Thankful Thursday

Proverbs 17:17

A friend loves at all times,

and a brother is born for adversity.

Well we made it home from California! Still on CA time! Woke up the latest I have woke up in Michigan, but it's still only 6:30 in California, so it all evens out! I didn't participate in Thankful Thursday las week because I couldn't be on the internet too much! I was on vacation after all! I think Steve would have gotten concerned about me and a certain addiction I may have!! Anyway much to be thankful for this week! Iris' theme this week is relationships. Well we grew some relationships these past 11 days so this is going to be fun!

• I am so very thankful for the safety that we had on this trip! I am not a great flyer(?), but I had to be calmer for Jeremiah! God granted peace and calm during all flights! We managed LA traffic like pros! We traveled many miles in a little car that was the engine that could going up those mountains! Safety in the Ocean, Bekah took a mighty big wave at Malibu Beach! That was scary for both her and mom and dad, but it turned out fine!
• We got to see some of God's absolutely beautiful creation! From the Sierra Nevada's to the Coast (including the barren desert of the central valley!) The song indescribable came to mind so often!
• We were able to stay 7 days with Steve's brother Bern and his family; Wife - Tracy, and boys Kyle, Ryan and Eric. Jeremiah and Bekah got to form a relationship with all of them and thoroughly enjoyed getting to know their cousins! It was so much fun just watching them all goof off together! The boys are alot older, Eric being the youngest at 15, but they always made the kids feel welcome and included!
• We were able to stay a day and a half with Steve's sister Mary! Mary is the oldest and Steve is the youngest! She moved out when Steve was young and has lived out of state since then. Her husband was in the Military, Commander of the sub USS Groton, so they were stationed in alot of different places and settled in Calabasas, so Steve and Mary never really had much of a close relationship. We had such a nice time there. Both Mary and Nick made us feel right at home. Treated us to great meals and great conversations! So much was done to build a closer relationship there. Uncle Nick loved to tease the kids, and Bekah and Jeremiah enjoyed chasing down their elusive cats and seeing one Gecko!
• I'm thankful for the fun that Jeremiah and Bekah has together! Yes they had moments of arguing, but they were very few and far between, and let me tell you they spent alot of time in the back of the car!
• I am thankful that we celebrated our 13th year together as husband and wife! Besides my relationship with my Father, I cherish my relationship with my husband best!

I hope that you all are having a wonderful day today! Check out the other ladies over at Sting My Heart, who are thankful too!

Excitement at the Leonis Adobe and other things!

Well I hear southern California in the LA area made the news today! Kam called us to make sure we were O.K. after she heard there was an earthquake near LA! Well that is true we experienced our first and hopefully last earthquake today! We were at an old Adobe house museum on the 2nd floor. It started to shake and afterwards both Steve and I said that we thought someone was walking on the roof. Then one of the ladies giving the tour said no this is an earthquake and we should leave the house right away! It went on for a good while and we all just kind of stood there and looked at each other like "what is happening?" Everyone remained calm and exited the house! We didn't know the magnitude until Kam called and told us it was a 5.9! It didn't really seem that bad! Can you believe I said that! It didn't seem that bad!! Anyway we didn't let that stop our day! On to Santa Monica pier! There we got to watch them film part of the fox show: Sarah Conner Chronicles! Never heard of the show before but it was fun to watch! After that we headed to Malibu where Steve and the kids played in the huge waves until Bekah took one really hard, and I mean hard! Mary and I both say it happen and could only just stand there! After she came up the fun was over! We bid goodbye to the ocean and headed back to Calabasas!

I forgot to say that we have been staying with Steve' sister Mary since yesterday! Her and her husband Nick are very gracious hosts! This has been a wonderful trip! Much to process and retell here!

BTW just so you all know the fire started in Yosemite 2 days after we left, and no we had nothing to do with that!

So we have seen forest fires (we viewed one in Kings Canyon) and we have experienced an earthquake! I'd say we've had the whole CA experience wouldn't you?!

We leave LA at 10:40 California time tomorrow. That is 1:40 Michigan time. If you wouldn't mind praying us home that would be great!

Talk to you from Michigan next!

Happy Birthday to Me!

Well the trip is winding down! Today we leave for Calabasas to spend a day and a half with Steve's sister Mary. This has been a whirlwind of a tour! We have seen so much and had so much fun! All except for the hound of baskerville that has been outside our window here at the condo for 2 nights! He did not stop making noise all night and the owner slept perfect!!! I'm losing tract of days here, but I just thought I would let you in on where we've been and show just a couple of pictures! Are you tired of them yet? We have ALOT of pictures!! Friday we went to see the big trees at Sequoia and to Kings Canyon! They were beautiful and Kings Canyon (the high sierra's) was again breathtaking!!! Saturday we traveled to the coast. On the way stopping to see the elephant seals! Big, Ugly, but adorable too! Their blubber issues go far beyond mine!!! To keep it short or shorter, yesterday we went to Pismo Beach and the group of guys and one girl went boggy boarding! For the most part it went well! The two oldest boys (I'm mean Bern and Steve) stayed out the longest and were walking like crips latter on! They were like two little boys!! Jeremiah and Bekah did good! Jeremiah didn't think so but I have a picture of him catching a wave! Bekah didn't like swallowing all the salt water! After that we had a great meal of fish and chips (delicious!)

My two Boggyboading dudes!

The whole group (minus Kyle) entering the surf!

Jeremiah catching a wave!

Two studly surfer dudes Tracy and I picked up on the beach!

Bekah catching a wave!

Last but not least I guess, today is my 44th birthday! I can't think of a better place to spend it then with my family traveling down the California coastline! This has been a trip of a lifetime for our family! I don't think we will ever be able to do something like this again, what with gas and all! We have seen wonderful snapshots of the state of California and made some great memories! Jeremiah and Bekah have gotten to know their California cousins better and had a great time with them!

YOSEMITE!!!!!

On wednesday we took a trip of a lifetime (mine at least) to Yosemite! I have forever wanted to see this place! I was even emotional on the way to the big trees! All of us were effected by the day! The kids were in awe (as were Steve and I) all day! You couldn't look up anywhere, where there was not a breathtaking view!!!! There are actually people who live in California that have never seen this place! I can't believe it!!!
It was a long, but wonderful day! God must love us very much to create landscape like this for us to enjoy, huh!!!!!! FOR SANDY (and you all): Not many wild animals only squirrels, mule deer, one dead rattle snake and lizards! Oh and one big spider that went crunch when I promptly killed it!

Sunset at Inspiration Point!

Are you thinking Happy Days right now?! Nope Steve and I weren't somewhere alone parking! Monday night we all hiked up to a place called Inspiration Point! The climb about killed me, but it was so worth it when we got up there! I had to stop watching the kids climb on the rocks though! All the guys were like, "THEY'RE FINE!!!!" Go watch the sunset or something. So Tracy and I did! Here are some of the pictures from that night!

Beautiful vista!

Bekah enjoying the fun!

Jeremiah making Mom nervous!Jeremiah and Kyle making me more nervous!

The princess and her court of jesters!

I can't look anymore!!!!!

So many sites in California! I have so much to write about and so little time! Tuesday night (our anniversary) we went on a romantic cruise to dinner. Actually it was a flotilla of kayaks and canoes (about 7 in all) that kayaked and rowed to dinner across the lake! Can you see me kayaking across a lake?! I have pictures to prove I did it! Bekah kayaked one way which was quite a feat! Yesterday we went to Yosemite! Words cannot describe the beauty of God's creation there! I will post pictures tomorrow hopefully! Today we have relaxed at Bern and Tracy's in the 100 degree temps! The pool has been wonderful!!! Everything is going great! Hope you enjoy the pics!!

My lover is mine and I am his; Song of Solomon 2:16

13 years ago today at 1:34 pm I was pronounced the wife of my best friend! I am still amazed to this day how God brought us together! It seems like yesterday, yet it seems like we've been together forever! I remember being alone thinking I would never marry and finally becoming O.K. with that! Saying to God "If I'm single till I'm 50 or for the rest of my life - your picking the next one!" Enter Steven John Vander Helm! Right from the beginning I could sense something different about him and us. It was natural, never forced! It was comfortable in a good way, and he had the most beautiful blue eyes! I remember going to see "A River runs through it" with Kam and our friend Jamie and thinking "Brad Pitt has nothing on Steve"! Ah..... true love!

Steve is my calming force! He is my best friend; the one I desire to be with more then anyone (we just don't get enough time alone these days!) He is the best father a child could ask for! He is supportive and encouraging, always wanting whats best for me and our family! He is fun and funny! He's owned the same sweat shirt for close to 20 years and still wears it occasionally!

There are times I take him and us for granted, then something happens and I realize the treasure I've been given! In the words of Tom Cruise (even though I don't like TC) Steve Completes me! And isn't that how it should be?! We fit together like God planned! He knew who would be best for me, and for once I put it in His hands and how come I'm still amazed and surprised by it?!!! I don't know but I am forever grateful! If you haven't read the story of our wedding day happenings go here.

I think this song by Allison Krauss say it all for me about my husband, friend, lover and spiritual leader of our home! Steve I thank God everyday for bringing us together! I see his grace so clearly in this undeserved blessing! I love you so much! I look so forward to however many years God gives us together!! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!!!!

A beautiful High Sierra day!

Hello again from Camp Keola! I am currently sitting underneath one of the many different species of pine trees up here typing on the Internet!! Even way (and I mean way) up here in the High Sierras they have wireless!!! What is this world coming too?! Who knows, but I really am glad we've got it!

Last night was a rough night for sleeping! We were all really tired, and our sleeping arrangements are shell we say rustic at best! We are sleeping in bunk beds in a cabin here at the Camp. I didn't sleep well for may reasons, so tonight we'll be taking a couple of simple sleep to catch up on some much needed rest! Steve is currently sailing solo after only one lessons! We watched him dump it once, but he managed to get the thing back out of the water. We have absolutely nothing to complain about here. We are feed 3 meals a day for free! Our lodging is free and the views are gorgeous! Our family went for our first family kayak trip today to a little island in the middle of the lake! It was alot of fun! It's about time to start thinking about dinner! They ring the bell for breakfast lunch and dinner and we all come running! Afterwards everyone helps clean their tables, it's really great! Camp Keola is a christian camp run by the Mennonite Church! They have a wonderful set up here! We have a group of junior highers here this week! Well that's about it for today, here are some pictures for your enjoyment! Thanks for the continued prayers, and please continue to pray for the Haiti Team!

View from the docks!

Kayak fun with cousins!

Bekah and dad coming back from their first kayak trip. Bekah has since gone out on her own, just not very far!!!!!

Another view of the mountains from a walk we were on

We were looking for Osprey and found one on it's nest!

Steve's virgin voyage as a sailor man, a skipper brave and sure!

Hello from Camp Keola!

Hey everyone! Just a quick note to say a BIG THANK YOU for the prayers! The day was great! I will fill you all in later, but I just wanted to let you know that we are here and that at the end of the flight into LA Jeremiah's face was plastered to the window, and he and his sister were fighting over the window seat! God is good!!! I also wanted to let you know that God gave me the verse "Why so downcast oh my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God! For I will yet praise you my savior and my God!" I quoted that to myself so much yesterday and it kept me calm! It was a long day, but a good day! Today we made the 3 hour drive to Camp Keola! I drove and Steve rode with his nephew. We are not at 7000 feet and the views are beautiful! I'll try to post pictures later!

Then Sings my Soul Saturday

I thought this songwould be appropriate because today we will take flight for California! I ask for prayers for safe and enjoyable day today (this is the first time my children have flown). Also that we will have a safe, fun time visiting family! I absolutely love Allison Krauss! You can take the girl out of the country, but you can't really take the country out of the girl! May your soul be blessed today!

The Great Adventure!

I just love this song! Steven Curtis Chapman looks so young in this video! Since tomorrow our family will be embarking on our own Great Adventure I thought I would show this video! I hope I'm not asking this to much, but please remember our family in prayer this next 11 days! Hey also if you wouldn't mind we have a great of I believe 20 people from our church going down to Haiti the same day! Would you please pray for them also! They are going to a place that is alot different then the place we are going! Haiti can be a very unstable place, but this group loves the people of Haiti and most of all loves the Lord! They are going on their own Great Adventure too!

I will try to blog some on our trip, but can't be sure! Be blessed and if not before, I will see you back here on July 30th!

Thankful Thursday!

Psalms 9:10

Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.

Last Thursday came and went with out me giving thanks! There is always much to be thankful for, just not enough time to sit down and speak it! Not this week! Even with VBS going and packing for Saturday I am taking the time early to reflect on our week!

Iris' key word this week was trust! I have to admit this is one thing the Lord and i work on often together. Trust and gluttony two big issues in this child of his! I do have pretty big trust issues, I think part of it comes from control issues! You know always having to have my own way thing! Oh I just realized that is the gluttony thing too! Control! Humm...... on to thankful thoughts.....

• I am thankful that I can trust God no matter what! I am reminded of the old song "Trust and Obey" for there's no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to "Trust and Obey"
• I am so thankful for the prayers of many that went before our Father for my son last week at camp. All in all it was a complete success! Thank you for the encouraging comments also! Jeremiah has a wonderful camp of encourager's out there!


• I thankful that VBS has gone so well this year! Today we had 184 kids!!! The leaders are all doing such a great job! It's wonderful seeing their commitment!


• I am thankful for the way God is speaking to me this week about a concern I have had! He's told me not to worry, HE is in control! Comforting, yes!!!


• I am thankful that this Saturday we will be going on an adventure as a family! Something we've never done before together, nor may do again (due to plane ticket prices!) I'll be asking this alot, but please pray for us, especially on Saturday the 19th and Wednesday the 30th. Those are travel (flying) days!

Trust in the Lord and come and join other's who are thankful this week over at Sting my Heart!

POST EDIT: I had as part of my thankful list that Jeremiah's temp had gone down. Well he woke up this morning and it's back up to 102.4. He probably has one of those strange bugs that is going around, but since we leave on Saturday I am asking for prayers that he be healed!

Thanks!!

The Spirit of the Antichrist!

1 John 4:1-3

Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.

These verses have been coming up alot lately around me. I've read this 1 John passage recently. Sunday or Associate Pastor read it and last night during family devotions I read a devotion on this very topic. I'm sure by know you know this is no coincidence!

Just yesterday when I was at my mothers, we were watching FoxNEWs (which is what she likes to watch). In two different segments they mentioned this statement coming from both Barak Obama and Oprah Winfrey, this is what the reporter said: "Obama is a christian but he cannot say that his way is the only way to heaven". Oprah said basically the same thing!

Now here's the thing: In John 14:6 it says: I am the way, and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through me." (This is Jesus speaking!)

So that being said, if you say you are a christian, a Christ follower, yet do not know definitively that Christ is the only way to heaven, I would say that your christianity is false! Strong words I know, but there is no way around it!

People of "faith" are flocking towards these people because they say they are christians, yet they clearly have the "spirit of the anitchrist" on them! "This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard is coming and even now is already in the world!"

Think about it too! If Christ isn't who he says he is, yet they all say he is a good man, a prophet, they are endorsing a fraud, a liar! He cannot be both people!!! Christ is the Word made flesh who came and dwelt among us!

When you are listening to people in the media and they say they are Christians, they better back it up with truth in words and actions. Otherwise be weary, and by all means be BOLD, and speak truth into the situation!!!

I'm reminded of a sermon Alistar Begg had a while back where he talked about people who say they have faith. It went something like this:

"So you have faith?" YES; "So you believe that Christ is the son of God?" WELL LET'S NOT GO THAT FAR. HE WAS A GOOD MAN, A PROPHET. "Okay, but you do believe he died on the Cross and rose again on the 3rd day?" WELL THAT'S A BIT MUCH, I BELIEVE THAT'S WHAT HIS DISCIPLES BELIEVED.

Do you see it?! People there is a spirit that is moving today and it is NOT the Spirit of God! Be aware; Be knowledgeable in scripture; Be prepared in season and out of season to defend the TRUE gospel!

One step towards manhood....

Showing off his Level 3 swim tag!

One more step away from Mom and Dad...

One more untying of the apron string...

How does one survive the growing up of a child????


Today my oldest baby came home from Boy Scout Camp! He made it the whole week! He passed his swim test and achieved his swim merit badge! I cannot say thank you enough for all the dear wonderful bloggy sisters who were uplifting him and Steve in prayer this week!

Having very 1st Hobo Dinner- Thumbs UP!

Alot of lessons were learned by both son and parents! Steve and I realized that we have been spending alot of time making things comfortable for him and smoothing situations. Some of the guys told Steve that Jeremiah did a whole 180 after Steve had left! It made Steve feel kind of bad, but also made him realize what both of us have tended to do through out the years! But our son is stronger then he or we give him credit for! He was able to accomplish alot this week - #1 just being at camp for a whole week! Do you know I think he's grown taller!!!

We are praising God for his goodness tonight! I know that God has a plan for Jeremiah, so I continue to give him back! We don't know what the future holds, but we know who holds the future!

Learning CPR - Always a good thing!

Sleeping arrangements! His bed on left!

Then Sings my Soul Saturday!

YOUR WORD IS LIFE TO ME!

Edit: I'm sorry this is only playing half the song! It is so worth hearing the whole thing!

A few years ago I heard Travis Cottrell sing this song at a Beth Moore Conference! It became my life song! I remember seeing Beth worship at the beginning! She was so passionate for her Lord! I said "God I want that!" I think it was during that conference or maybe some other time I heard Beth speak, but she said "If you don't have it pray too!" You know like if you don't have passion for Christ Pray for it! If you don't have a desire to be in the word Pray for it! and so on! God will always answer those prayers in yes, because he wants you to know him and love him, because he loves you! I pray that often! I so desire to grow closer to God! It is a journey and sometimes my selfishness gets in the way, but HE is faithful!

Lyrics:

I am a stranger in this place

this world is not my home

I want more then it can give

I am a desert needing rain

I'm thirsty for your voice

the very reason that I live!

Chorus: You are the Word, my one desire

an all-consuming holy fire

the very breath that I am longing for

my heart is desperate for your ways

refine me in Your holy blaze

if that is what it takes to know You more

Your are the truth that sets me free

YOUR WORD IS LIFE TO ME!

Only the power of your Word

can melt away these chains

that have held me for too long

so light the fire and let it burn

these shackles and restraints

and I will sing this freedom song!

Chorus

lamp unto my feet

light unto my path

shine, shine on

(repeat)

Chorus

A day at the Beach!

This week has been all girl week here at our house with the boys at Boy Scout Camp! For those of you praying, thank you! Jeremiah has lasted all week. He comes home tomorrow. There have been good moments and not so good moments, but Steve said he wouldn't have missed it for the world! Jeremiah has climb a major obstacle just being there all week! Praise God!
Now back to my post! It has just been Bekah and I all week! I wanted to keep her entertained and I also I needed places for her to go while I went to work. Her week went like this:
Monday - at the Scholten house from 9:00 until 2:00 to practice for VBS and have fun.
Her friend K. came over at 3:00 and we went to see Kitt Kitteredge. Then K spent the night.
Tuesday she went over to K's while I worked and went to see Wall-E. Then K came back over to swim for a while.
Wednesday was Bible study and then friends stayed to swim.
Thursday she went to L. house while I worked, swam and went to McDonalds.
Today after helping me with VBS stuff and piano practice we went and picked up L. and headed for a small public beach near Grand Haven.
It was beautiful! Overcast, and windy with big waves! I didn't let the girls go very far in, but they managed to have a good time! It was alot of fun! We even saw a type of rainbow in the clouds! After the beach we went to the Conference grounds for ice cream!
Not a bad week for a little girl right!!!
Here are just a couple pictures of the day!

This guy stayed real close for quite a while! He wanted some pringles!

My 8 in 2008!

MY 8 IN 2008!

1. To learn to wait on God
Through alot of circumstances God is teaching me to wait on him! I am amazed to see what he is doing and I only hope to be a better student as I grow closer to Him!

2. To practice better hospitality

If helping my daughter with her bake sale to buy Bibles for people in Haiti count, then I think I did good!

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

A little bit, but I think I may have needed truth spoke in love to me a couple of times this month!

4. To pray for others more. To pray for the salvation of my family (extended)
Doing better here!

5. To take better care of God's temple
I bought a book called "Never say diet" by Chantel Hobbs. She's a women that lost over 200lbs. Also except for this week because Steve and Jeremiah are gone I have been walking every morning with the mutt, and of course riding my bike all over A-town!!!
6. To study 8 books of the Bible
Still working on Philippians and Titus
7. To memorize 8 verses
One that I have memorized this month is Philippians 1:9 - and this is my prayer: That your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight..... I have begun putting this verse in the kids birthday cards at church.
8. To organize all the closets, bookshelves and storage areas in my house.
Here I feel pretty good! Our storage room downstairs is clean. Our spare bedroom is on it's way, and if I had a camera (Steve took both for him and Jeremiah) I would show you my new spice rack idea. It came off of Mari's blog here. I couldn't afford that one, so I improvised. I take a picture later!

Mom my Ride!

Saw this over on Marsha's blog this morning and it made me laugh because I swear they used my van as a model!!! Enjoy!!!

A book Meme!!

Linda over at Mocha with Linda had this Meme on her blog today! I thought it would be fun to try! Hey Linda I'm still working on that Meme you tagged me for!

1. Do you remember how you developed a love for reading? I don't remember when it started, but I know I've always loved to read! I yearn for knowledge (TEE HEE)
2. What are some books you read as a child? Little House series and Nancy Drew. My daughter is now getting into Nancy Drew and I want her to start reading LH.
3. What is your favorite genre? Historical fiction, especially biblical. I also like to read Mysteries and I have read a few Tom Clancy novels!
4. Do you have a favorite novel? I loved the series by Lynn Austin called "Chronicles of the Kings"
5. Where do you usually read? Most of my reading is done on vacation now! If I get involved in a good book I will read it like crazy until I'm done, usually staying up late to do it!
6. When do you usually read? On vacation!
7. Do you usually have more than one book you are reading at a time? Not always, but right now I'm in the middle of about three! Two for work and one for pleasure!
8. Do you read non-fiction in a different way or place than you read fiction? Definitely! I read for fiction for fun, and I usually mark up a non fiction like crazy!!! (yellow highlighters and lots of underlines!)
9. Do you buy most of the books you read, or borrow them, or check them out of the library? Fiction I usually get from the Library (either public or Church), non-fiction I have to buy because of #8!
10. Do you keep most of the books you buy? If not, what do you do with them? The Fiction I buy I will usually donate to church. The non-fiction, no one would want due to the markings!!11. If you have children, what are some of the favorite books you have shared with them? Were they some of the same ones you read as a child? With my girl I like to see her reading the Nancy Drew books and Little House on the Prairie! When the kids were little we read Brown Bear Brown Bear, Goodnight Moon, I'll Love you forever (that one made me cry), The legend of Sleeping Bear (that one made me cry too!), Jeremiah loved Tycasauraus(?) I had it memorized we read it so much.
12. What are you reading now? Biblical Parenting by John MacArthur; Never Say Diet by Chantel (?); The Proposal by Angela Hunt; Is it a lost cause by Marva Dawn
13. Do you keep a TBR (To Be Read) list? No way to much pressure!!
14. What's next? More Angela Hunt Books; I've heard "The Shack" is good! I'm going to borrow that from my sister for vacation; I can't remember the authors name but there is some historical fiction I'd like to read, also "When I lay my Isaac Down"
15. What books would you like to reread? I can't often read a book twice, just like I can't watch a movie twice!
16. Who are your favorite authors? Angela Hunt, Lynn Austin; Brandilynn Collins

Well that's it! If anyone else thinks it would be fun I'd love to see what you have to say!

Boy Scout Camp!

Today my two men head off to Boy Scout Camp for the week! This is a new experience for Jeremiah! It will be a big challenge for him! I am asking for pray for him and Steve! Steve is nervous about what the week will bring! He so wants Jeremiah to be able to work past the obstacles that have stopped him in the past! If you could remember to say a prayer for them I would so appreciate it! Pray for few mosquitoes too!

Bekah and I will keep the home fires burning! Also we get to go up on Wednesday for a family potluck! We need to keep remembering and trusting that God has a plan for our boy (and girl) and that we need to be faithful parents in teaching them His way! The rest we just need to LEAVE IN HIS HANDS TOO!!!

Blessings to you this day! I hope you have a wonderful time worshipping with your church families!

Neat contest!

Hey everyone! I just found this contest curtesy of Lisa at Bless with Grace. Go to Sew Gracious and check it out! Her stuff is really cute!

Then Sings my Soul Saturday!

When we sing this song in church I can barely contain my emotions! I am so thankful to Christ for all he has done for me! For the freedom I have through the gift of His life! It is in Christ Alone that true Freedom is found! I also love Travis Cottrell! He has such a powerful voice! I love home he adds the chorus of "Christ the solid rock" too! Have a blessed Saturday and Sunday!

Thankful Thursday!!!

So much to be thankful for this day! Iris' key word for today is Freedom because of the 4th of July celebration this weekend here in the USA! Freedom means so much more then just celebrating our nations birthday! We are so fortunate to live in a country where we are still able to worship God freely, even though as Iris said there are changes happening that definitely go against God!

Psalms 119:45

I will walk about in freedom,

for I have sought out your precepts.

Isaiah 61:1

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,

because the LORD has anointed me

to preach good news to the poor.

He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,

to proclaim freedom for the captives

and release from darkness for the prisoners

2 Corinthians 3:16-18

But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.

17Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is,

there is freedom.

18And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect

the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness

with ever-increasing glory,

which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

What I am thankful for this week:

• Coming home from church today and finding my children both reading their Bibles together on the front couch! Bekah notices certain things she has read. Realizing that this little exercise is working to draw them closer to God!
• I posted yesterday that nothing much as happening here! That was around 12:00 noon. By 3:00 there was plenty happening! Major storms went through the area! Much rain, wind, thunder and lighting (and a possible funnel cloud over A-Town)! I am thankful for minimal damage! I am thankful for a warm dry house to watch the storm from. I am thankful for the power of God I see in the storms!
• I am thankful for my freedom as an American!
• I am thankful for our troops! May God keep them safe and bring them home to their families soon!
• I am thankful for the walks I've been able to take lately, and even though I don't do it every day, the Lord has prompted me to pray as I walk.
• I am thankful my husband got out of work early and just pulled in!

Have a wonderful and safe 4th of July!

Be sure to check out all the other ladies who are giving thanks to day over at http://www.eph2810.com/

Not much happening here!

Not much is going on worthy of blogging about! Typical summer stuff! Anyway thought maybe a little comic relief was in store! So sit back and enjoy a little Tim Hawkins on us! Jeremiah is always bent over in laughter when he listens to this guy!



One of my other favorite verses in the Bible that Dave V. once quoted to Tyler D. is:

Psalms 147:10

His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse,

nor his delight in the legs of a man;