please pray

We are contemplating Christian's 4th grade school material. Albert and I are praying for God's wisdom in how He would have us teach him this new school year. We are finishing up 3rd grade through the summer.

when someone is on your heart

A dear friend of mine was on my mind this morning. I thought I was thinking of her because we were going to the same baby shower (another dear mutual friend's daughter's) this Sat. and that must be why. At 11am she called. She had been praying and the Lord put my name in her mind so she called me. We had a sweet time of fellowship and prayer and in the end also planned to travel to Livingston together on Sat. with our daughters, Kara and Kyra. Cool huh. The Lord is so wonderful in knitting us together in unity. Praise Him!

in need of recipes

I am in search of a great home made banana pudding recipe. Please email me you favorite. Thanks!

John 14

"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. "John 14:26

We discussed this and the verses surrounding it tonight at our ladies' Bible study on the book of John. Oh, how He brings to mind with impeccable timing, His Word. John 1:1 says "in the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. What peace and comfort He brings when He speaks to us- He brings us Himself!

on dying

This morning on the way to get a shot for my back, I heard Nancy Leigh DeMoss' program Revive our Hearts. The speaker was a young woman who was dying of cancer. Please tune in to the following link to hear her give glory to God in the midst of suffering. http://deathisnotdying.com/

family mission statement

I got an email today from my favorite website, passionate homemaking. It was addressing mission statements. The first verse they used was Proverbs 29:18 "where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keeps the law, happy is he." What was so amazing was the Lord woke me up at 4:45am and that is the verse He reminded me of. So, needless to say, when I came across this email, it made me smile. Has anyone worked on something like this? What is your experience? Please share any thoughts you have on the subject.

book report

Christian is attempting to finish his 3rd A Beka work. He is doing two lessons at a time. We worked together today learning about book reports. His first one was over one of his A Beka readers, Secret in the Maple Tree. I am amazed we are already doing book reports. He is growing too fast for his Mom.

In the midst of a storm

I found myself in a storm this morning. No, not the kind that brings thunder and lightning which for us in south Tx is a common event. This storm had fear and pain that flooded my heart. Just as Jesus calmed the waves and the winds, so He calmed me His child. He spoke softly with patience His Word to me as I fought back the tears. He reminded me that I learn as He did obedience from that which I suffer (Heb. 5:8). I learned to trust Him because His Word holds promises that He reminded me of when my emotions were trying to rule me. His Spirit provided self control. In His power I was able to depend on Him to speak life and not death. To give the Gospel instead of repaying evil with evil. All the while being reminded of the right path I was to take moment by moment. The more I surrendered pride and fear and listened, I heard truth in love coming out of my mouth. God's Word is living and active (Heb.4:12). He reminded me of that this morning. He can do exceeding abundantly more than I can ask or think (Eph 3:20-22). He reminded me in worship the night before I had prayed for the Spirit to empty me of me and fill me with Christ. He answered that prayer. In the condition I was in, I asked "Lord how will I be prepared for all that I have before me today?" He answered by saying "worship Me". I was blubbering with red swollen eyes, in need of a Kleenex, and I said "Lord, you want me to sing? " "Yes, glorify me." My heart wanted to. Why wouldn't I? However, my flesh was not cooperating. It wanted to work towards self pity. I began to sing, The Joy of the Lord is My Strength. It barely came out. My voice was fading in and out between wimpering. I knew the praise He deserved and what lined up with the words to the song was to be joyful. I didn't feel joyful. Actually flesh said go back to bed and stay there. Wollering in self pity does suit me more than being off key. But as I fixed my red flaming face (make up can only do so much) I sang stronger. I listened to the words I was singing. He gives me living water and I thirst no more. No more thirst. No more pain. No more tears as Rev. 7:17 says" for the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their Shepherd, and will guide them to springs of the water of life; and God will wipe every tear from their eyes." Oh, the glory of eternity in Him! Even come so Lord Jesus.

Armour's

Our dear friends have headed back to Minnesota anticipating a move down here!! We are so thankful the Lord is making a way for them to come down here permanently.

Exotic Pet care

Albert and children have been hitting the streets the last two days to get the word out for their new business-pet sitting. They will care for various creatures and offer additional home services such as lawn care, pool cleaning, and power washing. They are marketing pet stores and vet clinics. They even passed out flyers in front of Pet Smart. They are very hopeful to encounter some unusual critters in this endeavor. Please pray for their safety and for some customers.

Bible study

As many of you know, I have been studying the book of John with some great women and last night we got to be apart of Calvary Chapel Houston (Friendswood) 's women's Bible study. The topic last night was obedience. Each of us (4) were touched in a unique way. I came home confessing and repenting of sin to my husband. Thank you Lord for convicting me in the atmosphere of such love.

chicken and eggs

This morning I met with my neighbor Linda to get the coop, I am mean scoop on chicken raising. Her flock of six is now 2 mos. old. She graciously offered to let us borrow her supplies as their new, bigger coop will be completed this weekend. We are contemplating broilers and hens. I am trying to find some wisdom. We only have space to keep them together and I am thinking that will not be a good idea since in 6 weeks the broilers will be huge and they could attack our smaller hens. I bought the book Storey's Guide to Raising Chickens by Gail Damerow and had lent it to my neighbor since she was a head of me in the attempt. I was impressed with her new coop and gleaned some good ideas from her. I am hoping to receive them in two-three weeks. I'll keep you posted.

quinoa

Pronounced keen wah, this nutty protein packed grain which comes from the Andes is quite tasty. We made some for the first time on Sunday with baked chicken. It was all gone. A friend from church came up to confess that she scooped the last bit out to take home to eat later. I didn't mind. I have a HUGE bag from Costco. Another lady at church gave me a recipe I want to try which was soaked quinoa then add bell pepper or your favorite veggie and then fry it in the pan. Sounds yummy! I let you know of any other recipes that I come across.

cooking beans

I am giving pinto beans a shot again. In the past, they have came out like flavorful small pebbles. A friend shared her secret to good tasting gravy and soup last night- Knor chicken bullion. I've got to try it. I haven't been able to do soup either but am encourage with the knowledge she shared.

home made pizza crust

Wow! We just had some fabulous pizza. I've been raving about www.passionatehomemaking.com and here I go again. My children are thrilled about this tasty recipe. I normally do not like sweet crust like Papa John's but this homemade concoction is too wonderful. We had it with no pizza sauce, a bag of mozzarella and Boar's Head pepperoni from Kroger (on sale 2 for $5). Highly recommended.