Ya know ya po, when ya have to eat ya own trash...

Aren't we all children of God ?

Even though people say things like, “We’re all God’s children,"( and I remember myself specifically saying that, out of my own lack of wisdom in God's word), but that is not what Jesus taught.

Today after church, Abby asked that very question.

When you are “born of God”—not the first birth, but the second one, that’s a work of pure, free grace—you become a child of God.

John 1:12-13 says,

“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he GAVE the right to BECOME children of God, who were born, NOT of blood NOR of the will of the flesh NOR of the will of man, but of GOD.” The answer John mentions here in this first chapter is that WITHOUT GRACE we are NOT the children of God. That happens consciously through faith in Christ.

Verse 12 sets two conditions: receiving Jesus and believing,

We need to be born. We need to have spiritual life. That is what God does according to John 1:13 without any help from us—"not of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of a man, but of God." We are born of God by a free act of sovereign grace. He chooses us before we choose him, (John 15:16, "You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you.) & (Eph. 1:4, "just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him In love 5 He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. 7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace).

God is not everybody's Father. He created everybody, and they are his. But Jesus says in John 8:42 ,"If God were your Father you would love me." God is not everyone's Father. And the test of who your Father is, is whether you love his Son.


Two weeks before I turned 18, I received Christ as my Savior, and I have never been the same!
Yes, I continued in my sinful desires, I rebelled, and I even questioned why God would sacrifice His son for me, but I will live the rest of my days praising God for sacrificing His son for a sinner like me.

The question is, WHERE WILL YOU SPEND ETERNITY ? ......................................................

~Eternal life is a free gift~
Romans 6:23, For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

~You can not earn a place into heaven, it is a gift~
Ephesians 2:8-9; 8For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.

~We do not deserve heaven~
Romans 3: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God
Romans 3: 12...there is no one who does good, not even one
James 2: 10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all.

~You can not save yourself~
Titus 3: 5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy

~God is just-He must punish sin~
2 Peter 3: 9 The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.
Exodus 34: 7 who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished
Romans 6: 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

~Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven~Who is He, and what did He do~
John 1:1,14 1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 14And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Romans 5: 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
1 Peter 3: 18 For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit
John 14: 6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.

~ Believing is not enough~
James 2: 19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that and shudder

~True Faith is, turning from your sins and trusting in Jesus Christ alone for your your eternal salvation~
Acts 4: 12 And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.
John 1: 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name
Acts 16: 31 They said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household
Romans 10: 13 for "WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED"

~How do you know, if you have eternal life?~
1 John 5:11-13 11And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life.13These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.

~My hope and prayer is that anyone who reads this and is not sure of where they will spend eternity, will look over these verses, and I pray that their hearts will be opened to the power of the Gospel~

Spongebob Birthday Party

Their birthday was back in October, but due to uploading issues, I could not post these pics. But, now I can! :}

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Adoption Day 12~1~2008

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

I did not have room for these pictures. This is Daniel's reaction when Chuck-e-Cheese came out :

I think his exact words were ; "Take me home ! Get me out of here !"

In the last two pics, he was smacking himself in the head, which he does when he gets frustrated,

Why ? I do not know !

My Quiver is Full... and I Love it !

"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them". Psalm 127:3-5

Asher Jonathan~10 months old

Shiloh Hope~3 years old

Daniel James~3 years old


















Priscilla Lea~6 years old

Elijah Paul~8 years old


















Abigail Mae~9 years old


















Grace Anne~11 years old


















Sheldon Lee~13 years old

Lord, help me to number my days with my children, (Psalm 90:12).

OH , for the hate of Socks !

Socks ! Socks ! and more Socks !

I hate matching socks ! Especially for 10 people ! This pile is three weeks old, and yes, we have to dig to find a pair. Because of my hate of them , I usually put it off, and then we have this overwhelming mess! And one other thing I hate about socks, they always get huge holes in them and they cost way too much!

Uploading is back!

Inside, I am screaming! I can upload again! Watch out, Posts are coming, and coming like crazy! Ideas in my head will finally be released!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Would you rather # 2...

Ok, I was only going to do this maybe once a week, but this one is funny...

Would you rather;
1.Be known as someone who places personal ads ,
or,
2.Be known as someone who answers personal ads?

Why?

Would you rather...

I would like to use a new game we have, to have some interesting conversation and perspective. :}
Let's begin,
Would you rather;
1. Hear strange voices, or
2. hear only silence?

Why?

After my last post everyone probably knows what I am thinking.

13 Years of Marriage...

Yesterday, December 30th, marked our 13th year of marriage.
To be very honest, I forgot! I knew it was coming, but did not give it a second thought about what day it was. To be even more honest; my wonderful, sweet, kind, caring, sacrificial,and most favorite sister-in-law, Amanda, had offered to keep the kids for the day, and overnight, so that I could do some work around the house, which is out of control.
Then I get a phone call. "Happy Anniversary", says Cleyo.
Oh-no, I was so excited about a day of quietness, and NO interruptions, that my Anniversary was not even important to me. So, feeling guilty, I decided to make Cleyo's favorite meal;
Manacoti, salad, garlic toast, apple pie, with some wine.
Then I realize, I do not have any cottage cheese for the Manicotti, so I call my neighbors, nobody has it. And not wanting to make trip into town, I call a friend in Versailles (Kelly V), because maybe she had to go to Greenville today, (I thought I would take a chance), she had no reason to leave the house, but that sweet woman had 2 containers of cottage cheese, and drove all the way to my house to give them to me (THANK YOU KELLY).
I love my God-given purpose in life, being a mom and a wife, but I do need to have days of quietness like these more often. I feel like I am always in total chaos mode, so yesterday was a blessing to be able to not feel pressure, or having this or that, thrown at me. I would like to say that I was able to move quickly and get many things done, but with my knee injury, moving quickly is not even an option. But the quietness and peace in the house, OH MY! That was awesome! I am so thankful for Amanda, she has 5 kids of her own, and was willing to take all 8 of mine, without a hesitation! I do not have family around that I can ask to watch the kids so that I can get a break, and with 8 kids, I do not like to burden others with my responsibilities, so THANK YOU AMANDA FOR THIS MUCH NEEDED BREAK!
Dinner last night was sweet, we sat in the quiet darkness, eating and talking. The talk was also needed, as Cleyo was able to open up to me about some struggles he has had lately, and why he believes he is struggling. I do not know if I will ever want to leave the house again for a date night, it was awesome to just be at home, in quietness, with my husband. Also, we never have anything to talk about in a restaurant, maybe the home atmosphere, allows us to open up easier with each other, and maybe at a restaurant, we feel like we need to perform.
I praise God for Cleyo. He is a man of integrity, he is honest, he loves me, he loves his children, he works hard to provide for his family, and most importantly, he loves God, and out of his love for God, Cleyo tries to be a man of God. I am sooo thankful, and I praise God that Cleyo is mine!
I pray that the Lord will continue to strengthen and to protect this marriage. I pray that God will guide Cleyo with the struggles he is having. I pray that I will be a respectful wife, and that I can be an encouraging wife. I pray that God will give me wisdom in quietness, as a wife.

Honesty & Children...

I love the honesty that comes from children. I do not believe that they think about what they are going to say before saying it (unless they are wanting something from us), or that they question themselves about what they are about to say is said with love or not. I can not remember a time when I have received a comment from any of my children, that was convicting to me, ever felt like an attack, but instead an honest observation.
Last night, I took Sheldon & Grace, to a store to buy something with some money they have earned, and have been saving. Within the first 10 minutes, a clothing rack that was 75% off, caught my eyes, as I am searching through for a good bargain, Sheldon says to me: "Why are you looking at clothes? Your dressers are full, and you do not need any more, besides, you don't even wear most of them!" OUCH! (Within 30 seconds we were walking away from that rack.)
I then admit to Sheldon that he is correct, that I needed to be more disciplined with what I eat, so that I can wear what I have.
I have been extremely undisciplined in all aspects of health lately, from not getting in my morning exercise (which I love, and keeps me invigorated for the day), not eating healthy (soothing emotions with feel good foods, that soothe emotions, instead of nourishing my body, and giving my daily stresses over to God), to, not even taking my vitamins (which anyone who knows me, knows that I am a vitamin freak!).
I have not been treating my fleshly temple in a way that is honoring to God.
Lord, please help me to live minute by minute, in a way that Glorifies You. Give me strength to overcome.
Whether I eat or drink, or whatever I do, help me to do all to the Glory of God. 1 Cor. 10:31

Counted Righteous In Christ by Piper

You can read this book online by clicking on the link;

http://www.desiringgod.org/media/pdf/books_bcrc/bcrc_all.pdf

I am a dummy when it comes the internet, so most of you are probably, like, DUH!
But, I thought it was nice that I could read it and not have to buy it!
This is just for anyone who did not know, or if you are interested.

Rain covered ice = pain...

Last night I got to enjoy 4 wonderful hours, at our wonderful hospital, again! At least this time I remembered how old I was! LOL!
For 3 days I am not allowed on my feet or taking care of children, 2-6 weeks of recovery, crutches, and a leg brace. This was not exactly in my plans :}
All because I was carrying 2 puppies outside to go potty. I did see the freezing rain, and as I very slowly put my right foot out to go down the steps, I just completely wiped out, with my left leg bent behind me, continuing to slide, puppies still in hand. As I sat on the sheet of ice, with my knee twisted in the wrong position, in pain and not able to move, I yell for help, but who is going to hear me? Then I see Daniel dancing around in the front living room, I yell but he still can not hear me, so I decide to drag myself up the sheet of ice, back on to the front porch. After I finally get up there, I am able to get Daniel's attention, I tell him go get daddy. He leaves and comes back a couple minutes later, and says daddy won't come. So I tell Daniel, tell daddy, mommy is hurt and I need help. Finally Cleyo comes to help. Cleyo tells me that the first time Daniel came, he told him to go play. This a normal response to Daniel because he is constantly pulling at us to do things for him.
I was able to walk to the back room, but Cleyo being the professional football watcher that he is, tells me that I need to go to the hospital, because the pain can get worse. He was right. It did! And if I would not have heard the doctor warn me about how much worse it can get, I probably would have injured myself further by pushing myself beyond my pain. The hospital was very busy, ambulances were one right after another, lot's of falls, broken bones, and head injuries. I am just thankful that nothing broke, and I am trying my hardest to stay off my feet.

Someday soon.....I hope

Hopefully soon I will be able to upload pictures, and then I can update my family and friends, and journal our Journey. Our wireless company is suppose to be looking into it, and fixing it. We have concluded that it is not our computer, but that it is their network. (? I do not talk/know computer language) All I know, is that it is out of my hands, until they fix it. So please be patient. (Talking to myself here). Someday soon, I hope. :}

6 Aspects of Humility by John Piper

I hope the words of John Piper will be a fresh reminder to those of us who claim to know Christ. Our pride, boasting, and judgements are pushing away people who need Christ as their Savior.
If we are to be like Christ, then where is our love for others?
Ephesians 5:1-2 'Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.'
Recent conversations, have me frustrated right now, with 'Christ Claimers', who put laws and stipulations on people of this world, at the same time forgetting what Christ has done for them. John 3:16

What purpose do rules and regulations serve, while trying to lead an unbeliever to Christ?


John Piper;
If humility is not compliance with relativism and is not sophomoric skepticism, what is it? This is important, since the Bible says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5), and “Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 14:11). God has told us at least six things about humility.

1. Humility begins with a sense of subordination to God in Christ.
A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a slave above his master. (Matthew 10:24)
Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God. (1 Peter 5:6)

2. Humility does not feel a right to better treatment than Jesus got.
If they have called the head of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign the members of his household! (Matthew 10:25)
Therefore humility does not return evil for evil. It is not life based on its perceived rights.
Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps; . . . while suffering, He uttered no threats, but handed [his cause] over to Him who judges righteously. (1 Peter 2:21-23)

3. Humility asserts truth not to bolster ego with control or with triumphs in debate, but as service to Christ and love to the adversary.
Love rejoices in the truth. (1 Corinthians 13:6)
What I [Jesus] tell you in the darkness, speak in the light. . . . Do not fear. (Matthew 10:27-28)
We do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake. (2 Corinthians 4:5)

4. Humility knows it is dependent on grace for all knowing and believing.
What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? (1 Corinthians 4:7)
In humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. (James 1:21)

5. Humility knows it is fallible, and so considers criticism and learns from it; but also knows that God has made provision for human conviction and that he calls us to persuade others.
We see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known. (1 Corinthians 13:12)
A wise man is he who listens to counsel. (Proverbs 12:15)
Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men. (2 Corinthians 5:11)

6. Humility is to believe in the heart and confess with the lips that our life is like a vapor, and that God decides when we die, and that God governs all our accomplishments.
Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit." 14 Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. 15 Instead, you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that." 16 But as it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil. (James 4:13-16)

12-1-08 Adoption day !

Just in case, well I know that I have not had the chance to tell everyone that we finally have the adoption court date, which is this Monday. We are soooo excited ! Although, they already are a part of this family, and they feel as though they belong to us, it will be great to get this weight off our shoulders, and for the legal part to be finished ! And, all the meetings and appointments that come with it!
I am so thankful for each child that God has blessed me with, and I am thankful that God has blessed me with the gift and ability to care for so much. Not that I am a perfect mom, I fail and fall short daily, and at times I get overwhelmed, but I am thankful for the strength, wisdom, patience, love, endurance, forgiveness, provision, and ALL that comes with being a mom (x8). I pray that God will find me faithful with what He has given me, and that my children will bring Him Glory!
Also, if any of you hear me tell a stranger "yes", when they ask if Daniel and Shiloh are twins, please understand that our motives are not to lie, but to avoid explaining, and making her feel as though she is in any way an outcast. To us, it is not any different that we will tell everyone that all of them, are our children, and that they are brothers and sisters.

Ps; I have so many updates, that I look forward to posting, but I have not been able to upload pictures for a long time, so when I get this problem fixed, I have many things to share with my family and friends! Also, HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all my family ! I hope this Holiday season you will take time to turn your heart and thoughts toward the one and only God, who is capable of giving you eternal life, and no matter what you are going through in this world, He can give peace and eternal security.

You Hypocrite !

How could they ? Isn't that the response when we find out someone is talking about us, or when we see someone break the law.

Yesterday, I had to battle feelings of bitterness. Today, I am filled with love and compassion, (for others, not for myself, Christ is the one who looks upon me with love and compassion), as I examine myself as a hypocrite, and what God's word says about it.

Most often, I do not share with Cleyo the battles I face with other woman. But, I choose to tell him, because he can see that something is bothering me, and I did not want him to take it personal. Cleyo's response is exactly what God had been convicting me of all day. After sharing with Cleyo, (chatter about me), he says... I will tell you what the problem is... women talk too much! That is exactly what God had placed on my heart, as each bitter feeling would build up inside of me. Because of my lack of tongue control, I had given them something to talk about, and I too am guilty of talking about others!

There is not a U in hypocrite ! I am the hypocr-I-te ! How quick I can be to offer advice and accountability, and when the time comes, I fail.

The bitter feelings are gone as I remember advice from a sweet & wise friend about the crucifixion of Christ...

Jesus was INNOCENT, but as he was nailed to the cross, He took upon himself the punishment for all, He never defended himself, never spoke words of hate towards those who were persecuting Him, and looked upon them with love and compassion.


Word of God speak...

We can not fool God...
Job 13:9 Will it be well when He examines you ? Or will you deceive Him as one deceives man ?

Our words condemn us...
Job 15:6 Your own mouth condemns you, and not I ; And your own lips testify against you.

Holier than thou?...
Isaiah 65:5 Who say, 'keep to yourself, do not come near me, for I am holier than you!' These are smoke in my nostrils, A fire that burns all day.

Clean on the outside...
Mathew 23:28 So you, too, outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness

I bring judgement upon myself...
Romans 2:1 Therefore you have no excuse, everyone of you who passes judgement, for in that which you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.

Do what you say...
Romans 2:21a & 23 you, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who boast in the law, through your breaking the law, do you dishonor God?

Causing division...
Romans 16:18&19 For such men are slaves not of our Lord Christ, but of their own appetites. And by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting. For the report of your obedience has reached to all; therefore I am rejoicing over you, but I want you to be wise in what is good and
innocent in what is evil.

Wisdom from above...
James 3:17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering without hypocrisy.

*The whole book of James could apply. It has much to say about the tongue. But I do not have that much time.
James 1:26 If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own
heart, this man's religion is worthless.

James 3:5 So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet boasts of great things. See how great a forest
is set aflame by such a small fire!

Psalm 119:124 Deal with your servant according to your lovingkindness. And teach me Your statutes.


Lord forgive me for being a hypocrite. Help me to practice quietness. Search my heart and reveal it too me. Help me forgive others, as I also need forgiveness. Fill me with Your wisdom.

32 PAWS

This is Delilah's before picture.

She is our cuddle-dog.

She is sweet, but with an attitude. She talks (barks) back at you, if she does not like what you are telling her to do.

She is also very gassy! LOUD AND STINKY!

This is a picture of her this past Monday, hours after her c-section.

She had 8 puppies! Six boys, 2 girls. All beautiful and healthy. There is a runt that I am forcing the mom to feed one on one.

This is the next day. She is alert and acting like the great mom that she is! This is her last litter.

Isn't she beautiful!

Also, Our other dog, Jezebel is doing great! She is eating very good, and going outside to use the bathroom. She is getting a lot of rest, because we can't let her out for too long , due to her wanting to steal Delilah's puppies.

Funny video

http://videos.komando.com/2008/06/27/


I also have to say sorry to those of you who have posted comments in the past week or so. I did not know about them until last night. Usually, the comments go to my email first, but now they are not, and are now being posted in my Dashboard. Just when I think I have the computer figured out, it changes!

Waiting to die...

As I sit here, I can not hold back the tears any longer. Several days ago our Jezebel got into rat poison, she threw it up, but it seems that not all of it got out of her system. For 3 days we watched her, hoping for the best, but yesterday, she had trouble walking, and today, I am watching her die.

She is just a dog! And she is the spunkiest and most annoying of the three.

But, watching her slowly fade, is difficult. Her body is giving out, but in her eyes, I can see so much sadness! She is mentally holding on.

Sam & Delilah, our other two, have not left her side, as if they know her fate. I even caught Delilah yelling (barking) at her, as if to tell her to fight it out.

She is just a dog!
But, I would not wish a slow death, even on a dog!

21 Days of Accountability

Are you up for a challenge ?

http://21dayswithjanal.blogspot.com/

"Slow Fade" by Casting Crowns...

Casting Crowns are one of my favorite artists, and they have done it again. They have come up with another song, that speaks straight to the heart. It is a slow fade, it starts with just a little thought, then you ponder on it, then it becomes a desire, and that desire sets a flame that can turn into a blaze so quickly. Before you know it, you are deep in a sin. Either, enjoying it at the cost of your precious relationship with Christ. Or, your heart is sick with regret that you let yourself burn a little longer. Praise God for His forgiveness!
I pray that the Lord will keep watch over my eyes and my heart. That He will protect me from a thought turning into a desire. That he will convict me, and bring me to my knees! And praise God that his mercy and forgiveness are available, if we will humble ourselves, and go to Christ and ask for it;

Psalm 86:5~7 "For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon You. Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; And give heed to the voice of my supplications! In the day of my trouble I shall call upon You, for You will answer me.

Be careful little eyes what you see
It's the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings
Be careful little feet where you go
For it's the little feet behind you that are sure to follow
It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
It's a slow fade, it's a slow fade
Be careful little ears what you hear
When flattery leads to compromise, the end is always near
Be careful little lips what you say
For empty words and promises lead broken hearts astray
It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
The journey from your mind to your hands Is shorter than you're thinking
Be careful if you think you stand You just might be sinking
It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
Daddies never crumble in a day
Families never crumble in a day
Oh be careful little eyes what see Oh be careful little eyes what you see
For the Father up above is looking down in love
Oh be careful little eyes what you see

WARNING~~You might Laugh!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

"Why do fools fall in love", is the theme song. This was Elijah's idea. He kept putting the hat and glasses on, and making funny faces. It was sooo funny, we all decided to do it! But, I must say it took 30 mins to talk Sheldon into doing it. I guess he is just "too cool" for his family! :} PUSH PLAY

Diana gets married, and little family history...

This is my aunt Onorina. She is my dad's sister, and the oldest and wisest of 19 children. She turned 73 in September. She is an amazing woman. I love her very much! After I got taken away from my mom, she took me out of the group home I was in, and gave me a chance to be a part of a "real" family. It was not perfect, and she would admit that also, but I do give her a lot of credit, for who I am today. I praise God for the people He placed in my life, at the right time, and for the self destruction He saved me from! This photo was taken in 1951. My grandparents, (Giovanni and Carmela (Pagnozzi) Manfredonia), are holding my dad, Albert. Onorina is the oldest, to the far left.









These next pictures are with Onorina, at my cousin Diana's wedding. The picture at the bottom, is of my cousin, Adelina. When, I got these pictures, it was so strange seeing her as this beautiful adult woman, when my memories of her , are more like the picture at the right. She was about 9 years old, and I remember sitting with her at the bottom of my grandma's stairs. She would tell me stories about the bible, always filled with joy and excitement.

What battle ?

Grace about two years ago.

She fell asleep reading the book "Battlefield of the mind".

Silly Cilla

It was a Sunday evening, (the first Sunday of Fair), that she, Priscilla, decided she was coming out of my womb. Of all the labors I have been through, I remember Priscilla's the most.

We were at the Fair, of course! Now, I know most of you will not believe this next part, but it is true! As the contractions are getting stronger, and stronger, I tell Cleyo that we need to leave. But, I can not get Cleyo to stop talking to people!!! Seriously, I am telling him how much pain I am in, and he is still not hearing me. So, I do what all loving wives do, I get mean! Finally, we leave!


On the way home, it was all I could do to bear the pain of the contractions. Refusing to be in labor, I go home, start on housework, and let out moans in the process. I was not suppose to be going in labor, I had another two weeks until she was due, and a c-section planned in 9 days. So, I was refusing to do this!



It was driving Cleyo crazy, that I would not go to the hospital. Teressa Pierce calls, and wants to know how I am doing. Cleyo tells her that I am refusing to go to the hospital. Teressa gets on the phone and tells me to go now!

So I listen! Why? Because their is something about Teressa, that when she told me to do something, I could not help but listen. Teressa and Daniel even came to hospital within a few minutes after we arrived.

I told the nurses that I refused to be in labor! Can I still have my c-section? They kindly tell me, "well, we have to talk to the doctor". I guess they did not want to tell me,"no"! Because, shortly after that, Priscilla arrived! Although, I did not get my way, I am thankful that the labor was quick, not easy , quick!


The name Priscilla was decided last minute. We liked the name, but it was not a name that you hear anymore. Would it be too antique for a little girl? Would people call her "prissy"? (some did) Thankfully, kids that could not pronounce her name call her Cilla, and that has stuck with her. Then came the strangers... "Oh, like Elvis & Priscilla"? NO. Like Aquila and Priscilla. Three days ago, someone asked me where I got the name. I said, it is a bible name, and went on to tell a little about them. Great conversation starter. Although, I recognized this lady from a couple weeks earlier when she stopped at my home to invite me to her church. I think she was a little surprised that I knew where it came from. I do not believe that she remembered me, but I remembered her.

Who can forget the famous Christmas card,
"Look what we picked for you"!





Although, she was smiling in almost every picture I found of her. That is not how I remember it! She had severe colic! By the end of a day, I could not mentally focus on anything! No matter how much bouncing, rocking, or swaying I did, nothing would calm her down. And even to this day, she can be a major drama queen! (She gets it from her dad, JK, I know that I can be overly dramatic). She is also my boo-boo girl, every little scratch deserves a band aid. She also gets her stubbornness from me. She will flat out refuse to do something, and like two stubborn bulls, we will go head to head!



Unlike the four children before her, she has not had a sibling that she bonded to. I think the reason is because she spent two school years at home with me, while the kids were in school. For two summers in a row, I could not get her to play with the other kids for even five minutes, she was by my side for everything I did.





She also loves to aggravate people. (She does get that from Cleyo) Poor Elijah, everyday after Kindergarten, she would drive him crazy, make him cry, and she loved every little bit of it. And when my friend Susan would watch her, she would drive her little boy Sam crazy. When Sam's mom would tell him she was coming over to play, he would say; "Not Priscilla!" I don't know why, but their are certain kids that she loves to make them cry. She has gotten better. And she does play with the other kids now. Her and Abby also have somewhat of a bond. (only if Abby doesn't have someone else she would prefer to play with, then Priscilla is on her own). She also loves to play the Nintendo, and takes it very seriously. She has been grounded from it many times for breaking controllers. (because she slams it to the ground when she loses).




My
Pretty
Priscilla.

Priscilla turned six in August, and is now in Kindergarten.






I pray Lord, that she will trust you as her Savior. I pray that you will give her a heart for others. That she will love others with an unconditional love. I pray that she will not believe the lies of this world, and that she will choose to believe that she is precious and beautiful to God. I pray for the man that You will bring into her life, I pray that he will know you as Savior, and that he will be a man of God, that he will be trustworthy, and a man of wisdom and strength. I pray for her health. I pray that you will take her strong will and stubbornness, and make use of it, to bring Glory to You! I pray that her bond with her siblings will grow closer and closer with every passing year. I give You all Praise and Glory for giving me the blessing of Priscilla.

Miracle's baby, Emilia

Picture4 011 by miraclejeanne

Girls Gone Wild

Some of you reading this blog, knew that I went to Chicago this past weekend. But, did not know the purpose of my trip. So, over the next week, or so, I am going to share what the trip was about, and how God has used this trip, to pierce my heart, and a desire to become "A True Woman that Lives a God Centered Life" !



It was the first National Woman's Conference, and it is called "True Woman 08, Now is the Time" ! There were 6,300 woman that attended. And, I believe they said, women from 8 other countries made the trip to attend, and some of them had to spend a $1,000, just to get to the conference. There is a link, on my blog list, if you are interested to learn more about it, or want to watch video from the conference.



There were two session times set aside on Friday, and each session had 10 to choose from. One of the sessions I attended was Girls gone wild. But, it was not the first, nor the second at the top of my list. The first two were filled before I even got there. So, now what? I thought. I do not want to fight the crowds, and keep finding them filled. Looking at my list, I decided to go to Girls gone wild, even though the title was a little thought provoking! It was held in the convention center, and that meant I was guaranteed to have a seat.



The speaker was, Mary Kassian. I really enjoyed her personality, because she told it like it was, and was confronting the issue with truth. It is so awesome how God worked it out for me to be in that class. I have to admit that I was drawn to that class, but I did not want to take it because of the title. But, God placed me there anyways.



I want to share with you some of the notes I wrote down, but that was not all that she shared, I was too slow to catch it all. If you have not read, or can not remember what Proverbs 7 says, then I recommend you open your bible, read it first, and then continue on with my notes.



The Proverbs women is described as the "wild women", (occupied with outward appearance, flaunts her body, is like a prostitute, flirtatious, forward, suggestive, brazen, and much more). I quit taking notes of the wild woman, because I wanted to focus on her points of a "WISE WOMAN".



THE WISE WOMAN;

Her physical appearance is 2nd to her spiritual appearance, Beauty of inner self, Noble character, Dresses modestly, is "Modest", is "Temperate", has "Decency", dresses femininely (clothed in fine linen, appropriate for women), Guards her dignity (no deceptive charm), Purity, Busy with personal mission, Busy with good deeds, Does not eat bread of idleness, Arms to the poor, hands to the needy, Wins her man over with Pure/Holy Behavior, Stays away from potentially compromising situations, Propriety, Worthy of Respect, Gives the enemy no opportunity, Avoids trickery/craftiness/manipulation, Not a "gossip" or a "busybody", Judicious with wise words, Influences without words, Speaks with Wisdom, Not a malicious talker, Other focused/Happy to serve, Provides food for her family, Her husband takes his seat at the city gate, "Quiet Spirit", Gentle disposition that defers to others, Gentle and Quiet Spirit~(repeat) Bible says; it is Precious in God's sight, Respects others, Affirms, Receives, and Nurtures Strength and Leadership from Worthy men, Quietness and full submission, Obeys, (like Sarah choose to be submissive to Abraham, Has Godly priorities and Joyfully fulfills her Responsibilities, Watches over the affairs of her household, Manages her home, Works with eager hands, Brings up her children, Contented (mark of Godliness), Confident in God's Plan & Provision, Put their hope in God, She can laugh at the days to come, Understands that Christ is first place, She is Dedicated to Christ, Keeps herself for Marriage, Guards the Purity & Sacredness of the Marriage bed (in her thoughts and beliefs), is "Purity", Faithful to her husband, Enjoys and Invites Sex~understands that sex is an expression of a Profound Spiritual Truth, "Coverings for her bed" (she makes it inviting), Does Not "Deny" Husband (1 Cor. 7:5), Does not wrong men, with regards to sexuality (1 Thess. 4:4-6), Values what God values, Not with gold,pearls, or expensive clothes, Dedicated to Christ, Of great worth to God, Respects and Honors men in attitude, speech, and behavior, Brings her husband GOOD and NOT HARM (when we hurt our husband, we are hurting our own household), Her husband is Respected, Honors her Commitments, Does not give in to fear, Her relationship with God, makes a difference in how she relates to men, Her Behavior is of a woman who professes to worship God (1 Tim. 2:10).



Lord, I want to be a WISE WOMAN. Search my heart, reveal my wildness, catch me when I fall, but most of all, CHANGE ME !

Elijah's response

Earlier this evening, Elijah read the post I wrote about him, (3 times, I think), and then came to me with tears in his eyes.
And says; " Mom, I read what you wrote about me, and it made me cry several times".
Lord, I pray that in my everyday moments as a mom, that my children will know and believe how precious they are to me!

Something else I wanted to add in his post was a funny story on a talk between Elijah and his dad:
About a month ago, Elijah was riding home with Cleyo. So, Cleyo decided to take advantage of the alone time. Cleyo, wanting to give Elijah an opportunity to ask him any personal question that he would like to. Cleyo asks Elijah if there is anything that he wanted to know about him, or something personal that he has maybe thought about, but was too embarrassed to ask. I do not know for sure the exact way Cleyo stated it, but I know Cleyo was trying to open it up for personal questions, or maybe something that Elijah wants to know about, but doesn't get the chance because of always having siblings around. Expecting something personal, and maybe even shocking; Elijah asks, "How old were you when you got your Atari"? Cleyo answers, then tells Elijah, "Is there anything else you would like to know"? Elijah answers,"No, that's all I wanted to know".
I thank God, that his heart is still innocent.

HELP !

IF YOU HAVE TRIED TO VIEW MY BLOG TODAY, WHO KNOWS WHAT YOU FOUND! I TRIED TO CHANGE MY BACKGROUND, BUT I GUESS BLOGGER ONLY LETS YOU USE THE ONES THEY HAVE AVAILABLE!
THE WORST PART IS, I LOST MY LAYOUT, MY BLOGLIST, AND I'M NOT SURE HOW TO FIX IT! I DID SAVE IT, LIKE THEY RECOMMENDED, BUT HOW DO I GET IT BACK? ANY IDEAS? I DON'T EVEN KNOW HOW TO ADD THE BLOGS I READ BACK TO MY PAGE! HELP!?