My Birthday Boy!!!!

(EDITED) Diane told me I should post a current picture of Jeremiah for those that don't know him, so I added a self portrait taken at Camp a couple of weeks ago!

Today my first born turns 12! It's so hard to believe that he will be 13 next year! I don't know where my little budda boy went! Jeremiah came into the world at 10lbs 1 oz. He had rolls already! They took him by C-section because he was so big, and still broke his collar bone on the way out! Also he was stubborn from the get go. He did not want to come out, and in the midst of pulling him out with a suction cup, one of the other doctors punched my doctor in the eye! When Steve first say Jeremiah he got really woozie and had to go to the floor! What a crazy wonderful day! I had no clue what an adventure I was in for as a mother, and in particular a mother to this wonderful boy! We have learned much about life and each other! He is a true blessing from God and I'm so glad that God picked Steve and I to be his parents! I tried to post my photobucket slideshow of him, but it wouldn't work. It is on my facebook, if we are friends (on facebook of course) you can pop over and see it there. Otherwise here is just a copy pictures of my baby!!!!!

Jeremiah I love you so much! I am so glad that you are in my life!

May God bless you and keep you!

May he make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you!

May he turn towards you and give you peace!!!

Our Cool little dude!

Elmer Fudd

David Falls Goliath!

Jeremiah went through a couple of phases where he was to be called David or Joseph! And you had better not call him anything different! Can you say a little obsessive! He doesn't remind any of you of anyone in particular does he?That nasty old BEE!

I have never seen a lip get so big and so translucent and not pop open!!!

2 things that have got my dander up this morning!!!!

O.K., this is my place to vent so here goes:

# 1 - If you live here in A-Town or are ever going to travel through A-Town, MI there is a simple law you need to remember:

• We have what is called Michigan U-turns in A-Town. I don't know why they call them that, but that is how you get from going one way to going another way. So we just got these u-turns a few years ago, but still to this day I get totally frustrated with people who get mad at me for following the law. Ya see I checked it out with the local SHERIFF and he confirmed that I am right! Here goes:
• UNLESS THERE ARE TWO ARROWS IN THE U-TURN IT IS FIRST COME FIRST LEAVE. NO "YOU LEFT ME ROOM THERE FOR I CAN COME NEXT TO YOU AND LEAVE FIRST". THE REASON THE U-TURNS ARE SO BIG IS FOR LARGE TRUCKS.
• So when I am in front of you do not yell at me for taking my turn and looking as if I cut you off. There are times in the morning, before my first or second cup of Joe that I may not remember "plant yourself in the middle Kim you know one is going to want to share your space!"
• Nuff SAID!

O.K. on to #2 -

• This issue of us (the middle class) bailing out all the big financial institutions! Now I know if we don't do something things will get really bad, but do any of you every thing "Hello, I am not poor, and I am not rich. I am here in the middle, trying to take care of one (which I should be doing according to scripture), and now I need to help those out who because of GREED and only GREED have made stupid (and I never say stupid) choices! ARGGHH!!!!! These people have pocketed money after money after money and now my hard earned tax dollars are going to BAIL them out! Do I get to discipline them too! Do I have a say in this?!!!! Can I get to them and say BIG, BIG SHAME ON YOU, YOU NAUGHTY, NAUGHTY PEOPLE!!!! No, they will be bailed out and allowed to do other things because no one will tell them that they are wrong! That they have sinned! That everything has a consequence!

O.K. I think I can breathe again now! Thank you for allowing me to vent! I will go work out now and burn off some frustrations. But let me tell you this "if you will be working out at Contours in the next 45 minutes, expect an education in the LAW!!!!!

Thankful Thursday!

Ecclesiastes 3:1

There is a time for everything,

and a season for every activity under heaven

I almost didn't post today because I am so stinkin' tired, but I couldn't pass up Iris' theme this week! CHANGE! I for one dislike change immensely!!! But change is inevitable, isn't it! Even though a person like me may not like change, change is sometimes good! Sometimes it's what we need to move us from out comfort zone and help us to rely on God more and more! We would all stay where we are if at times God doesn't force us with some circumstance to change! We all have plans, but God's plans will come to be and will be what's best!

Proverbs 16:2-4

All a man's ways seem innocent to him,

but motives are weighed by the LORD.

Commit to the LORD whatever you do,

and your plans will succeed.

Proverbs 16:9

In his heart a man plans his course,

but the LORD determines his steps.

Proverbs 19:21

Many are the plans in a man's heart,

but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.

There is comfort in those verses don't you think, I do! God never changes, and his plans will always be for the best in the end! We just need to trust, and obey! Because of this I am thankful for:

• The changes he has made in my heart this past week!
• The challenges that my son has overcome and he is working so hard to accomplish certain goals.
• For Jeremiah making Boy Scout 2nd class!
• Our mid-week program finally starting and people stepping forward to lead and assist.
• My hard working husband! Who has been putting in alot of early morning hours and is pretty beat!
• The weekend! This weekend we will start celebrating my oldest 12th birthday!
• God's peace and joy!
• The absolutely beautiful sunrises we have experienced in Michigan this week.

So much to be thankful for, more then what is on this list, but I am tired and must go!

God bless you all! Have a great weekend! Check out the other thanful souls over at Sting My Heart!

How many Vander Helms....

does it take to fix a sky light? Apparently 3, plus a pooch!

Does anyone wonder why this dog thinks he's a people????

Also where is the best place to do homework? Apparently the roof!

Looky what came in the mail!!!

I was the fortunate recipient of Sue at Praise and Coffee's September give away! I love that she does this!! Well yesterday when I got home there was a box waiting for me and look what was inside!!!

Even before I opened the box I could smell the wonderful smell of coffee! Oh how I love that smell! She sent me Creme Brulee Coffee, I had some this morning and it was great! She also sent a wonderful Casting Crown's CD/DVD set! This CD has one of my new favorite songs on it "East is from the West"! She sent a sweet card with the above post card in it to invite friends to her very first Praise and Coffee Night in Plainwell! I'm hoping to get a caravan of bloggy sisters to go down with!

Sue is a wonderful bloggy friend! I so enjoy going to her blog! She loves the Lord and it shows in every post! I love her Two for Tuesdays on Marriage! There is always something there to remind me of the gift that marriage is. She has a wonderful family as well, specially that sweet little girly that we hear about!

If you haven't yet stop over at Sue's you will be blessed

Thankful Thursday!

Psalms 5:3

In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice;

in the morning I lay my requests before you

and wait in expectation.

Psalms 27:14

Wait for the LORD;

be strong and take heart

and wait for the LORD.

Psalms 130:5

I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,

and in his word I put my hope.

Isaiah 30:18

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!

Woosh!!!! Another Thursday has gotten away from me! It's been a busy day, but a good day! The Lord is Good!

One of the things I have asked the Lord to show me and teach me this year is to wait on Him! I am a slow learner! But the great thing is he is slow to anger and rich in love (Psalms 86:15; Psalms 103:8; Psalms 145:8; Joel 2:13; Jonah 4:2) This week I have experienced His peace, and He has restored my joy! Do I deserve it?! Not in the least, but that does not matter to Him. He loves me and desires for me to grow closer to him! Condemnation is not a part of who he is! Praise God, I can go with confidence before His throne (Hebrew 4:15 & 16)!

This week I am thankful for:

• His continued guidance!
• His abiding love!
• His tender discipline (even when it hurts)!
• His faithfulness!
• His servants!
• His creation!
• His provisions!
• His testing!
• His blessings!
• His answers to our prayers and our questions?

What has God showed you this week? What has he taught you? Come join others as they give thanks over at Sting my Heart!

Where the rubber meets the road

Usually when I receive our denominational magazine I scan it to see what articles they have in there, but don't read very many. Alot of them tend to have a more liberal bent, and it just ends up ticking me off. When we received it in the mail on Saturday and I sat down to scan it again. I came across this article and it stopped me short. I have a link to the article below. It is short so it won't take much of your time. http://www.rca.org/NETCOMMUNITY/Page.aspx?pid=4609&srcid=4614

What got me was this:
A person from their group asked if they had ever felt like Peter when he denied Christ three times? He explained that within 24 hours he had denied Christ 3 times. Then he mentions how he denied Christ! I had never looked at it this way! Me denying Christ?! Never like Peter!

Our church has been talking alot lately about Evangelism, which of course is really the only reason for "the church"! To win souls for Christ! This article made me think; in an average day how many opportunities do I miss or purposely avoid?! Heartrending!


Let me know your thoughts!

Be Still Sunday!

Then Sings My Soul Saturday!

I heard this song by Casting Crowns today, and it just spoke to what I am feeling right now! I am so grateful to Jesus for his love and mercy towards me a sinner, who so often can fall back into old pattern's!

Psalms 103: 11-13

For as high as the heavens are above the earth,

so great is his love for those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west,

so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
As a father has compassion on his children,

so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;

Hebrews 4:15 &16

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. 16Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

This whole song speaks to me, but these words I need to sing over and over until they become a part of who I am! I tend to be a distrusting person, and I am going to begin praying that God takes this away from me finally! Finally I will have freedom in this area!

I know You’ve washed me white

Turn my darkness into life

I need Your peace to get me through

To get me through this night

I can’t live by what I feel

About the truth Your word reveals

I’m not holding on to You

But You’re holding on to me

You’re holding on to me

Today I am so thankful for God's mercies! He picks me up and dusts me off! He disciplines, guides and teaches! Sometimes his student is not the quickest kid in class, but he never let's me go!

Thankful Thursday!

Short and sweet this week. I am thankful for God's word and his timing! This morning has not been a good morning for several reasons! I just had a very hard conversation with a couple of people, and have to admit my anger was showing in a most unattractive way! The conversation ended, I turned to my computer and this was the verse that was staring me in the face:

Philippians 1:27
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worth of the gospel of Christ.

I was just disciplined by my Father, and need to say how thankful I am that he love's me enough!

Join other thankful ladies or at Sting My Heart!

It might be Hope! (edited)

I love Sarah Groves, so I just thought I would post a song that spoke to me today!

8 in 2008 update!!!

Well last month I totally missed my updates! I have to admit I've been lax in my dedication these months. Oh how things wane when one is incredibly busy!!!!

My 8 in 2008!

1. To learn to wait on God

God is teaching me many things in this area. I am learning to wait and listen! I have so many wonderful women (including some of you) who are so encouraging to me in this spiritual practice. So many times lately I have heard over and over again to "Be Still". I'm learning Lord, please continue to show me!!!!

2. To practice better hospitality

Still a hard, very hard process! I have so many ideas for this fall for Bekah and I to do! I just hope I follow through!

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

I think I have been speaking truth lately, sometimes not with a very loving attitude though! I've needed an attitude adjustment lately.

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

Not doing very good here!

5. To take better care of God's temple

I've reluctantly started working out at Contours! I know it's good for me but I still don't have to like it do I? I am also contemplating the big move of no longer drinking POP! Did I say that outloud where people will hold me accountable?????

6. To study 8 books of the Bible

Finished Philippians, Titus and Nehemiah

7. To memorize 8 verses

I have memorized Philippians 1:9

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight. (I have put this verse in the birthday cards of kids at church)

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

Haven't done much here since July! Some rooms have gotten messy again!!!!!!!

A modern day Esther

This morning at breakfast my sister Kam mentioned that Sarah Palin reminded her of a modern day Esther. We discussed her and wondered at what God may be doing. When she got home today she got an e-mail from a woman at a nearby larger congregation that had sent out this video and discribed her as a "modern day Esther". I hope the link works. If not let me know and I will e-mail it to you. It's 14:26 minutes long, but so worth it. The pastor at the end prays for her and her future. This was probably filmed soon after her son Trig was born. Wonderful video of a wonderful Christian woman! God is up to something!!!!!

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1766638341

Thankful Thursday - Seasons

Ecclesiastes 3:1

There is a time for everything,

and a season for every activity under heaven:

It is so appropriate today that Iris's theme is seasons. The seasons are changing outside and people are entering or changing due to seasons of change in their life! I right now am in the midst of deciding are seasons changing for me. Has God something else planned for me? Am I growing where I am planted or do I need to be replanted elsewhere? One of the things I have desired to grow in this year is WAITING ON GOD! Do you know that is very hard to do!!! But I wait. He has given me a certain amount of confirmation, but I asked him to affirm that, and through prayer and listening to him, HE WILL!

This is what I'm thankful for this week:

• I'm thankful for the change in seasons! Fall is my very favorite time of year! I love the smells and colors! The cider, pumpkins, sweatshirt weather, and hot coffee at a cool football game!
• I'm so thankful for Michigan! I love that we have all 4 seasons! They all have their particular beauty, and show God's love in every one!
• School is going well so far for both kids. Jeremiah seems to be adapting to his new responsibilities. I know there will be alot of things that we need to help him with, but we have to slowly take that pillow out from under him! Boy is that hard or what! Bekah doesn't like her teacher, she LOVES HER! She is moving right along too!
• I'm thankful my Mom's 80th birthday party went so well. Everyone seemed to have a good time. Mom was surprised and I got to see family I haven't seen in years! Thanks to everyone who prayed for that day!
• I am thankful for Kleenex!!! My allergies are awful right now! Pollen has to be at an all time high!!! I can't be far from a kleenex for any given amount of time. God created a truly amazing thing when he created the Nose!!!!
• I am thankful for the peace that I have knowing that God is in control of all the seasons of life! Good, bad, fruitful, dry as a desert! He is there! He will never leave me or forsake me! He has promised and he cannot break his promise!

Go and join other Thankful hearts at Sting my heart!

My favorite part of Sarah Palin's speech

I loved Sarah Palin's speech last night but here is my favorite part:



Way to sweet!!!!

The day I dreaded has come! Back to School!

Well I have one off to middle school and the other waiting to be taken to the elementary school! Where in the world did this summer go?! It is very hard getting back into the swing of things. Both Jeremiah and Bekah were troopers this morning though! They did better then their mom who is having a battle with allergies right now and the allergies are ahead! Finding it hard to breathe! YEAH for me!!!!!

Since Jeremiah was in DK (Developmental Kindergarten) I have made a sign for the 1st day of school stating what grade each child is in and different things about them. Here is this years! I am holding back tears as I type because I can't believe how old they are!

Kam and I are going to do something to make ourselves feel better! Taking the day to relax!

This morning in my devotions God pointed up these verses to me! It is my verse for the day, and basically for my life!

Psalms 130: 5 & 6

I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,

and in his word I put my hope.

My soul waits for the Lord

more than watchmen wait for the morning,

more than watchmen wait for the morning.