Just an Update

We have been back in Texas for almost 2 months. It has been a whirl-wind for sure, but it has been so Good to be home. I have missed The Lone Star State for far too long.
 The Lord is teaching our family many lessons. A major lesson is to love each other no matter our situation. The RV is a small space and there are a lot of us. People get stepped on, bumped into, I have hit my head on the corner of the cabinet doors several times, because someone had it opened, the dog and cat wrestle, the list of little annoyances could go on and on, but I get the sense that the Lord is preparing us for something, something big. I don`t know what it would be, but learning to be thankful, kind, and loving even in this small space is part of our preparation. All the little things that a family struggles with seems to be exaggerated in a small space, or maybe it is being brought to light, so that we might deal with it. I have been praying for some time that the Lord would strengthen our family, and that we may live more for Him each day. I see this happening slowly, through this new experience. So much has had to be sloughed away; stuff for sure, but also self. We have to be more understanding of one another, more aware of one another, more respectful of one another. These have been unexpected blessings.
 I have seen the Lord`s hand moving so much since we have been here. Even though there were those who tried to hurt us, before we left, but the Lord provided Abundantly for our journey, and every day since. We don`t have a lot of extra, but we always have what we need.
He has sent us to a Wonderful RV park, in the country, yet only a mile or two from town. The owners are Christians, and the sweetest couple. We have come to love them like family.
There are lots of fun things to do here, and many of them are free. We have picked gallons of wild berries, gone to museums, aquariums,the library, and the beach, all for free. Of course we have missed seeing Wade as much, but staying busy does help pass the time. Just this last weekend we got to spend some quality and quantity time with him, which was wonderful, and very recharging. I can not tell you how proud of him I am. It seems he has found a new zeal for the Lord that is contagious.
I also celebrated my birthday this last month, it was so nice to be able to spend part of that weekend with my sister, who only lives over an hr from us now.
There are many more little things that the Lord has worked out for us, daily there are new reasons to praise Him. Even the sun is better in Texas, and I am just so happy to be home, even if it is in a small place. Just because this has been an adjustment does not mean it isn`t a goal or dream of mine, it just makes it reality.
 I leave you with a few pics and verses from our resent adventures. God Bless-K 

Lamentations3:22-23 Because of the Lord`s great love we are not consumed; for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.

 Easter with my sister and sweet, new friends.

 Texas sunset :)

Psalm 119:35  Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.

 Proverbs 3:6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths strait.

 Sea center, touch pool

Job23:10a  But He knows the way that I take...

 Hagen`s b-day gift to me-Love it :)

 "contemplation"

 Charlie at the RV park, isn`t it pretty here?

Acts 2:28  You have made known to me the paths of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence.

Isaiah 30:21  Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, "This is the way ; walk in it."

Above Rubies Family Retreat

For some time now we have wanted to host an Above Rubies Family Camp, but the time just didn`t seem right. Several families that we know have talked about it but nothing ever came of it. After a lot of prayer I decide to just go for it, and the Lord has gone before me every step of the way, preparing details that I just could not have even thought of.

I am so excited to see how the Lord is going to move at this retreat! 

So if you are ready to be equipped, encouraged and challenged in your marriage, in your family, and in bringing up the next generation for The Lord, then please join us for a great weekend.

Where: Camp Windermere  Roach,Mo

1-800-346-2215 ext 1200

When: April 12-14 2013

Cost: there is a $50 registration fee per family, which needs to be paid to me no later than April 7th,2013, plus the accommodations you choose through the camp. They have several options, from motel rooms, family cabins with full kitchens, to RV and tent camping. You can go to the website to get an idea of their prices,but because it will still be the off season some facilities will still be winterized. If you plan to eat in the dining hall you must make your reservations by April 5th as well.

You can mail me your registration (call for address) or you can pay here 

My hosting partner, Em Roehrman, has decided to head up the retreat. She can be contacted to register and for further information.
Phone: 785 447 0708
E-mail: simplycleansing@gmail.com.


Contact: Kristi Wilbanks 

Phone: 417-413-7953

E-mail: kmomathome@yahoo.com
FB event page
 

 We will have door prizes, and a table set up to buy the Campbell`s books. There will also be a love offering taken up at the end of the conference for the Campbells. 

Itinerary

 Friday: check-in begins at 3pm (on your own for dinner) with opening meeting and meet and greet starting at 6pm

Saturday: (on your own for breakfast and lunch)
first meeting starting at 9-10:30 am
Break: 10:30
Second session: 11-12
 Break: 12-4pm (lunch/free time)
Q/A time: 4pm
Pot-luck Dinner:5:30

Talent Show: 7pm

Sunday: (on your own for breakfast) 

Worship and Lord`s supper:9am

Lunch and closing 11am

Check-out 12pm

  If you have any questions please feel free to call or e-mail me or Em for more details. 

We look forward to hearing from you. Blessings, and may God be Glorified- Kristi

The Practicle Proverbs 31 Woman Series

 Originally I had planned to teach this in a class, in my home, and I still plan to, but for now, I wanted to make it available for everyone. This will be a seven part series, that I hope will be encouraging and challenging. Enjoy and to God be the Glory!


Part One
(Pro 31:10 KJV)  Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

 The Hebrew word for virtuous is; chayil, which means a force; an army, power, strong, strength. The word for far is; rachoq , rachoq  which means remote, specifically precious. A virtuous woman is a strong force. She is precious to those around her. She is not your everyday, run of the mill, woman. She is needed, not needy. She is strong, but not in her own power, she draws her strength from the Lord. (Psa 18:32  It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.) 
 If you have ever read through Proverbs 31, you know that this woman has got it together, for her time, anyway, but how do we, as modern women apply the truth of God`s word, of the Proverbs 31 woman, to our own lives?

 This is exactly what we will explore in this series. Along with a deeper look at the word of our Lord, we will look at ways that we can improve our daily lives, right now,  practicle things we can do, starting today, that will help us to be more of the wives and mothers the Lord intends for us to be.  I want each of us to see, maybe for the first time, or be reminded of, how we are to have strength and might in a feminine way and what that looks like through our Lord`s eyes.
 If you have ever been intimidated by the Proverbs 31 woman, then be encouraged. This series is for you.  My prayer for each of us is that we will soften our hearts to hear the Lord`s word and line our lives up with it. May Christ always be exalted. Amen.

 The Proverbs 31 woman is full of Creativity and Wisdom

 In this section we will look at the verses that relate to creativity and wisdom.

 Let`s start with (Pro 31:15 KJV)  She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. 
 You may be wondering what this verse has to do with creativity and wisdom, so let`s take a closer look.

 The word layil means night. It can mean simply night, but it can also mean a figurative night, a time of trial, weeping, suffering, or communion with God.
 The word Choq is the word used for portion, meaning statute or regulation. It comes from the root word châqaq - A primitive root; properly to hack, that is, engrave (Jdg_5:14, to be a scribe simply); by implication to enact (laws being cut in stone or metal tablets in primitive times) or (generally) prescribe: - appoint, decree, governor, grave, lawgiver, note, pourtray, print, set.
  The word bayith is the word for house, meaning;  a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.): - court, daughter, door, dungeon, family, container, hangings. home[born], [winter]house (-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place,  prison, steward,  tablet, temple, web,  within (-out).
 So as we look at all these meanings, we can start to get a bigger, much deeper picture of what the Proverbs woman is doing, on a daily/nightly basis. She is working hard to engrave the laws of the Lord on the tablets of her children`s hearts, especially during times of crisis. She is there for others, as a wise reminder of the Lord`s grace and love for us, even in trying times.  We too are to engrave the laws of the Lord on the hearts of our household, and those we know and love, we are to be the ones in the home, giving and establishing the word of God in our children`s hearts and lives, daily.       

  We are also to establish order and govern, in our homes, on a daily basis. We are the ones who set the tone and flow of our homes. The old saying  'if momma ain`t happy...' is just so true. But what if you are not home very much, what if you work outside of the home all day and you just want to veg out in front of the TV or computer when you get home? Well, obviously the ideal situation would be for you to be at home, to be available for your children and husband whenever they may need you and after studying the Word on this, I know that is what the Lord wants for families, for mothers to be home, teaching their children diligently His Mighty Word, throughout the day, but this study is about where we are right now and how we can improve today, because we are all like Paul" striving on towards the goal" and none of us is there yet. I do think it needs to be a goal to work on getting home with and for your family, but until that time, let`s see what we can do.

  One of the first things we must realize is that we have got to be ready with an answer when an opprotunity to teach the Lord`s word comes up. We must be watching out for those times, especially if our time with our children is limited. This means we must know the Lord`s laws and His word. Then we must find bits of time to teach it, and to share it.

   Here are just a few ideas; in the morning when you are helping your little children get ready for the day, resite the 10 commandments together while you help them get dressed. If you don`t know them, hang them up in a few places in your home, learn them, so that you can help them learn them while driving in the car, or look for music CD`s that you all could listen to together that help you memorize scripture. You could listen to them in the car, or while you`re making dinner. Bring your bible to the table and read a few verses at breakfast and dinner. If you are not sure where to start and have not been doing this already you could start at the beginning, or you could read through the Proverbs. There are 31 chapters, one for each day of the month. Maybe you could challenge your children to memorize their "Birthday Proverb". This is just the tip of the iceberg. Pray to the Lord for creativity and wisdom in this area and He will guide you. Maybe you could keep a small note pad in your pocket or purse so that as the Lord leads, you could write things down.

  Our Lord wants us, as mothers, to teach our children the "Meat of His Word". This means that we ourselves need to get into it, to know it, to apply it to our own lives, that we may be an example to them. This may mean that we need to make some changes in how we spend our time. Maybe we need to get off of the computer or not watch our favorite show. Personally I take a small flashlight to bed with me and read myself to sleep every night with my bible. Even though I am not able to read during the day, I can always tell if I skipped out the night before, my attitude is awful the next day. God does not care when you are with Him, just that you are. So, spend a few minutes daily getting re-charged, so that you can feel like you can pass on not only the Word, but the Love. 

 Pro 31:26  She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. 

  The word pâthach  (paw-thakh')is the word for openeth , which is; A primitive root; to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically to loosen, begin, plough, carve: - appear, break forth, draw (out), let go free, (en-) grave (-n), loose (self), (be, beset) open (-ing), put off, ungird, unstop, have vent.
  The word chokmâh (khok-maw') is the word for wisdom meaning; wisdom (in a good sense): - skillful, wisdom, wisely, wit.
We also see the word law which is tôrâh  (to-raw'). In Strong`s dictionary it says; a precept or statute, especially the Decalogue or Pentateuch: - law.

 So this verse is pretty strait forward, it re-enforces our last verse, but we should be aware that the " law of kindness" is the Lord`s law. Which again we see in His word. I don`t know about you, but I struggle in this area. My tongue can be such a two edged blade at times. I know this to be particularly true when I do not get enough sleep.

  We have an opportunity to build up a person, a family and even a nation with our tongue, with our wisdom, but we must always be aware of this opportunity, and see it in that mind set. What a blessing it is to teach our children what we, ourselves, are learning in our Lord`s word, to share those personal lessons we glean from Him, each day. To do this we must see it as a blessing, not as a burden.  
  Psa 127:3  Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
Psa 127:4  As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of thy youth.
Psa 127:5  Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

  The word is clear that children are a blessing, and we need to check our hearts to be sure we see them that way, all of them. Even if you do not have children of your own, you can speak the "law of kindness" to them and to their mothers and fathers. With great blessing always comes great responsiblity. If you have a nice car but are not responsible with it, do not fuel it, or change the oil, it will not run. If you have children and you do not feed them healthy foods they will eventually become sick. How much more is this true for their spiritual bodies as well? We must raise arrows who are not ashamed to speak the truth in the gates, in the public places. This takes training, with a kind heart, with love towards them, each day.

  If you struggle with this, as I sometimes do, pray for the Lord to soften your heart towards that particular child. Ask the Lord to give you a way for the two of you to connect, and when He answers you, DO IT. You will be so glad you did. Another thing that helps me is to work on being slow to answer, that I might take a moment to think about my words, before I speak them. This is part of the "law of kindness".

  It really all comes down to our state of mind: are my children a burden to me, if so why? Is it really that they are a hassle or is it my own, feeling sorry for myself, that makes me see them this way? It takes diligence to train our minds to think this way, but the more often we do it the easier it will get, until it becomes second nature.

Pro 31:29  Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

  The word for many is; rab meaning-abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
 Bath is the word for daughter meaning; a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively): - apple [of the eye], branch, company, daughter.
If we look at it`s root word banah which means  to build (literally and figuratively): - (begin to) build (-er), obtain children, make, repair, we start to see something interesting.
This is a woman who was built into, by her mother. Her mother had a vision of the faith she longed for her children to have, and the Proverbs 31 woman is to do the same for her children, as are we. She does it virtuously (the word chayil, which can mean with force, strength, power,etc.) , with power, with intention. There are many she knows that try hard, but she excels in this. The word for excellest is ‛âlâh which means to ascend, intransitively (be high) or active (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literally and figuratively: - arise (up). (cause to) ascend up, at once, break [the day] (up), bring (up). She is high in her calling of wife and mother, she works hard, she has vision and intention, but what makes her different than other woman who try hard? What gives her the edge over some? I believe it is because she not only has vision, but she does all of these things with creativity. She keeps things fresh and new, she`s willing to try new things to help her husband and children. She is continually thinking of new ways to build her home. I once read a saying " Men are the builders of the structure but we build the attitude of the home". How true this is.
  We are in such termoil as a nation right now. Families are breaking up, no one seems to know what truth is anymore. Many don`t seem to have a clear understanding of right and wrong, or what our founding fathers really stood for. It can seem overwhelming and hopeless if you think about it too long.

  Psa 19:7  The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
Psa 19:8  The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.

  It can seem overwhelming, but God`s laws and ways are right and true, if we will get serious about getting into the word, finding out His ways for us, apply them to our lives and teach them to our children, not only will we build a multi-generational faith for our personal family, but we will build our nation. Our founders knew these truths, they bet their very lives on it and that is what made our nation great. It is now our job to get back to those truths and rebuild, not only our own lives but our very nation. So, get on your knees ladies and get creative with and for the Lord. I am praying for each of you, and your families. I trust our God is going to do great things. Amen and Amen.

A New Year, New Directions

I  recently realized it has been almost a whole year since I last posted on this blog! What a year it has been.  The Lord has been so good to us this past year. We have met new friends, we sold some animals and bought new, different animals. We have 24 hens and a rooster. We also have 20 rabbits and more on the way, which we have had great success with. He has blessed us with the perfect place to start a micro-farm, which is coming along nicely.We've had some great successes, and some major set-backs as well. 

For instance, we took almost a whole week to build a wonderful hoop house, which turned out nice and we were even harvesting from it. A few weeks later, a huge wind storm came through and wiped it out. But, we will make lemonade out of lemons and use the salvageable supplies to do row coverings instead.( as a matter of fact I just went out and harvested some spinach) Even in a storm the Lord provided protection.  We have several bass wood trees around our house, and I sat up late through the night praying that the Lord would protect our house, that a tree would not fall. And He did! There were only a few branches in the yard the next morning. Which is hard to believe because there were trees down in other areas.

This coming year I have lots of plans, Lord willing. I have to be careful not to get ahead of myself. A large part of the front yard has the best sun on the whole .48 acre, and Wade has agreed to let me turn it into a large vegetable garden. That is a Huge blessing in itself. (He is always so good to go along with my crazy plans, even when he isn`t always comfortable with them) My goal is to eat only vegetables we have grown and have enough to put back for the winter. This is a huge endeavor for me.I have also been studying up on perma-culture, and want to come up with an overall plan for the property, including fruit trees and maybe a small fish pond. 

My long term goal is to reduce our food bill so that we can get out of debt sooner, rather than later. I want to be able to have our resources free for the Lord to use instead of paying "the man" :)
Those are just a couple of things I have been thinking about for this new year. 
Next week starts our first round of b-days. Every year it gets harder to believe how much my sweet children have grown, and every year I realize I`m getting closer to the age of that part of my life coming to a close. I cherish each child the Lord blesses us with and look forward to anymore He may choose to give us, but the time sure does seem to go by quickly doesn't it?

This year may each of us remember to cherish those the Lord has put in our lives and make time for them. 
Blessings From Our Circus to Yours-K

  

Happy Birthday!
This day six years ago, in a little stone house in the dusty country of Texas, our sweet, Princess Matilda was born. What a special birth, and a special time in our lives that was. She continues to grow into a special young lady every day, who herself imagines being a mom, and can`t wait to have her own children.  What a blessing it is, as her mother, to see her growing in the Lord each day.

Happy Birthday Sweet Girl, We All Love You!

Recently I watched this lecture with the children. (You can watch it for free right now) It is a wonderful look at how we are made and just a small window of what Our Creator does inside the secret place that is the womb.

I know getting close to my own time of birth and labor probably has a lot to do with it; contemplating my role as a wife and mother, I mean, especially a home schooling mother. That in itself is a whole different ball of wax. It`s not always fun, and I`m not always thankful. It would be so much easier if I had 2.5 kids I sent off to school each day, like I used to, so that I could write, craft, workout easily, without interruption, go visit friends for several hours, bible study for hours at a time, instead of in little snatches here and there. How often I read of Face Book or hear mothers say they can not wait for school to start back so that they can send them away. I myself have been guilty of this very attitude in the past.

Yet Psalm 127:3 is so clear Lo, children are a heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is His reward. Is it really our children who are the problem or is it our own thinking, our own selfish attitude towards the Lord`s blessings upon us?

Why do we as women want to limit God`s favor upon our lives? Why, if we are really honest with ourselves, do we see the role of wife and mother, staying at home, as second rate, as less than what we could or should be, or want for ourselves? Society tells us the feministic lie, we can be all things, bread winner, preacher, mother,wife, and lover, but even as Christian women, knowing what the Lord`s word says, why do we believe all this? Why do we think that we have to compete, with our husbands and each other?

I have heard lovely women say things such as "my last child ruined by body and gave me stretch marks".

The Lord has been working on my heart in this, on so many levels and I feel I am seeing my role, for the first time, as He sees it. It is so amazing that over the last few years I have started to believe my role to be a sacrifice, for my husband, for my children, even for the Lord!

What a lie the devil has draped over my eyes! He is so sneaky that I didn`t even catch it. I am so thankful for God`s Grace and patience in my life.

My role as a wife and a mother is not a burden to be dragged around, but a wonderful gift from our Savior, to be cherished and coddled. I don`t see my stretch marks as a bad thing at all, but a blessing that has taught me so much about what a real woman looks like and what those marks represent, God`s hand upon my life and in my womb. They are an actual sign that God has touched me, I am honored to have them. My heart aches for the young women who refuse to have more than one or two children because they want to keep their figure, (just another of the evil ones lies). How I know they will regret it when they are old, and wrinkled anyway.

Just to have been born a woman is a special blessing. What a privilege it is to be a part of the miracle of life. Every movement of the sweet blessing in my womb is a special gift to be cherished. Evidence of His handy work. How personal a gift. It is a secret gift, in a secret place to be pregnant, even for one day. It is not something that can be fully shared or expressed in words to others.

What an honor to carry this baby, to feel him move and grow inside of me, to see how the other children`s faces light up when they hug my belly or talk about his birth, and then when he is born, to watch him learn and grow, to love him and hold him and nurse him. To see him grow in his relationship with his father and his siblings. To see the Lord`s work in his body and in his life, who could see this role the way the Lord sees it and say " no thank you Lord, that`s enough blessing for us"? How easily we, as women, have been tricked into giving up the precious role of wife and mother. I pray Lord you would reveal your precious gift of being born woman, and the honor of the role of wife and mother to all the women of the world. May we sluff off the lies of the devil and learn to truly cherish and welcome Your gifts into our hearts and lives. AMEN!

Jane and Dillard

Hello All, just wanted to let you all know that my in-laws, Jane and Dillard Wilbanks have been hit a little hard today. Their house has flooded so badly that they needed to be rescued by the fire department. We believe that everything will be a loss,( even their cars) but won`t know for sure until they are able to get back into the home.
We PRAISE GOD that they are safe and unharmed.
I know many of you know them and may want to help so I have set up a flood relief fund for them through Pay-Pal. The button is above the pic on the left side of my blog screen.
Please pray for them as these next few days may be rough, but we all know God`s provision will see them through. Blessings to you all for your prayers and gifts-Kristi Wilbanks

Psalm:1 I waited on the Lord; and He inclined unto me, and heard my cry. 2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay. and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.
This verse is so true for me. As my anniversary approaches I always want to reflect on my life with Wade. What a journey our marriage has become. I find it so interesting and exciting to see how God has changed me and continues to do so. When I married Wade I expected much less actually, than God has blessed us with. I thought we`d have a few children, own a house, a dog ( we have the dogs) :), but I never really expected to be blessed the way we have been. God pulled me out of the muck, and set my feet on His path, it is a wonderful thing to know you are in His will. What a Rich life I live and could Never deserve. I often wonder WHY, why would God do all that He has done for me and all He continues to do. This is the true meaning of His Grace. He loves to bless us and show us His love for us. Sometimes the hard part is actually humbling ourselves to accept it. We have got to take God out of our little box, and acknowledge how great He is, in order to fully experience Him in our lives.
There have been some questions and concerns that have been brought up to me about our newest blessing and I`d just like to address them here.
I know some people may think I push my ideas on my husband, but this is not the case. I can appeal to him, but in the end it is left up to him to decide. It has been a wonder blessing to see my man step up and trust God in this area of our lives. It has been a leap of faith for both of us and we want to give God the Glory. How good is our God, that He would trust us with a new life, that He ,who created all ,would allow us to partner with Him, to bring forth a new person. What an awesome blessing and responsibility, and we do not take it lightly.
You may say, how will we pay for this new baby, Wade will work himself to death just trying to make ends meet, but I say this is wrong thinking. God will provide just as He has with all of our children. As a matter of fact, we always tend to be doing better when we have a new baby.
There are always those who will worry and wonder," what could they be thinking" and I don`t wish to change people, that`s God`s work. My goal here is to help those wondering about our hearts and motives understand our point of view.
God`s word is clear; Psalm127:3 Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is His reward.
We want to always look upon God`s gifts as just that, gifts from a loving, Gracious God, who does mighty things in our lives, when we allow Him full rein. His thoughts are not our thoughts, His ways are not our ways, but if allow Him in more and more, we can get closer toward that goal.
This is truely the goal for our lives and the example we want for our own children. And so, we gladly welcome this new baby, how ever long God decides to bless us with him in our lives. May the Glory Always go to Him. Amen.

Praise The Lord!!

Psalm 113:9 "He settles the barren woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise The Lord." NIV

God is just so Good, isn't He? Who can praise him enough? I read this verse in Psalms the other day and just had to share with you all, the way it touched me. For so long I was that barren woman, barren in my soul. But God saved me, literally lifting me out of the depths and has settled me in a happy home. I love being a wife and mother, so much so that I wonder what my next stage of life will bring. I am more blessed than I could have ever asked to be. Why does God bless me so greatly? I am nothing but a wretch, a sinner. Yet He continually blesses me with His love and Grace. There are days, of course, when I don`t want God`s blessings! ( blasphemy to think much less write, but true none the less) I would rather go to the gym, or have coffee with friends, or spend hours uninterrupted, doing crafts. Yet, in my heart of hearts, I know this is not what I want, nor is it what God has given me. I can always tell when I have started to try to do things on my own, because this is the thought process I begin to have, poor, self-rightelous me. If I were to spend my time doing these things, I know I would miss out on, not only eternal blessings, but a chance to further Christ`s Kingdom. Not that these things aren`t important to some extent, we all need a little time to our selves, but every time I see Gabe learn a new word, Matilda sing to Eli, or the girls learn a new skill in the kitchen, I am filled with a sense of awe for Christ`s Creation and that He would bless me in being a part of His plans. I am forever greatful to my wonderful husband as well. He has truely taught me so much about dying to self and living for others. Every day when most people are still snug in their beds he drags himself out of bed and out of the house, to earn a living, that I may stay home with our children and be blessed by them throughout my day. Praise The Lord.... for so many things, too many to name.

P.S. in this video, Matilda is singing a song about God she made up"if you see a rainbow, you see God`s hands" notice the baby in the backround, and the vaccum cord. Just a day in the life... :)

`Tis The Season

Hello All. It`s been so long since I`ve visited blogland. It`s good to be back. ;)

I`m sure you all are gearing up for the holidays and I just wanted to share a few things on my heart, and some of the things we will be doing as a family this year.

Several years ago, I really felt that God was calling us to stop "doing" Santa with our kids. It`s not that we wanted to take the joy, fun, or surprise out of Christmas, but we did want to get Christ back in, and this was the most obvious way to start.

We also started observing/celebrating Advent. We have a little wreath, with candles that we set out on our dining table along with some kid friendly nativity figures. (kid friendly meaning chipped;) Each night we have a little devotional and light the candle that goes with that week, until Christmas morning when we light the white candle in the middle, representing Christ. What a joy it is to build up to that morning, not only to give gifts, but to reflect on the Real reason for this season. Sweet baby Jesus who would not only choose to die for me, but A Heavenly Father willing to send that baby, His Baby. I have often thought of my own babies and wondered, could I do it for anyone, much less a filthy wretch like myself? If I am perfectly honest, my answer would be no each time. I am too selfish to risk my own pain, or the pain of my offspring, for anyone. What an amazing God we serve. This is why we as a family want to look differently than the rest of the world. This is THE reason for so many of the choices that we make throughout the year, but also and especially now, during this season of reflection, and rejoicing.

Which brings me to the next thing that we have started doing. We wanted to play down the "stuff, I want" aspect and the commercialism of this Wholly Season and one of the ways we`ve been able to do that is by making all of our gifts. This will be the first year we are going all the way, nothing bought (except a few stocking stuffers). I can not tell you how stoked I am about this. It is a wonderful way to get the children focused on others and off of themselves. It is also a great opportunity to teach them new skills, and the value of hard work.

One other quick thing, we have always limited the TV time, but now we do not allow them to watch commercials. It is a good way to help them learn to not only guard their eyes, but it helps to eliminate the coveting that tends to happen with us all. Just pay attention to the amount of toy commercials that come on during a Christmas special, it`s sickening to take advantage of younglings this way. I certainly don`t want my money going to further an industry that abuses young minds this way. I`m not saying I will never buy my kids store bought toys, but certainly not during this time of year, when it`s so... disgustingly obvious that money is the end objective. This is just not what we want our children to learn or focus on. Sweet Baby Jesus is the true gift to each of us, and I really want my children to grasp that.

And so I would just encourage each of you to take a little time with God this season and ask Him, is there some little thing, it doesn`t have to be as extreme as we are going,(this has been a gradual change for us over several years) but is there one little thing we can do to get us focused on a more biblical, slower,reflective Christmas with our families? I hope that you will share how God moves your hearts. Blessing to each of you during this exciting season-K

A few more pics

10 Short Years Already?

Just wanted to share some pics of Wade and I, but in looking through what we have, I`ve realized one of us was usually taking the pic. HA!

I still can`t believe that Wade and I have been married for 10 years. It seems like just yesterday we were standing on that cliff and pledging ourselves to each other, trying to make a little family of our mismatched group. Of course it hasn`t always been roses, but man has God blessed us. God is so Good, and I can not imagine who I would be with out Christ or Wade.

Thank you Jane and Dillard, for having Wade and for loving Jesus. Your faith is multi-generational, and I can not express how much that means to me. It has always been my goal to have a grounded, stable, life and family and we do have that, but we have so much more than that as well. Our lives are so rich and full of love and joy and I am so thankful that this is something our children know.

Wade you are my heart and my life and I am so thankful to know you and share my life with you. May we never loose focus of our goals for our family and our relationship with each other and Christ. And may the Lord bless us with many more years together. I love you!

Easter Seder

Sorry for the picture-less post, but I wanted to share this with everyone before Sunday.
For the past several years we have been really trying to focus on the true meanings of holidays. We have started observing Advent during Christmas and eating a Passover dinner/lunch on Easter.
It really is not very hard to do if you take just a little extra time to do the research ahead of time. There are several sites out there that can be of help, but I thought I`d lay out a few of the basics here. You can do a full blown Seder, being very ceremonial, or just read a few verses for each food and explain what it represents, which is what we do. We take a bite of each food, while the verses are read, then we eat the meal. These are a bit out of order and you may choose to use different verses, but this just gives you the idea.

Bitter Herbs- Bitterness of sin and slavery Acts 8:23 For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.(bitter herbs celery dipped in horseradish sauce)
Karpas- Leafy greens represent the hyssop dipped in Lambs blood to mark the doorways in preparation for Exodus. Exodus12:22 Take a brush of Hyssop, dip into the blood in a basin, and put some of the blood on top and sides of the door frames. Not one of you shall go out the door of his house until morning. Exodus12:13 The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are; and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt.
Life is often full of bitter endings and lovely new beginnings, this is exactly what we see in Christ`s Resurrection.
Charoset -Hebrew word for clay, serves to sweeten the bitter herbs of slavery and sin, which is made bearable by the hope we have in Christ.( 2 apples, peeled and cored, chopped finely. 3Tbl. passover wine/or grape juice, chopped almonds,raisins etc.,honey/sugar to taste)
Unleavened bread- In their haste to leave Egypt, God said be ready do not let the dough rise.1Corinthians5:7-8 Get rid of the old yeast,that you may be a new batch without yeast, as you really are. For Christ, our passover Lamb has been sacrificed. There for, let us keep the festival not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with with bread without yeast, the bread of sincerity and truth. John6:35 Then Jesus declared, I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. For Christians this may also represent the body of Christ broken for us.( I`m doing a gluten-free recipe this year, so please look up a recipe on line if you plan to do this, or some families use crackers. You may be able to buy it at specialty stores)
Salt water- represents tears of Hebrew slaves. job31:38 If my land cries out against me and all it`s furrows are wet with tears.Psalm42:3 My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long, "where is your God?". As Christians we can remember the days of darkness and sadness we all knew before we found the Joy of Christ.
Wine- Represents Jesus` blood shed for us and the redemption it has brought us. We are strengthened and renewed through Him and His sacrifice for us. We can also look with Joy and Excitement to His return. Luke 22:15 He is our hope.( you may also use grape juice and seltzer water for this or sparkling grape juice)
Roasted Lamb- Represents the roasted lamb that was sacrificed at the temple of Jerusalem the night before the exodus, or exit. For us it also represents the Lamb of God,Jesus, who so lovingly, took each of our places. ( this year I`m roasting a leg of lamb with herbs and veggies, potatoes, carrots, honey, olives, onions, You get the idea) Still need to find just the right verses for this one
Preparing our Bodies
As we are preparing our hearts and meals, let us not forget our bodies. Here is a simple little thing you can do that will really help you to feel renewed, and can help to get your mind in a positive place.
Take about 4tbl. of raw honey, place it in a bowl-(the best is local, and can be found at your local farmers market or whole foods store, but you can find it at Wally World. It should really be raw because it has the most healing properties, but if you can`t find it just make sure it`s real honey, not honey flavoring.)
Now add about 3-5 tbl. Turbinado sugar-(turbinado is best because it has more vitamins and the crystals are larger)
Mix together with a spoon, making a paste. Take this to the shower/bath with you and really scrub your entire body, even your face. It can be used several times a week, so you can keep it in a jar with a spoon, in the shower. When ever you are ready to use it, just give it a little stir and scoop it out.
Now if you really want to feel refreshed before taking your scrub to the shower/bath, fill a jar with a good quality olive oil, add a little orange essence, a few drops is all you need. After your shower, BEFORE drying off, rub down with the oil and then towel off. You will feel like you just stepped out of the spa, I promise you.
This is a nice thing for you to do for your better half as well. I don`t mean in a romantical way, (although that`s nice too) but more like in a washing each others feet sort of way. Run a bath for the other person and bathe then. I have done this in the past for Wade(minus the oil), when he has come home dog tired, and it made us both feel good. I feed him, bathe him and put him to bed, and in the morning he feels well rested and is refreshed. It`s just a small thing that doesn`t really cost much, except a little time.
OK, I`ve been on here way too long, but just wanted to share this with you all. I will post pics of our meal later- wish we could be having Passover together, miss and love you all-K

Fat Grubb!!

Just wanted to post a few new picks of the little grub. We`re finally starting to turn a corner with his collic-e-ness. (if that`s a word)He has been sleeping better at night and has even taken a 2 hour nap today! He is getting so big. He`s now wearing 18-24 months clothing!

His expressions remind me so much of Wade, it`s like having a little Wade to cuddle up to when my big Wade is gone.

God is so goood and sometimes I can`t understand why He has blessed me so much? I`m no one special and so very far from deserving. I am reminded of His Grace each time I look into the face of that sweet fat grub, or when I see Gabe or `Tilda trying to soothe him, or the girls helping the little ones,without even being asked, to play a game, practice writing their names, the list is endless.

I am so thankful for my family and the fact that I am able to be home with them, and watch them grow and learn, together each day. God is Good!

Cookies for Breakfast!...

Happy B-Day, to my wonderful Hubby, Wade.

Sometimes it`s OK to eat cookies for breakfast, right? The kids couldn`t wait any longer to "sing" to dad. Which means eat his cake. (wink,wink)

We love you Babe, you are the best! Thanks for working so hard for your family, and for keeping us all on track.

SNOW DAYS/B-Days

So we`ve had a lot of snow here. It`s been so pretty! Also, Layla turned 15 this week. Here are a few pics.Enjoy!

Baby Eli!

Hello All. It`s been so Lo...ng since I`ve posted anything, but a new baby is the best reason I can think of. What can I say about him? He`s such a sweet little thing and we are all very much in love with him, I think he looks just like Wade. Not too much to say really, just wanted to post these pics.Sorry for the fuzzy one. Love you all-K