Success!

After days of wiggling, pulling, tugging and fretting... Ezra accomplished his goal!

And because he's too much of a boy to not do a "tough guy" picture...

Two Must-See Movies!

I promised I'd come back and give you my thoughts on Fireproof, and I will do so in the next paragraph, but first I wanted to mention another movie (documentary) I saw over the weekend. It is called"The First Blast of the Trumpet Against the Monstrous Regiment of Women" (or just "The Monstrous Regiment of Women" for short). I had noticed when this movie first came out, but had not been aware that it was available on Netflix! Once Christine at Lily of the Valley mentioned she had gotten it, I immediately put it into my queue. I was not disappointed. It is an excellent documentary on the development, goals, and progression of the feminist movement, and something I think needs to be shown in churches everywhere! The deception of feminism is running rampant in the Christian world - as one of the ladies featured said (I am paraphrasing, I can't recall it word for word) "So many women would say "But I'm not a feminist!", yet they live the very life feminism has pushed for." Michael, who was not exactly interested in watching a documentary on feminism, by the end, was glad he did. I have, at times, been considered judgmental or overly opinionated about my beliefs, but there are very, very strong reasons I believe as I do - Biblically, socially, politically, and morally - and this movie is very good at explaining why and what the dangers are when we choose to go outside God's original design. I *highly* recommend it!

As for Fireproof - I had very high hopes and was not disappointed! It was so, so good. I would go see it again today if I could, lol! The acting was just fine - so many people worry about the quality of acting in "amateur" movies, but I only noticed a very few scenes that were a bit wooden. The message and the journey the movie takes the viewer on far surpasses any "amateur" status. The troubled marriage was very realistic - the attitudes, problems, frustrations, hurts, confusions, temptations... all of it was something that anyone who has been married can relate to, and it was not watered down or made little of. There were also some very genuinely (not cheesy) funny parts, as well as a few heart pounding scenes. Overall, a great date movie with a wonderfully purposeful message!

What I'll say next might "give away" some of the story, so don't read if you don't want to know!

The aspect Michael and I decided we liked best about it was the fact that, while both the husband and wife were in the wrong, it was only one who came to true repentance and determined to really change themselves - it didn't focus on changing the other person. It boiled down to changing oneself, taking responsibility for YOUR part in a marriage, instead of pointing the finger and saying "but they...." And it was demonstrated that it is impossible to change and to really, truly love someone without the salvation and love of Christ. The salvation message presented was beautiful, and so convicting! Michael and I had our fair share of tears throughout the movie ;-)

I want to buy this movie for every married couple I know, lol! But since I can't afford that (and it will be awhile before its available on DVD, I think?)... I just will tell everyone - GO SEE IT! It will be well worth the two hours you spend together! :-)

A Little Perspective

Voddie Baucham is one of my absolute favorite speakers. This message is incredible! Crystal at Serving God and Family had it posted, and I had to share. It is only 5 minutes, so take a listen.

Fireproof!

I have been waiting for this movie to come out for MONTHS! lol! I actually wrote the date on my calendar - anyone who knows me knows that I usually don't even notice movies much. I am really excited about it! Its by the same group that did Flywheel and Facing the Giants, which were both excellent. Fireproof is a marriage movie, and it deals with issues ranging from arguments, temptations (for both men and women), and divorce, to taking advice (both good and bad) from family and friends, and most importantly - where God fits into it all. Michael and I have a date to see it tomorrow night, so I will be sure to come back and share what I think afterwards. But, I would honestly say - don't wait for my review! Go see it this weekend!! I'm sure it won't disappoint. Check out the trailer by clicking on the banner above :-)

Also, if you see it, let me know what you think!

A Free Make-Over!

Of the Biblical kind, that is! Kelly over at Generation Cedar has written up a "Make-Over" series of posts to help us grasp a vision of developing the characteristics of a Godly woman. Topics include trustworthiness, having strength and honor, discretion, being meek and quiet (ack! lol!), being chaste, teaching good things, contentment, being a builder, and not giving way to fear. Lots of great thoughts and insights! I hope it blesses you as it has blessed me.

Your Crown

I get both a magazine and email newsletters from a wonderful ministry for women called Above Rubies. They're always so encouraging! And they always seem to come at a time when I'm really needing some support, tips, or heartwarming stories. This is an email I received a few months ago, but I came across it again and it really helped me. I sometimes feel so hopeless in dealing with the boys! There are days when it seems that every time I turn around there's another discipline issue to deal with, another mess to clean, another boo-boo that needs tending - its non-stop at times! So re-reading this email really helped me put everything back into perspective, remembering that my job isn't an earthly, temporary one - its eternal!

HOLD ON TO YOUR CROWN

Revelation 3:11, "Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown."

When God appeared to Moses as I AM THAT I AM out in the backside of the desert, He commissioned him to deliver the Hebrews from their slavery in Egypt . But Moses was fearful to take on such a task. He had no strength of his own to accomplish it. God then said to him, "What is that in thine hand, Moses?" (Exodus 4:2).

What was in his hand? A shepherd's rod. Nothing fancy. Nothing powerful. Just a simple rod he used each day to guide, prod and protect his flock. God took that plain shepherd's rod and made it a mighty weapon in Moses' hand. Whenever he stretched forth the rod mighty miracles happened. It released the plagues upon the Egyptians. It showed forth God's mighty power.

Sometimes you wonder what you are doing in your home. Your friends have high-powered careers and are raking in the money. You are trying to make ends meet from day to day. Your family remind you that you are wasting your life and your education.

But what is in your hand? It is the rod of motherhood. It may look insignificant, as Moses' rod did, but it wields a mighty power. Motherhood is the most powerful career in the nation. As a mother, you determine the course of the nation. You are in God's hands preparing your children for the purposes God has laid out for them before the foundation of the world. This is a top notch job. It is high powered!

Mothering is your crown. It has been invested in you by God himself. It is your anointing of womanhood. It is your authority. Do not take off your beautiful crown of motherhood to allow someone else to mother the children God has given you. Never let your crown go. Hold on to it. Lift your head high and be proud of your divine calling.

You may be going through circumstances that cause you to feel like giving up. You feel an utter failure. This mothering business is not working out. Your children are giving you heartache. Do not give up. Do not take off your crown. Rise up in the anointing and authority that God has given you as a mother. Do not let your circumstances rob you of your crown.

Do not let other people rob you either. Do you notice that this Scripture says that man will try to take it from you? Those who are ignorant of God's heart for children will speak negative things into your life. Those who are deceived by this world's philosophy will try to lure you away from your high calling. Do not be swayed by what people say. Do not let them take your crown. Hold on to it tightly.

Do not for a moment be intimidated by your antagonists! (Philippians 1:28)

Love from NANCY CAMPBELL

PRAYER:

"Lord, I thank you that you have given me the crown of mothering. Help me to see that it is a crown to wear and be proud of. When I wear this crown I am walking in your perfect will. Amen."

AFFIRMATION:

Mothering is a crown I wear with dignity.

Wordless Wednesday - A View of Homeschooling

What's New

I thought I'd give a little update on what's new and happening around here lately :-) Here's a recent picture of us that actually includes me in it! Our friends, the Spillers, took it recently while we were visiting them in their beautiful new home.


Michael is getting ready to "go" back to school! He'll start online courses at Brenau University next month. Since we never finished college, its been something he's prayed about for a long time... and we finally felt like now was the time.

Isaac has been designated "resident baker" - anytime there is anything that needs making, especially baking, he's the man on the job! He makes pizza (his own crust and everything) for us all, biscuits, omlettes, fried eggs, pancakes... he really has a love for cooking, and we really love it!


Ezra just lost his first top tooth! He has been very excited, and he's now working on the one next to it, as it is loose as well.


Joel got his first "big boy" haircut - with the clippers from daddy! Its amazing how much it made it look just like the older two... now when one runs by, its even harder to determine who it was!


Nathan also got his hair cut with the clippers! He did so well, he just stood still while daddy clipped away all of his baby curls... it was much harder on me! I hope they grow back, only this time a little more uniformly and manageable (ha! can you use "curls" and "manageable" in the same sentence, really?!)

Here's before:

And here's after:

Also, he still has no interest in saying real words. He is noisy, but no words. His nonverbal communication is excellent, though, and he understands us quite well, so we are not concerned about his development. We're calling it "baby brother syndrome" - why talk when you have 3 older people who will do it for you? While taking his time in the verbal department, he is advanced in his rubber band shooting skills. Quite impressive for a 19 month old!

Oh, and me? Well, I'm a little over 13 weeks pregnant now, and in that weird stage... I don't exactly *look* pregnant, and I don't entirely *feel* pregnant, either - other than the occasional nausea that still pops up now and again, and my inability to get out of bed before 7 am, which is very abnormal for me! I have felt twinges here and there that have made me go hmmm... but nothing that I'd definitively claim as movement, especially this early. So, I'm just going about my day to day life, trying to stay on track with a routine and serving the Lord as He has called me :-) Life is good, and I am very, very thankful for my blessings!

A Testimony

This is a beautiful, heart-wrenching testimony, from a young woman who survived an attempted abortion. I wept as I listened. The topic of abortion leaves me heartbroken and speechless, because of the horror and injustice of it, to both the babies it kills, and the women deceived into believing it is a "right", but ultimately are wounded by it as well. The total time of both videos together is about 15 minutes, so please take that time to listen.

So Excited!

When I was growing up in New Hampshire, we had a huge 3-line clothes line, which I loved to hang clothes out on. There's something so... domestic feeling about it, and it lifts my spirits to see the clothes blowing in the breeze and soaking up the sun. However, since living in Georgia, I've never been able to find a "good" spot for one. Michael didn't want one that takes up the whole yard, stretching from one tree to another, and it was never a priority enough to actually buy posts and build one. So I had been using a little portable rack on our back deck, or our inside stair railing, which isn't quite the same thing.

Last week, while blog-browsing, I came across one (and I apologize that I can't remember where) that had a picture of a clothesline... under the deck! That was a huge Ah-Ha! moment for me, lol! I had never even thought of using my deck posts for clothes lines. Surprisingly, there's enough sun and enough breeze to accomplish the goal of getting the clothes dry! So one of our projects today was to try it out. The boys and I set out with a step stool, some heavy duty nylon string, and a staple gun... and after about 30 minutes... here is what we accomplished!

Its nothing particularly impressive, but I am so excited to finally have a clothesline!

And because they are eternally goofy, here's a picture of two of my helpers with their toy clothes pins. :-)

Join Me!

In light of my last post, I have been doing an online study regarding Biblical Wifehood, on Proverbs 31. I'm having to catch-up because I only ran across it this week, but I'm enjoying it so far. Join me in delving deeper into Biblical womanhood!

The Truth Is...

Biblical submission to my husband was a hard thing for me to grasp. The poor man suffered through several years of marriage until I read a book that really convicted me (A Woman After God's Own Heart, by Elizabeth George). Then I started really taking a look at God's Word and my role as a wife, mother, and woman of God. Talk about turning my world upside down! But it has all been for the (much) better.

However, the truth is... while my mind knows it, and my heart embraces it... my flesh STILL rebels against it. It is so easy for me to write things on here about what a blessing it is, things I've learned along the way, tips to help others along the journey... but it is not the complete truth unless I also confess that I do, still, very much at times, struggle. I feel like Paul, who lamented in Romans 7:15 "For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate." I still find myself thinking my way is the better way, annoyed by little habits, trying to control situations with the children when he is handling them, trying to manipulate him through attitudes and speaking in ways that are out of line. How shameful it is! That's really the only way to express it - just shameful, and dishonoring to not only Michael, but to the Lord Himself, who gave me this man for me to love and submit to.

So please do not read my blog and think that I must have it "all together" - oh no! I hope I have never given that impression, but in case I have, let me clarify! I am still growing, learning, striving for that crown, that ultimate goal! And each day, as I practice dying to myself, there will be successes and failures, and some things are more painful than others to do away with. But ultimately I trust in the Lord's refining fire to purify me, no matter how much my flesh struggles against it. I long for it! I pray for it! And I ask for your prayers! I pray that I will not be like the man described in James 1:22-24: "But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was", but instead the one described in the next verse: "But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does."

I do not want to be hypocritical, which is why I confess these weaknesses here. I am nothing without the Lord, nothing at all, but by His saving grace, He is sanctifying me. And I praise Him for that, even though my praise is such a small thing in comparison.

To My Friends with IE (Internet Explorer)

I have recently been notified by both Manda and Jennifer that my blog is missing the right hand column when viewed in IE. :-( What a bummer! I use Firefox, so I had not noticed - however, when I downloaded this template, there was a disclaimer that it might not work quite right with IE. So I will be diligently searching for a cute, 3-column template that looks nice in both IE and Firefox... until then, please forgive my lopsided look!

And just incase anyone is interested, we have found Firefox to be much faster and more user-friendly than IE... and its a free download if you want to give it a try ;-)

Wordless Wednesday - A View of Homeschooling

Noise

Having 4 boys... our house is rarely "quiet". We have nap time and quiet reading time, and times when everyone is told to chill out and sit down and be quiet for a few minutes, but, really... quiet is a rare commodity in our home ;-) But the noise is a joyful noise - playing, laughter, learning, pillow fights (or balloon or whatever else can be used as a soft weapon!). The occasional squabble and tears, as well as the sometimes louder than necessary reprimand, too. Lots of "pitter pattering" little feet, probably better described as "pounding, stomping, running, jumping" growing feet.

Considering this, I really loved this recent email from Doug Phillips from Vision Forum:

We live in a world of sound pollution — too much sound, all the time. We spend so much time listening to indiscriminate sounds that we often fail to hear the music of life. We need to reduce the pollution and start listening to the most important music — the sounds that make a Christian household a Christian household.

There is music in the sound of a family worshipping the Lord together. There is music in the sound of babies laughing, of children studying at the family table, of sisters preparing meals for their family, and of moms reading bedtime stories to little ones. When these sounds truly reflect hearts that long to please their Heavenly Father, they make up the aroma of a life well-lived before the Lord.

Of course, the most beautiful music to a father’s ear are any sounds which allow him to experience the blessing of watching his children walking in truth. On this point, Jesus Christ, the author of Holy Scripture, wrote, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (3 John 1:4).

I am persuaded that the sounds of a household are a window into the soul of the family.

For most American families today, the sounds being projected are filled with the noise pollution of the television or even with the discordant shouts of family turmoil. In other cases, the modern household is an empty tomb — a shadow of what family life was meant to be. In these households, there is little sound because there are no children. Or perhaps the silence stems from years of family fragmentation in which mother, father, and children each have their own individualized lives largely lived out far from home.

The Christian household is meant to be different. It is a place of love and living

And that means noise. It means houses filled with the glorious echoes of babies crying, of children playing, of mothers teaching, of fathers training, and even a few animals chirping, meowing, or woofing. It means life — with all of its glory, sadness, and joy. It means happy homes of highly eccentric families, each with their own unique vision, style, personality traits, and expressions.

These homes are not museums. That means they are rarely immaculate. Gloriously organized chaos is sometimes a more apt description. They are homes made up of grateful and forgiven sinners who recognize that there is no greater joy than to daily experience the nobility of the commonplace, from the simple disciplines of Christian life — prayer, studies, work — to the thrill of watching fathers eating the fruit of their labors, of moms who radiate the glory of being fruitful vines, and of brothers and sisters who gather around the family table like precious olive plants (Psalm 128).

Look for these households. For their number is growing. They are part of a great spiritual work where the hearts of parents are turning to their children and children to their parents (Malachi 4:6). And when you find them, listen.

I'm Lovin' It

No, not McDonalds (blech!) ;-) Cool weather has come upon us, and considering we're half way through September, I have the slightest of hopes that it might be here to stay. Of course, cool is relative - the highs this week are supposed to be mid 70's-80, but the nights are supposed to be mid 50's-60's. We have turned off the AC (which Michael is thrilled about - those electric bills can be intimidating!) and are enjoying having windows open and the fresh air breezing through the house. Right now our thermostat says 74, which is lower than what we could usually get it to with the air on! Fall and Spring have always been my favorite seasons, so I am eager and excited for autumn to come into its fullness! Although, I have to admit, even though I've been here in the South for over 10 years... I'm still a northerner at heart and miss the really vibrant color that blesses the northeast. Our leaves change color, but nothing in comparison to New England! But I still appreciate the beauty of the changing seasons, very much. There's such an energy to it, an anticipation of something new... so exciting!!

Tied Down

I came across this at Serving God and Family, and really loved it. Enjoy!

“They tie you down,” a woman said,
Whose cheeks should have been flaming red
With shame to speak of children so.
“When babies come you cannot go
In search of pleasure with your friends,
And all your happy wandering ends.
The things you like you cannot do,
For babies make a slave of you.”

I looked at her and said, “’Tis true
That children make a slave of you,’
And tie you down with many a knot,
But have you never thought to what
It is of happiness and pride
That little babies have you tied?
Do you not miss the greater joys
That come with little girls and boys?

They tie you down to laughter rare,
To hours of smiles and hours of care,
To nights of watching and to fears;
Sometimes they tie you down to tears
And then repay you with a smile,
And make your trouble all worth while.
They tie you fast to chubby feet
And cheeks of pink and kisses sweet.

They fasten you with cords of love
To God divine, who reigns above.
They tie you, whereso’er you roam,
Unto the little place called home;
And over sea or railroad track
They tug at you to bring you back.
The happiest people in the town
Are those the babies have tied down.

Oh, go your selfish way and free
But hampered I would rather be,
Yes rather than a kingly crown
I would be, what you term, tied down;
Tied down to dancing eyes and charms,
Held fast by chubby, dimpled arms,
The fettered slave of girl and boy,
And win from them earth’s finest joy.

~ Edgar A. Guest

In Remebrance

A Decade

While we mourn with the country on this anniversary of the horrific terror attacks that took so many lives seven years ago, Michael and I also rejoice, for it is our wedding anniversary. And this year is our tenth! I don't know if ANYONE thought we'd make it this far! I must say, our marriage and the love in it is a true testimony to the Lord, as there was nothing we did or could have done of our own effort to have it come this far and be the wonderful relationship that it is today. But God is so good, and can make beauty out of messes :-)

We had known from very early on after meeting eachother that we wanted to be married. Only a year after we met, we jumped in! I was 18, he was 19... and we had no idea of all of the things marriage entails and requires - it was an uphill battle from the start! But after 10 years, I can look back and say many, many good things. One is that its been a blessing to "grow up" together. I have watched Michael change from boy to man, from one whose main focus was serving self to one whose main focus is serving God and his family... and he can say the same for me! I knew absolutely nothing about being a wife - nothing about keeping a home, nothing about submission, nothing about self-sacrifice, and I was a baby Christian, new in my walk with the Lord. Another thing is being able to see how wonderful things are NOW. So many marriages deteriorate over time, while ours has done the opposite - truely blossomed as it has matured. I am so thankful! And above all else, I can see the hand of God, and a glimpse of the wonder He can work, over time, through trials and blessings, in the shaping and molding of two people into the image of His Son. How awesome!

I am so excited to see what the Lord has for us in the upcoming years together. We get to lead and watch our children grow, and continue to grow together and with the Lord... what else could I ask for?

Here are some pictures from our small, but perfect, wedding:

This picture is from our honeymoon, and it makes me laugh, because it really shows how YOUNG we were, lol! I don't have one of me from the honeymoon - I'm always the one taking the pictures, its rare to get one with me actually in one.


We don't have any grand plans for today, but it should be alot of fun anyway! We're starting out the morning by meeting friends at Stone Mountain Park, for a homeschool field trip and then a picnic. This evening my generous sister-in-law has offered to keep all of the children overnight for us, so we'll be dropping them off and enjoying dinner and a movie. In the morning tomorrow, after sleeping in with no little ones to wake us, we'll enjoy breakfast out somewhere, and then pick up our brood and spend the day together. I couldn't ask for more! I think just sleeping in will be the most exciting part, lol!

It Takes a Mama...

I woke up this morning after a restless night of sleep, burdened for the little ones of our society who are growing up without mamas - not actual orphans, but victims of society's lies that women are more valued and more valuable outside of their homes than inside.

Our precious little ones, who we only have for a short season of life - they need us! By God's design, they need us for nuturing and attention, teaching and disciplining, loving and learning. We need to take the focus off of ourselves and our goals and dreams, and understand that we are just a drop in the generational bucket... and when we forsake our primary duty to serve the Lord through diligently raising our children... we hinder the next generation! I am amazed at how commonplace the belief that handing our children over to others to raise is "no big deal" and sometimes even "beneficial"! These aren't pets or inanimate objects - children are human beings! With precious, innocent souls, needing the utmost of care, attention, and love to develop, grow, and learn about God's tender mercies.

I remember speaking with a woman once who expressed how glad she was to have put her newborn into daycare, because he was getting so much more "stimulation" than he would at home with her. She explained they had bottles with sparkles in them, designed to help him focus his eyes and track movement. Oh, but to the contrary! Making eye contact with his mama while nursing at her breast, watching her face as she spoke, sang to, and loved him would have been the best and only stimulation that sweet one needed.

This post from The Welcome Home Blog was so beautiful, I had to share. Where the feminists of the world are saying there "more important" things women could and should be doing... this post really hit the nail on the head about the true importance of a mama:

I don’t get out much… some, but not much. And, for the most part, I like it that way. O, don’t get me wrong: I love to go places, I love to do things and I love to see new things. But I love being home. When I do go out… I sure see why it’s important for me to be here… at home, keeping the home and caring for each one and each thing here.

I love keeping our home and I love home-work. I love making sure that home’s home. O, I know that anyone can clean houses, make food, clean it up and make more food and clean that up, too and do it over and over and over again. I know that anyone can put stuff in the washer, move it from there to the dryer, put more stuff in the washer and do the same thing over and over and over again. I know that anyone can supervise the existence of children in a home and maybe even teach them things, too. I know that anyone can tidy up, dust, vacuum, sweep, wipe, mop, and turn lights on or off in a home. I know that anyone can bar a door from intruders and anyone can uphold a schedule and order.

But it takes a mama to make a home home. It takes a mama to care for the things of a home. It takes a mama to care for the apparel and appearance of the children and husband in her home and it takes a mama to care for the quality of the food and the presentation of the meals and the appearance of the table and the conversation that happens there. It so matters what goes on them, what goes in them and what goes on around them.

It takes a mama to remember the nuances of life… the candlelight and the music of life — to share the yesteryears and stories of generations gone before. It takes a mama to remember the preferences and particular idiosyncrasies that make up each child’s unique personalities and to really care how those children feel and how their character is shaped. It takes a mama to genuinely attend to a nursling, a baby, a toddling child, a maturing son or daughter and all the needs each age and each season brings — it takes a mama to anticipate what the changes will be and what they’ll necessarily require. It takes a mama to care about a rash, a fever, a first step, a composition, a heartache, dental appointment, a physical exam, pictures on the fridge, a skinned knee, an awkward incident, a disappointment, an accomplishment…

It takes a mama to set the tone, the order, the routines, guide the activities and make the sweet memories of the home. It takes a mama to demonstrate God’s precious and specific order for one of the halves of His creation. It takes a mama to show what the Word says… to demonstrate the living Word of God in word and in deed. It takes a mama to hear the heart of her children — and to care what’s going on in each heart. It takes a mama to teach a child to pray… and to listen to the LORD. It takes a mama to do all that matters (and a mama knows it all matters… a lot).

It takes a mama to make a home sweet and it takes a mama to give a home a heart and it takes a mama to make a home a wonderful place to remember and a dear place to long for. It takes a mama to be a real sweetheart for her husband and the first sweetheart of each of her children. It takes a mama to make a home a journey, a launch-pad, a destination and a desire.

When mama’s not home… the home has no heart ♥ and there’s really no-one to look well to the ways thereof. God’s clear design is marred and distorted when mothers lose sight of, or disregard, the inestimable value of motherhood… when women choose lesser things.

H♥me. It takes a mother’s kiss to make some things all better. It so matters when mother’s there. And it so matters when she’s not.

Wordless Wednesday

"My beloved is dazzling and ruddy, Outstanding among ten thousand. His head is like gold, pure gold; His locks are like clusters of dates..."

Song of Songs 5:10-11

Its That Time of Year

Hints of fall + being pregnant = Yarn Season!

Today the boys and I spent almost an hour at our local Yarn Shop, exploring textures and colors galore! I finally left with some super soft and plush Bulky Blue Sky Alpaca yarn... yum! We got home and got out the "equipment" and Isaac and Ezra wound perfect balls of yarn.

Alas, when I explored my needle collection, I discovered that I did not have the size my pattern is requesting... so when Nathan wakes up, we'll be off to JoAnn's for some needles... and then the fun will begin! My hands are itching to get started, I can't wait!

For my Mom :-)

Growing up, we had an Anne Murray children's record (yes, record!) called "There's a Hippo in my Tub" that we listened to alot. I found the CD at the library, so now my boys are listening to it, and wow! does it bring back memories. This song especially reminds me of my mom. She's always been a big advocate of keeping your chin up and having a positive outlook. She also loves to sing and dance - I have so many memories of her singing to and with us! Now that I have children of my own, this song has even more meaning to me. So, mom, I don't know if you'll see this... but here's a little something to make you smile :-)



On a funny note, one of the other songs on the album is called "Teddy Bear's Picnic" - a silly song about Teddy Bears picnicing in the woods, and what you might see if you happened upon them. One of the lines in the chorus says "See them, catch them, unawares..." and I always thought it said "underwears". I grew up with images of Teddy Bears throwing and catching underwear at a picnic in the woods! And to be sure, when we came upon that song on the CD with the boys... they said "Mom! They're having a picnic in their underwear!"

Renewed!

I am so excited! Saturday morning I woke up and felt something I have not felt in what seemed like forever - like myself again! The exhaustion I was struggling with was so overpowering that I honestly couldn't remember what it felt like to have normal energy... I had even asked Michael if things really would get better - it seemed like such a dark pit I had fallen into, I couldn't imagine life before or after it. But, praise God! He helped me through it and has now helped me out of it. My appetite has returned, I actually want to and am able to take care of the house, I am able to plan and prepare meals, and we are back to our school routine! Granted, I still need a nap and to go to bed early, but the tiredness is not a shroud hanging over me like it had been. It feels so good to be "back"! Michael and the boys are happy, as well (or maybe releaved is a better word!). It took 11 weeks of pregnancy exactly. :-)

His Grace

I love this song! Ezra loves it, too - he'll sing it all day if we've heard it on the radio or sung it at church! The message is one I cling to every single day - His grace IS enough, it IS sufficient! It reminds me of a song we sing during our Passover seder - the song is called "Dayenu" and it means "it would have been enough". Even if the only thing God ever gives us is His grace - it IS enough. But He is a giving, amazingly generous God, and gives us so much more! But without His grace... there is nothing. We are nothing! So I can only stand before Him with a heart full of awe and love... and inexpressable gratitude.

Really Random - But Too Funny

Michael and I came across this picture last night, and we were laughing so hard about it. Call us weird, but it just tickled us... enjoy!

Michael suggested that she must have been whispering "Mc-Cain! Mc-Cain!" and tried to act innocent when he turned around. Or possibly throwing things at the back of his head.

One Last Link

OK, one last link to a blog post about the upcoming election. I can't actually promise its the last, but for now, it will be. I thought this one was excellent, give it a read!

Voting in Faith at Family Reformation

Pregnancy Update - 10 Weeks

I am halfway through week 10 and all is going reasonably well! I had my second midwife appointment on Tuesday - she tried to find the heartbeat with the doppler, but this early along, its still difficult. So, she indulged me with a second ultrasound! My first was just a little after 6 weeks, so the baby was just a little blurb.. its amazing what 4 weeks will do! The baby is fully formed, albeit tiny... I saw it kicking its tiny legs, waving its tiny arms, its sweet round head and belly, with the tell-tale fluttering light of its heartbeat. What a miracle new life is! The awe is unspeakable, really.

As far as my own well-being... I am blessed with not much nausea, and no vomiting. But I am TIRED! Really, really tired. My midwife joked "of course you're tired, you've got 4 boys!"... but my iron levels are just fine, and otherwise I am perfectly healthy. So she said to just hang in for a few more weeks and my energy should return. I am really hoping so, because its been a little discouraging at times. But I read this post earlier today, from The Mouro Family, and it was really encouraging to me, especially this part:

When we complain, we often want someone to say "Yes, I know! I have had the same problem. You are right, that does stink!" Poor us. But, wouldn't it be more beneficial for us to say to one another, "Yes I know, I have had the same problem, but the truth is . . . God knows what He is doing! He is working in your life through this trial and He is sanctifying you through this. It might help if you thank Him for this trial or think of the things in your life that you are thankful for."

So I am trying to praise God in all things and remember my many, many blessings, including the sweet little one that could be said to be the cause of all my exhaustion! Another really encouraging post was from a friend who I've "known" online for several years, with two little ones of her own (so she is familiar with tiredness, lol!), from her blog, Lambs in His Arms:

I was thinking about you this morning, and I believe God gave me an answer about how you can use this time for His glory: You can pray. It sounds so simple, but prayer is an important ministry that we often overlook in our everyday busyness. You may not be able to get off the couch and use your body for His service, but you can use your mind and spirit. Pray for your health and your walk with God, for your unborn baby, and for your children to know and love the Lord. Pray for your marriage, your relationships with other family members, for fellow believers, and that your life would bear witness to all those with whom you come in contact. Pray for our country and the government that makes decisions for us, especially as we approach the November elections that will determine our leaders for the next four years. Pray for those who are persecuted, poverty-stricken, and suffering all over the world. As awful as you feel, you can have a powerful ministry of prayer right from your chair. And when others see how you are relying on Christ to strengthen you through your suffering, God will be glorified. That certainly is not a wasted life!

Try not to place too many expectations on yourself that God is not requiring of you right now. It would make me absolutely crazy not to be able to get up and clean my home and take care of my children, so I'm sure this is difficult. But do use whatever help is available to you, and don't be too hard on yourself. Can your husband pick up some movies or books on tape from the library to keep your children occupied? Or you could get out puzzles, flashcards, and other activities that they can do independently or with a little help from you while you relax on the couch. If it helps, serve meals on paper plates to make clean-up easier. Make sandwiches or something from the freezer section for dinner - or order pizza. And do not be afraid to ask others for help. It is difficult to admit a need, but that is what gives others an opportunity to serve!

Rather than feeling useless because your body is weak, rejoice in your sufferings. Commit to fervent prayer and know that you are doing an important work, even when you must put other important works aside for a time. I also want to really encourage you to fill your mind with Scripture so that there is no room for Satan's discouragement and depression to sink in. Find a verse or passage that speaks to you and meditate on it day and night. One of my favorites for these situations is, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." And be sure to focus on what is true (and right, pure, and so on). God has allowed this to happen; He will give you strength to endure.

Thank you to everyone who is such an encouragement! Even if I don't "know" you or if we've never met "IRL" ;-) God has used you to bless me, and for that I am so thankful.

I'm definitely looking forward to a time of renewed energy, but I am grateful nonetheless for the blessings that abound in my life today!

Excellent Sermon!

This was posted on Meditations and Confessions of a Homemaker, and I just loved it! So of course, I couldn't not share! Its relatively short, as sermons go... only 26 minutes, so please take the time out to listen and be encouraged. Go to Searchlight Radio Programs, and then click on the teaching from 9-1-08 (2 Samuel 7 - Part 2). Feel free to leave a comment to let me know what you thought :-)

A Devotion to Ponder

I enjoy getting daily email devotions from a website called Back to the Bible. One of the devotions I get is by Elisabeth Elliot, whose wisdom, honesty and gentleness I so appreciate. This was today's devotion, and it really made me pause and think.

What's My Score?

I was tempted this morning--no, not merely tempted, I actually did it--to pray, "Lord, I've been disobedient in many things, but I've been obedient in the 'big' things, haven't I, Lord?"

"What would you call loving Me with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength? Is it a little thing?"

"Oh Lord, no."

"And is it a little thing to love your neighbor as yourself?"

"It is a very big thing, Lord--especially when I try to include you-know-who."

"These two things are all I require. Do them and you will have fulfilled all the law."

Silence. So much for my self-righteousness.

"Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner."

Let us always remember that the only righteousness we have is the righteousness that Christ has clothed us in. We have none, absolutely none of our own! And there is no way to accomplish the love that He requires of us, without Him dwelling within us.

Some Good Reads

Despite what I said below about the Sarah Palin issue, I still enjoy hearing other's opinions ;-) Here are a few posts I really enjoyed on the topic:

• The Evangelical Two-Step at Truth in Love Blog
• Frogs, Epitaphs, and Pragmatism at Generation Cedar
• I'm Finally Figuring Out What I Think at The Kissack Chronicles

Totally unrelated to the Sarah Palin issue, and just a beautiful post on the sacrifices of motherhood, I highly recommend What a Mother Must Sacrifice at Holy Experience. So touching and convicting! It brought me to tears (ok, that happens easily when I'm pregnant, but this one would have regardless!).

Another one I enjoyed is "Just" a Homemaker? over at Ginger-Pie.

Please take the time to read and ponder, if you can. All are enjoyable and food for thought!

Wordless Wednesday

I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well.
Psalm 139:14

My Thoughts - and Lots of Them!

All the buzz about Sarah Palin is everywhere... with lots of varying opinions. After much thought, I thought I'd share mine. Anyone who knows me knows that I can be a bit opinionated ;-). I don't lean toward relativism on much of anything, I've always been an "extremes" girl, even before I was Christian. So hang in with me as I work this out.

The biggest thing about the Palin issue that is so hot-button among the conservative community has its roots in the "Mommy Wars". Should women who have young families work outside the home? Obviously, Christian women all over the place do... some by necessity, some by choice. When I look at God's Word in regards to the calling of women, I see that home and family are to be priorities, main focuses. I would think it difficult to say "Well, I work, but my home and family are still my priority" because if you're having to devote a portion of your time and attention to work, then priorities are split - especially since income is based on work performance, while home and family life has no such merit system. So you have to give less than 100% to your home and family if you are a working women, plain and simple.

However - (and here's where I break the mold of my extremism!) working women with young children are not accountable to ME, nor any other person who would encourage them to sacrifice themselves fully for their families. They are accountable to God, and God only. So while I can speak what I perceive to be the truth presented in God's Word, and what God has put on my heart as responsibilities in raising a family for Him - there's no point in "beating a dead horse" so to speak. Palin has made the choice to be in government, a good few years ago. What is being argued now she has probably heard numerous times. At this point, rallying over whether or not it is "right" that she is running for VP doesn't matter... she is, and that's that. And on judgment day it will be between her and the Lord whether or not it was the way He desired her glorify Him and serve her family. And you know what? The Lord is one of Grace and Mercy. I have been forgiven SO much, even my short life is a testimony to that. I cannot make the call of what He will say to her on that day, and I wouldn't even BEGIN to presume I could! Heaven forbid that sort of self-righteousness!

One can hope, that if she is making the "wrong" decision - that she will be in tune to the nudging of the Holy Spirit to be able to hear and correct what needs correcting. And nudges from the Holy Spirit most definitely can come from people unafraid to speak God's Word as truth. But ultimately, again - it is between her and the Lord. We have to make sure that we are keeping ourselves accountable to God, not just others, when we share our convictions and live our lives, and not always have our focus so "outward". The Lord has lots to do with all of us as He molds us into His image!

Anyway, where our personal responsibility lies in the case with Sarah Palin is only with our ballots. And again, each individual is responsible to the Lord for the vote they cast, no matter what reason they be for or against her (and McCain, obviously). Our responsibility is to vote the most important of convictions that He has laid on our hearts.

I would also like to say that I think there are two different types of "judgment" - a word that gets thrown at people who tend to have the most deep and strong convictions, in the form of an insult. One type of judgment is absolutely necessary for Christians to have (and really, anyone who wants to just survive on this planet) - and that is the basic judgment of "is this right, or wrong?" Christians have their "guidebook" for making the call on whether something is right or wrong - the Bible. If it goes against God's Word... its wrong! Pretty simple.

Now, the bad kind of judgment is the kind where someone judges someone else's character personally - saying "they're stupid because they're making the wrong choice" or "they're a terrible parent because of their choices". However to say, for example, "Stealing is wrong" is NOT a mean and heartless judgment - its a simple statement that the action of stealing is wrong. It could even be stretched into "those who do steal are wrong"... but it gets a bit sticky when you say "I think people who steal are useless and a drain on society" - that's an opinion - based on the true judgment that stealing is wrong (because God says so!) - but still the wrong kind of attitude to have, nonetheless. Does that even make sense?

The problem is, in today's society, people take even the word "wrong" as an insult. Everyone wants to be "right" and justified and feel good and happy about their decisions. So if I said to someone I saw stealing "Hey, stealing isn't the right thing to do!" - it might get met with defensiveness, or the claim that I am being judgmental, or even a justification of stealing! There seems to be such a high level of pride and lack of accountability in the world, even among Christians, that anyone who points out a basic tenant of the Word gets immediately attacked as judgmental, legalistic, and so on. We are called to exhort eachother to good works and obedience! However, tempered in love (which doesn't always mean mushy tact, lol!), and keeping in mind, as I've said this whole time, that everyone is held individually accountable to the Lord, and the Lord Himself.

Romans 14:4 "Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls..."

Me and Isaac

I was going through my pictures looking for a good one for tomorrow's Worldess Wednesday, and I ran across these two. The first one is me, when I was around 3 or 4... the next one is Isaac, at the same age.
Uncanny, isn't it? :-D Funny thing is, now Isaac resembles Michael alot more than he does me! Its amazing what just a few years will do.

Thankful Tuesday

OK, I know out in blog-world most people do a "Thankful Thursday" because its better alliteration, but I had something to be very thankful for this morning and wanted to share (brag) about it! What am I so thankful for? Well, obviously that I have another day to live for my Lord and love my family... but a little extra surprise was awaiting me this morning. Before I share the details, let me give some background.

We are not the type of family that worries about splitting housework. I am the keeper of my home, therefore, I take the responsibility of "keeping" my home. Michael provides for us financially and leads us spiritually, which are two huge jobs all in their own - I don't expect him to chip in with my job. Now, people hear that and think of some uninvolved husband and dad, sitting in the armchair flipping channels and demanding dinner. That's definitely not Michael! He's extremely active and involved with us! It just doesn't usually involve domestic pursuits ;-)

This pregnancy has been hitting me hard. I'm not "sick"... but I am tired, tired, tired. Yesterday we went for a walk at the park and the rest of the day I spent on the couch or in bed, sleeping! (I will be talking with my midwife today about my iron levels.) Sadly, I have not been much of a helpmeet to Michael lately, which he has been very understanding about. My goals have been the basics - food for everyone, clean clothes, just the very basic needs being met. Understandably, the house has been receiving the brunt of my exhaustion, much to my dismay. Michael has been chipping in here and there, doing a few dishes or making a dinner... but last night he outdid himself!

He went to the grocery store and picked up food for dinner, came home and made dinner, fed the children, put the children in bed, encouraged me to go to bed, and then... My wonderful, hard working, God-serving, loving husband... CLEANED. The WHOLE HOUSE. He even shined the sink, wiped off the stove, washer and dryer, and swept every floor. Above and beyond even what I normally do on a daily basis! What a beautiful sight it was to wake up to, especially knowing how it was when I had gone to bed ;-)

So today I am extra specially thankful for the loving, sacrificing man God has given to me to be my husband, and I couldn't not share!

(and here's the proof!)

Labor Day!

Over at Rocks in my Dryer, there's a fun Labor Day meme about... well, labor! There's something about women who have shared the amazing experience of childbirth - we love to hear other's stories and share our own! So here are my answers to the questions... feel free to play along and post your own labor meme on your blog!

How long were your labors?

#1 - 16 hours
#2 - 9 hours
#3 - 8 hours
#4 - 5 hours

How did you know you were in labor?

#1 - I had "pre-labor" signs the night before, and woke up in the middle of the night with constant, timeable contractions

#2 - I had no clue, it took me a few hours to figure out that the back pain that was keeping me awake was alot more steady than I thought, and were actually back-labor contractions. I had no warning with this one, especially since he came almost 2 weeks early!

#3 - The same as #1 - pre-labor signs the night before, steady contractions by mid-morning

#4 - The same as #1 and #3 - pre-labor signs, followed by steady contractions

(I like being prepared, so the Lord has been kind to me in the predictability of things, lol!)

Where did you deliver?

All 4 were born at a hospital, but at 3 different hospitals. I keep hinting (not-so-subtly) about a homebirth for this one, but Michael just isn't quite on board.

Drugs?

No

C-section?

No

Who delivered?

The first 3 were with OBs, the fourth with a midwife... I will use a midwife from now on, if possible!