SEEDS BEING PLANTED

Does a farmer just throw any ole' seeds out there in his field to produce a crop? 

I asked Jonathan this question this morning as he was asking about being able to do something.  My first answer to him was no, we don't want you doing that because it does not produce good fruit.  He of course said, " Why not? " So I posed the above questions for him and his answer was no a farmer does not just throw out any seed without thought to what will grow.  I then was able to explain to him that that is what God would have of Daddy and Mommy.   To think about what we let him do and what will it produce in his life.   Of course he said he thought it was fine :-) Ahh...the heart of a child.  Then we had to have the discussion of this is why God gives you parents.  

I began to think about how God has taught me and is teaching me in my life to look ahead at what will "spring up" if I choose certain things to do.  To plan carefully and thoughtfully with God's leading and help. ( For I can do nothing without Christ who strengthens me ) I was thankful!  I can be such an idea person that I would forget ( or better yet not even know to think of it )  to look ahead or count the cost.  I can also think of some people that I must have driven crazy with all my ideas, perhaps it is their prayers for me that is bringing this about in my life.  For whatever reason; I am thankful that I can impart it to my children and that God will apply it to their hearts some day the same as he has mine.  

RESURRECTION SUNDAY

What a wonderful day we had celebrating Jesus and His resurrection.   We had many friends that gathered with us and it was such a blessing.  We had hours of music about the  Risen Savior that filled our home.  I was so blessed by our company and the fellowship that we had together that I am basking in thankfulness to the Lord for what He does in our lives.  When we are far from our physical family He provides other "family" to enjoy on these special days.  

I have been meditating on the song: 

We serve a risen Savior,

( Do I live like I serve a risen Savior - I must confess..not always ) 

He's in the world today!

I know that He is living, 

whatever men may say; 

( many will say many things but God's word is Truth)

I see His hand of mercy, 

( praise God for His mercy ) 

I hear His voice of cheer, 

( Isn't wonderful to think that He's our biggest cheerleader ) 

And just the time I need Him

( which in reality is all the time I just don't always realize it ) 

He's always near

( He will never leave me nor forsake me ) 

HE LIVES HE LIVES, CHRIST JESUS LIVES TODAY

He walks with me

( may I walk with Him ) 

He talks with me 

( may I talk with Him ) 

along lifes narrow way

( the narrow way of grace through faith, not of works ; Oh how I must constantly remember that it is not of me but only of HIM ) 

HE LIVES, HE LIVES, SALVATION TO IMPART

( may I remember to share His great gift ) 

You ask me how I know He lives

( I'm so glad that people ask ) 

HE LIVES WITHIN MY HEART! 

What a difference Jesus has made/and is making in my life....all glory to HIM! For I am His workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works  ( clay in the potters hand - just plain ole dirt yet precious to God ) 

Which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. 

( may I walk in what God has prepared for me; a life of just being who I am in Christ and may the fullness of who He is overflow my cup and spill over into the lives of others) 

I STAND AMAZED IN THE PRESENCE OF JESUS THE NAZARENE!

KINDNESS

Yesterday I was reflecting on kindness.  I had purposed in my heart to stop and do all the little things that my children needed with a kind and helpful Spirit.  I noticed such fruit in our home in just a few short hours.  I'm thankful that the Lord continues to show me my heart and lead me in His way.  

CIVIL WAR RE-ENACTMENT IN PAYSON

General Lee talking with a resident

My hubby with President Abraham Lincoln

Jon and Wyatt after a hard day of battle

Mark and Jon

Justin, Jon, and Jacob

GOD IS GOOD! He provides for us and sometimes things that give us a break from everyday life and provide some refreshment.  This weekend was one of those times.  Not only did we get to enjoy living history we got to enjoy the mountains and grass :-)  

Our son Jus loves re-enacting and bringing living history to people.  About a year ago God brought this dream to pass for him.  A living history group was given a large donation that allowed them to purchase uniforms to outfit people interested in participating but could not afford to purchase everything on their own.  This would be us :-) It can get quite costly but our God has provided.  

This weekend we were able to participate again with the WeMakeHistory group in the town of Payson, AZ. It was great fun and the men/boys of my family absolutely love the opportunity.  The residents of Payson were so grateful.  What a wonderful town.  There were many older citizens there that were so full of questions and were taking pictures and telling their stories of their families.  It was quite amazing.  

Jon loves playing while we are there and Jac got to carry a musket ( there is a proper name but I'm not sure what it is ) for the first time and this is a big thrill in the life of these boys.  They anxiously await the time that they are old enough to participate in this way.  It was also very interesting to mingle through the crowd and hear the comments.  It allows them to ask many questions.  

All in all it was a good day and we give all the Glory to God.  We didn't think we were going to be able to participate this time but God once again provided above and beyond our expectations!  I have posted a few pictures....I do not have many because we are not allowed to break character and use something from the "modern times" while in costume.  So I quickly snapped some at the end of the day before everyone cleaned up. 

THE BLESSINGS OF FRIENDSHIP!

God has given us many friends along our journey to encourage us!  We are so thankful that our dear friends came to visit with us from clear across the country.  These boys have been friends since they were babies and it's so neat to see them all grow! We had a wonderful time and can't wait to see you all again! We had a great time hiking and we wanted to post some pics from our adventures.

Larry, Marci, and myself were taking a break while everyone enjoyed the rocks. 

Justin and his goofy self :-) He's going to love this!

Joseph and Jon were inseparable and had so much fun just being boys. 

What a crew!  The neat thing about this picture is that they are all standing on the rock. When we go hiking here there is just massive rocks.  It reminds me of the Lord and how He is our rock.  May each one of these boys continue to stand on the Rock of their salvation. 

Exodus 33: 17-23

And the LORD said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name.

And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory.

And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.

And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.

And the LORD said, Behold, [there is] a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock. 

And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by:

And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen.