Questions boys ask

Here are a few of the latest.

During Family worship as we were reading Romans, it was talking about circumcision, and Austin asks when we were done reading. What is circumcision? Great question, right. Well, that was left up to Dad to explain. Of course he did a great job, and also talk of the spiritual application of circumcision of the heart. Anyway, it was a great chuckle for us all. So, at Christmas, Austin said to one of his aunts, knowing full well what he was doing, "Hey, lets talk about circumcision." Uh, what, she said. He then says, just kidding. This is by the way one of those things my boys are glad was done as a baby, and not when they were 30 years old. LOL! They are also happy to know that it is no longer the sign of the covenant.

Today, as my boys are playing their new playstation, they needed something to hold the cords, well, I think at least. Zach says, "Mom can I use one of your hair bracelets?" "Uh, what in the world are you talking about?" "Well, you know the hair bracelet" "You mean a pony tail holder?!" "Yeah, Mom." Of course you can use one, while I chuckle.

Silly boys.

Merry Christmas

May we remember the gift that was given on this day. Our savior. I wish you and yours a blessed Christmas and New Year. ***Last night in our family worship time, in which you wonder if your children really do inteed listen as they fidget and look around, we read Luke 2. When it was over, Jordan asked this question (well something to this effect) Where is says "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with who he is well pleased!" (Luke 2:14ESV) Is this talking about predestination? Absolutely, it is talking about definate atonement. Well, my point in this comment is that THEY DO LISTEN. There was also something that Austin picked up when we were doing our chatecism questions. This shows me that the boys are listening, thinking and taking to heart what they are being taught. I'm so thankful for many things this year. God has brought us so far on our journey. We have gone from being extremely legalistic, oneness pentecotal, to very reformed in our theology. God has revealed so much to us. And then, to top it all off, my children understand. God has opened their understanding. God is so AWESOME! He is so faithful. My children are a part of the covenant family. Okay, I could go on and on. I just want to praise God for revealing truth to us each day.

The things I saw when I walked into the boys room.

Yesterday when I came home, the boys room was a mess, as usual. I walked into survey the damage, and this is what I saw. These poor G.I. Joes were hanging. UGH! I continued on into the room, and behind the closet door, the next picture is what was hiding there. I asked Austin what happened the the "hanging G.I. Joes", he calmly told me that they had disobeyed the laws of war and were being hanged. Then I asked it the closet was a hosptial, or what, he said "no this is their beds. The hanger you see is the "lift" into the bunks. Very imaginative boys I have. They happened to use an entire box of kleenex for the beds, I sure hope the G.I. Joes were comfy.

Zach gingerbread house he made at school

Austin update

Austin goes to Riley Children's Hospital ADHD Clinic again tomorrow. He is doing exceptionally well with his new medicine. I was concerned because the Dr. said it could cause his anxiety to become worse and then it is just a 12 hour med, so I was also worried about the evenings. He has been doing so much better. He has a rough time getting started in the morning. He is SO scattered, the other day it took him 20 minutes to put on 1 shoe, and then I had to tie it for him. He was trying to do so many other things while he was putting on the shoe. Well, we figured that out. I take him his pill with a drink, before he really wakes up and he takes it, this way when he does get out of bed (usually about 30 min later) he is ready to do what needs to be done. This has helped tremendously. Our evenings are not as chaotic as I thought they'd be. He is a little more high strung than before, however, he is not having the outburst of rage, and he is playing with his brothers somewhat calmly (well, as calm as 3 boys together can be). I think that because his days are much more relaxed it is helping him in the evening, because he doesn't have all the bottled up anxiety from a day "gone wrong". Oh, and lest I forget. He was doing HORRIBLE in spelling--d's and f's faithfully, and that with extra help. He has gotten 2 B's and last week was an A. WOOHOO! He was so excited! So, I guess I have to say overall, Austin is doing well. Thank God for medical help. He is such a great kid, and he just needed some help. Oh, I think his sleeping is a little better. Well, except the other night, he was up playing video games in the middle of the night--he says "what am I supposed to do when I can't sleep and everyone is asleep?"

Reason for my absence

Hello to all my mny (ha) blog friends. I have missed you all. I have a computer with an illness, and its warranty just ran out (imagine that), and it is $70 just to look at it. NOT happening now.

Well, I'll do a short, very short update, as I need to get my children picked up in about 10 minutes.

Things are well in the Myers home. The boys are fighting less, because they are being forced to interact with each other, since they can't get on the computer, or the PS1 (it's broken too). I love it. I'm am spending more time with my children, also since I can't waste time online. So, see there are good things to say about our computer problems. Now, dont get me wrong, I sure do miss blogging and reading my friends blog, but for now, we'll just have to make a trip to the library or someplace else to do this.

We had a great Thanksgiving weekend. We were able to spend good quality time with Rob's 2 sisters and their families. It was great. FABULOUS! Actually.

Well, that is it for now. Maybe I'll make the short trek back to the library to blog some more. We'll see. Maybe I'll even have a profound thought for the day. Until next time.

Melissa

You are Sunrise

You Are Sunrise

You enjoy living a slow, fulfilling life. You enjoy living every moment, no matter how ordinary.You are a person of reflection and meditation. You start and end every day by looking inward. Caring and giving, you enjoy making people happy. You're often cooking for friends or buying them gifts.

All in all, you know how to love life for what it is - not for how it should be.


Okay, I do hate to admit this, but I think this is all pretty true to me. Ha! These things are too funny to me.

Welcome Jayden Michael

My manager, Kendra had her baby today.

Jayden Michael. He was born at 12:56pm, and weighed 6 lb 7.3 oz. He is absolutely adorable.

My adorable nephew

The wonderful things my children can do. Isn't it great?!

The Fort Austin & Zach built

This is what I saw when I turned onto our street. Great view. The boys evidently needed a Fort for some reason. I told you, they are very creative. (do you see the Colts flag hanging on the fort--too funny).

Life with boys

This is what ones bathroom may look like when living with little boys. They were playing G.I. Joes, I'm not exactly sure what was happening. Let me tell you this much: give my boys some string (in this case it was embroidery thread) and a box (not necessarily this time) and they can entertain themselves for hours. My boys are very creative.

Was it Thanksgiving or Christmas?

These are all the cousins from Rob's family. Rob has 2 younger sisters. Jen & Faith. We enjoyed spending alot of time with them all. Eating, shopping, talking, laughing, eating some more, and just lots of fun.

Front from left: Montgomery, Acacia (Jen & Dean's kids) & Myles (Faith & Brent's boy)

Back: Zach, Austin & Jordan

We had "great fun" this past weekend. It ended up being Thanksgiving/Christmas all weekend.

I'll post details of our trip later. Now, I must go to bed.

I will say the kids were wonderful. They all played together so well, even shopped together well. It was a lot of fun times and memories for them.

Thanksgiving Turkey

Here are some pictures of a project that Zach made today at school. It was a turkey (notice I say was--he ate it right after I took the picture) out of a apple, and colored marshmallows.

I just thought it was so cute.

Austin's second Dr visit

We went to Riley Childrens Hospital again on Friday. It was a shorter visit and Austin was able to go school for the afternoon, which is what he wanted. I had kind of planned on just enjoying the day with him, and NO he wanted to get back to go to school. (the hospital is almost 2 hours away, so it is quit feesible to be gone the entire day).

They are changing his meds for the ADHD. She has us weaning him off the current medication and slowly adding the new medication. Great plan. The last time we tried to switch, it was one day one kind the next day the new kind and it was AWFUL!!! I even thing awful is an understatement. At any rate, I'm curious how this new medication will work. We are hoping it will allow him some better sleep.

She says that Austin suffers from General Anxiety Disorder. We have a few options. 1.) is medication like prozac or something else. 2.) Copeing therapy. 3.) Both. The therapy takes anywhere from 8 to 22 sessions, and they like to see children at least once every 2 weeks. She asked what I preferred. I said the therapy for now. She said that is great, because if he never learns to cope and we just do meds, he'll not know what to do and if as an adult he decides not to take meds, he'll be a mess. So we start therapy in January (that was the quickest we could get him in). I also said if he does these sessions and still needs some meds, we'll talk about that later. I would like to see what we can change by behavior modification. I am in hopes that they will give me lots of reading material, or ideas of what to read, so we can help alot at home, and learn what we can, so maybe we won't need 22 sessions. Please continue to pray for us during this time. It is really hard on Austin. He gets so upset with himself.

Just wanted to update on the happenings for Austin. We are finally making progress in this battle.

A quick note on our visit. Of course it is a childrens hospital. We saw many, many children coming and going. Babies hooked up to machines, babies and children with no hair, children in walkers, and thing like this. Austin was quit amazed by this. We talked about how blessed we are that they are physicaly healthy, and that there are many families with sick children, and we should pray for them. Well, today at Wal-Mart he saw a container for donations, and it was for Riley Children's Hosptial, and wouldn't you know he was putting all his change in the bottle and asking for more. Zach wasn't sure what was going on, so I heard Austin explain to him that this would go to help the sick children that go to Riley. Austin said he was sad when he thought about how sick some children are. I am blessed to have children with so much compassion. God is so good.

Just another great God story

Here I shared with you all how I was feeling about stuff in general. Well, I woke up with a much better attitude. The Holy Spirit was at work in my heart and life. I said a silent prayer as I started my day that God would give me the grace I needed, and he did. Isn't it amazing what God will do if we just ask. At any rate, it was a good day. (Actually all of them have been good since I got my selfish attitude in check again) Jordan, who is now 12.5 years old decides he is just going to have a crummy attitude and treat his brothers awful. Well, I had tried to remprimand him kindly, and ended up sending him to his room. I told him all he had to do was change the attitude, and he could join the family again. He goes to his room, and comes right out, and I could tell there was absolutely no change, so back he went to his room. Which of course he thougth I was just awful. I thought to myself, "self you need to have a talk with this boy" (actually I'm sure it was the Holy Spirit at work again in my life). Well, what in the world am I going to say to a child in a bad mood, that I feel like I'm talking to myself when I talk to him. (does anyone understand what I mean by that) Well, I go in and just have a conversation something along these lines.

I talked to him about the bad attitude, and how sometimes it is jut much easier to keep the attitude than get rid of it. Even when we know we are wrong with out actions. He just looked at me, like whatever. I talked about how we are like this because we are sinners, even if we've been saved we are still sinners and have a sinful nature. Still just looks is about all I'm getting with an occasional nod. I went on to tell him the only way to change is to ask God to forgive us for the selfsih ness and ask for his help in changing. More nods and looks. Then I went on to talk about myself ahving a negitive attitude and knowing it, but not changing, or asking for God to help me. I told him that before I went to bed on Sunday I had to repent of my selfish sinful ways and God changed my attitude and helped me. At that I got a big grin and I could tell he was understanding what I was saying. He didn't necessarily need me to tell him what to do, or how he was srong, he knew that. He needed to know that I struggle the same way sometimes, well lots, and I have to ask God to forgive me and help me. It was such a wonderful experience for us both. I got a big hug and I love you from the boy. I connected with my soon to be teen, who I now look at his chin when he stands in front of me. What a great kid. What a great big God we serve. He used that awful mood I'd gotten into to bring glory to Him. God used my situation to show my son that we all struggle, we are all sinful by nature, but God can and will help us each day.

Nice day

Today at our church was Thanksgivng dinner. It is my weekend to work, therefore, we really didn't plan on staying for the dinner. It was at 5 pm, and it just didn't seem feesible to stay gone all day. Well, then we get to church and they announce no Wednesday night service, so therefore, we stayed in New Castle (which is about 50-55 min from home) for the day. We had driven in seperate vehicles, which actually worked out great this time. We were able to take the van to Wal-Mart and get the oil changed, and still have a vehicle to run around in. We ate, extremely cheap at McDonalds, and then Pastor Charlie left the church office unlocked and we just hung out there for a couple of hours. It was a nice time, we were able to talk to the church secretary, who I've never actually had time to have a conversation with, and there was a pool table in the basement, which occupied the boys. This wonderfu covenant family we are a part of is great. We love this church family. It was a nice day. We got back to town around 7:15 and I went into work to finish my weekend duties. I really should be in bed, but obviously I'm not.

***let me explain, just in case you wonder, my weekend schedule at work. I have to work 18 hours between the 2 days (sat & sun). I work at least 10 on Saturday, and get all my Saturday stuff done, and start what I can of my Sunday work, then on Sunday when I go in I just do the paperwork, the banking, and stuff like that, then I leave and go to church. Then when the boys get close to bedtime, I go back into work and finish, usually about 3 hours. I have to finish the grocery order for our store, which includes inventorying all cigarettes and figuring the order for the week. Then my weekend work is done. I'm so thankful that my manager understands how important that church is to me, and allows me to be so flexible with Sundays. It works great, because I get stuff done before church spend the day with the boys and go back when they go to bed.

I'm going to be bad today! It's okay though

Today I am off of work. Jordan and Austin had eye doctors appointments. I just took them to school. My house is a mess, like usual. However, I have some things I'm going to do instead of cleaning at the moment.

Jordan has grown so stinking much that his jeans I just bought him when school started are getting too small--good thing he only has 2 pairs. Therefore, I'm going to go to the mall today. I love to buy the boys jeans at Old Navy, and besides I'll go to Kohls also. Those are my 2 favoritest stores well, besides Wal-Mart. I have returns to all 3 stores actually, so off I go to enjoy my day off. I guess I'll pay for it later. I am hoping to get back just as the boys get out of school. You know we live FAR from a city with the stores I like to shop at, so it will not leave me with much browsing time, but that is okay, I really don't have alot of extra $$$ to spend at the moment.

Oh, by the way, yesterday was a wonderful day in our house. I'll post a story about it later. It is amazing what the Holy Spirit can do through us when we are not looking at ourselves.

Have a great day.

This is a test! and I'm falling horribly!

Do I really believe that God is sovereign and in control at all times? Do I really believe that God will give the grace necessary to get through hard times in our lives?

I'm tired! I'm exhausted from working full time (40-45 hours a week lately), Rob is working a very physically demanding job 45 hours a week, we have 3 ADHD children, a house, and just life in general. Let me be the first to admit. I'm doing a lousy job keeping up with all this. I'm tired all the time. My nerves are shot, I don't have patience with the boys, I can't keep my house picked up much less clean. UGH!!!! Today was another of those days. I was off this weekend, however I worked for 8 days straight to get to this point. I was tired. They boys stayed at my sisters on Friday. Great I thought, I'll get up and clean and do laundry, then we can go to the promised "Wal-mart shopping spree" with the boys. Well, I did sleep in. I slept until 9am. Got up started my day. My dryer is not working right. The vent house is flex pipe (?) and is full of lint, therefore, it will not heat up to dry properly. Therefore, it takes 2 to 3 times longer to dry the clothes, which makes laundry more of a nightmare than usual.

Okay, enough gripping. Today on the way to church I wasn't in a very good mood. I know it is just pure selfishness, things aren't going smoothly for me, and I don't like it at all. I'm tired of the boys fighting all the time, I'm tired with Austin (poor little guy wears me out), I'm just tired. Well, then we get to church, and of all things we talked about in SS was "Thankfulness". UGH!!! I was so convicted, I was almost in tears the entire time, good thing no one made eye contact with me or I would have lost it, like I'm about to do know just thinking of it.

Some of the things that Patti talked about were so elementary, I know them, but boy did I need to hear them. God is so absolutely great, and even if he doesn't give us exactly what we want we should still worship and glorify him. He doesn't owe me anything. I owe him so very much. He has given me life, and more than that, he calls me his own. He is my father, what more do I need. UGH!! I get so frustrated with myself sometimes. I'm so stinking sinful sometimes, it drives me crazy. I think I get trapped back into the mindset of "works based" thinking. I.E. "You know God I'm doing my best, couldn't you just reward me for that?" WHY! WHY! WHY! God is so awesome, I can't even put into words how I feel right at this moment. Why, when I feel this way to I allow my self to get so upset at circumstances, why don't I just turn my eyes towards God and cry out to him for help? Sinful nature, and a lack of quiet time each day with the one who is able to sustain me through all things, that is why. I have gotten so wrapped up with the day to day things, that I've forgotten to talk with God each day. It is so easy to say, "I trust God can carry me through any circumstance" and not believe it with all your heart. Today the Holy Spirit sure did a work in my life, I hope to not soon forget. Now does this mean I didn't struggle at all the rest of the day, absolutely not, I just know where I can find my true joy. It is in worshiping the creator, not what he has or hasn't done in my life God has preordained these circumstances, gave me the children I have, and I have to trust that he will work through me and carry me through this time.

I hope that this makes some sense to someone out there. Even if it doesn't, that is okay. To God be the glory for the revelation he did in my heart today.

Hevenly Father, I worship you for who you are. Father, please forgive me once again for my unbelief and selfish sinful nature. I have taken my eyes off of you once again, and focused my attention on the things in my life, and not on you. I cry out to you with a humble heart, asking that you please give me the strenght it takes to get through this time. You know the thoughts and desires of my heart. Lord you have given me the children chosen for me by you. Lord I thank you for them. Lord help me to glorify you, and to show them the love that you've shown to me. Help me Lord to be kind, and not so critical and unhappy towards my chilren. Lord, through the work of the Holy Spirit, I ask that you produce the fruits of the spirit in my life. I want to glorify you in all I do. Not for myself, but that others may see Christ in me. I thank you that you chose me "before the foundation of the world". You knew exactly who I'd be, and all the circumstances that I'd encounter. I thank you that you sent your one and only son to die on that cross for my sins. I thank you that even though I'm a sinner, I know that you love me, and my salvation is secure for Christ holds me in his hand, and you, Father, hold that hand that holds me. Oh, I get such joy when I think of that. I thank you once again just for who you are. I know God that you will carry me through this time in my life. In your sons precious name. Amen!

The Karate Kid

Here is some great pictures of Austin and Zach. As you can see my boys love to dress up too. It is funny to see what they come up with. This day evidently was Karate Day. Boys are great. So much fun.
Now let me tell you, this picture is a little decieving. They don't always act this calm when the other wants to try and kick you. LOL!!
Austin looks ready to conquer the world. See, he is such a great kid.

Zach's cake--Yummy!

I can't believe I forgot to post this picture. Zach baked this cake (with a little help from me). He picked it out and everything. It was chocolate fudge cake with chocolate fudge icing. It didn't sound very appealing--too chocolatey--but it was delicous. It was very moist, and the icing was fabulous. See the "Fall colors" on top. It was like one of the first few days of fall, so we decided it would be a "Fall Cake". What fun. Baking with my boys. They love it.

Family Photo

Here is the latest Myers Family picture. It usually takes me about 1 year to talk my husband into getting pictures taken. This time I think it only took 8 months. What a guy. Like how I have the boys match. Fun! I'm sure there will be a day that they won't do it for me. We'll see. My face looks a little pale in this copy, I'm not the best at scanning and that kind of stull. OOPS!

have a great day. I must get ready for work, since I've done nothing this mornig but mess on the computer.

Obedience

You must read this today. WOW!!!
http://www.rbc.org/utmost/index.php

It is not a set of rules to obey. It is to obey the creator.

How selfish am I at times. Looking at God through pinholes and not directly in his face.


Heavenly Father, Forgive me for my selfish acts. It is my desire to be obedient to you each day.
Thank you for your loving forgiveness. You forgive me each and everyday, sometimes for the same ol' thing. I thank you for the sacrifice you made, through you son Jesus, on Calvary that day long ago. I thank you that you chose me before I could even think to chose you. I want to bring glory to you each and every day. Even though I fail so many times, you are so faithful to love and forgive me. Please Lord teach me to look to you first, not myself for the answers. I thank you again for your undying faithfulness, grace and mercy. In your Sons precious name. Amen

Phlegmatic

***You Have a Phlegmatic Temperament***
Mild mannered and laid back, you take life at a slow pace.
You are very consistent - both in emotions and actions.
You tend to absorb set backs easily. You are cool and collected.

It is difficult to offend you.
You can remain composed and unemotional.
You are a great friend and lover.
You don't demand much of others.
While you are quiet, you have a subtle wit that your friends know well.

At your worst, you are lazy and unwilling to work at anything.
You often get stuck in a rut, without aspirations or dreams.
You can get too dependent on others, setting yourself up for abandonment.

What Temperment Are You?http://www.blogthings.com/whattempermentareyouquiz/

I'm a wild, drinking, abusive parent with tattoos! NOT!!!!!

Crazy isn't it. Let me fill you in on these comments.

Yesterday my friend Becky called me and told me that someone was giving her a hard time, because she had chosen (well, God chose--another story for another time) to start coming to church with me and leave our former faith family also. Okay, well, this is the jist of what her friend asked her. "You were supposed to help win her (me) back to the faith--the truth--not go with her. Besides I'd heard she (me) had gone wild since she left and had tatoos, and stuff like that." Crazy right? Let me ask you this question, did anyone who said these things, or heard these things about me bother to call and see what was going on? NOT!!! It was just easier to continue to tell these stories. Let me tell you something else, I won't even get my eyes pierced, do you think I'm going to get a tatoo? NOT!!!!! People are so shallow and closed minded. UGH!!!

Now, here is the alcohol part. Today, I had to take Zach to the Dr. to get a refill on his perscription. Dr. Downey comes in and here is our conversation--well, maybe not word for word, but you'll ge the idea.

Dr. : "What's going on?"(very concerned like)
Me: "Not, much, just need a refill for Zach."
Dr.: "This isn't for Austin?"
Me: "No why?"
Dr.: "What's going on will Austin."
Me: "Well we went to Riley last week, and go back in a couple of weeks again. Why?"
Dr.: "Have you taken him to Winds of Change?"
Me: "Yes, why?"
Dr." "Your boys have the same Dad right?"
Me: "Uh, Yeah!" (very dumbfounded by this question--since we know him personally and
have gone to him for 4 years.)
Dr.: "Well, I got a faxed letter from Winds of Change, something about Austin being scared to go
to his Dad's because he drinks alot and is abusive."
Me: "Not my Austin. In fact I"ve not taken him there in a while, I found it useless, since we
were going to go to Riley."
Dr.: "Okay, I'm going to check this letter out again, and I'll show you."
He brings the letter in, and yes, it was about my Austin--but it was a BIG mix up.
Me: "Hey, (lightbulb moment) there is another Austin same middle and last name in this
county, and get this the only difference in their birthdays are the months they were
born. Same day and year."
Dr.: "How do you know this?"
Me: "Because when Austin was a baby I went to the health department to get his shots once,
and they tried to tell me he had already gotten them. I had to convince them he had not
and that is when I discovered this."
The Dr. and I just kind of chuckled about this when we figured it out. He immediately, while I was there, called Winds of Change and told them they were mistaken. Wrong Austin. So, I proceeded to tell him the other things I'd learned this week about myself. Great laugh. He told me I'd probably better lay off the alcohol and quit abusing my kids. LOL! I told him the only alcohol I've ever tasted was communion wine--and that was only once--every other church we went to served juice.

Boy, am I thankful for a Doctor who does know us well, and he believed me when I told him "Absolutely NO was my husband a drinker, and definately not abusive." Crazy huh! I'm just so glad that I had the appointment today, or who knows what would have happened.

Just thought I'd share the funny story with you all.

So, truthfully, I'm am not a drinking, abusive mother with tatoos. And YES, all my children do have the same father.

I got a chuckle out of this today. Hope you do too.

We went to Riley Children's Hospital ADHD clinic on Wed. It went well. Austin was such a trooper, he answered all the questions very politely. It was a 2 hour visit. It was basically an intake appointment. You know, they ask you a million and one questions, and then try to point you in the direction you need to go in. The doctor was so kind. He complimented Austin on his social skills. He is very articulate in his words, and he makes good eye contact, very clear in his thoughts. So, with that he ruled out Autism. You know there are people such as Bill Gates who have a very high social functioning form of Autism. Okay, back on track. We were pretty thankful for that. However, he is concerned with the anxiety level this little guy has. Now, here is my motherly opinion on this. Yes, his anxiety level is high, he doesn't handle change well at all, any change at all. Also, he doesn't sleep well at night, and I think that it is because he worries about everything, and then in turn he is tired. So then on top of his normal level of anxiety he is now tired, which results in the outbursts of rage we see in him. Bless his little heart. He is also a perfectionist, which doesn't help with the anxiety he feels. Anything less than perfection and it messes with his mind.

Okay, so now, since the intake doctor has decided what we should begin our quest on. We go back on November 17 for a medication evaluation. I'm pretty excited about this. Now, I know there are those who don't agree with medication, however, when you see your child suffer the way Austin does, it is a welcome addition. We prayed, read, studied and talked to our doctor for almost 1 year before we even tried the medication that he is on now. Believe me, it was a definate last resort.

Let me tell you as a Austin's Mom, it was awful for me to see him suffer so. He was so extremely active, that most people could not handle being around us for long. People would even not be very kind to my boys at times. It was very clear, I could see it, and I could sense it, and people even admitted it. It is just awful to have people dislike your child because of a chemical problem in their brain, that there is medication to help.

Okay, I'll not go on this tangent any longer. I would just ask that you help us pray that we will get something figured out soon. Thanks in advance.

We're back

We just got back from Indy for the visit. It was not bad at all. It was basically an intake appointment. We just answered lots of questions. Austin did alot of the talking. The Dr. ruled out Autism (which I really wasn't too concerned aobut) because his social skills are extremely good. He is very articulate, he makes lots of eye contact. He is however, worried about the anxiety and temper problems he has. I personally feel that the anxiety causes the outbursts of anger. I think things just bother him soo much that he has these outbursts. We go back again in a few weeks to see this guy again, then he is referring us to a doctor to work on medication for him. Hopefully, that will be quick.

He is such a good kid. I'm glad we are finally getting help with him. He has got so much potential, and without a little help, he'll be a mess.

I ended up taking Zach along for the ride, because the kids got out of school early today, and I didn't have a sitter. They were both great in the car, and very well behaved in the office, and everywhere we went. It was not stressful at all. Praise the Lord for that. I was worried, since I had to wake them up so early, that they'd be a little cranky. Not at all.

Thanks for the prayers in advance.

Austin

Today is the day. I'm taking Austin to Riley Children's Hospital for his ADHD. Please pray that the doctors will find something that will work for this great kid.

Sunday he was a mess. Anymore, he has more bad days than good. He was just digging at his head, eyes and just his body. He said he felt like he had rocks in his hair, and things like that. He is just so "hyper" and hyper-sensitive that it was bothering him on Sunday terribly. It just absolutely breaks my heart to see him suffer the way he does.

Thanks in advance for your prayers.

Great devotion

This devotion was great. I just read it. It deals so much with what I've been thinking lately.

One thing that Heather posted a while back, and I totally agree with her. Sometimes, we get so distracted in what we are doing, that we forget our true focus. Our focus should be on Christ himself, and if we keep our focus correct, the rest will fall into place. The Holy Spirit will be a work in our lives, and we will bear the fruit of that. How often do we, well, maybe just I, get so caught up in the work of God, and loose sight of God. It is so easy. We need to say focus on the creator, and he will direct our steps.

Okay, now for the devotion. How many times do we live our lives so busy we can't even see straight. I know, I've been there. I do try and not overcommit myself, but at times it does happen. What is the caution here in the reading?

"You have no idea of where or how God is going to engineer your future circumstances,
and no knowledge of what stress and strain is going to be placed on you either at home
or abroad. And if you waste your time in overactivity, instead of being immersed in
the great fundamental truths of God’s redemption, then you will snap when the
stress and strain do come."

If we will immerse ourselves in God's word, and have a intimate personal relationship with Christ, then when the stresses of life come, he will work through us to help us through. WOW, .

"Heavenly Father, I thank you so much for the blood of your precious son Jesus. I am a sinner, so unworthy, but you are faithful to your word. You've said if anyone will call on your name and believe they will be saved. I have faith, and believe. Thank you for my redemption that was paid for on Calvary. Today, I ask that you forgive me for the sin in my life. The sin of unfaithfulness to you. The sin of anger towards my family and especially my children. The sin of pride that every so quietly sneaks into our lives. I am absolutely nothing without you precious gift of grace. I ask that you give me the strength , the grace I need each day to deal with lifes difficulities. I ask that you give me the courage to be bold with my faith for your names sake. The faith that is a gift from you. It is not my own. Help me Lord not to become prideful of my faith. My faith is a gift from you, without your gift of faith, I would be a lost sinner. I thank you Lord for that heart transplant that you preformed in my life. You opened my heart to the truth. Let me never forget that it is all a gift, undeserving gift from you. I pray a prayer of blessing on my children. Father, help me to be a Godly mother, and an example of the grace that you've given me. Help me to train them in Your ways, not mine, not the worlds, but in the ways that are pleasing to you. Thank you for your many blessings in my life. Thank you for the ways you reveal yourself to me each day. God, you are the all powerful, sovereign Lord. You deserve all the praise and glory. In your sons, oh so precious name, I ask all these things. Amen.

Funny Austin story

My Austin called me hysterically crying yesterday at work. I was trying to calm him down to find out the problem. I'll share it with you.

In the mornings, when I have to work early I have a girl come over and get the boys ready for school. Well, on this particular morning, Austin was using the restroom, and walked out in his "undies" and "SHE WAS THERE." (I guess he forgot she was coming) UGH!!! It totally traumatized him. He was so distraught. He couldn't even ride in her car to school. I had to come and rescue him. It was quit comical to me, after the fact. But, even in the evening he cried about it. I told him, "at least you had your undies on"

Poor little guy, things just bother him so much. He is a perfectionist, and a people pleaser. He doesn't want to disappoint anyone (well, he lets his guard down at home, after all "I know you won't kill me Mom.") His whole day was a little off from this incident.

Someday, he'll look back and laugh about this. Well, hopefully!

Lots of exciting happenings!

Well, this is going to be short and to the point (well, that is the plan anyway), as I have to get up early in the am tomorrow. Anyone who knows me, knows I don't do mornings very well at all.

Okay, I've shared about my friend Becky. She comes for the same background. She is from my "former faith family." Well, there is another girl at work. She also is from our "former faith family." In all actuality, she is from the church my husband Pastored, and she is who she is from our teaching. UGH!!!! I have prayed that God would forgive me for leading people in the wrong direction, and I truly believe he has. It simply blows my mind when I think of the way I used to believe. Okay, back on track. Becky, who is about 10 years younger than I, and not married, has befriended Ashley,who is junior in High School(see much closer in age, than Ashley and I). Ashley has asked questions, and Becky has answered. Ashley has agreed to come to our church at least 3 times before she makes a judgement on whether or not she likes it. That may sound odd, but let me tell you, when you come from an emotional driven church, to a church that is reformed in worship, it can be quit odd to you. Ashley is hungry for truth. God has opened her understanding. Last night, she talked to me some. I gave her a copy of my testimony. She told me she read it today, and it makes sense to her. She even told me that, "I know that had I read this a year ago, I would have thought you were crazy." Hallelujah! I'm so excited, I can't hardly stand it. I explained to her, that God is doing a work in her heart, or she still would not see what I'm saying. When we left our former faith, I had some long heart to heart talks with Ashley, and she just didn't understand, and I told her she was always welcome to come with us, but not to follow me, just because it is me. Wow, I'm just so excited I could dance. I just keep asking her, "what makes you right with God?" If you get that right, the rest will follow.

Well, I'm sure I'll post more on this later, but for now, I just wanted to share a little of the story. It was just too good not to share. Please help me pray concerning this situation. Thanks in advance.

Small blessings!

I just have to share this also. (Boy, I'm in the sharing mood today)

With my new position at work, I am required to work 1-2 evenings a week. Usually I work one until 9 or 10 and then I get one somewhat earlier evening. Well, usually my late night is Mondays. Not too bad really. Rob usually brings the boys up to see me, and I do see them in the am before school. I also have the morning to catch up on things that get away from us, like laundry and just general housework.

Tonight, Jordan calls me at work. Here is our conversation.

Jordan: "Mom, what time do you get off work?"

Me: "9 o'clock"

Jordan: "AW MAN!"

Me: "Why, what do you need?"

Jordan: "Nothing"

Me: "What, do you miss me?" (I say this half kidding, thinking yeah right! He is a tweenage boy, what am I thinking)

Jordan: "Yes, I really was hoping you'd be home tonight."

Now, let me tell you that just made my day. See, Jordan is the oldest, and sometimes I feel like he is so distant. He is a boy, and he is going through that "break away from Mom" stage, and it just melted my heart to know that he DID miss his Mom. Also, I sometimes feel like I'm so hard on him, and I don't want him to dislike his mean ol' Mom. And guess what? He loves me. What a great kid.

Just thought I'd share my sweet boy story of the day.

Insurance

I just have to share this bit of information.

My husband just got this new job. It has great benefits, health, dental and visions insurance. So, of course we are real excited about this. We've not had health insurance for a long time. Well, get this. Simply because my job offers insurance, I can not be covered under his policiy. No biggie, I think. I'll just get my health coverage from my job, and then since my employer doesn't offer dental or vision, Rob can carry me for that, right? NOT!!! Doesn't that just stink. They told him it is either all or nothing. That is crazy if you ask me, but what can I do about it. I was really looking forward to being able go to the dentist without having to pay a fortune, guess not. Oh well, just thought I'd vent. UGH!!!! At least in a few months I'll have decent health insurance for myself through my employer, and Rob and the boys will have good coverage.

One Word Meme

Okay, I got tagged last week, I'm quit behind on my blogging. Here it is. Grafted Branch tagged me for this one word meme.

This is a very simple meme. You just pick one word you would use to describe me. All you have to do it leave a comment for me. This ought to be interesting. If you should desire you can explain why you chose the word you chose. It is up to you. Thanks for playing along.

Now, guess what I get to tag people. Here goes.
Heather, Karen, Becky. Have fun!

Random Thoughts

This post on Restoring the Years have made me think. The world is full of evil. In all actuality my own family is full of evil. (okay, not my family that lives in my house right now) So I guess in our house things get talked about more often than maybe someone else's. Our boys doctor told us we needed to be open with our children (age appropriately) about the evil's in our family. Reason, they need to know that if something should happen to us, and say my parents decided to try and get custody of them, NO WAY!!!!! He is old enough, and he needs to know things because he would be able to stand up against it. Okay, I've said all that for this.

These horrific things have happened in the past few weeks. I'm talking about the school shootings. It is unimaginable to me. However, Restoring the Years point was that we need to teach our children to live for eternity. Didn't Paul say it best, "to live is Christ, to die is gain"
If we have assurance of salvation, what is there to fear in dieing. Now, don't get me wrong, I don't wake up everyday and think, "oh, it would be nice to die today", or "oh, I just can't wait until my husband and children die" Not at all. In fact, I tell my husband about once a week, "you know I'm just not ready for you to die." However, if our home for eternity will be with our Heavenly Father, why do we fear.

Okay, now back to why I was even posting this crazy post. One day we were talking to our oldest son about the sovereignty of God. Rob asked Jordan something to this effect. "If you were diagnosed with cancer what would your response be?" Of course at first he said, "that would be awful." Then he thought for a moment and simply said, "well, if that is what God wants me to go through then obviously he'll help me get through it." WOW!!!! He is only 12. I guess he does understand the sovereignty of God. God is in control of all things all the time. Now, don't get me wrong, we should not just be like "whatever will be, will be." Not at all. We should weep with those that weep and rejoice with them when they rejoice. And by no means do I think we should tell someone who is going through a hard time, "oh, it was ordained by God." That is not what they need to hear at that moment. We should lift them up in prayer, and be a comfort to them.

I guess I said all that to say this. We should raise our children with eternity in mind. Our primary purpose is to glorify God and enjoy him forever. He is sovereign and in control of all things all the time. We should not live in fear, for HE hold us in his hands and will never let us go.

I hope this doesn't leave anyone with the thought that I'm morbid or crazy. I'm not sure if I even expressed myself properly. I hope this makes some sense.

God is good

Today we officially were able to go back to MBC as a family. Rob has been interim Pastor for the past few months. Last Sunday was his last week there. It was a bitter sweet day. We had developed a relationship with the people in such a short time, but it was definatley time to go. I hope you will help us pray that they will find a pastor soon.

This month at MBC we are having a Celebration of the Reformation. Each Sunday morning in worship Pastor Charlie will be teaching on the acronym: T-U-L-I-P. He said this morning about God's smiling providence with there being 5 Sundays in October this year, just enough to cover one letter each week. At the end on Oct. 31, there will be a Reformation Celebration at the church. I look forward to that. I'm not exactly sure what it is, but I'm sure it will be fun. It is a fun night, and educational at the same time. I'll post details after it is over.

We are studying the book of Galatians in our Sunday School class. What a great book. Actually, could you name one that is not a great book. DUH!!!

I love to see God's work in the lives of the people around me. It is so exciting. I love it that God has blessed me, and has chosen me to be a part of his great plan. I am so unworthy, but he called me out and chose me to be his, and a grafted branch into the family. WOW!!! It is so humbling, to think, NOTHING--ABSOLUTELY NOTHING, I did or could do makes me worthy of salvation, but he CHOSE ME!!!! God is so wonderful. I'm thankful that he has opened my understanding to the true meaning of salvation by GRACE ALONE, THROUGH FAITH ALONE, IN CHRIST ALONE!! To think just a short time ago, I was trying to live such a holy life to earn my ticket to heaven. UGH!!!!! God is sovereign and I am not. Thank God for his grace.

I could go on and on, I must go to bed. I have to get up early to be at work. I just had to share me excitement of what God is doing in our lives.

Thanks Grafted Branch

Thanks to my friend, Grafted Branch, at Restoring the Years for giving my detailed instructions on how to add links. She is wonderful at explaining things. I am not realy computer literate, if you will, and she has helped me twice now.

First is was how to add links within a post. Like how I linked her blog with her name above. And now adding my list of blog links in my sidebar.

A million thanks.


**Don't you just love her blog name. Grafted Branch. Here is her great explanation of why she chose this name. I love it, wish I would have thought of it first. LOL!!

Bloggy tour of testimonies!

Here it is, the link to my testimony, since I somewhat recently posted it on my blog. I saw this tour of testimonies, and I got excited. I love to share my testimony and read others.

Let me give you some background. I was raised in a UPCI church, and my husband was a Pastor for 8 years, and God through his grace revealed to us so much in the last 2 years. This written testimony was a response to a friend who was "worried about my spiritual state". I felt led by the spirit to share with her in detail why the change and give scriptures to back it up. I hope this helps someone out there.

A praise report about this is, that because I just so happened to have a copy of this in my purse, I was able to share with a friend my testimony, and WOW what a work that God is doing in her life.

It has been and will always be, my prayer that God will help me share the true gospel with people from my former faith family. We were held in bondage to a set of rules. God is so faithful. It is my desire to glorify God in all things.

We are currently attending, and will soon become members of Memorial Baptist Church in New Castle. We are so thankful to find this church. It is quit a drive, but well worth it. This month we are Celebrating the Reformation at our church.

Please let me know what you think. If you have any questions, feel free to comment. Also, I so look forward to reading others testimonies.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thanks to Created for HIS Glory for hosting this tour. Check out all the other testimonies.

I'm Back--if any one is interested that is!

Well, It has been quite while. I've had lots of thoughts, and no time to post them. UGH!!

Last week I ended up working 3rd shift the entire week, as someone quit. It really wasn't that bad though. I was able to sleep while the boys were at school and Rob at work, I woke up shortly before they'd get home and do the normal evening stuff. You know, homeowork, housework, cooking. All the fun stuff. It was nice because I got off at 6am Friday and had the entire weekend off. AHHHHH!!!! We went to see a movie with the boys on Friday evening, and then Saturday I got Austin's birthday picture taken. Okay, Okay it was only 2 months late, but whose counting. He did real well also. Sometimes he likes to be a little difficult. Rob was sick this weekend though. He has bronchitis. Not fun. I made him go to the ER on Friday night. He was having such a hard time breathing, and I knew he needed to get some meds in him before he went back to work this week. He is doing much better now.

Sunday I was able to go to Memorial Baptist Church. Praise God for that. I miss going there so much. Rob has been interim Pastor for a few months at a Congregational Chruch, and we've not been able to be in Sunday services at MBC. It was so refreshing to be among those of like faith.
This Sunday will be our last Sunday at New Liberty Cong. church. I will miss the people, they were very kind to us while we were they. They are good people. And I pray that they will find a pastor soon.

My friend from work came to church with me on Sunday. It was pretty exciting for me. She is from my former faith family. God has opened her understanding to the real gospel message. I count it a privelage to be a part of her life. I get so excited when I see someone begin a new life in Christ alone. God is so good to us. It has been, and will always be, my prayer that God will use me to be a witness to those held in bondage to a legalistic religion. I so totally understand where they are coming from. God has done so much in my life, and I just want to share it with anyone who will listen. Let me tell you the neat part of it. I had published my testimony on my blog a while back, well, I just happened to print a copy of it, because there was someone I had wanted to share it with, and then I didn't see them. Well, it was in my purse, and my friend and I got to talking, and I just handed it to her, and said, "here, this will hopefully explain to you the change in my life." That is the begining of this story.

Well, back to the "reason for not posting", this week on Monday. A transformer, or maybe 2 or 3 blew in UC and it fried my computer. So, yesterday I had to go and get it fixed. Thankfully it was under warranty and didn't cost anything but gas $ and time.

I'm sure I'll have more to say later. I really need to utilize my day, and get some things done in the house. I do have to work this weekend.

LONG Weekend

I justwant to give a short update on my family.

My brother came home from the hospital on Friday night. He is doing somewhat better. He is still not able to eat solids. He will also have to visit this doctor that did the final surgery for a year, just to be sure things remain good for his liver. Thanks for praying.

My sister had the growth removed on Thursday in the am. We should get results soon. I'll post as soon as I know anything.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now, let me vent.

I worked yesterday 10 hours so that today I could just go in and do my paperwork and deposit for the store and still go to church. Well, 2 people called in. I worked yesterday from 6 am until 4 pm. Then, get this, I went back in at 10pm until now, which is 9am. My husband and I decided it'd be best if I stayed home and slept, so as not to be grouchy with the boys this afternoon. Therefore, I must go to bed. I shouldn't even be on this crazy computer now. I just had to post the updates, and also share my frustration for people who don't think it is important to come to work when scheduled.

Enjoy your Lord's Day.

Dirty front room

This is what ones house might look like after 3 days of both parents working full time.

Wednesday--Rob started his new job. I worked all day. We, all 5 of us, got home at the same time. We cleaned up, went to Burger King to eat, then off to church. Homework was done in the van. Home and it was bedtime.

Thursday--We didn't even have milk or bread in the house. I took the boys to school, did a little grocery shopping, got luch for Rob and took it to him. I had to work the evening, since I had to make a trip to Chicago, I had to switch schedules with someone else. Rob fixed the boys frozen pizza and they did homework, came to visit me at work and they were all in bed when I got home.

Today--Rob went to work before we even thought of waking up. Jordan got himself up and ready for school, he rode his bike, so he left as we were getting out of bed. I woke up with a terrible headache, I think it is from my allergies/sinuses. UGH!!! I went to breakfast with my friend. Took Rob a lunch--since I didn't feel like packing it last night. Zach also asked for a sack lunch, which I agreed too only because I had to go out to get Rob his anyway. Then, despite the STRONG DESIRE to nap, I worked a little in the house.

DIrty dining area

 

Another angle of the dirty kitchen

 

One dirty kitchen

 

Yummy desert

Dessert too?! The kids will like me tonight. LOL! 

Dinner is served! Doesn't that look yummy? It was super simple. It is mac & cheese lasgna.
I'll post the recipe later, just in case someone would be interested. 

What a relief! A cleaner house

This is after only 2 hours. I even had to run to the store in order to finish my dishes. I didn't have any hand dish soap. I also, ran in the grocery to get stuff needed for super. 2 hours and a cleaner house and super and dessert. I only say cleaner, because it is really not CLEAN--only on the surface.

More After

 

more after

 

More after

thought to ponder!

Are we sinners who sin OR are we sinners because we sin?

Just curious for some thoughts out there.

New request

Thanks to all who helped us pray for my brother. He is doing better. He was moved from ICU to a regular room.

New request. My sister, Melinda, has a mole like thing on her back. It started bleeding yesterday. We all told her to go to doctor. She did. He is not happy with the way it looks. She is having it removed on Thursday and it will be sent for a biopsy. She is extremely scared at this point. I would appreciate it if you would lift her up in prayer. Thanks in advance.

Everything went well

Tony's surgery went well. Thank you all for the prayers, I could feel them, and I know he could also.

We got to Chicago about 6pm. Tony looked much better than I had expected. In fact, I'm pretty sure he looked better than the day before. He was doing much better the day we got there. We were able to visit with him quit a while. Evidently, he kept asking "when is Sis (that's me) going to be here." That made me feel good. (you know it is all about me--lol!) At any rate, the infection was somewhat under control by Sunday evening, and his white blood cell count was closer to normal. He went into surger around 9:30 am and they were done around 1:30. The surgery was successful and there was not much damage to the liver, in fact they were very pleased with the results. I was able to see him for a quick second after he was back in ICU. We didn't visit long, because he needed to rest. When Bridget, my sis in law, called last evening, Tony was doing well. He was awake, although still a little groggy from the anesthia.

Rob and I made it back home safely. Smiling providence once again. Zach slept the entire ride home, with the execption of making him eat when we stopped to eat. Then they all slept from that point on. We made it in about 2am.

Thank you all for your prayers. We definately could feel the effects of them. God is so faithful. I could feel his presence with me during this trying time.

UPDATE

They did not do surgery today. The surgeon wanted to sabilize his condition and be sure the infection hasn't gotten worse before they open him up. The surgery is scheduled for Sunday 8am. Rob and I are heading up there to be with our family tomorrow. Please continue to pray for my family. Again, I am praying for his salvation as well as his healing. Thanks for the prayers. I can feel the effects in my life the last 2 days.

**oh, his first name is Tony. Sorry I haven't put that in yet.

Not looking good for my brother

My brother was careflighted to University of Chicago Hospital last night around midnight. They are going to try yet another procedure. If this fails, he will need a liver transplant. Pleas pray for my family during this. I couldn't post last night, I was just a mess. I am thankful that I have comforter, the Holy Spirit, with me through this.

Please pray for strength for my family and salvation for them. My brother is only 38. Myheart is aching, thinking that he is not saved through all this. Maybe, just maybe this is that "effectual call" on his life.

Thanks.
In Christ
Melissa

Update on my brother--Tony

Things are not looking good at the present.

He had his gall bladder removed last week, it was gangreous (sp) and so they put some sort of drainage tube to drain the poison from his body. It was not working properly. Yesterday, Bridget, my sister in law took him to the ER for pain. They ran tests, and kept him overnight, in anticipation for the procedure this morning. He had some leakage from a bile duct. The plan was to place a stintt in to help drain properly. The procedure was not sucessful. He has some blockage. Right now they are trying to remove the blockage and then move the stint were they want it. Please pray for this need. The worst part of this whole thing is that he is not saved. Oh how my heart aches right now. I appreciate your prayers more than words can say.

Please Pray!

My Mom just called me. We haven't talked in months. Long story for another time.

My brother, who isn't saved, is in the hospital pretty serious I guess. Evidently he had surgery last week to remove his gall bladder and isn't doing well. He had been being treated for the last who knows how long for a hyateal hernia (I'm quit sure I butchered that spelling-forgive me) and in all reality it was his gall bladder. They did surgery to remove it, and it was gang green. UGH! They put a drain tube of some kind to drain off the infection. He went to the doctor on Tuesday, and he wasn't real pleased with the progress, so he said if it was not better, next Tuesday they'd do another procedure. Well, I guess the pain got so bad today that he was crying--now he is not a cryer--so my sister-in-law took him to the hospital. They have admitted him, because his bile count is so high and will be doing some type of surgery in the am.

Please help me pray. Our relationship is not at it best, and he is not saved. Thanks in advance.

Fun boy story

Okay, I've been wanting to tell you all this since it happened, but life gets busy. I hope this will give you a chuckle for the day.

Saturday I called home from work to see how the day was going. Well, Rob says, "the boys are selling lemonade." So, I imagine they are sitting in the drive way. No way! They were walking the neighborhood selling lemonade. The Mom across the street made it for them, so it was Austin, Zach and Jordan (from across the street). Zach came in the house and said to Rob, she didn't have enough sugar, can I have some?" Well, of course he can, Rob said Zach proceeded to take about 2 tablespoons of sugar. Wow, that ought to be some tart stuff.

Well, here is how they did it. First off, Rob said they were barefoot and dirty from playing outside. They had their wagon, which is falling apart. This wagon was retrieved from the trash by Rob's grandfather when my Jordan was about 2, and it has had a rough life. We've tried to throw the thing away, and we get caught every time. Okay, back to the sales strategy. They were walking the streets (all 2 of our neighborhood streets) knocking on doors to sell this lemonade. When they came home with the loot. All $5.00 of it. Rob was dividing for the boys, and asked them how they made so much $$. Well, Austin says, "we told them it was for an orphange or for my Dad since he lost his job." WOW!!! Kids are amazing. Rob told them to keep the money, he really didn't need it.

I was blessed when at church on Sunday I saw Zach put all but 2 quarters in the offering at church, on his very own.

Smiling Providence

Here are a few of the things that I believe are Smiling Providence of God in our lives lately.

*God blessed us with our house almost 2 years ago. (Previously we lived in the funeral home that Rob worked at--can you imagine having to find a place to live along with a job?)

*Rob lost his job; he was able to spend much time with the boys this summer.

*I didn't get that job at the bank last winter, which would have been part time, not full time.

*I was able to go full time at work, right when Rob lost his job.

*Rob's unemployment and my full time pay almost equalled Rob's old pay.

*I got a promotion, more $$ and benefits.

*We were able to buy a second vehicle just one week before we really needed it. (I have to work every other weekend, which includes Sunday. They let me go in early to get the bank stuff done, then go to church and come back and finish my duties afterwards--this requires 2 vehicles, so Rob can go early--since he's the preacher for now)

*By having 2 vehicles I can take the boys to Memorial Baptist on Wednesdays. Which is when they have wonderful classes for them. Teaching deep spiritual truths. We also were able to start again just when the new session (not sure what to call it) began.

*Rob got a job in town.

*Rob got first shift.

**These are just the big ones. God is so ever present in my life each day. He reveals himself in different ways each day. I see the seeds of faith growing in my children. Wow, what a privelage it is to raise my children to glorify God. I am so thankful that God has revealed himself to me in such a great way. We serve a GREAT BIG GOD, and we need not forget it. Especially in the small things, that we may want to take for granted. God is sovereign an in control of all things. It makes me think of something our pastors wife likes to say in teaching; "God knows the end from the begining." How true that is. We just have to trust God, "and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28. Do you realize what the last 2 words of the verse say, his purpose, not ours. WOW!!! God is in control.

Lord, forgive me for my unbelief. Help me to truly trust that you have all things in control. Not just say it, but believe it with all my heart. Father, help me to glorify you each day. Father, help me to be kind and loving, showing your love to others. Thank your sacrifice on calvary for a sinner such as myself. Thank you Lord for choosing me, thank you for giving me the faith to believe in you. Thank you for that wonderful gift of faith, to trust in your sacrifice on calvary, and not on my own righteousness. Thank you, Father, for grafting me into your covenant family, for the privelage to be called your child. I am so unworthy, you are so gracious. Thank you for the Holy Spirit to guide me each day. Thank you for the growth I see in my children. Thank you for the awesome privelage of being a mother to 3 boys. Help me Lord, to raise them to fear you. To live a life glorifying to you. In Jesus precious name, Amen.

New job!

Rob got a job today. We are pretty happy about it. He still had about 8 weeks left of unemployment checks, but he starts on Tuesday. He was able to have the entire summer off to be with the boys. This will definately be a summer they'll never forget. Lots of good "boy" time. His job is here in town, which is nice for us. This is something that he was really interested, working here in our town. It doesn't pay as much as he made when he lost his job, but you know, I know God has it all figured out, and I am just having the faith that he will take care of us. God definately hasn't left us without. He is a great big God, he supplied the need we had in his time. Again, I am reminded of the fact the Rob had more time with the boys than he's ever had.

To God be the glory!

The name game

I found this from Grafted Branch yesterday. I thought it would be fun. Evidently, A Chelsea Morning, started this name game. So here goes.

I started a blog last year sometime after a friend, Karen, because I loved to read hers. It kept me updated on her life. Okay, back to me. I started a blog, then some strange way I lost my username and passwork and couldn't get into it again. UGH!!! So, I just started a new one. This time I "kind of" knew what I was doing, at least I knew the questions that you'd have to answer to start a new blog. I thought about a name before I started it this time.

In my address line are these letters. exupciinuc. They simply state that I am an ex-upci and where I'm at. My blog name is Free In Christ. To me it was simple. I was held hostage by a very leagalistic works based religion, and then almost 2 years ago God revealed to my husband and I that we are in deed free in Christ. Again, here is my testimony, check it out if you are interested. It is that simple, my blog name that is. I am most definately Free In Christ. I simply what to share with any one interested my journey in my new found faith. Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone in Christ alone.

Family Devotions

This is our family worship devotional book for the time being. We are really enjoying it. It is the catechism based on the Westminster Shorter Catechism in Modern English. It is a great way to teach your children doctrinal truths.
For each question there are 6 days of devotional readings, with scripture referrances and answers. It is for elementary and junior high age children. Which is perfect for our children. Since we have 2nd, 4th and 6th graders.
They boys are learning so much. Some nights are better than others, we have added some prayer time to this, and then tonight we tried to sing the doxology. I say tried, we didn't do a good job at it. The boys really got a kick out of trying to sing a song like that without music. I just think it would be good for them to learn the words to the song. Our prayer for our family is to be in constant reformation in our lives, to become more Christ like each and every day. God is so good. He is working in our family each day.


The boys just got back from Rob's families house. Of course they are all of our former faith family, and very "strong" in their beliefs. The boys had to go to church with them for 3 services. They didn't enjoy it, because they see the self satisfying worship, along with the trusting in their own righteousness. Then to top it off, their grandpa, gave them a hard time. Jordan said he talked about Rob and I not following the "rules". Of course he was referring to the organizations rules, not biblical issues. Jordan said he wanted to tell him, "we do follow the rules, we just follow the Bible." But, he is smart and realized it would have fallen on deaf ears, and he didn't want to provoke him, so he just remained silent. Jordan knows the truth, and the freedom and peace you can have in Christ alone. We no longer have to live in fear that if we die right now, we might not have "earned" our salvation. We may not have been good enough. Our boys, especially Jordan and Austin, understand that we are clothed in Christs righteousness when we believe in our hearts and confess with our mouths the Jesus is Lord.
We do have "rules" ,if you will, to live by, but it is not a man made list. No list made by man is long enough to make us right in God's eyes. If our account has not been made right by Christ we are lost, nothing good that we can do will ever take that place.

Austin has a very sensitive spirit, and he is very concerned for our extended family. He asked us to pray that God would open their understanding to the "real gospel message." Okay, I'm sure Jordan is concerned also, Austin just has a different way of expressing his concern. I'm so encouraged to see the spiritual growth that my boys are experiencing. What an awesome privelage for us as parents. They are showing such an interest in biblical truths, writing things down as we discuss them. I take no credit for this, it is all a work of the Holy Spirit. I'm just thankful to be a part of this great plan. To God be the glory.

I'm so that this was such a long post. I'm not even sure that I expressed what I am feeling right. I hope you were able to follow my thoughts. Sometimes, I just tend to ramble. UGH!!!

God bless.

I forgot to add this thought. Austin was very concerned with knowing where this verse is located. He kept asking "where is that verse about not by works." I have a feeling it was because of something that he was told while with his grandparents. He was very excited when we gave hime the information. Here is the verse. I thought is was great that he remembered something we'd talked about in the past (especially because he is so very active and you are never sure that he is hearing your words), he just needed some help in finding it. It was real cute to see him try and look it up alone.

Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works so that no one can boast. (NIV)

I just keep thinking of this. Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.
Proverbs 22:6.