Zero. Zilch. Nada!

Last week I put out some flyers "in town" for a women's Beth Moore Bible study at Southfork :) Today was the day and we had no attendees. Considering all the spiritual warfare we have gone through since I put out those flyers, I was sure that there would at least be one. But no. I would really like to use this opportunity to cease trying and then I read this verse this morning.

"Therefore I am ready to persevere and stand my ground with patience and endure everything for the sake of the elect (God's chosen), so that they too may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus, with the reward of eternal glory." 2 Timothy 3:10

In case you need a laugh today too, then you should check this out!


This last weekend we went to Lindale to visit my in-laws for a much overdue visit! When God blessed me with my mother and father-in-law, He seriously OUTDID HIMSELF! I am so crazy about them, respect and admire them more than I can put into words. Their love, dedication and passion for the Lord exceeds them all. We are so grateful for the Godly heritage that they lavish upon us and our children.

Sunday we had the awesome privilege to go to my father-in-law's church. His sermon is still rolling around in my heart and ministering to me. He also had a dedication service for Isaac. What an honor! We were so blessed by the scriptures he shared, the words of faith that he prayed over our boy, and for believing for God's glory to be made manifest through our family.

We love and cherish you both!

Seven?

So we were laying in bed the other night...no, I'm not going there. I leave those stories off the blog, which I know you are grateful for.

The hubs sighs and says to me, "Isaac is so much fun, I think we should have 7."

"Can I get that in writing?" :)

Then I ran across this blog! She has 12 kids, looks sane, home schools, and has time to blog about it...wow, that's impressive.

Here is a picture of our quiver for the time being...

Ike Internet Fast

Here's Ike just before the big Ike hit!

So Ike decided that I needed to fast from the Internet. 8 whole days without even checking my email- that is a record for me! Not to mention, no blogging, surfing, googling, or foxnews.com. yikes!

We are finally back on line- GLORY! We didn't have any major damage and our power was only out for a little while and we were the only ones in our county with power for the entire week. I think God pulled a special favor on that one, so we could house some evacuees here :)

My specialty

Martha Stewart is definitely back and she has anointed me the queen of baking.

As some of you life group girls will recall the infamous "cookie swap" extravaganza. Every woman brought the most delectable treats you ever laid your eyes on. I, on the other hand, not only brought one dessert but four. Yes, you should be impressed. I managed to completely destroy three different attempts at four different treats. I finally resulted to the slice and bake.

Apparently I forgotten where my specialty really is. Apparently.

The other night I asked the hubs, "Hey babe, can I get you anything?" He replies that that would be great. I asked him what I can get him, but before he could get out a response I answered my own question with, "How about some chocolate milk." He retorts, "That's exactly what I was thinking, how did you know that?" In which I replied in my sassiest Normangee accent, "God didn't make me your wife for nothing." You should smell the trouble seeping from your computer.

We don't have any chocolate syrup but I do have chocolate chips. I go to the kitchen and pick out a mug and put some chips at the bottom. I put that mug in the microwave and in seconds, its sparking and there are flames coming from the side. Metal. right. I knew that.

I transfer the chips to another mug and then they are a meltin' away as I take out the milk. The moment I pour the cold milk on the chips, it just becomes one big clump of hardened chocolate chips. Physics. Not my best subject.

I decide that I could still take it to him. He could eat the chocolate chips from the bottom, then drink some milk. It all tastes the same going down. Right?

Upon the hubs discovering my Martha Stewart Jr. move, he just shakes his head and laughs.
\
He has asked me recently, "Sweetie, what IS your specialty."
:)
I think he likes that specialty better anyways.

Flying Solo!

Last week my man went to New York on business- boo hiss! Life is not nearly as much fun without him. Then the little man had his first little opportunity to overcome the sniffles (traumatic for a rookie mom, like me). We hunkered down into survival mode and overcame (once dad got home :)

Then we were scheduled to go to East Texas for the weekend, but since Joe had been gone and Isaac was still not 100%, we decided it was best if the boys stayed behind :( It was me and the road for the first time in years I tell you...YEARS! This used to be my life, pre-marriage. I took road trips at least twice a month and would drive all over the Lone Star state for this reason or the other.

I left early enough to make it to church at the good old COTR, I mean New Covenant Church. The moment I entered into the sanctuary, I burst into tears. It was so refreshing to be in His presence and be reminded of all the things that God did in my heart and life there at that church.

Then, it was baby shower time. We got things prepared for sweet Rachel Avery and mama Tandra. I am so excited about her being a mom. She is hands down one of the most amazing people you could ever meet. Her heart of worship brings Him so much glory and her friendship is so dear to my heart. Tandra and I have been roommates many times before we were married. There was one time that we shared a room and bed. You know we have some funny stories. A story that will forever go down in infamy... It was bedtime and I was already in bed reading and I see Tandra out of the corner of my eye getting ready to hop into bed with just a t-shirt and underwear. I am praying, "Oh Jesus, please have her put some other clothes on." Without a thought in the world, she hops in bed under the covers. In which case I sheepishly say after a few minutes, "Do you think we could have some rules about sleep attire?" She graciously agreed and was wearing thermal long sleeved jumpers from then on...no I kid, but she was dressed. Tandra, I wish we were closer so we could enjoy this fun, new season together! One day, Lord, one day...

Anna is on left, Tandra in the middle, and I'm on the right.
Then, some of my oldest friends joined the shower. I told you about Laura, if you will recall here. Second from the left is Emily who is expecting TWIN BOYS! Oh, I love Jacob and Caleb already and their family is on my heart so often.

On the far right there is Lauren Webb. She is my inspiration for my blog "theme" (if you will). Our humor is not necessarily out of wit or original comic genius, its more out of the comedy of errors, that is our life. She is the queen of having no shame in detailing every embarassing moment for the enjoyment of others. Lauren, you inspire me and I adore you so much. Does she not look amazing? I told her that she needs to look into being a hair model, don't you think!


I love all of you girls and cherish your friendships! Until next time...

Jealous?

Now this is what you call a B-L-O-W O-U-T!

Shepherding a Child's Heart

I know there is "Goodreads," but this book has been so amazing that I have to blog about it.

The basic premise of the book is Biblical ways to raise your children. It also details un-Biblical ways to train, discipline and raise your children in such a practical way. In a day and age where "Super Nanny" is the compass, this book points every parent back to the infallible, inherent Word of God. It is an easy read but I find myself just reading a few pages and then putting it down to ponder, soak in and really process the way that he expounds on scripture.

You know those books that the best part is the first chapter. Well, this is not one of those, every chapter continues to blow me away. The author, Ted Tripp, truly has a gift to communicate Biblical child training.

A few teasers:

"You want to see your child live a life that is embedded in the rich soil of Christ's gracious work. The focal point of your discipline and correction must be your children seeing their utter inability to do the things that God requires unless they know the help and strength of God. Your correction must hold the standard of righteousness as high as God holds it. God's standard is correct behavior flowing from a heart that loves God and has God's glory as the sole purpose of life."

"Never allow your children to disobey without dealing with them. When they disobey, they are moving out of a circle of God's blessing into a place of grave peril. If you understand the fear of the Lord, you will not allow your child to ignore God's law without intervening. Your intervention is turning him back to the circle of blessing...Obedience to parents is not a parent-child issue. If it were, the parent could be selective about when he wished to be obeyed. Obedience is not simply an issue between the parent and child. It is an issue between the child and God in which the parent is God's agent in drawing the child back within the circle of blessing. "

I could list so much more. Again, I HIGHLY recommend this grace filled guide in navigating the waters of parenthood.

(Jason & Bella, thanks so much for letting us borrow it. We miss you guys!)

It Won't Be The Last...

The week before last my nephew, who is 10, came to stay with us for five days. He is one of the sweetest 10 year old boys in the whole world; he is such a joy! I got to give my first boy hair cut. Not only did he ask for a hair cut but he insisted that I give him a "3" all over. Insisted I tell you.

You too can get a nifty little cut like this for just a small fee of $50. I think its fair. Come on, you can't get this kind of style just anywhere. I am thinking about opening a barber shop in Normangee, watch out!