Made for JOY

Hope for Heaven

2011-12-26T16:49:00.002-05:00

drooling and rug burn

2010-09-22T16:42:00.003-04:00

I realized that I keep forgetting. I want to stop forgetting. I think I can do this and than I find myself facedown on the carpet saying "I can't do this...I can't do this...I can't do this". There's not even anything I am referring to..it's just everything! So what happened...I am realizing that I have 2 ways to do life. 1. in my strength, abilities and mindset 2. Through Jesus by living in love with Him and trusting Him. #1 brings frustration and drooling ramblings. #2 brings peace and joy and order to my chaos. I choose 2, but for some reason I keep forgetting and try #1 again....do I like drooling? why do i choose this option? Whatever reason, I am thankful that God keeps bringing me back on to Him, cuz I don't want any more rug burn. If you see me drooling or with a rug burn, can you remind me which one to pick. Tell me I forgot...God might use you to get through to me...in case I am not listening to Him. Thanks

Phillips, Craig & Dean - When God Ran - Live

2010-09-15T15:32:00.000-04:00

Can you help me support Life

2010-05-05T13:35:00.001-04:00

Life Walk

simply click on the link above and there is an easy way to support the Niles LifeWalk

I know you think I have forgotten you all my loyal followers ;D ....but this is something I want to share with anyone and everyone who might be out there still watching! (I know, I know, I am talking to myself here :)

This is a huge deal for me, so if there's anyone out there, just wanted to let you know!

China trip

2009-10-21T07:55:00.003-04:00

Here are some pictures from our trip to China. Caroline and Lane Gordon went with us, and Caroline's blog has a synopsis of the trip see it below.
Indescribable trip-Tiring and hot-Beautiful and Breathtaking-Rewarding and Funny!

http://overitmull.blogspot.com/2009/10/there-and-back-again-china-2009.html

I can't smile without you

2009-02-25T11:10:00.002-05:00

I found this for the boys. I heard this song a while ago and I enjoy 'singing' it to the boys. I really don't think they enjoy it. :)...Sometimes they tolerate it, but sometimes I can use it to make them leave the room :D

Jake is 10

2009-02-18T10:18:00.002-05:00

Yesterday Jake turned 10!!!!

I've been tagged

2009-02-18T10:09:00.003-05:00

Sarah
Tagged me

Here are the rules:

1) Choose the 4th folder where you store your pictures on your computer.
2) Select the 4th picture in the folder.
3) Explain the picture.
4) Tag 4 people to do the same.
No cheating (cropping, editing, etc.) Have fun!!

I had to cheat because we cleaned out all our pic folders and we only have 3...so this is the 3rd folder 4th picture...Andrew took this of and icicle that had fallen off our roof and evidentally "almost killed him" ;)

I tag: Just who ever wants to participate ;)

Tim's project

2009-02-13T14:01:00.005-05:00

This is what I have been wanting for a while now... I don't like this part, but am willing to be patient :)

Ceramic tiling coming soon...hopefully I can show you when it's done

Look what I found!!!

2009-01-25T12:42:00.004-05:00

This and more importantly this are a couple of things I found that I am SOOOOOO (that extended "so", does not adequately describe my emotions :) excited about!

I found these while browsing at Barnes and Noble over the Holidays. I am recommitting to my pursuit of topics of Heaven, and as many more of CS Lewis' things as I can find. I was pumped about the CS Lewis book because I didn't realize there was a book arranged with his thoughts and meditations on Heaven, YIPEE!!!! I haven't read much of it, yet. I am totally savoring it and making it last!

The book titled "Desire" was a shocker to me, because I got it just being interested in the writing style and the way he was flushing out the topic. All of the sudden he started talking about Heaven and the Kingdom of God! So I am totally back into my Obsessions... at least these particular "obsessions" are healthy ones...I tend to gravitate toward not so healthy ones!

It happened over Christmas....

2009-01-17T11:57:00.003-05:00

...I was just finishing up 'getting ready' ......this is what I call it, even though it just consists of applying makeup and styling my hair...I really wasn't getting ready for anything...sometimes my boys ask, "where are you going?"..." No where" I reply, "I am just 'getting ready'

....ANYWAY, as I was 'getting ready' I started thinking about older woman and who and why they are Beautiful.... I realized that as people get older, it's not that they are so Gorgeous, but it's about how they are, and who they are. I am seeing signs of aging in me and feeling that I am just NOT young anymore. I don't really care, but there is that weird desire to be young and/or beautiful.

I was struck by those verses that Paul uses about braiding your hair and wearing jewelry. ( I couldn't find them real quick) I think God's spirit was telling me. "It's not that I don't want you to be beautiful, it's just that there isn't time to worry about the outward beauty". I realized and wondered if it is more of an urging, not a command or legalistic rule.... I wonder if the heart of his intentions are that it is really hard to be beautiful on the inside. It takes lots of work by the Holy Spirit and me. I need to spend so much more time on the inside than on the outside.

Do I do this, NO! Do I want to and long to and see the need! YES! For me I want it to start here. I ask that God would allow me to have my spiritual ears open and listening for the Holy Spirit and that I would be sensitive to be seeking Jesus. I am VERY thankful for the prodding in this direction!

Blog World

2009-01-17T11:43:00.002-05:00

I am not as addicted to the blog world, as I once was (facebook, is my new 'obsession'), but it is amazing to me how many useful (wait, did I actually type "useful"... I am NOT sure that is what I mean...maybe relational, entertaining, or silly with an occasional "useful") things I can find in the Blog-o-sphere. By following someone's blog, I can become addicted to many other people's blogs. I am interested in there interests and they direct me to someone else's blog with that same interest, than I am hooked. Thus my need to consistently de-clutter my blog list :)

Anyway, I am not sure I am going to take this advice, but since I have been knitting several scarfs...it may be a good idea...anyway, it's silly in a girly way. I was directed here by this blog.

Helpful advice from a "Friend"

2009-01-15T11:07:00.002-05:00

This is from one of the blogs I follow. It has been so helpful to me in the past couple days and I cannot get it out of my head. So I want to share it with you! The basic idea of the blog is to do the worst thing on my 'to do' list first. While that seems like a simple idea, I NEVER do that, I always start by checking my email or something fun like that... all the while (and I mean all day) dreading that worst thing. How simple and smart to just get that thing done first! Especially, because I end up dreading it so much, I often never get it done!

Just for fun

2009-01-05T15:53:00.001-05:00

This is purely for fun! And isn't that appropriate as many of us are getting back into our schedules and jobs--a little levity in life in the middle of routine.

It is good to get back into the routine of schooling and exercise, etc. It's just that for some reason vacation seems to fun and so FAST! I have grown to thrive more and more in a routine, I just rebel against it during vacation and time off. I guess I need both. A break and a routine. Laughter and seriousness. Fun and Work. I wonder if Heaven is a mix of both as well??

Happy Holidays and traditions

2008-12-22T23:00:00.004-05:00

This Christmas season when I was getting out the decorations, I found my Christmas Journal. Several years ago, I started a Christmas journal. I am not even sure where I got it... a gift I think. Anyway, I put it away every year with my decorations. This year, as I got it out, I thought..."I want to sit down amidst all these decorations and read this to the boys."... So we all sat down and they let me read it to them. I know this won't last and probably not even till next year. So I thoroughly enjoyed reading and sharing my personal Christmas thoughts with the boys! Actually, I would love to make it a new tradition.

So there we sat, sitting there in a little circle and I started reading. They sat there so quietly, only a question or 2. Most of my journal is trip prep, family interactions, the times we started new traditions, and what we received as gifts... I also have been known to a tiny bit Scrooge-like. So there are bits of what I feel like God has done in my heart over the Christmas season(s)... They endured all of that and seemed somewhat pleased with it.

I noticed that I ended up skipping several years in my journal. I guess I got busy (or Scrooge or Grinch-like) and just didn't do it. But I really want to keep it up...for myself and the boys, O and Tim if he wants ;)

Here's a list of a couple of our favorite newish traditions--we don't have that many, and not all that original as I truly used to 'just get by' at Christmastime. I love the true meaning of Christmas, just not all the trappings.
...I would LOVE have you comment on what yours traditions are, since I could use the ideas

-We fill stockings every year
-We get out the Christmas plates and table decor
(this is big for us, cuz we basically use paper plates)
-We read out of the Christmas journal (new one :)
-Tim usually buys me slippers
-We put up a nativity scene
(in years past this was instead of a tree, one day we hope to add the tree back in)
-the boys always help me decorate
-we have shrimp and snacks on the night before Christmas with Tim's parents
-God usually teaches me something new about the Season and it's Reason :)

Travis is 12!!

2008-11-25T14:34:00.006-05:00

Last night we celebrated Travis' birthday. We have a couple of traditions for Bday's...I always make them a birthday banner and we make cards for each other. As a tradition, we let them choose which restaurant they want to eat at and than we come home and open presents. Travis would have picked Ponderosa for their mac and cheese, but I made him mac and cheese for lunch, so he settled for KFC ...much to my relief! :)--another story, another day :)

My favorite part of the day was singing Happy Birthday to him. He gets the BEST little look on his face... He loves it and is embarrassed at the same time! He always gets that cute little look and I love it! We really enjoyed our day (except for the normal fighting) and it was fun to celebrate! They are getting SO big! Travis has passed me in height already!

Andrew at 13

2008-11-10T10:41:00.003-05:00

We took Andrew to Bass Pro Shops in Portage Indiana for his 13th Birthday on Saturday! It was really fun... We ate lunch, and shopped for Hunting gear and shot at the shooting range. He spent a good amount of his Birthday money on hunting things. The other 2 boys want to got there for their birthdays ;)

Pre-Airsoft war

2008-10-27T11:57:00.005-04:00

We had a weekend airsoft war with Michael and Katie. No pictures of the actual war, but we had to have a pre-war fuel up.

We played a game of capture the flag and a killer free for all! SO FUN! It was a beautiful and perfect day for this. A little chilly for sitting at the table, but perfect for running in the woods! :)

What my boy's did

2008-10-20T12:59:00.003-04:00

We went to get
our boys after of week of them being gone... a friend sent me these pics of one of their nights while they were gone. They had a bonfire and roasted hotdogs and marshmallows. I almost wish I would have been there ;) --almost.

I highly recommend a getaway (or stay-at home) without kids if you can manage it. I am always sooooo appreciative of Tim's parents, my parents and sisters taking the boys on random occasions. I think it helps my marriage in HUGE ways!

*In these pics are my dad and mom, my sisters and Ryan and Jimmy*

Brrrr!

2008-10-13T12:48:00.001-04:00

Tim and I went to Lake Michigan yesterday. The water is cold, but the air was WARM...Tim bet me I wouldn't walk into the water, here's my proof ;) It made my feet numb. But it was warm outside, so I warmed up quickly.

It was a very peaceful time as my parents have the boys. We greatly enjoyed the water, the sun, the conversation and the weather! I highly recommend it!

Airsoft again

2008-10-06T11:19:00.006-04:00

We have officially transitioned away from the beach to the park for airsoft.

It's definitely the time of year to roam the woods in sweatshirts with guns that shoot little plastic bullets.... Isn't that what you all do in the fall? :)

There was grumbling along the way, ouches and shouting... but overall, we had a good time. Good food, good competition and family ;) We didn't have as much time as we needed to play, but we had a game of Free-for-all and a game of our version of capture the flag. Afterwards, we walked to the big bridge in the woods and watched Andrew balance on the big log. I also spent a couple pictures on pure silliness ;)

Resources

2008-09-20T11:16:00.003-04:00

I was talking to some friends recently about the sensitive issue of abortion. We were discussing how appropriate it is to publicly show photos/video of abortion. It is a very difficult thing. The answers to our questions, is not the where I am going with this post. I wanted to put this testimony (of one women's "secret") out and the site for the Pregnancy Care Center in Niles...I may have done that before, but it is really good and I love it! It is a great resource!

The thing is... I hate abortion, but the women...the women! I love them! I want them to have healing if there has been an abortion... Healing and not Hiding! I hate that women have to hide this sin, because it is in some minds a 'worse' sin. Yes, it is a sin, but that doesn't mean that God doesn't forgive AND remembers it no more! (post-abortive women also have to deal with all this)

I remember when I first saw the photos/videos of abortion. I have told many about this, so it may be familiar. I was watching a very graphic video and I started crying, weeping, bawling! It was hard, and horrible! Here's what God said to my heart. It is so clear to me. Even though I did not hear a voice in the room. In my mind, my heart, whatever...I heard this: "Lisa, your sin looks like this"...It made me realize that my sin is ugly. My sin looks just as ugly as abortion. I wish we/I did not categorize sin. I wish I saw my sin always before me as God does, than maybe, I wouldn't look down on others. Maybe than women wouldn't have to hide anymore. God isn't about guilt. He loves to forgive and grant repentance. O how beautiful repentance and forgiveness are! Not ugly, but Beautiful!

A Prayer

2008-09-18T17:15:00.002-04:00

"O Father of life, ... we praise you that you will one day take your poor crooked creatures and give them bodies like Christ's, perfect and full of light. Help us to grow faster--as fast as you can help us grow. Help us to keep our eyes on the opening of your hand, that we may know the manna when it comes. We rejoice that we are your making, though your handiwork is not very plain yet in the outer man. We bless you that we feel your hand making us, even if what we feel be pain. Always we hear the voice of the potter above the hum and grind of the wheel. Fashion the clay to your will. You have made us love you and hope in you, and in your love we will be brave and endure. All in good time, O Lord. Amen

This was a prayer I found in this book. One of the characters has physical difficulties and I love how he processes through them. This book is fiction, but it can be like reading a devotional. I have another quote that I loved coming soon.

A Letter

2008-09-18T17:15:00.001-04:00

Dear Lisa,
I think God wants you to know this:
God created you, so don't be afraid of the circumstances that surround you. God saved you and called you by name, you are HIS. Are you still concerned? I know you are going through some really hard stuff, but God won't leave you there. I feel like it's as if you have waters rushing all around you in a big ocean, but God won't let you drown! He promises to be with you remember?! Do you feel like the river is rushing and taking you away? It won't! Do you feel like you are in a burning building and can't get out? God promises you that the circumstances will touch you, but not crush you or burn you...to stay with the analogy :)...God is with you...I promise!
Your Saviour, Jesus

P.s. Don't forget, this part is HUGE! I gave up so much for you...Lives have been sacrificed so that you could be free. Why, you ask? Because you are precious to me and I love you!

I decided to take this verse and put it in my own words...when I first read it, it felt like a letter. I read the ending where it said, "For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, Your Saviour. " I felt like God wrote me a note and signed it...."Your Saviour"

This passage Isaiah 43:1-4 came to my attention at small group this week as we were talking about worry. I love it and it means alot to me. I did not get to voice my particular worries during small group, but being a mom...and a wife, I have a lot...They aren't all consuming ones, but nagging, daily ones. Sometimes the thought of failing my kids at homeschooling will keep me awake at night. Sometimes I worry that I can't be the wife I need to be or that no one really cares about me. Sometimes it's just about money and that can make me crazy! Sometimes I can't shut the worries off....that's why God wrote me a letter and that feels good! I love that He is with me IN the difficulty, not that it is pretended that they aren't there or that I am being un-spiritual in my worry.... God is with me...Stuff is hard, but God is making sure that I am not destroyed by that stuff and that I will come out of it on the other side.

Week 3

2008-09-16T14:49:00.005-04:00

We are on week 3 of school. While it hasn't gone as smoothly as week one and two...It is fine. We are hopefully getting used to our schedule. I am enjoying the breaks as 'my time' and that works really well. I have really been doing good about the exercise because I know it is relieving stress. I also have been doing fairly well with squeezing in quiet reading time in the mornings for me. All in all, it is really nice to just 'be with' my boys. Especially as I realize they may not be here next year, or at least one of them. Remind me of this when you hear me all stressed out!

My favorite part is morning reading time with them. I do read-alouds with them. We are reading through some fun science and Lewis and Clark.

Newish things

2008-09-10T16:54:00.003-04:00

I have been absent from my blog for very good reasons-- if you know me, you may know them. Mostly 1. School and 2. Catching up on laundry, dishes and house 'things'

We were all dreading (maybe not Tim) the start of school and I think I topped that list. But God....(that' s my favorite way to begin a sentence by-the-way) has had other plans for this year. At least I hope the whole year goes this smoothly.

Here's what happened. God gently spoke to my mind with ideas. These ideas still seem to be coming. I love that! One of the main ideas in my mind has been a schedule for the day. I still have some flexibility, but I try to stick to the schedule quite strictly. THAT is WEIRD for me! I feel like I have a real job! I have NEVER been a schedule person and I would always sleep as late as possible... I now get up a good hour or 2 earlier than I would have last year! And I am not really tired! Part of the schedule is before school exercise, which helps me with energy, lower stress, sense of well being, and hopefully weight loss ;)

anyway, long story short...This schedule seems easy to stick to and, I am enjoying school and having a good time with my boys...I am really glad they are here and NOT somewhere else... I thought I was ready to send my little kiddos away, but I am not! We'll see what God thinks about next year.

O By the way... we miss summer terribly...but I am glad for the cooler weather because it makes it easier to stay home and realize that summer is over ;)

One last beach day?

2008-08-27T12:29:00.003-04:00

Well, I hope it isn't the last one...but I guess it could be with school coming up next week. But I do think I am going to sneak one more in if I can... for now, enjoy our fun photos :)

Beach/park picnic... could not have been a better day!

Intense Reading

2008-08-22T12:02:00.004-04:00

I was thinking about this story yesterday. It is next in line in my reading. I usually spend an amount of time meditating on a scripture before I go on. Well, some of you know that I enjoy 'intense' literature, movies, etc. Well, I would call this 'intense'... It is easy to just read over it as I do some scriptures (to my shame)...but it really is a big deal, if I stop and think about it! The next passage (in chronological order) after this, numerous people are killed. Either of these stories would be HUGE if we heard them on the news.

30 Then Jehu went to Jezreel. When Jezebel heard about it, she painted her eyes, arranged her hair and looked out of a window. 31 As Jehu entered the gate, she asked, "Have you come in peace, Zimri, you murderer of your master?"

32 He looked up at the window and called out, "Who is on my side? Who?" Two or three eunuchs looked down at him. 33 "Throw her down!" Jehu said. So they threw her down, and some of her blood spattered the wall and the horses as they trampled her underfoot.

34 Jehu went in and ate and drank. "Take care of that cursed woman," he said, "and bury her, for she was a king's daughter." 35 But when they went out to bury her, they found nothing except her skull, her feet and her hands. 36 They went back and told Jehu, who said, "This is the word of the LORD that he spoke through his servant Elijah the Tishbite: On the plot of ground at Jezreel dogs will devour Jezebel's flesh. ^[e] 37 Jezebel's body will be like refuse on the ground in the plot at Jezreel, so that no one will be able to say, 'This is Jezebel.' "

emphasis mine--excerpt from the Message Bible

God's Joy and Mine

2008-08-21T12:06:00.002-04:00

I have been so excited about this verse since I memorized it from my seeds cd

What a blessing!!!!

Zephaniah 3:17
the LORD your God is living among you.
He is a mighty savior.
He will take delight in you with gladness.
With his love, he will calm all your fears.
He will rejoice over you with joyful songs."

I wish I lived in Texas on September 27

2008-08-19T14:55:00.003-04:00

For one day, I wish I lived in Texas :D

Andrew's motorcycle

2008-08-18T11:17:00.004-04:00

Well, Andrew got a motorcycle! Kinda... :)
My aunt has been cleaning out un-needed items from her house and barn and this motorcycle was one of the things. It is quite old.
He had to work on it with Grandpa to get it going, but now it runs! I told you we were obsessed :)

Mini-Vacation

2008-08-12T12:09:00.003-04:00

My parents and in-laws have been watching our kids for us to have a mini-vacation/anniversary celebration! We soooo enjoy these these times together! We were able to get a free hotel this year and where we stayed happened to be by the Bass Pro Shops. So we checked it out! It was really great! I told Tim though, that if we go again, I am going to wear camo, so I don't fee so out of place.
They were doing workshops on Waterfowl. They had a grassy area out back where they were demonstrating dogs retrieving, etc. So it was a fun experience.

Our other adventures have included the fair and several motorcycle rides! Yay!

Stephen Curtis Chapman on GMA and CNN

2008-08-08T14:49:00.004-04:00

I am sure you all remember hearing about Stephen Curtis Chapman's daughter getting killed. encouraging to see them talk of there faith so publicly. Here and Here is how they are doing. They are very real and honest.

You must try this!

2008-08-04T11:30:00.001-04:00

I was checking my homeschool newsletter, so this is slightly educational...but also WiLd...you must try it!

****you have to use headphones when you listen!!!!!******

Humor at my House

2008-07-28T09:55:00.000-04:00

This is what we find funny at my house

Worth Reading

2008-07-26T11:37:00.005-04:00

I think I found this from Ben's blog, or maybe it was Chuck's but I couldn't find the specific post. Anyway, the one I read today was so good and worth a couple minutes...so passing it along to you!

It made me think about the class I have done with people at the PCC. It talks about giving your child eye contact and how it communicates love. I am remembering what I want my moments to look like... Like Love, not like selfishness...why is the love option so hard? anyway...check out the blogs and if you have a chance...check out the PCC site...I haven't seen it for a while and it's pretty cool!

ps...If you have a LOT of time..."Bring the Rain" blog (as linked above) is a very good blog and there are a lot of good God stories in it!~

New Obsession

2008-07-14T14:00:00.002-04:00

We are having a blast with our new summer (fall/spring/winter?) toy .... Travis and Jacob got their first ride the other day ...Travis keeps asking for another ride!

Beach Day ;)

2008-07-14T13:54:00.006-04:00

We finally got a chance to go to the beach this weekend as a family! Yay!

We tried a new route through 'mosquito land' and over several sand dunes to the beach (we don't prefer that route :). When we finally saw the water, I felt like I had been rescued. *smiling*--I didn't really get any good beach pictures...maybe next time

We had a fun time and than to our favorite cookout spot...notice the boys in the distance ;)--or can you???? This is almost like a mini-date for us and the boys enjoy themselves. Andrew likes to fish and Travis and Jake just amuse themselves at the playground or bugging Andrew. They also frequently come to ask when supper is ready. All in all a very fun day...incidentally, we ended up going to the beach again on Sunday. We went up to St. Joe this time and had Sherry with us. I think she thoroughly enjoyed herself! ;)

So I guess you would say it was a BEACH WEEKEND!

4th Pictures

2008-07-08T10:36:00.004-04:00

us all around a fire--me hiding my face ;)

dad and my boys shooting off fireworks--they couldn't wait till dark ;)

Me with 2nd cousin Julia

My dad with 2nd cousin Nathan, riding the 'tractor' they were a little to scared for a real tractor

My sister with Nathan and Julia

4th of July Celebration

2008-07-07T11:48:00.002-04:00

I am trying to get some pictures of my weekend, but didn't take any myself...so maybe they will be coming.

We went to my parents house for an extended family celebration! We always go to my Parents for the 4th as it is my dad's b-day. It has become a FUN tradition! My dad always goes and gets a BUNCH of fireworks and we spend a day or 2 shooting them off.

This year my aunt, her twin grandkids, and almost all her kids joined the party! It was great fun! Lots of joking, games and of course FIREWORKS!

I haven't gotten to spend much time with this part of the family, so I hope that this has become a new tradition!

Various and Random

2008-06-30T12:43:00.003-04:00

I haven't blogged in an eternity...just not feeling very bloggish I guess. I have been reading alot, which is different for me lately.

So here's some various things that are on my mind:

Has anyone out there read 'The Shack'? comments on that are desired :)

I am trying to finish a couple of books.

I got to read 2 Ted Dekker books that I LOVED!!!!

We got a motorcycle.

We have been at the baseball field ALOT!

See below..this is interesting

This is amazing. I wonder how long it took to put it together.

The Bible at your fingertips................ Click on any chapter........

I have never seen anything like this. It must have taken a long time to mastermind something like it. This is

worthy of sending to everyone on your e-list. The bottom one really sends a message to all.

This is by far the best email I have received and the best one that I will ever forward.
You can now read the Bible at the click of a button.....
See special bonus below.

Just click on the chapter number you want to read opposite the Book name in

the column on the left side. It will also read it to you...

New International Version (NIV)

Books	Chapters
Genesis	1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40< face="Verdana" size="1"> 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50
Exodus	1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40< face="Verdana" size="1">
Leviticus	1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27
Numbers	1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36
Deuteronomy	1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34
Joshua	1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Judges	1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
Ruth	1 2 3 4
1 Samuel	1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
2 Samuel	1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
1 Kings	1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
2 Kings	1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
1 Chronicles	1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29
2 Chronicles	1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36
Ezra	1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Nehemiah	1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13< /DIV>
Esther	1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Job	1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42
Psalm	1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 7 4 75 76 77 78 79 80 8 1 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150
Proverbs	1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
Ecclesiastes	1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Song of Solomon	1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Isaiah	1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66
Jeremiah	1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52
Lamentations	1 2 3 4 5
Ezekiel	1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48
Daniel	1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Hosea	1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Joel	1 2 3
Amos	1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Obadiah	1
Jonah	1 2 3 4
Micah	1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Nahum	1 2 3
Habakkuk	1 2 3
Zephaniah	1 2 3
Haggai	1 2
Zechariah	1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Malachi	1 2 3 4
Matthew	1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
Mark	1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Luke	1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
John	1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
Acts	1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
Romans	1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
1 Corinthians	1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
2 Corinthians	1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13< /DIV>
Galatians	1 2 3 4 5 6
Ephesians	1 2 3 4 5 6
Philippians	1 2 3 4
Colossians	1 2 3 4
1 Thessalonians	1 2 3 4 5
2 Thessalonians	1 2 3
1 Timothy	1 2 3 4 5 6
2 Timothy	1 2 3 4
Titus	1 2 3
Philemon	1
Hebrews	1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13< /DIV>
James	1 2 3 4 5
1 Peter	1 2 3 4 5
2 Peter	1 2 3
1 John	1 2 3 4 5
2 John	1
3 John	1
Jude	1
Revelation	1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

Emergency Telephone Numbers
These are more effective than 911
When -
You are sad, phone John 14
You have sinned, phone Psalm 51
You are facing danger, phone Psalm 91
People have failed you, phone Psalm 27< /A>
It feels as though God is far from you, phone Psalm 139
Your faith needs stimulation, phone Hebrews 11
You are alone and scared, phone Psalm 23
You are worried, phone Matthew 8:19-34
You are hurt and critical, phone 1 Corinthians 13
You wonder about Christianity, phone 2 Corinthians 5:15-18
You feel like an outcast, phone Romans 8:31-39
You are seeking peace, phone Matthew 11:25-30
It feels as if the world is b igger than God, phone Psalm 90
You need Christ like insurance, phone Romans 8:1-30
You are leaving home for a trip , phone Psalm 121
You are praying for yourself, phone Psalm 87
You require courage for a task, phone Joshua 1
Inflation's and investments are hogging your thoughts, phone M ark 10:17-31
You are depressive, phone Psalm 27
Your bank account is empty, phone Psalm 37
You lose faith in mankind, phone 1 Corinthians 13
It looks like people are unfriendly, phone John 15
You are losing hope, phone Psalm 126
You feel the world is small comp ared to you, phone Psalm 19
You want to carry fruit, phone John 15
Paul's secret for happiness, phone Colossians 3:12-17
With big opportunity/ discovery, phone Isaiah 55
To get along with other people, phone Romans 12
ALTERNATE NUMBERS
For dealing with fear, call Psalm 47

Camping

2008-06-10T12:07:00.002-04:00

We went camping with Tim's sisters and parents this last weekend This year we rented a cabin to stay in instead of a tent. The cabin had an air conditioner and double bed, and 2 bunks.

It was fun camping... the kids are all so independant that it is VERY relaxing and so EASY with the
cabin ....it was so perfect for what we needed! The air conditioner drowned out all the kids and camping around us so we totally slept in in the morning ;)

No injuries or accidents of any kind and no rain... Except for what we raced home on Sunday.
As we were driving home, we watched giant storm cloud follow us all the way from Illinois. Than the severe weather bulletin on the radio...just rain though... smiles....

We played baseball, soccer basketball...and the kids did lots of swimming,
biking and creek wading ;) and andrew fished alot...he bought a net there so he
could scoop up critters ;) Now we're home and just enjoying summer vacation! No school till September!

Update on the Update

2008-06-03T09:49:00.001-04:00

Here is an article that the Niles Daily Star put out about the Lifewalk! I need to say that my numbers may have been a bit high...the article says over 20,000... ooops...

PCC Lifewalk Update

2008-06-02T11:43:00.002-04:00

Thank you to all of you who prayed, gave and participated in the Lifewalk. Although it is so early in the morning (9am, hehee) We all made it there as a family and walked the route. Pretty sure my boys do not get the significance of it, but they will :)

The PCC had 340 registered walkers, I believe over $29,000 raised! And our church specifically gave over 1700$!!! Yippee!!!! It is always so encouraging to me to see the MANY people walking through Niles for LIFE!!!

Thank you all so much!

Obsessions

2008-05-22T10:56:00.003-04:00

I realized that I have another obsession that I didn't include in my side-bar. Unlike my other obsessions, I can trace this back to it's origin. I can also see steps to obsession in my mind like a movie. It started with a sermon and a video and a tug at my heart. Than sweeping...I think sweeping was the last straw.

The story- I sat under a sermon and realized the truth of abortion. I watched a video and saw the truth of abortion. I realized that sin is sin and my sin is as ugly as abortion...I have no right to look down on any sin, because in God's eyes...my sin looks like abortion. At the same time, I realized I WANTED to do something... I must do something. This is a huge mess that we humans have created, if can I do something, than I must! No way to explain it, just that I believe God put this obsession in my heart!
As I swept my kitchen, I swept up a penny. I thought to throw it away, not worth much, right.... than my obsession kicked in and I said, NO, everything I can give to the PCC must be given. Pennys cannot be thrown away, if they can help the PCC. Now, I am to selfish to give all I have to the center, but I have commited a portion of my life to the center, more than I ever thought I would.

The Obsession- The Pregnancy Care Center and the ministry there. I realize it sounds normal and ordinary--but it's NOT! (none of my obsessions are normal to me...they make me go crazy, talk non-stop to strangers, and act insane in front of people.).... Anyway, this is NOT normal, because God works and has His hand there. He answers prayers, like I have never experienced before. I sit with someone in a counseling room and ask what I can pray for them. I pray. Next time they come back.... God answered those prayers more directly and specifically than I could have ever imagined! They are amazed and I am amazed! They 'see' God and my faith is strengthened like crazy! This is just a small example of what I have seen. One day a lady came in and her obstacle to carrying the pregnancy to term made me feel like I should say, "go ahead, end it". But I knew better. Instead, I just prayed. The next time I talked to her, God removed and changed the obstacles!

The benefits- I work with wonderful people... Before each shift we pray for each other for various things... If I ever want prayer...I ask these people. We pray for each other there and God answers in MIRACULOUS ways... it is unexplainable, apart from God.

So than there are the things I DON'T see. We plant little seeds of God's love and God's word in there hearts. We may NEVER see how uses those seeds. We do desire to preserve life. BUT there is so much more that God does there. Our purpose is to LOVE people and show them Jesus. If they get that, we have accomplished a huge goal... If we preserve a life, what an unbelievable blessing. We cannot control what the woman chooses, but we can always plant a seed!

The 31st of May is our annual Lifewalk. I will be there and support my obsession. I still need to raise pledges. I want to go out to my community to ask, but have not made it that far. (that is the confession part of my story- I hate asking for money ;) .... So I am asking you to support my obsession as well... please join the Lifewalk, pray for the Lifewalk or give me money (hate that part). Apart from the Lifewalk, there are many service opportunities at the Pregnancy Care Center... just ask me! I would be obsessed to tell you about it!

Tim

2008-05-19T10:53:00.006-04:00

I was reading the girltalk blog today. I very much enjoyed reading how Carolyn met her husband CJ. I was thinking...I have a GREAT occasion to brag on my husband and I want to do that. I did forget to blog a Happy Birthday to my Sweet husband... and so belatedly, I am going to say Happy Birthday and give a little tribute.

I was looking through the pictures of us and our family to find one that he would like on the blog. There are pictures of us at the beach. O, how glad I am that he likes to go to the beach with me and the boys. There are pictures of us at the park. O, how glad I am that he likes to take us to the park... There are pictures of him grilling at the park. I love that he loves that.
I have known and seen Tim to be a passionate person and I love that. If he is going to do something, He is going to do it well! It bothers him when he things are not done well.

Tim is multi-talented. He can do anything. People often want his help. He will say that he can't do things well, but I am always amazed at his abilities and what he accomplishes. Tim is very talented at his job! I am floored by his professionalism and skill. People at work enjoy Tim's company and he is able to deal very professionally with the clients. Tim totally redid our house! The cost to have someone do that would be astronomical! But Tim did it all himself!

Tim may call it laziness, but I very much enjoy that he likes to relax with me. I like to be home doing very little... Those times get farther and farther apart any more, but we both enjoy that, so we will always make time for that! Tim loves to spend time with me and I am so grateful for that... Tim sharpens me in areas that I am weak because he is so different from me and I need that. Tim is committed to dating me. I have found this to be so helpful and refreshing. Especially as a home school mom. Tim has SO much wisdom that it amazes me sometimes. I need his direction and wisdom on many occasions.

Last but NOT least. Tim loves God. He wants to walk with God. He want to be obedient to God. Tim wants his relationship with the Lord to be genuine and not fake. He wants his family to be following God. He serves many people and takes responsibility for them VERY seriously. He shares my heart for walking with people and bearing/sharing burdens and rejoicing with them. God has given me an amazing husband and I love him more now than I ever have. We are going to celebrate his birthday this weekend all weekend ...I am trying to give Tim a birthmonth instead of just a birthday!

btw...Tim is a photographer as a hobby, so he is seldom in the pictures... hard to find a straight on shot of him ;)

Sports

2008-05-16T12:32:00.003-04:00

Sports with Jake and Andrew are keeping us HOPPIN'....We have had such a busy week, so busy, that I even forgot that Jake had practice last nite! OOOPS....

Jake is REALLY improving in his soccer skills and Andrew is doing SO GREAT! He is pitching this year...it is so fun to watch!

Naboth and me

2008-05-13T10:04:00.002-04:00

I was reading yesterday morning (see below). I am not even in this section for my reading, but was reviewing, so I could 'leave' this part. God totally reminded me, through this part that--I was, in my heart, being like Naboth.
Let me back up just a bit. On my Birthday, I try to guard against a 'Its all about me' attitude. I EASILY set up expectations in my mind that if unmet, leave me feeling bitter, frustrated, angry, etc...all those yucky things! Well, I did not expect that to happen this Mother's Day. Tim is always absolutely WONDERFUL about making me feel special, giving gifts, etc, etc...all those nice, sweet things. (He is on my birthday too...but my evil selfish heart wants, MORE MORE MORE!!!)

So I was NOT guarded against this selfishness this time, because I didn't see it coming and WHAM...was my heart ugly! I didn't even notice it till Monday morning... When I woke up, it just hit me! Like WHAT DID I DO? Than I read the Scripture below and saw myself in it. I see that Naboth wanted something and pouted when he didn't get it. He thought he deserved it (many thanks to Jezebel for that). Maybe it wasn't all his fault, but God did punish him for it, so he was at fault in many ways. (Jezebel also gets punished)

Interesting really, because in the previous verses/chapters... He wins 'back' all his own things. Ben-Hadad had demanded all his things, but GOD delivered Ahab from Ben-Hadad and defeated him. SO MUCH mercy, so little thankfulness. Very closely describes me! Thankfully, God forgives and did forgive me and the JOY that that brought is indescribable! :) Funny, when I want, and want and want., I am miserable, but when God brings me back to him... JOY!!!

1 Kings 21

Naboth's Vineyard
1 Now there was a man named Naboth, from Jezreel, who owned a vineyard in Jezreel beside the palace of King Ahab of Samaria.2 One day Ahab said to Naboth, "Since your vineyard is so convenient to my palace, I would like to buy it to use as a vegetable garden. I will give you a better vineyard in exchange, or if you prefer, I will pay you for it."
3 But Naboth replied, "The LORD forbid that I should give you the inheritance that was passed down by my ancestors."
4 So Ahab went home angry and sullen because of Naboth's answer. The king went to bed with his face to the wall and refused to eat!
5 "What's the matter?" his wife Jezebel asked him. "What's made you so upset that you're not eating?"
6 "I asked Naboth to sell me his vineyard or trade it, but he refused!" Ahab told her.
7 "Are you the king of Israel or not?" Jezebel demanded. "Get up and eat something, and don't worry about it. I'll get you Naboth's vineyard!"
8 So she wrote letters in Ahab's name, sealed them with his seal, and sent them to the elders and other leaders of the town where Naboth lived.9 In her letters she commanded: "Call the citizens together for fasting and prayer, and give Naboth a place of honor.10 And then seat two scoundrels across from him who will accuse him of cursing God and the king. Then take him out and stone him to death."
11 So the elders and other town leaders followed the instructions Jezebel had written in the letters.12 They called for a fast and put Naboth at a prominent place before the people.13 Then the two scoundrels came and sat down across from him. And they accused Naboth before all the people, saying, "He cursed God and the king." So he was dragged outside the town and stoned to death.14 The town leaders then sent word to Jezebel, "Naboth has been stoned to death."
15 When Jezebel heard the news, she said to Ahab, "You know the vineyard Naboth wouldn't sell you? Well, you can have it now! He's dead!"16 So Ahab immediately went down to the vineyard of Naboth to claim it.

Airsoft

2008-05-12T10:41:00.002-04:00

We are beginning to enjoy the weather that comes this time of year! Here's one of our favorite family outings! We grill some supper and than we go out in the woods and shoot each other.

It is fun, till you get hit! Than I have to pause a second, cuz it HURTS!

Well, can't wait to go out again. The beach is calling us too! That of course is our other favorite activity!

I like to laugh!

2008-05-08T11:24:00.004-04:00

I was browsing around today and found another funny sketch

I just love to laugh, love comedians. It brings joy ;) And that's what I am made for!

try this one too...is it funny?? or make you cry? or laugh and cry

Date Nite

2008-05-07T08:33:00.002-04:00

At the end of our date we went to the BEACH!!! I almost fainted!! ;) yay, my first time at the beach( except for vacation of course ;)

It was soooo beautiful...It always is, but it was GOLDEN!!! the sun on the water was so AMAZING. I wish you could have seen it in person, but these pics will have to do....

BTW. We took about 15 pics of the 2 of us, and this was the only one I can post-- I kept shutting my eyes, or opening them to wide, one looked like I was ill!

I hate getting my picture taken!

This CRACKS me up!

2008-05-06T11:31:00.005-04:00

Tim Hawkins again :)

ENJOY

My boys love this too...It's fun for the whole family!!!

also try this

OR
this

or this
or this

ok, that's enough, huh?

oooo, ooo, I just found this one on Godtube--hilarious!!!!

Soccer Star?

2008-05-01T10:32:00.004-04:00

He won't be a soccer star, he is WAY to laid back... (that's fine with me! -I don't think I handle intensity to well) These pics are TOP speed for Jake. He really enjoys himself though. Half time breaks involve a Gatorade and a snack... that evidentally makes it worth all the "effort"

Mexican Fiesta

2008-05-01T10:26:00.002-04:00

Well, kinda...Not exactly a fiesta...but it sure was fun.... I did try to get out of the pics...but Tim caught me in one... :)

This was a small group party that we had. We had a work party about a month ago and we decided that we needed to play together as well. We sure had fun! Working and playing ;)

Blast from the past

2008-04-28T13:56:00.003-04:00

Every once in a while I love to look through old pictures... One weekend I was gone for something and Tim took the boys on a bike ride. This was fall of '03... aren't they cute!!!!

Now for the present ....

Mondays are better and more joyful here at the Smith's school now that the sun is shining and hope of Spring. School is winding down and we are feeling the pull of summer. We are accomplishing a lot and getting done with our school books... I am also spending lots of time de-cluttering, organizing summer clothes, etc. So that we will be free to take time at the beach. Thought I would give you an update on what is going on here. Hope you are enjoying the spring in the air (though it is possibly going to rain an is a bit chilly here today ;)

Worth the Time

2008-04-24T12:42:00.002-04:00

Sherri Gordon sent me this it is a tiny bit longer (for the blogosphere) but worth the time ;)

have you seen it already?