On the death of Osama Bin Laden

Tom Ascol explains his feelings on the death of the terrorist. He has put my feelings into words.

My Thoughts on the Death of Osama Bin Laden

A test of faith

Life isn't always easy. No one ever said that it would be...so why is it, that we expect everything we want to us without the least bit of effort on our part?

Here I sit, in Maine, enjoying the company of my family...and contemplate the last couple of months.

You see, we lost our home. Amidst a husband losing his job....amidst a child with a brain tumor...amidst a pregnancy that has gone smoothly in spite of the stress that has been looming the entire time...amidst a health scare with Paysie and little unborn Judson...God decided that this just wasn't enough.

My goal has been that, instead of asking why and getting angry at God...that I ask Him what will YOU have me learn? What is YOUR purpose in allowing this heartache in my life? With YOUR help...what can I do to further YOUR kingdom through my situation?

My faith has never wavered, and for that, I am eternally grateful. It had nothing to do with me and ALL to do with HIM!

There has been many tears...many unanswered questions...but never any doubts that God would and is providing for my family.

And it has been hard. Very hard...to pack up a home, when you don't know where God is leading you. When you aren't sure where you will end up. Instead, we had to rely completely on God that because HE KNEW exactly where we would live...that had to be enough for us...and it was.

I've learned so much from my children over the past couple of months. They ask no questions...but instead, portray complete dependence that mommy and daddy are doing what they have to do and never once have they questioned their well-being, safety or future.

My prayer has been to have that same unquestioning attitude when it comes to God. I don't know why things happen the way they do. Even now, I have friends that are hurting and scared of the unknown...and this is my prayer for them as well.

Will we ever know the future the way God does? No. But knowing that our Mighty Creator knows the outcome of even our smallest problem is enough...and not only does He know the outcome...He has complete and sovereign control over it! And this is MORE than enough!

Again I sing....GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS!! I sang it at my little boy's bedside at his impending surgery...I sang it as I sat by him in recovery....I sang it when I waited to hear the results of my little girl's echocardiogram...I sang it when I found out about possible genetic issues with Judson...I sang it when I discovered that our house was no longer our own...and I sing it now....Knowing that through it all HE has been FAITHFUL and will continue to hold me and my family in His hands.

31 weeks and counting

I am currently in my eighth month of pregnancy. I have no idea how it has gone by so quickly and it really seems that Judson's arrival is right around the corner!

The kids are extremely excited and are much more involved (well, as much as a group of young boys can be!) than before. They love putting their hands on my belly, feeling their newest brother roll and kick around.

I was just reading Paysie's birth story, and I teared up....which seems to happen much easier this time around than ever before. There have been many more ups and downs this pregnancy as well....I wonder if that has anything to do with it...ya think?

To give a brief update...Gideon is doing extremely well! God has been so gracious to us in the healing of my boy. He is running and jumping and improving so much on a daily basis.

This pregnancy has been a journey...a journey of faith on so many levels. We have dealt with the hospitalization of our 6 year old. We have dealt with a possible heart abnormality of our little girl (which came out normal, praise God!). We have had some non-invasive tests come out abnormal for Judson that turned out to be nothing to worry about. We have dealt with many financial issues that include a move away from a house that we have called home for the past 3 years.

And through it all...we have not been alone. God has been with us every step of the way...renewing His mercies each and every morning. He has given us the strength to go on and the faith to sustain us.

When this pregnancy began, I had no idea what the next nine months would hold. And here I am, with all that has happened....I could not be closer to my Creator. I have seen lives affected by what my family has gone through...in a good way! I have seen God draw His people closer to Himself amidst many struggles. I have seen my comfort and normalcy ripped away and replaced with the love and comfort that only God can provide....and that I have been given the gift of contentment in all that has happened...good and bad.

And I sit here amazed and forever grateful at the goodness of God!

May God receive the glory!

This made me laugh....

The death of William Tyndale....glorious yet wretched!

The following post about William Tyndale comes from Todd Friel over at Wretched Radio:

William Tyndale was firmly tied to the stake. The kindling was piled high. The match was about to be struck. Suddenly, as an act of kindness, the executioner approached Tyndale from the rear and graciously strangled him to death with a chain. Or so I thought.

William Tyndale was an English Roman Catholic priest whose passion was to see the Bible translated into the language of the people. The Catholic Church and King Henry VIII disagreed. They believed that only the priests should have access to Scripture. When a Catholic priest warned Tyndale to stop his endeavor to translate the Bible, Tyndale fired, “I will make it possible for a boy behind the plow to know more Scripture than you do.”

Threatened with death, he fled England and lived incognito in Europe until a friend betrayed him and Tyndale found himself in a dank prison in Vilvorde prison in Brussels, Belgium.

I stood in the place where Tyndale was lit on fire for his “heretical” views. I was told it was an act of kindness that he was strangled before the flames melted him. I was told wrong.

It was not uncommon that when a great reformer was to be set ablaze, they would preach, pray and sing so fervently, that many souls were saved before the flames silenced their message. That is why Tyndale was strangled to death. Not to keep him from pain, but to keep people from hearing the Gospel. Tyndale’s last words were, “Lord, open the King of England’s eyes.” God granted that prayer. Henry VIII had a change of heart and ordered that the Bible be translated into the language of the people. Whose translation did they use? You guessed it: Tyndale’s.

The gospel cannot be strangled, only its messengers. But, as the hymn says, “The body they may kill; God’s truth abideth still. His Kingdom is forever.”

From Gairny Bridge

Things have been pretty busy around here lately!

First, let's update on Gideon! He's doing really well! We are still seeing so many improvements and celebrating the little victories...like walking up the stairs, holding onto the railing all by himself! (with one of us there to spot him!) He is able to put his seat belt on and off by himself! He can stand by himself for over a minute and a half without losing his balance! He scoots all around the house and can climb onto the couch and his bed, and climb back off of them all by himself!

We are amazed at his attitude throughout this entire ordeal. God has truly blessed our family through Gideon.

Secondly, how about baby #6? I am 12 weeks along and things are moving right along! I listen to the baby's heartbeat daily and have my BIG ultrasound scheduled for January 29th. John and I have settled on names...which was quite a hurdle! I am feeling good...though, I'm not sleeping extremely well. I've had a cold and add back aches to that, and you have a tired mommy!

I keep myself busy running around 3+ days a week, with Gideon's therapy and my appt's. Life can get crazy.

We are staying focused this Christmas season....it is not about the busyness, it is not about buying the best gifts...it's about remembering Christ and that this tiny baby that was found in the manger so long ago, was born so that He could die for our sins and make us right before His Father.

What a great time of year it is! I pray that we find ourselves on our knees before God, in thanksgiving and repentance.

Ungratefulness

The other day, I was at Walmart doing a bit of grocery shopping with the kids. As we were finishing up, we passed by the wall of Little Debbie snacks.

Nolan asked me if we could get some pecan wheels. I said sure....then I added...each one of you can pick out whichever box of treats you would like.

Joy was very present on each of my boys faces as they tried to decide which treat to choose. The possibilities are endless. Do I choose swiss cake rolls or Honey Buns? Oatmeal cookies or Fudge Cakes? Confetti Brownies or Boston Creme Cakes?

The pecan wheels ended up staying on the shelf. Nolan chose Fancy Cakes. Gideon ended up with Boston Creme Cakes. Haddon came home with mini chocolate covered donuts. At first, Jamison was excited over the Swiss Cake Rolls, but once he saw the Twinkies....he was so over the Swiss Cake Rolls.

I told the kids they would be able to have one of their treats if they ate all of their lunch.

We had our typical picnic lunch on the floor. You wouldn't believe how easy the clean up is when your children eat on a blanket on the floor! It's one less meal I don't have to sweep up after...I highly recommend you try it!

Anyway....the food was eaten lightning fast and the boxes were brought out for all to enjoy.

You would think that you would want the treat that you picked out. I found that to not be the case.

Yes, Gideon chose his Boston Creme Cakes. Yes, Haddon chose his donuts. Yes, Jamison chose his Twinkies. But Nolan wanted a Twinkie.....or a Tinker...is it a Tinkie? (For the life of him, he could not get a grip on the word Twinkie!)

Jamison had been very excited to get his Twinkie...until he saw Haddon and his mini fudge covered donuts.

The Twinkie was not good enough anymore. He proceeded to shove the entire Twinkie in his mouth while pointing to the donuts. He wanted donuts so badly.

Little did he know that he was not going to get a donut.

Jamison had a mouth full of Twinkie, yet that wasn't good enough. He wasn't enjoying what he had and wanted what he couldn't have. When I told him no, he cried and got upset....even while his mouth remained full of something that he should be savoring.

I saw myself in him.

How often are we like that?

God has so richly blessed us with such wonderful things. We have a house over our heads, food in our bellies, clothes to wear....and even more importantly, we have had our greatest need met through Christ's bloodshed on the cross.

But instead of being content in what we have, we stand at the foot of God, crying and whimpering with a mouth filled with blessing....and want more of something that we don't even need.

10 Extremely Weird Religions

10. Scientology
9. Creativity Movement
8. Thee Temple ov Psychick Youth
7. Nation of Yahweh
6. Church of All Worlds
5. Universe People
4. Church of the SubGenius
3. Prince Philip Movement
2. The Church of Euthanasia
1. Nuwaubianism

These are absurd and very weird. To read more about what they are, check it out here.

Failed Gospel Tract

After a thorough examination....

After a thorough examination by Arminian church officials, Bob was found to be only “slightly dead” in trespasses and sins.

Life Happens

This past week has brought many doctor's visits, prescriptions, coughing, vomitting, ice cream, popsicles and cuddling together on the couch.

Our household was attacked by Strep throat, and thankfully, we are all on the mend.

The only member of our family not attacked was John, and since the rest of us are no longer contagious, it's looking like he was able to sneak past the Strep bug.

Needless to say, it is nice to finally be feeling better. I feel like I'm to the point where I would actually welcome the option of leaving the house! It's the simple things like swallowing that are taken for granted....especially when your throat and tonsils are covered with blisters!

We have taken advantage of eating popsicles and ice cream...it's all about getting better, right?

We need Him just as much as we ever have...

By the President of the United States of America.
A Proclamation.

Whereas, the Senate of the United States, devoutly recognizing the Supreme Authority and just Government of Almighty God, in all the affairs of men and of nations, has, by a resolution, requested the President to designate and set apart a day for National prayer and humiliation.

And whereas it is the duty of nations as well as of men, to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess their sins and transgressions, in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon; and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord.

And, insomuch as we know that, by His divine law, nations like individuals are subjected to punishments and chastisements in this world, may we not justly fear that the awful calamity of civil war, which now desolates the land, may be but a punishment, inflicted upon us, for our presumptuous sins, to the needful end of our national reformation as a whole People? We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of Heaven. We have been preserved, these many years, in peace and prosperity. We have grown in numbers, wealth and power, as no other nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace, and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us; and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us!
It behooves us then, to humble ourselves before the offended Power, to confess our national sins, and to pray for clemency and forgiveness.

Now, therefore, in compliance with the request, and fully concurring in the views of the Senate, I do, by this my proclamation, designate and set apart Thursday, the 30th. day of April, 1863, as a day of national humiliation, fasting and prayer. And I do hereby request all the People to abstain, on that day, from their ordinary secular pursuits, and to unite, at their several places of public worship and their respective homes, in keeping the day holy to the Lord, and devoted to the humble discharge of the religious duties proper to that solemn occasion.

All this being done, in sincerity and truth, let us then rest humbly in the hope authorized by the Divine teachings, that the united cry of the Nation will be heard on high, and answered with blessings, no less than the pardon of our national sins, and the restoration of our now divided and suffering Country, to its former happy condition of unity and peace.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the City of Washington, this thirtieth day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the United States the eighty seventh.

By the President: Abraham Lincoln
William H. Seward, Secretary of State

A cartoon

For your viewing pleasure

My boys love this and want to share it with you.

I saw this and thought it was hilarious!

A Valentine's Day Recap

My life is anything but dull.

The kids woke up to chocolates that were quickly devoured. There is nothing quite like chocolates before breakfast!

The day was like many others....but with many added hugs and kisses from my boys!

John went out that afternoon to pick up some last minute preparations for the evening, and I played Uno with Nolan, Gideon and Haddon.

I had no idea what John was planning, so I thought nothing of giving the kids quick haircuts at 5pm.

Probably not a good idea considering he was going to make me dinner and needed to start getting that ready.

Thankfully, I cut the kid's hair quickly and gave them dinner and got them all in bed by 6:30pm.

I was banished to the living room and not allowed to look into the kitchen.

I could smell chocolate baking, but other than that...knew nothing.

Now, many of you know that I have been under the weather for the past week and a half. I have had bronchitis and some other -itis, complete with coughing, fever, and a chronic headache that wouldn't subside.

I decided to take some Lortab.

I had taken it that morning with breakfast and it actually took the edge off! I would like to enjoy tonight, so why not take another one?

Public Service Announcement....Never take Lortab on an empty stomach!

I figured I would be eating soon and that I would be okay.

Wrong!

As John lit a candle on the table....and presented me with a caesar salad, grilled steak and shrimp, and a baked potato...he even asked me if I wanted a glass of wine...good thing I declined!

I felt like my head was in a cloud.

I felt sleepy.

I felt out of it.

Then I began to feel nauseaus.

I apologized and told him that I just couldn't eat any more food. He understood. I got up and said that I really didn't feel well....

and proceeded to throw up into the kitchen sink.

If you ever want to make Valentine's night memorable....throw up dinner, I guarantee you you'll never forget it!

Trust me, the food was great, and I was able to reheat it the next day for lunch.

I did have room for dessert too. After an hour, I felt much better...

John had baked homeade brownies, cut up some fresh pineapple, strawberries and apples...and gave me a chocolate melting pot! Yum!

All in all it was a great night...with a few mishaps!

I felt so bad over what had happened....but we laughed through it, and I love him all the more for it!

Welcome 2009

It's 2009.

What more is there really to say?

The first thing that Nolan said yesterday was that his birthday was next month. I guess we know where his focus is!

I went out on New Year's Eve with my twin cousins and walked around Freeport (where LL Bean is) in 15 degree weather. It was cold...not to mention the light snow that was falling.

We ate lunch with my cousin Pete who is a magician! We were able to catch one of his shows at Beans. It is always neat to sit in the crowd and here people rave about how great of a magician he is. My little Pete is all grown up! If you want to see if he's coming to your neighborhood, check him out here.

We stayed up too late on New Year's Eve.

There was disappointment when the ball dropped....very anti-climactic. And there was laughing when Ryan Seacrest and Kelly Pickler (among others) announced that their lives were changed and will never be the same due to their New Year's Eve experience in downtown NY City. It's amazing the amount of power a dropping ball has, right?

Today is my 19 year anniversary of getting hit by a little red pick-up truck. I was 11 years old and was crossing the street to go visit my friends at school. I can't believe it's been that long. So there is a random piece of information about me to start your new year with.

Soon to come....A Quelf game rap up!

I found the perfect shoe.

And that's all I have to say about that.


I don't own it, but someday I will.

The Mother Letter

Over at Rocks in My Dryer there is the sweetest request that has been made from a husband, wanting to give his wife something very special.

Read this post:

It Would Make Me Very Happy If You'd Read This Post. Thank You.

Then go to The Mother Letter Project.

Here is a small write up:

As you may already know, I am creating Christmas for my wife this year and this
is the site devoted to her present. Simply stated, I am collecting a series of
“open letters” from mothers, to mothers. I am asking you to share your
stories—no matter how raw or difficult. Share you concerns or worries—no matter
how foolish they may seem. Share your wisdom—no matter how you came by it. Share
your mother story. The only request? Start the letter “Dear Mother” and sign it.
I will compile all of the letters in a Christmas book for both my wife AND YOU.
If you share a letter before Christmas you will receive an electronic copy of
the Mother Letters. Submit your letter by leaving a comment here, or
email you letter to motherletter@gmail.com.

Email or comment on the thread and join many other women who are sending letters for this project!

A Candy Tip

With Christmas coming up, it can get expensive just filling up stockings! Here's something that I've always done that can save you a bunch of money...

Tomorrow, all of the Halloween candy will be 50% off. Be sure not to get candy that has any Halloween decorating on the wrapper! You'll save yourself at least half of what you'll pay in another month or so and the kids won't know the difference!