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Friday, September 16, 2011

Finally Forever

My husband amazes me constantly.  He just wrote an opening to the book of revelation and co-wrote a song inspired by the book.  Listen/watch here

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

The Least of these



We still don't have a referral for our kids but we're already thinking how we can adopt more soon!

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Cute Rain Gutter Bookshelves


I ran across these adorable and economical rain gutter bookshelves.  Cute!  Down the road I'd love to put these in the basement.  I like the idea of the kids seeing the front of the books and being drawn to read more often than they would seeing the side of the book spine.

If you are interested in making them yourself here is the link.

Sunday, July 17, 2011

God at work

God provides for us always.  Sometimes it's at 11:59 p.m. before the clock strikes midnight.

I'm thankful that God is always at work.  This week my sister-in-law and soon to be brother in law donated their car to us (the same night we were about to purchase a van).

We've been applying for adoption grants and just last night met with some friends who were able to put in a good word for us concerning one of the grants.

My husband kept his word in a potentially difficult situation (in spite of his selfish wife urging him to do otherwise - thankful Drew listens to God more than me:)

I've felt overwhelmed by the friends and family God has provided to be encouraged with us about adoption.

So why was it on Wednesday night I was in tears unable to see how everything would work out.  I've felt sad this week thinking of how often I have NO perspective in the crucial hours when it's most needed.  I'm not totally sure why I get that way.  I know the truth is that even if I face death itself that I have hope that will never pass.

Drew and I have been listening to a Josh Garrels song called Ulysses all week.



I'm holding on to the hope that one day this could be made right
I've been shipwrecked, and left for dead, and I have seen the darkest sights
Everyone I've loved seems like a stranger in the night
But oh my heart still burns, tells me to return, and search the fading light

I'm sailing home to you I won't be long
By the light of moon I will press on
Until, I find, my love

Trouble has beset my ways, and wicked winds have blown
Sirens call my name, they say they'll ease my pain, then break me on the stones
But true love is the burden that will carry me back home
Carry me with the, memories of the, beauty I have known

I'm sailing home to you I won't be long
By the light of moon I will press on

So tie me to the mast of this old ship and point me home
Before I lose the one I love, before my chance is gone
I want to hold, her in, my arms 


Once again I find myself running home to my God who is love. Always forgiving, restoring, blessing because of the finished work of Jesus.  Freedom to hope.

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Give them Grace

This summer has been so refreshing to my soul.  I have seen my husband renewed and restored with rest and reading good books.  Drew and I have had lots of time to be together and enjoy our friends and family.  I have done a few home projects like refinishing our dining room table and spray painting the brass chandelier over that table cream.

The kids I get to take care of have been so precious and hilarious all at the same time.  Life is very funny with little kids around.

Drew bought me a book that I have been L-O-V-I-N-G!  I want to buy a copy for every single parent I know.  It's called Give Them Grace- Dazzling Your Kids with the Love of Jesus by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick & Jessica Thompson.

I'm only a few chapters in but already my heart is inspired by their words.  I was telling Drew that every other parenting book I have read has had some helpful ideas in it but usually I walk away thinking how will I ever remember all of that!  Defeat sets in quickly after.  This book has been so different.  It builds upon what God says is true of the human condition and how that condition is rescued.  One phrase that has been ringing in my head from the book is, "everything that is not gospel is law, everything that is not gospel is law."


This morning I was reading from Genesis.  When God created man and woman he said it was VERY GOOD!  Humans were in God's likeness and it was very good.  Very quickly when Adam and Eve chose not to believe that truth, disobedience entered into the world and so did brokenness.  We've been trying ever since to figure out how we can be called good again.  The self esteem movement in the 50's and 60's that reinforced this idea still lingers today.

The truth is that there has only been one good parent and one good son- God and Jesus Christ.  By believing in Jesus' work for us we are not only forgiven our wrong doing but also credited with his righteousness.

This is the premise of not only what I believe but what I want to point our children to.  There is hope but it's not in ourselves it's in Jesus alone.

I will never cease to be refreshed by that message!

When you were stuck in your old sin-dead life, you were incapable of responding to God.  God brought you alive- right along with Christ!  Think of it!  All sins forgiven, the slate wiped clean, that old arrest warrant canceled and nailed to Christ's cross. (Col. 2:13-14 Message)

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

But you...




Jude.


The other weekend our friend and Pastor Troy taught on the book of Jude.  I have never looked much at this book but was touched by a few things.  


This whole book is an exhortation to a group of people following Jesus to fight against false teaching.  The part that struck me was at the very end of book that in light of all this false teaching, what they themselves should focus on.




"20But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. 22And have mercy on those who doubt; 23save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.
Doxology
 24 Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, 25to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen." (emphasis mine)


This past week I was feeling off.  Everything felt a lot harder than it normally does.  Even doing laundry felt overwhelming and all I have to do is turn a knob.  I can so quickly forget that my emotions don't need to dictate how I live.  Mine often do!  Hearing these words gave me hope to focus on building myself up in faith.   I forget so quickly that it is a fight to renew my mind in what is true.  


I loved the part that says "keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life."  Often I just assume being in God's love will just happen to me.  But Jude taught the early church that they must KEEP themselves there by reminding themselves of God's love found in Jesus.  I want to dwell there but it is a fight at times!


After some strong words about false teachers I am so moved by how God desires mercy.  "Have mercy on those who doubt."  Some weeks it's me that needs the mercy.  I am so moved by how God loves mercy and is so patient with me and humanity.  He is always at work wanting people to know His love.  I'm still in awe that Jesus was and is real and that He walked on this earth.  Everything I learn about God makes me wonder more about how deep He is and yet how a child can know His love.


So thankful that verse 24 reminds me that it is Him who is able to do all of this.  My sustainer.  I need one. 






Sunday, April 10, 2011

Easy Child Sized Teepee $20 or less


I'm so excited after coming home from Joann's Fabric today.  I'm going to attempt making this child sized Teepee.  You actually don't even have to sew it at all!  We'll see how it goes:)

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Fresh Bread - Yummo!

Thanks to my cousin (via marriage) Lauren I have discovered an amazing bread book! Bernard Clayton's New Complete Book of Breads is absurdly delicious!

 There is something about making bread that makes every sensory bone in my body come alive!  I've checked this book out from the library and hope I can keep renewing it:)

Today I'm going to try the Blue Ribbon Italian loaf that Lauren made for a family Christmas.  It was amazing!!!  I just might need to ask for my very own copy for my birthday... November seems so far away;)  Waiting is good for my character (i'm going to repeat this to myself many times today).

Free Art work for your home:)


Thanks to my friend Zach Gilbert (his blog) I've found the best web site ever!  Drew and I were wanting to fill some frames with artsy pictures.  For obvious reasons most photographers charge you for their pictures, on top of printing costs.  Well not at Stock.xchng!  It might take a while to find some photos your really love but they are there royalty free!

I've personally loved Walden Photo here in Ames!

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Flying soon?



I just found this little tid bit in the newest Money Magazine.

Old Rule:  Shop one of the major online travel agencies, like Expedia or Orbitz.

New Rule:  Instead start your search with Kayak.com, Fly.com, and Trip Advisor.com, metasearch engines that aggregate fares from a number of sources and direct you to sites where you can buy them.

Also if you go to Bing's web site they will predict for you if the price is likely to rise or fall.  If it is more than a 70% that fares will fall you might want to wait to order your ticket. 

Thanks Money Magazine:)

Friday, March 25, 2011

Submission.

Being a Gospel Wife: I am his bride…

2011 at 6:36 pm   |   by Carolyn Mahaney
Filed under Marriage Series Current Series
“Marriage was designed by God most deeply, most importantly, to be a parable or a drama of the way Christ loves his church and the way the church loves and follows Christ.” John Piper

Being a bride means--above all--that we imitate THE bride, the church. We are to respect, follow, love, and submit to our husband as the church does to Christ. "As the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands (Eph. 5.22)." That's a pretty tall order, for sure.

We have to admit, though, that our husbands might have the tougher assignment: they are to imitate Christ who "gave himself up for us" (Eph. 5.25). We have to follow, but they have to die! This series is not about the husbands, though. We want to focus on God's calling for us as wives.

Submission (Eph 5.22) and respect (Eph. 5.33) comprise the primary role of a bride, and that's who the command is addressed to. Submission was not our husbands' idea, and neither are they responsible to enforce it. This command is not divine permission for husbands to assert authoritarian leadership. Nowhere in Scripture does it say, 'Husbands, see to it that your wives submit.' That's our job.

The requirement to submit to our husbands comes straight from God to us as wives. And we are answerable to Him for our obedience. We cannot blame our husbands for our lack of submission. The responsibility is entirely ours!

And notice to whom we are to submit. As married women, we are not called to submit to all men (and neither are single women, for that matter), but rather to our husbands. Conversely, we should not seek leadership from other men, apart from our husbands, no matter how worthy they are of honor or respect. We are to follow our husbands.

But as I said, this isn't always easy. We'll talk about why, next time. Stay tuned.

(adapted from Feminine Appeal)

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Staples Free Paper 3/20-3/26


Just a heads up if you are in need of some printer paper:)  They have some other good deals in their store ad.

Valid only in store only.

HP 8.5 x 11 Multi-Purpose Bright White Paper 500 sheets $5.99
Use the $1/1 coupon found here (click on the "office" tab to the left)
Pay $4.99
Submit for the $4.99 Easy Rebate (limit 2)
Final Cost FREE!

Thanks hip2save!

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Wednesday night date night!



I have never been to Panda Express or had the Golden treasure shrimp but tonight they are giving away one free single serving/person!  We are going on our date tonight, so I thought it might be fun to check the shrimp out:)  Just head on over here to print the coupon and enjoy!

Ames friends I did find out there are two locations to choose from:


1)    

229 Lincoln Way, Ames - (515) 294-4194

2) 

   2229 Lincoln Way, Ames, Iowa - (515) 294-4194

Enjoy!  

Thanks hip2save!

Friday, February 25, 2011

More on Isaiah

Oh my heart is so overwhelmed with how much I want to share!  It will all have to be very quick because two little angels are sleeping upstairs and I have a very important date with a little guy and his bottle in 30 minutes:)  


Isaiah is the most quoted Old Testament book by Jesus - which I didn't know until last week:)  As I study the bible my understanding of how huge God is keeps growing!  Some times it feels like my brain is about to explode!  But really it makes the fact that He loves me that much more confusing and stunning all at once!  Oh wow!


Isaiah 40:5 "Then the glory of the LORD will be revealed, 
And all flesh will see it together;" 


John 1:14 "And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth."


Jesus is God's glory made visible.  What kind of a God is so kind as to come down to us so that we can understand Him?!!


These verses struck my heart this week:  Isaiah 40:10-18


10"Behold, the Lord GOD will come with might,
         With His arm ruling for Him 
         Behold, His reward is with Him
         And His recompense before Him. 
    11Like a shepherd He will tend His flock,
         In His arm He will gather the lambs
         And carry them in His bosom;
         He will gently lead the nursing ewes. 
    12Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand,
         And marked off the heavens by the span,
         And calculated the dust of the earth by the measure,
         And weighed the mountains in a balance
         And the hills in a pair of scales? 
    13Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD,
         Or as His counselor has informed Him? 
    14With whom did He consult and who gave Him understanding?
         And who taught Him in the path of justice and taught Him knowledge
         And informed Him of the way of understanding? 
    15Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket,
         And are regarded as a speck of dust on the scales;
         Behold, He lifts up the islands like fine dust. 
    16Even Lebanon is not enough to burn,
         Nor its beasts enough for a burnt offering. 
    17All the nations are as nothing before Him,
         They are regarded by Him as less than nothing and meaningless. 
    18To whom then will you liken God?
         Or what likeness will you compare with Him?"


I was telling Drew about this and saying how I was amazed God has all understanding and thought of love.  Drew made a great point that God didn't think of any of it... He just is it!  A God who is loving and just for eternity past and eternity future- brain hurting again in and awesome way:)






God told people the world was round... I wonder when they forgot and started thinking it was flat? Isaiah 40:22
"It is He who sits above the circle of the earth."  
I thought that was so funny!








Another encouragement to trust and wait on the Lord: Isaiah 40:31


"Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles, 
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary."


Definition: To wait: to look for, hope, expect, to wait or look eagerly for.


Isaiah 41:9-10
I have chosen you and not rejected you.  Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." 

Drew always reminds me when the bible says for it means because.  I love Gods "because".

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Staples free stuff!

I must say Staples is at it again with some amazing deals!  I haven't had to buy paper, pens, or photo paper for years!  Today (2/20) and tomorrow (2/21) you can get freebies with your easy rebates.  Head on over here to read more about easy rebates.  You fill out the rebates online and receive your check in 4-6 weeks!  Amazing!



FREE after Easy Rebate items (ONLY valid on 2/20 and 2/21)…

Staples 96 bright multipurpose paper 500 sheets $5.99
Get a $5.99 easy rebate
Final Cost FREE!
Staples® photo plus 4″ x 6″ paper 60/pack $9.99
Get a $9.99 Easy Rebate
Final Cost FREE!
Avery® 8160 inkjet mailing labels 750/pack $9.99
Use the $3/1 coupon found here
Pay $6.99
Get a $9.99 Easy Rebate
Final Cost FREE + $3 moneymaker!
Staples Stickies® 1½” x 2″ notes 12/pack $4
Get a $4 Easy Rebate (limit 1)
Final Cost FREE!
Pentel R.S.V.P.® ballpoint pens, fine, black, 5/pack $3.79
Get a $3.79 Easy Rebate (limit 1)
Final Cost FREE!
HP DVD  Media 50 pack $9.99
Get a $5 Easy Rebate (limit 1)
Final Cost $4.99 ($28.99 value)!
Samsung WEB 460 Bluetooth Headset $14.99
Get a $10 Easy Rebate (limit 1)
Final Cost $4.99 ($29.99 value)!
AT&T DECT 6.0 Cordless Phone with Digital Answering System $89.99
Get a $30 Easy Rebate (limit 1)
Final Cost $59.99 ($99.99 value)!
Omnitech 11″ Digital Frame $49.99
Get a $30 Easy Rebate (limit 1)
Final Cost $19.99 ($99.99 value)!

Other Great Deals (ONLY valid 2/20 and 2/21)…

Sandisk Cruzer 8GB USB Flash Drive $11.99 
(limit 1; regularly priced at $39.99)
Kodak Slice Touch-Screen Digital Camera $99.99
(limit 1; regularly priced at $299.99)
Keep in mind – Staples Easy Rebates are just that, easy! Go on over here to read more about them. Basically you’ll be able to submit all your info online. You won’t even have to mail anything in– the best part in my opinion! You’ll receive your rebate/rebates within 4-6 weeks after submitting them.

Thanks Hip2save!

Thursday, February 17, 2011

8 DVD's $40 shipped

I don't watch much t.v.  I don't enjoy sitting down for very long.  But one dvd I've enjoyed watching with the kids is Veggie Tales.  If you enjoy these shows head on over here to check out 9 dvd's they have on sale for $5 a piece.  When you spend $40 you can enter code SHIP2011 to score free shipping.  If you're looking for great birthday or easter gifts these would be great!

I'm looking forward to one that shows you how to draw Bob and Larry (those pictured above) I think the kids will love that!

Thanks hip2save!

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Remodeling your house?



We are not remodeling but I thought for anyone that is you need to check out the Home Depot Facebook page.  They have great deals on path lights, faucets, microwaves and shower heads!  Random assortment but great if you are fixing up your space:)

Des Moines Dinner Date



I wanted to let you guys know about the Des Moines groupon of the day.  It's $80 worth of georgeous food for $40.  Just head on over to the Des Moines groupon site and check it out.  I'm thinking about a special date for Drew and myself:)

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Valentine's Day


Here’s a round-up of all the latest Valentine’s Day restaurant coupons, offers and deals…

Arby’sUse the coupon here to snag FREE Steakhouse Onion Rings with any sandwich purchase valid through February 14th.
Auntie AnnesHead over to the Auntie Anne’s Facebook page and print a coupon good for a free signature pretzel with with the purchase of any pretzel item valid February 11th-14th only.
Caribou Coffee
Use the coupon here to Buy 1 Beverage and Get 1 Free valid on Sunday and Monday (2/13-2/14).
Carrabba’s
If you have free text messaging, you may want to sign up for the Carrabba’s Mobile Amici Club to receive great coupons (like free Calamari) and offers via text on your cell phone! To join, text Amici24 to 58671.
Champps
Through February 14th, you can snag the Champps Triple Play which includes 3 courses for 2 people including one appetizer, two entrees, and one dessert for $39.99.
Checkers and Rally’s
Use the coupon here to snag a FREE small milkshake (valid through 12/31).
Chili’s
According to the Chili’s email newsletter, kids ages 12 and under eat free at Chili’s restaurants on February 15th, 21st and 22nd with the purchase of any adult entree. I would recommend that you contact your local Chili’s restaurant to see if they are participating and if a coupon (from the email newsletter) is required.
Denny’s
Head over here to send a Valentine’s e-card and you and your e-card recipient will each snag a coupon for a FREE Pancake Puppies Sundae (with any entree purchase) valid through March 21st. In addition, click here to print out a coupon for a FREE Stack of Pancakes (with any entree purchase) which expires on February 28th.
Eat N’ Park
Head over here to print a coupon good for a free Smiley Valentine Cookie with your next meal (expires February 14th) and print a coupon good for $5 off any takeout purchase of $20 or more (expires February 27th).
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse
Through February 14th, dine at Fleming’s and you’ll snag a $25 Flemings gift card (the gift card will be delivered at the end of your meal and will be valid through March 31, 2011 and may be redeemed for any dining purchase).
Jamba Juice
Use the coupon found here to snag 2 16 oz. Sweetheart Smoothies for $5 valid through February 20th.
Marble Slab Creamery
Head over to a participating Marble Slab Creamery on Valentine’s Day from 3-6 PM to snag a FREE sample of new Tiramisu ice cream.
Mimis Cafe
Through February 16th, you can snatch up a three-course dinner for two for $25.99.
Outback Steakhouse
Through February 14th, you can snag a Sweetheart Meal for 2 which includes one Bloomin’ Onion, 2 9oz Outback Special Sirloins, choice of Freshly Made Side & Signature Salad Per Person, and 1 Classic Cheesecake (the price of this meal for 2 ranges from $31.99-$46.99 depending on your local restaurant).
Penn Station
Through February 23rd, you can enter the Super Slots 2011 game once a day for a chance to instantly win one of three prizes: A Buy One Get One Free Reward, a Free Drink or Free Small Fresh Cut Fries with a sub purchase; no purchase necessary. Note: Do not play the game using a chrome browser as the game will work but will not print.
Qdoba Mexican Grill
Head over to your local Qdoba and smooch your sweetheart on February 14th and you’ll snag a Buy One Get One Free Entree offer…no coupon required.
Subway
Print the coupon found here to snag a FREE Raspberry Cheesecake Cookie with any purchase valid on February 14th only; limit one free cookie per customer.
Taco Cabana
Beginning today, February 11th, through Thursday, February 17th, use the coupons found here to snag different Buy 1 Get 1 Free offers and even a coupon for 20% off your entire order on Valentine’s Day.
Tijuana Flats
If you’re single, you can snag one free beer or order of Churros on Valentine’s Day; click here for more information.
Wendy’s
Head over here to print a coupon good for $1/1 Asiago ranch chicken club.

Thanks hip2save!