The girls helped make the cake.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Happy Birthday Travis!!!
We had a great day celebrating Travis today! We went to an indoor water park with my parents and a friend of ours and her youngest daughter. We all had a blast! Travis actually fell asleep in the lazy river!
The girls helped make the cake.
The girls helped make the cake.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Shallow Roots here we come!
Playing under the shade of a mimosa tree. The girls are practicing their campfire making skills!
We were surrounded by butterflies!
Trying her skills at climbing that very same mimosa tree. 
Here is the driveway back to our home site.
Miles loaded these giant boulders for me. I think later I'd like to use them in flower beds.
Taking a break from the dirt to tailgate! Its actually a great playpen! As long as you're parked in the shade.
Alright, you may have to use your imagination a little on this one...this is a con ex box( you know the back of a semi-truck). We bought one and my parents are going to buy another. They are 40ft long and 8ft wide. We'll have a 15ft open area between the two and a steel roof welded onto the top to combine the boxes on either side of the opening. We will also have doors and windows and electricity to each 'box'. And of course they'll be painted barn red! This will be the barn, shop and gardening shed all in one. Right now this will be our storage unit.
Later on at Nana's house...catching tad poles!
You see all those little black dots? Yep, those are all tadpoles. Nana is none too happy about them taking over her fountain but the girls were THRILLED! They're exact words, "Oh Maddie come look, they're so precious!" And Maddie's response, with her hands to her cheeks, "Aren't they just adorable!"
We were surrounded by butterflies!
Trying her skills at climbing that very same mimosa tree. 
Here is the driveway back to our home site.
Miles loaded these giant boulders for me. I think later I'd like to use them in flower beds.
Taking a break from the dirt to tailgate! Its actually a great playpen! As long as you're parked in the shade.
Alright, you may have to use your imagination a little on this one...this is a con ex box( you know the back of a semi-truck). We bought one and my parents are going to buy another. They are 40ft long and 8ft wide. We'll have a 15ft open area between the two and a steel roof welded onto the top to combine the boxes on either side of the opening. We will also have doors and windows and electricity to each 'box'. And of course they'll be painted barn red! This will be the barn, shop and gardening shed all in one. Right now this will be our storage unit.
Later on at Nana's house...catching tad poles!
You see all those little black dots? Yep, those are all tadpoles. Nana is none too happy about them taking over her fountain but the girls were THRILLED! They're exact words, "Oh Maddie come look, they're so precious!" And Maddie's response, with her hands to her cheeks, "Aren't they just adorable!"
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Its HOTTER than two goats in a pepper patch!!!!
So the beach ball sprinkler found its way onto the trampoline!
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Why we've decided to 'home church'
I know that I've mentioned before that we home church when we're in Rusk. I never have elaborated on way we chose to do so when there is a 'church' on every corner down here in the south. I think I'll take this time to tell you all about it now.
I am going to list just a few of the primary reasons that come from a great website homechurchhelp.com and then I will fill in my families convictions and my own thoughts on the matter. I just really like the way this guy puts it. His words are in bold.
1. Home Church is Biblical. How often have you read in the bible that Jesus taught in so many different places? Many times they were on seashores, seated in the grass, in homes. People passing by on their way would stop on the road to listen to Jesus speak. Was this a church meeting? Of course! The bible says that when two or more are gathered there He is in the midst of them. I fully believe this! I believe that a church meeting is anytime two or more get together in fellowship and open up their bibles together to learn to grow in Him. I don't care if its Sunday morning at 9:30 or Tuesday at 2:00 in the afternoon, that is still a church meeting.
2.The essence of Christianity is easily accomplished in a simple and uncomplicated setting. We don't have to worry about the pew colors or whether or not the budget allows for a better piano. All we are about is Jesus! The simplicity opens doors for everyone, just the way they are, to learn more of Jesus. And not only learn of him but grow in a relationship with him! It also allows for spontaneity. In allowing the holy spirit to lead, amazing things can happen!
3. Group participation with all people functioning should be the primary dynamic of any church meeting (1 Cor. chapter 14)This is the backbone of any church meeting. The home church holds us accountable to be in his word. Each and everyone of us have a gift or gifts to bring. Your gift might be that of compassion and one meeting all you do is mentor and cry with a fellow christian who might be hurting. Letting God use you in the way He sees fit, that is another exciting aspect of home church. You don't have to wait until service is over to wrap your arm around somebody.
4. Connecting with others and developing meaningful relationships is easily accomplished in a home church atmosphere. In today's society of cell phones, texting, and email it seems that all the intimacy has been lost. Being a part of a home church allows us a better opportunity to be together and develop true bonds. Sometimes in life God doesn't answer us right away. Even though we know He's always with us there will still be trouble. There are always valleys. How much better is it to have God's people gathered around you in those times? I haven't many close friends but I do know the ones I can call when God seems far away and the mountains get hard to climb. I don't need the building in those times, do I? No, its the people.
5. "Being the church" and sharing life together in community with others, instead of just attending a meeting, is the desire and purpose of most people who home church. I'm a believer in our Lord Jesus Christ! I'm saved through his grace! Nothing can change that! Hallelujah and Amen!! Which also means that I'm a christian, not just on Sunday, but every day! 24 hours a day and 7 days a week I am a christian. My life and all that I am. Every breath a take is in Him. I am His and he is mine. He wants all of me. So here I am Lord! Not just on Sunday! We ARE the living and breathing temple of God!
Another point I'd like to make is this. Tithing- according to tradiontal churches we are all meant to give 10%. That is actually an old testament requirement. New Testament churches did not need money. They ran on the power of the Holy Spirit. They ran on passion! They were alive! And they grew! Our modern traditional churches are mostly void of life, in order to fill the pews they crank up the hype. New this , new that, prettier this, prettier that, more of this more of that. In order to fund all this they chose to keep the old testament requirement of 10%. Because Jesus overcame the old covenant by becoming the final and ultimate sacrifice, he no longer requires a tenth of our income, he requires it ALL! All I have is his. If he asks us to give $100 towards printing bibles in Africa, there it will go. The next month he might want us to buy groceries for the family behind us in the grocery store, that will be done. What it comes down to, for us, is that all we have God gave to us so in return we'll give how much and to where he wants us. There is no electricity bill or pastor to pay so the WHOLE amount goes to furthering God's kingdom.
We will be in the community we live in as the living and breathing 'church'. And we believe we can touch many more lives by being open to running wild with the Holy Spirit!
I also LOVE having my children with me in church and not pushed aside as if they're a nuisance. I know, from reading the bible, that Jesus loved children and that they were there listening to him speak. Children retain a lot more than we adults give them credit for. They are always learning and Miles and I want to be the ones to guide them towards a spiritual walk with the Lord. I don;t want to rely on the sunday school teacher or youth leader to do, what I see, as being MY job.
I, in no way, am a disgrutled church-goer who is just into the newest fad. This is where God is leading us. I have nothing againist church buildings and I know many wonderful believers who attend them. We have just felt we've been missing something and believe that now we've found it.
I am going to list just a few of the primary reasons that come from a great website homechurchhelp.com and then I will fill in my families convictions and my own thoughts on the matter. I just really like the way this guy puts it. His words are in bold.
1. Home Church is Biblical. How often have you read in the bible that Jesus taught in so many different places? Many times they were on seashores, seated in the grass, in homes. People passing by on their way would stop on the road to listen to Jesus speak. Was this a church meeting? Of course! The bible says that when two or more are gathered there He is in the midst of them. I fully believe this! I believe that a church meeting is anytime two or more get together in fellowship and open up their bibles together to learn to grow in Him. I don't care if its Sunday morning at 9:30 or Tuesday at 2:00 in the afternoon, that is still a church meeting.
2.The essence of Christianity is easily accomplished in a simple and uncomplicated setting. We don't have to worry about the pew colors or whether or not the budget allows for a better piano. All we are about is Jesus! The simplicity opens doors for everyone, just the way they are, to learn more of Jesus. And not only learn of him but grow in a relationship with him! It also allows for spontaneity. In allowing the holy spirit to lead, amazing things can happen!
3. Group participation with all people functioning should be the primary dynamic of any church meeting (1 Cor. chapter 14)This is the backbone of any church meeting. The home church holds us accountable to be in his word. Each and everyone of us have a gift or gifts to bring. Your gift might be that of compassion and one meeting all you do is mentor and cry with a fellow christian who might be hurting. Letting God use you in the way He sees fit, that is another exciting aspect of home church. You don't have to wait until service is over to wrap your arm around somebody.
4. Connecting with others and developing meaningful relationships is easily accomplished in a home church atmosphere. In today's society of cell phones, texting, and email it seems that all the intimacy has been lost. Being a part of a home church allows us a better opportunity to be together and develop true bonds. Sometimes in life God doesn't answer us right away. Even though we know He's always with us there will still be trouble. There are always valleys. How much better is it to have God's people gathered around you in those times? I haven't many close friends but I do know the ones I can call when God seems far away and the mountains get hard to climb. I don't need the building in those times, do I? No, its the people.
5. "Being the church" and sharing life together in community with others, instead of just attending a meeting, is the desire and purpose of most people who home church. I'm a believer in our Lord Jesus Christ! I'm saved through his grace! Nothing can change that! Hallelujah and Amen!! Which also means that I'm a christian, not just on Sunday, but every day! 24 hours a day and 7 days a week I am a christian. My life and all that I am. Every breath a take is in Him. I am His and he is mine. He wants all of me. So here I am Lord! Not just on Sunday! We ARE the living and breathing temple of God!
Another point I'd like to make is this. Tithing- according to tradiontal churches we are all meant to give 10%. That is actually an old testament requirement. New Testament churches did not need money. They ran on the power of the Holy Spirit. They ran on passion! They were alive! And they grew! Our modern traditional churches are mostly void of life, in order to fill the pews they crank up the hype. New this , new that, prettier this, prettier that, more of this more of that. In order to fund all this they chose to keep the old testament requirement of 10%. Because Jesus overcame the old covenant by becoming the final and ultimate sacrifice, he no longer requires a tenth of our income, he requires it ALL! All I have is his. If he asks us to give $100 towards printing bibles in Africa, there it will go. The next month he might want us to buy groceries for the family behind us in the grocery store, that will be done. What it comes down to, for us, is that all we have God gave to us so in return we'll give how much and to where he wants us. There is no electricity bill or pastor to pay so the WHOLE amount goes to furthering God's kingdom.
We will be in the community we live in as the living and breathing 'church'. And we believe we can touch many more lives by being open to running wild with the Holy Spirit!
I also LOVE having my children with me in church and not pushed aside as if they're a nuisance. I know, from reading the bible, that Jesus loved children and that they were there listening to him speak. Children retain a lot more than we adults give them credit for. They are always learning and Miles and I want to be the ones to guide them towards a spiritual walk with the Lord. I don;t want to rely on the sunday school teacher or youth leader to do, what I see, as being MY job.
I, in no way, am a disgrutled church-goer who is just into the newest fad. This is where God is leading us. I have nothing againist church buildings and I know many wonderful believers who attend them. We have just felt we've been missing something and believe that now we've found it.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Its coming right along
Everything is happening so fast. My goodness. We've sold the rest of the furniture that we planned on getting rid of. We have a couple picking up the last of it tomorrow if all goes well. Our closing date is set for the 29th. We meet with the electrician and septic guys on Wednesday out at Shallow Roots to get all that ready. We also get our shed in that same day. We still have to put up a fence for the dogs which may also happen on Wednesday. I have a good friend taking whats left out of our chicken flock. I had planned on moving with them but decided that would just be too much and we plan on building a coop for more laying hens later on anyway. We'll definitely be getting more once we're settled. Hopefully my girls want miss those girls too much!
Once the shed gets in we'll be able to start moving things into it. Our garage sale will be the last weekend in June. I'm really looking forward to simplifying. My house is a mess with piles of stuff to go in one of three directions, shed, RV, and sale. I'll really be ready when things start settling down a bit.
Once the shed gets in we'll be able to start moving things into it. Our garage sale will be the last weekend in June. I'm really looking forward to simplifying. My house is a mess with piles of stuff to go in one of three directions, shed, RV, and sale. I'll really be ready when things start settling down a bit.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Showdown
We all had to drop what we were doing this morning to watch the showdown. The contenders-a puppy hienz57 and a white tail deer.
It all began at the pond...
And continued on towards the house. The dog was the one backing up little by little.
And the winner is...
Why, you might ask, was this beautiful creature so aggressive and territorial. Well, everyone knows you don't come between a mama and her baby.
This little guy was so quiet and still that Miles nearly stepped on him out by the water. The pair eventually ran off into the woods away from our prying eyes.
It all began at the pond...
And continued on towards the house. The dog was the one backing up little by little.
And the winner is...
Why, you might ask, was this beautiful creature so aggressive and territorial. Well, everyone knows you don't come between a mama and her baby.
This little guy was so quiet and still that Miles nearly stepped on him out by the water. The pair eventually ran off into the woods away from our prying eyes.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus...
Just to take him at his word.
What a beautiful hymn! I've been teaching this to the girls lately and was recently reminded of how sweet it really is if we but trust him and take him at his word. I have a confession to make. I have such little faith sometimes, when I know I should leap I just stand still. What blessings I've missed out on! If only I'd shared with others! What makes us back down from telling others what God has done for us? I'll tell you what it is for me anyway. I'm afraid of what people will think and in the back of my mind I wonder, "was that really God speaking to me, or just my positive thinking?" You see, lack of faith. Back when we put this house on the market and began this adventure of moving to Shallow Roots, God spoke to me very clearly. All this would take place before summers end He told me. Now a righteous and godly woman, much like Mary, the mother of our Lord would do something much different than I myself. When she was visited by the angel Gabriel and told of God's plan for her, what did she say but that she was the Lord's servant and "may it be to me as you have said." And as she met with Elizabeth her cousin who rejoiced in knowing through the Holy Spirit that Mary had become the chosen one to bear the Saviour of the world. Do you remember what Elizabeth said," Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished." What incredible faith!! Of course nothing stands up to such a wonderful miracle, I'm just using these righteous women as an example. Do you know who I told? my church? my friends? a total stranger? No I only brought myself to tell my mother and Miles. And even then I felt a little foolish about it. And perhaps you're thinking well she tells us all now because it has come to pass and she wants to prove she was right. Oh no! I want to prove God right!! And I want to confess to all my lack of trust to perhaps not ever be so unsure and faithless again. And encourage everyone to tell others what God has done! What it is that's lacking is total connection! You see if I heard or should I say allow myself to hear God's voice more often there would be no doubt as to who is speaking to me. I would KNOW who it was immediately! There has to be discernment and only that comes from the Holy Spirit! I should have rejoiced from the getgo as to what God was accomplishing in our lives! I should have told everyone around me who was sceptical about the house selling quickly in today's economy that there was no need to worry! I knew what God was going to do! I guess part of me was thinking, "but what if for some reason this really doesn;t come to pass and then I really will look foolish." What does that sound like to you? To me it sounds like, YEAH YOU GUESSED IT... LACK OF FAITH!
Alright this has already becoming longer than I had anticipated. To clear all that mumble jumble up a little, we have a buyer for the house. We had some things to fix according to the contract, like the water heater and A/C unit. We should be closing this month sometime. It seems that there is a little cash register in my mind saying, ca ching ca ching, the only problem is that its all going out and not coming in! We are defiantly not making a profit but this place served its purpose and now its off to something new. Miles is in for six weeks this time which is going to really help!! I want have to sell this house alone! We are attempting to get moved and settled before he leaves. Shewwww! I have a list a mile long of things to do and yet have no idea where to start!! It'll get done and we're excited!
I'll keep you updated. Have a blessed weekend!
What a beautiful hymn! I've been teaching this to the girls lately and was recently reminded of how sweet it really is if we but trust him and take him at his word. I have a confession to make. I have such little faith sometimes, when I know I should leap I just stand still. What blessings I've missed out on! If only I'd shared with others! What makes us back down from telling others what God has done for us? I'll tell you what it is for me anyway. I'm afraid of what people will think and in the back of my mind I wonder, "was that really God speaking to me, or just my positive thinking?" You see, lack of faith. Back when we put this house on the market and began this adventure of moving to Shallow Roots, God spoke to me very clearly. All this would take place before summers end He told me. Now a righteous and godly woman, much like Mary, the mother of our Lord would do something much different than I myself. When she was visited by the angel Gabriel and told of God's plan for her, what did she say but that she was the Lord's servant and "may it be to me as you have said." And as she met with Elizabeth her cousin who rejoiced in knowing through the Holy Spirit that Mary had become the chosen one to bear the Saviour of the world. Do you remember what Elizabeth said," Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished." What incredible faith!! Of course nothing stands up to such a wonderful miracle, I'm just using these righteous women as an example. Do you know who I told? my church? my friends? a total stranger? No I only brought myself to tell my mother and Miles. And even then I felt a little foolish about it. And perhaps you're thinking well she tells us all now because it has come to pass and she wants to prove she was right. Oh no! I want to prove God right!! And I want to confess to all my lack of trust to perhaps not ever be so unsure and faithless again. And encourage everyone to tell others what God has done! What it is that's lacking is total connection! You see if I heard or should I say allow myself to hear God's voice more often there would be no doubt as to who is speaking to me. I would KNOW who it was immediately! There has to be discernment and only that comes from the Holy Spirit! I should have rejoiced from the getgo as to what God was accomplishing in our lives! I should have told everyone around me who was sceptical about the house selling quickly in today's economy that there was no need to worry! I knew what God was going to do! I guess part of me was thinking, "but what if for some reason this really doesn;t come to pass and then I really will look foolish." What does that sound like to you? To me it sounds like, YEAH YOU GUESSED IT... LACK OF FAITH!
Alright this has already becoming longer than I had anticipated. To clear all that mumble jumble up a little, we have a buyer for the house. We had some things to fix according to the contract, like the water heater and A/C unit. We should be closing this month sometime. It seems that there is a little cash register in my mind saying, ca ching ca ching, the only problem is that its all going out and not coming in! We are defiantly not making a profit but this place served its purpose and now its off to something new. Miles is in for six weeks this time which is going to really help!! I want have to sell this house alone! We are attempting to get moved and settled before he leaves. Shewwww! I have a list a mile long of things to do and yet have no idea where to start!! It'll get done and we're excited!
I'll keep you updated. Have a blessed weekend!
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
A Living Prayer
This is such an awesome song and hearing Alison Krauss sing it brings tears to my eyes. I heard it on my way to my parents on Sunday and just can't get it out of my mind so I thought I'd share with you. These are just the lyrics, I really urge you to find the song on youtube to listen to it.
A Living Prayer(written by Ron Black of Union Station and sung by Alison Krauss)
In this world I walk alone
With no place to call my home
But there's one who holds my hand
The rugged road through barren lands
The way is dark the road is steep
But He's become my eyes to see
The strength to climb my griefs to bear
The Savior lives inside me there
In You're love I find release
A haven from my unbelief
Take my life and let me be
A living prayer my God to Thee
In these trials of life I find
Another voice inside my mind
He comforts me and bids me live
Inside the love the Father gives
In You're love I find release
A haven from my unbelief
Take my life and let me be
A living prayer my God to Thee
Take my life and let me be
a living prayer my God to Thee
A Living Prayer(written by Ron Black of Union Station and sung by Alison Krauss)
In this world I walk alone
With no place to call my home
But there's one who holds my hand
The rugged road through barren lands
The way is dark the road is steep
But He's become my eyes to see
The strength to climb my griefs to bear
The Savior lives inside me there
In You're love I find release
A haven from my unbelief
Take my life and let me be
A living prayer my God to Thee
In these trials of life I find
Another voice inside my mind
He comforts me and bids me live
Inside the love the Father gives
In You're love I find release
A haven from my unbelief
Take my life and let me be
A living prayer my God to Thee
Take my life and let me be
a living prayer my God to Thee
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