Some things I've been thinking/learning lately:

• Even though we can often make a so-called mess of our lives, God is sovereign over all of it.  In my quest to read through the Bible I decided to just read straight through instead of following a plan.  Front. To. Back.  It has amazed me how messed up these people of the Bible are.  I mean they made some really stupid mistakes and God still worked His plan.  Every time.  Of course we modern day dummies make some really stupid mistakes too.  And yet God is still working. 
• Veggie Tales will quiet hungry, restless babes when you are sooo close to home but.just.not.there.yet! 
• We all just need a huge dollop of Grace.  From God and then also from each other.  It's hard to offer grace and forgiveness until you realize how much of those two things God has given us. 
• When you find a "kindred spirit", it is a blessing from God.  A true friend is a gift!
• Those same true friends who are there for you in the bad and then rejoice for you in the good is  again, another great gift. 

And it's late so I'm calling it a night.  Goodnight.

Little Women

I LOVED this book!  It was a long one but worth every minute spent reading it. 

I have seen the old AND the new movie version but neither one compares to the book.  Not at all. 

I feel like a different woman after reading it and I have to say I hate myself for not having read it sooner!  Although written in 1868, I found myself relating to these young girls in their experiences and journey to womanhood.  But that isn't surprising since there is "nothing new under the sun". 

"Because they are mean is no reason why I should be.  I hate such things, and though I think I've a right to be hurt, I don't intend to show it.  They will feel that more than angry speeches or huffy actions, won't they, Marmee?" -Amy

"That's the right spirit, my dear; a kiss for a blow is always best, though it's not very easy to give it sometimes," said her mother, with the air of one who had learned the difference between preaching and practising.

Now that I have thoroughly bored every man that may be reading this, I apologize.  :)  It's a great book though and I have plans to make it part of our library soon.  I think Emma will love it and I will definitely read it again.  Many great lessons for life.  Much respect for Louisa May Alcott.

Give Them Grace

Best.  Parenting.  Book.  Ever. 

"Therefore, there will be no rest for my bones or yours unless we listen to the Word of grace and stick to it consistently and faithfully." Martin Luther

How true that is.  How often I forget.

I think I could sit here and quote so many things from this book but I won't.  My fingers would get tired.

If you are serious about your kids, and if you are serious about parenting, then get this book.  You know what?  I think I will read it again.  I need it drilled into my head.  :)

Summertime is coming to a close.

Tomorrow will mark our last week of Summer Vacation.  Honestly I'm not quite sure I'm ready for it! 

It's been a water-filled 3 months with beach time, lake time, and pool time.  I've loved it because last year Beau was too little to do those things.  So I was determined that this year would be full of water and sunshine! 

Mission accomplished. 

It's been a Summer mixed with good times and sad times too.  There has been laughter and fun.  There have been angry tears and broken hearts.  There have been great times with friends. 

And frustrations.

But it's been a good Summer because I think I've grown alot.  I've learned (still learning...do you ever stop?) so much more about parenting.

I've learned more about God's sovereignty in ALL things.  I've learned how He is faithful in the worst of times and the best. 

I've learned that people don't belong on pedastals. 

I've seen the ugliness of pride in many ways and that EVERYONE struggles with it.  And if you don't think you do....well there you have it! 

I've learned more about Gods's grace.  We all need it.  (see above statement)

I've learned that sometimes it's better to keep silent and not be defensive.  Let things go.  People are going to do what they do and say what they say and think what they think.  I just let it roll off like water on a duck's back.

I've become a better runner.  I've discovered a determination in me that I didn't know I had.  Some people might call it stubborn. :)  I prefer DETERMINED.  :0

This has been a Summer that I know I won't forget!

So even though the actual Summer season isn't over for several more weeks yet, school starts for us NEXT week.  I think it will be good for us to get into a routine again although I sometimes like to fly by the seat of my pants.  However I do understand the importance of a schedule!   

I've liked the extra time for blogging.  Hopefully I will still keep up with it.  It's been fun. 

Thankyou for those who have prayed about our situation with the land.  A couple of weeks ago we received a call from the state EPA (an attorney working for them).  He met Cory out there at the land to see what was going on and is now working on our case.  This happened right after my most recent post about the land.  We also found out that we will not be held responsible for what the previous owner had done.  Very good news!  Just thought I would let you know.  So thankyou for praying and please keep it up!

All to us (turn off the music on the side of the page first)

We sang this song during the worship part of our service at church today.  I love this song.  So I thought I would share it if you haven't already heard it before. 


I have a few trials in my life right now and this is a great reminder about WHO it's all about.  It's not about me.  It's not about you.  It's about Jesus. 


You know, I try to be positive in the things I write about and the things I speak.  If I come across as sounding like nothing bad ever happens to me then that would be completely ridiculous.  If God sends/allows these trials into my life I can be sure that He is going to bring good out of it.  He is going to get the glory.  AND I'm going to grow by leaps and bounds because of it. 


So yes, I have several things going on in my life right now.  I have had some major disappointments.  God is in control of it.  Romans 8:28!  He's going to bring good out of it.


I know many of you sincerely care about me, some of you love me.  God has blessed me with some great friends and family though to stand by my side even if they are hurting with their own trials. 


1 Corinthians 10:31 "So whether you eat or drink, or WHATEVER you do, do all to the glory of God."
I hope that from now on this blog will do just that.  I'll continue to write about a variety of things but I hope that this blog never brings dishonor to God. 

SOLI  DEO  GLORIA

Romans 11:33

Oh, the depth of the riches both of Your wisdom and knowledge, O God!  How unsearchable are Your judgements and Your ways are past finding out.  Your greatness cannot be imagined.  You are greater than all language, and no words can express your majesty.  You are above all, outside of all, and beyond all I can even imagine.  You are without limits.  When I speak of You I cannot refer to amount or size or weight, for You are beyond measure.  You are not less or more, large or small.  You are simply God, the infinite One.  A human mind has no capacity to comprehend You.  What I can do is praise, adore, and worship You. ~Robert Savage~

God is God.  We are created beings.  We will never understand all of God's ways.  We are not meant to.  We are to love Him, trust Him, and worship Him.  When life doesn't make sense, He is in complete control.  Completely and wholly in control. 

Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.

Things I've learned lately....

• Happy times CAN go hand in hand with sad times.
• The pure kindness of a stranger with a servant's heart is humbling.
• My mom is the strongest and godliest woman I know.
• Life moves full speed ahead once you have kids!
• Kids always have more fun when mom or dad play with them.
• I'm very greatful that my parents gave my braces when I was a kid! :)
• Everyone needs prayer even though you may think they have it all together. 
• Nobody has it ALL together. 
• None of us would choose Christ if not for His calling in our hearts.  We would all run as far and as hard towards hell as we could. (thanks to Pastor Larry Malmet for that one on Sunday)
• I told my Dad when I was just a girl, "I love you so much, I just can't stop."  It's remains true. 
• I Love Lucy NEVER gets old. :)
• I want to make great memories for my kids because my greatest childhood memories are of when I was just their age. 
• I am thankful for my simple, innocent, play-filled childhood.
• I LOVE fun surprises!!  
• This post has to end sometime so now is a good time as ever.  Until next time.....