Looking Back...A Day to Remember!

Caden was excited to be baptized on July 3, 2011.  I heard about the excitement about five times this day... "I can't wait to be baptized."

Caden asked Jesus into his heart in the Fall of 2010 (6 years old) and was ready to tell the world.  Can you see the JOY!?

  

He was blessed to be baptized along with 71 others believers under the crosses. 

For God so loved the world,

that he gave his only begotten Son,

 

that whosoever believeth in him...

 

should not perish,




but have everlasting life!

  

John 3:16

 Our dream for you Caden is to love God with all your heart, with all your strength, and with all your soul...to make a difference for Christ.

 



May God's light SHINE through your life.

We are proud of you!  We love you Caden!

Thank you Grandma, Aunt Tara, Uncle Rodney, Devin, and Sharee for sharing in Caden's special day!

My Baby is Having Surgery

Tomorrow, July 27, 10:00 A.M. Caden will be having surgery on his nose.  He has a growth that is blocking 85% of one side of his nose.  He will have to be put to sleep. This is an outpatient surgery, so even though it's not major...anything with regards to your baby...is a BIG DEAL. 

It makes this momma nervous. 

Prayers will be appreciated!

Philippians 4:6- "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God."

Update:  Day 4, Caden's surgery went very well.  The Dr. said, we did the right thing.  When he got in there there was 75% blockage with pus all over his anoids.  He bounced back pretty quick; however, he has complained of a sore throat, which is understandable. 

Thanksgiving Blessings

This morning on my way to Thanksgiving dinner with Michael's family, I was listening to a christian radio station interview the parents of Michael Orr. Who is Michael? The movie and the book Blindside was based on the their true story. If you haven't seen that movie yet...just do it!

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving; however, it was unfortunately cut short due to the sleet that was falling. With a two hour drive home we didn't want to take a chance.

Well, on our way home there was a homeless man standing beside a busy intersection . Michael is at Wal-mart, so I call him and tell him to pick up some gloves and stocking cap, some BBQ chicken and water. After hearing the message this morning on how this couple felt lead to "just turn around", I felt the Lord tug on my heart about helping this man. It is so cold and is suppose to get below 20 tonight. Michael also bought him a coat and gave him $20. (I told him he only had on a jacket.)

I am so thankful to have a home to stay warm in, a family who loves me, and food. I'm thankful the basic needs are met... plus so much more.

I hope we all are taking the time to reflect on our blessings today. I am blessed!

Please say a prayer for those who are alone on this Thanksgiving day, for those who are hungry, for those who are cold, and for those who are sick.

Psalm 107:1 "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever."

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Psalm 23...By the Boys

I believe hiding God's word in our hearts is a valuable tool for ourselves, but also a gift to give to our children. Why should we hide God's word into our hearts? Psalm 119:11 says, "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you."

I have found that kids tend to memorize things easier than adults at times. The boys have memorized various verses through Sunday school, Upward Basketball, and at home. The first verse I recorded from home was The Lord's Prayer. The next big verse is Psalm 23. I shared not too long ago one way I help my boys memorize scripture, in the car.






Over a month later after studying and memorizing this particular Psalm, the boys still know it and want to share it with you. Caden's video would not load, so I will be sharing that hopefully next Sunday. Even though it is showing black for some reason, it still works.

Do You Know Him?

Do YOU know Him?

He is RISEN!

Happy Easter!

Easter Tradition

This is a re post from March 29, 2009

Easter is just around the corner. I thought I would share a tradition we do in my family. One thing we do for Easter is make sure the kids understand the true meaning of Easter. Easter bunny, baskets, goodies, egg hunts are fun....but there is a bigger, better meaning behind it all. One of the things we do each year to show the true meaning is to share the story of Jesus dying on the cross and being raised 3 days later through baking Resurrection Cookies.

Here is a copy of the recipe and the story to go along with it.

Grab your apron and let's get started!

What you will need:

• A zip lock bag
• A wooden spoon
• Mixing bowl
• Cookie sheet with wax paper
• Scotch tape
• Bible

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of whole pecans
• 3 egg whites
• 1 cup of sugar
• 1 tsp. vinegar
• 1 pinch of salt

Instructions: These are to be made the evening before Easter.

Preheat the oven to 300 F. (This is important to do at the beginning. Don't wait until you are half way done with the cookies.)

Place pecans in the zip lock bag, and let children beat it with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain after Jesus was arrested, He was beaten by Roman soldiers. Read John 19:1-3.

Let each child smell the vinegar. Add one teaspoon of vinegar into a mixing bowl . Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross he was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30.

Add egg whites to the vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11.

Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27.

So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 cup sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him. Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16.

Beat with a mixer on high for 11-15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3.

Fold in the broken nuts, drop tsp. of dough onto waxed paper-covered cookie sheet.

Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid. Read Matthew 27:65-66.

Put cookie sheet in the oven. Close the door and TURN THE OVEN OFF! Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read Matthew 27:65-66.

GO TO BED!

Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20, 22.

On Resurrection Morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie! Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Resurrection Day, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb empty! Read Matthew 28:1-9.

Feel free to copy this recipe and story to use for your family!

Do I Have the Luck of the Irish?

I love receiving mail...you know snail mail. I have had my fair share lately. In the month of January I won five giveaways. I've also won one in February, and now one in March! That is way more than all of last year.

Some may say I am lucky; however, I truly believe I AM BLESSED! I believe the Lord is blessing us for doing the 12 Days of Giving in December when we didn't have a lot of extra money, but still gave with our hearts and out of love. When you give with a closed fist you can receive nothing in return. But, when you open your hand, you are an open hand giver and can also receive blessings. I've always been a giver at heart. However, I have been a closed fist giver at times. Thinking I would love to give when... I have more money, or if I could give BIG. On one income, things are tight...thus the closed fist. The Lord has opened my eyes. He loves a cheerful giver! I want to share because I want to remember my blessings.

What did I win in January?...

1. I won this Super Bowl pack and had a lot of fun using it on Super Bowl Sunday.

2. I won a free photo session with a local photographer...Laura from B Savvy Photography.

3. I won this wonderful clock from my blogging friend Tanya from Miller Racing Family.

It is in my office and will soon have all black/white pics of my family.

4. I won some great goodies from Tarah at Eyeglasses and Endzones.

Red scarf, red OPI nail polish, and $10.00 for movie.

So much fun!

5. I won Xazmin's fun "favorite things" from Tanielle from The Polka-Dot Daisy.

Popcorn and White Cheddar seasoning, Spray glitter, Mod Podge, "Be Prayerful", bath loofah sponge, three silver earrings, body spray, and Bodycology coconut lime shower gel and foaming bath.

I couldn't believe all that was packed into that box... we have a lot of similar favorite things! Now we are addicted to that popcorn seasoning!!

What did I win? February...

I've won an adorable John Deere tractor flashlight and Barnyard Friends Camera from John Deere Mom. So cute!

March winnings....

I won "Where is Jen?" Hawaiian giveaway from my friend Jen from Tatortots and Jello!

All of these wonderful goodies from Hawaii! Plus Jen mad a scrabble tile necklace to match the bracelet and earrings. She is so thoughtful and creative! I love it!!!

How about April?...

I won this great book from Sarah at Li-Cents to Save.

I won this awesome Cheetah Fit Band from Worthy of the Prize. "Fit Bands are fashionable wristlets and lanyards, designed by Mary Jo Smith of 517 Creations, that you wear while you warm-up, stretch, walk, jog, or cool-down during your workout." Or Fit Bands can be used by busy mom's and teachers who always have their hands full.

September:

I won this wonderful plaque, bookmark, and prayer book from Pam at Cocomama. Thanks Pam!

I adore every single thing I've received...THANK YOU!

What kind of giver are YOU?

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

Rhonda's Daybook
March 16, 2010

Outside my window...it looks dreary out today. There is also a vanity that waits to be painted, a garden tilled, bikes to be put up, and buds are appearing on the trees. (1 hour later....Update: the sun has broken through and it is glorious outside now!)

I am thinking....I have so much to do that it is overwhelming me today.

I am thankful... for being over my sinus infection and the health of my family!

I am wearing ....workout clothes because it's a must to exercise today!

I am remembering...that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

I am creating....a long to do list.

I am going....to go to a Dr. Seuss Family night at school tonight.

I am reading...The Bible in 90 Days and The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace.

I am hoping...I make the most out of today!

On my mind...our family night on Thursday, and our meeting to discuss sponsoring a child from Kenya, Africa through Compassion! The need is so great.

From the learning rooms... the boys are learning Psalm 23 on the car rides to and from school. They are doing great!

Pondering these words ...(Kristen's) "I don't know who I am. It's a startling realization to not recognize yourself: My own voice sounds hollow. My eyes hold a distant stare, remembering all I've seen in Africa this past week. My thoughts keep me awake at night." Please visit and pray for Kristen from We are THAT Family.

She is the one who has inspired me to sponsor a child!

From the kitchen...Spaghetti, garlic bread, salad with homemade Italian dressing.
I will also be making white chocolate popcorn with green sprinkles for St. Patrick's day for my boys and Cameron's teacher since she loves it so much! It is so good!

Around the house...I hear the washer and dryer. I need to turn on some music!

One of my favorite things...~Spring Break~

We all are off at the same time! The perks of being teachers!
Last year Michael's break was one week and the boys the next. Cameron said that if they don't change that rules, then he would have to become President to make sure the schools have the same spring break. We are thankful that it got worked out!

A few plans for the rest of the week....

*Tuesday-Dr. Seuss family night for 3rd graders.

*Wednesday-XCLR 8 at church.

*Thursday-Family night-Aaron comes home.

*Friday- Date night... our first Big Great Date Experiment.

Saturday-Clean out shed area and take stuff to the recycling center.

Start on the bathroom makeover.

Sunday-Church, teach, Grandmas..REST!

From my picture journal...

The boys are in the car for at least 30 minutes six days a week. Last year on our trip to school in the mornings I would pray with the boys, and then I started teaching them the Lord's Prayer. They learned it by the repetition. Now, I want them to learn Psalm 23. I just added the prayer cards to the car to help them learn this Psalm. They know half of it right now, and do not let me forget about it in the mornings. They really enjoy memorizing scripture.

To see other Daybooks or to join in click here.

12 Days of Giving Wrap Up...

Wow, another year has come and gone. I welcome 2010, a new year and decade. This is a wrap up of our 12 days of giving our family did this year. The first four days were a lot of fun. We have really enjoyed doing this hope to make it a tradition.

Day 8: Tipping

One of my funnest and cheapest giving stories so far has to be the skater dude! One late night after shopping all evening, I pull into Sonic to order me a drink. I had planned on using a $5.00 to pay and give the rest as a tip. It was pouring down rain. I look in my mirror and see a teenager skating along to my car. I said, "you are just too cool". He then replied how he was having an awful night. I told him that I hope things look up for him soon. I handed him the $5.00 and said, "I hope you have a Merry Christmas!" His face was priceless when he realized I didn't want change. It was less than $3.00. (Well, his tip was more than my total.) Anyway, he smiled and thanked me and skated off. As I backed out, I happened to glance in the window of Sonic. He waved real big and flashed another cute smile. That was fun to know I helped make his night just a little better! I would have LOVED to be able to hand him $100.00 bill. How cool would that be.

Day 7: Drive Thru Treat

Another before Christmas shopping night in town, and yet another fast food place...sigh.

Anyway, this night I grabbed a kids cheeseburger and a water. When I went to pay, I felt led to pay for the person behind me. I ended up paying ~$10.50 for the elderly lady behind me. I hope it brought a smile to her face. It's fun being sneaky.

Day 6: Teacher gifts

I made white chocoate popcorn this year for teacher gifts. This is the packaging I did for Caden's K teacher, Ms. Reeves. I will be making this again. It was so good!





Cameron's 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Butler sent a letter home requesting in lieu of a teacher gift that she would like us to put that money toward kids in India. She partners with another teacher who does a lot with a program to help kids there. I couldn't just donate money and not do at least a little something for her. So I did a small popcorn bag for her. Michael said she wouldn't stop raving about it! She ate at least half of the bag during the party.

Cameron and Mrs. Butler

Day 5: We made a cash donation. There were ample ways to give through the school.



Day 4: Neighbor gifts

I made the Pioneer Woman's cinnamon rolls for my neighbors and some friends.

We had a great time delivering the homemade goodies. While dad was shopping and at the movies with our oldest, Aaron, the boys and I headed out. We went caroling to our closest elderly neighbors, Don and Colleen. We sang "We wish you a Merry Christmas." It was funny because we sang to Don. As we were leaving we noticed Colleen on the treadmill watching T.V. She didn't even know we were there. They are great neighbors.

Our next stop was a neighbor who is a widow. We talked about how the bible talks about taking care of the widows and orphans. We did not get to visit with Caroline because she was not home. However, we promptly received a nice thank you note from her.

We then traveled on and dropped off some goodies to a single mother of 3. The Lord put Montee and her children on my heart. When I had a long term sub assignment, the class got a new student, Vivinne. Her mother moved from another state due to a divorce. Before the 9 weeks were over, Vivinne was hit by a truck while trying to get on a bus. She flew into the air doing several flips. Thank God she was alive. She did have to have surgery on her leg. I volunteered to tutor her in her home until she could return to school. She returned after two weeks, and just recently got out of her wheelchair, although now she will use a walker for at least six weeks. Her mom shared with me how the divorce was a total shock. I know they have been through a lot! She and the kids were so happy to see us.

Our final stop was a great friend of mine who has had a really tough year battling cervical cancer. She has been through surgery and now is in remission, praise the Lord. We visited with her for a little while and got to see her new puppies.

Day 3: Homemade dollar soap for Caden's class and our Sunday school kids gift.

Caden wanted to make our $ soap for his classmates. Cameron gave this to his classmates for three years. It was always a big hit. Since Caden is in K, it is his turn now.

Our sweet Sunday School class...the 3 year olds. Michael doing the Donald Duck impersonation.


A gift for the Sunday school kiddos! Just a recycled soup can dressed up.



Day 2: St. Jude's Ranch for Children


What do you do with all those Christmas cards you receive each year? Are you a saver or tosser? I am a saver. This year I plan to make albums for the picture cards. I am saving about 30 of my other favorite cards I've kept over the years for a project. Then, I am sending the rest to the St. Jude's Ranch for Children. Go here to learn more about this wonderful program. They take all kinds of cards and turn them into new cards.

You can mail your card donations to:
St. Jude's Ranch for Children
Recycled Card Program
100 St. Jude's Street - Boulder City, NV 89005

Day 1: Opening our home up to a stranger

(Written by Michael) On my way home one evening I saw a motorcycle broke down on the side of the road. I stopped and offered assistance. Turns out he is from Kansas and is on his way to Little Rock for a motorcycle rally when he had a flat tire. I brought him to our home and called a wrecker. It took about two hours for the wrecker to show up. While we waited we had pizza, and found him a hotel room and a motorcycle shop in the area. He was very grateful.

There are so many different ways to give. I want to be a better giver this year....even more courteous and polite. From letting cars out that are waiting, letting someone go in front of me in a checkout, smiling at complete strangers, paying for someones meal at a drive thru, and helping out at church with the blessing baskets. If you open your heart to give, there are ample opportunities every single day. It feels so good to be a giver!

New Challenge: B90

I saw this idea on a blog before Christmas and thought I should do that. Next thing I know the Bible is in my stocking. So, I'm doing it. No it's not the intense exercise plan called P90X, it is the intense bible reading plan...B90!

I've had a resolution or goal, quite often to read the bible within a year. Matter of fact you can go here to see my goals from last year. I always start off gung ho, and then get behind. Life always seems to get in the way. Therefore, I always fall short. I even tried posting my goals on my sidebar to make me more accountable. I still fell short. It may seem silly going from a whole year to just 90 days, but for some reason that seems doable and more manageable. I will be reading 12 pages a day.

I've started on my reading and finished day 3. I am not speed reading. I am trying to take it all in, like a book. I'm getting into it more and my desire is increasing to know God more. I know this will be a fascinating journey.



If you are interested in learning more about the challenge, you can read more about it at Mom’s Toolbox. It's not too late to join in. Let me know if you are doing this challenge so we can encourage one another.

Christmas...1 Corinthians 13 Style

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family,

I'm just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family.

Or the Pioneer Woman's cinnamon rolls...7 pans of them.

I'm just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home, and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family,

Cameron caroling in the nursing home with the 3rd grade.

it profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata, but do not focus on Christ,

Or a shimmering candle I made.

I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.

Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.

Love is kind, through harried and tired.

Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way.

Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return,

but rejoices in giving to those who can't.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails.

Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust...

but giving the gift of love will endure.

~Author Unknown~

{Borrowed from my friend, Amber, at {aefilkins}}

Let us focus on the true meaning of CHRISTmas!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!