Our Faith, Our Family, & Our Friendships.

 It was a busy weekend for us.     Matt had 4 days off work and we decided to just concentrate on getting stuff down around the yard and getting caught up on things we are always having to put on the back burner.     Matt reinforced the bridge that runs across the pond,   and I got into my studio and did some deep cleaning and organizing.     It felt good to get some much-needed projects done.    The normal house cleaning, laundry, and dinners never end,  but sometimes you have to get out and take care of things beyond everyday stuff.     We made simple meals and even bought hot dog buns (gasp!) to get me out of the kitchen and use my time for other needed areas.     We were so tired every night but felt accomplished.       We also took time with the kids, relaxing around the pond,  swimming,   and also went to see the local fireworks, and treated them to elephant ears from the food truck...

If you know anything about me,   you know I am very practical.   I don't like excess "stuff" and clutter.   It causes me to feel anxious,  and unorganized.      So,  When it comes to gift-giving,   I tend to have the same feelings.   I like to give gifts that are sensible,   something people will use,  and not a dust collector or something people feel obligated to hang onto but secretly have zero use for.   Especially a teacher,    after years of teaching a bunch of students,  they have to get overwhelmed by the amount of thoughtful yet "what do I do with this" gifts. So for teacher appreciation week this year,  I tried to think outside the box,  but be cost-effective as between my two kids there are 8-10 teachers and aids total!     I didn't have to give a gift to each teacher, and it probably wasn't expected,  but I figured if I could make it affordable,  we could easily give ...

Today,  I would ask you all,  to stop for even a minute and cry out to our Father in Heaven about all that is on your hearts,      Pray for our Nation,   our President,  Leaders, and all those in authority.      Pray for our Missionaries,    Here and abroad   Pray for saftly and provisions for your family    Pray that he would give courage when you have a moment to witness of his love and Salvation   Pray for laws,   That he would be glorified   Pray for a revival   Pray that Christians would be strong and rid their lives of sin.   Pray that the Holy Spirit would convict   Pray for these next generations,   they would see their need for a savior and not be swallowed up in worldly desires and agendas.   And thank him for this law that was put in place many many years ago,  and thank him for our religious freedoms!       How they are not to me taken for g...

  As a Christian- this day,  This "holiday" is the reason we rejoice,    It's the reason we have Peace,  Joy,  and It's the reason we have full assurance of eternal life in Heaven.     Jesus paid it all.    He died a horrific death,    Was tortured and beaten,  to save us.      He took our punishment,  as a sinless man,    for all our sins,  knowing that so many would still reject him.      He loves us that much.       And today we celebrate that love.        That day he rose from the grave!      

    Our Church/ School hosted a harvest festival On Halloween night with pumpkin carving, Bounce houses,   bon fires,  Donuts and cider,  and trunk or treat,  They used it as a safe alternative,   and an outreach to the local area.      It was such a fun family time.    So many locals came out to attend and the turnout was great.       I wanted to go a step further and try to plant a seed of Christ into each child that came through and give something besides candy and more beneficial to each little one.     After some thought,  I decided on pencils!     I found bulk packs of pencils on the internet,   and each one of them had something about Jesus on them!     It was perfect!    What kid can't use a pencil?   What parents gonna throw it away like they might candy. and if a child uses it daily at school,   Every day they might read the message that "...

A Yearly tradition!  

We pray you have a joy-filled Easter, filled with praise to our Savior for his Wonderful Love for us. He is indeed worthy of our praise!   In between the Easter baskets full of chocolate and Yummy dinners,    Make sure you stop and truly Thank Our Precious Father for sending his Son to die on the Cross for our sins,   Because of Jesus,  and his love for us,  We can now look forward to an eternity in Heaven with him.     Stop today and truly Accknowlege him today for this sacrifice! Amen!  He is Risen!  Sporting our new Easter Sunday clothes!   (Thank you Gigi for the dress!)