A Snowy Spring

This was the scene out my front door Easter weekend!!!

They both had a blast in the falling snow, building a snow mountain!

Something new...

Well, as a certain someone said, my blog needs some sprucing up. Since I'm too tired to try to figure out how to make Blogger work for me to get a new background, etc, I thought I'd share some pictures of Ryan. Not too original, but at least it's not preggie related, in case anyone's getting tired of all the preggie posting. :)

FUN AT THE PARK

Preggie update :)

Brandon Update

There's not too much new going on around our place these days, but I thought I'd at least send out an update on how our Brandon is doing. Besides starting early at keeping mommy awake at night with his constant moving, he's growing like a weed!!! He's gaining around 14 oz. every two weeks. He's already 4lbs and 12 oz!!! We think he's going to be a big boy, bigger than his big brother at this rate!

I begin my twice per week monitoring next week. I'll be having sonograms and fetal monitoring each visit. Please remember me in prayer if you think of us. I'm already feeling tired most of the time these days, and the hour drive to get to the doctor is going to be difficult. Plus I have an active two year little boy to keep up with while strapped to a monitor! Fun times for sure, but exhausting for this pregnant mommy!

The doctors are still saying that May 3rd is the big day for this little guy to make his appearance!! That's five weeks away now. I'm getting a little nervous and a lot excited to get on with everything! I'm not exactly looking forward to the whole labor part of labor, but I am looking forward to meeting my little boy and bringing him home with us to start a new chapter in our lives. I know there's a lot of transition time in front of us, but I know it will all be a blessing in the end, even with the difficulties and sleepless nights!

Well, my Ryan is asking for something to eat, so I better go for now. Leave some comments if you have the time!!! I love hearing from everyone!

March 9, 2007

Here's another family picture I thought I would share with all of you. It was taken at the wedding this past Firday night. Ryan's making a funny face, but it's a good picture none the less!!!


I also wanted to send out congratulations to Steven and Nichole Jordan! They were married this past weekend! It's been a long anticipated union, and I was honored to be a small part of their special day!

Lots of love to you both!!!!

Memories and celebrations

I was going to post this a a couple weeks ago, but it's been so busy, I haven't had the chance to sit down to put anything new together for my blog!!!



I have had this blog now for a year. If anyone is interested, you can go back and read my first blog to understand the importance of this month for my husband and I and for our family. I don't know that I'll write anything new about our daughter, at least nothing too in depth. Please go back and read that first blog though...it will help you to see how the Lord has worked in our lives and how far we have come in the last four years.

Five years ago this past week, the Lord wrought a wondrous work in my life. He took me from the pit that I was in and placed my feet upon the Rock, Jesus Christ our Saviour!! I can never do or say enough to repay the "debt of love I owe!" I continue to be amazed at the love and mercy that God bestows upon me each moment of each day as He leads me down this path of life He's chosen for me.

I'm also celebrating another year of physical life this month!!! Over 26 years ago, my dad began praying for a daughter. I am God's answer to that prayer received long ago. It's amazing as I think about my life to this point...I am constantly reminded of God's sovereignty and providence in ordering every step that has led me to today!!! Seeing all the twists and turns of life that have lead me to my husband and to the life that we now lead together--it's a testament to God's hand in my life, to God's direction of even the minutest details of every life! I am blown away that the God of all the universe would be so interested in one, insignificant creature that He would orchestrate an entire lifetime of events to form what is and what will become my history!! How amazing His love is for me!

Seven Months Pregnant

I thought everyone would enjoy an updated preggie picture. This was a week ago when we were in San Antonio for my cousin's wedding. This is my caption--Since I have no hips anymore, Ryan gets to ride around on top of Brandon! hehe

Blessings

It's that time of year. The season is changing. The air is fresh and clean. There seems no end to the possibilities before us. February is almost past, and March is fast approaching. Already this year is speeding by!

I have been busy the past few weeks since my parents returned to the mission field. When my dad leaves, I handle anything that comes up on this end of all his business/financial "stuff." Normally, this hardly changes anything for me. Well, not so this time around!!! It's been a learning experience for me to juggle everything that's needed my attention. It's been fun though...fun to stay so busy, fun to be able to help my dad so much!

I've also been helping my hubby by running interference with the mortgage company and the real estate agents! YEP!!! We finally found a house that will work for us. I'm so excited! It's been nearly nine months since we sold our house, and I've been impatiently, patiently waiting for what the Lord would provide.

It still may be some time before we move because Brandon is due a month and a half after the closing date. I'm just not sure I'll be up to all that moving requires at that point! But we still have a comfortable place to live until we're absolutely ready to leave. I'm just so happy that I'll actually have a home to call my own again.

I've been struck lately by how very blessed I am!

The Lord has given me a wonderful husband who cares for me and our children. He provides for us and works so hard to give us what we need and so much more. He loves me so completely and is a wonderful father to our sons!

I have a beautiful little boy who is so precious to me and a constant reminder of God's grace in my life. He's not always easy to deal with, but the love I have for him is indescribable! His little declarations of love--"Mommy, I love you."--are so worth every time of trial and frustration! His hugs and kisses are constant blessings showered upon me.

And I have another baby on the way! This little boy inside of me is growing and moving and changing so much every day. It's amazing to see the changes in my body as Brandon develops. The Lord has so far blessed us with a healthy pregnancy. I've had my share of pregnancy woes, but really, I'm doing very well. I'm so thankful for the doctors that I have to take care of me and the husband I have to help and comfort me when the going gets rough. I've lost count of the back, leg and foot massages he's showered on me to relieve my aches and pains.

The Lord is just so good to me...and I am so undeserving! I find myself getting caught up in all the "what if's" and the "could be's" when I'm surrounded everyday by tokens of my Father's care and provision for me. How I want to learn to be a constantly thankful person! Thankful for all my physical blessings, my family and my home. Thankful for the life that the Lord has given me...physical and spiritual.

Well, blogworld, I have to sign off for now.

By the way, for all of you out there who noticed our lack of a middle name, we have finally settled! :) This new baby boy will be named after his Grandpa Horner. The Lord willing, Brandon Patrick Walker will join our family sometime the first weeks of May.

Thank you all for your friendship and your prayers and your love for my family and for me! Blessings!!!

Hungry, anyone??

Has anyone else been in a cooking/baking mode lately???? I certainly have!

As I've perused the blog world this past week, it seems like everyone out there is posting something about cooking or recipes or something!!! I've copied some amazing sounding recipes from Biblical Womanhood, Dawson's Delights and other blogs! Y'all should check them out!

I have been baking...fresh yeast cinnamon rolls, banana pudding made with homemade vanilla pudding, layered cherry chocolate cake...yum, yum!!

I've also been trying out some new chicken recipes. You see, chicken is about the cheapest meat I can get these days--that means, I have a freezer full of it. Everything from 10 lbs. of leg quarters to packages of chicken legs at $0.69/lb. Needless to say, I need some creative, but inexpensive, already-have-the-ingredients-in-the-house ideas!

This week, we've tried a new and yummy recipe for oven-fried chicken and a recipe for Chicken Tetrazzini that I changed up. It actually all came out really yummy!!!

So, all that to say this...

Here's the Oven-fried Chicken recipe. It's super simple and easy. Best of all, the ingredients are inexpensive; and normally, we all have them laying around the kitchen anyway!!!

OVEN-FRIED CHICKEN
Source: Better Homes and Gardens

Prep: 20 min
Bake:45 min

Ingredients--

1 egg, beaten
3 T. milk

1-1/4 cups crushed cornflakes or finely crushed rich round crackers (I made it with corn flakes.)
1 t. dried thyme, crushed
1/2 t. paprika
1/4 t. salt (honestly, it's chicken! M ore salt was needed, I thought)
1/8 t. pepper

I also added some Garlic powder to this mix because we enjoy that garlicky taste...your choice...add whatever seems good to you!

2 T. butter, melted

2-1/2 to 3 lbs meaty chicken pieces (breast halves, thighs and/or drumsticks)


Directions--

1. In a small bowl, combine egg and milk. For coating, in a shallow dish, combine cornflakes, thyme, paprika, salt, pepper and garlic powder; stir in melted butter. Set aside. Skin chicken. Dip chicken pieces, 1 at a time, into egg mixture; coat with crumb mixture.

2. In a greased 15x10x1 inch baking pan, arrange chicken, bone side down, so the pieces don't touch. Sprinkle the chicken with any remaining crumb mixture so they are generously coated.

3. Bake uncovered in a 375 degree F oven for 45 -55 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink. Do not turn chicken while baking. Makes 6 servings.

4. NOTE: To make your own tenders, simple cut 1-1/2 lbs of boneless, skinless, chicken breast halves lengthwise into 1-in strips.

5. Oven-fried Parmesan Chicken: Prepare as above, except omit thyme and salt and reduce the corn flakes to 1/2 cup. For coating, combine cornflakes, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 t. dried oregano, crushed, the paprika and pepper. Stir in melted butter. Continue as above.

6. Oven fried chicken breast tenders: Prepare as above, except substitute 1-1/2 lbs chicken tenders for meaty chicken pieces. Increase crushed cornflakes to 1-3/4 cups and place tenders in a single layer on baking pan. Do not turn tenders while baking.


I hope that you enjoy this as much as my family did! My husband is a fan of all those home-cooked, Southern style meals! Since I don't have a deep fryer, I've had to learn to pan fry and over fry chicken for him. This is definitely the best recipe for oven fried that I've tried yet! We enjoyed it with home-made mashed potatoes, green beans and steamed carrots.

Happy cooking everyone!

About the pictures

We were in San Antonio again this past weekend. We actually planned to be back home by Saturday evening, but we got a phone call letting us know that Erin, Steven's sister flew in for the weekend to surprise him!!! We only found out about an hour and a half before we had planned to leave!!! Anyway, all the pictures below are from her visit.

If I look tired, it's because I was!!!!

I had already had a long morning, with packing and making plans to meet up with my parents to tell them goodbye. By the time the pictures were taken, I had been in the car for most of the day, Ryan hadn't had any sort of good nap and it was really starting to show!!! Before the day was over, we were in the car for several more hours, Ryan still had no decent nap, and my preggy symptoms kicked in with a vengeance, leaving me with swollen feet and legs up to my knees! I was exhausted!

But, everyone else looks good, so just ignore the tired, pregnant lady! :)

And more pictures!

More pictures!!!

Winter Memories

My guys!

My journey through last year...

Through The Storms

I did not know His love before,

the way I know it now.

I could not see my need for Him,

my pride would not allow.

I had it all, without a care,

the "Self-sufficient" lie.

My path was smooth, my sea was still,

not a cloud was in my sky.

I thought I knew His love for me,

I thought I'd seen His grace,

I thought I did not need to grow,

I thought I'd found my place.

But then the way grew rough and dark,

the storm clouds quickly rolled;

The waves began to rock my ship,

my anchor would not hold.

The ship that I had built myself

was made of foolish pride.

It fell apart and left me bare,

with nowhere else to hide.

I had no strength or faith to face

the trials that lay ahead,

And so I simply prayed to Him

and bowed my weary head.

His loving arms enveloped me,

and then He helped me stand.

He said, "You still must face this storm,

but I will hold your hand."

So through the dark and lonely night

He guided me through pain.

I could not see the light of day

or when the storm might wane.

Yet through the aches and endless tears,

my faith began to grow.

I could not see it at the time,

but my light began to glow.

I saw God's love in brand new light,

His grace and mercy, too.

For only when all self was gone

could Jesus' love shine through.

It was not easy in the storm,

I sometimes wondered, "Why?"

At times I thought, "I can't go on."

I'd hurt, and doubt, and cry.

But Jesus never left my side,

He guided me each day.

Through pain and strife,through fire and flood,

He helped me all the way.

And now I see as never before

how great His love can be.

How in my weakness He is strong,

how Jesus cares for me!

He worked it all out for my good,

although the way was rough.

He only sent what I could bear,

and then He cried, "Enough!"

He raised His hand and said, "Be still!"

He made the storm clouds cease.

He opened up the gates of joy

and flooded me with peace.

I saw His face now clearer still,

I felt His presence strong,

I found anew His faithfulness,

He never did me wrong.

Now I know more storms will come,

but only for my good,

For pain and tears have helped me grow

as naught else ever could.

I still have so much more to learn

as Jesus works in me;

If in the storm I'll love Him more,

that's where I want to be!

~ Unknown Author ~

Realizations

We can say without any doubt that we are definitely having a boy.

I told Steven that I thought the baby was offended that mommy was still holding out some hope for a girl! He showed us nothing but that he was a BOY at this last sonogram-- definitely NOT a shy little boy! :o]

I realized some things the other night when I couldn't sleep (a regular occurence these days, it seems.)

First, my parents are leaving again in about two weeks. Time has flown by since they returned this time around! It's been good to have them home and I'll miss them like always.

Second, my best friend is marrying my cousin in less less than eight weeks. I'm supposed to be a bridesmaid...YIKESSSS!!!!! I have lots to do to get ready. My dress has to be made, shower plans have to be laid, gifts must be bought, etc, etc! Fun times indeed!!!

And last, but not least, the most important and shocking midnight realization--

THIS BABY WILL BE HERE IN LESS THAN 16 WEEKS!!!!!! WOW!!!!!!!!!!!

I hadn't really thought about that until this week. There's so much to do still and so much else going on around me! I was a little overwhelmed for a while, but I know everything will get done that needs to get done.

My parents will be coming home the weekend before I'm supposed to be induced. Pray for them. They'll get back on a Friday morning, drive here to Coleman that day, and try to get enough rest to see them through the birth and all the subsequent excitement and activity that will follow. My mom is committed to helping me those first couple weeks, and she will really need her rest to keep up with Ryan full time while I recover!

So much going on these days!!! It's fun to think about, but I know that I need to kick it into gear if I'm going to be remotely ready to have this baby come into our lives and into our home!

Welcome, Chad and Heather!

The Helwigs have finally joined the world of bloggers!! I have a link on my sidebar if anyone's interested in checking in on them!

Thot I'd share...

Themes of God in the Books of the Bible

Old Testament :

In Genesis , He is the Creator God.

In Exodus, He is the Redeemer.

In Leviticus, He is your sanctification.

In Numbers, He is your guide.

In Deuteronomy, He is your teacher.

In Joshua, He is the mighty conqueror.

In Judges, He gives victory over enemies.

In Ruth, He is your kinsman, your lover, your redeemer.

In I Samuel, he is the root of Jesse;

In 2 Samuel, He is the Son of David.

In 1st and 2nd Kings, He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

In 1st and 2nd Chronicles, He is your intercessor and High Priest.

In Ezra, He is your temple, your house of worship.

In Nehemiah, He is your mighty wall, protecting you from your enemies.

In Esther, He stands in the gap to deliver you from your enemies.

In Job, He is the arbitrator who not only understands your struggles, but has the
power to do something about them.

In Psalms, He is your song-and your reason to sing.

In Proverbs, He is your wisdom, helping you make sense of life and live it successfully.

In Ecclesiastes, He is your purpose, delivering you from vanity.

In the Song of Solomon, He is your lover, your Rose of Sharon.

In Isaiah, He is the mighty counsellor, the Prince of peace, the Everlasting father, and more. In short, He's everything you need.

In Jeremiah, He is your balm of Gilead, the soothing salve for your sin-sick soul.

In Lamentations, He is the ever-faithful One upon whom you can depend.

In Ezekiel, He is your wheel in the middle of a wheel-the one who assures that dry, dead bones will come alive again.

In Daniel, He is the ancient of days, everlasting God who never runs out of time.

In Hosea, He is your faithful lover, always beckoning you to come back-even when you have abandoned Him.

In Joel, He is your refuge, keeping you safe in times of trouble.

In Amos, He is the husbandman, the one you can depend on to stay by your side.

In Obadiah, He is Lord of the Kingdom.

In Jonah, He is your salvation, bringing you back within His will.

In Micah, He is Judge of the nation.

In Nahum, He is the jealous God.

In Habakkuk, He is the Holy One.

In Zephaniah, He is the Witness.

In Haggai, He overthrows the enemies.

In Zechariah, He is Lord of Hosts.

In Malachi, He is the messenger God.


New Testament :

In Matthew, He is king of the Jews.

In Mark, He is the servant.

In Luke, He is the Son of Man, feeling what you feel.

In John, He is the Son of God.

In Acts, He is Saviour of the world.

In Romans, He is the righteousness of God.

In I Corinthians, He is the rock that followed Israel.

In II Corinthians, He is the triumphant one, giving victory.

In Galatians, He is your liberty; He sets you free.

In Ephesians, He is head of the Church.

In Philippians, He is your joy.

In Colossians, He is your completeness.

In I Thessalonians, He is your hope.

In II Thessalonians, He is your patience and discipline.

In I Timothy, He is your faith.

In II Timothy, He is your stability.

In Titus, He is the truth.

In Philemon, He is your benefactor.

In Hebrews, He is your perfection.

In James, He is the power behind your faith.

In I Peter, He is your example.

In II Peter, He is your purity.

In I John, He is your life.

In II John, He is your pattern.

In III John, He is your motivation.

In Jude, He is the foundation of your faith.

In Revelation, He is your coming King.

Baby Walker update-18 weeks

The doc says that little boy Walker is looking very good--weighs 10 oz. and is 8 in. long!

Both of my doctors believe I should follow the same check-ups as I had with Ryan, and they agree that I should be induced around 37 weeks. So, Lord willing, this little boy will come into the world during the first week of May. My due date is not until May 18th, but with my history, early induction brings us all some peace of mind.

I'll be having sonograms every four weeks until I'm 32 weeks. Then they'll increase to twice a week!!! I suppose the good thing about all that testing is that if there was a mistake today about the baby being a boy, we'll find out sooner rather than later! :)

It's been a long day, so I better run for now. Just wanted to give a little more info to all those interested readers out there!

Oh yeah, we'll get back to everyone about a name...maybe! :)

IT'S A BOY!!!!

Hey everyone!!!

I'm going for my sonogram today, so please pray!!!

Lord willing, we'll come home with a little blue or pink outfit!! HEHE I'm excited!

I'll keep everyone posted on the big news...I promise!

Have a good day, Blogworld!

(Yes, I know--lots of exclamation points--Can you blame me??) :)

Our Christmas Plans

Well, it's that time of year!

Every store is lit up with lights and sounds of Christmas. Everyone is getting into the "spirit" of
the holidays.

While I don't truly view Christmas as a "Christian" holiday, but rather a time to spend with family and friends, I recognize that all over the world, Christians are celebrating Christ's birth during this time. I think it is a good reminder that our Creator humbled himself and became a man. Why? To make a way for men to be reconciled to a holy, righteous God! Any reminder of that sacrifice offered at God's feet on our behalf is a wonderful thing!!!

So, though the world has woefully lost the "true meaning" of this season, I do believe that Christians ought to take some time to relflect when we are surrounded by so many reminders of our Saviour's incarnation.

That's not to say that I don't enjoy the secular side of Christmas! I do enjoy giving gifts and having the holiday meal with all my family around as much as the next person! I even enjoy the holiday movies that are on every channel and the signs of Santa Clause! I love the music, the feelings, the lights, the joy of this season!

We will be enjoying lots of time with all our family this year. We will be giving simple gifts and enjoying the glee on the children's faces as they tear open those brightly wrapped packages!

All of these things go into why I love this time of year and why I think it's an important time to come aside and reflect on all the blessings in our lives. It's a time to see God's hand in each our lives and be thankful for all we've been given and seek to share some of our abundance with others!

Christmas greetings!

MERRY CHRISTMAS
and
HAPPY NEW YEAR'S!

I'm excited!

Only two days now until my precious parents are back home in the states! YAY!!!

It's been a trying few months without them here with us, but the Lord has been gracious and merciful through it all.

I'm looking forward to some personal time with them next week. I'm going to travel down to San Antonio and spend a few days with them before Thanksgiving, when all the family will show up! I'm excited about that too!! It'll be the first Thanksgiving in a few years that we will all be together to share the feast. Fun times I'm sure!

A Reminder To Pray

I know that this week's elections may have gone by unnoticed to some people, but I wanted to remind those who stop by here from time to time, that this shift of power does affect our lives directly!! It affects the men and women who are fighting in our place and for our freedom!

No matter your political views, we all have a responsibility to support and do all we can for the brave men and women on the various fronts of this war. Remember to pray for them as this is the greatest service we can do for them!

Also, as we were reminded last night at our prayer meeting, we have been given a command
(I Tim 2:1,2) by God to pray for those in leadership over us--to pray for our government, whether conservative or liberal.

So, let's commit to pray for our nation, our leaders--from the President on down to our local leadership--and for our troops, the men and women who risk their lives for our freedoms and our way of life.

The picture is my brother in law (in the middle) and two of the men who fight beside him everyday!

Pictures

Hey everyone! I thought I'd share some pictures from our last trip to San Antonio and Harlingen. My brother in law took most of the pictures. They aren't the greatest pictures of me, but everyone else looks good!!! :)



My nephews and niece with their wonderful Uncle Dave!
(Lft-Rt Perrin, Sarah, David, John Jason)


David and Erin--Steven's brother and sister


The couple behind us is Steven's sister and her fiance.



This one is evidence of what happens when you don't give me enough warning before taking a picture! hehehe

A Silly Thot

I don't usually share things like this here, but I thought it was funny, especially with upcoming holidays. Enjoy! :)



THE PREGNANT TURKEY

One year at Thanksgiving, my mom went to my sister's house for the traditional feast. Knowing how gullible my sister is, my mom decided to play a trick.

She told my sister that she needed something from the store. When my sister left, my mom took the turkey out of the oven, removed the stuffing, stuffed a Cornish hen, and inserted it into the turkey,and re-stuffed the turkey. She then placed the bird(s) back in the oven.

When it was time for dinner, my sister pulled the turkey out of the oven and proceeded to remove the stuffing. When her serving spoon hit something, she reached in and pulled out the little bird.

With a look of total shock on her face, my mother exclaimed, "Patricia, you've cooked a pregnant bird!"

At the reality of this horrifying news, my sister started to cry.

It took the family two hours to convince her that turkeys lay eggs!

Yep..................SHE'S BLONDE!

Walker family updates

I know it's been forever since I posted something personal. I have been dealing with morning sickness that lasts all day and fatigue that never goes away, no matter how much rest I am able to get! Oh, the joys of bringing a new life into the world! Truth be told, I wouldn't trade it for anything, but it has been a rough several weeks.

I am officially at the end of my first trimester. Little baby Walker is growing like crazy and soon, I'll be able to feel him/her playing around inside of me.

At ten weeks(I'm twelve now) I had my first sonogram!!! It's so awesome to see that tiny life inside of me, the heart beating so fast, the teeny arms and legs moving around!!! What a miracle this being pregnant is!!! The Lord is amazing in His creations, especially in His creation of human life! I am so blessed to be able to be a mother again and experience all of this wonder for the third time!!!! It isn't always fun or easy, as I've found out the hard way these past 8 weeks, but what a joy it is to know that with the Lord's blessings and grace, I will hold my little one at the end of all this hard work. Children truly are "an heritage of the Lord" and a blessing to be treasured always.

On other fronts, my parent will be getting back from the mission field in two weeks! It's been two and a half months since they left this time and I'm certainly looking forward to having them around again!

My younger brother has been serving in Iraq for the past four and a half months. He's coming home today!!!! I'm so excited and so very thankful that the Lord was merciful to him and kept him safe through it all. I'm looking forward to giving him a HUGE hug to welcome him home!

My husband's little brother is headed back to the war on Monday. Please pray for him if you think of it. David will be over there until next October. He's been home for the last two weeks, but it's the last time we'll see him until he comes home again. Things are so dangerous for him! Please pray for his safety and the Lord's protection over him through this next year.

Well, this is about all the time I have for right now. I hope to be able to post more often, but I never know what will happen around here! I'll do my best to keep everyone up to date with the goings-on of the Walker family!

A measure of trials is necessary
(John Newton's Letters)

A measure of trials is necessary for the exercise and manifestation of your graces; to give you a more convincing proof of the truth and sweetness of the promises made to a time of affliction; to mortify the body of sin; and to wean you more effectually from the world.

Faith upholds a Christian under all trials, by assuring him that every painful dispensation is under the direction of his Lord; that chastisements are a token of His love; that the season, measure, and continuance of his sufferings, are appointed by Infinite Wisdom, and designed to work for his everlasting good; and that grace and strength shall be afforded him, according to his need.

God Moves In Mysterious Ways

William Cowper, 1774


God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea,
And rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never-failing skill,
He treasures up His bright designs,
And works His sovereign will.

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy, and shall break
With blessing on your head.

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for his grace;
Behind a frowning providence,
He hides a smiling face.

His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.

Blind unbelief is sure to err,
And scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain!

From Daily Light, Sept. 12, Evening portion

The Lord taketh my part.

The Lord heareth thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee; send thee help from the sanctuary and strengthen thee out of Zion. We will rejoice in thy savation, and in th name of our God we will set up our banners. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. They are brought down and fallen, but we are risen and stand upright.

When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him---There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be temted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

If God be for us, who shall be against us?-- The LORD is on my side, I will not fear.
Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us...he will deliver us.

Ps 118:7, Ps. 20:1-2,5,7-8; Isa. 59:19--ICor.10:13; Rom 8:31--Ps. 118:6; Dan. 3:17

News, News, News!!!!!

I'M PREGNANT!!!!!!

I found out yesterday that we're expecting again! I'm so excited!

Pray for Steven and I and this little one inside of me that the Lord would be merciful and gracious through the next eight months.

Psalm 139:14
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

3 Steps to Marriage

Ok, so I thought I would visit this theme, aided by my father, Pat Horner...Short thoughts on courtship and marriage...how long does "courtship" last?

Taken from the biblical account of Isaac and Rebekah--

1. Help her get off the camel.

2. Say I do.

3. Take her into the tent.

Is it the Lord's will for me to be with this person? If the answer is yes, them marry them already!!!

Thanks, Dad, for letting me share your advice to all those out there comtemplating marriage!

Any thoughts, people??

ALL THAT I NEED

Based on The Valley of Vision prayer "Fullness"

By Stephen Altrogge

In you is strength to sustain me,

And wisdom enough to guide my hand.
Mercy enough to forgive me,

And power to finish what You began.

All that I need is in You, Jesus,

The fountain of grace that overflows.

All that I need is in You, Jesus.

You are my only hope.

You are my only hope

In You is fullness of gladness,

And fullness of grace for every need,
Rest for the ones who are weary,

And beauty surpassing all that we've seen.

All that I need is in You, Jesus,

The fountain of grace that overflows.

All that I need is in You, Jesus.

You are my only hope.

You are my only hope.

You satisfy my heart.

You satisfy my soul.

Oh, help me always know

All that I need is in You, Jesus,

The fountain of grace that overflows.

All that I need is in You, Jesus.

You are my only hope.

You are my only hope!

Welcome to the Dawsons!!!!! Shaunna and Blake have joined the wonderful world of blogging. Check it out, people, and leave them some love!

Btw, I have no idea what's going on with that space in my favorites...it's not there in my template, so who knows what the kink is this time with our wonderful Blogger!!!! :)

Gleanings from my reading today...

Luke 12: 29 - 32

Seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of a doubtful mind.

For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.

But rather, seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

Romans 8: 14-17

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

The Spirit itself bearing witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

For I reckon the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us.

My Testimony

I realized recently that I have never shared my personal testimony or anything really personal about my life. Here is a short version of my salvation and the events leading up to God's true work in my life.

I will try to write more on a personal level when I post in the future. There are always so many thoughts in my mind that I could put together as a post, but finding the time and the quiet to put it all together...that's another story! I'm hoping though that as things fall into a routine again for me that I will be able to write more often, with more meaningful posts.

I hope you enjoy reading about what the Lord did in my life over four years ago. Maybe I'll get the chance to write in more detail about it later.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I grew up in church, in a Christian family with a father who was a pastor. I’ve been taught the doctrines of grace for as long as I can remember.

When I was 13, I made a profession of faith. For a long time, I really thought I was saved, but by the time I was 17, almost 18, I realized that I wasn’t a true Christian. Many people ask me why wasn’t I saved at 13, and the only thing I can say is that I was trying to be and act as everyone expected me to act. Though I truly believed that I was saved, I think I “made a profession” to be what I thought was expected of me.

Shortly before graduating from high school, Steven and I started seeing each other. He proposed the following February, and we planned a June wedding! I was sure that marriage and the hope of children would keep me happy, but the Lord had other plans for me!

Our marriage was wonderful, but my lost condition only made me more and more unhappy, no matter how wonderful a life I was leading. In June 2001, almost a year after we were married, I went through my first miscarriage. Two months later, I was pregnant again, but lost that baby in October.

Between these two miscarriages, we bought the house here in Coleman, and as a result, Steven was let go from his job. Though the Lord did provide a temporary job for him, we moved in with his parents because he could not find a job here in Coleman. We had to put moving on hold.

The Lord used the stress of the miscarriages and our having to live with Steven’s parents to bring me to the end of myself. I finally came to the place that no matter what anyone thought, I had to get right with God.

One night driving home alone, the Lord brought I John 1: 9 to my mind. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” I realized that there wasn’t anything that I could do to “be better” outside of the Lord Jesus Christ. I cried out to the Lord right there, asking for His mercy and deliverance from my sinful state. I praise the Lord for hearing me and fulfilling that promise in my life that night!

I have not always been faithful to my Lord, but I am so thankful that He is always faithful to me and brings me back, forgiving me over and over, no matter what I do or say to offend Him. I can attest to the fact that no matter how I fail or what trials come into my life, Jesus Christ is with me and within me, helping me and keeping me day by day. I praise Him for His unfailing love that surrounds me, holds me and preserves me!

Another favorite

I've added a new link to my favorites. I intend to start checking this blog everyday as I do with many of the others.
I don't know Esther Ellis personally, but I was very blessed to read through her blog and see her heart to serve God and become more Christ-like.
After reading through her archives, I feel like I almost do know her and her family! :) I hope that each of you will check out "My World" when you have a few minutes.

Thanks

Hi, friends. I was very encouraged by the uplifting responses I've gotten over the past week. What a blessing it is to know that the brethren are praying for me and for my church. Nichole, thank you especially for all you've done to hold me up and be there for me the last few days.

The Lord is so gracious to His people! He knows that we need encouragement. He knows exactly when we are struggling and sends us just the right hope for that moment.

Call unto me and I will answer thee and show thee great and mighty things! Jer. 33:3

Restful chaos

My world is in chaos.

Our nation is at war against an intrepid, crazed enemy. The Middle East is in an uproar. Iran, Lebanon, Iraq, N. Korea...anyone who's connected at all knows that we face a threat like no other at this time in our history. Whether this is WWIII, I am no authority to say, but I do know that the physical world around us is becoming more and more dangerous to Americans and to Christians everywhere.

On a closer plane, our personal life is stirred up.

We are without a home of our own, and though I GREATLY appreciate being able to stay at my parents home, there is an unrest in not having a place for my family to come apart from everyone else. I miss my own home, my own kitchen! :) I know many of you who read this can relate!

My family, my brothers, my in-laws...so many trials of life compass us right now!!! My husband and I both have a brother serving our country by fighting in this war in Iraq. How our hearts are burdened for their safety and return to us! My parents-in-law are going through great trials with their health. Another of my brothers is facing a difficult transition is his life.

Our church has just unexpectedly lost a precious, precious brother in Christ. His family, all of us who are his friends, we are all hurting and grieving. We just yesterday laid our brother's body to rest, knowing that already his spirit, his soul is eternally resting with our Saviour. We are all emotionally and physically worn from the events of this week.

Where can we find rest at times like this when the world around us is falling apart, our family is going through difficulties, and our church is facing such a loss?

Throughout my reading the past few days, there has been a theme of God's sovereignty, God's presence with His people and His care for us in the midst of the storms of life. Truly, the only peace I can find, the only trust I have is in this Almighty God I serve. This is the God that knows all these things-- from the greatest threat to the smallest hurt!

How can I despair when I know that God's hand is moving and controlling all things! He knows each moment, each day!
He knew what this week would hold for the Barker family.
He knew what this move would mean for me.
He knew what my brothers would face these past months.
And He alone knows what the future holds.

So, though there are times I feel that my world is coming apart and will never be "right" again, I have a place to turn. I have a Refuge in this storm.

I praise You, Lord, for your providences in my life! Thank you for holding me through all of it! Thank you that I can come to you through the blood of Christ and find all I need to face what each new day may bring. Thank you, my God, for choosing me, calling me out of my sin and restoring my soul! Help me to continue to see Your hand in my life and to continue trusting through whatever YOU bring my way. I love you, Lord!

But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.
Psalm 115:1

The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.
Psalm 145:17

The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.
Psalm 126:3

For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will lead us even unto death.
Psalm 47:14

But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah.
Psalm 49:15

The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.
The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.
Psalm 145:8, 9

I will extol thee, my God, O King; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever.
Psalm 145:1

After a long silence...

Hey Blog world!! I'm still alive! I've survived packing and moving! haha...the Lord has been giving much grace.

I'll try to sit down and write a longer, more interesting post soon, but now, I'm off to do some housework!

Just thought I'd share

Morning and Evening
by Charles Spurgeon

June 27
Evening ...

I Corinthians 7:20
Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.


Some persons have the foolish notion that the only way in which they can live for God is by becoming ministers, missionaries, or Bible women. Alas! how many would be shut out from any opportunity of magnifying the Most High if this were the case. Beloved, it is not office, it is earnestness; it is not position, it is grace which will enable us to glorify God. God is most surely glorified in that cobbler's stall, where the godly worker, as he plies the awl, sings of the Saviour's love, ay, glorified far more than in many a prebendal stall where official religiousness performs its scanty duties. The name of Jesus is glorified by the poor unlearned carter as he drives his horse, and blesses his God, or speaks to his fellow labourer by the roadside, as much as by the popular divine who, throughout the country, like Boanerges, is thundering out the gospel. God is glorified by our serving Him in our proper vocations. Take care, dear reader, that you do not forsake the path of duty by leaving your occupation, and take care you do not dishonour your profession while in it. Think little of yourselves, but do not think too little of your callings. Every lawful trade may be sanctified by the gospel to noblest ends. Turn to the Bible, and you will find the most menial forms of labour connected either with most daring deeds of faith, or with persons whose lives have been illustrious for holiness. Therefore be not discontented with your calling. Whatever God has made your position, or your work, abide in that, unless you are quite sure that he calls you to something else. Let your first care be to glorify God to the utmost of your power where you are. Fill your present sphere to His praise, and if He needs you in another He will show it you. This evening lay aside vexatious ambition, and embrace peaceful content.

One verse...well, half a verse really!

I thought that in the midst of all my hectic, moving craziness, I'd stop a moment and share a verse the Lord put on my heart from my reading last night before I fell into exhausted sleep!

Proverbs 10:3a ~
The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famine:

In all the business (read: busy-ness!) of packing, sorting, moving and storing, this verse encouraged me that even though I can only grab 15 minutes here or 5 minutes there to stop and read a chapter of Scripture, God will keep my soul! Thank you, Lord!!!

I'm sad!

Well, I no longer have a living room. I have boxes instead! No more pictures on my walls. No more pretty candles setting on tables. No more cookbooks in my kitchen. I'm a little sad...Ok, a lot sad. This house we're leaving is our very first house to buy and decorate and love! It's hard to leave so many memories behind, but I know we will keep them locked in our hearts no matter where we end up next! As I have cleaned out closets, taken pictures down, wrapped candles in towels to keep them safe in the move, I have reflected on all that we love about living in this house and all the wonderful things that happened here!

We prepared the extra room for our daughter. What love and excitement there was as my mom and I sewed the bed covers and the valances for the windows! We came home from the hospital that March day without her and grieved for her in this house! How I remember that room covered with condolence flowers rather than diapers and pink little girl stuff!

A year and three months later, we brought our son home to this house! What a wonderful, joyful day that was!!! I was exhausted, but so very happy to finally hold that little boy I had waited for those nine months. I've watched him accomplish all his "firsts" in this house. In that room that's now covered with his little boy toys- hammers, wrenches, tool table, bat, balls, gloves, cars, stuffed animals. The whole room shouts, " A little boy lives here!" It's been a memorable two years, watching Ryan change from a newborn baby to the active two year old he is today.

Steven and I have faced so many things together. We had this house to come home to, to be together here when the world was too much, when things weren't going the way we had envisioned them. We will miss our first house!!

But with all the changes, there is an anticipation of what the future holds. We know that things won't always be easy over the next few months without a home of our own, but we will treasure the time we have with my parents and use this time to prepare for our future and help our family. The Lord has been good to us, and I know He will continue to guide our steps as we embark on this new journey in our lives!

My brother

My younger brother will be leaving by the end of this month to fight for our country. As far as we know right now, he will not be home again until after Christmas. Please pray that the Lord would keep His hand of protection over Stephen, and in mercy, bring him home safely.

Confessions from my heart

Do you ever struggle with fear of the future?
Do you ever struggle with not being in "control" of every detail of your life?

For the last few months, I have been struggling with these things. You would think that with all the Lord has brought me through to this point, I would have already learned to rest in Him and wait on Him for His perfect will to be worked out in my life!!! But, no, I seem to constantly have to be reminded of these things!

Only a few nights ago, the Lord showed me once again how I was in need of repentance and cleansing for the sins I had allowed in my life--pride, selfishness, disobedience. Even idolatry, for I had taken my eyes, my focus, off of Christ alone and had placed it instead on myself and my "needs." I was to the point where I was no longer making God's Word a priority in my life. This is an area where I struggle often--daily time with the Lord, reading and praying.

It amazes me how Christ refuses to let me go! Even with my inward refusals to try to read His Word, He used the novels I was engrossed in to bring my mind to His word anyway!!! Every book I picked up spoke about a Christian struggling to walk with the Lord and keep their mind on Christ. The verses and prayers that those fictional characters uttered spoke to my rebellious heart. I knew that the Spirit was speaking to me, even in my sinful willfulness, to draw me once again to the cross.

I am so thankful that though my falls may be great or may be often, Jesus will never leave me! He will never let me go back to the pit! He promises to hear my cries and pick me up again and bring me back into the fold.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. I John 1

I can say today that though I'm surrounded by uncertainties, I am once again resting on Christ. Maybe this time, I will learn to daily ask for His grace and daily keep my eyes on my Saviour! Please pray for me that His will would be my focus, that His will would be my desire. May our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ be glorified in me and through me!

Praise You In This Storm

I want to dedicate this song to Abigail's memory and to my father-in-law, Casey Walker. May we all learn to praise our loving, sovereign God in the midst of the storms of life. "You are Who You are, no matter where I am!"


I'll Praise You In This Storm
Casting Crowns


I was sure by now,
God, You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining

But as the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away.

I'll praise You in this storm,
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn,
I will praise You in this storm!

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind.
You heard my cry;
You raised me up again.
My strength is almost gone.
How can I carry on
If I can't find You?

But as the thunder rolls,
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you."
And as Your mercy falls,
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away.

I'll praise You in this storm,
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am.
Every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand.
You never left my side,
And though my heart is torn,
I will praise You in this storm!


I lift my eyes unto the hills.
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
The Maker of Heaven and Earth!

Welcome!!!

I just wanted to send out a "Welcome!" to little Naomi Joy Risse who was born last night. Mike and Misty, may the Lord be with you and bless you as you love and raise your precious daughters. Misty, I'll be praying that God will give you much strength as you recover and care for your newborn!

To my dear Vivian-- Yippee! Another baby-grand!!!

My parents should be resting in Bangkok right about now. In twelve hours they will be on their way to Taipei. Then to LA, Houston, and finally, Friday morning, they will arrive in San Antonio, exhausted, but so happy to be home! If you think about it, please pray for their safety while traveling and for the rest they will need once they're home.

Busy!

Well, it's been a few days, so I thought I'd at least post something short to let everyone know I'm still alive!!!

We just had someone put a contract on our house that we've been trying to sale for almost 9 months now. I'm busy getting all those details worked out! Now, I get to start thinking about packing and storing and moving, etc, etc! Fun stuff!

We don't have another house we want to move into right now, so we're going to be able to spend a lot of time with my parents who are getting home from the mission field this week. We haven't seen them in five months, and they have to return overseas at the end of August. Staying with them for awhile will be a blessing!

This month is packed full of things to take care of, places to go, people to see, and bridal showers to plan and attend. This week alone, we'll be traveling to San Antonio to pick up my parents from the airport, celebrate Ryan's 2nd birthday, see family, and oh, yeah, try to steal some time for our 6th anniversary!

We'll also try to get to the hospital to spend some time with Steven's Dad. He's doing better but will have to be in the rehab hospital longer than the doctors thought because they're having to put him in a full leg brace since he can't move his leg the little bit he's supposed to move it--though, I'm not too sure how anyone can move their leg when they DON'T HAVE A HIP! (Wow, that's a long sentence! Is it a run-on?) Keep praying for him!

When we get back next week, I'll be getting my parents house ready for them to return and for us to move into. I'll be packing and getting our belongings into storage.

Of course, there's always the everyday, normal activities to keep up with! So, my family and I will be super busy this month. I'll try to post when I get the chance. I have some more edifying post topics floating around my head, but I have to be able to sit and think and type them out--Not sure that's going to happen for at least a few days!

Be patient, Blogworld, I'll join you truly as soon as I can think straight again!

Update

Hello everyone.

I called many of you today letting you know that Casey came through the surgery and was on his way to recovery. Well, I received another call from Cindi saying that when she got back from getting lunch, she found out that Casey was still in surgery. There ended up being more complications with getting the hip out due to some scar tissue. The doctors had to break his femur bone in order to complete the operation. They packed his hip and wired the femur back together. Six hours after going into surgery, Casey is now in recovery.

This is only the beginning of a long road for Casey. Please continue to pray for him and for our family. Cindi is holding up well.

Thank you to all of you from Steven and I for your prayers and financial support during this time. It's been a blessing to see the Lord providing through His saints. I will continue to share updates as I am able.

Prayer Request

Hello to everyone out there!

I'll keep it brief this morning. At 6AM this morning, my father-in-law, Casey Walker, went into surgery to remove his hip and begin treatment for the infection that attacked the artificial hip. This is the beginning of the 6-9 months that he will be out of work due to this surgery and the next, the one to replace the hip. Please remember him and his wife, Cindi, and the rest of the family today and throughout the next several months. May our Lord be gracious and merciful in this situation. He truly is Jehovah-Rafah, God our Healer! May He receive the glory in all of this!

To everyone out there who sent this to me over the last week...Here's your answers!

1. FIRST NAME? Rebekah

2. ARE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Not that I know of...My daddy chose my name, so you'll have to ask him. I think it's just the biblical name he wanted for me! I do share the same middle name as my mom. Does that count?

3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? Too many times in the last few days! What's wrong with me???

4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Sometimes, unless I'm in a hurry and then, it comes out all scribble-y :)

5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE Lunch meat? I'm not a lunch meat person, but if I have to eat it, I prefer roast beef

6. KIDS? Four in all: two miscarriages, one precious little girl that was stillborn and my beautiful, bouncy little boy!

7. IF YOU HAD NOTHING ELSE TO DO, WHAT WOULD YOU DO? READ!

8. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? I guess you could say I do...I keep a journal of my church notes.

9. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? Depends on my mood, so I probably use it way too much!

10. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes

11. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? No, I'm not into the whole "trying to kill yourself" sports

12. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Well, I'm not into cereal anymore than lunch meat, but if I have to eat it, I like the healthy kind--Yes, I know! Boring, boring, boring!!!!

13. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Yes, normally, if I even wear shoes that require laces. It is summer here in Tejas...Sandals, sandals, sandals!

14. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Not really...At least not physically!

15. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR? Right now, it's Blue Bell's Strawberry Cheesecake--YUM, YUM!!!

16. SHOE SIZE? 7 1/2

17. RED OR PINK? Pink

18. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? The sin that doth so easily beset me....

19. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? Right now, my parents who I haven't seen in almost five months!!!

20. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Faded denim capris...No shoes 'cause that's how I like it best!

21. LAST THING YOU ATE? Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream--last night after dinner

22. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? The wonderful quiet of my house and the birds chirping outside my window

23. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Lavender...cause it's so pretty!

24. FAVORITE SMELL? I don't know...I'll have to think about this one...Ok, so I've answered all the questions and still don't have an answer for this one. Y'all will just have to be kept hanging! :)

25. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Vivian

26. FAVORITE HYMN? "In Christ Alone"

27. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Definitely!!! She's like my second mom!!!

28. FAVORITE DRINK? Starbucks Vanilla Latte or Capucchino(sp?)--YUMMY!!!

29. FAVORITE SPORT? Don't think I have a favorite sport, but since my hubby likes baseball so much, I guess I'll choose that!

30. EYE COLOR? Brown

31. HAT SIZE? I have NO idea...I don't wear hats!

32. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Yes, though I wish I didn't have to since my eyes are constantly DRY!!!!!! Anybody want to spring for LASIKS????

33. FAVORITE FOOD? Can I say steak and still be a lady?? But I do love it!

34. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDING? Definitely happy ending!

35. FAVORITE MOVIE? I'm not sure...I really enjoyed the LOTR series, but that's not very "girl-like." I'm a fan of most chic flicks, as long as they're pretty clean! I guess I like anything that's real enough for me to get into it...it has to make me laugh, cry or something equaling emotional for me to REALLY like it!

36. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Pink

37. SUMMER OR WINTER? Neither...I don't enjoy the extremes...Spring is the time for me!!!

38. HUGS OR KISSES? Don't want to live without either, so do I have to choose?

39. FAVORITE DESSERT? My Oreo cheesecake...All these questions are making me hungry!!!

40. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING? Bible:Mark and Psalms, other than that, Francine Rivers' Mark of the Lion Series and her books on the women in the Bible who played important roles in the genealogy of Christ. I read about Ruth last night...Yes, I read the whole book!

41. WHAT'S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? We're very patriotic...It's an American flag with an eagle behind it.

42. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? Criminal Minds and part of CSI:NY--Let me just say, nothing beats the original!

43. FAVORITE SOUNDS? My son's voice, especially as a newborn baby and my husband saying he loves me.

44. FAVORITE KIND OF MUSIC? Any song that lifts my heart and mind to Christ.

45. THE FURTHEST YOU'VE BEEN FROM HOME? Canada, I think, but maybe it was the mountains of Mexico...I don't remember, and I slept through Canada, so does that even count? (Sorry, cc, I just couldn't get into it, but what do you expect from a teenager?)

46. WHAT'S YOUR SPECIAL TALENT? I don't know if I have any special talents, but everyone says I do a good job playing the piano. I would like to think that I'm a good friend as well...I don't' know...I don't like answering questions like this!

47. WHEN AND WHERE WERE YOU BORN? San Antonio, Texas- March 24, 1981

48. WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Four different people...All friends!

You're supposed to laugh when you read this, copy and paste, delete, and add your own answers, send it back to me, and send it to others, or post it on your own blog. If you don't (except for the "laugh" part), I understand and don't blame you, as I normally don't do these, either. But sometimes you gotta oblige some persistent people....

Do you have a son?

I have been reading Carolyn Mahaney's posts on GirlTalk on the subject of raising sons to be men. I would encourage any parents or future parents (that pretty much covers all of us!) to read her posts, along with the initial article she mentions. Mrs. Mahaney points us to the Scriptures to find our standard for teaching and raising our sons to become the men God would have them to be! Check it out!!!

Well, I'm finally able to sit and post again. It's been crazy around my house the last few days!

We had a good trip to San Antonio and lots of good visiting time with our family. Steven's dad is going in for his surgery on June 6, so if the Lord brings him to mind, please pray for him. It was hard for Steven and I to come home, knowing what his parents are about to go through. Our hearts were torn, wanting to be with them, but knowing we had responsibilities waiting for us here at home. But the Lord has been good. He is in control, and we know His hand is in this situation. What a blessing it was to us to see how the church in Elmendorf is reaching out to care for and love Casey and Cindi through these difficulties! God is truly faithful!

We have a busy, busy month ahead of us!!! My parents are returning from the mission field in about two weeks now. I'm excited about seeing them again!

This month also includes Ryan's second birthday!!! My little baby isn't so little anymore. How time has flown by these two years! It amazes me to look back and see how the Lord worked all together for our good over the last three years--good that led us to the birth of our first son!

On June 17, Steven and I will be married six years! Again, looking back, it's amazing to see the providence of God in both our lives to bring us together, to keep us together, to join our hearts so completely! Sometime when I have more time, I'll have to share some of the history of how our families came to meet and how Steven and I were brought together.

Well, my son is with a friend today, so I'm going to try to take advantage of the quiet time while I still have it! See you all around Blogworld!