...for sharing Christ's love

Here is a sad story of a family. We know that God is in control, and He knows exactly what this family is going through. Please join us in praying for this family. Our prayer is that they will draw close to the Lord and find comfort through Him. We also pray that they will bring glory to His name through Tyler's Hope.

As a healthy and active 7-year-old boy, Tyler enjoyed playing basketball, soccer, tennis and golf. Just like most active 7-year-old boys, Tyler enjoys sports and playing outside.

In February of 2005 all of this changed. While practicing basketball skills with his father, Tyler could not bring his arm in without it shaking uncontrollably. After multiple doctor visits and misdiagnoses, Tyler's parents were told he had Dystonia. Those original shakes have become crippling muscle and body twists.

Tyler's Hope for a Dystonia Cure is a foundation created to advance research and raise awareness about this disorder.

You can find out more about his foundation at their site, Tyler's Hope.

This family has another son and a daughter. Their daughter has recently been diagnosed with Dystonia, as well.

...for Mother's Day

What a fantastic day we had yesterday! The morning started out quietly. I was snuggled and hugged and just given lots of love by 5 sets of arms!!

The night before I had started the recipe for breakfast, but the family took over in the morning for a scrumptious breakfast!!

We had:

Blender Pancakes: which were made with our own homemade buttermilk)
Sausage: from the pig we raised last fall)
Scrambled Eggs: from the chicken-ladies we have out back!

In the afternoon, we went out for a Mother's Day lunch/dinner with Grandpa Ron and Grandma Sweetie.

After this, we had to go by the garden center - which is when I received my present. Well, I didn't actually receive it, but I was told about it. The kids (with Dad's help) are going to buy me a patio furniture set of my choice. How excited I am!!!

Once home again, we visited over bowls of ice cream, and then played a game of Stare.

I pray that you Moms out there had a splendid day, as well. I am truly, truly blessed and so thankful for the family that I have - God is so incredibly good!!

***********************************************************

...for giving

I want to introduce you to a wonderful ministry. You can read their statement of fatih here. For more information about their ministry you can email them and/or sign up for their newsletter here.

I was introduced to Only a Servant last year while looking for modest clothing for Marlee. As many of you know, finding modest, feminine clothing, even for your young daughters is proving to be more and more difficult every day. We have searched high and low for dresses and skirts for Marlee to wear for every day. Sure, you can get some fancy dresses for special occasions that are modest, but it seems stores just don't sell your every day play dress any more.

One branch of Only a Servant is Dorcas House. Here is the description of Dorcas House from the Only a Servant website:

These skirts are sewn by Christian sisters from the John 3:16 Church in Nava, Mexico. Your purchase provides an opportunity for the ladies to help support their families while still caring for their children. The "Dorcas House" where the ladies sew is located within walking distance of the church and many of their homes.

With all the sewing that has been going on at Dorcas House, they are in need of an industrial-strength serger. They have received donations and/or have been able to set aside approximately $600.00 of the $1800.00 needed to buy the machine they need. Would you consider giving a donation today?

To view the delightful, modest, feminine dresses and skirts they have to offer please visit Babz Girls. This is the site that has the dresses/skirts currently for sale, as well as ordering information.

If this is a ministry you would like to help with - and I so hope you do because we have purchased many an outfit for Marlee through this site, and would like to continue doing so - please send your check to the following address:

Dorcas House
PO Box 700155
San Antonio TX 78270

Many of you may be wondering what is in it for me? The answer is nothing, other than helping a ministry that is in need so that we can still have a wonderful place to keep our young daughter in pretty, modest, feminine apparrel for several more years.

Thank you in advance for seriously considering making a donation to this wonderful, wonderful ministry.

Blessings to you!!

...for entrepreneurship

What do you get when you add a young lady with a vision, a candy machine, and a pop machine?




Well, a young lady with a horse, of course!!




...and now for the rest of the story!

Marlee is a saver and an investor. She began saving her money from the beginning. Any bit of cash she made through odd jobs or received through gifts was immediately placed in her savings account.

An opportunity arose about two years ago for her to purchase a candy machine. (She and David actually purchased them together.) They went to several different businesses to evaluate how much traffic the stores received and whether or not the candy machines would do a good business. They took into consideration other candy machines already on the premises, as well as your typical snack machines. After deciding on where they would place the machines, they approached the business owners to ask permission.

The business owners were delighted with these young entrepreneurs (duh, they are cutest kids you have ever seen!), and agreed for them to have their candy machines placed in the businesses. Every week, the kids would go down to the stores, check the machines, clean them, and empty the change boxes.

After tithing, they would take their proceeds and place them in their savings account. Their Dad helped them keep track of the bookkeeping side of things.

After a year or so, another opportunity arose. This time for a pop machine. The kids were consulted, but David wasn't too thrilled with having to fork out the amount of cash that it would take to buy the machine and fill it. So, Marlee had a big decision to make. Did she use up most of her profits for this new solo venture, or did she pass it up? She chose to take the risk.

The pop machine does much, much better than the candy machines, and Marlee has been dutiful to save, save, save. In a little less than a year, she saved up enough money to buy her own horse! She looked through all the want ads she could get her hands on. She (along with Mom and/or Dad) looked on Dream Horse. She made lots of phone calls! A friend of hers (Hi, Abbey!) sent her a check list of questions to ask sellers, and ask them she did!

We took her to see a couple of different horses, but they just weren't the ones. Eventually, she came across a fine horse. We went to see this horse, and have Marlee ride him. He is older, but very well trained. He is an excellent horse for her to start on. He is very responsive, and has excellent ground manners. He doesn't know his name, but hey - that's okay!

After returning home, and 'talking business' with Dad, she was given permission to contact the seller. She called the gentleman that had the horse for sale, and she wheeled and dealed. She made an offer, he gave a counter offer, and they decided to meet in the middle. Her Dad did help with the finalization of the sale, but for the most part Marlee did everything herself.

We are thrilled, she is happy, and for all this we give all the glory, honor, and praise to our Lord for a wonderful daughter and for allowing Bart to join our family!

...for little girls and tea parties

The celebration of turning 10 continues at our home. Marlee had some friends over for a tea party today. Victoria and I had a fun time putting everything together, and the girls had a great time visiting!

Enjoy the pictures! (...and remember, the kids LOVE comments!)

A bit of dancing before the tea:


Our trustee Matre'd for the day:


The table is set:


The Young Ladies being escorted to their seats:




David giving the blessing:


The wonderful buffet:

A toast:


Fun fellowship:


Birthday blessings:


Gifts from Grandma Julie and Grandpa Jack (David was just as excited as Marlee!):


A special gift from a very special 'too-far-away' friend:


Bye all!:

...for birthdays

We cannot believe that we have had 10 wonderful years with our Ms. Marlee-girl!! It doesn't seem that long ago when we welcomed her into our arms!!!

As has become tradition in our family, Marlee got to pick a place to eat for her birthday dinner. She chose the China Buffet, and we were joined by Grandma Karen and Grandma Sweetie and Grandpa Ron.

It was a fun evening celebrating!!

...and now for some pictures!!!








The following picture captured what had to be my very favorite part of the evening. Marlee was opening the gift that David bought for her. She had just finished reading the card aloud. Here is what the card said:

(Outside) This birthday card can only be opened by a terrific Sister!!
(Inside) See?

...and David added the following note on the inside: "Happy Golf Day!, I mean Birthday! I will love you with all my heart forever! Love, David"

This really, really touched my heart to see, again, the bond these two share. David also drew some pictures on the inside of the card, he was explaining the pictures to Marlee in this picture.

...for trusting

We are often asked about our parenting practices - especially in regards to our daughters. Most of those we know cannot understand our desire to instruct our daughters in being keepers at home and to use these years of singleness to develop an intimate relationship with the Lord. However, we know that now is the time for the Lord to build a strong foundation in their lives while they are not directly responsible for others.

We have been blessed with two very charming daughters.

Our oldest daughter is a lovely 17-year-old young woman. Here she is having some fun at Christmas:




Our younger daughter is a beautiful young lady of 10 (tomorrow *smile*).



Our journey with the Lord started just a short eight years ago, however, He has been merciful in blessing us with two young women that seek Him daily. It is our desire to follow His plan, and to trust that He will see it to fruition for wherever the path leads.

Yes, we like our daughters to look feminine and modest. Yes, we want our daughters to feel well-equipped to manage their own homes one day. Yes, we want our daughters to see that right now is the time to serve their family. Yes, we want our daughters to remain pure in heart and flesh for the one God has chosen for them. Yes, we want our daughters to pursue the highest calling there is for women...that of wife and mother. ...and yes, we want them to do all this with the Lord Jesus at the center of their thoughts, motives, and heart.

This is contradictory to the world. This is contradictory to how both my husband and I were raised, and how we began raising our oldest two children. However, God is good. God is amazingly merciful. God has truly transformed our minds so that we can live for Him. A new pattern is being set in our family. A multi-generational pattern. We thank the Lord every day for the renewing that has been going on in our household.

We trust Him for everything. We trust Him with our daughters. We trust that by following His word and His desires that He will see our daughters through.

People may not understand. People may not agree. However, we will only answer to One.

Here is a beautiful example of raising maidens of virture. Grab a tissue, you will need it!!

...for focus

There are some seasons, I have learned that are ongoing. Such is the season of our walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. While every day our hearts and minds should be focused on the Lord...I know there are times of growth, times of reflection, times of rebellion (to a degree), times of peace, and times of trials. These are just a few of the ways the season may seem a bit different, but still be ongoing.

This week is Holy Week. This time of year, every year, we are given the opportunity to spend more time focusing on the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I am no theologian, nor will I be writing tomes. I am just a simple, every day kind of person that has tasted, felt, and seen the mighty wonders of our Father and His Son. I have been washed in the blood. I have been made righteous. I am now a daughter of the King. I am imperfect and a wretched sinner, but by the grace of God, through the work of Christ, I am clean. I am holy. I am a saint.

Do you know this truth for yourself? Have you, like the Psalmist, tasted and seen that the Lord is good? Are you blessed by trusting in Him?

Every day is a gift. He alone knows when our days will be no more. What are you doing with this precious gift? Are you using it for His glory or your own?

This should be a time of great celebration, with no end. Every day, every year should be a celebration that we have been redeemed! If our celebration lacks luster, if we get caught up in the day-to-day trials, if we for a second forget that He is Lord, may this time of year rejuvenate us. May we make the adjustments necessary so that once again our vision is clear, and we are focused on our Lord.

Blessings.

...for holidays

Yesterday, as I was browsing the e-cards at www.familylife.com, I came across the following Valentine's Day Card. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. For the full effect, you'll need to head over to their e-card section and 'watch' it.

A Valentine may play a love song for you,

but God sings you the sweetest song in the universe.

The LORD your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing."

- Zephaniah 3:17

A Valentine may give you flowers,

but God sent you the most beautiful rose of all, Jesus.

I am the rose of Sharon, And the lily of the valleys.

- Song of Soloman 2:1

A Valentine may take you out to dinner,

but God has invited you to the most amazing feast ever given.

Then he said to me, "Write: "Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!"' And he said to me, "These are the true sayings of God."

- Revelation 19:9

A Valentine may bring you chocolate,

but God provides you with something even sweeter, His Word.

How sweet are Your words to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth!

- Pslam 119:103

A Valentine may be far away,

but God is always with you.

...teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.

- Matthew 28:20

A Valentine may give you something,

but God has given you everything.

Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.

- 1Timothy 6:17

A Valentine may love you for a lifetime,

but God loved you before you were born and will love you for all eternity.

The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying: "Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.

- Jeremiah 31:3

Praying you're blessed by the wonderful love of God this Valentine's Day and always!

...for love

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and for me, I didn't always look forward to it because my birthday (which is very near to Valentine's Day) took precedence (how is THAT for self-centeredness?). Now, I reflect on Valentine's Day as a reminder for our call to love one another.

Today, during my quiet time, I was going over the 'Love Chapter' and testing myself on how well I have loved...and how well I have been lovable.

Let's review 1 Corinthians 13 as I reflect on how well I have done:

Love suffers long and is kind - ahh. I have failed here more times than I can count. I am still learning the virtue of patience, especially with my dear family. Also, sad to say, I am not always kind, to my husband or my children. God is still working with me, and each day, I am a bit closer to not letting situations quench the Spirit within me!

Love does not envy - This one I have improved in from my former self!...my prayer here is to teach my children to rejoice when others succeed, especially their siblings. To feel the complete joy in seeing someone else accomplish something and not thinking, 'I wish that could be me!'.

Love does not parade itself, is not puffed up - This one, also, is more a part of the personality God gave to me. I am rather shy, and would prefer for someone else to be in the spotlight.

(Love) does not behave rudely - I think this one goes along with 'Love is kind'..when I am not being kind, I am being rude...and I can be quite rude at times, though the times are fewer and fewer these days. Praise the Lord!

(Love) does not seek its own kind - I'm not sure what this one means, exactly. However, if it means that love would like to see others excel at our expense, than yes, I am doing well here...most of the time. *smile*

(Love) is not provoked - ....it's a verse like this that makes me ever so grateful for the Holy Spirit...on my own, I am easily provoked...especially by careless words spoken by family. However, I have been on the opposite side of this equation, so the times I have felt provoked are seasoned with the realization that I have been the button-pusher myself!

(Love) thinks no evil - Again, I have noticed great changes in my thinking since coming to the Lord. Where before I would think of all types of revenge on a person, now my first thought (most of the time) is to pray for them. God is so incredibly good!

(Love) does not rejoice in inquity, but rejoices with the truth - I can say amen to this one! I no longer rejoice in inquity, and I always rejoice when the truth is proclaimed! There is a funny story here, but I will save that for another day! (ahhh...that will keep you coming back, eh?).

(Love) bears all things - I am learning this! Again, I feel this ties in with being patient, but it also stands on it's own for dealing with people and circumstances where extra grace is required.

(Love) believes all things - This is where I have to take every thought captive! There are times when I hear the enemy whispering, twisting God's promises, and I have to shut that off and stand on the Word alone. I do believe, Lord, help my unbelief...these are words I have spoken and/or thought at times.

(Love) hopes all things - My hope alone is in Jesus Christ and His death, resurrection, and ascension!

(Love) endures all things - In our society, there is truly very little we have to 'endure' as believers...compared to believers around the globe. I pray I would have the faith to endure whatever the Lord allows to be put before me.

Love never fails - Oh, the sweet, wonderful good news in those few words! Love, the Father of love, never fails. Through Him and in Him we can LOVE as He has loved.

This Valentine's Day, why not take the time to walk through the 'Love Chapter' and do a self-evaluation? Remember and rejoice in who the Father of love is...and bring glory to His name!

My next step? To ask my husband and my children how I am doing shining forth the love that is working in me.

May each of you feel the love of our Savior, not only on Valentine's Day, but every day.

Now for some pictures of love at our house:

Her bubble was being invaded just a little bit....

...and our Marlee-girl just delights in her brotherly bubble invasion!

Dad and Mom can't be left out!

(...and no, the kisses aren't because I was sharing the funnel cake *smile*!)