EPH 1:6 BELOVED

Happy Birthday!

2006-09-18T21:12:00.000-05:00

Sometimes it is good to be a hacker. You can get in to someone's blog and write something that they would never have written themselves.

That is what this post is- the post of a hacker, who wishes to notify the readers of this blog that MyBelovedIsMine is having a birthday today, September 18. As to her age, let us merely say that she is old enough to have five lovely children, and be wise; and young enough to keep up with them.

Please take a moment to post birthday wishes to her, and possibly pleadings that the perpetrators of this post will survive when she discovers this! ;-)

Happy Birthday!

2006-08-12T21:00:00.000-05:00

I have offically moved!!!
We are now 5 kids, 2 dogs, 1 cat, 40,000 bees, & 25 chickens closer to an agrarian lifestyle!
You immediately notice a change!
Raw milk, fresh vegies, hand ground wheat bread, pasture grazed beef!
Why would anyone want anything less for their children?

Saying Goodbye...

2006-06-24T17:39:00.000-05:00

Grandpa:

Fun loving, honest, practical, giving, caring, man of faith. His life was all about serving others. He served his church (the same church) faithfully for over 60 years, his wife for 66 years, and his children, and his grandchildren.

Together Forever:
He passed away just 2 months
after his Beautiful Beloved.
He died of a broken heart.
He didn't want to live a moment
without her and missed her
terribly after she passed away.

It must be amazing to be loved so much that someone cannot picture their life without you.

Grandpa felt true love is unconditional.

When he and grandma discovered their

differences, flaws, and problems, that's

not when their marriage ended,

but the art of loving began.

Grandpa felt that it is easy to emabrace

the good attributes and joy in life.

But he felt that is not love;

but just compatibility.

Changing your
Beloved's flaws will improve your compatibility,

but embracing them can create a connection.

Grandpa thought his Beloved's problems

as an opportunity to connect.

He saw marriage as a team.

It was not who was ast fault

but how they can solve the problem together.

He used their differences and problems

to unite them not divide them.

You can't love part of someone.

True love is inclusive

of flaws,

differences,

and tragedy.

True love is not blind.

True love is seeing and still loving.

2006-06-05T09:49:00.000-05:00

"Besides the noble art of getting things done,

there is the noble art of leaving things undone.

The wisdom of life consists in the elimination of nonessentials "

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

2006-06-01T05:30:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Beautiful Young Princess!

When you were born the

Lord spoke happiness into my life!

You are always joyful and cheerful

and helpful!

You are a tireless worker

who never complains and

is content to get whatever is offered.

You are a

horse-loving,

cat-petting,

sushi- eating,

ice-skating,

harp-playing,

ballet-twirling,

giggley,

smiley,

beautiful

young

girl!!!

2006-05-30T09:35:00.000-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!

It is "Juniors" Birthday

she is the BEAUTIFUL sister to

"Wise Knight"

"Stubborn Knight"

and

"The Prince with Paul Newman eyes"!!

SO EVERYONE LEAVE HER A

LOVELY BIRTHDAY

MESSAGE

AND LET HER

KNOW HOW

MUCH SHE

IS LOVED!!!

2006-05-29T19:39:00.000-05:00

Having trouble sleeping?

check out Princesess of Praise's night:

http://maygodbeglorified.blogspot.com/2006/05/attack.html

My favorite reunion quotes:

2006-05-29T19:02:00.000-05:00

"are you sure all them kids are yours?"

"you can tell he's one of us by looking at his hair"(referring to my 2 yr olds reddish blonde hair)

"where is Aunt Lilla? thats not her she dont look like that!"(when infact it WAS her)

"who does he belong to? are we related to anyone by THAT name?"

"How do they take the seeds out of a seedless watermelon? By hand?"

"what's a seedless watermelon?"

"I thought she was taller than that."

"what do you mean you DONT live on a farm? what kind of living is that?"

"what are the names of you kids? did you mean to name them that?"

"lets play king of the hill on the bales of hay!"

"its too hot to do anything but go fishin"

"get him over here, hes not too young to work cows"

"who wants to ride the horses!"

"you havent taught the 2yr old how to ride yet?"

"I sure have missed seeing all of you!"

2006-05-29T12:12:00.000-05:00

This weekend I went to a reunion and learned a lot about family :

Family: you know you are with family

when people who have never seen you

are glad to see you!

Family: the only ones who know and can

make Grandma's homemade sticky buns with raisins!

Family: people who can recognize you

even though they havent seen you

since you were 2!

Family: people who arent afraid to

kiss you even though they arent

completely sure they know which relative you are!

Family: the only people who cant get enough

pictures of you!

Family: the only people who would offer

to have you come live with them on their farm!

Family: people who are always glad

to see you.

Family: people who are dying to come visit.

Family: people you can be a kid around.

Family: people who can remember a converstation

you had a decade ago and pick back up and finish what you started.

2006-05-27T12:30:00.000-05:00

Struggling with contentment?

Check out what KSmilkmaid has to say:

http://www.fullerfamilyfarms.com/2006/05/attitude-problems/

2006-05-26T22:48:00.000-05:00

"It is not how much we have,
but how much we enjoy,
that makes our happiness."
~C. H. Spurgeon

2006-05-20T19:26:00.000-05:00

"Friendship is one of the sweetest joys of life."
~Spurgeon

......"like sharing ice cream with friends on a hot day."

2006-05-20T10:56:00.000-05:00

In the course of daily life

it might be easily believed

by a despondent,

harried soul,

which sometimes anyone is,

that all is selfishness

and coldness of heart,

and that the art of

giving

is lost.

Everyday we have the

opportunity to give

to others.

It does not matter

what the act is,

because the giving

and not the gift is the

verity--

the giving and the receiving.

It's the function of intention.

Because a gift's meaning comes

from its giver.

What really makes a gift

special is not what it is,

but who gave it to you.

Giving of yourself is

the greatest gift of all.

Even children recognize

spending time together is

a better gift than new toys.

Children dont need toys.

They need time spent together.

Toys R not Us!

We are the gift.

So give of yourself this week.

Spend more time with your family.

Give of yourself to your family

and friends.

Prioritizing Family

2006-05-15T08:53:00.000-05:00

What does your lifestyle reflect about what you value the most?

How do you choose to spend your time and energy?

Professional demands and personal ambitions result in most

people working more and spending less time with their family.

Countless opportunities present themselves everyday to prolcaim your priority......

**When your family calls you on your cell phone do you talk,

or do you call back because work takes priority?

**And when you are with your family do you talk,

or do you call work back because your family takes priority?

**And if you are told by your family to be home by a certain time

for dinner is your commitment to your family most important?

**Or is it more important to work one more hour, and finish one more project?

Putting your family first, is NOT just putting work aside

to help the family for a major event.

It is NOT enough just be there for your family for big projects.

Family is about being there thousands of times,

day in and day out,

for years.

It's about calling home on the phone for no reason,

leaving a hidden thank-you note,

doing a favor,

helping out for no reason,

bringing home a small gift of roses,

picking up the drycleaning,

stopping by the grocery store on your way home,

and fellowshipping with your family at dinner.

For example:

If you want to be healthy, you have make eating right a priority in your life.

You have to be conscious of what types of food you eat.

You have to plan and commit time to growing or finding food that is

chemical free.

In short, you have to make your health a priority in your life.

It takes time, thought, energy, and commitment.

The same applies to your family.

It has to be a priority in your life.

Anything less is selfishness.

2006-05-07T20:34:00.000-05:00

Submission

Wives who have chosen to be submissive have lives

characterized with an overriding sense of peace,

even when the storm clouds rumble overhead.

They can rest because they know if they slip, they have someone behind them to catch them.

Women who submit are not weak.

On the contary,

submission is not for the

weak-willed

or fainthearted.

It requires true discipline and relying on God's strength.

Submitting will bring about a closer walk to God,

for God blesses obedience.

2006-05-05T14:22:00.000-05:00

LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL!!!!

(even through hardships and sorrow)

Do you see the beauty

in this day?

The Blessing of Hard Work

2006-05-04T09:27:00.000-05:00

Hard work, Physical Labor

Working from Sun up to Sunset

working the land

or caring for loved ones

you dont realize what a blessing it is

until you are faced with the possiblity

of not having anything or anyone to tend to.

What my grandfather wouldn't give to have

a full days work ahead of him and

someone to take care of all day long.

Lord, please comfort my grandfather

and through your mercy and grace

allow me the blessing of hard work.

NEW BRUNSWICK, New Jersey (AP) Couple welcome second set of triplets. What must it feel like to leave the hospital holding three newborns, to go home to another set of triplets?
"It's going to be rough in the beginning," Rich Fontana told WABC-TV of New York from St. Peter's University Hospital. "The older ones are going to take our time during the day, and the babies are going to be at night."
Rich and Sharon Fontana welcomed Elyssa, Evan and Eric into the world on Monday. Their other children -- Danielle, David and Dylan -- are 2 years old, which means the family has a total of six children in diapers.
The family will go through an estimated 40 diapers and three dozen bottles a day.
The Fontanas said both sets of triplets were conceived without medical help, a fact that is especially interesting considering that 12 years ago Sharon Fontana was told by her doctor that she would not get pregnant.
With a tiny baby in each arm, Sharon Fontana said she's ready for motherhood -- times six.

They don't know it but they are BLESSED!

Let us come to the conclusion that

our life in this world

is a gift of God's mercy

which we ought to remember

with gratitude!

tagged by Naddy!

2006-05-02T21:02:00.000-05:00

WHAT IS ON MY DESK, RIGHT NOW.

book of Monet's paintings
oriental lamp
box of envelopes
the fine art of italian cooking cookbook
digital camera
3 school books
3 ring binder
atlas
4th grade vocabulary workbook
calculator
Reformed doctrine book by Boettner
Chosen by God book by RC Sproul
vanilla candle
pictures of the babies
a red rose from my grandmother's funeral
frosted glass jar w/pens and pencils
my reading/driving glasses
childs fork
church directory
30 page paper for school
junk mail
"bee guy's" phone number
hairspray
my keys!

2006-05-02T11:12:00.000-05:00

EVERYTHING IS IN GOD'S TIMING.

Everything is ordered

everything happens

(or doesnt happen)

for a reason.

Here are the things that happen in just one 24 hour day:

360,000 babies are born(aprox.)
148,000 people die. (approx)
6,200 people get married.
1,000 minor earthquakes occur.
2,000 pounds of space dust and debris fall onto the earth's surface
45, 000 thunderstorms occur
518,000,000 lightning strikes hit the earth's surface

The average age of a bride is 25. The average age of a groom 27. And the average age of death in the United States is 76.

"we are but like grass, a vapor or mist" ~Pastor Sauder

My prayer:

2006-05-02T10:40:00.000-05:00

Alice in Wonderland: "Which way should I turn?"

Cheshire Cat: "Where are you going?"

Alice in Wonderland: "I don't know?"

Cheshire Cat: "Then, it doesn't matter."

~If you dont know where you are going,

then you will never get there.~

It may look to us that we can easily prosper through our own

industry or strenuous exertion;

yet it is certain that all these things

are nothing in themselves, and that we shall

not make any headway by our insight or labors,

but insofar as the Lord shall

prosper both.

May we believe and trust

that EVERYTHING depends

on divine blessing alone.

I NEED A LATTE!

2006-05-01T10:51:00.000-05:00

As you know it is FINALS week!!!!

AKKKKKK!

And I know you are dying to know what I am studying!

(not really, but I'm going to tell you anyway)

I am not going to tell you because this information is

EXCITING

but because it is NOT.

AND I am bored out of my mind studying! :)

What ever happened to multiple choice or true and false?

At least in undergrad, you had a CHANCE of getting some of the questions right.

If all else fails, choose "B" and "true".

Seemed to work back then anyway.

BUT NOW,

they want a 30 page dissertation just to explain a two word answer!

Here is some of the EXCITING things I am attempting to study:

"To know the components of composite scores and how they are measured; either IQ scores of Full Scale, Nonverbal, Verbal, Abbreviated or Factor Index scores all measured on scales with a mean of 100 and standard deviation of 15."

SEE,

I told you it was EXCITNG STUFF! (not really)

Maybe when it is all said and done

I will make a copy of all my answers and save them for when I need a doctoral thesis. :)

.....Too bad osmosis doesnt work!

Sister:

2006-05-01T10:39:00.000-05:00

We are called by God to lovingly serve one another.

Life is not a contest in which fellow believers are pitted against one another.

Rather, God has placed us on the same team,

so we can strive together toward victory.

So let me serve you humbly and willingly.

Let me serve you with actions that flow from the love in my heart.

~Romans 15:7

Sometimes you just have to be silly....

2006-04-26T16:39:00.000-05:00

A Break from the mundane.

So I sat in silence, crouching waiting for the next victim....

I dont know what came over me.......... (Actually I know "who" came over me, everytime I talk with a particular good friend I get into an "playful"streak. ) So with all this playful energy pent up I felt the need to take a break in the middle of our "routine" day... You know one of those days of endless laundry and dishes. And right in the middle of our "routine" I stopped and went and hid.

........ the littlest was the easiest, he strayed from the pack to get a "truck" unsuspecting of the lioness waiting to pounce! As he bent over to pick it up, the lioness sprang, and devoured him mercilessly with kisses and tickles!

....... the second littlest humming "stricken smitten and afflicted" was almost as easy, but clearly looking for his commrade as he proceeded, lured by the bait that had been set . Startled from behind, he was ravaged with tickles and dragged upside down into the lioness' lair.

........now the game of sardines was in full swing!

.......by this point it was noticable that two were missing and the herd started to spread out and search for their "lost" members. Patiently waiting for one to venture out further from the others, drawn closer by muffled giggles... the lioness lept this time with reinforcements!

......two were left perplexed peering cautiously around every corner. It would be hard to coax them into the lions den. The lioness knew that they would never part from each other at this point , and she would have to use all her strength and take down two at one time!

.......knowing that there is an advantage to height, the lioness climbed up above her prey, waiting patiently for them to get into position. Then letting out a VERY LOUD GROWL , she stopped the searchers in their tracks, collapsing them to their knees in uncontrollable laughter, and pounced on top of them conquering two at one time!

.....the hunt was over! the game of sardines was successful! the mundane was broken.

Now back to laundry?

My Grandmother

2006-04-16T21:19:00.000-05:00

A wise friend said that

"any woman can be led, it just takes the right leader"..................

My Grandmother just passed way, & she was married for 66 years! Grandpa has never left her side. He always said he wouldnt know what to do without her. Even when she got sick, he sat by her bedside 24 hours a day, he couldnt bear to be apart from her. They went through good times together and hard times like the Depression. No matter how hard it got, he wanted to be by her side. They danced beautifully together.........

..........In dancing, the man is the designated leader.

It is his job to guide her gently and considerately,

watching over her shoulder to protect her.

His strength supports her beauty and grace,

as he guides her around the floor,

indicating which way she is to go and when she is to turn.

She is to trust him and willingly follow his lead,

she can depend on him and compliment his moves,

her weight counterbalancing his as they dance.

Dancing requires cooperation, communication,

leadership and submission and patience.

Take out one of these elements and you trip all over each other!

You know when you have a good dance partner,

when together you express an artistic,

emotional and spiritual height that you could never reach alone................

...........He led her and she balanced him.

They were different but their differences complimented each other. Grandpa was a candles and roses kind of man

and Grandma was playful and teasing and always gave him a hard time......

their dance lasted 66 beautiful years......

they were blessed.

My mood:

2006-04-15T00:19:00.000-05:00

Stricken, smitten, and afflicted,See Him dying on the tree!’Tis the Christ by man rejected;Yes, my soul, ’tis He, ’tis He!’Tis the long expected prophet,David’s Son, yet David’s Lord;Proofs I see sufficient of it:’Tis a true and faithful Word.

Tell me, ye who hear Him groaning,Was there ever grief like His?Friends through fear His cause disowning,Foes insulting his distress:Many hands were raised to wound Him,None would interpose to save;But the deepest stroke that pierced HimWas the stroke that Justice gave.

Ye who think of sin but lightly,Nor suppose the evil great,Here may view its nature rightly,Here its guilt may estimate.Mark the Sacrifice appointed!See Who bears the awful load!’Tis the Word, the Lord’s Anointed,Son of Man, and Son of God.

Here we have a firm foundation,Here the refuge of the lost.Christ the Rock of our salvation,Christ the Name of which we boast.Lamb of God for sinners wounded!Sacrifice to cancel guilt!None shall ever be confoundedWho on Him their hope have built.
(Thank you Natalie)

2006-04-14T22:43:00.000-05:00

A good friend wants to know about all your moods.......

2006-04-09T22:11:00.000-05:00

"A friend is one who knows all about you and likes you anyway!"

2006-04-09T20:12:00.000-05:00

Make Much of Time

by Robert Herrick (1591 - 1674 )

Gather ye rosebuds while ye may,

Old time is still a-flying,

And this same flower that smiles today,

To-morrow will be dying.

The glorious lamp of heaven, the sun,

The higher he's a-getting,

The sooner will his race be run,

And nearer he's to setting.

That age is best which is the first,

When youth and blood are warmer;

But being spent, the worse and worst

Times still succeed the former.

Then be not coy,

but use your time,

and while ye may,

go marry;

For having lost just once your prime,

You may for ever tarry.

2006-04-08T22:19:00.000-05:00

"Without the love of a family,

even the biggest castle can seem like

the smallest prison."

~Wise Servant

2006-04-07T22:54:00.000-05:00

Slow down....
Don't dance so fast.
Slow down...
The music won't last.
Slow down...
Enjoy the song
Slow down...
and sing along

Slow down...

before the music is over
Do you run through each day on the fly?
When you ask How are you?
Do you stop to hear the reply?
When the day is done
Do you lie in your bed
With the next hundred chores
Running through your head?
Slow down...
Don't dance so fast.
Slow down...
The music won't last.
Slow down...
Enjoy the song
Slow down...
and sing along

Slow down...

before the music is over
Ever told a child,
We'll do it tomorrow?
And in your haste,
Not see his sorrow?
Ever lost touch,
Let a good friendship die
Cause you never had time
To call and just say,"Hi"
Slow down...
Don't dance so fast.
Slow down...
The music won't last.
Slow down...
Enjoy the song
Slow down...
and sing along

Slow down...

before the music is over
When you only focus on getting somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there.
When you worry and hurry through your day
It is like a gift thrown away.
So, Slow down...
Don't dance so fast
Slow down...
The music won't last
Slow down...
Enjoy this song with me
Slow down...
lets sing together loudly

Slow down

the dance is not over.
~Author unknown

( not sure who wrote it, I have seen several like it but I liked this on the best)

How Sweet The Name of Jesus Sounds

2006-04-03T22:05:00.000-05:00

Habitual Tenderness:

"Men are to be as strong and durable as redwood trees,
and as tender and fragrant as a field of clover—
unshakably rugged in the defense and confirmation of the truth,
and relentlessly humble and patient and merciful in dealing with people." ~Piper
"Men whose might is matched by his meekness."

"Men whose intellect is matched by his humility"
"Men who are known for the delight they have in God
and the joy in God that they bring to others".

John Newton
Newton, his life was the clearest testimony to the heart-breaking mercy of God he ever saw. Even at the end of his life he is still marveling that he was saved and called to preach the gospel of grace. From his last will and testament we read:
"I commit my soul to my gracious God and Savior, who mercifully spared and preserved me, when I was an apostate, a blasphemer, and an infidel, and delivered me from the state of misery on the coast of Africa into which my obstinate wickedness had plunged me; and who has been pleased to admit me (though most unworthy) to preach his glorious gospel."

Habitual tenderness:

He could not get over the wonder of his own rescue by sheer, triumphant grace!

Newton's mother was a devout Congregationalist and taught her only child, John, the Westminster Catechism and the hymns of Isaac Watts. But she died in 1732 when John was six, and his father's second wife had no spiritual interest. Newton wrote in his Narrative that he was in school only two of all his growing-up years, from ages 8 to 10, at a boarding school in Stratford. So he was mainly self-taught, and that remained true all his life. He never had any formal theological education.
When he was 17 he met Mary Catlett and fell in love with her. She was 13. For the next seven years of traveling and misery he dreamed about her. "None of the scenes of misery and wickedness I afterwards experienced ever banished her a single hour together from my waking thoughts for the seven following years." They did eventually marry when he was 24 and were married for 40 years till she died in 1790. His love for her was extraordinary before and after the marriage!
"when I indulge myself with a particular thought of you, it usually carries me on farther, and brings me upon my knees to bless the Lord, for giving me such a treasure, and to pray for your peace and welfare . . . when I take up my pen, and begin to consider what I shall say, I am led to think of the goodness of God, who has made you mine, and given me a heart to value you. Thus my love to you, and my gratitude to him, cannot be separated. . . . All other love, that is not connected with a dependence on God, must be precarious. To this want, I attribute many unhappy marriages."
Habitual Tenderness:

He felt that many of the problems people had in their marriages were caused by people trying to find all their happiness and fulfillment in a human relationship apart from their relationship with the Lord.
"You will not be displeased with me for saying, that though you are dearer to me than the aggregate of all earthly comforts, I wish to limit my passion within those bounds which God has appointed. Our love to each other ought to lead us to love him supremely, who is the author and source of all the good we possess or hope for. It is to him we owe that happiness in a marriage state which so many seek in vain, some of whom set out with such hopes and prospects, that their disappointments can be deduced for no other cause, than having placed that high regard on a creature which is only due to the Creator. He therefore withholds his blessing (without which no union can subsist) and their expectations, of course, end in indifference . . ."
.March 21, 1748, on his way home to England in the North Atlantic, God acted to rescue the "African blasphemer." On this day 57 years later, in 1805, when Newton was 80 years old, he wrote in his diary, "March 21, 1805. Not well able to write. But I endeavor to observe the return of this day with Humiliation, Prayer and Praise." He had marked the day as sacred and precious for over half a century.
"Thus far I was answered, that before we arrived in Ireland, I had a satisfactory evidence in my own mind of the truth of the Gospel, as considered in itself, and of its exact suitableness to answer all my needs. . . . I stood in need of an Almighty Savior; and such a one I found described in the New Testament. Thus far the Lord had wrought a marvelous thing: I was no longer an infidel: I heartily renounced my former profaneness, and had taken up some right notions; was seriously disposed, and sincerely touched with a sense of the undeserved mercy I had received, in being brought safe through so many dangers. I was sorry for my past misspent life, and purposed an immediate reformation. I was quite freed from the habit of swearing, which seemed to have been as deeply rooted in me as a second nature. Thus, to all appearance, I was a new man."
In 1764 he accepted the call to the pastorate of the Church of England parish in Olney and served there for almost 16 years. Then he accepted the call at age 54 to St. Mary's Woolnoth in London where he began his 27-year ministry on December 8, 1779. The last time he was in the pulpit of St. Mary's was in October, 1806 when he was 81 years old. He died December 21, 1807 at the age of 82. A month before he died he expressed his settled faith:
"It is a great thing to die; and, when flesh and heart fail, to have God for the strength of our heart, and our portion forever. I know whom I have believed, and he is able to keep that which I have committed against that great day. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me that day."

"He believes and feels his own weakness and unworthiness, and lives upon the grace and pardoning love of his Lord. This gives him an habitual tenderness and gentleness of spirit"~Newton
God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him.

2006-03-30T10:18:00.000-06:00

My heart leaps up when I behold

A Rainbow in the sky:

- William Wordsworth

Kingdoms and fishing!

2006-03-27T12:17:00.000-06:00

"Some men fish all their lives

without knowing it's

not really the fish

they are after."

~Thoreau

Princess?

2006-03-23T10:30:00.000-06:00

I was talking to a friend the other day

about the meanings of names

and I realized that

I didn't know the meaning of MY name!

So, I looked up my name on several name sites.

Here is what I found:

Option #1:

Origin: Hebrew root

Meaning: Princess

Option #2

Origin:French

Meaning:Darling

Name description:

likes to be firm, but kind; a girl with beautiful eyes whose heart is full of love; what she does brings fame and glory; each mountain brings a bigger quest; does not like to be behind on things; she feels ambitions are important.

To my surprise my name means Princess.

Just think all these

years I was a princess and didn't know it :)

Here is a list of the names that mean prince:

ABIDAN m Biblical
AMIR (1) m Arabic
ARJUNA m Indian
ARMEL m French
ÁRPÁD m Hungarian
BALDER m Norse Mythology
BEELZEBUB m Biblical
BRENDAN m Irish, English
BRENNUS m Ancient Celtic (Latinized)
CADFAEL m Welsh
CASIMIR m English
CASPIAN m Literature
FLAITHRÍ m Irish
GOTTSCHALK m German
GRUFFYDD m Welsh
HAMLET m Literature
IDRIS m Welsh
IDWAL m Welsh
ITHEL m Welsh
KENELM m English
KLEMENS m German, Danish, Swedish, Polish
KNUT m Scandinavian
LLYWELYN m Welsh
MAURICE m English, French
MIHAI m Romanian
MIRZA m Iranian, Arabic
NKOSANA m African
OLEG m Russian
PARIS (1) m Greek Mythology
PRINCE m English
RAJ m Indian
RUPERT m German, Dutch, English, Polish
SHAHZAD m Iranian, Arabic
TAKEHIKO m Japanese
VLAD m Russian, Romanian
XOCHIPILLI m New World Mythology
ZIEMOWIT m Polish

What does your name mean?

Dragons and Maidens and Valiant Knights

2006-03-22T21:38:00.000-06:00

"It takes two to speak the truth--

one to speak, and another to hear."

~Thoreau

Most people will do anything to avoid

being the bearer of correction,

thank goodness there are

a hardy few who

won't.

"an honest answer is

like a kiss on the lips"

~Proverbs 24:26

Become awed by the simple wonders of life:

2006-03-21T20:28:00.000-06:00

Discovering real joy comes from

appreciating the simple experiences in life....

it's not having a million dollars,

or fame,

....but of the basic joy of

being

alive!

(You have come along way!

Happy 3rd Birthday!)

2006-03-21T19:55:00.000-06:00

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life!

Mercy

2006-03-19T15:48:00.000-06:00

"The quality of mercy is not strain'd

it droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven

upon the place beneath

it is twice bless'd

it blesseth him that gives

and him that takes

'Tis mightiest in the mightiest

it becomes the crowned monarch

better than his crown

His sceptre shows the force of temporal power

the attribute to awe and majesty

wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings

but mercy is above this sceptred sway

it is enthroned in the hearts of kings

it is an attribute to God himself

and earthly power doth then show likest God's

when mercy seasons justice. "

Grace, Mercy and Joy.

2006-03-18T23:35:00.000-06:00

" When God notices that Adam is alone,

when He affirms that it is not good

for Adam to be alone, He does not

then create Eve to solve his loneliness

or to be a source of happiness for him.

God did not say, I will make a friend or

a toy suitable for him. Instead He said

I will make a helper suitable for him.

A wife is to be a helpmate for the husband,

a co-laborer in the great task of exercising

dominion over God's creation. It was true

then and it is true now."

[ a help mate is driven by a desire to help,

to provide for and edify her husband, whatever the need.

Being an encourager is an essential part of being a helpmate.

To encourage means being willing to "consider

others better than yourselves."Philip 2:3

That does not mean believing that everyone

else does things better than you do, rather, it means

caring for your husband in a way that puts

his needs before your own. Helpmates

are able to see something in their husbands that

others fail to see. They can see firsthand the evidence of the

powerful working of grace.]

"To put it more plainly, marriage is more work

than fun.

Of course work can be fun as well.

But if we expect it to be fun,

if we believe that we are due all the emotional goodies

if we think that the principle function of a

spouse is to meet our felt needs,

we are prime candidates for adultery.

If we start with the assumption that we have

a right to be happy, to have fun,

we wont let things like

solomn vows

stay in our way.

The difference between

a cultural and biblical view

of marriage is:

culture sees marriage as a way to be served,

and the Bible sees marriage as a way in which to serve.

It is not important that we score high

on a compatibility test, but that we are

working together to build the kingdom.

There is your excitement.

There is your romance.

To go off together slaying dragons,

even if we slay dragons through

the mundane work

of overcomming thorns and thistles.

For servants of the King,

the joy comes in the service,

in faithful service."

[originally I was only going to post a quote but the whole article was so good that I had to post it all, with

a little commentary added by me.]

2006-03-18T22:04:00.000-06:00

When you enter a room

does your countenance

speak louder

than you do?

2006-03-18T02:10:00.000-06:00

"and as imagination bodies forth,

the form of things unknown,

the poet's pen

turns them to shapes

and gives to airy nothing

a local habitation

and a name."

2006-03-17T20:33:00.000-06:00

POSITION :

Mother / Wife

JOB DESCRIPTION :

Long term, team players needed, for challenging permanent work in an, often chaotic environment.
Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work all evenings, weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts.
Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends
Travel expenses not reimbursed.
Extensive courier duties also required.

RESPONSIBILITIES :
Must be attentive enough to be able to include favorite foods in lunches and dinners!
Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst!
Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly.
Must possess the physical stamina to be able to go from zero to 60 mph in 3 seconds flat, in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf.
Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair,
mysterious sluggish toilets and stuck zippers.
Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars & coordinate production of multiple homework projects.
Must have ability to read a map!Must be willing to be indispensable.Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility.

POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION :
Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you.

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE :
None required; on-the-job training offered.

WAGES AND BENEFITS:
While no health, dental insurance, pension, tuition reimbursement,
paid holidays or stock options are offered;
this job supplies unimaginable and unlimited benefits!

2006-03-15T20:29:00.000-06:00

Wealth and Fame are brushwood,

Wisdom and Judgement are timber.

The first two make the brightest flame,

but the second two give the most lasting heat.

"It may look to us that we can

easily obtain honor and riches

through our own industry

or strenuous exertion

or through the favor of others

yet it is certain that all these things

are nothing in themselves

and that we shall not make any headway

by our insight or by our labors

but insofar as the Lord

shall prosper both.

Finally, if we do not suceed according to our wishes,

we shall, however be kept from impatience

and detesting our condition, whatever it may be,

because we understand that it is by God's choosing

that riches and poverty, honor and contempt

are distributed."

~John Calvin

2006-03-15T12:51:00.000-06:00

Hospitality:

When you finally realize that it is 10 O'clock,

but it feels like you just got there.

Family

2006-03-15T11:55:00.000-06:00

Tuesday night I learned a lesson in thanksgiving.

I find that when someone offers my family an act of kindness,

I tend to think that it is only proper to refuse.

We don't want to put anybody out,

so we make excuses not to acccept their generosity.

Yet by refusing generosity,

we miss out on thanksgiving.

We accepted an offer of generosity and found

a family who lives a lifestyle of thanksgiving.

Their love for one another was evident and motivating;

mother with son and brother with sister,

encompasing everyone.

They spend a great deal of time together,

so that they are very aware of each others struggles and needs,

yet they are joyful and content, enjoying life with one another.

Their joyous life spoke loudly of the Grace of God.

As children of God we are called to give thanks..

They give thanks by praising God in prayer

and eating together with gladness and simplicity.

They give thanks by the lifestyle that they live.

They give thanks by being humble before the

gift-giving God whom they serve.

Tuesday night I learned a lesson in Family.

2006-03-07T20:37:00.000-06:00

Happiness:

Make it the object of your pursuit,

and it will lead you on

a wild goose chase and will

never be attained.

What I learned at the bee convention:

2006-03-07T20:09:00.000-06:00

"Like leaves on trees, the race of bees is found,

Now green in youth, now withering on the ground;

Another race the spring of fall supplies;

They droop successive, and successive rise."

"It is well known that the bee

is a lover of sweet oders,

and that unpleasant ones are very apt

to excite their anger.

Bees have a special dislike

to persons whose habits are not cleanly..

Those who belong to a family of the

"unwashed" will find

to their cost that bees

are decided foes to all

their tribe"

Progress

2006-03-07T19:31:00.000-06:00

PIERRE, S.D. - Gov. Mike Rounds signed legislation Monday banning nearly all abortions in South Dakota!
Challenging the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion.
The bill would make it a crime for doctors to perform an abortion unless the procedure was necessary to save the woman's life.

"In the history of the world, the true test of a civilization is how well people treat the most vulnerable and most helpless in their society. The sponsors and supporters of this bill believe that abortion is wrong because unborn children are the most vulnerable and most helpless persons in our society. I agree with them," Rounds said in the statement.
Under the new law, to go into effect July 1, doctors could get up to five years in prison for performing an illegal abortion.
Current state law sets increasingly stringent restrictions on abortions as pregnancy progresses; after the 24th week, the procedure is allowed only to protect the woman's health and safety.
About 800 abortions are performed each year in the state.

North Carolina cuisine!

2006-02-28T10:12:00.000-06:00

In North Carolina, I was privledged to try many new and different foods. Some of the local cuisine consisted of: Southern fried chicken with biscuits, Fried catfish with hush puppies, Salmon croquettes, Pinto beans with ham hocks, collard greens with ham hocks, grits, and of course Maws! In North Carolina, chitterlings come in 10 pound buckets. Hog maws are found in the freezer case. After cleaning the chitterlings and maws of the fat you will only end up with about half as much volume.

MAWS:
Ingredients:
2 pounds hog maws (pig stomach)
2 pounds chitterlings (pig intestines)
3 quarts water
1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon red pepper (flakes)
1 medium peeled red onion

Put the hog maws in a pot along with your 3 quarts water, red onion, red pepper, and salts.

Bring them to a boil, then simmer for about and 1 hour and a half, then

add chitterlings.

Cook another 2 hours until tender.
Cut maws and chitterlings into bite sized portions and brown in a skillet. Put them back in the pot with the stock and simmer for another hour.
They should be served with:
collard greens with ham hocks
red eye grits
pinto beans
and
sweet potatoe pie!

(now THIS my version of the recipe!)

My favorite type of art!

2006-02-27T10:52:00.000-06:00

Surealistic Art:
Incongrueous imagery by means of unnatural juxtapositions and combinations.

I need color....

2006-02-27T08:44:00.000-06:00

After having a discussion

with one of my good friends,

about how white walls are boring....

I surmised that it is time to use color

once again on the walls.

Once before, I used a creamy latte color..

as you can see in the top picture.

But now that I am in a new house,

I would like to try a new color.

Based upon the current decor,

what color would you suggest?

About time.....

2006-02-25T21:41:00.000-06:00

PIERRE, S.D. - South Dakota lawmakers approved a ban on nearly all abortions Friday, setting up a deliberate frontal assault on Roe v. Wade at a time when some activists see the U.S. Supreme Court as more willing than ever to overturn the 33-year-old decision.
Republican Gov. Mike Rounds said he was inclined to sign the bill, which would make it a crime for doctors to perform an abortion unless it was necessary to save the woman’s life. The measure would make no exception in cases of rape or incest.
Many opponents and supporters of abortion rights believe the U.S. Supreme Court is more likely to overturn its 1973 Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion now that conservatives John Roberts and Samuel Alito are on the bench. Lawmakers said growing support among South Dakotans for abortion restrictions added momentum to the bill.
Under the measure, doctors could get up to five years in prison for performing an illegal abortion. The House passed the bill 50-18 on Friday, and the Senate approved it 23-12 earlier this week. If signed, it would become law July 1.
Girding for battleMoney for the anticipated legal fight is already pouring in. Lawmakers were told during the debate that an anonymous donor has pledged $1 million to defend the ban, and the Legislature is setting up a special account to accept donations.
“We’ve had people stopping in our office trying to drop off checks to promote the defense of this legislation already,” Rounds said.
Leslee Unruh, president of the Alpha Center, a Sioux Falls pregnancy counseling agency that tries to steer women away from abortion, said most of the abortions performed in South Dakota do not stem from rape or even failed contraception, but are simply “conveniences.”
Unruh said she believes most South Dakota women want the state to ban abortion, and many who have had abortions “wish someone would have stopped them.”
The governor said he believes it would be better to eliminate abortion in steps rather than all at once. Rounds indicated he does not share the view that Alito and Roberts will usher in sudden, dramatic changes in how the court views abortion. He said it could be a drawn-out legal battle, and noted that it is not even assured that the high court will hear the case.
The bill “may satisfy a lot of individuals out there who would like to see if there is one slim chance the court may entertain three years from now a direct assault on Roe v. Wade,” Rounds said.
He added, however: “I’ve indicated I’m pro-life and I do believe abortion is wrong and that we should do everything we can to save lives. If this bill accomplishes that, then I am inclined to sign the bill into law.”
Rounds said his staff will review the bill for technical defects. He noted that he vetoed a similar measure two years ago because it would have wiped out all existing restrictions on abortion while the bill was challenged in court.
According to the Guttmacher Institute, a reproductive rights organization in New York and Washington, similar abortion proposals are in the works in seven other states: Missouri, Indiana, Kentucky, Oklahoma, West Virginia, Georgia and Tennessee.

Kindness of friends....

2006-02-24T11:44:00.000-06:00

In my agonizing sorrow, the Lord spoke to me

And comforted me ... this was no mistake

That HE, even in the tragedies of life

Is pursuing the fame of HIS name.

I was comforted that God's glory

and HIS people's good are never at odds

All things occur ... that HIS people would praise HIM

For HIS matchless grace and mercy sustaining

That the works of God should be revealed, and that HIS people would praise Him

Be exalted above the heavens, O God.

(This is a song written by JFC, in dedication

to this week 3 years ago)

Grateful..

2006-02-24T09:10:00.000-06:00

"You made me in an amazing and wonderful way"

~Psalm 139:14 NCV

It was during this week 3 years ago that I began to miscarry

my twin babies. I had been pushed down a

set of stairs, during an argument because I wouldn't

get an abortion. Apparently, the thought of being responsible for

5 kids is too overwelming to some.

I started bleeding heavily and my water broke so I

rushed to the ER where I was informed that --

I was miscarrying the twins and that the hospital that

I was at was not a level 5 and didn't have the

facilities to save premies that premature.

The closest level 5 hospital was all the way in the

neighboring state of SD. So they called to see how

arrangements could be made to transport me to that hospital.

It was during this time that I lost Ester. The ER

staff thinking that it was too late, informed me

that I would be losing both of the babies, and it was

only a matter of time that the second one would

come out. Since they couldn't detect a heartbeat,

and my water was broke, and I was hemmoraging, they

concluded that I would lose Zebulun within the next few hours.

When he didn't come, they told me that they wanted

to remove the other dead twin (for my safety, ha!)so I could go home.

Since I was creating a heafty tab

that would be hard to pay without insurance,

I asked if could just go home and

"let things progress naturally."

So I went straight home, and put my feet up,

refusing to let my other baby come out if by nothing

else than by defying gravity.

Everytime I stood I hemorraged, and the contractions

started, so I just didnt get up at all.

I laid there and prayed.

It was hard to go though

it alone with 3 little children

depending on me to take care of them,

but I couldn't give up on Zebulun

just to make the circumstances easier for me to bear.

The doctors told me before I left,

that I was making a mistake,

that Zebulun was dead, and if by

some chance he had survived

he would never walk,

he would never talk,

he would be blind,

he would have cerebral palsy,

and complete mental retardation,

and on and on and on.

Even, with that in mind, it was not my right to

take Zebulun's life away.

Weeks later, I drove myself

to the doctor and they airlifted me to

the level 5 hospital.

Zebulun was born by C-section

weighing 2lbs but perfect in

every way.

He struggled to live

for 3 months,

and by God's grace:

survived,

was not blind,

did not have cerebral palsy,

and was not mentally retarded.

Yes, those times were hard....

yes my belief on abortion was tested....

but I knew that God,

even in the tragedies of life,

is pursuing the fame of HIS name.

I was Grateful that God's glory

and HIS people's good are never at odds.

If it appears that chaos has broken out in your once predictable world,

be at peace regardless of your circumstances,

because all things occur that the works

of God should be revealed;

and in response,

we should Gratefully praise HIM

for HIS matchles grace and sustaining mercy!

My prayer...

2006-02-22T22:18:00.000-06:00

The last 10 years have been filled with many lessons learned.

I know am more mindful of His mercy and grace than ever before in my life.

I do not know what the next 10 years will bring.

I know what I pray that they will bring:

I pray that by God's grace that may be able to have more children.

I pray that I am able to implement Biblical agrarianism as my daily life!

That one day I will be able aquire land

that I can pass down to my children and grandchildren.

I pray that as my children grow older

that they would grow in faith and wisdom.

I pray that my four boys would marry godly wives,

(women who desire to be helpmates to them and to be mothers)

as they stive to be godly leaders in their homes.

I pray that my daughter would marry a man of God,

a warrior and a dragon slayer!

And I pray, by the grace of God,

that my sons and my daughter will raise many godly seed for His glory!

So as I grow old,

I can daily see my children

and their children faithfully serving God.

This is what I pray.

Is it time to eat yet?

2006-02-21T04:18:00.000-06:00

Kuchen

(This is the state dessert of SD, but I found it more prevalent in ND)

1 package dry yeast

1 tablespoon sugar

¼ cup lukewarm water

2 cups warm milk

2 eggs

½ cup shortening

6-8 cups flour

½ cup sugar

1 teaspoon salt

Dissolve yeast and 1 tablespoon sugar in lukewarm water.

Combine milk and eggs, beat well.

Add shortening, beat again.

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar and salt and add first mixture to it.

Mix well.

Knead until dough is smooth and elastic,

sprinkle with a little flour at a time.

Put in warm place to rise until double in bulk.

Divide dough into 8 equal parts.

Roll each piece to fit a pie plate.

Let rise 20 minutes.

Put fruit on top—can use apples, peaches, raisins or prunes.

Filling:

2 cups sweet cream or sour cream

2 eggs, beaten

½ cup sugar

2 tablespoons flour

½ teaspoon vanilla

1/8 teaspoon cinnamon

Top the fruit with cream filling.

Sprinkle with cinnamon.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until brown.

2006-02-20T10:18:00.000-06:00

Patience is the companion of Wisdom.

~St. Augustine

God knows our desires,

He put that song in our hearts.

But God's timetable is His own,

We must wait patiently

for the Lord.

Come sing LOUDLY with me!

2006-02-20T07:50:00.000-06:00

*Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;

Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art

Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,

Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.
*Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;

I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;

Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;

Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.
*Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;

Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;

Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower:

Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.
*Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,

Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:

Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,

High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art!
*High King of Heaven, my victory won,

May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Sun!

Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,

Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all!

Esteemed

2006-02-18T19:52:00.000-06:00

"Let us rather seek

the profit of others,

and even

voluntarily give up our rights

for the sake of others."

40 below zero

2006-02-18T18:45:00.000-06:00

I have been longing for North Dakota lately....

It is like a different world up there:

Snowmobiles...

Blizzards....

Wild Moose....

Kuchen....

Miles and miles of nothing...

Herds of a 100+ deer...

Simple living...

40 below zero....

shoveling lots and lots of snow....

Excited about the snow, I set

out Sat. morning with shovel in hand

and blisfully cleared off my driveway. Now,

being used to digging out a 1/2 mile driveway that

let to a county road in ND. And several feet of snow

instead of inches. I was eagar to continue shoveling..

I have two elderly neighbor ladies that won't get out

to get their mail if it is snowy out. So in blissful glee,

I was able clear enough snow to satisfy my longing..

and help out two dear elderly ladies!

"We are to do good unto all men with out exception,

though many are undeserving when based upon their own merits,

but we are not to think of man's real value,

but only as creation in the image of God

to which we owe all possible honor and love.

Therefore, if anyone appears before you who is in need of your kind services,

you have no reason to refuse him your help."

"Let us not become weary in doing good"

~Gal 6:9

Birthday Wishes!

2006-02-17T11:58:00.000-06:00

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY!

JFC!!

(Born Feb16, 1945!)

How can I repay the Lord for all his goodness to me?

2006-02-17T09:59:00.000-06:00

Lord you are gracious

and righteous

and full of compassion!

Be at rest once more,

O my soul,

for the Lord has been good to you!

I need to get chickens...

2006-02-16T10:18:00.000-06:00

Wow, it is amazing how many eggs you can use in one week!

I have been trying to find some way to use my time productively.

My 2 youngest get up at 5 am like clock work.

Which means I have 2 hours before the second 2 get up.

What's a girl to do? I figure I have several options:

(a) I could read.

(ha! you try chasing babies and reading at the same time!)

(b) I could watch tv. (tv; what is that?)

(the babies DO love to play under foot in the kitchen!)

SO, I chose option C.

Now, my bread making track record has been less than perfect.

My bread usually ends up harder than bricks..lol.

Now, I can make a decent bread when using a machine,

but I want to learn the art of making bread by hand.

And that is where the problem begins... and the bricks end.

So, with the Settler's wife's help, I have been working

on my technique. And amazingly I have found,

if you are making bread

every morning that you use alot of eggs!

Now, I REALLY need to move to the country just

to have chickens!

Well, I am happy to announce that this week,

I made a delicious loaf of bread!

Not just edible, or decent,

but actually

delicious!

I made a dellicious

Orange-Anise Braided Ring!

And with all this extra time

in the kitchen,(waiting for the dough to rise)

I have been able to make biscuits that

are not as hard as hockey pucks :)

But light and fluffy with lots

of creamy gravy.

I even ventured out into yogurt and granola.

Needless to say our breakfasts

have expanded quite a bit:

raw milk

scrambled eggs

sausage

edible biscuits and gravy

hashbrowns

yogurt and granola

delicious homemade bread

with raw honey!!

The kids certainly are

enjoying the

results,

so thank you

Settlers wife

for the

training!

Let me show you that I really love you.....

2006-02-14T08:40:00.000-06:00

Love,

we all want to love,

and to be loved.

Yet, we are all so blinded by

self-love

that everyone justifys himself

that he has a right to exalt himself

and to undervalue all others in

comparison to self.

We tell ourselves that we are better than

the average man, and we depreciate

and diminish those

with the same tallents

in which we admire

in ourselves.

In doing this

we despise others

as our inferiors.

We should not

despise others on

account of their faults.

for we should show charity

and respect to everyone.

Many of us can get along

with others just as long as

everything is pleasant and amiable;

but how many of us keep our

good humor if we are distrubed and irritated?

If we would seek to give honor to others:

we would get along with others

not only with good humor but with politeness

and friendship!

.......To truly show that we really love

one another we must

pluck self-love from

the roots of our hearts and

honor others from

the depth of our

hearts!

Happy Valentines Day!!

2006-02-14T08:26:00.000-06:00

Lord,

You have blessed me

with many friends and

encouragers.

Thank you for that

blessing.

Help me to be a

constant blessing

to others

as I look for ways to

inspire and uplift

my "new"

brothers and sisters!

FREEZE TAG!!

2006-02-13T21:03:00.000-06:00

-#1 List between 3 & 7 books or authors that have influenced you greatly:
*Bible
*Book of James
*Book of Ephesians
*Song of Solomon
* Boy Meets Girl
*The politically incorrect wife
*Me? Obey Him?
*Face to face (Hospitality)
*Love Busters
*To Train up a child
*No Greater Joy

#2 List some of your favorite places to go:
*The Atlantic Ocean at Wrightsville NC (especially the piers)
*The outer banks of NC (a chain of islands, where wild horses still roam)
*Badlands in SD (rugged beauty)
*Mandan ND (lush and scenic)
*Kulum ND (herds of 300 wild deer)
*Minot ND (the best Scandinavian food!)
*Victoria, British Columbia(hundreds of tulip fields)
*The redwood forest in Washington State(the only rainforest in the U.S)
*The Pacific Ocean in Washington State(vacation or just relaxing)
*A cabin in the Smokey Mountains
*Looking at the stars on a warm summer night
*Outside freezing playing in the snow!
*Reading together in front of the fireplace.
*Minneapolis/St.Paul opera house
*Anywhere that is in the middle of nowhere! (miles and miles of nothing!)

#3 List your greatest accomplishment, or a few great accomplishments:
*I have 5 of them, and I adore them dearly!

#4 Favorite foods:
*Wood-fired/ grilled lemon pepper salmon
* Iced Mocha Caramel Lattes =coffee, coffee, coffee!
*CHOCOLATE! Chocolate! Chocolate!
*Gyros
*Spinach pizza with soubise
*Greek olives
*BBQ
*Any Cajun food
*Homemade Sorbet/Sorbetto (a palate refresher served between courses)
*Grilled portobello mushrooms
*Sushi!!
*Peanut butter and jelly and mayo sandwiches.
*Peanut butter and bologna and mayo sandwiches.(see the pattern here?)
*Sweet tea
*Strawberry Lemonade
*Did I mention coffee?

#5 Give a short testimony of how the Lord found you:
*When I was very young..(maybe 6?)I had met a Christian family who lived down the street and after seeing their love for one another and how distinctly different it was from my house... I went into my bedroom, not having anyone to ask questions to or lead me in prayer, I knelt beside my chair and asked God to reveal Himself to me, and asked Him if he would direct me and take care of me because I didnt have a loving family to do so. I promised Him that I would follow and obey His commands and somehow find a way to get a Bible to learn His commands so I could obey and learn more about Him.

#6 List 7 of your favorite songs, artists, groups, hymns, or composers:
* Yo Yo MA.(is there more to life than Yo Yo Ma?)
*Classical baroque music
*I like blue grass/Appalachian Mountian Music
*Big Band/Swing music from the 20's
*Hymn--"What wonderous love is this?"
*Hymn--"Be thou my vision"
*ANY CELLO music
*Classical guitar music
*Christian Pop(some of it)

#7 List 7 of the Bible verses you seem to always go back to.
*Ephesians 1:4-6
""For HE chose us in HIM before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in HIS sight. In love, HE predestined, us to be adopted as HIS sons throught Jesus Christ, in accordance with HIS pleasure and will to the praise of HIS glorious grace, which HE has freely given us in the Beloved"
*Song of Solomon 3:5
"Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires"
*Joshua 1:9-10
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with be with you wherevere you go."
*Psalm23:4
"Yea, though, I walk throught the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil; for thou art with me ; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."
*Psalm27:
"The Lord is my light and my salvation:whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
*Luke6:36
"Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful"
*Matt25:40
"Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have dont it unto one of the least of these my bretheren ye have done it unto me.
*Proverbs 15:33
"humility comes before honor."
*James 4:10
"Humble yourselves in the sight of the lord and he shall lift you up."
*I Thessalonians 5:18
"IN everything give thanks for this is Gods Will for you in Christ Jesus"
*Colossians 3:15
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful!"

Lamb again?

2006-02-11T07:55:00.000-06:00

What goes really well with lamb?

Homemade cheese.

Want to make it extra flavorful?

Try rolling it in crushed fennel seeds,

and press dried lavender flowers into it

so the flowers&seeds will adhere to the cheese.

Serve with hot bread and lamb.

Very Yummy!

Do you see the resemblance?

2006-02-10T23:13:00.000-06:00

Maiden with many names!!!

2006-02-10T22:28:00.000-06:00

I would like to announce that you should
check out Maiden with many brothers blog page........

but alas, she does not have one.

She only graces us with her intermitent comments! And her mysterious names!!!LOL! She is a Maiden of many names: Diah's sister, Maiden with many brothers, and Dairy Maiden... What will she be next?LOL
DEAR Gracious maiden, do reconsider sharing your wisdom in cooking, some of are "mere pupils" and require your expertise! I have heard that the Knights get excited when you make
dessert! And your lamb loaf is the best in all the kingdom!

So I encourage all of you to keep you eye out for all of the comments left by our non-bloggers. They have some excellent comments! They are: the 3 Purvis Princesses, Gracious Maiden with many brothers, Meticulous Maiden(KB), Maiden of Merite(HH)

"BEE"-- MY VALENTINE!

2006-02-10T12:21:00.000-06:00

Love waits....

It knows nothing of days,

hours,

or minutes.

Love comes

God's time.

Love

kind...

Love

cares,

Love

listens,

Love

smiles,

Love

thoughtful,
Love

is a

gentle touch,

Love

wipes tears

and

gives hugs,

Love

never

fails!

~I Cor 13(adapted)

Valentines Day...

2006-02-10T11:33:00.000-06:00

Whenever I see an older couple,

I pause.

I think about what a priviledge

they have had to experience...

jobs, homes, children,

vacations, worries

disappointments, tragedies,

and joys,

together.

I see them perfectly comfortable

in being quiet,

together.

I see the gentle joy

from a lifetime

of being

together.

It is a priviledge

to grow old

together.

Do you see the resemblance?

2006-02-08T08:27:00.000-06:00

Donkey Boy?

Ti -double- guh- er!

Which one do you think he resembles?

and... Tigger DOES have a house!

Look for it! :)

Come laugh with me!

2006-02-08T07:30:00.000-06:00

Laughter is an instant vacation......

We always thank God,

the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

when we pray for you.....

For this reason,

we have not stopped praying for you

and asking God

to fill you with the knowledge

of his will

through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.

And we pray this

in order that you may live a life

worthy of the Lord

and may please him in every way:

bearing fruit in every good work,

growing in the knowledge of God,

being strengthened with all power

according to his glorious might

so that you may have great endurance

and patience,

and joyfully giving thanks

to the Father,

who has qualified you

to share in the inheritance of the saints

in the kingdom of light!

For he has rescued us

from the dominion of darkness

and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,

in whom we have redemption,

the forgiveness of sins!

~Colossians 1:3-14

I pray that you may find joy

in the simple things

in life!

Capture the flag anyone?

2006-02-06T20:28:00.000-06:00

Hay:

Alfalfa, brome, prairie grass....

the smell is invigorating!

Several farmers have been driving past lately

with their loads of hay. And that has made

me reminiscent for the days on the farm when after

a hard days work, we would go to the hay barn.

The square bales would be stacked up like stair-steps

on one end up to a fortress of hay!

Battles would take place, maidens rescued,

and dragons slayed. Hide and seek would spontaneously

erupt and giggles and laughter would give us away:)

Yet, with all this fun, the circus was the best!

Tied to one of the highest beams was a long thick rope

which hung almost all the way down to the ground.
We would climb our "stairs" up to the top and then scramble

onto the beam, "tightrope walk" across it,

grap the rope, haul it up and.....

one....two.... three...

JUMP!

We would swing across the barn

letting go just in time

to crash into a pile of hay!

I have been missing this "playfulness"

for several weeks now, I finally

decided to do something about it.

I was dying to be playful!

On Fri. Feb 3rd, I loaded the kids up

in the car and drove to the

"funnest" place I know.

A farm.

We drove to Nathan Boones Homestead.

Which is just a big farm.

We ran, and played tag

and just randomly chased each other.

We laughed and tickled and giggled!

We played hide and seek and

capture the flag!

We walked around and

enjoyed the nature around us!

Yes, I was silly,

Yes, I was goofy,

Maybe I didn't act mature...

(see Micah's blog about maturity)

http://www.micahdavid.blogspot.com/

BUT I HAD A GREAT TIME

BEING PLAYFUL!

AND I WOULD RECOMMEND IT

TO ANYONE!

SO WITH THAT SAID:

COME PLAY WITH

ME!

I must be hungry.....

2006-02-06T10:22:00.000-06:00

Being from a Scotch/Irish background,

I love scottish food. I consider it part

of my love for interational foods.

Here is a great breakfast dish,

if you love sheep.

SCOTTISH EGGS:

16 hard boiled eggs

2 raw eggs (beaten)

1/2 cup flour(more if needed)

4 lbs sheep sausage

2 tablespoons water

2 cups dried herbed bread crumbs

(with your preference of herbs added)

Step 1: Shell the hard boilded eggs and

dust with flour.

Step 2: Wrap/cover each egg evenly with the sausage.

Step 3: Mix the beaten egg and water together.

Step 4: Coat the hard boiled, sausage eggs with the beaten

egg mixture and coat with bread crumbs.

Step 5: Pan fry or deep fry at 350 degrees until

brown on all sides.

Step 6: Drain on paper towels.

Serve hot with grated rutabaga/potatoe mixture hashbrowns.

Serves 6.

Do you see the resemblance?

2006-02-05T18:59:00.000-06:00

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Mongol1.jpg

Genghis Khan is regarded as a military and strategic genius

He was the eldest son of Yesükhei, a tribal chief of the Kiyad.

His father delivered him to his future wife's family when he was only nine. He was supposed to live there until he reached the marriageable age of 12.

Genghis Khan built a highly efficient army with remarkable discipline, dedication, loyalty and military intelligence.

Genghis Khan / Ghengis Kahn

was a man of tall stature,

of vigorous build,

robust in body,

the hair on his face scanty,

with cat's eyes,

possessed of dedicated energy,

great discernment,

an utter genius,

sympathic understanding,

awe-striking,

just,

resolute,

an overthrower of enemies,

intrepid,

and

sanguinary.

The name is believed to derive from the Mongolian word temur, meaning iron.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Mongol_dominions1.jpg

AREN'T THE SIMILARITIES UNCANNY?

Hurry BACK!

2006-02-05T18:00:00.000-06:00

Hurry Back Natalie,

the whole "group" misses you

already.

Besides, you know how

menacing Ghengis Kahn is, :)

I need reinforcements!

Happy Birthday!

2006-02-03T09:08:00.000-06:00

LOVES BEING A BIG BROTHER

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! To my inquisitive little boy,

who would prefer to sit and read all day more than anything
else. (especially, the count of monte cristo, robinson crusoe, and moby dick) Always wants to know how things work, constantly building inventions,loves to sing, rides a horse like it was second nature,is VERY protective of his little brothers and his sister/ a great BIG brother! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Thank -you Natalie!!!

2006-02-01T21:56:00.000-06:00

Some of us have the gift,

and some of us don't.

After laboring to no avail,

I humbly approached

Natalie and asked

for her wisdom and

expertise.

So thank-you Natalie,

for having patience

with me and showing me

how to use my computer and

how to post a picture!!!

If you all haven't

noticed -- I now have

a pretty picture by my

profile! This is thanks

to Natalie and her artistic

abilities! She took& chose

this picture to represent

my personality!!

An attempt....

2006-02-01T21:19:00.000-06:00

Since Homestead herbs did an amazing job

decluttering her house, I thought I would

give it a try.

But I am afraid that I still am

quite cluttered compared to

her house.

However, I did give it a

good try. Yeah!!

I am open for suggestions....

anyone have any?

Love founded on friendship.....

2006-01-30T10:41:00.000-06:00

(......stands the test of time.)

This is my love, this is my friend:

My love is radiant and ruddy,

outstanding among ten thousand!
His eyes are like doves by the water streams,

washed in milk, mounted like jewels.
His cheeks are like beds of spice yielding perfume.

His lips are like lilies dripping with myrrh.
His arms are rods of gold set with chrysolite.

His body is like polished ivory decorated with sapphires.
His legs are pillars of marble set on bases of pure gold.

His appearance is like Lebanon, choice as its cedars.
His mouth is sweetness itself; he is altogether lovely.

This is my love, this my friend:
How beautiful you are, my darling!

Oh, how beautiful!

Your eyes behind your veil are doves.

Your hair is like a flock of goats descending from Mount Gilead.
Your teeth are like a flock of sheep just shorn,

coming up from the washing.
Your lips are like a scarlet ribbon;

your mouth is lovely.

Your temples behind your veil

are like the halves of a pomegranate.
Your neck is like the tower of David,

built with elegance;

on it hang a thousand shields,

all of them shields of warriors.
All beautiful you are, my darling;

there is no flaw in you.

This is my love, this is my friend!

Courtship

2006-01-30T09:41:00.000-06:00

"Do not arouse or awaken love

until it so desires."

COURTSHIP:

It seems to be the season of life,

where courtship is roused.

I cannot say that I fully understand it.

It was explained to me -that it

is a protection for the girl,

and a testing for the boy.

I learned that it is a

cautious process where

under careful guideance,

a firm foundation of friendship

is established, in which to build upon a solid marriage.

I can see how this postponing

of romance and passion

would result in love

that is not casual but

committed-

"a bond tolerating no rivals"

Yet, not ever having experienced

such ritual, I am inclined to

ask all of you for any more

insight you can offer

on this subject!

So, what is your opinion

Courtship?

"Place me like a seal over your heart,

like a seal on your arm;

for love is as strong as death,

its jealousy unyielding as the grave.

It burns like blazing fire,

like a mighty flame.

Many waters cannot quench love;

many rivers cannot wash it away."

(scriptures from Song of Solomon 3:5 &8:6)

Vignette

2006-01-30T08:59:00.000-06:00

"I am a rose of Sharon,

a lily of the valleys.

Like a lily among thorns,

is my darling among the maidens!"

~Song of Solomon 2:1-2

Aparently, spring has sprung early,

because LOVE is in the air....

I am happy to announce that

PENSIVE PRINCE

has asked to court

FAITHFUL MAIDEN!

If you want to see more details on how it happened

check out either one's blog page!

Maiden of Mirth!

2006-01-28T13:33:00.000-06:00

I have found yet another "new" blog

worthy of visiting!

Her name is:

MAIDEN OF MIRTH!!!

She is quite vivacious, and funny!

Also, she's a writer of a magazine

called "Not Ashamed Magazine"!

She is graciously allowing

me to post some

quotes from her.... so check

her blog out and her magazine!

"Well, I feel that God has called me to minister to the youth. I love to spend time encouraging them. And by having the magazine I get such a great opportunity to do that. As you can probably tell I'm sort of addicted to writing "

"And like a friend once said, the waltz is a bodily interpretation of the relationship between a man and woman in marriage. The man leads and the woman follows, but it's gentle and with practice it becomes second nature. "

"I love to garden but I seem to kill off houseplants like a serial killer!"

"I would like to make myself....listen better and encourage more. "

My other passion....

2006-01-27T09:51:00.000-06:00

I have many interests.

One of them being international foods.

Especially, Greek food.

I love to try new an interesting dishes.

I love to travel if it means I get to try

the local cuisine.

Here is a very simple Greek dish but

full of flavor:

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

4 scallions (thinly sliced)

3 large garlic cloves (thinly sliced)

6 large anchovy fillets(finely chopped)

30 Greek olives(pitted, chopped)

2 lbs shrimp(shelled, deveined)

1/4 cup white wine

1 Tablespoon unsalted butter

1Tablespoon lemon juice

Salt, pepper to taste

Orzo (already cooked )

1/2 cup toasted almonds

Step 1:

Heat olive oil in skillet,

Add scallions and garlic cook until

softened (3 min)

Add anchovies and mash them with

a fork(2 min)

Add olives, shrimp, stirring once

or twice( 2 min)

Add the wine and simmer

continue stirring(2min)

Step 2:

Remove skillet from heat.

Stir in the butter and lemon juice.

Add salt and pepper.

Step 3:

Serve shrimp over orzo

and sprinkle with toasted almonds.
Serves 4

(One thing you have to get used to is

using anchovy fillets. It is used widely

in Italian, Greek and unique European dishes.

You wouldnt notice the taste of it, unless you

were told that it was in there. It is more

the mental thought of eating them than anything)

Narnia

2006-01-26T21:30:00.000-06:00

To Lucy, Susan, Peter, & Edmund:

The snow is melting in Narnia.

Winter is over..... Spring has come!

"MY valley has become one of vision,"

and I look forward to resting soon.

But where are the

dragon slayers?

BEES

2006-01-26T10:01:00.000-06:00

I have a new passion, well its

not really new..... I have been

wanting to do bees for quite a few years now,

but I havent had the availability until now.

Princesse Russe and I attended a meeting

of the Missouri BEE keepers association

to learn more about our passion.

Here is some of what we discovered:

Princesse Russe being more practical than

I, prefered the Missouri gray bees.

Apparently, they weather better here in

MO, during the winter.

I being daring, preferred the exotic bees,

such as the Italian and Australian bees.

However, they are not as hearty as some

other bees but multiply well.

We discovered that bees have quite

a few enemys:

mites

mice

wax moths.

WE both strongly agree that we

DO NOT want to use chemicals

to ward off these predators.

But at this point, we are lacking

ideas as to how to get rid of such pests.

We want to have chemical free wax for candles, lip balms,

and many more products.

This is the problem the beekeepers are

currently facing.

They need to combat the pests but dont

want chemicals in their products.

Does anyone have any ideas?

We are open to any and all suggestions!

Nameless Knight!

2006-01-24T09:13:00.000-06:00

I just recently discovered

another insightful blog page.

If you havent visited it yet,

I highly recommend you

take a look.

http://www.maranathabc.com/~jeff/

Here is a sample of what I found

on this blog page:

THE OL' TUNESPaul Laurence Dunbar

YOU kin talk about yer anthems

An' yer arias an' sich,

An' yer modern choir-singin'

That you think so awful rich;

But you orter heerd us youngsters

In the times now far away,

A-singin' o' the ol' tunes

In the ol'-fashioned way.

There was some of us sung treble

An' a few of us growled bass,

An' the tide o' song flowed smoothly

With its 'comp'niment o' grace;

There was spirit in that music,

An' a kind o' solemn sway,

A-singin' o' the ol' tunes

In the ol'-fashioned way.

I remember oft o' standin

'In my homespun pantaloons--

On my face the bronze an' freckles

O' the suns o' youthful Junes—

Thinkin' that no mortal minstrel

Ever chanted sich a lay

As the ol' tunes we was singin'

In the ol'-fashioned way.

The boys 'ud always lead us,

An' the girls 'ud all chime in,

Till the sweetness o' the singin'

Robbed the list'nin' soul o' sin;

An' I used to tell the parson'

T was as good to sing as pray,

When the people sung the ol' tunes

In the ol'-fashioned way.

Peacemakers!

2006-01-23T19:12:00.000-06:00

Chateau des Conciliateurs

(Castle of the Peacemakers)

Bienvenue à Blogdom.

Dans ce royaume, il y a beaucoup de people.

Though, je vais seulement mentionner

ceux qui sont distants

du château des conciliateurs.

Dans ce château, il y a beaucoup bravent des chevaliers,

des princes, des poèts, des princesses et des demoiselles justes.

Welcome to Blogdom.

In this kingdom, there are many people.

Though I am only going to mention

those who are a part of

the Castle of the Peacemakers.

In this Castle there are many brave knights,

princes, poets, princesses, and fair maidens!

(This list is not all inclusive,

infact it is growing day by day!

This list is of bloggers,

frequent commenters or faithful readers.

In case you were wondering

how the names were thought up,

I have/will include(d) the scripture that came to mind

when I thought of each person and hense their name originated! )

BRAVE KNIGHTS

Chevalier de Sagesse

(Knight of Wisdom)

"who is wise among you,? Let him show it by his good life,

by deeds done in the humilty that comes from wisdom."

~James 3:13

Chevalier de Valere

(Knight of Strength)

"I have learned the secret of being content

in any and every situation, whether well fed

or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want,

I can do all things through Him

who gives me strength!"

~Philippians 4:12-13

Chevalier de Valor

(Knight of Valor)

"Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith,

be men of courage, be strong,

do everything in love"

~I Cor. 16:13

Chevalier de Aucun nom

(Knight of no name)

"For God did not give us a spirit

of timidity, but a spirit of power,

of love, and of self-discipline."

~II Tim 1:7

POETS/PRINCES

Poet Polyphonique

(Musical Poet)

"Remember me O lord

when you show favor to your people

come to my aid when you save them

that I may enjoy the prosperity of your chosen ones

that I may share in the joy of your nation

and join your inheritance in giving praise."

~Psalm 106:4

Prince de Penseur
(Pensive Prince)

"I pray that you may be active,

in sharing your faith, so that

you will have a full understanding

of every good sthing we have in Christ"

~Philemon 1:6

BEAUTIFUL PRINCESSES

Princesse Russe

(Russian Princess)

"Blessed are the pure in heart,

for they shall see God."

~Matt 5:8

Princesse D'eloge

(Princess of Praise)

"I will praise you, O Lord my God

with all my heart;

I will glorify your name

forever"

~Psalm 86:12

& the 3 "Purvis" Princesses

"Dont let anyone look down on you

because you are young, but set

an example for the believers

in speech, in life, in love, in faith

and in purity."

~I Tim 4:12

FAIR MAIDENS

Domiselle Fidele •

(Faithful Maiden)

"she speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction

is on her tongue"

~Prov 31:26

Domiselle Joyeuse

(Joyful Maiden)

"Be joyful always, pray continually;

give thanks in all circumstances, for this is

God's will for you in Christ Jesus"

~I Thess 5:16

I am truly honored to be a part of this fellowship!

"Blessed are the peacemakers

for they shall be called sons of God"

~Matt 5:9

"Now we ask you, brothers to respect those

who work hard among you,

who are over you

in the Lord,

and who admonish you.

Hold them in the Highest regard in love

because of their work.

Live in peace with each other"

~I Thess 5:12

My Ambition

2006-01-23T02:24:00.000-06:00

"Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life,

to mind your own business

and to work with your hands,

just as we told you,

so that your daily life

may win the respect

of outsiders and so

that you will not be

dependent on anybody"

~I Thess. 4:11-12

(This is another one of my favorite places

to go and read and meditate on Gods word.

It is one of the many beautiful places

in North Dakota)

My Brothers

2006-01-23T01:43:00.000-06:00

To my brothers:

I want to expess my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation.

I have had many opportunities to express

my thanks to my sisters but

not to my brothers.

I want to thank my brothers for

all their love and support.

For treating me like a sister,

and all that comes with that:

teasing, picking, advice, concern, and care.

Thank you for encouraging, comforting, and urging

me to live a life worthy of God,

who calls us into His kingdom and glory.

I admire and respect and look up to all of you,

even if at times it may be hard to tell

inbetween all of the teasing.

I am so grateful to be a part

of a church where I get to have the

dynamics of a family;

women treating me as a daughter,

ladies willing to be my sisters,

and gentlemen willing to be my

BROTHERS!

"A friend loves at all times,

and a brother is born for adversity"

~Proverbs 17:17

Philippians 2:5

2006-01-20T22:48:00.000-06:00

ATTITUDE

It's contagious.

Make sure

yours is worth

catching!

"Who knows, as I grow I might take on other types of projects,

but right now I am a finish carpenter, and I love it.

It is the understanding of all the little things that seem unimportant,

that make doing the spectacular possible."

~Knight of Wisdom

"I know I have probably written something about this before, but I am so consciously grateful I want to 'say so' and give thanks to our Lord who blessed me. The Lord has brought many wonderful people into my life and I am thankful."

~Faithful Maiden

"You know you're loved when your younger brother

spontaneously gives you a handful of rubber bands out of his stash."

Life with siblings is never boring!

it is comforting to know that I have a resource if I ever need to cook opossum"

~Russian Princess

"YOUR ATTITUDE SHOULD BE THE SAME AS THAT OF CHRIST JESUS"

~PHILIPPIANS 2:5

Midnight ride!

2006-01-18T13:23:00.000-06:00

What is it about horses.?

I love everything about them.

Picture this: we went horseback riding Tuesday night.

Crisp and cold filled the air,

sights, sounds and smells allured us there.

The ride was glorious, pounding, pushing, & striving,

out of nostrils,

off of backs, steam arose and lingered

two exhausted, struggling for air.

Dark and omnious, was the night

too dim to show our path,

were the vast sparkles of light.

Shivering; pace quickening

the further from

the barn we strayed.

stumbling along;

weary, but glad we'd played!

COME DANCE WITH ME!

2006-01-16T15:38:00.000-06:00

"I have come and shouted for joy on the heights of Zion;

I am rejoicing in the bounty of the Lord

the grain, the new wine, and the oil,

the young of the flocks and herds!

I'm like a well-watered garden,

and I sorrow no more!

Then I will dance and be glad,

young men and old as well.

I have turned her mourning into gladness!

I have given her comfort and joy instead of sorrow!"

(Adapted to be my personal prayer from Jeremiah 31:12-14)

Mon coeur!

2006-01-16T15:04:00.000-06:00

My heart at your dear voice

Does unfold and rejoice

Like a flower when dawn is smiling

You can my weeping stay

My sadness is charmed away

With your words so persuading

As when a field of grain

Like the waves on the main

In the breeze is swaying, bounding

So all my heart is swayed!

~adapted from Camille Saint-Saens

Mes Milleurs Amis!

2006-01-15T19:19:00.000-06:00

Code d'honneur :

"My command is this : Love each other as I have loved you .

Greater love has no one than this,

that he lay down his life

for his friends."

~John 15:12

Joyful always..........

2006-01-14T11:10:00.000-06:00

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances,
for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
~1Thess 5:16

This is one of my favorite place to sit and Meditate on God's word. These pictures are of Carolina Beach in Wrightsville, NC.

Naddys project!!

2006-01-13T01:13:00.000-06:00

As some of you might have noticed, my blog page will be experiencing some changes. This will be due to my new designer Naddy. She has a wonderful artistic sense and I trust her completely! So sit back and enjoy watching my blog page transform into her artistic creation!

Turkish Delight

2006-01-12T16:44:00.000-06:00

"I have learned in whatever state I am in, to be content" ~Philip4:11

Of all the hard lessons that I have learned.....I learned to 2 major lessons this past Monday:

(1) FAITHFULNESS IS REWARDED
(2) WE NEED EACH OTHER

#1--
-- You may not think much of it as you faithfully go along throughout your routine day. You may thnk your life is uneventful. But faithfullness is rewarded. Doing what you know you should do, even though you do not see the results in it. Being content in waiting, being content to live a quiet life, being content to be faithfully obedient. Dont become discontented longing for your independence, keep going, God notices. Remaining faithful during these times in your life has a purpose --it strengthens you.

--Turkish delight is offered everywhere, yet we dont have to partake. Then there are times when your faithfullness is challenged even mocked. It is then, you remember the times when it was uneventful and routine. When you remained faithfull and patient. In doing so, God gives you strength to keep being faithfull during opposition. God is just and merciful and greatly rewards faithfullness!

--"Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything." 2 Cor 6:4-10

#2--
--we need to worship with each other
-- we need to really know one another

"The rubber meets the road in the worship of the body of Christ, when God calls them from the separate lives they lead during the week, and they enter his presence.....There he commissions them and sends them back out into the world as his emissaries of salt and light and living water. The Psalmist longed to be back in the public worship of God with other believers"~JFC
We cannot stay to ourselves. We love the families we are in, we love to spend time with them, work with each other and worship together. Yet, we can get so comfortable staying together that we forget that we are to come together out of our separate lives and worship God together with fellow believers outside of our family. WE need this corporate worship to strengthen and encourage us so we may be strong when we need to go back out into the world and fight our up comming battles!

We need each other. We need to have connections with each other. I need to know you and you need to know me. We will have times when we will go through things that you need others to be able to vouch for your "good name". You need to know others deep enough to endorse their character, and LET others know you deep enough to do the same. To win the battle "Moses" needed close friends to hold up his arms. The battle couldnt have been won by himself. HE needed his close friends. Likewise, my battle couldnt have been won by myself. I needed close friends to win the battle. Just the sight of the overwelming amount of "troops" ready for battle was enough to cause the opposition to flee.

HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER!

2006-01-11T22:29:00.000-06:00

I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy!
Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came upon me; I was overcome by trouble and sorrow.
Then I called on the name of the LORD : "O LORD, save me!"
The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion!
The LORD protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, he saved me!!!!!
Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you.
For you, O LORD, have delivered my children from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before the LORD in the land of the living.!
I believed; therefore I said, "I am greatly afflicted."
And in my dismay I said, "All men are liars."
How can I repay the LORD for all his goodness to me?
I Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
Let our church say: "His love endures forever."
Let my family say: "His love endures forever."
Let those who fear the LORD say: "His love endures forever."
In my anguish I cried to the LORD, and he answered by setting me free.
The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?
The LORD is with me; he is my helper. I will look in triumph on my enemies.
It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.
It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.
All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off.
They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off.
They swarmed around me like bees, but they died out as quickly as burning thorns; in the name of the LORD I cut them off.
I was pushed back and about to fall, but the LORD helped me.
The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.
Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: "The LORD's right hand has done mighty things!
The LORD's right hand is lifted high; the LORD's right hand has done mighty things!"
I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the LORD has done.
The LORD has chastened me severely, but he has not given me over to death.
Open for me the gates of righteousness; I will enter and give thanks to the LORD.
I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation!!!!
This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!!!
O LORD, save us; O LORD, grant us success!!!! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD!!!!
You are my God, and I will give you thanks; you are my God, and I will exalt you!!!!
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever!!!!!

Psalm 116,118 (revised)