tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28747120710162656772026-09-06T23:28:12.364-06:00"She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness." (Proverbs 31:26)Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger95125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2874712071016265677.post-31331220910636092672012-10-24T16:53:00.000-05:002017-10-26T22:07:29.331-05:00

Nearly five hundred years ago, Medieval Europe was shrouded in darkness. Then, on October 31, 1517,  a simple monk nailed a massive theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenburg, Germany and exploded a powder keg which would later be known as "The Reformation." Martin Luther nails his 95 theses to the Church Door For Reformation Day this year, I wrote a short script for the

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2874712071016265677.post-29873147411997736182012-09-12T02:07:00.004-05:002012-09-13T11:44:13.569-05:00

Tomorrow is my birthday, so says the calendar. But how do I know that this is really true? I have a piece of paper that says so in black and white, followed by a fancy seal, but can I really trust that old document? It was typed by some clerk in Tennessee whom I have never met, so how do I know that it is accurate? My parents assert that it is. For 34 years they have claimed that

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2874712071016265677.post-58938684061800340822012-05-31T08:24:00.002-05:002012-05-31T08:24:53.177-05:00

CONVERSION OF A FEMINIST (Discussion of Chapter 1; headings 1-3) In the first three sections of her book, Martha Peace gives us her testimony and explains how she came to know Christ. Contemplating her story, I am struck by the mercy of God and the manner in which He saves souls, even belligerent ones! Not one testimony is identical. None of His children are convicted and

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2874712071016265677.post-50532520350288716402012-05-29T18:35:00.000-05:002012-05-29T19:04:46.067-05:00

Am I the only wife who is very nervous about reading this book by Martha Peace? Having heard so much about it, I have often claimed that I would obtain a copy "someday," but someday for me is almost as futile as grasping a rolling ball that is just beyond finger reach. Then, a few weeks ago, while scrounging for costumes at a local thrift store, I came upon a bookshelf

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2874712071016265677.post-80533135084821651992012-04-20T08:54:00.001-05:002012-04-20T08:54:54.248-05:00

"Felicity, put on your shoes!" While Mommy flopped around the house like a headless chicken trying to get everyone out the door for a day of shopping, five year old Felicity was outside, entranced with nature-- as usual. If it isn't the bugs and the butterflies, it's slugs, turtles, or honeybees. Yesterday it was the tiny purple flowers that grow in the yard. "Issy, your shoes!" This from the

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2874712071016265677.post-41214782848832398472012-04-11T00:12:00.000-05:002012-04-11T00:12:13.922-05:00

"Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning!" Psalm 30:5 When I received word that our very dear friends had lost their home, and everything in it, to a fire early February, I was devastated. Honestly, I don't think I would have cried any harder if it had been my house that went up in smoke. I wanted to do everything in my power to help them, but being so far away made me

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2874712071016265677.post-57836688174220381272012-02-28T14:21:00.001-06:002012-02-28T14:21:50.791-06:00

I wrote this the evening we returned from San Antonio, but with my internet down I've been unable to post it... until now. Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home... Finally in their own beds, my precious ones sleep; but before joining them I wanted to take a few moments and reflect on the past week... When we left for San Antonio, I was unsure of God's purpose in sending

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2874712071016265677.post-44758710606954133682012-02-24T22:24:00.001-06:002012-02-24T22:27:46.154-06:00

Tonight I was going to share with you the story of how my sweet husband helped me overcome my fears so I could really enjoy the Film Maker's Academy, but there's another story that I can't get out of my mind. At the film festival this afternoon, the girls and I went to see a super-cute documentary about Monarch butterflies. Since Felicity wants to be a "butterfly trainer" when she grows up, I

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2874712071016265677.post-91512889381438225082012-02-22T23:52:00.001-06:002012-02-23T07:24:29.621-06:00

When we left Pensacola on Friday afternoon, I was confident that the God Who had provided for our journey would accompany us every step of the way. But the fear of the unknown was heavy. While I may come off as a confident person to those who know me, in truth I am full of insecurity, so venturing into a brand new world like this was simply terrifying. After chasing the mailman furtively

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2874712071016265677.post-85420455580512814332012-02-22T13:43:00.000-06:002012-02-22T13:43:17.429-06:00

"There is not one square inch of the entire creation about which Jesus Christ does not cry out, 'This is mine! This belongs to me!'" - Abraham B. Kuyper Among the many themes taught in this year's academy, this one seems to be prevalent. Whether we are cooking a meal, working a mundane job, writing a book, or making a film, we are called to be stewards of God's time and to render all things

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2874712071016265677.post-78551615516784826492012-02-19T22:58:00.000-06:002012-02-19T23:00:48.092-06:00

Tonight I'm sitting in the lobby of the Marriott hotel in San Antonio, TX and am frankly bewildered by the events that brought me here. Yes, I believe in miracles. Yes, God owns the cattle on a thousand hills. But how did I get here? Ever since I first heard about the SAICFF (San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival) I have desired to attend. But I was too practical to let my hopes get

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2874712071016265677.post-5037512967897901742012-02-15T13:41:00.004-06:002012-02-15T13:42:19.363-06:00

The Witvoets have moved to the Ramada Inn a little closer to their house. They plan to be there for a whole week while looking for a good place to rent. As we spoke this morning, Angi wanted me to thank everyone for the prayers, cards, gifts, and phone calls. They welcome them all! Having so many friends and strangers manifesting God's love during this time has been such a blessing. Please feel

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2874712071016265677.post-10055328547629243912012-02-11T00:45:00.000-06:002012-02-11T00:58:02.110-06:00

 This morning, as I spoke to Angi Witvoet on the phone, I was struck again by the attitude of the family through this very difficult time. After losing their home and everything in it to a fire on Monday morning, Angi sincerely assured me that "the blessings far outweigh the tragedy." It's true that they watched their home go up in smoke. Many precious items were incinerated. But they

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2874712071016265677.post-77407471875993601922012-02-09T08:02:00.000-06:002012-02-09T08:34:37.432-06:00

"Affliction hardens those it does not soften." ~ Charles Spurgeon How true this is! Sometimes affliction makes us humble, pliable, trusting; other times it angers, confuses, and hardens us. Why? Is it the nature of the affliction? Or the state of our hearts? Can trusting God make that much of a difference? Yes, I believe it does. Knowing that God is sovereign over all takes fear and

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2874712071016265677.post-904505670914982842012-02-08T08:07:00.003-06:002012-02-11T00:46:10.731-06:00

WITVOET UPDATE: 2/8/12 I will be sending a box to the Witvoet family on 2/9 and 2/16 if you would like to include something. Here are just a few ideas: Clothes Jackets Sweaters Shoes Socks Games (their favorites are Dutch Blitz, Uno, and Monopoly) Books (wholesome family stories age 10-adult) Here are their clothing sizes, for those that asked: Boy pants- 12, 16, 30/34, 34/36 Boy shirts- 12

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2874712071016265677.post-48191418078074472422012-02-06T23:36:00.000-06:002012-02-07T06:40:05.591-06:00

UPDATE: Red Cross is putting the family up at a hotel in Murfreesboro, TN for a few days, while they try to get things sorted. The family is still in shock, but they are praising God for His mercy in sparing their lives. Here are the before and after photos that Gerrit's sister just sent me: BEFORE   AFTER If you would like to send a card and /or gift, please send it to the address

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2874712071016265677.post-88805428332308781562012-02-06T17:26:00.001-06:002012-02-11T00:47:26.980-06:00

This morning we were grieved to hear that our very dear friends, the Witvoet family in Murfreesboro TN, lost their house to a fire last night. As devastated as they must be right now, they are praising God for His mercy in sparing their lives and their 6 children. Angie had the presence of mind to grab her purse on the way out the door, and the children rescued their dogs and parrots, but they

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2874712071016265677.post-86422936208697797402011-12-12T13:01:00.002-06:002011-12-12T14:46:53.779-06:00

In a recent blog post, Cindy Dyer did a stellar job debunking 9 lies that fuel D.D.S. (Duggar Deranged Syndrome) Each lie was carefully examined, then tossed out the proverbial window, culminating in the biggest lie of all; hatred for Christ that results in hatred for those who love Him. But, as wonderful as her post was, she forgot one of the biggest issues that surround Duggar hatred. So, I

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2874712071016265677.post-7922276005456705202011-12-09T13:57:00.002-06:002011-12-09T14:05:52.912-06:00

In our town, not far from where we worship, there is a church which proudly displays the quote best known as the title of Hillary Clinton's book, "It Takes a Village to raise a child." As noble as this quote sounds; taking each of us back in time to the days when life was simpler, work was harder, and families were more intimately connected to each other-- the modern use of this slogan has

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2874712071016265677.post-11377941442902537482011-11-02T04:40:00.000-06:002011-11-02T04:40:30.443-06:00

Almost two years ago I started this blog as an outlet for my thoughts. I should have known better. Despite all my attempts in my youth, I was never able to keep a journal for more than 3 days at a time, so I guess this wildly-sporadic blog has been a vast improvement, but I think it's time to say "goodbye." I have used this blog to share my thoughts, voice my opinions, and chronicle events in my

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2874712071016265677.post-69975990626669563352011-08-01T15:55:00.000-05:002011-08-01T15:55:26.313-05:00

Freezer Froggie: When Freddie the Frog first came to us, he was just your ordinary beanie baby. Cute and loveable, for an amphibean, he was also soft, furry, and filled with squishy beads. Felicity fell in love!!! Pretty soon, the two were inseperable, until the day I found "Freddie the Frog" freezing in the fridge. So I called Felicity, "Why is your froggie in the fridge?" Her smile was

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2874712071016265677.post-83503538413330908732011-04-29T14:02:00.001-05:002011-04-29T15:08:38.685-05:00

It's been a long time since my last post, almost 2 months, to my chagrin. Meanwhile, my blog got mad at me for the neglecting abuse and decided to stop posting my pictures, even the old ones. But, just when I was about to lay to rest the blogger in me, my new-found friend from Get Along Home encouraged me to keep going. So, even if the rest of you are bored to tears by my feeble attempts at

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2874712071016265677.post-4791322498244790382011-03-03T21:36:00.001-06:002011-03-03T21:46:54.061-06:00

One of my readers left this comment on Homeschooling Mistake #3 and I wanted to share my response and see how you would answer her: I just decided to home school my preschooler (her older sister attends regular public school, but I want to get the younger one prepared) What do you suggest instead of a focused classroom type set up? I don't want to do unschooling (as covered in mistake 4)

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2874712071016265677.post-49438651337831830472011-03-01T06:38:00.001-06:002011-03-01T06:42:26.021-06:00

 UNSCHOOLING: I'm afraid I must have stepped on some toes in my last post, so I'm going to even things out a bit and squish the toes on the other foot now! While I definitely disagree with a parent's "need" to re-create a classroom environment for their children, I also have problems with the current trend towards "unschooling". For those of you who are new to this concept, allow me to use

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2874712071016265677.post-31942014866509036202011-02-09T14:53:00.000-06:002011-02-09T14:53:57.950-06:00

CLASSROOM SIMULATION: I would venture to guess that most homeschooling moms have spent time in a classroom. Even though I was homeschooled for six years by my parents, I still spent seven years glued to a desk watching an infernal clock ticking oh, so slowly! But I got an even better advantage for, despite announcing how much I hated school on the first day of kindergarten, I spent four and a

Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6