Acquisition Central

What to say when suffering comes

2012-02-02T16:35:00.001-05:00

I have a girlfriend in Colorado who's heart is fresh with pain. It's a pain I recognize through tears as we talked several weeks ago. It's a black hole in your heart pain that a person thinks can never be whole again.
Today on Facebook my same girlfriend mentioned that people just need to listen and not offer advice and certainly not act like one of Job's *wise* friends and counselors did for him. The power of the human ears, listening as James tells us to. Be slow to speak, quick to listen.

I am so very blessed that within the first few hours and days after our roof cave in I had practical help from my Dad and Mom as well as 2 precious friends who brought us soup, cried with me and told me God's shoulders were big enough to handle my fear and unbelief. Both of these ladies who ministered to me know unspeakable heart ache well. But oh, what Glory was given to Him when these beautiful women took our broken family to His feet in prayer!

Today on my run, I listened to our former youth pastor at Paz Naz preach on my iPhone. Keegz preached on taking the Lord's yoke and be shaped by it. His message was powerful and I was shouting AMEN while passing the dog walkers in the neighborhood. Here's an illustration from the sermon:

A pastor filled the altar area one Sunday morning with empty white buckets. As the pastor began to preach on needs and burdens that the congregation had he offered the buckets up to the congregation to fill with loose change and money in their wallets. The congregation filled them. Then the pastor invited the people to come and take as they had need of that morning to keep the lights on, feed their families, put gas in the car to get to work etc. Nobody moved. The pastor thought and spoke to those in the congregation who KNEW the needs of those around them and asked them to bring them to the altar and take as they had need. Nobody moved....UNTIL: one shaking woman grabbed a girlfriend by the hand and took her to the altar and insisted she take as she had a great need. The woman, sobbing, took and then turned back to find her seat. As she did so, another woman in the congregation sprang up and said "Oh, no! You know that's not enough!" and she encouraged her friend with a knowledge of the need as well to take as she needed. Her burden was lightened. Messiah had provided for her and the congregation met the needs of others that day and left with burdens eased and a sense of compassion for one another.

That's the greatest thing you can do when someone you know is suffering: meet the emergent need of bringing them to the Lord, showing them the way to Him, sharing your own suffering and sorrows if they are similar and applicable. Hot soup, later a batch of cookies, ironing a shirt for court, watching my children, crying with me, listening to me, scrapbooking with me, teaching me to stamp and telling me that God's shoulders were big enough for my unbelief were enough for me to come close to me in my suffering.

My sweet girlfriend, T.H., I'm bringing you before the throne today. How I wish I could hold you and share tears with you and LAUGH with you. I have lovely pictures of your children and you together when they were little. The memories I am reliving with you now we will both do one day before the Throne of the King. Until then, please know, God's shoulders are big enough, His provision for you is great and the black hole will become sealed up in your heart through the continuous blood of Messiah washing your wound to healing.

Our Only Hope

2011-12-23T07:09:00.000-05:00

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

2011-12-21T08:03:00.000-05:00

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

2011-12-06T06:45:00.001-05:00

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

2011-12-02T09:26:00.001-05:00

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

2011-11-29T10:02:00.001-05:00

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

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

2011-08-15T14:39:00.002-04:00

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

2011-08-02T10:39:00.003-04:00

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com
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!

2011-05-24T14:46:00.000-04:00

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!

2011-04-19T07:43:00.001-04:00

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

2011-04-18T07:09:00.001-04:00

" 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

2011-04-14T09:54:00.000-04:00

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!

2011-03-18T07:38:00.003-04:00

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.

2011-03-17T17:50:00.001-04:00

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

2011-03-11T09:11:00.001-05:00

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

2011-02-21T12:20:00.001-05:00

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

2011-02-14T16:17:00.000-05:00

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

2011-02-04T09:10:00.002-05:00

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!

2011-01-07T07:41:00.000-05:00

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!

More December pictures

2010-12-25T11:18:00.001-05:00

Here are pictures from Christmas Pageant last weekend, the art class last week, our new puppy Tucker and gift unwrapping. More from us later. Trying to get a couple of things done before the blizzard hits tomorrow!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

WildBranch Ministries.

2010-12-21T08:47:00.001-05:00

Let's see if I've done this right! Here's an article I read yesterday that is just awesome about the Hebrew Roots movement of YHWH. Please let me know if I've added it correctly!!! http://www.wildbranch.org/teachings/articles/08information.html

Gingerbread Build Off!

2010-12-09T08:12:00.001-05:00

What a great afternoon with friends! It was a total success with the appropriate sugar high that followed!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

December Fun!

2010-12-07T09:03:00.002-05:00

We've a blast the last few days! The cub scouts from Jesse's pack marched in the Manassas parade on Saturday. They were so cold and did a fantastic job. Our pack has 84 boys and from the looks of the group assembled, we had lots on hand for the fun!!

Then last night, we jumped at the chance to ice skate with friends at the Harris Pavillion in Old Town Manassas. The kids skated amazingly! I truly couldn't believe how well Jesse did up and down the rink after some time getting used to the ice under his feet. I think we'll make this a weekly event throughout the winter. It was bitterly cold last night, the cup ontop of the hot chocolate thermos wouldn't come off until I'd gotten it in a warm car. I don't know how those kids did it for two hours, but they did. It's rough going around here this morning with them waking up slowly. We have shopping to do today and one never knows if a shake from Chick Fil A could await them at the mall. Hmmm...maybe that will stir their stivers this morning! Enjoy! Next up: The Ginger Bread House Build Off with Classical Conversations!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Our First Shabbat!

2010-12-05T18:04:00.000-05:00

It was our first real Shabbat and I loved every minute of it. Dinner was wonderful. The children lit the 3 candles on the table. (We don't have a menorah, but I did tell them it was the 3rd night of Hanukkah; a festival we'd understand more about next year.) So we had 3 candles. Emily switched out one of the candles and brought out a crystal Angel candlestick holder to ensure Messiah was represented. I was touched at her attempt to keep the focus on the signifigance.

John came home and lead us all in the Torah Portion reading for the whole week. The children enjoyed the telling of the story of Joseph and his brothers. The redemptive portion of the story brought tears to my eyes as I think of one of our own children with so much to overcome. It was a joy to have John read the Word to us! Thanks, honey. We love you.

Sabbath was nice. We rested a ton in our own way. John enjoys cooking for us as a way to truly relax. He made an amazing fish chowder. We enjoyed watching college football together and conversation. John and Jesse marched in the local Christmas parade (for the first and last time....with the local Cub Scout Pack. John is the Den leader.) After the sun went down we called the kids onto the bed and each prayed a prayer of Thanksgiving over our day and a chance to rest and enjoy being a family.

I'm surprised by the Ruach and His leading. The changes we are trying to make seem very natural and normal. I'll have to ask John if he's feeling the same way.

I'm so grateful to all of you for your comments and words of love and prayers on our behalf. I've printed a calendar so I can keep up with the actual days and did order the book from Amazon on the Feasts of Isreal. It looked wonderful to me and a great compliment to the Walking with Y'shua and Biblical Holidays Books we already have.

We are ready to dig in and start enjoying the Feasts of Yah!
Happy Hanukkah to all!

The Last Tree

2010-12-03T10:29:00.000-05:00

These will be the last 'Christ-mas' trees that will ever be in our home. The closer December has come, the more John and I have just wanted to avoid this season of year altogether. Having Truth revealed to us about the pagan roots of Christmas and Easter this year has been tough to swallow. It's always been our desire to follow the I AM and His Son, Messiah, in spirit and in truth. So, we sat down with the kids while putting the trees up and just talked to them about what the heritage behind Dec 25th is all about. We've also told them that we'll be celebrating the Hebrew Feasts this coming year, as Messiah did. Then we came up with a brilliant idea! Most of the ornamentation on our tree are hand carved, wooden ornaments. We are going to take the ornaments down this year and turn them into decorations for wooden wreaths to hang in the livingroom. We have plenty of ornaments to make 4 wreaths, one for each child to take into adulthood as a memory from their own childhood.

As it's Friday and sundown will begin the Sabbath, we are preparing in our home today. I'll be making a roast in the crockpots, some stirfry veggies and fresh bread from the breadmaker. We also picked up some sparkling cider for the kids. John won't be able to make it home right at sundown, commuting in D.C. doesn't allow for that right now. However, dinner will be ready for 6:30 sharp and he should be home by then. The kids finished up a bit of light schooling this morning and are busy at chores to get the house ready for a restful Shabbat. I'll add some pictures later of our first Shabbat meal. Tonight is also the 3rd night of Hanukkah. We hope to be celebrating this time of dedication in a more clear light this time next year.

In the meantime, can anyone tell me what day of the year it is, for REAL?! Is there a widget I could download for my blog to help me/us stay on track?

Please keep praying for us, T.O. families. We seek Messiah and Him alone. John still has many concerns about this way of life and taking things in the Bible out of context. I share some. We simply want Truth in our home to be present, leading us as we rebuild and seek the I AM's Light shining on our path.

In My Home Recently

2010-11-23T10:06:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it's been so long in between posts from me. To say we've been busy is an understatment. God is moving in our lives so let me get right to it.

1. We won't be moving to Kuwait in the summer. After lots of prayer by ourselves and so many others seeking the LORD on our behalf; John approached a respected General Officer and asked for a year deferment. It was granted nearly on the spot. We've been humbled at the support we've had up the chain of command at the Pentagon as well as at Assignments Branch. Now that all the paperwork is in and signed appropriately, we are waiting for some direction from the Army. This change in plans allows us to continue to work with Adam and with YHWH's help, launch him into adulthood.

2. Of course all along the way in our current struggles, we've told Adam that his actions dictate our actions. He's continuing to show signs of healing and getting better. We are so grateful for this and would ask you to continue to pray that only the Holy Spirit (Ruach) would have His perfect way in Adam's life! We look forward to the day when we can begin to work on the interpersonal issues in our family that need healing as well.

3. Along the lines of family healing, John and I have been reading a great book on forgiveness entitled Unpacking Forgiveness: Biblical answers for complex questions and deep wounds. The author is Chris Brauns. I can't recommend this book enough. Pastor Brauns takes you methodically through the steps of forgiveness starting with why it's important for the offended person to forgive and who should receive forgiveness in your life. Forgiveness isn't about 'just getting over it'. If you've ever needed to understand forgiveness and how to display it in your life, this is the book for you!

4. I've been running. Yes, running. I'm in love with my new treadmill and we have consistent dates in the week for 4-6 miles at a time. I'm thinking I'd like to train for a half marathon. Running has taken up a great deal of time that I'd been spending on the computer, or even reading. Hence, with the emphasis on fitness, I've not been around much in cyber land. Boy, do my legs look great again.

5. Classical Conversations continues to be a wonderful way for the children to learn and create community for us in the Body of Christ. I look forward to my Wednesdays with my CC Campus each week. I feel as if I'm the one who's truly benefited from tutoring this year as well. I'm in love with the students in my class and their mother's are some of the sweetest friends I could ever have. Next year, I believe the children will continue with Foundations and move onto the Essentials program as well.

6. Scrapbooking: My creative outlet. I finished our 2009 album a few weeks ago and have started thinking about designing our 2010 album. I also want to tackle a baby album for Emily this upcoming year. Creative Memories just makes this so easy to do. I've completed 6 or 7 albums this year! Whew!

That about wraps up the news from here. I'll post some Thanksgiving pictures after we get back from a great day with friends in Pa.

MomHeart Intensive Training 2010

2010-11-10T17:20:00.001-05:00

This is a video from the training weekend I attended back in August. On my side bar on the right, I've place a button for the Mom Heart Conferences that will be held around the country this Spring! Come join me in Raleigh, NC in March and discover why YOUR MOM HEART MATTERS! Can't wait to see you there with me.

Finding Quiet Time

2010-11-04T07:58:00.000-04:00

In my Mom Heart Bible Study this week, we discussed the need to come beside quiet waters and refill our souls. I've been pondering over the years of seeking time with Him and His Word since the Moms left Tuesday evening.

When my 4 children were all very little, Bible time at our house was part of our school day and due to my need of sleep, Bible time with them was also my own Bible time. Awana Verses were memorized, Hero Tales were read about great missionaries of the past and we read biographies of some of them from the Trailblazer series. Slowly we learned together about the nature and character of God through the diligence of daily attention to His Word.
Then, during a more peaceful moment of the day doing dishes or folding laundry, my mind and heart could wander in personal meditation and prayer over what we'd learned or memorized that day.

Later, as the children grew, I was able to get out for a daily walk. Wow! Did that do wonders for my devotional time. Out in nature, viewing His creation, I felt surrounded by Him. I listened to sermons or hymns and walked mile upon mile lifting up prayer requests. I also had time to internalize sermons of the previous week. I often found myself finishing Sunday's sermon for myself. Finding a parallel to my own life, I could take the nugget from my Pastor and apply it to my life. All to soon, my walk would be over and I'd find myself at my door step. I enjoyed the time alone with the Lord so much I constantly fought the urge to just keep walking, praying, meditating. However, my children would need me to help guide them through the rest of their day and inside I'd go.

Those earlier years of obedience to seeking time with Him have been the foundation on which I've stood during our current times of hardship and suffering. If I'd not had the habit of seeking Him daily and not just at church on Sunday mornings, I can't envision where we'd be right now as a family. I'm reminded of the verse that says the wise man built his house upon the Rock. The storms came and the waves blew in, but the house on the Rock stood firm. Those bedrock building years with young children have catapulted me to going deeper with my Savior. With just 2 remaining children at home who are 11 and 8, I have time to get up in the early mornings with coffee and a devotional book and my Bible. I look forward to this time every morning as it's setting the tone for my day. But it's taken years of diligence to get here. The Christian life is not a sprint, it's a marathon. Endurance is needed. Be encouraged today to get alone with Him. Take your wee children into your lap and share a Truth with them about the Savior. Encourage your middle schooler with how you see God working in their life. Spend a few quiet minutes with Him this morning and allow him to nuture your soul.

Please, leave a comment and tell me how Quiet Times have affected your Walk! I'd love to hear from you.

Fall Madness!

2010-10-19T07:22:00.001-04:00

October always finds me running in several different directions and by the end of it, I'm grateful for winter coming. Our family is panting as we near the finish line of another fall baseball and softball season. School has been full of pumpkin patches, art co-op, reading time in the gazeebo, Classical Conversations co-op, weekend family day trips, Cub Scout Den meetings and on and on.

I'm always grateful for winter days spent at home schooling, without the harried schedule of fall sports. I enjoy the baking, stamping, scrapbooking and reading-filled afternoons and evenings.

I'll add some pictures to this later today, but for now here's what's been going on in my home recently.

1. I read a book last weekend called Choosing to See by Mary Beth Chapman. It's a life changing book that all should read. Mary Beth lays out her life of struggle and pain and how the Lord has met her and her growing brood. Reading her book has allowed me to feel, in a new found way, the pain we are experiencing as a family. The new normals that take time to process and understand appear to be a common thread for families in trial. A deeper, new way of looking at and viewing Christ in all of His sufferings has drawn me even closer to Him. I've been singing Steven Curtis Chapman's song You Make All Things New in my head the last 2 days. He redeems and He restores.

2. We did finally take that trip to Harper's Ferry last Monday for Columbus weekend. It was wonderful. We had a great time hiking another section of the C/O Canal, talking with park rangers, eating a late lunch and learning about John Brown. Fascinating!

3. After 5 years of waiting, I finally have a treadmill! Woo Hoo! I've been kicking up my fitness and weight loss efforts here and ran 3.9 miles yesterday. Thankyou Craigslist!

4. I am attempting to get ready to leave on Thursday with 9 other girls for the annual Scrapbooking Retreat to Massanutten! I've printed about 500 pictures and hope to complete 2 albums or at least come close to it.  This winter, I want to complete 1 more album I'm designing.

5. Bible Study with some local homeschool Moms a couple of times a month is going great. I really enjoy getting together and encouraging one another in this narrow road of education we feel called to for our kids. They are a great group and I can't wait to see them all tonight.

6. We have orders! Kuwait is a very real thing now!! No turning back once the orders arrive. The preparations will pick up steam around the first of the year. Stay tuned for more updates.

7. In keeping with our Total Money Makeover here, we sold my Ford Edge this month.  We can't take it to Kuwait with us and it just seemed silly to continue to make payments on a car we truly don't need. Our debt reduction is now down 50% on the year! If you have financial struggles....just 'do Dave Ramsey' It's so worth it!

8. Adam has been moved to a 3rd facility to continue to work on his mental health issues. The situation is quite grave for us as his parents and John and I would just ask that you continue to pray for us.  Thanks!

Time to start school....off to a busy day!

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

First Paper Trey Playhouse Challenge

2010-10-03T17:16:00.000-04:00

In order to keep the creative juices flowing through the upcoming winter when life can get gloomy, I decided to join a group of crafters from Paper Trey Ink. Our new group is the Paper Trey Playhouse. For our first challenge, we were to use felt on any project. Well, I'd not used felt before! This was a fun challenge. I decided to incorporate it into a new Birthday Binder that Paper Trey released on 15 September. I hope to finish the inside of the binder in the next couple of weeks.

All products are Paper Trey Unless noted below.

Inks: Vintage Cream and Basic Black (SU)
Card Stock: Raspberry Fizz, Ripe Avacado
Felt: White
Twine from SU
Raspberry Fizz button
Stamps: Wreath for All Seasons, Calendar Basics
Dies: Mat Stack number 3, Top Note (SU)

Celebrating Life!

2010-09-27T16:29:00.002-04:00

A time to celebrate what we've been doing in life inspite of the obstacles around us.

Below are some pictures of:
First Day of School in jammies with math blocks

First Day of Classical Conversations and giving our family presentation

Recess with new classmates at CC!

Cub Scout Trip to Fort Mc Henry in Baltimore to raise the Flag over the fort. Grandpa Coombs and Cousin David, too!

First BB gun shooting in the back yard with a lesson from Grandpa

First time practicing and playing catcher for this years Kid Pitch team!

Long 4 mile hike on the Maryland side of Great Falls National Park. (Next on the to-do list: Harper's Ferry....this coming Sunday I think....)

So much to celebrate!
enjoy!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Learning Perspective in the Pit

2010-09-24T08:18:00.000-04:00

But to deviate from the truth for sake of some prospect of hope of our own could never be wise, however slight that deviation may be. It is not our judgement of the situation which can show us what is wise, but only the truth of the Word of God. Here alone lies the promise of God's faithfulness and help. It will always be true that the wisest course for the disciple is always to abide solely by the Word of God in all it's simplicity- Dietrich Bonhoeffer

I found the above quote this week in my reading and was surprised to find that it so aptly described our 9 months working with our son's first treatment placement.

Week after week, Friday after Friday John and I would have strategy sessions on the phone or over coffee in the early mornings on how we were going to defend our family's Christian faith, values and the things that make us the Coombs'. There were many times we'd sit in therapy sessions, treatment meetings with probation officers, social workers and listen to the psychologist spew their venom at us.

"Your son is just the scapegoat for all that's going wrong in your family. Come into the 21st Century, live like the rest of us. Try this new way of meditation and mode deactivation. It's better for you. Your father has too much control over your home. It's your parent's fault. Your service in caring for your children is as if you worship them."

Wow the world is a dark, broken place. From the safety of the pit, standing on the Root of Israel for support (Romans 11), we held our ground. It exhausted us week after week, but we held on to the simplicity of Scripture as Bonehoeffer writes. We had 3 healthy children that were healing at home, they were all safe, growing, learning and we held onto eachother as a family should with times so tough. We studied and discussed God's word in our tough times. John's mantra was the verse from Job that says "Though he slay me, yet will I trust Him." Finally, we received a victory! After one particularly grueling session with "Adam's new Mom" as we called his therapist, John and I clasped hands and walked right to the administration building. I can't for the life of me remember what was said to the CEO during that impromptu meeting, but the next week we heard. "Well, I just don't get it, but you guys are a WW II era family living in the 21st century. Your values are Duty, God, Country, Service. You've not changed one bit in the last 7 months and clearly these are your family's values."

Can you shout AMEN?! I looked at the man and replied, "Thankyou, that's the nicest compliment we've ever received." It was then that the treatment facility wanted to discharge our boy, asap. Within 2 months of that meeting, Adam moved to his current location where finally, truth is being revealed into who and what Adam is dealing with inside.

Next Monday, our precious first born son, is moving to a locked down adolescent psychiatric facility rather far away from our home. He's out of touch with reality, lives in a fantasy world where anger controls and drives him. He's very unsafe. It would be so easy for me in my heart of hearts as his mother to grieve in despair at the injustice of it all. But that's not the perspective the last 16 months has given us. God has shown Himself faithful to us. We are all growing and recovering, our boy is getting help, Christ is our Glorious Advocate! The Holy Spirit continues to move us to make phone calls at just the right time for all the red tape to be cut through. We are clinging to the simplicity of His beautiful Word. It brings life to the disciple.

The more I walk this road of mental illness, the more committed I/we become to eachother and the bond that we have as family. The longer the road becomes, the more I/we need Him to hold our hands, carry us through the crags and set us on more even ground. Perspective shows me that the simplicity of Scripture has done just that.

And though this world with devils filled
Should threaten to undo us
We will not fear for Thou has willed
His truth to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim,
we tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure,
for lo his doom is sure.
One little word can fell him.

We love you, Jehovah our Provider and Advocate.

Living by Faith

2010-09-14T11:57:00.000-04:00

Everyone needs compassion, a love that's never failing, let Mercy fall on me. Everyone needs forgiveness, the kindness of a Savior, the Hope of nations. Savior, He can move the mountains, my God is Mighty to Save!

This song has become my theme for the time in the terrible pit. After the initial few weeks were over, we settled into a routine we would keep up for several months. John was home every Friday to manage lawyers, therapy appointments, insurance issues, and social workers.

When the rubble had settled the decision was made by the Commonwealth of Va that I, as the Mom, was to blame for the destruction that occurred in our home. We were left without recourse against the boy and family who'd played truth or dare and assalted our precious boy to begin with.

As my husband and I prayed and prayed over our family and begged Christ to be our advocate in a juvenille system we didn't understand, God was at work and using other people to meet immediate needs. He was clearly being our Advocate! Yet at the time I just couldn't see it through the pain.

A precious family that I met in our local crafting circle was all to familiar with what we were going through. They have been there for us through everything, counseled, prayed, crafted with me through tears, held my hand, signed me up for Bible Studies, explained the new-to-us sex offender lingo and on and on. They have become some of our sweetest friends over the course of the last 15 months.

Another angel God used was actually a group of women from Ft. Lee, Va PWOC. Cheri called and said "Wanna go to Women of Faith? I've got a spot for you and it's on me/PWOC." Best decision I ever made: I WENT! What a breath of fresh air to my heavy laden spirit and body. A girlfriend I could talk to about old times in Italy, new directions for Sr. leaders in the Army we both knew as well as our own children and circumstances. The talks and music were God inspired and I came away from that weekend with my first bit of strength in many, many weeks. Before leaving the conference, I purchased several CDs of inspirational music for my car. I would listen to them each time I drove to and from seeing our son. I'd cry, pray and praise and remember God's promises to His people on each trip.

It was about this time that God began to give me a real heart for hurting Moms and the burdens we each share. Coming out of jails, treatment facilities, courtrooms I'd continually see tears, Bibles, and clasped hands in prayer. I hugged them. We'd chat a bit in our tears and hold eachother up as best as we could. Some moms I only saw once or twice before their child was transfered, some I got to know a bit better.

Christ was and continues to be our Advocate. He continued to block the flaming darts of the Enemy while we were searching for the way out of the pit. Charges against me were dismissed as quickly as they were brought up. I remember coming home and crawling into bed after being in Court that day. It was all I could do. I laid there thinking how many other Mothers are out there hurt like this? How can I reach them, Lord? What would you have me to do if I could?

That's when it was time to go back to Hebrews and read about the heros of the Faith. It was time to fall flat on my face before the Lord and pray for directions, restoration and healing. Now Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

By faith we are believing and walking the above verse from Hebrews. We cannot see it at this time, but I no longer doubt (and I did in the beginning!!!) that God will receive Glory for the things we are experiencing right now. By faith I believe in the restoration of Job and his wife and family. By faith I believe; My God is Mighty to Save.

Light in the Darkness

2010-09-07T12:27:00.000-04:00

I know, the title is so cliche; isn't it? But now looking back over the last 15 months of our lives I can see that there was Light in the deep pit of our darkness.

Our darkness is named Sexual Abuse. It's filthy and disgusting and brings me to tears just to type it. All of us have been affected by it. At the end of the long fall into the darkness we had one child in juvenille detention and all of us in desperate need of help.

I've often identified with the prophet Elijah in my Walk with the Lord.

1 Kings 17:3-5 Get away from here and trun eastward, and hide by the Brook Cherith, which flows into the Jordan. And it will be that you shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there. So he went and did according to the word of the LORD.

After our horrifying day and night with the local authorities I found myself sitting in my chair, numb and pondering the ravens our family needed. After all, the darkness was deep, dank and the path out that we could barely see at the time was narrow. We needed comfort, compassion, food and water. Yet, at the time, we had no home church and no real support around us.

Even given all of those circumstances, God's ravens (I now call them our angels) were coming. They were our Light in the Darkness.

The first Raven: Friends from Europe who live not far away from us now answered the phone, left church services, jumped in the car and got here to take our sweet little guy home with them for his protection. This family chatted, texted and prayed for us every day those first few horrible days when pain was so fresh.

The next Raven: homeschooling, email friends from many years ago brought us food. A huge pot of chicken soup with little oyster crackers and a salad was food for us when we could barely hold anything down. I remember Heidi coming to the house that day, looking and me, hearing our story and crying with me. What a testimony of the Savior. What tenderness she gave us. Heidi was also a provider of HELP that we needed. A good Christian Counselor and phone number to call for help.

The final Raven that was needed to prepare us for the journey ahead was my parents. It took 48 hrs for them to walk through my front door from Florida. That's when I fell on the floor, literally. There's something about a girl's Dad that just allows her to go to pieces. Grandma Pam cooked, baked, dried my tears, made coffee, cleaned up messes and ironed my son's shirt for Court. They watched the kids while we had appointments with lawyers, doctors, insurance companies, CPS social workers and police officers.

The inital few weeks passed and although very unstable on our feeble legs, we were being nourished and prepared for the long road ahead of us. I am so grateful to those that were our Light in the Darkness. Thankyou for responding to the Lord's call to provide and care for us.

In My Home Recently

2010-09-02T16:53:00.002-04:00

I can't believe so much time has gone by since I've updated my blog. There's been a ton happening and I've highlighted a few things in the pictures below.

Here are a few things that have been happening in our home.

1. John took the girls on a date to D.C. to walk the Mall and see all the monuments. Lyndsay hadn't had a chance to see them all yet. They had a great day and finished up with pizza at our family's recently discovered place near John's office. We all love the Italian Style Brick Oven pizzas. I hear they enjoyed themselves!!

2. I found a butterfly chair perfect for Emily's room at a Consignment sale. Emily wanted a little table for it to hold a drink and popcorn while she watches movies in her room at night. John obliged and they both spent a Saturday making a cute little table for her. Emily did some sawing, nailing, painting and even added the butterfly decals. Great job, Emily!

3. Jesse is always around the BBQ grill with John and has learned to take whatever we have going off the grill. Yes, my heart beats several extra times as this is occuring, but he's growing up. The picture below is of Jman pulling off chicken wings. Yummy!!

4. Lyndsay has left for college and I nearly sobbed buckets. The house is so lonely without her. We are having a hard time adjusting around here to the new level of quiet after having our Sister for 4 months. She's doing great as a Jr. at Olivet and is very excited about FINALLY hitting the nursing books.

5. I've been working out like a mad woman around here. I'm in a 10,000 step a day challenge with a few other gals on line. I've started taking early morning walks and am doing great. I've hit my weight milestone this week! I celebrated with a Mocha Frappuccino Light from Starbucks today.

6. Our school year is off to a great start. The kids are doing well at home and happy with their new materials. Classical Conversations is going very well. My Co-op kids are great. I'm so glad I signed up to Tutor. I don't think I could handle just sitting in the room as a parent the whole time. We are learning all of our Basic Grammar in History, Science, English Grammar, Math Skip Counting, Latin Conjugations and on and on.

7. I've discovered a new company for Stamp and Scrapbooking supplies: Paper Trey Ink. Go check them out. I'm enjoying their forums, gallery and products tremendously. I'm currently working on a stamp project to give John on his upcoming birthday using Paper Trey Stamps.

8. I've found a Torah Observant Ministry I really, really like. Jim Stanley at Passion for Truth Ministries. I'm listening to his series on the Commandments right now. It's an 8 part series that can be found on his website.

I have a new essay I'm brain storming as well as a talk I'm preparing to give. Please keep our family in your prayers as we seek to serve Him and learn more about Hebraic Roots. The Fall Feasts are coming up! Please check out my girlfriend Stephanie's blog on the right. She's just written a beautiful essay on her family and their Torah Observant life.

Enjoy the pictures.

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Poignant: Deeply Affecting

2010-08-18T13:17:00.001-04:00

"Jean! Why didn't you take the candle sticks as I told you?" the aging Cardinal replied to the bound-in-chains convict.

I sat in a room-full of beautiful women and experienced a poignant talk on Servant leadership given by Paul Stanley. Mr. Stanley, former leader of the Navigators, used the famous scene from Les Miserables to bring home a powerful concept: Our things aren't really ours.

I'd had the pleasure of taking in "Les Mis" on the West End theatre disctrict in London 5 years ago. The setting is France just prior to the Revolution. The French seek liberation from a cruel, unfeeling King. I witnessed the above exchange from my high balcony seat and was stunned at the generosity of the cardinal and thought no more of it until 2 weeks ago sitting in Mr. Stanley's talk.

Suddenly, in a room full of servant-leader-seeking moms the impact of the Cardinal's actions toward Jean Valjean, a common thief, struck a chord in my heart.

Jean stole from the Cardinal the night before after seeking refuge and having it given to him. A full belly, a warm bed graciously given by the Cardinal was returned with Jean waking in the night and stealing the silver. Jean, found later the next morning, is returned to the Cardinal by the Police, who seek to press charges. The Cardinal quickly replies that Jean forgot the rest of the silver set, gets it for him and sends him on his way with genuine relief, not regret.

The Cardinal clearly understands that the 'things' he may own aren't really his. They belong to the Lord, to be used as He sees fit and to further His Kingdom.

What a precious, poignant picture of Christ's love.

I've been turning the idea of such servant leadership over and over in my mind. Can I currently say, at this moment, that everything we have in our home belongs to the Lord? Am I, are WE, willing and even DESIROUS to part with our talents, gifts, prayers, sleep, or in my case my beloved pottery and china collection?

I continue to seek the Holy Spirit and ask Him to reveal anything in my/our life that need to be given over to Him completely, for His use. I'm certain there's more to be written on this in the days to come....

Lyndsay's Famous Peppermint (Candy Cane) Biscotti

2010-08-13T11:04:00.001-04:00

3 and 1/2 Cups of All Purpose Flour
1 t baking powder
1/2 t salt
1 Cup sugar (splenda works, too!)
1 stick softened butter (1/2 C)
2 T water
1 t peppermint extract
2 large eggs
1 C finely crushed peppermint candy divided
1/2 C slivered almonds-toasted (Lyn never toasts them)
4 squares of white chocolate or white chocolate morsels melted over double boiler

1. Pre heat oven to 350 degrees and line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper. Toast Almonds if desired. Combine all dry ingredients.
2. Beat sugar, butter, water, peppermint extract and eggs in a large bowl with electric mixer until well blended. All flour mixture and 1/2 C crushed candies and almonds. Beat until blended.
3. Divide dough in 1/2. Shape each half into a 10" by 3" log. Place each on a perpared cookie sheet. Bake 30 minutes or until center is firm to the touch. Let cool 15 to 20 minutes.
4. Using a serrated knife, cut logs diagnolly into half inch slices. Bake 7 minutes on each side for softer biscotti or up to 12 minutes per side for harder biscotti. Edges will be browned all around.
5. Dip each cookie halfway into melted white chocolate then dip in remaining candies to coat the chocolated end. Allow to dry. Store in a tightly covered container.
ENJOY!

Courage

2010-08-10T19:05:00.000-04:00

Last week found me on the ball fields with my children. Emily and Jman had games at the same time on neighboring fields that required Lyndsay and I to divide the Coombs' cheer squad. Technology is wonderful during these times as we frantically text back and forth the plays on the field and how our Clan is fairing. One text I received from Lyndsay stated, "She's pitching!" I couldn't believe it. My amazing Emily was up on the mound, showing great courage and pitching her first softball game. I immediately jumped up and looked over at the field, one eye on Jesse and the other scanning for Emily. There she was! Fearless and pitching her heart out! I felt our family's life verse come to my mind "Be Strong and Courageous do not be terrified do not be discouraged for the Lord, your God is with you where ever you go." Joshua 1:9

As I sat back down; that verse stayed in my soul for a few minutes. I missed a few plays on both fields while chewing on the idea of courage. How many times do we need to summon every ounce of courage that we can muster to move forward in our Walk with the Lord? My kids and I have tagged along this nutty, busy, thrilling and at times, sorrowful, military career of John's. It has required great amounts of courage on our part to pack up and move 12 times in 20 years including 3 international moves. Courage was needed to meet new friends, find new churches to attend, new homeschool groups to join, doctors to see, cars to repair and finances to reshuffle with ever changing cost of living rates.

How many times I've simply wanted to stay in bed and not face the demands of the day! Yet, as mothers of children to train, we can't allow ourselves to be held hostage by the 'what ifs' each day could hold. We may not feel like pitching that day or being part of a team during trying circumstances of life. However, we must grab hold of our Bibles and take a few minutes to draw our broods in close for some courage summoning time.

My current Bible Study is leading me through the Patriarchs. I've been struck by Sarai, Abram's wife. Abram was called to leave Ur and go…”to a land that I will show you.” (Genesis 12:1) Sarai, in obedience to her husband, left her home in Ur, taking her aging father in law, nephew and household along. Can you imagine the courage it took to stay in the seat of that camel with the skyline of your home fading with every step? She didn't know for sure where she was going. There was no way for her to know just how long this was going to go on or where her new home would be! Would she know the language when she got there? Think about it. Let's not spiritualize our ancestors too much. Consider, they were just people, called by God. Sarai's great courage to follow her husband, to eventually become the Matriarch of Nations again etched Josh 1:9 on my soul.

The rest of the ball game I don't remember except my beautiful girl had a great time and played well. What a thrill it is to watch her grow and try new things. I believe it's time to show her a few verses in Genesis about a woman who was also called up to play an important role involving courage, Sarai.

In My Home Recently

2010-08-03T09:16:00.000-04:00

It's busy times in our household right now. School, ministry, Cub Scouts, Classical Conversations as well as our move next year are the topics of our discussions. I'm leaving for a weekend intensive of ministry planning on Thursday. Please be praying for me as I go and my family back here holding down the fort. Here's what's been happening in my home recently.

1. I've started reading More Love to Thee, The Life and Letters of Elizabeth Prentiss. I've barely scratched the surface on all the Biblical nuggets contained in this book. I found a wonderful quote in the Preface that spoke to my heart. "Much of my experience of life has cost me a great price and I wish to use it for strengthening and comforting other souls."
Oh, that my hands, words, and actions would comfort others for Him. That's my hearts cry for this coming school year.

2. We are continuing our studies in the Old Testament and moving from a Greek mindset to a Hebraic mindset. John is reading through Our Father Abraham and we are discussing it. Most Sabbath mornings we are listening to an exegisis on the book of Galations that can be found at www.graftedin.com/morelessons. Ariel's teaching is wonderful. I feel just like I'm in a Sunday School class. Even if you don't agree with the perspective, the maturing Believer will learn from this straight forward teaching.

3. So much to read, so little time!! I've also started reading The Core by Leigh Bortins. This year we're starting with Classical Conversations as the spine for our home studies. Visit www.classicalconversations. com for more information on this wonderful program. I believe the auditory learning with hands on activities and the challenge of the children's peers will grow them in memorization of basic facts. I'm feeling a deep pull to ground the children in Truth before we move to the Middle East. A classical education is a great way to instill those Core values.

4. The children are reading for an hour each day while I exercise. They had been balking about it. "AN HOUR! Come on, MOM!" Little do they know how their reading is improving this summer. They are doing a great job.

5. Jman bought a set of walkie talkies that we are using to communicate with as he travels about the neighborhood from friend to friend. Yes, it's a bit nerve racking with all the 'checking in' he does. But hey, he's 8! All to soon he will be 9. I loving every minute of our radio communications.

6. Meal preparation is on my list of things that need more of my attention. I took a fist-full of coupons and menus and headed to the Commissary on Saturday. We have 4 meals of Beef Stroganoff made and seasoned chili starters in the freezer. Today I'll whip up 2 meatloaves for the freezer and we'll continue to enjoy last night's large batch of chili with a salad and fresh fruit.

7. We are out of fresh bread and I'll need to get some wheat ground today and my handy bread maker going!

8. While on post on Saturday someone noticed that my safety sticker expired and left me a note on my windshield! I didn't know I had a safety sticker. I'll need to try and squeeze a trip into the shop.

9. Have you discovered Kohls yet? It's a new find for me. Nearly 4 years back in the USA and I feel that I'm just settling into the ways of living in America again. (Still don't like the food here, tho!) Well, I decided to spend this month's clothing allowance on ME! I had a blast at Kohls yesterday! I picked up 6 new tops and 2 pairs of capri pants and saved 55% off the sticker price or better! I'll feel pretty on my trip this week in some new clothes. (And in a new size to boot!)

I guess that about wraps things up for now. I'll be back next week with my head swimming with ideas for ministry to Moms! Have a great week. Leave a comment! Let me know how things are going with your Walk and how I can be praying for each of you!

" Fortunately for us, our faith does not entitle us to heaven anymore than our stupidity shuts us out of it; when we get there it will be through Him who loved us." Elizabeth Prentiss.
Keep Growing in Him girls! Learn His ways! Keep His commandments.

Love and Shalom,
Kellie

Scouting on the Mall! The Grand Centennial Parade!

2010-07-26T08:49:00.000-04:00

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!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

More Stepping....

2010-07-19T12:21:00.000-04:00

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....

Let No Pagan Judge You 1/3

2010-07-15T08:35:00.000-04:00

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

Stepping....yet again.

2010-07-14T15:19:00.001-04:00

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!

Jim Staley/Truth or Tradition (Part 1/9)

2010-07-13T08:12:00.001-04:00

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.

Sabbath Studies and Fellowship

2010-07-11T09:47:00.000-04:00

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.

The Jonah Code - DISC 1 (1 of 11)

2010-07-10T14:58:00.001-04:00

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!

Pictures of our busy summer

2010-07-07T12:29:00.004-04:00

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

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.

Priceless

2010-07-01T09:04:00.002-04:00

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!

A new Blog Find

2010-06-28T19:57:00.003-04:00

My girlfriend and I were furiously discussing the new Stampin Up Catalog today when we just had to take a break in the conversation (it calms the creativity down sometimes to just change the subject...we DO get to rambling about the choices to make in design....) Karen had us come up for some air this evening saying "You know the Proverbs 31 devotional I get everyday? Well, considering the ways we've discussed cooking recently, you may just enjoy this blog! It came as a new promo on Proverbs 31 yesterday." So, Karen sent me the link and off I went to investigate.

Wouldn't you know it, another Lee Ann in my life! See, if you are going to be a good buddy of mine you have to be named Dawn, Kellie or Leigh Ann, Karen (Or any spelling of the previous....) There are several of you and you know who you are!

Check out this sweet new blog(new button on the left-She Cooks) to bring a spring back into your culinary life! More soon....today has been a BIG day around here and there's lots to blog about once I get my head around it myself!

More June Happenings

2010-06-19T09:36:00.002-04:00

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Just had to add a few more pictures to my blog. It was wonderful to see Tanya again this month, even under such hard circumstances. I'll be making a road trip to see her soon! 20th bday cupcakes for Lyndsay before her heading out for NYC with Chris and his family to celebrate. Art Co-op is something new for us. We started last month with a group of kids from our homeschool group. We watch the DVDs from How Great Thou Art with Barry Stebbing, then we work our art out together. The pic is of the kids finishing up yesterday's assignments once we arrived back home. The Card pics are from Stamp Club last night.

Now, on to order curriculum...look out bank account, here I come! Everyone enjoy your weekend!

June Happenings

2010-06-16T16:00:00.002-04:00

June has been crazy already!

We started out our first month of summer with a trip to the Capitol in DC. After our usual snapshot on the metro, we walked from Union station to the Visitors Center and had a great day touring through the rotunda, taking an interactive quiz and looking through the museum. Wonderful day!

We followed this trip up with some testing for Emily. Lo and behold, she's dyslexic and I now have the test scores to prove it! This is really a tremendous blessing to know exactly where she stands and how to help her academically. The developmental peds docs at Bethesda Naval Hospital are just wonderful. So, my plans for school in the fall have all changed and I'm reselling all the good stuff I got used already to put together the BEST choices for Em and Jess. We are still doing A Classical Curriculum...using Classical Conversations as our cornerstone, but will put off using Tapestry of Grace until Emily is more up for it. (Ok, so it's not Emily that it's too much for...it's me. I have a lot of learning to do to present materials to her in the just the right way.)

My summer reading list has greatly changed. I believe you can find me at swim club this year with my newest dyslexia book on my lap, researching the tips and tricks to helping Em. I've already read 1 book, set 1 book aside and have started on a 3rd.

Well, June was also the time to head to Fla and spend sometime with the Gray Family after my Dad's death last Thanksgiving. I was able to bring home a small urn and a special leather wallet I made him at about age 11. The pictures of us in the spa with glasses of wine was wonderful! After talking and eating and walking down memory lane, we made new memories together. Hey, can I put a plug in for my Aunt at age 69 and Uncle at 71....pretty amazing!

I also took in a day at the beach with my Aunt on Sanibel Island. Ceasar Salads, Cokes and sun lotions! Gorgeous Day. Ball Tournaments are in full swing and it's time to head to the field for another evening of sunflower seeds and cheering!

I'm grateful for the rest in sunny S. Fla and am ready to hit the pool for the summer! Potluck for Father's Day! What do you bring to a pool party potluck with 95 other families?!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

That's a wrap!

2010-05-27T13:47:00.002-04:00

I can't believe that we've wrapped up another school year already. This morning as we finished Ralph Moody's Little Britches we put a lid on our 15th year of homeschooling. It was a great year and I did something I've never done before: I waited. As the snow drifts of winter mounted in the months of January and February I found myself content in finishing up pieces of our curriculum early and simply waiting for direction from YHWH on what to do next. Typically, I'm a mad woman waiting for March to arrive so I can begin planning the next year in step with all the other moms who L O N G to be finished with their curricula too! I'm so glad I waited.
I felt a need to not move forward with our next history rotation in American History. I couldn't get past a pull to go back to the Ancients and back to Creation and beginnings. Through my research and prayer and waiting on Him all things came together beautifully.
Our move next year where the Tigris and Euphrates River run into the Arabian Gulf gives me chills! The Fertile Crescent! The beginnings of Western Civilization! Yep, time to go back to the Ancients. I'm preparing this summer by studying The Patriarchs, a Beth Moore Study from Genesis 12-50. Learning from Romans 11 that the Root of our Ancestors support us and not the other way around has been very eye opening for me. I believe this Bible study will help me with our studies of the Biblical Feasts beginning in August.
For History studies we'll be using Tapestry of Grace Ancients, Year 1. I enjoy the classical formula of education and I have 2 students who need a lot of hands on activities. Tapestry of Grace is perfect for us. We'll rotate through Years 1-4 with Tapestry following the classical model enjoying the lapbooks, salt dough crafts, map work and notebook creations that are in the guide for homeschool moms to use. Please click on the buttons on the left side of the blog and take a look at Tapestry of Grace, it might just be a great fit for your family too! You can start with any year of history you'd like.
I've just enjoyed my first lunch of the summer with my big girl, the little 2 are enjoying a movie and it's now time to start on my summer reading list. The deck is calling! Happy Summer!!!

First Lesson From Patriarchs

2010-05-25T13:20:00.003-04:00

I only have a few quick minutes before I must dash out the door and run another of my brood to an appointment. I wanted to share a quote I read again this morning from page 18 of Beth Moore's study of the Patriarchs.

The quote is ascribed to F.B. Meyer

"....How much better would it have been for Abraham to have thrown the responsibility back on God, and to have said, "Thou hast brought me here; and Thou must now bear the whole weight of providing for me and mine: here I will stay till I clearly know what Thou wilt have me to do." If any should read these lines who have come into positions of extreme difficulty, through following the simple path of obedience, let them not look at God through difficulties, as we see the sun shorn of splendour through a fog; but let them look at difficulties through God. Let them put God between themselves and the disasters which threaten them. Let them cast the whole responsibility upon Him. Has He not thus brought you into difficulties, that He may have an opportunity of strengthening your faith, by giving some unexampled proof of His power? Wait only on the Lord, trust also in Him.....He will provide"

It's proving to be a hard few days of rebuilding at our house. These thoughts on Abram and Sarai taken after their initial arrival in Egypt (Gen 12) and presenting Sarai as Abram's sister have done my soul a world of good today.

Blessings to you!

Heros

2010-05-19T17:38:00.004-04:00

Instant communication is tough sometimes. How quickly we can text bad news or email a picture. Before we know it...BOOM! A video is uploaded to Fox News or CNN and we all know what's going on. Living in the D.C. metro area is a very fast paced way of living. I've spent much of the last 2 years wishing life would just slow down a bit here. It's frantic at times.
But today, I was very pleased with technology and its ability to inform quickly. I received a text from a tough Army Spouse about the most recent Army Widow. Out of respect for the freshness of so great a loss I won't name her. But I wanted to take the opportunity to use blogging, an instant form of communication, to let those close to me know; A Hero Died, very recently, on a far away battlefield. He left behind a beloved wife and gorgeous kids.
Would you all please join me in using your instant forms of communication and ask those you know to pray for this sweet family and the loss of their cherished husband and father?
Thanks!

Now to slow down the pace of communication and contemplate just the right card to create with the words to express my deepest sympathies to one of my beautiful PWOC Sisters.

Mother's Day Weekend

2010-05-10T10:09:00.003-04:00

Here are a few snapshots from Mother's Day weekend. We are so happily busy with Lyndsay in the house, baseball, softball, school work, church, dentist appointments, sale lists, Spring Cleaning that I have little time to write the many things that are on my heart.

Let me just say that I am so honored to be the mother of these amazing children. It's an honor to serve them, love them, train them, teach them, hold them and pray for them. Had I known 20 years ago what I was in store to learn along the way of pregnancy, childbirth, toddlers, messes and sin, I may have RUN! I'm so grateful that the Lord, in His perfect way has given me the Grace to be the mom to Lyndsay, Adam, Emily and Jesse. No matter what may come your way, sweet children, my arms are here to hold you, my wisdom I'll impart, and my prayers you will always have. I love you. Mom-Mom

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

In My Home Recently

2010-05-05T11:21:00.002-04:00

These are just some ramblings and snapshots of what's been going on in my home recently.

1. Bread baking, we are making at least 1 loaf a week using freshly ground wheat, beans, lentils and barley. I love grinding it in my Whisper Mill, adding organic honey and the rest of the ingredients into my "Zo" bread baking machine and wait for the smells to begin. I've added a picture from this mornings baking.

2. Emily's softball season has started. She has her first scrimmage tonight. We are looking forward to watching the Blue Angels show their stuff! We made a memory together at Monday night's batting practice. Em and I sought shelter under a pavillion together while waiting for the rain shower to pass. It was fun to be out in the rain with my girl!

3. Monday night we hosted Jesse's cubscout den for an end of year BBQ. Due to hosting and running to softball with Em, we didn't take any pictures. But we are still eating the leftovers and they are so yummy!

4. Lyndsay comes home tomorrow and we can't wait to have her here for the summer. She'll be buying a car, getting her wisdom teeth removed and taking one summer class online. Emily has been getting her room ready and making things pretty for her. What a great little sister she is!

5. We are winding down our school year and look forward to the end of May and the finish line. I've already started to work on next year's studies. But after some intial work, have decided to lay everything in large basket near my favorite chair and let it set awhile. Mom needs a summer, too!

6. We are blessed with amazing friends who went above and beyond in sending me something from 'home' that I needed. I made the card in the slide show below as a thankyou! So fun!

7. Couponing has gone great. I've saved about 6 weeks of grocery spending so far this year. Last week I used 117 coupons and saved around $135.00! I ran into a friend from Italy in the Commissary while shopping. It was great to see her and catch up. They move to Germany later this year. If we weren't bound for the middle east ourselves, I'd be jealous! (grin!)

8. Jesse helped John work on the lawn mower this last weekend. He did a great job. The airfilter doesn't seem to be the issue with it, but at least Jesse knows how to turn a screw, unhook the cover and replace the filter if we need it done again! Way to go Jman!

9. Well, just when I thought Jman played his best ball game ever, he out did himself again! 4 at bats, 2 singles, 1 RBI, 1 KO, 2 scores with head first dives into home. Plus there was that great stop and cut off throw from Right field! Awesome job!

That's about all for now. Enjoy the pictures!

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

April Picture/Happenings Wrap Up

2010-04-28T12:29:00.002-04:00

We are still coming down from the excitement of our move next year. The kids can't wait and Jesse especially thinks tomorrow is moving day. I've found a great line of books about ex-pat living in the Middle East and am anxiously waiting for it to arrive. (Explorer Publishing Co. for you overseas lovers)
Emily and Jesse have a month left of school and this homeschool Mom is ready to be finished with the year. We have continued with robotics in 4H, attended an art class taught by Mr. Berry Stebbing from How Great Thou Art, and started baseball and softball. Emily is still in practice mode with her team, but Jman played his best all around game last night with a single, catching a pop up for an out and holding a runner at 2nd!
Lyndsay will be home next week for a summer of rest and car shopping. She passed her nursing entrance exams with flying colors and is excited to get the party started in the fall with heavy duty nursing classes!
Adam is doing very well. He's growing and maturing quickly. We look forward to a possible return home this summer in preparation for his Jr. year of High School here at home. Keep praying for complete recovery for him, please!
John and I had a wonderful confirmation happen shortly after the command list came out. Wycliff Bible Translation called and asked John to come on staff as a logistics missionary! He/We got quite teary and had some sweet time of prayer committing this before the Lord and seeking direction from him. Ultimately we both believe that this is the Lord's way of confirming our desire to serve Him as missionaries, but not yet. We eagerly look forward to getting to know the Middle East and using that knowledge for Him in the future. While we wait for the correct timing we are continuing to Study the Word, Stay in Fellowship with our church, read more about the Old Testament and study our Hebraic Roots.
What a blessing for our family that this Spring, a time of rebirth, has brought direction and burden lifting from the Messiah.
Pray for me as I am seeking the Lord's continued direction for a conference I'd like to attend in August for Mom Heart Leaders. See my side bar link to I Take Joy for more information on Mom Heart Leadership Conference!

Enjoy the pictures!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Ancient Paths

2010-04-13T11:41:00.002-04:00

Jeremiah 6:16 Stand in the ways and see, And ask for the old paths, where the good way is, And walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls.

2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face..........

A time of confirmation is upon our family right now. We have spent a lot of time meditating and praying on the verses above the last couple of weeks.

However, I didn't know that the LORD's plan for the old paths would be moving to the Middle East! We are so excited to let you all know we are moving to Kuwait next year. John has received a contracting command and we'll be moving in 2011.

We can't wait to see where and how the LORD is going to use us to minister to others, continue to learn about the ancient paths, care for missionaries in the area and grow in His Holy Word.

We both believe that ministry is on the way and we've just had a confirmation happen in that regard that I need to keep private for now. Keep praying for us as we are for all of you!

Our next step in Old Testament Studies arrived today. We will be studying together; Our Father Abraham Jewish roots of the Christian Faith by Marvin R. Wilson.

Continuing on our Pilgrimage and seeking the Ancient Paths,
Kellie

Pilgrimage Continues

2010-04-08T15:19:00.004-04:00

PSALM 84:1-7 NKJV
How Lovely Is Your tabernacle, O LORD of hosts! My soul longs, yes, even faints for the courts of my LORD; My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. Even the sparrow has found a home. And the swallow a nest for herself, Where she may lay her young- Even Your altars, O LORD of hosts, My King and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in Your house; They will still be praising You. Selah

vs5 Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, Whose heart is set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, They make it a Spring; the rain also covers it with pools They go from strength to strength; Each one appears before God in Zion.

As I wrote a few weeks ago, I deeply enjoyed Beth Moore's study on the Psalms of the Ascents. I continue to find my heart set on Pilgrimage with Messiah, our Savior. We have certainly passed through the Valley of Baca (deep weeping and tears) and He has certainly made it a Spring to refresh ourselves from. Just as the Israelites of old traveled to Zion 3 times a year for the Feasts, we are on a pilgrimage to the New Zion, our Heavenly home where Messiah and His Father wait for us. We will appear before Him, Amen!

During my recent study, I was briefly introduced to these 3 Feasts of the Lord: Unleavened Bread, Passover, and First Fruits. John and I have both found ourselves compelled to learn more about these Feasts. It just so happens that I have this amazing girlfriend, Stephanie, who has been learning all about them. She and her sweet family are practicing a Messianic lifestyle. I am enjoying her website that I've posted on my Blog Roll. I'm so glad it's no longer password protected and I can share it with all of you again!

Anyway, this last weekend Christians around the world celebrated Easter, while followers of Messiah celebrated Passover Seder a few days before {if I understand correctly} (Mar 30). Currently the Jewish calendar is counting the omer to the day of Pentecost. (I hope to understand more about this next year!) As John and I researched Easter this last week, we were shocked to discover that the goddess "Easter" is a fertility god who came back to earth as an egg and emerged as a rabbit. Those who practiced worship to this goddess would engage in sex on the Feast of Easter and then sacrifice their newborn children the following year, dipping eggs in the blood spilled by the babies. For our family, we elected to leave our egg coloring kits untouched this year.

I would like to encourage all of you to just do a google search on the history of Easter and Easter as a fertility god. Then make some determinations for yourselves. Truth should always be sought.

John and I have certainly traveled through the Valley of Baca as our home caved in this last year. As we rebuild it, we find there are some things we simply can't put back in their old places. It would create a simliar fragility for us to deal with at a later date. So we sit at the Springs the Lord has created for us to drink from, seek His face through His beautiful Word, and learn more about our Messiah and how He is the reason to celebrate the Feasts today.

More to follow as we are in the infancy stages of our research, Bible time and prayer.

Let the Pilgrimage continue!!

Our Long Weekend!

2010-04-05T16:57:00.003-04:00

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

We had a blast this last weekend enjoying Chris and Lyndsay home from school. We celebrated what John and I believe to be our last egg hunt in our home. Next year, we believe we'll be showing Passover Pictures. We are studying more about our Hebraic Roots as we rebuild our home on Christ our Messiah and Him alone! (more on that in future posts.....) It was great to be together! Turn on your speakers so you can enjoy the music!

40!

2010-03-30T09:02:00.004-04:00

Here are a couple of shots from my 40th bday last week.

Baking and Couponing

2010-03-24T12:48:00.003-04:00

I try to bake a couple of items per week here at home. I'm back to making almost all of our bread these days and piling it up in the freezer. But for today's baking I pulled out a long forgotten recipe for homemade granola bars. This is just too easy:

3 C oats
1 C Chocolate Chips
1/2 C raisins
1/2 C sunflower seeds
2t sesame seeds (I threw in some peanuts as I was out of sesame seeds)
1/3 C wheat germ

Combine dry. Add to the following blended mixture
1C brown sugar
2/3 C peanut butter
1/2 C honey
1/2 C melted butter
2t vanilla

Blend well, place in greased 9 by 13 pan. Bake 350 for 20 min. (Edges begin to golden)

Cool, cut warm and serve!

My inbox this morning had my Harris Teeter weekly flier in it. Wouldn't you know it; they are having triples this week! I threw together some coupons that match up with the ads and headed the kids over there at about 11:00 this morning. They had everything I needed in stock! Out of pocket: 33.37 Saved: 56.61! That's 1.00 per pound on GORGEOUS skinless, boneless chicken breast in the picture!

Enjoy!

Open the Eyes of my Heart, Lord!-Fresh Vision

2010-03-11T07:57:00.003-05:00

When winter decended last December in a wicked snowstorm of record breaking proportions for No. Va. it left me relieved to be snowed inside my home. Spending a winter just doing the basics of mothering and life that makes us the Coombs Family gave me a sense of peace and comfort to try and tackle our rebuilding efforts inside our home. Lit candles, bread baking, tea on Monday nights with the Cub Scout moms, piano practice, school work, snowmen, hot chocolate and long talks with John were what my heart needed to begin a strengthening process. Yes, I received every flake of snow with gratitude this winter. I must admit, I longed for more those last storms of February. Just a few more days inside, being us, snowed in before the rebirth of Spring sounded heavenly, but alas, did not come to pass.

During this last winter season I attended a Bible Study on Sunday Nights on the Psalms of the Ascent, Stepping Up. Beth Moore wrote this Study and it was just made for our family in it's rebuilding efforts. I found myself planting my family firmly on each step of the Psalms, learning and leaning more on the Lord than ever. Becoming fully committed, once again, to serving my family and bringing the burdens of sorrow to Him to be used for His Kingdom. Once the final step was reached in my Bible Study, just as the Jews did at the end of the Feast in Jerusalem, I could clearly picture Christ standing up and saying for all to hear: ALL that you've just asked of your God is completed in Me! I am the drink offering! I'll pour myself out to you if you only come to Me when you thirst! When your land is dry just as when your soul is dry. I'll provide the Living Water needed for your restoration!

The last day of the Feast, at the end, was the breaking down period, you know the one I'm talking about. The clean up crew is restoring things to order in the facility you've just used and you can't bear to tear yourself away from the heart to heart with a friend you're having or in my case, the seeking of Fresh Vision for my family. I have a clear picture of myself, seated amongst the remnant that's not started back on the road to home yet,hearing from Him, being taught by Him, shown by Him, filled by Him.

As I sit, patiently before Him, continuing to cast off layers of sorrows, burdens, cares, anxieties I'm finding myself asking one thing of the Lord: Open the Eyes of my Heart, Lord. Help me/us to see this Goliath in our lives as You see it. Help John and I to have the heart that longs after You and sees the Victory that only you can provide over such a behemoth in our land. Just as you did for David and the Israelites so long ago.

Spring is almost upon us. The weather is warming, trees are budding a smidge and John and I saw yellow crocus sprouting out of the soil yesterday. We are feeling strength blossom from the safety of a winter's rest in our home. Just as the crocus will slowly and beautifully spring forth to open its petals to reveal Your beauty, do the same in our hearts, Lord. Open the eyes of our hearts, Lord. Keep us on the Pilgrimage to Joy, found in You and You alone.

Fresh Vision. Newness, rebirth. This coming Spring is filled with your Promises, Lord!

Homeschool Moms Retreat!

2010-03-08T12:28:00.006-05:00

The homeschool moms in my support group just blew me away on Saturday. Every winter, for the last 14 years now, they host a Moms Retreat. My interest was piqued when I discovered the planning committee consisted of 10 people. I soon began to relaize that this isn't just a day with cookies, cake, weak coffee and a simple devotional time and fellowship. Not this group of Moms! Moms from all the across the support group combine seating, dishes, coffee and tea urns, chafing dishes, creativity and hand grocery bags full of food over to a small group of homeschooled daugthers to do the cooking. Once those things are decided, a speaker from the group is decided upon, a theme, color for the day, table dressings, center pieces and on and on....oh! I can't forget the Worship Music! Totally wonderful!

I jumped in to do the programs, bookmarks and tags to decorate the large bucket of party of favors each mom left with!

Heidi opened her house for the retreat this year. She spent a week transforming the main floor of her house and basement. We had 40 women for a buffet breakfast at 8:30am followed by Worship and Speaking and a time of sharing downstairs. Then we all enjoyed a yummy lunch which featured panera sandwiches and yummy sides brought by all the moms. Back downstairs for more Worship, an afternoon devotional and another time of sharing our hearts and encouraging one another. About 3:45 we were released to enjoy tea and scones and various sweets around tables with fresh early spring tulips! At this point the Dads were sneaking in to begin claiming the chairs and couches that had been brought in for the event. Enjoy the pictures! We had a blast and I was thrilled with the way the Program Covers I made and tags turned out! How awesome to use budding crafting talent to bless so many sweet moms!

Over 20 - WOW!

2010-02-25T08:52:00.003-05:00

We had an awful lot to celebrate this last weekend. The Cub Scout Blue and Gold Banquet where Scouting celebrated its 100 year birthday. This shot was taken at Camp Snyder last Saturday night. Our kids won a tent and a lantern during the raffle. It's currently set up in the basement where they've been playing in it all week.

Then Sunday was Emily's 11th birthday. We celebrated on Saturday with a big shopping trip and then out to Olive Garden Sunday after church.

Then Monday came and its time to celebrate 20 years of military living. I am so proud of my amazing man. It seems like yesterday he was earning his Light Fighter WOLF HOUNDS! training certificate and I was surviving my very first field problem of 19 days. 20 years from Private to LTC....what an amazing ride. I have to admit to feeling much differently than I expected to upon reaching this milestone. I'm actually so excited deep down about the things to come. Thanks honey, for all of the overwhelming hard work through the years. I'm so proud of you and grateful to God for His provision for us through the military!

I'll have a February picture round up later over the upcoming weekend.

Stop Eating The Seed

2010-02-15T15:18:00.004-05:00

Sweet Sisters,

I want to take a minute and share a powerful concept I'm learning through Stepping Up, a journey through the Psalms of the Ascent, with Beth Moore.

PSALM 126 (HCSB)
Zion's Restoration
A song of ascents.

When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream.
Our mouths were filled with laughter then, and our tongues with shouts of joy.
Then they said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them."
The LORD had done great things for us; we were joyful.
Restore our fortunes, LORD, like watercourses in the Negev.
Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy.
Though one goes along weeping, carrying the bag of seed, he will surely come back with shouts of joy, carrying his sheaves.

How many times have you found yourself in one of those extra special, filled with the Holy Spirit church services? You know the ones I'm talking about. As soon as you walk into the sanctuary, you just know deep in your soul that the buffet about to be set before you is meant for YOU. It's going to be a service of learning, conviction and growth! You can't wait. The music is amazing, the sermon is powerfully and clearly delivered, you find yourself convicted of a sin at the end of the sermon and your eyes and heart begin to weep with understanding. The Word has been revealed to you and you have grasped a Truth, repented of a Sin, Rededicated your life to Him, chosen Baptism; whatever the situation may be. You leave service after crying and worshiping at the Altar and feel a large burden lifted from your soul. You have sowed the Word in tears and are shouting for joy on the way home while your children are covering their ears to the TOO LOUD Worship Music playing on your car stero. This time you are going to see results from these Seeds sown, you just know it!

Can you relate? I know I can. But let's see if you can relate to this next piece of the Christian Walk.

Let me ask you this: Do you leave the Seed, God's Word, that you've sown in the ground to produce fruit or do you later in the week, after some circumstance arises go back, dig out the Seed and eat it? On Sunday we've been clearly 'touched' by a sermon at church and by Tuesday night, we're mad, upset, angry, back in the same sin and frustration/irritation that we left at the altar on Sunday! We were hungry, we couldn't wait for the sheaves to grow to Harvest from; we needed that seed to get through this old, ugly circumstance/sin that just came up again!

My Bible Study has had me chewing and chewing on this very topic for 2 weeks now. On page 82 of Stepping Up Beth writes ...."God's Word is meant to be applied to our reality.....surely God did not mean us to apply His truth to our reality because He knows how difficult this or that person (or circumstance) is to love. What just happened? We ate the seed instead of sowing it."

God is not unfaithful. He is True, Steadfast, our Rock. He desires to give us a Harvest! He keeps His promises. Take a few minutes and read Luke 8:11-15. Look at the parable of the Sower. Oh, how I long for my heart to be the richest of soil to receive His Seed! Then to sow it, wait for a harvest that only He can create and eat from the richest of fare!

As our family continues to rebuild; we are sowing the Word with our tears and choosing to patiently wait for the restoration to come.

Blessings to each of you!

The Day After

2010-02-07T10:08:00.004-05:00

Well, we lost power yesterday for about 6 hrs. We stayed warm in the living room with the gas fireplace, made hot chocolate and worked our way through a read aloud which I hope to finish later today. We are happily home for the foreseeable future. The kids will be schooling before playing and sledding with friends or we'll never be finished with this school year.

John made chili this morning while a neighbor and I chopped out and dug out the end of the driveway. Full of compacted snow and ice! I guess we'll be forced to watch the Super Bowl tonight and enjoy the REMAKE of my BEARS and the SUPERBOWL SHUFFLE FROM 1985! Enjoy the pictures!

Blizzard Picture in our front yard

2010-02-06T14:01:00.002-05:00

More to come on the snowman build. Wind is whipping, snow is slowing....drifts are going to be a mess tonight!

Bizzard of 2010 Pictures

2010-02-06T09:39:00.005-05:00

Notice my beautiful new mailbox this morning. I took this picture from the garage. Jesse tried to help keep up last night to give the dogs a path to the back yard. As I took this picture of him he said, "A man's, gotta do what a man's gotta do, Mom. I risked my life!" Then he gave me a high five!

More pics later. Another foot expected today!

January Picture Wrap Up

2010-02-03T09:40:00.006-05:00

Our head and hearts are swimming with so many insights we are gaining from great Bible Study Time, our new small group, visits with Adam etc. I'm so sorry I haven't posted in awhile. I have 3 or 4 journaling entries I'm working on in my mind and heart but have yet to straighten them out enough to post. They will be forth coming, however. Here are a few pictures from January. Pinewood Derby, 4H robots finished, goofing off at home and a trip to the Kennedy Center for a performance of acrobats followed by a tour of the facility.

A new mailbox

2010-01-19T09:25:00.005-05:00

It might seem silly to you, but where this Army wife receives her mail is a big deal. A nice mailbox to me has always meant: HOME!
I asked for a new mailbox for Christmas. While John wasn't able to quite find the right shade of red I'd wanted; he did find this burgandy beauty for me. Yesterday, in the gorgeous weather, he put it up! Thanks honey!

Coombs Leave Mark on the Hill!

2010-01-16T07:19:00.002-05:00

Ok, ok, ok.....I think the Hill really left it's mark on us.
In our home we have some concerns regarding legislation currently pending on Capitol Hill. With our proximity to D.C. John thought it was time to go visit our Congresswoman from the 19th district of Illinois, Debbie Halvorsen, and respectfully present our opinions on Healthcare and Veteran's Affairs. Her staffers took about a half hour with us and we were able to snag this picture with Mrs. Halvorsen as she was running out the door to go vote and the return home to Illinois for an extended MLK Jr. weekend. She's an amazing lady and very, very gracious. I think Emily recognized that I was about ready to cry because during the picture she reached back and grabbed my hand in support. What an amazing honor to walk up to Capitol Hill and present your opinions and to be heard! God Bless America!!!

Psalm 120

2010-01-12T09:56:00.002-05:00

At the ringing in of the New Year I posted some things that I was looking forward to in 2010. One of those things is the Psalms of the Ascent Bible Study called Stepping Up by Beth Moore. Well, we kicked off on Sunday evening and I am now on day 2 of homework. Oh wow is all I can say. Here is Psalm 120 and some of my personal thoughts based on Beth's questions follow.

PSALM 120
In my distress I called to the LORD, and He answered me.
"LORD, deliver me from lying lips and a deceitful tongue."
What will He give you and what will He do to you, you deceitful tongue?
A warrior's sharp arrows, with burning charcoal!
What misery that I have stayed in Meshech, that I have lived among the tents of Kedar!
I have lived too long with those who hate peace.
I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war.

Gosh, don't we all feel just like that sometimes? We feel like aliens living in a foreign country with conflict and strife all around us. How on earth are we supposed to choose to take the high road in conflict situations when people who thrive on conflict are all around us?
If you're like me at all, you know that you've "...gotten in the mud with them." as Beth states. We've got to choose to get out of the mud with them! Take the high road and voice to the God who hears pain we've suffered on the low road.

It's so easy to loose our joy, our holy passion for Him when we are living in Meshch or the tents of kedar. (insert your own places of living right now...stressful parents, teenagers, co-workers, church workers, No. Va., family who just don't get you.)

This morning I took this Psalm, worked over it and then got on my face before the Lord to cry out all my conflict. When we get on our face, low to the ground before Him and cry out to Him; He hears us! Verse 1 says HE answered me! We are taking the highroad by getting low and humble before Him. I am certain that I will have answers to all the conflicts going on right now in my life as well as the certainty that through being His Servant and choosing to be humble. All situations will be brought around to His Glory Forevermore.

Step 1 on the 15 Psalms of the Ascent: Cry Out! then Bow Low!

A New Year Kick Off with Great Friends!

2010-01-05T16:55:00.005-05:00

As you have often heard me say if you read my blog: I have the best girlfriends in the world and they truly LIVE all over the world! New Years Day we were able to celebrate with 2 families we love before their very L.O.N.G. flights overseas. We had such a great day with yummy foods and great fellowship!! Here are a couple of pictures that we got snapped before bolting out the door to get Marci #1 out the door. For you Sonlight Moms these are: MarciinAlaska (now known as Not There Yet) and Marci Round the World. Marci in Alaska has the red hair, I'm in the middle and then Marci Round the World is on the left in the pictures. I also had to update the photo of Marci Round the World's kids and mine. We have some great pictures with them in some amazing places!!! Enjoy!

Looking ahead to 2010

2009-12-31T16:09:00.002-05:00

Chili is warm and on the stove with all of our favorite fixings scattered around the counters. Oklahoma (Lyndsay's 2nd choice Dance school.....) is giving Stanford a run for it's money. John is hopefully on the way home to us SOON. I have sparkling cider and champagne chilling in the fridge. We are expecting a house FULL of people tomorrow and I've sat down to try and take a breath. I've known the end of 2009 was coming, but I had no idea how I was going to respond today now that it's arrived.

Satan has done his best to knock us around this year. He even tried yesterday when my new car was hit in a parking lot while I was attending to medical needs inside. After I am finished with appointments that surround our roof cave-in this year, I tend to be quite emotionally fatigued. Walking out to have your car well dented isn't a way to bring a smile to your face.

Oh and then there's the hot water heater that's beginning to leak downstairs.

Despite all the challenges and heartbreaks of 2009, I am looking forward to 2010. We've had to make some tough decisions in regards to finances. Our 2009 Total Money Makeover with Dave Ramsey went out the window quick....but we are GEARED UP for 2010 and have started Financial Peace University here at home!! I look forward to out saving troubles to come in our future. I also look forward to our own debt free Scream!

Another thing I'm looking forward to is a Beth Moore Bible Study at a nearby church! Woodbridge Baptist is offering the Psalms of Ascent Study on Sunday afternoons. I am so pleased that Karen introduced me to the amazing women's ministry at her church. We have been praing over the correct direction for us to take that meets all the needs of our children. Our study of the Psalms was interesting at our new church home. When we discussed the portion of the Psalms of the Ascent, I was intrigued. This study should be an excellent way to learn more and help begin to move our family forward in the rebuilding that is necessary.

The overwhelming amount of love that has come from our friends this year is something I also look forward to passing along in 2010. How I've learned this year that even though I may have such a deep drive to have fun in my Walk and encourage others in theirs; Shutting up and just being a listening ear is often a better choice to make. Not every woman I know is at a place to have fun with Jesus. Lord, help me to meet my Sister right where *they* are and not where I think they should be!!

Where ever you are right now and whatever 2009 held for you and your family, it is my prayer that you feel the Lord's arms wrapped around you and leading you.

Happy New Year!
PS As we will learn from Women of Faith this year: He's Over the Top!

Just for Grandma!

2009-12-28T20:13:00.003-05:00

Christmas Pictures of Lyndsay helping Emily with her new iPod Shuffle and iTunes. Emily is about the only girl I know of who can get a 3 story Barbie House AND an iPod for Christmas. Both are so suitable for our spunky-doll-loving girl!

Adam at home Christmas Day for a few hours with his stocking. It was good to have him HOME!

I promise to get pics of the Lego Ship up as soon as I take a couple!!

Christmas Eve Pictures

2009-12-25T09:07:00.006-05:00

A couple of pictures from Christmas Eve before church service in front of our tree. Enjoy!

We had to take some time to begin to rebuild the house that Missy ate 24 hours after it was made. This dog has a terrible sweet tooth. We promised this Gingerbread house would be bigger and better than ever! We'll finish it today.....at some point...

Christmas Pageant Pictures

2009-12-21T14:26:00.005-05:00

Last Sunday Night the kids had their Christmas Pageant at church called the Not So Silent Night. It was a total hit. Emily played the Court Room Baliff while Jman played a shephard pantomine. The kids had a blast. Having spunky friends in the play with them was a good thing, too! I am so happy to be back home with my family, working on projects, catching up on things in the house, enjoying baking and just generally being together at this time of year. It's wonderful!

Liberty Haven Stampin!

2009-12-10T17:49:00.002-05:00

I wanted to post quickly this evening and let you all in on what my afternoon has been like here. Computers are so much fun...NOT! But, my scrapbooking and stamping with Stampin Up! is fun! I've wanted to own my own domain name and have all of my cards stamped with my domain name on the back for awhile. Well, after a few hours on the phone and behind this laptop, it's done!

Check out my Stampin blog: Liberty Haven Stampin on the left. Notice the web address: www.kelliecoombs.com!!! I'm so excited! It's my hope and prayer that 2010will find this blog hoppin with my paper crafting!

Old and New

2009-12-06T08:53:00.005-05:00

Happy December! Merry Christmas and soon to be Happy New Year! I just can't believe that Christmas is nearly upon us again.

The 2 youngest children and I are enjoying a very extended Holiday School Break. We are taking from Thanksgiving to Christmas off. I've done this in the past when the first 2 were in grammar school. It was a big hit for them and a great memory. I think it's going the same way for Em and Jess, too. Having snow yesterday and play practice at church really helps, ofcourse.

The pictures are from this last week. Yesterday during halftime periods of all the football hoopla John and the kids put together the gingerbread house. It turned out great. Jesse had to eat some of the royal icing. That's a great picture of childhood, don't you think?

Emily has been really looking to find her own style and purchased this hat this week at Claire's. Marci and I met up at the mall with our youngest boys for the monthly Lego Build. Nick had just turned 11 the day before. He and Jesse have gotten to know eachother a bit this year. It's been fun. The last time they'd 'seen' eachother Jesse was yet to be born and Nick was barely 3. Military life is fun when people you love come back into your lives again!

We've been told we are moving. Not sure when, not sure where yet, but we are moving! Wow are there tons of details to be worked out for this move. We've been talking about it a lot this weekend and would just ask that you pray for and with us over this one.

Some Thanksgiving Day Pictures

2009-11-28T08:59:00.006-05:00

Starbucks' Mochas always make me smile like this!

If your sweet potatoes aren't good this year!.....

Emily rolling out Great Grandma Gray's Egg Noodles!

Jman enjoying THE famous carrot cake for breakfast!

Cranberry Thanksgiving

2009-11-24T08:47:00.003-05:00

I love cranberry bread. My girlfriend (currently in California) makes the best in the world! I first discovered her bread baking talents while expecting Emily. Shortly before Emily was born, she treated me to her Holiday Breads. I'd not had Cranberry Bread before and instantly fell in love with it. Dawn's Cranberry Bread has spanned the world from Northern California to Germany just to share her love with me. My hips are forever grateful! (teehee!)

Well, there isn't any Cranberry Bread coming my way from Dawn this Holiday Season, so I had to get off my tail and figure out how to do this on my own. I pulled out one of our favorite Thanksgiving books, Cranberry Thanksgiving, and wouldn't you know it; there's a recipe for Cranberry Bread at the back of the book!

After we read the story yesterday, we pulled out the Kitchen Aid and got to work making some ourselves.

Here's the recipe:
2C sifted flour (I used fresh ground whole wheat)
1 C sugar
1 and 1/2 t baking powder
1 t salt
1/2 t baking soda
1/4 cup butter
1 egg beaten
1 t grated orange peel. (I left this out....)
3/4 C orange juice
1 and 1/2 C EACH of chopped cranberries and whole raisins. (you can use all cranberries if you like.)

Combine dry ingredients, cut in the butter, add the wet, mix, bake 350 for an hour or so. Cool on a wire rack. Then remove from the pan. Enjoy!

By Faith

2009-11-10T16:44:00.003-05:00

I just love my girlfriends! They are all so diverse and fun. They fill me with love, hold me when I cry, teach me creativity, care for my children and even hold me accountable. A girlfriend's timing is one of the best I know; especially if she's a Believer in our Mighty Savior.

Marci is no exception to that rule. We have such fun together. I truly think that only her brain can move as fast as mine! She has the ability stay in step with it at times and wouldn't you know it; she can cut me off at the pass, too! Today was one of those times together.

We caught up today at a central food court in an equidistant mall. There, we spewed our guts out as only a girl can about life. Marci and I don't need candles and pie on china plates.....we need coffee from Starbucks while the kids eat McDonald's icecream cones. We just go for it where ever we are! As we were chatting (or spewing as we do...) Marci made a very profound statement....something to the effect of "well, Kel, you are beyond looking for hope. You are walking Faith in Christ."

BINGO!!!

She sustinctly stated what I've been churning over for a few days. Truly, it's been the hardest year of our lives. But in that moment, sitting with my girlfriend in a food court, things became even clearer and a Peace struck my soul. So many times in the past I've been hopeful that Christ would see us through an event or circumstance. He always has. Always!

I came home and opened up God's Word to Hebrews 11:1 and 6. "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen.....But without faith it is impossible to please Him for he who comes to God must believe that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him."

My Bible notes tell me that: faith is not a blind leap in the dark, but a confident commitment to One about whom abundant evidence bears ample testimony.

Certainly I have an abundant evidence of Christ's provision for our family. Just read my post from a day or two ago! That list is just a small sampling of the abundant provision and giving from my Heavenly Father who holds me and my family in the palm of His hand! He's shown us, without a doubt in our minds, His commitment to us. We are now striving as a family to show we are just as committed to Him!

I am no longer walking daily from a perspective of simply hoping Christ will sustain us and hold us and provide for us. Slowly, but surely the Spirit is teaching me and showing me: Walk by Faith.

Thanks, Marci, for a great afternoon out. I love your family. Thanks for walking by Faith with me.

Fresh Perspective

2009-11-05T14:37:00.004-05:00

Our new Pastor at Crossway Fellowship, Pastor Jim, is taking the Sunday School Hour to walk the Adults through the book of Psalms. This week, for homework, we were asked to do some exegisis on the 2nd book of Acts. Ch 42-72 make up the 2nd book of Acts. Well, it's doubtful that I'll get to all 31 chapters this week, but I have gotten to Ch 50 today. I have been making notes and finding the Hebrew Poetry facinating to read. Repetition is how Hebrew poetry is written. This is very much unlike our rhyme and meter that makes poetry sing-song at times.

Anyway, back to Psalm 50. Verse 15 says. Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you and you shall glorify me.

One of the concerns I've had is how to Glorify God in the midst of our most challenging season to date. How can this Season of our life bring Glory to Him? How on *EARTH* is all of this going to work out for Your Glory Father has been a plea of mine.

Ps 50:15 says and *YOU* shall Glorify me. OOPS! I believe I need to be accountable here to so many who have prayed with and for us, held us while we've cried and reached out to us. Here's my list of how God has provided for us since June 28.
1. The Police Officer that came to the house was of strong faith in God.
2. All tricare bills except 2 have been paid.
3. John has only worked a 4 day and sometimes just a 3 day work week without prejudice from his superiors since 1 July
4. Prayer! At one time I knew of 65 people praying for us!
5. Women of Faith, Thanks Ft. Lee PWOC and Cheri for allowing that to happen for me. You'll never know what a blessing it was to my soul.
6. Court decisions have gone well for us
7. We have a wonderful counselor who Love the Lord working with our family.

I could go on and on about the numerous ways prayers have been answered. Circumstances that held me in fear for days were all turned to give God Glory for the Provision of our family. Only He could have done so many of the miracles we've needed on a daily basis.

Isaiah 42:3-4 says "A bruised reed He will not break, And smoking flax He will not quench; He will bring forth justice for truth. He will not fail nor be discouraged Till He has established justice in the earth and the coastlands shall wait for His law."

God has allowed us to enter a place of great pain this year. But we are not broken. We are not broken and useless for Him unless WE allow it to be so. We are submissive, to You and Your Will. Shape, Mold and Make us what You want our family to be. We give You Glory in advance for the blessings You bestow to us.

From a fresher perspective this afternoon.....
I love you Lord, my Strength.

Closest to Christ in our Sufferings

2009-11-03T07:02:00.002-05:00

I struggle to write and write well. I'm constantly journaling in my head about anything and everything: family conversations, sermons that strike me, goofy things with my children, mothering, nuturing, being a Christian in a broken world, wanting my life to reflect His Joy. But I don't seem to be able to overcome my own brain cells everytime I type a post to reflect what I truly feel inside and want to get to come out of my fingers. I guess I'll just have to allow this blog and journey of suffering our family is experiencing to be my sloppy copy and allow the Lord to refine it: In His Time.

This year, 2009, we set out to conquer the world! We are in our new home, with a high powered and unexpected job for John, we planned to be in a wonderful church serving Him, homeschooling our kids to be all they can be in His timing, I wanted to be a Light in our neighborhood and was busy with Awana Club, we were ready for John's big promotion to come, start our savings over and begin to use John's salary as a means to serve others.

Clearly, we aren't the authors of our own lives. 2009 has been the worst year of our married lives to date. We've been more needy of the Body than we've ever been! Our year has gone in a direction we never imagined: Benefactor resigned from caring for college needs for one of our children leaving us with mounting bills and on our knees, Unknown sexual abuse has devestated our children leaving one child outside of our home in a psychiatric hospital and one child in counseling with a 3rd child mourning the loss of a beloved brother; the weakest cords of our marriage have been exposed in dealing with the stress sometimes revealing deep pain and hurts.

Our roof had truly caved in on our family this year and slowly I felt myself coming out from underneath the rubble and working to rebuild our lives realtionally and financially from our Cave in. Then there was last night's phonecall: Kel, it's not good I need you to behave yourself, I have something to tell you. It's stage 4 and in Daddy's lower lobe of his right lung. There are also some spots on his left lung. Plus congestive heart failure plus a thyroid problem. 6 months on the short side 3 years on the long side.

I know that I know that I know we are closest to Christ in our sufferings. The Gospels are full of stories of miracles of healings. All a person had to do was get close to our Precious Savior to be restored. But the restoration wasn't just a physical healing, it was and still can be so much sweeter. It's a restoration of the mind, a comforting of the inward soul, a deep peace. Then Christ commanded those he healed to oftentimes: Go! Tell Others about what the Son of Man has done.

What my beautiful Savior is doing and has done for me and my family during such tragedy is knit our hearts together. What I want this blog to be about is a journey my family is on. It's not a pretty one. It's like many of those we read about in Scripture who just wanted to get CLOSE to Jesus for the healing. I know that we are closest to Christ in our sufferings. Stay tuned. Miracles of the heart and faith are waiting to burst forth!

New Blog

2009-10-04T16:34:00.000-04:00

From now on you can find me at:

LibertyHavenStampin.blogspot.com

C U There!
Kellie