I just wanted to publicly thank all of you for your private phone calls and emails regarding the discussion we've had-- and by all means, if there is something that I say that you question or doubt, please let me know! commenting or emailing-- it is by challenging each other in love that we grow! And I do respect those of you who don't want to cause a fight on someone else's blog, thank you for that ;-)
I will say though, that email is best, because then I can think things through more thoroughly before responding, and not be so distracted by my little distractions! :-)
if you need it, smittenkennels @ gmail. com (remove spaces ) or pyro926 @ verizon. net
Thanks!!!
Edited: I am sorry if I came across as accusing certain individuals as starting fights-- this is not what I meant. I meant that I appreciated the courtesy you showed me by asking permission-- I do not mean that anyone is fighting. A healthy discussion is vital to our growth and fellowship!
Pro 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Should we study?
Now, because what I would love to help you to do, I also want to do: Challenge my beliefs. Why do I believe what I believe? How do I know that I know that I know? Because this is how faith grows, through testing. Let's grow, shall we? Grab a cup of coffee and a little chunk of dark chocolate, and settle in-- this is going to be good!
Why don't we start by working through what was discussed:
"Can I propose another option?"
Nope, once someone votes, I can't change it other than to delete it. Sorry.
He says no man will know the day or time. I don't know and I don't worry about it.
Let's look at these verses in context:
Matthew 24:36 "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." This is also repeated in Matthew 25:13 and Mark 13:32. But let's add a little more:
Matt 24:42-44 "Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect."
So it says. But it also says this:
1Th 5:1- 1Th 5:5 "Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness."
Read it again and again, until you get it. The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night for those who are in darkness; but we are not in darkness! We are sons of the light and the day! What joy! We can know, we can be watchful and not taken by surprise!!! If this doesn't blow your mind, ask Him to give you a fresh understanding!
We should never not be looking for it. Jesus told of the parable of the bridegroom who didn't recognize those who weren't prepared.
Matthew 25 "Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.
6 "And at midnight a cry was heard: 'Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!' 7 Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' 9 But the wise answered, saying, 'No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.' 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.
11 "Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, 'Lord, Lord, open to us!' 12 But he answered and said, 'Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.'
13 "Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.
There is significance to 'no man knows the day or the hour'
Great significance, in my opinion: It references one of the Feasts of Israel. No one knew the day nor the hour when the feast would start because it depended upon the rising of the new moon. The Hebrews would have men watching at all hours to make sure they didn't miss it!
We need to be studying what His word says and constantly looking.
Oh, the references I can give for that! I will try to limit myself!
Act 17:11 Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.
1Ch 12:32 And of the children of Issachar, [which were men] that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them [were] two hundred; and all their brethren [were] at their commandment.
2Ti 3:16-17
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Hbr 4:12 For the word of God [is] living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Eph 6:14- Eph 6:17
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
Here is what I base my belief's on: Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
This is a fantastic verse regarding our faith and what we should be concerned about-- Let's look at the whole passage.
Mat 6:25- Mat 6:34
"Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."
My response to the use of this verse as a reason not to worry? Great verse, we shouldn't worry. Got it.
But let's look closer! Worry, by definition: to torment oneself, fret, anxieties, trouble, plague, uneasiness. By definition, I am absolutely not worrying about Christ's coming when I study it! Not in the least! I am so excited, so filled with joy that I can hardly contain it! Thinking that we might be mere months, weeks, days or hours away from meeting face to face my King so overflows my heart that I cannot help but pray, "Maranantha Lord JESUS! Come quickly!!!" In all truth, I have been known to pray "Lord, come soon, please, if you would, come now! I want to be with you!"
I also find the need to include this statement, because I believe it was given to me to say.
"Any verse that I am claiming as reason not to do what the whole of Scripture clearly instructs, I would need to prayerfully examine how the truth of that verse crosses over into every area of my life. If it did not ring true to my actively visible testimony, I am not using the verse as a testament of faith; rather, it is my flimsy excuse."
Now, more fun stuff that I just can't help but include!!!
This one shocked me as I was reading: It doesn't get much clearer.
1Th 5:19- 1Th 5:22
Do not put out the Spirit's fire;
do not treat prophecies with contempt.
Test everything. Hold on to the good.
Avoid every kind of evil.
Luke 19:41-44 "As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace–but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God's coming to you.”
Christ pronounced judgement because Israel did not know "this thy day;" He held them accountable to know the prophecies, specifically Daniel 9!
2Ti 4:8
Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day–and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
This one better get your heart excited, for if we long for His appearing, it is stored up for us a crown of righteousness in heaven!!! But, as a word of caution, as Paul writes, crowns and rewards can be lost, so we need to be persistent in our longing :-)
Revelation 3:14 "And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write,
'These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: 15 "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'--and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked-- I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. 21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."'"
This is one of the Scriptures that God used to really light a fire under me-- more than anything I do not want to be nauseating to the Lord my God. I want to be useful, I want the small amount of time I am granted to count, not for my own praise or honor, but solely for His glory and the furthering of His kingdom.
I hope this has been fun for you, because it sure was a blast for me!!! What blessings we receive when we search the Word for the Truth! Thank you, Father, for this opportunity. I pray that it brings everyone who reads it closer to You, and that You exceedingly bless any further study that this encourages.
Why don't we start by working through what was discussed:
"Can I propose another option?"
Nope, once someone votes, I can't change it other than to delete it. Sorry.
He says no man will know the day or time. I don't know and I don't worry about it.
Let's look at these verses in context:
Matthew 24:36 "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." This is also repeated in Matthew 25:13 and Mark 13:32. But let's add a little more:
Matt 24:42-44 "Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect."
So it says. But it also says this:
1Th 5:1- 1Th 5:5 "Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness."
Read it again and again, until you get it. The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night for those who are in darkness; but we are not in darkness! We are sons of the light and the day! What joy! We can know, we can be watchful and not taken by surprise!!! If this doesn't blow your mind, ask Him to give you a fresh understanding!
We should never not be looking for it. Jesus told of the parable of the bridegroom who didn't recognize those who weren't prepared.
Matthew 25 "Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.
6 "And at midnight a cry was heard: 'Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!' 7 Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' 9 But the wise answered, saying, 'No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.' 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.
11 "Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, 'Lord, Lord, open to us!' 12 But he answered and said, 'Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.'
13 "Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.
There is significance to 'no man knows the day or the hour'
Great significance, in my opinion: It references one of the Feasts of Israel. No one knew the day nor the hour when the feast would start because it depended upon the rising of the new moon. The Hebrews would have men watching at all hours to make sure they didn't miss it!
We need to be studying what His word says and constantly looking.
Oh, the references I can give for that! I will try to limit myself!
Act 17:11 Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.
1Ch 12:32 And of the children of Issachar, [which were men] that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them [were] two hundred; and all their brethren [were] at their commandment.
2Ti 3:16-17
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Hbr 4:12 For the word of God [is] living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Eph 6:14- Eph 6:17
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
Here is what I base my belief's on: Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
This is a fantastic verse regarding our faith and what we should be concerned about-- Let's look at the whole passage.
Mat 6:25- Mat 6:34
"Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."
My response to the use of this verse as a reason not to worry? Great verse, we shouldn't worry. Got it.
But let's look closer! Worry, by definition: to torment oneself, fret, anxieties, trouble, plague, uneasiness. By definition, I am absolutely not worrying about Christ's coming when I study it! Not in the least! I am so excited, so filled with joy that I can hardly contain it! Thinking that we might be mere months, weeks, days or hours away from meeting face to face my King so overflows my heart that I cannot help but pray, "Maranantha Lord JESUS! Come quickly!!!" In all truth, I have been known to pray "Lord, come soon, please, if you would, come now! I want to be with you!"
I also find the need to include this statement, because I believe it was given to me to say.
"Any verse that I am claiming as reason not to do what the whole of Scripture clearly instructs, I would need to prayerfully examine how the truth of that verse crosses over into every area of my life. If it did not ring true to my actively visible testimony, I am not using the verse as a testament of faith; rather, it is my flimsy excuse."
Now, more fun stuff that I just can't help but include!!!
This one shocked me as I was reading: It doesn't get much clearer.
1Th 5:19- 1Th 5:22
Do not put out the Spirit's fire;
do not treat prophecies with contempt.
Test everything. Hold on to the good.
Avoid every kind of evil.
Luke 19:41-44 "As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace–but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God's coming to you.”
Christ pronounced judgement because Israel did not know "this thy day;" He held them accountable to know the prophecies, specifically Daniel 9!
2Ti 4:8
Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day–and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
This one better get your heart excited, for if we long for His appearing, it is stored up for us a crown of righteousness in heaven!!! But, as a word of caution, as Paul writes, crowns and rewards can be lost, so we need to be persistent in our longing :-)
Revelation 3:14 "And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write,
'These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: 15 "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'--and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked-- I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. 21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."'"
This is one of the Scriptures that God used to really light a fire under me-- more than anything I do not want to be nauseating to the Lord my God. I want to be useful, I want the small amount of time I am granted to count, not for my own praise or honor, but solely for His glory and the furthering of His kingdom.
I hope this has been fun for you, because it sure was a blast for me!!! What blessings we receive when we search the Word for the Truth! Thank you, Father, for this opportunity. I pray that it brings everyone who reads it closer to You, and that You exceedingly bless any further study that this encourages.
Yeah! Discussion!
I can't tell you how blessed I am that I am encouraging you to think.
Tomorrow: my (deeply prayerful) thoughts on the comment discussion regarding the ongoing poll on what we believe. (Because it's my blog, and I am choosing to use it to glorify Him, that's why! :-)
Tomorrow: my (deeply prayerful) thoughts on the comment discussion regarding the ongoing poll on what we believe. (Because it's my blog, and I am choosing to use it to glorify Him, that's why! :-)
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Prophecy 101: Finished, and a new poll
It's funny, for one of the shorter classes, this has seemed harder. Probably because we had a shorter time frame to do it in, and I kinda cheated and listened ahead :-)
But I am done, finally. Now Gabe and I have to decide how we will go on with KI; whether both of us or just one of us to pay for the credits.
I am adding this poll because I am curious. It's not exactly "kosher" to talk religion :-) but I know or have gotten the impression that my extended friends and family have a myriad of beliefs and understandings. So, I am curious.
Let's see what shows up!
But I am done, finally. Now Gabe and I have to decide how we will go on with KI; whether both of us or just one of us to pay for the credits.
I am adding this poll because I am curious. It's not exactly "kosher" to talk religion :-) but I know or have gotten the impression that my extended friends and family have a myriad of beliefs and understandings. So, I am curious.
Let's see what shows up!
Friday, September 26, 2008
Albertsons This Week
Spent: $50.xx
Saved: $87.xx
******************************
The scary thing is, the regular price total for the food below was $137.52-- it was these kind of shopping trips, where I spent $60 on barely anything that made me want to understand this couponing + sales = savings!
Quick Breakdown:
They have their usual "buy $10 get $3 off" deal running, and I had a lot of coupons. I did the $3 off thing 7 times, plus I did the "buy $10 in pillsbury/yoplait, get free OJ" deal as well. Here's my scenario: Read on if you dare. It gets a bit mind boggling. Or at least I feel that way when I walk out of the store. Next time I need to make sure I cook brain food for breakfast!
Buy $10/$3 off deals:
(2deals) 10 campbells Select Harvest soups (5-.50/2 q's) = 10 soups for $1.15 each
4 Ronzoni Bistros (4-$1/1 qs), 1 Ken's Lite Salad Spray (1-$2/2 q) = $1 for these
1 Ken's Salad Spray (1-$2/1 q), 4 Birds Eye C&W frozen vegetables = $5 total
6 Idahoan Potatoes, 4 Daisy Sour Creams =$7
4 Motts Apple Juice (2 $1/2 qs) = $5
2 V8 Splash Juices (2 $1/1 qs), 1 Angel Soft TP = $5.02
2 Yo+ yogurts (2 $1/1 qs), 2 Pillsbury Pizza crusts (2 $1.10/1 qs) = $5.80, plus free 1/2 gallon OJ
Plus a few other things I bought because they were good deals, like the DanActive drinks-- I use the $1/1 coupons on them when they are on sale for $2, so then they are .25/serving, and the girls LOVE them.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Poll Removed: Hair Cut
Ok, everyone. If you missed the results of the poll, I had 4 votes for enough to donate, 2 for comfortable and happy, 1 for None!, and 2 for Go Drastic! To be honest, I was terribly excited about all the comments this generated! :-)
So, pictures coming when Gabe is home.... But we cut off a good 12 inches, then layered the bottom. It is pretty cute, if I do say so myself :-) And comfortable.
Happy? Ask him in a few days.
Give the shock some time to wear off.
So, pictures coming when Gabe is home.... But we cut off a good 12 inches, then layered the bottom. It is pretty cute, if I do say so myself :-) And comfortable.
Happy? Ask him in a few days.
Give the shock some time to wear off.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Overnight Poll
Tomorrow, at 3pm, barring any more distractions, illnesses, or other such nonsense, I will be getting my hair cut. Between the two of us, Gabe and I can't come to an agreement on what I should do.
So, vote in this quickie Poll and make your opinion count! You have until Thursday @ 1:30 pm to share your thoughts!
So, vote in this quickie Poll and make your opinion count! You have until Thursday @ 1:30 pm to share your thoughts!
Field Trip Fun
Today we made Melia's preschool field trip into a family affair-- we all went!
The trip was up to the wheat fields on Badger Mountain to glean wheat-- then tomorrow they separate the wheat from the chaff, blow the chaff away, and Friday they will make their own bread and butter. So, so cool. I remember making butter in 4-H at a science trip thing-- I had no idea how it all worked, so hopefully Melia will love it as much as I did.
Miss Becky reading to the kids at snack time-- 
Kiera was so excited to get to come to preschool. No, really, she was. I promise-- thrilled, I tell ya!
This is the view from snack time-- That is the north end of Wenatchee Valley, like only Olds Station and Sunnyslope, looking up towards Cashmere. It's easy to forget just how high Badger is until you get up there!
Melia, ready for Daddy to stop taking her picture so she can work.... or not.
Kids.... gleaning.
Kiera being sneaky.
Class picture.
The trip was up to the wheat fields on Badger Mountain to glean wheat-- then tomorrow they separate the wheat from the chaff, blow the chaff away, and Friday they will make their own bread and butter. So, so cool. I remember making butter in 4-H at a science trip thing-- I had no idea how it all worked, so hopefully Melia will love it as much as I did.
Miss Becky reading to the kids at snack time-- Kiera was so excited to get to come to preschool. No, really, she was. I promise-- thrilled, I tell ya!
This is the view from snack time-- That is the north end of Wenatchee Valley, like only Olds Station and Sunnyslope, looking up towards Cashmere. It's easy to forget just how high Badger is until you get up there!Melia, ready for Daddy to stop taking her picture so she can work.... or not. 
Kids.... gleaning.Kiera being sneaky.
Class picture.One funny story, but no picture cause it's just not ok. Melia has some crack issues. And where we sat for snack, her crack was well exposed to the chilly wind. Gabe, behind her, watched her desperately trying to tuck the blanket in somewhere higher than her crack, trying to keep it warm. :-) Poor Kid. Her mom needs to do a better job dressing her.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Redefinition: PMS
Prego Mood Swings. That is what I am referring to when I say PMS.
Only Gabe says I can't do this; can't redefine it-- that I have to make up a new one.
His suggestion?
Prego Mood Dysfunction
And by the way, this is pretty much the only symptom I am suffering from right now. Ugh. Boy, it's fun.
*BIG SMILEY FACE*
see?
Only Gabe says I can't do this; can't redefine it-- that I have to make up a new one.
His suggestion?
Prego Mood Dysfunction
And by the way, this is pretty much the only symptom I am suffering from right now. Ugh. Boy, it's fun.
*BIG SMILEY FACE*
see?
Sunday, September 21, 2008
His Faithfulness... or Coincidence?
I hate my lack of faith. Or my "logical mindedness." Or my tendency to really want to look at something from every angle. I guess that's why "Faith" isn't necessarily one of my gifts.
Today I had one of the most powerful experiences with God ever. And once it was over, I started doubting. Does anyone else do this?
During church we were praying, mostly for ourselves to realize just how much we need Him every day, in every thing. Then praying for certain situations in our lives that we are concerned about, along with a host of other things. I prayed for one specific thing in my life. One.
Later in the service, Pastor Doug moved us into a different book to exemplify something he was teaching. He read verses 13 and 14, then went back to the original book. I read on.
Verse 15 spoke SO strongly to me I spent the rest of the next two hours on the verge of tears, holding it in so that people wouldn't think I was crazy. It spoke directly to my heart about what I had prayed about.
Later, when I thought about what the verse actually said, I wondered. It doesn't say what it said to me, specifically. It is rather vague actually. And I doubted.
But this is why the Word is Living and Active, right? It has the ability to speak directly to the Spirit and our spirits, especially in answer to prayer.
So, in the end, I am asking and praying for validation. I want to know that I know that what the Word said to me today was real. This is why I am being so vague as well. I don't want to lead anyone anywhere to validate anything that isn't from my Father. If and when this results in anything, I will share. :-) Thanks for praying for me, those of you who do so well. :-) I need it so much!
Today I had one of the most powerful experiences with God ever. And once it was over, I started doubting. Does anyone else do this?
During church we were praying, mostly for ourselves to realize just how much we need Him every day, in every thing. Then praying for certain situations in our lives that we are concerned about, along with a host of other things. I prayed for one specific thing in my life. One.
Later in the service, Pastor Doug moved us into a different book to exemplify something he was teaching. He read verses 13 and 14, then went back to the original book. I read on.
Verse 15 spoke SO strongly to me I spent the rest of the next two hours on the verge of tears, holding it in so that people wouldn't think I was crazy. It spoke directly to my heart about what I had prayed about.
Later, when I thought about what the verse actually said, I wondered. It doesn't say what it said to me, specifically. It is rather vague actually. And I doubted.
But this is why the Word is Living and Active, right? It has the ability to speak directly to the Spirit and our spirits, especially in answer to prayer.
So, in the end, I am asking and praying for validation. I want to know that I know that what the Word said to me today was real. This is why I am being so vague as well. I don't want to lead anyone anywhere to validate anything that isn't from my Father. If and when this results in anything, I will share. :-) Thanks for praying for me, those of you who do so well. :-) I need it so much!
Pictures I wish I could catch
Kiera's face, wakeful or sleepy, as she smiles me awake in the mornings. The quiet joy exuding from her eyes, before she starts in on,
"I ungry momma, I ungry. I ungry momma, I ungry."
"I ungry momma, I ungry. I ungry momma, I ungry."
Friday, September 19, 2008
Thanks Andrea!
Thanks for where ever or how ever you found this cutest blog thing! That was fun!
Hope you all like the new background! Click on the link in the upper left hand corner to find your own! :-)
Hope you all like the new background! Click on the link in the upper left hand corner to find your own! :-)
Spiritual Gifts Test
Our Bible study started up again Thursday evening with a dessert potluck (wow--remind me to host one of those at my house :-)
And instead of starting up right away on our study (which is Beth Moore's Stepping Up- The Ascension Psalms-- about which I am very excited), they chose to let everyone do a Spiritual gifts test since we are working our way through the end of this portion of 1 Corinthians on Sundays.
And you know how I thought mine was prophecy? Well, I was wrong. It's even better :-) Better suited to me, and not quite so intimidating as prophecy. Try Wisdom and Knowledge. And doesn't that make sense? The "revelations" or "divine understandings" that I sometimes get are directed mainly at my own understanding, not necessarily something that I am compelled to share with others. And my "less dominate" possiblities? Teaching, Exhortation, Helps, Leadership, and Administration (I scored the exact same on all of these).
The funny part is that we were joking about Administration because my friend got the highest score possible on Administration-- a compulsionary organizer :-) And I bet if you walked in my house, (or on our property :-) you would never guess that organizing might be one of my gifts!
My thought?
It's all in my head.
And instead of starting up right away on our study (which is Beth Moore's Stepping Up- The Ascension Psalms-- about which I am very excited), they chose to let everyone do a Spiritual gifts test since we are working our way through the end of this portion of 1 Corinthians on Sundays.
And you know how I thought mine was prophecy? Well, I was wrong. It's even better :-) Better suited to me, and not quite so intimidating as prophecy. Try Wisdom and Knowledge. And doesn't that make sense? The "revelations" or "divine understandings" that I sometimes get are directed mainly at my own understanding, not necessarily something that I am compelled to share with others. And my "less dominate" possiblities? Teaching, Exhortation, Helps, Leadership, and Administration (I scored the exact same on all of these).
The funny part is that we were joking about Administration because my friend got the highest score possible on Administration-- a compulsionary organizer :-) And I bet if you walked in my house, (or on our property :-) you would never guess that organizing might be one of my gifts!
My thought?
It's all in my head.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Italian Cheese Bread(sticks)
Ok, these were sooo yummy! except I kinda overdid it on the spices, gabe says. But he still ate and ate and ate!
We had soup, salad, and breadsticks. Corn chowder, salad, and these breadsticks--- a little labor intensive for a headache dinner, but good nonetheless. And it helped when Gabe took the girls in to give them a bath-- and got those high little nonstop voices out of my kitchen....:-)
My pointers? If you use a stone to cook them on, give them a little more time, or warm the stone up prior. And I didn't have the individual spices, so I just guestimated and used my italian seasoning, so if you do that, cut down on the amount. And it makes a LOT. Like filled my whole rectangular stone a Lot. I was thinking, ok, so use 2/3 for a pizza crust, then use the other 1/3 for breadsticks.
And I am sorry, I just keep cracking myself up -- I keep typing breasticks. hee hee. Can you tell my headache is feeling better? hee hee
We had soup, salad, and breadsticks. Corn chowder, salad, and these breadsticks--- a little labor intensive for a headache dinner, but good nonetheless. And it helped when Gabe took the girls in to give them a bath-- and got those high little nonstop voices out of my kitchen....:-)
My pointers? If you use a stone to cook them on, give them a little more time, or warm the stone up prior. And I didn't have the individual spices, so I just guestimated and used my italian seasoning, so if you do that, cut down on the amount. And it makes a LOT. Like filled my whole rectangular stone a Lot. I was thinking, ok, so use 2/3 for a pizza crust, then use the other 1/3 for breadsticks.
And I am sorry, I just keep cracking myself up -- I keep typing breasticks. hee hee. Can you tell my headache is feeling better? hee hee
Wednesday: Sick Day.. again
Ugh, today is just the raw sinus headache with a fever. Fun Stuff.
Here's those pictures I promised:
All these tomatoes only made 6 1/2 pints of sauce! But now I know how to do it....
All these tomatoes only made 6 1/2 pints of sauce! But now I know how to do it....
And we even found another pupa! He looks like he is pretty close to popping out, so it won't be too long!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Tuesday: Sick Day... and Tomato Day
I am spending the day sick.
But not because of being prego: it's a sinus headache cold sick kind where I desperately want the girls to keep their voices down!!! My eyes are stinging and my head has that raw pain type of frustrating ... uck. Can't even describe it.
But we are staying busy! We (the girls and I) went out and picked as many tomatoes as we had boxes/bowls for, and brought them inside to make pizza sauce that ended up being tomato sauce because I have never done this before. I was inspired by Tammy's post on not wasting what God provides now. And boy, is He ever providing the tomatoes....
Hopefully, I will get some pics up for you later (not sure how long this takes, but I am finding that a LOT of tomatoes makes only a little bit of sauce!)
But not because of being prego: it's a sinus headache cold sick kind where I desperately want the girls to keep their voices down!!! My eyes are stinging and my head has that raw pain type of frustrating ... uck. Can't even describe it.
But we are staying busy! We (the girls and I) went out and picked as many tomatoes as we had boxes/bowls for, and brought them inside to make pizza sauce that ended up being tomato sauce because I have never done this before. I was inspired by Tammy's post on not wasting what God provides now. And boy, is He ever providing the tomatoes....
Hopefully, I will get some pics up for you later (not sure how long this takes, but I am finding that a LOT of tomatoes makes only a little bit of sauce!)
Monday, September 15, 2008
Presumptuous Little Bugger
This little sucker decided to build a web in my box random fruit from the Farmer's Market.No worries, he didn't live past this picture. :-)
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Forced OAMC
It was almost a tragedy. Almost. Thank the LORD that Gabe found it before all was lost.
Our freezer in the garage somehow got unplugged-- and when he found it, everything was thawed. Still iced over, but thawed. Including the venison.... So we tried our hand at "Once A Month Cooking," which we have never done before!
Last night we had deer steaks for dinner, I cubed up several steaks for stew meat, cooked it, sliced up some fajita meat, cooked it, and then we used a grinder that Gabe found at a yard sale earlier this year (brand new!) and ground up some venison-burger :-)
That is some lean burger!
Our freezer in the garage somehow got unplugged-- and when he found it, everything was thawed. Still iced over, but thawed. Including the venison.... So we tried our hand at "Once A Month Cooking," which we have never done before!
Last night we had deer steaks for dinner, I cubed up several steaks for stew meat, cooked it, sliced up some fajita meat, cooked it, and then we used a grinder that Gabe found at a yard sale earlier this year (brand new!) and ground up some venison-burger :-)
That is some lean burger!I cooked that up with some stewed tomatoes and some seasoning...Then we put the spaghetti sauce in a gallon bag, and we froze it all. Now, just to remember to use it soon....
It was pretty cool to make our own burger-- Andrea, show Shaun and tell him not to cry when he finds out that this is ground tenderloin....-- So next time, we can make our own, but we would need to buy a scale so we can weigh it. And maybe some cow fat... :-) Just kidding, I like lean meat!!!
Saturday, September 13, 2008
I ended up looking like Kiera
Seriously, you have no idea. Homegrown, green or blue eggs are just sooo hard. SO hard. You have no idea how hard until you go to crack a store bought egg just after working your way through the blue eggs.
I pretty much demolished the egg on the counter.
I pretty much demolished the egg on the counter.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Announcement!
Ok, so since everyone seems to be finding out before we can tell them ourselves, I should just spit it out...
We are expecting another baby next May! May 19, to be specific. Yes, we barely found out ourselves, but I guess people are just so excited that they have to share too :-)
So now you know! :-)
We are expecting another baby next May! May 19, to be specific. Yes, we barely found out ourselves, but I guess people are just so excited that they have to share too :-)
So now you know! :-)
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Suprise suprise
Chinese baby formula tainted with chemical....
Why am I not suprised, but extremely disappointed? Is that the right word? Disgusted? Dismayed? Saddened? Do they not care about their children?
Especially this part.... "Melamine is the same chemical involved in a massive pet food recall last year. It is not supposed to be added to any food ingredients, but unscrupulous suppliers in China sometimes mix it in to make foodstuffs appear to be high in protein."
What about all the cats and dogs dying makes them think it's ok to continue putting it in baby formula?
Why am I not suprised, but extremely disappointed? Is that the right word? Disgusted? Dismayed? Saddened? Do they not care about their children?
Especially this part.... "Melamine is the same chemical involved in a massive pet food recall last year. It is not supposed to be added to any food ingredients, but unscrupulous suppliers in China sometimes mix it in to make foodstuffs appear to be high in protein."
What about all the cats and dogs dying makes them think it's ok to continue putting it in baby formula?
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Call Out to ME
So, last night I was driving in the car with tears streaming down my face. I had just heard this story on KLOVE and God was molding me with it.
This guy shared this situation which occured a few weeks ago. I may miss something, so if you heard it, be forgiving :-)
"He works on the road alot, so he and his wife have utilize this great way of communicating online when he gets back to the hotel each night.
"One night, he got back a little early, and they were talking, enjoying each other's company and just having a really great time together, especially considering they were miles apart. Suddenly, the husband heard these weird sounds coming from his wife's end of the line, and she wouldn't respond to him. The sounds led him to believe that his wife may have been under attack or something else extremely serious. He tried calling his son, but no answer. He tried calling the authorities in his hometown, but for some reason, nothing would go through. He starts to panic, knowing that his wife is in very serious trouble and he was helpless to save her. And then he heard four words:
"Call Out to ME."
"In the hotel room, he hit his knees and prayed fervently for his wife, her safety, well-being, and protection. When he stopped, he tried his son again and got through. His son called the police, and the husband was able to hear them breaking into his house. When they found his wife, they discovered that she had been having a seizure. They were able to stabilize her and get her to the hospital. She is going to be okay."
God just spoke to my heart -- so often I seek to solve my own problems, and can you imagine how He sees this? Me, a tiny little person whom He adores, trying to solve everything by any way possible instead of crying out the ONE who can solve it? The ONE with the answers to all my questions? HE is the solution to everything I am. Everything.
And how much do I miss out on by doing it myself instead of glorifying the One who made me? Sooo much, as the ultimate purpose to my existence is to bring glory to Him. When I don't do it, I fail in my purpose. I fail. I fail Him. It may seem like nothing to me, until I look at it in that light. Father God, please guide me through the situations that arise in my life. Help me to bring You glory in everything that happens.
This guy shared this situation which occured a few weeks ago. I may miss something, so if you heard it, be forgiving :-)
"He works on the road alot, so he and his wife have utilize this great way of communicating online when he gets back to the hotel each night.
"One night, he got back a little early, and they were talking, enjoying each other's company and just having a really great time together, especially considering they were miles apart. Suddenly, the husband heard these weird sounds coming from his wife's end of the line, and she wouldn't respond to him. The sounds led him to believe that his wife may have been under attack or something else extremely serious. He tried calling his son, but no answer. He tried calling the authorities in his hometown, but for some reason, nothing would go through. He starts to panic, knowing that his wife is in very serious trouble and he was helpless to save her. And then he heard four words:
"Call Out to ME."
"In the hotel room, he hit his knees and prayed fervently for his wife, her safety, well-being, and protection. When he stopped, he tried his son again and got through. His son called the police, and the husband was able to hear them breaking into his house. When they found his wife, they discovered that she had been having a seizure. They were able to stabilize her and get her to the hospital. She is going to be okay."
God just spoke to my heart -- so often I seek to solve my own problems, and can you imagine how He sees this? Me, a tiny little person whom He adores, trying to solve everything by any way possible instead of crying out the ONE who can solve it? The ONE with the answers to all my questions? HE is the solution to everything I am. Everything.
And how much do I miss out on by doing it myself instead of glorifying the One who made me? Sooo much, as the ultimate purpose to my existence is to bring glory to Him. When I don't do it, I fail in my purpose. I fail. I fail Him. It may seem like nothing to me, until I look at it in that light. Father God, please guide me through the situations that arise in my life. Help me to bring You glory in everything that happens.
Just one of those things...
Something that changed in my life when I became a mom:
Washing the minute amounts of poop off the chicken eggs is so not a big deal.
Not even comparable to some of Kiera's poop.
Washing the minute amounts of poop off the chicken eggs is so not a big deal.
Not even comparable to some of Kiera's poop.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Melia's Preschool: Starts Wednesday
I know a few of you have more than a few questions as to why we, as adamant homeschool parents, are putting Melia in preschool. So I will attempt to quickly (because I have a lot to do this morning before work) explain.
A few years ago, when Melia was little, we learned a lifelong friend of ours was starting a preschool in Wenatchee. At the time, we agreed that we would like to send Melia because we want to support Becky. When Melia was 3, I learned from Becky that she rarely had any openings and God was truly blessing her in this calling. So we wrote off the idea of sending her, which was fine.
This fall, Melia is 4, and we learned from our friends at church, who happen to be Becky's brother's family, that she bought a house and shop property over on our side of the river, plus it is only about 7 blocks from us! And because she moved, she lost some students, and therefore has openings. So we have her a call, and got Melia signed up.
Why is it a God thing? Because if we were to put her in preschool, this is the only one we would choose (truly, the only one we had any desire or leading to send her to). And Becky was trusting Him to provide for her in this entire moving process, and He is using us as one piece of the puzzle. All the details came together easily, just in time to start the year. This is a Christian preschool, and Becky is someone that I can trust with teaching Melia about God. I am excited for Melia-- she loves Cubbies, so I expect that she will adore Miss Becky!
She will go Wed-Fri, 8:30-11:30am. And Kiera and I are welcome to help anytime :-)
A few years ago, when Melia was little, we learned a lifelong friend of ours was starting a preschool in Wenatchee. At the time, we agreed that we would like to send Melia because we want to support Becky. When Melia was 3, I learned from Becky that she rarely had any openings and God was truly blessing her in this calling. So we wrote off the idea of sending her, which was fine.
This fall, Melia is 4, and we learned from our friends at church, who happen to be Becky's brother's family, that she bought a house and shop property over on our side of the river, plus it is only about 7 blocks from us! And because she moved, she lost some students, and therefore has openings. So we have her a call, and got Melia signed up.
Why is it a God thing? Because if we were to put her in preschool, this is the only one we would choose (truly, the only one we had any desire or leading to send her to). And Becky was trusting Him to provide for her in this entire moving process, and He is using us as one piece of the puzzle. All the details came together easily, just in time to start the year. This is a Christian preschool, and Becky is someone that I can trust with teaching Melia about God. I am excited for Melia-- she loves Cubbies, so I expect that she will adore Miss Becky!
She will go Wed-Fri, 8:30-11:30am. And Kiera and I are welcome to help anytime :-)
Friday, September 5, 2008
And Home Again...
Ahhh... No wonder God made the Sabbath day holy. We need to schedule a weekly Sabbath day...
We had a great time at the beach! Melia loved chasing the waves, and Kiera is more of a sand pile architect than a wave chaser. She even freaked out when I went into the waves to wash my hands- so much so that she ended up on her bum in the waves and then she really lost it! The waves wiped Melia out once too, but not one of us actually saw it! What we did see was the evidence.... sand in her hair.... in her ears... wet from head to toe! Wish I'd seen it happen! She didn't like it at all, but it didn't take her long before she was in it again!
We just had a very relaxing time, with the girls getting naps everyday, me being able to copy chapters 10-11 of Genesis, and making meals in the room-- a great great time. Too bad Shaun and Andrea couldn't stay longer! Maybe I would have ended up on Andrea's team playing pinochle so I could win a game! ;-) (read up on her blog to truly get this!)
And on the way home we visited Northwest Trek, which both of the girls really enjoyed! The tram ride is definitely the highlight! Then we stopped at the SuperMall for dinner (aka avoiding rush hour traffic) and found a Christian Clearance store where I bought a 15 month Jewish calendar (I am sooo excited!!!) and Casting Crowns new CD (because I just love them...)
Pictures later, just wanted to give you a heads up that God blessed us this past week, and we are praying He's blessing you too!
We had a great time at the beach! Melia loved chasing the waves, and Kiera is more of a sand pile architect than a wave chaser. She even freaked out when I went into the waves to wash my hands- so much so that she ended up on her bum in the waves and then she really lost it! The waves wiped Melia out once too, but not one of us actually saw it! What we did see was the evidence.... sand in her hair.... in her ears... wet from head to toe! Wish I'd seen it happen! She didn't like it at all, but it didn't take her long before she was in it again!
We just had a very relaxing time, with the girls getting naps everyday, me being able to copy chapters 10-11 of Genesis, and making meals in the room-- a great great time. Too bad Shaun and Andrea couldn't stay longer! Maybe I would have ended up on Andrea's team playing pinochle so I could win a game! ;-) (read up on her blog to truly get this!)
And on the way home we visited Northwest Trek, which both of the girls really enjoyed! The tram ride is definitely the highlight! Then we stopped at the SuperMall for dinner (aka avoiding rush hour traffic) and found a Christian Clearance store where I bought a 15 month Jewish calendar (I am sooo excited!!!) and Casting Crowns new CD (because I just love them...)
Pictures later, just wanted to give you a heads up that God blessed us this past week, and we are praying He's blessing you too!
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