We Wish You A Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas

A prison cell, in which one waits, hopes ... and is completely dependent on the fact that the door of freedom has to be opened from the outside, is not a bad picture of Advent.

- Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Tuesday's Token

A Puritan once said that the death of a loved one "will make life a little less sweet and death will be a little less bitter."

Psalm 25

My mom reminded me of this Psalm this morning. How it spoke to my heart! It was the balm to my hurting heart. God is so good to us. He is so faithful when we are not. He is good to us BECAUSE HE is GOOD.

To You, O Lord, I ​​lift up my soul. O my God, in You ​​I trust, Do not let me ​be ashamed; Do not let my ​enemies exult over me. Indeed, ​none of those who wait for You will be ashamed; Those who ​deal treacherously without cause will be ashamed.
​Make me know Your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths. Lead me in ​​Your truth and teach me, For You are the ​​God of my salvation; For You I ​wait all the day. Remember, O Lord, Your compassion and Your loving kindnesses, For they have been ​from of old. Do not remember the ​a​sins of my youth or my transgressions; ​According to Your lovingkindness remember me,
For Your ​​goodness’ sake, O Lord. Good and ​​upright is the Lord; Therefore He ​​instructs sinners in the way. He ​leads the humble in justice, And He ​​teaches the ​​humble His way. All the paths of the Lord are ​lovingkindness and truth To ​those who keep His covenant and His testimonies. For ​Your name’s sake, O Lord, ​Pardon my iniquity, for it is great. Who is the man who ​​fears the Lord? He will ​instruct him in the way he should choose. His soul will ​abide in ​​prosperity, And his ​descendants will inherit the ​land. The ​secret of the Lord is for those who fear Him, And He will ​​make them know His covenant. My ​eyes are continually toward the Lord, For He will ​​pluck my feet out of the net. ​Turn to me and be gracious to me, For I am ​lonely and afflicted. The ​troubles of my heart are enlarged; Bring me ​b​out of my distresses. ​Look upon my affliction and my ​trouble,
and ​forgive all my sins. Look upon my enemies, for they ​are many, And they ​hate me with violent hatred. Guard my soul and deliver me; Do not let me ​b​be ashamed, for I take refuge in You. Let ​​integrity and uprightness preserve me,
For ​i wait for You. ​Redeem Israel, O God, Out of all his troubles.

2am Ewing House
Jackson runs in our room screaming:

Brad: "Jackson, what is wrong?"
Jackson: "I had a bad dream!"
Brad: "Ok, get in bed with us for a bit."
Jackson (who has settled a bit): "Dad, will you pray that I won't have any bad dreams?"
Brad: "Yes" (as he falls back asleep)
Jackson: "Dad, pray out loud right now!"
Brad: "Ok, Jackson." He prays aloud.

God asks us to come to Him like little children. I learned a little bit last night what that is like. Childlike faith is when we believe that if we ask right now Jesus is going to answer us. It is also knowing when we need others to help pray for us! Maturity comes when we know we need help and we ask.

Sometimes we need to pray out loud! There are some situations that we just need to get down on our knees and literally voice OUT LOUD that we need Him! We need Him NOW!

Give and You Shall Receive

Last night as Brad and I were headed out, we stopped by the mailbox. I love getting mail around Christmas. I love to get all the Christmas cards, to see the pictures and how big everyone has gotten and to just get an update on everyones lives. I started opening them in the car and one had a large bill wrapped around it. I was very shocked and looked at first to see if it was real. It was. I told Brad, "Look, our friends have sent us some money." The best part of the whole thing is that Brad had just dropped off an envelope for a couple in our church who had lost their job and he had sent them the same amount. I was just floored at God. He promises that He will provide our needs and that he will be our provider. I was having one of those days when life was throwing me some curves and I was wrestling with God over it all. God used that small thing to show me that He was still in control and He was handling everything. He knows all and controls all.

I will be honest, every time we put a check in the mail to someone, we don't always receive the same back and at the exact same time but God knew that last night I needed Him to show me some of Him. He did! He showed up big time.
We are really working on our hearts and our family this Christmas about what we do with our money and how much we spend on things that are useless. Our prayer is that our money would be used for those who need it and not for more toys to fulfill the flesh. It is always a struggle but Christmas is especially hard when we are so bombarded with all the "stuff" I am trying to keep control of the spending and gifts.

God is showing me that the best way to teach me and my boys about money is to give it to those in need. When we give to others, we are instantly filled with true joy and a desire to do more. I pray this season we find those in need and give to them, that we don't use this time to spoil and indulge an already indulgent heart.
As for the extra money from our friends, we are putting it towards our fund for the family to go to Peru in January. It is an expensive trip but we know that God has called us to go. It is neat to watch God provide the means for us to go and minister to a world that needs him so much.

Tuesday's Token

I am going to start sharing quotes that I find that I like on Tuesday's. Here is one that spoke to me today. I am reading Practical Theology for Women by Wendy Horger Alsup and love this one.

It is from C.S. Lewis in The Weight of Glory
"We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinate joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased."

I think that this speaks for itself.

50 Things

Life is just so busy and I haven't had much down time to just post thoughts. I decided to do what my sister did and tell 50 things about me.
50 Things About Me... (My friend Jennifer did this awhile ago and I am just getting around to it)
1. Do you like blue cheese?YES
2. Have you ever smoked a cigarette? Yes, unfortunately
3. Do you own a gun? YES
4. What flavor do you add to your drink at Sonic? None, just a diet limeade
5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? No
6. What do you think of hot dogs? I like Hebrew National Hot dogs
7. Favorite Christmas Song? Oh Holy Night
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? coffee
9. Can you do push ups? Yes, barely
10. What is your favorite movie? French Kiss,Steel Magnolis, When A Man Loves a Woman,
11. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? Wedding Ring
12. Favorite hobby? Reading
13. Do you work with people who idolize you? No
14. Do you have ADD? Yes
15. What's one trait that you dislike about yourself? Irritable
16. Middle name(s)- Lowery
17. Name a thought at this moment- I really wish it would quit snowing
18. Name 3 things you bought yesterday: Christmas presents
19. Name 3 drinks you regularly have: Water , Milk and OJ right now
20. Current worry right now? Drew, he's 12 enough said
21. Current dislike right now? SNOW
22. Favorite place to be? With my family - Mexico
23. How did you bring in the New Year? Hanging out with the family
24. Favorite vacation spot? Mexico
25. Name three people who will complete this? No idea
26. Whose answers do you want to read the most? No idea
27. What color shirt are you wearing? cream and brown
28. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? No
29. Can you whistle? No
30. Favorite color? Red
31. Would you be a pirate? No
32. What songs do you sing in the shower? I normally don't
33. Favorite girl's name? No idea
34. Favorite boy's name? Drew, Jackson and Jake
35. What's in your pocket right now? Nothing
36. Last person that made you laugh? Brad
37. Best bed sheets as a child? My mom buys the best sheets and pillows
38. Worst injury you've ever had? Busted face from a bike acccident
39. Do you love where you live? not so much
40. How many TVs do you have in your house? 2
41. Who would you like to meet? Kay Arthur
42. How many dogs do you have? O
43. Does someone have a crush on you? Hopefully my husband
45. What is your favorite fictional book? oh man - anything by Francine Rivers,Karen Kingsbury, the list could go on and on
46. What is your favorite candy? Dark Chocolate
47. What is your favorite sports team? Cowboys
48. What song do you want played at your funeral? Praise songs!
49. What were you doing 12 AM last night? sleeping soundly in my warm bed
50. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up this morning? Where is my coffe??

Check Out Her Shirt

The Cross

I got this from my sister's blog. We all need to hear this!

The Cross
I hope everybody had a great Thanksgiving. I really did. Yesterday I went to the doctor and the baby looks good. I heard the heartbeat so as of now we are good!

There is a huge outdoor shopping area near the lake. People come from all over the country for First Monday. We went this past weekend. It was packed and a little crazy. We were in one of the stores. Well actually it is a giant flea market where the shops are either outdoors or in large buildings. My mom and I were looking in one of the really cute shops when I saw a perfect pink and black cross hanging on the wall for BG's room. I turn to mom and told her that I wanted that cross. There were two ladies standing right there by us. They obviously heard what I said and one of the ladies walked over to the wall and grabbed the cross. She then walked right to the cash register to buy it. I just stood there with my mouth open as my daughter ran around the store. My sister saw what was happening and she asked the vendor if they had another cross and, of course, they didn’t. I was having a hard time getting BG to leave the store full of fun little girl things but my mom and my sister were standing outside of the store. The lady who bought the cross walked out of the store, started singing and swinging her arms: “I got your cross, I got your cross” over and over. Now I am even more shocked at this lady’s behavior. I honesty I am mad. I wanted to walk up and tell her a few things. As I was contemplating this my mom said “Well, they must need that cross more than us.” That stopped me. They need the cross as everyone does. I already have my cross! As the Christmas season arrives let’s remember the reason. It was the birth of our Savior. It is a joyous time. A time to share what Jesus did for us - even if it is to share with someone who steals your cross.

Questions

1. What is one of your 'must see' tv shows?

24, no doubt

2. Do you have a facebook page?

Yes, got tired of all the junk on myspace - you couldn't open it without some half naked girl showing up. YUCK

3. How old were you when you got married?

20

4. What is one bad habit that you need to break?

Playing jewel quest on my phone, I couldn't sleep last night so I played it from 4:15a - 5:30a. Nice!

5. What is your favorite cold-weather activity?

"hunkering" down inside with fire and hot chocolate

6. At church, do you always sit in the same area?

Most of the time

7. What do you like best about blogging?

Reading what others have to say

8. What's the last funny thing you remember hearing from a child?

A few months ago, Drew didn't argue with his dad about something and Brad and I just looked at each other and said, "hell most have frozen over!" So last week, the same thing happened, and Drew didn't argue with me about something and I was shocked. He said that "hell hasn't frozen over, it was just a storm." I thought it was so funny.

Redemption

I sure don't want to spoil it for any of you who didn't get a chance to watch 24 last night, (it is coming to DVD on Tuesday) but I am amazed how the world misses the point so much. Just the title let's us know that Jack is looking for redemption. Does he find it? Have you? Are we all looking for the same thing - redemption? Some of us just know where to find it.

Jack helps save the precious lives of kids, hoping to find redemption. Many of us spend our lives trying to find redemption when Christ is the only way. How do we redeem the past, the mistakes, the failures? How do we make up for lost time living for ourselves?

6 "Therefore, say to the Israelites: 'I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. 7 I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. 8 And I will bring you to the land I swore with uplifted hand to give to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob. I will give it to you as a possession. I am the LORD.' "

Just like God offered the Israelites a way out of their slavery, God offers us the same thing. He is the only one who can redeem us. Who can free us from the slaves of this world.

Read Psalm 34 slowly and look for all the things the Lord wants to do for you. Look at the way the psalmist praised the Lord, sought the Lord, and how the "Lord redeems His servants; no one will be condemned who takes refuge in Him." Do you feel condemned today? I can easily go there and I can easily start condemning myself of a life of sin. I must repeat the scriptures over and over in my head "therefore is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Rom. 8:1) And "Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame."

Psalm 34

I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together. I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. Fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing. The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing. Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry; the face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth. The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken. Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned. The LORD redeems his servants; no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him.

This world offers lots of things, but redemption is not one of them. There are lots of things that need to be done here on this earth, taking care of the orphans being high on the list. But true redemption will only be found at the cross of Christ. Christ is the only one who can redeem the sins of the past and future. He is our True Redeemer.

Know Your Ending!

Most of you know that I am a huge Dallas Cowboy fan. I love football and love my Cowboys. We went to some friends' house yesterday and I TIVO'd my game so I could watch it quickly and with no commercials when we got home. We have lost the the last few weeks and our quarterback has been out and it has just been pretty pitiful to watch. Last night I figured that we would lose since we were playing the Redskins and this was Romo's first week back and still has a broken pinky. Brad knew who won and I asked him to tell me so I wouldn't be disappointed watching the game, plus it was after 10 and I was just tired. He told me that we won. I was so excited that we preceded to watch the game.
The first two quarters of the game were awful. I kept saying, "how did we win this? I don't believe it. Are you sure?" Brad kept reassuring me that we won. Finally. we did.
Do you ever feel that way about life? Lord, are we really going to win this? Is this really turning out the way you said it would?" Question after question. Lord, I just fumbled the ball, how will I be victorious? Hebrews 12:1-3 " Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
How did Jesus handle the difficulties in life? He knew how it was going to end. He knew that death on the cross would have to happen but in order for us to be victorious in this life, it had to be done. He knew that enduring the cross would bring eternal salvation for it all. He knew how it was all going to end. He knew that eventually one day, He would come back and reign on this earth as king so He could submit to death now for life later.
We also know how it is going to end. We know what is in store for us who know Jesus personally as our Savior, a life in eternity with Him. We know the end. Let's live like it. John 16:33 states "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." Know your ending, know that Jesus is one day coming back to rule for eternity.
My husband has a quote on his computer and I think it is a good reminder to us all: "Eternity is a long time to live with regrets." Let's get out there and live this thing out. We know that in Christ Jesus we are more than conquerers. Go run your race!

Prayer Requests

I am adding a section for prayer requests on my blog. God has been showing me how much prayer affects us and our lives and how much more time I need to spend in prayer. If there is something you need us to pray for, just let me know and I will add it.
Love you all!

The Unit

Brad and I were watching The Unit a few nights ago and it got me thinking. I am not by any means endorsing this show. It can be pretty racy at times and needs to be watched with discretion and the fast forward button on the DVR!
However, the unit is a group of men and their families that do special ops for the government. This particular time, one of the unit member's daughter had been kidnapped and the unit went off to rescue her. They stand by a certain code and do whatever is needed to help each other out, even when it is very dangerous and in the middle of war. Each of their lives is put in danger helping each other and the country.
I have decided that the body of Christ needs to be a bit more like The Unit. We are in a war and the battle is fierce and Satan is playing for keeps. It is time for us to come together, be honest about the war going on, fight together on our knees in prayer, and standing by one another daily.
I have noticed lately how the enemy is increasing in his warfare against us - marriages are struggling, jobs are gone, and kids are walking away from the Lord. This is the time to press in, to fight the good fight. Let's do it together. Let's join together and for our own Unit that takes seriously the trials and temptations of others. Let's stand in the gap for our fellow believers who are hurting and need us to hold up their hands when they are too tired.
Take time today to pray for your friends, their marriages and families. Take time today to check in on someone that God has laid on your heart.
Take time to get down on your face and cry out to our God who is MIGHTY TO SAVE!


Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Article on Voting from John Piper

Let Christians Vote As Though They Were Not Voting

By John PiperOctober 22, 2008


Voting is like marrying and crying and laughing and buying. We should do it, but only as if we were not doing it. That’s because “the present form of this world is passing away” and, in God’s eyes, “the time has grown very short.” Here’s the way Paul puts it:

The appointed time has grown very short. From now on, let those who have wives live as though they had none, and those who mourn as though they were not mourning, and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing, and those who buy as though they had no goods, and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away. (1 Corinthians 7:29-31)

Let’s take these one at a time and compare them to voting.

1. “Let those who have wives live as though they had none.”

This doesn’t mean move out of the house, don’t have sex, and don’t call her Honey. Earlier in this chapter Paul says, “The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights” (1 Corinthians 7:3). He also says to love her the way Christ loved the church, leading and providing and protecting (Ephesians 5:25-30). It means this: Marriage is momentary. It’s over at death, and there is no marriage in the resurrection. Wives and husbands are second priorities, not first. Christ is first. Marriage is for making much of him.

It means: If she is exquisitely desirable, beware of desiring her more than Christ. And if she is deeply disappointing, beware of being hurt too much. This is temporary—only a brief lifetime. Then comes the never-disappointing life which is life indeed.

So it is with voting. We should do it. But only as if we were not doing it. Its outcomes do not give us the greatest joy when they go our way, and they do not demoralize us when they don’t. Political life is for making much of Christ whether the world falls apart or holds together.

2. “Let those who mourn [do so] as though they were not mourning.”

Christians mourn with real, deep, painful mourning, especially over losses—loss of those we love, loss of health, loss of a dream. These losses hurt. We cry when we are hurt. But we cry as though not crying. We mourn knowing we have not lost something so valuable we cannot rejoice in our mourning. Our losses do not incapacitate us. They do not blind us to the possibility of a fruitful future serving Christ. The Lord gives and takes away. But he remains blessed. And we remain hopeful in our mourning.

So it is with voting. There are losses. We mourn. But not as those who have no hope. We vote and we lose, or we vote and we win. In either case, we win or lose as if we were not winning or losing. Our expectations and frustrations are modest. The best this world can offer is short and small. The worst it can offer has been predicted in the book of Revelation. And no vote will hold it back. In the short run, Christians lose (Revelation 13:7). In the long run, we win (Revelation 21:4).

3. “Let those who rejoice [do so] as though they were not rejoicing.”

Christians rejoice in health (James 5:13) and in sickness (James 1:2). There are a thousand good and perfect things that come down from God that call forth the feeling of happiness. Beautiful weather. Good friends who want to spend time with us. Delicious food and someone to share it with. A successful plan. A person helped by our efforts.

But none of these good and beautiful things can satisfy our soul. Even the best cannot replace what we were made for, namely, the full experience of the risen Christ (John 17:24). Even fellowship with him here is not the final and best gift. There is more of him to have after we die (Philippians 1:21-23)—and even more after the resurrection. The best experiences here are foretastes. The best sights of glory are through a mirror dimly. The joy that rises from these previews does not and should not rise to the level of the hope of glory. These pleasures will one day be as though they were not. So we rejoice remembering this joy is a foretaste, and will be replaced by a vastly better joy.

So it is with voting. There are joys. The very act of voting is a joyful statement that we are not under a tyrant. And there may be happy victories. But the best government we get is a foreshadowing. Peace and justice are approximated now. They will be perfect when Christ comes. So our joy is modest. Our triumphs are short-lived—and shot through with imperfection. So we vote as though not voting.

4. “Let those who buy [do so] as though they had no goods.”

Let Christians keep on buying while this age lasts. Christianity is not withdrawal from business. We are involved, but as though not involved. Business simply does not have the weight in our hearts that it has for many. All our getting and all our having in this world is getting and having things that are not ultimately important. Our car, our house, our books, our computers, our heirlooms—we possess them with a loose grip. If they are taken away, we say that in a sense we did not have them. We are not here to possess. We are here to lay up treasures in heaven.

This world matters. But it is not ultimate. It is the stage for living in such a way to show that this world is not our God, but that Christ is our God. It is the stage for using the world to show that Christ is more precious than the world.

So it is with voting. We do not withdraw. We are involved—but as if not involved. Politics does not have ultimate weight for us. It is one more stage for acting out the truth that Christ, and not politics, is supreme.

5. “Let those who deal with the world [do so] as though they had no dealings with it.”

Christians should deal with the world. This world is here to be used. Dealt with. There is no avoiding it. Not to deal with it is to deal with it that way. Not to weed your garden is to cultivate a weedy garden. Not to wear a coat in Minnesota is to freeze—to deal with the cold that way. Not to stop when the light is red is to spend your money on fines or hospital bills and deal with the world that way. We must deal with the world.

But as we deal with it, we don’t give it our fullest attention. We don’t ascribe to the world the greatest status. There are unseen things that are vastly more precious than the world. We use the world without offering it our whole soul. We may work with all our might when dealing with the world, but the full passions of our heart will be attached to something higher—Godward purposes. We use the world, but not as an end in itself. It is a means. We deal with the world in order to make much of Christ.

So it is with voting. We deal with the system. We deal with the news. We deal with the candidates. We deal with the issues. But we deal with it all as if not dealing with it. It does not have our fullest attention. It is not the great thing in our lives. Christ is. And Christ will be ruling over his people with perfect supremacy no matter who is elected and no matter what government stands or falls. So we vote as though not voting.

By all means vote. But remember: “The world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:17).

Voting with you, as though not voting,

Pastor John

© Desiring God

Indemnity

In insurance we use a word, indemnity. Up until 4 months ago, I had never even heard that word. Here is the definition:
indemnity 
1. protection or security against damage or loss.
2. compensation for damage or loss sustained.
3. something paid by way of such compensation.
4. protection, as by insurance, from liabilities or penalties incurred by one's actions.
5. legal exemption from penalties attaching to unconstitutional or illegal actions, granted to public officers and other persons.

In insurance, we are there to "get you back to where you started." For example, a tree hits your house, we will fix the house to get it back like the way it was before.

Now, it is nice to be back the way we were before, but it is even better to be put back better than we were before. That is what God does. He takes our casualties and, if we allow Him to, He offers full redemption. I am studying Psalms right now and we are in Psalms 130. Verse 7 and 8 state, "Oh Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is FULL REDEMPTION! He himself will redeem Israel (us) from ALL of our sins."

God more than indemnified us. He offer us protection and security. He was the compensation for our losses. He personally paid the price by offering up Himself. He offers protection from the liabilities of this world incurred by one's actions. And most importantly, He offers us legal exemption from penalties attaching to unconstitutional or illegal actions (HIS LAW) and it is granted to all who are willing to accept.

Not only does He do all that but He also uses those things to bring Him glory. He offers us FULL redemption and then He takes that mess we made and uses it for our benefit and His glory.

Beth Moore says in her Psalm study, "We are often convinced that the more we can be blamed for our plight, the less God can do about it."
Here is Jeremiah 29: 12-14 "You will call to me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart. I will be found by you - the Lord's declaration- and I will RESTORE YOUR FORTUNES and GATHER YOU FROM ALL THE NATIONS AND PLACES WHERE I BANISHED YOU- the Lord's declaration. I will restore you to the place I deported you from."

He is waiting to restore you back better than you started, will you let Him?

Treat!

I just got this recipe off a friend's site and thought I would share. Can't wait to make this!

CORNFLAKE TURTLES

This is an awesome treat!! I thought I'd share it with anyone who loves peanutbutter and chocolate. They are so easy to make and so yummy!!

Ingredients:
1 cup sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1 1/2 cups peanut butter
1 t. vanilla
6 cups cornflakes
1 1/2 cups chocolate chips

Heat sugar and corn syrup until sugar disolves.
Add melted peanut butter and vanilla.
Add 6 cups cornflakes and mix.
Form into small mounds
Melt choclate chips and drizzle over peanut butter mounds.

Slow Fade

After our home improvement bathroom project, I have been thinking so much about how one thing leads to another. I heard this song and it fit perfect for what I have been thinking. It is called Slow Fade by Casting Crowns. I remember singing part of the song growing up, "oh, be careful little ears what your hear. Oh, be careful little eyes what you see. Oh, be careful little mouth what you see." It is so true.

I think my favorite part is "people never crumble in a day, it's a slow fade." It is the small, seemingly little choices that lead to the big fall. The second glance, the flattery that leads to compromise, the desire for man's approval. It leads somwhere and often it is right into the darkness.

I have a middle schooler and it seems like everyday I am sending him out into the darkness of this world. How do I help him? I just don't know. I am using this song to explain how one thing leads to another, how he won't intentionally walk away from his walk with the Lord. It is a slow fade. I pray that we all see where we are slowing fading away from Him and turn back quickly.

Be careful little eyes what you see
It's the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings
Be careful little feet where you go
For it's the little feet behind you that are sure to follow

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
It's a slow fade, it's a slow fade

Be careful little ears what you hear
When flattery leads to compromise, the end is always near
Be careful little lips what you say
For empty words and promises lead broken hearts astray

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day

The journey from your mind to your hands
Is shorter than you're thinking
Be careful if you think you stand
You just might be sinking

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
Daddies never crumble in a day
Families never crumble in a day

Oh be careful little eyes what see
Oh be careful little eyes what you see
For the Father up above is looking down in love
Oh be careful little eyes what you see

The Story

For those of you who don't know our story of God's faithfulness, you can check it out here. http://theewingfam.com/our_story.html

The cd will make total sense after reading that!

LOVE Y'ALL!!

New Music

My husband, Brad, has come out with a new cd. It's a 4 song ep that deals with pain and how we have faith through it. It is available at the link to the right. We pray that the songs will bring peace and comfort to you.

Hi Ho, It's Off to Work I Go

Work, I know why they call it work. It is work. It is hard and very exhausting. I feel like I am just putting one foot in front of the other to keep going. I am tired at night and tired in the morning and living on coffee and God's word each day. I mean I am having to just say, "Lord, i can't keep going without you." He keeps me going.

I have never been in a place like this before. It is such a neat place for me. It has been a long time since I have had to rely on the Lord to get by minute by minute, rely on Him for me to be shown what His love is like to a lost, lost world, to love my kids and be patient with them after a long day, to be kind and attentive to my husband after a long day. Oh, it can be done. It just takes total and complete reliance on Him.

Unfortunately, I had forgotten what that was like. Thankfully, He is slowing showing me what it is truly like to abide in Him, to let Him "do His thing" in my life.

May you live through Him today.

Good Questions

I got these from my sister!

1. What can cheer you up when you're feeling grumpy?
Coffee or sonic drink, hot bath, good book, and a long quiet time with Jesus.

2. Give one feature that could make or break the deal if you were shopping for a new home.
Bathtub

3. What's the craziest thing you've ever let your children eat for breakfast?
Pizza

4. If you are a 'watch what you eat' kind of person, share a meal or dish that makes it easier to diet.
Wendy's Chili - the small has 220 cal and 6 grams of fat. (prob has too much sodium though)
Its fast, cheap and will keep you full for long time. For dessert, low fat graham crackers, marshmallow, and some chocolate chips - broil it in the oven and you have a great smore for one WW point.

5. Is there something you used to do as a child that you would never let your children do now?
I don't think there is. Well, I guess seat belts. It was not a law to wear them when I was little. ( i used my sister's answer, couldn't think of anything else.

6. If you have a daughter, are her ears pierced? When did you allow it?
Boys only here!

7. Are you the only person in your house who changes the TP roll??
I used to be but they are getting better about it

8. How old were you when you no longer lived with a parent(s) for the first time?
18

So PROUD!

His Ways, Not Mine

I have been praying and trying to minister to a friend on our football team for months. They are having a hard time and I am trying to show God's love to them. I have asked numerous times for them to come to church but she always has a reason not to come. I was a bit frustrated and wanting God to move and move now!


He was, just not the way I had planned. Imagine that.


We have another lady on our team that her husband is gone for a year in Iraq and my oldest son said, "Mom, why don't you invite her to church?" I guess I hadn't really thought about it. I was so intent on "working" on my other friend that I hadn't seen the obvious--that others needed our God too. So, thanks to Drew's prompting, we asked. She came and so did her three kids.


Needless to say, our pastor shared the salvation message and really hit on those who knew the Lord but had walked far away from Him. He asked for those who needed to come back to Him to come down front and pray with him. Within seconds my friend asked to go down front. I walked down with her. I was amazed at how God was working. It was not what I was thinking He was doing but He was definitely moving.


It was such a neat thing for me to realize that God is working in ways I didn't think or expect. Yet, He is moving mightily! He is so good to me to let me see a glimpse of what He is doing, even when it isn't what I had planned. I am still praying for my other friend and knowing God in some way is working in her heart too!

Home Improvement

Last night Brad decided he was going to paint the bathroom. We have wanted to paint for awhile but I just haven't had the energy. Thankfully, Brad has endless energy and started painting. When he was almost done, he came downstairs and told me he was going to pull up the baseboards too. I was a bit frustrated because one project always leads to another. Not that he cared that I didn't want him to pull up the baseboards to paint a room. He got busy and pulled up the baseboards. After about 5 minutes he came back downstairs to tell me that he was going to re-tile the bathroom floor. I was a bit shocked, we had talked about doing that one day but not right now. I kept asking questions . . . he finally admitted that when he pulled the baseboards off, he pulled up the linoleum and now he was just going to pull it all up. One thing always leads to another.

Isn't that the way it is in our lives. We start out with just foregoing our quiet time, then we skip church a few times, then we forget to even talk to Jesus. One thing leads to another. We slowly walk away and then we wake up are realize that we are stagnate and stale in our relationship with the Lord. Let's stop now, repent, and turn to Him before we wake up one morning with no floor or baseboards to speak of. The things that we lose when we forego our relationship with the Lord are costly. Turn to Him today.

Smelly Shirt

One common mistake I have made since going back to work is starting a load of laundry and forgetting about it. Then you have that awful smell that no matter how many times you wash it, it just stinks! I have washed things over and over, in extra hot water, extra good smelling detergent, everything I can think of but I just can't lose the smell.

I am often like that with Jesus. I sin terribly and I try everything in my power to atone for itm but I am still dirty and smelly. It is like David and his mourning over Absalom. David was trying everything in his power to atone for his sin. 2 Samuel 19 tells us that the soldiers were actually ashamed of their victory because it brought such sorrow to their king. David refused to be comforted. Why? Because he was atoning for his sins. It took the blunt speech of Joab to show the king how selfish he was. "I see, said Joab, that you would be pleased if Absalom were alive today and all of us were dead." (2 Samuel 19:6). David's abnormal grief had so isolated him from reality that he was unable to live like a king and rule over himself and his people. David was smelly all around.

The sorrows of life do not create problems; they reveal them. Absolom's death and David's unnatural mourning revealed to the world that David had not been in control of his family and that his own sin had found him out. Instead of trying to atone for his sin, David should have trusted God for the forgiveness he needed. Only Jesus' blood can atone for our sins. He is the only one who can take this smelly person and make me thoroughly clean. That is what David did when he confessed his sin of adultery and God graciously forgave him. Psalm 51:16-17 "For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart--These, O God, You will not despise." Even though our sorrows may be caused by our sin, as were David's, we can still confess those sins to the Lord, claim His forgiveness, and experience His comfort. And not be smelly anymore. I am off to change my shirt!

Long Time

I know it has been a long time since I have blogged. A week, I think. I had the after retreat crash! I think I fell into bed every night this week. I am finally feeling normal again. At least, normal for me.

We had a great football game yesterday. Drew was awesome. I am so proud of him. I just have to tell you how hard it is to sit on the sidelines and watch Drew play quarterback. I feel so helpless. It makes me a nervous wreck. I am so happy for him when he does well, I hurt when he messes up. It is just a wonderful/miserable experience.

It is like life. God is the quarterback and that is hard for me. I want to be making the plays and not watching from the sidelines. I am so much of a "doer" it is hard to let God do his thing and I just follow His lead. He wants to control this game of life and so often I "bench" Him and come in as my own quarterback. I know better but I do it day in and day out.

One theme God is hammering me with this year, "Let me be your quarterback!" God is continually showing me that I don't have to be the quarterback. He can run my life so much better. My weakness and unablity allows Him to move. It allows Him to score the touchdown for HIs glory. I pray this week I will just lay it down. I will let Him run the plays in my life and bench myself.

Who are you being? Quarterback or God's support player?

Update!

Hello friends!

I got home last night from the women's retreat. I was so tired. It was a good tired. We worked hard all weekend and God showed up in spite of us. That is all we ask. That God moved in the hearts of the ladies. It is so different to be teaching a retreat and going to a retreat. God was faithful to me in so many more ways. I wasn't so nervous that it was miserable, glory to God. I could sound out most of the words I had to say! Glory be! God took all my long notes and prayerfully, I said only what He wanted me too. Most of all, I pray that ladies were blessed and God spoke to them through me, in spite of me.

God is so faithful. I am amazed at his love and grace for us. How undeserving we are yet, He continues to show up and move among us. I am so thankful that it doesn't depend on me. I am learning so much about Him in my new job. Most important, how to relinquish much control. I just don't have the time to control somethings. It is amazing how much I didn't rely on the Lord before.

I am so blessed that He is showing me all these things! He is so good. Please, tell me what He is showing you. What are you learning new about Him this week? What is He speaking into your heart about?

Brad's CD News

September 9, 2008

The new cd is getting close to being finished. The final mixes are being done this week and the mastering probably will be done over the weekend. I hope to have it in hand by early October.

It’s going to be called Songs For The Storm. When I was praying about what to do next musically, I really had a peace about this album. It’s going to have four songs on it. Some of the songs have been sitting on the shelf for almost eight years, but now they are finally getting their voice.

I am excited to say that Matthew Fallentine was the producer, as he was on the Unseen album, Blessed Goodbye. This was a different kind of album for us. These songs have a very special place in my heart. Each one has a unique meaning to me. Check out the testimony and songs links above for more about that. This website is really to enhance the songs and give some background to the lyrics. I pray they will be a blessing and that they’ll echo the testimony of God’s faithfulness.

The cd cover is getting final touches as well, but the rough copy is to the left. My friend, Bryan Cole is helping me out with the design, as he did on the Unseen album. He’s great! Look for his links on the cd cover sleeve.

I got to listen to some of the mixes today and I honestly got chill bumps. I had some extra people singing on it as well. Listen for a girl named Bekah Ham and a friend named Richie Fike on another. Look for their information as well on the cd sleeve.

Look around and I pray you’ll be blessed.

Visit bradewing.com for all the info and details.

Happy Birthday Jake

Today is Jake's birthday. He would have turned 9 today. I just can't believe that it has been that long since Jake went to heaven and that I would have a nine year old boy. I just wonder what our house would be like with him. I am sure it would be just a bit louder and wilder than it is now.
Life can change so quickly, enjoy those you have around you! Don't waste a minute!

Psalm 32

Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit. When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.
For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord”— and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise they will not reach him. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you. Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him. Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart.

Just meditate on this today!
Blessed means happy.

Happy is the man whose . . .

Be Happy TODAY!

The Bug Returns!

The stomach bug returns to The Ewing house. Drew came home from school with a fever and not feeling well. He didn't feel good at school and called his dad to come and get him. Dad told him to "suck it up" and he stayed at school. In Brad's defense, he did not have a fever at that point but you know how dads are. Mom probably would have gone and gotten him but that is a whole new post on the difference between how dad and mom do things differently.

So, while we were sitting at dinner, Drew jumped off the couch and started running towards the toilet. He didn't make it. He threw up right next to the kitchen table where we were all eating. That is a great way to ruin your appetite. The stomach bug rears its ugly head again in the Ewing house.

I am so reminded of how much I just want to take care of my kids when they are sick and in need. They are so fragile and so needy - very rare with a pre-teen. But how good it feels when they want you to just take care of them. I miss that with the older one.

How much more does God want to just hold us and take care of us. Yet we think we are "grown-up" christians and don't need His tender loving care. I am studying Hosea for retreat and one main point I keep coming to is how God wants to love us as a husband and not just as our Lord. I don't struggle as much with the Lord aspect. I am pretty good with "yes sirs." It is the close intimate love I struggle with. I remember distinctly one time I was asking the Lord questions - should I do this? Can I do that? Is it ok for me to do . . . .? I felt like He said in my heart, why don't you just talk to me? Tell me how you are doing, let me love on you. Don't just come to me for permission, talk to me, spend time just getting to know me. The Ultimate Relationship. Let's all take the time to let Him minister to our hearts, to fill our empty places with Him, and to enjoy time in His Presence.

VP Nominee

WAHOO!! We finally have something to be excited about as Republicans. The VP nominee is awesome. First, she is a mom with a newborn. She is beautiful and conservative. She is very sharp and feminine and great to watch. I was very impressed. I am so impressed with her and very excited. Finally, I am relieved and a bit hopeful. She is top notch and I can't wait to see how this all plays out.
Here we go!

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Sarah Palin:

1. Sarah Louise Palin (nee Heath) was born Feb., 1964, in Sandpoint, Idaho. Her family moved to Alaska when Sarah was an infant. Her father, Chuck, is a retired schoolteacher.

2. She attended Wasilla High School where she played point guard on the state champion basketball team. Her nickname was “Sarah Barracuda.”

3. Palin graduated in 1987 from the University of Idaho with a degree in journalism. She worked briefly as a sports reporter in Anchorage.

4. She refers to her husband, Todd, as the “First Dude.” He’s worked as a commercial fisherman and as a production operator on the North Slope for BP. He enjoys snowmobiling and has won the Tesoro Iron Dog, billed as the world’s longest snowmobile race, four times.

5. Palin and her husband have five children, Bristol, Piper, Track, Willow, and Trig. Trig, born in 2008, has been diagnosed with Down syndrome. Her son Track joined the army in 2007.

6. Her favorite meal is moose stew.

7. She comes from a family of outdoor enthusiasts. Her parents, Chuck and Sally Heath, enjoy hunting and fishing, and have both completed marathons.

8. Palin was named Miss Wasilla in 1984 and was a runner-up for Miss Alaska. In 1996 she was elected mayor of Wasilla.

9. She’s a lifetime NRA member and enjoys hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling.

10. Elected in 2006, she’s Alaska’s first female governor and the youngest governor elected in the state.
--James Pethokoukis

How Do You Do It All?

You don't. I have quickly come to realize that you can't do it all. No matter how hard you try. We can't do it all well. I am sure many of you already know this. I sort of did but now I really know it! So far this week two of us have had the stomach flu and now I am searching for a house cleaner. I just can't do it all.

When life is manageable, it is easy to forget that when we are weak, HE is strong. I have come to know this truth very intimately this week. God has worked out so many little details to just get us through the week. I have also realized that He is more than strong even when we aren't at our best. I haven't had near the time to do my bible study, study word meanings, or extended devotion time (some days, it is daily bible reading on lunch break in the car) But thankfully, I am learning that His strength doesn't depend on me. I have always known this but usually I am doing all the things that a good, little christian should so I never really put it to the test as I have this week.

But what a relief, sweet relief. I know that my actions don't change Him. How awesome is that! He is so good to me, even when I am not as good back. I can't tell you what that does to my heart right now!

This Week

This week is the birthday of Jake's seven years in heaven. On August 26th, 2001 Jake went to heaven.

I was so excited to get pictures in the mail of the playground that is dedicated to Jake. He loved being at church and thought of it as his second home. This playground is located at our old church in Albuquerque, NM. He loved playing in the children's area at our church. The weekend after he died, all the nursery workers went barefooted to honor him. He ALWAYS took off his shoes.

I know how much his life impacted me and so many others. It is great to have a playground in honor of him. He deserves it!

Obama

This needs to be seen. Obama is making fun of and mocking the Bible.

http://www.youtube.com/swf/l.swf?video_id=4FCNKwHRCQM&rel=1&eurl=&iurl=http%3A//i1.ytimg.com/vi/4FCNKwHRCQM/default.jpg&t=OEgsToPDskLdBb_XqSIQjZNmMrJQ0G_F&use_get_video_info=1&load_modules=1

I AM

I AM . . . a newly working mom, wife, friend, sister, daughter.

I WANT . . . my kids to grow up to love the Lord deeply and fully.

I WISH I COULD . . . Teach my kids what I had to learn the hard way.

I HATE . . . cold weather.

I FEAR . . . I won't be a great mom.

I HEAR . . . my kids talking when they are supposed to be going to sleep.

I SEARCH . . . the internet often.

I DON'T THINK . . . I can pass this HUGE license test I have to take on Thursday.

I LOVE . . . my family.

I DANCE . . . No, I don't dance.

I SING . . . in the car, shower.

I NEVER . . . want to live where it snows and is cold all the time. Can you tell I am dreading the quickly approaching winter?

I RARELY . . . like the snow.

I AM NOT ALWAYS . . . in the best of moods.

I REGRET . . . some decisions I have made.

ALWAYS CRY . . . watching Steel Magnolias.

I NEED . . . lots of sleep.

I SHOULD . . . be studying for HUGE test.

I HOPE . . . to always take up the cross and follow Him. (I stole this answer from my sister)

Trust

Do we really trust God? I know that I do for certain things - I trust him for my salvation, for eternity. But do I trust Him with my kids safety and well being? How about when I am not there to "control" certain aspects of their lives that I have previously been able to control, or to think I am controlling. God is really showing me how little I do trust Him. What am I scared of? Oh, the list can be long and endless. But I know that God wants what is best for my children. He won't let them go. He is more determined than I am for them to make Him the love of their lives.

I was listening to James McDonald this morning and he was talking about wrestling with God for our family. I learned so much from what he had to say about the text. He was talking about how gentle God was with Jacob to wrestle with him all night - one touch and God could have killed him. Yet, he wrestled with him, waiting for him to surrender. When Jacob wouldn't surrender, God touched him and broke his hip. The longer we wait to surrender, the harder the break is going to be. This is the hard part, God will wrestle gently with us and our kids but eventually, if we don't surrender, He will break us.
However, after the break, He blessed Jacob. God is longing to bless us but He wants our surrender first. I can rest knowing that God with wrestle with me and my kids until He gets our surrender. I rejoice in this, that He will continue pursuing until He gets our complete surrender.

I am scared of what He might have to do to get my kids' total surrender - I know how He had to break me and it wasn't pretty, but in the end, the final result of the surrendered life is more than worth the breaking.
I pray today that my kids would stop wrestling with God. They would fully surrender to Him. I pray that He would use the trials of this world that they encounter to surrender to Him. I pray that I would simply trust Him, that He will use each experience to grow them close to Him.

Our total surrender - let's give Him that today!

Crock Pot Recipes

In light of my new job and school starting, I thought it would be fun to share our favorite crock-pot recipe.

Here is one of mine:
Southwestern Pulled Pork
2 cans of chopped green chili
1 can tomato sauce
1 cup BBQ sauce
1 lg. sweet onion, thinly sliced
1/2 c. chili powder
1 t. ground cumin
1 t. dried oregano
1 boneless pork loin roast
Flour tortillas
Toppings: sour cream, shredded lettuce,tomatoes, chips
In crock-pot, combine chili's tomato sauce, BBQ, and onion, chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Add pork and cook on low 8-9 hours.
Remove pork, when cool enough - shred pork
Return to crock-pot and heat through
Serve on tortilla's
Enjoy!

New Things

Well, speaking of new things, God is doing lots of new things in our household. First, Jackson will be going to preschool for the first time. This will the first time I have ever left him on a daily basis. He is very excited and can't wait to go to school like his big brother! He has been waiting a long time. I have also gotten a new job that I will start this Friday. I am excited, scared, nervous, and relieved all at once. God has provided for us in so many ways and this is just the next phase in our journey with Him. We are not sure of much but that God is leading and guiding us every step of the way. Please continue to pray for us. We always need it. Drew will start middle school this year. I am still not sure what to think about that. I have one going to preschool and one off to middle school.

Another piece of news that I am so excited about is that I got both teachings for retreat written out. They both need some "extras" and some cutting but God was faithful to get it on paper before I started my new job. I am excited to see what God is going to go do through this weekend at retreat. I have already learned so much from just studying. He is so faithful! I am amazed at how gracious He continues to be to me.

Steven Curtis Chapman

We went to the Colorado Rockies game on Sunday and Steven Curtis Chapman was there for a after game concert. It was the most amazing concert I have ever been to. He came out and was very open and honest about his pain and grief. He started the concert singing "Blessed be Your Name." I cried the whole way through it. Both of his sons were there and playing with him. There are just no words to describe the glory the Lord received from that.

It was a privilege to even be there. At times it felt like we were watching their personal worship time. Other times, with hands raised, we were all singing "How Great is our God" as loud as we could. He spoke of his daughter often and how much he missed her. It was heart breaking and faith building all at the same time. It wasn't a concert, it was a testimony of who God is.
I am amazed how God can take our pain in this world and use it for His glory. I know that to be true and have seen Him do it my own life. However, it was good to glimpse in the lives of others, in the midst of their pain and see God work. It was so evident the work the Lord is doing. I am thankful for the gentle reminder.

How easily we can all forget how much God is working today. How easy it is to get discouraged and depressed when we look around our world at the pain and suffering. He is moving in a mighty way. He is doing a HUGE work. He is so good!

Isaiah 43:19 "Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

Must See!

Here is a link to watch Steven Curtis Chapman and his family being interviewed on Good Morning America.

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=5519704&page=1

I was so glad to see them and hear how they are doing. Let's not forget to pray for them. The grief process is long and very hard!

Hello!

What a busy weekend and already busy start to the week. Brad and I got away for the night in Denver and it was fabulous. The first thing I did when I got to the hotel was turn the AC way down, closed all the blinds, and took a nice long nap. Brad was leading worship for a church there and we had a great time. It was neat to see be in another church and see what all they are doing. Plus, it was wonderful to have some alone time with Brad. We went to eat Mexican food with friends at 10:30, I slept in, and just hung out together. It was great and I was blessed by no snow like the last trip home from Denver. I even took a side trip to the outlet malls but decided they are way more expensive than my occasional Target and JCPenny finds. I left empty handed.

I have lots going on this week, some things that could change our family a bit. We are praying through what God wants, would you pray for us. I don't mean to leave you hanging on the details but . . . we are still praying and you know how that goes. Also, our women's retreat is coming up real soon and I am teaching two sessions. I am hoping to get it all written out this week, that is my prayer right now.

Anyway, I just wanted to catch you up a bit on what is going on with us. I hope that all is well with y'all!
Much love!

Acceptable Sacrifice

I was reading in Philippians 3: 14-19 for my Bible reading this morning and thought this was an interesting part of scripture. Paul is talking about the gifts they gave him and sent him aid when needed. He says, "not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. I have received full payment and even more, I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."

I thought it was interesting that he said credit your account . . . . wonder what that means? Heaven, do we have an account? Or was it the church’s "account" with Paul. Of course, commentaries disagree. I do know that we will be rewarded in heaven for what we do here on earth. He is watching and keeping account of those deeds.

But the best part is how our gifts to others are a fragrant offering, acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. The fragrant offering here is also used in Ephesians 5: 2 of Christ's offering of Himself. There is definitely a correlation with God being pleased with us and our giving and sacrifice of ourselves. I really don't think we as Christians grasp how important this truth is. I sure don't. I have missed the mark many time of my acceptable sacrifice to Him. It is often the last thing I want to do - give of my resources to help others in need or give of myself for others.

Then, he ends with how God will supply all our needs. I think it is interesting how he ties it all together. Our gifts to others are pleasing to God and He will meet all our needs. He will not only bless us out of or from His bounty but in accordance with it: according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. I desire to receive His blessing according to His great riches, I know you do too. Let's pray today that God would reveal the needs of others to us that our lives might an acceptable sacrifice.

Room Time Fun

Here is what happens when you send a four year old to their room

Memory Verses

Here are my verses I want to memorize for the next few weeks or months, depending on how long it takes!
Matthew 6: 19-21
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Ephesians 6:19-20
"Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should."

What verses are you working on??

Childlike Faith

The Ewing house 7am
Jackson; "Mom, does God answer us when we ask Him questions?"
Sleepy Mom: "Yes, Jackson, God talks to us."
Jackson: "So, when I ask Him questions, He answers yes or no?"
Mom grumbling: "Yes, He does."
Jackson: "I just asked God a question and He said yes in my brain!"
Mom, a bit more awake: "Yes, that is how God talks to us, on the inside, and you can talk to Him anytime."
Jackson very excited, "Yes!"


Oh. the beauty of child like faith. I can learn so much from him. He is so excited that He can ask God questions and He talks to Him. I don't want to forget what an incredible thing that is!

Help!

Ok, I am so not looking forward to the next few years with approaching teenage years. Drew has not been home from camp 2 hours and he has either slept, complained he was tired, cried because he couldn't go to Heaven Fest (a 12 hour band thing in Brighten, CO), wanted to quit football (it hasn't even started), talked on the phone in a whispered voice and holed himself in his room. Yes, life is fun around the Ewing house. My dad used to say that kids go to bed normal and wake up one day weird. I thought that was crazy till it literally happened here. I am not even sure how to handle it all.
I am at my wits end. Brad and I are dealing with what to let him and do and not do. Facebook? Cell Phones? Phone in the room? There are so many decisions that need to be made. Oh Lord, help us.
Psalms 121:1-2
I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord,the Maker of heaven and earth.

Fun Thing!

You Are Barbeque Sauce

You are a social person. You enjoy cooking for other people. You are both skillful and competitive. You enjoy mastering hard tasks. You appreciate complexity more than simplicity. Your taste in food tends to lean toward interesting flavors. You appreciate exotic spice combinations. You tend to like cutting edge, fusion cuisine. You get along with all personalities from a distance. Except salsa personalities, who always seem to annoy you.

What Condiment Are You?

Just Put A Girl In It

I forgot to tell y'all this. When Drew got back from his mission trip and was still trying to convince me why he should have a girlfriend, we were in the car and talking about it and this song came on the radio. It is by Brooks and Dunn called Just Put a Girl in it.

You can buy you a brand new truck
Chrome it all out, jack it way up
You can build you a house up high on a hill
With a pool and a pond and a view to kill
You can make all the money in sight
But you aint livin the good life

Til you put a girl in it
You aint got nothin
What's it all worth
Without a little lovin
Put a girl in it
Some huggin and some kissin
If you're world's got somethin missin
Just put a girl in it

You can buy a boat and a shiny set of skis
Have some fun in the sun, float around in the breeze
You can lay out on a blanket by the lake
Drink a cold beer, polish off another day
Kick on back and watch the sky turn red
A sunset aint a sunset

Til you put a girl in it
You aint got nothin
What's it all worth
Without a little lovin
Put a girl in it
Some huggin and some kissin
If you're world's got somethin missin
Just put a girl in it

You can write you a country song
The DJ wont put it on
They wont dance or sing along

Til you put a girl in it
You aint got nothin
What's it all worth
Without a little lovin
Put a girl in it
Some huggin and some kissin
If you're world's got somethin missin
Just put a girl in it

If you're ridin in your truck
Put a girl in it

If you're gonna have a party
Put a girl in it

If you wanna live the good life
Better put a gir-r-rl in it

In the middle, Drew said, "See Mom, everyone agrees. I should just put a girl in it." It was so funny. We laughed so hard. He has a quick wit that way and it defused a serious conversation. I thank God that we could end the conversation laughing and having fun. Plus, I told him, the song is true--God made it that way. When He saw man He knew something was missing so "He put a girl in it!" I got to tell Drew that God made him to want to put a girl in it. We just need to be patient and wait till he was a bit older. But one day, God willing, he will be able to "put a girl in it."

My God is Too Small

We have one of those key pads on our garage and I have tried everything I can think of to get it to work. You know that I have these wonderful neighbors who do lots of things for us, including cleaning my whole entire house while I was out of town so I could come home to a clean house. I have wanted to get the garage pad to work so they could just come over whenever they wanted. I was so bummed that I couldn't get it to work. It is nice to be able to have a neighbor who can just let themselves in when they need something, like an IZZY, our new favorite drink. Or when I need them to clean my house because my husband offered to have a couple stay here while we were out of town and I didn't clean before I left and Brad was here for a week without me. Yes, it was a mess.

So, I have been very disappointed that I couldn't get the garage code to work and I was telling my neighbor, Melanie this. She simply said, “why don't you just make me a key to your house?” Well, well, well, if I am not the blondest thing around. I never thought of that. Have you ever done this, just have one solution to the problem in your head and not thought of the other possibilities?

I think I do this with God often. I think I know the answer to the problem and this is how it needs to be solved and I don't leave any room for God to answer the way He wants. I "put God in a box" of my earthly solutions to things. I know that "His ways are not my ways" yet I try to find the answers in my small very blonde brain. Today I am asking God to give me His answers to my questions, His solutions to my problems, and His assurance to my doubts!

A New Heart

Jackson came out of his room last night and said, "Do I have Jesus in my heart?" He and Drew were talking about it in bed and he was worried because Drew had told him that he didn't have Jesus in his heart.
We began by asking Him questions and trying to decide what his motivation was. We asked him “how do you get to heaven?” He told us that his teacher told him there was a bridge in space that leads us to heaven. Oh man! I am sure she was trying to teach the kids using the bridge illustration of how Jesus is the way to get to God and the cross bridges that gap but he was just a bit off. After clarifying that and explaining our sin to him and that the cross was the payment for our sins, that Jesus did His part and our part was to trust Him, Jackson simply said, "I want to trust Jesus." Amen, sister! Wahoo!
It was funny because after he prayed, he asked, "So when we were at Great Wolf Lodge, was Jesus not in my heart?" He was really thinking, "I would have gone to hell last week! Whew that was close." :o) He kept asking us if Jesus was in his heart when He was three? He was a bit worried about it all.
At one point Drew wanted to know the age of accountability - I told him I had no idea! We were having quite the theological discussions last night - bridge in space, age of accountability, and salvation. It was a wonderful night.
We also told Jackson that the way to know Jesus more was to read His bible. So, bright and early this morning Jackson jumped in my bed and asked me if we could read the Bible. That's my boy!
I think back and realize that many times when the kids want to talk, I am not wanting too. Kids never fit into my schedule. A good friend of mine who has kids older than me told me that you always have to be willing to talk on their terms. She said the older they get, the later they want to talk. Take advantage of those opportunities. Be willing to talk when they are ready!

On The Road Again!

I am almost home. I am at the Holiday Inn in Hays, Kansas and thankfully, they have free wireless internet. The hotel is great because it has a pool with a slide. The kids are able to burn off all the excess energy they have from being in the car all day. We just ordered pizza and now I am hoping to get some sleep so I can safely drive the rest of the way home tomorrow. I am very proud of myself today. I actually stopped and stayed at a hotel. I have a tendency to not stop and it can be dangerous to my family and my relationship with my parents :). They are not fond of my habit of driving 12 or more hours in one day. So, I did the mature thing and spent the $75 to stay at the Holiday Inn. I am so glad I did. The free toothbrush was incentive enough. I love hotels that will give you a toothbrush if you forget yours or in my case, can't find it the car that is packed FULL! I am tired of hotels that charge you to stay there and then they charge you for everything else you need. Thank you Holiday Inn.

I have driven through seven states on this trip and flown to Mexico. Three of the states I have driven through the whole state, including Texas. I am quite the traveler at this point. I am tired of my car. I am carrying Flexall in my purse to help with the kinks in my neck. I am realizing that I have some personal limits that I didn't used to have. My knees begin to ache, my neck is so tight it gives me headaches, and gallons of coffee can't keep me up for hours - it just makes me sick to my stomach. I am not the girl I used to be. I used to think that that harder and longer I went the better. Now, I am learning to slow down and enjoy. Two flat tires has a way of doing that to you!

I am excited to get home but not ready to start life again. I dread the busyness and clutter that life brings. I love the days spent at the lake where we just hang out with the family on the deck. School starting is looming over my head. I have a boy going into middle school and that makes me very sick to my stomach - no coffee needed. I want to find that balance of doing what God has called me to do without getting involved in too much. I am praying that I careful consider what I say yes too. I am asking God that, like my decision to pull off the road and stop at the hotel to rest and renew for the day tomorrow. I will do the same when I get home. To consider and weigh the consequences of every yes. I want our family life to be pleasing to the Lord from the way we spend our time to the way we spend our money. I long to please Him in every respect. I am so glad He is showing me that resting in Him is so good and the more I do isn't always better. The activity we do for Him is often the thing that hinders from spending time with Him.

Just Stop It

I read this this morning on the LPM blog and have to agree. It seems to be everywhere. I can't say it any better than she did. So I am just totally copying it for you to read.

From Beth Moore: One thing " I want to share with you is pounding in my heart. I don't have time to write it with my deadline coming up (by the way, your prayers are working! keep them up!) but it's going to consume me if I don't. I'm just going to take a very general, short stab at it and hope to feel the relief of getting it out there. My prompting for this word is not coming from the blog community. It's coming from requests that have swamped our ministry office recently and that we have gladly and compassionately received. The common denominator has been the same: women just totally out of control and doing some really foolish things. I've been one of them so I recognize some of the symptoms. And the cries for help. And the misguided desires for the kind of empathy that pats them on the head and says, "Who could blame you? Go right ahead." Because I love you so much, I want to share what the Holy Spirit is impressing on me in case it resonates. Listen here, Girls. If this shoe doesn't fit, don't wear it! Shake it off and know that it's not for you. But, if it does, be courageous and respond in obedience to God. Let me remind you before I dive into this that God pulled me from the deepest possible pit of sin and no one has been more tightly clutched by strongholds than me. Not one bit of this comes to you from a proud or condemning heart. It comes strictly from love and concern and as one who could have used this word along the way. So here it goes.

Sometimes we just need to STOP IT. Just plain stop it. We don't need to keep praying over it. We don't need to keep deliberating it. We don't need one last shot at it. We don't need five more years of counseling over it. We flat need to stop it. Like, for instance,

*If we're married and we're flirting with somebody at work (calling it harmless), we need to stop it.
*And, Lord have mercy, if any of us are having affairs, we need to stop it NOW. With every second that goes by, the consequences are mounting. Please do not let the enemy trick you into thinking you're getting away with it. You're not. Don't rationalize it. Don't tell me what a jerk your husband is and how you're finally in love for the first time. Get some fear of God and stop it.
*If we're being a brat about something, we need to stop it.
*If we're still punishing somebody for what they did to us, we need to stop it. Enough is enough. Let God deal with them.
*If we're trying to do God's job with somebody, we need to stop it.

No Scripture says it more succinctly and exactly than Isaiah 1:16b: "Stop doing wrong." Hear the voice of God say, "I've warned you and warned you and warned you. STOP IT."

I say this as a woman to whom sometimes a brief, "STOP IT NOW!" works better than anything. I love you so much and I want all of us to live in the full blessing of God that only obedience can invite. His will is for us, Siestas. Go with God on this or things are going to get really ugly. Take the warning and stop."

Ok Ladies, we have been warned: What do we need to stop today? What are we doing wrong that we know God is saying, "Stop IT!" You are only hurting you (and many others, our sin doesn't just affect us!).

Shooting Lessons

She actually liked the gun. I think she enjoyed it more than she thought she would. I think we are like this toward God. We think that if we actually give our whole hearts to Him, it will end up hurting us. Instead, it ends up protecting us from the damage we do to ourselves.
How many of us can look back at our lives and wish we had done what God had told us too. Most of the regrets in my life are things that God specifically told me not to do.
God calls us to forsake things but they are always for our good. Hurts come but God can turn them into situations where He gets the glory. The times I listened, obeyed, or allowed Him to heal the hurt are the times that He has gained the most glory from my life.
The times I was scared of Him or disobedient, that is when I got into big messes. I now know that what He has for me is best. I might not like it all the time, it might scare the daylights out of me. But when I take the plunge or learn to shoot the gun, I enjoy His protection and assurance on my life.

A Gun!

My mom doesn't like guns. When I married Brad, the ultimate hunter, she was scared and a bit irritated that we had guns in our house. She was not impressed with his shooting abilities and didn't want her grandkids living in a house with guns.
However, my mom and dad now live at the lake. A lake with snakes. If there is one thing she hates more than guns, it is snakes. We have discovered that the lake has snakes, what to do . . .
So, Brad and Paul went to Walmart, after much discussion on if it was possible to buy a gun on Sunday, we decided that since we were in Texas we could buy a gun anytime. So off they went to get her a gun to shoot the snakes. Now, in my mind I was picturing a small hand gun but they came home with a rifle. I am still laughing picturing my mom shooting a rifle at anything. I can't wait to take pictures during her lesson on how to shoot a gun. Priceless.

We'll Take Him Back Now!

Here we are in Mexico. I miss it already. We are having fun here. It is a different kind of fun. All the family is at the Great Wolf Lodge to celebrate my dad's 60th birthday. He didn't want a big party for him so he brought all of us here and it is lots of fun. When I told Drew what we were are doing for his Papa's birthday he said, "Papa is so humble!" He is and we love him for doing stuff for us on his birthday. It was just so funny that Drew used the word humble in that context. We still laugh about what a humble guy my dad is. Anyways, It has an indoor water park and all kinds of things to do. The boys are having a blast, I can hardly keep up with them. They move at a different pace than I do!

When we were gone, my parents picked up the boys from Brad's parents to meet us here at the hotel. My dad said they had been with the boys a little while when Jackson asked him, "Are my parents going to take us back?" Poor kid. Bless his heart! He is the sweetest thing. We haven't been away from him that long before and I guess he thought we were just leaving him. Of course, we are taking him back. It was nice to have a break and do nothing but it is also nice to be back and enjoy my boys!

Hola

We made it home and enjoyed every moment of our vacation in Mexico. We laid on the beach and ate all day long. We read lots of books and just loved getting to do nothing. It is hard to come back from that but we missed the boys and we are ready to spend time with family.

Books you need to read:
The Shack
http://theshackbook.com/
Money, Possessions, and Eternity by Randy Alcorn - hard read laying on the beach but a must for every Christian
Same Kind of Different As Me - Ron Hall, Brad read this in one day!

I was amazed by how hard the people work in Mexico. These men and women worked very long days doing thankless jobs in the very hot sun. But I was amazed at how happy they were to just have a job. Brad was talking to one man and asked him how he was doing and he said he was just happy to get to work. What a culture shock from America.

Happy Birthday Breanne! I love you so much.

I promise I am back to updating the blog. Vacation is officially over.
I missed you!

Give it a Swift Kick

Jackson and I woke up early to leave for Dallas on Saturday morning. It was 6 am when we pulled out of our driveway. When I drive, I like to make good time. I only stop every three hours to fill up on gas and take a potty break. I knew that if I left at 6 am I could get to Dallas around 6pm.

We were on the road and making great time out of Colorado Springs when I heard a horrible noise. I thought maybe the road got rough so I just moved to the other lane. That didn't work so I looked in my rearview mirror and saw smoke. Oh no, a flat tire. I pulled off the side of the road. Thank you Jesus, a nice family saw what happened and pulled off in front of me. The husband and his two boys helped me unload my suitcase to get my spare tire and they began to change my tire.

The only problem was that the tire wouldn't come off. All the boys pulled and tugged on it as hard as they could. We didn't know what to do. I called Discount Tire and asked if they had any suggestions. The nice man from Discount Tire said that sometimes with my car you just have to give it a nice swift kick. Who would have thought? It worked. The man just kicked the tire and it came right off. I know, only in my life does this kind of stuff happen.

I am sure that if the nice family wouldn't have stopped to help me, I would have already thought to kick the tire. I am sure I would have kicked it about a hundred times in frustration because I was so mad that my good driving time was messed up.
Anyway, we got the spare on and I had to turn around and drive back to Pueblo to get a new tire. It was about 9 am by the time I pulled back onto I-25. My record was ruined so I decided to just slow down and enjoy the trip. Jackson and I had a ball. Don't we all get in such a hurry and so busy that we forget why we are even doing what we are doing.

I am off to Mexico with my hubby on Friday to stop and enjoy life together. To do nothing together.
We are going to "be still and KNOW that He is God" while enjoying His magnificent creation on the beach!

The Plane Has Landed

Drew has arrived safely and I was dying to find out all that happened. I tried to give him a minute before asking 100 questions. Once we got in the car, Drew asked, "Mom, when can I have a girlfriend?"

This was not the question I was expecting to answer right after getting off a plane from a mission trip. I didn't plan on sending him to Mexico to find a girlfriend. A better relationship with the Lord, yes. A girlfriend, NO!

I am not quite sure what to think. A girlfriend, he is 11.

Can you believe it? I am not quite sure why I didn't think it would happen. It is obvious that when you send 12 middle school boys and girls away for over a week, it is bound to happen. But, I am not ready for this!

Helicopter Mom

I was standing outside our middle school room at church and I was just watching Drew while he was hanging out with his friends. I was just wanting to see how he was acting, what he was doing etc. You know, being a mom! Our middle school pastor walked up to me and said, "Hey, Helicopter Mom!" I looked at him stunned because I was not sure what he meant by that. He started laughing and said, "you are hovering." I thought it was hilarious because I was doing just that and had never heard it put quite that way.


Well, I want to hover this week while Drew is in Mexico and I can't. All we have heard since they got there is that they arrived ok. I am glad to have heard that but I want much more. I want to know exactly what is going on and I can't. It is a very weird feeling for me. I want to hover but I can't.


I have to trust that all is well with Drew and the team and continue on with life here. I have no choice. This is good for me, I know. God wants for me to trust Him with my son and allow him to work in his life without my interference - imagine that. What a hard lesson to learn. As my kids grow, I should step back and allow the Holy Spirit to move in them, to convict them and not me (all the time). It is exciting and scary at the same time.

I can promise you this: It has increased my prayer life. Nothing like a 11 year old in Mexico with a youth group to keep you up at night!

Global Food Crisis

WHAT IS THE GLOBAL FOOD CRISIS?
The World Food Programme calls the global food crisis a phenomenon, a "silent tsunami," that is affecting families in every nation on every continent. Food prices for popular menu items like rice, wheat and beans have doubled in the last year. Though increases in food prices have hit all budgets, it's the poor who bear the brunt of price inflation. The higher prices are forcing people who survive on just $1 a day to spend upwards of 80 percent of their budgets just on food. As a result, many people, including millions of children, are going hungry. The longer food prices rise, the more people will be plunged into hunger and poverty.

WHAT IS CAUSING THE CRISIS?
Since 2005, food prices have risen a whopping 80 percent because of...
• rising fuel costs
• rising food demand from populous nations like India and China
• natural disasters destroying crop yields all over the world, including the United States
• growth of biofuels

The global food crisis is forcing poor families to spend more of their household budgets on food, leaving little for anything else. In Bangladesh 95% of the 11,782 children Compassion serves there are affected. Many children are eating only at the church-based center (also known as a Compassion project). In Haiti, inflation rates have risen 40%, pushing up food prices. All 60,000 children served by Compassion in Haiti have been affected by the food crisis there.
Experts predict the combination of a weakening dollar, soaring oil prices, and reduction in food production will not dissipate. They are predicting this long-term crisis will tighten its grip on poor countries, causing more children and families to suffer.

ABOUT THE GLOBAL FOOD CRISIS FUND
Compassion International has launched the Global Food Crisis Fund to bring aid to those most adversely affected by rising food costs. More information is available and donations can be made at https://www.compassion.com/contribution/giving/global-food-crisis.htm

Donations to the fund will provide:
• food vouchers to children and families needing immediate relief.
• seeds and agricultural tools so that families can grow their own food as well as earn extra income.
• supplemental nutrition services offered at Compassion-assisted centers around the world.

ABOUT COMPASSION'S DAY OF PRAYER AND FASTING
Compassion International has set aside June 25 as a day of fasting and prayer to honor the victims of the global food crisis and pray for them. To place a Compassion Day of Prayer and Fasting widget on your blog go to: http://www.springwidgets.com/widgets/view/42681

FOOD CRISIS INFORMATION PAGE: http://www.compassion.com/sponsordonor/global-food-crisis/default.htm
• CRIS FUND DONATION PAGE: https://www.compassion.com/contribution/giving/global-food-crisis.htm
• DAY OF PRAYER AND FASTING WIDGET: http://www.springwidgets.com/widgets/view/42681
• POST ABOUT THE FOOD CRISIS ON COMPASSION'S BLOG: http://blog.compassion.com/tag/global-food-crisis/

Underdog

I am sitting here in my big brown chair watching the golf tournament. We were all on our way to Lowe's to get tile for our bathroom and then suddenly the golf tournament gets really close between Tiger and some guy named Rocco. So, here I sit. It was so funny because the sports commentator said that Rocco looked liked he should be cleaning Tiger's pool and not beating him in the U.S. Open. Poor guy. I am cheering for him. I always like when the underdog wins. That is one thing my dad always taught me. He always cheered for the underdog (unless our Cowboys are playing). My dad has always taught me to stand up for those who can't stand up for themselves. I am a fighter by nature so the underdog does well when I am in his corner. My dad taught me many things but today as I sit here cheering for the underdog to be Tiger, I can't help but think of my dad. We have spent many of Sunday afternoons watching golf tournaments.

Most importantly, my dad loved me and took care of me when I was the underdog. He always took me back in and never withheld his love from me when I made choices that weren't the best for me or anyone in our family. He loved me when it looked like I was not going to make it. He showed me Jesus. He was a pastor for a long time and we had many rough years but He always put us first as a family. He didn't just preach Jesus to me, my dad showed me what Jesus was like. I am in the gospels in my Bible reading and I can't get over the fact how many times it says Jesus had compassion on the people. My dad roots for the underdog...just like Jesus.