tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69153920482471408442024-03-05T07:09:20.225-05:0029 Lincoln AvenueStaceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03005042634977331861noreply@blogger.comBlogger136125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915392048247140844.post-10183590516405221042010-06-25T06:51:00.007-04:002010-06-27T23:28:13.473-04:00Multitude Monday<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Counting 1,000 Gifts.....</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPVnxBHnq_UzIXm0B6KrcDFphVjqTHGbAZ9ynaP4PXRMH9hPJ9c-fLjVTKM9CLp1vg0wb9T5REXmLBiDgJFepuYaEYFrajnhp106CIa3SwTb3k8JEdAOLIaZ9E-nLf8ZJiXoe-pKvwJWU/s1600/DSCN0418.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 340px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPVnxBHnq_UzIXm0B6KrcDFphVjqTHGbAZ9ynaP4PXRMH9hPJ9c-fLjVTKM9CLp1vg0wb9T5REXmLBiDgJFepuYaEYFrajnhp106CIa3SwTb3k8JEdAOLIaZ9E-nLf8ZJiXoe-pKvwJWU/s400/DSCN0418.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487659775550628130" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">358. The way her eyes crinkle when she smiles.<br />359. How she loves her daddy.<br />360. The laughter she shares with her sisters<br />362. How she <span style="font-style: italic;">fits</span> in our family.<br /></div></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Thankful,<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/156/18E870E5A8218E7BAE674CA3AA830531.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" /></a><br /></div></div><br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/"><img style="width: 407px; height: 117px;" alt="holy experience" src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/ann%20voskamp/mondaybutton2.png" title="holy experience" /></a></center>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03005042634977331861noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915392048247140844.post-61435327310095205892010-06-25T00:00:00.008-04:002010-06-25T08:59:00.710-04:00A Sweet Treat<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://internetcafedevotions.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/guest-barista-copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 215px;" src="http://internetcafedevotions.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/guest-barista-copy.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Today I have the sweetest treat to be a guest barista at <a href="http://internetcafedevotions.com/2010/06/i-need-thee-every-hour-2/">Internet Cafe Devotions</a>. Awhile back, I took a step of faith and sent them a rework of a post I wrote here called <i>I Need Thee Every Hour</i>. To my surprise, they sweetly accepted and chose today to post it. You can read it by clicking <a href="http://internetcafedevotions.com/2010/06/i-need-thee-every-hour-2/">here</a>.</div><br />I also wanted to share a Sweet Treat with you. My friend Krystal made a cake last month for my birthday and put this amazing<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Peanut Butter Frosting</span> on it. I knew from from the first bite that I wanted to share it with you. So this weekend, when you are doing your weekly shopping, pick up a cake mix, make this homemade frosting, and share it with your family and friends. They really will think you are the sweetest thing! (Or sit and eat it directly from the bowl while you are watching the new BBC version of <i>Emma</i>...another sweet thing you will love!)<br /><br /><div class="ingredients" style="margin-top: 10px;"> <h3> Ingredients</h3> <ul><li class="plaincharacterwrap"> 1/2 cup butter</li><li class="plaincharacterwrap"> 1 cup creamy peanut butter</li><li class="plaincharacterwrap"> 4 cups confectioners' sugar</li><li class="plaincharacterwrap"> 1/3 cup cream</li></ul> </div> <div style="border-top: 1px dotted rgb(204, 204, 204); width: 300px; margin-top: 20px;"> </div> <div class="directions" style="margin-top: 10px;"> <h3> Directions</h3> <ol><li><span class="plaincharacterwrap break"> In a large bowl, beat butter and peanut butter until light and fluffy. Slowly beat in 1/2 of the confectioner's sugar. Mix in 1/4 cup of the cream. Beat in the remaining confectioners' sugar. If necessary, add a little more cream or milk until the frosting reaches a good spreading consistency. Makes enough to frost one 2 layer 9 inch cake or one 9x13 inch cake. </span></li></ol> </div>***Recipe taken from <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Peanut-Butter-Frosting/Detail.aspx?src=etaf">AllRecipe.com</a><br /><br />Looking Forward,<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/156/18E870E5A8218E7BAE674CA3AA830531.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" /></a>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03005042634977331861noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915392048247140844.post-14372111980094138532010-06-24T00:00:00.002-04:002010-06-26T16:15:07.088-04:00Social Graces<div style="text-align: left;">In his newly published <b>Bringing Up Girls, </b>Dr. James Dobson writes:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia, serif;font-size:medium;"><i>A girl who has been trained properly is never completely </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia, serif;font-size:medium;"><i>knocked off balance when she is in an unfamiliar circumstance. </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia, serif;font-size:medium;"><i>She knows what is expected of her and how to deal with it. Her sense of self </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia, serif;font-size:medium;"><i>worth is reinforced by the way adults react to her charm, poise, </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia, serif;font-size:medium;"><i>and grace. For the mother who wants to give her daughter a </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia, serif;font-size:medium;"><i>head start in life and help her compete socially, this is a great place to begin.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I love the thought that if I train them well, my girls will not be knocked of balance when they are in an unfamiliar circumstance. Isn't that a beautiful picture? What a gift to give my girls.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;">All good training, teaching social graces included, is a daily - (constant) endeavor. It requires direct training, setting a good example and sneaking in good object lessons as well. I am excited about a new book that I found recently that is going to the top of our read aloud books. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(85, 26, 139); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51RPWXRVX6L._SS500_.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">What I love about this book is that it uses stories from literature to illustrate manners. Remember, <a href="http://29lincolnavenue.blogspot.com/2010/04/chair-time_20.html">story is a pull strategy</a>? I often say to my 4 year old, "Are you acting like The Beast, or a Beauty?" This instantly gives her a visual and gentle reminder from me to correct her behavior. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">What about you? How do you teach social graces to your children? Today, the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/HomeschoolVillage?ref=ts">Homeschool Village</a> is having a blog carnival and you can see how other parents are doing just that!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Looking Forward,</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij9F6wz-R3KOcij9b1q2AOYsAZxcg2yVkp9pcVt-UTmz9ucb4dlKMXnxdX_d14Azu6IqdqircB-vUiS6-F1qjWXs4C74OrhGpNDJxhdt2pepmfMfblot_Q8h2C3w6aoTruZlL0_NRwqP4/s320/signature.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486029322290574610" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 99px; height: 48px; " /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">P.S. The MODsquad Blog is coming July 5! I am super excited to be part of this amazing blog for Mother's of Daughters. Follow us on twitter @modsquadmoms or find us on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ModSquadMoms?ref=search">Facebook</a> so you don't miss anything.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03005042634977331861noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915392048247140844.post-69986150802606205182010-06-22T22:35:00.003-04:002010-06-23T08:57:53.066-04:00Words To Live By<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><a href="http://www.seedsoffaithwomen.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i45.tinypic.com/es2kah.jpg" alt="iFellowship" border="0" /></a></span></span></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">"<span style="font-style: italic;">Almost any of us can be heroic, even daring in the midst of great excitement. </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">But it takes a much more steadfast faith in our Father to stay true in the </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">quiet place where He puts us. It is in the daily duties of our little lives where </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">God asks us to be loyal, steady friends --</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">people who will perform their part without fanfare, those who can </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">be trusted implicitly to do their duty.</span>"<br />Lessons From A Sheepdog, page 44<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /><br />Looking Forward,<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/156/18E870E5A8218E7BAE674CA3AA830531.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">P.S. My friend Megan is sewing her way to <a href="http://therelevantconference.com/">Relevant 1o</a>! She makes adorable zippy bags like this one I won from <a href="http://laytonfamilyjoy.blogspot.com/">Layton Family Joy</a>:<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirAJWVa90alnl0OUn9MQtJYkQ4iI3a1pRTmB_fWBJVEmdEoWm0m0fIpD-GUnEk09V7zpLAVPGFXx_tr69jpU-pSUaEb4n9v0iaDKaBsvHCzZ1qrUVSElywRHi0P48JwiSFo_RYz6B83AI/s1600/IMG_0355.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirAJWVa90alnl0OUn9MQtJYkQ4iI3a1pRTmB_fWBJVEmdEoWm0m0fIpD-GUnEk09V7zpLAVPGFXx_tr69jpU-pSUaEb4n9v0iaDKaBsvHCzZ1qrUVSElywRHi0P48JwiSFo_RYz6B83AI/s400/IMG_0355.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485790134280155490" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As well as super cute bags to hold business cards and Bible verses! She also is part of the group of women I have the pleasure of launching the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">MODsquad blog</span> with on July 5! Check out her business at <a href="http://halfpinthousehandmade.bigcartel.com/">Halfpint House</a> - and order some cute bags today!!!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.halfpinthouse.com/BlogButton.jpg"><img src="http://www.halfpinthouse.com/BlogButton.jpg" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 150px; " /></a></div></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03005042634977331861noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915392048247140844.post-52409132469233108742010-06-22T00:00:00.005-04:002010-06-22T00:00:01.012-04:00Chair Time<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinYpzHJKCkagqioGtYFEZ8YAiyHV2sddFae3AQAWRHTxB-3bInkxOtSRgwqoa7lYE89n-BXIzzNGn4f2mh6-RzmagfnUGomCnFrJxoa1JDwIEpth9ArY1_kCRXTHrSK0d7uMxpQFtvkj4/s1600/Chair+Time+3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 254px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinYpzHJKCkagqioGtYFEZ8YAiyHV2sddFae3AQAWRHTxB-3bInkxOtSRgwqoa7lYE89n-BXIzzNGn4f2mh6-RzmagfnUGomCnFrJxoa1JDwIEpth9ArY1_kCRXTHrSK0d7uMxpQFtvkj4/s400/Chair+Time+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485041035527898242" border="0" /></a><br />I was honored this past weekend to guest post for my friend Megan at <a href="http://www.thetuckerstaketennessee.com/2010/06/social-saturday-guest-blogger_19.html">The Tuckers Take Tennessee</a>. After praying about what I could share, I felt led to continue my <a href="http://29lincolnavenue.blogspot.com/2010/04/chair-time_20.html">story</a> and write about the legacy I want to leave my children. I hope you will join me there, and read about why I need a small group of women in my life. Also, please take the time to say hi to Megan and thank her for inviting me to share my heart! Just click on the button below:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thetuckerstaketennessee.com/2010/06/social-saturday-guest-blogger_19.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i41.tinypic.com/2s7cg8l.jpg" alt="The Tuckers Take Tennessee" border="0" /><br /></a></div><a href="http://www.thetuckerstaketennessee.com/" target="_blank"></a><a><br />Looking Forward,<br /></a><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/156/18E870E5A8218E7BAE674CA3AA830531.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" /></a>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03005042634977331861noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915392048247140844.post-70593993108794615812010-06-20T21:47:00.006-04:002010-06-21T07:34:49.172-04:00Multitude Monday<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Counting 1,000 Gifts....<br /></span></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXUFp5KwNoilXKIL0NtecXICZropnAuVjzV-ATNduItktglmjxBemQLVn0TI8YopigS0oGpPhGgM_4gTpe9E41HdpoUyr9B1od7TVNBadM2Io0p_8Cosb0Tu-faA0nP6ixI_5vuwW5Q1M/s1600/100_0318.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXUFp5KwNoilXKIL0NtecXICZropnAuVjzV-ATNduItktglmjxBemQLVn0TI8YopigS0oGpPhGgM_4gTpe9E41HdpoUyr9B1od7TVNBadM2Io0p_8Cosb0Tu-faA0nP6ixI_5vuwW5Q1M/s400/100_0318.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485038677478631266" border="0" /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></a><div style="text-align: center;">330. Mike loves the Lord and serves Him with His life.<br />331. He spends time with the girls.<br />332. He works hard so I can stay home.<br />333. He supports me as their teacher.<br />334. He loves being a dad of girls.<br />335. He listens to countless words.<br />336. He doesn’t complain about back to back ballet recitals.<br />337. Saturday morning breakfast dates.<br />338. The humming song he sings for them.<br />339. He prays with them.<br />340. He is Super Daddy!<br /></div><br />Thankful,<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/156/18E870E5A8218E7BAE674CA3AA830531.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a><br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/"><img alt="holy experience" src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/ann%20voskamp/mondaybutton2.png" title="holy experience" /></a></center>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03005042634977331861noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915392048247140844.post-66201597764839024942010-06-18T00:00:00.000-04:002010-06-18T00:00:00.938-04:00The Best Of....A couple of weeks ago, I shared with you some of my favorites from around the blog world. The response from you was great! Here are a few more worthy finds...<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">The Best of Multitude Monday...</span><br /><div><br />Jezamama made it to 1,000 gifts! I love that she calls herself a Gratitude Chaser. Isn't that a great picture of being thankful? Find her post about the finish line here: (best button too!)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><center><a href="http://jezamama.blogspot.com/2010/06/gratitude-reaching-1000.html"><img src="http://i46.tinypic.com/2qio70k.jpg" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a></center><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Best Devotion on Friendship...</span><br /><br />My sweet sister (in Christ) Kathleen texted me this link and with these words "<span style="font-style: italic;">Glad I'm fastened to you...</span>" It made my day! Read this awesome devotion and text your girlfriend!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://proverbs31devotions.blogspot.com/2010/06/i-got-my-first-stone.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.proverbs31.org/images/encouragementfortoday.jpg" alt="Proverbs 31: Encouragement for Today" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Best Summer List...</span><br /><br />Do you have plans this summer? I found this idea for a <span style="font-weight: bold;">Summer List</span> from Kimba at <a href="http://asoftplace.net/">A Soft Place To Land </a>who got it from:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://megduerksen.typepad.com/whatever/summer-list/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 195px; height: 330px;" src="http://megduerksen.typepad.com/megbutton.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>@Whatever<br />We made ours and it looks like this:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxSSBzJT5BFNdDeqDeok4bjcgkoDFqk_Ul_KTbIUmu9yqb5_IrSuZ6rTnGiytdTN_EPuDL7s9fjx3K-jzP8pHmYdLTWbype8a5fvSBeLPRoPLUGkxAm6zbr0PUoPhA9LwefYcPEcKUzk/s1600/DSCN0408.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 261px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxSSBzJT5BFNdDeqDeok4bjcgkoDFqk_Ul_KTbIUmu9yqb5_IrSuZ6rTnGiytdTN_EPuDL7s9fjx3K-jzP8pHmYdLTWbype8a5fvSBeLPRoPLUGkxAm6zbr0PUoPhA9LwefYcPEcKUzk/s400/DSCN0408.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483849603376159986" border="0" /></a>And look! There is room at the bottom to keep adding ideas as we discover them. I think it will help us have a great and purposeful summer.<br /><br />Have a great Friday!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/156/18E870E5A8218E7BAE674CA3AA830531.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" /></a></div></div></div></div></div>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03005042634977331861noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915392048247140844.post-62924760744846556572010-06-17T00:00:00.004-04:002010-06-26T16:16:55.467-04:00Home School Village<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.laytonfamilyjoy.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://www.ourhomeschoolhome.com/">Robyn</a>, <a href="http://laytonfamilyjoy.blogspot.com/">Stef</a>, <a href="http://www.thehomeschoolchick.com/">Sue</a>, and <a href="http://blog.prairielilyarts.com/">Susan</a> started The Homeschool Village with a desire to provide a place of connection and encouragement for homeschool moms. Each week, they have a link up party at <a href="http://laytonfamilyjoy.blogspot.com/">Layton Family Joy</a>, focusing on a new topic of discussion that is applicable to the homeschooling mom. During the rest of the week, they share encouragements (and Starbucks) through their <a href="http://www.facebook.com/HomeschoolVillage">facebook</a> page and <a href="http://twitter.com/thehsvillage">tweets</a>! If you are a homeschooler, I know that you will be glad to hang out at the Village! This weeks link up party is to share a favorite book you have found in your homeschooling journey.</div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have been homeschooling for almost 6 years. Yes, that sounds like an eternity to me, too. But really, it has flown by. For me, it is not so much about teaching my girls. It is about being with them and discipling them. I do teach math, language, history, science and the like, but our focus is doing life together. I have never been one to read a lot of "how to books" on the subject of homeschooling. So the book I am going to share with you is really a heart book. My pick is:</div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The Ministry of Motherhood</span> by Sally Clarkson:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.wholeheart.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/ministry-160.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 160px; height: 240px;" src="http://www.wholeheart.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/ministry-160.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"> One of my favorite parts of the book is when she describes the ministry of Christ:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>"The night before Jesus was to be crucified, his heart and mind must have been filled with weariness and exhaustion at the thought of what he would soon endure...But instead of just telling them (the disciples) what to do, harshly commanding their allegiance with orders and threats or guilt and manipulative statements, he chose to tie the cords of his heart to theirs with the strong and unbreakable bond of a loving, serving relationship. Jesus spent his last night on earth with his disciples in service to them." Pages 34,35 (excerpts)</div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">When I first read these words I thought, "Jesus <i>understands</i> me. The disciples really were like little children. My mothering is a ministry." I can't tell you what a difference this has made in my life as a mom <i>who also happens to homeschool</i>. Every day I have a choice to tie the cords of my heart to theirs. Some days I do better at this than others. But it is always my goal. I pray that they remember, not just the lessons at the table, but the relationships we built around it.<br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Looking Forward,<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/156/18E870E5A8218E7BAE674CA3AA830531.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" /></a><br /><br /><br />P.S. Sally has a beautiful blog called <a href="http://wholeheart.typepad.com/itakejoy/">I Take Joy</a> that you really should visit! I know her words will encourage you!<br /><br /></div></div>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03005042634977331861noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915392048247140844.post-61278406140325427242010-06-16T00:00:00.000-04:002010-06-16T00:00:01.836-04:00Words To Live By<div style="text-align: center;">"<span style="font-style: italic;">Good parenting almost always requires sacrifice.<br />Childhood lasts only for a brief moment,<br />but should be given priority while it is passing before your eyes."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bringing Up Girls</span><br />Dr. James Dobson<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Looking Forward,<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/156/18E870E5A8218E7BAE674CA3AA830531.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.seedsoffaithwomen.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i45.tinypic.com/es2kah.jpg" alt="iFellowship" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div></div>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03005042634977331861noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915392048247140844.post-8358232330391203302010-06-15T14:21:00.004-04:002010-06-15T14:32:48.215-04:00Raising Kids In Faith<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.gatherinspirit.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i41.tinypic.com/2unwrxu.jpg" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />Tonight I am taking part in Gather Inspirit TV hosted by Mingle TV. We will be discussing raising kids in faith. Other guests will include Abby from <a href="http://www.tommynelson.com/">Tommy Nelson Publishers</a>, Brooke and Erin from <a href="http://www.themobsociety.com/">The M.O.B. Society</a> (Mothers of Boys) and other moms from the MODsquad (mothers of daughters). If you have time between 7PM - 8PM Eastern Standard, check it out!<br /><br />Click here to find Mingle TV:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.minglemediatv.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Mingle Media TV Show Schedule" src="http://www.minglemediatv.com/MingleMediaWatch2.gif" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Please pray for me as I share my heart for raising my girls in the faith!<br /><br />Looking Forward,<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/156/18E870E5A8218E7BAE674CA3AA830531.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div></div>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03005042634977331861noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915392048247140844.post-38676020610704940652010-06-15T00:00:00.001-04:002010-06-15T16:35:49.266-04:00Chair Time<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5J1jbf2EFtZZZn1GQ99K0kdUhNEmaPOrk6yF8R3FVQXh78fGYcn3c9ql3HjHf1RbVOp7bBxwLVRcX8CzrfOxpqzx_6El473DLTC8nvfU2JGau8fkM6dBhwDB6Eep80nHqjI094fcvHw0/s1600/Chair+Time+3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 254px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5J1jbf2EFtZZZn1GQ99K0kdUhNEmaPOrk6yF8R3FVQXh78fGYcn3c9ql3HjHf1RbVOp7bBxwLVRcX8CzrfOxpqzx_6El473DLTC8nvfU2JGau8fkM6dBhwDB6Eep80nHqjI094fcvHw0/s400/Chair+Time+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482348741499758290" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Unwrapping Joy.....</span></i></div><br />As I mentioned last week, I have been studying the <a href="http://29lincolnavenue.blogspot.com/2010/06/chair-time.html">Fruit of The Spirit</a> this summer. While focusing on Joy recently, God gave me the chance to worship with the lovely <a href="http://karijobe.com/">Kari Jobe</a>. She was visiting our church and during the service she spoke about "putting on the garment of praise." It is taken from this verse in Isaiah:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">and provide for those who grieve in Zion—<br />to bestow on them a crown of beauty<br />instead of ashes,<br />the oil of gladness<br />instead of mourning,<br />and a <span style="font-style: italic;">garment of praise</span><br />instead of a spirit of despair.<br />They will be called oaks of righteousness,<br />a planting of the LORD<br />for the display of his splendor.<br />(Verse 61:3 , New International Version)<br /></div><br />The thing that hit me so hard as I reflected on this, was that we have to be willing put on the garment of praise. Some days, I don't feel like it. I'd rather wear despair. Some days, it is a spiritual discipline to put it on. But as I do, His joy covers me. And according to these verses I then have the chance to be called an oak of righteousness, lovingly planted by the Master Gardner. I become a display of His splendor. From ashes, despair, and weeping to gladness, praise and splendor! Now that is a transformation!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Lord, it is my prayer that I will actively seek to put on the garment of praise every day. Even on days when despair feels more comfortable - that by faith I will put on joy. I will put on praise. And I will be transformed into a glorious display of your handiwork for all to see.</span><br /><br /><br />Joyfully,<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/156/18E870E5A8218E7BAE674CA3AA830531.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" /></a><div><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.chattingatthesky.com/"><img title="tuesdays unwrapped at cats" src="http://www.chattingatthesky.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/tues2603.png" alt="tuesdays unwrapped at cats" width="260" height="125" /></a></div>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03005042634977331861noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915392048247140844.post-57843262634485148492010-06-14T00:00:00.001-04:002010-06-14T17:02:26.323-04:00Multitude Monday<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Counting 1,000 Gifts<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9r-FQDb7tcm24o7xa2eoaTg62NY4vttiB887yaifdVOFnWx4JtnVCYQtHD8Pycu2U02y3vw2ioTGaQbiu7aOLE6oW76uKfi4ZrKvRLaBBOy7czD15pxbciE13dyKZ50lnCND9CUZWJI/s1600/Girls+2010.jpg"> </a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi81gnYId0pYgPrHW1hvzcAkkwZoBc0pqM4igr6Wnl_lv1Fuv97bxEdooX8lQGV0m5H4bSJr4nJT2m83qanrg4QOKTXi5uMYSuD9uhkGI4cn40aZ_C-XIchATKKD-JcZdtmuM11KZDeUSw/s1600/DSCN0268.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi81gnYId0pYgPrHW1hvzcAkkwZoBc0pqM4igr6Wnl_lv1Fuv97bxEdooX8lQGV0m5H4bSJr4nJT2m83qanrg4QOKTXi5uMYSuD9uhkGI4cn40aZ_C-XIchATKKD-JcZdtmuM11KZDeUSw/s400/DSCN0268.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482361016510454962" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />Being Mommy...<br /><br />#299 Ice cream makes me the best mommy in the world<br />#300 Being the one they want when they are sick<br />#301 The chance to teach them about faith, family, heart and home<br />#302 Reading before bed.<br />#303 Forgiveness<br />#304 Dreaming big dreams with them and for them.<br />#305 A hand to always hold<br />#312 Hearing the praise of others upon them.<br />#313 Getting a front row seat to it all.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Thankful,<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/156/18E870E5A8218E7BAE674CA3AA830531.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" /></a><br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/"><img alt="holy experience" src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/ann%20voskamp/mondaybutton2.png" title="holy experience" /></a></center><br /><br /></div></div><br /><br /><center><a href="http://ourhomeschoolhome.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" alt="Our Homeschool Home" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4655084918_47fea96df5_m.jpg" /></a></center>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03005042634977331861noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915392048247140844.post-14577284776753231422010-06-11T08:48:00.003-04:002010-06-11T09:00:13.074-04:00June To Do List<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_LPUFH4YeUXxAQRdtURWSHHqfoQrIrP6t0-PBRx1Q1xhTFJj4pqiY3nsEPKY_X74MAuGMklrkDiri-8m9ZA0NZtsQv7XntEiSyzyLTDvl1Ux7RFf9ngqdexBnmsTCOhjh2Y0GrVg9SB0/s1600/JunePostItnote.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 223px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_LPUFH4YeUXxAQRdtURWSHHqfoQrIrP6t0-PBRx1Q1xhTFJj4pqiY3nsEPKY_X74MAuGMklrkDiri-8m9ZA0NZtsQv7XntEiSyzyLTDvl1Ux7RFf9ngqdexBnmsTCOhjh2Y0GrVg9SB0/s400/JunePostItnote.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481497450336052434" border="0" /></a><br />I'm sharing my June To Do List with you in order to keep myself accountable to actually do what is on the list. I always feel better when I can write it down and see it. Somehow, it feels like an accomplishment by just putting it on paper!<br /><br />These things are just few of the things that I'm aiming to do this month. They range from getting Scripture more visible in my home to being purposeful to build relationships with each of my girls. I also am hoping to get some time out of the house alone during the week to just be quiet, write and think. And, I am looking around my very neglected home to see what projects need to be accomplished first in the downstairs area and then July I will move to the upstairs.<br /><br />What about you? What is on your June To Do List?<br /><br />Have a great weekend,<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/156/18E870E5A8218E7BAE674CA3AA830531.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" /></a>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03005042634977331861noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915392048247140844.post-90720987908603309342010-06-09T22:34:00.000-04:002010-06-09T22:35:36.899-04:00The Porch<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwC2X4wBL5a2dA1RQ4eRSaKVT-3EfWnP6PtuhAuC9hwpSzB7zNMhJcgaNmqwtunOafycZo0upVrSF8klxCQk7YTxJOIQmgpCoXNT73XgSRvwgCAS3s1eiolLlMsQAtA9vOTIKG86gkigM/s1600/The+Porch+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwC2X4wBL5a2dA1RQ4eRSaKVT-3EfWnP6PtuhAuC9hwpSzB7zNMhJcgaNmqwtunOafycZo0upVrSF8klxCQk7YTxJOIQmgpCoXNT73XgSRvwgCAS3s1eiolLlMsQAtA9vOTIKG86gkigM/s400/The+Porch+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479290027192993730" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The first time I met Tiffany, was in a moment of desperation. My husband was away on a business trip for about 14 days, and I was home alone with 3 small children. A mutual friend 'gifted' me an afternoon alone by loaning me her babysitting services. She has been caring for my girls ever since. </span><span style="font-style: italic;">I am so glad she is hanging out on the Porch with us today. I think you will love her sweet story of being in His presence.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />in His presence</span><br /><br />i love babysitting. seriously, there is nothing better than watching someone's kids and getting to leave at the end of the night and get a full nights sleep. i mean, i want to be a mom someday, but babysitting is really as good as it gets! its like the best of both worlds!<br /><br />i love when i get to a house and the kid(s) have one thing that they love to do with me. at one house, its painting fingernails for 3 bright eyed energetic girls. at another house, its watching Tinkerbell the movie with another little girl that dreams of being Ariel one day. this is the same girl that thinks her daddy is prince charming!<br /><br />God doesn't babysit me, although i think sometimes my behavior warrants babysitting, but that is besides the point. but there are things i LOVE to do with Him. i love to rest in His presence. i know that sounds so general, but have you ever been there? have you ever been so fully wrapped in Him that you get goosebumps?<br /><br />it happened on my way home today. i was singing How Deep The Father's Love For Us (sung by Nichole Nordeman) in my car and felt it. the goosebumps traveled all the way from my ankles to my head. you know, that kind that overwhelms you? it came at this part:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">it was my sin that held Him there</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">until it was accomplished</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">His dying breath has brought me life </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">i know that it is finished</span><br /><br />sometimes i cannot even imagine how or why He loves me the way He does. i don't think i am supposed to.<br /><br />like i said, i love babysitting, and the fact that the kids love doing one special thing with Miss Tiffany. but what the kids don't know, is that as much as they love doing that with me, i love just being with them. i like to think God thinks that too. in fact, i know He does.<br /><br />Zephaniah 3:17<br />"The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with his love, He will rejoice over you with singing."<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Thanks Tiffany for sharing your heart with us today! And thank you for loving my girls, showing them how to serve the Lord with your whole life . I believe that God is using you as one of the </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" class="Apple-style-span" ><a href="http://29lincolnavenue.blogspot.com/2010/05/one-million-arrows-review.html" style="color: rgb(85, 26, 139);">1 Million Arrows</a> </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" class="Apple-style-span" >that is striking a blow in the darkness!</span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=";font-family:georgia,serif;font-size:medium;" ><i><br /></i>Looking Forward,<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/156/18E870E5A8218E7BAE674CA3AA830531.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" /></a><br /><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><p style="margin: 0px;"></p></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><p style="margin: 0px; font-family: Helvetica; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"><i><br /></i></p></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:georgia,serif;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><i>You can visit Tiffany's personal blog by clicking </i></span><i><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.tiffanydewett.blogspot.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">here</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">. And by the way, my girls are the ones who love the finger nail painting!</span></i></span></div><div><i><i><br /><br /></i></i></div>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03005042634977331861noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915392048247140844.post-27954983198070303712010-06-09T00:00:00.003-04:002010-06-09T08:51:34.993-04:00Words To Live By<div style="text-align: center;"><i>Lilian has drawn more comfort and profit from one verse--nay, from three words in the Bible than I have drawn from the whole book," reflected Kate. "I have but read the Scriptures,--she has searched them. I have been like one floating carelessly over the surface of waters under which lie pearls; Lillian has dived deep and made the treasure her own."</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">Two Ways of Reading The Bibl<i>e </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i></i>from<i> </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The King's Daughter And Other Stories for Girls</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> page 46</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>J.E. White</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">Are you floating <i>carelessly</i> over the surface or are you <i>diving deep</i>?</div><br /><br /><div>Looking Forward,</div><div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/156/18E870E5A8218E7BAE674CA3AA830531.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.seedsoffaithwomen.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i45.tinypic.com/es2kah.jpg" border="0" alt="iFellowship" /></a></div> </div>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03005042634977331861noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915392048247140844.post-11471677530069358352010-06-08T00:00:00.000-04:002010-06-08T00:00:04.186-04:00Chair Time<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3_8tQsOH8ALg5uR8_ADPhTrz5ahv9xrD_3iGqantQAatA1RXjiCatsaEh9qMM47uu_9PD984LDx3YUtzHD_c-pDTyvD4xfUwDR320bfMdQiTga906sVpU7fS9NPw6r-oLPpa_pCEDz4/s1600/Chair+Time+3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 254px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3_8tQsOH8ALg5uR8_ADPhTrz5ahv9xrD_3iGqantQAatA1RXjiCatsaEh9qMM47uu_9PD984LDx3YUtzHD_c-pDTyvD4xfUwDR320bfMdQiTga906sVpU7fS9NPw6r-oLPpa_pCEDz4/s400/Chair+Time+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480103804936868290" border="0" /></a><div> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">love.</div><div style="text-align: center;">joy.</div><div style="text-align: center;">peace.</div><div style="text-align: center;">patience</div><div style="text-align: center;">kindness.</div><div style="text-align: center;">goodness.</div><div style="text-align: center;">faithfulness.</div><div style="text-align: center;">gentleness.</div><div style="text-align: center;">self control.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Does this list feel like a cold drink on a warm day, or does it send chills up your spine because you don't recognize any of them in your life? I have leaned towards the latter lately. So, I thought it would be good for all of us at our house (and by that I mean myself) to have a reminder of what the Spirit controlled life looks like (hint: see above list from Galatians 5:22,23). I am spending time each week focusing on a different quality and then the following week sharing it with my girls. 2 weeks for mom, 1 week for them. This is by design. Hopefully they will see it in me before I teach it to them.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"> In the New Living Translation version of the Bible it says, " But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives He will produce this kind of fruit in us....." He produces the fruit. My job is to give Him control to do it. When I try to produce this kind of fruit myself, I end up with one big mess.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The best picture I have of this was from a Bible teacher I heard in college named Jim Sylvester. He said that when we are not spirit controlled the fruit we produce is like a moldy, rotten, smelly peach. No one wants that. But when I let the Spirit produce His fruit in and through me, it is like a crisp red ripe apple that makes a glorious crunch when you bite it. And the juice runs down your chin. It is so good. You want more. More importantly, others want what you have.<br /><br />So I have to ask myself this question: Does anyone around me want what I have? Am I allowing His fruit to be produced though me in such a way that it is recognizable as His produce? More importantly, what will my family say?<br /><br />On second thought...maybe 2 weeks is not enough for mommy.<br /><br />So far to go,<br /><br /></div><br /></div></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/156/18E870E5A8218E7BAE674CA3AA830531.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" /></a>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03005042634977331861noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915392048247140844.post-62081073240752619472010-06-07T07:19:00.005-04:002010-06-07T14:18:07.915-04:00Multitude Monday<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Counting 1,000 Gifts<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbqvXgKQffo5L5Ob0qLtQsNfNfBsn32jTEQXnW_P6jacwZ-5-h7_do4kOJe1B3Qpb1pbax54dFTVs9TRPDStV7NYGQS2-y740JLo60CjcDofiEZRM2bjVkebRh5ySa4TlSvFY2qlM6VPc/s1600/DSCN0407.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbqvXgKQffo5L5Ob0qLtQsNfNfBsn32jTEQXnW_P6jacwZ-5-h7_do4kOJe1B3Qpb1pbax54dFTVs9TRPDStV7NYGQS2-y740JLo60CjcDofiEZRM2bjVkebRh5ySa4TlSvFY2qlM6VPc/s400/DSCN0407.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479992058040487858" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;">#281 - #294<br />Weekend Joys<br /><br />Friday night pizza<br />Movie with Mike<br />Saturday AM breakfast with Daddy<br />Time to write<br />Flowers for my porch.<br />Family dinner.<br />Sabbath rest.<br />Worshiping with Kari Jobe.<br />A Word from God.<br />Pedicure.<br />Time with my girls.<br />A nap.<br />Dishes in the sink means I'm doing other more important things.<br />Simple reminders.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Thankful,<br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/156/18E870E5A8218E7BAE674CA3AA830531.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div><br /></div></div><br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/"><img alt="holy experience" src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/ann%20voskamp/mondaybutton2.png" title="holy experience" /></a></center><center><br /></center><center><br /></center><br /><br /><center><a href="http://ourhomeschoolhome.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" alt="Our Homeschool Home" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4655084918_47fea96df5_m.jpg" /></a></center>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03005042634977331861noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915392048247140844.post-21747041247225805432010-06-04T08:28:00.007-04:002010-06-04T09:54:50.431-04:00The Best Of...<div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">Happy Friday! Here are a few things I found this week to be <b>The Best of</b>....</span></div></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>The Best Art Project:</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.artprojectsforkids.org/"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWZ6bQ-Rv9SaOg4nlOXOs6yZWQz1GywrSzfKphQvezD97mu6kAeVQXcDt3wTmRwctU5mDvFCos-eovMDRXQeKnI3i70sGYiRazw4HtE6Ysd5UhCD0cgNk4trPIncnW5rahHBZf3KEG5uaP/s164/APFK+Button.jpg" /> </a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I found a super easy painting activity at my favorite art blog! My girls loved painting these "<a href="http://www.artprojectsforkids.org/2010/05/monets-water-lillies.html">Monet Water Lilies</a>" using oil pastels (crayons would also work) and water colors</div><div><br /></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>The Best Blog for Mom's of Boys:</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.themobsociety.com/"><img src="http://homewiththeboys.net/img/mobbutton.jpg" alt="Mothers of Boys" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>An amazing group of moms that I have come to know and love through the <a href="http://therelevantconference.com/">Relevant Conference</a>, have started a new blog for Mother's of Boys. It has an outstanding team of mom bloggers and their passion is reaching the heart of their boys for the Gospel and preparing a generation of men to love the Lord.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">The Best Teaching:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="http://goodmorninggirls.squarespace.com/storage/GMG_circle_GMG_button_black_letters.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1274908307911" border="0" alt="" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px; " /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">While visiting the <a href="http://goodmorninggirls.squarespace.com/">Good Morning Girls Blog</a>, I saw this video of Beth Moore teaching on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igyCX7wmKgc">Glory Through Suffering</a><a href="http://goodmorninggirls.squarespace.com/blog/2010/5/31/led-by-the-spirit-summer-challenge-3.html">.</a> If you have a couple of minutes it will profoundly move you!</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>The Best Heart Post:</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pleasingtoyou.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv1/herewegoproductions/TLUButton125.png" alt="Pleasing to You Button 125" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>I love Teri Lynne's post on <a href="http://www.pleasingtoyou.com/2010/06/being-child-first.html">Being a Child First</a>! It truly blessed my heart this week.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>The Best Story:</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://wearethatfamily.com/"><img border="0" outline="none" height="125" width="125" src="http://wearethatfamily.com/wp-content/themes/pixelhappy/images/button.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Kristen shares this great story entitled, <a href="http://wearethatfamily.com/2010/06/what-to-do-when-your-pants-rip/">What To Do When Your Pants Rip</a>. Read it, enough said.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>The Best On Summer Nesting:</b></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thenester.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://thenester.com/"><img class="button" title="thenester.com" src="http://www.thenester.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/nestingplacebutton7.png" border="0" alt="Nesting Place" width="125" height="125" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>My favorite Nester is telling you how to <a href="http://www.thenester.com/2010/06/summerize-your-home-cool-it-now.html">Summerize Your Home</a>. Oh how I love her and her dwelling place!</div><div><br /></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>The Best Link Up Party:</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://seedsoffaithforthechristianmom.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i816.photobucket.com/albums/zz84/SueQGal/Seeds/ifellowship-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Seeds Of Faith For The Christian Mom" /></a></div><br /></div><div>I love Seeds of Faith and their <a href="http://www.seedsoffaithwomen.com/2010/06/ifellowship-6210.html">Wednesday ifellowship</a>. You will meet some great Christian Women Bloggers here!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.laytonfamilyjoy.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" src="http://i816.photobucket.com/albums/zz84/SueQGal/Friends/HSVillage.png" /></a></div><br /></div><div>This week, my friend Stef at Layton Family Joy also started another blog link up for home school moms called <a href="http://laytonfamilyjoy.blogspot.com/2010/06/homeschool-village-blog-fair.html">Homeschool Village</a>. This was also fabulous! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I hope you have The Best Weekend,</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 17px; font-size:11px;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(148, 15, 4); text-decoration: none; "><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/156/18E870E5A8218E7BAE674CA3AA830531.png" style="border-top-width: 0pt !important; border-right-width: 0pt !important; border-bottom-width: 0pt !important; border-left-width: 0pt !important; padding-top: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; border-top-style: none !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-bottom-style: none !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-color: initial !important; background-image: none; background-repeat: repeat; background-attachment: scroll; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: 0% 0%; " /></a></span></div>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03005042634977331861noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915392048247140844.post-72782492969182573552010-06-03T00:00:00.003-04:002010-06-10T06:29:01.421-04:00The Porch<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaFSYRTsSUvj7IFsiVAw_qpvM_DZ7vUvIFHHV0c-pDWpAOgPKq6nFzj2-N7feGbzemK_2kMRUyIoZQceVyibdFDuvjNBk4DUOoyGlkRDp2Qg-Vdg9-kPceH9N7w7LagkVYkx5vpS30TGo/s1600/The+Porch+1"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaFSYRTsSUvj7IFsiVAw_qpvM_DZ7vUvIFHHV0c-pDWpAOgPKq6nFzj2-N7feGbzemK_2kMRUyIoZQceVyibdFDuvjNBk4DUOoyGlkRDp2Qg-Vdg9-kPceH9N7w7LagkVYkx5vpS30TGo/s400/The+Porch+1" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478243424823120994" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"> I am so thrilled to introduce you to Joann. She is a </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mod-Squad/130226233660113?ref=ts">M.O.D Squad</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> mom of two and every time she shares her heart I am inspired to love Jesus more and be a mom of purpose. Recently, she shared this story about her daughter for o</span>ur home school program.<span style="font-style: italic;"> If you read one blog post today, read this one! I know it will be so glad you did!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />The Finish Line</span><br />by Joann<br /><br />This weekend, our family celebrated the graduation of our oldest daughter Jordynn. We have crossed the finish line and we are overwhelmed with joy!<br /><br />Jordynn's graduation journey began her Freshman year of high school. As a family, we decided to attend graduation each May until it was our turn. We would ask her to visualize herself walking across the stage to receive her diploma. My husband and I would visualize ourselves walking across the stage to meet her. One year I even remember grabbing the back of a church envelope to practice writing what our recording would say. Would we be funny or serious? Would we let the audience know all of our daughter's funny nicknames? Would we share congratulations for her academic accomplishments or for the growth of her tender heart? We practiced this moment for four years...we had an end picture.<br /><br />For our family, parent directed education was an unexpected turn on our journey. God had called us to remove our daughter from private, Christian school at the onset of seventh grade and bring her home. This was an act of obedience and required total reliance on the Lord.<br /><br />Can I tell you the most amazing part of our family's story? The Lord knit our hearts together in a new way. We fell madly in love with our daughter all over again! Was homeschooling hard? You bet! Were there disagreements? Of course! Did we love each other? Yes! Did we like each other? Most of the time. (wink!)<br /><br />Crossing the finish line requires...<br /><br />- Full engagement<br />- Intentional preparation<br />- Unrelenting perseverance<br />- Whole-hearted commitment<br />- and lots and lots of Love!<br /><br />Moms, I encourage you to develop your end picture. I encourage you to visualize your finish line. I encourage you to practice celebrating the moment for He promises that His good work in your family will come to full completion.<br /><br />"And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you." -- Philippians 1:6 AMP<br /><br />This mother's heart rejoices today for the finish line is so sweet...He has completed what He started in our graduate!<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">When I asked Joann if I could post this for my </span><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-style: italic;">29lincolnavenue friends</span><span style="font-style: italic;">, she said, "</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 128);font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;"><span><span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;">Mom's are my passion and anytime the Lord allows me to encourage them, I'm thrilled!!" Don't you just love her! Thanks so much Joann!<br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;">Looking Forward,</span> <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;"> </span><br /></span></span></span><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/156/18E870E5A8218E7BAE674CA3AA830531.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" /></a><br />Have you become a fan of <span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">29lincolnavenue</span> on facebook yet? You can click <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mod-Squad/130226233660113?ref=ts#%21/pages/29-Lincoln-Avenue/374945867929?ref=ts">here </a>and choose '<span style="font-style: italic;">like</span>' By doing this, each time there is a new post here, it will show up as a news item in your daily feed. Thanks!Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03005042634977331861noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915392048247140844.post-78946962808475865772010-06-02T07:13:00.004-04:002010-06-02T14:21:43.951-04:00Words To Live By<div style="text-align: center;"><i>"If you are still drawing breath, God's got promises to fulfill in your life."</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Beth Moore</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://seedsoffaithforthechristianmom.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"></span></a><a href="http://seedsoffaithforthechristianmom.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i816.photobucket.com/albums/zz84/SueQGal/Seeds/ifellowship-1.jpg" alt="Seeds Of Faith For The Christian Mom" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="">Looking Forward,</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px;font-size:13;" ><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(148, 15, 4); text-decoration: none;"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/156/18E870E5A8218E7BAE674CA3AA830531.png" style="border-style: none ! important; border-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-width: 0pt ! important; padding: 4px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="">P.S. <b> </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(224, 102, 102); line-height: 19px;font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;font-size:medium;" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:black;"><b>iFellowship</b> was created by the team at <a href="http://www.seedsoffaithwomen.com/">Seeds Of Faith</a>. They have said, "We wanted all the Christian moms out there to have a place to get to know each-other and well, just fellowship! After all, we're called to fellowship with one another. (1st Corinthians 1:9 "</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:black;">God, who has called you into </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:black;">fellowship</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:black;"> with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.")" Visit them today and add your link each Wednesday to join <b>ifellowship</b>. </span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03005042634977331861noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915392048247140844.post-90694576379637504602010-05-31T22:15:00.003-04:002010-05-31T23:04:13.978-04:00Chair Time<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLdfhOSj-UsY_IDhQOjeYGze08qBqxNQ68tdZKC3G5TOTAd1rqoKAxEuG05BA2v7jwHYK7jxpC1VcBGTpI0Q3p_CxcJuKBTKifYg6NCTSfDuOI84vTdzkcAvzBoWzV3Sjj0IAsgm8gzRw/s1600/Chair+Time+3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 254px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLdfhOSj-UsY_IDhQOjeYGze08qBqxNQ68tdZKC3G5TOTAd1rqoKAxEuG05BA2v7jwHYK7jxpC1VcBGTpI0Q3p_CxcJuKBTKifYg6NCTSfDuOI84vTdzkcAvzBoWzV3Sjj0IAsgm8gzRw/s400/Chair+Time+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477623492197447026" border="0" /></a><br />I have realized a couple of things about myself recently. The first, is that I do pretty good with the big picture kind of stuff in life. This is one reason why <i>One Million Arrows</i> resonated so deeply for me. It spoke my language. Second, the issues I struggle with are daily laid down life kind of things. Like serving others and letting go of my flesh driven selfish nature. Can they see His character - the Fruit of His Spirit living in me? And by <i>they</i>, I don't mean the Publix check out girl. I can be loving, joyful, patient and gentle with her for at least 5 minutes. I am talking about the people who know me best, the ones I can't fool...my family.<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"It simply is not natural for most of us to love God or love others in the dramatic discipline of a laid down life. We are selfish, self-serving people... Yet God in Christ came among us in lowly service. He came to minister to us, to give Himself to us. And so, because He first loved us, we in turn are to be willing and ready to love Him and others." </div><div style="text-align: center;">(see John 3:16-17 and1 John 3:16-17) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Lessons From A Sheepdog</i>, p 56</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I recently read this little book and fell in love with the sweet dog Lass. I saw so much of myself in her. The above quote is one that truly spoke to me. My flesh does not want to lay down my life and serve. I often find myself grumbling that I have do "it" <i>myself</i>. But the truth is that Christ came among us to love and serve. His was a life laid down from the very beginning (Philippians 2:5-11). His Spirit lives within me. And because of that I have the capacity to love, serve, and show His character to others. He isn't asking me to do anything He wasn't willing to do. And He doesn't ask me to do it <i>myself</i> either. All He asks of me is to step aside and allow the Fruit of His Spirit to do it through me.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"Little children, (or in this case their mother), let us not love with word </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>or with tongue, but in deed and truth." </i></div><div style="text-align: center;">1 John 3:18</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Looking Forward,</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; "><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(148, 15, 4); text-decoration: none; "><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/156/18E870E5A8218E7BAE674CA3AA830531.png" style="border-top-width: 0pt !important; border-right-width: 0pt !important; border-bottom-width: 0pt !important; border-left-width: 0pt !important; padding-top: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; border-top-style: none !important; border-right-style: none !important; border-bottom-style: none !important; border-left-style: none !important; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-color: initial !important; background-image: none; background-repeat: repeat; background-attachment: scroll; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: 0% 0%; " /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03005042634977331861noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915392048247140844.post-79867947489010010642010-05-31T10:03:00.004-04:002010-05-31T10:29:13.157-04:00One Million Arrows WinnerThe winner of the copy of One Million Arrows is:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSDeG4K2789l58TcCCDF5qWsDNS809P3fRZfgsEddrqU_4rGcivtBk9Clx9dCbhir7sXVNnWog7BDJpNNkfuEzvyrofeVZDGC1AMwtMUmwGA1YDNObMxNmLDNp6OhX5ulngLO8VV_dezo/s1600/Screen+shot+2010-05-31+OMA.+jpg.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 175px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSDeG4K2789l58TcCCDF5qWsDNS809P3fRZfgsEddrqU_4rGcivtBk9Clx9dCbhir7sXVNnWog7BDJpNNkfuEzvyrofeVZDGC1AMwtMUmwGA1YDNObMxNmLDNp6OhX5ulngLO8VV_dezo/s320/Screen+shot+2010-05-31+OMA.+jpg.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477434813778162306" border="0" /></a><br />Leslie from <a href="http://littlescrapper.com/blog/">Tiny Wings - learning to fly</a>! Leslie found her way to <span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">29lincolnavenue</span> through our mutual friend Tracie at <a href="http://tsjphotography.com/blog/">tsj photography</a>. Congratulations Leslie! Please email me your address and I will get send you the book this week. I know you will be blessed as you read this amazing book. If you would like to order a copy for yourself you can click<a href="http://onemillionarrows.com/The-Book/How-To-Order/"> here</a>.<br /><br />Today I am contributing a blog post over at<a href="http://onemillionarrows.com/Blog/"> One Million Arrows</a>. Be sure to stop by and check it out. Thanks Julie for the opportunity!<br /><br />Looking Forward,<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/156/18E870E5A8218E7BAE674CA3AA830531.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://onemillionarrows.com/Blog/Pulling-Our-Children-to-Faith-Through-Story/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 80px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4yb7hKZxLQkxG95r2TdFWKA7rIMPhLvBjI8CNnQHLhWhaj9bc1d_Y4uYH1s446cS_i0YzKK30DwTCuXKl6tnezLInZ-AY6I4zw2SyqZcB-kY4qGLJE17erTvxy9FQKQvYP_1Ysml7qAA/s400/One+Million+Arrows+Banner.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477440799966209698" border="0" /></a>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03005042634977331861noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915392048247140844.post-71508753337498423222010-05-30T23:24:00.006-04:002010-05-31T14:22:39.926-04:00Multitude Monday<span style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;">Counting 1,000 Gifts</span><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKrg8cBG7f9AQfN97SQKLk095lf1AcSEq2Gx6txwAX5LiqRADE9us0z_mWcSg0vyovMwr6Qbuvwjmm3EWtE-g1a-0coMhftZtiSh7QYhjrjaOwAniTDlH_Op4knkU3HzNGO4wL3NpZAY8/s1600/Meetingblogfriends.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 342px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKrg8cBG7f9AQfN97SQKLk095lf1AcSEq2Gx6txwAX5LiqRADE9us0z_mWcSg0vyovMwr6Qbuvwjmm3EWtE-g1a-0coMhftZtiSh7QYhjrjaOwAniTDlH_Op4knkU3HzNGO4wL3NpZAY8/s400/Meetingblogfriends.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477271218652757250" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;">#270 Oreo Cheescake<br /><br />#271 Catching up with my <a href="http://laytonfamilyjoy.blogspot.com/">in real life friend who blogs</a>, and meeting<br /><a href="http://girlfriendsgetreal.blogspot.com/">my blog friend </a>who is now in my real life friend! </span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Thankful,<br /><br /></div></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/156/18E870E5A8218E7BAE674CA3AA830531.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" /></a><br /><br />P.S. Have you joined the 29lincolnavenue <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/29-Lincoln-Avenue/374945867929?ref=ts">Facebook Fan</a> Page?<div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/ann%20voskamp/mondaybutton2.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 141px;" src="http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee349/GDest07/ann%20voskamp/mondaybutton2.png" alt="" border="0" /></a></div>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03005042634977331861noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915392048247140844.post-13132375530774716092010-05-27T07:15:00.000-04:002010-05-27T07:16:41.653-04:00On Million Arrows My ResponseSo here I sit, thinking to myself, “How can I take the <span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">long way home</span> and commit today to raising arrows that will strike a blow against the kingdom of darkness?”<br /><br />First, I am praying that God will give my husband & me a specific vision for raising our own little pink arrows. They are all unique and fabulously made. I am determined now more than ever to be a parent who is purposeful. Second, I know it will take a commitment from me every day to be shaped by the Shepherd Himself…because “they will become as I am becoming..” (Paraphrased from page 22). I have to be willing to be shaped first before I am going to shape them.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Will it be easy</span>? No. <span style="font-style: italic;">Will I be asked to forgo my own personal comforts</span>? Probably. <span style="font-style: italic;">Might others think I am crazy</span>? Surely. <span style="font-style: italic;">Will there be rewards</span>? You bet.<br /><br />I am going to offer one person a chance to win a copy of this book. Leave a comment below and tell me what you are thinking about this week's focus of <span style="font-style: italic;">One Million Arrows</span>. *I will choose one comment from Randomizer.org to win a free copy of this book. The contest is open until Sunday May 29 at midnight.<br /><br />If by chance your heart is stirred, I highly encourage you to order this book. I promise you will be challenged and inspired! And another added blessing is that all proceeds from the sale of <span style="font-style: italic;">One Million Arrows</span> go to further work with orphans around the world! So not only will you be blessed to read it, you will bless others by purchasing it as well.<br /><br />Looking Forward,<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/156/18E870E5A8218E7BAE674CA3AA830531.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" /></a><br />To order a copy of One Million Arrows, click <a href="http://onemillionarrows.com/The-Book/How-To-Order/">here</a>.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.peascms.com/login/uploads/images/onemillionarrows/publicity/julie_ferwerda_150px.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 176px;" src="http://www.peascms.com/login/uploads/images/onemillionarrows/publicity/julie_ferwerda_150px.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">***Contest is only open to those living in the United States of America.<br /><br /><br />Julie Ferwerda is recognized for making the Bible exciting and relevant to everyday life through her writing and speaking. Her articles are featured in many Christian magazines and websites for both adults and teens, and she frequently volunteers her time and talents to international orphan ministry. Learn more at OneMillionArrows.com.<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://onemillionarrows.com/The-Book/Blog-Tour/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 270px;" src="http://www.peascms.com/login/uploads/images/onemillionarrows/banners/blog_tour.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03005042634977331861noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6915392048247140844.post-13595738727145705432010-05-26T00:00:00.004-04:002010-05-26T08:40:16.879-04:00One Million Arrows Review<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT9iCbUSkY_Xy1ninyHMIHaX08503Obj4HdxOTNdH9JEjaPYNhm_DlkDLDP1OSR0gX9lugbd3u_-ipHfHATRecidKPoiM-h82ThaKMFMNj1CgNqdwfB65uMKEHTI0daLNMl7l9Uym6av4/s1600/oma_cover_3d_170px.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 170px; height: 260px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT9iCbUSkY_Xy1ninyHMIHaX08503Obj4HdxOTNdH9JEjaPYNhm_DlkDLDP1OSR0gX9lugbd3u_-ipHfHATRecidKPoiM-h82ThaKMFMNj1CgNqdwfB65uMKEHTI0daLNMl7l9Uym6av4/s400/oma_cover_3d_170px.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474154133571647522" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Challenged. </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Inspired. </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Moved. </span><br /><br />These words all describe how I felt as read this book. At it's core, it is a book discipling our children in Christ. The book is broken into three sections. First Julie challenges you to <span style="font-style: italic;">Gather</span> – by owning the mission, next to <span style="font-style: italic;">Sharpen</span> – by being purposeful in the training of your children, and finally to <span style="font-style: italic;">Launch</span> – by placing them in the hands of Christ “prepared as skillful weapons against the kingdom of darkness” By doing this you can raise children who will literally change the world.<br /><br />The vision for this book came from a long time servant of Christ, Dr. M.A. Thomas or 'Papa', as he is often called. Serving in the poorest sections of India, Papa, received a calling from the Lord to <span style="font-style: italic;">gather, sharpen, and launch</span> arrows who also happened to be orphans. As Julie describes, this method of discipleship can also work in our own homes with our children.<br /><br />I think my favorite part of the book is in the chapter entitled “Shape Arrows At Home.” In it, Julie interviews several parents including Bob and Pam Tebo, Gregg and Sono Harris, and Josh McDowell . As a Florida girl, I have to give a special nod to this quote about recent Florida Gator and Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow’s parents:<br /><br />“<span style="font-style: italic;">Tim had parents who stuck to the safer, <span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">long way home</span> by committing themselves to raising arrows… Tim’s parents made decisions based on the big picture, not on immediate gratification, easy shortcuts, or personal comfort. From the beginning, they set out to raise kids who would make a lasting impact on this world.</span>” P. 52<br /><br />If you haven't been living under a rock for the past few years, you certainly know about Tim Tebow. You probably also know, that he was recently drafted to play in the NFL for the Denver Broncos. Even if you aren't a football fan, you may have seen Tim and his mom in a Super Bowl Ad for for Life, produced by <span style="font-style: italic;">Focus on The Family</span>. The amazing thing is that when Tim's parents realized how gifted he was, they saw football as a platform for him to share Christ. Today, that vision is giving him the chance to share his testimony with people all over the world.<br /><br />Tim is just one of a <span style="font-style: italic;">Million Arrows</span> that God has used to change the world for Christ. His parents answered the call early on to become arrow shapers. I would highly encourage you to read <span style="font-style: italic;">One Million Arrows </span>and you will be powerfully moved to consider how you might become an arrow shaper, too.<br /><br />Looking Forward,<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/156/18E870E5A8218E7BAE674CA3AA830531.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" /></a><br /><br />To Read a copy of Chapter 1, click <a href="http://www.peascms.com/login/uploads/documents/onemillionarrows/publicity/oma_chapter_1-ferwerda.pdf">here</a>.<br />For information on how to order a copy, click <a href="http://onemillionarrows.com/The-Book/How-To-Order/">here</a>.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.peascms.com/login/uploads/images/onemillionarrows/publicity/julie_ferwerda_150px.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 176px;" src="http://www.peascms.com/login/uploads/images/onemillionarrows/publicity/julie_ferwerda_150px.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /><br />Julie Ferwerda is recognized for making the Bible exciting and relevant to everyday life </span><span style="font-style: italic;">through her writing and speaking. Her articles are featured in many Christian magazine</span><span style="font-style: italic;">s and websites for both adults and teens, and she frequently volunteers her time and talents to international orphan ministry. Learn more at OneMillionArrows.com.<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://onemillionarrows.com/The-Book/Blog-Tour/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 270px;" src="http://www.peascms.com/login/uploads/images/onemillionarrows/banners/blog_tour.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">P.S. I am also linking up today with <a href="http://www.seedsoffaithwomen.com/">Seeds of Faith</a> and I Fellowship to promote this awesome book and the tour! I also happen to like what these neat women are doing to build a community of women online! Check them out! </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://seedsoffaithforthechristianmom.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i816.photobucket.com/albums/zz84/SueQGal/Seeds/ifellowship-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Seeds Of Faith For The Christian Mom" /></a></div></div>Staceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03005042634977331861noreply@blogger.com10