tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80768342344561194572024-03-05T16:21:56.209-08:00No Pink for MeWell, maybe just a littleJanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05049977986083774236noreply@blogger.comBlogger147125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076834234456119457.post-23762459478724208202011-07-31T20:59:00.000-07:002011-07-31T22:11:15.185-07:00Another Birthday, Another Post! WHAT?!<div align="center"><br /><br /></div><br /><div align="center">On Saturday, Judah, our baby, turned 4 years old. It is nearly impossible that this child should be four. I don't have any idea of where the time has gone. Cliche, I know, but it is so true. I am so glad to be out of the threes with all of my kids (although I wouldn't hesitate to have more kids to go through the threes with. Just sayin').<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div align="center"><strong>2007</strong><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCGP0lt-Pm7ObGt7lfgtUQYdUUMyqmIZWN6yoraHOE1ZuGl8G4Xmo7uWKJRc_XOFBVe9R_ixFASotUGCopbzxe4YSRywTX2qJmKcZb2PaOK3cN6ohJENWyV3raV-gAZYRC90vR7ZCY_no/s1600/OLYMPUS+DIGITAL+CAMERA+++++++++_0001.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635741510516703570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCGP0lt-Pm7ObGt7lfgtUQYdUUMyqmIZWN6yoraHOE1ZuGl8G4Xmo7uWKJRc_XOFBVe9R_ixFASotUGCopbzxe4YSRywTX2qJmKcZb2PaOK3cN6ohJENWyV3raV-gAZYRC90vR7ZCY_no/s320/OLYMPUS+DIGITAL+CAMERA+++++++++_0001.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div align="center"><br /><br /><strong>2008</strong></div><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtJvSnbxcJsjiJGmL-iWCfhYpOW6TEPH6mxOnDeptPsrpP7S3147JwBO-f2XQ3u3R0IhjsDqa8mXyPD91gJCXJWacL5rpUMhQqI67OaqR_j3ErDcANKGM4cF76EjO87ybRa5gAUYpc4mU/s1600/OLYMPUS+DIGITAL+CAMERA+++++++++_0003.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635749352357376594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtJvSnbxcJsjiJGmL-iWCfhYpOW6TEPH6mxOnDeptPsrpP7S3147JwBO-f2XQ3u3R0IhjsDqa8mXyPD91gJCXJWacL5rpUMhQqI67OaqR_j3ErDcANKGM4cF76EjO87ybRa5gAUYpc4mU/s320/OLYMPUS+DIGITAL+CAMERA+++++++++_0003.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><strong>2009</strong></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhK-WwkBkS56sbwMQhhkkfCZ3kA53ctMv0iKB5Y5bvHrl6v9F7093LZo3HVSxWOYoiRMJdFjAm9au_3qt4fS4Sc-UG3smxdSkXHjJjofy31ZaTRtNITZYbhgT0s32KzdXnWsGsm-n3ik/s1600/DSC_0007-20.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635741504976575042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhK-WwkBkS56sbwMQhhkkfCZ3kA53ctMv0iKB5Y5bvHrl6v9F7093LZo3HVSxWOYoiRMJdFjAm9au_3qt4fS4Sc-UG3smxdSkXHjJjofy31ZaTRtNITZYbhgT0s32KzdXnWsGsm-n3ik/s320/DSC_0007-20.jpg" /> <br /><p align="center"></a><br /><strong>2010 (Someone was introduced to Home Alone!)<br /></strong></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOviOXmP4nAs1SvWBuXUg4loIZfQg2NTkMFyO82Hwbm5wvvpE6Qebk0pWQkEh6mKwddxknx9qZiAfGMFKOT1PZ4aMBD_2_BHQZX8nhvPzjwSjXC9E7JVW6W6-eaWzlcVDnxEQi4nhEXkg/s1600/dsc_0351.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 212px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635747841396074418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOviOXmP4nAs1SvWBuXUg4loIZfQg2NTkMFyO82Hwbm5wvvpE6Qebk0pWQkEh6mKwddxknx9qZiAfGMFKOT1PZ4aMBD_2_BHQZX8nhvPzjwSjXC9E7JVW6W6-eaWzlcVDnxEQi4nhEXkg/s320/dsc_0351.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><strong>2011 before we left WA</strong></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaNAgdhs0Atqg8YT32CzPpUBkx4jfdrbFfmu2gXLIkF7tNG5nmlgeNkiEEBX0dQNh355qbY9UaDNxOjuPhnqqkmQeUpKLcq4Tjx5GU_0vNrkDsiI8OemeiAsbb9bT9r5e8OJ8lUmHBH30/s1600/dsc_0018.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 212px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635741503702758530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaNAgdhs0Atqg8YT32CzPpUBkx4jfdrbFfmu2gXLIkF7tNG5nmlgeNkiEEBX0dQNh355qbY9UaDNxOjuPhnqqkmQeUpKLcq4Tjx5GU_0vNrkDsiI8OemeiAsbb9bT9r5e8OJ8lUmHBH30/s320/dsc_0018.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><em>Dear Judah,<br />Wow! You have been incredibly patient as you've helped all of us in our family celebrate our birthdays! First Mommy's, then Daddy's, then Jayden's, then Josiah's! Now you finally get to celebrate your birthday and as we are apt to do in our family: we'll celebrate in little ways all week long! On your birthday DAY we went to Sea World (yay for season passes!) and McDonald's for lunch and then on to have cake AND brownies with cousins who are in town. Birthday presents were of the Thomas and Cars 2 variety with a little Captain America thrown in for a kick!<br /><br />Judah, you are a delight to your Mommy and Daddy. You have Daddy's sense of humor and are always worried whether I am "happy to you". Baby boy, I couldn't be any happier "to you" than I already am! You make me smile on days when I'm overwhelmed and think that I canNOT do one more thing. Yet, you raise those crazy eyebrows and tell me some ridiculously hilarious plot and I suddenly have to just squeeze you and kiss your sweet cheeks!<br /><br />I hope you will find your delight in the Lord, dear Judah, and that He will make you smile. We know that all good things come from our Father, and you are one of those very good things that He has blessed my life with. I love you, Judah-boy!<br /><br />Love,<br />Mommy</em>Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05049977986083774236noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076834234456119457.post-49444141716252042852011-06-07T00:57:00.000-07:002011-06-07T01:26:37.254-07:00Happy Birthday, Baby Jayden!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFXdgePyzIZAtZYtBDqJaxA2RMjjRKt5tfZDzX7NViEMFZ_NPqjxPy0h2_pauqPOpC3rtFaovrlILpIEyxhXWZZP4TBUhxFdb62X0PRBR78DtWl5ipYEn1kszkB4_orgPpW_tUtlLSe1A/s1600/DCF+1.0.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFXdgePyzIZAtZYtBDqJaxA2RMjjRKt5tfZDzX7NViEMFZ_NPqjxPy0h2_pauqPOpC3rtFaovrlILpIEyxhXWZZP4TBUhxFdb62X0PRBR78DtWl5ipYEn1kszkB4_orgPpW_tUtlLSe1A/s400/DCF+1.0.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615390467784119314" /></a><br />Jayden,<br /><br />You are, unbelievably, six years old today. In my wildest imagination, I didn't see this day coming. This day that my middle boy, my one who has my temper, my one who needs to be held more than any other, has turned six.<br /><br />You have grown up so much in the last couple of years. You went from being "violet" with your temper to beginning to learn how to control it. You've become a better playmate for your brothers and even a better cuddler! Sometimes, like today, you break my heart with your sweetness, telling me that I sing pretty and that you like my songs. And you think that I can make anything! So I find myself trying to please you by making your quilt and making you, of all things, a stuffed rhino! You're a creative kid who doesn't let the normal "this is going to be too hard, so let's don't do it" get in your way! Make Luke, your leopard, a roller coaster? Sure, let's get on that!<br /><br />You have grown in the usual ways, of course, as well. You've become an excellent reader, way better than I would have expected at your age. You are brilliant in math, much like your father. You have a killer throw and an amazing golf swing. You're our most natural athlete but you've got stiff competition in your brothers! I love to get your notes that you give me: "Jayden loves Mommy. Mommy loves Jay." Or my favorites are the ones that read: "Jay loves Jana. Jana loves Jay." <br /><br />Your love of color and crowns, animals (real or stuffed), chocolate milk, and peanut butter...all of these things make you awesome. You are still our "best eater," willing to try anything whether it's seafood, chili, sushi or Texas Texas salsa. I love your adventurous palate, and out of everyone in our family, I love cooking for you the most. <br /><br />Out of all of these things, Jayden, the one thing that makes me happiest and that gives me hope for the future even on our bad days is this: you love Jesus. You want a relationship with Him. Now, you may not always like to go to Sunday School (the whole "I have to be away from Mommy and Daddy thing" kind of ruins it for you) but I know that you love Jesus. And you know that He loves you. <br /><br />Jayden, I have prayed for God to use your passion for Him. I know that He will do it. <br /><br />Never doubt that I am your biggest fan, Jay, and I will call you Baby Jayden as long as you want me to. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioS9oFtYpJ-SwrDFRv848DnBi9R0MvEdrf-at-wZqrBRowLpprOnZUdZIPPGeCjob4jgsOxxfy2Z6OZlX0Kq-ll_ZxSt3hlLQ98c3n2jVPqJ278ef1QzKfNMklEsun47EyThm9K-Z3tsQ/s1600/OLYMPUS+DIGITAL+CAMERA.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioS9oFtYpJ-SwrDFRv848DnBi9R0MvEdrf-at-wZqrBRowLpprOnZUdZIPPGeCjob4jgsOxxfy2Z6OZlX0Kq-ll_ZxSt3hlLQ98c3n2jVPqJ278ef1QzKfNMklEsun47EyThm9K-Z3tsQ/s400/OLYMPUS+DIGITAL+CAMERA.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615390468577573154" /></a><br /><br />Love, <br />MommyJanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05049977986083774236noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076834234456119457.post-33219372181127650782011-04-03T14:58:00.000-07:002011-04-03T16:19:34.423-07:00Come On In, The Water's Freezing!<div>We've arrived in San Antonio, and boy, it's hot! Since we've arrived and for the next few days or weeks, we'll stay in hotel until we find a house to rent. The hotel has an outdoor unheated pool and the boys have been insistent that they be allowed to go swimming. We've been here since Wednesday night, and today, we acquiesced, only so they would realize that even though it's stinkin' hot outside, the water is not quite warm enough. We've told them and told them, but in this case, experience was the best teacher. After swimming for a bit, Josiah's lips were blue and he said, "Why would anyone want to swim in that???" Hmmm. I don't know. But one thing we do know, Daddy is a better daddy than I am a mommy! He went in with them, so Judah and Jay could go into the "deep" end (5 ft.). </div><br /><div></div>><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPOqHsVg7ngnmiMAeY8UCPFlMYWw2RVFvnbDvRikH6DWXA3wW32Q3P7UNWT6sJQsPpidHlWx8x1LzMsOeR8Ai6TSuIMgEv183wrMZ7oRUV9yxdJNpHTRTfVk84t6ucMFYa6ebNcPTOyPE/s1600/OLYMPUS+DIGITAL+CAMERA_0016.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPOqHsVg7ngnmiMAeY8UCPFlMYWw2RVFvnbDvRikH6DWXA3wW32Q3P7UNWT6sJQsPpidHlWx8x1LzMsOeR8Ai6TSuIMgEv183wrMZ7oRUV9yxdJNpHTRTfVk84t6ucMFYa6ebNcPTOyPE/s200/OLYMPUS+DIGITAL+CAMERA_0016.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591496900987434082" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX81YnRdQBEX5WbYY4-t2jo8L1pmO_fTLjxidFMCfjEOUchGsZRGOQX7dsASoJWCIyJjswuqDAmCaeALjjVUzUHqbKyNwOXQJkgnhsBnow5OLiahkKx-aVCMb1sp9ZGA-0qdN1TjMQf50/s1600/OLYMPUS+DIGITAL+CAMERA_0010.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX81YnRdQBEX5WbYY4-t2jo8L1pmO_fTLjxidFMCfjEOUchGsZRGOQX7dsASoJWCIyJjswuqDAmCaeALjjVUzUHqbKyNwOXQJkgnhsBnow5OLiahkKx-aVCMb1sp9ZGA-0qdN1TjMQf50/s200/OLYMPUS+DIGITAL+CAMERA_0010.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591496896024241170" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1TfiRUqmrc46thcnPsm_UThH70DUqCCbFnRf-dzAu-sC8EF8cK3mmRbs0a2KKzFZbgOl_OYv4y9TgsHy11VmPu0OFX17G90lGDOwEa0WwCYGNE-ER8C5hv4efrU0l1ZDux2kis_yG1FY/s1600/OLYMPUS+DIGITAL+CAMERA_0006.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1TfiRUqmrc46thcnPsm_UThH70DUqCCbFnRf-dzAu-sC8EF8cK3mmRbs0a2KKzFZbgOl_OYv4y9TgsHy11VmPu0OFX17G90lGDOwEa0WwCYGNE-ER8C5hv4efrU0l1ZDux2kis_yG1FY/s200/OLYMPUS+DIGITAL+CAMERA_0006.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591496892526661218" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnV_f9Yij8qx2mpT3gnPrD5wKocQtiuM9XKSlw3QgcLAmen3BtXZZUAggcQ3G5gN_m5YpS4Kwnea31W7wbfcZRmK0qcL0iPR0z3djkpO29yOh-lQ9X7AZoG9oGFGBL0OiNNEzHok_qJSo/s1600/OLYMPUS+DIGITAL+CAMERA_0004.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnV_f9Yij8qx2mpT3gnPrD5wKocQtiuM9XKSlw3QgcLAmen3BtXZZUAggcQ3G5gN_m5YpS4Kwnea31W7wbfcZRmK0qcL0iPR0z3djkpO29yOh-lQ9X7AZoG9oGFGBL0OiNNEzHok_qJSo/s200/OLYMPUS+DIGITAL+CAMERA_0004.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591496888719343538" /></a><br /><br /><div>After a quick shower and a wrap up in robes, they're warming up! </div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4fPGgKURZB1_mwYAcRE_8ZvLohupFxrXK6uc9OegBgA7ZvWT-8hyphenhyphenjNbN9-SVfPh7MHooLkmibvsvmFIkfp9qtsQJ8eorWHBA_dRb4ueFEhQTfi567Xc2N97fAkcfWNJDFFOVTGjOm3AA/s1600/OLYMPUS+DIGITAL+CAMERA_0020.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4fPGgKURZB1_mwYAcRE_8ZvLohupFxrXK6uc9OegBgA7ZvWT-8hyphenhyphenjNbN9-SVfPh7MHooLkmibvsvmFIkfp9qtsQJ8eorWHBA_dRb4ueFEhQTfi567Xc2N97fAkcfWNJDFFOVTGjOm3AA/s200/OLYMPUS+DIGITAL+CAMERA_0020.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591496904613333970" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvCDr7V4q6lRE5Qm-y07-FUvZuL6na4SXlZUqYmoYLp6G1vexy-h9x5s63YuP37mfl6XqE_y6953drU9dBaHtJYF9gGi6AwLIPuYdgG1lt3XIvKI4OTfXS-Et-NlgOVdGrP_NJ3Zzswxw/s1600/OLYMPUS+DIGITAL+CAMERA_0019.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvCDr7V4q6lRE5Qm-y07-FUvZuL6na4SXlZUqYmoYLp6G1vexy-h9x5s63YuP37mfl6XqE_y6953drU9dBaHtJYF9gGi6AwLIPuYdgG1lt3XIvKI4OTfXS-Et-NlgOVdGrP_NJ3Zzswxw/s200/OLYMPUS+DIGITAL+CAMERA_0019.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591499700639604482" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZbAy0tVex2gsiM4fmHXwtYRF0O6ooq7CJkQgo2r_WfZNiW488dJt3c88q_QBcPnlE1_o0JoRKylxRwDJsBUryrpfnoJRv72Zubip2o3HNhcv7KbikIPiI8Vuhbcl18CI7oHGQPPapHVk/s1600/OLYMPUS+DIGITAL+CAMERA_0018.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZbAy0tVex2gsiM4fmHXwtYRF0O6ooq7CJkQgo2r_WfZNiW488dJt3c88q_QBcPnlE1_o0JoRKylxRwDJsBUryrpfnoJRv72Zubip2o3HNhcv7KbikIPiI8Vuhbcl18CI7oHGQPPapHVk/s200/OLYMPUS+DIGITAL+CAMERA_0018.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591499696630693202" /></a><br /><br /><br />We enjoyed worshiping with other believers this morning, but we did miss our church in WA. This church has AWANA, so Josiah is kind of interested in being a part of that which is kind of surprising, but he had visited AWANA with a friend in WA, so maybe since he kind of knows what to expect, he might not be so intimidated. He has decided that he wants to live in Texas forever. He might have gone too far though when he said, "I like the Longhorns." I told him to get out of the van. I don't kid about these things. If he's not going to be an OU fan, he can root for A&M, but UT? Wars have started over less.Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05049977986083774236noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076834234456119457.post-28642948540464638732011-03-11T15:42:00.000-08:002011-03-11T15:52:01.463-08:00Past and Present Colliding<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-XgOLnaTV6g6JJJtXk7PERUcFic4RcHoWZpH7EmH50QdT04zATkBWZRnYITL9itl2Y-NP7bqwkRdahs3KeNg0s7wos-CG6-tcmS9GTU0dSKRaV_ZHoKn8hBmw_2k-Dz-hbFlyND8k6vI/s1600/OLYMPUS+DIGITAL+CAMERA_0001.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582972217369983266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-XgOLnaTV6g6JJJtXk7PERUcFic4RcHoWZpH7EmH50QdT04zATkBWZRnYITL9itl2Y-NP7bqwkRdahs3KeNg0s7wos-CG6-tcmS9GTU0dSKRaV_ZHoKn8hBmw_2k-Dz-hbFlyND8k6vI/s320/OLYMPUS+DIGITAL+CAMERA_0001.jpg" /></a> When I was little, I had a monkey that I don't really remember anything about except that he was always there, and his name was "Monk Monk." I don't really even remember not having Monk Monk, so he must be pretty old (I'll be 38 this year!). I think he belonged to my older sister who was 15 when I was born, and that means he was probably passed down through all 5 of us kids!<br /><br />Last night, in an effort to clean out and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">de-clutter</span> as much as possible, I decided to go through my boxes in the garage that contain all my dolls, Barbie dolls, and stuffed animals from my childhood. I think I've written about one of my dolls that my grandmother had made, but one of my other treasures (oh, I have a few) is Monk Monk. Yes, I still have him, and yes, he smells a little musty from formerly living in a house with smokers plus being packed away for many years. But when I introduced him to my boys last night, I had one taker who was ready to love on an old monkey, a monkey who might need a stitch or two in the right places to keep him together for another few years. So, here they are together: two of my treasures; one from my past and one who is my present.<br /><br />I think Monk Monk is gonna love this kid!Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05049977986083774236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076834234456119457.post-29866065147488513422011-02-14T14:41:00.000-08:002011-02-14T14:50:55.444-08:00All About Granddad<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI4jCKg89NOV0B6B_S4t423qERLQTIL0Z2ZTyWcxY5-N_X3RaW9BiIcfRD4UPjPyU12c3RsHksLMJ-xrLzNad0EpYF_Kw2LFJKihWieSFgm8NMEMU7t6kN8sH7Hy52m7pEceBUndxKgo8/s1600/Granddad-boys.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 212px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573679405248279202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI4jCKg89NOV0B6B_S4t423qERLQTIL0Z2ZTyWcxY5-N_X3RaW9BiIcfRD4UPjPyU12c3RsHksLMJ-xrLzNad0EpYF_Kw2LFJKihWieSFgm8NMEMU7t6kN8sH7Hy52m7pEceBUndxKgo8/s320/Granddad-boys.jpg" /></a> To a special Granddad, Happy Birthday! In case you can't see the picture, it says "You 'light up' our life!" You know, because you work with electricity? That was Mommy's "bright idea." (And the hits keep coming, folks! Thank you! I'll be here all week (and the next week, but maybe not the week after that!). <br /><br />Truly, Father of my DH, you are a treasure to our family. My boys just mentioned yesterday (Judah, actually) about you and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Grandmom</span> taking them to McDonald's to eat when you were here in 2009. I love that they have memories of you, and I'm looking forward to us making more while we're a wee bit closer for a time. <br /><br />I thank you and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Grandmom</span> for raising such wonderful children who love the Lord, and I thank you especially for the one that I snagged. You all joke and say that I'm a saint for dealing with him (and some days you are so right), but really, he's the one who God dropped into my life to save me from my crazy self. You've instilled great qualities such as hard work, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">perseverance</span>, and most importantly, dedication to our Lord in all of your bunches of children's lives. Thank you! We love you!Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05049977986083774236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076834234456119457.post-33878506636506321702011-01-03T18:52:00.000-08:002011-01-03T19:12:22.796-08:00The Bible in 90 Days-The BeginningThis will be my third time reading through the Bible in 90 Days with <a href="http://www.momstoolbox.com/blog/2011/01/02/bible-in-90-days-spring-2011-our-first-check-in/">Mom's Toolbox</a>. Until last March when I finished the first time through, I had never read the Bible all the way through with a plan. I've read all of the books of the Bible, but I had never read the whole Bible from cover to cover.<br /><br />That all changed when I stumbled upon the B90 program and thought, "Surely I can do this." Lo, and behold, I did! And then in the summer, I did it again! I mentored a group the last go around and will be doing that again this time. <br /><br />Why would I encourage anyone to read through that many pages of THE most important book that fast? Several reasons, I think. One of the main ones is the fact that the Bible is one story, God's story. When one reads through so quickly, the main themes continue to 'stick out' and the repetition helps. From one 'story' to the next, one can see God's themes: calling, restoration, judgment, grace and mercy. Ultimately, of course, all of these themes point to their fulfillment in Christ. <br /><br />Another reason is the sense of accomplishment that I felt that I stuck with it. It actually takes discipline to actually accomplish this task. I can't think of many tasks that require the discipline yet is really not that hard. It's not "hard" to sit and read for 45 minutes to an hour daily for 88 days, yet somehow I always find other "shiny things" that get my attention and take my focus off the Word. BUT when I'm accountable to others (Amy, other mentors, my mentorees) suddenly it's not any harder but easier! <br /><br />Anyway, for all that, I'm happy to be joining in again. If you're interested, and haven't signed up to read along with us, hop over to Amy's at <a href="http://www.momstoolbox.com/blog/2011/01/02/bible-in-90-days-spring-2011-our-first-check-in/">Mom's Toolbox </a>and sign up (you don't have to have a blog to join in!).Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05049977986083774236noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076834234456119457.post-23220634289419139712010-12-30T11:56:00.000-08:002011-01-04T11:02:19.004-08:00Phoenix Red Rising 8/27/08-12/29/10<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6U2t4DjFIRGeD_z_nS5Mp04w1TUZSTnYozAfgmFX8Meg0wNVnn-Jtfu1UsADmMV3ANez3sSVS3Y8J-_feIBRwRz94AZ-nrs0tDlvFdLup9g_APL7Yx9BerHRE5Unr3asFCPcx3pYUR8s/s1600/Phoenix-laying.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556569804919187378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6U2t4DjFIRGeD_z_nS5Mp04w1TUZSTnYozAfgmFX8Meg0wNVnn-Jtfu1UsADmMV3ANez3sSVS3Y8J-_feIBRwRz94AZ-nrs0tDlvFdLup9g_APL7Yx9BerHRE5Unr3asFCPcx3pYUR8s/s320/Phoenix-laying.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">January 2010</span></div><div align="left"><br />It was time.<br /><br />She'd spent a year and a half being sick after every meal, yet she only perked up her ears whenever you spoke to her. She chased balls and rocks or anything that moved, cars being a favorite, but even cars weren't that interesting anymore. And I hated throwing balls to her because she'd still chase enthusiastically, but she didn't have any extra calories to expend. She was still so beautiful and so loving, but she was miserable. To hang onto her any longer was for my benefit alone.<br /><br />I stayed with her til the end, and the end came quickly, leaving the vet to reassure me that I'd made the right choice. Maybe the right choice but a hard one.<br /><br />Layla is a bit confused right now, wondering where that young whippersnapper is hiding, wondering if she's sneaking up on her even now.<br /><br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilHSupwFx90nn4SY6Kb5X_wxL3IP69i_lD7EjAw9Hrz4aKUQIuoNsJV-eajuka2azM8_yq-ft1giipGcGLQoCLk_y7llMnOfn4yM6hhvsBJMxdf1iBrY5WGs38cNX6UHjsQqZY4oQ0dKE/s1600/Phoenix-running.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556566816281037058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilHSupwFx90nn4SY6Kb5X_wxL3IP69i_lD7EjAw9Hrz4aKUQIuoNsJV-eajuka2azM8_yq-ft1giipGcGLQoCLk_y7llMnOfn4yM6hhvsBJMxdf1iBrY5WGs38cNX6UHjsQqZY4oQ0dKE/s320/Phoenix-running.jpg" /></a><br /><br />As Judah looks at these pictures, he said, "But she's not hurting." Not anymore, Baby, not anymore.Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05049977986083774236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076834234456119457.post-56847145904284871792010-12-25T10:46:00.001-08:002010-12-25T10:54:45.245-08:00From Us to You...<em></em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5gIRY2P8w9r0QarE3_SEOAc-1RpCVErd-JslNNO6RQv1Nc4v-M3Q9rb281etCJDPJvEaTlw6lgatxFj4csoEszGBOPQ_TU8CYhqQOIKsqS9Y9oKRnB7Gu_OPJrNpfIXR4u5MMG00yOTc/s1600/dsc_0012.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554693996556263618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5gIRY2P8w9r0QarE3_SEOAc-1RpCVErd-JslNNO6RQv1Nc4v-M3Q9rb281etCJDPJvEaTlw6lgatxFj4csoEszGBOPQ_TU8CYhqQOIKsqS9Y9oKRnB7Gu_OPJrNpfIXR4u5MMG00yOTc/s320/dsc_0012.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3TtTS4dEy9eKWfN8iBDUzlY89wmwSjhOrKheZNhrmYqvT5NUQKlVprWV-njuG2-LRof0w1mgDxRsRJJBR33YWRCvRA3TBdmOKl4TjL7BUfdv_I_uiUZHP6KsNn29v8TfYB3x5crvkm7Q/s1600/dsc_0033.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 212px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554693992662347762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3TtTS4dEy9eKWfN8iBDUzlY89wmwSjhOrKheZNhrmYqvT5NUQKlVprWV-njuG2-LRof0w1mgDxRsRJJBR33YWRCvRA3TBdmOKl4TjL7BUfdv_I_uiUZHP6KsNn29v8TfYB3x5crvkm7Q/s320/dsc_0033.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi05Cjb_33_zLLD5dvvc4XATDh6Irvk9EtRIBju8n97t18xxQ-qXVIP-lWbdJiPwcZrXepBeGYLH8giRS7TtJ6mG4gLc7LKrglPokr1JUKXLN6G8ZcV81cE5gCkE_olywa9PebZ8CkcTEM/s1600/OLYMPUS+DIGITAL+CAMERA.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554693988192521538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi05Cjb_33_zLLD5dvvc4XATDh6Irvk9EtRIBju8n97t18xxQ-qXVIP-lWbdJiPwcZrXepBeGYLH8giRS7TtJ6mG4gLc7LKrglPokr1JUKXLN6G8ZcV81cE5gCkE_olywa9PebZ8CkcTEM/s320/OLYMPUS+DIGITAL+CAMERA.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Merry Christmas! </span></strong></div><div> </div><div><em>And there were in the same country, shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night...</em></div><div><em></em> </div><div>God Eternal, squeezed into the body of a baby, God and Man, come to face our temptations, to live a sinless life, to die a painful death, to save us from our sin. </div><div> </div></div></div>Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05049977986083774236noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076834234456119457.post-65611013460221499212010-12-21T10:09:00.001-08:002010-12-21T10:37:38.292-08:00Fall Into Reading Wrap UpI enjoyed participating in Katrina's <a href="http://callapidderdays.com/2010/12/fall-into-reading-2010-wrap-it-up.html">Fall Into Reading Challenge </a>this time. I didn't finish all of the books that I had challenged myself to read, but I also added in a couple (code for about 10) extra "fun" books (a couple by Laura Childs, a few other mysteries) that weren't on my original list. <br /><br />Here's how I did:<br />I finished <em>The Hole in Our Gospel</em> by Rich Stearns. In a word? Challenging. Painful. Convicting. Okay, that's three words, but choose one and it applies.<br /><br />I didn't (that is...DID NOT) finish reading <em>Good and Angry</em> (did buy it, though so I can finish it later) or <em>Shepherding a Child's Heart.</em><br /><em></em><br />I finished all but one of the Aimee Leduc Investigations books (I have it now from the library and will finish it this week). I also finished <em>Piece de Resistance</em> and <em>Savannah by the Sea. </em>I didn't even start <em>Pride and Prejudice</em>. I did purchase <em>Walking the Choctaw Road</em>, and I look forward to finishing it soon as well.<br /><br />I have definitely always had a bent toward fiction (especially mysteries), and I didn't vary much from that! I think all of the 'extra' books I read were mysteries as well! Next time, I'll stretch myself a little bit more (just a little bit, though!). <br /><br />I look forward to joining the Spring Reading Thing that <a href="http://callapidderdays.com/">Katrina</a> hosts as well. Maybe I'll stretch then! <br /><br />I'll be reading the <a href="http://www.momstoolbox.com/blog/2010/11/29/read-the-bible-in-90-days-with-momstoolbox-beginning-january-3/">Bible in 90 days </a>again beginning in January, so I won't have as much time to read 'extra' stuff then. <br /><em></em><br /><em>Though maybe I will take time to update my blog a little more than once every three months... we'll see :)</em>Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05049977986083774236noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076834234456119457.post-42194940474598132082010-10-04T22:38:00.001-07:002010-10-04T22:49:04.276-07:00And...DoneI almost forgot to update my blog tonight for the B90 challenge. I finished on Wednesday night, and e-mailed Amy at Mom's Toolbox, so I kind of shut down for a day or two mentally after that. (Well, even more than usual.)<br /><br />My overall thoughts? Wow! God's Word is amazing. Once again I am reminded of how much He loves us and longs for us to know Him as His Word portrays Him and not how "the world" says He is. <br /><br />I loved reading through so quickly, even if I was behind much of the time. I don't think we get a good picture of how it all ties together sometimes because of the way we approach reading through the Bible in a year. I always felt frustrated by that approach and never accomplished it. This time, though, I did it in 87 days. All the glory goes to God! He is the one who is faithful and He alone is the one who can satisfy me. <br /><br />Thank you, Amy at <a href="http://www.momstoolbox.com/blog/2010/10/04/bible-in-90-days-summer-2010-celebration-check-in/">Mom's Toolbox </a>for hosting this, for challenging us, and for encouraging all of us to get to know God and His Word more fully. Amy has a great ministry of sharing short devotionals, and I would encourage you to check them out at her site.Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05049977986083774236noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076834234456119457.post-70408817342210565032010-09-27T20:19:00.000-07:002010-09-27T20:30:54.206-07:00B90 Week 13 or "Holy Cow, We're Almost Done!"Well, it's Day 85 of the Bible in 90 Days, and I'm right on target to finish in 88. There was a time in the middle (almost the whole middle!) that I was behind 10 or more days. Then, even though I had finished in March, I was beginning to consider giving up. But then I was reminded 1) how good it felt to have accomplished such an awesome goal, 2) there are others who are reading for the first time and would my giving up (if they even knew) be an encouragement to them (Galatians 6:9-10)? 3) Discipline is not my strong suit, so giving up would be so easy. Continuing would be harder, so I decided to be like Paul, to beat my body, to make it my slave (OK, not my actual body because the treadmill and I are still not friends) so that I would not be disqualified for the prize. I know that my salvation isn't based on my works (Thank you, Jesus!), but we are called to show our faith by our works. My work this time was to finish and to finish well. <br /><br />If you are still struggling with finishing, keep on keeping on. Drag out your "sticktoitiveness" and "just do it," "get'er done." (Any other silly slogans that I can use to encourage you to go for it?) If you have finished, will finish in 90 days, will finish in more than 90 days, let us know! Amy, over at<a href="http://www.momstoolbox.com/blog/2010/09/27/bible-in-90-days-week-13-day-85-check-in/"> Mom's Toolbox</a>, wants to know if you're reading along with us and when you're finishing. Go there and be encouraged. Praise be to the glorious God and Father of us all for His precious love letter to us.Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05049977986083774236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076834234456119457.post-31433353622373117192010-09-23T21:18:00.000-07:002010-09-24T21:18:25.140-07:00Fall Into Reading 2010This is my first year joining in the low-pressure reading challenge known as "Fall Into Reading." Katrina over at <a href="http://callapidderdays.com/2010/09/fall-into-reading-2010-start-reading.html">Callipidder Days</a> created and hosts this challenge, and I've been wanting to join. The challenge runs from September 22 until December 20th.<br /><br />I love to read!! With the <a href="http://www.momstoolbox.com/blog/bible-in-90-days-reading-schedule/">Bible in 90 Days Challenge</a>, books have been piling up on my bedside table, so I'm looking forward to plowing through some of those. Here's my list (although, I'm sure I'll add and detract as I go along, but at least these are my planned 'escapes.')<br /><br /><strong>Non-fiction</strong>:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hole-Our-Gospel-Expect-Changed/dp/0849947006/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1285386839&sr=1-2">The Hole in Our Gospel</a> by Richard Stearns. I am actually almost half-way done with this one, but I had to put in aside for the B90 challenge. Great and convicting read.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Good-Angry-Exchanging-Frustration-Character/dp/0877880301/ref=sr_1_1?s=gateway&ie=UTF8&qid=1285369787&sr=8-1">Good and Angry</a> by Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller. I (again) have started this one, but (again) had to put it aside for a bit.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Shepherding-Childs-Heart-Tedd-Tripp/dp/0966378601/ref=sr_1_1?s=gateway&ie=UTF8&qid=1285369977&sr=8-1">Shepherding a Child's Heart</a> by Tedd Tripp. We're actually going through this (DVD) on Sunday nights at church, so I am looking forward to reading (all) of it.<br /><br /><strong>Fiction</strong>:<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Piece-Resistance-Novel-Sandra-Byrd/dp/1400073294/ref=sr_1_1?s=gateway&ie=UTF8&qid=1285369882&sr=8-1">Piece de Resistance</a> by Sandra Byrd. The final one in the series, so I'm looking forward to getting my hands on it!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Savannah-Sea-Book-3/dp/1595541608/ref=sr_1_1?s=gateway&ie=UTF8&qid=1285370062&sr=8-1">Savannah by the Sea</a> by Denise Hildreth. Again, a third in a series that I read a year ago. I've waited a long time to read this!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pride-Prejudice-Penguin-Classics-Deluxe/dp/0143105426/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1285386409&sr=1-1">Pride and Prejudice </a>by Jane Austen. A classic that deserves another read; in honor of my friend, L, who loved Miss Jane Austen.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Murder-Marais-Aimee-Leduc-Investigations/dp/1569472122/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1285387163&sr=1-1">The Aimee Leduc Investigation Series</a> (or as many as I can get my hands on!) by Cara Black. I've read a couple of these but look forward to reading more.<br /><br /><a href="http://http//www.amazon.com/Walking-Choctaw-Road-Stories-People/dp/0938317733/ref=sr_1_18?s=STORE&ie=UTF8&qid=1285387352&sr=1-18">Walking the Choctaw Road</a> by Tim Tingle. I recently read one of his children's books, so I look forward to reading more of his stories about my ancestors, the Choctaw.<br /><br />I am also going to try to read a couple of non-school related, simply-to-be-a-good-mom/homeschooler to my three boys, particularly my oldest two. If I could get the younger one to stop bouncing off the walls (he's three), I'd read to him more, too! Of course, all of this is in addition to the study I'm leading at church, "Lies Women Believe" by Nancy Leigh DeMoss and teaching Ephesians on Sunday mornings.<br /><br />Thankfully, this is a low-pressure challenge!! Check out Katrina's blog at <a href="http://callapidderdays.com/2010/09/fall-into-reading-2010-start-reading.html">Callapidder Days </a> to see what everyone else is reading. You might be inspired to pick up a new book or you might be reminded to pick up the one you forgot you wanted to read!!Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05049977986083774236noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076834234456119457.post-25569954503610167992010-09-20T22:21:00.000-07:002010-09-20T22:39:41.430-07:00B90 Week 12Wow! I can't believe we're already into the Acts of the Apostles! This has been a great week of reading through (in a timely manner, no less!) the Gospels. <br /><br />One of the themes that I kept being convicted by was Jesus' harsh words concerning riches and his concern for the poor. Even the "kingdom of heaven" parable from Matthew 22:2-14 reminded me of how easy it is to get caught up in the riches of this life, storing up our treasures on earth, if you will. Here Jesus is referring to those who were "invited to come" but they were too busy going to their fields or to their business to pay attention to the one who had invited them to the banquet. So he 'took care of business,' and invited all the 'nobodies' to come. I was struck by the things that distracted the ones who had been invited initially were the things that distract me so often. To compound my conviction, my husband and I visited a mall this weekend, looking for a certain pair of shoes that will hopefully help me with my aching feet. However, I spent the time there trying not to get physically ill at the worthless, vain consumerism that drives us all. <br /><br />I'm not getting on a soapbox here, because, heck, I was looking for new shoes! However, I know that if my memory hadn't been refreshed by these verses, that my "want-o-meter" would have been turned completely on just by being in certain stores like REI or even the Build-a-bear where they have a new Star Wars Bear (how cute it was!). I think I was kept from temptation simply by being in the Word! <br /><br />How about you? Has anything you've read this week been a reminder/conviction to you of something going on in your life? Leave a comment here or check in with Amy over at <a href="http://www.momstoolbox.com/blog/2010/09/20/bible-in-90-days-week-12-day-78-check-in/">Mom's Toolbox</a>. We're almost done! Plans are in the works to start anew in January 2011.Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05049977986083774236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076834234456119457.post-18409310102257489642010-09-13T19:28:00.000-07:002010-09-13T19:52:05.854-07:00B90 Week 11I'M CAUGHT UP! Or I will be tonight when I read through Mark 9:31. There have been some LONG reading sessions this week, but it feels so good to be caught up! Can you believe that this challenge is almost over? Only a couple more weeks, and October will be upon us (I KNOW! It really shouldn't be moving this fast!).<br /><br />A few verses that stood out to me in my marathon reading session came from Hosea. Hosea 10:12 says, <blockquote>Sow for yourselves righteousness and reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord until he comes and showers righteousness on you. But you have planted wickedness, you have reaped evil, you have eaten the fruit of deception.</blockquote> I'm also leading a study called <em>Lies Women Believe </em>by Nancy Leigh DeMoss right now, and mercy, those words are powerful: you have eaten the fruit of deception. I haven't ever necessarily planned to plant wickedness or reap evil, but that in effect, is what I've done if I've ever chosen to believe a lie or a subtle half-truth that contradicts what God has said or portrays Him in a non-biblical way. I don't want to be like the Israelites and try to "dig my own cisterns" or "carve my own gods."<br /><br />Another verse that I held onto this week was Habakkuk 2:3 which reads, "Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O Lord. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy." And at the end of chapter 3 verses 17-19<blockquote>Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vine, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights.</blockquote>. <br /><br />And of course, after all the mayhem, destruction, and pain in the OT, it was refreshing to enter the NT! As I read through Matthew this morning (all of it), it struck me anew what a short earthly ministry (and really, earthly life) Jesus had.<br /><br />Check in with Amy at <a href="http://www.momstoolbox.com/blog/2010/09/12/bible-in-90-days-week-11-day-71-check-in/">Mom's Toolbox</a> to see how everyone else is doing. And go encourage someone today!!Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05049977986083774236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076834234456119457.post-65653436724944805532010-08-30T16:07:00.000-07:002010-08-30T16:11:44.130-07:00B90 Week 9Suffice it to say that I'm still behind, but only 3 days now! (Again!). I've been reading all weekend and had planned to catch up even more today, but a headache is plaguing me, so I'm going to check in now and call it "good." <br /><br />Check in with Amy and her other readers over at <a href="http://www.momstoolbox.com/blog/2010/08/30/b-90-days-week-9-day-57-check-in/">Mom's Toolbox</a> to see how everyone else is doing! Drop them an encouraging note, if you can!Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05049977986083774236noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076834234456119457.post-56052196070714489932010-08-26T09:42:00.000-07:002010-08-26T10:24:43.112-07:00"All Because of a Newspaper""And the newspaper isn't that great. I guess as far as newspapers go, it's good, but still."<br /><br />These were the thoughts that were swirling through my head at 4 a.m. When DH went to bed, I decided to put Layla and Phoenix in the outdoor kennel to try to curb Layla's new found love of newspapers. (She's actually just being her sweet, helpful self since all she usually does is take the plastic off. She's just trying to help!) She usually sleeps outside while Phoenix sleeps in our laundry room with the door partway open. But I thought since Layla hates the kennel and Phoe seems to like it, that maybe if they both were in there, it would be fine with Layla. They both resisted little when I put them in and fed them.<br /><br />I stayed up late catching up on my reading for the B90, then I had done a little bit of planning for our homeschool (not much, just enough for the next two weeks while we still have "extra" kids). I went to bed around 12:30 and read a few pages of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pocketful-Pinecones-Nature-Learning-Culture/dp/1889209031/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1282841250&sr=8-1">"Pocketful of Pinecones"</a> by Karen Andreola. I turned off the light around 12:45 and was looking forward to sleeping. We have been sleeping with our window open since it's nice and cool outside. I could hear the coyotes yipping at the moon, but they don't bother me. However, I should have known.<br /><br />Phoenix started barking at 1:30, so quickly I went out and got her since I know our neighbor had gotten off work at 11:30, so he was probably just settling down. I had to wrestle with her to get her in the house since she wanted to be with Layla (and poor Layla is left in the kennel at this point). Phoe resigned herself to the laundry room, and I went back to bed.<br /><br />At 2:30, SWK started "Mommy"ing from his place on the top bunk in their room. He'd dropped Brown Puppy. Are you kidding me? This same dog who he's had since he was 1 but paid no attention to until 3 months ago? That dog? The one that Bounce has slept with the last five years but gave up when SWK decided he needed to sleep with it? That dog. He'd fallen off the top bunk (the dog is stuffed by the way, so it hadn't hurt him), and SWK needed the dog! So, since I'm the good parent (Kidding. I kid. Kind of.) I got up and retrieved the stuffed Labrador. (Get it? Retrieved the Labrador. Okay, it wasn't that funny at 2:30 either!). I huffed my way back to bed (my attitude wasn't great by this point. Poor SWK!) and thoughts swirled.<br /><br />At 3:15, I could hear Layla whining (softly) from the kennel which is not far from our bedroom window. What the? I am not bothered by the (what sounds like) 50 coyotes but let one of my dogs (or kids) whine, and I can't go back to sleep?<br /><br />At 4 something else happened, (kid, dog, husband???), but I woke up (had I really been asleep?). I laid there and thought, "All of this because of a newspaper?" DH woke up sometime after 5:30 (and it seemed like he was loud this morning. Were you, DH? Were you???), I turned my alarm off at 7 and SWK started "Mommy"ing again at 7:50because he was wondering if our "extra" kids were here yet. Yikes! I jumped out of bed and ran and got my non-pajamas on. They finally showed up at 9. (I could have been dozing!)<br /><br />Needless to say, I'm slurping up the coffee today, and thinking of buying my neighbor a post and a box for his newspaper. And on second thought, is it the dogs (stuffed or otherwise) or the newspaper that's causing issues? I'll let you know after I finish my pot of coffee!Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05049977986083774236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076834234456119457.post-26618302681044073062010-08-23T17:27:00.000-07:002010-08-23T17:39:25.655-07:00B90 Week 8Well, hello there! Where have you been? Oh, yeah, it's <em>moi</em> that's been absent for a bit long! There's much to tell but the days have been short and there never seems to be enough time to catch up on it all...including my Bible reading! I'm still about 3 days behind, but I'm still reading!<br /><br />Actually, I just finished the Psalms last night and then read about 10 chapters in Proverbs today. It was the first time I'd read all of Psalms 119 since my friend had passed away the week after our Psalm 119 Bible Study ended. All kinds of thoughts swirled around as I read, but suffice it to say, that the Lord's word is good.<br /><br />Since DH spent the day at home with the summer cold that we've all had, I had to use the time to accomplish some things that can only happen when there is someone to entertain Ju Ju. So I painted the office (oh, yes, that project) and I also mowed the lawn, reprimanded Layla for chewing up the neighbor's newspaper, apologized to the neighbor, etc. etc.<br /><br />So, there's still much to say, but for now, I think I will go hang out with my children for a bit. DH and I spent the weekend away (10-year anniversary) and some lovely friends cared for our kids while we gone, but my boys like having their mommy and daddy home! <br /><br />Check in with Amy at <a href="http://www.momstoolbox.com/blog/2010/08/23/b-90-days-week-8-day-50-check-in/">Mom's Toolbox </a>if you're reading along with us and need some encouragement!Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05049977986083774236noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076834234456119457.post-20937531979681848582010-07-27T06:57:00.000-07:002010-07-27T07:08:47.477-07:00B90 Week 4 or "Vacation Is Killing Me"We're still in Texas, "vacationing" or as I like to call it, running crazy with children! Yesterday we went to Glen Rose to the Dinosaur Tracks State Park. Unfortunately, the Creation Evidence Museum wasn't open, so we only got the "millions of years ago" view of everything, but the dinosaur tracks were pretty impressive. More on that later.<br /><br />One of the great things about the trip is that my sister drove the entire way, so I spent a good majority of the time reading and catching up! I was one complete week behind and now I'm only three days behind! I did manage to read part of that late night before last (as in I stayed up til 3 after waking up from getting the boys to sleep!)<br /><br />If you're reading, have you checked in with Amy at <a href="http://www.momstoolbox.com/blog/2010/07/26/b-90-days-week-4-day-22-check-in/">Mom's Toolbox</a>? There's a great encouraging post over there from Kari who read the Bible in 66 days! Check it out, and if you want to start reading with us, it's not too late!!Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05049977986083774236noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076834234456119457.post-76005916656603673862010-07-21T09:52:00.000-07:002010-07-21T10:04:45.125-07:00Kids and Kittens<div>Look what we got! </div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisRNWbXYN5s_QlYCUqSt_YRHSXYAhOaOpMTTbV_Wj_3JydSfrr7US8RlcVw1wiOrckuDePKeGvkictH7pV-cWSMshbkLE_SVITOTUXasb6S564sWfJnnYygrLG6me7si38Ljgd4E3WrYU/s1600/OLYMPUS+DIGITAL+CAMERA_0005.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496404369777477410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisRNWbXYN5s_QlYCUqSt_YRHSXYAhOaOpMTTbV_Wj_3JydSfrr7US8RlcVw1wiOrckuDePKeGvkictH7pV-cWSMshbkLE_SVITOTUXasb6S564sWfJnnYygrLG6me7si38Ljgd4E3WrYU/s320/OLYMPUS+DIGITAL+CAMERA_0005.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIgOSHmhFuxWdGp3H9F_-piItoecBJQLLSRqjcXpXYMEFFAfSPk9OxhflxcIzwu6QFM-2Ly2orGPpqno5MerbtSV_PlJweRTubf4ZwrJ1LtlQen1VN9o_RWXnZGuk-h41olvvZoeCcSmE/s1600/OLYMPUS+DIGITAL+CAMERA_0003.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496404361299471394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIgOSHmhFuxWdGp3H9F_-piItoecBJQLLSRqjcXpXYMEFFAfSPk9OxhflxcIzwu6QFM-2Ly2orGPpqno5MerbtSV_PlJweRTubf4ZwrJ1LtlQen1VN9o_RWXnZGuk-h41olvvZoeCcSmE/s320/OLYMPUS+DIGITAL+CAMERA_0003.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzPUsNy7_MSLRtYmFxwPaAbB8AfkevlVCeTB_UC996EJh9tpAEBdpmfg3qtwMo60D3a_cbESW1kOvEp_-TfgK_w-ykUsdvLcRFYTuBU09M-N36vNebRmYITl4zBNxDPDhoFpUd6uthE7Y/s1600/OLYMPUS+DIGITAL+CAMERA_0007.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496404345070593250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzPUsNy7_MSLRtYmFxwPaAbB8AfkevlVCeTB_UC996EJh9tpAEBdpmfg3qtwMo60D3a_cbESW1kOvEp_-TfgK_w-ykUsdvLcRFYTuBU09M-N36vNebRmYITl4zBNxDPDhoFpUd6uthE7Y/s320/OLYMPUS+DIGITAL+CAMERA_0007.jpg" /></a> <div>We're visiting my Cowgirl sister and her family, and a couple of days ago we saw a sign. </div><br /><div></div><div>Not that kind of sign.</div><div> </div><div>But it was a sign for free kittens! Score one for Bounce and SWK. Of course, we still have to deal with the whole "taking them back on the airplane" issue, but first things first. </div><div> </div><div>The little white one came named as "Spot" (that may change), but the little grey one is unnamed as of yet. We're thinking "Anna Grey." Any thoughts?</div><div> </div><div>Okay, DH, you can relax and NOT call. We're not bringing the cats home. My sister wanted them, so we're leaving them here. But I'm sure I will have at least one sad little boy coming home with me. He's attached already!</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05049977986083774236noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076834234456119457.post-30158118325150793482010-07-13T17:50:00.000-07:002010-07-14T09:59:22.442-07:00Wishful ThinkingSince we've decided to take the house off of the market for awhile, I decided that I must paint! I love to pick out paint and to do the actual painting, but the prep work (clearing the room, taping, etc.) not so much.<br /><br />The room we're (that would be "we" as in "I" am doing the painting and "DH" is doing the paying for the paint) is our "office" (I love quotation marks, but beyond that, they do serve a purpose). We call it our office even though we keep our computer and other officey stuff in the main living area (we have a "Great Room" situation), so I'm sort of claiming the office as a schoolroom/craftroom/playroom for the chill'uns. (Actually, they just tend to make it the playroom on their own. They tend to follow me wherever I am). The school work usually takes place at the kitchen table (again, we don't have a dining room that's separate or that would be my ideal school area).<br /><br />Here's the room I'm planning on painting:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDrSMBqfzWjFiiVNvtPCCS9bdM2KJyWWmG8-OSsVhlZ44BoOKn-R251q7e9hfpirzgpn37-tmgCwG4FXzQkxwqBPwHDMcQKP96fUrOypOvN5JrZTSFQghSihLFAeq0YqXFnNshNF_c4p8/s1600/office.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493805553639488450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDrSMBqfzWjFiiVNvtPCCS9bdM2KJyWWmG8-OSsVhlZ44BoOKn-R251q7e9hfpirzgpn37-tmgCwG4FXzQkxwqBPwHDMcQKP96fUrOypOvN5JrZTSFQghSihLFAeq0YqXFnNshNF_c4p8/s320/office.jpg" /></a> And it's usually only this clean when we were showing the house!<br /><br />And here's the color, a lovely greyish/blueish-turquoise called "voyage" and a lovely "sand pearl," a fancy-shmancy name for a tan-ish cream.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnzNcPf0v6z5J1D5YJ_MHEHHgjmqiIF54lLuDQXJQuSfomU5OPnLPKBBmmIBLL0fM9fvVI-fYeBwJ9Oc3z21Nuy8kWMx3bTe7qZZtfWoiNwPWFtBEW8p7tWPKn0zxYBmEcVTEJDoVHK3w/s1600/OLYMPUS+DIGITAL+CAMERA_0002.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493801617554465570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnzNcPf0v6z5J1D5YJ_MHEHHgjmqiIF54lLuDQXJQuSfomU5OPnLPKBBmmIBLL0fM9fvVI-fYeBwJ9Oc3z21Nuy8kWMx3bTe7qZZtfWoiNwPWFtBEW8p7tWPKn0zxYBmEcVTEJDoVHK3w/s320/OLYMPUS+DIGITAL+CAMERA_0002.jpg" /></a><br />I had thought, "Sure, it'll be easy to get all this painted, rearranged and ready to go all before Saturday when we're leaving for Texas." That way when we get home, I can get lesson plans done, laminating for chore charts and a modified workbox system (a help, I hope, that will encourage the boys to see what they need to do and more importantly, get it done!). In addition to painting, I also love to give myself lots of stuff to do before a deadline, so I get stressed out BUT I usually do get a lot more accomplished that way. It's sad, really.<br /><br />I picked up a sample today of the two colors to see how well they will cover the Philadelphia Eagles green (Glidden has great team colors, by the way). I am contemplating buying the Behr paint from Home Depot that has the paint and primer all in one, so I thought I'd check that sample out today.<br /><br />When we returned home from our plethora of errands, I quickly slapped some paint on the wall to see which wall would look better with the blue color, etc. I had a couple of fascinated lookers-on, but thought nothing of it since I said the actual words, "That's wet; don't touch!"<br /><br />Imagine my surprise and utter shock (insert eye roll here) when I came back in to take a picture of the color and found this:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCEe63g1CWPZqE_DMishljb0_4DJ44uk2k_yVfCCa9DTDsgbdgBeYS1mJL_-REMEJKaCuUv9XPk6G8qPPbODr-uxPksEisTl8HqMjYn7jHp7hIWCHD2EzHnLCFehG_nxXVTYgkPF0qP4A/s1600/OLYMPUS+DIGITAL+CAMERA_0001.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493563152443675730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCEe63g1CWPZqE_DMishljb0_4DJ44uk2k_yVfCCa9DTDsgbdgBeYS1mJL_-REMEJKaCuUv9XPk6G8qPPbODr-uxPksEisTl8HqMjYn7jHp7hIWCHD2EzHnLCFehG_nxXVTYgkPF0qP4A/s320/OLYMPUS+DIGITAL+CAMERA_0001.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Somehow, I don't think the painting is going to go as easily as I thought! I think there's a reason why I always paint after the little people go to bed!<br /><br />But (total side-note here; I know you're shocked), wouldn't that wall with the window look lovely painted the blue color with "built-in" shelves? Painted white, of course. However, it would be totally a waste of time to paint that wall and then fill it with books. I don't subscribe very well to the theory of wasting space on your bookshelves. In fact, we still have 15 boxes of books (quite literally) stored in the garage. (I know! I have culled, people, til I can't cull anymore!)Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05049977986083774236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076834234456119457.post-9678982827229716772010-07-12T14:39:00.000-07:002010-07-12T15:03:03.567-07:00B90 Week 2After a great week of "meeting" the ladies I'll be mentoring, it seems kind of a let down to say I'm a day behind, but so be it. <br /><br />One of my most insightful readings actually occurred on Day 2 (not that there weren't others during the week, but maybe this one was the one that caused me to think the most?). In Genesis 17:2, the Lord is speaking and He says, "I will confirm my covenant between me and you and I will greatly increase your numbers." As an English degree-holding-person, I cringed when I actually paid attention to that sentence. "Me and you?" We know that in a sentence, "me" actually comes after "you." Maybe it's politeness or whatever, but it is grammatically incorrect to refer to yourself before the other person. <br /><br />Unless you're God (which, I'm gonna bet, you aren't...and neither am I!). <br /><br />When my boys get rowdy during prayer time, I tend to remind them, "Boys, we are talking to the God of the Universe, the one who created you and everything here. Let's show a little respect and pay attention, huh?" You know what? He doesn't need to be reminded Who He is. I am going to also bet that some of this has to do with English/NIV/etc. But seriously, God is the one who created Covenant and He's going to be the one who upholds it, so if He (the Creator of the Universe) wants to put Himself first, who am I to say it's grammatically incorrect?<br /><br />I also love Exodus 13:14 (referring to the Passover), "when your son asks "What does this mean?" the Israelites were to tell about God's deliverance from the Egyptians. It reminds me that I should be living my life in such a way, that my boys ask, "Why do we do this, Mommy?" I usually get asked that about church. "Why???" (usually on Sunday mornings when our routine is a lot different!). My answer is usually something like this, "Because in this family, we love Jesus, and His Bible tells us to gather with other people who love Him, so that's why. We're being obedient to Jesus." Only, we need His help to be a lot more obedient than the Israelites! (I haven't gotten to the part where the golden calf "jumps up out of the fire" but I know it's coming!"<br /><br />How's you're week? Have you kept up? Feeling discouraged? To paraphrase Dori from Finding Nemo, "Just keep reading! Just keep reading!" It'll be worth it not only to finish, but to know God better in the end! I won't be so excited to tell Him about all the hours I've spent watching television or hanging out on the computer, but I will be excited to tell Him how much meaningful time I've spent in His word. Go check in with Amy at <a href="http://www.momstoolbox.com/blog/2010/07/12/bible-in-90-days-day-8-week-2-check-in/">Mom's Toolbox</a> to see how everyone else is doing!Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05049977986083774236noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076834234456119457.post-12041796588743370662010-07-05T09:55:00.000-07:002010-07-05T10:27:42.436-07:00B90 Day 1 Kick off(How exciting was that title, by the way!?)<br /><br />Last night, after a very late night for our boys (it doesn't get dark here until at least 9:30 and even then, the sky was still fairly bright), I fell asleep with SWK (after midnight). I forget how narrow a twin bed is! He crashed on his bike yesterday (there was a dog, a rock, and another boy involved, but only SWK reaped the "rewards.") All is fine, but we continue our tradition of some sort of major/minor scrapes/bumps/broken body parts/etc. for the 4th of July. He left some skin from his elbow on the gravel on the road, but otherwise, he's just very sore and will probably have a nice scar on his chin. <br /><br />All that to say, that when I woke up this morning, I was a wee bit tired. I wanted to just make my way to the coffee pot and the computer, as is my morning custom, but I know how important it is to do my Bible reading first thing; otherwise, it just "sorta" gets squeezed out. So, while SWK lost brain cells playing a video game (everyone else is still dead to the world), I did my reading for the day, Genesis 1-16:16. This time I have in mind to make notes (itty-bitty ones) of two phrases or words: "For my namesake" referencing the Lord, of course; and "orphans/aliens." I know what God's heart is regarding them, but I want to keep track of the many times it is mentioned throughout Scripture.<br /><br />Of course, there are many things that I took note of today, (not relating to the above) but here is one thing I wanted to share. In 15:1, after Abram had encountered the kings and given his tithe to Melchizedek, the Lord told him, "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward." In the footnotes, it mentions that the verse could also be rendered, "Your reward will be very great." I think that those are one and the same. If the Lord is all the reward that we ever receive, how much greater could it be? He is all that we need and all that we could ever hope for. <br /><br />In verse 15:6, "Abram believed the Lord, and he (God) credited it to him as righteousness." That's where I fail sometimes: believing God. That is the root of my problem; I don't truly believe Him. How else can I explain my unfaithfulness? If I truly believe Him, won't I rush to spend time with Him every day? Won't I open my arms to the poor and needy? Won't I disciple my children and others the way I've been commanded? Won't I trust that He has my good and His glory in mind for all things? Of course, I say that I trust Him, that I believe Him, but my actions show otherwise. Help me, Lord, in my unbelief! <br /><br />Check in with Amy at <a href="http://www.momstoolbox.com/blog/2010/07/05/b90-days-week-one-check-in/">Mom's Toolbox</a> to see how others are doing and learning from our Great Reward. We are just starting today, so it's definitely not too late to join us!Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05049977986083774236noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076834234456119457.post-28570871849129421582010-07-03T20:09:00.000-07:002010-07-03T20:20:25.587-07:00Baseball, hot dogs...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx0tvYgjIwkU7KRCDdOKeO4-8BForQ7qU_KVoCy2INGarghM3ekRa5C-0I89VieYd_Li7qQ-Iy2ToR-WGRYjkBwUCXsOdnRkey4YqY4GVtTjpTGNOvRxQfn7szJoMgDQqcfZoKDzwENkU/s1600/baseball-game.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 290px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx0tvYgjIwkU7KRCDdOKeO4-8BForQ7qU_KVoCy2INGarghM3ekRa5C-0I89VieYd_Li7qQ-Iy2ToR-WGRYjkBwUCXsOdnRkey4YqY4GVtTjpTGNOvRxQfn7szJoMgDQqcfZoKDzwENkU/s320/baseball-game.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489883188077609186" /></a><br />Happy 4th of July! <br /><br />It is for freedom that we have been set free! We are free from sin and death, but we should also be free from all the "stuff" that so easily entangles us. I don't think God has allowed Americans to be free simply for our own benefit. We've been blessed, so let's not waste that blessing by being a hoarder of blessings or of material wealth (Oh, I'm so stepping on my own toes! Get OFF!). <br /><br />I've been reading <em>The Hole in Our Gospel</em> by Richard Stearns, and it is rocking my world! Another book that I've read recently and went through with a small group is <em>Crazy Love</em> by Francis Chan. Believe me, if you don't want to be challenged, DON'T READ THESE BOOKS! However, if you think the "American Dream" seems a little counter-Biblical, then check them out. I would love to hear your thoughts!Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05049977986083774236noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076834234456119457.post-47950981878492417972010-06-28T09:34:00.000-07:002010-06-28T10:15:39.434-07:00Through the BibleBeginning January 1 this year, I read through the Bible. Even though I hold a seminary degree, it was the first time I read through the Bible. I've read every book in The Book, of course, and I have studied some of them extensively (some with Precepts Ministries, so you know it was in depth!). But I had never read Genesis through Revelation. When I finished in March, I was proud of myself that I had stuck with it, even when it was hard. I'm not always the best at finishing something, so I was (a little) proud. But mostly, I was humbled. Humbled that this love story that God has written to us involves me. I am one of those that has grieved the heart of God, just like the Israelites. They had seen God's faithfulness, yet they continued to have their hearts swayed and their focus recast onto worthless idols. I give them a hard time, railing on their failures, even as I have the <em>entire</em> book (they only had the Pentateuch at times, then our Old Testament) and yet still wander away from my loving Father's will.<br /><br />So, all of that to say, that I'm going to be reading through the Bible again with Amy from <a href="http://www.momstoolbox.com/blog/">Mom's Toolbox</a>. I'm also going to be mentoring other readers who may be reading through for the first time. As a mentor, I don't <em>have</em> to read through again, but I want to! That's how good our God is! I'm asking you for a couple of things, my (two) dear sweet readers, would you pray for me, that God would change my stubborn heart to be more in alignment with His? Would you also pray for those who are reading through for the first time, that they would get even a glimpse of His glory? And would you also consider joining me on this journey? I promise it'll be worth it. Follow these links to get to Mom's Toolbox to sign up. You don't have to be a blogger; you can check in with her by commenting each week. I'd love to know if you are signing up, but make sure and sign up with Amy, too. Here's the basic info: <br /><br />Blogging through the Bible in 90 Days with MomsToolbox.com begins July 5. Participants will read every word of the Bible, check in weekly on MomsToolbox.com and be encouraged in their journey into God's Word.<br />Those interested in learning more, should follow this link: <a href="http://www.momstoolbox.com/blog/bible-in-90-days-reading-schedule/">http://www.momstoolbox.com/blog/bible-in-90-days-reading-schedule/</a><br /><br />To sign up, please follow this link: <a href="http://www.momstoolbox.com/blog/2010/04/05/bible-in-90-days-sign-up-for-the-july-2010-edition/">http://www.momstoolbox.com/blog/2010/04/05/bible-in-90-days-sign-up-for-the-july-2010-edition/</a>Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05049977986083774236noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076834234456119457.post-64957850133568616932010-06-27T15:29:00.000-07:002010-06-27T15:55:36.433-07:00My Seven-Year-Old Second Grader<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsUf_Of2-aUCGVBh_MdAwhC3jO5bHDtsfUWDkcDX2W59_NrEWKB4nkhuM1_3A81Aalvn3q7_r8l1yiImYtwhVi5-kwhcE0T3sILFpN5jdUoLDubvoKNEpRqEjZ-h8baW1g3szcJY9ez3o/s1600/JosiahandMommy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsUf_Of2-aUCGVBh_MdAwhC3jO5bHDtsfUWDkcDX2W59_NrEWKB4nkhuM1_3A81Aalvn3q7_r8l1yiImYtwhVi5-kwhcE0T3sILFpN5jdUoLDubvoKNEpRqEjZ-h8baW1g3szcJY9ez3o/s320/JosiahandMommy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487589298351456738" /></a><br /><br /><br />Today is SWK's seventh birthday. When I went into sing and wake him up this morning, he asked what time it was. Then he said, "I'll wait to actually turn seven at 11:24 this morning, but I'll go ahead and be a second grader." Um, okay.<br /><br />This kid is one of the sweetest you'll ever meet. He's tender-hearted where little kids are concerned and hero-worships the big kids. But most of all, he loves Jesus. <br /><br /><em>Dear Josiah, <br /><br />You are my precious boy and you're seven years old now. I can't believe how time has flown. You were so tiny when we brought you home from the hospital, and I sat on our bed in the warm house just marveling over how beautiful and tiny you were. Daddy was on his way to get Grandmom because she couldn't wait to see her new grandson. She was right to come since you would need her to hold you while Mommy tried to catch some sleep. You liked to hang out with Mommy...a lot, so Mommy didn't get a lot of sleep unless Grandmom was there! <br /><br />You are a kind, sweet boy who loves to learn new things and find out "why." I pray that you will continue to keep that curiosity and desire to learn. I also pray that as you grow, your love for Jesus will increase more and more. Your tender heart will be a good thing and a painful thing someday. Daddy and I both see you getting your heart "broken" by some girl because you love deeply, but we also want your heart to be broken for the things of God, those things that break His heart. May your heart always be compassionate to those who have little or those who just need to be loved, like the man on the street you saw this week. You told me that if he came to our car, that we needed to give him some money because we had some and he needed help. Your innocence reminds me of how we are supposed to love the people that God has created and Jesus has died for. May you never desire anything less than God's glory and His will for your life. <br /><br />Most boys your age wouldn't be interested in a new baby or in helping out anyone else, but you usually jump to it. Today you saw one of our new babies at church, and you had the most tender smile on your face. You love the little ones, and are very kind to all children. <br /><br />You're a good boy, my friend, and I love you so much. And remember the song I made up for you: "Josiah, Josiah, I love ya Josiah, You are the best, You are the bomb, I'm so blessed to be your mom." I am blessed, Josiah. You're a blessing to me every day. I'm glad we get to homeschool, so I can see you all the time! <br /><br />Love, <br />Mommy (or as you've started calling me this week "Mom")</em><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3tHbBdv3j_UvoWXxOyzRYgiaD0OGdgHSrAGk5gwzw1Fqy3wDz4ErXPCfd0JfBc0yomYM0YqtvmURmNJRudZDpHEIQqaT6HxuudcQlU3XtjnQQ1OStc3jaMTdAw9pNjN8BpONSRWjufCE/s1600/Josiahonhisbirthday.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3tHbBdv3j_UvoWXxOyzRYgiaD0OGdgHSrAGk5gwzw1Fqy3wDz4ErXPCfd0JfBc0yomYM0YqtvmURmNJRudZDpHEIQqaT6HxuudcQlU3XtjnQQ1OStc3jaMTdAw9pNjN8BpONSRWjufCE/s320/Josiahonhisbirthday.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487589740436204978" /></a>Janahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05049977986083774236noreply@blogger.com1