tomato

One of my kids FAVORITE episodes!!!

tomato2

Part 2

Faith Builder Friday

2 Samuel 12 - In this passage Nathan, the prophet, was sent to tell David the story of the rich man taking the poor man's sheep and killing it. David said such a man should die and repay 4 lambs for the stolen lamb. Then Nathan told David "You are that man!" The Lord gave a stern word and then David confessed to Nathan, "I have sinned against the Lord." Nathan replied, "Yes, but the Lord has forgiven you, and you won't die for this sin. But you have given the enemies of the Lord great opportunity to despise and blaspheme him, so your child will die."

David's sin was that he slept with Bathsheba while her husband was fighting at war. She became pregnant and David tried to cover his sin by having her husband brought home so they would sleep together. Her husband, not knowing what was going on, refused to sleep with his wife while his peers were at battle. He felt it would not be right for him to do so. Since David's plan to 'cover' his mistake failed, he then had her husband put on the front line of battle so that he would die. The story Nathan shared about the sheep was a parable God gave for David. It was to open David's eyes to the truth of his sin. Before Nathan told the story David had no pity for his sin.

How often do we err and then justify our err - or bust our tail trying to 'cover' our err. When all along we should humble ourselves and repent. That is all God wants from us. A humble heart that says 'I got it wrong! I messed up BIG time - please forgive me and show me how I can make this right!' Often times, we can do nothing to make it right. We can always repent but that does not mean we err without consequences.

Most of the time our consequences are such that we cannot stop them. We must come to terms with the fact that WE chose this path or this err - not God. Since WE chose the err, we chose the consequences. As a result of David's err, God took his son. While his son lived - David fasted and prayed for God to change His mind. David prayed hoping that his heart's cry would move God to allow his son to live. His son died, David got up - got dressed - ate and went to the Tabernacle to worship God. He did not hold a grudge against God for his pain or his consequence. He tried EVERYTHING in his power to move the heavens but when it was over - David knew he had caused his own pain - no one else.

He took responsibility for his choices. So many times we goof - we mess up in a GINORMOUS way and we are quick to want God to fix our mess. Such a natural response! The truth is there are things we cannot undo! There are waves of consequences we must face head on! We must stop blaming God when He doesn't swoop in and take a magic eraser to everything! We cannot wish it away or imagine it away. All that does is distract from the heart of the matter - our heart! When we are fighting and struggling and aching for God to give us a do-over then we are not truly giving the matter to God. There is a season for prayer, but like David - we must come to the place where we KNOW that if God does not intervene He is still on the throne and He still loves us and He still wants the best for us.

One thing that really stood out to me is in verse 13-14, when Nathan replied "Yes, but the Lord has forgiven you, and you won't die for this sin. But you have given the enemies of the Lord great opportunity to despise him, so your child will die."

God quickly forgave - that part was done! But David had now given ammunition to the enemies of the Lord. Often times, the ripple effect of our mistake is immeasurable. We cannot focus on that because it could drive us insane. Think of the highly esteemed men of God who have given ammunition to the enemies of the Lord. The minute they slip and fall - many non-believers are quick to rub the disgrace in the faces of any and every Christian. It delights the enemies of the Lord to see a Christian fall on their face. Especially when they do as David did in this scenario.

#1 David was arrogant - he saw Bathsheba and he wanted her so he took her.

#2 He saw the consequence of his err - he freaked out and tried to save HIS (David's) own reputation by covering for himself.

#3 Bathsheba's husband had too much integrity to lay with his wife when he knew he should have been fighting with his men.

#4 David freaked out again and tried to cover his reputation by KILLING an innocent man.

David was giving the enemies of the Lord GREAT opportunity to despise him. It is so hard to look at this and not blame God. But God is One who does not control us - we all have a will and we all have the choice to act in lust, in fear or in love. When we choose to let our fear lead us we get into a mess of trouble. There are times the consequences are immeasurable to the kingdom of God. But once we are forgiven (and God is so gracious that He is QUICK to forgive)- we must get cleaned up - get dressed and worship God as David did! He didn't let shame rule his life either. David begged God to change His mind until there was no more that he could do. When the consequence arrived - David accepted it and worshipped God. It was over and done.

When the consequence does come our way, we have to accept it and not let the regret and shame dominate our life either! To move past that phase is definitely a gift from God!

Tiny Talk Tuesday

Mary, at Not Before 7, is hosting Tiny Talk Tuesday!

Tiny Talk Tuesday is a fun way of remembering the things our kids say. Those things that make us laugh or that mark this time in their lives. Here are the Tiny Talks we've experienced this week:

I told the kids yesterday was Memorial Day. I explained that it was a time to be thankful for those in the military who died to keep us safe from the bad guys.
Then I asked HC, "What is Memorial day about?"
HC: It's when the soldiers died on the cross to keep us safe from the bad guys!"
(Well, almost!)

Lately, if you were within ear shot of our home around bed time You would hear the following from JB: "I am not tired! I am NOT tired!" This is usually on a day when he did not take a nap and is moaning around the house because of any teeny inconvenience that dared to cross his path. But do not tell him he is tired!! By all means - the moaning and groaning about random nothingness is not because of that!

After church on Sunday we were walking to our van and heard the following pour out of JB's mouth: "In my class. There was a white boy who was mean at me."
Steve: "Was there a white boy in your class or was the boy wearing a white shirt?!?"
JB: "He was wearing a white shirt Dad."
(Such an easier conversation to follow when it was the green boy! :) haha)

JB has found his humor lately! When he is 'on' he is bound to follow the laughter with:
JB: "HEY, what's all this funny about??!" ie - what are you laughing at?
(Of course he knows he is the one being funny, I think he just likes hearing you say that out loud!!)

Yum (and then some)!

Not too long ago, Ginger shared a family favorite for Sunday lunch! It sounded yum, but the before photo left a less than yum feel for the viewer (no matter how hard you try - raw chicken is not visually appealing!)! :) She later posted the recipe and I finally tried it for the first time!! It smelled DIVINE!! It looked DIVINE!! It was GREAT!!!! I think we needed to season it a little differently than we normally do. Now we know better for next time - but we will definitely be adding this meal to our Sunday rotation!! Thanks for sharing this yummy meal with us Ginger!! We really loved it!
On another note, I wanted to share a little specific example of savings with you! When I went to CVS the other day they had this razor on sale and I will share the deal I could not pass up! This razor was regularly priced at $11.99 but was on sale for $9.99. Then they were offering $3.oo Extra Bucks after purchase AND I had a $4.00 off coupon. So I paid $2.99 for this razor!! WOOHOO!!
Did I really need a new razor?? "No!" Then why did I buy it? "I am so glad you asked!!" {smile,wink} Since I have TONS of coupons for Venus razor blades and zero for the razor I normally use - now I can follow the deals a little better. If my razor has blades on sale and/or coupons - I will use that one. When the Venus is giving deals/coupons on their blades - I will use theirs! That is why it is good to be flexible on name brands!

CVS Savings

My first trip to CVS was a pretty good adventure! There were a few deals I could not pass and so I finally landed at CVS! I've been wanting to add their monthly bargains to my routine, but my errands rarely took me past a CVS. Finally, I planned my trip. It has been tough for me to find my husband's shaving gel on sale. They had a great price on his - it is normally around $4.50 - $4.99 and this week it was 1.88! Woohoo!! I had a few coupons that really gave me other really great deals and I left CVS spending $20.29, saved $17.60 and I also have $7.00 in Extra Bucks for my next trip!!

The grocer sales this week really left my pantry stocked fully! I think we are truly at the point where shopping is SUPER DUPER optional! I only need to find my husband's deodorant of choice on sale and we will be stocked for a good while! The weekly trips for milk, yogurt and produce will take me out; but I can really go without shopping for several weeks.

As I put the groceries away it became evident that my shampoo and conditioner deals have left me with enough goods to last for the rest of the year. I keep getting toothpaste for free! It is hard to pass up free goods - but I could pass a few within the next month or so. It is so hard to leave free goods on the table! I must at least purchase the freebies! How can I not!?!

All the canned goods, toiletries, the freezer - stocked stocked stocked! It is so exciting! To look in the pantry/cabinets and they are full. They are not just full, they are fuller than ever before and for half the price! To know I bought 10 cans of tamales for $10 - you can imagine we can go for about 5 or more months without that on our grocery list! It is so exciting to see the goods and know the cost was minimal! I could not have done this before! This is still exciting to me!!

Faith Builder Friday

Joshua 23:14
"Know in all your hearts and in all your souls that not one thing has failed of all the good things which the Lord your God promised concerning you. All have come to pass for you; not one thing of them has failed."

Psalm 34:17-20
"When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their distress and troubles.
The Lord is close to those who are of a broken heart and saves such as are crushed with sorrow for sin and are humbly and thoroughly penitent.
Many evils confront the [consistently] righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.
He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken."

Righteous means in right standing. It does not mean someone who does everything perfectly, but someone who is in right relationship with Yeshua. Yeshua is our righteousness!

Notice the word 'all'! Yahweh delivers us out of ALL of our distress and troubles. He is close to us and delivers us from ALL the evils that confront us. He keeps ALL of the promises He makes to us! ALL ALL ALL!!

It is hard to comprehend such a dependable Saviour - we are rarely as dependable to others as we intend to be! But He never fails to fulfill ALL He promises! He never fails to deliver us from ALL that comes against us! Yah's word does not say "He will deliver them from some"! It says "He will deliver us out of all!"

Our job is to remain faithful by seeking God in all we do and He will do the rest. We seek His face for guidance, read His word, pray and then follow His lead! We must yield our will and way to His and remain near to Him so that we can know the way to go! When we do our part - He is faithful to guide us! All we must do is listen and follow!

It amazes me the way He cares for us! It is as though He watches over us in the same way that we watch over our kids. My kids are young and require more supervision than an adolescent. I find myself watching over many things that I will later not watch. I imagine that God does watch us as I do with my preschoolers. There are times I have information for my kids that will help them understand better but they may be struggling to do it themselves. I struggle to get them to cooperate with me and to see that my way or my advice is helpful. They wiggle and insist on their way. Eventually I let them do it their way to find that they come to me and ask "How did you say to do it Mom?" I simply tell them what I was trying to tell them all along and they comply and things are again at peace.

God does the same with us! He lets us "do it ourselves" when we insist on having our way! But when we return saying "What were YOU suggesting I do Father?", He quickly guides us along. I believe there are far more times HE has wanted to rescue us but we've been too busy doing it "ourselves" and then, unfortunately, HE is the one we blame for not being there for us! He is always going to let us see for ourselves! As a Mom, I've learned to not struggle so much with my kids when they want to "do it themselves". I realize it just delays their seeing the need to follow my lead. Unless it brings my kids harm I occasionally let them do it their way, if they won't comply, so that they are then quick to ask me for help. It isn't because I want to hear the word "HELP", it is because I know if I enforce MY way on them - it will be a surface experience and they will not fully comply. They comply, but their heart isn't in it. They begin to shut down towards me. God loves us too much to want surface relationship! He wants the real thing! He knows when we choose to walk His way it is a sweeter experience! One we all can enjoy!

My New Favorite Thing!!

" One man's trash is another man's treasure!" Truer words have never been spoken, specifically in this case!! What you see here is a picture of our latest hero! This is what HC uses to chew on instead of her nails. Why didn't I think of this sooner???? This idea did cross my mind last year but I felt she was too young to carry a straw around. Now she knows to put it down when she wants to play - but when she feels the need to bite her nails she bites away on this straw! I am amazed at the progress I already see on her fingers. I hope this works long term in breaking her habit! I know it will take time, but so far she is content and so am I! Hip Hip HOORAY for straws!!!

Tiny Talk Tuesday

Mary at Not Before 7 is hosting Tiny Talk Tuesday! Visit her blog for more tiny talk!
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After JB sneezed the other day, he said "That's not a burp Mom. It's a bless you."

JB has recently shown himself to be a charmer. He has begun to show a lack of willingness to obey. When we speak forcefully to him regarding his disobedience (as in we raise our voices to show him this is not something we will bend the rule on) he then waits a few seconds. He smiles, and gives us the biggest WINK he can muster! Then he begins giggling and although we KNOW it is best to keep a straight face - he keeps winking until we cannot help it! This has really made life more difficult. He knows he can get us laughing and he is likely to get a softer response. He will also just start laughing hysterically when we correct him too! He is showing us that just because HC has shown us what her independence is like - we haven't seen nothing yet!

His newest thing (the first time we heard this was at the table Sunday when he dropped his lunch on his shirt) is to say "Oh shibbits!" Since Sunday I have heard this phrase at least 10 times! I try to not to freak out or worry too much when I hear words that concern me. For the longest time HC would say (repeatedly) "wicket wicket wicket wicket". It was her favorite word and I would tell her I did not like it. Then one day I googled it, after hearing it on Maggie and the Beast, and found that it was harmless. It is a piece to a game, the little hoops for cricket. She just liked the sound of the word. So, where did shibbits come from?? I do not know (it is eerily similar to a word I hope he isn't trying to say!!!!)! I am sure it will be clear eventually - but for now - JB is showing himself to be quite the charmer at just the right time! OH boy! What are we in for!?! (And he was the one that was so obedient! He used to say "Don't shout me Mommy." - in a please sort of way- if we had to fuss at him.) I thought he was going to be easier on this front. Boy was I wrong!

The Ponderings of MorningSong

I was thinking.... why does the channel change so efficiently on the television but the computer cannot flow with the same ease? When I go from web page to web page - it takes seconds (sometimes minutes) to bring the page up. Why? It would seem to me (a mere internet user) that it should/could make the transition from web page to web page with less waiting.

I wish I paid closer attention in my computer programming class. ho hum All the things I could know about my computer! While taking the class, in college, I thought the class was useless. Why would I need to know how to 'communicate' with my computer. What could I possibly do with computer programming!?! To have that do-over again would be grand! (Although, I would like the professor to speak English clearly.) Maybe that was what stopped the class from being more fun. NO, it was all the 1001100 nonsense that was necessary in DOS. Those who DID learn something in that class - they were the smart ones!

Our End of the Year School Party

We had a GREAT time at our year end party!! We've made it through our first year of Home Schooling! What an unexpected turn it was when we felt the nudge towards home school. I had no idea what fun and what precious moments this year had in store for us! Here are HC and JB waiting for Mommy to put down the camera and SWIM!!!! (We were taking a photo break.) This was what they did before I got in the pool! They held on for dear life in hopes that I would hurry up!
Before long - HC was swimming away like she did this all her life. She was even doing tricks.
JB was so brave swimming alone!! He too found his fins!
They loved this party so much! We ordered pizza brought snacks and drinks and played!!! HC thought it was so nice of us to share our food with everyone. Even better that they shared too! :)
A sample of the fun from a distance! HC now knows these buddies are our school friends!! It is a little different than her friends who go to school. They see each other every day for 9 or 10 months, then rarely see each other for 2 or 3 months. All of these families are a part of our lives! How blessed we are!

Time to go home!! Did I mention that this day was overcast, breezy and highs in the 60's. The pool was slightly warm but not REAL warm. We rarely swim in a real pool like this one, so my kiddos were glad to tolerate the cold temps.
HC collapsed!
JB just chilled (after a quick nap in the van).

A fun day was had by all! Thanks Mrs. Kristy for planning such a great year end event!!!! YOU ARE AWESOME and we are BLESSED to have you and your family in our lives!!!!!!!!!!!

Faith Builder Friday

Proverbs 4:20-24 (Amplified Version)
My son, attend to my words; consent and submit to my sayings.
Let them not depart from your sight; keep them in the center of your heart.
For they are life to those who find them, healing and health to all their flesh.
Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life.
Put away from you false and dishonest speech, and willful and contrary talk put far from you.

This is a scripture I have long loved. It really encourages me. Today when I read it I am drawn to the thought that we often hear from God and then forget what He's shown us. He has a direction for us as individuals and as a family. We must be careful to not lose heart while we wait on God's timing. We should not speak words of doubt towards the things God has given us faith for.

Habakkuk 2:2-3
...Write the vision and engrave it so plainly upon tablets that everyone who passes may {be able to} read {it easily and quickly} as he hastens by.
For the vision is yet for an appointed time and it hastens to the end {fulfillment}; it will not deceive or disappoint. Though it tarry, wait {earnestly} for it, because it will surely come; it will not be behindhand on its appointed day.

We need to remember the things God has shown us and we must be sure to write it down. This will make the vision clear to all who pass by! God will bring it to fulfillment! By having it clearly written down, the vision will be easy to remember. Another benefit is, if the fulfillment comes after our time - it is not lost or vague. It is still clear enough to draw those who come after us!

God has drawn you this way or that! Do not lose sight of His plan for your life and for your family. Do not get discouraged in the waiting. Do not think it is your job to cause those things to come forth either. If God plants a vision or a dream or a desire in your heart - He will fulfill it! Do not strive to get in His way by 'helping' Him. His ways are not our ways and His timing is always perfect. Even though it 'appears' He is late - He never is! He always knows the exact milli-second that the answer will produce the most fruit. It isn't always about us! It could be that our answer, and the seeming delay of it, are more about the other fruit and not about us. Another believer may not be in their place yet (not that they are doing wrong - just that they are growing and haven't arrived at the particular destination yet) and they may be connected to your vision. They may be the catalyst or the fire needed to ignite things. Do not lose faith - if God has stirred your heart, given you a vision/dream or made a personal promise to you - HE WILL KEEP HIS WORD!

May Showers Bring Big Laughter

After a little coaxing... JB joined HC out in the rain. He quickly ran back inside wondering "What is my Mom thinking making me get wet like that!?" HC was beyond thrilled! She finally could use her Dora umbrella in some real rain. The last few times she used her umbrella it was barely drizzling. What a fun time they had! JB became a little braver as each moment passed! In this pic - he is still unsure - he is holding back!
HC liberated him! He was becoming more and more free by the second!
HC knew what to do!! Time for partying!! Jumping! Dancing! Laughing! and having fun!!!
Um... JB found his freedom!! Thanks HC! She really knows how to have fun!

WooHOOO!!! We love the rain!
Until....
Crashed and burned! When grass is in your eye, and your nose and your mouth - the fun is over!!

The last few days have been cloudy in our world. HC and JB have been outside each day, with the Dora umbrella, waiting and wishing for rain!! They got their wish, and then some!!

Coupon Talk

Yesterday I began the day sewing... but quickly changed gears! I needed to take a break from it and gather my thoughts! I pulled out my stack of newspapers, that piled up while we were sick, and I began to clip coupons! I tossed the expired ones and added the new. It felt good to be able to finish something! I feel like my life is getting back on track. Finally.

I am now realizing that I need to keep a mini coupon holder in the van. There have been countless times we've decided to go to a restaurant (or... when we went to Chuck E Cheese) and I did not have my coupons with me. They were sitting at home because.. I didn't expect that I would need coupons that day. Our Zoo day did not include plans for Chuck E's- but we were living on the edge people!! :) You can not stop us! You never know when we will go out of the house for fun! :)

So, we walked in Chuck E's place and as we entered the door hubby asked: "Do you have those coupons with you?" Me: "No." (feeling much regret and wondering what we would pay). Before I knew it .... the lady who worked the door.... she.gave.me.a.COUPON!!!!!!!!!!!!! We had our deal anyway!!! I was so thankful! Our splurge didn't turn into a big ticket item! I do not know the cost we would have paid but I know God does show up in the most peculiar places!!

The Snails!!

Last week HC and JB made a new discovery in our yard. They found snails! We sat and watched these snails for a good 10 minutes. The kids loved it! This morning, when the kids stepped outside to play in the backyard, they discovered another lone snail. They are currently snail watching in the backyard right now. Snails are the thing to watch these days at my house! It is funny how something so easily missed and something I can't remember 'seeing' in forever has become so huge these days! :) I love watching HC and JB investigate. They are great learning buddies!

Grocery Shopping CAN Be Optional!

I just wanted to encourage my friends who've been saving to keep it up!! I haven't posted much about my shopping wins because I've not shopped much lately. We are pretty stocked up with groceries. I do need to go get my Walgreen's rebates and deals, but it has been a new experience to not need to go grocery shopping. We still need the weekly run for milk, yogurt, produce and snacks.. but that is it!

It is so freeing to not need to shop. If life gets hectic - and that can happen at anytime - then it is such a relief knowing your family isn't in a bind if you do not add the grocery store to your to do list!!

By the way, I am too proud of my latest sewing accomplishment to not announce it for all to see!!! Sew.... take a look at my accomplishment here! I really think I took this last class during a crazy busy time of my life, but I still had fun in spite of the challenge of it all!

Mother's Day 2008

My Mother's Day started off a little rocky, to say the least. It all began on Friday when I began to feel a little funny but nothing ever came of it. Then Saturday we attended a birthday party and I felt a little worse - but not really bad! By the end of Saturday - my stomach bug was showing itself to be more and more evident. This was the kind of stomach bug that does not include hurling (if you know what I mean).

So, Sunday morning arrives. My hubby was the generous soul who gave me the stomach bug, and in true he-man status.. he was well within 12 hours. The kids were so thrilled to celebrate Mother's Day that I thought I was feeling well enough and so we did go to church. I ended up sitting in the hallway, just in case I needed to get to the ladies room in a hurry, listening to the message over the speakers.

We leave and then hubby offers to take me to a restaurant we frequented pre-kids. PF Changs! OK. My stomach is still 'whickety whack' but it just might be feeling that way because I am hungry. (Wishful thinking.) We go to PF Chang's and had the choice of waiting 45 minutes to sit inside or we could sit outside NOW. It was a GORGEOUS day and so we went for the "now" table. Having fun being silly!
Kissing Mommy! It IS my day you know! I should get ALL the kisses (but only on the cheek so as to not pass the bug on)!
The sun was beaming, the wind was blowing and we had fun outdoors together! HC was trying Dad's sunglasses for some relief. We were able to see a bird hopping around for crumbs (at a distance thank God) and a lizard entertained the kids for a good 10 minutes at least! It was perfect!
I know you may think I did not "look" sick in the pictures. (At least I hope you think that! haha) But this stomach bug was one where you felt fine, until that moment came! We arrived home and I was tired of waiting for the bug to run it's course. The day had passed and I was beginning to feel weak from it all so I asked hubby to Google "natural remedies for d...". He did and found that if I took a tablespoon of vinegar I should be fine. We put it in some Gatorade and I shot it down! It BURNED LIKE FIRE!!!!!!!! But I do think it worked. I ate some yogurt, wished we weren't out of probiotics and by that evening I was feeling better. Today - no symptoms - I am just trying to return to the eating world again. Tonight Hubby has tickets to a local baseball game and it would be the kid's first time to attend a real live baseball game - so I do hope I get my strength up soon! Sorry for the d.... topic - but that was what my Mother's day revolved around! Life happens you know!! :) Even on Mothers' Day!

Fire Safety

JB and HC had their first Fire Safety lesson yesterday! We were in a Fire Safety House in this photo. They were listening to the real live fireman talk and then watched a cute video about the smoke alarm. Then came the smoke. They got low to the ground and crawled to safety.
Then they practiced sleeping and rolling off their bed to crawl out of the window to safety.
Here is HC after she climbed down the ladder.
JB was next - can you imagine a two story home. I was worried watching them climb over this small ledge.
The fireman's gear ready and waiting.
More stuff and hoses.
Real live firemen sleep here! HC and JB were so loving this fun time!
Although by this point, they were more hungry than interested in learning more.
Here is a glimpse of SOME of our Home School group. This is mostly the preschoolers. A few older ones were with us too, but the majority were 5 and under.
One of the teens from our Home School group had the chance to dress in the gear!!
And he even tried on the mask and used the oxygen tank. I was so glad they did this because I wanted HC and JB to see how firemen may look if we were ever in an emergency.
Some days the sun is so bright it is tough to get the kids looking up! They had a blast!

After our lesson in safety, we walked over to an adjacent park and had lunch. The kids played and thought this day was one of the best "school days" of the year! We are really blessed to be able to go to ALL the events we've attended this year. HC really learned from this event. She told Daddy all about how you have to get low and crawl to your window if there is a fire. Soon after practicing what she learned, she became afraid of her room. I was glad that the fear left her once we stopped talking about the fire. Our next goal is to help her clearly understand that in an emergency we call 911 and not 991. We also need to teach her our phone numbers and address. The fireman asked "Does anyone know their address? Does anyone know where they live?" My HC said "Yes! We live in (she named the city and state with pride)" Unfortunately that wasn't the right answer! :) I guess I have some work to do. At least they would know what city to begin searching door to door for us!

Faith Builder Friday

NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things we hope for, being the proof of things we do not see (and the conviction of their reality). Hebrews 11:1

But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must (necessarily) believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him (out). Hebrews 11:6

These scriptures were taken from the Amplified version of the Holy Bible. I love how it starts off with "NOW FAITH". Faith does take NOW faith. It requires having faith NOW.

Familiar scriptures? Definitely! I have found that I am in a new place of faith these days! I believe the Christian walk is a beautiful one. It is so unique and personal. Every one's journey is different; yet the same. We all think our faith is strong one minute and find ourselves grasping for anything that may resemble God in the next instance. We fall on our faces at some point and realize the truth of faith. The realness of God being there when we fall. The truth of Him caring so gently for us, even when we miss what He is trying to show us - big time! The fact that He sees our hearts IN SPITE of our actions and judges our bad choices by our heart motives and not by our actions!! WOW!! So even when we've blown it - He doesn't see the big mess - HE sees our heart. He sees the good intention behind the mess.

Just like when my kids want to 'help' me. They want to help me do the laundry or stir the meal on the stove or carry my tea to me. The problem - they are unable to do any of the above things without my help. They can try their best, but they will most likely make a mess of it. I see the mess as their effort to help and not as a dumb act. I know they are trying to do good. They just do not have ALL they need to make it work. I think that is how God sees us.

I am seeing a change in my present experience. I am realizing I've gone from the "I have faith!!! - But God, could you please do x- thing this way! And could you please do it fast and could you make sure you have this and this and this in the picture? Thy will be done. Will you give me a sign please of what you are planning to do?"

Now. I see the following scenario occur more and more in my life. "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven. God - have your way. This is what I would love to see - but I yield my want to your way." And then instead of, as in scenario A, constantly thinking and dwelling on what if after what if - now I am at peace after I pray. When the thought crosses my mind, after prayer, I begin to thank God for His answer!

I've seen God show up in such amazing ways for me over the last few years and now I see I am truly letting go of the reigns. Instead of giving God my instructions, I give Him my requests and I know His way is better and I know that! I now see that once I release my grip - fully release it to God - that is when I have the victory! I've heard many times - once you pray - it is done. That's it. Trust God to handle your problem and move on. That is easier said than done, until you've walked in a time of needing God to show up. Once you are stripped of anything but God - then it is easier to understand what true faith is. True faith is free falling! True faith is peace even if things don't work out how you see they should. True faith is scary, until you let go and then it is scary because you do not know when He will catch you. But He will catch you!

My First Barter

Last Friday night, my Strategic Shopping group met for a night of Bartering. I brought samples of things I could sew, a gift certificate we would not use and 4 large zip lock bags filled with homemade Jambalaya. I came home with all that you see below in exchange for a few outfits I will sew, my gift certificate and ALL my Jambalaya - plus a few extra orders of Jambalaya.... I came home with a mini-van filled to the rim with:
A rocking horse for JB.
Trim, patterns and extras - upholstery fabric.
Bolts of fabric
And more bolts of fabric (with more to follow)
And 3 really great dresses
And several cute casual dresses for HC to wear whenever she wants - without restriction! (Most of her dresses I save for when we go to church or on when we are running errands.) But these are great for wearing to the park, or whenever HC wants!I didn't photograph my 3 Southern Living trivets, Southern Living Cookbook, 2 coffee table books, Photo tray, a few bowls, a few books and gifts for the kids, 2 pictures for HC's room, 2 pillows for her bed, 2 decorative plates and I believe that is it. Oh, I almost forgot... I am making the wraps for some one's wedding in exchange for an antique window with scriptures painted on the panes. I will be sewing several things but I really feel like I was blessed beyond measure! I still cannot believe this! (I almost had to have someone follow me home to drop some of my stuff off for me.) I think this is what the scripture means when it mentions "they went from house to house and no one lacked." What an unbelievably AWESOME experience!!! I am still amazed!

WOOHOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Last week was jam packed with fun! We started off the first day of May soaking in the sunshine. The kids wanted to play outside and I decided the weather was perfect for catching some rays! That led the kids to want to swim! Last year, our yard was bare. When we pulled out the kiddie pool they ran around the yard and jumped in the pool. This year, Mr. Mike's great gift just kept on giving. The slide was a perfect tool for making pool time more fun! We were out in the sun earlier in the day, when it was warm, and the kiddie pool was not blown up. Dad picked up the air blower thingy and when he arrived home - the kids had to swim. By that time of day the temps were in the upper 60's and the sun was being hidden by clouds. The day was a breezy one so you can imagine the shock HC and JB felt when landing in this water!! But they did it again and again and again with much joy!! Just imagine how much more fun this will be on a hot day! :)
Last Friday we had a Preschool Park Day with our Home School group. I guess for this picture to really look cool I will need to lay on the ground! :) I am determined to make them look like they are soaring high. This has become a new challenge for me. haha
Up up and away!!!!!

We also ran into some other friends while we were there and I have never seen a tire swing so full of giggle boxes ever ever ever!! This was so fun!! (Can you hear the shouts 'higher! swing us higher and faster'!!)
HC and JB climbing the turtle with a few from our Preschool group! I am just noticing the peculiar placement of the bouncy ball - um... the turtle did not have an accident! :)
A few of the older siblings joined along for the fun! I know my HC and JB love to follow the bigger kids like shadows. I think they feel more grown up when the big kids give them their attention.
We had a great time! We look forward to many more opportunities to build friendships when the school year starts again next year!!! This was one of HC and JB's more fun trips to this park due to our company!