Homemade Heritage

Deeper Still

2012-02-09T06:34:00.000-06:00

This has been the love song that keeps setting my heart and spirit free over and over.... WILL I GO DEEPER STILL.... even though others passively mock me and put down the desire and life that is deep in Him.... WILL I GO DEEPER STILL... even though I don't always understand.... WILL I GO DEEPER STILL... even though it requires everything in me to trust WILL I GO DEEPER STILL... and turn my back on the corners of compromise... WILL I GO DEEPER STILL....and not get tangled up in fear... WILL I GO DEEPER STILL....so that He can prove He is enough.

There's a place inside of me
There's hunger for a change
I have tried to satisfy
I have tried to rearrange
Needing Him completely
I come ready for my fill
Is it then He asks of me
Will I go deeper still
Will I go deeper still

Listen, can you hear His voice
Hear Him calling, let all men rejoice
And leave the shallow place you're in
Come and meet Him if you will
He beckons and He speaks to us
Will we go deeper still

Deeper than the waters I have stood in for so long
Setting out to sea where I know the hand of God is strong
Leaving all the worries that I let keep me from going on
He troubles where I stand until I go deeper still

What He has for us
Is wrapped up in mysteries unknown
To the mortal mind
If we're willing to go deeper
Beyond what we can see
Then I know life awaits us abundantly

-By Ronnie Freeman

The Beauty of The Lord

2012-02-02T20:39:00.000-06:00

I am almost at a loss for words as my hearts pounds and I reach for the Lords peace.

The anxiousness comes and goes as I enter to this place of letting go even more. I am ever thankful that it's a process.

We sit and cry, laugh, and talk of all the Lord has brought and what is to come.

As I have put together her transcript and she completes what has been a long season of schooling, she will graduate from this way of life this summer. She beams with excitement and floats around full of joy.

We have reflected on the years of schooling and all that was gained as well as the trials.

We share in the excitement at what seems to be a pivotal turning point and what will the Lord woo her heart into next.

She shares of the wonder of waiting and seeing what the Lord will fill her heart and life with.

I look her in the eyes and smile, anticipating the Lords awesome wonder for her her life.

It has been beautiful to see her reach for Jesus, the One in who she ultimately puts her trust.

This journey has been sweet even though it has had its challenges. I am thankful our journey continues, but as sisters in Jesus.

I find myself encouraging her to ask the Lord to enlighten the eyes of her heart for what the Lord has.

I want nothing more than to see her on the Lords ride throughout each and every day of her life. I pray her heart is forever captivated by the love of our sweet Jesus, and that the beauty of the Lord our God would be upon her and establish the work of her hands.

Thank you Lord for all You have done and all You are going to do.

A Refreshing Season

2012-01-23T14:05:00.001-06:00

My heart is bursting with excitement and the freshness of a sweet new time in life.

With each new season of the heart it's as though the Lords unending grace overwhelms me in ways I would have never imagined on my own. It comes so timely after such a season of learning to let go of even more that I was not aware of that I was holding on to.

I absolutely love growing older.

What a precious Redeemer I serve that goes to such detail to bring delight to the everyday moments of this life.

He is the source of anyday pleasure that arrives and how my heart overflows with thankfulness that He has even designed my life to be so enjoyable!

It takes me letting go and reaching to take His hand.

I scan the perimiter of this life and see His signature on all He has given from His heart.

What a gift. What a friend I have in Jesus.

So I take in the joy of this beautiful new season!

(This is late January in Texas for ya!)

A Thriving Garden

2012-01-13T13:05:00.002-06:00

A thriving garden happens when one takes the responsibility to tend to the work that needs to be done.

Tilling the soil, landscaping it out, sowing the seed, watering, weeding, watering, weeding and clipping here and there, and the beautiful harvest will often depend on what we invested.

Likewise, children will not accidentally become wise and productive adults, emotionally healthy and stable, and live up to the heights of their potential.

Sadly my children will suffer immense brokenness if Gods design for the family is ignored.

I will not speak on the part of fatherhood, but I know that what I do as a mama will have eternal significance in one fashion or another. Proverbs 31 gives a full picture of the various specifics of my God-given assignment. Their is beauty and wisdom found in it.

Establishing a home in which the greatness of God and wholehearted devotion to Him is an investment I must make each and every day. Not just when I feel like it.

My common purpose is to glorify God in whatever the circumstances and boundaries or limitations that I may encounter.

Me and another mama who live out of town have commented to one another how we are often encouraged as we reflect on one anothers choice to focus our priorities and time in light of our husband and children's lives. This is not always a natural instinctive choice, but through the crying out to God to help me stand strong in denying myself it is possible. Still yet there have been times I have resisted and failed.

Most mamas have immense love and concern for their children, but many of us can refuse to accept home-based full-time mamahood. Doing things outside the home is fine as long as I am not tucking being a mama around the edges of MY interest and desire.

I e-mailed another mama blogger who stands strong on home-based motherhood and asked if she was faithful in that follow through. She replied stating that she only left the home when necessary because that is where she has established the right environment for them to grow and flourish. She has a dear friend who loves to be away from home almost all the time and she witnesses time and again how her home and family suffer dearly for it.

Being a wholehearted mama in today's society and culture is not without its challenges.

In order to have a thriving garden in my home, I must be committed to the job and not considered something I do on the side. I cannot have a divided heart. Always thinking about the next opportunity to escape my responsibilities. Many of my own lessons have been hard learned and failure a common companion in my beginning years of mothering 15 years ago.

Today I am thankful for the gift to sweetly and beautifully have the time to savor these vapor like moments.

Teaching them from infancy how to dance with The Father.

I treasure the gift of teaching the children how to share the gift of life with one another even though they may share different interests.

I desire for God to invade every moment of my life that I may not take any moment for granted.

I hold dear the gift of being able to nurture my children with my words, physical labor of quality investment, or songs to comfort.

I am thankful when God drowns out the desire to have life my own way and I can embrace the "right now" with my children.

I am ever truly thankful for the gift of being partnered with my husband in building a godly heritage.

The Heights of Motherhood

2012-01-12T20:35:00.000-06:00

I often ponder in my heart what the next season of life will be like.

Being that the Lord has chose to plant a seed of life deep within,

this season it is the morning craving of a freash fried farm egg, whole grain toast with old fashioned plum jam, and a couple slices of fried bacon.

The before bedtime craving is 2-3 warm baked spicy molasses cookies with a small glass of really cold milk.

Something I also enjoy is making homemade herbal remedies for the family.

We have had a bit of coughy stuff happening, so I cured a batch of cough syrup that consisted of wild cherry bark, honey, and lemon rind. So far so good!!!!

Little Selah has been such a delight.

From day to day we are tickled at her new blossoms of personality.

The season of her being my nursling is ending and so our bonding will begin to mature and grow into a beautiful new way of life.

Daily my cry to the Lord is to help me grasp the heights of His plans for me,

to shape and fashion me in His likeness that the light of Christ may be seen today!

2012 Beginnings and Such

2012-01-03T22:02:00.001-06:00

We have been ever thankful for the gift of new friendships that the Lord has introduced us to over this past year.

The Yoder Family has been one of a few to mention. This dear family took time to travel over the New Year Holiday to be with us for several days. We had the sweet opportunity of sharing in the celebration of the gift of 17 years of marriage that God has given them.

Joy that comes from sharing purity in friendships was a highlight.

We spent much time together that left us all encouraged and edified. What a gift it is to share life with people.

The children had a blast!!!!!!!

We have made friendships that will last a lifetime!

Sharing hearts, crying, fellowshipping, singing, and lots of laughter!

We also brought in the new year with Selah Rain turning a.....

"BIG 1"

what a blessing it has been to soak up the gift of life that she has been given

We look forward to this year with great excitement as the Lord has provided opportunity and vision.

Me and the 2 older girls will be attending a refreshing retreat at a farm a few hours away where a handful of other mamas and daughters will be residing to hear a heart to heart teaching. We love the opportunity to get with other mamas and daughters to share the life of Jesus!

We also will be pressing on to this years ATI conference in Big Sandy once again! We are looking forward to meeting up with folks we met last year and excited about what the Lord wants to teach us this year.

Although there may be other opportunities the Lord brings about to fill in the time He gives.... we also will be eagerly anticipating the arrival of Benavides baby #9 in late August or early September. We feel so blessed that the Lord has planted new life and we pray it will continue to flourish to be all God has purposed this new life for.

My hearts prayer is that we will continue to live our lives set apart for the sake of Jesus Christ alone. A life bent over in constant servanthood to others. May our hearts be fertile ground for the Word of God to take deep root and that we would be a vessel for His life to flow.

A Totally Fun Southern Cookbook

2011-12-29T13:45:00.000-06:00

My eight year old daughter was gifted this book by her grandmother and I must say we have had a blast rummaging through this book umpteen times over. Each of us wait with anticipation for the other to be done so we can claim the next thing to be made.

My oldest daughter has jumped on the bread recipes a couple times over and sweet southern cornbread will be tonight with our own homemade southern turkey chili!!

So if any of y'all like good ol' southern cookin and would like to try some unique wholesome recipes, kick off your shoes, strap on your apron, and order this cookbook!

You won't regret it.... it has been a homestead blessing to us no doubt!!!

Happy Cooking!

The Gift of Teaching Our Children

2011-12-28T21:50:00.002-06:00

The gift to teach them the grace given word of God from infancy. The constant pouring in from infancy will bear fruit one day. Filling their treasure chest with all that He is. I believe above all it is the greatest gift to be given.

Teaching them righteousness and what it means to listen to wisdom instead of foolishness. For those that walk with wise men shall be wise according to Proverbs.

Investing the gift of precious time to train them to be lovers of God instead of self-pleasure.

Doing whatever it takes to fill their very hearts with more of Him.

Building character of diligence and thoroughness that their hearts would be ready to follow through with whatever the Lord calls them to.

Teaching them the gift of reading that they may dive into the Word of God and soak it up and into the very core of who they are. Training and teaching them to take the initiative to fill their hearts with pure, and noble things.

Teaching my children the heart of God for them. The Lord wants more than anything for us to know Him and want more of Him. The Lord loves those who seek and obey Him. Teaching them that wisdom is far greater than silver and gold.

Let me not be found guilty of teaching these little souls about living a life of shallow, self-centered focus, boasting and immersed in vanity but rather teaching them to seek the Face of Grace that they would make a place for the deep works of God to manifest.

Looking Well To The Ways of The Household

2011-12-26T22:38:00.000-06:00

Part of my daily learning of how to look well to the ways of my household is being aware of how to make the most of what we have been given. Food preparation is always big on the list.

we are back in milk with our Jersey cow and milk supply builds.

an ingredient we use often during the winter is cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken. I dread buying whats canned because of all the msg but I do for convenience.

The other day God graciously enlightened me to making a big batch of cream soup with our extra milk and freezing it.

I used it in a green bean casserole and it was a big thumbs up. So we made a big batch and froze it in quart size bags for easy pull out when needed.

This cream soup can be used for cream of mushroom sub, cream of chicken sub, potato soup, broccoli cheese soup corn chowder and any other kitchen casserole.

Basic Cream Soup Recipe:

1/2 cup butter

1 cup flour

8 cups milk

1TBS salt

1. Place butter in saucepan and melt.

2.Whisk flour with 2 cups milk and slowly add more milk.

3. Add flour and milk mixture to butter in pan.

4. Whisk until thickened and remove from heat.

Gift Making Fun

2011-12-09T12:57:00.000-06:00

Peppermint Mocha is the theme.

The cold outdoors and the warmth of home all about. So much to ever be thankful for.

At moments my heart is begging to see the blessings God has given. I want to see His love in EVERYTHING!

It's by giving. By giving away all that He has given. My life, my time, and all the other.

So we dance around in puddles of joy in the kitchen as we count those we long to bless. Our hearts beat strong with gratitude that we are even given the privilege to give.

We stop to demonstrate His sweet love in the midst of it all. I think of Jeremiah 31:3... I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving kindness.

Cocoa, sugar, peppermint, how He gives in countless ways that come together to make something so sweet and delightful.

The work we do is for our sweet Jesus.

So I am reminded to bless the Lord at all times ...Psalm 103:1

So I continue to count the ways He gives.

Every Day Wonder

2011-12-05T16:25:00.002-06:00

Being a homemaker provides opportunity to do just that.... make my house a home. Perfect it will never be, but creativity will have its space. Thanks to Pinterest and all the interjected mama ideas.... we had snowmen doughnuts!Gratitude filled the air for all!

Even the the baby of the littles enjoyed her portion.

God had a great design when He created the family.

I desire to reflect His character, to love Him and serve Him as I serve the family He has given.

When I am dancing with the Lord throughout each day, it brings such freedom and it is there I drink deeply from the well of emotion and pleasure that only His gentle hand gives.

So as the gentle rain falls like His grace, so the corridors of His love are released and every day wonder are taken in as the heart fills with happiness. Ever thankful that He let the even the bread have its way and rise so gently, bake so evenly and taste so sweetly. (For even His grace will provide those baking days that the bread is well..... ummm... maybe great dog bone food....chicken crumble...really what ever makes me feel ok about tossing it but being sure not to hit anyone.....I laugh now but its those times we can just try to....ummm...well ya know how it goes when the bread falls!:)

He is so good. For that I am thankful.

Its how we are able to make it work in a home filled with so many needs.

Keeping praise on our lips. Hugging one another with our words and actions. Being a vessel of His grace and love. Staying at a place thats surrendered to Him that our lives may reflect what we were made to live out.

(BY THE WAY....this bread recipe is from Castleberry Farm and it has proven faithful to be frozen and thawed and has made some of the best grilled cheese we have EVER eaten!)

Thankful to have a pot of simmering sausage soup to serve with bread. It reminds that even He said we can not live on bread alone.

His grace is consistent and we can celebrate the gift of now by living and sharing a life of thankfulness.

Mission Accomplished

2011-11-28T22:30:00.001-06:00

My womb is their first home.

They have a need and deep desire to be cherished, loved and protected.

It's a journey like no other. It's worthwhile.

Husband, home, and family are to be my central focus.

I am entrusted to help direct their life towards purpose and meaning.

It's a woman who fears the Lord that is to be praised, not the outward vanity.

It is only by Gods embrace of me that I can strive to fulfill the mission He has set before me.

Daily looking to the Lord for His perspective in my life.

Moment by moment taking the Lords hand as He leads me through the details.

Will I cast all my cares away that I may stay willing to respond wholeheartedly to this calling?

Will I deny self pleasure and gratification at all cost that I may better meet the very hearts I hold?

Love, marriage, children.... it's all part of the mission.

I will never be a perfect mama. For this lot in life comes with its share of struggles that bears trial and error.

I will answer one day as I stand before the Throne of Grace.

Will I be able to humbly say to Him "Mission Accomplished"?

Thankful Moments

2011-11-26T20:51:00.001-06:00

And the warm moments that I am dazzled with God's grace....

throwing together fresh cranberries to make yummy cranberry pomegranate jelly..... He is faithful to provide even the smallest of ingredients to make a dish complete

...... melt in your mouth Maple Walnut Fudge

..... a tummy full from eating grandmas tasty pecan pie

..... thankful for the cousin that likes to look on Pinterest and make fun cookies for all the littles to enjoy!

.... thankful for a happy baby that likes her Bumbo seat

..... thankful for the cozy moments when little brother quietly slips away with little sisters binky for an after mealtime nap

....thankful for the cousins who came to swing and play

....and how God is so gracious to grant life long enough for the great uncle to come visit

I am like a child that is dazzled by Gods gift of grace.

Joy is made full when shared with others.

Afterall..... God desires for us to see Him in all the days and places of our lives.

The Fruit of Faithfulness

2011-11-22T16:09:00.001-06:00

Many times over the years as I have come in and out of seasons of family encouragement and support systems, I have caught myself pondering if I was just wasting time and efforts in the strategic work it takes in raising children or could this time better be used elsewhere. This is not a fruitful place to dwell by any means.

I place this photo in this post to bestow more glory and honor to my Faithful Shephard, because when I ask Him to please show me where I am off, He is so gracious to do so and at the same time He bestows a fulfillment inside that comes through seeing the fruit of my labor and faith. My eight year old daughter presented this delicious meal to her family one evening for dinner. She gave me, the mama a list of ingredients to pick up at the grocery store and Eggplant Parmigiana is what we had. It is these glimpses of Gods grace that spur me on in confidence that God is good and if I will not grow weary, in due time we will reap a harvest of righteousness for His names sake ONLY.

Our humble integrity as people of God will come by walking the path He has given to each individual and the fruit we bear will be determined by the choices that we make in this self gratifying world.

When the time of testing comes, will I put my faith in the rules of life that are based on foolish values, placing immense value on leisure time, vacations and entertainment, hand out quick fixes to the childrens needs, live out a no-fault confrontational side of marriage, and remember no more the widom of our Faithful God OR only by the strength invested in me by God will I hold fast to and value hard work, pereseverence, and diligence as affirmed by an All Knowing God.

I am daily pleading and asking the Lord to give me the strength to endure the self sacrifice and complete humbleness that awaits each moment.

It is to Gods great glory that I stay faithful. It is by loyalty and obedience to God that any of us shall have a story of faithfulness in history to be told throughout all generations.

True - Devoted Thankfulness

2011-11-14T10:17:00.000-06:00

This moment, today, and this week I will continue to ask the Lord to will in me the ability to give thanks even through the trials.

I find this is a weak area and tough obstacle in my life and I strongly desire to have my eyes opened to the daily graces given and to live awakened to the continual God honoring privilege to live immersed in thankfulness.

The trials of the heart are many and I stand behind the cross as my strength to stand.

Trials of the heart can take me down to a dark pit and determine my spiritual stability unless I cling with full grip to the cross. It is by clinging to the foot of the cross with a heart of thankfulness that I can reflect His character and the true reality.

I will choose to not live in fear because of what I see with my eyes... I will ask the Lord to help me see with my heart. To see life from the heart and follow what God shows me is really true.

I will choose to dance before the Lord with all of my heart because I love Him... this dance pouring out from the overflow of my relationship with Him.

My thankfulness journal has taken permanent residence on the dining counter area that I may walk by and continue jotting down the endless ledger of His unending and unfailing grace and love for me.

1 Samuel 16:7- .....the Lord looks at the heart

I want my heart to be pouring over with thanks that I may walk in love... for God is love and apart from that I am nothing and have nothing.

As I seek to abide deep in Him... basing my joy on daily companionship with God.... finding joy in NOT compromising...and give thanks in all things are ways that will cultivate an atmosphere of thankfulness in our home.

God has done so much to make my life blessed (not that I have earned it or deserve it) and He desires for me to recognize His great love for me even through the trenches of trial.

May my whole life and yours be genuinely wrapped up in God in the most passionate and purposeful way!

Family...Friends..and Life

2011-11-02T21:58:00.000-05:00

There is sooo much to be thankful for!

Energized Days

2011-10-31T17:13:00.001-05:00

As any mama might, I long for deep happiness and joy. I have days I battle loneliness, defeat, rejection, and hurt. The hardest choice to make at time is to not allow my emotions to lead me on a vicious cycle of distraction from embracing what is at hand in the now. As the Lord is teaching me about what it means to abide in Him, I am really having to be aware of keeping my thoughts in the now of any moment. The Lord has encouraged my heart in that He has enlisted me as part of a strategic work for the kingdom of God. This work takes place in the very hearts that beat in the home He has provided. Heartfelt satisfaction is found in wholeheartedly being in the moment with the very people in my home who are responsive to the simple message of Gods love and His redemption.

So....I give thanks for an energized day of making play-do.

Apple pie and peppermint play-do.

We pulled out box #4 from our box organizing system and dumped out all the play-do toys!

The overwhelming temptation to eat the apple pie and peppermint play-do brought the pleading request for edible peanut butter play-do. Wha-la.....

Isaiah gives a big thumbs up for the peanut butter play-do!

Aliah has made a scrumptious peanut butter and peppermint sandwich!

I am daily seeking to keep my heart engaged with Him that I may stay in sync with the real Source of everlasting completeness. If I seek I will find.

Kids, Caramel, & Apples

2011-10-27T22:50:00.000-05:00

Thankful today for....

the fall season

crisp apples

sweet soft caramel

popsicle sticks

little kids who like eating caramel apples on a stick

The How of Happiness

2011-10-18T06:43:00.002-05:00

I am so thankful for the Lords gentle hand. I can easily forget the how of happiness when my focus shifts and paradigm is limited to trying to please people and fit into their expectations. When fear of wounding arrows is suffocating. I am ever thankful that God hold us even in the untamed moments.

This morning I find happiness in giving thanks for heaven scent cinnamon roll cake piping hot out of the oven in the fall season!!!!!

I find happiness in giving thanks for young men who enjoy chopping firewood for the hopes of weather cold enough to burn this hard work in a crackling fireplace!

Today I will choose to gratefully and humbly receive what God gives.

My Source of Joy

2011-10-17T07:47:00.002-05:00

I stand at absolute surrenderance once again. It's so hard to trust and let go of fear at times. But I want my life to be a journey of seeking out the heart of God as I would search out treasure.

Investing in joy consists of me sowing joy into my life in ways that are biblical and true. Truly embracing that living face to face with the Lord is authentic joy.

I have to choose to look for Joy in ALL circumstances at all times. I have to not base the status of joy on my circumstances.

I want to please God greatly by not just saying I love Him but by showing it through how I live this short life.

I want to see life from the heart and follow what God shows me is really true. I have to deny and let go of what seems right in my own eyes.

By Gods grace building habits in my heart that lead to life-giving waters. A refreshing place to dwell.

He has done so much to make my life blessed and the truth remains that He is worthy of my whole heart and nothing less.

Jesus never promised I would experience ultimate fulfillment in this world but it is said that in His presence is the fullness of joy and that is where I long to live.

"In your presence is fullness of joy." Psalm 16:11

Grasping the keys to a joyful life is seeing Gods reality and purpose...... dancing before the Lord with all my heart because I love God...... my dance poured out being an overflow of my relationship with Him.

By His grace alone I commit to put aside ANYTHING I depend on for joy outside of His presence.

Enduring Life Wars

2011-10-09T22:04:00.002-05:00

They play so free and joy feeds their soul. It almost seems as natural to them as the motion of breathing. Childlike faith. The little girl asks me daily.." Mama... do you know who I love the most?" I say "Who?" She replies "Jesus."... with a smile beaming from ear to ear.

As I have been searching .... I have found myself doubting at times how I could possibly face what the Lord may have without fear or doubt. I have struggled through many of lifes wars in the past,( like many have but pretend the pain away), that I take on a discouraged and vulnerable state of heart and allow the hurts and burdens of life to sink deep with in. I find myself pondering how can I avoid the bitter trials and wounds in relationships that penetrate to the very core. Is it possible?

My desire has always been to walk hand in hand with the sweet Savior, but at times I lose sight of what that looks like when those life wars arise. I see that I let it slowly slip as the trials of daily life whirl in and out.

"Help me, Lord. Yes these life wars have wounded deep and left scars. Hurts are real and all people have them. but I don't have to live as a victim, giving way to the pull of depression or overwhelmed. I don't have to allow my circumstances to determine my attitude. Help me take back the childlike faith and joy that is as natural as breathing itself."

I have to choose to believe in the goodness of God. It is here that He will lead me into that life full of grace and joy.

I have to hold on tight to His hand and allow Him to lead me in this dance He has called me to.

I have to be as a child that delights in life. Here I will taste of grace for each moment and swim in His peace.

What kind of mama, wife, friend and Christian will I choose to be? Will I allow Him to cultivate a life in me that is victorious, free, and lighthearted or will I live in and of myself and be of a downcast, bitter, weighed down and wounded person?

He is joy.

He gives the joy that satisfies deep with in. He is the joy that brings hope. He is the joy that gives peace when we don't understand. He is the joy that pushes us through to love even when we have been wronged.

By His grace I can run this race empowered by the Holy Spirit which bears the fruit of joy. I am in need daily to be reminded of the gospel of Grace. By taking in His grace it is that which will penetrate and transform my relationships despite any life war.

Gods Graces

2011-10-03T23:15:00.001-05:00

It is His grace alone that has given peace to this mama heart as we have walked through what could have been worse.

Baby boy... so sweet and cuddly..... victim of an axe being driven into a log..... accident on the six year old brothers part.... pain became a temporary companion.

God is always so good. Good to give what is needed at the moment. I called on the precious saving name of Jesus. He heard. He answered. He gave. He is the Prince of Peace.

Oh how joy comes when we can gather with the Lords people and share about His goodness. Twenty children and four adults filled this home with souls set out to lavish the Lords love. The deep talks that penetrated the superficiality of the heart were transforming and the truth exposed in areas that our family must take even a deeper look at. It was an honor to spend time with people (The Lockwoods in Mexico)who do more than talk about giving their life away for Him and His purpose.... they faithfully give away to the lost in Mexico as they share the transforming gospel of Jesus and what He has done. They are a people very content with what God provides and want for nothing more than for more people to grasp the powerful gospel. We looooooove you Lockwoods :)

I am thankful to have been assigned the honors of being a mama for 15 years now this past September. My eldest child Hannah is forever moving forward in her life. It is my prayer that her life will be overwhelmed by Gods great love for her and that she herself be a joyous-grace filled woman of God. I am daily learning how to direct her to her own need for Him and aiming her towards pleasing her Prince that He may continue a great work in her heart.

This son of mine for 10 years. Life saved and grace bestowed in ways that are beyond what I can comprehend. God is faithful. Gods intervening grace through this child has permeated and changed the way I see a parent child relationship. I am convinced this young lad hears the heartbeat of a loving, grace-giving Father. As a parent I have failed many times over and yet they still love. Not because of who they are, but because of who He is and what He has done. As parents and children, we are sinful yet radically loved.

Thank You Sweet Savior.... Abounding Grace.... Faithful Father. Even though I am so undeserving .... You gave it all. Lead me to that place.

fall sunsets are for......

2011-09-21T08:03:00.000-05:00

playing in rainy mud puddles

I am thankful for....

childlike laughter filling the air

mud puddles to play in

fall sunsets that bring forth a new season in the heart

siblings making fun memories in the moment t

The Magnitude of Today.... The Right Now

2011-09-20T08:17:00.000-05:00

As I seek to stay broken.... broken that all of Him may saturate all of me... seeping into my innermost depths.
I look into nine sets of eyes daily and ask the Lord inside to help me reach the depths of their heart with how I love them. I mean I fail in a moment many times..... then I am broken yet more... and then ask the Lord to fill me with a grace that pours. His grace that covers. I long to be consistent in His grace.
As a mama and wife.... I want to be a safe place. Knowing that the truest safe place is in Him.

I want my home to truly be in the hearts of people. How I have given love.... been love... given.... given.... and given some more. Really.... giving my whole life away. Right now... right here.

The magnitude of now not being wasted one bit. Not wasted on whats not fair.... not wasted on shopping for whats temporary..... not wasted on filling time outside what really means most..... but embracing... taking hold of right now. Drawing close to the ones He has put in my life.... inviting all to come live with Him in the deepest places.

Throwing away the clutter of life.... the seemingly endless call to seek what eventually fills and pushes out my True Love for Him.The clutter that robs. The clutter that destroys. The clutter that is temporal.

Will their life reflect on what they had or what they were given?

Given time to be heard, rocked, taught, loved, played with, embraced, hurts doctored, snuggled, tickled, cried with, take a walk, listen for His voice, sing, sew, bake, look at an invention, see cute moments with baby, help with piano lessons, speak strong words, that make others feel strong, give a sense of slow, be close, make a home and if I reflect more this list could go on and on.

Right now is big for it is all I have. How will I spend it?

The Virtue of Simplicity

2011-09-16T16:44:00.000-05:00

I can make my life as complicated or as simple as I desire. I look to Him to guide me in how to protect the time He has so graciously given. I will stand before Him one day and give an account for this earthly time.

My determined purpose is that I may know Him and become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him. I look to unclutter the mind, heart, and home.It is not something I have laid hold of yet, but I am grasping for.

I want to glorify Him while on this earth and accomplish the work in which He created me for.

Simplicity. Purity.

What will my children remember when I am swallowed by the earthen grave?

I embrace the Lord all the more that I may not be seduced or lured away by worldly consumption. Like erosion... slow...silent...and subtle.

Too much clutter in my public life, heart, mind, and home leave insufficient time for Jesus and the souls He has placed in my care.

Slowing the pace brings such fulfillment. I can see and feel Him in the moment.

So I give thanks for the summer season that fades......

and we embrace the new season...... seeking to make our home a house of prayer... giving thanks in all things by His grace alone.... we can see.. we can savor what He gives for today.... in this moment

transfiguring all things into beauty...

making every breath a yes to God....

AND WE COUNT IT ALL JOY!

Tub Fun!

2011-09-12T12:08:00.000-05:00

A little shaving cream and a dash of food coloring and this is a recipe for fun in the tub!

I am thankful for little people art. I don't think I could recreate it if I tried :)

Peace Seeking

2011-08-30T06:47:00.001-05:00

Peace is NOT a season...... it is a way of life.

It is not something found, given, or bought of this world.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. John 14:27

He is peace. I find that true peace when I live out and surrender to "Thy will not mine be done."

Colossians 3:15

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

I am thankful for little boys who like to play fishing games together.

Not Giving Food Much Thought

2011-08-29T07:06:00.001-05:00

I wanted to share a quick idea. My hand was not the first to be raised to venture into this unique eat. But hey, the children decided it was a keeper and so it is. We took a whole wheat tortilla and spread natural peanut butter..... poured on some fruit jam, and slid a banana on top. We had to lasso the banana in place as we rolled this slippery fella up in a wholesome tortilla. I cut them in half which made for an easier eat for the littles. And walla! When the children are asking for more..... well mama can thank the good Lord for simple wholesome ideas when it comes to food! Afterall, this mama does not have loads of time to give food much thought! The Lord is calling me to follow........

......to follow hard after Him. Giving Him all my thought. Taking in each moment and hugging it wholeheartedly. Today belongs to my Sweet Jesus and I will live for Him alone. He always leads beside quiet waters when I partake of meekness with Him. He is always faithful to give more than I deserve. Taking in His grace is hard at times but I will choose to trust. I will obey. I will die to myself. I will follow where He leads come what may.

What Good Ol' Country Boys Do For Fun!

2011-08-23T08:02:00.001-05:00

Some scrap wood from the barn and....... a plane we have. I believe a recycled rabbit kindling box. Noah built this for his brother who likes planes.

Let's see..... ever wonder what to do with those tin soda cans... leave it around long enough and it will be the prime target for shooting.

By the way... these boys were quiet intrigued with how a single shot could split a can right in half!

Growing Deeper

2011-08-22T06:54:00.001-05:00

Godliness must be the desire if my life is to grow deeper in Him.

Disciplining myself for the fullness of His purpose alone.

Yet, as I have searched for those far and wide who long to go deeper, I find that perfectly said by Isaac Watts "This world is no friend of grace to help us on to God."

Grappling greed, gotta buy, gotta get, gotta have, complicated lives, relentless pressures, and just simply said it is a society and culture void of God. Void of godliness. A global atmosphere bent on distracting us from growing deeper in a life of intimacy with God.

My heart aches for this body and soul to be encompassed by godliness. Its here that I experience that nourishment that stems from words of faith from the delectable Word of God.

I Timothy 4

¹ The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. ² Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. ³ They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. ⁴ For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, ⁵ because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
⁶ If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters,^[a] you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. ⁷ Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. ⁸ For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. ⁹ This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. ¹⁰ That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe. (my own bold and underlining added)

Religion comes easily but true godliness is a constant discipline. I have failed in seasons to discipline this heart for the purpose of godliness. Often struggle to deny the fleshes temptation to just dive in to what everyone else is doing... even to the point of justifying it because those who appear to be devout lovers of godliness are partaking in small amounts here and there.

His return is drawing near. What will I choose to value?

So the depths of this soul is stirred and senses the genuine need to cultivate intense intimacy with My First Love.... Sweet Jesus..... Faithful One.

.... and so I take his hand

2011-08-15T06:42:00.001-05:00

Where will I lead this little one? What will I share? What fragrance of life will I leave behind for him to savor?

Will I feed him the Bread of Life? Will I pour him a cup of joy and laughter that spills over into all his inner being?

Will the atmosphere he lives be pure and full of life giving oxygen? Will His life be my best gift to him above all existing material items or any grand vacation of time?

Will I daily lay aside me that I may give to him in unplanned ways?

The One Above All has given me the freedom to choose where I lead him. All eight of the existing child souls.

Today I will whisper His words of life to this little one who fully depends on me.

I will rest in the Lord as I call to the Lord to fill me with His meekness. I will take each step trusting with every fiber of my being that the Lord is holding my hand just the same. Realizing it is so much better to walk close to Him, side by side, hand in hand, fully dependent on Him.

Family Revival

2011-08-12T07:09:00.000-05:00

God has been sooooo good! I have to say that I have had opportunity to even say over and over how good God is through many a trials. Learning to give praise in the midst of a trial has been a huge part of what God has been growing us in. It's amazing what we can see if we ask our sweet Jesus to give us His holy vision that we might see Him in the moment.

As part of Gods goodness, He has brought two of our girls to a place of desiring to go much deeper in Him than what is just surface. It has been a blessing to hear of the excitement that has overflowed their sweet hearts as they have anticipated their baptism. What joy fills our own hearts as parents to see our children continue on in the Lord with their own longing for more of Him. Four of our children have now been baptized ( Hannah, Josiah, Noah & Aliah). We have some dear friends that live in the Tyler area that are always so kind to set aside a weekend to share with us in this pivotal event in the lives of our children.

This year has felt like somewhat of a family revival. As we have eagerly looked to the Lord to take us farther and deeper in Him, He has been so lovingly leading. We do anticipate where the Lord may be leading our family next by the end of this year. As we do feel like He is calling us to leave the area in which we live, He may very well just be calling us to leave a place of life where we currently stand in our hearts behind. We will remain on our face before our Savior as we look to Him to lead the way.

Acts 2:38
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 12:13
For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.

Humility... it is a wealth of wisdom

2011-08-03T07:31:00.001-05:00

Colossians 3:12
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

As the early morning dawns, my soul is searching. Searching for the way of the Lord for today.

Tears were shed late into the night as my broken heart bled for the child who's dog died. I heard echos of who was to blame and how it could have been avoided, who was exempt, and saw the the burden dumped on a little ones back. As the deep night grew, I cried for the Lord to please show me how to be a better mama. I held the young lad and soaked up his tears, but Lord could you please heal his broken heart as I pleaded by his bedside in prayer to the Lord while he slept his cares away.

As I lay in the still of the night, God gently said , this is what it means to carry one anther's burden. So I picked up the burden and bear the pain of the young lads heart.

God spoke again to assure me He had a purpose in ALL things and His plans for this young boy are great.

My heart was still trying to grasp something, I knew there was not completion. So complete humility in me would be the redeemer for time.

I only hoped the morning would come soon. Hoping the God of Grace would give me full opportunity to choose the garment of humility, lowliness, humbleness, less proud, not important.

Humility is what will keep me where I need to be. It is here I can hear and it is here I will grow. It is here I can love and it is here I can learn. It is by wearing humility that I will gain wisdom and riches of His life.

Proverbs 11:2
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

facing failure

2011-07-27T07:31:00.000-05:00

Some days it's like I am searching through a pile of papers, looking for the one I need for right now. I am looking for this thing called life. Will it be we bake bread today..... play with children...... spend the day ironing out heart issues..... will we talk of driving the for sale sign in the ground.....will we walk the earth of a foreign land..... will we entertain hospitality this evening..... will I rock babies....

I struggle most with being content in the now at times. I so desperately want to know what the unknown is. Not knowing distracts me from living fully right now. I am reminded to let patience have her perfect way. To not let tomorrow be the focus of my thoughts.

The words ring in my ear of past failure. How I chose what I thought would be best and yet empty was the return. How often do I choose what I think is best when God had something better.

Is that why I stand alone on parched ground?

Failure has always had its part in my life and it always will. Will I trust that God works all things for good in those that walk with Him? He so desires glory that He can make something so beautiful out of any ugly mess I made. Do I live believing that?

So will I start this day as an empty canvas and let The Great I Am create His masterpiece in me?

Will I choose to seek His face in the beauty of the world around me and find Him?

So I listen for His voice that I may follow.

John 10:27 My sheep listen to my voice: I know them, and they follow me.

So I turn my thoughts towards Him and see Him in the fresh food He has provided for dinner.

I see Him in the time, knowledge, and supplies He has given my oldest daughter to make a warm fuzzy quilt for her little sister.

I see Him in the vibrant color of homegrown blessings and that He even brought it forth from the ground.

I will trust Him to use my failure with every fiber of my being.

Isaiah 26:4

Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal.

A Special Path

2011-07-25T08:46:00.001-05:00

Micah 6:8

The Lord has told you what is good. He has told you what He wants from you: Do what is right to other people. Love being kind to others. And live humbly trusting your God.

God has designed a very special path for each one of us. For me, for Richard, and for each one of our children. Each path will look different in that God designed each path with perfection to fit the one He has chosen to walk in it. We must hold our head towards the Creator and look to Him to lead us down the path He has. We ask that He would give us His eyes and His heart so we may see His face in every direction. We place ALL our trust in Him as we walk closely enjoying His presence and His peace. We desire more than ever for God to be glorified in a HUGE way through our lives. It is only by being nothing tha He can make something out of our lives.

As we have surrendered our idea of what Sundays should look like....... the Lord has called my husband to step forward in faith to share a gospel message to the broken hearted at the Health Care Center in a neighboring community. We will take a breakfast treat of some sort to bless them. They loooooove new food. We will share a few worship songs and then Richard will share a gospel message in a story form that they can comprehend. Elderly people are often like little children and it helps to break the gospel down to simple for them. This sharing has been a huge humble step for Richard. The Lord is taking our family into deep waters. It is good, yet at the same time it is a little different feeling throwing off all reserves and jumping into the unknown. We both agree that the Lord is growing us in the path He has designed for us and it will be an adventure we must stay humbly surrendered to daily.

I laugh at my husband. He is always entertaining the children with some silly idea. We are always commenting on how sweet the baby of the family is. Everyone is always wanting to just eat her up!!! So a child brought a plate to the table for daddy to put her on so he could eat her up:) For those of you who already know my husband.... well.... it's just who he is.

Boy Joy

2011-07-21T07:40:00.001-05:00

...... precious gifts from heaven to raise and to enjoy ...... raising them to be men of faith and to chase the heart of God... encouraging them to be Warriors of Truth ..... walking with the grace of God to become all that they were purposed for.

I always wanted help from the two year old boy when it comes to butter. Oh the joy we choose to see in the moment and just laugh!

This sweet boy has been sunshine since the day he left my womb!

Hillbilly cute is what he is!!

Tender boy eyes that can captivate any moment.

A baby boy smile that fills the heart with intense joy.

This is how a two year old boy does school sometimes. How many wipes can we pull out of the bag? How fun their creativity is!

Young men sitting in the quiet of the day doing school.

How boys can look for ways to make learning fun.

Hope is Filling

2011-07-15T14:25:00.000-05:00

Romans 15:13

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow"

Thankful to God for the gift of....

113.The peace that calms the air when a little one sleeps in mamas bed.

121. Chocolate smiles on happy children

122. The joy that comes from watching an older sister train little ones to sit quietly on a blanket.

123. Daddy giving the time to pillow play with the children and all the laughter that fills the air.

19. Iced cold water in a mason jar.

124. Yummy treats to dip in hot melted chocolate.

As I put my hope in God.... making Him my source of relief..... He then hands over a joy and peace that overflows!

The Joy of Being Four

2011-07-13T23:13:00.000-05:00

She is our delight and brings us so much joy.

She is loved so much and we cherish her.

We thank you God for the gift of being four.

Imperfection and Grace

2011-07-08T07:25:00.001-05:00

Imperfect me is the result of a bad choice made centuries ago in a garden. I'll never get it all right, and never be all right. I fail. I fail hard time after time throughout this life.

I can put on a mask. A facade of glory. But imperfection is me through and through. All is exposed at some point. This is part of living in The Light.

I call for His grace to encase me.

Lord, please help me wipe away my mess. Reminds me of when a little one calls me to help clean up a mess.

His grace is big. His love is gentle. His mercy endures. He voice is soft.

Lord, I want to have a holy vision to see through the mess of imperfection in me and others.

So, if I will seek Him, I will find Him. I will find Him in the midst of all of life's circumstances. He is in every moment.

Will I embrace it? Embrace that nothing happens to me except by the will of God. This is hard to take in at times.

Counting it as grace is what I learn. Waking through one grace to another unbeknown to me often. It takes practice. It is hard. The moment holds raw and tender. But His grace is sufficient even when I lack. Without it, I would be incapacitated. Helpless and wounded beyond recovery.

The secret to taking in His grace right now is that our eyes must be opened to seeing the Well of Life before we can drink from it. Genesis 21:19 "Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water." I have to want to see God in the moment. Want is the key here. I have to make the choice to want to see joy in the midst of the mess. And then I have to choose.

I take in that grace in this time right now that I can have the fullness of knowing Him.

The Power of the Pit

2011-07-07T22:09:00.002-05:00

"....Do I really smother my own joy because I believe that anger achieves more than love? That Satans way is more powerful, more practical, more fulfilling in my daily life than Jesus' way? Why else get angry? Isn't it because I think complaining, exasperation, resentment will pound me up into the full life I really want? When I choose- and it is a choice- to crush joy with bitterness, am I not purposefully choosing to take the way of the Prince of Darkness? Choosing the angry way of Lucifer because I think it is more effective-more expedient-than giving thanks?" -One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp

And so today I give thanks for the honorable opportunities that our world calls pointless disturbances and tedious annoyances...... the calling to be a mama to eight hearts that pound wildly to be loved.... taught..... embraced..... served grace....

...so the Lord opens my eyes wider daily to see His divine beauty and joy in this place called life.

My thankfulness journal is only beginning and here I am thankful to God for.....

98.The gift of two year old boys

99. Sweet baby boy feet to kiss and tickle.

100. Bare baby feet in the dirt.

101. For his little voice that calls me.

Let Your Light Shine

2011-07-06T12:45:00.001-05:00

Matthew 5:14-16

I search within. Day after day. Asking the Lord if today is the day that the strong desire to go will become a reality.

Will He take us to the tribes of Africa, the lost in Mexico, the wounded and hurting in Haiti, the slums of Ecuador, the orphans in the Philippines, or stay.

What does it mean for us to look after the orphans and widows in distress? Surely He meant to be more than a hearer, He meant be a doer.

Do what?

Deny self? Pull out the clothes of humility and wear them like a crown? Humbly step forward and volunteer to give up everything this American life has to offer?

How? I search more. Listen closely and look hard. What else is there to forsake Lord? Am I hearing You right? Lose my life that I may gain it? It seems as though the more I look to lose the fewer the people become in our life. After all, if Christianity is not Comfortable Christianity, well who wants that.

The waters are being stirred deep within and I am leaning forward over the edge reaching far to try and grasp what He is handing. My hand is wide open.

Waiting for Him to lead that we may follow.

As we sit late night swinging in the front lawn. Moon big, crickets chirping, and the stillness of the summer night with its little shining stars. The Working Man says to me "You think someone will rent this house and farm if God calls us to leave, it would be nice to have a place to come back to?" I swallow hard and the turning of my stomach is overwhelmingly rising within. Heat rushes over me. I think to myself. Why? Why do we still try to hold on? Has Jesus Himself not called us to give it all up? Or do we feel justified in staying comfortably sit and smiling as we smooth over our reasons for still holding on?

So we dig deeper. Face in The Word. Learning what it means to truly live for Him. There is always a deeper place He desires to take us. Will we let the things of this earth pass away so we can take His hand? Will we allow Him to cleanse us from deep within that we can be made whole and set apart for His Kingdom?

My heart pounds hard. Not clearly sure what the Lord is doing or undoing in us. I assure the one I was created to help, that I love him and will go to the ends of the earth with him.

So he says, "Let's start by pouring into the kingdom of children God has given us in a way that we never have." He assures me that he is willing to forsake all this world has to offer that he may gain the hearts of his children for eternal purpose.

And so we press on.

Our family recently adopted a health care center in a neighboring town that is very much in need of Jesus. We happily ministered by serving and loving on the abandoned, lost, broken, and hurting people this past holiday. We drop in to play the piano for lunch, take some special treats, or just give hugs and smiles away. We are always looking for an opportunity to drop in. They love playing Play-doh with the littles, games, or just watching. These folks are such a blessing to be with. It generates an indescribable joy to give away the love of Jesus to people who are so eager to soak it all up. Much more gratifying than partaking of self pleasures. We feel so honored that the Lord has opened this door as a beginning to a new journey He is leading us on.

May it be said of us that we gave to reach the dying for His Kingdom.

Thanks is Everywhere

2011-06-14T06:58:00.001-05:00

Ephesians 5:20

Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I am so thankful for baked malted chocolate cookies that Hannah made for us.

I am thankful to God for His gift of a sweet friend for Hannah to share purity in heart.

I am thankful for the opportunity to teach our children the wisdom that comes from hard work.

May I gain more of Him daily as He drains me of any ungratefulness that I made be made whole.

A Way of Life To Consider

2011-06-13T14:54:00.002-05:00

Proverbs15:27

He that is greedy to gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.

All to often we can be tempted to get caught up in all that we can gain for ourselves. Hoarding things away for the someday that may never come. Wasting our time running all over to gain some of this and a little of that with the intent of storing it away for self. We can rob ourselves of the fullness God has purposed for the time He gives to us daily.

We are reminded over and over to be givers not takers. To be more than a hearer but a doer.

Am I a true witness of what it means to give what God has so freely given?

Proverbs 14:12

There is a way that seems right to a man but in the end thereof are the ways of death.

Bedside Readings

2011-06-10T19:20:00.001-05:00

Bedside readings. The Holy Bible. It brings such a good nights rest by infiltrating my mind with the Word of God. It brings such insight to the day by taking a bite of The Daily Bread before feet touch the floor. My prayer is that wisdom and faithful instruction would be on my tongue with all people I may encounter that day. Especially those closest to me. My children and husband.

One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. It has been beyond a blessing to read the testimony of how God can truly redeem what the enemy meant for destruction in ones life. It is a matter of what will we choose. I have been challenged to start a thankfulness journal. One that will go on and on as I am reminded daily to look for God in each and every moment. To choose thankfulness means to choose joy.

A Love That Multiplies by The Duggars. It was heartening to camp next door alongside this family in Big Sandy as they lived out the doing of the Word. It was comforting as they did not try to hide any imperfections yet would testify with joy about Gods goodness through success or failure. It is always encouraging to glean from seasoned mamas and daddy's. The ones that bear the fruit of trusting God, looking to God, pressing in to Him even through the trials. By Gods grace bear the fruit of faithful and dedicated parenting.

Today I am thankful for an incredibly sweet young man that enjoys coffee like his mama! A young man that makes me feel truly cherished.

May we be faithful and not compromise the Living Word of God.

Inviting Peace To Rule

2011-06-08T14:23:00.001-05:00

Colossians 3:15
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful

Today I am thankful for the gift of fresh juicy tomatoes from the garden to dice for lunch.

Last night I was very thankful for warm buttermilk peach cobbler and thankful for an oven to bake it in.

Today I am thankful for fresh basil from the garden to make a creamy pesto sauce for lunch.

Today I am thankful for pasta to cook to eat with the basil God blessed from the garden.

Two days ago I was thankful for a little girl who likes to make yummy treats for everyone to enjoy.

Thankfulness breeds peace which breeds surpassing joy.

I am experiencing it.

Looking for the thankfulness in the everyday life.

Every good and perfect gift comes from God alone. James 1:17

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

He is faithful. He provides the daily manna. Will I hold my hand out to look for it and take it or will I reject His goodness because it does not come the way I think it should?

How will I define my perspective? I will choose to see God in everything.

As I take flight by choosing to open my eyes to all God is and gives.... it brings peace. A peace that rules despite Satans cynical ways. A peace that rules over Satans perilous presentation of things. A peace that rules over greed, bitterness, anger, guilt, and fear.

Peace...harmony...rest...love...friendship...stillness....quietude..... worry free...

this is what I want to rule in my heart.

By not choosing to see God in EVERYTHING and give thanks... we will only reap discontentment, frustration, worry, agitation, upset, and worry.

By Gods enlightening grace... I dethrone the enemy and keep my heart as only a place for God and all He gives to dwell. By simply saying "Thank you God."

2011-06-07T00:22:00.000-05:00

“Consider Jesus. Know Jesus. Learn what kind of Person it is you say you trust and love and worship. Soak in the shadow of Jesus. Saturate your soul with the ways of Jesus. Watch Him. Listen to Him. Stand in awe of Him. Let Him overwhelm you with the way He is.” John Piper

The River of Time

2011-06-04T11:56:00.004-05:00

The clock ticks 12:45a.m. I sit in the quiet of the house rocking the 2 year old baby boy. The tears stream. The tears have welled up and are rushing out. They seem endless. My heart aches and yearns. Aches for how I have wasted moments. Yearns for the next moment in time. How will I spend it? Or will I ignorantly waste it? Perhaps baby boy is awake at this lonesome hour for a good reason. Him.. and me. Just us two. No other little person waiting at my side or circling my legs or even waiting in line for mamas listening ear. Just him and me. Close. Warm. Cuddled in a quilt that speaks cozy. Little hands touching my face. My tears drip on to his little face. He looks at me deep into my eyes. I look deep into his. " I'm sorry little one. I am guilty of not always stopping to give myself fully to the moment. I have not always stopped to take in this moment given by The Creator of Time. Oh how I long to do this one life well."

We only get one chance to raise them. Raise them in Kingdom time or the relentless ticking time of the world.

A world that is enamored by speed. High speed internet and loaded high energy drinks that take the top in our world today. The speed limit is 70mph. We see speed produce death time after time on the highway to town. some evn live a racing 70 in the speed of life. Left worn and tathered. Nothing to give away.

Speed produces a harsh heart in some that results in tearing into others with words for the sake of saving time. In the end it was a waste of time. A moment that could have been given to see God and be used by Him.

I don't want to carry the regret to my grave of looking back to see that time is a blur of one big unholy smudge.

Hurry to run errands. Hurry hear and hurry there. Hurry and load up. Hurry and get dressed. Hurry with chores. Hurry with dinner. Hurry and bathe. Hurry and get to sleep. Hurry day after day and hurry time after time. It does not assure great gain.

I allow the hurry of the day at times to take me away. I can easily get driven with the wildness to get it all done. Sadly, those things are temporal. Those moments will not last forever. Pouring the life of Jesus into the hearts around me is eternal. I clearly see how I have wasted time. Giving myself to hurry. I can een allow other peoples hurrry to hurry me. Hurry hurts. Hurry can wound. Hurry is another arrow. Slow to speak is mentioned in James 1;19. In this same passage it states to be swift to hear. Hear God in the moment. Hear the need of the moment. Hear the essence of God given time.

Laughing. Rocking. Singing. Playing. Praying. Seeking. Hearing.. Giving. Pouring Those are the moments I want to fully keep giving myself to. I want to fully be there in whatever moment in time I find myself.

Lord, help me stay awake to see You in each God given moment. Pop the bubble of hurry that I may fully settle in Your time. To flow with You. Let your love flow through me. As I pour out Lord, pour into me.

I thank You for the gift of time. I thank you that time can be a holy experience.

Captivating Thankfulness.... It Leads To A Well of Life

2011-06-02T00:38:00.003-05:00

Psalm 100:4
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.

As I have searched and asked," Lord, what is it that I am missing? What do I lack? What is hindering me experiencing fullness in You?"

"Oh, .... really? hmmm....Thankfulness? "

"But Lord I am thankful."

Am I only thankful for the obvious? Only for the big things and neglecting the microscopic?

Am I thankful with plenty or little, empty or full stomach, with almost nothing or with everything, content with whatever I have?" Well..... not always."

I humbly have to swallow this one.
"Where do I start?" "What does this mean?" "How?"

The Lord showed me that I needed to drive out the unnoticeable habit of discontentment by looking around and taking note of all His good and perfect gifts.

I wondered how this would unfold. Could I possibly humble myself to that kind of vulnerability. Would I end up missing out?

Is thanksgiving the key to the wholeness I have been searching for?

Honestly, don't we start this life in Christ by giving thanks to God for sending His son to die for us?

No longer am I to try to trace back to the why and how of any pain. I am not to hold on to any rights that produce unholy attitudes or behavior solely do to a wounded past. Not even the heart breaking, gut wrenching pain.

Afterall, according to 1Corinthians 11:23....Jesus gave thanks the night He was betrayed. ²³ For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; ²⁴ and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat;^[a] this is My body which is broken^[b] for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”

I would no longer wrestle to lay a past life down.

If I will open my heart and eyes to all He has given and done, it is then that I will experience a completeness in Him.

I step out and keep my days simple as I look for His gifts of love.

For those I will give thanks.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Psalm 26:7
That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving, And tell of all Your wondrous works.

~ I am thankful for the friend that has given the gift of time to walk with me through the breaking down the walls of self protection.

I am thankful for little feet in my home. Feet to cuddle, kiss, and wash.

I am thankful for the gift of hearing piano practice.... even with a babe in lap.

I am thankful for old enamel pots with plants in our front yard.

I am thankful for the beginning harvest of what was planted so long ago.

I am so grateful for the gift of working in the kitchen with my daughter and friend.

I am thankful for wooden swings for little girls to swing on.

I am thankful for my little almost 4 little girll who likes to take pictures of her house shoe.

~ I am truly thankful for the gift of repentance.

~I am thankful for the salvation of my sinning life.

~ I am thankful for the opportunity to pour richly into my children.... for it will carry over into generations to come.

~Thank you God for lots of laundry.

~Thankful for laughing children.

~ I am thankful for the gift of the Holy Bible... turning the crinkled pages over a warm cup of coffee.

~ I am thankful that the eyes of my heart have been opened to see His blessings and how important thankfulness truly is!

God is so good... and I will choose to look for all He is and has given in the everyday!

Strong To Overcome

2011-05-26T14:08:00.005-05:00

"Strong to overcome" are the words that echo in my ears as these two boys press on in pursuit of being soldiers of the cross. They have found that in memorizing Hebrews 4:12 it is a constant reminder of what brings forth power to overcome. The Word of God!

See.... Satan has been campaigning us to believe many lies. Lies that keep us entangled in the toxic realm of "Carnal Chrisitianity." Decieving us in such a way that we leave God unemployed in our lives ultimately.

This is where we can find ourselves hungering for something more other than God. You know the universe of want and need of material means to fill our emptiness. You know the cycle of fill....then empty.....fill....then empty. It turns my stomach from the innermost..... a sense of disgust.The only fullfillment I want to desire is a fill that comes from our Sweet Savior.

I have been apprehended by what God has been showing us. I have seen the face of Jesus flash before me that the heat is so invigorating, heart pounding, and tears streaming down my face as our broken hearts bleed forth anguish and hurt for living a no in so many ways towards the Lord. Often it is not an obvious no.

Being ruthlessly honest.... we can allow the venom of Satan to slowly seep into our lives. I am amazed at how the enemy is soooo good at disguising himself as an angel of light in so many ways. Through other people, resources, "Christian Music", pretty sensible lies, twisting Scripture to fit our level of comfort.

His venom can also show up in the form of pride, jealousy, bitterness, anger, unforgiveness, and any other way that draws us out and away from the path of life. These can be easily masked and tucked away as well.

Its not until hopes burst that we are shaken into a realization of where we truly are and what we have denied from our Lord.

He is calling us to live out waiting.... Book of James says that let patience have of her perfect way. Every step we take forward in our life will reslt in a loss of something in our life.

See... it costs EVERYTHING we have to follow Him. EVERYTHING!

What am I willing to lose?

Will I trust that as He gently calls us to lose ourself that He will keep us encased in His grace that empowers us to be strong to overcome that we would eventually be submerged into an eternity with Him?

Then Gods grace overwhelms through people like this family who share their imperfect life but genuine hearts from the deepest places and testify of Gods goodness, of the grace He gives. That daily manna.

He shows His gentle beauty through this woman who loves Jesus in such a way that the Spirit of God overwhelms me and releases a flood of tears as she embraces my baby and loves it as her own. It blesses us mamas when others love on our children in such a way.

How will we show availability that the Lord may use us? Will we give ourselves to the unexpected sacrifices that call at times and intrude on our agendas that feed our fleshly desires and rights we thimk we deserve and are owed? Willing to give away what we don't rightfully own to begin with?

We are on our knees asking God for the details of how to live holy that we be not decieved into thinking we will spend eternity with Him but that we are ready before the forever begins to spend eternity with Him.

May we all live fully for His Glory alone!

Successful Child Rearing

2011-05-19T07:43:00.000-05:00

"A wise son maketh a glad father, but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother"

Proverbs 10:1

Many people laugh at the very thought of successful child rearing these days. Much talk of how impossible. Rumors of how they will rebel and depart. The many loopholes that folks find to excuse why their children have departed from the Lord, foolish choices children make and behavoral patterns that bring anything but Glory to God and are self motivated. It had be better we humble ourselves through courage and humility that we can acknowledge and ask the Lord to show us the areas we as parents have neglected in the lives of our children that has contributed to the strayed hearts of our children. All to often we search out anothers parenting advice that may not point back to Scripture. We look afar, we look all around, search, and still come up fruitless in the end.

Truth be known: the secrets for fruitful child training are found in Scripture, but they must be sought for as for silver and searched for as hidden treasure.

Consistent obedience to Scriptural standards will provide the strength we need to parent successfully. A determination to follow through with our convictions based on Scripture and NOT compromising when others are around who may not share those same convictions.

Parents must be living examples of what we want our sons and daughters to be, in the same way that Jesus is a living example for us so that we might become like Him.

Addressing A Mothers Heart

2011-05-15T07:25:00.000-05:00

“It is no abstract thing – the state of your heart is the state of your home. You cannot harbor resentment secretly toward your children and expect their hearts to be submissive and tender. You cannot be greedy with your time and expect them to share their toys. And perhaps most importantly, you cannot resist your opportunities to be corrected by God and expect them to receive correction from you.”
~Rachel Jankovic, Loving the Little Years

Full House Kitchen Ideas

2011-04-12T14:11:00.000-05:00

Understood that most mamas have their own plan and purpose as to how they manage their rather large family cooking and preserving in the kitchen, I am generally looking for ways to make meals and snacks simple and not so complex so that I have more time to do things with the children. Often meals and such can take up much time. As these manageable ideas are discovered, although some take time, the fruit of the work lasts for some time.I also make an effort to choose some children for the task so that we are getting some time in together as well.

This past week and a half, by the grace of God truly, we accomplished cooking 10 pounds and packaging 13 quarts of pinto beans for the freezer. We left some whole and made some refried.

Next we picked 38 pounds of strawberries at a local farm and canned 13 pints of strawberry fruit spread and froze the rest for other yummy treats!

I used some of the strawberries to make 5 quarts of strawberry yogurt with our fresh farm milk. We use the yogurt for smoothies and granola or alone for breakfast.

I pulled some fruit out of the freezer that needed to be consumed and we threw it in the dehydrator for snacking.

Lastly, my son Noah loves healthy eating and he wanted to bake some healthy cookies. These are yummy cowboy cookies made in a bulk cookie format. Since he only used sucanat and molasses for sweetening, they can have these at anytime for a snack or as a breakfast cookie. He used a basic oatmeal raisin recipe and added cranberries, raw cashews, almonds, coconut, golden raisins and dark raisins. Again, we pulled out what we had.

Proverbs 31:14-15

And willingly works with her hands.
       ¹⁴ She is like the merchant ships,
      She brings her food from afar.
       ¹⁵ She also rises while it is yet night,
      And provides food for her household,
      And a portion for her maidservants.

Investing In Today

2011-04-11T07:27:00.000-05:00

Ivesting in today means....

- that I will give my whole heart to nurturing the people in my home

- I will be busy at home to make a place of order and peace

- I will look to the Lord to guide me hand in hand

- I will set my agenda aside that I may clearly meet what is needed in the moment

- my thoughts will be in the now and not dwelling on the tomorrow

- I will look for ways to enrich the lives of my children today

- I will make the most of each opportunity I am given

- I will reflect on that godliness with contentment is great gain

.... I fail, I fall short, and I have regretted, but if I will stay looking to the Lord, the fullness of abundant life is possible!

How will you invest in today?

A Thought For Today

2011-04-07T14:09:00.004-05:00

There are times I walk into my room to meet a sense of refreshing peace. This photo depicts the streaming sunlight and I will mention that there is the cool spring air filling the room.

Often when an opportunity arises I will quietly slip away from the busyness of the home to call upon the Lord to bathe me in His peace and love, that I may return to my family on the other side of the door with patience to gently love and give to them the remainder of the day. Times I will elope in here for a short moment to nurse the baby and catch a moment in The Word. I have come to embrace that patience is greater than any strength I could ever attain .Jesus taught that we bring forth fruit with patience. The fruit of patience is sweet. Patience is showing tolerance and fortitude toward others, even accepting difficult situations from them, and God, without making demands or conditions. I call for the Lords grace when it comes to this. As the Lord carries me deeper into convictions and my passion for Him, I find myself thirsting for His presence more and more. The Lords divine wisdom is better than any book or counsel I could ever receive.

"Be patient!" We have heard this command since childhood. It was rarely, if ever, something we wanted to hear. I have found patience is the attitude and action that covers the waiting period between our hopes and expectations, and our present reality. Patience has to do with suffering through our present circumstances, while we press on towards a desired end. When we manifest the capacity to endure what is unclear, unresolved, difficult or disagreeable without complaining or grumbling, we can rightfully describe ourselves as patient. We all face challenging situations and circumstances. No one is immune to difficult times. Yet, far from crushing us, God has ordained these trials to test, develop and reveal our patience because this makes us more like Jesus Christ.

Patience has no place for pride. One of the most humbling experiences we face as Christians is the call to be patient.. There is no place for pride because God calls us to be patient and empowers us to be so by His Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23, 25). He knows what we want is beyond our control. When we’re patient, we’re acknowledging that God is in control. He knows what’s best for us, and we can trust Him to provide what’s best in His own time.
Patience is a process
Experiencing the blessings of living out God’s plan for our lives requires patience. I get a very clear picture of this as I am seeking to raise children who are mighty in spirit. This has been part of how God works with us from the beginning as we see from the book of Genesis. This first book of the Bible is a wonderful place to read stories about people of faith who are learning how to be patient while waiting on God.
Over time, I have found that waiting patiently yields far better results than pursuing instant gratification (James 5:7–11). As with all of the other characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit, patience is not something we are born with. It is a godly virtue that is cultivated through time and by experiencing challenge and adversity. It is a process.

May your life be enriched as you walk in patience as well.

A Few Things I Enjoy

2011-03-31T23:45:00.001-05:00

This sweet baby melts my heart. I really am not able to soak up all her sweet sweet sugar and the joy that she radiates is beyond measure. We just can't get enough of her! This beautiful spring day she was enjoying sun bathing in a cloth diaper in the front lawn.

It was a delight to hear my littles playing restaurant in the kitchen. They pretend they are from different countries and the Master Chef makes up some very interesting creations. (notice his little guy apron... a few of my boys do like to wear one, so we make sure there on the little guy side)

This picture of some of the chickens could not get any more photo perfect. I like taking farm photos. God made some very neat animals and for that I am thankful. I love the spring when eggs are in abundance. The chickens are very happy to have all the bugs and bright green to munch on.

Black and white photos are something I really enjoy because I like old and vintage. When I look at photos from the time period that black and white was all there was, I could easily get lost in the history of a line of black and white photos.

mama and Selah's hand

I always look forward to drying my cloth diapers out on the line in the spring breeze.

I am so thankful for the opportunity to enjoy all that the Lord has so graciously given.

Thrifty Sewing

2011-03-28T07:12:00.001-05:00

Titus 2:4-6 (King James Version)

⁴That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,

⁵To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

As much as I enjoy being home, I truly don't enjoy giving precious time away to shopping for dresses or tops for my girls always. There a re a few stores I go to when I am in town, and I will generally look for or get what we could use or need from them. As is, over the years I have bought fabric that is on sale and put it away. I have lots of intentions when it comes to sewing but I don't always have the time to do so.

A while back I had googled free patterns and I came across a peasant dress pattern for infants. I took this same pattern and altered it to make peasant shirts for the older girls. What I have enjoyed about this pattern is that it is simple and it does not require a lot of know how. I have been able to pull sale fabric as well as scrap fabric out of the closet stash and make these sweet dresses.

It brings a sense of happiness for my children to wear things that we make. As much as I wish we had a great deal of sewing talent, we make do with what knowledge the Lord has given. It has been fun to learn together as we have inspiration to attempt a new sewing project.

It has been a treasure to see one of my younger girls have a strong desire to learn to sew many things. She has a great deal of confidence that " if you have a sewing machine.... well it can be done." We are taking a small break from school this week and she has prepared and gathered a pattern for making little doll dresses. I am not as confident as she is, but I am willing to try. I have a feeling she will be the seamstress in the family in later years. She often shares of all the things she so desires to make. Oh how I pray that the Lord will bless the work of her hands as she grows.

What a beautiful privilege the Lord has given me as a mama to train soft and sweet little hearts how to be busy at home. When we flow with what the Lords desires are for us it results in a cup that overflows with contentment. As I have learned, it is only by drinking of the Lord that I can be satisfied. I hope that I will not merely point the way to my children, but that I will show the way by how we live our life.

May fulfillment and contentment be yours as well.

1 Timothy 6:6
But godliness with contentment is great gain.

Spring Delight

2011-03-25T08:01:00.001-05:00

We have been enjoying our days so much outside. The soft cool breeze of spring brings that feeling of all things new once again. The children want to spend all day living life outside. The simple meals of grilling, salads, sandwiches, and the lighter side alltogether have arrived. .

I like looking for new ways to spice up a simple meal. I threw together a chicken, bacon, veggie pizza for dinner the other evening. This was soooooo yuuuummmy! No leftovers was the case here. Creativity can happen when it comes to pizza. Often searching for the odd and end stuff in the freezer or fridge helps bring to life a unique pizza.

Aliah tossed us up a fresh salad. This delicious salad had cut up dried mango, a handful of granola, a splash of golden raisins, dried cranberries, and some sliced bell pepper. These were all extras we had in the pantry. Hannah threw together a sweet vinaigrette dressing in the blender.

To top this meal off we made some old fashion sun tea. I remember sun tea growing up. My husband was so blessed for this sweet surprise. Everyone voted that tea should always be made this way. The fresh sweet taste of naturally brewed sun tea over ice.

I so look forward to more days spent slow and simple with the family. This is when we can truly take advantage of making the most of each new season that is brought forth. May your sweet family take in all that the Lord has for you as well. May you find delight in it!

Simple Womans Daybook

2011-03-24T10:30:00.004-05:00

Outside my window....

there is a light breeze swaying the trees, sunlight is brightening the spring green, my children are going about the farm taking care of the work. If I step outside to the front porch, I would here the cries of the baby goats waiting for their morning bottle.

I am thinking...

how I need to take the the Lords love in today and allow Him to heal my heart.

I am thankful for...

the shared friendship between parents and children. I've loved passing through needs and longings, hopes and dreams, questions and answers, joys and sorrows, laughter, tears, births and deaths, alongside those that know me beneath my skin--inside, outside, upside-down, who through the windows of my eyes, see all the way to deep within my heart, and love me entirely, still, and perhaps even more, for being me, nothing more, nothing less. No facade. No pretending. No hiding. A gift. A priceless gift. -Simply summed up and said by Jewels.

From the learning rooms...

abc's and algebra seem to be the flare in our home. Not to mention all the farm birth experiences that have brought much science to life first hand.

From the kitchen...

lots of dirty dishes and clean-up going on. My 9 and 7 year old decided to get up at 6am this morning and make pancakes from scratch and scrambled eggs to bless me. I am blessed needless to say.

I am creating...

several peasant dresses for my baby girl and pantaloons for the 3 year old girl.

I am reading...

my Bible mostly, but a daily devotion with my husband as well.

Whats on my mind...

wondering why we as the Lords people desire to wound others just because we feel hurt at times. Love is the most important ingredient to any meaningful relationship. When asked to identify life's greatest command, Jesus summed it up this way: to love God with all you are and to love your neighbor as yourself. Today I will allow my mind to dwell on the Lord continuing to teach me what real love is that I may live a life of love regardless of how I may feel.

Around the house..

there is a flow of peaceful piano music playing. The soft words of my 2 year old son repeating mama to me as he is sitting beside me.

One of my favorite things...

sitting and rocking a child with a cuddly blanket.

A few plans for the week...

finish the bulk of laundry, wrap up the spring planting, and the family trip to the zoo for the 2 year olds birthday.

A small window into my life..

This photo was taken yesterday on our back porch while dad was grilling dinner for us.

The Fullness of Living

2011-03-23T07:14:00.002-05:00

"Live slowly and simply, so that you have the time and space to love deeply and well. Hold your children close, as often as possible. Look deeply into their eyes, speak words of life, love and acceptance into and over them." -- Jewels

Sharing fruitful time & conversation while gardening is a treasure.

I love when the Lord is kind enough to remind me to slow down and let go of chasing after the world of stuff that we are often deceived into thinking we need that can rob me of the fullness of life. Slow and simple. Yes Lord! Busy at home. Keep me there and my cup full Sweet Jesus! Loving deeply. Thank you Lord for this privilege! Filling the hearts in my home with words of life, love, and acceptance, not material junk of this world. Hallelujah! Keep me strong Lord. You have not called me to be successful but to be faithful!

Slow allows for being alongside the children while doing daily tasks and watching them take in the opportunity to take a younger sibling with them to accomplish the task.

When Daddy slows down as well.... it allows for a sweet and refreshing nap with baby girl.

Today I will choose to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus and filling the hearts in my home. I will join hands with them and continue to find a great delight in parenting. I will not entertain the ideas of things that strip me of the fullness of life in my home. By His Grace, we have been set free!

Giving My Life Away

2011-03-18T07:19:00.001-05:00

Selah is embarking upon 3 months already. I am still amazed when I reflect back on her day af arrival. My water leaking on January 1st was quiet a shock and her arrival the evening of the 2nd was even more unimaginable. Another 2 day on and off labor that I was given to look to and trust the Lord. I truly believed I had at least another week. I most certainly did not anticipate this kind of labor either. The Lord knew what was needed though and that day and time had already been assigned. I will say this is easier said now than it was then.

With each new baby I always wonder what characteristic flavor they will add to the family. As the weeks go by and the bonding deepens as I grow close to this child, I also begin to see the significant role the Lord has given once again in bringing up another life. Another life is a HUGE job to be entrusted with. I don't take it lightly. This is a serious task for me. There life will be a reflection of the mama I am. I will either guide them on the straight and narrow or lead them astray. There are many times I find myself crying out to the Lord to help me see clearly in how to lead and love them. The Lord has a plan for each one of these children and I solely depend on Him to show me how to equip them for the calling He has on their life.

The words of a song my daughter has been playing on the piano has been the strong message of my heart. I WILL GIVE WITH THE LIFE THAT I HAVE BEEN GIVEN. How powerful this message is. It does not get much deeper than this for me. It reaches the depths of my heart, the deep yearning to give my whole life away for the sake of finding it. Pushing ALL my ambitions, hopes, and plans aside, that I may give away what I have been so freely given. Giving my life away does not always come easy and does not always look the same. I could list many ways the Lord has called me to give my life away over the years. I would say that most of the time I am eagerly looking for ways to give this life away but there are times I am called to give and it looks different than I would have thought. Sometimes it is those looooooooong heart talks with a child, many hours or days of breaking a child from some yucky attitude, an unexpected phone call from someone who may need to talk for and hour or two, or immedietly dropping my plans to meet a need in my family or a close ones life. In a nut shell, all the unpredicted times of being called to give away are those times I am given the option to reserve myself or give it away. Its always more convenient to make the plans, but when the Lord calls, He calls.

Over the past week I have had a great challenge before me as I have had a great deal of post-partum sensitivity meet up with me. During these times of weakness for me, feeling somewhat lost and broken, the enemy tries to wedge his claw in and entice me to pull my life in. Much to my dismay, I allow a foothole at times. This keeps me in reserve mode and I have anything but life to give away. Then there are the times I am holding on for dear life to the foot of the cross just to keep my eyes upon Jesus. He is to be my strength when I am weak, but I have to choose to allow Him to be that for me. There is nothing like applying that good ol' faith during times of trial. It is a challenge for me at times. I have to envision it as putting one foot in front of the other, step by step. The thought of conquering the whole scenario of what is before me can seem overwhelming. These are the times it is not easy to give my life away. Simply put, I don't want to. I know that is not an option the Lord offers and I should not even entertain the thought. It is when I can By His Grace, look outside myself and ask the Lord to give me the strength to overcome and be about His business that I am able to conquer self. If I will choose to rise to the occasion, it is then that I lose myself and can give away what has been so freely given.

Jesus Your name

Is a shelter for the hurting,

Your name,

is a refuge for the weak,

only Your name,

can redeem the undeserving

Jesus Your name,

holds everything I need.

Photos From Noah

2011-03-14T23:13:00.002-05:00

A picture of himself to make sure the camera is working ok..... he is too funny!

Today Noah asked me if I put happy pictures on my blog. I replied with a resounding " Of course son." He requested that I post about his little brother Jeshuah. See, Noah has acquired a camera recently and he has had much fun going about capturing many things, especially his siblings. So I decided to post some of his pictures at his request. I think they will speak for themselves as to whats going on around here :)

Little brother loves to entertain his siblings!

The cutest smile I do believe! Noah absolutely loves little Jeshuahs joy.

A litter of little kittens!

Noah really enjoys getting Parah dressed and fixing her hair for the day! What a big bro!

Binding Sibling Relationships

2011-02-17T13:42:00.004-06:00

How good and pleasant it is when brother live in unity Psalm 133:1

Over the years it has been a sweet treasure to see the fruit of many wholesome relationships between my children grow. Honestly, from the moment children find out we are having another baby, they already begin the bonding process. My belly is kissed almost daily along with gentle hands rubbing my belly as they speak forth words of life to the little one in utero. When we go about daily life, there are talks interjected here and there about when the baby gets here. So this little one is already thought of almost daily. The excitement grows as the arrival gets nearer and when labor begins, it is a home full of smiling faces. When the little person does arrive, there is ALWAYS a pile up on who is diving in to kiss or hold the baby first. As a matter of fact, Selah who is almost 7weeks still has a line to hold her, kiss her, rock her, bathe her, dress her, change her diaper, or put her in a sling or carrier of some sort. She is seen as a genuine gift from God and I must say that she is treasured as that also. What I have observed is that it is during this season that the ties between my children are strengthened and it only grows. They build special bonds that carry over into their relationships as older children, young adults, and soon to be adults. They already glean on when they are grown what our times together as a family will be like when they bring their spouses and children of their own. They have calculated how many grandchildren and cousins could potentially be playing at "emaw" and "pawpaws" house. (that's me and Richard by the way when we graduate to grandparents) I myself can't wait!!!!

I will say that my children, like any of us, go through a rocky season where they struggle in a relationship with a particular sibling. Here they are given another opportunity to strengthen that relationship by learning how to work through, talk through, pray through, and push through the trial. The little ones get lots of training in the do's and don't, whereas the older ones will grow in positive relational attributes. This season often requires a lot of our time and efforts as parents. For we have to continuously encourage them or walk side by side with them in order to help them choose wisely and to lead their heart in the right direction. A child left to figure it out, make it right, or work it out on their own, well..... their hearts can actually go astray and go to a place of darkness that we never thought. (remember the heart is the most deceitful of all- Jeremiah 17:9) The world says to follow your heart but we are to LEAD our hearts. Therefore we will continue as parents to encourage them in turning from the impure feelings, throwing them away, and choosing to love and forgive. Generally we will have them display a loving action or a particular service that would be a blessing towards the one they are struggling with. We also will team them up to work together on a specific task. If we were to allow our children to walk in rudeness, unforgiveness, selfishness, and the so forth... well I'm sure that there relationships would drift apart and they would not end up being best friends. We tell our children that if you can't display love towards your own siblings then you will not be allowed to visit with company friends when we fellowship. Building on the foundation of love will start here in our home. This includes how Richard and I talk to and deal with our children as well as in our marriage. We will be one of the most tremendous examples of love to them. The Bible is clear about brotherly love over and over. (and I'm sure this goes beyond brothers) (1John 4:21

So as we strive to bring forth a generation that is willing to give with the life that they have been given... it starts here in sibling relationships as the Lord has provided this as their training field. He has a purpose for each one and it will only be by walking in love and reflecting on the love God has given that we will move forward in relationships that will bear fruit of the One who first loved us.

Disciplining My Heart and Mind

2011-02-11T12:52:00.000-06:00

As I sit during the quietness of today, it is a choice to turn my mind to the Lord. It is only when my mind stays on the Lord that perfect peace prevails. (Isaiah 26:3) I have realized that when my mind journeys in and out of many ideas, thoughts, scenarios, and the ect., it can become the source of my exhaustion and weakness in a BIG way. I can easily get up and go about a project, obtain my favorite coffee drink, or go on errands so to speak to attempt to forget or cancel out the busyness of my mind. The Lord showed me how this reaction is a source of idleness in my life. I am choosing something outside the source of His love for me and the grace He gives. This can be a challenge for me due to the fact that I am often tempted to (and many times do) over analyze things in my life. You know the kind of circumstances that produce many what ifs, and I don't understand, some big trial, or the how come, and the so forth. This is one of my greatest weaknesses and I am given the opportunity to choose often. When it does arise within to look to the Lord, I whisper to myself over and over, "Lord, please help me bring my thoughts into the obedience of Christ." (2Corinthians 10:5) ... this is until the peace of the Lord floods my mind and I feel the settledness of my heart. Now this sets the stage for me to then coose my heart, which I have experienced that my mind and heart walk hand in hand through life. It is true that the status of one affects the other. I keep finding that a humble heart brings forth a softness and gentleness that walks with that perfect peace of mind. Wearing a heart that is transparent, overflowing with love, and a burning desire to please the Lord is what creates a fountain of life that spews out. My hearts cry to the Lord has been to keep me broken, vulnerable, keep me humble, keep me teachable never thinking I know more, and always invisioning myself at the feet of Jesus. Accountability in my life is what will keep me here or take me back to. The Lord has in turn created a yearning in my heart to want more than anything to see my shortcomings, for them to be in my face, that I may spring forth and bear the fruit of a genuine love and servants heart. To always know I am not above reproach or better than. I want to see obedience to the Lord as a delight and not a cost to me. For many of us know that obedience to the Lord can cause friction in our lives when it comes to relationships and therefore we see it as a cost to us.
However,simply said, Lord, show me how to live a life built on You, that my thoughts and heart would be grounded in You that I may live this life in the shadow of our Hand.

God Gives What Is Good

2011-01-21T16:03:00.001-06:00

The Lord says,"All you who are thirsty, come and drink...." Isaiah 55:1

Oh how my heart is so free and full. Its amazing how just a brief conversation with a sweet sister can be such a rejuvenating breath of fresh air. (I love you Maranatha!) I love when we as brothers and sisters in Christ share the life of Jesus and when we part.... the life that was shared lingers as encouragement and takes us soaring for miles on end. Not to mention that the Lord has already been speaking boldly to me out of Isaiah 54:2-17. Hallelujah!

The past few weeks since Selah has arrived have been so sweet and peaceful. We have huddled and cuddled on the couch doing lots of school. We have pulled out blocks and more blocks for the littles and had fun watching the creations rise and fall. At moments all was quiet as the crackling of the fire place captivated us. The presence of the Lord has been much welcomed and very enjoyed!

As we embark upon this new year we look forward with much anticipationn as to what the Lord will do and bring to pass in our lives. We feel the Lord calling us to stretch our heart and make it wider, make our ropes longer and our stakes stronger for He wants to spread us out to pour out a love to lost and hurting people whether it be here or another country, and continue to press in harder in preparing our children for heaven and not so much towards earthly goals. Its easy to get wrapped up in earthly goals, but we do feel led to lead them in being about The Great Commission while we walk this earth and encouraging them to continue to walk with a deep compassion for others. The Lord is rebuilding a generation in our home that He has promised to be beautiful although we know we will be imperfect. Thanks for His saving grace though, The All Powerful One.

I really would like to add to this writing a quick not about my amazing husband. He has ventured into much woodworking on the farm and boy have I been excited. He built me a beautiful 11x5 kitchen table. YES!!!! We can fit our big family and another one with arm space! I love it! He has put on his farmin' hat and pushed forward with full force. He has acquired a farm truck that is used for farm work now, but will one day be the boys. He has built many animal pens and shelters. He has taken a hand in managing a chore system for the home and this has been good. He has stepped forward in faith, took an offer at work, and I actually see my husband almost everyday. There were only a few select days this summer that we did not, but very few. Summed up...I love my handsome, hard-working,dedicated daddy of a man.

New Year Blessings

2011-01-05T17:00:00.004-06:00

He knit me together in my mothers womb...

and on January 2,2011 at 5:51p.m. at a little farm,

He presented me as a gift to the Benavides Family

My name is Selah Rain and I will live to glorify His Name. Amen.

Mama Benavides gives praise to the Lord for His hand has been upon blessing our farm as well. The mama sow gave birth to her first litter the day after Selah was born. She gave birth to a whopping 8, but only 7 survived. Now we are anticipating the births of our Nanny milking goats as well. They are expecting to kid any day now.

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

Psalm 150:6

Preparing The Farm

2010-11-12T14:12:00.000-06:00

The Checklist:

1. Breed rabbits for early spring sales(DONE)

2.Breed the 3 milk goats for spring kidding(DONE)

3.Finish backwoods milking pen for dairy cows

4.Breed the Jersey calf (Baby Girl)

5.Get batch of eggs to incubator(DONE)

6.Get hogs bread(DONE)

7.Build hog house for January farrow

8.Hay stored in barn

9.Dog pen reconstructed for winter litter of Basset Hound pups

10.Firewood chopped and piled

11.Purchase Holstein dairy cow

12.Two hogs to butcher(DONE)

Whew! Most likely this list will be added to before its all done. We are so excited about the growing farm. It is so neat to see how teamwork truly brings forth good fruit. We have two new trainees milkers (referring to the children) who are now considered part of the milking crew. This will allow our dairy farming to expand. This is really exciting! So officially four children available for milking makes for a great harvest.

We are so happy to be getting two of our hogs back from the Taylor Meat Market as well. We took two hogs in for processing and must I say more ..... we have an abundance of pork including sausage links, breakfast sausage, pork chops, hams, pork roast, ham steaks, bacon, tallow for soapmaking, and maybe something else I missed. Oh what a treat and blessing from the Lord to fill our deep freeze with homegrown meat!

We are currently working on our dairy cow breeding schedule as well. We are striving to have a consistent supply of year round milk with no gap. So far our dairy goats have filled in any gap, but we really like our Jersey milk. It provides us with milk, butter, cheeses, heavy cream, kefir, yogurt, ice cream, and milk just for drinking and baking. Although I will add that our goats gave a rich sweet milk this past milking season.

Dad is working hard on the dairy cow milk pen. For the most part the cow milks fine, but we will have some new trainees. They will need a milk pen:)

Baby Girl... the jersey calf who is on her way to another friends farm for breeding

the partially completed dairy cow milk station

the finished goat milking stand

the 2 hogs we kept for breeding...the other 2 will be on the dinner table this week

bread all 3 Californian Does

eggs for hatching

As we embark upon the new year, we are excited to see how the Lord will lead us in farming. We are always open to learn more and take on a new venture. Till then, we will spend this time preparing.

A Bit of This & That

2010-10-11T13:58:00.000-05:00

We discovered Apologia science this year and the children are absolutely loving it. The 3 year old and up anticipate the next days lesson. This makes schooling soooooo fun when we can share the joy of learning. We are currently focusing in on Anatomy &Physiology. The past two weeks we have studied about the cell anatomy and such. To wrap this unit up, the children made edible cells. This was a hit! We are headed off into the different systems of the body now.

Dad took the boys fishing in the pond last weekend and they had a great catch! It brings me such joy as a mother to see my boys diving in when it comes to nature and acquiring knowledge in areas that they may very well need one day. There hard work brought forth a profit as they enjoyed frying up this fish and eating it. Pregnancy has done some funny things to my taste buds, therefore I did not enjoy this with them.

I am enjoying all that the fall is bringing. We have been enjoying buttermilk pancakes, apple pie spice pancakes, and hot chocolate is making its introduction as the cooler weather keeps trying to make its way in. The children spent the whole weekend camping in the backyard alongside a campfire. I am anticipating the slower pace that fall and winter bring forth. These seasons have made some of the best memories for us. Family night fun is most popular during these seasons. We are a cuddly family as well so snuggle time is at its peak. Oh how it will br such a joy to have a new baby to include in the snuggly time in the middle of winter. The children await with eager hearts once again for the arrival of a new blessing.

I also find myself adjusting some scheduling and school goals. Any of you might know that a new baby can slow things down some, therefore I try to get everyone ahead in school studies and accomplish tasks. By the way, if I have not mentioned before, The Maxwells Managing System Books have been a great tool of encouragement for our family. We like their ideas but alter things a bit to fit our family. Great Titus 2 site to check out.

Anyhow, may all be blessed as we look to the Lord to lead our path!

New Season

2010-09-29T11:56:00.001-05:00

It seems as though the fall season has finally arrived. What a treat! The first 50degree morning we had was delightful. The children were pulling out sweaters, hats, and all the warm fuzzies. It was nice to enjoy a morning cup of coffee with the cool fall breeze whisking through the house as the children played about. We got off to a late start with school because the weather was too irresistible.

Later in the afternoon, the aroma of the first baked pumpkin pie for the season filled the house! Mmmmm!!! I am so thankful for the seasons that come and go. Each one seems to bring with it something new.

Thank you Lord for all you have created!

Family Life As It Is Today

2010-09-24T13:47:00.001-05:00

Well....where to begin. How about the farming of our 13 acre farm.

Hannah has been very busy with her Jersey cow and calf business this summer. She has been diving into learning more about the anatomy and physiology of different dairy cows. She is up milking in the early morning hours along with everything else it entails. She has decided pigs are not really her forte. We agree, after all they consume a huge amount of corn, tear up the ground, smell, and have dug a hole to China. I will say though, they are very friendly and love to be around us...we really don't want to hurt their feelings anymore....so they will be headed off to the butcher:)

Josiah is excited about the new breeding season that has arrived for his dairy goats. It was a successful milking season for him with the goats. We ended up really enjoying goat ice cream the best. We all have learned a lot about goat farming from him. He is eager to learn more.
The turkeys we acquired have been fun as well. We are looking forward to eating one at Thanksgiving!!!!!
Noah is still gearing up for the first breeding of his Basset Hound dogs. He loves dogs and the horses as well.
Aliah...well lets just say the kittens is her limit. Although she does gather eggs daily and waters the garden. She had rather be sewing and cooking.
Isaiah.... I have to laugh..his contribution to helping the farm would be....ummmm..well...making it a goal to stay out of mischief. He is a pure dee honey, but that curiousness can sure get him in some predicaments. So I have directed him towards wood working and that has been great. A cross was his first completed project.
Parah Beth is the one who turns the water faucet on and off for the other children while filling watering troughs.
Jeshuahs job is to collect tons of kisses and lots of hugs. He is way too cute. He is a delight to tote around the farm.
Daddy has been constructing little projects here and there on the farm to make things a little easier for the littles. Richard has received a favorable promotion at work which has allowed him much more time at home. This is an answer to prayer.
Mama here is doing very little farming and lots of managing chores and school, as well as training little hearts, seeking the Lord, and looking forward to the days to come!

Schooling has been off to a great start. I am still amazed at what all the 3 year old retains. I mean really... she gets in on Anatomy & Physiology, math, cooking, farming, and anything else she can get in on. The older ones have a heavier school load this year but they are really enjoying striving to reach the Lord willing goals we have set.

Having said all this.... we are patiently waiting for the Lord to confirm some things in our life. We have felt the Lord drawing us for years to serve in a sacrificial way. A way that leaves us saying we will give our lives away to reach the dying, the hurt, the lost, the needy. We want to spend our life on Jesus. We all know it costs everything we have to follow the Holy One. Here we are asking...Lord what does that mean for our family. Show us Lord, lead us, take us where you may. I have tossed and turned many nights as my mind and heart feel a deep stirring for what the Lord may indeed reveal to us. My eyes well up with tears as I look back at how He has been preparing the hearts of our children as well. Two of my children have come to me weeping with intense heartache for the lost. I in return have asked them... what are you willing to give up so that they may know Him. The list went on and a request to pleeese send them to another country to be a missionary. ( a huge request for a 7 year old) I was given a list of all the things they wanted to take the little children. The tears rolled down my cheeks.... I have cried out to the Lord....you placed this desire in our hearts and now the hearts of my children....why Lord....what is your purpose... what do you have Lord? Is it for our family to go short term, long term, not at all, to prayerfully intercede from where we are planted now, or I am I to sharpen these arrows for You to send out in places we will never go? And so.... we will continue to patently wait.

We will press forward in the now and make the most of what is before us!

A Few Happenings

2010-07-15T21:33:00.001-05:00

Parah the 3 year old, has discovered just the right place to put her little brother while she accomplishes a task without interruptions.

I am excited to get started in this Midwifery book! WHoohooo!

My sweet Hannah is almost 14....she's counting down because she can start her study to attain her permit next year. I have to say...I look forward to this new season she is entering as she moves forward in her young womanhood.

My boys favorite summer fun is playing Indians and shooting targets with their bows.

My dear Aliah will be 7 this week. She is such a little mama in the making.

Also I must add that I am so in love with Jesus and in this season of life He is my Prince of Peace.

Seasons Change

2010-07-06T21:33:00.000-05:00

I have heard the Lord calling. Calling me to let go of what I have tried to hold on to and allow His divine will alone to dwell within my heart and home. As He is weaving new families into our lives, we are sensing the season change. We are tasting that He has far greater things for us than what we thought would be best. Oh how He is encouraging me to guard my mouth, watch my heart, and hold fast to what is righteous and pure. He is calling me to stand firm with the convictions He has revealed to us in how we live, dress, raise our children, and how we spend our time and money. The Lord is filling my heart with a seriousness about preparing every heart in our home for an eternity with Him. The training has become more intense in preparing our children to become mighty and faithful servants for the Lord Jesus himself. The Lord has prompted me to dive into preparing my eldest daughter for a life that will consist of a complete pouring out of herself whether it be as a mama or a foreign country serving the lost and hungry, not to dwell on self and waiting for the beautiful life of a prince charming coming to capture her heart. The Lord has spoken that it is time for my boys to take a serious step in coming forward in their young manhood and put their hand to the plow and prepare as they wait for the Lord to speak in how He would have them give their life to serve as men. It has been sweet yet emotional to see the Lord drawing their hearts. They are getting to a place of truly getting what we were created for. Last but not least, I myself am being called to surrender in many areas of my own life. I see myself opening my hand to let go of what I have been clenching for some time. Placing my self worth in the Lord and seeking Him daily for peace and the strength to submit fully to His leading. I am hungering for more of Him and learning to rest in Him as I take His hand and walk beside the quiet waters. It is a new season of life as our family joins hearts with Him and we whole heartily seek after His face.

She Looketh Well

2010-05-26T13:10:00.002-05:00

I don't take my job lightly. What I know is that it takes complete sacrifice to looketh well after the home and all the hearts that live in it. I am truly grateful to assume this role in life. I will say it is very busy, yet peaceful most of the time. Many times I have cried out to the name of the Lord for grace to push through a math lesson or the surpassing needs of fussy little ones.

Although, I did enjoy doing umpteen loads of laundry the other day, and by the way, that is no exaggeration. Yes part of looking well to the home is just when you are ready to fall deep asleep in bed, your hubby arrives from a late work day and would like a bite of dinner and some talk time about work.

I realize I have to be home to be able to look after it. I am not called to looketh well to the stores and extra activities that can call us away from the home.

When I looketh well after the home and family, I am providing training by example for little women with a future life in Jesus. I see it also sets a standard for which my boys say they desire in a wife one day.( I don't think many would say they desire a wife who spends lavishly, spends a great deal of weekly time running around buring rubber and gas, applies much of her time to personal interests, is rarely home to maintain order, and one who will be sure to neglect the familys TRUE needs.)

Looking well after the home can only be done by diving in whether we really feel like it or not.

Looking well after our home calls us to pour out a love that is pure and true.

It blesses my husband when I looketh well to saving money with groceries and embark upon gardening and canning. It blesses my children when I looketh well to managing the home in order to accomplish school, baths, chores, fun play, or the such.

It can be a blessing to others if we looketh well to our home and can provide a place of comfort, rest, or hospitality.

Most importantly, it blesses the Lord when I looketh well to the home, for it makes a place for the Lord and fulfills the calling He has placed upon my life.

Living With Our Heart Open

2010-05-23T11:43:00.000-05:00

What freedom and joy we can experience when we live with our heart open. When I envision an open heart, I see us sharing the realness of this life, the joys and sorrows. When a heart is open, it is free to smile, laugh, cry, and shares its deepest parts. A heart that is open is inviting, it embraces others and truly loves. Openness says with arms wide open, here I am, here is my love, here is Jesus in me, here is what I have to give. An open heart is a wellspring of life that others are drawn to. An open heart says I love you no matter what walk of life you have come from. An open heart offers hospitality and says come one and come all, let's share the Lords life together. An open heart invites life, and humbly presents itself as a living sacrifice.

A closed heart experiences much bondage and gloom. A closed heart rises to the seat of judgement and looks upon others. It spends much time self protecting and shutting others out. It says to others, leave me alone, and keep your distance. A closed heart keeps life's issues to itself. It is not free to smile and keeps a solemn look. A closed heart is like a dried up well. It typically offers a conditional love and is merited. A closed heart only hangs out with a select few. Gloom and despair is what is offers.

I have experienced both of these before in myself and in others. I like the way an open heart tastes. I leave blessed by an open heart and by having an open heart I experience the fullness of life. A closed heart leaves a stinch. It can leave others in doubt or in question. People are not drawn to it.

The truth is that the Lord Jesus came that we may have life more abundantly and we have been set free for the purpose of love.

What will we choose?

Children.. A Heritage From The Lord!

2010-05-17T10:39:00.000-05:00

This picture was drawn by my son this morning. I thought what a great way to share the news! (mama did the editing)

Family Trees

2010-05-15T06:35:00.001-05:00

FAMILY TREES

Family trees are fascinating. One could easily become absorbed in the history of our predecessors. My wife and I were recently in the United Kingdom speaking at family seminars. We had a one-day break while in Scotland and decided to visit CASTLE CAMPBELL, originally owned by Colin Campbell, my namesake. I have always loved castles. Their grandeur, largeness and strength intrigue me. I find myself contemplating the wealth, dignity, pride and creativity that belonged to my ancestors of that era. I guess it must still be in the DNA.

Most of us do not have to look very far back into the history of our families to find that many of our forbears had large families compared to today’s 2.1 member families in the USA—the average is 1.3 in European countries. What with wars, vehicle fatalities, infertility, alternative life styles that produce no children, cancer, heart failures and other diseases that cause death, the west is on the verge of self-destruction. We are told that within the next 40-50 years, much of Europe will cease to be the Europe we have known. It will instead be an Islamic Europe. Most of Europe is beyond the hope of reversing the huge demographic and cultural change that is already taking place.

Here in Tennessee we live among beautiful hardwoods including oak, walnut and hickories etc. We are surrounded with logs and saw mills. Many of the hardwoods take years to mature yet the perpetuating of the forest continues. One wonders how the forests could possibly continue to yield such a vast amount of trees year after year, and yet, with God’s help they keep going. These forests are self-perpetuating generational forests. There are so many seeds in the ground and the top soil is continually enriched by the falling leaves. As soon as a tree is cut down and removed, dozens of little trees pop up through the soil to compete for its replacement. From the beginning God planned it this way. All those who make a living out of harvesting these forests would be devastated if our natural trees only yielded what our family trees currently yield. Isn’t it appalling that we are intent on saving our national forests but oblivious to the fact that our family trees are being destroyed?

I wonder why so-called Christian nations are antagonistic to God’s original mandate to be fruitful, multiply and fill the earth. God said, “Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed and fruit trees on the earth bearing fruit after their kind with seed in them and it was so. And the earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed after their kind and trees bearing fruit with seed in them, after their kind, and God saw that it was good.” (Genesis 1:11-12 NASB) We whole-heartedly agree with our Almighty Creator that this creation of vegetation and trees was, and still is, very good. What would we do without them? How boring it would be to live in a treeless world. How unhealthy it would be for us to be without green vegetables or fruitful trees that provide us with all the life-sustaining enzymes and nutrients to live and perpetuate our own human family trees.

How can we have such a big disconnect between Genesis 1:11-12 and Genesis 1:26-28? Man was made for sacred purposes; trees were not. Of all the myriad of creatures that God created it was only man that was given the sacred and priceless privilege to bear the likeness and image of God. This should never be underestimated. After creating the vegetation and trees, God said that “it was good” but it was the family tree that God blessed and gave the divine commandment to “Be fruitful and multiply.” This commandment has never been revoked and is as important today as in the beginning. Time has not changed this generational mandate.

It would be understandable, if after the fall in the Garden of Eden, God had decided to give up His original mandate to be fruitful, multiply and fill the earth with His likeness and image. But this was not the case. In Genesis 9:1-7 God repeats His first mandate, not once, but twice! Oh the mercy and grace of God toward His rebellious and sinful creation. Man still remains the only privileged creation to bear His likeness and image (God’s character and His ways of justice truth, love, joy, peace and holiness and so on). The trees of the woods reveal His creative glory but they cannot reveal His nature and character.

In verse six of this same passage God says, “Whoso sheds man’s blood, by man shall his blood by shed.” Why would God say such a thing? He gives the answer in the same verse. “For in the image of God made he man.” It is obviously a serious crime to tamper with man because the divine purpose of man’s creation is to show forth the image of God. And yet, today, we frivolously contracept and abort the image of God in the earth. Every child, given the right opportunity, can be born again and filled with the Holy Spirit and in some way reveal to the world something of the likeness and image of God. Dare we stand in God’s way?

We all want out natural trees to be fruitful. Why not our family trees? In John 15:6 Jesus says that He will cut off the branches that do not bear fruit. We all agree that this passage primarily talks about spiritual fruit. However, there is a parallel here. Christ uses a natural vine to illustrate a spiritual point. God is glorified by fruitfulness, and more so, by “much fruit”. It is not for us to cut off branches, hindering fruitfulness. Yet this is exactly what we do when we refuse to have children. To the natural man, it is not spiritual to have children. On the contrary, to the spiritual man, having children is not only for natural fruitfulness, but it also increases spiritual influence. Why? Because every child born and raised in God's ways has the potential to be fruitful in the things of God. No one in their right mind would go around lopping off fruitful branches from trees. Why do we want to lop off fruit from our family trees?

Isaiah 61:1-11 foretells the anointing that will be upon the Messiah “to preach good tidings to the poor; to heal the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning.” Why? “That they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”

With the Messiah’s anointing, let us be co-laborers with Him to raise up family trees of righteousness who will accomplish all the purposes of Isaiah 61. Verse 9 says, “Their offspring will be known among the nations and their descendants in the midst of the people. All who see them will recognize them that they are the offspring whom the Lord has blessed.”

Along with natural Israel, as the new Israel of God in Christ Jesus, we can also claim family trees of righteousness through whom the Lord will be glorified. Be encouraged. You are ordained by God to raise trees of righteousness that will bless the nations.

COLIN CAMPBELL

Primm Springs, Tennessee USA

Waiting For Warm Sunshine!

2010-05-11T07:14:00.000-05:00

It's as though they have never experienced the warm weather. They anxiously await the first warm day to play in water and eat cold fruit! I love to see the joys that children look forward to. The excitement of simplicity and fun. I will say it is a treat these days to have some free time to have fun just playing around outside, for our days are filled with much intense schooling and a heavy farmwork load.

As for me.... I love the warm sunny days for hanging out diapers. There is nothing like sun drying your diapers for that sweet baby. A tip for you cloth diaper users: hanging the diapers in the sun helps eliminate any unwanted odors and brightens their color!

I love the change of seasons. Thank you Wonderful Creator!

Spring Strawberry Pickin"

2010-05-06T07:55:00.000-05:00

A friend of mine discovered an organic strawberry patch in our county.... why didn't I ever notice... propably because I get lost in my thoughts while driving....sometimes I even wonder how I got from one place to the next.

This was a totally fun time. The lady was even so nice as to tell us we could eat all we wanted while we were picking. I came close to having to repent for being a strawberry glutton. My children looked like they had their share as well.

We made a couple batches of yummy strawberry jam and a couple batches of strawberry fruit leather. It was one of those moments that brought forth a smile having had the opportunity to harvest, clean, and can. Homestead happiness you could say. Lord willing we will have the opportunity to do this again next year.

My Heart Wide Open

2010-05-04T12:44:00.005-05:00

Today I lay at the feet of Jesus.
I lay down my past, my mistakes, my faults.
My heart yearns... Come Lord Come... and receive Your bride unto yourself!
Loving You... is wanting to know You more.
Casting forth any or every crown I ever thought I deserved.
Lord I cry out... take me to a foreign land far away.
A land where the people are hurting and I can give away all that You have given to this once broken vessel.
Take me to the people who are desperate for hope that I may share what You have brought me out of and carry them to You.
Lord, I desire nothing more than to be completely used up for You and You alone.
Lord, please help me stay strong in forsaking the ways of this world.
May this life be more of You and less of me.
Lord may I feel with Your heart.
You will be returning soon.... Oh glorious day!

fARM eGGS wE aRE

2010-04-30T08:20:00.005-05:00

We are writing history in the category of eggs on our farm this spring! Oh my... we have more eggs than we can give away. Yes I mean give away! We eat all we can, sell some, and give lots away. We do love being able to share the abundance the Lord has brought forth through our chickens. They are happy to give eggs. They love giving!

Another advantage is that we have been able to expand creativity with meals that entail eggs.

-Egg Salad Sandwiches

-Angel Eggs as a side ( Deviled eggs).. we changed the name

-Quiche.... all sorts

-Fried Egg Sandwiches

-Boiled eggs for snacking or a side

-Egg Breakfast Casserole

-Breakfast Tacos

-Maple Sausage w/scrambled eggs

-we even took a bunch and through them in the incubator to make more of these generous egg layers!

-and, well.... yes.... we still have eggs!

Having chickens and eggs has provided the means to teach poultry science, hands on raising baby chicks, processing them for eating, reaping the rewards of hard work put forth in raising them for eggs, what animals like to eat our chickens.... like the bobcats we watch steal them, watch the chickens first hand in how they graze, take dirt baths, and the such, even how daddy shoots the mean rooster that attacks the very little people that take care of him, oh, and how they will invite themselves in the kitchen to see what is cooking.... it could be chicken if they come in the house again, and how they poop everywhere, and the chicken perfume that give, but overall.... it has been good for us and we very much enjoy our little chicken farm!

I suppose the next thing we will be trying to do is figure out all the ways to eat chicken.

Where Do I Belong?

2010-04-29T07:12:00.005-05:00

Often I have asked myself this very question? Even among the fellow Christians. This has been the most difficult to understand because we as Christians are to be so set apart from this world, not conforming in the least bit. Yet, it feels to good to have some of what the world has. It would even be great just to fit in with everybody, you know, to not care about how we live and just do what everybody else does. Afterall, it's gratifying and well.... it's OK to some degree right.... as long as our heart is pure. Well I believe that can be an easy justification for any of us. I see groups of every kind among the Lords people, fashion and life statements being made in a very defined way, adopting popular fads, the newest and hottest christian music, boasting about finances but calling it blessings , ecstatic about the newest cell/computer phone, the cutest skirt, prettiest hair, smartest child, planned vacations, the hippest new blog with thousands of commentors and followers, newest homespun creation, the most touching new book written by so and so, (really it was all Gods plan and idea from the beginning yet humans get the credit), all the people who are just lined up for dinner reservations at their home, and whose teaching the most touching sermons. I find myself asking many times, just where do I belong in all of this? I mean, I am a person that has a desire to belong like any one else.

Well, though it can be hard to embrace at times (actually most of the time), due to loneliness especially, the Lord has clearly comforted me that here is not where I belong and it is not uncommon for His people to feel this way. I belong in eternity with Him. The longing I have to belong is a desire He has given, but that desire to belong is directed towards His glory for eternity. I am just passing through this earth, and while I am here, I am to be set apart, as one being prepared for the place that He is preparing for His people. If we are going to choose to live a genuine Christian life, we will feel lonely and we will NEVER fit in with this world. I am to strive to fit in with His culture and a oneness with Him, not people on this earth.

If I can keep this perspective, or often be reminded of this, it brings back a joy and renewal of knowing I am what I am for Him, not for me and there is a country that awaits for me where I will be a foreigner no more.

I belong with Him in eternity!