Whatsoever is Pure

My New Years Resolution is to Gain Six Pounds... More or Less

2012-01-13T17:34:00.033-05:00

Our New Years resolution is to get bigger this year- by at least six pounds at first and growing from there, more or less. No, I haven't lost my mind. No, McDonald's is not paying us to be in a documentary. Yes, we are adopting!

Over the past two years we have raised, saved, scrimped and begged to add to our $33,500 agency adoption fund. Yes, I said Thirty-three thousand, five-hundred d o l l a r s. Get out the inhaler and put your head between your knees- you'll be fine in a minute... Better now?

Can you spare just $5 for adoption?! If each person can give only five bucks, we could reach our goal!
DONATE HERE NOW!!!

We've sold lemonade to every neighbor child in a 20 mile radius and the trash men know us by our first names because of all the cookies we've sold to them. Yes, my boys freak out when they see "that look" in my eyes and wonder which of their toys I'm going to sell to fill the glass mason jar in the pantry marked Adoption with a black sharpie on the lid.

In all seriousness, the Lord has been gracious and over the past week we have raised an additional $1300 from AMAZING friends, family and complete strangers who have wanted to help us reach our final $10,000 goal!

But you know what? It is going to be TOTALLY worth it. I can't wait. Bring on the diaper changes with those funky new cloth diapers that my husband despises. Bring on the 2am feedings--err, screaming sessions. Bring on the looks from people who don't understand pale peach mommy snuggling little sweet brown baby. Bring.It.On. I love my children and can't wait to see our family growing through the grace of Christ!

Why are we adopting?

The enemy of our souls wants so much to destroy the family. So many children all over the world are already in a place that is not physically good for them--homes with substance abuse, filthy living conditions and neglectful parents (if they even have parents at all). Placing these children in a safe environment with clean bedding, educational advantages, new clothes, and two loving parents is all well and good. BUT- if those parents are in rebellion against God and do not desire to teach and train their children in the things of Jesus, we have only improved their living conditions. Matthew 16:26 says "Or what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?"

We are not adopting to promote "social justice" or increase "orphan awareness". Yes, we want to extend safety and love and education and clean clothing, but MOSTLY and ALL-IMPORTANTLY... it HAS to be the gospel of Jesus Christ! Please, just give me Jesus. If I can't give any "stuff" to my children, but I can show them the cross, teach them about sin and repentance and redemption, it was worth it. John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” What a great message we have to share with our children! Eternity is at stake-- their soul is at stake!

For His glory,

Angelena

A heart FULL of gratitude

2012-01-13T17:19:00.004-05:00

Can I just tell you (and you know who you are) how amazing ya'll are?! What a blessing it is to put out a request for adoption donations and see such a wonderful response! It roughly one day using our online fundraising site HERE (plus donations that came through coworkers and friends), we were able to add $1,200 to our adoption account!! Praise the Lord for that! You honestly don't know what a blessing it was- and we are so thankful for YOU! One day when our little one is old enough, I'm going to sit him or her down and tell about all the people who wanted to bring them into our home-- wanted them to be a 'Daniels' and wanted them to have the opportunity to know Jesus Christ.

Bless you all...

For His fame,

Angelena

An adoption donation challenge!

2012-01-11T14:13:00.003-05:00

"Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed.
Defend the cause of orphans..."
Isaiah 1:17a

Would you give ONLY $5.00 to help bring a child into their forever family's home? Well, you can!

DONATE NOW!

Our family started down the road to adoption in February 2010. We have a total of $33,500 that needs to be raised for the current agency that we are working with. Right now, only $10,000 is outstanding to raise!!

If we can find 2,000 willing people to give just FIVE DOLLARS, we can raise our final amount!!

We love children and are excited for the additional blessings that the Lord will add to our family one day. We wait patiently on His timing and for His good will!

Our love & gratitude,

Angelena

Songs for Saplings

2011-01-27T14:32:00.002-05:00

Last year, our church had the opportunity to host Dana Dirksen of Songs for Saplings for a family concert. Dana and her husband started a music ministry years ago that give children (and adults too) a solid Biblical foundation of the truths of God's word through catechism memory. We love these songs and enjoy each and every CD. There are currently four CD's available for purchase and the fifth will be coming out this year. I encourage you to stop by their website today!

Movie Night

2011-01-12T19:05:00.019-05:00

From time to time, my family and I enjoy a good old fashioned movie night. Years ago we made the decision to disconnect from "commercial television" and don't even get a signal in the house anymore. If we want to watch a movie, we either buy it, borrow it or go to the local library to check it out. Movie night in our house usually consists of homemade pizza, popped corn and lots of blankets and pillows.

Now, you must understand...if my husband and I are going to gather the entire family for a time in front of the TV, the movie itself must submit to our house rules. First, there should be no foul language or cursing. Second, no sexuality/sensuality ("There must not even be a hint of sexual immorality..for these things are improper for God's holy people"). Third, any movie that is laced with gore, intense violence (for the sake of entertainment only) and horror themed- NEVER makes it into our home. And lastly, and most importantly- there has to be a theme that points us to Christ or doesn't confuse us about true theology. In my opinion, there is nothing worse than watching a "Christian" movie that is filled with more heresy and false teaching- and does more damage than a Hollywood film ever could.

One of my favorite genre's as a young adult was black and white classical movies. So, we decided to pull in some Fred Astaire's and Cary Grant's and do you know what we found? With an exception of profanity and gore, they still include sexual innuendos, sensual and immodest clothing (sure, call 'em ballet dance outfits if you like- they still look like scantily clad bikini wearers to me) and sometimes the overall theme points away from what God desires in His holy people.

Now you are all wondering- what about 'just for you- or just for your husband'. Yes, there are movies, documentaries and news stories (not appropriate for a five and seven year old) that my husband and I will watch, but the overall concept of our house rules still apply. I'm old enough to watch R rated movies by the fact that I'm over 18, but choose not to. I'm married and have children...does that now give me the right to 'appreciate' movies that are filled with cursing, sexual themes and coarse joking? If you are bought by the blood of Christ, His spirit lives within you and it should be our desire to live by the spirit- and not by the flesh.

Philippians 4:8 says this- "Finally, brothers and sisters, 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."

Sister in Christ, be reminded that this scripture does apply to the movies we watch, the books we read, the magazines we delve into and the people we fall into conversation with. I am guilty of not following by my own standards many times...fooling myself to believe that a movie will be 'mostly clean' and then filling my heart with grief because little by little, I'm hardening myself to His gentle spirit.

I'm sure there are plenty of online reviewers for movies, but one of our favorites is the following: Plugged In by Focus on the Family. I don't always agree with their overall rating of the film or write up, it does give the reader the opportunity to assess each movie by category (violence, sexual content, language, etc.). I encourage you to stop by...before you check out that next movie.

Blessings,

Angelena

My new calendar

2011-01-12T13:59:00.039-05:00

"Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14

Let's take a moment and hover over the phrase "press on" from this passage. In the Greek, press on is dioko and from dio = pursue, prosecute, persecute). It means to follow or press hard after, literally to pursue as one does a fleeing enemy. It means to chase, harass, vex and pressure and was used for chasing down criminals. Dioko speaks of an intensity of effort leading to pursue with earnestness and diligence in order to obtain. To go after with the desire of obtaining. It gives us the picture of going on the track of something like the hounds on the hunt and pursuing after the fox and implying a continuing effort to overtake, reach, or attain the goal. (courtesy of preceptaustin.org)

Warren Wiersbe writes that dioko...."It carries the idea of intense endeavor. The Greeks used it to describe a hunter eagerly pursuing his prey. A man does not become a winning athlete by listening to lectures, watching movies, reading books, or cheering at the games. He becomes a winning athlete by getting into the game and determining to win! The same zeal that Paul employed when he persecuted the church (Phil. 3:6), he displayed in serving Christ. Come to think of it, wouldn't it be wonderful if Christians put as much determination into their spiritual life as they do their golfing, fishing, or bowling?"

I have a confession to make. I'm a calendar junkie. Every day I pull out our calendar and my big black sharpie just to put a gigantic "X" over the date. Sometimes I wait until the end of the day. Sometimes it's the first thing I do in the wee hours of the morning. Maybe it's a sense of accomplishment. Maybe it's obsessive. Either way, I enjoy doing it. I get a sense of euphoria when a new calendar year rolls around. Do you know what 2011means? It means a NEW calendar! With 365 markable spaces for my sharpie!

Not only do I enjoy marking off daily spaces, I also enjoy filling the spaces with "things to do". As a homeschooling mommy, elder’s wife, SAH mommy, adoptive parent hopeful, runner in training, wedding photographer and all around socialite...this task is pretty easy. I could fill to my heart’s content, but have resolved to keep my calendar quiet this year and focus on quality rather than quantity.

What you are passionate about will consume your time because you will make the time. We were created to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. Are we glorifying God with what fills our calendar spots? Are we filling too many spots just to keep ourselves busy and active for no real reason? Is the devil getting a foothold in our calendar and keeping us from our families, our children and our personal time to pray on our faces before a holy God? I pray that God would change my heart to continually have an intense passion for the Person of Jesus Christ and pursue His vision within my home.

Blessings,

Angelena

Are we grateful?

2011-01-11T13:29:00.000-05:00

Click here to read a great article on gratefulness from Russell Moore...

Peril & Peace: Chronicles of the Ancient Church

2011-01-08T09:42:00.010-05:00

"But whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven." Matthew 10:33

As a homeschooling mother, I am constantly looking for well written resources that will teach our young children solid Biblical information while holding their interest.

I was pleased to come upon the five part series by Brandon & Mindy Withrow that takes children and adults alike through a chronicle starting with the early or ancient church and finishing in the final book with the modern body. Although I have not read each and every book, I can say that we are about half-way through Peril and Peace and I am very pleased.

The chapters are lengthy, but written like a dramatic fiction quick read. My boys, ages 5 and 7 are usually on the edge of their seats with wide eyes, leaning in and ready to hear what will happen next. I'm usually in tears by the end of each chapter because of the boldness of these men and women and unswerving faith to die for their Savior. The story on Polycarp has so far been my absolute favorite and in my opinion, worth the purchase of the book if you read that story alone.

This first book in the series starts with a shipwrecked Paul and gives a visual time line of Polycarp, Justin, Origen, Caprian, etc. Each true story in this book focuses on the early Christian church and their ability to stand firm in the face of torture, persecution and death for Jesus Christ. The authors cleverly weave in a good amount of information about the culture, government officials, emperors, dates and facts about the chapter hero.

The constant thread through these chapters is entwined with the same message: The eternal flames of Hell are much hotter than the futile fire that might burn the body on this earth. The flesh may die, but the spirit lives on...how then can we deny our Jesus to save our flesh? We must be willing to confess Him and not be ashamed. What a message for our children!

The headlines are rampant these days with stories of the persecuted church. Our children have never known persecution and have such freedom within the United States. We know our brothers and sisters in Jesus around the world are not so fortunate, but as history shows us- the message of the gospel and the growth of the church explodes when those that oppose it try to suppress it.

You can purchase this series at www.cbd.com or www.amazon.com for $4-$7 plus shipping.

Blessings,
Angelena

Excuses...excuses

2011-01-07T22:32:00.010-05:00

I used to be fairly good at blogging- at least- I did it often. I suppose one can't promise quality, but I did offer quantity.

In mid 2008 we started a home-based photography business that has taken off much more than I ever would have imagined. We did 13 weddings in 2010 as well as a gazillion family shoots, seniors, kids, etc. Love our clients!

In addition to the biz, I homeschooled my niece for six months along with our two boys and we have continued to be busy with our family-integrated church plant.

So, you understand my delay in blogging, yes? Oh, and I became a member of Facebook. I've never played any of the games and I only have a handful of "friends", but it has become quite the place to stand on my soapbox and declare in just 420 characters or less, my thought of the day. Honestly, it's a lot less work than a blog. Blogs make you sit. And think. And write. And try to be funny and give people quantity AND quality. Trust me, there's not much of either on FB these days. (Although I must admit that I find great Godly encouragement from some dear friends on that site).

My resolution for 2011 is to blog more from an informational standpoint. I'd love to do some book reviews, giveaways and menu/budget planning and updates on the persecuted church.

Happy Friday everyone,

Angelena

New Year Greeting

2011-01-07T16:02:00.002-05:00

From our family to yours, happy New Year! My goal is to post more this year...LOL- we know how that goes!

Has it really been this long?

2010-01-02T21:08:00.008-05:00

I am amazed that I haven't blogged in months. I used to daily monitor my blog and write all kinds of interesting (right?!) posts. Now all I write about is how I haven't written anything. Or wrote anything. Or how I apparently need grammar lessons.

The family is all very well. The boys are growing and as goofy as ever- please see above picture for proof. 2010 has been a very full year. I'd love to point out a few highlights for any of you left reading this blog. Or perhaps it's just for me. The dates will probably be quite random...as my thoughts turn to the past year and all its happenings.

*March of 2009: My husband and I planted a family-integrated, Reformed & evangelical church and we went to full-time Sunday morning services. Oikos is amazing. God is so good and we have the most wonderful friends. We are learning daily what it means to step out in faith.

*May 2009: I ran my third half-marathon and it was pretty much disastrous. I had been really busy with homeschooling and work that I only trained on the weekends. So, when the time came for the race- I blew out my ankle. A 13.1 mile race took me over 3 hours. Not good. I opted not to race in October '09, but am signed up and ready to do the May '10 half-marathon with hopes that I will be disciplined in my training.

*September 2009: I turned 30. I think that's all I need to say about that.

*September 2009: My husband was diagnosed with cancer. He was 32 years old and we were told four days before my 30th birthday that he would have immediate surgery on my 30th birthday. He had a very serious melanoma on his chest and has a major scar now. The weird thing about melanoma is that there are NO tests to see if the cancer has spread and there is really NO treatment if it has. We were totally resting in the sufficiency of Christ. We still are.

*May 2009: I celebrated one full year of owning my own business. I am the sole proprietor of my own photography studio and loving every minute of it. Well, almost every minute. I do have to deal with people sometimes.

*July 2009: I was introduced to Facebook. It has been a great way to find old friends and communicate daily with new ones. I have found that you can truly find out who someone is through Facebook. I am (sadly) amazed at the lack of propriety on FB.

*October 2009: My husband and I celebrated nine years of marriage, two boys and one goldfish. Sadly, the other one died. But, the marriage is alive and the family is well.

*April 2009: I went on vacation with the boys...by myself. Owen had to work, but I really wanted to take the boys to Florida to visit with my aunt and uncle. Never EVER again. We got on the plane and my youngest spiked a big fever. As soon as we landed and arrived at the condo, my other one got ill. They had high fevers for three days and then I had the nerve to say, "Well, at least no one is throwing up." Strike up the band and bring on the buckets, baby. Stomach flu hit for the next three days. Then, it was time to come home. Ahhh....memories.

*January 2010: I am finally visiting my old blog. I miss my bloggy friends and hope somebody is still out there. Happy New Year everyone.

...Of Mothers, Teenagers & Other Runners

2009-07-11T22:57:00.005-04:00

As I have not written anything worth my weight in gold lately, I feel it is an appropriate time to return to the blog.

Over the past six weeks, I have started to taking my running "seriously" again. This, of course, meaning that I am purposefully taking time out of my day to put on running shoes (aka: not flip-flops) and attempting to sneak out of the house- unnoticed by my boys who desperately fear for my safety as I 'round the block at depressingly low speeds.

All good runners know that at least one long run must be accompanied by shorter runs throughout the week when training for endurance. Thus, the past weeks I have "taken it to the streets" in order to accomplish said task.

Runners and bikers must follow specific laws when running in traffic. First, runners must go AGAINST the flow of traffic. This, in effect, will alert you to all vehicles making a direct attempt to hit you. You can see them coming. You have time to dive into the bushes. You can wave your arms madly when someone isn't paying attention. You can look into their eyes and KNOW what they think about sharing the road with you. Truly, it's an eye opening event.

As a runner who enjoys running on busy streets, I have found it very important to alert the rest of you to the categories of drivers and the risks included with each. Please take care to pay close attention.

The "Young Mother": As you are running, beware of mini-vans filled with mom-toting children. They are either for or against you. Beware of the distracted mom. Driving while on the phone ordering pizza for dinner, trying to find a sippy-cup that is rolling under the brake, admonishing the children in the rear-view mirror and attempting to apply mascara. Once they spot you, brakes squeal and the 7 seater goes flying into opposing traffic. They missed you, but the driver of the Corolla on the other side of the street just saw his life flash before him.

The "Grandmother": They've spotted you two miles away and instantaneously begin driving 11 mph on the OTHER side of the yellow line. You can see them glaring at you for causing the drive to be sooooo slooowwww, but it just isn't in them to even consider going any faster, because they are a Grandma after all.

The "Teenager": I may be absolutely broad brushing, so all you careful and responsible teenagers out there...forgive me in advance. It is my experience, however, that young drivers (under the age of 20) have absolutely no idea that they are sharing the roads with other cars, let alone a runner. They drive so super-close to you that you can almost smell the Starbucks Smoothie that they're slurping on. The rush of wind brought on by their car is SO close, that it turns you around in the opposite direction.

The "Watcher": Inevitably, there are odd people out on the roads. You can usually hear the car before you see the car. When they get really close to you, they almost come to a complete stop- NOT because they are being careful, but because they want to stare, whistle or throw something at you. Do not make eye contact and keep running. The "watcher" is one of the main reasons I, a) rarely run at night and b) carry a gun in my shoe.

The "Semi-Truck": If you are so fortunate to run on busy roads, you will most likely be passed by a semi. My advice? When you see them coming, simply stop running and go sit in a ditch 24 feet away until they pass. Seriously, who wants to even come close to getting hit by a Semi? It's like...hello- see you next Thursday.

The "Other Runner": Most people involved in some sport that involves road-training will show some compassion when passing you on a busy street. They slow down at a reasonable speed, get over slightly and raise the all knowing "hand of friendship" as they pass by. Ahhh, the camaraderie. You raise your hand in thanks as you continue on in your mileage goal.

My Vacation in a nutshell...thus far

2009-05-12T17:41:00.005-04:00

Greetings from Florida! The boys and I headed down to Orlando to enjoy a relaxing and fabulous vacation with my parents. We are looking forward to spending time with my aunt & uncle in the Venice Beach area as well. My husband was unable to come due to work- so I am "single-mom'n" it on my own. Here's the run down thus far...

Last Wednesday: I get diagnosed with a sinus infection & get started on antibiotics (I hate meds, but tried to kick it on my own FOREVER with all my organics and herbs and just didn't want to leave on an 8 day vacation and be sick...)

Wednesday night: My youngest starts sneezing and seems a little "off".

Friday night around midnight: Youngest wakes up with a high fever, ear ache and runny nose. He literally cries from midnight to 6am. My husband ended up sleeping on the floor next to the bed so that our little one could curl up next to me. That didn't really work, so we went downstairs to rock in the recliner for about two hours. Finally fell asleep by 6:15am.

Saturday morning (7am). Woke up and got a shower. Started loading the van with all the luggage and wishing that I lived next door to a Starbucks. Dressed the kids and now off to the airport.

Saturday afternoon (12:30pm) After a non-eventful flight, with the exception of my youngest screaming his head off due to the air pressure & his painful infected ears for thirty minutes, we land, get our luggage and head to pick up the rental car. Apparently, the rental car place had whacked out computers and it took us two hours to get our mini-van. It was a great price, so I won't complain. We were able to check into our condo and call our doctor back in Ohio to get some meds for little one who is now running a high fever yet again. At least no one is throwing up.

Sunday morning (5:30am): Oldest wakes up in full-force vomiting. Every twenty minutes for the next 16 hours.... Youngest is starting to feel better. Oldest is a big pile of limp five year-old. And he keeps finding odd places to throw up. Lots of laundry in our new condo. Guest services very much NOT helpful when asked for additional cleaning products. Quarantined inside while the sun is shining outside. Called the doctor again (third time) to see about oldest's sickness. Happy Mother's Day.

Monday morning: Still lots of sickness and now oldest has a high fever. Watching much more television then I ever envisioned letting my children watch. At least we have cable options. We were able to get out in the sunshine a little bit and enjoy some time in the kid pool area. Beautiful resort- had the opportunity to go running around the vicinity in gorgeous evening weather. Oldest vomited all over the newly cleaned bed linens and blankets. Back to the washing machine. Missing my husband very much right now.

Tuesday morning: Thunderstorms. The illness seems to be getting better. Praise the Lord!

Tuesday evening: Just had dinner. Oldest is teary eyed...seems that his ear is aching. Seriously?! If I call the doctor again, he's going to think I'm trying to get medicine for some sort of underground pharmacy I'm running in Florida. AArgh- what will tomorrow bring? It can't get worse...right?!

Family Pictures (Finally) & an Update

2009-04-12T22:09:00.010-04:00

My hubby & me after Easter dinner at my parents

My dad was cracking me up... hubby hates to have his picture taken and I grabbed him back before he could take off!

Look directly at me, honey! Do not make eye contact with the camera!

Oh, the boys' expressions...

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Hello bloggy friends! I'm not sure how many of you I have left since I've left my poor blog to the wayside months ago... There is so much going on and it seems that my blog is very low on the priority list. Well, it's time for an update! I've tried to get onto your blogs- even though I hardly ever comment- just to make sure you're doing well and catch up on your stories & pictures!

We are so glad that it is Spring! I didn't realize how much I missed green grass and blooming flowers. It's nice to have that back- even though in the Midwest you never really know if it'll snow right after a 75 degree day. It's just that unpredictable... Gotta love Ohio.

The boys are doing really well! Homeschooling is a a joy- although I must admit that I'm not quite as focused as I was at the beginning of the school year. My oldest, however, is reading (finally) and doing great in math. Just a couple more months and we will break for the summer...albeit a short break.

I started a running group at the beginning of the year and I'm pleased to announce that we have four new people that have joined and committed to faithfully showing up every single Saturday! This, my friends, is a huge blessing! So, usually there are at least 6 of us training together on the long runs. We've moved to a new training ground and it's awesome! Lots of runners and beautiful landscape & rushing rivers to enjoy during the run. I'm looking forward to the half-marathon coming up in a few weeks. Ahhhhh! Just a few weeks!

The business is also doing great. It takes up just enough time to keep me busy, but not too much to keep me from the priorities of life. I LOVE the people I'm working with and so far everybody has been very pleased with my work! Oh- and I have an intern working with me this Spring! She is a lovely young lady that we met through her family's visit to our church plant. She has a passion for photography and is very good at capturing those wonderful shots! She worked on a bridal modeling shoot a couple of weeks ago with me and will continue to do more! It's a blessing to work with her and to get to know her family as well.

Speaking of the church plant... please keep us in your prayers! We are so filled with joy as the Lord builds His church day by day. We transitioned to Sunday mornings about six weeks ago and are excited to meet visiting families and reach out to the community through evangelism.

Have a wonderful week, friends! I welcome your comments and you can always find me on facebook!

Newborn Pics

2009-04-01T13:58:00.004-04:00

It's been such a blessing to continue with my photography business this year. I've made a lot of great friends that started out as clients- the Lord is so good! I had to share these pics from a newborn session I did last weekend. He's only about 7 lbs of pure adorability! :) Enjoy!

Windstorms

2009-02-12T08:21:00.002-05:00

We are located in the Midwest and have had some crazy storms popping up the last couple of days. Last night we encountered wind gusts for hours upon hours up to 60+ mph. I took some shots from my back porch with my telephoto lens as the clouds rolled in. My sons were watching with me and my oldest said, "Mommy, I think today is the end of the earth". Truly, it was quite eerie to hear all through the night. Nonetheless, our house is still standing- minus a few shingles.

Love My Boyz

2009-02-12T07:58:00.002-05:00

These are some of my favorite shots of my family. Granted, we aren't all in "one" shot and really need to get a combined family photo- but nonetheless... I love these! I am really enjoying b&w photography- hope you do too!

Happy Valentines Day, bloggy friends!

The Creation Museum

2009-01-25T13:11:00.002-05:00

My husband's birthday was this week and we decided to do a family trip to the Creation Museum in Petersburg, Kentucky sponsored by Ken Ham, Answers in Genesis. If you have never been to the museum, I encourage you to go! (But not on a weekend if at all possible... it's super packed and can be a little overwhelming- especially with little ones). We went on Friday for about three hours and then returned on Saturday afternoon to skim through once more and get some pictures.

The museum includes multiple interactive shows, planetarium, dinosaur room, theater, petting zoo, botanical gardens, bookstore and history of creation museum. Over 20 million dollars was spent with state of the art technology working with Hollywood designers and creation scientist to present an amazing truth to our culture! You are taken through the beginning of history in the Garden of Eden; showing how sin entered the world, God's destruction of the earth through the flood, background of archaeology and His amazing redemptive plan through Jesus. It is quite an alternative worldview to much of what we are daily exposed to in secular culture.

The Gingerbread House (aka: Disaster)

2009-01-06T11:35:00.003-05:00

Okay; so who said that making a gingerbread house would be easy? For some reason I figured that if I bought that $10 kit- we'd have it made! Apparently...not so much. :) Well, it was fun to do at the cabin anyway!

The Newest Members of our Family...

2009-01-05T07:56:00.003-05:00

Well, we finally did it. We took the "plunge"...no pun intended. Meet the newest members of our family; Jack & Jimmy (the boys named them). The boys are so excited to have pets!

This is the year...right?!

2009-01-02T09:13:00.005-05:00

I'm scared out of my mind. Towards the end of this year I turn 30 and have decided to make this the 'big one'. As of this spring, I'll have four 1/2 marathons under my belt, one triathlon, and about fifteen shorter charity 5K races. This is the year for the full marathon, right?! Seriously- even writing this post gives me the chills. I want it...I can smell it and taste it... the victory of doing something that for me seems almost impossible.

See, for some reason- my body doesn't do so great when it comes to hydration- or lack thereof. I can't seem to process fluid where it actually hydrates my body at a positive rate. At the end of any race or long run that extends past 10 miles, I turn pretty much blue, go into shock, start throwing up (can't stop until I get either medicated or an IV) and lose all strength for about 12 hours until I finally fall asleep.

I would love advice from any of you fellow runners! I stay as hydrated as possible- wearing the hydro belt and stopping at almost every fluid station; taking fruit, gatorade and other gels to stay hydated...but my body just doesn't seem to respond to it. I'm thinking that I'll probably do a walk/run with the intent to finish before they close the course. That's not asking a lot, right?

So, why would I want to go through all of this KNOWING that it is how it's gonna end really bad? Well, first because I don't want my life to be dictated by fear ( I can do all things..within wisdom...through Christ!). Second, because I like a challenge. And thirdly, because I want to have that bumper sticker that says 26.2. That to me... is priceless.

The Pool Table

2009-01-02T08:54:00.002-05:00

This year we went to the Smoky Mountains with my parents for our Christmas holiday. Our cabin was very nicely decorated and we thoroughly enjoyed our time spent there! I really didn't want us all to sit around and watch television through the whole vacation, so we opted for a cabin with a pool table. Little did I know that it would be such a 'hit' with the boys. After two full days of pratice- my five-year old son LITERALLY beat me in a fair game. Now, I'm not a great player, but I'm not bad either. He picked up the game super quick and was loving it. I'm thinking he has a good career in hustling in his future. Just kidding... :)

Grandpa and little brother play a game together.
My oldest prepares to shoot it in!

Love the little tongue hanging out... ha!

"#14; green; corner left pocket...over the back trick-style"

Ahhh, yes...I'm one proud mommy.

A Mountain Run

2008-12-28T13:15:00.004-05:00

Merry Christmas belated to all you fellow bloggers! We just arrived home from our Smoky Mountain Christmas extravaganza... So, I thought I would post in parts about different aspects from our trip- as opposed to overwhelming you with 1611 pictures and oodles of paragraphs. ;)

Well, somewhere in my blonde head, I decided that a mountain run would be just the ticket to shed some of those unwanted holiday cookie poundage. As seen above- my husband captured my good intentions of serious 'running' magazine reading. I was feeling inspired and decided to conquer the mountain in the beautiful and rare 71 degree Christmas "summer".

Huh. Well, let's see... I barely got one good mile in, but it sure felt like death. I don't think ankles were created to run on the steep angles that I tried to overcome this week. At one point I was going downhill so fast that I was afraid that if I tried to stop, I'd start to roll like a hedgehog all the way to the bottom.

So, I did it and now I can say that I did it...that's about it. :)

Thanksgiving 4 Miler

2008-12-12T10:40:00.001-05:00

My Little Angel

2008-12-03T16:25:00.001-05:00

The blogger returns

2008-11-25T15:46:00.004-05:00

Wow, it never ceases to amaze me how busy life can get! I'm falling quite behind on the blogging front lately... So, for those friends and family that only find out how we're doing from my writing- I'd better get back to work! :) Hmmmm...where to start?!

Well, the kids are doing well. So far we haven't been ill at all- which is very wierd for us. Usually, we're on virus #12 by this point in the season...so this is a huge blessing. Of course, I'm waiting for the shoe to drop.

Homeschooling is going smoothly- I've backed down to about 1.5 hours a day on most days. We do breakfast and chores right after waking up and then start our Bible time, followed by math, phonics/reading, handwriting and learning games. That's about the extent of our schooltime right now; just the basics! My oldest is not as applied as he could be, but I think that's because Mommy isn't making a huge deal about that right now. When I 'push' for him to excel, he always does.

Little one is getting taller, but the poor child refuses to gain weight! :) He eats like a bird (unlike anyone else in this family) and could take or leave mealtimes. He gets excited to be a part of school time and is learning phonics right alongside of older brother. Hoorah!

My photography business is doing quite well. I did my last outdoor shoot for the season last weekend and brrrrrr was it chilly! I think it was in the high 20's with lots of wind and absolutely no sun. I dressed quite poorly- only a shortsleeve shirt and a fleece. Husband was kind enough to loan me his coat and my son gave me his little toboggan- I must have looked the sight! The client booked a two hour time slot (senior pic) and we were all shaking by the end!

With the demand to continue the business through the cold season, I decided to purchase a great deal of indoor equipment; backdrops, lighting, props, etc. I know we are in the holiday season, but I hope it keeps up this busy even after Christmas! I'm enjoying working with the families and making some extra money as well.

Our church plant is going well. We have stayed around 20-40 people on a weekly basis and are enjoying getting to know new families and the tried and true ones even better. As of the new year, we will finally transition into a full fledged Sunday morning service... I think. Part of the joy of starting something yourself is that you get to 'make the rules'. Please keep us in prayer as we reach out to the unsaved in our community.

One of the mothers from our church is going to run with me this Thanksgiving morning for a 4 miler race for a local charity benefit. I'm slightly nervous, because although I renewed my membership at the local gym, I'm only running indoors right now! We're gonna freeze on Turkey day!

So, our Thanksgiving plans include a ham this year. I've never cooked a turkey and I don't plan to start this year. Is that bad? Can you have a real holiday meal without the turkey? I'll let you know how it goes...

A blessed day to all!

Angelena

Smoky Mountain Christmas

2008-11-16T20:33:00.002-05:00

Can I tell you how excited I am? We decided, this year, to do something different for our Christmas holiday! Our family (hubby, the boys and me) and my parents- are going to the Smoky Mountains for Christmas week! Our cabin is pictured above...

Instead of gifts, we opted to put our money toward a relaxing week in the Tennessee mountains... enjoying the hot tub, nature walks, quietness of nature and all around togetherness time! Memories! I'm so excited for the memories! Baking cookies, the smell of the pine cabin, reading the Word with the boys on the wrap-around porch, listening to Nat King Cole in the wee hours of the morning, finding our tree out in the middle of the woods and decorating it with popcorn... ahhh!

Can you smell Christmas? I love this time of year! I can't wait to praise the Lord and celebrate His birth in the beauty of his peaceful creation...

Family photos

2008-11-13T22:41:00.003-05:00

Well, it's been a while since I've blogged! I can't tell you how busy I am right now with the photo biz, homeschooling and the new church plant! Life is 'crazy-ola'. I'm thinking that I need to re-think my organization skills... there has to be a better way to keep everything in orderly fashion!

My parents came over this evening to get their pics taken for their Christmas cards... they looked so cute and matched so well in their lime green and white trendy sweaters. My boys got some pictures with them (totally not matching G&G, but lookin' cute!). Thought I'd let you all see... Hoping you are doing well! Love reading your comments...

Thank You

2008-11-11T22:49:00.000-05:00

The Proverbs Woman Fall Home Show

2008-11-04T11:25:00.002-05:00

The director of the senior center and myself after a long fun day!

A little out of focus (had my old point n' shoot camera on me!), but shows some of the tables at the event.

Here is a portion of my table; had a lot of fun decorating it!

My awesome cousin has a home business and she sent some fabulous items to sell! They sold like hotcakes... have some items remaining too! Anybody want to purchase a gift basket?

Another shot of my table before anybody else arrived. I decided to be super early to get it all done; that way I could help others when they got there. Too bad I was locked out... :) Oh well! Someone eventually saw me at the door! Ha!

1/2 Marathon Update

2008-10-20T11:53:00.003-04:00

My third 1/2 marathon medal now hangs with the others!

So, of course... I have to show the picture of all my race clothing laid out. I'm oddly organized when it comes to running.

Ahhh....yes. So now you all know that I'm a shameless dork at 5:30am.

This is my dear friend "J" that I've been buddies with since elementary school. She is super awesome and a great runner! She was a great support and we had a fabulous time!

Hubby didn't have the camera quite ready as I crossed the finish line, so I turned around after finally crossing to give him a kodak moment shot!

Here we are! Hoorah we finished!

Copyright? What copyright??

2008-10-17T14:12:00.005-04:00

So, here is a little rant on my part about copyrighted images...

I did an engagement session for a friend of mine a couple of months ago. We had such a great time and they were such a great couple to work with! For their wedding gift, I gave them the full CD session of all their photos to allow them to print/reprint as much as they desired!

My dad who owns his own CD duplication business was kind enough to provide me with my own professional logo and personalized discs/jewel cases. They look awesome! On the bottom of the CD in huge print it states the following, "Copyright 2008..... All rights reserved".

My friend took the CD to a printer and the employee saw that it was a protected disc and asked for the copyright waiver (which I had failed to give her). She explained to the lady that she didn't have one and the lady said to her, "Well, we'll go ahead and do it just this one time."

Now, granted- she's a friend and it was a gift...I absolutely wanted her to make all the copies of the disc that she wanted to. But, I was shocked about the lack of law abiding behavior on the part of the photo lab employee. I shouldn't be amazed, but I am.

Ummm, copyright? What copyright?

Improvising

2008-10-16T12:37:00.002-04:00

Today I decided to improvise with a white backdrop that I just got. I'm doing a shoot tomorrow at a friend's home and wanted to see what I was up against. I thought this one turned out pretty good. I'm currently bidding on ebay for some lighting options.

My little guy enjoyed showing off his shooting skills for this one with his handmade wooden gun from Great Grandpa "N".

Four Days Remain!

2008-10-15T12:22:00.002-04:00

Well, only about four days remain until I run my third 1/2 marathon. Part of me is really looking forward to it and the other part of me is asking why I am doing this again. A good friend from high school (also the maid of honor in my wedding) has agreed to run with me! We used to do crazy trips together and random fun outings- so this one is long overdue! Pictures & details of the event to come! Hope everyone has a great week!

Angelena

Our day at the pumpkin farm!

2008-10-13T21:01:00.004-04:00

We first waited in line for the hayride that would take us out to the pumpkin patch. And waited. And waited. And waited. Finally, it arrived and off we went!

My youngest reaches up for daddy's hand to get up an enormous bale of hay. There was nothing graceful about walking in this hay barn...the first step down I took had me landing right on my bum. And I wasn't even wearing my trendy little heels!

Part of the ticket price included a homemade doughnut and apple juice. My youngest went to aboslute pieces when part of his fell on the ground in a grand escape from the attacking bees.

We all sit to pose on some major big pumpkins on a photo op wagon.

On the hayride...
A large pumpkin amidst some hearty mums!

Little one lays an egg...err pumpkin.

My little pumpkins.

Yes, I'm a dork. Hubby picked a flower for me out in the pumpkin patch, so I just had to pose for a quick pic for him!

You can't tell, but the boys are quite high up in the hay barn at this point. There were slides that started at the top loft area and landed them in huge piles of hay at the bottom of the barn.

Another enjoyable shot of the pumpkin patch. Probably my favorite...

The boys and I coming out of the hay barn.

Could he have picked a bigger pumpkin?

Oldest called me over and said that I should take his picture while he was good n' ready. (He usually despises pics and I apparently needed to take advantage of this photo opportunity)

Little one found a piece of broken pumpkin stem and it was the joy of the day!

Ask Angelena

2008-10-09T14:21:00.007-04:00

I received the following question from a fellow blogger and thought I'd post the answer for all those inquiring minds that want to know. :)

Q: "This summer, I started a walking program with a few friends, mainly to try and develop a healthier lifestyle and shed some pounds. Every once in a while, we'd run about 1/3 of the track, and then we'd have to quit because our lungs were burning. Now that I walk at home on the treadmill, I try to jog a little, just to get my heart rate up, and then go back to my normal 3.0 mph. How long does it take to develop a love for jogging? And for your lungs to stop burning? And to quit feeling panicked because you can't get a deep breath? How does a jogger prepare for a 5K? Can it be done on a treadmill?"

A: Well, first let me just say that I'm honored by your question! I'm am hardly an authority on running, but I will give you opinion based on my personal experience- keeping in mind that it differs for each individual person. This is my rags to running story...

A little over two years ago I decided that I was done living my sedintary lifestyle and wanted to change things up a little. I have absolutely ZERO coordination, so aerobics was totally out; I'm too old to start up gymnastics and too busy to join a competitive sports team. We joined our local YMCA and I had two options that looked appealing to me; play basketball by myself and/or run on the dreadmill...err treadmill. Yes, you can train on a treadmill, but I would encourage you to get outside and run in the open air too. I, personally, prefer running outdoors if you can, but I've run many miles on the treadmill and that's great!

The first time I got on the treadmill with a serious will to acheive greatness- I ran for a total of three minutes and thought I was going to die. Honestly. I had visions of flying off the back of the belt into the wall or on top of some poor unsuspecting person walking by. So, the next time I pushed it and went a whole four minutes. Now, granted- I wasn't running as fast as my legs could carry me... but it was enough. I started off running for 2 minutes and walking for 3 minutes; each day I would increase my total time and over the weeks I'd run more and walk less.

I didn't love running then, but kept it up and slowly increased my time and speed because my goal was a 50 pound weight loss. As I continued to run and maintain a regular regiment of excersize, the burning in my lungs and lack of breath slowly lessened. Little by little I started to enjoy running. You have to push past the point of panic; I find that music can be helpful in stimulating my adreniline to get past the pain. Usually, when I'm running long distance my first 3-4 miles is the hardest and then it eases up for me quite a bit.

A friend of mine suggested that I might enjoy running a marathon and that ANYBODY could do it. The idea was so crazy and so far out from my normal train of thinking that I actually started to consider it. I thought it would make for good conversation and give me a goal. I had never participated in a 5K or even ran much in elementary gym class, but I liked the idea of a challenge. I had lost a little over 45 pounds at the time and wanted to celebrate it with something outrageous.

One thing I would encourage you to do- if you are serious about running- is to find a group of runners in your area that participate regularly in group training runs and events. They don't have to be super elite and hardcore, but if they have the goal to achieve- that will be a great help to you! It's awesome to have friends that you enjoy spending time with walking and conversing with around the track, but if you don't have someone pushing you past your pain point- it's going to be harder to get there. The first time I went out with my running group I had only actually run for one mile straight (an 11 minute mile) at the time. However, with their cheering and coaching along the way, I did a 9 miler that morning! Some of it was running and some walking, but I kept up with the pace and it felt great!

Be careful to avoid injury by not overtraining, but taking it one day at a time. A 5K is a great first time race to train for and it's usually for a great cause! Don't be concerned with your time- just look forward to crossing that finish line! I'm cheering for you!

Angelena

The Bonfire

2008-10-09T08:54:00.004-04:00

My parents invited us to a great bonfire cookout the other night! My son's best buddy joined us for hot dogs and smores! It was such a great time!
Thanks mom & dad!

Pride goes before the fall... revisited

2008-10-09T07:38:00.003-04:00

Remember those trendy little black heels from this post? Well, I should have known all the troubles that are caused when I wear them...but I too quickly forgot.

Last night I had my first meeting with a wedding client who was interested in obtaining my photography services for her reception. And yes- I wore those trendy little heels along with my favorite jeans and my big red leather purse filled with my folders, samples and portfolio. It's a rare night indeed when I go out into the evening kid-free with my hair washed and an actual hint of makeup. Yes sir, I was feelin' good and professional.

The consult went great and they ended up booking me on the spot. Feeling quite accomplished, I went to the grocery store afterwards and continued to strut around in my heels through the produce...past the deli...and around the bakery. I felt like everyone was looking and saying to themselves, "There is a lady that has it all together".

Yep, pride goes before the fall. The Lord even brought that to my attention as I was leaving the grocery. Are you wondering what's going to happen? Wait for it...

So, I headed over to my parents house to say 'hello' and spend a few minutes with them. Then I went home- unloaded all the groceries and headed up for bed. I went right into our bathroom and flipped on the light...and to my horror I saw something in the mirror that will haunt me for the rest of my days...

A huge (no exaggeration) glob of bright blue-green toothpaste was stuck to the side of my head and all over the stem of my glasses. Ugh. Apparently, prior to my quick departure out of the house earlier on in the evening, I had set my glasses down on the sink's edge (where the uncapped toothpaste was) and put them back on without even considering they might be marinating in minty freshness!

Oh, those trendy heels. Oh, my heart of pride. When will I learn? The Lord is good and always keeps my spirit humble... Praise Him- even for toothpaste!

Photography Contest

2008-10-07T17:11:00.003-04:00

Last weekend I had the opportunity to work with one of my friend's daughters on a photography shoot. She is super sweet and adorable!

One of the photo blogs that I follow is participating in an amateur picture contest by phototrade.com. The theme of submission is "portraits". I've entered in this photo and would love to win!

So, if you would be so kind... my bloggy friends- please click on this picture in my sidebar to the right and hit "vote". I'd be much obliged! The contest ends on 10/31/08 and the winner will receive a great camera!

Thanks in advance!

Fall is in the Air...

2008-10-06T17:56:00.002-04:00

We went to one of our local metro parks this past weekend and had such a lovely time. It was so cool and crisp and with every crunch in the leaves my heart got a little more excited for Fall. I took a few pictures of the boys in their element... Enjoy!

One year anniversary

2008-09-29T12:44:00.006-04:00

This September marks the one year anniversary of my first ever race! I ran a 5K downtown on my birthday and had so much fun! My whole family came as well as some dear friends from my highschool! So, about two weeks ago I ran that same race again and beat my time by almost three minutes! Out of 500 runners, I came in 95th overall. Hoorah!

I started thinking about all the races that I've participated in over the past year and decided to put in a diary of pictures on the blog today. Happy running anniversary everybody! (The pictures are totally out of order and a few are missing..., but you get the idea!)

Half Marathon #2 (April 2008) 13.1 miles

First race ever! Downtown 9/2007 (5K)

Christmas Race 12/2007 (Freezing cold! Brrr!) 5K

Half Marathon #1 (13.1 miles)

Thanksgiving 4 miler (11/2007)

First Triathlon 6/2008 5K

Hubby & me! His first 5K 8/2008

Downtown 5K Night race 9/2008

Suitcases

2008-09-29T12:13:00.002-04:00

My boys informed me yesterday that they were going to have a sack race using their "suitcases"! (Look closely friends, we would usually call those pillow cases...") Ha!

Why do bad things happen to good people?

2008-09-15T17:09:00.002-04:00

I just heard an awesome sermon on this topic this afternoon. And do you know what the gist of it was? Bad things don't happen to good people...bad things happen to bad people. There is us. Then there is God. He is the only one that is good. Pretty simple, huh.

Collide

2008-09-06T18:17:00.004-04:00

My friends and I (the aforementioned 'running buddies') were out for a long run early this morning. Yes, friends who want to stink with me! (Please read the prior post to catch up, if you have not already done so). Anyway, on the last turn of the final stretch I decided to plug in to my MP3. I get really "in the zone" when I plug in and during that last mile or so I really like that extra adrenaline. I've heard all the stories from the elite runners that wearing music makes you less of a runner or something ridiculous like that. I've also heard that it's dangerous. Sure, danger! danger! Humph.

So, here I am...all plugged in and totally focused on the road ahead. Not really thinking about the road behind. Not really at all. Occasionally checking to my left side to make sure running friends L & S were still there. Totally focused on how 'not dangerous' I am. Totally forgetting to take one of my earplugs out at the crossing of the road (which I usually always do).

All of a sudden as we crossed the last main road and turned to finish on the trail (on the left side of the road) I lost track of L & S out of my peripheral vision and realized something was wrong. And then I saw them. Lots of them. Cyclists.

Has any one ever played dominoes? Uh-huh. In a nutshell... lots of male bicyclists in a pile. The first guy thought I was going to turn in front of them so he threw on the brakes. I quickly jumped off the path into some bushes; the guy behind the braking guy was watching me dive into the foliage and didn't see all that braking action and 'boom'! Right into him. Down. Hard.

The guy after him avoided it and about joined me in the bushes. The fourth guy was on a recumbent bike and looked really annoyed as he tried to get out of the main road and back onto the trail. Seriously! I'd be annoyed. Stupid blonde girl with earplugs on. Dangerous earplugs.

I apologized all over myself and kept asking if everyone was okay. They were so super nice and I think the one guy was just more embarrassed than hurt. Thankfully, we had just crossed a main road and they had slowed down to basically nothing- so they weren't going very fast. Honestly, they could have been really hurt. Praise the Lord- He is truly sovereign and is aware of our need for help- even we we are totally unaware of it.

So, lesson learned. Still gonna wear the dangerous earplugs, but maybe just one ear at a time...and definitely going to look out for bicycles. You'd think I'd be more careful, right?! Being the famous triathlete I am. :)

Solo

2008-09-03T16:46:00.004-04:00

Last year at this time I had a band of friends that I called 'running buddies'. I honestly couldn't do without them. They encourage me to press on at mile ten...eleven...and twelve when I'm exhausted and want to plunge into the nearest river.

Since our maiden voyage (aka: 1/2 marathon) one year ago, I've had the privilege of running in two 1/2 marathons, one triathlon and half a dozen smaller foot races. At least one or two of these dear friends have always been by my side...either cheering from the side-line or pulling me to the finish-line.

Currently, I'm training for another Half and have just found out today that I'm going solo. Due to injury and schedule conflicts, most of the group has decided to hold off until the Spring Half. Why is it that only AFTER I sign up and shell out nearly $80 that I find out I'm alone! I'll be okay in the race, but it's all the training that I'm dreading! All the lonely weekday runs and weekend long-runs by myself. Me. Alone. Aargh.

I'm determined (selfishly, of course) to find a friend. Someone who has the same drive and passion to get up before the sunrise and run until you stink. Oh, where are you, determined runner friend?

Magic in the Kitchen

2008-09-02T17:47:00.007-04:00

Until seven days ago I never realized that my life was missing something. Until seven days ago I was not aware that my household could save money in such a great way. Until seven days ago I didn't realize that my time in the kitchen could be cut back in such amazing ways. Until seven days ago I didn't realize how healthy we could eat. Until seven days ago I didn't know that $22 could equal priceless. Amazing my friends...absolutely amazing.

I have rarely had to use pots, pans, bowls or the like since I purchased this product (conserving water due to cleanup). I have made all of our breakfast, dinners and dessert in this little black bucket in the microwave. I have not had to use any non-stick sprays, oils, butters or flour and yet everything slides out like it was sitting on Teflon. I have not had to use my oven (saving money) and keeping our home cooler (less AC)!

And on the issue time-saving...Yesterday, we had two events to go do for the Labor Day holiday. In 25 consecutive minutes I made a chocolate lava cake, brownie caramel cordial, pasta salad and barbecue chicken (chicken was cooked already)sandwiches.

Seriously! I would mix up the batter for a cake, cook it for approx seven or eight minutes, flip it out of the cooker; rinse it out and then onto my next recipe! It never is hot enough to burn you on the outside (steam gets hot so watch out when opening)... so you don't have to wait for it to cool down before going onto your next food prep step!

I've made crustless quiche in about six minutes and it just slides out... no sticky egg residue or odor. Love it love it! I've quickly made basmati rice (usually takes 20+ minutes) in about five minutes w/ zero oil and it slides right out!

No, I am not a consultant. No, I'm not being paid for this advertisement. No, I am not receiving free gifts and vacations for my plug of this amazing product. No, I am not a materialist. Okay, maybe just a little when it comes to the rice cooker.

So, if you're hooked like a little fishy after this review and would love to spend your own hard earned $22 to save you time and money- give you local Pampered Chef gal a call!

The First Day

2008-09-02T12:37:00.003-04:00

Today was our first day of kindergarten! My son (just turned five) and I have been looking forward to this day of initial homeschooling adventure! We went out the back door and walked hand in hand into the door of learning. (aka: front door)

Overall, the day was a success. We spent approximately two hours in lessons today and then broke for outdoor playtime and lunch. Right now my boys are taking a bath due to the mud 'class' in the backyard.

My oldest is having a hard time adjusting to the schedule of a school day- although it is SO relaxed compared to any institutional education. Today he told me (as a follow up to the past weeks) that he doesn't really need to go to school because he already knows everything in the whole world. Great. My work should be really easy. Aargh.

Here are a couple shots of him with his completely empty backpack (aka: prop) that he loves to wear around the house. I have no idea what we're going to put in it, but he feels more socialized with it on. And we just know that we've got to socialize those homeschoolers, so have at it kiddo.

The Cutest Blog on the Block

2008-08-31T14:09:00.002-04:00

Do you like the new background? Want your own? Click here to visit The Cutest Blog on the Block and get your own adorable background! And you want to know the best part?! It's absolutely FREE! Tons of designs to choose from and super-easy to load!

Only 66 Days Remain...

2008-08-30T19:34:00.010-04:00

I love politics. Have I mentioned that before? I truly enjoy a good debate and can thoroughly lose myself watching the 'talking heads' of Fox News & CNN. I am a hard core conservative and the values of our founding fathers mean the world to me.

Now, I must admit that this presidential race has been a difficult one for me. Early on in the primaries, I was not bedazzled by any one candidate in either party. (Although I largely vote a straight Republican ticket, I'm not opposed to looking at all the options. I would say, however, that at this point in my life I haven't found a Democratic presidential candidate that holds fast to all the values that I as a die-hard conservative cling tightly to.)

I have a lot of thoughts about this upcoming election...especially as of late. This post is probably more to put my own thoughts in print, but my desire is that the reader would also be enlightened by any provocation of my random thoughts.

First, on the topic of Sen. John McCain. Honestly, he wouldn't have been my first choice (due to my disagreement with certain issues he holds near and dear)- but for better or worse.. he's the one that has been chosen to represent the conservative side. Yes, I know there will most likely be grassroots & independent candidates pop up here and there, but in the big picture of reality...it's either McCain or Obama.

Did anybody see the Saddleback debate? When Rick Warren talked with Obama the first hour, I was very impressed with the senator's clarity of words, poise and humor. He was engaging and warm and truly seemed to enjoy the interview. Now, did I agree with all his policies and perspectives? Absolutely not. But- nonetheless, I was generally impressed overall.

THEN McCain came out. And WOW! I was blown away by the difference of the two candidates and their individuals responses to the questions. Absolute heart-felt conviction and a wealth of knowledge on almost every single topic! With the condition of our world and the United States' interaction with so many volatile countries- this is a man who knows came off as strong and unyielding. (James Dobson pointed this out in an interview last night too... he had not supported McCain, but also after this debate felt that he learned so much more about him in a very positive light.) There was honestly no comparison...hands down (even in the mind of most of the liberal media) McCain won that one.

I love it that he has served our country and served it well. A while back I sat down and read the wickipedia entry about his life from start to finish. I was absolutely overwhelmed with what he has gone through for the sake of freedom and camaraderie. His love for his country is unequivocal. He is steadfast in his belief on 'life' and conception/abortion issues; his appointment of strict-constructionist supreme court justices who will not legislate from the bench; and he understands that Islamo-fascism will not be pacified. These, among other reasons, are why I've decided to support him for the next POTUS.

I was very surprised with his VP pick yesterday, but overall I'm ecstatic. I'm sad that she has five adorable children and now has a huge political agenda to deal with- leaving them without as much as a mommy as they deserve...but that's another topic for another time. She is ultra-conservative and has a history of standing up to corruption- even when it was in her own party. I think she was a great choice and I'm excited to see what the following campaign days will bring.

Now, on the topic of Barack Obama. First, one of my biggest concerns with Obama's following is the 'race' issue. Everyone is so excited with his skin color and that his presidency would be a huge step in breaking down the barriers of segregation. Look, I'm all about breaking down barriers, but to put someone in the highest position in the land because he has slightly more melatonin in his skin is absolutely ridiculous. People want change. Great- let's change up Washington, but not because of color. That's not breaking down racism- it's promoting it. Let's put a candidate in this position because of their ability to lead wisely, conviction of God-honoring issues, experience and proven commitment to our nation.

(It shouldn't be about 'not' putting another white man in office because he's white or putting a woman in office because she's a female. If you really want a big change just for the 'effect' and making of 'history'- then put in an 5 year old boy- that'll change things up.)

Anyway, I digress...

Because of my stance on abortion, marriage, health-care, economy, energy, immigration and national security, I can't cast my vote with Sen. Obama. There are other personal issues that I have with Obama, but they aren't any different than perhaps if Romney or Giuliani had been elected. I am, however, deeply concerned with his lack of foundational patriotism, disrespect of the Bible, stance on infanticide, and personal affiliations.

I know that there are many who are considering voting for Obama because of his platform on political and social reform, but I plead you to look at the deeper issues...mainly the ones involving human life.

Friends, the sanctity of life is more precious to our God than any other topic and it HAS to trump all other agendas- no matter how fabulous and groundbreaking they are. No one candidate is perfect, nor will any one nominee hold all your personal convictions as dear as you do. But, if we are going to appoint one man to the highest position in our land- he should not only understand the value of innocent life, but serve to protect it at all costs.

The Playdate

2008-08-29T15:51:00.003-04:00

My sister-in-law and nieces came over this week for a fabulous playdate! She is homeschooling as well, so it gives us the opportunity to get together even during the early daylight hours!

Don't you just love the bows?!
Although this picture LOOKS like a purse mugging, it's actually one cousin giving another a big hug. (My son is very safe in his masculinity... he really digs the 'matching purse' action)

All the cousins working with playdough at the kitchen table!

The Spill

2008-08-29T11:27:00.004-04:00

OOps... Sorry Mommy.

A Beautiful Summer Day...

2008-08-21T10:49:00.002-04:00

My Remedy to Snow (Part 2)

2008-08-15T16:27:00.004-04:00

Here is an idea of my new indoor studio shots! (my boys were kind enough to help out...even though they were tired and ready for naps!)

My Remedy to Snow

2008-08-15T16:07:00.003-04:00

Can I just say how absolutely blessed I feel today? Totally and completely. Alright, let me back up just a tad...

A few days ago my sister-in-law asked if we could push back my niece's portrait date to later in the year. My reply was that I only do outdoor photography (no studio available nearby) and that could pose a problem.

Then, the next day, my dear friend Andi- asked about doing some indoor shots when I work with their family later on in the year.

THEN- my Proverbs Woman event was scheduled for a local home show this fall and I've been asked what I'll be offering for my business since people don't really like to take their children for pictures in sub-freezing snowy weather.

Hmmmm....

So, I started thinking about setting up a studio here in my home or purchasing 'travel' equipment to take on site to the homes of my clients. I jumped on ebay this morning and was a little overwhelmed at some of the prices for my specific needs. Youch!

Then, I went to craigslist (this is the fabulous blessing part of the post) and found what I needed for cheap cheap cheap!! I was ecstatic... Then, the gentleman that sold me the items said that he has some other props/backgrounds that he was going to GIVE to me absolutely for free! And THEN (yes, it still gets better..) my boys and I headed over to a local thrift store with two things that I wanted to buy. First, one-two large sturdy foam blocks and also a huge black muslin curtain to hang for my background. About ten minutes later I found both items and one was even half priced!

Wowsers. I'm feeling so undeserving today, but yet He continues to provide. So now- I can do photography anywhere! Wahoo! My remedy to snow!

Of Buzzlebees & Such...

2008-08-15T14:09:00.004-04:00

Little bubby says the funniest things in the most serious way. I am going to post it here for fear that I won't remember it as time goes by!

He told me in a very 'no-nonsense' fashion that it was dangerous to be outside 'cause the "buzzlebees" might get you.

He asked his brother if he would mind "scooping" over for more room on the seat.

During a lunch out with grandma this week he prayed over the meal. With eyes closed tight and hands folded he prayed (loudly), "Dear Jesus...thank you for this food. Help me not to spit in it."

After a most disobedient afternoon, I found him in tears... When I asked what was wrong he retorted, "I just need a spanking and you haven't given it to me."

It was time for bed and after a story and a snuggle, I tucked him down under the covers and whispered quietly, "Close your eyes...it's time for sleep"...to which he replied very seriously in a matched whisper, "If I close down my eyes I won't be able to see anything."

To be continued...

The Proverbs Woman Event!

2008-08-06T09:19:00.003-04:00

Last night I hosted the first Proverbs Woman open house event at my home! We had a wonderful time and can I just say... TONS of fabulous food! Of all the pictures I did get- I never got one of our complete and abundant food table! We had over twenty ladies attend and lots sign up to have a booth this fall! Praise the Lord for wonderful women...

The first few ladies to attend (some friends from church) sitting and relaxing together!

"T" hosts a Pampered Chef table!

This was a picture of the "before" food table. Don't look, but I just realized my candle was crooked.
"A" hosts her home-baked creations table. Mmmmm!

When the ladies entered, they had the opportunity to register for our grand prize drawing...a $100 basket filled with items donated from each vendor participant. Congratulations Ann G.!

The "before" pictures of "A" home-baked creations table!

Here is my table! I had over 15 ladies sign up for more information about my photography business. I also had a call from a patient that I used to take care of years ago when I was in OB practice who saw some pictures I had one and scheduled an appointment with me! So cool!

My granola exhibit. :) I make homemade granola and decided to put out a few warm out of the oven batches for the event!

My Baby is Three!

2008-08-06T08:17:00.005-04:00

My youngest son turned three last week! We had my parents and a really special family over to celebrate with us. We had a great time!

(When I uploaded the pictures- they got totally out of order! Sorry for the flow issue...)

His big boy gift this year was a bike. We've upgraded from last year's tricycle and he's thrilled!

Here is the special family that spent the evening with us! We praise the Lord for their friendship.

Little "G" and Mommy! Don't you love the hat?

I had just put the cake and ice cream out on the table. Don't you love all three expressions?

Little bubby thoroughly enjoying his cake!

When it was time for his gift (the bike) we had little one sit on a chair facing the garage door. Daddy opened up the door and wheeled in the bike. This is little one seeing it for the first time! Priceless!

He jumped right on and started riding through the kitchen!

Big hugs of gratitude for daddy!

All the kiddos at the party!

Little one and his other favorite gift... the weed whacker and safety glasses!

Grandpa, of course, had to get into the act too! Love it!

Held up by one of his little buddies, Bubby blows out the candles on his cake! Happy Birthday!

Zoo Trip

2008-08-04T09:30:00.003-04:00

My husband had Friday off because of our youngest's birthday; daddy and bubby went out for an early breakfast to Bob Evans and then we all took a trip to the zoo. We ended up visiting the aquarium for a while and then just stayed in the theme park area! We have a membership (thanks to my gracious MIL) and love spending as much (or as little) time as we like there!

The boys checking out all the fish...

Little bubby mostly stayed in this position the whole time!

Riding in the teacups! (Oldest thought this was cool...but he really wanted to be "in a giant cookie")

My little conductor!

Hubby thought the swings were a great idea for the boys. I was totally panicked! They went really high! (but of course- they all loved it!)

Hoorah! Bubby turned 3 today! (Do you love that everybody else has the same wagon?!)

Our first 5K

2008-08-04T08:31:00.002-04:00

My husband and I ran our first 5K TOGETHER this weekend! It was a blast! My dad and the boys came and cheered us on. We ran along the river early in the morning... Beautiful!

Here goes dear hubby sprinting across the finish line! Hoorah, honey!

Down by the Pond...

2008-07-31T17:28:00.001-04:00

Tongue Control

2008-07-26T11:44:00.007-04:00

"Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing."

Proverbs 12:18

"A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even tempered. Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue."

Proverbs 17:27-28

Ain't that picture priceless? Can't you just think of someone right now who that bull reminds you of? Someone who goes charging in to speak their mind- even when the counsel is not wanted? Someone who absolutely can't hold their tongue and absolutely missed their calling as the 'gossip columnist' of the week? Someone who can't wait to share the juicy misfortune of others? Someone who loves to tell all the gory details of their life situation and all those who have offended them? Someone who takes your prayer request to the Lord in absolute sincerity and then turns around and blabs it to every Tom, Dick & Harry? Someone like you? Someone like me?

Uh-oh. Is that too harsh to even consider? Okay- so maybe a lot of that first paragraph is worded in such an uncomfortable way that no one would take responsibility to be that bad...

What, however, does the Bible say? Is it just the busy-body's with too much time on their hands that are addressed in scripture? The Word instructs us over and over to bridal our tongue. We are reminded that a soft answer turns away wrath...that the fruit of believers is to show gentleness, kindness, and self control... to let the words of our mouth and the mediation of our heart be acceptable in the sight of a Holy and righteous God.

Are we building others up (whether it is deserved or not) in the sight of their friends and family- or are we tearing them down and destroying their reputation one conversation at a time?

Let me tell you a personal story. I had a situation occur a while back in which I decided to share something (with no malicious intent in my heart) to someone else. In all honesty- it wasn't my business, but it was interesting. A little while later I realized that my 'confidante' wasn't as concerned as I was with keeping this information between the two of us. I absolutely panicked. I had to call 'so and so' and 'so and so' and remind them that if this got back to 'so and so' that they would be devastated. I worried. I fretted. I told myself, "I'll never do this again!.

But, alas... as news comes about and seems so interesting to be shared... will my husband be the first to hear of it? Or can I control my tongue enough to keep it to myself- whether or not it would make good dinner conversation. A good rule of thumb- if I'm worried that my words spoken in secret might be 'found out'- then I need to say quiet. As the Bile says, 'even a fool is thought wise and discerning when he holds his tongue'.

We must also be careful not to engage in gossip either. Listening to someone else's words of destruction can be just as damaging as sharing them yourself. Being a willing party to another's hurtful criticism can fuel the fire and destroy the victim much more quickly. Instead, put a stop to it... don't nod your head in approval, but rather leave the conversation; change the subject or begin to interject kind and healing words about the individual in question....even if they don't deserve it.

Be challenged- dear friend...that even our most private of conversations are heard by our Redeemer. If someone has done you wrong, allow Him to take care of it. Even if it is "yours" to share- consider if it is worthy and uplifting to communicate or just feeding the lust of the flesh. Will God be glorified or the god of this world?

Are you easily offended?

2008-07-21T13:16:00.004-04:00

Psalm 119:165
"Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them."

No, I'm not about to share something that is likely to upset anybody... Rather, I'd just like to share an issue that perhaps you deal with too.

About a month ago, one of the pastors of our church preached on 'offense'. He challenged us as believers to let upsetting things roll off- like water off a duck's back. He reminded that a mark of a solid believer...one who is founded in Christ and finds true solace in Him, is not offended to the point of sin.

Seriously, though- how many times a day are we really offended over such trivial things? If I am allowing the Holy Spirit to work through me on a daily basis (even in the little things), I will show traits of joy, patience, self-control and gentleness. How many times, though, am I grumpy, irritated, undisciplined and angry!?

For instance- case in point; I came home the other day to a plethora of emails and one in particular shook me up a little. I received a note from an friend that seemed a little on the 'arrogant' side and it just ticked-me-off. I mentioned it to my husband as I was reading it. Then I mentioned it at dinner. And then I mentioned it at bedtime- to which he turned to me (in his best loving husband way) and said, "Dear, you are allowing this to offend you too easily You have moved from the point of "irritation" to sin. Ask forgiveness and let it go..."

Oh, how right he is!

I was again reminded a couple days ago in the parking lot of my ease for being irritated. I had been waiting for a parking spot when I lady hurriedly tried to cross in front of me. I quickly stopped and allowed her to pass. All of a sudden her quick gait turned into a Sunday stroll and I waited and waited and waited. Then- wonder of all wonders- she turned her cart INTO the spot I was waiting for and parked it. And turned and looked at me with an irritated expression and begin to 'mouth' her annoyance. HER annoyance! Her big 'ole cart is in MY spot!

Why did I allow my offense to turn to sin? Sure, she was inconsiderate, but why wasn't my first reaction to show kindness or gentleness? I want to come to the place that I allow the goodness of the Holy Spirit to be free-flowing...even when my flesh is frustrated! Oh, that I might be a vessel of His faithfulness!

The Bridal Shoot

2008-07-18T08:59:00.002-04:00

Yesterday was my first attempt as a 'professional' bridal photographer. I have some fabulous friends who were kind enough to run around like crazy people with me at a local park last evening. I don't know if we spent more time laughing or taking pictures- but it was a blast!

The Proverbs Woman (More news...continued)

2008-07-17T15:59:00.007-04:00

Proverbs 31:31

"Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates."

I would like to take the opportunity to share with you my heart on the matter of home-based business. I am an entrepreneur at heart- there is absolutely no way to get around that! I've tried many business ventures over the years (all from my imagination) and some have panned out and others have not. (ie: 7 years old; mobile kool-aid station in my little red radio flyer wagon; door to door; in the dead of winter).

Now that I am a SAHM (stay-at-home-mother), that hasn't really changed. Serving Christ is still my central focus- and my home and my family are priority. I do, however, love the idea of contributing to the financial needs of our home because of the joy that work brings!

Don't get me wrong- work 'inside' the home is consuming and very rewarding; but this allows me to work in a different way as time allows. I have known women who have wanted to work at/from home, but it took priority and everything suffered, causing much frustration and grief. There is a very fine line and my desire is to be wife and mommy first, homemaker second and lastly...entrepreneur.

In Proverbs 31:10-31, King Solomon speaks highly of the woman who is of noble character and provides for the needs of her husband and children. He speaks of her praiseworthy works and her buying/selling to provide. Her husband speaks highly of her and her children call her blessed.

There are many women who have taken on the task of not only serving the needs of their families and home, but also taking part in a God-honoring home-based business. The Proverbs Woman is my personal endeavor to provide an opportunity for these talented wives and mothers to showcase their business in a fun and rewarding way!

I have started an "organization" in which I host/promote an evening for 4-5 women in different areas of home business to gather together in a local venue with the express purpose of promoting their products.

The dates of this ladies only open house event are once every 12 weeks and is absolutely free! We encourage woman to invite their friends, family and neighbors to an evening of great food, drinks, free samples and door prizes as well as one GRAND prize package!

There will be no presentations and no pressure to purchase; just the ability to peruse fantastic items at your leisure from some fabulous proverbs women!

Would you like to start a Proverbs Woman organization in your area? Let me know!

More News...

2008-07-17T15:53:00.005-04:00

The following is a copy of a letter that my husband and I just sent out this morning to our friends and family!! Please be in prayer is we start out on this great endeavor...
***********************************************************************************

I’m writing to engage your prayers concerning a momentous occasion. Angel and I have been working towards starting a church in the **** area. We have just submitted our initial articles of non-profit incorporation in the state of ***** and we are moving forward in having the new church recognized as a legal non-profit entity.

We have chosen the name of Oikos for the new church. Oikos is a Greek word meaning family, a dwelling place or descendents. It used within Scripture in I Peter 2:5, “You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”

Our desire is for Oikos to be a congregation of people who strengthen Biblical families and build legacies for Christ. There is also a desperate need to engage the withering culture and in particular to address the twenty-somethings that have been fed a steady media diet of postmodernism and unbelief. The god of this world, Satan, has focused his attention on destroying the Biblical concept of family and crippling the minds of our next generation of leaders.

In every age, it is imperative that God’s people fight the advance of evil on the battleground where evil is advancing. I can think of no greater peril than what is currently facing families and young adults.

It is our passion to not merely create another church entry in the Yellow Pages. We want to seek the lost, to bind children’s hearts to their parents and to Christ, to redeem the times, to raise up a holy generation, to rightly divide the Word, to serve our community with Christ-like compassion and to establish an eternal community. God’s foremost passion is for his people to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to Him through Christ. We want to pour out our lives and we are seeking others who want to do the same.

We are still in the initial stages of forming our core group and establishing our identity doctrinally. Please pray that Oikos would wage war on spiritual strongholds, that our efforts at creating a church would bear fruit, and that God’s hand would guide us. Our greatest need is for intercessory prayer warriors to lift up our cause.

Life's Rough

2008-07-13T14:38:00.002-04:00

Is this just about the cutest picture ever? :) My photo shoot on Saturday consisted of three little boys, ages 1, 2 & 3. Mommy is pregnant with # 4 due next month. They are rambunctious, adorable and as mischievous as they come! Poor little N. was having a rough day. Doesn't this picture just about capture the heart and soul of three little brothers who have had enough pictures? Loved it.

Hope you are all doing well bloggyworld!

Love,

Angelena

Auntie Angelena

2008-07-08T15:35:00.004-04:00

I'm an auntie again! This is my newest neice (out of seven grandkids); isn't she a cutie? She came 5 weeks early weighing in at 5lb 11oz & 18 inches long! My sister-in-law had a pretty long labor (over 17 hours) that ended in a c-section late in the evening yesterday. She did great and mom and baby are super healthy!

Don't you just want to pinch those cheeks?

The nurse was kind enough to humor our late night attempts at cute photos! Don't you love her hair?

Ahhh... the joy of being a proud auntie!

It Is Done!

2008-06-29T10:35:00.002-04:00

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Triathlon 2008

I swam...

I biked...

I ran...

I relaxed!

(That's pretty much it in a nutshell!)

My Big News

2008-06-24T21:35:00.005-04:00

Well, you have probably noticed that I've been a little "MIA" in blogworld lately. Aside from training from my upcoming triathlon (this weekend), co-hosting my sister-in-law's baby shower bash, having yet another garage sale, working on homeschool curriculum and helping my husband with a big church project... I've opened up a photography business!

I've always loved portrait photography and decided that it would be a great 'from-home' business. Although I jested a while back about the title, Captured by an Angel, -it has actually stuck as the company name! I have decided that as much as I love doing this and enjoy the extra income, my dedication as wife and mother must come first...so if I start to slack in those areas, I've got to kick it in gear! I want to continue to be honoring first and foremost to Christ and right now that means balance in my priorities.

I had my first photo shoot three weeks ago and have been busy ever since! I'm excited and overwhelmed as my calendar is already filling up! Here are a few pictures that I did for a family a couple of weeks ago... Enjoy! (Can you tell I love black & white pics?)

My Little Swimmers (And Father's Day)

2008-06-17T14:28:00.004-04:00

We had such a wonderful father's day weekend! On Saturday we all went out fishing again until the late hours of the night... On Sunday we had the opportunity to go to my parent's home and swim! The boys did great and we had such a nice time relaxing with daddy and grandpa!

The boys sit on the hot tub while we wait for daddy to come and jump in the pool with us!

The boys and daddy in the pool... don't you just love how deflated that raft is around youngest?

All wrapped up after lots of pool time!

Seriously- I didn't ask them to pose like homeboys, but the sun was really bright and I think oldest was a little agitated. *grin*

Youngest enjoyed riding on daddy more than anything else! And- how cute are those Elmo floaties?

Had to get a picture of this one! Oldest was constantly diving head first into Grandpa's 'treasure' chest of water paraphernalia. I just missed his feet sticking straight up in the air!

My man's got SKILLS! :)

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

I'll Be Back

2008-06-09T10:54:00.000-04:00

Here Comes the Bride

2008-06-01T07:39:00.006-04:00

"No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another God lives in us and His love is made complete in us." 1 John 4:12

Congratulations Heather & Steven!

The Rehearsal

2008-05-31T09:28:00.003-04:00

"This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice in it!"

My oldest son is a ring bearer in a friend's wedding today! Here is a shot of him and his cousin (flower girl) as well as little brother and another flower girl. It's going to be a wild day!

Just as they were about to go down the aisle, his cousin whispered to him and said, "I'm a little nervous, okay?". He took her by the arm to comfort her and lead her down the aisle! So cute!

Traffic jam. Halfway down the aisle. 10 minutes later we got going again! :)

A concerned flower girl stops to 're-load' her basket of flowers. Others stop to help as well.

Bride and groom on their way down after being pronounced!

Of Bubby's, Bubbles, and Backyard Camp-outs

2008-05-28T22:08:00.003-04:00

"Behold, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward."

Psalm 127:3

It's 4pm on a warm spring afternoon. Do you know where your children are? Of course! Camping out in the back yard with my couch pillows!

Taking a "smile" (as youngest calls it) ob my two favorite 'bubby's' from the back porch steps.

Little one chasing after bubbles in the backyard.

Little one still chasing bubbles in the backyard. I never want these times to end...

TRI Update

2008-05-28T11:12:00.003-04:00

My triathlon is exactly one month from today! I have not been training as much as I should have at all. I've chalked it up to a complete and absolute lack of personal discipline. I encouraged a friend to do this along with me (from my running club) and she's been super busy and unable to train with me on our 'assigned' days. So, instead of just going on my own (like I have for other races in the past), I've opted to stay home or do something else. Bad Angelena!

Last night I went to our local gym for about three hours and busted it out! I jumped on the stationary bike for 5 miles of 100+ RPM; ran to the locker room and changed into my running shorts and ran laps on the indoor track (approx 2.5 miles) and then ran back to the locker room (it's all about quick transitions, you understand) to throw on my suit and do laps. I must have looked absolutely ridiculous (and apparently on the edge of drowning) because the lifeguard kept leaning forward as if he was getting ready for a rescue. All in all it was a good night.

I have to admit that I feel very prepared for the run (only 2 miles) , somewhat prepared for the biking portion (only 12 miles) , and absolutely scared out of my whits about the swim. I think I can make the 1/4 mile without too many problems (I hope!), but the 'open water' issue has me cringing!

When we have vacationed to the ocean- I DON'T go into the water. Never past my ankles and even that is pushing my boundaries. I like to SEE where I am going. I like to know that large fish (aka: sharks) aren't going to feast on my flesh. You understand, right? The picture above is likened to the water I'll be swimming in. Eechk! What if it's freezing cold? What if I get confused and swim the wrong way? What if a giant duck attacks me!?

Truly, I'm looking forward to the race. It'll be good to tackle my fears and push my limits. I think that the reason I've done a lot of these races is because of the mental boundaries that can be crossed. In the past, I've been a person that opts out of doing things or going places because of that 'fear of the unknown'. I'm constantly reminded that 'God has not given me a spirit of fear, but rather power, love and a sound mind' to deal with any circumstance that comes my way.

So, you big algae infested lake-just watch out! Here I come! :)

Thank You

2008-05-27T09:08:00.002-04:00

The One That Got Away

2008-05-27T07:33:00.003-04:00

This past weekend our family went fishing off a lake about 45 minutes from our house. We have some dear friends who live off the lake and spent our time on their dock. My husband loves to fish (as do I), but rarely finds the time to do so. It was such a relaxing weekend with the boys!

I have to brag about the 'one that got away'. I caught a really BIG bass (biggest one of my life so far), but didn't get a picture. Granted, it wasn't big enough to swallow Jonah, but I was proud of it! So, I'll just have to describe it for you... approx 18 inches long and a good 7+ pounds. Unfortunately, he got away before we could get the picture! All told, I think we brought in about 20 fish between us...it was a slow night, but we had a great time!

I had to pose with something! This is a little catfish I caught around 11pm that night.

Oldest and his catch! He was a little trooper!

Waiting patiently on the dock...

My parents came out and surprised us our second day out and stayed into the night. It was nice to have them there!

Daddy and the boys early afternoon getting all the hooks baited.

Little one waiting for his "big catch"!

We had such great weather this weekend! Daddy helps oldest with some pointers...

Daddy and his catfish. We sure had quite a time getting the hooks out of 'em! Mean little fish!

The Chat

2008-05-23T07:39:00.002-04:00

My neighbor pulled me aside yesterday to inform me of a conversation that she and my oldest son had a few days ago.

Our Awana program at our church ended for the summer about two weeks ago. My son has been really missing his friends and teachers...

He told Miss B. (our neighbor) in a very matter-of-fact way, "Yep, they had to just shut Awana down; I guess everybody got tired of praising the Lord. "

The Birthday Party

2008-05-21T15:51:00.007-04:00

A little brotherly help with gift opening.

Some great friends sport the party hats for a quick kodak moment. Well, they were great friends...not so sure since I posted the pic. :)

My sister-in-law and and neice; go girl- it's outta there!

Enjoying Lego's on the back patio after the party.

E. & M. posing for my camera! We had so many cuties at the party!

Grandpa W. and the kiddos out in the overflow party area; aka: the garage.

My oldest and his cake; carrot cake that was fabulous!

Opening one of the gifts- a baseball bat...How did they know?!

This is my adorable neice, M. Isn't she precious? And- she gives just about the best hugs you can find on this side of the Mississippi. :)

The Strong Willed Son

2008-05-20T16:14:00.004-04:00

My youngest son and I just spent well over 35 minutes in "negotiations" over one blue pillow and one twin sized down comforter-aka: the blanky. Allow me to set the scene for you...

In the left corner weighing 27 pounds, the strong-willed, blonde-headed 2 year old.

And in the other corner weighing...ummm-none of your business..., the also strong willed, also blonde-headed...Mom.

The most dreaded...the most feared time of all...Naptime.

Little one was asked to get into his bed. To lay his head on his pillow. To pull his all-time favorite twin-sized down comforter up around his little sweet warm belly.

Little one would have nothing to do with obedience. Nothing.

Begin..."negotiations".

35 mintues later- Little one has acquiesced to mom's authority, but his heart is not happy.

Mom has to leave the room for a moment to deal with older brother, but desires to return quickly to assure that there is a happy-hearted obedient son ready to sail into nappy time.

Mom returns to the bedroom to find little one asleep. With his head on the pillow. And his blanky pulled up around him...

On the FLOOR.

My little Legalist.

A Godly Heritage

2008-05-19T11:19:00.002-04:00

I was thinking today about how my boys are truly blessed. The Lord has put three wonderful men in their lives (among many others) that have passed on to them a love for others and the desire to know Christ.

PaPa D. went to be with the Lord two years ago at the young age of 61. My boys may have not known him well at their tender young ages, but he will never be forgotten. His love, humor and passion for Christ will live on. He will forever be with our Lord and we are so excited to be with him one day!

Daddy taking time with the boys to explore the maps of the Holy Land after a time of study.

Grandpa W. loves his boys! We are so blessed that he has the ability to spend time with them and share in their lives on a daily basis.

1000 Miles; 4 Days; 23 Hours; Road Trip

2008-05-13T16:20:00.007-04:00

Hello bloggy friends! This weekend our family (including my parents) went on a road trip to visit my mom's family in Illinois! We started out on Friday morning and returned on Monday morning! We drove over 1000 miles and spent well over 23 hours in our van together! My parents drove their van and we did a nice little caravan. One might ask how 1000 miles turned into 23 hours of driving?! Oh, the joy of potty excursions and pizza hunting! Enjoy our weekend in pictures...

We stayed in my aunt's ranch out in the country on 40 acres. The boys had a wonderful time enjoying the weather (when it wasn't raining) and the rolling hills!

Road trip! Hold up those granola bars, boys!

Isn't he precious? Little one FINALLY fell asleep after a serious case of the traveled-out grumpies!

Kisses from my grandma! Isn't she cute? She is a few years from 90 and still going strong! She is my only grammy and is well loved!

Oldest plays a game of checkers with my cousin T. and her fiance.

Cousins! My poor T; She was stranded in Pennsylvania after a week long hospital ordeal with nobody around, so as soon as I arrived I booked her a flight home and she was able to spend some time with us. We were so glad to have there there to recoup!

Oldest and my Uncle R playing a game of "cards".

The birthday boys and girls celebrate together for the month of May! Oldest will be five this week! (There's that cute granny again as well as my aunt, mom, and son)

Some of the grandkids get together for a kodak moment with Grams. We were missing more than half of the cousins. There is a big handful of us! (My youngest was apparently very tired of pictures at this point)

Uncle B., Grandpa W. and little one get ready to ride the four wheeler around the property! Mommy was prepared with the helmet.

Is this not hysterical?! It was really really chilly one of the evenings and I hadn't brought any coats! My cousins' daughter lent oldest her coat (complete with pink fur trim) and her Barbie bike! He is totally posing for the picture! Do you love the hat or what- it really completes the outfit. Ha! :)

Wanted to throw this one in... We visited the Mark Twain Cave in Hannibal, Mo. Something I will probably never do again. I do not consider myself a claustrophobic person- but the thought of being totally underground in basic darkness had me completely on edge the entire 60 minutes of the tour. (Hubby walking ahead of me...)

Grandma & Grandpa W., Grams, and our family after our family reunion dinner.

Oldest and Grandpa take a ride on the four wheeler! Super cute and still loving that jacket! Hubby and I took our turn on the 4W and I just kept screaming like a banchee the entire time. Too bad we didn't have video of that- would have made for a very interesting blog posting!

Cauliflower, Cycling, and Corelle

2008-05-05T17:48:00.003-04:00

Don't you just love that completely random title? Instead of bunches of separate posts, I'll give you the highlights of the week thus far.

1. Decided to make a variation of mashed potatoes that turned about fabulous! Mashed cauliflower! First, you boil the cauli's until they are falling to pieces; then add a small amount of butter and milk, sea salt and blend with hand mixer until they look like mashed tater's! I added one large potato to mine to give it a similar flavor since I was serving it to the boys- but next time would probably just go it alone!

2. I did my first real outdoor bike ride with a real helmet and a real riding jersey on Sunday afternoon. I did six miles and it went rather well. I remembered all the terms that I'm supposed to shout out as I pass innocent bystanders. Didn't run over a single one of them. I count this as a big bonus. AND I stayed on the bike. AND I didn't slip the chain. AND I bought a gel pad for the seat that barely helped. It has been YEARS since I have ridden a bike, but it's like they say, "It's like riding a bike". Yep, that's what they say. :)

3. Well, I think the Corelle lasted an entire week. I am down to three plates. Not good. Hoping that 3 year warranty in the box will still be worth something. Perhaps I should just give in another week and wait for the rest of the plates to fall to pieces, then do the entire rebate at one time. Aargh.

4. The boys and I have been studying the book of 1st Samuel over the past two weeks. I am finding our scheduled passages very appropriate in a very conspicuous way...

Last Friday my youngest decided to pull a "parent trap" on me. (if you have seen the old movie- this will make sense) He climbed up and brought down my five pound jar of honey while I was out of the room. In a New York minute, he had 'decorated' all the hardwood floors in the kitchen, the newly upholstered kitchen chairs and our newish living room carpet. Yeah- nice. Double Aargh. Well, during our Bible time later that morning we read about Jonathon eating the honey in the woods and how God did not honor his attitude in response to his father's command. It prompted a very good discussion.

Then, yesterday we were discussing how 'obedience is better than sacrifice'; basically I desire obedience from the boys more than their help to do something that ultimately is defiant to the action of which I first required- whether it be "good" or not. Then, this morning we ended up reading that portion of the passage where Samuel comes to Saul (after he disobeyed the Lord's command to destroy EVERYTHING that belonged to the Amelikites) and reminded him that even though he was going to sacrifice the animals to the Lord; what God requires is absolute obedience- no matter how great or worthy your action might seem to be.

I think this concept is sticking with the boys...mostly. My youngest was doing something opposite of what I had asked and my oldest says to him, "Little Bub, remember- Obedience is better than being annoying." Close, honey...very close. (Although- you can't disagree with the kid, right?!)

Have a great week, friends!

Angelena

Family Integration

2008-05-04T21:40:00.009-04:00

If you know me well, you will not be surprised to hear that my heart and that of my husband's, is wrapped around the idea of family integrated worship (FIW). I am currently reading the above book and enjoying the pastor's humor as well as his message about families.

Our desire is that our boys would be with us during the entire church service, small group fellowships and other times of corporate worship (as opposed to a nursery, classroom, sunday school, etc.). Although there is nothing inherently wrong with these classes (my father has been a children's pastor for many years; my husband and I were youth leaders when we were first married), our main concern is that we have come to church to worship and the modern church culture tells us that we must separate at the door.

We are excited to have them with us during the music, prayer, communion, baptisms, and preaching because we see it is as not only great teaching moments, but also a lesson in discipline, respect, submission and responsibility. Will my two year old pick up on every part of the service? Not yet, but we are training through our inclusion that we want him to participate- and one day, as he matures, he will understand. We have had wonderful times to communion and fellowship together and it has sparked many conversations in our home.

Our children are social and love the friendships of children from our home group. I am not concerned that they are missing out on any Biblical truths or socialization because we have kept them out of the classrooms. We study the Word daily with them at home (as I know many do who have their children in church classes).

I have two VERY energetic little boys. It is not in their nature to sit still and be content to read quietly. When we first visited a FIW church about one year ago, I went away feeling quite discouraged. My oldest, then three years old, had rolled under the pews, did somersaults on the pews, and tried to write with crayon in every hymnal he could get his hands on. I was mortified, to say the least.

In the past year it has become very clear to me that I was expecting too much of them at that time. Not because of their ages, but because of their training. They were used to the toy filled nursery with sound proof walls; the gymnasium filled with games and loud play. They had never been required (by us) to sit still during a worship service; to learn to whisper instead of shout; to submit to their parental authority in the midst of other adults and children. Now, granted, we're not pushovers, but they were only 1 and 3, right? Could this truly be asked of toddlers...to obey and respect our authority? (I am not being sarcastic in this statement, but this was truly the cry of my heart...to reach what seemed impossible)

I found out that it is possible. Honestly, 100% possible. My boys are now 2 and almost 5 years of age; still very WILD and all boy! Do they always listen? Absolutely not. That is why, however, God has given us the blessing of discipline. Can I tell you the joy that is felt by both parent and child when there has been restoration after the sin?! A sunday school teacher does not have the authority or the time to discipline each child, obtain repentance and restore that child to a right spirit.

As I mentioned before, we do not attend a FIW church. We have been going there for approximately 7 months and we have many wonderful friends in our small group that have welcomed not only us, but our children to sit alongside them during our group discussions and Bible study. This is so encouraging and had made us feel so comfortable! (thank you!)

Many Christian families are going to choose to do many different things within their lives as the Lord directs and leads through wisdom and maturity. My desire is not to judge the motives of a fellow brother or sister in Christ as they do what they have prayerfully considered for their family, but rather to share our family's vision.

Have a wonderful week, friends!

Angelena

I Can Relate

2008-04-29T10:49:00.005-04:00

"This is the day the Lord hath made and I will rejoice in it"
(No matter how bad it is...)

Today has been anything but perfect. If you have ever had "one of those days" in a three hour time span, I can definitely relate. Do you see that lady in the picture? Yep, that's me! What you don't see behind the photographer are my two boys; in yesterday's pajamas (at 2pm), covered in oatmeal, sitting in a pile of once-folded laundry, eating gummy vitamins out of child-proof container. Oh, and did I mention the carpet? My once clean and fresh carpet? Ahhh...allow me to share for your enjoyment.

11pm last night: Oldest crawls into our bed just in time to throw up all over my comforter, pillow and bedroom carpet. Strike one.

Cleaning...scrubbing...laundry

7am: Youngest wets his bed and wakes up in tears. Bath time.

Cleaning...scrubbing...laundry

8am: Youngest goes up to my bedroom just in time to 'wet' my bedroom carpet. More tears. Bath time again.

Cleaning...scrubbing...more laundry

9am: Getting dressed for the day and little one trips and falls on his head. More tears.

10am: Little one has 'cookies' (as he calls them) on my bedroom floor and then runs through it screaming and panicking. More tears (This time they are mine). Bath time. Again.

Cleaning...scrubbing...crying...scrubbing....windows OPEN and fan's blazing. Very cold. More tears. (still mine)

12noon: Little one decides to try an experiment in the potty. How many towels can you stuff in it before it overflows? Oh, just one large one? Hmmm. Well, I have to go potty and I'd hate to do it on mommy's floor again, so I'll just go on the bathroom floor. Afterall, it's already wet from the overflowed potty.

Aargh. Bath time. AGAIN!

1pm: Loading the kids in the van for a quick trip to Home Depot. The potty is broken. Go figure.

1:30pm: Little one sits in the driver's seat while I buckle in brother. I sit in the driver's seat. My pants are wet. Little one left a surprise and didn't tell me. Tears. Again.

1:45: Back to Home Depot for more carpet/upholstery cleaner.

2pm: Bed. Mommy needs a nap. This day is going to get better, right?!

Brotherly Love

2008-04-28T07:33:00.003-04:00

I absolutely love that my sons are growing closer and closer every day. When one is napping the other one hovers around the stairs...pacing for his brother to wake up so they can be together. Now that the weather is warmer, they spend much of the waking hours outside in great discovery of what creation has to offer!

My oldest is very protective of the younger and even has that 'motherly' attitude; "No, you can't have your cookie yet...you didn't eat your great beans"; "Sit down or you are going to fall...are you listening to me? It's very dangerous!". This is cute, but can sometimes bring frustration as to the roles that we have in the home. My oldest wants to be the authority over his little brother when mom is out of earshot. We're working on that one!

They disagree and argue like any two little boys might, but my prayers is that very soon they would desire an attitude of respect and love for one another through my constant reminder. This past week we have been talking and reading books about kindness and respect (our library had some great children's resources!) and what God's word has to say about their love for one another. We're still working on the fruit of the Spirit as our main foundation and probably will for a long time!

Right before church yesterday. We went to my parent's church in the morning and my youngest wanted to wear his suit. Aren't they cute? Older son wore his tie. Navy tie. With black pants. Why does this bother me?? :)

Out to play for the day! We went to some garage sales as well and found some fun stuff! The boys love yard sales and my oldest can spot the signs a mile away!

Youngest models his pinstripe suit. On our way into church I told the boys that they both looked very nice. My oldest said, "Sure, but 'E' looks a lot more handsome today." I reminded them that we may look beautiful on the outside, but if our hearts are stinky that's what will show! (Funny enough- that's what the sermon topic ended up being on!)

Simplicity

2008-04-23T18:16:00.003-04:00

My need for simplicity has drawn me to get rid of all of my mismatched collection of dishes. We had a garage sale last weekend and I sold them all...and everything that didn't sell is on it's way to goodwill. Instead, I purchased a 16 piece set of Corelle (aren't they pretty?) that has a 3 year break/chip warranty attached. Good luck, I say, in this boy house. Can I tell you the joy of being able to wash all of my dishes in one load with space left over? Space, people! Ahhhh, a good feeling indeed.

A Lofty Challenge

2008-04-22T16:37:00.004-04:00

I've decided to slow things down a little. I have no idea how, mind you, except to just start over. Have you ever felt that life was passing you by as you stood there and watched...confused and amazed? I don't want to just "live it out" day after day! I want my life, experiences, and interaction to have eternal significance!

This morning I woke up at 6am , washed my face and had breakfast by myself. I read my Bible, a passage in Samuel and a chapter of "Passionate Housewives, Desperate for God". I laced up my running shoes went out for a 'Good morning sunshine' walk with the Lord. I prayed aloud as I enjoyed the gorgeous sun creeping up over the horizon for about fifteen minutes. I came back home, made the hubby's lunch and greeted the children as they came down with sleepy faces for breakfast.

After lots of hugs and kisses for daddy's goodbye, we settled in for cheerios, juice and Bible time. I've decided to work on character traits one by one through Galatians's fruit of the Spirit passage. This week we are focusing on kindness. One of the major parts of my own character that I desire to be changed is my attitude toward my children; that of kindness and gentleness. Everything I am sharing with them is in an effort to remind myself on a daily basis! I want them to not only do as I say, but also to do as I do!

We are still a television-free family and I am loving it. I have, however, found other mindless activities to fill the void and my vision is for that to change as well. Last night I went to our local library and spent over an hour filling my basket with books from the education section; both for my children to enjoy as well as myself. I have eleven books that I want to get through in 60 days. A lofty challenge indeed. Some looked good on the shelf, but I surmise that I will only browse them as they will turn out not to be as exciting as once anticipated. Nonetheless, there are a few that will receive my undivided attention.

The biggest summer challenge is that I want my oldest (turning five next month) to be able to read by the time we start out our kindergarten studies this upcoming fall. I've been reading some really great books and am encouraged that we can do it! Now, just to discipline myself to make the time! I covet your prayers as I make some radical changes for our family!

She's BAaaack!

2008-04-21T08:49:00.004-04:00

Wanted to post some updated pictures of the family! We attended a 50th wedding anniversary celebration of some very dear friends this past weekend. It was nice to catch up with extended family and friends.

Mommy and the boys pose for some pictures!

Little one has his eyes on the cake...

This is my mama and daddy! Aren't they cute? They just celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary!

Ahh, yes... the whole clan! My youngest is constantly moving... see the blur? Couldn't get the child to sit still. :)

No So Much

2008-04-16T14:42:00.002-04:00

I am not doing well at staying away! Yesterday was bad, but today is worse! I'm trying to prepare for the garage sale and am getting all kinds of emails regarding my ad and such! I must admit that I have not checked the news, youtube, or any blogs...until right now. I just had to add the picture that I purchased for my running scrapbook! See Angelena run!

Say "Good-Bye"

2008-04-14T13:59:00.003-04:00

I'm going to try a little experiment. I'm going to try to give up the internet for one week. Can it be done? I'm not so sure. I find that as a stay-at-home mother- this is one outlet I have to the outside world. Nonetheless, I must find out if it can be done. No blogging; no news; no web surfing; no email. NO EMAIL? Ok- maybe a little email. A girl can't get rid of all her lifelines!

I'll be back next week sometime. We're preparing for a garage sale this weekend, family reunion on Sunday and I absolutely must get back on schedule with homeschooling! So, I have plenty to keep me busy. See you all soon!

Angelena

13.1

2008-04-13T08:28:00.003-04:00

It is done! Yesterday I did another 1/2 marathon and actually beat my previous time! We had great weather- 40's, overcast, and very windy! I consider this good running weather because it kept me wide awake the whole time! I started out with some friends, but ended up running by myself after about four miles to keep up with "my pace". I have found that if I stress myself to keep up with someone else or hang back to "stay" with them- it throws me all out of whack and I don't end up finishing very strong. I enjoyed my run and especially the race route- we ran mostly through campus areas and had a lot of the college crowd cheering us on. Enjoy the pictures! My next challenge is preparing for the Susan G. Komen triathlon in eight weeks!

"Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of Heaven and Earth"!

Race morning from my front door! Isn't the sky beautiful? I was reminded of the Glory of our Creator God in abundance yesterday!

Race prep! I always have to lay out everything the night before or I'll forget something the next day! Don't you love how color-coordinated I am? :)

Yes, I look ridiculous. Husband was kind enough to get a 'blog-shot' for me the morning of the race around 6:30am. The camera wasn't working for him later, so this is the only pic I have! (He did get me running across the finish line via video camera- so will have to load that one up soon!)

The medal! Of course, it would have been nice to get a pic of me actually wearing the lovely award, but I was sick as a dog after the race. This happens every time! I have no idea why. Well, at least this time I didn't end up in the med tent.

Pre-race. My girlfriends and I are super excited about running! A nice runner guy among us was kind enough to take our picture with my cell phone camera. We were wearing our trash bags, but decided that wasn't really 'Kodak' material.

And the Winner Is... Me!

2008-04-10T16:16:00.004-04:00

Just wanted to post quickly about my exciting news! I was the winner of this delicious giveaway from Heather's Brain! Thank you Heather!
Okay- everybody go and check out her beautiful blog and enjoy all those gorgeous spring colors!

Coffee, Candles & Couches (T.E.M. Part II)

2008-04-10T07:05:00.016-04:00

Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. "It is written," he said to them, " 'My house will be called a house of prayer,' but you are making it a 'den of robbers.''

Matthew 21:12-13

The image of the church is radically changing. (If you have not yet read my first article regarding the Emerging Church, please click here.) There has been a huge shift- do you recognize it? Although this post is directed more at the cultural changes of the church, it is inclusive of the ideals at the heart emergent movement.

My mother tells me of 'once upon a time', years ago when the greatest debate was rather or not to allow a small kitchenette to be built in the basement of the church. There was great concern that the church building remain a place of reverence and respect; a house of prayer- without giving any opening to compromise. Today, however, kitchens are commonplace and seen as a necessity to a complete worship center; the great concern now is what color the tile should be and if stainless steel is in the budget.

But it hasn't stopped there... In fact it has quickly accelerated into something much more. The Mega-Church model offers us gift shoppes, bookstores, Deli-cafe's, coffee lounges, community centers and movie theaters. It's one stop shopping right in your own backyard! Have we adapted too much to the culture around us? What is the purpose in providing all these services within the church doors? Community and fellowship? A seeker sensitive atmosphere that will bring in the unsaved in droves through the front doors?

Although there is nothing inherently wrong with coffee, candles and couches, I find that we have been introduced slowly to this new wave of church "must haves" and the need for the Holy Spirit and the conviction that He brings is "old news". ' As a church we've been seduced into worshiping a God whose primary values are comfort and blessing. Yet the God of Scripture promises us only discipline and sacrifice. While we seek after blessing and protection from pain, pain and persecution are exactly what he promises us'.(1)

Consider the international and persecuted church for a moment... Savings pages of scripture ripped from the Bible and passed from family to family; secretly meeting in darkened rooms for a fear-gripped time of fellowship in Christ; knowing that their conversation could mean dire consequences for their business and family; separation, imprisonment and even death for their unfaltering faith and declaration in Jesus. He is the one they ultimately cling to. He is the one they are willing to die for.

It is not my intent to promote legalism either. I do not believe that sitting on a hard backless wooden bench makes your time with God deeper and more spiritual then if you were to be praising him on a plush lazy-boy recliner. Hiding in an upper room in fear of your life does not assume you are holier than those who meet in the freedom of Sunday church service. Wearing a suit and tie does not make your time with God more meaningful than if you were to wear your favorite pair of denim duds. Meeting on Sunday for worship as opposed to a Saturday night is not necessary for salvific assurance.

It is, however, the mentality of the emergent model that gives me reason to pause and question theses cultural changes within the church. Many churches have adopted this 'comfort' model with the hope to bring more people through the door, but have not yet embraced the philosophy and theology that accompanies it. I warn you though...they will eventually. If the Holy Spirit isn't enough to bring people in (through evangelism of your congregation); then why would comfortable lounges keep them there? When life gets hard and burdens overwhelm in abundance...they will have realized that Jesus doesn't make "life easier" and will take him off... just like an old bulky coat that is uncomfortable.

Why the changes? Why is it 'out with the old and in with the new' the only way? Why must new convert hopefuls be teased and tempted with cappuccinos and candle-lit services? Why are we wetting the appetite of the next generation for the pleasures of self and the desire of entertainment? This is absolutely opposed to scripture and the nature of God's spirit! 1 Cor. 2:4-5 says, "My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power."

If we continue to embrace the influential culture of this fallen world in our churches, there will soon be no difference between us. And hasn't God called us to be set apart? To be 'in the world', but not 'of the world'?

Consider the Apostle Paul as he writes in 2 Cor 11 "Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. "

Are we preparing the church for the last days in a stand against the toils of Satan and the true hardships of following Christ? Or have we tickled their ears with sensual sermons and visions of a life full of blessings and prosperity? Our joy as believers lies in the knowledge of eternity with Christ, not in this pleasures of this ever changing world! Let us follow the absolute standard of the Bible that is always the same! Praise the Lord; He never changes and His mercy will never fail!

(1) http://www.sethbarnes.com/index.asp?filename=remedy-for-a-sleepy-church

Update in Pictures

2008-04-09T08:04:00.007-04:00

I don't remember a time this year that I've felt as busy and overwhelmed as the past seven days have been. Craziness, friends, pure craziness!

Okay- so first...I sold my van. That was an adventure in itself. I posted an ad to a local buying/selling site with all the details and pictures and have done nothing but field calls and emails 13 hours a day. People would promise to come...I'd prepare all the documents and make sure we were home...and then they wouldn't show. Aaargh.

My life was kind of on hold every day- it's a good thing we considered this 'spring break' because we sure didn't get any school work done! Well, a really nice gentleman came last evening and purchased it for their family of seven. Whew, so glad that it is done! (**this just in... I just received a call from the buyer that when I filled the sale amount on the title I added a "dollar sign" that looked like a '1' to the agency- so they added an additional $1o00 to the sales prices and charged them double the taxes! Aaaahhh! So, now I have to go back to the title agency with the buyer and have it notarized AGAIN confirming that she was being honest. What has the world come to?***)

In the meantime we made the decision to purchase a new vehicle to replace the one for sale. It was about the easiest transaction ever! Lots of footwork, lots of calls, lots of time- but we feel so blessed! We found a wonderful family that gave us a FANTASTIC price for their Town and Country with super low miles! Truly, a blessing from the Lord. I'm not a materialistic person, but wanted to show you the picture...ain't it 'perty?

We had a 'celebration' dinner for our vehicle achievement last night and my mom helped the boys make party hats. Isn't that the cutest? They look like little popes. Ha!

The weather has been gorgeous here...in the mid 70's almost all week. I love that my GREEN grass is back! My youngest was enjoying the search for bugs with his jar.

It was so nice yesterday we pulled out the spring/summer clothing totes up from the basement! Capri's, sandals, shorts and tee's! Hoorah! I decided to wear a pair of sandals last night and ran down to the basement to grab them. I was in such a hurry that I fell up the stairs wearing them. My left ankle/shin is super bruised and slightly swollen. It hurts so bad to walk. How am I gonna run?

Speaking of that- my 1/2 marathon is just days away! How's that for changing the subject?! To be honest, I haven't given it much thought lately! I don't know how mentally prepared I am, but I suppose at this point... 'it is what it is'. Don't get me wrong- I'm looking forward to it, but training for a spring race is sooooo different then training for a fall one. The weather has been completely unpredictable and that really throws a hitch into things. I feel pretty prepared, however, and it should be fun! (Weather is calling for rain...so that could be interesting!)

I hope you all are having a wonderful week! I'm looking forward to posting more about the emergent movement later in the week. I hope it's informative! I am also going to be doing a FREE spring giveaway in May...so stay tuned! Lots to come, my dear bloggy friends!

Enjoy your week!

In Christ's faithfulness,

Angelena

The Emergent Movement: Part One

2008-04-07T11:04:00.004-04:00

Faced with such opposition and the pressure it brings, postmodernism is a form of intellectual pacifism that, at the end of the day, recommends backgammon while the barbarians are at the gate. It is the easy, cowardly way out that removes the pressure to engage alternative conceptual schemes, to be different, to risk ridicule, to take a stand outside the gate. But it is precisely as disciples of Christ, even more, as officers in his army, that the pacifist way out is simply not an option. However comforting it may be, postmodernism is the cure that kills the patient, the military strategy that concedes defeat before the first shot is fired, the ideology that undermines its own claim to allegiance. And it is an immoral, coward’s way out that is not worthy of a movement born out of the martyrs’ blood.

J. P Moreland

Have you noticed lately that the topic of much debate in the church is whether or not absolute truth matters? Whether or not the Bible is free of error? It has been said that as believers, we should be assured that our faith is true, but that we can't be certain of it; or that belief of the virgin birth is not essential to our Christianity; or lack of a literal Hell; inability to accept a six literal day creation; the list goes on and on.

God has given us his Word, the Holy Spirit, the Law written on our conscience and conviction to show Himself to us. We have not blindly accepted the truth of the Bible, but rather it's truth has been revealed to us as we search, read and witness first hand in creation. Until we are in eternity we will always be searching to know more about God and his nature, but to continue to question the foundation of our faith gives proof that it has not yet been fully embraced by the seeker.

The Emergent movement is quickly creeping in the churchwith ideology that absolutely conflicts to the foundations of our faith and knowledge of truth. I am going to take the next few posts to give you a background of what exactly the basis of this moment is founded upon, the influential leaders in our culture and the problematic theology in the context of scripture.

The emerging church (also known as the emergent church movement) is a Christian movement of the late 20th and early 21st century whose participants seek to engage postmodern people, especially the unchurched and post-churched.

Dr. R. Todd Mangum, Associate Professor of Theology and Dean of Faculty at Biblical Seminary, describes it this way:

“Emergent” is a loosely knit group of people in conversation about and trying experiments in forwarding the ministry of Jesus in new and different ways, as the people of God in a post-Christian context. From there, wide diversity abounds. “Emergents” seem to share one common trait: disillusionment with the organized, institutional church as it has existed through the 20th century (whether fundamentalist, liberal, megachurch, or tall-steeple liturgical)."

Any text such as the Bible takes on a personal meaning as they experience it, but it has no objective, authoritative meaning such as authorial intent to distinguish a right from wrong interpretation. A plurality of Scriptural interpretations is acknowledged in the emerging church movement. Emergent Village leader Tony Jones says “We must stop looking for some objective Truth that is available when we delve into the text of the Bible.”

Marcus Borg, for example, notes that individuals who have read the same Bible "literally" may have different accounts of the message of Christianity, which are often mutually exclusive. Borg claims that many aspects of people's lives, including their political beliefs and their surrounding culture can provide a "lens" that can distort the Bible and influence which parts of the Bible they take literally, and which parts they may ignore. The postmodern relativism which predominates the emerging church movement causes participants to believe there are radically diverse perspectives within "Christianity" that are valuable for humanity to progress toward truth as they understand it and a better resulting relationship with what they understand to be God. They believe this non-dogmatism coupled with a liberal social agenda will facilitate harmony with the rest of God's creation (other people and the rest of the universe).

The previous portion of italicized text can be found in full context at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emerging_Church . I think that you can get a very firm grasp of someone's theology based on their interpretation (or lack thereof) of absolute truth. Do you understand the depth of what this group is proposing? We'll explore affect on the modern day the in the church in Part II.

My Day in Pictures

2008-04-01T19:36:00.004-04:00

The boys made hats. Super cute, aren't they? Oh, and they love that basketball hoop.

We are putting my van up for sale. All I did was answer craigslist ads all day long!

Maternity clothes must go on eBay! A nice lot of summer items, don't you think? Anybody need some cute S/M capri's?

The joy of potty training. Mr. Big Boy mastered the art of the potty in four days. By night 3 he was staying dry through all the waking hours, naps, and bedtime until morning. Can you believe that? It certainly had nothing to do with me- he's a man on a mission! Yeah, lil' Bub!