Speaking the Truth in Love.....

We love our pastor at Grace church, and we are always blessed by his messages. This past Sunday's message was very passionate, and worth the time to set aside and listen to......

http://www.greenvillegrace.org/Resources.html
~click on MP3, for Leviticus 12

Lifehouse's Everything Skit

Just wanting to share this awesome skit that a sweet and precious friend of mine shared with me:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyheJ480LYA

Ethics, what Ethics ?

In order to maintain our Foster Care License, we have to complete 20 hours/year of training classes. Yesterday, we took a class titled "Ethics". Either the culture is changing faster than I would like to admit, or my view on ethics is twisted. At the beginning of the class, the trainer passes out a "quiz", we are to read the different situations, and then choose A, B, or C. The trainer was trying to teach us that we will make a choice based on our own ethics. I want to share one "situation" that I could not refuse to argue with............

Here it is;
One rainy evening I wandered into a shop, where I left my name brand umbrella in a basket near the door. When I was ready to leave, my umbrella was gone. There were several others in the basket. Should I have (A)taken a similar name brand umbrella, (B)taken a lesser quality model or (C)just gotten wet?

Now I realize that there are better things to debate, but one man's honest answer and the trainer's response, had my mind spinning, my heart beating, and prayers to God that He will allow me to be patient and speak wisely..........and for those that know me well, ok, maybe you don't even have to know me well, maybe you just got stuck being around me for more than five minutes, :] , I am under major construction when it comes to guarding the opening on the front of my face! LOL! Does anybody have an Amen? :] (God is working on me, please be patient)
Anyways, I did patiently wait, and thought through if it was worth throwing in my two cents.
After all, I was not in a room with like-minded people, and I would have to spend the rest of the day with a group of people that could hate me, for standing my ground.
So, back to the story, the man answered with honesty, he said that he would have taken a similar name brand. When questioned further about it, he said that he should not have to suffer, but someone else should have to go without, and that it is now someone else's problem. For about 15 minutes, I listened as the trainer threw in other details, like maybe the umbrella belonged to an old woman, who was sick and should not get wet. He stood his ground, someone took his, so he is going to take someone elses, and that is just "too bad" for that other person! At this point, all I could hear was; ("it is all about "me"(mentality), as long as I am not suffering, who cares about others around me!") The conversation about that "situation" was ending, and I was going to remain silent, until I heard the trainer say this......"There is no right or wrong answer".

WHAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!??????????? I waited until she was finished, and I decided to share............
My response went something like this..........................
"I have to disagree with you, there is a right and wrong response in this situation. Taking something that does not belong to you, is STEALING! If our child brought a toy to school, and lost his, but three other kids had the same one, we would not teach our children to take the toy from the other child, because they should not go without, (maybe this guy would). I will give the guy credit for being honest, he never did see anything wrong with taking something that belonged to someone else, and let me just say that through the course of the day, he showed himself, to be a VERY UN-trustworthy person.

It was a mind opening experience for me, and a reminder of what God has done in my heart and in my life. And to be totally honest, I stand guilty of lying, stealing, being judgemental, adultery (in my mind/heart), hate for others, not forgiving, and every sin that is possible to man. But, by the grace of God He has forgiven me, and has changed my heart and my mind. Do I still make wrong choices, daily! But, Christ paid them in full, and I want to live daily in the spirit.
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.

Almost Famous ?

This past October, I was blessed by being able to attend the first "True Woman" '08 conference in Chicago, with a group of women from our church. If you have not heard, or had a chance to check out the conference, here is the link~ http://www.truewoman.com/

And what a surprise to see me on the front of the monthly newsletter, with a "caught in the moment" look on my face.










I also thought I would add some pictures from the conference, thanks to friends who had their cameras.


Before we can even get out of the church parking lot, we have to jump-start Sherri's van.















This picture was actually taken by the professionals, and is posted on the True Woman photo gallery. I am all the way to the left, in the cute pink apron :} , and to the right, are some of the women from my church.













Most of the women from our church, we are missing a couple of them.














Me with Kelly.














The back of me (I volunteered as an Usher), which I absolutely loved!














Me with Tammy.














Tammy, me, and some crazy lady! (Sherri)





















The Getty's performed many wonderful songs.

One year ago....

We got a phone call that would change our lives forever.

There was a baby boy that needed a home. My response would be;
"When can I pick him up?"
"Unsure", would be my answer.
Little did we know, that it would be four weeks later.
(Even though, the day after the phone call,
I had everything out of the attic, washed and ready)

For the first two weeks, we were not allowed to touch him, we could only look...













It was hard, but at least twice a week, I would go to the hospital, and watch him sleep....













Eventually...big brother and sister were allowed to come watch him sleep....



















Finally...we got to hold him....













The nurses would tell us how fussy he was,













but he was always content when we were there...



















There was an instant bond...














And now, one year later, we could not imagine our lives without him...

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Blessed and Burdened at the same time....

My blessings are so abundant, and yet my heart is overwhelmed. I do not deserve all that has been given to me;
~Jesus Christ, my Savior, that died on a cross, for my sins, so that I could enjoy God forever.....
~My husband, who loves me more than any human could, who sacrifices much for his family, who is (which I will never understand) seriously attracted to me ;] , and the list goes on.....
~Healthy and Wonderful children, many of them........
~A large home, so large, that even though I could work diligently on it daily,
it would still never be clean.....
~Income to pay the bills.....
~Vehicles that are dependable......
~A church that loves God, and wants to see Him Glorified.....
~Friends and Family that keep me accountable, and still love me anyways.....
~An abundance of food......
~Being able to stay home, to raise and enjoy my children......

This list for me is never ending......there is sooooo much to be thankful for,
I do not deserve any of it!

And yet my heart is troubled.
As I look at those around me, as I go to Walmart and talk to my favorite cashiers, as I talk with strangers who pass me by, as I am given prayer requests, as I am talking to friends, as I am listening to the lives around me,
I think,
"Why me",
"why have I been so blessed?", (not that I have been trauma free),
"what can I do to bless those around me, that are suffering and having a hard time?"

Sometimes, when I feel so blessed, I question God with the "why's", and I am half afraid that He will give me burdens, because He thinks I am asking for them, (there is no truth in this, just fear taking over my thoughts).

Anyways, I am thankful for ALL the blessings around me, I pray that the Lord will use me to bless those around me, who are suffering, and struggling with issues in their lives.

Pushing Politics in public schools

Last night, Abby shared with me that this is "Going Green" week at school. Now, before I get into why I am bothered by it, I want to state that I am in agreement with recycling, and taking care of the earth that God created, but what is disturbing is that this is just another attempt to push politics onto children. This year, as been by far the worst! It seems that "some" teachers speak without facts, like after Obama had been president for only two weeks, Elijah comes home and shares, that his substitute teacher, tells the whole class that he is the best president we have ever had. What? He has not even had a chance to prove himself. Now, maybe, if after a year, or so, she could say that, based on evidence, but two weeks, what did he do to make himself the best president ever?
Ok, I better get back to my original thoughts!
Any ways, Abby hands me some printed material she has to read, along with a letter from the teacher, stating that this is "Going green" week at school, and for her evening reading, it has to be this material, or any article about "going green". Now, I grew up in ,California, and I remember being taught about recycling and conserving water, (at that time we were having a drought). So, again I am not disagreeing with teaching children about about these things. But, as I look through the material, some is about recycling and waste, but most of it is very political. Some of it Abby would not even be able to understand, and a lot of it was geared towards adults.
So, in my attempt to make sure Abby is being taught the facts, I decide to find "any articles", about environmental issues, if she is going to read about it, we want her to know the facts.
My purpose on posting this was not to complain about the school system or teachers, but that we, as parents can be proactive about teaching and talking to our children at home, do not assume that just because they "go to school", that they are being taught facts.

And to share with you a cool new website, (not political or environmental), that I came across, as I was trying to find articles for Abby.
As the website states:
Believing it. Defending it. Proclaiming it.

Global Warming in Perspective - Answers in Genesis

Posted using ShareThis

Nap time for Parents

Last night, after dinner (around 7:00), I decided since our life group was canceled, to relax in my room and do some reading. After two pages, I fell asleep. Cleyo joined me in the reading time, and shortly after me, he fell asleep. Mentally and physically, it felt great! Except for the sudden screams from the backroom (mostly Priscilla). When I would wake for a moment, all I could think about is how wonderful it was to be in bed on a Tuesday evening, and getting some rest that my body was desperately needing.
Then at 9:20, Abby comes in and asks, "can we go to bed, I am really tired". So I respond, "sure, I will get up, and make sure everyone has their teeth brushed, and is ready for bed". As I come into the kitchen, the question from each kid was the same, "have you been in your room taking a nap"?
Yes, your parents are exhausted, and needed a nap.
And to my amazement, some had already got PJ's on, and brushed teeth. And as I was going to get Asher to get him ready for bed, Sheldon tells me that he already got him dressed, changed his diaper, and fed him a bottle.
WOW! What a blessing to have children willing to show their parents love, by behaving, taking care of each other, and having compassion for parents that needed some down time.
And after the nap, I was still able to go to sleep at 11:00.
Thank You Lord for naps.

I like to confuse you! Lol!

My "Ponderings" blog , has changed,
you can now find me @
http://4rtnow.blogspot.com/
HA HA HA !

Our First Born is now Our First Teenager.....

Well, back in October, but again because of uploading issues, I could not post this.
What can I say, other than I am strong-willed, and if I want to do something, it will get done, even if it is late. Anyways, I hope you enjoy going back in time with me.
I also want to say, that after going through these pictures, it has made appreciate what God has done in each one of the adults that are shown in the pictures. The Lord has truly blessed this family, and Praise God for who we are in Christ, and that He has done amazing things in each of our lives.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

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

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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!