Happy New Year 2010!

Wishing you a New Year
of blessings and growth!


Farewell, Old Year!

Farewell, Old Year!
With goodness crowned,
A hand Divine hath set thy bound.
Welcome, New Year
Which shall bring
Fresh blessing from
My God and King!
The old we leave without a tear;
The new we hail without a fear.
Because I know
That o'er it all
Rules He who notes
The sparrow's fall.

~ Author unknown
{selection from Poems for Memorization by Rod & Staff Publishers}

"Brethren, I count not myself
to have apprehended:

but this one thing I do,

forgetting those things which are behind,

and reaching forth
unto those things which are before,

I press toward the mark for the prize

of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."

~ Philippians 3:13-14

"...that in all things he might have the preeminence."
~ Colossians 1:18

The Difference...

In light of the new year approaching,
I wanted to share a post from a couple of years ago.

As we begin the new year,
may we strive to begin each day right!

{originally posted June 9, 2007}

This morning I was eager
to begin cleaning, making dough, etc...
for this afternoon,
we are having our pastor's family
over for sourdough pizza.

It seemed that, as I went along,
I found one thing after another to do.
And the Lord brought these words to mind,
"...Martha, Martha,
{Christina, Christina}
thou art careful
{anxious; full of care}
and troubled about many things:
But one thing is needful:
and Mary hath chosen that good part,
which shall not be taken away from her."
~ Luke 10:41-42


Oops...
I had allowed myself
to be "cumbered about much...",
busy with service and duties,
and had neglected
that most important, needful thing...
time with God.

I grabbed my cup of coffee
and headed outside to pray,
read God's Word,
and spend quiet time with the Lord.

I am so thankful for
His still small voice!


This afternoon,
I "happened" to get a birthday card
in the mail from my pastor's wife.
{by God's providence, I am sure}
I thought it was wonderful
how the Lord used what was inside
to reaffirm what He had
already reminded me of this morning.
I wanted to share the poem
that was enclosed in the card...


The Difference

I got up early one morning
and rushed right into the day;
I had so much to accomplish
that I didn't have time to pray.

Problems just tumbled about me,
and heavier came each task.
"Why doesn't God help me?", I wondered
He answered, "You didn't ask."

I wanted to see joy and beauty,
but the day toiled on, gray and bleak;
I wondered why God didn't show me.
He said, "But you didn't seek."

I tried to come into God's presence;
I used all my keys at the lock.
God gently and lovingly chided,
"My child, you didn't knock."

I woke up early this morning,
and paused before entering the day;
I had so much to accomplish
that I had to take time to pray.

~ Author Unknown



"O God, thou art my God;
early will I seek thee:
my soul thirsteth for thee,
my flesh longeth for thee
in a dry and thirsty land,
where no water is"
~ Psalm 63:1

Sermon By Our Son...

In addition to the special music
during our All Youth Service,
we were blessed to hear our son
give his first sermon before the congregation.

It filled this mama's heart with joy
to see him study, pray,
and stand before the church
to share what the Lord laid on his heart.

Below is the video of his sermon...
{approximately 9 minutes long}






Other All Youth Service posts...
All Youth Night ~ Part 1
All Youth Night ~ Part 2
All Youth Night ~ Part 3

The Old Story Will Never Grow Old...

From our All Youth Night ~ Part 3



The Old Story Will Never Grow Old

Oh, no, the old story will never grow old
How Jesus died to save my soul!
Oh, no, the old story will never grow old -
That story will never grow old.


I went to church one lonely night
And I sat way back, for my soul was not right.
The preacher was preachin' how Jesus died -
For a sin filled world, He gave up His life.


Oh, no, the old story will never grow old
How Jesus died to save my soul!
Oh, no, the old story will never grow old -
That story will never grow old.


I went to the altar and I knelt down in prayer;
I cried, "Lord, have mercy" and He pardoned me there.
And then He lifted my burden, brought peace to my soul
And what made my life new was this story so old.


Many years have passed by since I found the Lord.
I remember that night when the story was told...
I had no hope - Oh, the message it brings!
That story is old but is still blesses me


Oh, no, the old story will never grow old
How Jesus died to save my soul!
Oh, no, the old story will never grow old -
That story will never grow old.

Oh, no, the old story will never grow old
How Jesus died to save my soul!
Oh, no, the old story will never grow old -
That story will never grow old.

That story will never grow old.

All Youth Service ~ Part 1
All Youth Service ~ Part 2

All Youth Service ~ Part 2

I mentioned in my previous post
that I would be sharing videos from
our church's All Youth Service in a series of posts.
Below are three additional videos from that wonderful evening.
{Blog's background music can be stopped in the right sidebar}


The children's choir singing The Butterfly Song...


If I Were a Butterfly

If I were a butterfly,
I'd thank you, Lord, for giving me wings.
And if I were a robin in a tree,
I'd thank you, Lord, that I could sing.
And if I were a fish in the sea,
I'd wiggle my tail and I'd giggle with glee,
But I just thank you, Father, for makin' me me.

'Cause You gave me a heart, You gave me a smile,
You gave me Jesus and You made me Your child.
And I just thank You, Father, for makin' me me.

If I were an elephant,
I'd thank you, Lord, for raisin' my trunk.
And if I were a kangaroo,
You know I'd hop right up to You.
And if I were a fuzzy, wuzzy bear,
I'd thank You, Lord, for my fuzzy, wuzzy hair,
But I just thank You, Father, for makin' me me.

'Cause You gave me a heart, You gave me a smile,
You gave me Jesus and You made me Your child.
And I just thank You, Father, for makin' me me.

If I were a squiggly, wiggly worm,
I'd thank You, Lord, that I could squirm.
And if I were a billy goat,
I'd thank You, Lord, for my fine throat.
And if I were an octopus,
I'd thank You, Lord, for my good looks,
But I just thank You, Father, for makin' me me.

'Cause You gave me a heart, You gave me a smile,
You gave me Jesus and You made me Your child.
And I just thank You, Father, for makin' me me.


A youth quartet singing Send the Light
(our son on the left) ;o)



Send the Light

There's a call comes ringing o'er the restless wave,
"Send the light! Send the light!"
There are souls to rescue, there are souls to save,
Send the light! Send the light!

Send the light! the blessed gospel light;
Let it shine from shore to shore!
Send the light! the blessed gospel light;
Let it shine forevermore.

We have heard the Macedonian call today,
"Send the light! Send the light!"
And a golden off'ring at the cross we lay,
Send the light! Send the light!

Send the light! the blessed gospel light;
Let it shine from shore to shore!
Send the light! the blessed gospel light;
Let it shine forevermore.

Let us pray that grace may ev'rywhere abound;
Send the light! Send the light!
And a Christ-like spirit ev'rywhere be found,
Send the light! Send the light!

Send the light! the blessed gospel light;
Let it shine from shore to shore!
Send the light! the blessed gospel light;
Let it shine forevermore.

Let us not grow weary in the work of love,
Send the light! Send the light!
Let us gather jewels for a crown above,
Send the light! Send the light!

Send the light! the blessed gospel light;
Let it shine from shore to shore!
Send the light! the blessed gospel light;
Let it shine forevermore.


A youth duet singing Because of Who You Are
(our eldest on the right) ;o)



Because of Who You Are

You spoke the words and all the worlds came into order,
You waved Your hand and planets filled celestial skies.
You placed the woman and the man inside the garden,
and though they fell, they found compassion in Your eyes.

Oh Lord, I stand in awe of the wonder of Your deeds,
Yet a greater wonder brings me to my knees.
Lord, I praise You because of Who You are,
not because of all the mighty things You've done.
Lord, I worship You because of Who You are.
You're all the reason that I need to voice my praise,
Because of Who You are.

One holy night You brought Your promise from a virgin,
And promise grew as He revealed to us Your heart.
Enduring love displayed throughout His crucifixion,
And in the dark You tore the grave and death apart.

Oh Lord, I stand in awe of the wonder of Your deeds,
Yet a greater wonder brings me to my knees.
Lord, I praise You because of Who You are,
not because of all the mighty things You've done.
Lord, I worship You because of Who You are.
You're all the reason that I need to voice my praise...

Lord, I praise You because of Who You are,
not because of all the mighty things You've done.
Lord, I worship You because of Who You are.
You're all the reason that I need to voice my praise,
Because of Who You are.




Also see...

All Youth Service ~ Part 1
All Youth Service ~ Part 3

All Youth Service ~ Part 1

I shared a collage photo of our All Youth Service
in my previous post but wanted to use
a couple of posts to share the videos from that night.

In this post, there are two videos.
The first is of our children's choir
singing a song adaptation of Matthew 5:14-16.
It is a song that our children are very familiar with,
as we have enjoyed Mr. E's cd for many years.
Our eldest was able to play the tune on the piano
while the children's choir sang the words...


"Ye are the light of the world.
A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Neither do men light a candle,
and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick;
and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Let your light so shine before men,
that they may see your good works,
and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
~ Matthew 5:14-16

What an admonition!
May we be letting the Light of our Lord Jesus Christ
be shining brightly before others!



The next video is our Beth (on the right)
singing Work for the Night is Coming
with a young girls' trio...


Work, for the night is coming, Work through the morning hours;
Work while the dew is sparkling; Work 'mid springing flow'rs.
Work when the day grows brighter, Work in the glowing sun;
Work, for the night is coming, When man's work is done.

Work, for the night is coming, Under the sunset skies;
While their bright tints are glowing, Work, for daylight flies.
Work till the last beam fadeth, Fadeth to shine no more;
Work, while the night is dark'ning, When man's work is o'er.


Yet, another admonition!
Our time and work on Earth is short.
May we be doing the work He has called us to do.




Also see...
All Youth Service ~ Part 2
All Youth Service ~ Part 3

Simple Woman's Daybook...

For today... December 28, 2009


Outside my window...
the sun is brightly shining


I am thinking...
of how my heart was full when
I left the morning and evening services yesterday
and on those Truths that I heard
and what the Holy Spirit is wanting me
to learn and apply


I am thankful for...
how the Holy Spirit works
in the hearts of those that I love


I am wearing...
a dress with a floral, regency type bodice
with a mauve six-panel skirt


I am remembering...
"...faith cometh by hearing,
and hearing by the word of God."
~ Romans 10:17
That I need to faithfully stay in God's Word
so that my faith will be strong


I am going...
clean our home from the weekend;
work on lessons plans for our upcoming term;
make a list of reasonable goals for the upcoming year


I am reading...
through my KJ Bible in a year,
currently in Nehemiah, Galatians;
Choosing Gratitude by Nancy Leigh DeMoss (with my eldest)


I am hoping (praying)...
for the Holy Spirit to continue His work
in the hearts of those I love


On my mind...
things to do this week


From the learning rooms...
on hold while Daddy is home
and Mama works on plans


Noticing that...
God is Faithful and Longsuffering
and I am thankful He
continues to open my eyes
and teach me


Pondering these words...
"Train up a child in the way he should go:
and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
~ Proverbs 22:6
Evaluating how faithful and diligent
I have been in truly training and discipling my children



From the kitchen...
clean up is needed from the weekend's cooking
and the arrival of a new dishwasher is anticipated!

On the Menu...
M ~ Wet Burritos
T ~ Polish Alfredo
W ~ Creamy Wild Rice Soup
Th ~ Leftover turkey meal
F ~ Sourdough pizza


Around the house...
the younger children are playing a game together;
eldest is having quiet time in her room


I am creating...
a new square neck dress


I am hearing...
the children playing in the living room;


One of my favorite things...
to see how our children love the LORD


A few plans for the rest of the week...
give our home a blessing {cleaning};
spend time sewing and making lesson plans;
attend our midweek prayer service;
attend another local church's watch night service
on New Year's Eve; enjoy the extra time with
my beloved as he has a few days off!



Here is picture thought I am sharing...



This photo is from last night at church.
Every year we have an All Youth Night Service
where the youth in the church lead the service.
What a blessing to see all of these children
happily and boldly serving the LORD!
My heart was truly filled!
(I hope to share video soon!)

"Let no man despise thy youth;
but be thou an example of the believers,
in word, in conversation, in charity,
in spirit, in faith, in purity."
~ 1 Timothy 4:12

Thinking on These Things...

"But thou, O Lord,
art a God full of compassion,
and gracious, longsuffering,
and plenteous in mercy and truth."
~ Psalm 86:15

Praising God for Who He is
and just had to share!

For His Glory Photography

A Savior Was Born...

"And she shall bring forth a son,
and thou shalt call his name JESUS:
for he shall save his people from their sins."
~ Matthew 1:21

Rejoicing in our Savior's birth, purpose, and return!
May Christ be the focus of your season
and the center of and preeminence in your lives.

Merry Christmas!

Violin Recital Videos...

Last Friday evening,
Beth attended and performed in her first recital.
While seated and waiting for the recital to begin,
I whispered to Beth, suggesting I pray with her
before she went to play. She kindly shook her head and said,
"No thank you, Mom. I prayed on the way here
and asked Him to help me."
It was a precious reply for me to hear.
After three months of lessons
(and, unfortunately, not a lot of practice),
we thought she did very well!
We thanked and praised God afterwards
for answering her prayer (and ours). ;o)

Below are two videos of her playing during the recital...








"Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him
with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings.
Sing unto him a new song;
play skilfully with a loud noise."
~ Psalm 33:2-3

Simple Woman's Daybook

For today... December 21, 2009


Outside my window...
the sun is brightly shining


I am thinking...
of the message from church last night...
how God looks on the heart,
and how that applies to if/how we celebrate Christmas


I am thankful for...
the beautiful and perfect gift of JESUS Christ
(Jehoshua Messiah), my Creator and Savior!


I am wearing...
dark red cotton dress


I am remembering...
what my Redeemer has brought me out of


I am going...
to make a to-do list for this week
and a list of a few things we can do
during this season to share
the Gospel of Jesus Christ


I am reading...
attempting my KJ Bible through in a year,
currently in Nehemiah, Galatians;
Choosing Gratitude by Nancy Leigh DeMoss (with my eldest)


I am hoping (praying)...
Praying the LORD will grip hearts
and that they will be turned towards HIM;
that He will continue to open my eyes
as I read and study His Word


On my mind...
the coming of and the return of my Savior


From the learning rooms...
being students of God's Word in Matthew and Luke
as we acknowledge, discuss, memorize, and reenact
our Savior's birth;
all other subjects are on hold


Noticing that...
there are so many that acknowledge Jesus
during this Christmas season
but so many do not truly know Him,
nor stop to worship Him


Pondering these words...
"Who, being in the form of God,
thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
But made himself of no reputation,
and took upon him the form of a servant,
and was made in the likeness of men:
And being found in fashion as a man,
he humbled himself, and became
obedient unto death, even the death of the cross."
~ Philippians 2:6-8
Leaving all the splendor of Heaven
to be born into His own creation,
to expose Himself to rejection, humiliation, and death,
all because He loved me.
God Himself in human form.
Oh, what He did for me!



From the kitchen...
clean up is needed from the weekend's cooking

On the Menu...
M ~ Tacos
T ~ Goulash
W ~ Potato & Pasta Soup
Th ~ Turkey & the fixins'
F ~ Christmas sourdough pizza


Around the house...
the younger children are playing a game together;
eldest is having quiet time in her room


I am creating...
a few gifts for the children
and cinnamon bread to share with others


I am hearing...
the heater blowing;
the children playing in the living room;
Suzie barking to go outside;


One of my favorite things...
when the Holy Spirit opens my eyes


A few plans for the rest of the week...
make and bake gifts; go Christmas caroling with friends
and passing out tracts and goodies;
send out the rest of our Christmas photo cards;
enjoy our midweek service
and hot cocoa fellowship afterwards;
enjoy Christmas pizza and fellowship with friends;
celebrate our Savior's birth, purpose, and return!



Here is picture thought I am sharing...



"And she shall bring forth a son,
and thou shalt call his name JESUS:
for he shall save his people from their sins."
~ Matthew 1:21

Oh, what He did for us!
No wonder JESUS is the sweetest name I know!
May we have and keep HIM as the center of our Christmas
and give HIM the preeminence in our lives!

Ring the Bells ~ Children's Bell Choir

Ring the Bells, ring the bells,
Let the whole world know
Christ was born in Bethlehem
Many years ago.

Born to die that man might live,
Came to earth new life to give,
Born of Mary, born so low,
Many years ago.

Ring the bells, ring the bells,
Let the whole world know
Christ the Savior lives today
As He did so long ago

{selection from the Christmas hymn Ring the Bells by Harry Bollback}

Mama's Barber Shop...

A word of advice...
I know we've heard it before
but just a friendly reminder...
When you in the midst of your day,
having a friendly chat on the phone with a friend
(or involved in something else, for that matter)
and you are enjoying the rare but pleasant silence
throughout your house... BEWARE!

You may want to check on those
that are being so quiet.
They may be in the bathroom cutting each other's hair!
(classic, I know... lol)

That's what mine were doing...



Thankfully, it was not a large tragedy
and Mama was able to reasonably fix it for now
(a few inches and a few layers).

It was, also, a learning lesson for them (and me!)
and an opportunity to discuss God's Word
regarding a few matters. ;o)

Thank you, LORD, for the reminder to this mama:
"Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks,
and to look well to thy herds." ~ Proverbs 27:23

Simple Woman's Daybook

For today... December 14, 2009


Outside my window...
the sky is bright and cloudy,
there's a chill in the air


I am thinking...
of how I hardly even touch the hem of His garment
in understanding Who He is and His Word


I am thankful for...
the longsuffering, mercy, and grace
of the LORD (Jehovah) ;
that my husband was selected for promotion
and should be pinning it on in January!


I am wearing...
blue suede jumper


I am remembering...
there is a bigger picture in God's plan
than I can know;
that I can choose an attitude of gratitude
in all circumstances


I am going...
to make a to-do list for this week
and a list of a few things we can do
during this season to share
the Gospel of Jesus Christ


I am reading...
attempting my KJ Bible through in a year,
currently in Nehemiah, Galatians;
A Wife After God's Own Heart by Elizabeth George;
A Woman's Walk With God by Elizabeth George;
When Women Walk Alone by Cindi McMenamin;
For Women Only by Shaunti Feldhahn;
Order in the Court by Sherry Hutson Camperson;
Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey;
A Charlotte Mason Companion by Karen Andreola;
Keeping Our Children's Hearts by Steve and Teri Maxwell
How to Be Happy by Leon F. Maurer
Choosing Gratitude by Nancy Leigh DeMoss (with my eldest)


I am hoping (praying)...
for the Holy Spirit to continue comforting my family
from losing my aunt last week;
Praying the LORD will grip hearts
and that they will be turned towards HIM;
that He will continue to open my eyes
as I read and study His Word


On my mind...
details of the week


From the learning rooms...
being students of God's Word in John and Ruth;
learning of Ancient Greece
and other miscellaneous subjects


Noticing that...
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God,
and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof,
for correction, for instruction in righteousness:"
~ 2 Timothy
Oh, how I've been enjoying the Old Testament,
as well as the New!


Pondering these words...
"Who, being in the form of God,
thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
But made himself of no reputation,
and took upon him the form of a servant,
and was made in the likeness of men:
And being found in fashion as a man,
he humbled himself, and became
obedient unto death, even the death of the cross."
~ Philippians 2:6-8
Oh, what HE did for us!



From the kitchen...
clean up is needed from the weekend's cooking

On the Menu...
... a new menu needs to be made


Around the house...
the younger children are sitting at the table
playing with one another;
eldest is getting ready for the day


I am creating...
a new square neck dress;
altering a new jumper from the weekend;
and hopefully some upcoming gifts


I am hearing...
the children play at the dining room table


One of my favorite things...
welcoming my husband home
after he's been away
(he returns today from visiting with his brothers!)


A few plans for the rest of the week...
focus on some learning moments;
clean the church; go grocery shopping;
attend our midweek prayer/Bible service;
go to Beth's violin lesson and recital;
go to our homeschool group's park day;
find out what happened to our photo cards
and, hopefully, get them mailed out this week;
enjoy the time that we get to have at home ;o)


Here is picture thought I am sharing...


a custom order from my etsy shop

"How then shall they call on him
in whom they have not believed?
and how shall they believe in him
of whom they have not heard?
and how shall they hear without a preacher?
And how shall they preach, except they be sent?
as it is written, How beautiful are the feet
of them that preach the gospel of peace,
and bring glad tidings of good things!
~ Romans 10:14-15

Oh, that we would go out of our way
to have "beautiful feet"!