Reflections on 2008:
A year ago, we were living in Knoxville, preparing to make a move back to the Memphis area where God was once again directing us.
Wondering what was in store for the coming year, amazed at how fast the year past had flown by.
Leaving behind dear friends as we cherish the life-long friendships made.
A new house; first-time home-buyers, still in awe at what God provided for us!
A new church family with a growing circle of friends.
Charis starting first grade and Matthew in K-4.
A new violin teacher for Charis.
Faith's first birthday in July.
Andrew learning to potty-train.
Rejoicing in a new year: 2009
Once again, standing at the crossroads, wondering what lies ahead. God has been faithful and will continue to be, as He never changes. But change for us is good; those things He uses in our lives to mold us more into His image. Complacency should not be found in the Christian's life. We should be growing, drawing ever closer to our Lord.
This year will be one of changes, as the Lord tarries:
A new U.S. president (what a change!) for our country
Another year older for each of us.
I pray for more wisdom, more peace, more grace, more Spiritual growth.
I pray for salvation for my children and loved ones.
May this year be a more blessed and Christ-filled one than 2008!
Happy New Year!
Our Christmas
We enjoyed a simple family Christmas this year, and what fun we had watching the children open the gifts under the tree.
We bought a fresh cut tree from a local nursery, set it up with lights and let the kids hang most of the ornaments, while we decorated the mantle and banister.
When they went to bed, we wrapped up a few gifts and placed them under the tree. Over the next few weeks, the gifts gradually increased along with the anticipation.
We bought a fresh cut tree from a local nursery, set it up with lights and let the kids hang most of the ornaments, while we decorated the mantle and banister.
When they went to bed, we wrapped up a few gifts and placed them under the tree. Over the next few weeks, the gifts gradually increased along with the anticipation.
On Christmas morning, we woke about 8am and readied ourselves for the day. I made breakfast and we ate, then cleaned up. After reading the Christmas story, we began pulling gifts out for the kids to unwrap. I'll let Smilebox let you in on the enjoyment of the day:
Charis Dawn!
We celebrated Charis' 7th birthday on Sunday, December 21. So, this slideshow is just of her birthday and her violin recital. Be sure to pause the Christmas music before you go to Smilebox so you can listen to the clips of her songs! And come back to leave a comment for her if you like!
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| Make a Smilebox postcard |
Thanksgiving updates
A little late, I know... but here are some pictures of Thanksgiving with my family. Tune in after the weekend for an exciting update on our soon-to-be 7 year old!
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| Make a Smilebox scrapbook |
Foto Friday
Sweet memories of Thanksgiving with my family. This certainly fits in the "Happy Faces" description: Faith still gets a happy face when she sees this picture of her and Nanny!
Potty trained!
Yes, we have worked on a week of potty training with Andrew and have been successful. Oh, we still have an occasional accident and nigttime training will come soon enough, but he's certainly proven himself to be a big boy! Sometimes he'll tell me, but for the most part, I just have to watch the clock and look for indicators that it's time to run to the potty. We started out last Saturday giving him candy as a reward every time he would use the toilet. By Wednesday night, when he went at church and I had no candy to give him at the time, he was okay with no reward. He enjoys getting to flush the toilet, so that seems to be reward enough, that along with lots of praise! So, we can save his teeth.
Moving?
No, not us.... our next door neighbors. I heard the rumble of a truck mid-morning. Peering out the front window, I see a Budget truck backing into the drive of our neighbor's house. Times got tight, he lost his job and now they have no choice. They are a sweet family, with children near the ages of my own. Playmates and friendships made are soon to be separated. I hate to see them leave.
It now leaves a void that must be filled by another family. And I wonder.... what will they be like? Will the Lord bless us with friendly neighbors, those of like-mind we can fellowship with? Or will they be sinners in need of a Saviour that God is preparing even now to hear the Gospel from us?
The sad thing is, it doesn't stop there, another neighbor is planning to move away in the Spring. They just can't make the house payments. Each situation different from the other, but ending in the same results. But for the grace of God, it could be us. I will miss them, both families, as I know my kids will. But on the flipside, I am excited to see who God has in store for us.... Anyone moving to Atoka real soon? I know of a couple of houses for sale next to, well.... me!
Videos and Pictures
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| Make a Smilebox scrapbook |
Be sure to "Pause" the smilebox so it doesn't flip the page in the middle of the videos! And pause the playlist music so you can hear the videos too!
Random Items of Interest
Christmas is coming and we are all looking into what to buy and what not to buy for our children. Well here is something to consider not buying; the Mattel Lil' Mommy Cuddle & Coo doll. Mattel was contacted by numerous parents with the complaint that the doll utters the words, "Islam is the light." The company denied these allegations, but with enough pressure supposedly removed that clip from the soundtrack of future productions. If you have the doll alreaedy, listen to it carefully. And if not, here is a clip of the soundtrack to listen to: Cuddle & Coo soundtrack
On another note, here is a movie offering to help overturn Roe vs. Wade. If you are interested in this cause, you can read about "Come What May", which is available on DVD, here.
On another note, here is a movie offering to help overturn Roe vs. Wade. If you are interested in this cause, you can read about "Come What May", which is available on DVD, here.
So, I've found a new toy. Several friends have told me about Facebook, but I was a bit unsure of it, especially hearing about myspace. Well, I guess you could say I finally broke weak and joined. Wow! I had no idea how many of my friends were on it. It's a neat place to re-connect with those you don't see regularly, and even chat with those you do. I could get lost in it, but, just as with everything else, I must prioritize and enjoy in moderation.
24 Years!
Today I am 24 years old. By my second birthday, that is. Yes, it was October 21, 1984, when I was just 7 years old, that I asked Christ to come into my heart and save me from my sinful condition. He forgave and forgot!
Ashamed I must say that I am to be this "old" in the Lord and not as mature as I could be. I mean, I am 31 years old and am a wife, mother and have a few gray hairs and wrinkles even to show my age.
But how much fruit is seen in my life by others. Can someone look at me, listen to me and see a "Christian"? Not just by name, but a "follower of Christ." Is my conversation such as is pleasing to God? Can I direct someone to Him by my lifestyle?
I thank God for saving my soul. I thank Him for an eternity in Heaven. I thank Him for loving me so much that He sent His only begotton Son to the cross to die in my stead, for my sins. Such love!
Do you know Him? Does He know you?
Ashamed I must say that I am to be this "old" in the Lord and not as mature as I could be. I mean, I am 31 years old and am a wife, mother and have a few gray hairs and wrinkles even to show my age.
But how much fruit is seen in my life by others. Can someone look at me, listen to me and see a "Christian"? Not just by name, but a "follower of Christ." Is my conversation such as is pleasing to God? Can I direct someone to Him by my lifestyle?
I thank God for saving my soul. I thank Him for an eternity in Heaven. I thank Him for loving me so much that He sent His only begotton Son to the cross to die in my stead, for my sins. Such love!
Do you know Him? Does He know you?
America's Election
Our nation's polls are open for early voting today
Each one of us much cast our vote, and Christians, we must pray!
Everyone must take a stand, we each should make our choice;
To not decide this way or that means you won't have a voice.
The future of our country lies prayerfully in our own hands
But it's only on our knees that we can seek to save our land.
'Though neither candidate stands firm on Biblical convictions,
We must choose the closest one, regardless of their diction.
The Democratic party chose the pun "Obama-nation."
But truly looking from God's view, it's more "abomination."
Conservative Republican McCain will talk the talk
But when it's time to bite the bullet, will he walk the walk?
The only hope for change we have is living by God's Word.
And country first will be obtained by trusting in the Lord.
We know our Father has a plan, He knows just what's in store
And given what we're facing, we should pray as ne'er before.
Let's humbly bow before our God, let's pray and seek His face.
Let's turn away from wickedness and plead mercy and grace.
For He has promised He will hear His children and forgive,
He'll heal our land and teach us every day how we should live.
So do your part to save America from "Ichabod"
And help to keep our country "one nation under God!"
written by Tabatha Bentley
October 14, 2008
"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." II Chronicles 7:14
Each one of us much cast our vote, and Christians, we must pray!
Everyone must take a stand, we each should make our choice;
To not decide this way or that means you won't have a voice.
The future of our country lies prayerfully in our own hands
But it's only on our knees that we can seek to save our land.
'Though neither candidate stands firm on Biblical convictions,
We must choose the closest one, regardless of their diction.
The Democratic party chose the pun "Obama-nation."
But truly looking from God's view, it's more "abomination."
Conservative Republican McCain will talk the talk
But when it's time to bite the bullet, will he walk the walk?
The only hope for change we have is living by God's Word.
And country first will be obtained by trusting in the Lord.
We know our Father has a plan, He knows just what's in store
And given what we're facing, we should pray as ne'er before.
Let's humbly bow before our God, let's pray and seek His face.
Let's turn away from wickedness and plead mercy and grace.
For He has promised He will hear His children and forgive,
He'll heal our land and teach us every day how we should live.
So do your part to save America from "Ichabod"
And help to keep our country "one nation under God!"
written by Tabatha Bentley
October 14, 2008
"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." II Chronicles 7:14
Blog Tag
Tracy has tagged me:
So, here is my twist on 7 random things about me. I love babies, I love being pregnant (and NO! I am not expecting another one!!!) Just another glimpse into my thought process of recent days:
1. I found out we were expecting our first baby (Charis) in July, 2001.... she was born December 21, 2001
2. I found out we were expecting baby #2 in September, 2002 due date of March 31, 2003. Bethany Joy was born in Heaven on February 6, 2003 at a mere 33 weeks.
3. I found out baby #3 was on its way in April, 2003... God chose a bud for His heavenly bouquet on May 17, just 8 weeks gestation.
4. I found out November 2, 2003 that God had answered our prayer for another child and on June 22, 2004 Matthew made his debut into our family.
5. I found out how God can provide when everything is in an upheaval in the midst of moving across state to start college classes, along wit a new job in July, 2005. He surprised us with "news" of our 5th baby's presence and bouncing baby Andrew arrived on February 17, 2006.
6. I found out that nursing alone is NOT foolproof birth-control when God says He has another blessing in store for us. Andrew was just 9 months old in November when I started getting morning sickness and Faith grew beyond a "mustard" seed to full fruition on July 2, 2007.
7. I found God's hand of healing lead me through yet another "in His will" decision which allowed us only 5 weeks of anticipation before He plucked baby #7 from my womb to await my heavenly homegoing.
If you do the math, I have been pregnant at least partially each year for the past 7 years! I post this, not to pull sympathy strings. I rejoice to know that God is taking better care of the three I "lost" than I could ever dream to attempt. No matter how short each life, they were not in vain.
Now I am supposed to tag 7 others to list 7 random things about themselves, each with their own twist, so here goes:
"Baby" Jessica McClure - 21 years
"I don't have any memory of it at all. Everybody asks me that question. I answer 'I don't know.' I saw footage of me on Rescue 911 and it broke my heart to think that happened to a little girl and someone told me, 'honey, that's you'... It made me cry."
"My scars remind me that I'm a survivor and that God loves me." ~ Jessica McClure
I found it odd that for the past week or so, my mind has been dwelling on a little toddler who had fallen into a pipe years ago, when I was in grade school. I couldn't remember all the details... I was only 10 years old when I heard the news. I remember her name being Jessica and it was a big case, I thought I recalled it happening in Texas, which is where I grew up. So I looked up the details online. It was 21 years ago today...
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19165433/ (an update from 6/11/2007)
She was caught in a well in her own back yard in Midland, Texas when she was just 18 months old. That's very close to Faith's age! It was nearly 60 hours later that she was rescued. The trauma to her memory is minimal, but the scars remain for her life time. The news was big across the nation and it stands quite memorable in ways similar to "when JFK was shot" and "9-11." I really can't determine what triggered my mind in recalling Jessica McClure; why the Lord brought it to my recollection at this time. It really does seem odd to happen this close to the anniversary date of the event...
Desires of our hearts
Can I share something with you? Just a touch of how sweet my Lord is.....
Saturday morning I headed out to Wal-Mart for my weekly grocery, etc. shopping trip and saw a number of yard sale signs. Being a bargain-shopper, I just had to stop. I was looking for clothes for Charis, who is quickly outgrowing what she has. I made a few stops, but I didn't get any clothes. Instead, I found two table lamps that would match my new curtains beautifully. The man wanted $10 for both, and I nearly jumped at them, until I remembered that I didn't have end tables to put them on. He informed me that there were three houses just around the corner also hosting yard sales; maybe I would find end tables at one of them. I told him, if I did, I just might be right back. I pulled into the cul-de-sac just around the corner and as I walked up the drive to the first one, guess what was sitting there, pretty as you please? That's right! Two end tables in excellent condition. The asking price was $15, but I convinced the lady to sell at $10 since I had to buy the lamps to go with them. I loaded them up and headed back to the first house, where I talked the man down to $8.
What a surprise for Dennis to open the van and see these rather than groceries (don't worry, I went and got the groceries too, they were just in the front and he opened the back)!
Saturday morning I headed out to Wal-Mart for my weekly grocery, etc. shopping trip and saw a number of yard sale signs. Being a bargain-shopper, I just had to stop. I was looking for clothes for Charis, who is quickly outgrowing what she has. I made a few stops, but I didn't get any clothes. Instead, I found two table lamps that would match my new curtains beautifully. The man wanted $10 for both, and I nearly jumped at them, until I remembered that I didn't have end tables to put them on. He informed me that there were three houses just around the corner also hosting yard sales; maybe I would find end tables at one of them. I told him, if I did, I just might be right back. I pulled into the cul-de-sac just around the corner and as I walked up the drive to the first one, guess what was sitting there, pretty as you please? That's right! Two end tables in excellent condition. The asking price was $15, but I convinced the lady to sell at $10 since I had to buy the lamps to go with them. I loaded them up and headed back to the first house, where I talked the man down to $8.
What a surprise for Dennis to open the van and see these rather than groceries (don't worry, I went and got the groceries too, they were just in the front and he opened the back)!
Don't they match just perfectly?! It adds a lovely touch to our living room and I paid less than $20 for them. Now, can you argue with me that God is good?!!? I don't think so!
Making Memories
Since returning from our camping trip to Virginia, Charis and Matthew have been working on a scrapbook to capture their memories of the trip. They had collected a few leaves and flowers while there, but once we arrived back home, they had browned and turned to crisp so we were unable to use them. I allowed them to find some leaves around our house to use instead. Here is Charis shading a maple leaf and Matthew shading an oak leaf. The expressions on their faces were priceless as Mommy showed them how the leaf "appeared" by coloring on the sheet with the side of a crayon!
Next project is a pine cone. We found a perfect little pine cone but I am not sure how to "capture" it for the scrapbooks. I thought of just taking a picture, but I want to be more creative than that. So, maybe we'll pull out some finger paint and let them roll the pine cone in the paint and then over a sheet of paper. The "mommy" in me is not quite prepared for the challenge of clean up afterwards though. And with only one pine cone, they'll either have to both be the same color (which the individuals happen to enjoy expressing their individuality) or it must be washable paint to do one and then another color.
On another note, here's a little creepy crawly who decided to visit us on our door jamb. Imagine me nearly tripping over Faith who was behind me when I open the door to take a picture of the oak tree below and come face to face (yes, he was eye level) with this:
Not that I am petrified of a daddy-long-legged spider, just spiders in general. I can pick one of these up (with bare fingers!) and remove them kindly (you should have seen how many I had to remove from the tent during our camping trip!), but any other spider, no matter how big or small, must be squashed with a shoe! I actually left this one to stay or go as it pleased. He was gone by afternoon, when the temperature warmed up a bit.
Next project is a pine cone. We found a perfect little pine cone but I am not sure how to "capture" it for the scrapbooks. I thought of just taking a picture, but I want to be more creative than that. So, maybe we'll pull out some finger paint and let them roll the pine cone in the paint and then over a sheet of paper. The "mommy" in me is not quite prepared for the challenge of clean up afterwards though. And with only one pine cone, they'll either have to both be the same color (which the individuals happen to enjoy expressing their individuality) or it must be washable paint to do one and then another color.
On another note, here's a little creepy crawly who decided to visit us on our door jamb. Imagine me nearly tripping over Faith who was behind me when I open the door to take a picture of the oak tree below and come face to face (yes, he was eye level) with this:
Not that I am petrified of a daddy-long-legged spider, just spiders in general. I can pick one of these up (with bare fingers!) and remove them kindly (you should have seen how many I had to remove from the tent during our camping trip!), but any other spider, no matter how big or small, must be squashed with a shoe! I actually left this one to stay or go as it pleased. He was gone by afternoon, when the temperature warmed up a bit.
*~*Foto Friday*~*
I don't have any fall decorations beyond what the Lord has given us in His beauty and creation around our house. Here again is the oak tree that I have been taking pictures of each week. This was taken on this past rainy Tuesday. The red cluster is gone and now the tree is doppled with browns in the midst of the green.
Getting a little Froggy!
How close is this picture to the ones you see on billboards or copier advertisements? This little fellow was sitting on my back door step, where he nearly became nothing more than a messy green glob of goo, had I not stepped over him. My first thought was a leaf; I am glad I took a closer look! And now you can too:
We prodded him to move from the step to a safer spot. He jumped on me and on Charis, which was a wierd feeling of dampness and yet he'd not pee-ed on us either. (Don't worry, we still washed up good, just in case!) He then landed on the trampoline where we got the great shots. We turned the fun into a science study, showing the kids where his nostrils and ears were and examining his pads which allow him to stick on whatever he lands on. He did open his mouth, so we were able to see his tongue, but he didn't eat anything for us to see him in action.
The Oak Tree: Going from green, to red, to brown in just a week.
Hokies to the Heart
Yes, we are Hokies! Virginia Tech is our college football team and we proudly play the song and wear the colors. Maroon and orange go well together as fall colors and, of course, fall is football season! Go, Hokies!
Fall Foliage
Matthew has noticed the colors of the oak leaves changing as Autumn season has drawn closer. He was so excited to remind us that yesterday was the first day of Fall. Here is a picture of the oak tree we can see from our great window by the dining room table. I am going to attempt keeping vigil on this tree and taking pictures as the colors expand throughout the season. I love Fall; not as much as Spring, but I thoroughly enjoy seeing the finger of God paint the reds, purples and golden hues on various trees. I think of the beauty He gives even as death draws near. We know that winter is a picture of death and yet our Father allows a glow of beauty before it comes.
Let Me Ask You This...
1. Where do you fold your laundry?
2. Must you be sure the dishes are washed before you go to bed each night?
3. Do you use caller id to screen your calls?
4. Do you let the low fuel light come on in your car before you fill up?
5. Are you a registered voter?
6. Breakfast for dinner is one thing, but can you eat dinner for breakfast?
7. Do you click on the ads you see on people's blogs?
8. Do you just want to yell at smokers who are clearly standing within 50ft of the door at a restaurant?
I "borrowed" these from a friend's blog and thought I'd add my two cents' worth so you can read when you're really bored (like now?)
I'd love to hear your answers as well...here are mine.
1. Sometimes on the dryer, most times in the living room floor with my kids helping.
2. No, but I will load the dishwasher to run and save the hand washables for the next day.
3. Well, since I use my cell phone for all my calls, I have no choice but to screen. However, I do typically answer all calls.
4. Yes, isn't that what is there for?
5. Absolutely, now if I could get who we really need into the office.
6. I can stomach left over pizza for breakfast, or if it's late enough for brunch, I'll go for 'most anything.
7. Ads on others' blogs? Ummm, I haven't really paid attention enough to click.
8. Yes! And more so at the doctors and nurses who stand and smoke in the path to the entrances at the hospitals and clinics.
2. Must you be sure the dishes are washed before you go to bed each night?
3. Do you use caller id to screen your calls?
4. Do you let the low fuel light come on in your car before you fill up?
5. Are you a registered voter?
6. Breakfast for dinner is one thing, but can you eat dinner for breakfast?
7. Do you click on the ads you see on people's blogs?
8. Do you just want to yell at smokers who are clearly standing within 50ft of the door at a restaurant?
I "borrowed" these from a friend's blog and thought I'd add my two cents' worth so you can read when you're really bored (like now?)
I'd love to hear your answers as well...here are mine.
1. Sometimes on the dryer, most times in the living room floor with my kids helping.
2. No, but I will load the dishwasher to run and save the hand washables for the next day.
3. Well, since I use my cell phone for all my calls, I have no choice but to screen. However, I do typically answer all calls.
4. Yes, isn't that what is there for?
5. Absolutely, now if I could get who we really need into the office.
6. I can stomach left over pizza for breakfast, or if it's late enough for brunch, I'll go for 'most anything.
7. Ads on others' blogs? Ummm, I haven't really paid attention enough to click.
8. Yes! And more so at the doctors and nurses who stand and smoke in the path to the entrances at the hospitals and clinics.
Roughin' It
We had a wonderful time of camping last week! Our van was packed from top to bottom with tent, sleeping bags, blankets and pillows, fishing and camping gear, coolers of ice, drinks and snacks and 5 days' worth of clothing. My dad would be proud of me, I had all the kids' clothes in one large duffle bag, mine in a single bag and Dennis' in a single bag!As you'll see by the pictures that follow, the kids had a blast fishing, boating, playing on the playground and just hanging out:
Setting up camp
Uh Oh! Where's Faith?
Here she comes!
Can we go play on the playground??
Andrew sliding down, next comes Faith!
C'mon, Matthew!
Andrew's so brave!
You go, Charis!
"Run and gather some sticks for firewood, we need it to cook so we can eat." Charis and Matthew are the ones you see off in the distance.
After a long day of travel, setting up camp and playing, the kids were all tuckered out! But a good night's rest found them wide awake and ready for anothe day of excitement come morning.
It was a bit chilly again on Thursday, but that didn't stop us from having fun. Charis and Matthew went with Dennis to try out some "off shore" fishing. The bluegill were smart; they'd nibble on the worms till they were loosened from the hooks and swim away.
Andrew's interest in fishing was minimal, he found other entertainment:
What is he looking at so intently?
Deer tracks! Run, Andrew, run!!!
No, we didn't see any deer, but we did have a visitor near our campsite
Hello, Mr. Crane!
You'll enjoy the video of this guy trying
to steal an easy meal at the end of this
posting.
Friday was beautiful, with mid-80's temperatures. Dennis rented a boat to see if fishing would be any better out in the lake. Dennis caught a bluegill, but the kids still had no luck. Still, they enjoyed the thrill of being out on a boat.
Faith and I stayed at the campsite. She decided she wanted to play some football before taking a nap while the others were gone fishin'.
"And God made... the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also." (Genesis 1:16)
On the last day, Dennis' cousin, Big Al and his wife Terri, joined us. He's better known by the kids as "Big Owl." We all had a great time of fun and fellowship. This crane went from foraging in the waters catching his meals to finding an "easy" catch. The only problem was, the bluegill was tied to Dennis' boat. Mr. Crane had a bigger fight on his hands, er... wings than had he kept on fishing. He would pull and tug, then step back and contemplate th situation. Quite the baffled bird, he was for a bit, but he did finally figure out how to get that fish off the string and enjoy his meal.
Look at the colors on his wings. It was a lovely blue color!
Look at the colors on his wings. It was a lovely blue color!
And here's a sight! As we were driving out of the campgrounds heading toward home, the raccoon was sitting in the middle of the road. I just love how he glared at us as we passed by, almost as if he were daring us to run him over! But I think someone beat us to it, he limped off into the woods as we moved on. Poor fellow!
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