can out run all the other parents! Thankfully my son was not too embarrassed and was still proud to walk off the field with his slippery fingered Momma. After practice we celebrated by sharing Pumpkin milkshakes!

When we got home we did the pumpkin pressing. Later on, when Mr P can help we will carve one or two. It's fun to see their faces as they touch the icky insides. Our associate Pastor shared with us a Pumpkin Carving Prayer:

Dear God,

As I carve my pumpkin help me say this prayer:

Open my mind so I can learn about you

(cut the top of the pumpkin)

Take away my sin and forgive me for the wrong things I do

(clean out the inside)

Open my eyes so Your love I will see

(Cut eyes like hearts)

I'm sorry for turning up my nose to all You've given me"

(cut a nose in the shape of a cross)

Open my ears so Your Word I will hear;

(cut ears shaped like the Bible)

Open my mouth so I can tell others You're near

(cut mouth in shape of a fish)

Let Your light shine in all I say and do

(place a candle in and light)

Amen.

Why Worry

"Don't trouble trouble,

until trouble,

troubles you."



"Let Go and Let God"
"Don't sweat the small stuff."



"Don't worry be happy"

I try not to worry, but in today's times that can be tough. Many people are facing lay offs or difficult financial times. Jesus tells us not to worry, our needs of clothing, and food will be taken care of.

Years ago I worried about such things and found comfort from remembering how God cares for the birds and how he dresses the flowers of the field. (Click here to read Prayers in the Park)

I thought I had this worry bit beat, but often times "little" worries come in to plague my thoughts.

Silly worries, like, " How will we get it all done." Or even worries about whether or not something I've said or done, or even failed to do, may have hurt someones feelings. What others think, as much as I'd like to say it doesn't, does cause me to fret.

Worry blinds us to what God is doing in our lives. God is in control and has a plan, sometimes we need to just get out of His way! Worry is sin, even my little silly ones. Worry says that I don't trust God. Worry says, I don't have enough Faith that He will carry me through what ever the situation might be. Worry says I don't trust His purpose and His plan.

1 Peter 5:7 "Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you."

(I love this verse as it covers all of my "little worries". Our God loves us so much he cares about each and every little detail of our lives!)

John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your heart be troubled do not be afraid."

Matthew 6:25-29
"This is why I tell you: Don't worry about you life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn't life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the sky: they don't sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren't you worth more than they? Can any of you add a single cubit to his height by worrying." (oh if only I'd be a giant!)

"And why do you worry about clothes? Learn how the wildflowers of the field grow: they don't labor or spin thread. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splindor was adorned like one of these!"

Matthew 6:33-34 "But seek first the kingdom of God and His Righeousness, and all these things will be provided for you. Therefore don't worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of it's own."

Dear God,
I confess my sin of worry. Worry about silly things, that hold me back from the promises and purposes You have for me. May I cast those worries on You. You know my heart and my intentions; make them right for others, so that they may see Your love in me.
In Jesus Name,
Amen.

Me and You Like Moses???....No Way!!!!

Most would agree Moses is one of the greatest leaders of all time. As a child growing up, I thought he was practically perfect, not realizing just how human and like you and me he was. He was hand picked by God, as are we, for the purposes God has in mind.

Moses must have sensed this calling in his younger years, (40), as he went out to be with his people, the Israelite slaves. He saw one of the slaves being beaten by an Egyptian slave driver. Moses, looked around to make sure no one saw, and murdered the Egyptian. He tried to take matters into his own hands, without consulting God!!! Though I have never murdered anyone, I too, have tried to take what I see as God's purpose for me into my own hands, and of course I flub it up. Moses later mellows, after 40 years out in the desert living a simple, yet normal life, then God calls him to serve. He was 80 so it's not at all too late for us!

Moses gives lots of excuses as to why he can not do what God has called him to do. These excuses are familiar to me as well. My favorites of Moses excuses are "I am not a good speaker and please, God, send someone else to do it." God did tell Moses to enlist the help of his brother Aaron--- to help with the talking. This reminded me of Jesus sending out the disciples two by two, perhaps to help with their confidence as well. I like the buddy system. The times God has been able to use me successfully in ministry have been along side my husband. I think God has tried and prompted me to accept a call with out Mr P; I have failed at this thus far. Only God can bless my mess and He has. He may call me again.

Moses goes to Egypt and initially is accepted and believed by the Israelites, but that fame is short lived as Pharaoh says, "No" and increases the cruelty and work on the Israelites. They fuss at Moses and he is rejected once again by his own people. In his discouragement he prays and gives all of His discouragement and anxiety to God in prayer. He is learning that to be a good leader he must put full dependence on God. I am learning too!

God in His love, mercy and grace removes our failures and our sins from us. Moses is not remembered in the New Testament as a stuttering murderer but as a great man of God! God used Moses, once he was at his humblest and lowest, and did miraculous things, showing God's glory not man's. God can use us too, and though we may not part the Red Sea, we may touch one life that will turn to Jesus. A miracle indeed.


Dear God,

I am so very thankful for Your Word that is still relevant to our lives today. May I pour out myself so that I may become full of You. May I be willing to serve, bravely knowing You are in the driver seat and I am the lowly assistant. Instead of going to my husband, mom or friends with my discouragements, anxieties and fears my I bring them to You FIRST. Laying them there at Your feet and moving on with the plans in Your Will.

In Jesus Name, Amen


I encourage you to read Exodus chapters 2- 6 or how about 1-6!!!!

Hebrews 8:12 "For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more."

Hebrews 11:24 "By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh's daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. He regarded disgrace, for the sake of Christ, as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward."

Running With The Pack

While my children were in school, I took our dog for a fun walk out on a cross country trail near our home. I was hoping he'd go along with me for the whole three miles but my big, 73 pound, nothing but muscle dog, is a bit of a scaredy cat. My three children, especially my three year old, give him confidence to do walks/runs like this all day long, with his tail held high and wagging. When it is just he and I, he's not so sure of himself, and the big outdoors seems a little daunting. All he wants to do is high tail it home, tail low. We did go for two miles with allot of prompting at the beginning of the trail on my part, and when we got to a cross roads to either go the other mile or head home- I decided not to fight it; we'd head on home. This trail we walked on is under bridge construction so we will not have to run through or jump over the creek any longer. Workers were there building bridges, and I am so excited as there is only one bridge left for them to finish!

I do think my dear sweet Toby's issues have to do with the fact we got him when he was 14 weeks old. He'd been with his mother and brother and sisters for along time (he is one of eight). He likes for us to all be together. He likes to run with the pack!

We as people need others. We need companionship, team work and help. We need a pack! Sometimes we don't always agree but we need to come together as a team and get things done.

Jesus teaches us that we need to be compassionate and kind always putting others feelings before our own.

This is extremely hard as I naturally gravitate towards thinking about how things affect me - and it is easy to twist things to justify my selfishness.

Sadly harsh words may get said, then right or wrong I realize bridges need to be built and forgiveness needs to be given (or requested- was I wrong?....wrong?!?) Am I being the peace maker, Christ calls us as Christians to be? Can I humble myself enough to see something from an other's point of view? Can I let go of past hurts, placing them in the past, move forward and rejoin the pack? Can I build a bridge? Can you?

Dear God,

Help us to be as you called us humble, compassionate, kind always thinking of other needs before our own. Help us to unselfishly give of our time in service to others; realizing the more of us we give away, the more like You we become. May we remember to love You with all or our heart, mind, soul and strength and then go on to do the hardest part-love our neighbor as our self.

In Jesus Name,

Amen.

Ecclesiastes 4:9

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work."

1 Corinthians 1:10 "I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought."

Exodus 23:5

"If you see the donkey of someone who hates you fallen down under its load, do not leave it there, be sure you help him with it"

Colossians 3:12-14

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues, put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."

Matthew 22:37-39

"Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself."

Pumpkins And Clearer Vision

Today was a gloriously beautiful day! The perfect day to head off to the Pumpkin Patch with some friends! Everyone picked a pumpkin even my middle child's stuffed animal (see the tiny small pumpkin in my son's hand!)

We rode on a hayride out to the field and the kids ran out and actually picked their pumpkin. The farm had an "all you can carry deal" so we brought home four! Our friends brought home five! We practiced out in the field!

Thank you for a great day!!!!!

UPDATE

click here for the pre-story

My glasses finally came in! Here is the new look. I do not have to wear them all of the time but it is nice to see all of your blogs so clearly!

Fall Into Flavor Recipe for Wolf Pack Pie!

Head on over to 2nd cup of Coffee to find some yummy fall favorite recipes!

Here is one we love at our house-it is one of my Momma's. My husband loved it so much he had to change the name! It is originally called Tarheel Pie. My husband went to North Carolina State University. The Wolfpack's arch rivals are the Tar heels so how could he enjoy this yummy dessert with such a detestable name!

Wolf Pack Pie

if you are a Tarheel fan please feel free to take liberty with the name....... shhh don't tell Mr P!

1 cup chocolate chips 1/2 cup Plain flour

1 stick of butter melted 1/2 cup White Sugar

1 cup of pecans chopped 1/2 cup Brown Sugar

1 tsp of vanilla 2 eggs Beaten

Pour warm melted butter over chocolate chips and stir. Blend all other ingredients and stir into chocolate chip mixture. Pour into an unbaked pie shell. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 40 to 50 minutes. Serve warm with ice cream on top. (I like vanilla or coffee ice cream on it best!)

It's a very easy and quick dessert sure to please all the chocolate lovers you love!

Planting God's Word in Their Heart's With Songs

John Bell is a minister in the Church of Scotland, a fellow of the Royal School of Church Music and a member of the Iona Community. He has also written many hymns and is passionate about the renewal of congregational worship. I had the opportunity to hear him speak and learn a few songs.

This conference was focused for worship leaders, choir directors and ministers. I got the opportunity to go as our choir director and children's choir directors could not go, so a space was open. I do sing with our preschoolers, and he did have some tips for children as well.

He talked about how singing is a natural thing and we all can do it! (Even if it is off key!) He shared that one out of three people say they have been told in their past that they can not sing, and since then, have not.

He shared a story of a fourteen year old girl while singing in her high school chorus class was singled out and told she sung like a crow. The girl who grew into a woman never sang again until one day she was asked in church to join in with a group to learn a new song. The director complemented her on her singing and she began to sing again! He had shared this at a previous conference and a lady stood up and yelled, "It's true! The story he is telling is true! I am her daughter and we never heard her sing as a child, but now she sings to her grandchildren!" Imagine never having heard your own mother sing.

He spoke about the powerful pull music has on our memories and emotions. You can listen to a dance tune from your teenage years and be magically transported back to that time in your memories. He said this is why when your church needs to get new hymn books lots of people drag their feet and fight the change. They do not want to loose their memories. So you have to go through the songs, pick the best of the old, then add the new ones. My dad has lots of hymns that pull on his heart strings. He, for the most part, he has been a member of the same church his whole life. Songs that were played at my grandmother and grandfathers (his mom and dad) funerals choke him up every time he hears them. My husband will hum hymns, mostly on Sunday mornings. I don't even think he is aware of it, as the ones he hums are not always one's we've heard recently. I think they are from somewhere in his youth. His family was very musical. His dad is a retired minister and his mom was a director of Christian Education- so hearing hymns around the house was probably an everyday occurrence, especially on Sunday.

Dr Bell shared a story about a lady who was so sad because her mother, who had Alzheimer's, would not recognize her when she would visit. She brought some old dance music from the 1930's for her mom to hear and also some of her favorite hymns. When she played the dance music her mom tapped her feet and smiled. This daughter had not seen her mom smile in a very long time. Then after playing the hymns her mom got up reached to her, said the daughter's name and thanked her for allowing her to be her mother. This story brought tears to my eyes. Music pulls on our hearts in a powerful way.

My ears perked up when he talked about how the music we sing, especially when we are young, affects our faith and beliefs. Those songs we learn in our preschool years will be with us for a lifetime. Our children learn lots of bible verses to songs. The music helps them learn. Verses they learned when they were two or three are still there committed to memory in the songs they sing. The songs help plant God's words in their heart.

This also convicts me as a helper in the preschool choir (Joy choir) to plant songs full of God's truth for them. Songs that will help them in the roads they will travel on.

Dear God,

Thank you for the opportunity to learn this weekend about how we as God's people love to sing and worship You. Help me to share with the preschoolers of our church the truth You have for them. Most importantly, in the songs we sing may they see Your love for them. Give me patience to teach them; and energy and enthusiasm to keep them engaged.

In Jesus Name,

Amen.

Psalm 149:1-5

Praise the Lord!

Sing to the Lord a new song,

his praise in the assembly of the faithful.

Let Israel be glad in its Maker;

let the children of Zion rejoice in their King.

Let them praise his name with dancing,

making melody to him with tambourine and lyre.

For the Lord takes pleasure in his people;

he adorns the humble with victory.

Let the faithful exult in glory;

let them sing for joy on their couches.

Cub-O-Ree!

Cub-O-Ree!

Cub-O-Ree!

Our family attended a Cub-O-Ree this weekend. I am relatively new to Cub Scouting so this was my first Cub-O-Ree!

The boys, and at times our little girl participated in sack races, tug of war, javalin throws, horse shoes, cross country skis, obstacle courses, rope bridges, archery, sling shot and BB gun target shooting. Things that as a mom, I view as dangerous but with LOTS of adult supervision were valuable learning experiences. In order to earn badges, pins or belt loops they have to answer safety questions, as well as behave responsibly. Today I have learned that when given the chance to fire a BB gun or an arrow from a bow, young boys will sit quietly and respectfully while safety lectures are given.

After a long day of outdoor activities we had a yummy spagetti dinner. Our daughter and I went home to get her to bed. She recieved the best little sister award as she endured the day happily with smile (actually she had a fabulous time!)

The boys stayed on for carnival games. They enjoyed dart throwing- to pop balloons; frisbee throwing- aiming for a hole in a board; the strong man (you know the one with the hammer and the bell) ; bean bag toss- to knock down milk bottles; all to earn a prize at the end. My middle son's eyes sparkled at the mention of prizes the night before at the opening bonfire! I did not even mention the funny/"ghost" stories and skits from the night before! It was a fun adventure for us all!

Needless to say all of our children fell asleep right as their heads were hitting the pillows!

June Cleaver Dreams

Edie from Rich Gifts challenges us with this question:

"What's Your deSign?"What specific qualities did God implant in you when He designed you? These could be talents, skills, passions, etc. They are things that you do well and could spend hours doing without feeling the time pass.

I truly believe nothing happens by coincidence and that everything that happens, happens for a reason. God is in control and even in our failures and disobedience His plans are continually carried out. He is God nothing is impossible with Him!

As a little girl I would play with my dolls. They were named Mandy and Jenny. They were perfectly behaved in every way and I would "mother" them for hours on end. I would dress them, feed them, read to them, take them on adventures and tuck them into their little bed- that is in my daughter's room for her dolls. I dreamed of one day becoming a mother much like my mom.

As a young adult I felt I had really blown it. Things did not work out with my high school sweet heart when I thought we'd pretty much sealed the deal. I feared my dreams would not come true even though I'd been taught, what will be, will be, no need to worry. Thankfully this relationship was not to be, and looking back the heart ache and despair was there to help me cling to God and then years later to the husband God did have planned.

God designed me to be a nurturer and a helper. He blessed me by allowing me to be a mother.

God designed me to be the perfect helper for Mr P. God created mankind in Genesis chapter one both male and female in the image of God. In Genesis chapter two Adam is given a companion, who is a helper and the perfect partner for him.

I know it may sound a bit June Cleaverish (Leave it To Beaver) to say that I was designed to be my husbands helper but look at it this way.....

Woman was taken from the rib of Adam (man). She was not taken from his head to be over him, nor from his feet, so that he could stomp on her but from his side....his equal....under his arm to be protected, and close to his heart to be cherished.

Psalm 121:1-2

"I lift up my eyes unto the hills- where does my help come from my help comes from the Lord the Maker of heaven and earth."

If God can be our helper then it is not a place of submission.

This question also reminds me of another of our dear friend Edie's thought provoking, soul searching questions where I shared my designation to be a helper. Click here to read that one.

Dear God,

I thank you for how you designed me for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. You gave me a heart that desires to serve and to please you. You forgave and continue to forgive my failures and put them as far away from me as the east is from the west. You blessed me with a loving husband and a wonderful family. You made all of my dreams come true. You've even made our hard times sweet as they draw us closer to You. May I continue to count my many blessings, as all good things come from You.

In Jesus Name, Amen

Proverbs 31:11-12 "Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks notheing of value. She brings him good, not harm all the days of her life."NIV

Genesis 1:27 "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." NIV

Genesis 2:18 "The Lord God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."

Genesis 2:20b-24 "But for Adam no suitable helper was found. So the lord God caused the man to fall in to a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took on of the man's rigs and closed up the place with flesh. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and brought her to the man. The man said, This is now bone of my bones and flesh of m flesh; she shall be called woman, for she was taken out of man. For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." NIV

Psalm 103:12 "as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us." NIV

Psalm 139:14 "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful I know that full well."

For A Time Such As This

This week I felt I was in constant motion, going here and there, yet could not get it all done, and at moments, I felt overwhelmed. Mr P, who is going to school, working, and trying to be a very involved husband and dad, also had his overwhelmed moments this week. Twice we went to our date spot on our deck to talk. The first night we both shared how overwhelmed we felt and how we just couldn't get it all done. We both talked about projects that we had hoped to complete this year, and decided some would have to wait. My dear sweet husband also felt as if he was ready to throw in the towel on this school bit, and we're only a few weeks into it. We decided to pray on it, and meanwhile stick to the plan.

The next day I went to my bible study meeting, having not completed all of my studies, I felt discouraged and wondered if it would be best if I dropped out this year, to catch up more at home. A dear friend soothed my type A personality of having to have every question and scripture read, assuring me I would still get allot out of my small group time. One of the questions that I did not get to, was about what is God calling you to do right now and are you listening. I pondered this question. What is God calling me to do right now? Am I listening? Initially I thought God is not calling me for any thing right now. I am not a missionary, minister, or in any leadership roles in my church or community.

I decided my listening skills could really use some improvement, as I was missing the messages God had for me, along with the blessings that will surely follow if I am obedient. Right now I am a wife and a mom. God is calling me to my home to those who need my love and "ministering" the most. My children and my husband need to see the love and servant hood of Jesus through me in our home.

Suddenly my long "to do" list of household management took on a whole new light. The long days when my husband can not come home until late, due to classes did not feel so overwhelming. I felt empowered! God has given me a call for a time such as this. I can do this, with God's help. As long as I keep God in the center of my life He can move this huge mountain, so I am going to happily start digging! I started with a mountain of laundry!

Later that evening, my husband came home from his class. He happily reported he'd received a B on his first exam! He looked relieved and proud. We sat out in our date spot and talked. He really talked. He shared all of his challenges at work. He seemed excited and eager to solve these issues. I listened. He smiled and was more relaxed than I have seen him in two weeks.

Today a friend shared that the activities you enjoy and are involved in day to day reflect your core values. My loving service to my family reflects the love I have received from God and that is a wonderful calling.

Dear God,

I confess that my attitude earlier this week was not one You would have for me. In my discouragement I was missing Your call and Your blessings. I am thankful for the ways You speak to me through Your Word and other sisters in Christ You have placed in my life. May I continue to seek Your Will for my life so I can recieve peace in knowing I am in Your hands.

In Jesus Name, Amen.


Matthew 17:20 "He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."

Esther 4:14b "And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?"

Isaiah 40:31 "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

Living a Legacy

"I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also." II Timothy 1:5

My grandmother is an amazing woman of faith, who has richly blessed my life with the priceless treasures she has shown day by day, as she has Christ in her life. Some of these treasures she has passed directly to me as I grew up visiting her; yet many have been passed from her, to my mom, to me, and now to my children.

She and my Grandpa lived their lives in a way that showed God comes first. There was no need to stand on mountains to shout it out- you could see God and feel the love in their home. My mom grew up in a home where reading the Bible was a daily occurrence and she has these scriptures planted in her heart. They prepared her to rely on God first in the many trials life would bring on. These truths she passed on to my brother and I, so that we too would be prepared.

My grandma exemplifies the Proverbs 31 woman as she rose early daily to feed her family, work side by side with her husband on the farm, and all of her five children call her blessed. She worked hard, yet I never have heard her complain about it. She has fond memories of hard times and knew how to be content in every circumstance.

Her gentle quiet ways I am sure were soothing to my Grandpa and her marriage was second only to God. She brought honor to him and still brings honor to his memory as he is rejoicing in heaven. She always took care of his needs first before her own, always looking to his interests. I watch my mom do this with my dad and I am still learning and striving for this in my marriage.

She has raised five children, nine grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren. I think we all are exceptionally, great people, of course I am biased! My mom remembers anything she and her siblings were involved in growing up my grandma would try her best to be there. Even though they lived hundreds of miles away my grand parents were at several dance recitals and my high school and college graduations.

Something I remember so very fondly are the meals in her home. She opened the door to all! My cousin said, as a child, that the whole church would come over for Sunday dinner. It really did turn out to be a huge crowd. Lots of good southern cooking and the best sweet tea you've ever tasted. The best part was I'd even get dessert regardless of how clean my plate was! She'd make a big fuss over all of the grand kids and let us eat pretty much what ever we wanted. She taught us that you do not have to put on heirs to entertain you just have to open your door and share what you have.

Today is my grandma's eighty eighth happy birthday! She is a rare treasure among women worth far more than rubies....

Thank you grandma for the gift of your life you have shared with me!

This video is for you!

Dear God,

I praise you for the life you have given my Grandma. She has blessed and continues to bless so many people. Through the legacy she and my Grandpa have left her life will continue to bless generations that follow. May I Lord, as she did, always look to You first, keeping my life in balance to better serve You. May today be a joyous celebration for her and all of our family!

In Jesus Name, Amen.

Philippians 4:12

"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."

Ephesians 4:2

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. "

Philippians 2:4

"Each of you should look no only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others"

1 Peter 4:9

"Offer hospitality to one another with out grumbling."

Proverbs 31:10-29

"A wife of noble character who can find?

She is worth far more than rubies.

Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.

She brings him good, not harm,

all the days of her life........

She gets up while it is still dark;

she provides food for her family....

She sets about her work vigorously;

her arms are strong for her tasks.......

Her children arise and call her blessed!

A Day At The Fair

Today we went to the state fair and it was a wonderful family day!

I love watching my children line up together to get on and ride. Often my oldest will put his arm around his brother or sister guiding them on and helping them to their seats. Seeing them watch out for each other warms my heart.

My middle child and my youngest are extremely brave and love the thrilling rides as I did in my youth. Something has changed, because now I really enjoy the slower calmer rides.

I do not remember roller coasters or the big swings going so high or so fast as they do now. Perhaps I am more frightened since I know my boys are on the ride.

We also visited the animals! My daughter must have a inborn desire to be a farm girl as she is so excited by the animals. She ran from exhibit to exhibit talking to the animals as she went. She has no fear of thrusting her hands in to love on the them. Where she is extremely shy with people she has no inhibitions with animals.

We saw a one thousand pound pumpkin and wondered how many pies could one make with such a huge pumpkin?

The children played in big corn box (instead of sand).

We had a great day together! And we look forward to next year's State Fair!

After a long afternoon at the Fair this was sure to happen!