Cousin Todd and his beautiful children.


Cousin Joshua.

Thankful

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Going On An Elk Hunt

The weather is in the 70's and out comes the hat, gloves, winter crocs, and hot coacoa. It's hysterical!

Oh, what a little drizzle does for the the spirit! Perfect timing.

American Geography

Ummmmmm.....yeah. So far it's just been puzzles and what they get through Literature and their Elections class. Time for a more formal study? Possibly.

All I know is....I could not fill in a blank map of the U.S. if someone were offering me a million dollars to do it.

In the fourth grade I could've done it though....and identified the state capitals..... and the state flowers...... and the state birds.

In one ear....out the other.

Redemption / 24

"In a democracy....the people get the government they deserve."

Cherry Jones was great in Signs. It'll be fun to see how the character of President Allison Taylor develops over this next season.

Robert Carlyle....fantastic in Trainspotting, The Full Monty, and Angela's Ahes....didn't have much to do with the Carl Benton character. He selflessly gave his life in exchange for the safety of the boys and that makes him memorable.

Jon Voight...brilliant in Midnight Cowboy, Coming Home, and The Champ....is just plain old evil and creepy as Jonas Hodges. He's going to be a good villain...we think.

And Kiefer Sutherland...as Jack Bauer...is brave, determined, focused, single minded, unwavering, compassionate, somewhat tortured, and as heroic as ever.
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We really do enjoy television and film over here. Character and story.

We had a long conversation the other night during Home Fellowship about things we use to "tune out"...distractions we use to avoid dealing with or going deeper in relationships. Things like entertainment for instance. Are we vegging in front of the bube tube in avoidance of depth?

How about watching/playing sports? Reading magazines/books? Crafting? Blogging?

Sometimes, "Yes." No doubt.

I'm exhausted. I've been working hard. I deserve some ME time! I want to TURN OFF and TUNE OUT!

But, not always.

Oh Lord, help us to find a balance. One that is honoring to You and to others.

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UPDATE: More t.v. this evening

I haven't watched Entourage in a while because it's been known to cross too many lines for me. It's over the top use of nasty language and sexual content (some episodes) is what I find offensive and have difficulty with.

It's disappointing....because I really do like the show. It's authentic and so well written. I love the setting, the subject matter, the characters, and dialogue.

When tonight's episode began....Bria and Mcabe came and cuddled under a big blanket on the couch...intentionally blocking any attempt at a premature EXIT on my behalf. They've witnessed me leave the room before...were there for the Home Fellowship conversation (which included the topic of Entourage)..... and know how I feel. When things cross lines for Bradley and themselves (sometimes different lines than my lines) they've been known to pick up the clicker and navigate away as well.

Tonight, there was some language...and a bit of non visual risque content. When the risque moment happened....Brad and the boys looked away and started talking LOUDLY about something else....so as not to hear...and so that dear old Mom could not hear.

Other than that....the show was great. I really, really like seeing these characters on the streets of Queens. And, it was definitely interesting for the boys to hear how their very own dad pulled a similar stunt with Gus Van Sant back in the day.

In our experience, art really does imitate life.

I learned a lesson.

Know your boundaries and leave when they are crossed. Otherwise. Enjoy the show and eachother.

Do they really need another doll?
No.
Would they love another doll?
Yes.
Do I love that they love dolls?
Yes.
Is $100 too much to spend on a doll?
Most likley. (That's when resale shops come in handy)
Is 1/3 of that too much to spend on a doll?
Probably.
There are some really sweet ones for $30 at the local Christian bookstore though.
I'm a pretty thrifty girl, but I can honestly say...I don't think I've ever prayed through gift buying like I have been lately. Birthdays...Weddings...CHRISTmas...Lord, what would You have us do?
Financial hardship does seem to bring out aspects of the best in us....doesn't it? Could it actually be that the Lord really does have our best interests at heart when He brings us into uncomfortable places?

Mcabe and Zion hanging out at the airport.

Galilee started guitar lessons too!

Love the message of this video. If not clean water...then something else. Really, we are all so overindulged....we need NOTHING but deeper relationships with Jesus.

This is exactly what I am dealing with right now this very minute (as I was at Costco picking up a few gifts yesterday). How do I honor and bless those I love during this season of reflection, joy, and celebration? Truly honor and bless them....without getting caught up in the big fat distraction of it all? The enemy so wants us distracted. And I hate giving the enemy what he wants....especially handing it over on a silver platter. I HATE when I do that.

Thanksgiving crafts never get old....no matter how many times you do them with however many kids.

There is something so comforting about this season...this holiday in particular. It reminds me of everything good my family ever was...is ....and ever will be.

Camera Play. It's what we do around here.

There is so much beauty to be found in each and every day.

Spurgeon on Ministers Sailing Under False Colours

.......Our complaint is (in each case), not that the men changed their views, and threw up their former creeds, but that having done so they did not at once quit the office of minister to the community whose faith they could no longer uphold; their fault is not that they differed, but that, differing, they sought an office of which the prime necessity is agreement.

Treachery is never more treacherous than when it leads a man to stab at a doctrine which he has solemnly engaged to uphold, and for the maintenance of which he receives a livelihood.

The office of minister would never unwittingly be entrusted by any community to a person who would use it for the overthrow of the principles upon which the community was founded.

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This is how I get...
Once I start reading....I want to read more and more and more and........

www.spurgeon.org

Kristy was that girl every guy noticed when we were growing up....including my dear sweet hubby (before he got a look at me:)

She's still as pretty as ever....but is now a mother!?!?!?!?!? Although I'm aware that time has moved on for me...I still think it stands still for those I haven't seen in a while. Just yesterday we were teen-agers running around L.A.......... I swear.

Uncle Tiny

One year ago today....Uncle Tiny met Jesus face to face. What a testimony of mercy and grace his deathbed salvation is. May his last earthly breath...the rising of his hand in praise, and the songs which carried Him across the Jordan into his Savior's waiting arms be forever be burned into the memories of my children as they are burned into mine.

UPDATE:
I recognize, am humbled by, and appreciate evidences of the Lord's patience in my own life and in the lives of those around me. He is faithful and continues to bring issues which need to be dealt with to the surface because He is good.

Why are these things lifted to the surface? So that they might be rooted out.

He is after repentance and the pursuing of righteousness.

Let us not take for granted our Lord.
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Thank you for praying. It has been a difficult and interesting week. The Lord has brought confirmation and peace to my soul through the study of His Word, prayer, research, and wise counsel. Praise Him. Glory to Him.

I am currently staying put in the "classical cessationists" camp. I have been given the gift of discernment by the Lord and I trust the red flags (when tested in the above mentioned ways) He grants me. I am learning how to steward this gift in a God- honoring manner. I am aware of the temptations of it's downside/flesh/sinful aspects and I am pursuing righteousness. I am in prayer. I am thankful. I am humbled.

I have many cute siblings who are not pitching tent in this camp and I love them enormously.

I loooooooove Sean Johnson even though he has a bit of a swiss cheese stench :)
We like swiss cheese.

The wedding was beautiful.

What about those doors that seem to lead to NOWHERE??!?!?!??????!!!! Enjoying the journey.

I have no idea what the Lord is doing but I am sure that He is doing something. I have been backed into yet another corner (contemplating, contemplating, contemplating). Life might be easier if I had no concern for such things....but I do.

I would appreciate your prayers for clarity and understanding during a time of seeking Him while I maneuver this unexpected quagmire of man's interpretation I suddenly find myself in.

I do believe we are accountable once we know....and I also believe the Lord is faithful to reveal truth and that He is not the God of confusion.

Clarity. Clarity. Clarity. Please.

I looked down and there was my foot (age 41) next to Jefferson Tuten's foot (age 7.) That little insignificant Converse connection made me smile.

Jemima started guitar today. She's doing REALLY well with the violin.

Drywall complete. Shower demolition complete.

All we need now is some tile, mortar, grout and carpet. We should be set to go in time for CHRISTmas!!!!!

The Shack

"Over the last few months I've been hearing more and more about a book titled The Shack by William Young, who goes by his middle name, Paul. Some, like my mother, are profoundly disturbed by the content of this book. Others are saying that it is the best book they have ever read. In fact Eugene Peterson says "This book has the potential to do for our generation what John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress did for his. It's that good."
After reading a front page article in the Life section of USA Today and hearing a comment by a colleague, I decided to open the door on The Shack. Here's the deal: I have to confess that Young's stereotypical characterization of the Father as a large, beaming African-American woman, the Son is a Jew with a large nose, and the Holy Spirit is a mysterious Asian female makes me more than just a little queasy.
Furthermore, virtually every theological heresy begins with a misconception of the nature of God and The Shack is no exception. After chiding those he believes to have misconceptions about the Trinity Young proceeds to compromise, confuse and outright contradict biblical orthodoxy.
For example, he pictures the Father bearing crucifixion scars as well as being incarnated in tandem with the Holy Spirit. Not only so, but he pontificates that Jesus has never drawn upon His nature as God to do anything. Of course those who have read the Bible even once will immediately recognize the falsity of that statement, particularly with respect to the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
One more point. Young has Jesus - the Jew with the big nose - declaring "I am not a Christian and I have no desire to make them" - and the them is Buddhists, Mormons, Muslims, etc. - "Christians." Indeed, Young describes Christians as religious fanatics and part of a sinful world system. Of course in sharp distinction the followers of Christ adopted the word "Christian" in the midst of suffering and persecution. You can see examples of that in the Book of Acts written by Luke or by Peter, such as 1 Peter 4:16.
The fact that The Shack is now being touted by those who take the sacred name of Jesus Christ upon their lips is, to me, a sad commentary on Christian discernment. I suppose in the end it is books like this that make the need for discernment ministry ever more necessary."

Hank Hanegraaff


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I read The Shack last year on the recommend of a friend. It was difficult and almost painful for me (red flags EVERYWHERE) to see it through till the end.

The love fest surrounding this book is disheartening and difficult to comprehend.

No it's not.  

I understand it. 

This is where I sit down winded for a moment..... with a glazed look in my eyes....wondering where to go from here?????????? How the heck can any believer in their right mind and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.... think that this book is good? Do I speak on it or remain silent? 

Sigh.

Happy 13th Galilee & Happy 42nd Bradley!

Is there anything better than spending birthdays with your family?

Big 13 opens her very own bank account!


Bradley taking out his aggressions on The Shower Demolition Project.


Dinner w/ Nana and Papa.