So much has happened in these past months...
We moved into what we can only say is our dream house. Jeff and I have been dreaming of moving back out in the country and by the grace of God, it happened!
We found a home that seems to to fit all our needs including some extra room for my mom when she stays with us for 6 months. The only thing missing are some animals to eat down the two pastures that we have!
I can still hear my own words saying that "I don't think I could ever live that far out" but the drives to work and the "city" have been fine (so far). We will have to see what winter brings us but I am not too concerned. Funny how a 15 minute drive could be so intimidating when you are so spoiled to have everything at your fingertips before!
I hope to post more pictures soon. I've downgraded my phone from smart to simple and even pictures are a luxury nowadays. I miss being able to record life on the fly so I think I will have to go back soon!
Tristan is in football (a post of that experience is soon to come) and Trinity is going to start soccer soon while taking a few months from horseback riding. Tessa took a month off from gymnastics and is on a waiting list for soccer (Mom was bad this year).
Looks like we wont have any boredom until November probably! LOL
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Goodness
Today at church we heard a sermon on goodness, one of the fruits of the Spirit. It really touched me and gave me a tiny bit or reassurance that I was on the right track sometimes!
This past week I passed around a birthday card for an ex-coworker of mine that is in federal prison. It has something to do with child pornography but I don't know the details and I don't really think I need to.
I got the strangest reactions when I asked a few people if they were interested in signing the card. Lots of "Have you heard from him?" (the answer is no), some enthusiastic "Yes"es and definite "No"s. When asked why, I told them that I wanted to send him encouragement for when he was released and that I would hope that someone would remember me if the tables were turned.
Pastor Steve says that Goodness is drawn to Brokenness. I guess I can relate to that very easily. My heart is drawn to the hurt. I write letters to people I know in prison and to kids of my old high school classmates who are in a National Guard youth program as a last chance.
I have mentored teen moms and I recently got in touch with an old high school classmate on Facebook who I tutored through Government class so he could graduate. He says he appreciated my help and has never forgotten me. The biggest thrill is that asked God to bless me and for that I am grateful.
I will continue to pray that the Holy Spirit leads me to do these little things that cost maybe a stamp and 20 minutes. This is a fruit of the spirit that I'm so glad to have in my heart.
This past week I passed around a birthday card for an ex-coworker of mine that is in federal prison. It has something to do with child pornography but I don't know the details and I don't really think I need to.
I got the strangest reactions when I asked a few people if they were interested in signing the card. Lots of "Have you heard from him?" (the answer is no), some enthusiastic "Yes"es and definite "No"s. When asked why, I told them that I wanted to send him encouragement for when he was released and that I would hope that someone would remember me if the tables were turned.
Pastor Steve says that Goodness is drawn to Brokenness. I guess I can relate to that very easily. My heart is drawn to the hurt. I write letters to people I know in prison and to kids of my old high school classmates who are in a National Guard youth program as a last chance.
I have mentored teen moms and I recently got in touch with an old high school classmate on Facebook who I tutored through Government class so he could graduate. He says he appreciated my help and has never forgotten me. The biggest thrill is that asked God to bless me and for that I am grateful.
I will continue to pray that the Holy Spirit leads me to do these little things that cost maybe a stamp and 20 minutes. This is a fruit of the spirit that I'm so glad to have in my heart.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Father's Day 2011
We spent this fathers day weekend with a start at Holland Hospital. Jeff had shoulder surgery scheduled for Friday. He was quite nervous about going under the knife. While I know all the things people say to calm one's nerves before surgery, it is quite different when it is your best friend and partner in life.
The surgery went well and while the doc found a little something, he thought that what he planned to do in the first place would be enough to get rid of the pain. The recovery is going well. No nausea and the nerve block worked wonderfully!
Saturday was a trip to an open house for a niece and a small trip to Lowes for grilling supplies! We went to red box and got a family movie as well as a parent movie, which I fell asleep through.
Sunday morning we skipped church and Jeff got treated to a shower. He got a pair of hand weights for father's day along with breakfast from Trinity and Tessa. We went to Butch's Beach Burritos for lunch and then came home to make Beer Can Chicken.
Jeff makes the best beer can chicken. The kids were so excited and we were treated to a gourmet meal.
I am always proud of my husband. He amazes me often and is a good man. I am blessed to have him.
The surgery went well and while the doc found a little something, he thought that what he planned to do in the first place would be enough to get rid of the pain. The recovery is going well. No nausea and the nerve block worked wonderfully!
Saturday was a trip to an open house for a niece and a small trip to Lowes for grilling supplies! We went to red box and got a family movie as well as a parent movie, which I fell asleep through.
Sunday morning we skipped church and Jeff got treated to a shower. He got a pair of hand weights for father's day along with breakfast from Trinity and Tessa. We went to Butch's Beach Burritos for lunch and then came home to make Beer Can Chicken.
Jeff makes the best beer can chicken. The kids were so excited and we were treated to a gourmet meal.
I am always proud of my husband. He amazes me often and is a good man. I am blessed to have him.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Pornography
Today I found out that an old acquaintance of mine got fired from his job for looking at pornography at work.
You could look at him and see...
A good man,
A father,
A husband of many years,
A Christian,
A good worker.
He's quiet and nothing about him screams "Weirdo".
But the truth is, pornography is an addiction and we are all sinners.
Is his sin bigger than mine? Just because he got caught and for something so dirty?
The answer is no.
We all sin. Whether it is made known to all, a few or even to just your own heart.
Look for help with all your sins... especially if they can affect you like his did.
Confess, repent and work hard to change your ways.
I know it is easier said than done.
But don't give up trying.
You could look at him and see...
A good man,
A father,
A husband of many years,
A Christian,
A good worker.
He's quiet and nothing about him screams "Weirdo".
But the truth is, pornography is an addiction and we are all sinners.
Is his sin bigger than mine? Just because he got caught and for something so dirty?
The answer is no.
We all sin. Whether it is made known to all, a few or even to just your own heart.
Look for help with all your sins... especially if they can affect you like his did.
Confess, repent and work hard to change your ways.
I know it is easier said than done.
But don't give up trying.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Prayer for Kristi and her family
If you look over at the other blogs I've linked to, you will see one for Kristi and Brian. Please pray for them as they face the nearing of the day that Kristi will walk with our Lord instead of with us.
Thanks.
Thanks.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
May
May is always a busy month. Between having FOUR family birthdays to celebrate in the first week of the month, there is always Mother's Day and then my birthday. Also May seems to be the busiest month of the school year, or at least it feels like it is at the moment.
The kids have so many field trips, last minute projects and of course Tulip Time seems to creep into the mix as well. We have never been in the parades, but we do enjoy going to at least one of them during the festival.
Add Girls On The Run to it all and the big race being the day after my 40th birthday... I can hardly even think that far ahead. Plus, there is a scheduling conflict with the 4th graders going on a school field trip that will interfere with the day of the big race. So we tack on another 5k in Grand Haven the next day for the 6 girls who will be missing our regional race.
Memorial Day will bring a weekend in Ludington where we have reservations for the weekend...
I am thankful to be able to keep chugging though it all without breaking down. I may not remember all that I have to do or what I have been doing, but that's okay. Whenever I get down about it, I think back to the first May that I hardly remember... the one when Tristan was born.
So May will continue to be one of my favorite months. :)
The kids have so many field trips, last minute projects and of course Tulip Time seems to creep into the mix as well. We have never been in the parades, but we do enjoy going to at least one of them during the festival.
Add Girls On The Run to it all and the big race being the day after my 40th birthday... I can hardly even think that far ahead. Plus, there is a scheduling conflict with the 4th graders going on a school field trip that will interfere with the day of the big race. So we tack on another 5k in Grand Haven the next day for the 6 girls who will be missing our regional race.
Memorial Day will bring a weekend in Ludington where we have reservations for the weekend...
I am thankful to be able to keep chugging though it all without breaking down. I may not remember all that I have to do or what I have been doing, but that's okay. Whenever I get down about it, I think back to the first May that I hardly remember... the one when Tristan was born.
So May will continue to be one of my favorite months. :)
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Stationery Card
Our Promise Thank You Card
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