Titus 2; Unto Him

Ruffle Curtians

2012-10-19T22:23:00.001-04:00

http://www.hgtv.com/bathrooms/create-an-easy-custom-ruffled-shower-curtain/index.html

Crafty Nap Idea...Will take a few naps!

2012-10-16T15:09:00.002-04:00

http://www.naptimecrafters.com/2012/01/card-table-playhouse.html

baby-leggings-tutorial-pattern

2012-09-07T09:20:00.001-04:00

http://melissaesplin.com/2012/02/baby-leggings-tutorial-pattern/

pajama-eaters-the-tutorial

2012-09-06T20:18:00.001-04:00

http://sewfearless.com/2011/08/05/pajama-eaters-the-tutorial/

DIT BABY SHOES

2012-08-24T20:26:00.001-04:00

http://www.poopockets.com/free/footies/footies.htm

Beauty-of-Courtship-and-Betrothal Article- wow!

2012-05-23T10:28:00.001-04:00

http://yoursacredcalling.com/blog/2009/11/the-beauty-of-courtship-and-betrothal/

Cinabuns to try!

2012-05-22T17:54:00.003-04:00

Ingredients:
2 cups flour
2 ½ tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
½ tsp baking soda
2 tbsp sugar
½ butter, cold, cut into small cubes
1 cup buttermilk

1 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup butter, softened
3 tsp cinnamon

Directions:

Combine flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda in a mixing bowl. Using two knives, a pastry blender or your fingers, cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Add buttermilk all at once to dry ingredients and stir with a fork until a soft dough forms. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently eight to 10 times. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into a 10 x 12 inch rectangle, about a 1/3 inch thick.

In a separate bowl combine brown sugar, softened butter and cinnamon until a paste-like, spreadable consistency is achieved.

Spread onto rolled dough. Roll up like a jelly roll. Cut into 1-inch to 1 ½ inch pieces.

Lightly grease a pie plate and place cinnamon rolls cut side down into the pan.

Bake for about 15 – 20 minutes, or until tops are lightly browned.

GLAZE: Using approximately ½ cup icing sugar, add enough milk (small amount, it goes far) to make a thin glaze. Drizzle over cinnamon buns when they have cooled a slight bit. Just a slight.

Enjoy!- Stacey Freeman via Janice Freeman

Reading

2012-05-16T08:58:00.001-04:00

I had a mother that read to me.

I had a mother that read to me.
Saga of pirates who scoured the sea,
Cutlasses clenched in their yellow teeth,
“Blackbirds” stowed in the hold beneath.

I had a Mother who read my lays.
Of ancient and gallant and golden days;
Stories of Marmion and Ivanhoe,
Which every boy has a right to know.

I had a Mother who read me tales.
Of Gelert the hound of the hills of Wales,
True to his trust till his tragic death,
Faithfulness blent with his final breath.

I had a Mother who read me the things.
That wholesome life to the boy heart brings.
Stories that stir with an upward touch,
Oh, that each mother of boys were such!

You may have tangible wealth untold;
Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold.
Richer than I you can never be—
I had a Mother who read to me.

by Strickland Gillilan

QUOTED FROM “Verses of Virtue” From Beall Phillips, published by Vision Forum

25 Teacher Gifts or Mom Gifts for Homeschooler Familys! Love!

2012-05-10T17:14:00.002-04:00

http://blogs.babble.com/the-new-home-ec/2012/05/09/25-unique-diy-gifts-for-every-type-of-teacher/

Amazing Series on Ephesians and **2 bonus sermons that were a blessing:

2012-04-24T21:41:00.001-04:00

J. MacArthur:
http://www.gty.org/resources/sermons/80-385/parents-do-not-provoke-your-children
and
http://www.gty.org/resources/sermons/80-384/children-obey-your-parents
and
http://www.gty.org/resources/sermons/80-383/husbands-love-your-wives
and
http://www.gty.org/resources/sermons/80-382/the-willful-submission-of-a-christian-wife

**some great older ones on the same passages here too:
http://www.gty.org/resources/sermons/scripture/ephesians

Voddie B. at Masters College and at Shepherds Conference:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcNUQduNiII

and

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=COPZrKskSZA#!

Great Nuggets...

2012-04-19T18:08:00.002-04:00

http://wholenewmom.com/recipes/recipe-for-chicken-nuggets-easy-chicken-recipe/

Children by Voddie Baucham

2012-03-29T21:09:00.001-04:00

“Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.” (Psalms 127:3-5 ESV)

I love the ESV translation of this passage. Here we see an important nuance in the Hebrew text. It is not the man whose quiver is filled that is blessed, but the man “who fills his quiver.” In other words, we should seek children. We should desire them.

Flower Turkeys

2012-02-25T22:10:00.001-05:00

http://www.ourbestbites.com/2011/11/flower-turkeys/

18 ribbon flowers

2012-02-12T20:12:00.002-05:00

http://tipnut.com/ribbon-flowers/

Petal Dress to Make

2012-02-10T16:19:00.001-05:00

http://icandyhandmade.blogspot.com/2012/01/tutorial-petal-dress-finally.html

Felt Flowers

2012-02-10T15:23:00.001-05:00

http://www.infarrantlycreative.net/2011/10/how-to-make-felt-flowers.html

http://icandyhandmade.blogspot.com/2011/03/tutorial-box-fold-felt-flower-tutorial.html

http://icandyhandmade.blogspot.com/2011/11/eyecandy-amazing-felt-flowers.html

EASY OATMEAL COOKIES

2012-02-03T19:11:00.000-05:00

"http://www.cooks.com/rec/search/0,1-0,easy_oatmeal_cookies,FF.html"

1 c. sugar
1 c. butter
1 c. flour
2 c. Quick Oats
1 tsp. baking soda (sifted with flour)

Preheat oven to 350°F.Mix with hands -- form small balls and flatten on ungreased pan.
Bake for 8-12 minutes (depends on size of cookies made).

Variations: add 1 tsp. vanilla, applesauce, mashed bananas, cinnamon, raisins, cranberries, chopped nuts, etc. Agave syrup or honey can be substituted for sugar, if desired.

1000 Gifts

2011-12-28T20:54:00.001-05:00

52. I am thankful for quick and low pain delivery of Sky
53. I am thankful for the heath of our new little gift
54. I praise the Lord for the romance he has given me to my husband through the birth of our first
55. I thank the Lord for Joe being an incredible father
56. For Sky's temperament and smiles
57. For my sister being close by
58. For my heart desiring to consider much for our raising of her
59. My husband thinking and acting upon how our family will function with him as head and with this child and Lord willing many more
60. A healthy church
61. Many prayers for Sky's birth
62. A modest place to move that provides all we need right now
63. The opportunity for Joe to begin his business
64. The opportunity to mother this one
65. The plans you have for her to prosper her and not to harm her, to give her a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11)

Travel High Chair

2011-12-28T20:32:00.001-05:00

http://thismamamakesstuff.com/2009/11/week-of-tutorials-fabric-travel-high-chair/

...could even: http://www.bynature.ca/my-little-seat.html

2 New Dresses!

2011-12-03T16:51:00.001-05:00

Looks and giggles in the new dresses mom made with Naomi Moore's granny's pattern! Thanks for lending them to me Naomi!

Thanksgiving part 2- from Vision Forum

2011-11-29T20:23:00.001-05:00

Seven Important Quotes to Read at
the Thanksgiving Table

1. The Old 100th: The Thanksgiving Psalm of the Pilgrims

It was their deep devotion to God, commitment to sound doctrine and the pure faith which primarily motivated the Pilgrims to endure great trials and hardships for the hope of a multi-generational vision of victory. In obedience to God and to strengthen their spirits, the Pilgrims became known as people of song. They loved to sing and did so often, not only during the meeting of the church, but in the course of daily life. The Psalms were in the forefront of their musical repertoire for life, and few Psalms were as beloved as “The Old 100th.” Because books like psalters were precious and rare, they practiced a form of congregational singing in which one line would be sung or “called out” and the congregation would sing it back in unison. Here is the Old 100th, from the Geneva Bible, set to verse, Pilgrim style:

Shout to Jehova all the earth,
Serve ye Jehova with gladness,
Enter his gates with singing mirth,
No that Jehova, he God is.

It’s He that made us and not we,
His folk and sheep of His feeding
Oh with confession enter ye
His gates, his courtyards with praising.

Confess to him, bless ye his name,
Because Jehova he Good is.
His mercy ever is the same,
And his faith unto all ages. Amen.

2. The Greatest Quote Concerning the Resolve of the Pilgrims

The simple sentence below by William Bradford is one of the most powerful in all of Christian literature, for it is a commentary on the meaning of holy risk-taking and the pursuit of righteousness and the kingdom of God:

So they committed themselves to the will of God, and resolved to proceed.

3. William Bradford’s Multi-Generational Vision

Just over fifty Pilgrims survived the first winter. But from them came more than thirty million descendants and a nation conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal and endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights. More importantly, their vision was one of holy, Christ-centered, multi-generational faithfulness.

Last and not least, they cherished a great hope and inward zeal of laying good foundations, or at least making some ways toward it, for the propagation and advance of the gospel of the kingdom of Christ in the remote parts of the world, even though they should be but stepping stones to others in the performance of so great a work.

And also:

Thus out of small beginnings greater things have been produced by His hand that made all things of nothing, and gives being to all things that are; and, as one small candle may light a thousand, so the light here kindled hath shone unto many, yea in some sort to our whole nation; let the glorious name of Jehovah have all the praise.

4. The Mayflower Compact: The Document That Shaped American Freedom under Christ

It has been persuasively argued that the Mayflower Compact, signed just prior to the Pilgrim’s arrival in Plymouth, was not only the critical step to quelling unrest and ensuring the unity and success of the Pilgrim society, but it became a foundation for the covenantal understanding of government under God embraced by the colonies and later the Founding Fathers. Significantly, this document appears to be an inspiration for later charters like the Declaration of Independence. It was a document signed by male heads of household and drafted with the goal of establishing a holy and orderly civil society. It begins with the awe-inspiring words — “In the name of God, Amen” — which is arguably the most powerful introduction of any document in the history of Western Civilization.

In the name of God, Amen. We, whose names are underwritten, the loyal subjects of our dread Sovereign Lord King James, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, defender of the Faith, etc. Having undertaken, for the Glory of God, and advancements of the Christian faith and honor of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the Northern parts of Virginia, do by these presents solemnly and mutually, in the presence of God, and one another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil body politic; for our better ordering, and preservation and furtherance of the ends aforesaid; and by virtue hereof to enact, constitute, and frame, such just and equal laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions, and offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the colony; unto which we promise all due submission and obedience. In witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names at Cape Cod the 11th of November, in the year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord King James, of England, France, and Ireland, the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth. Anno Dom. 1620.

5. The Eyewitness Accounts of the Thanksgiving Story from Gov. Winslow’s Mourt’s Relation, and from Governor William Bradford’s Of Plimouth Plantation

There are two and only two primary source accounts of the first Thanksgiving. They are presented below in the original English. They must be read in the context of the larger record given by Bradford and Winslow concerning the Pilgrim story.

The Thanksgiving Story as Told by Edward Winslow

Our harvest being gotten in, our governour sent foure men on fowling, that so we might after a speciall manner rejoyce together, after we had gathered the fruits of our labours ; they foure in one day killed as much fowle, as with a little helpe beside, served the Company almost a weeke, at which time amongst other Recreations, we exercised our Armes, many of the Indians coming amongst us, and amongst the rest their greatest king Massasoyt, with some ninetie men, whom for three dayes we entertained and feasted, and they went out and killed five Deere, which they brought to the Plantation and bestowed on our Governour, and upon the Captaine and others. And although it be not always so plentifull, as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so farre from want, that we often wish you partakers of our plentie.

The Thanksgiving Story as Told by William Bradford

They begane now to gather in ye small harvest they had, and to fitte up their houses and dwellings against winter, being all well recovered in health & strenght, and had all things in good plenty; For as some were thus imployed in affairs abroad, others were excersised in fishing, aboute codd, & bass, & other fish, of which yey tooke good store, of which every family had their portion. All ye somer ther was no want. And now begane to come in store of foule, as winter approached, of which this place did abound when they came first (but afterward decreased by degrees). And besids water foule, ther was great store of wild Turkies, of which they tooke many, besids venison, &c. Besids, they had about a peck a meale a weeke to a person, or now since harvest, Indean corn to yt proportion. Which made many afterwards write so largly of their plenty hear to their friends in England, which were not fained, but true reports.

6. The Great Declaration of Praise and Thanksgiving Offered by William Bradford for the Providential Deliverance of the Pilgrims

May not and ought not the children of these fathers rightly say: “Our fathers were Englishmen which came over this great ocean, and were ready to perish in this wilderness; but they cried unto the Lord, and he heard their voice, and looked on their adversity, etc.” Let them therefore praise the Lord, because he is good, and his mercies endure forever. Yea, let them which have been redeemed of the Lord, show how he hath delivered them from the hand of the oppressor. When they wandered in the desert wilderness out of the way, and found no city to dwell in, both hungry, and thirsty, their soul was overwhelmed in them. Let them confess before the Lord his loving kindness, and his wonderful works before the sons of men.

7. Pastor John Robinson’s Wise Words of Counsel to the Departing Pilgrims on Their Duties in Building a New Christian Society

The letter of John Robinson to the departing Mayflower Pilgrims ranks as one of the greatest pastoral letters with the most far-reaching influence in all of history. Robinson made the difficult decision to stay behind with those members of the congregation who would not or could not make the journey.

The letter is brilliant for its precision and the powerful concepts communicated, but most importantly, it really embodies the wisdom and holiness of the life and worldview of the Scrooby congregation. Some of the concepts of this pastoral letter were actually incorporated into the Mayflower Compact, a document which itself was built upon themes articulated in the Scrooby Covenant of 1607. Below is a quote, but make sure to read the letter in its entirety.

Lastly, whereas you are become a body politic, using amongst yourselves civil government, and are not furnished with any persons of special eminency above the rest, to be chosen by you into office of government; let your wisdom and godliness appear, not only in choosing such persons as do entirely love and will promote the common good, but also in yielding unto them all due honor and obedience in their lawful administrations, not beholding in them the ordinariness of their persons, but God's ordinance for your good; not being like the foolish multitude who more honor the gay coat than either the virtuous mind of the man, or glorious ordinance of the Lord. But you know better things, and that the image of the Lord's power and authority which the magistrate beareth, is honorable, in how means persons soever. And this duty you both may the more willingly and ought the more conscionably to perform, because you are at least for the present to have only them for your ordinary governors, which yourselves shall make choice of for that work.

Robinson also wrote:

This holy army of saints is marshaled here on earth … under the conduct of their glorious Emperor, Christ. Thus it marches in this most heavenly order and glorious array, against all enemies … peaceable in itself, as Jerusalem … terrible to the enemy as an army with banners, triumphing over their tyranny with patience, their cruelty with meekness, and over death itself with dying. . . . The gates of hell, and all the principalities and powers on earth shall not prevail against it.

Happy Thanksgiving!


	Douglas Phillips, President, Vision Forum Ministries

Thanksgiving part 1 from Vision Forum

2011-11-29T20:22:00.001-05:00

Seven Things to Do with Your Family
This Thanksgiving

Many of my happiest memories as a young man, and now as the head of my own household, come from Thanksgiving. Traditionally, Thanksgiving has been a day where our dearest loved ones gather around the table and feast, followed by a time of poetry reading, Scripture recitations, song, more feasting, and family story-telling. But more than anything, Thanksgiving has come to be a time when we focus as a family on gratitude. It is a time to humble ourselves in the face of God's great mercy, and to chronicle the providences and blessings of God in our life.

One of the blessings for which we are most grateful is you - the many friends of Vision Forum. So this year, the Phillips family wants to begin our Thanksgiving celebration by sharing seven simple recommendations for your own day of thanksgiving.

1. Stop and Thank God from the Bottom of Your Heart and the Depths of Your Soul

O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also. The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land. O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker. —Psalm 95:1-6

If you were to spend every waking moment of every day for the rest of your life noting God's goodness, you would never begin to chronicle all the things for which you should thank the Lord. His blessings are innumerable. But on this day, take time to chronicle much. Get very specific. Thank the Lord for all things. Thank him for your provision, and the protection He has given to you all year. Thank Him for the pains and sorrows that are driving you closer to Him. Thank Him for the problems you have, and thank Him for all the horrors from which you have been spared. Thank Him for your parents, your children, and your loved ones. Thank Him for the Earth, the Moon, and the Sun. Thank Him for those friends who love you and who you love. Thank Him for the opportunities He has given to you. Thank Him for the mentors in your life. Thank Him for the sweet seasons and the beautiful memories He has given to you. Thank Him for His Church and His Word. But most of all thank Him for Jesus Christ. Because of Christ, you can be forgiven of sins, reconciled to the Father, and have the promise of eternal life.

2. Share the Greatest Stories of the Pilgrim Fathers and God's Providence

Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee.
—Deuteronomy 32:7

Thanksgiving Day is a time for quizzes and story-telling. A great place to begin is by dedicating time to recount the rich historical evidence of God's providence in the life of this nation through the story of the Mayflower Pilgrims. From their humble beginnings as a cadre of faithful friends and devoted Christians meeting in Scrooby, England, to their visionary leadership and perseverance in the New World at Plymouth Plantation, these faithful Separatists left one of the greatest legacies in the history of the New Testament Church. Yet most American Christians know little to nothing of the true story of these indefatigable men and women of God. This Thanksgiving, remedy the problem by telling their story.

If you don't have any of the books on the Pilgrims available from Vision Forum, do a little online research. Visit the website of Pilgrim Hall Museum, for example. Share the stories of the friendship of William Bradford and William Brewster; of the persecution of the Scrooby Congregation; of the hardship and perseverance of the families on board the Mayflower; of the first Sabbath at Pulpit Rock;of the importance of the Church covenant and of the long first winter in America. Tell how God used a young Indian boy named Squanto to save the colonists, and share the story of the peace treaty between the Pilgrims and Chief Massasoit which lasted fifty years. Make sure to read the farewell letter of pastor John Robinson to his congregation. Have your children join in the story-telling. Make sure to emphasize the faithfulness and providence of the Lord.

3. Read the Fourth Chapter from Of Plymouth PlantationAloud to Your Family

Last and not least, they cherished a great hope and inward zeal of laying good foundations, or at least making some ways toward it, for the propagation and advance of the gospel of the kingdom of Christ in the remote parts of the world, even though they should be but stepping stones to others in the performance of so great a work.
—William Bradford

If you only read from one book other than the Bible this Thanksgiving, make it Of Plymouth Plantation by William Bradford. And if you only have time for one chapter, make sure it is the fourth. It is in this chapter that we learn about the true reasons why these homeschooling Pilgrims debated over whether or not they should risk their lives to go to America, the ultimate reasons for their departure (including concern over bad peer influences with their children), and their tremendous confidence in God. Most importantly, it is here that you read of Bradford’s multi-generational vision of victory.

Note: From the approximately fifty survivors of that first winter, more than 30 million progeny have descended.

4. Take a Pilgrimage to the Homes of the Pilgrims — From Your Living Room

Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.
—Proverbs 22:28

We are losing our landmarks to liberty in our nation. As I documented in my article Plymouth Crock , we are even desecrating the landmarks to our Pilgrim fathers. This is one reason why I believe it is so important that we physically bring our children to the great Ebenezers of our freedom while they yet remain. Finally, after more than a decade leading families to Plymouth, home of the Pilgrim fathers, I was able to take 100 Americans this year on a journey to Scrooby, England, and the little manor house where the Pilgrim congregation was birthed. What a journey! Please let me share it with you by watching the video which I have posted on my blog. Then learn about the little eight-hundred-year-old manor house that changed the world in my article, “A Pilgrimage to Scrooby.”

5. Read George Washington's Thanksgiving Proclamation at the Dinner Table

Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me to "recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness. Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be.
—George Washington

The practice of setting aside days of prayer, days of fasting and humiliation before the Lord, and days of thanksgiving for the mercies of Jesus Christ was practiced by our Pilgrim and Puritan fathers , promoted by our legislatures and Congress, and honored by our presidents. On this national day of Thanksgiving, let’s remember that we do not honor a “turkey day,” but the God of Heaven who George Washington described in his Thanksgiving Proclamation of 1789 as “the great Lord and Ruler of Nations.” I recommend that you print off the proclamation and read it before your dinner meal.

6. Tell the Story of the Providence of God in the Life of Your Family

I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old: Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.
—Psalm 78:2-4

The Lord has not only blessed this nation with a rich providential history, but you too have a story that needs to be told. Your children need to hear it and understand the mercies of God in the life of your family. So, this Thanksgiving, chronicle all that God has done in the history of your family. How many generations has your family been in America? How did they get here? When, if ever, did your fathers embrace the Gospel?

7. Purpose to Fight Hard and Hold Fast

History is not made by majorities, but by dedicated minorities of like-minded friends who have joined together in common cause. This was the Pilgrim legacy, and it must be ours as well. To change the world, courageous men and women must “fight hard and hold fast” to the things they know to be true. Most people will not fight hard and hold fast (which is why most people are spectators instead of world-changers). If you are grateful, purpose to be engaged. Purpose to be part of an important work for the Lord. Purpose to stand with those who are fighting hard and holding fast. Purpose to be a twenty-first-century pilgrim for Jesus Christ.

Conclusion

Happy Thanksgiving! On behalf of Beall, Joshua, Justice, Liberty, Jubilee, Faith Evangeline, Honor, Providence, and Virginia, and all the families of Vision Forum, we wish you a truly happy, truly grateful, truly blessed Thanksgiving Day! May the Lord bless you and keep you, and may He cause His face to shine upon you.

Watch for additional quotes and commentary for the Thanksgiving dinner table to arrive in your email inbox this Thursday morning, Thanksgiving Day.

Persevero,


	Douglas Phillips, President, Vision Forum Ministries

2011-11-09T12:26:00.000-05:00

Sky’s Birth Story

“Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.” -- Psalm 100:1

Psalm 127:3-5 – “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.”

We went to TAG (Truth Applicaton Group) Wednesday night (October 26th, 2011) and mom (me) began feeling a bit of tightening in her tummy but she didn’t think much of it as she hadn’t felt any signs that labour might be soon and thought it to be Braxton hicks or something of the sort. We were talking about labour in the meeting and I had to stand up and one point as I felt a little nauseated. Dad (Joe) knew then you were coming; he seems to have known you so well from before you were here: he told everyone he knew you were going to be his little girl too eve though we hadn’t found out and everyone else thought you would be a boy by the heart rate and the way I was carrying. He knew you would be his Sky too. He named you to honour my father.

A few people were saying maybe it could happen tonight but mom felt unsure. It was 8 days before November 4^th your due date so mom was still in her 38^th week out of 40 and was getting anxious to meet my one. Dad said, as we left TAG, that I would be having you and that this was it! He was right but the contractions were still not organized and were so light and didn’t hurt. By 11pm at night when we were home and settling for bed the contractions started to be patterned but were very manageable. Mom called the midwives to see what they thought and they wanted me to have a warm glass of milk, take some gravol, and get sleep since the way the contractions were organizing it was only pre-labour and it could go on for days or dissaper and come back. This would not dialate me they said. They had me take a warm bath to slow the contractions as we didn’t think it was labour but I couldn’t sleep. I called the midwives one more time and she assured me that I needed to try and sleep and drink and not tire myself out so I could do real labour when it came. Dad kept asking what my gut told me. Was this pre-labour or early labour? Dad was not sure if he should go to work or what I needed the next morning and I didn’t know what to say as I wanted him home but didn’t want to waste his vacation so he would have it all with you. I told him I was scared so he told me he wasn’t going to work.

I had a hot shower to slow the contractions again and it did slow them from 1 minute to about 30 seconds but they were somewhat irregular still and 5-7 minutes apart. We called the midwives and asked them if we could come in for an appointment so that they could check me and assure us. Dad and I had been timing contractions through the night and I kept trying to go sleep in the guset room so I wouldn’t wake your father but he was so gracious and wanted me with him and didn’t mind being shaken every 5 minutes with my contractions. What a gentleman! I have never known the love I realized for him that night and through the process of your birth. He is a blessing from the Lord and I loved to experience this with him. I love him more through it all and it was an amazing bonding time for the us (and soon to be family of three).

Dad got me to put his pajamas on and we went off to the midwifes office. When we got there they told us they would be treating the visit as a regular appointment. They did my blood pressure, listened to you, etc and then had me lay on my back. When I had a contraction on my back they thought something might be happening so they checked me. The student midwife did it and said my cervix was so far back she couldn’t find it so she reached more and then quickly pulled her hand out. She had been poking at the membranes and had gone right through my cervix which was 5-6cm already. Apparently most peple have to go through much harder contractions to get there. She said I was so stretchy too that baby would come as soon as water broke and that it was almost there and we needed to rush to the hospital. They were stressed out about me not having anything with me, as they hadn’t thought it labour, but Joe is so organized we were ready to go.

Apparently they didn’t think they had a room at the hospital but the midwives were able to get one in the end. This may have been a home-birth otherwise. I hadn’t brought my health card so we stopped at home fast on the way to Markham Stouffville Hospital. We were calling people on the way there to tell them and I would just not talk most of the time during contractions. The contractions were now speeding up having been on my feet, etc. Daddy had asked me earlier if I wanted to go for a walk when we thought it wasn’t labour and I hadn’t wanted to but this was moving me along without any walking. There were a bunch of road closures so it was complicted getting there. When we arrived mom wanted to park in the back lot where parking was free but dad said he didtn care about paying for parking right now. He asked mom if she wanted to be dropped off at the door but she wanted to go with dad so we parked but I had a really hard time walking into the hospital and dad didn’t want to have the baby in the parking lot ! He was encouraging me to keep walking but the contractions were more powerful. I threw up the bit of apple dad had had me eat and some water. I hadn’t been hungry for dinner the night before so had only had some banana bread and he was worried about keeping me hydrated and fed.

When we got inside mom didn’t want a wheel chair but dad insisted. He wheeled me in and we saw someone I knew in the waiting area. We were talking and she said she might see me walking around in a bit but Joe said he didn’t think so (I was already so far along). I couldn’t talk now during the contractions, almost at all, so something had changed. They got me in the room and it was 10:30am. The midwives then said they could put me in the Jacuzzi, if I wanted, as I had written it in my birth plan. Dad asked me if I was sure and had them check me before we went. I was 8-9 cm now so they said forget the tub. If they had put me in I would have had you there. They struggled to get the room ready and at 10:45am I threw up a bit more water, my water broke on its own, and I began pushing. You were out about 20 minutes later at 11:10am!

Dad was so supportive dring the whole process and mom even thought it romantic the way he cared for her and loved you. Mom was picky about what she wanted dad doing and he stayed by her side through everything. Through the whole pushing time dad even held moms foot while holding a cloth on her head. Dad was very gentle and patient with mom and modelled 1 Peter by living in an understanding way with me. When you came out I kept saying 'thank you Lord' and felt so blessed. I kept saying how beautiful you were. We hadn’t been told you were our little girl yet and we were asking; dad checked and announced our baby girl. You lay on me right away and then dad took you, they cleaned you up (midwives student Stephanie and Sandra from Durham Midwives) and dad choose your first outfit. He loved that on you and dressed you.

We asked ourselves what your name was – were you our little Sky? Dad said yes! You made a tiny noise when you came out and then didn’t cry. You were so precious. Dad then took you out to show you to auntie Cheryl and GG who were in the lobby. He came back and we had some family time, just the three of us, while they stitched me up and then mom wanted a shower so people could come in and meet you. Dad thought I should eat first but the midwifes were heading in. I fainted and then dad came and held me and I fainted again in his arms. He then helped me eat and I was well. Dad was so good and right in there for the whole thing. It was incredible. He even had to check my water if it broke at one point because I thought it had when we arrived.

We were able to take you right home with us and so were there about 3 hours after your birth for a total of 4. We never even had a nurse or doctor enter the room! Dad kept saying our labour hours were better then his work hours. We went home and since Rob and Claire had just arrived at the hospital the Walker family followed us home and visited there. We called people on the way to share the news as dad had let them know to be praying. I am confident the Lord was so gracious during this time as so many were interceding on our behalf to the father. Tamara, mom Hughes, and some friends from church came by later that night. Dad and mom enjoyed you together for the week dad had off; you fit right into our family: Our little Sky Hughes.

Thank you for prayer as we awaited our one- Love the Church :) A record of her birth announcement:

2011-11-02T13:06:00.001-04:00

From Christina Beth: “Prayer for patience as we wait to meet baby Hughes. Continued prayer for a safe and natural delivery.”

Brothers and sisters,

Please be in prayer for the Hughes family... Which looks to be growing

very soon!

Christina is in labour and they have going to the hospital this

morning. Everything is progressing well so far. We will keep you

updated.

Julian

Friends,

We are giving thanks to the Lord for the safe delivery of Sky Walker Hughes this morning, born just after 11am. She weighed in at a healthy 7lbs, 7oz after a fast and 'better than textbook' (according to the midwife) delivery. Praise the Lord!

Joe and Christy are returning home with Sky as I send this. Thank you so much for praying!

Rejoicing with you,

Julian

Friends,

Here is a note of thanks and a picture from Joe & Christy. Sky is so precious! I can't wait for you all to meet her...

Julian

We thank the church for all the prayers. Here she is...

Joe & Christy

A note from Paul about the special day we have planned tomorrow:

My friends,

Not only is Sky here (praise the Lord!) ... and Grace Connexion is tonight (I am so pumped for that!) ... there is more exciting news! Tomorrow, yes, Saturday October 29, will be the first Day of Awareness and Prayer for Missions!...

Doug Phillips - The scariest thing you can do this Halloween is to completely skip Halloween and remember Reformation Day

2011-10-29T20:22:00.001-04:00

The scariest thing you can do this Halloween is to completely skip Halloween and remember Reformation Day . It was 494 years ago that Martin Luther nailed his world-changing 95 Theses to the door of the Wittenberg church. These theses included rebukes to ungodly fear and superstition. 502 years ago, sometime near October 31, a baby named John Calvin was conceived who would dedicate his life to eradicating an ungodly fear of superstitious beliefs and proclaiming the gospel of grace. His emphasis on reformation, revival, and the sufficiency of Scripture had such far-reaching implications for nations like the United States that he has been described by Christian and secular scholars alike as the true founding father of America. The Reformers did something that was very scary to the world of their day. They stood against all forms of dark superstitions which grip the minds and souls of men. It was their emphasis on the fear of the Lord and the wisdom of Holy Scripture that was used by God to liberate untold numbers of men and women. But to remember the Reformers instead of Halloween is very scary to the world. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10).

Titus 2; Unto Him

Ruffle Curtians

Crafty Nap Idea...Will take a few naps!

baby-leggings-tutorial-pattern

pajama-eaters-the-tutorial

DIT BABY SHOES

Beauty-of-Courtship-and-Betrothal Article- wow!

Cinabuns to try!

Reading

I had a mother that read to me.

25 Teacher Gifts or Mom Gifts for Homeschooler Familys! Love!

Amazing Series on Ephesians and **2 bonus sermons that were a blessing:

Great Nuggets...

Children by Voddie Baucham

Flower Turkeys

18 ribbon flowers

Petal Dress to Make

Felt Flowers

EASY OATMEAL COOKIES

1000 Gifts

Travel High Chair

2 New Dresses!

Thanksgiving part 2- from Vision Forum

Seven Important Quotes to Read atthe Thanksgiving Table

Thanksgiving part 1 from Vision Forum

Seven Things to Do with Your FamilyThis Thanksgiving

Thank you for prayer as we awaited our one- Love the Church :) A record of her birth announcement:

Doug Phillips - The scariest thing you can do this Halloween is to completely skip Halloween and remember Reformation Day

Seven Important Quotes to Read at
the Thanksgiving Table

Seven Things to Do with Your Family
This Thanksgiving