Happy Spring, Happy Smiles

Happy Spring! Little by little we are seeing the signs of spring - pussy willows, tulips and daffodils just starting to peak their heads up from the earth. It sure is beautiful this world God created!


Its hard to believe, yet again, that time is a tickin' away ever so fast! Baby K will be 11 weeks old this week! She sure is a delight to our family! She loves to smile and coo and kick! She has a very sweet disposition :) See the outfit she is wearing in these pictures? Her big sister M wore it when she was a wee babe. Here, let me see if I can find a picture:


Wow! Thank goodness for dates on digital pictures - I would have thought that was Baby K! My husband jokes with everyone that we only know how to make one kind of baby :) He's right - they sure do look alike. Oh, my heart is swooning this morning looking at how little M was. As I will update you in a bit - she is ever so big these days! Here are some more smiles of Baby K :) You can see why we keep a hat on her so much as in the picture above! She is so bald! It makes me feel like she's warmer with a little cap on :)

Happy Baby!

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Now to update you on our family, we have had a very hard winter with sicknesses. Pneumonia, bronchitis, influenza (the real deal - tested positive at the docs!), stomach bugs, etc. Believe you me, I have had my moments where this has just worn me down. But today, now that everyone seems to be on the up and up, I look back to this winter and see how gracious God is in how He's carried me through. As I've shared, our oldest son has asthma and allergies. I spent the first two years of his life so angry at anyone and everyone whenever he was sick, which was a lot. As I continue on my mothering journey, I realize, it is all in God's hands!

There is a purpose when my little ones get sick. It was so hard to see that the week when all four of my children were sick, and my husband and I were up all night with all of them. It was difficult to see again when my little girl M had a fever of 104.9, and then a few nights later of 105.4. But God didn't allow these sicknesses to happen just to kick me when I was down, as He looked down from heaven laughing away! No!

God never promised me that it would be easy (like I needed to tell you this as you think about your struggles), but God DID promise He would never leave me, nor forsake me (Hebrews 13). I recently came across this story that really says what I am trying to say, so much better!

The Road of Life

At first, I saw God as my observer, my judge,

keeping track of the things I did wrong,

so as to know whether I merited heaven or hell when I die.

He was out there sort of like a president.

I recognized His picture when I saw it,

but I really didn't know Him.

But later on when I met Christ,

it seemed as though life was rather like a bike ride,

but it was a tandem bike,

and I noticed that Christ was in the back helping me pedal.

I don't know just when it was that He suggested we change places,

but life has not been the same since.

When I had control, I knew the way.

It was rather boring, but predictable . . .

It was the shortest distance between two points.

But when He took the lead, He knew delightful long cuts,

up mountains, and through rocky places at breakneck speeds,

it was all I could do to hang on!

Even though it looked like madness, He said, "Pedal!"

I worried and was anxious and asked,

"Where are you taking me?"

He laughed and didn't answer, and I started to learn to trust.

I forgot my boring life and entered into the adventure.

And when I'd say, "I'm scared," He'd lean back and touch my hand.

He took me to people with gifts that I needed,

gifts of healing, acceptance and joy.

They gave me gifts to take on my journey, my Lord's and mine.

And we were off again.

He said, "Give the gifts away; they're extra baggage, too much weight."

So I did, to the people we met, and I found that in giving I received,

and still our burden was light.

I did not trust Him, at first, in control of my life.

I thought He'd wreck it; but He knows bike secrets,

how to make it bend to take sharp corners,

knows how to jump to clear high rocks,

knows how to fly to shorten scary passages.

And I am learning to shut up and pedal in the strangest places,

and I'm beginning to enjoy the view

and the cool breeze on my face

with my delightful constant companion, Jesus Christ.

And when I'm sure I just can't do anymore,

He just smiles and says . . .

"Pedal."

-- author unknown

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During our recent bout with influenza, my little girl here M decided she was ready to go poo and pee on the potty. This was a little inconvenient for me doncha know. But what was a Mama going to do? She was ready, and I just needed to pedal :) With no work whatsoever, this precious girl of mine is now fully potty trained! Just when I'm ready to let her go through the night without a diaper, she'll have a little accident during the night, so we'll keep the diapers at night for now :) Hey, I'm just glad she did the hard work for me :) Potty training is one of those things I'd gladly hire out if I could! Oh, and don't tell her, because she hasn't realized yet, but I took her pacifier away over a week ago (yeah I know - she was a little old for it).

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Back In the Kitchen Again

After what seems like years (it probably was!) I am back in the kitchen again, cooking away! It has been so fun! I'm back to baking bread - I even baked our hamburger buns for our sloppy joes last night! I'm not a New Year's resolution kinda gal - but this year I did make one - to memorize a few basic recipes to keep under my belt. So far I've memorized pancakes from scratch, and a master cookie recipe. I'm now working on my rustic Italian bread recipe to keep tucked back in my brain. What time this saves not having to go look up a recipe!

PANCAKES

Thanks to NancyToday, I've learned a fantastic, from scratch pancake recipe. Throw away the bisquick! This is WAY easier in my opinion (and so much more filling as it has protein in it)!

You simply need to remember the number ONE and a list of ingredients. If you need to increase your amount of pancakes for a larger crowd, just multiply one by the number of batches you need :)

Take 1 egg, 1 teaspoon of oil, and 1 teaspoon of sugar and whisk it good in your dish. Then add 1 cup of milk and whisk that with those ingredients. In another bowl, take 1 cup of flour and 1 teaspoon baking powder, and whisk those together. Add the flour mixture to the milk mixture and you have delicious pancakes batter :) To give you an idea of how much this serves, doubling it is perfect for my family. I've made pancakes every morning now for a week, and plan to keep doing this every morning I can. For one it is CHEAP, for two it is HEALTHY, and for three, nothing feels better than sending your husband and son off for the day with a warm filling breakfast in their tummies :) Come on, you can do it too :)

Well, I better go keep my day going. God bless you this week!

Just Thought I'd Share...

a picture of me today. I am 38 weeks, 2 days.

I'm enjoying this pregnancy very much (especially after a hard beginning with the terrible headaches). I feel energized, I am still wearing my wedding ring, and have a very bouncy baby girl who never keeps me guessing if she's moving enough! All of these things make me very grateful and continually point me to the amazing Creator! Life truly is a miracle!

Speaking of life, my sister-in-law just let us know that she is expecting her 7th baby! Although only about 16 weeks, the ultrasound (which she had to have to give all an idea of when she was due), let them know her baby is a boy :) Such wonderful news!

I've decided that come the New Year, as life allows, I will start a little series on saving money. As I said a few posts ago, my husband received a dramatic pay cut a week before Christmas. After the dust settled and we went through a gamut of emotions, we realized that we will be okay. Thankfully much of that is due to some things we did with our finances - nothing that is earth-shattering or new, but we are just a real life example of how giving to the Lord, and being frugal and thrifty really does work and really does pay off. I will warn you, it takes commitment and sacrifice, but it is very possible, and oh so rewarding on the other side! Once the initial changes are made, it actually is a very easy and very comforting, way of life. Stay tuned!

I hope you have a happy New Year!

God bless!

Jen

Hair Cuts, Baking and Voting

are on my agenda today. The haircuts are done (you can look at my last post for before pictures):

I finally conceded that our daughter needs bangs, and boy I don't regret it! She looks absolutely darling to me! The thing is, her hair is so pin-straight, that it just goes forward. Any attempts to brush it to the side, and tuck behind her ear, doesn't last long (not even a minute, seriously). "Pretties" (barrettes or clips) eventually end up on the floor, because her hair is also so thin that they don't stay in well. As its drying, it definitely has that "shocked" look, but I will put a little lotion or something in as it dries to calm it down a bit.

I always used to cut the boys hair. However, at times, I justify paying someone else to do it (at a tune of $12-15 before tip!) because of the tiredness of pregnancy or whatever. But I'd continually be disappointed, knowing I could do an equal job for free. I'm glad I cut it this time - and I admit, its always a good test for my patience, and I saved at least $52 (I averaged it out and then added tip to the end).

I am always amazed how instantly older my children look after a haircut.

I also have baking on the agenda today. I have read, in less than a week, all three volumes of The Tightwad Gazette by Amy Dacyczyn. GREAT books. The money saving tips are amazing and so do-able. One of her strategies that she used for her family was making a batch of Betty Crocker's Refrigerated Dough (which lasts in the refrigerator for 5 days), and taking dough out as needed to bake. Since I love making bread (I went back to making it over the weekend), I'm really looking forward to this.

And of course, did you know today is election day? LOL! Yeah, its pretty hard to forget this time. Each presidential election year seems to get more crazy, and starts earlier and earlier. As our Pastor jokingly said on Sunday, "On Wednesday we'll have about 6-8 hours of peace before the candidating starts for 2012." Isn't that the truth? Today, I received a call from Rudy Giuliani, and I'm sure President Bush or the First Lady will be the next to call ;)

I'd like to share with you some tidbits from Sunday's sermon, as it is so important for us to remember today. (I am summarizing here, and these are not points that he wrote specifically).

Our Pastor preached from the first few verses of Romans 13. In it, it says that every soul is to be subject (obey and submit) to the government, which whether you agree with it or not, is ordained by God. Of course Daniel is an example when it is okay to not obey and submit to government (when the government is asking you to sin against God).

Our Pastor, like me, grew up in what he called the "evangelical bubble." He made some observations from that bubble, and because, as I said, I too grew up in that same bubble (I'm not saying its wrong!), I couldn't agree more, and was comforted by his words.

1. THE CHURCH AND THE UNITED STATES ARE NOT ONE! They should be separate as the ends are VERY different. Because the U.S. has roots founded on Biblical principles, often we think the U.S. is the church. Not so! Not so.

2. THE CHURCH WILL STILL PREVAIL NO MATTER WHO IS ELECTED. Remember, as it says in Romans, "there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God." This is true even if the President doesn't believe in God or His Word.

3. WHOEVER IS IN THE WHITE HOUSE WILL NOT HOLD OFF OR BRING QUICKER THE JUDGMENT OF GOD. God's judgment is coming at HIS (God's) appointed time.

4. GOD'S PURPOSE FOR MANKIND IS BIGGER THAN GOVERNMENT.

5. TO PUT MY TRUST IN GOVERNMENT FOR MY LIFE'S SUSTENANCE, EVEN FREEDOM, IS FALSE IDOLATRY. Our trust for these things should be in God ALONE.

6. Lastly, the right and privilege to vote today, is precious, and we should not take it for granted. High prices were paid for that right. Ironically, it seems the people who chose not to vote for their reasons, are the loudest to complain.

Trust in God today. Don't be afraid. I've heard so many people say they are afraid if so and so is elected in office today (I've heard it said of both candidates). Nothing will happen today that isn't ordained by God. Seriously, the Bible tells us so. So take comfort.

So on that NOT light note, I'll leave you with a nice picture :)

Kids always have a way of bringing peace to an otherwise worrisome situation :)

Living Frugally

Woman Placing Her Wash

I am an observer. As a child, if an older girl put her chapstick on a certain way, I would try to copy that (silly I know). That was a pretty simple thing, but I also would observe others, taking mental notes on how to run a home and family efficiently, and I would dream about how I wanted to run my home some day too. As an adult, I've continued this habit. Unfortunately, my flesh has won some battles, but my prayer is that it would not win the war.

In my observation, I have witnessed that people who are comfortable financially, people who are not ensnared by debt, have a secret.....they are very frugal! More frugal than many middle class or lower are willing to be.

Its ironic, how the middle class seems to be in the most debt, and also the group that think they deserve the most (again, from my observations). They deserve to have a nice house, they deserve to rest, they deserve to....and so they will do whatever it takes to have it, and most times rather than wait, they pull out the credit card, and go deeper in debt.

Amy Dacyczyn, the author of "Tightwad Gazette" says it best:

"I have been a closet amateur budget analyst for many years. People have told me about the shortage of income that leads them to their troubles. Because my opinion was not asked for I didn't point out the Froot Loops in the cupboards, the Pampers in the bathroom, and the cable TV.

"Even more responsible families on modest incomes nearly always have areas in which they could economize. They could give up red meat in favor of dried beans or whole milk in favor of mixed.

"My standing as a "professional budget analyst" enjoys a briefer history. Recently I have talked or corresponded with people in the most desperate circumstances -- those who have declared bankruptcy, received public assistance, or lived on the smallest of incomes. Without exception I was able to identify areas where they could save. The savings might not be enough to cure the financial shortfall, but rarely do they do everything possible.

"Those who were honest admitted that I was right. If it were a matter of life and death they could resort to "desperate measures" such as eating oatmeal or changing a cloth diaper. But in truth they felt comfortable living on the financial edge.

"I have not scrutinized every budget on the planet Earth, and I know rare individuals exist who live on the edge while making every frugal choice possible. However, I have not seen it.

"The majority of the desperate hesitate to make the choices that our family has done routinely for years.

"In the same way that the late guy still arrives late with the gift hour due to the return standard time [before this section of her book, she talks about how people become accustomed to an acceptable (to them) time to arrive - 20 minutes late, on time, or habitually early. She says even with daylight savings, when clocks turn back an hour, they adjust their mental clocks, and instead of being 40 minutes early (as you'd think someone would be who is habitually 20 minutes late!), they continue to be 20 minutes late....that will help understand what Amy says next], many of those living on the edge [living with only a few dollars from paycheck to paycheck] or out on the gangplank [living beyond their means, and continually taking chances by going further into debt] fail to benefit by increased income. They might have more stuff or more fun, but they instinctively maintain the same distance to the edge regardless.

"If they cannot pay a bill because "the transmission gave out," truthfully the problem is not mechanical at all. Rather the fault can be found with all the extras that they were not willing to give up in order to have the needed cushion.

"For most of us our relationship to the financial edge comes down to a matter of choice. The choice may be the decisions we make today, or we may be living with choices we have made in the past. While the past choices cannot be changed, remarkably the ones we make today become tomorrow's past choices [that last sentence is a breath of fresh air for me :) ]

We can make choices that allow us to take a giant step back from the financial edge and set up a cushion. A sustained effort to scale back will result in savings for more than just a cushion. WE can save for long-term goals and increased financial independence."

This book is going to be so helpful for us and I'm so thankful someone recommended it to me.

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Proverbs 1:5

A wise man will hear, and will increase learning;

and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels

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Proverbs 11:14

Where no counsel is, the people fall:

but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety

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Proverbs 12:15

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes:

but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.

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Proverbs 19:20

Hear counsel, and receive instruction,

that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.

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One of the wisest bits of parenting advice I ever received was to be obedient to God if I expect my children to be obedient to me. I had such a rough year surrendering to God, as I realized, I was demanding my children be obedient to me, yet I was terribly rebellious in my own heart and not obedient to God in several areas.

As you see from the above, God is pretty clear that a wise man or woman listens to counsel. However, I bet most, if honest, would have to admit that they are pretty set in their own ways.

But what if your own ways aren't working? I can say, because of bad decisions, and honestly, laziness, on my part, our ways have not been working for us.

That is when I think it is important to be humble enough, ultimately, wise enough, to seek counsel, which is what I have been doing for some time now.

Going back to my observations (I'm kind of jumping around here today, but hopefully in the end, it will all come together!), people who are financially secure and have savings for a rainy day, do not go out to eat often. They pack lunches and snacks and going out to eat is a special treat, as it should be. We've kept our check book online for as long as we've been married. If I were to give you a glimpse into our register, you would see that we've spent many, probably thousands, of dollars on eating out. How sad! How wrong.

I've had to humbly ask forgiveness from God first, and also my husband, for I would say 98% of this was from my decision, and from my lack of planning. This has been a sobering reality for me. I hope from my admission, the Lord would help you look deep into your heart, and you too can begin this journey of making things right. Its never too late with God, thankfully!

My sister and I were talking this weekend about a show she watched featuring Suze Orman. My sister jokingly acted like someone from the audience and Suze Orman. I'll try to capture it here with words (it was very funny!)

My sister acting as an audience member: "Hi Ms. Orman, I have a question. Is it okay to get one burrito if I'm on my way home from work and really hungry?"

My sister acting as Suze Orman: "Let's have you answer your own question. What is your debt? What is your income?"

Audience member: "But I was just hungry."

Suze Orman: "You have debt and not enough income - I think you have your answer."

As funny as this is, it is so true! Its been hard for me to admit that all debt is bad, despite what most Americans believe. As long as we have debt, then every extra must be scrutinized and we need to have open hands to let go of all that we think we deserve. Here is another truth that I've had to prayerfully accept - we deserve nothing.

Today, I'm not going to go step by step into what we are doing to decrease our spending. I've been ribbed a little when it comes to where we've chosen to grocery shop. Laugh with me a little here, but in this fragile, very pregnant state, I don't think I can take more ribbing ;) In all honesty though, the decisions we're making are done together as a couple, but most importantly done with prayer. What is working for us, may not apply to you.

The most important thing I want to share is this. How willing are you (am I) to be when it comes to getting out of debt? The thing that hit my husband and I is that we are so captured up in the "American way", by working 40+ hours a week and having a mortgage, to name a few things, that we actually are slaves to these things, and cannot be freely open to have God do His work through us. Seriously, that is the reality of it.

How completely awesome it would be to have no debt, even with our home, so that we can take on a job no matter how little the income, in order to be free to do as the Lord wishes? Do you think this is even possible?

Go ahead and scoff, but my husband and I think it is VERY possible and we are completely excited about it too :)

On that note, this may be one of my last posts in a while. I am only about 2 months away from giving birth, and in that 2 months are some very busy times. I need to be frugal with my time as well, and keep working on some things around here.

Let's keep our eyes fixed on Jesus as we go about our days. I am learning that is the only way to get through this world. I've tried it on my own and I continue to struggle with taking the reigns back some days, and it plain does not work. Being completely surrendered to God, through serving others and by talking to Him as you would your best friend, is the only way. Try it, it is a wonderful thing :)

Ta ta for now :)

Jen

Proverbs 31 Re-Post

All pictures can be found at posters.com

The titles for each piece appears below the picture.

Title Unknown

I wrote the following post in 2007. Whenever I get distracted and wander away from one of my main purposes in life (wife and mother), I re-read Proverbs 31 asking the Lord to encourage me to get back on track. Here is what I wrote:

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There are probably two types of woman when it comes to the passage of Proverbs 31:10-31 - those who avoid it like the plague, or those who read it over and over, trying to be her.

I used to be in the first group, throwing up my hands thinking she was impossible [or not applicable today], but now I'm in the latter. I read this chapter [at least] monthly [sometimes more], and meditate on it for a week at a time.

This morning as I had my quiet time with God, I decided to break this chapter apart verse by verse and listen to how the Lord would have me apply this to my life. The actual verses are in green, and my words are in black. Here goes:

10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. 11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. 12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. My husband has complete trust in me. I will not harm his reputation, credit score or health, but all I do will bring him good.

"Money Changer With Wife"

13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. I will go about my day with eagerness and make careful choices.

14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. 15 She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls. I will seek the best deal and plan ahead as I feed my family. I will get up before them so I can prepare and plan. My family will not wonder what is for breakfast/lunch/dinner, as I will provide it lovingly for them.

"Country Charm"

16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. I will not make hasty decisions, but will consider carefully before purchasing anything. Any money I make or am given will be used carefully to benefit my family.

17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. I will go about my work diligently and my body will be strong and in good health so I will be able to keep up with my work.

"Women Placing Her Wash"

18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. I will not go in debt, but bring a profit to my family. I will not run out of anything because I will be prepared.

19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. My hands will be busy at work.

20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. I will look for those in need and who are poor and be charitable to them.

21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. I will provide clothing for my family, and in times of cold weather, the clothing I provide will keep them warm.

22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. I will make my home and myself lovely.

23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. My husband is respected because I will not talk negatively about him to my friends, mother, father, sister, brother or anyone. My words will only build him up.

24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. I will work with my hands to help bring income to my family.

25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. I will build my character so I am a strong woman, who can be trusted. I will not worry about what tomorrow will bring.

26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. I will be wise and read the Word so I can give instruction that is true at a moment's notice.

27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. I will constantly be monitoring every need of my family whether it is physical, emotional or spiritual. I will not give in to my desire to sit down and do nothing when my family has needs to be met.

28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. 29 Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. My children and husband will praise me, thinking that of all the women in the world, to them I am the best.

"After the Christening"

30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. I will fear the Lord, honoring and obeying the commands of His Word. I will give importance to this above my beauty and personality.

31 Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. Any praise I receive from people will be because of my integrity and hard work.

This passage wasn't included in Scripture to intimidate us or send us running. Rather I believe it was given as a guideline for a Christian woman. Situations are different for all women, some are single, some have ten children, others have none. Some have babies, some have teens, and others have raised their children.

Whatever area of your life you find yourself in today, I encourage you to take some time with a piece of paper and your favorite pen, and get quiet with the Lord and have Him show you how these verses can apply to your life.

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I'm thankful that above all, I live under grace.

While grace extends forgiveness (praise be to God because I need and will always need forgiveness as I am the chiefest of sinners), according to Romans (oops!) I Corinthians, it doesn't give me liberty to sin either. To me, that means I should strive to live according to how God wants me to live, even when that road is very different than how the world is and even when that road is a lonely one.

So I'm curious how do you see Proverbs 31 fitting into today's American woman? Is it in fact applicable? I'd love to hear what you have to say :)

Preparing

"The Berry Pickers"

With the fall, comes a sense of needing to get prepared. Whether its simply evaluating what winter clothes are needed, or cutting back plants and flowers in the garden, there are many things that must be done to prepare for the winter.

My prayer and plan is, Lord willing, next year I would grow enough to harvest and can for the following winter.

However, that is not the kind of preparing that has been on my heart lately.

There is a potential for an economic disaster (maybe its a reality, and no longer a potential. I have to admit, in my area of the country, the economy is pretty good. Houses continue to sell. My husband, who is in the building industry, just received a lot of work; he was told that the people in their company do not need to worry about losing their jobs! All that to say, is often times I wonder if this is all media-driven worry). I read of many stocking up their pantries and getting other things in line, similar to what many did for Y2K. I don't suppose that is a terrible idea.

However, that is not the kind of preparing that has been on my heart lately.

I'm talking about spiritual preparedness. The Bible tells us in Matthew to not worry about what we will eat or where we will live or what we will wear. How God takes care of the birds and the flowers, that fade away, how much more He will take care of us - His children. I think most Christians know of this passage, yet don't lean on it like a crutch, like their lives depend on this. Do you have a child who is a worrier? My oldest is - cut from the same cloth as I. It is so easy for me to reassure him he has no need to worry - I know the end result so many times and I know he has absolutely no reason. Sometimes I even chuckle, because I know, I KNOW, everything is gonna be allright!

You know what? God knows my end result, and He knows that I have no need to worry. I need to just stay snuggled in my Father's arms, trusting in Him. If I can offer my imperfect assurance to my son, surely I can rest in God's perfect assurance!

I know there are families who are out of work. My heart and prayers go out to you. Right now though, I want to speak to those, to me, who still have income, where life is really no different than 5 years ago when the economy was not a worry as it is today.

What if your husband was to come home today, and was laid off. If you work, what if, you were laid off today. What would happen if, your car broke down and you had not one cent or open credit to get it fixed. What if, your husband became terribly ill and you lost his income. What if, your home was foreclosed on. What if ____________ (fill in the blank).

Would you be prepared spiritually to be confident in Your Father to know that He will take care of you, His child? Would you be spiritually strong enough to cast all your cares upon Him? Would you start blaming God for taking these things from you and lose faith completely? Or would your faith only become stronger knowing that God refines and builds us through trials.

While I think it is very good to prepare yourself for the future, over the last few years we've been doing that - we relocated to a different part of the country where the cost of living was less, we sold my husband's car so as not to have any car payments, among other things - this all is for nothing, if I think I'm in control of my future. I am not in any way, shape or form, in control of my future.

I can prepare my family until I'm blue in the face - have a perfectly stocked pantry - have no debt - have savings to carry my family through a lifetime - but if I'm not leaning on God, and His promises, none of this will do me any good, no matter how good these things are in and of themselves.

So, instead of watching or reading the news, hearing how terrible our world economy is, let's pray to God, throughout our entire days; let's read His Word daily, seeing all the promises of provision and protection He has for His children (for me and for you if you are a believer) - let's get on our knees with our children casting all our fears upon Him. Read this post from Jewels at Eyes of Wonder, a sister in Christ for more on that.

And after we've done this, let's chose to be a little blissfully ignorant, and take our time to learn other things that will in fact get us through the tough times if or when they hit. Things like cooking from scratch, cutting back on electricity and gas, etc. I think there is nothing wrong with being blissfully ignorant on worldly matters - believe me, it is impossible to not know what's going on with the economy and such - I trust that I will find out the information I need when I need to.

Evaluate what is truly a need. A friend of mine and I did this a few weeks ago when she was over for coffee. Here is a little list that we came up with (and I'm sure some would disagree - that's okay in times of real need I don't think there can be an argument that these are not needs! I think others can also add to the list, and would appreciate if you did!):

Haircuts and colors are not needs. Think of the long romantic hair of the old days - personally I love that, and I know my husband, and it seems other men, like that too :) My friend and I know many large, single-income families where the wife and the girls never get haircuts, and they have simply beautiful hair!

Men shaving is not a need. I wouldn't mind if my husband stopped shaving :) He grew a goatee (sp?) many years ago, and I thought he looked rugged and handsome :) Do you pay attention to how expensive razors are? **By the way, as I was going about my day, it occurred to me that some may take this and go suggest to their husbands that you will no longer be buying razors! NO! I'm not suggesting that in the tiniest of bits! I would never dream of telling a hardworking man, one who more than likely brings in the bacon, or at least his share, and telling him what he should do in this or really any area. We were just making an observation!**

TV and computers are not a need. I hope there is no defense needed there!

Magazines are not a need. I think this reason is what got me hooked on blogs! View some of the beautiful blogs on my side bar - and when you are at their blogs, look at the blogs they have listed. Simple and beautiful.

Two cars are not a need. Have you ever lived for even a few weeks with one car? When we sold my husband's car, and before we bought his little "beater" (it is a good car, one that we thank God for), I would either take my husband to work or he'd take the van. Thankfully I was already used to being home a lot, so it wasn't a shock to my life, but had it been 5 years ago, boy that would have been a great lesson for me! I was most certainly under the impression then that I had to have a car - what if I needed to bring the kids to the doctors? Oh the worry! Well then, if it was that bad, I'm sure my husband would have come home anyway!

Buying name brand food is not a need. I've returned to shopping at Aldi. You just cannot beat the prices there for perfectly fine food. Yesterday I just spent $98 for one week of groceries. Included in the $98 was tissues and some food to give to a local food bank that will be providing Thanksgiving meals for families in need. I will have to purchase a gallon or two of milk, but that still falls well below our weekly budget. There are some items that I struggle with buying store brand - but I have to prepare myself to either go without it, or to buy the store brand (or to take the time to cut coupons, something which I do not have a good handle on whatsoever like so many, very wise women do!)

New clothes are not a need. God has blessed us tremendously with this. An old friend recently asked how on earth I am able to stay home with three, soon to be four, children. I think many assume my husband makes oodles of money. He doesn't. The Lord provides, just enough, and its up to us to be good stewards of that. One huge way that the Lord provides for us, is through hand-me-down clothes. Almost all of my maternity clothes are hand-me-downs. I also am not hesitant nor ashamed to go to Salvation Army if need be. With the extra money I had left from the grocery budget yesterday, I bought all this for $15.00 at the Salvation Army. The Lord is so good!

A vest for my oldest son, a maternity jean skirt (new with tags!), a knitted, 100% wool winter hat for me, and three pairs of pants for my daughter to wear under her dresses this winter. Certainly this isn't the best price of all (free is the best price!), but my point is, even at a discount store like Walmart, I could not have picked up clothing with this quality for $15.00. So, new clothing is not a need.

However, what is a need, is to prepare my spiritual life to be ready to weather the storms that are inevitable, whether or not the economy is bad. As I read God's Word, I am more able to think what God would think of as needs, and pare down my expectations accordingly.

Remember, while all things are possible with God, that is not a promise that it will be comfortable, at least in our sense of comfortable.

When the Lord Calls You to Move

Acts 17:26 (NIV) - From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.

Two years ago this fall, the Lord led us to move. We moved from my husband's childhood home area (actually, the literal land - we subdivided a parcel from his mother, and built a home, pictured above.)

Nothing, but an impression from the Lord, prompted us to move, really. Yes, there were things that prompted us to pray about it - finances being the main thing. As I've written before, our oldest son has asthma, and because we did not have prescription coverage (meds were to the tune of $200-300/month!), our budget was in the red every month! And it wasn't in the red because we were tithing either. That was simply out of the question. Other than that, we lived by loving family, my husband had a wonderful job, we attended a good church, and we all had dear friends.

Over the years, at different times, my husband would want to move, then I would - but never at the same time. My husband didn't want to up and move us without us being on the same page, and I respect him greatly for that. I too didn't want to push him, during the times I felt I wanted to move. It was something we kept in prayer for several years. There was no real clear YES or NO from the Lord. Then one weekend, the same exact afternoon, the Lord impressed upon both our hearts, quite heavily, that it was time to move.

It didn't make sense, the housing market was already terrible. The real estate signs went up around us, but were not coming down, as nothing was selling. The next week when we met with our realtor, he said, had we put our house on the market just six months before, we could have listed, and most likely received, at least $50,000-75,000 more. Gulp.

Although we had fear at times, and many gave advice to not move then, but to wait (their reasons being that it was foolish because the housing market was so terrible and we would be loosing money), we just took the next step anyway, trusting in the Lord, and we put our house on the market, listing it at the lower price our realtor suggested.

Let me rewind a little - a headhunter had been pursuing my husband, to the point of annoyance :) After a few years, my husband had to finally ask him to leave him alone, and Brian did so at my husband's request. That was about six months before we were readying the house to put on the market. My husband remembered Brian, and called him back, saying he was ready to see what was out there. My husband gave him the area where to look (he gave him a WIDE area about a 5 hour radius really) - and don't you know, there was a job opening in the exact area where we were hoping to be.

In a matter of two weeks, our house sold (full asking price, I might add), and my husband had the job (the salary was an increase from where he left - because the cost of living here is considerably less than where we left, it was as if he received a raise). Our Lord took care of us, and blessed our act of obedience, far more than we were even hoping.

There were bumps along the way. Our initial contract fell through. We had literally just dropped our children off with my sister so we could go home to pack without the children under foot. We had just left our home inspection for this home, and were so excited! Then our realtor called with that awful news. This was a Friday, and my husband was set to start his new job on Monday. We felt sick. He already was committed to his new job, here, three hours away. That weekend was a blur. Honestly I don't even remember if we actually packed. The tears flowing on Sunday evening as my husband left were heavy, and our hearts were broken. We started doubting the choices we made. After praying, and literally begging to God, my husband said goodbye to me and the children, with heavy tears by all of us (the kids too, that was SO hard). Honestly it felt as if we were saying good bye forever.

The housing market was worse than it had been just a month before. There was no way our house would ever sell. EVER.

One-half hour after my husband left, on a Sunday night, after 8 p.m., our realtor called again. He had a new offer. I told him, he better not be joking, because we weren't in that kind of mood. He was serious praise the Lord! Thank God for cell phones, as I was able to call my husband. I'm not certain, but I think it made the drive, and him starting his new job the next morning, much easier, it certainly did for me.

It wasn't easy or perfect from there on out. I had to say goodbye to my husband during the week for a while. I had a 4 year old, 2 year old (who turned 2 when Daddy was away), and a 6 month old. But with the Lord it was possible, and we learned to lean heavy on the Him. I learned an important lesson that has helped me - while with the Lord all things are possible, its not always comfortable - its possible.

It was difficult to leave family and friends. With family though, you know you will see them again, but with friends, you just never know. I had moved before. Where we lived was not my childhood home area. I knew the reality of moving, and that despite your best intentions, you don't always keep in touch. I remember a very dear friend of mine, who is a missionary in Central Asia, told me that I would be surprised at who kept in touch and who didn't. Boy were those words of truth. There are some I was certain I would always keep in touch with, that I haven't heard much, if anything, from. No one is to blame, their life continued as did ours. Yet others, who I didn't even realize I made much of an impression, have kept in contact. What a blessing. And yet again, there are others, that years can go by, and when you meet up again, its like no time has passed at all, and you just pick up where you left off. To me, its those people that are the greatest blessing. No guilt, just pure friendship. Its not even that you e-mail or call much at all, but its just that you are kindred spirits, like family, and you just understand the busy-ness and different seasons of life and love eachother through it all.

And here we are, nearly two years later! We actually made all the contracts in October and November, but didn't actually move until December 22 :) That was interesting, our house was in shambles, boxes everywhere, but we quickly made neat our family room, put up a Christmas tree, and put up some Christmas lights outside. I'm so glad we took the little time to do that :)

The Lord has been good to us, and we sure have learned much since we've moved here. For one, I have learned the absolute importance of having my heart at home. Period. I was so busy where I used to live. I was always going to this and that at church, going here and there visiting friends, and honestly, my family came last. That was a sin I believe. Moving forced me into being home and being busy here, not everywhere else. My family and I have only benefited from that. I wish I learned that lesson long, long ago.

I'm including another picture to show our new roof - see above to see the difference!

It feels so good to have the house buttoned up before winter!

Acts 17:26 (NIV) - From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.

Going back to this verse, there have been times, where we think we should have taken our time and looked around the whole area. There are certainly cheaper places to live even 10 minutes from here. But in seeking the Lord in this process, He opened the door for this exact home, and we believe that with our whole hearts.

We used to be totally involved and immersed with Christian families. This was a blessing, no doubt, but it also took my focus off of the hurting world around me. As we were visiting churches, our neighborhood and community reached out to us first. They are not Christians. I was able to get to know what average Americans worry about and struggle with without God. I feel sad for the many years where I was overly busy with Christian friends alone, and didn't have any time left over to reach out to the hurting world around me, friends and family alike.

So, we KNOW, WE KNOW, God has us here at this exact place, even if its for the one family next door. I have not had any earth-shattering theological conversations with them, but our prayer is that God would use our life as a witness, and open doors to conversations. God has already answered our prayers in that respect and we look forward to seeing where God leads as the years go by.

Thankfully, in the two years we've lived here, we have found a wonderful church home. There are many differences from where we came. Not that any are better than the other, but the Lord again, watched out for us, and led us to where we need to be. Because we are more surrounded by non-Christians, we need our church family more than ever to help us turn our focus back on God to make it through our days. What a blessing this has been. The preaching and teaching is nothing but straight out of God's Word. Many do not come from a Christian upbringing, so their walk with the Lord is serious and so much appreciated. They do not take their eternal life for granted, as I had for so many years. They do not forget from where they came. Every single week people are asking Christ to be their Savior, with nothing but the gospel being presented to them straight out of the Bible. Not the latest Christian best sellers, no fancy programs, just the simple Gospel and truths from His Word. Again, its right where we need to be, thank you Jesus. We have grown in Christ more than any other time in our life, and its not because we're involved in more Bible studies, or programs at church. In fact, its the opposite. Its been truly and simply sweet with all glory going to God alone.

I don't know where God has you today. It may have nothing to do with moving, but maybe my story here can help you see that sometimes you need to pray for several years about something. Maybe it is to listen and obey the Lord's impression (make real sure it is perfectly in line with Scripture - God will never lead anyone to do anything contrary to His Word). Perhaps it is to follow the Lord's leading to make your heart be at home. Only you can seek the Lord when it comes to you. It takes getting your life very quiet sometimes in order to hear Him. When it came to this move, I had been forced to be at home more than ever in my life. I had recently had my daughter - she is only 17 months younger than her brother. It was then, when I had nothing to do but be at home, that I began really hearing the Lord. That is still how it is. It takes turning off the TV, getting up before my family (I fail at this often!), and just "being still, and knowing that He is God" (I paraphrased Psalm 46:10) when I hear Him the most. Its always worth the sacrifice.

I pray this week we can in fact be still and know that He is God and look for nothing else.

I also pray that we can take joy out of the simplest of things, like my boys did this weekend with the leaves. There is MUCH to be learned from these little friends of mine :) (and boy do they have the greatest Daddy :) Last fall and this, he just keeps one big leaf pile so there is always one to jump in :) What a great man he is :) )

Handmade Christmas Challenge

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Is it the men "up on the rooftop" today that is making me think of Christmas (we are having our home re-shingled)? Or is it the oh-so-comfy days we've had around here (all of my children are sick, now on day 3, and we've just been home **delightful sigh** [truly, having all my children home is wonderful for me :)]). Then again, it could be the cooler weather we've had - it sure seems the last few years that September, even October, have been unseasonably warm. But this year it is very normal....cool. That is wonderful for me too!

Whatever the reason, I am thinking of Christmas gifts! Yeah! (This feeling of mine must be rubbing off on the boys, because I was just beckoned to come look at the Polar Express train set they just put together. I think I have a good idea for an afternoon video to watch - Polar Express - special thank you to Grammie for letting us borrow her DVD! We never tire of watching that movie!)

Its possible my list is bigger than the time I realistically have left, but I sure am going to give it my best try to make almost all of the gifts for our family! Let's call it a Handmade Christmas Challenge (anyone care to join me?) I am very excited about it! I have Googled and found all patterns and instructions I need. Now I must make a list of what I need from JoAnn's, and then I will be good to go! Unfortunately because family reads my blog, I can't share with you that list :) If you need ideas, check out the links on my side bar - Handmade Holidays and Crazy Mom Quilts. Fabulous ideas there!

I will put this little ticker below on my sidebar to help remind me of the time I have left - hmmmmm, about 20 days between Christmas and my due date - I better get started PROMPTLY! This will be very fun!

Get Myspace Christmas Countdown

Above it all, I must keep everything in focus. That being two things: remembering and teaching my children about the birth of Christ (we have wonderful traditions that keeps Christ in our Christmas - over the coming months I will share those with you); but also remembering and showing a grateful and cheerful attitude to my family - nothing takes the joy out of gift giving than a grumpy Wife and Mommy, nothing. *Keep it in perspective, Jen - keep your daily priorities to the Lord and your family as you do this, otherwise it is all in vain, yes it is.*

The sun and blue sky is just now peeping out here - what a lovely gift and surprise :) Another lovely gift to our family was my niece, who was born 6 years ago today! Here she is a few years ago, and then here are a few more recent pictures.

My sister made this beautiful dress for her daughter, my niece - didn't she do a wonderful job!

This last picture is of her with her cousins (the blondies are my children) this summer. What a beautiful bunch!

Well, bellies are calling - its off to make lunch! Have a wonderful day!

Love, Jen :)

Aprons

This picture is a little old, but is a picture of one of the few aprons I have made. They are so simple to sew!

I don't think our kids know what an apron is.

The principal use of Grandma's apron was to protect the dress underneath,

but along with that, it served as a potholder for removing hot pans from the oven.

It was wonderful for drying children's tears,

and on occasion was even used for cleaning out dirty ears .

When Grandma rocked us to sleep, she would cover us with her apron,

we felt so snug wrapped in it.

From the chicken coop, the apron was used for carrying eggs, fuzzy chicks,

and sometimes half-hatched eggs to be finished in the warming oven.

When company came, those aprons were ideal hiding places for shy kids.

And when the weather was cold, grandma wrapped it around her arms.

Those big old aprons wiped many a perspiring brow,

bent over the hot wood stove.

Chips and kindling wood were brought into the kitchen in that apron.

From the garden, it carried all sorts of vegetables.

After the peas had been shelled, it carried out the hulls.

In the fall, the apron was used to bring in apples that had fallen from the trees.

When unexpected company drove up the road,

it was surprising how much furniture that old apron could dust in a matter of seconds.

When dinner was ready, Grandma walked out onto the porch,

waved her apron, and the men knew it was time to come in from the fields to dinner.

It will be a long time before someone invents something

that will replace that "old-time apron" that served so many purposes.

Send this to those who would know, and love

the story about grandma's aprons.

REMEMBER:

Grandma used to set her hot baked apple pies on the window sill to cool.

Her granddaughters set theirs on the window sill to thaw out.

They would go crazy now trying to figure out

how many germs was in that apron.

I don't think I ever caught anything from an Apron.

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The above was an e-mail I received from my aunt. Boy I sure love it and I love my aprons too!

I don't wear one every day, but I wear one often when I cook.

Its also great for when I clean -

I used to do any deep cleaning before I took a shower for the day, in my grubby clothes.

But one too many times someone stopped by, and I was quite embarrassed by my appearance.

How much nicer it is to be dressed for the day, and just take my grubby apron off if needed.

This has inspired me to make wearing my apron more of a daily habit, yes it has.

I find it so romantic and feminine too!

Here are some pictures of my aprons:

I hang our (I have some for the kids too) aprons on my decorated baker's rack.

This is an apron I made for my daughter from fabric I received from free-cycle.
It was "sew" easy ;p (tongue in cheek)

This was my first apron, gifted to me from my parents one Christmas.

A free Home Depot apron that my oldest son received on one of their Saturday workshops.

A cute marker apron I bought for my sons at a craft fair - boys can wear aprons too :)

This is one of two aprons I saved from my Grandmother's things after she went to be with the Lord. My lack of photography skills show as I try to take a full picture of it. I just cannot show its beauty. The embroidery is the best part of the apron anyway, and at least this gives you some idea.
The other apron I saved is more of a "French maid" type. It only covers your lower waist. It is cream and lacy - this pictured apron and the lacy one are for decoration, that is for sure - too pretty and old to use I think!

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Before I head off to go about my day, I wanted to share one of the most beautiful quotes that I've heard in a long time! As you probably know, Paul Newman died this weekend. He was married to his wife for about 50 years! Over the years, when asked what kept his marriage going, he said:

"I have steak at home, why would I go out for hamburgers!"

I LOVE that, and that is such a challenge for me! Today and this week, I'm turning my focus to my husband and our marriage. Am I steak for my man, or do I often present myself as chopped meat. Hmmmmm. Something to ponder and challenge myself with.

One of the best marriage books I have read is Created to be His Helpmeet. A few weeks ago, I started reading it again, and being that I have two sick children, and today will be a lay-low kind of day for that reason, I plan on reading it when I have the opportunity. Great book if you haven't read it!

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Lastly, I keep meaning to take pregnancy photos, as I didn't with my daughter, and that makes me sad sometimes. So, here's one, blurry though it is, it will be something I can look back on! And since I've looked the same with every single one (boy or girl), I can just imagine what I looked like with my daughter :)

Have a wonderful God-glorifying day!

A Medical Update

...for my family that is.

Did I mention that while at O's 6 year checkup, his asthma was upgraded to moderate to severe? Yes, I believe I did. At his followup on Tuesday, his O2 stats were 100%! Praise the Lord! Can I say in his whole life, we have never seen 100%! The best I've seen was 98%, and I thought that was fine, what was I to know. I do know times we've brought him to Urgent Care, and it was 94%, they took him in before the others who were already waiting to be seen (ever want to get the evil eye? Yikes!). Anyway, next Friday we have a follow-up with his allergist and we'll figure out our course of action. Fall to Christmas is his toughest time of year. So if we can get through this year preventing as many attacks as we can, we'll be thankful to God! The past 4 years have been very tough for our son in this respect. This afternoon we may start his allergy shots, as I know that is one huge thing that in the long run will greatly improve both his asthma and allergies, and both his allergist and pediatrician want to do that for certain. But because he was on oral steroids up until this past Sunday, they may not want him to start yet. O is actually pretty "excited" about starting the shots (he'll receive 2/week - one for cats and one for dust mites), because the first day he starts he'll get a small Lego set. Then we have a chart, and every 4 times (1/month), he'll also get a small Lego set. Each week, however, his reward for getting the shots is getting to choose dinner that evening. I have a feeling we'll be having pancakes most Friday nights! Although, my boy loves Mexican and Chinese like I do, so with a little persuasion, I may be able to convince him some weeks ;)

For M (who I need to do a post on her badly, since her brothers have received so much attention with starting school and all), yesterday we had her 6 month eye exam and she's doing great! I'm not certain I've ever mentioned what we had to do for her. When she was about 6-9 months old, I noticed her left eye was "lazy". It would wander outward much of the time. At her 1 year well checkup, our pediatrician noticed it as well, and suggested we bring her to a pediatric opthamologist. After a little testing, they determined that she needed to wear a patch on her good eye for 10% of her waking hours so that she would use her bad eye more. Here is a picture from when she started wearing the patch:

We patched her for 6 months, and then for the following 6 months we reduced the time to half. Then for these past 6 months, we have done nothing as her eye was as good as it would get without surgery. 6 months ago, and yesterday, both her eyes wander equally. What this means is both her eyes are working together, and are at equal strength. I asked if there was anything we could do to help strengthen her eyes even more, so they don't wander at all, and the doctor said, just in her normal day-to-day life she will use them more and strengthen them, but this is probably where she will stay (or according to the text books, some times it does get a little worse). Her eyesight is 20/20, so she does not need glasses. What we may face though is surgery when she is 4 or 5 years old. I'm thankful this isn't a decision we need to make today. Basically its a matter of cosmetics. You do see her eye wander, that is true, but days will go by and I don't notice it at all! It is one of those things that we may need to make a decision for her now on her behalf that she would want to make if she was old enough. In other words, when she is a young woman, she may want her eye to be fixed and not wander at all, you know what I mean? So we have a few years, and as with O's asthma, I believe God can heal her little eye. Of course, there is a very large part of us that wants to think we can raise her to be content in how God made her, and that we can explain that we thought it would be best to not take any risks with eye surgery when a simple blink for her fixes it. The Lord will lead us.

Well, fall decorations never were put up the other day. Too much weeding and yard work to do first. We found out my son O is a terrific edger, and he is making our flower beds look so neat! He also LOVES manual labor, and I want to encourage it as much as possible. If we do much of the prep work now, next spring it will be easier on us as we will have a little girl to get to know :) I'd like to do as much now with the flower beds, so next spring, we can get a load of mulch delivered and put in some pretty flowers (or bribe my parents to do it with a meal or something :) I'm sure if I can't get them to do the planting, they too will like to hold that little girl while I do some gardening :) ) This weekend though, Daddy will pull down the fall decorations for us, and we'll start making it look more like fall around here!

Have a beautiful weekend and enjoy time with your family and worshipping our Lord on Sunday!