Walking by Faith

Make Plans To Attend....

2011-02-21T09:59:00.000-08:00

In beautiful Knoxville,TN

Above...on display one of the Bibles from the car accident that took 5 lives of our sweet friends who were traveling & singing for Crown college.

There are so many amazing display in the Christian Heritage Museum, wonderful treasures from our faith all in one place!

Seeing one of my favorite Pastor's wives, Mrs.Hooks!

Below...touring the Christian Heritage Museum

Getting to see friends! Me & Amy;)

Hearing Pastor Bobby Roberson Preach!

In the Smoky Mountains!

Hearing one of our all time favorite preachers, Raymond Barber!

Touring the Christian Heritage Museum!

Beautiful displays!

Enjoying the ladies afternoon tea with Mrs.Evelyn Sexton & Mrs.Cindy Schaap!

It is just 48days away, my friends! And in our home we are counting down the days!

We are so excited to see what God will do in our hearts this year at the "Independent Baptist Friends International Bible Conference"!!

Please click on the link & watch the promo video about this years conference. You will find it in the first paragraph on the page. The dates are April 10-15th, 2011.

Hosted at our former church home, Temple Baptist Church, in Powell,TN...Pastored by our beloved Pastor Clarence Sexton.

I just can't tell you enough about what last years meeting did for my husband & me. I've had the privilege of attending this meeting for the past 9 years. We have great memories of years past. I can still tell you titles of sermons that I've never forgotten...a few being, "Hell the Forgotten Message" by Tommy Sexton..."One Day We'll all stand before Him" by Jack Trieber..."This Way" by Scott Pauly...and an amazing message called, "Shake It Off" by Kenny Baldwin.

These messages were sooo powerful and changed my walk with the Lord.

The Christian Worker sessions are held on the Crown College Campus in the Christian Heritage Museum! There are so many wonderful things from our Christian heritage on display there, you will love it!

The music, the fellowship, the preaching....the Christian Worker's Classes each morning...it is all SUCH A BLESSING!!

And it's a very special treat to hear the Crown College Choir sing each morning! I think I cried through the few first services...you can just feel the presence of God in that place. The spirit of joy in the people...you will be encouraged!!

Make plans to attend! It's worth the drive & expense. You won't regret it!;)

We hope to see you there!!!! (Hope you enjoyed our pics from last year & videos;)

Oh....And of course the dogwoods are in full bloom! So come enjoy a week with your sweetie!;)

The church choir sang every evening, along with a lot of other beautiful music. In this video below you can hear the shouts of rejoicing & 'Amens'!!! *goosebumps*...a little taste of what Heaven will be. Can you just imagine the rejoicing we'll do in Heaven around the throne singing praises to God & people shouting 'Glory' & 'Amen'!?!? Wonderful!;)

A Book Review....And Sweet Maddie Grace

2011-02-10T22:30:00.001-08:00

If there is one thing I've fallen in love with....it's reading.

I can't say that growing up I was the 'reading' type of person. I would much rather go shopping, watch a movie, or flip through a fashion magazine. Well....times have changed.;)

Don't get me wrong...I still love shopping!! BUT....reading has become a wonderful past time for me. I have learned so much, and I wish I had started this hobby a long time ago.

You can leave the novels & fictional books on the shelf....that's not my cup of tea. I could care less to get lost in a fantasy world of romance, magic, or tragedy. Maybe that's what you enjoy reading, and that's great. It's nice that there are so many options out there for us to choose from, but my reading addictions consist of biographies (mostly of heroes of the faith, missionaries, great preachers, or preacher's wives) & books on marriage or child rearing.

I'm very cautious when choosing a book. As a Christian, I base my beliefs & way of thinking on the Bible....so I look for authors who base their advice that way too. There is so much liberalism saturated within the pages of many books, even among Christian authors, that you have to do some research on the author if it's not a name you recognize.

There is a lot of wisdom out there from many wonderful sources, but if I can remind myself & others that the best wisdom we'll ever find comes from the pages of Scripture itself.

As I've buried my face in over 20 books in the last year of so, my husband has lovingly & very wisely reminded me that I should never read more of my books than I do of THE book...the Word of God.

Wisdom is something I pray for every day. Most often before my feet hit the floor. I ask God to empty me of myself & fill me with his spirit...as we are by nature very selfish people, I pray every morning that God would empty me of that....to give me wisdom that day when training my children, and help me be the mommy they need me to be.

I long for wisdom from God, like a thirst that is never quenched...I want Him to fill my cup each day with wisdom, and I won't get that if I'm not in his word & on my knees.

So, to my book review. I've had several people ask me what books I recommend, so I thought I'd talk about a few of them in some future posts. The one I'm reading now my husband bought for my birthday. It's called 'I Will Carry You' by Angie Smith. It had been on my Christmas wish list too....but came at I think the most appropriate time. One of my best friends in the world lost her little baby girl just two days after she was born. Baby Maddie (pictured at top of post) was perfect & precious in every way, but God's ways are not always our ways.....and she went home to be with Jesus.

These kinds of tragedy's can not be explained. There truly are no answers to fill the ever aching questions of "Why Lord?"....but God has been faithful to our dear friends, Natalie & Rick, and he has showered them with grace. You can read of their baby Maddie here. I'm sure you will be moved with love & tears for this dear family....and I pray that it will impress you to worship the King. Maddie may have been small in size, but her impact for the Lord has been big!

She was created to bring glory to her Creator, and she is doing just that...and so are her sweet mommy & daddy. Please pray for Natalie & Rick as the are so heavy on our hearts.

The book, 'I Will Carry You' is the story of Audrey Caroline. Maybe you've heard of the blog 'Bring the Rain'...it is baby Audrey's story. Her mommy has done an amazing job at sharing it, and encouraging me to love my Savior more. You MUST read this book! If you are single, don't have children, have children, or married....doesn't matter....if you are a women, you will be touched! I've followed the blog since it was started & rereading it all in the book has still touched my heart.

Angie has a way of making the Bible come to life...you will enjoy it, I'm sure. I have one chapter to go, and part of me doesn't want to finish it yet as when I open the pages I'm drawn to the beauty of the Savior.

Those are the kind of books I look for. Books that convict me to do more for God & keep me falling in love with Jesus.

Thank you for stopping by!;)

Next book on my list to read is: "A chance to die: The life of Amy Carmichael" by Elisabeth Elliot~~~ I'm looking foward to it!;)

Believe to See His Goodness...

2011-01-27T14:28:00.000-08:00

Psalm 27

"THE LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.
3Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.
4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.
5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me upon a rock.
6 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.
7 Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
8 When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.
9 Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.
10 When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.
11 Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.
12 Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.
13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord."

The trials we face often pale in comparison when we start to look at the trials of others around us. Those that have lost husbands, wives, children. Those that have had tragic health issues. So many with trials far heavier than mine, but yet our own are still very real and painful aren't they?

I recently was reminded of how Christ reacted when faced in a great trial. Actually, he was literally on trial. Being tried in front of Pontious Pilot in Luke 23. As he was being falsely accused by his enemies it says in verse 9, "...but he answered him nothing."

You and I would maybe agree that if we were being falsely accused we'd want nothing more than to stand up and shout, "That's not true!"...maybe you can think of a time in your life when you did. I can think of many times growing up that my brother would tattle on me, or I on him and we'd each shout, "That's not true, mom! No I didn't! He's lying!"....we've all been there.

But this story in the midst of my own trial in Luke 23 has spoken to my heart about 'answering nothing'....that's actually really hard to do. It goes against our nature! We want people to know that we are honest, know that we are genuine, know that we are real....but Deuteronomy 1:30 helps me...."The LORD your God which goeth before you, he shall fight for you.."

I know that Psalm 27 is true when it says He will hide me, he won't deliver me over to my false accusers, he will fight for me, I will wait upon God and believe to see His goodness in the trial or else I'd faint from it's cruelty.

Trials brought by circumstances through death, life, marriage, child rearing, hardships of any kind can be used of God to show His goodness if we have faith & believe to see it.

A preacher recently said on our radio station that God uses trials to bring us 3 things:

1. Cause Us to Love Him More
2. Cause Us to Know Him Better
3. Cause Us to be Equipped to Serve Him More Effectively

So if you're going through a trial, don't faint. Believe to see His goodness (psalm 27:13) know that God cares about our trials whether they are great or small. He sees our hurt, our pain, our tears and He cares.

Praise Him for his rich blessings, see all the good things that are in your life. I'm so thankful for God's Word.
~heidi

Bind Me Again, Dear Lord...

2011-01-26T09:21:00.000-08:00

I recently read a friends facebook status that read, "Having children is like going to jail."-her college professor.

"How Terrible!!" my mind thought. Do people really think like that? I guess out of the sinfulness of our hearts comes a lot of wicked things...and that my friends, is a wicked statement!

Children are a blessing from the Lord. They are a wonderful joy & reward! I can't imagine our lives without our children.

Our house would be so quiet...so clean...so empty.

I love the crazy chaos that my little people bring to me each day! They are so much fun, full of love, and precious in every way!

If having children is like going to jail?....then I say,

"Bind me again, Dear Lord!"

Bind me with their newborn skin,
Bind me as I'm nursing them.

Bind me when I wash them clean,
Bind me in our sweet routine!

Bind me as I sing them hymns,
Bind me as I speak of Him.

Bind me as I watch them play,
Bind me as they learn to pray.

For I don't want to miss a moment.
I'm so thankful I was chosen.

Don't loosen me from their grip,
Don't allow my love from theirs to slip.

O Lord, my God, please Bind me tight!
My children are a joy this night!

And may the joy continue on,
So Bind Me, Bind Me, with this love so Strong.
~mommy

I Prayed In My Heart...

2011-01-24T11:21:00.000-08:00

The other morning my boys had one of the sweetest conversations. Carter is 4 (almost 5) and Evan just turned 3.

Now don't be fooled, I usually highlight for you the 'sweet' stories & keep the disaster stories a secret! HA! Our home has many little disasters each day, whether it's the boys fighting over toys or jumping up and down LOUDLY on their train table followed by crying, because one of them tried to jump from the table to the couch only missing their mark by a HUGE distance...bless their little rambunctious, boy, hearts!=)

Anyway, back the sweet conversation...I gave them their bowls of cereal & told them to pray as I got their juice.

Evan said, "Tarter..you are eating and I was praying!"

Carter: " I prayed already."

Evan: "Tarter, I didn't hear you pray."

Carter: "I prayed in my heart. Sometimes people pray in their heart & they don't make any sounds. Do it!"

Evan: "Ok. (as he pulls his shirt open & looks down at his heart) Bless the food, Amen. I did it, Tarter! I prayed in my heart!"

They are a blessing, even when I have to clean off their gooey finger marks from the backs of my chairs, I can remember they are a blessing.

They are only this age once, they are only small for a short time, may I cherish each day with them!

Cupcakes & Clover...

2010-12-07T11:38:00.000-08:00

I'd like to introduce you my fun little 'on the side' business, Cupcakes&Clover. A friend & I started it after a late night of swatting mosquitoes in her huge red barn, eating pizza, & surfing the net while finding the cutest little shops across our country. We thought..."Hey, why not start one of our own??"

Of course! What a great idea!!!:) I've always had a dream of opening a quaint, fun, funky kids shop with vintage inspired yet trendy clothes for sweet little babies & tots...and 'cupcakes' has always stuck in my head. Bethy (go check out her website & oo' & ahhh over her pictures!) came up with clover...and voila' Cupcakes & Clover was born!;)

So if you're looking for some great new or gently used pieces for your little cupcake;) stop over to our on-line consignment shop & find some cute pieces for your lucky little clover!!!...ok, I'll stop with the play on words...but it's so fun.

How it works....Each picture will have a style # next to the price of each item that's listed.

You just simply email us at cupcakesandclover@gmail.com with the style #'s & we will send you and invoice for payment within 24hrs. Once payment is received we will ship your items promptly! Piece of (cup)CAKE!

Click HERE to start Shopping!!

Child like faith...

2010-09-02T22:01:00.001-07:00

The other day while we were finishing our lunch, Carter asked me.."Mommy what is sin again?"

I began to explain, but before I could Evan chimed in, "Tartar (that's how he says Carter;) Sins are bad".... It's interesting putting these things into 'child like' terms. You'd be surprised how well even a two year old can understand them!

I said, "That's correct, Evan, sins are bad things that God doesn't like. It makes His heart very sad when we sin. And you know boys, we are ALL sinners. Did you know that?"

Carter, "No I'm not, Mom. I'm not a sinner."

Me, "Yes Carter. Even you are a sinner. Even mommy, daddy, Evan & Parker. Everyone is a sinner. The Bible tells us that."

Carter, "No I'm not one." shaking his head & taking his last bite of yogurt.

Me, "Carter have you ever lied to daddy?"

Carter, "Um..I think maybe not."

Me, "Carter haven't you been punished for lying before? & Haven't you been mean to your friends before?"

Carter, "That was a long time ago..it's ok now."

Me..kindly & with a smile as this little guy was determined to 'NOT' be a sinner..."Carter even if it was a long time ago, it was still sin. And God hates our sin. We have to get forgiveness for our sin to be right with God, and that is why Jesus came. Why did Jesus die for us?"

Evan loudly & cheerfully chimes in, "For our sins! For our sins, Tartar!"....what precious truth that is, even spoken from a babe.

Carter looked at me & said, "Mom, I don't want to have sins. I'll pray now."

He bowed his head & Evan bowed his head..because he does everything Carter does (so cute) and as he began to pray I picked up the pen next to me to jot it down.

"Dear God,
I want to be ok. Help me not to sin. I don't know how not to do it. Please help me. I love you, Jesus. Amen."

If that doesn't melt your heart, well then the oven ain't on, my friend!!

When he finished praying I had teary eyes & told him, "Carter, that is very good. God is pleased with your honest prayers."

I'm praying for the day when I hear my little boys call upon the name of Jesus for Salvation...I wouldn't be surprised if it's very soon. They sure do love the Lord & their little hearts see His goodness & forgiveness when they see their sins.

May we have this child like faith.
Bless you for stopping by!:)

CupCakes & Clover...

2010-08-24T12:07:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to quickly share with you a new business a friend & I are starting. We've been working the past week to get things set up & our first photo shoot is tomorrow...I'm super excited!

It is called "CupCakes & Clover"-children's online consignment.

Hopefully this link will work for our facebook fan page for it. We will be listing items on the fan page very soon to sell. If you aren't a fan, please join & shop with us soon!
~heidi

http://www.facebook.com/cupcakesandclover?ref=ts

ABC's & Spilt Milk....

2010-08-10T22:10:00.000-07:00

I have some pictures I need to post, if I can get my computer to cooperate!;) We have had a busy but great summer! I feel like it's been a long summer too, since it started warming up in April this year & it's still hot out! Amazing for this cold tundra of the North!=)

Daniel has had more opportunities to preach in the last couple of months & for me that's an extra special treat!;)

The boys are thriving & loving life! They sure do keep me on my toes!

Carter (4) is always asking to color, or build something, or adventure outdoors. He loves to ride his little trike & work with daddy's tools in the garage, and sing. He really is a good singer. Sometimes he'll get shy about it, but he has a great little voice & also loves to listen to my music with me. Everyday we sing, sometimes to the point of them asking me if we can stop...lol...Carter recently started humming the prettiest little tune. I added some words & we wrote a new chorus entitled, "I Love to Sing". Hoping to use it in the church children's choir. He also is very much into pretending to hunt, fish, & drive to the mall...wonder where he got that from??? He is growing taller, and such a goodly child to us, they all are. We are so blessed!

Evan (2), well....what is Evan NOT interested in??? That little boy has a zeal to learn & will try anything! He is especially good at copying everything his big brother or daddy do. He has the cutest little voice right now. I think he sounds quite french at times. Like a little 'peppy Le pew' walking around..or however you say that little cartoon skunk's name! He loves to sing the ABC's and sings it often, loud, and sometimes throwing his own style to it.;) He is full of joy & keeps us laughing! I'm praying he will be an avid soul-winner for the Lord someday as he is NOT shy in the least, and if you ask him, "How do we get to Heaven?"...he responds boldy, "Ye must be born again!"...only coming out of his little french accent voice it's more like "Bourne' again!"...what a funny little guy he is!

Parker (15mo)...my little Lovebug. He is such a sweetheart! He has a full head of dark hair, big blue eyes, and such a cuddler bug! The older two are also very cuddly & never turn down my constant kisses, but little Parker just loves to snuggle in my neck, kick his legs, & tuck his arms under mine, as if the excitement of being snuggled is about to burst forth!=) He is learning new things every day...like how to climb on things, getting on the couch, jumping on the couch, copying his older brothers. He adores his older brothers. Watching their every move to join in the fun! Precious memories!

Carter has asked some really sweet questions about the Lord in the last couple of months. Like, "How do we get to Heaven? Do we fly there?"...or "We can't go to Heaven, we're not dying."...lol...if you could have seen my face & response on that one..."You're right honey, we're not dying. Do you want a cookie??"....hehe....his prayers too are so sweet. He'll ask Jesus to "bless the food, help us to please be good, and fly us to Heaven but we're not dying yet."...that sweet boy I can hardly contain from kissing that soft sweet skin!

They make me melt....I'm so thankful I'm not missing out on their morning fresh skin, their lunch time prayers, their afternoon games, their dinner milk spills, and their bedtime kisses.

With these three & my honey my life is pretty much perfect. We are so blessed & I'm thankful for my sweet family! That is our update & hopefully I can get some pictures up by the end of the week! Thanks for stopping by & don't forget to thank the Lord for His rich blessings!=)

Thankful...

2010-08-01T13:01:00.000-07:00

The past 2 weeks have been interesting for our family. Dan & I took a 2 night trip with our close friends to the Badlands & when we returned Dan came down with what we thought was the flu. Turns out the friends we stayed with, the friends we made the trip with, and people they knew all came down with illness along with Dan & me.

I have never in my life felt like that. After 7 days of feeling so sick, weak, and tired we noticed a turn around. We found out we had contracted a serious bacteria called, camylobacter, that gave of the effects of severe food poisoning and lasting days from raw fresh cow's milk we drank....not so fresh huh??;) By the end of my first week I was praying desperately for the Lord to make us well. I have really taken our good health for granted. Shame on me!

Tomorrow will be 2 weeks since we got sick & I'm feeling amazing! This past Friday was the first day I felt normal, and we praised the Lord for it!

God gave us grace as we still had to care for the boys as we were flat on our backs sick. I don't even know what they were up to the first three days, or what they ate! My poor boys!! I'm thankful Carter is such a wonderful helper with the baby, and we are so glad they didn't make the trip with us as they too would have drank the raw milk. Bless their little hearts.

I'm thanking the Lord for our good health!

I See the Father...

2010-06-20T12:54:00.000-07:00

I'm so thankful for my amazing dad. A girl could never ask for a more loving father than the one I have. Have you ever read the story of the prodigal son? Most of you probably have, but when I read the story, I don't see just a son who ran away & spoiled his inheritance...I see the Father.

Despite the sad conditions of his son, he loved unconditionally...I see the Father.

Who waited & prayed that the boy would come home...I see the Father.

Who killed the fatted calf & had a feast upon his return...I see the Father.

Who gave of the beautiful ring, and clothed with fine raiment...I see the Father.

And in my own life as I think of all the mistakes I've made...I too, see the Father.

My father is a wonderful Christian man who as always, in everything, pointed me to Christ. Whether it was a talent I may have possessed, he always taught me to use it for the Lord. To read God's Word daily, and when it came time to be married, to choose someone who KNOWS our father, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Not only do I see my own father in the story of the Prodigal son, but most importantly I see my Heavenly Father. He is our example, and what a Father He is!!!

I can stand..or sit since I'm typing;)...and say that today all that is good in my life is mine because of the grace of God & from the love of my Fathers...plural;).

I've been blessed not only with an earthly father, but a Heavenly Father. An earthly father who taught me to seek all I need in life through Christ, and that in Him I would find true joy. I thank him for that! And in 1997 when I called upon the name of the Lord in salvation, I then gained a Heavenly Father. There is so much to thank God for today!

God has given to me in abundance, and at times I feel so unworthy. He blessed me with a wonderful husband and father-n-law. I couldn't have asked for a more wonderful, Christ-like father-n-law. My boys have a heritage that to me is priceless. Grandparents & even Great Grandparents who are Christians & who live out the Bible on a daily basis.

Praise God for family! Have you prayed & thanked the Lord for your family today? Have you prayed & just poured out your heart of thanksgiving today? Have you bragged on Jesus in your prayer life today? That kind of praying will change you...it will move you to tears and cause you to raise your hands while you're driving in a mini-van!!!...you may even get a few crazy looks from people, let me tell ya! =)

.....but there's nothing like speaking to Jesus as if he was sitting across from you, face to face. My Jesus is real. He is wonderful. He is merciful. And when I bow my head to pray & get on my knees....I see the Father.

When I wake each day and look into the faces of my 3 sweet boys...I see the Father.

When I look at the beautiful world around me....I see the Father.

When I meet the young person at the drive through who needs to hear about the free gift of Salvation, I'm compelled to tell them because....I see the Father.

When I snuggle on the couch with my husband, slip my hand into his, and lay my head on his chest while he reads, I think of how much I love him and how thankful I am to God for him and...I see the Father.

The presence of Christ is always with me. In all the sweet things in my life I can see Him. Even on a cloudy day, with Christ, I see sunshine. Though if I'm not careful I could become blind to it, but there is nothing like His presence.

Lord, please keep me close to you today! In your presence is where I long to be. Thank you for my wonderful daddy and all you've given to me. I see you, and I love you.

~heidi

The De-clutter Campaign...

2010-06-16T12:23:00.000-07:00

So for the past 4 weeks...or maybe longer... I have been going through every drawer & closet, and every piece of clothing we own! We finally had our big garage sale this past weekend & wouldn't you know it would rain every day!!:(

It has felt so good to cut the cord of attachment & get rid of things we're not using. We had a guest missionary at our church in April & he touched on how we Americans store so many items in hopes of using them, or because we just have them to have them! My mind started to think of all the 'things'...all the 'clutter' I have....so I began to dig!

I have three boys & I love to buy them clothes....but we were being over run by bins of clothes that weren't being worn. Not to mention my closet with shelves full of lamps, pictures, pillows, linens, you name it I had it in there just because I didn't have a spot for it. WHY?!? Why do we do that? Why do I do that, I should say. Clutter does more than just clutter your home. For me...it clutters my mind...it makes me feel overwhelmed & every time I open that drawer or closet or see the bins FULL of 'things'....my heart feels the stress & I quickly close the door!

So like I said, I cut the cord of attachment & got rid of stuff! A garage FULL of stuff! Can I say I don't miss one item! Our sale was a success ...we sold $400 worth of 'clutter'...and our grand total with me & my friends who joined my 'de-clutter' campaign...we sold $899. and come change. Take that, Clutter!!!=)

My task is not yet complete....even though all the items that didn't sell went to the thrift store this morning, but I feel like I could get rid of even more. We just don't NEED so much! My children don't NEED so much. We have all we need in Jesus and as corny as that may sound, it's true.

This 'de-clutter' campaign has spilled over into our finances. Life will never be stress free, but there is a way to make things easier. It has even spilled over into my every day life. Over the past 4 weeks I've asked the Lord to help me 'de-clutter' myself.

To help me have fullness of joy & empty me of worry, fear, and anger.

There are some emotions I sometimes wonder why God allowed us to have, but since we have them, I need His help to keep them in check! I think worry is one of the biggest things people in our world struggle with today. Especially Americans, as so many are taking antidepressants & anxiety pills. Lord help me to cast all my cares at the feet of Jesus!

This de-cluttering me has really helped me to have a settled soul as talked about in 1 Peter 5:10,
"But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you."

I once heard a message preached with this text, and it was entitled 'A settled Soul'...it was an amazing message. One of those that I've never forgotten b/c the Bible really came to life & the truth of it made sense & was etched in my mind & on my heart.

A settled soul...there's nothing like it.

To first obtain it we must be a Christian. Meaning there was once a time in our life when we realized how much God loved us, that He sent Jesus to die for us, because of our sins. No one had to talk me into realizing I was a sinner....that was very clear to me by all the dumb things I've done & do in my life!! Then one must realize because of our sin we are separated from a Holy God, and only through the shed blood of the Innocent for the guilty could our sin debt be paid.

That is why Jesus came. That is why he died for us.....so that we can we reconciled back to God! I became a Christian on November 9th, 1997. My life has never been the same. That day I prayed, realizing my sin was taking me to Hell, and asked God to forgive me of my sins & to come into my heart & save me. I had complete faith that my sins were washed away at that very moment because Christ died in my place. I took him at his word that if I would have faith & believe, He would to the miraculous work of forgiving all my sins & coming into my heart.

Of course I didn't' feel funny inside nor do I have any special powers, nothing creepy happened. I did however have a peace in my heart that has never gone away. I'm so thankful for my Salvation, that although I still sin, and will always struggle with sin until I'm in Heaven, with Christ in my heart He gives me the ability to overcome sin! To defeat sin! Praise God for that!

I've heard people say that Christians have no freedom with all those 'rules' in the Bible, but that couldn't be farther from the truth! I'm free! I'm no longer bound by sin! Christ in me helps me overcome sin! Can the drunkard say that? Can the drug addict say that? Can the sex addict say that? Can the porn addict say that? Every time they try to stop they can't? Can the wife beater say that? Can those who commit adultery say that? They could, if they were a Christian and had the power of God on their life. With the power of Jesus anything is possible. Ephesians 4:13, "I can do ALL things THROUGH Christ, which strengthens me."

God wants ALL to be saved, and there is still a chance for even YOU to be saved today. If you would agree with God that you are a sinner & that your sins will take you to Hell. "For ALL have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23

Remember God is Holy...he didn't create Hell for us. Hell was created for the Devil. But because we are sinners, our sin must be paid for in order to be in Heaven in the presence of a Holy God.
Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages (or payment) of sin is death, BUT the GIFT of God is eternal life, THROUGH Jesus Christ our Lord." What a verse!!!

That is why Christ loved us so much He paid that sin debt. He became sin for us, He who knew no sin. He died in our place, so that we might be free from our sins!
John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life."
Romans 5:8, "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

Have you had a time in your life when you realized you were a sinner & you asked Him to forgive your sins & to come into your heart and save you? It's a serious thing! I meant it with all my heart the day I was saved. I wanted Christ more than anything else this world could offer!

Romans 10:13, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
Romans 10:9 & 10, "That is thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."

I've never regretted one day with Jesus, I only regret I didn't receive His gift of Salvation sooner. There's nothing like having a settled soul!

There's nothing like having Christ live in your heart & give you the strength to de-clutter your heart & mind. He is precious to me! He's worth living for, He's worth dying for, He's worth being different from this world for.

How will people know that I'm a Christian if they don't see a difference in me? My goal is NOT to be different..don't get me wrong...I don't set out each day thinking, "How can I be different today to show people I'm a Christian?"...no, my goal is to be like Christ, and He makes me different.

So why would people reject that? Please don't' reject his gift of Salvation. He is coming soon! Every prophecy that fortold his first coming happened just as the Bible said, there are WAY more prophecies fortelling his second coming! Signs of the times are everywhere today. Will you wait? Will you put off Salvation? Will you reject Christ? I beg you, don't!! A settled soul can be yours & and Heaven is waiting for you.

Feel free to join the de-clutter campaign...you just may enjoy it.=)

If you've received Christ as your Saviour today, please email me, heidilynn08@live.com . I'd love to personally follow up with you & send you a free Bible study course.
Thanks for stopping by!~heidi

A Handsome Shade of Green...

2010-06-14T09:24:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago Carter said the sweetest thing. The type of conversation you want to write down so you'll always remember your child's innocence.

Carter often says, "My eyes are blue, mom, right?"

I then have to remind him, "Your eyes were blue when you were a baby, but now they are a handsome shade of green! Like mommy's!"

He usually gets a wrinkled brow and disappointed look on his face...apparently he's not too fond of his handsome shade of green...or maybe it's because they are like mommy's and let's face it...little boys want to be just like their daddies! At least this one does.;)

Well, a few weeks ago he was having a conversation with his daddy, which my husband later told me about. It went like this...

Carter: "Dad, my eyes are blue right?"

Dad: "No son, your eyes are green like mommy's."

Carter: "No dad, I think they are blue."

Dad: "Your eyes were blue when you were a baby, but they are a nice green color now."

Carter: "But you have blue eyes right, dad? And so does Evan & Parker?"...with a smile and excitement in his voice he continues, "So I have blue eyes too!..right?"

Dad: "No, Carter. God made you with beautiful green eyes, and I love your green eyes. Green eyes are great!"

He said Carter quietly walked over to his toys to play, not seeming to be too encouraged by the 'green eyed pep talk' he gave him. Daniel continued reading his book and a few minutes later Carter came back over to him and said with a hopeful voice...

"Daddy....does God have green eyes?"

His daddy picked him up and stroked his face assuring him that whatever color eyes God may have...God himself picked out Carter's handsome shade of green.

Carter is our oldest boy, and what a blessing he is!
Thanks for stopping by!
~Heidi

50 Ways to Love Him...

2010-05-30T12:32:00.000-07:00

The other day I was finishing up a book about marriage. If there's one thing that has become my favorite past time in the last year, it has been reading. Since we moved a year ago this week, we have gone one year without a TV....and before you raise your eyes & think, "What?!"....I can say it's been the greatest thing for our home & our marriage.

It's not the television that is wrong or bad, but what is 'on' the television that can be wrong or bad. We've seen a difference even in the behavior in our boys as they go most days without watching anything. This is not a post about television & I'm not against wholesome entertainment..so I'll get back to my topic....marriage. Many of us who are married have spent countless hours in front of the television or computer soaking up a lot of useless information about movies, celebrities, or the latest tv series...but we fail to take as much interest in our spouse!!

I think we could all agree that Doctors and lawyers go to school for their profession for many years with hours of studying under their belts before they are given their title. And yet, those of us who 'are' or 'want' to have the title of.... 'Husband' or 'Wife' 'Mother' or 'Father'.... never crack open a book about it. Never read up on our profession so to speak. I was for a long time, very passive about this and it reminds me of the verse, "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15 If I am going to be able to recognize good advice or 'truth' when I read, see, or hear it I should be studied up!=) I should really know my spouse, and take a strong interest in his interests, his feelings, his needs.

May I encourage you to dig deeply into Ephesians 5, 1 Peter 3, and Proverbs 31...not to mention the piles of examples in the Bible of wives who helped their husbands and wives who hindered their husbands. What do you know of David's wife, Michael?? or Moses's wife Zepporah in Exodus 4....she missed out on the one of the most famous events of all time! or Lott's wife, Job's wife, or King Solomon's wives as they turned his heart away from God. What about Hannah? (One of my most favorite women in the Bible) or Ruth? She was the great grandmother of David, can you imagine what kind of a godly wife & woman she was? The Bible is FULL of golden nuggets to put strength in our marriages...start digging!

I don't mean to paint a fairytale picture to you that I have a perfect marriage or that I am a perfect spouse, because I fail greatly. I'm always eager to learn more from people's experiences, advice, & God's Word of how I can better love my husband. But I will tell you I'm most happily married, and there's no-one in the world I'd rather be married to than Daniel. He is my prince charming & the King of our little home;)...and I'm proud to say he's mine!

So...like I mentioned as I was finishing up a book on marriage I was thinking how many times I've had friends come to me for prayer or advice about their marriage. Maybe it's because my husband is an assistant Pastor or maybe it's because I try to be a listening, non-judgemental ear with a heart of compassion...but whatever the reason, they come.

Maybe you've confided in a friend recently about the struggles, joys, or hardships of your marriage..but I wanted to share with you a list of '50 ways to love your spouse'.

We will all face hard times in our marriages, because our hearts are deceitful & desperately wicked as Jeremiah 17:9 tell us. When my deceitful hearts tries to tell me,"He's not a good husband!" or my selfishness rises within me and says, "He doesn't meet MY needs" I'm reminded of this verse & the Lord gives me the ability to love his imperfections.

I recently heard this quote about True Love...a topic which I feel the urge to blog about soon:)...but this definition I wrote in the cover of my Bible as I believe it sums it up perfectly.

"True Love is an unconditional commitment to an imperfect person for life."

I believe the Lord Himself proves this to be true when he said, "I shall never leave thee nor forsake thee." I'm am so very imperfect & yet he unconditionally loves me!

One thing I've had to put to practice in my life...and often... is to NOT allow myself to even think negative thoughts of my husband. When we dwell on things that bother us we only become frustrated. I've made it a habit to give those thoughts to the Lord & I'm them reminded of His unconditional commitment to me, & He gives me that 'True Love' for my husband.

So whether you are finding your marriage to be less than peaceful these days or if you are enjoying your marriage...here is a list of '50 Ways To Love Your Spouse'
(I've made bold the ones that I thought were especially sweet!;)

1. Love Yourself
2. Start each day with a hug.
3. Serve breakfast in bed.
4. Say "I love you" ever time you part ways.
5. Compliment freely and often.
6. Appreciate-and celebrate-your differences.
7. Live each day as if it's your last.
8. Write unexpected love letters.
9. Plant a seed together and nurture it to maturity.
10. Go on a date once every week.
11. Send flowers for no reason.
12. Accept and love each other's family and friends.
13. Make little signs that say "I love you" and post them all over the place.
14. Stop and smell the roses.
15. Kiss unexpectedly.
16. Seek out beautiful sunsets together.
17. Apologize sincerely.
18. Be forgiving.
19. Remember the day you fell in love-and recreate it.
20. Hold hands.
21. Say "I love you" with your eyes.
22. Let her cry in your arms.
23. Tell him you understand.
24. Speak words of love and commitment.
25. Do somethings arousing.
26. Let her give you directions when you are lost.
27. Laugh at his jokes.
28. Appreciate her inner beauty.
29. Do the other person's chores for a day.
30. Encourage wonderful dreams.
31. Commit a public display of affection.
32. Give loving messages with no strings attached.
33. Start a love journal and record your special moments.
34. Calm each other's fears.
35. Walk barefoot on the beach together.
36. Ask her to marry you again.
37. Say yes.
38. Respect each other.
39. Be your partner's biggest fan.
40. Give the love your partner wants.
41. Give the love you want to receive.
42. Show interest in the other's work.
43. Work on a project together.
44. Build a fort with blankets.
45. Swing as high as you can on a swing set by moonlight.
46. Have a picnic indoors on a rainy day.
47. Never go to bed mad.
48. Put your partner first in your prayers.
49. Kiss each other goodnight.
50. Sleep like spoons.
(I believe this list is from the book 'Chicken soup for the Couple's soul' I haven't read that book, but I found this list in another book;)

Now let's go try some of these!!=)....and maybe you could print out the list with a sweet note & leave it on your honey's pillow...since there are some good ones for him to0!=)

Independent Baptist Friends International...

2010-05-05T12:38:00.000-07:00

Me & my sweet friend, Leah Dickey (above) and Brittany & Me (below)

Christine, Tammy, & Me!

Daniel with one of his favorite preachers, Bobby Roberson!

Me & my honey at the amazing Apple Barn in Pigeon Forge for lunch;)

Meeting one of my favorite authors, Mrs.Cindy Schaap! This was one of the highlights of the week for me getting to meet Miss.Cindy & hearing her husband, Jack Schaap, preach. I was so excited & it was wonderful!...and yep, I was one of those nerdy people in line waiting for her to sign my book & get a picture!HA!

Independent Baptist Friends International Bible Confernece...

Whew! That's one long name, but loaded with a whole lotta meaning!=)

I've been 'away' from my blogging world for a few weeks as we've had a busy schedule. Last month we made the long 18hr drive to Knoxville,TN to the 'Independent Baptist Friends International Bible Conference' hosted by the Temple Baptist Church Pastor Clarence Sexton. This is our 'home church' and it was so much fun to have the opportunity to go 'home' after leaving almost a year ago to serve in a wonderful church in North Dakota. We couldn't have asked for a more wonderful Pastor to serve under, Pastor Tony Scheving.

The emphasis for this year was TRUTH, FRIENDSHIP, and WORLD EVANGELISM. Each message was different of course, but all the messages clearly taught, from a Bible text or story, these three things. Example, when Christ met the woman at the well..he told her truth, befriended her & told her to go & tell others that she had met Jesus...if you start to read a lot of Bible stories with these 3 things in mind, you will clearly see them.=)

Because I'm a women and I was created as a very emotional being;)...I think I may have cried during most of the preaching & special music for the first 3 days..or so;)....but there is something very special about the Temple Baptist Church. I wish all of you had the privilege of visiting such a place & touring the Christian Heritage Center on the campus of the Crown College. The music is sung with such a power of God behind it, I could just feel the Lord ministering to my soul.

Yes, I did say 'feel'!...=)...I hear people shun 'emotionalism' but my friends, if there isn't emotionalism in your Christian life then you must be...for a lack of a better word.. dead...because when I get alone with Jesus in my place of prayer, or singing in my van..haha, or having my heart stirred during a beautiful special in church, or a fiery preacher pricks my heart with his words, or if I hear preaching of the cross & how my Savior bled & died for me, or recently a preacher in our church was loudly preaching about God "High, Holy, & Lifted Up!!"...you better believe if you're a Christian, you're gonna get emotional about these things!!! Whew-wee, I'm having an episode just writing this..HA!

This is such a rabbit trail, but God created me with emotions & Jesus Himself wept until he sweat drops of blood in the garden of Gethsemane! I remember the emotion of guilt I felt on the day I realized I was a wicked sinner before God, but then the emotion of pure joy when I heard how much God loved me that he sent His only Son to die for my sins, and then I felt such love & peace as I called on the name of Jesus for Salvation....I'm thankful to God that my spirit bares witness with His sweet spirit every time I hear the song "I'd rather have Jesus" or "Sweet Hour of Prayer" or "All the Glory belongs to Jesus" because every time I hear these songs my heart is full of Love for the Lord & my eyes are full of tears. Bless God for my 'emotional' Christianity! If my husband were sitting with me I know he'd give me a hearty "AMEN!" =)

There were so many of my favorite preachers there & TONS of visiting people from across the country. The training sessions that we attended each morning were SO helpful! You could pick from all kinds of different topics. I attended one by, Steve Roberson, on 'Youth Worker'...and it was AMAZING! I also heard a lesson 'The Gospel Award' with, Tommy Sexton, teaching children Salvation and how they can also give the gospel...that was SO good! Also one on 'Church Music'...how to pick/sing special music & how important the congregational singing is. Daniel & I split up for each class so we could hear a lot of different things taught & gather as much info as we could. It was wonderful.

Anyway, that's all I have ot share about the wonderful amazing conference....please make plans to attend next year. This conference is for anyone who wants to be blessed;).

I hope you enjoyed our pictures...and hopefully my video of the Crown College Choir will load! (crossing fingers)

Thanks for stopping by!

O Weary Mother...

2010-03-16T10:30:00.000-07:00

I was prompted with these thoughts a few months ago as I was speaking with a sweet friend who was 'weary in her well doing'. As we shared stories and similar experiences I drove away that night praying for her and myself. I've only held the position of Mother for 4 years this month, but I learned very quickly that being 'Mother' is full of many requirements.

My prayer is that this post will encourage & inspire the readers to find their fullest potential as mothers through the power of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is my source of joy & strength. He is the reason for my title as, Mother, & I thank Him for it!

If we can begin with a verse found in Galations 6:9,

"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."

This verse has greatly helped me when I find myself at times 'weary' as a stay at home mom. The thing about this verse that I love is that God would not have put it in the Bible if He knew we wouldn't have the problem of feeling 'weary in our well doing'. Sometimes I think I might be crazy for the feelings of discouragement that I've felt, or the thoughts I think at times, but I'm so thankful that God knew I'd feel this way, and so He encouraged me when He inspired Paul to write, "And let us not be weary in well doing:"

It is well doing when I wake each morning to running little feet full of enthusiasm as they start their day full of joy and prepare their breakfast, get them dressed & find their missing train pieces. It's well doing when I correct their misbehavior & instruct them how to behave wisely. It's well doing as I'm picking up their little shoes & dirty socks that I find in the most amazing places! It's well doing to wash their clothes, change their sheets, prepare their meals & clean their home. It's well doing to rock them in the middle of the night and calm their fears. It is well doing to teach them manners, school them, and make their daddy their hero!

For every long lasting never ending job there is for a stay at home mom, it is well doing that will reap great long lasting eternal rewards if I don't let myself become weary and faint. Lord help me!

I hear of so many mommies who stay home with their little ones, but they dread every minute of it. Lord help them to see their well doing & not faint!

Many mommies stay home, but they waste every training opportunity b/c they are simply busy doing other things, while the TV is training the children & then they wonder why their children don't act right or obey. Lord help them to see the well doing of motherhood & not faint!

And the majority of mommies today have altogether given the job of motherhood to their daycare ladies or nannies. As they venture out to their careers & their salaries, because they simply don't see the 'well doing' of being a stay at home mom.

Lord help me as I write, and may this please speak to the hearts of working moms or the hearts of moms who long to be working...

I just recently read the book "Training Kings and Queens" by Mrs.Cindy Schaap. You can order a copy here. Can I say that this book is SO wonderful & it blessed me greatly!

This book really put it all into perspective for me. For those of you who are married, your honey should be your #1 priority in your life. I believe my purpose, my most highest calling is to meet the needs of Daniel, and see him reach his fullest potential for the Lord. I get the most fulfillment in my life this way. Do you know that this is God's plan? That is what God wanted when he said of Adam in Genesis 2:18 ,"And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him."

I am Daniel's help meet. That is what God created me to be. God knew there would be only one thing that would satisfy me fully as Daniel's wife. He knew that one thing would be for me to satisfy the needs of Daniel, of whom He provided for me! I would be frustrated if I tried to find my fulfillment in any other way!

I've seen so many friends try to find their fulfillment through their careers or their children & yet they are still unhappy & have unhappy marriages.

The biggest example of this, I experienced first hand in my own life. When I was young my mom had a very high paying job that caused her to be gone from home for a week or so at a time, and she would tell you herself that this high paying job was not worth the high price she paid of missing time with us, and not being there to meet the needs of my father. We rarely had meals together as a family, and I remember through my grade school years that my dad cooked, cleaned, laid my clothes out for me, and ran the bath water. I don't mean to dishonor my mother in any way, at this time she wasn't even a Christian, but even then she would have told you that the stress of her demanding schedule & the time away from us wasn't worth the nice house, company car, and large bonuses...and I would have rather have had my mother there when I came home from school instead of an empty house.

If you could know my heart as I type my burden out today. Don't let the world or the Devil belittle the title of the "Stay at home mother"...what a beautiful job it is!

If I could share with you an excerpt from the book I mentioned above that had me in tears as I read it the other night. It so richly blessed me.
(Training Kings and Queens by Cindy Schaap pg.217 & 218)
Proverbs 31:10 says, "Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies." Rubies are one of the most valuable of gemstones They are precious stones-not one of those semi-precious ones. Proverbs 31 teaches us that the virtuous woman is not just more valuable than rubies; the Bible says she is far more valuable than rubies.
Proverbs 31 goes on to describe the very valuable woman. She is described in a way that depicts that average housewife. Her value is described in terms having to do with working with her hands around the house; food preparation;gardening; sewing; giving to the needy; wardrobe planning for her and her children; selling her wares to help the family financially; and last but not least, consistent kindness and love toward her family.
Somewhere today a godly mother will kiss her husband goodbye and send him off with words of encouragement. She will go about the duties of housewife and mother. She will change dirty diapers and rock her baby and sing lullabies. She will clean dusty corners, scrub floors, and clean toilets. She will do the things that need to be done around the house in order to free her husband to do more important things.
She will spend a good bit of her day playing dolls or trucks and winning the hearts of her children. She will perhaps play the part of the fool while telling Bible stories and singing songs to keep her children's attention. As she sacrifices her time and wonders what she'll do with her college degree she is aware that she is preparing her children to leave the nest and live their own lives serving God, not pleasing her-and she may sometimes ask, "Is it worth is? Do the things I do have any value?"
No one will call her to the platform and applaud her work today. She will not receive an Emmy or a Golden Globe award. Her stage is her home; her pay is her grocery allowance; and her audience may be one toddler-age child. But when God decided to describe the woman of value-He described her.
When I plant my eyes upon the verses of Proverbs 31, I am reminded that God's value system is very different from the world's. In His eyes, the value of a mother is priceless.

Amen, Miss Cindy! Isn't that beautiful?!? In God's eyes my 'well doing' as a wife to Daniel, and a mommy to Carter, Evan and Parker is of great value, more valuable than rubies!!

In conclusion, I'm speaking to my own heart also on this matter of weariness in well doing. Remember that the verse also says, "..we shall reap if we faint not" You and I can see this reaping each day if our heart is right with God to see it! (I know that on the days when I feel most discouraged is a day when I need to spend more time in prayer & my Bible...and God gives me strength every time.)

My reaping consist of sweet things such as hearing Carter say "Sorry Evan, you ok?" when he accidentally hurts him, and wasn't prompted by me to be kind & concerned for his brother. My reaping is hearing them use their manners when not prompted. Reaping I saw even today was Carter coming downstairs with a sticker on his shirt and happily saying, "Mom! See my sticker? Do you know who gave it to me?...Jesus!"

...and no joke just now as the other boys are sleeping and I'm finishing up this post Carter came to me with a little plate and a cold hot dog from the fridge;) on a bun with mustard, relish, and LOADED with what looks like paprika!!!...he said, "Mom, I made this for you."

What precious reaping I've had even today! May God bless you, priceless mothers, as you faint not in your well doing!

Congrats Maesse Family...

2010-02-19T12:27:00.000-08:00

One of my long time friends, Beth, and her honey, Jeremy, had their sweet baby boy last night! Congratulations to their growing family. At baby #3 & their first boy he weighed 8.5...& what a cutie pie he is!

I was so thrilled to be asked to be there to film his birth. What an AMAZING miracle of God that I will never forget!! My babies were all born by cesarean section, so I've never been able to experience it quite like that before. Even though it wasn't my baby, I was still moved to tears, my heart was full of love, & I seriously wanted to take him home!....it gave me baby fever...but don't worry, I took some Tylenol & the fever is gone. Perfectly content with my 3 little rascals.=)

The Lord is so good, and seeing new life come into this world just makes me want to fall on my knees & praise Him for His goodness. When I got home the kids were in bed & I kissed my honey & told him how much I loved him, and how wonderful it was to see our friends so happy with all of their sweet blessings in the room. I'm telling ya, even if you didn't know them you would have been blessed to be there & see their love for each other.

I hope you enjoy some of these sweet pictures...especially the big sisters with their new baby brother.;) This first one will melt your heart!

Dan & the boys came to see him too....Jacob almost a day old;)

So sweet! The big sisters with baby Jake...just born.

My new little love....baby Jacob;)

Malory & Olivia with baby Jake...just born.

P.S. Jacob now shares a Birthday with my amazing hubby! Happy Birthday, Honey! Thank you for watching the boys on your Birthday, so I could be there! You're the best!;)

Getting Assurance...

2010-02-09T11:59:00.001-08:00

I'd like to share what has been on my heart over the past few weeks. I picked up an old text book from college & started reading it again, & came across a chapter that is so wonderful, I just have to share it!

In the months since we've moved, I've spoken to more people than ever who have made many professions of faith & have struggled with doubting their Salvation. It seems very normal here for people to casually say, "I'm not sure.." or "I don't really know.." or even, "I think I am..but" When I read through this chapter again, my heart was blessed to be reminded that in the book of 1 John there are 4 things mentioned that will be in the heart & life of a Christian...let's call it the, "The Bible Test for Doubters".

If you'd like to have a copy of this book, as it is filled with so many other wonderful things, you can purchase a copy of it here. It's called, "Bringing Men to Christ-The Andrew Fellowship"..written by Tom Sexton (one of my favorite preachers!)

The Devil spends much of his time trying to get us to doubt our Salvation. He wants us to believe our doubts, and doubt our beliefs. Don't let him!

He says, "You don't remember what you prayed. You don't remember how you felt. You don't really know him." He causes us to doubt our salvation. When that happens, WE DON'T GROW IN THE LORD. We start to think, "Can I build on that decision? Did I really mean business? What did the preacher say? Did the personal worker really deal with me? Who did I pray to? What if I really didn't repent?"..and doubts begin.

Many of God's children never really accomplish great things for God, because they have that nagging doubt.

I can't tell people that they are saved, but I can tell them how to be saved...only the Lord can tell them they are saved.

There is good news!! You can know that you know Him, and you can have assurance of your salvation!

So here it is....The Bible Test for Doubters! 1 John teaches that these 4 things will be in the life of a saved, born again believer of the Lord Jesus Christ.

1. Keep His Commandments

The Bible says in 1 John 2:3, "And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments."

This is how a person can know he is saved. This is not HOW he is saved, but how he can KNOW he is saved! It is natural for a child of God to have a desire in his heart to do the things that God has commanded. Do you have a desire to live for the Lord & keep His commandments? For me, after I was saved commandments were no longer a 'rule' for me, but a 'must'...I want to please the Lord because He's done so much for me, so keeping His commandments though sometimes hard...with His help I try to & I'm happy to do it.

(There is much more about this in the book, please order a copy)

2. Love The Brethren

The Bible says in 1 John 3:14, "We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death."

The second way you can know that you know God is that you love the brethren. You like God's people. There is a love in your heart for God's people If you love Christians, you can know that you know Him.

(there is much more written with this one that is in the book, I highly recommend you get the book and read the rest of his explanation of this one=)

When we as Christians don't love the brethren like we're commanded to, we pay a high price for it...we won't know that we know Him.

3. The Holy Spirit Indwells and Convicts

The Bible says in 1 John 3:24, "And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us." and again in 1 John 4:13, "Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit."

Another way we can know that we know Him is that the Holy Spirit indwells, convict, and guides your life. Let the Spirit of God direct you in every situation. Walk with the Lord. Have fellowship with God. Let the Holy Spirit convict you about things in your life. That is how you know that you know Him!

I can look back on my life as a Christian and see how God has guided me in decisions. Like how I knew Daniel was the right guy for me to marry. I've seen answered prayer in my life. I've felt my heart convicted of sin in my life that I need to get right...I have evidence in my own heart that the spirit of God abides in me..like from the time in my life when I wasn't living like I should have, I was the most miserable person because I was a Christian not right with God, and I'm thankful the Lord restored me, and was so patient with me. We as Christians need to be patient with people and stop judging every one's salvation because of what they do or what they say.

We are not the judge of another man's salvation. Only God is! We need to stop saying things like, "He's not saved because he doesn't go to our church." or "She just needs to get saved"...or even, "She made a profession, but I don't know...or "They made a profession but I don't think so." This kind of talk can be damaging to that person of whom you're speaking about, and cause confusion!!

I would never want my children to hear me speaking this way of someone. Lord help us to remember there are little eyes & ears watching us. When it comes to the time in their life when they make the decision to say "YES!" to the Lord for salvation, and they've heard mommy & daddy all their life judge every one's salvation around the dinner table or on the drive home from church... you better believe that little person is going to worry about you questioning their decision, & in turn they will always doubt their salvation! What a high price we're paying for our children's assurance when we speak this way!! Lord help us to stop!

Don't cast doubt upon a person's 'salvation decision' because YOU don't think they seem to be measuring up to Bible standards. If you're concerned about them, pray for them, and if the Lord leads you, speak with them.

Now for me to think that I am not saved, I would have to ignore all of God's working in my life! See how I can know that I know Him through this? It's wonderful! I'm thankful that I can have this kind of assurance...and so can you!

4. The Bible Says So

The last reason is found in 1 John 5:13, "These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God."

The Bible says you can know that you know Him because He says so!

You may say, "But I don't have a desire for the Bible like I once did." Then you have allowed some things to come into your life to kill your desire.

You may say, "I don't feel like I'm saved." DO NOT TRUST WHAT YOU FEEL, TRUST WHAT YOU KNOW! There are days when my children have tried my patience to the absolute end, & I'm so tired and frustrated, because the room I just cleaned is now destroyed with spilled crackers & toys all over the floor!;)...and I don't really feel like acting like a Christian mother, I just want to scream & throw up my hands and say, "I'm not going to clean up one more mess today!"...haha....but I'm still a Christian. Don't trust your feelings, trust what you know!

When you know it, you will feel it!

Now examine your life. 1 Corin. 11:28 says, "But let a man examine himself."

Since the day you were saved have you grown? Have you seen God work in your life through circumstances & answered prayer? Do you love the Bible?

**If you have a holy desire in your heart to do what God has commanded, you want to serve the Lord, & strive to be a good Chrisian.
**If you love God's people, your friends are Christians, & you fellowship with God's people
**If the Holy Spirit has been able to deal with you, work in your life & bring you to this point
**If the Word of God means something to you...this is the test found in 1 John to get assurance of your salvation.

We can have joy, and strength, and claim every promise in the Bible! If the Lord doesn't give you peace in your heart that you know Him, then you need to trust Him as your Savior. For informations about this please take this free 7 step Bible study.

If the Lord has spoken to your heart, and you can say that you know that you know Him, then cast aside all doubts, claim these promises found in 1 John, and get the Victory!

I hope this was a blessing to you as it was to me! Please order the book, there is so much more that will bless you!=)

~Heidi

Prayers for Haiti...

2010-01-19T07:28:00.000-08:00

It's been a week since the 7.0 earthquake hit the people of Haiti. I've watched some news coverage in the last couple days and the images & stories are just heart wrenching! It may even leave many saying, "Why would God allow this to happen?" "Doesn't God care?"

I'm sure if it happened here to my family & our eyes saw the horror of death visible on the streets and all around us, even my faith would be tried. I can't image what those mothers, fathers, children are going through, but it is with certainty that God DOES care & LOVES the people of Haiti.

Haiti is a nation filled with Voodoo & witchcraft. I was there once as a 10 year old girl, & I remember seeing all the carved faces & strange hanging objects that the local merchants were selling in the streets. Objects that reflect worship towards false gods & evil spirits.

I watched a news clip of a reporter as he said that he could hear a crowd of people behind him chanting as they were gathering in the streets. This made me think right away, "Do they know Christ? If only they knew Christ!"

In my eyes as I look at the sorrow that has swept over Haiti, I see a loving God who is trying to save a people from their false traditions & witchcraft. The people of Haiti need the Lord! I know of missionaries who are there now trying to seize this opportunity to reach people who maybe now are open to the gospel.

It saddens me when God gets the blame for bad things happening in this world, when really we should look at ourselves. God hates sin & He will judge sin. I believe the hand of blessing as been on the nation of America because it was founded on the word of God, but for how much longer? Our nation is quickly turning their backs on God & making themselves gods...meaning that whatever we think is ok is ok. Often done behind the argument of people's rights.

One day, and maybe very soon, this earthquake will pale in comparison to the wrath of God that will be pored upon this earth, as told in Revelation. Not because God doesn't love us, NO! His spirit is trying to work NOW in your heart & mine! He's trying to redeem us back to Himself, that's why He sent his son. John 3:16, "For God so loved the world..."

Is He speaking to you about the state of your soul? He's trying....are you listening? Do you ever question in your heart, "Maybe the Bible is true?"..."Maybe there is a Hell?"...."Maybe God is real?"...."Maybe I will have to answer for my sins?"..."Maybe there's a reason for this guilt I'm feeling?"...listen to those pricks! God is trying to work in your life! Don't dismiss the conviction of your conscience!

When Saul (who later became known as the great apostle Paul) was on the road to Damascus, he had been persecuting & putting to death many Christians Acts 9:1, "He yet breathed out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord." God met Saul there, & we read in Acts 9:5, "And he said , Who art thou , Lord? And the Lord said , I am Jesus whom thou persecutest : it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks"

Talk about melting the heart of stone! The very one who he was persecuting people of speaks directly to him, and the first thing Jesus confronts Saul about is his sin!! The Saul who was well learned,who had much education, who thought what he was doing was good, is confronted by the God of Heaven about his sinful lost soul!

'A humbling conviction of sin is the first step towards a saving conversion from sin.'~Matthew Henry

So my prayers today are for the people of Haiti. That they will see their sin (just as we all need to) & that they will see the loving Savior who died on the cross to pay for their sin & save their souls! That hearts will be softened & Christians will rush in with the eternal aid of Christ! Yes, let's help them & bring them food & water....but most importantly let's pray that they will be reached with the "Living Water"....the water that Christ speaks of in John 4 that quenches all thirst!

People are searching these days for something to make them feel fulfilled. Often finding that drinking, drugs, sex outside of marriage, love of money, whatever they've chosen only brings temporal satisfaction, but what Christ gives is NOT temporal, my friend, it's eternal!

Here Am I. I will go. I will reach the lost untold.
I will give the Lord control, I will tell them of the Crimson flow.
For my Savior died on that old rugged cross,
He thought of me when He counted the cost,
How can I say that 'I love Him' if I don't reply....Here Am I!!! I will Go!!!!
I will reach the lost untold! I will give the Lord control.
I will tell them of the crimson flow!"
lyrics of the song,'Here Am I'

Won't you join me in prayer for the people of Haiti?

The Floor of Prayer...

2010-01-11T22:32:00.000-08:00

I was recently reminded of an evening when Carter was almost 2. We were living in our third home in Tennessee & it was in the middle of January...one of the coldest months of the year there. Carter had gotten a cold that kept the tissues piling up & after a week it didn't seem to be getting better. We then noticed he started coughing in the night. I told Dan I would take him in to the Dr., but he advised me to wait a day & see if it was just the congestion breaking up that was causing the cough.
Well, that Sunday morning he was running a temperature, his eyes were matted shut with gunk, and I knew this meant there was an infection. Wouldn't you know it would happen on a Sunday when the only clinic open is the ER of the Children's hospital!! I let him stay in his jammies, bundled him up, and drove downtown.

I had only been in this hospital one time & had no idea where to park. If you've ever been to Knoxville you'll know that side streets are narrow & downtown is ALWAYS crowded! I found a place, but had to carry him for a block in the cold until we reach the building. The place was PACKED with people and kids were screaming & crying everywhere. Carter was so pitiful, he just laid tiredly in my arms with his little passie in his mouth & looked up at me with that sweet face, and was so still & quiet....it was if he was going down hill as I held him...I thought to myself, "Either you've all of a sudden gotten more sick, or child I see an actor's guild award in your future!"...lol...just kidding;)...After we waited over 2 1/2 hrs finally his name was called.

Then began the nose sucking, and needle poking, and tears falling, and blood testing... the Doctor came in to tell me he had...are you ready? Drum roll please:...the award for the worst mother of the year goes to....1. double ear infection in both ears. 2. Pink eye 3. Pneumonia!!!!!

I cried on the way home I felt so terrible that we had waited to take him to the Dr. thinking that he'd get better. As I looked in my rear view mirror at him I thought, "You little stinker acting like you're just fine, not crying like you're sick, playing & eating normal, you make it impossible to know if it's serious or just a cold!!"

They sent us home with a breathing machine with the instruction to give him a treatment every 3 hours for..I can't remember now, but it was a LONG time. That night I made a bed on his floor next to his little toddler bed & told Dan I would sleep in his room, to give him the treatments through the night & just be sure he's ok....ya know, I had to try to prove that I should have been runner up for that award!=)..baby Evan was just a couple months old & so Dan said he'd care for him if he woke.

I do remember that night like yesterday. As I laid there awake, staring up at the glow in the dark stars we put on his ceiling b/c he always loved to find the moon when we drove in the car at night & then proceed to yell, "Moon!" at least 50 times because every time a mountain or tree would cover it up & then reveal it he was sure to find it again! (we later found out he never liked those little stars, crazy kid... obsessed with the moon, but doesn't like the stars??) but as I lay there I remember thinking about what I wanted for my children & I began to pray...

I want them to be happy.
I want them to be healthy.
I want them to love God.
I want them to be saved at a young age.
I want them to be tender towards obedience.
I want them to love us.

Just a few of the things I've always wanted for my children, but I remember then thinking, "But Heidi...what does God want?"

"Well, I think God would want those things for my children too, right?"...this is me having a conversation with me;)

I began thinking, "Yes, but maybe in a different way...shorten the list, so that HE can add to it."

"Shorten it?...but there's so much more I could add!" My thoughts then said, "Heidi shorten it."

It was a month later that we attended a couples retreat through our church. I heard a friend's parents speak on raising children. To this day I often think of the things I learned from them & it was most helpful, but one thing they said made me think of that night when I was laying on the floor of prayer.

They said, "It is not your job as parents to make your children happy. (pause...the room was VERY quiet) It is your job to teach your children how to have a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ & out of this they will find true joy. ( a round of Amens;) "

WOW! What truth! I immediately thought about that discussion I had with the Lord that night watching my sweet first born finally sleeping after being so sick & miserable...when I told God, "Yes Lord, I'll shorten the list."

"I'll shorten the list and the only thing I'll put on it...the only thing that would be written on the page if I could put in their hands, of what their mommy & daddy want them to know more than anything else in this life. More than any knowledge they could gain from a prestige school, more than any skill they could acquire, more than any talent they could practice to attain...the only thing in this world worth knowing, loving, living & dying for...it would read....GOD.

Then we would say, "Now study!! Know everything you can about Him, because in that name holds all the powers in all the Earth for all of eternity!! In that name is every beautiful thing that you could ever imagine! From Him comes every treasure & joy you'll ever find!"

I know some people think we're a little crazy for believing the way we do. We don't have a TV, we don't allow our children to watch a lot of movies...I think they've only seen 4 popular Disney movies, they don't know who Batman or Spiderman is....if they hear wordly music in a store Carter usually looks at me just to be sure that I know, "Mommy that's not nice music." I'm not saying he won't tap his toe if we stick around for a while, but that's just it....we don't stick around nor let it be around. There is a powerful stronghold in today's music. You don't believe me? Well, then try to stop listening to it. My motto is, "If it makes me forget about what Christ has done for me, then forget about it!"

On the floor of prayer I asked God to give Daniel & I wisdom to raise our boys for God's glory. NOT for the praise & glory of men! One time my dad was ridiculed & embaressed for the way he led our family to God by a family member in front of other family members. He was so gracious & only replied, "I'm sorry you feel that way." He may have walked away from that family member that night with tears in his eyes, but not because of how the cruel words made him feel, but because my dad was so heart broken that this family member would openly reject Christ. We all wept together that night in our cabin....we wept for our family members. We prayed together on our knees...we met with God again on the floor of prayer & prayed that the God of the Heavens would prick their hearts to believe that the Word of God was real, & it is powerful, & our GOD IS REAL..and that they would be saved, & their lives would be changed, & that they could stand and say, "To God be the glory, for great things He hath done!"....today that family member is in eternity. Someday I'll know for sure if he ever trusted Christ as his Savior. I never stopped praying for him.

On the floor of prayer I asked God to help me be the mommy my boys need... help to stay right with God. My heart is convicted even now as I write, because I know that I fail. I'm not a perfect person & I never will, BUT my GOD is perfect!! He can help me & you....and He can help us start fresh & new for He gives grace, and He gives grace, and He gives grace!

So, as I think back and reflect on sweet memories with my Savior...I look forward to the day when I see His face, & I can fall to my knees to worship...even lay my body to the ground....I picture myself lying face down to the ground, my tears of thankfulness pooling on the solid golden floor.

My mind trys to imagine what it will be like, but for now I'm meeting with my Jesus... on the floor of prayer.

I Have Been Blessed...

2010-01-05T12:01:00.000-08:00

"When God moves among us, all that He's done
All of His mercy, All of His Love.
If the Pen of a Writer, would write every day
Even this World could Never contain, How I've been Blessed!"

"Warmth in the Winter, Flowers in Spring
The Laughter of summer, that changing of Leaves
Food on my table, and a good Place to Sleep
Clothes on my Back, and Shoes on my Feet.
I Have Been Blessed!"

Chorus, "I have been blessed. God's so good to me! Precious are His thoughts of you and me.
No way I could count them, there's not enough time, so I just thank Him for being so
kind. God has been good, so good, I have been blessed!"

"A mother and father who nurtured and raised, sisters and brothers memories made.
Our Pastor to lead us, this altar to pray, Stripes that can Heal, the Blood that still
Saves! I have been blessed "

"We live in a country, the greateast on Earth, where the Flag stands for FREEDOM & what it is worth! She stands in the harbor miss liberty calls, all gave some, but some gave it all! So we could be blessed!!"

"He's my shoulder to lean on, when I am down! The Rock where He leads me when I'm overwhelmed! The place where He hides me under His wing! He's not just a song, He's the reason I sing! I have been blessed!"

From the Lyrics of "I Have Been Blessed"

Christmas Pictures...

2010-01-04T19:55:00.000-08:00

Our friends Josh & Brittany Brown joined us for Christmas!

Miss Brittany

My parents & The Browns

Brittany with Tatum & Elissa

Christmas Eve

Parker's First Christmas!

Pondering in my Heart...

2009-12-22T18:41:00.000-08:00

I'd like to share a post from last year that I wrote. Evey year the Christmas story gets sweeter & sweeter. I hope it's a blessing to you.;)

http://godleadethme.blogspot.com/2008/12/pondering-in-my-heart.html

Tis the Season...

2009-12-22T18:07:00.001-08:00

Well, it's the most wonderful time of the year again. My favorite time of the year...right up there with Valentine's day for me, but Christmas is longer & SO much more important!;)

We have had so much fun getting family pictures taken, shopping done, parties thrown, gift exchanges with friends....we are truly blessed!

I think the best part about this year is little Carter is really starting to understand what this Holiday is all about. He had fun acting out the Christmas story the other night with a little Mickey Mouse playing the role of baby Jesus, & I was Mary....and he and Evan were little shepherds....priceless memories!

He even said, "Mommy we don't have a crib for the baby Jesus."

What great opportunities to teach him that the King of Kings came to this Earth as a baby & one day died for the sins of the world! What a story, what truth!!

Thank you, Lord, for sending us your most precious Son to pay for our sin debt!! What a loving God, & what a beautiful story to tell our children!

Merry Christmas from our home to yours! Here's a few of our Christmas pictures taken by Eden Photography.www.edenphotography/biz. Enjoy!;)

Casting Cares At His Feet...

2009-11-03T13:38:00.000-08:00

Have you ever had those times in your life when it seems like many people around you are going through very hard trials?

In the past couple of months it seems as though each week we hear of more heart breaking news.

We have someone very close to us who has spent his summer fighting cancer, but last week he got very good news! Praise the Lord.

The beginning of October my husband spent several days visiting a sweet family in the hospital as they were realizing that their loved one would not be coming home as they had planned.

She later left this Earth for her eternal home to meet her Savior, but few days before she passed away my husband was there visiting & reading some Scripture verses to her & her family. She stopped him as he was read, and they knew she was trying to say something. She tried to sit up in the bed & pointed to my husband..then quietly muttered, "Read it again!"...Oh the Power of God's Word! My husband came home later & we cried together as he told me how powerful it was to read God's Word and know that this women would soon meet the author face to face!! We conducted the funeral the following week & Daniel preached a powerful message. I hugged her sister this past Sunday...please pray for Cheryl.

Two days later we attended another funeral for a sweet friend who's father died suddenly as he was taking his morning walk. He was a devout Christian who loved to tell people about Jesus...I never met him, but was honored to be a part of such a Godly man's funeral. Please pray for his sweet wife Shelley & young daughters still at home, Hannah & Grace.

Two weeks ago we heard that a young man we attended Bible College with was killed in an automobile accident. He use to come to our home with his room-mates to hang out & order pizza. He has a young wife who is expecting their first baby this coming January. Her name is, Erin, please pray for her.

Then last week we got news that a life long family friend on my husband's side has a brain tumor & it's cancer. She & her sweet husband drove 12 hours to come to our wedding in Tennessee, she is the grandmother to our niece & nephew, & a wonderful example of a women of faith. She's always smiling & has a wonderful laugh. She has one of the best gardens in all of PA & her grandchildren adore her. Please pray for Miss Nancy.

So how does one bare these burdens & not lose faith?

My answer is found from the Bible...by trusting in the Lord.

Proverbs 3: 5&6, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understandings. In all thy ways acknowledge him & he shall direct thy paths."

Psalm 16:1, "Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust."

Psalm 36:7, "How excellent is thy loving kindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings."

1 Peter 5:5, "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."

If there's one thing I've learned as we've started this journey in the ministry, is that there are many burden's to bare. People around us going through such trials & as we try to encourage them this thought has been so strong in my mind...TRUST IN THE LORD!

Point people to Jesus, Open the Bible more, Love the Lord deeper, Love the Word of God more, Don't be ashamed of the Lord, Tell others about what He's done in your life every where you go, and with everyone you meet!

Revival starts in the heart of individuals!

"Lord, start a revival within me!!"

What a wonderful God we serve...even when there are many cares to cast at his feet.

God Bless.

A Prayer of Dedication....

2009-08-11T12:16:00.001-07:00

On our last Sunday at the Temple Baptist church, we walked forward after the message with our three boys in arms. When Pastor called our names we stood & he prayed for not only Parker (that he would one day trust Christ as his Savior & live his life for the Lord) but he prayed also for Daniel & me. He prayed that our home would always be a true Christian home & that we would be dedicated to the Lord all of our lives.

As I stood there holding my 5 week old newborn...my sweet Pastor's wife Evelyn Sexton's arm around me....knowing this was our last service after 8 years at a church filled with people that were so dear to us (we moved the next day out of state)...and feeling the impact of what a great responsibility I have as a Christian mother...the tears began to flow.

God spoke to my heart once again. As He had before when we stood with our newborns this same way. In their tiny Sunday best and wrapped in a satin blanket. What beautiful & powerful moments for both Daniel & myself...and not taken lightly!

~~Carter, Daniel, tired Evan, Pastor Clarence Sexton, Evelyn Sexton, Me & Parker~~

It is our prayer as we've been blessed with Children that God would help us teach & train them to Love Him. We've learned that a home is not a Christian home because we say it is.

"A Christian home is not determined by what you 'take out' of it, but is determined by what you 'put into' it."~Clarence Sexton

May God help us to have a truly Christian home...where God's Word is read, & prayer is a necessity, love is abounding & kind words are spoken.

May I Introduce You...

2009-06-30T20:45:00.000-07:00

Since the last time I blogged I was three weeks until my due date with Parker, I thought I'd catch you all up. I'm so sorry I didn't do this a while ago! I've had good intentions, I promise!;)

Parker was born April,17 2009 at 10:00 something in the morning. Isn't that sad that I don't remember exactly?? I remember Carter was at 5:28pm....guess by the second & third child you're in a daze about remembering the details. Although I've promised myself that as I did with Evan (the second child) I will do the same with Parker (the third child) to cherish everything.

I've made an appoint to sit & say to myself, "Today he smiled at me...I will always remember to remember how sweet it made me feel when he smiled at me...today...for the first time."

So Yes, he is here & amazing & precious & perfect in every way!

May I introduce you to Parker Kade.

Change is Good...

2009-03-24T08:06:00.000-07:00

We have been getting ready for big changes in our family for the past month...well months. Not only a new baby coming in 3 weeks, but our house sold the end of last month, and we are now living with our in laws for the next 9 weeks. We are so grateful for their offer!

If I could start at the beginning....

We put our home on up for sale last July not knowing for sure what we'd do if it sold, but we thought we'd try...even though the economy here is rough & the housing market isn't pretty.

We had TONS of showings the first 3 months, but no offers. After the 'wall street crash' we had NO showings at all for about 4 months straight. We wondered many times, "Does God want us to keep it for sale? Should we continue?" Holding on in faith we just trusted that God knew despite our questions.

After 7 long months Daniel received a very surprising phone call. It was from the Pastor of the church where I had grown-up, the church I was saved in, and the church where my parents both work.

He wanted Dan to pray about accepting a full-time position at Fargo Baptist Church. Note: It's VERY cold there...just thought I'd throw that in!=)

Dan & I were both shocked and excited about the offer, but being it is in my home town I didn't want my 'wants' to weigh on his decision, but for it to be sole from the Lord. We both prayed that God would make His will very clear us.

That week we had over 11 showings and then we had 2 offers in one day!! God allowed us to pick the best offer & they offered MORE than what we were asking! Can you believe that?! YES we can, because God was in it!

It reminded me of one of the most profound things I learned while in Bible college. So many times in our lives we wonder..."Am I doing what God wants? Is this His will?"

"God's will is not a mystery for us to find. It is simply living for Him in obedience each day. Then looking back, we can see how God has led us." (I wish I remembered the preacher who said that, but I'll never forget that)

We have lived in Knoxville, TN for the past 6 years as a married couple. We both came to Bible College here. This is where we met, fell in love, were married, and have had all of our children....it's a very special place to us!

Not just the location is wonderful, but what's here....Dan's family, our friends, and our beloved Pastor & church family. It was here that God changed my life & taught me so much about His Word...I am forever grateful for this place! Dan and I both agree that leaving here the end of May will be the hardest thing we've ever done before!

BUT....we can rejoice because we KNOW that it is what God wants for us, it's what we've trained for, and what we've prayed for!

Please remember us in your prayers as we prepare for these big changes!

Prayer Request...

2009-03-20T18:50:00.000-07:00

Some recent pictures of Carter & Evan

Hello friends!

Sorry I haven't blogged like I want to...I have so many thoughts through out the week that I think, "I need to blog about that." and then before you know it the days pass by!

Anyway, if you would join me in praying for my family. We have sold our home (thank you, Lord!)...such an answer to prayer...and we are moving tomorrow. The closets have been packed, every junk drawer has met my furry;), and even my bins of "I will one day fit into these clothes again" have been sent to the goodwill! This time I refuse to carry around my 'treasures' that sit buried for years to another home!

If you'd pray for these things:

1. An easy transition for my boys while we move into Grandma & Grandpa's house for 9 weeks.
2. A good last 4 weeks of pregnancy as I've been quite tired these days.
3. That we would all adjust well with a new baby and being 'homeless'...well, you know what I mean...we'll still be at Grandma & Grandpa's...so thankful for them.
4. That the Lord would supply the funds we need to move from Tennessee to North Dakota at the end of May....I will expound upon this in an upcoming post.=)
God has been so good to us & his blessings are met with gratitude! I can't wait to tell you all our 'story' that has unfolded in the past month...I promise I will.

Loving Our Husbands...

2009-03-09T10:06:00.000-07:00

Our Church held their 3rd annual "Faith For The Family Couples Retreat" last week & this was the first year Dan & I were not able to attend. I was so sad we couldn't make it, but my friends took good notes & I'd like to share them with you.

My Pastor's wife, Evelyn Sexton, gave this lesson on 'Loving Your Husband' and it is loaded with wisdom & Godly advice! I'm giving you the Bible references, so you may want to grab your Bible & look at the verses as you follow.

Titus 2:3-5, Titus 3:4, "...to love their husbands.."

1. You only get out of marriage what you put into it.
II Corin. 9:16- sow sparingly, reap sparingly...sow bountifully, reap bountifully. What should we sow in our marriage? I Corin. 13:4-7

2. Let life experiences draw you closer to each other.

3. Never let a day go by without telling your husband, "I Love You." Prov. 25:11

4. Take the days one day at a time.

5. Love always takes maintenance.
Prov. 31:26 & Prov. 15:1 -Be careful what you say to your husband.

6. Remember the Golden Rule also applies to your husband.

7. Talk things out and never give up. Gal. 6:9

8. Marriage is NOT 50/50 but 100/100!

9. Always be honest and open with your husband. Gen. 2:25

10. Spend as much time together as possible.
~Feel blessed to be married! Your husband is a precious gift from God.

11. Learn to be content with what you have.

12. Pray with your husband and for him every day.Pray for: protection, needs, and guidance

We have to learn how to love our husbands.

I've heard Mrs. Sexton give several lectures on marriage over the years & her words are always a blessing! I hope you found these things helpful as I did.

Ye of Little Faith...

2009-03-04T09:26:00.000-08:00

In the last few weeks I've come to realize that the phrase Jesus said four times in the Bible could be said directly to me. Especially from the Matthew 8:26 passage when Christ is speaking to his disciples. The waves in the ocean were crashing around their vessel & they feared for their lives.

Jesus said, "...why are ye so fearful, ye of little faith.." Matt.8:26

They were in the boat with Jesus himself & they still feared for their safety. Would they make it through the storm?

In the midst of a joyous Christian life we still face trials. Trials that really pale in comparison when we think of our health or safety of our loved ones...but trials none the less.

The last 8 months I've learned that though walking through a trial, facing doubts of uncertainty of the unknown, trusting in Him completely when at times my faith was small ....He is ever faithful!!!

I'm so thankful to say that He answered our prayers, and although I often wondered why & when, I can see now that His timing was perfect.

He was in the boat through it all & yet there were times I feared.
He was in the boat with us yet I worried.
He was in the boat and yet I laid awake in wonder.

Silence from Heaven is often hard to accept, but when God does answer your prayers after months & months the joy is even greater!!

He has proved Himself to me again. Over & over He shows me that He is real, powerful, and in control.

I often wonder how long it will take for some people to stop saying, "Prove to me there is a God & then I will believe in Him." If only they would say, "Lord, I believe now help mine unbelief" and He will prove Himself to them.

That's what happened to me when I was a teenager. I believed there was a God, & believed that Jesus was sent to die for the sins of the world. I realized I was a sinner with no ability to save myself, & asked Christ to forgive my sin & come into my heart. That was the day I was saved.

Did I understand everything about the Bible? No, and I still don't.
Did I understand everything about how & when the world was created? No.
Did I understand how God the Father & God the Son are one in the same? No.
Did I understand how to live a joyous Christian life? No.
Did I understand everything about Heaven or Hell? No.

There were so many things to learn & many things that I may never understand completely until Heaven, but I had faith.

The Bible says in Hebrews 11:6, "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."

Also in Acts 16:31, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved."

I believed and God has proved to me through circumstances and through answered prayer that He is so very real.

As a young person laying in the filth of my vomit I realized that the glamor of this world is only an illusion. The taste of alcohol on my lips only brought me to heart ache & left me longing for something more. Not satisfying, doesn't quench anything, but starts many fires within that can not be squelched without His Power!

As a teenager in the midst of depression changed to an eating disorder that was to the world explained away as that...a disorder. I found the truth from the Lord that it was sin in my life that needed to be cast at the feet of Jesus...7 years free from it!

I'm free in Christ from the chains of my sin & I'd never go back again!!

The devil has taught this world to excuse away our sin as disorders & addictions because then we're not really so bad after all. If we don't see our sin as sin then we have no need for a forgiving Savior!

Lord, help my faith. Help me to never forget what your blood on Calvary paid for! You took my place, you took my shame, you took the payment for my sins that I might go free. Through your power I can overcome sin in my life. "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" Phil. 4:13

After all He's done how can I help but Love Him more? How can I help but live my life for Him? How can I help but tell others about what He's done for me & what He can do for them?....I must & I will.

My life verse is 1 Samuel 12:24
"Only fear the Lord, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you."

When I sit and consider all He's done for me...where He's brought me from...I give Him all the glory.

Countdown to V-Day...

2009-01-16T05:39:00.000-08:00

My countdown has begun! Only 4 weeks and 2 days until....VALENTINE'S DAY!!

Valentine's Day has become one of my most favorite Holidays yet! Christmas is at the top of my list with V-day falling in at #2!

Not only is it a time to be romantic and do something extra special for the ones you love, but hello...it's all about PINK! (my favorite color;)

Our home is always decorated for this day & I always enjoy planning something special for Daniel...and the boys.

Assuming that we've all heard the quote from the Bible, "keepers at home.." for me this means more than keeping things organized & tidy.

I've heard my preacher's wife say as well as others that I (as the keeper) most often am responsible for setting the mood in my home.

Will there be stress? Tension? Wrong Attitude? Anger?

Or will there be smiling faces? Respectfulness? Compassion? Love?

Too many times I've failed and found myself 'unloading' on my husband all of my stress and trouble I've endured that day when he walks through the door...and most honestly...it doesn't set the right mood nor puts a smile on any one's face.

As a stay at home mom this can be a tough challenge. We are home speaking to little people all day...who don't have much to comment on when I try to poor them a cup of coffee with a side of sugar and my problems.

Speaking to Daniel at the right time and in the right way at how hard my day was is for me...key. I've learned that I get a much better response from him by answering his, "Hey I'm home" with "Hi Honey!"...instead of answering him, "You wouldn't' believe the day I've had...I'm so tired...the kids...etc."

I don't speak on this as one who has mastered it, but as one who is learning just how beautiful a marriage can be when lived out daily with love, respect, and compassion for my spouse...again, not a master at it...just my thoughts today.

Of course this can be applied to the mom who has a 9-5 job everyday. I remember how hard it was working full time before children, let alone working and coming home to more work. As a mom...we all know our job is never done, but well worth it!

So...as I try to apply these thoughts to my everyday life, I hope everyone is planning something extra special for your spouse this Valentine's Day!

Go All Out!!! Make special days and special moments in your home!

The boys and I had fun last year taking the pictures in this post. Carter was about to turn 2 and Evan was almost 3 months old. We had these printed out for Dan with cut out hearts and valentines for him on the counter, with fresh baked frosted (by carter) sugar cookies, and a candle lit dinner!

Hope this inspires you to go spoil your man!!!=)

Baby Bump...

2009-01-11T20:12:00.001-08:00

Some of you have requested to see my baby bump...so here you go!!=)

25 WEEKS Preggo!

It was a little hard to take the pictures of myself by myself...Dan helped me with the full body shot.

Thanks for stopping by!

Weighing In on the Matter...

2009-01-09T08:37:00.000-08:00

Since the Holidays have come and gone and I enjoyed every minute of the food and fun...my scale is now noticing just how much I enjoyed myself!

I'm sure we could all agree that weight loss is the most common New Year's resolution around. Seems as though this resolution for me always back fire's and instead of losing 10 I gain 20!!!!

So...last year my resolution was to gain 20 lbs...I know you may laugh or think I'm crazy...but I lost 50 lbs last year instead!!!

Yes, that was 50!!

Although finding out I was expecting our third baby this past July, by the time November rolled around...I had gained a few or more of those lbs back.

So...I have 14 weeks to go in this pregnancy to enjoy and indulge in the my favorite sinful foods, and then my resolution will begin again...to gain 20!!

I'm so motivated to start now that I went to workout last night with my girlfriends...my goal was to walk briskly on the treadmill for 30 minutes, and I'm happy to say I made it!!

I don't mind disclosing my weight on my blog either...so here goes...I weigh 125 lbs...yep you heard me...it's my blog and here that's what I weigh!! =)

Actually that's my goal weight...I was less than that when I met Dan in college, and I'm aching to wear my cute black dress that I wore the night we got engaged on our next year's anniversary. Can I do it??? In the words of Bob the Builder (can you tell I spend my day with a 2 year old?)...Yes I Can!!

(I was 19 & Daniel was 24...aren't we cute?!)

If I could add a side note...I do wish this matter wasn't such a big topic with so many. As one who struggled with an eating disorder in high school and college I try not to over 'think' this issue.

Health is my goal, and beauty is just an extra;). Not saying beauty isn't important and I think we should all try to look our best, but looking good for the world around me is not my intention.

My goal is to be happy and content the way God made me, and to not allow myself to become obsessed with my 'image' or my looks. This is a deep trap that so many girls and women get sucked into...never happy with what they see.

Hurtful to the hands of the creator the voice of the critics!!

So many times we stand in front of the mirror and we are that voice...criticising every beautiful 'flaw' the Master created!!

I learned very valuable lessons while counseling with a women who was helping me over come my strong hold of bulimia...and what she showed me was that God's Word holds so many beautiful facts & promises for me to claim.

**I was fearfully and wonderfully made
**When God looked and saw His creation He said it was good
**When I became a Christian I became the daughter of a King
**I'm loved just as I am

The list goes on and on.

So as many of us battle the matter of weight...let me remind you to love every inch of who you are! (Heidi, did you hear what you just said?!)

God makes no mistakes...and although I sometimes forget that when noticing my nose that sometimes resembles Pinochio's...I still love it and I'm content!

Now on with our resolutions!!=)

Still Alive...

2009-01-06T09:39:00.001-08:00

I'm still here! Wow, have I been a slacker! I have been so busy these past 2 weeks I can't believe how long it's been since I posted. Well, I don't have time today to update like I'd like to. So, bare with me.

We had a wonderful Christmas with family. The boys enjoyed every minute of it! I also surprised Dan by telling him (in the form of a Christmas gift) that we are having another boy! YAY!

New Years was well...quiet. Dan went to bed at 10:00 since he had to do the last day of his paper route at 3:00am...I didn't blame him. I'm excited about 2009. I'm praying that this will be our best year yet!

Hope you all are doing well! I'll post very soon...I have some thoughts to share.

Oh, and thank you to Alecia for the blog award...you're so very kind!=)

Pondering in My Heart...

2008-12-22T07:01:00.000-08:00

It was 3 years ago this coming March that I became a mother. Can I also say, "Thank you Lord for allowing me this title!"

The Christmas I was pregnant with Carter, was the first year that the Christmas story became even more real to me than ever before. I remember singing "Heaven's Child" with our church choir, and as I felt the baby move I could hardly sing the words to the song.

It was then, that reading of how Mary learned that she would carry the 'Promised One' became more amazing to me!

To think that this young girl, favoured of God, not married, betrothed to Joseph was told that she was expecting a baby.

Can you imagine? What was her reaction?

I think many of us would say, "what? me? how? why?...NO!"

She did ask how...and then she replied, "... Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word..." Luke 1:38

Can you imagine what she went through? Can you imagine the critical comments, judgements, stares of others?

Then I think of Joseph. What did he think about all of this?

We read in Luke 1 that when he heard the news he thought about putting her away privily...he thought about if he should still marry her.

"Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily." Luke 1:19

BUT...then the angel of the Lord comes to him.

"But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD
appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins." Luke 1:20 & 21

His reaction to that?

"Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: " Luke 1:24

The first thing I see when reading this story is their obedience!
They obeyed without hesitation! I can learn a lot from this.

As we follow the story to the manger, to a mother's arms, and a promised Messiah in the form of a baby...this is where the story becomes very special to me as a mother.

The other night Evan woke around midnight crying. I'm usually in bed at that hour, and I would just go in with the lights off and calm him and return to bed. Well, since I was up and he was very much awake!...I decided to take him out to the living room and hold him.

I began rocking him, he in his sweet little pajamas, his little head nestled in my neck. I stroked his soft 'not much hair there' head, and just soaked up all the sweet goodness that this baby holds. I rocked him in just the light of the Christmas tree and began to pray for him. I thanked the Lord for giving him to me and Dan to raise, and asked God for wisdom in raising him. I prayed that he would one day accept Christ as his personal Savior, and live his entire life for Him.

Soon I could tell by his breathing that he had fallen to sleep. Wrapped in my arms and his teddy blanket his soft skin against mine...he slept. Priceless...simply priceless. Nothing in this world compares to that.

My mind wondered to how it might have been for Mary...the mother of Jesus. She carried and gave birth to the very Son of God! What was it like for her on the quiet nights when she had Jesus wrapped in her arms rocking him, kissing him, praying with Him, knowing that he came to one day die for the sins of the world.

My mind wondered to what is might have been like to have shepherds come to His manger saying that the angel of the Lord appeared unto them, and they had come to see a Savior which is Christ the Lord!

What is might have been like to have wise men appear at your door bearing gifts that so clearly reflected why this Child had come.

What it must have been like as His mother after searching worriedly for him through the city, only to find him, elders sitting at His feet, this twelve year old boy...teaching them about His Heavenly Father!

What is must have been like to love Him, raise Him, see His miracles, knowing all along why He came...and so she ponders.

As their parents they said "yes" to the Lord, in faith believing, though many around them I'm sure mocked them and questioned their story, they obeyed...maybe not quite understanding it all until the Cross.

And so as a mother and a Christian these past 3 weeks my heart has been reminded this Christmas season of how the sweet story of redemption unfolded.

It started with an obeying man & women, a lowly manger, and a baby.

Not just any baby...The Son of God...robed in flesh he became a man without ceasing to be God. He left His Heavenly throne to walk this earth, to live a sinless life an example for me, to die a cruel death on the cross to pay my sin debt...and then He arose, and is now seated on the right hand of the Father!

Isn't is amazing HOW He came? Isn't is amazing WHY He came?

In the words of my Pastor...may we not reduce this Christmas to just the gifts, the cookies, the presents, the beautiful trees, our families...but may we remember the true meaning of Christmas.

I'm so thankful, I'm so moved, I'm so glad that He came!

As this Christmas morning comes and I'm holding my children, loving my husband, reading Luke 2...from the cradle to the cross...I'm remembering why He came...and I'm pondering these things in my heart.

"But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart." Luke 2:19

The Treasures of Christmas...

2008-12-09T11:11:00.000-08:00

My Pastor, Clarence Sexton, has written a series for the Christmas season that we are studying in Sunday School. I was very blessed by the first one this past Sunday, and so for the next 3 weeks I'd like to share them with you all.

This first one is the, Treasures of Christmas, and it is looking at the wise men.

As we look at Matthew 2:1-18, we read the account given about the wise men. We know very little about them. We do not know exactly where they came from, or what they looked like. We do know the Bible doesn't say anything about them being kings, and when the wise men came to Christ, they did not come to the manger. The Bible also does not tell us how many came, but when they came Jesus may have been around 2 years old. The Bible says that they came to see this child in the house. They worshipped Him and presented to Him their treasures.

1.The Treasures of the Wise Men
Matthew 2:11, "They saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down to worship him." Consider their worship. Worship is not just a religious activity. Worship costs something. The wise men traveled a long way. They sacrificially gave & presented gifts. They recognized Him for who He truly is.

The Bible tells us their gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. What strange treasures!! Notice what each gift symbolized.
-Gold for a King
-Frankincense for an offering (The Lord Jesus came to be our sin-offering)
-Myrrh for a burial (myrrh is associated with death & preparation of the body for burial)
God is giving a picture of things to come. This child is like no other!

2. The Treasures in the Lord Jesus
Let us consider not only the treasures that were brought to Christ, but also the treasures that we find IN Him. When Christ Jesus came, He brought His treasures with Him. Colossians 2:1-3 notes the expression, "In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." When we have Christ, we have in Christ all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Think of what treasures we have in Christ!! Read Col. 1:12-22, which tells us so much of what we have in Him.

All we look for, long for, and need for our souls, we find in the Lord Jesus!

What has God done recently in your life to cause you to stop looking everywhere else for what you need and to start looking only to Him??

You might imagine that the treasures of Christmas are the gold, the frankincense, and the myrrh. But let us move beyond that and see that the real treasures of Christmas are in Christ.

3. The Treasure in Earthen Vessels
You may exchange gifts at Christmastime, but it is all without true meaning if you have not believed the gospel and received God's "unspeakable gift" of salvation in His Son, the Lord Jesus.

II Corinthians 4:7 says, "We have this treasure in earthen vessels."

Our bodies are the earthen vessels; Jesus Christ is the treasure.

To consider the treasures of the wise men and the treasures of wisdom and knowledge in Christ without truly knowing the power of the gospel and salvation in Christ is life's greatest loss.

Receive Him by faith as your Saviour, and you will have this "treasure" in you!
written by: Pastor Clarence Sexton

***I hope this was a blessing to you. I was very encouraged this past Sunday to stop and think about the true meaning of Christmas. Jesus came as our sin-offering, and with Him he brought us many treasures, an if I sat here today empty handed without his treasures...well, then what do I really have?? The Bible says, "What doth it profit a man if he should gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"...what a powerful verse of Scripture. What would it profit me if all I gained in this life was a good upbringing, a wonderful husband, precious children, success, but if I died without ever accepting the gift of Salvation....it would profit me NOTHING. May you ponder these things in your heart, as Mary pondered in her heart that she would carry the very Son of God. May you believe in faith on the Lord Jesus Christ!
~heidi

I Cling to The Cross...

2008-12-06T19:18:00.000-08:00

Seems like this time of the year brings with it many feelings. Feelings of warmth, love, and for some...sadness. In the last week or so I've heard of many going through tragic losses of loved ones, and I'm reminded of those who will be missing someone this Christmas.

Tonight as I was driving alone in my car...well, my minivan. Yep, I'm 25 and drive a minivan...never would have guessed that! Anyway...back the story, as I was driving I was doing some soul searching...ya know...some deep thinking.

I've come to the conclusion that this is where most of my thinking goes on...maybe not the safest place, but I even remember as a teenager when needing an escape that, I would often just jump in my car and drive. Now as an adult, a wife, & mother...I'm still finding myself in my car with my thoughts...only this time not escaping.

In my quiet place under the night sky with the stars shining...I drove.

Not a very long drive since I was meeting a girl-friend just a little ways from my house...but long enough to let my heart pour out to the Lord.

So many unanswered questions we face in this life, much sorrow, yet much hope...as I walk through this life, & face uncertain times, I have hope as I cling to the cross.

Holding fast to the cross, holding tightly on, as my feet hang beneath me He holds me strong.
When my days are uncertain, and questions I face, I cling to my Savior who saved me by grace.
As I cling to the cross, where my Savior once died, I'm reminded he's with me, alway by my side.
When my arms start to tire, and I'm losing my hold, he whispers so gently, "Dear one don't let go."
Some say he's my crutch, and say it with shame, and say it to mock me, and mock his dear name.
If that's what they call it, and that's a fact, I look at Him different, He's much more than that.
No more do I face this dark world on my own, no more do I stumble through sorrow alone.
For I know He is with me, He carry's me on, I know I'm held fast within His strong arm.
As a babe in a manger one night he came, to the cross where He died, full of sorrow and shame.
I'm so glad that's not where the story did end, for we all know He's risen and coming again.
Very soon He will carry His children away, 'til then I will cling to the cross, His promises, my Savior each day.

~heidi

Kid Friendly Fun...

2008-12-03T13:03:00.000-08:00

I love homemade pizzas, but this one is a little different, but a lot of fun! Carter enjoyed himself.

I've also been trying to make $5.oo meals each night. I've been making a menu for each week, and this is a recipe that will work, but if you're not on a budget you could make these any way you'd like.

What you'll need:

English muffins (I get 2 bags enough for 24 pizzas)
Pizza sauce or spaghetti sauce
Cheese whiz (optional)
Shredded Cheese
Favorite toppings
400 degree oven for 20-23 min.
**Taco pizza is my favorite & these would be really good too! Then have all of your fresh tomatoes, lettuce, and salsa ready to top...oh and sour cream!;)

Also, this is a great way to make it healthy without the kiddos knowing for those of you with picky eaters. We like wheat english muffins, homemade tomato sauce, and top with veggies instead of pepperonis. I'm sure kids won't notice with the cheese on top!=)

I made a lot so I could freeze them. I put the oven temp on the bag, so if I'm not home this is an easy grab for Daniel!! Also, this makes a quick supper or lunch.

ENJOY!!

What a Weekend...

2008-12-01T07:35:00.000-08:00

We had such a great Thanksgiving this year...I think this has been my favorite that I can remember. Since our midweek church service was moved to Tuesday...we spent Wednesday night decorating our tree, eating homemade pizza, baking Dan's favorite cherry tarts, and just enjoying every minute of being together.

Thursday was great! All the food was Heavenly! We had a house full...just the way I like it. Here are some pictures of our spread!

~Thank you Jenny B. for the great idea to use apples for candles!

~I was relieved that everything turned out!

~I almost served this!!...This is Evan's new fun game. He's so little he fits in a lot of my bowls and this pot.

~Evan was watching me bake the cherry tarts.

~This is what the boys thought of all the sale adds. We ventured out to the mall and Walmart later in the day to do some Christmas shopping, and then we went home to put the boys to bed and watched a movie with our sparkling cider, and Christmas scented candles!!!

~We finished off our weekend with the Handel's Messiah presentation at our church by the Crown College Choir. They did a fabulous job! I love hearing a live large choir & orchestra. It was a blessing.

~I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday!

Happy Thanksgiving...

2008-11-26T08:46:00.000-08:00

I've been busy this morning getting my house in order so that I can do some 'pre-cooking' for tomorrow. We are having a house full and I can't wait! I hope everyone is ready for some yummy food! This will be my first year hosting it at our house...the pressure is on! I'm not scared...Martha Stewart is only a click away!! Praise the Lord for Martha!

I wrote a special post for what I'm thanking the Lord for today. Thought I'd just post it on one site since I have a lot to do today!

God is good, don't forget it!!

G-20 Summit...

2008-11-25T12:18:00.001-08:00

I was going to post about my mini pizzas...but, this topic has been on my mind. I'd love to encourage everyone to do their homework...brush up on your knowledge of the book of Revelation.

Does G-20 summit mean anything to you?

For me it didn't, until last week. I've been researching what this group is, and what is their purpose. Many of you may have heard that a week or so ago they met here in the US. Their meeting was to discuss the global economic crisis.

You may be saying..."ok Heidi, so where does our homework for the book of Revelation come into play?" Here it is.

In this meeting they discussed how they might help eliminate the debt of the nations. To do this...they would create a new form of currency...Gold. The economy of the United States was based on a gold standard until 1971...so this wouldn't be a rare thing.

Interesting?? Let's proceed.

A form of currency that could replace the dollar is the Euro. It is a gold coin if you haven't seen one. I've seen pictures...you can google it.

Where this gets interesting is that on this Greek Two Euro coin are the numbers 666 blazened right across Europe. (we all know that 666 is the number of the beast) On the other side of the coin is a women riding a beast. At the G-20 meeting they showed a coin that they would use...it also had a women riding a beast. This is where Revelation comes in.

Let's be frank my friends...this is not just coincidence that our country and a group of others are discussing the option to make a global currency and on this currency would be the very mark of the beast itself!!

This actually gave me chills as I reread Revelation 13:17, "And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name."

The book of Revelation speaks a lot of gold too.
So, if our currency changes...we can't buy or sell without it..right?
And what would be on our new currency?? I think we already discussed that.

This is the Prophecy coming true my friends!!!
Go read the book of Revelation. I too need to brush up on my homework!

Does this scare me? No...it makes me even more excited to know that God is coming back soon to carry the saved away...the rapture could happen at any moment.

Are you ready?

Does this scare you? If you don't have assurance of Salvation it should. Time is running short...you may not have another minute, hour, or day to accept Christ.

This should encourage Christians to be a bold witness!!

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this topic, and if you have any other interesting information. I know there are many other things out there that are pointing to the return of Christ, and it is all very exciting!!

FIREPROOF...

2008-11-21T06:24:00.000-08:00

Last night a few of my girlfriends and I went to see the movie Fireproof. I had heard all of these great things about it, and I was really excited for the chance to go. I was SOOOO impressed with its message!!

It also gave a great shout out to firefighters! They are heroes!! Thank you to my Uncle Randy who is a retired firefighter. We think of him often we we see our Captain 'Randy' Puppet!=)

I had read a single girl blog about this movie, and she said that even though she wasn't married, or even in a relationship, it made her want to run home and save her marriage! I thought that was pretty funny....but I can also see why she said that. I've never endorsed a movie before, but this one is different.

It really made me think of just how selfish I can be in my own marriage. I'm no expert that's for sure, but I think the biggest reason people get divorced is because of selfishness. "He doesn't listen to how I feel, He just doesn't understand, She doesn't respect me...etc."

If we could look at each problem in a marriage, most problems would probably point back to us being more concerned about how I feel, about MY needs, what I think, what I want...instead of putting the needs and feelings of our spouse BEFORE our own.

One thing they said in the movie that I thought was so truthful...was, "If you treat a woman the way she should be treated she will blossom, when you don't she will wilt." I had always heard, "If you treat him like a King, he'll treat you like a Queen!" We can see this goes both ways.

Do you remember how you felt about your spouse when you were dating?? So interested in their likes, dislikes, what made them smile, their habits that were cute...why do we often lose that interest when we get married? This movie reminded me to keep doing that...be more interested in my spouse. Especially when kids come along and your attention is almost always reverted to them.

Marriage is work!!

I hear people say, "I'm just not in love with him anymore." I say to that...emotions will come and go, but when they go...you CHOOSE to love your spouse, because you made a vow...a covenant before God.

I would recommend everyone see this movie! The most beautiful message is one that I won't spoil. It was well written, and the truth behind the success of the marriage some may dismiss...DON'T!!

Whether you feel like your marriage is at the brink of a divorce, or you're a single person who wants to learn, or maybe you just need the reminder to be a little more thankful for your spouse...watch it. You'll be blessed either way.

I'm so thankful for my awesome husband. Baby, you are the sweetest!!

Marriage should be beautiful and attractive to others! Not because you put on a good front, but because it really is, so do something special for your spouse today!!

Maybe it's been a while, so SHOCK them with a candle lit dinner, a little box of candies, a love note, a clean house, maybe even go buy them a little something special!! Be creative! Make it romantic! Go all out!! Even if you think they don't deserve it because they bugged you today...haha...do it anyway...be UNselfish today.

I'd love to hear your ideas!

Beyond Words...He's One.

2008-11-18T18:55:00.001-08:00

Today my mind is flooded with memories of excitement, anticipation, and a little bit of nerves. I remember the morning of November 19,2007 very clearly. When we woke up we got Carter ready, gathered his packed bags, and headed to drop him off at a friends house. We had to be at the hospital by 9:00am. Dan and I were filled with butterflies as we got into our room. Once the nurse settled us in and handed me that flattering gownd she left us to wait until they were ready for us. I can still remember how excited we were as we talked about how our lives were about to change in a big way. We just couldn't wait to meet our little man.

Just as the moment we first layed eyes on Carter is so fresh in my mind...so is the moment when we saw our little Evan. He came out screaming at the world! Completely opposite from his brother...he's proven to be quite opposite ever since;).

He was perfect, healthy, beautiful...he was ours.

The name Evan means, God is Good, it has proven its meaning to be correct over and over. It is really beyond words how we feel about our Evan. Many words can describe our love for him, but really those words just never seem to quite explain just how much we do.

I can't imagine our lives without him. He has brought me so much joy, laughter, snuggles, kisses, smiles, peace, purpose...many gifs all wrapped up in just one little man...after just one year...God has given us MUCH through our Evan.

As we celebrate his big day...I'm reflecting on my favorite passage in the Bible when I think of my children. It is 1 Samuel chapter 1. Hannah had prayed that the Lord would bless her with a child and if He did then she would give the child back to God. God blessed her with Samuel, and these are the words she prayed...

1 Samuel 1:11, "...but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the Lord all the days of his life."

Verse 28, "Therefore also I have lent him to the Lord; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the Lord."

and my favorite verse 27, "For this child I have prayed."

My heart feels the same way as Hannah's did. Should God bless me with children... and he has...then I will give them back to God to be use of him.

I use to wonder, "How do I do that?"

I can start by:
--Teaching them that they were made by the hands of a Loving Creator.
--Teaching them their need of Salvation
--Teaching them that honoring Christ with their life is good

There are many things I can tell them, but the biggest teacher will be the life I live in front of them everyday. They may think one day:

--Does mommy really believe the Bible is true?
My life should make them say...She must because she lives by it.

--Does mommy really love God?
My life should make them say...She does, because of how she obeys His word and how she loves us and Daddy.

--If living for God really worth it?
Lord, please help my life make them say...It is!!..because God has proven it through the life of mommy & daddy.

Evan, on your first Birthday mommy is being reminded of just how blessed I am to have you!

Evan, on your very first Birthday mommy is reflecting on just how important it is to raise you for the Lord.

My sweet, Evan, on your first Birthday as I'm frosting your sweet little cake,I watch you blow out your first candle, and as I'm looking through your baby pictures...I just want to tell you;

~Your perfect soft skin, chubby hands, bright eyes, and contagious smile were fashioned by the hands of a loving, merciful, beautiful God.
~One day when you're older and you understand what Jesus did for you on Calvary I pray you'll accept His gift of Salvation.
~Even when many around you don't believe in God...believe...and live your life for Him.

My prayer when I stand before God is that my life honored Him in everything I did...what else will matter when I stand before Him?

I pray that I will stand and be able to say, "My children know you too, Lord!"

"For this child I have prayed..." What a beautiful story. What a priviledge to speak the names of my children at the feet of Jesus through prayer...thank you Lord for my sweet, Evan Kail.

Remodeling Me...

2008-11-12T07:23:00.000-08:00

It's been a little over a year that we bought our home. We have made a lot of changes, from painting, flooring, knocking down walls. We finished off the basement. It was nothing but a big cement floor! Dan and his dad worked hours and hours framing, hanging dry wall, spraying on the ceiling, putting in a bathroom, wiring in our recess lighting...am I missing anything??

After all of that was done, we moved on to the kitchen. They widened a doorway, moved cabinets to the other side of the kitchen to fit in a dishwasher, replaced counter tops, even knocked out a wall to give me a huge counter/bar! Thank you, thank you!

Well, it's finally complete. In these pictures the cabinet next to the dishwasher was not in, but it is now.

Can I just say thank you to my father-n-law and wonderful hubby for all your hard work! There were days when the tasks seem overwhelming, but they did it!

This was the first time we've had any physical remodeling projects in our almost 6 years of marriage.

What I've learned???

~ It's a dirty job

~ It takes time

~ It takes dedication

~ It costs something

Looking back on the last year...there has been some 'spiritual' remodeling going on too.

The Lord has been teaching me through circumstances that my faith must completely be in Him.

Do I really believe that He'll help me through every trial?...I must.

Even when my fears make me want to doubt?...I can't.

Through this last year, my heart has gotten a fresh coat of paint. I think even at one point it was freshly painted and it wasn't the right color, so it was painted again!! (haven't we all done this when trying to paint a room?!)

For lack of a better analogy, God is always working on me. He is through life's problems and joys teaching me to always trust Him and praise Him no matter what.

When I think of adding a new baby in the last year, will there be enough income, deciding about Dan's schooling, should we sell our home,losing over $1400 cash, personal burdens, the outcome of this years election...many things to think about and often times I worried.

The remodeling in my home may be complete, but I know that the Lord has much in store for our lives. Dan & Me...I know there's much in store. (there is for you too!)

Can I just say that I'd be worried if there wasn't a 'project' going on in my heart. I want the Lord to speak to me through circumstance, other Christians, and His Word.

Though the project may feel overwhelming I know in the end it will be beautiful.

That's what I want to be...beautiful in the sight of the Lord.

I know that in order for me to see God's finished project of my life:

~ It may be a dirty job
~ It will take time
~ It will take my dedication to the Lord
~ And it will cost me something

Whatever the cost...I know the finished project will be worth it!

"Lord, keep remodeling me! (and if it includes me coming out looking like Jessica Simpson I'm totally ok with that...just thought I'd throw that in there;)"

Hope you all have a Happy Wednesday!=)

Rendering Honor...

2008-11-11T05:29:00.000-08:00

Today is a special day in America. Often overlooked by many as people are getting ready for work, moms are getting children off to school, and the world begins another day. But to the man who's hair is now a wintry white, he awoke early today, had his usual cup of coffee with his buddy's at the local diner, and he remembers it well.

Today is November 11th...Veteran's Day. A day when we as a Americans can put our differences aside and stand united in the Honor that is due to these brave men and women.

In 1947, on a crisp day in Birmingham, AL a man by the name of Raymond Weeks organized a 'Veteran's Day' parade. Little did he know that his patriotic idea would become a national Holiday!

In 1954, President Eisenhower signed a bill declaring that today November 11th would be forever Veteran's Day, and called upon Americans everywhere to rededicate themselves to the cause of peace.

Memorial Day is in honor of those who gave their lives for this country in War. Veterans day honors them, but is for the living and wounded who have made this country great! Who risked it all for our freedom!

Today I render honor to our Veterans. Several of whom are relatives of mine. America is great because of you!

As we sit at our kitchen tables this morning may we join the white haired man as he remembers like yesterday his service to our country, remember with the wounded as everyday their wounds remind them of their sacrifice, and remember with the young men and women who have laid even their youth on the battle lines for us...I will remember.

As I open my Bible freely with no fear of persecution, I'm remembering. As I comb the soft blond hair of my little boy who tenderly sends me a smile, I'm remembering. As we all walk freely today on this U.S. soil...may we remember.

God Bless America and Thank You Veterans!!

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree...

2008-11-10T05:27:00.000-08:00

I'd have to say that I haven't been this excited for Christmas since I was a child waiting anxiously for Santa Clause to come! (I'm pumped for Thanksgiving too!)

~Maybe it's because last year we left the Hospital the day of Thanksgiving after just having Evan on the 19th. We were extra thankful for a healthy baby and a smooth c-section.

~It could be that our basement was in the process of being remodeled in between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The day the carpet guys left I started rushing to get my Christmas things out!

~My tree went up a week before Christmas and stayed up until the middle of January!

Since last year was a little crazy with remodeling, new baby, recovering from surgery...I am making up for it this year!

It is November 10th, and my decorations are being gathered! My tree will be up this week! Don't write me off as crazy just yet. This past Friday we went door to door with our single adults collecting canned goods for our church food pantry. You wouldn't believe how many people had gorgeous trees up already!!!

Dan & I have both been listening to Christmas music and we are longing for a blizzard! One thing about having the Holidays in the south...it doesn't quite feel right without any snow!

I hope you enjoyed our pictures from last year...I can't wait to make new memories this year! Christmas is such a special time of the year! Maybe this post got you in the mood...now come join the club 'my tree was up before Thanksgiving!' Ok...so this isn't a real club, but I'm sure there is one on Facebook!!

Got My 'Hier Did'....

2008-11-01T18:05:00.000-07:00

So, my girlfriends talked me into cutting my hair. I was very hesitant about it since I just love having long hair. I've had short before, but it had been a while. Kelsey took me to a new place in Bearden...very fancy! They even included a head and shoulder massage! That was awesome! Made the $$$ well worth it. Here is the new cut with BANGS!!! AAAHHHH!!! This has been a big change for me...it will take getting use to. Everyone needs some change sometimes though, right?

Before...

After...

I hope everyone is having a fabulous weekend!

Happy Birthday Dad!!!!

2008-10-31T07:43:00.000-07:00

I've been waiting for October 31st, 2008 to roll around so that I can have a chance to brag on my dad!=) Not only do I have the most talented, thoughtful, sweet, funny, crazy, loving, Godly father...but he still loves me even though I put him through so much as a young person! haha...

Dad, can I just say, "You are the greatest!" I know I've told you in letters or in Birthday cards before that I regret everyday I spent as a teenager taking you for granted. I feel as though on every Father's Day, Birthday, Special day for the rest of my life I will need to express this to make up for all the days as a young person I didn't tell you these things.

For the readers, we've always had a good relationship...I was definitely a daddy's girl when I was very young, but for some reason when I was 16,17,18 I just didn't give my dad the respect, love, honor that he deserved...I feel like I'm always trying to make up for those lost years when I didn't send a nice Birthday card and didn't have the time to just sit and chat with him. Oh to have back those years when I thought my parents were so not cool...my how much I had to learn. It will be interesting when I have teenagers;).

So Dad, thank you again for all you've given to me, mom, and Mike through the years. I know you worked hard and sacrificed much to give us what we needed and often wanted. Looking back...it wasn't the nice house, Jeep Grand Cherokee on my 17th b-day, clothes, credit card (wouldn't that be nice again) or anything related to material items that are the best things you gave me...you can see that those items are long gone now, but in my opinion, the greatest thing you gave me as your child was God. You taught me through words, deeds, actions that God was the greatest thing I could have in my life. Thank you, thank you, and forever thank you for teaching me to love Him and live my life for Him.

I'll never forget hearing about how someone very dear to us stood to harshly tell you that you had failed your family because you gave us a Christian home and Christian values. That you had lead us into a cult, that you lead us into poverty, that you made mom give up her successful career to stay at home. We both know mom wanted nothing else than to be home with Mike and me...there was no $10,000 bonus or 6 figure salary or new car that would stop her...yet you uttered not a harsh word to this person. You simply replied,"I'm sorry you feel that way." then you walked away.

Your faith speaks volumes to me. Your humility moves me to say, "Lord thank you for him." As I sit here with tears streaming down my face words can't express my gratitude for all you've done for me.

To this day when I call you answer,"Hi Peanut!"...I just love you...I hope you have a wonderful Birthday as this is the first Birthday that Grandma is not alive to call or sign a card. You are the greatest daddy a girl could ever have. Thank you...and I'll always be your peanut!

I've been Tagged....

2008-10-22T09:23:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Amy & Shannon who have 'tagged' me! I guess this means I must share 7 random things about myself...mmmm...let's see.

1. I was born in Bismark,ND and raised in Fargo,ND until I came to TN in 2001.

2. I am a news, political, and weather junkie! (I've inherited these traits from my father;)

3. When I was in grade school I use to dance to Michael Jackson, New Kids on the Block, and Vanilla Ice all while getting ready for school. I have very vivid memories of this!! I would love to see a video of that now! haha...

4. On almost every family vacation my dad and I (whether we were in an elevator or passing a stranger in the hall of the hotel) we would speak with a British accent...I guess to make people think we were from Europe visiting the states...I'm sure people thought we were loopy, but we thought we were very talented & cool!

5. I got my first speeding ticket on the open roads of North Dakota...to this day I don't think my parent know that I 'borrowed' money from them to pay it off;0. Mom if you read this I still 'owe' you.=)

6. I had the flu on the wedding day...lovely...nothing like kneeling over a toilet while your bridesmaids hold up your designer gowned...let alone hearing the Pastor say,"You may now kiss the bride"...Dan said,"Pass the Altoids!"

7. I made a list when I was a teenager of all the qualities I'd want to find in a husband....I married that dream man, and I still have the list. =)

Carter & Evan's Rooms....

2008-10-16T06:09:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Carter's room!!

It was a lot of fun getting his 'big boy' room ready. We moved some of his pictures from his nursery in, but most of his little things went to Evan. I found a Dick & Jane material at a shop in Ohio and fell in love...so that was the start to his room.

~The pictures hanging on either side of the window (you can only see one in this pic) were bought as a pair at an antique store. One is a little blond boy reading a book, and the other is a little blond girl eating cookies...now were they implying something with the girl sitting in the corner eating?? haha..I painted the frames and added the ribbon. These hung in Carter's nursery. I think they are sweet.

~I LOVE touch of vintage pieces! They bring something special to the room.

~Dan's mom was going to sell the curtains in our yard sale, and when I saw them I had to have them...to make them even more special, they hung in Dan's room when he was young. I thought they were preppy.

~The ABC print and the 123 print were in my brother's room as a baby and then mine. I remember when I was little counting the picture. My mom said a neighbor made them for her when she was expecting my brother.

~Bought the bookcase at Target before he had kids...so glad we did! It has worked great for toys!

~I had an old lamp that had seen better days, so I just covered the shade and added pomp pomp fringe.

~I made the pillow for Carter's bed. I love this Dick & Jane material!

Welcome to Evan's room! My favorite room in the house!

I think decorating a baby's room is one of the most special tasks. Getting it ready and cozy for the new little one to feel at home. I spent hours and hours on Carter's room, and months searching for special treasures to hang with love. Each picture, trinket, frame was purchased with a special spot in mind. I didn't want their rooms to look like every other little guys room...but unique just like them.

Many items were found at antique shops, boutiques, and of course...e-bay!=)

I fell in LOVE with the old child artist, Bessie Peas Guttman, a few years ago so I've slowly collected my favorite prints. You may notice that all the pictures hanging in the room are her prints.

~Evan's blue & cream toile bedding was won after many days of me bidding at the last second on ebay. I was NOT going to pay more than $50 for new bedding. Guess what? I won it for $40.00 shipping and all!!! Can I get a Hollaaa!!! Talk about excited! It was a brand new 9 piece set...even a sheet, curtain, and throw pillow. That was a blessing!

~The sweet lamb is from Gifts Galore...now Spoiled Rotten on Oak Ridge Hwy. One of the most beautiful stores in town. Lambs and baby nurseries are a must have in my book! Not only is there nothing sweeter than a little lamb, but it always reminds me of the Lord...our spotless Lamb of Glory.

~The Mobile was a great find at Burlington
I like to find different treasures that go together yet not a themed look. I've never been about themes. I think they can really limit your options for decorating.

Notice the diaper stacker on the top of the changing table? The greatest thing ever made for 'functional' yet soooo cute! A great way to store diapers in a stylish way without a big bag of huggies laying around!;) I found it at Baby Bundles in the WestTown Mall.

~The striped boxes are from Hobbie Lobby...if you find something you like there just wait a week or two and it will be half price!

~I bought the shelf at a yard sale. It was blue, but I brushed some white paint over top.

~The sleeping bunny was in my room as a little girl.

~Many of the nick-knacks were gifts, but the 'Sweet Dreams' sign hanging from the shelf was found at an antique shop...I fell in love with it. It has a pair of blue booties on it...it has a vintage feel.

~The 'E' and the 'S' are also from Hobbie Lobby for a $1 and some...I just painted them and used my good ole' ribbon again. I was stumped at what to put there & out of cash, so it worked well!

~The Bessie print was won on ebay & I found an old wood frame at the GoodWill...took out the scary farmer that was in it, and popped in my print! Good as new!

~This was the first Bessie print I bought...I realized after that I paid too much, but it was well worth it. Should we have a girl this print will follow with her. It's just too cute.

~This on is my favorite Bessie Print. Nothing like little boys and puppy dogs!!I bought it off of ebay for $4 and some change, painted an old frame I had and added the ribbon. An easy project.

Thanks for stopping by!

1,2,3,4.....Why Not Add One More??

2008-10-11T12:47:00.000-07:00

So some of you may be wondering where my title is going...well. I have a little story to share.

This morning as we were eating our breakfast of cornmeal & orange juice... for those of you who have never had a bowl of hot cornmeal with brown sugar...you're missing out, and you can buy a huge bag for like $2.00!

Ok..so we're eating, and Carter was the first to hear the sound of a firetruck getting closer and closer. It stopped at a couple houses down from us where we could see all the action from our back deck. I told Dan,"That women there is pregnant and I'll bet she's having her baby!"

After saying a little prayer and finishing our breakfast on the deck ( I know,we're so nosey)...a women came out and shouted, "It's a Girl!!" I almost stood and cheered!! I actually found myself tearing up...if you've read this blog for any length of time, you'll know it doesn't take much to make me cry!

They brought the mom out and put her in the ambulance and the daddy was behind her carrying the new little bundle!! How precious I thought...there is nothing sweeter than a newborn baby and nothing more amazing that bringing new life into the world!!

So...where am I going with this?? Well, Dan and I are very excited, over joyed, and at some hours overwhelmed to announce...the Lord has seen fit to add another little one to our family!!

"AAAAHHHHH!!!!" or "WHAT?" or "OH Boy!" some of you may be thinking...I thought all of the same things!=)

We've known for a couple months, but I wanted to wait until I was into my second trimester to officially announce our good news.

We are 3 months, and expecting to meet this new baby in April. Please keep me in your prayers. I'm not worried about having a third child. I love having babies, and this just means more kisses, hugs, cute outfits...diapers..oh boy I'm must quit. Although there are days when I feel completely incapable of completing the task of motherhood...I'm more worried of doing it at 7 months pregnant with 2 little ones...one of whom will be still very little! (Evan will be 17 months in April)

I know the Lord will help me, and I am blessed to have a very "hands on" Daddy...Dan is always willing and ready to help feeding, changing, bathing, pony rides, he's great!

I find no greater more fulfilling joy in life than being a wife to Dan, and a mommy to Carter & Evan. There is nothing like spending every day with my boys teaching them ABC's, animal sounds, colors, numbers...and most importantly...about the Lord.

No greater joy than this.

We stand unworthy of God's rich blessings, yet He pours them over us. Thank you, Lord, for all the good, difficult, and even unwanted things that have come into our life.

With every trial I've come across...every heartache, hardship, problem...when placed back into the hands of God...even those things can become blessings.

May I be reminded of that...when the 'poor me' feelings come up, I must remember there is no time for that, for that will only hinder me from finding the blessings hidden in my trials.

So...to the mommy's who may read this or even the wife, single adult, or young person when you feel overwhelmed, overcome, incapable (we've all had these feelings) turn to the Lord and say, "May this only draw me closer to you, Lord."

How did my big announcement turn into this advice?? Well, I felt some of these things when the test read positive...I had to remind myself that God never gives me something I can't handle when walking close to Him.

Some verses that always encourage me. This first one is often quoted with only the end, but the whole verse is very applicable.

Hebrews 13:5, "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee."

Psalm 61:2, "...when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I."

Some I'm praying for today....my sister-n-law, Michele, that the Lord would help carry her burden in the heartache she's walking through.

Stacey & Spencer as they prepare to burry their firstborn baby. My heart is overwhelmed with grief at the valley they're walking through. What I think are burdens and trials fall away when compared to their pain. Please, Please pray for them.

Make It Home...Make It Safe

2008-10-03T07:19:00.000-07:00

I'd like to take a few minutes to introduce you to one of my favorite songwriters. I've always had a love for writing poetry & songs, but it wasn't until this last year that I've finally put my brain to work and started writing.

Music has been my passion since I was just a tiny girl. I have tapes of me at age 4 & 5 singing in the corner of the living room, car, my room...anywhere & everywhere! The tapes are too funny to listen to...but one thing is clear from them...I loved to make up my own music.

My dad always encouraged me vocally & my mom musically...he being the singer & her playing flute. I'm thankful for the love of music they instilled in me, and I'm noticing now that Carter has this same love.

So, in my attempt to 'tap into' my songwriting ways of long ago, I came across this name, Mark Schultz. After hearing his song, "Letters From War" I said, "I have to know who wrote this song!" Dan can testify at my excitement when I heard this guy's voice and the lyrics/melody. I found this video on youtube a few months ago and also found a bunch of his other songs. Let's just say...I'm hooked!

His melody lines are sooooo pretty!! His stories in every song I've listened to make me cry...so beware...you'll need tissues! He is a Christian artist and he not only writes of the Lord, but his stories are filled with hope, encouragement, joy...must I go on? If you like this song & this video...check out,'walking her home' & 'remember me' & 'He's my son' on youtube. I'd love to see him in concert. He'll be in Raleigh in December...we'll see.=)

Enjoy this video...the army made this their song and adopted the saying, 'make it home, make it safe.'

Thank you to our troops and vets...especially my Grandfather, Jim Schaefer, who served in World War II.

Now go get your tissues!=)

Smell of Fall in The Air....

2008-10-02T07:01:00.000-07:00

Carter's first Fall...we plan on getting one of Evan's first fall this year.

We took this picture in 2006...Breath taking beauty!

So, I just have to inform you that Fall is my absolute favorite time of the year!!! There is nothing like watching the leaves change colors, as I sip on a cup of hot co-coa, all while wearing my favorite worn out hoodie. Awww...the simple pleasures of life..don't miss them!

This time of the year always captures my attention with the absolute beauty that is this planet we live on. The perfecting hand of the Creator can be seen in the changing foliage and the "on cue" migration of the fowl in the air...ok enough of my adjective full sentences...it's just plain ole' pretty outside!!

So, in my attempt to make my home feel like Fall, even though we were still having 80 degree weather, I decorated my front porch...and I even baked 2 loaves of pumpkin bread!

Now that our weather has suddenly cooled down I don't have to pretend that it's cool outside today. While I'm sure the boys are thanking the Lord it's 60 degrees today and not 80, being that they were going to wear their cute matching Fall outfits regardless of the temperature!!

Like I told them...being cute comes before comfort!!

Not really, but after Carter was sweating to death last Saturday in his new old navy sweat-suit outfit...I took heed to the wet child and put him in shorts!

So...as you all (I hope) are planning your harvest parties, and unpacking your warm clothes, remember to thank the Lord for His rich blessings!=)

You've just got to try this pumpkin bread! It's a simple recipe that will have your home smelling soooo good!

Pumpkin Bread:
1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)
1 2/3 cups sugar
2/3 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla
4 eggs
3 cups Gold Medal® all-purpose or whole wheat flour
1/2 cup coarsely chopped nuts
1/2 cup raisins, if desired
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

1. Move oven rack to low position so that tops of pans will be in center of oven. Heat oven to 350ºF. Grease bottoms only of 2 loaf pans, 8 1/2x4 1/2x2 1/2 inches, or 1 loaf pan 9x5x3 inches, with shortening.
2. Stir together pumpkin, sugar, oil, vanilla and eggs in large bowl. Stir in remaining ingredients. Pour into pans.
3. Bake 8-inch loaves 50 to 60 minutes, 9-inch loaf 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes. Loosen sides of loaves from pans; remove from pans and place top side up on wire rack. Cool completely, about 2 hours, before slicing. Wrap tightly and store at room temperature up to 4 days, or refrigerate up to 10 days.

The Heart of God...

2008-09-21T10:57:00.000-07:00

This morning in church my Pastor preached one the most beautiful messages. He spoke about knowing the heart of God. As he opened the Bible the Love of God spilt from the pages as he read verse after verse.

A couple verses he read I ashamedly hadn't even heard before. It not only convicted me that there is so much within the covers of my old leather Bible that I have still to learn about, but it touched my heart to sit and think about the Heart of God penned for me.

I think sometimes I'm a very emotional, deep, complex, complicated (so my husband tells me) person, but I sat there holding my worn out Bible with its loose pages and I was overcome with emotions that I was holding the very Words of my Creator...a love letter to me...to us!

He spoke of how Jesus came to die for us. This was in the foreknowledge of God. Christ knew that he was born to die for the sins of the world yet He came! He bore our sin...He who knew no sin! What a beautiful story.

'To see the depth of sin you must see the height of divine love.'-Pastor Clarence Sexton

That was my favorite quote he said this morning. Oh, to truly see just how deep sin goes...just how far from God it had separated me...I must see just how high of a price was paid for my sin through His divine love for my soul!! I stand unworthy!

I've always been a lover of poetry, beautiful writings, whether from the words of a touching song or a flowing chapter in a great book.

The Bible has the most beautiful writings I've ever read...and to think it was written to us so that we may know the very Heart of God!! God reveals himself to us through the Bible.

When I get some time this evening and tomorrow I want to post a few verses that were used this morning that talked about how Christ willingly gave his life for us.

To know of this love...this divine love...a love like this can't be rejected, but only returned!!

I often wonder how people could reject such a story...to write it off as just that...a story. Then I remind myself...it's because they've never accepted this love and therefore they don't know. They just don't know...they could know, but often times they've decided to go with the flow, the philosophies of this world. They may say they believe there is a God...but they never decide to know Him. They create him into their own image. Choosing to believe only parts of the Bible...maybe the parts that sound good like there is a Heaven, but they reject to believe the parts that don't sound good like there is a Hell.

Lord, please speak to the hearts of men...speak to my heart...send Christians who will spread the Gospel across the paths of those who each day still choose to reject your Divine Love...thank you for your saving grace! I'm praying for many by name today. God Bless.

Love These Pics...

2008-09-17T07:14:00.000-07:00

I found these pics from a friends blog, thought you might like to see them too. I knew I'd love Sarah Palin from the first few things I'd heard about her, but after seeing these shoes...well, I love her even more!=) Enjoy!

The Wheels on the Bus Keep Going Round & Round...

2008-09-17T06:57:00.000-07:00

Our Church Bus Ministry made the news!!

The Scarlet Cord....what a story!

2008-09-14T09:31:00.000-07:00

This afternoon as I've been trying to feel good. I jumped over to Angie Smith's blog. I was so encouraged by her last post. You've just got to read it! The Bible is such a beautiful book...a true book. Won't you please take a moment to read or even learn about a women who God saw fit to use? Read "The Scarlet Cord" and I promise you'll be blessed! I let down my Scarlet Cord 11 years ago...I've never regretted it! When did you let down your scarlett cord??
(If you'd like to comment just open a google account with your email & a password. It's easy and takes a second.)

Remembering That Day.....

2008-09-11T11:46:00.000-07:00

Today as I watched the memorial services for 9/11 I also remembered the feelings that overwhelmed myself and my peers that day. Though thousands of miles away from the attack the pain, fear, and sorrow was felt very close.

I was a freshman at Crown College. Enrolled for a music degree....very far from my home in North Dakota. Since we were a few weeks into the semester I had already met some life long friends, and this experience only brought us closer.

I had just stepped out of an English class to people running toward the main auditorium. I asked a girl what was going on and she said, "New York was just bombed!"...I thought oh my word! So I joined the flood of students to the auditorium. The lights were very dim and in the silence I could hear people crying. I found my row of 'girls' and we sat there arm in arm watching as the news unfolded.

We watched and listened as our loving, President Bush, addressed a fearing nation. I remember feeling comfort from his voice. We have a great president...he was great then, and he's great now! His words of how our country will find and defeat those who have brought this evil here was empowering!!

I remember feeling so proud of my nation. In my childhood I was raised to be proud of this county, but sitting there as an 18 year old girl stepping out into adulthood it wasn't the first time I was proud of my country and it hasn't been the last!!

To watch how people opened their hearts & lives to those in New York was so moving to see. Our school sent a group of students there right after this happened. They street preached & witnessed to the crowds of people who walked through the dust and smoke every day. They came back to tell us of how the mood of the city was calm...humble...searching for answers. They led many to the Lord. I remember one kid saying that he met a women who grabbed the literature out of his hand and was weeping. It was moving to hear and see their pictures.

A huge group of girls met in the lunch room to write cards and send care packages to the list of families who had lost loved ones. I remember writing so many cards until my hand hurt. Me and Tiffany sat there together...we were both unsure of what to say in the card at first, but the Lord gave us the perfect words to say...His own. We wrote Scripture verses of comfort, and it felt like the very least we could do to send our love to our country men and women.

This event in history truly changed my life! It made me more aware of what life was all about. What patriotism was all about. I was at a stage in my life when I was searching for something in my relationship with God that was missing. I found out what is was through this time.

It was that...a relationship.

How can you get to know someone if you never listen to what they are telling you? How can you get to know someone if you never speak to them? Sure I was a church goer. I owned a Bible. I thought of myself as a good Christian, but I didn't act like one when the eyes of 'church people' weren't looking.

I didn't know how wonderful and fulfilling the Christian life could be when lived the way God has designed it. When I was saved at age 14... God in that moment had forgiven all of my sin ever committed or to be committed in my life. What a gift! In that moment He wrote my name down in the book of life. What a gift! In that moment He gave me eternal life & a home in Heaven with Him. What a gift!

But there was so much more than that.....

It was after 9/11 that I realized just how precious this Christian life could be. I truly began to learn what the Bible said. What God was saying to me through His Word. I began to learn that I believed what God said because I believed it, and not because I my parents or those around me did.

A lot of things in my personal life was shaken when those towers fell!

The attitude of living my life on the edge of what God said fell! The fears of not being accepted in this world fell! It no longer mattered what strangers in the mall or even family members thought of me! I would no longer be ashamed of the Lord. No longer would I be ashamed for believing the Bible! No longer would I let the opinions of educated people who questioned my life with their eyes matter!

Nothing else mattered to me more than the Lord!!

From this change God brought me out of a relationship that I knew wasn't His will for my life. If brought me out of the chains of an eating disorder that had held me captive and twisted my thinking to believe the lie that God didn't create me perfect enough. It brought me out of the bond of depression that felt so great I had started to believe that I would never be loosed of it!

What a changed GOD made in my life!

From this my life verse became. 1 Samuel 12:24, "Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart; for consider how great things he hath done for you."

Today I'm remembering those who died and those who became heroes on 9/11. I'm also remembering just how real God became in my life on that day too.

So, to those who always say,"no" to God by never saying, "yes"...what will have to shake in your life for you to finally change your answer?

God Bless America....and I'm so proud of our Country!!

Getting so big!!!

2008-08-29T05:37:00.000-07:00

Evan is doing so many new things. He is pulling up everywhere, and walking around things. He loves Carter's little matchbox cars. It is so cute when he finds one he pushes is back and forth with his two chubby little fingers with much concentration. He also loves to push a ball across the room. He is very good at amusing himself.

Evan definitely is another daddy's boy. He just beams when Dan comes home, and he immediately starts charging towards him. His eyes are always following where daddy is going. He is also a big fan of Carter...not such a big fan when Carter tries to take toys from him. Evan protests very loudly that he doesn't like that, but he tries to do a lot of things Carter does. Most recently, he crawled up our basement stairs. Don't worry, Dan was there behind him.

He is just too cute, and time is flying by! He just turned 9 months old, and boy is he already independent!He's quite the little talker too! He always has a mouth full of jibber jabber. We do think he is going to be our tough one. Our strong willed child. Little Evan Kail...he's a keeper.

My parents are flying in tonight from ND to stay for a week. We are so excited. I have to run and get sheets washed and food prepared. Carter is really excited that his PaPa & Gamma are coming today. Have a great long weekend!

He's a daddy's boy...

I remember when Carter wore these little jeans...

Some fun pics.....

2008-08-27T20:33:00.001-07:00

Carter riding his 'car'

The Birthday girl & me

Gotta love Italian food

Nikki,Me,Kelsey, & Lindsey going out to dinner for Kelser's b-day

Evan enjoying his lunch=)

He's still working on me.....

2008-08-27T19:58:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I haven't posted in over a week! Time has just gotten away from me. I had a friend from back home come and visit last week. It was so nice to see her & her husband. She stayed with us as he had a visit in the area he had to make. It was nice to have some company during the day. When her husband got back in town we had a great time going out to dinner with them, and showing them around downtown.

The last week and a half has also been very stressful. The Sunday before last, I realized that I had dropped Dan's check that he had just cashed. I lost $1400 big ones!!! Cash no less!! I cried like a baby the day I realized what had happened, and then to have to tell Dan what I had done. It was rough...he was so sweet about it, but I could tell he was disappointed and stressing about it.

That night the title of the preachers message was,"Waiting on the Lord." How perfect for my situation. As I balled all afternoon that day thinking...how could I be so careless?, what is God trying to teach us? Is this because I splurged and bought that oh so cute Mark Jacobs top that was on sale for $19.99?? (yes...$19.99 and it still had the original tag on it that was $189!..now whoever would have paid that was crazy and they should have lost their cash to be so foolish to spend that much on a top!!) Back to my story...I really struggled for a few days to apply that message to this issue.

"Just trust in the Lord."

I do trust in the Lord, but could I trust that He would take care of us even though all of our food, gas, bill money had vanished?? That was really hard to do, BUT I had to just do it....trust Him.

He knew I would lose the money before I even lost it.

He knew I would struggle with this before the struggle began.

I sat at my kitchen counter pleading with the Lord to show Himself to me...to teach me to just trust Him with complete faith, and not to worry for one more second about this. My blog title literally kept running through my mind, "walking by faith..walking by faith"

I want to live that and breath that.

I went to the alter that night after hearing that sweet message, and I just gave it to God. I just laid my worry, and fretting, and questioning my faith, and questioning God's leading hand, and just laid it all on the alter.

The next day, I kept praying every time my mind would start thinking about all the things we needed that the money was for. "Pray without ceasing"...that I did.

When Tuesday came...there was such a calm in my heart. I actually thought at one point, "Shouldn't I be doing something right now??...Oh yeah...worrying!!!"

That's when I just said over and over...thank you Lord. Thank you for giving me rest in my heart and mind about this. Thank you for taking care of our needs. We never went hungry. Some how we still had enough money for gas for Dan's paper route. Thank you for proving yourself to me even though I doubted. Thank you for forgiving my doubt.

God is so good. He really is...I know to some that may sound cheezy...but He is so faithful to His children. I think of many people even now who are going through things far more greater than losing just $1400....losing their spouses, or children, losing their homes, or even their souls. So many die every day who have never known the Lord, and with eternity in mind they have lost it all.

I have it all in Jesus. Tonight I'm praying for those who are lost. I have people very very close to my heart who have never given a clear testimony of Salvation...and sadly, some of them I've never personally asked them.

They may not know that I'm praying for them, but you do, Lord. Please speak to their hearts.

I know the Lord is still working on me to make me what I ought to be...wait, I'm getting a tune in my head now..is this a song?? It's late..nighty night!=)

For Sale....again=)

2008-08-15T19:46:00.000-07:00

Here is Carter as a baby pulling all the lids out, I'll have to get one of Evan

So, Dan & I officially have our house on the dreaded market. We listed it this past Monday, and we have been for warned by everyone how terrible the market is. Note: Don't bother telling us how terrible the market is..we've been told.=)

Our realtor warned us that it may take weeks or months for a showing. Ugh! Not fun! Well, today we were pleasantly surprised that we have a showing tomorrow.

We really feel that now is the time for us to sell, and we're praying that it will in a timely fashion. Please pray for us! I know this is going to be tough with little ones to keep on top of everything, but I'm ready for it.

It's not just Carter anymore who is the maker of all the messes. I found Evan today pulling out my basket of lids from the cabinet and enjoying chewing on a few too! I should have grabbed my camera, I'll have to be ready next time. I did however find the picture of Carter doing the same thing...same basket...same lids. Evan is also pulling up on everything!Then he starts to cry because he can't get down! It just looks so funny this tiny baby doing all these big boy things! When we went to the Doctor last week (yes he had a slight ear infection) he weighed 17lbs 3oz. He is just so sweet! I wish you all could meet him!

Well, I hope you all are enjoying the last days of summer! Thanks for stopping by!

A Love for the World....

2008-08-13T09:28:00.000-07:00

Have you seen this video?? I saw it for the first time last week, and I totally teared up! Who would have thought that a middle aged man doing a jig would make me tear up?? Well, it did...and when I watched it the second time it happened again!=)

As a Christian I see this video different...there is a world to reach for Christ, and it just starts with...one.

One Christian tells someone about the truth of Jesus, and the Gospel spreads around the world.

Maybe that's why it brought tears to my eyes because I see a great need...whether it's in the jungles of Africa, the busy streets of Hong Kong, or a rural country road in the plains of Iowa...people need the Lord.

So...will we go? Will we see the wold through the eyes of God? I'd love to wrap my arms around the beautiful children in this video and tell them of a Great God who created them.

What a neat video...what a love for the world.

I hope this puts a smile on your face. =)

14 months in the making....42 countries...and thousands of people...Enjoy.

Far Away but Close to Heart....

2008-08-12T20:54:00.000-07:00

For the far away Grandma & Grandpa...here's some sweet 'sugar'...your little grand babies! We miss you, and wish we could see you all the time! Don't get me started..it's too late for a crying session.

I think for me one of the hardest things about being away from my parents is not being able to just 'be' with them. Not even doing anything, but just feeling that comfort of walking into their house and curling up on the couch. My mom always showing me her latest project. It might be her new idea for her extreme talent in card making, or my dad telling me one of his stories that I'm not always interested in, but yet I love to hear it, because I love him...and I miss his voice.

I can hear him now....=)

So many times when I lived at home I didn't even think of these things...didn't even know how the noise of them moving and talking about are now some of my favorite and deeply missed sounds.

Now...many years later....and many miles apart...often I ache for it.

I miss being partially woken by my dad leaving in the early hours to do his paper route...their was comfort in that sound, or then waking to find after he'd come home a faint light on in the living room. I knew that meant he was praying and reading his Bible in his favorite chair.

I've learned that being apart does make the heart grow fonder, and because of this I cherish every visit we get! I look forward to seeing them in just a couple weeks!

So to the far away Grandma & Grandpa...we keep you close to heart, and mind, and we love you deeply!! Enjoy.....

This made me laugh so hard! You may have to click on photo to get the full effect of Carter's facial expression!haha...

Our little sunshine...Evan is full of emotions. He gets so happy and excited his little body can hardly contain the joy! This goes go the other way too...he's got a temper! Don't take his toy away!=)

"No,No, Baby!"....Carter loves to be the boss. Can you tell Evan doesn't really care?

Carter, please sit still!;)

'A Toast to my BFF on her Birthday..."

2008-08-10T19:24:00.000-07:00

My B-day this year

College Dayz

Just graduated High School

The dayz of 'teen camp' in Wisconsin

I wish I still had a scanner so that I could show you how tiny we were when we first met. Let's just say that a cabin full of 9 year old girls eating Cheetos and soda from the canteen can find lots to giggle about at lights out! I'll never forget hearing Kelsey play her violin in talent show at camp. She was amazing! Even my young ears could hear something special when she played.

Well, a few years later Kelsey wanted to join our church youth group as we went off to camp, and I happily offered to go pick her up. I think I was around 16 (kels 15) since I had just gotten my license. We were friends of course, but something magical happened in that hour car drive...we discovered...we were both crazy wacky girls! I don't know if it was our love for anything that had sparkles and if it was pink that was even better, or if it was our obsession for 'chick flicks', coke, and dill pickle chips. Needless to say we were hooked!!

The next 3 years of high-school we were inseparable, and I have so many hilarious memories with her. One of which I will share..well, maybe 2.

Kels had stayed the night at my house, which was our routine...one weekend my house, and the next hers. Well, we had shopped at a store in the mall the day before who gave us a shopping bag with 2 very handsome men on the bag. I woke before she did that day so, I grabbed that bag and began to cut out some of those bubble shapes that you see in comics when people are talking. You know, the little bubble holds what the person is saying. Well, I proceeded to have the 2 handsome faces that look right at you and follow you across the room if you move...kind of creepy to start having a convo. One of them said, "wow...dude look at this gorgeous girl."...the other replied something like, "yeah, man, she is a babe." and so on....I placed the bag on the pillow next to her head so when she woke she was sure to see that she had an audience! I went and laid back down in my room, and a little while later I heard loud laughter! Yep, she saw it!

Kelsey has a very contagious smile, and I've always loved that about her. She is always smiling, and is a very joyful person!

When we graduated high-school we both felt God leading us to the Crown College of the Bible. God brought us amazing girlfriends there who we both adore, and He even brought us our hubbies who grew up together too, and now we both have 2 little boys who are all buddies....interesting huh?

God has blessed me beyond measure with my dear Kelsey...aaahhhh....God has blessed me with many other wonderful friends too. Maybe some day I'll do a 'I love my friends post'...how cute right?

So, Kelsey, I wish you a wonderful, happy, sparkling, pink Birthday!!! Thank you for being such a fabulous friend! You have always inspired me in music, fashion =), decorating, many things, and you always encourage me in the Lord. Thank you for praying with me, speaking to me about what God is doing in your heart, and always being so honest about life. When you and Tim lost Belle, your lives were a living testimony of God's healing strength. Your faithfulness to the Lord in those days and even now speaks volumes for Christ!

I'm very thankful for you and I do hope that this 'BIG' Birthday is one of the best ever! Love you!

Prepare to Believe...

2008-08-07T10:24:00.000-07:00

"0000...aahhh...." I know that's what I was thinking!

How sweet honey. (check out Dusty's shirt..hehe)

Standing in the Ark!

Can you find the snake?

Walking through the Garden of Eden

Very high-tech displays

Outside the museum

This past weekend to finish off our stay in Cincinnati we went to the Creation Science Museum. Can I just say that it was AMAZING!!! They did not leave out one detail! From creation to the cross...it was all covered.

The beauty of the grounds was..well...beautiful! They had a garden with waterfalls...made you feel like you saw a little bit of Eden. Not only did they have every thing top notch, but they taught the plan of Salvation over and over. WOW! It made me think how many people come here searching for answers and find them?! I'm sure A LOT! The Salvation message was given so clear and simple.

They said the museum was built to hold up to 700 people comfortably in one day, and did you know they broke a huge record this year by having 3600 people in one day?! I'm glad I wasn't there that day...it was super busy enough! I think that shows that people are curious, and God is blessing this.

I was so excited to see it packed with people! Many, you could tell, were very familiar with what we were seeing, but there were many who I wonder if the Lord was pricking their hearts. I over heard one person say, "Makes you think doesn't' it?"

They proved, and I did say proved over and over that this Earth just CAN NOT be million and millions of years old! To give you one example they made which I had never heard, but thought it was very cool. Did you know that our oceans gain a little more salt every year? Well, if the earth was millions of years old we could walk across on the salt from here to Europe!

Also, when Mt.St.Helens erupted there were new rocks formed. Scientists knew the age of these rocks being that they were just made, but they went ahead and 'tested' them like they do all the rocks to see what age it was. The 'test' told them that the rock was millions of years old. Huh?? That proved to them that their method of testing was inaccurate. Makes you think.

As I attended public school from kindergarten to the 6th grade, it was drilled in my head that when dino's roamed the Earth this was a hot jungle like land filled with only them, and not people. Then, the climate changed and they all became extinct! Then we evolved from soup, the big 'bang' happened, and well...here comes Johnny!

When one is taught this...it leaves a lot of unanswered questions.

Why was I made? What am I here for? Is there anything more to this life?

Did you know that 80% of college freshman have contemplated suicide? Suicide is up 300% among girls?! mmm...I wonder why? When you're taught that you are just an accident made from chemical combustion then who really cares if you live or die?

Just think about it....with a clear mind think with me.

When a child is taught that the hands of a loving God formed them in their mothers womb, and He gave us life, He gave us breath, and He gave His son to die for them so that we could know Him. When they're taught that they were made with a purpose and for a purpose...and the God who made them made this amazing Earth and all the fullness there of, and made the animals with the ability to adapt to this changing world! When you think of it this way...doesn't it just make sense? God's Word is true.

They talked about Noah's flood. Just amazing, when you believe that this happened it makes sense how the earth's topography is today. It makes sense how the Grand Canyon was made, and how bodies of animals and humans could be preserved in the layers of the Earth. If they had just died, then the heat of the sun would have decomposed and damaged the remains, and animals would have torn and scattered the bones. When you believe that the flood happened....then you know that they drowned and were buried in the layers of the Earth as the dirt and land settled form the shifting waters, and that's why we find them intact. So cool! It just made me believe even more in my God.

Oh and last fact...in 2005 Scientist found (I can't remember where) part of the leg to a dino (can't remember which one) and are you ready??....blood tissue and red blood cells were still visible. It was perfectly preserved. Now...why didn't we ever hear of this?...and this also proves that this Earth isn't as old as many think.

Creation Science Museum...prepare to believe. It's worth the trip!
P.S. HAVING TROUBLE UPLOADING PICS!!! FRUSTRATING!

"My Heart is Full..."

2008-08-02T18:49:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure where to begin...I'm so excited about what we saw this weekend. My heart is overflowing with joy! We left this past Friday after months of praying and planning with 37 precious single adults from our church. We headed off in our big yellow bus, hoping to see God work, hoping to be use of Him. As we drove we sang of His precious blood, we sang of His love for us, we were so excited for what God might do! We arrived...after sitting in traffic, sweating non-stop, crazy wind blown hair...but not one complaint...not one. They started working, getting things ready, practicing special music, praying that God would bless, and He did! God moved in a great way through the service. We had a great crowd. I could feel the spirit of the Lord in that place. My sweet husband stood to preach. His message was one that I had never heard, "Why spoil ye the inheritance of the Lord?"
He spoke of Sheeba who fled to a city where he shouldn't have been. The army camped around the city ready to destroy what God had given those people just because they sought the life of one man. A wise women came forth and cried, why spoil our inheritance? She said she would find Sheeba and kill him if the army would spare the people and the city.

They agreed, she fulfilled her offer.

Sheeba who was causing great turmoil to the city.He was found and destroyed. He was beheaded, and his head was thrown over the wall to show that his life was no more!

What does this mean? To me...does this apply to my life, this Sheeba?

While Sheeba camped out in the shadows of this city and the army surrounded them allowing no-one to leave or enter..it caused the city to cease it's living. They were a 'paralyzed' city.

When I became a Christian I inherited a home in Heaven. Christ's sinless record was imputed on my account! Death in Hell was no longer the payment for my sin. Christ's blood had washed it clean, BUT would I ever spoil this inheritance?

The inheritance that has given my life purpose and meaning and true joy that satisfies my soul??

The answer...so often is yes.

When I let sin in my heart, and in my life, I become a 'paralyzed' city. I can't be used of God when I'm not right with Him. When anger sets in, when unforgivness abides, when wrong doing persist.

"Why spoil, ye (Heidi), the inheritance of the Lord!!"

Sheeba must be killed in my life...daily. He must not come in, he must not abide!! How do I kill him??

I kill Him with the Word of God...the sword of the spirit!
I must be ready and armed overflowing in Scripture so there's no room for Sheeba. What a message!

Thank you Lord, for using Dan in such a great way! It spoke to my heart, and my heart is full. God is good. He wants to bless us..He wants us to know Him in a personal way, and I can't imagine my life without Him.

I never want to go back to the place in my life when the reasons to live I couldn't find. So much sorrow, and weeping, a life with no hope...only questions! God changed my life in a great way when I was saved at 14, but I didn't realize the inheritance I had until I was almost 19 years old. When I found myself feeling so far from God. Yes I was saved, but I was wasting my inheritance. The Lord has given me victory over Sheeba again and again!

Do you have an inheritance? Have you ever had a time in your life when you realized that your sin separated you from God? That He sent Jesus to die for our sins? If we would by faith ask Him to forgive our sins and come into our heart and save us...He will! It's that easy!

Is your heart full, or are you searching to fill it? Thank you Lord for your rich blessings. (stay tuned for pictures=)

On the move.....

2008-07-30T05:08:00.001-07:00

So, our sweet Evan is officially crawling as of Monday morning!!!!! For the past month he's been flopping like a baby seal around the house following the steps of his brother. He even has a few sounds that really reminded me of being at sea world! Sure did!!! haha...well, now he's movin' at a good speed up and down the hallway. He is a very clever little guy. As I was folding laundry the other day in the living room I heard a door shut in the hallway. Carter was in the process of retrieving his favorite fleet of cars from the basement, and Evan was the only one in Carter's room surrounded by toys down the hall. So, I went to find out 'who' shut the door. While trying to open it, I didn't get very far before a chubby blue eyed baby was peering up at me with a big gin on his face!! (and for the record, yes he's chubby! He's been eating non-stop!) This is now his new favorite thing...to open the door all the way, and then close it completely shut! He is pulling up to his knees on everything, just seems like over night he started doing so many 'big boy' things! It makes me kind of sad, but happy to see him advancing. I think he may have an ear infection. The past 5 days he's woken every night at 12am! I first just thought it could be teething, but last night as I was rocking him to sleep he was fussing and pulling his ear. We will be making a trip to see Dr.Feld today. Oh, my sweet Evan...rocking him last night was well, hurt my ears for the first 20 minutes as he cried and cried, and I think I broke my toe the other day so it was throbbing in pain, but when he calmed down it was just the sweetest time. His warm chubby little hand on my skin...his sweet little breath on my neck..and his little sound he makes when he yawns. He smelled extra good from the bath he had...I just want to remember that forever. Love is such a big word to pack all that I feel for him, Carter, and Dan in those 4 small letters. Thank you Lord, for your rich blessings!

***A note about my Carter. We've been on the potty training adventure this week, and my what an adventure it has been! My friend Kelsey told me to sit him backwards on the seat to help him aim....well, we've been doing that, but yesterday when I came back in the bathroom to ask if he was done (he insists now when I put him on the potty that I then, "Go!" for him to be alone...too funny) well, as I came back to check on him my toilet was wearing a beautiful shade of pink lipstick!!! I guess leaving a tray full of 'goodies' on the back of the toilet isn't the right spot anymore! So, pray for Carter that he'll get the hang of this potty thing!!! =)

~The Living Savior~

2008-07-24T09:13:00.001-07:00

Do you know the living Savior,
have you felt His tender care?
Do you know the living Savior,
His grace your burdens bear?
Do you know the living Savior,
have you seen His scarred hands and feet?
Do you know the living Savior,
read His words to you so sweet?
Do you know the living Savior,
has He washed you white as snow?
Do you know the living Savior,
with Him to Heaven you will go?
Do you know the living Savior,
walking by faith with Him each Day?
Do you know the living Savior,
a great price for sin He paid.
I know my living Savior,
for He's forgiven me of sin!
I know my living Savior,
He's coming for me again!
I know my living Savior,
He bled and died for me.
I know my living Savior,
I met Him at Calvary.
You can know my living Savior,
for He's waiting now for you.
Ask Him to come in your heart,
and you can know Him too.
~heidi

chic junk.....

2008-07-22T17:45:00.000-07:00

So, the other day I found a little dresser on my favorite shopping site craigslist.com. Craigslist is like one big happy garage sale! Well...for the most part it's happy, but I did run into a scammer the other day, but that's another story. Anyway the dresser was screaming, "give me a makeover!" So,I happily did. The vintage look known as shabby chic has been my favorite for a long time.Rachel Ashwellhas been my inspiration long before her 'simply shabby chic' line invaded the Target stores!Check out her website www.shabbychic.com Her styles of fabrics and colors are so romantic, feminine, and elegant! Yes, her mass produced items are beautiful, but that means now me and 400,000 other people will have the same pale pink vase and linens. Not as fun shopping in aisle 10 as it is at the local flee market or a quaint antique shop. I've put a picture of my latest project (the dresser) on here, along with one of my favorite items I found at a 'side of the road' sale. Oh, and we watched 2 sweet little girls from our church tonight so there's a pic of all the kiddos too! Enjoy, and "happy junking" to you!!haha.

Pink Elephants & Blue Lions....

2008-07-19T09:00:00.001-07:00

(this is an older picture..my camera wasn't handy for this story!)
I had to take a quick break from our "massive" cleaning and organizing we doing today to catch my breath. It's a hot day in Tennessee and I'm sweating with all the running up and down stairs. We've decided to de-clutter some toys from the basement and while doing those projects I usually find a million other little ones on the way. As I'm busy organizing where the fireman puppet (known as 'captain Randy' in honor of my uncle and retired fireman, Randy..original right?:)) should keep watch, and where all of Carter's cars and trains should park....I'm distracted by the sounds that I've suddenly entered the zoo! There he is...Carter. He has probably 15 small animals lined up...there's a purple monkey, 3 giraffes one of which has trouble standing, so the blue lion was strategically placed next to him to help Mrs.giraffe keep her balance. There was even a family of pink elephants. All different looking, but headed in the same direction....to the Ark. He even had his "little people" Noah ready at the door to greet them. I'm sure this Noah was thinking, "yikes! these animals don't look as though I remember...pink elephants??" haha...but Carter successfully stuffed every last one of them into the boat...and closed the door! Carter and I began to talk just a little of the story...but in my mind I'm thinking of more details that as he gets older I hope he understands.
God told Noah to build an Ark and Noah obeyed. When the Ark was finished the animals came...many came and they found safety in the Ark. I see the story different now that I'm older. When Christ finished what he came to do on Calvary there was then a way made for everyone to come and find safety in the cross...in the blood He shed. The blood that would save them from death in Hell. When Christ finished what He did on Calvary He made a way for everyone to find safety in Him...the Ark. The Ark is a picture of Christ. Safe in Him I shall be..carried by Him through this life and one day to Heaven! Many come into the Ark and we all are different. We all have a different life story to tell, life experiences that have brought us to Salvation. Yet only one way to safety....through Christ's blood into the Ark. I'm sure God has seen his share of pink elephants and blue lions coming to Him, but he loves each of us...no matter what. I love how the Bible holds simple truths, but when digging deeper you find almost every story is either a picture of christ, or pointing to Christ. Awesome. Please keep us in your prayers. Dan is praying about when is the right time to finish at Crown and he's thinking about a new job. p.s.Evan is sooo close to crawling!!

Ramen Noodle Again??

2008-07-17T09:54:00.000-07:00

Today as I was sitting at our kitchen counter eating a gourmet lunch with Carter...it consisted of Ramen noodle, peas, and apple juice. Sounds lovely doesn't it? Don't worry we're having bbq chicken on the grill tonight with cooked carrots and salad...ok, back to the story. As I was sitting there I started thinking about a paper we received yesterday in the mail that my parent's church puts out once a month called, Faith for Life. As I was flipping through the articles there was one that caught my eye, as this topic has been on the top of my prayer list the past couple weeks, it was entitle, "Faith & Finances." Yep, I'm gonna do it...I'm going to talk about finances! HA! To many, including myself, this is a touchy issue, but I have laid in bed so many nights worrying and praying about those green little pieces of paper...the almighty dollar. We have been learning lately that having 2 children, a mortgage, a car payment, a school bill, and everyday expenses doesn't leave much room in the budget for the rising gas prices, not to mention the rise in cost of living in general. I've been praying lately...Lord help me to have faith as George Mueller. A man from years ago who would sit the orphans that were in his care at the table for supper, knowing very well that there was no hot food simmering in the kitchen to serve them. They would be seated with their dishes and cups ready to eat, knowing that their plates were empty, BUT their faith was full. They would begin to pray that God would bless the food they would eat, and supply their needs, and as they prayed a knock came to the door and low and behold food was waiting for them. Circumstances that undoubtedly couldn't be explained by anything accept for the loving hand of God. I remember reading George Mueller's biography when I was in high-school and the story after story of this happening is truly amazing. Well, although I haven't had a milk truck break down outside my house and offer me to take gallons of free milk before it spoils we did have someone bring us a bag of fresh garden tomatoes on Sunday with a loaf of bread....thank you Lord for the small blessings.
As I read the article about finances I was encouraged that with each of the points we are on the right track. Maybe some of these may be helpful to some of you.
1. Labor~ you must have a job.
We've got that one covered!
2. Thriftiness~ living below your means. Finding ways to spend less. I think my gourmet lunch of Ramen Noodle says I'm doing well in this area!
3. Vision~See the end result
Do I even have to comment on this one??
4. Interest Awareness~"The borrower is servant to the lender" Prov.22:7 This one was a good one, high interest rates will kill you!
5. Wisdom~ we need this and discernment~when to spend or when not to spend I liked this one, being reminded that seeking God's wisdom in many purchases would help many. example: do I really need that new_____???Especially if I have to borrow money for it and pay interest??
6. Humility~ "A man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth."Luke 12:15 This one too made me think twice. Nothing wrong with nice things, but if to attain these nice things I have to live above my means...well, then you know what I mean.
If I could end with his closing remark,
"A person in debt doesn't think clearly and enjoys life less. Make it your financial goal to become 'unvulnerable' by practicing disciplined spending habits. It will eliminate much stress from your life, and also benefit you spiritually."~Pastor Tony Scheving
Well, maybe some of this has been helpful to some of you or maybe it's been a good reminder of what you already know. I was encouraged by it. Hope you all are having a great day!!

Welcome friends.....

2008-07-16T06:43:00.000-07:00

So, I haven't completely decided what to call our new found "home." I really want to use this to keep our family and friends updated on what our family is up to, and to talk about what God is doing in our lives. So....for now it is "Walking by Faith"....which is basically the motto for our life, but if you ever come and find it titled something different don't be surprised. I would have loved to use that for the web address as well, but it was already taken, so that's ware "God leadeth me" comes in. That is actually the title of the song I'm working on right now, so I guess it was on the brain! Take care....

Just starting out....

2008-07-15T12:41:00.000-07:00

I've given in and decided to join the world of bloggers! We will be turning off our babyhomepages.net/carterandevan site as soon as our months are up. This will give our family & friends time to find our new "home"...here in the wonderful world of blogs! I am very excited about all this, since I've recently been inspired by a couple blogs I read to write more about our "Walk of Faith"...thus the name for our site.=) Writing was one of my favorite subjects in school, and I've been reminded lately of how much I enjoy it. Please understand that I'm still trying to learn how all this works!