Little Signs & Quotes

Random Pictures

I have some pictures I haven't downloaded until now. Enjoy.......

Chet & Kelli's pregnancy photo shoot

Chet & Kelli's new home

Kaitlyn at Runnings...dreaming again about owning a Gator!

 Kristina & Kaitlyn at Olive Garden for lunch

 Kristina with her favorite coffee drink

Kaitlyn writing to Leighton. See the BIG smile?

The Beauty of Courtship

As I consider the lessons God has taught me over the years, I wonder when I’ll learn that I have so much left to learn! The journey each Christian takes has many ups and downs—many twists and turns; and, often, we begin to think we understand the way, without knowing what lies ahead. It’s an exciting journey and we should learn to look forward to the exercise of faith that is part of the Christian walk.


The Bible may be our living GPS system, and the path God has us on doesn’t change; still, the landscape, the surroundings, and the people on the road with us do change. Therefore, we need to learn to walk by faith, being flexible enough to understand how to apply that unchanging road map to real, moving, organic life.


Over the last ten years, our convictions regarding courtship, marriage, and family have changed drastically and has continued to shape and fine tune the way those convictions are worked out in our own family, we have realized with increasing clarity how each family and each child within the family is amazingly unique. Therefore, so many things are fluid.


Amidst the growing pains, we have been humbled as God has reminded us of His amazing providence and power. No, we are not in control; God is. He knows what is best for us—and He will be glorified by it!
The definitions of betrothal vary drastically— even to the point of some folks meaning an “arranged marriage” when they use the term. We believe the word betroth is a valid and strong word, even if it needs a clarifier. One online dictionary defines it this way:


“A mutual promise, engagement, or contract for a future marriage between the persons betrothed…”[Middle English bitrouthen : bi-, be- + trouth, troth (from Old English treowth]


“To promise by one’s truth.” In other words, to give one’s word.


To me, the term *engagement*, communicates a date on the calendar. The focus is the wedding, rather than the marriage. While there is nothing wrong with using the term engagement, you may also hear us use the term betrothal because of its focus on the promise of marriage—the anticipation of the two becoming one.


And while a betrothal is a promise, we also acknowledge that two parties are involved, and some things are beyond our control. Therefore, things don’t always work out the way we hope or intend. While a betrothal is in a sense a promise, it is not a marriage—the two have not yet become one. If there is some significant reason the two should not marry, there needn’t be a divorce; because, in our country, they are not married—they are not legally bound to one another. Again, some things are beyond our control; but, they are not beyond God’s power. We trust Him.

Courtship is another word that is difficult to define. I think if we define courtship as a “semi-engagement” then we may be asking for trouble. I do wish there was a better word than “courtship,” as this means so many different things to so many different people. But courtship, as our family defines it, would best be described as the “deliberate pursuit of marriage.” Motive matters. It doesn’t mean that it will always end in marriage, but marriage needs to be the goal, not perpetual romance. When young people guard their hearts, they’re using discretion, and this is a great protection, as well as a biblical trait for any Christian.

We hope you understand that while we believe that the way we define courtship and betrothal is a good way, based on Scripture, for unmarried couples to honor and enter marriage in purity, it is not the only way it can be properly worked out. Therefore, we humbly submit to you our thoughts, asking that you compare all we say to the Word of God, remembering that there are no formulas:


The Bible gives us many prescripts, but not as many processes. God’s Word presents a number of concepts on how men and women are to relate to one another, as well as how they might prepare themselves for marriage; but it is certainly not a cookbook. While I don’t see a “biblical formula,” I do see biblical principles that will help our children move toward marriage in purity.


So, the way our family chooses to live out these precepts is just that – our choice. It is our application of the biblical precepts found in Scripture. This is not a new law for you. You may choose a very different path with your family and your children – and that is fine with me. I do not see a “one-size-fits-all” model in Scripture for courtship. Each family’s version will look different – and it may even look different from child to child. It has in our family!


In our family betrothal is a promise between a man and a woman to marry. The concepts of courtship and betrothal may seem foreign to some—archaic, and constricting. In a culture where marriage is redefined to include perverted homosexual unions, where recreational dating and “hooking up” is the norm, and where couples divorce because they “fell out of love,” courtship and betrothal may seem old-fashioned and strange.


Against the postmodern mind stands the authoritative Word of God. As a Christian family, we strive to make sure that the way we live and think is directed by the Words of Scripture. Of course, we often fall woefully short, but God is gracious to help us learn from the mistakes and sins of the past – to live more faithfully today. And, Lord willing, our children will learn to live even closer to the mark than we have.
Most of us did not understand courtship when we were young. Perhaps, like me, you had never even heard of it. We grew up in a world where dating numerous different people, sometimes at the same time, was part of growing up. “Going steady” a few times, and “breaking up” a few times, were expected rituals.


As Christian parents, we wanted something more for our children. Therefore, we began to pray, research, and listen to testimonies of faithful Christian parents who we knew were traveling a different path with their children than the mainstream dating crowd.


Courtship
In our home, courtship is a structured period where a young man and a young woman learn about one another within the natural setting of family and fellowship—in the midst of children, normal laughter, conversation, and even conflict (and how it’s resolved).


One-on-one relationships are notorious for the “rose colored glasses” syndrome. A family offers background, conversation—and protection. Not that courtship is a fool-proof method of “discovery” about the other party, but it is certainly more accurate than the dating culture of modern America.


During the courtship period, the young man must decide if he in fact can love this woman as Christ loves the church. Can his heart safely trust her? Is she indeed a virtuous woman whose worth is far above rubies? Will she make a good helper to him and a good mother to his children?


And the young lady must decide if she in fact can respect and submit to this man as unto the Lord. Will he be a faithful provider, protector, lover, and father to her children? Is he a wise or foolish man? What of his character?


Are they theologically aligned? Are they likeminded in areas of importance? Are they in agreement on major life issues? Courtship is not a time of fluttery romance and unrestrained emotion. That time will come soon enough.


We encourage each party to remember that the other may in fact be someone else’s (future) husband or wife. Part of learning to love the other is to spur one another on to good works and self-control – faithfulness to the Lord. During this time, the couple prays for the Lord’s will and the emotions are held in reserve as much as possible.


Obviously, as the courtship progresses, the affection and friendship between the two will surely grow as a sign of a healthy relationship, but the true romance has not yet begun; therefore emotions should be guarded. It is still a time of “discovery,” and both parties should pay close attention to the character of the other, as it is revealed in daily life.


How does the young lady react when her father asks her to do something inconvenient? What is her response to disappointment? Is she helpful? Does she have a modest demeanor? Is she flirtatious?
How does the young man respond to his mother? Are there signs of an anger problem? Is he too forward? What is his reaction to noisy siblings? Is he a hard worker?


Betrothal
As time goes by, and as relationships grow, the character of each is likely to be revealed. And, should the young man decide that she is “the one” God has for him; he approaches the young lady’s father, asking for her hand in marriage. If Dad feels the match is a good one, he gives his permission to the young man to “win her heart.” The young man is then free to propose to the young lady, and the decision is up to her.


If the young lady has also come to believe that she can love and honor the young man as the church should Christ, she accepts his offer of marriage and offers her heart in return. And thus the betrothal begins—a time when they develop a mature and holy love for one another. Romance blossoms. They grow together emotionally and hearts are bound together.


Yet still, it’s a time of physical restraint as they look ahead to that coming day of matrimony. That first touch of affection—that powerful moment is saved for the glorious day God has ordained for them—the day they begin their life together as husband and wife.


Again, this is our attempt to apply the precepts of the Word of God to courtship and marriage. We willingly offer our understanding of Scripture and share our lives with you as a testimony of God’s grace in our lives, not as a “rule” or “burden” for anyone to follow.


We watched recently watched a DVD called To Be One, by Peter Telian, a young man who put together a documentary detailing three distinctly different courtship stories from beginning to end. Each family had obvious theological differences, as well as significantly different lifestyles. Their goals for their children were similar, and the young couples were equally committed; yet, each family was very unique in its approach to preparing for marriage.


We found ourselves agreeing with various things each couple/family shared, which just goes to show you that no two families are the same—and we can learn from one another whether or not we agree. I learned a lot from each of the testimonies, and found the perspectives of both parents and children before and after marriage to be helpful. 

I'm back from hibernation........

I'm sorry I haven't been very faithful in posting on here. So much has happened since I posted last. Some good, and some not good. 


On March 26th, my dear sweet Momma passed away. She struggled and suffered so long. While I'm happy that she is finally at peace and pain free, I miss her terribly. For several weeks after she left us, I would go to the phone to call her to see how she was, only to realize, I could never talk to her again :o( It's been a hard time but I have the assurance she is safe in the arms of Jesus.


In April, we had a beautiful litter of seven yellow Labrador puppies. They are so sweet and so much fun. We are praying that the remaining three will find forever homes.


May brought more good news. Our oldest daughter and son-in-law bought their first home. It's a 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom split level. They are having fun setting up their son's room and preparing for his birth the end of June. 


June has brought some really special news. A wonderful, godly young man has asked to court Kaitlyn. He is a farmer/rancher in Nevada. They have been spending a lot of time on skype and the phone talking and getting to know each other. Michael and I are in awe of God's goodness. Leighton  seems to be everything in a suitor we have prayed for Kaitlyn. Our whole family is flying out to Nevada to meet their family. Needless to say, both families are very excited!! 


This month also brings the end to my homeschooling career :o) Kristina has graduated and we will be celebrating that milestone this weekend. We're having her party at the lake so we are praying for good weather. We are so proud of her. 


Well, that's my update. God is good. We love serving Him and watching Him do mighty things in and though our family!


Soli Deo Gloria!!

The newest member of our family

Meet *Emmie* our 5 month old little (or not so little), English Bulldog. Isn't she cute? She is the sweetest little girl. She has a great personality and it is a lot of fun. The girls plan to show her in AKC dog shows starting next month.

I'm going to be a G*R*A*N*D*M*A!!!

The happy Daddy & Mommy to be!

Last Sunday evening we met our dear daughter, Kelli & her husband, Chet for dinner. Kelli handed me a gift bag from Anthropologie. She said she got me something for my kitchen. As I looked through the bag, I found a newborn *onesie* in it! I was moved to tears and just so happy. They told us they were EXPECTING!!! We are thrilled beyond words. Our new little grandbaby will make his/her appearance the end of June. Praise the LORD for this precious gift!!!

Driving Miss Kaitlyn

Today we took Kaitlyn to Willmar to take her permit test and she *PASSED*!!!!!!!! Needless to say, she is beyond excited to start this new phase of her life. We let her drive the 30+ miles home and she did a very good job!

Undeserved Grace

This past week Michael and the girls were asked to sing at our local Museum. We were so suprised to see the newspaper people there taking pictures and asking questions. It was a perfect opportunity to share the love of Christ with our community and the media. Michael made sure to let them know that God gets all the glory for the beautiful gifts of music He has blessed Michael and the girls with.

Special Family Times

Back when our children were little, we thought we had to spend lots of money and do really *BIG* things to have fun. We realized that is the worlds way of thinking. We can have fun doing little things, without even spending any money at all. This past weekend, proved that once again.

Kelli and her husband, Chet came to spend the night with us. We talked, laughed, played volleyball, football, and lawn jarts. We did some target shooting, watched their new puppy play in the swimming pool, had a BBQ, played cards, went for a drive down to a nearby park where we enjoyed looking at the beautiful water falls. The best part of all, it was all FREE!!!!

We did splurge and go get ice cream cones at Mc Donalds for under $7.00 :o) When was the last time you took the time to really enjoy your family? You don't have to go into debt to have fun. You can make beautiful memories right at home........for free!

Table for Two

Our family loves to thrift shop and find special little treasures. Once a month a fun shop about two hours from us called Gypsy Lea's, opens her doors for all of us. Her store slogan is; Antique, Unique, Vintage, and Shabby Chic...Recycled Repurposed, Repainted, Revamped...Something For Every Room, Mood, And Decor!! A couple of months ago, I found this little table. It was tucked away in the back room with things piled high upon it. My eye spotted it, and I knew it had to come home with me! Then last week, we went back again, and there, in that same back room, were the perfect chairs to go with my little table. They came home with me as well :o) Anyway, as much as I love this store, the owner, (Jamie), and my new little table & chairs, I am reminded of a story I read awhile back that is also titled *Table for Two* It speaks of our relationship with Jesus. Are you meeting with Him on a daily basis, or are you always putting Him off? I have to admit, I am not always as faithful at spending time with Him like I should. Maybe now that I have this little table & chairs in my kitchen, I will meet with Him more often and have a cup of tea and a nice chat with my dearest friend. I hope you will do the same! Here is the story. I pray it speaks to your heart.

Table for Two

by Kirsten Burgess

 He sits by himself at a table for two. The uniformed waiter returns to his side and asks, "Would you like to go ahead and order, sir?" The man has, after all, been waiting since seven o'clock--almost half an hour.



"No, thank you," the man smiles. "I'll wait for her a while longer.


How about some more coffee?"


"Certainly, sir."



The man sits, his clear blue eyes gazing straight through the flowered centerpiece. He fingers his napkin, allowing the sounds of light chatter, tinkling silverware, and mellow music to fill his mind. He is dressed in a sport coat and tie. His dark brown hair is neatly combed, but one stray lock insists on dropping to his forehead. The scent of his cologne adds to his clean cut image. He is dressed up enough to make a companion feel important, respected, loved. Yet he is not so formal as to make one uncomfortable. It seems that he has taken every precaution to make others feel at ease with him. Still, he sits alone.


The waiter returns to fill the man's coffee cup. "Is there anything else I can get for you, sir?"



"No, thank you."



The waiter remains standing at the table. Something tugs at his curiosity. "I don't mean to pry, but..." His voice trails off. This line of conversation could jeopardize his tip.


"Go ahead," the man encourages. His is strong, yet sensitive, inviting conversation.


"Why do you bother waiting for her?" the waiter finally blurts out. This man has been at the restaurant other evenings, always patiently alone.

 Says the man quietly, "Because she needs me."


"Are you sure?"


"Yes."

 "Well, sir, no offense, but assuming that she needs you, she sure isn't acting much like it. She's stood you up three times just this week."


The man winces, and looks down at the table. "Yes, I know."


"Then why do you still come here and wait?"

 "Cassie said that she would be here."


"She's said that before," the waiter protests. "I wouldn't put up with it. Why do you?"


Now the man looks up, smiles at the waiter, and says simply, "Because I love her."


The waiter walks away, wondering how one could love a girl who stands him up three times a week. The man must be crazy, he decides. Across the room, he turns to look at the man again. The man slowly pours cream into his coffee. He twirls his spoon between his fingers a few times before stirring sweetener into his cup. After staring for a moment into the liquid, the man brings the cup to his mouth and sips, silently watching those around him.


He doesn't look crazy, the waiter admits. Maybe the girl has qualities that I don't know about. Or maybe the man's love is stronger than most. The waiter shakes himself out of his musings to take an order from a party of five.


The man watches the waiter, wonders if he's ever been stood up. The man has, many times. But he still can't get used to it. Each time, it hurts. He's looked forward to this evening all day. He has many things, exciting things, to tell Cassie. But, more importantly, he wants to hear Cassie's voice. He wants her to tell him all about her day, her triumphs, her defeats....anything, really. He has tried so many times to show Cassie how much he loves her. He'd just like to know that she cares for him, too. He sips sporadically at the coffee, and loses himself in thought, knowing that Cassie is late, but still hoping that she will arrive.


The clock says nine-thirty when the waiter returns to the man's table. "Is there anything I can get for you?"


The still empty chair stabs at the man. "No, I think that will be all for tonight. May I have the check please?"


"Yes, sir."


When the waiter leaves, the man picks up the check. He pulls out his wallet and signs. He has enough money to have given Cassie a feast. But he takes out only enough to pay for his five cups of coffee and the tip. Why do you do this, Cassie, his mind cries as he gets up from the table.


"Good-bye," the waiter says, as the man walks towards the door.


"Good night. Thank you for your service."


"You're welcome, sir," says the waiter softly, for he sees the hurt in the man's eyes that his smile doesn't hide. The man passes a laughing young couple on his way out, and his eyes glisten as he thinks of the good time he and Cassie could have had. He stops at the front and makes reservations for tomorrow. Maybe Cassie will be able to make it, he thinks.

 "Seven o'clock tomorrow for party of two?" the hostess confirms.


"That"s right," the man replies.


"Do you think she'll come"" asks the hostess. She doesn't mean to be rude, but she has watched the man many times alone at his table for two.


"Someday, yes. And I will be waiting for her." The man buttons his overcoat and walks out of the restaurant, alone. His shoulders are hunched, but through the windows the hostess can only guess whether they are hunched against the wind or against the man's hurt.


As the man turns toward home, Cassie turns into bed. She is tired after an evening out with friends. As she reaches toward her night stand to set the alarm, she sees the note that she scribbled to herself last night. "7:00," it says. "Spend some time in prayer." Darn, she thinks. She forgot again. She feels a twinge of guilt, but quickly pushes it aside. She needed that time with her friends. And now she needs her sleep. She can pray tomorrow night. Jesus will forgive her. And she's sure he doesn't mind.

Class of 2011

Yesterday, our sweet Kaitlyn entered a new phase of her life. She is now a high school graduate! She will soon become a college student. She has prayerfully decided to take online classes to become a Certified Family Herbalist. She loves researching, learning, and nutrition, so this is a perfect choice for her. Not only will she be helping herself, but she will be helping her future family to eat healthy and also rely on natural remedies rather than going to the Dr. for everything. We are so proud of her. We're looking forward to what the Lord has in store for her and her future. CONGRATULATIONS Kaitlyn, WE LOVE YOU VERY MUCH!!!!!!!!!!

Graduation Invitation

 

*Pretty as a picture!*

*Say, CHEESE*!

*Great Accomplishments*

Musical Blessings

Today, Michael and the girls had the privilege of singing and playing music for the nursing home where Michael works. It was Volunteer Appreciation Day. The residents there were so blessed. I loved watching the joy the music brought to their faces. I thank the Lord many times for the musical gifts He has placed in my husband and children. I joke and tell the residents that the only thing I play is the radio! That always gives them a good chuckle.

A Christian Response to Earth Day

For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse (Romans 1:20)

A Christian Response to Earth Day

(By Doug Phillips)

All men are religious because all men have an object of worship. All men have faith in something. In the end, men will either worship and serve the creature, or they will worship and serve the Creator. But they will worship something.

In the 18th century, many began to worship the mind. The religion of that day was rationalism. In the 19th century, this god morphed into scientism. But science failed to provide the answers to ultimate questions. The men of the 20th century looked for a more immediate solution to the problems of humanity — they chose to worship the State. This failed. Statism proved to be a harsh taskmaster. In the absence of any real solutions from rationalism, scientism, and statism, men fixed their attention on a new god — or rather, an ancient God that just needed a new facelift. That god is the earth.

21st-century men are earth worshippers. They are sanitized pantheists. Of course, they don't call themselves pantheists or earth worshippers, but religious devotion to the material world is the essence of this modern faith.

This religious devotion to the material world as god comes in many shapes and sizes, but it has become ubiquitous in our culture. The new pantheism is at the heart of the green movement. It is reflected in the priorities of Hollywood, in the agenda of politicians, and in the curriculums of the government schools. It is found in the marketing campaign of Madison Avenue, in the reality TV shows of cable television, and sadly, even in pulpits across the nation. The worship of the creation has become a defining undercurrent in our culture, even as it is reshaping many of the cultures of the modern world.

And this is one reason why this Friday, April 22, millions of people (perhaps billions) representing the countries of the United Nations will stop to celebrate the high holy day of this religion as they pay homage to the earth God. Of Earth Day, evolutionary anthropologist Margaret Meade once explained that:

EARTH DAY is the first holy day which transcends all national borders, yet preserves all geographical integrities, spans mountains and oceans and time belts, and yet brings people all over the world into one resonating accord, is devoted to the preservation of the harmony in nature and yet draws upon the triumphs of technology, the measurement of time, and instantaneous communication through space. EARTH DAY draws on astronomical phenomena in a new way — which is also the most ancient way — by using the vernal Equinox, the time when the Sun crosses the equator making the length of night and day equal in all parts of the earth. To this point in the annual calendar, EARTH DAY attaches no local or divisive set of symbols, no statement of the truth or superiority of one way of life over another.

Should Christians care about the earth? Not only must we care about it, we have a holy duty to engage the earth. The difference between the objectives of biblical Christianity and radical environmentalism can be found in the religious assumptions of both groups.

Four Lies of the Radical Environmentalist Movement

With Earth Day comes billions of dollars worth of environmentalist propaganda driven by their religious worldview. Some of the themes you can expect to hear repeated this year include the following:

The Earth Is Our Mother: The very expression “Mother Earth” is popular parlance in our culture and reflects the old pagan longing to worship the physical world. Modern environmentalists, with their devotion to the idea that man is just another life-form to spring from the womb of the earth on the evolutionary journey of life, speak openly about earth being the mother of man.

Human Life Has No Greater Intrinsic Value Than Animal Life: The notion that man is an insignificant blip in the universe and that our planet is almost as insignificant as man is an oft-repeated concept of the modern environmentalist movement. Radical environmentalists complain about the carbon footprints of humans, and the sin of “Speciesism” — man discriminating against lower life-forms.

The Greatest Crisis Facing Humans is the Despoiling of the Earth: From the media campaigns of former Vice President Al Gore, to the film agenda of Avatar, radical environmentalists want you to believe that the single greatest problem facing humanity is the environmental destruction of earth.

Absent a Radical Shift in Private Practice and Public Policy, the Environmental Crisis Will Lead to the End of Life on Earth: Modern pantheists care deeply about the future. One thing is clear: Radical envioronmentalists have their own eschatology. They see the end of the world coming because of nuclear waste, global warming, the loss of rainforest in the Amazon, or any of a host of perceived environmental hazards.

Four Christian Assumptions About the Earth

The Earth is Witness to the Power and Authority of God the Creator Who Alone

May Be Worshipped: The Bible teaches that the very existence of the earth is a reminder to all men of the eternal power and Godhood of Christ, so that they are without excuse (Romans 1:20). It reminds us that as long as the earth continues, the promises of God will remain faithful (Genesis 8:22; Deuteronomy 7:9). Significantly, the Bible warns us that the consequence for man rejecting the witness of creation is that he worships creation itself (Romans 1:22-25).

The Earth Was Made for the Glory of God and the Benefit of Man Who Was Made the Pinnacle of Creation and of Infinitely Greater Value than Animals or the Earth Itself: Man is the pinnacle of creation and has more eternal value than the earth or any of the creatures who live on it (Psalm 8:5). Man is not a carbon footprint; he is the image-bearer of God. This means that the most "insignificant" human life (insignificant only in the eyes of man) is of inestimably greater value than that of a blue whale, a snail darter, a spotted owl, a mountain, or a tree.

The Earth Has Been Placed under Man who Has a Moral Obligation to Subdue it and to Exercise Wise Stewardship over the Earth: Man is God’s appointed steward on earth, and his core mission is to be His agent of dominion over it. Toward this end, God has placed all things under man to be used for his benefit and to be carefully stewarded and cultivated for God’s glory. “Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet” (Psalm 8:6).

The Earth is Not the Problem: The reason why the earth suffers is because of man’s sin that has plunged the earth into judgment. Man brought death and judgment to earth. In fact, the whole creation is groaning and waiting redemption (Romans 8:22-23). Despite the righteous judgment of God on earth, He is merciful and promises the continuation of the seasons and the fundamental stability of the planet until the end of time (Genesis 8:22), at which there will be a new heaven and new earth (2 Peter 3:13).

Conclusion

All men are religious because all men have an object of worship. In the end, they will worship and serve the creature, or they will worship and serve the Creator. But they will worship something.

Earth Day, and the radical environmental movement that spawned this high holy day of pantheism, are at war with the Gospel because they perpetuate false worship. The Christian response to the idolatry of Earth Day might be reduced to this simple thought: Jesus Christ is the Creator, and He alone is to be worshipped. He created man as the pinnacle of creation and determined that humans would be the only part of creation to be made in the very image of God, and that man as the image-bearer of God would rule over the earth.

On a practical level, this means that Christians need to stop allowing the radical environmentalist movement to define the issue. We must cease from being the tail and become the head on the question of our duties, privileges, and responsibilities vis-a-vis creation. The Bible has a great deal to say about our use of the resources of the world and our relationship to the earth. Of all people, Christians who honor the Creator should have a passion for creation. We are losing the debate through subversion, silence, lack of vision, and because of the Christian community’s fear of the God-ordained, perpetually valid, creation precept called “The Dominion Mandate.” This mandate directs man is to rule over the earth, subduing it and taking dominion over it for his benefit and for God’s glory. Implicit to the Dominion Mandate is the duty of man to cultivate, wisely manage, and carefully steward the planet.

Finally, man’s problems will never be solved through the elevation of human reason, the power of science, or the interventions of the state. Nor will rescuing the biosphere of planet earth save man or ensure him a future on this planet. You cannot save the earth. But human beings can be saved. And the only hope of salvation is found in Jesus Christ — the Creator! It is this Creator through whom we live and breathe and who by the very power of His word holds the worlds together. He will someday establish a new heaven and a new earth and will bring all of His people into Glory.

Twenty Years!

Yesterday, Michael and I celebrated 20 years of marriage. That in itself is a miracle! Marriages today, even between Christians, don't last. We are so grateful to the Lord for keeping our marriage strong. I am very thankful for the loving, faithful, godly husband the Lord has blessed me with. I love you Michael!

Guess who was born *48* years ago????

............ME!

I can't not believe I am the age that I am, but it's true, SIGH! I still feel like I'm 18. Thankfully, I am much wiser than I was at 18. (At least I hope I am). I've received lots of phone calls, emails, and cards today wishing me Happy Birthday. How sweet for so many people to remember me. I feel loved! The best gift I ever received was when I was 33. God, chose to open my spiritual eyes and ears to His truths and called me to be His child. I have been following Him for the last 15 years and it just keeps getting better all the time. Thank You, Lord, for loving me and giving me life!

It's been a long time

It has been over two months since I've posted. I really wish I would have journaled all that has gone on over the last four months so I could always remember it. However, I didn't, so now I will have to just go from memory. I will try and be more diligent in my writing.

It was the beginning of October and once again North Carolina was the main topic of our conversations. We have been talking about NC for the last three years. We had been out there a few times and loved the area. We really felt drawn there. We wish now, we would have listened to our hearts and moved there before we bought this house. Moving here, was a mistake. God is in the business of taking our messes and changing them into something good, so we know it's only a matter of time.

Our nightly devotions usually ended in prayer for wisdom and discernment about moving to NC. One of our daughters was totally on board, the other, not at all! We just prayed for God to soften her heart and be open to change. He did, and she is :o)

We decided to step out in faith and make plans toward the goal of relocating to NC. We had a couple of garage sales in October and sold everything we wanted to sell and then some! The girls decided to sell their horses and they sold in one day for double the price they bought them for. We sold our van, and 4 of our dogs. We were trying to downsize to prepare for our move. We even had a woman from our garage sale ask us if we were selling our home. We told her we were. She is very interested, but not ready to buy at this point.

After we came back from our visit to North Carolina in December, we decided it was time to put our house on the market. We did in mid January. We are waiting for the Lod to send the right buyer at the right time.

In the mean time, while we wait, we have been going through things. Downsizing as much as we can. Selling furniture, giving things away, getting the house in order. The wait is hard, but we know in the end, it will all be worth it.

Off we go into the wild blue yonder...........

Tomorrow morning we are headed to North Carolina for 6 days. We will be staying with Michael's cousins. We're really looking forward to leaving the cold, snowy, midwest to visit the warm southeast!! Lots has been going on here. God is moving in our lives in a MAJOR way and it's all good!! We are looking forward to visiting a new church and meeting a wonderful Christian realtor who is helping us find a home out there.

Until next time....be blessed!

Birthday Fun!

Like I said in my last post, we were going to be celebrating Kaitlyn's *18th* birthday. Well, we did and had a wonderful time!! Kaitlyn was so surprised that three of our favorite familes came out to help celebrate. We had a yummy BBQ.  They all played volleyball, sat by the bonfire, and the best part of all, they had a major bluegrass jam session. Kaitlyn got to play her brand new mandolin. Thank you everyone for making this a special day for Kaitlyn. Enjoy the pictures :o)

Blessed!!

Tomorrow we will be celebrating Kaitlyn's *18th* birthday. How on earth has 18 years already went by? Wasn't it just yesterday that we were on the way to the hospital to have our baby?

As I sit here and reflect on the past 18 years I am reminded of how very blessed I am. Blessed to be a Christian. Blessed to be married to a wonderful, loving, godly husband. And, blessed to be the Mother to three beautiful daughters. Thank You, Lord, for these gifts. May I never take them for granted!

Happy Birthday to my precious girl. I love you Kaitlyn!!

Early Morning Visitors

I was awake this morning before anyone else, so I quietly slipped downstairs and started a pot of tea. As I was filling my teapot, I happened to glance out the kitchen window. The sun was not up yet, so it was still a little dark. As I looked out the window, I noticed something moving by our woods. At first I thought one of our dogs got out of their kennels. I continued watching and noticed it was 2 deer! A momma and her fawn. I went upstairs and woke up Kaitlyn to come and see. She grabbed the camera and took some pictures and a couple videos. The two deer were joined by two more. They ran, jumped, and played in the yard as we quietly watched from the window. I love living in the country! It is so amazing to be a part of God's glorious creation. (Sorry that the pictures are a little dark and fuzzy. It was still pretty dark out and we couldn't use the flash against the window.)