Monday, December 31, 2012

Enlightened Eyes for 2013

December 31st New Year’s Eve
By Dawn
Asleep... Finally!
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the Faith.” (II Timothy 4:7)
My heart overflows this last day of 2012.  God has truly enriched my life during this past year.  HE has brought me immeasurable JOY as I have attempted to live my life for Him.  The Gifts my LORD has given me this year include enlightenment, time, strength, grace, a husband who loves me, and a one-in-a- million son to enjoy, pour myself into, and believe in!  I am so glad that my God walks by my side, marking the road for me as I travel. 
“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of HIS calling, what are the riches of the glory of HIS inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of HIS power toward us who believe.”  (Ephesians 1:18-19).
 

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

One More Word before Old St. Nick Arrives!


♥ We have seen Christ's goodness in our lives. 
 How sweet it is to encourage one another
 and pray for one another.

     His mercies are new every morning.   
  Great is His faithfulness!     
 He is good to those who hope in Him:0)      

 



  "He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord."-- Psalm 112:7

Monday, July 23, 2012

Have You Tried Dandelion Tea?



I am in full swing in the Yard Work Division of my "Homemaking Habits."  One of the weeds that use to really get my goat was those pesky, prolific dandelions.  Then I picked up my Herb Book and made some marvelous discoveries...

Dandelion is included in many weight loss supplements. This "Weed"  is rumored to be an appetite suppressant and a diuretic. It can be taken as an herbal supplement or included with other ingredients contained in weight loss supplements and detoxifying products.



Dandelion is also manufactured as a tea,  and one of the most popular products in China is Dandelion Wine. As my mandarin tutor would tell you, all the parts of the dandelion can be consumed. It is thought that the most important parts of this "weed" are  the yellow flowers,  and the leaves.   These parts contain a great deal of potassium and antioxidants, giving it medicinal properties. These parts of the dandelion are also said to be most potent when consumed raw, or as an extract. The roots of the dandelion can also be consumed when they are cooked or roasted.

Being interested in weight reduction, my further research revealed that there has been no significant evidence to support the Dandelion to be an effective appetite suppressant (sadly).  There is proof that it is an effective diuretic (an element which makes one urinate), which has lead people to believe it is effective as a weight loss supplement. The weight loss associated with a diuretic such as dandelion is simple water weight,  and is not the burning of fat. This is a temporary weight loss. Dandelion contains potassium - which causes the effect of a diuretic. It is commonly included in detoxifying treatments, which are often also marketed towards those looking to lose weight quickly.

Blaine & I recently collected a bunch of dandelion
for some experimentation of our own. 
We washed the parts of the Dandelion thoroughly,
then boiled the flowers, stems, and
leaves for 7 minutes (a rolling boil).



Next, we filtered out the leaves, flowers, and stems using a clean, white t-shirt.  A cheese cloth would have been better, but we did not have one.  (Laundry note:  The dandelion stains came out in the wash with no pre-treatment and using my home-made laundry soap). 


The Leaves, Stems and flowers were then tossed into our compost container, and we saved the "Dandelion Tea" in a large Glass Jar.
Note:  We strained the liquid through twice and then had to wring out the
T-shirt so as to not lose any of the dandelion
liquid
Of course, we did have to taste the liquid.
It was very bitter. 
I do not think I would enjoy drinking a tea made
with this liquid.  It might be better with honey...
we used it as Broth for some vegetable soup that we made later
in the day.  The bitterness was virtually invisible in the soup,
but we knew we had added antioxidants and lots of healthy stuff!

Friday, June 1, 2012

Is it JUNE already?


A very happy JUNE to you and yours!
&
Where in the world did May go?!
  I have missed posting , but with that said,
 I have gotten quite a bit accomplished,
 and find myself focused on my days as an newly employed wife,
 mother, and homemaker.



Sunday, May 27, 2012

Cheerfulness...


Cheerfulness keeps up a kind of daylight
in the mind,
and it fills it with a steady and perpetual serenity
-Joseph Addison

[Translation:  Let us Train our minds to be in  a good mood!]

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD! Psalm 31:24

the Birthday Boy is 6 years old!

 ♥ Being a child of God is so glorious!
He gives us courage:0) & strengthens us
 by the Holy Spirit!
Praise Him He is a Mighty Warrior!

Monday, April 9, 2012

Our Prayer for Today...

Precious Father,
 We know that Your Word contains all that we need.  Help us to constantly seek you, and find the answers to our everyday concerns in the Scriptures.
 In the Name of Your Precious Son, 
 Amen
A Good Day in the Garden today
Waiting for the Harvest...

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Thanking the Lord for our Boy this Easter...

Words cannot express how glad
we are that God gave us You!


Good night, sweet child, Mother said she tucked Blaine in bed.
"Mom, where did I come from? " He said with sleepy eyes.

"You came from God---
Daddy & I were so alone,
and we soooo much wanted a child..." I said,
brushing aside a stray bang from his forehead.

"And you got me??"  he queried, eyes wide.
Yes, my special boy, God gave us you
The Little Scientist

Friday, April 6, 2012

The Study of Disciplne: Part 1 (from Wed. Night Bible Class for the Ladies of CofC


Defining The Meaning Of Discipline

In The Original Languages Of Greek And Hebrew

1. Defining "discipline" in the New Testament (Greek)

The following are the definitions of the Greek & Hebrew words for discipline. The first is Greek, and is the word found in Hebrews 12:5 and of course many other texts. The bold text indicates the actual meaning and applications. Note I consulted several different sources, utilizing the best references first:

DISCIPLINE = NT:3809 - paideia, paideía; gen. paideías, fem. noun from paideúœ (3811), to instruct. Originally instruction of children. It evolved to mean chastening because all effectual instruction for the sinful children of men includes and implies chastening, correction. Paideía occurs with epanórthœsis (1882), rectification, in 2 Tim 3:16. In paideía there is discipline. In Eph 6:4, en paideía . . . kuríou (en [1722], in; kuríou, the gen. of kúrios [2962], Lord) means such training as the Lord approves. By synecdoche, taking a part for the whole, it means correction, chastisement (Heb 12:5,7,8,11; Sept.: Prov 3:11; 22:15). See nouthesía (3559), which means instruction mainly by word, while paideía is by deed. To be distinguished from kólasis (2851), penal infliction, punishment and timœría (5098), penalty, punishment which denote penal retribution while paideía speaks of correction, educative discipline. (from The Complete Word Study Bible and The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament Copyright © 1991, 1992, 1994, 2002 AMG International, Inc.)
Below is a listing of the particular Greek word paideía use throughout the NT; while there may be varieties of cognates, this is a specific search. The Amplified Bible was used, which "amplifies" the use of the Greek word for discipline. The words that have been translated from "paideia" into English are in bold letters.

ENGLISHMAN’S CONCORDANCE LIST FOR PAIDEÍA

Ephesians 6:4 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 (paideia) and the counsel and admonition of the Lord. AMP
2 Timothy 3:16 Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience (paideia), and for training in righteousness in holy living, in conformity to God's will in thought, purpose, and action. AMP
Hebrews 12:5 And have you completely forgotten the divine word of appeal and encouragement in which you are reasoned with and addressed as sons? My son, do not think lightly or scorn to submit to the correction and discipline (paideia) of the Lord, nor lose courage and give up and faint when you are reproved or corrected by Him. AMP
Hebrews 12:7 You must submit to and endure correction for discipline (paideia); God is dealing with you as with sons. For what son is there whom his father does not [thus] train and correct and discipline (paideúei)? AMP
Hebrews 12:8 Now if you are exempt from correction and left without discipline (paideia) in which all [of God's children] share, then you are illegitimate offspring and not true sons [at all]. [Prov 3:11,12.] AMP
Hebrews 12:11 For the time being no discipline (paideia) brings joy, but seems grievous and painful; but afterwards it yields a peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. AMP

DISCIPLINE = Paideía (NT: 3809) originates from the following cognates; this path comes from Strong’s Concordance; NT:3809 paideia (pahee-di'-ah); from NT:3811; tutorage, i.e. education or training; by implication, disciplinary correction.

NT:3811 paideuo (pahee-dyoo'-o); from NT:3816; to train up a child, i.e. educate, or (by implication) discipline (by punishment)
NT:3816 pais (paheece); perhaps from NT:3817; a boy (as often beaten with impunity), or (by analogy,) a girl, and (genitive case) a child; specifically, a slave or servant (especially a minister to a king; and by eminence to God)
NT:3817 paio (pah'-yo); a primary verb; to hit (as if by a single blow and less violently than NT:5180); specifically to sting (as a scorpion)
(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright (c) 1994, Biblesoft and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

It appears this Greek word involves punishment with the idea of training and education in mind; in other words, not just hitting to punish, but with the "deed" (goal) of "training" (educating) the child. Of course, as noted, the "child" extends to adults as children of God.

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon definition says of paideía (I prefer Thayer’s generally Al; it is a very reliable and thorough source):

DISCIPLINE = NT:3809 paideia:

1. The whole training and education of children Eph 6:4

2. Whatever in adults also cultivates the soul, especially by correcting

mistakes and curbing the passions

a. Instruction which aims at the increase of virtue: 2 Tim 3:16

b. According to Biblical usage chastisement, chastening Heb 12:5

(From Thayer's Greek Lexicon, Electronic Database. Copyright (c) 2000 by Biblesoft)

Hebrews 12:11 makes it clear by the context that some form of pain is involves in the disciplinary process; no pain no gain. By the same token we see from this verse that such disciplinary action yields the peaceable "fruit" of righteousness, or right living with and right standing before God.





2. Discipline defined in Old Testament (Hebrew)

The Hebrew word or words for "discipline" are varied, but here’s a dominant word used. The New American Standard Updated Bible (NASU) was consulted for the use and spelling of the word translated as, "discipline."

DISCIPLINE = OT: 4148 muwcar (moo-sawr'); from OT: 3256; properly, chastisement; figuratively, reproof, warning or instruction; also restraint:

KJV - bond, chastening ([-eth]), chastisement, check, correction, discipline, doctrine, instruction, rebuke.
Note that "muwcar" originates from a cognate "yacar" OT: 3256; yacar is defined below:

OT: 3256 = yacar (yaw-sar'); a primitive root; to chastise, literally (with blows) or figuratively (with words); hence, to instruct:

KJV - bind, chasten, chastise, correct, instruct, punish, reform, reprove, sore, teach.
(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright (c) 1994, Biblesoft and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

The Hebrew word meaning is consistent with the Greek use, the applications nearly identical, and this should be no surprise, as God’s ways never change. These little "nuggets" are what makes the divine "inspiration" of scripture verifiable.

Below is another definition for OT: 4148 muwcar taken from Brown Driver & Briggs Hebrew Lexicon, Copyright (c) 1993, Woodside Bible Fellowship, Ontario, Canada. Licensed from the Institute for Creation Research:

DISCIPLINE = OT: 4148 muwcar -- discipline, chastening, correction

a) discipline, correction

b) a chastening

Here’s the AMG WordStudy definition of muwcar:

4148. Muwcar; chastisement, punishment, correction, discipline, instruction, self–control. This masc. noun is derived from yacar (3256). Essentially, it is a bond, a checking, restraint, i.e., correction which results in education. (See Deut. 11:2ff. [cf. Deut. 4:35ff.]). The term is very frequent in Proverbs (e.g., Prov. 3:11). Often it is oral not corporal discipline. The prophets developed the theme of God’s discipline (Is. 8:11; 53:5; Jer. 2:30; 5:3; 7:28; 17:23; 32:33).

There is another much used Hebrew word used for the chastisement and/or discipline:

REPROOF = OT: 8433 towkechah (to-kay-khaw'); and towkachath (to-kakh'-ath); from OT: 3198; chastisement; figuratively (by words) correction, refutation, proof (even in defense)

OT: 3198 yakach (yaw-kahh'); a primitive root; to be right (i.e. correct); reciprocal, to argue; causatively, to decide, justify or convict: -appoint, argue, chasten, convince, correct (-ion), daysman, dispute, judge, maintain, plead, reason (together), rebuke, reprove (-r), surely, in any wise.
(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright (c) 1994, Biblesoft and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

PARTIAL ENGLISHMAN’S LIST OF OT: 4148 ‘muwcar’

Al, I used a variety of Bible translations to help you see the range of use for the Hebrew word for discipline (muwcar)

Deuteronomy 11:2 "Know this day that I am not speaking with your sons who have not known and who have not seen the discipline (muwcar) of the LORD your God--His greatness, His mighty hand and His outstretched arm." NASU

Job 5:17 "Behold, how happy is the man whom God reproves, So do not despise the discipline (muwcar) of the Almighty." NASU

Job 36:10 He also opens their ears to instruction and discipline (muwcar), and commands that they return from iniquity. AMP

Psalms 50:17 For you hate discipline (muwcar), and you cast My words behind you. NASU

Proverbs 1:2-3 To know wisdom and instruction (muwcar), to discern the sayings of understanding, 3 To receive instruction (muwcar) in wise behavior, righteousness, justice and equity. NASU

Proverbs 1:7-8 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline (muwcar). 8 Listen, my son, to your father's instruction (muwcar) and do not forsake your mother's teaching. (NIV)

Proverbs 3:11 My son, do not despise or shrink from the chastening (muwcar) of the Lord [His correction by punishment or by subjection to suffering or trial]; neither be weary of or impatient about or loathe or abhor His reproof, [Psalm 94:12; Hebrew 12:5,6; Revelation 3:19.] AMP

Proverbs 4:1 Hear, O sons, the instruction (muwcar) of a father, and give attention that you may gain understanding. NASU

Proverbs 4:13 Take fast hold of instruction (muwcar); let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life. KJV

Proverbs 5:12 And you say, How I hated instruction and discipline (muwcar), and my heart despised reproof! AMP

Proverbs 5:23 He will die for lack of discipline and instruction (muwcar), and in the greatness of his folly he will go astray and be lost. AMP

Proverbs 6:23 For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction (muwcar) are the way of life. KJV

Proverbs 7:22 He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction (muwcar) of the stocks. KJV

Proverbs 8:10 Receive my instruction (muwcar), and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. KJV

Proverbs 8:33 Hear instruction (muwcar), and be wise, and refuse it not. KJV

Proverbs 10:17 He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction (muwcar): but he that refuseth reproof erreth. KJV

Proverbs 12:1 Whoso loveth instruction (muwcar) loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish. KJV

Proverbs 13:1 A wise son heareth his father's instruction (muwcar): but a scorner heareth not rebuke. KJV

Proverbs 13:18 Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction (muwcar): but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured. KJV

Proverbs 13:24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth (muwcar) him betimes. KJV

Proverbs 15:5 A fool despiseth his father's instruction (muwcar): but he that regardeth reproof is prudent. KJV

Proverbs 15:10 Correction (muwcar)is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die. KJV

Proverbs 15:32 He that refuseth instruction (muwcar) despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding. KJV

Proverbs 15:33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction (muwcar) of wisdom; and before honour is humility. KJV

Proverbs 16:22 Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it: but the instruction (muwcar) of fools is folly. KJV

Proverbs 19:20 Hear counsel, and receive instruction (muwcar), that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. KJV

Proverbs 19:27 Cease, my son, to hear the instruction (muwcar) that causeth to err from the words of knowledge. KJV

Proverbs 22:15 Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction (muwcar) shall drive it far from him. KJV

Proverbs 23:12 Apply thine heart unto instruction (muwcar), and thine ears to the words of knowledge. KJV

Proverbs 23:13 Withhold not correction (muwcar) from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. KJV

Proverbs 23:23 Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction (muwcar), and understanding. KJV

Proverbs 24:32 Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction (muwcar). KJV

Isaiah 26:16 LORD, in trouble have they visited thee, they poured out a prayer when thy chastening (muwcar) was upon them. KJV

Isaiah 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement (muwcar) of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. KJV

Jeremiah 2:30 In vain have I smitten your children; they received no correction (muwcar): your own sword hath devoured your prophets, like a destroying lion. KJV

Jeremiah 5:3 O LORD, are not thine eyes upon the truth? thou hast stricken them, but they have not grieved; thou hast consumed them, but they have refused to receive correction (muwcar): they have made their faces harder than a rock; they have refused to return. KJV

Jeremiah 7:28 But thou shalt say unto them, This is a nation that obeyeth not the voice of the LORD their God, nor receiveth correction (muwcar): truth is perished, and is cut off from their mouth. KJV

Jeremiah 17:23 But they obeyed not, neither inclined their ear, but made their neck stiff, that they might not hear, nor receive instruction (muwcar). KJV

Jeremiah 30:14 All thy lovers have forgotten thee; they seek thee not; for I have wounded thee with the wound of an enemy, with the chastisement (muwcar) of a cruel one, for the multitude of thine iniquity; because thy sins were increased. KJV

Jeremiah 32:33 And they have turned unto me the back, and not the face: though I taught them, rising up early and teaching them, yet they have not hearkened to receive instruction (muwcar). KJV

Jeremiah 35:13 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Go and tell the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, Will ye not receive instruction (muwcar) to hearken to my words? saith the LORD. KJV

Ezekiel 5:15 So it shall be a reproach and a taunt, an instruction (muwcar) and an astonishment unto the nations that are round about thee, when I shall execute judgments in thee in anger and in fury and in furious rebukes. I the LORD have spoken it. KJV

Hosea 5:2 And the revolters are profound to make slaughter, though I have been a rebuker (muwcar) of them all. KJV

Zephaniah 3:2 She obeyed not the voice; she received not correction (muwcar); she trusted not in the LORD; she drew not near to her God. KJV

Zephaniah 3:7 I said, Surely thou wilt fear me, thou wilt receive instruction (muwcar); so their dwelling should not be cut off, howsoever I punished them: but they rose early, and corrupted all their doings. KJV

PARTIAL ENGLISHMAN’S LIST OF OT: 8433 ‘towkechah’

2 Kings 19:3 And they said unto him, Thus saith Hezekiah, This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke (towkechah), and blasphemy: for the children are come to the birth, and there is not strength to bring forth. KJV

Job 13:6 Hear now my reasoning, and hearken to the pleadings (towkechah) of my lips. KJV

Psalms 38:14 Thus I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs (towkechah). KJV

Psalms 39:11 When thou with rebukes (towkechah) dost correct man for iniquity, thou makest his beauty to consume away like a moth: surely every man is vanity. Selah. KJV

Psalms 73:14 For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened (towkechah) every morning. KJV

Psalms 149:7 To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments (towkechah) upon the people. KJV

Proverbs 1:23 Turn you at my reproof (towkechah): behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you. KJV

Proverbs 1:25 But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof (towkechah). KJV

Proverbs 1:30 They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof (towkechah). KJV

Proverbs 3:11 My son, despise not the chastening (towkechah) of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction. KJV

Proverbs 5:12 And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof (towkechah). KJV

Proverbs 6:23 For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs (towkechah) of instruction are the way of life. KJV

Proverbs 10:17 He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof (towkechah) erreth. KJV

Proverbs 12:1 Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof (towkechah) is brutish.

KJV

Proverbs 13:18 Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof (towkechah) shall be honoured. KJV

Proverbs 15:5 A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof (towkechah) is prudent. KJV

Proverbs 15:10 Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof (towkechah) shall die. KJV

Proverbs 15:31 The ear that heareth the reproof (towkechah) of life abideth among the wise.

KJV

Proverbs 15:32 He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof (towkechah) getteth understanding. KJV

Proverbs 27:5 Open rebuke (towkechah) is better than secret love. KJV

Proverbs 29:1 He, that being often reproved (towkechah) hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. KJV

Proverbs 29:15 The rod and reproof (towkechah) give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.

KJV

Isaiah 37:3 And they said unto him, Thus saith Hezekiah, This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke (towkechah), and of blasphemy: for the children are come to the birth, and there is not strength to bring forth. KJV

Ezekiel 5:15 So it shall be a reproach and a taunt, an instruction and an astonishment unto the nations that are round about thee, when I shall execute judgments in thee in anger and in fury and in furious rebukes (towkechah). I the LORD have spoken it. KJV

Ezekiel 25:17 And I will execute great vengeance upon them with furious rebukes (towkechah); and they shall know that I am the LORD, when I shall lay my vengeance upon them. KJV

Hosea 5:9 Ephraim shall be desolate in the day of rebuke (towkechah): among the tribes of Israel have I made known that which shall surely be. KJV

Habakkuk 2:1 I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved (towkechah). KJV

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Shaping Lives, Training Hearts

I am working on daily committing all of my deeds  as a mother to the Lord this Year.  Raising this young  boy is HARD!  I especially need God’s guidance because Mike & I  have only one shot to do it right… and time is fleeting on by. 
My Prayer today:
Lord, I commit my job as a mother to you.  Please help me to bring up your child in a way that pleases You!  May I demonstrate Your Highest Standards in all I do.  Please bless my work, and bless my child.
My Verse for today-Proverbs 16:3
“Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”
Making Pizza Dough

Friday, March 16, 2012

Blaine's first short story was awarded 2nd place at the Regional Art & Literature Contest


The Great Sea Captain's Adventure

Once there was a submarine captain named Bliff. He was a mighty man, he was. One day he was exploring underwater and he found a big, old volcano. When he looked down into the volcano's hole, he was shocked to see a forbidden place called Atlantis. Bliff had heard rumors about human people living down under the sea in an air pocket. he was curious and wanted to go into the crack, but just then something that looked like two red glowing eyes came out of the kelp line.

Bliff felt surprized to see those funny red eyes. But then he thought they weren't so funny after all. Just then abig Sea Creature with glowing red eyes came out of it's hiding place in the kelp. Bliff pushed the button in the Submarine that brought up a computer auto pilot for the Submarine to be protected and have its moves directed by the comuputer. That way Bliff could look in his dictionary to find out what this creature was. He looked in his dictionary until he came to the "L's." He passed the pages in the dictionary that said Land, Layer, and Latin. Finally he came to the page that said "Leviathan."

Bliff was to see that he was looking face to face with a Leviathan, the scary monster that Job was talking about in the Bible in Job Chapter 40:11. He was so worried that he took over the submarine controls, and dove straight into the volcano. It didn't burn him, and he saw a little crack in the volcano wall. He made the submarine go down in it. Then he found a little tunnel. He thought it may be a way out of the volcano, and it was.

The Leviathan was right behind him, shooting electric bolts and fireout of his mouth at the submarine. Smoke was everywhere. Bliff went up through the tunnel, and dashed about 15 feet into the air pocket, and landed with a Ka-Splash! He landed back in the water, just in time for the Leviathan to give up, but when the Leviathan swished his big tail, lots of smoke and dust came out of the volcano, and the water was murky. A big cloud of dust came into the tunnel crack and mixed with the water where the submarine had gone.

Bliff got out of the submarine and went into the water in his scuba suit, carefully climbing up into the airpocket in the tunnel. He explored all around until he came to a huge puddle full of molten lava. Some strange, friendly creatures allowed him to pass through a path. The friendly creatures had glowing blue faces, and they led Bliff to a bridge taking them all safely over a lake of molten lava. They all got across, and came to a really weird cave-like place. There, standing before them all was a Fish-looking hammer head shark machine. The machine had a small hidden cove inside it, and there was a crystal there. The Blue creatures told Bliff that the crystal was a magic power source to make it fly. Bliff worked with the crystal and figured out how to make the machine fly.

The blue creatures were so happy that Bliff had learned a way to make the Fish machine fly. They smiled and took off their blue masks. Bliff saw one creature who looked very familiar. He looked so much like Bliff's best friend back home, named "Langston." When he looked around at all of the creatures, he was surprized to see that they were not just creatures, but little people, just like him, only much smaller. The creatures played with Bliff and enjoyed themselves for the rest of the day. Then, they got the Fish machine ready to take Bliff home.

Bliff said goodbye to everyone, then got on the Fish Machine, and it flew out of the air pocket, into the tunnel, and back to where the submarine was waiting. There was no Leviathan in sight, so Bliff got into the Submarine and took off into the ocean towards home. When he got home, he went over to his best friend, Langston's house, and told him all about this adventure. Langston said, "Wow, take me along next time."

Bliff said, "You'll have to borrow my submarine, because after this adventure, I think I want to explore the outer space."

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Wednesdays with Blaine: Roller Skating Race

I love to skate fast!-- Blaine

pursue a righteous life-- a life of wonder,
faith, love, steadiness, courtesy.
Run hard and fast in the faith,
Seize the eternal life, the life you were called to .
I Tim 6:11-12
The message

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Still in Love after 23 years (Happy Anniversary, Baby)

"Above all, LOVE each other deeply,
 because love covers over a multitude of sins."
(I Peter 4:8)

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Saturday, February 18, 2012

The Bridal Shower

We had a little shower for a new Bride at Church

I brought in Mike's Grandmother's Vanity
and we decorated the Fellowship hall like a
New Bride's Bedroom

The Food was marvelous!

Jill was our most excellent Hostess


Setting up the Fondue (Chocolate, of Course)

Playing Bridal Shower Games

The Bride and Bridesmaid read cards at the end of the Shower

Miss Ann

Transforming the Fellowship Hall

Games with Carla M

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Wednesdays with Blaine: I invented a Cat Swing

the cats are not sure they like to swing
but I made it safe so they won't fall out

The Swing
by Robert Louis Stevenson
How do you like to go up in a swing,
Up in the air so blue?
Oh, I do think it the pleasantest thing
Ever a child can do!

Up in the air and over the wall,
Till I can see so wide,
River and trees and cattle and all
Over the countryside--
Till I look down on the garden green,
Down on the roof so brown--
Up in the air I go flying again,
Up in the air and down!

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

The Legend of St. Valentine

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; 
and walk in love,
 just as Christ also loved you
and gave Himself up for us…”
—Ephesians 5:1-2

The tradition of expressing affection to those we hold dear actually precedes the legend of St. Valentine sending violets to his fiancee in the mouth of a dove from his prison cell.  The greatest act of love in history is the Gift of God’s Son—the Gift of Eternal Life.    Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice to demonstrate His love for us!  When I thought about this, REALLY wrapped my mind around the vast and profound nature of Such Love,  I realized that I will never again feel unloved! 

I am trying to be an “Imitator of God.”  That means that I will know how to love more purely than others, perhaps.  Maybe it means to love like a child, purely and without any experience of hurt.  Little children never put limits on their love.  I have learned much from observing them.  I remember when Blaine was about 11 months old, how excited and enthusiastic he would become when his Daddy came home from work.  Mike always came in and made a big fuss over the little guy.  He would grab him up and hug him and take him outside to do guy stuff (walk the dog, take a ride on the four-wheeler, go and visit Mr. Dave our elderly neighbor) while I put the finishing touches on our dinner.  I cherish the memories of those days. 

Unfortunately, now Blaine has been taught to put certain conditions on love.  I suspect he learned it mostly from me, but maybe some of it came from school and other places.  But he can also re-learn from me, if I teach him the way God intended.  In commanding  us to be “imitators of God,” and to “walk in love,” we should diligently strive to love unconditionally, just as God does.  Actually, Blaine does this better than I.  For me, achieving this kind of love is tough.  Loving is a process, and it takes time to learn to really love.  I want to learn to make “Unconditional Loving” the way of life in our home.  I love to just meditate on the way Jesus treated people.  I am making a concerted effort to teach our son to be an “imitator of Christ.”  The Bible teaches that it will be one of the greatest gifts I can give to him.  On this day of love, my we all pursue the act unconditional loving as Christ loved us. 

My Prayer this Valentine’s Day:
My Creator and the Lord of Love,
Thank You for  sending Your Son as a Gift of Your love. 
May my husband, son and all those around me
experience unconditional love in me,
as I have experienced it in You. 
Please help me to walk in love,
and show me how I can teach Blaine and others to do the same. 
In Your Son Jesus’ Holy Name.
Amen

Monday, February 13, 2012

Impressions...

"The saint who is intimate with Jesus
will never leave impressions of herself,
but only the impression that Jesus is having
an unhindered way, because the last abyss
of her nature has been satisfied by Him."
--------- Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest♥

Thursday, February 9, 2012

the Strong Willed Child


Blaine has been gifted with a strong will for years, really since he was two years old, but the past three weeks they have become very challenging for us. I have struggled with pride (I haughtily call it humiliation) and frustration when this strong will rears its ugly head, especially in public.   The Lord is so good and has blessed us with a fantastic teacher and dear friend at School, and she tells me he is doing well at school. But at home, sometimes.... well.... I can see the Lord growing Blaine through this. Mike & I pray, seeking our Heavenly Father's will and help, and when Blaine is struggling with wanting his way, (bless his heart) afterwards, he just cries in repentance for his impulsive actions. And then we pray again. The Lord is so faithful. When Blaine is repentant, he will ask "Mommy, why does this happen? Why can't I just obey the first time?" We have talked about how through this the Lord is always with him, and loves him so much-- and how through suffering and struggles, our God is still good -- and has a purpose even though we don't understand. Also how every time we suffer it leads our hearts to think of the cross, and how our merciful Savior endured suffering beyond our understanding. And how as a Mother- I wish I could go through it for him, but the Lord needs for Blaine to grow and learn and to go through this with Jesus himself... In the end it will give him the ability to understand and comfort others later in his life.
You are my hiding place and my shield; I HOPE in your Word.
119:14

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Wednesdays with Blaine: Friends visit from Arkansas!

Joshua, Jonathan and Krisselle
stopped by our house on the
way back to Arkansas

I love these kids!
Best Buddies!
I will miss you!