Trick or Treat…

The kids are EXTREMELY excited about today. O.k., so we won’t be going “trick-or-treating” exactly, but we are going to a church “trunk or treat” this evening.

By the way, here’s a pet “pic”  appropriate for the occasion that I thought you might enjoy!  Happy Halloween!  Have fun and stay safe!

**Again, you can view more pictures (such as the one above) by clicking here.

Precious Pets…

Precious, precious! Too cute for words! So, check these pics out for yourself:

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**Note: Found these at ICANHASCHEEZBURGER, and you can view more here.

Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)…

…Beautiful…Absolutely Beautiful. What else can I say about this song by Chris Tomlin? This song gives me “Jesus bumps” (you know–chills–the good kind).
Thank you Jesus for setting me free!!

To see the video of Chris singing the song (along with shots from the movie), click here. To visit the movie website, you may click here. …And of course, don’t forget to check out these lyrics below–some old; some new…

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By: Chris Tomlin

Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I’m found
Was blind, but now I see

‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed

My chains are gone
I’ve been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, Amazing grace

The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures

My chains are gone
I’ve been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, Amazing grace

My chains are gone
I’ve been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, Amazing grace

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow
The sun forbade to shine
But God, Who called me here below
Will be forever mine
Will be forever mine

You are forever mine

More Kerry Comments…

As many of you already know, my little Kerry sure does have a “way with words!” He’s often quite expressive and comical. I know many of you really enjoy reading his comments, so here’s a few from the last couple of days or so…

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Kerry: “There’s something wrong with this book!” (He’s referring to an electronic story book).

Sarah: “The batteries are dead.”

Kerry: Oh…I feel sorry for the batteries–you know, ’cause they’re de-e-e-ad.”

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Kerry: “Do you know what happened to my baby mouse?” (He’s referring to his stuffed baby Mickey Mouse).

Me: “No, I don’t know, Kerry.”

Kerry: “Well, I gave it to Sarah.” (His face looking very sad).

Me: “A-h-h, that’s very sweet, but why did you do that? (Knowing how much he seems to love it).

Kerry: “Well, she’s been asking and asking me for it all day, so I finally just gave it to her!!” (He’s sounding quite exasperated!)

Me: “Well, Kerry, you don’t have to give it to Sarah if you don’t want to.”

Kerry (simply and ‘matter-of-factly’ says): “Oh, that’s o.k. I won’t even miss it.”

—Note: I sure do love Kerry, but sometimes I really don’t understand that boy!

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–Little Kerry has recently passed another milestone in his development. His comments are as follows:

Kerry says, “I knew I could do it!” (As he says this, he puffs out his little chest–it’s just too cute!)

Kerry then continues with saying, “It’s ’cause I’m 4 now, you know. ‘Four‘ ROCKS!!“

A Good Day…

As many of you know, each day can differ greatly on this homeschooling adventure! Therefore, I’m learning to be more flexible and to “go with the flow.”

Anyway, today, things worked out really well. I worked with little Kerry one-on-one shortly after he awoke. Kerry had his main work done before Sarah had even gotten out of bed. So, then when Sarah arose and got started, I had Kerry work on the computer. That way, Sarah could then have my undivided attention, just as Kerry had earlier.

I’d like for every day to go this smoothly, but I’ll take what I can get! …And I’ll try to remember and be thankful for days like today! Of course, I suppose that’s a good philosophy for anyone on this journey called “LIFE, ” huh?!

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**P.S. —Update: Don’t worry about our “together” time. The kids and I have said Bible verses, Sarah has read from the Children’s Bible, we watched Christian music videos, and the kids watched the show– “Reading Rainbow.” Right now, the kids are getting ready to decorate some eggs. They saw kids decorating eggs on “The Reading Rainbow,” and Sarah asked if she and Kerry could do so today. So, I thought “Why not?” That’s the beauty of homeschooling, ya know…

Hands That “Speak” To Us…

A reader left a comment mentioning the song “Who Am I?” by Casting Crowns. Of course, I had to do some research. I found a neat video of the song on You Tube, which you can view here. I really like how the people so beautifully express the song through the use of sign language. The song is already such a beautiful one, and the use of the signs really enhance it for me.

You know, I can’t really think about this video without thinking of the first Casting Crowns song I posted. Yes, it is true that in the video for todays’ post, the hands really “speak” to me… However, there are two hands that “speak louder” than any ever could… I think you know the ones–they were nail-scarred for you and for me.

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Who Am I?

By: Casting Crowns

Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth
Would care to know my name
Would care to feel my hurt
Who am I, that the Bright and Morning Star
Would choose to light the way
For my ever wandering heart

Not because of who I am
But because of what You’ve done
Not because of what I’ve done
But because of who You’re

I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
A vapor in the wind
Still You hear me when I’m calling
Lord, You catch me when I’m falling
And You’ve told me who I am
I am Yours, I am Yours

Who Am I, that the eyes that see my sin
Would look on me with love and watch me rise again
Who Am I, that the voice that calmed the sea
Would call out through the rain
And calm the storm in me

I am Yours
Whom shall I fear
Whom shall I fear
‘Cause I am Yours
I am Yours

“Standing The Test Of Time…”

…Duane Allen of the Oak Ridge Boys has nothing against new, Contemporary Christian music. However, he speaks for many of us when he says that there’s just something special about those old hymns. Many of us enjoy the music of today, but that doesn’t mean that we want to throw out our hymnals! Mr. Allen says that part of what makes these hymns still meaningful to us today is that “they have stood the test of time.” You know, “standing the test of time” may often show the quality of a song, the meaning of the lyrics, and how the song can “touch hearts.”

Of course, I also would have to say that “standing the test of time,” can be applied to the journey, life, and witness of a Christian. Can others see the growth in you and I since we first accepted Jesus? Will you or I be just as committed and excited about our Lord Jesus twenty or thirty years from now? Will we as Christians “stand the test of time?…”

If we continue to seek Him each day, we won’t have to be concerned about staying on the right path, even years from now. In fact, we won’t have to go around burdened with any other cares or worries either… We can take comfort in knowing that “God Will Take Care Of (Us)!”

By visiting here, you can check out what Duane Allen says and listen to the Oak Ridge Boys perform the song below.

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God Will Take Care Of You

Words/Music: C. D. & W. S. Martin

Performed By: The Oak Ridge Boys, 2007

1. Be not dismayed whate’er betide,
God will take care of you;
beneath his wings of love abide,
God will take care of you.

Refrain:
God will take care of you,
through every day, o’er all the way;
he will take care of you,
God will take care of you.

2. Through days of toil when heart doth fail,
God will take care of you;
when dangers fierce your path assail,
God will take care of you.
(Refrain)

3. All you may need he will provide,
God will take care of you;
nothing you ask will be denied,
God will take care of you.
(Refrain)

4. No matter what may be the test,
God will take care of you;
lean, weary one, upon his breast,
God will take care of you.
(Refrain)

The Little Witness…

My Sarah Beth is currently working on an art project for our church. She thought of an idea to draw a picture of Jesus and to write something about Him. In her own words, Sarah wrote the following (I just made a couple of spelling corrections):

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Jesus is who I love. I love Him because He first loved me. He died on the cross to save us from sin. And did you know that Jesus is the Son of God? When I grow up I am going to be a girl who tells people about God.

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My daughter’s words have touched my heart today. She challenges and inspires me!  Sarah loves Jesus, and she loves people.  In fact, she is so friendly and talkative to everyone–even when I might react to others in a shy way.

I pray that Sarah will grow up to be a mighty witness for Him. …But you know what? I think she already is!!

Thank you Lord!!  To You Be The Glory!!

Oh What An Inspiration…

…she is! Who is “she,” you may ask? We call her “Mrs. Joyce,” and she is the oldest member of our church (95 yrs. old–I think). Near the end of August of this year, we honored Mrs. Joyce and many others on The Oldest Members Sunday. Mrs. Joyce spoke to the congregation that day and told us all how much she loved us and our church. She has been quoted many times as saying “I try to do something nice for somebody everyday.” We all know this to be true, because we have enjoyed her chocolate layered cake, fresh garden vegetables, and Sunday afternoon meals throughout the years.

Even in her nineties, she hasn’t stopped being a blessing and an inspiration. Not only has she not let her age hinder her, but she has also had cancer, had one hand removed, and now has cancer in her lymph nodes. Yet, just this past Sunday, when everyone in our church went down to the altar to pray (about various things), Mrs. Joyce knelt with us all to join in the prayer.

Yesterday, I received news that Mrs. Joyce is quite sick and has been admitted to the hospital. In addition to her other health issues, she now has a urinary tract infection, congestive heart failure, and pneumonia. Yet, remember what I had just stated in the previous paragraph?! Yep, that’s right, Mrs. Joyce has been that sick, and she was kneeling at the altar praying just this past Sunday! That Sunday night, I remember remarking to someone that “I don’t even like to come to church when I have a headache!” …Let’s just say, I now have a little more perspective, and Mrs. Joyce has challenged and inspired me!

Our church has started a prayer chain for our Mrs. Joyce, and I now ask all you “prayin’ folk” to help us pray as you feel led! Please pray for Mrs. Joyce and her family. …And while you’re at it, please remember those who inspire you!

God Bless!

I’m Now A Fan…

O.k., can I just say that in a couple of hours, I have totally become a fan of Casting Crowns!? I know this music is different from most of what I have posted in the past, but as I have also stated before, I enjoy many different types of music! I think I am developing quite an eclectic collection. Though, as I have also stated before, my favorite music is what glorifies my Savior (whether it comes from many generations past or whether it is current)…

This is another from Casting Crowns that truly “speaks” to me…

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Praise You in This Storm

words by Mark Hall/music by Mark Hall and Bernie Herms

I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it’s still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
“I’m with you”
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.

Chorus:
And I’ll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I’ve cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can’t find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
“I’m with you”
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away

Chorus

I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth

Chorus

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**Note: You may listen to a snippet of this song along with other songs (by Casting Crowns) at their website here.