Monday, April 30, 2007

I Need Some Advice

I have a seven year old boy (Shadow) who can read very fluently. For example, he can read a 3rd/4th grade chapter book in one day.

My Problem: Whenever I ask or encourage him to read his Bible (it is a kid-friendly version), he goes kicking and screaming to his room to not obey. He says it is too boring for him to read, even when I give him some exciting passages to read. I have also tried reading to him but he doesn't pay attention.

My Question: How can I get him to spend some time with Jesus without turning him away? I in no way want to force him to read. And I would love for his heart to be in it. Anyone have any suggestions???

My Weekend

I feel so refreshed right now. I had the opportunity to go to Jim Thorpe, PA to a woman's conference, "Victory in the Valley". Thanks CC for inviting me! I went with the expectation that I would come home being closer to God. Not only did he draw me closer, but he changed a lot of my heart too. I'll be telling you more about that in the coming days.

The Speaker was Valetta Steel Crumley. I had never heard of her before going to the conference but her testimony blew me away!

Here's the basics:
She was married to a pastor and had a son who at 2 years old, died from Leukemia. She then had 2 more children, a boy and girl. Soon after her little girl was born, her husband was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease. As soon as he was diagnosed, he wanted to leave the pastorate and joined OMS International where he spent his final few months in a foreign country as a missionary. After spending a few years in a deep depression, Valetta was touched by God and continued to work as a missionary. When her children were 17 & 15, they were instantly killed in a head-on collision as they were driving to church to play volleyball. She knew they were born again so she was rejoicing at their funeral and after the funeral decided to continue her missionary work. She took a position in Taiwan where she was brutally raped and robbed. Even that did not quench her love for Jesus. Upon returning to the USA, she married an old acquaintance friend. Today she travels telling her testimony.

The thing that I got out of her testimony was to cherish life and not sweat the little things because the only thing that really does matter is the heart. After hearing Valetta's testimony, I have absolutely NOTHING to complain about!!!!!

Here are a few pictures of the view from the conference...





Here's where I stayed along with 19 other women and the family who owns the house...


Thursday, April 26, 2007

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

Whew, what a week! We have been so busy between our business, housework, school, and yard work, there has been no time for anything else, Except...

Spring is officially here at our house. It's haircut time!

Shadow Before

After

Bible Bat Boy Before

After
(He kept stretching his neck. He looks like he came from you know where.)


Anyone need to stuff a pillow????

Sunday, April 22, 2007

Singing Sunday


Today’s song is contributed by my DSH.

This Living Sacrifice song deals with why lots of people can’t get to the next level in their spiritual walk. It talks about the little lies that Satan subtly puts in our minds…we aren’t good enough, we don’t belong, someone else can do it, it’s not my calling. But, by the Authority of God we can break the power of the enemy’s lies and walk in the fullness of everything that God has for us.

Reject

I set my self up
I've no one to blame but my
Self pity is useless
I'll not entertain your sickness,
Sickness
Half truths, deceit, forced in,
Not God, reject
Reject all lies
Rebuke take hold
Intrepid Spirit of God
Rebuke take hold
Authority of God
Reject all lies

Living Sacrifice Reborn (1997)

Click to see the Video

The style of music may not be for everyone, but I feel that the Kingdom needs ALL music styles to reach lost souls. For example, before I got saved, I hung out with the “wild” crowd (as some would call it). When I asked Jesus into my life, if there was only Sandi Patty to listen to, my christian walk would have been extremely hard.

To sum up my feelings on this subject I’ll quote Don Fransisco, “Just ‘cuz you don’t like it, doesn’t mean it’s a sin.” (Freedom to Move)

Friday, April 20, 2007

Free on Friday

Here's 2 for today...

Sunsilk Threesome

Olay Derma-Pod (I know I'm not getting any younger! I heard about this product on Oprah and have been wanting to try it.)

Have a blessed Day!

Thursday, April 19, 2007

Bathday

Bath time & Drying off

Yes, we all took a bath this morning, including Hermie (the bigger one) and Wormie (the smaller one).

Hermie fits quite nicely in our family, he is a go-getter and is not shy at all! When he sees something he wants, he figures out a way to get it.

Wormie (we got him last week) is still trying to feel us out. He is a little shy right now and likes to live the majority of his life in his shell.

As I am typing this, I am thinking of all of the spiritual things about being in and out of your shell. There are lots of different ways I could take, but this is the one I've decided to expand on...

I want to live my life not in a shell of fear and shyness (like Wormie). If God tells me to pray for someone or to give them a word, I do not want to shrink back (like Wormie) and stay safely in my shell. I want to be obedient to God every day of my life.

No, I am not there yet, but I am working on it. I am not quite a Hermie but I am getting closer.

Are you a Hermie or a Wormie?

Hermie was so excited to be getting a bath that he came right out of his shell. Boy were my eyes big when that happened. I was wondering how we were going to get him back in his cage. Thankfully, he went back into his shell when I put it close to his body.

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Jesus, Our Protector

My DSH returned from a conference in NJ late last night. We were so happy to have him home. We missed him so much!

While he was away, the weather was just wacky (lots of rain & high winds). It really didn’t bother me at all until night time when everything was quiet and still. That’s when it felt like the house was going to blow apart. I wasn’t scared but I was uncomfortable knowing that I was the only adult in the house and I was responsible for the lives of my 3 kids.

The first night we (the kids and I) slept in the fort together. After my bout of complaining, it was really fun. The next night everyone slept in their own beds. I had a hard time falling asleep that night because the wind was shaking the house so hard. Every time I would start to fall asleep, the wind would wake me up again.

So, I did what I usually do when I can’t sleep, I prayed. I prayed for lots of different things but mostly for protection over my family and home. As I was praying I saw a picture of a blue blanket being draped over my house. I knew that it was Jesus letting me know He was covering me, the kids and our home with His protection. After that I slept very soundly for the rest of the night.

I didn’t really think about the significance of the color, until I was typing this entry. The color blue signifies the Holy Spirit and a Heavenly visitation. It just gives me chills when I think about how much Jesus loves us!

I love Jesus! He gave me exactly what I needed when I needed it.

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Mint Boy


Every time we go to church, my son, Bible Bat Boy knows exactly where to find mints. He knows probably 12 people that he can get mints from. That boy can eat Altoids by the handful!

One day when we were at church I was talking to one of my friends and her mother (Nana). Bible Bat Boy was standing with me and notice that in my friend's bag, was a container of mints. Very energetically, my son asked her for a mint. Then he asked Nana if she had any mints. She pulled out a can and gave my son a few.

I resumed talking to my friend and was soon interrupted by my son saying, "Mom, I'm going to go to Walmart with her (Nana), OK?" I looked a little confused as I said "OK?"

I started talking to my friend again only to hear Bible Bat Boy say, "Oh, Yeah, mom, She's driving!"

As I further investigated Bible Bat Boy's need to go to Walmart, I found out that Nana didn't have the right kind of mints and that Bible Bat Boy suggested she take him to Walmart so he could show her where to find the "blue " mints.

As I think about that story, I am reminded with how really ungrateful we are (myself included). Very rarely are we satisfied with exactly what we have. We always must have more. As we go through our day today, let's make an effort to be thankful for everything we have.

Monday, April 16, 2007

Happy Belated Birthday


We love Aunt MA so much! She is one of the most generous people we know, she would give you the shirt off her back if she thought you needed it. At lunch today, we had a little mini party for her. We brought her Taco Bell and brought her a somewhat pitiful-looking cake.

Happy _0th Birthday!! Cha, Cha, Cha!

(P.S. Aunt MA is my DSH's sister)

The Things You Do for You're Kids

Outside


Inside

Last night we had sleep together night where the parents get to sleep with the kids. We try to do it once a week. A few weeks ago, we made a fort and let the kids sleep in there. Last night, they requested the fort again only this time they requested me to sleep with them in the fort. Yes, I grumbled and complained (to myself) but I agreed to sleep on the hard, hard, floor in the fort. I really had to keep checking my attitude. I, in no way, shape, or form wanted to do it, but I knew that these are the types of things that make their childhood special. I also knew that these are the things that my kids are going to remember as special times spent with me.

So as I am starting my day today, I am really making an effort to not be as selfish and instead am thinking of other special things that we can do together.

Sunday, April 15, 2007

Singing Sunday - Promises

All week I have been debating on what song to post for today. After prayer time last night this song was confirmed. oH mY wORD, this one is for you!

Has the Lord ever promised you something? He has told me that I would again walk more deeply in Spiritual things, but right now my job is to focus on raising my kids in the path that they should go. Before kids, I used to have all kinds of words and visions for people but when I had kids, the Lord had placed that on the back burner for a while. But I didn't even realize it. I thought it was something that I did (not having enough quiet time, not worshiping "right", not praying enough). God, in his perfect way, told me that I am exactly where He wants and needs me to be right at this moment and i will again walk in Spiritual things.

My question for you today is: What promises has God told you? (If you cant find any, look in the Bible, it's filled with them). Post your promise in the comment section, I would love to be encouraged by them.

I have been listening to today's song for the last couple days. It is just an awesome song that talks about God keeping his promises. We are the ones that breaks the promise, not God.

The song is by The Desperation Band, one of my all time favorite worship bands. All of their Cd's are great and i encourage you to get some of them. When I listen to them, I can really feel the presence of God flowing through the music. Their newest Cd is a Live album "New Life Worship My Savior Lives" To hear a sample click here then on #3

Promises
All of Your promises won’t let go of me
(All of Your promises won’t let go of me)
I’ve surrendered my life to Your ways
I have learned what it means to obey
Jesus my heart has been changed by You
I am walking the path you have made
I am seeking the truth every day
Jesus my heart has been changed by You
I couldn’t walk away if I tried
‘Cause Your love is better than life
The sun’s shining bright and it just won’t set
‘Cause Your love is alive and it lights my step
My heart is amazed everyday to the next
Your joy overtakes and I can’t forget about it
Oh oh oh Oh oh oh Oh oh
I can’t forget about it

Saturday, April 14, 2007

Weird PA State Laws

Weird Pennsylvania Laws

It is contrary to Pennsylvania law to discharge a gun, cannon, revolver or other explosive weapon at a wedding.

It it illegal to sleep on top of a refrigerator outdoors.

A special cleaning ordinance bans housewives from hiding dirt and dust under a rug in a dwelling.

You may not sing in the bathtub.

Any motorist who sights a team of horses coming toward him must pull well off the road, cover his car with a blanket or canvas that blends with the countryside, and let the horses pass. If the horses appear to be skittings, the motorist must take his car apart piece by piece, and hide it under the nearest bush.

Fireworks stores may not sell fireworks to Pennsylvania residents.

A person is not eligible to become Governor if he/she has participated in a duel.

You may not catch a fish with your hands.

You may not catch a fish by any body part except the mouth.

Dynamite is not to be used to catch fish.

Though you do not need a fishing license to fish on your own land, but a hunting license is required to hunt on your own land.

In Bensalem - Persons convicted of felonies may not operate Bingo games.

In Carlisle - In the middle of town, one must pay a fee of $50 dollars a year to park on a particular block.

In Connellsville - One's pants may be worn no lower than five inches below the waist.

In Danville - All fire hydrants must be checked one hour before all fires.

In Morrisville - It is required that a woman have a permit to wear cosmetics.

In Newtown - Every outlet or switch (which can be purchased for 59 cents) that is installed requires an electrical inspection fee of 1 dollar and 33 cents.

In Pittsburgh - No one is allowed to sleep on a refrigerator.

In Ridley Park - You cannot walk backwards eating peanuts in front of the Barnstormers Auditorium during a performance.

In Tarentum - Horses are not to be tied to parking meters.

For more weird laws, visit here.

Friday, April 13, 2007

Happy Birthday Girly Girl!

Six years ago today, Girly Girl entered the world. Happy Birthday Sweetie!







All pics by MA, my Number 1 (2) sister.

Thursday, April 12, 2007

Free on Friday


This week is Hamburger Helper. It Expires 4/30/07 so sign up soon. We have tried the one flavor (cheesy taco) and it was pretty good. Enjoy!

Here is the link.

Click Here

Such Wonderful Men

Many, many thanks go out to my wonderful men!!!

On Monday, my DSH and R (my brother-in-law) worked on getting rid of my weed garden in my backyard. It was cold and windy but they did an awesome job. The area was filled with weeds, vines, and small trees. It took them about 4 hours to finish the job. It looks so good now! The only thing left to do now is to figure out what to do with all of the clippings!

Here's a little peek at their job.

Maybe the rope will work!


R working on some of our mess.




My DSH was swinging (notice his feet are off the ground) on the vines, trying to get them out of the tree. It didn't work!




Only some of the clippings.

I will add more pics later when we are clean up the clippings. I feel so liberated now. I don't have a weed garden anymore!

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

April is National Poetry Month

For a school project, Shadow has to recite a poem in front of an audience. I found a couple really cute poems while I was skimming through his books. Moms, these are for you...

Band-Aids
I have a Band-Aid on my finger,
One on my knee, and one on my nose,
One on my heel, and two on my shoulder,
Three on my elbow, and nine on my toes.
Two on my wrist, and one on my ankle,
One on my chin, and one on my thigh,
Four on my belly, and five on my bottom,
One on my forehead, and one on my eye.
One on my neck, and in case I might need 'em
I have a box full of thirty five more.
But oh! I do think it's sort of a pity
I don't have a cut or a sore!

Open-Close
Open your mouth and close your eye
And you might get a big surprise.
It might be a cake made with sugar and spice,
It might be two blueberry whipped cream pies,
It might be a basket of crispy french fries,
It might be those muffins your grandmothers buys.
But, wouldn't it be a bit more wise
To close your mouth - and open your eyes?

Both poems are by Shel Silverstein and can be found in Where the Sidewalk Ends

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

My Little Financial Planner

A few days ago, Bible Bat Boy applied for his very first credit card. It was his turn to get the mail and we seem to be inundated with credit card applications. Bible Bat Boy was sitting on the floor ripping the envelopes open while I was skimming though the “important” mail not really paying any attention to what he was doing.

All of a sudden, Bible Bat Boy jumped up and informed me he was going out to mail a letter. He was so proud of himself. He said, “I even licked the envelope, see!” I then realized what he did and told him we had to wait to mail it until daddy came home.

When my DSH came home, I showed him the letter and we then opened it. Inside we found all of the credit card application papers.

My little Bible Bat Boy is starting WAY too early!

Sunday, April 8, 2007

Singing Sunday

I thought I would do a very true fun song for today. So, think about the words while you read. This song always puts my life back in perspective. To Listen to a small clip of it, click here then click on listen #8.

Newsong is one of my favorites groups and in 1997 they released a song called:

Start All Over On Mars

Sometimes I wonder how You could ever love us
We're never satisfied no matter what you do
You send the rain and we complain there's no sunshine
Yet every breath we take is all because of you

Only Heaven knows the pain I've put you through
I don't know what you're thinking Lord
But I know what I would do

I'd start all over on Mars
Create a world that is far away from our ungratefulness.
If I were the God that you are I would be tempted to walk away
Wash my hands of this crazy mess
Make a world that would follow your heart
I'd start all over on Mars.

How often are we ungrateful for the things we have? How often do we want what others have? How often do we complain about the weather? How often do we complain about our situations? How often do we complain about our family?

So, on this Easter Sunday, Let's take some time to think about Everything God does for us and thank Him!

Friday, April 6, 2007

Free on Friday

Here's your freebie for today. I thought of all you biggest losers when I decided on this one. This is legite too, it's from a well known company.

South Beach Diet Sweet Nut Creations Bar

Have a great day!

Thursday, April 5, 2007

It's All In A Name

While I was preparing lunch today this is what I overheard:

Bible Bat Boy: Big old Bully! Liar, liar, pants on fire! You're as big as Jesus Bully!
Shadow: I'm trying to help you. That's why I took the mouse from you.

After a few talking to Jesus minutes, I then heard:

Bible Bat Boy: Shadow, I'm sorry.
Shadow: It's OK, You little Rascal!

Starch Overload

Some days I don't feel like making anything specific for lunch so I usually let the kids decide what we have. Today was one of those days.

Shadow decided that we should have buttered egg noodles, creamed corn, and peas. Oh yeah, and for dessert, a lollipop.

Good thing it stopped snowing and I can send them outside!

What did you have for lunch?

Wednesday, April 4, 2007

You Know You Live in a Technological World When...

The other day a neighbor girl and her friend came to play with Shadow. I didn't think anything of it because there are always a bunch of kids here. I seem to be the Kool-Aid mom for this neighborhood.

Anyway, tonight while we were eating, my DSH asked Shadow the name of the neighbor's friend. Without missing a beat, Shadow said, "I don't remember her name but her screen name is R****9." After a couple minutes of thought, he did remember her name.

Yes, we do live in a technological world!

Monday, April 2, 2007

Pennsylvania

In teaching Shadow school today, I learned something new. I learned that Pennsylvania has it's own song called none other than, "Pennsylvania". The song was presented to the Pennsylvania General Assembly in 1989 introducing and adopting the song, (lyrics and music by Eddie Khoury and Ronnie Bonner), as the State song of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania General Assembly adopted "Pennsylvania" as the official song of the Commonwealth on November 19, 1990. It was signed into law by the Governor Robert P. Casey on November 29, 1990.

To see the words and listen to the music click here. On that page, click on Listen to Midi.

Sunday, April 1, 2007

Singing Sunday


This week's song is by Twila Paris. It's called "Do I Trust You" and is off of the Warrior is a Child CD.

Sometimes my little heart can't understand
What's in Your will, what's in Your plan.
So many times I'm tempted to ask You why,
But I can never forget it for long.
Lord, what You do could not be wrong.
So I believe You, even when I must cry.
Do I trust You, Lord?
Does the river flow?
Do I trust You, Lord?
Does the north wind blow?
You can see my heart,
You can read my mind,
And You got to know
That I would rather die
Than to lose my faith
In the One I love.
Do I trust You, Lord?
Do I trust You?

I will trust You, Lord, when I don't know why.
I will trust You, Lord, till the day I die.
I will trust You, Lord, when I'm blind with pain!
You were God before, and You'll never change.
I will trust You.
I will trust You.
I will trust You, Lord.
I will trust You.

So often life throws situations at us that we are totally unprepared for. My SDH & I are walking through one right now. This song came on the iPod a few days ago and I have been meditating on the words. No matter what we are walking through, God knows all about it and WILL take care of us. I am choosing to trust the Lord because He is GOD now, He was GOD before and He will always be GOD! And, God is much BIGGER than us!