tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50932377597072546112024-03-04T20:27:26.045-08:00Proverbs Lady in trainingRamblings of a first generation Christian woman trying to live a life pleasing to the Most High, Yaweh.Provl8dyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06339355936411752925noreply@blogger.comBlogger110125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093237759707254611.post-19107887362876443732012-10-27T17:44:00.001-07:002012-10-27T17:44:16.220-07:00Chocolatey Kettle Corn<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My newest obsession- Chocolatey Kettle Corn.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> So simple, so yummy, and a super cheap treat for the family.</span><br />
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Step 1: Make some fresh popcorn on the stovetop.<br />
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Step 2: When popping ceases, turn burner off. Sprinkle evaporated cane juice crystals over popcorn while still in kettle and stir.<br />
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Step 3: Place popped popcorn in bowl.<br />
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Step 4: Sprinkle sea salt on popcorn (you could stop here and enjoy kettle corn or...)<br />
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Step 5: Microwave chocolate chips for 10 seconds. You just want them softened, not melted.</div>
Approx: 1/4 cup.<br />
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Step 5: Add soften chocolate chips to popcorn bowl and toss using two wooden spoons until evenly combined. This is the longest step because it will take about five minutes unless you want clumps of melted chocolate .</div>
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It is best to let the popcorn sit for a few minutes before consuming but it is really hard to wait. If you don't wait, you'll have melted chocolate all over your fingers (which is fun too!).</div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">ENJOY!</span></b></div>
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Provl8dyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06339355936411752925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093237759707254611.post-66785982554743274412011-12-29T14:59:00.000-08:002011-12-29T14:59:01.797-08:002011 Christmas Letter<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We are in a frenzy as we try to complete preparations for our trip to Indiana. So what am I doing writing my Christmas letter? Sometimes you just have to do it when the desire hits. And the desire just hit me. So what was 2011 like in the Rogers household? We learned a lot. And I am not even referring to typical school learning. I am more meaning learnings of the heart and soul. We learned how to be patient with each other, gracious to others even when our flesh was screaming for revenge and the joy of nightly family dinners. We have much more to learn, I am sure, but at least we have gone through the beginnings of heart changes. Speaking of heart changes, there was a lot of birthing going on here.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Our cat had a litter of 4 kittens and we hatched 4 clutches of chickens for a total of 24 chicks. We had a lovely garden of a variety of tomatoes, sweet onions, basil, jalapenos, arugula, zucchini, and bell peppers. I have never been so grateful for the end of the summer growing season as I have eaten my weight in arugula and was very ready for cabbage, squash and other fall vegetables. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Josiah is now 9 years old and Naomi is 7. We continue to homeschool and the kids have joined Cub Scouts and Keepers of the Faith, respectively. They are really enjoying earning their pins and all the activities that go with it. They are also in AWANAS which is a Bible based club of sorts. Naomi has been steadily learning homemaking skills like canning, baking and quilting. She is my natural-born fashionista. Josiah really enjoys the camping aspects of the Scouts. He continues to be fascinated with sharks and ocean life; my marine biologist in the making.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Roughly 8 months ago, Dustin and I became the coordinators of the food share ministry of our church. We provide food bags of non-perishable goods to roughly 70 families every month. We have noticed a trend and change in this ministry as the economy remains sluggish and ask that you would pray not only for our current families but also for those that will be coming as food and gas prices rise and employment is difficult to attain.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Dustin continues to work at BST (Behavioral Science Technologies). He LOVES his work and he works with the neatest people. We are so blessed to know them and have them be a part of our lives. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We are really excited to be headed to Indiana to visit with Dustin's folks. This will be our first visit there with both kids. They are going to be shocked when they meet all of their cousins and aunts and uncles. Which brings me back to the beginning, I should be packing. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Happy New Year!</span></div>Provl8dyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06339355936411752925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093237759707254611.post-66601234565476928772011-12-27T12:19:00.000-08:002011-12-27T12:19:24.314-08:00Life on a Chicken Farm<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Friends often make remarks to us about our "chicken farm." They love reading the quirky stories about our fine feathered friends that live in the back lot. Funny thing is, I never really considered it all to be a chicken farm. That is until I received a culling set from my husband for Christmas and I was thrilled to receive it! I guess we do have a chicken farm. It has been a slow, steady movement from 2 hens to 24 hens and a rooster. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">At first it was all about fresh eggs. Then it was about hatching 4 clutches of eggs and experiencing the precious beauty of life bursting forth from a dormant egg. Then there was the realization that we have to do something with all the roosters we hatched. We could give them away, we could let them roam free in the wild... the decision was made and our "chicken farm" came full circle with Culling Day 2011. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">On a sunny, warm October morning I required the ultimate sacrifice from 4 roosters. The same roosters that we marveled at when they hatched from their eggs, laughed at when they were chicks hopping after their mama and the same chickens that made us cringed when we realized the tufts on their backside were more like rooster feathers than hens, were the same chickens I led to slaughter. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">After butchering and dressing the chickens, I felt the most humane thing to do would be to honor the chickens in every way. We saved their feathers to make ornaments out of. We saved other feathers for fly fisherman and hair stylists. The gizzards went to nourish family dogs. Someday we will get the guts to make broth from the feet but like I said, slow and steady, that time will come. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYU5H03RAvXH7XyGqwvOcyUN6EpQjoo5E7Yr6AGWxklApSeXuyx-u4snX0Yj1LtuI3hb_QMESCmdyZHFWFCgsPXvsctQgne_RVpP3btjXi95onHLUiTBMytYz_Zp9oKwNtX0hguG6v7a3H/s1600/DSCN4726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYU5H03RAvXH7XyGqwvOcyUN6EpQjoo5E7Yr6AGWxklApSeXuyx-u4snX0Yj1LtuI3hb_QMESCmdyZHFWFCgsPXvsctQgne_RVpP3btjXi95onHLUiTBMytYz_Zp9oKwNtX0hguG6v7a3H/s320/DSCN4726.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The response from our family and friends that received the feather ornaments has been mixed. Most love it. Others are repulsed and others are not quite so sure. Either way the reactions are intriguing to me. It reminds me that we are so far removed from death. We find it easy to purchase little packages of meat but we cannot fathom eating that which we raise ourselves. We forget that in this fallen world, sacrifices of death are required. Even seeds die to produce for us plants and those plants must die to give us herbs and salad and tea. But I digress. The point is I am happy to acknowledge our chicken farm, honored to better understand God's marvelous creation..... but am not ready to accept the title chicken farmer. I guess that will come soon enough but for now I will file it away in the slow and steady part.</span></div>Provl8dyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06339355936411752925noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093237759707254611.post-85943335935677210712011-12-07T10:34:00.000-08:002011-12-07T10:34:39.341-08:00Currently off the shelf...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgSNDDUBjFJ_QR2T1x0APlMKeXJDRZecLPQjs40IIBhy7Y6rxM3Hue42wY_ppcJdc-IK1U5RdTqrViaU6Vyzcdp9ILRPDvtkO0HOiU786bRAFtxSx5vhQafmnQ8VpKLca9kx89Adb1wWzm/s1600/collins_francis_key__89920__61952_std.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgSNDDUBjFJ_QR2T1x0APlMKeXJDRZecLPQjs40IIBhy7Y6rxM3Hue42wY_ppcJdc-IK1U5RdTqrViaU6Vyzcdp9ILRPDvtkO0HOiU786bRAFtxSx5vhQafmnQ8VpKLca9kx89Adb1wWzm/s1600/collins_francis_key__89920__61952_std.jpg" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>"Mama often shared wise words from the Bible. As I plopped down on the porch steps to pet General, I tried to remember when Mama did not have her Bible nearby. I couldn't." </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>- excerpt from God's Courageous Composer: Francis Scott Key by David Collins</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What picture do I create in my children's mind? Is it of a mom staring into a computer screen so I could "socialize" or is it of a mom with her phone nearby always checking for another text? </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I know what it is I desire for my kids to see. I desire for them to see a woman desperately in love with Jesus with worn out knees from praying; a sinner saved by grace. I want them to remember waking up and finding their mama at the table with Bible wide open, cup of tea next to my journal and head bowed in reverence to the One that has given me life. I want them to see a contented woman that deeply loves her husband and her children. I also want them to see I don't have all the answers but I know where to find them. But the question remains: What picture do I create? </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Where and at what do I spend my time and energies? What do I consistently do because those things are the brush strokes of the picture I am creating. It is not the once in a while activities that create the picture. Those are mere pinpoints in a beautiful canvas. I believe it is those consistent activities that truly color my picture. It is the laundry and dinner making, the night time traditions of reading and game playing, the respect and honor shown to my husband, the tending, and caring of little people, and the serving of others in need that make up the grand picture that I am indelibly drawing in the minds of my children.</span></div>Provl8dyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06339355936411752925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093237759707254611.post-60461561342132531822011-11-21T15:42:00.000-08:002011-11-21T15:42:59.980-08:00"You're so good at those things."<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A friend of mine was dropping her daughter off to have a play date with Naomi and she made a comment about the upcoming Women's Tea Party that stopped me in my tracks. She said, "You're so good at those things. I couldn't do that." I had to immediately correct her. Truth is- I am not good at tea parties. I am not good at being organized and showing hospitality. I force myself to do such things because I believe in what the Bible says about being hospitable. And I will never learn to do that if I don't practice it. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I do not remember ever having a tea party in my house as a child. I remember the occasional church tea party but I never had little friends over dressed in lace with gloves and hats. I think I have been to more tea parties as an adult than as a child. In any case I confessed. I told her that I actually get books from the library so that I can learn how to throw a tea party and what foods to make and how to follow a theme. I get ideas from the internet and I feel nervous every time I send out invitations thinking that I may be the only one who shows up. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Thankfully my friend was gracious about it. We both laughed. She had no idea. She thought I had it all together. Isn't that what we think of everyone else? They have it together and I don't? It was a nice reminder for me to be vulnerable with others. To share those dirty little secret that guess what? I'm winging this walk too! And by the grace of God, He will get me where He wants me to be.</span></div>Provl8dyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06339355936411752925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093237759707254611.post-16303561303913969522011-09-08T20:59:00.000-07:002011-09-08T21:01:38.182-07:00Disciple<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">You may have noticed that I am posting more than normal lately but I just can't contain myself. God has been speaking so clearly and so often that I have to put it somewhere besides my journal. I need to share it! My latest jewel from the Word is Isaiah 50:4. God has been re-directing my heart in the area of homeschool all summer. It is not just about academics or from some idea that I must protect the kids from the evil public school. It has really been a matter of what is best for our kids. Most of you may not remember that Josiah began Kindergarten in our public school but it was a difficult road to walk with his special needs and it was disheartening to watch our sweet boy turn into a ball of nerves and anger. So when he came home for Spring Break and began to become his normal sweet self, we never let him go back. As noble as that rescue may have been, the truth is homeschooling is not for the faint of heart and probably should not be done unless the Lord has specifically called you to it. There is no way you can succeed without being totally reliant upon Him day to day.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">But this summer God has been stirring my heart regarding discipleship and the need for me to disciple my kids and be purposeful about it within their school time. I just finished a study on Joseph's life and it was amazing for me to learn that 90+ of his 110 years of life were spent in slavery. Yet Joseph knew the God of Jacob. He understood His Holiness and His Sovereignty enough to remain an upright man despite his circumstances. And I wondered- If my kids were torn from me like Daniel or Joseph and taken to their own Babylon or Egypt would they remain faithful to the God of their forefathers? Would they know enough of God's character and His promises to stand firm in the midst of chaos and trouble? </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">So I began studying discipleship. The first verse I came to is Isaiah 50:4. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Holman Christian Standard reads:</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>The Lord God has given me the tongue of those who are instructed </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>to know how to sustain the weary with a word. He awakens me each morning. </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>He awakens my ear to listen like those being instructed.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">New American Standard reads:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>The Lord God has given me the tongue of disciples.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word. </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>He awakens me morning by morning.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i> He awakens my ear to listen like those being instructed.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">New Living reads:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The Sovereign L<span style="font-variant: small-caps;">ord</span> has given me His words of wisdom,<br />
so that I know how to comfort the weary.<br />
Morning by morning He wakens me<br />
and opens my understanding to His will.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">As I began to look up key words, I was awed by their meaning. </span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Disciple: at its root means to goad, to teach, instruct.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Know: to ascertain by seeing, used in a great variety of senses.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Sustain: to hasten, succor, speak in season</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Word: a matter, spoken of, to speak in a sense subdue, answer</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">ear: hear, broaden at ear with hand</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">listen: to hear intelligently, witness, discern, be obedient</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">As I continue to ponder this I see my personal need to broaden my ear with my hand to the promptings of the Holy Spirit as well as a need for me to speak with wisdom to my kids in all matters. But I cannot speak with such wisdom if I am not listening to the Sovereign Lord myself. So the beginning of this road to disciple the kids begins with me and my relationship with the Lord in hope that the kids will one day remember the God of their father Dustin which is the God of Jacob, Abraham and Isaac.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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</span>Provl8dyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06339355936411752925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093237759707254611.post-3107260835601894082011-09-07T22:42:00.000-07:002011-09-07T22:42:57.190-07:00This year's school verse..... (drum roll please)<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>"He will teach us how we should live. </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Then we will live the way He wants us to."</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Isaiah 2:3b (NIRV)</i></span></div>Provl8dyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06339355936411752925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093237759707254611.post-24977055708936943182011-09-05T23:05:00.000-07:002011-09-05T23:06:14.951-07:00Creekside Learning Center Year 4<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">My mind has been on overdrive as we get ready for another year of homeschooling. Tomorrow is the big day! We begin our 4th year of Creekside Learning Center, our homeschool. Over the summer God has been reminding me that it is not curriculum that makes our school unique. Nor is it the worksheets we complete or the concepts learned. Rather it is the opportunity to disciple my kids. Am I more concerned with the heart or their academics? Am I mindful that school is more than a checklist of subjects completed? It is also about character, family and faith. It is about investing into my children. This path we have chosen is not for the faint of heart. And it is not to be taken lightly. Nor should I even think I could do this without the Providential hand of God guiding me every step of the way. I am feeling very somber about the beginning of our school year. I desperately want to be purposeful in our daily class time. Purposeful to point to the many ways God is in each subject. To live before the kids a life dependent upon the Holy Spirit and to examine the heart of the issue not just gloss over the subject.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Josiah will begin third grade, Naomi second. We have the literature. We have the paper and pencils. And now we invite God to lead us in this adventure. To teach us, humble us and make known His Name for His Name's sake.</span>Provl8dyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06339355936411752925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093237759707254611.post-65885589842598976662011-08-24T14:36:00.000-07:002011-08-24T14:36:00.541-07:00George Mueller Living<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixwa5-ugEpa4yIEJQlzgZnG-IaAYuMjWqxoqWAX6HQXIXJLZgsQZswjazMqNuZDWdQvgqFWQI6eMNPH1bpe8dPpPS_SekTqFbln2xTT8_ECPPUQvl2F6qTOFwJJeJ91EScewMQHJlkpyNC/s1600/220px-Foods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixwa5-ugEpa4yIEJQlzgZnG-IaAYuMjWqxoqWAX6HQXIXJLZgsQZswjazMqNuZDWdQvgqFWQI6eMNPH1bpe8dPpPS_SekTqFbln2xTT8_ECPPUQvl2F6qTOFwJJeJ91EScewMQHJlkpyNC/s1600/220px-Foods.jpg" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Five months ago, my husband became the chairman of the Food Share ministry in Ojai called Operation Blessing. I had volunteered for this ministry several times in the past so I knew a little bit about what we were getting ourselves into. But I had no idea the amount to which it would challenge my faith and prayer life.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Operation Blessing distributes food once a month to local low-income families. We averaged 120 families a month. The families receive a banana box of non-perishable foods and local produce. We also receive commodities from USDA and on occasion we will have frozen meats and cheeses. The amount of food given to each family is designed to assist them and give them some breathing room in their budget so they can concentrate on keeping their utilities on, etc..</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As Dustin has made changes, some responsibilities have fallen to me since he is unable to get work off in order to accomplish theses vital areas. I have become the "shopper." Once a month I go to the Food Share warehouse and buy all the foods needed for our monthly distribution. I have made a conscious effort to focus on healthy staples and have eliminated the sugary desserts, juices, and other "junk" food.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Most Americans do not realize that there is a serious food shortage coming our way. Items such as rice, beans and peanut butter will become high demand items in the near future. The strain is being felt by the Food Share community as federal funds have decreased 50% this year and will decrease another 20% within the next year. All that to say that I have been intently praying for the commodities that we need most.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Last month I asked God for peanut butter. We hadn't seen any peanut butter jars for 3 months. When I walked into the warehouse, I was shocked. Three-fourths of the palettes were empty. I walked to one of the palettes that had food and the box read, "Peanut Butter, Jelly and Honey." I was ecstatic. I put the max 10 cases on my cart and when I looked across the aisle, I saw a palette full of peanut butter cases which meant I could get another 10 cases! It was like Christmas for me. Thank you Lord for hearing my plea for peanut butter. Then I thought, why did I stop at peanut butter? I should have asked for our other needs as well. As I am beating myself up for not having enough faith, I tell God that we could use canned vegetables too. I had not even finish the thought when the forklift put down a new palette behind me. A full palette of CANNED VEGETABLES! Oh how I was rejoicing. (BTW, every box that said it contained peanut butter, jelly and honey, has only had peanut butter so we have double the amount we would normally be allowed to have.)</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Today was another one of those moments. I took inventory of our pantry earlier this week and decided to bring to God the needs of the pantry. I had a little scrap of paper with four items written on it. Four items that have been in scarce supply and if found, I would need to get the maximum amount allowed. Once again God proved his faithfulness by having all four items ready for me to purchase for our families. And He proved His extravagance by having boxed cereals; a commodity we have not seen in over 6 months. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Oh the richness of our God!!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><i></i></span></span><br />
<div class="heading passage-class-0" style="color: #5c1101; margin-top: 10px;"><h3 style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>Matthew 6:31-32</i></span></h3><div class="txt-sm" style="font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>New Living Translation (NLT)</i></span></div></div><div class="result-text-style-normal" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NLT-23289" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">31</sup> <span class="woj">“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’</span> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NLT-23290" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">32</sup> <span class="woj">These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="woj"><br />
</span></i></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><i><div class="heading passage-class-0" style="color: #5c1101; margin-top: 10px;"><h3 style="font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Philippians 4:19</h3><div class="txt-sm" style="font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">New Living Translation (NLT)</div></div><div class="result-text-style-normal" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NLT-29421" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;">19</sup> And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.</div></i></span>Provl8dyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06339355936411752925noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093237759707254611.post-21631995076693928112011-07-10T08:04:00.000-07:002011-07-10T09:51:21.954-07:00Mama Hen<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz11qdex-nUQTzubNq8mc1jfwmGReRHnlk2pczKZRnieWBarv3GHaOIJVC33UFbiFI79dHQUrbS3JGDjIVxog2CERCbBJpHpJ_mJMRw1CXabIZ9LMYeNt1oBd2kwS6q4gI1FdhxHa_hawz/s1600/DSCN3698.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz11qdex-nUQTzubNq8mc1jfwmGReRHnlk2pczKZRnieWBarv3GHaOIJVC33UFbiFI79dHQUrbS3JGDjIVxog2CERCbBJpHpJ_mJMRw1CXabIZ9LMYeNt1oBd2kwS6q4gI1FdhxHa_hawz/s200/DSCN3698.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627767226728050066" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">My sweet girl's favorite hen, and the only one we named, is a Cuckoo Maran named April. April began stealing all the other hen's eggs a couple of months ago in order to create for herself a clutch of eggs that she could sit on and hatch. It became a battle of the will as I would go out and check the nesting boxes 4, maybe 5 times a day and try to stop her from moving eggs and consequently breaking a number of them. Not only was it exhausting for me but it turns out it was pretty futile on my part. I finally gave in and set up a large dog crate with the essentials for a broody hen and chose 7 eggs for April to set on.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Twenty-one days later, to our great surprise, April hatched 6 out of the 7 eggs. I love watching her care for you chicks. I could do it for hours. She is a great teacher. I watch her teach the chicks how to scratch for food. I watch her show them how to catch bugs and which ones to eat and she fiercely protects them. One morning, I was watching her find food for the chicks and God quietly spoke to my heart about the important role a mother plays in the lives of her brood. April constantly instructs verbally and physically. She has a variety of clucks and coos to give her chicks instruction. Proverbs 31:26 says, "She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue." I wondered if someone watching my life could say the same about me. </span></div></div>Provl8dyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06339355936411752925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093237759707254611.post-40153302177054091372011-05-26T09:15:00.000-07:002011-05-26T09:46:49.409-07:00First Half of 2011<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHGAm9QUDbdRHoj3dA1oVbT3MLzOZb6vmnLOP_q1hdhbHx5yDZuxmNaL9bat8nqTAczlD1hRxedIFWN_b4NNNy3x7oGT1kRYogiauW29EkTO6haOroR2qzUjiDHqM5NJwnRsyTiYwGUQg5/s1600/DSCN2923.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHGAm9QUDbdRHoj3dA1oVbT3MLzOZb6vmnLOP_q1hdhbHx5yDZuxmNaL9bat8nqTAczlD1hRxedIFWN_b4NNNy3x7oGT1kRYogiauW29EkTO6haOroR2qzUjiDHqM5NJwnRsyTiYwGUQg5/s200/DSCN2923.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611066704329888466" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">How pathetic is it that my last post was December 2010. Well, at least I can say life has been eventful around here.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> Naomi had a wonderful kitty themed party in April to celebrate her 7th birthday. We had a lovely time with all her friends in the backyard and playing pin the tail on the kitty. Dustin also celebrated a big birthday- #40! We had a great time as a family and took him out for ice cream instead of our standard birthday cake.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> We are putting to bed another year of homeschooling. Our third year! I cannot believe how fast it has gone by. This year we learned about Ancient Egypt, honed in on our addition/subtraction facts, practiced time and money skills so we don't get rusty, explored Science with air, in the kitchen and with magnets, read tons of tantalizing books, and wrote several short stories. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> Josiah joined Cub Scouts a few months ago. He had his first camping trip 2 weeks ago and he loved it. Not sure that Daddy had the same enthusiasm but they made it home in one piece so I would call it successful. He also has worked really hard on completing some merit badges which he will receive tonight. He is very excited.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> I am doing extraordinarily well with my health. I love homeschooling and super duper love my husband. It has been such a pleasure to watch God grow in my husband and kids. And to know the inner workings that He has been doing within my own heart is equally a joy; even when it hurts. But much like Eustace in </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The Voyage of the Dawn Treader</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">, it is a good hurt.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 17px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family:Arial, sans-serif;font-size:14px;"><p style="line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding-right: 10px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">"Then the lion said – but I don't know if it spoke – You will have to let me undress you. I was afraid of his claws, I can tell you, but I was pretty nearly desperate now. So I just lay flat down on my back to let him do it. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(102, 0, 204); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">"The very first tear he made was so deep and I thought it had gone right into my heart. And when he began pulling the skin off, it hurt worse than anything I've ever felt. The only thing that made me able to bear it was just the pleasure of feeling the stuff peel off. You know – if you've ever picked the scab of a sore place. It hurts like billy-oh but it is such fun to see it coming away." (7.41-42)</span></span></span></p><p style="line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 20px; padding-right: 10px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></p></span></div>Provl8dyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06339355936411752925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093237759707254611.post-44065491368149773082010-12-13T13:09:00.000-08:002010-12-13T13:20:35.894-08:00Bah HumbugI am feeling a bit cranky and probably not in the right humor to be posting but I have the day to myself so I am going for it. My crankiness is due to a minor surgery I had last Thursday which was supposed to have a two day recovery time. Let me reiterate: TWO DAYS. Here it is day 4 post operation and I am feeling worse than before I went in. I knew something was wrong when the post op care was for four weeks and not two days. Everyone keeps telling me that is will be worth it in the end. *sigh* <div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Provl8dyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06339355936411752925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093237759707254611.post-46465298165653058692010-12-13T12:39:00.000-08:002010-12-13T12:40:22.083-08:00Family Christmas card<div class="sflyProductPreviewWidget" style="width:425px; height:494px;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetTop" style="height:6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/top.gif);"></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetCenter" style="height:482px; padding: 0 6px 0 6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bg.gif); background-repeat:repeat-y;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewLogo" style="width: 105px; height: 34px; padding: 14px 0 0 14px;"><img src="http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/logo.gif" /></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewContainer" style="height:350px; text-align:center; padding: 0;"><a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery"><img src="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/prs/v1/0AaOGzFw0cN2cg/0AaOGzFw0cN2cuLA/p/67b0de21b3127d902548/JPEG/1292272586000/0/" /></a></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewMessageContainer" style="height:55px; background-color:#f4f4e9; text-align:center; padding: 15px 0 15px 0; line-height: 19px;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewTitle" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 15px; color: #333333; font-weight: bold;"><span>Family Snowfall Red Christmas</span></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewSEOText" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 13px; color: #333333;"><span>Shop Shutterfly for beautiful <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery" style="color: #6666cc;">photo Christmas cards</a>.</span></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewViewCollection" style="font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 13px; color: #333333;"><span>View the entire <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery" style="color: #6666cc;">collection</a> of cards.</span></div></div></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetBottom" style="height:6px; background-image:url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bottom.gif);"></div></div>Provl8dyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06339355936411752925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093237759707254611.post-45331667643683120122010-09-14T18:19:00.000-07:002010-09-14T18:37:55.188-07:00Quick update<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8aOxdjCiOxOpfRRTO4t_5_JfNFpImifrhqKInp9HhO-Jc5XsZM_8hhpQpmlncKK75KCI0hgjE2v56PcqQnLGnhzUHte_0ZxhsW7WcioxzxyXhR-YRAYH1YV26EPND5GWY7srjXY5rNKdV/s1600/DSCN1697.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8aOxdjCiOxOpfRRTO4t_5_JfNFpImifrhqKInp9HhO-Jc5XsZM_8hhpQpmlncKK75KCI0hgjE2v56PcqQnLGnhzUHte_0ZxhsW7WcioxzxyXhR-YRAYH1YV26EPND5GWY7srjXY5rNKdV/s200/DSCN1697.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516946398104860674" /></a><br /><br /><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2FwIUt6gMXhXB55N7K4Z13BvJp8Z_1IHXXTHChXehkBGr5O2Bz3-BrwmlOcVG7-CU85dzyIveUGDW_eB83qvmEobNV3S7TjHg2roqHQCQALiOA3mpkaXqiPGasSibUcBtImSsmhLOxIHZ/s200/DSCN1736.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516946385400161826" /><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgidHwtMZL6lI0DbZIBJlTECLaNL_gZ9DVI7h-RAmkhFVdyDQyvXgV1FhO-zJ8D8ZhVCw9I0p-fT5mOhMUOj_dOFT7yxhpr9fVOvtpQhwWtEvO2qByHPYc10afBf4nQN5NHqPI9-YWzIvu2/s200/DSCN1757.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516946386481977330" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">I wish I had more time to blog! Life in the Rogers household has been very busy. We started school on September 1st. I am super excited to see that the kids haven't forgotten everything. (There's Josiah in his Pharaoh's crown.)</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Josiah has surprised us with being able to read CVC words which is difficult with his dyslexia. I actually have hope that he will be reading by the end of the year. Yesterday, he read two sentences fluently! Yeah!!!!</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Naomi has lost both her front teeth and recently cut 10 inches off her hair in order to donate it to make a wig for my aunt who has cancer. She looks adorable! (See the Before & After pics at top.)</span></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">My brother is still living with us and we got news today that he got a job! Yeah for Sam!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">This Fall will be abnormally busy for us. Monday nights Dustin and I are providing child care so that others can take the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace class. Tuesday is Women's Bible Study. Wednesday is golf for the kids and Bible Study for Dustin. Thursday will be soccer for the kids starting next week. We normally don't jam pack our weeks like this but it is only for a short season so we are going to plug away.</span></span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Provl8dyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06339355936411752925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093237759707254611.post-63015856993287442882010-09-09T20:58:00.000-07:002010-09-09T21:10:36.831-07:00Currently off the shelf...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84lUNRdo_Ha0xRrm6zGYBC_aW1qS11SIBM_VFA2am_rGCo-oHayhSVvkVbWFZdZqx7zc6_H0qKAH_vyubGbiWPWRe3oJu1RB145ya2D2INUU80SO9kpYEpkfKE8o1PPClEKXbcmsGmukj/s1600/51-6AmE9-nL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84lUNRdo_Ha0xRrm6zGYBC_aW1qS11SIBM_VFA2am_rGCo-oHayhSVvkVbWFZdZqx7zc6_H0qKAH_vyubGbiWPWRe3oJu1RB145ya2D2INUU80SO9kpYEpkfKE8o1PPClEKXbcmsGmukj/s200/51-6AmE9-nL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515132315864709570" /></a><br /><b>VIOLENT PRAYER</b> by Chris Tiegreen<div><br /></div><div>Wow. Can I just say wow again? I really enjoyed this book. It challenged me to think differently and to maybe reconsider previous notions. I am still weighing some things and deciding what I believe but nonetheless I found it very intriguing. </div><div><br /></div><div>The following passage really struck a cord with me:</div><div><br /></div><div><i>"If you find yourself in frequent external battles, remember tha the most powerful internal response you can have is prayer. But the most powerful external response you can have is submission of your actions to God in faith, humility, patience, and mercy. When you display strife, anger, bitterness, retaliation, discontentment, and other fruits of the flesh, the enemy will grab onto them with a vengeance and do everything he can to deface the kingdom of God. When you display the fruits of the Spirit, however, there's nothing for him to grasp. The kingdom becomes very clear, and in your response to evil you become very balanced-in a lot less time than Moses."</i></div>Provl8dyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06339355936411752925noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093237759707254611.post-27464978642988750602010-06-29T09:27:00.000-07:002010-06-29T09:53:18.927-07:00Mixing the UnmixableThe last month has been quite tumultuous for our household. We took care of great-grandma for two weeks and learned a lot about our family's history and unfortunately, dementia. Then my brother moved in with us. SHortly there after, Dustin's parents came for a surprise visit. We pretty much had visitors for the whole month and we still have my brother around. All of the new distractions and obstructions to our daily routine has thrown me for a loop. I just wanted things back to the way it used to be. My little family, quiet and peaceful and understanding of all the rules. It was right as I was lamenting that God remind me that He does not desire me to stay inside my little bubble. But I <b>love</b> my bubble! I love that everyone knows where to put things away. They all know what is allowed and not allowed. They graciously put up with my idiosyncrasies and most important, they know the routine! <div><br /></div><div>As I was trying to gain some semblance of normalcy with all the chaos around me, the news was saturated with the BP oil disaster. I watched the gooey stuff flowing out and floating through the pristine ocean. I saw the pictures of trapped wildlife and oil-soaking birds unable to fly. I felt like that oil spill resembled my life. My private, tranquil life had been turned upside down with visitors and changes. The hardest part for me was having visitors that did not understand our desire to live in a way that pleases God. It was like the oil had met the water and we were unable to mix well.... more like impossible for us to mix. God's Word tells us that light cannot be with darkness. We are called to be salt in this world; different from the norm. SO what is it saying when I want to remain in my own salt, with my own salty friends and my own salty church? It means I am missing out on opportunities to grow and opportunities to share my God with others who do not know the Truth.</div><div><br /></div><div>I heard one expert remark that the hurricane season will be a help and not a hindrance with the oil. With the churning of the sea during hurricanes, the oil will be broken into pieces so much that it will become like the water. That can only happen if the storm is violent enough. And I wondered, will it take a violent act of some kind to transform the lives of unbelievers in my life to a personal relationship with God? One that will bounce them around so much that they finally surrender to a mighty God? </div><div><br /></div><div>I do know this- I have become to comfortable in my own realm. The question is: What will I do about it?</div>Provl8dyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06339355936411752925noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093237759707254611.post-36653179243794333502010-05-20T08:10:00.000-07:002010-05-20T08:37:05.407-07:00SABBATH<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9c1Q7mTgwkvlg5FJSYkUSZnt7mHa0oqQWY8jS16hEWaiITdrQJU4IOP6EWXex4sB3Mc9jDwIa0r7iacL7s8oJSFnQxlJx0lLSppBNKw4BgOYkoeRRAnnBkiam3RdVZogguVcfyZ-7ybIo/s1600/images.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 143px; height: 98px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9c1Q7mTgwkvlg5FJSYkUSZnt7mHa0oqQWY8jS16hEWaiITdrQJU4IOP6EWXex4sB3Mc9jDwIa0r7iacL7s8oJSFnQxlJx0lLSppBNKw4BgOYkoeRRAnnBkiam3RdVZogguVcfyZ-7ybIo/s200/images.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473376313151650850" /></a><br />Our pastor has been preaching on a series about the Ten Commandments. Last week was the fourth commandment, regarding keeping a holy day or a Sabbath. Dustin and began talking about what the Sabbath will look like for our family and I realized that I had never really given it any thought. I just assumed that as a mom of young children, I was exempt from a day of rest. It was in our conversation that the theme of preparation came up (again!) and I realized that young mom or not, I need a day to refocus on God and the task He has set before me and to consciously replenish my spirit as well. <div><br /></div><div>In order to accomplish the goal of "rest," Dustin and I decided that we would do several things.<div>1. Crockpot dinner</div><div>2. Paper plates/bowls</div><div>3. No laundry/ deep cleaning</div><div>4. Giving myself permission to just sit back and enjoy my family.</div><div><br /></div><div>Needless to say, in order to accomplish these things, we will need to <i>prepare</i> the week before. Laundry will need to be completed. Dinner items purchased and planned. You get the idea. Funny thing is, I am realizing that with God there is more freedom then there are restrictions. I am so excited to spend a day doing that which I love the most. I plan to be spending time reading, worshipping, taking long walks, gardening, painting with the kids, and maybe even a nap. </div><div><br /></div><div>The point is that I had put on myself so many restrictions and expectations. Much like the Israelites, I took God's Law and added a burden to them that God did not intend. There is freedom in Christ!</div></div>Provl8dyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06339355936411752925noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093237759707254611.post-66528336382112451942010-05-12T08:22:00.001-07:002010-05-12T09:02:55.135-07:00Active<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnoYLox8Y3slubjxXfv-NjESNZnUpEXzgOXRIHqAaw2n_zrEhqiB5CowrQObYKUO9TdfBW0GFrGgqnffA10bsF8vvLf1WVb4_GRH2WOtfV9XZBF-MN-E53mNfQeGuzKe7emt5-wfMo_38F/s1600/9780307457066.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 186px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnoYLox8Y3slubjxXfv-NjESNZnUpEXzgOXRIHqAaw2n_zrEhqiB5CowrQObYKUO9TdfBW0GFrGgqnffA10bsF8vvLf1WVb4_GRH2WOtfV9XZBF-MN-E53mNfQeGuzKe7emt5-wfMo_38F/s200/9780307457066.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470413399942975650" /></a><br />Do you ever have those times in your life where there is a "theme"? You hear the same topic at church and on the radio and in your reading and in conversations with friends. I have been having such a theme in my life for the last couple of months. In a previous blog I wrote about what God was teaching me about being prepared so that I can regularly meet with Him. I have also shared with you about a book I have been struggling to read by Sally Clarkson, "Dancing With My Father." This morning all of these "coincidental" topics came together in a very real and tangible way.<div><br /></div><div>I am at the tail end of the Clarkson book. A book that I would normally breeze through has taken me along a long winding road. Much like the road little Christian took in "Pilgrim's Progress." Some parts were easy to walk on, some parts I had to work on and other parts I had to sit by the road and rest - digesting all of the contents. I have been distracted by the very things that needed to be transformed. Condemnation, self-destruction, fatigue, hopelessness, faithlessness..... basically everything that was the antithesis of joy. For some reason, I had it in my head that joy looked like a cheerleader. If I really had joy I would be bubbly and smiley and always cheerful. But too often I find myself grumbling and with a sour look on my face. This can't be what God had in store for me.</div><div><br /></div><div>And so this morning as I am piecing together all the ways this concept of joy has been presented to me, I realized that there is one important area that I have to grab hold of if I am ever going to live a life of joy. I must join my Father in the dance! </div><div><br /></div><div>If I were at a gala or ballroom event I would spend a lot of time preparing myself for the main event. I would bathe and put on sweet smelling perfume. I would specifically choose my garments and shoes. I would spend time on my appearance and hair. I would grab the right accessories. I would make sure I knew how to dance. I would be prepared.</div><div><br /></div><div> Not only do I need to be prepared, I must be willing to participate! Why would I dress for the ball and never join in and go out on the dance floor? That would be silly. Yet many times I have chosen to sit in my garments of righteousness, fitted with the shoes of the gospel and the knowledge of Christ and never allow my loving Father to take my hand and lead me out to the dance floor. I was afraid I would fall or look like the fool. I was afraid I didn't look good enough or others would laugh. The truth is that my Father is brilliant enough for the both of us. And the only opinion and approval I need is His. And He has given me everything I need to join Him in this dance.</div><div><br /></div><div>There is so much more I am learning but the one theme that continues to come to my mind is that I am to be active. The Christian walk is not one of passivity. I am to <b>put on</b> the armor of God, I am to <b>pray continually, seek </b>God first, <b>run</b> the race, <b>compete</b> for the prize, <b>turn away</b> from evil, <b>pursue</b> righteousness.... when I am active in all these things, joy will well up inside of me and overflow out of His grace and mercy. I won't need to look like the Christian cheerleader I once envisioned. I will look like the daughter of the King- content, joyful, at peace and free.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>There are so many more tidbits that I have gleaned from this book. I couldn't possibly share them all nor would I want to. You need to walk that road yourself and see how God speaks to you. But I would definitely recommend this book. In fact, I have already given a couple of copies to my friends. So many women are struggling right now. Consider buying one copy for yourself and one for a friend so that you can join each other on this journey to finding true and lasting joy.</i></div>Provl8dyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06339355936411752925noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093237759707254611.post-44103659059028733552010-04-26T08:35:00.000-07:002010-04-26T08:52:01.326-07:00Preparadeness<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">God has been challenging me lately to be more disciplined in my Christian walk. There have been seasons in my life when my quiet times were during the late night hours and that served me well. When little ones came along, my quiet times were in the afternoon during "nap time." Within the last month I have been feeling God urging me to meet Him in the morning. I am not an early riser and certainly God knows this. Regardless, I set my heart to try.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">After stumbling to find my Bible and journal and then getting my eyes adjusted to the light, I would try to shake my mental facilities to wake up but it never really worked. I would either read and have no semblance of meeting with God, forget everything I read or even fall asleep with my face in my Bible till the kids woke me up. I have also tried to set my quiet time necessities next to the bed so I could just move it onto the bed and then read ..... doesn't work. Next I set everything by the dining room table and would awaken out of my slumber and shuffle off to the table and try to commune with God. I was getting into a good routine and feeling somewhat successful but still feeling like I could do better. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">One morning as I awoke and was feeling extra groggy because of the late night hours I had kept, I questioned God about why we had to meet so early? Doesn't He see that I am tired? As quick as lightning, God showed me the missing piece: Preparedness. I was not preparing myself to meet with God. It wasn't just about getting up early, it was also about making sure I was physically able to do so. Those preparations would have to happen the night before. How could I possibly expect to wake up early when I stay up so late!? Time for this night owl to adapt a new behavior. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">So I have set it in my mind and heart to go to bed earlier so that I can meet with my God in the morning before the kids wake up. So far, the first week has been successful. I am really enjoying being awake when I sit down with my Bible and journal and hot tea. All I needed was some discipline and preparation. Not a bad exchange when it means I get to meet with the God of the universe, the God who so deeply loves me that He sent His Son to be my payment for sin.</span></span></div>Provl8dyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06339355936411752925noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093237759707254611.post-22543526541871929362010-04-20T12:19:00.000-07:002010-04-20T12:30:59.161-07:00Finding joy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJA-JoPRzLKO_vU9Kv_Hepif10ZMvEZgZcMa-6-TsKielt2C-ulYFpTZZXDnZSlutAMyFWX51GO35QTclPnOnhogKU8e6id0LjebWq4pKFfLNUoWh_AwYvv_dBLe_N9PFT2MNYc5qnUl4F/s1600/9780307457066.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 186px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJA-JoPRzLKO_vU9Kv_Hepif10ZMvEZgZcMa-6-TsKielt2C-ulYFpTZZXDnZSlutAMyFWX51GO35QTclPnOnhogKU8e6id0LjebWq4pKFfLNUoWh_AwYvv_dBLe_N9PFT2MNYc5qnUl4F/s200/9780307457066.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462304186826863298" /></a><br />Shame on me for not writing sooner. This month has been quite the roller coaster. From extreme tension headaches to the pure delight of having little people around. I am still trudging through my book, Dancing with My Father by Sally Clarkson. And it is still a slow journey as God reveals to me how much I take for granted and how much I choose not to be joyful. OUCH! <div><br /></div><div>I was talking to some of the moms at my homeschool group and found out that I am not alone. isn't it like Satan to make us think we are the only ones who suffer and cannot find joy? It turns out that we women really struggle with finding joy. Regardless of whether you stay at home or work full time or go to school. Joy, true joy, is elusive to us. Why is that? Why are we trudging along when we, who believe in Jesus Christ, have become heirs to the throne of God? The Bible calls us righteous, a royal priesthood, a chosen people and yet we spend our days like a herd of Eeyores. </div><div><br /></div><div>I don't know what the reason is for you but I am certainly seeing things anew as I read through this book. I am finding the nooks and crannies of where my thinking has gone askew. Areas that I have not let God cleanse and just plain choosing not to choose joy. I am about halfway through the book and continue to be challenged. I have recommended this book as a great summer read to my homeschool book and I would challenge you all too. Spend your summer reclaiming the joy God intended for you. It will be so worth it. Join me in choosing joy.</div>Provl8dyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06339355936411752925noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093237759707254611.post-13650781972898308542010-03-25T15:48:00.000-07:002010-03-25T16:05:10.925-07:00Hired Hand<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_4dchRw8iDuPqYXnHSDW-nbYKS3ddJ3DMRnuC5zUDZK7VY4QEiGr576xGJ_5yqLYw-HLjsAcmOUd9fnGNZklROofPsunLb0Z3HbZH0k6rXb_hyJpQ251jgNf_BVi7j5Nnt5GHBp0zBiA/s1600/01_07_5---Sheep-Dog_web.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_4dchRw8iDuPqYXnHSDW-nbYKS3ddJ3DMRnuC5zUDZK7VY4QEiGr576xGJ_5yqLYw-HLjsAcmOUd9fnGNZklROofPsunLb0Z3HbZH0k6rXb_hyJpQ251jgNf_BVi7j5Nnt5GHBp0zBiA/s200/01_07_5---Sheep-Dog_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452711043951907554" /></a><br />Dustin and I recently began a course through Financial Peace University. While we are in class, the kids are next door being cared for by one of their friend's grandma and our regular babysitter. We did not know that they would actually have some "schooling" which is a great surprise. The first night they heard about the Bible story where Jesus says He is the Good Shepherd and not like a hired hand who runs away at the first sight of danger. <div><br /></div><div>The next day, Naomi asked me if Daddy is like the good shepherd because he protects and provides for us. I agreed that that would be a correct analogy as long as we remember that Jesus is the BEST protector and provider we have. And then she asked, "Does that make you the hired hand?" I was a little appalled at the thought but I kept my cool and said, "Well, do I run away from danger like a hired hand would or do I have another role?" She paused for a moment and said, "I know! You're the sheep dog!"</div><div>"Why is that?" I inquired. She quickly retorted, "Because you are the shepherd's helper!" </div><div><br /></div><div>If only we adults could get this straight as easily as kids do. Sheep dogs are no less important in the workings of a ranch or sheep fold and yet they do not go around barking incessantly about being demoralized or undervalued. They do their part and take joy in their work. May I be a like a joyful sheep dog as I endeavor to work hard for my family and be a good helper to my husband.</div>Provl8dyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06339355936411752925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093237759707254611.post-47108571040398069692010-03-18T13:58:00.000-07:002010-03-18T14:17:25.156-07:00Torchlighters<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://www.visionvideo.com/v_images/T501244D.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 83px; height: 117px;" src="https://www.visionvideo.com/v_images/T501244D.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />This year I have been teaching a class at Groups about Famous Missionaries. We have studied George Mueller, Gladys Alyward, Adoniram Judson, Hudson Taylor, David Livingstone, Amy Carmichael, Samuel Morris, William and Catherine Booth and William Tyndale. All in all they represent 4 continents and at least 3 new translations of the Good News. <div><br /></div><div>As a way to "spice" up the class, I recently purchased a couple of Torchlighters videos to share in class. I didn't quite know what to expect but they came highly recommended. I just watched the video on Gladys Alyward and I am floored. The video was a great representation of her life and the way God used her. It truly brought me to tears. </div><div><br /></div><div>I also watched the William Tyndale version and that too was excellent. But since it shows him being burnt at the stake for his faith, I would highly suggest only allowing children older then 10 to view it. It seems per prosperous to think of "the church" not wanting the common man to read the Bible for himself. How grateful I am to have the word of God available at all times. And to see the sacrifice it took for me to be free to read and allow the Holy Spirit to interpret it was eye opening.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am amazed at the way people like Alyward and Tyndale have lived their lives. They are people who took God at His word and trusted Him with everything; even their own lives. </div>Provl8dyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06339355936411752925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093237759707254611.post-36812187524066265472010-03-14T21:09:00.001-07:002010-03-14T21:25:47.080-07:00Where did it go?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJkzfKlJD41o2Tu2gF3IqUCSIr3ki5PiBrtFCob8xXMdYV_R0S4Ok74_-4nin-qIqYq9J01Wom_EeUVHMtN_4TtW8tRg9gapwudPya7gu0B9VXXZGHvDuVaR53simeoQgA5QPX2HkYYvD/s1600-h/pi_17293.gif"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 196px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJkzfKlJD41o2Tu2gF3IqUCSIr3ki5PiBrtFCob8xXMdYV_R0S4Ok74_-4nin-qIqYq9J01Wom_EeUVHMtN_4TtW8tRg9gapwudPya7gu0B9VXXZGHvDuVaR53simeoQgA5QPX2HkYYvD/s320/pi_17293.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448711665530611458" /></a><br />I wrote a blog last week and now I cannot find it. Weird. I have no idea what it was about so I couldn't retype it if I tried. So I will just try to write a brief overview of our last two weeks. <div><br /></div><div>Funny how I can't seem to remember anything that happened now that I have time to sit down and write. I will tell you that I have been wrestling with many things. We are not the type of rush around, go get 'em, schedule everything really tight kind of people. We like to take our time. We are the kind of family that will finish dinner and sit and talk for about 30-60 minutes after. We don't like to be on the road alot and we certainly don't like rushing from one event to the next. With that in mind, we have been rushing around on Wednesday nights trying to be involved in our area of ministry. But it just wasn't working for us. Dustin and I were both frustrated at the rush rushing and the kids were quite tired and exhausted when it was all said and done. So my very wise husband asked me to take a break and stay home with the kids on Wednesday night. We used to have tea parties and read books before there was a children's ministry so we will go back to that. I got a great book on character building that I will be using on those nights. Dustin will be able to enjoy the whole meeting for the men and the kids will go to bed at a decent time. I think it will be a win-win situation. In the Fall we will reconsider our options and try again.</div><div><br /></div><div>The kids will be beginning their new curriculum next week. We have already started on some of the books but it won't officially start till next week. I have decided to go a different route this year. While we will be having the same "subjects" I will be approaching them differently according to the strengths of the kids. I will use a Charlotte Mason approach for Josiah and a classical Dorothy Sayers approach for Naomi. I am excited to be choosing my own curriculum for them. </div><div><br /></div><div>I recently hurt my neck moving furniture. I was wanting to surprise my husband.... guess I did big time. In any case, I hope to go to the chiropractor tomorrow and feel better. For right now I am hurting so I will bid you all farewell. I had wanted to write about the great books I am reading but that will have to wait.</div>Provl8dyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06339355936411752925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093237759707254611.post-25313301115116977442010-03-06T15:11:00.000-08:002010-03-06T15:36:06.389-08:00Snapshot of this week....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF5nNOdL9lcjcWYDdV8g1dTGOFEUnZr2tGOEq0jVkLoHKJdbGOAOmk6quHGMjfdX51bnr07S2xcO0Lim910PTJbXiRJ1YJWjR03CA9LVOuFCsqdgUaJdoIYfoP0jHFYUbzGavSzmASyOTu/s1600-h/DSCN0506.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 297px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF5nNOdL9lcjcWYDdV8g1dTGOFEUnZr2tGOEq0jVkLoHKJdbGOAOmk6quHGMjfdX51bnr07S2xcO0Lim910PTJbXiRJ1YJWjR03CA9LVOuFCsqdgUaJdoIYfoP0jHFYUbzGavSzmASyOTu/s320/DSCN0506.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445668580814767746" /></a><br />I have spent the last two weeks in a place I call the Curriculum Vortex. Praying, reading, researching and deciding on what curriculum we should use for the next year. Our school year is not the normal Sept.-May so that is why I am looking at those things now. It has been particularly hard this year as I am moving in a new direction. I will be teaching Josiah in a Charlotte Mason method using living books and things and a more logical, classical approach for Naomi. I have polar opposites with these two sweeties. Josiah is my right brain creative, sensitive guy and Naomi is my logical, left-brain, no nonsense, just the facts girl. So while they will have the same subjects, the approach will be considerably different. I found some items on eBay and the rest I ordered from Rainbow Resources. Looks like I am all set for the remainder of this calendar year and I cannot wait to get started.<div><br /></div><div>Last weekend Dustin went on his annual missions trip to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. He had a great time serving but was exhausted when he got home. I have such respect for military and public service wives. Every time Dustin is gone for a couple of days, I am reminded at the heavy burden those wives carry to support their husbands. I do not think I could do it. My hat is off to them.</div><div><br /></div><div>This week will end in us celebrating our 11th wedding anniversary. We have been reflecting and praising God for taking these two wretchedly selfish people and creating a beautiful relationship. I can't get out of my head the quote - What if God didn't give us marriage to makes us happy but to make us holy? I would definitely say that is true. In the short time that we have been married I have seen Christ more through my husband than 25 years of being involved in a church. He daily out serves me and never seeks recognition or applause. That is not to say that we do not have our issues or that he succeeds everyday in those things. But when he does, I no longer see my earthly husband but my heavenly groom through him. I thank God for giving me such a wonderful husband. I thank God for spurring me on through my husband. And I am looking forward to the next decade as we continue to grow in the Word and Spirit together.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Provl8dyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06339355936411752925noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093237759707254611.post-69996045526896845252010-02-27T23:09:00.000-08:002010-02-28T14:02:35.460-08:00Day 3<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZqjMdaQ69QvJLvO6OhPavMGASMthOxiVVpBR1O70OIe7baH5KgNM8p7zlrKH2xgPR93eT0faSv97uK7rUJGHRGR36R1JPUYkBnXdwVPE6VWp6U6f408bagrwxaLnsY1idYFYikOJbSlf/s1600-h/DSCN0180.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidZqjMdaQ69QvJLvO6OhPavMGASMthOxiVVpBR1O70OIe7baH5KgNM8p7zlrKH2xgPR93eT0faSv97uK7rUJGHRGR36R1JPUYkBnXdwVPE6VWp6U6f408bagrwxaLnsY1idYFYikOJbSlf/s320/DSCN0180.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443190381200687426" /></a><br />Days without my husband are long, rewarding and exhausting. I have noticed the kids sure get to eat a lot more sweets. (Overcompensating for Daddy's absence perhaps?) In my mind I have begun a series of without you phrases. <div><br /></div><div>For instance: </div><div>Without you, the bed is ridiculously cold. </div><div>Without you, coffee isn't so great. </div><div>Without you, I am the only one laughing at the kids. (You heard me right, <b>at</b> the kids.) </div><div>Without you, I am not really motivated to cook gourmet meals. </div><div>Without you, there is no evening expectation. </div><div>Without you, .......</div><div><br /></div><div>I am sure I will think of more in the remaining day and night to come. All of this got me to thinking of marriage and how it represents Christ and the Bride.</div><div>Without Christ, the Bride is cold.</div><div>Without Christ, the Bride loses meaning in menial tasks.</div><div>Without Christ, there is no joy within the Bride.</div><div>Without Christ, there is no hope or desire to live a life of excellance.</div><div>Without Christ, there is no long expected return of the King.</div><div>Without Christ,.......</div><div><br /></div><div>How would you fill in the blank?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Side note: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', serif; white-space: pre-wrap; ">I just realized that "evening expectation" could be taken differently than I intended. I meant the portion of the evening after the kids are in bed and we can enjoy each other's company and talk.</span></div>Provl8dyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06339355936411752925noreply@blogger.com1