Reflecting on His goodness

Praise God - Thanksgiving!

I feel so blessed as I sit here to post my thankfulness to God for His blessings on me. . . .

Take the time to reflect and then share what God has done.

May God bless you and yours with a lovely Thanksgiving tomorrow.

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THANK YOU LORD FOR YOUR BLESSINGS ON ME

(a good song)


1. The world looks around me as I struggle along
They say I have nothing, but they are so wrong.
In my heart I'm rejoicing, how I wish they could see
Thank You, Lord, for Your blessings on me.
CHORUS:

There's a roof up above me, I've a good place to sleep.
There's food on my table, and shoes on my feet.
You gave me Your love, Lord, and a fine family.
Thank you, Lord, for Your blessings on me.

2. I know I'm not wealthy and these clothes are not new,
I don't have much money, but Lord, I have You,
And to me You're all that matters tho' the world may not see.
Thank you, Lord, for Your blessings on me.

Small Fryday Contest time - hosted by MCKMama

What a blessing this fellow blogger is to me, and I am excited to enter her contest that she is hosting on her blog: http://www.mycharmingkids.net/ I have been witness to the power of God in this family, and I enjoy reading of the miracles He is still unfolding in their lives day by day. (I have their button at the top of my sidebar also.)

Pay her a visit and be blessed!

This post touched me. . . .

Read it here in it's entirety and prepare to be blessed like me.

Starting the homeschool train!

We are so loving this homeschooling thing. Since making the decision to jump off of the treadmill of "normal life and expectations" a few weeks ago, our stress level as a family, and mine as the mother, has lowered tremendously.

That seems like an impossibility since I have taken on MORE responsibility and have less free time being a full time wife, mother, homemaker, homeschooler, and teacher of 100+ online students. . . but I think I have a peace in knowing that I have made the best decision for our family and I LOVE what I am doing every day. I love having my kids home with me and I feel blessed being able to invest the best of myself into them all the time.

Don't get me wrong - things aren't rosy and perfect, and we are not all beautifully living in harmony 24/7, but we are growing together as a family - and I am loving that so much!

I wish that I had more time to share what has been happening - but I am especially thankful for being given this chance to homeschool and wanted to share this as a "thankful " post. I don't take one minute for granted!

From a light-hearted post to a heavy one. . . .

I haven't written much by way of response to the election; I have been processing it for a few days and been too busy to post. Usually my blogs don't delve into controversial topics, but I was reading a blog written by my friend Trista, that really opened the floodgates of emotions for me.

I am including my comment left on her blog below since I really shared my heart - and I felt like I could also share it here. You don't have to comment, but if you decide to, please remember to be respectful and aware that I have sensitive people who also read my blog. Thank you.



Trista - You have hit a nerve with me today and have really encouraged me to speak out on a topic that is near and dear to my heart - for many reasons.

I have never been able to understand the "logic" of a profession that will take any step possible to protect and *save the life of an unborn BABY* (prescribe medications to save a pregnancy/administer NICU procedures to keep a preemie alive/perform life-saving surgeries in and out of the uterus, etc.) - and then on the other extreme do whatever it takes to ENCOURAGE and snuff out another life (or as these precious babies are also called, "the products of conception") *at the same level of development* - My mind cannot comprehend what these doctors, nurses, and other professionals are thinking. I also can't understand how much they may be motivated by *money* to murder rather than save lives.

I know that they are motivated to save or not save life based on many factors - such as the wishes and viewpoints of the parents about the pregnancy for example- but how can they not see the lack of consistency on their part? Is all truth relative? Is there such a thing as truth anymore?

Having a special needs child is life-altering; dealing with an unplanned pregnancy, carrying and then delivering a baby may not be in someone's plans; multiples are risky - - - but life is worth saving, no matter the cost. Of course that is my conviction, but I have had to talk this walk myself on some level or another and I don't regret choosing life.

I read something the other day talking about how many famous and note-worthy people would have been aborted for convenience sake if it had been legal in that time of history. Beethoven was an example. (Where would this world be without his music?!?!?!) My mind reels thinking of so many potential lives that have been needlessly sacrificed on the altar of abortion. I know a couple who 3 months before their large Catholic wedding made a decision that haunts them to this day. . . . Both of them live with such regret to this day knowing that they cared more about their reputations than their firstborn child.

I have also been through a D&C for a miscarriage - and I am so haunted by the procedure myself, even after almost seven years. The impact on a woman's mind and emotions, not only her body, is beyond words. My heart aches for women who have undergone this procedure and for their precious children taken so soon. . . . vacuumed and scraped from the "safe" place in their mommy.

I am rambling here, but this post made me realize I am also mourning the election of a man who will not seek to protect the lives of all Americans - born and unborn - I literally get chills thinking about the policies he will set into place that will not encourage taking responsibility for our actions or providing incentives to place these beautiful children with potential adoptive couples longing for the child they can never have. . . . The lists of these parents are MILES LONG!

The children aborted since the 70's would be here now working and helping to save the Social Security crisis - another weird fact, but as a politician, he might appreciate that. So much potential for life and creativity that only God knows the depth of has been taken from our society before it was time. . . .

I am not bittered but broken in my spirit that our future president is not Pro-life. I will be praying for him and the others who have the power in this country to reverse our very own Silent Holocaust taking place every day in clinics and hospitals around the country.

Thank you Trista for taking a stand for life. I am taking your hand and professing that I am with you in praying for and respecting our new President as our leader, but all the while praying and beseeching God to spare our unborn children.

God have mercy on us if we remain silent.

Bloggy quizzes - for comic relief and in honor of my anniversary!

I needed to take a break from working this afternoon, and my real-world friend Traci, from high school(!), had a fun quiz on her blog today.

I decided to try out a few just for laughs! They were pretty accurate, although I don't claim to be a perfect wife! (I'd like to be though. . . . :0)

Your Dream Engagement Ring Has a Round Diamond!

A round diamond is classic and timeless, just like your style Your diamond will always look with the times - and goes with everything Of all diamonds, round diamonds show the most sparkle They are often chosen by sweet, dependable women who make marriage their #1 priority.

(I never recieved an engagement ring from my precious DH, but this is what I would have picked out!)

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You Would Be a Good Spouse 95% of the Time

You have what it takes to be an amazing wife or husband. You are caring, patient, giving, and romantic. You are willing to work for a marriage. More than anything, you're not about to let your ego ruin a relationship. You are humble and unselfish. And that's the key to being a good spouse.

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You Are a Blueberry Muffin

You are a nurturing, domestic, homey person. Of all the types, you are the most likely to make your own muffins at home. You don't like to rock the boat, and you're most content when you're making everyone else happy. You are very loyal. You'll defend your family and friends, even if you secretly disapprove of what they're doing. You tend to be a bit shy and withdrawn. You don't make friends quickly or easily. But once you do make a good friend, the chances are high that you'll be friends for life.

Isn't that funny? I am a Blueberry Muffin! Who would have known? Makes me want to bake some now! LOL! My DH's favorite one is blueberry too!

I would like to be my hubby's Prairie Muffin though!

~ Have a super weekend! ~

Happy Anniversary Dear One

This week my husband and I will be celebrating our seventh anniversary. I can't let this time go by without telling him again how much I cherish and love him.

I love you sweetheart - my love - my soulmate. Our love on earth will only be matched by our love in heaven.

Forever and always, I'm yours.

XOXOGinaXOXO

First day of school tomorrow. . . . :-)

So, we are crossing the gangplank to embark on this "new" journey of homeschooling full-time! I am so excited to be able to follow God's leading of our family into this area. To be honest, I am only going from part-time homeschooler to full-time. It's just a tiny step, right? :-)

I felt led to follow up to my last post also. Those of you who are my readers, I want to let you know that I do not consider myself a "super-christian-homeschooling-mom-better-than-the-rest-of-you" with all of the answers - Far - from - IT!

Even though I am a trained teacher and currently teach High School English online, I feel inadequate to walk this path when I consider the responsibility I am choosing to take on. . . . . but then I remember the verse that promises that the Lord will be with me, and I know that I am going to be OK and that my kids are going to thrive learning at home. It really is the best thing for our family.

I don't know what the future holds for us, but I am at peace knowing that God is leading the way and will be faithful to show me (and Randy-Hubby) where we should go in this big step.

We are officially homeschoolers!

I am so happy to now be able to become full-time mom and also full-time teacher to my three kids starting next week! God has been with us and has led my husband and myself into agreement on this issue after being faced with no transportation to our school of choice and facing the only option of our neighborhood public school.

Of course we face a lot of work and juggling of responsibilities to make this happen, but I am humbled and thankful that God has answered my prayers and desires to invest the bulk of my time and energy in teaching and loving my kids!

Keep us in prayer!

National Infertility Awareness Week.

Not a day goes by that I don't thank God for my three children.

This song really touches my heart because I have walked the journey of infertility.

Please pray for those who desire to be parents and never forget to take the time to hug and love on the children God has given you.

Please pray for Tricia

(The picture is from her blog: http://65roses4pattysue.com/)

~

Her story, with updates and pictures posted by her husband, is found here:

http://cfhusband.blogspot.com/

~

I have been following their story for many months.

~

I have rejoiced in their miracle birth of their daughter,

prayed during her lung transplant,

and followed their story as it continues to unfold.

~

Please pray . . . .

In honor of Wesley Randall - our baby in heaven

My husband and I were married on November 3rd. of 2001, and by early December (5th) we were shocked to be looking at a BFP on a pregnancy test!

We were elated and looking forward to the pregnancy, birth, and our first baby that was scheduled to come three days before my sweet hubby's birthday (EDD: August 12th.).

I spotted some the beginning of January, but the doctor wasn't too concerned. He ordered an ultrasound if I felt the need to go. Hubby went to work that morning and I went alone to the ultrasound to check up on Peanut- - - - but Peanut wasn't there anymore. The sac was empty.

I literally felt like someone had kicked me in the stomach and had their hand around my throat as the male ultrasound tech kept looking and looking for our precious baby - who should have been 9 weeks at that time.

All we saw was an empty sack - just like my heart felt and I left that place of "joy" with a broken heart and no special picture to share with family and friends. . . . There are no words. . . . I ended up having a D/C only two days later. . . .

I post this in honor of my child in heaven whose hand will forever hold a heartstring attached to my heart.

I am feeling God calling me back to fulfill my ministries to my family

Blessing our husbands challenge: http://www.reviveourhearts.com/pdf/30DayChallenge.pdf

My husband is a treasure from God - but I know that I can take him for granted in so many ways. I want to take the time to invest my love in him this month and allow God to bless him through me. . . . I pray that in these small ways I can enable him to know just how much I love and cherish him.

~

I also want to make a more concerted effort to spend time every day investing the WORD into my children's hearts by having a scheduled devotional time with my children. I have always desired to have this time together worshipping and learning about the LORD, but I will now set aside a specific time everyday to make it happen. I am thinking that the time when we come home from school and have a snack together can become our time to feast on His Word also.

~

Last but not least, I want to stay true to my commitment to set aside time to spend with God in prayer and reading my Bible. I can't serve with an empty tank! I have finished reading the great and inspiring book Passionate Housewives, Desperate for God, and I am not in bondage anymore to thinking that my special time has to work a certain way/or be for a certain length of time. . . . but I hunger for more time in the Word and in prayer. I need to redeem the moments I let slip through my fingers as time spent pursuing God. . . .

~

These three things are vital, and if I am not striving towards the mark, I will not accomplish God's will in these areas. May God enable me to be found faithful.

Keep me in prayer!

Browsing some blogs and finding yummy fall recipes!

My chocolate chip cookies: found at Sheila's Blog: http://a-homemakers-meditations.blogspot.com/2008/06/my-chocolate-chip-cookies.html

(After making these, my kids told me that that are the best cookies ever!)

3/4 cup butter
1 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 Tablespoons milk
1 Tablespoon vanilla
1 egg
2 cups all purpose flour (2 1/2 if you like a bit thicker and chewier- I do :)
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 of an 11.5 oz bag of semi sweet

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine butter, brown sugar, milk, and vanilla in bowl- beat until creamy. Beat in egg. Combine flour, salt, and baking soda in a seperate bowl. Mix dry ingredients into the creamy mixture until just blended. Fold in chocolate chips. Drop rounded tablespoons onto cookie sheet. Bake for 8 minutes on middle rack in oven. Let cookies cool on cookie sheet until set up, about 5 minutes. If you like you're cookies crispy, bake for 9-10 minutes. I like mine chewy, gooey and warm...with cold milk- YUM!!!

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The next two recipes were found at: http://allyouhavetogive.blogspot.com/

Apple Oatmeal Honey Cake

1 cup quick-cooking oats
1 cup hot water
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/3 cups packed light brown sugar
3/4 cup chunky applesauce
1/3 cup honey
2 large eggs
Cooking spray

Frosting:

1/4 cup butter
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup coarsely chopped almonds, toasted

1. Preheat oven to 350. To prepare cake, combine oats and 1 cup hot water in a small bowl; set aside.

2. Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Combine 1 1/3 cups sugar, applesauce, 1/3 cup honey, and eggs in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at high speed 1 minute. Add oat mixture; beat at low speed until well blended. Add half of flour mixture to sugar mixture; beat well. Add remaining flour mixture; beat well. Spoon batter into an 11 x 7–inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Bake for 48 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Place dish on a wire rack.

3. To prepare frosting, melt butter in a small heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add 1/3 cup sugar and 1/4 cup honey; cook 2 minutes or until bubbly, stirring constantly. Stir in almonds. Quickly pour frosting over cake; spread evenly using a rubber spatula.

4. Preheat broiler. Broil cake 1 minute or until frosting is bubbly and golden. Cool completely on a wire baking rack. Serve with whipped topping; sprinkle whip topping with ground cinnamon, if desired.


Apple Butter in the Crock Pot!

I found this recipe for Apple Butter in the crockpot...It was FABULOUS!(easy too!)

5 1/2 pounds apples - peeled, cored and finely chopped

4 cups sugar

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon salt

Place apples in a slow cooker. Combine sugar, cinnamon, cloves and salt; pour over apples and mix well. Cover and cook on high for 1 hour. Reduce heat to low; cover and cook for 9-11 hours or until thickened and dark brown, stirring occasionally (stir more frequently as it thickens to prevent sticking). Uncover and cook on low 1 hour longer. If desired, stir with a wire whisk until smooth.Cover and refrigerate or freeze.

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Homemade Bread: http://www.marilynmoll.com/

1/3 C honey
1/3 C oil
2 1/2 C Warm Water
1 1/2 TB Saf Instant Yeast
2 1/2 tsp Real Salt
6-7 C Fresh whole wheat flour
1 1/2 TB Dough Enhancer


Combine the warm water, yeast, and 2 Cups of fresh whole wheat flour in a large mixing bowl. Allow to sponge for 15 minutes. Add the honey, oil, dough enhancer, salt and 4-5 C (12-16 C if using the Mix N Blend or (Bosch) additional flour until the dough begins to clean the sides of the mixing bowl. Do not allow the dough to get too stiff (too dry). Dough should be smooth and elastic. It is a common mistake for the beginning bakers to add too much flour.

Knead the bread by hand 7-10 minutes or until it is very smooth, elastic, and small bubbles or blisters appear beneath the surface of the dough. Six to ten minutes of kneading by electric mixer (Use speed 1 on the Bosch Universal, and use speed 4 on the Mix n Blend - or use the Auto-Knead function) should be sufficient to develop the gluten if you are using fresh flour. If you are kneading by hand, be sure to add the minimum amount of flour to keep the dough soft and pliable by using a tsp of oil on your hands and kneading surface.

Form the dough into 2 loaves if using the hand method or 5-6 loaves if using the Mix N Blend or Bosch Universal, method. Place the dough into greased loaf pans. Allow to rise in a slightly warmed oven or other warm place until doubled in size (about 30-60 minutes).

Bake loaves for 25-30 minutes in a 350 degree oven. Bread is cooked through when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom, and when the top and sides are a golden brown color.

~Marilyn's Famous Bread Recipe is VERSATILE! Use it to make cinnamon rolls, pizza, bread sticks, and more. Click this link for Whole Wheat Bread Dough Variations.

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Applesauce Cake: http://myheartisalwayshome.blogspot.com/


1 cup butter or shortening
2 cup sugar
2 eggs
3 cups flour
2 tbs cocoa powder
1 1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp cloves
1 tsp allspice
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbs baking soda
2 1/2 cup applesauce
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

*She suggests that you add corn syrup - but I omitted it.*

Cream butter, gradually add sugar. Add eggs (unbeaten) one at a time. Sift together flour, cocoa powder, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, cinnamon, salt and baking soda. Gradually add to butter mixture. Add applesauce, corn syrup and vanilla. Pour into greased bundt pan. Sprinkle the chocolate chip on top of cake. Bake for 1 1/2 hour.

Once cool sift powdered sugar on top. Enjoy!

Watch this with tissues. . . .

May God bless this couple!

Her website is: http://www.laurastorymusic.com/

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By the way- go and see Fireproof!

We definitely plan to go and see it ASAP. We just need to get childcare figured out first. :-)

A great devotion

All the days of my life

by Nancy Campbell, http://www.aboverubies.org/

Psalm 27:4, "One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple."



David longed for the "House of the Lord." It was his favorite place to be. But David could not be in the house of the Lord continually, as much as he longed to. He was king of a nation. He had battles to fight; administration to attend to. But dear mother, we have the opportunity to live David's longing. Let me explain.



The house of the Lord is no longer one temple as it was in David's day. It is not even a church building where we attend on Sundays or Saturdays today. The house of the Lord speaks of His presence. God wants your home to be His house where His presence dwells; a place where you abide in Him and He abides in you. The house of the Lord is abiding fellowship with Christ. The house of the Lord is your kitchen where you prepare the meals; the house of the Lord is your dining table where you feed your family and make every meal a love affair; the house of the Lord is any room in the home where you are working or interacting with your children.



In your home you can behold the beauty of the Lord. As you abide in Him and look to Him, He will impart His grace to you in your time of need. He will show you that He is the God who is Enough for every challenge and every situation. He is with you, in your home, and will never leave you or forsake you. No, not even when everything seems overwhelming and you feel like tearing your hair out! You are still in the house of the Lord at this moment. Instead of despairing about the situation, stop for a moment and realize that God is with you. He has promised that He will not fail you. Thank Him that He is with you. Thank Him that He cannot fail you.



In your home you can inquire in His temple. David had to go God's temple to inquire of the Lord. He faced battles, enemies and challenges; He needed God's discernment, wisdom and strength. You also long for God's wisdom. You are desperate to know what to do. You cannot go on without His strength. Praise the Lord, you don't have to get into your car and rush off to a church building. You are in the house of the Lord right now. You can inquire in His temple right now. He will give you His wisdom. He has promised, remember.



All you have to do is abide--that literally means to live in His presence. It means to acknowledge that Christ is living within you and that you are in Him. You are inseparable. You are one. He is your life source. You can't live without Him (well, I can't anyway!). Your own strength wanes; you need His. Your wisdom is human; you need His divine wisdom. Your love runs out the door; you need His agape love. You are depressed and down in the dumps; His joy does not depend on how you feel. You feel your life is worthless; you can only bear fruit to bless your family and touch other lives as you abide.



John 15:4-5 says, "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without me can do nothing." There it is. The secret to living in the house of the Lord all the days of your life.



How I love those words... "all the days of my life." It doesn't matter what my day is like, God is with me. It doesn't matter whether I think God has left me; He is bigger than my thoughts. My thoughts deceive but God doesn't change.



See your home in a new light. It is the house of the Lord. You can live in it all the days of your life.



Love from NANCY CAMPBELL



PRAYER:



"Thank you, Lord, for showing me that my home is the house of the Lord. Help me to enjoy my home in a new way. Thank you that I don't have to visit the house of the Lord. I live in it! Amen."



AFFIRMATION:



I am not a visitor but a dweller in the house of the Lord.



SCRIPTURES REFERRED TO IN THIS DEVOTION:

Look up Isaiah 41: 10, 13; Hebrews 13:5-6; James 1:5-8.

http://www.aboverubies.org/

My praise report - Saved from death

(My son Joshua, our "miracle" conception,

and one of his first pictures.)

No, this isn't a post expressing the news that I am expecting again, although I would love to be. . . . I have had something happen this past week that I can't ignore and I feel that must be shared.

~~~~~

I really don't even know where to start, actually, but the verse at the top of this post is really starting to become my life verse in so many ways. As a young girl, I couldn't wait for the time that God would lead me to the man He planned for me to marry. I wanted nothing more than to become a wife, housewife (complete with an apron on;-), and eventually, a mother of many children. I was encouraged as a young woman to "not waste my mind" and go to college to "fulfill my potential" - but I would have been content to have married young and spent my youth pursuing domestic paths. (God has used my education to help our family though, and for that, I am grateful and humbled.)

~~~~~

Throughout my life, I have come to know in a personal way that our God is an awesome God and always wants to bless us. . . . I can say this with certainty since I have been a woman who has lived thorough the horrors of domestic violence and the subsequent unfaithfulness and desertion from my first husband. As a result, I became a single mom, working 12 hours a day as a preschool teacher, so that I could still be full-time mom to my young daughter during that time. I have experienced the joy of restoration when God brought me a loving man to be my husband and the father to my daughter. We suffered a miscarriage together of our first child, conceived on our honeymoon, but then rejoiced in the birth of our first daughter together 16 months later. We have weathered the storms of my PCOS diagnosis and the fears of never conceiving anymore children. Imagine our surprise to learn that we had a child, a son, on the way that following year. Two weeks to the day before our son was born, we lost our business and all financial certainty. . . .

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As you can see, it has taken many years and prayers to get to the place where I am today, and please know that I am not claiming to have arrived at some level of perfection. I know that it is God's blessings that I am married to a man after God's heart who loves me unconditionally, and I am a mother of three children. I have also been able to find a job to work at home, and I am able to do my best to be a homemaker, even in the midst of the daily life of making a living as an online teacher. I love being able to be a keeper of my home. I don't claim perfection, far from it actually, but I desire to serve the LORD by being faithful to serve Him by serving my family. I know how blessed I am and I wouldn't trade where I am today, surrounded by these precious ones, for all that the world could offer me.

~~~~~

There are things that happen in our lives, however, that wake us up to the tendency we have as human beings to take for granted the things that we don't think we are. . . . Who of us is guaranteed our next breath, meal/paycheck, or heartbeat except for the grace of God? If you had asked me a week ago if I took my loving husband and precious children for granted, I would have sad NO without hesitation. I went through an experience this week, however, that has taught me that even as a dedicated mother and wife, I was not living in the moment and allowing the stresses of life to distract me sometimes.

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So many people don't know just how many hours I have to work based on the reality of losing our family business two years ago and now the inability to sell our small home. (We have been renting a home for ourselves and renting out the other home until we can sell it.) Things have been rough to say the least and I have caught myself thinking, "When I can stop working so much I can do_____________", or "I need to do__________ and can't _________ with the kids right now". I was basically living for the future date of "being in a financial situation to where I can stop working" to have enough free time and energy to start investing more of myself in my husband and children. I have been dealing with the working mom's stress of balancing two full-time jobs - my "paying job" and the wife/mom/homemaker duties. I feel like I never have enough time to do it all - and guess what - I can't!

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I have really been thinking about these issues this past week because everything changed last Sunday night when my two year old son fell down 10 stairs in our home in front of my very eyes. He opened the baby gate and fell head over heels down the stairs - - - and I was powerless to reach or catch him and prevent the terrible accident that could have taken his life here on earth. When it happened we were in the midst of getting the three kids prepared and off to bed for the evening and I was absorbed in my thoughts of how much work still awaited me on the computer after getting them to bed. I saw and experienced first hand how quickly life can change. . . . and I was powerless to protect my son because he was faster than I was and too far away to catch. Let me repeat - I was powerless to save my son - and I couldn't believe how quickly he could have been gone from us forever. (He is OK, by the way, by the grace of God, and as his mom, I realize that there was nothing I could have done to keep him from doing what he did. He was right behind me following me, and the next he was falling down the stairs

a little farther than one arm's length away.

~~~~~

I have never been one to feel the need to climb the ladder of success and make a name for myself at my job, but I do feel like God calls us to do our best at whatever we do. I humbly admit to you that I have never tried to neglect my marriage, children, or home for the sake of wowing my boss - - - but I have allowed the stress and obligations of this world to distract me from being as mindful of the many times and opportunities He gives me to invest pockets of time and teaching into my children. By default, life takes everything out of us, and we have to FIGHT to be the ones He has called us to be. Being the mom and wife I want to be doesn't happen by accident. . . . I must not let one moment pass me by. Redeeming the TIME because the days are evil!

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My son, my only son, could have died last Sunday night. Did it matter at that moment if I had all of my work done, that the house was needing work to be "company" ready, or that we had various obligations needing attention. . . . ? NO! Everything else faded into the background when I saw my son almost die an arm's reach away from me.

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It brought to mind what happened with Steven Curtis Chapman's daughter, Maria Sue. My heart goes out to that family, and now I feel like God has given me a glimpse into the feelings and thoughts they must be experiencing right now, albeit on a small scale. God saw to take Maria and leave Joshua, and I don't know why, but I trust Him in this and I am reminded again to be eternally grateful for each moment that He gifts me with each of the ones I love for the rest of my life. I was before, but now, that truth really hits home in a personal way.

~~~~~

I am not exactly sure how to end this post. . . . This week has been so stressful and very emotional for me and the rest of our family. There are so many more things that have happened that I didn't take the time to touch on in this post. Praise God for his strength and mercies. I do want to leave you all with encouragement to remember that Every Day is a Precious Gift, and to not waste a moment dwelling on those things that we can't change or control and that our enemy wants to use to distract us from truly living life. Because He Lives, I can face tomorrrow - Amen? One thing I can say as a result of this experience is that every time I hug my son closer to me and give Him back to the Lord again as His son, my heart will be saying a prayer of thanks that God has seen fit to lend him to me for one more moment. I could have been planning a funeral this week rather than reading him stories, giving him baths, and hugging him one more time.

~~~~~

May God bless you and keep you.

Love,

Gina

My daybook entry for the week

For Today...

Outside my Window...
freshly mowed grass and brown bunnies nibbling

I am thinking...
how much I love being a mom

and sharing my life with others

I am thankful for...
my hardworking and handsome husband;-)

From the kitchen...
homemade chocolate-chip oatmeal cookies

and they are calling my name!

I am wearing...
a comfortable housedress

I am reading...
lots and lots of English writing projects for work

I am hoping...
to have a week full of teachable moments

and fun memories

I am creating...
chore charts and updated routine lists

I am hearing...
Veggie Tales

Around the house...
children doing homework

One of my favorite things...
holding my children and just "being" with them

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...
more unpacking

and going to the doctor in a few days

for a followup visit.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

I pray that our home is a lighthouse for the LORD!

I feel like taking a challenge!

The text below is taken from the website of the challenge:

I have decided to do a one year Bible reading. I am posting about it because I want everyone to join me. I am planning on reading 3 chapters a day.

Here is what you have to do -

Read the three chapters a day - after reading them, pray for at least 15 minutes, for anyone who needs prayers and for your heart to be opened, and whatever else you need. (You can also leave a comment here, if you want me to pray for you or someone you know needs prayer. I would be happy to pray for you or anyone else that needs it. :)

Post about what you read on your blog when you read your Bible, giving the Scripture you read and what it meant to you.

Make a category for this on your blog to post your posts in.

Announce the Challenge on your blog, using the icon and banner I made.

Sign the Mr. Linky, which will be on every one of *my* Bible reading posts, with the link to *your post*. (So I can check it out!)

My Work

I have the greatest work in the world;
The job of rocking a baby to sleep,
That of guiding his tottering feet,
A baby's clothes to launder and fold,
A precious life to shape and mold,
A drink to give from a little cup,
At night his toys to gather up,
Hurts to heal and fears to quell,
A baby to keep clean and well,
A stack of diapers to put away,
Oh, what a happy worthwhile day!
I am a "Mother."

I have the greatest work in the world;
A husband to encourage when things go wrong,
When he comes from work to greet with a song,
Denims and shirts to wash and mend,
A helping hand, when needed, to lend,
Three times a day his meals to cook,
To strive to be my best to look,
His back to rub at the close of the day,
For his faithfulness to God I pray,
When hubby's in the field I take lemonade,
for all these tasks his love has Paid.
I am a " Wife."




I have the greatest work in the world;
A home to keep happy, clean and bright,
Make things go smooth and strive for the right,
Jams to cook and jellies to make,
Cookies and pies and bread to bake,
Washing, ironing, and sewing to do,
So many tasks, will I ever get though?
Lettuce to wash and peas to pick,
floors to scrub, lost items to seek,
Dishes to wash and windows to shine,
These and many more tasks are mine.
I am a "Homemaker."

Help me, Father, to faithfully work,
Forgive if I unconsciously shirk,
give me the patience and love I pray,
To keep myself in duties way;
With all the hustle that each day brings
May I not neglect the needing things;
Each day to spend time alone with Thee
That Jesus Christ be seen in me.
Thank you for husband, our home, our girls and boys;
Thank you for love which brings me much joy.
Thank you , Lord.

----Mary Lou Burkholder

Following other blogs:-)

I am trying to compile a list of blogs that I read

or link to others who read my blog. . . .

OH MY!

I don't want to leave anyone out and would love to hear from all of you!

So if you read my blog(s), could you please leave a comment for me here

so that I don't forget to include you?

A picture thought and a great verse for today!

A weekly journal entry

For Today...

Outside my Window...

pretty sunshine and a welcomed cooler breeze!

I am thinking...

how much I dislike being sick with this cold!

I am thankful for...

the little things we so often overlook.

From the kitchen...

God's provision in our pantry and fridge.

I am wearing...

all pink today!

I am reading...

"Beautiful Girlhood"

I am hoping...

for a nap today to beat this cold.

I am creating...

some edits on photos from a photoshoot for a client.

I am hearing...

a CD with Steven Cutis Chapman's music;-)

Around the house...

sounds of living and sights of God's love for me.

One of my favorite things...

is hearing the laughter of my children.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...

at this moment I am on survial mode and just want to get better!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

click on it to see it larger (hopefully!)

~~~~Psalm 113:9~~~~

A Prayer for Womanhood

God, give each true good woman
Her own small house to keep,
No heart should ache with longing,
No hurt should go too deep.....
Grant her age-old desire:
A house to love and sweep.
Give her a man beside her,
A kind man, and a true,
And let them work together
And love, a lifetime through,
And let her mother children
As gentle women do.
Give her a shelf for dishes,
And a shining box for bread,
A white cloth for her table,
And a white spread for her bed,
A shaded lamp at nightfall,
And a row of books much read.
God, let her work with laughter,
And let her rest with sleep.
No life can truly offer
A peace more sure and deep....
God, give each true woman
Her own small house to keep

~Grace Noll Crowell~
~~~~~~1934~~~~~~

http://thesimplewoman.blogspot.com/

Ponder this quote. . . .

Took some pictures outside this evening

We are surrounded by beauty; We just need to slow down enough and make ourselves notice it! I am thankful for the little things today.

Do you like my new look?

Leave a comment if you like how I spruced up the blog!

Quick update

We are still trying to find our way in the midst of boxes, unpacking, and details, along with getting the last few things from the other house and getting it cleaned up.

I am a sunset person and I must have 100's of pics showcasing jaw-dropping displays of God's sky paintings. I thought that I'd share a few here.

The first one is from my former house, my childhood home, and I am mesmerized by the sight of the clouds awash with vibrant colors every time.

The second one is from the balcony of my new home - Notice the rainbow and the bird in the tree. What a picture of perfect peace!

Like that bird, I am holding onto the promises of God in the middle of this trial. Praising Him draws my heart out of fear and back into perfect trust and peace.

Knock! Knock!

Last night we were greeted by neighbors carrying a tray of goodies and a homemade card which read, "Welcome to the neighborhood!"

I am basking in the support and encouragement of others, knowing that we are surrounded by such caring and friendly people.

Who cares enough to go and meet your new strangers, i.e. neighbors, living next door anymore?

We are blessed to have been led here and now welcomed officially to the neighborhood!

Still packing, still moving - but starting to get settled in slowly but surely!

Sore legs and exhaustion have been permeating my life the last few days, but we have been very blessed to have people come around us to help us move. We still have so much to do and not enough time it seems to get it all done, but thank the Lord for his precious promises.

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases! They are new every morning!

Amen!

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

Working, packing, moving - with help from God!

This has been a busy, busy week, with too much to do and not enough time! Add in three kids to the mixture of work with my teaching job, and all of the packing and moving, and you have a whirlwind of activity from sun-up until the wee hours of the morning when I have been collapsing into bed!

We have been so blessed, however, as God has sent people to come to our assistance in so many ways by getting boxes, taking the girls for a while, and sending encouragement our way! God has also seen to it that Randy was able to take off this week and next week and has been able to be there for me in more ways than one! I am so thankful for my husband!

We are moving closer to move-in day and it still feels like a dream in so many ways. We are so completely blessed by the hand of God working all things out for our good by His hand. . . .

Praise the Lord for His provision, protection, and peace!

The keys. . . .

We are set to pick up our keys tonight! I am starting to feel somewhat nervous and anxious as I try to juggle working full time, packing, and moving this week! How am I ever going to get this all done?

In HIM we live, and MOVE, and have our being! Amen!

Gentle reminders. . . .

Life Is a Gift

Today before you say an unkind word -
Think of someone who can't speak.

Before you complain about the taste of your food -
Think of someone who has nothing to eat.

Today before you complain about life -
Think of someone who went too early to heaven.

Before you complain about your children -
Think of someone who desires children but they're barren.

Before you argue about your dirty house someone didn't clean or sweep -
Think of the people who are living in the streets.

Before whining about the distance you drive -
Think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet.

And when you are tired and complain about your job -
Think of the unemployed, the disabled, and those who wish they had your job.

But before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another -
Remember that not one of us is without error and we all answer to the Divine.

And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down
Put a smile on your face and Thank GOD you're alive and still around!

We take so much for granted.

Last post for today - this blog has a theme song!

(Conservative version performed by the artist)

Praising God for the resources!

Well, I thought that I was done posting for today, but I was reminded in prayer that I was remiss in forgetting to praise God for providing the resources to move. Not only has He provided the finances to move, but He has also orchestrated people to work on our behalf.

He has made everything beautiful in His time!

Three things I asked of the Lord!

• That the home we move into will still have a view of the mountains that mean so much to me.

- The back porch upstairs looks out to an unobstructed view of "my" mountains!

• That my husband would be in agreement about this move because God was working in his heart also.

- My husband was in total agreement and had been feeling that this was something that God was leading us to do. I was confirmation for HIM!

• That God would provide a newer couch for us!

- This was a silly wish of mine, but would you know, God even cares about our desires that seem silly. We have a "newer" couch waiting for us now in our "new" home left behind by our landlord!

Our God is a good God and always blesses us

with more than we can ask or imagine!

Yes, it's a rental home,

but it is a blessing none-the-less,

and for that we are grateful!

Preparing to minster through opening our home to others

We are called to minister to all that we meet, and we believe that God is opening doors to minister in our new hometown. This post on a beautiful blog really spoke to me: Hospitality

So often we make excuses for not reaching out -but in reality, if we don't who will?

I want to be able to have anyone drop in and not have a heart attack or be ashamed of the condition of my home and/or my children's behavior.

I have my work cut out for me:-)

In the sight of God

One who has great tranquillity of heart,

who cares neither for the praises

nor the fault-finding of people

will easily be content and pacified,

whose conscience is pure.

You are not holier if you are praised,

nor the more worthless

if you are found fault with.

What you are, that you are;

neither by word

can you be made greater

than what you are in the sight of God.

~ Thomas a Kempis ~

We have been living in the "desert"

(A picture of restoration and provision -

SNOW in the desert!)

There’s a certain kind of beauty that’s found only in the desert. When you can get away from the competing lights of the city, you can see the stars shining brilliantly.

That can be true in life, too. You may be working for a hard-to-please boss. You may be facing a difficult move. You might have some financial pressure or a health issue. Each of these could be considered a desert experience. But there are aspects of God that we can’t see unless we’re in the desert.

The desert is a place of danger, and that’s where we learn that God is our protection.

The desert is a place of dryness, and that’s where we learn that God is our provider.

The desert is a place of desolation, and that’s where we learn that God will always be with us.

Are you in a desert? Gaze up above your situation to the brilliant light of God’s glory. Ask Him to show you more of His beauty during this time.

With Seeking Him, I’m Nancy Leigh DeMoss.

http://www.seekinghim.com/radio/today.php/07/04/2008

Drawing your family together, even in the midst of change

- Seek Scripture for direction in every situation, and follow God's instructions on how to respond.

- Recognize that all of us have strengths and weaknesses and that God encourages us to be tenderhearted, gentle and compassionate with each other.

- Ask God for wisdom. James 1:5 says, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who give generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."

- Remember how God has helped your family in the past. Talk about His goodness and faithfulness and how He helped you through each challenge.

- Trust God to work out your circumstances for good, even if you can't imagine how that might be possible (see Romans 8:28).

- Purposefully draw closer to your family by communicating and praying together.