I highly recommend that you spend some time this holiday season watching this video on Youtube.com. There are 5 videos to complete the talk by Louis Giglio on How Great is Our God.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKMw1ndl-EY

The Language of Love & Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs

Dr. Emerson Eggerichs' book is based upon the verse Ephesians 5:33 : "However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband." He writes that wives hear and see in pink (the language of love) and husbands see and hear in blue (language of respect). He states that couples are sending each other messages in 'code' and they won't be able to crack that code until they learn to listen in their spouse's language. The book gives ample examples on how to crack the code and improve communication in a marriage.

I really wanted to like this book but was very disappointed. There are some truths hidden in the book but you have to dig through a lot to get to them. I found the book to be VERY repetitive and tedious. His use of acronyms was excessive and annoying. Dr. Eggerich began referring to his first book "Love and Respect" quite often which felt more like an ad trying to sell that book rather than an attempt to teach. The book might be good for a young couple who have not received any teaching on this subject, if they can wade through it, but I think there are probably better books out there on this subject. This book could have easily been cut in half (or more!) and then would have been much more effective in keep the reader's attention. http://brb.thomasnelson.com/

The Little Engine that could

I haven't blogged in a long while. Man! what have I missed? I didn't blog about Nathan's birthday, Sarah's birthday, Benjamin's birthday, Easter, Summer, shoot, I even have pictures still in my camera from last winter that were never posted! Guess I'd better get with it! Maybe I should learn how to download all those photos.... I'm like that well known little engine. I think I can, I think I can...

I have enrolled to be a book reviewer, so if I'm approved, you'll be seeing some book reviews on here as well. I hope I make it - it sounds really interesting. I think I can, I think I can.....

I've been helping my mother-in-law in dealing with Alzheimer's, so you'll probably see some of my struggles as we deal with that disease and how to handle her situation. I think I can, I think I can....

I'm still homeschooling, so maybe I'll blog more about that. Friendly Fridays need to be started back up. I really want to teach my kids to reach out to others. Maybe we'll limit it to once a month just so it isn't so intimidating. I think I can, I think I can...

I'm teaching a children's Bible class on Tuesdays after school and helping with one on Mondays. We've had quite a bit of drama lately, so surely I'll blog some about that. I think I can, I think I can....

God's been working on me and my "ability" to manipulate, so I could share a little about what I'm leaning. I think I can, I think I can....

With the holidays just around the corner, it's a perfect time to get started.... I THINK I CAN!

I WON!!!

I NEVER win anything...until now! I won the book "The Reluctant Cowgirl" by Christine Lynxwiler from Cathy Bryant at WordVessel.
Hip-Hip-Horray!!!
Cathy is the author of the book "Texas Roads". You can read the first chapter of her book here. Mark led me to her site (she was in the Wayland band with him), and I've enjoyed reading her blog the last couple of weeks. She is also the proud grandmother of a new grandson, Harrison. (congratulations, Cathy!)
Thank you, Cathy, for the book. I'm looking forward to reading it and your book as well!

Update

Sarah's MRI has been moved to Monday due to the weather. It will be on Monday @ 2 p.m.
We'd appreciate your prayers!

Science

Homeschoolers! I just found this site and thought I'd share it. It has a big list of simple science experiments to use. I haven't looked at the entire site, but it looks like it might have lots of good things for teaching science principles. http://www.sciencefairadventure.com/Default.aspx

Give-Me-More Barbecued Ribs

Becky gave me a "Fix-It and Forget-It" cookbook for Christmas. We've been taking turns choosing a recipe to make and tonight was Aaron's night. The results were a LOT better than I expected (I'd have never thought to cook ribs in a crock pot!). They were called Give-Me-More Barbecued Ribs, and since I found a package of ribs at 40% off, we tried them out. :-)

Makes: 6 servings

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 8-10 hours

Ideal slow cooker size: 6 quart

4 lbs. pork ribs

1/2 cup brown sugar

12-oz. jar chili sauce

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard

1 tsp. hot sauce

1. Place ribs in slow cooker

2. Combine remaining ingredients. Pour half of sauce over ribs.

3. Cover. Cook on low 8 - 10 hours.

4. Serve with remaining sauce.

I used plain mustard because that's what I had, and I used more hot sauce. Also, our ribs were tender and meat literally falling off the bone after 6 hours, so 8 to 10 hours may be too long. This was good, but you could just as easily use a bottle of your favorite Barbecue sauce.

Can you believe...

...Scott is 18?!!? His birthday was the 13th, I'm just slow at posting this month. While I was in labor the nurses kept telling me that if I'd wait a couple of hours he'd be a Valentine baby. (easy for them to say!!)However, I knew that boys wouldn't want heart themed birthdays every year, so I spared him the pain of pink hearts and me the pain of waiting. Of course I didn't know he was a boy yet....but it all worked out-right?
He hates having his picture made, so I spared him that pain as well and used one from China. I still want to know what that shocked look was all about! His big plans for his birthday this year included a tattoo, but that hasn't happened yet and I'm waiting with bated breath to see what transpires.
Scott you are a son any parent would be proud of. You have a servant's heart, willing to help in almost any situation, you're giving and caring. You've carried the names of your grandfathers with an integrity that would make them proud! I love you and am praying for God's richest blessings in your life as you step into new experiences this year. I am excited to see what God has in store for you! I love you. Happy Birthday!

computer problems

The charger on my laptop isn't working and my battery is down to 47%. So, I may not be able to get on for awhile......I'll miss you!

Prayer: part 1

The definition of prayer from Noah Webster's 1828 American Dictionary:

"1. In worship, a solemn address to the Supreme Being, consisting of adoration, or an expression of our sense of God's glorious perfections, confession of our sins, supplication for mercy and forgiveness, intercession for blessings on others, and thanksgiving, or an expression of gratitude to God for his mercies and benefits. A prayer however may consist of a single petition, and it may be extemporaneous, written or printed."

From the Encarta Dictionary on my Microsoft Office today:

"Prayer: 1. A spoken or unspoken address to God, a deity, or a saint. It may express praise, thanksgiving, confession, or a request for something such as help or somebody's well-being."

Wow! Am I the only one who sees a discrepancy in these two definitions or am I making a mountain out of a molehill? Maybe the difference between the two definitions is a portrayal of our times. How do I look upon God now? The way I pray could be a good gauge of how I view God. We had a guest speaker at church this morning who said that he thought that a lot of our youth today saw God as a little friend they could put in their pocket and pull out as needed to fulfill a need or help with a problem and then put Him back into their pocket until the next need arose. Interestingly, the speaker also made the comment that the reason the youth see God in this light is because we as parents have fallen down on our responsibility to teach about God's sovereignty and that the youth have seen us treat God as that little friend in our pocket. (See Mark's blog below...) He wasn't actually speaking on prayer but on revival. He was pointing out what is missing in the youth's understanding of God to bring about revival and how most big revivals have begun with youth (Jr. High up to college age). Since God has been working on me with some struggles I've had about prayer lately, what the speaker said caught my attention.

There is one thing that I feel is note worthy here.

As thorough as Noah Webster's definition is, I think he's still missing something simple and basic. As a child I was taught that prayer is simply a conversation with God. For a conversation to be complete it should include both talking and listening on my part. Listening for that still, small voice. God doesn't need to appear to me personified in great natural forces -- though he certainly can do this -- but He may also reveal himself directly, softly, and personally. I need to be listening closely for in that still, small voice God may be trying to quietly, powerfully and passionately communicate with me.

USA Drifting Away - Guest Blogger Mark

Last night at prayer meeting at church, our pastor mentioned that last week the group that was present "dragged me out of my closet of seclusion" concerning the recent election and how the US has and is drifting away from it's Christian roots. As I pondered all the responses from the pastor and the others, I have been thinking on it all day long. There were many different answers and views expressed with the pastor's being "it boils down to a Christian world view vs. a secular world view" and he went into what the Christian and world views entail. I agree with him on this, but feel it is more than just a view. I feel that a great deal of what is occurring is a result of us as Christian parents and members of the Church failing in teaching our children the truths of God as we should.

As I began work this morning, I was reading in Psalms 78. The first 8 verses kind of sum up the whole situation. They are as follows.

1 My people, hear my instruction; listen to what I say.
2 I will declare wise sayings; I will speak mysteries from the past —
3 things we have heard and known and that our fathers have passed down to us.
4 We must not hide them from their children, but must tell a future generation the praises of the LORD, His might, and the wonderful works He has performed.
5 He established a testimony in Jacob and set up a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers to teach to their children
6 so that a future generation, children yet to be born, might know. They were to rise and tell their children
7 so that they might put their confidence in God and not forget God's works, but keep His commandments.
8 Then they would not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation whose heart was not loyal and whose spirit was not faithful to God. (HCSB)

Too many in past, and this current generation have failed to teach their children the truths and teaching of God. As a result we are reaping younger generations that have turned completely away from God or at the least ascribe to 2 Timothy 4:3

" 3For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, "

Until we in the church decide to follow God's teachings and pass them on to our children we will continue to see events unfold as we have seen the last 20-30 years.

Mark (Sandra's husband)

Homeschoolers!

I just found this homeschool freebie "wholesome childhood" site and thought someone else might be interested as well. They offer a free download each day for homeschool use. I looked back at things they've offered in the past and it appears that they do a good job of covering all age groups, from pre-school on. It looks as if they even offer some old "classics" from "years gone by"(1800 and 1900's!) that might be fun to just look at!

Freebie

I found this on the Money Saving Mom site....

"Each month, ChristianAudio.com offers one free audio book download. I'm so
excited because this month's audio download is one of my very favorite books. In
fact, this book would definitely list up there with five of the top books that
have most influenced my life.
The book? Oswald Chambers: Abandoned to God.
Go here to get your free download."

I haven't listened to the book yet, but decided to try the download. They didn't ask for a credit card number, so I felt safe in that respect. I'm not sure how long the offer is valid, but I thought I'd post it in case anyone is interested. The coupon code is JAN2009

Exposed!

I was cleaning this morning and bent over to pick up something. Scott told me I had a rip in my jeans.....sure enough I reached back and felt a 2 or 3 inch rip by my pocket. It looked like it had been cut, so I must have caught it on something. I'd worn them in public all morning going to the Dr.'s office and then to Wal-Mart. OH GREAT. How long has that hole been there?!!? Don't you just hate that feeling? Going shopping soon!

Sanctuary Challenge

As I've been reflecting on the Sanctuary Challenge God has shown me that not only do I need to stop cursing my body but my SELF as well. I'm always "second guessing" myself.
One of the things I've done (among many others) is blog about something and never post it, deciding it sounds "dumb" or "stupid". God showed me that I've been more concerned about what others think rather than just being thankful that He made me the way I am. I went back to all the blogs I didn't post to look at them, and discovered I'd deleted all but one. So, in the spirit of repenting for cursing myself and wanting to change my habits, I'm posting it below. And even as I do that, I'm having to stop myself from apologizing for its length or its content and just "let it be".....

Emotions based on Truth!

Sorry this is so long, it's just that I think things through by typing them it out, and I'm too lazy to edit it to a short post! :-)

Becky had an interesting post on her blog called "Heavenly Emotions". It got me to thinking and wondering. She asked some good questions: What will perfect emotions look like in heaven? How will we express them there? and How does that relate to how I should express them here on earth?

You know, the only emotion I've ever thought of having in heaven is joy. But, it seems obvious that we'll have others . Even Christ showed emotion while on earth! I'm thinking of Him throwing out the money changers in the temple(Matt. 21:12) and Him weeping @ Lazarus' grave(John 11). Jesus felt compassion for those he healed, and just think of the celebrations He attended (wedding, visiting disciples and others) certainly he felt joy! My mind has a hard time getting around the concept of the Trinity - three in One, but since Jesus had emotions, then God does too. In fact, the Bible attributes many emotions to God including some that we would call "negative" emotions. ANGER(Psalm 90:11), JEALOUSY(Exodus 20:5), HATRED (he hates divorce...Proverbs 6:17-19 lists seven things that God hates) These are just a few I found. The Bible tells also us WE can GRIEVE the Holy Spirit(Ephesians 4:30). On the other hand, there are also the "positive" emotions: LOVE , COMPASSION (my favorite example Psalm 103:13), PEACE (Phil. 4:7, Christ is even called the Prince of Peace in Isa. 9:6), and one of my most loved chapters in the Bible says that God DELIGHTS and REJOICES (Isaiah 62:4,5).

Surely in heaven, we'll feel the positive emotions listed above as well as appreciation, maybe curiosity, excitement, confidence (Wow - I like thinking we'll have that one! ...is that an emotion??), cheerfulness...help me think here...what else? All of these expressed w/ self-control (like Becky said, no drama queens in heaven!) Come to think of it, some of the fruits of the Spirit are what we'd consider "emotional". Love , joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. I'd never even considered that before I wrote it - ha! I really don't know where I'm going with all of this, I'm just trying to think it all through for myself. But, IF God is using our emotions in the process of maturing us as Christians (to have the fruit of the Spirit), is it possible that ALL of our emotions are a GIFT from God??? (Or at least maybe they are a tool used by God.) It's just what we sometimes do with them that makes them a sin. Sadness, depression, grief, disappointment, fear: God can use those emotions FOR my good if I allow Him to. After all He promises that ALL things work together for good for those who love God (Romans 8:28). If nothing else, He uses them to draw me to Him for His comfort, healing and protection. Anger, jealousy, and pride are or can be bad because I'm focused on my selfish desires and wanting my way instead of God's, but even those emotions are used to draw me back to obedience in Him and His desires for my life: To help me mature and see other's needs and use my experiences to encourage and help them. Not to mention the fact that He can use them to teach us and others a little bit about forgiveness. Anyway, you get the idea, it may be a negative emotion with a positive outcome. Yep, God uses our emotions as a tool to help us develop a stronger relationship with Him and with other people. ( I know you're thinking DUH! but it's not something I've never really considered before!)

I know when I'm dealing with the negative emotions and situations, God often leads me to Philippians 4:8

"Finally, brethern, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

I believe that in perfection (heaven), our emotions will be based upon the Truth, honesty, justice, purity, loveliness. He is going to make all things new - even our emotions! There will be no need for the negative! There will be no sin to cause hatred or anger, there will be perfect love so no need for us to be jealous of others, and on and on.....so maybe that is the beginning of the answer to what our emotions will look like in heaven - they will look like TRUTH. I can't wait to see all the ways we will express them! I know we'll sing, praise God, worship, ....and more!

So, if emotions are a gift or tool of God's, why do I hide from my emotions so often or try to deny them? Maybe because now, here on earth they aren't always based on truth! And, quite honestly sometimes they hurt...A LOT and I don't like hurting!!

James 1:2-6 says "Consider it pure JOY, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind."

Wait a minute, God! Really? Joy in the facing of trials? I've led a blessed life. I've had very few trials compared to others. My children are all healthy, I have a husband who loves me, wonderful family and church. It is hard for me to imagine JOY in the face of death and tragedy.

But His Word says that the testing (right along with all the emotions involved) develops perseverance and perseverance develops maturity. Perseversance (from the dictionary):
Steady persistence in adhering to a course of action, a belief, or a purpose; steadfastness (in spite of what my emotions are!) Faithfulness, doggedness. The Joy comes from seeing the prize ahead - the lessons learned, the maturity gained, the fruit harvested! Maybe we won't really feel the emotion of Joy during the trial but should be simply trusting God that it's coming!

Hebrews 12:2 says that Christ considered his trial joy as well.

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

My emotions on earth are based on my view of what is happening or upon what I want. I'm so selfish! Even if I have been wrongfully treated and my "rights" or "feelings" have been violated, I should have submitted my "rights" and desires to God long ago. And sometimes when I'm hurting, I'm not focused on the hope I have in Christ. Ecclesiastes 3 says that there is a time to weep, laugh, mourn, dance, heal, embrace, love, hate...that covers a lot of emotions! Maybe, just maybe, it's okay to FEEL them. Maybe a picture of a strong Christian is one who isn't afraid of their emotions, but simply trusts God with them. (Endures to get to the joy.) I guess that's what I should be striving for!

How does all of this relate to how I should express emotions here on earth?? First of all I should be sure that before I react emotionally to something, that it is based on truth. I need to focus on what is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, good, virtuous,and praiseworthy. I need to be renewed in my mind! I need to intentionally control my thought life and then my emotions will hopefully follow. If I'm mad at my husband for taking money out of my billfold (ahem...), the TRUTH is I don't have a right to - he works 12 hrs. a day and earns that money so he has more right to it than I ever did (not to mention that it all belongs to God anyway)! So, if my emotion isn't based on truth, I need to seek forgiveness for over-reacting, or better yet, listen to God's still voice BEFORE I express the emotion outwardly and turn it over to God before I NEED Mark's forgiveness. (blushing...)

Secondly, I need to learn perseverance. I need to practice patience - wait for the joy!
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. (Heb. 12:1)

God has really been working on me lately and trying to show me the power in praising Him. The Bible tells me countless times to praise - for a reason. There really is power behind praise. If I am focused on Him and His attributes, then certainly my emotions are more likely to follow the path of Truth! To react to a situation with the correct emotion comes from keeping my thoughts focused on the Truth- Christ Himself .

One last thought. God didn't have to experience "negative" emotions before creation. Sin is what caused that and yet knowing what grief we would cost Him, He CHOSE to have those emotions instead of hiding from them or trying to avoid them like I do!

Hebrews 4:15 "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin."

You know it's true love when....

...He chooses YOUR favorite meal for HIS birthday! So, tonight Mark had meatloaf, black eyed peas (his choice) and salad. Then - HIS FAVORITE- coconut pie for his birthday "cake".

Happy Birthday Mark!! I love you!

Mom's Coconut Pie:

Pie Crust

1/3 heaping cup shortening

1 1/2 cup flour

1 tsp. salt

cold water

Cut shortening into flour and salt and add cold water to correct consistency. Roll out and bake.

Pie Filling

1 1/2 cups sugar

3 egg yolks

4 Tbsp. corn starch

3 cups milk

1 tsp. vanilla

Cook until thickened and pour into cooked crust.

Meringue

Beat 3 egg whites

with 1/2 tsp. cream of tartar and

1/4 cup sugar

Bake until golden brown.

Bracelets?

We were memorizing the verse James 4:6 in Good News Club (children's Bible class) on Tuesday. Mom had the kids saying the verse over and over to memorize it and then having them "recite" the verse. One shy little boy named Taylor in my class (Kindergarten to First grade) began quoting the verse...."God resisteth the proud but giveth bracelets unto the humble." I can't help but wonder exactly what kind of bracelet was he thinking God gives!??!

Mmm, Mmm, Good!

Sarah discovered a new recipe and after digging the recipe card out of the trash can (oops), we decided to make it tonight. This is really good! I'd be all "pioneer-womanish" and post pictures if I'd thought to take photos before my brood scarfed up all the food. Really - even the youngest son ate it! Now, that's success.

Chicken Romano (serves 4)
Ingredients:
3 Tbsp. salt-free seasoned dried breadcrumbs *
3 Tbsp. grated Romano cheese
4 thin-sliced boneless chicken cutlets
1 Tbsp. olive oil, divided
1 (14 1/2 oz.) can diced tomatoes with Italian herbs, liquid reserved
3 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
2 Tbsp. sliced pitted Kalamata olives*
1 tsp. balsamic vinegar
1/8 tsp. red pepper flakes*
3 Tbsp. coarsely chopped fresh basil leaves*

1. Combine bread crumbs and cheese in shallow dish. Dredge the chicken pieces in crumb mixture to coat on both sides.
2. Heat 1 1/2 tsp. oil in 12 inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook half of chicken until golden and cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Transfer to plate; cover with foil to keep warm. Repeat.
3. Add drained tomatoes, garlic, olives, vinegar, red pepper and 1/3 cup of tomato liquid. Cook two minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly thickened.
4. Remove from heat and discard garlic. Stir in basil. Spoon sauce over cutlets and serve.

*Our changes: We doubled the recipe for my family, using chicken breasts that we flattened. I don't think our bread crumbs were salt-free and we used plain ole' black olives. We didn't have the red pepper flakes, so, those were omitted. Also, even though we doubled the recipe, we didn't double the amount of basil (ours was freeze dried and supposed to be equivalent to fresh) and it was plenty. Let me know if you try it out. Enjoy.