Happy New Year!!!!!

Numbers 6:24-25

The LORD bless you and keep you;

the LORD make his face shine upon you

and be gracious to you;
the LORD turn his face toward you

and give you peace.

From the Vander Helms to all of you, may you have a great 2009! May the hardships of 2008 be seen as God doing a work in you. May the blessings of 2008 be as a healing balm to you!

See you in 2009!

God's Theme for me in 2009 and Beyond!

On my last post I put the verses Hebrews 10:23-25 at the end. After doing this God really laid these verses on my heart. He put in me a desire to live out these verses in my life.

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess,

for he who promised is faithful.

And let us consider how we may spur one another

on toward love and good deeds.

Let us not give up meeting together,

as some are in the habit of doing,

but let us encourage one another

—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

So my dear friends this is my pledge to God, myself and you. I pray that you see me living out these verses in all areas of my life! I don't know what the future hold, but I know WHO holds the future!

BTW I made this picture for my side bar as a constant reminder to me of my pledge! Let me know what you think. I know the letters are hard to see in places, I don't know how to fix that. If you have any ideas let me know!

My 8 in 2008 recap!

We haven't done this in a while, but when I start something I have to finish it out, otherwise I cannot move forward! Odd I know, but I wanted to recap my year. Partly to finish out what I started and partly to encourage and spur me on in this new year, so here goes:

MY 8 IN 2008!

1. To learn to wait on God

I learned alot this year, but God isn't finished with me yet. What he is showing me now, and was probably showing me throughout the year, but I wasn't LOOKIN' is that I need to "Be Still" before him in order to hear and see what he is saying and doing, and to follow Him in that way. Just this morning I was looking at my index cards of scripture and this was the first one I saw:

Isaiah 30:21

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying :This is the way, walk in it"

So this is what I must continue to learn through 2009 and beyond!

2. To practice better hospitality

I think I have gotten better here. I am trying to be better at sending cards when prompted, but it still continues to be a struggle. Not because I don't want to do it, but because I don't remember to do it.

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

I believe I have improved here. I guess I would have to get my close friends opinions on this though. They are the ones I suppose I would do both of the above too. I desire to always build people up in the Lord and not tear them down. I hope that that thought guides my tongue.

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

I don't think I did very well with this in 2008, but I have a renewed desire to pray for my brothers and sisters, so I continue in this as well!

5. To take better care of God's temple

I have NOT done a good job taking care of God's temple. My health has not been as good lately and that is partly due to what I put in my body on a daily basis. I am ashamed and saddened by this, but I am also motivated by how bad I have been feeling to make the proper changes. We are starting a Biggest Loser at church, and I am joining there to get support, and wonderful dietary help from 2 awesome ladies at church. I so want to be healthier for my sake and my familys. There is so much we like to do outside and lately I am just to winded to do it well.

6. To study 8 books of the Bible

I think I got my 8 in. I started with Acts, Galatians, Ephesians, Phillipians,Colossians, Nehemiah, Malachi, Jude. I am currently studying Ezekiel. I think I've study a couple more, but can't remember, but at least I got my 8 in.

7. To memorize 8 verses

As I look back over the verses I have memorized I realized I didn't stick with it, but here are the ones that I did memorize: Isaiah 30:21, Philippians 1:9; Eph 6:10; Isaiah 26:3

Romans 12:13; Psalms 5:3; Psalms 27:14 this is one on waiting; and so is this one Psalms 40:1

On the LPM blog Beth is doing a challenge for 2009 to memorize 24 verses in the year. I am considering do that to spur me on.

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

Well I clean out my bookshelf, bathroom closet, spare bedroom closet, 2 hallway closets, the storage room down stairs; my laundry room cupboards, and my spice area. Now ask me if they are all still immaculate and tidy!!!! I dare you, ask me!!!!

So there you have it! My final 8 in 2008 post! I will not be discouraged by where I failed, but will continue to trust in the Lord to help me grow closer to him in all things!

Have a wonderful and safe 2009! Here is are some verses that I think we should all do for each other:

Hebrews 10:23-25

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Dear Jesus, it's your Birthday!!!

From our family to yours have a VERY MERRY CHRIST CENTERED CHRISTMAS!!!!

HIS BIRTH.....

Psalm 97

Psalm 97
1 The LORD reigns, let the earth be glad;
let the distant shores rejoice.

2 Clouds and thick darkness surround him;
righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.

3 Fire goes before him
and consumes his foes on every side.

4 His lightning lights up the world;
the earth sees and trembles.

5 The mountains melt like wax before the LORD,
before the Lord of all the earth.

6 The heavens proclaim his righteousness,
and all the peoples see his glory.

7 All who worship images are put to shame,
those who boast in idols—
worship him, all you gods!

8 Zion hears and rejoices
and the villages of Judah are glad
because of your judgments, O LORD.

9 For you, O LORD, are the Most High over all the earth;
you are exalted far above all gods.

10 Let those who love the LORD hate evil,
for he guards the lives of his faithful ones
and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.

11 Light is shed upon the righteous
and joy on the upright in heart.

12 Rejoice in the LORD, you who are righteous,
and praise his holy name.

Michael W. Smith has the song "Let it Rain" on one of his Worship CD's. A member of his band reads this scripture during part of the song! It is a live concert and when he gets to verse 6 the crowd erupts in praise! I can bearly make it through this song without tears coming to my eyes. I always wanted to know where that scripture was found so this morning I did what any person does who does not know the bible all that well (yet) I went to biblegateway.com

What else to do in a blizzard.......

Nothing else to do but snow blow and blog about snowblowing.......

Aren't these trees beautiful! It reminds me of Narnia!!!!

Watching all the action outside!!!!

2nd Annual Ginger Bread house making.....

I don't know if you remember our 1st adventure into Ginger Bread House making, but yesterday we gave it another try! Mom got some smarts after last year and went to Walmart after Christmas and bought Ginger Bread House kits at 80% off! NO MORE GRAHAM CRACKERS to deal with. We also got Ginger Bread Christmas Trees!

Here is Bekah and her friend Alexis making their houses! The kits come with everything you need and the house is already assembled! This will be the way to go from now on! The girls did a great job, and we have some very cute decorations for the rest of the Christmas season!

Today is Sunday, but no church! Church was cancelled! Of course I was all dressed and out the door before I realized that! I had checked the web about 6:45 and there were only 3 churches cancelled. When I got to church there was no one there, and the Praise Team has to be there early! humm..... I put in a call to Steve and low and behold it was cancelled! Oh well I look great for my family! To all of you who are snow in, have a great, relaxing day!

A Double Blessing.......

WOW you go to bed and you never know what's going to happen.....

1st of all I'm a winner!!!!!! I know, I know you're all thinking "we're all winners Kim, we know Christ"! Well yeah that's very true, but I'm mean I won something!!!!! Well not me but Bekah. Linda over at Mocha with Linda had a give away for a Tween Pocket Bible (pictured below) and I won it!!!! Linda is such a great bloggy friend! Here book reviews are awesome! They make me wish I had more time to read! I have quite a list growing of good books! Thank you Linda!

The next cool thing is I got the "your blog is fabulous award" from E-Mom over at Chrysalis

I can just hear it screaming "Your fabulous Darling!!!" can't you! Look it's even got the Champmister on it too!!! I need to list 5 things I'm "addicted" too and give the award away to 5 other "fabulous bloggers". (Now let's not be thinking what isn't she addicted too O.K.!) Thanks E-Mom! You most definitely are a Fabulous blogger!!!

Here goes with the addictions:

1. Fountain pop - you know the kind you get from the machines at the gas stations. No canned or bottled pop for me! Must be Fountain pop!


2. Coffee - Especially my new favorite - Country comfort! The only bummer is the coffee shop that sells it, is going out of business. But never fear I asked them where it was from and they said a place that is really close by! YEAH road trip to Spring Lake anyone!!!


3. Blogging - of course you are all so much fun to get to know!


4. Our Family Adventures - I love going on little adventures with our family. Just like the one we took here to Ludington on a snowy Sunday afternoon!


5. Lighthouses - love them! The one at Silver Lake is my favorite. The kids call it mine! I hope to someday get to the one in Minnesota, at the far end of Lake Superior!


6. Oh hold it I have 6 - STONES - how could I forget!!!! Lake Superior reminded me! I am addicting to stones from the Lake Superior shore line!!! But I will except stones as gifts from other areas! I love that people think of me when they see stones! Well not to be stoned by stones (as in stoning for my bad deeds!) but my love for stones!

Deborah over at Comfort Joy Designs - We met at the Praise and Coffee down in Plainwell. She was here visiting family all the way from Australia! I'm glad I got to know her that night!

Linda from Mocha with Linda - and no it's not because of the cool prize I won! She's fabulous any ole' time!

Diane over at My Journey's Path - Diane is my Forever Friend, which is literal because we will be spending eternity together! She is also my sista!!!!!

Cheryl over at Your Friend Cheryl - My awesome friend from the south!

Kathy at Blessed Builder - I love her style! Her home and shop are just beautifully decorated all the time!

Last but not least, this one is for you E-Mom! See that lady wasn't so strange!

Please read this post!!!

I found this post on Virtue Alert and just had to share it with you all! It is far to good not to pass on!

http://virtuealert.blogspot.com/2008/12/maybe-he-could-do-paul-mitchell.html

Kim

The Majesty of the Lord.... Do you see it?

I have to admit I have been in a dry spell lately with my Bible study. My busy life has gotten in the way far to often! I have not made it the priority that it needs to be. Hence I have not heard God speaking as I had wished. I want him to do all the work and I just reap the benefits! Basically saying "Hey speak to me! Even though I am not communing with you Speak to ME!!!" Hummm..... me demanding from the Most High God! Now there's arrogance for ya!

So this morning I am setting down to read and study Ezekiel 10. I open my bible and it flips to Isaiah 26. I notice a verse I have underlined - Isaiah 26:9 - yep, I still love that verse, but let's read above and below it.

7The path of the righteous is level;

O upright One, you make the way of the righteous smooth.
8 Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws,

we wait for you; your name and renown

are the desire of our hearts.
9 My soul yearns for you in the night;

in the morning my spirit longs for you.

When your judgments come upon the earth,

the people of the world learn righteousness.
10 Though grace is shown to the wicked,

they do not learn righteousness;

even in a land of uprightness they go on doing evil

and regard not the majesty of the LORD.
11 O LORD, your hand is lifted high,

but they do not see it.

Let them see your zeal for your people and be put to shame;

let the fire reserved for your enemies consume them.

I prayed this prayer to God this morning! Then I went on to Ezekiel. Now I don't know if any of you are familiar with Ezekiel. It is most definitely a prophetic book. The first 10 chapters (because that's as far as I am right now) are full of visions of the Glory of God! I was amazed this morning at what Ezekiel saw in these visions. He saw the Glory of God. Here is just a little from Ezekiel 10:

1 I looked, and I saw the likeness of a throne of sapphire above the expanse that was over the heads of the cherubim.

4Then the glory of the LORD rose from above the cherubim and moved to the threshold of the temple. The cloud filled the temple, and the court was full of the radiance of the glory of the LORD. 5 The sound of the wings of the cherubim could be heard as far away as the outer court, like the voice of God Almighty when he speaks.

Imagine yourself in this Throne room! What would you be feeling? Do you desire to see God's Majesty as Ezekiel did? Can you say as in verse 8 of Isaiah 26 "Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts."

This is the prayer of my heart this morning! I want to see His glory in my life today! I want His name and renown to be the desire of my heart!

Elf - My favorite

Now I am not a big fan of Will Ferrell. Most of his movies I won't watch, but I have a guilty secret! I LOVE ELF!!!!! It just makes me laugh! Will Ferrell really can play a child well. Here are two of my favorite scenes (minus taking God's name in vain in the one).

Smilings my favorite!!!! I hope this makes you smile too!!!!!

Lego's Robotics State Competition

Since September Jeremiah has been involved in a Lego's Robotics team at school. I really don't understand it, it doesn't have all that much to do with Lego's, but he has thoroughly enjoyed this. In November they went to a district competition. The did so well that that got to go to the State competition this past weekend in Flint. They placed somewhere like 22 - 28th (Jeremiah and Steve weren't sure) out of 48. Not to bad for their first year. He came home with a very nice medal. Here are some pictures from their weekend.
There were different stations they had to go to in the competition. Above the boys are working on building a lighthouse out of Lego's. they could talk for 1 minute then after that they had to work together in silence. this is all about team building.

Here they are doing a Jeopardy game. The theme this year was conservation, and water contamination. I guess this game was made up with information the boys had collected about the subject.

Here they are working the programed robot. Making it do certain things.

Here is our son and his best friend with their medals! WE ARE VERY PROUD OF HIM AND ALL OF THEM!!!!

Annual Christmas Program!

Well last night was my last official big thing to do for Church before the holidays. The annual Children's Christmas program. According to my husband and myself this just may be my last one! I'm sure there is someone much more talented and less stressed that can do a much better job! I have to tell you I don't understand myself sometimes. I get so stressed over it, worrying about all things that are outside my control, then the day of or afternoon of I am so at peace! It was a great night! The kids did a fabulous job! Another amazing thing, Saturday's rehearsal can just be the pits and then boom the night of the performance they are angels and behaving and singing! It just warms the heart!!!

Here are a few pics from last night.

Here is the chorus of children including our littlest ones.

The children acted out different verses that were being spoken. I should probably tell you here that the program was showing Christ in scripture "from the beginning". It was written by our associate pastor. Here the young boy in white represents God and the two girls, one of course is my Bekah represent the gates from Psalms 24:7 (I think) where it says life up your heads O gates...let the king of glory enter in.Here the angels are appearing to frightened shepherds from Luke.Here is from Revelations where those robe in white are passing through the gates into the city!We also had a liturgical dance that Steve didn't get pictures of. The girls danced to Fernando Ortega's "Let all mortal flesh keep silent". It was beautiful!

I have been remiss in posting my awards....

Several wonderful ladies have given me awards over the last few months, but because of my brain shutting down so much I have neither thanked them nor posted the awards. I am going to try to rectify that now. If I should miss any of those you've given I am so sorry.... know you mean the world to me!

Cheryl gave me this wonderful award the other day

"THIS BLOG INVESTS AND BELIEVES IN PROXIMITY"

This blog invests and believes in the PROXIMITY - nearness in space, time and relationships! This blog is exceedingly charming. This kind blogger aims to find and be friends. This blogger is not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to writers like this one and those nominated below! The rules...Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.

This award was given to me by Peggy. Here are the rules:

The rules for this award are:
1. You pick ten people and pass this award to them.
2. Then contact them and let them know that you have chosen them and their blog for the award.3. Also link back to the person who gave you the award.

Mari, just awarded her bloggy friends with this award. I count myself fortunate to be one of her friends! I also know Mari has given me others, but I forgot to save them!

I know there have been others, and I am so sorry I never acknowledged them! You are all so dear to me, I hope I have not offended you!

A little Christmas Greeting from the Vander Helms

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Bekah's very first piano recital and My table

Tuesday night we braved the latest Michigan storm to go to Hudsonville (a nearby town) for Bekah's Very first Piano Recital. After the weekend we were wondering if she'd be up to it, and she was. She did such a great job! I wish I had video of it. Steve brought our old video camera, so I thought "well I don't need to take one with our digital" Duh, you can't download from an old camera! Hello Kim!!!!! This little girl loves to play piano, and I love to hear her play. I hope she continues for many years! Thanks to Mrs. Janssen for putting on such a great recital and for being an awesome teacher!

Also last Saturday we had a "Beautiful Brunch" at church. Different women signed up to decorate a table and then we all got to gather together and relax for awhile in a beautiful setting! I tried my hand at a table this year. Basically I said I'd do it without much thought and then as time approach I began to panic. I had originally signed up to do 2 tables (what was I thinking), but had to ask if I could just do one! Both of the ladies that were in charge were very gracious! Here is a picture of my table:

An Update!

I thought I would let everyone know how Bekah and our nephew are doing!

Bekah is doing well and went back to school yesterday. She is on limited activity, no gym and no outside recess for a week. She hasn't had a headache or stomach act since Monday. Last night she had her very first piano recital! I have to see if my pictures turned out and I'll post a few later.

Eric is doing better as well. He is out of ICU and PRAISE GOD - headed for "Teen Challenge"! For those of you who don't know what that is, it is a very intensive drug rehab program. They came to our church years ago and give their testimonies (the patients). A bunch of us have wanted his parents to check on it for a while now, and they finally did! At first it seemed impossible because of it being $900 a month. I told Steve's sister their has to be away, all those other people could not afford that cost either. Well you know our God is bigger then anything we could think or imagine right! Steve went to see Eric last night and his mom told Steve that Eric was heading for "Teen Challenge"! WOOT WOOT! Thank you Lord! I don't know when he'll be going, but he will not be able to have any contact with anyone for 6 months, then just immediate family until 8 months! We pray that God will use this time to show Eric how precious he is in God's eyes!

Thanks for your prayers for both of these kids! I appreciate them so much! You guys ROCK!!!

This guy cracks me up!!!

Lisa had a video of this guy named Dave Barnes on her blog Sunday, he was a stitch, then I found this video on another blog and just had to share it for the Christmas! Check him out more at http://www.davebarnes.com/ and sit back and enjoy!

Reasons not to let your kids go sledding....

Concussions! Yesterday Steve and the kids went sledding at Union Hill. Now I love Pigeon Creek for sledding; nice medium size hills, and if it isn't busy for safe. Last year my children were introduced to Union Hill in a near by town. It has a big HILL! Well yesterday Bekah and Steve were riding down the big hill, hit a snow embankment at the bottom ( I sure wish I could picture this, why they are sledding towards a parking lot) and both flew off. Soon after they came home Bekah started throwing up. I thought that maybe she had worked herself up so much that she has to TU, but it happened again. She has a pretty good bruise and mark on the left side of her face, so we began to wonder about a concussion. We called the nurse and with the fact that Bekah couldn't remember a couple of things that happened after the accident that she should be seen, so off to Zeeland Hospital we went. SIDE NOTE: Her brother does love her! He was rubbing her back before we dropped him off at Aunt Kam's and he put out a prayer request for her on his facebook! Tender moment to be treasured during coming fights!!! Anyway she TU one more time on the way to the hospital. We weren't there very long about 2 hours. They told us she had a concussion, but most likely mild and just to check on her through the night. As we were leaving she TU again, even after a non-nausea medicine was given, so the doctor thought they should do a cat scan. That came back fine, so we got to leave around 11:00 PM. I woke her up during the night, and asked her a bunch of questions, she seemed fine. She is up now with an upset stomach again! Today may be a long day! Please pray that she will begin to turn the corner, and stop TU, I guess one thing I'm worried about is that she did something to her mid section too. The doctor felt it last night and said she was fine there. I don't understand concussions and maybe this is normal, but I am a mother.

One more very urgent prayer request: Steve's nephew Eric OD'd the other night on drugs. He is still alive and in ICU at an area hospital. His step dad (Steve's brother) says the next 72 hours are critical! I am so praying that God will allow him to live so he will come to know how much his savior loves him! Please pray for healing and for his family. If there is anyone out there that has a child or relative on drugs you so know what this family is enduring.

Be prepared....

I found this video this morning on a speech of our incoming president. Now I know that he is our president - elect and I will be praying for him, but I just needed to post this so we can hear it from his mouth, how he perceives things. Here is someone who does not know scripture for what it is, who does not love God with all his heart, mind, soul, and strength, who sees Christians as people who are not willing to compromise (which we will not on God's word). We know HIM! We know the great I AM! I guess all I am saying is to those of you who may not be clear on your relationship with Christ, the time is coming where a clear choice will have to be made! You cannot sit the fence. That being said we Christians need to SPEAK OUT BOLDLY, as Peter and John did in scripture! We cannot remain silent! We need to teach our children the Love of God, and His righteousness, holiness and mercy! If you have an estranged relationship with God, seek out someone you can trust to talk to about it! God wants you to know the REAL him, not the one society and misguided parents have taught you! Do this before it's too late!

Do you see what I see?

This morning I was reading the 7th chapter of Ezekiel. I found myself seeing the United States within it's verses. Especially verses: 10-14. As a nation we have denied God over and over and over again! He has blessed us so richly, yet we see that it is US who have done these things! We have created idols of so many things and turned from God, and continue to turn from God!



THE END!



THE DAY IS HERE!



IT HAS COME!



Ezekiel 7



Tell me - Do you see what I see?

A walk in the park....

Ludington State Park that is! Hello everyone, just thought I'd pop in to show you what the crazy Vander Helm's did yesterday! We are seeking a new family tradition since this may be the last year we cut down a real Christmas Tree! They are getting quite pricey! So Steve and I thought, "Hey, let's go up to Ludington and hike to Big Sable Light!" Great idea! So after the early service at church we headed north! Here are some pictures of our day! Our hike ended at the Lighthouse with a cup of hot cocoa for the kids and cappucino for Steve and I! The dog didn't get anything, but let me tell you a good long walk cleans that dog right out! Enjoy and I hope your thanksgiving was wonderful!!!!Notice the Orange clothes! Hunting season you know, had to be careful!!!!