Little Boys

Brandon has discovered the wonder of TOES!!!



Cutie!



My handsome boys!



Brotherly Love

A Few Good Deals

Printer Deals at Staples - Plus, 10% back with Staples Rewards! Deals on all-in-ones, printers, copiers & fax machines through 11/3.



Some good deals from SnapFish--Take advantage!!!!


Free shipping on print orders $10+ (Coupon Code: PRINTSHIP). Valid until 11/4/2007


Free shipping on up to 15 4x6 prints (Coupon Code: SHIP15FREE). Valid until 11/4/2007.

A Frugal Blog!

I came across this lady today and had to add a link to her site! She has a lot of good ideas on how to save money on grocery/household shopping. Since this is a new endeavor for me and something I'm starting to learn, I'm looking for all the help I can get!

SENSE TO SAVE

Moving!

Wow, it's been too many days since I posted!!! But then, if you had seen the state of my house, you'd all be thankful that I took a few days to get it in order.

We're going to be doing some work on a house that my dad owns over the next few weeks. We hope that by the end of this month or the beginning of November, we can move in!! It's going to be nice to have our own little space again. :)

Needless to say, I won't be able to blog too often because of all the constraints of time and the work that goes into any move, especially with small children in tow!

I'll probably be asking one of the other ladies in my church to take over posting on our church's blog for a few weeks. I don't want it to lack for new posts while I'm busy with moving!

So, the few of you who visit here regularly, think about me and pray for me over the next month! I'll try to post some updates if I am able.

Signing off for now!

E-book Special!!!!

Crystal Paine is offering three of her e-books for only $1 each!! Hurry though, this offer expires TODAY!!!!

Click Here!

New Baby Girl!!!

I just wanted to give a shout-out to our friends Mike and Mary Ann Jordan. Mary Ann gave birth to a beautiful little girl today, a few minutes after noon.

Welcome, Kimberly Rose Jordan!! She weighed in at 7lbs, 11oz and is 22 1/2 inches long!

Mike and Mary, we can't wait to meet your newest daughter! May God bless your family as you continue to love and enjoy each other!!!

E-books from Biblical Womanhood

Crystal Paine is offering three of her e-books for only $1 each!! Hurry though, this offer expires Friday!

Click Here!

A New Love

I have to blame my recently acquired love for coffee on my friend Nichole. Before I started hanging out with her, I had NO interest in anything java related. Now, I can't drive past a Starbucks without my brain telling me that I smell that intoxicating aroma of COFFEE!!!

I wouldn't say that I'm addicted because I've yet to experience that all-consuming urge to have a cup of coffee every morning, but I can say that I've developed a taste for the brew.

I love it hot.
I love it cold.
I love it plain.
I love it creamed, sugared and flavored!
Do any of you share this love of coffee?

Interesting Concept!

Here's something I've never heard of before!!! Leave me some feedback (comment!) to let me know what you think of this service. Is it even something that you would consider? Personally, I think it's a strange idea, but you never know what people might like!

Reduced prices!

Restaurant.com is slashing prices!! You can get $25 gift certificates for as little as $5!!!

50% Off Sale! Use code DISCOVER at checkout. Offer expires Oct. 7th!

Riding for MS--MS150 In just 3 Weeks!!!!!!!!

I wanted to share this note from my uncle with you. He is riding to raise money for research into MS. As many of you know, my mother-in-law was recently diagnosed with this disease.

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

Hey everyone. Yes its getting closer. Just 3 more weeks.

We have been riding. Although not as much as we would like to. This last Wednesday, I rode 25 miles. The Sunday previous was also 25 miles.
The Saturday of the prior weekend.
Tom and I rode our "circuit".
70 miles round trip from Portland, to Portland. We start over the Harbor bridge, down Ocean drive thru Corpus Christi, down S.P.I.D. over the J.F.K. causeway. From there we rode to Port Aransas across the ferry, riding thru Aransas Pass and finally back to Portland. All in less than 6 hours.
Tom has made great improvements since 2 years ago. We had to stop every 10 miles for 20 minutes to let him rest. Took us almost 9 hours.
Was planning on riding yesterday. However, the weather was terrible. Heavy rains, wind and some really strange beautiful lightning. Unfortunately, the same problem today.

I have ridden in the rain before.
The 2nd year I rode,we had rain for the first 50 miles at an average of 2 inches an hour. I don't mind riding in the rain. But, I hate training in it. lololololol.
But, we have been working out at the Community Center (tread mill, stationary bike, weights etc.). We have also been working out at home almost daily with the program "P90X". So, as you can see, one way or another we will be ready for the ride on October 20th and 21st.

In total this year. The MS 150 will actually be 160 miles long. Due to route changes. On Saturday, we will ride 100 miles from San Antonio to Beeville. Than on Sunday a much shorter ride of 60 miles, from Beeville to Corpus Christi.

Tom rides for a friend of his with MS.

As most of you know. I am riding for 2 people this year. And yes, I did ask Maggie first, if it was alright that I ride for Cindy also. Maggie, is a long time family friend that I have ridden for the last 2 years. I am also riding for Cindy Walker.
Cindy is my nieces mother-in-law. She was diagnosed very recently.
Both are FANTASTIC, WONDERFUL, BEAUTIFUL people, that live with MS everyday. Also, 2 of the most loving, caring people you will ever meet.

Tom and I, along with thousands of others ride and train to do a 150 mile bike ride every year. Sounds like a lot.
But, people like Maggie, Cindy and thousands of others live with the effects of MS everyday.


I can give you all these reasons to pledge.
But, it is for Maggie, Cindy and everyone else that lives with MS.

We do not have a minimum or a maximum amount that you can pledge. It is a 150 mile bicycle ride (bicycle not motorcycle).
You can pledge a set amount. You can pledge an amount per mile. You can pledge an amount on how long it will take me.

Please remember, we as riders not only pay the entry fee for the bike ride. Riders are responsible for transportation costs to San Antonio, the cost of the hotel Friday night, the cost of a hotel if we do not stay at the college in Beeville Saturday night, the cost of meals and the cost to return home if we do not live in Corpus Christi. Because we do get our bicycles inspected prior to the ride. IF we break down on the ride, we are not charged for labor. BUT, we are charged for parts.

We as riders must have $300.00 in donations. If we do not receive at least $300.00 in total donations. We are responsible for the difference.

THANK YOU again for everyone that have already donated. THANK YOU in advance for those of you that will be donating.
As much as Donations are very much needed and appreciated. Prayers and Support are just as much wanted, needed and appreciated.

All pledges are tax deductible.

The following is the electronic link that will take you directly to my donation sight for this years MS150.

http://www.ms150.org/b2b/donate/edonate_link.cfm?id=201953&p=B1EC61

You can also donate by check. Make checks payable to: National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Please if you donate by check, put my name, and/or e-mail address on the check so I will get credit for the donations....

George Elliott

e-mail: http://us.f841.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=sotxsrunner@charter.net

For an accurate rider account, please mail all pledges to: Valero MS 150 National MS Society P.O. Box 4125 Houston, TX 77210
For correspondences with staff, please mail/deliver to: National MS Society, Lone Star Chapter 9830 Colonnade Blvd., Suite 130 San Antonio, Texas 78230

PLEASE, FEEL FREE TO SEND THIS EVERYONE ON YOUR ADDRESS LIST!!!

Thanks Again,

George Elliott

FREE JEWELRY!

Hey kids! Check this out!

My aunt shared this with me last year, and I've just "re-discovered" it!

There aren't any hidden fees, just FREE genuine silver jewelry! Cool, huh???

Just go to my sidebar and click on the ad under "free, Free, FREE!!!" It'll take you to the site.

It's pretty awesome!

He's coming home!!!!

Ryan's coming home tomorrow!!! He's been gone for two weeks now, and boy, do I miss him!

He's been having so much fun though. He's staying with his Aunt Erin, visiting with her and Jeremy. He's been over to Grandma Cindi's house to see her and Grandpa Casey. He's been to the zoo, bowling, golfing; he's baked cookies with Grandma, played with play dough(something that NEVER happens at home!) and he's had a BLAST!!!!

But it's time for him to come home. Mommy's MORE than ready to get her little guy back! I've missed our nighttime talks before bedtime when he tries to squeeze in as much talking as possible to keep from having to go to sleep. :) I've missed tucking him in and praying with him before he goes to sleep, whether for his nap or bedtime. *Sigh* I miss snuggling up with him to read his good-night books. Oh, it's going to be good to see him and hug him and love on him again! Phone conversations just DON'T CUT IT!!!

And we're taking him first thing to the park when he gets here! YAY!!! Family time is awesome! It's wonderful to watch him and Steven playing together. I usually just sit back and watch them, thinking about how wonderful it is to have a loving husband and two beautiful boys to share my life!

I can't wait for tomorrow! But I have lots to do before then, so I better get to it.

Bye Y'all!! ;)

Back to normal soon....

I know my blog is kinda in an uproar right now!! I am working through a lot of things and playing with lots of ideas right now. Bear with me! I will get back to more "normal" posts soon. I'm just working through a lot of kinks with adding the advertisements to my site. As I told a couple friends today, I feel like my brain is on overload and is about to explode!!! Gotta love technology! LOL

BlogRush

I've recently added my blog to BlogRush. It's a way to get your blog "out there" and noticed by people. Interested? Just click here!

More Free Stuff!

*All first time contest entrants receive a free canvas portrait ($59 value) and a full year Subscription to Parenting Magazine.

Adorn the Gospel

Here's the final devotion from the series I have been sharing.

That they will adorn the doctrine of god our Saviour in every respect.
Titus 2:10 (NASB)

It is undoubtedly true that if you are steadily determined to walk this path--to endeavor that your household may thus serve the Lord, worshipping Him in spirit and in truth--you will have need to use all the grace, all the courage, all the wisdom which God has given you. for you will find such hindrances as only the mighty power of God can enable you to break through.

You will have all the saints of the world to grapple with, who think you carry things too far. You will have all the powers of darkness against you, employing both force and fraud. Above all, is the deceitfulness of your own heart which, if you will hearken to it, will supply you with many reasons why you should be a little more conformable to this world.

But as you have begun, go on in the name of the Lord and in the power of His might. Set the smiling and the frowning world at defiance! Follow reason and the Word of God, not the customs and fashions of men.

Keep yourself pure. Whatever others do, let you and your household adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour. Let you, your yokefellow, and your children be all on the Lord's side, sweetly drawing together in one yoke. Walk in all His commandments and ordinances, till every one of you shall receive his own reward, according to his own labor (I Corinthians 3:8).

Coffee!

Are you a coffee drinker? Do you like to try out new coffees or experiment with new blends and flavors? If so, check this out! You won't be disappointed!

Customized Clothing!

Customized Girl is an online retailer of customizable clothing based out of Columbus, Ohio, that specializes in personalized clothing targeted mostly to fashion-knowledgeable, fun, young to middle-aged women, but we also have clothing for men, kids and pets.

CustomizedGirl.com’s customers can select any clothing item on the site from underwear, to yoga pants, to shirts. They can then, through the use on an interactive design tool, add text and clipart to their products in real-time. They also have the ability to save their designs in the “community gallery” for purchase at a later date or purchase by someone else.

Free Stuff

A leader in prenatal marketing collecting over 225,000 mother/mother-to-be names a month, Babytobee.com is the premier destination for prenatal moms and their families to sign up for free product samples from top advertisers marketing to mothers/mothers-to-be and their family members.

Yummy!

Here's a link my aunt sent me. Sign up Hershey's free newsletter and get Hershey recipes!!!

http://www.hersheys.com/recipes/enewsletter/signup.asp

Helping my husband

My husband and I have been discussing and looking for ways to supplement our income. I have been doing research into ways that I can help, not just by being frugal with the money we do have, but by adding to our income while still staying at home with my boys. My friend Nichole introduced me to the world of advertising! Fun stuff for sure! I'm new to it all, but basically, if you like to shop online (I do!!!) then use the links on my page(coming soon!) and I will get a commission from these stores. So, pass the word along and help me get started in this endeavor.

NEW!!!

I'm now part of James Avery's affliate program. Link to them through my site!



Founded in 1954, James Avery is a leading jewelry designer, manufacturer, and retailer in the southern US. We design, manufacture, and sell quality sterling silver, gold, and gemstone jewelry. We sell original designs. We have three key categories of jewelry which make us unique -- Christian Jewelry, Charms and Other Meaning and Connection Pieces, and Casual Jewelry. Our products are sold through our web site, our catalog, and over 40 company owned stores located throughout Texas, Colorado, Georgia, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. We are grateful to have been voted favorite jeweler in reader's polls in Austin, Houston, and San Antonio.

Bring Forth Fruit With Patience

(NOTE: Again, I do not necessarily completely agree with everything he puts forth here, but I do like the principles of what he's saying.)

Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you wil find it again.
Eccl. 11:1 (NIV)

You have taught your children from their early infancy in the plainest manner you could, omitting no opportunity, and persevering in it. If you presently do not see fruit of your labor, you must not conclude that there will be none. The seed which has long remained in the ground may at last spring up into a plentiful harvest. Whatever the effect meantime, your reward is with the Most High.

Yet, this is not all. Pious parents must take into account where their children are to be sent to school. The best thing is to send them to a private school, kept by a pious person, who endeavors to instruct a small number of children both in religion and learning.

When they have completed their schooling, you doubtless thinking of some business for them. Before you determine anything in this matter, see that your eye is single. Is your view to please God? In what emplyment will they be most likely to love and serve God? And do not regard if they get less money, provided they get more holiness.

When your son or daughter is of age to marry, you will have great need of wisdom from above. Aim not at what the world calls a good match but simply at the glory of God and the real happiness of your children both in time and eternity.

Daily Devotional Insights
Renew My Heart
John Wesley

Instruct Them in Righteousness

"Those who are wise will instruct many."
Daniel 11:33 (NIV)

We prepare our household to serve the Lord by instructing them. We take care to see that every person under our roof has all such knowledge necessary to salvation. It is our responsibility to see that our spouse and children are taught those things which belong to their eternal peace. Plan, especially for the Lord's Day, that all may attend the public services for instruction. And take care that they have time daily for reading, meditation, and prayer. Neither should any day pass without family prayer, seriously performed.

You should particularly endeavor to instruct your children early, plainly, frequently, patiently. Whenever a child begins to speak, you may be assured that reason has begun to work. From that time, lose no opportunity of speaking of the things of God.

But speak plainly, using such words as little children understand--such as they themselves use. Do this frequently, lifting up your heart to God that He would open their understanding and pour His light upon them.

But all this will not avail unless you persevere in it. Never leave off until you see the fruit of it. To do this, you will find the absolute need of being endued with power from on high. Without this, I am persuaded, none will have the patience sufficient for this work.

Daily Devotional Insights
Renew My Heart
John Wesley

Go check them out!!

I've been working a lot lately to learn more about how to frugally use the money that my wonderful husband provides for me. The Lord has impressed upon me that it is my responsibility to learn to use that hard-earned money in the best way possible, not by wasting it on frivolous "things" but by spending it wisely for our needs. But where do you draw the line? When is something, especially groceries, extra or truly a need? These are all personal decisions. What one family may consider a need is another family's extra special something.
Anyway, there's a few sites I'd like to share with everyone. These are places you can go to get good ideas, advice, recipes, and lots of other resources for living frugally and honoring God with your money and your time.

Biblical Womanhood

Living On A Dime

Creative Homemaking

Hillbilly Housewife

Homemade Baby Wipes

1 ½ cups water
2 Tbsp. baby bath or shampoo
1 Tbsp. baby oil1 roll paper towels

Mix the water, baby bath and baby oil in an empty round baby wipe container. Cut the paper towels in ½ using an electric knife. Remove core from the center. Place paper towels in wipe container. Let the paper towels soak up the water solution. Turn every few minutes to allow the solution to reach the middle of the paper towels. If there is still a dry spot in the middle, add a little more water and turn until soaked through. Pull the wipes from the middle of the roll through the top of the wipe container.


I haven't tried this yet, but it sounds neat. I want to try it!!

Restrain Them from Evil

"The Lord disciplines those he loves."
Hebrews 12:6 (NIV)

What can we do that all our household may serve the Lord? May we not endeavor, first, to restrain them from all outward sin--from taking the name of God in vain and doing needless work on the Lord's Day? Those you hire may be restrained by argument or persuasion, but if they will not yield, they must be dismissed, be it ever so inconvenient.

(Note: While I am absolutely not an advocate of divorce over any little thing, I do believe that Scripture allows for divorce in other cases beside adultery. I do not wish to get into that subject here, but wanted to add that side note for clarification.)

Your spouse cannot be dismissed, except for adultery. In other cases, what can be done if open sin is habitual? All that can be done is done partly by example, partly by argument or persuasion, as dictated by Christian prudence. If evil ever can be overcome, it must be by good. We cannot beat the devil with his own weapons. If this evil cannot be overcome by good, we are called to suffer it. When God sees it to be best, He will remove it. Meantime, continue in earnest prayer; in due time, He will either take the temptation away or make it a blessing to your soul.

While your children are young, you may restrain them by advice, persuasion, and reproof, and also by correction. Only remember, this means is to be used last--after all others have been tried and found ineffectual. All should be done with mildness and with kindness. Otherwise, your own spirit suffers loss, and the child reaps little advantage. Only do not think yourselves wiser than God. He said, "Chasten...while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying" (Proverbs 19:18 KJV).

Daily Devotional Insights
Renew My Heart
John Wesley

As for Me and My House (Intro)

"As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
Joshua 24:15 (NASB)


Every real Christian will say, "I and my house will serve the Lord." Who are included in the expression "my house"? The one in your house who claims your first and nearest attention is your spouse, seeing you are to love each other as Christ loved the Church. You are to use every possible means that he or she may be freed from every spot and walk unblamable in love.


Next to your spouse are your children--immortal spirits whom God has entrusted to your care for a time that you may train them up in all holiness and fit them for the enjoyment of God in eternity.

This is a glorious and important trust, seeing one soul is of more value than all the world beside. You are, therefore, to watch over every child with the utmost care, that when you are called to give an account of each to the Father of spirits, you may give your accounts with joy and not with grief.

Those you engage for longer or shorter periods of time, who voluntarily contract with you for hire are, in a measure, delivered into your hands. For that period of time, they are committed to your charge as one that must give an account. And it is not the will of your Master that these should go out of your hands before they receive from you something more valuable than silver or gold.



Daily Devotional Insights
Renew My Heart
John Wesley

Serving the Lord--Regarding our family

I've had a devotion book sitting on my shelf now for a couple years. Every now and again, I remember it and pick it up to see what entry it has for that particular day. Today was such a day. Interestingly enough, today's post was about instructing your family in righteousness. As I thumbed through the previous days, I realized there was a theme going, a series of devotions about leading our families to serve the Lord. I'd like to post them here over the next couple days. They include thoughts directed towards spouses and children, but my focus is especially on the references to children.

This is an area I've been thinking and praying over the last many weeks. The Lord has been dealing with me about my responsibility to train up my sons in the knowledge of His Word and keep before them their need for salvation. I've contemplated how exactly to go about that on my own, how to fit it into each day, and where to begin.

To pick up this book "by chance" today was anything but chance!! The Lord was reiterating what has become such a burden for me. As a mother, it is my main duty in caring for my children to direct their hearts, as young as they are, to the Lord Jesus Christ as the One and most blessed Friend of sinners and as the only Refuge for their souls. I hope that these devotions will be a help to you, as they were to me.

GBC Blog

I am going to be working on keeping our church's blog up-to-date.

For starters, I plan to post some of the excellent and convicting exhortations our pastor has been sending out. Some are more lengthy than others, but all are worth the time it takes to read them. You might even consider them a devotion you can add into your daily quiet time.

As I am able, I may be posting daily verses and other short devotions, as well as, significant church news/events. Nothing posted there will be personally from me, as I believe anything associated with our church should be led by the men. I am simply the "secretary" of the blog! Any questions can be addressed to Pastor Audey Shepard, whose email can be found on Grace Baptist Coleman, Texas.

I'd ask that you pray for me as I undertake this endeavor. I seek to be a help to our church in such a way that will glorify God and be wholly honoring to Him.

So, stop by the blog regularly, and if you'd like, add us as a link on your own website!

A Thot-Provoking Article

I know I usually don't touch on anything too political here, but as we found out six years ago today, these issues affect us all!! This is an article that my dad sent me to read. He has instilled in each of his children the knowledge that it is vital to understand the world in which we live and be prepared as much as humanly possible for whatever the future holds while still acknowledging that God is in control of every minute of every day.


Osama's Challenge

By Robert Spencer
FrontPageMagazine.com
Monday, September 10, 2007

"I invite you to embrace Islam,” says Osama bin Laden in his latest videotape. Most analysts take this as pious window-dressing and focus on what they believe to be the more substantive points of his message: his comments on the war in Iraq , his critique of capitalism, the similarity of much of what he says to Democratic Party talking points, and the like. But in fact the invitation to Islam is the heart, and the most revealing aspect, of bin Laden’s entire statement.
The chief reason for this, of course, is because in traditional Islamic law, the invitation to Islam must precede an attack on non-Muslims. The Islamic prophet Muhammad makes this clear, directing Muslims to issue this invitation first, and if the unbelievers refuse, to invite them to enter the Islamic social order as second-class dhimmis, and if they refuse both, to go to war with them:
Fight in the name of Allah and in the way of Allah. Fight against those who disbelieve in Allah. Make a holy war, do not embezzle the spoils; do not break your pledge; and do not mutilate (the dead) bodies; do not kill the children. When you meet your enemies who are polytheists, invite them to three courses of action. If they respond to any one of these, you also accept it and withhold yourself from doing them any harm. Invite them to (accept) Islam; if they respond to you, accept it from them and desist from fighting against them....If they refuse to accept Islam, demand from them the Jizya [the poll tax on non-Muslims]. If they agree to pay, accept it from them and hold off your hands. If they refuse to pay the tax, seek Allah's help and fight them. (Sahih Muslim 4294)
Is, then, a major attack imminent? There are numerous indications of that – suggesting that one of the primary audiences, at least for this part of Osama’s message, is the Islamic world. If such an attack comes, Osama has by means of this videotape attempted to forestall criticism by Muslims, and has laid claim to Islamic legitimacy for Al-Qaeda’s actions.
But there is also a still wider significance to Osama’s invitation to Islam. He offers in this videotape a cultural critique of the Judeo-Christian West. This critique doesn’t focus on the exportation of its immoral pop culture, which some think is the primary, if not sole, grievance of the Islamic world against the West; Osama doesn’t mention that at all here. Rather, he concentrates on its religion: “You believe with absolute certainty that you believe in Allah, and you are full of conviction of this belief, so much that you have written this belief of yours on your dollar. But the truth is that you are mistaken in this belief of yours.”
Why? He lists two reasons: “you associate others with Him in your beliefs and separate state from religion.” Both of these criticisms focus on Christianity: Islam regards the divinity of Christ as an unacceptable and polytheistic association of a partner with God, and rejects the sacred/secular distinction that is ultimately derived from Christ’s directive to “render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21). Bin Laden charges the West with “manifest polytheism,” criticizing its making laws “in contradiction to [Allah’s] Law and methodology.” This is an integral part of his invitation to Islam: since Islam is a political and social system as well as a religious faith, to accept it is not merely to change one’s religious affiliation: it would fundamentally alter the nature of Western society.
The call to implement Islamic Sharia law in its fullness as an antidote to the ills of society is resonating throughout the Islamic world, with severe challenges to relatively secular regimes being mounted recently in Malaysia , Turkey , and Pakistan . Jihadists base their appeal in the Islamic world on the purity of their Islam, and on the proposition that obedience to Allah brings worldly success, as Osama says: “And our holding firm to this magnificent Book is the secret of our strength and winning of the war against you despite the fewness of our numbers and materiel.”
Six years after 9/11, and a year and a half after Donald Rumsfeld observed that “We need to find ways to win the ideological battle as well,” the jihadists’ ideological challenge is not being answered adequately. Osama’s challenge to Christianity and advocacy of Sharia is an opportunity for Western leaders to stress the aspects of Judeo-Christian civilization that Sharia law denies: notably the equality of dignity of men and women and the freedom of conscience. But no Western leader will do this, because it would contradict the multiculturalist dogma that no civilization or culture has any virtues that any others do not possess. The centrality of the jihadists’ cultural challenge to the West, and Western unwillingness to respond to this challenge, is a chief theme of my book Religion of Peace? Why Christianity Is and Islam Isn’t, but it is getting little attention elsewhere; even conservative media figures are hesitant to discuss the cultural conflict. The ideological challenge that the jihadists are making to the West remains the single most misunderstood aspect of the war on terror. As Osama invites us once again to accept Islam, probably very few Americans would be able to articulate why they wouldn’t want to accept the invitation, and yet talk of Sharia and how it contradicts basic Western understandings of human rights remain taboo.
As Al-Qaeda attempts to follow up on Osama’s invitation, and Europe becomes increasingly riven by strife between Muslims and non-Muslims, it will become clearer why we ignore this aspect of the jihadist challenge at our own peril.

Finally, a fun post!! : )

My baby is getting so big!!! It's so sad that he's growing so fast. My only comfort is that he's such a Momma's boy right now. (Oh, and it means he's healthy!)

He loves to cuddle! *sigh* I love it!!

He's four months old now! I can't believe it!

He had his check up yesterday. He's weighing in at a solid(squishy hehe) 16 pounds! And he's 25 inches long! Still only nursing, so I guess Mommy's doing something right!

It's so wonderful to be a mother! I love both my boys so much. True, they each come with their own unique set of difficulties, but I wouldn't trade them for ANYTHING!

Supermarket Savings 101

Hey everyone,
For anyone not receiving emails from me, this is something I'm going to be working through! Come join me if you'd like!

A view of our daily life! : )

I saw this over at GirlTalk. Thought I'd share! HEHE

new links

Check out my sideboard for two new links!

Cindy Walker, my mother-in-law

Bro. Forrest Keener, Keener Thoughts

HIS SACRIFICE

He is calm, yet a fire rages inside him.

He sleeps, yet he "stands ready to do violence."

Crowds part when he walks the streets.

He rushes in as the bullets and the bombs and the blood rain down.

Enemies tremble at his name;

He haunts their dreams.

The dead have felt his burning fury-

The living know of his kindness.

He cries for the ones he has lost.

He knows the price of Freedom;

He understands the cost of Peace;

He is the keeper of Liberty;

He sacrifices his youth so that many can live to be old.

He is my hero.

He is my brother.

~ Steven Walker

Ain't


He was just a little boy,

on a week's first day.

Wandering home from Sunday School,

and dawdling on the way.

He scuffed his shoes into the grass;

he even found a caterpillar.

He found a fluffy milkweed pod,

and blew out all the "filler."

A bird's nest in a tree overhead,

so wisely placed up so high.

Was just another wonder,

that caught his eager eye.

A neighbor watched his zig zag course,

and hailed him from the lawn;

Asked him where he'd been that day

and what was going on.

"I've been to Bible School ," he said

and turned a piece of sod.

He picked up a wiggly worm replying,

"I've learned a lot about God."

"M'm very fine way," the neighbor said,

"for a boy to spend his time."

"If you'll tell me where God is,

I'll give you a brand new dime."

Quick as a flash the answer came!

Nor were his accents faint.

"I'll give you a dollar , Mister,

if you can tell me where God ain't."

Author Unknown-

Food for Thot

Do you have a friend or family member that struggles with a chronic illness, chronic weakness/fatigue, or a disability?

If you do, then go to www.butyoudontlooksick.com and read the article entitled, "The Spoon Theory." You will find it on the left-hand sidebar.

It will open your eyes to what every day is like for that person.

Thank you, Aunt Mary, for sharing this with me.

Updates and Insights

Brandon had his two-month checkup for his heart last week. Thank the Lord, he is doing well. The blockage is still only mild and therefore, nothing to be concerned about. The doctor gave him a clean bill of health and wants to see him again in two months. So, praise the Lord that our little guy is doing so well! He's weighing over 14 pounds now and is growing way too fast for mommy!!

My parents have begun their preparations for returning to the mission field. This time they'll be gone about two months. The Lord willing, they'll be back here in the states in time for Thanksgiving. Pray for them for safety and strength as they endeavor to minister to the people God has placed upon their hearts.

My brother in law is supposed to be able to come home from Iraq at the beginning of October. He's been over there since August of last year!!! He's been through so much and needs time to recover and rest. We continue to keep him in our prayers and thoughts. He's hoping to get out of the Army and be back in San Antonio sometime after New Years. We hope so too!!! We all miss him so much!

My younger brother is still doing over there. He's really busy (read: in constant danger) but his spirits are up and he's doing what he's been trained to do!! Like David, we're praying for him constantly!! I do love that boy!! and I miss him!!

I have realized recently that my life is totally about my husband, my boys and our home. Some would say that I'm wasting my time and have no purpose, but I'm coming to realize more and more that my daily duties are FAR from mundane!! Making a sandwich for Ryan, sitting for an hour to nurse Brandon, taking the time to make dinner, changing diapers-- these things are my calling. This is what God has called me to do, and it's what is the most important thing for me right now.

Our pastor has been preaching on the importance of a Christian living a life of total and complete committment to Christ and a life defined by love for God. I have thought about these things and wondered if I was doing all that I should be doing for our church and for the ministries we have. Should I try to do more, take on a more active role in some way?

Well, the Lord has reminded me that what I do as a wife and as a mom is EXACTLY what I should be doing! My husband is my ministry. My children are my mission field. My home is my calling. A "keeper at home," called to love my husband and my children for the glory of God!!!! There is a rest in these truths for me. I don't have to worry about being involved in every outreach opportunity or in even one! I just have to take care of what God has given me- my family.

I don't always do a good job of being a wife and a mother, and I definitely have moments of failure! But I know that, like with all things in a Christian's life, God alone is my strength. He alone gives me grace to be what He has called me to be, and He alone will enable me to continue on and fulfill this role He has given me. Through much prayer, the Lord will help me in these areas to bring Him glory and be a blessing to my family and to my brethren at church.

I have had so many thought rolling around in my head the last few weeks. This is my poor attempt to share them with you all. I hope that you will pray for me and with me about these things. I want my priorities to be HIS priorities for me! My desire is to do all that I can for the furtherance of God's kingdom through the ministry He has given me!

Until the next time I have a few minutes of quiet....

*sigh*

These were taken when my brother came to see us- only a few days before he left for Iraq. It was a bittersweet time. So good to see him, and so hard to let him go, knowing he was leaving to go to war!

The Walker Men

Steven and his boys

Brothers!

Playing together

Too cute!

He's growing up so fast!

I figured out my camera!!!

Either the day we got home from the hospital or the second day we were home

All strapped in and ready to head home from the hospital!

Sleeping through it all

Too precious to not take a picture!

Need I say more?

Macro

These are the results of my first attempt to use the macro setting on my camera. I saw these flowers and couldn't resist trying to capture their beauty on film.

Just for Nichole

Ok, so to keep Mrs. Jordan happy, I feel I must post something new.

Here it is!

Not too much to report these days, just super busy being mommy to my two boys. Brandon had his two month check up last Monday. He's doing well, but of course, that also meant that he had to get shots. Ryan's been fighting a cold and an eye infection. Needless to say, last week was taken up with caring for two little guys who didn't feel good! I'm so glad they're doing better now.

Oh, I just found out that my friend Alarice is pregnant with her first baby!!! I'm so excited for her. She and her DH have been wanting a little one of their own for a long time. If all goes well, they'll get their bundle of joy in April of next year!

Well, Brandon's napping, so I better take advantage of the quiet and get something done around here!

Nichole, you better comment after all that drama about me needing to update! :) Love ya!

New arrival!!!

Congratulations and praise the Lord for the safe delivery of little Kaitlynn Payne. I'm so happy for you, Crystal, and thankful for God's protection and grace through this difficult pregnancy and delivery!

New Links

Hey all!!

Check out the new website for our church and our pastor's blog! The links are on my sidebar. We're very excited about all these new changes-Enjoy!!!

The Lord is good!

June 6, 2001-- This was the day that I lost our first child. As a Christian, I put no faith in and have no superstitions concerning dates, but when that nurse told me over the phone that June 6 was the date of Brandon's surgery, I have to admit that it affected me. I knew that God would be in control whether his procedure was the 6th, the 16th, or the 26th, but still that added something to my fears for my son.

I also dealt with the memories of losing Abigail, especially the memory of giving my daughter to my dad and watching him walk out the door with her body, knowing that I would never hold her again. I knew that when I had to hand Brandon over to that nurse, it was going to be the hardest thing I've done in my life up to now!

I wanted to share some of these things here with my friends that read my blog. You all know by now that Brandon did well and came through everything with a clean bill of health, but I wanted you all to know how the Lord helped me and my family, as well as how gracious He was to Brandon.

My dear friend Nichole and my parents were with Steven and I through last week. I don't think we could have made it through the waiting and the long days without their support and helping hands. They were there to see us through each moment, each update and each consult. My dad's prayer in the waiting room after we gave Brandon over to the nurse meant so very much to me! I know that the Lord heard him as well as all those who were praying for us last Wednesday.

Steven and I were waiting for the doctor to talk to us when they wheeled Brandon out of the operating room. I heard his cry before I saw them bring him through those doors. What a precious sound it was in that moment! He was definitely letting those nurses know how unhappy he was about not having eaten in several hours!

The doctor sat down with us to let us know that she was very pleased with the outcome of the procedure. Her words were, "There was a big pop, so I'm certain we got a good result." I'm wasn't sure I wanted to think about that too much, but I'm glad that the balloon they inflated inside his valve did what it was suppose to do. Brandon's valve will never be perfect, but it can be made "good enough." That is what happened. He will have to be monitored regularly for the rest of his life, but the Lord willing, this procedure did its job, and he will not have to have a cardiac catherization again.

The little guy was such a trooper!!! He really did so well being poked and prodded and held down and kept away from mommy. I can tell that he's not quite back to normal yet as far as eating and sleeping, but physically he's doing wonderfully! I think he's more alert now as well. He's staying awake more during the day and looking around and responding to our voices in ways that he wasn't just a few days ago. We had several rough days after coming home, but I'm hoping that we're getting back to some semblance of normal now! I could really tell that he was wanting to be close to me those first few days home. He cried a lot more and pretty much wasn't happy unless he was cuddled in my arms. Believe me, I was happy to give him what he wanted!

The Lord has been so merciful the past few weeks. It hasn't been easy, but I know that He was with us through it all and will continue to walk with us through whatever the future holds for our family.

We are facing so many decisions right now as a family. I believe that the outcome of Brandon's surgery was a token of God's love for us and His continued watch-care over us in the midst of what is a time of trial not only for our immediate family, but extended family as well. Steven's mom is not doing well physically. She's in the hospital again with unexplained symptoms that are baffling the doctors who have examined her. My brother is about to be deployed for the second time to Iraq, and my brother-in-law has been there since last August and doesn't expect to be home until at least October.

So, I ask that you all continue to keep us in your prayers, but the Lord is gracious and hears the prayers of His children.

Psalm 13:6- I will sing unto the LORD, because He hath dealt bountifully with me.

Brandon's Heart

Here's a letter I sent out yesterday to all our friends and family. I thought others might want to have this news as well.


Dear Family and Friends,

Some of you already know that Brandon was diagnosed with a heart murmur before we left the hospital.

On Monday, we had a check up with a pediatric cardiologist from Cook Children's Hospital in Ft. Worth. After looking at the echocardiogram(sono of the heart), the doctor determined that there is moderate to severe blockage of his pulmonary valve. At this point, Brandon's heart is strong and healthy, but this condition is one that if let go, would eventually lead to symptoms that would damage his heart. With that in mind, the doctor wants to do a cardiac catherization. The procedure is called a Pulmonary Balloon Valvuloplasty. Basically, it's the same procedure as an angioplasty, except done on the heart valve, not the arteries. This is actually a fairly common procedure, and though there is some risk involved, it is less than 1%. They will be putting Brandon under general anesthesia for the two hours it will take them to complete the catherization. He should not have any side effects afterwards other than possibly small changes in his eating and sleeping routine.

The procedure is scheduled for June 6th at 9:30 in the morning. It will be done at Cook Children's Hospital in Ft. Worth. He will have to stay over night for observation, and if his post-op labs are clear, he will be released on Thursday, the 7th.

Please keep us all in prayer. Though the doctors are assuring us of a good outcome and low risk, etc, etc, it is still scary to have our baby going through so much! Pray that we would be able to find a peace in the midst of all of this and be able to restfully trust in God's providential workings in our life.

I will keep everyone informed on Brandon's condition as I am able.

God bless,
Rebekah

My sons

There aren't words to express how very grateful I am to the Lord for giving me, not one, but two precious little boys to love and cherish.

I have read about several different families recently that have gone through terrible times of pain and grieving because of losing their sons to genetic disorders. Their stories have made me even more aware of how fleeting life is and how thankful we need to be for every minute God gives us to enjoy our children.

So, be thankful for every moment you have with those whom you love! We have no guarantees of tomorrow. We have no promises for a future here with our loved ones.

I am blessed to know that whatever tomorrow holds, I have a God that will carry me through and has promised to be with me every moment.

Ryan and Brandon, Mommy loves you with all her heart!

The LORD giveth, and the LORD taketh away. Blessed be the name of the LORD. ~JOB

For David

The Sniper

The sun beat like a hammer, not a cloud was in the sky.

The mid-day air ran thick with dust; my throat was parched and dry.

With microphone clutched tight in hand and cameraman in tow,

I ducked beneath a fallen roof, surprised to hear "Stay low."

My eyes blinked several times before in shadow I could see,

The figure stretched across the rubble, several steps away from me.

He wore a cloak of burlap strips, all shades of gray and brown,

That hung in tatters till he seemed to melt into the ground.

He never turned his head or took his eye from off the scope,

But pointed through the broken wall and down the rocky slope.

"About eight hundred yards," he said, his whispered words concise,

Beneath the baggy jacket he is wearing a device.

A chill ran up my spine despite the swelter of the heat,

"You think he's going to set it off along the crowded street?

The sniper gave a weary sigh and said "I wouldn't doubt it,

Unless there's something this old gun and I can do about it."

A thunder clap, a tongue of flame, the still abruptly shattered:

While citizens that walked the street were just as quickly scattered.

Till only one remained, a body crumpled on the ground,

The threat to oh so many ended by a single round.

And yet the sniper had no cheer, no hint of any gloat,

Instead he took a logbook out and quietly he wrote.

"Hey I could put you on TV, that shot was quite a story!"

But he surprised me once again- "I got no wish for glory."

"Are you for real?" I asked in awe, "You don't want fame or credit?"

He looked at me with saddened eyes and said "You just don't get it.

"You see that shot-up length of wall, the one without a door?

Before a mortar hit it, it was a grocery store."

"But don't go thinking that to Bomb a store is all that cruel,

The rubble just across the street -it used to be a school.

The little kids played soccer in the field out by the road,"

His head hung low, they never ever thought a car would just explode.

"As bad as all this is though, it could be a whole lot worse,"

He swallowed hard; the words came from his mouth just like a curse.

"Today the fights on foreign land, on streets that aren't my own,"

"I'm here today 'cause if I fail, the next fights back at home."

"And I won't let my Safeway burn, my neighbors dead inside,

Don't want to get a call from school that says my daughter died;

I pray that not a one of them will know the things I see,

Nor have the work of terrorists etched in their memory."

"So you can keep your trophies and your fleeting bit of fame,

I don't care if I make the news, or if they speak my name."

He glanced toward the camera and his brow began to knot,

"If you're looking for a story, why not give this one a shot."

"Just tell the truth of what you see, without the slant or spin:

That most of us are OK and we're coming home again.

And why not tell our folks back home about the good we've done,

How when they see Americans, the kids come at a run."

You tell 'em what it means to folks here just to speak their mind,

Without the fear that that tyranny is just a step behind:

Describe the desert miles they walk in their first chance to vote,

Or ask a soldier if he's proud, I'm sure you'll get a quote."

He turned and slid the rifle in a drag bag thickly padded,

Then looked again with eyes of steel as quietly he added:

"And maybe just remind the few, if ill of us they speak,

That we are all that stands between the monsters and the weak.

- By Michael Marks

Brandon Patrick Walker

April 30, 2007

11:12 AM

7 lbs, 3 oz

19 1/2 in long

Best friends

YAY!!!!

My sweet, sweet hubby took me shopping this past weekend to buy me a new digital camera. He ended up getting me a REALLY nice one that has so many features, it'll take me forever to figure it all out! But hopefully, now that I'm back up to date with technology, I'll be able to share a lot more photos of our family, especially with Brandon's birth only two weeks away now. I will be trying to get some good pictures of him and Ryan and the rest of the gang (grandparents, aunts, friends, etc) as I am able. So, keep checking in. I might surprise you and actually start posting on some regular schedule (well, doubtfull with the whole having a newborn baby thing, but the thought was nice!)
Later, Blogworld!

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 :)