"PRO-LIFE"

This post is in response to the idea that the term pro-life refers not only to abortion, but also to social agendas as well. I am aware of this new way of thinking, though I greatly disagree with this idea. Poverty, war, and healthcare issues are important, but shouldn't be put on the same level as abortion.

Read this letter from Julie's blog. Though it's not obvious, I do think this letter addresses this issue as well. It all boils down to following God's Word and voting as a Christ-follower first, above everything else.

FALL EVENING

I just went out with my camera and the kids and took a few shots. Enjoy!

Aden 3-1/2 months

The girls with our new cat "Casey"

ADEN JUDAH'S DEDICATION

I love how our pastor has chosen to do baby dedications at our church. He always puts a lot of thought into each one and makes it very personal for each baby. Aden was the only one being dedicated this past Sunday and I wanted to share a bit of what Pastor Wayne shared.

He always starts by giving examples of child dedication in Scripture -- Mary & Joseph bringing Jesus, Hannah brought Samuel to Eli, and the example of Jesus blessing the little children. In his words, "We believe that baptism is such an important step in the life of a believer and that is why we dedicate and not baptize our children. Believing that when children mature and accept the Lord as their personal Lord and Savior, they then should be baptized as a symbolic act of their love and devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ."

The tradition at Calvary Chapel is to look at the meaning of the name of the child because in Scripture names frequently had meaning and spoke to the character of the individual. Pastor Wayne then finds verses that go along with the names and it is his prayer that these will become life long verses.

Aden is Irish and means "Fiery" or "Little Fire"

Judah is Jewish and means "praise" or "celebrated"

The Scripture that PW talked about was in Revelation 5 when John saw in the right hand of the One who sat on the throne a scroll that had seven seals. Then he saw a strong angel who proclaimed with a loud voice asking who was worthy to take the scroll and open the seven seals. No one could be found and so John wept because there was no one worthy. Then one of the elders said to John in verse 5, "Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals."

Pastor Wayne's thoughts...

"As I thought about this and the meaning of the two names, the word that stood out to me was the word, "prevailed". Aden, fiery, suggested to me passion. Judah, praise, prevailing -- passionate in praise, prevailing were the thoughts that came to my mind. So putting that all together, my prayer for this little guy is that his life will be marked by passionate, prevailing praise. It is my prayer that at an early age Aden Judah will have a divine encounter with the Lord that will indeed set the course of his life to love and serve God with all his heart all the days of his life."

We also received flowers. A red carnation represents fatherhood and the bloodline; a white carnation representing motherhood -- virtue and character; and a budding rose represents a new life that is unfolding in fragrance and beauty to the world.

Unfortunately my photos from his dedication were all very blurry. But I hope this helps those of you who wish you could have been there to get a glimpse of his special day.

MYAH IS 8!

Myah had her 8th birthday last Friday. We had a simple celebration with our family and her good friend, Faith, who spent the night. Enjoy a few pictures of her special day!

Working on paint by numbers together

Faith gave Myah a paint by number for her birthday, with horses of course!

Paul Washer Sermon Jam 3 - The Reality of Judgment

I tried really hard to post this video on my blog, but guess I just need to play around with it more. I couldn't find where "Blogger" was listed as a "post to" option.... help anyone?? Anyway, take the time to watch this. It's only about 5 minutes and could change your life.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Okyf8UcM5N4

SOME SCRIPTURE I'VE BEEN MEDITATING ON LATELY

MATTHEW 7:13-14
Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

2 CORINTHIANS 13:5
Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test Yourselves...

PHILIPPIANS 2:12b
...workout your own salvation with fear and trembling.

A GREAT RESOURCE

The Berean Call website is a great resource that I wanted to pass along. It is a place Evan & I visit to see how things in our current culture line up with Scripture. We have gone there to research things like Christianity and yoga, the dangers of the emerging church, etc.

(The following is their mission statement)

The Berean Call is a nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation which exists to:

• 
  Alert believers in Christ to unbiblical teachings and practices impacting the church.
  
• Exhort believers to give greater heed to Biblical discernment and truth regarding teachings and practices being currently promoted in the church.
  
• Supply believers with teaching, information, and materials which will encourage the love of God's truth, and assist in the development of Biblical discernment.
  
• Mobilize believers in Christ to action in obedience to the Scriptural command to "earnestly contend for the faith" (Jude 3).
  
• Impact the church of Jesus Christ with the necessity of trusting the Scriptures as the only rule of faith, practice, and a life pleasing to God.

DYING TO SELF

When you are forgotten or neglected, or purposely set at naught, and you do not sting and hurt with the insult or oversight, but your heart is counted worthy to suffer for Christ...that is Dying to Self.

When your good is evil spoken of, when your wishes are crossed, your advice disregarded, your opinions ridiculed, and you refuse to let anger rise in your heart or even defend yourself, and take it in patient, loving silence... that is Dying to Self.

When you lovingly and patiently bear any disorder, any irregularity, and unpunctuality, or any annoyance; when you stand face to face with waste, folly, extravagance, spiritual insensibility, and endure as Jesus endured it... that is Dying to Self.

When you never care to refer to yourself in conversation, or to record your own good works or itch after commendation, when you can truly love to be unknown... that is Dying to Self.

When you are content with any food, any offering, any raiment, any climate, any society, any solitude, any interruption by the will of God... that is Dying to Self.

When you see your brother prosper and have his needs met, and can honestly rejoice with him in spirit and feel no envy nor question God, while your own needs are far greater and in desperate circumstances... that is Dying to Self.

When you can receive correction and reproof from one of less stature than yourself, and can humbly submit inwardly as well as outwardly, finding no rebellion or resentment rising up within your heart... that is Dying to Self.

Are you dead yet? In these last days, the Spirit would bring us to the Cross, "That I may know Him... being made conformable to His death."

(Author Unknown)

WE NEED TO WAKE UP!

PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO LISTEN TO THIS TEACHING!!!

I don't care if you do it while you're cooking dinner or resting on the couch. Turn off the TV for an hour and take the time to listen to this. You will not regret it.... We need to wake up! This teaching expresses some of my frustrations so well that I have been unable to put into words. You will not regret taking time for this.

Ten Indictments (A Historical 21st Century Message) by Paul Washer

http://downloads6.pardoned.net/18/SID18002.mp3

Preached Wednesday, October 22nd at the Revival Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. Paul Washer delivers a urgent appeal to the Christians and Churches in North America that many have been believing a false gospel and have false assurance of their salvation. He lists 10 indictments against the modern Church system in America. This is a historical urgent message, tell others and spread the message. We need a reformation and revival of a biblical standard!

A TRUE SERVANT

A good friend of mine here in town has blessed me immensely. This past week alone, she helped me prepare for a church party we had last weekend (made chili, helped decorate, donated lunches for the fishermen from Subway, etc. etc.) She now wants to spend a day a week with Myah. I have prayed for another woman to come alongside of Myah to be a role model and teach her things that I am not able to. God has answered that request. Myah and Rachel will get together once a week and work on "crafty" projects. Things I have always wanted to teach her, but haven't had the time to really dig into them. They will work on sewing projects, knitting, crocheting and maybe even some quilting. Rachel is really excited to spend time with her and Myah is ecstatic. She adores Rachel, and I can't wait to see the spiritual blessings that will come out of this time. What a blessed addition to our homeschooling! Thank you, Rachel!

STILL MEMORIZING...

Let love be without hypocrosy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor, giving preference to one another. Not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer. Distributing to the needs of the saints; given to hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind towards one another. Do not think on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Do not repay evil for evil. But have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it possible, as much as depends on you, live peacably with all men. Do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath. For it is written, "Revenge is mine. I will repay," says the Lord. Therefore, if your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him something to drink. For in so doing, you will reap coals of fire on his head. Do not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good.

POLITICAL TALK

I've avoided this topic as long as possible, but I just came across THIS on my cousin's blog. I have to say I agree with him 100% on this. He says it better than I ever could, so please read his two posts on this topic.

Just to get it out there. I'm a conservative who tries to live my life as close to Jesus as I can using God's Word as my guide. I will vote McCain/Palin in the upcoming election without any hesitancy. I think neither side is all that great, but the Republicans line up most closely with my beliefs. Sarah Palin stands strongly for much of what I believe.

I will keep in mind, just as in the book of Daniel, "God sets up kings and deposes them". Thanks be to God that HE is in control!

I strongly disagree with a bumper sticker I just saw that read "Pro-life; Pro-Obama" I don't get it.....! "You can't be conservative about the Bible and vote liberal," as my pastor said in a conversation we had about this with him.

IN MEMORY OF JOSIAH...

(and so many other babies who join him in heaven)

October 15 is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day

"GOD'S PLAN TO PROTECT HIS PEOPLE IN THE COMING DEPRESSION"

BY DAVID WILKERSON

My mom just sent me a copy of this book in the mail and I haven't been able to put it down since. It's been good to read this in the uncertain times we are facing. Though I can't quote the whole book I wanted to share a couple thoughts...

"God's hour of power is revealed when his people are brought to the end of their own strength and ability. Our Lord demonstrates his power toward us when we're at our lowest point."

"You are not truly a lover of Jesus if you are not daily preparing to meet him!"

"Those who right now are setting their hearts to seek God with all their being-- saturating their hearts and minds with His Word, and cleaving to Christ more and more -- are better prepared for the coming storm than anyone. They're safer and more protected than even those Christians who have stored away a year or two's supply of food in some country haven, yet who have not focused on their spiritual well-being."

This book was publised in 1998, and it was crazy to me how what I was reading fit right into what we are beginning to face. More than anything, I want to be prepared spiritually so I can face whatever comes our way. I think I've been driving Evan crazy with all my talk about all this stuff lately, but I know I can rest in the peace of knowing that God is in control and that I can trust Him through it all. I just need to keep praying, and keep my face in the one true book that I can totally trust -- His Word.

A COUPLE PICTURES FROM OUR WEEK...


Aden is growing like crazy! He's such a happy boy, and we are truly blessed. He's been giggling, discovering his hands and toys and doesn't miss much of what's happening around here!

Kiana is proudly wearing "21 stickers"!

SIMPLY HEALTHY

It seems that every so often I get on a new health kick. Each time, I seem to learn just a little bit more about eating healthy and the importance of it. My most recent health kick started after doing some research on how best to live with one kidney, since Aden only has one. Not only have we chosen to not vaccinate him at this time, but I am also researching how to eat with a minimal amount of toxins in our diet. I like to think that we've always sort of eaten healthy, but each one of my little "health kicks" that comes along, I am challenged to step that up a notch. By the time our little guy is eating table food, I am hoping to have made our diet really healthy and we will all benefit from it as well. One of our favorite meals around here is a simple salad jazzed up.




Unfortunately, I sometimes tend to take one small step forward and then three steps back into my old ways. But I guess as long as I keep trying to educate myself in this area and keep moving forward, no matter the pace, any progress is progress.

Some things I'm trying to do differently --

* avoid any and all pre-packaged food when possible
* cook as much as possible from scratch
* salads, salads, salads!
* home grown pork, eggs (& hopefully some day beef!)
* decrease sugar amounts when baking
* increase whole grains
* choose Subway over Mc. D's

Here are some recipes that I have been using frequently lately that line up with these things...

Because of the high cost of real maple syrup and all the junk in the fake stuff, I have been using this:

Home-made Fruit Syrup
1Cup 100% fruit juice
1 Tbsp. corn starch
1 tsp. sugar (or honey)
Whisk together juice and corn starch in small saucepan. Turn heat on; add sugar or honey. Boil while stirring, until thickened. Our favorites are grape juice and apple juice.

Again, due to ingredients in Campbell's soup, I have been using this:
Tomato Soup
4 large tomatoes (or 2 cans tomatoes w/o all the extra junk)
2 slices onion
1/4 small green pepper (opt.)
1 carrot (opt.)
1/2 t. salt
dash of pepper
2 C. thin white sauce (below)
basil, parsley, garlic, oregano

Peel and chop tomatoes. Combine with veggies and seasonings in large saucepan. Simmer 10 minutes or until veggies are tender. May puree through food processor. Prepare white sauce and stir slowly into mixture. (I have made this with cans of stewed tomatoes and pureed them first so I don't have to wait for it to cool down, but still get the same consistency.)

White sauce for tomato soup recipe:
2 T. buter, 2 T. flour, 2 Cup milk. Melt butter, add in flour until smooth. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly. Cook over med. heat until thickened. Simmer 2-3 min.

Salad (pictured above)
spinach & romaine
grilled chicken breast
various veggies (red/green pepper, tomatoes, -- whatever you have on hand!)
various fruit (our favorites are strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, pears)
walnuts
Serve with dressing of choice!

A great snack choice: dried apples or a handful of almonds!

HINT: If you dry your own apples, soak them in pineapple juice for a bit first. It prevents browning and makes them taste great!

My new favorite cookbook where I have gotten many great ideas can be found here.
I would LOVE to hear any more ideas on how to eat more healthy and also how to stay motivated to stay on this path! My biggest fear is heading backwards...again! Please share or pass along recipes or books where I can increase my knowledge!

PUPPIES ANYONE?

We are breeding our pure bred chocolate lab this weekend with a pure yellow lab and are hoping for puppies in a couple months! They are both great dogs with great bloodlines. Anyone interested? I'm trying to advertise early! Please pass the word!