Six Years Ago

. . . we got married for life!

"Wherefore they are no more twain,

but one flesh.

What therefore God hath joined together,

let not man put assunder."

- Matthew 19:6

"He brought me to the banqueting house,

and his banner over me was love."

Song of Solomon 2:4

"My beloved is mine,

and I am his . . . "

Song of Solomon 2:1b

I love being Japheth's wife!

Thank-you, Honey, for choosing me!

Being married makes me anitipate even more THE MARRIAGE in heaven . . . and to think that we are chosen by God! And oh, his great love for us . . .

". . . But chosen of God,

and precious."

I Peter 2:4b

"Numbering the People"

One very busy mom once said, "I just can't count how many times I get up with the children" Meaning not that she couldn't count that far, but that if she let herself count she would feel worse that whole day.

Yeah, it happens that way . . . The best way to deal with it is to bounce out of bed cheerfully! I've done it both ways and the "counting" thing just gets one worked up in a bad frame of mind to start the day.

Each time I get to choose how I will respond . . . and lets just say that I've had PLENTY of opportunites to respong right the last few weeks with Wayne teething some more and with the colds going around.

:) "And David's heart smote him after he numbered the people . . ."

II Samuel 24:10

Kitchi Trio

It's done . . . the long awaited cd is done! I've been playing it over and over.

The girls\ladies kinda decided at the last moment to make this cd before Delight Yoder flew to Thailand, and somehow they managed! I know Heidi (This Side of Glory) gave alot of her time amidst taking care of her growing family to get it finished in time.

They blend so well . . .

Email me if your interested in purchasing one . . .


























You will be blessed!

I'm in Love!

. . . with my man!

















and the father of my boys . . . and my little girl . . .

He gives them the greatest delights! Sunday evening he set up a board walk in the living room two 2x4's between two step ladders and had them "walking the plank".

Although the Fig Tree . . .

How long does it or should it take for a person to recoop from a trip?

"Although the fig tree shall not blossom,

neither shall fruit be in the vines;

the labour of the olive shall fail,

and the fields shall yield no meat;

the flock shall be cut off from the fold,

and there shall be no herd in the stalls:"

Or as my version goes today:

Although the house stays a wreck,

and I can't seem to catch up:

Though the children are cooped in

because of the rain . . .

the carrots are getting peeled and spread all over the floor,

and still we need to do some more!

. . . I seem to need a morning siesta

as well as afternoon

though there's no exuse for it now;

It's my month to clean the church

but were's the energy to come from . . .

"Yet I will rejoice in the LORD,

I will joy in the God of my salvation.

The LORD God is my strength,

and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet,

and he will make me to walk upon mine high places.

To the chief singer on my stringed instruments." Habakkuk 3:17-19

Take Me Home to Minnesota

My dear Father-in-law came up with these words in Wisconsin after a trip in East when the miles dragged on and on . . . And yes, we sang this too on our way back.

Minnesota has been my home for six years now. It has taken a while as adjustments do . . . but for a few years now I feel a part and I feel right at home!

Minnesota Song
by: Robert Stauffer

Take me home to Minnesota
where the wind blows wild and free;
Take me home to Minnesota
among the lakes and the trees;
You can have your crowded shopping malls
and traffic jams galore;
I’d rather sit and meditate
beside a peaceful shore.

Take me home to Minnesota
where the air is pure and clean,
Take me home to Minnesota
on a summer night serene,
When you look up at the stars above
and can touch them, so it seems;
Take me home to Minnesota,
the land of childhood dreams.

Take me home to Minnesota
where there's lots of elbow room;
Take me home to Minnesota
and the cry of the common loon;
I don't fear the chill of winters wind
or the sting of the mosquito,
For those things don't seem to matter much
when your love for this land grows.

When God made Minnesota,
it turned out as it should;
When God saw Minnesota,
He saw that it was good;
From fertile plains, to wooded rills,
to its varied industry,
God made Minnesota beautiful,
its just the place for me!

For My Yoke is Easy and My Burden is Light

I've been so blessed once again just by reading "Come Away My Beloved by Frances J. Roberts Here's another sample of her writings . . .

Release Thy Grief

"My child, lean thy head upon My bosom. Well I know thy weariness, and every burden I would lift. Never bury thy griefs, but offer them up to Me. Thou wilt relieve thy soul of much strain if ye can lay every care in My hand. Never cling to any trouble, hoping to resolve it thyself, but turn it over to Me; and in doing so, ye shall free Me to work it out."

On another note, when we were in VA we had a class reunion . . . So much fun to see everyone again!

"Praise is the Voice of Faith"

"Praise Me out of a heart full of love.

Praise Me for every blessing . . .

and every victory.

Yea, and praise Me when . . .

the most difficult thing to do is praise.

This is the vicory that overcometh the world . . .

Even your faith . . .

and praise is the voice of faith.

It is faith rejoicing for victories claimed in advance.

The song of praise is made of the very fabric of things hoped for.

It becomes an evidence of unseen things.

It is the raw material in My hands . . .

from which I fashion your victories"

- Frances J. Roberts

More Family

Skyler - the "baby" of our family. He's almost thirteen. He's quite the entertainer for the boys . . .
















Mom - They just moved off the farm into a trailer . . . When we got there it just seemed to fit . . . My memories of my Grandma (Showalter) were in their tailer and off Grandpa with his garden.

I think Loraine takes after Mom.













Dad - It's fun to watch Dad blossom so to speak at this age . . . He's having fun being his own boss, working with wood (he bought a sawmill) and planning for his shop and later a house.

We had to tease him though about all the sheds (they were so cute though out of rought lumber, simple and woodsy) there on the place. It looked a bit like a resort ;) "Yeah," he said, " the Last Resort"

Younger Sisters

Karen . . . always remembers birthdays and loves making her own cards. She can really decorate anything, rooms, scrapbooks etc.

When I left home, she was the faithful egg gatherer. Now she spends most of her days as a cook in an assisted living home.








Sally . . . works at the same place as Karen though not as a cook but as a CNA.

I often call her Miss.

She would ride with me to church Sunday evenings when I could get no one else to go with me . . . She also would sleep out on the trampoline with me (unless it was fall and underneath the walnut tree ;)
. . . and, oh, yeah, she's the one that would get up in the middle of the night and have a cup of hot chocholate with me . . . . so many fond memories!

Beauty is . . . a light in the eye

I read this in Matthew 6 and I am sad, I cry, I mourn . . . so many I love, their eyes speak of something between them and God . . .

“The light of the body is the eye:
if therefore thine eye be single, (clear)
thy whole body shall be full of light.
But if thine eye be evil,
thy whole body shall be full of darkness.
If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness,
how great is that darkness!”

At times I feel so helpless . . . But I am not hopeless, I read this from Isaiah 58,

“Is not this the fast that I have chosen?
to loose the bands of wickedness,
to undo the heavy burdens,
and to let the oppressed go free . . .

Then shall thy LIGHT BREAK FORTH as the morning . . . “

. . . and neither am I helpless.

My Brother, Roland

. . . and Patrisha,

and a cousinly kiss

A Farmwife and Mother

This is my older sister, Kendra.


















She is quite busy each day with chores.














This is my brother-in-law Loren Rhodes.

We stayed at their place almost a week. They showed us wonderful Southern hospitality . . . Kendra is a great cook!!!

Here we're saying, "Goodbye"

Aunt Aimee

This is Roland's little girl, Cheyanne, just two months younger than Loraine. I am finally beginning to feel (a little bit) like an Aunt.

Kendra's girls

Courtney turns six today . . . my oldest neice. She was born a few weeks before Japheth and I tied the knot.

She used to be the shyest girl around. When we'd come to visit she'd just stare (at a safe distance) at our boys and think them the oddest creatures!

Now she has blossomed into a lovely playmate.











Regan is shy also . . . She's three.

Now I am waiting, and anticipating getting to know them . . . as they grow . . . and interact with them as adults. Time flies by so quickly!

Travel

Quote from Japheth Jr. " Mom, in Uncle Skyler's country they talk different"

Yeah, somehow the little bit of Southern drawl that I had has disappeared and I don't think of it till we go to VA again . . . then it hits me . . .

Now I'm really excited about this trip . . . Once I chose to deliberatly stop dreading the travelling with five children\babies, ages five and under in a little minivan.

When the reality of crabby, tired, dirty (from all the snacking and drinks), and restless children hits and we still have all day to go ( we are starting Friday evening after work and going all night and all day except for a hour or two of sleep, and all the bathroom breaks we need) then I will CRY ALOUD to God and He will uphold me.

I promise, I will be sane when we arrive!!! God will see to that! I've proved Him over and over . . .

Upheld with His Hand

I’ve started memorizing some again.  Right now I’m working on Titus.  Ya never know when this will come in handy!  Maybe someday in prison for my faith, I’ll look back to these days and “Praise the Lord!!!” for each nugget of “gold” I was able to store away. Or maybe I will become blind . . .

But hey, it’s not just for these maybes.

Several weeks ago, Japheth and I were heading to Duluth for a quilt\sewing machine show.  You know how it goes trying to get the children ready for a babysitter, eat breakfast and pack for the day etc.  Anyway that morning neither of us had our devotions.  (Ok, I know we should’ve done that before hopping out of bed, but here’s my lame excuse.  I got up earlier than I thought I needed to feed Jaden and from there on it wasn’t a minute to spare from the others waking up and needing me for this or that.  Actually, neither of us had time to sit down and eat either.)  We weren’t very far along on our journey, when I wished for my Bible.  Not having put one in the vehicle, I suggested that Japheth recite something for me and I for him.  It was a sweet way on that date to share devotional time together.

And then this morning . . .  Do you have a problem with your children getting up too early?  Anyway we decided to stay in bed for our devotions rather than have the boys hear us get up and us have to tell them to stay in bed till seven (Sometimes we set the alarm so that they know when they may get up.)  But our Bibles were still downstairs . . .  So once again we recited Scripture for each other.

One problem . . . if this gets to be a regular habit I will have to be on the go constantly memorizing . . . Well, maybe that would be good!

Anyway a phrase from Titus . . .
“They profess that they know God,
But in works deny Him . . .”

Yeah, God speaks to my heart about preparation for our trip . . .  all the fretting, and worrying about getting everything done that needs to be done, and dreading the ride in, and back!

“Fret not, He’s watching over you,
The Lord will see you through.
You’re sure to stand the test . . .

Commit
and Trust

Delight
and Rest . . . “


Psalm 37 says so much . . .

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord
And He delighteth in his way.
Though he fall he shall not be cast down;
For the Lord upholdeth him with His hand.”

Family Ties

This is my MN brother-in-law, Jonny and his wife Jen.

. . . and Alisha Rose who is about four months.

They live a mile or so from us.

We enjoy their friendship. God is good . . . Family is precious!

Praising God Yet Again!

Have you read Margaret Penner Toew poem, "God Answers"? Here's just a bit of it.

"Neath the soil inn utter darkness there's a subtle silent stirring . . .

In the stillness God is working out the answer to your pleadings, . . .

When the fullness of the time - His time- has come
you'll have your answer . . . "

I have found this to be soooo true!

In His time . . . . years later after praying on and on or not even praying consciously, in the fullness of time, my answer comes. Soooo many things have blossomed this way!

I remember talking with God over each child . . . asking for grace and physical strength because I just didn't think I had it in me to care for a child, then another, and then another and so on. Do you know how God did it? No, He didn't take the "mountain" away, but day by day He gave me what I needed, not before, but it was there as long as I leaned hard on Him!

And some days I would wonder and say, "You said, Lord, that Your grace is sufficient, but why don't I find it true?" It was those times I wasn't leaning on Him as hard as I ought! But when I faced another mountain of a day, climbing those steep, rocky paths and CLAIMED God's promises, it was then that I proved Him true! Oh, the riches we have in Christ!!! The unspeakableness of it all as it washes over my heart anew . . . God is soooo good. And I speak that phrase with all meaning!

And so, today, I give you a recent testimony of God's strength being enough for me.

Yesterday, I somehow thought would be a good day to do up my waiting tomatoes. I didn't really want them sitting in my freezer waiting for next week when I get back from a very special weekend (Ladies Retreat) andthen the next Friday we leave for VA for a week and a half. (For those interested we will be spending most of our time with Loren and Kendra, in Ferrum and plan to attend the church in Floyd on the 23rd.) I just wanted them done and out of the way. I made spagetti sauce again . . . It takes so long to cook down even with adding tomato paste! But it's done, all 18 quarts.

I also had some laundry pilling up to be done . . . you just can't let urine saturated clothes and blankets sit around too long.

The daily round of bottle feeding, pamper changing, owies to kiss, encouragement to shower, discipline to bestow, arguements to settle, questions to answer, etc. is always there no matter what goes on.

My husband was also having a birthday, his thirtyeth mind you As cell groups were planned that evening I wanted to share a birthday snack\party for him. So a cake was in order, and I tried a new reciepe of some taco cup thingies which he said were a winner.

On top of this all I did not eat anything since breakfast . . . Remember the Bible says not "if" you fast but "when" (and I say this only for you to understand how much God's strength upheld me this day!)

And the phone kept ringing . . . arrangements for traveling etc for this weekend and all kinds of other odds and ends.

God enabled me to not get frustrated, not to worry about getting everything done . . .

HE EMPOWERED ME!

And I can only say it was His strength, just as He's helped me through each day recuping from cancer, adjusting to being a newly wed, being pregnant, adjusting to becoming a Mom, having more babies, fitting into a new community, learning to train children, etc.

God is THE ONE!

He can truely satisfy ALL your hearts needs, and empower you for His work! (And homekeeping is His work!)

He is my ALL in ALL!!!

I SING HIS PRAISES!

And today I look back . . . God has given me my hearts desires! I prove that promise to be true also!!! Though I still dream and desire more . . . It is there, I know it, beneath the soil, sprouting and in His time it will come.

"In my weakness He is strong;

In my need He leads me on.

When I come to the end of all I am,

And when I place my trust in Him,

That's when His strength begins . . . "

-Part of Mike Harland and Cary Sshmidt's song, "In My Weakness"
Sung by the Soundforth singers on their cd "A Quiet Heart"
who by the way sing, "We Are Not Alone" which haunted us all at Krystal Yoder's funeral.
"Bear" otherwise known as Keith Yates thougth that adjective described it as well as it could. He had us play it over and over and over!!!
They also sing "Be Still My Soul" in the most becomeing melodious way!!! Our top two favorite songs right now!

"Ask, and it shall be given, seek and ye shall find, knock and the door shall be opened unto you . . ."
Just don't expect it to happen overnight . . . though it could!! Our God is God of the impossilbe!!!

"Morning Glories!"

"Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed.
Because His compassions fail not.

They are new every morning;

Great is Your faithfulness . . . " Lam 3:23

Good Morning to all my friends out there . . .

God is so good to each of us . . . sometimes this feels so much like a one-sided thing and that's ok. But today, please, tell me how God has been there for you . . . I so long to know, to hear how my Awesome God did another great thing be it little or big in our minds. I LOVE to hear stories about God, that are in the here and now, that are in my life and yours . . . That glorify His name . . . That tell of His might . . .

"It is good to give thanks to the Lord.
And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High!

To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning

And Your FAITHFULNESS every night!


. . . For You, O Lord, have made me glad through Your work;


I will triumph in the works of Your hands!" - Psalm 92:1-4

Do you need more prompting?

"Sing out the honor of His name;

Make His praise glorious . . ." Psalm 66:2




"Tell me the stories of Jesus, I love to hear . . . "

Tomato Fun

This is very helpful for us this year . . . I wish I would've made use of this organizing tip before.

Don't laugh but . . . this is on the back of our bathroom door!!!

I know, I didn't really want it there, but it's the best place for it considering the layout of our house . . . We HAVE to have them in the warmth! (We live up North) It cannot be on the garage door. And our "coat closet" is too full with jackets and shoes and boots . . . Maybe we should say 1 per person (just kidding) The children are always getting them wet or dirty and they need extra till I get the "worn" ones dry or cleaned.

Someday we plan to expand the house to have a bit more room for this kind of stuff. Until then we merrily make do.



Yesterday we did 15 pints of salsa.

Today we tackle spaghetti sauce, my kitchen crew and I!

Actually I was hoping Jaden would be happy in his jumper . . . but today he was not. He had to be in on the ruckus.

Here we are just starting. The three oldest are taking the tops off. "Spiders" they called them.

Wayne plays with everythng from tomatoes to kettles to little gagets . . .

The mess has begun . . .

The start of a good day!

God's Faithfulness!

There is nothing more thrilling than following the Holy Spirit’s prompting . . . .
. . . And being an overcomer, by God’s grace and strength!

Psalm 44:3-6 “For they did not gain possession of the land by their own sword,
Nor did their own arm save them.
But it was Your right hand
Your arm,
And the light of Your countenance
Because You favored them.

You are my King,
O God,
Command victories for Jacob
Through You we will push down our enemies;
Through Your name we will trample those who rise up against us.
For I will not trust in my bow,
Nor shall my sword save me
But You have saved us from our enemies!

Yes, “I can do all things through Christ who give me strength!”

Let’s just say that I often feel like Moses in that I have troubles in communicating with eloquence. I tend to be blunt and abrupt. But God ( and my husband – hey, they come in handy for a lot of things!) ) has been teaching me in this area.

But today I testify of God’s faithfulness . . . As He said to Moses,

Exodus 4:11a “Who hath made man’s mouth?
Or, who makes the mute, the deaf, the seeing or the blind?
Have not I, the Lord?
Now therefore,
Go,
And I will be with your mouth
And teach you what you shall say.”

So today still rang true. Yesterday, today and forever, God is the same. God is faithful!!!

Harvest Time

"If I simply gave you things, how would you appreciate them . . ."

I love harvesting from the garden . . . I like to spend time out there in the cool of the day, in the hot afternoon. There's a certain satisfaction of pulling those weeds! . . . picking tomatoes, cuting dill heads, pulling beets, watching my pumpkins turn orange, etc.

I think I inherited this from my mom.

Yeah, this is a wonderful time . . . Thank-You, God, for a bountiful crop!

The Savior's Words

If you never felt pain,

How would you know that

I'm a Healer?

If you never went through bondage,

How would you know that I'm a Deliverer?

If you never had a trial,

How could you call yourself an overcomer?

If you never felt sadness,

How would you know that I am a Comforter?

If you never made a mistake,

How would you know that I am forgiving?

If you never were in trouble,

How would you know that I will come to your rescue?

If you never had any problems,

How would you know that I can solve them?

If you never had any suffering,

how would you know what I went through?

If you never went through fire,

How would you become pure?

If I simply gave you things,

How would you appreciate them?

If I never corrected you,

How would you know that I love you?

If you had all power,

How would you lean on Me?

If your life was perfect,

What would you need Me for?

Today

Today I think, “There is a time for everything.” Really? Homeschool with all my little ones underfoot?” I guess we’ll see. But here is a sample of how things went today.

After breakfast the boys clear the table and load up the dishwasher while I hang out laundry. Loraine and Wayne come out to help. I put finish putting shoes on these two. I go in and check up on the progress of the table getting clean. Not good. So I remind them of their responsibility. Go back out to hang up wash. Wayne drops things over the deck. I send Loraine down to fetch them. Next we haul Wayne inside for a diaper change. Then back out.

I want to have the house somewhat “picked up” before we sit down. So everyone helps pick up things, some cheerful, some not so cheerfull. So we have a “board meeting” about this.

Bible memory and Bible story commence while the 1 and 2 year olds are supposed to stay on their blanket. Then I send those blanket sitters outside with Jeremiah while I do math flashcards with Japheth. Japheth being mathed out goes for a break also.

Cries then are heard from the cradle, time to feed Jaden and change his pamper and put on a clean set of clothes. Then he’s good for awhile in the jumper.

Today I needed to do up a small batch of tomatoes, so I opted for tomato juice. The boys love to help crack. So I told Japheth after some reading he could help me with that. While he read two pages I worked on learning how to make oval rugs. Then it needed more concentration than I was able to give while helping Japheth Jr. along with his review words. So off to the kitchen we headed. Japheth did half, then I called Jeremiah in for his turn. He would be put out if I finished it myself!

Reading again commenced this time on the kitchen counter where I could kinda see his book as I washed up the breakfast pans and then the rest of the tomato strainer things. Jeremiah unloaded the dishwasher after the tomatoes were all fed through.

Loraine came in and I rewarded her with a bubble gum for staying dry, and sent one with her for Wayne. Jeremiah then got one for cheerfully staying at his kitchen duties! Japheth complained because he didn’t get any . . . . and the reason he didn’t was because he complained about the amount of pages he had to read this morning.

Finally words all done and everyone is outside playing in the sandbox and enjoying the beautiful weather while Jaden gets his dinner. I thought I should be giving him lessons on keeping his hands out of his mouth while I’m trying to put in reddish brown goo (sweet potatoes with a bit of baby cereal and some applesauce mixed in), but I let it pass .

Time for Jeremiah's addition.

Gathering up the three youngest in the stroller, I head down the lane for the mailbox

Lunch time of leftovers . . And what do you know, someone isn’t very fond of something on his plate but requests a duplicate of yesterdays competition. Whoever cleans up the soup first gets a sticker. And wouln’t you know the same person lost . . . again . . . and the tears flowed just as freely . . . again.

Whups . . . Loraine's wet. I put a pamper on her in preparation for naptime . . . but a few minutes later I find her messing with her pamper that's loaded! She's been taking them off and trying to wipe herself and then putting her underwear on.

Whew! Jaden made it without sleeping over lunch time and Wayne made it without a late morning nap! . . . Something to praise the Lord about. Just maybe today I can have nap! (But I’ve learned to not count my chicks till they’ve hatched)

And so the day goes on . . .

Thankfulness - Part III

This morning I was listening to a cd and these words stuck out,
“Give it all, give it all to Jesus and He will turn your sorrow into joy. He never said we’d only see sunshine, He never said there’d be no rain. He only promised a heart full of singing, about the very things that once brought pain. So give them all to Jesus and He will turn your sorrow into joy!”

. . . and another song, “Hidden valleys will make the heart strong . . .hidden valleys turn shepherds to Kings”

So how does God go about bring a heart change? . . . How does it happen that our hearts soften and we let God mold it into what He desires?

I just know that we can’t get away from . . . He doesn’t give up on us! Praise the Lord!

“Whither shall I do from Thy Spirit?
Or whither shall I flee from Thy prescence?
If I ascend up into heaven Thou art there,
If I make my bed in hell, behold thou art there.
If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
even there shall thy hand lead me and thy right hand shall hold me.” Psalm 139:7-10


He “compasseth” our paths and keeps bringing us back to what He desires to do in us until we yield or harden ourselves . . .

“Thou copasseth my path and my lying down,
and art aquainted with all my ways . . .
Thou hast set me behind and before
And laid thy hand upon me . . . “ Psalm 139:3-6

God is so good to relentlessly love and chasten us until
“My stubborn will at last had yielded, I would be thine and thine alone . . .”

And so today I praise Him for pursing me in love, for this particular pruning in my life, for chastening me as a daughter . . .

Hebrews 12:7 “If ye endure chasting, God dealeth with you as with sons;
for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?


God is good, He has put gladness in my heart . . . and my heart doth dwell in safety!

. . for “Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased. I will both lay me down in peace and sleep, for Thou, Lord, makest me dwell in safety.” Psalm 3:7-8"

Thankfulness - Part II

II Corinthians 4:1-7 “ . . .We do not lose heart, but we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God . . . For it is God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.”

In continuing on with my story . . .

The intenseness of my struggle you may never know . . . . but my flesh was battling hard as could be (Satan was trying to devour my soul). My love for Japheth, my fiancé, was tested . . . what would he do if I refused to hear his concerns. No, I just couldn’t think that far. . .
Yet would I humble myself and come back under the authority I had left? For days I cried and wept . . . my life hung in the balance. What would be my choice?

Romans 8:8- “For they that are in the flesh do mind the things of the flesh . . . So they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
But if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you,
He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in you . . .
For if ye live after the flesh ye shall die;
but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons (daughters) of God.”

Finally the time came . . . when I yielded. God’s still small voice mattered to me more than anything (Then why did I struggle so long?) . . . and the voice of Japheth was something to consider was it not? . . . and my Dad’s . . . and my Father-in-law-to-be.

(I know I’ve posted this recently, but here this is again now in its own context.)

The Testing

The testing, the fire burns hot at my feet.
Will I go under? Will I be beat?
By the evil that's out to suck in my soul,
BUT NO! THERE'S A GOD WHO IS IN CONTROL!
I have but to ask, His power is there.
He's wanting and longing to release it by prayer.
I've asked Him –
He's faithful and true!
He knows what's best and always will do . . .
Even though the pruning and chastening brings pain.
For each loss and heartache is exchanged by rich gain.
There's joy that follows sorrow -
God is there for each tomorrow.
I asked for courage to face the test,
Not run . . . or hide from what really is best.
But turn toward the battle and fight,
For the Lord in His strength and His might.
I asked for His blood, to rid my soul of its sin and its strife.
The sin that stains my heart and my life,
Can be washed and renewed -
Though scars bring remorse . . . it reminds me again,
Of what He's forgiven and cleansed from within.
He's promised to bless and repay -
The years the locasts have eaten away.
Who else can give all that I wonder?
My God is a God of strength and thunder!
I'm glad to place my life in His hands, . . . .
And rejoice when thorns almost break my song . . .
I rest in His care - I ask nothing more
Than His cleansing power and grace to restore.
He's given me all my hearts desire.
He's given it though through testing and fire.
It's worth all the pain, the heart-wrenching cries.
My soul is united to Him in the skies.
I'm going Home to Heaven above.
I can't wait to experience all of His love.
The look in His eyes, the loving smile on His face,
The warmth of His forgiveness and mercy and grace.
He's acquainted with sorrow and tears and grief;
He knows how to still my heart and bring relief.
My Savior, My Lord, and My King
HE IS WORTH EVERYTHING!
And to Him I come, just as I am -
Sinful and wicked, worn as a lamb.
Unable to save from the dreadful fall.
But He's sought me and bought me, He gave His all!
I'm listening for that great trumpeter call.
For the day the Father will give the word,
Then to all that call will be heard.
Some will go upward and others will perish
But not those who love Jesus and cherish -
All that He's done and all He can do,
I thank Him, My LORD, My Father too.
But I can't . . . express it enough . . .
To tell you the love that overflows my heart
With the joy of knowing we won't be apart.
The Bride and the Groom united will be . . .
AND LIVE IN HEAVEN ETERNALLY!
MY GOD REIGNS SUPREME!
- Written by Aimee Loraine Beery in August 2000 exactly six years ago

So . . . I talked with Dad . . . and he affirmed my decision to rejoin our church ( I had withdrawn my membership and currently wasn’t accountable anywhere.)

Hebrews 10:24-25” And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works. Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Hebrews 3:12 “ Beware brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God;
But exhort one another daily, while it is called ‘Today’ lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.”

Then the time came when I stood before the McGaheysville congregation . . . and verbally expressed that I would like to be taken back in. I’m not sure what all I said but I do recall saying somewhere in there (I wanted to be honest.) that I know this is the right thing to do, God is asking this of me, but my heart is having a hard time following after.

(I guess this is the end of chapter two . . . I was going to finish it all but my husband said it ended too abruptly and I can’t seem to find the words to “fix” that problem . . . this still isn’t the end of the story.)

Thankfulness for God Working in my Heart!

How does God work in a heart? How does He bring about change in my innermost being? I only know He’s at work in the very core of my soul.

For years I’ve been praying for God to turn a certain pile of ashes in my life into something beautiful . . . But I think deep down I’ve avoided the happening of that very thing . . . because in order for God to do this work I have to “bring it to the light”

“This is the condemnation that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
“For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
But He that doeth truth, cometh to the light that his deeds may be made manifest that they were wrought in God.” John 3:18-20


I guess I am very ashamed of this particular ash pile. I’ve just wanted to cover those ashes and hide them, not expose them. Maybe also because I didn’t fully realize or know how deeply they contradicted God’s character . . .

. . . But I have gathered strength once again from my dear husband’s example. Every time he shares the story or stories of how God made something lovely come out of some shameful past, I cry . . . some for the wonderful working of God in his life and some for my own life and this pile of ashes that is still there.

I long to see the redeeming work of God there . . .yet what holds me back?

And so today I take a step forward toward that goal . . . I have something to share with you . . .

How do you know when you are deceived? How do you know when you’ve sinned? Well, there is the Holy Spirit speaking to your heart, there is God’s Word that speaks to us, and there is the family of God here on this earth to help us stay on the narrow way. Sometimes our wrongdoing comes to us though God’s Spirit and sometimes it’s through reading the word that “quickens” us and sometimes it’s a brother or sister that jolts us with the reality in which we are living.

And, so it was my-husband-to-be that jolted me out of my deceived state . . and I sensed the Spirit and God’s word saying “It is true . . . Repent ye” Did God know before hand how hard this would be for me? Of course, he did! I often wonder if that is why God led our courtship the way He did . . . As (if) He knew what it would take to get me to repent of my ways.

I fell short of the grace of God and some roots of bitterness sprung up and I became critical of my parents and my church.

My heart was beginning to wax hard and unsubmissive to my authorities . . .I knew what was better . . . I would go my own way . . . and yet I thought I was following the Lord with all my heart, I thought I was closer to Him than ever before . . .

Hebrews 12:15 “Looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God
lest any root of bitterness springing up cause you trouble,
and by this many become defiled.
Lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau,
who for one morsel of food sold his birthright
For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing,
was rejected, for he found no place for repentance,
though he sought it diligently with tears . . .
For you have not come to the mountain that may be touched . . .
But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God,
the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumberable company of angels,
to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven,
to God the judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect,
to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant,
and the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.

Hebrews 13:17 “ Obey those who rule over you and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.”

Ephesians 6:1-3 “Children, obey your parents in the Lord for this is right. Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise: that it may be well with you . . . “

I “wanted to inherit the blessing” but even though “I sought it diligently with tears” there was none . . . . until I brought myself to repent. (To be continued, I think)

Our Baby

Hello from Jaden!
































with Auntie Juanita

Our "Thai" Boy

Wayne - our 1 year old

Our Girlie

Loraine Rose - 2 years old

















Papa picked this one.

Kindergarten Class

Jeremiah Frank - almost four years old . . .

He's been so anxious for his birthday. Earlier I told him that he has to wait till the leaves turn brown, well he went out and found one. "Now it is my birthday?" I had to inform him of the sad news that almost all the other leaves were still green and he had awile to wait yet.

Anway it's getting closer - September 4th

My First Grader

Our son is enrolled in Lakewood Christian Academy. (This is the name we choose for our homeschool)

I now have a first grader! . . . He's growing up!

Actually I've been teaching him how to read for awhile here and there. We are into words with two vowels now, and just starting math facts.

It's fun watching them learn and comprehend.

I'm Not Sorry

It is a sad time . . . grieving over your sin.  I watched out the window as my three oldest trudged down the path single file to Grandma’s house tears streaking their dirt smeared faces. Their mission to say “I’m sorry” lay before them (I caught them out in the garden picking Grandma’s tomatoes without permission.  They had asked permission to go hoe and use the garden rake.  Somewhere they strayed and  . . . the result was not a happy one.)

But I will not be sorry I’ve trained my children after God’s standard of living.

My Violet Project

I know it's a bit warm to be crocheting but . . . Actually I've been working on this while I listen to Japheth Jr.'s words. That way I get less frustrated at how long he takes. Sometimes he thinks he has to know what each word means and thinks up other ways the word is used or tell me stories that that word brought to mind, and I just want to get on with the next word. This is a patience helper.

I didn't take it to the tea. I didn't go. Instead I was cleaning and making rasberry pies and catching up from getting a batch of corn done up the day before. I did want to go but . . . I was being a"Keeper at Home" cause I felt my house and family needed it more than a ladies tea. Someday I will have more time to do things like that.

Someday I hope to have a little Violet.

Beauty Is . . . a Light in the Heart

As a woman I long to be beautiful . . . In this day and age where many flaunt their physical beauty it can be easy to be dissatisfied with one’s self and envious of another, and forget about God’s view of beauty.

And yes, last night after a few comments from me, my husband advised me to “Go see Eli” (Know the Wemmick story I’m referring too?)

God in his wisdom, made me exactly as He wants me (outwardly) . . . But the most important thing is my heart! I have something to do about that!

“But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees. For man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.” I Samuel 16:7

“Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain (or passing), But a woman that feareth the Lord, She shall be praised.” - Proverbs 31:30

. . . As for the outward God does give us directions to follow.

“In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 10But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.” I Timothy 2:9,10

And yes, there are so many ways “Christians” today apply or ignore the whole thing of dressing modestly. But God Word isn’t something I want to take lightly. After all who will we stand before to give account of how we conducted our lives on this earth?

"Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; 2While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. 3Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; 4But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. 5For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: I Peter 3:1-5

I have found this to be true . . . Ladies with this “hidden” beauty of heart make the best friends!!! Their sweetness comes out is so many caring, gentle ways . . . ways of Jesus!!!

And really it is not hidden . . . it doesn’t take long to “see” the “beauty of the Lord” in a person.

“And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us . . .” Psalm 90:17

A Houseful and Overflowing!

"Don't bring your teacup to God and ask for grace and strength, bring your wheelbarrow or your dumptruck." - Bob Stauffer

Today I asked for a houseful . . . after all it is Monday.

"If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small." Proverbs 24:10

Quote

Quote from my brother Skyler, “One thing about those boys, they wear a body out!”   Don’t I know!

Skyler actually took a nap this afternoon, but Japheth didn’t.  He was too worried he might miss out on something!

It’s good having him here!

The Testing

I wrote this during a time of great testing in the year 2000. I know it could be written better . . . but God doesn't always call the best writer to write . . . He just asks us to let Him use us . . . and so I say, "Yes, Lord" What else can I say to my Lord? or He isn't really Lord.


The testing, the fire burns hot at my feet
Will I go under? Will I be beat?
By the evil that's out to suck in my soul,
BUT NO! THERE'S A GOD WHO IS IN CONTROL!
I have but to ask, His power is there.
He's wanting and longing to release it by prayer.
I've asked Him –
He's faithful and true!
He knows what's best and always will do . . .
Even though the pruning and chastening brings pain.
For each loss and heartache is exchanged by rich gain.
There's joy that follows sorrow -
God is there for each tomorrow.
I asked for courage to face the test,
Not run . . . or hide from what really is best.
But turn toward the battle and fight,
For the Lord in His strength and His might.
I asked for His blood, to rid my soul of its sin and its strife.
The sin that stains my heart and my life,
Can be washed and renewed -
Though scars bring remorse . . . it reminds me again,
Of what He's forgiven and cleansed from within.
He's promised to bless and repay -
The years the locusts have eaten away.
Who else can give all that I wonder?
My God is a God of strength and thunder!
I'm glad to place my life in His hands, . . . .
And rejoice when thorns almost break my song . . .
I rest in His care - I ask nothing more
Than His cleansing power and grace to restore.
He's given me all my hearts desire.
He's given it though through testing and fire.
It's worth all the pain, the heart-wrenching cries.
My soul is united to Him in the skies.
I'm going Home to Heaven above.
I can't wait to experience all of His love.
The look in His eyes, the loving smile on His face,
The warmth of His forgiveness and mercy and grace.
He's acquainted with sorrow and tears and grief;
He knows how to still my heart and bring relief.
My Savior, My Lord, and My King
HE IS WORTH EVERYTHING!
And to Him I come, just as I am -
Sinful and wicked, worn as a lamb.
Unable to save from the dreadful fall.
But He's sought me and bought me, He gave His all!
I'm listening for that great trumpeter call.
For the day the Father will give the word,
Then to all that call will be heard.
Some will go upward and others will perish
But not those who love Jesus and cherish -
All that He's done and all He can do,
I thank Him, My LORD, My Father too.
But I can't . . . express it enough . . .
To tell you the love that overflows my heart
With the joy of knowing we won't be apart.
The Bride and the Groom united will be . . .
AND LIVE IN HEAVEN ETERNALLY!
MY GOD REIGNS SUPREME!

Remembering

Memories are special. (Good ones anyway) Yet I find myself not remembering enough of bygone days and I wish it were not so. So to help keep these things fresh in my mind I’ve started to write them down. I’ll let you in on some.

There are many things God wants us to remember . . . and for each of us it comes about in different ways, through different people, different times and different places.

“Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth . . .” Ecclessiastes 12:1a

Nursing Home Handshakes

“We’re going to visit Ethal “ I told the boys one morning. She had just been transferred from the hospital to a nursing home. Ethal was an elderly neighbor and we had a two fold purpose in going to see her. First of all she loved company and I wanted to get out of the house on that March day. So I packed up the boys and my little girlie and off we drove to Blackduck.
On the way I realized that this was the first time that I would have all three little ones to tow around by myself. Hmm . . . how would this go?

We found Ethal grateful for our efforts to brighten her day. Soon we were ready to say good-bye and after little hugs and chocolate cookies for the boys, we took our little procession down the hall in search of another lady we knew. Japheth’s cookie promptly went into his mouth, but Jeremiah having recently been awakened from sleep clung to his.

On the way a white haired lady by the name of Alice intercepted us by holding out her hand and saying over and over God bless you. Japheth gladly shook her hand and Jeremiah followed suit. As we traipsed around the nursing home looking for Opal (as she wasn’t in her room), Alice followed us and got several more handshakes out of the boys. Two sets of big blue eyes and soft chubby little hands brought Alice a bit of love and cheer that day.

My heart overflowed with joy to watch my sons let Jesus use their hands and give comfort to the feeble. Truly “ A wise son maketh a glad father (and Mother any day!), but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.”

Black Lace

     Helping gather maple sap one evening, I noticed once again the beauty of God’s creation.  The sight brought back memories of my Aunt Josie.  I don’t remember where we were or what we were doing exactly but I remember her words.
     “There was a tree line on a fencerow on the old home place where locusts grew different heights.  In the evening when the sun would set, I enjoyed so much the view of the dark, bare trees against the sky.  In my mind it looked like scalloped black lace, so elegant with all the little twigs and branches.  Sometimes there were rosy skies, sometimes hues of blue, maybe a touch of twilight with the moon and a few stars.  A thing of beauty that only God could create, more vibrant and real than any black lace!”
     Now when I see the winter trees, her words come to my mind.  I marvel at how God makes so much beauty out of the bare.  God can make beautiful the bare and ugly in my life too. Isaiah 61:3 says “To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, that they might be called the trees of righteousness the planting of the Lord.”

Cow Paths

As a girl I enjoyed our cow paths. Often evenings after my chores were done, I would take off and wander done these paths. We had a very rocky hillside below our house which was also part of the dry cow pasture. The narrow, smooth, dirt paths the cows made felt good to my bare feet. I can still almost feel the air and the quiet of those times sitting on a rock and just enjoying the day God had made.
Today I still want to walk in paths . . . in the paths of righteousness where God leads me, to drink from His still waters and let Him restore my soul. For when I daily come before Him, I do not lack. His grace is sufficient. And I can enjoy peace and quiet in my heart just as I enjoyed the quiet of the evening in the cow pasture in days gone by.

Beery Family News

Exciting days are ahead of us next week . . . we get to keep my Aunt Frances and my youngest brother, Skyler here for about a week.  Uncle Ellis and Aunt Donna are bringing them along.  Hopefully we can spend a bit of time with them also.

The boys are elated!!!!!!!!!!  They’ve been begging to go see Uncle Skyler!  He spells lots of fun as he is twelve years old.

And while I’m talking family, my older sister Kendra and her husband Loren are in the process of moving further south from Harrisonburg, VA.  Ferrum, VA it is.  They are dairy farmers.

And Dad and Mom just moved also . . . not even a mile away!  They are out of farming now.  It’s hard to believe . . . but life goes on.

God is good:  His mercy endures forever!

"My son"

We’re celebrating life . . . five years of life for our first born son!

God gives life . . . physical and spiritual. One day we hope and pray that Japheth will be born again . . . and have eternal life! The angels help celebrate that we are told.

“There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repents.” Luke
15:10b

What really matters in life?

“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself , and take up his cross and follow Me. For whosoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake shall find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” Matthew 16:24b-26

Like in Proverbs, I long to direct “My son” in matters of life. I desperately long for him to heed my council.

What’s sobering is that in my walk of life I am “telling” him what’s most important to me . . . “O God, that I would show him right!”

Fight Those Battles!

Somehow when we have lots of things to do and I give the children small jobs there is a lot of conflicts, the battles of obedience and promptness are fought in a fury.  

When I let the children off and do everything myself, peace reigns, well not quite, then there’s squabbles to settle between them.

. . .But what have I accomplished?  I am to be training my children . . . not letting them slide.

But I find that too in my life, in a different way or maybe not so different.  When I enter in the spiritual battles there happens to be so much more conflict.  Satan sees the detriment it is to his kingdom and comes on like you wouldn’t believe.

And when I am laid back about engaging in the warfare things seem to go so much smoother.  

Am I doing the will of my Father? There will be confict.

Am I letting things slide . . .It defiantly is an easier, smoother, wider way!

“Put on the whole armour of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places . . .”   Ephesians 6:11,12

Peace That Passeth Understanding

“There is no peace, saith the Lord, unto the wicked.” Isaiah 48:22

All day Saturday I battled with anxious, worrying thoughts . . . and all that day I was stressed out trying to get everything done and attend to the children’s needs (which were not a few). I spent extra time alone with God . . . yet still somehow I couldn’t keep back those troublesome worries.

I didn’t have peace.

“Therefore take no thought saying, What shall we eat? or What shall we drink? (This is hard to do on a Saturday when company comes that evening and then someone calls to say they are coming the next day, and one is tired and stressed out already, and you just wish you could rest on the “Sabbath” ;) ) or Wherewithall shall we be clothed? For after all these things do the Gentiles seek. For your Heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you. Take no thought for the morrow: For the morrow shall take thought(Well, my husband made it easier for me. He forbade me to think of Sunday dinner . . . He said he'd grill something) for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” Matthew 6:31-34 . . .In other words don’t worry anxiously. . .

“Be careful for nothing: but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds (from going crazy) through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6,7


“Casting all your care upon Him for He careth for you . . .”

And today I had a chance to try again. (Isn’t that funny?) My grade is a bit better today, I think. Praise God!

In School

My son loves school  . . . or so he thinks.  I am teaching him to read but somehow he gets the idea of school as being with other children like Summer Bible School.  He just loves to be with other children!   He doesn’t consider that he’s really in school . . .

And so with me, I’m in God’s school . . .  It gets lonely at times thinking that I’m the only one learning “how to read” . . .  and I want to be with others where it’s “more fun”.  

But God has me in school . . . and I am glad . . . .for there is no other way for me to be taught the things that deep down I really want to learn . . .

“Thou hast made the earth to tremble;  Thou hast broken it:  Heal the breaches thereof;  for it shaketh.  For Thou hast showed thy people hard things . . . .”  Psalm 60:2,3a

Someone Really Is Missing

I was mentally checking off the children. Okay, Jeremiah’s in the bottom bunk, Wayne is in his crib, Loraine is in her bed in her little bedroom nook, Jaden is fed and in the swing sleeping away the day, Japtheth is “having school” at the kitchen table and lets see . . . it seems like I’m missing someone . . . Do any of you Mom’s do that? Maybe everybody does . . . Someone recently told me that women who have miscarried do that all the time . . . .Someone really is missing . . .

"Promise of the Life"

Since Jaden has been born, I’m having a hard time getting the scales to read a lower number . . . It’s coming off a lot harder than after my other babies (well after Jeremiah it was soooo slow too). So time to exercise and watch what I eat . . . and now I’m getting excited. I am starting to see results! Actually just two pounds since Friday, but it’s a whole lot better than seeing them go up or stay the same!

. . . Then I am reminded about how little it matters (except there is something to say for self-discipline)

“For bodily exercise profiteth little; but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” I Timothy 4:8


“having promise of the life . . . .” THIS TRUELY IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING!

Sad Little Boys

This picture is especially for Grandpa and Grandma Beery! . . . And Uncle Loren & Aunt Kendra, Courtney, Reagan, Uncle Roland & Aunt Patrica, Cheyanne, Aunt Karen, Aunt Sally and Uncle Skyler!

We're sad because we want to come see you all again . . . but we can't. Please "bear" with us . . . someday we will see you face to face . . . God be with you til we meet again . . . May He hold you in the palm of His hand, May the wind rise to meet you . . . (Or however that Irish blessing goes)

Lay Aside

These are the words of the motto I saw on the wall in Val’s living room this morning,
“ They will be made
perfect forever,
who are
being made
holy now.”

Memories . . . . Krystal is perfect forever. I need to be made holy now and I too one day shall be made perfect forever. . .

I am striving all the more to let myself be made holy by God . . . It’s only through Him that I can do these things!

Yesterday I was reminded again that when I’m feeding Jaden I need to set him aside and settle squabbles right away not letting them go on until it suits me.

Hebrews 12:1b “ . . .let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doeth so easily beset us and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus . . .

Excuses

What kind of excuses do you give for not consistently exercising or drinking enough water or you name it. Sorry to say but here are some of mine. It’s Sunday. It’s supposed to be a day of rest.
It’s Monday, I can’t handle anything extra on a Monday of all days!
Not now, I’m too busy. I’ll wait till things slow down a bit. (Do they ever?)

And guess what excuse I found myself using today. It’s my birthday.

I was reminded of this verse . . .“The slothful man sayeth, ‘There is a lion in the way; A lion is in the streets.’” Proverbs 26:13 I wouldn’t have called myself slothful, but maybe I will have to reconsider.

Garage Cleaning Time

“And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.” Genesis 2:18

Sometimes I chaff at being a helper . . . Who wants to be “errand boy” or put away camping things . . . or organize the boxes of stuff in the garage that has sat there since we moved and gotten more things heaped on top of mess? . . . But when I look at it in God’s eyes I am ashamed.

"But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." Philippians 2:7,8

Serving . . . that was what. Jesus’ life was all about. It’s the greatest thing.

“ . . .but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” Luke 10:43-45

Satan tries to tell me different. He’s a liar! Why do I let his values sneak into my heart?

Remember the song, “If you want to be great in God’s kingdom, learn to be the servant of all . . .”

“But godliness with contentment is great gain.” I Timothy 6:6 It is GREAT GAIN to cheerfully do what needs to be done.

"Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver." (or server too I imagine :)) II Corinthians 9:7

The Father of My Children

Father's Day is coming up. . . And it makes me rejoice to have such a father as this for my children!

He's one of the best story-tellers around! . . . and he makes Bible stories come alive.

He helps the children say their prayers at bedtime . . . coaches them with prayers at prayermeeting and has them bless Mama with prayers when she's sick.

He enjoys making eggrolls . . . and other things with his frying techniques.

He comes up with wonderful ideas for "family fun"

He loves to be at home with us!

He's a great teacher . . . always showing us how to do things.

Father's can make all the difference!

Thank-You, Honey, for being the best Father that you can be! We love ya!

Field Day Expectations

Circumstances seem overwhelming . . . or is it just my high expectations and deep desires for the day? I was hoping for enjoying field day with Japheth by my side and lots of help with the children . . . but Japheth got a call from a lady who desperately needs her sewing machine fixed right away so he’s going in early this morning to do that and yesterday I found out that he is helping direct the shot-puts, the high jump and maybe more if Daddy is still sick

.  . . . So after shedding a few tears and meditating on God’s Word,  I’ve been challenged by these thoughts:

Will I find enough grace for today . . .and tomorrow?  Will God find his grace in me?

“Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord”  Genesis 6:8

And the Lord said unto Moses, “I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken;  for thou hast found grace in my sight.”

“Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly (depressed in mind or circumstances).”   Proverbs 3:34

1”And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.”  John 1:16

“ . . .Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.”  Acts 13:43

“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Ghost.”  Romans 15:13

“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.”  Philippians 4:23

Jaden Again

Here's my six-week old boy! . . . Weighing in at 12 lbs now. He's taking after Jeremiah, solid and stocky.

Night's are pretty good . . . for that I am well pleased! Praise be to God! Last night he slept from eleven to six.

Today I helped Japheth and Jeremiah start practicing for Track and Field Day (next year). We ran three laps around the garden, practiced three-legged walking and a bit of jumping.

They have to be five to participate. Each year we've been going and watching and visiting. It's an exciting day for these guys . . .and NEXT YEAR we will have one elated boy!!!!

Friday is field day . . . and then church campout the rest of the weekend. WHAT aBIG weekend it will be! No, Sally, the mowed "pasture" is for vollyball I think. Make sure Mom gets to see this picture.

When?

There is a time for everything the Bible says.

"Lord, please help me to do the right thing at the right time, to know the time to play and the time to work, the time to instruct and the time to make sand castles or play house. Give me wisdom to know the right time for giving treats and the time for denying those special things. I need your grace to help me discern the right time to get enough sleep and the right time to devote to communion with you. I need YOU, Lord, to whisper in my ear. I desire to know the right time to take walks and the time for naps or not for naps, for cleaning up messes or letting them go for more important matters, for mopping floors or for resting awhile. Show me your will today . . ."

In His time . . .

Rides

" . . .Making memories of what was today."