Friday, April 30, 2010

Don't ya just love spagettii!?!

Then again...
I have to contend with the thoughts that run through my head as I hand over the plate of saucy goodness. "why don't I ever just take the easier route and give him only noodles?" I know all you with children understand and have been through this before. It takes me three times as long to clean up his mess as he took making it. But he just loves to eat and enjoys himself immensely. Apparently there is something quite intriguing about picking noodles off your forehead as they slide down your face. It is rather amusing to watch I have to admit. I neglected to take a picture of the mess that acquired as his plate just happened to slip off his tray and land with a thud on the floor. You can imagine how the sauce splattered! If you thought his hair was red before this incident, you should have seen the Pregu red it turned afterward! Not to mention the amount I found inside his nose and ears!

No seatbelts required!

We worked at clearing trees again yesterday. The kids LOVE riding in Nana's truck to go from one area of the land to another.

Friday, April 23, 2010

Letters from Mom

I remember reading a letter that my dad wrote to me while he was on a ship far from home. I was just a baby when he wrote that letter but I never forgot how it made me feel all those years later. So many things seem to be said better by pen and paper than having to say them aloud. My mom was always really great about leaving little notes and poems and riddles in odd little places where I'd find them later. Those little notes always made me feel so loved and cherished. She took the time to think ahead in order to make me feel special. I'll never forget how that made me feel. In fact, I began a letter-writing ministry, so to speak, to my own children. They are too little to understand now but I hope that in the future they'll look at these words and feel loved and cherished as well. Perhaps even gain a little wisdom and encouragment along the way.
Writing letters was once such a commonplace practice, its seems to have been lost in this generation. I want to remember how I felt in these moments while my children grow. It all flies by so fast. I try to make an effort to slow down and record all those precious times where we've laughed together and enjoyed one another. Putting down my thoughts and feelings during their childhood enables me to leave a legacy, of sorts, to my children and grandchildren. They will know and see God through me in letters even after I am gone. They will know the love I have for them and the joy they bring to me. They will see me as I learn to be closer to God, as I gain wisdom from Him. Whatever vision or truth that dwells in me, I want them to know.
I encourage you today to write a letter. Maybe to your children, parents or friend. They will be so very blessed! And you will be too!

Tucker's liqudation sale!

I don't know if any of you have used Craigs list for buying or selling, but let me tell you that it gets the news out fast! Before Miles goes back offshore we decided to start selling the big pieces of furniture so we will not have too much to store. He put it all on craigs list wednesday night and within two hours he had 90 emails. Everything is sold except our entertainment center. Everything is picked up or will be picked up by Sunday. Can you believe it? It all happened so fast I was having to hunt for suitcases to get clothes out of the dressers before people started arriving to pick them up.
The kids think its great to have so much more room to play in the house.

We have another showing for the house tommorrow. Maybe they'll be the ones!

Thursday, April 22, 2010

He passed!

I have been praying for Miles all morning long. He had a four hour test this morning. He has been studying for two years to obtain his O.H.S.T (Occupational Health ans Safety Technician)cert. He just called with news that HE PASSED!!! Way to go Miles!! I'm so proud of you!!

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Tortured for Christ

I have to recommend that everyone read, Tortured for Christ by Richard Wurmbrand. Its been around for a long time but I've just been recently introduced to it. Its an awesome book about the underground church and persecution of our sisters and brothers in Christ. I have come to the realization that we as free Christians have a responsibilty to those who are not. Afterall, when one part of the body hurts the other parts feel or know, to some degree, that same hurt. We have an obligation "to remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them." (Hebrews 13:3) Let us not forget them that suffer in the beloved name of Christ our Saviour.

We just got back home from a another beautiful day at Shallow Roots. Miles and my dad worked at clearing some of the trees that Miles cut this past Saturday. I took the kids school work with us and they did school on the pinic table. I just love homeschooling!

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Cheeto fingers and Paul Bunyan

We are back from a weekend in Rusk. We've been spending nearly every weekend there. It sure is starting to feel like home and I really hate leaving. We stayed at my parents while they were away on a relaxing, weekend getaway. The girls loved being in charge of taking care of their cat.
Miles(aka Paul Bunyan) spent all day Saturday falling trees to make a place for the RV.

The kids and I, since we really aren't much help, spent the time picnicing and playing. The rain drove us into the back of the SUV during lunch.

Much to her dismay, Maddie was sitted next to her brother. She complained often of his wet, cheeto fingers and the occasional piece of turkey flying her way. The vote was taken and all of us girls voted unanimously to send the little colonel to his stroller to finish his lunch. Afterall, the rain stopped and he was a filthy little fellow.
This morning was spent with my parents, who arrived home early this morning, and my aunt and uncle at our(I say 'our' because it will be soon) home church. It was a wonderful time of reading the word and fellowship with one another. We are in the book of Acts where Peter begins his ministry after Christs accension into heaven. The early churches grew like wild fire and yet were often laughed at, ridiculed, tortured. "Undaunted, the belivers pray for courage and continue living in such a way that the world sits up and takes notice. Those outside the church are startled to see belivers care for one another and share with one another in extravagant ways." " Not even a severe beating at the hands of the council can dampen the fervor of the people of God." "What is the primary goal of the church? Our Lord answered that question by charging us to 'Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you'(Matt. 28:19) The churches primary goal is evangelism. It is to carry on the work begun by the Lord Jesus Christ, whose mission was 'to seek and to save that which is lost'(luke 19:10). That is the only duty of the church that can't be done in heaven."(quotes taken from John Macauthor study book of Acts)
It seems we have it made here in America. We are not persucted, we have a church on every corner down here in the bible belt. And yet there are people all around the world in underground churches in communist countries being put to death, jailed, abused all for the sake of Christ's name. Would my faith be able to withstand such torture? Do you realize what is happening to our fellow sisters and brothers when they accept Jesus as their Saviour? Do you know these churches are growing and people are being saved right and left? They are on FIRE FOR GOD!!!! There is no luke-warm christians here. YOu either are one or aren't. There life in on the line everyday and yet they are so filled with the power of the Holy Spirit that there is only one fear and that is fear/reverance for God the Father. (check out The Voice of the Martyers)
My life is truly lacking. My every breath should be of God and His will. My every thought should be for the lost souls of this world. My every waking moment should be spent with HIm and every word out of my mouth should be filled with the love of the spirit.
Lord, fill me with the boldness and courage that only comes from you. Give me a love for the lost and a deep care for their souls. Fill me, Father, with your Spirit! You alone are creator and ruler over all!

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Adrian Rogers devotional

Seeing through the Eyes of Faith
Devotional thought from the messages of Adrian Rogers

BIBLE MEDITATION:
Matthew 5:8 - "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God."

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT:
Let me tell you how to experience God. Get your heart pure, and you will see God with the eyes of faith. You see, Jesus is not talking about your physical body. You get your spiritual heart right, and your spiritual eye will see. Hebrews 11:27 says that Moses "endured as seeing Him who is invisible." You get your heart right, and you'll see the invisible God...in circumstances...in nature...in the face of your spouse, your child, your grandchild. You'll see Him in the scriptures. God will become a bright, living reality to you.

ACTION POINT:
Put on the eyes of faith today and find God creating and sustaining life. Maybe there is a garden newly abloom with spring flowers. Do you see the hand of God?

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Shallow Roots

Well here it is...our plans. We bought a 31' travel trailer fully equipped with a slide out, four bunks in the back, bathroom, kitchen, living and dining area and a closed off queen sized bed for us.




Our original plan was to up and sell everything and just hit the road and travel the country. Although we still plan a little of that every now and then, God has his way of changing things around a little. And I'm sure glad he does. This new plan sounds so much better!
God placed the idea into my parents heart and mind to be willing to allow us to live on part of their 34 acres of land outside Rusk, Texas. The land has been untouched for years and is a bare slate. The terrain is hilly with deep dry creek beds throughout. Trees abound! You really have to look at the place with freash eyes to see the potential. It is beautiful! My parents are planning on building here as well. You couldn't ask for better neighbors! We have been so thankful for the place we live now, afterall, 12 beautiful acres of already cleared pastures has been a dream come true. There are just some things I've had to come to terms with. All that I'd like to accomplish in reaching our goals of homesteading is just not realistic going at it alone. With Miles gone half the year, I have a hard time maintaining 12 acres, a home, and homeschooling my children, plus the many other things that seem to come up while he's gone. My parents are completely on board in their way of thinking as well. Its awesome to think of how much more we can accomplish working together. And family is definately the greatest of blessings! I want my children to grow up and understand that.
Back to the RV... we have this house and 12 acres up for sell and plan on down-sizing in possessions quite a bit, then we will live on Shallow Roots(the 34 acres) in the RV while we get out of debt(2 more years) and then save up to build our home.
Sounds crazy, doesnt it?! Just think of it as a brand new adventure. You'll have to stick around to hear about all the trials and humor that is bound to come our way. Afterall, just picturing 5 people in a travel trailer for two years with two chickens and two dogs is definately a comedy in the making! Of course the animal critters are not allowed inside!
I am so excited about the progress thats being made at Shallow Roots! Take a look!




A 'Grace to you' devotional

http://www.gty.org/Resources/Devotionals/drawing

You may have to just copy and paste this but it was my morning read and I thought others might enjoy it as well.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Easter

A start of something new

Well here I am. Out in a world I do not know. The computer world...du du duuuu!
However, I realized that many of our family and friends have made requests for us to get on the band wagon in order to better keep in touch. So this is for you!!
Hopefully I do not bore you to death with my ramblings or confuse you altogether with my crazy thoughts and ideas. At least you'll get sneak peaks of how the kiddos are growing and what they are up to.