Pure Joy

feisty

2009-12-11T23:16:00.003-06:00

Day one of vacation:

Roofers came early and got to work.

We headed to the auto shop to drop off the car (do you see a trend here)

and then to Walmart to buy Micah some gloves

and then to the zoo!

We enjoyed the empty zoo

in balmy 45 degree weather.

The animals were feisty.
The animals were active
(more so than I've ever seen).

Must have been trying to stay warm!
Here are some examples:

Came home after the zoo to find...
NO roofers and a lot of shingles still in their packaging.
We never got any calls so we don't know when they left.
All we know is that it's raining outside and we don't have a roof.
WHAT NEXT?!!

This is getting VERY frustrating.
Especially since we leave tomorrow for vacation.
Don't come over and try to take our stuff,
there's nothing you'd want here anyway,
cuz we're taking the cute kids with us!

Greg and I did get to drop the kids off at church
for their annual babysitting/gift wrapping service project.
We went grocery shopping.
Glamorous I know.

raise the roof

2009-12-11T06:20:00.000-06:00

I don't like being lied to.
I don't like being taken advantage of.
I'm not sure which one of these the roofing guy is doing.
I think our motto for him so far is "OVER PROMISE - UNDER DELIVER"
Think he'd like that on the side of his truck?
He's a great guy, very nice, very personable.
Just doesn't do what he says he will.
And that REALLY bothers me.
(oh and the guy on the roof is NOT the guy I'm speaking of).

Naomi, Micah and I spent the day away from home.
We went to the Children's Museum.
Out for a late lunch.
To Amy's house.
Micah slept in the car for about 30 minutes...no nap for N.
We'll see how tomorrow goes.
My sweet hubby will be home though so that will help!
He's on vacation! YIPPEEE!!!

o christmas tree

2009-12-10T06:24:00.000-06:00

On Monday morning we had to take the van to the shop.
The window busted the night before and the brakes needed to be checked.
So, we all piled in the two door car and headed to the shop.
Micah was so excited to get to ride in the car (might have been a first for him).

When we got back from the shop we decided to bust out the Christmas decorations.
We would have done it sooner but we were not sure the state our house would be in.
You've heard me talk about a big financial issue that we're facing...
well I guess I can just come out and say it...
it's not really a big deal to anyone but us.
We have to have our foundation repaired.
UGH!
It stresses me out just saying it.

Lots of cracks, doors that don't stay shut, some that don't open, slopes and other things tipped us off that we might have an issue. We've had four companies come and take a look at it. We've gotten four outrageously expensive estimates. We're not excited. But it needs to be done. We'd take a huge hit on the house if we tried to sell it in this condition. There's more to it but I don't want to get into it right now.

We also knew we were going to need a new roof when we bought the house. I prayed and prayed for hail damage but never thought it would happen. We knew it was time for a new roof because of leaks in the ceiling in our kitchen. So a roofer was at our neighbors house and I asked him to come take a look at ours. Turns out we had hail damage...from February! Ugh! If only we'd had it looked at earlier! oh well. God did answer our prayer on that one! The roofers didn't make it yesterday so we'll get a new roof today.

ANYWAY...
back to my real post.
We didn't know if we were going to have the foundation work done in December or if we were going to wait till the new year. It now seems as though we're going to wait...so we decided to get to decorating the place.

The kids had a blast.
They were getting all the branches out.
Dancing to the music.
Ohhing and ahhing over every little thing.
Micah still says, "WOW" everytime he sees the tree!
It's precious and priceless...
I'll have to try and record it for you to hear somehow.

And after dinner we went driving around to look at Christmas lights.
It was just a great day of family memory making!
Here are a few random shots of setting up the Christmas tree.

My grandmother made this angel...and gave it to my other grandmother. How sweet is that?! I'm so proud to have it grace the top of our tree.

new hat

2009-12-09T06:25:00.000-06:00

Our house is getting a new hat today.
The roofers come between 8 and 9.

Don't call.

I probably won't be able to hear you.

Should be interesting to see who can make more noise,
the roofers or the kids.

We'll be inside hibernating for the next few days,

trying to stay sane...and maybe take a nap?!

doubt it.
Hibernating like my mom up north with no school because of snow.
Except we don't have snow to go out and make frosty with.
Guess we'll just have to make our own inside.

If I don't blog for a while it's probably because I'm in bed, with a headache.
I've had one for two weeks and I don't think the roofers are going to help it go away.

Thus begins the unseen makeover!

project 320

2009-12-09T00:09:00.000-06:00

Remember when I told you about project 320?

Well, I finished my paintings and got them in the mail.
This is what they look like.

The raffle baskets are being assembled this weekend.
The bidding starts next week.
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE,
go check out the blog and buy a raffle ticket next week.
Even if you don't win a huge basket full of crafty goodness,
you can know that you helped a kid have clean water to drink!

wait...

2009-12-08T06:25:00.000-06:00

I can't wait to tell you about the awesome family day we had yesterday...

but I'm going to have to.

So, in the mean time check out my photosite or my etsy store.
Christmas is coming quickly, so get your orders in.
Custom orders are my favorite so let me know what you'd like.
I'm working on two custom orders right now and can't wait to do one for you!

And because no post is complete without a photo...
here are two photos of my kiddos at this time last year! (sorry these are NOT edited)

st. nick

2009-12-06T22:18:00.003-06:00

There's no Santa in this house.
Naomi knows he's just pretend (sorta like mickey mouse).
But tonight we told her the encouraging story of St. Nicholas.
You can read more about him on Greg's blog.

We gave the kids some small gifts.

They both got some little notepads.

Naomi LOVES to write on notepads...

a little bit on each page.

We also gave her some paper princesses,

and Micah got a sqwishy baseball...
the kids were beyond thrilled with their gifts!

I gave Greg a really fun gift but I can't share it yet

because it's not really finished.

Greg gave me the Casting Crowns "Peace on Earth" CD!

Love it!

Do you celebrate St. Nick's day in your house?

If your kids believe that Santa is really dropping off presents

at their house on Christmas Eve don't let them hang out with Naomi.

Greg explains who St. Nicholas was to Naomi.
A little snuggle time before bed.

it does get cold

2009-12-06T11:17:00.000-06:00

No, we did not get snow like they did in houston and dallas.
But it was chilly.
Even a little cold.
I hate using that word since I know what COLD is really like.
But it was cold...35 to be exact.
But I think it's funny when people on the radio call it "bitter cold"
They have NO idea!

We didn't get the snow they thought we might.
But there was frost on the ground on Saturday morning.
I was trying to explain what frost is to Naomi.
She asked if it was frosty the snowman.
I don't think we'll be able to build a snowman.
Bummer.
Hey, would you build a snowman for Naomi and send us a photo?!

30 years

2009-12-06T06:02:00.000-06:00

So what does it feel like to be 30?
A lot like it felt to be 29...and 28.
But it's weird to think that I'm 30.

I used to think that 30 was old.
Not so much anymore.
But again, it's weird to think that I'm 30.
I'm sure it's weird for my mom to think that her baby is 30 also?
Right mom? (she'll be double my age soon...but don't tell her that I told you).

I had a great birthday.
I got spoiled...a couple of time.
My friend from church, who also watches the
kids twice a month took us out for lunch!
Thanks Wanda, it was a special treat and we had a great time.

Greg came home early from work and brought me this:

The stable that is...
I've been collecting the pieces for a few years.
Thanks babe, I LOVE it!

He also baked me this:

The kids loved the cake just as much as I did!

And Greg surprised me with dinner out and a movie!
What a great night it was.
We enjoyed a nice dinner and then some kill time at Borders.
Then we went and saw the funniest movie that we've seen in a LONG time.
It was so awesome to laugh like that.
So, go see Old Dogs and be prepared to laugh!

Saturday was a fun day too.
Naomi and I went to church for the Mary-Martha Guild brunch.
Then she has practice for the Christmas Program and I ran some errands.
After I dropped her off at home I headed to Linda's house for high tea.
High tea doesn't mean "fancy" tea, altough it's a dressy, festive occasion.
High tea means the meal for the day basically.
The food was incredible. The tea delicious.
The company outstanding.
It was so awesome to meet new friends and get to know old friends better.
We talked a LOT about homeschooling and books.
It was a great afternoon!

What did you do this weekend?
Anything fun? I bet it doesn't top my weekend! ha!

Don't forget my etsy sale runs till midnight!
Place your order now to receive 30% off!!

my next announcement...

2009-12-04T14:53:00.002-06:00

In an effort to continue to simplify my life I have done away with two photography web presences. I have gone to a blogsite and I am very excited about this!

Everything that was on my old website is on the blogsite and the blog information and updates will obviously be there as well.

I am very excited about having one main page where all the information can be found. Who has time to go looking through two websites anyway?

So, head on over to JT Photography and check out my new blogsite. I am still working on posting the old old posts but they'll all be there eventually! Clients will be able to see their proofs and order prints from this site just like they could on the last site and all my galleries are there too. I'm still working on fine tuning everything so if you see any errors shoot me an email and let me know.

I would love it if you could leave some comments (I couldn't transfer my comments over from my old blog). I want this to be a place where people can share with me and build a sort of community. I know that sounds totally corny but I just want my friends and family to join me on this adventure. I want my clients to know the real me and not just the photography side of me. I want my clients to become my good friends and my good friends to become my clients.

Okay, I'm going to stop now and just let you go check it out! PLEASE let me know what you think! I'd love any constructive criticism you have to offer!!

jtphoto.org

christmas decorations

2009-12-04T07:02:00.002-06:00

Naomi likes to do a project just about every day.
She loves to cut magazines, glue things, color, play with play-doh you name it.
Sometimes I have to be creative and whip a project out of thin air.
Like I did yesterday.
I took the extra green paper from the advent wreath and told her to glue it to the plate.
She did.
Then I added the bow and berries and we called it a wreath.

We also made some cinnamon ornaments for gifts.
I have big plans for these.
Some will go to family.
Some with go to the staff at church
and some will go to the shut-ins of our church.
So, if you're on that list,
please act surprised when you get your awesome smelling ornament!

I've got my work cut out for me (pun intended)!Here's the recipe I used for the ornaments:
Ingredients:
1.5 cups applesauce
2.5 cups cinnamon (4 2.37oz bottles)
1 Tablespoon ground cloves (optional)
1/4 cup white glue

Mix the ingredients together to form a dough. If the dough is too stiff, add a bit of water. Place the dough on a flat surface and knead it a few times. Return the dough to the bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Let it sit for 45 minutes (we let it sit then put it in a plastic bag because we made the dough two days before we had time to finish the ornaments).

Place the dough between two sheets of wax paper and roll. (Put a little cinnamon on the wax paper first. Our dough was a little wet so it made the wax paper stick to the dough but the cinnamon helped). Make them at least 1/4 inch thick so they don't crack. Cut the dough using cookie cutters, then use a straw to make a hole near the top for hanging.

Place the shapes on a parchment lined cookie sheet and bake at 200 for 2-3 hours turning over half way through baking time. (To air-dry, transfer shapes onto a wax paper lined cookie sheet and dry for 3-5 days. Turn them over every day.) You could decorate them with fabric paints. When the paint is dry, thread a piece of ribbon through the hole and hang. They will look and smell amazing!

I know there are other recipes out there for these ornaments. I have made these ornaments in the past using a different recipe but they never really kept the cinnamon smell. I'm pretty sure these will...our whole house smells like cinnamon! This recipe was from "Turtle" magazing for preschoolers.

the announcement

2009-12-03T23:36:00.004-06:00

some of you thought I might be pregnant...
although I do wish that was my announcement, it is not.
some of you guessed that i was going to be opening an etsy shop...

and if you did you were right.

It's the Pure Joy Creative Grand Opening!!!

I'm not completely done listing items for sale but wanted to get the shop up and running in case anyone wanted to purchase a painting or photograph for a Christmas present.

We are having some big issues right now with finances (which I will explain at another time) and I wanted to be able to help contribute to our families income.

I have always loved to paint. I'm not the worlds best painter but I'm passionate about getting scripture off the page and onto the walls of everyone's home. What a fun and beautiful way to do just that. I love to do custom paintings and can't wait to see what our creative minds put together can make for your walls! I am also selling photographic prints with scripture on them. Any of the photos can include any verse that you love and can be printed in color or black and white. You will be able to preview the photo before it's printed.

And just because it's my birthday today and I'm 30, I'm having a grand opening/birthday sale! All items in my shop are 30% off for the entire weekend!! Now, go place an order so I can get painting! And PLEASE spread the word and tell all your friends to order something too!! Here are some samples of what's for sale!

I do have another announcement but it's not ready just yet! But hopefully later today!
Please come back!!

early christmas

2009-12-03T06:17:00.000-06:00

While my parents were here we celebrated Chritmas.
I like doing it this way.
The kids don't go too crazy then with getting everything at once.
And grammy and papa get to see their faces light up when they see what they've been given.

We got some very fun and useful gifts, and some very special gifts.
Greg got a Chris Carpenter autographed ball to add to his collection (which includes Albert Pujols!) The kids got some clothes, fun toys, 2 go fish games, building toys, and Christmas outfits.
We all got something to play with.
Greg got some money to play with.
The kids got a basketball hoop! They LOVE it! (so does Greg)
I got some computer programs! YAY!

Thanks mom and dad and Tracey and Brad for spoiling us!!!
We are blessed!

child's advent wreath tutorial

2009-12-02T06:03:00.000-06:00

I know that the advent calendar is a big deal in MANY homes across America.
What a great way to slow down and savor the special moments before Christmas.
What I don't know is how widely used the advent wreath is.
Is this just a Catholic and Lutheran tradition/custom?
Do you use the advent wreath in your home or just the calendar?

If it's not a tradition in your home maybe you'd like to start a new one.
And here's an easy way to make an advent wreath that the kids can help light!
Although blowing out these candles may prove a bit tricky at least we don't have to worry about anyone getting burned!

Here's some basic instructions for making your own!

You will need....
5 toilet paper rolls

5 popsicle sticks
a paper plate

construction paper (green, white, purple, pink and yellow)

Scissors

glue or double sided tape as I used.

You will need three purple candles, one pink and one white (although the white one is optional).
Cut the paper to fit the toilet paper tubes. Glue or tape the paper onto the tubes.Cut the green paper into the shape of evergreens or holly leaves.
Glue or tape to the paper plate.I noticed after the fact that my tubes were longer than my popsicle sticks so I had to get creative. I cut slits into the bottom of the rolls and folded them in. Then I used the folded in part as my base to tape to the paper plate...so my mistake actually made it easier to attach the candles to the plate.Attach the purple and pink candles to the outer edges and put the white "Christ" candle in the middle. Cut out 2 matching flames for each popsicle stick and glue or tape them on. Then you're all set and ready to let the kids light the candles for Advent!

I'd love to see your version of this...leave me a comment and let me know where I can see yours!I found this helpful information about advent wreaths on Wikipedia.

The Advent wreath is a Christian tradition that symbolizes the passage of the four weeks of Advent in the liturgical calendar of the Western church. It is usually a horizontal evergreen wreath with four or five candles. Beginning with the First Sunday of Advent, the lighting of a candle can be accompanied by a Bible reading and prayers. An additional candle is lit during each subsequent week until, by the last Sunday before Christmas, all four candles are lit. Some Advent wreaths include a fifth, "Christ" candle which can be lit at Christmas. The custom is observed both in family settings and at public church services.

There are several interpretations of the symbolism of the Advent wreath.

The accumulation of light is an expression of the growing anticipation of the birth of Jesus Christ, who in Christian faith is seen as the light of the world. The circular wreath represents God's eternity and unity. Evergreens are a symbol of enduring life.

In some traditions the first candle is called the prophet's candle and is meant to signify the hope of Jesus' coming. The second is called the Bethlehem candle in honor of the city of Christ's birth. The third candle is the shepherds' candle. The final candle is the angels' candle, symbolising the angelic proclamation of joy at Christ's birth. A number of carols have been written for use with the short liturgy accompanying the lighting of the Advent candles in church services. A common format is to add an extra verse each week, relating to the symbolism of that week's candle.

something big

2009-12-01T22:34:00.001-06:00

something big is coming....
come back on Friday...
pretty please...
I've got something big I want to share with you...

okay, so it might just be something big for me,
but I still want to share it with you...
please come back...
yes, I'm begging...

field trip to fredericksburg

2009-12-01T06:23:00.000-06:00

On Saturday morning we headed up to Fredericksburg.
We wanted to show my parents more of what our area had to offer.
We knew the little shops would be a hit with my mom,
and the german food and beer would be a hit with my dad.
We enjoyed the drive, (the trees actually had a little more color to them this time)
the walking, the shops, the food, the company and just the little trip away from home.
I'm certain that we'll be back again soon.
Here are some photos from our little field trip.

project 320

2009-11-30T15:57:00.002-06:00

What is one of the biggest things in life that you take for granted?Your beating heart?
The roof over your head?
The water you drink?

I take all those things for granted...
a lot.
But have recently been made more aware of those things.

My heart is fine, but I know it's working hard to help me
live a life in which I can bring glory to God.

The roof over my head needs to be replaced,
so does the foundation on which my house is built...
but that's another post entirely.

The water I drink is fine too,
clean,
cold,
accesible.
But for so many people that is not the case.
But what can I do - one person - to help?

I can create.
I can paint.
I can share my passion.

I am so excited to share this with you!
I am so excited to be a part of something bigger.

Julie over at Joy's Hope along with some of her blog friends
have started a project and I am so excited to be part of it.
And you can be part of it too.
Do you own an etsy shop?
Do you craft?
You can join in the project too.
Check out the blog for details.

If you aren't crafty but love to own crafty things you can join in too.
During the week of December 14th Julie will be
hosting these baskets of crafts and for $10 you can be entered to win
a basket of your choice.
Why $10?Because $10 buys water.
For one person in Africa for 10 years!
Amazing.
The goal of this project?To buy a well!!!

Please join me on this journey to
stop taking things for granted
and start sharing with others the things we have in abundance!
To GOD be the glory!

thanksgiving recipes

2009-11-30T14:19:00.002-06:00

Here are the links to all the recipes I used for our Thankgiving dinner:
Turkey and ham were bought at HEB, just had to heat them up!
Whipped Sweet Potatoes and bananas with honey
Mashed Potatoes

Cornbread Dressing (this was the hit of the day...almost all gone on Thursday)
Green Bean Casserole

Slow Cooker Creamed Corn

We also had cranberries, rolls (which I always forget in the oven), apple pie, pumpkin pie, pumpkin cookies and puppy chow!
Oh and some Pumpkin Lager and Cold Morning Maple homebrew!

our feast

2009-11-27T08:06:00.003-06:00

Our Thanksgiving was a lot of fun!
My mom and dad arrived right on time at 11:30pm on Wednesday night.
Greg took my parents and the kids to church on Thursday morning...
I stayed home to get the feast going.
Our friends started arriving at 11am.
We were all present and accounted for and ready to eat by 12:30pm.
We feasted, and feasted some more.
We gave thanks and enjoyed time with friends and family.
It was great to hang out and spend time with friends....
even if the three pastors talked shop all day!

I tried out some new recipes and they were a hit.
So look for a post with those recipes later!!
For now, enjoy the table all set and ready for feasting!

Pastor Ben and his wife Elisa, Pastor Tom, Naomi, Me, Pastor Greg and Jeff.

happy thanksgiving

2009-11-26T06:06:00.000-06:00

I wanted to take a moment and say thanks.
Thanks for taking time out of your busy life to read my crazy ramblings.
Thanks for leaving comments (all three of you who do!)
Thanks for allowing me to come into your homes, your offices, your lives.
I enjoy sharing a little piece of our world with you
and am so grateful that you enjoy reading about what we're up to.
I'd love to know more about who you are and what you'd like to read more about too!
Leave me a comment...or two.

If you have any questions I'd love to answer them as well.
Maybe you just read my blog because you're family and it's nice to keep in touch through the world wide web (and I do believe most of my readers are family), or maybe you read for the little ideas here and there...not sure why you read my blog but I am thankful that you do.

I am most thankful today for the gift of salvation that is mine
FREE
because my Savior, Jesus Christ died on the cross just for me!!!
And the best part is that He came back alive and conquered
sin,
death,
and the devil
once and for all!!
Praise God for this indescribable gift!

Praise God for the family He blessed me with.
My amazing husband and two awesome kids.
My incredible parents, sister, and brother.
And all my crazy in-laws (crazy in a good way of course :) ).
Enjoy this time with your family.
Soak up every last minute (and crumb of pie).
Savor the little things (and the pie).
And most of all REMEMBER
where all these little things came from!!!

Here's our family of turkeys!!

Some corn on the cob!!

And some pumpkin pie!HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

cleaning

2009-11-25T06:23:00.000-06:00

I can't believe that I'm going to show you
what I'm about to show you.
I'm embarassed.
It's gross.
But I have to believe that if I have these issues
then maybe someone else out there does too.
And if you had found a solution to something this awesome
I'd want you to share it with me too.

Enter, the pumice stone.
Great for getting rid of that rough skin on your heels.
We've all got it, don't be afraid to admit it.
BUT, that's not all...

It's also AWESOME and getting caked on gross stuff off your
bathroom tile,

toilet,
sink,
shower door,
you name it!

First put on some gloves
(especially if you're trying to get rid of the ring around the toilet).
Then get the pumice stone wet
and scrape till your arm falls off.
Then scrape some more.
Then the nastiness should be gone!
Enter my proof...

This is the sink in the kids bathroom.
The sink is at a weird angle so the water doesn't always go all the way down.
So, it just sits there.
It was already gross when we bought the house.
Sure, it got a little worse since we moved in.
But now it's better!!!
It's not perfect but much

MUCH

better.

I'm doing the happy dance because it's getting
the gross caked on gunk off the tile in my shower.
Oh and it does wonders on glass shower doors
that are coated with soap scum.

Okay, so maybe I'm the only one with these problems.
Leave some comment love and tell me I'm not alone.
I don't care if you have to lie!!!

But seriously go try it, it works!
It doesn't scratch the surface but gets all the nasty stuff out of there.
It even worked on a little rust spot that was on the kids tub
(from the previous owner).
You know ladies, the rust spots from
certain cans of shaving cream.
I don't use them so I know the rust was from someone else.

Anyway, that's my helpful tip of the week.
Hope you can have sparkling clean toilets,
sinks and tubs for your Thanksgiving company!

Speaking of which...mom and dad get here late tonight!

WooHoo!!

spiritual mothering: chapter 9

2009-11-25T06:15:00.000-06:00

So, I was a little late in posting chapter 8 so here's 9 right after it!

Chapter 9: The Power of Acceptance

"How do we show acceptance of women in such a way as to encourage them? What qualities should a spiritual mother embody and teach to a younger woman?"
1. Do you battle the "super-woman syndrome"? In what ways? Be as specific as you can. I feel that I do battle the super-woman and mom syndrome. I feel that my house needs to be clean, my dishes and laundry need to be done and put away, that I need to volunteer at church and teach Sunday School. I feel that I have to portray a life that I don't really want to lead. I feel that I have to be dressed up nice and put together, and that my children need to be well-behaved.

But where does this pressure come from? it comes from ME! I don't really hear people talking about me behind my back (does anyone?) but I wonder what they say. I don't get pressure at church to be a certain type of Pastor's wife. I don't have people asking me to volunteer or leaving me a nasty message if I don't show up for something, more often than not they let me off the hook because I have small children. The pressure is mostly self-inflicted. The syndrome seems to go in cycles because sometimes I just don't care and those times can be seen a mile away. I don't measure up and that's okay. I need to remember to bring Glory to God and not worry about everything else!

2. Dorcas "shows us that it is possible to be an intelligent, organized woman who is deeply involved in ministry without making others feel guilty or pressured" (page 131). Do you know any women like this? What are some of the things they do that prove this statement true? I do know women like this. They are amazing and everyone I talk to wants to be just like them! They volunteer when they have time but not all the time. They have a good head on their shoulders and share their hurts and joys. They have an honest, transparent concern for others and you feel as though you're the only one that matters when they are talking to you...thus it's hard to feel guilty or pressured when they are just caring for you.

3. Dorcas was careful "not to place demands on the woman but to communicate a belief in the woman's potential" (page 131).
If there were a scale for this, would you fall closer to placing demands or communicating belief in potential? Can you give an example? I'm probably someplace in the middle. I'm not really sure that I'm good at communicating belief in potential or if it's just encouragement. I guess I'm not really sure what that looks like. I know that I try to encourage others to try things that may take them out of their comfort zones but that could just be because I don't want to step out of mine.

4. Beginning on page 131, Hunt describes a series of "I can imagine" paragraphs about Dorcas. Is there one that stands out to you? One that you could take steps toward putting into practice this week? "I can imagine women of all ages in the congregation receiving notes of appreciation and encouragement from Dorcas." This is me, I LOVE to write little notes to people to brighten their day or just let them know that I was thinking of them and praying for them. I think I'll work on this one. I usually just write notes to my friends but I'm positive there are women in my church who could use some encouragement as well. I just hope that if I do this it won't be looked at as me playing favorites (being the pastor's wife is not always easy!)

5. Respond to the quote from Dobson on page 136 about the breakdown between women and women. Do you see this being true? This is SOOOO true and I feel it. I know what it's like to move to a new place and know NO ONE! It's not easy. We are trapped in our homes and at our jobs. We have fences instead of open yards. We spend so much time at work that when we are home we need to have a little family time instead of time with other families. The extended family is so far awa that we don't have that security and fellowship and because people move so much more often than they used to it's hard to form long-term friendships.

6. How can you help create a supportive network for women in your own sphere of influence? How can you connect with women around you and encourage them to connect with one another? I really want to work on this. Our MOMS group is getting a little face lift and I really want this to be part of our new group. I just don't really know how it will all play out. I really want to integrate this spiritual mothering approach into our church but getting the ball rolling in the right direction is what is stumping me the most, I will continue to pray that God would lead me and the other women who are willing to be part of this in the right direction. I just wish I knew where to start!

Could you start a prayer group, a book group, a play group? What about simply having women over for coffee or tea and giving them opportunity to connect? As you've talked about this book study, are there women who would like to go through this book? Could you host a group in your home? Maybe some of these ideas would be the place to start!? Praying over this one...

spiritual mothering: chapter 8

2009-11-24T20:38:00.000-06:00

I am enjoying this book so much and am learning so many things. And I can't believe that I'm actually going to finish reading a book (that's not a novel)...it's been a LONG time since I've done this! You can see what some of the other women are saying, here!

"The Ministry of Encouragement"

1. "As I learned to trust him, I learned to trust others" (page 113). How does growing in trust in God help you trust others? How have you seen the two linked in your own life? I know that there is a direct corelation but I cannot give concrete examples. Call it mommy brain or whatever but I know that when I am fully in the Word and trusting that God will take care of my needs it IS easier to trust other people. Probably because I know that He's got my back and that He is putting these people in my life for a reason, so it's just an off shoot of trusting Him (hope that made sense).

2. "Encouragement is not just an exercise in fluff. The ministry of encouragement is hard work" (page 114). Did this chapter change your definition of encouragement? How are you thinking differently about encouragement after reading this chapter? A lot of times I think of encouragement as sitting on the sidelines with my pom-pons cheering someone on. But on page 115 Susan puts it this way, "...give careful though as to how we can urge one another on in the same direction that we are moving." So, encouragement is also walking along side other people and maybe showing them how you are walking in the Lord and asking them to join you. I definetly need encouragement in MANY areas of my life if this is the definition. I'd love to have someone to walk beside and learn the ropes from all while being encouraged to do just as they are.

3. "Being with a spiritual mother who reflects Christ will encourage and equip a young woman to be like Him" (page 117). We are not mothering other women so they end up like us, but like Jesus. The goal is not a Mini Me! I think of praying that others will not see us, but see Jesus in us.
This means that we can mentor women who are nothing like us; we can ask a woman to be a spiritual mother who is nothing like us. The possibilities just expanded in a huge way! What is important is that we are like Jesus.
Does that change your perception about your ability to be a spiritual mother or a spiritual daughter? This does change my perception a LOT. I totally had in my mind that I needed to find someone like me...someone who has children, a pastor's wife, living far from family...but that's not the point. The point is to be more like Jesus and I know some spiritual giants that would be TREMENDOUS spiritual mothers to me. I thought it would be hard since they don't have many things in common with me but that's the opposite. They will lead me to be more like Jesus and in turn those other hats I wear will fit better!!!

4. Different women reflect Jesus in different ways and have different strengths (and weaknesses!). No one of us will reflect him perfectly--we benefit from multiple spiritual mothers. As you think about the women you know, what are some of the ways you see them reflect Jesus that you want to learn? There are women who talk about Jesus as if they'd just had coffee with him. I'd love to be like that. There are women I know who are so humble and selfless but not in a "look at me I'm humble and selfless" kind of way. I want to learn more about teaching someone through my actions and lifestyle, I want to be more like Jesus and show His love in ways that I don't even understand yet.

5. We've talked a lot about our becoming spiritual mothers in the past chapters. But this chapter has made me realize my own longing for a spiritual mother or two in my everyday, face-to-face life.
How might we benefit from being a spiritual daughter? As we pray to be open to mother a younger woman, let's also pray that God would guide us toward a spiritual mother of our own. If you do not have a mentor/spiritual mother, is there someone you'd like to ask? I could totally benefit from being a spiritual daughter. This book has shown me time and time again how I long to have a mentor. There are so many inconsistencies in my life that I know watching someone with better discipline would greatly impact my life. I know that I would gain so much from a spiritual mother and yes, I have someone in mind, just don't know how/when to ask!

6. Anything else you'd like to add? I love this quote on page 119, "A church that has the combination of sound preaching from the pulpit and a unified effort of encouragement from the pews will be dynamite! And I personally believe that it is primarily women who bring the energy of encouragement into the church." This is what I am craving and longing for. We've got sound preaching happening and encouragement is floating around but I would love for it to be more intentional at our church. I'm thinking of ways to make this happen...hmmmm...

which leads right into the quote on page 122, "When we invest in encouraging other women, we will have the glorious experience of seeing them come out of the cave and use their spiritual gifts for God's glory. ... Encouragement by other women is probably the most effective and efficient way to tap the rich resource of the female population of a local church." Right on. How do we do it? What does it look like? Where do I start?

photo shoot and other things

2009-11-24T06:06:00.000-06:00

So it's the busy time of year.
That's no different in this house than any other house.
We had some friends stay with us last week.
It's always nice to catch up with old friends.
It's always nice to get a baby fix (photos to come later).
It's always nice to photograph a good lookin' family
even on my front porch because it was pouring!
Kristy here are a few sneak peaks for you!!!
Thanks for coming to hang out with us...and do some sightseeing!

I have so much more to tell you all...
like how I FINALLY finished Naomi's tutu...
only took me like 2 months to finally get around to finishing it!
She LOVES it!
And I'm very happy with how it turned out.

I also can't wait to tell you about how we took the kids bowling for the first time!
What fun that was!
I can't wait to show you more photos from the P family photo shoot!
And I can't wait to reveal something that I'm working on....
gotta finish it first though!

That's all for now...

gotta go take a little girl to the dr...

croup? maybe, who knows...

Gotta clean my house too...
mom and dad come tomorrow night!!

yipee!!!

scripture paintings

2009-11-15T06:15:00.001-06:00

Here is a sample of scripture paintings that I have for sale.
Some of them have already been sold and that is indicated above the painting.
I have kept them here so that you can see many options.

11x14 - 1 John 3:7 Red (sold)
11x14 - Psalm 27:1 Teal
10x10 - Lamentations 3:23 Sunrise (sold)
11x14 - 1John 4:7 Green

16x20 - Joshua 24:15 Blue

8x10 - Matthew 5:16 Blue

16x20 -Psalm 46:10 Green