About to commit Doggie murder!!!!!

DO NOT, I REPEAT DO NOT LET THE CUTENESS OF THIS FACE AFFECT YOU!!! HE IS A MENACE TO SOCIETY!!!! HE IS BANISHED FROM THE HOUSE, NEVER TO RETURN!!!! HE HAS DECLARED WAR ON MY BASEMENT WITH LITTLE TORPEDO'S AND HE HAS MESSED WITH THE WRONG GENERAL!!! AS I JUST YELLED OUT MY WINDOW "I WILL WIN YOU STUPID DOG! I WILL WIN THIS WAR!!!!!!!!!" HE MAY THINK THAT HE IS TRYING TO PROVE A POINT THAT EVEN A SMALL TRIP TO THE LIBRARY IS CAUSE FOR A BATTLE BUT "I THINK NOT LITTLE PUPPY!!!" HIS NAME IS SOON TO BECOME
"TOTALLY ANNIHILATED"

I feel better now! Thank you for listening!!! If of course you have any advice I would greatly appreciate it!

Then Sings my Soul Saturday!

A couple of weeks ago when I posted a Father's Day tribute to my Dad I mentioned him giving his testimony and quoting "That will be Glory...for me!" I thought I would share that song today!

O that Will Be Glory

When “O That Will Be Glory” first appeared in 1900, a musical expert predicted, “It will never go; it has too many quarter notes.” In other words, ‘the rhythm is too monotonous.”
But in a few years, it was the most popular hymn Homer Rodeheaver led in the Billy Sunday campaigns. It was affectionately called the “glory Song.” It was inspired, not by an experience, but by a personality!
The author, C. H. Gabriel, was perhaps the best known and most prolific gospel song writer of the early twentieth century. One of his good friends was Ed Card, superintendent of the Sunshine Rescue Mission of St. Louis, Missouri. Ed was a radiant believer who always seemed to be “bubbling over” with Christian joy.
During a sermon or a prayer he would often explode with “Glory” just like some people say “Amen!” or “Hallelujah!” His beaming smile earned him the nickname “old glory face.” It was his custom to close her fervent prayers with a reference to heaven, usually ending with the phrase “and that will be glory for me!”
—Cliff Barrows

++++++++++
O that Will Be Glory for Me


1 When all my labors and trials are o’er,
And I am safe on that beautiful shore,
Just to be near the dear Lord I adore,
Will thro’ the ages be glory for me.


Chorus O that will be glory for me,
Glory for me, glory for me.
When by His grace I shall look on His face,
That will be glory, glory for me.


2 When by the gift of His infinite grace,
I am accorded in heaven a place,
Just to be there and to look on His face,
Will thro’ the ages be glory for me.


3 Friends will be there I have loved long ago;
Joy like a river around me will flow;
Yet just a smile from my Savior,
I know, Will thro’ the ages be glory for me.

http://www.good-music.org/good-music/moores-chapel/midi-hymns/o-that-will-be-glory.mp3

Held by the Grip of God!

I was reading out of My utmost for His highest again and this was the devotion for June 28th! It came right off the page and slapped me! The parts that reached out to me are in bold large letters! I am not here for myself or because I've chosen to be, but because he has "laid hold of me"! Comforting, yes!


Never choose to be a worker for God, but once God has placed His call on you, woe be to you if you "turn aside to the right hand or to the left" ( Deuteronomy 5:32 ). We are not here to work for God because we have chosen to do so, but because God has "laid hold of" us. And once He has done so, we never have this thought, "Well, I’m really not suited for this." What you are to preach is also determined by God, not by your own natural leanings or desires. Keep your soul steadfastly related to God, and remember that you are called not simply to convey your testimony but also to preach the gospel. Every Christian must testify to the truth of God, but when it comes to the call to preach, there must be the agonizing grip of God’s hand on you— your life is in the grip of God for that very purpose. How many of us are held like that?

Never water down the Word of God, but preach it in its undiluted sternness. There must be unflinching faithfulness to the Word of God, but when you come to personal dealings with others, remember who you are— you are not some special being created in heaven, but a sinner saved by grace.

"Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do. . . I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" ( Philippians 3:13-14 ).

This is how I feel about my work in children's ministries! So ill equipped, but in His grasp! He won't let go! So I like Paul have to say the verse above!

In His grasp,

Thankful Thursday!

Over at Sting my Heart Iris wrote about being thankful for the book of Philippians! Since I am studying Philippians right now I am going to share my thankfulness for some of the verses that have touched me as I've studied!

• Philippians 1: 9-11 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.
• Philippians 1:20 & 21 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
• Philippians 1:27-29 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him,
• Philippians 2:2-4 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

I am only through chapter 2 in the study and the funny thing is as I began to copy these verses I so realized I wanted to put more down. Then I thought Oh good grief you can't put in the whole 2 chapters. So I encourage you today to go and read the book of Philippians, or at least the first 2 chapters! You will be blessed! It is such an encouraging book! It is all about Christ and how he desires for us to live even when we suffer!

Iris' theme today was about life! So I just want to leave you with a couple of verses on REAL life!

• 1 John 5:11-13 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.
• John 10: 9 & 10 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

So many things to be thankful for in His Living Word! Dive in today! Seek God's face! Tell him you really want to know him!

What do you believe?!

I was on Fox News this morning and came across this article http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,370588,00.html

My first thought was how tragic! How many people sitting next to you in church do not believe that Jesus Christ IS the only way to heaven?! I know that seems harsh and as the world likes to say Intolerant! But let's face it! If you say you are a Christian and you believe the Bible to be the inspired Word of God then you better take a look again! What does it say?! A country song came to mind that I used to listen to "You've gotta stand for something or you'll fall for anything". How many people attending church today haven't a clue of what God's word says! This is how the article starts out:
America remains a nation of believers, but a new survey finds most Americans don't feel their religion is the only way to eternal life — even if their faith tradition teaches otherwise.
I thought what is the definition of religion?:
the state of a religious b (1): the service and worship of God or the supernatural (2): commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance2: a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices3archaic : scrupulous conformity : conscientiousness4: a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith
and what is the definition of Faith:
allegiance to duty or a person : loyalty b (1): fidelity to one's promises (2): sincerity of intentions2 a (1): belief and trust in and loyalty to God (2): belief in the traditional doctrines of a religion b (1): firm belief in something for which there is no proof (2): complete trust3: something that is believed especially with strong conviction; especially : a system of religious beliefs
Oh, but what is the true definition of faith:

Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

Hebrews 11:6

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

and religion:

James 1:26-27

If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. 27Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

What does the Bible say about the only way to heaven:

John 14: 5-7

Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?"
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him."

Acts 4:11 & 12

He is " 'the stone you builders rejected,

which has become the capstone.

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."

Hebrews 2:9-11

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.
10In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. 11Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers.

Romans 3:21-23

But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

There is so much more scripture I could post, but then it would be incredibly long! Search the scripture for yourself and see what the Bible says about how many ways there are to heaven!

We are at a time in history where we have to realize that increasingly people are falling away because they truly do not know what it means to be a Disciple of Jesus Christ! It means seeming intolerant, and at times being intolerant, because of what scripture says. We need to know what we say we know, and to instruct others who are young in the faith about the truth of God's Word!

Remember

2 Timothy 1: 7-10

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

What's your names hidden meaning!

Maudie had this on her blog today. This was fun! Parts of it hit me right on others not so much! I'll let you decide which is which!

What Kim Means

You are a seeker of knowledge, and you have learned many things in your life. You are also a keeper of knowledge - meaning you don't spill secrets or spread gossip. People sometimes think you're snobby or aloof, but you're just too deep in thought to pay attention to them. You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing. You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long. You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start. You are confident, self assured, and capable. You are not easily intimidated. You master any and all skills easily. You don't have to work hard for what you want. You make your life out to be exactly how you want it. And you'll knock down anyone who gets in your way!

What's" Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

How we spent our Monday!

This summer the children of our church were challenged two way! One to read 90 chapters in 90 days (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John and Acts 1) and to find ways to make money to put Bibles in the hands of children in other countries. Bekah was all over that and wanted to have a Bake Sale. With the help of my sister Kam and my good friend Diane we had plenty of delicious baked goods! Bekah was a real trooper! She spent most of the day out in our front yard waiting for those customers! When she went to Piano practice her brother and cousin watched it for her, so Kudos to them also! Her friend Alexis came over to help after Piano practice. It was a fun day and Bekah made over $70, probably close to $80 to send bibles overseas! Praise God! Thanks for all you wonderful ladies that came out and supported her effort! You are truly her aunts in Christ! Here are few pictures of the day!

Oh Yeah, Scooby helped hold up the sign! It was his last ditch effort to stay at our house! His days are numbered! Not even Craig's List will take him! Hey now there's a post to come "CRAIG'S LIST"! Have you ever heard of it! May do things go fast on there! In 15 minutes (literally) we got rid of a Riding horse, Queen Size mattress, and get this my old 6 foot cut out of Worf (ya now from Star Trek)! I thought he was sexy for a clingon! Hey what did I know I was single at the time, alot of aliens looked sexy!!!!!

Then Sings my Soul Saturdays

God has brought this song to my mind this week. I love how he uses music to encourage and comfort us! Also to remind us that there truly is Joy in serving Him! Since I can't find any music to go with this I hope you know the tune and will sing it with me!

There is joy in serving Jesus

As I journey on my way

Joy that fills my heart with praises

Every hour and every day

There is joy, joy

Joy in serving Jesus

Joy that throbs within my heart

Every moment, every hour

As I draw upon His power

There is joy, joy

Joy that never shall depart

There is joy in serving Jesus

Joy; that triumphs over pain

Fills my heart with heaven's music

Till I join the glad refrain

There is joy, joy

Joy in serving Jesus

Joy that throbs within my heart

Every moment, every hour

As I draw upon His power

There is joy, joy

Joy that never shall depart

There is joy in serving Jesus

As I walk alone with God

'Tis the joy of Christ my Saviour

Who the path of suffering trod

There is joy, joy

Joy in serving Jesus

Joy that throbs within my heart

Every moment, every hour

As I draw upon His power

There is joy, joy

Joy that never shall depart

There is joy in serving Jesus

Joy amid the darkest night

For I've learned the wondrous secret

And I'm walking in the light

There is joy, joy

Joy in serving Jesus

Joy that throbs within my heart

Every moment, every hour

As I draw upon His power

There is joy, joy

Joy that never shall depart

Is it Love or Infatuation?!

I love to read Ann Landers and columns like that. Mostly because I can't believe some of the questions people will ask! I always think don't they have anyone else to talk too?! Maybe not! Anyway many years ago, Saturday December 1, 1990 to be exact I read her column and to this day I have the column laminated and on my refrigerator. I saw it the other day and smiled thinking I think I need to post that, so here you go!

Is it Love or Infatuation?!

Infatuation is instant desire - one set of glands calling to another.

Love is friendship that has caught fire. It takes root and grows, on day at a time.

Infatuation is marked by a feeling of insecurity. You are excited and eager but not genuinely happy. There are nagging doubts, unanswered questions, little bits and pieces about your beloved that you would just as soon not examine too closely. It might spoil the dream.

Love is the quiet understanding and mature acceptance of imperfection. It is real. It give you strength and grows beyond you - to bolster your beloved. You are warmed by his presence, even when he is away. Miles do not separate you. You want him near. But near or far, you know he is yours and you can wait.

Infatuation says, "We must get married right away. I can't risk losing him."

Love says "Be patient. He is yours. Plan your future with confidence."

Infatuation has an element of sexual excitement. Whenever you are in one another's company you are hoping it will end in intimacy. (pre marriage appropriate of course. My add)

Love is the maturation of friendship. You must be friends before you can be lovers.

Infatuation lacks confidence. When he's away, you wonder if he's cheating. Sometimes you check.

Love means trust. You are calm, secure and unthreatened. He feels your trust and it makes him even more trustworthy.

Infatuation might lead you to do things you'll regret later, but love never will.

Love lifts you up. It makes you look up. It makes you think up. It makes you a better person then you were before.

I hadn't yet met Steve when I read this. Actually we didn't meet until 4 years later. But I put this on my frig to remind myself of what I wanted out of life. I wanted LOVE! I wanted what this column mentioned. I didn't know when or if! I just know I didn't want to settle for infatuation! God blessed me with my forever friend in Steve! He is my best friend, and so much more! I am so grateful to God for him!

If you are single and reading this please know God has a plan! His plan is truly BEST and if you wait for His man or woman, you will find true love!

Thankful Thursday!

Isaiah 30:18 & 19

Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you;

he rises to show you compassion.

For the LORD is a God of justice.

Blessed are all who wait for him!
19 O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem,

you will weep no more.

How gracious he will be when you cry for help!

As soon as he hears, he will answer you.

God is so good! Often in my busy, busy weeks I tend to misplace that information! I get bogged down in the process of life that I am left discontented and wondering why I do not hear God speak to me! It's not that he isn't speaking, I am not hearing or seeing! It is all from my end! I do not take adequate time to be with him, to read his word, and pray! To spend quality time alone just him and me. Like I mentioned in my previous post, he met us women today and blessed us! There were times at the beginning where I felt I was not prepared! It seemed like others were so much more in tuned to God then I was! But I realized I was comparing myself to them and God showed me that I needed to repent of that and other things! Like I said in my previous post, I left there feeling as light as a feather! Oh to keep that on the forefront of my mind always! I am so glad that he is Gracious though, aren't you?!!!

Well another week of Thankfulness is upon us! Reviewing the past week there is so much to be thankful for:

• I am thankful for a wonderful time away. We all had a wonderful time of camping!
• I'm thankful for Godly friends who pray for me and support and encourage me.
• I'm thankful for my husband, who is a great support and wonderful father and provider.
• I'm thankful his job is going better and that he feels better about things.
• I'm thankful that he is involved in a Bible study with me from other churches and is growing in his faith.
• I am thankful for God's word and that it is alive and active, and speaks to every situation!
• I am thankful for the opportunity to be used by God to do things for his kingdom!
• I am thankful that he is patient and merciful and does not give us what we deserve!
• I am thankful for his wonderful creation, especially the little bitty bunnies Champ found in the back yard! He now needs to be monitored outside until they are old enough to move!
• I am thankful for that silly little puppy who makes a beeline for the hole every time I put him out, but as soon as I say no, no he leaves them alone! He is a very smart miniature white rabbit! BTW we tell him they are turtles. We are thoroughly confusing him!!!! It's so much fun!!!!!!

What are you thankful for this week! Take a look and see what God has done for you, then go and check out the other thankful bloggy sisters at Sting my Heart!

Our Great God!

Today was the first day of a summer Bible study I am involved in with women not only from my church, but churches in the area! We come together with a desire to know God better and to grow in knowledge and love for God and his Word! To say that this morning was special would be such an understatement! We dove into the Word, and ended in an anointed prayer time! It is so wonderful to be part of this group! To see how God is working in the lives of sisters who attend other churches! To see how God is moving, and how he is setting up revival! I heard this song on the way to Grand Haven for an appointment for Jeremiah! At the time and still now I feel light as a feather! To be able to go before our Great God in prayer and ask he to move and to use us is so unbelievably humbling! I expect to see revival and lives changed! God is moving dear bloggy sisters! Can you feel it!!!!!!!!!!!!! Enjoy this video!

My Journey thus far!

When going through some old documents I came across a testimony I gave 5 years ago back in March of 2003. I thought I would post it! This came up at a time when I think I needed a reminder of what HE has done! The Deuteronomy passage that I quoted is the one God has laid on my heart for our Children!

MY JOURNEY THUS FAR!!!

I grew up in a Christian home. When I say that it reminds me of the beginning line from the movie Out of Africa “I had a home in Africa”. What does it mean to grow up in a Christian home? It means many different things to many different people, but to me it means I was taught the fundamentals of faith all my life. We attended church twice on Sunday, and once during the week. I had an earthly father who lived the verses in Duet 6: 5,7 & 9 “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind; Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up; Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates”, most of the time he did this to his 9th child’s resentment. I would often say to him, “Why can’t you just talk like a normal person? Why must you always use scripture when I’m just trying to talk to you?

Now I understand. I am now beginning to see my father’s passion for Christ. He couldn't compartmentalize his Christianity and neither can I. My six-year-old son asked me the same questions I asked my dad many years ago. Of course I was a rebellious teenager at the time, not six, but that’s another story. When asked to give my testimony I thought, I couldn’t do that I don’t even know where to begin, there is so much to tell of how God has brought me to this point. The Christian life is a journey of sanctification, growing, making decisions that affect our relationship with Him for the good and the bad. My life has been like that, but what I want to talk about is my life since starting to attend 1st Reformed Church of Allendale.

I believe that God put Steve and I here to bless us, just like Pastor Paul talked about on Sunday March 2, 2003. He wanted us here at 1st Reformed so we could grow in knowledge and faith, and that has happened. I am just amazed at how my outlook on everything has changed for the better since coming here. It all started under the teaching of Pastor Vic, continued with Pastor Kurt Anderson, and is being added to every week by Pastor Paul. Not to forget the wonderful teaching by word and Godly example of Pastor John! I have learned so much about the Lord in the past 5 years here. I so desire to know Him more, to worship him more fully, and to raise my children to “get it” faster then their mother did! There are so many ways of thinking that have been changed and made right by the power of the Holy Spirit and the written Word of God. One of those things is my better understanding of the Holy Spirits roll in my life. What he was sent here to do, and the power we have through him to do the things that God would have for us to do for Him. My eyes have been opened, to a profound freedom that I cannot believe, and I wish that all Christians could/would experience it. My worship has been changed because I no longer look at church as being for my needs, and me but for God, and the worship of Him, and the reaching the lost for Christ. I never before have felt the desire to reach lost souls as I do now, and not only reaching the lost, but continuing to grow with my fellow sisters and brothers in Christ, and experiencing the Joy of letting go of what I want or desire, and seeking God’s will for my life.

I don’t know if I have communicated all that Christ means to me, there is just so much more I could say, but this is a small snap shot. My desire is also to guide OUR children into a more meaningful relationship with Christ, so if the parents of our smallest worshippers read this, please know that I love your children and with the Lord’s help will work along side them in raising up strong disciples for him!

A tribute to my Dad!

• This year I couldn't let Father's Day past without a post about my dad! He has been gone 18 years now! It's so hard to believe that so much of my life has changed since he's been gone! I met and married my husband and had my children years after he went to be with His savior! I have so many memories of my dad some good, some not so good! But the one thing I know is that he loved God and loved me! I am so thankful for what he taught me! Sometimes it was taught with a very strict hand that I fought against, but now I would give anything to be able to sit down and discuss our faith together! Here are just a few things about my dad that I remember:
• 
  Him singing in church. For a baptist church he was pretty demonstrative! He would ball up his hand in a fist and bring it up and down.
• 
  
• The way he smelled! I was just telling Steve the other night how my dad didn't have a bad odor problem. Even after being outside all day he would not really sweat, and when you got close enough to smell him he kind of smell like fresh air!
• 
  
• I remember the last time he gave his testimony in church. It was for a Christmas Program. He was supposed to be a man remembering Christmas' past and use his testimony. I don't think they realized how long he would be. Kids started to fidget (they couldn't help it) The passion in his speech was unmistakable. So much emotion in his voice!
• 
  
• Every opportunity he was given he used to speak of Christ! Whether in McDonalds in Tucson Arizona, the mall in Tuscon, helping a guy out of a ditch or at work. He would preach Christ! The guy in McDonalds thought he was Billy Graham, and the guy that he helped from the ditch said he not only looked like Billy Graham, but talked like he too!
• 
  
• I remember the card he once left me at the bottom of the stairs for Valentines Day!
• 
  
• I remember when Kam and I lived in Caledonia he once dropped our winter boots off at our door on the way to work at like 4:00 in the morning.
• 
  
• I remember him Singing with my Mom "I tried in vain".
• 
  
• I remember his absolutely huge vegetable gardens. I hated picking beans and such! It was like an acre long!
• 
  
• Here are some pictures of my dad! I realized I didn't have that many of him here at the house! I should go to my mom's and get some more, but here is my dad! I used to think he was a cross between James Arness (you know Matt Dillion), Billy Graham and Kirk Douglas!

• I remember my nephew Daniel misbehaving in McDonalds and not listening to his mother. My dad held up his hands and asked Daniel if he wanted Grandpa to take him in the bathroom! Daniel said "Gumpa's got big hand!" He did have big farmers hands! All calloused and dirty from working the farm!
• He loved Cardinals! I cannot ever see one of these red birds without smiling and thinking of my dad!

Here is what a friend wrote about my dad after his funeral. This is a woman that grew up with our family (her father was the pastor of our church when I was little). These were things she remembered:

Setting in the nursery with a child on his lap, singing "Until Then"

Standing by the pew giving his testimony, quote the words to "That will be glory for me"

Asking Sharon (her sister) and I over along with your girls to pickup the corn cobs out in the field.

Reading his Bible after the meal even though there was company

Never could talk about his salvation without getting emotional ( a joy most people don't genuinely have)

Stand by his family no matter what had happened to which child.

I can never remember a time when his name was mention as a

• dissension lover
• busy body
• passes harsh judgement
• hypocrite
• unworthy to be a deacon or teacher

Now my dad wasn't perfect. He made many mistakes in life too! I choose here not to remember them. I do know that as he got older he mellowed. All except for his passion for Christ! I wish he had met Steve and my kids! They would have loved him and he them.

Thanks for letting me share! I'm done crying for right now!

Oh, I love this song about "Daddy's Hands" I hope you enjoy it too!

Come Apart and Rest Awhile

That is the theme of the campground we just returned from. This campground is on the shores of Lake Michigan between Holland and Grand Haven. That is just what we did too! What a great week we had! Yes we had some stormy weather, but isn't that one of the ways we see God's beauty!!! Boy we sure did! It was a great week! Bekah was involved in the Bible school there, and she also reestablished a friendship from preschool days! It rained alot on Saturday evening, most of the day on Sunday, and part of the day on Monday! And I do mean rain!!!! Parts of Michigan really took a beating! We managed well! It helps being in a 27 foot trailer and not a tent!!!

On our last night we went for a walk on the beach. If I haven't said it before I'll say it now! I love Michigan! I love Lake Michigan and Lake Superior! I feel so peaceful being near them! I love the sound of the waves, the feel of the wind and the smell in the air! I love to watch the magnificent sunrises and sunsets over the water! I just feel blessed to live here! Here are some pictures from our last night! Surprisingly I didn't take many pictures this trip, but I think these are pretty cool!

Juming the waves! That's the Grand Haven Lighthouse way in the background!

Two kids that are growing up way to fast!

A beautiful and stange cloud that we saw!

A God given sunset!

A little girl giving an applause offering for said sunset!

It's strange being out of touch for a week! We weren't aware of all the devastation that has gone on around the Midwest! While we praise God it wasn't worse here our hearts and prayers go out to all those who are suffering and who have lost loved ones because of these storms!

Now off to bed! Remember to give your Husbands and Dads big hugs and kisses tomorrow! I know I am thankful for my dad who has been gone now 18 years! There are so many things I would like to talk to him about and thank him for! I will post more about him sometime! He was an awesome God loving and serving man (with Big Hands)!

And I could not thank God more for the loving mate he has given me! Steve is more then I could have ever picked myself! God so knows what he's doing, and if your single and reading this, wait for His mate for you, he knows best! Thank you Steve for being the best Dad to our children! They are blessed because of you!!!

We have a Winner!

I didn't pick the winner of my give-away yesterday. Such a busy day I forgot! But with no further ado, here is the winner!

My wonderful Friend: Diane Westrick!!!!!

Here is how I picked the winner: http://www.random.org/lists/

Hey you, either I'll put it in your box at church or the next time I see you, which is often I will personally hand it to you! I hope that you are as blessed by it as I have been!

Now have to get back to packing! I don't think we'll be there by 1:00 do you?!!!!!

I mostly likely won't be blogging next week unless I come upon wireless close by! See you when we get back!

God Bless!

My 8 in 2008!

1. To learn to wait on God

I am learning much for God this year on waiting. Sometimes I'm loving it other times not so much! But he is good all the time, and the end result is being closer to him so it's a win!
2. To practice better hospitality

I find myself thinking about hospitality to others more now. It's more on the forefront of my mind. I see opportunities more! Still know I need to do more!

3. To speak truth in love and to stop gossip before it begins

hummm.... I don't think I've cross the line, but that line is pretty small.

4. To pray for others more. To pray for the salvation of my family (extended)

Finding myself stopping and praying for others. It's not always a verbal prayer for my family, but they are definately on my heart!

5. To take better care of God's temple

I do not want to even touch this one this month!

6. To study 8 books of the Bible

I have studied Ephesians and I am now studying Philippians. I think our home group is studying Titus.

7. To memorize 8 verses

Did not do well here this month. I have added more verses to my list! Mostly from Philippians.

8. To organize all the closets, bookshelves and storage areas in my house.

O.K. does get every Garage Sale item out?! Right now if stands pretty messy, but after we get back from the conference grounds I am going to tackle it better.

There you have it! The good, the bad, and the ugly! Check out the other ladies that are living intentionally at Extravagant Grace!

Thankful Thursday!

I am completely amazed at home fast Thursday rolls around! If you blink you'll miss so much! Iris is hosting another Thankful Thursday for us ladies to look back and reflect on all that God does for us each and every day! First of all I am thankful to her for the Thankful thought accountability she provides through this exercise!

• I'm thankful for the life and breath that God gives me each day! So often I take it for granted, but with the Breath of Life, and the breath he gives we are but dust! Praise God!

• Well tomorrow the kids are done with school for the year so that's a big YAHOO!!!! We leave Saturday for the Conference grounds and so far the weather looks hot so the pool and lake will be great to be around!
• I'm thankful for all the growth this year in both Jeremiah and Bekah! They have had a great year (for the most part)! It is amazing to see how they are growing and maturing!


• I'm thankful for the teachers they have both had this year! They've done a tremendous job, and I appreciate all of them!
  
• I'm thankful that Steve will be home tonight! He has been in TC all week! I'm also thankful that things have gone so well with him gone! I don't like having him gone, but the kids and I just plug through!
  
• I'm thankful for all the noises I hear outside my window right now: crickets, birds, etc... I'm thankful for all the green outside: Trees, grass, bushes! I love how God greens things up!
• I looked out my kitchen window this morning and saw this! It was just 6:00 and the sky was brilliant! There was beautiful blue then this big mass! My first thought was "Red in the morning, sailor take warning!" (wondering what the day's weather will bring), my next thought was look at God's creative power! Don't you just love storms! Even though they can be destructive and deadly (that part I don't like, especially for you guys in the tornado, hurricane and earthquake belts), but God is so much bigger and indescribable then we can even imagine!

Psalm 148
1 Praise the LORD.

Praise the LORD from the heavens,

praise him in the heights above.
2 Praise him, all his angels,

praise him, all his heavenly hosts.
3 Praise him, sun and moon,

praise him, all you shining stars.
4 Praise him, you highest heavens

and you waters above the skies.
5 Let them praise the name of the LORD,

for he commanded and they were created.
6 He set them in place for ever and ever;

he gave a decree that will never pass away.
7 Praise the LORD from the earth,

you great sea creatures and all ocean depths,
8 lightning and hail, snow and clouds,

stormy winds that do his bidding,
9 you mountains and all hills,

fruit trees and all cedars,
10 wild animals and all cattle,

small creatures and flying birds,
11 kings of the earth and all nations,

you princes and all rulers on earth,
12 young men and maidens,

old men and children.
13 Let them praise the name of the LORD,

for his name alone is exalted;

his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.
14 He has raised up for his people a horn,

the praise of all his saints,

of Israel, the people close to his heart.

Praise the LORD.

So much to be Thankful for this day, don't you think!!!! What are you thankful for!

A Tenderfoot!

Last night we had Jeremiah's 2nd Court of Honor for Boy Scouts! His whole troop received their Tenderfoot Rank! Jeremiah has big plans in getting to 2nd Class then 1st Class as soon as he can! We are very proud of how he is taking to Scouts! It's a wonderful outlet, where the boys can learn wonderful lessons and tools for life! He has an obstacle to overcome this summer which needs prayer! Even though he swims fine in our pool and the lake, he has never taken lessons to learn proper form. Steve is going to try to teach him in our pool! He will need to know this for Camp and to get his 2nd Class Rank. Please pray that he will relax and lesson to instruction. He is a very quick learner once he gets over the "I can't do it" hurdle! Here are some pictures from last night.

Please pay no attention to the lady in back, just the smilin' boy in front!

The Promise of a Rainbow and a 200th post Give-away!

I just had to post about the beautiful rainbow we saw this morning on the way to school! All 3 of us saw it and talked about the beauty that we see in it and the promises of God revealed in it!

Genesis 9: 12-17

12 And God said, "This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: 13 I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. 14 Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, 15 I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. 16 Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth."
17 So God said to Noah, "This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all life on the earth."

After we dropped off Jeremiah, Bekah and I were on the way to her school and we saw the rays of the sun coming through the clouds! What a beautiful picture of how even when things look their darkest, and clouds surround us God gives us a glimpse of himself to show us He is there and is in control! Bekah said she was going to write about this in her journal because she only puts important things in there now and this was the first time she ever saw that! She asked if it was the 1st time it ever happened and I said "No, it happens all the time we just need to have our eyes opened to it". Isn't it just like us to miss the beauty and lessons that God shows us every day! It brought me to tears! Good Ones!

Psalms 104:1-4

Praise the LORD, O my soul.

O LORD my God, you are very great;

you are clothed with splendor and majesty.
2 He wraps himself in light as with a garment;

he stretches out the heavens like a tent
3 and lays the beams of his upper chambers on their waters.

He makes the clouds his chariot

and rides on the wings of the wind.
4 He makes winds his messengers,

flames of fire his servants.

On another note here it is my 200th post! Who would've thunk that I would have made it this far! I have so appreciated all the wonderful women I have met and some who I have gotten to know better through blogging! To get to know people, to be able to pray for people, encourage and support people has been such a blessing to me! Not only that but to be able to get free gifts from others, boy howdy that's fun too! Thanks to all of you for blessing my world and allowing me to spout off every once in a while!

In honor of my 200th post I want to give away a book that is such a blessing to me every time I open it up! I am giving away a copy of Oswald Chambers "My Utmost for His Highest" - the modern addition.

This book is such a blessing! It is timeless! I have posted a couple of devotionals on my blog in the past! It never fails to amaze me how I can open it up when I have a particular situation and this books speaks into it! Thank you Lord for Godly men like Oswald Chambers! If you already have this book be thinking of someone you would like to bless with it!

If you would like to be entered please leave a comment. Even if you are one of my wonderful anonymous commenter's. I will be going on vacation this coming Saturday, so I will pick the winner on Friday! Leave a comment by Friday 12:00 Noon (eastern standard time)!

Marriage Monday - Our Wonderful Wedding Day!

Want this button?

E-Mom over at Chrysalis is sponsoring another Married Monday, and I couldn't wait to tell you the story of our Wedding Day!

How many ladies can say they put their husbands in the hospital on their wedding night HUH!!! Well sit back and get ready to hear about how our wedding day ended up!

I waited many years to marry the man God had for me! Along the way many mistakes were made, but finally God had brought this wonderful man into my life and I couldn't wait to be married and begin our honeymoon to Gatlinburg, TN!

I had my four best friends standing up with me and we all arrived at the church by 8:30. We took most of the pictures before the wedding and just a few afterwards. I noticed that my dearly beloved was not as happy as I thought he should be during the picture taking! I was thinking "buddy this is the happiest day of your life, why are you so grumpy?" The wedding was wonderful (well all except for the big bow I chose to wear on my butt, WHAT WAS I THINKING!) We were pronounce and wife at 1:34!

My sister Yvonne knew the man that had bought my father's Belgian Horse and she hired him to take us (using Prince the horse) to the reception in a white carriage! It was wonderful and finally most of the pressure was off, just the reception to get through! It turned out to be a very hot July day, so hot my necklace gave me a hicky on the back of my neck (just a side note there!) Steve's brother Herm took some really cool video asking everyone "What is one mistake Steve and Kim shouldn't do in the first year of marriage?" It is still funny to watch the responses! Herm has a very dry sense of humor and it just made the video so neat! Anyway back to the story! We left the reception and went to some friends house to unwind before going to the hotel! When we finally left their house we had people chasing us to find out where we were staying! I was having a ball, Steve seemed intent on REALLY losing them! Hummm... why is he so grumpy?!

We are at our hotel and relaxing when Steve mentions that he has been having Kidney Stone pain for a couple of days. Ever since his racket ball match with his brother Bern. He didn't want to add to my stress so he didn't tell me! He said he has been popping Motrin all day! AHHA, that would explain mood! This was at about 10:30 that he said this! So at 12:30 he wakes me up, vomiting in the bathroom! He says he needs to go to the hospital! So in my cute little jean dress and no shoes off we go to Club Butterworth! They immediately give Steve Morphin and he floats off to la la land! His bride who just signed her married name for the first time at the hospital, roams the halls with hospital stockings on her feet (apparently they frown on bare feet in hospitals). Finally around 7:30 in the morning I get up the nerve to call my sister Kam and tell her what happened! She of course feels terrible! A while later I take still drugged Steve home in the car (where he is talking to our dog Repo - who wasn't really there if you know what I mean). I leave him home sleeping to go back to the hotel to get our stuff! Honeymoon postpone due to stone not passing and wanting to be close to hospitals. I have since learned when we are on vacations it pays to know where hospitals are!

We end up going up north to Cadillac, and Mackinaw! Steve also treated me to one very expensive night at a Bed and Breakfast in Harbor Springs called "Kimberly Country Estates".

That is the story of our wedding day! BTW 2 weeks later Steve told me that they had to replace the brakes on my car before the wedding because Steve's sister in law had driven to see family with the emergency brake on! I then asked him "are there any other secrets the Vander Helms have kept from me?!"

Sorry no pictures! I forgot to scan one! Maybe on July 22nd our Anniversary!

Hey this is also my 200th post! I will post later about my little give away!