For Sarah

I am about to expose myself here in this post for the mother I truly am. *smile* The other night some great friends invited us over for dinner. Late in the evening we noticed the the kids were just a little too quiet in the kitchen. We looked around the corner and found them all sitting at the table painting with watercolors! My boys were especially enjoying it and loving the creativity!

I exclaimed, "Wow! They've never painted before with real paints!" (Granted, they have all kinds of 'mess free' paints, markers, crayons, glue, etc.- but it's never occurred to me to buy real paint...don't ask me why.)

My friend turns to me with absolute shock on her face. "You've never let them paint before?"

All of a sudden I felt like the A+ homeschooling mother of the year award was completely in my grasp. We began to laugh heartily as I admitted that we didn't even own watercolors!

So, the next morning- bright and early- the boys and I headed to Wallyworld (Wal*mart) and purchased a whopping total of $7.00 for paints and accessories. That was five days ago... besides daily chores, devotions, meal times and the occasional free-play... you will find my boys around the kitchen table with the much coveted paints. Enjoy the pictures!

The Most Unique Coupon

My four year-old (pre-reader) just informed me that he found

1) a library ticket
2) that was for $.10 off
3) a Turkey Sandwich
4) at Taco Bell

(It was actually a Chick-Fillet Coupon)

Warning! This is Addicting!

Okay bloggers! It's showdown time! Typopallooza!


89 words

Speed test

(4th try: 88; 7th try: 89)

Grandma & The Boyz

My mom (grandma) loves singing and playing the piano with the boys! This is from my cell phone video- so it's not super clear, but you get the gist! My youngest was having a blast and really gets into it! It may start out a little loud- so prepare your volume! (Also, don't forget to pause the sonific while you listen!) Enjoy!

The Great Debate

For the record, I really don't know if there is a 'great debate' out there over this topic, but there might be...

For the past six months I have traditionally home schooled my four year old son in pre-K education. Using a wonderful 'hodge podge' of exciting materials, books, and the Bible we have moved along throughout the school year with ease!

It is now that we have the decision of what curriculum we will be using for his kindergarten studies. In our state we have the option of a charter/virtual online school. My husband and I were very excited about the prospect of this option, especially because it was government funded by our own taxes and would be completely free!

It was only in the past twenty-four hours that I began to do some intense research through the HSLDA on virtual based homeschooing education. The question arose, "What price are you willing to pay for "free"?

So, I am laying it out to you, blogworld... What are your thoughts? What have you chosen to do in your own home and why? I look forward to your comments of experience and intuition!

A Miracle!

Last night our family went to the communion service at our church. We arrived exactly at 6pm because we were running a little behind. Our oldest son has Awana on Sunday evenings which he absolutely loves- so he went on his way with daddy to his class. Although our youngest sits with us during the morning family worship service and some in the evening Bible study class- tonight the worship was to be held in the main sanctuary, so we decided to put him in a toddler class. Unfortunately, they were completely filled and unable to take him.

So, off to the main sanctuary we went with little one in tow. There was at least three to four hundred people in the service (maybe more) and our little guy was one among three other children that I saw in the service. I was so nervous because we hadn't brought his bag inside! I began to pray that the Lord would intervene and he would sit without making a sound! I continued to pray throughout and encouraged husband to do the same. I wanted us to be together as a family, but didn't want to be a distraction to those around us during such a sensitive and intimate service.

Truly, by a miracle of the Lord- he lasted almost one hour! He sat quietly on the pew next to me or in my lap and was silent! My two year old?! If you know him- you know this is a miracle. Understand, he is not a badly behaved child, but is very talkative and is constantly on the move.

Well, after an hour I dismissed myself with him to the family worship area that had just been opened up and sat with some friends for the following hour as we watched the service together. I had the most wonderful time of communion with my little one as I explained why I was doing what I did and what Jesus had done for us. He seemed to drink it in and even prayed with me- so cute- bowing his head with little eyes closed...hands in mine and muttering along under his breath. My heart just about melted.

Praise Him! I am so thankful that we had such a special evening and wanted to share with the rest of you, indeed, how great is our God!

**On a side note I must mention.... on our way out the door, my oldest son accidentally pulled the fire alarm and set off all the sirens. There was still quite a bit of people inside and let me tell you now... my kid really knows how to clear a room!

Happy 100th Posting! Thank you all for your wonderful comments and welcoming me into the community! I look forward to 100's more!

My Cuties!

It's been a while since I had a chance to post some pictures of the boys "just because"- so here they are! I am so grateful to those of you that have been praying for the health of our family. We are finally on the mend and enjoying daily life once again! Enjoy the pics!

My youngest loves playing with his firetruck! I'm surprised he's not wearing the hat!

"Oh, mommy...it's been such a long day"

Yes, I totally bribed him to take this picture. (Smile kid or you don't get lunch! *just kiddin'*) Can you tell it's just a tad staged?

This is my baseball boy. He still sleeps with his glove under his pillow some nights. Can't imagine that would be comfortable...

Check This Out!

My cousins sent the boys this fabulous CD for Christmas! "The Way My Story Goes" is by Artist Jamie Soles of Canada (homeschooling dad) and his family. There are 24 songs on the album and they are all incredible, detailed variations of Bible stories and scripture verses. Not only is the father talented, but the children as well! It is so great to hear them all singing along and doing it so joyfully! You will be blessed by this CD. Although it is geared toward children- I find myself popping it in when they are in bed because I like it so much!

If you read Jamie's bio, he shares the following about “The Way My Story Goes”.

"It is full of Old Testament story songs, all with a view to showing forth Christ in the Old Testament stories. It begins with Noah, and sweeps through the OT till near the end, where a version of Psalm 80 (“Give Ear”, a longing for the Messiah to come) provides the transition to the New Testament, where there are some songs of glory in Christ and a forward look to the resurrection.

A statement made by C.S. Lewis about children’s literature has shaped my understanding of how to build a kids song. It was something along these lines, that if a book cannot be enjoyed by a fifty year old, it won’t make good and lasting children’s literature. By the same token, if the song is unbearable for an adult to listen to, it won’t be a good kids song. I have been pleased to hear reports of fathers taking this new CD out to the barn where they can listen to it by themselves!"

For more information on Jamie's music ministry, please visit his website.
If you would like to read Jamie's blog, please visit his blog.

The Daily Memory Agenda

DAILY MEMORIZATION REGIMENT

I am trying to get more organized when it comes to our memorization on a daily basis. The boys have responded well to early 'memory time' right after breakfast. I was challenged after my quiet time in scripture this morning to add more and more scripture for their hearts to feast on all day long. Some of the following items they already know, but some are new!

1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
   
2. EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
   
3. THE LORD'S PRAYER
   
4. SCRIPTURE VERSES
5. ALPHABET
6. NUMBERS: 1-20
7. ADDRESS
8. PHONE NUMBER
9. CITY
10. STATE
11. STATE BIRD & MOTTO
    
12. OLD TESTAMENT: BOOKS OF THE BIBLE
13. ROMANS ROAD

ROMANS ROAD

Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

Romans 6:23a "...The wages of sin is death..."

Romans 6:23b "...But the gift of God is eternal

life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Romans 5:8, "God demonstrates His own love for us, in

that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us!"

Romans 10:13 "Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved!"

Romans 10:9,10 "...If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, you shall be saved; for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation."

,

Revelation 3:20a "Behold I stand at the door and knock, if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him..."

LORDS PRAYER

Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy Kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory. for ever and ever. Amen
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Your Kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins,
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours.
Now and for ever. Amen

SCRIPTURE VERSES

1. JOHN 3:16 & 17"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,^[a] that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

2. GALATIANS 5:22 & 23” But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

3. GENESIS 1:1 “In the beginning God created the Heavens and the Earth”

4. PSALM 1: 1 & 2 ” Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. “

4. PHILLIPPIANS 4:8 “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

5. 2 TIMOTHY 1:7 “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

Response: Christianity & Conservatism "Defined" Pt 2

If you haven't read the first part of this response, please scroll down to the youtube video of Charles Barkley and then come back.

I realize that this was an interview that revolved around the politics of Mr. Barkley, but as was brought out more than once- he has a deep irritation, if not anger, with those who call themselves Christians. Mr. Blitzer asked if he was concerned about the response to his blatent remarks and he (Barkley) responded, "They can't touch me...they can't do anything to me".

What would be the response worldwide if Barkley had said "Muslims" in place of the word Christians? I think President Bush himself would be involved in demanding an apology. To my knowledge, however, there has been nothing said. It has been swept under the rug. Even worse, perhaps forgotten. Worse yet, people just don't care. There is such apathy toward religious 'persecution' of Christians.

Allow me to first lay my thoughts on the line regarding true Christianity and the Body of Christ. In the name of 'Christianity' horrific and unmentionable atrocities have been done in our history, preachers and evangelists have fallen into sin, those claiming Christ as their master have been hypocritical and hurtful.... All the while- the world watches. We know this. We are saddened by this. It is, however, what it is: "sin". We are human and are fallen in our humanness. This is why Christ has conquered; because we will never achieve perfection until we are with Him in Glory. Those who are 'soundly saved' will still err and may even, unfortunately, do it in the wake of the public eye.

Those who do not know Christ are daily reminded of their need for Him. Their justification of problems and blame falls on 'the hypocritical church' and this is only heightened by their desperate realization of the Holy Spiritis' conviction of their own sin. They are daily searching for a reason (other then their own failings) as to why they are at enmity with a Holy God. It is an absolute error to think that due to the unlawful sin of others, you might one day not stand accused before a righteous and just God. We will all give an account one day and there will be no one standing next to us that we can point to.

As Believers, we are reminded in Matthew chapter 7, that we should not be judging or correcting other Christians if our own life needs to be examined first. Christ goes onto say in other passages that we should correct and bring those that have strayed away back onto the path of righteousness.

We must be careful to always see scripture in light of the context that surrounds it. It would not behoove me to "judge" an unbeliever's sinful actions (homosexuality, drunkeness, etc.) however, because they already stand condemned before a Holy God. We must show them in love their need for redemption through the mirror of the ten commandments. Remember, "grace to the humble and law to the proud".

Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

This morning my oldest and I decided to make our favorite muffin recipe. I wish you could see how truly huge and gorgeous these turned out! The smell was absolutely overwhelming and quite intoxicating. Mmmmmmm!

Do you see the one missing muffin? It fed all three of us a very generous portion! No kidding, these were huge!

My oldest enjoying his portion and trying to smile at the same time.

Little one finally taking in some calories! (Please ignore the mess in the background! We were playing store with our "new" cash register from Grandma!)

Recipe for Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

Wet Ingredients (Put in blender for a great consistency)
1 cup mashed banana
1 egg
1/4 cup applesauce
1/4 cup oil

Dry Ingredients (Add well to wet and stir in chips)

1.5 cup flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup chocolate chips

(Sprinkle brown sugar over top of batter prior to baking for an extra crispy glaze!)

Bake until golden and when have risen twice the size of batter. 400 degrees approx 30 minutes

The Doctor is "IN"

It's been a long week and it's only Wednesday! We have all been sick with our third round of the flu in the past 5 weeks. All together now, can we say "flu shots" next year!? I have really been on the fence regarding immunizations the past year and during my 'consideration' phase, we all got sick. Again. Please keep my youngest in your prayers- he is pretty weak after what may have been a small bout with pneumonia in addition to a double ear infection, bronchitis and the respiratory flu. He fell asleep at the kitchen table this morning from sheer exhaustion.

Conservatism & Christianity "Defined"

(Please pause Sonific Songspot prior to playing video)

Please note: Material in video is not graphic, although very disturbing, but does contain one episode of profanity. If you choose not to watch the video, Barkley's discussion has been written out below for you with the language edited.

I usually would just put a picture of Barkley at the top and let you read the text, but I felt that it was so important to see the disdain that he has from his own lips regarding his complete misunderstanding of the true Body of Christ.

David Edwards and Chris Tackett
Published: Friday February 15, 2008


Former NBA star Charles Barkley, who is not known for his timidity when it comes to discussing his political beliefs, will surely be ruffling right-wing feathers with his latest comments.

Barkley, currently an NBA commentator for the TNT network, appeared today on CNN's 'Situation Room.' When asked by host Wolf Blitzer about his views on the presidential race, Barkley said he didn't want to see the Republicans win because they were 'fake Christians.'

The comment came after Barkley was asked his reasons for supporting presidential candidate Barack Obama, rather than Hillary Clinton or any of the Republican candidates.

"I've got great respect for Sen. McCain, great respect, but I don't like the way Republicans have taken this country," said Barkley. "Every time I hear the word 'conservative,' it makes me sick to my stomach, because they're really just fake Christians, as I call them. That's all they are."

Blitzer moved on to a different question following the comment, but later followed-up at the end of his interview and asked him to elaborate on what he meant by "fake Christian."

"I think they want to be judge and jury," Barkley replied. "Like, I'm for gay marriage. It's none of my business if gay people want to get married. I'm pro-choice. And I think these Christians, first of all, they're not supposed to judge other people. But they're the most hypocritical judge of people we have in the country. And it bugs * me. They act like they're Christians. They're not forgiving at all."

****I will post my response to this video very soon! Stay tuned!********

Happy Valentines Day

ROSES ARE RED
VIOLETS ARE BLUE

A MAJESTIC AND HOLY CREATOR
FORMED AND DESIGNED ME AND YOU

WE WERE BORN INTO SIN’S SLAVERY
THROUGH ADAM (AND YOU KNOW WHO)

OUR DESPERATE NEED FOR A SAVIOR
HAD PROVEN LITERALLY QUITE TRUE

SIN HAD BOUND AND OVERTAKEN
WE NEEDED GRACE AND LIFE ANEW

THIS LOVING FATHER SENT HIS ONLY SON
THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE, A PERFECT JEW

HE TOOK OUR PENALTY, DEATH IN OUR PLACE,
PURCHASED HEAVEN, ETERNITY WITH A VIEW

HE HAS RISEN AGAIN, SITS AT THE RIGHT OF THE FATHER
HIS DESIRE THAT ALL WOULD HEAR AND KNOW THE GOOD NEWS

I URGE YOU, DEAR SAINT, DON’T BE A LUKEWARM CHRISTIAN
PREACH THE WORD ON THE STREET, NOT JUST FROM THE PEW

DO AS JESUS DID SO MANY YEARS AGO
GET UP AND GET OUT! THEY’RE WAITING ON YOU!

Written by: Angelena 2/14/08

Are You Telling Them?

(*Please Pause Sonific Songspot Prior to Playing Videos)

"Then Jesus said to them, 'So wherever you go in the world, tell everyone the Good News'."

Mark 16:15

Sometimes what I want to write I feel can be better expressed by sharing with you through music. I think that the Nickleback video ("Saving Me") is intriguing, but I do not wish to promote this particular band as 'Christian' in any way, shape or form. I do, however, think that they are putting forth a topic that is on the minds of many who do not know the Lord- "death". We are all going to die some day...when will it be? Are you ready? Are they ready? Are we telling them? Be looking for the analogy in the video in reference to evangelism...




I have always loved this song "I Wish We'd All Been Ready". First sung by Larry Norman- now by DC Talk, it always gets me thinking. I pray that we would take advantage of every opportunity to witness before our Savior returns. Remember, as you share the gospel with those around you, their 'response' is not your responsibility. We are only to be obedient to the commission given to us as believers. Share in love, but always in truth.

"It's Okay...I'm in Training"

"Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud."

Proverbs 16: 18-19

I have never owned a decent set of matching pots and pans. When my husband and I got married (almost eight years ago) we were given lots of different items that we hodge-podged together. After five or six years we "upgraded" to a matching set I found at the thrift store. Those lasted a while, but the last time I made a lemon meringue pie, hubby asked why I had used pepper in the recipe. No dearest, that would be Teflon flakes. It took all of ten seconds to realize that we needed new cookware and fast.

A friend of mine has a great set of Belgique cookware that she purchased years and years ago. They still look absolutely brand new and she raved about how well they have held up over time. So, I went on the hunt and found them at our local Macy's! The best part is that they have a lifetime warranty and I found them on clearance! (Did I mention- they are a matching set?)

My husband wished me a "Happy Valentines Day" and off to the mall I went in my trendy little heels. (Nester, you would have been proud). The housewares department is on the first floor and I entered on the second- so down the escalator I went. Click click...clickety click in those cute little shoes. I found my item and lugged the massive box over to the checkout counter. The attentive sales clerk noticed my heels and suggested that I pull up my vehicle to the delivery dock. I smiled sweetly and said with jest, "Oh, it's okay. I'm in training for a triathlon. If I can't carry this box out to my car- I've really got problems!" We all laughed as I turned to carry my box to my awaiting mini-van. Oh, the pride in my little sinful heart.

Then I saw it. It hadn't concerned me before, but now I saw my dilemma in the horizon. The escalator. The ESCALATOR. It was moving like the currant in an angry river... quickly it would swallow me without a second look. I couldn't go back now. I was a triathlon trainer for goodness sake! I persevered. (It's only now that I think about the elevator: helpful and handy. Waiting for the strollers, the handicapped and me- the heeled triathlon participant.)

Have you ever entered an escalator with no hands? And a box the size of TEXAS?! All I can say is it's a miracle I was going 'up'. 'Down' would have been a tragedy I wrote about from my hospital traction bed.

I jumped on. Literally. Jumped. Then...down...down...down I went. Hard. The box caught my forward fall. I teetered and tottered. I tried to look like a lady as I balanced myself in an upright position. Whew. I was on! I had made it! Oh, rats. I have to get off this thing! That was just as much fun. Okay- sidebar. Have you ever seen 'Wild Hearts Can't be Broken?' Do you remember when the poor blind girl decides against all odds to dive her horse and during her horrific training sessions she reaches out for the reigns and... Yeah, that was me.

Pride definitely goes before a fall. But, it certainly doesn't follow it- especially when all the makeup artists of Macy's are watching you fall onto the second floor of their store.

Inspiration & Devotion

(Please pause sonific song spot prior to watching video)

As I've been training for my upcoming triathlon, I was inspired to hear and watch the familiar story of Dick and Rick Hoyt. This father/son team has competed in many races, but with the challenge unparalleled to any other race participants. I dare you to watch without a box of Kleenex.