Monday, October 27, 2008
Feeling a bit like Job
"But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold."
Job 23:10 (NIV)
How long has it been?? To long. What has been going on? Where to begin…Dave started a government job YEAH! Federal. Better!! Half the pay. Excuse me? Yup, and I’m told that it’s because of his experience in the Army that he got pay THAT good! Doesn’t take the sting out the clipping though. All in all we have been doing well…prospering even. My Mary Kay business has been growing! Kind of on its own; Cecily and Nicole’s academics have been wonderful. That’s a TOTAL miracle! Not to do anything with my girls but their teacher (me) is a total lunatic with all the crazy stuff I have going on! Dave says I’d doing too much but for the life of me I can’t find anything that I can cut! And like I said somehow the girls are prospering! Perhaps it is just preparing them for the stress of life and college learning how to cram and complete school work a day or two before it’s due. Running from one mad errand to another! We are also fighting over the favorite computer (mine). Well, somehow between school and work and errands I am also meeting up with old long lost friends! I met up with one of my girlfriends whom I haven’t seen since high school. She now lives; get this, in North Carolina! What a hoot! I never knew!
Job 23:10 (NIV)
How long has it been?? To long. What has been going on? Where to begin…Dave started a government job YEAH! Federal. Better!! Half the pay. Excuse me? Yup, and I’m told that it’s because of his experience in the Army that he got pay THAT good! Doesn’t take the sting out the clipping though. All in all we have been doing well…prospering even. My Mary Kay business has been growing! Kind of on its own; Cecily and Nicole’s academics have been wonderful. That’s a TOTAL miracle! Not to do anything with my girls but their teacher (me) is a total lunatic with all the crazy stuff I have going on! Dave says I’d doing too much but for the life of me I can’t find anything that I can cut! And like I said somehow the girls are prospering! Perhaps it is just preparing them for the stress of life and college learning how to cram and complete school work a day or two before it’s due. Running from one mad errand to another! We are also fighting over the favorite computer (mine). Well, somehow between school and work and errands I am also meeting up with old long lost friends! I met up with one of my girlfriends whom I haven’t seen since high school. She now lives; get this, in North Carolina! What a hoot! I never knew!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
2 Corinthians 4:7-10 NASB
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves;
we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing;
persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;
always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.
It has been busy around the Phillips/Orwan/Ziegler home these past few weeks. Work to be done, school to be accomplished, potty training and any number of other dispatches in-between. I look back at the whirlwind of activity any wonder at how it all got done! Somehow the girls are receiving an education, groceries are acquired, and the house gets clean. Of course with seven people, three dogs and five cats I do use the term “clean” loosely! But, the point is that somehow God has granted enough of whatever it is that we need to see us through each day. Not without some challenge and sometimes grumbles; there has certainly been some stressful moments as we struggle to incorporate 7 souls and two houses into one all while adjusting to a new area and everything else. God Is SOOOO gracious and He is SOOOOOOOOOOO faithful - He has provided. Basic news; we are still visiting churches in our area but have decided on what youth groups to be a part of – there are two different ones. Schooling in Pennsylvania is a challenge because of the organization it requires of me – which for those of you who know me well is self explanatory! David got a job! First he took a job at Sam’s club then the Federal job came through. He will begin next week – we are excited about that. He continues to work on his bachelors, and keeping a good grade average.
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves;
we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing;
persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;
always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.
It has been busy around the Phillips/Orwan/Ziegler home these past few weeks. Work to be done, school to be accomplished, potty training and any number of other dispatches in-between. I look back at the whirlwind of activity any wonder at how it all got done! Somehow the girls are receiving an education, groceries are acquired, and the house gets clean. Of course with seven people, three dogs and five cats I do use the term “clean” loosely! But, the point is that somehow God has granted enough of whatever it is that we need to see us through each day. Not without some challenge and sometimes grumbles; there has certainly been some stressful moments as we struggle to incorporate 7 souls and two houses into one all while adjusting to a new area and everything else. God Is SOOOO gracious and He is SOOOOOOOOOOO faithful - He has provided. Basic news; we are still visiting churches in our area but have decided on what youth groups to be a part of – there are two different ones. Schooling in Pennsylvania is a challenge because of the organization it requires of me – which for those of you who know me well is self explanatory! David got a job! First he took a job at Sam’s club then the Federal job came through. He will begin next week – we are excited about that. He continues to work on his bachelors, and keeping a good grade average.
Monday, September 8, 2008
बुस्य life
Sorry it has been so long since I’ve last posted…school started and it has just been crazy around here! In the past three weeks lots of stuff has happened; we are waiting now on confirmation of David’s job, Cecily & Nicole have signed up with a youth group and are excited about it. I will have my Mary Kay debut this coming Tuesday, Grace and I started MOPS, Cecily & Nicole are helping put in classrooms and hoping to attract possible babysitting opportunities. We have not yet decided on a church but have started to visit Susquehanna Valley Evangelical Free Church. I recall, in North Carolina, when we were looking for a church and God showed me His vast riches. It was like He was showing off “See my children?” He would say as he moved us from place to place. It was finally the youth group at ALBC that sold us – don’t get me wrong I loved the worship and Pastor Jeff, well; there is only one Pastor Jeff! But the fact is if it hadn’t been for the structure of Pastor Phil’s youth we could have easily chosen a church closer to where we lived. I’m so glad we didn’t. Now, I feel God is doing it again. Once again we are faced with the question of where can we serve and grow. Where do we fit? Once again it will come down to the youth.
In the meantime I have begun to keep a prayer journal (again) this time I have added “promise verses” they are simply verses that “speech” to me. Yesterday for my children I wrote:
Philippians 2:13 “For it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” For another category John 15:16 [Jesus speaking] “You did not choose me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give you.”
In the meantime I have begun to keep a prayer journal (again) this time I have added “promise verses” they are simply verses that “speech” to me. Yesterday for my children I wrote:
Philippians 2:13 “For it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” For another category John 15:16 [Jesus speaking] “You did not choose me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give you.”
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Friday, August 15, 2008
Massive Monster Meltdown
It was a REALLY busy day! First my good friend June traveled all the way up here from North Carolina to support me (maybe breath life into) my Mary Kay business! She brought along her daughter Anastasia much to Cecily’s delight!
Earlier that day our new dentist called and told us he had an opening to see the girls for a regular exam. I jumped at it. One more chore off my “to do” list! While there Grace went potty. She had been doing REALLY well with this because we give her the right bribe-bubble gum! Except, lately she has been swallowing her gum instead of throwing it in the trash; I believe it’s just out of laziness. Anyway, I had told her that she wasn’t going to get bubble gum anymore because of this problem and the fact that we have enough problems with constipation we don’t need to do anything to aggravate the situation. Tell this to a 3 year old in the dentist office before she has seen him. Grace doesn’t like anyone in a white jacket or who wares scrubs! Her answer to me was “but I peeped in the potty” really don’t you get it? I tried to appease her with stickers. She threw them down; she didn’t want no sticken sticker! One of the dental workers came by and said (this really gets me) “The dentist doesn’t like you to chew gum because IT’S BAD FOR YOUR TEETH” WOW! That REALLY helped! Grace doesn’t care what the dentist thinks about chewing gum - I don’t care what the dentist thinks about chewing gum! She said this THREE times…three times. By then Grace was in the beginning stages of whine and headed for scream. I took her to another room and placed her in timeout. She thought it was no big deal – she didn’t want me anyway. I didn’t give her gum. Now she was going into her own little world where she disengaged from us. I saw that being alone was not what she needed so I pulled her into my lap. She released her venom on me. Screaming to the world her anger and hate at the unfairness of not receiving gum when it was clear that she deserved to be rewarded. Both Cecily and Nicole saw the hygienist and dentist while Grace raged and I held her. She tried to pull away; she told me she didn’t need me that she was angry with me. She screamed for help she said that I hurt her. She told me she wanted a new mommy and I held her. Not since Cecily did I have to hold like this at one point I was sure she was going to bite me but she maintained a form of control. I am blessed to have such a strong willed little one – she will develop leadership skills and not easily follow the crowd!
Earlier that day our new dentist called and told us he had an opening to see the girls for a regular exam. I jumped at it. One more chore off my “to do” list! While there Grace went potty. She had been doing REALLY well with this because we give her the right bribe-bubble gum! Except, lately she has been swallowing her gum instead of throwing it in the trash; I believe it’s just out of laziness. Anyway, I had told her that she wasn’t going to get bubble gum anymore because of this problem and the fact that we have enough problems with constipation we don’t need to do anything to aggravate the situation. Tell this to a 3 year old in the dentist office before she has seen him. Grace doesn’t like anyone in a white jacket or who wares scrubs! Her answer to me was “but I peeped in the potty” really don’t you get it? I tried to appease her with stickers. She threw them down; she didn’t want no sticken sticker! One of the dental workers came by and said (this really gets me) “The dentist doesn’t like you to chew gum because IT’S BAD FOR YOUR TEETH” WOW! That REALLY helped! Grace doesn’t care what the dentist thinks about chewing gum - I don’t care what the dentist thinks about chewing gum! She said this THREE times…three times. By then Grace was in the beginning stages of whine and headed for scream. I took her to another room and placed her in timeout. She thought it was no big deal – she didn’t want me anyway. I didn’t give her gum. Now she was going into her own little world where she disengaged from us. I saw that being alone was not what she needed so I pulled her into my lap. She released her venom on me. Screaming to the world her anger and hate at the unfairness of not receiving gum when it was clear that she deserved to be rewarded. Both Cecily and Nicole saw the hygienist and dentist while Grace raged and I held her. She tried to pull away; she told me she didn’t need me that she was angry with me. She screamed for help she said that I hurt her. She told me she wanted a new mommy and I held her. Not since Cecily did I have to hold like this at one point I was sure she was going to bite me but she maintained a form of control. I am blessed to have such a strong willed little one – she will develop leadership skills and not easily follow the crowd!
Hosea 2: 15
There I will give her back her vineyards, and will make the Valley of Achor a door of hope. There she will sing as in the days of her youth, as in the day she came up out of Egypt
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
My Homework
Psalms 139:7-10 says, "Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me."
I’m doing this for my friend June. It is my homework; name 10 positive things about me. They don’t necessarily need to be true to my life right now but the ideal of how I want my life to be…Proverbs 31:10 – 30 “An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax, and works like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar. She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens. She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong. She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night. She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet. She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant. Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women have done excellently but you have surpassed them all.’ Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Love her, hate her – my goal is to BE her. It may take an entire lifetime! Anyway, back to my homework. I am to speak these things into my life.
1. I spend each day beginning with a personal quiet time devoted to the LORD
2. I spend my time wisely
3. I look after and maintain the well being of my home
4. I look for creative and fun ways to educate my children
5. I maintain the harmony of my surroundings
6. I am well grounded in the scriptures
7. Others look to me for guidance and direction
8. I am wise and have discernment
9. I am generous
10. Strength and dignity are my clothing
I’m doing this for my friend June. It is my homework; name 10 positive things about me. They don’t necessarily need to be true to my life right now but the ideal of how I want my life to be…Proverbs 31:10 – 30 “An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax, and works like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar. She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens. She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong. She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night. She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet. She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant. Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women have done excellently but you have surpassed them all.’ Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Love her, hate her – my goal is to BE her. It may take an entire lifetime! Anyway, back to my homework. I am to speak these things into my life.
1. I spend each day beginning with a personal quiet time devoted to the LORD
2. I spend my time wisely
3. I look after and maintain the well being of my home
4. I look for creative and fun ways to educate my children
5. I maintain the harmony of my surroundings
6. I am well grounded in the scriptures
7. Others look to me for guidance and direction
8. I am wise and have discernment
9. I am generous
10. Strength and dignity are my clothing
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Homesteading
Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?" (Jeremiah 32:27)
"For we walk by faith, not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NKJV)
Psalms 27: 1- 4
The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread?
When evildoers came upon me to devour my flesh, My adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell.
Though a host encamp against me, My heart will not fear; Though war arise against me, In {spite of} this I shall be confident.
One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek: 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 meditate in His temple
Today I will of some photos of the house. It only looks remote we are really just about 15 minutes from anywhere. Dave has done some trimming and weed whacking. There is poison ivy EVERYWHERE. We have encountered some strange bugs and the occasional snack. It’s a toss up of which one is more unnerving. At least so far the snacks have kept themselves outside – can’t say the same for the bugs!
New news; I have become a Mary Kay consultant! WOOO WHOOO! Any Make-up/ skin care needs out there?? We should talk!
"For we walk by faith, not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NKJV)
Psalms 27: 1- 4
The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread?
When evildoers came upon me to devour my flesh, My adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell.
Though a host encamp against me, My heart will not fear; Though war arise against me, In {spite of} this I shall be confident.
One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek: 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 meditate in His temple
Today I will of some photos of the house. It only looks remote we are really just about 15 minutes from anywhere. Dave has done some trimming and weed whacking. There is poison ivy EVERYWHERE. We have encountered some strange bugs and the occasional snack. It’s a toss up of which one is more unnerving. At least so far the snacks have kept themselves outside – can’t say the same for the bugs!
New news; I have become a Mary Kay consultant! WOOO WHOOO! Any Make-up/ skin care needs out there?? We should talk!
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Grace Mercy and Love
Psalm 20
May The LORD answer you in the day of trouble! May the name of the God of Jacob protect you! May he send you help from the sanctuary and give you support from Zion! May he remember all your offerings and regard with favor your burnt sacrifices! Selah. May he grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans! May we shout for joy over your salvation and in the name of our God set up our banners! May the LORD fulfill all your petitions! Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed; he will answer him from his holy heaven with the saving might of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright. O LORD, save the king! May he answer us when we call!
Two nights ago Grace handed me the Bible and asked me to read. This is what I read. Now I am not one of those people who open up the Bible a immediately believe God is speaking directly to me but in this instance, because the message was so profound to what I am going through, I think He might have had a word for me. I have a wonderful friend who tells me to look in the mirror and know that God loves me; not just a little bit – He’s CRAZY in love with me. He loves me from the tip of my toes to the very top of my head despite my flaws and manic moments. God LOVES me! He has blessed me beyond measure – certainly more than I deserve and patiently tutors me with loving, albeit firm, kindness.
May The LORD answer you in the day of trouble! May the name of the God of Jacob protect you! May he send you help from the sanctuary and give you support from Zion! May he remember all your offerings and regard with favor your burnt sacrifices! Selah. May he grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans! May we shout for joy over your salvation and in the name of our God set up our banners! May the LORD fulfill all your petitions! Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed; he will answer him from his holy heaven with the saving might of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright. O LORD, save the king! May he answer us when we call!
Two nights ago Grace handed me the Bible and asked me to read. This is what I read. Now I am not one of those people who open up the Bible a immediately believe God is speaking directly to me but in this instance, because the message was so profound to what I am going through, I think He might have had a word for me. I have a wonderful friend who tells me to look in the mirror and know that God loves me; not just a little bit – He’s CRAZY in love with me. He loves me from the tip of my toes to the very top of my head despite my flaws and manic moments. God LOVES me! He has blessed me beyond measure – certainly more than I deserve and patiently tutors me with loving, albeit firm, kindness.
Friday, July 18, 2008
One of THOSE days
Have you ever had one of those days? Last week was one of those days… only longer. Presser. It was horrible. Stress. It came to an all time high. I can’t be everything for everyone. So I blew. Dave and I began to wonder if we have down the right thing moving up here. We had thought that this was God’s will for our lives but now we aren’t so sure. Thinking about it Dave could have very easily stepped into a new job. One that paid well and wouldn’t have had to move at all (even though I wanted a bigger place) we would have had no one else to worry about, no discussions about where things would go, and we would not have had to find a new church or explain why we are not going to my mother’s church. We have been feeling very isolated. Dave told me that he spoke to his mother more in North Carolina (465 miles away) than here in Pennsylvania (15 minutes away). Anyway all these feelings just kind of boiled over. Sunday we went to New Love in Christ Church and the Sunday school teacher began to read out of John 6 (can’t tell you the verses) I started to cry. Now that I reread John 6 I can’t tell you why but at the time it was like God was saying your doing the right thing. He never once said life would be easy. Never once did He say living in HIS will would be smooth. In fact, He (Jesus) promised the exact opposite.
John 14:27, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."(NIV)
John 14:27, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."(NIV)
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Rainey days and Beach dreams
As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. --Psalm 18:30 New International Version
He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. --Philippians 1:6 New International Version
The dust that is settling has turned into mud! Rain 5 days in a row…in a row! Not just the nice, comforting drizzling summer rain, no this was torrential down pours! We live down a dirt lane. Enough said.
I said last time that we were going to visit a new church; it took us two weeks to go. We enjoyed it very much! The Sunday school small group was wonderful – NO BORING curriculum! Just the Bible – discussing Acts: Class interaction was wonderful. The church itself is located in an old high school building. The sanctuary is the old auditorium; they have a gymnasium and tons of classrooms! We did not get a true feel for the youth because they left that day on a mission trip. We are told that there are approximately 20 kids in the youth. An added bonus was that it is only 5 minutes away! WOW what a concept! The worship service was nice too although clearly not what we’re used to. The church is MUCH smaller than Arran Lake with about 200 people in attendance and the pastor, while good, was clearly not pastor Jeff. I say these things not in judgment but merely to describe and give our impression of it. The worship service we attended was more contemporary in style – something that we were looking for. While being a small church we were impressed with the amount of ministries available. If you are interested I have included a link to New Love in Christ Church's website: http://www.newlovecc.com/index.html
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."
Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)
He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. --Philippians 1:6 New International Version
The dust that is settling has turned into mud! Rain 5 days in a row…in a row! Not just the nice, comforting drizzling summer rain, no this was torrential down pours! We live down a dirt lane. Enough said.
I said last time that we were going to visit a new church; it took us two weeks to go. We enjoyed it very much! The Sunday school small group was wonderful – NO BORING curriculum! Just the Bible – discussing Acts: Class interaction was wonderful. The church itself is located in an old high school building. The sanctuary is the old auditorium; they have a gymnasium and tons of classrooms! We did not get a true feel for the youth because they left that day on a mission trip. We are told that there are approximately 20 kids in the youth. An added bonus was that it is only 5 minutes away! WOW what a concept! The worship service was nice too although clearly not what we’re used to. The church is MUCH smaller than Arran Lake with about 200 people in attendance and the pastor, while good, was clearly not pastor Jeff. I say these things not in judgment but merely to describe and give our impression of it. The worship service we attended was more contemporary in style – something that we were looking for. While being a small church we were impressed with the amount of ministries available. If you are interested I have included a link to New Love in Christ Church's website: http://www.newlovecc.com/index.html
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."
Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)
Friday, June 27, 2008
The dust is settling
Well I believe that the dust of moving is beginning to settle. WOW, what an exhausting process! Who knew that when we first begun that it would take this long. We were able to get away for vacation; actually we made it happen. The stress load was enormous and things were beginning to ware us down. Today things are looking much brighter - I have my desk top computer back! JOY! No longer do I need to wait until Dave is finished with his homework or rush through Email! Once again I can leisurely browse web sites and blogs! Thank You Jesus for this simple pleasure! We are also whittling away at all the duplicates in this house. Gone are the extra range, washer & Dryer – YEAH! Nearly gone are the old and broken furnishings & the metal scraps are almost all collected. The electric wiring has been updated - only one area needs to be completed…Cecily’s computer needs an electrical outlet. I anticipate that to be done next week. It is good to have a nephew who is an electrician! I also hope to unpack and organize my school area next week. The only thing still needing to be removed down there is a worn out sofa sleeper. It really is happening. No news on selling my house in Fayetteville. Our realtor says that it is just getting out in their magazines so hopefully it will sell soon. Until then…
We had been expecting a check but for some reason FedEx has a difficult time finding us. Interestingly the mail man has no such problems! Not rain, nor sleet, nor off the beaten path will deter him from brining us our bills! A neighbor gave my nephew the check today. Why he kept it for a week I will never know but that is alright things are becoming straight. The Lord has told me to wait and I’m doing so but not without just a little nail biting! Monday Dave will go to the career officer and hopefully he will put in a résumé.
The girls have been really good sports through all of this; we’ve only had a few emotional overloads. Amazing considering that they have moved from the only home they ever really knew. Cecily and Nikki are working really hard and Grace is directing the progress! Dave and I are constantly amazed by them.
We continue to search for a church. I have met many wonderful people so far. I met a nice couple about two weeks ago while we were strawberry picking. They have and adopted daughter from China who is (I believe) 6 yrs old. They were so sweet! An they (JOY, JOY, JOY) homeschool too! This Sunday we will be visiting their church. We are missing Arran Lake VERY much!
I am starting a fund raiser in the hopes of purchasing a college prep curriculum for Cecily and a microscope. I hope it will be successful.
Answer’s Magazine is, in my opinion, a wonderful resource in understanding and teaching Biblical Creationism that is Young Earth Creationism. The magazine comes to your home quarterly; a year’s subscription is $24. If you order from me I get $8. What you get is a professional magazine focusing each quarter on aspects of creation with data to back up its claims. They also boast a children’s section; a wonderful poster that you can use in school which teaches about God’s creation. Want to know more? There is a wonderful web site http://www.answersingenesis.org this is a rich FREE web site that we have used OFTEN during our school year, we have used it for Bible as well as science. You may order on-line but to benefit me you must order from me.
We had been expecting a check but for some reason FedEx has a difficult time finding us. Interestingly the mail man has no such problems! Not rain, nor sleet, nor off the beaten path will deter him from brining us our bills! A neighbor gave my nephew the check today. Why he kept it for a week I will never know but that is alright things are becoming straight. The Lord has told me to wait and I’m doing so but not without just a little nail biting! Monday Dave will go to the career officer and hopefully he will put in a résumé.
The girls have been really good sports through all of this; we’ve only had a few emotional overloads. Amazing considering that they have moved from the only home they ever really knew. Cecily and Nikki are working really hard and Grace is directing the progress! Dave and I are constantly amazed by them.
We continue to search for a church. I have met many wonderful people so far. I met a nice couple about two weeks ago while we were strawberry picking. They have and adopted daughter from China who is (I believe) 6 yrs old. They were so sweet! An they (JOY, JOY, JOY) homeschool too! This Sunday we will be visiting their church. We are missing Arran Lake VERY much!
I am starting a fund raiser in the hopes of purchasing a college prep curriculum for Cecily and a microscope. I hope it will be successful.
Answer’s Magazine is, in my opinion, a wonderful resource in understanding and teaching Biblical Creationism that is Young Earth Creationism. The magazine comes to your home quarterly; a year’s subscription is $24. If you order from me I get $8. What you get is a professional magazine focusing each quarter on aspects of creation with data to back up its claims. They also boast a children’s section; a wonderful poster that you can use in school which teaches about God’s creation. Want to know more? There is a wonderful web site http://www.answersingenesis.org this is a rich FREE web site that we have used OFTEN during our school year, we have used it for Bible as well as science. You may order on-line but to benefit me you must order from me.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
The Money Pit
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Selah psalm 46: 1-3
Okay, so the earth isn’t giving away and so far a mountain hasn’t fallen on me but this past month has been something to remember. We have fallen into the quagmire of never ending household repairs. Both of our houses demand repair! We can’t sell our home until it is repaired and we can’t live in this home until it’s repaired. I keep thinking of that old 80’s flick “the Money Pit”; yup, we are there! For now we live in two states rushing to and fro trying to finish one job before having to return for some important responsibility that cannot be delayed
Okay, so the earth isn’t giving away and so far a mountain hasn’t fallen on me but this past month has been something to remember. We have fallen into the quagmire of never ending household repairs. Both of our houses demand repair! We can’t sell our home until it is repaired and we can’t live in this home until it’s repaired. I keep thinking of that old 80’s flick “the Money Pit”; yup, we are there! For now we live in two states rushing to and fro trying to finish one job before having to return for some important responsibility that cannot be delayed
Friday, April 18, 2008
Growing Pains
Well, today is the day…the U-Haul is packed the house is empty. We have painted some rooms and the carpet has been replaced – my house is CUTE! Only a few more chores and we will be off. No idea when I will have my computer set up again let alone internet. I’m already going through withdrawal! You know I was just thinking about the other times I stepped out into the unknown…funny how a person can believe that they are somehow in control of their lives, but I was thinking of the other times I stepped out into the unknown.
1. I married a soldier
2. Got pregnant
3. Moved from one duty station to another
4. Had a gastric bypass
5. Began to homeschool
6. We Adopted
Wow, that’s quite a list! You’d think that perhaps it would get easier; but I also note a progression in the amount of it takes to step out. It’s like God knows (now there’s a funny statement!!) But anyway, He understands that I need to move in baby steps. I hate change. Baby steps. I have to leave what I have grown familiar with. More baby steps. I have to leave friends I have grown to love. He provides me closer. I fear the future. He has given me glimpses of opportunity. Many things have still not changed; Dave still doesn’t have a job. The cost of moving is…a lot. There is still the problem of space in a small house. We still have a house to sell in a slow market. There is still the fact that we will be moving in with my mom – this won’t be easy for them either. Finances, enough said on that. I am still sad about leaving the way of life I’ve grown used to. But I understand that God is so much bigger than all of this. He has a plan and I have peace with that. He has been weaving the tapestry of our lives and it is turning out to be so much more than I could ever have done on my own. I do not know what the next year will look like and I’d be a liar if I said I wasn’t scared. But I know in whom I have placed my trust and He knows what tomorrow brings.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your path straight."
Proverbs 3: 5-6 (NIV)
1. I married a soldier
2. Got pregnant
3. Moved from one duty station to another
4. Had a gastric bypass
5. Began to homeschool
6. We Adopted
Wow, that’s quite a list! You’d think that perhaps it would get easier; but I also note a progression in the amount of it takes to step out. It’s like God knows (now there’s a funny statement!!) But anyway, He understands that I need to move in baby steps. I hate change. Baby steps. I have to leave what I have grown familiar with. More baby steps. I have to leave friends I have grown to love. He provides me closer. I fear the future. He has given me glimpses of opportunity. Many things have still not changed; Dave still doesn’t have a job. The cost of moving is…a lot. There is still the problem of space in a small house. We still have a house to sell in a slow market. There is still the fact that we will be moving in with my mom – this won’t be easy for them either. Finances, enough said on that. I am still sad about leaving the way of life I’ve grown used to. But I understand that God is so much bigger than all of this. He has a plan and I have peace with that. He has been weaving the tapestry of our lives and it is turning out to be so much more than I could ever have done on my own. I do not know what the next year will look like and I’d be a liar if I said I wasn’t scared. But I know in whom I have placed my trust and He knows what tomorrow brings.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your path straight."
Proverbs 3: 5-6 (NIV)
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Old Schoolhouse Magazine
The Old Schoolhouse Magazine's Spring Promo is in full bloom.Subscribe now to The Old Schoolhouse Magazine and receive 25 BONUS gifts valued at over $550!The Winter Promo sold out, don't miss out on the free gifts this time!The HSB Front Porch is having a contest and you can win a $50 gift certificatejust for blogging about the Spring Promobefore midnight April 30, 2008.Click HERE for details.
They are also giving away a $150 gift certificate to the Schoolhouse Store. All print subscribers (new or renewing) between April 3 - 30, 2008 will be automatically entered into a drawing. No purchase neccessary to win. To enter without subscribing, please send a postcard with your name, address, telephone number, and email address to:The Old Schoolhouse Magazine Spring Promo ContestPO BOX 8426Gray, TN 37615
They are also giving away a $150 gift certificate to the Schoolhouse Store. All print subscribers (new or renewing) between April 3 - 30, 2008 will be automatically entered into a drawing. No purchase neccessary to win. To enter without subscribing, please send a postcard with your name, address, telephone number, and email address to:The Old Schoolhouse Magazine Spring Promo ContestPO BOX 8426Gray, TN 37615
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Will we EVER Move?
This question is just pressing on me today. I suppose I’m just tired. I cleaned up my front yard today. It looks gorgeous! It was hard work though. My teens were painting and my princess helped us all. We STILL have lots to pack – you’d think we would begin to run out of stuff! The only thing we seem to be running out of is time and food! So I decided to put a new element on this blog…take the survey
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Sleepless
"Now Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not
see" Hebrews 11:1
It is two o’clock in the morning…why on earth am I awake? Good question, I have been asking myself that question for the past hour. Perhaps it is because we contacted a realtor yesterday. This is really going to happen. We really are going to move away, really going to sell my house. Now, never mind I have been wanting out of this house for the past seven years. Never mind that we outgrew this house long before our little peanut came along. This is MY HOUSE. Soon I will be moving back into my mother’s house. Can I express the strain of that enough? After 22 of keeping my own house in my own order, or lack thereof, it was my space. Soon we shall see if two strong willed women can share the same house…
I suppose this is what that verse is all about. You see I know it is God’s will for us to return home. It is time to care for mother. Not that she’s ill or failing in some way; oh no, FAR from it! My mother is as feisty and sharp as ever. No this second stage is all about passing the torch if you will. We are also going to be missionaries to our families. THAT scares me; you see I know how much I fail. I am a broken vessel. So often I slip into mediocrity being simple, dense and occasionally downright stupid. How can I – failure go and witness to others…especially family? They know me, they know my past, and they got dirt on me. They’ve seen more than one slip.
Fear. Jesus tells us not to fear, yet often I do. Faith. Faith is being sure of what we don’t see. Many times God has done wondrous things that I never saw coming…refer to previous paragraph I am often simple. Sometimes I wonder if He sighs in exasperation with me. So often I’m like Moses who questioned God on his wisdom to choose for an assignment. Who me? Surely not, there are better choices. People who can speak better, have a better education, a degree in something, a more mature understanding of the scriptures, a better memory and can quote those scriptures, who can spell without using spell check. (Now you know my dirty little secrete) Faith comes be hearing and doing the Word…that’s somewhere in Hebrews – I think.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
The virtues of Good Will
Today has been full of lots of list making; call this person, make that appointment, pack a box…always pack a box. Instead of having a yard sale we decided to drop off our things to the local Good Will. Funny I thought we had more stuff than that. It felt good to get rid of something! Its tax deductable too! No more yard sales for me, no sir! They are just to demanding, and then people don’t want to pay any money for anything! Of course I’m the same way…after all it’s a yard sale!
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Soon we won't be in Kansas anymore!
Now faith is being sure of what we hope and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1
The LORD is faithful to all his promises…The LORD is near to all who call on him…Psalm 145:13, 18
Out of all the verses that speak to me I believe Hebrews shouts to me. As the boxes pile up around me and more and more of my creature comforts are packed away I remember this is a step of faith. We have now gone the way of paper and my teenagers are celebrating! If fact they are trying to devise a way to cook with paper pots and pans! (Joking) Although, they would really love that idea. You may not be aware that yours truly is a slave driver who despises dishes and happily delegates them to the nearest teen…usually the oldest. We lovingly call her Cinderella! Poor tiny Tinkerbelle wants to do dishes but alas she is too small! My middle child – its finally hitting her. We are leaving, leaving our home, her friends and the way of life that she grew up with. Perhaps I will call her Dorothy today!
The LORD is faithful to all his promises…The LORD is near to all who call on him…Psalm 145:13, 18
Out of all the verses that speak to me I believe Hebrews shouts to me. As the boxes pile up around me and more and more of my creature comforts are packed away I remember this is a step of faith. We have now gone the way of paper and my teenagers are celebrating! If fact they are trying to devise a way to cook with paper pots and pans! (Joking) Although, they would really love that idea. You may not be aware that yours truly is a slave driver who despises dishes and happily delegates them to the nearest teen…usually the oldest. We lovingly call her Cinderella! Poor tiny Tinkerbelle wants to do dishes but alas she is too small! My middle child – its finally hitting her. We are leaving, leaving our home, her friends and the way of life that she grew up with. Perhaps I will call her Dorothy today!
Friday, April 4, 2008
Moving Blues
Philippians 4:19
And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Have you ever moved? Is there any other activity more torturous? I have had more pleasant root canals! This last move has been both painful and odious. Now being a military person I haven’t moved all that much…4 times if you count the first move when I moved my two or three boxes of stuff from my moms house to my new home as a bride. Two or three boxes was no big deal, in fact it was kind of fun! At twenty I was all a twitter with the new adventure that was about to take place. Fast forward 20 years two dogs, three cats, two teenage daughters and a two year old – not to mention the husband who is taking Internet College and; well, it just isn’t the same. Sure there is a level of anticipation; moving back in with mom – yeah. At this point though it’s an anticipation to be DONE! Who needs all this stuff anyway! We have boxes and boxes of dishes. Dishes! There is only five people in our family…do we really eat that much? Does a toddler really need toys? A teen really need make-up? Does my hubby really need all his clothes? I find myself wondering if carting all these things around is really worth the hassle. How do those roaming tribes do this? Sure being military we are initial to have government movers…”they will lose, break, or steal our stuff,” hubby says; so they do come and take all of three or four things then leave…WooooHooo, I am still surrounded by a quarter of a million things in need of being packed. Thanks baby. So where oh where will all these things go? I …don’t…know. Ummmm, the closet is already full, so is the basement, there is no attic. I think we may have a problem. In the mean time I pack a box put it aside, pack a box, read a story, pack a box, cook something to eat, pack a box, help hubby with college, pack a box do laundry, pick up baby, change diapers, get teens to help because they went off to hide again!
And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Have you ever moved? Is there any other activity more torturous? I have had more pleasant root canals! This last move has been both painful and odious. Now being a military person I haven’t moved all that much…4 times if you count the first move when I moved my two or three boxes of stuff from my moms house to my new home as a bride. Two or three boxes was no big deal, in fact it was kind of fun! At twenty I was all a twitter with the new adventure that was about to take place. Fast forward 20 years two dogs, three cats, two teenage daughters and a two year old – not to mention the husband who is taking Internet College and; well, it just isn’t the same. Sure there is a level of anticipation; moving back in with mom – yeah. At this point though it’s an anticipation to be DONE! Who needs all this stuff anyway! We have boxes and boxes of dishes. Dishes! There is only five people in our family…do we really eat that much? Does a toddler really need toys? A teen really need make-up? Does my hubby really need all his clothes? I find myself wondering if carting all these things around is really worth the hassle. How do those roaming tribes do this? Sure being military we are initial to have government movers…”they will lose, break, or steal our stuff,” hubby says; so they do come and take all of three or four things then leave…WooooHooo, I am still surrounded by a quarter of a million things in need of being packed. Thanks baby. So where oh where will all these things go? I …don’t…know. Ummmm, the closet is already full, so is the basement, there is no attic. I think we may have a problem. In the mean time I pack a box put it aside, pack a box, read a story, pack a box, cook something to eat, pack a box, help hubby with college, pack a box do laundry, pick up baby, change diapers, get teens to help because they went off to hide again!
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
The Lord is my refuge
Isaiah 43:2-3, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And when you pass through the rivers, They will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire, You will not be burned; The flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior." (NIV)
Psalm: 9:9-10, "The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you." (NIV)
When you walk through the fire, You will not be burned; The flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior." (NIV)
Psalm: 9:9-10, "The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you." (NIV)
As I read these verses today I am reminded how the Christian life is not a life without trouble. In fact sometimes it is because we choose Christ we have upheaval and anguish – I this about those who live in countries that religion is mandated and leave that religion is cause for persecution, imprisonment and even death. But don’t we have a form of persecution here? Aren’t we being told to shut-up and mind our own business to the point that the evangelical Christian has no voice? When you pass through the waters – it is good to know that a mighty God is with you whether the waters are medical, fanatical, career change, school change, loss, or simply moving to another place. I can hold on to God – He is a stronghold in times of trouble. He knows my need and has gone out before me
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