BLESSED ARROWS

Inspiring Quote

2011-07-22T05:42:00.000-07:00

I happened to read this this morning and felt
that perhaps others would be as encouraged
also. There are times when our lives are over-
whelming yet God is not bound by our earthly
cares for He is above all. As Gideon sought
God to assure himself that this is truly what
God desired and that God would be with Him,
may I also seek God and His word to be re-
minded that He is Always with me and He is
my source of strength.....for without Him. I
can do nothing.

When You Need to be Strong

I look at the days ahead and wonder what they hold.
Don't we all?
And then these words make their way to my heart:
"Go in the strength you have...am I not sending you?"
Judges 6:14

We don't have to...
wait to overcome our weaknesses,
complete the ten point improvement plan,
figure everything out.
The strength we already have is all the strength we need.
Because we have a limitless God within us who loves us.
As is.
And He promises to stick by us.
All the way.
-Holley Gerth

WOW! ANOTHER YEAR!

2011-05-25T17:20:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to our wonderful son Jac. It's hard to believe that another year has gone by already! We are so very proud of you and absolutely love having you. You know.........you were truly a gift to us. We know that it was only God's preserving your life that we get to enjoy you today. God used your life to change ours and we are so thankful He did. When I look at you I see God's goodness! Keep growing in grace and knowledge of our wonderful Savior Jesus as His plan for you unfolds.
With all our love and blessings,

Dad and Mom

Ministy of Motherhood

2011-05-23T05:20:00.001-07:00

I am so happy to begin a study through the book called Ministry of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson with Good Morning Girls. The past week we have jumped in and began meditating on a few passages that have really encouraged my heart in this area of my life. At times I need reminded of one of the areas of stewardship that God has given me by placing children in my home. I truly desire to be faithful in this area for and with the Lord and know that it is only in the Lord's strength that this can be accomplished. When life gets busy I don't want to lose focus of the souls that are in my care. I love what was said today about intentional parenting or intentional anything for that matter :-) I once heard this quote that went like this: if you aim at nothing you'll hit it everytime! Well, nothing is certainly not what I desire to hit but do I pray, plan, and purpose in this area of motherhood. This is what I desire to improve.......to be more intentional in raising my children in the nuture and admonition of the Lord. I am sure the Lord will teach me much......He always does!

Here's a link if you are interested or need the encouragement too:
http://www.goodmorninggirls.org/ or http://www.womenlivingwell-courtney.blogspot.com/

Flair

2011-05-23T04:57:00.000-07:00

Flair

Happy Valentines Day!!

2011-02-14T05:06:00.000-08:00

Love/ Charity....continued

Beareth all things,

believeth all things,

hopeth all things,

endureth all things.

Charity (Love ) never faileth:

Well..... I have come to the end of my meditation on these wonderful verses. I hope you have been blessed by meditating on them also.

God has reminded me from 1 Corinithians 13 that I can have all kinds of "things" and do all kinds of "things" yet if I have not love/charity it profits me nothing. That's convicting. May I continued to be compelled by the love of Christ!

Love....continued

2011-02-12T19:17:00.000-08:00

1 Cor 13:6

Rejoiceth not in iniquity,

but rejoiceth in the truth...

Love continued :-)

2011-02-12T05:05:00.000-08:00

1 Corinthians 13:5b

...seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

This is very hard for me not to comment on these posts because God is stirring in my heart but I'm stilling my lips (fingers ) in an effort to still my heart before God and allow Him to work His will in me.

Love........ ( 1 Cor 13 cont. )

2011-02-11T04:34:00.000-08:00

Doth not behave itself unseemly

Love continued...

2011-02-09T19:49:00.000-08:00

charity ( love ) vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up....

Love Continued.....

2011-02-09T04:49:00.000-08:00

1 Corinthians 13:4..
charity envieth not....

LOVE

2011-02-08T20:13:00.000-08:00

Charity suffereth long, [and] is kind....

As I ponder Valentine's Day I can't help but think upon the

description of love that we find in God's word. The word

Charity can also be translated love. This week I want to just

meditate on what God's view of love is. I often think of the

verses about "loving" kindness or "tender" mercy and

they make me pause and ask myself.....can I be kind

without being truly loving or can I be merciful yet not

be tender. If I am honest the answer to both of those is

a resounding yes! Thankfully the Lord is all of these and more.

As I post the rest of these verses pertaining to God's description

of love there will be no more words just a meditation and

evaluation of my own heart before the Lord.

Cherish the Moments!

2011-01-19T18:12:00.000-08:00

This video clip spoke directly to my heart and my desire to not let the moments slip by without noticing the true gift that I have been given at any moment. Yet, my agenda can creep in from time to time or even other's and it's reminders like these that I need to nudge me to take a fresh look! Enjoy the video and hug your children just a little closer...watch with wonder the gift that God has given you. I can't wait to read this book.

The Angels Are Coming.........

2011-01-13T04:14:00.000-08:00

At least he's our little angel :-) hehehe....

Yesterday we had snow! I was in the house working on some things and my dear hubby was outside with our littlest son. In he comes looking for the camera and out he goes to take his pictures. He's a total landscape picture person so I figured he was taking pictures of the snow. I look out the upstairs window to see him directing our son to make a snow angel and him with camera and ladder in hand to take his picture. It was truly precious! He climbs up the ladder and starts snapping pictures of "his little angel". Later on that evening he told me his idea for our blog post so I just had to post this for him. He's very creative and has some wonderful ideas...plus he takes great pictures!

Here's another he took.....

HAPPY 19th BIRTHDAY TO OUR DEAR SON JUSTIN!

2010-12-30T05:23:00.000-08:00

Wow! It seems like just yesterday that we welcomed you into our lives.......I'll spare everyone the details of each precious moment :-) Having a baby is an incredible gift and there are such special and fond memories of you Justin. We waited oh so long and were so thankful when you came into our lives. You are a special young man now and we enjoy being your parents. Your tender spirit and caring ways are a joy to us! We celebrate you and the person that God has created! We love you tremendously!

With all our love,

Dad and Mom

Ahh........what wonderful memories!

Happy Birthday Jus!

Snow!

2010-12-17T06:54:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures of the snow that our children took. Thought you'd like them.

What a beautiful bird that showed up for food.

It isn't much snow but it is pretty and peaceful.

Some birds taking advantage of the feed we put out. We have so much fun watching them.

There is such a sweet and peaceful serenity that comes over the land when God sends His snow. I am often reminded of the cleansing that takes place in each believer when they believe upon the Lord Jesus.

Romans 10:9

It's Been So Long :-)

2010-12-17T06:37:00.000-08:00

Well......it has been quite awhile since I have posted........life, blessings, and things that the Lord gives keeps us busy doing other things but it is nice to jump back in once in awhile.

This morning as I was reading the scriptures in the Gospels regarding the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. I was just reminded of a simple thing:

Without the birth of Jesus
there would be no death for me

Without the death of Jesus
there would have been no
resurrection for me

Without the resurrection
there would be no eternal life for me.

I had a heart filled with gratitude for the sacrifice
that was made for me!

Don't you just love it when the Lord sweetly reminds you of His love for you!

New Design

2010-07-27T19:40:00.001-07:00

Thought I'd change things a little.....What do you think? We love books!

Celebrating God's Gift

2010-07-27T19:17:00.000-07:00

Today was our dear youngest son's birthday! What a blessing to spend the day celebrating a life that God created and knitted together. Every time we celebrate a birthday in our home it reminds us that each one of us are fearfully and wonderfully made by God. It's a time to reflect on the gift that God has given and to be thankful!

We began our day by having a special breakfast out......it was very good and very fun. He also got to shoot BB Guns with J. At dinner, as we were waiting for our guests, we were asking Jon if he minded waiting and he said......no, it's not about the cake anyhow it's just good to have fellowship. Wise words from a 7 year old. I will have to remember that myself....it's not about the stuff it's about the fellowship.

One of his biggest joy's was that his older brother called and had the whole team sing to him. He smiled ear to ear.....thanks Justin!

Happy Birthday Jonathan! We Love You!

Where O Where does the time go? They sure grow up fast.....Life is truly but a vapor!

No Greater Joy

2010-06-26T04:18:00.000-07:00

3 John 1-4

The elder unto the well beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

This morning I was meditating on these verses. God's Word is so incredible. Perhaps it's because our first born has been traveling away from us for the first time or since God has worked in my heart as a parent this has been my desire: that my children walk in truth. I can remember praying this for my children since they were little. This is an action word, walk. There comes a time, when God chooses, that they have to walk. We cannot do it for them and when they do it brings my heart great joy. The other thing I noticed about this passage was in verse 2. The desire or wish is that we may prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. This tells me the soul can prosper without physical prospering because of the Lord. Paul said God's grace was sufficient for him even when the thorn in his flesh was not removed and it is sufficient for me today. I have been amazed at how well we have all done with J leaving for the summer. I know that it is only God's grace because we love being together. It has also been such a blessing to hear from afar how the Lord is working in his life and that he is walking in truth. Now don't get me wrong..there have been tears shed and many prayers gone up but God has been faithful.

HAPPY 16th BIRTHDAY!

2010-05-25T04:50:00.001-07:00

Well.......I am just full of reflection this morning! Today is Jacob's 16th birthday. Where does the time go? It seems like just yesterday we held this precious baby in our arms and now he's growing into a wonderful young man. We are so thankful for the gift of children. Some of you may not know that after Justin we were told we would/should not have anymore children. Yet, God had other plans. God changed my heart through my husbands desire and now we have a terrific 16 year old son that we enjoy so much, along with his other siblings.

Jacob.........We love you very much and are proud to call you our son.

I know you'd like this to be of you in a car Jacob but do not fret my son....your time will come.....for to everything there is a season :-)

Too cute! Memories are wonderful things :-)

Hopefully today I will figure out how to post a slide show but until then enjoy these pic's.

MERCY

2010-03-17T18:40:00.000-07:00

I had the wonderful opportunity to travel to the Ladies Prayer Advance in Virginia this past weekend. What a blessing to be encouraged in the Lord and grow in grace . One thing that really stood out to me this year was a message on Mercy. The definition given was that Mercy is the willingness to enter into someone elses pain for the sake of their good. It reminded me of the times in life that I needed someones mercy and someone entered my pain for my good. It also made me think of the times of discouragement that people face and to ask myself how can I be the face of Jesus to them? How can I extend mercy? I was reminded of this poem that I had read and thought I would post it as an encouragement for you.

Lord, Prop Us Up!

The old man in the church thanked God and asked for help and then closed his prayer with this unusual petition, “And, Oh Lord, prop us up! Yes, prop us up on our leaning side.”

When I researched that story, I found that the old deacon’s response when asked why he always prayed that prayer, was, “Well, sir, you see, it’s like this…..I got an old barn out back. It’s been there a long time; it’s withstood a lot of weather; it’s gone through a lot of storms, and it has stood for many years. It is still standing, but one day I noticed it was leaning to one side a bit, so I went and got some pine poles and propped it up on its leaning side so it wouldn’t fall. Then I got to thinking about that and how much I was like that old barn……I’ve been around a long time: I’ve withstood a lot of hard times, and I’m still standing too, but I find myself leaning to one side from time to time, so I like to ask the Lord to prop us up on our leaning side ‘cause I figure a lot of us get to leaning at times.”

IT'S A BLIZZARD

2010-02-06T16:15:00.000-08:00

Wow! Look at all that snow! Everyone is enjoying it very much. We can not believe how much is out there! I heard my dear hubby saying to his dad that they didn't have to save ALL the snow just for us :)

Here's some pic's.

Little J helping shovel

Dad arriving safely with the boys trying hard to get him in the driveway!

Having fun!

MJ shoveling!

Bigger J handling the snow blower!

Holiness

2010-01-22T11:19:00.000-08:00

I read this post on a blog that I follow this morning. It was such an encouragement to me that I wanted to pass it on. So with permission of the owner of the blog lifeinskunkhollow.blogspot.com I am passing this on. My prayer is that it encourages you in your walk with our Lord.

Thanks Julie!

Holiness

"I learned early on that to be "set apart" is not a punishment; it is not an attempt on God's part to deprive us or to condemn us to a cheerless, joyless lifestyle. It is a priceless privilege - it is a call

* to belong, to be cherished, to enter into an intimate love relationship with God Himself, much as a groom declares his intent to set his bride apart from all other women to be his beloved wife

* to fit into the grand, eternal plan of our redeeming God for this universe

* to experience the exquisite joys and purposes for which we were created

* to be freed from all that destroys our true happiness."

". . . Sooner or later, sin will strip and rob you of everything that is truly beautiful and desirable. If you are a child of God, you were redeemed to enjoy the sweet fruit of holiness - to walk in oneness with your heavenly Father, to relish His presence, to rejoice in His mercy, to know the joy of having clean hands, a pure heart, and a clear conscience, and one day, to stand before Him unashamed. Why settle for anything less?"

-- Nancy Leigh DeMoss, Holiness - The Heart God Purifies

Little Boogers

2010-01-15T07:34:00.001-08:00

For all those mom's out there that need a chuckle I decided to post a mom moment in our home this morning....One I think only a mom can appreciate. Our littlest son is suffering from a very stuffy nose and we usually have him " play in the rain " better known as taking a shower and then blow his nose really well afterwards to get out what we call great goobly gops. A definite home vocabulary! Well, as he was getting out this morning, I proceeded to help him with his "great goobly gops" and he said, " there's probably not much, I took care of it in the shower." Of course I didn't let my oooooohhhh show but said, " that's good but next time let's wait for the tissue". You just have to love the little boogers :-) no pun intended!

IT'S SNOWING-HOW PRETTY

2009-12-31T06:07:00.000-08:00

The excitement over God's creation from the mouth of a child!!!!! I love to see their little eyes light up and the joy that they experience. As little J came running into the room this morning with a loud proclaimation...." IT'S SNOWING" it brought a smile to my lips and a thought to my heart....Lord, may I maintain that excitement of your creation also.

The folks around here tell us they will give us our excitement this year only since we haven't seen snow in so long.........what graciousness they have extended to us and we are thankful :-))) Isn't it funny how what can grow old to some can be so new and exciting to others.

We Made It !!

2009-08-01T05:39:00.000-07:00

We have arrived at our destination after 4 long days of travel. God provided some wonderful times along the way and I am very thankful! I think my favorite was Cracker Barrel in the coolness of the evening, sitting on their porch and playing checkers. The Grand Ole Opry was a neat side trip also. The bigger boys and myself got to shoot off the beaten path and do a drive by the Grand Ole Opry and stop for some quick pictures. It was a lot of fun even though it only lasted about 30 minutes.
We will post more pics to show you some high lights of our travels but for Diane.....Bristol, TN was just gorgeous! :-)
For now I must order my things as well as I can to try and function out of boxes for a while :-)
cg

Traveling

2009-07-25T06:14:00.000-07:00

Hey all,

Now we have been traveling, but it feels like we have been travailing. : )

After a rough day yesterday we made it safely to Las Cruces. We hope to make it to Oklahoma City today which is a pretty long drive but we should make it. We had a rough day yesterday because I-10 had a crash in between Tucson and Phoenix so we had to take a detour through Globe. Which was very mountainy. So we only got around 25 miles an hour in the truck. : )

We are off. A long drive is ahead of us!

WE'RE MOVING!

2009-07-13T08:44:00.000-07:00

Thankfully this won't be our mode of transportation but I thought it was an incredibly cute picture. It is always sad to move on to another place because God has so faithfully supplied all your needs wherever you live and that includes good friends. Thankfully friendship is a state of the heart and not a geographically location and if those good friends know the Lord Jesus as their personal Savior then we will have all eternity together. How great is that? It could be sooner than we ever imagined!

For now God is giving us green grass and trees and yes snow, we can't have everything all the time :-)

Carrie

Wash Line :-)

2009-06-06T17:36:00.000-07:00

Little things can bring such joy! My family blessed me with a retractable clothesline for Mother's Day. Where we live my clothes dry in 30 minutes or less. It is amazing and a great way to save money. Not only that, it is just a little bit extra exercise that I don't usually get. ( Not much I know but it is some :-)

Ahhh...the simple things of life. My friend Val told me that if all my neighbors hung their wash out perhaps we'd get more rain :-) It gave me a good chuckle. If that's what it takes I might consider going door to door.

Here's a little clothes line bag I made out of a child's shirt. It was very quick and easy and oh so cute. Marci...I posted this just for you because I knew you'd really like one. The picture isn't that great. My boys tell me all the time to turn off the flash. Someday I will learn but in the meantime this will do. I think I'm learning to enjoy the simple things in life. Some things I have taken for granted like hanging out clothes and it's been almost 4 years since I have been able to enjoy this. Thank you so much to my dear dear hubby and best friend who thinks of wonderful ways to bless me!

Jacob's Birthday!

2009-06-06T17:21:00.001-07:00

Wow! Jacob is 15. I used to really not like the fact that my children were growing up but God has done such a work in my heart in that area. It has become a time of excitement for what God has for them as they look to God for guidance and direction. It reminds me of a flower that you have tended and groomed and now it's time to bloom.

We are thankful we got to celebrate the life that God has placed in our home with our dear friends in Yuma. What a blessing and we had a wonderful time. They took Zachary canoeing and we got to join in on the fun. Praise God for the times of fellowship He gives us.

Zachary and Jacob both celebrated their birthdays together!

Here's Katie trying to get a good picture of the action :-)

Zachary, Katie, and Justin lighting some candles

Jonathan ready to canoe.

Pizza Anyone?

2009-06-06T17:15:00.000-07:00

What fun watching little hands work! I just love when I can get in the kitchen and have helpers at the same time. We were making our delicious sour dough pizza recipe that my dear friend shared with me. Thank you Marci :-)

Wildman Phil

2009-05-22T07:28:00.000-07:00

We had the privilege of attending a reptile show at another homeschooler's home this week! We had a blast and I just love to see my hubby and children enjoy themselves so much. Here are some pic's:

This is Jacob holding a Python!

Justin holding a python!

This just needs no explanation :-) There is a reason they call him Wildman Phil

A tarantula!

Jonathan was just amazed!

We truly enjoyed ourselves. I even touched the snake which was very brave for me. Thank you so much Candice for doing this.

We learned a lot!

Funny Things

2009-05-06T08:44:00.000-07:00

"You Losey" That's is what Jonathan asked us today :-) Do you want to play You Losey? After a chuckle we figured out that he meant Parcheesi. His new favorite game.

In life.......I certainly don't want to play "You Losey" but sometimes we must lose to win. It's not always worth winning an argument or getting my way at a moment in time but it is about being molded into the image of Jesus in what ever situation I am in.

SEEDS BEING PLANTED

2009-04-21T08:39:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-13T09:43:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-10T11:30:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-06T08:28:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-04-01T07:32:00.000-07:00

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.

More pic's of Jus and Jon

2009-03-19T16:20:00.000-07:00

JONATHAN CAN RIDE A TWO WHEELER!

2009-03-19T16:10:00.000-07:00

Justin taught Jon to ride a two wheeler. I'm not sure who's more proud of their accomplishment, Justin or Jonathan??? It is so fun to watch them learn new things.

PIANO RECITAL

2009-03-19T15:48:00.000-07:00

Jacob had a piano recital the other night. He played a duet with Mrs. Roy...a wonderful piano teacher and truly gifted musician. They did a great job. A clip is posted below for those grand parents that would love to see :-)

Sickness continues but sweetness prevails

2009-02-26T10:56:00.001-08:00

Well........
We are still battling sickness here. Poor J was really sick but one of his pleasures while being sick is the personal DVD player that helps occupy some of the time in bed. He was so funny when he woke up and sick and just finished emptying the contents of his stomach he said, " Yes!, I wanted to get sick...now I can watch movies." ( a prvilege he gets only when he's sick) Well about halfway through the day when he was still emptying the contents of his stomach and not being able to keep things down he said, " I don't like being sick anymore."
Isn't this so like us.......sometimes the things we desire leave us feeling empty (no pun intended).
The other wonderful thing is that even though I have lost a lot of sleep God has given me a wonderful servants heart to sweetly take care of J while he's not well. As mom's we know that this is sometimes hard but God is faithful to supply our every need even in times like these. I can irritated about loosing sleep or changing my plans or I can have a heart to accept the day the Lord has given me and rest in Him.
J wants everyone to know that he is much better and now he has the privilege of being with the family again.....big smiles and lots of energy! Amazing how quickly they recover!

Hidden Blessings of Sickness

2009-02-22T16:13:00.000-08:00

For the past few days I have been in bed with a stomach bug and even though this was not fun it was a time of rest. In fact it was more rest than I have had in a long time and I must say that was a blessing. Today, being the Lord's day, my family went off to church and I had to stay behind so as not to bless those around me with something they might not want. While I was home I watched two of my favorite teachers on line and was very encouraged! God gave me two things to chew on and one was that I can either have the God of All comfort or I can have the comforts of this world. One leaves us empty the other sustains us. I really had to question what I wanted in my own heart and the Lord did show me that at times I wanted the comfort of this world more. It is a challenge that I will continue to put before me to help evaluate what I am choosing to do. God also encouraged me with a message on David, A Man After God's Own heart. The teacher said that even though David was not perfect there were some things in his life that pointed to evidence for why David was a man after God's own heart. The points were that it started with a personal relationship with the Lord, then a hunger for God's word ( Psalm 119:15-16 & Psalm 105 ), a prayer life ( Psalm 5:3 ) and how David said he would eagerly watch what God would do, he placed his faith in God when he faced difficult times, he had a strong desire to obey God ( he could have taken Saul's life at certain times but chose not too )..he'd rather be obedient than be a king, he had a heart of humility and a spirit of a servant. These really encouraged me in my walk and gave me much to think about. One of the questions that really got my attention was this: What is there in my life that I'd rather have than obey God? Outwardly we can look so obedient yet be so far from the Lord in our hearts....Praise the Lord, He is always working on the behalf of His children and it is His desire to grow us into His likeness! I am thankful He shows me these things and doesn't leave them lurking....now may I be stirred and changed not just stirred! That is my prayer.