Our Measly Plans for today

It is 10 am, and suprise! I am showered, dressed; the girls are clean, dressed, hair done-- we are ready to go shopping! We are headed to the credit union, then to a plant store, and then hopefully we will be able to come home and play outside! (I am praying the wind slows down a bit)

This is my attempt at motivation, because yesterday Kiera hurt her knee, so we had to keep her "calm" and "settled" for half the day. Thank you Lord that a good night's sleep gave it time to heal.

Prayer request: We are going to try to go yard saling on Friday as a family, and I really need to find some clothes for Melia. I do pretty good at sale shopping, but there is always something missing. Right now it is dresses, and she notices every day. "Momma, I need more dresses!" So I am praying all week long that we find some steals of deals, and have a good time in the process.

Brought Back to the Basics

Crystal's review of her weekend at Homeschool conference.

I really really enjoyed reading this. She is so funny because she reminds me of myself. A little too gung-ho, worldly-expectation oriented, and brought back to basics by the Father's mercy. I find myself exactly where she was, especially when "comparing" to other homeschooled kids... My punkins are His punkins, and He is the guide for our homeschool curriculum.

Thank you Lord, that Your Mercies are new every morning, 'cause tomorrow, and the next day, I will probably need reminding again....

Baskin Robbins .31 Scoops!

This Wednesday our local Baskin-Robbins is have $.31 scoop night! From 5-10pm, you can get up to 10 (because they know I need 10 scoops of rocky road!) scoops for the low low price of .31 each!

The flyer did not have an address on it, so this may be franchise wide! Check yours for cheap ice cream!

How I Got Over Earth Day

Wierd title, don't you think? I wasn't sure what to call this. I was sure I didn't want to write it, but for some reason (gee, wonder what that is...) I have felt this on my heart for several days, so here goes.

Last week was Earth Day. Over the week I read many little blurbs in the blogosphere about the earth, mother nature, recycling, ranging from the normal to the slightly over the edge mentality. And I believe that God wants me to write why I don't worry about all that anymore. How He released me from it.

I used to (8+ years ago) worry desperately about our precious planet, how we were destroying it as human beings, about the endangered species, about landfills, about pollution, and about (gasp!) the greenhouse effect. It took a while, but HE got a hold of me eventually, starting with a wonderful person who I have known many many years who DOESN'T recycle, doesn't do this or that to "Save the Earth." I was appalled. How could she not! Wasn't man given dominion over the earth? Wasn't it our God-given responsiblity in the Garden of Eden?

The answer is yes, but not anymore. Because I do not want to argue this, I am only telling my story, I will not go into the Biblical details. Although I would try to explain if you wanted me to.

What God gave me over a period of time was this: This earth is not meant to last forever. It hasn't been from day "serpent." We live in a broken, cursed world. Someday on our not-so-distant horizon, a specific seven year period will begin, and this planet will endure God's wrath and Satan's unhindered dominion. I imagine this will be much worse than I can fathom. Just reading Revelation makes me shudder. But soon after that our world will be redeemed. Healed beyond anything we could hope for. And a thousand years after that, it will end for good.

I believe this will all my heart, because I fully believe what the Bible says. I also hope this with all my heart! I am excited for the plans that God has for us as Christians, and I can't wait to see the "lion lay with the lamb." I can't wait to run and play with extinct animals! Can you imagine? All this is in store for us, so you can see why I don't stress so much about humanity and our tendency to use and abuse.

Now, this is not to say we should not live responsibly, nor to wonder at the majesty of this broken and cursed creation. Whatever God lays on your heart, do. Just as He has laid my heart to rest, He may call you to action. But just don't let our dying earth distract you from His eternal perspective. There's a whole lot more where this came from, and it is beyond your wildest dreams.

What a Night!!

We had such a fun family night!

First, I convinced Gabe that us girls needed to get out, so we went out to dinner at Larry's (really yummy chicken strip old-fashioned drive-in). Then Gabe needed to pick up something at Schucks, and while he was in the store I encouraged Melia to ask Daddy if we could go for ice cream :-)

"Daddy, can we go get ice cream? Cause I love ice cream!"

So then we went to Baskin Robbins; Kiera and Melia split a kid's scoop in two separate bowls. Kiera kept saying hers was "hot, hot" and she wouldn't eat it, even though she said it was yummy. Melia is a savorer-- she will lick anything to death. Gabe had to threaten to eat theirs just to get them to finish. Of course, I was the last one done, and probably got the most on my face. (Hey, at least it wasn't on my shirt...)

Then we came home, and I got the girls in the bath, as Kiera had dumped sand on both of their heads today outside playing. It's the first thing she does when she gets to the sand pile. On the head. Now her day is complete.

I commented to Melia about how fiesty Kiera is, and she promptly says "No, Mom, Kiera is a horsey." We go back and forth a couple times, and I finally say "Melia! Say Fiesty!" She quickly replies "Momma, Say Horsey!"

AND!!! Kiera was telling us while she was in the tub that she needed to go potty, so we grabbed her out, got her on the pot, and it took some coaxing, but she actually went! This is the first time!!!! (3 days before her 2nd birthday!) We haven't been pushing her at all, since I got so tired of the battle with Melia (battle in my brain, she just wasn't fully ready). We were sooo happy! She got an M&M, then of course Melia had to go, and she got an M&M, then I almost dumped the bowl trying to get it to the toilet it was so heavy :-) (Melia is a big pee-er) Then I had to try to explain to Kiera why she couldn't have more M&Ms.... she cried. Not sure she understands, or maybe she was just trying to manipulate me. She is a smart one, she is.

A good night. Thank you Lord, for these special times.

Liver/Gallbladder Flush

If you want details, please email me and I will do an email for those of you with such morbid curiosity. :-) No, just kidding, I know this would help a LOT of people, especially in my family.

It was very successful, I passed probably more than 100 stones, most of them the size of small nerds. Pretty wild. The drinks were not pleasant, but do-able. Only one was gag nasty. I did end up with a headache that I am still working on, might be that I am dehydrated as I did not focus on drinking extra water yesterday morning. I was nauseated somewhat for a few hours this morning, but all-in-all I believe it to have done exactly what I wanted to do. Which is good, because I wouldn't have been able to do it again without knowing it would work!

Success!

I have something to share. I have decided that Nerds (the candy?) just can't be good for us. It appears that they build up in your gall bladder, never to come out unless you flush them.

'Cause what I got this morning was a whole box or more of green and brown Nerds. And some really big ones, which I used to think was special. Used to. Not anymore.

Thank you Lord!!!!!

Liver Cleanse: Prayer requested

I have been struggling with how much to talk about my cleanses. Not because I am sure you don't want to hear the lovely details, but because scripturally we are not to boast. My initial response is that I am not boasting, but then I question myself, because I know my pride permeates my entire being.

So, after prayerfully considering, I am going to tell you I am doing it, (as a prayer request mostly, because I am a little afraid), and I will tell you I am done and thank you for your prayers. If anyone wants further details, I would be happy to share, because in my sharing I hope to HELP others! I am your guinea pig! But to avoid any possible boasting, I will not share any specifics.

I am doing it tonight; won't be complete until all day tomorrow. I would appreciate prayers for strength-- I am afraid I won't be able to drink the concoctions and that I will want to eat something terrible, like butter ;-).

De-Clutter Week

Over at Biblicalwomanhood, Crystal is declaring a War on Clutter Week!

While we have more than our share of clutter, we did have a small victory last week, and our church had a huge victory!

Last Saturday was our church's Spring Clean GiveAway. Everyone brought in their working, good condition stuff that they didn't need, and members of the community were able to come and get what they needed or would be a blessing to them. Since we were across the mountains this weekend, we did not get to be there, but did donate a few boxes.

Melia went through her toys and put together a box of things she wanted to give to children who didn't have many toys. I had more trouble than she did with this! I am sentimental, so I guess I shouldn't have been suprised...

I went through my cupboards and donated cooking stuff that I didn't need. I am not sure why I hung on to 5+ casserole pans over the years, as I normally only use 2-3 of them! This also prompted a lid/bowl match, with all the loners going in the trash!

The reports at church said that this was the best year yet, (3rd year) and that over 100 people heard the gospel! We pray that each seed that was donated and taken home will sprout in their hearts!

My Disclaimer

Ok, so I have been feeling guilty about my shortcomings, and I feel I should ask for all ya'll's forgiveness. (Is ya'll's a word?)

It really is a good thing God made me a fairly quiet person, because when I start talking, I have a strong tendency to mess it up. And when I am excited about what God is teaching me, and I start telling others, I mess it up, and then sometimes it makes my theology sound a little off the beaten path.

So, for everyone whom I have offended by my inability to perfectly articulate what I am trying to say, I ask your forgiveness. And if I say something here on my site that confuses you or you wonder where in the world it came from, please feel to discuss it with me, via comments or email.

Now, just to clarify, I am not saying what I am getting from my Father is wrong, only that I have a hard time putting the words together and explaining it properly. If you disagree with what I am saying, I am also open to discussion with scripture to back it up. And if you want scripture back-up to what I am saying, feel free to ask!

Thank you for your understanding and mercy and grace for my mouth.

Or hands....

Thank You!

I just wanted to say thank you to the new faces I see commenting-- it is honoring to see that what God is doing in my life is a blessing to someone else!

So Thank You!

What Fun!

Gabe and I got away for a night-- it was great! We spent 5+ hours driving through Southish Seattle traffic :-) but finally got to our destination. Actually, 5+ was our total driving time, the 2+ was what seemed to take the longest :-)

We took in a gun show (in the same building was a miniature horse show!) and attended a meeting of Preparedness people. This was incredibly interesting-- it wasn't at all like I expected. What I had envisioned was sitting around for several hours discussing how life as we know it is headed down the tubes. Instead, it was several hours of how-to, what is necessary, where to get the best price, who knows who that does what, basically a run down on how to be efficient and not waste our resources now.

Now, don't get me wrong, there certainly was some doom and gloom, but for anyone looking for the truth in media, it is there for your finding too.

Want some examples?
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/08_17/b4081083014665.htm?chan=rss_topStories_ssi_5

http://wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=60480

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/main.jhtml?xml=/money/2008/04/08/cnrice108.xml

Now, not to be all doom and gloom on you (!) but I believe that we do need to be aware, at the very least, of what is going on. And, at the very least as well, pray what God would have you do. Don't be caught unaware.

Prayer Request

Since posting my triumphant post this morning, I have definitely felt "under attack." I have had to constantly refocus my thoughts on where God put me during my quiet time, as every which way I turn I find myself being lured back to frustration and hurt. I am very glad that I did post it, as it has been a quick read to encourage myself when I start to feel like I am failing God-- not holding up under the pressures of the enemy. Although I find this to be encouraging as well, because that means He is using this to make an impact somewhere other than in my heart for eternity!

Thank you Lord, that when I grip your hand tighter and focus my sight on You, that you squeeze right back and hold my gaze. I am finding His strength through my weakness. God, I love too that You are speaking into my heart the scriptures that I am able to experience first hand!

"You are my Rock, my Salvation."

Book Review: Deception by Randy Alcorn

What a fun book to read~!

Written in first person from a very sarcastic homicide detective who has two Christian friends always trying to "evangelize him," this book had me laughing out loud at some of Ollie's thoughts.

My favorite? (That I can remember anyway...)

"My partner doesn't just have issues, she has the whole subscription."

I really enjoyed reading the discussions between Ollie and his Christian friends. Ollie's big thing was if there is a God, why does he allow all the bad things to happen? Why do the bad guys get away? Personally, I understand that our God is the Ancient of Days, and He will judge every person for every thing they did, in the end. But, to explain this to someone who does not believe in God anyway? Not so sure how to swing that one. So reading this brought me one step closer to being able to translate heart knowledge to head knowledge.

His Name is Faithful and True

I came to a realization last night; it wounded my heart and pierced my soul. Thoughts of bitterness and pettiness crept around the shadowed closets of my mind, taking hold where I would not directly see them. The enemy was lying in wait for me to succumb to self-righteous fury.

And then a bright light, a voice speaking through my thoughts, shining brilliance into every shadowed corner, exposing the lies and deceit.

"Vengeance is mine, sayeth the Lord."

It is not my place, nor my right, to take any type of revenge. It is my duty, and my honor to serve my King. And to obey His word.

My prayer time this morning was so powerful- I sensed the words being planted in my heart, and my prayer ended up being a change of my heart to become more like His. Just a smidgen, but a tiny baby step in the right direction. I PRAISE His name for this! Prior to this, I would have spent hours if not days wallowing in self-doubt, pitiful, and woe-is-me mindset.

NOW I AM FREE. The freedom of the Lord is a sweet sweet blessing. A blessing powerful enough to bring me back, to remind myself when the enemy is tempting me again. I pray that I will continue to listen to the voice of His Spirit instead of the enemies slimy words trying to gain entrance into my Holy of Holies.

Maybe a plan of action

My commentor got me thinking. I seriously doubt anything is wrong with my thyroid, since every time I have any kind of test done I pass with flying colors, other than being 25+ lbs overweight. No, that did not feel good to write that, but even at my smallest, straight out of high school, I was classified as overweight. It is because I am so short (5'1"). So I don't think I will ever escape that "label."

But! Over the years, I have gathered information about natural health, and when looking at my current "attitude" issues, I believe a cleanse would be in good order. I spent many hours yesterday during nap time and after bedtime researching the Master Cleanse and others on WellTellMe.com (a great natural health resource forum)

I think this interim between pregnant and nursing would be the perfect time to do a few cleanses. The best thing I have found is that doing a liver cleanse should help with any gall bladder issues that exist. I know I have issues, based on the random pains I get. (Personal diagnosis based on others testimonies and treatment) They are very random, but in the beginning part of this year, I had a week or so where I was having more regular attacks. I used some of my essential oils, and after a few days they ceased. So, I don't have a huge problem, but the fact is that this could change quickly.

This is the plan I am adopting based on the voices of advice and experience at WellTellMe.
Week One: Liver Cleanse
Week Two: Liver Cleanse
Week Three +: Master Cleanse, followed by Liver Cleanse
Post MC + One Week: Another Liver Cleanse

I am choosing this because the MC will release Many toxins into my system, so the first 2 LC are to prepare the liver and hopefully reduce the detox symptoms during the main cleanse. Now, I just have to look at the calendar.... and plan accordingly.

PS- I do believe your prayers are helping-- thank you for your encouragement! And I know stress plays a huge part... and this weekend was stressful, so I am probably rebounding.

Check this out - I ordered two!

The Rebelution

I read an article by these brothers last year in the Eternal Perspectives Newsletter; it resonated within my heart. I could not agree more that our teen years are wasted in American culture, and that a reprogramming is necessary to combat this failure.

They just published their book, Do Hard Things, on April 15th. I bought one for us and one for our pastor, since he is the current leader of the youth group.

I can't wait to read it!

Has this happened to you?

I was reading over our credit card statement today, and I still have to verify this with Gabe, but I think someone doctored one of our slips.

On my Birthday, he took me out to a local Italian restaurant... I won't tell which one until I can complete this story.

We both had dinner and soft drink type items. Which I could see conceivably coming to around $30. BUT! On our slip, it says $39, with a 9.40 tip (it actually lists this). We would never tip $9, especially on a $30 dinner. I sometimes have trouble tipping the 15% when the service hasn't been very good. Ok, so more than sometimes. I worked for tips, and I believe in working for your money. If I didn't do a good job, I didn't expect to get big money.

Anyway, back to my story... I am going to check with Gabe tonight after he wakes up, and we will decide on a plan of action. I hate confrontation, but this was completely wrong.

What would you do if this happened to you?

Spiritual Rut

It's interesting how I am in a fabulous place spiritually- as I am involved in a Beth Moore Study, reading the Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn, working on my New Testament Survey class at Koinonia Institute, and for the first time in my life, I am doing a daily, first thing in the morning quiet time and keeping a prayer journal. More like a "one-sided conversations with God" journal. Spiritually, I am doing great, and I love where God has me right now. It is a sweet spot :-)

But I feel like I am still in the rut, emotionally. I can't seem to find my joy-- I say things I wouldn't normally, I am grouchy, frustrated, feel like crying all the time....

No, I am not pregnant. Although I kinda wish I was so I could know for sure why I am feeling like this.

But I do feel like I am here for a reason. I think God is using this time of despair, mellowness, and lackluster to draw me to Him. So I seek Him first, in every situation. I believe this is a time of growth, for which I have been praying, but pruning is not easy. I am not even sure what is being pruned, except for my independence and self-reliance. I tear up as I write. Those are very hard things to let go of... As you can read, I can't seem to pull myself up out of the rut, and it frustrates me to no end. I know that even as I pray for deliverance, it will not come until the limb is gone-- it frightens me to wonder how long it will take.

And there is even doubt. Doubt that what I believe is the reason is really the reason. Or am I just needing more vitamins? I turn to caffeine :-) for a little pick me up.

So your prayers are deeply appreciated. My children need my patience, of which I have very little. My husband needs my support and respect, and the wrong words keep coming out of my mouth. I fail all day long. Is this growth? Or is it depression? Or both?

Stuck in a Rut...

If you haven't noticed, I am not feeling terribly creative lately. I didn't post a Monday Menu, or a Kitchen Tip Tuesday, and I just don't know what to ramble about.

Although we did have an interesting battle this evening.

Kiera seems to be more of a good eater than a bad one, unless you count all the sneaky times she tries to get away with goodies... But tonight I made Chicken Spinach Raviolis, which Gabe and I really like. (Recently, Melia started asking me if she "liked this." So of course I say yes...) But Kiera did not think much of the raviolis... she ate the chicken, but ended up flat out refusing to eat the pasta.

Flat out meaning even after I reduced her "have to eat" pile to a "have to eat if you want to go outside after dinner" plus a "have to eat if you want dessert" pile. She didn't eat any out of either pile, even after Melia and I went outside to get the mail, bring in the garbage can, play a little bit, check on my beans/peas... (yes, I checked on her about every minute because I was slightly paraniod- she was strapped into her booster seat, so not going anywhere). I think she was a little angry with me, but I couldn't back down. Apparently she thought the same thing :-) because she didn't. This all happened after I was mentioning to Gabe that watching/hearing about other children makes me thankful that although we have our battles, eating has not yet been one of them.

Was it a success? I am not sure. But at least it wasn't a failure. I couldn't make her eat it, but I did show her that Momma's will power is just as strong as hers, and that I meant what I said.

And we did have a special snuggle pile after bath time, so she knows I still love her, even if she doesn't like my cookin'.

New Critters At Our House

Shaun and Andrea went with us on Saturday to help pick out our new family members.....

Melia can't keep her eyes off them, or her hands out of the cage!

We bought two Araconas, one white leghorn, one barred rock, and two cochens. We should have blue, green, brown, white, and miniature eggs!

And we finally remembered to go pick up Gabe's deer-- He picked the perfect position for it, although I do look twice at it several times each day, trying to get used to it!
It fits just right in that corner of the living room.
Note how our "Mighty Hunter" Kerzon is stalking all the new intruders :-)

I think this is a weekly failure on my part.

I keep forgetting one of the basic rules of child training.

And I notice a significant change in our family dynamic when I do.

You know those days when you just don't feel like spanking? Like those little offenses that just don't seem all too troublesome on their own?

Well, they add up. They add up to a grumpy momma who can't figure out why both her little darlings are being so naughty! And who doesn't understand where this little bossy brat came from who yells and bullies her sister around. Or why this little sneaky sugar-holic thinks she can run into a room and inhale a cookie without being caught.

Until, I realize that I am the bossy bully who yells, and she is just mirroring my example. All because I didn't put the priority on training, then they try getting away with more and more, and I get frustrated because they know they are not supposed to do that, and my attitude turns sour because we are having a "bad day," and then my mirror shows me exactly what I look like to them.

One of the basic rules: Do everything with a smile on my face, especially training.
(from the Pearls: see nogreaterjoy.com link on right side for more child-training success tools)

Kiera's First Expletive

Last night as we were finishing up dinner, Gabe and I were in the kitchen and the girls were at the table.

Kiera lets out this huge sneeze, and then yells "JE-SUS!"

I laughed so hard, I almost fell on the floor -- my stomach was sore afterwards! It's like the kids you see trying to say things, except they say swear words instead.

But Kiera doesn't swear, she just substitutes words.

Like "Thank You" is "Du-bai."

And "Excuse Me" is "Je-sus."

Or is yelling "JESUS" classified as swearing?

Some Weekly Activity!

When we had our little date night on Wednesday, I took advantage of my kid-free time to do my weekly "free-shop!" I also took Gabe hostage and made him participate :-)

Walgreens:
Free After Rebate Items: Aquafresh toothpaste (cpn also) Colgate toothbrush (cpn), Soy Joy Bar
Other good deals: Free Ink refills!, .25 packs of gum (2), and Bertollis dinners $1.50 after cpn, sale, and catalina (Gabe did one too!)

Rite Aid: Free after rebate: Softsoap (+cpn), razors, other personal item I am not posting...
Good deals: 4 Tunas at .45 each after sale+cpns!

(Good deals do not include pantalooned baby on table.....)

Suggestions?? I saw Safeways' $10/30 catalina deal for this week (or longer) but I had a hard time coming up with decent scenarios. I have lots of coupons, just not a lot of creativity this week. Does anyone have any good deals they used there? Thanks!!!

And I just have to brag on this good deal :-) Look what I got in the mail!
Gabe and I completed our first Koinonia Institute class (Old Testament Survey) in February; we both recieved A's, and they mailed us these nice certificates! It made me feel good-- I was aiming for the first goal of being done before fall so we could recieve our medallions at the Strategic Perspectives conference in November, so this little pat on the back is much appreciated. Besides, wasn't that nice of them?

I call it our good deal because we signed up to take the classes together, so I was half price, plus we did a conference special, so that made it even better! We have really valued this time in the Word and learning more about the books we just don't get into alot. I believe God has blessed our time here, and I can't wait to see what else He shows us!

I Have so Much to Tell You!

I did not get to post anything yesterday because Gabe and I had a day to ourselves!!! The girls went to my aunt/uncle/cousins' house for a sleepover Wednesday night, so we got to have a little date night and project day! It was great! This is Kerzon, aka Curzon, depending on who you ask :-) He thoroughly enjoyed having our affections to himself, and, as above, doing his part to help complete our project :-)
He has the funniest faces! We can do whatever we want as long as he gets some lovin' too!

And this is the completed first project! To put Melia's big girl bed together! And hang the rainbow in her room, as she refers to it-- It really is pretty, don't you think?

Kiera also got a new bed-- the toddler bed. And last night she was so beat she never even tried to get up. I was all prepared for a training session, and then it didn't happen! So, probably today at nap time... Or she just "gets it" because she is used to Sissy sleeping in it. I doubt it though, that new found freedom is just to tempting to ignore!

I have to share this

Read this! It is from my classmate Mark, in our Koinonia Institute New Testament Course.

The Gospel is, to coin a phrase, 'good news' not a 'good idea' as many today would suggest. We are called to proclaim rather than suggest. The Gospel is not just a help, or even a solution, it is the solution!

How convicting is that! I know that I know, but when God calls my attention to something, I need to listen!

My Jesus died to save me; He laid in the grave three days; He rose again, defeating death; And He is coming again! The Gospel of our Lord.

It is all so mind-boggling how our God saved us, but that He has a future plan for us gives me goosebumps! And that how I relate, learn, obey, glorify, and submit to Him now impacts my role in the future kingdom! How staggering... I only hope I can be good enough to sweep those golden streets.

God knows, I can shovel manure....

It just Figures!

Well, my sister and her hubby did come over for lunch today, for which I made the Marlboro Man Sandwiches I was planning on making for dinner. (yes, I did save Gabe a steak, so he won't be too jealous!)

And I was so excited to try this new recipe, that I forgot to check the meat, which was just cooking away..... away away away..... and I burned it...

But the onion strings turned out very very good. too good. tooo toooo good. no, I won't be making them again any time soon. Or rather, you won't see them at my house any time soon, because I will have eaten them all before you arrived. :-)

But that's my little secret.