Monday, September 30, 2013

Music Monday: "God's Great Dance Floor"

This song is a very upbeat song about the prodigal son returning home and the celebration which ensues. I believe it is symbolic of heaven when a sinner repents and returns to God. His grace really is worth living for and celebrating! I'm so thankful that God "never stops loving us, no matter how far we run..."

Enjoy the song!


"GOD'S GREAT DANCE FLOOR" by Chris Tomlin

I'’m coming back to the start
Where You found me
I'’m coming back to Your heart
Now I surrender
Take me
This is all I can bring

I’'m coming back to the start
I got this freedom
In here we feel Your heart
Your heartbeat for us
Take me
This is all I can bring

[Chorus:]
You'’ll never stop loving us
No matter how far we run
You'’ll never give up on us
All of heaven shouts: let the future begin
Let the future begin

Take me
This is all I can bring

[Chorus:]
You’'ll never stop loving us
No matter how far we run
You'’ll never give up on us
All of heaven shouts: let the future begin

I feel alive, I come alive
I am alive on God'’s great dance floor
I feel alive, I come alive
I am alive on God’'s great dance floor
I feel alive, I come alive
I am alive on God'’s great dance floor
I feel alive, I come alive
I am alive on God'’s great dance floor
I feel alive, I come alive
I am alive on God'’s great dance floor
God'’s great dance floor!

You can listen to this song on YouTube here.

Luke 15:21-24


 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

(read the whole story here)

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Psalm 107:13
Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress.

Friday, September 27, 2013

Homemade Taco Seasoning

Many years ago, before my kids were too big, I met a friend at church who sold Tupperware. I went to several of her parties, and she always gave these nice tip sheets/ recipes out. Being the young wife and cook that I was, I stashed them away and have used them often!

One of the recipes was for taco seasoning mix. It is very handy to make it in a larger amount and just use as needed. I usually just add a little bit of each ingredient to the browned ground beef, and it tastes great! The kids can tell when my hubby seasons the meat, he adds more seasonings than I do! :-D


Here is Lucy's recipe:

Taco Seasoning Mix
3/4 cup dried onions
2 1/2 Tbsp cumin
2 1/2 Tbsp chili powder
2 1/2 Tbsp dried red pepper
2 1/2 Tbsp dried minced garlic

Combine and store in Tupperware container. Add  1 1/2 Tbsp to one lb. browned hamburger. Mix and finish browning. Stuff into taco shells or burritos and garnish. Enjoy!



Numbers 11:5
We remember the fish we ate in Egypt at no cost—also the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic.


Matthew 5:13-16
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot."


Colossians 4:6
Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Thursday, September 26, 2013

American Girl class: Kaya #2: Week 3

We had a wonderful American Girl class this week! After we discussed Kaya's Hero (book 3 in the Kaya series), we made paper bag vests! Several of the girls brought paper bags from home, and I have been stashing them for a few months. I followed basic directions found here. I liked the vest ideas here too. The girls liked fringing the bottom, tracing and cutting out shapes and gluing them to the vest. I had several items to trace: teepees, stars, mountains, butterflies, hearts, etc., It was fun to see what each girl added to her vest. I didn't get any pictures of the completed vests, though. 




In class, I showed our mortar and pestle (above) which the women in the book used to make pemmican. (page 23) The girls liked seeing and touching the real thing--though the native's bowl was probably bigger!

 We also worked on our geography pages after snack. I printed a U.S. map for the girls to color Idaho and write Kaya on the map. Since Kaya would have lived around where Idaho is now, I printed pages for Idaho:

 Here are links to the printables that I copied for the notebook:

Idaho coloring page: http://www.crayola.com/free-coloring-pages/print/idaho-coloring-page/

Idaho state bird and flower page: http://www.kidzone.ws/geography/usa/idaho/both.htm

Our snack this week was Easy Indian Fry Bread. You can find the recipe here. I'm not sure the parents who made our snack this week used this recipe or if they made their own. The girl in class who helped make it said they made it from scratch! The girls enjoyed it, even if it was a little plain!
 In the 2:00 class, I had run out of paper bags. I felt terrible! I tried to remind the moms to bring one, but they forgot. :( So I had lots of construction paper, and several girls made a folded paper brown vest for their doll! It was a great way to improvise! Maybe they made one at home later... Sorry!

We worked on our geography pages too. I also showed a picture of a cradle board like was discussed in our book. It was on our visit to the American Girl store. You can see that picture here. I also showed some pages from Welcome to Kaya's World.  It was a fun class, I hope the girls enjoyed it as much as I did!

I am looking forward to next week's class!


Exodus 2:5-7
Then Pharaoh’s daughter went down to the Nile to bathe, and her attendants were walking along the riverbank.She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her female slave to get it. She opened it and saw the baby. He was crying, and she felt sorry for him. “This is one of the Hebrew babies,” she said.
Then his sister asked Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and get one of the Hebrew women to nurse the baby for you?”

Psalm 147:9-11
He provides food for the cattle
and for the young ravens when they call.
His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse,
nor his delight in the legs of the warrior;
the Lord delights in those who fear him,
who put their hope in his unfailing love.

Wordless Wednesday: A weekend away!

(Well, almost wordless!) Didn't get this published yesterday-- oops!
 I had a lovely weekend away with our church's ladies retreat. We went to this beautiful mountain villa several hours from my hometown. The villa was all stone and wood, very comfortable furnishings, lots of nooks and amenities. They even had a racquetball court indoors, as well as a large hot tub (aka Roman bath) and a workout room.

 Such gorgeous views right out the front door!
 Our group of nearly 50 women! (ages 18-80?!)
 I loved these pretty crosses on both sides of the stairwell in our villa.

One of our Bible study presenters shared a devotion using these verses in Romans 5. It was very candid and meaningful! We enjoyed celebrating and learning more about God's extravagant grace!


 We were thankful to have our own bathroom, as I roomed with three other gals, who were all homeschool moms like me! The food was delicious, we had lots of chocolate, and lots of time to chat and shop. I came home missing my family and refreshed for another busy week!



Romans 5:8
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.


Acts 20:32
“Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.


Romans 6:14
For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Book review: "Speechless"



This past weekend, I finished reading "Speechless: Living in Awe of God's Disruptive Grace" by Steven Curtis Chapman and Scotty Smith. This is my book review of the book...

I have loved Steven Curtis Chapman's music for years, have all of his CD's, and I have blogged about some of his songs before. His song, "I Will be Here" was the song Joshua sang at our wedding. I read the book, Choosing to See by Mary Beth Chapman (Steven's wife) about 2 years ago (read more about that book pub. Sept 2010 here). I really enjoyed that book, even if parts of it got me crying. Some of the stories from Mary Beth's book were included in Steven's book, which was published in 1999. Very many things have changed in the Chapman's lives since Speechless was written (including their adoption of three Chinese daughters and losing Maria in a car accident in May 2008).

I found this book at the Library book sale earlier this summer and immediately purchased it. It sat on my shelves for a few months, and I'm glad I finally pulled it out and read it. Steven Curtis Chapman and his pastor, Scotty Smith wrote this book about the wonder of God's grace, and how it can touch our lives. The more we see God's grace in our daily lives, the more we see our lives touched and how it can make us speechless. The book is interspersed with lyrics from Steven's Speechless CD, including the #1 hit, Dive. I enjoyed reading the stories of the inspiration for the songs in the CD, as well as some of his older songs.

My favorite portion of the book is near the end, when Scotty Smith is discussing heaven, and the end times. He writes about heaven, and how Christians can see it as a form of the Garden of Eden, when Adam and Eve walked with God, and worshipped Him.   My favorite lines in this portion say, "Remember, the King loves us! The kingdom has come and the kingdom is coming! We are not home yet, but we will be some day!" What hope and gratefulness we can have in our hearts and lives as we look forward to being in heaven with Jesus, the Savior! God's grace can truly transform a life!

I encourage you that if you are interested in learning more about God's grace and also about Steven Curtis Chapman's life and music to pick up this book.


From the Back Cover

Have you encountered God's disruptive grace? The kind of grace that can change your life and turn your understanding of what it means to be a Christian upside down? If you're wondering where the "abundance" of the "abundant life" is, singer-songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman and Pastor Scotty Smith want to introduce you to a grace that can transform your marriage, your family, your friendships, and your relationship with God and yourself. A grace too big, too wonderful for words, that will leave you Speechless.
See the book review on Amazon.com here.
What books have you read lately? I'd love to hear your thoughts about them!
This review has also been posted on goodreads.com.

Ephesians 2:8-9
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.

John 1:15-17
(John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, “This is the one I spoke about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’”) Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

Romans 6:14
For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.

Ephesians 2:6-8
 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—

2 Timothy 1:9-10
He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

Monday, September 23, 2013

Music Monday: "Hurricane"

This song is one that I've heard on the radio stations this summer, and I've found I can identify with the lyrics. I like Natalie Grant and have blogged about her before. (here, here and here) In low times of life where we may struggle, it is so important to remember that He is never too far, He is there within our grasp, if we can take His hand. Jesus is always there in the tough times, even if we don't feel that He is. We just need to reach out in our faith, even if unsure, and He will take your hand and lead you through the storm. I hope if you are struggling today, that this song will speak to your heart.


Hurricane by Natalie Grant

You're spinning out of control again
Your life feels like a sinking ship
You're wondering how it came to this

Is it too late?
Is it too far?
For Him to reach you
And come to where you are

Step out on the edge
Don't be afraid of it
And when you feel the rain
Call His name
He'll find you in the hurricane

You're in the wreckage underneath
Your hope is buried somewhere deep
You're wondering how long it will keep?

It's never too late
Never too far
For you to reach out
And take a hold of love

Step out on the edge
Don't be afraid of it
And when you feel the rain
Call His name
He'll find you in the hurricane

Don't back down from the fight
He'll shelter you tonight
Just hold on for the change
Call His name
He'll find you in the hurricane

There's a place, there's a place you can run
When you fall, and it's all come undone
You'll be safe in the raging storm
So just let go
'Cause you are held in His arms

Step out on the edge
Don't be afraid of it
And when you feel the rain
Call His name
He'll find you in the hurricane

Ooo ooo...Oh-oh...Ooo ooo...

And when you feel the rain
Call His name
He'll find you in a hurricane

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

You can listen to this song on YouTube here. 


Matthew 8:23-27



Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”
He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”

Mark 4:34-41


That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.”  Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”
He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.
 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”


Luke 8:21-25



One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and set out.  As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.
The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!”
He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm.  “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples.
In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.”


Thursday, September 19, 2013

American Girl class: Kaya#2 week 2


This week I actually missed my class. :(  I had jury duty on that day, and as much as I hoped they would let me go earlier, I was not released until 4:30. It was very interesting being there and learning all that I did. It was a sad case, as many of them are. 

This week in class, one of our co-op board members taught my class. I thought that was so great, so that the girls didn't have to miss class in my absence.  I had all of the supplies ready, so she picked them up and my house and just followed the plans. 

I taught girls how to make corn husk dolls before, you can see the class here.  The original directions for the corn husk dolls were found here. I remember the dolls we made a few years ago falling apart easily, so I searched for better directions on Pinterest. I found this one that I liked, this one and one more, which was my favorite. I hope that will help my readers if they are going to make these dolls!

For snack, they had leaf bread. I found the recipe here. Here it is for you:

Leaf Bread 
The Iroquois make this from green corn. It is really more of a vegetable than a bread.

6 ears fresh sweet corn
1 to 3 tablespoons cornmeal
(optional) Salt and ground pepper
Melted butter

Shuck corn, reserving husks. Holding corn cobs upright on end, use a sharp knife to make a shallow cut down the middle of each row of kernels. Use the blade in a scraping downward motion to remove corn from cobs. In a blender or food processor, process corn into a paste. If corn seems very liquid, stir in enough cornmeal to make it easier to handle. Season with salt and pepper and reserve. Rinse reserved husks under cold running water and pat dry. Spoon 3 to 4 tablespoons of corn paste into a large corn husk. Wrap in more husks to completely envelop paste. Tie ends with strips of husk. Continue until all paste is used. Six ears of corn should make 12 to 15 small, tamale-like packages. Steam leaf bread over boiling water for about 45 minutes. Allow to cool slightly before removing husks.

Serve brushed with melted butter. Serves 4 to 6.
---------------------------------------------------------------

My daughter wasn't too sure about it, I don't know if she tried it. It was a very different snack for them. I always ask the girls to at least try a bite. Because you never know if you will like something unless you try it!

I was sorry to miss it, but look forward to being back with the girls next week!



Ecclesiastes 12:13
Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is theduty of all mankind.

Luke 17: 9-10

Will he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do? 10 So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’”


Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, “My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.”

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Wordless Wednesday: Joshua's birthday!

(Well, almost wordless!)

My husband's birthday was this past weekend, and we had a nice day celebrating him!

The celebrations began the night before when we gave him a new white button-down, short-sleeve shirt to wear to church, which he did! It looked nice on him, he needed more short-sleeved shirts! I didn't get a picture though...

In the morning, he was greeted with some raspberry syrup to put in his coffee. He always orders that at the coffee shop, so why not at home? He enjoyed the yummy coffee I made for him.

 After lunch, he opened two more gifts-- a new Superman shirt, and a light-up running hat...

For dinner we made Chicken Parmesan-- one of our favorite dishes, but we don't make it often enough! It was delicious with pasta and bread! You can find the recipe here.
 Then we went to my parents' house for dessert! My mom had made carrot cake with cream cheese frosting for him-- which was his request! It was pretty good, even though I don't usually like it. I did like that one-- which is good, since she sent it home with us! :-D
Happy birthday again to my sweetie! He is a treasure in my life, I thank God for him and pray for my Joshua daily! What a gift he is from God!


Colossians 1:3
We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,

2 Corinthians 5:17
"If any man is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has gone, the new has come!" 

Romans 12:1-3
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

One Lord (devotional)

I have been going through a devotional this year called, Everyday with Jesus (also calledWonderful Names of Our Wonderful Lord by T.C. Horton and Charles Hurlburt). I have blogged from this book before, you can read it here.


I read this devotion last week which I really enjoyed. 
This is from September 10:

"One Lord, one faith, one baptism." Ephesians 4:5

"The apostle is stating in this and the succeeding verses a great truth concerning the church. There is a seven-fold unity. One body- composed of believers. One Spirit- the Holy Spirit who dwells within every believer and unites them together in the common bond. One hope- the blessed hope of his coming. One Lord- the Lord over all. One faith- and that founded on the one Lord. One God and Father of all- the object of our own faith and in whose name all believers are baptized. We are not our own. We were bought with a great price. We are His subjects, under His rule and authority. 

Prayer: 
Lord Jesus, let us bow to Thee as the one Lord, and with loyal hearts yield to Thy authority. Amen. 

I liked the One-ness that we can share with other believers of faith, because we have ONE Lord over us all!



Romans 12:3-5
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.  For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function,  so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.


1 Corinthians 12:12-14
Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.

Monday, September 16, 2013

Music Monday: "Overcomer"

It's been a while since I have done a Music Monday, since I have been sharing prayers for our husbands all summer. Now that that series is complete, I have lots of songs to share with you, my readers again! Hope you've had a good summer!

One of my favorite singers is Mandisa, who was on American Idol and is a wonderful Christian singer. I have blogged about some of her songs before, such as Waiting for Tomorrow, and Stronger . She had a new CD come out recently, and the title song is my favorite. It speaks to me in my pain and depression, reminding me that Jesus has overcome the world. Enjoy the song!

"Overcomer" by Mandisa


Staring at a stop sign
Watching people drive by
T Mac on the radio
Got so much on your mind
Nothing's really going right
Looking for a ray of hope

Whatever it is you may be going through
I know He's not gonna let it get the best of you

You're an overcomer
Stay in the fight ‘til the final round
You're not going under
‘Cause God is holding you right now
You might be down for a moment
Feeling like it's hopeless
That's when He reminds You
That you're an overcomer
You're an overcomer

Everybody's been down
Hit the bottom, hit the ground
Oh, you're not alone
Just take a breath, don't forget
Hang on to His promises
He wants You to know

The same Man, the Great I am
The one who overcame death
Is living inside of You
So just hold tight, fix your eyes
On the one who holds your life
There's nothing He can't do
He's telling You 


lyrics found here.

You can listen to this song on YouTube here.


John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” 

Mark 9:24
Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

Romans 12:21
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Friday, September 13, 2013

BLT Salad recipe


I first read a basic recipe for this salad in an email. Then I received a flyer from the grocery store with a similar BLT salad in it. So I decided to try it, and it's been a big hit! It is similar to this Pasta Tomato salad, but the dressing is different and what is in it is different. I've made it several times and we've all liked it!

Here is the basic recipe:
1 box of pasta-- (rotini or shells or macaroni)
3 juicy tomatoes (fresh from the garden is best!)
3 large romaine lettuce leaves, sliced into 1" pieces
6 pieces of cooked bacon

Dressing:
1 Tbsp mayo
1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
juice of one lemon (I've done 1/2 cup juice)
1/2 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions: Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and toss with tomatoes and lettuce. Mix in the dressing. Let set for a little while. Add bacon before serving, so it is crispy and crunchy. YUM!

*This would also be good with green onions and avocadoes...

If you make this recipe, let me know! I'd love to hear your review!


Isaiah 64:6
All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.


Jeremiah 17:8
They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”


Proverbs 11:28
Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.


Thursday, September 12, 2013

American Girl class: Kaya#2- week 1

We had our first American Girl class of the fall this week, and it was great! I restarted my cycle of the American Girls with Kaya, the first AG in the timeline, from 1764, a Native American girl. I had taught Kaya 2 1/2 years ago, and it was nice to have all the resources to begin the class! 

I was kinda nervous about the class, since I changed the first craft (from my original plan) a few days before. I decided not to make the totem pole craft which I had done a few years ago. After looking at Hobby Lobby, I decided to make leather beaded bracelets instead. My hubby went shopping in the morning before class for me and he ALSO made snack! What a great Daddy/ Hubby he is to us, to give time on his day off to help!

 Here he is making the Cranberry Fritters, which were very yummy! You can find the recipe for them here.
 I am so thankful for the moms that help in my class!

After we discussed Meet Kaya and I asked questions, we began our bracelet craft. The leather bracelet kit came with a word embosser, which embossed a word (girls chose from six words-- love, laugh, believe, inspire and pray)  on the leather when pounded with a hammer. We found this worked well with damp leather, so we dipped the piece into a cup of water first.
 After they got their leather rectangle stamped, they took it back to the table and tied to knots to keep the leather straps on the rectangle. (We cut the 8" pieces in half first-- should have been longer than 8"!)
Then the girls strung six brown and tan beads onto the bracelet and we tied it to their wrist (loosely so they can take it off later.)
 Here are the cranberry fritters up close (see recipe above in the link) They were enjoyed by most of the girls, they were happy to get two! (A few girls tried and didn't like them. We were supposed to put powdered sugar on them, but we had NONE at home. Oops-- they were still good, though!)
 Our second craft was to make dreamcatchers. I found the directions to make them here. While the girls were working on stringing their yarn in the holes, I read a few paragraphs of info about them that I found here.
 I was disappointed that we ran out of time in the first class to put all of the beads and feathers on the bottom. I hope the girls were able to finish them at home, like my daughter did! (age 6 1/2)
 The second class working on their bracelets with another great Mom helper!
 Silly girl putting her dream catcher cut plate on her face!
 2:00 class working on their dream catchers... I kept remarking how much these girls grew over the summer! It was fun to see them again for class. Some of the girls had a harder time tying those knots in the white yarn than others...
 This older girl finished her dream catcher first, so I got her pic and she helped the younger girls with theirs too. She's not been in my class before, but I will enjoy having her! Also, she is wearing the orange fun foam leaf nametag that I made before class. At our sign-up day for the class, I had the moms and girls choose a Native American Name from this list. (Actually I couldn't find my original list online anymore, so I found a similar list). The girls liked having another name! I wrote the native name on the front, with the meaning, and their name small on the back. I attached beads onto a ribbon on one corner of the name tag and a safety pin.
Here is a closeup of my bracelet that I made, you can see the embossed word 'Love' on the leather. There are beads on the other side. I love it! It was a fun class discussing Meet Kaya, making (simplified) Native American crafts and I am looking forward to discussing book 2 next week!


Genesis 24:7
“The Lord, the God of heaven, who brought me out of my father’s household and my native land and who spoke to me and promised me on oath, saying, ‘To your offspring I will give this land’—he will send his angel before you so that you can get a wife for my son from there. (Jacob, son of Isaac)


Isaiah 13:14
Like a hunted gazelle, like sheep without a shepherd, they will all return to their own people, they will flee to their native land.

Acts 2:8
Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language?  (The Holy Spirit Comes at Pentecost)

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Wordless Wednesday: New fish!

Several weeks ago, our neighbor gave Caleb a "pet" crawdad. It came with a tank, which we cleaned some and fed. It died within a day... 

Ever since, Caleb has wanted another pet and talked about getting his own fish. We talked about kinds, narrowed down a few, and finally went shopping last week. He was so excited, and picked out a female Betta, which he named "Susie". He happily cleaned her tank once already, so hopefully it will last and we will keep her alive!

He paid for her and her food with his very own money. He's so proud of his new fish!



Genesis 1:26
Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”

Jonah 1:17
Now the Lord provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.

Matthew 7:9-11
 “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Latest crafts!

Since I heard my sister was going to have a baby girl, I wanted to make something special for her. I've had this book for a while, and when I looked through it, found a few designs that I liked for a onesie. I bought the onesies at Hobby Lobby, and the green rick-rack too. I already had the felt! It was a fun project to do and my sister loved them!

I found the tulip design in this book and followed the directions to copy the template, trace the pink felt and cut, machine sew the green rick-rack onto the onesie and hand-sew the tulips on. I thought it turned out so cute!
For this onesie, I found some fabric on sale (a fat quarter) and liked this fabric. I didn't know what I'd use it for when I bought it, but here it is! I carefully cut out the flower from the designed fabric, ironed it onto Heat-N-Bond that I got at the craft store. Then I ironed it onto the onesie! Easy and sweet!

This necklace I made while my hubby was watching football last week! I had the gray beads from Jo-Ann's, that I bought a few months ago. I found the square black beads in my stash and decided to use those, as well as the pewter rose (from Walmart or Hobby Lobby?). I love the way it turned out, and I made earrings to match! (not pictured)


I followed a pin from pinterest, and found these directions for fabric scrap necklaces, and made my own! I also made a lanyard for my badge at American Girl class! I had scraps left over from when we made braided rugs in our American Girl class a few years ago, and they were the perfect length to braid together into a simple necklace. There are directions to make headbands too-- fun!

Have you been crafting lately? I'd love to hear about it! Please share...


1 Chronicles 28:21
The divisions of the priests and Levites are ready for all the work on the temple of God, and every willing person skilled in any craft will help you in all the work. The officials and all the people will obey your every command.”

Matthew 9:16-17
“No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.”

Monday, September 9, 2013

Praying for my husband's faith and future



Several years ago, I read the book Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian. I really enjoyed the book, and typed up many of the prayers from the book so I could pray them over again for my husband, Joshua. This prayer THE LAST of a blog series on Mondays with prayers for husbands. I encourage you to print the prayers and pray them along with me for your own husband! I hope you will join me in asking God to  work in his faith and his future for our prayer this week...

See first prayer here.
See second prayer here.
See third prayer here.
See fourth prayer here.
See fifth prayer here.

See the sixth prayer here.
See seventh prayer here.
See eighth prayer here.
See ninth prayer here.
See tenth prayer here.
See eleventh prayer here.
See twelfth prayer here.
See thirteenth prayer here.



Prayer for His Faith
Lord, I pray that You will give (name) an added measure of faith today. Enlarge his ability to believe in You, Your Word, Your promises, Your ways, and Your power. Put a longing in His heart to talk with You and hear Your voice. Give him an understanding of what it means to bask in Your presence and not just ask for things. May he seek You, rely totally upon You, be led by You, put You first, and acknowledge You in everything he does.
Lord, You’ve said that “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God” (Romans 10:17). Feed his soul with Your word so his faith grows big enough to believe that with You all things are possible (Matthew 19:26). Give him unfailing certainty that what You’ve promised to do, You will do (Romans 4:21). Make his faith a shield of protection. Put it into action to move the mountains in his life. Your Word says, “the just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17); I pray that he will live the kind of faith-filled life that You’ve called us all to experience. May he know with complete certainty “how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You” (Psalm 31:19).


Prayer for His Future
Lord, I pray that You would give (name) a vision for his future. Help him to understand that Your plans for him are for good and not evil- to give him a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11). Fill him with the knowledge of Your will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that he may have a walk worthy of You, fully pleasing You, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of You (Colossians 1:9,10). May he live with leading from the Holy Spirit and not walk in doubt and fear of what may happen. Help him to mature and grow in You daily, submitting to You all his dreams and desires, knowing that “the things which are impossible with men are possible with God” (Luke 18:27). Give him God-ordained goals and show him how to conduct himself in a way that always invests in his future.  
I pray that he will be active in service for You all the days of his life. Keep him from losing his sense of purpose and fill him with hope for his future as an “anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast” (Hebrews 6:19). Give him his “heart’s desire” (Psalm 21:2), and the heritage of those who fear Your name” (Psalm 61:5). Plant him firmly in Your house and keep him fresh and flourishing and bearing fruit into old age (Psalm 92:13,14). And when it comes time for him to leave this earth and go be with You, may he have such a strong vision for his eternal future that it makes his transition smooth, painless, and accompanied by peace and joy. Until that day, I pray that he will find the vision for his future in You.
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Have you brought your husband to God's feet today? Why not do so right now?


Romans 10:17
Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.


Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.


Psalm 92:13-14
...planted in the house of the Lord,
they will flourish in the courts of our God.
They will still bear fruit in old age,
they will stay fresh and green.

Friday, September 6, 2013

Faithful Friday

Instead of Thankful thursday this week, I am going to share my thankfulness on Friday...

Here are just some of the many ways God has shown his faithfulness to me...

#729- Thankful for the birth of my new niece Annalise born last Thursday morning!
#730- Rebekah put Mallory's hair into pin curls last week one afternoon, and it was cute and curly the next day!

 #732- For the pictures I got of my sister, her new baby and older boy from her and my parents!
#735- A new baby is such a miracle from God!
 #733- Had a lovely lunch with my friend Dionne and her boys Friday. They were looking for animals over the fence!
 #734- For finding and saving seeds from my four-o'clock plants! They look like lemons, I think!
#743- Our son Caleb pitched the first two innings of his baseball game this week. They won 13-6!
 #744- Joshua read a book to the kids in school to start the day.
#745- A snack snack during homeschool- Cheez-It Scrabble tiles! Fun and delicious!



Isaiah 49:15
“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!

Luke 1:44
As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.

Luke 2:12
This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
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