Finally Home

When alarmed by the fury of the restless sea,
Towering waves before you roll,
At the end of doubt and peril is eternity,
Though fear and conflict seize your soul

Just think of stepping on shore, and finding it heaven
Of touching a hand, and finding it God's
Of breathing new air, and finding it celestial
Of waking up in Glory, and finding it "Home"

"Joe Hashabah"

 KB came to awhile ago, telling me about one of her imaginary friends, Joe Hashabah, who was "vewy, vewy sick!" and how we needed to pray for him. Me humoring her, says M'kay sweetie, we'll do that....   Not knowing that mere minutes later, she would come back, insisting that we pray for him "wight NOW!" So I bowed my head, closed my eyes, and listened as she prayed the most sweetest, sincere prayers for this "friend" of hers. She thanked God for Joe, asked Him to bless him, and to heal him fast, so we can "have fun an plway wif him verwy soon"

Thank you Lord for giving her a loving & caring heart... and helping her see the need for YOU in all thing...even those whose worth I overlook.

Death or Life?

Just finished having a long discussion with some JW's. What part of "free gift" is so hard to understand? When you're given a gift you are not required to work for it, in order to keep it! And death doesn't meaning lying dormant in a grave until judgment - it's life with Christ forever!! God gave his son as the ultimate sacrifice, so that if we believe, we can spend eternity with Him in Heaven... always & forever!! Yes, we are all sinners... and no not one of us deserve such a gift.... but praise the Lord, God's grace is not contingent on our righteousness (or lack thereof)!! 

Keetz, all that time spent, was for u!! I *know* you're in Heaven now, looking down on me... & I am so happy I'll see you again, someday! <3  Miss you so much!

♫ " Memories surround me; But sadness has found me; I'd do anything for more time. Never before has someone meant more; And I can't get you out of my mind. There is so much that I don't understand; But I know... You're dancing with the angels; Walking in new life! You're dancing with the angels; Heaven fills your eyes!  Now that you're dancing with the angels!

    You had love for your family; Love for all people; Love for the Father, and Son; Your heart will be heard; In your unspoken words; Through generations to come; There is so much that I don't understand; But I know... You're dancing with the angels; Walking in new life! You're dancing with the angels; Heaven fills your eyes!  Now that you're dancing with the angels!

  We're only here for such a short time; So I'm gonna' stand up, shout out, And sing Hallelujah!  One day I'll see you again!! 

    You're dancing with the angels; Walking in new life! You're dancing with the angels; Heaven fills your eyes!  Now that you're dancing with the angels! ♫
 

(Monk & Neagle: "Dancing With the Angels")

Thirty Days of Thanx :: Day 13

Tonight I am thankful for God's ever faithful provision

and a lesson of reaping & sowing... 

Thirty Days of Thanx :: Day 7

Today I am thankful for my monthly cycle... 

 

I know this probably sounds pretty weird. -- Most women grumble and complain about that lovely (all sarcasm intended) monthly visitor... but yet here I am saying I am thankful?!  Yup, that's right.

Thirty Days of Thanx :: Day 3

Today I am thankful for the many pro-life advocates that were elected into office yesterday....

Quote: Music...

"Our music cannot be like the music of the world, because our God is not like their gods. Most of the world’s music reflects the world’s ways, the world’s standards, the world’s attitudes, the world’s gods. To attempt to use such music to reach the world is to lower the gospel in order to spread the gospel. If the world hears that our music is not much different from theirs, it will also be inclined to believe that the Christian way of life is not much different from theirs."  ~ John MacArthur:

Encouragement

Isn't it funny how you can read familiar Bible passages maybe a hundred times (or more!) and the message - while powerful - is pretty much always the same.. But THEN, one day - a time you need encouragement most - God suddenly brings those words into a light, and you suddenly see them like you've never had  before...?

Adventures...

What a busy 3 weeks it has been!  I left the beginning of the month (June 2nd), and spent the next 2½ weeks visiting family in Kentucky, and attending my sister's highschool graduation. Then the Monday before I came home, my husband called me from his brother's phone, to let me know he had been terminated from his job - and they had taken his phone.  Though we knew a job change was something to anticipate for the near future... we didn't expect it to come quite this sudden, let alone in the manner it did. So, once again we're living by faith - trusting that all things work together for good... even though we don't always understand the purpose or reasoning behind the circumstances. Facing that unknown future can become a little daunting a times... but we've been here before, and know that God is good ALL the time... and will be faithful to get us through this rough patch, just like he did our last one! :-)

"As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him." 2 Samuel 22:31

Philippians 1:9-11

Some verses that really spoke to me during my Bible reading the other day [expanded for better comprehension]....

Philippians 1:9-11

⁹And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge [insight] and all discernment [judgment],   ¹⁰ That ye may approve things that are excellent; and without offense [sincere, certain, unsullied, untainted and pure, unerring, blameless -- not causing others to stumble] till the day of Christ. [Christ's return] ¹¹ being filled with the fruits of righteousness [in fellowship with God,  doing right] which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. [your testimony would bring Glory & praise to God]

Thanksgiving Challenge: Day 9

Watching God work out all the details, allowing us to not only celebrate Thanksgiving in Kentucky with my family... but spend a total of two-weeks up there with them!! Yay!!

Thanksgiving Challenge: Day 8

Missionaries - living by much grace and faith, as they follow God's call to reach a lost world for Christ!

So Small....

What you got if you ain't got love?
The kind that you just wanna give away
It's okay to open up
Go ahead and let the light shine through

I know it's hard on a rainy day
You wanna shut the world out
And just be left alone
But don't run out on your faith

'Cause sometimes that mountain you've been climbing
Is just a grain of sand
And what you've been out there searching for forever
Is in your hands

And when you figure out
Love is all that matters after all
It sure makes everything else
Seem so small

It's so easy to get lost inside
A problem that seems so big at the time
It's like a river that's so wide
It swallows you whole

While you're sitting around thinking 'bout what you can't change
And worrying about all the wrong things
Time's flying by, moving so fast
You better make it count 'cause you can't get it back

Sometimes that mountain you've been climbing
Is just a grain of sand
And what you've been out there searching for forever
Is in your hands

Oh, and when you figure out
Love is all that matters after all
It sure makes everything else
Seem so small!

Sometimes that mountain you've been climbing
Is just a grain of sand
And what you've been out there searching for forever
Is in your hands

And then you figure out
Love is all that matters after all
It sure makes everything else
Oh, it sure makes everything else
Seem so small

~Carrie Underwood

Isn't it amazing how God seems to bring certain things across your path, just when you need them most....? One of our teens just shared a link to the music video with me (even more powerful than the lyrics alone!)... and after a really a rough week last week... the message of the song, genuinely hit close to home. ~ Thank you, Lord for the gentle reminder....

A Woman's Worth

A friend shared this on her Facebook this evening... and I thought it was way too good to not share...

In a brief conversation, a man asked a woman he was pursuing the question:

'What kind of man are you looking for?'

She sat quietly for a moment before looking at him in the eye & asking, 'Do you really want to know?'

Reluctantly, he said, 'Yes.

She began to expound, 'As a woman in this day & age, I am in a position to ask a man what can you do for me that I can't do for myself?

I pay my own bills. I take care of my household without the help of any man...
or woman for that matter..

I am in the position to ask, 'What can you bring to the table?'

The man looked at her. Clearly he thought that she was referring to money.

She quickly corrected his thought & stated, 'I am not referring to money. I need something more.

I need a man who is striving for excellence in every aspect of life.

He sat back in his chair, folded his arms, & asked her to explain.

She said, 'I need someone who is striving for excellence mentally because I need conversation & mental stimulation. I don't need a simple-minded man.

I need someone who is striving for excellence spiritually because I don't need to be unequally yoked...believers mixed with unbelievers is a recipe for disaster.

I need a man who is striving for excellence financially because I don't need a financial burden.

I need someone who is sensitive enough to understand what I go through as a woman, but strong enough to keep me grounded.

I need someone who has integrity in dealing with relationships. Lies and game-playing are not my idea of a strong man.

I need a man who is family-oriented. One who can be the leader, priest and provider to the lives entrusted to him by God.

I need someone whom I can respect.. In order to be submissive, I must respect him.

I cannot be submissive to a man who isn't taking care of his business. I have no problem being submissive...he just has to be worthy.

And by the way, I am not looking for him...He will find me. He will recognize himself in me. He may not be able to explain the connection, but he will always be drawn to me. God made woman to be a help-mate for man. I can't help a man if he can't help himself.

When she finished her spill, she looked at him.

He sat there with a puzzled look on his face. He said, 'You are asking a lot.

She replied, "I'm worth a lot".

Lunchtime prayers...

Heart warming moment of the day...

(courtesy of)

Today as lunch approached, I became busy working about the kitchen... therefore not sitting down upon putting the food on the table, and KB in her highchair - as I normally do. I finally came to a stopping point, went and sat down, and began eating. A couple minutes later, I see KB solemnly set the corn chip she was munching on, down on her plate. Confused as to what was the matter, I look up just in time to watch her bow her head, close her eyes, and start babbling ever so sincerly. However, it wasn't until she finished - with the sweetest little "a-men!" you've ever heard - did I realize what was going on. In our family, we always pray a blessing over our food before we eat. But due to KB sitting down first, and me having my brain in too many places at once... we started eating without giving thanks. I asked her, "KB, where you just praying for your lunch?" She slowly nodded. Then she reached for my hand (we always hold hands to pray) and once again, quietly bowed her head - waiting for me to begin. With a lump in my throat, and tears in my eyes, I joyfully prayed with her, thanking the Lord for our food, the day... and for KB remembering what makes Jesus happy! :-) My heart is overwhelmed with love, joy, & gratefulness... for this generous, compassionate, and tender-hearted little girl with whom the Lord has blessed us. ~ I love my baby girl... ♥

Last night, Pastor Dan was preaching about Discouragement... and how it can affect our attitudes, relationships, responses to things, etc. In his outline, he highlighted this passage, and for some reason really grabbed my attention...

Proverbs 16:⁷

When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him

Not that I have had or do have a whole lot of enemies... but to have that kind peace & walk with the Lord... wowzers! What a testimony to strive for!

blessed.... grateful.... excited!!!

Tiph Chatzistamatis is blessed beyond words.... overwhelmingly grateful.... and OH.SO.VERY excited!!!

Over the last few weeks, B has been building a website for a friend's new business he's co-constructing. In order to help him get more done & make his time most efficient, I have been helping him put the product up (basically just a bunch of copy/paste) . Grateful for my help, and knowing how much I wanted (and was *praying*) to be able to go see Heather & the baby.... B decided that he'd give me $1 for every product I finished. So, I set to work. (part of the reason my blogging has been lacking lately.)

Jump to present day.... afore mentioned friend called us this afternoon, asking if we wanted to join his family at CiCi's for dinner (their treat!) Blessed already, we joined them. Throughout dinner conversation of business & personal... his wife (a fellow homebirth mama) asked me about Heather, my new nephew, how things were going, etc. and asked if I was going to be able to see him. I shared with her, that while I had hoped to get there, due to our current financial situation, it just was not looking possible. We enjoyed the rest of our dinner, and then went our separate ways. Just as we were arriving home, B's phone rang. It was the husband of the couple, asking B if we had found a plane ticket for me... ??? B told him that while looking, we had found one for just around $150, but didn't/couldn't' get it. They talked a bit more, and then I heard him say "hold on". Next thing I know, his phone was on speaker and the friend was telling me to go buy a ticket, up to $200, and they would pay for it. I was so overwhelmed, I was literally speechless! I am not usually an overly emotional person, but was so happy, grateful, and excited, I just could not hold back the tears!

This afternoon, I didn't think I was going to get to see them anytime soon... and now I am buying my ticket, to go for a whole week!! (AND the ticket is looking like it's going to be $10 less than I originally thought!!) yayayayay!!! ::happy dance::

God is SO good.... ALL the time!!!

I can't wait to meet this little guy!!! <3>

Our Food Blessing!

God DOES provide!! Don't believe it? Check this out!!

Sadly, B is still out of work... so our funds - even for groceries - is extremely thin. But don't you love how, just when you start to worry & lose hope... God does something that is so amazing, it just knocks your socks off?! Over the last 3 days, we have been blessed to experience this first hand! So now, as I look around my kitchen.. this is what I see....

My Kitchen Table...

A 360 of My Countertops...

What a mighty God we serve!!

Give & it shall be given unto you!

During the Missions Conference last week, we were encouraged to pray about what the Lord would have us give as our Faith Promise (Missions) offering this year. We heard many testimonies on how God blesses those who give by faith. And tonight, we were blessed with the opportunity to witness this first hand!!

This afternoon, B had to turn in his hours for last week (Mon:10th -Sun: 16th).... and despite getting off early on Monday evening for Missions Conference... ending earlier on Tuesday (he actually got to church in time for the preaching!)... not working at all Wednesday (which was a blessing, since we had our last night of the Missions Conference & International Dinner)... getting home by 7:00pm on Thursday... and not working at all Saturday (which was another blessing, because we had a missions trip to Hope Children's Home!)... he still clocked over 50 hours of work last week!

God is SO good. We trusted in him.. and he's already providing the extra work to be able to give!! ~ Praise the Lord!!

Tea time!

You know how when you see/do certain things, they just give you a warm fuzzy feeling inside? Last Sunday afternoon, we had a Ladies Tea with our missionary wives/daughters, and as I sat sipping my wonderful cup full aromatic tea... I was suddenly overwhelmed with a whole array of memories! You see, tea has had a very prominent place in my life whilst growing up. Sweet-tea, is probably our family's number one beverage... being pretty much available, at just about any time in our home ~ While hot tea brings back memories of late night chats with Marmee... baking... lessons on manners & etiquette.... dress up, tea parties.... history lessons... EXCEL (where all we had in the way of caffeine for the majority of 8wks, was Earl Grey - hahaha)... and, most fondly, memories of chilly winter days - where Marmee always kept the tea kettle full & constantly warming on the stove, so that we could have hot tea whenever we needed it. (Actually, if you ever go visit her in the winter, you'll still find she still does that!!) .

Then it made me start to think of how really blessed I am. I grew up in house full of tea-loving girly-girls... with a Marmee who constantly pours herself into our lives.. teaching us, training us, guiding us in the things of the Lord. ~ She is truly an example of the faith... who, when steeped in the most challenging "hot waters" of life, trusted God completely to get through.. only to come out stronger & more robust in her walk with the the Lord!! And now, as a young wife & mommy - who is learning the joy & sorrows of life as an adult.... there are honestly times, where I would like nothing more than to run back to those carefree days of afternoon tea parties with the girls... but alas, life moves on, things change... and I only pray that I can be the same example to my daughter(s), as my mom has been to us....

Tea that helps our head and heart. Tea medicates most every part.
Tea rejuvenates the very old. Tea warms the hands of those who're cold.
~ J. Jonker, Amsterdam, circa 1670