What will 2011 bring?

If 2010 has taught me anything it's this...You never know what a year will bring. It felt like this last year really started out hard for family and friends of mine. It was also hard for me to lose people who I felt so close to, and yet I still have a hard time accepting the loss, because others lost so much more than me.

This year also brought a lot of happiness in my life. One of the greatest was finding out that we had baby #5 on the way. Not everyone understands our happiness with have so many children...we just know that each one of them is a gift from God. Now...we will probably never have 19 kids, because I know everyone thinks that we are become that family. I think they are a great family, and I actually learn a lot from their family. We are not competing with anyone on the number of kids we have.

So from 2011...I don't know what it will bring. I am praying that it will be a great year for my family and people who are close to me. Even if I don't know you well or we are not close I still pray that it will be a great year. I am also praying that it will be a year that we will draw closer to God. And if you haven't yet...think about getting on that bicycle built for two with God!

Are you on a bicycle built for two with God?

Lots of people talk about God being their pilot and they are the co-pilot of their lives. But when I think about it that way I think of a plane full of people and why should I be the co-pilot and none of them are? Also I always felt like it gave me too much control over my situations. For example, if I didn't like what God was doing or what direction He was going I could always take over. So now I am starting to think that maybe I should go on a bicycle built for two with God and let him be in front.

You know the person in the front really has all the control of where the bike will go. Do you think maybe that is how we should be with God? Letting him have the front driving seat? We do our part on the back. We still have to pedal and help get to our destination. It can't all be God, He still needs us to do our part. I think though that God wants us to allow Him to direct where our lives will go. We need to give Him the steering power. Just a thought for today.

Potty Potty Potty...PARTY!

Ok...so you might be wondering about the title of my post! Well The Destroyer needs to be potty trained! I have been thinking about what I want to do since she is showing ZERO interest in it. We tried candy...but she would stand at the door of the bathroom crying at the candy that was just out of her reach. SO...that didn't work. Someone thought maybe I should just let her go without a diaper...but I don't really want a bunch of messes around the house, and knowing her she would not really be bothered by it even if I made her clean them all up!

So I am going with FUN! I am trying to make it as fun as possible. I actually made a really fun potty chart that is a bit of a spin off of another one I saw. I used my left over Christmas wrapping paper for the back of it! So every time she uses the potty then she gets a sticker! I hope she is as excited about it as I am! :)

So here we GO!

I love fun presents! The best presents are the ones that you can play with over and over again and not get tired of them. Much like the present that is pictured below that cost us almost nothing and to think I almost told my husband not to get them! What was I thinking? The Inquisitor and The Emotionalist have been playing with these non-stop since Christmas. They make an outfit and then tell me where they worn and by who...it's so much fun!This outfit is apparently a beach outfit that will be made for me. I asked if it was a cover to go over my swimming suit. Nope. Apparently it's just to be worn to the beach...not sure I will be going in the water with this one. This outfit is to be worn to dinner with daddy. I am not sure if it's for me or them. I wouldn't mind wearing something like this out to eat with my husband! This outfit is to drive in! LOL! I mean it would look really good if I was driving around in a fancy sports car! :) I think it makes a nice center piece for my table...matches the table cloth!

I think mine and my husband's love for Project Runway is rubbing off on our girls! :) I think pretty soon it might be a family show to watch!

997

So the day after Christmas I have been looking at my blog stats. Something I have never done. I started this blog in May and since then I have had 997 people view my blog! That is crazy! It was fun to see what post were the most popular and what people searched for when they eventually showed up at my blog! Some of them were kind of funny!

We had a great Christmas day. They girls have been enjoying their books and games and I have just been enjoying their excitement with the day. By the end of Christmas the girls just crashed and so did my husband! I ended up in bed by 9:30...so you could say we all crashed!

It was wonderful to have G-ma and G-pa over for supper on Christmas. My parents are great and they love being around the girls! They gave the girls some presents...the best was a nativity set they can play with! I have been wanting to get one FOREVER!

So for now I am just going to sit and enjoy my wonderful family! I hope everyone had as great of a Christmas as we did!

Merry Christmas

I love this time right now. Almost Christmas Eve and I am up baking goodies and wrapping gifts. I am enjoying the lights on the window and the Christmas tree and watching random Christmas shows on TV.

I am using this time to think about how much I love my family and how wonderfully full my life feels. A wonderful husband, 4 beautiful girls and 1 little bun warming in the oven. I love the fact that tomorrow we will spend the day preparing for our Saviour's birthday. The girls will help me bake a cake...because what birthday is perfect without a cake? We will spend time talking about the trip that Mary and Joseph took in order for Jesus to be born in Bethlehem. Talking about how Mary must have felt so far from family about to give birth. Finally we will talk about the wonderful event that we celebrate on this date...Christ's birth! How wonderful that He came to this world to be one of us...and live like us...to know what we go through. Not just know like a god would know, but he really experienced it.

We will also make cookies and have our talk about St. Nicholas and talk about how we can honor a great man. How do we celebrate giving...do we know someone who needs something more than we do? It was such a blessing the other day when The Inquisitor said she wanted to go through her toys and give some of the them away. My children are a blessing to me!

I hope that you all enjoy this seasons. If you live near we do I hope that you are enjoying the wonderful snowfall that we are getting. I guess it's good and we don't have to be sad about not having a white Christmas. If you live near where my husband's family does...I hope you are staying dry and that the rain will stay away for Christmas. But no matter where you live I hope you realize the meaning of it all. Forgiveness was given to you at this time of year.

Santa VS Jesus

Disclaimer...I did not write this. But I was not able to find out who actually wrote it so if anyone out there knows who wrote it...please let me know! Thanks!

Santa lives at the North Pole… JESUS is everywhere.

Santa rides in a sleigh… JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.

Santa comes but once a year… JESUS is an ever present help.

Santa fills your stockings with goodies… JESUS supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited… JESUS stands at your door and knocks, and then enters your heart when invited.

You have to wait in line to see Santa… JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.

Santa lets you sit on his lap… JESUS lets you rest in His arms.

Santa doesn’t know your name, all he can say is “Hi little boy or girl, what’s your name?”… JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.

Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly… JESUS has a heart full of love.

All Santa can offer is HO HO HO… JESUS offers health, help and hope.

Santa says “You better not cry”… JESUS says, “Cast all your cares on me for I care for you.”

Santa’s little helpers make toys… JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.

Santa may make you chuckle but… JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.

While Santa puts gifts under your tree… JESUS became our gift and died on a tree.

It’s obvious there is really no comparison. We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about. We need to put Christ back in CHRISTmas, Jesus is still the reason for the season.

Yes, JESUS is better, He is even better than Santa Claus.

Merry CHRISTmas!

Santa...

I was asked to write this post otherwise I probably wouldn't write it. I want to be really careful how I write it because I know there are people who don't agree with how we treat Santa...even some who are very close to us.

It's not a surprise to most who know us well, but to some it maybe. We do not teach Santa in our house. The girls do have their moments of pretending to be Santa and his elves, but as parents we do not mention Santa unless the girls bring him up to us. Many people don't understand why we do this. They feel we are taking away a special childhood moment. We disagree.

Our focus at Christmas time is the reason this whole holiday started. Jesus' birth. We feel that Santa has taken over and commercialized the holiday. We do however talk about who Santa was. We talk to the girls about St. Nicholas and what he was all about. That he really wanted to spread the news about Jesus and loved who Jesus was. That he gave all of his money to be able to make children happy when they had nothing. That he spent some of his life imprisoned and persecuted for his faith in Jesus. How morphed Santa has become! I think he would be sad at who he has become today and how much attention he takes away from Jesus.

Now I grew up believing in Santa and I am just fine. That is not really our reason for doing this. Although I do disagree with the thought that believing in things like Santa, the easter bunny and the tooth fairy are what prepare you for believing in God. Wrong...believing in God is was prepare you for believing in God! Sometimes I think people think kids are too young to start learning about God and learning about faith in God. Let me assure you they are never too young!

Don't get me wrong here...we don't sit here and tell our kids that Santa is not real. But when the time comes and they ask if Santa is real we tell them the truth. It just so happens that The Inquisitor asked at a very young age. She is the kind of girl where things have to make sense. The day she came to us with this I will never forget. She said "Mom, Santa doesn't make sense! How can one man get to all the houses in one night...with lots of gifts." I asked her what she thought. Her answer "I don't think it's real. It's just a story. Mom is Santa real?" So I told her she was right. Santa doesn't make sense and he's not real. Honestly I don't think she's missing out at all.

Let me tell you though...I don't mind if you teach your kids that Santa is real. It's not a problem with me. I think every family has to make that choice for themselves. I just hope that people can start respecting our choice. I don't mind if you leave your comments about how you disagree with me...that's fine. Just know I won't change my mind.

On The Couch Day

Today has been a day of laying on the couch watching cartoons with my girls. This is not something I do too often, but today was that day. The Emotionalist woke up this morning around 4 am not feeling so great. Soon it followed with some not so fun activities and I soon followed in those activities. I don't know if I got sick just because I am weak and the sight of it just makes me sick or if I really am sick. After good naps some woke up feeling better and others woke up cranky! Ok so The Baby woke up cranky!

I am so thankful for my husband today! He works nights and he stayed up this morning for me. He took The Inquisitor to school. Let me take a nap. Got 7up and ingredients so he could make me and the girls homemade soup! What a guy! I am truly blessed. Now that I am starting to feel a little better he is starting to feel not so good.

So today was full of snuggle time which I do not mind every so often. And it makes me feel better having my oldest read the Bible to me. She read John 10:14&15 and said "Now that's good!"

So tomorrow hopefully I will get to my post I wanted to write for today. I had someone ask me to write about why we don't teach Santa in our house...so I will. Hope you all have a blessed day!

Tis the Season...

I sit and wonder what people really think this season is about. I am not your average person. I don't really get upset when people say "Happy Holidays". To me I see that there are lots of holidays at this time. But...I do get frustrated with Christians at this time. I do get frustrated with the world at this time. No matter what the Holiday is that you celebrate the most in your house...I guarantee that you are not focused on that holidays actual meaning. Since I am a follower of Christ, I will use the major Christian holidays for this time.

Thanksgiving

Ok so it may not be a Christian holiday...but I am going to use it. What is Thanksgiving all about? What do you do for Thanksgiving. Normally we get together with family and eat tons of food. How many people talked around the table about what they were thankful for this year? My family didn't...and I didn't even think about it until after I left my grandma's house. We normally do a thankfulness tree without girls...but I didn't even think about it this year. I had gotten too BUSY!

Now I think it is pretty well known with most of my friends that I hate black Friday. Maybe that didn't make it clear I HATE it! It's not just black Friday anymore it's become black Thanksgiving now. Instead of being thankful for what we have got we become greedy and want more. The week before people are looking in the ads and seeing what they want to get. How early they need to get up and all Thanksgiving long some people are consumed with what great things they are hoping to get the next day. We've forgotten to be thankful. Now please don't get me wrong you do get great deals on black Friday...I just wish it didn't take away so much from Thanksgiving.

Christmas

This is one holiday I think the Church has really fallen short. My children know lots of Christmas songs. We teach them lots of songs at home...but not all families share the same beliefs that we do so the majority of the songs they learn are from school. I don't think churches take enough time to really teach the children of the church what the true meaning of Christmas is. We have done a lot with our kids at home making sure they know what Christmas is about. Some of what we do has really ruffled the feathers of some. We don't teach about Santa. We don't mind if the kids pretend about Santa...but when the time comes and they ask us if Santa is real...we tell them the truth. Santa does not bring gifts to our home. Christmas for us is centered around the true meaning of Christmas. Now what is the true meaning of Christmas? Well I was shocked one day when The Inquisitor came home from school. "Mom do you know what the true meaning of Christmas is?" So I answered her with a question asking her what she thought it was. Her answer shocked me. "The true meaning of Christmas is that is doesn't matter what color you are!" WHAT?!?!? Is that really what this holiday has become? It's become anything that doesn't have to do with the birth of Jesus. I did ask her if she thought that was really the true meaning of Christmas. She said no, but still didn't want to make her music teacher wrong. The Inquisitor has been singing the songs for her program at school. The main one is "Christmas is a Rainbow." It's just makes my heart so sad. Christmas is so much more than that! The true meaning of Christmas is the coming of our Saviour! That God sent his one and only son to the Earth to die for us. I know lots of people don't understand that because they aren't followers of Christ...but how are we the Church helping them? I don't mean the Church as just the building or the leaders in that building. WE are the Church...the people are the Church. What are we doing? Are we teaching our children the true meaning of Christmas? Are we teaching them songs to help them understand what this is all about or are we letting the schools(who really have no choice) teach them songs that teach Christmas is a rainbow? This is such a frustrating time for me. I so badly want to scream at the top of my lungs...but people are too BUSY to even notice. So for the Church out there...slow down. Take some time to read about Christ coming. Take some time to listen to old Christmas songs. They've got great meaning! Take some time out to really share the true meaning of Christmas. As my picture shows...even the real Santa Claus knew what Christmas was about.

The Nativity Collection

The Nativity Collection

By

Robert J. Morgan

If you haven't gotten a Christmas present for your mom or a dear friend yet I have a great idea for one. Robert J. Morgan's book The Nativity Collection is a wonderful collection of Christmas stories. I found myself so wrapped up in this book and loved each and every story that was written. I love having Christmas stories to share with my girls at night and this book did not disappoint. If you ware looking for something filled with wonderful stories to share as a couple or as a family this is a great book! It's has a very sturdy cover and thick pages so that even if your young children do get a hold of it, it should be ok! Once again if you are in need of a last minute Christmas gift this would be a great one.

Your Long Lost Blogger

I am back. I am not sure why I waited so long to blog again. It really isn't that hard to sit down and write for a few minutes. But then again it seems like it is! Life seems extra busy for me since my husband works nights and is also going to school. A lot of times I feel like I am doing it all on my own. My husband is a great help and he does so much to help me out, but I miss my time with him. He finishes school in December so I am hoping that maybe I will start to get a little more time with him!

My girls are their normal selves. Crazy and wild! :) I love them all so much...and each one of their beautiful little faces brings me such joy. We are looking forward to adding a new little blessing to our lives in May. We don't know yet if the baby is a boy or a girl...but my guess is that it's a girl! :) Everyone else is voting boy. I guess we will see! The Baby (Who is going to need a new nickname soon.) has pink eye. Every time I look at her my eyes start to water. Her eyes are so red and watery and I guess I have sympathy eyes or something.

I hope you all have a blessed day!

Why Dreads?

So today I am sitting here having my first cup of coffee. Yes I know....how wrong is it that I am having my first cup of coffee at 1 in the afternoon. It's just such a beautiful rainy day and it feels good to have a warm cup of coffee. So I started thinking about my week I have had. It's been full of so many feelings. First I got my dreads. I was nervous and excited...they turned out great. Just what I have always wanted. But then the reality of living in a small town hit. Outside appearance is everything in a small town. I don't care what small town you live it...they are all pretty much the same when it comes this topic. I have broken the mold of what kind of hair you should have here. Most moms have a mom do. A nice angled bob. I tried that once...it just wasn't me. But what is me? I would often wonder that myself. Living a life trying to fit in with everyone else...it just never felt right. I just want to be me. And so the verses....

Judges 16:19
She made him sleep on her knees. And she called a man and had him shave off the seven locks of his head. Then she began to torment him, and his strength left him.


1 Cor 11:15
but if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For her hair is given to her for a covering.

Now you are probably more confused than ever. That's ok...I was confused about alot of this myself at one point. Now let me say here...what I am about to say is not what I believe everyone should do. I feel that this is what I needed to do for me.



I was always intrigued by the story of Samson and his seven locks of hair. Did it ever confused anyone else that he only had seven locks of hair? Well when you are a kid they just tell you that they cut his hair. They don't say that he has seven locks of hair. So when I got a bit older and read the story for myself I always wondered why he only had seven locks of hair. I had actually read a Bible study when I was in high school about Samson and in this study they hinted towards the fact that Samson's hair might have been in braids or dreads. Dreads? So this sent me on my search. I was in high school and didn't even know what dreads were! But I did look around for info. Lots of places they talk about dread being done for spiritual purposes. Those who took the nazarite vow often would wear their hair in a dread like way. For years I have wanted to do my hair in dreads. I felt that if I did my hair in dreads maybe I would feel closer to God. I mainly forgot about my wanting to do this. I thought it was probably just a stage and I would eventually get over it and not want to do it. But not true! Over the years the thought would come to me and I would think about it. Lately it's been getting to me...I wanted to do it so badly! Finally I got my husband to agree with it and now it's done.

The second verse really stuck out to me when I was doing a study on head covers. This verse sums up what I learned from the study. I am not huge on head coverings. I did enjoy wearing a bandanna every once in a while...but not for spiritual purposes. This study kind of gave me a peace, that head coverings were not needed. My hair is my head covering. I have been feeling for a long time that I should keep my hair long. But I always have and urge to cut my hair short. People always say I look great with short hair and that makes the urge even greater! So I figured if I did my hair in dreads it would take that urge away. It has! :)

Now the first few days after I did my hair I was feeling horrible! At one point I honestly wanted to take them out. I was frustrated with the looks and everyone thinking one thing or another. What I thought everyone was thinking was bothering me. Then we went on a weekend trip, just me and my husband, to LifeLight. It's a free Christians music festival in South Dakota. It was a wonderful weekend for us. Also I felt like I was just another face in the crowd. There were so many people there with so many different styles that it wasn't a big deal! I LOVED IT! It really made me think how it would be to go back home. Would I continue to let other peoples thoughts and look bother me? Or would I just trust God and trust that I did this for Him? So it really got me thinking and reminded me that God is the only one that matters. His opinion is the one that should mean the most to me. Is God happy with me? I think He is.

Book review: The Heavens Proclain His Glory

The Heavens Proclaim His Glory

A Spectacular View of Creation Through The Lens of the Hubble Telescope

When I first saw that this book was available for review I was so excited! Then when I got the book in the mail I was even more excited! It was much bigger than I thought it would be. I sat with my two oldest girls and we were all amazed by the pictures! I began to read the quotes that went along with the book and it made it even more exciting. I have been using this book with my oldest daughters homeschooling. Not only can I use it as part of science, but I can also use it for Bible time. The girls love going through it just as much as I do. They love to pick out their favorite pictures. Right now they both are loving the pictures that look like butterflies. The red star is also a favorite. There are so many great pictures and you will just be in awe of the greatness of God when you read/look through this book!

Book Review: Out Live Your Life

Out Live Your Life
You were Made to Make a Difference

BY

Max Lucado

I love books that give me a challenge! And that is what Max Lucado always seems to do. This book did a wonderful job of encouraging me to get out of my comfort zone and go do something
that will change this world. This seems to be a theme in the books I have been getting from Thomas Nelson. That is good though. Sometimes it takes God a little bit longer to get His point across. Max does a great job in showing examples of people who are just ordinary people who steeped out and made a difference. Most of the time I think "There is no way I can make a difference. I am just a mom...an ordinary mom.". He also does a great job of showing that age should not be an obstacle. Gave me such encouragement to teach my kids this at an early age. If you haven't read a Max Lucado book...this would be a great one to start with! I would recommend this book to ANYONE. I would also recommend this book for teens!

Book Review: The Butterfly Effect

The Butterfly Effect
How Your Life Matters

By Andy Andrews

I enjoyed this cute little book a lot. It was written wonderfully and really gave a challenge. What are you doing on this earth? Does your life have purpose? Are you living your life purposefully? If gave the encouragement that no matter how little our lives seem or how little the things we do seem...even the smallest thing came make the biggest impact. One thing can lead to another.

The writing is done in such a great story telling way. The beautiful pictures on each page grab your attention. It brings you into the story and makes you feel as if you can make a difference. Thank you Andy for a great read!

Book Review: The Boy Who Changed the World

The Boy Who Changed the World

By Andy Andrews

This book is "The Butterfly Effect" written for Children. I thought it was a beautifully illustrated book that gives children the assurance that they can make a difference in the world. When it seems like that world is so big it seems as if anything we do won't really make a difference. This goes though stories of those who did a very small thing that turned into a big difference in the world. This book encourages kids to do their best in every thing they do...cause you never know it might change the world!

I do think the illustrations are just beautiful! I did however feel that while reading the book it felt a bit choppy. I am not sure if it's because I was just reading a book that had Chinese characters in it before I read this(whenever there are foreign characters in a book I always read in my head with an accent). If it's because I read it off the computer (It was and e-book). Or maybe it was just not written well. I am guessing it was one of the first two, but not really sure. I would still recommend this book to read to your kids. I don't think they will even notice the choppy feeling.

The Real Jesus...From The Bible!

So I was passing the cornfields today and it made me think about Jesus. Many of you don't know how heavenly Iowa is, and I am sure if Jesus were to live in today's times he would have chosen Iowa! :) Ok...back to reality now. :) The corn really did make me think of Jesus. It made me wonder how many people really know the REAL Jesus. You know that guy from the Bible...the one who is the way the truth and the life. He said "No one can come to the Father, but through me." And then He died on the cross to make that a reality.

Now you may be thinking. Corn Jesus...I don't get it. When we lived in Asia there was an abundance of street food. Most of it is amazing and we would eat it almost every day! During one of our first weeks there I smelled this wonderful smell...it was sweet corn. Well...so I thought. The smell was great and it looked so good and then I bit into it. What did I just eat? It tasted just like field corn. There was no bit of sweetness in that corn! My hopes of having a homestate comfort was crushed. It smelled like sweet corn and it looked like sweet corn. But when it really came down to it and I finally ate it...it wasn't sweet corn! I was fooled!

How many of us are being fooled by a different Jesus? We think...well he looks like Jesus. He does things that Jesus would do. But when it really comes down to it and we read our Bible and see how Jesus is. It's not really Jesus. We are watering Him down to be what we want Him to be. A Jesus to fit our lifestyle. Have you sat down and read your Bible lately? I challenge you to do so. When you do...let me know who Jesus is.

I have had a week. It was full of stress and tears on my end. I missed last Monday and didn't get to go though my blessings. To be honest I didn't feel like I had many at that point. It's hard when you feel like you are going crazy and no one seems to be helping. But this week I am looking up and thankful for every little thing I have!

1. A friend who understands what you are going though and reassures you that you are NOT crazy!

2. For fresh berries fresh from your own little plant.

3. For a day working with my husband. Enjoying his humor and laughing non stop.

4. A movie night with my husband.

5. Going to a family reunion where you don't know half of the people. But knowing that me being there put a smile on my grandma's face.

6. Hearing my two year old TALK! Colors, body parts, names and so much more!

7. Fresh summer breeze after a hot day. Refreshing!

8. Hearing my oldest read a book to her little sister.

9. A cold diet Dr. Pepper to keep me cool.

10. His eye is on the sparrow...

Is This Wrong?

Is it wrong that I hope I get a phone call today saying that the thyroid ultrasound came back and there is a problem? I just know how I am feeling and I am not feeling right. I don't feel like myself, and everything points to a thyroid issue. I have been told that if it comes back fine I should ask if I can be given a low dose of medication to see how it works. I just want to feel like myself again and be normal! I feel like I am going crazy and a few people who are not helpful have pretty much told me this. But it was great having time with a friend who went through a similar time reassure me that I am NOT crazy! So today I guess I am just waiting...waiting to hear from the dr. Praying...Praying that God will help me through this.

Book Review: Never Let You Go

Book Review

Never Let You Go

By Erin Healy

Erin Healy has written some books with Ted Dekker. I have to admit I am not big on co-authored books so I have never read either Burn or Kiss. I do have to say that I am a huge Ted Dekker fan. I am not big on novels, but Ted Dekker and Frank Peretti have been known to get me hooked. There is something about a suspenseful novel that has to do with more than just flesh and blood. Every time I read one it really brings to light the fact that our enemies are not the people we see. It's not flesh and blood...it's something much deeper than that. We struggle with a supernatural power.

I was worried about getting this book because I don't read many novels. I was worried I wouldn't be able to stay interested in it and it would take me months and months to read. But really it only took me a few weeks, which for me is REALLY good! I was so intrigued by the story of Lexi and all the surprising elements of the story. A single mom who works late...at first it seemed like you typical story. But there were so many surprising things. An ex husband who came back. A drug dealer wanting his money the ex husband owed. And needing to testify for the man who killed her sister. A wonderful story of earthly struggles and what forces are driving those struggles. If you are a Dekker or Peretti fan you will love this book. If not I suggest you read it anyway!

Book Review: The Prophecy Answer Book

Book Review

The Prophecy Answer Book

By David Jeremiah

It was kind of funny cause I had never really heard of David Jeremiah. I am sure I had heard his name said by someone before but never really knew much about him. Well after I had gotten this book I heard his name everywhere I went.

I was excited to get this book, because a good friend and I were talking a lot about Prophecy and we had so many questions. This book was laid out so well going from current events all the way into the end times. It was great to see it but in such a clear way and clearly stating the Bible verses that went along with everything. It really helped to answer a lot of questions that we had.

To me the best part of this book was the look and size of it. It's small enough to put in my purse and easy to take out and find what I am looking for when I am talking with a friend. I think that most people who are intimidated by large books on prophecy that everything that is said in them seems to go over your head...well I think this book is for them! Simple understandable and small. Gives you the facts and the verses. Very well done!

Missed my day...

I missed maltitude Monday...but oh well. I have been having a very frustrating week or so. I was trying to find a picture that explains how I feel, and this is what I came up with...

This is a picture of my youngest daughter, but my husband says it looks like a grumpy old man. He's right! She does look like a grumpy old man and that is how I feel! I feel grumpy and frustrated at the world. I feel horrible and really all I want is to feel better. I can't even really describe how I feel. I can tell you I am exhausted, need more sleep, feel faint at times, have a lump in my throat and extremely stressed out. Now I feel angry because the first dr made me wait so long to find out any kind of results. He said the test results would take up to two weeks. Well when I went for my second opinion found out they really only take 20 mins. Now this time when they came back my levels were low. Which points to the opposite of what he was first looking for and what the first dr was looking for. I am also frustrated because the first dr made me do some tests I didn't need. I also feel like he didn't listen to anything I said. Much happier with this second dr. I am just hoping that I get some answers and get everything taken care of. I just want to feel better. I don't feel like myself...and I really just want to be me!

Multitude Monday

I am starting a new project on Mondays. I know just what I need is another project! But this one will be worth it. Multitude Monday is all about counting my blessings! I think my plan is to try and put a picture with each of my blessings. We will see how it goes! :) So 10 each Monday...the plan is to make it to 1000. I know I have many more than that!

1. A great God who is always there for me. Who loves me unconditionally

2. A Godly husband who loves, protects and guides our family! A husband who works to provide for his family!

3. The Inquisitor who keeps me on my toes!

4. The Emotionalist who reminds me it's ok to feel your feelings!

5. The Destroyer who lets me know what being a kid is suppose to look like!

6. The Baby who always gives me a smile and then a hug EVERY time I see her!

7. For friends who laugh with us in the middle of Pizza Hut!

8. For new friends made this week

9. Rains reminding us of God's love

10. Beautiful flowers sitting on my table

I Hate Going to the Doctor!

I am not a huge fan of going to the doctor. It's not that I don't go at all, but usually I but it off as long as I can. I think I may know my reasons, but that is for another day...

This year I have had my fill of being to the doctor. We have a wonderful doc, but I don't feel like seeing him multiple times a month. The baby has had many ear infections. Then she got tubes and then more appointments for ear infections. Sigh...She seems to be doing great now!

I had an appointment today and it was so frustrating. After being told that I may have thyroid problems I was looking forward to today. Being able to go over results and get this lump in my throat gone. Well turns out my thyroid is fine. Which is great...but what about this lump in my throat? So I am doing a swallowing test in hopes that we can find something out. If not....do I just live with this?

I just want to give it all to God. Pray that this lump goes away and that I no longer have to wonder why I have this in my throat. There are other symptoms I have, but this one is for sure the most annoying. I know that I have a great God. Just pray that this will all be figured out!

A Week of Silence

So my blog has been pretty quiet for almost a week now. I have been so busy with coming and going that I haven't had much time to sit down and write. I did attempt to write out my notes from Josh McDowell, but the girls kept talking to me. When I get distracted in the middle of writing something its hard for me to get back to it. That is why I probably have 20 drafts that I have never published on here. My thoughts get interrupted and then when I come back to it I can't even remember my whole reason for writing it.

Okoboji has been great. They have Life Communities that meet every morning. It's like a small group meeting. I went to the group call Kingdom-Drive Discipleship. GREAT stuff. I felt challenged in so many different ways. God really spoke to me through the leader, through the booklet and through the people I would go over the discussion questions with. One thing that really stood out to me, "Many overestimate the lasting impact of events and underestimate the power of relationships. As a result, contemporary Christianity is often a mile wide and an inch deep."

I met a wonderful woman of God the 2nd day. She is a missionary in SE Asia and is going to be doing the perspectives course in Okoboji January through April. Well anyway...I am excited because meeting her has brought a wonderful opportunity to me. I may be able to lead the perspectives for children course during this time! I am excited because this could bring so many great opportunities for me and my family. Please be praying as I meet with her on Tuesday to go over things.

Okoboji Bible Confrence

Okoboji! Don't feel bad if you are not sure how to say it. I am sure whatever you are thinking in your head...it's wrong. :) Really I only know how to say it because I grew up in the area. No it's not a Japanese name...it's Native American. I love the Bible confrence. It's a time for me to have a week of time to sit quietly, listen to speakers, having great conversations and my kids are happiliy taken care of by the wonderful nursery staff and children ministry! What a blessing to us mommies! Ok, so the conference is a blessing to more than just the mommies!

Last night I was able to enjoy Josh McDowell and it was wonderful! The girls picked my seat before I dropped them off at their class. I think tonight I will pick my own seat. They had me in the first row and I have a knot in my neck now from looking up. So tonight I will be picking my own seat.

McDowell had some great stuff to say and lots of information. If you ever have the chance to see him do it! He talked a lot about how important it is to build relationships. Without relationships how can we expect to bring people to Christ?

Today the small group I went to was about the samething! Do you think maybe God is trying to tell us something? Well this is all for now...I have two more post I want to do today! I feel a bit behind and want to share a lot with everyone today!

Five Question Friday

I am so excited! I am now taking part in Five Question Friday! It will be a great way for you to get to know random facts about me and for me to have a little bit of fun! I hope you enjoy it and if you want to join in on the fun....just click the picture!

1. Did you have a favorite blanket or toy as a kid? If so, do you still have it?

I had a dog that I named Claire Bear. Yes I realize that Claire was a dog and not a bear...but still I named it Claire Bear. I don't still have it. I thought maybe it was still at my parents house, but after looking almost every time I am there I gave up! Maybe one day it will turn up again!

2. Do you dream in color?

I am pretty sure that sometimes I do dream in color. You know those dreams that feel so real that when you wake up you feel like you are still there and that everything really happen? Well I think those are the times I know for sure I dream in color!

3. How tall are you? Do you wish you were shorter or taller?

I am 5 feet 7 inches. Right now in my life I like how tall I am. I fit perfectly with my husband who is just under 6 feet. But when I was in middle school I really want to be 6 feet or taller! I would pray every night to be taller! I don't know why I wanted to be so tall. I think part of it was I wanted to be great below the basket in basketball, but the height just didn't come to me! But I am happy with what I am!

4. If you could have anyone's (celeb or other) voice as the guide of your GPS, who would it be?

Billy Graham! I think his voice just sounds so inspirational and he would make me feel like I can find any place and would give me such peace if I were ever lost! I can just hear him... "Turn right and find Jesus!"

5. Do you return your shopping cart to the corral or leave it wherever in the parking lot?

This has a lot to do with what is going on at the time. Do I have four little girls sitting in my car? How far is the corral from my car? How are the 4 crazies in my car acting? Most of the time I try to park close enough to the corral so I feel comfortable getting the girls in and then taking the cart back. But there are just times that there is not one close enough and I am sorry...I am not going to leave my girls in the car and take it back two or three rows over. And yes I know I could drop it off before putting the girls in the car. Really? Would you want to walk through the parking lot with 4 girls ages 5 and under?

What to do...

I am not sure what my title really has to do with this post, but it worked. So welcome to my new blog. I know I have moved my blog before, but this time I did it so that I could have more opportunities with people. Seems like people don't like the other that I was using and with blogger you have more you can do with your blog and more freedom.

Today was a day spent outside with the girls. The inquisitor played with her new umbrella. She didn't seem to mind that it wasn't raining. The emotionalist was helping me pull weeds out of the sidewalk cracks. She is so funny her playing outside is helping me with yard work! The destroyer was her normal self and running up and down the sidewalk. What she was yelling I have no idea, maybe "My mom let me outside to RUN!" The baby she sat on the steps of the porch. This seems to be her new favorite place. Today she was quiet. Not normal for these days for her, but I will take it!

Now it's a quiet night, FINALLY! Although the destroyer didn't want to sleep so she is sitting with me while I type. Oh and we are also watching the newest episode of Project Runway! YES! I love this show. Maybe I love it because I would not be able to design clothes, but would love to, and so this is my outlet. Maybe I just love to watch the funny people! Whatever it is my husband and I LOVE IT!