Happy Thanksgiving

George Washington said this in his first Thanksgiving proclamation: "Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor - and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me 'to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness'."

As you think on that, I hope you get plenty of turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, stuffing, pumpkin pie, and football today. (Did I forget anything?)

Roe v. Wade

When I decided to take a class at the last minute in August. I had several to choose from. All of them had a waiting list, so there was an equal chance for me to get or not get into any of them. For whatever reason, I felt myself pulled to the class, "The Constitution and the Rights of Americans." At first, I decided that I made the wrong choice. I just wanted a class that I could sit in the back and take notes. That was not this class. As time went on, however, I started to feel comfortable and I have learned so much. What a tremendous blessing it has been to take this class.

Last night we discussed Roe v. Wade in class. I knew it was coming all semester, so I bought a book by Randy Alcorn called, ProLife Answers to ProChoice Arguments. I also have been frequenting his blog, Eternal Perspectives. I even watched a video full abortion footage. The first time I watched it, I had to stop. I made myself go back and watch the fullness of it. If we are allowing this to happen in our country, I felt the importance of seeing it. It was awful and the images are still etched in my brain. I feel burdened. Last week, I finally read Roe v. Wade.

In Roe v. Wade, the opinion of the Court, established 3 "rules." Paraphrasing, 1) During the 1st trimester, the state cannot interfere with the abortion decision. 2) During the 2nd trimester, the State can regulate abortion, 3)During the 3rd trimester, the stage subsequent to viability, the state can regulate and ban abortion, except to save the mother's life.

These are the rules the professor wrote on the board. Then we went on to look at a chart in our textbook that contained information about our states and their regulations on abortion. I was surprised at the number of states that don't do much in ways of regulating abortion. That is concerning to me. Besides the pro-life advocates out there trying to push legislation, I think that the majority of people who consider themselves "pro-life" do nothing. It is easy to forget about those who have no voice. Because of last night, I have become convicted to become more active in the Pro-life movement. The state of California, where I live, has very few regulations for getting an abortion and I need to do my part in changing that.

I am pleased with the outcome of last night's discussion. I had been doing some research, but I knew that when it comes to debate - I stink. I always forget what I should say until after the debate is over. I did make some notes about what I thought might come up and then I just prayed about it. I know that the Lord was with me last night, because I raised some questions that no one really had an answer to. There were 3 pro-choice girls in the group that were vocal and of course the professor is pro-choice. (He did try to stay neutral.) I got a lot of, "I can see what you are saying..." I have to say that I talked the most in the group, but there were some points that I could not just let hang. I am sure that some of the students were thinking, "there she goes again..." I am hopeful that I planted some seeds. One of them is, "what gives the Supreme Court the right to decide what life is ESPECIALLY if there is a shred of doubt." Roe v. Wade leaves a shred of doubt. Another thought that I put out there is the importance of knowing the facts of abortion and I even reminded everyone that Obama himself said that we should reduce the number of abortions. There was much more that was said last night, but whether seeds were planted in others or not, I know that I have learned much and am grateful that I had the chance. Taking this class was not an accident....

Weekly Bible Reading Update

November 21st reading:

1 Joyful are people of integrity,
who follow the instructions of the Lord.
2 Joyful are those who obey his laws
and search for him with all their hearts.
3 They do not compromise with evil,
and they walk only in his paths.
4 You have charged us
to keep your commandments carefully.
5 Oh, that my actions would consistently
reflect your decrees!
6 Then I will not be ashamed
when I compare my life with your commands.
7 As I learn your righteous regulations,
I will thank you by living as I should!
8 I will obey your decrees.
Please don’t give up on me!
9 How can a young person stay pure?
By obeying your word.
10 I have tried hard to find you—
don’t let me wander from your commands.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.
12 I praise you, O Lord;
teach me your decrees.
13 I have recited aloud
all the regulations you have given us.
14 I have rejoiced in your laws
as much as in riches.
15 I will study your commandments
and reflect on your ways.
16 I will delight in your decrees
and not forget your word.

With this year coming to an end soon, I have been contemplating what I will do in the new year after I finished my One Year Bible. This Psalm is a good reminder of the power of God's Laws and His Word.

I have decided not to read it again, but I am planning to read Beth Moore's Praying God's Word. She also has a book about praying God's Word everyday. I hope to get that (maybe that would be a good Christmas present). There are 15 chapters plus an introduction, so I will probably be posting on that the first 16 weeks of the new year. Maybe you would like to buy the book and follow along and keep me accountable. Please do.

God bless you this week as you celebrate Thanksgiving. One thing that I am thankful for is being able to read God's Word and it blessing my life. Try it.

Weekly Bible Reading Update

Today, I read the selected reading for November 15th, but I am taking scripture from several days the past week. This past week we were reading in Hebrews 11 and 12. I love those passages. I find so much encouragement in there. When we lived in Griswold, the church wanted to encourage Sunday School, so for about a month's time we had a contest. One part of the contest was memorizing Hebrews 11. Of course I HAD to try to do it and I am so glad that I did. Memorizing something makes you really think about what you are saying and those verses spoke to me. I can't say it all from memory now, but I cherish the words when I do read them. I am going to post Hebrews chapter 11:1-3 NLT and the NIV (I memorized the NIV version and I like it better), but I encourage you to also read the rest of the chapter and also chapter 12. BTW- While I was memorizing this chapter, I was pregnant with my firstborn and it is one of the reasons why I chose her name.

NLT 1 Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. 2 Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation.3 By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.

NIV 1Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. 2This is what the ancients were commended for. 3By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.

Have a great week!

Whatcha Cookin

I am trying to revive my cooking blog, Whatcha Cookin after almost a year of nothing. It seems like I ran out of steam and my good idea was just an idea. The longer I didn't post a recipe, the easier for me to not try. This is my latest attempt, I emailed a bunch of my facebook friends and I ask them to send me recipes. I have gotten some that I am going to post and share with you. I am going to try them before I post them. AND I am going to try and post one a week. BUT in the event that my life gets way too crazy, I will post them with a disclaimer that I haven't tried them. I hope that you check it out and maybe you will find some recipes that will work for your family, or feel free to share some of your recipe suggestions. Happy cooking!

A Lesson

I am learning a hard lesson about motherhood. My children are growing and there is nothing that I can do about it. I stay positive by enjoying the stage of life that they are in, but I can't help but miss the stage of life that they have left because they are growing. I get teary-eyed just thinking about it. When I look at pictures and see chubby cheeks that are now no more, I wonder where has the time gone and why does it have to pass so quickly. It is almost like I have to say good-bye to a person and learn about another - it is not so drastic as that because it is a gradual change, but it is a change indeed.

As I was sitting on the couch, trying to write a paper on Supreme Court Justices and whether they should be able to make ultimate decisions about the direction of our society, in comes my youngest, my 2-year old. He doesn't talk much yet, but he understands much of what I say to him. I told him where his brother and sister were and he says his customary, "oh," and off he goes down the hall to get something. His little legs carrying him on an important errand. What a little man he is. He goes to Sunday School now, and I can't think of one time he has cried about it, unlike my other 2, he seems fine with me leaving him in his class. Last Spring, I remember the last time I rocked him to sleep. I remember thinking how this may be the last time I rocked him to sleep and so I sat and rocked him just a little longer just for that reason.

I suppose the main reason for me having such a hard time is the fact that this is my last time to do it. Kirk and I have no plans on having any more children. Little ones depend on mothers so much and we are made to be depended on- in most cases we enjoy it. What a huge task that we sometimes fail in, but what sweet rewards in the times that we succeed. The kisses and hugs we get, even when we don't look or act our best.

I thank God for the blessing of 3 little ones. I hope and pray that I will always remember their sweetness as little people. I hope and pray that as they grow that they will still come to me for guidance and that they will remember what I taught them. Mostly, I hope that they decide to have a relationship with the Lord and will follow Him all the days of their lives. It is for these 3 little ones that I have decided to go back to school, therefore, I need to get back to writing this paper. Have a great week and enjoy the little ones that you have in your life.

Weekly Bible Reading Update

November 8th reading, Ezekiel 18:1-4, 30-32, NLT

1 Then another message came to me from the Lord: 2 “Why do you quote this proverb concerning the land of Israel: ‘The parents have eaten sour grapes, but their children’s mouths pucker at the taste’? 3 As surely as I live, says the Sovereign Lord, you will not quote this proverb anymore in Israel. 4 For all people are mine to judge—both parents and children alike. And this is my rule: The person who sins is the one who will die.

30 “Therefore, I will judge each of you, O people of Israel, according to your actions, says the Sovereign Lord. Repent, and turn from your sins. Don’t let them destroy you! 31 Put all your rebellion behind you, and find yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O people of Israel? 32 I don’t want you to die, says the Sovereign Lord. Turn back and live!

I recommend that you should read the whole chapter, Ezekiel 18:1-32. God STILL wanted to save all of Israel from sin, He didn't want them to die. He offered them a way, even after their rebellion. AND because of Jesus, He offers the same to us. He wants us as His adopted sons and daughters. I find that inspiring today! I ask that you keep Kirk and me in your prayers. Our life is on the threshold of becoming hectic and we need God's peace. I am sure I will tell you more about it in the days to come. God bless you today and this week.

Weekly Bible Reading Update

October 28, Titus 3:1-8 NLT

1 Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good. 2 They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone.

3 Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other.

4 But—“When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, 5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.^[a] 6 He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. 7 Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.” 8 This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone.

I thought that this passage was useful to me as we draw to a close in this election season. The pastor's sermon at my church was also a great reminder. He is preaching on the Lord's Prayer. As you are voting, remember, "Your will be done." Not your will, God's will. I think it puts the election and voting process all in prospective. It also reminds me that you and I don't have to have it all worked out because God does. That is called faith. Your propositions and your candidates might not win, but God is taking care of the future. Are you ready to see what happens? I am. That is one of my favorite parts of my faith, is seeing how God works. I don't always like the process, but I like the end result. Have faith and be hopeful! God bless and have a great week!

Pumpkin Carnival and Halloween

This is the church's pumpkin carnival. My nephew dressed up as a Husker fan, my four year old is Batman, my two year old is Superman, and my six year old dressed up like Lucy from Narnia.











My 2 year old was feeling shy. Dad's shirt is always a good place to hide.






My four year old loved playing the games at the carnival.









My daughter's school can't have a celebration unless it is educational. So instead of dressing up for a Halloween party, they had a character parade. They had to be a character in a book and they had to write a summary of the book in order to be in the parade.






We went over to a friend's house to trick-or-treat. Kirk wanted to take his car. While we were driving, one of the kids asked, "Dad, why are we driving the cool car?"

Now it is November - wow, October flew by.