Facing the new Year!

Last year at this time I felt more focused. By this time last year God had given me Hebrews 10:23-25 as verses he wanted me to concentrate on. This year I do not feel that. I am not starting to panic yet, I need to remember the verses God gave me to memorize through the year about "waiting", and be patient. I do not want to rush into what I "feel" God is directing me too, but to walk confidently in the direction he desires me to go. My natural tendency is to panic though. Isn't that amazing! God has shown me so much about himself and how he controls the future and I still start to panic! Ugh!!!!

I begin this new year with some uncertainty. I can't go into things right now, but I have felt a lack of peace for sometime over a particular situation, and I know that I need to be obedient to God in the acting on that lack of peace. A few weeks ago the word "disquieted" came to my mind. I looked up disquieted in the dictionary and this is the definition:

lack of calm, peace, or ease; anxiety; uneasiness.

God also woke me up at about 3 in the morning with these words going through my head "Peace, peace, where there is no peace". I got up and read the scriptures where these words could be found. They are:

Jeremiah 5:13-15

From the least to the greatest,
all are greedy for gain;
prophets and priests alike,
all practice deceit.

They dress the wound of my people
as though it were not serious.
'Peace, peace,' they say,
when there is no peace.

Jeremiah 8:10-12 says about the same thing.

and

Ezekial 13:9-11

My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and utter lying divinations. They will not belong to the council of my people or be listed in the records of the house of Israel, nor will they enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the Sovereign LORD. " 'Because they lead my people astray, saying, "Peace," when there is no peace, and because, when a flimsy wall is built, they cover it with whitewash, therefore tell those who cover it with whitewash that it is going to fall. Rain will come in torrents, and I will send hailstones hurtling down, and violent winds will burst forth.

I feel and yes even fear that changes are coming! Changes that are going to be hard. Changes that are going to require faith, trust, and courage. I desperately want to be obedient, and to grow closer to Christ everyday. To be conformed more and more into His likeness. So like it or not, whatever happens, may He find me faithful.

I haven't posted a lot in the last few months either. That is partly because of the overwhelmed feelings I have been having. I hope to remedy that and be on here more frequently. I just want you all to know how much I have appreciated your visits and how much visiting your blogs has blessed my life this past year.

God Bless you all as we enter 2010! May He find us faithful!!

My Verses for 2009 Part 2

Here are the final verses that I memorized this year. The last few are a bit sketchy but I have next year to continue learning them, so I am not giving up.

Hebrews 13: 5 & 6

Keep you life free from the love and money and be content with what you have, for he has said "I will never leave you nor forsake you". So we can confidently say: "The Lord is my helper, I will not fear, what can man do to me?" (Again this verse speaks to not trusting things of this world, but the Lord. He is my helper! I do not need to fear what man can do to the body!)

Psalms 37: 7 & 8

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger, turn from wrath, do not fret it leads only to evil. (I have to be honest with you here. This verse came about because of the election last year, and what I believe this administration is about. It also deals with the hearts of man without God. I am not to let that effect me or my witness though. I need to keep my eyes on Him, knowing this is all part of His plan.)

Isaiah 46: 3 & 4

Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all who remain of the house of Israel, you whom I have upheld since you were conceived, and have carried since your birth, even to you old age and gray hairs, I AM he, I am he who will sustain you, I have made you and I will carry you, I will sustain you and I will rescue you. (Do not fear the future, do not worry about retirement. God is over all and he will take care of you. That is what these verses say to me. Great comfort!)

I Peter 5: 6 & 7

Humble yourselves, therefore under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (Do you see that he may lift you up? It's not us! It's God! We can cast all our cares on him because he cares for us! What comfort!)

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. (This was the beginning of my summer verses. Thought I would go easy on myself and I'm glad I did, because I didn't do such a good job staying on track. This verse means alot to me because in the morning is when I met with God for my quiet time. I can give Him my day and know that he hears me.)

Psalm 27:14

Wait for the LORD, be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. (Do you see a theme here? Do you think I have an issue with waiting? That would be a BIG yes!!!! This verse helps remind me TO WAIT on Him!)

Psalm 40:1

I wait patiently for the Lord, he turned to me and heard my cry. (Oh don't you just love that! He turns to me and hears my cry!!! Oh how I love that!!)

Ecclesiastes 5:2

Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. (I think that doesn't need alot of explanation for why I picked it, or why God gave it to me. I'll let you form your own idea ; - )

Well there you have them. 28 verses total. That's not bad! Even though I didn't do so good at the end, I still memorized over 24 verses. And God used every one to conform me more this His image! So it's all good!!!!

My Verses for 2009!

Starting with the Acronym RENEW that Beth gave us, I waded into the thing called memorization with not alot of hope that I would do very well. Good way to start right!! One of the things I've learned this year is: God wants us to know him and one of the best ways to know him is to know his word, and he will give you what you need to accomplish this task.

So I began with a small verse that I needed:

Exodus 14:14

The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still. (Waiting on God and being still has always been an issue for me, so I thought that this was a good one to start with)

The next one I memorized was the Hebrew 10:23-25 passage that I mentioned in the previous post.

Isaiah 33:6

He will be the sure foundation of your times. A rich store of salvation, wisdom and knowledge. The fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure. (This passage means alot to me because of the uncertainty of our times, and the state of the economy here in the USA and the world. When all around us is falling apart, we can trust in the sure foundation.)

Proverbs 30:7 & 8

Two things I ask of you, Oh Lord, do not refuse me before I die. Keep falsehood and lies from from me, give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. (Again God's provisions were one of the reasons I choose these verses. Also I needed to keep my priorities straight, who is my one priority - Christ, who is my daily bread.)

I Corinthians 6: 12 & 13

Everything is permissible for me, but not everything is beneficial, Everything is permissible for me but I will not be mastered by anything. Food for the stomach and the stomach for food, but God will destroy them both. The body was not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord and the Lord for the body. (This passage was one I used and continue to need in my ever present struggle with weight. Along with realizing that I made a covenant with God to be healthier.)

2 Corinthians 10: 3-5

For though we live in this world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of this world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God and take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (This passage was to remind me that I have power that does not come from me. That we have weapons that the world does not have! We can have victory over our foes!!)

John 6:27

Do not work for food that spoils but food that endures unto eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On Him the father has placed his seal of approval. (This again was a verse to help me in my struggle with weight. I need to focus of spiritual food, not physical food.)

Jeremiah 9: 23 & 24

This is what the Lord says:

Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom, or the strong man boast of his strength, or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boast boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on the earth, for in these I delight. ( these verses encouraged me to KNOW God. To recognize who he is and that he wants me to know him, and will answer that quest with a resounding YES!)

1 Chronicles 28:9

And you my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father and serve him with wholehearted devotion and a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, He will reject you forever. (God knows my heart and my motives. I cannot hide anything from him. I need to seek him, not out of obligation or routine, but out of devotion and with a willing mind.)

I will post the rest tomorrow. Counting down to 2010! I hope and pray that I can continue to add to the list of verses that God is using to transform my heart and mind into a better reflection of his son!

Looking back, looking forward!

What a year huh! I can't believe that it is almost over! I have been trying to think of how to word my last post of the year. God has taught me so much about who he is, what he requires of me, and what I, out of the love in my heart for him desire to do for Him. Late last year God gave me the passage Hebrew 10: 23-25

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope that we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Let us consider how we may spur one another on to 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 we see the day approaching.

as an instruction passage for my life. So many times throughout the year I was brought back to this passage. It helped me to keep things in perspective, and calmed my fears and worries, when they popped up. I also studied the book of Hebrews and saw a clearer picture of Christ and what he did for me, and you.

I also began to memorize scripture with a couple of thousand other women through the LPM Blog, and Beth Moore. I did really great until the summer, and then in September when I thought I would pick it up again, I really didn't do well. I hope to continue through this year as well. Getting back on track and memorizing the verses God gives me. At the beginning of the year Beth gave us an acronym to help us in our memorization. It is RENEW:

Read it.....

Examine it.....

Need it.....

Echo it.....

Wield it.....

This helped me in choosing the verses or passages I memorized. I will be posting the verses over the next couple of posts (otherwise they would be way to long) and explain a little about why I choose them and how they helped me.

Some of the things God has taught me this year are:

• About His Sovereignty. Reading from the book of Ezekiel gave me a picture of who he is, and the control He has over ALL things.
• He is a Covenant keeper! This is so important to all of us. God has never broken any of the promises he as made to us. If we are going to make a covenant before God we need to remember his covenants, and not make it unless we determine with God's help to keep it.
• Marriage is a covenant that God witnesses. So because he puts great importance on covenants, he puts great importance on marriage.

There have been struggles, but through it all God has shown me things that needed to be pruned off, so that I can be more effective for His kingdom.

I have grown in my knowledge and love of Christ. I look forward to the coming year, and all it will entail, good and bad (even though of course I don't really look forward to the bad, but know God will work it for good!)

I hope you all have a wonderful New Year, and enjoy these last few days of 2009 with your family and friends!

Merry Christmas From our house to Yours!

Make a Smilebox greeting

Isaiah 9:6 & 7

For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David's throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty
will accomplish this.

May you all have a very blessed Christmas!!

A Proud Mother Sharing Memories

Jeremiah has been writing poems off and on since he was 6. Not very many, only 2 before this school assignment, but each one has touch my heart, and I just needed to share them here. This first one he just got done writing for an assignment in school:

Who I Am…

By Jeremiah VanderHelm

Who am I, you may ask?

What's in this bag that is me?

What have I done?

I have stared up at huge structures

Hewn from rock as old as time itself.

I have climbed mountains

That tell me stories of ages past.

I have swam with fish,

The cheetahs of the clear blue water.

Where have I been?

I have been to Pensacola Beach,

Where the water is as clear as glass.

I have been to Yosemite,

Surrounded by incomparable beauty.

I have been to the Sierra Mountains,

Staring down into a valley full of mist.

Who am I, you may ask?

I am who my memories have made me.

December 4, 2009

This next one he wrote when he was 6:

THE DAY HAS COME

By Jeremiah 7/24/02

The day has come to be happy come my friends.

I have a new home in peace.

I can live with Jesus in my heart.

I can love one another because I have Jesus in my heart.

I can pray for one another because I have Jesus in my heart.

I can forgive because I have Jesus in my heart.

I can trust someone because I have Jesus in my heart.

Oh God oh Mighty you can love, pray, forgive, and trust.

You are God the Mighty.

You are the king

You are the greatest man of all.

I can trust you.

Amen

I can't remember the date he wrote this last one. I think it was before the one above, so he must have been 4 or 5:

Once there was a weed, so I planted a seed.
The seed grew to a flower, good thing it wasn't sour smelled.
The flower had power.
It was to blow weeds away. Can you guess what it did?
It turned that weed into hay by blowing it away.
Jesus = Flower
Satan=Weed

My sweet young man has had some struggles in his young life, but by reading these poems I remember that God has his hand upon him, and in that I have peace.

Capitalism leads to Socialism?

Capitalism - an economic system characterized by private or corporate ownership of capital goods, by investments that are determined by private decision, and by prices, production, and the distribution of goods that are determined mainly by competition in a free market.

Socialism - 1 : any of various economic and political theories advocating collective or governmental ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods
2 a : a system of society or group living in which there is no private property b : a system or condition of society in which the means of production are owned and controlled by the state
3 : a stage of society in Marxist theory transitional between capitalism and communism and distinguished by unequal distribution of goods and pay according to work done

I bet you are shocked by that title huh?! I was too! My wonderful husband and I got away this weekend for an overnight date. This meant we had time to talk about alot of things. Saturday night while sitting in the public hot tub at the hotel we struck up a conversation with 2 couples from our great neighbor to the north - Canada. One of the topics we got on was our health care issue and their government run health care. They didn't have two many bad things to say about it (not that I am advocating ours by any means!!!). I expected them to say how awful it was, and the pure awfulness (not a real word) was just not there. Sunday was we were leaving TC we were talking about it again, and a thought came to mind.

Capitalism will lead to Socialism because of the greed of man. What socialism does, is it legislates morality. Because the basic instinct of man is not toward good, but toward evil (Genesis 6:5), (1 Timothy 6:9-11). We are dealing with the abuse of capitalism in the United States right now. The rest of the world has been dealing with in for alot longer, and are closer to and already involved in Socialism to various stages. You see America and Americans seem to think that people will do the right thing, because we are all basically good right? Wrong as the above verses state. People will do what is best for them. If they can make money, more money, and more money, then that is what they'll do, regardless. Therefore we have issues like: Bailouts of the banking industry, why? They wanted more money. We have thousands and thousands of people in bankruptcy, why? They wanted bigger and better (this is a general statement, I know there are those that did their best, but still had to file). We drove through the little town of Manistee, where there is a Casino. There is a Check N Go there, Why? Because then the person with a gambling problem can quickly cash their check and head over to the Casino. The person that owns the Check N Go, doesn't care about the gambler. They care about making money. How about Lawyers who chase ambulances with frivolous lawsuits? How about people who sue companies when they order hot coffee and spill it on themselves? (Here's some other interesting lawsuits) There are governments that are so corrupt that they will allow their people to starve, and little babies that have to wait years to be adopted by a loving family, why? Because they want to keep the money for themselves. Are you seeing it here? So here we are in the US. Our government sees the imbalance in our land and says we need to make it even - socialism.

Why do I say all this? It's just an observation. That's it. Just another lesson for me into the heart of man. How without God we are corrupt. (Romans 3:22-24) , (Romans 3:9-10) No matter how pretty the package is, or how good you try to be in and of yourself, without God we are evil, and every bent our our hearts are toward evil, and governments will try to legislate morality to no avail.

I hope I haven't freaked anyone out, and you're all now thinking I'm a flaming socialist! No way! I love Capitalism and all it can mean. I'm just a realist who sees the heart of man without God, and is beginning to understand. We wish those that made gobs and gobs would give unselfishly to others in need. We wish doctors didn't charge so much for services. We will Insurance companies would stop over charging doctors! We wish pharmaceutical companies would place a reasonable price on medicine, the list goes on and on. But they are free to do as they chose within the context of Capitalism, hoping they will do the right thing. Hummm.........

Random Dozen Wednesday

1. What was the last song you listened to?

I was in a don't worry mood last night so I went on You Tube and found "Don't worry be happy: by Bobby McFerrin and "Every little things gonna be alright" by Bob Marley. I was having a reggae moment. Ah shucks, let's play one again!!! Go here to watch video. And don't worry, be happy!!!

2. Have you ever had “buyer’s remorse” over anything?

Not that I can remember. I've always tried to be wise with my money. Before I was married I didn't have alot of money to throw around. Steve and I got married and were dinks (duel income no kids) for a while, but after kids and I stopped working we were back to watching every penny, so I just don't make crazy purchases. I do have buyers envy thought! ; - )

3. What is something in your life that you are thankful for now that you didn’t think you would be at the time of the event? (Something that seemed ill-timed, inconvenient or hurtful which turned out to be a good thing)

Oh that would be the break up between me and my first boyfriend. We had dated for 4 years and I (notice I) had my life all planned out. I always think of the Garth Brooks song (Thank God for unanswered Prayers (even though I know he answers all our prayers, just maybe not the way we desire at the time, but always for our good) because if I would have gotten what I "wanted" I wouldn't have received what was "best" for me. I was devastated by our break up, but now I see God sovereign hand in it all.

4. Do you watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade every year? If so, do you have a favorite float or balloon?

Nope. I'd rather see a parade in person.

5. Share a quote, scripture, poem or lyric which has been an inspiration to you lately.

This morning I just read the whole of Isaiah Chapter 40. Not only is it a prophecy of John the Baptist, but it speaks of God's supremacy!

6. This is meant to be a fun question, and this is a G-rated blog, but please share a “guilty pleasure,” something that you enjoy that’s probably not the most edifying, time-worthy or healthy thing you could be indulging in. Did I mention--G rating?

There are so many that I thought of, but the one that comes to mind right off the top of my head is, dare I say it???? - FACEBOOK!!! Boy howdy you can waste alot of time there!!!!

7. What Thanksgiving food are you looking forward to?

The Sweet Potato Pie I am making!!!! Oh I love all that butter and brown sugar!!!!!!!!!

8. What is your favorite book to read to children, or what was your favorite childhood book?

"I'll Love you Forever" and "The Legend of Sleeping Bear" Both books make me cry!!!

9. Do you collect anything? (Feel free to post a photo.)

I used to collect china cups. I have them all packed away downstairs because I have not place to show them. Now I just collect my children's artwork.

10. Gift bags or wrapping paper?

Both. At Christmas it's wrapping paper, but otherwise for birthdays it's both. A confession "I re-use the bags!!!!" Is that horrible or do others do that too?!

11. Share an after-school memory from when you were younger. What was your routine like on an average day?

You know I don't remember!!! I don't remember alot of specifics about my younger days. I do remember almost getting hit by a friends car as I walked home from the bus stop, and I remember the tall mountains of snow I had to climb on so I wasn't walking on the road in the winter. Boy isn't that sad that I can't remember doing homework and such??!!!

12. True story: Once, in a job interview, I was asked this question and told there would be no clarifying; I simply had to answer the question: “When you’re fishing, do you feel for the fish?” So what about you? When you're fishing, do you feel for the fish??

Yes ( Oh I so want to clarify!!!!!)

Join others over at 2nd Cup of Coffee for more Randomness!!!

Thought I would share............

This past Sunday our Youth Pastor (who just happens to be my nephew) preached. We have been going through a series called "Knowing the God of the Bible". Beginning with Genesis and going through the Old Testament, giving people a better idea of who God is, so they can know and love Him and give Him the glory he is so worthy of. Brandon spoke using Haggai as the text. It was a wonderful sermon all the way around, but one part just about made me jump out of my seat and yell WAA HOO! Here is the text that he read from at this point:

Haggai 2:

6 "This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'In a little while I will once more shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. ⁷ I will shake all nations, and the desired of all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory,' says the LORD Almighty. ⁸ 'The silver is mine and the gold is mine,' declares the LORD Almighty. ⁹ 'The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,' says the LORD Almighty. 'And in this place I will grant peace,' declares the LORD Almighty."

Do you see it? Verse 9 just smacked me in the face. God asked them back in verse 3 - Ask them, 'Who of you is left who saw this house in its former glory? How does it look to you now? Does it not seem to you like nothing?

The former temple was Solomon's temple, and it was something! This temple was rudimentary compared to the splendor of Solomon's temple. Why would this present house be greater then the former? Because this is the temple that Christ enters "I will shake all nations, and the desired of all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory,' says the LORD Almighty" . YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I never put the pieces together before. The temple the remnant had built was the very temple that Christ walked into, that he chased the thieves from. This is the very temple that the curtain was torn in two from top to bottom! Oh it gave me goose bumps!!!!!!!!! I love what the Lord says next: "And in this place I will grant peace," declares the LORD Almighty!!!

YES!!! Thank you Father!! YES!! Thank you Jesus!!!

Oh how I love His word that teaches us about Him!! Glory! That is what God is do! Glory!!!!

Thanks for letting me share!! Looking forward to His 2nd coming!!

Random Dozen

1. It's early morning, about 2:00AM, and you're driving home. You come to a red light and sit there. There is no one in sight for miles around. Do you wait it out or run the light?
Even though I don't see anyone, I am such a rule follower that I would probably wait.

2. If you had the chance to re-do the last 24 hours, would you change anything?
Yes, I would have said more about a certain situation. I would have called someone on how they were acting.

3. When you reply to someones comment on your blog, do you reply in your comments or go to her blog and comment? (Or email her)
I e-mail and then visit their blog.

4. Your favorite Disney movie is:
Since I can't remember every Disney movie right now I would say "UP". It was such a sweet movie. Our whole family liked it.

5. Do you recycle?
Yes, except on vacation. I'm vacationing so I don't want to think about it! I know that doesn't make me truly green!

6. Games of strategy or games of chance?
Game of chance. I'm not good with strategy. My son and I were just talking about this the other day.

7. Do you have any recurring dreams?
No, but I do dream about work alot. Don't like that very much!!!!

8. What did you learn from your first real job?
How to cut up food. I was a prep cook where my brother-in-law worked. Wolfgangs Just Breakfast in Easttown GR, for those around here. Anyway I prepared all the food that they used in the kitchen. I could chopp a 20lb bag of onions without crying! Soak them in water first! I meat some interesting people. This is a very eclectic part of Grand Rapids. You see some real characters. So I guess I learned to chop, mix, and how to crack an egg one handed.

9. Do you buy or borrow most books?
I go to the library for those I am just reading for enjoyment. If it's a devotional or other Biblical study book, I buy it because I like to highlight and underline ALOT!

10. What fashion trend of the past did you say you'd never wear again but did?
High waisted pants. I feel like I'm going cut right down the middle, and leg warmers!

11. When do you start Christmas shopping?
Right about now. I love going out the day after Thanksgiving though. I go by myself because of the weird way I shop.

12. Have you ever been so happy that you literally jumped up and down for a few seconds? If so, what was the occasion?
O.K. I'm sure there are alot of times, but it was the first time my husband called me to ask me out. Two of my girlfriends where over at my apartment, and when he called they jumped to the middle of the couch and clapped, then we did the happy dance.

Thanks to Linda for hosting Random Dozen. I really enjoy doing this each week!

Marriage Monday - A letter to my gift from God

Want this button?

On this Marriage Monday we were asked to write some type of love letter to our husbands. Since I am not a poet I am choosing to write my blessing a letter. Thanks to E-Mom over at Chrysalis for giving us a reason to show our thankfulness. Here goes"

To my gift from God Steve,

As I have thought of what I was going to write in this letter so much came to mind, that I thought it would be impossible to put it all into words. That still may be true, but I want you to know how you have made such an amazing difference in my life.

We have only known each other almost 16 years. If feels so much longer then that, and I mean that in a good way! I feel I have known you forever, and that I cannot imagine life without you. There was a time before I met you that I was unsure whether I would ever get married. I even had people tell me that I probably wouldn't be good married because I was to set in my ways. All around me I saw marriages that were not what they were meant to be. They seemed to be constantly at odds, and very, very unhappy. I knew that I did not want that for myself, so I prayed that if I was single until I was 50 or for the rest of my life God would be picking the next man I dated. Now there is absolutely no reason why God should have granted me a wonderful husband. This prayer is really one of the first acts of obedience I acted on. Before this I was living my life for myself and making decisions that were not pleasing to God. I broke off a relationship that was not of God a year before I met you and resolved myself to let God lead in whatever direction He would have me go.

Little did I know that just 3 short weeks after praying this prayer I would meet you! At first Marilyn wanted to set me up with you but because of past "blind" dates I said a big "NO THANKS!" As the Lord would have it though we got together anyway, all because Marilyn was late meeting up with us one night! I love how God works. It took you awhile to call, but after you did, everything seemed so natural and comfortable.

I remember the first time I realized that I loved you. It was sitting on your couch watching home movies of you and your family. I loved how you loved your family! I loved how you loved Repo (our dog). I loved your home movies where it was just you testing out the camera with your pet bird and repo, Marcia and Dean, and all the rest. My heart was drawn to you.

Now here we are, married 14 years, with 2 wonderful children, a weird dog, a hamster, and 2 chickens, and I glory in our life together! Even the mundane parts of our life. 9 times out of 10 I go to bed with a smile on my face because you are there next to me. You are exactly what I needed in a husband. You are the calm to my crazy. You are the adventurer and outdoorsy type to my recluse and bookworm type. You draw me out and make me do things I wouldn't normally do, and I thank you for that. You give me so much encouragement, and spur me on to do the things that God has called me to do.

One of the things I love the most about us, is when we pray together, or when you take me in your arms and pray for me. That means so much! You are a wonderful father! Our children know they are loved and appreciated! I love the way you desire to be with each of them separately as well as together. You again give them adventures they wouldn't have without you in their lives. I love our family trips! You are the wonderful provider that makes that all possible! Well God is the provider, but you are the tool, who always works so hard for his family.

You have sacrificed so much for us. Before us you used to hunt and scuba dive all the time. Now that doesn't happen to often. I wish for your sake it could happen more! I love that you put us above your extra curricular activities. The one time you left for hunting, then returned 1/2 hour later because you wanted to be with your family more then hunting, meant so much!

You are exactly what I needed in a husband, and I am so glad that God brought us together! I pray we have many years together! Only God knows! But know this my wonderful husband - I cherish you and thank God every day for you!

Love your grateful wife,

Kim

How is Marriage defined?

I don't mean how does the government define marriage, but how does scripture define marriage. I have been in a battle of late that has left me with many questions on how and what God views as a marriage relationship. I am asking this question here and may post it on my Facebook because I am wanting to get alot of feedback, and since I haven't blogged in a while, I'm not sure many people come by anymore (just you little ole' faithful ones, whom I adore!)

This morning I began my Bible study in Matthew 5. I stopped at Matthew 5:23-25, because this is the section where Christ is talking about divorce. I have been writing down scripture that pertains to marriage, so after I read that passage I went back to Malachi. In Malachi God is talking about "the wife of your youth". Here is the scripture, taken from the Amplified Bible:

Yet you ask, Why does He reject it? Because the Lord was witness [to the covenant made at your marriage] between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have dealt treacherously and to whom you were faithless. Yet she is your companion and the wife of your covenant [made by your marriage vows].

And did not God make [you and your wife] one [flesh]? Did not One make you and preserve your spirit alive? And why [did God make you two] one? Because He sought a godly offspring [from your union]. Therefore take heed to yourselves, and let no one deal treacherously and be faithless to the wife of his youth.

Notice the word "covenant". In marriage God is a witness to a covenant you are making to each other. He is there (at some type of ceremony, right) as a witness, and when God witnesses or is part of a covenant it is lasting.

So my question is (leaving the state you live in out of it), what in God's eyes is he a witness too? What is taking place that God would say "I am a witness"? Can two people in their hearts without representation covenant with God to be man and wife, or does more need to take place?

O.K. ladies and gentlemen (if men still read this blog), what say ye? If you have anyone that doesn't come to my blog that can give insight, please pass this on!!!

Random Dozen

I would like to thank Linda for keeping me blogging at least once a week!

1. Tell me something about your favorite teacher.

My favorite teacher was Mr. Clark, my accounting teacher. He was my favorite because he was COOL, and by the 3rd year of accounting we were pretty much left to ourselves. Teeangers!

2. Tell me about one pivotal moment in your life.

The death of my father almost 20 years ago. I say that and I still can't believe it has been that long! I still wish I could see him and talk to him. Especially right now when I need some really good, firm, biblical guidance. He never met my husband, or saw my children, and they never got to meet him. It still and will always bring tears to my eyes!

3. About favorite colors--a lot of people will ask you what it is, but I want to know why it is. What feeling or memory does it evoke?

Yellow is my favorite. Not loud yellow, but a soft yellow. It is a calming color to me, and it is the color of my favorite flower - the daffodil. I love seeing fields of pretty yellow daffodils. Someday I also want a house by a lake that is pale yellow with white shutters.

4. What's a sure sign that you're getting older?

The hairs growing out of my chin, and the one nasty black hair out the side of my neck!!! I have blonde hair for pete's sake, where did that black one come from???!!!!

5. Please don't sermonize, but Halloween--is it a yes or no for you?

We were not allowed to do Halloween when I was growing up. We have allowed our kids to trick or treat, but no scary costumes or evil costumes. My son has gone as Psalty the singing song book, and Methusalah, amongst other things. This year his scary costume is Hillary Clinton. Bekah has been mostly dogs. This year she will be a pink poodle.

6. What's your favorite musical?

The Sond of Music. When I hear the father sing "Edelweiss" I get all misty. I love that song!

7. Are you more of a city mouse or country mouse?

Country definitely country. I grew up in the country and loved it. My husband wants to move into a development for the kids, but I would prefer moving further out!!!

8. Did you know that it is possible, for a small fee, to name a real star after someone? (It's true! Google it!) If someone were to name a star for you, would you appreciate it for its whimsy and romance, or would you say, "Are you kidding me? For $19.95 we could have gone to the movie and actually bought popcorn.

I would like the money spent on something more worthwhile, like a date night! God's already given me the Sun, Moon and Stars!

"This question comes from Paula at His Ways Are Not Our Ways.

9. What's the craziest thing you've ever been doing and texted during it? I only thought of this b/c I was about to try to text during my walking video but I didn't.Paula, you do know that this blog is rated G, right?

Sorry I don't text.

10. "It's not a party unless _______."

There's alot of great food!

11. When you're stuck in traffic or a waiting room, what do you do to pass the time? PS: There are no magazines available.

Look through my purse, and if my memory verses are in there study those. Otherwise just clean the purse.

12. If you weren't yourself, would you be friends with you?

Probably. I would probably get tired of the way I cut myself down all the time though. Maybe check caller I.D., if I'm just not in the mood.

Just to show you I'm still here - A Random Dozen

Just to let you all know that I am alive and well I thought I would participate in Linda's Random Dozen. I'm thinking Facebook has ruined me for blogging!!! I find writing little snippets are easier then writing posts!!! Sad state of affairs!!!! Here goes! I don't know how well I did for my first one, but it helped to post something!!!!

1. I've always wondered why we were taught both printing and cursive. Do you prefer to print or write cursive?
I do a little bit of both. One work may have both printing and cursive in it. Is that a left brain, right brain thing???

2. Are you a dreamer or a realist?
Oh My a realist, definitely!!! I am about order and reality!

3. Billy Joel or Elton John?
Elton John. He definitely is a talented guy.

4. What is the scariest movie you've ever seen? Not limited to horror flicks but also includes ones where the tension or suspense is killer, for example, Flightplan (2005): A bereaved woman and her daughter are flying home from Berlin to America. At 30,000 feet the child vanishes and nobody admits she was ever on that plan.
Silence of the Lamb! "I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice chianti" SCARY!!!!

5. Now what is the scariest real-life moment you've had?
Boy when faced with a question I come up blank. The one thing that is coming to mind is the day my dad died. I know there have to be more, but right now I guess there is not enough coffee flowing through my brain to get it moving!!!

6. What word do you misspell without fail?
Oh bugger I can't think of one!!! I know there are many!!! I don't know how good I am at this Random dozen stuff! But it has been fun!!!

7. Name something you like to do but are not really talented or good at.
Fishing! I love to go out with my husband. I don't understand all there is to fishing: the bait for what fish, where to fish, etc.... I just love being out there with either my husband or our whole family.

8. Do you get your emotional/mental batteries recharged by being around people or by having alone time?
Being alone. My brain doesn't have to work hard then. When I'm around people I feel like I have to fill the void of silence and that my brain always has to be working. When I'm alone I can just relax.

9. Have you ever been on TV?
Hysterically yes! I was in a commercial for the Insurance company I worked for.

10. Apple or pumpkin pie? (Don't be greedy.)
Thats a hard one, but I guess I will say Apple, especially warm with ice cream

11. How many magazine subscriptions do you have?
None right now. Well except for a subscription to Marie Claire which I don't know how I got and it goes in the recycling as soon as I get it. Not one I would subscribe too. Sometimes I think of subscribing to Rachel Ray. I love her recipes.

12. What lesson do you have to keep re-learning?
WAIT ON THE LORD, BE STILL AND TAKE HEART AND WAIT ON THE LORD!!!

13 years ago today.....

My boy about 1 month before he showed his face. He was already packed in there!

13 years ago this morning Steve and I headed to the hospital for a planned C-section. We had been told by our doctor that because our baby was so big they would have to do a c-section so there would be no complications. My mom met us at the hospital, and things proceeded from there. My sister Kam showed up with Madeline, and my sister Rachel came. Steve got all dressed up in surgery scrubs and off we went. I still remember it being a surreal experience. Being fully awake, but having them cutting me open. My boy was a stubborn one from the beginning. Even with a C-section they had a hard time getting him out. The doctor that was holding the suction cup attached to Jeremiah's head lost her grip and ended up punching my doctor in the eye. Hence an HIV test needed to be done. Jeremiah was born at 12:30 pm and weighted in at 10lbs 1 oz, and was 21 inches long. When Steve saw his boy, he went a little green and had to be helped to the floor.

Our big bundle!

We didn't know it at the time, but Jeremiah's collar bone was broken during delivery. I still can't watch the video of the nurses handling him before we found out. His crying still hurts my heart!

Kam said I could have never given birth to that head!

Like every new mother I didn't have a clue of what lay ahead. There were nights of little sleep, colic, and having to stop breastfeeding because he was allergic to something in my milk. Because of that and other reasons I've often felt like a failure as a mother. Through the past 13 years this boy has taught me much, the main thing being how I must rely on the Lord for everything. When I tried to raise him in my own power I failed and ended up hurting him and me. For a long time satan used that against me, but through the mighty love of my Savior, he raised beauty from the ashes of my surrender! There have been many wonderful times of discovery and lessons learned, and I want my boy to know that I wouldn't trade a minute of my time with him! He is a wonderful young man, who loves the Lord, and who has a servant heart, even though he may argue he doesn't!

I LOVE YOU JEREMIAH, WITH ALL MY HEART, AND I AM SO GLAD GOD GAVE YOU TO YOUR DAD AND I TO RAISE!

Little did I know the awesome young man he would become!

And look at that red hair! Oh I always wanted a red head!

Interesting Michigan facts - Final Installment

The Ambassador Bridge was named by Joseph Bower, the person credited with making the bridge a reality, who thought the name (Detroit-Windsor International Bridge) as too long and lacked emotional appeal. Bower wanted to symbolize the visible expression of

friendship of two peoples with like ideas and ideals.

Michigan has more than 11,000 inland lakes and more than 36,000 miles of streams.

Michigan has 116 lighthouses and navigational lights. Seul Choix Point Lighthouse in

Gulliver has been guiding ships since 1895. The working light also functions as a museum, which houses early 1900's furnishings and maritime artifacts.

Forty of the state's 83 counties adjoin at least one of the Great Lakes .

Michigan is the only state that touches four of the five Great Lakes .

Standing anywhere in the state a person is within 85 miles of one of the Great Lakes .

Michigan includes 56,954 square miles of land area; 1,194 square miles of Inland waters; and 38,575 square miles of Great Lakes water area.

Sault Ste. Marie was established in 1668 making it the oldest town between the

Alleghenies and the Rockies.

Michigan was the first state to provide in its Constitution for the establishment of public libraries.

Michigan was the first state to guarantee every child the right to

Tax-paid high school education.

Four flags have flown over Michigan -- French, English, Spanish and United States .

Isle Royal Park shelters one of the largest moose herds

remaining in the United States.

Some of the longest bulk freight carriers in the world operate on the

Great Lakes. Ore carriers 1,000 feet long sail Michigan 's inland seas.

The Upper Michigan Copper Country is the largest commercial deposit of native copper in the world.

The 19 chandeliers in the Capitol in Lansing are one of a kind and designed especially for the building by Tiffany's of New York. Weighing between 800-900 pounds apiece they are composed of copper, iron and pewter.

The first auto traffic tunnel built between two nations was the mile-long Detroit-Windsor tunnel under the Detroit River .

The world's first international submarine railway tunnel was opened between Port Huron, Michigan, and Sarnia, Ontario, Canada in 1891.

The nation's first regularly scheduled air passage service began operation between Grand Rapids and Detroit in 1926.

In 1879 Detroit telephone customers were first in the nation to be assigned phone numbers to facilitate handling calls.

In 1929, the Michigan State Police established the first state police radio system in the world.

Grand Rapids, more specifically Frederick Meijer Garden, is home to the 24-foot

Leonardo Da Vinci horse, called Il Gavallo. It is the largest equestrian

bronze sculpture in the Western Hemisphere.

The State Motto (written in Latin) translates to:

"If you seek a pleasant peninsula, Look about you.."

Was that interesting or what? With all the negativity due to poor economics and housing market these days Let us all try to remember and say something positive about our beautiful and interesting Michigan ! We will strive to thrive once again! It would also be a good thing to keep our Michigan in our prayers and thoughts too.

Thank you and may God Bless our Michigan and her people!

Interesting Michigan Facts - Part Two

The largest village in Michigan is Caro.

Michigan's state stone, The Petoskey is the official state stone. It is found along the shores of Lake Michigan.

The Mackinac Bridge is one of the longest suspension bridges in the world.

Connecting the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan, it spans 5 miles over the Straits of Mackinac, which is where Lake Michigan and Lake Huron meet.

The Mighty Mac took 3 years to complete and was opened to traffic in 1957.

Gerald R Ford grew up in Grand Rapids and became the 38th president of the United States . He attended the University of Michigan where he was a football star. He served on a World War II aircraft carrier and represented Michigan in Congress for 24 years. He was also an Eagle Scout, the highest rank in Boy Scouts.

The Kellogg Company has made Battle Creek the Cereal Capital of the World.

The Kellogg brothers accidentally discovered the process for producing flaked cereal

products and sparked the beginning of the dry cereal industry.

The painted turtle is Michigan 's state reptile.

The western shore of Michigan has many sand dunes. Sleeping Bear Dunes rise

460 feet above Lake Michigan. Living among the dunes is the dwarf lake iris,

the official state wildflower.

Vernor's ginger ale was created in Detroit and became the first soda pop made in the United States. In 1862, pharmacist James Vernor was trying to create a new beverage when he was called away to serve our country in the Civil War. When he returned, 4 years later, the drink he had stored in an oak case had acquired a delicious gingery flavor.

The Detroit Zoo was the first zoo in America to feature cage-less, open-exhibits that

allowed the animals more freedom to roam.

Michigan is the only place in the world with a floating post office.

The J. W. Westcott II is the only boat in the world that delivers mail to ships while they are still underway. They have been operating for 125 years.

Indian River is the home of the largest crucifix in the world.

It is called the Cross in the Woods.

Michigan has the longest freshwater shoreline in the world

Michigan has more shoreline than any other state except Alaska .

Mari had this on her blog the other day so I thought I would give it a try. Here's how it works. Mari got 5 words from another blogger and she did a post about the words she was given. She then offered to give 5 words to someone else. I thought it would be fun, so now I'm going to post on the five words she gave me. If you want to join in, tell me in the comments and I'll send you your own five words!

Kids - Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him. Psalm 127:3
I love them! I have 2 of my own. Jeremiah who will be 13 on September 30th and Rebekah who is 10. I thank God so much for both of them! Since their births I have grown so much, through many trials and errors. They have taught me so much, about myself and how I need to deal with some of my own issues in order to help them through theirs. I always wanted a son with red hair and doggone if God didn't supply! I love my sons hair! I know that your not supposed to say beautiful when it comes to boys, but his hair is just gorgeous to me! My Bekah has the sweetest smile, and wonderful personality. To say she loves dogs is a complete understatement. The girl is obsessed! I am also the Director of Children's Ministries at our church. This is a challenging job. Not because of the kids, they are the reason I keep on truckin'. I love the littlest babies, and I love the older ones too. I hope that through my life they see someone who genuinely loves God and desire to draw them closers to him as well.
Michigan - The LORD will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest. Psalm 85:12
As you can see from my last 3 posts, I love my state. I was just saying to my husband last night that my sister cannot get McIntosh apples in Mississippi, at least not where she lives and at a large price. It made me think of the wonderful variety of fruits and vegetables we have here in our state. Right now Honey Crisp apples are out, have you ever had one? Oh my they are good! It's a short season though, so you have to eat alot during that time! We just have so many things to offer here! Beautiful beaches, calming waters (or raging seas when a storm comes up), cool green forests, cute coastal towns, and then there's that weird stretch of land above us that we get to call ours too, the Upper Peninsula!! You know one thing that wasn't in the facts of Michigan is that Michigan has 200 waterfalls and all but 1 are in the UP! Oh my it's beautiful! Lake Superior is just my favorite lake! For alot of reasons, but one being because that is where I get my precious stones! (See below) We are having it rough lately here, but I truly do not want to leave anywhere else!
Coffee
Oh I love the stuff! Black is best! In our house our favorite is Winter Wonderland! Fortunately the place that roasts it is in Spring Lake, not far from me, so about once a month Champ and I head over there and get our stash. When I started blogging I would look at the blogs that had coffee in the title in some way. That is how I met Sue at Praise and Coffee, and now occasionally put on a night myself to get together with ladies, talk, laugh, eat, praise God and DRINK COFFEE! They have been so fun to do! Oh I just love the rich flavor! I think I'm one of the few that makes it very close to the directions on the package. I always have to tone it down around family and friends. My mom, sister, and in-laws all like their coffee about tea color - GIVE ME A BREAK, WHAT IS THE POINT THEN! Light weights!
Pets
We have a few at our house. Of course theirs Champ, but he doesn't consider himself a pet, he is a person, then 1 fish, and a hamster. Don't tell anyone but my husband is working in the back yard so we can soon have, are you ready, CHICKENS! Yes chickens! He's like a little kid right now working on his coop. He has only spent $6 so far, because of all the scrap wood he has laying around, and the inside is almost done. I'll keep you posted as things progress. My favorite type of pet though are dogs! I love them and as you saw above so does Bekah! We wish we could have at least one more. I love Mari's grand dogie Sophie (right Mari), Oh she's cute, and then theirs Cheri's Oscar! That dog is way to cute, but so is Max, the poor thing, we never see pictures of him! Dog's are so loyal and the love that you can see in their eyes just warms your heart! Where would I be without my little shopping companion sitting next to me as we run errands or pick the kids up from school?
Stones - Ecclesiastes 3:5a
Oh last but not least! Mari knows how much I love my stones! On her trip to Colorado, her and Andy even picked me up a couple, which meant quite a great deal to me! The stones I love the lost of course come from the shores of Gitche Gumee (Lake Superior, if you haven't heard the Gordan Lightfoot song). They are smooth and round and all different colors. You can find Agates if you're lucky. I honestly may have some, but I just pick them up because I can't stop. When you are walking along the shore and look down, and the water is washing over them, turning them all sorts of colors, you just have to reach down and pick one up! or 2, or 5, or 50! Whatever! We try to do things with our stones. We've made birdhouses, and have ideas for other things too. They also remind me of the rock that we have in Christ Jesus! When I see them I am reminded of how firm a foundation I have in Him.

Well that is it! WOW! I can't believe I made it through! Thanks Mari!

Interesting Michigan Facts - Part One

I love living in Michigan! I know I've said that here before, but I just need to state it again. This past week I received my monthly copy of the Allendale Lifelong Learner newsletter (the senior citizens newsletter, I love to read it!) Perusing it the other day I say that Kathy put alot of interesting facts about Michigan. Some of this I knew, most of it I didn't, but because I love Michigan and we are about ready to enter a very beautiful season in this state, and because we are having a hard economic time I wanted to share the great things about my state. I will do it in a few segments as not to bore you to much.

SOME INTERESTING MICHIGAN INFORMATION

Detroit is known as the car capital of the world.

Alpena is the home of the world's largest cement plant.

Rogers City boasts the world's largest limestone quarry.

Elsie is the home of the world's largest registered Holstein dairy herd.

Michigan is first in the United States production of peat and

Magnesium compounds and second in gypsum and iron ore.

Colon is home to the world's largest manufacturer of magic supplies.

The state Capitol with its majestic dome was built in Lansing in l879.

Although Michigan is often called the ( Wolverine State )There are no longer any wolverines in Michigan . (However, one was spotted in 2007, so there are some.)

Michigan ranks first in state boat registrations.

The Packard Motor Car Company manufactured the first Air-conditioned car in 1939.

The oldest county (based on date of incorporation) is Wayne in 1815.

Sault Ste. Marie was founded by Father Jacques Marquette in 1668. It is the third oldest

remaining settlement in the United States

In 1817 the University of Michigan was the first university established by any of the states. It was founded by priests. Originally named Cathelepistemian and located in Detroit , the name was changed in 1821. The university moved to Ann Arbor in 1841.

The city of Novi was named from its designation as Stagecoach Stop #6 or No.VI.

Michigan State University has the largest single campus student body of any Michigan

university. It is the largest institution of higher learning in the state and one of the

largest universities in the country. Michigan State University was founded in 1855 as the

nation's first land-grant university and served as the prototype for 69 land-grant institutions later established under the Morrill Act of 1862. It was the first institution of higher learning in the nation to teach scientific agriculture.