Treasures from a Shoebox

I Remember (Life Before the Internet)

2012-02-01T05:32:00.000-05:00

I remember...

Early mornings at the kitchen table, reading my Bible by candlelight, so as not to disturb sleeping babes in the living room (this was before the attic renovation).

I remember...

Spending an hour or more in whispered prayer and feeling so close to my Savior that I instinctively lifted my hands to touch Him.

Intercessory prayer for my husband and each of our precious children.

Begging God to teach me to be the wife and mother He wants me to be; for wisdom to train up the children He has entrusted to us.

I remember...

A song the girls modified and sang to me on Mother's Day long ago. Words from their hearts:

There's a light on in the kitchen when I get out of bed;
She is praying hard, and through His Word being fed.
I gotta hand it to her, she does her best.
Yes in my eyes, she's better than all the rest.
That's why I love my Momma.

Some mornings a little one would wake and my time with the Lord would be ~~cut short~~ altered. "Would you like to join me for a cup of tea?" Sleepy eyes in candlelight and stolen moments before the dawn of another busy day.

One day a week was reserved for a planned, early-morning tea time with one or two children. Even the boys were drawn into the circle of light and enticed by bagels and cream cheese and apple slices with caramel dip. I wonder if they ever recall those special times?

I remember.

Mornings look much different here in 2012.

It's no longer necessary to sit at the table in the dark, as all the girls are upstairs and the boys have a room as well. It's much more cozy in the living room with the comfy sofa and warmth of the wood stove. Though the computer beckons to me, I have set boundaries. Bible Time Before Computer Time.

Problem is, many mornings due to health issues, I'm too tired-or too complacent- to rise and shine at 5 AM. But whether I rise early or not, my quiet time feels rushed and prayers seem hurried because there are people to see and places to visit...

On the Internet.

Between updating my blog's FB status, checking in with my Help Meet Study Group, responding to blog comments and emails, linking posts around the blog-o-sphere, and encouraging other bloggers, THREE hours can pass in the blink of an eye.

What will they remember? Mom on the computer.

"Mom, will you tell her to do her chores?" "Mom, whose day is it to fix breakfast?" "Mom, can you deal with...." "MOM!"

Enough!

I'm taking a break. A month-long Sabbatical.

From blogging.
From Facebook (though I will continue to lead the Help Meet study via email).
From the Internet.
From the distraction of the computer.

I want to re-live those days of quiet mornings in the presence of the Lord. Hour-long prayers and reaching out to touch Jesus. Being touched by Him.

Begging God to teach me to be the wife and mother-the woman- He wants me to be.

But that's not all...

I'm looking for~

Unhurried conversations with daughters who aren't little girls anymore.
Capturing time with little people who still want to cuddle with Mommy.
Rare, precious moments with boys who quietly share their dreams of the night before, while tending to the fire.
New memories.

I plan to be back in March.

If you have been encouraged by what you've read and would like to know each time I post, you can follow through blogger, Networked Blogs, Facebook or email.

Dear Pastor, You Ruined My Plans!

2012-01-30T09:46:00.000-05:00

Photo credit

Dear Pastor Johnson,
The reason I agreed to speak with you in the first place was because I felt confident you would see things from my perspective and tell me that divorcing my husband was acceptable, considering the circumstances. You were supposed to condemn my husband, wish me well, and assure me that God was on my side.

A plan had been formulating in my mind: I would quietly go through with the scheduled abortion, file for divorce, and petition the court for the house and my sports car. As a former restaurant manager, I knew I could easily get a job, though it would mean many hours away from my hurting little girls. This plan required sacrifice, but I was confident that with child support, I could make ends meet.

This meeting had not been figured into my plan.

I had no idea how close God was to the three of us as we sat there at our dining room table that Monday evening in January 1997. My husband kept his head bowed; a shamed and guilty man. He stared at the table, listening as I revealed his sins and poured out the sordid details of our marriage to this stranger preacher-man. Bitterness and anger made their way to the surface of my heart, but you never flinched.

I've often wondered what you were thinking. Did it occur to you that our marriage was beyond hope?

Everyone else-family, friends, co-workers- knew our marriage was doomed. There was no way we could stay together after everything that had happened. You were the first person to offer us any hope at all.

I don't remember much about what you said that evening. But I do remember you speaking gently in an Arkansas accent, explaining to us from Scripture about God's plan for marriage, about repentance and forgiveness. Foreign words to my heart and mind.

You agreed to counsel us weekly and asked if we would be willing to attend a Basic Life Seminar in March. Terry whipped out the checkbook and as he quickly wrote out the check to pay for our admittance, I remember thinking, "Waste of money! Go ahead and pay for it, but I won't be there!" Even in the midst of a broken heart, I was still hard-hearted and prideful.

I had no intention of staying in this shattered marriage of nine years. Though I loved Terry and missed him terribly, I couldn't see how I would ever trust him again. Even if I could, I knew I would never be able to forgive him. And in the back of my mind, a nagging thought reminded me that if we were to stay together, there would come a day of reckoning when I would need to confess my sins to my husband. It was so much easier wallowing in my bitterness without anyone else knowing about the guilt in my heart. I felt trapped and all I wanted...was out.

Yet, there we were discussing God's plan for marriage and how we had been headed down the wrong track. You made plans to return the following Monday evening and left us plenty to think on.

Just before you left that night, you prayed with us. I remember feeling an overwhelming sense of peace, and for the first time since my nightmare had begun the month before, a dim ray of hope began to flicker within the depths of my broken heart.

That wasn't in my plan either.

Taken during one of our Monday night sessions in 1997.

This month marks the 15th year since that very first meeting. Thank you Pastor Michael Johnson, for your unwavering dedication to the Lord, and for your willingness to meet with us every Monday evening for months in order to help put us "on the right track". Our family heritage has been drastically altered and future generations will be told the amazing story of how our family was rescued out of the miry pit because one man was willing to get involved and crawl into that pit in order to show us the way out.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

This is the video I made of "Our Testimony" 5 years ago. I wrote the song (sung by our children) to commemorate the 10 year anniversary of when the Lord brought our Pastor into our lives. (You can click on the You Tube link in the bottom corner of the video to watch it full screen).

Read: How I Lost My Whole World and Gained Eternal Life
Read: Freedom Through Forgiveness; Testimony Part 2
Read: An Eternal Difference; The Story Behind the Song

If you have been encouraged by what you've read and would like to know each time I post, you can follow through blogger, Networked Blogs, Facebook or email.

This post is linked with:
Better Mom Mondays
A Handful of Heart
WELCOME HOME

Motivation Monday

Teach Me Tuesdays

Domestically Divine Tuesday

{TITUS 2}SDAYS

On Your Heart tuesdays

Soli Deo Gloria

Women Living Well’s Wednesday

Great Advice & The Good Wife's Guide Winners!

2012-01-28T08:29:00.001-05:00

One of the optional entries of The Good Wife's Guide giveaway was this question:

Please share some good advice you have received regarding being a help meet or homemaker.

There was some great advice shared and I thought it would be fitting to share the answers here:

Submitting to your husband as the head of the house isn't giving up your 'power'. Rather it's laying down a burden you weren't supposed to pick up in the first place.

Talk! Communication is key to any relationship, especially marriage.

PRAY FOR YOUR HUSBAND - DAILY "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." James 5:16. Don't underestimate the power of prayer in your marriage. God is still on the thrown! Pray for you husband daily, before he heads off to work. Build him up in a "protection" of prayer. Your husband will be blessed as will you.

Both my husband and I work full time so we are always moving; I try to always have a lunch or a bag of snacks ready for him in the mornings.

Keep him fed and satisfied at home.

Be thankful to my husband for the little things. and, if you respect him always - you will be showered with love!

Never go to bed angry. It will make it hard to sleep.

I try to cook things that I know he really enjoys eating. Sometimes special desserts that I don't fix often but for a special treat. My husband is very easy to cook for, so it makes life easier to please him.

I have been encouraged by many blogs to make God and my husband my top priorities and I'm working very hard to do that.

Learn to speak his primary love language, no matter how fluent you are!

A smile helps to keep everyone happier.

Laugh and smile more!

To serve my husband as I would be serving Christ.

Love Always!

Be joyful in the circumstances around you. You're right where God wants you to be right now!

Pray! You can't do it on your own.

Never talk down about your husband to anyone, ever. Best advice ever! Also, having a written routine helps you to stay focused and organized.

If you follow your husband, even when you think he is wrong, but you obey him anyway God will bless you for your obedience.

Do a quick clutter cleanup before hubby gets home.

Communication is the key to any relationship! When it comes to marriage, you must be very specific when it comes to expressing your needs to your husband. He cannot read your mind, or read between the lines!

Do not bombard your husband as soon as he gets home with all the problems of the day.

Put God first!

Make time for him and what makes him happy.

And the winners are:

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Emails have been sent to the winners. Congratulations ladies!

If you have been encouraged by what you've read and would like to know each time I post, you can follow through blogger, Networked Blogs, Facebook or email.

The Good Wife's Guide Review & Giveaway!

2012-01-25T08:30:00.002-05:00

"There are two kinds of women in this world, one who much like the ant plans wisely, and one who flies by the seat of her pants hoping that her cards will fall into place. Flying by the seat of your pants is also known as “impulse,” or acting without forethought."
Darlene Schacht in The Good Wife's Guide

As a "fly-by-the-seat-of-the-pants" kind of woman who desires to be more like the ant, I truly appreciate the advice, admonitions and practical instruction in Darlene's new eBook, The Good Wife's Guide .

Part one of this counter-cultural book is titled Embracing Your Role as a Helpmeet and includes chapters on managing our time and resources, Biblical Submission Defined, and advice for the domestically challenged (Hello!).

Part two is Practical Application and includes chapters on Organizing Your Home, Housekeeping Schedule, and House Cleaning Recipes. Also included is practical advice and ideas for deep cleaning each room of the house!

Here is the kind of advice and encouragement you will find within the pages of this book:

Things I Do to Prepare for My Husband
We have all chores done before he walks in the door, and try to have things like the dishwasher and vacuum turned off.
I make sure that the television and stereos are turned off so that the house is peaceful.
If the kids are excited about something, I encourage them to wait about 15 minutes before they share their news.
I try to have dinner prepared before he arrives. For me it's not always cooked, but the preparation is usually done.
When I have problems to deal with, I wait until after dinner to spring it on him. I know that he's always happier when his tummy is full.
I always greet him at the door with open arms, a kiss, and a warm embrace.
I make an effort to look at him when he is speaking so that he has my full attention.
I close my computer if I'm on it, and if I'm chatting on the phone I'll try to end the conversation and call her back later.

Darlene is generously giving away THREE copies of her fantastic book here at the Shoebox. Entry is easy; choose one or all four options (for extra entries). Winners will be chosen this Saturday!
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If you have been encouraged by what you've read and would like to know each time I post, you can follow through blogger, Networked Blogs, Facebook or email.

This post is linked with:
Women Living Well Wednesday

T' Time {#56} and Link Party

{TITUS 2}SDAYS

Encourage one another
Raising Homemakers
Hearts 4 Home, Thursdays

I'm Recovering from a Stroke

2012-01-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

Photo Credit

Two years ago today I experienced a mini-stroke, aka TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack). (You can read about this in the post A Very Present Help). The symptoms closely mimicked a full-blown, life-threatening stroke and even the emergency room doctor couldn't tell the difference. Though a CAT-scan revealed there was no blockage, I was hospitalized for three days, which I, being the busy homeschooling mom that I was, dubbed "My Vacation".

No specific cause was determined, though the neurologist believed stress had played a major role. My daughter Amanda had spent the night with me in order to be there when the doctor arrived. When he asked about stress in my life, I told him I didn't have any. Amanda nearly choked before telling the doctor that

I'd given birth to my 10th child (an 11 lb baby) six months before,
had dealt with my father's heart attack six weeks later,
miscarried a baby after that,
had just discovered my step-mom had terminal cancer,
and continued homeschooling my children through it all.

The stunned doctor looked at me. "No stress, eh?" I shook my head. "That isn't stress," I told him. "That's my life."

I was informed that the mini stroke put me at a two-year high risk for another TIA or even a full-blown stroke. When Terry went to get life insurance for the two of us, he was told that I wasn't eligible. "If she's still alive in six months, come back," the insurance agent told him. That was comforting. (Not!)

Though the effects of a mini-stroke are normally reversible, the neurologist had said that whatever physical issues I was still experiencing after two weeks would probably be permanent. Two lingering side-effects were particularly bothersome for me:

Impaired Short Term Memory~
I couldn't remember simple things, such as where I put my drink. In a feeble attempt to focus, I would sit my cup down and say aloud, "My coffee is right here, on the desk in the living room" only to forget I had poured the drink! Terry and the children didn't help much. Trying to make light of the situation, they would switch out my cup with an empty one, or hide my cup altogether.

Reading Comprehension~
As a homeschool mom this really scared me! A week after the incident, I decided to get back on track with schooling and attempted to read a chapter from the Little House on the Prairie book (we were using the Prairie Primer at the time). In the story, Pa was building the cabin and Laura would gather wood chips in her skirt and dump them outside. In my mind, I pictured the little girl dumping her skirt, as in taking it off and throwing it down. The girls giggled as I reread the paragraph, trying to make sense of it. Then Laura described the door her father was making and I couldn't understand why he hadn't made the door(way) when he framed the cabin. In my mind, he had made a large log cube and was cutting out a doorway. While I fiercely tried to make sense of it all, the children ROARED with laughter. I finally gave up and handed the book to Emily and asked her to read the chapter.

I found that I could still write, as long as I went with a thought and kept typing, but I couldn't edit what I had written. The words would get all jumbled in my mind and my focusing skills seemed to be gone. The girls insisted I play Sudaku on the computer, hoping that would help. Though I could only do a 3x3 square of colors (not numbers), there was gradual improvement over time.

TWO YEARS LATER...
I am easily distracted and continue to have difficulty focusing, especially when there is noise (in a house of eleven, that's a problem!). Before the stroke, I could read and even memorize with all the hustle and bustle going on around me. Not now. Sometimes I use ear plugs and softly read aloud in order to comprehend and retain information. A previous voracious reader, I've read only a few full-length books since the stroke. Memorizing Scripture requires much more effort and concentration now.

But reaching the two-year mark is a milestone! I am no longer at high risk for either a TIA or a stroke. Oh, and I am also now eligible for life insurance. ☺

If you have been encouraged by what you've read and would like to know each time I post, you can follow through blogger, Networked Blogs, Facebook or email.

This post is linked with:
The Better Mom Mondays
Homemaker By Choice
A Handful of Heart

Domestically Divine Tuesday

Teach Me Tuesday

{TITUS 2}SDAYS
Women Living Well Wednesday
Raising Homemakers

Proverbs 31 Thursdays Link Up

On the Altar

2012-01-22T07:00:00.000-05:00

Photography by Vanessa Myers Collins

From the moment I became a mother 27 years ago, I began to experience an overwhelming fear of losing a child to death.

Soon after my first baby was born, she began showing signs of apnea; Amanda literally stopped breathing and would turn blue! As this always seemed to happen when I was alone with her, it was hard to get anyone to understand how serious it was until after one particularly bad episode when we were at her grandmother’s house. She was hospitalized and tests revealed that she experienced apnea an average of 18-20 times during every four hour sleeping period! We were trained in CPR and our ten week old baby was sent home on an apnea monitor. Scary stuff for a new mom of nineteen.

It seemed that apnea monitor went off constantly and I became a nervous wreck! We moved in with my husband’s parents, mainly because I was afraid to be left alone with my baby for fear she would die.

Read the rest of this post over at The Better Mom, where I am a guest blogger today!

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2011 Video Memories

2012-01-19T07:00:00.000-05:00

At the end of 2004, though we had little money for gifts, we wanted to give something of great sentimental value to our parents. We considered making each set of parents (mine and Terry's parents are divorced and remarried) a scrapbook, but even that was out of our price range.

"Necessity is the mother of invention."

We had just purchased a new computer that fall and had discovered a really cool program: Windows Movie Maker. What a great idea: recording lasting memories onto a DVD!

Okay, so in all honesty, we didn't actually invent video scrap-booking, but it has served us well all these years!

Each December, I begin scouring the computer, hunting for pictures worthy of our video. I put them all into a file, edit each one (this takes awhile), then pull them all into our Windows Movie Maker. Add music, transitions, captions and titles and viola'! Precious memories preserved! (I also burn the video to our computer and using another program, create a DVD menu).

The video has become more than a gift for our parents; many of our family, as well as friends look forward to watching this each year. Whenever we take pictures, someone is sure to say, "Smile; this might end up on the end of the year video!"

For the current video, as an added bonus, we recorded our daughters (The Long Family Singers) for two of the songs. A classical piece, performed by Haley, is also included.

It is with great pleasure we present to you: A Year in Our Life: 2011.

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This post is linked with:

Proverbs 31 Thursdays Link Up

Delightfully Inspiring Thursday Party

Big Family Friday!

T' Time {#58} Link Party

Who Comforts You?

2012-01-18T07:00:00.000-05:00

To whom do you run when you are angry, upset, scared, or hurt?

Photo credit

During the darkest moment of my life, I remember walking through the house-wandering aimlessly from room to room-not really knowing what I was looking for. As I entered the kitchen and saw Terry sitting there alone, I said, with tears streaming down my face, “I don’t know where to go; YOU are the one I always run to for comfort, but this time, you are the one who is causing my pain.” On this day, his infidelity had been revealed and I had never felt this kind of pain before. It was a dark moment indeed.

In my testimony I’ve shared how the Lord used the pain in my heart to lead me to Himself. Though I don’t believe the sins within our marriage were God’s will, He alone knew that I was too proud and stubborn to ever come to Him on His terms. One thing about being in a pit (even one you’ve dug for yourself); there is nowhere to look, but UP!

As soon as Terry and I had committed ourselves to following Jesus Christ, our lives were radically changed. I looked around one day and discovered we were all alone; family members and friends had begun to turn away from us. One friend stated that she could be there for me if I had chosen divorce, but she couldn’t sit back and watch me get hurt again. Some believed we had joined a cult (looking back now, I can’t say I blame them! Read Off the Deep End). Others thought we were unrealistic in thinking our marriage could survive the crisis. For various reasons, every person who had been in our lives before January 1997 had suddenly vanished. It was such a hard time for me.

It seemed during that season, I needed more comfort than ever before, but there was no one to soothe my pain. Once, I had attempted to share my heart with a family member and was callously told, “You’ve made your bed, now lay in it!” I never felt it appropriate to open my heart to Pastor, but he did send some women from the church to talk with me. I didn’t know them well enough to trust them with all that was going on in my heart. Bringing up the past only seemed to hurt Terry, so we simply avoided that subject altogether.

I remember crying out to Jesus to PLEASE send me a friend. Didn’t He care that I had no one to share my pain with; no one to comfort me or to encourage me in this battle? During that first year we were saved, every time a memory would overwhelm me or I felt saddened by a difficult relationship, or afraid of a new challenge, I would take these feelings to Jesus. I always came away feeling better. As the Lord began to answer specific requests and needs that I had shared with no one else, my faith in Him grew by leaps and bounds.

Eventually, the Lord did see fit to send me a friend. Several actually. But a wonderful habit had been established that still continues to this day. Though I may share a struggle with a friend and ask for advice, this is usually the result of the Lord prompting that friend to call me after I’ve just poured out my heart...to HIM!

So I ask you again, to Whom do you run to when you are angry, upset, scared, or hurt?

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.
Psalm 28:7

If you have been encouraged by what you've read and would like to know each time I post, you can follow through blogger, Networked Blogs, Facebook or email.

This post is linked with:
Women Living Well Wednesday
A Wise Woman Builds Her Home
Raising Homemakers

The Stress of This Diet Has Snapped My Noodle

2012-01-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

Thanks Uncle Larry, for sharing this hilarious video with us! After two successful weeks on this strict diet, I can relate to Ormie the Pig!

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T' Time {#54} and Link Party

Soldier in Training

2012-01-14T13:18:00.000-05:00

His favorite games are Stratego and Battleship.

He enjoys anything Civil War related, including reenactments, memorabilia, and books. His favorite story book is Pink and Say(based on a true story) and the first full-length book he read was Escape by Night: A Civil War Adventure, a fictitious story about a Yankee soldier prisoner's escape, who hides in a confederate town.

He also loves to dress up in the army clothes big sister Amanda gave to him this past year (Amanda served in the National Guards).

He enjoys the song Blood Bought My Freedom that his sisters sing (click here to hear them sing this beautiful song). And if he spots a soldier at the grocery store from a local army base, he shakes their hand and thanks them for their sacrifice and service to our country. He's a real patriot!

But what Isaac really wants to be when he grows up is a soldier of the Cross; an active-duty Kingdom warrior in the army of the Lord.

Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
1 Timothy 2:3

Basic Training
On this day eleven years ago the Lord added to our family a beautiful blue-eyed baby boy; our first son! During these twenty or so short years that he will spend in our home, Terry and I have much to teach our son regarding responsibility, obedience, dedication, faithfulness, and becoming a man of God.

Combat
A good soldier must learn to fight the good fight, using the battle gear provided by the Lord (as described in Ephesians 6:10-18):

The Helmet of Salvation. A soldier puts on the Helmet of Salvation when he believes that Jesus Christ died for his sins and rose again.
The Breastplate of Righteousness. Righteousness is being honest, good, humble, and fair to others.
The Belt of Truth. Truth keeps us from buying into the world's beliefs. Compare your beliefs and actions to the truth of the Word of God.
The Shield of Faith. Faith is knowing that God will keep His promises. Faith in God protects you when you are tempted to doubt.
The Sword of the Spirit; the Word of God. God's Word is our offensive weapon. When we read God's Word, we learn about Jesus and how we are to live. The Lord leads and guides us through Scripture and when we tell others what the Bible says, the Holy Spirit helps people see their bad thoughts and actions and makes them want to be forgiven.
Feet prepared with The Gospel of Peace. The Gospel of Peace is being right with God and being contented in troubled times. Jesus said peacemakers were blessed.

Note, there is no armor for the backside; no protection for those who retreat!

Happy 11th Birthday to our little soldier!

Isaac with his little brothers, Sam and Michael Ray

Onward Christian Soldiers

Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.
Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe;
Forward into battle see His banners go!

Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,

With the cross of Jesus going on before.

At the sign of triumph Satan’s host doth flee;
On then, Christian soldiers, on to victory!
Hell’s foundations quiver at the shout of praise;
Brothers lift your voices, loud your anthems raise.

Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.

Like a mighty army moves the church of God;
Brothers, we are treading where the saints have trod.
We are not divided, all one body we,
One in hope and doctrine, one in charity.

Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.

Onward then, ye people, join our happy throng,
Blend with ours your voices in the triumph song.
Glory, laud and honor unto Christ the King,
This through countless ages men and angels sing.

Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.

Hymn lyrics source

Read the letter I wrote to Isaac for his 10th birthday.

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This post is linked with:

Big Family Friday Linkup!

Just Sing a Little Louder

2012-01-13T15:02:00.000-05:00

What would you do if you knew a young girl who was considering abortion? Would you take a risk in getting involved?

In 2004, we had been helping to care for a little boy named *Jake, who was the same age as Sam (about a year old at the time). This provided occasions for me to talk with his young mother, *Karla. She was a messed-up child of nineteen who spent most of her time partying and getting into trouble. Her father was raising her one-year-old son because she would not assume responsibility for him. During the month of May, she had informed us all that she was pregnant again. One night after her boyfriend had been arrested for beating her up, she broke up with him and then really went wild!

One Sunday that month someone brought some Gospel tracts to church that were entitled "Just Sing A Little Louder". A quick glance revealed that it was about the Holocaust, of which our family had taken an interest, so I dropped one in the diaper bag to be read later.

That same afternoon Karla called. We talked for a few minutes before she dropped a bomb. She said, "I've got another call, but I just wanted to let you know that I've decided to... have an abortion. I'll talk to you later--Bye."

Though I was stunned, I quickly told myself "It's not my business!" I did not want to get involved. I then plopped down in the living room chair next to the diaper bag. The tract lay on top so I grabbed it, hoping to take my mind off Karla's disturbing announcement.

The brochure told of a large church in Nazi Germany that was located next to some railroad tracks. Each Sunday morning as the assembly sang hymns, a train loaded with Jews would slowly pass by. As the victims cried out, begging for help, the church congregation would simply "sing a little louder" to drown out the disparaging voices.

The tract then explained that this sad story is an analogy of how the typical Christian responds to (you’ve probably already guessed it!) abortion. As I read those words, I remember feeling so ashamed of myself and knowing that God was speaking directly to me and addressing my ungodly attitude. I immediately prayed before calling my friend Leah, who was at that time working at a Crisis Pregnancy Center. During our long conversation, she was able to give me pointers in dealing with this situation and offered to provide me with information from the center. She also agreed to begin praying for Karla and her unborn child.

The very next morning I wrote a heart-felt letter to Karla about the fate of her unborn baby. I told her that this precious child, Jake's little brother or sister, deserved a chance at life. I mailed the letter a few days later along with the items Leah had given me: information about abortion (post-abortion response of women and what a baby feels during the "procedure"), a card showing the development of a pre-born baby, and a plastic ten-week pre-born baby wrapped in a pink blankie.

Stephanie and I joined together in intercessory prayer for Karla and her baby. We later learned that in spite of everyone else pressuring her to have an abortion, Karla had chosen to have the baby! Praise God!!!

All of this happened the month that we bought our present home. After we moved, we were no longer close enough to help out with Jake, so we sort of lost touch with the situation. We did, however receive occasional “updates” from someone who was still involved with the family.

This picture of Stephanie holding Karla's precious little girl was taken the very first time we had the privilege of meeting her. Both Stephanie and I were very sentimental and misty-eyed during this meeting as we recalled how we had fervently prayed for this child during a time when her life had hung in the balance.

I am reminded of the story of a man who walked along the beach after the tide broke, picking up stranded starfish and throwing them back into the water. A young man watched him for a time then scoffed, "What a waste of time! You can't possibly save all the starfish. Tomorrow there will be hundreds more washed up again. What you are doing really doesn't matter at all."

The man thought for a moment as he looked at the starfish in his hand. "It matters to this one," he said, tossing him back into the ocean.

Note: Names with * have been changed

If you have been encouraged by what you've read and would like to know each time I post, you can follow through blogger, Networked Blogs, Facebook or email.

This post is linked with:

Better Mom Mondays

Domestically Divine Tuesday

Teach Me Tuesday

{TITUS 2}SDAYS

On Your Heart Tuesday

Health Issues in the New Year

2012-01-11T08:00:00.000-05:00

Photo credit

This year, the Lord impressed upon my heart four areas of my life that will require effort, attentiveness, sacrifice and discipline. I covered the first three areas in the previous post Vision for the New Year. This post is about another area, involving my health.

"Why are you here today?"

Unsure of where to begin, I said, "Well...my body is falling apart."

I've dealt with unresolved health issues for years. One day I finally decided to take a fresh look at my total health history:

Born with thrush that was so bad, I would choke while taking a bottle.
Treated with antibiotics several times as a toddler. For whatever reason, it was suspected that I had leukemia.
Along with all the usual vaccinations given to children in the 60s and 70s, when I was six years old, I was bit by a dog and long story short, ended up receiving 14 consecutive rabies shots, (one each day in my abdomen for 14 days).
Painful tummy aches and trapped gas throughout my childhood.
Repeated bladder/kidney infections throughout my life that were treated with sulfa drugs, until I became allergic to those. Then I was given broad-spectrum antibiotics too many times.
Joint pain that began in my teens.
Various forms of yeast infections throughout my adult life.
Soon after Corrie was born, along with joint pain and fatigue, I began to experience fevers everyday. I was misdiagnosed with Lupus first then rheumatoid arthritis. My white blood cell count remained dangerously high. (It was at this point a family in our church began sharing valuable nutritional information with me and helped me to begin juicing, and adjust my diet to exclude: dairy, salt, sugar, meat, white flour. I also began seeing a chiropractor who dealt in homeopathy. My symptoms improved dramatically.)
Multiple food intolerance. This one took awhile to figure out and I believe the Lord just showed it to me one day. I severely react to high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). In my body, it works similar to anesthetic, in that it literally knocks me out! Many times (before discovering the cause) I would be out with the children and suddenly need to park the van to take a nap! Those were some scary days! After a 45-minute "crash", I could function again, though my mind felt foggy and my joints ached terribly. Other foods I have become intolerant to include gluten (breads, pastas, noodles, all grains except rice and oats), all forms of corn (including organic), potatoes, and recently I've begun reacting to tomatoes. I've been worried what food item will be next on my body's "hit list".

I've read about and fought yeast infections at various times, but never have gotten into a serious battle. Recently I reviewed the symptoms list then took the home yeast test and failed. Then came my first doctor's appointment in... I won't tell you how long.

I was surprised and blessed by the amount of knowledge this female doctor possessed regarding Candida! She diagnosed me with Candida and a condition known as Leaky Gut Syndrome (sounds disgusting, doesn't it?). Leaky Gut can be caused by yeast that burrows into the lining of the intestines, causing whole, undigested food particles to slip into the bloodstream. This causes an inflammatory response when the body seeks to create immunity against the foreign invader. The end result is food allergies and intolerance.

The Plan

Starve the Yeast

Stephanie, Emily and Haley (who failed the test as well) are joining me for a minimal 3-month Candida Diet, which is basically:

NO:

Sugar and artificial sweeteners (and products containing them), wheat, rye, barley, pasta and noodles, yeast, fruits (other than Granny Smith apples), dairy (except plain yogurt), sodas, coffee or tea (except herbal teas), mushrooms, red, smoked or processed meats, vinegar and pickled products, plus any foods we might be sensitive to. Whew!

And now you're wondering what CAN we eat?!

Salmon, tuna, chicken, turkey, rice (including plain puffed rice cereal), plain yogurt, eggs, oatmeal, almonds and almond milk, stevia (a natural sweetener), lemons, Granny Smith apples, non-starchy vegetables, and homemade salad dressing. Yum!

Kill the Yeast

We're making daily capsules of 3 drops P73 Wild Mediterranean Oil mixed with 5 drops Clove Essential Oil.
Lots of Pau D'Arco (aka Taheebo) Tea (served cold and hot), mixed with Passionflower (both from Bulk Herb Store).
Eat fresh garlic daily, in salad dressing, or alongside dinner food.
Bentonite Clay Powder doesn't necessarily KILL the yeast, but it does absorb heavy metals that prevent the anti-fungal herbs from working. During my last pregnancy, anytime I had an issue with yeast, I would drink (gag) a tablespoon of Bentonite Clay Powder and the yeast would be gone within a few days of treatment. (We now have two different size encapsulators also from our favorite herb store Bulk Herbs, and encapsulate the clay. We take 3 Tablespoons per day).
Black Walnut Hull Powder (encapsulated). This powerful herb has the added benefit of killing parasites (which is very common with Candida).

Repair the Gut

Psyllium Husk powder sweeps the colon and removes the dead yeast along with other toxins.
Food enzymes assist in digesting food, taking some of the burden off the impaired digestion system.
Aloe Vera Juice is very soothing to the intestinal lining and is anti-inflammatory as well.

Replenish the Good Bacteria

Take a daily high dosage of quality probiotics.

We began implementing The Plan on January 2. The first week wasn't too bad; we mostly dealt with overcoming temptations to eat what isn't on the diet. Week two however is a different matter. I believe I may be experiencing a phenomenon known as "Die Off". As the yeast begins to die, it can make you feel dreadfully ill. I have been requiring more sleep, including an afternoon nap, my joints and muscles ache and one day my kidneys felt inflamed. I am looking forward to getting through this part and feeling better! The girls seem to be fairing well.

Are you eating differently this year?

If you have been encouraged by what you've read and would like to know each time I post, you can follow through blogger, Networked Blogs, Facebook or email.

This post is linked with:
Raising Homemakers
Women Living Well Wednesday
Encourage one another

Proverbs 31 Thursdays Link Up

Hearts 4 Home, Thursdays

Natural Living

A Date with Destiny

2012-01-06T09:01:00.000-05:00

When my big girls were little, I remember being told by older, wiser moms, “They grow up soquickly; enjoy this time with your children!” I needed those reminders, as Ilived in “survival mode”.

They reallydo grow up quickly!

Recently, whileseeking the Lord for a Vision for the New Year, I realized that I need to bemore intentional as a momma. One area that came to my mind is one-on-one timewith each of my ten children. A plan began to form in my mind…

Several yearsago the girls gave me a special gift for my birthday. It was a scrapbook ofletters they had written to me, along with letters from relatives and friends, fromwhom they had solicited, and compiled into a decorated keepsake. It is abeautiful book! One common thread that I noticed in the letters from my olderchildren was that they each shared a vivid memory of a specific occasion when wehad spent time together alone.

This year, I’mbeginning a brand new tradition. On each of my children’s birthdays (or a dayclose to it), I plan to spend the whole day focused on them.

Yesterday wasmy first opportunity as my baby girl, Destiny Faith turned seven years old!

I finishedwork on the computer soon after she woke and walked away from it for the day.She was very enthusiastic when I explained to her my plan. Though I still hadresponsibilities in the home, I wanted to spend as many moments together aspossible. This is how our day went:

We foldedlaundry together in my room and chatted about our plans.

After breakfast,she helped meencapsulate herbs. I was amazed at how quickly she caught on, as she was soonable to fill and cap the larger capsules, while I worked on the smaller ones.

Emily fixedDestiny’s hair while I cleaned myself up and soon we were ready to go. Westopped by Papa’s house before heading into town, where we visited the libraryand Grandma Dee, then ran a few errands. Destiny had received some money forher birthday and so we made a rare stop at a toy store, where she found a setof bunk beds for her dolls! Soon it was time to meet Daddy for dinner. Destiny hadchosen the restaurant, Sirloin Stockade, “because they have a deliciousmarshmallow salad”. ☺

We had onemore stop before we could leave town; grocery shopping at Wal-Mart. Destiny putthe groceries in the cart, smiled at other shoppers and spoke with a youngcouple, while admiring their 7-week old baby girl. At the checkout, she proudlytold the cashier that today was her birthday. The mom behind me laughed andsaid to me, “Every child’s wish…to grocery shop at Wal-Mart on their birthday.”I smiled and agreed, but then explained that Destiny is number 9 of tenchildren and that the “alone time” with mom is a rare treat. She soberly said, “Wow.”I told her we had also met Daddy for dinner earlier and she smiled and saidsomething about it being a special day. Destiny hugged the cashier (this sweetlady knows our family from shopping there) then we were finally on our wayhome. We had a very nice conversation during the drive.

One moresurprise awaited Destiny in the living room when we arrived home: her very owncastle!

As I put thegroceries away, I remembered one final “gift” she had told Grandma Dee shewanted for her birthday: a jar of green olives.

This morning "Princess Destiny" has been sharing about our adventures yesterday, filling in herbrothers (the "knights") and sisters on the details of her time away with Mommy. I am confidentthat Destiny’s 7^th birthday will not soon be forgotten, and thosememories will be replayed in her mind throughout the year.

I plan tocontinue this new tradition with each of my children, believing this to be onemore way I can tie strings of fellowship with the precious ones the Lord hasentrusted to me.

Note: Tomorrowwe will celebrate Destiny’s birthday with family and friends with a homemadepizza party and a birthday cake that she and I will bake today.

If you have been encouraged by what you've read and would like to know each time I post, you can follow through blogger, Networked Blogs, Facebook or email.

This post is linked with:

Big Family Friday

{Homemaker By Choice}
Better Mom Mondays

On Your Heart Tuesday

Teach Me Tuesdays

T' Time {#53} and Link Party

{TITUS 2}SDAYS

Hip Homeschool Hop

A Handful of Heart

Domestically Divine Tuesday

Vision for the New Year

2012-01-04T08:00:00.000-05:00

Photo credit

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he thatkeepeth the law, happy is he.

Proverbs 29:18

A reporteronce asked Helen Keller, “Is there anything worse than being born blind?”
“Yes,” sheanswered, “It is to have sight and no vision.”

* ** * *

For several years I have taken time at the end of the each year, or at the beginning of the new, to reflect over the past twelve months andprayerfully plan a few goals to work on during the new year. Five years ago,Terry began a brand new tradition; a way of celebrating our anniversary, whichis December 30. He whisks me away for a few glorious days to a wonderful,rustic bed and breakfast, nestled in the heart of Nashville, IN. We spend timewindow-shopping, leisurely sipping delicious coffee at our favorite coffee spot, andperusing books in a used Christian bookstore. Most of our time however, isredeemed within the walls of the Cornerstone Inn, where each unique room istastefully decorated with antiques and beautiful furnishings. The owners areChristians, as are many (if not all) of the employees. The atmosphere isincredibly peaceful and Terry and I look forward to this little retreat every year.

Celebrating 24 years of marriage!
(Thanks to Uncle Larry for taking this picture; he just happened to be there!)

Some time during our stay (usually in the morning, afterenjoying the amazing breakfast buffet), Terry falls asleep for a well-deservednap. Please don’t think I mind in the least; this hard-working man of mineworks a lot of hours and after his time of rest, he’s ready to go.

During his traditional nap, I’ve gotten in the habit ofspending that quiet time with the Lord, reflecting on the past year and asking Himfor goals and plans for the next year. Later in the day, Terry and I will shareour hopes for the coming months and a renewed vision is born.

This year, the Lord impressed upon my heart four areas of mylife that will require effort, attentiveness, sacrifice and discipline. Thesefour areas are:

MyMarriage MyChildren

My Blog My Health

My Marriage

Goal: To strengthen and renew my relationship with my husband, and to embrace and fulfill my God-given role as his help meet. To assist in this, I will participate in a 12-week Created To Be His Help Meet Study, beginning next Monday. Though I put together the study guide and organized the group, I am confident there are several other women in the group who are MUCH more qualified to lead a study on submission. There are moments when I realize that I really am doing this and the thought screams in my mind, “ARE YOU CRAZY?!” I’ve had that same thought many times since coming to Christ in 1997 (when we gave our fertility to the Lord; when we decided to homeschool; when we moved our large family into a small house), so it is not unfamiliar territory. In fact, this is usually how I know that the Lord is in it; this is definitely NOT something I can do in my own “wisdom” and strength.

Terry and I are also scheduled to attend a marriage retreat with our Pastor and three other (adorable) couples in February. Our church is committed to building strong marriages, equipping men to lead their families, and encouraging parents in training up godly sons and daughters. We are blessed to be a part of this group!

My Children

Goal: To spend more FUN time with mychildren. They are growing up so fast! Yes, as a home-schooling mom, I amwith my children most of the time, but many of those hours are spentdoing chores, schoolwork, or separate activities. This coming year, I hope totie more strings of fellowship with each of my children with this plan:

Schedule at least 1 fun trip a monthto a special park, museum, or other family-friendly activity.
Since Mondays seem to be the mosttrying day in our home (recovering from the weekend mess), I plan to turn“Manic Monday” in Memorable Mondays by enjoying some fun afternoon craftprojects with the children. Woodworking, hand-sewing, bead-crafting, andsculpting are just a few of the activities I have in mind.
Continue reading a chapteror two each weekday afternoon, along with gathering the younger children for astory before bedtime several nights a week.
We received a few more board gamesfor Christmas and I am the current reigning Battleship Champion ☺. We also enjoy Boggle,Scrabble, Pictionary, Sorry, and Wild Craft (an herb identification game).Another game we enjoy is Dutch Blitz.
This year, Terry and I plan to takeeach individual child out to dinner for their birthday. Our first opportunitywill be this Thursday!
I would also like to try to scheduleone day a month to spend with my oldest daughter (who lives an hour away) and my precious grandchildren,Aiden and Jade (#3 is due July 9!).

My Blog

I have gone back and forth on this issue. Am Iready to take the Shoebox to the next level? Should I get my own domain, reach out to more women, and seek advertisers? I thought that was where I was headed. But honestly, I'm just notthere at this season in my life. While I love the fact that I can share whatthe Lord has done (and continues to do) in my life, blogging and socialnetworking takes time. And time is passing quickly. I don't want to get to theend of my life and regret that I didn't spend enough time with my childrenbecause I squandered away precious hours on the computer. So in 2012, I will be spending less time onthe computer, but my time here will be scheduled and purposeful.

My Health

This is such a major undertaking, Iwill be sharing my goals and plan in a separate post. I hope you'll come backfor this post later this week.

What about you?

Do you take time to reflect on thepast year and to contemplate the coming months, setting achievable goals andplans? Do you have a vision for your life for 2012? God-given goals can instill a sense of purpose and keep you from drifting.

We ought to give the more earnest heed to the things whichwe have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.

Hebrews 2:1

If you have been encouraged by what you've read and would like to know each time I post, you can follow through blogger, Networked Blogs, Facebook or email.

This post is linked with:
Raising Homemakers
Women Living Well Wednesday
Encourage one another
A Wise Woman Builds Her Home
Hearts 4 Home, Thursdays
Proverbs 31 Thursdays Link Up

Big Family Friday

Daddy Was a New Year's Babe

2012-01-01T11:40:00.000-05:00

Daddy with his beloved dog Daisy, sitting on the hearth of the fireplace he built.

Seventy-four years ago this morning, a frail, woman of twenty reluctantly gave birth to her third child, a big baby boy, who would later become my Daddy. His mother, Helen, had already known much sorrow in her young life. Her beloved father had passed away when she was just thirteen years old. The baby in a family of eight children, Grandma did not get along with her mother and so went to live with her older sister. She married my biological grandfather a couple of years later and soon became the mother of two little girls, neither of which survived. One baby girl died at the age of six months, and the other when she was eighteen months. By the time Grandma was pregnant a third time, she must have been terrified of losing another child. Her marriage was also very shaky and before that year was half-way through, she and Clyde would be divorced.

Grandma met a strong, fiery young man named Earl who married her when Daddy was eighteen months old. This was the man I called Grandpa, and didn't realize he was not Daddy's biological father until Clyde's death in 1977.

Grandpa truly helped to shape the man my daddy would become.

Cautious Grandma was not happy when she discovered her eight year old son sneaking her butcher knife outside to saw limbs in the woods as he worked on what was to become his first log cabin. When she complained to Grandpa, she expected him to discipline the little boy, but instead, Grandpa gave Daddy his first hatchet. Though his mom was not happy, Daddy was thrilled. He carried his new tool with him everywhere and used it to build approximately 30 log cabins by the time he was sixteen. While in his 60s, along with the help of his wife Sue, he built his final log cabin; the house in which he now resides. He still has the hatchet that his dad gave to him long ago.

During a recent Wednesday evening visit with Daddy, he told me that he didn't understand why God had blessed him so much throughout his life. He said he couldn't think of anything he had done to deserve all that he has received. He marvels that his life turned out so well, and that all of his dreams have been fulfilled. As I contemplated this conversation over the next few days, my mind turned to Ephesians 6. I later shared these verses with Daddy:

Honor thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.
Ephesians 6:2-3

Daddy always honored his parents, and because of that, things have gone well for him and he is enjoying long life on this earth!

Happy 74th birthday dear Daddy! I love you!

Read A Tribute to My Daddy
Read An Anniversary of Sorts

If you have been encouraged by what you've read and would like to know each time I post, you can follow through blogger, Networked Blogs, Facebook or email.

Preparing for the Help Meet Study

2011-12-26T06:55:00.000-05:00

Are you planning to join me and other women as we seek after the heart of God, in a quest to learn to be the help meet to our husbands that He created us to be? Are you prepared to be challenged, stretched, inspired and blessed as you gain understanding regarding your role as a godly wife, and learn how your response to your husband can make or break your marriage? Is the Lord tugging at your heart in this area? If so, this post is for you!

My original plan was to begin the study on January 2, however the tentative date has been changed to January 9 for a few reasons: 1). I haven't yet completed the study guide to send to Debi Pearl for approval (my TOP priority during the next few days) and 2). Terry and I will be celebrating our wedding anniversary later this week and he's made wonderful plans that are sure to keep my focus off the Internet☺.

Here are some things you can do to prepare for the upcoming study:

Purchase Created To Be His Help Meet book if you haven't already (links are included at the bottom of this post).
Purchase a 1" thick 3-ring binder (the kind with the plastic sleeve on the front cover in which a title page can be added).
Gather other necessary supplies: computer paper, a 3-ring hole punch, lined notebook paper, a pen, and a Bible (KJV preferably; if you don't have this version, you can use an online Bible during certain parts of the study). Also, insure that you have plenty of black ink in your printer, as the printable 12-week study guide will be approximately 29 pages long. You may choose to use a journal or notebook to write in instead, using the guide on your computer.
Find or print a wallet-sized picture of you and your husband, or a picture of him alone (for the cover of your study).
After you add me as your Facebook friend (I've temporarily relaxed my security just for this purpose), I will add you to the Help Meet Study Facebook Group (which is now up and running!). *Note: All of my Facebook friends are "hidden" (per my agreement with Terry), so I will only be able to see what you post on the group wall or my blog FB page.
If you prefer to do the study one-on-one via email rather than FB, please send me a message: treasuresfromashoebox@gmail.com

I look forward to making this journey with you!

Read Created To Be His Help Meet Study (Join Me?).
Read Help Meet Study W/O Facebook.

From Christianbook.com $8.99

If you have been encouraged by what you've read and would like to know each time I post, you can follow through blogger, Networked Blogs, Facebook or email.

This post is linked with:

Teach Me Tuesdays

Family Christmas Newsletter 2011

2011-12-23T07:00:00.000-05:00

But Mary kept all thesethings, and pondered them in her heart.

Luke 2:19

In the middle of herresponsibilities, Mary took the time to think about all that was happening inher life, and to meditate on what God had done. Mary encourages each of us totake some time to be quiet before the Lord, to reflect on God’s goodness in ourown lives.

A dream came true for most ofour children this summer as we were privileged to meet their two-year pen-palsfrom another state when the Mays family (who have ten children as well) visitedfor a weekend. Our families are remarkably similar in many ways; the parent’snames are Darrell and Terri!

After a string of amazingcircumstances, we connected with disaster missionaries Monty and Susan Scales,who have quickly become like family to us.

We have been thrilled to witness several weddingsthis year, including Cheryl’s sister Tami, who married a wonderful man namedBrad. Uncle Brad is using his talents to record a music CD of the children!

In June, our family was honored to representDoorposts, one of our favorite companies for Christian parenting resources, atthe IAHE conference. We look forward to participating again in the future.

Terry is employed by CarterLumber in Franklin, where he was recently promoted. This past summer heconstructed a gorgeous new bridge, restored the stage, and finished theclubhouse in our woods where we enjoyed a graduation party the 1^stof October.

Cheryl continues to homeschoolthe children, has led 2 online Bible studies for women this year and enjoyshoning her writing skills at her blog, Treasures from a Shoebox.

We are excited to announcethat Amanda and Ryan are expecting their 3^rd child in July! Ryanstill works for the city and Amanda works a day or two a week for in-homenursing. She began schooling Aiden (4) at home and enjoys caring for Jade (2),as well.

Stephanie (23) continues toapprentice for a weaver. She and her siblings have had many opportunities tosing for God’s glory. She plays flute in the Columbus Symphony Orchestra.

Emily (19) was privileged thispast year to spend 11 weeks in Iowa, apprenticing and learning to lead a BrightLights discipleship group for girls ages 10-13. She plans to begin a groupsoon. Our 2^nd Long Academy graduate, Emily passed her GED in June!She has assumed responsibility of teaching math to Sam and Destiny and alsoplays violin in the CSO.

Haley (16) is in her finalyear of school with plans to graduate early (as she began schooling at the ageof 4). She competed this year in the World Piano Competition in Cincinnati, OHand teaches piano to the younger children. She recently began a successfulbaking business, selling homemade cookies to her daddy’s co-workers!

MacKenzie (14) and Corrie (12)have 24 pen-pals between them! Besides writing letters, MacKenzie enjoyswriting stories and poetry and keeps us all in stitches with her sense ofhumor. Corrie also enjoys cooking and caring for her rabbit, Precious.

Isaac (10) and Sam (8) enjoyCivil War reenactments, books and movies, Legos and Lincoln Logs, drawing,exploring the woods and playing Stratego. They keep us stocked up on wood.

Destiny (6) enjoys reading, dress-up,singing and spending time with Emily.

Michael Ray (2) has grown intoquite the conversationalist and keeps us all entertained.

May you take time to ponder inyour heart all that the Lord has done this year.

Merry Christmas from

The Long Family 2011

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An Accidental Abortion

2011-12-21T07:00:00.000-05:00

Photo Credit

As the elderly doctor read my rather lengthy obstetrical history, he paused and looked at me condescendingly over thick-rimmed glasses. "There is no such thing as an 'accidental abortion'. You either terminate a pregnancy, or you don't." He waited for my response.

* * *

Along with the usual pregnancy symptoms, my left side ached terribly. I was a divorced, single mom, working part-time at a pizza place with no insurance, involved in a secret affair with the restaurant manager. The year was 1987 and pregnancy tests were relatively expensive, so I made the mistake of visiting the local Planned Parenthood for a "free test".

As soon as I finished giving them a urine sample, I was taken to a small office and for the next hour or so, was questioned and harassed about my situation. The things the two "counselors" stated were true; I wasn't married, I couldn't really afford another baby, and the situation did seem hopeless. They wanted me to agree to an abortion even before the test results were in! I just wanted to leave, not caring at that point whether there was one line or two.

Another woman entered the room and explained that though the test was positive, it had taken longer than usual to "show up". Considering the pain in my side, they concluded that I was most likely experiencing a dangerous condition known as ectopic pregnancy and an appointment was quickly set with a local OB. Satisfied that the pregnancy would be terminated, they finally let me go. I was just thankful to escape that place of death and the women who oozed hatred toward babies.

The middle-aged obstetrician explained that an ectopic pregnancy is when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, in this case in my fallopian tube. As it grows, the tube is stretched, thus causing the pain. If the tube were to burst, I was told soberly, I could die. The only solution was to have the tube, including the baby, surgically removed. The doctor asked many questions before he examined me. Did I have insurance? Was I married? How did I plan to pay the bill for this expensive surgery? Because I didn't have insurance, he didn't order an ultrasound. After being badgered at Planned Parenthood and listening to this doctor's concern over how he would be paid, I felt I had no right to ask for further tests. I left his office in tears.

The next morning when he stopped by before surgery to speak with me, I asked, or rather pleaded, if there was any other way. "Can't you just move the baby down?" My heart was breaking for a child I would never know.

I was put under for the procedure, but as I awoke in the recovery room, there was more pain than I had expected. The OB appeared by my side and spoke softly and apologetically. He explained that the searing pain had been caused by a large cyst sitting on my ovary. "Your left ovary was removed because of the large cyst. This decreases your chances of getting pregnant by 50%." It wasn't an ectopic pregnancy after all! "What about the baby?" I asked, still groggy yet hopeful. He explained that a D and C had been performed before the cyst had been discovered. My precious little baby had been aborted; ripped apart and discarded.

* * *

"So, what would you call it?" I asked the doctor, with tears glistening in my eyes. He cleared his throat and hoarsely whispered, "An accidental abortion."

*As a side note here, I'd like to add that though I contracted pneumonia during my recovery and wound up hospitalized for 5 days, I never received one bill from the hospital, the anesthesiologist or the doctor. The OB group was at that time involved in a lawsuit, accused of accidentally aborting the baby of a 40-something year old woman, without as much as a pregnancy test. They probably figured that a large hospital/doctor bill would invoke another lawsuit. I didn't sue them because I knew it wouldn't change anything; it would not bring my baby back.

In memory of my precious baby who has never been forgotten. You are one of my Treasures in heaven and I look forward to the day when Mommy will hold you in my arms and tell you how very sorry I am that I didn't fight for you.

If you have been encouraged by what you've read and would like to know each time I post, you can follow through blogger, Networked Blogs, Facebook or email.

This post is linked with:
Raising Homemakers
Deep Roots at Home
Hearts 4 Home, Thursdays

Proverbs 31 Thursdays Link Up

Big Family Friday

Teach Me Tuesdays

On Your Heart, Tuesday

{TITUS 2}SDAYS

Hip Homeschool Hop

Marriage...Then Children (Guest Post)

2011-12-20T07:00:00.000-05:00

This post is from the series, Parent's Corner, Each article is written by members of Landmark Baptist Church, where we have attended since 1997.

Pastor Michael Johnson and his bride of 34 years Lee Ann, are the parents of three fine sons: Douglas (who is married to a very sweet young lady and has two small children), David, a single, Godly and talented 24-year-old, and Daniel, the college student with a terrific sense of humor. All three boys are musically-gifted and the family sings together beautifully.

The Johnson family has been an example and inspiration to Terry and me and our children in so many ways! (Watch the video tribute we made for Pastor in 2007, which includes the song written in his honor, An Eternal Difference)

As I've been blessed to watch their boys grow into fine men during these past fourteen years, I must tell you, "Mom and Dad" did something right! Pastor and Lee Ann are not only wonderful parents though; their marriage is a shining example for other couples and a beautiful picture of Jesus Christ and His Church.

Marriage First

by Michael & Lee AnnJohnson

We have three tips that are a “mustdo” if we hope to have good success in our parenting.

1. Remember, you will still be married after youhave raised your children and they have started their own families.

Therefore, don'tneglect your marriage while your children are still at home. In fact, a healthy marriage makes for healthyparenting. Before Paul reminds fathers of their parenting responsibility(provoke not to wrath & bring up in nurture and admonition of the Lord) inEph. 6:4, he exhorts husbands and wives in chapter 5 on how to have asuccessful marriage. Eph. 5:33 summarizes his instruction: “Nevertheless, let every one of you(husbands) in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife seethat she reverence her husband.”

2. In view of tip 1, make sure you maintain aweekly date night.

Husbands shouldinitiate this time. It is so easy to letthis slide guys, but we must press into this! This does not have to take a lot of moneygoing out to eat, or spending a night away, etc. While those special “get-ways” are necessaryand should be planned, mostly what our wives want is uninterrupted time withus, where we give them our undivided attention! These “date nights” can be times when we “unpack” about issues of parentinggoals, strategies, etc. or other heartissues, or just have fun together.

3. Do “couch” time, especially when yourchildren are younger.

By “couch time” wemean a time after dad gets home from work, before the children go to bed, andhe sits with mom on the couch, puts his arm around her and focuses on her andshe focuses on him. Children are notallowed to interrupt. Dad must initiatethis time and explain to the children that this time is just for daddy andmommy to help them be a better daddy and mommy.

If you have been encouraged by what you've read and would like to know each time I post, you can follow through blogger, Networked Blogs, Facebook or email.

Instead of Fighting, SING!

2011-12-16T07:00:00.000-05:00

The Long Family Singers 2011

Our children have a singing ministry. "The Long Family Singers" can often be heard singing in churches, nursing homes, at various festivals and other community events. After their singing engagements, I am sometimes asked if my husband and I sing, to which I must suppress a giggle; for Terry and I cannot carry a tune! In fact, we sometimes snicker at one another during congregational singing, because we sound so dreadful! Praise God that Scripture admonishes us to make a "joyful noise unto the Lord" and not a melodious one!

Folks then begin to question how it is that our talented children began singing together, and I am always delighted to share this remarkable story.

It all began when the dishwasher broke.

Stephanie, age 11, began washing dishes, while Haley, four years old, carefully rinsed, and seven year old Emily dried and helped put the dishes away. As soon as the newness wore off, the bickering began.

Nothing drains a mother more rapidly than bickering children (read Squashing Sibling Squabbles here) and I began to pray about a solution. One afternoon during yet another quarrel, I propped an open hymnal on the window sill and informed the girls, "Your arguing does not bring glory to the Lord. Instead of fighting, I want you to sing together." Every dish time thereafter, they were not allowed to talk to one another, only sing. In a short amount of time, the sounds coming from the kitchen had transformed from angry, contentious words to sweet, angelic voices as the girls learned to work together and began to harmonize. Amazing!

They began singing publicly at church and for family during 2002. Stephanie received her first guitar the next year, at the age of fifteen and quickly taught herself to play.

Haley, Stephanie, Emily: 2003

Eventually, other instruments were added, as Emily began to learn violin and Stephanie received a cardboard mountain dulcimer (with an amazingly beautiful sound!). More recently, they've included the mandolin, penny whistle (which MacKenzie plays) and the piano (with Haley on the keyboard).

Terry and I always assumed that once the three older girls were gone, there would be no more beautiful music in our home, but we have been pleasantly surprised that each one of our children have followed in their big sister's footsteps and are learning to sing harmony as well as play instruments! (You can hear all of the children sing together on the video we made for their Daddy for Father's Day in the post A Man of Character.) MacKenzie is learning banjo, Isaac has a guitar and Sam hopes to master the ukulele. All the younger children are also taking piano lessons from big sis Haley. ☺

Recently the girls were invited to sing for our troops at a local military base. Here is one of the songs they sang:

♫ Blood Bought My Freedom ♫

Emily, Haley, Stephanie: 2011

Dear worn-out mama of bickering babes, the next time your children begin picking at one another, open a hymnal and enthusiastically tell 'em,

Instead of fighting, let's SING!

For more creative ideas about dealing with bickering children read the post Squashing Sibling Squabbles.

If you have been encouraged by what you've read and would like to know each time I post, you can follow through blogger, Networked Blogs, Facebook or email.

This post is linked with:

Big Family Friday
{Homemaker By Choice}

Hip Homeschool Hop

Teach Me Tuesdays

Christmas T' Time {#2} and Linky Party

{TITUS 2}SDAYS

Domestically Divine Tuesday

Women Living Well Wednesday
Raising Homemakers

Help Meet Study w/o Facebook

2011-12-15T07:00:00.000-05:00

This post is in response to several comments and emails that I've received these past few days from women who eagerly want to participate in the upcoming Created To Be His Help Meet Study, but whose husbands prefer they not be on Facebook. I have a couple of ideas/solutions and I'd really like your input!

First of all, let me explain that my husband has an aversion to Facebook, as well. This is why I deleted my original Facebook over a year ago (you can read about that in the post GOODBYE FACEBOOK).

With my husband's blessing, I eventually did open a new FB account, specifically for the purpose of having a Facebook page for my blog, but I had NO friends whatsoever. It was a lonely place. But I was able to stay completely hidden on Facebook for nearly a year!

When I decided to lead a Good Morning Girls group, Terry and I discussed the available options: email each member daily or set up a private Facebook group, which seemed more conducive. This would require me to add each member as a "friend". Terry agreed to this, as long as I was willing to "hide" each person. (My husband is not "controlling", he just knows how vulnerable I am in getting pulled into statuses and such). I explained this to my new "friends" on the group wall. I did begin to receive friend requests from real-live friends who thought I was back on, so I wrote the post Why I Can't Be Your Friend to explain why I ignored their requests.

I explain all of this here to suggest that it is possible to have a Facebook account without having any friends and remain hidden (by adhering to strict privacy settings). Your only "friend" would be me, and I don't post anything on that private account, though my blog posts do automatically feed there (you could always "hide" me!).

NOTE: After posting this, my friend Lisa left a comment below, informing me of this bit of information that I hadn't known:

"As for FB, people can set up their preferences to where they receive the new "posts" from the group in email. They never have to log onto FB at all. They can respond to the email and it will get posted to the group. That way, they are still part of the group but are never on FB! That is what I did with our 1John study and it worked out really well!"

So please discuss this option with your husband, as it might prove to be beneficial to participate in the Help Meet study group. However...

If Facebook is out of the question, you are still invited to join me in the study, via email. This would obviously be more of a one-on-one study and I could email the PDF Study Guide along with information that is posted in the group once or twice a week. If this is the better option for you, send your request to this email: treasuresfromashoebox@gmail.com.

As I continue to work on the Created To Be His Help Meet Study Guide, I am begging God for the necessary wisdom and guidance to complete this project in the next few weeks, and I would appreciate your prayers. I look forward to beginning this journey with you in January!

If you have been encouraged by what you've read and would like to know each time I post, you can follow through blogger, Networked Blogs, Facebook or email.

Created To Be His Help Meet Study (Join Me?!)

2011-12-12T08:45:00.000-05:00

A few years ago a close friend shared a book with me that radically challenged the way I view my role as a wife. The book?

Created To Be His Help Meet
By Debi Pearl

Book Description (from Amazon):

Somewhere over the passing years and changing culture, women have lost their way. This book is written to lead them back home. Regardless of how you began your marriage or how dark and lonely the path that has brought you to where you are now, I want you to know that it is possible today to have a marriage so good and so fulfilling that it can only be explained as a miracle.

Follow Debi Pearl as she takes the wisdom and experience of her own marriage and confirms it with the wisdom of scripture and learn how to be the "help meet" that God created you to be. You will learn to appreciate God's gift of a husband with a thankful heart that produces joy and wisdom in you and your home. Gain a better understanding of who your husband is and how your response to him can make or break your marriage. See the Bible's perspective of obedience and authority and understand how you are joint heirs to the promises of God.

The miracle of a wonderful marriage is like the miracle of birth, God allows you to be an essential contributor to the miracle. Read, enjoy and be blessed as over 330,000 other women already have.

While recently studying the book of 1 John with my Good Morning Girls, I realized that I really need a refresher course in the whole area of Godly submission to my husband. The girls and I decided to study Created To Be His Help Meet together and thought it would be fun to invite other women as well!

So here's the plan:

Beginning the end of this month, those who are interested will be invited to join a private Help Meet Facebook group, where we will begin introducing ourselves and getting to know one another. I'm hoping to have the study guide available at that time (prayers would be much appreciated, as I am currently working on a downloadable PDF Help Meet study guide-with Mike and Deb's permission-to use with the book).

Beginning January 2, 2012, (NOTE: this date has been changed to January 9, 2012) we will begin our study of the book.

A new year... A NEW YOU!

If you would like to join me and my friends (a truly wonderful group of women!) as we seek to become the wives God created us to be, simply dust off your book, or order a new one, and ask the Lord to prepare your heart for this 12-week journey.

More information will be available on my blog Facebook page as the time draws nearer.

No Facebook??? Read the follow-up post Help Meet Study w/o Facebook.

Follow-up link: Preparing for the Help Meet Study.

The book is available from several retailers, including these two:

Christianbook.com $8.99

If you have been encouraged by what you've read and would like to know each time I post, you can follow through blogger, Networked Blogs, Facebook or email.

This post is linked with:

T' Time {#48} and Link Party

Teach Me Tuesdays

{TITUS 2}SDAYS

Domestically Divine Tuesday

Raising Homemakers

Women Living Well Wednesday
Hearts 4 Home, Thursdays

Proverbs 31 Thursdays Link Up

Pride Sheet for Children

2011-12-10T07:00:00.000-05:00

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This is the 5th post in the series The Sin of Pride. Read the first 4 here:
41 Evidences of Pride
The Awful Sin of Pride
The Cure for Pride
Humility: Coming to God on His Terms

In 2001, Terry and I embarked on a marriage course that forever changed my life! You can read about it in the post Freedom Through Forgiveness. Our counseling workbook included a chapter on Resolving Pride and from the wisdom I gleaned there, I came up with a pride worksheet that I used with great success with the children. I was amazed at how effective this method was in bringing the children to conviction and repentance of their sinful pride. As the Lord has convicted me lately of my own pride, that worksheet resurfaced. I share it here with you.

PRIDE

Heavenly Father, I admit that I have pride in my heart. I have been focusing on myself; my rights, my interests, my needs, my desires, and my goals. I have not put You first in my life. I ask You, Father, to open my heart so that I can respond in humility to You. I also ask that You open my heart to love and care for the needs of others around me and that I would value them more than I value myself. I choose to humble myself and to tell You of each area of pride that I am struggling with. In Jesus' Name, I pray, Amen.

Wanting others to pay attention to me and to value me.
Having hurt feelings when others are praised and I am not.
Focusing on myself rather than others.
Being harsh with others because of their faults.
Getting a bad attitude when I am criticized.
Worrying about what others think of me.
Having difficulty in admitting when I am wrong.
Looking down on other people.
Expecting others to meet all my needs.
Trying to be good without God's help.
Refusing to give up MY RIGHTS.
Being bossy.
Trying to make others do what I want them to do.
Talking about myself all the time
Drawing attention to what I can do ("showing off").
Feeling sorry for myself.
Thinking I know more than others.
Thinking I don't need anyone's help.
Thinking I don't need God's help.

Lord, I confess and give up my pride as shown through my (name the specific prideful sin). I ask Your forgiveness and choose to humble myself and to have a proper attitude.

Find a printable version of the Pride Sheet for Children here. Right click on the document to print.

If you have been encouraged by what you've read and would like to know each time I post, you can follow through blogger, Networked Blogs, Facebook or email.

Humility: Coming to God on His Terms

2011-12-09T07:00:00.000-05:00

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This is the fourth post in the series The Sin of Pride. Read the first three posts here:
41 Evidences of Pride
The Awful Sin of Pride
The Cure for Pride

I have a humbling confession.

Soon after coming to Christ in 1997, I discovered Elisabeth Elliot on our local Christian radio station. Every morning after breakfast, my hungry soul soaked up wisdom and truth that Elisabeth shared on her program Gateway to Joy. Every weekday morning I heard, "'You are loved by an everlasting love,' that's what the Bible says, 'and underneath are the everlasting arms.'" The next words would be, "This is your friend, Elisabeth Elliot." I came to love this humble lady.

Then the announcement was made that my dear friend would be retiring and another program would take the time slot: Revive Our Hearts, hosted by a single woman named Nancy Leigh DeMoss.

I confess, I copped an attitude. What could a married, newly-saved, homemaker and homeschooling mom of several children like me learn from a single woman??? I refused to listen to even one broadcast. Stupid pride.

Through the years I've been given a few books by Nancy Leigh DeMoss, but never got around to reading them. Then in the spring of 2010 a friend INSISTED that Stephanie and I NEEDED to attend the upcoming True Woman Conference in Indianapolis. I reluctantly purchased two tickets, but was thankful that at least we got them at a discounted price. I am more than a little embarrassed about sharing this with you.

The True Woman Conference 2010 was amazing! The Lord used those three days to do a mighty work in my heart (Read about it in Goodbye Facebook). I repented of the evil pride that I had held against Nancy Leigh DeMoss for all those years and Revive Our Hearts has become the number one program I listen to online!

I humbly share with you this powerful 5-day audio series on pride that our family has been listening to from Revive Our Hearts, which is ironically, about humility:

Humility: Coming to God on His Terms

The titles for each day are:
A Pride Test
Who Lifts You Up in Prayer?
Broken People
Brokenness Brings Blessing
Humble Prayer

We've been going through one or two of these 25-minute broadcasts a day (I've replayed several of the broadcasts 2-3 times to make sure I'm absorbing all that the Lord wants to show me). My heart has burned within me while listening to the truth presented here.

May you be blessed and humbled through these messages.

P.S. Registration for True Woman '12 is now open! I will be there! So will TWO of my daughters, along with as many friends as I can get to go with me! I'd love to see YOU there!

Recommended Resources:

If you have been encouraged by what you've read and would like to know each time I post, you can follow through blogger, Networked Blogs, Facebook or email.

The Cure for Pride

2011-12-07T07:00:00.000-05:00

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...When Terry came home and saw how distressed I was, he sat down with me. With desperation in my voice I asked, "What am I supposed to do? How do I get rid of it?" He wisely answered, "Well, what is the opposite of pride? Isn't it humility?" Read 41 Evidences of Pride here.

Our family is very blessed to have many wonderful resources in our home that the Holy Spirit often uses to lead and guide us into truth. I reached for two of those resources to help me in my quest of getting rid of my sinful pride.

The Power for True Success How to Build Character in Your Life is our #1 book on character. It focuses on 49 character qualities, including an excellent chapter on Humility. Here is some of what I've been learning:

Humility is:
Recognizing and acknowledging my total dependence upon the Lord and seeking His will for every decision.

I read about the rewards of humility and the swift and severe punishment for pride. I learned that we have a choice, either humble ourselves or be humbled by God. I also discovered that while humility begins in our spirits, pride begins in our hearts, so when my spirit is in full fellowship with the Spirit of God, I will have a humble heart. Humility is the natural response of being in the presence of God.

I also discovered 14 Pride Stompers:

Welcome critics--bless those who curse you.
Volunteer for menial tasks.
Ask others about blind spots.
Express gratefulness.
Listen to others instead of talking about yourself.
Kneel in prayer.
Let authorities make final decisions.
Ask forgiveness for wrongs you have done.
Praise and honor others.
Take time for prayer and fasting.
Give sacrificially.
Give testimony of God's grace.
Deflect praise.
Be a servant.

The second resource I reached for and began to study is the Commands of Christ. This 7-book curriculum includes 49 specific commands of Jesus (seven are covered in each book) paired with each of the 49 character qualities that are discussed in The Power for True Success. When I looked up the quality of humility in this curriculum, I was directed to the very first Command of Christ: Repent.

Early one morning after Terry had left for work, before any of the children had risen, I took that check-marked sheet of 41 Evidences of Pride and knelt beside the sofa and did the very thing that I knew my Savior was asking of me: Repent of my pride.

I prayed aloud, "Heavenly Father, I admit that I have pride in my heart. I have been focusing on myself; my rights, my interests, my needs, my desires and my goals. I have not put You first in my life. I ask You, Father, to open my heart so that I can respond in humility to You. I also ask that You open my heart to love and care for the needs of others around me and that I would value them more that I value myself. I choose to humble myself and to tell You of each area of pride that I am struggling with.

Lord, I confess and give up my pride as shown through my... (I named each one of those evidences that I had checked, one by one). I ask Your forgiveness and choose to humble myself and to have a proper attitude. Amen."

I felt as though a huge burden had been lifted from me.

Later that morning, the children and I listened to the first of a five-part series on pride. I will be sharing that next.

This is the 3rd post from The Sin of Pride series.
Read The Awful Sin of Pride.

Recommended Resources:

Proverbs 31 Thursdays

The Awful Sin of Pride

2011-12-05T07:00:00.000-05:00

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...I went back over the list, making note of each point that I was guilty of. Friends, I had way too many of those 41 evidences! Depressed. Disgusted. Humiliated. I'm not sure how to describe how I felt at that moment, but as I began to look up verses on what God has to say about pride, I knew I was in major trouble. Read 41 Evidences of Pride here.

Pride is putting ourselves on an equal level with God-given authority. It was this very sin that caused Satan and a third of the angels to be cast out of Heaven. Pride was also the same sin that caused Adam and Eve to fall.

God HATES pride, and He has a LOT to say about it in His Word:

Pride is listed as one of 7 detestable sins that God hates (Proverbs 6:16-19).
All contention is rooted in the sin of pride (Proverbs 13:10).
The Lord will tear down the house of the proud (Proverbs 15:25).
Pride brings a person low (Proverbs 29:23).
Pride brings disgrace (Proverbs 11:2).
God resists those who are proud (James 4:6).

I do not want to be guilty of this awful sin, but I must admit that there is contention in my life and in my home! I do not want to be disgraced! I cannot bear the thought of my Heavenly Father holding me at arm's length!

As I became consumed by the reality of my own pride, my soul cried within me the same cry of the Psalmist when he felt he was drowning in the cesspool of his sin. Read Psalm 38 or listen to Max McLean read Psalm 38.

To be continued...

Recommended Resources:

If you have been encouraged by what you've read and would like to know each time I post, you can follow through blogger, Networked Blogs, Facebook or email.

This post is linked with:

Domestically Divine Tuesday

Have Yourself A Patient Little Christmas (Ornament Tutorial)

2011-12-03T07:00:00.000-05:00

Throughout life, patience is the virtue many people find most difficult to attain and practice. And in our fast food society, teaching this character quality to children can seem a daunting task.

Ideas to instill patience in children

Encourage your child to write old-fashioned, hand-written, snail-mailed letters rather than e-mails.
Plant seeds; a backyard plot, a windowsill garden, or simply sow a few seeds in a clay pot. Tend to the seeds together and as you check their progress, discuss the principle in James 5:7.
Rather than spending all of their money on frivolous purchases, help children choose a higher-priced item to save for and then encourage them to meet their money-saving goal.
Incite your children to finish what they start, whether it is chores or fun projects.

For more great ideas PLUS an ornament tutorial to make with your children (which will help teach them patience), follow me over to The Better Mom, where I am a guest blogger today!

If you have been encouraged by what you've read and would like to know each time I post, you can follow through blogger, Networked Blogs, Facebook or email.

Don't Parent Out of Pride (Guest post)

2011-11-30T07:00:00.000-05:00

This is the third post in the series Parent's Corner. Each post is written by members of Landmark Baptist Church, where we have attended for the past fourteen years.

Ron and Rochelle are the parents of our children's "adopted" big brother, Joshua, a Godly young man who frequently comes to our house for game and movie nights as well as birthday celebrations. Josh is truly a part of our family!

Ron, a deacon in our church, is a wise and studious Bible teacher, who also has a great sense of humor. Rochelle is a beautiful example of a genuine Titus 2 woman. A friend once commented about this humble and wise woman, "Whenever she opens her mouth, Scripture just pours out." Every conversation with this precious lady leaves me encouraged as a believer, a wife and a mother.

Parenting Tips by Ron and Rochelle Covert

Honesty: The Best Policy
We need to be open and honest with our children by discreetly sharing our own sins and weaknesses. In this way, our adversary the Devil cannot deceive our children into thinking that they are the only ones who struggle with temptation which might cause them to hide their sins rather than ask for help. This requires humility on all our parts which is also seen if parents are quick to ask their children for forgiveness when necessary.

Unconditional Love
Never, ever exhibit conditional love. In other words, make sure that your children do not feel that you love them only when they meet your expectations. Convey the idea that you will always love them, no matter what, even when you are not pleased with their behavior.  My (Rochelle's) dad, John Moats, was a great example of showing his children unconditional love. He always assured me that he was on my side, that he wanted the very best for me, and that he delighted in me as a person. I could confide in my dad knowing that he would never betray me. He was a great teacher and talked to his children and grandchildren. He rejoiced so much in my successes that I automatically tried to succeed just to please him.  I was not afraid of him, but I greatly respected him. When he spoke in his firm voice, I obeyed without a word.   My dad was loyal, "fair," and understanding, excellent traits for all of us parents to emulate.
Don't Parent out of Pride
Primarily, discipline should be administered for willful disobedience, disrespect or defiance. Because children tend to have a different perspective than adults, try not to punish for child-like actions where no intent to rebel was present. Sure, we want our children to display good judgment, but we must remember that they see life differently than we do because they are not yet mature.   Of course, we realize that their childish actions may require them to pay restitution in some way    We know about two brothers who were thrilled to receive bee-bee guns as gifts one year. Since they lived in the city, they didn't have much opportunity to shoot them until they went on a family outing to their uncle's cabin on Memorial Day.  While the grown-ups were visiting, the boys decided to bring out their bee- bee guns remembering to handle them carefully around their cousins as they had been instructed. While looking about for a target to shoot, they spied some black and white plastic flags strung as 500-mile-race decorations on a line between two trees. The older one took aim and shot. Plock! The bee- bee hit the flimsy, plastic flag leaving a tiny hole. Plock! Plock! Plock! What great shots they were, even better than they could have ever hoped! Suddenly the screen door banged opened.  Their dad emerged from the cabin, face red and veins bulging, shouting as he marched angrily toward his sons. They froze in terror, their prized rifles hanging limply in their hands.  Their father grabbed one rifle and then the other and beat them to pieces against the trunk of a tree. Those brothers learned to never again embarrass their father in front of people or else they would indeed pay dearly. However, it was hard for them to predict how to avoid unintentional misdeeds emanating from boyish imaginations. For dads and moms, the moral of this story is to not be so proud as to overreact if an unintentional indiscretion by your child seems to reflect poorly on your parenting skills.   We sympathize with you parents who have several children who must sit quietly for hours during our church services. Please remember that no one expects your child to behave perfectly during an entire service. Even we adults don't always behave perfectly (just ask the pastor!). Your children are in training which, by definition, involves learning how to do something.
Protect Your Children!
Finally, we recently learned about a situation which caused us to really thank the Lord for guiding us to be very protective of Josh as he was growing up. Although we are not able to share the situation, we just want to remind you that children are so vulnerable, and sin can be stirred up in them very easily.   Their consciences are usually quite sensitive so sin leaves a deep impression which can be carried into adulthood as a perversion in their character or morality.  We think that it would be wise to warn your children to never obey someone who tells them not to tell their parents something whether it is another child or an adult.    Learning of a couple of stories recently, we said to each other, "You can't protect your child too much!"  Not with the world, the flesh and the devil as realities in their lives.  And remember, it is not just your own child's weaknesses. There are hidden sins in the lives of others about which only the Lord knows.  We do not want to frighten you but just ask you to be alert.  Just  rest in the Lord and listen to His cautions and promptings, and get ready to be misunderstood by family and friends alike if you don't allow your children to do something. Dad and Mom will agree on decisions if you are both hearing from the Lord because God is not divided. Pray for unity. Our counsel is to err on the side of caution where protecting your children is concerned.   But if you have to say "no," do so kindly without a judgmental spirit. This is not about your family being "better" than somebody else's. When Josh was little, we would say that we just didn't allow him to do (whatever it was that we didn't want to let him do).

We think that God designed the traditional family to be a close-knit, loyal "tribe" (some of us fit that description more than others!) who have each others' backs, who go through life together following the Lord right on into eternity.   We are truly among the blessed.

Note: Read 41 Evidences of Pride
Read The Awful Sin of Pride

If you have been encouraged by what you've read and would like to know each time I post, you can follow through blogger, Networked Blogs, Facebook or email.

This post is linked with:
Raising Homemakers
Teach Me Tuesdays
{TITUS 2}SDAYS

41 Evidences of Pride

2011-11-28T10:52:00.002-05:00

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Last week I came across this article "41 Evidences of Pride" written by Revive Our Hearts and I printed it out. That evening I read it at the table and though each of us made jokes about who illustrated what, we were all convicted.

The next day, I went back over the list, making note of each point that I was guilty of. Friends, I had way too many of those 41 evidences! Depressed. Disgusted. Humiliated. I'm not sure how to describe how I felt at that moment, but as I began to look up verses on what God has to say about pride, I knew I was in major trouble.

When Terry came home and saw how distressed I was, he sat down with me. With desperation in my voice I asked, "What am I supposed to do? How do I get rid of it?" He wisely answered, "Well, what is the opposite of pride? Isn't it humility?" To be continued...

Here is that list. I recommend you either copy and paste it into a Word document, or visit Revive Our Hearts for a printable copy.

41 Evidences of Pride
1. Do you look down on those who are less educated, less affluent, less refined, or less successful than yourself?
2. Do you think of yourself as more spiritual than your mate, others in your church?
3. Do you have a judgmental spirit toward those who don’t make the same lifestyle choices you do . . . dress standards, how you school your kids, entertainment standards, etc.?
4. Are you quick to find fault with others and to verbalize those thoughts to others? Do you have a sharp, critical tongue?
5. Do you frequently correct or criticize your mate, your pastor, or other people in positions of leadership (teachers, youth director, etc.)?
6. Do you give undue time, attention, and effort to your physical appearance—hair, make-up, clothing, weight, body shape, avoiding appearance of aging?
7. Are you proud of the schedule you keep, how disciplined you are, how much you are able to accomplish?
8. Are you driven to receive approval, praise, or acceptance from others?
9. Are you argumentative?
10. Do you generally think your way is the right way, the only way, or the best way?
11. Do you have a touchy, sensitive spirit? Easily offended? Get your feelings hurt easily?
12. Are you guilty of pretense? Trying to leave a better impression of yourself than is really true? (Would the people at church be shocked if they knew what you were like at home?)
13. Do you have a hard time admitting when you are wrong?
14. Do you have a hard time confessing your sin to God or others? (not just in generalities but specifics)
15. Do you have a hard time sharing your real spiritual needs/struggles with others?
16. Do you have a hard time praying aloud with others?
17. Are you excessively shy?
18. Do you have a hard time reaching out and being friendly to people you don’t know at church?
19. Do you resent being asked or expected to serve your family, your parents, or others?
20. Do you become defensive when you are criticized or corrected?
21. Are you a perfectionist? Do you get irked or impatient with people who aren’t?
22. Do you tend to be controlling—of your mate, your children, friends, those in your workplace?
23. Do you frequently interrupt people when they are speaking?
24. Does your husband feel intimidated by your “spirituality”?
25. Does your husband feel like he can never measure up to your expectations of what it means to be a good husband, spiritual leader, etc.?
26. Do you often complain—about the weather, your health, your circumstances, your job, your church?
27. Do you talk about yourself too much?
28. Are you more concerned about your problems, needs, burdens than about others’ concerns?
29. Do you worry about what others think of you? Too concerned about your reputation or your family’s reputation?
30. Do you neglect to express gratitude for “little things”? To God? To others?
31. Do you neglect prayer and intake of the Word?
32. Do you get hurt if your accomplishments/or acts of service are not recognized or rewarded?
33. Do you get hurt if your feelings or opinions are not considered when your mate or your boss is making a decision or if you are not informed when a change or decision is made?
34. Do you react to rules? Do you have a hard time being told what to do?
35. Are you self-conscious because of your lack of education or natural beauty, or your socio-economic status?
36. Do you avoid participating in certain events, for fear of being embarrassed or looking foolish?
37. Do you avoid being around certain people because you feel inferior compared to them/don’t feel you measure up?
38. Are you uncomfortable inviting people to your home because you don’t think it’s nice enough or you can’t afford to do lavish entertaining?
39. Is it hard for you to let others know when you need help (practical or spiritual)?
40. When is the last time you said these words to a family member, friend, or co-worker: “I was wrong; would you please forgive me?” (If it’s been more than a month, mark it down!)
41. Are you sitting here thinking how many of these questions apply to someone you know? Feeling pretty good that none of these things really apply to you?

By Nancy Leigh DeMoss at Revive Our Hearts

If you have been encouraged by what you've read and would like to know each time I post, you can follow through blogger, Networked Blogs, Facebook or email.

This post is linked with:

Teach Me Tuesdays

Domestically Divine Tuesday

Hip Homeschool Hop

T' Time {#46} and Link Party

{TITUS 2}SDAYS
Raising Homemakers
Women Living Well Wednesday
Encourage One Another
Hearts 4 Home, Thursday

Why Should I Be Thankful?

2011-11-23T07:00:00.000-05:00

Our 2011 Gratefulness Acrostic
(Click on the picture for a larger view)

Reasons to Thank God for All Things

Because all things come from God's hand (James 1:17).
Because all things are for our good (Romans 8:28).
Because all things can produce Godly character (Romans 8:29).
Because a right response will produce genuine love (Romans 5:3-5).
Because all things, including trials, can bring us closer to God (Psalm 119:67, 71, 75).

Gratefulness depends on the ability to see or anticipate the benefits in God's bigger program.

Here is a thought-provoking Thanksgiving project that is fun for the whole family.

We asked each family member to write the word "Gratefulness"* down the side of a sheet of paper and then, reflecting on this past year, name what they are thankful for, using each letter of the word as a guide. We compared our lists before paring down to the final draft.

We scanned the cool border from a motto book that we own, opened the project in paint, erased the middle, replaced it with our acrostic, then digitally "colored" the border in paint. Fun! Uncolored copies could be distributed to children to color while waiting for Thanksgiving dinner.

*The word "Thankfulness" could be used in place of "Gratefulness".

From our family to yours...

Schedule a Breakdown!

2011-11-22T20:01:00.000-05:00

Photo Credit

As we charge full-force into the holiday season, we ladies know what we have ahead of us, don't we? Busyness. Full schedules. Crazy Days. Whatever you call it, this time of year seems to bring about a lot of stress.

I'm not going to tell you to cut out everything that can be cut out. I'm assuming you already know that. I won't tell you not to prepare Thanksgiving for 30 people, clean every nook and cranny in your home, and rise at 3 AM on Black Friday to join millions of others for a shopping frenzy. I assume you'll be doing that as well.

No. My advice is much more practical and works wonders for me no matter what season of crazy-ness we endure.

My Mom worries about me and is always warning me that I need to slow down before I have a "break down". Well, I tell her, I do not have time for a random break-down, so I schedule them!

During periods of serious overload (I am known for taking on too much at times), I will look for occasional breaks and SCHEDULE down days in our family planner. On that "down day" I plan easy meals, a movie-fest for the children and I usually stay in my comfy jammies all. day. long.

Instant rejuvenation!

Somehow, knowing these days are on the calendar gives me a motivational nudge to push through the busy-ness.

As we head into this crazy/hectic season, from one busy wife and mom to another...Have you scheduled your next break-down yet?

If you have been encouraged by what you've read and would like to know each time I post, you can follow through blogger, Networked Blogs, Facebook or email.

This post is linked with:
Raising Homemakers

Pie Making 101 (w/G'ma Dee!)

2011-11-16T07:00:00.001-05:00

So what do you do when your daughters really want to learn how to make beautiful, delicious pies and you don't really know how to make beautiful or ~~edible~~ delicious pies at all? You find someone who DOES know how and who is also willing to teach your daughters!

Meet Dolores-aka "Grandma Dee". She is the mother of our good friend Susan, and lives in the same city where Haley has piano lessons and we do all of our shopping. Grandma Dee makes the most gorgeous, delicious pies I've ever ~~seen~~ tasted! And she was very excited about the idea of teaching the girls the art of pie-making.

TIP FROM GRANDMA DEE: Pie dough should be just a bit sticky so that when the pie crust is rolled out, more flour can be added without making the crust "tough".

Grandma Dee resides in a beautiful, historic old house with her husband Bob, who has lived on the property his entire life! Their home is cozy and inviting; each room tastefully decorated with antiques and reminiscent of days gone by. Our visit was more than a pie-making session; it was a wonderful experience!

TIP FROM GRANDMA DEE: When putting the pie dough into the pan, make sure it sticks to the top of the pie plate so that your crust doesn't "shrink" while baking.

Grandma Dee made fresh pie crusts with the girls, then as she wrapped those and put them in the fridge to chill, she pulled out more dough balls that she had prepared beforehand in anticipation for the day. She had also peeled the apples for the apple pie.

TIP FROM GRANDMA DEE: When making apple pie, cook apple mixture until the apples are slightly tender.

Grandma Dee, sharing her secrets regarding tasty, fluffy meringue.

TIP FROM GRANDMA DEE: make sure the meringue covers the whole pie, leaving no gaps, especially at the crust's edge or the pie will "weep".

Three beautiful ladies with three perfect pies! I must say, these pies were just as delicious as they looked!

TIP FROM GRANDMA DEE: When cutting meringue pies, cut only through the meringue first, then make the deeper cut into the crust. This will keep the topping from pulling off the filling.

Thanks Grandma Dee, for such a wonderful day and for your willingness to share your wisdom and talents with the next generation!

Grandma Dee's Chocolate Pie

3/4 c. sugar 4 egg yolks, beaten
4 Tbsp. cocoa 2 Tbsp. butter
1/3 c. cornstarch 1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. salt 1 baked pie shell
3 c. milk

Meringue:

3 egg whites 1/2 tsp. vanilla

1/4 tsp. cream of tartar 6 Tbsp. sugar

Mix sugar, cocoa, cornstarch and salt. Add milk and cook until warm and then add the beaten eggs. Cook until thickened. Remove from heat and add butter and vanilla. Pour into pie shell.

For meringue, beat egg whites with cream of tartar and vanilla until frothy and gradually add sugar. Beat until stiff and glossy. Spread over hot filling, sealing to edges of pie crust. Bake at 325 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned.

If you have been encouraged by what you've read and would like to know each time I post, you can follow through blogger, Networked Blogs, Facebook or email.

This post is shared with:
Women Living Well Wednesday
Raising Homemakers
Proverbs 31 Thursdays Link Up
Hearts 4 Home, Thursday
Hip Homeschool Hop
{TITUS 2}SDAYS

Teach Me Tuesdays

T' Time

Domestically Divine

Feasting in Fellowship Friday

A Thanksgiving Sacrifice

2011-11-15T08:07:00.000-05:00

Did you know that giving thanks isconsidered a sacrifice by God? Psalm 116 describes this often overlooked aspectof gratefulness:
“I will offer to thee the sacrifice ofthanksgiving,
and will call upon the name of the Lord.”Psalm 116:17
Why would God regard thanks-giving as a sacrifice? What is the cost for those who are grateful?

For the answer to these questions, plus creative ways to show gratefulness toward God and others, along with a Thankful Challenge, please join me over at Becoming a Strong Woman of God, where I am a guest blogger today!

If you have been encouraged by what you've read and would like to know each time I post, you can follow through blogger, Networked Blogs, Facebook or email.

Worshiping with Littles

2011-11-12T07:00:00.000-05:00

Seven babies have been added to our congregation this year!
That's enough babies for each of the young girls of the church to cuddle and enjoy!

Landmark Baptist Church's worship service has always included children, even before we arrived with our crew in 1997. With no nursery, Sunday School classes or youth group, children remain with their parents.

That first year, I thought I would lose my mind!

Along with a newborn, we managed a very spoiled two year old, a five year old with ADHD, an eight year old and two teens, my oldest daughter Amanda (every other weekend) and my nephew (whom we had custody of at the time), neither of which wanted to be sitting in church on Sunday morning.

I remember feeling overwhelmed and totally frustrated and telling Terry that we needed to be in a church where we could send all the children away! Thankfully, he didn't heed my petitions and we persevered.

Once we began to learn and apply child training techniques and gained some patience and wisdom ourselves, Sunday morning worship with our children became less of a chore and more of a joy. Through the years it has become more than that for us; it's now our conviction that it is our responsibility to spiritually train our children.

Our worship service lasts two hours (sometimes a bit longer), and during that time, children are encouraged to participate in singing, be attentive, or in the very least, be relatively quiet. Babies are exempt, as baby-babbling is sure to bring a smile to every face. ☺

Here are some tips for including littles in a worship service:

Practice at home. Family devotions is a wonderful time to practice "church". Pastor actually came to our house before we ever walked into church and set up chairs to practice with our children, and to explain to them what to expect during the service.
School time and/or reading time is also another wonderful way to practice being still. Michael Ray must sit in his high chair for sixty to ninety minutes each day during school time (Read Homeschooling with a Toddler) and all of the children must sit quietly while I read aloud every afternoon.
Along with the Bibles, pack a few picture books, including a toddler Bible. Also, a friend with six children (four of which are five and under) brings a quiet time activity book.
Paper and pencil or a crayon can help ease boredom for an active toddler.
Offer a small snack. We have successfully used Cheerios to occupy a little one.
Kids Paint on my Android phone kept Michael Ray amused this past Sunday (I had forgotten to pack any books), as he sat in his own chair during the entire service! We don't do video games at all and I'm not in the habit of allowing children to play with my cell phone, so this was a bit of an exception.
If a child becomes willful and noisy, they can be taken out and brought back as soon as they calm down. (I try to bring them right back into the service so as not to "reward" their disruptive behavior).

I have found that the most challenging age is between 11-15 months, when the child is having a difficult time sitting still and being quiet, but isn't yet old enough to understand the expectation. A calm, confident mama who exudes patience and persistence will soon discover that her baby has matured into a quiet toddler.

Much of the time, anyway. ☺

If you have been encouraged by what you've read and would like to know each time I post, you can follow through blogger, Networked Blogs, Facebook or email.

This post is linked with:
{TITUS 2}SDAYS

Domestically Divine Tuesday

Teach Me Tuesdays
Women Living Well Wednesday
Raising Homemakers

Once in a Lifetime (Photos)!

2011-11-11T11:18:00.001-05:00

Today is November 11, 2011: 11/11/11!

So this morning we thought it would be fun to take these pictures...at 11:11!

Of course it will be 11:11 one more time on this day, but the children probably won't be so alert then. ☺

We will always remember where we were and what we were doing on 11/11/11 at 11:11!

If you have been encouraged by what you've read and would like to know each time I post, you can follow through blogger, Networked Blogs, Facebook or email.

Named after a Tugboat!

2011-11-10T05:00:00.000-05:00

I am my Daddy's second child, his first-born daughter and he alone chose my name!

At some point while growing up, as I was told a bit about the origin of my name, it became a joke in our home and constituted what I considered a cruel nickname.

"Tugboat!"

Six years old.

Several times during my childhood, I remember deliberately attempting to change my name. Tonya. Shelly. Belinda. All beautiful names that had nothing to do with tugboats! Problem was, I couldn't convince anyone, especially my teachers, that my parents had made a dire mistake and meant to change my name, but hadn't gotten around to it. Yet.

Fast forward many years. Several weeks ago we were talking with a lady named Cheryl. She was telling my children how their nicknames for each other will stick with them throughout their lives and she began to share a few of the pet names she still endures. Then she said "Tugboat" and quickly began explaining that her dad had told her some silly story about a television program that was supposedly on in the 50's and was centered around a tugboat named Cheryl Ann.

Smiling, I shook her hand and said, "I've never met another Cheryl who was named for the infamous tugboat!" She had been convinced her dad had made the whole thing up and couldn't believe the story was really true.

I went home and researched the show online. Here is what I discovered:

Most Americans may be too young to remember, but from 1954-57 the syndicated TV series "Waterfront" dramatized a tugboat called Cheryl Ann and its skipper, Capt. John Herrick, portrayed by Preston Foster, who chugged around Los Angeles Harbor encountering smugglers, saboteurs, escaped convicts and other waterborne bad guys.

During my next Wednesday evening visit with Daddy, I shared with him about the conversation that had sparked my investigation and what I had been learning about the Cheryl Ann. It was then that my 73 year old dad said something profound that completely changed the way I view tugboats. And my name!

"It always fascinated me how that little tugboat would go out and pull those great big ships to shore. They could never get there without her help." Whoa!

I've always thought of tugboats as short, squat, and not very glamorous. No real purpose. But the reality is that tugboats are powerful little vessels that spend their lives helping vastly larger ships get where they need to go.

That's ALL I want to be! A chosen vessel used by God to help others find their way to Jesus Christ.

Now I am honored to say, "I'm named after a tugboat!" Thanks Daddy!

ATTENTION CHERYL: If you believe you may have been named after the Cheryl Ann tugboat, you are invited to join the Facebook group Cheryls Named After a Tugboat. No, I am not kidding! :)

Note: One literal meaning of the name Cheryl is "feminine" and Ann means "gracious". I like that too!

How did you receive your name?

If you have been encouraged by what you've read and would like to know each time I post, you can follow through blogger, Networked Blogs, Facebook or email.

Homeschooling with a Toddler

2011-11-08T05:00:00.000-05:00

Michael Ray is an adventurous little boy who would LOVE to wreck the house during homeschool time, while my attention is not focused solely on him. How do I know this? Trial and error! ☺

While this sounds like loads of fun for a two year old, for Mom and older siblings who must clean up after him, not so much! So Michael is confined during much of the school hours.

Don't feel sorry for him though! He gets to sit with Mom during memorization, cuddle with big sisters during ATI, and has his own special box of goodies, reserved just for school time!

While I teach phonics to Sam and Destiny (separately), Michael Ray sits in his highchair next to us. His school-time box is kept nearby and includes wooden puzzles, potato heads and pieces, blocks, lace ups and lacing beads. Activities are switched out as he becomes bored with them. This usually affords me the necessary time to complete school work with both children before letting Michael Ray loose.

I'm always on the lookout for ideas on how to occupy a busy toddler (preferably in his highchair) and I recently came across this wonderful idea on Pinterest:

(This is not my child) I LOVE this idea!

By the time he is three, Michael Ray will have his own "workbooks" (discarded preschool books) for practice and he will become more interested in coloring, drawing, playing matching games, using stencils and playing with felt books and pieces. But for now, he is busy learning these character qualities:

Patience: He usually sits in the highchair for 60-90 minutes.
Deference: He must play quietly so that I don't have to yell to be heard.
Obedience: Many times he would rather be free to ~~mess~~ roam, but must choose to obey Mommy with a happy heart.

Connie, who blogs at Smockity Frocks shared this helpful post: Homeschooling With Preschoolers

Do you have any additional ideas or tips to share? How do you occupy your toddler during school hours?

If you have been encouraged by what you've read and would like to know each time I post, you can follow through blogger, Networked Blogs, Facebook or email.

This post is linked with:

T' Time #43 and Link Party

Domestically Divine Tuesday

Women Living Well’s Wednesday
Raising Homemakers
Proverbs 31 Thursdays
Hearts 4 Home, Thursday

A Man of Character

2011-11-05T05:00:00.000-04:00

Today is Terry's birthday and in typical Terry-fashion, he plans to spend it cutting up trees and splitting wood in preparation for the winter ahead (our only heat source is a wood stove). But sometime in the evening, the children and I will coax him out of the cool November air into the warmth of our home, where we will celebrate with meat, potatoes, homemade noodles (from Grandma Dee!) and a delicious Pumpkin Cheesecake (his favorite!). He'll open a few gifts; The Resolution (a book based on the movie Courageous); a new pair of jeans; a photo book; a Coca-Cola cap, and a Mega-Family Card made by his adoring children. There is sure to be lots of laughter and children singing together in harmony (Terry's favorite way to spend an evening).

I wanted to take this opportunity to share some things that I appreciate about this man whom I've known for over half my life.

Terry is the most diligent, hard-working man I've ever met! He leaves for work each morning at 5 AM (with an hour drive), and spends the day in the lumber yard or in a semi-truck, delivering lumber and supplies to builders. He rarely arrives home before 7 PM. Many evenings he rushes in and eats dinner before beginning work on a home project (check out the post Just Look at What My Husband Did!). No matter what he is involved in, Terry gives his all!

Though he rarely gets enough sleep (in my estimation), he never complains. I can only hang with him for a few days and then I either need a serious nap or I have to sleep in. He's too tough for me!

Terry is also very resourceful. I joke about how I married Fred Sanford (junk collector from the 70's sitcom Sanford and Son). In my opinion, our barn is full of organized "junk". Yet when he built our new gorgeous foot-bridge (you can see it in the post If You Put Off A Party), he spent only $45 to complete this masterpiece! The lumber and metal ballisters were among the "junk" in the barn! The Treehouse Worth Waiting For was the same way! VERY little money was required to finish the project.

Terry is intentional about instilling into his children the qualities of thoroughness (not my strong point), responsibility and initiative. If you see it needs to be done, don't wait to be told; just do it! I am often amazed at how clean the boys' bedroom is! (I attribute this to their daddy's genes and training)

In honor of my honey's birthday, I'd like to share with you this special video that we made for him this past Father's Day. All of the children sing the first song- even Michael Ray! (Isaac sings the solo part), with Stephanie on guitar and Emily playing violin. The second song is a capella sung by, Emily, Haley, MacKenzie and Corrie. Enjoy!

Tip: Treat yourself to a larger version by clicking on the You Tube link at the bottom of the video box.

Happy Birthday to the love of my life!

If you have been encouraged by what you've read and would like to know each time I post, you can follow through blogger, Networked Blogs, Facebook or email.

This post is linked with:

Time Away with My Girl

2011-11-02T05:00:00.000-04:00

Haley and I recently went away for a special time at a IAHE Mother/Daughter retreat.

The retreat was held at the beautiful Twin Lakes Christian Camp in Hillsboro, IN. This picture was taken on the lake as Haley and I peddled and giggled our way around one of the lakes in a paddle boat. More adventure awaited us that evening as we joined a group of ladies and daughters for a night hike...in complete darkness!

Tracy Klicka (brown jacket), widow of Christopher Klicka, (former Senior Counsel of the Home School Legal Defense Association-HSLDA) and mother of 7 children, was our conference speaker. This dear lady transparently shared her struggles and spoke about applying God's grace and mercy in relationships. Haley and I were also blessed to meet and spend time with these other two mothers and their daughters. Jennifer (in the back) and her daughter Miriam (striped shirt) shared a cabin room with us and Denise (in pink) and Bethany (in light blue) joined us after the retreat for a quick dinner at Wendy's before heading back home. We hope to keep in touch with both families. What a wonderful time of fellowship!

Carol Carpenter ministered to us by leading the group in worshipful music. ♫ Carol has a sweet spirit, a contagious zeal for the Lord and a beautiful voice. She blogs at Unsmotherable Delight.

Following a delicious and elegant lunch on Saturday afternoon, we headed out for one last adventure!

As Haley prepared to Zipline down "Challenge Mountain", notice the look of excitement, exhilaration and anticipation of fun on her face.

Me...Not so much! Though I faced my fears and stepped off the ramp (while thinking, "I CANNOT believe I'm doing this!"), I screamed and kicked my feet (why; I have no idea!) all the way down. ☺

This retreat provided a wonderful opportunity to make memories and spend some quality one-on-one time with my fourth daughter (a rare treat!), as well as experience fresh adventures with some new friends.

Have you been able to spend some time alone with your daughter? I'd love to hear about it in the comments below!

If you have been encouraged by what you've read and would like to know each time I post, you can follow through blogger, Networked Blogs, Facebook or email.

This post is linked with:

Proverbs 31 Thursdays

Raising Homemakers

The Girl of Tomorrow

2011-11-01T08:28:00.000-04:00

Lately I’ve been experiencing a recurring vision (for lack of a better word) thatI would like to share with you.

In September I joined Angela and Courtney, from Women Living Well, and began leading Treasures of Good Morning Girls, an online Bible readingand quiet-time accountability group. Twenty-two women signed up to journey withme through the book of 1 John.

Several times these past few weeks as I’ve sat writing in my lovelypurple journal, carefully recording each word of 1 John and studying thepassage before adding my own commentary, the same scenario begins to form in mymind.

A young girl has discovered a faded, old journal and is pouringover the words that are written there on the slightly yellowed pages. Thejournal is very precious to her, for several reasons. First, Bibles have beenoutlawed, as well as all Christian books, music and resources. People truly do hungerfor the Word of God, however possessing even a portion of Scripture could meanimprisonment or even death. This young lady has uncovered a treasure: a hand-written copyof the entire book of 1 John with a personal commentary, and though she knowsshe is risking her life by keeping the journal, she guards the book with everything in her.

Another reason she treasures the worn book is the fact that the journal was hand-written by her ancestor, andgives her a glimpse into the spiritual life of a woman whom she never knew. Hergrandparents have shared with her that the author of the journal and herhusband were both first generation Christians and that through them, Godforever changed the course of the lives of their descendants, including her own destiny. Perhaps this precious girl is my great-great granddaughter; a younglady I will never know in this life.

This vision has given me a fresh perspective regarding my studyin the book of 1 John and how I view my pretty purple journal, a daily recordof my thoughts and understanding of the Word of God. I feel that the words I inscribethere are heavy, weighty, as though they truly matter. Someday they mayactually mean something significant to someone. Perhaps to a young girl whoseheart seeks to know the One true God of a great-great grandmother whom shenever knew.

Have you ever experienced a vision like this? Do you ever consider thatthe words you record now may be precious to future generations?

If you have been encouraged by what you've read and would like to know each time I post, you can follow through blogger, Networked Blogs, Facebook or email.

This post is linked with:

Domestically Divine Tuesday

Hip Homeschool Hop

Raising 4 Princesses T' Time
Women in the Word Wednesday
Raising Homemakers

Proverbs 31 Thursdays

The House the Lord is Building

2011-10-31T06:18:00.000-04:00

This is Michael, on the front porch of the mobile home he purchased a few months ago for $1.

A motorcycle accident 17 years ago is the reason Michael is confined to this wheelchair. In spite of his handicap though, Michael is independent and has a positive, "can-do" attitude.

This is what the mobile home looked like soon after Michael had begun working on it, tearing out the walls and paneling.

After much help from Monty and Susan of iGo Global Ministries and other volunteers, the mobile home is coming along nicely. This is how it looked inside on Saturday, October 29, the day of the fundraiser that was held at Michael's to raise money for fixtures, building materials and supplies that will turn Michael's one dollar investment into a real home.

This is the front of Michael's trailer. You can see Michael inside, gazing out the back window at the festivities during the fundraiser.

Many donated items were auctioned off during the four-hour fundraiser. The beautiful coconut cream pie held by Mary was prepared by Susan's Mom, Grandma Dee.

The Long Family Singers performed in fifteen minute increments throughout the evening. We were thrilled to be part of this blessed event.

If the Lord puts this project on your heart and you would like to help Michael finish his home, and be a part of The House the Lord is Building project, there are several ways you can be involved.

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

Pray. Pray for the Lord to richly bless this project; for safety of the workers; for the Lord to be glorified through this project.
Volunteer. Every Saturday is a work day. If you live in the southern Indiana area and have some free time available, please send me an email and I will give you contact information.
Donate. Materials are being purchased as needed. Monetary donations in the form of cash, checks, Lowes and/or Menards gift cards are greatly appreciated. All checks are to be made payable to IGO Disaster Relief and tax receipts are available.

You can stay apprised of the progress of The House the Lord is Building via Susan's blog, God Bless Disaster Survivors. You can read more about the day's work and festivities in Susan's post, Festival Fun!

If you have been encouraged by what you've read and would like to know each time I post, you can follow through blogger, Networked Blogs, Facebook or email.

This post is linked with:
Women Living Well’s Wednesday
Raising Homemakers

Treasures from a Shoebox

I Remember (Life Before the Internet)

Dear Pastor, You Ruined My Plans!

Great Advice & The Good Wife's Guide Winners!

The Good Wife's Guide Review & Giveaway!

I'm Recovering from a Stroke

On the Altar

2011 Video Memories

Who Comforts You?

The Stress of This Diet Has Snapped My Noodle

Soldier in Training

Just Sing a Little Louder

Health Issues in the New Year

A Date with Destiny

Vision for the New Year

Daddy Was a New Year's Babe

Top Shoebox Post from 2011

Preparing for the Help Meet Study

Family Christmas Newsletter 2011

An Accidental Abortion

Marriage...Then Children (Guest Post)

Instead of Fighting, SING!

Help Meet Study w/o Facebook

Created To Be His Help Meet Study (Join Me?!)

Pride Sheet for Children

Humility: Coming to God on His Terms

The Cure for Pride

The Awful Sin of Pride

Have Yourself A Patient Little Christmas (Ornament Tutorial)

Don't Parent Out of Pride (Guest post)

41 Evidences of Pride

Why Should I Be Thankful?

Schedule a Breakdown!

Pie Making 101 (w/G'ma Dee!)

A Thanksgiving Sacrifice

Worshiping with Littles

Once in a Lifetime (Photos)!

Named after a Tugboat!

Homeschooling with a Toddler

A Man of Character

Time Away with My Girl

The Girl of Tomorrow

The House the Lord is Building