Wendt Family Journey

Soldier or Casualty?

2011-09-30T11:17:00.001-04:00

We are all called/commanded to PRAY. Each of us has an important place in the battle where we are standing in the gap. If we don't stand in our place with prayer then we are allowing the enemy to come in like a flood. I repent and ask His forgiveness for when I am a weak link in this battle. I seek Him daily to take me deeper. The enemy tries to deceive us by getting us to look at our lone little prayer and question what effect little me can have. When we stop and look at the whole picture, we are a prayer link in a chain of prayers. Our prayer "link" is strong and when joined with others makes an unbreakable chain that binds the enemy. We are never alone. There is a war going on. There are NO bystanders, ONLY soldiers or casualties. The outcome of the war is assured. God is sovereign. His victory is assured. It was purchased by Jesus blood at Calvary. This is not a nip and tuck, edge of your seat battle as the enemy tries to get us to see it. No. God has already surpassingly won. (Eph 1:21) So which are you choosing to be? A Soldier .... or a Casualty?

Moving Day ... NOT

2011-09-27T10:16:00.003-04:00

Today we were to be moving to our much needed larger ministry home however God's timing is something different as we found out yesterday all is not in place for us to be able to move in. Praise God instead of being upset we are at a point that we are just rejoicing for His direction and guidance ... and more time to pack. It is not ours to understand the reason's for the delay but it is ours to make the most of the delay. And so tomorrow evening we will add yet another blessed young lady to our present three (3) bedroom one (1) bathroom home until we can move in to our next ministry home. Who would have guessed that having been given sons to raise that He would open our home to young ladies. Who would have guessed that four (4) ladies (soon to be 5!) and three (3) guys could all live in community with only 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. I praise God for two amazing sons who are so much a part of the ministry that God has called us to that they are willing to give up their small room for others to have a safe haven for God to do as He wills in their lives. I thank Him for the amazing blessings and awesomeness of how He chooses to minster to and through us. I love the life He has called us to even in the hard times.

Mom moments!

2011-05-05T11:19:00.003-04:00

I am so BLESSED!

Text message today to my honorable husband from me:

"I'm such a good Mom!
Know what time boys class starts? 10 am.
Know when I dropped them off? 8:55 am.
Know when I figured it out? 9:45 am.
Do they still love me? Yip!"

Randy's reply to me:
"I still love you too. How funny"

I was so focused on getting to the prayer room to spend time on National Prayer Day and the one year anniversary of when God brought me from Texas via Kansas to the International House of Prayer to see what it was and to so totally meet me here. I am so amazed at what God's done in the past few weeks in our lives. Today as I reflect on the past year, I am so overwhelmed beyond words all that He has done, healed and grown each of us in the past year. His way is simple. Simple does not mean easy in any means. His way is way better than any thing else in this world and He doesn't ask us to walk or do anything that Jesus hasn't already walked out on this earth for us. We serve a loving, all-knowing, joyful and wonderful sense of humor God. So thankful and even more blessed!

Tools and Life Lessons

2011-04-11T16:34:00.004-04:00

We were so absolutely blessed to get to go to my parent’s home this weekend for a fast 30 hour visit. During this time we were also able to get to meet up with my brother and sister-in-law who live and serve among the Navajo in the Arizona/New Mexico area. It was such a short time but yet God enabled us to get a lot done and to get to touch the hearts and feet of my parents. He also met me there and downloaded insight to me in even the smallest things. I just love seeing how He chooses to open my eyes and mind to things He sees and feels.

Saturday after my parents, my brother and our family went to eat lunch together, I was honored with getting to take my mom shopping for some new shoes. Years ago my mom suffered a brain stem stroke that left her with a left-sided deficit making things that once were easy a big task now. Shopping is something I did not grow up doing, not sure if it was due to not enjoying it or not have finances or both. However, with my mom and I, it’s not something on our top list of things to do. Needless to say, this afternoon of shopping for shoes to fit over her AFO brace was one filled with much needed laughter on both of our parts. It was so much fun to get to freely laugh with my mom. She has been blessed with an electric scooter which we took out to assist in prolonging her physical stamina (she doesn’t get out much so it’s physically exhausting). However, with this new tool, she needed experience to increase her operating skills. It was a precious time for me to get to watch my mom concentrate and work hard on trying to figure out how to make that little “joystick” on her scooter take her scooter and thus her, where she needed it to go. It was such a joy to get to watch, wait, and see her accomplishment when she was able to use her new “tool” to make her life more full or accessible. I was so proud of her and how she never gave up or got overly frustrated. It was an honor to be there and quietly, patiently assist her (like I have much experience using joysticks … my boys have far more knowledge there!) with what I could see from my angle that would make things work better for her in different situations. During her learning time of maneuvering in and out of bathroom stalls, elevators, narrow aisles, etc I spent a lot of time just watching and praying so as not to interfere with her focus. However, there were situations where I was able to giggle with my mom (a much better thing then getting frustrated and angry!). I was also able to pass on the peace, pride and joy of her new accomplishment with her scooter with people that entered into our paths (however haphazardly!) It was amazing to see people’s demeanor change when they found out my mom had a new tool and was learning to use it. They were much more supportive and most times would depart from our presence with a new smile on their face and some a bounce in their step. Wow, to imagine, while learning to use a new tool, my mom was able to be used by God to uplift others in ways we will never know. We all have experience with learning to use a new tool and the sense of accomplishment that comes with it once we master it. I sense that many were reminded of the good feelings they experienced at such a time in their life.

But wait! There’s more! God has many years ago spoken in to my life about making sure I’m not comparing myself to anyone else... just the me He has created me to be. I am to always measure myself against my own personal measuring stick to see my growth. He has created us each unique and we are all at different growth levels so only comparable to ourselves. I totally enjoy the fact that I am at peace with what He’s doing in and through my life. I love how He edifies others through me just being the person He created me to be (and how He feeds me in return). In learning to measure my growth against myself and no one else, I’m encouraged with what He’s doing and thus respond with peace, joy, patience, His love and so much more instead of the frustration, intolerance, bad attitude and all that comes when trying to compare with someone else and never measuring up or having a positive comparison. It’s makes for a much more pleasant life no matter what challenges cross life’s path.

Talking about challenges … my mom was a trooper in laughing through my consistency and being patient with me. After seeing that most of the shoes were on top of the display shelves and not easy for my mom to view, I tootled through the aisles looking for different shoes that would possibly work and fit with her brace then bring them to her to try. Now trying on shoes can be exhausting but add having to prep the shoe to receive the AFO brace then placing it on a deficit foot … we’re talking marathon here for both of us! I could do all the prep work but I totally had to step back and allow my mom to see if she would be able to get the shoe on her foot without my help (seeing as how she doesn’t normally have anyone around to help her! … and she’s pretty stubborn about being as independent as possible – a good trait at times!) At times it was so hard for me to just step back and watch. I so wished I could step in and help but my help would only possibly hurt her physically (if I tried to bend the brace or flex her leg or foot in the wrong direction) OR possibly give her a false belief that the shoe would meet her need in her being able to get it on but with my assistance thus wasting money that she is steward over by ending up with something that won’t work for where she is at physically. Wow talk about a download of God’s heart to mine! He so wants to help us as the Father that He is. However He, having created us, knows that He has to step back and allow us to make our choices and walk through the consequences so we can learn. He gave us guidance and step-by-step, hands-on directions by sending His son, Jesus, to earth to walk every aspect of life that we might ever encounter. He even called forth others to document it for us so we would always have access to the “How To Manual” (Bible) and can access it whenever we choose to. Some like to read the instructions first … others like to wait and try it themselves and only when in a bind access the manual for help in getting out of the mess. When we are struggling or just living our day to day life, He is always watching over us as the proud parent that He is and giving us little boosts of help when we allow Him too and it will not hinder us and our growth. No matter our struggles, He is always there with us looking at us with eyes of pride and a heart full of love, proud of even the baby steps that we are taking. He doesn’t ever look at us with malice or contempt. He’s always cheering for us and whispering little helps to us or sending help if we are open to seeing, hearing and receiving it. Wow … His love is so deep and His feelings even deeper for us.

And the laughs continue … My mom, being weary from the outing, was ever so patient and open to giggling with me when invariably, I would pull the right shoe out and prep it. I even put her AFO in one of them getting ready for her to try it out! If you haven’t guessed by now … my mom’s AFO goes on her LEFT foot! We tried the AFO in well over 20 different shoes and I’m not sure if I should be proud or not, but I can say I’m consistent … I truly pulled and prepped the right shoe in every one of them! Tee Hee … I still giggle about it as we did through the remainder of our visit. Enter yet another LIFE LESSON: Sometimes we are so focused on what we are doing that we continue to approach it in a way that doesn’t meet the purpose (i.e. prepping the shoe was necessary however prepping the right shoe was a waste of my time and energy since the final outcome depended on the left shoe). However God is always patient with us and brings good or victory out of all that we do. I caused more work for myself however God allowed my mom to get physical rest while I was exerting my energy in a way one could deem as useless. (I tried to tell mom I was only doing this to give her more time to rest between all the exertion of trying on yet another shoe … she didn’t buy it though!) Through this He showed me that, sometimes we run around in busyness doing good deeds and consistently going through a long process to reach the necessary means. However, we could be less busy (not prepping the “right shoe”) and take more time to just sit and rest in Him in between just prepping and trying on the needed “left shoe”. It’s untruth that we must always be busy. Jesus, while He was on this earth, set the example over and over that we need to be still, rest & commune with God. Be less busy. Oh how much more happier and energetic we would all be if we would ask Him to show us ways that we are making excess “busy” in our lives and turn that time in to rest time, time to enjoy all the He gives us. I pray this for each one of us. Less Busy = More time with Him + more energy + more Joy + more time with our #1 mission field + more accomplished for His Kingdom.

The final insight I’ll share for today, however not of this shopping trip … we went with the mindset of looking for tennis shoes as that is what Mom has pretty much always used. The therapist who fitted the AFO to mom after her stroke fitted it to a tennis shoe and so the pattern continued for years even though an inner desire of my mom’s heart was for something different, a change, a chance to dress up or appear a bit more fashionable. Thus we started our shopping trip out in the same path or rut that was started years ago, looking for tennis shoes that would work and being willing to settle on something that fit even if she didn’t like the looks. Praise God I was listening to Him. I started to look outside the box (no pun intended but hey it works with shoes!). I refused to force my mom to stay in the rut and only get what worked but didn’t bring joy to her. She is too special and unique for that! After many tennis shoe preppings, yucks and ughs not to mention the eye rolling … I started introducing other types of shoes I could find that might possibly work. We encountered many duds (thus many laughs – it is what you make it!) that just wouldn’t allow her to get her foot in. However … by really stepping out of the box and all that the world has brain washed us so easily with … we finally found a pair of penny loafers that worked with the AFO and were fun, fashionable, and serviceable for my mom. Needless to say, they were nowhere near the original rut we started in (women’s tennis shoes). No, God took us on a totally different path that without being open to Him we would not have even considered. The penny loafers were not women’s (as they weren’t cut properly to fit the AFO) but men’s which were a better fit with what we were working with. PONDER Point: So what “rut” are you stuck in? What area are you still operating in because that is what you first were introduced to? Are you willing to allow God to help pull you out of your “rut” and take you to a new level? To assist you in finding a new path that is a better fit to whom and what He created you to be? That makes your heart race or swell up with excitement? That puts a smile on your face, a bounce in your step and joy in your spirit? That gets you excited to get out of bed each day! That gets you excited to see what the day is to bring? It could be in your life ministry, schooling, your diet, the way you study His word, how you relate / love your family, how you relate to other people … the list and possibilities are limitless … our God is bigger than we can even comprehend and wants - as the ultimate great parent – to love on us so much and give us even more. So … are you going to settle for the “rut” OR step outside of the box and look to see what exciting path awaits your journey’s footsteps? Doesn’t mean it will always be easy but it will be more exciting, joyful and fulfilling personally and Kingdom wise.

We love to hear from you! Thanks for all of you who are partnering with us in so many different and creative ways! Your encouragement and partnership allows us to work together as a team to further His Kingdom. We so love and enjoy looking at all the amazingly creative ways He works in and through us as a team “outside the box”.

Blessings and Love!

IF it GrIeVeS God, Get RID of IT!

2011-04-05T12:35:00.002-04:00

We are called by God to sanctify our spirit, soul and body. Even the secular world imitates that calling. We have got to chose. Are we going to be distracted by the “world’s” cheap imitation way OR are we going to tune in and stay solely focused on God and His way? We don’t have to tolerate what grieves Him (food, games, clothes, possessions, etc) until it has been consumed or the deemed value received from it. Don’t listen to the lies of the enemy. If it GRIEVES God get RID of IT! It’s not wasteful to carry out the “trash” polluting our lives. Stop trying to consume whatever is “trashing” our lives so as not to be judged “wasteful” by family and peers. Those “judging family & peers” will not be standing with you at your pre-scheduled Final Appointment with God. The moment we all live for, whether intentional or unintentional, when He performs our ultimate performance review and gives our final promotion with rewards OR pink slip and removes our name from His Book.

1 Corinthians 3:12-14 (New Century Version) 12 But if people build on that foundation, using gold, silver, jewels, wood, grass, or straw,13 their work will be clearly seen, because the Day of Judgment[a] will make it visible. That Day will appear with fire, and the fire will test everyone's work to show what sort of work it was.14 If the building that has been put on the foundation still stands, the builder will get a reward.

We have been given dominion over all things … now … today … in every choice we make, every word we speak.

Genesis 1:28 (The Message) 26-28 God spoke: "Let us make human beings in our image, make them reflecting our nature so they can be responsible for the fish in the sea, the birds in the air, the cattle, and, yes, Earth itself, and every animal that moves on the face of Earth." God created human beings; he created them godlike, reflecting God's nature. He created them male and female. God blessed them: "Prosper! Reproduce! Fill Earth! Take charge! Be responsible for fish in the sea and birds in the air, for every living thing that moves on the face of Earth."

He owns all the wealth and being His Child entitles us to it. SO, it is NOT wasteful to get rid of what GRIEVES God (groceries, books, music, games, clothes, vehicles, etc). In honoring Him by getting rid of the grievances in your life, He honors you by providing, in a way only He can, the richness of a life walking in purity with Him. Ask Him to show you what is grieving Him in your life, home, and work. Better to be shocked now rather than at the final moment. There is no greater reward on this Earth and more importantly at our Final Judgment Appointment than to have Him say, “Well done.”

Matthew 25:23 (New International Version, ©2011) 23 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’

Footnotes:1 Corinthians 3:13 Day of Judgment The day Christ will come to judge all people and take his people home to live with him.

What type of vacuum are you?

2011-03-30T02:23:00.013-04:00

Tonight some ministry partners gifted me a vacuum to celebrate my birthday. What an amazing gift it is! They even opened the box, put it together for me then my teenage son, Josiah, proceeded to demonstrate it. (I wanted to make sure and mention that so that I have proof that he does know how to run a vacuum if he should ever have a memory lapse!) It is the most amazing thing! (Yes, the vacuum and a teenager running it!) Asher, a two-year-old that we get to edify while his parents are sharpening tools for the Kingdom’s use, had been running our little push vacuum on the floor. He just loves to vacuum. (Yes, I am documenting his vacuum skills for later years if necessary!) What an amazing thing it was, when Josiah ran the new vacuum over the same area that Asher had just finished sweeping for almost 20 minutes! There was a vast difference. I was very excited. Even two-year-old Asher saw the difference and could hardly wait to get his hands on it! He even said … PLEASE! (Miracles never stop!) Throughout the evening I kept marveling and commenting on how great it was to have a vacuum that actually makes a difference. Even during my ministry time of detoxing and anointing feet I kept seeing how blessed having a real vacuum with power was going to be. I mean, no more icky stuff between the edge of the carpet and baseboard! Can I get an “Amen” here please? This machine has the super suction and attachments that allow even the remotest places to be reached and cleaned. My husband even had to give it a try when he got home from work. He used it on the return air vent in the hall and the baseboard … yip it did a stellar job! Whoo Hoo! It’s not just a vacuum for carpet it does way more … hardwood floors, vents, ceiling fans, and who knows what else! I do have to note that when Malachi got home from his discipleship class, he wasn’t as eager to try it out. He has obviously been reaping from his classes as he already had insight or discernment that if he vacuumed, mom would want more. Tee Hee.

Well, as I was preparing to end my day, spending quiet time with God, seeking His will and petitioning/lifting a dear friend and ministry partner and family up in prayer for healing … yip you probably guessed it … my thoughts returned yet again to the excitement of the new vacuum. You probably are pondering as to what praying for healing has to do with a vacuum … but wait! There’s more! Yes, this simple, man-made vacuum brought to mind our time with God. Are you a little push vacuum in your time with God? Spending a large amount of time repeating the same thing over and over and not accomplishing much or possibly making matters worse? Becoming more discouraged because you don’t see results for all the time, effort and energy you put in to it? … OR … Are you a full-size, turbo suction vacuum? Does the time you spend with God produce fabulous fruit and deep cleansing healing? Are you using the tools and attachments that come with your vacuum (time with God) to get the hard to reach spots, the nooks and crannies of your life? Are you allowing Him to have the super suction power in your life? Allowing Him to have access to the dirty, messy, soiled carpet in your life … even the vents, the ceiling fan blades -- all the nooks and crannies? Your spiritual carpet definitely shows the type of vacuum you have selected for use in your personal life. Are you seeing a nice, colorful, clean carpet that’s something other than the color of dirt? Is there a crispness in your witness and walk thanks to the cleaning of all the nooks and crannies that were bogged down with dirt, hair, Lego parts, BB gun pellets, etc? (Hey, our #1 mission field is filled with amazing sons! What can I say!) Are you lighter, freer, open and even eager to reach out to others because the dirt has been removed from your spiritual home? Do you find a new or renewed bounce in your step/witness because you see and experience the difference a quality “vacuum” (time listening and talking with God) can do? Are you glowing in the absence of all the dirt and debris? Are others being touched and encouraged by your glow?

I want to challenge you to stop and look at your spiritual carpet. How’s it looking? Are you cleaning it? How often? What type of tools are you using for the cleaning and upkeep? Is it crisp, colorful and standing up? Or is it dull, dirty and matted? If you discern that the only vacuum you have in your possession is just a push vacuum, make sure and use it until you decide to invest in a super suction vacuum. It’s better than nothing but don’t delay, as the longer you neglect -- the deeper and dirtier it gets. If you want prayer, encouragement, tips, tools, laughter, etc, please feel free to contact us! We are here for you and would be honored to pray with and for you and whatever else God wants us to do in your life! Oh and feel free to drop by our place and try out my new birthday vacuum! We’d LOVE to have you!! Honest! (Even if you don’t really vacuum!)

Hugs, blessings and prayers to you!

Created to Serve in Love,

Michelle

Answers in the quiet

2011-03-11T11:14:00.003-05:00

This morning my husband came in and shared with me that yesterday during his M.A.P.P. group one of the gentlemen stated that he wondered if he was really doing what God had called him to do or if he should take a break from media missions to go get a job in the secular world to make money to do work on his house. Randy admitted that he sometimes struggles with feeling the same way. During Randy's quiet time, after questioning if he was really hearing God's voice, he distinctly heard God telling him that He had answered his prayer and submission of his heart from back in 1998. He was exactly where God wanted him to be, using his skills and life training to help maintain the International House of Prayer Mission Base-KC while being able to minister to those God brings to him. He also encouraged him by reminding him that He has us covered with our expenses and people that He has strummed their heart strings to partner with us in His ministry that He has us walking out so that we all may be more fruitful and His Kingdom would prosper.

I am so ever thankful at all God has done to protect us from our own hardheadedness and not so great choices over the past 16 years. It so humbles my heart when I see all the littlest details that He has done to take care of us and direct our steps. Even though because of Randy's fear of having to possibly raise our own "support" he walked away from a calling 13 years ago, God was still ever faithful and kept training Randy while He was preparing his heart to finally say "Yes Lord". Now Randy has a better understanding of living by God's provisions, thanks to an in-depth study in the Word and how God has done it from the beginning of time. God has already laid out the master plan. How we all are to work together to do the work of His Kingdom. Some are called to partner in prayer, some are called to partner in finances, some are called to partner in provisions, some are called to partner in encouragement, some are called to go forth, some are called to minister to those who are on the forefront, some are called to minister to those that have given their all, some are called to partner in ways only God knows however as we allow God to bring those together that He has preordained to work together as a team so that His work can be done. We all have been created and called for a specific purpose. When we stop looking for the complicated things and just quietly listen to what our heart is saying, we generally find His answer to us in the most child-like, easy ways or answers. I praise God that we are His and are seeking to praise and worship Him while He is using us for His Kingdom work.

We pray blessings over each one of you and pray that you will stop and listen to see how God is using or wanting to use you today. Be BLESSED!

Submission (submit, submitted, submitting)

2011-03-06T13:39:00.004-05:00

Currently every Sunday a group of women (whom I'm honored to be a part of) who have a heart to pray for Men of Valor across the world will unite in the International House of Prayer - Mission Base in Kansas City MO side room #2. Today we are each sharing on what the Holy Spirit has laid upon our hearts in regards to submission. The following is what my heart will bring to the group today. Submission to me is an honor because I know whom I am submitting too. When submitting to God it is not a bad thing or word because He has authority over all and as His child, I inherit all. Thank you Father!

Here's what I'll be sharing later today. I pray it blesses you as I have been blessed in praying and pondering over what the Spirit was wanting to show me in regards to submission.:

Hebrew word used in Hebrews 13:17 -- to be straightforward with.

Hebrews 13:17 (ESV) “17Obey(AD) your leaders and submit to them,(AE) for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to(AF) give an account.(AG) Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.”

Greek word used in James 4:7, I Peter 2:13 and 5:5 -- hupotusso -- to subordinate; to obey – be under obedience, put under, subdue unto; be subjected to, submit self unto.

James 4:7 (ESV) “7Submit yourselves therefore to God.(A) Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

I Peter 2:13-15 (NIV) “13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15 For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.”

I Peter 5:1-10 “1 To the elders among you, I appeal (exhort) as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. 5 In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”[a] 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. “

Submission is an action, a choice. It is an action that we take whether consciously or unconsciously. We choose what or whom we are going to submit to (give authority or control to) with our emotions, with our time, with our money, with our possessions. We choose who we are going to give authority over our emotions. We choose who we are going to give authority over our time. We choose who we are giving authority over our money. We choose who we are going to give authority over our possessions. Absolutely everything in our life is based on a choice. We choose who we are going to serve or be a slave too. It is an action that in not making a choice you are still making a choice. For example, in not choosing God you are choosing Satan. Another example, When you are not walking a lifestyle that focuses on bringing glory and praise to God then you are choosing to walk in a lifestyle that focuses on self and what makes you feel good or allows you to take up your time and numb your mind and heart to its secret yearnings of being loved by the God of love. Yet another example, when you shut the door to your home you choose when to open it and who or what you allow in. When you don’t shut the door, leaving it cracked or wide open, then you are allowing whomever and whatever to enter into your home whether it be an edifying person, an evil person, a sweet loving pet or an evil poisonous snake. In every aspect of your life you choose to take authority over what you allow or you choose to give up the choice and allow whomever or whatever wants, to come in and take authority.

As for me personally, I have unfortunately in my past allowed myself to be robbed by the enemy when I have chosen not to taken authority and make choices in my life. During those times that I didn’t take authority and make a decision, I now understand that I was not focused, feeling worthless and/or walking in fear and allowed the enemy to chose for me. All of which is not operating in the Lord. He does not give us a spirit of fear but He gives us love, power and a sound mind. In Isaiah 11:2 it is written, “2 The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the LORD—“. God did not create us to be worthless, He empowers us. In Romans 8:14-16 (NIV) it is written, “ 14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.[a] And by him we cry, “Abba,[b] Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. (Footnotes: Romans 8:15 The Greek word for adoption to sonship is a term referring to the full legal standing of an adopted male heir in Roman culture; also in verse 23.) Thus He created us in His own image giving us through the blood of Jesus Christ authority and dominion over all things if we choose (submit) to be adopted by Him. God created us all with an intense desire to love Him and worship Him which is why we only find and feel emptiness when we submit to the worldly pleasures of lust and self-fulfillment.

I thank God that He loves me unconditionally and doesn’t ever revoke(unadopt) my being a Child of God just because I make a mistake or a poor choice. I know I am loved unconditionally and am reassured that as I travel the road of living fully in Christ, He looks on me with pride and love every time I take a step. Even when I stumble and fall down, because with His help I am always able to get back up, repent and keep moving forward in my sole life purpose of loving and worshiping Him. But wait! There’s more! I get the added BONUS because all the love He showers on me is manifested through me to any and all who cross my path. God’s bonus of loving one another. And all at one great price … FREE! I absolutely must make sure that all I know (and even those I don't know yet!) get this great lifetime deal!! I am gratefully and willingly submitted to His authority, power and love.

Giving Lesson

2010-09-18T11:41:00.006-04:00

We have been called to International House of Prayer to get equipped for the next part of our journey in His purpose for us on this Earth. The boys know how things have been very financially tight as we seek Him and wait. My heart just swells when I see and hear them profess the faith that they too are building during this time. Hearing them share how God just blesses our food supply for us to keep feeding physically and spiritually those that He brings in to our lives. How God provides a car from someone that doesn’t even know us so that when Randy’s truck breaks down and we are on foot … we are not, thanks to God’s provision through someone else in advance. How God directs our steps so that we are in a place at a specific time to see or meet someone that could not have happened unless it was preplanned. These are just a minute few examples that we are seeing and recognizing of God’s doing in our daily lives.

The boys know we are seeking God provision to finish fixing our truck, school curriculum for them, clothes (it gets cold here in MO – definitely not in Texas short weather anymore!) and bills. In spite of these needs, this past week we took the boys over to the prayer room, gave them some of God’s money and had them get quiet in the Lord and ask God who He would like His money to go too. I had told them once they had the person God laid upon their heart –whether they knew the person or not - they were to go, give them the money and tell them that “God wanted them to give this to them.” then walk off. The boys being very sensitive, discerning and loving were a bit quiet in having the responsibility of giving God’s money away especially when they knew we could use it for our bills. We spent almost an hour in prayer in the prayer room while they were seeking God’s direction. During my quiet time with the Lord my mind took off: Should I have given them more direction of who/how to give it away? What if they just give it to one of their friends to try and win favor in the friendship arena? PTL! My God is faithful and I was able to stop these ungodly self-doubts as soon as the thought about them giving it to someone their age. Who am I to put guidelines on who they can give it to? As long as it is given freely then God will bless it no matter whom or what age the person. I then settled into a glorious time of prayer.

Once I got quieted in the Spirit and entered into the Throne Room I had this intense desire for at least one of the boys to give their money to a specific person but I was not about to tell them who. As our time to leave was drawing near I kept asking the boys if they were ready and they didn’t think they were. We finally agreed to go walk through the Higher Grounds and Bookstore to see if it was anyone there – no results. We finally were out of time and had to get home to get Randy’s supper so he could go back to his work so we decided to we would just go back over after supper, that maybe the person(s) were not there yet. On our way home the boys were sharing their thoughts and experiences during this time of seeking and shared that they had someone on their heart but one couldn’t figure out how to get it to him and the other didn’t see the person there. I asked if they knew where to find these people and they both said, “Yes.” I told them we would then go find them after supper and give it to them. When I asked them who/where we needed to be, my heart and total being was so totally blessed as the Lord showed me yet again how totally in control He is. The person God had laid on my heart in the prayer room was the person that Josiah had felt lead to give but couldn’t figure out how to get to him. The person Malachi was looking for … are you ready for this? … was the wife to the man Josiah had chosen. Talk about affirmation to all three of us that it was totally the leading of the Holy Spirit and we were walking in His guidance. None of us had shared with the other who He had laid on our hearts until that moment. That was affirmation that ministered deeply to this mom, her two awesome sons and their dad after he heard the events.

Now we are anxiously and excitedly awaiting more of God’s money so we can go out and seek whom God wants to have it. This time with even more confidence that He is always directing our steps and leading us. Our God is always so faithful and true.

Isaiah 30:21 (New Living Translation) 21 Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left.

Condemnation or Compliment

2010-09-04T08:01:00.002-04:00

We have been accused of the possibility of stealing - by a person with a long judicial record whom during his entire time of knowing us has been shown God’s example of loving one another and mercy. I have been accused of “attacking my husband” and “always tearing him down” because I am one of his chosen accountability partners and I dare to hold him accountable - by someone who, from experience, runs away when asked to be accountable or responsible in even the smallest way. I have been talked ill of for speaking & praying God’s will over my husband’s life, especially life choices and for asking him “Is this God’s will?” Our family has been slandered because we choose to attempt to live a Biblical standard and allow our sons the ability to make choices to prepare them for adulthood and walk the consequences good or bad instead of raising them the worldly way and forcing them to meet our demands with harshness and violence. We as parents have been judged harshly because we have the heart desire and focus to allow and assist our sons in finding their calling in life now while they are still in their youth and help them train/prepare so that they can fulfill their destiny to their utmost potential instead of allowing them to fumble around well into their adulthood or possibly waste their whole entire life and have deep regrets in their final moments. I would rather be accused of the above then live outside of God’s will and calling for our life. We are not perfect nor will we ever be but we strive daily, moment by moment to be more like Him. When I look at the list, instead of condemnation & guilt I actually see compliments and affirmation that we are living in His will and on the right track. Thank you Lord for the affirmation.

God's Parent Heart

2010-08-19T10:07:00.002-04:00

The last few days have been very heart tugging as I struggle with the heart hurts of being a parent. Seeing my child's heart struggle and hurt is not easy. Not rushing in and fixing it is even harder especially if you don't know how - but that often times just clips their wings instead of allowing them to learn and become stronger from what they are going through. I am so blessed that God has opened my eyes and heart with the intense awareness of how much more our Father God's heart hurts when we are struggling, feeling lost, overwhelmed, undervalued, blue, etc... I know the intense love I have for my own children and even the overwhelming love for other people in their times of hurt. I am standing absolutely in utter amazement right now of how much more Father God's love is for me. That just gives me a warm fuzzy heart hug (which I dearly need right now) and immense reassurance as I struggle in my daily life with raising our children (and note getting "do-overs"), in my relationship with my husband, family & Friends, in every day decisions. My Heavenly Father is watching me with loving eyes filled full of love, pride and joy as only a parent can as I take each baby step in every moment of my day. His heart hurts when mine does. His heart is filled with immense joy and love when mine is - probably even more. His heart feels what I feel only so much more intense as He is the God of the Universe. He created ME in HIS image - feelings and all. THANK YOU GOD!!

Showing Jesus

2010-08-16T12:25:00.001-04:00

Tonight Malachi is being blessed with having a young man, Josh, (who was a counselor at the Signs & Wonders IHOP camp this summer) come and take him to the skatepark for a while. This is the first time that he has gotten to go skating since we got here. Randy & I are so thankful that Josh is being an amazing mentor and showing Jesus to our son through being excited to see him when we are in the same location, texting back and forth and spending time with him by taking him to the skatepark & skating with him. I only wish I was able to be there to take pictures … oh the heart of a mother.

Through the classes that God has lead me to take I have been made very aware of the importance of having healthy images of Father-God, Jesus & the Holy Spirit. Randy & I, as well as the boys, have been focusing on trying to show “Jesus” to others through communication and fellowship. Some times it is so easy and comes naturally. Other times it is quite the challenge not to respond in the flesh to a situation or attitude. I wish we could say we’ve got it down but it’s a lifelong commandment and process of constantly loving one another. Its such a blessing to watch the boys (& us) try to put this to practice and at times have to stop and say, “That’s not showing a very good picture of Jesus.” or when it gives a great warm, fuzzy feeling when we get to stop and say, “Wow! That was an amazing opportunity to show Jesus.”

Being a parent is not easy but oh it is so rewarding. The love in my heart just overflows and grows with each moment.

God knocking

2010-08-11T12:21:00.001-04:00

I just absolutely love seeing how God works out the smallest details to direct our steps to be where He wants us to be all in the right timing.

Yesterday some friends, knowing that we are basically on foot until God provides funds for the truck steering gear box to be fixed, called from the grocery store to see if we needed anything. I was going to say no but my mouth burst forth with “Beef bouillon please.” As soon as I said it I was wondering where it came from. I think I’ve only bought beef bouillon once in my life and definitely could live without some right now during this part of our journey of faith and waiting on the Lord. I proceeded to go back to my studies and fixing supper for my amazing sons and their friend, Jenelle. Right after we ate our friends showed up with the beef bouillon. We proceeded to sit down and start fellowshipping in sharing what God has been doing in our lives and how we are growing in His time of waiting and seeking His leading. Such a glorious time of heart sharing and joy. During this time frame there came a knock at our door. I opened it to find another of our new God brought friends utterly beat up in spirit, overwhelmed, exhausted and overburdened. After giving him a great big hug, I immediately ushered him in to our ministry chair. Josiah served him by getting him a big, cold glass of pink lemonade. After our beloved brother shared some of his burdens, I had our other friends start praying over him while I prayerfully applied oils to his leg that was under physical attack. Randy called at 9pm when he got off work, during our time of prayer, to see if we were to be going to where the gentleman (who was currently in our ministry chair) was staying to help unload his U-Haul. Malachi answered the phone and told his Dad he needed to come straight home and to hurry. So even Randy was allowed to participate in lifting up one of our brothers with our ministry group/team that God seems to be bringing together right now. Would love to report total healing for our brother but he definitely left a lot lighter and breathing once again.

Holiday Traditions

2009-11-26T16:03:00.000-05:00

I absolutely love traditions and Thanksgiving seems to really kick in the thoughts when it comes to traditions. This year we were blessed to get to spend Thanksgiving with the Kneisley family in Walden, Texas. We had planned to be up at Kansas celebrating with Randy's mom and one of his little brothers as well as my parents except God obviously had other plans in mind and my health did not allow the boys and I to be able to drive to Kansas. It was a joy to meet and get to know their daughters and Josiah & Malachi had a blast getting to play with friends that lived across the street from them. Food and friends ... makes for a blessed Thanksgiving. We got to talking about traditions and foods. Our family added noodles to their list of traditional foods. Its always been a family tradition for us but when questioned I'm guessing it comes from my mother's German side of the family. We also do pecan pie and they chocolate pie in addition to the normal pumpkin. My husband always has acini de pepe (sp?) salad but sad to say this year it was a miss as I had to help even making the noodles. Another miss for us was the deviled eggs ... but the boys reassured me that we could do them when I was better and it would be okay. All this has gotten me pondering other family traditions and/or mile markers and here's a few that have come to mind at present: Yearly - Pick out a Christmas ornament that reflects the previous year or something you are in too, or a photo. This is multi-purpose as it brings great memories when getting them out each year but it also gives a life legacy for them to take to their new home when they move out and have their first tree there. Baby's first Christmas - Grandpa gets them cowboy boots, doesn't matter that they won't be able to year them for perhaps years! 8th Birthday - Grandpa gets them their first pocket knife. 16th Birthday - You get a 30-30 rifle or gun of some sort. There are far more traditions, many I'm sure we just take for granite. I'll have to spend some more ponder time on this one. We'd love to hear some of your favorite or not so favorite traditions!

What is MY specific Mission that I was created for?

2009-11-14T10:37:00.004-05:00

Good Morning my Love!

I’ve been going back and catching up on some of the readings I’ve missed. Right now I’ve been reading in Acts. I shared with you that I had so thoroughly enjoyed James, Thessalonians, I&II Timothy, Titus & I&II Peter and was struggling with getting in to reading about Paul’s journey in Acts. However, I think the previous books have prepared me for what God wanted me to see/understand in Acts.

First off but not most important, would you please look up and see what your Bible footnotes on Acts 15:29? I understand avoiding the idol food offerings and sexual sins but what is meant by the strangled animals and blood? Is this old covenant or new?

Now my major insight from last night and this morning (and boy does this give even more energy/fuel to the anticipation I have been feeling for the past month or so):

This is Paul speaking:

Acts 20:24 “I don’t care about my own life. The most important thing is that I complete my mission, the work that the Lord Jesus gave me – to tell people the Good News about God’s grace.”(NCV)

My thoughts/insight:

At first I thought … oh wow, this is all of our missions – “to tell people about the Good News about God’s grace”. However in GForce we’ve been studying the Fruits of the Spirit and in the previous chapters of Acts and other areas of the Bible I’ve been lead to, it talks about God giving each of us a special gift or calling. This gift/calling is something that energizes you, gives you joy, peace, love, anticipation in spite of the challenges. It’s not something that drags you down, weighs on you. ‘If it’s causing you to be heavy and weighted or loaded down then it’s not from God. Don’t be lead by needs. Be lead by the Spirit of God. Life with Christ equals peace, abundance, joy, love, light & easy no matter what trials come.” (Keith Moore Wed night service download paraphrase by me.)

My question to you … SPECIFICALLY what brings YOU joy when you are doing it, walking it, working it no matter how labor intensive it is or what it involves? What gets you excited? What puts pep in your step? What so totally consumes you that nothing interferes with your focus on it? Hopefully to help you better understand what I’m asking, I’ll share with you what God has laid on my heart for ME, not you, Me – Michelle. You’ve got to look and see what makes your heart just burst with fullness, brings you fulfillment, joy, peace when you are doing it. Please don’t let me influence or muddy your thoughts in any way. If you think it might, then please don’t read the following until you’ve taken time for insight of your own.

I so absolutely love serving/encouraging and helping others succeed at finding joy/peace in their lives. I love volunteering, organizing things, helping with the bookstore, checking things in, waiting on customers, getting to touch their lives for just a moment and help them find what they are looking for, to get to laugh with them, connect with them, pray with and for them, and hopefully provide at least a glimpse of encouragement and joy. I love helping come up with ideas, encouraging, brainstorming. I am good at the spur of the moment, specific needs area. I’m not so much at the come alongside and walk holding the hand for the long term but only as needed and called by God. Regarding the long-term issues, I don’t know if this is how God created me to be or if it is from things from my childhood that need healing and areas I’ve yet to learn/experience growth in. However, in reading/looking at the WHOLE words written in God’s Word, it’s not just about Paul or whatever disciple is being written about. It also is about the Believers who came along and supported the disciples so that they could do what God called them to do. Some were called to Do – others were called to support those that were called to Do. I honestly think that the mission God has created me for is to serve and support those that God has chosen to tell the Good News about God’s Grace which so brings me back to the vision that God gave me in the basement at Towanda when He gave us the name, My Fathers Blessing. Of all the areas that He showed me, my most favorite is the serving those who have served Him and no longer can due to age, health, etc and are looking for their next segment in their journey of purpose as they transition to the Gatekeepers before going on to their eternal retirement plan that’s Out of this World. I get so excited and full of passion when I see what He has shown me. I don’t know how or in what specific way but I think the time is here to act upon this calling. I know it will definitely be “outside the box” as God tends to love to laugh/have fun with us and not do the “typical” in our lives. Nothing in our amazing journey as husband and wife has been status pro from the moment we met even to the point we are at this present moment. Look at where we have been, what we’ve had and where we are now. In the world’s eyes we may have digressed with not living in a huge house, driving current vehicles, etc but I firmly believe we have progressed with shedding the excess (which we still have much to figure out what He wants done with – Ha!), being content with what we have, driving vehicles that are 100% His, minimizing, living in a 5th wheel that helps keep us close as a family and allows us to following His leading (even more so after we get it paid off). God has showed us repeatedly His providing for us, especially in the past year. Look at in our time of “financial lack” how much more we have been able to give, share and minister to others! It just blesses my socks off!! Not to mention blows my mind. Only God can do such things.

God is good … ALL the time! I’m anxious to see what He’s doing and preparing us for that’s to come. The journey is hard at times but I know well worth it. Growth is never easy but oh so glorious. I’m loving this ride and I’m ecstatic you’re on it with me.

Purpose ... staying focused

2009-10-03T15:42:00.003-04:00

Wow ... God has totally been rocking my world with everything pointing to purpose and am I staying focused on it. It's been a wonderful time of peace knowing what He has called me to do and being freed thanks to the many challenges of the journey He has taken us on thus far to be able to say "NO" to things that truly don't fit the path He has for me. Even the boys are excited with feeling the anticipation that something BIG is going to happen in our lives. Its been hard having Randy working between Kansas and Texas and not being here with us when he is here due to his work ... but I can see God's hand in it all. He is so FAITHFUL! If you need a good book to read, check out Tommy Newberry's book The 4:8 Principle. Easy read. Helpful in putting things in perspective and helping you take control of your thoughts and thinking positive. Its one of those books you need to read several times and you still see new things. Its great to read with a friend or a study group too.

FOR SALE 1976 Starcraft 8 person boat

2009-10-03T14:27:00.002-04:00

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ASKING PRICE: $1500 .... WIFE's asking price $1300 Here's the info: 1976 Starcraft 8 person aluminum hull, inboard Chevy 1.4L engine, OMC drive. Has new fuel filler cap & assembly. Upper bearings, seals and all fluids have been replaced in the drive unit. Prop was remanned. Has a fish/depth finder, horn radio antenna, cb radio antenna. NEEDS: Upholstery. Reverse has gone out. Trim motor is bad - it is down in the lowest setting for max speed. TRAILER: Drop down trailer with new bearings. There are new trailer tires (not auto tires) on the trailer that I put on before I brought it down here this year. New 2" hitch and chain. Just replaced boards and carpet. We have had the boat out here on the lake and we still take it out when Randy is here long enough and has the time too. I just never grew up around boats so don't have the confidence to take it out without Randy yet. Feel free to e-mail or call Randy (713-553-3036) if you have any further questions. My extent of boat knowledge is: it pulls the three person tube w my boys in it, it holds water out and doesn't sink, I can use the front section and get great sun and it goes ... generally faster than I like over the waves but boys will be boys! We've totally enjoyed it but if Randy's going to stay on the road I would rather have a jet ski as I have experience with them and can take the boys out without him.

Putting Life in Perspective

2009-09-30T16:25:00.004-04:00

Here's a blog that will impact all lives. Puts your situation in perspective. Are you walking, talking and shining His Light as you walk the journey you are on? No matter how big or small the journey and challenges you face ... others are always watching. Check out this blog about Brady, Sara & Chloe's journey.

First Day of School 2009-10

2009-08-28T08:16:00.000-04:00

Wow! Hard to believe my amazing Children of God are going in to the 6th and 2nd grades. Where has the time gone? This year God has us in one place long enough to get to participate in a local homeschool co-op. The boys are so excited! They couldn't get me to go to bed early enough last night! Oh the joy and warm fuzzies that does for my heart. I love being a mom!

Sad Good Byes

2009-08-07T22:25:00.002-04:00

On July 23rd Michelle flew from Houston to meet up with Randy and the boys (who were in Kansas) in Rapid City, SD to help care for Grandpa Wendt and say our final good byes. Such a hard but wonderful time. We were so blessed to be able to spend five days loving on Grandma & Grandpa Wendt and getting to see a few of the cousins. I was honored to get to tend to Grandpa (& Grandma) who so lovingly took care of my husband when he was a wee tot. Couldn't have ever asked for any more dear people to be our Grandparents. So thankful our sons were able to get to know their Great Grandparents. God blessed us with a special gift of Grandpa reviving enough to reminisce with Randy about different times as he grew up. It was heart felt time for my husband to get to thank Grandpa for all the wonderful things he has done in his life, love he has given and the lessons he has taught him. During one of Grandpa's lucid moments we got to hear each of them remember when they met. Grandpa even said he'd definitely marry Grandma all over again. Grandma is going to be lost with her other half of one waiting for her in Heaven but at least we were able to confirm that he would be waiting for us to get there. If you get there before we do, please give him a great big hug for us! We love you Grandpa Wendt!

We got the call Wednesday night, 08/05/09, that Grandpa had passed. The boys and I were scheduled to fly back out the next morning to help take care of Grandpa until he finally passed in to God's loving arms. Amazing enough, priceline.com refunded our entire airfare with no penalties. God is so faithful and good ALL the time.

Total Chaos!

2009-07-23T11:24:00.004-04:00

Okay ... my guys have been gone 2-1/2 days. Since I haven't had a working phone and the only way to get in touch with me is via e-mail or facebook, I've spent more time on the computer than I planned. My goal while the guys being gone (besides taking care of my responsibilities) is to get our home completely cleaned out, decluttered, treated for insects, back room painted and put back together in a homey atmosphere.

Well, I'm no where near where I thought I would be at this point. Today I'm feeling overwhelmed by the chaos I'm sitting in the middle of. I've been pulling EVERYTHING out of cabinets and cupboards to sort through and get ready to treat. Thus the overwhelmedness. At times I just sit down and play a quick game on the computer as I just don't feel like I'm making any progress and I need to see some completion somewhere ... even if its a silly game! This last time I sat down I found myself being so THANKFUL that God doesn't get overwhelmed with the messes we get ourselves in to or the junk we clutter. With His amazing sense of humor I'm sure He chuckles at us and finds a lot of amusement in our shenanigans. I'm so glad that He's ultimately in control in my life and knows what direction to push me in. I love knowing I can trust Him and that He loves me so much He will allow me to ... be me. Now just to step back, take a deep breath, say a Thankful prayer so I can get back to organizing chaos! PONDER POINT: Are you in a situation that you need to step back, refocus your mind-set, Thank Him, Praise Him, take a deep breath ... then get back into the journey?

Heart fuzzies!

2009-07-20T20:13:00.004-04:00

I was just able to get a text from Malachi that said, "We're at HEB. I miss you already soooo much!" My heart is sad for him as I don't want him to be sad but yet at the same time I'm feeling like I'm not such a bad mom after all. Whoopee!! I mean HEB is only about 9 miles from here and he's only been gone 45 minutes. ADDENDUM: I later learned from Randy that when he got back out to the truck Malachi looked upset but wouldn't say anything. He finally got him to slide over by him and snuggle in. Malachi then told him he was missing me so much. Randy said he had such a long face and was doing all he could not to cry. He offered to bring him back home as it wasn't too late. He said it was hard for Malachi to chose but getting to see Grandma & Grandpa & Uncle Tony & Aunt Cheri finally won out. I'm proud of Randy for being so sensitive. PONDER POINT: There are points in our Christian Walk that we have to leave our current situation to be blessed in another area. It doesn't mean that God won't return us (a better person obviously) to our present situation but we have to be willing to make the choice to accept the journey to what is ahead and the blessings that are waiting and leave the comfort zone behind. What choices has God offered you that you had to decide, Do I stay where I am OR Go where He is leading/calling?

Kansas Bound

2009-07-20T19:04:00.001-04:00

Wow! Randy was suppose to go to Kansas to check on my parents and work on some roofs after the nasty hail storm they got. However within the final few hours before leaving the boys ended up getting to go with him - thanks to Uncle Tony & Aunt Cheri coming to town too. My head is still spinning and I'm sure it will set in soon that I'm all here by myself in Texas. I don't even know for sure how long they are going to be gone. On top of that I'm on foot as my van broke down yesterday. The dogs are already mopping around and the boys' friend, Bobbie, is hanging around with me playing games and walking the dogs - he misses them already too. Oh yeah ... my cell phone has gone on the blink and isn't working either. Talk about feeling like I'm under attack and have amazing blessings waiting to flow down on me. Guess we'll have to stay tuned and see what all transpires. I think I'm more excited about what's to come than anything and possibly a little scared that I will be so overwhelmed by all that God is preparing to bless me with.

Date Night with the Gilmores!

2009-07-11T23:41:00.003-04:00

Wow! A date night! Thanks to Julia Copeland and our own foresight that if we didn't have partners we'd probably stay home and work, we ended up having a fun night with the Gilmores. We ate at Wings & More, visted the Woodlands Mall, had some utterly nasty smoothies at Barnes & Nobles (okay one sip and it was a no way get you money back deal. I swear I've cleaned up vomit from a cat that resembled the texture and smell of this stuff!) Susan watered a dog (it resembled a dog but was the size of a small pony!) on the side walk then walked down by the river back to the parking lot. Once home, John & Susan dropped us off and we proceeded to watch movies (I had to chat some on FB) until 4 AM when Randy finally deemed it time for bed. Go figure ... I was ready for bed by 11! All in all, a great night! Thanks everyone for all the input and encouragement. Couples should do things like this more often!

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Raymond & Tyler Visit

2009-07-10T23:58:00.001-04:00

Our family had ran to scope out the Woodlands Mall to get ready for our big date night tomorrow night when we got a call from Uncle Ray saying he and Tyler would be blowing through Houston on their way from Yuma to FL did we want to meet up? We were already close to 40 minutes closer so we loaded up and headed to a TA truck stop on East I-10 headed towards Beaumont. We had a wonderful evening of laughing and talking and the cousins got a chance to get to know each other better and play somewhat. They even got the truckers at another table somewhat involved in a game of napkin ball ... oops! (They were good sports about it!) We thoroughly enjoyed our time just wish Jaymie & Melisa could have been there too! Randy was dreading the 1 hour and 40 minute drive home ... but its a lot shorter than a drive to South Dakota!!

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Happy 4th of July!!

2009-07-04T23:29:00.001-04:00

What a great day! We met some new friends, Edward & Hollie Estis & Daniel, as well as had "old" friends over for the evening. It was beautiful weather ... could have been hotter and most definitely could have been cooler ... but the fireworks were still great. The boys were somewhat bummed when we were told we couldn't set off fireworks where we lived but were allowed to get some firecrackers and pocket the rest of what was budgeted for fireworks ... so wasn't so bad after all. Of course, when evening hit and all the neighbors were lighting fireworks there was a bit of disappointment but the boys were in hog heaven when they got to climb up on the roof to watch the show. No one fell off ... they just knocked a big hole in the skylight in Randy & I's room - no biggie! We were proud to honor all those who fought for our freedom and still do to this day. Thank you and your families. Happy and Safe 4th of July to you all!

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My Baby is growing up!

2009-07-03T20:02:00.001-04:00

My baby is growing up way too fast!!! Tonight Josiah pulled out his bottom eye tooth all by himself. His dad nor I were even allowed to touch it just to make sure we didn't pull it out for him. Where has the time gone?

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Happy 4th of July!!

2009-07-03T16:47:00.004-04:00

Tomorrow we celebrate the Freedom of our Nation. Every Day we should celebrate our Freedom of Life.

Have a Safe and Happy 4th of July!

Meaning of a Flag Draped Coffin

All Americans should be given this lesson. Those who think that America is an arrogant nation should really reconsider that thought. Our founding fathers used GOD's word and teachings to establish our Great Nation and I think it's high time Americans get re-educated about this Nation's history. Pass it along and be proud of the country we live in and even more proud of those who serve to protect our 'GOD GIVEN' rights and freedoms.

I hope you take the time to read this ... To understand what the flag draped coffin really means ... Here is how to understand the flag that laid upon it and is surrendered to so many widows and widowers.

Do you know that at military funerals, the 21-gun salute stands for the sum of the numbers in the year 1776?

Have you ever noticed the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the United States of America Flag 13 times? You probably thought it was to symbolize the original 13 colonies, but we learn something new every day!

The 1st fold of the flag is a symbol of life.

The 2ndfold is a symbol of the belief in eternal life.

The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing the ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of the country to attain peace throughout the world.

The 4th fold represents the weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.

The 5th fold is a tribute to the country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, 'Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.'

The 6th fold is for where people's hearts lie It is with their heart that They pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States Of America , and the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

The 7th fold is a tribute to its Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that they protect their country and their flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of their republic.

The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day.

The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.

The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of their country since they were first born.

The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.

The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are ! Uppermost reminding them of their nations motto, 'In God We Trust.'

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for them the rights, privileges and freedoms they enjoy today.

There are some traditions and ways of doing things that have deep meaning. In the future, you'll see flags folded and now you will know why.

Share this with the children you love and all others who love what is referred to, the symbol of ' Liberty and Freedom.'

MAYBE THE SUPREME COURT SHOULD READ THIS EXPLANATION BEFORE THEY RENDER THEIR DECISION ON THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. FORWARD IT; MAYBE SOMEONE WITH THE NECESSARY POWER, OR POLITICAL AND FINANCIAL INFLUENCE, WILL GET IT TO THEM.

IN THE MEANTIME, MAY GOD PROTECT US ALWAYS.

ONE NATION, UNDER GOD, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.

Tender feelers

2009-06-10T10:07:00.001-04:00

Today is one of those days … I’m trying to keep my focus on Him and going through the challenges to strengthen who He has created me to be and educate me so I can be more effective in the ministry/outreach He has chosen. It is hard though when people whom you feel are friends make comments which appear to be judging you for where you are or what you are going through. I get it that they don’t know what God is doing … but their judgment and comments hurt nonetheless, especially this person who is sensitive and at the present time walking this part of the journey which isn’t very comfortable but greatly rewarding when my eyes are focused correctly. My human worldly side wants to stand up and rattle off all the wonderful things I’ve had, done and been throughout my life … but such is not to be. It is a major eye opener in helping me to make sure I’m not doing the same to others. God has taken us down some paths that I definitely would never have chosen but opens doors to walk beside those who have gone through or are going through challenges with a heart-to-heart, hands-on knowledge. Wisdom is definitely not something you gain with age, it comes with hands-on experience.

Crawfish ... Yum or Yuck!

2009-06-04T23:06:00.002-04:00

One of our neighbors had a crawfish party tonight ... and my family was introduced to crawfish. They all tried them but I don't think any of them fell instantly in like with them. The response from the boys was that they were okay. Years back when their Grandma Brown ended up guardedly trying them on her way to Florida to minister with Ministry Among Native Americans ... she instantly got in to the popping the heads and sucking the meat out. Leave it to Grandma. Too bad she wasn't here to show the boys how to do it. Maybe her enthusiasm would have won them over a bit more!

Baptism

2009-06-03T22:35:00.006-04:00

We just got home from the both Josiah & Malachi being baptized tonight. What a special night ... AND it ended with chocolate cake after the service. Who knew!! Our sons are growing up so fast. Tonight did amazing things to my heart. I'm with them almost 24/7 and yet I feel like I'm missing out on so much with them.

Happy 18th Birthday Jonathan Daniel Christopher Brown!

2009-06-03T11:19:00.003-04:00

Josiah, Dano & Malachi: Just one of the many reasons Josiah & Malachi love their cousin Dano! Dano teaching Malachi how to dance: Josiah & Malachi just can't get Dano's moves quite right yet! Mercedes, Josiah & Dano at her 18th party: Dano reading to Reilly & Malachi at Great Grannie's 80+ birthday: It's a special day and we are celebrating with you in our hearts. We love and miss you! Most of my pictures are in storage ... so will upload more when can. Happy Birthday Dano!! We Love you!

Happy Birthday Amber Brown!

2009-06-03T09:47:00.002-04:00

Here's just a few pictures from this year in her life:

Happy 9th Birthday Brodie!

2009-05-30T23:41:00.001-04:00

What a blessing to be able to celebrate Brodie's 9th birthday with friends and family at the Angleton Rec Center. Oh what fun! It was quite the challenge getting the candles all lit at the same time with the Texas wind ... good thing Chelsey had gotten the trick candles ... it may have been a massacre otherwise! Lots of swimming and fun!

2009-05-30T07:57:00.000-04:00

What type of Mother Hen Are You?
by Montessorimom.com: Educational Resource

Wow ... and life goes on

2009-05-30T07:07:00.007-04:00

Its been an amazing journey since my birthday weekend but PTL! this past week has shown great progress. Hopefully I will be able to have energy enough to get caught up on our home and updating the blog.

This journey of illness I was taken on was quite the experience for me. Great opportunity to witness to the ER doctor not once but twice in one weekend! She still is amazed that I'm alive. Now that I'm regaining health, I'm absolutely thankful to God that I am and definitely know that when it comes to health issues for those in our family ... I'm the one that has that knowledge/experience. We've always joked that if anything ever happens to Randy health wise I'll be by his side getting all I can done ... but I'll be (excuse the term) "screwed" if its me that has any health needs. Gotta love him anyway. It's just not Randy's area of expertise and this past two months has definitely confirmed it! Ha! What a walk it was/is. Its quite humbling to know that you might not make it and that if God does take you that your children will be there with you when it happens. Not something I desire for my children to have to go through ... nor do I relish the idea of them growing up without me in their lives. It was a heart wrenching time when I was teetering and had to keep claiming God's promises and reminding myself that He loves my husband and sons far more than I ever could. They have always been God's but I still wholeheartedly love them with all the massive love He created in me. As hard as it was to come to the acceptance that God might take me home and leave my then 7 yo and 11 yo sons to join me later ... it was very reassuring to know that He has their future in His hands and will provide for them far better than I ever can. During this time of illness I spent much time in the Word and even more time in prayer seeking God's will and whether there was something in my life that was preventing me from being healed as I know there were many faithful prayer warriors lifting me up. My human side (w a little help from some friends) kept questioning if I was missing something and why I wasn't receiving healing but God was/is faithful and kept/keeps giving me verses about taking me through things to prepare me for what is to come in the plans/ministry He has for me. During the time that I was bedridden (or I should say coach ridden due to excruciating pain brought on by even air moving little lone children or a husband moving around or trying to touch me.) I spent a few weeks where I couldn't even read due to my being too weak and in pain. It was quite a reassurance and comfort when my beloved sons would read our Project 3:45 chapters and more from the Bible to me. Needless to say I have devoured much scripture and a few books (thanks to my mom for sending me some new ones!) in the last week of feeling better! I don't know what is to come ... I only know that my already tender heart is even more sensitive and open now. I'm seeking to keep my priorities and focus where God directs. Thankfully I have an all loving God who will help me serve according to His will. Thanks for ALL your prayers and petitions on behalf of myself and my family. May God bless you deeply.

It is Done enough ...

2009-05-24T14:36:00.000-04:00

Finally! The basics are done on the deck, only the final screws and entry steps to go. The guys decided they deserved to take a break and go boating and tubing. I love being able to sit on our deck and watch them out on the lake. Here's a picture they took from the boat as they went cruised by.

Memorial Day Weekend ... or is it Labor Day ... ha!

2009-05-23T11:28:00.000-04:00

Okay it's Memorial Day but the guys are feeling like its LABOR Day weekend. We moved to our new location on Monday and now get to use this weekend to get the deck torn apart and put back together ... at least it's the typical weekend weather and overcast and cool for at least part of the time.

Surprise!

2009-05-17T21:22:00.000-04:00

We had planned to have Malachi's 8th birthday party May 15th with an overnight party but my illness negated that event from happening. PTL! God, as always, provided in ways only He can by having Shannan suggest a cook-out & swim party at their home her treat on Sunday afternoon ... which became a Surprise Party for Malachi. And boy was he surprised. He thought we were just going over to swim and eat supper ... he was so overwhelmed when everyone jumped out and hollered surprise when he went inside ... he was quiet for some time processing all his excitement. I am in deep debt and full of immense gratitude to Shannan and Karla for making this party happen for Malachi. It was very hard and disappointing for me (& Malachi) to be too sick and weak to throw a party. Once again, God showing who's in control and can do ALL things. Thank you all!

Classical Homeopath & Reconnective Therapist

2009-04-23T14:37:00.001-04:00

I have had the honor and pleasure of personally meeting and spend time with Michele. Even if you are not in the St. Paul area you can benefit from her knowledge and expertise. I've posted her info here so I have access to her contact info from wherever I am to get natural direction on our health issues. Check out her website! Michele Brookhaus, RSHom(NA), CCH Classical Homeopath and Reconnective Therapist 1676 Minnehaha Ave W. St. Paul, MN 55104 www.beyondwell.com

BOOK: My Son, John By Kathi Macias

2009-04-20T12:43:00.004-04:00

This book has just been published by Kathi Macias and Sheaf House Publishing. It is a heart touching story of a family's journey. I read it the night I received it in the mail ... after my family was in bed -- a necessity since it was a read until its done kind of book.

Back Cover:

MURDER, COULD THERE BE A MORE CHILLING WORD? When Liz Peterson's elderly mother is found viciously beaten to death in her home, Liz and her husband, Charles, along with their grown son, John, and teenage daughter, Sarah, struggle to make sense of a senseless act. And then a second blow -- more devastating, if possible, than the first -- rocks them to their core. John is arrested for his grandmother's murder. As what's left of the Peterson family begins to crumble under the weight of loss and accusation, the Petersons' longstanding Christian faith is put to the test in a way they could never have imagined, and unconditional love is stretched to its limits. Can God's grace reach even to the deepest agony o the soul and bring healing to a family torn apart by a brutal crime?

"MY SON, JOHN is a powerful and compelling story about love, mercy, and the undeserved gift of grace. A horrific crime almost tears the Peterson family apart yet in the midst of their pain and sorrow, they discover how to both forgive and be forgiven. You'll never forget this book!" -Melanie Dobson, Author of The Black Cloister AND Together for GOD

"MY SON, JOHN is the deeply moving story of one mother's unswerving love for her son, and her journey to faith during incredibly difficult circumstances. The message of forgiveness and love is powerful, and you won't be sorry you journeyed with Liz to the glorious resolution." - Virginia Smith, Author of Just As I Am AND Sincerely Mayla.

ISBN-13 978-0-9797485-4-7 Trade paperback with study guide and resources list

Happy Easter ... He is Risen!

2009-04-12T22:33:00.002-04:00

Our family Easter basket was delivered to the McDonald's (Thanks Grandpa Larry Butler who entered us in the drawing!)in Webster so we got to go pick it up. The boys were so excited about it as were we as we weren't budgeted to be able to provide such. (Once again God provided in a way only He could!) We opened the basket Saturday night since our church was doing four services for Easter this year and Randy & I were helping at three of them.

Today definitely made for a long day but very blessed day. We were blessed with some friends that took our sons after the first service so they wouldn't have to sit through all the services. The boys had a blast hunting eggs and just hanging out ... even though we didn't get done there til mid-afternoon. We were exhuasted but got to join in the fun of hunting. We even did our traditional "strawberries". We've missed a lot of family traditions this past year but this one definitely made it this time!

Impossible to Possible

2009-04-02T15:22:00.007-04:00

Today in our Bible Study/Science Activity we ...

1) Filled a drinking glass almost to the top with water.

2) Dropped a small cork (we used a fishing bobber - of course!) into the glass, and make the cork float in the center of the water without touching the glass.

What Happened?

The cork kept floating off to the side. It seemed impossible to keep it in the center even if we used our hands on the glass, blew on it, shook the floor (an advantage of living in a 5th wheel), etc. Nothing worked.

THEN We ...

Slowly poured water from another glass until the water rose just above the rim without spilling.

What HAPPENED?

The cork moved to where the water was the highest ... the center. And it didn't take any help or prompting from us to get it to move there. It happened automatic when the water was added. OUTCOME:

It wasn't possible until we knew to fill the glass to the top. Then the cork always, no matter how it was shaken or moved, returned to the center.

LIFE APPLICATION:

If we keep our life full of God's word, Fellowship with other Believers, Music, Reading, TV, positive input ... no matter what happens around us ... we can stay centered or grounded in Christ through all the tribulations that come our way.

Happy Birthday Michelle

2009-03-23T23:58:00.001-04:00

Wow! What an amazing year! My guys have made this a wonderful birthday. I'm tired from the amazing Prayer conference I was treated to by God and a faithful new friend (Susan) who was listening to Him to allow me to be blessed and renewed. Even though my husband forgot when we first woke up that it was my birthday he recovered later in the day by planning a surprise with my boys of me not having to help bake my own cake AND they took me out to eat Mexican food. My father also called and left me a message where he sang Happy Birthday to me. For those of you that know my dad ... I'm not sure if that was a good thing or not! Ha! He can't carry a note in a bucket ... but I must be getting old and losing my hearing as I appreciated/enjoyed it! -- Guess that must be how God feels when we lift our voices in Praise to Him whether we can sing and dance or not! PTL The boys were excited because while I was at the retreat they picked out a Bible Cover for my new Bible at the Church Bookstore to surprise me with. They're still think jewelry is the best gift for mom but they wanted to surprise me with something different. I'm just thankful that my sons are so excited about getting gifts for others. I could have done without the cool whip on/in my nose at the Mexican restaurant but my boys got a good laugh from it. (Randy too!) We were so stuffed but had to come come and have some of the chocolate cake and chocolate chip ice cream that they had surprised me with as its just not a birthday without cake and ice cream according to my sons. For the record ... I am NOT 71 years old nor 17 years old, just somewhere in between. They were very creative with how they came up with using the candles we had. (They figured my age added up equaled what the candles added up too so it would work. Creative! They think it should count as some homeschool credit ... hmm.) Randy, specially made for me Josiah, my firstborn Malachi, our final book Thanks to all of you who sent e-mail cards, messages, called, etc. I appreciated them all. I'm greatful that God allowed my mom to endure the pain of my birth all those years ago.

The Meeting Place

2009-03-22T22:11:00.000-04:00

God has blessed me so much in life and just recently by using a dear friend I just met a few weeks ago to take me to the Sam Houston National Forest for The Meeting Place Prayer Retreat. It was so what this Child of God, Wife, Mother, Daughter, Friend, Server and whatever else I am needed. Took me out of my comfort zone and pushed me to higher places with a yearning and excitement as the growth continues and spreads to my family and those God brings in contact with me.

Keep an eye on Creative Outreach's web site for upcoming conferences ... trust me, you don't want to miss if any way possible to go. AND if you are looking for a ministry to support with the abundance that God has provided you or want to volunteer ... pray about serving along side those God has called to serve here. Whether via prayer, internet or physical contributions ... you and this ministry will be blessed by any and all that you do for even the least of these.

On a side note, imagine how this mom felt when as soon as we drove up to our home, my husband and two sons came rushing out scrambling to see who got to give me a hug and kiss first! When you're with mom 24/7 and she doesn't go anywhere without you ... the boys definitely missed me.

What comfort zone!?!?

2009-03-19T18:28:00.004-04:00

Talk about taking me out of my comfort zone. Randy was subbing today for Steve at a BNI meeting today. Well at about 5 AM Randy tears out of bed to the bathroom. I thought he had overslept ... but soon I was to hear otherwise. And boy it was NOT a pretty sight ... and that's only using the hearing as my visual guide. Needless to say being the loving wife that I try to be, I got him a cool wash cloth and asked him how he was doing. When he finally was able to come back to bed I asked what he was going to do about the meeting and he promptly fell to sleep without verbally answering me. Thus, so did I. At 6:38 AM he stirs and asks why I'm not ready to go to the meeting. I'm thinking ... yeah, right. Me sub for the sub. But then I realized he was serious. I guess he had a conversation with himself while he was asleep where as he thought he had talked to me about going. Go figure, I'm a wife not a mind reader! Besides I speak hormone and he speaks testosterone. Needless to say, since he was so violently ill I got out of bed and put myself together in under 20 minutes to get out the door and on the way.

So I'm trying to mentally prep myself for this event. What a pleasure it was to exit our humble home and find some of the densest fog I've seen in a very loooonnnnggg time. Talk about someone having a sense of humor! So, I'm leaving a few minutes late, to go to a meeting I know very little about, at a location I'm not sure of, to give a "commercial" for a guy that I don't even know exactly what he does or who he works for. Yip ... that's my life!

Needless to say, I made it to the location even with some people coming in after me. Grabbed some breakfast off the buffet, found a seat, somewhat ate, breathed and definitely wondered what in the world I was doing there.

Then the meeting started. Fortunately for the visitors there (remember I'm just a sub) they explained the different areas/rolls of the networking group. Then they promptly went in to the "commercials" starting on the far side of the room. You can bet I'm praying like crazy that there will be a sub before me so I know better what I'm suppose to do ... oh yeah - and the small issue that I still am not exactly sure what Steve does except that it is some type of insurance. Now here's absolute proof there is a God (for anyone that has ever doubted) ... they have a box that each of the members has a tab with their business cards in front of. Wonders of wonders they started it on my side of the room. (See I told you there was a God.) So thanks to the great resourcefulness I was either blessed with or have learned through all the other times of being pushed out of my comfort zone ... I purposely went through the box looking for Steve's card to see exactly what he does. Proof that I still have a lot of learning to do -- I got that he did health insurance but missed who for. While frantically looking for his card I kind of missed being able to fully focus on the sub ... who was to be my example of what to do/say. Oops!

Okay, now like I'm really going to be able to listen to what all these people are saying while my mind is going 90-to-nothing trying to figure out what I'm going to say in not one but TWO commercials. (At least I know what my husband does ... kind of!) They had some well-organized and rehearsed members there with some clever commercials. (Maybe that's why I'm NOT a member and hadn't been invited to go as a visitor before ... you think?) PTL I didn't have to give one for me - the sub that was subbing for the sub of the member! Needless to say, I got the commercials out and back in my seat without any major mishaps.

WheeWhoo!! All this before 8 AM ... it's been years since my life had that type of networking business type detail in it ... I mean YEARS! Pre-marriage even! (Was there even life before marriage? Oh yeah - thanks to Facebook I'm recalling some of it.) And to imagine I used to live that way on full thrust 24/7. What was I ever thinking!?! No wonder I have such amazing natural "highlights" in my hair.

It definitely got my heart pumping and after coming home and checking on my sicklings ... I had an amazing study time. Of course it was down by the lake after the fog cleared. Could it get much better?

Talk about a great day!

So, when's the last time you were taken out of your comfort zone?

The Sun is Shining and its a great day!

2009-03-18T12:35:00.004-04:00

Wow ... after so many days of rain and cool weather ... I'm loving this sunshine. I'm also loving the ever present SONshine in my life.

I have such a sense of excitement just pouring out from inside. I'm seeing God moving in little ways that are appearing to be like little seeds that have been buried under the soil when they start to poke their way up to the sunshine and start their growth above ground.

God has given Randy & I a vision a few years ago of what is to come and how we are to serve Him and His missionaries. I thought it would be in the distant future before we would see anything start ... but my God sense is bringing me awareness of some of the smallest details that I think are part of the bigger picture. It's just so EXCITING! Can you tell?

It's been quite a ride on this journey thus far and we're not anywhere done with the ride yet. It's like being on a roller coaster when you're screaming, laughing and crying all at the same time, wanting the ride to end but then again not. What an amazing God who loves us so to give us such a pallet full of emotions that span so many areas.

May your day be filled with unending tiny blessings surrounding you with the SONshine.

FACEBOOK

2009-03-16T22:47:00.001-04:00

I can't believe ... I finally did it. I finally joined FACEBOOK. Not sure what I'm doing but having a blast coming across people who I've not seen in a long time, many in more years than seems possible. Will have to make sure that I use my time according to God's will as I can see how it would be easy for Satan to get a hold of the time and use it to keep me too busy to hear God's voice or calling to action according to His will. I'm anxious to see how it goes as I think God may very well use it to further His plans in the vision He has given Randy and I several years ago. Something big is getting ready to happen as I'm feeling the excitement welling up inside that only God could have put there. Makes the last few months more bearable and make more sense - if that's possible.

If you Facebook ... look me up!

Soiree at The C.H.O.P.

2009-03-15T15:38:00.003-04:00

Last night I had the priviledge of getting to go to the Soiree at The C.H.O.P. My friend Shannan (whom God brought in to my life through our Sunday School Class - Common Grounds at the Ark) and I were blessed with leaving our blessed sons with my husband in our 5th wheel while we went to check this out. Neither one of us had ever been to the C.H.O.P. nor knew what the soiree was to entail. But we were adventurous ... or maybe desperate moms needing a diversion? ... and joyously subjected ourselves to this mission of discovery.

What a wonderful discovery! The setting and decorations were so warm and welcoming. The purpose behind the C.H.O.P. (Conroe House of Prayer) even more of a blessing. This evening was specifically to allow people to meet and socialize while finding out more about Compassion United. It was wonderful to get to meet other people from around the area and to run in to some that I knew from the Ark Family Church.

They are constantly growing and developing as God leads them and donations come in to support. They have just added local artist goods to be sold with at least a portion if not all of the proceeds going to support local charities in the community.

I am anxious to be able to go back and check out the setting on a "regular" (if there is such a thing in a world directed by God's unending love, grace and ... sense of humor) night of worship or day fellowship. I think my family will enjoy it too.

It was a joy getting to meet and spend some time with Robyn as she shared the vision God has given her and her husband. The setting was such that it allowed Shannan and I to be able to sit and share some of life experiences that God has graciously loved and carried us through. Helps to keep things in perspective and amazingly enough give motivation to stay focused as we journey along God's path for our lives.

All in all, it was a successful night. C.H.O.P. is definitely a great place to be able to meet and share with others or just spend time in prayer worshiping him or listening to live music when available from local musicians. And ... Randy and the four boys were all happy campers when we returned home ... well the boys would have preferred to have had a sleepover but that will come another night.

Where do you go to have some time spent with friends or others socialing and/or worshiping the Lord? We're always looking for ideas and new things to try or implement around us.

EASTER STORY COOKIES

2009-03-13T02:07:00.003-04:00

To be made the evening before Easter.

You need:

1 cup whole pecans

1 tsp. vinegar

3 egg whites

pinch salt

1 cup sugar

zipper baggie

heavy wooden spoon

tape

A Bible

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. This is important! Don't wait until you're half done with the recipe!

Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested, He was beaten by the Roman soldiers.

Read John 19:1-3.

Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp. vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, He was given vinegar to drink.

Read John 19:28-30.

Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us eternal life.

Read John 10:10-11.

Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin.

Read Luke 23:27.

So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 cup sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him.

Read Ps. 34:8 and John 3:16.

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus.

Read Isa. 1:18 and John 3:1-3.

Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid.

Read Matt. 27:57-60.

Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed.

Read Matt. 27:65-66.

NOW GO TO BED! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed.

Read John 16:20 and 22.

On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty.

Read Matt. 28:1-9

Share "The Easter Cookie Story" With Your Friends.

Quiet and waiting

2009-02-27T12:25:00.004-05:00

And here's a very good summary of where I am right now ... sometimes the not being shaken is hard. Where are you in your life journey? Do you have a verse or book of the Bible or something that is encouraging you that you'd like to share?

Psalm 62:5-7 "My soul is quiet and waits for God alone. My hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and the One Who saves me. He is my strong place. I will not be shaken."

Post a comment or send me an e-mail and I will add any prayer requests to my prayer time. I love to hear from all of you. We can learn from each of our journeys. The author, J. M. Hochstetler interview on February 25th at This, That & The Other Thing is an amazing testimony and very encouraging for all. If you haven't checked out go do so now.

Blessings as you enter into the weekend!

FREE Drawings for Wind of The Spirit!!!

2009-02-26T19:53:00.004-05:00

This is an AMAZING book even if you are not a history buff. It's the fourth book in the series so I highly recommend getting all of them. For all you newbies to the Author J. M. Hochstetler ... you have got it made being able to read all four books without having to wait for them to come out. Talk about hanging on the edge of your seat! I'm SOOOOOOOOOO ready to get my hot little hands on my copy. I'll definitely be pulling an all nighter to get it read. (Seems to be the case with ALL her books! I started with her book One Holy Night ... put it down three times but was drawn back to it within an hour each time ... didn't get any sleep til it was done.) You must go check it out. You can get it direct from Sheaf House. It’s also available for pre-order on CBD and Barnes and Noble. CBD ordered their initial copies way back in November or December, and since they’re finally in the warehouse, the distributor should start fulfilling orders soon.

Hey, Joan has interviews coming up on several different blogs during the next few weeks. Here’s a schedule so you can check them out! Each blog is offering a drawing for a free copy of Wind of the Spirit, so comment on the post and you’ll be entered!

February 25, Yesterday! Joan was guest blogging about dreams on Jennifer AlLee’s blog This, That, and the Other Thing. Head on over right now for a shot at a free copy!

February 26 Lena Nelson Dooley, A Christian Writer’s World

March Afictionado E-zine

March TBD Tyora Moody ChristianBookwormReviews.com

March 5 Novel Journey

March 10 Favorite PASTimes

March 12, 8:15 a.m. KREJ 101.7 FM Kelly Long Proverbs 31 Wannabe Club (The station covers southern Kansas and northern Oklahoma; call in to enter: 620-886-3537)

March 13 Amber Stockton Spotlight Interview. Hope baby doesn’t come early!

March 15 Wind of the Spirit is featured this week on Christian Authors Network You’ve Got Books fiction blog.

Thoughtful Thursday

2009-02-19T14:39:00.005-05:00

Thoughts to ponder from the sewer challenge. If we are like the round disk with a pilot hole drilled in our middle are we ...

A) Living our lives in such a way that we are blocking the hole completely shut that God is wanting to use to ... okay this may be a bad pun ... allow our blessings and lights to flow threw?

B) Living our lives so that we are wedged in to the opening allowing some blessings and light to flow around us ... that is until we let the clutter from our choices, the day to day living or the secular worlds input slow us down to a trickle or eventually even close us off?

C) Living our lives in such a way that despite our human side we are able to continue to seek His will and allow His light to shine through us thus not stenting God's flow from above?

Thoughts to ponder on the repair side ...

Are we seeking God's help in getting us back on track allowing him to come in with a sawsall and cut out the parts that need to be so He can reach in and cleanse all the blockage and junk then put us back together again as a new creation? This can be messy but a very effective and complete restoration to total peace.

Are we sorta seeking help from God and only allowing him to attempt to "back flush" our lives temporarily pushing the obstruction partially out of the way only to have it settle back in place again sometimes even causing more blockage. This is a continual process that can get quite time intensive, costly and be very messy and uncomfortable at some of the most inopportune times.

Are we constantly filling our lives with positive, Christ-like words, thoughts, music, influences, relationships, activities, etc so as to keep our "pipes" cleaned from the sludge and build up and our light shining brightly?

We have freedom of will ... what choices are you making? What needs to be done in your life to help you to be all that you can be?

Finally ...

2009-02-18T23:55:00.004-05:00

Mom was released this afternoon from the hospital after admitting her after Tony & Cheri's wedding on Valentine's ... AND .... I finally got the photos uploaded and created a group room for any and all to view, add photos and leave messages for Tony & Cheri. Thanks for the prayers for my mom and ... Enjoy the pictures!

Stinky Job

2009-02-18T15:07:00.005-05:00

We have battled sewer issues every since we had our tank worked on back in Georgia. And let me tell you ... not having a bathroom, especially when it's cold and dark outside and a walk to the outhouse ... is not a thrill. Well, today is the day it all hit the fan. Randy finally got tired of having to backflush the tank to try to get it open enough to at least get liquids to drain. Generally this would have to be done when it was cold and yucky outside ... but today has turned in to a beautiful, sunny day. Thus with the whole family assisting we added Sewer 101 to our class agenda today. What you can't do with a little determination, a Dewalt sawsall and a 3" Fernco coupling! Needless to say, the culprit was the round plastic piece that was created when the manufacture drilled the hole into the black tank to hook it up where they proceeded to leave the piece inside the tank. You'd think as much problems as this can cause they would drill a mid-size hole then a second hole the size of the pipe to prevent this from being able to block the opening when they are leaving it in the tank. Ours is not the first story of such and I'm sure not the last. But hopefully the last time for us!

Wish all of life's stinky issues were this easy to solve.

Two Choices

2009-02-17T20:34:00.002-05:00

What would you do?....you make the choice. Don't look for a punch line, there isn't one. Read it anyway.. My question is: Would you have made the same choice?

At a fund raising dinner for a school that serves children with learning disabilities, the father of one of the students delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all who attended.. After extolling the school and its dedicated staff, he offered a question:

'When not interfered with by outside influences, everything nature does, is done with perfection.

Yet my son, Shay, cannot learn things as other children do. He cannot understand things as other children do.

Where is the natural order of things in my son?'

The audience was stilled by the query.

The father continued. 'I believe that when a child like Shay, who was mentally and physically disabled comes into the world, an opportunity to realize true human nature presents itself, and it comes in the way other people treat that child.'

Then he told the following story:

Shay and I had walked past a park where some boys Shay knew were playing baseball. Shay asked, 'Do you think they'll let me play?' I knew that most of the boys would not want someone like Shay on their team, but as a father I also understood that if my son were allowed to play, it would give him a much-needed sense of belonging and some confidence to be accepted by others in spite of his handicaps.

I approached one of the boys on the field and asked (not expecting much) if Shay could play. The boy looked around for guidance and said, 'We're losing by six runs and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team and we'll try to put him in to bat in the ninth inning.'

Shay struggled over to the team's bench and, with a broad smile, put on a team shirt. I watched with a small tear in my eye and warmth in my heart. The boys saw my joy at my son being accepted.

In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shay's team scored a few runs but was still behind by three.

In the top of the ninth inning, Shay put on a glove and played in the right field. Even though no hits came his way, he was obviously ecstatic just to be in the game and on the field, grinning from ear to ear as I waved to him from the stands.

In the bottom of the ninth inning, Shay's team scored again.

Now, with two outs and the bases loaded, the potential winning run was on base and Shay was scheduled to be next at bat.

At this juncture, do they let Shay bat and give away their chance to win the game?

Surprisingly, Shay was given the bat. Everyone knew that a hit was all but impossible because Shay didn't even know how to hold the bat properly, much less connect with the ball.

However, as Shay stepped up to the plate, the pitcher, recognizing that the other team was putting winning aside for this moment in Shay's life, moved in a few steps to lob the ball in softly so Shay could at least make contact.

The first pitch came and Shay swung clumsily and missed.

The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly towards Shay.

As the pitch came in, Shay swung at the ball and hit a slow ground ball right back to the pitcher.

The game would now be over.

The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could have easily thrown the ball to the first baseman.

Shay would have been out and that would have been the end of the game. Instead, the pitcher threw the ball right over the first baseman's head, out of reach of all team mates.

Everyone from the stands and both teams started yelling, 'Shay, run to first! Run to first!'

Never in his life had Shay ever run that far, but he made it to first base.

He scampered down the baseline, wide-eyed and startled. Everyone yelled, 'Run to second, run to second!'

Catching his breath, Shay awkwardly ran towards second, gleaming and struggling to make it to the base.

By the time Shay rounded towards second base, the right fielder had the ball. The smallest guy on their team who now had his first chance to be the hero for his team.

He could have thrown the ball to the second-baseman for the tag, but he understood the pitcher's intentions so he, too, intentionally threw the ball high and far over the third-baseman's head.

Shay ran toward third base deliriously as the runners ahead of him circled the bases toward home.

All were screaming, 'Shay, Shay, Shay, all the Way Shay'

Shay reached third base because the opposing shortstop ran to help him by turning him in the direction of third base, and shouted, 'Run to third! Shay, run to third!'

As Shay rounded third, the boys from both teams, and the spectators, were on their feet screaming, 'Shay, run home! Run home!'

Shay ran to home, stepped on the plate, and was cheered as the hero who hit the grand slam and won the game for his team.

'That day', said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face, 'the boys from both teams helped bring a piece of true love and humanity into this world'.

Shay didn't make it to another summer. He died that winter, having never forgotten being the hero and making me so happy, and coming home and seeing his Mother tearfully embrace her little hero of the day!

Have you been given an opportunity to let your "light" shine and touch someone's life? Did you do it - especially if there was a sacrifice involved? We'd love to hear from you. Here's to keeping our eyes, ears and mind open to God's leading and allowing our "light" to shine through and making the world a better place to live in.

From Wedding to ... St. Joseph ER

2009-02-14T23:25:00.004-05:00

When Randy & the boys and I got to Mom & Dad's home after helping cleaning up the church after the wedding my plans of getting supper out for all the family that came to town turned in to taking mom to Via Christi St. Joseph Emergency Room where she was finally admitted. She had pushed too hard and ended up totally exhausted and fighting a respiratory illness. The labs found her potassium to be low as well as her platelets but the CT showed no knew damage from a stroke or anything. PTL! Fortunately all those at the house took a family picture with all the grandchildren and great grandchildren in it along with Uncle Lee & Gpa Brown. Can you pick them all out? From Back Row, Left to Right: Mike Williams (Corynn's), Corynn, Uncle Lee, Michal Mercedes, Hunter (Michal's), Amber & Owen (Tyrel's family), Tony Hayes (Michal's), Gpa Brown. Front Row: Brodie (Chelsey's), Chelsey, Kyler (Chelsey's), Bennie (Corynn's), Tyrel, Malachi, Josiah, Reilly (Corynn's). The only grandchild missing is our amazing Dano!

Uncle Tony & Aunt Cheri's Wedding

2009-02-14T23:20:00.001-05:00

Well, they are finally married. It was a beautiful wedding. Check back later and I'll have a link so you can view all the pictures from the wedding. Continue to pray for them as they start their ministry as one with Ministry Among Native Americans.

We are so thankful that God allowed us to be able to make the journey and be a part of this part of their life journey. God is so good!

ADDENDUM: Here's the wedding pictures link ... drop by, leave them a message and enjoy!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-14T14:17:00.005-05:00

Nothing like a little chocolate sweetness to express the great love God gave us for each other. May your day be full of blessings! Stay tuned for pictures from Uncle Tony's wedding later today.

Do What?

2009-02-09T16:22:00.000-05:00

Okay ... just a quickie as that's all the notice we are getting. This morning we had finally told the boys that for whatever reason the funds weren't there for us to go to Kansas for Uncle Tony's wedding. Needless to say we were all bummed and with the added illness we're fighting it seems even lower. Well, Randy called at a little after 4:00 PM and asked if we could get packed as our wood splitter had sold so we had fuel money to get us to Kansas. We were going to the wedding! BUT ... we have to leave ASAP to be able to get as much done as possible while we were in Kansas as he has to be back to work Monday morning. Needless to say 3 hours later we were packed and on the road to Kansas. With driving all night our ETA is 4:30 AM if we don't have to pull over to sleep.

Helping Hands

2009-02-09T09:19:00.001-05:00

With everyone sick, Randy and I decided to give the boys a break in the responsibility of their dogs and walk the dogs last night before going to bed. Walking the dogs around the lake is a very relaxing, peaceful experience. (I wonder if that is why so many of Jesus' teachings were on or near water? It'd work for me!) Last night it provided an extra benefit. As we were on the far side of the marina I heard a boat having problems getting started. Randy went to check on them. It was two gentlemen and a young child with a boat that wouldn't start and had fortunately been caught by one of the walls in the marina before drifting further out in the huge lake. I suggested we tie their rope on the front of the boat and walk it through and around the marina over to the boat ramp as the current was to hard to paddle it over - they'd tried. After many laughs and quite a while later we finally got the boat pulled over to the loading ramp loaded on the trailer. It was an ongoing joke whether it was easier to walk a boat or walk Frisco - our puppy who is very anxious to go when he's on the leash. I honestly think it's easier to do the boat ... but the verdicts still out.

Needless to say, it sure left a good feeling in a physically yucky feeling day with being able to help others and live our hands on faith. I'm thankful God chose us to help them and that we were in tune with Him and opened minded to help even though our physical bodies weren't in the best of shape. In today's world it's so easy just to "turn your other cheek" and go on like you didn't see or notice the need... God is so faithful and oh the joys that come with being faithful to Him.

Snuggle Day 3

2009-02-08T15:12:00.001-05:00

And it continues ... Malachi is feeling some better and is actually trying to eat today. As bizarre as this seems ... I'm absolutely loving just snuggling with my guys, at least the little ones (they're not quite so cranky when they're sick!). It's been a great time to just unwind and focus on God and all the amazing things He has done and is doing in our lives. We're still waiting to see if we get to go home to Kansas for Uncle Tony's long awaited wedding ... but if the funds don't come in and the health doesn't improve then obviously God has something else planned for us as hard as it will be to miss this extra special day. We've been a part of this courtship when it began as a friendship. Good thing is, they don't need us to get married - only God. This living by faith is actually a lot less stressful when you are focused on God. He can do so much in and through us if we allow it and don't get wrapped up in the secular "how it should be" philosophy. Yes, it would be nice to have the finances in hand but it's even better knowing God will always provide far better than we can.

Snuggle Day 2

2009-02-07T14:37:00.006-05:00

What a beautiful and glorious day God has given us today! The sun is shining and it is warm outside ... as well as inside our home. Today finds all my guys (Randy, Josiah & Malachi) running fevers. Randy & Malachi have the respiratory side of the flu and Josiah got the stomach side. PTL! I've just had the headache and stomachache.

However, I find myself again today with having three (3) sick, emotionally needy pondering how much God loves us as He has a whole world of people who are needy that He loves on 24/7. What an amazing God we serve!

Snuggle Day

2009-02-06T14:30:00.003-05:00

I have so many points that I ponder that I'm pondering a ponder day on the blog.

Today finds Malachi, my youngest blessing from God, running a high fever and absolutely miserable. He's fine as long as he has some part of him touching me ... even if it's just my hand or leg resting on his foot. Good thing is, I have set my goal and plans today on snuggling with him today and anything else I get done is an added blessing. That way I don't get frustrated with what "I" thought was suppose to happen or needed to be done. God ultimately knows.

I find myself in amazement and awe when I put this situation in God's perspective. I.E., me as the needy child and He as the loving parent who sets aside all just to be there touching me as I go through my day. What a relief to know that He does this for me every day of my life and I don't have to be ill!

Breathe

2009-02-05T20:07:00.003-05:00

Okay ... after a little over four (4) months with no earned income from Randy's straight commission job ... our family is celebrating as we got some commission pay! PTL!! After paying tithe the remainder basically covered our lot rent but God has provided and proven that so over the past months. He's not going to stop now or ever. He promises to provide and care for His children and never fails us even when we are attempting to spend some time in what the world terms as "the Terrible Two's".

Guess I need to remember this life lesson as our sons grow in Christ and prepare for adulthood. It's good to have your parents to provide but when you earn it with your own work it brings good feelings and self-worth.

Heart Hugs

2009-01-28T23:28:00.004-05:00

Tonight our church had their 2nd Family Worship Night full of praise and music. What an amazing time! We were in a Healing class before the service so we ended up sitting at the bottom of the riser section where they brought the kids in for the service. Not only did we get to high five and give hugs but my heart was so deeply touched to hear their young voices singing out the songs especially the "My Savior, My God" song where they were singing their hearts out. It brought tears to my eyes and a massive hug to my heart.

We need to remember in our daily lives to take time and be silent to listen & absorb God in our lives. I love the times where the boys and I get to just sit and snuggle and be quite together. We share so much love in those quite times. How much more God wants to do that with us too! It does amazing things in our lives when we remember to stop, breath and in quite "snuggle" with God.

I don't know if this service is on the web yet but I highly encourage you to go listen to the services that are ... they are filled with laughter and learning.

Guitar Blessings

2009-01-20T22:51:00.007-05:00

Well, Malachi finally was able to purchase a guitar with the money he has been so focused on saving for one. He even did a mighty fine deal in negotiating and got it for $10 cheaper than he had planned to pay. A big thanks to Cousin Mike for finding it in Houston online for him. Now he has to save up for an amp. He's so excited. I think he would have slept with it if we would have allowed it. Now to find a way to get him lessons or find a good DVD, etc to help him learn how to play it. We're open for suggestions!

Stay tuned ... maybe one of these days we'll have a video with him playing it on here.

P.S. It's gotten Josiah motivated to play drums ... just imagine .... 37 foot 5th wheel ... guitar ... and drums? Maybe some prayers will be a great idea too! Ha! We'll treasure the moments no matter what. God is Good! All the Time!

Belated Christmas

2009-01-16T23:04:00.003-05:00

The boys were excited to finally get to open their Christmas gifts from Corynn & Mike's family. Malachi was ecstatic to have finally gotten a much wanted skateboard backpack. Both of the boys got Webkinz toys ... Josiah a Lion he named Frizzy and Malachi a Bear he named Spike. Josiah is going to be getting a 6-month Club Penguin membership too! They were both very excited.

Project 3:45

2009-01-09T14:59:00.000-05:00

What an amazing day! We got to start it out by doing our "Project 3:45" that our church is doing on the dock near our home. You can't beat that ... water, sunshine, family and God time. It's exciting and a wonderful feeling to have our sons begging us to read "just one more chapter." We're ahead of the plan right now because we are generally reading two (2) chapters a day even on the "open" days. We also got the added discovery of one of our neighbors leaving their two, nice-sized fish on the stringer on the dock.

Check out the Project 3:45. It's a great study plan to read the New Testament this year. The layout is online with the chapter for the day so if you can log on ... you can do it anywhere you have computer access. You can even do it from your desk at work if you have a brief bit of time or need an encouraging break. As Pastor Alan shared it's definitely better to be seen doing something motivational to encourage you thus improve your work than to be shopping or playing games. Ha! Some days take a little longer than 3 minutes and 45 seconds if the chapter is long or if you have discussion (with God or when doing it with someone else) but other days will be much shorter as some of the chapters are well ... shorter! Ha! Excuse the humor but our house seems to be full of more joy and laughter since starting this as a family.

Fishing ... the next best thing to snuggling!

2009-01-08T23:46:00.000-05:00

What a way to end a day! Randy finally agreed to get the fishing equipment out of the "basement" so they could go fishing. The boys have been asking to go but this mom has decided I've put in enough years of handling fish that if they aren't going to take the fish off the hook when they catch them then they can wait until their Dad or Grandpa Brown is here to fish with them. Malachi's response, "Aw Mom, we can figure that out after we catch the fish." Mom's interpretation - If I catch a fish then you can take it off for me. Definitely not falling for that one ... hopefully.

It was an uneventful night for catching fish ... figures since Randy was here. However Malachi did catch the dock across the way. We did get to meet a Al and his son, Sheldon, who come out fishing on their boat a lot. Ultimately, we got to spend time together having fun as a family. You can't ever beat that.

Conroe Skatepark

2009-01-08T19:49:00.002-05:00

Finally! It has dried out and warmed up enough that once the boys got done with school we were able to go enjoy the Conroe Skatepark for real!

Family & Food ... Can it get any better?

2009-01-02T23:33:00.005-05:00

Sit back and enjoy the MANY pictures!

We had an amazing time with food and family fun at Tyrel & Amber's. I'm not sure who enjoyed Owen's toys more, Owen or the kids. The boys were excited that they got to finally use Dad's Little Giant ladder. I think Ty & Amber were excited to get the rest of their Christmas decorations down. Chelsey and her girls, Brodie & Kyler, came over and played too. The boys brought their Wii and Guitar Hero to add to the mix. (Some people probably shouldn't quit their day job ... if they have one! Ha!) It's such a joy to be around and get to know Corynn, Tyrel & Chelsey's families. Major blessing! (and the foods a plus!)

Welcome

2009-01-01T20:06:00.001-05:00

... to the view of our yard from our new location of our home in the New Year. For whatever reason God has brought us to Lakeview Marina to reside. We sure do miss being close to Corynn, Mike, Reilly and Benny and getting to go to Living Faith Outreach but I have to admit ... living on a lake has some perks ... at least right now before it's hectic boating season!

A side note to ponder ... I had prayed that we could find an economical place somewhere between Corynn, Tyrel & Chelsey's families to live. I was thinking somewhere between Danbury & League City (10 to 20 minutes). God's response: Conroe ... we're a little over an hour from Corynn's and about an hour and 20 minutes from Tyrel & Chelsey's. God's humor once again?

May your New Year be filled with Abundance from Above!

New Year's Eve Celebration

2009-01-01T02:59:00.003-05:00

We ended 2008 celebrating with my neice, Corynn, Mike, Maddy, Reilly, Benny, Dan & Stu at Mike & Corynn's. It was a fun evening of playing games, watching a movie, lots of laughs and fireworks at midnight. What more could you ask for?

Looking back over the past year ... WOW! pretty much sums it up. God has done so much in our lives, taken us to soooo many places and blessed our lives with adding wonderful friends. We are definitely very rich in all the ways that really matter.

League City Skatepark

2008-12-31T19:13:00.003-05:00

We're back home in League City now. The boys decided one of the best ways to end this year was to spend some time at the skatepark before we head home to pack up our home and get it ready to head Conroe way. It's such a joy to watch the boys as they progress in their skating skills this year. We're really going to miss some of our neighbors down here, especially Sam and being so near Mike & Corynn and the kids.

Guess this is the time of year to reflect on what we have accomplished this past year and to seek God's will on what He desires to use us for in 2009.

Praying God's discernment and blessings on all of our family, friends and neighbors.

The Woodlands Visit

2008-12-30T21:25:00.002-05:00

The boys and I had the wonderful opportunity to go up to the office in The Woodlands to spend some time with Randy. The yard needed raked and driveway swept so we got busy on that while Randy was working some estimates near by. About 12 bags and a huge mound by the side fence later all our bodies were totally ready for a break. The boys thoroughly enjoyed riding the staircase. Obviously the ladder in our home doesn't compare with the fun to be had here.

Conroe Skatepark

2008-12-27T21:49:00.004-05:00

It just makes my heart swell when our sons are pleased with the smallest things. Even though it was raining, we took the boys to check out one of the skateparks in Conroe not far from where we are looking at possibly moving our home to next. We had fun running and jumping on the different ramps. It even brought smiles and hugs to all. You can't beat that ... and it's all FREE!

An added bonus ... we found a church, The Ark, just around the corner that we decided we would check out on Sunday.

Open Hearts

2008-12-26T23:47:00.001-05:00

Malachi proudly asked me to come take a picture of this "perfect picture moment". Which I agree, I think it is an adorable picture.

I remember as a child the love I had for my dog. Now as a mom, I ponder that I'm not as attached to our pets as I was when I was a child -- to be honest, there are a lot of times I wish we were two pets less in our home. I ponder why this is. Have I filled my heart and life with other things that there is not much love or energy left there for me to give or is it part of maturing and priority changes? I see other people who are my age or older who have pets that some times appear to rate higher than their own children. What other areas do I do this with in my life? Is it God's will for me? Obviously I have no enlightenment yet. Feel free to share any thoughts.

Here's to keeping our hearts seeking His will.

And He is Born!

2008-12-25T18:09:00.008-05:00

It’s hard to believe it’s Christmas and 73 degrees … we’re loving South Texas! Especially since it’s been 9 degree or less back in Kansas!

Last night after our Christmas Eve celebrations Randy had the pleasure of (1) going to get some water (PTL! God knew we would run out and put a dispenser outside of HEB … Faithful in ALL things He is!) and (2) getting to talk to one of Dickinson’s finest police officers. God once again blessed us with someone (Santa?) leaving a Guitar Hero World Tour Band set for us outside and an amazing husband who took it and wrapped it in the empty, well lit parking lot of HEB when he got water. Thus the meeting of the policeman who was patrolling the area. Said it was his first sighting of such an event but thought Randy was resourceful (and maybe God put him there to keep the Head of our Family safe). Thank you God and please bless whomever provided such a wonderful gift!

What a joy to have such a marvelous family present for our family to open CHRISTmas morning with their makeshift stockings. Since we thought we were going back to Kansas the last time we were home we didn’t grab any traditional Christmas decorations thus the boys decorated … what else but Watkins sacks … as their stockings. It brought such joy watching them decorate and talk about dreams and past CHRISTmases.

I’m human enough that I have to admit I’ve always appreciated the fact that my children are NOT early risers on Christmas morning. (I remember our soon to officially be “Aunt” Cheri spending her first Christmas morning with us and her amazement that they were still asleep at 9:00 am and her youthful desire to go wake them up.) Well imagine my surprise, when I’m thinking they’ll be sleeping as norm, when Malachi (my ultimate late sleeper) comes rushing in to our room at 7:30 am exclaiming that Santa had come and left a BIG package for us. Josiah was obviously close behind him. I for one (Randy included) was not ready to wake up and once again God’s faithfulness shown through … the boys climbed in to bed with us for some wonderful snuggle time before opening the present. I absolutely cherished the time and wondered what it would be like if God doesn’t return before then to have our sons and their families all climbing in to bed to greet Christ’s birthday some amazing year. It would have to be a really BIG bed and probably located somewhere else than in a 37’ 5th wheel! Guess we’ll have to stay tune to see what God has in store for us in that area.

Needless to say, we eventually got up and opened the package and stockings. We are spending an amazing day as a family with no work (other than mom cooking). Since we don’t have our big roasters with us the boys elected to have chicken instead of turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans and Jesus’ birthday cake. What an amazing meal and birthday party. We’re still not ready to go on the road with our “Band” but enjoying the practice between the running and chasing with our zingers and Nerf shooters. (Great exercise!)

Thanking God for all He has done for us and all that is to come in 2009. Praying blessings and abundance on all our family and friends.

Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday Jesus!

Christmas Eve 2008

2008-12-24T23:58:00.005-05:00

Tonight we celebrated with getting to go to our first Christmas Eve Church Service as a family at Living Faith Outreach in Dickinson TX. What a wonderful and blessed time. This was our very first time for all four of us to take communion together as a family. What a special time. Pastor Jeana shared a story and related that God and others will find their way to God by the light reflected in us and through us. Pastor John challenged us to open ourselves up and to allow God to do things in us and through us as He takes us in to new territories and new capacities in our lives.

We then came home after church and the boys opened the gifts they had to help celebrate and gave their Dad his gifts. It was enjoyable but we missed being back in Kansas celebrating with Grandma and Grandpa Brown like we had planned. God’s plans are far better than ours and this was definitely much more relaxed and allowed us to focus on Christ more.

We are all excited as we focus on Jesus birthday this year and await to have His birthday cake tomorrow.

Praying blessings and Merry Christmas to all of you!

Some days ...

2008-12-22T22:42:00.004-05:00

I feel like I'm wrestling trying to figure out God's plan like Malachi is wrestling Santa ... except mine's not feeling quite so fun at times. It's such an oddity to be struggling with why we are where we are and going through all that we are but be at TOTAL peace that we are where He wants us to be. Sunday Pastor John challenged us to live a "normal" Christian life. Normal is a life full of Jesus' miracles, answered prayers, constant contact with the Father, claiming the promises, accepting and using the Spiritual gift(s) that He has created in you. He even gave us permission and challenged us to open an early Christmas gift and open the Spiritual gift that God created in each one of us then use it. Have you opened, accepted and used the gift(s) God has created in you? Tis the Season! Merry Christmas!!

We Believe

2008-12-20T23:04:00.001-05:00

Our family still believes in Santa. We know that Santa is Jesus Christ in a form that most all can accept in to their lives in some way or another. It was with great joy that my sons told me that the League City Fire Department chose today to be the day they took Santa on the fire engine through the housing area that cousins Mike, Corynn, Reilly & Benny live in. The boys got to see Santa riding on the fire engine (He doesn't always have to use reindeer!). It was an even greater joy for me when I found out that they were having meet Santa at the fire station on Bay Area Boulevard and I was able to take my precious sons. (Got to have the photo opp ... but have you ever tried taking pictures with all the reflective stuff on the fire equipment!) With finances being as they are we haven't been out in the stores much (PTL!) or even out and about much except for church so we haven't been exposed to all the Christmas festivities. Amazingly enough both of my sons asked for dirt bikes (Thanks to the Myers family influence!) but Santa told him he wasn't sure he could get them in his sleigh. We enjoyed hot cocoa and cookies and got to climb on one of the big engines. The boys enjoyed talking to the fire fighters and petting the firehouse dog. They were excited when one of the firemen told the boys to stop in any time as long as they were there, they'd love to have the company. Guess we'll have to take them up on that occasionally, you never know who needs God's influence & prayers in their lives.

Friends

2008-12-19T23:14:00.001-05:00

The boys’ friend, Dakota, got to spend the night last night and cousin Reilly had early out at her school to get ready for the celebration of Christ’s birthday. So we headed to the League City skate park then over to a creek area over by Corynn & Mike’s home. What fun to hear the laughter as the kids played. Fellowship with friends and family is such a blessing!

Skate/BMX Dudes

2008-12-18T22:01:00.003-05:00

It is always a pleasure and blessing to get together with our friends, the Myers. The boys enjoyed exchanging gifts, playing and having a blast at the League City Skatepark ... as the pictures tell. I enjoyed the laughs with my wonderful friend, Kim. God has truly blessed our lives with these friends. Amazing what can happen when you pull in and park next to someone at a campground in Georgia! Thank you God!

Christmas Delight

2008-12-16T23:57:00.000-05:00

After being on the road it's so much fun to have family near by, especially family with little ones. We were given the honor of watching Owen, Tyrel's son, open a couple small gifts. What joy and wonder.

Brodie's 3rd Grade Christmas Program

2008-12-16T23:27:00.001-05:00

What a blessing to be able to be near enough to get to go to one of our Great Neice's Christmas program. We had lots of fun playing at their home before and after the program. Such a joy to be able to be near enough to get to be involved in their lives!

Living Faith Outreach

2008-12-14T22:51:00.006-05:00

God just keeps picking little ways to show us how much He loves us! With starting a commission only job it has made for a forced "Christ Focused Christmas". Amazingly enough I started this Christmas season out by telling the kids that this was the year we are focusing on Jesus Birthday instead of getting lost in the greed of presents. I did this to help prepare them for little or no presents. God has once again showed his humor by having our sons be totally excited about NOT doing presents and baking a cake on Christmas for Jesus with us getting them a Christmas gift in January or February after Randy gets some sales made. I'm totally relaxed about the whole thing and able to be nice to the overextended. What a joy.

It is an even bigger blessing when the church we are attending, Living Faith Outreach, had a Children's Christmas Party today during Sunday School and God choose these remote control cars to be their presents. The boys were absolutely delighted and have been driving them as much as allowed. Goes to show yet again, God knows the desires of our hearts ... and gives them.

Maintenance 101

2008-12-11T20:24:00.003-05:00

It makes my heart puff up like a marshmallow in a microwave when I see the wonderful dad that God gave our boys teaching them things. It's fun to watch the interaction - the sometimes frustration on Randy's part in forgetting to explain what he means and the joy in the boys faces that they are getting to "do" something with their dad while learning skills for the purpose God has created them for.

I ponder, if it brings me such joy what feelings God must have when we eagerly allow Him to teach us new things in our lives and how He feels when we just don't get what He's trying to show or teach us. The great thing is ... I know He loves us no matter how hard or easy we make it! And He's proud of us no matter what. Wow!

It's Snowing!

2008-12-10T23:49:00.004-05:00

Can you believe it! SNOW in SOUTH TEXAS! What a marvel and yet another of God’s many things that He does for us to bring us joy. Josiah & Malachi have been praying for snow … and me being the mom, have kept reminding them that we are in SOUTH Texas and they don’t normally get snow. I’m so THANKFUL He has once again proven me wrong and answered my sons prayers in a way that only He can. Especially since they have been bummed since it looks like we are not going to make it back to Kansas for Christmas since God has allowed us to be stretched with Randy’s job being commission only and people wanting to wait until after the new year to replace their roofs. We know He is taking care of us and will provide … we’re just so good at the worrying that it’s taking a lot more to help us get over that bad habit. His plans will be much better than ours although sometimes hard for us to be open too when we think our ideas are so great. (I wonder if that’s why God put Randy and I together … to remind me that God’s ideas are far greater than any I have and help me to understand the disappointment and frustration He experiences when I try to do it my way instead of His way … which is always SO much better! Once again proof of God’s amazing sense of humor!)

Extended Family Weekend

2008-12-07T23:09:00.000-05:00

This weekend our family got to stay over at Corynn & Mike's home so we could watch Reilly & Benny while they went to Mike's Christmas work party. It was a great time of playing. With the wonderful Texas weather we got to go to the park and even played in the creek a little. Thanks Randy for taking pictures ... you even got the heads in!

Grandma & Grandpa Brown Visit

2008-12-06T23:51:00.005-05:00

Grandma & Grandpa Brown got to come down to South Texas to see and have an early Christmas with their grandchildren (Corynn, Tyrel & Chelsey and spouses) and great grandchildren (Reilly, Benny, Owen, Brodie, & Kyler) that live down here. They were blessed with getting to spend a couple nights each at Corynn & Mike's, Tyrel & Amber's and Chelsey & Stephen's. It was an added pleasure for us to get to see them too since God brought us to the area. After being with them almost on a daily basis when living in Kansas the past 12 years, this year of being on the road and only getting to see them twice for a very short time was a big change for us. Check out the sleeping Gpa at the mall. What a sight. Should have seen the expressions on the people that saw us put things in his pocket that didn’t know we were related. It was great!

Hanging the Lights

2008-12-04T23:19:00.000-05:00

We may live in a 5th wheel but we can still celebrate. The boys hung the lights on our home and helped Randy hang a few lights over at Corynn & Mike's. We just love the "Happy Birthday Jesus Lights"! Can you tell which is our home and which is Corynn & Mike's? Ha!

Remember ... Jesus is the Reason for the Season!

Wrapping it up

2008-11-30T18:44:00.003-05:00

And the fun must come to an end. The boys are learning how to change the oil on the dirt bike. A must if you are going to have toys! Kim and I are remembering why we enjoy living in our 5th wheels so much as we were getting everything washed, cleaned and stowed away at the house so we can all head back to our "real" home. We definitely are going to need a nap after this! Good thing Randy & Joe are driving home!

And more riding

2008-11-29T23:42:00.001-05:00

Another day of amazing riding. However today Kim started the day off with nothing less than ... throwing fire crackers in the fire pit! Can you say corruption?!?! But they all sure had a blast. Joe got to get his "toy" out to clean up the fire cracker mess. Boston was so much fun watching as he spent time exploring only the wonders children can see. Randy even gave Slinger (the dog) a ride on the 4-wheeler when he wasn't working with the bigger guys on jumping and how to properly ride the pond area. Joe (Papa) gave Kallen his first Gator driving lesson and Kallen was amazingly good at listening and following directions. He was so serious and picked up well. It was such a wonderful day though a bit chilly. Mimi and Grandpa Larry spent the evening with the boys while Joe, Kim, Randy & I went and spent an evening with Monty, Tammy, Zachary and Whitney. Amazingly enough that was Randy & I's first time to go out with just adults. It was a lot of fun but Randy needs a lot of practice on the pool table ... unless he was just trying to be a good guest and allow Joe to sweep the table to build him up ... NOT!

Country Fun

2008-11-28T23:40:00.005-05:00

After a night of sleep the boys were up and ready to ride before breakfast ... go figure! It was a whole day full of riding with occasional breaks for food but only when forced. They even got some bike repair experience when Dakota ended up picking up some wire while he was riding and it got wrapped around his rear sprocket which also messed up his brake but it was still ridable. Randy totally had a blast when he got to ride by himself. Kim wasn't to sure she wanted to watch though (so Kim - don't look at the pictures if you are reading this!). Malachi & Josiah were excited when they got their first chance to ride a dirt bike. They did pretty good for first timers! When bedtime came ... they were all exhausted from all the outdoor fun!

Post Thanksgiving Celebration

2008-11-27T23:55:00.003-05:00

After stuffing ourselves at Zachary & Whitney's we headed out to Joe & Kim's to enjoy some down time at their home in the country. What a blast we had. The boys got to play with Dakota and get to know and play with his cousins, Kallen & Boston. It was a pleasure for us to get to chauffeur Mimi & Grandpa Larry and get to know them better over the weekend. Who knew neighbors in a Georgia campground could end up continually blessing our lives with a wonderful friendship and added family.

Enjoy the pictures of our post Thanksgiving dinner exercise plan ... Ha!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T20:39:00.002-05:00

We were blessed to be invited to Zachary & Whitney Myers first Thanksgiving celebration at their home they are remodeling in Smithville, TX. We got to celebrate with Mimi (Bobbi), Grandpa Larry, Joe & Kim & Dakota Myers, Zach & Whitney & Kallen & Boston Myers. What a beautiful home with so much amazing wood work and potential and a delicious meal. The boys had a blast playing in the yard, on the trampoline, playing football and riding bikes. Randy & Zach even got in on the bike action with trying to do bunny hops and other tricks! Small town life has a lot of wonderful advantages and we were thankful for getting to be a part of them today.

Happy Thanksgiving! May your blessings bestowed upon you be plentiful and appreciated by you.

Bonding

2008-11-26T14:02:00.002-05:00

They grow up soooo fast! Having a Dad who grew up without a positive father figure has been a challenge but with lots of prayers and God's loving assistance, Randy is doing a pretty fine job of learning how to connect with his sons. Times like these warm my heart like a warm cup of cocoa warms you up after playing in the snow. Thank you God for a Dad who cares and tries.

Family Break

2008-11-25T13:49:00.001-05:00

Sometimes you just need to take a break and ... breathe. Since taking this new job we haven't found a "new" normal yet. The Bible doesn't say it's going to be easy to follow in God's will and we're living proof ... it's a massive step of faith. Randy has been working almost 24/7 and trying to figure out which homes God wants him to help get new roofs and how to put food on our table and keep a roof over our head and ground under our feet. So ... I praise God that Randy decided to take a break and take the boys to do something they ALL enjoy and dreaming is FREE!

Creation

2008-11-24T14:07:00.000-05:00

Isn't it great that God put some of His creation genes in us! The boys have had fun with the Dixie cups building different configurations. It's nothing like what God did when He created the Earth but I'm sure the boys pleasure, pride and satisfaction they experienced with their building was just a small window into how God felt when He created all we have and are.