Posts
What a Sunday we had around here! John and Jesse headed into DC and marched in the BSA Grand Centennial Parade along with 10,000 other scouts, floats, balloons and the CLASSIC CARS. I wasn't able to go and the girls decided to stay here and make an amazing yummy dessert for the boys to come home to. Paula Dean Pound Cake with fresh cherries and strawberries. I'm told it was yummy. A big thanks to the gbattery for snapping a few along the parade route for me. I am so grateful for Scouting and all that it's provided for my sons over the last 10 years. We've only missed 1 year in scouting out of the last 10 the boys have been eligible. Adam became a Tiger on the beaches of Monterey, Ca and crossed over to Boy Scouting on the Beaches of Normandy in France. Campouts, cookouts, merit badges, time with Grandpa Coombs and Dad on numerous overnights and hikes are wonderful parts of his childhood years. Now Jman has scout camps for 2 years, 3 years with the same den, wreath laying on Washington's Tomb at Mt. Vernon, Dad as his Den leader, and a march on Washington celebrating 100 years of Scouting all under his belt. (along with MANY belt loops I might add!) I wonder what Scouting in Kuwait will look like?! Enjoy the slide show. I am so very proud of my hubby and son!
Monday, July 26, 2010
Monday, July 19, 2010
More Stepping....
Yesterday afternoon by the pool with my husband and children, I pulled out my Stepping Heavenward book and began to read. It's my hope to finish it today. I was caught off guard by words written in precious Katy's journal as it related to the death of her young son.
In the beginning weeks of our cave in last year I'd stumbled (not by accident) across a passage in Psalms 39. Psalm 39:8-9 reads; Deliver me from all my transgressions; Do not make me the reproach of the foolish. I was mute (silent, unable to speak), I did not open my mouth, Because it was You who did it.
This is the passage from Katy's journal I read yesterday : page 282 top "My dear Ernest has felt this sorrow to his heart's core. But he has not for one moment questioned the goodness or the love of our Father in thus taking from us the child who promised to be our greatest earthly joy. Our consent to God's will has drawn us together very closely; together we bear the yoke in our youth, together we pray and sing praises in the very midst of our tears. I was dumb with silence, because Thou didst it. (Ps 39:9)"
I just couldn't believe how honoring Katy's journal was towards her earthly husband and her heavenly Father. I also found myself so very grateful for the same kind of earthly husband as Katy had in her dear Ernest. John and I have cried, prayed and searched the scriptures and council of many as we've walked this cave in and subsequent rebuilding efforts.
Once again, in this set of circumstances, we are seeking God's leading because we are silenced. Circumstances appear very grave for our son right now. We also, in order to continue to rebuild our home may be forced into some of the hardest decisions we've ever had to make. I am so grateful for people in our lives who have loved us and prayed for us. Would you continue to do so?
As illness continued to plague Katy after her son's death, she found solace in her Bible and quiet time with the Lord which was quite extensive in her sick room. Katy continues to write of her charcter formations during such trials. It gives me such hope to know that in the midst of our most difficult times, God is shaping us, using us for His Kingdom and purposes. I'll close this up with Ps 39:12 Hear my prayer O Lord, And give ear to my cry; Do not be silent at my tears, for I am not a stranger to You....
In the beginning weeks of our cave in last year I'd stumbled (not by accident) across a passage in Psalms 39. Psalm 39:8-9 reads; Deliver me from all my transgressions; Do not make me the reproach of the foolish. I was mute (silent, unable to speak), I did not open my mouth, Because it was You who did it.
This is the passage from Katy's journal I read yesterday : page 282 top "My dear Ernest has felt this sorrow to his heart's core. But he has not for one moment questioned the goodness or the love of our Father in thus taking from us the child who promised to be our greatest earthly joy. Our consent to God's will has drawn us together very closely; together we bear the yoke in our youth, together we pray and sing praises in the very midst of our tears. I was dumb with silence, because Thou didst it. (Ps 39:9)"
I just couldn't believe how honoring Katy's journal was towards her earthly husband and her heavenly Father. I also found myself so very grateful for the same kind of earthly husband as Katy had in her dear Ernest. John and I have cried, prayed and searched the scriptures and council of many as we've walked this cave in and subsequent rebuilding efforts.
Once again, in this set of circumstances, we are seeking God's leading because we are silenced. Circumstances appear very grave for our son right now. We also, in order to continue to rebuild our home may be forced into some of the hardest decisions we've ever had to make. I am so grateful for people in our lives who have loved us and prayed for us. Would you continue to do so?
As illness continued to plague Katy after her son's death, she found solace in her Bible and quiet time with the Lord which was quite extensive in her sick room. Katy continues to write of her charcter formations during such trials. It gives me such hope to know that in the midst of our most difficult times, God is shaping us, using us for His Kingdom and purposes. I'll close this up with Ps 39:12 Hear my prayer O Lord, And give ear to my cry; Do not be silent at my tears, for I am not a stranger to You....
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Let No Pagan Judge You 1/3
This is a wonderful Video Series from Michael Rood. I'm posting it here for John's ease in finding it while TDY this weekend.
Please click, view, and always seek the Lord for your family and personal Walk with Him!
Shalom
Please click, view, and always seek the Lord for your family and personal Walk with Him!
Shalom
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Stepping....yet again.
This time of year, if we've taken a summer break from our schooling, I find that it's time to get out the planner and begin planning. Each year, for the past 16, I've looked at the needs of our family, where our children are at academically and taken time to pray and plan for the upcoming school year.
About 2 years into our homeschooling journey I discovered an amazing book at a local homeschool conference called Stepping Heavenward. The story is a life journal of a woman beginning on her 16th birthday. I found it fascinating to read and watch the main character, Katy, grow and develop into a Godly woman, wife and mother.
While planning for my children's education and taking stock of them one year, I found myself asking "What about you, Kel? How have you grown? What areas do you need to work on this coming year?" I was stumped. Then Stepping Heavenward entered my mind and I stopped my planning and began reading. It's been a routine I've visited for many years now. I began my lesson planning today and stopped after a few hours to revisit my book.
The Words on page 100 struck me and I believe I'll be pondering and praying over them. Please enjoy them for yourself as well. Then get the book and read it for yourself! You'll be glad you did.
page 100, pieces of a letter written to Katy from her minister, Dr. Cabot, around her 20th birthday.
....."It has been said that a fixed, inflexible will is a great assistance in a holy life. You can will to choose for your associates those who are most devout and holy. You can will to read books that will stimulate you in your Christian life, rather than those that merely amuse. You can will to use every means of grace appointed by God. You can will to prefer a religion of principal to one of mere feeling; in other words, to obey the will of God when no comfortable glow of emotion accompanies your obedience. You cannot will to possess the spirit of Christ; that must come as His gift; but you can choose to study His life and to imitate it. This will infallibly lead to such self denying work as visiting the poor, nursing the sick, giving of your time and money to the needy, and the like. If the thought of such self denial is repugnant to you, remember that it is enough for the disciple to be as his Lord. And let me assure you that as you penetrate the labyrinth of the life in pursuit of Christian duty, you will often be surprised and charmed by meeting your Master Himself amidst its windings and turnings, and receive His soul inspiring smile. Or, I should rather say, you will always meet Him wherever you go."
Shalom!
About 2 years into our homeschooling journey I discovered an amazing book at a local homeschool conference called Stepping Heavenward. The story is a life journal of a woman beginning on her 16th birthday. I found it fascinating to read and watch the main character, Katy, grow and develop into a Godly woman, wife and mother.
While planning for my children's education and taking stock of them one year, I found myself asking "What about you, Kel? How have you grown? What areas do you need to work on this coming year?" I was stumped. Then Stepping Heavenward entered my mind and I stopped my planning and began reading. It's been a routine I've visited for many years now. I began my lesson planning today and stopped after a few hours to revisit my book.
The Words on page 100 struck me and I believe I'll be pondering and praying over them. Please enjoy them for yourself as well. Then get the book and read it for yourself! You'll be glad you did.
page 100, pieces of a letter written to Katy from her minister, Dr. Cabot, around her 20th birthday.
....."It has been said that a fixed, inflexible will is a great assistance in a holy life. You can will to choose for your associates those who are most devout and holy. You can will to read books that will stimulate you in your Christian life, rather than those that merely amuse. You can will to use every means of grace appointed by God. You can will to prefer a religion of principal to one of mere feeling; in other words, to obey the will of God when no comfortable glow of emotion accompanies your obedience. You cannot will to possess the spirit of Christ; that must come as His gift; but you can choose to study His life and to imitate it. This will infallibly lead to such self denying work as visiting the poor, nursing the sick, giving of your time and money to the needy, and the like. If the thought of such self denial is repugnant to you, remember that it is enough for the disciple to be as his Lord. And let me assure you that as you penetrate the labyrinth of the life in pursuit of Christian duty, you will often be surprised and charmed by meeting your Master Himself amidst its windings and turnings, and receive His soul inspiring smile. Or, I should rather say, you will always meet Him wherever you go."
Shalom!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Jim Staley/Truth or Tradition (Part 1/9)
John and I watched this video series last night. I first began questioning some of these things about 4 or 5 years ago after we studied Ancient History with Sonlight Core 6. The book __Caesar's World__ by Genevive Foster was very eye opening. After reading this book and studying with my children, I enjoyed even more traveling at the end of the year Christmas Season.
John and I have had some initial conversation about this over coffee this morning and are still going to pray about approaching these things in our home.
We are rebuilding and seeking Truth! Enjoy this video clip.
John and I have had some initial conversation about this over coffee this morning and are still going to pray about approaching these things in our home.
We are rebuilding and seeking Truth! Enjoy this video clip.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Sabbath Studies and Fellowship
We had a great day yesterday! Over the last few months we've been studying a great deal about the Old Testament and how it applies to our daily lives as Believers in Christ.
As many of your know, our home was destroyed a year ago and we've slowly been rebuilding. During this last year we've identified greatly with Nehemiah rebuilding in Jerusalem.
We believe what Satan used to try and destroy us permanently, YHWH is using us to bring us closer to Him. A verse we've been using to consider this is "If My people will humble themselves and seek my face, I will heal their land." We've literally spent time on the floor, almost daily, seeking the LORD and humbling ourselves before Him.
Yesterday, we began studying the Old Testament in conjunction with many other Believers in the world. A Torah Portion is used to study the Old Testament. It reminds John and I of going through the Bible in a year. There's also a 3 and a half year plan as well as a 1 year plan for studying Torah. It's facinating!
Saturday (Sabbath) morning we listened to a sermon on Numbers 25-26. We discovered a never-before-to-us-talked about Old Testament Hero named Phineas. Please take a few minutes to read about this hero this week. The setting is in the wilderness. Just before entering the promised land, the generation that came out of Egypt was caught in sexual immorality with women from the area. Phineas cut off the ensuing sin and plauge by killing a respected prince of the Hebrews.
Glenn McWilliams, a former Lutheran pastor for many years, taught the Torah Portion of Numbers 25-26 on Michael Rood's website listed to the right.
Then, in the afternoon, we had the R family over for dinner, fellowship and study. The men spent the evening around the dinner table with the Word open and studying to show themselves approved! We girls bounced a beautiful set of 2 month old twins. It was a wonderful day. I am grateful for the fellowship.
My personal 'bent' if you will as we rebuild our home is to Worship and understand as Christ understood, worship and taught. It is not to put on a bond of legalism or works based salvation.
We are humbling ourselves, Father, and seeking Your face, that you may Heal our Home and restore our family to Your intent to use as You see fit.
As many of your know, our home was destroyed a year ago and we've slowly been rebuilding. During this last year we've identified greatly with Nehemiah rebuilding in Jerusalem.
We believe what Satan used to try and destroy us permanently, YHWH is using us to bring us closer to Him. A verse we've been using to consider this is "If My people will humble themselves and seek my face, I will heal their land." We've literally spent time on the floor, almost daily, seeking the LORD and humbling ourselves before Him.
Yesterday, we began studying the Old Testament in conjunction with many other Believers in the world. A Torah Portion is used to study the Old Testament. It reminds John and I of going through the Bible in a year. There's also a 3 and a half year plan as well as a 1 year plan for studying Torah. It's facinating!
Saturday (Sabbath) morning we listened to a sermon on Numbers 25-26. We discovered a never-before-to-us-talked about Old Testament Hero named Phineas. Please take a few minutes to read about this hero this week. The setting is in the wilderness. Just before entering the promised land, the generation that came out of Egypt was caught in sexual immorality with women from the area. Phineas cut off the ensuing sin and plauge by killing a respected prince of the Hebrews.
Glenn McWilliams, a former Lutheran pastor for many years, taught the Torah Portion of Numbers 25-26 on Michael Rood's website listed to the right.
Then, in the afternoon, we had the R family over for dinner, fellowship and study. The men spent the evening around the dinner table with the Word open and studying to show themselves approved! We girls bounced a beautiful set of 2 month old twins. It was a wonderful day. I am grateful for the fellowship.
My personal 'bent' if you will as we rebuild our home is to Worship and understand as Christ understood, worship and taught. It is not to put on a bond of legalism or works based salvation.
We are humbling ourselves, Father, and seeking Your face, that you may Heal our Home and restore our family to Your intent to use as You see fit.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
The Jonah Code - DISC 1 (1 of 11)
I have to post this Truth Teaching Video about Daniel's Prophecies found in the book of Daniel.
John and I have been spending a fair amount of time researching our Hebrew Roots in Scripture. We were pleased to begin earlier this year with this particular video series below. Michael Rood is a gifted teacher and archeologist. He's also a former Marine! HOO-RAH! His personal testimony, which I'm only half way through, is powerful so far.
This video series is best watched over a series of days. Keep your personal copy of the Word close by and follow along in the scriptures for yourself. Study to Show Thyself approved!
Shabbat Shalom!
John and I have been spending a fair amount of time researching our Hebrew Roots in Scripture. We were pleased to begin earlier this year with this particular video series below. Michael Rood is a gifted teacher and archeologist. He's also a former Marine! HOO-RAH! His personal testimony, which I'm only half way through, is powerful so far.
This video series is best watched over a series of days. Keep your personal copy of the Word close by and follow along in the scriptures for yourself. Study to Show Thyself approved!
Shabbat Shalom!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Pictures of our busy summer
I am waiting for the dishwasher repair man to come. It's a luxury that we just can't go without here. So while I wait; I figured it was about time to update our pictures and journal about some recent happenings.
There are pictures of John opening up Father's Day presents last month. He's wanted a mandolin slicer for the longest time and finally got one! He's sliced up some pretty gorgeous veggies and made us amazing salads since then.
Emily and Jesse both wrapped up ball season. There are pictures of Jesse on 1st base and Emily on the pitcher's mound and hanging out with her team during the tournaments. Jesse's team finished 2nd and Jesse was chosen for the American League All Star Team. They lost to the National League, but had a great game!
The week of July 4th was a tremendous blessing for us as we had our friends, the Brumlows, in town. While we only managed to squeak in one afternoon with them, it was wonderful. I was able to meet 4 of their gorgeous children we hadn't seen yet. The kids got along beautifully. We had Big Girls, Middle Girls and Middle Boys and Dalton, the little guy. We went to the Smithsonian Natural History Museum and enjoyed the hands-on exhibits tremendously! We have to figure out how to get to Texas and seem them before we move next year.
When we aren't on the ballfield or in D.C, we can be found at Urbanna Swim Club in Manassas. Jesse and Emily are big fans of the diving board and spending long afternoons in the water. Lyndsay joins in on occasion and the little 2 just love it. We are all getting quite tan and are excited that there are 2 more months left in the season to swim.
The final 2 pictures are of John and Jesse powerwashing the house in 100 degree heat this last weekend! Jman did a great job down low while Daddy worked the high places on the ladder.
Oh! I've tried several of the recipes from SheCooks.org. The chicken wings were a huge hit here for the 4th of July. My kids fought over them! I'm looking forward to more yummy recipes to follow.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Priceless
There are so many words to express what this picture means to me that there are no words to be shared right now. (Yes, I'm having an emotional moment....what else is new?!) Let me just say Thankyou, YHWH, for AMAZING fellowship with wonderful Believers that encourage us. Only He could orchestrate such an afternoon as this!
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