Ezekiel Savage

The Lord's strength is WILD (Ezekiel Savage)........we knew when we gave him this name we were in for having some rides. AND Daddy wants to make sure we don't let him stay afraid to do things.


Many of you may remember that ZQ's first bike ride when we moved to Colorado was a disaster. It was right before Easter, and our Easter pictures have proof of his daring behavior.


ZQ had never ridden his bike on a slanted driveway. SO, it ended in disaster......

As he went down the slanted driveway he hit Daddy's TRUCK door. He was a little hesitant today, but Mommy was MORE hesitant. Daddy INSISTED, and I agreed. AS LONG AS DADDY WOULD CATCH HIM!!!

It was a JOY to watch.

Sorry the video is sideways.

My first blog video; I will remember that, but it was too good not to show.

Guest Blogger~Jael

Fall Tree

Fall trees hav culorful leevs. But it allso has no leevs.

I like fall bicus the leevs are culorful and prity.

But school is the best part uv all .

This is the end.

My Husband Rocks~Giveaway

Yes, a giveaway, but not MINE.......



If you have noticed every Friday for two weeks I have been bragging about my husband. This was started by a wonderful lady who wanted to BRAG about her own husband.

I have enjoyed having a "Reason" and a "SCHEDULE" on when I can brag about Josh.



To celebrate her 1st Anniversary......a GIVEAWAY is in order.



I REALLY want some of those great prizes. So, go find out what it's all about. Maybe you can start bragging, too! It's always good to find something about our husbands that we appreciate; it keeps us focused on something other than OURSELVES.

My Husband Rocks~Friday

How many of us wives TRUELY want our husbands to COMMUNICATE?



How many of us want our husbands to work on our marriages?



How many of us want QUALITY time?



Be jealous, VERY jealous.........



Yes, my Josh is doing ALL of the above. AND very well, I might add.......



Every Friday for the next 8 weeks Josh has agreed to attend a marriage class on the 6 Secrets to a Lasting Love. One of the requirements is to communicate and DATE your mate. So, I am getting SPOILED!!!



Thank you, Babe, for being a WILLING participant in making our marriage last.



I love you. Have a GREAT WEEKEND.....

Free the Leash Kiddies~Part 2

Okay, since bonding with your child is obviously not a selling point, there are practical purposes as well. You can only know what your child is doing when you are not looking if the leash is taut. Parents usually develop a sixth sense, but if you are distracted because of clothes shopping or talking with friends, you get distracted. TOTALLY UNDERSTANDABLE. If you hold hands or carry your child, you will always know what is happening. Holding hands gives you direct physical contact with your child. If he or she is reaching for something, you can feel it in your hands. You can feel the little fingers twist, and the palm flex as it matches the action of the other hand, ready to snatch something, possibly to pop it into an awaiting mouth. You will know what he or she is up to. A leash… your child could go behind you and stick something in a power outlet. All you will hear is a snap, and ...........a jerk on the leash will do nothing at that point.

Maybe I can scare you into the NON-LEASHING GROUP! If your child is really hyper, instead of leashes, here are some tips that may not solve the problem, but it will help:

Watch your child's diet. This should be obvious, but you can make a kid hyper by giving them sugar and caffeine, which occurs in such things as soda, chocolate, cookies, and candy. Some kids also get hyper on MSG, which occurs naturally in soy products, and also a lot of fast food. Reduce these in your kid's diet, or cut them out altogether. This is a HUGE topic, all it's own!

Pay attention to the right things. If you ignore them when they are being good, and pay attention to them when they are being bad, you end up saying, "You will get attention from me when you act up," because to a kid, bad attention is better than no attention at all. Kids crave attention because it is natural. Hey, if I do it--my kids definitely will.Praise them often for good behavior, like, "Thank you for being calm while I was talking to our Pastor" and "I am proud of you for acting so good in that restaurant." "Catch them doing something right!" They will learn over time that controlling themselves brings praise, and being hyper makes you more distant. Boy, I am writing to myself here......

Be considerate of your child. Many children become hyper and cranky when sleepy and tired. Children also become BORED quickly, if you know you are going to be a long time in a place where they might be bored, bring a paper and pencil. Cut down on all the TV and video games--and children become more interested in the simple things. I tell my children that I don't want kill their imaginations......so, no, you cannot watch TV.


STOP CONFESSING BAD THINGS OVER YOUR CHILD!! "Jimmy has some behavioral issues, but his doctor thinks it might be........" Kids have feelings. AND Satan usese our words.....

Think about that for a second. Kids are HUMAN BEINGS that THINK and FEEL and have different thoughts than everyone else.

This is my main gripe about putting kids on a leash.But honestly, if you treat your child with respect and dignity, he or she is sure to follow. Dogs can be taught; I know children can be.....

If your child is too hyper, some hyperactivity is caused by an allergy. And if this is the case, don't take it out on yourself or anyone else. God made our children just the way they are for a purpose. We just sometimes have to WORK harder to find what it is.....

But throw away that leash. Leashes are for dogs and horses, not children (or cats).

The only time I want to see a harness on a child is when they are on a boat, it it will keep them from falling over the edge. (or maybe you could convince me, at an amusement park......I said, MAYBE!)

Now that I have finished.......do YOU use a leash? I promise--I don't hate you!

take your parents to work day

Free the Leash Kiddies~Part 1

Thanks, Amy !!

Don't put your kids on leashes.

I hate that. Picture this (a few things changed from a REAL story) : Some parent comes from around a corner, lagging behind a small girl, possibly 2-3 years old, on one of those harness leashes. She goes right up to a couple of children at a park, but one strong jerk of the leash, and she was forced to heel to her master. The parent then became consumed in conversation with someone else who was leaving the park. Because the child was on this leash, she ended up entangling the other children as they tried to reach the playground. After a few frustrated attempts at restraining her wanderings (which consisted of sharp jerks on the harness), the exasperated parent picked the girl up by the leash, where she hung in mid-air like on a stage harness. I doubt she is in any pain, but once she realized that she was restrained in mid-air, she began to squeal in frustration. After a few moments of this, the bus-load of kids were now playing at the park, and satisfied that the traffic had slimmed down, she put her back on the sidewalk, where she sat and clawed at the grass between the crack in the sidewalk with her fingers. After a while, she got up, and then got her neck entangled, which made her whine some more. The parent gave an exasperated sigh, and proceeded to angrily untwist the toddler until she was free to roam the circumference of her tether. Finally, the parent realized that the distraction of the toddler jerking at the leash was too much, told her friend they could meet later, and the parent passed, with the toddler anxiously tugging forward like a dog on the chase.



Sarcastically, of course, I used to have a dog like that, but she gained her own independence and sense of self-worth, so I had to put a shock collar on her. She's dead now.



Dogs have leashes. Horses need to be restrained because they don't know better. I guess you could say the same of toddlers. But toddlers evolve into thinking human beings. Leashes are a strong physical restraint from master to servant. They are appropriate on animals. (only some, see cat post)



"But he's so active!" I have heard from parents. "It's a safety harness, to prevent kidnapping," say some others. It really is just a crude, cheap tool used for restraint. For those who have those excuses I have two words for you: Hold hands.





I can argue now....I have four kids! "I don't have four hands?" I know! I know! TEACH them to HOLD EACH OTHERS hands....you know how mommy ducks stay all in a row?? Make the child who is the MOST squirmy hold your hands. I may look like a "sight," but I don't have a leash. AND since I started writing this I have NEVER seen a mom walking her four kids???? Now, THAT would be a sight!!





I take it back..........I guess you just add a few more tethers! UGH!!

"He's hyperactive, that won't work!" I have seen many parents with children who have an excessive amount of energy, even diagnosed by doctors. But I have never seen their children put on a leash or tied to a hitching post. Okay, you don't want to hold a little sweaty hand that has been God-knows-where. I get it! "If I hold hands, they pull away", you say........

TO BE CONTINUED...........

Ice Cream

OOOO, I have a new favorite.

This creamy blend of caramel ice cream with rich caramel swirls balances the sweet crunch of chocolate-covered cone pieces for a harmony of caramel, chocolate and crunch in every bite...................

Yes, I sound like a commercial. Blame my mom!!!!!

HAAGEN DAZS CARAMEL CONE

What's your favorite? Please comment......

Leash Law for Cats

Whoever suggested to extend the leash law to cats, are you worried that you'd be mauled by cats? Have you even tried leashing cats? Or do you even own a cat? I can tell you cats generally don't like leashs, and I believe you are just punishing the cats for being cats! This is nuts" I'm sure people aren't worried about being mauled by a cat, but many people don't appreciate cats using their yards as toilets--I understand to a degree. I can't imagine people walking their cats on leashes. So, what other solutions are there to letting your cat enjoy the outdoors and stay contained in your yard? Honestly, can you really have an outdoor cat, if there is a leash law?

I was informed by the local authorities that I would be fined if they find my cats outside my yard. I cannot imagine getting rid of my cats. I have had them for 9 years, so my only option is to have them back inside my house. ARGH!!

Any solutions? (don't say get rid of them) I really don't like cat litter boxes. My cats used to be indoors, but they have been outside for 4 years. What to do? What to do?

COLORS

Food always lightens the mood. I love to have colorful food; it looks so much more appetizing. I have been trying to eat extra healthy this week, making sure I drink all eight glasses of water, cutting down on the WHITE rice and CARBS........so I made this for lunch.

Something small, but VERY tasty.

*Added: some chicken breast, some fresh basil, some green onions, some sweet bell peppers, a few drops of soy sauce and some GARLIC--nothing fancy!

We Think We are So Clever

God transcends all human comprehension, right?

Keeping in mind that God clearly reveals to us, but He has sovereignly chosen not to reveal some things:

"The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law" (Deuteronomy 29:29).

When I come up with a good anaology to describe something I always think, WOW, that was pretty good. Then I am schocked back into the present and realize that God was probably thinking--"it's about time you got that."

God wants to reveal himself in a way that we understand. He has created things to be a picture of Himself. He designed us to reflect Him--before the world was formed. The revelations we receive, God put into place a LONG time ago; HE meant for it to be that way. NOT that we discovered something new. God's not coming up with new concepts: He WAS and always WILL BE, the SAME, YESTERDAY, TODAY, and FOREVER. We just get the "FUN" of discovering those new things.

The most awesome thing is that believers are priveleged to more information than non-believers. God is confusing to the world. Those remaining in their sins have no "light," and cannot "understand" They have only the barest comprehension of God (Rom. 1-2). God's creation can reveal a lot of who He is. Nothing beyond the general truths can be received apart from God's intervention. The world comprehends things in a way that is "earthly, sensual, devilish" (James 3:15). If the unbeliever would know anything at all of God, this ability must be received of Christ according to His grace.

Again, we cannot completely comprehend God; we do not have that ability. Why? Because He alone is "excellent" in His attributes; how can we possibly comprehend attributes that we cannot even fully define. Again, we cannot uncover what God has hidden, unless He chooses to uncover it. But who wants a God that is perfectly understood? What kind of a "god" would that be? Men "fear" God because much about Him remains a mystery.

I don't mean this to sound like we cannot "know" God; in the New Testament, salvation itself is often referred to as "understanding," "being enlightened," or being "made to see." Jesus, himself, defined the term "eternal life": "And this is life eternal, that they might KNOW thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent" (John 17:3).

Still further, I do not mean that believers cannot understand doctrinal truth. God does not desire ignorance (Romans 10:3; 1 Corinthians 12:1; etc.). The Apostle Paul even gave a rebuke to a group in Hebrews 5:11-14 for not not digging deeper. Anyone using God's mystery as an excuse for unbelief or laziness has gone beyond the teaching of Scripture.

Isn't God awesome? I can never learn enough about Him. The "mystery" is always there.

Was that a heavy Saturday post, or what???

My Husband Rocks~Friday

PAYDAY

What a perfect way to tell you that MY husband rocks, because he is a phenomonal provider!

Cute, too!

This past June marked 9 years of marriage, and I have never gone hungry even ONE day.

Cooking has been a joy over the years, because I have never lacked the ingredients I have needed to cook ANY meal.

I have always had a roof over my head.

OUR HOME

I have always had a great working vehicle.

Pedicures are not a foreign thing to me, and over the years I have been pampered with massages, acrylic nails, facials, etc.

Josh has dreams of making sure I have an account full of money—just for playing.

When I lived in California, I was privileged to have my own line of credit at a local spa.
You know how? My husband would provide monthly landscape maintenance service for her home and office—all, so that I could have my “pampering!”

Josh has a strong work ethic, and I admire that about him. I know that Josh will not neglect providing food and shelter for our family, even if it means he gets a second or third job.

I love you, JOSH , thank you for being an awesome provider.

AND supporting our decision for my being a stay-at-home mom!

Did I Mention......

.....that I am not a blog addict! I know, can you believe it? Maybe because I have "chosen" NOT to click on people's blogs. I cannot START another addiction. I have enough already. I love to read people's interesting stories, but I just do NOT have the time. In fact, I have considered abandoning my own blog, but it almost feels like a crime. O.k. so, blog abandonment is NOT a crime? Phew, how come it still feels like it is? Well, I am purposing not to quit, yet, but I find it very difficult to come up with topics that anyone would want to read about. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO HEAR? I mean, really, my life is not ALL that interesting. If I had someone asking me a question, maybe, I could come up with an intelligent answer.

This past year I have written more than I have in my entire life. I would not consider myself a writer, so it's something that I consider a stretch of my imagination. Learning to be creative is possible. As I explore my own imagination, I can only hope you will stick around to see what comes out.

Li'l Paul

Great and that’s what you are.
Only you have that special place in our heart.
Depend, you can on us.
Special, you are to us.
Obstacles we will pray out of your way.
Never will we forget this day.

Happy 6th Birthday!!

More than 10 inches

I am such a people pleaser, and so is Josh. I have passed this on to all of my children, too! As I realized that I had the perfect opportunity to show Jael how this doesn't have to be something that runs your life.......I was struck with some sadness. My baby girl wanted to cut her curls off, well, not ALL off, but enough. *cry* Papa said he would be sad, but it was Jael's decision. Nana said the same. Daddy said that he would be sad, too! We all like Jael's hair. BUT I realized when she said that she REALLY wanted to cut her hair, but she didn't want to make anyone sad, that I had my chance. I explained that it's good to seek people's advice, if you need help in making a decision. BUT if you want to do something, that is not bad......it's o.k. if others are sad about it.

So, off we went!!

While inside I was cringing and not wanting to make a big deal about something that grows back. I am so happy that she was excited to get her hair cut; she is enjoying taking care of it herself. She needed something a little more manageable. She's not a baby anymore.

Upcoming Elections

It is critical that Christians pray for the coming presidential election. There is amazing power in united prayer. Pray daily until the election. Pray with others whenever possible. The power of prayer can overcome any obstacle or ungodly influence and, indeed, do great things!

If you need some ideas, consider taking one of these Scriptures a week, and pray them every day:

Psalm 32:6-7 - Pray that Christians will be motivated to pray faithfully for this election and that the Lord would deliver us from the wrong leaders.

Psalm 16:7-8 - Pray that the Lord would give wise counsel and guidance to His choice for president in this campaign.

Proverbs 16:13 - Pray that our nation will listen to the truth and not be led astray.

Psalm 18:32-36 - Pray that the Lord would arm the man of His choice with strength; that He would guide him in battle (this election), and that He would sustain him and give him victory.

Hebrews 11:32-34 – Pray that God's man could, through faith, persevere and maintain his courage throughout this election.

Psalm 125 - Pray that those who trust in the Lord will not be shaken.

Psalm 86:14-17 - Pray that the Lord would defeat those who have no regard for Him in this election.

2 Cor. 12:9 – Pray that the Lord would empower and enable his man in any area of weakness.

II Kings 13:16 - Pray that the Lord would put His hands on the man of His choice for president (and his team) and guide them in this election.

Proverbs 1:5-6 - Pray that God's man will listen with discernment, add to his knowledge, and receive wise counsel in this campaign.

John 16:33 - Pray that the man of God's choice would be given wisdom and ability from the Lord to overcome any obstacle or difficulty during this campaign.

Acts 17:30 - Pray for repentance for yourself and for our nation.

Luke 12:54-57 – Pray that God's man and our nation will be discerning and do what is right.

Phil. 4:13 - Pray that the Lord's choice for President will have special strength and unusual ability from God.

Habakkuk 1:5 and 3:2 - Pray that the Lord would do something that would utterly amaze us and give His servant victory.

During the days of Nov. 7 - 11, be encouraged to set aside a time of fasting during these days to commit this election to the Lord in whom we put our trust. Acts 14:23

Remember 2 Chronicle 7:14: 'If my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.'

Being Like Daddy

Waiting in the truck for Mommy to cut his hair!

My husband, Josh, has had his head shaved for years. Abishai, especially, feels that having his head shaved now gives him the "right" to play the Daddy whenever the kids pretend they are a family.

He really did like it, even though he looks unhappy.

Ezekiel is just extremely proud to have his head shaved, because he "talked" Daddy into it, since Mommy thought he was too young. He feels extra old now.

He could not stop laughing......

As it grows back in, I almost miss their excitement when seeing themselves in the mirror or the giggles everytime I would touch their heads. Life is so much fun with kids, when we discover and play with new things. AND not make a big deal about the things that don't matter. Their bald heads will soon go away, but the memories of that moment will last.

Still laughing

Cooking 101

Periodically, I will put pictures of the food I have cooked, as I experiment more and more with my love for food. I know!! My husband laughs at the fact that I have random pictures of food in my camera, but I enjoy cooking. If I make a meal that I thought was going to look ugly, and it turns out better than I thought, then I take a picture.

Artichoke Chicken with Orzo Pasta
Green Salad

Muscles

I really do like big arm muscles! My husband has some nice arm muscles; I don't know what it is about them. If you have strong arm muscles you can carry a lot? You can fight better? Save me from danger?

I was telling my Abishai how much I love muscles.....

Etsy

I have no idea what I am doing!! I would love to earn a little bit of money, so we will see if I can sell my apron. If I can, then maybe I will make more and sell those, too! Thanks, Mom, for having me put it on Etsy.

One of my family visions

A Standers Affirmation

I AM STANDING FOR THE HEALING OF MY MARRIAGE!!! I will not give up, give in, give out or give over 'til that healing takes place. I made a vow, I said the words, I gave the pledge, I gave a ring, I took a ring, I gave myself, I trusted GOD, and said the words, and meant the words... in sickness and in health, in sorrow and in joy, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in good times and in bad...so I am standing NOW, and will not sit down, let down, slow down, calm down, fall down, look down or be down 'til the breakdown is torn down!


I refuse to put my eyes on outward circumstances, or listen to prophets of doom, or buy into what is trendy, worldly, popular, convenient, easy, quick, thrifty, or advantageous...nor will I settle for a cheap imitation of God's real thing, nor will I seek to lower God's standard, twist God's will, rewrite God's word, violate God's covenant, or accept what God hates, namely divorce!


In a world of filth, I will stay pure; surrounded by lies I will speak the truth; where hopelessness abounds, I will hope in God: where revenge is easier, I will bless instead of curse; and where the odds are stacked against me, I will trust in God's faithfulness.


I am a STANDER, and I will not acquiesce, compromise, quarrel or quit.. I have made the choice, set my face, entered the race, believed the Word, and trusted God for all the outcome.


I will allow neither the reaction of my spouse, nor the urging of my friends, nor the advice of my loved ones, nor economic hardship, nor the prompting of the devil to make me let up, slow up, blow up, or give up 'til my marriage is healed.

- Author Unknown

Here I go again!

Fear of failure/God's Strength

Here I go again, bare with me--please!

Does fear of failing get in your way of success? Trial and error are usually the prime means of solving life's problems. Yet many people are afraid to undertake the trial because they're too afraid of experiencing the error. What happens if at some point in your life you succeeded but NOW you have begun to fail? People make the mistake of believing that all error is wrong and harmful, when most of it is both helpful and necessary. Error provides the feedback that points the way to success. Only error pushes people to put together a new and better trial, leading through yet more errors and trials until they can ultimately find a viable and creative solution. To meet with an error is not to fail, but to take one more step on the path to final success. If we never fail we will never succeed. God can speak to us through our failures, just as much as he can speak to us through our successes. Do we really want to listen? Are we allowing our failures to keep us from our destiny?

If God gives you a passion about something and you never go for it because you wouldn't want to fail, then do you really have a passion about it? Passion drives us to accomplish the goals we have. Do you have goals? When you KNOW what God wants, and you choose not do it are you sinning? Uh, Yes! Even if it's not a SIN issue? Yes! What is God speaking to you, that you have allowed fear of failure to stop you from accomplishing? Some of those things could scare even the most "successful" person. BUT God is giving it to YOU. What are YOU doing with those things God has spoken to only YOU?

We have all heard that weaknesses can become strengths, but the opposite is true also. Every strength can become a weakness. Many of you might be saying, "I don't struggle with failure!" You might say, "I always succeed at what I put my mind to!" Well, it can become a handicap if you have never failed. Failure in our life helps us to overcome--with God's help. When success drives you--gradually, failure becomes unthinkable. Maybe you've never failed yet in anything that you've done, so have no experience of rising above it. Failure becomes the supreme nightmare: a frightful horror you must avoid at any cost. The simplest way to do this is never to take a risk. Stick rigidly to what you know you can do. Protect your butt. Work the longest hours. Double and triple check everything. Be the most conscientious and conservative person in the universe. Life involves taking risks!!! It makes life exciting. Are you really a success, if you NEVER step out a do something outside your comfort zone? I believe if you are a true success; your life WILL be marked with failure. You are not a FAILURE, unless you have allowed it to label who you are. Change your thinking.

I was reading a book the other day which had a phrase in it about how grace should define our Christian walk. It has stuck with me, and it's not even what the book was about. Grace comes through what we CANNOT accomplish. That is FAILURE! God never intended for us to be perfect. If He had--what's the point of grace? Grace helps us ACCOMPLISH things that we would otherwise fail to accomplish?

Did I make any sense? I just want more of us to realize that it's not US that should be living but Christ THROUGH us. He can give us the strength to accomplish those things we need to accomplish. If we rely on Him; He will help us through. Life will teach us, but not doing something because we might fail is such a sad existence for a Christian. Deciding to not do what you know is what God wants-- because you might fail......means your strength is in YOU, not in HIM!

Let your strength be in Him, and you can feel God's grace cover your failures. AND God's grace helping you be a SUCCESS. If our strength is in Him, we can only succeed. God wants us to learn a lesson in every failure, if we are learning those lessons then we are a success, even in failures. There is a treasure in everything we go through; are you finding it?

'til death do us part

My Rant:

No one ever imagines that marriage could bring about burdens that you never expected to encounter. So many books abound for those whose marriages are crumbling or have ended. But what about those marriages committed "til death do us part" and yet are going through a period of time when one spouse is carrying the burden? What happens to a woman when marriage gets heavy and she gets weary? What happens to the man who feels that his wife has now shut down? Often, when a woman ends up carrying the weight of the marriage (due to her husband's health, choices, workload, etc.), her tendency is to "get out or check out." She may consider her husband's distraction an opportunity to do her own thing. But is there a better way to walk through this season? Even thrive?

What happens when you go to counseling and you are told you're crazy? Who can help you discern how anxiety and anger will slow you down; and how loneliness and disappointment can actually refine and bless you? Who is there to challenge and inspire as you wrap your arms around this time and remember that God has His arms around you?

Is this a lonely road? I wonder if the reason marriages are falling apart at an alarming rate is because no one is there to tell them it CAN be done. The road might be long and hard, but God says the FAITHFUL will be rewarded. It CAN be done!

So many people have forgotten that God HATES divorce. This is not a matter of adultry, bad health, work choices, gorwing apart etc. All of these things are VERY damaging, but do they allow a person to break covenant?

It is distressing that the divorce rate among professing Christians is nearly as high as that of the unbelieving world. The Bible makes it abundantly clear that God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16) and that reconciliation and forgiveness should be the marks of a believer's life (Luke 11:4; Ephesians 4:32). However, God recognizes that divorces will occur, even among His children. A divorced and/or remarried believer should not feel any less loved by God.
Many people have been counseled with the exception clause of Matthew 19:9. God often uses even the sinful disobedience of Christians to accomplish great good. My mom has been a wonderful example of a woman who has divorced, but she still acknowledges that it was a sin. I don't mean to sound harsh.
I speak out of a broken heart, not out of a judgemental one. I have been faced with many obstacles in my marriage. What do you do when the decision is not yours? Are you still married even if you have been legally divorced, against your will?
I am not saying that God has no mercy, but I believe that we MISS the part in Matthew 19. I did it on purpose to show you what most people do when reading that verse!! What happened to verse 7-8? The people asked Jesus WHY Moses allowed divorce; Jesus replied with, "Moses because of the hardeness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but FROM THE BEGINNING IT WAS NOT SO." It was not His original plan; it was our bitterness. I can see how easily that can creep in--believe me!

What happened to "let no man put asunder"? I honestly ask myself these questions when I get discouraged or frustrated. Maybe there is very little help out there for how to go through things alone, but if we are focused on God and who He wants us to be then we have a clear cut path. As we seek after God and who He wants us to become then we see more clearly that our hearts must stay soft. If our heart stay soft then bitterness has no place. God's original plan can work!!

This is a road I am traveling, and I pray that you find encouragement in every battle you face. God is there, and He wants only the best for you!

Thanks for reading my rant!!

Feel free to add any and all comments--I love to see how people react. Please do not be offended--as I grow I realize how hard things can be to "swallow!" I have a hard time, too!

As a Mother of Four

The Price of Children

This is just too good not to pass on to all. Something absolutely positive for a change. I have repeatedly seen the breakdown of the cost of raising a child, but this is the first time I have seen the rewards listed this way. It's nice.

The government recently calculated the cost of raising a child from birth to 18 and came up with $160,140 for a middle income family. Talk about sticker shock! That doesn't even touch college tuition.

But $160,140 isn't so bad if you break it down. It translates into:

* $8,896.66 a year,

* $741.38 a month, or

* $171.08 a week.

* That's a mere $24.24 a day!

* Just over a dollar an hour.

Still, you might think the best financial advice is don't have children if you want to be "rich."
Actually, it is just the opposite. What do you get for your $160,140?

* Naming rights. First, middle, and last!
* Glimpses of God every day.
* Giggles under the covers every night.
* More love than your heart can hold.
* Butterfly kisses and Velcro hugs.
* Endless wonder over rocks, ants, clouds, and warm cookies.
*A hand to hold, usually covered with jelly or chocolate.
*A partner for blowing bubbles, flying kites
* Someone to laugh yourself silly with, no matter what the boss said or how your stocks performed that day.

For $160,140, you never have to grow up. You get to:
* finger-paint,
* carve pumpkins,
* play hide-and-seek,
* catch lightning bugs, and
* never stop believing in Santa C! laus.

You have an excuse to:
* keep reading the Adventures of Piglet and Pooh,
* watching Saturday morning cartoons,
* going to Disney movies, and
* wishing on stars.
* You get to frame rainbows, hearts, and flowers under refrigerator magnets and collect spray painted noodle wreaths for Christmas, hand prints set in clay for Mother's Day, and cards with backward letters for Father's Day.

For $160,140, there is no greater bang for your buck. You get to be a hero just for:
* retrieving a Frisbee off the garage roof,
* taking the training wheels off a bike,
* removing a splinter,
* filling a wading pool,
* coaxing a wad of gum out of bangs, and coaching a baseball team that never wins but always gets treated to ice cream or pizza regardless.

You get a front row seat to history, to witness the:
* first step,
* first word,
* first bra,
* first date, and
* first time behind the wheel.

You get to be immortal. You get another branch added to your family tree, and if you're lucky, a long list of limbs in your obituary called grandchildren and great grandchildren. You get an education in psychology, nursing, criminal justice, communications, and human sexuality that no college can match.

In the eyes of a child, you rank right up there under God. You have all the power to heal a boo-boo, scare away the monsters under the bed, patch a broken heart, police a slumber party, ground them forever, and love them without limits. So, one day they will, like you, love without counting the cost. That is quite a deal for the price!!!!!!

How to....

A HOW TO.....


Putting on the armor can be such an indivudual thing; putting it ON is the most important thing. BUT remembering what you are protecting is a wonderful way to pray through putting on the armor. Here is an example:

Lord, you promise that we can stand strong in any battle if we put on your full armor. I put on your sturdy belt of truth. Teach me your truth, and as your belt rests securely around my waist, I will always come back to that foundation. May I always trust that you are "the way, the truth, and the life".

As I put on the breastplate of righteousness, help me to hold on to the truth that you died for me. Help me to understand the price you paid to bring me to you because that price provided righteousness, right standing with you. Strengthen and motivate me to stay strong for you. Keep my heart guarded and sensitive to You.

As I shod my feet with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace. I pray that the peace that comes from the Good News would give me a constant readiness to handle whatever comes. I can be fully prepared for battle because I have the peace of knowing that victory will always be his in Christ. When Satan attempts to disturb my inner peace, give me the ability to hold tightly to the peace that come through your Good News.

Thank You Lord, for the shield of faith. Help me to put on the shield of faith everyday to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked ones. May your shield of faith always protect me.

Lord, you give your people the helmet of salvation to protect us. I put on the helmet of salvation to guard my thoughts and mind even as difficulties come and doubts attempt to creep in. I will be secured in the knowledge of eternal salvation and protected from those who would attempt to destroy that hope.

Lord, thank you for the Bible, the sword of the spirit. When I read your word, allow your Holy Spirit to enlighten my mind to understand what I read and teach me how to apply to my life everyday. Give me wisdom to use your word correctly when Satan attacks with his twisted truth.

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances Ephesians 6:13-15

The Whole Armor

Put on the WHOLE armor


Ephesians 6

When a boxer (fighter) is trained he is told that their are risks to fighting. I can imagine they are also told that they could get hurt or experience pain. I man is trained how to protect himself. I am sure he is even told to wear a cup; I doubt he has to be reminded to put it one--because it is valuable to him not to get "hit where it counts!" Now, every time he fights does he get hit there? Nope! But do you think he is going to risk not putting it on? I can even imagine his coach is not going to remind him every time, because he figures he has been told enough and it’s seems logical to remember the consequence of forgetting. Ask any man if he wants to get hit there. IF he is going to be in a situation where the chances are likely; he’s probably going to instinctively want protection.

When my kids go out in the snow or cold winter air, I remind them to get a coat. Sometimes it might not be cold enough to even wear the coat. When we leave our house in the afternoon and we aren’t coming back until dark we should know from experience that it will most likely be colder. At some point, I will stop reminding them it’s cold outside. Already, Jael and Abishai will remind ZQ to get his coat. I have told them over and over again.

God’s given us protection, too! (From the cold, from the pain, from the hurts, from the blows) Can He protect us without it, of course! Does His mercy provide protection? Of course! BUT are we not putting on the armor because we are counting on Him to do His part without us doing ours? At some point as a parent He is going to let us have our lesson, too. How hard does it have to be for us to learn? If we have had some battles and still forget our armor.....I am wondering if one too many battles without a helmet has caused the insanity.

Ask God to remove the temporary insanity and get YOUR helmet on!! We have to stop thinking our muscles are strong enough to withstand any fight. They might be strong in some areas, but you don’t know until it’s too late that you forgot something. Don’t get knocked out one-time when you should have just had your armor.

A police officer can still get shot even with armor on--sometimes he might even have blood, most often a bruise. The armor protected the most important part. With a shot in the bullet proof armor the wind might even get knocked out of him. Going into battle doesn’t mean we won’t get hurt or bruised, or get the wind knocked out of us, but life is a fight. Without armor, we run the risk of death. How simple to just do what makes sense? We should get to the point where we instinctively put our armor on EVERY DAY!

Let’s say we never need it or use it--tell THAT to the person who’s life was saved by it! Don’t risk coming that close to death to appreciate your God-given protection.

As I have said before--we have to know our opponent. He is sneaking around seeing WHO he can devour easiest. Don’t let it be you!

Standing Up

Standing Up


I get so worn out. I don’t even know how to put into words how my emotions can get so frazzled. I do really well for a long time; I don’t react to the attacks of Satan other than through prayer.....but then all of a sudden, I just lose it. What is this? Well, it’s another attack of Satan that I somehow justified with feeling sorry for myself. Instead of realizing that Satan was trying to attack again, I gave in to my pity party.

Satan is REAL; he is out trying to destroy God’s people. He wants to destroy the destiny that God has placed in each of us. I am getting a better understanding of how much of a FRONTAL attack he has put in place. Look around.....why is it that so many people that you "would never have guessed" are falling away? How is it that someone who unquestionably has felt the presence of God can walk away? Is it that we don’t really know what the true presence of God really is? Can you be in God’s presence and WALK away? Isn’t God’s glory transforming?

I do think that we can be in God’s presence and know Him and then walk away. You know why......because we allowed Satan to sneak in. He is deceitful, and we don’t always see it until it’s too late!!! Stay in prayer. Ask the Lord to remove the blinders from your eyes. Ask Him to reveal to us the ways we are being attacked. We cannot go around being afraid of the enemy. He IS a big enemy, but God is bigger. We cannot go around ignorant of WHO he is. He is the DESTROYER OF DESTINY.

I am fed up with his attempts to destroy me.....are you?

Transferring over some things.....

I honestly forgot that I posted a blog! Oops!
I sometimes blog on Facebook,
so I am going to transfer some things over.
I will TRY to remember to blog, once in a while.

Fishing

I enjoy fishing, a lot! I have the best memories of fishing here in Colorado. I hope that we can catch some fish, so that the kids will have fun, too! When Papa came for a short visit this past week we decided to spend the afternoon fishing. It was a relaxing day.

Ezekiel was definitely the cutest. I kept HAVING to tell him to stay OUT of the grass, but it didn't stop him from enjoying every minute of our fishing trip. We don't have fishing poles for all of the kids, which I am fine with that arrangement. The kids scare me with their hooks. Anyway, ZQ (Ezekiel) found a stick and started putting some bait on it. Once I realized what he was doing I put some string and a bobber on it. He did a great job "fishing!" He would have done even better if Jael had not continued to remind him that he had no hook, and you can't catch fish without a hook. It was a great day!

First Day of School

Josh kept wanting me to start early since the kids were so anxious to start school. I decided it was best to keep with my "schedule" and keep the kids excited. They were definitely ready. Jael finished her reading lessons, and she has been doing excellently. Abishai is doing very well in writing, but he has to learn what letters he is writing.



Jael asked me what we do on Saturdays and Sunday for school, and it was the cutest reaction. "Oh, I love days with no school!!" This was coming from someone who has never HAD full school days; how does she know what it's like to have no school days? I look forward to what this year holds!