There is no limit to what he knows

Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
In your book were written, every one of them, 
the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there was none of them.
Psalm 139:16

On Thursday mornings I sit with a group of ladies at an outdoor table.  The porch is screened in and the sun shines a little on our table.   We sip our coffee (or tea) and discuss different points in the chapter we studied that week.  We are using "Refresh Your Heart", by Claudia Barba.  It is a great study.  It's great because it points us to God's word and it's truths.

It is so encouraging to share our hearts and focus our attention on God's character.  His character is sure and strong.  It never changes.  I love that about God!

This past week, we studied about what it means to have a heart that trusts God.  He knows our past, our present and our future.  He not only knows, he cares.  In fact, he knows far more than we do and he knows far more than we often give him credit for.

To think that before I ever lived a single day, my God had all of my days planned.  My whole life!  Everything I have been through, what I am going through and what I will someday experience.  And not only my life, that would be amazing enough, but the lives of everyone in this entire world!  Doesn't that thought amaze you?!

We cannot see what God sees.  The way he is working,  even through our sins and failures, it is mind boggling to us, but with God there is always mercy, and forgiveness.  There is always hope for change.  There is reassurance that he is intimately involved in every single detail. 

"But even the hairs of your head are all numbered."  Matthew 10:30

Do you realize that the average person has over 100,000 hairs on their head?  Could you imagine sitting and counting all of the hairs on a person's head?  Even if it was someone you loved very deeply it would be a pain to even try.  Yet it is not too hard for God.  In fact, he doesn't even have to count each strand one by one, he just knows how many there are!  And he knows this about every human being that ever lived.

Could there be anything about our life that God does not know?  Could there be any detail that he is overlooking?  Could he have possibly made some mistake when he allowed us to experience what we have?  The answer to all is no.  And we can be confident that somehow, amid all of the hurt and pain we go through that he is working all things together for good for those that love him.

Whatever you are going through, you can look to God in complete trust.  He knit you together in your mother's womb.  He knows everything you are going through and he loves you more than you could ever know.  Remember what his word says about his character...

Great is our Lord and mighty in power:
his understanding has no limit.
Psalm 147:5

My God has a full understanding of my future.  That brings me so much comfort.  I know that I can "take refuge in the shadow of his wings because his love will never fail me." (Psalm 36:7)

Testimonies make great "sermons"

{This post was actually composed several months ago.  I'm not sure why I never posted it, besides  the  fact that I just didn't feel like doing so at the time.  Anyway, the timing seemed right this morning, so here it is!}

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Over the course of the past couple of months our church has been blessed to hear personal testimonies from guest speakers in our evening service.  We listened attentively as they recounted the seemingly tragic details, yet they stood before us giving God glory and praise for his strength and goodness.

They had been changed through these difficult experiences, but they understood that God, in his sovereignty, meant it for good.

What an amazing "sermon" they preach.  Those who have lived for God and seen his power at work in their hearts and in their lives.  It encourages us in our faith and motivates us to serve the Lord with an even greater level of devotion and fervency.

I love testimony time!  We should definitely do it more often.  And not just with guest speakers but in the context of our own congregation.  These times are so edifying.

On a similar note, the children and I have been reading through a Christian biography about Ira Sankey.  He worked with D.L. Moody in ministry many years ago  He is known for "singing the gospel" and had the gift of an amazing singing voice.

They had been praying for revival...that more people would come to know Jesus and live for him...and not much seemed to be happening.  Sankey was beginning to feel discouraged and he shared this with Moody.  Moody, however, was confident that God would complete the work that he had began through them.

In the following excerpt from the book, one man's testimony was used of God in a very remarkable way...

A week later, Moody opened another noon prayer meeting 
with the usual offer to speak of God's working in 
their lives.  To Ira's surprise, a man stood.

"For two days I have been away from the meetings, 
closeted with my Master," he said.

Ira was sitting far to the front but was enough 
to one side to turn his neck hard and see the 
man's face. It was the Rev. F.B. Meyer, the 
young pastor of a large Baptist congregation
in New York.

"I think He has had the victory over my 
arrogance and pride," Meyer said.  "And 
I believe I have made a full surrender
of all to Him."

The room was quiet, but not the usual 
stoic absence of sound.  It was a hushed,
anticipating quiet.

Meyer had stopped and was swallowing hard.  
Finally, he spoke again.

"Will you pray for me, friends?  I dearly 
long for the Spirit's blessing on every
word that comes from my mouth."

Ira may have imagined it, but the murmured 
prayers that afternoon seemed energized by 
a greater intensity than he had yet seen
in England.  Meyer's humble admission 
and obvious joy at his renewed relationship 
with Christ seemed to stir hearts in a way 
that the preaching and songs had not yet done.

That one public submission to repentance 
soon turned into the flood Moody had 
been expecting.  Hearts softened and 
word spread.  Shortly the noon meetings 
were filled to capacity.  People were 
turned away every evening and more workers 
were needed each night to meet people in the 
inquiry rooms.

Moody rejoiced in the crowds coming to hear
of the Savior.  But he never stopped calling 
for more to come, knowing that scores remained 
in ignorance about the state of their own souls.

I remember the smiles that Amera and I exchanged when we came to this point in the book.  It's precious to  read about those who have gone before us and see how God could use a testimony as a means to help others see their need for him. 

Has your life ever been deeply touched through the testimony of God's work in another persons heart and life?

How might God use your testimony to impact the lives of others?

{excerpt is from the book entitled "Ira Sankey, Singing the Gospel, by Kelley Deegan Bruss, BJU Press 2010}

Note: Testimonies we heard were from Matt Templeton and Steve Scheibner.

A truth I live by {writing prompt}

Sometimes I think back to opportunities when I have "done something for God" and I feel remorse.  There came a point when my motives became clearer to me even though I couldn't see them at the time.

God is graciously helping me to see how blemished and how tainted my "offerings" of service really were.  

What had been my problem?  Well, as much as I love my God and my Savior, there have been times where I loved myself more.  How do I know that?  I know that, because by God's grace, I have been able to carefully scrutinize my thoughts.  And sadly, so, so very sadly, those thoughts have often been centered on me.

I'd be concerned about how I look, how I sound, how I am perceived, how much I am appreciated and admired.  It wasn't always these, but I believe that my service to God has often been tainted with self-interest and self-worship.  Some of these things can actually be good to consider, but the question is, why am I concerned about them?  Should the focus be on me or on God?  Isn't he the awesome one?  Hasn't he given me every ability I have?

I reflect on it now with disgust.  Sometimes it's like that when you take a good, hard look at how you've been and you lament the immaturity of your heart.  Even now, I wonder what I will think when I look back on these days I am currently living through.  My heart desperately turns to God echoing the words of the psalmist...

Search me, O God, and know my heart!

Try me and know my thoughts!

And see if there be any grievous way in me, 

and lead me in the way everlasting!

Psalm 139: 23-24

Recently, I have had those moments where the stream of self-exalting thoughts seem to flood my mind.  Temptations pull can be strong.  The difference now is that rather than let it sweep me away in it's mighty current, I choose to paddle upstream with God's grace enabling me.  Replacing self-focused thoughts with God-focused truths.  Often with tears and anguish of soul, begging God to take away my pride.  Repeating the words "Not for my glory, but for yours" as many times as I need to.  Pushing those prideful thoughts from my mind.  Reminding myself that all wisdom and power and glory is HIS!  It is not mine.

Oh!  To consistently serve him with pure motives and humble heart!  Do you long for that too?

To teach his word because I want God and his wisdom to be made known.  Not because I want to be known as "Marisha, the great and wise one".  Did that phrase make you laugh?  Yeah, me too.  :)

"They do all their deeds to be seen by others.

For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long,

and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues

and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others.

But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher,

and you are all brothers.  And call no man your father on earth, for you

have one Father, who is in heaven.  Neither be called instructors, 

for you have one instructor, the Christ.  

The greatest among you shall be your servant.

Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted."

Matthew 23:5-12

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When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, 

"Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?"

He said to him, "Yes, Lord: you know that I love you."

He said to him, "Feed my lambs."

John 21:15

Happily linking up here: http://www.ellenstumbo.com/a-truth-i-live-by/

chocolate nut biscotti

Recently, my daughters and I got creative and slightly modified a biscotti recipe.  We threw in some ingredients that we already had on hand from previous baking we had done.  We stirred in the melted chocolate just enough to get this swirl effect.  We all really liked the results.  Not only in appearance, but in taste as well!

chocolate nut biscotti

ingredients:

2 large eggs

2 Tbsp. instant coffee (I used 1 Tbsp. of espresso coffee grinds)

1 tsp. vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 cup chopped nuts (I used almonds)

4 oz. unsweetened or bittersweet chocolate, melted

directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Lightly butter and flour a large baking sheet.

In a small bowl, stir in eggs, coffee, and vanilla until well blended; set aside.

In a medium bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.

In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy.

Beat in the egg mixture.

Gradually add the flour mixture, stirring well after each addition.

Stir in the nuts and the melted chocolate (see instructions below)

Divide the dough into two equal portions.

On the cookie sheet, shape the dough into two logs, each 14" long, 1 1/2" wide, and 1" thick.

Place the logs 5" apart on the the prepared baking sheet.

Bake for 20-25 minutes.

After five minutes, transfer to wire rack to cool.

Once cooled, transfer to cutting board and cut each log diagonally into 3/4" slices.

Bake for an additional 12 minutes.

Microwave method for melting chocolate:

Using a microwave-safe container, microwave the chocolate at medium power (50%) for 1 to 1/2 minutes.

Remove and stir.  If not melted, return to microwave and repeat heating step, stirring every 30 seconds.  Be careful not to scorch the chocolate.  If you have small lumps, remove from the microwave and continue to stir to melt the chocolate.

The keeping of our hearts [quotes for thought]

"Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life."  Proverbs 4:23

"To shuffle over religious duties with a loose and heedless spirit will cost no great pains; but to set thyself before the Lord, and tie up thy loose and vain thoughts to a constant and serious attendance upon Him: this will cost something! 

To attain a facility and dexterity of language in prayer, and put thy meaning into apt and decent expressions, is easy; but to get thy heart broken for sin whilst thou art confessing it, be melted with free grace, whilst thou art blessing God for it, be really ashamed and humbled through the apprehensions of God’s infinite holiness, and to keep thy heart in this frame, not only in, but after duty, will surely cost thee some groans and travailing pain of soul. 

To repress the outward acts of sin, and compose the external acts of thy life in a laudable and comely manner, is no great matter—even carnal persons by the force of common principles can do this; but to kill the root of corruption within, to set and keep up an holy government over thy thoughts, to have all things lie straight and orderly in the heart, this is not easy"

 ~John Flavel (1627-1691)

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"It is far, far easier to speak in the open air than to uproot pride from your soul. It calls for much less toil to go out and distribute tracts than it does to cast out of your mind unholy thoughts. One can speak to the unsaved much more readily than he can deny self, take up his cross daily, and follow Christ in the path of obedience. And one can teach a class in the Sunday School with far less trouble than he can teach himself how to strengthen his own spiritual graces.

To keep the heart with all diligence calls for frequent examination of its frames and dispositions, the observing of its attitude towards God, and the prevailing directions of its affections; and that is something which no empty professor can be brought to do! Give liberally to religious enterprises he may, but give himself unto the searching, purifying and keeping of his heart he will not."

~A.W. Pink (1886-1952)

Different than expected {writing prompt}

"Different than expected".

Yes.  That really sums it up for me today.

There are some things that I didn't get to do today, or yesterday or the day before.  But little by little I am adjusting my focus.  

My husband called this evening, just as the kids were settling in for bed.  I admit, I was feeling a little sorry for myself and all the tough stuff I had to deal with while he was at work.  Within the first few sentences of my little "laundry" list of all the difficult things I had dealt with in a day full of just being a mommy...I realized that I was painting with a broad brush.  And in the process I was painting right over all of those beautiful, fun and downright therapeutic moments I had shared with my kids throughout the day.

We sang together.  We laughed long and hard.  We marveled at Isabel's little personality beginning to shine. We hugged, kissed, danced and played.  A couple of my children had outbursts of gratitude and told me they are so glad to have me as their mom and said "You're the best mommy!".  Yes, I know they are biased and I am actually the only mommy for them, but it's sweet nonetheless.  

But mixed in with all of this was the heartbreaking sin of a child.  There was also the mommy who sent a child to their room, while she went to her room to pray and ask God for wisdom.  There was discipline and the long talk that resulted in our family eating dinner around 7:30 instead of 6:00pm.  

I was able to put my older girls in charge of finishing up the meal.  Once the noodles and meat were ready, they realized that we did not have any sauce to go with them.  I wasn't expecting that!

I pulled out my Betty Crocker cookbook and found a recipe for white sauce.  Dinner was soooo late, but somehow everyone was happy.  The kids were captivated and watched as mom whipped up some white sauce for our pasta.  It was delicious by the way.

You know, I still have not been able to get to my major "room organizing" project...though I feel it's constant pull.  Nor have I been able to get to my creative projects...though I am anxious to do so.  

Right now, life is happening.  I'm living it to the fullest.  I'm the type of person that if I get an idea in my mind, I long for it until it is accomplished.  I get a huge sense of satisfaction when I complete a project.  But I'm learning that I just have to wait right now.  The right time will come.  Right now, life is more about the people than the projects.  And that includes taking time to build relationships in and out of my home and changing all the diapers and kissing all the "boo boos" that come this momma's way!  There were a lot of those today...I guess I should expect that by now? ;)

Happily linking up here: http://www.ellenstumbo.com/different-than-expected/

What has been and what will be

It's been a lovely day.

We had lunch with a friend that we haven't seen in four years...it was such a blessing to hear how God has been working in her life.

I found some special things at the thrift store yesterday.  A ziploc bag full of little animals that I spent a few dollars on has kept my children happily playing to their heart's content.

I was actually planning to buy some fabric to make curtains for my dining room.  Instead I found a bed skirt for $1.50 that I am anxious to make into curtains...I'm not sure if I'll get to that today.  I confess, the laundry still needs to be put away...so...decisions, decisions.  I love Saturdays!  I actually have a few projects in mind though I'm not sure I'll get to any of them.

Jav and Amera are about to head out for the youth group Digital Scavenger Hunt.  As for me, I'm happily at home trying to find the balance between the work I have to do and the fun projects I can't wait to start. :)

Walking by faith [a quote for thought]

"It is the very time for faith to work, when sight ceases.  The greater the difficulties the easier for faith.  

As long as there remain certain natural prospects, faith does not get on even as easily...as when all natural prospects fail."

~George Mueller (1805-1898)

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Psalm 33:13-22...

The LORD looks down from heaven;

he sees all the children of man;

from where he sits enthroned he looks out

on all the inhabitants of the earth, 

he who fashions the hearts of them all

and observes all their deeds.

The king is not saved by his great army;

a warrior is not delivered by his great strength.

The war horse is a false hope for salvation, 

and by its great might it cannot rescue.

Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear him, 

on those who hope in his steadfast love, 

that he may deliver their soul from death 

and keep them alive in famine.

Our soul waits for the LORD;

he is our help and our shield.

For our heart is glad in him,

because we trust in his holy name.

Let your steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us, 

even as we hope in you.

pumpkin muffins [recipe]

Are you as ready for Fall as I am?

Summer was wonderful with its watermelons, water fun, bare feet and lazy days.  But I'm longing for Fall in all its pumpkiny, leaf-changing goodness.

If you're looking for something pumpkiny, this recipe does not disappoint.  My kids even love these things!  And they have been known to be picky eaters.  These muffins are moist and the tops have a slightly crisp texture combined with the yummy cinnamon-sugar taste.  You will love them, I just know it!

pumpkin muffins
{makes one dozen}

ingredients:

for the batter

1 cup canned pumpkin (from a 15 oz. can)

1/3 cup vegetable oil

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1 1/4 cups sugar

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

...................................

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

for the topping

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 tablespoon sugar 

directions:

for the batter

With oven rack in middle position, preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Place liners in muffin cups.  I love the foil liners, the baked muffins remove from them very well.

In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin, oil, eggs, pumpkin pie spice, the 1 1/4 cups sugar, baking soda and the salt until smooth.

In a medium bowl, combine the flour and baking powder, stir to combine.  Whisk the flour mixture into the batter just until combined.

Divide the batter among the muffin cups.  I used a 1/3 cup measuring cup with a spout, which worked very well (each cup should be about three quarters of the way full.)

for the topping

In a small bowl, stir together the cinnamon and 1 Tbsp. of sugar.  Sprinkle the tops of each muffin with a generous amount of the topping.

Bake for approx. 25 minutes or until puffed and set and a wooden pick comes out clean. 

Cool in muffin pan, on a rack, for 5 minutes.  Then, transfer muffins from the pan to a rack and cool to warm or room temperature.  I prefer them to be completely cooled, I think it brings out the flavor more.  

Have a wonderful Fall season!

Learning to interact {Homeschooling}

You can't really talk about homeschooling without the question of socialization coming up.  People are concerned that homeschooled children will not learn how to interact socially.  This is a misconception.

If you are concerned about this, I would ask you to consider a child from birth to the age of four.  Has the child interacted socially during that time?  Are they learning to greet people and talk with them?  For most, the answer is yes.  Although I understand that there are unique exceptions to the rule.  But the point still stands, putting children in a classroom is not the magic pill that will teach them how to interact with people.  It might help, but is it the only thing that will help?

In fact, if socialization is what we are really after, there are other ways to achieve it.  Like spending quality time with the people you love and the people you are reaching out to in love.  Having conversations with people at home, people at church, people in your neighborhood and people in your community.  All of this can be achieved outside of a classroom.  And a schoolyard is certainly not the only place that children can run around and play together.

If you are thinking about homeschooling, you will have to think a little outside the box.  This concern that people have about socialization is just one example of how we are so accustomed to the way things have been done in our culture for many years.  It can be difficult to imagine how we could do it any differently.

The fact is, no situation is perfect.  My children are learning to interact with people, to love them, and to compassionately seek to meet needs.  But all of that will take time.  I'm sure it will be a lifelong lesson.  Not all of my children are extroverted, social butterflies.  But not all children enrolled in a public or Christian school are either.  We are dealing with human beings here.  Each one has a unique personality with their own set of strengths and weaknesses.  Each one is endowed with unique gifts from our Creator and life is full of opportunities to grow and learn how to use them for his glory.  That can happen in a classroom in a school building, but it can also happen as one learns, grows and experiences life at home.

Anyway, I guess that's my two cents on the matter. :)  What do you think?

Sausage-egg casserole

The alarm went off at 4:30am.  Time to get up and put together those ingredients I had prepped the night before.  I had cooked the sausage and chopped the veggies.  Everything was ready.  I had enough time to combine the ingredients and bake it in time for my husband to leave for his Bible study.

I was glad for the prep the night before because I didn't want to have to think through too much that early in the morning!  I actually did end up forgetting the milk.  But I'm happy to say that it was still good. This morning I enjoyed some of the leftovers for my breakfast. :)

This recipe, in its most basic form, does not call for any veggies.  I simply added what I wanted.  It's like pizza in the sense that you can add whatever veggies, meat or cheese you like.  This is your opportunity to get creative!

Another thing I like about this recipe is that it has a very short bake time.  Many egg casseroles take as long as an hour to bake.  But this one?  Only 15-20 minutes and it's done. Works for me!

Sausage Egg Casserole

ingredients:
1 block of "regular" Jimmy Dean pork sausage (or less if you prefer)
1 8 oz. pkg. of refrigerated crescent roll dough
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
6 eggs, beaten
3/4 cup milk
salt and pepper, (I sprinkle a little on top)
green bell pepper, one half
red bell pepper, one half

directions: (this is the way I did it, with prep the night before)

[the night before]
Cook sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat until evenly brown.  Drain grease and set aside to cool, then refrigerate.  
Chop vegetables to bite-size chunks.  They can be whatever size you prefer, refrigerate.
Shred your cheese if you did not purchase it shredded.  I prefer to minimize my workload and I purchase it shredded.  Totally up to you.

[the following morning]
Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Spray a 9x13 casserole dish with cooking spray.  Lay the crescent rolls flat in the bottom to form a crust.
In a bowl, combine the cooked sausage, cheese, eggs, milk and any veggies you are using.
Sprinkle salt and pepper over the top, add it according to your taste.
Bake in a preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, it should be bubbly with the rolls baked and firmly set.

Just for a day {writing prompt}

As the choir sang about the day when our struggles will end and we will gaze on the glory of God, my soul was filled with longing.  I thought of being with God forever.  Praising him forever for his mercy.  

We worship him together here and now, but as I looked up at the choir I imagined the day when we will all stand before God.  Having been redeemed by his mercy and grace.  Our fellowship with one another is sweet and precious.  We have been united with a common bond in Christ!

Last night, Jav took the children home form church in the van and I drove in our other car to get some groceries.  As I went through the store, I noticed many different people. 

I noticed the older woman, with disheveled hair in front of the entrance, hunched over a cart full of groceries and talking to herself. 

I noticed the young people in suits and skirts who looked like they probably just came from church like I did.

I noticed the young mother of two in the produce section.  She was totally decked out in the traditional clothing that women wear in India.  She wore teal colored, sheer and sparkly fabrics.  She really stood out and looked sooooo different from everyone else in the store.  I wondered what that felt like for her.  Did she consider it an honor?  Did she feel completely out of place?  When I spoke to her I soon realized that her English was limited.  We had a little friendly exchange, but again my heart was filled with longing.

When I looked at her, I saw someone very different from me.  But I longed for those barriers to be broken down.  First of all, the language barrier but also the cultural barrier.  I'm sure we are alike in many ways.  We are human and we feel sadness and gladness just the same.  I wondered if she knows the true salvation that is in Christ. 

It saddens me that sometimes, even when we do speak the same language, that there are barriers.  I long for them to be broken down.  Our love for Christ should compel us to love those who need to hear the gospel of his grace and that is something that we cannot always tell by looking on the outside.  But our love for Christ should also compel us to love fellow believers.  It should cause us to break down walls that we sometimes put up because of our differences.  We are one in Christ.

When we are in heaven, it will not matter how we look or what are wearing.  In fact, won't it be robes of white?  I look forward to that day.  And maybe, just maybe, some of the beauty of it can begin here and now.

Happily linking up here: http://www.ellenstumbo.com/just-for-a-day/

Seven on seven {modified September version}

Ok, so here's the crew.  We had a homeschool field trip today and I took four of our kids.  At first, the main reason for only half of us going was because of the concern that our van might not shift gears for me again.  But once we started hiking up rocky terrain, I found myself rather thankful that I did not brave this field trip with small children.  My husband or I would have ended up sitting on a picnic bench somewhere, just waiting for the the guided tour to conclude.  So it definitely worked out for the best.

We spent all day hunting for interesting specimens in the woods.  We had a little picnic lunch on park benches and it wasn't long before we were joined by ducks who wanted a bite to eat.  

After lunch, we were equipped to enjoy some time in the cool water of the creek.  It was a beautiful and peaceful place.  I was glad that I chose the crocs instead of the boots because it was refreshing to feel the cool water on my feet.

The park ranger was very helpful in explaining things and teaching the children (and us!).  She taught us the catchphrase "There is fungus among us".  The kids would say it when they spotted fungus growing on something.  

The last part was fascinating.  We got to see the little things we had caught in the creek under a microscope. They were displayed on a big screen so that we could all see.  We marveled at all the little details that we couldn't see as well before.  We were amazed with God's creative power...so many little details!

When it was all said and done, I felt exhausted.  This trip was not without incident.  My children tripped over roots and rocks, they fell, and they scraped skin.  I felt like I had to do a lot of correcting.  I had to make sure they stayed close, behaved and kept quiet, especially when the ranger was talking.  Believe me, it was tiring work.  I am going to bed as soon as I publish this post. :)

"Hearts a bustin'"  Funny name, isn't it?

Although we did learn a lot, I found myself just wishing I could let them run around and explore to their hearts content.  I know that there are places that they would have liked to linger...but that's ok.  Maybe next time.

Anyway, my "Seven on seven" is slightly modified this time around.  I had some creative ideas for shots that I was going to try on the home front, but we were all just too tired for it.  We had already been through a lot, and you can only fit so much in one day.  

I had to chuckle when I noticed from the group photo that there were seven kids on today's field trip.  I thought "Well there ya go, seven on seven!"...however modified the group might be. ;)  

"I just don't feel like I need church"

"I don't know, sometimes I miss the fellowship...but I guess I'm just content.  You know?  Jesus knows my heart, he knows I love him...I guess I just don't feel like I need church."

I sat in the barber chair donned in a black cape.  The conversation flowed naturally between me and the lady trimming my hair.  We were getting to know about each other.  All of those details that people tend to exchange when they meet were exchanged.  After mentioning why my family moved here and what we have prepared for (pastoral ministry), is it any wonder that we got on the topic of church?  Several years ago she regularly attended, then moved, looked around for a while and decided to give up the search.  She couldn't find what she wanted and resolved that she didn't really need it anyway.

I started out this post by sharing with you what her words were.  When I heard them, I felt immediate concern.  I thought of things that I know the Bible teaches.  I thought "how can I point this lady in the right direction without sounding like I am chiding her or without it seeming like I want to manipulate her.  I wanted to be careful with such a delicate topic.  I didn't want to come across wrong and it wouldn't have been appropriate to get into some long explanation of why we DO need the church...so I had to think of something fairly brief.

My immediate thought had to do with Hebrews 10:25, that we should not neglect coming together as the body of Christ.  That God wants us to meet together to encourage and edify one another.  I shared this with her, and the conversation turned to another topic soon after that, but her statement really got me thinking.  I knew there had to be more I could have said or maybe something different I could have said.  But it's hard isn't it?  It felt like she had dropped a bomb and I didn't know where to start picking up rubble.  I don't just want to say "You need to be in church missy!" because the question that begs to be answered is why?

Have you ever thought about that?  What would you have said to this lady?  This experience motivated me to look a little deeper into that.  If you haven't come across it yet, you probably will.  I have heard it from a lady in the church hallway, I heard it while getting my hair trimmed and to be honest I have had similar thoughts at one time or another.  You know, when things get challenging and your questioning "Do I really need to go?".  I think we've all been there.  The fact is we make choices about where we go and what we do with our time.  Isn't it good to know why we are doing it?  Isn't it essential to have a biblical answer for someone (even ourselves) who does not think it is necessary?  What is God's heart and plan for his church anyway?

After looking into it more and talking with my husband about it, I realized that there is so much more that the Bible has to say on this vital topic.  But this post is already long enough.  I will post again about how God is equipping me to answer this challenge in the future...but for now I'll leave you with some questions...

Why do we need church?  

From what we learn from the Bible, would God ever say that it's fine with him if we don't go?

What is the purpose of the church?

I'd love to hear your thoughts on the topic.  Comment or send me a message.  Have you struggled with this or heard people say this?  Has God equipped you with an answer from his word?

A little guy turns three!

A happy family choir, singing Happy Birthday...

A chocolate cake with sprinkles...

and a soft and cuddly birthday present...

= BIG smiles from Manny!

I love the fun and happiness he brings to our home.

The last time {writing prompt}

My husband had gotten a job working in the Kansas City area and so our little family began a new home in Missouri.  Our daughter Amera was two years old at the time.

Since we really weren't sure if we wanted to have more children, I made an appointment with Planned Parenthood so that I could continue my new life there on birth control.  It was so easy.  Every three months I would go in and get a shot in the hip and not have to worry about a baby coming into my life.

What I didn't know at the time was that some women, as a result of taking this shot, are never able to get pregnant again.  Sadly, I was not really one to think ahead.  I was more concerned with getting what I wanted in the easiest way possible.  And the thought of having more children did not seem like a good idea to me.

It wasn't long after I came to know God as the life-giver that my heart was opened to allowing him to give me whatever life he chose to give.  My husband and I decided that I would not go to get the shot anymore.  And thus began waiting for an entire year to get my period again.  I had not had a period while I was taking the shot either.  I apologize if you feel that is TMI, but I just want to give you the whole picture.

And so begins the second part of my story.  Sometime after the "year of waiting" for my body to get back to normal, I was wondering if I might be pregnant.  One night we were visiting with our pastor's family and another couple.  The ladies were talking in the living room and the subject came up.  I shared my suspicions with them and we got a little adventurous and decided to head out to Steak 'n Shake for a bite to eat and then go to Walmart for a pregnancy test.  I don't think the guys were fully aware of our plan...and even now it seems a little crazy to take a pregnancy test at our pastor's house...but it was all in good fun!  Chalk it up to being young and adventurous I guess. ;) We also had a tight bond with them because they had shared the gospel of Christ with us, and discipled us in the faith.

I slipped into the bathroom to see if my suspicions were correct.  And sure enough, God was giving us another baby!  I emerged from the bathroom with my face beaming with excitement to share the news.  I was crying and laughing at the same time.  There were lots of hugs and cheers as we celebrated the life that God was giving my husband and I.  My heart was filled with gratitude.

I know that each child God has given us is a gift beyond compare.  They were "knit together" in my womb in a most miraculous way.  Each one that he gives blesses our hearts, our lives, and our home.  The woman who got a shot every three months, refusing such precious gifts, is no more.

I am so thankful that God was merciful to me and that when we had gotten that shot for the last time, it was the beginning of abundant blessings time and time again. 

One of Isabel's favorite spots, at the piano with Amera

Thank you Lord!   Your gifts truly are beautiful!

I'm happily linking up here: http://www.ellenstumbo.com/the-last-time/#respond