Holy Spirit Help

New Blog

2007-05-10T16:12:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone. I moved my blog to a wordpress blog @ www.holyspirithelp.wordpress.com Come and visit me there!

New Blog

2007-05-10T16:12:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone. I moved my blog to a wordpress blog @ www.holyspirithelp.wordpress.com Come and visit me there!

Elisha's birthday bash

2007-05-08T16:34:00.000-05:00

Elisha's 12th Birthday Dinner. I Love You Elisha XXOO!

My Fathers Eyes By Eric Clapton

2007-04-29T18:37:00.000-05:00

Speaking about Rock N' Roll

Sailing down behind the sun,Waiting for my prince to come.Praying for the healing rainTo restore my soul again.Just a toerag on the run.How did I get here?What have I done?When will all my hopes arise?How will I know him?When I look in my father's eyes.My father's eyes.When I look in my father's eyes.My father's eyes.Then the light begins to shineAnd I hear those ancient lullabies.And as I watch this seedling grow,Feel my heart start to overflow.Where do I find the words to say?How do I teach him?What do we play?Bit by bit, I've realizedThat's when I need them,That's when I need my father's eyes.My father's eyes.That's when I need my father's eyes.My father's eyes.Then the jagged edge appearsThrough the distant clouds of tears.I'm like a bridge that was washed away;My foundations were made of clay.As my soul slides down to die.How could I lose him?What did I try?Bit by bit, I've realizedThat he was here with me;I looked into my father's eyes.My father's eyes.I looked into my father's eyes.My father's eyes.My father's eyes.My father's eyes.I looked into my father's eyes.My father's eyes.

Spring Cleaning A Different Way

2007-04-29T17:56:00.000-05:00

I am enjoying getting our closets decluttered(again) It feels so good to have things orderly and functional. It makes things easier to keep up and much more pleasant to be living in. I have enjoyed a break through as well in the" how to handle others clutter" situation. I am one of those people who feels like there is a big grey cloud hanging over my head when I am in undone stuff. I understand that there are many people who find that extra stuff lying around is not an issue for them in the least. In our family there are some of both types- the "clutter affected people" and the "clutter non affected people". Well it has been interesting as I have been able to gain some positive forward momentum yet again. Years ago I would get all upset and try to fight for things to be a certain way. Then I got to the point that I chose the people in my life over the state the house was in. This is fine if I was not so affected by the clutter. The dangerous part of this way of coping is if I am stuffing down my emotions and feeling helpless to create positive change in an area of life that is upsetting for me. Yes the state of the house is not more important to me than the people in my life but it dose affect me especially over years and years of clutter. Emotion stuffed down and feeling helpless can lead to despair and depression which can be just as damaging to the relationships in our lives as fighting and anger can. Both ways separate us from the kind of relationships Christ Jesus calls us to live in. So this time I am taking all the built up clutter that others are not ready to go through yet and they do not want me to do it for them and I am packing it all up and putting it all in one room in the basement. This way I do not have to see it every time I open a closet. It allows for more functional living space on the main and up stairs and I am not stepping over someone elses' boundaries or need to handle or not handle things in a different manner. It is not the perfect solution but it is an improvement and the respect of all individuals in our home is kept intact without me living in a state of despair that things are not being looked after. So I guess this non perfect solution turns out to be more perfect than what I think would be far more effective way of handling clutter. Too cool. I love it. But if you come over and closets are cluttered again please realize I am learning in baby steps and we are a big family. But we love each other and we are growing in Christ bit by bit.

Them Bones Them Bones Them Dry Bones They're The Working Of The Lord

2007-04-22T16:19:00.000-05:00

God grabbed me. God's Spirit took me up and set me down in the middle of an open plain strewn with bones. He led me around and among them—a lot of bones! There were bones all over the plain—dry bones, bleached by the sun.
He said to me, "Son of man, can these bones live?"
I said, "Master God, only you know that."
He said to me, "Prophesy over these bones: 'Dry bones, listen to the Message of God!'"
God, the Master, told the dry bones, "Watch this: I'm bringing the breath of life to you and you'll come to life. I'll attach sinews to you, put meat on your bones, cover you with skin, and breathe life into you. You'll come alive and you'll realize that I am God!"
I prophesied just as I'd been commanded. As I prophesied, there was a sound and, oh, rustling! The bones moved and came together, bone to bone. I kept watching. Sinews formed, then muscles on the bones, then skin stretched over them. But they had no breath in them.
He said to me, "Prophesy to the breath. Prophesy, son of man. Tell the breath, 'God, the Master, says, Come from the four winds. Come, breath. Breathe on these slain bodies. Breathe life!'"
So I prophesied, just as he commanded me. The breath entered them and they came alive! They stood up on their feet, a huge army.
Then God said to me, "Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. Listen to what they're saying: 'Our bones are dried up, our hope is gone, there's nothing left of us.'
"Therefore, prophesy. Tell them, 'God, the Master, says: I'll dig up your graves and bring you out alive—O my people! Then I'll take you straight to the land of Israel. When I dig up graves and bring you out as my people, you'll realize that I am God. I'll breathe my life into you and you'll live. Then I'll lead you straight back to your land and you'll realize that I am God. I've said it and I'll do it. God's Decree.'"
Ezekiel 37:1-14 (The Message)

Isn't this Scripture verse amazing! What a miracle. Can you imagine being the one who was privileged to experience this. Right before your very eyes these old dried up bones come back to life. I love this. I can relate to this. Every time Jesus helps me overcome a block in my life- an area that I kept getting stuck and then I am able to move forward makes me feel like my old bones are coming to life. Can anyone else relate to this? Wow Christ is eternal life and He is real life here on earth as well. The Living Word (the Scriptures put into action through our lives) is such a precious gift. Thank you Jesus.

Real Or Memorex?

2007-04-21T18:51:00.000-05:00

original picture

photo edited picture

Well what in the world are we looking at? My son (14) altered this picture in a few minutes with our old computer. Where is our reality check if all we see are altered images of people. It is no wonder how north american culture can get so "caught up" in looks. My heart fears for the generations to come for I think it is only going to get harder to differentiate between reality and fantasy as time and technology advance. Oh Lord Jesus protect us, guide us, and give us eyes to see true beauty. Let our hearts and minds discern between Truth and fiction. Mostly Lord let our lives and the lives of our children stay fixed on your beauty and purpose. Forever and ever I pray this in the name of Christ Jesus. Amen. (PS note- in the "unaltered" picture I am wearing make-up so even that is not necessarily reality)

Unwanted Images

2007-04-16T16:54:00.000-05:00

So there I was today at lunch checking my e-mails and all of a sudden these naked men images pop up on my screen! I hadn't even touched any buttons. I was in the middle of typing out a comment to a friend and I then flash. As soon as I realized what I was looking at I got to that red X to cancelled as fast as I could but it only took that few seconds for the images to register into my mind. I feel invaded. I did not ask for that nor was I looking for it yet wham there it was.

Something like this has only happened to me once before and it was years ago at the library computer. I was trying to get to Blues Clues (the little blue dog for kids-you know with Steve) well I didn't know that it was Nick Jr. and I just looked for blues clues and let me tell you it was not a little blue dog! and my young son was on my knee and baby Jacob in my arms and I was at the library-ugh!

It is amazing at how much beauty there is to share on the Internet and then what ugliness can be found in the same means of communication. But then again I guess it depends on what we define beauty as. To me beauty is in the learning to share our lives in a Christ like manner. Seeing people grow and heal and be set free is so beautiful and it has nothing to do with an image but everything to do with living life under the blessings and protection that Christ intends for our lives-for His beautiful children.

Anyways, has anyone else had some repulsive images pop up in their face while on the computer? I know that I am an extra sensative person. Many people would not be fazed in the least I guess.

Happy Anniversary-Birthday

2007-04-16T16:14:00.000-05:00

Today is Rick and my 15th wedding anniversary and our daughters 12th birthday. Wow, so much has happened in those years and yet they have gone by so quickly. Elisha was born on our 3rd wedding anniversary and it was Easter Sunday morning. There we were in our tiny one bedroom basement apartment me in labour and little Jordan hunting for Easter eggs. I was thankful for the distraction for Jordan because as you women know labour is a bit of work and takes quite a lot of concentration and the mid wives just made it on time-phew. That was a very special day for sure.

Thank you God for our lives together. You are sanctifying us more and more each day, each year. Thank you for the gift of time and I pray me and my family use our time as You would have us live it.

Happy Anniversary Rick. I Love You! Happy Birthday Elisha. I Love You!

A Quote

2007-04-08T21:52:00.000-05:00

"I discovered that as I began to love people and care for people and become more involved with people, I had more joy, more tears, more laughter, more meaning, and far greater fun than I ever had before" by author Reuben Welch

Amen and Amen to that, eh?

Yey I'm Getting It - Now HELP

2007-04-08T21:09:00.000-05:00

As I was getting the little ones to sleep tonight I was reflecting on further reading in Grace Based Parenting by Tim Kimmel and a new revelation came to me-Hallelujah.

I see how the areas of my life where I am not walking fully under God's eternal Truths my family and I suffer. Let me try to explain what I mean by this. The times I fall short in giving my husband the respect and affection he needs we both suffer. The times he is unable to help me with the things that are important to me we both suffer. Now we are committed to each other and are doing the best we can for now but every time we do our relationship our way when that is different than God's Truths we hurt. And not only we suffer but this has an impact on all aspects of our lives. So we hold fast to each other because we do love each other and are in our marriage until death do us part. But we are not realizing all the blessings and protection that God has for us. We have blocked it even though it is right there waiting for us. It makes us have to work harder to fight the lies of this world from getting between us. It makes it harder to extend Grace to each other as well because the lies are just sitting there trying to get in and shadow God's Truth.

So the thing that came to me was that this will also happen if I do not find out how to teach, guide and train our children in God's Truths as well as showing them Grace. They too will not get the full blessings and protection that comes from God's eternal Truths. They too may settle for less than God would have for them. NO WAY HO SAY! I claim in the name of Christ Jesus it stops here.

So Lord thank you for this fresh revelation and now I pray for Holy Spirit to guide me in every moment of my day and in all of my interactions so I can start to walk this realization out in our everyday lives. Lord I do not have a clue how to do this in my own strength so please send Your Wisdom and Knowledge to me so I may be a blessing to this Life You have blessed me with and a blessing to my family and those in my sphere of influence. Please show me how Holy Spirit-I need You! Thank You, thank You, thank You and Amen.

Grace Based Parenting Dr. Tim Kimmel

2007-04-08T15:05:00.000-05:00

I know I was not going to share my parenting reading due to the fact that it can be an upsetting topic for people but I am enjoying this book we have been lent and I just wanted to share a bit of my experience so far. I am about half way through. It is called Grace Based Parenting by Dr. Tim Kimmel. I am thankful for this book and any Christ like learning that comes my way. There is so much learning and growth to accomplish.

I like this book because it talks about Grace and Truth existing as one in Christ. I have so struggled with how to show Grace but teach my children what is good for them (right from wrong) I find I have sacrificed their training because I have not known that Grace and Truth can only exist together. When they are separated they disintegrate into something not of Christ. Something hurtful and damaging to Life.

I am thankful for the progress that I am making even though I know there is much more God wants me to aspire to. Some books and Holy Spirit's convictions can be difficult and often painful because when I am ignorant of my wrong doings my Spirit may know somewhere deep inside I feel things are not right but I don't know what it is. Once Holy Spirit convicts me or I learn through Scripture or a Christ like teaching what I am doing wrong it is right there in my face and I can see the damage it is causing and that hurts a lot. But I am thankful that I can learn and move out of the things that are hurting me and my family even though the process can be uncomfortable to say the least. I am thankful for the growing pains because it gives me hope that I am not staying as I was but moving forward into greater Life.

So I am enjoying this book and I look forward to learning much and being able to help my children be all God wants them to be.

Oh Happy Day!

2007-04-08T13:44:00.000-05:00

Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus' body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. John 20:11-12 (NIV)

Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven." John 20:21-23 (NIV)

Though the doors were locked( I remember when my heart was locked even though I was crying out to God for help in my way--but I remember Jesus came right through that locked door even when I didn't have the keys*), Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."
Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!"
Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. John 20:26-31 (NIV)

Oh Happy Day indeed! You know I really do not understand this precious Christ Love! It is so profoundly beautiful. His Love shines where there continues to be darkness. His Love allows my heart to overflow with Joy when some situations in life are not as they should be. When I see my short comings and there painful consequences on those precious people in my life. The times I fail to reach out in affection to my husband, the times I get caught up in my emotions and needs instead of being fully present in a Christ like-Life giving way to my family and people in my sphere of influence, the times I let my frustration of undone stuff come between me and God's Ways and Truths for our lives, the times I let my fears rule my behaviours and choices instead of His Living Word and on and on I could go.

I know this Christ Love is the Love that sustains those people who are holding their starving or dying children in their arms and still be able to Trust in God and His unfailing Love He has for them and their children. I know this is the Christ Love that has given us Life even after death. I cannot explain or comprehend His Agape (unconditional) Love for us but I am so thankful for it. I am so thankful that He has filled my hopeless heart to overflowing with hope even when I am faced with hopelessness. That is so amazingly wow! Thank you Christ Jesus for sacrificing your sinless Life for a humanity who can slip into wallowing in our sin without Your guidance and protection. Thank you for Your ultimate gift of eternal Life and Your amazing grace. Thank you for the empty tomb that is the hope for us all. Thank you for sending us Holy Spirit to help lift us upward to what you have for our lives and not leaving us in the depths we can dig ourselves into. Oh precious God how Holy you are.

Oh Happy day indeed. Happy Easter to you all. Christ Love to you all.

*light pink writing in the Scripture quotes my thinking.

Is She Old Or Young?

2007-03-27T14:35:00.000-05:00

But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired. Isaiah 40:31 (Amplified Bible)

I could not find the quote I was looking for but the verse above did explain in part what I am experiencing. In Godspell there is a song called Bless The Lord and the words explain what I am feeling:

He clothes thee with his love

Upholds thee with his truth

And like an eagle he renews

The vigor of thy youth

When I was young I felt so used up and vile yet my body was in it's youth. I did not notice this bodies' youth. I only saw ugliness. Now the wear of years of depletion are showing it's consequences on this abused temple. I am taken by surprise when age reveals it's lines, wrinkles, lumps, bumps, scars and sags on this face and body. I find it interesting how I can feel so full of Life at this time yet see the reflection that I do. I know how I feel is of God. It is His Life that fills me with energy that is difficult to contain. The Word of God is eternal and Scripture (Jesus-the Word made flesh) fills this aging vessel. I feel youthful and excited to share His Love and Eternal Life with others. So I am not going to focus on a mirror that shows me a reflection of this fleeting world. I am going to revel in the Life that pulses through this body directly from Holy Spirit, God Himself. I choose to reflect His Life and not human flesh. I will Live in accordance to His Word as best I can and pray this decision to walk in the promise of Eternal Life will shine His Love onto the darkness bringing others into His eternal glory. Hmm maybe I will even start jogging again (that is if these old worn out knees can handle it and I can fit it in an already very busy day-and mostly if I am brave enough to try it out again-I will think about it- but I should just do it)

A voice says, Cry [prophesy]! And I said, What shall I cry? [The voice answered, Proclaim:] All flesh is as frail as grass, and all that makes it attractive [its kindness, its goodwill, its mercy from God, its glory and comeliness, however good] is transitory, like the flower of the field.
The grass withers, the flower fades, when the breath of the Lord blows upon it; surely [all] the people are like grass.
The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.

Isaiah 40:6-8 (Amplified Bible)

Angels At The Nails

2007-03-25T21:09:00.000-05:00

Here are some pictures from two different years, two completely different people,two different cameras and I hear there are more out there as well. God sometimes lets His angels be seen to help further His Kingdom. And if you want to 'feel' Jesus' holy angels make sure you get yourself to 'The Nails.' It is going to be great. I am so excited. Bring a friend and enjoy.

Wanna Have An Extra Encounter With God?

2007-03-25T20:19:00.000-05:00

Are you run down? Feeling disconnected? Needing some redirection and grounding? Have I got a place for you. An experience... to break through those chains that are binding you and blocking the Life that you are meant to live. Get yourself to the next Encounter Weekend Friday April 20th 7PM & Saturday April 21st 9AM at The Life Centre.

My husband and I love these weekends. Every time we go through one we feel renewed. God takes us deeper in our relationship with Him and sets us free in new areas of our lives. It is like our yearly or biyearly cleansing. 'Stuff' can build up in our spirit and a good flush can do amazing things to set us farther along our Christ like walk.

If you are interested in this Encounter with God contact Terry Boudreau at 613-834-6585 ext. 27 or tboudreau@lifecentre.org. See you there.

WooHooooo-A Body Image Story-Finally

2007-03-23T23:41:00.000-05:00

Well Tracy, I said I was going to share this quite a while ago then we lost our Internet for over a week and then our computer went down for a couple of days but we are up and running again. Now I am going to have to recall what I was going to share with you. Hmmm. Oh yeah you had asked the ? who is 'open' in the change room and who is 'closed' and for me that brought on initially a joking response but afterward I had some 'body image' thoughts to share.

When I was young early teens and twenties I was very concerned about how I looked. I was trying to do everything possible to look OK. I spent so much of my time, energy and resources on how I looked. Nothing was ever good enough and no matter what I did I just plain looked awful. That was all I could see. Then after I had my first child I went completely the opposite. I took a stand- to be a 'natural woman' and let my body be the way God designed it. Under arm hair, leg hair, no bra, and on and on. Rick is so.... gracious is all I have to say about that! I will never forget the look on these teen girls faces when we were at a local swimming pool. The poor girls were so repulsed by me with hair on my legs and probably a few other observations they made when looking at me. I got "disgust" and "repulsed" vibes from many sources not just at the pool.

To make a novel -a smaller novel- I will move on. After many years of therapy(for anxiety & depression) I would find myself still struggling with -what is the purpose of trying to look OK vs. I am the way I am can't you accept me. And although I was not 'owned' so much by these issues they were still there. But see it is still my way what I deem to be right or wrong given whatever frame of mind I am in at the time.

When I gave my Life to Christ ALL of that changed. He is the purpose. He is the meaning. And He brings a balance and sense to my functioning that brings the Answer to my struggles even though it is hard to put into words what the answer is.(if that can possibly make any sense) I will try to explain. Now, I use various products for my face and hair and alter the 'natural' way my hair and body would well 'naturally' uhhh position itself; within moderation for the purpose of Christ. Jesus wants me to love my husband. Part of loving my husband is looking socially acceptable. Jesus wants me to attract people to Him through my life. I have noticed that there are not too many people attracted to a life that is distasteful in any form. Do I have distaste in my life? You bet ya. I am far from where Christ would have me be. But I am striving in Him.

These are just a few of the thoughts that have allowed me freedom from being owned by the issue of looks and at the same time being free to put some effort and investment into presenting myself as uhh socially acceptable. I could go on and on with many more thoughts(they help me understand what I am doing and why) but I find my thoughts take away from the real healing that allows me this freedom. My healing really is a gift from Christ Jesus. His purpose and healing power brings every situation that I surrender in obedience to Him into a state of wholeness that is hard for my human mind to share. But I must because His Love bursts forth from my heart and I am compelled to do everything I possibly can while I still have breath to share this Amazing Love of Christ.

So whether it is how I present this body to others or learning to look after 'things' better or how and where I spend my God given Life energy and resources it all has real purpose that is grounded in Truth. And I am so thankful He has healed it all up and I am slowly but surely realizing it. God is so Good.

I pray this is somewhat on topic. I am skipping over quite a large topic here. And the whole 'looks' thing can also get into another area that I think our society struggles with which is body size and shape. Having recovered from a 'prison of thoughts' that held me captive depending on- a number on a scale, a size of clothing, the amount of body fat content I may be carrying at any given time, what I saw when I looked in the mirror and more to the point what the image of myself was. I find that all of these issues are put in their proper place in Christ. He is sovereign. He has won the Victory and all we need to do is pick up His trophy as we cross over His finish line into Freedom. I know on some days this can seem like such a hard thing to do while we are living here on earth. But Holy Spirit gives me the sense it is possible. It is achievable. And His Love shines through it all. Thank God. OK I am really rambling now. Got to go.

Fffeeww!

2007-03-21T00:52:00.000-05:00

I am finally all caught up-for now on the blogs after being 'off' for over a week. It was nice to re-e-connect with you all.

The Nails-Imagine You Were The One...

2007-03-20T22:29:00.000-05:00

Easter is almost here. Can you believe it! If you want to put something really meaningful into your Easter than plan to come on out to one of "The Nails" productions. This is a riveting, dramatic portrayal of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as seen through the eyes of a local blacksmith. Imagine you were the one who made "The Nails" that crucified the greatest man that ever lived.

This is a FREE event held at The Lifecentre 2214 Innes Road on Thursday April 5th at 7PM & Friday April 6th at 6 & 8PM.

Come on down and check it out. My family used to come several years every Easter before we ever attended TLC and we loved it and still do!

Becoming Partners

2007-03-20T21:56:00.000-05:00

"And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." Matthew 16:18 (NIV)

My husband and I just became partners of our local church The Life Centre. I have been going there for a few years now and finally the time has come. I am so used to living a lie of 'the outsider' 'does not fit in' 'never part of' that when Christ's Truth invites me into a family of believers and seekers it is an experience that is still quite new to me. I find the old lie trying to find its way back in to the shadows of my mind the odd time. The interesting thing for me is that Christ is lighting up so much of my mind there simply isn't much room for those lies to hide. I am far too busy filling my thoughts with His ways and exploring Scripture that there just isn't much room for darkness. And thank God for that. I am going to continue to learn what it is to follow Jesus and I am going to continue to work on making my everyday life reflect His love. I am excited to be a part of this new Church family. I look forward to learning and growing here and being able to help others do the same. Wow what a gift.

Reunited And It Feels So Good

2007-03-17T19:07:00.000-05:00

I am oh so thankful and happy to be back. I must go through a 'catch up' on all of your blogs. I love to be able to share with you all and I look forward to getting back into the swing of things. I do have an essay for OSB due tuesday so I may be a little slow getting into full swing but it sure is great to be back.

Cut Off

2007-03-13T16:12:00.000-05:00

Holy Mollee! Do I ever feel cut off. Our Internet service is down and it has been quite difficult for me. Blogging is one of the ways that I share and fellowship the love and challenges that come with learning to walk as Christ did. I am so thankful for this blessing of sharing our experiences and I will be back on-line ASAP (should be next week).
A special thanks to Laura, Jeremy and Nat for the assistance on Sunday.
Christ's love to you all.

Just Sing

2007-03-07T13:41:00.000-05:00

Two of our kid's were arguing this morning so I called them upstairs and made them sit together in the hall right by me. The words that came to me were "until 'your relationship' is more important to you both than 'your way' you will both stay (it even rhymed-how cool is that-I could of even broke into a rap song or something-that always drives them nuts but I find it often breaks the fight) Anyways, they continued battling for a bit and they continued to sit. Well the next thing I realize they are singing together (don't be a chicken bock bock bock bock don't be a chicken bock bock bock bock don't be a chicken bock bock bock bock don't be a chicken be bold be a bold believer be a bold believer be a bold believer amen amen....) Then Ezra says to me, "mom now we got it going" and I replied, "you got it going eh? OK well of you got it going then you can go." Then they happily went back to their play.

It really hit me, wow, how effective that was. No wonder God calls us together in fellowship often and instructs us to give thanks and praise and worship together. My goodness He really knows what He is talking about eh? 'Can you imagine what it would be like' (as John the Baptist - Al - will be singing soon in 'The Nails') if every time we started to argue everything stopped and we sat down together until we made the Christ like decision for relationships over situations? Oh my gracious God that is what it is going to be like in heaven and that is exactly what happens here on earth when we choose "thy will" instead of "my will."

So lets all sing it now ( to the tune of if your happy and you know it clap your hands) here we go a 1 and a 2 and a 3 Until our relationship is more important than our way, until our relationship is more important than our way, until our relationship is more important than our way, lets sit still together until that day!

Parenting Series Blogs Closing

2007-03-06T23:22:00.000-05:00

I will no longer be sharing what I am reading in regards to parenting. It can be an emotionally charged subject with very strong opinions and I am by no means an expert. I want to learn and grow in Christ like living and I am not here to argue parenting styles or anything else for that matter. Life is too short and there is far too much of the Lords work to be done through us for me to get caught up in "my way" vs. "your way" especially when "I" don't have "a way." When we embrace, it is all "His way" I know we will see "thy kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven". So, I pray that all who are searching for guidance and answers find them in Christ as I am learning. I pray "the peace that passes all understanding" to carry us all through as we learn and grow in Christ. I pray for the protection and blessings from Christ Jesus for all families. In Jesus' mighty name I pray. Amen

Beautiful Friends

2007-03-06T22:31:00.000-05:00

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:10

These two ladies I am blessed to call my friends. We have known each other for over ten years (13 & 11) We finally found a time that we could meet at Starbucks (yes it was Starbucks and not that other unmentionable place-although I would take where ever if it allowed us to have some time together for a visit) Our lives are very busy all of us with families to care for so the time we get to share is very precious indeed. Over the years these women have at many times shared their sisterly love with me and I have been privileged to know them. Jesus has shown His unconditional love to me through the sharing of our friendship. I pray that I can give them the kind of love they have shown me and that I can express to these precious women how dear they are to me. I hold you both in a very special place in my heart. Thank you Karen and Patti for being friends with me. Thank you Jesus for putting such special people in my life.

Parenting Week # 3

2007-03-03T23:07:00.000-05:00

"It is not good for man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him."

Genesis 2:18

This weeks reading resources: Growing Kids Gods Way by Gary & Anne Marie Ezzo chapter 2

Main points for me:

When there is harmony in the husband-wife relationship, there is an infused stability in the family.

Principles to guide your family

By God's design husband & wife relationship is the first social relationship established in Scripture

By God's design husband & wife relationship is primary in the network of dependent relationships (much of child's basic security depends on what he observes between mom and dad. Went he sees love and affection he feels more secure.

husband & wife relationship must be viewed as the priority relationship in family

all other family relationships are subject to husband & wife relationship. (parental authority is God-given and necessary to enforce God's moral law in the life of a child. Structure and order are important to child development.

child centered parenting creates problems

separates husband & wife relationship and Scripture says "What God has joined together let no man separate" Mark 10:9

reverses the natural process of moral development by prematurely creating a false sense of self- reliance. (child thinks they are self-sufficient before they have established the needed self-control. Self-reliance without self-discipline is dangerous for children

child centered parenting fosters family independence not family interdependence (robs the child the opportunity to learn to invest)

magnifies the natural conflict between the natural way of the child and his need for moral conformity

can be close to idolatry (child's happiness greater goal than his holiness) God not the child needs to be the center of the family universe.

Achieving a Balance and meeting needs.

Life does not stop when we have children (just slow down)

Date night a good idea

Do special things for each other as well as the children

Invite friends over and have children help prepare things (learning to serve others)

Couch time- kid's see mom and dad together enjoying each others company

Observations in our home

we have improved greatly in our parenting skills as we are learning a more Biblical based way of parenting but there is still so much work to be done and room for improvement (baby steps)

This one was tougher for me because I began my parenting as a child centered parent. I did not know anything else. All I knew was that I was terrified and so I needed to hold on to those children with every once of my life energy so they did not get hurt. Well I have learned that doing anything with my strength my way hurts myself and those I love. Even when I am doing it with all the good intentions of my heart. Hmmm let me reflect on this for a moment my pettily human strength vs. God's omni-everything uhh which one would I choose for these children I Love so dearly-I guess it is a no brain er eh.
I am slowly healing from my lack of abilities and Christ is guiding us to all He has for this family. The children are such terrific troopers and God's Grace is truly amazing. So much to learn! Thank you Jesus for the opportunity to grow in Your ways for they really are the only safe place in this world and eternity.

"Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household." Acts 16:31

Precious Memories With Family Sans One

2007-03-03T20:10:00.000-05:00

"Now I'm turning you over to God, our marvelous God whose gracious Word can make you into what he wants you to be and give you everything you could possibly need in this community of holy friends. " Acts 20:32 (the Message)

Today we went sledding and it was so much fun. I am so thankful for this gift of family our Lord has blessed me with.

Here are some pics. of our winter fun.

1. Had to give hubby a kiss for all the fun we were having.

2. Elisha and Rick wrestling in the snow.

3. Jacob on sled (no fear-despite mommas fear)

4. Momma, Elisha, and Ezra on sled.

5. Cutie hubbilius wubilious.

6. Rick and Donna.

7. Momma-Rick and Elisha are having issues with mommas fashion statement-santa hat in march, colorful wool sweater, leopard print mittens, and "rescue hero" style boots (my feet never get cold in those babies) for some odd reason neither my husband or daughter think I am going to make it for the Gap advertising campaign and I just do not understand why ;o) 8. Momma and Jacob on sled.

Jordan is away at Scout camp so we do miss him but we are looking forward to his safe return tomorrow and we will get to hear about all the fun he had then.

Honoring My Dad and Step Mom

2007-03-03T00:45:00.000-05:00

"Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the LORD your God is giving you." Deuteronomy 5:16 (NIV)

I love you Dad and Mom. I thank you for taking me in after the death of my mother. Dad I thank you for not giving up when the world got really tough (understatement to say the least). I thank you for being a kind hearted person. Mom I thank you for taking on the responsibility of looking after another child after you had already had three of your own. Your "staying power" is a blessing I carry in my heart. I thank you both for your commitment to each other even when times got rough. I thank you both for working things out. These are just some of the things I see in you both that remind me of the Love of Christ. I pray that you both feel the arms of Jesus holding you warm and close in His Loving and protective arms. The world without His Loving guidance and protection is such a cold and empty place. You are both dearly Loved by Rick and me and our children. This is a big e-hug to honor and remind you of God's Love.

A Prayer For Sultan

2007-03-03T00:11:00.000-05:00

"may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ," Ephesians 3:18

I was running to church (literally) the other night when I heard a bus approaching. Even though I was past my stop and had no plans to catch the bus for some odd reason I stopped, turned and waved at the driver. Most drivers would not even stop but for some reason this one did. As the bus pull up I read that the sign said out of service. The driver opened the door and asked me where I was going. I said I was just going up the street to the church. He said I could have a ride IF YOU WILL PRAY FOR ME! I told him I would be happy to pray for Him. I asked what he wanted prayer for. I told him there is nothing that can separate us from the Love of Christ. I told him I was so thankful that Jesus paid the price for our sins because we all have them. He dropped me off right at the church and would not accept my bus tickets! I asked him his name and he told me his name was Sultan. When I got into the sanctuary I looked at the clock and it was exactly 6:45PM. The time I had agreed to be there. I realized I would have been late without that ride. What a blessing. Thank you Sultan. You are in my prayers. Thank you Jesus for giving me the privilege to pray for someone.

Jacob's Birthday Video

2007-02-26T16:21:00.000-05:00

God is so good to bless me with the awesome gift of family. Thank you Christ Jesus.

Week # 2 Parenting

2007-02-25T22:40:00.000-05:00

"Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other." John 13:34-35 (the Message)

This weeks reading resources:

Growing Kid's God's Way by Gary & Anne Marie Ezzo

Main points for me:

Christian values reflect the person of Christ. When shared with our children, such values trigger a child's consciousness of God and eternity.

Biblical ethics is other-oriented-not as a way to salvation but as a result of salvation.

Our goodness, is a love response to God rooted in our relationship with Christ. "We are to love one another, for love is of God" (1 John 4:7)

The duty of parents is to continually bring their children to God's standard and not lower the standard to suit the child. (kindness, patience, self-control, gentleness, humility, endurance, obedience, respect, honesty, integrity, etc.)

"Love God, your God, with your whole heart: love him with all that's in you, love him with all you've got!
Write these commandments that I've given you today on your hearts. Get them inside of you and then get them inside your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning to when you fall into bed at night. Tie them on your hands and foreheads as a reminder; inscribe them on the doorposts of your homes and on your city gates. " Deuteronomy 6:5-9 (the Message)
This Scripture gives us three principles of moral instruction:

1. Only one absolute God, His commandments are consistent with His perfect character and all biblical values are and extension of His character.

2. Moral training begins with the principles of moral conduct residing in the parents' hearts, we cannot pass on that which we ourselves do not already have.

3. Moral training is to be infused into all aspects of our family Lives all of the time, preferably at times of non-conflict.

Know it, live it, and share the experience with your children.

Focus on teaching your kid's the do's instead of suppressing the don'ts.

Focus on instruction in Christ likeness with encouragement in virtuous living.

Important to teach kid's how to's (moral action) and even more importantly the why for's (moral principle)

Moral why's when the behaviour deals with people
Practical why's when the behaviour deals with things

A child taking ownership of parental values depends on several factors working in harmony. Starting with instilling biblical values into the heart of a child. This process includes parental example, trusting relationships, parental honesty, security of the husband and wife relationship, the expression of family loyalty, and many more relational components. These factors encourage children to integrate mom and dad's value system into their lives.

Avoid Legalism and the abuse of parental authority- when the form of truth is elevated above the substance of truth (elevating the rule over the principle)

Important to teach our children how to act morally and more importantly how to think morally.

Continuing to practice First Time Obedience

Efficacy

same as last week

Observations in our home

the newness of First Time Obedience has worn off but like last week I find the more obedient I am to following the structure of First Time Obedience the better the success rate (still a good 75-80%) I want to continue using this tool for I find the more I use it the easier it gets and the better the kid's get at it. Then we all win.

Birthday Miracle

2007-02-23T12:30:00.000-05:00

Those of us who attended the Unvailing Beauty dinner were given a white rose. We prayed that every petal of that rose was to represent a miracle that God is going to grant us during this next season of our Lives as we step out as Deborah's. My first miracle happened last evening just before we were about to share our youngest son's 3rd birthday.
Jacob and Ezra were coming down the stairs and Jacob fell. Our stairs are wooden-did I mention that my thoughts of our kids on stairs are not at peaceful?-in my mind the starirs and I jare not friends yet-I still often use gates and our youngest is three. Jacob was two steps from the top! I was in the kitchen and only heard the sounds of the fall (you know the kind you hear in movies -only you know it is a real body going through the fall and subsecquent bodily harm) and Elisha's scream. Elisha, Ezra and Jacob told me what happened. Jacob went flying airborn then the first bang I heard was the top of his head smashing on a stair about half way down then he went airborn again flipping up and over to land flat on his back on the bottom landing which is where he was when ran to him. He cried right away which is a good sign and he didn't even have the wind knocked out of him! I watch him carefully for any signs of head injury all evening and through the night but even though I was very scared and upset inside, Holy Spirit told me he was perfectly fine right from the time I picked him up after the fall. We sat down to Jacob's birthday celebration praying thanks to Jesus for sending His angels and carrying Jacob safely through the fall without any damage. Just like Christ carries us through our fallen state into salvation. The incicent made me question, how deep is my faith? Yes we gave thanks that Jacob was OK but I really was terrified! What kind of trust in God do I really have that I still go to such a scary place when my families' safety is threatened? Or maybe my faith was strong in Christ but I still may have feelings of fear but still praise Jesus through my fear. Anyways, Holy Spirit please give me the faith I need to fulfill your purposes in this Life. Thank you Christ Jesus for giving us another day of Life with Jacob and all of our family and the Body. Each breath you give us is such a precious gift that You have paid for in full.

So, I have been wanting to sing this song as a family with Rick playing along ever since CHRISTmas but everytime we tried to do it there was some reason or another why the timing was off. We had finally planned to encorporate it as part of Jacob's birthday celebration. And of coarse Jesus himself has given us the perfect opportunity as well as the Life to do and share it now. God is Good.

If you live in the Ottawa area or can get here by this evening come on over to The Life Centre 8pm-11pm then intercessory prayer 11pm-3am. We are going to have an amazing praise and worship evening at Refuel! Be there or be square-only joking we are all round in Christ :~)

2007-02-19T13:06:00.000-05:00

It is oh so easy for me to be a failure, outcast, weirdo, depressed...I could go on. The messages I internalized, from the world, I have role played far too effectively. But our Lord and Saviour Christ Jesus did not come to this earth and give His Holy, Precious, universe creating Life for mine, to have me live the rest of my days here on earth realizing a pack of lies!

"...for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10 (NKJV)

So when the lies try to govern my behaviour through old habits, lack of Christ knowledge, FEAR or disobedience; I choose Christ! He has a plan and a purpose for my Life to do His work and by gum I am going to learn, grow and walk it. Thank you Christ for your Amazing Grace.

Week # 1 Parenting

2007-02-17T22:37:00.001-05:00

Be holy; for I am holy (1Peter 1:16) (no pressure eh? - thank God for Grace and the Holy Spirit)

This weeks reading resources:
Growing Kids God's Way by Gary and Anne Marie Ezzo -Introduction
Growing Kids God's Way 1st time obedience chart

Main points for me:

The most important duty of a parent is that of nurturing the ministry of reconciliation.

"But all things are from God, Who through Jesus Christ reconciled us to Himself [received us into favor, brought us into harmony with Himself] and gave to us the ministry of reconciliation [that by word and deed we might aim to bring others into harmony with Him].
It was God [personally present] in Christ, reconciling and restoring the world to favor with Himself, not counting up and holding against [men] their trespasses [but cancelling them], and committing to us the message of reconciliation (of the restoration to favor).
So we are Christ's ambassadors, God making His appeal as it were through us. We [as Christ's personal representatives] beg you for His sake to lay hold of the divine favor [now offered you] and be reconciled to God." 2 Corintians 5:18-20 (Amplified Bible)

Practical holiness is not merely a state of mind but a lifestyle--a moral lifestyle established by God and one in which parents are to instruct their children, "Fathers, do not irritate and provoke your children to anger [do not exasperate them to resentment], but rear them [tenderly] in the training and discipline and the counsel and admonition of the Lord." Ephesians 6:4 (Amplified Bible)

The word "salvation" is the all- inclusive word of the gospel. It brings together all the redemptive acts and processes--justification, redemption, grace, propitiation, imputation, forgiveness, sanctification, and glorification. The place where God claims lost people is at the Cross. The Cross is where Jesus died the death that we by all rights should die, and would die, apart from Him.

Jesus Christ said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through me" John 14:6 The Bible tells us, "If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto rightiousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation" Romans 10:9-10

It is eternally important that you make sure it is not just head knowledge and intellectual assent your children have given to the Lord. Jesus Christ wants your child's heart not just their head.

...the goal of parenting is to raise, by way of salvation, a morally responsible and Biblically responsive child.

What is it God requires of us? "He has shown you O man what is good. And what does the Lord require of you, but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" Micah 6:8

Authority of Scripture
Biblical parenting must spring forth from the canon of Scripture. It is authoritative in that it requires a response to its demands; it is sufficient in that regenerate man can participate in the full grace of God when he abides in the truth of God's Word.

Training the Heart
...the human heart requires attention....
We know that the human heart is the center of all of life and behavior. "Jesus said that all behavior and words have their origin in the heart." Matthew 12:34-35 "warns us that in the heart the impressions of a joung life are molded, and that the issues of life flow form it." Proverbs 4:23
general goal of heart training, help child gain personal self-control which in turn helps child with controlling his tongue (Proverbs 13:3, 15:2) , actions (Proverbs 14:29), handling negative emotions (Proverbs 25:28), making sound judgements (Proverbs 1:3), guides child to an honest life (Proverbs 10:9), non-offensive (Proverbs 16:7), filled with righteous deeds (Proverbs 1:3), brings peaceable fruit (Hebrews 12:11)

Two phases of moral training are development of moral behaviour and development of moral reasons.

We need to assess where our child is at and where we as parents have come from.

Avoid parenting extremes. Both authoritarian and permissive parenting are detrimental to the welfare of a child.

The duty of Christian parents to instruct their children in the knowledge of God cannot be achieved apart from His grace.

Three ways by which God communicates His grace that we need to look at are:

1. common grace-given to all mankind (eg. God brings refreshing rain on the righteous and the unrighteous alike.)

2. sanctifying grace- God's grace flows to families through the sanctifying grace of believing spouses and parents. That is, when mom and dad have come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, children receive the overflow of God's grace as it is poured out on their parents. The blessing is multiplied by each generation.

3. Obedience- If we want to claim for our children the blessings in God's Word, we must believe and be faithfully obedient to God's revelation. Without faith, we have no right to any blessings of promise. Without obedience, we cannot expect the favor of God nor the communication of grace on our children or on our efforts. Grace is communicated to each household when parents stay vertically aligned with the Lord. As we are blessed, so will our children be blessed. This is the power of sanctifying grace.

You cannot parent by your own strength and still achieve a godly outcome. Remember, let God through His grace do His work, while you through obedience do yours.

This week I introduced the behavioural tool of First Time Obedience.

Efficacy

great
higher levels of peace in the house
increased obedience
increased connectedness
more opportunities for positive reinforcement

Observations in our home

when I was obedient to the process of first time obedience I found the kids were about 99% successful in obedience (wow) when I was half obedient to the process, successful obedience declined to about 50% and when I was disobedient to the obedience was about 5%(yikes)

I think the steps of first time obedience are a keeper for our family. I want to practice it with my children and share in the good fruit it creates.

Appreciation

2007-02-15T16:32:00.000-05:00

we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ

2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)

appreciation definition- appropriate gratefulness

I cannot believe how easy it is for me to fall out of appreciation. I mean, really, after all Christ has done for me. I find myself all to often entertaining thoughts that are not in accordance with being a Child of God. Mostly in little things and sometimes in the big things. What a toxic poison for my mind and Life. I remember when we first started renting our home. I could not believe that we were going to be living in such a nice neighbourhood with the little we could afford for rent and now I am ashamed of the place because it needs some new paint and various other repairs-what is that about?! I catch myself thinking, Oh I just want all areas of my Life to reflect Christ and this simply isn't good enough to glorify God. Oh, whoa is me, why don't I get to live in a nice home like other people. Well first of all I have a home to Live in (Amen) and the fact is, I believe one of the key steps to our family coming to Christ was how God allowed us to live here in the first place (years of driving, walking and busing past TLC and Holy Spirit beckoning us to come) and what else in this Life is of more value than "as for me and my house we will serve the Lord" and "you and your household shall be saved." Another line of thinking I have found floating around in my mind has to do with our computer (by the way we were GIVEN this computer from someone who worked in a government office that was clearing out there old computers because they were upgrading-so we would not even have a computer if we had not been GIVEN it). I am sure if I timed it I spend more of my computer time waiting for things to load than I do actually doing the work I need to get done.(I refuse to actually time it because then I will just get discouraged even more) On good attitude days I run and put a load of laundry in, fold clean clothes or even use the time for Scripture reading thanking God the whole time for this opportunity to practice effective time management, multitasking and patience. On bad attitude days I sit and fester at how slow this computer is. I feel my muscles tensing, I shimmy the mouse around the screen thinking that may somehow kick it into gear, or I make various frustration sigh and groan sounds. It is absolutely silly and absurd to say the least. I was totally struck studying Psalm 13 this week, "How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart?"
"How long must I wrestle with my thoughts ?" That is profound for me. That is exactly what I am doing. I am letting "my" thoughts rule my existence instead of what Christ teaches me to think for my protection and growth in Him. How absolutely silly is this free will I am using to my own detriment.

If I go searching through my mind I can all to easily find far too much "unappreciativeness." I remember times in life before Christ that my mind was filled with death thoughts and I was not free to live. My mind has been set FREE. I get to Live and I get to Live for His purpose and plan for my Life and how this Life will impact others through His Grace for Eternity. So when I start thinking, why am I not doing enough for Him, or why is our Life not moving forward and clearing as quickly as I want, I must remember how I actually have Life now and what a difference that is compared to the empty lostness I was living.

I could give many more examples of how I can lose sight of all I have to appreciate but this is getting too long (I need to learn how to share with much less sharing-so many blogs to cover-so little time-I will work on that)
Holy Spirit I pray that deep conviction penetrates my being every time my thoughts go astray into disobedience to how Jesus would have me think. That I will stop my thoughts and chose your Words that give my mind Life. May my actions reflect the thoughts I am choosing and may the Fruit of my Life feed all those in my sphere of influence with your Life giving ways.

Happy Valentine's Day

2007-02-14T15:54:00.000-05:00

"This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn't go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person's failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him.

John 3:16 (msg)

Happy Valentine's Day and Christ Love to all of you.

God's Love

2007-02-13T13:25:00.000-05:00

We know that we live in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. 1 John 4:13-16 (NIV)

I am so thankful that I am coming into deeper and deeper levels of knowing God's Love for me. As I surrender in Faith to Jesus, I am able to increasingly rely on God's Love to guide my Life choices. What a glorious Love that fills my heart as I do this.

I remember a time in Life when I would read Scripture and I could not understand it. I was so blocked that I would read a line over and over and I still could not comprehend what I had just read. I wonder if that is "Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized" Acts 9:18 (NIV) that the Bible speaks of. I could not figure out why I could read other stuff but every time I tried to read Scripture I would go blank.

I value greatly (to say the least) the privilege I now have to be able to digest The Living Word for it is the stepping stones out of hell toward Eternal Life. Thank you Jesus.

Sharing

2007-02-12T13:37:00.000-05:00

Romans 5:2 (CEV)
Christ has also introduced us to God's undeserved kindness on which we take our stand. So we are happy, as we look forward to sharing in the glory of God.

I am looking forward to the parenting series that I (and I am pretty sure Rick) will be doing. But ever since I blogged about it I have had a lingering pressure. I want to communicate clearly what I/we will be doing. I know Christ has more for our family than many of the old habits and bondage that we are currently walking. I feel Holy Spirit's conviction to work through the process of clearing these things out of our family. For this reason I want to share what we go through and our thoughts and experiences of this journey. So this is exactly what this series will be SHARING. I am not an authority. I am simply fellowshiping our experience with the purpose that Holy Spirit will help us grow, change and support each other, in a Christ like fashion, through our sharing. Actually that goes for anything I share on this blog as well and in our Family lifegroup or anywhere.

Thank you all for sharing your journey with me as well.

God Provides

2007-02-11T17:21:00.000-05:00

Parents, don't be hard on your children. Raise them properly. Teach them and instruct them about the Lord. Ephesians 6:4 (CEV)

I have been praying for tangible tools to use in our family to help encourage us into more effective habits that would allow our family to function better which in turn would allow for more availability for Christs' purposes. Well God really does provide even in the basic day to day stuff. Our youngest son was invited to a birthday party. Somehow or another the topic of discipline came up. Then my friend offered to lend me her book called Growing Kids Gods Way by Gary and Anne Marie Ezzo. Our other friend sent us an email with some great looking Christian parenting books, and of coarse TLC provided a parenting course called Making Kids Mind Without Losing Yours. Thank you Jesus you really do hear our prayers and provide!

This whole parenting topic is an area Rick and myself are choosing to learn more about and working toward positive change. We Love our children dearly and because of this we recognize our human shortcomings and look to Scripture to guide us into a more Christ like home. I will be doing a once a week progress report on our parenting learning. I will be using Scripture, Growing Kids Gods Way, How To Make Children Mind Without Losing Yours, Kids Are Worth It and Craig Groeschel's Parenting Series as my resources. I will share what Rick and I cover each week and how we have applied it to our family. Rick and I are not prefect parents or experts but we do look forward to learning and growing in a Christ like fashion then sharing our experiences with you. Hey, I bet Rick will even make some guest appearances on the parenting blogs too-cool!

The Last Sin Eater

2007-02-09T23:29:00.000-05:00

We were invited by some friends to go see, The Last Sin Eater. It was really great. OK, if you like really good computer graphics then you may be a bit disappointed. If you like a movie with a (The) Message then you will enjoy it. I found that I was very emotional through it so be prepared if you are the sensitive type. Here is a review of the movie.

The Last Sin Eater is a story that takes place in the 1850's Appalachia. Ten year old Cadi Forbes feels responsible for her little sister's death, so she searches out the one man she feels can take away her sin-The Sin Eater. But in her quest for redemption, Cadi Forbes uncovers a dark secret that threatens to divide her family and community. Ultimately, Cadi shows them the truth in Jesus, reminding us that the human condition is beyond human remedy; only Christ provides for the absolution of sin. Directed by Michael Landon Jr., the film is based on the best-selling novel by Francine Rivers, which was awarded the ECPA Gold Medallion. For more information go to http://www.foxfaithmovies.com/

I pray you enjoy.

Thank you to Gary and Katie Cassidy for inviting and treating us to a lovely evening. Mostly thanks for the awesome fellowship, Gary and Katie and Mel and Judy.

Protection

2007-02-08T13:14:00.000-05:00

Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.

Ephesians 6:13-18 (msg)

God has provided His precious children (that's us) with all the protection we need in this Life. When we dress ourselves and our families in the armor of God there is nothing in the universe that can hurt us. If we do not wear our armor than we are open for attack. When I do not dress appropriately for the weather conditions I am uncomfortable at best or my health is at risk. No matter the reason why I may not have dressed appropriately I will suffer in some way from the lack of protection.

My husband and I have a heart for families. We struggle at times yet as Christians, we want to Live the best Life Jesus has for us. We cannot do it on our own. Christ did not design us to go through Life in segregation. We must come together in fellowship to let Holy Spirit do His work amongst us.

This is why we are starting a family lifegroup (children welcome). It will be held 7PM Friday nights at TLC. The first thing we are going to cover is the armor of God. We know that if we can learn about what Jesus has armed us with as well as how we can apply that to ourselves and our families than we will be able to see our Lives blossom and grow in all God has for us.

If this sound interesting to any of you, come on out. We would love to learn and grow into a deeper Christ like walk with you.

The Bible Tells Me So

2007-02-07T12:53:00.000-05:00

"Sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace." (Romans 6:14)

"You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature (flesh); rather, serve one another in love."

(Galatians 5:13)

Wow, God is so Good. I was on my knees last night crying out to Jesus letting Him know (ha ha, as if He already doesn't, eh- silly mind) that I could not do Life "my way." It just ain't working. Well wouldn't you know it, this morning when the kid's (Jordan, Elisha, Ezra & Jacob) and I were doing our devotions, the topic, revealed a new ray of Light into my awareness. This gift of Light is bright and when I shine it on past or present struggles of Life, I see the shadows for what they really are instead of what my human mind makes them out to be.

I see in the "tuff stuff" , I flip between a fight(control, dominate) or flight (escape, give up) response and I am learning that when I am managing things in either of these ways I am working in the "flesh" (within myself, my ways, my knowledge(yikes), my resources(yikes again.)) As I learn and grow in Christ I am discovering a new way in which every time I surrender in obedience I find Freedom and Victory.

The cool thing we came across during devotions was Scriptural terms that explained this whole fight or flight thing. Our Bible talks of legalism which I can relate to as fight and license which I see as flight. Legalism (fight) uses good deeds, rigid codes, and restrictive lifestyles to crush people/situations into what they think is right- law- which leads to condemnation and death. License (flight) has no regard for rules and regulations-chaos which leads to condemnation and death. Same result with each path-death.

I can see this pattern when I examine past and present struggles in my Life. I remember the eating disorder, the perfect eating or never eating vs. junk"o"mania or "supersize++." I see it as I struggle with keeping an orderly, clean home-sterilized order vs. tripping over everything because it is all over the floor. I see it also in the areas that hurt the most when I falter and fail. Guiding and training our Kid's- brick wall vs. jellyfish (thanks Barbera Coloroso for those terms) Well I could go on and on with eg. but this is already getting too long-sorry.

I just LOVE it when I learn something in Life and then "all of a sudden" a Bible verse will "simply appear" that deals with that very same issue. He amazes me every time. Scripture was God inspired so many thousands of years ago and yet It Truly is The Living Word- Christ Jesus is "The Word became flesh" and He calls us to Walk in His shoes. How do we do that? "The Bible tells me so."

"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."

(2 Corinthians 3:17)

Pray To Christ For Freedom From Negative Emotions

2007-02-05T23:10:00.000-05:00

At our Church, for woman's nights, we are exploring Stormie Omartian's Power Of A Praying Woman. Tonight we covered the topic of negative emotions. Christ our Lord does not want us living under a cloak of negative emotions. He has Freedom for us.

" Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. " Philippians 4:6-7 (NASB)

Stormie discussed 3 things we need to pray about to get rid of negative emotions:

1. Pray to be delivered from every evil work.

"We are not fighting against humans. We are fighting against forces and authorities and against rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world." Ephesians 6:12 (CEV)

2. Pray to be set free from negative emotions.

"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." John 8:36 (NIV)

3. Praise God that He is your deliverer.

"who delivered us from so great a peril of death, and will deliver us, He on whom we have set our hope. And He will yet deliver us, " 2 Corinthians 1:10 (NASB)

Here are 7 negative emotions to pray for Freedom from.

1. Be anxious for nothing. (Philippians4:6-7)

2. Refuse to be angry. (Ephesians4:26-27)

3. Refuse to be dissatisfied. (Psalms 84:11)

4. Refuse to be envious. (James4:1-3)

5. Refuse to be depressed. (Lamentations 3:21-25)

6. Refuse to be hopeless. (Romans 15:13)

7. Refuse to live in fear. (2 Timothy 1:7) So lets pray, ask others to pray for us, read the Word of God and spend time in our Lord's presence (quiet time, praise and worship) Then we will walk in the Freedom Jesus has already won for us and we can move ahead into His purpose for our Lives.

Thankful

2007-02-03T14:42:00.000-05:00

The Spirit will show you what is true.

John 14:17

Jordan won 67 tickets for today's game from CHRI (99.1fm Christian radio) this week. So that means that Rick, Jordan, Elisha and Ezra all set out for the game at 11am this morning. As much as I do not like being away from them, especially on family day, I think I am on a mini vacation here. Holy Spirit is just blowing my socks off with His quiet whisper. I have got the floor cleared and swept, the kitchen counters, table, and desks almost all cleared, laundry closer to being done than undone, had lunch with Jacob, played a game and read some stories with Jacob, put him for his nap, put on some mint green tea and I am blogging about how our Lord is moving in my Life at this moment before I have to try and remember how Jesus was speaking to me to try and share it with you all. And mostly this time is so very peaceful, quiet and beautiful.

Holy Spirit is showing me all He has blessed me with this week (that is besides that "small" gift of Life, family and purpose in Him) ;~) I have been praying for guidance in how to fit it all in. Today He is simply bringing me to tears of joy as my heart is overflowing with His provision and His Almighty Sovereignty. He is showing me that this week I managed to throw a homemade, curried kale sweet potato squash soup into the crock pot (I have not been cooking homemade due to business-and I had the privilege of sharing some with my neighbour who had given me the lovely gift of homemade chili for my birthday) and we did get a family meal- all of us together on Thursday night (I love sit down at the table family meals) I made it to all of the interesting and teaching outings that I am investing myself in as well as lifegroup (Love you Katie and Gary), got the children's school work looked after, did groceries, even had one on one visit with my precious husband and did a few blog posts. For those people out there who are organized these activities of Life may seem very simple to you but for me it is all a work in progress.

Holy Spirit is pointing out to me that even though these things are not getting done in a perfect routine, like clockwork (which I believe we could benefit if I continue to work towards more organized structure and routine) over the whole week things are getting covered. I did not see that before. All I see in my flesh is all the stuff that is not getting done or not getting done "perfectly."

Is it perfect? NOT. But in this moment He is showing me I am FREE and HE is guiding and growing me for His works. I pray I may hold on to this thought when I get caught up in the human way of handling things again.

Oh precious Lord Christ Jesus no words can describe how I feel when You reveal Yourself in these little, humongous miracles of everyday Life that are Your still small voice.

Well, got to go take advantage of this gift and get some more things done. And start getting things organized for for Church tomorrow-Gospel Sunday woo hoo! Oh and little Jacob just woke up so we get do more stuff together too.

Christ Love to you all.

The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me; Your Love, O Lord, endures forever--do not abandon the works of your hands. Psalm 138:8

P U!

2007-02-02T13:01:00.000-05:00

My two oldest kids have been struggling this week with getting the cat litter done. Their struggle is also affecting the cats (who wants a dirty toilet) and us as the smell increases. I noticed that they were using their power struggle with each other as an excuse not to do the job at hand. As a parent it was oh so clear to see the problem and what was happening(in this case). Of course I shared my thoughts with them and told them both to go downstairs and I assigned which litter box they were to do (there are two -we have three cats-anyone looking for a cat?) :o) The fact that they were caught up in a "blame and complain" justification pattern struck me with such clarity. It was as plain as can be and I could not believe that they had not realized it because we had discussed not letting what others do determine how we behave.

As they were getting "the job" done the thought came to me, Is this what it is like for God? He sees us and He knows all there is to know. He gives us Scripture to guide us and all we need to do is follow it and the "stench" will not build up in our relationships, interactions, and lives. What really hit me was how easy it was for me to see the problem my kids were struggling with and a solution (get together and go do it together now) but how it is much more difficult to see the struggle in myself. I am smart enough to know that my kids do not just create their own ways of interacting. (yes they do have their own personalities) Often children are simply recorders and mirrors of what they have seen in their environments.(home,school,tv,movies,friends) So I took note of how much and in how many areas of my life am I STILL letting power struggles with the people in my life and with God keep me from His effective, protected, and blessed way of Life? I humbly see that I am still doing this and the hardest thing to see is the fact that I am doing it in the areas of life that are the MOST IMPORTANT to me and to God. It is easy for me to let go of the externals but as I come closer to the core of what is important to me the struggle is much harder to surrender into the FREEDOM of our Lord's ways. I am so thankful we have a Saviour and that we are in a period of Grace but this Scripture reminds me what I am sacrificing by not being obedient NOW in all areas. "God, God, a God of mercy and grace, endlessly patient—so much love, so deeply true—loyal in love for a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, rebellion, and sin. Still, he doesn't ignore sin. He holds sons and grandsons responsible for a father's sins to the third and even fourth generation."Exodus 34:4-5 (msg).

It hurts so much to realize that I am still letting God down and my husband and my children and that even though we all love each other and are providing grace for each other as best we can as humans that my sin still has an effect and it is such a horrible stench. Forgive me all. I do love you all as best I am able to at this point in my life but God is teaching me how to really Love you all. Holy Spirit help me to realize that I do not have TOMORROW but only TODAY and help me to choose Your Love today while I still have the breath of Life to make a choice.

Balance

2007-02-01T17:59:00.000-05:00

I saw this graph on Craig Groeschel sight the other day. He was using it to explore the Church but it reminded me of the balance, or not, in my Life.

When I get legalistic about an issue, a plan can be put in place and I can master "the plan" and things get done. I can remember many times in my life that this was taken to the extreme and I was functioning well in whatever, getting stuff done and things were being looked after but I had no place for socializing or doing anything but the routine of life. Something was missing.

I can also remember times in life where I got caught up in whatever was presenting itself at a given moment. That" living in the moment" without God's Word to ground things, took it's tole on me and my family as well as any long term work for our Lord.

The absolutely cool thing about the moments that I am able to surrender in obedience to the FREEDOM of Holy Spirit's guidance in my Life, He brings me and the circumstance that I am dealing with at that moment to the summit of BALANCE. He just has a way of blending the natural and the Spiritual and uses them both in perfect harmony for His work.

Our God, Jesus Christ, really is an awesome God!

Scripture For Our Heart

2007-02-01T17:20:00.000-05:00

This Scripture verse came up at OSB (Ottawa School of the Bible) the other night and it simply took my breath away and filled my eyes with warm tears of joy so I just had to share it with you all today.

The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

1 Peter 4:7-11 (NIV)

Is that an awesome Scripture verse or what!

Essay Time

2007-01-27T20:23:00.000-05:00

I will be working on an essay for Ottawa School of the Bible over the next few days so I may not be posting for a bit. If I can or if something is very strong in my Spirit to share I will but other wise be back in a few days. Miss you all but e-see you soon!

Names

2007-01-26T01:03:00.000-05:00

This is our up to date family portrait. I am happy that they turned out so nice. We have not had them done since Jacob was 12 months and now he is almost three so it was a really nice CHRISTmas gift.

Well, I really put the picture of us here to show you all of our kids. I find it really neat that we named our children from the Bible even before we ever Knew Christ. Jordan is "the river Jordan" and I " had" to find a middle name that began with C so that his initials would be J C Davidson (get it Jesus Christ-J C) so I searched the name books and came up with Jordan Cole even though I had never even heard of the middle name Cole before. I wanted "J C" Davidson so Jordan Cole it was. And Jordan has fully committed His Life to Christ and I Know Holy Spirit is going to do amazing things through him.

Matthew 3:13-17 (the message)

Jesus then appeared, arriving at the Jordan River from Galilee. He wanted John to baptize him. John objected, "I'm the one who needs to be baptized, not you!"
But Jesus insisted. "Do it. God's work, putting things right all these centuries, is coming together right now in this baptism." So John did it.
The moment Jesus came up out of the baptismal waters, the skies opened up and he saw God's Spirit—it looked like a dove—descending and landing on him. And along with the Spirit, a voice: "This is my Son, chosen and marked by my love, delight of my life."

When we were expecting our second child I searched through the Bible for names. I was not reading it yet (oops-to say the least) but I "had" to find a name from the Bible "for some reason." I came across Elisha (I thought it was a girls name though oops again) but he was a prophet who did many amazing miracles in the name of the Lord and I Know our Elisha Dawn (born at dawn) is also going to do many amazing things for our Lord.

2 Kings 3:12 (NIV)

...the Word of the Lord is with Him (her)

Now, Ezra I got directly from the book of Ezra in our Old Testament. And I am amazed at all that Ezra the scribe, priest and teacher did. Ezra the priest rebuilt the Church in the hearts of the people. When he spoke the people were saved. Now our Ezra is still young but he is already learning his Scripture and he freely speaks to people out in public about our Lord. On the bus, at the grocery store and in the taxi are just a few times he has started a conversation about Jesus to people. I Know Jesus is going to use Ezra's Life for some amazing work also.

Ezra 7:6 (NIV)

...for the hand of the Lord his God was on him.

And "so far" lastly, little Jacob. Our Jacob is named after Jacob "after" he wrestled with God and he even was renamed Israel. Little Jacob is going to do big things for our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and help bring many people Home.

Genesis 32:30 (NIV)

"It is because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared."

So I think it is so cool that even though I have spent most of my life with a great hunger for God but for so many years I was surrounded by a black wall separating me from Knowing God but even threw that time we named our children very significant Christian names. It really shows me God is in control and He really does have a plan and purpose for each of my children and well, for all of us.

Yey and Amen!

Answering Lori's Taking A Break ?s

2007-01-26T00:12:00.000-05:00

1. What’s the most fun work you’ve ever done, and why? (Two sentences max)

Homeschooling (on the good days) but I do not get paid so I do not know if that is work. Instructing aerobics was a really fun job. I enjoyed doing something that was helping others and myself and it had meaning too (good for our bodies)

2. Name one thing you did in the past that you no longer do but wish you did? (One sentence max)

long distance running and weight training

3. Name one thing you’ve always wanted to do but keep putting it off? (One sentence max)

missionary work with my family- the right set of circumstances have not yet manifested.

4. What two things would you most like to learn or be better at, and why? (Two sentences max)

play the harp (I will in Heaven) and sing because Christian music touches my heart so much I want to share that with others.

5. If you could take a class/workshop/apprentice from anyone in the world living or dead, who would it, be and what would you hope to learn? (Two more sentences, max)

Jesus Christ and I would hope to learn to live this Life in His ways.

6. What three words might your best friends or family use to describe you?

spiritual, excitable, weird or is that odd or possibly funny?:-)

7. Now list two more words you wish they described you as…

loving and faithful

8. What are your top three passions? (can be current or past, work, hobbies, or causes– three sentences max)

Sharing the Saving and Healing power of Christ.

Christian Family Ministry (my family and I working side by side in a full time Christian Ministry)

Sharing Christ in creative ways to touch more hearts.

9. Write–and answer–one more question that YOU would ask someone (with answer in three sentences max)

What is the purpose of Life?

I think it is to save ourselves and others into Eternal Life through Christ.

Yey, I did it!

To Clean Or Not To Clean - Addendum To Tracy's Blog On Cleaning

2007-01-24T13:07:00.000-05:00

Christ has set us free! This means we are really free. Now hold on to your freedom and don't ever become slaves of the Law again.
Galatians 5:1 (cev)

Alright Tracy I love this one. Let's do this!

I have to give you a bit of background here. I responded to this blog the other day and just as I was about to post it, my computer said server error try again in 30 seconds well I kept trying for many minutes and realized that I was not going to be able to retrieve what I was about to post. It was very late so I am not sure if this was my computer lack of skill + tiredness or if it was God wanting me to share this message differently than I had just shared it or if it was an attack from darkness trying to prevent me from sharing this because it was meant to be shared and was going to be used by Holy Spirit to help someone, somewhere. Whatever it was this topic has not left me and many new and exciting insights have been coming to my mind. For me this is a signal that it is time to share.

This is so exciting. You know, it is easy (ok maybe not easy especially with the issues that hurt and bound me for so many years and when they were attached to so much shame to share an issue that I am free from (eg in my past I had eating disorders but I got treatment almost 7 years ago by the Drs. and I was able to not have eating disorders anymore but when I became a follower of Christ and began the process of surrendering my whole Life to His ways for some reason He FREED me from food issues (not just like the Drs. taught me what to do but He took that issue away from me)) but to share an issue that I am still struggling with is much closer to the core and harder to bring out in the open. Yet I bet that is exactly what will be the most healing and helpful and allow Holy Spirit to work through us to help us heal collectively.

When I was healing from the eating disorders I went through a process. The first decision I made was that it was more important to live than spend my life controlling (actually being out of control) what I ate and my weight. So I gave up my physical body and told myself no matter what is in store for me health and weight wise I surrender. At the hospital I ate whatever type and amount of food that was presented to me no matter what I thought about it and how those thoughts made me feel. Usually the Drs. stabilize your weight within a healthy zone during the program however I was the first person they had ever had that was going through the program carrying a child so they did not do the stabilization part for me. By the time I had Ezra I was quite large and even had to use a cane when my knee was acting up due to the extra weight. For several years and another pregnancy I would not go near anything that was to do with control of my food or exercise because I did not know how to control my eating and exercise in the flesh safely(staying away from getting back into the cycle of control and loss of it that encompassed the eating disorders).

Yes I will be relating this to cleaning, really I am getting there.

After I met Jesus and gave this part of my Life to Him, He started guiding me through Holy Spirit on how to eat. Not only was I free from the chains that bound me but to my surprise my body was balancing out to a healthier size. For His purposes my body is gradually balancing out. Eating is safe for me when I am following the guidance of the Spirit. God is a God of order and His ways balance out over the long haul (no quick fixes) So an eg. of eating in Spirit is I may think I do not want a treat but if it is offered in fellowship I have it and enjoy it (yum) and I get satisfied. If I think I want a treat but for the wrong reasons (I am upset about something) I say no to myself. The same goes for eating what I think of as healthy foods because for me healthy eating was just as much an issue of control as unhealthy eating. If I check my heart and mind and ask myself the purpose of my eating choice then Holy Spirit guides me and if I stay in obedience to Him then my body is balancing out. When I justify eating the way I want my body feels like crap.

So now back to cleaning. This is an area of my life that I am not free in yet. I say people before things and I believe it but I do not know how to walk it yet. I can get caught up in 'the battle' if I am not very careful. I see signs that warn me I am not free. I have given up the dream of a clean fung shuay(spelling-sorry) home but I must be holding on to some of the chains that go with that dream when it is done in the flesh and not through the spirit. When I say no to situations that the Holy Spirit is guiding Rick and I to (eg. inviting people over for fellowship) then I know that I am bound (controlled) by this somehow. When I start dealing with situations with a fight or flight response then I know I am still bound.

I need to continue to put God's Word in my mind so He renews my thoughts and the Holy Spirit can guide me into how to ask and receive a clean fung shuay home in the Way that is Christ-like. I know God wants us to be in a nice clean orderly environment because He is a God of order. But I wonder if the house and it's order is simply a tool He uses to bring us to His Order for His purposes because after all it really isn't about my home and it's state after all is it. He will use my home and all of Life for His Purposes. God is soooo good

Does this mean I am going to do nothing about our home until I am Free? Absolutely not. I am going to press in, pray for guidance to accomplish this task and continue trying as I learn His Ways of doing it. Until the day our Lord and Saviour sets me Free to the home of my dreams just show up for a visit (I may be too bound to invite you-i'll pray on that) and you will be welcomed for fellowship or maybe we could get together at Tim Hortons oops I mean Starbucks for a visit.

So I pray Holy Spirit will show me how to ask for the things that would make Life enjoyable in the Way that is of Life(Jesus) and I pray that if there is anything any of you are getting caught up in the flesh instead of being Free in the Spirit that our Lord reveals it to us and we continue to be set free.

Well I got to go and get something to eat and do some cleaning. See Ya All.

Precious Children

2007-01-19T15:36:00.000-05:00

Well I guess I got a little too focused on decluttering the hall closet today. Before I knew it, Jacob decided to do his art work of marker (and sister Elisha's lip stick), on his face instead of his Cars coloring book! Here he is as proud as can be but I know he will not enjoy getting the artwork off his face. And I had told Ezra(who liked the artwork on Jacob's face so he add some to his own face) and Jacob if they rolled out a roll of ribbon from the craft box (Ezra loves to wrap ribbon and string around things-do any of you have kids who like to do that?) (Jacob likes to do whatever his brother is doing) that they needed to clean it up afterwards. So I see the ribbon disappearing from the floor but Ezra is in the bathroom and I cannot figure out what is happening. I go and open the bathroom door and this is what I see.How ingenious I never would have thought of that way to clean up the ribbon.

But I know they will turn out just fine ( because I have a promise from God) and our two oldest ones are doing just fine so far. Jordan shovelled the driveway without being asked (Thanks Jordan) .

They both made me a lovely birthday dinner of spaghetti last night and the cake turned out great too. See.

Notice it was so good that it is all gone now. But dad got 2 things of icing and we found out that more it not necessarily better it is just sweeeeeeeeeeeter so we know now to only use 1 can of icing even if we have 2. Even the younger ones helped Elisha make the cake (even though she had to clean up an egg that Jacob got before we could get to it.) And Jordan set a lovely table even though his younger brothers kept trying to play with the forks.

I am so thankful we finally got a chance to celebrate together. I am so thankful that my children are a part of my life. Thank you Lord for such a lovely family.

When I Found Out The Truth About My Husband

2007-01-19T04:11:00.000-05:00

My husband is so precious to me. When we were first dating I just knew he was the one for me. He was perfect and I wanted to be perfect for him. It seemed that there was nothing that we could not accomplish together. When we were about 5 years into our relationship the most unbelievable realization occurred to me. My husband was not perfect, he could not save me, basically he was not God. I could not believe it. I thought he was the one, the answer to all my problems and needs. I was shocked.

As I look back I can see that I started having serious "adult temper tantrums" in a desperate attempt to fix what was wrong and to make myself whole, to find "the answer" to "the problem"(even though I was unaware of what "the problem"was). The realization that my husband was not God helped me discover that I too am not God. I am not perfect and I cannot save him either. This was another shocker for me (actually I knew I was far from perfect but I thought if I just kept trying I could save him and myself and whoever else may cross our path- that showed me that in my subconscious somewhere I thought I was God). I was reading my Bible recently and this passage struck me and reminded me of how I felt.

2 Samuel 22:5-7
Death, like ocean waves,
surrounded me,
and I was almost
swallowed
by its flooding
waters.
Ropes from the world
of the dead
had coiled around me,
and death had set a trap
in my
path.
I was in terrible trouble
when I called out to you,
but from
your temple
you heard me
and
answered my prayer.

2 Samuel
22:17-20
You reached down from heaven,
and
you lifted me
from deep in the
ocean.
You rescued me from enemies
who were hateful
and too powerful
for me.
On the day disaster struck,
they came and attacked,
but you
defended me.
When I was fenced in,
you freed and rescued me
because you
love me.

I spent 3 years in therapy which included marriage therapy as well trying to work this all out. Rick and I got through it and we were better and stronger than before. However our marriage really started changing and healing when I gave my life to Jesus. When I discovered that He was real and I felt Him in my heart after desperately searching, since childhood for God but being blocked by a dark wall of blackness. The Lord has also touched Ricks' heart and has Saved us both. This comes with a promise that you and your household will be Saved. So that means our children are Saved as well.

I am so happy and blessed to have gone through this journey with my precious husband Rick. When I walk in Christs' ways I am able to truly Love him, myself , my children and whoever God places in our path (even though I am not sure how to do that on my own) . When I "fill up" on the Holy Spirit I do not get caught in the place of "fight or flight" when my needs and fears are not met. I can stay grounded in Love because my survival is not based on the people around me but I Know the Lord and His ways determine my survival. This frees Rick and I to focus on how we can, as the Loving partners we are in Christ, solve the issues of this life creatively, constructively and most of all helping each other instead of getting trapped in a battle for survival.

So when I start getting caught up in the flesh (my needs, my ways) and I start getting uptight about whatever is undone in our life, I pray that the Holy Spirit will remind me Who is, the Way, the Truth and the Life, so I can let go and let God.

I love you Rick. Thank you for persevering through this life so far with me. I know you wanted "real-without masks" well you got it, eh? It was "real" good (I think?) but it was also "real" bad. I Know our Lord had His hand on us all the time. There is no way we could have survived together without His Grace and Mercy helping us even before we Knew Him, isn't that amazing!

Mark 10:8
AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH; so they are no longer two, but one flesh.

Thank you Lord Jesus for SAVING this family so we can live for You in all we do!

Yey, We Saved Him Because He First Saved Us

2007-01-11T17:01:00.000-05:00

1 John 4:19 We love because he first loved us

My son got me a stuffed Jesus for my birthday. He is so cute. This is Him in His normal handsome and dignified self.
And this is Him when He was in the desert for 40 days being tempted.
(boy He looks awfully good for being under attack for 40 days eh?-gosh, if I get under attack for just a few minutes this is how I look. )
Oh, sorry that was me after just second!!! here's me at........
1 Minute.>.>.>.>.>.>.>.>.>.>.>.>.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.

2 Minutes.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.

3 Minutes.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.^.(Oh God I am so thankful he is my SAVIOR!!!)

Well He is God incarnate after all and I am simply human. I guess that is why He really can handle things better than me and He came to Save me/us.

Anyways, one of our kids was sick in the night and after it was all over and it was time to assess the damage and start the clean up the first thing that came to mind was, oh I hope Jesus didn't get "it". Well wouldn't you know it, He was COVERED! I mean absolutely COVERED with the "sickness". Oh, it was disgusting. All through His hair and beard and just all over Him. He really took all of it upon Himself even though He never was" sick" and was incapable of being "sick". Isn't that just like something Jesus would do and DID!

Well, I had to wash him twice and even soak him for awhile to get the stench out but I am so happy to say we have saved Him, phew.

Happy Birthday MOM!!!

2007-01-10T07:05:00.000-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM, MAY YOUR FORTIETH YEAR BRING BLESSINGS BEYOND YOUR YEARS!!!(WHICH IS GETTING HARDER AND HARDER TO DO ;~)
FROM YOUR LITTLE HACKER (AND TECH GEEK) JORDAN.

Time For What?

2007-01-09T22:37:00.000-05:00

2 Timothy 1:9who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.

In Jesus' name I claim protection and guidance on the time You have given me. I surrender "my ways" of using time to You. Lord, I do not know how to fit " it all" in but I am putting my trust in You to show me. I Believe in your Wisdom and Knowlege and I KNOW that You will allow me to serve You, my husband, my children, my extended family, the Body, my friends, and the "world" in Your Purpose for the Life Everlasting that You have blessed me with. Thank You Father.

Amen

P.S. If anyone else out there is struggling with how to use the time God has given them Lord please let this prayer touch their hearts and minds and bring them under Your wing of protection too. Thank You Jesus.

So I know that the Lord will reveal to me what and how to use my time (Thank you Jesus) but I know what I don't have time for ! I don't have time to "not" read my Bible, I don't have time "not" to cry out to our Lord and Saviour in Prayer and Thanksgiving, I don't have time to be short or yell at my kids!, I don't have time to "not be there" for my family and any other commitments that the Lord has placed in my life, I don't have time to get caught up in emotions and lies that prevent me from really living for Him, I don't have time to say "I don't have time" for the people in my life, I don't have time to waste doing things that don't have any meaning and purpose in God's Ways, I don't have time to be fearful, I don't have time to dwell on missed opportunities and bad choices in my past, I don't have time to let thoughts of judgements on myself and others pollute my mind, I don't have time to fight the people in my life to do things my way (supposedly the "right" way), and I don't even have time to worry and get anxious over how I will use time.

It is His time and I am ready and willing to be a good stuard and with His guidance I am even "good enough" to live a blessed life in Him.

What "time" is it for you? If I can live in God's time than so can you, Amen?

Mater

2007-01-07T00:29:00.000-05:00

I like Mater. He reminds me of, well, me. One of my favorite characteristics about Mater is his spiritedness. There is a scene where Mater sees Ramone doing some fancy driving down the fixed up town road. Ramone uses his specially designed hydraulics to lower his back end just a bit so that he creates a few flashy sparks. When Mater sees this he just throws his rusty old battered up chaise down and scrapes along the road for all he is worth with a big smile on his face. Similar to the innocent way of children-they see-they do. I am thankful for the ways of children and I am thankful for the way God has made me. And I am also thankful that (as Pastor Barry puts it) He Loves me just the way I am but He loves me enough not to leave me the way I am! Life may have taught me to look and act like Mater (and that has some important qualities for God's purposes) but the Lord wants to use me to demonstrate the class of King, the caring of Sally, the loyalty of Mack, the vulnerability of Red, the teamwork of Luigi and Gueto, the fun and flash of Ramone, the healing and recovering abilities of Doc, and even the speed and perfection of McQueen (after he learns his "purpose". I believe our Lord Jesus wants us all to be available to run His race and win. I believe if we learn His ways and incorporate them into our life the Holy Spirit will drive us where He needs us and we will ALL win.

Jesus My Pop Up

2007-01-06T21:31:00.000-05:00

I am so thankful that Jesus has always been a pop up in my life,even when I don't even know it. Do you know what I mean? I choose this program or that program and the Lord pops-up and gives me the choice to take a redirect. I can cancel His council and continue to do my thing my way or I can push the OK button and find out where He would have me go. The interesting thing is that I wonder how often I may have pushed cancel on His protection and guidance and the program I am insisting on continuing may lead my life and thous I love and influence to crash.

Thank you Lord for continuing to be my - our forever pop up!

God's Presence in the Presents

2007-01-04T22:37:00.000-05:00

So God really had a lot of fun with Rick (my husband) and I this CHRISTmas- O.K. He might of smiled, at least- and maybe it was just Rick and I that had all the fun-after all God already knows His presence in EVERYTHING so it might not be as amazing for Him as it was for us.

This is what happened.

For CHRISTmas I thought I would like to get our kids a talking plush Jesus. Well it did not work out so I let it go.

Then one of our little ones was grabbing another little ones stuffed toy at playgroup and the other little one was getting upset and I felt bad for him. So I talked with my little one and told them not to touch the other child's toy because we do not want to hurt our friends feelings and we want them to feel that they can trust us and we care about them and respect their words. Then I thought maybe if I get my little one a stuffed toy then maybe he could share his stuffed toy (giraffe) with his friend and they would learn about sharing. So I was up late 2 nights in a row searching on the Internet for a nice stuffed giraffe and it was just not working out and I asked the kids what kind of stuffed toy would you like and it ended up that they wanted to get a stuffed snake. And I almost got one. But it was just not "sitting" right.

Then I remembered what I really had on my heart to get our kids and it was the stuffed Jesus and I am about to get them a stuffed snake and wasn't that just too coincidental and odd and well, what it really was, was God. So I told Rick all about what was going on and He thought, like me, that God really was trying to get it through to my mind that this is not the way this was supposed to go. So we did not get any stuffed anything and I let it go.

Well CHRISTmas morning rolls around and one of our kids was opening a gift from the Church and what does he pull out but a stuffed giraffe!!!!!! Rick and I looked at each other and we started to laugh and praise Jesus out loud (Ricks parents were visiting and they thought we had gone loonie-they could not imagine why in the world we would be praising the Lord in the first place and especially over a stuffed giraffe) But Rick and I were stunned with God's great sense of humor and His presence in the presents.

God is sooo Good and Thank you to whoever got our little ones the stuffed toys God worked through you.

Thank you to all who blessed us a CHRISTmas God worked through all of you! And best of all others around us who are seekers even if they don't know they are seeking see all of this work of the Lord and we are planting seeds, yey!!

The Biggest Blessing

2007-01-03T06:19:00.000-05:00

I love the way that God blesses us in every area of our lives and in the smallest as well as the largest of details. He has been doing this in my life even before I knew Him. I remember years ago when my favorite colour was green, I walked into value village (where I do most of my shopping-along with salvation army) and there on the shelf was a brand new pair of green suede birkenstocks for something like $10. I knew it was God and that was before I was able to feel Jesus. There are countless of these blessings I could share, the list is endless and many of the blessings that He provides I am not even conscious of.

About a month ago my family and I were shopping at value village and there were a pair of pink suede birkenstock style sandals for $5. Guess what my favorite color is these days? God you are sooo great, thank you. However even though the Lord provided me with exactly what I needed and liked I put them back! Can you believe that! I passed up God's perfect blessing for me that day. Now every time I go to playgroup and I don't have those perfect sandals for my feet I think of how amazing God is. I am more open and alert to not put His blessings back on the shelf. Thank you Lord for showing me this, You are pretty cool, to say the least.

I am also very thankful that I have not missed Jesus' biggest blessing - the seal of His blood on my life that cleanses my sins so I can be one with God. Thank You Thank You Thank You.

Do you have some blessing stories to share with me? I would love to hear them.

My littlest is awake so I must go for now.

On My Heart for 2007 and Beyond

2007-01-01T16:52:00.000-05:00

I have a tremendous need to claim and walk God's Living Word in every aspect of the life Jesus has allowed me to steward. My heart experiences great distress when I fail to live as the Holy Spirit guides me to live.

Oh dearest Jesus I NEED Your guidance! I cannot live this life, along with all the roles you have blessed me to be part of, without your help. When I try to live on my strength I stumble. Even my best intentions for You, my family or anyone You put in my path, done "my way" falter.

I have experienced the Peace and Joy that comes when I am surrendered to You. I want to live that always and all ways. I want to model that for my husband and children, so they can touch and feel and taste what "living in Love with You" really is, through me. I ask you Lord to make me mute when I am about to spout off anything that is not of You (especially to the children) Please Lord I Love You and I want to do Your will but I am simply human. I thank You for Your Grace and Mercy. I pray that I use Your gift of Life for Your plans. Please show me Lord how to really LOVE.

New Beginnings with Him

2006-12-26T19:24:00.000-05:00

I commit my life this year to being open to where and how the Holy Spirit guides me and my family in 2007. I pray blessings on this form of sharing, that we grow and learn His ways in a safe and Christ-like journey together.