What's "New" for You?

It's that time when we reflect back on the previous year and make resolutions for the upcoming year. In 2008 I'd like to be more faithful to my quiet times with God, a new body would be nice, but since that won't be happening, a new outlook on health and exercise will suffice - not like this is an easy task to accomplish, but one I need to do anyway. How about a new verse to guide your life this year or a new "word" that guides your path? Whatever we resolve to do, let's resolve to fully commit it to God, pray over it faithfully and perhaps ask a friend to keep us accountable. One more thing, let's resolve to count our blessings more than we count our mistakes. Anyone want to keep my accountable to that?

Notes to self

I keep a Christmas journal to document how we celebrated each year. I also include a list of things I would like to do different next year. (Now, if I could just remember to read it around Thanksgiving, it would be really helpful!)

Here's a few notes for next year:
- use placecards for seating at Christmas dinner...it will avoid confusion
- start Christmas letter sooner...if you read my journal you'd see that this is there every year!
- focus on the real meaning of Christmas...I was reading a book by Karen Kingsbury and in the preface she says that she is "struck bye the way in which we hustle through the season. Searching for bargains, desperate for the right gift at the right price, and often so busy we barely notice the tinny refrains of "Silent Night" announcing over the store's P.A. system that all is calm, all is bright." I have to admit that this is a fair description of me this year as I struggled to get everything pulled together.
- keep trying but remember that it will never be perfect!

What's Your Shopping Personality?

Shopping Personality? There are so many ways out there to characterize ourselves so why not shopping personality. Check out this article from the January 2008 issue of "Shop Smart" at http://www.shopsmartmag.org/. You'll have to scroll down about half way. I think it's pretty funny the article is in the January issue of the magazine, most likely to be read after all your Christmas shopping, probably when you just received you credit card bill or depending on your organizing/time management personality maybe you'd have read the article when you actually purchased the magazine. At any rate, I found the article interesting, especially "the fix" at the end of each personality...in other words, how to avoid the pitfalls of your shopping personality. For all those "sale junkies, serial returners and freebie lovers " you are not alone!

Thought for Christmas

The King of kings and the Lord of lords, the only Begotten of the Father was born in a stable, raised by a poor carpenter, teased by his brothers, and was virtually homeless, practically penniless. He was deserted by his friends, insulted in a kangaroo court, mocked, beaten, stripped, bruised, then crucified. To us it is a scenario that makes little sense. To God it was the only scenario that made any sense. Beth Moore

About Christmas Traditions

This Christmas no matter what other Christmas traditions you keep, resolve to make spending time with your family the most important one. Don't get so busy that you miss the time of love and closeness. The cookies may be all made, the gifts all wrapped, the house fragrant with evergreen and spices - but what does it matter if we miss out on the gift of each other?

From Christmas at Home: Favorite Christmas Traditions written and compiled by Ellyn Sanna.

The Baby Jesus

When my youngest daughter was very small, she loved anything that was a "baby." The sight of a kitten or a puppy or a human baby filled her with overflowing delight and love "Aww," she's say, her face lighting up. "A baby!" She even loved those tiny mini-bagels, because they were "baby bagels," and she'd gently rock them back and forth in her cupped hand, thinking them too cute to eat.

When Christmas came, the first she could really remember, our church put a nearly life-size creche at the front of the sanctuary. My daughter was interested in it, but all through Advent, the manger was empty. Jesus would be there on Christmas Day, we promised her.

On Christmas Day, sure enough there lay the Baby, snugly tucked in His bed of hay. When the service was over, I was talking with friends when I realized my youngest had disappeared. We found her on her knees by the manger. She looked up at me, her face lit with reverence. "Jesus is a baby, Mommy!"

She'd heard about Jesus all her life - but for the first time, she had caught a glimpse of who He really is - the Son of God who had loved her enough to become little and helpless, just like her.


From Christmas at Home: Favorite Christmas Traditions written and compiled by Ellyn Sanna


This struck a chord with me. I have the blessed opportunity to teach our precious toddlers in Sunday school each week. We have been learning about the babies of the Bible; they don't seem that interested in learning about the grown up, just the babies. What fun we have had! Their looks of joy and wonder are priceless! We've been searching for Baby Jesus as we learn the story of Christmas. Do you know where Jesus is? Is He in your heart?

Thought for Christmas

He was created of a mother whom he created. He was carried by hands that he formed. He cried in the manger in wordless infancy, he, the Word, without whom all human eloquence is mute.

Augustine of Hippo

Thoughts of Christmas

You have come to us as a small child, but you have brought us the greatest of all gifts, the gift of eternal love. Caress us with your tiny hands, embrace us with your tiny arms, and pierce our hearts with your soft, sweet cries. Bernard of Clairvaux

What Does it Mean?

What does devotions or quiet time mean to you? I read this definition of devotional study this morning from "Six Secrets to a Powerful Quiet Time." It is a quote from Merrill C. Tenney, "Devotional study impresses the message on a believing heart. The crown of all study is devotional study. Devotional study is not so much of a technique as a spirit. It is the spirit of eagerness which seeks the mind of God; it is the spirit of humility which listens readily to the voice of God; it is the spirit of adventure which pursues earnestly the will of God; it is the spirit of adoration which rests in the presence of God." (Italics mine).



One of the verses I read this morning is from Colossians 3:16, "Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you." After thinking about this verse, I decided I've taken the "diet" approach to God's Word...read it quickly, glean little so as not to eat too much and heaven forbid gain weight (spiritual or otherwise), and check it off my to-do list. Yep, definitely the diet approach. With God's help I'd like to take the rich, extravagant approach with a spirit of eagerness, humility, adventure and adoration. I've no doubt that in my weight loss minded approach, I will not be spiritually fat...I believe those adventures will keep me fit in the Lord! Physical fitness??? Well, that's another blog topic all together and I'm not going there this morning!

Quiet Times

I got together with some friends the other day and as we talked we discovered that we were all struggling with consistency in our quiet times. We all know and have experienced the benefits of starting our day in the Word and in prayer. Those days just seem to go almost flawlessly, not without issues, but we view those issues through the lens of God. They are just better days. So the question is, if we know how much better it is when we spend time with God, why don't we do it?! There's no easy answer here, probably a bit of Satan distracting us, not enough denying our own desires (sleep), etc.

I do NOT have all the answers, but as I mentioned in an earlier blog, I've been reading a book called "Six Secrets to a Powerful Quiet Time." Their website is http://www.quiettime.org/ and they offer many resources some online and some books. I've only been at it about a week or so, but it has energized my times with God. I found that I had become lazy relying too much on the study of other humans and not being in the word and studying for myself.


One idea I read yesterday was to read through Psalms and Proverbs reading one a day. If you do this, you'll read through the Psalms and Proverbs twice in a year. I think this is a great plan and one I'm praying over as I plan for 2008. Would you join me in this? Pray about it.


This morning as I was thinking about this blog entry I had a thought, bear with me because it does connect. Maryn and I were up in her room. She went to her crib and pulled out her "bluggy" (her little comfort blanket) and stuffed panda bear (from Miss Darcy). These are her favorite things she wants when going to sleep. They provide comfort and security. I got to wondering...what are my comfort items and what should they be? I prayerfully wish my comfort item to be my copy of God's word, something I couldn't live without or go a day without opening. I believe this will be one of goals and prayers for 2008!

Washing Machine Saga

I'm beginning to wonder if this washing machine saga is going to keep going until I've tested every washing machine available...this is getting old quickly. I did have a visit from the Samsung folks on Friday. The poor guy was here for quite a while and guess what...the machine never acted up, didn't do the error code thingy it's been doing for me. Go figure! He tested everything he could and suggested that if it happens again, to leave it with the error and call again. There was one loose connection that he tightened so I was hopeful that was the resolution. I put a load of laundry in and no error code when it started or ended. So far so good. I did my second load on Monday morning and guess what? Yep, I got the error code again. I tried leaving it, but you can't silence the alarm. There was no way I could tolerate that alarm going off all day. Rich and I decided that this machine is going back as well. Does anyone have a recommendation for a front loading washing machine? Help!!!!

Gift Ideas

If you're like me, you try really hard to give thoughtful, creative gifts, while trying to reign in the budget. I came across a book I have titled "Holiday Jar Mixes" from the Christmas at Home series by Andra Roberts and Wilma Teal. I have received a couple gifts like this and they are great. They look great and it'a a practical, comsumable gift. Here are a couple recipes. Let me know if you'd like to borrow the book!

Hot Spiced Tea Mix

1/3 cup instant tea with lemon

1/3 cup instant orange breakfast drink mix

1 cup sugar

1/2 tsp cloves

1 tsp cinnamon

In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients, stirring well to mix. Spoon Hot Spiced Tea Mix ino a 1 pint glass jar. Attach recipe card with th following instructions.

Place 2 teaspoons Hot Spiced Tea Mix into a cup. Add 8 ounces boiling water. Stir and enjoy!

Cinnamon Raisin Quick Bread Mix

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 cup raisins

1/4 cup chopped pecans

In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnaon. Place in bottom of 1 quart glass jar. Layer emaining ingredents in order given. Atach a recipe card with the following instructions.

Cinnamon Raisin Quick Break

Cinnamon Raisin Quick Break Mix

1/3 cup butter, softened

1 egg

1/2 cup milk

1/2 tsp vanilla.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour 9x5x3 inch loaf pan. Place Cinnamon Raisin Quick Bread Mix in a large bowl, stirring to combine. Add butter, egg, milk, and vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer until well blended. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes in pan before inverting onto a wire rack.

As we are planning, buying, making, wrapping and giving our gifts, let's give thanks to God for the greatest gift ever given! Happy gift giving!

Hands Reaching Up

As a mom, I'm not sure there is anything as irresistible as your child's hands reaching up to you to hold them. I know I look forward to those little arms reaching up and that precious smile each time I walk into Maryn's room. I doubt there is a mom that would walk away from that embrace which got me wondering...I know that God is quick to embrace me, to wrap me in His love, but how often do I walk the other way or even fail to see His loving arms and precious smile patiently waiting for me? Another thing to ponder...

Christmas Traditions

I was reading a book this morning called "101 Ways to have a Christian Christmas" by Brenda Verner. I'm always open to hearing different ideas to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. I was tempted to skip the introduction and get to the ideas, but decided to read it. I also have the bad habit of skimming a bit to quickly thinking blah, blah, blah. Had I done this today, I would have missed out. The author talked about the trappings of our society but as Christians we celebrate the birth of Jesus. She went on to say "We respond to this 'good news' with joy and thanksgiving, and from that response flow the generosity, creativity, and enthusiasm that spark many of our yuletide celebrations - whether at home, in our neighborhoods, at church or in our cities Christ becomes the center point and focus of all we do."



I got to thinking about all the things I like to do this time of year, decorating my home, baking cookies, eating cookies, shopping, wrapping gifts, sending Christmas cards, etc. I have to admit that when I'm doing all the things I just listed, my heart is not always (maybe I should say not often enough) focused on Christ. Sometimes there is a disconnect and the spiritual is separate from my traditions or better stated, my to-do list. I know this time of year is so busy, but perhaps it will be more meaningful and less stressed if Christ truly becomes the center and focus of all I do. What do you think?

The Washing Machine Saga Continues

A while back I blogged about the nasty mold in my washing machine. Since then I've embarked on quite a journey that I didn't expect or really want to be on. I mean, how hard should it be to purchase a new washing machine? The purchasing part isn't that difficult, anyone will take my money, it's the part of being happy with the purchase. I even researched washers for quite a while before I set out. We purchased the top rated machine. I guess that's fine if you don't mind your entire house shaking while the machine is in the spin cycle. You can even enjoy the deluxe fanny massage if you happen to be upon the throne in the adjoining bathroom at the right time. Can you imagine? You couldn't even leave anything on top of the washer because it would fall off! So after many phone calls...and I hate all the automated call systems...just give me a live person...we returned the washer and the dryer (which by the way, the dryer didn't dry my clothes about 50% of the time, that's another tale.) So after some more research and more quality time with the folks of Best Buy we purchased a different washer and dryer. Should be end of story, but since I'm still blogging about it, you know it's not. This machine with it's "vibration reduction technology" doesn't give the infamous fanny massage or drop things off the top, but it alarms, something about the door not being able to unlock. It wouldn't be that bad, except that it's new and should be working perfectly. You also can't go to bed with the machine running because it will alarm about the door until you to shut if off! Am I the lemon queen? I think the Best Buy folks are starting to know my voice. I'm currently waiting for the Samsung folks to give a call back to let me know when the next repair man will visit my home and washer. In the meantime does anyone have any sugar?

Where Does the Time Go?

Just when I think I've got this blogging thing down and am updating at least weekly I seem to drop off the face of the earth. Actually, I drop off into the face of life. It also seems that when I drop off into the face of life, my quiet times also drop off...not good, I know, but the truth. I've been struggling with what to do in my quiet times. They've been pretty stale lately. As many of you know I love to shop and while out the day after Thanksgiving I discovered a book at the Christian bookstore called "Six Secrets to a Powerful Quiet Time" by Catherine Martin. I just sat down with it this morning and am impressed by the forward by Vonette Bright, the preface and first chapter. I'd encourage you to check out www.quiettime.org to see the resources there for our quiet times with God.

On another note,I have to tell you that my daughter is just so cute. I've been on the computer while she was eating her breakfast this morning. She was sitting right in front of me. She didn't want her milk cup on her tray, but beside my diet coke so our drinks were together. Isn't that the cutest?! I need to run...I'm being urged to read to her!

The Rush Behind Giving Thanks

I've been thinking a lot about the upcoming holidays and got to wondering about how God orchestrated Thanksgiving before Christmas. I know the events are somewhat in the order of the calendar year, but somewhere along the way man decided when we'd celebrate these holidays. Anymore, Thanksgiving gets eclipsed by the busyness of Christmas and I've seen that happening in my thoughts this year. I'm a planner and love to decorate my home for each season so naturally I'm thinking about my to-do list which always is longer in December. Yet, I've also felt God tugging at my heart as if to tell me not to rush this season of Thanksgiving. I have far too much to be thankful for to skim the surface and move on to Christmas cards and decorations. What would my December be like if I lived each day as if it were Thanksgiving? I'm going to have to spend some time thinking on this...

For Parents Only

I just finished reading the book For Parents Only: Getting Inside the Head of Your Kid by Shaunti Feldhahn and Lisa A. Rice. One of the things that caught my eye from the back cover was: “For every bewildered parent, there’s a kid longing to be understood.”

I found the book very insightful and it gave me a fresh understanding of my teens. Some of the discussions included are: Why your child suddenly treats you lien an alien and acts like one too, why your child secretly hopes you’ll stand your ground, why your teen is convinced he can’t talk to you and how to change his mind and what mood swings reveal about teens’ secret fears and how you can boost their confidence.

My boys will tell you that I am far from a perfect parent and on some days they may say I’m a terrible parent. I make lots of mistakes, but let’s face it, what works one day for our teens doesn’t work the next and just why does that happen? This book gave me a fresh perspective and insight into the pressures my boys are facing and tips on how to navigate these turbulent waters. I’d loan it to you, but I need to keep it close by because I’m still trying to apply it to my parenting. I do think it’s worth the investment!

Loving Well

In our current Bible study, Loving Well, we have been challenged in many ways. One (of many) thing I’m working through is allowing God to love on me, not through me, but to me. In session two Beth says “We will not love well until we feel well loved.” So, now I’m left wondering, how does God love on me or how do I know He’s loving on me? I think for me part of the problem is that I don’t acknowledge how God is showing me His love. I get so wrapped up in our schedule or my to do list and I fail to see the many small ways God is trying to show me. As I’ve been pondering this God has led me to two songs on Steven Curtis Chapman’s new CD. The first song is “You are Being Loved” and the second is “Definition of Me.” The words to these songs have stuck with me reminding me that I am being loved.

Then this morning I picked up the latest edition of Today’s Christian Woman (I’ve had the magazine for probably 6 weeks and I’m just getting to page 24), but anyway, the article I turned to was “God’s Tattoo: Evidence of God’s love is everywhere. But take a special look at his hands,” by Stephanie Voiland. You can probably view the article on line by going to their website www.todayschristianwoman.com. To be honest, I didn’t get to read the entire article (yet) but the author refers to a verse in Isaiah 49:16 which says, “See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.” Just like a tattoo is permanent, our names are engraved in the palm of God’s hands. For me, today, this was further evidence of God’s love for me.

How is God showing His love to you? I’d love to hear about it!

The Basics of Life

On Sunday, Steve’s sermon was on the “Basics of Life.” He shared with us the mission statement of the church to reach up to God in worship, reach in (fellowship and discipleship) and reach out. There are so many ways we can serve and one of them is through women’s ministries. I often hesitate to solicit help when we have many needs on a Sunday morning. I encourage everyone to take a turn in the nursery or teach/assist a Sunday school class. I can guarantee God’s blessing when you serve our little (and not so little) ones. That being said, it would be wonderful to have more women willing to assist with women’s ministry activites. You could be part of our Planning Committee (we meet quarterly to plan activities) or our Retreat Committee (the retreat is the second weekend in March) or coordinate or assist with an activity. We have a place for every woman at LCC to be invovled!

"Appreciation" Worth Remembering

I know Hallmark has been blamed for inventing holidays or days of appreciation to drum up new business. You name it and there is a day set aside to appreciate it from Mother’s Day to Boss’ Day. Well, I don’t know if Hallmark can take credit for creating “Pastor Appreciation” but this is one worth remembering. October is Pastor Appreciation Month. I’d like to use this forum to personally thank Pastor Steve for all he faithfully does for LCC and for my family. He is someone we can call when in the emergency room, someone who has faithfully prayed for my family while we were in China and even came to visit us (despite the germs) when we arrived home with Maryn. I appreciate his faithfulness in studying and preaching God’s Word.

I appreciate Josh and all he does to lead us in Worship on Sunday mornings and I know he spends countless hours during the week preparing. He does many other “behind the scenes” work for our church and we wouldn’t be the same without him. I appreciate Jamie and his heart for our teens and though he has only been on staff for a short time he is impacting the lives of my boys. I also appreciate Kristie and her ministry to our children. She has a heart for our children and seeks to lay a firm foundation for our children’s faith.

We have been blessed with a wonderful staff at LCC, though not all “pastors” in title, they all minister and serve us along with many others. I appreciate the families of our staff and the sacrifices they make. If you have been blessed by our pastor and staff how about letting them know! Words of encouragement go a long way!

What's Lurking in Your Closets?

Those who know me know that I like to have things clean and in order. Part of this is temperent driven, the other is out of necessity. Quite a few years ago the boys were diagnosed with allergies and asthma. We were told that we needed to keep the house very clean for the health of the boys, get rid of our carpets, wash bedding every week, no curtains, dust every day and the impossible list went on and on. So, for years I’ve tried my best to do what I could (and still remain sane). Imagine my surprise when Rich was fixing a squeak on our sofa and found an area that had never been cleaned - we’re talking about 7 years worth of crumbs! I didn’t know that flap came off!

We also have this lovely mold lurking in our washing machine, though it’s actually in plain sight now. We have the Maytag Neptune washer. Those who know of their record just tell us they’re sorry. Apparently there was a design flaw and these washers became a breeding ground for mold (which by the way both boys are allergic to). There was a class action law suit that we missed because we weren’t having the problem back then, but we sure are having it now. I suspect the mold was there all along and we just didn’t see it until this summer. Now I’m disgusted every time I see it and it won’t come off so we’re in the process of buying a new washer.

Then this morning the boys had an orthodontist appointment…we got up, got ready and made the appointment on time. I even had my hair and make up done and my clothes were well coordinated. Yes, I thought I looked pretty good, even Maryn’s clothes coordinated with mine and it wasn’t planned. After the orthodontist I went into the boys school, chatted with a few people and then came home. I had to gasp when I looked at my jacket and saw the white paper still covering the buttons! I know it’s not a big deal, but I have to laugh when I think I look good and then notice a flaw! I guess it’s just another lesson that I’m not perfect.

What’s the point in all this? I think sometimes we get so busy and fail to see those things lurking in our proverbial closets. It could be crumbs from sloppy eating (that would be my boys’ fault, just kidding, I’m sure I contributed as well), mold that’s there and finally shows itself or little pieces of paper that need to be removed. It could be a bad habit, a grudge or thinking that I’m better than someone else. Whatever it is I’m learning that I need to be willing to allow God to show me these things and show me how to get rid of them.

Start Loving Well

“Loving Well” our fall Bible study series begins next week. Our evening group begins Monday, October 15th from 7-9 pm at the home of Darcy Sanders. The daytime group begins Thursday, October 18th from 10am -noon at my home. Please see me on Sunday if you need a journal for the study. Additional study dates will be posted on the church calendar on the website. We’d love to have every lady at LCC attend! Please join us!

What's For Dinner?

Do you ever have one of those days, weeks, months or just phases of life when you cannot decide what to serve for dinner? I’m closing in on the “phases” timeframe right now. The not so funny thing is that I have a freezer and pantry full of food, but I just cannot decide what to make. It’s kind of like having a closet full of clothes, but nothing to wear. I know that I do best when I write out a menu for the week, even if I decide to change the menu. The question is, why don’t I plan? If you know the answer, you may want to patent it because you could make millions! Dinner time is so busy these days. When your family is busy with activities and you’re bonding with your vehicle (sometimes more than your family), it’s just difficult to get dinner on the table at a reasonable hour. Picking up the phone to order take out (or going through the drive thru) is just so much easier. So, perhaps I need a menu makeover or just a reality check, but I suspect I’m not alone in this “phase.” Does anyone have any family favorite dinner ideas? Please share with us all!

A Place for Everything and Everything in It's Place

I’m sure many of us heard this growing up and many of us desire this for our homes. I know I do. Last night we had the Kick Off for our fall Bible study, Loving Well. It’s was the first time I’ve opened my home since we returned from China and I must admit I was a bit nervous. I wasn’t sure everything would be where it belonged and to be honest I’m still trying to find homes for some items…like all those baby toys. Of course I do have an adorable new helper, though I’m not sure I need her “help.”

Loving Well

“Some people are a joy to love, some are difficult to love and we all have to deal with some people who are humanly impossible to love. In all those relationships one truth endures.We will never be able to love others well until we have been loved well. And only God can ultimately give us the complete love we so desperately need.”

Join us October 4th for the kick off of our “Loving Well” Bible study at the home of Sherry Feehs. This is a four session study that will be offered during the day and also in the evening. There is a 4 week journal (we’ll have 8 weeks to work through it) to help guide us in applying God’s Word.

Books!

I used to hate reading, thought it was boring and took me too long…then I had Josh. He learned to read on his own by the age of 4. When he gave up his afternoon nap, I still needed the break so I had him spend time reading. I realized though that he never saw me reading so I decided to give reading a try. That was about 11 years ago and I’ve been reading ever since. I have collected many books over the years and would love to share them with you, so if you see something you’d like to read, shoot me an email! Happy Reading!

Sherry's Fiction Library

Books by Francine Rivers:

The Scarlet Thread

Leota’s Garden

The Last Sin Eater

Redeeming Love

Books by Liz Curtis Higgs:

Thorn In My Heart

Fair Is the Rose

Whence Came a Prince

Grace in Thine Eyes

Books by Terri Blackstock:

Newpointe 911 Series: Private Justice, Shadow of Doubt, Word of Honor, and Line of Duty

Cape Refuge Series: Cape Refuge, Southern Storm, Rivers Edge

Sun Coast Chronicles Series: Evidence of Mercy, Justifiable Means, Ulterior Motives, and Presumption of Guilt

Emerald Windows

Last Light Series: Last Light, Night Light and True Light

Books by Beverly Lewis:

The Shunning

The Confession

The Reckoning

The Postcard

The Sanctuary

The Crossroad

The Redemption of Sarah Cain

October Song

Abram’s Daughters Series: The Covenant, The Betrayal, The Sacrifice, The Prodigal, The Revelation

Books by Dee Henderson:

True Heroes Series: True Devotion, True Valor, True Honor, True Courage

Before I Wake

Danger in the Shadows

O’Malley Series: The Negotiator, Guardian, Truth Seeker, Protector and Healer

Books by Robin Lee Hatcher:

Coming to America Series: Dear Lady, Pattern of Love, In His Arms and Promised to Me

Books by Gilbert Morris:

The Liberty Bell Series: Sound of the Trumpet, Song in a Strange Land, Command the Sun, The Right and of God, Wind of the Wilderness, Arrow of the Almighty and Tread Upon the Lion

Wakefield Dynasty Series: Sword of Truth, Winds of God, Shield of Honor, Fields of Glory, Ramparts of Heaven, Song of Princes, Gatherings of Eagles

Isn't Cake Great?

This past Sunday we celebrated two BIG birthdays at the Feehs house…Josh’s 16th and Maryn’s 1st. What a contrast and reminder that in a blink of a eye kids seems to go from turning 1 to turning 16 and asking for the keys to the car. We had an enjoyable time with our family and a few close friends. I’ve included a picture of Maryn enjoying her cake. AHHH the simple pleasures of life!

Time for Fall!

September 20th, 2007
The world of blogging is new to me, but we found it a wonderful tool to communicate to others when we were in China. I’m going to try to blog on a more routine basis and suspect that many of my thoughts will revolve around being the mom of a high schooler, middle schooler and pre-toddler, though she’ll be toddling soon!

I have loved watching Maryn, my new daughter as she discovers her new world. She is very curious and has started exploring every nook and cranny of my house, including the small space next to my washing machine. The other day she got stuck behind one of my tables while chasing after a ball. I pulled her and the ball out…and wouldn’t you know, a few minutes later she was purposefully putting a ball back under the chair and then proceeded to crawl under to get it. Of course she was stuck again, this time she couldn’t even sit up! And of course I rescued her again.

As I was thinking about it later, I wondered how often I put myself (purposefully) in a jam and need God to rescue me. I’m so thankful for His faithfulness and for Him always being there for me, for all of us! I also wondered if I’ll ever learn not to put myself into jams…We are all a work in progress! I’m reminded of Philippians 1:6: “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.: