Showing posts with label God's Love. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God's Love. Show all posts
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
tomorrow...
Tomorrow is a VERY difficult day for my family, every.single.year. Especially for my sweet Mom and Dad. October 28, 1978 is the day that my 4 yr. old sister was taken to heaven. So, while knowing that she is in such a better place it is also HARD for my parents and family to face every.single.waking.moment. without her,even though it's been 31 years.
I never felt what they felt until I became a mother. I knew it was sad and it made me sad that they were hurting. I was sad because I never got to know my sweet sister. BUT, I never really got it until I gave birth to a sweet little bundle of pink named Claire and then her sister, Lily and brother, Drew. Now I KNOW. And, I use this, the end of October, to allow myself to truly feel someone else's pain. I make myself slow down and capture each little moment that God gives me and I tuck it away, I cherish it. Each little hug and kiss and story and laugh and even each tantrum!! I try to give thanks in the midst of it all...
This year, I invite you to join me. You will never know if this is your last laugh with your child. Your last coloring sheet. Your last battle over bedtime. Your last story time cuddled in your lap. Your last Fall. Your last Christmas. Your last good morning and good night.
You will never know.
So, squeeze your kids. LOVE them A LOT!!!! Shower them with love. Do something they want to do and don't look at your watch. Take a deep breath and just "BE"...... in the moment....because it could be your last.
Much love and many prayers for you all,
Julie
I never felt what they felt until I became a mother. I knew it was sad and it made me sad that they were hurting. I was sad because I never got to know my sweet sister. BUT, I never really got it until I gave birth to a sweet little bundle of pink named Claire and then her sister, Lily and brother, Drew. Now I KNOW. And, I use this, the end of October, to allow myself to truly feel someone else's pain. I make myself slow down and capture each little moment that God gives me and I tuck it away, I cherish it. Each little hug and kiss and story and laugh and even each tantrum!! I try to give thanks in the midst of it all...
This year, I invite you to join me. You will never know if this is your last laugh with your child. Your last coloring sheet. Your last battle over bedtime. Your last story time cuddled in your lap. Your last Fall. Your last Christmas. Your last good morning and good night.
You will never know.
So, squeeze your kids. LOVE them A LOT!!!! Shower them with love. Do something they want to do and don't look at your watch. Take a deep breath and just "BE"...... in the moment....because it could be your last.
Much love and many prayers for you all,
Julie
Friday, October 23, 2009
life....
chicken soup in the crock-pot. homemade bread in the oven. sweatshirts.the "clean" smell of homemade laundry soap. little hands helping mama shape the pie crust for the pumpkin pie baking in the oven.snuggles under quilts and Beatrix Potter before naps. mama does their "makeup". playing tractors with Andrew.phone calls from my baby.watching the leaves fall. Inhaling the smell of apple pie candles.working on christmas gifts.watching Anne of Green Gables. curling up with THE Good Book and a cup of hot tea. Praying......quiet uninterrupted time with my Savior. ahhhh....so blessed.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Grateful for...
(our back pasture this morning)(I've been discontent and out of sorts lately and not really writing because I didn't want my discontentment and anger to show through, I didn't want people to see the real me, more on that later but for now I want to share how my eyes have been opened on this NEW day)
* a husband who has been off work for almost 2 weeks. money is almost nonexistent but it has been sooo nice to have him home with us. Also, much thankful for the small check my husband received this week from work. Not much but enough to pay a bill!!! Lord, you are our provider. I am ashamed that at times I have forgotten that.
*a little girl who sings "I am so glad that Jesus loves me" to her little sister and brother before bed. (Claire)
*a little girl who tells me, "I sowwy(sorry), Mama. I good gurwl (girl) in my hawt(heart)" (Lily)
*a little boy who is taking more steps every day but still stopping every few to find Mama or Daddy and get the confidence he needs to continue on...same baby boy who, when I pick him up, automatically (every time) leans into my shoulder and gives me precious loves and just hangs on... be still my heart
*little purple dragonfly and pink ladybug aprons hanging beside mine in the kitchen
*eager little hands kneading piecrust with mama
*the rain, even though it means financial trouble, it is a balm to my soul, in so many ways. The quiet nights spent inside or on the front porch listening to the rain hit our tin roof, the soup simmering in the slow cooker,the smell of our homemade laundry detergent and the sound of snaps hitting the dryer, the feel of chubby soft little hands as we trace leaves with fat crayons over paper, the sound of children singing praises to a Jesus they love, the sound of children laughing as they dance and play, the smell of a new book, the taste of hot tea, the smell and beauty of Fall candles burning, the quietness late at night as I talk with my husband, the Grace of my God. The rain that brings all of these things into focus.
Oh, how I love them!!!!
God, thank you so much for our beautiful sweet precious family!! We are not perfect and we have struggled so much through the years but I praise you evermore for your faithfulness especially when we have been, at times, less than faithful!
Julie
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
First day of school....
Claire running to Mama to work with her playdough to make letters...
one of our bookshelves & art shelves. Ignore the mess, I stayed up past 1 a.m. trying to finish everything....it's still a little sloppy :(
This is the most excitement I have ever seen over play dough!
I don't know; what about her excitement? Do you think she's happy?! ;)
The Ten Commandments are DEFINITELY posted in our school!!
The sisters, holding hands, are so excited to be doing school together! And, I praise God that they are so close....what an amazing family I have been blessed with!!GOD is SO GOOD!!! I hope you all have a wonderful week!!
~Blessings~
Julie
Monday, January 12, 2009
James 3 & spiritual battles..
The kids are all sleeping. They have just been sleeping on and off all morning and I can't sleep (to much caffeine so I could stay awake this morning & now I can't sleep) :(
I have pretty much quit trying to read the Bible chronologically for now. It's just too much jumping around to do when I need something right now(with 3 babies) that I can read quickly and focus on. (make sense?) So, I have been reading along with Amanda in James. We are on James 3 right now.
I am really enjoying reading along with her. James is really convicting me of some issues I need to deal with in my life at this point. It's not easy reading but it is what I need to do right now. Hopefully, I can share more with you about that later this week. I feel like I have walked around in a haze this past year and I am struggling so hard to break through it. I feel like God has so much in store for me that He wants for me but I feel like it is such a fight to get there. Spiritual battles have been VERY heavy lately.
Well, I have to go and get some things done. Just wanted to let you know I will be sharing more on what I am learning in James throughout the week. Today I am understanding just HOW MUCH evil my tongue can do.... more about that tomorrow. :)
Love you all,
Julie
I have pretty much quit trying to read the Bible chronologically for now. It's just too much jumping around to do when I need something right now(with 3 babies) that I can read quickly and focus on. (make sense?) So, I have been reading along with Amanda in James. We are on James 3 right now.
I am really enjoying reading along with her. James is really convicting me of some issues I need to deal with in my life at this point. It's not easy reading but it is what I need to do right now. Hopefully, I can share more with you about that later this week. I feel like I have walked around in a haze this past year and I am struggling so hard to break through it. I feel like God has so much in store for me that He wants for me but I feel like it is such a fight to get there. Spiritual battles have been VERY heavy lately.
Well, I have to go and get some things done. Just wanted to let you know I will be sharing more on what I am learning in James throughout the week. Today I am understanding just HOW MUCH evil my tongue can do.... more about that tomorrow. :)
Love you all,
Julie
Monday, December 29, 2008
Love....
Charlie & I have started the LOVE DARE book. Our church also bought a copy for every couple to work on together which I think is a great idea. Already, this book has changed me.
I am trying to apply these principles to my children as well as to my husband, where appropriate. For example, the first day's challenge is "to say nothing negative to your spouse". So, I will say nothing negative to my husband or my children. Have you ever tried to do this? Have you noticed how many negative things we say in just an hour's time?! Much less a whole day or even, heaven forbid, EVERY DAY?
So, today, I started noticing just how negative I am to those I love. I noticed and even admitted guilt when my day started off rotten and kept getting worse. Yes, there were things that were not my fault. But, my attitude stunk. Hence, the reason, it kept getting worse instead of better. I even yelled several times and that is one thing that I hate to do to my kids and to Charlie. I am definitely seeking forgiveness today.
After praying and telling the kids how Mama was wrong to act that way and why, I prayed with them for God to forgive us for being selfish and ugly. I don't know if they understand but I want them to know what to do and where to go when they mess up. Because we all do and that's what's so cool about GRACE.
Well, just thought I would share that with you today. If you can, would you pray for Drew? He is very stopped up and with the phlegm is having a hard time breathing/sleeping. I am keeping it down with saline nose drops, humidifier, some Vics baby rub, and the steamy bathroom when it gets bad but I would appreciate the prayers that it doesn't get any worse. We have a dr.'s appointment but not for a couple of days and Claire & Lily have some pretty sore throats and are running a little fever. So, prayers would be very appreciated! Thanks! Have a wonderful week!
Love,
Julie
I am trying to apply these principles to my children as well as to my husband, where appropriate. For example, the first day's challenge is "to say nothing negative to your spouse". So, I will say nothing negative to my husband or my children. Have you ever tried to do this? Have you noticed how many negative things we say in just an hour's time?! Much less a whole day or even, heaven forbid, EVERY DAY?
So, today, I started noticing just how negative I am to those I love. I noticed and even admitted guilt when my day started off rotten and kept getting worse. Yes, there were things that were not my fault. But, my attitude stunk. Hence, the reason, it kept getting worse instead of better. I even yelled several times and that is one thing that I hate to do to my kids and to Charlie. I am definitely seeking forgiveness today.
After praying and telling the kids how Mama was wrong to act that way and why, I prayed with them for God to forgive us for being selfish and ugly. I don't know if they understand but I want them to know what to do and where to go when they mess up. Because we all do and that's what's so cool about GRACE.
Well, just thought I would share that with you today. If you can, would you pray for Drew? He is very stopped up and with the phlegm is having a hard time breathing/sleeping. I am keeping it down with saline nose drops, humidifier, some Vics baby rub, and the steamy bathroom when it gets bad but I would appreciate the prayers that it doesn't get any worse. We have a dr.'s appointment but not for a couple of days and Claire & Lily have some pretty sore throats and are running a little fever. So, prayers would be very appreciated! Thanks! Have a wonderful week!
Love,
Julie
Sunday, December 21, 2008
The greatest gift...
My husband spoke about the greatest gift of all today. He spoke of our Lord Jesus Christ being born so that He would be tortured and crucified for our sins.....in order that we may live..............ETERNALLY. WITH. HIM.
All day I have been thinking on these things & asking myself how I can draw closer to my counselor, my fortress, my Savior, as should we all..
Merry Christmas to all.....
All day I have been thinking on these things & asking myself how I can draw closer to my counselor, my fortress, my Savior, as should we all..
Merry Christmas to all.....
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
THE ARRIVAL.....
The Arrivalby Max Lucado
God had entered the world as a baby.
Yet, were someone to chance upon the sheep stable on the outskirts of Bethlehem that morning, what a peculiar scene they would behold.
The stable stinks like all stables do. The stench of urine, dung, and sheep reeks pungently in the air. The ground is hard, the hay scarce. Cobwebs cling to the ceiling and a mouse scurries across the dirt floor.
A more lowly place of birth could not exist.
Off to one side sit a group of shepherds. They sit silently on the floor; perhaps perplexed, perhaps in awe, no doubt in amazement. Their night watch had been interrupted by an explosion of light from heaven and a symphony of angels. God goes to those who have time to hear him—so on this cloudless night he went to simple shepherds.
Near the young mother sits the weary father. If anyone is dozing, he is. He can’t remember the last time he sat down. And now that the excitement has subsided a bit, now that Mary and the baby are comfortable, he leans against the wall of the stable and feels his eyes grow heavy. He still hasn’t figured it all out. The mystery of the event puzzles him. But he hasn’t the energy to wrestle with the questions. What’s important is that the baby is fine and that Mary is safe. As sleep comes he remembers the name the angel told him to use … Jesus. “We will call him Jesus.”
Wide awake is Mary. My, how young she looks! Her head rests on the soft leather of Joseph’s saddle. The pain has been eclipsed by wonder. She looks into the face of the baby. Her son. Her Lord. His Majesty. At this point in history, the human being who best understands who God is and what he is doing is a teenage girl in a smelly stable. She can’t take her eyes off him. Somehow Mary knows she is holding God. So this is he. She remembers the words of the angel. “His kingdom will never end.” (Luke 1:33)
He looks like anything but a king. His face is prunish and red. His cry, though strong and healthy, is still the helpless and piercing cry of a baby. And he is absolutely dependent upon Mary for his well-being.
Majesty in the midst of the mundane. Holiness in the filth of sheep manure and sweat. Divinity entering the world on the floor of a stable, through the womb of a teenager and in the presence of a carpenter.
She touches the face of the infant-God. How long was your journey!
This baby had overlooked the universe. These rags keeping him warm were the robes of eternity. His golden throne room had been abandoned in favor of a dirty sheep pen. And worshiping angels had been replaced with kind but bewildered shepherds.
Meanwhile, the city hums. The merchants are unaware that God has visited their planet. The innkeeper would never believe that he had just sent God into the cold. And the people would scoff at anyone who told them the Messiah lay in the arms of a teenager on the outskirts of their village. They were all too busy to consider the possibility.
Those who missed His Majesty’s arrival that night missed it not because of evil acts or malice; no, they missed it because they simply weren’t looking.
Little has changed in the last two thousand years, has it?
From God Came Near© (Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2006) Max Lucado
God had entered the world as a baby.
Yet, were someone to chance upon the sheep stable on the outskirts of Bethlehem that morning, what a peculiar scene they would behold.
The stable stinks like all stables do. The stench of urine, dung, and sheep reeks pungently in the air. The ground is hard, the hay scarce. Cobwebs cling to the ceiling and a mouse scurries across the dirt floor.
A more lowly place of birth could not exist.
Off to one side sit a group of shepherds. They sit silently on the floor; perhaps perplexed, perhaps in awe, no doubt in amazement. Their night watch had been interrupted by an explosion of light from heaven and a symphony of angels. God goes to those who have time to hear him—so on this cloudless night he went to simple shepherds.
Near the young mother sits the weary father. If anyone is dozing, he is. He can’t remember the last time he sat down. And now that the excitement has subsided a bit, now that Mary and the baby are comfortable, he leans against the wall of the stable and feels his eyes grow heavy. He still hasn’t figured it all out. The mystery of the event puzzles him. But he hasn’t the energy to wrestle with the questions. What’s important is that the baby is fine and that Mary is safe. As sleep comes he remembers the name the angel told him to use … Jesus. “We will call him Jesus.”
Wide awake is Mary. My, how young she looks! Her head rests on the soft leather of Joseph’s saddle. The pain has been eclipsed by wonder. She looks into the face of the baby. Her son. Her Lord. His Majesty. At this point in history, the human being who best understands who God is and what he is doing is a teenage girl in a smelly stable. She can’t take her eyes off him. Somehow Mary knows she is holding God. So this is he. She remembers the words of the angel. “His kingdom will never end.” (Luke 1:33)
He looks like anything but a king. His face is prunish and red. His cry, though strong and healthy, is still the helpless and piercing cry of a baby. And he is absolutely dependent upon Mary for his well-being.
Majesty in the midst of the mundane. Holiness in the filth of sheep manure and sweat. Divinity entering the world on the floor of a stable, through the womb of a teenager and in the presence of a carpenter.
She touches the face of the infant-God. How long was your journey!
This baby had overlooked the universe. These rags keeping him warm were the robes of eternity. His golden throne room had been abandoned in favor of a dirty sheep pen. And worshiping angels had been replaced with kind but bewildered shepherds.
Meanwhile, the city hums. The merchants are unaware that God has visited their planet. The innkeeper would never believe that he had just sent God into the cold. And the people would scoff at anyone who told them the Messiah lay in the arms of a teenager on the outskirts of their village. They were all too busy to consider the possibility.
Those who missed His Majesty’s arrival that night missed it not because of evil acts or malice; no, they missed it because they simply weren’t looking.
Little has changed in the last two thousand years, has it?
From God Came Near© (Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2006) Max Lucado
Thursday, November 27, 2008
prayer update...
Just an update to let you know, those of you who have been praying, my sister and her husband have reconciled! Please, please, continue to pray that they make it work! :) God is SO good !!!!!
Much Love to you all,
Julie
Much Love to you all,
Julie
Thursday, November 13, 2008
I'm under attack...
*edited to say: I know that people love me, that friends and family love me. Deep down I know that. This is just the battle that I fight every day with myself. Not anything that anyone has or hasn't done!
Charlie and I went to see Fireproof on Sunday night. It was, as I already said, in a word, AWESOME!!! It has been life changing for us! I am seeing things in my husband that I have prayed for and now they are coming true! Last night was a very huge moment for us. Charlie took me down on the floor with him on our knees and he prayed over us. :) I cannot stop crying today. Just tears of absolute joy everytime I think of my precious husband and how he is trying so hard to be the husband/father he is called to be, how his heart is so tender towards me now and most important, He is walking with Christ every step of the way! :)
We are going through some major things right now and I am not afraid. Charlie is standing up and taking control and I am SO proud of my husband! However, the problem is with me.
Satan is atttacking me; big time. I have a major self pity thing going on. I am not able to focus so well when I am in prayer. I just feel like I need to sleep and have no urge to take care of my family or my home. Sounds bad, huh? But, I have to admit it. I must get this out so that Satan has NO power over my mind. I have learned exactly what to do to make him go away! ;)
I am just in a major funk. I feel like no one cares about me and I have been trying to reach out to others but feel rejected. I hate that feeling and it makes me start questioning myself. It makes me feel horrible because I feel not worthy of friendship or of anything good in my life. I hate this about me, that I let my mind control me so many times.
My parenting has definitely suffered. I am very easily angered and struggling to stay calm and let the little things just go. Lily is a little screamer when she doesn't get her way and listening to this ALL. DAY. LONG. is driving me insane! Claire is going through a thing where she hates to wear pants (of any kind) , her seat belt, etc. and throws a screaming fit when she has too. Which, you know, is any time we go anywhere at all. Drew is doing pretty good but I can't give him the attention he needs because I have spent most of my day today defusing temper tantrums and wondering if I am losing my mind?!
And, I have surgery scheduled for Tuesday morning. I am always worried when I have surgery. And this is a very hard and sad day for me. Without going into our reasons or our decision, I will not be able to have more children. We know that this is the right decison but we are very sad. My life is my husband and my children. That's all I know and I love every second of it. I really believe that my conflicting feelings are the source of a lot of this mess I am going through this week. Please pray for us.
Anyway, I just felt like I had to get this said. I know that I have not been walking around with my "full armour of God" as my protection against Satan's attacks. I must stay in the word, that is why I am starting the memory verse. I must focus on what my family thinks of me and their needs from me as a wife and mother. I HAVE to get to that point where I no longer worry about what people (even family) think of me. I have to stop letting other people's opinions of me control me. I KNOW WHO I AM. I KNOW I AM WORTHY. I KNOW I AM CALLED TO BE CHARLIE'S WIFE AND CLAIRE, LILY & DREW'S MAMA. THE LORD IS MY HEAVENLY FATHER AND HE LOVES ME.
and that's all I need to know.
Julie
Charlie and I went to see Fireproof on Sunday night. It was, as I already said, in a word, AWESOME!!! It has been life changing for us! I am seeing things in my husband that I have prayed for and now they are coming true! Last night was a very huge moment for us. Charlie took me down on the floor with him on our knees and he prayed over us. :) I cannot stop crying today. Just tears of absolute joy everytime I think of my precious husband and how he is trying so hard to be the husband/father he is called to be, how his heart is so tender towards me now and most important, He is walking with Christ every step of the way! :)
We are going through some major things right now and I am not afraid. Charlie is standing up and taking control and I am SO proud of my husband! However, the problem is with me.
Satan is atttacking me; big time. I have a major self pity thing going on. I am not able to focus so well when I am in prayer. I just feel like I need to sleep and have no urge to take care of my family or my home. Sounds bad, huh? But, I have to admit it. I must get this out so that Satan has NO power over my mind. I have learned exactly what to do to make him go away! ;)
I am just in a major funk. I feel like no one cares about me and I have been trying to reach out to others but feel rejected. I hate that feeling and it makes me start questioning myself. It makes me feel horrible because I feel not worthy of friendship or of anything good in my life. I hate this about me, that I let my mind control me so many times.
My parenting has definitely suffered. I am very easily angered and struggling to stay calm and let the little things just go. Lily is a little screamer when she doesn't get her way and listening to this ALL. DAY. LONG. is driving me insane! Claire is going through a thing where she hates to wear pants (of any kind) , her seat belt, etc. and throws a screaming fit when she has too. Which, you know, is any time we go anywhere at all. Drew is doing pretty good but I can't give him the attention he needs because I have spent most of my day today defusing temper tantrums and wondering if I am losing my mind?!
And, I have surgery scheduled for Tuesday morning. I am always worried when I have surgery. And this is a very hard and sad day for me. Without going into our reasons or our decision, I will not be able to have more children. We know that this is the right decison but we are very sad. My life is my husband and my children. That's all I know and I love every second of it. I really believe that my conflicting feelings are the source of a lot of this mess I am going through this week. Please pray for us.
Anyway, I just felt like I had to get this said. I know that I have not been walking around with my "full armour of God" as my protection against Satan's attacks. I must stay in the word, that is why I am starting the memory verse. I must focus on what my family thinks of me and their needs from me as a wife and mother. I HAVE to get to that point where I no longer worry about what people (even family) think of me. I have to stop letting other people's opinions of me control me. I KNOW WHO I AM. I KNOW I AM WORTHY. I KNOW I AM CALLED TO BE CHARLIE'S WIFE AND CLAIRE, LILY & DREW'S MAMA. THE LORD IS MY HEAVENLY FATHER AND HE LOVES ME.
and that's all I need to know.
Julie
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Feeding the "Dump" People....
Have you ever had to find your next meal at the local dump(trash site)?
um.... me neither.
Go here and read this.
I think I have $20 in quarters just sitting around my house. Who's with me?
Love,
Julie
um.... me neither.
Go here and read this.
I think I have $20 in quarters just sitting around my house. Who's with me?
Love,
Julie
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
update and please continue to pray...
Charlie has a pretty bad infection. He also has an extremely bad hernia. Actually, more than one. He has some things going on with his kidneys, as well. So, he is on some pain medication and antibiotics and some anti-inflamatory medication. He has to take all of that, don't lift anything and go back in two weeks. If he is not better at a satisfactory level, they will send him to a specialist. We really need your prayers as this is very bad news. Charlie's work is VERY physical. Not only that, but to keep up with our place and 3 kids is very physical work, as well. We also do not have insurance at this time, (long story). So, we cannot really afford a specialist.
I am asking you to pray and pray hard for us. I know there are people that have problems a lot worse than ours. But, I know that our circumstances require prayer, as well. I know when we need prayer and we need it now. I also believe that my God can fix this. So, would you please join me in prayer for our family? Pray that Charlie is healed, 100%?
'
I thank God every day for the special friends I have who comment and email and phone me to let me know that I am loved. I so appreciate each and every one of you! May God bless you all.
*Also, of the upmost importance today, DON"T FORGET TO VOTE!!!!
VOTE FOR JESUS, VOTE FOR VALUES, VOTE FOR OUR COUNTRY
AND MAY
GOD HELP US ALL.
I am asking you to pray and pray hard for us. I know there are people that have problems a lot worse than ours. But, I know that our circumstances require prayer, as well. I know when we need prayer and we need it now. I also believe that my God can fix this. So, would you please join me in prayer for our family? Pray that Charlie is healed, 100%?
'
I thank God every day for the special friends I have who comment and email and phone me to let me know that I am loved. I so appreciate each and every one of you! May God bless you all.
*Also, of the upmost importance today, DON"T FORGET TO VOTE!!!!
VOTE FOR JESUS, VOTE FOR VALUES, VOTE FOR OUR COUNTRY
AND MAY
GOD HELP US ALL.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Why we LOVE our church family
*tonight, we are handing out treat bags to the local kids.
* we have TONS of activities with our youth
* the entire church family (youth, too) is going to watch Fireproof this weekend& we will work on "The Love Dare" at Bible Study.
*we are serious about loving others.
*our Sunday dress code is "come as you are". we often wear jeans.
*my husband and other men give lessons (we don't call them sermons) every week. This gives them something to discuss with each other and to learn from.
*we eat dinner together at least twice a month. we are always trying to find ways to do more things together.
*at my husband's job, our church is referred to as, "that church Charlie goes to, they are good people. they don't look down on you."
*I don't know about you, but to me, that means we are doing something right. =)
*our kids love each other. their friends from church are very important to them.
*we do SO many things as a group. we are trying to live life together. To BE the church.
anyway, I just wanted to say all of this. I have been meaning to for awhile. Sometimes I feel like I focus on the problems in life to much and I don't proclaim all of the good things, all of my blessings. Our church family has been a MAJOR blessing in our life. And continues to be.
Please be in prayer for my Uncle Edwin Crowell. He is very ill and doesn't have a good prognosis. we love him so much.
*There are just SO many things I could say about our church family, but here's the one best thing to me:
WE LOVE IT!!!!!
* we have TONS of activities with our youth
* the entire church family (youth, too) is going to watch Fireproof this weekend& we will work on "The Love Dare" at Bible Study.
*we are serious about loving others.
*our Sunday dress code is "come as you are". we often wear jeans.
*my husband and other men give lessons (we don't call them sermons) every week. This gives them something to discuss with each other and to learn from.
*we eat dinner together at least twice a month. we are always trying to find ways to do more things together.
*at my husband's job, our church is referred to as, "that church Charlie goes to, they are good people. they don't look down on you."
*I don't know about you, but to me, that means we are doing something right. =)
*our kids love each other. their friends from church are very important to them.
*we do SO many things as a group. we are trying to live life together. To BE the church.
anyway, I just wanted to say all of this. I have been meaning to for awhile. Sometimes I feel like I focus on the problems in life to much and I don't proclaim all of the good things, all of my blessings. Our church family has been a MAJOR blessing in our life. And continues to be.
Please be in prayer for my Uncle Edwin Crowell. He is very ill and doesn't have a good prognosis. we love him so much.
*There are just SO many things I could say about our church family, but here's the one best thing to me:
WE LOVE IT!!!!!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
abortion-is the death of a child
I listened to & read the transcript of this broadcast this morning. Trust me, it is worth your time to read.
*Also, I am thinking today of my sister Sharon, who died in a car accident 30 years ago today. Please keep my parents in your prayers. Thank you.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Mama, I wuv you...
The BEST words that I will ever hear! Oh, I love you so much, Care-bear & your sister and brother, too! These words bring such healing to me. They are balm to my soul. You make me feel like the greatest mama in the world when I know just how much I fail. You bring such joy into my life! I can never thank God enough for you! You are such a delight to call my own!
Thank you, Lord, for the amazing blessings that you have given me! Thank you for the privilege of being the very honored Mama to Claire Victoria Rose! Give me the courage and strength to be the Mama that my little ones so richly deserve! In Jesus name, Amen.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Our country was founded on biblical principles...it's time we take a stand...
This has been on my mind so much lately and I have been struggling for the right words and filling my blog up with superficial things (rambling) instead of addressing the issues that I feel must be faced. I am so good at that, trying to ignore problems and hope that things just work out for the best. I am struggling so hard lately to change that about myself.
Anyway, if my opinion on this election offends you, I would usually apologize for that. But, today, I am not going to. I hope that it does make you stop and consider, truly consider, what is important in our lives and what is sanctified, what does the WORD of GOD say about the issues we are facing today? Read this blog post and pray about it. Pray fervently. It is time that we stood up and took a stand. I love what God is saying to this woman. I love how she is not afraid to take a stand. May we all follow that example.
Have a wonderful, God led week,
Julie
Anyway, if my opinion on this election offends you, I would usually apologize for that. But, today, I am not going to. I hope that it does make you stop and consider, truly consider, what is important in our lives and what is sanctified, what does the WORD of GOD say about the issues we are facing today? Read this blog post and pray about it. Pray fervently. It is time that we stood up and took a stand. I love what God is saying to this woman. I love how she is not afraid to take a stand. May we all follow that example.
Have a wonderful, God led week,
Julie
Saturday, October 11, 2008
You've been Boo'd....Part 2
The phantom ghost has come to town,
To leave you some goodies, I see you have found.
His wish is for participation for all,
so continue this greeting, the "phantom" call.
Make 2 treats, 2 phantom's and 2 notes like this.
Deliver them to neighbors who may have been missed.
Don't let them see you, be sneaky, be quick.
Your neighbors are sure to enjoy this Halloween trick!
Post this Phantom Ghost where it can be seen,
And leave it on a window or door until Halloween.
This will scare other phantoms who may wish to visit.
We want to spread the treats so all will get it.
You have only one day to act - so be quick!
Leave them at doors where the Phantom hasn't hit.
Deliver at dark when there is no light......
Ring the doorbell and run out of sight!
And last, but not least, come join the season,
It's all to be neighborly and no other reason.
Be cool, have fun, and remember don't be seen........
Let's share in the fun of Halloween!
To leave you some goodies, I see you have found.
His wish is for participation for all,
so continue this greeting, the "phantom" call.
Make 2 treats, 2 phantom's and 2 notes like this.
Deliver them to neighbors who may have been missed.
Don't let them see you, be sneaky, be quick.
Your neighbors are sure to enjoy this Halloween trick!
Post this Phantom Ghost where it can be seen,
And leave it on a window or door until Halloween.
This will scare other phantoms who may wish to visit.
We want to spread the treats so all will get it.
You have only one day to act - so be quick!
Leave them at doors where the Phantom hasn't hit.
Deliver at dark when there is no light......
Ring the doorbell and run out of sight!
And last, but not least, come join the season,
It's all to be neighborly and no other reason.
Be cool, have fun, and remember don't be seen........
Let's share in the fun of Halloween!
Some more ideas for boo'ing!! Click here to view the M&M's website with cute BOO signs & poems that you can print out! They also have some fun recipes that would work well. Also, I thought about making these to go along with the cookies! or just these,They are super yummy and easy! =)
And, my sister mailed me some really cute scarecrows that we colored, cut out & pasted together! I need to post pictures and I will try to do that soon! That was a lot of fun & the girls loved it! Why not make some and put them in your BOO bags? The kids will love to do it & the grandparents and family, especially, will love to get artwork from your child! How fun! =)
A few more ideas:
*And lots of other crafts on this site; check them out!!!!
HAVE FUN & HAPPY BOO'ING!!!!! =)
Friday, October 10, 2008
Claire & Lily's new favorite movie...
They watch this every day! I LOVE the play on Tom Sawyer & Huck Finn! It's such a good wholesome movie. Charlie & I are HUGE VeggieTales fans, ourselves! We are going to purchase this one for the girls this month (instead of a bunch of candy) and we are going to share it with our bible study group at church (we have about 12-15 little kids at church on Sunday) and I think this would be great for a movie night! We already took the kids to see it at the theatre when it came out and they all loved it so I know a movie night would go over well! =)
Just wanted to share these great movies and ask you, "What are your kids favorite movies?"
Have a great weekend!
Julie
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Andrew's birth day story & pictures!! (Our handsome sweet baby boy is 1 month old today!!)
Drew's birth day story (well, the abbreviated version, for those of you who asked for it)!
Andrew Coy David Fogg "Drew"
Andrew- "manly, strong, wise"-first apostle of our Lord Jesus Christ & in honor of Baby Andrew Fogg (Charlie's uncle)
Coy- "gentle, kind, quiet"- in honor of: Lloyd Coy Treat (my Grandpa)
David- "beloved of God" in honor of: Kermit David Ferguson (my uncle)
*The story of Drew's birthday begins with feeling achy and crampy off and on for about a month! However, the night before his birth, it was off the charts! I was up all night going to the bathroom and walking because my back hurt. I tossed and turned because my hips ached. But, I still did not think that I was in labor! =)
I woke up at around 6 and thought my water may have broke but I was just barely doing anything and in my history I have been a gusher when my water breaks, so, I didn't think it could really be that! But, by around 6:30 it just got worse so I called my Mom to come down and see if she thought that's what it was! Silly I know! After she came down, we called my sister to tell her that my water may have broke! Finally, we decided that's what it was and started getting ready to go to the hospital. It was around 8 am before we left and we had to drive an hour and a half to the hospital. So, after we arrived and got checked in, they hooked me up to pitocin as I was only a 3 and not even feeling my contractions yet! After 6 sticks and no success getting the IV needle in; I finally got the anesthegiolist who got it on her first try. Very painful. About noon I finally started feeling some real pain and progressed a 5 by 1:30. When I got my epidural(which didn't even work; the needle bent), I was a 7! And just minutes (and I do mean minutes) later, I was a 10 and ready to push with no doctor in sight! After the doctor ran from her office to the hospital, I was allowed to push and after much pain and a few pushes, sweet baby Drew came into this world and changed my life forever as once again I experienced the sweet blessed miracle, the privilege of giving birth.
I look at Drew and am amazed, as with all of our babies, that this child is part me & part Charlie & a lot of his own person! It's such a sweet time in our lives right now and I am so blessed and happy to be the Mama to such sweet babies and the wife to such a loving husband.
Well, there it is! The short abbreviated version of little Drew's birth day! And, finally, some recent pictures of Drew and our family to enjoy!
Have a great rest of the week!
Love,
Julie & family
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