Our Only Hope

Precious Samantha and I were in the car yesterday headed up to Md when I heard the following on the radio:  "Our only hope is this election coming up in 2012!"

My stomach fell.  The weight of the words are heavy and couldn't be further from the truth.

While I may agree with the frustration of the broadcaster in regards to the topic being discussed.  I don't place my 'only hope' in man's elections.

I place my hope, my only hope, in the Elected One of YHWH.  Messiah, Jesus.  Born to give hope to the hopeless, sight to the blind, forgiveness to the sinner and for those that choose Him, a Glorious Home for all Eternity.

I will rejoice, I will declare, God is my Victory and HE *IS* Here.  My living hope, My Strength.

All of my life, in EVERY Season, You are still God and I have a reason to sing.  I have a reason to worship.  

May you all be filled with the wonder and comfort and mystery that is the Gospel of Messiah, your ONLY hope.

How we are celebrating this time of year

It had been my goal last December to celebrate entirely the Festival of Lights this year.  But we are finding our seeking of YHWH and His ways to be much slower than I'd anticipated.  Yet, we are moving forward to a fuller understanding of Scripture.

This year, for us, we've pared down.  The santas are gone from our decorations, as are all glass balls from the tree.  To my T.O. friends, don't laugh, but we have only German Handcrafted ornaments up this year. We did throw away the last of my hand painted eggs and Ishtar bunny linen John had put in the holiday decoration bins.  We'd considered saving them for our children for their future, but after looking at them again over Thanksgiving weekend, they had to go.

I spent years stitching the family's Christ-mas stockings and we've elected to hang them on the mantle this year.  Its a tenderness in our family between all of us that means a great deal.  I'm thinking of other ways we could use them in our home throughout the year as the children grow.

We continue to seek nothing but Truth in our home and have enjoyed a few of Jim Staley's sermons this year.  Especially the one on Threshold Covenant.  Powerful stuff.  It's been ruminating in John's heart and I enjoy seeing John lead our family.

So this year, we are taking a long weekend vacation!  I can't say where we are going as it's still a surprise for the kids, but they are all going to love it.  For now, they think we are going to WA state to dig Yukon Gold Potatoes during a 2 hour super window we have for free potatoes from coupons this year I've collected.  It's been a great teaser the last couple of weeks and kept our minds on being together as the most important and not the commercialization of spending money in December.

YHWH continues to bless us and provide so many daily miracles and all of our Hope is found in HIM.

Here are a few ways that we continue to count our blessings and realize that ALL is GRACE.

Lyndsay passed level 3 in nursing school and is truly on tap to graduate this May!  Bring on level 4!

All charges dismissed against our beloved prodigal.  We are done with the court system after 30 months of attorneys and judges and probation officers!!

SATs and ACTs taken, Girl Scout giggles, family pictures for the first time in years, making home made pie crusts, pumpkin-butterscotch cookies, morning glory cookies, blueberry muffins warm, new computers, retirement planning, hugs of reunion, iPhone-FINALLY!, growing children, successful school semester at home, Precept Bible Studies that reveal Sukkot in my heart when the rain ruins the celebration this year, planning for the future with John, only 8 more years of homeschooling ahead, girlfriends growing in YHWH with me, cards in the mail, taking a meal, receiving a meal, new bread recipes, baptism desires for one of my children and girlfriends who pray for my heart to absorb all He has for me when I don't know how to-ALL of those prayers have been answered-THANK YOU!

So much to be grateful for.  So much to praise Him for.  So many ways we are blessed.  Have a great long weekend.  I'll post pics on Tues.

Shalom!

Grab Hold and Lean In

A lesson taughted in the ten Boom household is one that I need to pass onto my children:  " When Jesus takes your hand, He keeps you tight.  When Jesus keeps you tight, He leads you through your whole life.  When Jesus leads you through your whole life, He brings you safely Home." 

Is 8:11  The Lord spoke to me like a firm grasp of the hand.

John 13:23  Now there was a disciple leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples whom Jesus loved. 

I don't know where your life or circumstances have you today or what preparation the Lord is taking you through for your future, but I've learned over the last 2 and a half years specifically the simple truths I've read the last 2 days.

The Lord grasps our hand-  Grab Hold!  Hold tight!  Hold tight as you pray, grow, laugh and watch His plans unfold before you.

Lean In- When the waves crash, sorrows come, don't be afraid to lean in and rest your head on your  Abba's chest.  The Old Testament (Tanach) is full of examples of His feathers or Prayer shawl/mantle covering us.  What a comfort to know that we can crawl into His lap, lay our head on His strong chest and be covered!

Today in our home is an especially tough one.  We are in need of yet another miracle to see us through and provide for our family on so very many levels.  But I choose in the midst of the trial to grab hold and lean in fully aware that He, Messiah/Yeshua, will bring me and my family Home.  

Resting in our Great Provider today.

Perfect Preparation

After John's last 7 and a half month deployment to Kosovo, our family took a vacation up to the Netherlands.  While we were there we endeavored to see the Corrie ten Boom house and 'the hiding place' inside.  We were carefully escorted through the narrow home where first we learned of Corrie's life before WW2.  At the time, I was familiar with her famous work, The Hiding Place.  The Hiding Place is the story of Corrie's life during WW2 in the Netherlands hiding Jews in a closet in the house and subsequent imprisionment and spreading the Gospel in a Concentration Camp in Germany.  Corrie survived the war and later went on to Tramp for the Lord and minister to the Germans, and many others, who suffered so much during the devestating time of war in europe.

Corrie's first book, In My Father's House begins with the following Introduction:
Today I know that memories are the key not to the past, but to the future.  I know that the experiences of our lives, when we let God use them, become the mysterious and perfect preparation for the work He will give us to do.

So, one of the best things we brought home from our trip was a Triology of Corrie's writings and we began to read it aloud in the evenings with all 4 children.  We cried as we read her story of such great suffering.  Now, with 2 of those children gone from home, it's time for the little 2 to hear this life story of an amazing hero of the Faith.

I've wanted to blog so much about the Perfect Preparation times of our lives that lead us survive and mature during our own suffering.  However, I feel more compelled to prompt you to read In My Father's House. 

In the Believer's life, suffering is assured.  We have choices to make with the free will God gave us.  We can choose to cling to every exprience God's used in preparation to bring us closer to him, or run the other way.  Here are a few preparation times I'm grateful for that gave me the ounce of hope in Him I needed to stay faithful.

sick children, lengthy deployments, moving, extensive training and schools for John, bible studies, over coming new languages as we moved, financial ups and downs, conflicts, insecurities about homeschooling, dyslexic children to teach to read, homemaking skills to hone....

During all of the above, I had a choice, take it all to Him and allow Him to use these experiences to grow me into who He wanted me to be, or throw all the training He offered away.  Now, at times, I'm quite a hard learner and I had to have exposure over and over again to certain circumstances as opportunities to do even better 'the next time'  but I can honestly sing this morning....

He leadeth me, O blessed thought!
O Words with heavenly comfort frought!
What ere I do, where ere I be,
Still tis God's hand that leadeth me!

Shabbat Shalom!

Fall Update

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It's been such a long time since my last update.  The video was fun to make earlier this morning and I do hope you enjoy the pictures of our fall events.  There are pictures from John's birthday, dancing at the balloon festival, softball, art class, Classical conversations, Big Apple Circus, Ticonderoga pumpkin patch and on and on! 

Currently, my boys are working on a lawn mower motor downstairs in hopes of reparing the one we have for Emily to take over all the mowing in the Spring.  She's looking forward to the pay we'll give her for it.  Teenagers love money!  (can't believe she'll be 13 in February)

I have completed most of the 2011 scrapbook and am working some end of year winter cards to send out to friends and family.  We just had our first family pictures taken this Thanksgiving weekend sans Adam.  Talk about tough.  Yet, there was a tremendous blessing that occured.  Our photographer, a fellow CC mom, said to us "I thought you had 4?" 

We answered we do, he doesn't live at home.

Later in the shoot I found out that this precious mom totally 'gets' our life.  Without going into too much detail I can tell you that our photographer friend is named for the wife of the daily manager at Youth for Tomorrow where Adam is living.  Who'd have thunk it?  This sweet  young family of 5 has intimate knowledge of the people and place our Prodigal resides.

It blew me away and it's got me thinking.

Out of respect for my eldest away at college and needing a nurturing Mom and Dad at home, I haven't blogged about our experiences and God's provision and Satan's attempts at destruction.  She's not needed the stress as nursing school is tough enough.  However, with one Semester to go and then graduation, it's time for me to start writing about our experiences and the impact it's had. 

I have no idea where to start in blogging about sexual abuse, attempted rape.  Talk about heavy topics.  But I can tell you this before I start pouring my heart out in earnest soon;  Our family is not alone.  I've talked to too many people over the last 3 months who are deeply hurting about the injury caused by children's choices in their homes.  Satan is on the prowl and stronger than ever I feel.  So, from the mom who didn't think a year ago that family memories would ever be happy again, listen to the music on my blog while you watch my children enjoy life and know that God is a God who provides.

Until next time, Shalom!

Clinging and Trusting

This afternoon I have the old hymn Draw me nearer, nearer blessed Lord to the Cross where thou has died.  Draw me nearer, nearer blessed Lord, to thy precious bleeding side.
My walk as a mother the last 2+ years now has been such a tough and painful one.  I've learned to walk this road of Sodom we've been living in the best way I've known how; on my face in prayer before taking another step.  You know what, the circumstances haven't changed as I wish they would have and even prayed they would.  They've brought me nearer to the Lord than I can ever imagine.  I've found myself clinging to the Cross in ways I hadn't before; with some wisdom that comes from suffering. 

Joni Eareckson Tada says pretty much the same thing in her book When God Weeps.  Last week I read where she said "Christ was paralized on the Cross."  He took that anger and frustration at His Father through His hanging there that only a paralized individual can fathom.  I can't imagine that pain and suffering.  Then I began to apply the same thoughts to my circumstances.  Christ was filthy with sex offense and the pain of that type of violation when He hung on the Cross.  If He hadn't, several members in my household would have no hope for their futures in a spiritual and emotional healing sense. 

As I began to take that in last week I found my soul lightened, anger subsiding and that peace that passes understanding when we are anxious for nothing began to appear.  Suffering has brought me to a place where my love for Him is so dear, so tender and my heart is filled with so much gratitude at the work of the Cross.  He's been so gentle in our anguish and allowed us anger, fear and sorrows all to bring us closer to Him. 

In turn I'm being as gentle and tender with my precious ones as I can.  Faithful to pray, love, greet, embrace and cheer as loud as I can while they grow.

Grace and Peace to each of you today as you Cling and Trust.
Kellie

summer update

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What a summer it's been!  Here's what's been happening around our house:
1.  Lyndsay came home from school the first week of May and has brought lots of love and fun back with her.  We've enjoyed spending time with her and letting her sleep, eat and get to know  the college  crew in Nexus at our church.
2.  Of course, with Lyndsay coming home I needed to come up with a new baking project for our resident baker to try.  We spent 2/3rds of the summer baking new recipes and sharing with everyone around us.  Still to come: Raspberry lemonade cupcakes for Emily.  This last weekend Lyn tried her hand at cheese cake and did quite well.  I'm so glad I'm running routinely to afford a few bites here and there.  I'm also hearing that coffee cake could be in the offering for us,too.  Bring on your favorite recipes so we can try them.  The freezer is full of banana bread, cookies and blueberry muffins, too!  Seriously, we've done TONS of baking.
3.  Time to make jelly!  I taught the girls with my first batch a few weeks back.  Strawberry!  Yum!  As soon as peaches came in season, we bought a few pounds and Lyndsay made a double batch with a girlfriend.  Double yum on fresh bread from the bread maker!
4.  Speaking of bread makers, Emily is our new bread maker.  I've turned our favorite recipe over to her and she puts it all together for  us each week.  I'd been out of all of my co-op grains and was fortunate to restock a couple of months ago.  We have 50lbs of wheat berries, spelt, lentils, barely and fresh yeast in the house.  The grinder is often grinding for the next baking.  This go around I've ordered lots of oats for fall oatmeal, oat breads, and homemade granola; a family favorite.
5.  We've needed to restock our stockpiles since we aren't moving this year.  I've been clipping coupons like mad with the kids on Sundays and shopping lots.  It's beginning to pay off quite handsomely as my modest stockpile grows and grows.  Gotta love Extreme couponing!  No, I'm not a hoarder and I don't clear the shelves, but I did enjoy the program greatly when I saw items in stockpiles that I was having trouble finding deals on.  I've been searching a bit harder and finding a few.  I've also rejoined the Grocery Game and added a new store to my list store.  I managed to save 40% yesterday at this new store.  Not bad for a first time with a couple of non list items thrown in that we needed.
6.  School starts back here in 2 weeks.  I have decided to kick the kids out of the dining room and kitchen and have set up a great school room downstairs.  I have maps up, a white board, 2 tables for them with chairs and this weekend, we'll get the book cases painted for them.  It's my hope by end of December to have our 4 large book cases, all books and my desk moved downstairs. I think I want to create a new sitting room in the current library area.
7.  We've had a great time at the pool and beach, not to mention a couple of farm team baseball games with friends, putting up a new gazeebo, power washing and staining the fence, cleaning the shed, restoring an old glass bookcase we have, and grilling at every possible opportunity.  My next find needs to be a fire pit for cooler weather evenings.  I have lots of smore fixings left in the cabinets and know just the kids to help get rid of all of it.
8.  It is still my intention to remain the Polish Pottery Queen!  My girlfriend Marci, who just PCS'd back to the USA went shopping for me.  Now I know I have a for SURE set for 18 with plenty of room for breakage.  When marci's household goods are delivered, I'll get my pottery and post pictures of all  the new goodies.  In the meantime, I've changed up my coffee cups to another style and just love them each morning.  Can never have too many of those!
I hope you've all had an amazing summer.  I'll get back to blogging more soon.  I have lots on my heart to write about and have even done so twice....but it went into cyber thin air as soon as I pushed 'publish'.
Sukkot is coming in the Festivals and I've got to get started planning our celebration time!  So, that's next up I guess.  We were dealing with a lot of shock about John's retirement and missed Pentecost celebrations.  I was so happy to have John ask just this week about Sukkot celebrations.  Bring on the ideas if you have them!
Until next time.....

We are still alive!

We just have a ton going on.  I'll be back later this week with an update on us.  In the meantime here are a couple of pictures from recent adventures!

Our First Passover!

How beautiful it was! John's studying and praying over how to lead us in this most special time was a true gift to our family. He managed to escape early from the office and came home to finish off preparations I'd made earlier in the day.

We discussed the first passover and ate a quick bite with unleavened bread, lamb and bitter herbs dipped in salt water. After prayer, we moved into our main meal: Roasted lamb chops with onions, oregano and potatoes, green bean casserole, apples and nuts.

Once we finished dinner, we enjoyed Communion together as a family. Very special time for us. Then we played Jenga on the living room floor. Afterward the children raced outside to swing as darkness came on. We finished our evening together with ice cream on the deck and considering the events of so many years ago, that night of the First Passover.

Things I need help with for next year: A better lamb recipe. I've discovered that I truly don't like lamb. Any suggestions on how to do that would be appreciated. We also need to find a Kosher butcher. Anyone know of one here in No.Va?

Oh, and I get a kick out of how Satan tried to ruin it all. The boys were horribly sick with allergies all through dinner, sneezing, coughing, dripping, running eyes etc. And a pan burnt right through the pad we had under it onto my Ethan Allen breakfast table and in effect, ruined the top. We've used the same method hundreds of times before. Never a problem. I just shake my head and say "Seriously, do you think you are going to sway us and our Walk with allergies and scorched table tops?"

Here are a couple of pictures from last night. Looking forward to enjoying this High Sabbath with my kids and friends from our Co-op this afternoon. I making Matza Crunch!

Well, I can't figure out how to take pics off my iPad and put them on....so pics will be forthcoming when I get that handled.....

Overcoming Resentment

" We need to make some decisions here before the resentment is too great to overcome," the judge said.

It's one of the last statements I remember being said in the Court room at the end of March. A lightbulb went off in my heart and mind as it was being said. I was already pretty full of resentment. I'd never expected to have to suffer for Christ. I most certainly never even dreamed that I would suffer as a mother.

I believe that until that moment in court, I was like the crowd standing outside in the court yard of Pilate's home shouting for Barabas. I'd certainly expected from my Salvation a ruling King would come in Victory and make my life easier, more fulfilling, more fun.

Many people were praying for us as we went into court and asked how to pray afterwards. My reply was to pray AGAINST resentment. My thoughts that said, none of this is fair, LORD! How could You allow the destruction and subsequent sorrows and is it ever going to end? I am so mad at the world for this horrible set of circumstances. Why can't my Dad be here to help me? Why did you have to take him so soon after this all happened? The list goes on and on at the anger and resentment that now seems so evident in my life just 3 short weeks ago.

In my morning quiet time, I've been reading albeit slowly, a book called A Cry of the Soul. It's a book about our emotions and how they point to our wrestling with God. The Psalms are used to point our thoughts to those in Scripture, namely David who wrestled with God so much. One minute ontop of the world, the next in a pit of despair. It made me feel normal and like I wasn't loosing my mind or sinning against the Lord who so graciously bought my life with His own blood! I've been learning about unrighteous anger that says "How DARE YOU do this to me!" compared to "How You must hurt Father, to see your children suffer so!!" As I've taken the last 3 weeks to prepare my heart and mind for Passover, which occurs tonight, I've been praying against resentment and healing in my own life that only comes through identifying with Messiah and His sufferings. Now, it's been quiet the ugly road Spiritually getting to this place. Somehow I've always believed that for transformation to really occur it should look like a beautiful light that was shown to Paul on the Damascus road.

Not so in my case and the more I ponder it, it wasn't always a beautiful situation for many in Scripture, either. Great anguish often came before great transformation. Jonah, John the Baptist, Samson they all suffered greatly as they wrestled out their Walk with YHWH.

As the sun is rising this morning I'm thinking of the Passover Lamb, Messiah, without spot or defect, everything was and is Perfect in Him. He was examined and proven worthy to be killed and His most Precious Blood shed so we might identify with Him and His sufferings. This is the true meaning of His Resurrection. Just a short while ago, as mature as I believe I was in Him, through my own soulful examination I found myself but a babe. Prayer and Petition has allowed me to overcome the resentment that so grieved my soul and I now find myself joyfully identifying with Messiah and His sufferings for us. I've never felt closer to Him, more humbled to be considered worthy by the Blood of the Lamb!

Lay aside the garments that are stained with Sin and be washed in the Blood of the Lamb.

Thanksgiving that Precedes the Miracle: More ways He loves me! 113-155
Neiman Marcus bars, Pottery bright, running 1st thing, smell of fresh dry cleaning, "Okay, Mom.", funfetti cake, unexpected flowers, bday lunch with kids, falling asleep in John's lap, springtime sun, a rented house, loving John, texting girlfriends, Jman enjoying calamari, girl dates at Starbucks, garage sales, Pastors and friends who are there, "Isn't that exhausting?", I prayed that for you!, hymns that fit, Jeopardy boards at CC, bluegrass radio, small group, flowers, tulips yellow, flowering trees, deep green grass, children nestling in bed, a girlfriend taking my hand, Spring sunny days, music, painting nails, new living room valances, wall art, walkie-talkies, sitting on deck with John, Em's pancakes, Jman's eggs, decluttering a room, fresh salads with spicy chicken, Sunday sun, Sabbath rest, purple stormy sky.

Victory in Jesus, My Savior forever, He sought me and bought me with His Redeeming Blood.

Because of that precious Blood, it's time to get ready for Passover! Come quickly Lord Jesus!!

An update on things

It seems a lifetime has occurred since my last post. There most certainly have been a lifetime worth of events happen! Let me catch you up.

As we prepared for our move to Kuwait, which was one of the hardest decisions we've made to date in our lives, we came upon a large obstacle. Our checklist was going great:
Passports: done
House: rented to a great family
John's Car: sold
New Car to comply with Army regulations: purchased
John's job here: filled with a great leader!
Adam's legal needs: Met! We prevailed in court to allow our family to move forward to heal. This was the hardest day of my life, but we had so much support, love and prayer, we got through it.

It seems that over the last 2 years that just when I think things can't get any harder, they do! And boy, did they 2 weeks ago on a Friday.

Dependent Restricted to Kuwait. That's what the email said we received. We were devastated to say the least. The gory details aren't important, but suffice to say that after a lot of tears and I mean a LOT, we've decided to decline command and start the retirement processes. It is our hope to leave the Army by 1 July 2012. The Army has given John such a wonderful education. We aren't the least bit concerned about job possibilities post military. We know that God will provide for that. John didn't blink, it hurt and it still hurts, but we need to be a family now more than ever. We need some breathing room, a time of healing from the hurts. So here's the bright side:
Selling John's car put more money on Baby Step 2
John's current position while waiting for a transfer within the office gives him and extra 30 minutes of sleep and puts him on an earlier train home!
The kids and I will stay in our Classical Conversations Campus here in Manassas for one more year!
I get so shop more!! That's a huge bright side! I'd let my stockpile from coupons greatly dwindle. Now, I'm back to clipping and stocking up.

Things we are looking forward to: Celebrating the Lord's Feasts! Passover is next week and we are in preparation for it. John spent last Sunday afternoon studying to make sure he leads us correctly in Worship during this Holy time.
I've put a few 'family play dates' on the calendar to enjoy the next couple of months. Stay tuned for pictures!!

Lyndsay comes home in 3 weeks and we look forward to another summer by the pool at Urbana Swim Club! Let's do more grilling this year, P!

Well, the laundry is buzzing and my fever filled child needs me, so I'm off to my day. I look forward to blogging more in the coming weeks. There are some ideals brewing deep within me that I'd like to get typed out.

Keep praying for us as we are for so many of you!
Kellie for the Coombs Clan

More Ways God Shows He Still Loves Me!

To identify with Christ and His sufferings for us.  Our trials and sorrows have brought us so close to Him.  We've needed to depend not on our own skills, abilities, networking contacts or even previous life experiences.  We've needed to depend on Him, His Word and every Sermon we've ever heard preached.  After a particularly hard evening here last Saturday night, I went to bed thinking of these verses.  I found them in church the next day and have been chewing on them ever since. 

1 Peter 4:12-19

Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you: but REJOICE to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.  If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.  On their part, He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.  But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters.  Yes if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.  For the time has come for judgement to begin at the house of God: and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?  No. "If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?"  Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator. 

Then later this week, I read about that faithful Creator in the Tanak, Deut 6:1-25.  He is, was and will forever be faithful.

Here are some ways the last couple of weeks God has shown me He is faithful in the ways He loves me!

52-104
nestled children reading, marshmallows over fire, brick paths, winter strawberry pies, John Wayne movies, morning coffee with John, well used ovens, cousin hugs, safe drives on fog-filled highways, Army-wife cashiers, long walks, BBQ in Kansas! (Mom survived!), hotbaths, unseen harms avoided, treadmill runs, Mom and Dad car talks, paying off a bill, friends who pat your back, little girls who sign to communicate, sweet potato fries, steaming coffee, girls who help me run, command team charters, early morning prayers, prayers of friends, Lyndsay home on break, new Babies, CC friends, warm house in rain, Baseball Season, piano playing, Softball Season, Fresh pieces of bread, Tall girl kisses, my children are safe, praying FOR friends, sibling snuggles, a snatched momen with son, organized pantry, treating self gently, fresh bread dough aroms, mom's Bible time, early morning birds singing, cubscout hammers, homemade tool boxes, new call coaches, ice cream cones with friends, girlfriend hugs, sermons and research, banana bread sweet, Dt 6, Purim cookies, playing catch in the yard.

I am blessed!

Shabbat Shalom!

This is what's going on.

I figured it was time for a bit of an update as my comment on Facebook received some attention that I want to address with all who have so graciously prayed for us the last 24 hours.

1.  The house flawlessly went on the market to rent on Wednesday afternoon and there have already been inquiries via phone to our realtor.

2.  On Wednesday we also received some news via email that dependents may be restricted from Kuwait.  I have no idea what this really means.  Just earlier in the day, John received an email from Kuwait saying they were looking for housing for us. 

3.  Our move has been flawless to this point.  I can't believe how WELL it's all gone.  At this point I only need 10 business days notice and I could have us out of this house! 

4.  While we have some contingency plans in the discussion phase, we are just believing that we are still going.  We have nothing 'official' to say otherwise.  (But John should be on a train right now headed home and maybe he knows something I don't?!)

5.  If we don't get to go as a family, the kids and I will stay here in No.Va. and carry on life as usual.

We are resting in 1 Pt 4:12-end.  Comfort in the midst of suffering. 

We have suffered much the last 2 years.  There's no end in sight to that either.  Just growing to live with it and Trust Christ for our son's welfare. 

I'd been hoping for and continue to hope for some time off to think, write, pray, and scrapbook.  But I'm busier than ever it seems. 

Baseball season is upon us and we begin practices this Saturday evening.  John said it best last night; "Call me crazy, but I"m looking forward to baseball filled evenings." 
I am, too. 
Please keep praying at 1 Peter 4 says....that even in suffering and trials, we give THANKS!

Preparation Day

I have lots of Preparation Day goals here at home today.  My list follows:

1.  Grind wheat and whip up Challah dough-done!  First rise now....success!  shaped and 2nd rise now!

2.  Train children in house cleaning chores specifically: BATHROOMS.

3.  Chicken Stew in crock pot for Sabbath dinner.

4.  School work completed, library of books straightened, binders filled with loose paperwork.

5.  Other house cleaning as we prepare for the realtors to come on Tuesday and take pictures.

6.  Make some Purim preparations by searching for Haman cookie recipes!

7.  4 mile run for Mom. 

8.  My prayer today:  Don't give into the stress I'm feeling and sin!  I'll post pictures later today closer to sundown. 

Everyone have a great Preparation Day!

Numbness to Thanksgiving that Preceeds the Miracle

Numbness to Thanksgiving that Preceeds the Miracle.  Those are the thoughts that have been pondered long and deep in my soul of late.  In her book, 1,000 Gifts:  A Dare to Live Fully Alive, Ann Voskamp places the following quote on page 41 (or location 543 on your Kindle)

  "When one is thirsty one quenches one's thirst by drinking, not by reading books which treat of this condition.  If we are dying of thirst, passively reading books about water quenches little; the only way to quench the arched mouth is to close the book and dip the hand into water and bring it to the lips.  If we thirst, we'll have to drink." 

Most certainly I now understand the idea of silence accompanied by numbness.  Both induced by the most powerful pain in my mother's heart. 

As events have unfolded since our move to Va, I've been grateful to have the Word and His Word alone to stand on.  I've not had shelves of self help books which clog up the mind and soul seeking freedom and light.  Yet now, I've been brought to deeper works of godly literature that have helped to draw me nearer to His side than ever before.  1000 Gifts is one of those books. 

I have been so thirst for God's Word, Promises and Provision in our lives.  I remain grateful for the Bible studies and long morning quiet times that have helped me to work through the numbness and silence.

Next in her book, Ann visits the story of the 10 lepers healed by Jesus in Luke 17:17-19.

10 came to Him.  They asked for healing.  It was given.  10 went on their way.  Then, 1 returned and thanked the Lord for His healing of his body.  Christ says in Vs 18-19  "  Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?"  " Arise, go your way.  Your faith has made you well."

At that moment, a great miracle occured in the man's life.  He was saved....to the uttermost, by his faith.  His humility of going back, saying thankyou to the Savior, saved his soul.

Thanksgiving Preceeded the Miracle.

I've realized since reading these lines, that I have a great deal to be thankful for as it relates to our circumstances here.

Thankyou Lord, for my marriage that has endured, for friends who hold my daugther far away from home, for prayers whispered on our behalf that I don't even know about, for emotional protection of my children, for tearstained pillows of griefly prayers that the Holy Spirit took to Your mighty ears to hear.  All of those things and many more have allowed me to awaken from numbness to witness so many miracles.

16-34
Slight Orange in the sunrise

getting smoked after E-4 promotion  (so long ago!)

early morning good bye kisses

the chance to apologize

exhilariting emails

Emergency Room touches

preschool talk

Kids playing spider on the swing

exploring great art with my kids

cupcake tasting

viewing Peter Paul Reuben's Daniel in the Lions Den

left over pizza

loving a sad heart

nurse talk

scrapbooking memories

giggling sleepovers

beds made by 9yo boys

"cuz were big now and can handle it"

It hurts, it's a bit hard honestly....but I am choosing to live:  FULLY ALIVE!

A 1,000 ways He shows He loves me

Daring to live fully alive!

Choosing to SEE!

Resting at the Pool of Siloam!

Digging out of the Pit- TO STAY!

In the picture and story of the Prodigal Son, we find ourselves as all 3 men. 

These are some of the mantras from books I've read and am reading since Christmas. 

Books that every woman should eventually have on her shelves are:

Choosing to See by Mary Beth Chapman
Get out of that Pit by Beth Moore
The Psalms of the Ascents Bible Study by Beth Moore
The Return of the Prodigal Son, a Meditation on Fathers, Brothers and Sons by Henri Nouwen
One Thousand Gifts: Dare to Live Fully Alive by Ann Voscamp

Here's my start on 1000 things:

1.  Surprise Lunch dates for my children
2.  Ringing phones with John on the other end
3.  Dark Chocolate Covered Strawberries in February
4.  Kids who finally 'get it' in school work.
5.  Pumpkin Spice Candles
6.  first coffee in the morning
7.  cozy jammies
8.  laughter at the dinner table
9.  whipping, wild, wind
10.  Red Cars- always make me smile!
11.  Passover
12.  fresh bread in the bread maker
13.  grinding wheat, spelt, barley and lentils for bread as the Isrealites did
14.  traveling buddies

That's my start!  What ways has God shown you His FULLY ALIVE way He loves YOU?!

For more on Daring to Live Fully Alive go Here:  http://www.aholyexperience.com/

Countdown to Kuwait and January Pictures

I can't believe a whole month has gone by since I've posted.  Boy, have we been busy!

After lots of prayer and counseling with our Pastor, John decided we should go ahead with the move to Kuwait and continue his career.  Boy, have the days been whirling by ever since.  As soon as the decision was made, we both felt huge weights lift from our hearts and received a great deal of peace.  We are both very grateful.  Of couse, right after that Satan has tried to get the upper hand again by attacking.  The Enemy is so clever.  But he does truly need to go find elsewhere.  We have work to do and aren't letting the attacks interfer with the Mission we've been given.  We expect to fly mid June. 

Here's an update on all of us:

John has started precommand course work which will dominate a great deal of each of our remaining months here in No. Va.   He's been painting the basement, making lists, keeping tabs on life at the office, cooking to relax and still leading Jesse's Scout Den through the whittling chip badge and pinewood derby.  Our pinewood derby days are 5 hrs long.  We have over 100 cars to race to include leader, sibling and open class racing.  John and I took our calendars and planned the move while we waited for our Den to race.  We're starting to get good at this planning a move thing.  But we are both clearly older and it's harder.  The mind is willing but the body is aging!

Kellie is running.  I took it up just before Christmas and have logged 170 miles in 7 weeks on the treadmill.  It keeps the weight down as well as the stress level.  Homeschooling, tutoring at Classical Conversations once a week and now moving errands keep me pretty busy.  I'm also scrapbooking furiously as I try to finish the 2010 album before we move.  As usual, I've picked up a new moving cross stitch project.  They are cheap, take up little room while moving and allow me to focus when the house is a mess with preparations.  I am so excited to find a new girlfriend local to us who's also headed to Kuwait.  The G family will be taking command in July as well.  We'll have 2 years together to be traveling and shopping or BEATING the HEAT buddies.  Pool decks, here we come!  Mrs. G has shared pictures her hubby took a couple of weeks ago and I can say that if our housing looks anything like the pictures I've seen....we are going to live like KINGS!  Talk about pampered.

Lyndsay is a 2nd Semester Junior at ONU.  She finished last semester on the Dean's List and loves her fellow nursing students.  I was thrilled when she went line dancing last week!  She LOVED it, I knew she would.  It's been 2 and a half years since she's danced.  I pray this is the beginning of the door being re-opened to her love affair with the dance floor!!!  Lyndsay will move with us to the Middle East for the summer and then return to ONU for her Sr. Year.  The Kuwaiti government will fly our family back to the USA as far as Chicago once a year for every year we are in Kuwait.  We are so relieved to know the whole family will make her college graduation and nursing pinning!  Go, P!

Emily has a new love affair:  VERA BRADLEY.  It's become the Coombs chicks thing to shop for.  She spots it everywhere.  I think it's time to memorize all the patterns from the last few years so we can start naming them as we see them.  There is no Vera in Kuwait, so we are making sure she is stocked up on necessary pieces before we leave.  (wink!).  Softball will begin for Em in a few weeks and we look forward to evenings on the ballfield again.  She's doing just great in school.  She's on her third spelling level for the year and her 2nd math level for the year.  I can't believe she's a few days away from 12!  Emily will attend the American School of Kuwait in the fall as a 6th grader. 

Jman- total hoot this kid!  Mouthy and very witty.  Total baby of the family.  I'm certain Kevin Lehman wrote the birthorder book after a conversation with our Jesse.  He's a whiz at school, hangs out with the boys, plays video games and lives for man stuff time with his Dad.  Ball season starts for Jesse soon as well.  He did well at the Pine Wood Derby!  Jman's whittling chip car won Best in Show!!!  He was so happy!  Jman will attend ASK with Emily as a 4th grader.

Adam-  Well, it should be clear that his actions have assisted us in our actions.  He is still at Poplar Springs Hospital in Petersburg, Va.  He's working a 12 step program and while making some progress for himself personally, reunification with our family before his 18th birthday appears to be totally out of the picture.  We continue with family therapy each week and truly appreciate his new doctors there.  He is being taught how to take responsibility for his actions and how to not repeat the same patterns in the future.  More than that I can't share due to upcoming court dates. 

Tucker, the new boxer pup is doing well.  He's adjusting to the family, getting paint on his face and bottom as we paint the basement and sleeps in whatever bed is not occupied at the time. 

We are looking forward to celebrating Passover in April and are keeping a calendar of the Hebrew months on our fridge.  The sighting of the new moon was just the other day.  We are in month 12 now of the year 6010.  I'm enjoying learning more about our Messiah and His Father as we read through the Old Testament.  I'm certain that our moving to a culture in the middle east where the lunar cycle is what regulates the local calendar and having Friday and Saturday off as 'weekend' days will help make a more natural transistion to Sabbath worship for us.  This last Friday night was doozy for us commute wise, but we were seated around the table at 7:45 enjoying dinner and having prayer time together.  It was lovely and peaceful.

Well, I think I've cooled down from my morning run.  Time to hit the showers.  Anyone wanna come help me get a garage sale together?  Planning a big one for 1st weekend in April!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Shabbat Shalom-Update!

Ecclesiasties 4:8-12  Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work.  If one falls down, his friend can help him up.  But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!  Also, if the two lie down together, they will keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone?  Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.  A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

I had no idea when we read those verses in our Bible time yesterday morning that I'd be clinging to each and every word all day long and calling on the Body of our precious Messiah to sustain us in prayer. 

We often have family therapy over the phone with Adam these days with him now so far away from us.  Yesterday, with Lyndsay a part of the therapy as well, our son made it clear to us that mental health and reunification is not something he intends to attain or reach for.  I can't say more than that because I'm not completely sure where things stand legally for him. 

Sex offenders have to take responsibility for their own actions, cycles, triggers as well as the damage caused to the people that love them.  There is an 85% success rate for teens who are sex offenders.  We had, in recent couple of months, seen a ray of hope that Adam would be one of them.  After yesterday, however, it's clear that he just may not be. 

John and I had been asking the I AM to guide, lead, direct, shine light on the path of the way we are to go.  He's answered pretty clearly.  The decisions we have to make now will continue to have life long implications, but I believe we can make them now.  As I look back on yesterday and how very hard it was I find that there are many ways in which cords surrounded and held me together specifically.

1.  We were together, as a family, doing our normal homeschool thing!  Normal living of life can be hard during sorrows.  But our routine and just being together was strengthening.

2.  John took control:  We are going out to dinner.  Let's get you out of the house and be a family.  I caved to spending the money, followed my leader and went.  The kids laughed, talked and we all ate too much.  We wrapped our arms around eachother and got through the evening.

3.  I asked for prayer from some friends and immediatly began to feel the affects.  I didn't cave, even if the day was so hard.  I wanted to crawl into bed and hide in my pain, but prayer wrapped around me and I didn't break.

4.  8 and 9 year old boys and sugar cookies!  As planned, they came for cookie baking yesterday afternoon.  What a great memory for Jman and a great distraction for me and Lyndsay.  Movies, sugar cookies, and a quick game of manhunt in the dark....gotta love it.

5.  We had dinner in the crockpot for last night that is now all yummy and ready in the fridge for today.  I can take the kids into DC today and not worry about our Sabbath dinner. 

6.  As we were trained at the Mom Heart Intensive, when you put yourself out there in ministry, you are a target for the Enemy!  Mom Heart Bible Study is growing here at the house on Tuesday evenings!  I am so thrilled by it!!!  Also, I'm preparing my small devotional for the Raleigh, NC conference in March!  Wouldn't Satan just love to tear this all apart?!  Again, I wrap my arms and prayers around all the other Moms in my life and their current heart struggles and VICTORIES.  They strengthen me. 

So, see, the I AM is in this pit, sustaining, guiding, providing and loving us.  As the sun sets this evening and we move into a time of Sabbath Rest take a minute and thank Him for the ways He's allowed others to sustain, guide and strengthen YOU.

Come Thou Long Expected Jesus!