Fridays at my House

Ok, so I'm a day late and probably a dollar short as well. Here is the latest posting of my home. It is my Hoosier cabinet/desk. I bought this piece about 3 years ago at the antique store. I love Hoosier cabinets. If I had the room I would collect them. This one was in my sunroom until this spring. The desk that I had was too small and I needed something bigger. So in came the trusty Hoosier. The tabletop comes out for my laptop. And there's lots of drawer and cabinet space to hide all the "stuff".

Have a great week!!

Blessings,

Theresa

"Beautiful in God's Eyes

I have been reading the book "Beautiful in God's Eyes" by Elizabeth George. I highly recommend this book to any woman that wishes to honor God by becoming a true Proverbs 31 woman. The author writes in such a way as to inspire and to make this goal actually appear achievable. I find myself encouraged to change and rethink my values and goals in this area. Each of the 24 chapters is based on a part of Proverbs 31:10-31. And each of these chapters are full of challenges for each woman to evaluate.

The two challenges I am working on right now are: 1) To grow in emotional stability and 2) To know that my husband in assured in my loyalty. Emotional stability is tough for me right now because I feel as if I am controlled by my horomones instead of me controlling them. This is most likely not going to be a challenge I will master overnight. Loyalty is a checklist that I need to evaluate. Elizabeth lists 10 different areas in which a wife must be loyal to her husband: money, children, home, reputation, fidelity, emotions, happiness, wisdom, conduct and love. I believe that I have earned a passing grade in some of these areas, but others need work.

These are just two of the challenges listed in the first 4 chapters. That's the nice thing about this book - each woman will be challenged differently based on her own strenghts and weaknesses and her current personal situation. Please pray for me as I strive to be a better wife and mom.

Blessings,

Theresa

Just a Thought

Words to Live By: Truth

The Flower Gardens

I was feeling kind of artsy today, so I went outside to take some pictures. Here are various pictures of flowers from my gardens. Enjoy!

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Fridays at my House

Here are some pictures of our latest acquisition. A wooden picnic table for the pocket prince and princess. It's just the right size for them to eat at during all our summer BBQs. These are pictures of our little pocket princess “helping” her daddy stain the table. Have a great week.

Theresa

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STEPPING UP 2009

Stepping Up 2009 was fantastic. Nick, Laurel, and Will all received their Stepping Up Certificates. And, of course, Alex and Don graduated. The theme for the night was “Black & White”. The Senior graduates all wore tuxedos (sooooo handsome) and for graduation they wore black gowns. The 8th grade graduates had white gowns. The Youth Temple at Ocean Grove was splendid with the white & black decorations. It was nice to see that even most of the family members dressed in the theme colors. Stu Hooten was a great host, who kept things moving right along. The talent portion of the night was excellent. It’s so nice to see these wonderfully talented homeschoolers displaying their skills. Don & Will participated by playing “As a Deer” on keyboard & guitar. Thanks to everyone who made it such a great night!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

 

The Graduates

On Friday, May 15th, Alex & Don graduated from high school. I can’t begin to tell you how proud Tom & I are. Its hard to believe that two of my little boys have grown into such wonderful, handsome, moral young men. They both are hard-workers, very responsible, full of character and both have a love for God and Jesus that shines through all that they do.

Boys,

We love you and we can’t wait to see God has planned for your lives. May you be blessed in all that you do.

Love,

Mom & Dad

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Wisdom

Here is something I wrote for a friend's 40th birthday. I thought that I would post it here for everyone to read.

As you begin the second half of your life, remember that the purpose of the first half was to earn the wisdom to truly enjoy the rest of your life.

During the first part of our life we thought that:
- it’s our life;
- we were important;
- treasures were what we could touch, see and feel;
- family was nice;
- life was to be spent anticipating the “special moments”;
- prayer was good;
- it was necessary to prove ourselves worthy to others;
- wisdom came from books; and
- things could be better.

For the second half we know that:
- it’s not really about us;
- none of us are more important than the rest;
- true treasures are stored in our hearts and in heaven;
- family is a thing of true value;
- each moment is itself to be valued;
- prayer can move mountains;
- we must seek God in all things, because we can’t handle anything;
- God’s opinion is the only one that counts;
- wisdom can only come from God and living the life He has given us;
- things can definitely be worse.

During the first part of our life we took our youth and vitality and gave them over to life experiences (also known as mistakes) - these will now give way wisdom. The wisdom to know that life is about something bigger than all of us, yet all of us contribute to the whole.

We have gained the wisdom to love better,
laugh harder,
enjoy each day as it comes, and
admit that we really don’t have a clue.

Enjoy the wisdom of the second part of your life.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award me on that day -- and not only me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

-2 Timothy 4:7-8

Consider it pure joy my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of you faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

-James 1:2-4

Just A Thought

Words to Live By, Wisdom

I'm Back

Sorry to all those waiting for me to post. Once the extended family went home after graduation I just collapsed. Then I had a sick day and then I went to a wonderful friends 40th birthday party. Oh, and we are trying to finish up our school for the year. Our schedule says next week - I DON'T THINK SO! Oh well, I'm here and I have lots of posts for you. Enjoy!

Theresa

Just a Thought

Words to Live By: Love

Fridays at My House

Sorry, I guess it's better late than never. I've been dodging the rain drops working outside trying to get all the gardening done. Hopefully I'll have those posts for you early next week. Anyway, back to business. Here is one of my newer acquisitions. Of course the cabinet came from the antique store in Englishtown. Where else does one shop for great furniture like this? (FYI - Donny has already asked for this piece as part of his inheritance - LOL - I just got it!) I bought it thinking it might go in the entrance way but ended up putting it in the corner of the living room behind the loveseat. I love it here. It's a great little piece - just the right size to keep all my tea cups and dessert plates. I also put a picture here of the bookcase next to the loveseat. This has become one of my favorite areas in the house. See you next Friday (or thereabouts - graduation is next week!!)

Blessings,

Theresa

Just a Thought

Words to Live By, Family

Are You Tired of Being Afraid?

I am. I’m tired of people trying to run my life (and yours too) by fear. The government and the media have taken on the role of Chicken Little – everyday they bombard us with messages that are basically the same “The sky is falling, the sky is falling!” The economy, disease, global warming (or is it global cooling now?), unrest, etc., etc., etc. We have become a nation controlled by fear. Does anyone else wonder what they’re doing behind the curtain of fear? What it is that they’re trying to hide from us while we all run around trying to avert the next disaster? As Christians we have no reason to be afraid, in fact, if the sky truly is falling shout “AMEN” - ‘cause that means Jesus is coming! There is no reason to live without hope, without peace. We have no need to be scared and afraid. We have no need to hide, we have work to do! You see some day the sky really will fall, Jesus will come back and people will be lost. Lost because we were so afraid of disaster that we stopped sharing the gospel.

Yes, bad things happen here. This is not a perfect world, in fact it is a fallen one. After Adam and Eve had sinned, this is what God said to Adam:

"Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil
you will eat of it all the days of your life. It will produce thorns and
thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. By the
sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; fro dust you are and to dust you will return."
Genesis 3: 17b-19.

You see, not only did God pronounce a curse on Satan, Adam, and Eve; he also pronounced a curse upon the world, this world. Perfection here does not, cannot and will not exist. The Garden of Eden is gone and we must deal with the consequences. Why are we still looking here for what cannot be found? Wishing isn't going to do it, dreaming isn't going to do it, praying isn't going to do it - heck, even Larry the Cable Guy can't git 'er done. Sickness, death, destruction, sadness, sorrow, all exist upon this earth and will continue to do so until Jesus returns and God makes a new heaven and a new earth. These are the working conditions that God has placed us in. He also gave us the tools to deal with them.

Be smart, take precautions, be good stewards, help your fellow brothers and sisters in need. But don’t be afraid. Fear is a tool of the enemy. Satan uses fear to keep us from fulfilling the will of God. And not fulfilling God’s will is probably the one thing that we should be afraid of! Take heart, trust in the promises of God, call on him and He shall answer you. Peace and hope are yours for the taking. Ask and you shall receive. Proclaim the gospel without fear so that when the sky truly does fall and Jesus returns people shall not be afraid and lost, they shall rejoice at going home.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4

The LORD is my light and my salvation - whom shall fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid? When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident. Psalm 27:1-3

I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. Psalm 27:13-14

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." Psalm 91:1-2

You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand my fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. Psalm 91:5-7

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not put out the Spirit's fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on the the good. Avoid every kind of evil. May God himself, the God of peace; sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1Thess 5:16-23

Friday at My House

I have to let you in on a 'little' secret. There's something that I haven't told you. So before you get too comfortable coming to my house, I'm going to share something with you. You see....well, its just that....ummm....okay.... I live with

THE BOYS!

Let me introduce you to:

LEVI

NOAH & LAZARUS

What can I say? In our family we like big dogs. My girl friend says they're ponies. Ha! They are just sweet, loveable, cuddly dogs. Levi is a Mastiff. Mastiff's are hubby's favorite. He'd have a dozen if it were possible. Lazarus is mostly Alex's dog he is a Lab/Great Dane mix that we rescued. Noah is mine - he is a Great Dane. Believe it or not, he is still a puppy so he hasn't quite reached full-size.

Well, now that you now my 'little' secret, I still hope you'll stop by next Friday to spend some time at my house. See ya!

T

Just a Thought

Words to Live By: Faith

Impromptu Gifts

I received an impromptu gift from a special friend the other day. She handed me this wonderful pink basket and when I looked inside I found two beautiful green teacups and a great card. No real reason - she had gone to an estate sale, saw the cups, and knew they would match my kitchen. Perfectly, I might add.

To me these are the best kind of gifts. The ones that are given just because. There's no special occasion, no huge hemming and hawing to determine if this is the right gift. It is the right gift "because". I saw these and they reminded me of you.

It is this type of gift that can give us a lot of insight into how others see us. How well do they know us. What types of things make them think of us - what things remind them of us? Beautiful teacups (definitely me) or a picture of chickens running around the barnyard (not me at all - at least I hope not!) Of course, they can also tell us how some people don't know us at all. " So you saw these lime green go-go boots and you thought I would just love to have them? Hmmm..." LOL

Yep, I love impromptu gifts 'cause even though not a lot of thought may have gone into them; the ones that did are actually the best thoughts of all.

Thanks A. You're the best!

Why I Love My Church

Our family is so blessed by our church. The wonderful people - the things they are willing to do. Anytime we have a special event at least 90% of the people show up. Now that's buy-in. Once a year we close our doors and go into the community to perform acts of service. Faith-in-Action Sunday. The motto: "Don't Go to Church; Be the Church"

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Well we had ours this past Sunday in preparation for World Changers in July. These guys worked real hard in 90 degree heat. I stayed home with the littles but papa and the biggers worked really hard. The 3 boys had spent the night at church with the other teens preparing for their World Changers mission trip. They were exhausted after only getting 1 1/2 hours of sleep (live and learn!). Here's a video of these wonderful people at work.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gL2Mk7u4Oc

PS. Can you guess which one is the pastor? *wink*

Judging our Reflection

We went to a friend's house for dinner on Sunday. When we got there I beheld the full "effect" of my 12yo dd's outfit. To say it clashed would be putting it mildly. :) Now I didn't get to see her before we left the house because all 8 of us were trying to get ready at the same time and she went out to the car while I was still blowdrying my hair. (I do believe that that move was on purpose) When I asked hubby about it he said that he didn't see that hat and the shoes (Fashion police he is not!) Anyway, I digress..... Later I was going to have a "talk" with her and the first question I was going to ask was 'Didn't you look in the mirror?', and then I realized - I never gave her a mirror to look into. No wall mirror, no full length mirror, nothing, nada. The only mirror she has to look into is the one in the bathroom and because of its height, I doubt she can see below her neck. Well, that ended that "conversation" right there. The failure with her not properly evaluating her image lay not at her feet but at mine. How can I ask her to inspect her image when I have not provided her with the proper tools to do the job?

That got me to thinking, what other tools have I failed to equip my daughter with? This is what God laid on my heart- As my daughter grows and matures into a beautiful young lady, have I given her the proper tools with which to judge her Christian image - her walk with the Lord? Now before I continue, please understand I'm not saying that we should go around judging others. I do, however, think that it is important for us to each inspect our own personal walk. And while our walks may be different, the mirror that we use isn't. The Bible states that we were all created in the image of God. "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." (Gen 1:27) We are the reflection of God - when others look at us they are to see a reflection of God. Yet how can we say how well we are doing if we don't have a mirror. Our mirror is this - the knowledge of God. To examine our 'appearance' we must know ALL of God to see if we are a proper reflection of Him. A partial knowledge won't do - with that we can only judge a portion of our reflection (The hair might look good - but you can't see the run in the stockings. And, oh by the way, did I mention that the shoes don't match?) :) The knowledge must also be true. Our knowledge cannot be based on what others say or feel about God. What does God say about God? He, and He alone, is our standard bearer. False information produces a distorted image. Its like looking at your reflection in water - you look pretty good and then when you actually look in a real mirror you see the smudges of mascara under your eyes, the hairs that weren't really in place, the smudge of chocolate on your face from where the baby touched you. You judge your appearance on an inaccurate reflection - looks good until presented with the truth.

In this I have failed my daughter (and my other children, as well) . Have I fully equipped them to accurately judge their own spiritual appearance? Oh, I've given them Bible knowledge and tried my best to train them up in the Lord - but when was the last time I took the time to see how accurately assess how each was processing this knowledge? And what about the thoughts, ideas, feelings and reflections of others? Has this information permeated their knowledge and distorted their spiritual image? When have I sought God's advice or counsel on this? I've blindly gone about giving them spiritual knowledge; but never have I asked God if they are properly processing that knowledge. Oh LORD, how many time have I attributed their behavior to sin, when the fault was actually mine? For failing to provide them with the proper equipment with which to judge their spiritual reflection. For not noticing the things that may have distorted the truth. Please forgive me.

So now I have two things to do this week. #1 is easy - buy my dd a full-length mirror so she can accurately inspect her physical image before leaving her room. #2 is a bit harder; to prayerfully consult God and ask Him to reveal to me knowledge of him that my children may be lacking and to also reveal to me any distortions that they may have. Then I shall also ask that he guide me in correcting these distortions. Please pray for me, I think this may only be the tip of the iceberg, so to speak.

Blessings,

Theresa

Friday at My House

I've decided that every Friday I will post a picture of something (or someplace) in my house. So seeing that this is the first Friday post we'll start with:

the entrance way.

Its not overly large but it serves it's purpose. The topiary is a new addition. I felt that something was needed to fill up the corner. Last week I changed the house over to spring decor. So away went the heavier pieces and out came the crisp white linens and crystal. I love having the sun reflect off the different pieces. My favorite piece in this area is the pink depression glass plate and bowl that sit on the silver platter. Every entrance way needs a catch-all for car keys, etc. You can't tell by the picture but the bowl and the walls are almost the same color. Oh well, see you next Friday.

Spring is in the Air!

Spring is in the air and it is time to start working. This afternoon, Laurel and I, began to work on our garden. (No pictures, I don't really find dirt all that interesting LOL) We planted lavender, thyme, basil, oregano, dill, rosemary, chives, beans, cucumbers, squash, lettuce, and peppers. About 100 seed pots in all. During the next 3 weeks we will continue to plant the seed pots so that the harvest will be spaced out. The next step is to have the boys build me some raised beds to transfer the seedlings into. Hopefully those will get done next week. I also bought some shrubs, roses and hydrangeas for the front garden. I'm beginning to see what has come back from last year. Certain areas will need some filling in. Hopefully the weather will be nice enough this weekend for me to work on it.

I recently bought the book 'The Backyard Homestead' and I am excited to try my hand at backyard homesteading. The book covers how to supply your needs on 1/4 of an acre. While I don't think I'll be taking it that far (the neighbors would probably frown on a corn/wheat field in the front yard and chickens running around the house - this is suburbia after all) I do hope to at least have enough fresh herbs and vegetables to take through the summer.

Oh me!

I found this quote today and it gave me an 'Oh me' moment.....

A real Christian is the person who can give his pet parrot to the town gossip.

- Billy Graham

Wow, if I had a pet parrot would I want the town gossip to get a hold of it? Uh.... NO! To have those weak moments revealed. The ones were I lose my Christianity (you know what I mean) and say how I really feel about someone, and there is no love involved. Or that moment when just one kid too many makes a request and I let them know exactly how I would like to respond to their request. Yes, I will admit, patience is definitely a virtue that I am still working on. I have impatience down pretty good though. (Um... is that something to brag about? Ooops :) ) Or better yet when my darling husband does something that I don't agree with and I choose not to hold my tongue and get a 'bit' snarky. Yeah, right about now I'm really glad I'm not a bird person. So please, I don't care how cute you think it is, no parrots for birthdays or Christmas. Nope, no way, no thanks, please let me have the return receipt. Honestly, I don't know who the town gossip is but I do know that for now, I'm not taking any chances with the parrot.

Well I'm off to my corner now. I have a verse I need to memorize and start putting into practice.

He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.

- Proverbs 13:3

Don's 18th Birthday Party

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

We had Don's birthday party on Friday. He chose "retro '70s" for his theme. It was great seeing all the kids dressed up and having fun. I really love this group of kids. They are such fun and never give us any kind of trouble. They are what kids are meant to be - blessings.

All the kids received a blank t-shirt and white bandana. They had a great time making tie-dye shirts and coloring their bandanas. We opted not to make cake - just had a lot of cupcakes, bags of icing and decorations. The kids then made their own cupcakes to order. (Actually it was more like the girls decorated and the boys ate! Those boys are sooooo spoiled.)

Of course, at the end of the night the fire pit was lit and the guitars came out. Can you all say "kumbuyah"? LOL! :)

A Sonnet To Heavenly Beauty

If this our little life is but a day

In the Eternal, --if the years in vain

Toil after hours that never come again,-

If everything that hath been must decay,

Why dreamest thou of joys that pass away,

My soul, that my sad body doth restrain?

Why of the moment's pleasure art thou fain?

Nay, thou hast wings,--nay, seek another stay.

There is the joy whereto each soul aspires,

And there the rest that all the world desires,

And there is love, and peace, and gracious mirth;

And there in the most highest heavens shalt thou

Behold the Very Beauty, whereof now

Thou worshippest the shadow upon earth.

-DuBellay (1550)

Welcome

Welcome friends and family to my new blog. Along with my musings and ramblings I will be posting about the "goings-ons" of our family. As the kids get older and more independent it is getting harder to keep up with them all. I'll admit, this page is as much for them as it is for you. Hopefully if I keep everything in one place it won't get so lost (lol). I hope you all enjoy following along with our family as we live it out for the Lord.

Blessings,

Theresa

Another Birthday Today!

Will
Happy 17th Birthday

Don Is 18!!!!

Don

Happy 18th Birthday

Goofing off.....

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

This is a scrapbook of the boys and their friends when we went out to dinner. Unfortunately there are no pictures of Alex. He was the brains behind the lens. Its fun to see good friends having fun together.