I so love God! Really He sooo loves us!!!!  He is so amazing!!! He spoils us so!!!  He blesses me beyond my comprehension!!  I don't have the things the world deems of value, a fancy car, a powerful job in corporate america, 1.4 children, the latest fashions, and I am bursting with joy!  For I have found joy and peace unspeakable in having Him!  It is Him, and Him alone I need....we all need! Words cannot capture the swelling in my heart for knowing Him!  Thank you Lord for redeeming me from the world.... 13 years ago. I am never going back!

I enjoyed this e-mail I got recently as it addressed a frequent form of logic I have heard many times....namely, "God must not exist since there is so much suffering in the world." This is a difficult reality to explain, and one that isn’t easily answered in a few sentences. However, I felt this short story did a good job of addressing the difficult question of God and suffering. So, I hope you are intrigued, encouraged and more equipped to give an answer for the hope that lies within us!  

May He be glorified,

Jenny

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, in meekness and fear; 1 Peter 3:15

A man went to a barbershop to have his hair cut and his beard trimmed. As the barber began to work, they began to have a good conversation. They talked about so many things and various subjects. When they eventually touched on the subject of God, the barber said: "I don't believe that God exists."

"Why do you say that?" asked the customer. "Well, you just have to go out in the street to realize that God doesn't exist. Tell me, if God exists, would there be so many sick people? Would there be abandoned children? If God existed, there would be neither suffering nor pain. I can't imagine a loving God who would allow all of these things."

The customer thought for a moment, but didn't respond because he didn't want to start an argument.

The barber finished his job and the customer left the shop. Just after he left the barbershop, he saw a man in the street with long, stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard. He looked dirty and unkempt. The customer turned back and entered the barber shop again and he said to the barber:

"You know what? Barbers do not exist."

"How can you say that?" asked the surprised barber. "I am here, and I am a barber. And I just worked on you!"

"No!" the customer exclaimed. "Barbers don't exist because if they did, there would be no people with dirty long hair and untrimmed beards, like that man outside."

"Ah, but barbers DO exist! That's what happens when people do not come to me."

"Exactly!" affirmed the customer. "That's the point! God, too, DOES exist! That's what happens when people do not go to Him and don't look to Him for help. That's why there's so much pain and suffering in the world.”

If I could send this as a Christmas card, I would…. It is beyond words…! I love it! Please listen to it if you can…. it made my Christmas! 

I will only tell you the following, so as to not spoil it…: Logan is a 13 year-old boy who lives on a ranch in a very small town in Nebraska. Logan listens to Christian Radio station 89.3FM KSBJ which broadcasts from Houston, TX

To listen, click here: Logan says, Remember . It's short.

And, always remember God understands!

Overwhelmed by His Gift Of Love,

Jenny 

More Info on Video

A church played the phone call during their church service on Sunday, Nov. 11th, 2007, due to the tremendous response to listen to it again, they made a clip.

Here you'll find the video clip that was created just for you. We've placed the video on YouTube so that you can watch it and share with family and friends.

Since airing the audio of the phone call and now the making of the video clip, it has taken on a life of its own. People are forwarding it all over the world. We encourage you to share the love of Christ with anyone you can.

(**Sky Angel is a family safe broadcasting service that is offered on satellite. KSBJ is a local Houston Christian music radio station. Video clip produced with love by www.FrankLozano.com Hear the entire message at www.ValenciaHills.com) 

A    And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,  Luke 1:26

 

B   And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem  Luke 2:4

 

C  To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.  Luke 2:5

 

D   And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.   Luke 2:1

 

E    There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife [was] of the daughters of Aaron, and her name [was] Elisabeth.        Luke 1:5

 

F   And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.   Matthew 2:11

 

G   And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.   Luke 1:19

 

 

H   And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,   Luke 2:13

 

I   Therefore since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophillus,   Luke 1:3 NIV

 

J   And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.    Luke 2:21

  

K   Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem   Matthew 2:1

 

L   And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.Luke 1:14

 

M  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. Luke 2:7

 

N   And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,   Luke 1:26

 

O   Therefore since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophillus,   Luke 1:3 NIV

 

P   Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.   Luke 2:14

 

 

Q   ([And] this taxing was first made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.   Luke 2:2

 

R   And thou Bethlehem, [in] the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.   Matthew 2:6

 

S   And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.   Luke 2:8

 

 

T   It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus   Luke 1:3

 

 

U    For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.    Isaiah 9:6

 

 

V   Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.   Isaih 7:14

 

 

W   For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.    Isaiah 9:6

 

 

X   For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.   Luke 2:11

 

 

Y    So that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.  Luke 1:4

 

Z   And when Zacharias saw [him], he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.  Luke 1:12

       I just listened to a great speech today. One I will always remember, and probably listen to again. I want to remember so many points made during the 40 minute talk, but one thing that rang out many times in my own spirit was ....may I speak the truth and walk the walk of the Bible no matter what the cost.

           I ponder Governor Huckabee comments of why he would leave being a pastor to become a politician. Isn’t this heresy, many would say? Why would you leave serving God to step foot in shark infested waters full of the heathens?

           Well, perhaps, one day I will be asked a similar question….why would a homeschool mom step foot into politics? Well, I have one question that spurs me on, but it won’t mean much to you unless you have listened to this speech….Why Didn't Somebody Do Something?

          I know what I should do, serve Him wherever He places me, and my audience to please is only “One”. It is He alone I serve. So, may I speak the truth in love and walk the walk of the Bible no matter what the cost!

Praying for our Nation today,

Jenny

Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22

    

Fear sees everything that is wrong or could go wrong. Love sees God's solutions. Until we quit reacting from the past and fretting about the future we will continue to avoid the one moment we have: the present. Live there, that's where God is.

-Jenny Groothuis www.messestomiracles.com

Check out what our family has found to be such a blessing to our health….

www.JennysHopeforHealth.com

Shaklee… the company with a heart… with products for more than just your heart… a means to pour your heart into others… and the very reason… I can share Shaklee from my heart!

 

 40 Days for LIfe 

I had never heard of 40 Days for Life before until today. I friend e-mailed me about the campaign that Planned Parenthood is not too thrilled about. It is a 40 day peaceful vigil around the country at Planned Parenthood Abortion clinics. I am glad to hear there are many devoting 24 hours of their time to pray, fasting, making  their presence known, encourage repentance and reaching out in love to the community about the tragedy of abortion!  A mother came up with a homeschool acitivity for her daughter as they campaign for the 40 Days of Life that I thought was worth sharing.

My 9-year-old daughter Claire has been to 21 of the 40 Days for Life locations since the campaign began September 26. As part of her homeschooling activities, Claire came up with a geography and math quiz to share with other children who want to learn through the 40 Days for Life effort.

Feel free to review the 40 Days for Life location list at:

http://www.40daysforlife.com/location.cfm 

Enjoy!

1. Abigail lives in Vancouver, Canada. She wants to participate in 40 Days for Life. Where is the nearest 40 Days for Life location?
2. Jane is participating in 40 Days for Life in Durango, Colorado. She wants to visit the beach and relax when the campaign is over. Which coast of the United States is closest to her?
3. Christi wants to go to a 40 Days for Life location that has her name in the city’s name. Where should Christi go?
4. Cody lives in Cody, Wyoming. He wants to drive to the Pensacola, Florida 40 Days for Life location. How many states will Cody travel through?
5. Carlos wants to visit all 89 of the 40 Days for Life locations. So far, he has been to 30 sites. How many more locations does Carlos need to visit to comlete his goal?
6. Regina lives in Chihuahua, Mexico. Which 40 Days for Life location is closer to her: El Paso, Texas, or Phoenix/Sun City, Arizona?
7. Maggie is exhausted from running a 40 Days for Life campaign, but there’s still 21 more days to go. How many days has Maggie been been running her local 40 Days for Life campaign?

I hope to use this as a stepping stone to talk with my children about the tragedy of abortion and the need to pray!

 Well, not exactly, however, my intentions of journaling our family’s daily activities, fun events and other musings have not transpired as planned. I have felt challenged to become more focused, determined, regimented and disciplined to achieve my hopes or goals.  One of them being, journaling!!! All for the purpse of looking back on the time granted by God to raise four of His children and to not feel regret. Keep focused on the eternal ....building treasures in Heaven! So, even though, I haven't written as I had hoped, I feel good about my time spent with my family, guarding against busy-ness, and treasuring time spent with them and training them up in the Lord. Now, I just want to write these treasured memories down!!!

As we swing into another year of home schooling, the organizing begins for me! Reading "How to organize your life" books, going to encouraging home school conventions, perusing catalogs for the best curriculum this year, and many drafts of our new schedule. The schedule that will allow us to conquer math, reading, spelling, music, science, history, PE, Latin, Greek, Bible study, Violin, Spanish, art, grammar, speech class, writing, and more... in a single bound! Well, hopefully by 1pm for my sake and theirs!!! We are itching to run and play!! Well, I have enjoyed a book called, "The Organized Homeschooler" by..... I don't remember. Well, the most significant thing I learned from it was to set goals. Yes, I have head the old saying, "Fail to make a goal and you will hit it every time.” or something like it anyway. Well, I was more specifically challenged to really write down my hopes, dreams, goals, whatever you want to call them for each child and seek Him for direction, wisdom and trust Him to provide! Character goals, academic goals, housecleaning goals, everyday life skill goals, etc. when written down help you formulate a plan, it helps you identify the need, and trust God to bring a solution. It has really helped to lay out what is truly important and what must go or be shortened in our schedule as well. There is only so much time in the day, and I want to stay focused on the treasures in Heaven and goals help me to see and prioritize my day better! And, my schedule has been falling into place. Our goal is to incorporate the three R's into a four hour block of time and leave lots of time for reading, art, investigating and discovering whatever their fancy is!!

Speaking of schedule, time is up, gotta go hug my munchkins!!

The other day the children and I were discussing Jesus coming back. Would we be ready? How do we get ready? What does ready look like? The Lord brought to mind how I ask them to do various things from laundry to homeschooling. I hypothetically asked them how do you think I would feel if I went away for a trip and came back to find the house a disaster with none of the tasks accomplished. All four children in their own way, declared I would be disappointed. You can probably see where I am going with this....and the children understood as well. So, we then discussed what would be the tasks Jesus has for us. "Loving each other, sharing our toys, reading our Bible, obeying Mommy and Daddy, ...." As we discussed all the different, "tasks" Jesus has for us, it was a bit overwhelming! How do we tackle this very large, growing list? I contemplated this myself knowing it was not all about tasks or lists and certainly not to be overwhelming, after all, God's  Word tells us to ....cast our cares upon Him....His yoke is easy and His burden is light!! I then asked, what would be the two things we could do daily that would address everyone of our tasks on our list? They struggled to figure out what these two things could be. And, as they thought,  I thought as well, and I realized  you could summarize it all with one task... reading His word. This one task will remind you, instruct you, work in you, sharpen you, direct you, encourage you, change you through His Holy Spirit to be about His tasks! Yippeee! Throw out the list!!! As His Word says and Jesus said, "Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God! Oh, Lord help me to do this one thing and trust you to do the rest! 

 

 

Wow! I knew Christina would help me with blogging. In fact, I am her Blog disciple!   And, I should of known she'd encourage others to welcome me as well. She has always made me feel special, treasured, and welcomed into her family, circle of friends, and now blogland!

Glad to have all you visitors and comments! It is fun to know others identify, or find humor in your post! What fun!!

Looking forward to getting to know all you blogsters better! 

Blessings,

Jenny

I thought it would be a blessing to post my thoughts, encouragments, etc. to help me stay true to the course of honoring HIM! I did not expect to be so blessed with my welcome from my dear, dear friend, Christina! I will treasure her words always, and they spurn me on to continue the good fight of faith! And, I thank Him for a treasure of a friend in Christina. God has used her many times to sharpen, encourage, remind, and point me to HIM! I have thanked Him many a times for bringing Christina into my life!!

Thank you Christina for your VERY kind words! MAY HE BE GLORIFIED!!!!

Welcome my dear friend, Jenny, to blogland!  You will really love her!  She is funny, smart, honest, compassionate and one of the best parents I have ever met in my life and I mean that sincerely! 

She has four beautiful children and is very honoring and respectful of her dear husband, Len.

She is very knowledgable about health and nutrition and practices what she preaches.

She leave no opportunity to speak truth and encouragement unspoken and is very consistent in every area of her life.

She shines the light of Christ into every life she touches and I am very glad I met her!

She and I met 7 years ago shortly after my miscarriage in 1999.  I met her at a Bible Study of the book The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace and that book and this friend have so much in common in the way they have shaped me and helped me to be a better Christian, wife and mother. 

Thank-you, Jenny for your obedience to Christ and Welcome to Homeschoolblogger!

It is always interesting to see the minds of boys work. Innocently, I asked my 8 and 6 year olds to help me make my bed. They decide to see who can put my pillows on the fastest. I am not sure if the purpose of making my bed was accomplished, but it was fun to watch!

Last night, Bryson, 6,  came in to inform us the dog was whining. Len asked why his ears were so red. Without any hesitation, he said, “Because my pillow is red.” Of course!

Riley, the youngest, 4 going on 40, informed me his bottom teeth were ready to come out. It must be agonizing to watch his older siblings lose teeth, get big, and such as he anxiously awaits reaching the allusive "big" kid title. Well, as serious as a doctor explaining the reason for high cholesterol, Riley explained the crack between his teeth was an indication that his teeth were ready to be pulled out. "Mom, get the string, tie it up and just pull on them like this. Okay." Trying not to laugh, I explained gently that the crack between his teeth was the space between one tooth and the other, and God will decide when his teeth are ready to come out and the "big" teeth appear. Oh, there is that word again! 

My sweet husband cleaned a toilet today. This began a discussion I can relate to. Hubby says , "Bryson and Riley, why is there pee all over the toilet, under the seat, on the floor, on the side of the toilet? "Hmmmmm, I don't know. " says Riley innocently with big innocent 4 year old eyes. I am sure he honestly doesn't have any idea how that pee got all over the toilet. "Could it be pee wars?", the previous toilet cleaner asks. Bryson looks vary sheepish at his mother and father. Father says, "What is pee wars?" with a slight hint of curiousity, but mostly perplexity. The previous toilet cleaner must concentrate on a straight face as this is serious business. Bryson says, "Well, well, mmmmm, Riley and I fight with pee."  Father's eyes get big and without hesitaton the decree is made, " Well, the pee wars must stop." The previous toilet cleaner rejoices at the news and is so happy to have another toilet cleaner's support on this issue! Perhaps, we should teach these "Pee" soldiers to clean the toilets!

Thank you God for these wonderful boys I get to watch grow.

 

Enjoying vs. Enduring by Jennifer Prince

I don't remember exactly where I was headed, but I instinctively dialed "411" on my cell phone as I was driving. You see, I think that multitasking is "where it's at." Talking on the phone while driving and putting on makeup? No problem here!

As I waited and eventually received the telephone number that I had requested, the male voice on the other end said, "Enjoy your day." I was catapulted into a stunned silence. I was not heralded with the usual, "Please hold for the number," or even a cordial, "Have a nice day." "Enjoy your day" was the command.

There was a decision to be made, I realized. Was I going to endure through the day, or was I going to enjoy it to the fullest, no matter what came my way?

As moms, we give so much of ourselves, and sometimes we just endure our times of diaper changing, story reading and answering the "why, why, why." My oldest is now seven, and she is bathing and dressing herself. It seems as though it was just yesterday that I was watching her peacefully sleep in her bassinet.

Having lived many of my "mommy" days as an endurer I decided - then and there - to be an enjoyer. Sometimes it's difficult, but I realize that my two-year-old may not want to roll a ball with me for much longer. I've been encouraged to take that break when one of my children asks to play or needs special attention.

My hope is that you will have many days of enjoyment ahead with your children. Take some time to refresh and relax, and definitely, "Enjoy your day."

Prayer From a Mother's Heart

Dear God, instill in my child an appreciation for the "ordinary," realizing the gifts you give him each day.

A man was sleeping one night in his cabin when suddenly his room filled with light,and God appeared. The Lord told the man he had work for him to do, and showed him a large rock in front of his cabin. The Lord explained that the man was to Push against the rock with all his might...
 
So, this the man did, day after day. For many years he toiled from sunup to sundown,his shoulders set squarely against the cold, massive surface of the unmoving rock, pushing with all his might!
 
Each night the man returned to his cabin sore and worn out, Feeling that his whole day had been spent in vain. Since the man was showing discouragement, the Adversary (Satan) decided to enter the picture by placing thoughts into the weary mind: (He will do it every time)!
 
"You have been pushing against that rock for a long time and it hasn't moved." Thus, he gave the man the impression that the task was impossible and that he was a failure. These thoughts discouraged and disheartened the man.
 
Satan said, "Why kill yourself over this? Just put in your time, giving just the minimum effort; and that will be good enough."
 
That's what the weary man planned to do, but decided to make it a matter of Prayer and to take his troubled thoughts to The Lord.
 
"Lord," he said, "I have labored long and hard in Your Service, putting all my strength to do that which you have asked. Yet, after all this time,I have not even budged that rock by half a millimeter. What is wrong? Why am I failing?"

The Lord responded compassionately, "My friend, when I asked youto serve Me and you accepted, I told you that your task was to push against the rock with all of your strength, which you have done.  Never once did I mention to you that I expected you to move it. Your task was to push. And now you come to Me with your strength spent, thinking that you have failed.  But, is that really so? Look at yourself. Your arms are strong and muscled, your back shiny and brown; your hands are callused from constant pressure, your legs have become massive and hard.  Through opposition you have grown much,and your abilities now surpass that which you used to have. True, you haven't moved the rock. But your calling was to be Obedient and to push and to exercise your Faith and trust in My Wisdom. That you have done. Now I, my friend, will move the rock."
 
At times, when we hear a word from God, we tend to use our own intellect to decipher what He Wants, when actually what God wants is just simple obedience and faith in Him.  By all means, exercise the Faith that moves mountains,but know that it is still God Who moves The Mountains.