GOOD QUOTES

"Every Christian is either a missionary or an imposter." ~ Charles Spurgeon

"If sinners will be damned, at least let them leap to hell over our bodies. And if they will perish, let them perish with our arms about their knees, imploring them to stay. If hell must be filled, at least let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go there unwarned and unprayed for." ~ Charles Spurgeon


"NOT CALLED?"

"Not called!" did you say? "Not heard the call," I think you should say. Put your ear down to the Bible, and hear Him bid you go and pull sinners out of the fire of sin. Put your ear down to the burdened, agonized heart of humanity, and listen to its pitiful wail for help. God stand by the gates of hell, and hear the damned entreat you to go to their father's house and bid their brothers and sisters and servants and masters not to come there. Then look Christ in the face -- whose mercy you have professed to obey -- and tell Him whether you will join heart and soul and body and circumstances in the march to publish His mercy to the world."

~ William Booth

You Tube Video Worth Watching

Congressman Mike Rogers' opening statement on healthcare reform in Washington D.C... As my friend Lisa said, "Pray that his voice (and many others) will be heard!"

Watch it here.

GARDEN HARVEST

Well, the garden officially got hit hard with frost last night. All the plants were hit. Today, I harvested about 3 more watermelon, lots more cantelope (which still need to ripen -- and may not...), more tomatoes, including all the big green ones I could, a few last zucchini, and lots and lots of squash. The best part, however, was hitching up the trailer to the 4-wheeler, and gathering the pumpkin harvest. The kids had a blast, each picking out two of their own. I had planted a couple different types, and we ended up getting 3 of the gigantic ones, which worked out perfect for each of the older ones to claim one for their own. (Myah said she'd share with Aden...) In all, according to Joel, we have 33 pumpkins. I'm thinking next year, we may have to plant a field's worth and do a "you pick" pumpkin patch. I think that would be fun, but probably more work than I can handle. Enjoy the pics. It was a gorgeous day!!

MY BOYS

I downloaded the random pictures on my camera tonight, and it just so happened they were of the boys.

Joel with a birthday present

AJ, who hasn't given up his binkies yet :)

NO SWEETER NAME

I wanted to share the lyrics to the song playing because sometimes it really helps to read them while you listen. I also wanted to share why this song means a lot to me.

No sweeter name than the Name of Jesus,
No sweeter name have I ever known
No sweeter name than the name of Jesus.

You are the Life to my heart and my soul
You are the Light to the darkness around me
You are the Hope to the hopeless and broken
You are the only Truth and the Way

Jesus, Jesus

We have recently moved our Thursday night Bible study to the local shelter here in town. It has changed the whole look on our study. Last year, we met in our cozy living room with people who we got to know like family. We had coffee, tea and home made treats every week. It was very comfortable.

Since moving it to the shelter, it looks totally different. We have anywhere from 10-15 people come in off the streets, many of whom are intoxicated to some degree, some to the extreme. Due to state regulations, we provide Subway sandwiches (by donation -- thanks D & R!) and store bought cookies. We can't put our home-made touch on any of it. It's a bit of challenge for all of us. We never know who will come through the door. We never know what kinds of interruptions will come. But I can honestly say, I wouldn't go back to what we had for anything, at least not giving this up to do it! God has called us there, and has given our "core group" such a DEEP love for these people. Some of the most amazing times are after the study is over, when Tandra is sweetly playing her guitar and singing. We are able to go around and pray for those who are hurting. God always speaks to my own heart through the study. I am there to grow just as much as anyone, but a lot of my growing is coming out of my leaving my comfort zone. So often I am the one who walks away blessed. What truly amazes me is that people that I use to avoid on the streets, I now have a passion for. Only Christ could do that in my heart.

The song above, the one playing first on my playlist is true for me. His name is sweet to me. He is my light, my life, my hope. I LOVE the name Jesus. But not only is this true for me, but it's true for them. So often these people are treated poorly. They are ignored and looked down on, and that's when people are being "kind". The truth is, Jesus loves them JUST AS MUCH as He loves anyone else and wants to see them not only set free from their addictions, but more importantly than that, He wants them as His children. He wants to see them walk in freedom that comes only through Him.

Their hearts and souls are broken. He is their life!
They live in darkness, all around them. He is their light!
They often feel hopeless and broken. He is their hope!
He is the only Truth and the Way -- for all of us.

Where would any of us be without Jesus?

Please pray for these wonderful people, and continue to pray for us as we try to minister the Word of God to them, and know that no matter what you're facing, He is your Life, your Light and your Hope as well!

"UNCOMMON UNION" -- An amazing message on marriage

Just wanted to share this message by a Godly man in our church named Mark Johnson. The best I've ever heard on a Godly marriage. This is well worth the time.

PRAYER DROPLETS

After visiting Camille's blog, she linked this blog, both of which were a great blessing to me. She quoted "Passionate Housewives Desperate for God", a book which is now on my wish list. :)

Here is what she quoted:

“I believe that one of the heaviest burdens well-meaning Christians place upon the shoulders of mothers at home is the mandate of ‘quiet time’ ”. She goes on later to say, “Too many women are in bondage to the man-made myth that everyone should pray in one great big gush early each morning. But rather than praying a river at an appointed time every day, I would suggest a more reasonable and feasible option for a busy mother: pray in ‘droplets’ throughout the day. Not only is this achievable, it is biblical. We are instructed to ‘pray without ceasing’ (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) and to let our souls follow close behind Him as His right hand holds us up (Psalm 68:8)."

I never thought about it as being "prayer droplets", but I love the image it gives, and oh how wonderful and practical it is!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

HOMEMADE SOFT CLAY

This is the best recipe ever! Store in a ziplock, and you'll be amazed how long it keeps!

In a pan, mix:

1- 1 1/4 cups flour
1/4 cup salt
2 T. cream of tartar

Combine and add to the pan:

1 cup water
1 T. oil
a few drops food coloring

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture stiffens and forms a ball. Spoon onto a lightly floured surface and knead 1-2 minutes. (Be careful, it will be hot.) Store in an air-tight plastic bag.