Can we get TOO comfortable?

I remember a few years ago my grandmother was selling half of her farm and it included the house, to build on and move to the other half of their property. I was too young to understand why someone would do that. I didn't know finances could make life complicated and they needed the money. But when I asked her why? I remember specifically what she said, "because we never want to get too comfortable ". I remember that just sticking out in my mind as so odd, or not making any sense. My goal in life was just the opposite, to get as comfortable as I could. Have lots of fun, get lots of possessions, and experience lots of fun things. It was all about me that mattered the most.Not I reflect back at that, remembering what she said, and I believe I can understand slightly what she ment. That even something that huge in life as moving at that age shouldn't move your focus as to what matters most in life, "God". That should just be viewed as a small inconvenience in the path of life and we need to just move around it and keep going. There is no use of making a big deal about it.

The other, bigger thought I have is that if we have too many possessions, too many "pleasantries", too many fun experiences, we become like the "rich man" in the bible. And what man, having all the riches of his hearts desire, being in need of nothing, is going to want to walk the hard path of life and follow Jesus? what rich man, when the world is in need is going to want to part with any of his riches and bless someone who needs them more? What rich man is going to drop EVERYTHING that he loves so much and want to go home to be with Jesus in the end? You don't just magically stop loving all your possessions when you get old and your life is almost over. You don't just suddenly stop loving everything you have loved your entire life.

We need to always remember to keep God in our focus. Remember that we have needs in life and if they are met then we should be thankful and not take much more than that from life. I challenge you to stop and look at your life today. What do you have in life that is more than you need? You should try to find someone else who could use a blessing and pass on these things so they don't hinder you from loving God or others. So they don't get in the way of what really matters in life.

"Lord, please keep my eyes clear and focused on what is necessary in life. Help me to be able to tell the difference between real needs and pleasantries. Help me to not cling to too much, cluttering up my heart and focus. Help me to teach this lesson to my dear sweet children and not forget it. Help me to never get too comfortable in my daily living. I would rather life be hard and a struggle and be dirt poor; than to be rich and have everything to my heart's content"

Amen!!

Mason Jar "money banks"

We really enjoyed making these. I decided the children were old enough to be responsible for their own money and it was about time to teach them some lessons.

Directions:
1. We started with a mason jar fixed with the lid and ring, per child.
2. Took a kitchen knife and tapped a hole/ slit in the top of each one just big enough for a quarter to fit through.
3. I got a recipe for "wheat paste". Made it and let it cool.
4. Took some strips of any paper and ripped them into smaller strips or pieces.
5. Let the children (with my help) dip the entire strip of paper, both sides, into the "home made glue" and I wiped off the excess with my fingers. Handed them the strips. They laid them all over the surface of the jars, including the bottom, but not covering the money hole.
6. Let them thuroghly dry for a few days, even had to place them in a slightly warm oven ( same temp as rising bread, not very hot at all) to speed up the drying, so they wouldn't mold on me in this cold air.
7. Let them have at painting what ever their little heart desired their bank to look like.

Wheat Paste: 2 c hot water, 1/2 c flour, 1 Tbsp sugar, 1 Tbsp salt (add just a little bit of water to the flour in a pot, till it looks like paste, slowly add remaining water and other two ingr. Heat to a boil. Boil for 1 min. Remove and cool.

TONS OF FUN!!!! We really enjoy this project. Over the next few days I threw in lots of lessons and discussions:
1. What do you think God thinks is wasteful/ necessary.
2. The difference between how different countries waste (Africa vs US vs Mexico etc) on the topic of food & money
3. What it means to be poor vs rich in Gods eyes.
4. Why homeless people sometimes choose to be homeless. Why some people are forced into being homeless. What we can do to help them. What we shouldn't do to help them.
5. What they can do with their money. What is wasteful. What is wise. What is necessary. What God would want them to do with their money.
6. We really went in to detail about wasting food by eating too much vs not eating enough. Throwing it in the garbage vs feeding the leftover to the chickens vs saving it for later. I even got on you tube and showed them a few video clips of Africa children who were in need, while we were being wasteful and they could be using it.

Discussion:
It has been very enriching to discuss thing like this with my children. I decided early on in my mothering I was going to teach them as much as I could about life. What was real. What they could handle learning about we sought out to learn about. I don't feel like I have shown them too much, nor too little. My children are NOT naive or ignorant about much in life... and I'm very please with my parenting in this area....

Raisin Molasses Drop Cookies

We love trying new recipes: this was directly off the raisin box, and we just altered it a ton. Here is what we did:

3/4 c olive oil
1/2 c molasses
1 c honey
1/2 c buttermilk
2 eggs
3 1/2 c flour
1/2 c flax seed meal
1 tsp salt
1 tsp soda
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
2 c raisins/ craisins

Cream wet ingredients. Add dry and mix. If it seems a little too wet, then add a little flour/ or too dry then add a little buttermilk. Drop by spoonfuls onto baking sheet. Bake 375* for 10-12 mins.

We loved them!!! Definitely healthy!!

30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge #14

Day Fourteen:
"The righteous man walks in his integrity..." Prov. 20:7a

Every week there are news reports about men who gave in to temptations and compromised what they said they believed. We hear countless reports about dishonest business dealings, hidden infidelity, and hypocritical leaders. It's so easy to focus on these things and ignore those who are being honest, faithful and genuine. As you continue in the "30-Day Encouragement Challenge," determine to look for ways that your husband stands against the culture.

Is your spouse a man of integrity? Is he fair in his dealings with people? Does he understand the meaning of justice? Is he honest in business? Unhypocritical in his faith? Consider all the ways a man can live in integrity, and praise your husband for one of them. As you have the opportunity - as it is appropriate - share examples of your husband's honesty and integrity with others.
***

Isn't it amazing what the power of encouragement can do in others' lives? So many blessings come to those we love, and our own hearts are encouraged, too. We would love to have you share your encouragement journey with us. What has God been doing in your heart as you have set out to encourage your husband? In your husband's heart? Have others noticed the change? Just click here to tell us:

http://www.reviveourhearts.com/interact/contactus.htm

30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge #13

Day Thirteen:
"I am my beloved's, and his desire is toward me." Song of Solomon 7:10

The sexual relationship. It's one of those elements - along with money and children - that can derail a marriage through negative comments. Negativity destroys intimacy, but encouragement builds and strengthens the marriage bond. Let's get practical here. Is your husband a "good lover?" Have you told him so? Be specific. Let him know when he pleases you. Most husbands genuinely want to please their wives, especially in this important area of marriage.

In moments of intimacy, do you find your mind wandering? This can change as you focus on something wonderful about your husband. Realize that your husband wants intimacy with you...his desire is toward you.

Does this area of your marriage need some work? Remember that this is a sensitive area for men. Be sure to encourage his lovemaking and masculinity in positive ways.

30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge #12

Day Twelve:
"With all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love."
Eph. 4:2

Part of the difficulty you may face as you continue in this 30-day challenge to encourage your husband is that you really are struggling to find positive things to praise. Perhaps the problem is not with your husband. Have you checked your own heart? Sometimes we get disillusioned because of our own unreasonable or unrealistic expectations (Prov. 13:12). It may not be that our mates are doing something wrong; it's simply that we expect too much in some areas.

Our expectations must be met in God alone, and then we will have the right perspective to ask God for the healing and grace we need to respond to others. How sad that we give more grace to others than to those in our own homes. Today, try to look at your husband through eyes of grace. Verbally thank your husband for what he is already doing.

Victoria Signing "all done"

30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge #11

Day Eleven:
"Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord." Eph. 5:22

Women who are constantly negative toward their husbands - especially by speaking evil of them to others - show great disrespect. Determine not to do that today (or ever!). This challenge to encourage is closely connected to submission.

Men respond to women who respect them. What do you respect about your husband? Part of that respect includes submission to his authority. Let your husband know how respecting him makes it easier to submit to his leadership. Show your respect in public by listening to him and smiling at him when he speaks. Place your hand in his as you walk together.

If you feel there is nothing to respect, search harder ...nearly every man has some core characteristic that can be nurtured and respected. In any case, you must still cultivate a submissive spirit to his position of leadership..."as to the Lord."

30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge #10

Day Ten:
"Behold you are handsome, my beloved! Yes, pleasant!..." Song of Solomon 1:16a

We all crave appreciation. We want to know that we are valued and loved. Early love letters probably reflected our admiration, but if we're not careful, our spouse will forget why we were drawn to him. If you still have any of your old love letters, re-read them for clues to deepen your current level of appreciation for your spouse. When we spend time criticizing our husbands, we lose time that could be spent admiring them. As you consider various ways to encourage your husband, ask, "How can I admire him?"

Does your husband know that you think he is attractive? What was one of the characteristics in your husband that first drew you to him? Was it a physical characteristic, or something else?

Was it his gentle, compassionate eyes? Kindness or concern for others? An easy-going confidence? A steadiness that comes from trusting in the Lord? Strength of character in a culture that lacks integrity? Do you see at least a glimpse of that characteristic in him today? Whatever it is, tell him!

30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge #9

Day Nine:
"...be swift to hear, slow to speak..." James 1:19b

We are often so busy speaking that we don't take time to listen. We are so quick to offer a comment - negative or positive - that we don't really "hear" our husband's heart. Remember: we have two ears and only one mouth. We need to listen more! As you continue in your 30-day challenge, not speaking negatively and focusing on positive encouragement, hear the Lord's admonition today: "Be swift to hear." If listening is a real problem for you, play a game with yourself. See if you can listen to your husband for one whole day, only speaking when asked a question. If your husband notices the difference, explain that you are learning to listen more-not only to God, but also to him.

One easy way to express admiration for your husband is to ask a question about something he enjoys, and then listen to his response. If it's an area of personal familiarity, keep asking questions until you learn something you didn't know, then tell him, "Wow, I didn't know that!"

30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge #8

Day Eight:

How are you doing with the "30-Day Encouragement Challenge"? In case you've forgotten, here's the challenge: * You can't say anything negative about your husband ...to your husband...or to anyone else, about your husband. * Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband...to your husband...and to someone else, about your husband! "...but who can find a faithful man?" Prov. 20:6b


Faithfulness is a wonderful but rare quality today, especially in regard to marriage. Do you understand how important this quality is? Your challenge is to continue to root out all negative speaking, and plant seeds of encouragement instead. You may be amazed at what will grow. Contemporary culture often entices men to be unfaithful to their wedding vows and spiritual commitments. Appreciate your husband's faithfulness - how he is loyal to you. Let him know that you are glad he has "stick-to-it-iveness" in your marriage. Appreciate his faithfulness to God. (If you have an unfaithful husband, this is a difficult area for you.

Pray, speak the truth in love, remain faithful yourself, and discover ways to encourage faithfulness in your mate. The Bible says that husbands may "...be won by the conduct of their wives" [1 Pet. 3:1]. You may also want to seek counsel from a mature, godly individual or couple.)

30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge #7

Day Seven:
This is David buying kettle corn for the children at the state fair. He is so good to the children and I.


"Do not overwork to be rich; because of your own understanding, cease!...for riches certainly make themselves wings..." Prov. 23:4-5

"That I may cause those who love me to inherit wealth, that I may fill their treasuries." Proverbs 8:21

Money is the root of much marital discord. Ask yourself, "Am I being negative toward my husband in the area of finances?" Determine not to speak evil of your husband in this area. Discover ways to encourage and help him instead.

Does your husband handle finances wisely? Does he make good financial investments, based on biblical principles? Does he have a budget? Does he make wise decisions about purchases - checking many sources before he buys? Is he a good steward of his money before the Lord? Let him know how much you appreciate his strengths in financial matters.

If he is weak in this area, encourage any good decisions that he does make. Perhaps you can help him, if he's open to the idea, by organizing financial files or providing other practical assistance. Or, if he wants you to handle the finances, ask for his input before you make decisions that will affect him.

30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge #6

Day Six:


"...whatever ye do, do all to the glory of God." 1 Cor. 10:31b Do you recognize and appreciate your husband's creativity? Or do you criticize and demean his efforts? Instead of negativity, determine to be positive. Perhaps you can help your husband see that his efforts are an opportunity to glorify God.

Is your husband the "creative" type? Does he have any artistic gifts? What is that special "knack" he has? Affirm him for his handiwork - a hobby, music, gardening, tinkering with cars, working with wood, etc. Remember: Even if he doesn't measure up to your standards, praise his efforts. If your budget allows, buy him a book or magazine that will continue to encourage his special skill or talent.

If you have a hard time finding his "creative side," understand that men's creativity sometimes is related to their work. Find something he does to make his job run more smoothly or something he does that adds value to his work...and let him know that you have noticed.

Make his day...Praise his accomplishments in public, while he is listening.

30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge #5

Day Five:

"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers." Eph. 4:29 Another way to describe the positive side of this "30-Day Encouragement Challenge" is by using the word "edify," which means, "to build up." Negative comments only discourage and tear down. Positive comments encourage and build.

Do you edify your husband before others, adding to his value in their eyes? This is especially important to other family members.

Do you praise your husband to his relatives, and yours? Does your husband's mother know how much you love him? How about your dad? Perhaps you can drop a word of praise into a conversation or letter. Be creative in letting your relatives know that you respect your husband, love him, and support him - in spite of whatever flaws and weaknesses he may have.

30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge #4

Day Four:

"...let him labor, working with his hands what is good..." Eph. 4:28 We are all accountable for the things we say, both negative and positive words. Have you embraced the challenge to speak only positive things to your husband and to others about him? Here's a suggestion that touches the core of your husband's world.

Some women take their husband's career for granted, and they show it in many ways. Do you "dump" on your husband at the end of the workday, or do you strengthen and encourage him with your words? A wise wife will make her husband feel that she values and appreciates his work. Let him know that you are glad he is a hard worker. Take opportunities to praise his diligence and resourcefulness to others.

If your husband is out of work, unable to work, or refuses to work, you'll need to be more creative. Praise him for a character quality that you see in him that would be a vital part of a successful career - such as persistence, decisiveness, strength, an analytical mind, organizational skills, good with people, good listener, determination, etc.

30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge #3

Day Three:

"...love suffers long, and is kind..." 1 Cor. 13:4
"And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:19

Love indeed suffers long and is kind. As you consider your Encouragement Challenge, determine today that you will not say anything negative to or about your husband. Speak kindly to him with words of genuine encouragement.

If your husband is considerate of your needs, let him know that you have noticed. Thank him for his kindness and consideration. Thank the Lord that your husband knows how to be both tough and tender.

Sometimes it's difficult for a man to be gentle, kind or tender - especially if he hasn't had role models in these areas. If he's not a considerate person, appeal to him for help without complaining. Let him know that it's hard for you to handle some things alone. Then, when he moves in to help, don't insist that he do it your way. Be glad that he is responding, and express your gratitude.

Ultimately, you can't expect your husband to make you feel more secure, loved, etc. Remember that only God can meet the deepest needs of your heart.

30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge #2

Day Two:

"...through love serve one another." Gal. 5:13b

How did you do yesterday with your first day of blessing and encouraging your husband? Was it easy? Was it hard to hold your tongue when you wanted to say something negative? We hope you're off to a good start. (If you blew it, don't give up - start again today!) There are so many practical things you can praise, if you look for them.

(This is the most recent picture I can find of us together, we dont have many of the both of us, but I like this one... He is Telling a story or Joke... He always has something fun to listen to)

Today, find some way that your husband is serving you or your family. Does he help around the house? Take care of the car? Fix things that are broken? If your budget allows, give him a new, small tool with a big bow attached. But make sure he doesn't think it's part of a "Honey Do" list!


Maybe your husband's not a handyman, but does he run errands for you? Let you go first? Take care of you when you are sick? Help you make decisions? Praise him for his willingness to serve others. Let him know that you see his unique service as a great strength.

Today we played Hockey...Hockey is in full season!!!

Today we played Hockey...

I wish I had gotten these way earlier in life!!! This is now our PE for school!!!! Fun Fun!!!

Here are the boys enjoying Isaiah's new hockey set: two nets, 6 sticks, lots of balls. They didn't have a clue how to play so David had to explain a few basic rules. Hit the puck into the OPPOSITE team's goal! LOL not your own. Hockey is rough. Its for big boys. So if you dont want to play feel free to sit with mom and tori, but we are having fun here, no crying allowed :)

David enjoying a moment with Victoria while I get a chance to play. She was so amused by the whole shouting and cheering thing. She is not used to this much noise and commotion!
Here I got a chance to play. Nice hockey field huh? Its the perfect size, and walls all around. But we can only play when David takes this car to work, otherwise it will have to be on the back patio, without walls. And let me tell ya we need these walls, LOL.Boys taking a "jaritos break" we had lots of Mexican sodas left over from the birthday party. They like them a lot. David takes much nicer pictures than me ;)

THE Ice Cream Cake

These are the spectacular ice cream cakes that I made for Isaiah's birthday party. I searched around a lot on the internet but couldn't find a recipe that I liked exactly, so I sorta made this up. It turned out wonderful. The sliced picture above is another cake made with butterfinger crust which we made a few days ago because we liked the cake so much and poor Isaiah was so distracted at his party that he didn't get a piece of cake himself. So of course we made another one for him the next day...
Above are the two finished cakes.
Above is my mess as I make the cakes.

Need:

Cake
Ice cream
1 bag of semi sweet chocolate chips
1 C heavy whipping cream
1 tub cool whip
1/4 C butter, melted
1/2 bag oreos, crushed

I made the actually cake from boxes (Duncan Hines)
Just follow the recipe. Cool and slice horizontally in half, to make thinner pieces of cake .

Crust is just the butter and the oreos pressed into a spring form pan. Freeze 15 min.

Gnash: heat cream, pour over the chocolate chips in a bowl. Mix thoroughly. Cool to room temp.
Pour a cup full on crust, spread, place one layer of cake on this and freeze 15 min.

Pick any ice cream flavor, we used cookie dough. Thaw in fridge till soft but not runny. Spread some on frozen cake. Place layer of cake. Spread with more gnash. Freeze 15 min.

Continue layering cake, gnash and ice cream, freezing in between. Vary the thickness how you like it. We sprinkled crushed butterfingers on the ice cream on the second cake!! great idea!!

To serve, remove from freezer, thaw for 10 - 20 min depending, just don't let it get drippy.
Spread with thawed cool whip. Run butcher knife under hot water to cut easier and serve immediately!!!

ENJOY!!

Isaiahs 5th Birthday Party

My second son Isaiah Lee Vital turned 5 on the 10th. Our families really like to do birthday parties with all the cousins here. We were even blessed to have my Grandparents up from Arizona still here, they hadn't gone back yet. So on Saturday we had a HOUSE FULL and patio and kitchen and garage! Fun Fun! This is a picture of him and his spectacular ice cream cakes that I made! They turned out great if I may say so. I have never had so many people compliment anything I have made as much as this.... (recipe to follow).

This is my birthday boy (on right) coming home to a house full of family and party going on, ... and he didn't have a clue we were planning this! His first semi-suprise party. His uncle Steve and aunt Kailey took him out all morning to keep him busy, then uncle Tony and Xavior took a turn hanging out with him until 4pm...or slightly past. He was definitely thrilled :)
Above are the potatoes, I love that recipe. Cheesy, gooey, bacon and cream: potato casserole.
Below are the baked beans with LOTS of bacon: they were also extra special a little spicy and southern twist to them.

All in all we had a great get together with everyone that we love most to celebrate a wonderful little boy. Happy Birthday Isaiah. You have been such a joy and blessing to this family. Thank you so much for your kind and loving heart! It makes me so happy to see that way you love to take care of Marcus now, such a change from the first day you saw him, LOL! Now you have two younger siblings that adore you and look up to you! May you always be the example to them that you should be. May God bless your life and give you children which are just as WONDERFUL as you are, and lots of them :) You have been such a good buddy for Alex. You two are the epitome of the word "BROTHERS" the way you love each other so so much, and if you could choose one other to play with it would be each other. I pray that that relationship only grows stronger and stronger over the years, may you remain each others best friend! God choose you for our family and I'm so greatful he did. He always knows best!

30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge #1

I'm going to try to have one of these posted each morning for the next 30 days... try. I don't remember where I got this. I have been wanting to go over them, and have had them saved on my computer for a long time now, always meaning to get to it one day. If I feel like I am responsible for putting them on here every morning, I know that I will finally actually get to do this! I'm excited! These are the things in life that thrill me: Encouraging those people in my life that mean the most to me! Especially my husband. Ive been really working on this one for the past month, and it feels so good!


30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge for Wives

We're so glad you've decided to accept the "30-Day Encouragement Challenge" to
encourage your husband! Your decision means that you truly want to be a blessing in
your home. This challenge will also result in spiritual growth in your own life.
We'd like to encourage you to keep track of what God does in your marriage over this
next month. We hope you'll take time to share what God does in your home as you
bless and encourage your spouse.

Day One:
"The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain. She does
him good and not evil all the days of her life." Prov. 31:11-12
To refresh your memory...here's the 30-Day Encouragement Challenge...for the next 30
days:

* You can't say anything negative about your husband ...to your husband...or to anyone
else, about your husband.
* Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband...to your
husband...and to someone else, about your husband!

To help you get started, have you ever thanked your husband for "choosing you" above
all other women? He found you attractive as a person, and appreciated you. Though
many circumstances in your marriage may have changed, let your husband know that
you are glad God led you together, and that you want to be a blessing to him for the rest
of your marriage. Let him know that he can trust you to be in his corner.

One of the best opportunities to express your gratitude is first thing in the morning. How
do you greet your husband each morning? Is he confident in your love? Give him a
"wake up call" that he'll never forget-a big "I love you" and an "I'm so glad I'm your wife!"

A follow up on my HUGEST trial...

A week or so after the DHS lady closed our case...

So since I didn't get to sit through ANY of the seminars at the Home School Conference this year David was sweet and bought me the entire collection on MP3. I was listening through all of them one by one alphabetically and when I got the the "Gs" there was a sweet young mother talking about how precious the young years are. She sounded SO full of love and passion about her own children. SO serious about putting them first and trying so hard. I don't think I have ever heard someone put into words how I have always felt towards my own children... they are my flesh and blood and I don't take that lightly...



At the end of her seminar she mentioned that she had a blog, and I obviously haven't been blogging all last year... well I got on there and just got SWEPT away reading her entire blog in just a few short days!!! Let me tell you I was so so so very encouraged!!!! I though "even if I never meet this dear lady, I know now ... that there does exist mothers out there trying as hard as me (or harder) to raise there children for GOD!!! Silly but that there is hope of finding a wonderful wife for themselves one day, and wonderful friends for them for now!!!!

I realized... the whole picture became clear to me:
My heart had been struggling with motherhood and feeling a huge loss and overwhelming sense of NO PURPOSE OR HOPE.... God brought me through the valley to show me that I just need to obey him and trust that he has a plan.... then I came out the other side to see this BEAUTIFUL meadow full of happy Godly girls: which represented hope to me. I am not the only mother out there with these trials. She has them too, and she is fighting off the world and doing a WONDERFUL job at raising these lovely little ladies!!! God does have a beautiful plan! He does take care of us! He knows what is best... we just need to trust him and follow him, even if it is through a valley!!!

Thank you Father for that lesson. Thank you for not giving up on me! Thank you for not letting me wander or get lost, for calling to me and directing my path! You know what is best for me and my family! You alone! Thank you! Please keep calling to me and never leave me, I need you if I'm going to do a good job with these children! Amen!!! Thank you Lord!!!

My HUGEST trial of my life...

It has taken me a while to absorb what happened a month ago... and realize that everything is fine now, nothing bad is going to happen. I finally feel like I can move on.

I was at home with my children, going about my normal day when someone knocked at the door. There was a woman from DHS here asking to come in to talk to me and my children, there had been a phone call Monday afternoon filing a claim of abuse on my behalf, and she needed to investigate. I immediately knew who it was who had filled the false claim and tried to explain to the woman what was going on. She simply informed me that she had the right to pursed the investigation simply because that phone call was made, regardless if it was true or false.

She asked me a few questions about my parenting. I did not lie. I told her that I spanked my children with a wooden spoon. She was horrified. So stupidly I became defensive and tried to explain myself "hands are for loving not hitting". To which SHE became defensive because that is what her ENTIRE discipline approach is based on "don't use anything but your hands to discipline your child"

So being more and more flustered and attacked I made a royal mess out of everything. She spoke to the children alone and when I came back in the house she was writing her case against me. She had plenty of things written down: I let the children ride their bikes without helmets (on our driveway and back patio??? puleeeezzzzz) I LET them cut themselves on Davids razor (acted as if I actually did the cutting myself) etc etc...

Thank you Lord for sending David home on his lunch break!!!! He is so good with people... he wasn't flustered at all. This was right up his line of business. HE is the one who usually gets referalls FROM the DHS workers. HE is the one who FIXES these truely abussive parents, teaching them classes, evaluating them and such... That woman had quite the nerve talking to him the way she did. But he gave me the look of "just be quiet Amanda" so I pretty much did, tried anyway...

She explained that from the feel she got already of our family, she wanted to check the children for bruises. So the three of us took each child one by one aside and quickly looked them over. On the first child, she snapped at me "SEE THERE IS A BRUISE RIGHT THERE ALREADY!!!" and I calmly walked over to him, licked my thumb wiped the scar and stretched the skin replied, "that is a scar... its been there a month... it will still be there a month from now." To which she calmed down slightly. Thank you God there weren't anymore bruises anywhere on them, I can just imagine what she would have done! My children are BOYS! they usually have a bruise somewhere.. Isaiah has one on his forehead right now for goodness sakes.

She excused her self and said she would be returning....

This is my point.... My mind FILLED TO OVERFLOWING with fear of loosing them. David said calmly after she left that by her reaction and the falsness she was writing down he was PRETTY sure I would be arested if not both of us!!!!

We had planned on going camping that weekend, but David said if I wanted to leave right then and there he was fine with that (wednesday evening) So my sweet sister and I packed up real quick and headed out. I had a battle going on in my heart... IT WAS JUST ME FACING THE EVIL, AND GOD WAS WATCHING.... where was I going to put my heart?

I was angry at first, denying, defensive, HATRED, pure hatred at the person who had made this claim. The only thing that soothed that angry from striking them back was David's orderd to exclued them from our lives, that they are not to be anywhere near me or my children again.

Then I clamed down... I realized God was still there and that if I was angry and defensive I must be guilty of something. So I dug down and realized that I was guilty indeed, guilty of not doing my BEST with my children. Not spending enough time with them, getting snappy and frusterated at them, lowering my standards of being a wonderful mother... I have sacraficed SO much of my life and put it into my children. I fight a DAILY battle at keeping my house PURE of the world, protecting my children... That recently I had been feeling like I was THE ONLY ONE ALIVE WHO WAS DOING THIS.!!!!!! THE ONLY ONE!!!!!! I felt so lost and alone.... silly but I was looking out on this world thinking, if I put all this time, love, energy into my children, raise them into WONDERFUL God fearing men... they are going to be SO SO SO VERY LONELY.... there are no good boys left out there whom they can be friends with, there are no good little girls out there whom they can choose a wife... WHY AM I DOING THIS.. and I felt like I was about to give up and slack hard at my job...

... instead God was trying to tell me something. That I am unique, set apart from the world. I am not anything like anybody who is NORMAL or REGULAR. My boys have a LOT going for them! I feel like God was telling me they were EXTRA SPECIAL, that he has a plan for them. He wanted to used them for something HUGE in this world. He needed me to do my job, do it well and do it with every last drop of blood in me. HE NEEDED ME. So I concluded that this lady did not come to take my children from me, really what was happening was Satan was trying to hurt me or my children through an angry person. But God was watching and waiting for my heart to learn a lesson, to "get in the right place" and he was going to protect me. So I did what I believe he wanted me to do, " I told God I was going to keep on to the end". That I hadn't come this far for nothing. I wanted to see the end result, the reward he had in store, the wonderful plans he has for my boys...

A short while later, David got ahold of the lady, she came to our house for the "follow up." It was a completely different story. She was very nice and polite. Informed us that she usually doesn't sit down with people to give them there results but she wanted to with us. To let us know that she was closing the case as "UNFOUNDED" !!!!!!! I couldn't believe it. I went from thinking I was going to get locked up for nothing to she found nothing at all!!! And she was being realllllly nice. She just wanted to let us know "I think you have some really great children, and I want to let you know that you need to try harder to love them" was the jest of the message I got. And I was like (that's exactly what I thought you were trying to say all along God, thank you for this confirmation, I needed to hear it out loud to make sure I wasn't making this whole thing up )

That's it case closed.... Love the boys, take care of them, try my hardest every moment of every day, drenching them in smiles and adoration.... I'm glad I took the time to write this so I can remain focused!!! Amen!!!

PS I have been involved with HELPING DHS for a few years and they are usually helpful people with good intentions. I meant no disrespect to the woman in this article, I felt like it only had to do with my heart only and no one else's, she was just the tool that was used to teach me this lesson...

It was nap

Today... we went to bush park

We went to bush park to play around with the camera and take some new pictures of the children. then home so david could play around with photoshop. these are the first three.












The most recent one of all four of my children, one of me and Victoria since I dont have many pictures with me in it, and one of beautiful Victoria in the flowers :)

What a lovely evening!!! Thankyou Lord that my husband is so wonderful with that camera, to be able to record in photos our sweet life so we may look back upon it and cherish it in our old age to come... Thankyou for the beautiful park that we get to enjoy and for such happy children who are so easy to catch on film...

Trials

I woke early this morning, and when I do that despite being up till midnight, I usually have a sense that God wants to spend some time with me. I'll try to keep this a sumary and not drag it out too long.

I haven't fasted in almost two years. A few days ago I had a strong desire to. I know I'm still nursing and shouldn't be fasting, but its towards the end so I wasn't too worried. I went two full days on water only and was doing fine, and I thought it was much easier than I thought it should be. However, I went about it all wrong though. I remained focused on the physical aspects, cleansing, health, how long can I go... and forgot that the entire reason should have been to spend more time with God, focusing on my relationship with Him. To fellowship and commune with him when my soul has subdued my flesh and is in control for a time. To have a clearer mind when facing upcoming temptations, trials and hardship... so I failed. I'm sorry Father, I should have been doing it for you.


Now I know why it was so easy. I feel God was trying to help me stick to it longer. I felt like God was trying to help me grow my spiritual muscles and my faith, to prepare me for something; however, I let the little thoughts creap into my mind, "did God really want you to fast" , "you are a nursing mother" "what good are you doing". Thus ending my fast much too short to benifit from it what I believe God had intended. Im positive it was God, why else would I have told David about the fast? I had suggested to him that we do one together, I felt there was a need for me to do one, but WITH David. I dont usually tell him what to do, but I had a thought and that it was for BOTH of us to do together. I didn't know how long I needed to fast but knew when it was time to end I knew I would know... now look what happened...


First I woke up at 5:00am, the 48 hour mark with bad symptoms, shakes, throwing up n dry heaving, massive stomach pain, head ache, FEAR that I was starving to death, that I was going to end up in the hospital for doing something so stupid while nursing... so I imedeately sat down and gorged myself on two bowls of cheerios!! And when back to bed. Shortly therof I had horrible stomach pain, like the flu! shouldnt have eaten those cheerios. I realized that i ended my fast with the wrong choice of food, so i quickly looked on the internet for "how to end a fast". I immediately came across an article going into details about the WHY to fast in the first place: for God. and so I realized my error. He wanted me to do this for a reason, I didn't know why but I failed. I should have been praying and praising and reading the bible and meditating on HIM. That's what went wrong. Sure enough at the end of the article it said the first things to eat after a fast, so I did the boiled tomato thing and I felt much better IMEDEATELY. just needed some acid in my stomach and humbling and remorse in my heart. That night at 3:00am i woke up with my "left side" empty but the "right one" engorged! painful hot red swollen, so i imedeately went to the bathroom and expressed as much as I could, and took my massive herbal regimen. Another reminder that I should be praying. but i didn't listen. a few days go by...

We got some news yesterday... potentially VERY BAD news. Now I know why all of this was happening. God was trying to get my heart close to his, very very close. I believe EVERY situation in life God is watching us for our reaction, and that is THE MOST IMPORTANT PART. How are we going to respond? This same thought was laid upon my heart just a little while ago. Where is my heart right now? What should my thoughts and responce be?

We had somthing like this happend a few months ago, I'll write about that next post...

David took me in our bedroom and told be briefly what was going on, and let me tell you, my heart was not ready for that news. I have heard of a saying that "your past can come back to get you" well that is sorta what happened. My mind when crazy and thought all the worst case scenarios and what am I going to do if anything happened? I was immediately filled with fear... not the peace that could have been there. It was then that this whole situation came into perspective.... Ahah! Now I know why you wanted me to fast God, now I know why you wanted me to draw near to you, now I know what I was supposed to be praying for "David" in this trial we are about to face... Last month I felt like it was ME specifically God was watching when we were facing that last HUGE HORRIBLE TRIAL!!! This time it feels like God is watching David. I dont feel like it has anything to do with me, except I am supposed to be loving him and supporting him and praying for him. God just wants to know where David's heart is... just testing him, watching his actions. Either way I know I will be fine, that the most important thing right now is to draw closer to God and hide under his umbrella of protection...

I love you David. I wish I could make everything bad in this world dissapear, but instead I'm going to pray: "Lord that thy will be done, not mine... you know what is best for David, better than I do. If he needs to learn a lesson, or grow spiritually... you know what he needs, just let me know what to do to help"