This and That

• Do you like a good list? Me too, so here we go!
• Oh, I just love bullets. They put everything in such good order.
• Today in the car, Sam informed me that he is marrying Jessie. Since I don't know a Jessie, I asked 'who is Jessie'...he said, 'you know, Jessie on Toy Story.'
• He told me he wants to kiss Jessie
• And marry her
• And when they are married, they will celebrate his birthday
• She will buy him a moobie (movie)
• Because apparently that is what makes a good marriage: a kiss and a good moobie
• I am eating a small portion of an oreo milkshake from Sonic
• Cade is eating the large portion of it
• While Sam and Eli and Daddy are at soccer practice
• shhhh, don't tell them
• Yesterday in worship, I saw the most precious uplifting thing ever
• My ten year old was raising his hands and singing his heart out
• And I looked at a little boy named Andrew, just a little fella as well, and he had his hand stuck up, worshipping his God and not afraid of doing it
• And I thought, "and a little child shall lead them"
• And it totally made my week and blessed my soul
• Tomorrow is the first fall Ranch Hands meeting...if you want info, let me know
• Ranch Hands bless Soaring Wings Ranch
• I cleaned my house today
• I love a clean house
• It stayed that way until precisely 3:45 when the brood of brothers entered the door
• And then it threw up again
• I made a pot of soup tonight
• I know it was almost 90 degrees today
• But I can't help myself
• By golly, if I say it is soup season, then it is
• These bullets are sure fun, huh
• My baby will be 5 in 2 days
• I have no words for that
• My Momma says her baby will be 22 in 10 days
• I don't think she has any words either
• Don't you love random posts
• I need a good crockpot recipe
• Would you be so kind to post one on your blog for me
• thanks and love you like there is no tomorrow
• I started the Beth Moore "Inheritance" study and it is going to be kick awesome
• We sold one of our rent houses last month
• We got an unexpected escrow check in the mail today
• Can I get a 'hallelujah'
• thanks
• Savannah drug my heinie around the park today for a walk that turned into a sprint for her
• How do you spell heinie?
• I am just a tad jealous of my sister in law who is going to Europe
• Without kids
• With her man
• And a camera
• sigh
• I am going to sign off now
• I must say, bullet points are quite addictive
• love ya
• bye bye

Let the Games Begin!

...and it begins. Sam started soccer this year, along with Eli. That means two games every Saturday morning for 8 weeks. But it is so much fun to watch! When Sam's game started, the weather looked pretty ominous, so I left the camera in the car...and of course, it came a downpour. They played in the rain until the first bolt of lightening struck, and then we were outta there, baby. I was huddled underneath my small umbrella while Eli and Cade chased little green frogs everywhere.

They only played til halftime, but Sam scored! YAY! You should have seen his expression! It was just priceless...he went "yes" and then then did the little arm thrust victory. He later gave Dad/Coach a double high five. Love to see him finally getting to do things his big brothers do.

We ran home for an hour, trying to see if the rain would subside, which it did. Then, we headed out to game #2 where Eli dominated the field during the second half. It is fun to have these teams be co-ed...there are some fierce girls out there! Cade enjoyed catching frogs once again. He is now dubbed the frog whisperer because one little fella latched onto him for about 10 minutes and wouldn't let go.

Oh, and I bought a zoom lens which makes capturing kids' sporting events way-way-way fun!

Happy Saturday!

Seeking Him With All My Heart

This is a guest post today.

"I am full of joy because I know I am doing God's will here in Honduras. This trip has truly been a blessing in my life and I am thankful God has called me here. I was reading my favorite verse this morning which is Jeremiah 29:11. I always seem to stop at verse 11. But I went further this time (kind of like I need to go further in my walk with Christ.) Verse 12 says "Call upon me and pray to me and I will listen to you." Verse 13 says "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." I think verse 13 is my key verse, not 11. Verse 11 ("For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you") comes by doing verse 13...seeking him with all my heart.

I haven't been seeking Him with all my heart. I've been trying to do my own thing and control things on my own, but I must seek Him with all my heart. Then He will answer and I will know the plans He has for my life. It's all about Him...glorifying Him...and not about me. It's not about me wanting a good job so I can have more stuff. It's not about me finding a guy because it's getting that time. It's about God and what He wants for me and what He wants to do thru me!

God had a purpose for me reading thru Jeremiah. There was a reason that was burdened in my heart for the last month. And yesterday I just happened to be on Chapter 29. And everything fell into place!

I must surrender to Him and not myself. He's calling my whole heart, not the leftovers. I'm ready to move on...and up...closer to Him.

This was written by my sister, Kiley, on her first Mission Trip to Honduras in May of 2004. She had a fervent desire to know God and surrender to Him. Schemes of the enemy seemed to blind her from that reality on her fateful day.

She seemed happiest when she was serving the lowly and downtrodden. Lucky for us, she had chronicled her trip. This is just one excerpt from her experience. There is one line in the journal that keeps jumping out at me: "I am getting so excited, being in Paradise!"

Maybe God knew those words would bring us great comfort one day.

On Prophets and Such

I learned today who the first prophet was...at least when the word was first used by God about someone. It shocked me a little: Abraham.

I guess it shocked me because I have always thought of a prophet as a spokesman for God to the men around. I tend to think of prophets as people like Elijah, Jeremiah, and Elisha. But, God used the word, so I am gonna go with it.

It also shocked me because of the context in which it was used. Abraham had once again lied about Sarah being his sister. Abimelech decided to take her for his own, but God intervened. (He had promised them a son and didn't need anyone thinking that the kiddo could belong to anyone other than Father Abraham...you get the drift.) So, God visits Abimelech and tells him that he is to return Sarah. He says, "Now then, return the man's wife, for he is a prophet, so that he will pray for you, and you shall live." (Gen. 20:7)

This caught me off guard a little. I never equated an intercessor with someone who has the gift of prophecy. But, it seems like God is saying that a person is only a prophet if they are an intercessor. It is how he first describes someone who is a prophet...he will pray for you.

Abraham had proven his ability and desire to intercede for others at the end of Chapter 18 when he humbly begs God to not punish the righteous along with the wicked in the city of Sodom. The city is destroyed due to the evil, but God mercifully spares Abraham's nephew, Lot, and his two daughters. (He tried to spare Lot's wife and Lot's future sons-in-law, but due to disbelief, they didn't make it.)

Genesis 19:29 makes it clear that Abraham's prayers are what saved Lot. "...God remembered Abraham and sent Lot out of the midst..."

So, does Abraham pray for Abimilech as God says he will...yes, he prays that God will heal Abimilech, his wife, and the female slaves. And, God indeed acts.

The Hebrew word for prophet here is "nabi" which means "to bubble forth, as from a fountain, to utter." Perhaps when we are speaking to God on behalf of men, God entrusts us with the secrets of His will... to utter over men. Adam Clarke said that "only later, an intercessor became the predictor of future events...because to such faithful praying men, God revealed the secret of His will."

It is as if God is saying that you must meet in the secret place with Him on behalf of the good of others before He will allow you to be a spokesman for His Name.

Rosh Hashanah!

I love studying things that pertain to the Jewish people. If we, as Believers, are grafted in, then we should have a base knowledge of what we have been grafted into!

Do you ever feel incomplete...like a big chunk of you is elsewhere? Do you ever have a longing so deep to see your Savior's face that you can hardly stand it? Do you ever wonder why a good movie or a good meal or a good conversation never quite measure up to bringing complete fulfillment? I think God created tons of "good" things for us to enjoy, but nothing is going to fill that deep void until we reach our real home and see the One who redeemed us.

One of the feasts that intrigues me the most is called Rosh HaShanah. It is the only one celebrated at the new moon. This feast is referred to as the head of the Jewish civil year. It has been called "Yom Teruah" which means "day of the awakening blast" and also "shout." It can also be called "Yom HaKesah" which means the "day of concealment."

Isaiah 26:19-21 says this:"But your dead will live; their bodies will rise. You who dwell in the dust, wake up and shout for joy. Your dew is like the dew of the morning; the earth will give birth to her dead. Go, my people, enter your rooms and shut the doors behind you; hide yourselves for a little while until his wrath has passed by. See, the Lord is coming out of his dwelling to punish the people of the earth for their sins..."

If you believe in a pre-trib rapture, then the Church (Bride) must be concealed in Heaven during the Tribulation...away from the earth and the effects of God's wrath. In the above verses, we see "God's people" as being hidden (or concealed) until the wrath has passed by.

The cool thing about Rosh HaShanah is that it is the only feast celebrated during the new moon. The new moon is the one where you can't even see it...it first appears as a sliver. Before "NASA," the Jewish people would require two witnesses to be watchmen for the new moon. When they both saw the edges of the new moon, they would announce it to the Sanhedrin, who would then tell the High Priest. Rosh Hashanah was called the "unknown day" because there was always a 48 hour window in which it could occur. It is still a two day feast. The coolest part is that the verse that says "No man knows the day or hour" (Mt. 24:36) is a common idiom said during this feast. No one knew which day it would take place on...but they had to be prepared.

We know they were to sound the ram's horn on this day(Rosh Hashanah) because of this verse: "Sound the ram's horn at the New Moon..." Psalm 81:3 The sounding of a trumpet...often a shofar (ram's horn), is in many verses that make reference to the rapture. Paul says in 1st Corinthians 15:51-52 that "We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the LAST TRUMP; for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed." 1st Thessalonians 4:16-18 say: "For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the TRUMPET of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore, encourage each other with these words."

Rosh HaShanah was not the only feast where the trumpet was blown, but this feast is referred to as the "LAST TRUMP." Pentecost is called the First Trump and Yom Kippur is called the Great Trump. Pretty neat stuff!!

I don't think we are to be "date setters" or anything like that...in Acts, it says we don't get to know the time, but instead, we get the Holy Spirit. But, I do think God wants us aware of the seasons...to be aware of world events and how they might match up to Biblical prophesy. Rosh Hashanah is on September 9th-10th this year. I am by no means saying that THIS is the year...but if the rapture will occur on this feast, then it does give us yet another reason to look forward to fall every year!

Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!

The Day I Shout Freedom

The time was upon me once again: school picture order form day. I have wrestled with this for at least a year. You know, throwing down an insane amount of money for one shot of your child that will never be stuck in a frame. But, you do it because it is the status quo, the perfect Mommy thing to do, fear of teachers and peers looking down on them for not ordering a package, the feelings of "I will feel guilty if I don't"...well, you know the story.

And so last night as I was discussing this with Eric, we decided to forego the $60 (that is the $20 cheapest package times three kids.) We knew the pictures would only be filed away into a memory folder, never to be shared or framed, because, really, the pictures never quite capture the essence of our kids anyway.

So, today, I shout freedom! Today I shout that I have been set free from human traditions that hold us in chains.

Well, at least until the soccer picture order form comes due.

Humpty Dumpty

Humpty Dumpty had a great fall when his girlfriend jumped onto his back. And then his shoulder jumped out of socket. (For the 12th time.)

This would be the highlight of my Labor Day Weekend. I thought it was going to be a pretty drab and labor-full day as I cleaned two houses. And then, my brother decided to make my day a little brighter by paying us all a visit. He called when he was 45 minutes away to tell us he and Jen were headed our way...that is a good warning for Kirby.

Dinner in crockpot. Check. House clean. Check. God was sure gracious!

And so we feasted on Italian Roast Beef Sandwiches, Doritoes, and Derby Pie. Tasty meal! And then, the "kids" went out to play baseball and I proceeded to cheer and get eaten alive by our AR state bird, the mosquito.

The 6 foot tall, naturally beautiful Jennifer decided to make it to second base by jumping onto Kirby's back and then diving onto the base. Great idea...until Kirby's shoulder got involved....and that makes it the twelfth time it has dislocated.

We thought we could do as Kirb instructed...so I jammed my foot into his armpit and pulled for all I was worth. He didn't like that so much, so I pulled a little gentler. Then we twisted the wrist, then Jen tried, then Eric tried, and then Cade thought he wanted to try but I shooed him away.

All the while, Sam is playing "doctor" with Kirby's watch that I had taken off, thinking it might be easier to pull his arm without a watch...I was wrong. Anyhoo, Sam laid the watch on Kirby's arm and then his forehead, trying to get an accurate reading, or heal the man, or whatever it is that was going through his head at the time. It provided me some great laughter...I don't know about his uncle, though.

We ended up calling Michelle, thinking that if anyone could get it back in place, she would be the gal. Problem was, his muscles were so tight by this time that he was going to have to be sedated. So, off to the ER they go...Eric, Kirby, and Jen.

Wish I could have been there for that story telling adventure, but the XRay techs wouldn't help him out of the wheelchair that he had been sitting in for an hour...and his muscles were totally locked up...and well, I think Kirby may have screamed like a girl when he stood up. That is what the spectators are saying, anyway.

Two hours later, they return with slinged-up-shoulder-back-in-place-Kirby who was ready to go home. I entrusted his care to his girlfriend...who would definitely now be driving them back!

A word for my brother:
1. Please have surgery
2. Please don't let this tainted memory keep you from coming back

Lots of love and laughter,
your sis

Introducing...

After months of fighting fears and tears...after having the help of a master logo designer and someone who could give me a jumpstart...after the prayers of some of my best friends...after the grace of God raining down on me...I want to introduce you to...

Luluphotog.com

A new photography blog for a new season of life. I'm just tickled to death. I am still working on some technical and aesthetic aspects, but all in all, it is ready to go! Thanks for being with me on this journey. God Bless!!!

The Smell of Cattle, Hay and Anticipation

The week has been a whirlwind. A mid-week trip to Fayetteville in order to present a trophy in my sister's memory has left my mind wrapped up in my teen years. Dad and I (and later Amelia and Grandad) found ourselves at the Washington County Fairgrounds once again. It had been years since I had stepped foot onto the site, and yet, as I walked into the barn, the smell of cattle, hay, and anticipation assaulted my nostrils as to say, 'welcome home.'

It had been home to me for at least 8 years. My first show heifer was Dolly and she was a sweet thing to put up with me, me being a green thing who didn't know the first thing about cattle. I didn't know the difference between a heifer and a Hereford and I was too embarrassed to ask.

I finally figured out that a heifer was a female that had never had a calf and that a Hereford was simply a breed. Through those 8 years, I managed to learn enough to win showmanship awards, state quiz bowls, grooming awards, and grand championships with heifers, bulls, and steers.

The fairgrounds was where God knit my heart deeper with my Dad's. We would unload all of our equipment and cattle, and I knew that it was me and him against the world for those few days. All of our hard work was going to come to fruition. Sure, our whole family was involved, but to me, it was always just me and Dad.

And so, as I inhaled the smell of cattle, hay and anticipation, tears wanted to creep out of certain crevices. Because coming home sometimes hurts. Because you didn't realize how much you missed it. Because you are just now seeing the importance of how that home shaped you. Because God doesn't allow you to lay your head on that pillow anymore...that He gave you a different path and a different life. Because the memories of those days are enough to make you cry, whether it be from the good times or the bad.

As we became mere spectators, I saw myself in the children and teenagers that were exhibiting that night. I was the little 11 year old girl with her hair pulled back tightly who had utter confidence as she stepped into the ring. I was that same girl as her heifer got away and tears rolled down her cheeks not only from the embarrassment, but also from the pain that the chains left as they were yanked out of her hands.

I was the teenage boy who started laughing as his heifer started eating his blue sale order slip. I was that same boy that would later allow her to lick my hands, loving the rough texture of her tongue on my skin.

I was the teenage girl who knew it was her year to shine in the steer show. All of the countless hours of trying to grow the steer's hair in the hot summer months would surely pay off this night. All of the countless hours of praying to God to allow a victory would surely pay off this night. I was the same girl as she grinned from ear to ear when her steer was slapped grand champion.

I was the young brunette boy with dimples who talked as country as they come. I chided my friend for not combing my heifer the correct way and then proceeded to tell him how to go about such a fine art. I was the same adorable boy who smiled all over himself when his heifer was named supreme champion. I was the same boy looking at my father, making sure I had her set up correctly. I was the same boy who took home a trophy bigger than my own frame.

And, all the sudden, I was myself. Not the thirty three year old, but, the thirteen year old version of myself standing beside the biggest crush of my showing days. He also went by the name of Eric, and he somehow managed to hold onto my heart for those years without ever doing a thing to capture it. (I pretty much despised him for that, too...holding my heart captive!) Now as grownups with spouses we love and children we dote on, we laughed about the good ol' days, when we apparently held hands for a whole hour at the State Fair and when he slung me over his back, hauling me to the wash rack in order to soak me down with a water hose. Ahhh, young love. Well, at least on my part, anyway.

Showing cattle, the fair, the joys and the sorrows...you just can't get it unless you've done it. So, as I helped Amelia and Dad present a trophy in memory of Kiley to that young love's own son, I was thankful to God for those days. Days of driving to the barn, washing, grooming, feeding, showing, and so forth kept me out of a lot of trouble during my teen years. God knew I wasn't going to be an athlete, and so he gave me something else that would put my Dad and I on the same page. God used those days to groom in me a healthy respect for my Dad and an appreciation of his authority in my life.

I will forever be thankful.

And, yes, heaven will smell like cattle, hay, and anticipation that has finally been realized. It will be the smell of coming home.

Photo Featured!

This is so fun! I sometimes put photos in "Flickr" and then tag them to a group/website like "The Maternal Lens." They will choose "photos of the day" or sometimes do a collage of various photos for a theme or even tell a story with photos. Well, one of my photos made it onto the site...for a photo story telling session of sorts. I had no idea and was strolling thru the site, and bam, there was my photo! I don't get anything...just bragging rights I guess.

If you want to see...it is the beach pic of "faith, hope, and love" by "the joyful lulu."

fun little surprise on a thursday nite. :)

A Special Grace for Women...

For my female friends...

You probably know by now that you and the men in your life are not the same. At all. Let's go back to Genesis for a minute and see if perhaps God has put a special grace on your life in certain areas.

God created man from the earth and woman from the man. So, in a sense, females are doubly complex and more emotionally in tune with things. Obviously, women have the ability to conceive and give birth to things.

Women have a special grace given by God to bring life into situations. Men have a unique capacity to bring order and structure to an environment. But a woman enlivens that place. It is like the old saying...only a woman can make a house a home.

So, what does this mean in the spiritual realm? I think that when it comes to prayer, you, female friend, are very, very powerful. You have the ability to conceive how a situation can glorify God and then you have the ability to pray forth life over the situation until it actually gives birth and becomes reality.

I am not saying that men shouldn't pray...but women seem to be bent towards this since they are better in tune with things emotionally.

You have the ability to birth breakthroughs and release life through your intercessory prayer! Your prayers for your children, husband, church, friends, and country can literally release new beginnings...beginnings that will glorify God!

I believe our nation is at a crossroads of sorts. It is either going to continue on the decline or have an awakening. What if our prayers for our nation birthed a return to God and His righteous ways? What if our prayers bring forth life into situations that would have otherwise ended in death?

Satan doesn't want you praying. He knows that Jesus Christ (God with us) came to the world through a woman's power to give birth! (God obviously didn't need a female's help, but He allowed her to participate...just like in prayer!) He also knows that your intercessory prayer does powerful things...it actually releases new beginnings!

Lord, release the women of God and release the power of prayer in our lives! Don't let us believe the lie that says we can't make a difference or that our prayers don't actually bring forth life!

Rhea Lana Sale/Giveaway!

The Rhea Lana Children's Consignment Sale opens today to the public! Here is a link to some more info about times/location/half price sale/etc.

http://conway.rhealana.com/csssaleinfo.asp?init=irlwthrhwa

If you have never shopped this sale, it is a great way to get clothes, toys, baby equipment, shoes, bedding, etc. for a very reasonable price! I heard they are even restocking things tomorrow, so don't feel like you have missed out if you can't get out there today!

I have a free pass for the early "half price" sale that is from 8-10 pm this Thursday nite. (The sale for half price opens to the public on Friday.) If you would like to shop the half price sale first thing, then leave me a comment. If more than one person comments, then I will select someone via random.org.

Have a great week, peeps!

Oh, and check out this fam...we had a fun downtown shoot!

Water From the Rock

Can you imagine being the leader of a grumbling, quarrelsome people? What if their basic needs weren't being met and they decided it might be better to stone you to death? That is where we find Moses in Exodus 17. He decided to take the Israelite's complaints of "lack" to the Lord and the Lord proceeded to tell Moses exactly how to proceed.

God tells him that He will stand before him (Moses) on the rock at Horeb. Here, Moses is to strike the rock and water shall come out of it and the people can then drink.

God seems strange sometimes, doesn't He?

Everything He does points to His glory and the future glory of Christ, the glory of His Son that would be further disclosed in the New Testament. We grew up singing "Rock of Ages" in our little church. There are many bible verses that reference God as our rock. Just one is Deuteronomy 4a: "The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice."

So, when God tells Moses that He is standing on the rock, Moses is to assume that God's very presence is all over that rock, and in essence, Moses is to strike God Himself in order to have water flow.

Is something in your mind saying, "this seems familiar???" The Holy Spirit helped me make sense of the this the other day and I am so blessed! I believe God was foreshadowing what would happen to His Son, Jesus Christ. He would be struck, and living water would then flow freely to all who would receive.

But, God was serious about His Son's sacrifice being a once and for all kind of deal. So, when Moses finds himself in a similar situation in Numbers 20, God gives different instructions. He tells Moses to speak to the rock in order for it to yield its water. Whether Moses was angry or not listening very carefully, He disobeyed God's instructions. He struck the rock with his staff twice.

God didn't like that.

God told him he would no longer be the one to lead his people into the promised land.

Why is striking the rock a second time such a big deal? To God, it meant that there was no belief in the Resurrected Christ...only the Crucified Christ.

Because of grace, we only need to speak to the rock in order to receive blessings. The New Testament is quite clear that Jesus is the rock, as well. 1 Corinthians 10:4 says, "and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ."

This all makes the story of the Samaritan woman at the well that much more interesting. Jesus tells her that "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, 'give me a drink.' you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.' (John 4)

The Rock is Christ and He possesses living water that will take away all of our thirsts. All we have to do is speak.

Do we thank God for redemption but refuse to live in regeneration?

ESV Study Bible!

I have to tell you a fun little God-story. I knew I wanted the ESV study bible, but at CBO it was $70. Eric said he would gladly get it for me for Christmas, but I didn't want to wait! So, I checked on Amazon and it was $45! Still not wanting to spend that much, I waited. After keeping some kids for a friend, they blessed us with an Amazon gift card!!! I have never received an Amazon gift card before and they didn't know about my desire for this Bible. So, can you believe God gifted me with this bible for only $20 and I didn't have to wait til Christmas! How fun is that?

I received it in the mail yesterday, Kiley's birthday. I think God just wanted to bless me with something a little special on that day. I opened it up, inhaled the fresh leather bible scent and allowed my fingers to peruse the gold-rimmed pages. There is something holy about getting a new bible. It speaks of a new journey with you and your Redeemer. It shouts promises of knowing Him on an even deeper level. It is a terrifying thing, getting a new bible, because all the sudden, you don't know where a single book of the bible is to be found. It is as if you have to relearn where everything is. But I am willing to take that journey.

Let me tell you how much I think I am going to love this study bible! The day before I received it, I was reading in 1st Kings 19, where the Lord speaks to Elijah. You know, where God wasn't in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in the low whisper. I was confused at why this demonstration was needed, because in just a few previous verses, it says that "the word of the LORD came to him..." We already know that Elijah can hear God's voice, so what was the point?

Elijah had come off a huge victory (Mount Carmel where the fire of the One True God consumes the burnt offering...including the rocks. Have you ever seen fire consume rocks?) Jezebel hears about her Baal prophets getting slaughtered and decides to put a hex on Elijah's life. Elijah freaks out and runs. He runs without hearing from the Lord.

So, God asks him (19:9), "What are you doing here, Elijah?" And Elijah goes into this spiel about how he has done everything that God has asked and now his life is in danger.

Then, we see God tell Elijah to go stand on the mount (come out of the cave where you are hiding.) Does Elijah obey? No...not til God's demonstration of wind, earthquake, and fire is completed. (In our house, we try and instill in our boys that if it isn't first time obedience, then it really isn't obedience at all.) So, he finally comes out of the cave and God asks him again: "What are you doing here, Elijah?"

He gives the exact same response. Word for word.

According to the study notes, (which have I mentioned I love?) the whole point of that demonstration was to get Elijah to see things differently...to get him to answer the question that God had asked in a different way. To maybe see things from God's point of view.

Seeing God in the way that God chose to reveal Himself didn't seem to change Elijah's current attitude. He seemed to forget all that God had done with him and through him...miraculous provision, raising of a dead child, etc. Elijah is so consumed with his fear that he has forgotten just who His God is.

I know the above only touches on the many awesome things about 1 Kings 19, but I wanted to share about how this bible is already starting to expand my thinking!

Have a great weekend!

The Artist

This little boy marches to his own beat. And I love that about him. He loves to paint. His paintings are very abstract. While Cade and Eli painted people, animals, and trees, Sam paints images. Google "Abstract Art" and you have his style!

I can't wait to see how God uses his creative side. I believe that when I can only see a blob of colors on paper, God can see a reflection of what makes him unique and called according to His purposes.

Kiley's Birthday...let's party.

August 19th...Kiley would be 27 years old. I had an idea...one that came to me after a sweet friend made a donation to a charity in memory of Kiley's birthday this week. What if we all did a random act of kindness for another to celebrate Kiley's life in heaven? I am sure God is throwing her a huge party, after all, He dreamed her up. But, we down here can get in on the celebration by doing something for someone else in the name of Jesus and in her memory. A random act of kindness doesn't even have to cost anything! I would love to hear what you come up with...so feel free to post...even if it is anonymous! Happy 27th Kiley, and happy eternity.

On the First Day of School, Cry She Does Not.

Perhaps I am a strange Mom, but I confess: I have never cried on school day. Not when Cade started. Not when Eli started. And, today, I continued that trend when Sam started. For some reason, once we get to the school phase, it just seems like the most logical next step. It makes sense...the kids are ready, I am ready, and therefore, no tears are shed. I know this is actually quite strange for moms all around. In fact, I talked to a mom of a 5th and a 2nd grader and she said this was the first year that she hasn't cried. I was shocked out of my tree. I didn't tell her that I was rejoicing and singing the Hallelujah Chorus. She might think I was insensitive...and well, I am not...I am just always ready for the next phase. I hope this trend continues when they start college and eventually get married, because it will definitely be the best thing for everyone around (especially Eric!)

So, to start off the 2010-11 school year, this first picture sums up how we all feel! Praise God to whom all blessings flow...it is upon us!

My little studs. Sam is really not so little. In fact, two mom-friends didn't even recognize him today because he has grown so much lately.

Sam has been looking forward to school for a loooong time, after all, he wants to do what his big brothers do!

This can't be my child. Look how handsome and grown up he looks.

Look at my swollen eyes. Someone is going to have to get used to getting up at 6 am once again.

Get out of the tree, kid! It is time for schoooooool!!!!!

Sam marched himself right into class, ready to go! I am telling you, he is ready!

Have fun and learn lots, guys!

After I picked them up, I got the low down:

Me to Sam: What did you do today?

Sam: Listened to God

Me: What did God say?

Sam: (insert 1 minute pause) I don't remember

Me to Eli: What did you do today?

Eli: Got chased by all the girls at recess

Me: Ohhhhhh. sigh.

Me to Cade: How was your day?

Cade: You didn't pack me enough lunch.

Me to myself: I need to up the food budget once again.

So, here is to school! YES!

My Aunt

This is my Aunt Karleen. She is my Dad's older sister. Since my Mom has no siblings, she is my only aunt...except those that married my Dad's brothers. My Dad was the youngest of 5...and quite the surprise. A good surprise, if you ask me. Karleen was old enough to dote on him as if he were her own, so I think she had a good hand in helping raise him...and I will forever love her for that.

Karleen is the most generous, compassionate, and giving person. She truly has the gift of service. She is always cooking for someone...and I happen to love it when that person is me! Her homemade noodles are to die for and she has an amazing ability at making cakes. She even made my wedding cake, transporting it 3 hours to the destination!

I admire my aunt because she managed to grow up with 4 brothers and still hold her own. She has a touch of stubbornness and sass in her and I find it quite charming. When her husband, Jackie, was alive, she was always able to keep it under check and submit to him in every way. She submitted even when she knew he was wrong and I think God has blessed her for that.

Since Jackie died, she has been able to go on many trips. She has a knack for adventure and a fearless spirit.

My aunt has a work ethic to be envied. She still runs her small farm, cooks for the small farm help she does have, and is able to serve those in her church body.

I am pretty sure that she has never failed to send me a birthday card. As a girl, there would always be a five dollar bill enclosed. She would always sign it: "love and prayers" and you knew she meant it.

One of my favorite memories was when she, Mom, and I got to fly to Florida to watch Kiley in a basketball tournament. I guess I never realized what good manners she had til then. Instead of saying she hated or didn't like a particular food, she wouldn't smile and say, "I don't care for it, thank you."

It was on the plane ride when I realized we had identical hands...thanks to my Pops/her Dad. Our knuckles are large and wrinkled and our thumbs are just plain deformed. ha! I wish I had my Mom's graceful hands (and ankles) but it is sweet for me to share something that resembles my aunt.

Here she is doing what she does best...cooking and serving!

God truly blessed me with her!

2 years and 6 months

2 and a half years. What makes me sad today is realizing all that you have missed out on. You haven't met Kirby's new girlfriend. You aren't here to encourage Amelia as she starts her student teaching. You don't know about my passion for photography. You don't know that Eli lost his two front teeth in the same day. You weren't here to celebrate one of your best friends having a baby girl. You left us and you have missed out on a lot these past 2 and a half years. And today, that makes me sad.

What to Wear!??

Do you always struggle with what to wear during your family photo sessions? Well, over at LuLu, there is a link that will help you pull it all together!

No matter what photographer you use, be sure and book NOW for the best possible dates! Fall weekend sessions fill up very quickly no matter who the photographer is, simply because fall is usually the busiest time of year. If you want to ensure a good slot, then call your fave photog soon!