Whew- moving forward :-)

With KI, we started our Revelation part 1 course at the beginning of December. But with Christmas, I prioritized getting the quizzes done on time, and leaving the discussion boards until I was through the holiday season because of the amount of time they take. Of course, as with all procrastinating, the pressure was building to get back in there and get those done. I only have to do two posts and one response per week, but as of this morning that meant 7 posts and 4 responses.... no light load!

Thankfully, He was gracious during nap time today and I was able to complete 5 posts and 4 responses! AND it was a blessed time! New treasures and everything!

Check this one out-- I love it-- I understood it a little before, now more fully today.

Adam is a type (model) of Christ, in that not being deceived, he gave his life for Eve, his wife...
I had never before considered this verse:
1Ti 2:14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.

I found KJV to be a little hard to understand, so I looked at a few other translations:
NKJV: And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression.
NIV: And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner.
NASB: And {it was} not Adam {who} was deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression.
"Eve was taken from Adam's body. Instead of allowing Eve to remain in sin alone, Adam sacrificed himself for the one he loved. As a result they had children and the Savior came to redeem the world. This type matches Jesus who was not deceived when He gave His life for all sinners. Christ chose to live with His Bride instead of separating Himself and not taking on the sins of the world at the Cross. His Bride is also taken from His Body, the Church. The Bride of Christ is the rib of the Church." KI post

Previously, any teaching I heard or held seemed to hang onto the whole Adam vs Eve conflict; who really was at fault for all our sin? Even the best one I remember put Adam "at fault" for possibly not teaching Eve all she needed to know to not fall into sin, as instructed... she was deceived, but he willingly sinned- but if you look at it through the lens of the above verse, NIV style- it says that she was the one who became the sinner.
Now, I know this whole passage is so huge and can be dissected/discussed as long as we sojourn here, but I just wanted to mention it because it was one of those truths that just rang so clear when it lined up in my mind. It is different because it looks at the underlying "why" things happened the way they happened-not just whose fault it is. Christ decided to die before Adam even sinned. From the beginning, never being deceived, He chose to become sin so that we could be with Him. A truth we are told over and over, but which becomes even more evident the more we know Him, primarily through His Word.

I hope you find this profound as well! :-)

Sound bites from the past few days...

Auntie Darcy: Melia, when Mommy has baby brother, are you going to be a big helper for her?
Melia: Yep.
Auntie Darcy: Because Mommy will need lots of help when brother comes.
Melia: I know she will need lots of help getting him out.
*************************************************

Kiera was sick overnight Christmas Eve, but was better on Christmas- tossed her cookies once/twice-ish (not sure, as we were sleeping, and apparently so was she). Melia got sick last night, and then threw up again today as I was driving her from church to Gramps house. (I thought she would be better like Kiera, but failed to consider the time span/hours passed. Whoops.)

I was driving across the bridge as this happened, but had handed her my "garbage bucket" to use, just in case. (It's actually one of their toys, but fit the van better...) By the time I got across the bridge to a parking lot to pull over, she was done. I scooted my seat back and turned around, and the first thing she says is
"There's some on the back of your seat."
Me: "wooowww."
Kiera: (clapping) "Yea Sissy!"

Yea. I know.

And yes, she seems completely fine now. I am soooo grateful she is a good puker. So unbelievably grateful. Maybe Kiera can take lessons since she thinks it's so impressive.

A Rare Day

Well, I was motivated today. After bring home boxes and boxes of toys... I knew I had to get moving on my project that I have procrastinated about for weeks. (Months? Years? Probably not years, but months is probable...)

I cleaned and organized the girls rooms. After discussing with Gabe what our future plans are, what we want where.... and all that jazz... we made some decisions, a plan of action, and I got to work. Keep in mind, this did not include clothes. That will be the next project... in a few weeks....

I cleaned out the bottom of Melia's closet, moved a smaller size dresser inside of it, emptied the drawers under her bed and made them more user friendly- because only I use them, I put sheets and blankets, and swim/summer beach stuff in them to keep Kiera out. (She thinks sand toys are good year-round. She's not wrong, but I am trying to simplify here.) We came up with a box of keeper baby toys, and 2+ boxes of free sale stuff. Toys in-toys out. I was trying to picture Annie, Brooke, and Gabe's Uncle Matt in the room with me to help sort. :-) It worked pretty good! And thanks to Aunt Kathy's input, I only put four books in the freesale boxes ;-)

We didn't move any further furniture, but just sorting books from toys from Melia's stuff to Kiera's stuff.... on and on, but I am very satisifed with myself. This is something that I had been struggling with mentally for a while, feeling guilt over throwing the girls' stuff out, but I know it's going to go to families who will appreciate it all more than we do. And now we have some room for the new toys! And maybe some room for more organized play!

Merry Christmas!

Isa 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Isa 9:7 Of the increase of [his] government and peace [there shall be] no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

Amen!

Big Holiday Melt Down

I had my first real "lose-it" moment tonight. Guess what happened?

Yep. I promised so many people that they would have their Christmas cards before Christmas, and that the secret to the sex of Smith Child #3 would be in it. But it ain't gonna happen.

I should have known better than to hold off until after the 22nd, and expect the stupid computer and printer to communicate correctly, for me to know how to make the same Christmas photo page we've made for the last several years, and for me not to just plain lose my mind.

Should have known better. But didn't.

But I am better now, thanks to a very late trip to Fred Meyer to buy dill to make Grandma's famous Herbed Dinner Rolls. A couple of good songs on KLOVE, and actually one of them was the Christmas Shoes song, and my mind was back on track, focused on where it is supposed to be. That even though some of you will not find out what we are having until after Christmas, it will not be the end of your world, and I should therefore not feel a huge load of guilt bearing down on me. Remind me that you will be so busy you won't even know what you are missing- especially because it doesn't change a thing...:-) Baby is still baby, and won't be here till spring.

Now, some sleep would be good, and start fresh tomorrow. Amen.

Interesting Comments that Stuck in My Head Yesterday...

Steve Arterburn's New Life Moment on KLOVE: "Christmas isn't complete if you never get beyond Jesus as a baby." So many people acknowledge the story of Christmas, and yet never understand how profound it truly is.

While discussing at work how many children Gabe and I would be open to having (which we don't really have a number...) a woman who proclaims to be a Christian mentioned "a" family with many many children (I assume it's the one on TLC, although I've never seen it) who (and I quote...) "I'm not sure what religion they are, but they believe that children are a gift from God..." I must say I was trying to keep my jaw off the floor, because I would think as a Christian she would at least have to acknowledge that, um-yea, the Bible does specifically say that (in many places!).... but she never did. And unfortunately we were unable to finish the conversation because I really wanted to call her on it. The weird thing is, as suprised as I was, I shouldn't have been, because she has come up with some pretty unBiblical doozies in the past as well...

Happy Hanukkah!

To anyone who celebrates or appreciates it!

I was fascinated to learn that the Hanukkah celebration is in the Bible (John 10:22), and to understand what it is truly about. After all, my spiritual roots are Jewish :-) and learning about it all is quite the adventure!

50% off Christopher and Banks- Friday Only!

I like this store. They have some simple mix and match things that help to stretch my dollars. But they are regularly priced way out of my league! I found the most darling skirt last year (or the year before? ;-) but it was $50! But their clearance racks mark stuff down to $20 or less.

However! Today only they are having a 50% off your total purchase sale- I received an email, and there didn't appear to be a coupon or anything, that this is just the sale. We are going to check it out, since we have to hit the mall today anyway.

Too bad they don't carry maternity!

Grape Juice: Best Deal?

I was asked if Costco's 2-96oz jugs of 100% grape juice at $5.99 was the best price when compared to buying it in frozen concentrate from the grocery store, so I thought I was share my findings.

I was able to purchase Old Orchard 100% grape juice frozen concentrate at Albertsons for $1.50 each, on sale. Each one makes approx 48 oz. If you can find these at this price, you are paying the same amount as you would pay at Costco. I have been unable to find them cheaper, so if you do, go for it! (Welch's didn't come close, and I couldn't find any store brands that were 100%)

But in my opinion, I like buying the jugs better. They don't have to be frozen, and they won't get lost in my freezer!

So, Apparently...

Snow Days are good days to hit McD's. We haven't been there in a few years with the girls to play (since Kiera was a baby!), but today we were out, and couldn't find anyone to have lunch with, so Melia requested the place with the toys (because we drove by it). I figured, oh why not? Because it's always cram-packed at lunch time with wild and crazy children running everywhere, but let's go anyway, right?
(My day started pretty dumpy anyway- I broke my wipers on my van, so I had to drive Gabe's truck, in fresh snow, that I wasn't used to driving, and plus the truck was freezing cold when I'd had the van all warmed up, then I had to run back inside the house twice, via hidden key in the snow, once to get Melia's snow boots instead of her rain boots, second to get socks because I discovered she'd put her boots on without socks... but it worked out ok and I didn't wreck the truck. A prayerful day- for patience and safety...and sanity.)

So we go, we're the only ones in line, so I don't feel bad about digging out my coupon for a free mocha (they really looked at me like I was crazy! :-) (hey, it's not like I didn't buy lunch!), and when we went to the back room there was one other family, one leaving, and us. SO NICE! Plus the clean-up supervisor lady came to our bible study last year, so it was nice to get to talk to her for a bit too. I think while we were there, two other families came in, with only two more kids playing, plus there was this funny little 16 month old boy who liked to yell in the girls faces who Melia ran from :-) (this is why I am a little scared of having a boy!) It took Kiera a while to get up the courage to attempt the toy, and then I had to go rescue her when she was stuck crying at the top. But by the end she ran through it three times by herself; I was so proud of her!

I actually had some very reminiscent moments, because Melia wanted to play fast with her friends instead of slow down and help Kiera, which is why she got stuck. Reminiscent of when I made the choice to follow others and left my sister behind. Alone. But I wasn't four. (Don't worry, Darc, I am trying very hard to make sure Kiera is never left in that situation.)

We had a good time, Melia made new friends, and Kiera conquered a fear. A bright blessing on our day- Thank You Lord!

Oh, Christmas Tree...

I know this was a few weeks ago, but we can hope blogger cooperates a little bit better tonight :-) because I just have so many pictures to share!

Our Tree Night:

We started by clearing the corner where the tree would reside for a few weeks, and Kiera absolutely melted down because we had to move her little card table. Totally lost it. I tried to be patient, because I know she is the whole "normal routine" stage, but it was not the best way to start the evening. Then we were off with a trip to Top Foods, because we are cheap and their trees were $20 (that was the whole Oreo incident as well) and returned home where I started on a lovely French Toast and sausage dinner and Gabe set up the tree. Dinner was yummy; the girls adore sausage, but I rarely buy it :-) I just think it's kinda weird, so it doesn't make my top 25 grocery list!

Then we started decorating! Kiera was fine with the tree once it actually took the place of her table- she just didn't like the table being put away.

Kiera was so funny to watch. She loved decorating, but kinda got stuck in one little area. Over and over.

You can see here that she is not afraid of heights.

Melia, on the other hand, clinging to Daddy's head...

Then grasping the tree....

The Look of Pure Christmas Joy.

Another Kiera job.

Gabe had to run out for something, and while he was gone, we dug out all the little trees to put around the house. Melia has her own little tree, but Kiera was adamant that she not have a tree in her room. So, we put it in the bathroom.

And this is what happened. She moved. But still wouldn't let me put the tree in her room.

Melia also found the star for our tree while Gabe was away, and she told me that she was praying that Jesus would help her not be afraid to put the star on the top of the tree. So when Gabe got home, we set in on the star project.

I'm not sure she was not afraid, especially since she kept saying "NO!" and "I don't want to do it!" Ok, so she was terrified. In fact, I believe Gabe was lucky not to have his ear or nose removed, but he escaped unscathed. However- we felt this needed extra pushing- so we pushed.

And Melia was very happy that Jesus helped her put the star on top of the tree.

PS. Did you know Gabe hates tinsel? *GRIN*

Gee, Why would we?

Last year, the county sewer company put a sewer line down our street. It was explained to us at the time that they were paying to put it in, and if we wanted to hook up to it, we would have to pay a fee to help cover the inital cost of the whole project. At the time, I think it was suggested at about $10K. No thanks, especially since we had just paid that to have our septic system put in.

Last week we finally got the letter from the sewer company explaining all the details and fees. Guess how much we owe them, as a Local Facilities Charge and Connection Fee?

Connection Fee/Permit: $2929
LFC: $27280.49
Total fees at the time of connection: $30,209.49

Wow. Thirty grand- to hook up and pay bi-monthly charges after that instead of having a system in place which will only cost a few hundred to have pumped... Plus, why should I pay when they never replaced my trees they killed?

What I want to know is if they will have the ability at any time in the future to force us to pay this and hook up? Hmmm?

Touching Moment

A few weeks ago, I heard this lady on KLOVE, calling in to request a song. It was to celebrate her daughter's ninth birthday. A few exchanges into the conversation, and she mentions that this would have been her ninth birthday, but that she went home several years ago. Of course, the DJ apologized, expressing how sorry he was, but the young mother quickly corrected him, saying "No, no! Don't be sorry! Her years with us were a special blessing, and now she is resting in the arms of her Father! I am thankful for her time here, and that she is now with Him."

This stuck with me in a profound way. I pray that if I ever lose a child or someone I love dearly before their time, I will be able to say "Thank You" instead of be frustrated or angry with God for taking them from me too soon. For they are not mine, but His. Every blessing I experience is not because I deserve it (because I "deserve" nothing), but because He has given it. Because every good thing is from Him. And every good thing is just a tiny glimpse of what is waiting for us with HIM! My pondering of this brought me back to that truth He consistently teaches; it is not about me- it is about Him. Nothing is about me. It is all about Him. When someday, in my glorified state!-(because this is a lifelong struggle and won't happen until then)-I completely submit to Him, I will see how perfectly everything He has ordained and everything He has touched has worked together for good and for His glory. Tears form as I look forward to that day.
Marantha, my King.

We're here... really.

Has anyone else had trouble with blogger lately? I've done a few posts, only to lose them as they are trying to publish. And pictures just haven't been uploading.... gack.

What were my posts on, you say? Oh, how much fun we are having with snow, with pregnancy, and Christmas preps. Oh, and one really good deal on chicken, but I don't want to mention now because you can't get it too. Bummer.

So, because the prego thing is the quickest, I will try to recap! This time around my gag reflex is really kicking in! Is it proper to warn you not to sit across the table from me? Or maybe not even at the same table? It's really quite a suprise, I don't know it's coming most of the time. For instance, yesterday at work, I was out shopping on my lunch, and decided to sample some samples. The first one? Multigrain chips with pico de gallo. Normally something I would LOVE. But for some reason, this time, the tomatos hit me just wrong, and I desperately had to try to not look like I was going to puke on the poor sample lady, who in the meantime just kept talking up a storm about how she can't eat these chips because she has diverticulitis and if she gets the flaxseed in something or other she is in real trouble.... and I don't know what that is, and I don't care, because all I want is a garbage can to throw the offending tomatos away in or to toss my cookies in, if they don't go down the way they're supposed to.

I hope you're laughing. And I hope this is a boy. He sure kicks a lot too. And pokes me. At 18 weeks, he's poking me. Isn't that supposed to be impossible? He's only as big as a bell pepper, but he's moving around a LOT. (Don't get me wrong, I am loving all this! Well, except the gagging. Some parts are just so different, it's like experiencing something completely new, and sometimes slightly unpredictable! :-)

'Tis the Season

I have so much to share, and never any time to share it! But really quick, tonight was Melia's Preschool Christmas program, and, boy, I had no idea how HILARIOUS it would be. I know there are some funny kids in there, but I should have made Gabe video it because I know my video will be a bit... bouncy....

Melia as the most darling Mary ever.

Gettin' into the motions. (Third one in from the left.)

A little stand down on stage.

Kiera, lovin' every minute... and every bite of frosting!

One of the things I Love about My Husband!

He makes me laugh. He's so much more clever than I am.

This was our conversation last night. We bought our Christmas tree, went inside the store to pick up a few things to finish up dinner, and came upon Oreos-BOGO. So we splurged. I never buy these. NEVER. But we did, just for fun. He got Golden, I got Double Stuf. Later that night, after the girls were in bed, we were enjoying an episode of NCIS, and I hopped up to grab some- I had almost forgotten our special treat. So, place us in the kitchen pouring a glass of milk, and picking Oreos out of a brand new package....

Me: This is one of those flavors I'm gonna personally request in Heaven.
Gabe: (chuckle) Yea, but Oreos won't be allowed.
Me: Why?
Gabe: 'Cause they're sinful.
Me: (giggle giggle)

Need some Motivation...Oh, yea, maybe I should get some Christmas stuff done....

I have good days and bad days. Still trying to get over this cold- I slept better last night, but still the discomfort of nose yuckies. Yesterday I purposed to stay busy and active so I would be more tired, but I am not sure it made a difference, except to say that today, I just want to sit...

Anyway, some random happenings from our house:

Melia has taken to seeing pictures of things on the computer. She wanted to know what cauliflower looked like whole, so we found her a picture and she got to see the green leaves. Hence, a few days ago, frustrated by her own cold, she wanted to see a picture of the annoying "flem" that was clogging her respiratory system. I said no- told her it looked like her boogers.

Our "new" pellet stove that we installed last spring is wonderful! We can keep it running on low overnight and it keeps the middle of the house 76-78*. We like to think we are instilling in our children a healthy love of all things warm and toasty :-) A tradition I am personally passing on? Getting out of the bath or shower and cuddling up in a towel next to a hot stove! (Yes I used to do this all the time growing up...)

And, as in the picture, Kiera has been so funny with her little bag of cauliflower. I gave it to her after seperating out the carrots for me, and she carries it around, munching on her cauliflower. (Thanks Chelsea and Celeste!)

Speaking of the stove, we are now hunting for another cast iron kettle to place on top. We had one, but learned just why it was sitting out in someone's free pile..... So if you know of one needing a good home that doesn't leak, let us know :-)

1 Corinthians 13 for Mothers

If I live in a house of spotless beauty with everything in its place,
but have not love,
I am a housekeeper, not a homemaker.

If I have time for waxing, polishing, and decorative achievements,
but have not love,
my children learn cleanliness, ­not godliness.

If I scream at my children for every infraction,
and fault them for every mess they make,
but have not love,
my children become people-pleasers, not obedient children.

Love leaves the dust in search of a child's laugh.
Love smiles at the tiny fingerprints on a newly cleaned window.
Love wipes away the tears before it wipes up the spilled milk.
Love picks up the child before it picks up the toys.

Love accepts the fact that I am the ever-present "mommy,"
the taxi-driver to every childhood event,
the counselor when my children fail or are hurt.

Love crawls with the baby, walks with the toddler,
and runs with the child,
then stands aside to let the youth walk into adulthood.

Before I became a mother I took glory in my house of perfection.
Now I glory in God's perfection of my child.

All the projections I had for my house and my children
have faded away into insignificance,
And what remain are the memories of my kids.

Now there abides in my home scratches on most of the furniture,
dishes with missing place settings,
and bedroom walls full of stickers, posters and markings,

But the greatest of all is the Love
that permeates my relationships with my children.

-Adapted by Jim Fowler
-Copied from http://www.momoflittles.com/ because it is just too good not to share!

Serious Warning: Sock Monkeys

Someone warned me when I was pregnant with Melia that Sock Monkeys truly do exist. I laughed it off as being silly, but now that I have two children who never have socks, I know she was right, and I am passing on the warning.

However, I am proud to say that I have scored a big one over the Sock Monkeys. Prior to this last weekend, I think the score was probably at least Sock Monkeys 40+, to me.... let's say 10. (Read this as to socks gone missing to socks recovered.)

I had noticed a few times that Melia's socks would be wrapped up in her blankets on her bed, but nearly always *near* her pillow. After a few times, I was inspired (because it takes inspiration to be so brave) and looked behind her bed. Behold! The Sock Monkeys Lair!

Now, the score is closer- and my washer is full of socks getting cleaned, eager to return to their mates. My, those poor socks, they'd been seperated for months I am sure- almost like military sock monkeys were in control...

Sock Monkeys: 40+
Me: 35
It is a game I will never win, but at least I can put up a good fight!

Can I Just Say?

That this is my favorite time of year? And you know what is best about it?

Even though we get so busy and the holiday season passes SO fast, the one thing that I never miss out on, and always get to fully enjoy...

Christmas Music on the radio.

Especially KLOVE! More Christ-oriented Christmas music. (I love the other Christmas music too, but I love keeping Christ at the center of my holiday season!) I even heard Trans-Siberian Orchestra twice today! What fun!

Remember that coat rack?

I told you about it, the one I bought at Prospector Liquidators a LONG time ago? Like 8 months ago? I finally got around to painting it... And boy, was it a chore.

Not the painting. The deciding.

I didn't know if I wanted it to match the coffee table and dark wall, or to paint it cute kid colors. So I asked Gabe. He said he didn't care. So I asked the girls. They quickly decided on pink, but Gabe immediately vetoed the idea. But he said he didn't care, right? Well, let him clarify: "Kid colors are red, blue, green, yellow. Not pink."

So, to compromise, I bought spray paint to match the rosewood we have, and bought foam girly stickers to let the girls customize it.

I think it turned out great.

What do you think? :-)

15 Weeks Today, Because I'm Suffering...

... apparently from third child syndrome, I'm told. I kinda... well.... for about the last week and a half, I, uh, I didn't know how far along I was. I lost track. I guess this is normal? And, to quote, "...it only gets worse."

:-) But now I know. 15 weeks. 3 weeks, 6 days until ultrasound! I am so grateful for a good working relationship with my doctor!

Two Magazine Subs: $5 each, up for grabs

So, today I signed up for Family Fun magazine. I've been wanting to for a while, but hadn't gotten around to doing it. After I finished the process, it gave me the option to "give" some subs to friends and family, 10 issues (1 year) for $5.

If you are interested, I will sign you up. I only have two, so the first two people to tell me for sure get 'em!

Edited: Sorry, forgot to mention that I am offering to sign you up for this subscription for this price, and you pay me back! :-)

Thoughts from Sunday

Sorry I've been missing for a while! I had a Pampered chef party Friday, then a date night Saturday, and normal church/work Sunday, and here I am ready to smush in a chiropractor visit before I go to work today because every time I stand up I swoon and my cookies are ready to fly....

But God was speaking yesterday, and I wanted to share what was impressed upon my heart.

In church, Pastor Doug made the point that we must be obedient. The statement was something like this: Why do we expect God to speak clearly and give direction when we are not obedient to what He has already made clear?

Then, listening to my class at work, there is a pattern: Call, Obedience, Revelation.

The ponderable point? God speaks very clearly through His Word. (If you doubt this, pray for clarity!) And if we don't obey what He clearly says in the Word, why would He choose to further take us to the next step? Do we give our children further responsiblity if they do not properly complete the current one? If you are wanting to hear His Voice, read the Word, and obey what is clear. Then, if no next step is made available, read more and obey more! We have so many areas in which to grow.

I appreciated this because while I know He speaks through His Word, I find it hard to verbalize when asked how I hear God speak. This will make my own testimony more clear, because I never "heard God speak" until I started to truly obey, to change the hard things, to sacrifice. I couldn't have verbalized this, but the pattern is evident in my own life. And now I can identify it. And in the future, when I or someone I know is going through a dry period, we can draw upon this to help us find our way back.

Tidbits from Today

At preschool, talking about what jobs they might want to have when they grow up:

Miss Becky: And Melia, what kind of job would you like to do when you grow up?
Melia: A horse.

Miss Becky thought that was the funniest thing, since other jobs were teacher, doctor, etc, and Melia even mentioned this before the horse "trainer" job was offered.

And Melia talks about her friends at school- in terms of her very nice friend, her funny friend, her mean friend, and her not nice friend. But she says that she makes the not nice girls be nice to her.... We took care of an issue a few weeks ago, but I'll have to ask Becky about that one! I wonder how she "makes" them be nice!

And a little prego update: This appetite thing really has me running in circles. I can go all day and every thought of food is just "yuck!" Nothing sounds good, ever. except plain ramen noodles (I know, I'm hooked) because they don't taste like anything! But then I get these cravings, like last night, I was so blech all day, and then we got home from Mom's night at preschool, and I was flipping through the Safeway ad, saw an ad for frozen chinese appetizers, and got the biggest craving for potstickers! So I made a few, like 6, 4 for me and 1 each for the girls because sometimes they like them, and sometimes not. They totally chowed down on them! And then asked for more! So I made several more, and we were fighting over them :-) So odd, but when I told Melia I was happy she liked them and I would make them another night when Daddy was gone (he hates the smell) she started jumping for joy... so I guess she likes them now... who'd of thought I'd have to catfight over my late-evening craving....

Big Order? Small Order?

So, I've been considering making another order from No Greater Joy. This is the company from whom we get the Help Meet book and the Child Training books, and my free favorite bi-monthly magazine.

I am asking if any of you would like to combine on an order, or would buy a Help Meet book from me if I bought another case (24 books), or some of the child training books (To train up a child, NGJ 1-3)? This is obviously for anyone who lives near me or can be delivered via friends or family. I can add anything to the order, just let me know and we can save on shipping.

A little of our story with these books: My dear friend introduced us to them, and they changed our lives. I have talked before about the Help Meet book, but one thing I haven't mentioned is how it taught me to look at the Word in a new light: Right. The cultural influence my entire life has skewed my view of God's Word- I doubted it (Satan's first intention always) and didn't really believe it applied to me. I believed in it, but didn't really believe it. After reading Help Meet, my new view is this: We don't have to follow God's rules for life. He won't force us into it. BUT! When we do, He generously blesses our faith in Him, and rewards our efforts. Even when we don't think we are making progress, He still blesses us, because we are walking in submission to Him. It is hard- I won't lie. But life is hard; if we do it HIS way, we have His peace and His blessing!

The child training books were simply a blessing from God. Gabe and I knew what kind of parents we wanted to be, but not necessarily how to be those parents. After using the "training" ideas and methods for 3+ years, we are more than sold. We are not perfect, but when we take the time to do it joyfully and consistently, the results are joyful children who delight in pleasing us and each other. We all have bad days, but for the most part we love reaping this harvest and are so grateful to the Lord for providing this resource.

We personally are ordering the Joy of Training DVDs and the ABC Bible verse songs CD. Let me know if you are interested- comment, email pyro4492 @ hotmail.com (remove spaces), or get ahold of me whichever way you normally do! Please feel free to share your testimonies regarding any of these items!

Kiera Copycat

Sometimes it just blows my mind noticing the little things I do that the girls copy. But yesterday, a more apt description was that it had me nearly in tears, and definitely Kiera.

I always throw my rubber band on my wrist. You will rarely see me without one, especially now with my hair shorter.

At naptime yesterday afternoon, Kiera had a ponytail in. When I got her up for dinner (late nap) she no longer had one. She started fussing, and held up her hand, presenting me with her band tight around her wrist. I got that it off as fast as I could, but her feelings were involved in the tears - she was heartbroken that the band hurt her. And my heart was broken that she was trying to be good (not losing her band) and it hurt her.

It was all kinda weird. Her hand wasn't blue or anything, but the mark stayed around for several hours. I would have taken a picture, but I don't want to get investigated for rubber banding my children and locking them in the closet or anything crazy like that. I gave her one of mine and showed her how they are much bigger than hers; I let her wear it for the evening. Hopefully she understood, and I hope she doesn't try anything else during naptime- it actually makes me nauseous to think of it. More than usual anyway.

The Only Notes I took....

From the whole conference....
The lyrics to a Group 1 Crew song, "Forgive Me"

Lord though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
I’m not scared cause You’re holding my breath
I only fear that I don’t have enough time left
To tell the world that there’s no time left, Lord please

It never ceases to amuse me how I can think I probably won't like a group because they sing rap/hiphop, and then after a concert the songs are still running through my head.... Just another group I like that Gabe won't... :-)

Back from Revolve... So Glad to be Home

So much to say---
1. It is not my gifting to work with teens as a group. I fully understand this now. Give me the thoughtful ones, the serious ones, the fun but quiet ones, and we will have a great time. I do not have the patience for the silly, the loud, the obnoxious, the negative.....

2. As a society, we do not expect enough from our teens. This conference was sadly disappointing, though fun, it was shallow. The only positive challenge met was 216 new World Vision kids sponsored.

3. I seriously cannot stay up late. Not when I am pregnant anyway.

4. I really enjoy discussing things I have been pondering- I listened to some amazing examples, testimonies, and stories in the talks shared between the five leaders, all of which God used to increase my level of understanding about things I am learning. This was the best part of the whole weekend!

13 Week Appointment

Doc: All Good?
Me: Yep, all good.
Doc: Ok, let's get a heartbeat...

Heartbeat: 150/min. Not very definitive! :-)

And aNNa--can you please comment again? I approved your comment, and then I couldn't find it to get your email! Or tell me which post you commented on? Thanks!

I'm off to the Revolve tour- Be back late tomorrow night! Pray for safe travels and special blessings on the girls going! (and good sleep for this prego mama!)

Debrief Part Four: Amir Tsarfati

It's taken me a bit to recover from the election and some personal wounds inflicted (not here)- but I want to finish this. Whether or not you agree, some of you said for me to go on! :-)
Because so much of this was included in my previous posts on Israel, I will try to be brief.

Amir Tsarfati:
2Pe 1:20 "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation."
Prophecy is spoken (and understood) through the Holy Spirit; do not believe that you cannot understand- especially in this age when things which were hidden are being revealed, and that which was sealed is being unsealed!
Dan 12:9 "And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words [are] closed up and sealed till the time of the end."

Things to keep watch on:
Russia: broke, and looking for money- ie. they are selling weapons to whomever will buy them.
Completing Naval Base in Syria- will have 30 warships next to Israel.
US: People want change- don't care what kind.
Syria: Starting work on another nuclear reactor and purchased from Russia a missile defense system.
Iran: Have been pursuing nuclear capability (despite what the world is told) since 1992.
Will have nuclear capability by the beginning of next year, with Russia's help.
Turkey: Forming relations with Iran, since their attempts to become "western" have been rejected. Depending on your interpretations of Eze. 38, (Magog as Russia or Turkey?) players are moving into place.

Encouragement: It is apparent that the US is not a key player in the end times. America could fall as a result of ecomonic, political, or wartime disaster, but if you consider the very conservative estimate that if 10% (not 48%!) of 300 million people (our pop.) were raptured, that is 3 million Americans gone- including key players at high levels of government. Look at any other country: There is none other that would collapse as a result of the rapture. A hopeful possiblity!

Israel: We can learn from history, including the Word: Either God will provide a way for Israel to defend themselves, or He will defend it Himself. In light of Iran's iminent nuclear capability, Israel is not worried. (In 1979, they stopped Iraq; in 2007 they stopped Syria.) We should expect an attack on Iran's plant, with or w/out the US's blessing, and the world will condemn Israel for it.

Something I Learned Today

Did you know that if you have a migraine headache that is making you nauseated, and morning sickness, and you eat some crackers to help calm the morning sickness, the migraine headache nausea will make you throw it up?

Me neither. But it did.

Took me a few hours to figure my way out of this vicious cycle...

"Two Owies," Kiera says

Kiera and I visited the doctor this morning after her wrestling match with Melia last night. Something happened to her foot, and after sleeping on it she still would not put weight on it. There was no major swelling or bruising, and she only was uncomfortable when I tried to flex it.

I didn't think it was too bad, but would rather be safe than sorry, so we went in and had him look at it. He ordered x-rays to be sure, but I guess young children's feet are mostly cartilage anyway, so the only danger was if the top bone had broken away or splintered.

But, no broken bones. Just a sprain, and she should start walking on it again in the next few days. I put some lavendar on it before nap this afternoon to help with the minor swelling and pain. (Sometimes I am hesitant to use the oils because I don't want to miss the symptoms, so I waited until after we'd had it looked at.) She tried taking a few steps before nap, but then started to wimper, so it is still painful.

In the meantime, she's scooting around on her bottom, crawling on her belly, and in general, being a lot of fun to watch. She's perfectly happy unless it hurts her, so it's kinda nice having her slowed down for a bit! :-)

Whew! Albertson's sale over!

:-) Wow-- I must say, this wasn't the easiest time I've ever had with a promo, but it wasn't as hard as Safeway sometimes is, plus I saved a ton!

I made 6 trips in all, with only two of them being questionable. But they fixed both situations- the first one with the frozen register I called Customer Care, and they hooked me up. The second one was yesterday; apparently my total before coupons was $29.99 because of the way the 3/$5 items rang up, but they gave me the catalinas anyway. Other than the first transaction, where I spent $22, every other trip I've only spent $6-$11 oop and gotten $15 back every time. I'm glad it's done though- I was running out of coupons! ;-)

I will mention that this sale was an answer to prayer- I was feeling the need to stock up on some items, but not sure where/when it was going to happen... but He did!

Happy Veteran's Day!

To each and every one that we know who has served: A heartfelt thank you for your service to your country. Thank You!

My Huge Thankful Moment Today

When I arrived at work, the radio in my little room was already on from the morning gal. She had it on KW3, our local, current (?) station (what do you call that? not country, not soft rock, not oldies, not classical rock.) I had a lot to do, so I jumped right into work thinking I would change it when I had some time...

About 20 minutes later I jumped up and desperately spun the knob to my dearest darling KLOVE. I just couldn't stand it anymore. The last two songs that sent me over the edge were one about "all the different places we're gonna make ****", and then one about being a "Super B***H."

What in the world! I guess I've been so blessed by listening to KLOVE that I didn't realize how my preferences have changed. I am so thankful that we have KLOVE! (Not that I'm bashing you if you like that other stuff, but I do not! It makes a huge difference in the way I think and my attitude that I do not like! :-)

Some words that keep strumming in my head from the new Addison Road song "Hope Now."
How quickly I forget I'm Yours.
I'm not my own,
I've been carried by You all my life....

And how much more encouraging is that?!!

Thankful Melia, Part Two

"We say thank you for our babies and our sons."

I think she is extremely focused on having a brother....

Traditions

Tonight I introduced my daughters to probably one of the most significantly traditional meals in my family. Right up there with Grandma Bryant's green beans, Grandma Elliott's biscuits and gravy, Pancakes and Peanut Butter, Haystacks (aka..wet..), remind me of any I am forgetting.

But this one is special. It goes along with Colonel Sanders Chicken Littles and Bubble Gum ice cream at the mall, where Shaun always never ever finished his, even though he promised he could. :-) Fond memories.

Anywho- my traditional meal.

It's called Ma's Soup.

You take ramen noodles, cook 'em real good with the seasoning, then drain all the juice out- Yum yum yum!!! I bet Ma had a blast watching from heaven as her two little great-great granddaughters chow down on their noodles. And I wonder if my siblings and I were as hilarious to watch as my kiddos... :-)

And He's Off... Again...

Gabe is gone again for hunting... I'm feeling pretty sad this time, mainly because he worked the last two days, so haven't really seen him for a few (plus every waking minute is basically thinking about hunting), and then when he gets back we'll swap kids and I'll be headed out for two days to help chaperone a the Revolve Tour conference in Spokane. And then I think we both work the next day.
Whew.

My goal is to get a lot of picking up and organizing done while he is gone. It's really hard when he's home because I want to spend time with him, and hard when he's working because the bedroom is off-limits during the day, and we have to be quiet. So, this is my endeavor- to have the living rooms, dining room, and kitchen totally picked up and put away. Extras would be the girls' rooms, because that is never-ending... and bathrooms.

So, Encouragement and Reminders from you all would be great. I found myself mysteriously drawn to Sudoku this afternoon.... Normally I only do it while in a waiting room or waiting in line to pick up Melia. :-) procrastinating...

Kiera as an Only Child

Kiera wants to be Melia's age. Every day we drop Melia off, she cries and says that she "loves sissy very much" and "miss sissy." Even when we drop her off for Cubbies she cries, not considering that she gets to go play at church with her special friend Selene.

And at home when Melia's gone? She clings to my side desperately. She expects me to fill in Melia's place as her playmate! Which is fine, except when I need to get things done! Then we try to work together, but she is just so happy when Melia comes home and they can play horsies or doggies or anything else that Mommy just doesn't do right!

I keep reminding myself that they won't be best friends forever, and to enjoy it while it lasts!

Albertsons: Trip Three

So, yea, I don't think that whole thing was my fault. Because when I went back in and asked about it, the same lady said that it took them another hour and rebooting that register three times to get it working again. I use coupons. I use a lot of coupons. But I don't use that many coupons :-)

Trip Three:
2 Betty Crocker Frostings, 1 BC Cookie Mix pouch, 1 Pillsbury Toaster Strudel, 2 Gold Medal Flours (5lbs), 2 boxes Golden Grahams (I like them... :-), 1 Cheerios, 2 Totals, 2 Chexes,
= $24.21 - $15 back, so approx $9 oop. Used $5.80 in cpns.

I'd love to go over trip 2 with you, but I have no receipt.... I got lots of soup.

Albertsons: Trip Two

So, not so good. I usually really like their self-scanners because, unlike other stores, you can scan your own coupons and just stick them in the box. But, well, today I, um.... I jammed their system because I apparently reached the "coupon threshold." I didn't even get a receipt because it wouldn't complete my transaction. Which, yes, means I did not receive my second set of $15 catalinas. Blech. Especially since I used my big "profit" coupons this run.... Kind of a waste.
I didn't really know what to do, as I wanted my catalinas (this is the point of this whole deal anyway, is it not?) but I didn't want to be pushy, nor give the cashiers a bad taste in their mouth for us couponers. But I am thinking I may return this afternoon to try another run, and ask if they re-rang my order and if anything printed out, because I would like my receipt, and of course my catalinas. I guess there was not a manager there... Should I have asked? I didn't want to give the cashier the impression that I thought she was inadequate... But she kinda was. Ugh. Just another messed up run. Why do they have coupon thresholds anyway? I know I didn't have more coupons than items, because several of them were $1/4 or $2/4......Oh well. It's not like it was a bad run. Just not as good as I planned it to be.

Moral of the story? Don't use the self-scanners on catalina deals.

What do we say Thank You to God for?

Because I like Kari's funny posts on Saben's gratefulness, and because I know I need to purpose to do it, I am starting to ask Melia at nighttime after prayers what she says Thank You to God for...

Tonight (Night One)- "What do you say Thank you to God for?"
Melia: "Because if you get a runny nose, God will make it better."
Mommy: And what else do you say thank you for?
Melia: "Food. And feet. And hands. I say thank you for all kinds of things."

:-) Too cute. Can you imagine the tickles our Father God gets when one of His little darlings is so honest? What would happen if we were so thankful!? :-)

Albertsons: Trip One

Ok, so some of you have heard from me about how excited I am about this week's "Spend $30 on select products, get $15 OYNO" deal at Albertsons. (that's "on your next order" aka catalina)

My first trip:
6 bottles of All 3x Small & Mighty, reg price $6.19/6.49 each, on sale for 3/$10, minus 4 $1/1 and 1 $1/2 coupons = $15
6 cans of Progresso Soup, on sale 6/$10, minus 1 $2/4 and 1 $1/2 = $7
=$22 oop +tax, then a $15 catalina for my next trip, which I can roll!

So I got 6 bottles of All and 6 cans of soup for a little more than the regular price of one bottle of All!
I can't wait to go again tomorrow!

Sites I use for these deals: moneysavingmom (links from her site) and thriftysoaper
(has great scenarios!)

A Little Rant

Does it bother anyone else that *before* the election, we were not suppose to consider race an issue, not to let that interfere with our voting preference-

But now! It's like I can't get away from hearing how "wonderful" and "miraculous" it is that we have elected a black man for president! And reading an article that 1 in 5 voters said that race was high on their reasons for voting for Obama? But all the bad to you if you let race *prevent* you from voting for him!

Personally, I don't care if he's black or white! Or any other *color*! I want to know he can do the job!
Ok, I feel better now. That just irks me to no end. How hypocritical.

Our Election Party

Thank the Lord for family. I am sure we could have gone anywhere, but I am just grateful for the blessing of last night. I knew I didn't want to be home in front of the TV, so we went up to Gabe's parents house, along with his grandparents and had a doozy of a dinner.

Cream Cheese Chicken casserole
Mile High Biscuits
White Chocolate covered Strawberries
Brownies with butterscotch caramel drizzled on top, served warm

Can you tell we all knew we would need comfort food?

And then we watched WALL E.

Then we heard the news. At least it didn't ruin the night, as we all were pretty sure it was coming. We were just escaping from reality for a little while, enjoying the company and calories. :-)

Do Not Fear - Read slowly.

To Abraham, do not be afraid!
To Isaac, Do not fear!
To Jacob, Do Not fear!
To Rachael in Labor, Do not Fear!
To Joseph's brothers, Do not be afraid!
To Moses, Do Not be Afraid
To Israel in Egypt, Do Not Fear!
To Israel fleeing Egypt, Do not be Afraid!
To the Armies of Israel, Do not be afraid! Do not fear! Do not fear!
To Joshua, Do Not be Afraid! Do not fear!
To the children of Israel, Do not fear them! Do not be afraid! Fear not!
To Gideon, Do not Fear!
To Ruth, Do not be afraid!
To the people of Israel, Do not fear!
To David, Do not fear!
To Mephibosheth, Do not fear!
To Solomon, Do not Fear! Do not be afraid!
To Elisha's servant, Do not be afraid!
To Jehoshaphat, Do not fear!
In the Psalms, The Lord is on Your side! Do not Fear!
The Psalms, I will not fear!
To Isaiah, Do not fear!
In Isaiah, Do not fear, nor be afraid!
To the righteous, Do not fear!
O Israel, do not fear!
My servant Jacob, do not fear! Do not fear!
To the dispersed house of Judah, fear not!
To the fearful hearted, Do not fear!
To the widow woman, Fear not!
In Joel, to Israel, Fear not!
To the beasts of the field, Do not be afraid!
To Daniel, Do not be afraid!
To Jerusalem, Do not fear!
In Lamentations, Do not fear!
To Israel, in Haggai, Do not fear!
To the house of Judah and the house of Israel, do not fear!
In Matthew, do not fear!
To Zacharias, Do not be afraid!

To Mary, do not fear!

To Joseph, Do not be afraid!

To the sheperds, Do not be afraid!

To Simon, Do not be afraid!

To Jairus, Do not be afraid!

To the disciples, do not fear! Do not be afraid!

To the ruler of the synagogue, Do not be afraid!
To the disciples on the boat, do not be afraid!
To the disciples, let your heart not be afraid!
To the women at the tomb, do not be afraid!
To the disciples running from the tomb, do not be afraid!
To the sheep, from the sheperd, Do not fear!
To Paul, Do not be afraid! Do not be afraid!
To the Romans, Do not fear!
To those who suffer, do not be afraid!
To the Hebrew Christians, fear not!
To John, Do not be afraid.
In Revelation, DO NOT FEAR!

Fear Not, For I AM the Lord your God. I am with you always, until the ends of the earth.

Wow! This is Powerful!

"Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah--Jer 31:32
"not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them,[fn1] says the LORD.Jer 31:33
"But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.Jer 31:34
"No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more."Jer 31:35
Thus says the LORD,
Who gives the sun for a light by day,
The ordinances of the moon and the stars for a light by night,
Who disturbs the sea,
And its waves roar
(The LORD of hosts is His name):Jer 31:36
"If those ordinances depart
From before Me, says the LORD,
Then the seed of Israel shall also cease
From being a nation before Me forever."Jer 31:37
Thus says the LORD:
"If heaven above can be measured,
And the foundations of the earth searched out beneath,
I will also cast off all the seed of Israel
For all that they have done, says the LORD.Jer 31:38
"Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, that the city shall be built for the LORD from the Tower of Hananel to the Corner Gate.Jer 31:39
"The surveyor's line shall again extend straight forward over the hill Gareb; then it shall turn toward Goath.Jer 31:40
"And the whole valley of the dead bodies and of the ashes, and all the fields as far as the Brook Kidron, to the corner of the Horse Gate toward the east, shall be holy to the LORD. It shall not be plucked up or thrown down anymore forever."

Israel: Just How Literal?

I just wanted to do a quick post on Israel and literal interpretation of prophecy. The deeper we get in discussing this, the more space it takes up! So, my intent is a small post! Ha! But I also want to write out the scriptures, so it may be longer... hmm. we will see.

I want to list some of the scriptural supports for the modern day Jewish state. My question is - Do you take these promises and prophecies literally in their fulfillment, or allegorically?
God gave the land of Israel to Abraham and his descendants through Isaac and Jacob as an everlasting possession. This is the Abrahamic convenant: the title to the land.
Gen 17:8 "Also I give to you and your descendants after you the land in which you are a stranger, all the land of Canaan, as an everlasting possession; and I will be their God."
Gen 26:2 Then the LORD appeared to him and said: "Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land of which I shall tell you. Gen 26:3 "Dwell in this land, and I will be with you and bless you; for to you and your descendants I give all these lands, and I will perform the oath which I swore to Abraham your father. Gen 26:4 "And I will make your descendants multiply as the stars of heaven; I will give to your descendants all these lands; and in your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed; Gen 26:5 "because Abraham obeyed My voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws."
Gen 28:1 THEN Isaac called Jacob and blessed him, and charged him, and said to him: "You shall not take a wife from the daughters of Canaan. Gen 28:2 "Arise, go to Padan Aram, to the house of Bethuel your mother's father; and take yourself a wife from there of the daughters of Laban your mother's brother. Gen 28:3 "May God Almighty bless you, And make you fruitful and multiply you, That you may be an assembly of peoples; Gen 28:4 And give you the blessing of Abraham, To you and your descendants with you, That you may inherit the land In which you are a stranger, Which God gave to Abraham."
Gen 28:13 And behold, the LORD stood above it and said: "I [am] the LORD God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie I will give to you and your descendants. Gen 28:14 "Also your descendants shall be as the dust of the earth; you shall spread abroad to the west and the east, to the north and the south; and in you and in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed. Gen 28:15 "Behold, I [am] with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you."

Scriptures which I believe support the fact that neither the cross nor the disobedience of the Jews cause the convenant to end (w/out repeating those above).
1Ch 16:17 And confirmed it to Jacob for a statute, To Israel [for] an everlasting covenant, 1Ch 16:18 Saying, "To you I will give the land of Canaan As the allotment of your inheritance,"
Psa 105:8 He remembers His covenant forever, The word [which] He commanded, for a thousand generations, Psa 105:9 [The covenant] which He made with Abraham, And His oath to Isaac, Psa 105:10 And confirmed it to Jacob for a statute, To Israel [as] an everlasting covenant, Psa 105:11 Saying, "To you I will give the land of Canaan As the allotment of your inheritance,"
Rom 9:4 who are Israelites, to whom [pertain] the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service [of God,] and the promises;
Rom 3:1 WHAT advantage then has the Jew, or what [is] the profit of circumcision? Rom 3:2 Much in every way! Chiefly because to them were committed the oracles of God. Rom 3:3 For what if some did not believe? Will their unbelief make the faithfulness of God without effect? Rom 3:4 Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar. As it is written: ["That You may be justified in Your words,] [And may overcome when You are judged."]
Rom 11:29 For the gifts and the calling of God [are] irrevocable.
Rom 9:27 Isaiah also cries out concerning Israel:"Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, The remnant will be saved.

Why can we consider the present day nation of Israel to be still under the promises and convenants of Biblical Israel? They have violated the Land Convenant (conditions for inhabiting and possessing the land), but God still promised to gather them up and return them to the land.
"The Land Covenant promised that Israel would become the prime nation of the world if the Jews were obedient to God (Deuteronomy 28:1,13). But the covenant warned that many curses would befall the people if they were disobedient (Deuteronomy 28:15-37), including exile from the land (Deuteronomy 28:38-57). The covenant warned further that if temporary exile did not restore the Jews to obedience, they would suffer worldwide dispersion and persecution (Deuteronomy 28:58-68). But nowhere are they told that their disobedience would lead to a loss of their title to the land. In fact, the Land Covenant ends in chapter 30 with a prophecy and a promise that a day will come — after the Jews have experienced the curses of the covenant — when the Lord will restore them to their land once again: "The Lord will restore you from captivity, and have compassion on you, and will gather you again from all the peoples where the Lord your God has scattered you. If your outcasts are at the ends of the earth, from there the Lord your God will gather you, and from there He will bring you back. And the Lord your God will bring you into the land which your fathers possessed, and you shall possess it" (Deuteronomy 30:3-5).
For almost 1900 years the Jews wandered among the nations and suffered severe persecution, just as prophesied in Deuteronomy 28. During that time, their land became desolate as prophesied in Deuteronomy 29. But in this century, God has regathered them from the four corners of the earth, re-established them in their land, and transformed their land from wilderness to milk and honey — as prophesied in Deuteronomy 30.
The only prophecy left to be fulfilled in the Land Covenant is the spiritual salvation of the gathered remnant (Deuteronomy 30:6-8). That will occur soon when they repent and accept Yeshua as their Messiah.
The Abrahamic and Land Covenants make it clear that the Jewish people have both the right to the land of Israel and the right to be back in it today." (Dave Reagan, Lamb and Lion Ministries, to save on time :-)

Why we ought not be forcing or encouraging division of the land?
Amo 9:14 I will bring back the captives of My people Israel; They shall build the waste cities and inhabit [them;] They shall plant vineyards and drink wine from them; They shall also make gardens and eat fruit from them. Amo 9:15 I will plant them in their land, And no longer shall they be pulled up From the land I have given them," Says the LORD your God.
Joe 3:1 "FOR behold, in those days and at that time, When I bring back the captives of Judah and Jerusalem, Joe 3:2 I will also gather all nations, And bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; And I will enter into judgment with them there On account of My people, My heritage Israel, Whom they have scattered among the nations; They have also divided up My land.

Forgive my brevity, but I am trying not to let blogging interfere with my more important priorities-- so trying to be quick! :-) I know I didn't answer all the questions here; my intent was to get a response to the scriptures. I also have another scripture coming which addresses why they have to be in the land before the remnant will believe (ie, why back in before they become obedient again), but I am having trouble finding it. Time...time... :-)
Thoughts?

Prayer Request

Today I found out that a friend of mine is getting a divorce. This breaks my heart because several weeks ago she asked me how I could speak of Gabe with so much love in my voice after being married for 8+ years (ripped my heartstrings out!), and I have been walking with her on choosing to love her husband. I haven't talked with her in two weeks because of the conference last weekend, but the last time I did things were looking up and she was really having a change of heart. I do not believe she is a Christian, more of a Catholic-by-tradition than a Christian-by-faith.
Anyway, could you all please pray for her, her husband and their children? I really felt like God was doing a mighty work in her life, and hope that this may be the "hitting bottom" part before she truly looks up.
Thank you!

Two Little Puppies

Ever since last Halloween, Melia knew she wanted to be a Dalmatian this year. A few months back, she decided that she would be the mommy and Kiera would be the baby. Kiera loved it, because they often play mommy and baby, or little girl and her dog.

Kiera Barking :-)


Daddy trying to scare his own grandpa :-) (He took the mask that was hanging on the door.)

Both girls did really well; we visited three houses of grandparents, then drove out to Mark and Linda's because when we went to visit Linda at work the doors were locked! Chels and "Lest" (kiera-ese) and I with their friend took the girls around to a few houses. It was pretty funny, as after they got their candy, Melia and Kiera would just sit there at the door talking up a storm, or peeking inside the house... never in a hurry to move on :-) We only visited one house that had some pretty scary stuff up- Melia wanted to go, then didn't, stopped in the driveway- I ended up holding her hand up to the door so she could make it. (Kiera was already there!)
Long night, but lots of fun! Gabe had to work, but he got up early and helped to dress the girls up :-) Melia was so proud that her daddy colored her face!

Debrief, Part Three... Israel, Part Me

Israel. Since it's such a hot topic. ;-) And I am going to mention-- because I really really had a struggle today-- I had Gabe read this to make sure I didn't screw anything up, and I now have instructions to stop being so apologetic for my beliefs. So, if you don't like this, then prove it with a biblical discussion. Look it up! The Bible is opinionated, and it is right!

The statistic is that 90% of churches preach Replacement Theology, if they preach on Israel at all. I do not believe that the church has replaced Israel in God's program. No way.

As I understand it, Israel refers to all Jews worldwide in general, but also to the political state. I don't see how we can include one and exclude the other, in regards to the Biblical promise of blessing? Note: I will include a partial list of "what" Israel refers to in the Bible in my second section on Israel- this is already too big in my head for one post! ;-)

But, "I will bless those which bless thee, and I will curse those who curse thee." Gen 12:3 Is there any other nation or people group in which we are promised curses if we are on the wrong side? A quote that deserves consideration: the "only reason God has not released judgement on America is because we continue to support Israel." Not just be neutral, but support. But our position is changing quickly. (Side note: A really thought-provoking study: God's Wrath in relation to how we treat Israel. Did you know that Hurricane Katrina formed on the exact day the US completed with "assisting" the removal of 8500 Israelis from the Gaza Strip? There are NUMEROUS other examples I would encourage you to examine. We first heard it from Dave Reagan and Bill Koenig at Steeling the Mind '06.)


Take a logical look at the nation itself.
"Given the circumstances surrounding Israel's birth as a nation, and the odds against its survival, Israel should not exist as a nation today. Yet it not only exists, but seems to thrive in spite of its adversaries and in the face of circumstances that defy logic and reason... Not all attribute their military victories to divine assistance, but everyone agrees that the odds for Israel's survival through the turbulent twentieth century have defied all reasonable logic....Why did an unstoppable armada of Syrian tanks bound for Tel Aviv at the start of the Yom Kippur War in 1973, suddenly stop just north of Tiberius and simply wait for the Israeli army to arrive so they could surrender without a fight? When an Israeli tank commander found himself and his men in the middle of a mine field, how was the prayer of one of his men suddenly followed by an unprecedented wind that blew away nearly a foot of topsoil and then just as suddenly stop, revealing the hiding places of thousands of mines so the soldiers could escape unharmed? Why, during the war for independence, did a battalion of Jordanian soldiers approaching the position of a handful of Israeli soldiers defending Mt. Zion without ammunition, suddenly shout "Abraham" and turn and flee? How could three dozen teenagers, survivors of the Holocaust, walk right past a company of Egyptian soldiers in the Negev without being seen?" (Against All Odds)

God wants them there. Let me get past my humanist education and point out that it is their God-given right to exist on that specific piece of property. In actuality, a much larger piece of property, but I'm guessing that just ain't gonna happen until their rightful King returns!
Do not assume I think we should not bless and love everyone else- Of course we should! It is one of our greatest responsibilities! I am not "against" all the rest of the Arab or Palestinian nations. We should pray for all of them! For example, our church supports missionaries in Israel whose main ministry is Palestinians, most of them Muslim and Greek Orthodox. We are accountable to ALL nations. But the promise is attached to Israel!

One of the points made at the conference was that because of our western media, we assume that everyone is the same "culture" or "people group"over there. (Other than Sunnis and Shiites, of course.) But the true Arabs, who are actually a smaller people group that most would assume, are enduring great persecution by the rest of the Palestinians, not to mention the rest of the world. I can't begin to reiterate the list that was given, but I found it discouraging how we refer to them as one group, but we are terribly deficient in our understanding.


Now I am going to get unpleasant.
The Bible is not "nice." When Israel was sent to purge the Promised Land, they were often instructed to kill every man, woman, and child. No regard for "innocent" life. In fact, when they did not do as commanded, it repeatedly came back to bite them in the butt. Revelation states that huge portions of the world's population will perish during the Tribulation. It is not going to be pretty! But it is God's plan!
Respect for innocent life is a theory, not a common practice. Especially in times of war. And Israel is at war- fighting for the right to exist. I don't like death and war, but there's a lot of things I don't like and can do absolutely nothing about. I live in a country which, in practice, believes it's ok to murder babies which are socially inconvenient. Even though I fervently disagree with this, I still live here. We are to be responsible with the abilities given us; to make the difference He inspires us to make. I can't change the fact that "innocent" people will die. But I can support with my prayers and finances the missions who minister in Christ's name.


An odd thought I had- it could be argued from a Biblical perspective that those who pray for the peace of Jerusalem are praying for the destruction of 2/3 of the worlds population. Because before True Peace will come, the false peacemaker must come, and with his false treaty, the wrath of God. But we are still instructed to do so! Psa 122:6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.


Hermeneutics dictate that how you choose to interpret the Bible makes all the difference in your beliefs. Gabe and I have chosen to educate ourselves under teachers and scholars who interpret the Bible literally. We don't take everything we are taught straight to the bank; many good scholars disagree on the details! If you've ever tried to understand the different legitimate views, much less the crazies (!) you know that it takes a while to prayerfully sort out the details and let the Spirit work discernment. We are on a long road, but so excited to be here, making progress step by step as He leads us.

Isa 46:9-13Remember the former things of old, For I [am] God, and [there is] no other; [I am] God, and [there is] none like Me, Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times [things] that are not [yet] done, Saying, 'My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure,' ... Indeed I have spoken [it;] I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed [it;] I will also do it... I bring My righteousness near, it shall not be far off; My salvation shall not linger. And I will place salvation in Zion, For Israel My glory.