Love Lifted Me!

From Sunday morning's children's choir...
{you can stop my blog's background music in the sidebar}

I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore,
Very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more,
But the Master of the sea, heard my despairing cry,
From the waters lifted me, now safe am I.


Love lifted me! Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help Love lifted me!
Love lifted me! Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help Love lifted me!


All my heart to Him I give, ever to Him I’ll cling
In His blessèd presence live, ever His praises sing,
Love so mighty and so true, merits my soul’s best songs,
Faithful, loving service too, to Him belongs.


Love lifted me! Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help Love lifted me!
Love lifted me! Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help Love lifted me!

Step of Obedience...

I'm sure it has much to do with the fact
that from the time of birth, until he was about 3 years old,
our son had chronic ear infections which, in turn,
compelled us to avoid allowing water
to get on his face and ears, which, very likely,
contributed to his very present and great fear of water.
The idea of water getting on his face
or near, let alone in, his ears is a frightful thing for him.
Needless to say, really, that it has made
for many years of difficult bathing rituals
(including washcloths and very careful 'water projection').
I am sure I did my son a disservice
by creating/allowing this habitual fear to go so long
but, unfortunately, I did.

After over a year of wrestling with the Holy Spirit,
our son, through much prayer, took the courageous step
to follow the Lord Jesus Christ in believer's baptism!
Oh, what joy filled our hearts (and tears our eyes)!
We are praising God for His answering prayer,
for the Holy Spirit convicting and guiding our son
in such a big decision in his life and Christian walk
and for giving him the courage that He knew
our son needed to obey.
Thank you, Lord...
May he continue to obey You, courageously and boldly.








"Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death:
that like as Christ was raised up from the dead
by the glory of the Father,
even so we also should walk in newness of life."
~ Romans 6:4

"I have no greater joy
than to hear that my children walk in truth."
~ 3 John 1:4

Simple Woman's Daybook...

For Today... Monday, October 27, 2008


Outside my Window...
The sun is starting to rise and
it's a cool, brisk autumn morning


I am thinking...
about how Truly, Wonderful our God is!


From the learning rooms...
Most of our new books have arrived(!!)
and we look forward to diving into them


I am thankful for...
the Lord hearing and answering prayers,
for His Word not returning void,
that He is a changer of hearts
and that He is worthy of all glory and honor!


From the kitchen...
the aroma of coffee invites me for a second cup.


I am wearing...
purplish dress with white flowers


I am reading...
1 Samuel and Matthew {KJB}


I am hoping/praying...
for continual revival in my heart,
in my family, in my church, in our country


I am creating...
(Lord willing) my pale pink regency gown,
bloomers for the girls, and plans for learning


I am hearing...
hums from the baby monitor...
We had a fellowship at church last night
and everyone is still peacefully sleeping


Around the house...
our home needs a good 'blessing' from the weekend


One of my favorite things...
seeing my children's love for
and desire to follow/serve Christ


A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...
tackle Mount Washmore, 'bless' our home,
go to piano lessons that Ally teaches,
go to dentist appointments, implement our new books,
go to Wednesday prayer meeting, church fellowship on Friday,
and church anniversary fellowship on Sunday,
and we plan to enjoy our newly arranged reading/music room.


Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...
{click to enlarge}

"Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised,
and his greatness is unsearchable."
~ Psalm 145:3

Weekend Whim...

Being a military wife,
I think that many times,
somewhere between
one to three years
of being at a particular place,
I, inadvertently, get
an itch for change.

Changing my blog this week
was, apparently, not enough.
I spent the day today
rearranging furniture
in our living room & reading room.
As a matter of fact,
I switched the rooms completely.

After moving a couch, rocking chair, piano, stereo, amoire,
six bookshelves, rolling up two rugs, cleaning floors
and baseboards, and rolling the rugs back out I was finished!
(well, mostly, finished... I still have organizing to do)
I have no doubt that I will sleep well tonight,
though, perhaps, a little sore. ;o)
I do love rearranging furniture, though!

It has been a full week for us
and I am very much looking forward
to being in the Lord's house tomorrow.
I hope you all have a blessed Lord's Day.


"LORD, I have loved the habitation of thy house,
and the place where thine honour dwelleth."
~ Psalm 26:8

Making Some Changes...

Thursday's Things...

We have been a little out-of-sorts this week,
as we've had 'the sickness' visiting most of us.
Ally is most affected by it, at present.
The younger ones seem well,
aside from some lingering congestion.
Daddy had it mildly but seems to be feeling better,
which is good for him because he was away
for a day or two, due to work.
Mama hasn't been affected, as of yet,
and prays it continues that way, Lord willing. ;o)

Other than our week being a little more relaxed than usual,
due extra resting, courtesy of the lingering 'sickness',
we were still able to make it to
Ally's new endocrin appt yesterday.
We traveled an hour North, which was new to us
and quite interesting and enjoyable, to the office.
The waiting room at the office was a blessing!
Yes, a blessing!
Many times doctor's offices have televisions
and we, to the best of our ability, seek out a 'secluded' place
to read the books we brought along and ignore the t.v.
(we try to avoid the news, children's cartoons/programs, etc...)
When we arrived, I saw that in the waiting room
there was a large television hanging on the wall
and I was thankful we had brought our books.
However, we noticed that what was playing on the screen
had no words/dialogue, no questionable music,
no questionable situations/characters, and no people.
It was recorded scenes from Hawaii
(palm trees blowing in the wind, ocean waves crashing on shore,
lava flowing and being cooled by the ocean, flowers, trees, & other sites)
with creation's sounds & low volume, instrumental music.
And though no television would have been nice,
we did enjoy the opportunity to see the sights in Hawaii.
It was fun and educational to take the opportunity
to enjoy and discuss God's creation as we watched.
We, also, talked about the lava and how it looked
like a lake of hot, liquid fire, which, in turn,
brought us to talk about how much hotter Hell must be.
It was a sad and sobering thought.
But I was thankful for the opportunity
to have those discussions with the children.

The appointment went as well as it could.
We hope to know more in a week or so, as we await lab work.

On the way home, we kind of took our time
to enjoy the sights that were new to us.

We saw a sign for a Civil War trail
and pulled over to read about it.
Will was the very excited (he sure loves his history!).



The information was in a cemetery
and as we headed out, we saw this sculpture
of what is known by many as The Lord's Prayer
(though, I like to consider John 17 as our Lord's prayer).
Beth read it aloud for us as we sat in front of it.



Also, on the way home we pulled off the road
to enjoy the scenery at this bogue sound (waterway between land).


The sun was very bright and the water really glistened



On the side of the road were fields of these flowers...


They were so beautiful!

Though we enjoyed our trip, we were glad to be home.
Especially when two boxes of homeschool books
were dropped off at the door! Woo hoo!
It has been such a blessing to be able to order our books
(now that our house sold!)!
We look forward to the arrival of our other books
and then begin using them with what we've already been using.
Fun! Fun! Fun! I just LOVE books! Love homeschooling! LOVE IT!

Ally has already jumped into using her new books
(especially since she hopes to graduate in May/June
and would like to finish as soon as possible).
Will has already read through a couple of new living books
and is eager to begin his new math.
Beth has already been reading aloud to Carolynne
through their new readers.
And me? I've already felt them, flipped through them,
scanned them, and smelled them.
Did I mention I love books? ;o)

Today, as Ally rests and works on her education,
we are working at blessing our home
and doing some of the homeschool work that we've been doing.
I look forward to sitting down and planning & have, finally,
figured out (so-called) lesson plans that work for me
(well, at least it's working for me so far and anticipate it will continue).

I haven't had a chance to sew much this week or last
but the projects are there waiting
and I know I'll tackle them as time permits.
But I'm off to do a little 'extra' home blessing.
We want it looking its best,
especially when Daddy returns today. ;o)

I hope y'all enjoy your day and rest of the week!


"But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God:
yea, let them exceedingly rejoice."
~ Psalm 68:3

Mmmm... Tea

I have only recently developed a liking for tea.
As a matter of fact,
so far I only really like chai green tea (spiced)
but I am occasionally trying new teas
and aquiring a taste for some of them.
So when I saw that Mrs. U was having a tea giveaway,
I was eager to sign up for the possibility
to try more tea and to enjoy a flavor I already love.
If you love tea, want to love tea,
or even if you never really cared about tea...
a chance to try it for free may peak your interest. ;o)

A Little, Friendly Thank You...

Just a special thank you to Jen,
who passed this along to me...




Thank you, Jen.
Your kind words and thoughtfulness were a blessing.


"Pleasant words are as an honeycomb,
sweet to the soul, and health to the bones."
~ Proverbs 16:24

Incisive Island Incidents...

Please forgive my corny title...
There was a time when I tried to alliterate quite frequently
but have somehow fallen along the alliteration wayside
and that was my attempt to make a better effort. ;o)

Title Translation: Brief Island Happenings...

I had a few moments to share some photos
about our homeschool field trip to a local island,
which is a natural habitat beach.
We had lots of fun (and, of course, took lots of photos)!
I can't stay on long enough to give a full account
(hence the title word 'incisive'... brief)
but I wanted to, at least, share a few photos
of our island happenings (incidents). ;o)
{You can click on the photos to enlarge}

Before heading to the island,
we met in the auditorium at the nature center
and learned about the local sea birds, which was a lot of fun!

Afterwards, we boarded the ferry that took us to the island.
This was the first time the children (and I)
had ever been on a ferry. We loved it!













On the ferry ride, we saw a few of the birds
that we had learned about...


(left to right: great egret; double crested cormorant;
brown pelican; and anotherwhite egret)


Once we got to the island, we had to tread
1/2 a mile on a dirt trail before we reached the beach...

There were signs along the way
with information about some of the birds,
information about the sea oats and even ticks.
It was a long walk... but enjoyable.
On the way back, Carolynne needed a little help...


It was a new experience for me to carry
a 4 year old on my back for 1/4 mile!
It was exhilarating, though!

Once we reach the other side of the island,
we stopped to eat a picnic lunch.
Here was Ally enjoying hers with her friend...




Afterwards, we were eager to get on the beach...



All of the children were fascinated by the cliffs...



Even the older ones...

lol

Beth and Carolynne helped bury their sister in the sand...



While Ally sat in the sand,
the younger ones ran the shoreline...


And enjoyed the ocean...








Here are a few things we saw along the shore...


The ranger informed us that this was seaweed.
It was sticky and rubbery and very interesting!



Will found this hatched sea turtle egg.
He wasn't able to take it home
because it's part of an endangered species
but he was thrilled to find it and touch it!



We were, also, thrilled to find a jellyfish!
We hadn't seen one since our beachschooling days
when we lived in SC two years ago so we were quite excited!


There were MANY of these on the beach, too...


This one is our Carolynne's. ;o)


We had such a wonderful time!
And the Lord gave us wonderful weather, too!
It was a real blessing to us to be able to visit
another natural beach like that
and it was fascinating to learn about the local birds.
We hope to return, again, some day.


"Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving,
and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.
For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.
In his hand are the deep places of the earth:
the strength of the hills is his also.
The sea is his, and he made it:
and his hands formed the dry land.
O come, let us worship and bow down:
let us kneel before the LORD our maker."
~ Psalm 95:2-6

Simple Woman's Daybook...

For Today...

Outside my Window...
The sun is rising, the sky is lightening,
and the temp is oh, so chilly

I am thinking...
how I look forward to the cooler weather
and wearing cozy sweaters

From the learning rooms...
school books have been ordered (woo hoo!)
and we anticipate their arrival

I am thankful for...
God's Word and His people
and how He uses them to encourage us

From the kitchen...
eggs & toast; sandwiches; and tacos

I am wearing...
light blue, paisley dress with 3/4 sleeves

I am reading...
1 Samuel and John (KJB)

I am hoping...
this cooler weather leads to snow this year!

I am creating...
pale pink regency gown (for me)
and bloomers for the girls

I am hearing...
sounds of children awaking in the monitors
and Beth crunching cereal at the table

Around the house...
floors, couches, counters, and the like
await to be tidied up from the weekend

One of my favorite things...
receiving hugs & sugars (that's southern for kisses)
from my children when they wake in the morning
and travel downstairs

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...
share photos from our homeschool field trip to 'the island';
bless our home; continue with our learning times;
await the arrival of our new school books;
go to piano lessons that Ally teaches; visit with friends;
take Ally to her new endocrin appointment;
have fun at our homeschool group park day;
cozy up with my children, a blanket, and a book

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...


"If you are cold, tea will warm you.
If you are too heated, it will cool you.
If you are depressed, it will cheer you.
If you are excited, it will calm you."
~ Gladstone, 1865

What lovely cool weather to sit with a hot cup of tea!

"This is the day which the LORD hath made;
we will rejoice and be glad in it."
~ Psalm 118:24

Simple Woman's Daybook...

For Today...

Outside my Window...
the sun is shining, a breeze is blowing,
and birds are joyfully singing,

I am thinking...
of the delightful changes autumn holds

From the learning rooms...
continue building our routine,
further our study in Genesis,
and incorporate the learning plan I put together

I am thankful for...
a Heavenly Father that is in control,
the Friend I have in Jesus,
the Holy Spirit that lives in me,
and His Living Word

From the kitchen...
the smell of coffee still fills the house,
cereal for breakfast, sandwiches for lunch,
tacos for supper (mmm!)

I am wearing...
dark blue regency gown

I am reading...
the book of 1 Samuel {KJB},
the book of Matthew {KJB},

I am hoping...
and praying for revival in my heart,
in my family, in my church, in the brethren,
in our country, in our world

I am creating...
Lord willing, a new regency gown for me
and bloomers for the lil' girls

I am hearing...
quite hums from the 'baby' monitor
and Carolynne playing in the reading room

Around the house...
everyone, but Carolynne and I, are sleeping.
Suzie watches life outside the dining room window.

One of my favorite things...
enjoying the feel, smell, and sound of autumn breezes

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...
homeschool, house blessing, work on sewing,
go to piano lessons that Ally teaches,
finish scanning an ebook for our church website,
attend our midweek service, go to our homeschool field trip,
and, possibly, welcome daddy's brother for a few days.


Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...


"And he changeth the times and the seasons..."
~ Daniel 2:21

What a joy and delight it is to enjoy the season changes!

Strengthen Thy Brethren...

"And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold,
Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not:
and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren."
~ Luke 22:31

My soul is stirred and my heart is grieved...

In Christ's church, among His children, born-again believers,
tolerance of sin, acceptance of sin, and participation in sin
is on the rise.

We praise God in one breath
and He is mocked in our actions.

There is so much tolerance, acceptance, participation in sin
that there is such an absence of separation, of righteousness,
of godliness, of boldness in love and in Truth.

Brethren are growing weary, are growing weak, are faltering,
are compromising, are stumbling, are falling away.

May we examine our own hearts and our own lives.
May we take notice of the brethren. May we encourage them.

May we return to our knees and cry out in prayer...

"...that thy faith fail not... strengthen thy brethren."

Revive Your church, Lord. Revive Your people.

It's Official...

Our house is sold!

And we are rejoicing
to the answering
of many prayers!

My beloved and I
spent a special
night out last night
to celebrate!

Thank you to those
that have prayed!

To God be the glory!!



"Call unto me, and I will answer thee,
and shew thee great and mighty things,
which thou knowest not."
~ Jeremiah 33:3

"But I will hope continually,
and will yet praise thee more and more."
~ Psalm 71:14

Favorite Animal Dresses...

Below are the dresses I made last week for Beth's birthday.
They picked the fabric.


{click on photo to enlarge}


I used bias tape for the sleeve and waist/tie
and added a ruffle to the hems.
Beth picked horses and Carolynne picked dogs.

I suspect that they'll remember these 'fun' dresses
as their childhood favorites.

For My Mama & Gramma...

who departed with their companion
and made their grandchildren very happy.

Thank you!



As, requested, we've taken a few photos of Suzie,
sharing how she's adapting to her new home
and will periodically add more photos
to keep Gramma and Great-Gramma updated.

Just visit Suzie Shots. ;o)

Hope you enjoy, Mama and Gramma!

Week in Review...

I had a few moments to post some pictures
from last week and this past weekend...
{with very little commentary but I wanted to get the pics posted}
The photos can be clicked on to enlarge.


Watercoloring fun...




Preparing for battle...

Painting the wooden tank that he and Daddy made.

Baking in the kitchen...

She graciously made banana oatmeal chocolate chip muffins
for her family, even though she cannot stand the
sight, smell, sound, and texture of the fruit.
What a sweetie!



Friday was our homeschool group park day...

Nature's gentle weapon...

These 'swords' were in abundance
and provided lots of fun for the children.


Making a bouquet...



Delivering the bouquet...



Lots of running...









and delightful swinging...



Suzie enjoyed homeschool park day, too.
After all, she is a homeschooled pet... ;o)




At home, the lil' girls found something new and fun
to do with our swing...





They twisted high and spun loooong


Carolynne learned a new keeper-at-home skill...



Beth brushed up on her reading (and singing)
with this little song book...



Birthday book reactions...



A birthday bonfire...

The children used their creativity to make this mock bonfire.
Lots of sticks for the fire
and marshmallows (cotton balls) on sticks to roast!


I hope y'all enjoyed your week last week
and that you had a blessed weekend!
I hope to post a picture of the girls' new dresses later
but for now, I'm off to continue our day!


"Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits,
even the God of our salvation. Selah."
~ Psalm 68:19