As I read this, I thought to myself (my 40 and pregnant self), how is it that we fear so much of what could "go wrong" with our children? I am mostly speaking about pregnancy. We fear physical development problems and mental development. Especially being an "older" expectant Mom, I have heard a lot; but really... what is it we really want for our children? More than anything in this life I want my children to make it to Heaven, to live with God. Here is the story of one mother's son, I'll bet her heart was blessed. I mean really... who could ask for more?
GOD LIVES UNDER THE BED
I envy Kevin. My brother, Kevin, thinks God lives under his bed. At
least that's what I heard him say one night.
He was praying out loud in his dark bedroom, and I stopped to listen,
'Are you there, God?' he said. 'Where are you? Oh,
I see. Under the bed...'
I giggled softly and tiptoed off to my own room. Kevin's unique
perspectives are often a source of amusement. But that
night something else lingered long after the humor. I realized for the
first time the very different world Kevin lives in.
He was born 30 years ago, mentally disabled as a result of difficulties
during labor. Apart from his size (he's
6-foot-2), there are few ways in which he is an adult.
He reasons and communicates with the capabilities of a 7-year-old, and
he always will. He will probably always believe that God lives under his
bed, that Santa Claus is the one who fills the space under our tree
every Christmas and that airplanes stay up in the sky because angels
carry them.
I remember wondering if Kevin realizes he is different. Is he ever
dissatisfied with his monotonous life?
Up before dawn each day, off to work at a workshop for the disabled,
home to walk our cocker spaniel, return to
eat his favorite macaroni-and- cheese for dinner, and later to bed.
The only variation in the entire scheme is laundry, when he hovers
excitedly over the washing machine like a mother
with her newborn child.
He does not seem dissatisfied. He lopes out to the bus every morning at
7:05, eager for a day of simple work.
He wrings his hands excitedly while the water boils on the stove before
dinner, and he stays up late twice a week to
gather our dirty laundry for his next day's laundry chores.
And Saturdays - oh, the bliss of Saturdays! That's the day my Dad takes
Kevin to the airport to have a soft drink,
watch the planes land, and speculate loudly on the destination of each
passenger inside. 'That one's goin' to Chi-car-go! Kevin shouts as he
claps his hands.
His anticipation is so great he can hardly sleep on Friday nights.
And so goes his world of daily rituals and weekend field trips. He
doesn't know what it means to be discontent.
His life is simple. He will never know the entanglements of wealth of
power, and he does not care what brand of clothing he wears or what kind
of food he eats. His needs have always been met, and he never worries
that one day they may not be.
His hands are diligent. Kevin is never so happy as when he is working.
When he unloads the dishwasher or vacuums the
carpet, his heart is completely in it.
He does not shrink from a job when it is begun, and he does not leave a
job until it is finished. But when his tasks are
done, Kevin knows how to relax.
He is not obsessed with his work or the work of others. His heart is
pure.
He still believes everyone tells the truth, promises must be kept, and
when you are wrong, you apologize instead of
argue. Free from pride and unconcerned with appearances, Kevin is not
afraid to cry when he is hurt, angry or sorry.
He is always transparent, always sincere. And he trusts God.
Not confined by intellectual reasoning, when he comes to Christ, he
comes as a child. Kevin seems to know God - to
really be friends with Him in a way that is difficult for an 'educated'
person to grasp. God seems like his closest companion.
In my moments of doubt and frustrations with my Christianity, I envy the
security Kevin has in his simple faith. It is then that I am most
willing to admit that he has some divine knowledge that rises above my
mortal questions. It is then I realize that perhaps he is not the one
with the handicap. I am. My obligations, my fear, my pride, my
circumstances - they all become disabilities when I do not trust them to
God's care.
Who knows if Kevin comprehends things I can never learn? After all, he
has spent his whole life in that kind of
innocence, praying after dark and soaking up the goodness and love of
God.
And one day, when the mysteries of heaven are opened, and we are all
amazed at how close God really is to our hearts,
I'll realize that God heard the simple prayers of a boy who believed
that God lived under his bed.
Are you satisfied with your relationship with God? Do you know where you will spend eternity? New Year's resolutions are temporary, but "Godly" resolutions last! God is waiting with open arms to bless you with Revival.
We welcome you to join us for the Church of God's annual New Year's Revival Meeting.
One of our Christmas suprises this year was an impromptu visit with Grandma Disbrow and Uncle David. Grandma came down from Colorado to suprise Uncle for his birthday and then they traveled "up" to our lil mountain town to see us. We do have lots of pics to share, but again, they are not in MY camera! I have to go a snooping before they can get posted.
And what is a visit with Grandma without a tea party???
Look at all those goodies! Cherry Bars, Norwegian cookies (and Lefsa too!), wedding cakes...mmmmmm
'Twas the night before Jesus came and all through the house
Not a creature was praying, not one in the house.
Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care
In hopes that Jesus would not come there.
The children were dressing to crawl into bed.
Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.
And Mom in her rocker with baby on her lap
Was watching the Late Show while I took a nap.
When out of the East there arose such a clatter.
I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash!
When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here.
With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray
I knew in a moment this must be THE DAY!
The light of His face made me cover my head
It was Jesus! returning just like He had said.
And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth,
I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.
In the Book of Life which He held in His hand
Was written the name of every saved man.
He spoke not a word as He searched for my name;
When He said "it's not here" my head hung in shame.
The people whose names had been written with love
He gathered to take to His Father above.
With those who were ready He rose without a sound.
While all the rest were left standing around.
I fell to my knees, but it was too late;
I had waited too long and thus sealed my fate.
I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight;
Oh, if only I had been ready tonight.
In the words of this poem the meaning is clear;
The coming of Jesus is drawing near.
There's only one life and when comes the last call
We'll find that the Bible was true after all!
In this time of bills and catch up, I thought I'd share this little tract I post every now and then, I just love it.
Where do you work?
The question may be a simple one, but some women dread to answer it. Why? They are among those who have chosen to be full-time homemakers.
But these individuals need not be embarrassed. God has blessed motherhood and the raising of children from the very beginning of time. A woman can fill no greater role than preparing the next generation for life's responsibilities. The future of any nation rests in the laps of its mothers.
Regrettably, society in general has rejected the Bible as its moral authority. As a result, homemaking and motherhood are undervalued. Feminists would have us believe that women need to be "freed" from some imaginary trap called motherhood. Television and the mass media have done much to destroy Biblical family values and make motherhood appear drab or even selfish.
Some mothers choose to pursue glamorous careers. Others say they must work to make ends meet. For whatever reason, having a job is considered both necessary and normal. Day-care centers have sprung up to provide for children of working mothers. But increasing juvenile delinquency, violence, crime, and disrespect for authority prove that something is wrong. Humanity apparently has fallen victim to its own philosophy regarding the home and family. Society's very foundations appear to be crumbling.
Yet there is hope. The Bible outlines a successful plan.
First, God designed marriage as a pure and holy way to bring children into this world (Genesis 1:28). Today selfishness leads many couples to postpone or avoid altogether the responsibility of having children in order to follow their own material interests and pleasures. But those things are only temporal. Children are eternal souls, God's greatest gift to the home. "Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD" (Psalm 127:3).
Second, God expects parents to raise their children in a disciplined manner (Ephesians 6:1-4). They need much more care and training than animals do. Their development occurs over a period of approximately twenty years. This places a serious responsibility on parents, one that is practically impossible to fulfill when both parents work full-time elsewhere.
Third, God expects family life to be homelife. If home is to be more than a "motel," someone must look after the details of homemaking.
Naturally, mothers are often best suited for this role because God has endowed them with the tender qualities needed for the job. God expects mothers to guide the house (1 Timothy 5:14), and He alone can enable mothers for the rigor of homemaking.
I have be reading more and more lately, this phrase, "Crunchy Christian". I am beginning to think I should find out what exactly this means. I have heard: Crunchy Mamas, Crunchy Cons, Crunchy families, even the the "Not-So Crunchy", this and that... even "Crunchy Chicken" has a blog out there.... So WHAT exactly is everyone crunching on? Or is it munching on? I really don't know. I must be completely out of the loop when it comes to the up and coming or popular terms one used to describe themselves (or their family or blog for that matter.)
My gut is telling me someone must have wrote a book, people tend to latch on to things like that. They read this or that and decide it makes for a good lable as they agree with the author or something or the like. If not... Well... It must me a song lyric or maybe someone made a bumper sticker that is selling like hotcakes on Cafepress.... Sigh I don't know.
Until I find out, I suppose I will continue to wonder... am I crunchy? What is the alternative? Soggy? Am I soggy? Not-so soggy? Or even (gasp) a soggy chicken? I must know!
She sent me this very cute country angel candle holder (which, as usual, I HOPE to put up better pics later). Winning was fun and getting a prize was super fun but the BEST BEST FUN was the box!!
Lots of lovely crinkles and wrinkles and candy to boot!!
Along with a sweet note! Thank you Sarah!!!!
Don't ya just LOVE blogging!
I hope to fine a spot soon and then I'll post another pic of her all lit up!
Stop by and visit Sarah and her sweet family soon!!!!
I came across this on another site and thought it was so funny and might give someone a laugh....
WHEN I'M AN OLD LADY
When I'm an old lady, I'll live with each kid,
And bring so much happiness...just as they did.
I want to pay back all the joy they've provided.
Returning each deed! Oh, they'll be so excited!
(When I'm an old lady and live with my kids)
I'll write on the wall with reds, whites and blues,
And I'll bounce on the furniture...wearing my shoes.
I'll drink from the carton and then leave it out.
I'll stuff all the toilets and oh, how they'll shout!
(When Im and old lady and live with my kids)
When they're on the phone and just out of reach,
I'll get into things like sugar and bleach.
Oh, they'll snap their fingers and then shake their head,
(When I'm an old lady and live with my kids)
When they cook dinner and call me to eat,
I'll not eat my green beans or salad or meat,
I'll gag on my okra, and spill milk on the table,
And when they get angry...I'll run...if I'm able!
When I'm an old lady and live with my kids)
I'll sit close to the TV, through the channels I'll click,
I'll cross both eyes just to see if they stick.
I'll take off my socks and throw one away,
And play in the mud 'til the end of the day!
When I'm an old lady and live with my kids)
And later in bed, I'll lay back and sigh,
I'll thank God in prayer and then close my eyes.
My kids will look down with a smile slowly creeping,
And say with a groan,
"She's so sweet when she's sleeping!"
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
So.... In the mean time I thought I would share. I came across this recipe on another blog and thought, "love it", so here it is. As the world is standing in line (long round and round the store kind of lines) for that sweet smelling holiday gift in a jar from Body and Bath; here;s a homemade alternative for ya!
Cand Cany Sugar Scrub
Ingredients
1 cup granulated white sugar
6 candy canes, finely crushed almost into a powder
1/2 cup sweet almond oil (or olive oil)
1/2 teaspoon vitamin E oil (optional - used as a preservative)
1 teaspoon cocoa butter (optional)
6 drops peppermint essential oil
Instructions
Mix all ingredients until well blended. Place into a clean glass jar with a tight lid and add a fancy label. I highly recommend the 1/2 pint wide mouth canning jars and wide mouth plastic storage lids.
It seems again time has gotten away from me. Here it is the first week of December and I haven't updated in weeks. I do hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving time ~ I know we did. I can clearly see, as of today, it is time to say good-bye to all the beautiful fall foliage and hello to Jack frost. The mercury is dropping fast up here in our little mountain town, time for fleece blankies, fuzzy slippers, the wood stove to be fired up and hard mornings crawling out from under the covers.
Our Fall was very pretty, but did fly by a little fast than I would have liked.
The children are getting ready for the Christmas play at church, I have been putting up the Christmas decorations, so when Kristin and her dear family come tomorrow we can enjoy our little early holiday in style. So far only a few boxes of cheer are still missing in action...
We spent Thanksgiving quietly with our good friends the Sands.
How they put up with us year after year, I'll never know (wink).
We added some adventure to our holiday this year, trying our our deep-fryer for the first time... If you know me at all, I don't have to tell you I was pertrified!
Visions of YOUTUBE's "turkey frying disasters," stirred in my head, as Hubby threw caution to the wind and plunged our bird!
Yes, my hands were shaking! Even though I WAS PREPARED!
We did our second turkey on the grill, which also turned out very nice!
Everything was so good!
After dinner we all sat and chatted, palyed a game or two and then of course who can resist but scour the ads...
My favorite blog-spot! Here is where I love to work on my blog as well as read some of my faves! My cozy bed ~ sigh ~ love it!
Last week, Grammy, gave us some gourds that she had been drying since last year. Growing gourds today is sort of an "art form"... Where they are grown, positioning, then the drying and aging, the mold scrubbing... yes, you heard that right... They mold all year and then you scrub... I'm so glad Grammy does THAT part! Then comes the painting....
Keri, Katey and Alexis, all wonderful Artist in their own right, had their own "minds-eye", when it came to what they wanted to paint on their gourd...
Some had a hole drilled in the middle for bird use and other just pin holes for a wire, for viewing pleasure....
Such Sweet Gourdys... all with their own personality!
Tonight I find myself in a very familiar condition. The house is quiet, somewhat dark... I've eaten too much ice cream, the faint click-click-click, from one of the girls downstairs on the desktop... the wondering : "WHY" I didn't just buy a bag of garbage chips to feast on? Alone on my bed, with my laptop. Yoshi curled up beside me, taking overhubbys pillow and side of the bed, I think he may be smiling... Yes, you guessed it, it's hunting season. This big Silver Submarine pulled out late afternoon and I imagine by now the hunt is in full swing.
I don't mind really and I do pray they fill our freezer! That would be great! It's not that I'm "complaining"...or the fact that they are gone, even for long periods at a time. Or even that it's quiet and somewhat unsettling at times, nor is it the fact that THEY get to go and I don't. The truth of the matter is... I always get sick on too much ice cream! I don't know WHAT gets into me! I am not really an ice cream eater... but get me alone... and I eat it for dinner, for lunch, a snack, it just doesn't matter! Oh... blah, I need some water....
Keri was baking again today... is it any wonder I am no longer "Thin and Willowy"? Okay, well I wasn't ever willowy, but anyhoo...
A beautiful thing...
"Can She Bake A Cherry Pie Billy-Boy Billy-Boy
Can She Make A Cherry Pie Charming Billy...."
Silly Keri !!
We also have been working on our Christmas projects ~ slowly but surely...
Betcha you're a wondering...
Well, I'm not telling! Guess you'll have to be good and wait for Christmas!
Well, you MAY guess this one....
That's it! Enough peeking for today.
Well, I'll close now, I think I see a bowl of vanilla calling my name.....
I've had two "meetings" already this morning. A "meeting", and we use the term loosely, is a time when I sit down individually with each child, go over any corrections they have made and correct their new work. I also write out their new assignments for the week and chit-chat about their studies. Well, as I said, I've gotten 2 of those meetings out of the way and I'm already weary today. Sometimes I just cry "Uncle" and blog or read for a while.
As of right now; Dad is taking Austin over to Grandma Agee's to mow their lawn, I can hear Kolton busy on the guitar, I DO hope he's done with his lessons! Karls is well I'm sure on his desktop...
Yup!
Keri made some delicious Pull-Apart Pumpkin Rolls this morning ~ ahhh what a treat, the sweet aroma of Keri's baking!
.
And mmmmm... were they good!
Let's see... Katey and Alexis are still working their assignments for the day...
Uhhhh AND eating the pumpkin treats I see!
There was also firewood to get chopped and stacked...
That is one of the "joys" of mountain living... real firewood heat, nothing beats the crackle and smell of a roaring fire on crispy Fall evenings!
Looks like a good start eh?
Hmmm who's that peeking? KOLTON! IS YOUR SCHOOLWORK DONE??
There's also White Chili is the crock pot ~ thanks (again!) to Keri's recipes! Really, stop by and leave her a note about posting recipes!!
It IS almost 4:00 already! Wow! The days sometimes fly by!
Well it IS officially Fall! Hard to believe when your fans are running and the mercury is still so high! Every now and then an evening cools off and I begin to get excited... "This is it! I know it! Get our your sweaters!," Sigh... It hasn't "stuck" yet, but a gal can keep dreaming!
We had a great day today cleaning and doing some cooking projects and what-not around the house. I put up a few Fall things to get us in the mood and to "will" the weather to go my way!
Keri was busy also, making her delicious homemade salsa! Yummy!
Maybe she will post her recipe someday on her blog!
AND cleaned up the bathroom, with Austin attacking the um... "gunk"...
Oh... AND she made our granola for tomorrows breakfast... again, recipe Keri??
Thank you Keri!
Let's see... Alexis whipped up some chicken enchellade (spell check?) filling for tonights dinner...
Katey helped our also with packing up a box for Kristin.... It's coming Kristin! We are slow but we get there!
Then there was the Quad cleaning...
And the "Buggy" washing...
And for some... the email checking...
And of course you didn't think I could post without a picture of the Princess did you?? I thought not...
It was a good day, even though we sacraficed our school work for chores, it had to be done. Apparently Thursday is a school holiday of some sort... maybe IPOD day or some other silly thing they make up, so we will "swap" accordingly ~ I love homeschooling, don't you?
Karl also halped me hang some cutains I have had for a long time, I think they also look "Fall-ish", don't you?
Yes, it's been a good day.... Tonight is BST so we will have to eat a little early and get down the road, so I will end here.
Sep. 29, 2008 - God's Children Will Never Have To Beg For Bread....
Just wanted to share some happiness.... The furnace is still roaring, but the Son of Man is in the midst of the flames...
THANK- YOU
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
Sep. 23, 2008 - Well, We Are Going Into The Storm Folks....
In the hour of sore temptation I may be,
Yet, amid the trials, Jesus’ face I see;
In His word my anchor holdeth to the last,
While the fiery darts are flying thick and fast.
Refrain:
We shall not be wounded in the hottest fight
If we raise the shield of faith in Jesus’ might;
Through the grace of God we’ll conquer to the last,
While the fiery darts are flying thick and fast.
In the greatest suff’ring man may undergo,
He shall have the vict’ry if he’ll count it so;
Conqu’ring in the conflict, soon ’twill all be past,
Though the fiery darts are flying think and fast.
Should I walk in trouble, pressed on every side,
He who knows my weakness will with me abide;
I will ever trust Him in the hottest blast,
While the fiery darts are flying thick and fast.
In the heated furnace, Father, let me stay,
Precious gold refining, purge the dross away,
Till Thy glorious image is reflected there,
Till the costly jewels of Thy grace I wear.
I recieved this link in an email this morning and thought it was worth passing on. You enter your zip code and it will tell you all of the plants and animals native to your area (zip code). You are even able to click and listen to their calls and search for endangered species as well! Give it try!
"I’m very fond of men. I think they are wonderful creatures. I love them dearly. But I don’t want to look like one. When women gave up their long skirts, they made a grave error…" ~Tasha Tudor
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3: 13,14
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If the doctrine of Christian union is true, then division and sectarianism are a great and prodigious evil, and therefore ought to be abolished. Who then will lay the axe to the root of this corrupt tree to help cut it down?
~ D.S. Warner
