Daddy is Home!!

I picked up a very tired Brian from the airport on Saturday night...poor guy. That is a loooong trip. I thank the Lord that he could go and spend some priceless time with his grandparents and parents during this time.

His girls are so happy that daddy is home.

Little is Much

-when God is in it!
I woke up this morning feeling absolutely cruddy!! It must be the flu because my poor body is just aching all over!! I share this because there is no way I could have accomplished what I did today without the specific strength and grace from the Lord. There HAD to be some prayers that went up for me today because I felt them!!

I needed to make enough brownies with icing (yummmm cream cheese) today for 65 people which I thought would be no big deal, earlier this week. Well, Brianna woke up sick and had to stay home from school, Anjolie is still sick, and Lily was vomiting and various other fun things going on today. So, I loaded up my little sicklings and dropped Brianna's homework off at her school, and just prayed for the strength to make it through the day.

I got home, and all the sudden had plenty of energy!! I got most of the brownies finished while my 2 youngest napped and my oldest did a craft. Then, I even had energy to do my daily cleaning!! I was so excited...it really lifts my spirits to be in a clean house. After that, I gathered up my Christmas gifts to be wrapped and boxed for shipment, and went to the commissary AGAIN for some Dinner supplies and stuff to make Chai tea for Brianna's teachers! The whole time, I was just thanking and praising God for His grace. He is so AWESOME!! It just brings tears to my eyes to think that this morning I did not even know if I would make it out of bed!! I did not even take any medicine today....just a prayer pill I guess!! ;) Thank you to whoever prayed for me today...the LORD answers!! Heb 13:5 For He hath said I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee
'

The Balance

I am just so busy!! Don't get me wrong, I like being busy, but there is such a delicate balance. My dependance on God is very necessary to maintain it. Time is just going to fly until Brian gets back on Saturday. We had Awanas tonight (I am the secretary for Cubbies...I love it!!), tomorrow we have visitation, and it just happens to be my week to help with the baking :) Friday is Brianna's Christmas party at school then rehearsal for Cantata that night...and Saturday is dress rehearsal and a Christmas luncheon then Brian comes home!!! It is all I can do to keep up with the house, but hey if I have time to be blogging, then there must be time somewhere right? It is interesting how the Lord gives you just what you need to make it through. Someone asked me tonight "what are you going to do with the kids and stuff when Brian gets deployed"..like I should be panicked about it or something. The Lord ALWAYS knows what we can handle...HE NEVER tasks us above what we can do, and do victoriously, not just getting by. He will provide my every need to manage this family in a God honoring and glorifying way as long as I depend on Him for it and commit it to Him. He never said it would be easy...so why would we expect that? I don't...0 kids-4 kids...life is not easy, but life is joy filled when God is in it.

More Sadness

Yet another friend who is a sister in Christ really needs to be lifted up in prayer today. Her husband of just a few months was killed in an accident at work early this morning. They were faithful members of our church in Yucca Valley and had just moved to Missouri. Her husband is a Marine Reservist. They were soooo young. Praise the Lord he was saved. But there are no words I can offer to express the grief I feel for her loss.

These things remind me of how much I take for granted, and how the Lord really is much bigger than any trial I will go through.

Crashin' Baskin

I was having kind of a rough day yesterday, and it kind of rubbed off on the girls. Insomnia has started...not unusual for me during pregnancy, and the heartburn etc. You know, "the fun stuff". So, last night after I had gotten the girls all dressed in their pjs and everything, I decided to take them to Baskin Robbins (they really need to change the name of this one because it has NOWHERE NEAR 31 flavors). They put their little slippers and robes on and we paraded out. At first I was just going to run in, get their cones and take them home, but since Brian is gone, I wanted to make it extra memorable for them. It was almost 7:30pm, and there were not that many people there, but the ones who were there enjoyed seeing my little munchkins all bundled and ready for bed eating their little cones. I am glad we did it. Then, we drove around and looked at Christmas lights and sang Christmas Carols. It was a pleasant ending for our day.

Could Not Help Myself

Being 6 and a half months Pregnant (my due date is actually 8 days earlier than posted) with Brian away, and the girls being in bed, left me with trouble to get into.

I have my Christmas presents on the table, and one of them in particular was just calling my name. It was a box of chocolates that I had gotten for my Dad (sorry dad). I was just CRAVING chocolate, and was not about to drag the girls out of bed to go get something...so you guessed it. I just COULD NOT resist. You know how it is- pregnant woman craves, pregnant woman gets. Here is the little poem I offer as a little token of my misadventure.

The Box of Chocolates

It was a gift, special and new
all wrapped up just for you
Until this past unfortunate night
I tried, I TRIED with all my might
Not to look at that golden box
So I hid it under some Christmas socks
But as I looked on with shock and defeat,
My HANDS, they tore after the chocolaty treats
The bow, the wrapping, and the lid
I tossed aside, so nothing was hid
And then, I ate your chocolate delights
I enjoyed each one of the scrumptious bites
So, one by one they've disappeared
It's just as one might have feared-
An expectant woman left alone
has a right all her own
to satisfy a chocolate craving-
even your gift is not worth saving

"I'm Rowin' Away!"

It was another adventure out to the Exchange with the girls. Aside from the "can I have this" and "daddy said I could have that" it was a fairly uneventful trip. Anjolie, however had racked up some swats for standing up in the cart. I had Lily in the baby carrier part in the front of the cart. As I pushed them out to the car I warned Anjolie yet again about standing up in the cart and told her that she had better sit still in the cart while I got Brianna buckled in or the cart would roll away. I had just gotten both Lily and Brianna settled in and suddenly heard a panicked Anjolie. I turned to see her standing in the cart holding onto the end of the van with all her might "I'm rowin away mommy, quick I'm rowin away" It looked pretty funny, she did not realize that the cart was braced by the van, but it must have moved enough to scare her. Poor Anjolie, just had to test it...

Cute for Kids

Candy Cane Poem
Look at a CANDY CANE, what do you see?
Stripes that are RED like the BLOOD shed for me!

WHITE for my Savior, Who's sinless and pure!

"J" is for JESUS, My Lord that's for sure!

Turn it around And a staff you will see ---

Jesus, my SHEPHERD, Is coming for me!

-not sure who wrote this, but it so cute!

Praise The Lord!! Please Pray...

Well, since Brian's Grandmother does not have much time left here on this earth, we really wanted him to be able to fly out to see her before she goes to be with her Savior. Also, being an only child, we really felt he should be there to support his mom and dad during all of this. So the challenge and prayer was for Brian to get emergency leave and a plane ticket ASAP. How is TOMORROW for ASAP? Yes, the Lord worked it out so that his leave starts tomorrow morning and his flight leaves tomorrow afternoon. Lord willing, Greatmom will schedule her flight to her Mansion beyond the Pearly Gates sometime after Brian arrives!! Please pray!!

Heaven's Gates

GreatMom Lottie B. and our girls this past summer

-are opening and preparing to welcome someone we love dearly. We are grieving over the temporary loss we will experience, but rejoice to know we will see her and spend eternity in heaven. No more pain, no more sorrow, she will be made perfect. There are no words, but sometimes a song helps me convey how I feel about someone or something. As I read the words to this song, it seemed to capture the strong faith she has in her "Sweet Jesus". She's ready when He is, and we will see her 'round the Mulberry Bush...even better -round the Pearly Gate. We love you so much GreatMom Lottie B. There are no words...for you have put a song in our hearts.
My Life Flows On In Endless Song
(How Can I Keep From Singing?)

Psalm 146:2 While I live I will praise the LORD; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.

Words: Robert Lowry
Music: Robert Lowry

My life flows on in endless song;
Above earth’s lamentation
I hear the sweet though far off hymn
That hails a new creation:

Through all the tumult and the strife
I hear the music ringing;
It finds an echo in my soul—
How can I keep from singing?

What though my joys and comforts die?
The Lord my Savior liveth;
What though the darkness gather round!
Songs in the night He giveth:

No storm can shake my inmost calm
While to that refuge clinging;
Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth,
How can I keep from singing?

I lift mine eyes; the cloud grows thin;
I see the blue above it;
And day by day this pathway smoothes
Since first I learned to love it:

The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart,
A fountain ever springing:
All things are mine since I am His—
How can I keep from singing?

Spirit Week

It was spirit week at Brianna's school this week, so every day she dressed up as something different. Unfortunately I only got pictures of 2 of the days. On Ethnic day she wore a Chinese dress (a Japanese Kimono is EXPENSIVE!!) but it was at the end of the day that I took the picture, so her hair is not as cute. I had flowers in her hair, but they obviously did not make it home ;) Today they get to dress up as a Bible hero, so she is Noah's wife. I explained to her how Noah's wife was such a strong Godly woman in support of her husband. It really caused me to think. How hard she must have worked and how difficult it would be to have faith in something that she had never seen before- rain and a flood. Noah's wife was a hero indeed. Brianna, during my explanation on what a Godly wife Noah's must have been, brought up how sometimes I don't support Brian...I asked her what she meant, and she said that sometimes we argue and disagree about things. (major heart crunch) It did, however, open the door to explain how I am growing too, and I learn from the examples set in the Bible, but it is heartbreaking to reap what we sow...even when we have asked forgiveness, those things leave a lasting impression on our kids.

Things I Appreciate About my Husband

I don't reflect enough on these things that are simple but mean so much.
-He gets excited with me when I show him my clean organized linen closet :)
-He says please and thank-you all the time
-He puts the toilet seat down (hey, I REALLY appreciate that-so do Brianna and Anjolie)
-He hugs me for no reason
-He turns off the tv to listen to me (rarely watches it anyway)
-Enjoys my cooking and lets me know it
-Never complains if I did not get to do my daily cleaning routine (due to other obligations or if I am just not feeling well), and pitches in if I need help to catch up
-Calls me (now ;)) to let me know he will be late for dinner.
-Has devotion with the girls and teaches them memory verses
-He thanks me for doing the laundry and taking care of the kids!!
-Puts the girls to bed himself almost every night
-Is a committed father who strives to lead his family in the Lord
-What do you appreciate about yours? (just fyi-even if you are not a blogger, you can post below anonymously under post comment) I know most of you who read it do not post, and that is fine too, I enjoy your emails ;)

The Woman in the Mirror

It is so wearisome at times to do the constant battle against my flesh. The more I grow in the Lord, the more I realize how our every work in and of ourselves is riddled with false motives, pride, a want for attention, the list goes on. Only being filled with the Holy Spirit can keep our works for Him honest. Even as we grow in our convictions, we move into a realm of hypocrisy. Sure, everything looks squeaky clean in our dress, walk, talk, but our insides start to rot when we focus on these things and not the inside.

It is EASY to maintain an outward appearance of righteousness...the inside maintenance is always painful. I have seen people become deceived into thinking that they are spiritually mature because they have learned to walk and talk etc...and then judge others based on THEIR personal holiness choices rather than accept them for being in complete obedience to the light they have been given, one of those people is in the mirror looking right back at me. You know how I discovered it? By someone judging ME for not holding their views...of course at first you think to yourself "well, who do they think they are...don't they know who I am...why I've been saved twice as long blah blah blah" then I realize if I am experiencing this, the Lord must be bringing something to my attention. I have found that I am NEVER 100% innocent like I would like to think. Every single infraction I have experienced the Lord can point out to me how I failed in that general sin area as well somewhere. For instance, I don't just let my kids run around looking a wreck in public, I like for them to be clean and tidy...which we should do or this could be considered neglect...the same sin as me not being gentle in my tones with them....neglect and mistreatment....the same sin area-putting myself before my kids-self-love. We can do this in EVERY instance where we might be quick to judge someone...it is a distraction from our own failings.

Who is right with God? The one with the right heart. It is as simple as that...so why is it so difficult? Stinkin Pride- it is around every corner where you LEAST suspect it. I know mine is, I find out when it gets hurt.

How in the world did I get off on this little tangent? (I know you are thinking that:) ) Well, I was reading an article on legalism. I never thought of myself as a hypocrite until I realized I was judging them (and many other things I'm sure) -how ironic!! I was reading this article thinking "yeah, I can't stand those pious Christians who think they are something blah blah blah...uh...hmm..that is pretty hateful and... WOW what a hypocritical heart I have..who do I think I am?!!"
This is an excerpt from the article-http://www.biblebelievers.com/Morton_legalism-liberty.html
"A "Pharisee" (or "pharisaical behavior") in this article refers to someone who, whether publicly or privately, manifests the negative or ungodly characteristics of the Pharisees as described in the Scriptures. Typically a Pharisee is someone who is more concerned with the outward "image" or the appearance they portray rather than true godliness and consecration of the heart. Christ characterized them as "hypocrites." Unfortunately, many of the traits of the Pharisees have endured the centuries and are quite obvious among many believers today."

The Lord's Grace to you in this battle that won't end until that wonderful day when we are caught up and made perfect! Thanks for letting me reveal that burden :)

"I think something is Crawling...

...in my room" -Brianna called to us from her room. Since this was about the 5th time she "needed" us for something last night, we really did not take her that seriously. Also, she did not sound very panicked, just sort of matter-of-fact like. But, Brian went to check it out anyway just in case it was some huge spider or something that could hurt her. Nope, it was a gecko on the wall right above Brianna's head-board. She sat calmly while Brian tried to knock it off the wall, but he knocked right onto Nana's bed!! With that, Brianna said "AH! it's on my bed!" and leaped onto a sound asleep Anjolie in the next bed who remained asleep the entire time. It was just funny how even when she yelled about it being on her bed, she just seemed so matter-of-fact about it. Strange little girl...kind of like when she almost stepped on the baby rattle-snake at church in Yucca Valley...."look...a snake" like "oh look, a rock"...she certainly does not get that from me!! Brave little Nana :)

At least 92 Souls SAVED!

This week of revival has wrapped up, with the final night being on prophecy...what will happen to those who are left behind to endure the tribulation. I believe there were at least 23 saved just last night, taking our total for the week into the 90s!!

There was an excellent turn out last night at our final service. Let me just give you an idea of what I mean by "turn-out"- my husband and I were taking care of the 3-4 year olds in a separate classroom, and we were told to prepare for 10-12 kids. We had a whopping 30!!!!! Yes, it was pretty suprising to see that many little booger-pickers (including 2 of our own) in one little classroom. Praise the Lord we had a dear lady offer to stay and help us. We watched Veggie Tales, played games, Brian did a devotion with the puppets, had a snack etc...(wow, sounds so organized being written down like this...in person, things felt, and looked pretty chaotic) I am soooo thankful for the turn-out and the extra help we had, and boy did I get a GREAT night sleep :) You can actually view the services online at http://www.maranathaokinawa.org/ (sorry you have to cut and paste to your browser) just go to view messages once on our church's page.

Just....Interesting...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RFID#Human_implants

The mark is not far off guys!! VeriChip offers these as well. One word of note, all newer versions of the Bible (ie everything except KJV) says that the mark of the beast is "on" the hand, but the accurate terminology is "in". How awful that the marketers of this thing even went on the 700Club (I read in an article, not personally a fan) to assure people of this very thing- that "newer" versions of the Bible must be more accurate, so getting it implanted is ok. Note also that on top of an implantation is usually a barcode of some sort, but only on merchandise so far.

Dinner for....15?

Ok, this week we have had not only revival services, but revival in lives!! It has been so amazing to see how the Lord works. There is no explanation except the Lord. There were 35 souls saved one night, and they just keep coming!! Well, on Monday I encouraged Brian to invite some Marines from his shop to the services... which he of course intended on doing anyway, but I told him to go ahead and tell them I will make them dinner if they come. Well, not alot was mentioned all week, but today, he calls me at oh...1:30pm and tells me that he has 10 Marines coming for dinner!! I was so excited, but totally unprepared. The Lord is so good to catch us at times where we HAVE to depend on him. I had 4 hours to make sure the house was spotless, pick up Brianna from school, plan a meal, and go grocery shopping...with all 3 kids....get them ready for church and myself etc. Let me just tell you that the girls played in the play room the whole time I prepared dinner, and Lily took a nap...everything went well. I know at least one of Brian's Marines raised his hand to accept Christ. It was such a blessing to participate in the Lord's work.

I Surrender All...

For about 2 and a half years now, I have felt to be prepared to support Brian in whatever the Lord calls him to do. Of course as wives we are to do this, but this was really impressed upon me...just to be quiet about it, so as not to sway him or distract him, but to be prepared for "something". About 6 months after I really felt the Lord dealing with me in alot of different areas at once, He started dealing with Brian. I still did not say anything to Brian about what I felt, but continued to pray and wait. Brian, soon after that, was called to work in the teen ministry and to be a Deacon in our church. I felt this was more training and light for our path. I just praise the Lord for the patience of those we were working with ;) It is so humbling to be called to serve because I, for one, felt (and am) so unworthy! Anyway, tonight, in front his Marines and the church, along with about 20 others and myself, Brian surrendered to full time christian ministry. We have no idea what or when, but my heart was 100% prepared. When I saw Brian's hand start up,( I made sure to wait for him so I would not affect his decision) mine was right next to his. The Lord truly has been preparing me for some time now...and I saw it come to reality!! So, I still have no idea what Brian feels the Lord is leading him to do..but definitely some type of full time ministry. The Lord still impresses on me to KEEP QUIET so he can hear the Lord...in STEREO..;) We covet your prayers in this!!

"NOBODY PANIC!"

...just a small stove top fire....everything will be under control...I think.
Well, it all started with some grease that had spilled in the catch under the burner. I was on the phone with Brian who was telling me that he in fact won't be able to make it home for dinner or the revival service (we have revival this week).
I was trying to make sure that dinner would be ON THE TABLE as soon as he walked in so we could be on time for church. Why do bad things always happen all at once? No sooner had I hung up the phone when I heard the sickening sound of something bursting into flames. I turned to see my pot of green beans engulfed in flames...
I thought "Oh, maybe it will just burn out"...nope..it got bigger, and I started to worry about all the electronics in the stove top. I got the fire extinguisher...(came with house LOL) and could not believe I was going to have to use it. I sprayed it once, and it went out for a half a second then burst into flames again!! I fired a second time and put it out...that is what that all yellow stuff is (yellow stuff...very technical terminology right?). I did not have time to clean it up before we left for church...I wonder what Brian thought when he saw it? :) I guess it adds up...Pregnant blonde girl in the kitchen with 3 little ones running around...husband is not home to supervise...yeah it could have been worse.

Ice Skating

We went ice-skating. Even Lily enjoyed being bundled in the cold!! It seems to be pretty popular here. VERY expensive though. I had to pay just to observe!! It cost about $30.00 for Brian and the girls to skate and then about $5.00 to rent the skating chair for a half hour!! The girls had a blast though :)
Yeah...um this just was not working
Much much better
Here we are!! We had fun...Brian did excellent. No one could believe that this was his first time!!