Just a funny note. I googled "russian mullet" and came across this fabulous blog post. Check it out if you want a good laugh.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
The russian mullet
Ezra totally has a russian mullet. We think it is super cute so I just thought I would share it with everyone:)
Just a funny note. I googled "russian mullet" and came across this fabulous blog post. Check it out if you want a good laugh.
Just a funny note. I googled "russian mullet" and came across this fabulous blog post. Check it out if you want a good laugh.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Until we meet again...
Saying goodbye is never easy. Especially when you are saying goodbye to very dear friends.
I am sad for myself to see the Lopez family leaving, but I am very excited for them and all that God has in store for their lives. Sometimes following God's call on your life leads you out of your comfort zone and into the unknown... but ultimately being in His will is where you want to be.
Our last visit was great. The weather was beautiful and the kids had a blast playing outside all day, the cake was delicious, we got to enjoy a live concert:), and I got to hug Madelyn's neck one last time.
May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
May God be with you and bless you:
May you see your children's children.
May you be poor in misfortune,
Rich in blessings.
May you know nothing but happiness
From this day forward.
May the road rise up to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the warm rays of sun fall upon your home
And may the hand of a friend always be near.
May green be the grass you walk on,
May blue be the skies above you,
May pure be the joys that surround you,
May true be the hearts that love you.
I am sad for myself to see the Lopez family leaving, but I am very excited for them and all that God has in store for their lives. Sometimes following God's call on your life leads you out of your comfort zone and into the unknown... but ultimately being in His will is where you want to be.
Our last visit was great. The weather was beautiful and the kids had a blast playing outside all day, the cake was delicious, we got to enjoy a live concert:), and I got to hug Madelyn's neck one last time.
May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
May God be with you and bless you:
May you see your children's children.
May you be poor in misfortune,
Rich in blessings.
May you know nothing but happiness
From this day forward.
May the road rise up to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the warm rays of sun fall upon your home
And may the hand of a friend always be near.
May green be the grass you walk on,
May blue be the skies above you,
May pure be the joys that surround you,
May true be the hearts that love you.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Another Blessing...
Yes, we are expecting baby # 5!
We have known for a while (I'm about 11 weeks along), but I have had some reservations about announcing the news. Of course we feel thrilled and excited about another sweet little baby, and we are so thankful that we have the love and support from our family and friends. However, I must say that the general public is not a great source of encouragement. Unfortunately we live in a society that, for the most part, is not very big family friendly. For that reason I think I have felt the need to protect myself more than ever from the negative comments, because in just a simple trip to the grocery store I get bombarded with things like, "boy, you really have your hands full!", "are they all yours?", "better you than me", "don't you know how that happens?", and so on and so forth. Why do strangers feel the need to make these unnecessary, unwanted comments? I try to respond as politely as possible without letting my annoyance show. I just REALLY don't want any comments about the Duggars or a church van because either one might be the straw that broke the camels back!
Moving on. I just noticed that it's been about a month since my last post and I'm sure most people have given up on my blog by now. I was so motivated in January, but this month I have just been trying to make it to the end of each day with the extreme morning sickness and fatigue that I have been feeling. I am open to any suggestions that anyone might have on improving my energy level:) We have been reading a biography on Daniel Boone this week and his wife, Rebecca, had 10 children. This is a quote from the book " In Rebecca's day, a woman made all of her family's clothing. She prepared every meal. When she wasn't cooking or sewing, spinning or weaving, she fetched water from the well or stream, chopped wood for the fire, churned butter, molded candles, cleaned the house, tended the garden, fed and cared for the livestock, planted and reaped the fields, cared for the children, and tended to the sick. Plus she had to be an excellent shot. Who else would hunt if her husband was gone?" Good grief. I am not a pioneer woman. How did she do it all? They certainly were tough. Rebecca was especially tough because Daniel would be gone some times for months at a time. At one point he was gone for 5 years! I guess she just did what she had to do. I am just trying to make sure the dishwasher gets loaded and the laundry gets washed! We are almost finished with our second reading of the Little House series and the whole way through I am so amazed at the determination of the pioneers and their unwillingness to be defeated. I need to capture some of that pioneer spirit!
The daydreaming has already begun. Will it be a boy or girl? Who will the baby look like? What will the birth be like? etc. So far we only have a girl name:) But a friend told me that every time she had a definite name for a boy or girl, she would always end up having the opposite! So who knows, but it is all very exciting, like waiting to open a present!
So, the secret is out! Now we just wait, pray and prepare to meet our next little blessing!
We have known for a while (I'm about 11 weeks along), but I have had some reservations about announcing the news. Of course we feel thrilled and excited about another sweet little baby, and we are so thankful that we have the love and support from our family and friends. However, I must say that the general public is not a great source of encouragement. Unfortunately we live in a society that, for the most part, is not very big family friendly. For that reason I think I have felt the need to protect myself more than ever from the negative comments, because in just a simple trip to the grocery store I get bombarded with things like, "boy, you really have your hands full!", "are they all yours?", "better you than me", "don't you know how that happens?", and so on and so forth. Why do strangers feel the need to make these unnecessary, unwanted comments? I try to respond as politely as possible without letting my annoyance show. I just REALLY don't want any comments about the Duggars or a church van because either one might be the straw that broke the camels back!
Moving on. I just noticed that it's been about a month since my last post and I'm sure most people have given up on my blog by now. I was so motivated in January, but this month I have just been trying to make it to the end of each day with the extreme morning sickness and fatigue that I have been feeling. I am open to any suggestions that anyone might have on improving my energy level:) We have been reading a biography on Daniel Boone this week and his wife, Rebecca, had 10 children. This is a quote from the book " In Rebecca's day, a woman made all of her family's clothing. She prepared every meal. When she wasn't cooking or sewing, spinning or weaving, she fetched water from the well or stream, chopped wood for the fire, churned butter, molded candles, cleaned the house, tended the garden, fed and cared for the livestock, planted and reaped the fields, cared for the children, and tended to the sick. Plus she had to be an excellent shot. Who else would hunt if her husband was gone?" Good grief. I am not a pioneer woman. How did she do it all? They certainly were tough. Rebecca was especially tough because Daniel would be gone some times for months at a time. At one point he was gone for 5 years! I guess she just did what she had to do. I am just trying to make sure the dishwasher gets loaded and the laundry gets washed! We are almost finished with our second reading of the Little House series and the whole way through I am so amazed at the determination of the pioneers and their unwillingness to be defeated. I need to capture some of that pioneer spirit!
The daydreaming has already begun. Will it be a boy or girl? Who will the baby look like? What will the birth be like? etc. So far we only have a girl name:) But a friend told me that every time she had a definite name for a boy or girl, she would always end up having the opposite! So who knows, but it is all very exciting, like waiting to open a present!
So, the secret is out! Now we just wait, pray and prepare to meet our next little blessing!
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Like a tree planted by the water
More on my study of the characteristics of a meek and quiet spirit...
The meek woman's confidence is in the security of the truths of scripture and the faithfulness of God, but the fretful woman's trust is in her own abilities and power to control others and details.
"Thus says the Lord, cursed is the man who trusts in mankind and makes flesh his strength, and whose heart turns away from the Lord. For he will be like a bush in the desert and will not see when prosperity comes, but will live in stony wastes in the wilderness, a land of salt without inhabitant. Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and whose trust is the Lord. For he will be like a tree planted by the water, that extends its roots by a stream and will not fear when the heat comes; but its leaves will be green, and it will not be anxious in a year of drought nor cease to yield fruit."
- Jeremiah 17: 5-8
I know I have written on this subject quite a bit, but it is only because this is an area in which I obviously struggle. I am learning to trust God and not rely on my own strength, but sometimes I forget. Isn't it silly or even absurd to put confidence in our own flesh and to even think that in our own strength we can accomplish anything fruitful? When we attempt to take control over our lives aren't we essentially telling God that we don't need Him, that we are wiser, stronger, smarter than Him??? Does that even make any sense? Not really, but there are still times when I put my ways before God's ways. I continue to pray that my confidence in Him would increase, that I would find peace in the truths and promises of His word, and that He will be my trust.
"How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers." - Psalm 1:1-3
Thursday, January 14, 2010
A few ways to help Haiti
Our dear friends Kyle and Lorraine Jones are missionaries in Haiti and I just wanted to post a copy of an email I received from them today:
Dear Friends,
As many of you know by now, Lorraine and I and our mission are ok. We definitely felt the earthquake and all the aftershocks, but we are far enough north that we didn't receive the same damage and devastation as Port-au-Prince. The situation here is certainly tragic. Haiti is already a tragic place without this devastating earthquake, but now they are talking about thousands of people being dead and missing, and many of our students at Sonlight have close family or friends in Port-au-Prince that are missing. Everyone here is in a frenzy, so to speak, and they need a lot of prayer.
Lorraine and I have been asked a lot over the last few days ways in which people can help the situation here in Haiti, and if we knew of any organizations specifically that is in need of some immediate help. We have compiled a few different organizations that we have some connections to. The biggest need is most definitely prayer at this time, but supplies and donations are necessary also to help save lives. Below is a letter from a Doctor friend whom we trust that has an organization called Missions of Love. In his letter you will see specific needs and a good place to send donations. Please read the letter:
*Gentlefolk,
A nightmare beyond your wildest imaginings is unfolding in Port-au-prince, Haiti as I write you this fervent plea. Hundreds of thousands dead, many more seriously injured and dying as we speak. The medical and surgical implications are beyond description. The needs would seem insurmountable, yet, as always in the past, Americans will be touched to be of help and surely help will come again in this horrible situation.
Here's a list of actual supplies and meds we need immediately. Beyond that, money in any amount will buy much needed meds in Port-au-prince IF they are available.
Materials:
Dresssings of any type (tape, gauze, Kerlix, ace bandages, roller bandages, ABD pads, 2x2s, 4x4s, bandaids, perineal pads)
Plaster or fiberglasss splinting materials
Syringes with needles, (2.5 to 10cc, 20g. to 25 g.)
Alcohol /Betadine pads or wipes
Betadine solution
Surgical instruments (i.e., suture removal kits, procedure kits)
Burn dressings
Silvadene cream
Vaseline
Meds:
Topical antibiotics (Neosporin, Gentamycin, etc.)
Antibiotics, any (amoxicillin, tetracycline, cephaloxin, ciprofloxin, sulfa-TMX)
Painkillers, any (Tylenol, acetominophine, ibuprofin, naproxen)
Deliver any medical supplies or meds to
Reflection Of Christ Church
200 Main St Hartford, KY
or in the Florida area to
Dr Johnson at 621 Morning Cove Circle, Palm Bay FL 32909
Or phone us for a pickup at your place: (270) 315-7284 or (270) 315-7489.
Please send any donations marked "earthquake relief" to MISSIONS OF LOVE, Inc., PO Box 292, Hartford, KY 42347. You'll receive a receipt for tax purposes. Please spread the word in your church, workplace, friends, neighbors, etc. to help in any way they can. God bless all! Dr Bob and Betty*
Once again these are folks we trust and have a wonderful medical mission here in Haiti. Also there is an organization named Lifeline Christian Mission in Grand Goave that needs help. There website is www.lifeline.org, if you want more information. And finally we are connected with some friends in Port-au-Prince involved in an organization called MCC. Their website is www.mcc.org/haitiearthquake. They do a lot of different things in Port-au-Prince, and will most assuredly need your help and donations. Many blessings to you all!
Just wanted to get this letter out there to even more people who might be able to help in some small way.
Dear Friends,
As many of you know by now, Lorraine and I and our mission are ok. We definitely felt the earthquake and all the aftershocks, but we are far enough north that we didn't receive the same damage and devastation as Port-au-Prince. The situation here is certainly tragic. Haiti is already a tragic place without this devastating earthquake, but now they are talking about thousands of people being dead and missing, and many of our students at Sonlight have close family or friends in Port-au-Prince that are missing. Everyone here is in a frenzy, so to speak, and they need a lot of prayer.
Lorraine and I have been asked a lot over the last few days ways in which people can help the situation here in Haiti, and if we knew of any organizations specifically that is in need of some immediate help. We have compiled a few different organizations that we have some connections to. The biggest need is most definitely prayer at this time, but supplies and donations are necessary also to help save lives. Below is a letter from a Doctor friend whom we trust that has an organization called Missions of Love. In his letter you will see specific needs and a good place to send donations. Please read the letter:
*Gentlefolk,
A nightmare beyond your wildest imaginings is unfolding in Port-au-prince, Haiti as I write you this fervent plea. Hundreds of thousands dead, many more seriously injured and dying as we speak. The medical and surgical implications are beyond description. The needs would seem insurmountable, yet, as always in the past, Americans will be touched to be of help and surely help will come again in this horrible situation.
Here's a list of actual supplies and meds we need immediately. Beyond that, money in any amount will buy much needed meds in Port-au-prince IF they are available.
Materials:
Dresssings of any type (tape, gauze, Kerlix, ace bandages, roller bandages, ABD pads, 2x2s, 4x4s, bandaids, perineal pads)
Plaster or fiberglasss splinting materials
Syringes with needles, (2.5 to 10cc, 20g. to 25 g.)
Alcohol /Betadine pads or wipes
Betadine solution
Surgical instruments (i.e., suture removal kits, procedure kits)
Burn dressings
Silvadene cream
Vaseline
Meds:
Topical antibiotics (Neosporin, Gentamycin, etc.)
Antibiotics, any (amoxicillin, tetracycline, cephaloxin, ciprofloxin, sulfa-TMX)
Painkillers, any (Tylenol, acetominophine, ibuprofin, naproxen)
Deliver any medical supplies or meds to
Reflection Of Christ Church
200 Main St Hartford, KY
or in the Florida area to
Dr Johnson at 621 Morning Cove Circle, Palm Bay FL 32909
Or phone us for a pickup at your place: (270) 315-7284 or (270) 315-7489.
Please send any donations marked "earthquake relief" to MISSIONS OF LOVE, Inc., PO Box 292, Hartford, KY 42347. You'll receive a receipt for tax purposes. Please spread the word in your church, workplace, friends, neighbors, etc. to help in any way they can. God bless all! Dr Bob and Betty*
Once again these are folks we trust and have a wonderful medical mission here in Haiti. Also there is an organization named Lifeline Christian Mission in Grand Goave that needs help. There website is www.lifeline.org, if you want more information. And finally we are connected with some friends in Port-au-Prince involved in an organization called MCC. Their website is www.mcc.org/haitiearthquake. They do a lot of different things in Port-au-Prince, and will most assuredly need your help and donations. Many blessings to you all!
Just wanted to get this letter out there to even more people who might be able to help in some small way.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
A Peaceful Trust
A friend of mine and I are doing a Nancy Leigh DeMoss study on having a meek and quiet spirit and we have also done 30 days of praying for our husbands. There are many more studies and prayer challenges on her site Revive our Hearts which I highly recommend. There is a section called Grow where you can print off downloads and there are several different ones to choose from. Everything she puts out is straight from scripture and is very solid and encouraging.
So, we just began our study on having a meek and quiet spirit and I wanted to share a scripture that really spoke to me.
"In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: We have a strong city; He sets up walls and ramparts for security. Open the gates, that the righteous nation may enter, the one that remains faithful. The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, For in God the Lord, we have an everlasting Rock. For He has brought low those who dwell on high, the unassailable city; He lays it low, He lays it low to the ground, He casts it to the dust. The foot will trample it, the feet of the afflicted, the steps of the helpless. The way of the righteous is smooth; O Upright One, make the path of the righteous level. Indeed, while following the way of Your judgments, O Lord, We have waited for You eagerly; Your name, even Your memory, is the desire of our souls. At night my soul longs for You, Indeed, my spirit within me seeks You diligently; for when the earth experiences Your judgments the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness." -Isaiah 26:1-9
Y'eshua himself says "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." - Matthew 11:28-30
The meek will react to circumstances with peaceful trust, seeking Him diligently, and resting in His perfect plan for our lives.
Friday, January 8, 2010
A fishfry and cheerfulness
We had an amazing New Year's Eve. The kids went fishing with Matt and Pop-Pop and caught several trout. It was enough to make into a meal, so they cleaned 'em and fried 'em up and it was absolutely mouth watering. Elijah has been dreaming about catching fish and eating the...even at his young age he knows that there is something so good about providing dinner for the table. We enjoyed every bite of fish with some homemade hush puppies and steamed veggies. By the time we finished eating it was dark and we decided to go for a night walk on the beach. The kids had such a blast running and chasing each other in the dark. It was very exciting for them to be outside, running wild, when the are normally getting ready for bed. Elijah told me that he wished we could live at the beach and go on night walks every night:)
So onto my goals and plans for the New Year...at the very top of my list is Cheerfulness. I was reading an article in the most recent No Greater Joy magazine and it spoke straight to my heart about cheerfulness. The article explained that cheerfulness "is the first and most important quality a child trainer must possess...a young parent that is full of good cheer has 75 percent of what it takes to be a successful child trainer. Everyone is attracted to joy. Children will do anything for one who enjoys them. Once they get in the joy zone, they never want to do anything that will jeopardize that relationship. A parent of good cheer can deliver a more effective rebuke in less time and without damaging the relationship than a legalistic grump could do with a thousand Bible verses and a hundred spankings. If you are cheerful in our Messiah you will be a dynamic child trainer. You will be to children what a flower is to a bee."
These words are so true. Everyone wants to be around a cheerful person, not just children. The cheerful person is so encouraging, uplifting and pleasant to be around that they have the ability to lighten the load of those around them and their joy is somehow contagious. When someone is smiling at you, it is impossible to frown. I have tried this with my children. When they are feeling grumpy I just look right into their eyes and give them the biggest smile and though they try to cling to their grumpiness, without fail a smile comes to the surface. The mother's attitude determines the atmosphere of the home. If I am walking around complaining about everything that has to be done, then they can feel my stress. If I am constantly pointing out their shortcomings and my face shows more disappointment than joy, they feel discouraged. If they are greeted with more frowns than smiles, they feel frustrated and grumpy themselves. How can I capture the hearts of my children when my own heart feels weary. Why weary? The times I feel weary are the times I try to do things in my own power and strength, with my own wisdom and understanding. I allow myself to lose sight of the true source of cheerfulness and joy. In Proverbs 17:22 it says "A joyful heart is good medicine. But a broken spirit dries up the bones". A joyful heart is good medicine for my children and for my home. How often have I dried up the bones with my joyless heart? If we are without joy and cheer then we are looking too hard at our own inward selfishness... what we don't have, what we think we need, ungrateful for what we have...but true joy is born out of a thankful heart. And I have SO much to be thankful for. As I remind myself to be thankful and to stay in the presence of God I realize that, indeed, it is possible to live a life FULL of joy and cheer.
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