To God Be the Glory!

Seeking to Excel

2011-07-21T10:22:00.003-05:00

So, yeah. The whole "not getting the job" thing has me really thinking. (see previous post) Exactly WHY was I feeling so down in the dumps? Well, I tell ya, it was all VAIN...to NO purpose. Why is it that being rejected by men seems to get me down?

It's totally pride. So sad. I remember a time (many years ago) when I walked into a financial institution for a studen loan, and was offered a job...more than once this happened. Or a time when many friends were struggling, for months, to secure a job at the foreign army post, and I decided to give it a try and was hired on the spot. Yeah, I felt bad for my friends, but I confess, there WAS an element of pride.

That same job that I was so proud to attain...I QUIT two months later because I couldn't stand leaving my 2 year old with a babysitter. Darren was a bit upset because the extra money really did help, but I just wanted to mother my child MYSELF. I'd quit my career only a couple of years earlier when I found out I was pregnant with our first. Why was I, again, seeking a career? I wanted to be a FULL time momma. I wanted THAT for a career. It wasn't even a conviction...it was a natural STRONG desire. I hadn't been taught that God commands women to be keepers at home...all my "Christian" friends and relatives had careers...it was (IS) the thing to do. But I couldn't get past my desire to raise my own child. I wanted to be there for all of her achievements. I didn't want to miss one milestone. I didn't want to miss one "INCH" stone!

So, needless to say...looking back to the past week....well, I'm a bit alarmed that those negative feelings of self worth were so strong. Shame on me. I chose the more excellent way many years ago.

This is all to preface the objective of this post: I LONG TO EXCEL!!!

Of late, that word ("excel") has been on my mind. My life's verse is found in Proverbs. In the fourteenth chapter and first verse, the Bible says: Every wise woman buildeth her house, but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.

I LONG to excel in this wisdom that is necessary to build my house. But I find myself so very lacking. Let me just say, I've a mind to continue seeking wisdom AND seeking to excel.

I Corinthians 12:7-8 tells me that the Spirit manifests Himself in our lives in different ways. It goes on to speak of different gifts, but the ones that reach out to me have to do with the mouth. "Word of wisdom" and "Word of knowlege": these phrases stick out to me, for I long to have this type of tongue.

Towards the end of the chapter, I am told to covet earnestly the best gifts, and later on in chapter 14 of the same book, I'm admonished to seek to excel to the edifying of the church.

In between these two chapters is the famous LOVE chapter: I Corinthians 13. Although I'm to covet the best gifts (gifts that EXCEL to the edifying of the church), I'm told there is a MORE EXCELLENT way! It says that even if I have all of the gifts, if I don't have charity (love), I am as vain as the beauty of tinkling cymbals...I have only OUTWARD and EMPTY works!

Last night, my daughter, Kelsi, picked up on a treasure from her Dad's preaching. Pastor Martin has been preaching on Jonah for the past few Wed. evenings. He talked about how unstable Jonah was. Chapter four of Jonah opens up with Jonah being angry. Later on, in verse three, we see his self pity. He went from grief to gladness in verse six, only to return to self pity in verse eight! But it doesn't end there, because his anger returns in verse nine. Whew! And I thought I had problems with moodiness?!?

Continuing on with my thoughts: Bro. Martin pointed out others who were unstable, and Reuben was one example. His father, Jacob, says in Genesis forty-nine of his oldest son, "Unstable as water thou shalt not excel." (insert here an emoticon with huge, surprised eyes and an opened, astonished mouth!)

Kelsi went on to bring up the idea that he wouldn't excel BECAUSE he was unstable as water. Bro. Martin then went on to mention verses about "double minded" men and mouths that bring forth both "blessing and cursing". (It really WAS a great time in the house of God last night!)

The conclusion: I'm not quite sure yet (?) You see, I'm ALWAYS needing to "stick my foot in my mouth." I HATE that! I LONG to have those gifts of wisdom that are mentioned above. I LONG to excel, but can often be so unstable (moody) in my emotions.

BUT, brothers and sisters in Christ, I rejoice in the fact the my Jesus, who began a good work in me, WILL perform it until his day. (Phil. 4:6)

AND SO, I continue to earnestly covet the best gifts so that I may excel to the edifying of the church. I continue to ask wisdom of God who giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not. I continue to beg for wisdom to be the wise woman that builds my house...GOD FORBID that my very own hands would be responsible for tearing down those I love the most here on this earth!

Gotta go...I suddenly feel the urge to be on my knees in prayer! :)

Time keeps on slipping into the future!

2011-07-18T23:04:00.002-05:00

WOW! Has it already been nearly a year? Goodness!

It is the eleventh hour and I should be in bed snuggled against my man. But, here I sit on this computer playing...of all things...I'm ashamed to admit...Spider Solitair. Can we say "idle time"? How many other things could this homeschooling momma of 6 and pastor's wife be doing? Hey! I could be blogging, for Homer's sake! (why do we always use "Pete"?)

Getting ready for another busy school year. We've had company for the past TWO months (PLUS) and are expecting company again next month for our mission's conference. Then the month following AGAIN for our family rally. Can you say, "busy"?

Okay...so this past week I applied for a job online. I know...I know! No need to say what's on your mind...no matter who you are, I've probably thought the same things...hey, probably even spoken aloud to meself about them! (yes, and even ANSWERED myself....now you know..I'm really crazy!)
ANYHOO....I didn't get the job. Talk about "bustin' mah bubble"! Now, I've been struggling with the "low self esteem" thing for the past couple of days. I have been in denial about these feelings, but, why so? God knows my heart...and now you do on the matter!

Why was I wanting to work?....I got this grand idea that I'd work to earn extra money for braces for a couple of the kiddos. Really, Tina! You knew better! And God confirmed it and put me in my place! Yay, God! :) I really am thankful.

So, you'd think it'd be my teen aged children struggling with their self esteem. But, NO! It's their
middle agED momma. Thoughts like: What have you accomplished with your life, Tina? A: Nothing. What have you EVER started and finished, Tina? A: Nothing! (Consider this blog for instance....nearly a YEAR since I've posted?!?! I can still hardly believe it.) Are Darren's clothes even ready for the morning, Tina? A: NO, they are not.

Silly thoughts that I've secretly rebuked other folks for voicing...CRAZY thoughts, because AFTER ALL, God loves me, I AM SAVED by the blood of Jesus! :) :) I have an AWESOME marriage and six great kiddos. WHY allow myself to dwell on such things? I chose this life, and I'm glad I did. Are there things I'd have done differently? Absolutely. But, I learn as I go along. My older kiddos have a testimony of loving my Lord and often freely express their own desire to serve Him. They have missed so much of this world's emptiness, because of my choice to "miss" so much.

SOOOOO, GET THEE BEHIND ME, SATAN!!! I have chosen the most excellent ways! >: l

Now, I'm going to my comfy cozy bed and snuggling next to my darlin's warm body in my airconditioned bedroom that's in my awesome house that sits on a beautiful property on the edge of a small town with a beautiful view of the rolling hills and farm land...

AFTER I shut out the lights, lock the doors and windows, and get them kiddos into their own beds!

Life is somethin'! Aint it? ;)

Patience is a virtue...

2010-08-07T21:47:00.003-05:00

...and I'm striving to be a virtuous woman, but I must confess, I'm totally lacking in this area of patience.

When the Preacher surrendered to the ministry, I wanted to know WHAT ministry, WHERE were we going to live, WHEN we were going to be sent out, and HOW it was going to all come about.

When he knew that he would be a church planting missionary, I wanted to know WHERE! As we traveled around to other churches in the mid-west (at least we had that pin-pointed...?) I was ready to settle in every town that needed a church. Every church, it seemed, that we visited, wanted us to go the "So-and-so" town (the need is great) and I earnestly prayed for that town. "YES!" I was thinking..."Let's go there." Next church: "YUP! That's the place."

HOW in the world was God going to let us know where we were going to minister??? Good, solid, Bible believing churches were needed all over the USA. Was the sun going to burst through the clouds in the distance, and a bright beam point the way (while the symphony music played in the background...lol).

I WANT TO KNOW NOW!!! YESTERDAY!!!

Have you ever just had a feeling that something (or someone) was right, and it JUST WASN'T HAPPENING??? O KAAAAAAY already! WHEN is it going to happen?!?!????

**sigh**

Oh, how VERY thankful I am for God's Word!!! (And for my awesome, STEADY, patient man...oh how I love that man!)

Ecclesiastes 3:11 He hath made everything beautiful IN HIS TIME...

**sigh**

The New Teen in the House

2010-08-06T08:50:00.010-05:00

Melanie turned 13 in June. Actually, she turned 13 (you'd think) about 5 years ago...lol. She was my smallest baby weighing in at a whopping 7lb. 13oz. (compared to my 11 and 12 pounders). I remember crying to Darren because her eyes were soooo big...I thought for a while that she had Down's Syndrome. It's so funny now that I think of it...I even had Darren worried. She was a joy from the get go!

I don't have too many infant pictures of her. When she was born, we had a lot of stress in the family because Darren had just gotten out of the military, and we moved out into the civilian world. I have some floating around somewhere, but I can't find them at the moment. Kelsi was so thrilled to finally have a little sister. She dressed her when it was time to leave the hospital. You'd never know today that she was so excited about a sister. Those two fight like cats and dogs... :(

Melanie was so prissy from the very beginning. We'd say, "Mel, Prissy Prissy!" and she'd pick up her shoulders and do a little dance. It was sooo cute. She played with her baby dolls, stopping only long enough to take a fishing trip with her Dad and brothers. She'd soon tire of it, and head back to the baby dolls. She did change her clothes a whole bunch. We used to call her "Mrs. Bagget" (after an older lady at the nursing home who could be found by following a trail of stolen clothes) Her song: Here comes Mel Mel, hopping down the Mel Mel Trail...Lookin' to the left, lookin' to the right...makin' sure aint nobody in sight!" (Sung somewhat to the tune of Peter Cotton Tail)

A couple of years after she was born, she got a real live baby doll when Timothy was born. I've a picture of her somewhere holding him in the hospital. She has always been the little momma.

Here she is again a few years later with little Abby. This picture tells so much about her personality: The little prissy momma! :)

She was too young to be embarrassed by her snaggle tooth appearance. Mel has always been so joyful. It's rare when she's not captured with a smile on her face. If the pictures could talk, you'd hear her laughter.

This photo shoot began her interest in photography. She's began playing around with computer photography programs and seems to have a real talent. (I'll post a couple of her photos in a future blog) Melanie is a "get-r-done" type of gal. Just yesterday we were putting contact paper down in the church cabinets. She worked circles around me, but I had to stop her and tell her that details were important in this job. She'll do her school work so diligently, and will actually do it correctly, but it will not be the neatest work. Another amazing quality about her, is that she remembers where just about everything is. When we are missing something, we ask her and are absolutely amazed when she leads us to it. Cell phones, keys, MP-3 players, glasses, wallets...she remembers where she saw them! She's going to be a blessing to some guy some day....an awesome help meet.

She adds such an element of joy into the house with her "blonde ways", her light hearted mood, and her giggle. "They" say that 13 is a rebellious age. I've not experienced it with her (nor any other of my kiddos). Quite the contrary: they are becoming more and more of a joy.

Happy Birthday, Melanie Aubyn. I love you with amazing love, and am so thankful to know that God loves you MORE THAN THAT!

Jaimie My Boy

2010-05-10T22:42:00.009-05:00

James turned 15 in March. I've not had the time to blog, but decided to MAKE time tonight, or it'll never get done. In the picture above, I had a horrendous headache. It's funny the memories I'm having. I wasn't going to post, but I'm gonna! I know that one day we are gonna look back at all of these "funnies" and marvel at the miracle of James! :) He was delivered by c-section, and the shot in my back ended up giving me a BAD spinal headache. I can say that TRULY, he was a pain from the VERY beginning!

Wasn't he sooo cute?!? (Oh how I miss my baby days!) Right from the get go, James was "all boy"! Someone once told me, "Well, if you're gonna have one (a boy), then that's the kind you wanna have!" (ha ha) He loved his momma (still does!...has a special name for me: Marmie!) Can you believe that this cute lil' guy is the ONLY baby I've ever "lost it" with? Really! One night he was crying and crying and crying. I was sooooo soooo tired, got up, walked to that crib and "yanked" that baby out of the crib to nurse him...He was startled into silence (that ONLY lasted a fraction of a second), then REALLLY let it out. I started bawlin' right with him because I felt so bad for "losin' it". Poor guy. Little did I know he'd be the biggest lil' stinker throughout all his growin' days...(hind sight is 20/20!)

I see each picture and think, "Now, isn't that just CUTE?!?!?" (I may be a bit biased, but I don't think so!) How could one little buster be so cute and loving one minute, then turn around and be a GREAT BIG STINKER!

O.K. now....here's an example. The guy is playing with his pocket knife, and stabs himself! I tried so badly not to show my "momma panick" (I think I did a GREAT job!) That knife went smack through his thumb...IN the top, OUT the bottom! BTW, we didn't have insurance (I was praying that he'd not get tetanus!) My mom and dad flipped (it WOULD have to happen at their house!). These are the kinds of things the boy puts me through! Bike ramping OVER my head! Flipping into the swimming pool and off the trampoline...climbing to the tip-top of the tree...bringing in the snakes and collecting the tadpoles. (He once had a "tad-pole farm" of over 500! Nana was priviledged to host them on her front porch, ya know! Boy, what a sight when they all started turning to frogs!) Oh, how I'm going to miss all of this one of these days!

What boy doesn't like to hunt and fish? I told my boys from the get go that they'd not shoot anything that they'll not eat. I don't know WHAT KIND of bird it was that was cooked in the oven and came out smaller than a pecan! (ha ha!) Yup! I made him bite off the meat and chew away!...YES he swallowed it! I put a fear of guns into them, too. Darren and I pulled up pictures of gun-shot wounds off of the internet and made them look at them before they could carry even a BB gun! He's been outside traipsin' the woods ever since! He did have his gun taken from him for a good while once....he threatened to shoot Timothy's toes off!

I remember once when he came up to me to give me a hug I had to tell him, "Not so tight!" He said, "Ok, Marmie!...no bear hug this time." Then he put his arms around me and said, "Cub Hug!" (Melts my heart just thinkin' of it!...truly! :) He's a lot of tender and a bit o' tuff! And I've been blessed to receive so much tender care from him! My Jamie! :)

What a worker this kid is! Weeeeeellll....He's not too good in the kitchen...more specifically, with the dishes. He HATES to be inside. He would live out doors if we'd let him. He loves yard work, keeping the vehicles clean, working on his pens - keeping the fences secure,...WHATEVER he can find to do outside that's productive, THAT's what he likes. How very pleased I am with his work ethics!

The boy can also have us rolling around in stitches! He can be soooo funny!

I know that one day, we'll look back on James's childhood days with laughter. So mischievous, the boy was. He's growing out of it now (THANK GOD!...those seemingly "useless" spankins' are payin' off!) We'll wonder, "How in the world did such a ornery boy turn out to be such a fine fella?!?"

I love you, Jamie my boy! You are a great source of joy to your momma! Keep lovin' and servin' Jesus...keep "weddin in yuda wan!" (That's the way he used to sing "Dwelling in Beulah Land"...in a deep little husky voice...sooo cute!)

Thank you, God, for my Jamie! Give us wisdom with the few years left that we'll have him in our home.

Happy Where I Stand

2010-02-26T22:26:00.003-06:00

What a GREAT week! :) God is good and His promises are SURE! How firm a foundation! :)
I am so blessed! On the homefront things are sweet. I'm so glad that Bro. Mart and I stuck things out when things were rough.

As I read back through my posts, I realize how "ideal" my life seems. (And it IS so good! :) But, speaking for the naive readers, we do have our "issues", as every family does. I just haven't felt "ok" posting any of them. I often think of what a blessing it would have been to me to learn of how other ladies overcame the way God has taught me. And yet again, don't get me wrong. Sometimes I have to pray, "Dear Lord, PLEASE help me to never get stupid and just walk away from all I know is right." does that shock you? When I feel that way, immediately the question enters my mind, "WHERE is there TO go? I mean, there's NO other place that's as good as where I am." :) (Satan's a jerk!...tempting women to leave the sanctity of our homes!) I don't have the wisdom to communicate the "problems" in an appropriate way...make sense? Also, I don't mind telling MY faults, I'm just not sure how Darren and the kiddos would feel with my "sharing" their faults...lol.

I should be journaling instead of blogging, eh? That-a-way I'd be able to go back and "share" later on...? Gotta go journal :)...

John 6:68

Thanks for your prayers! God is so faithful....LOVE it! :)

Standing on the Promises

2010-02-21T19:59:00.002-06:00

Lately, I REALLY am struggling with submission....struggling with my flesh...

So many times I talk of claiming the verse "Commit thy works unto the Lord and thy thoughts shall be established" (Proverbs 16:3)

Well, this week, I am standing on the Promises of God! I am purposing in my heart to walk by faith and not by sight.

It's easy to commit my works to Him...do what He wants me to even when I don't understand...because He has done soo much for me. I only have to get my eyes off
MYSELF and others and get them on HIM! :)

Brethren, pray for me.

Where Did the Time Go??

2010-02-04T20:52:00.013-06:00

It only seemed like yesterday when she was placed in my arms. I'll never forget the overwhelming feeling I had. I've never had it again, and I WILL never have it again. She introduced me to it. You may think that this seems odd, since I've had five more children since her. But, it's the truth. I don't love her more than the other five, but I've not had the feeling since Kelsi introduced me to it. And, again, (as I've said in a previous post) I don't know what to call the feeling. (I need to work on my vocabulary, yes?) I'll attempt to describe it.

My first thought when I first laid my eyes on her was, "So, YOU're the lil' bundle that introduced me to that horrible heartburn!" :) Then they placed the weighty little bundle into my arms and...it was like a wave of fear smashed me in the face. If I were an animal, I'd have bared my teeth and chased away EVERYONE...because everyone was out to hurt her. (wierd, huh?) The only explanation for this feeling is that I can't handle even the NEWS...it effects me so wildly. I was so afraid that she was going to get hurt by someone, and I was totally UP to being her protector! (Please tell me there's someone out there in cyber land who's felt the same way?)

SHE's the one who introduced me to that feeling, and it was that first OVERWHELMING that shook me to the very core. I feel the same toward all my children (you mothers know exactly what I'm talking about, eh?) , but it HIT me so, so hard with Kelsi. It's the first time there was someone more important that ME. The feeling was no longer new or overwhelming with the others.

Here recently, she was "attacked" by one of the ladies who is a "client" where she works. (mentally handicapped) I got soooo angry when I heard it. I felt like jumping into the van, and turning again into my "old self". That's when the thought struck me (yet again), that she is no longer under my protection (she NEVER was...after all, what can **I** do to protect her?). She has a Father in heaven who is stronger than I am and who loves her more that I do! :)

And now, I look at her...my "lil' girl"...and I marvel at the mighty work of my Lord Jesus Christ! I stand in awe that this young woman who was raised by such a terribly FLAWED momma (And of course, a wonderful, yet flawed poppa) as I, could turn out to be a lover of my Jesus....who has a desire to serve Him. Oh, how I praise His name!

And it is into the loving care of her heavenly Father and mine, that I gladly release my "hold" on her. She is His, and I find such great comfort in this. She gave us her heart long ago, and we have gladly surrendered her heart to Him, and rejoice in the knowledge that of all the places it could have gone, her heart is where it belongs.

God has beautiful plans that include my beautiful daughter. In this, I also rejoice. I have such hopes for her. But I must always remember that this isn't what matters. What matters is God's will and what He wants for her...and it may not be what I want, ya know?

And so again, as so many times before, Kelsi-boo, I dedicate you to the love and care of Jesus Christ, our Lord. I love you more than you'll ever know...

Happy Birthday!

P.S. Daddy would have a word or twenty to add...because you're HIS until Mr. Right comes and sweeps you away.

God's Good and Perfect Gift

2010-01-08T16:35:00.005-06:00

The other night my man stood before me...peppered gray hair and beard, boxer shorts and white t-shirt, black socks (one slouched down to his ankle), and belly and chest that have been worked on by gravity. My heart filled with such amazing love that overwhelmed me beyond understanding. He looked at me and asked, "What's wrong?....Tina!?!?...what is it?" Then, I started laughing...I mean really laughing. When I was able to calm down, I overwhelmed HIM with the knowledge (once again) that I AM SO IN LOVE WITH HIM!!! (We call these times "moments", and I was having one. They are so precious.)

We looked in the mirror at ourselves...laughing and tearing at the same time...revelling in each other's love and laughing at our pitiful physiques...My how times have changed! We used to be so young...fit...beautiful. But now, we are two middle aged folk who are more in love with each other than when we first met! The butterflies still come, and the hearts still flutter. :) Marriage is a gift from God, and I marvel at the fact that He compares it with Christ and the church. How beautiful!

Governed or Ruled?

2009-12-21T20:30:00.002-06:00

If we will not be governed by God, then we will be ruled by tyrants - William Penn

The solution to our present crisis hour will not be found with politicias making a contract with America, but rather in Americans making a contract with Heaven! - What Hath God Wrought! p. 22

The Martin Monsters :)

2009-12-19T23:13:00.003-06:00

Memorials

2009-11-16T18:51:00.005-06:00

The other day Darren told me that we needed to hold some "Memorials". I didn't quite know what he was talking about until he expounded....

We'll get "on track" as far as being organized goes, or when it comes to our goals and raising our children. But as the days pass and life deals its circumstances, we begin to veer "off track". His "memorials" are a way of getting back "on track". So, now we have several "memorial days" each month to keep us "on track". (These "" are wearying me...I'm gonna stop :) )

Last night as I lay down in bed, I prayed for God to help me get on track with Him. I've been feeling WAAAY off track. (Ever been there?) Usually I'll know right away, but for some reason this time I felt the distance, but couldn't seem to put my finger on it.

As I awoke this morning, It was as if God was waiting for me. (Isn't He soooo loving and patient and GOOD to work in our lives? :) ) He gave me a memorial service. :) He reminded me that I've not had the servant's heart I once longed to have. It's not like He'd not been trying to tell me. But, you see, I refused to repent. I'd been doing bunches of confession, but in my heart, I had no desire to repent. As I woke this morning, my heart longed for sweet fellowship with Him and He once again reminded me....for some reason, this morning He had my attention.

I've been getting irritated when I've been the only one up working (that irritation should have moved me to a training mindset with my children, instead of self pity). When Darren asked me to do something for him, I did it in body, but was irritated to no end in my heart. Totally NOT a servant, as the Lord showed me years ago a servant should be.

So, I stand resolved (yet again) to commit this work to the Lord. I've been sweetly, lovingly reminded. Today was a memorial day for me. It was a good day!

Lord, lift me up and let me stand by faith on heaven's table land - a higher plain that I have found. Lord plant my feet on higher ground!

Lord, Increase my faith. (Luke 17:5.....)

God is Good!

2009-07-28T15:34:00.004-05:00

Cold is the absence of heat. Darkness is the absence of light. And evil is the absence of God.

I read this somewhere on line. It is such awesome logic...I love it!

We recently learned a new song and have been singing it every opportunity we have had. It is entitled "I Have Been Blessed". We first heard it from the Raub family...it brought tears to my eyes. Then the following week, my sister told me she had a song she wanted me to hear...wanna take a guess what it was? :) I was sooo happy, because now we had the words and could sing it as a family. It has been such a blessing to the Saints, and we are wearing it out! :)

But it got me to thinking along a path of thoughts that has often occupied my mind now for several years. Let's see if I can get you to follow:

About 8 years ago, my son, Timothy started having seizures. That has been the most horrible time of my life so far. He would have them when his brain went to sleep (nap or evening). We started saying, when he would wake up from NO seizures, "There's my little man! No seizures this time! God is soo good!"

Then one day, after we started saying that, he HAD a seizure. And God confronted me with a question, "Am I still good?" This thought about floored me. You've got to imagine with me...my little two year old baby laying limp in my arms, on the way to the ER...not breathing and turning colors... and God asks me THIS question.

How many Christian Mommies and Daddies have been through this very thing?...only they've held the lifeless form of their dearest ones...no more breaths for the beautiful, precious bodies...no more hugs, and no more kisses, no more boo boos to kiss away...And those around them have heard them say, "Yes, God!...You are SOOO good!...You alone know ALL things and I will trust in you and proclaim your goodness no matter what!"

So, when I'm singing the song, "God Has Been Good", in my heart, I'm saying, "God, you are good if I become paralyzed and never can feel my loved ones touch again...God, you are good if, like Job, I lose ALL my beautiful children...God, you are good EVEN if I get cast into prison for being a Christian and get tortured for the rest of my life...YOU ARE GOOD!"

Come what may...GOD IS GOOD....All the time!

Trickling Down from the Past...

2009-07-22T13:38:00.000-05:00

The following is General George Washington's first official order, issued after taking official command of the Continental Army (July 4, 1775):

The General most earnestly requires and expects a due observance of those articles of war established for the government of the army, which forbid profane cursing, swearing, and drunkenness. And in like manner he requires and expects of all officers and soldiers, not engaged in actual duty, a punctual attendance on Divine service, to implore the blessing of Heaven upon the means used for our safety and defense.

Five days later, the Commander in Chief fired off another "religious" directive:

The honorable Continental Congress having been pleased to allow a chaplain to each regiment, with the pay of thirty-three and one-third dollars per month, the colonels or commanding officers of each regiment are directed to procure chaplains - accordingly persons of good character and exemplary lives - to see that all inferior officers and soldiers pay them a suitable respect, and attend carefully upon religious exercises. The blessing and protection of Heaven are at all times necessary, butespecially is it in times of public distress and danger. The General hopes and trusts that every officer and man will endeavor so to live and act as becomes a Christian soldier, defending the dearest rights and liberties of his country.

(Exerpt from What Hath God Wrought, William Grady)

This season...

2009-07-18T23:51:00.000-05:00

No doubt you are familiar with the term "seasons in life"? Well...It's taking me a bit to get used to this new season in my life. What season? I don't know what you'd call it....maybe someone could suggest a name for it. I'll attempt to describe it...

Let me prelude with this: I LOVE being around my family (hello?...and what momma doesn't?...a crazy one!). And I LOVE homeschooling my kiddos! They're awsome! We have so much fun. I've been homeschooling now for near fourteen years. And most of our mornings were spent centered around God's Word..you know,...Bible story, character lesson, scripture memorization, singing...you get the picture, eh?

Ahhhhh, I have fond memories around that time..for instance, it was during one of these hours that Timothy (my now 9 year old) let out his first belly laugh. We all caught it, he kept on belting it out, we were laughing, watching him, revelling in him, actually...it was grand...we carried on in singing, him laughing, us following, making crazy gutteral sounds, acting like a bunch of intoxicated fools! And all this over a fat little bald headed feller who decided he wanted to interrupt our Bible time with his first laughs! :)...sure wish I could see that from the outside! What a joy that was. And I could bore you with many other times such as that...probably you have your own googly baby story that's come to mind, and you know exactly what kind of moment I'm talking about?

So...ANYWAYS...(I'm smiling)...these times are precious! You mommas know what I'm talking about, eh? And now......MY KIDS ARE GROWING UP!!! and I don't like it!

Ok, ok...I can just hear some of you "righteous" ladies right now..., "WELL, if SHE had the right kind of relationship with her HUSBAND... then she wouldn't be carryin' on so about her children growing UP!" Oh, phooey!

Darren and I...well, we're now on our second honeymoon! And let me tell you, it's BETTER than the first! (that's for a later post) so, I'll just continue on about my kiddos!...

What I'm trying to say is that...?...I'm just flat out not liking this season. I want things to stay the same...and they're not! I love the dirty, snotty little faces,...the wild child hair-doo,...the silly tickling, wrestling romps,...the nursing---oh, I miss the nursing!,...the laughs,...the late night talks with the older guys,...the goofy boy and silly, giggly girl time...I LOVE IT! and dread the time when it's all gone, and only a memory. (you'd think I'm an old granny right now by the way I'm writing...but it's coming soon!...truly cherish the moments!) I know that one day, we'll all gather around the holiday table and laugh and carry on as we reminisce, that'll be fun, too...Darren and I fatter (ugh) and grayer...grandkids all around....Aren't God's gifts the best????

What season? The name I don't know...but it's the season when the older kiddos are beginning to grow up, get jobs...when it's a bit more challenging to get the whole family at the dinner table at the same time (btw, it may be a challenge, but we still make it a priority to eat together at the table once a day...it may be breakfast or lunch instead of supper, but we still do it..yay!)
But, I can't do anything about the inevitable change, so hopefully this will be one of the few posts where I complain...

Pray for me...

Tina's done :)..'bout time, eh? :)

New Here

2009-07-18T23:37:00.000-05:00

...yes, I've finally stepped out into "blog world"!...feel a bit intimidated, but I love writing and that's what I'm gonna do :)...