Be Mine

http://jesscase.blogspot.com/2012/02/love-day-2012.html

Jess had a great write up about our activities.  So, I don't need to repeat it.  However, I do want to express my love.

I am thankful that on this Love Day.  I was able to spend time in the beautiful place God has called us to serve.

I am thankful for my friend for almost one year Kim who checks up on me and is truly a good friend.

I am thankful that God allowed Jess to come and be apart of my life for a month, but the time spent listening and encouraging another will be remember way pass her visit.

I am thankful for James and the steadfast, loyal, kind, gently, caring, handy love he shows me in countless ways.  (He got me these gorgeous tulips)

I am thankful for the three children God has entrusted to my care to raise, train, love, and send out to be His witnesses of Gods grace.  Again, I pray often that they will do whatever the Lord wants them to do and go to the ends of the earth to share God's love with others.

I am thankful for God's Word.  Everyday (and I mean) EVERYDAY.  He speaks to me.  In His Word, I can see: Just this week
1) His Character:  strength, joy, forever father, holy, ownership (he owns everything) Psalms 24:1, Almighty, Strong, King of Glory, great mercy, Love Ps 25:6, Good, Son of God, Sovereign Lord (Ex 34:23)
2) Guiding Me:   Just today
He has all Authority and has given me a task to do.  Disciple others.  Matthew 28
I will sing and make music to the Lord even after a day of trouble even with enemies surrounding from Ps 27:6.
You equipped the saints to do the work, and they did it.  Help me Lord to use the skills you have given me to do YOUR work.  Exodus 37-38.

I am thankful for the Church.  The Big Church, and our local Body of believers.  James did an excellent job preaching the passion of our church: To Know Christ and to Make Him Known.  If you missed it you can click it!

I am so thankful for our Life Group.  We share a meal together, we study God's truth together, we laugh together, we pray together, and I usually laugh so hard I cry.  Sophia made this cake and it also symbolizes the love we have for one another.  Even though we host it in our home every week, it is a joy and NEVER a burden. It is a great way to unwind after the business of life. Thank you Lord. We even broke bread together.

I am also so thankful for the Monday "Having a Mary's heart in a Martha's world" Bible study.  I love the way we can share with one another are really encourage each other.  We have seen so many answered prayers.  It fuels my prayer life!  Thank you women.

 Oh, yah! Our love day gift this year was WILLOW.  She is learning that our home is full of people and is a fast learner. Love her already.

Loving parents and laws

She took us to a friends sheep shearing

Hello world It has been a busy few days. I am in the waiting area again for a flight back to Alaska. Thankfully my father in law works for Alaska Airlines and he has been kind enough to help me do some very needed dental work. I am often just shocked at his generosity. I told a flight attendant just yesterday that if my son Max was 3% of his grandfathers goodness he would be an amazing man of God. James mom Donna is always ready to help. She has began to teach my daughters to sew. She is available to watch them and is so welcoming.

standing by the Mexican/American border when we were protecting the USA.

Teaching my children to fish

 We are so blessed with amazing family. Since not having them nearby for so many years, I was a bit nervous, but it has been a Joy Unspeakable. also just last week I was blown away by my parents as well. Even though they are retired they help support my upcoming trip to Guatemala for a short term missions trip. I love to have wonderful parents. Need to board plane.

Thankfulness... kills anxiety

Well, James said it.  The magic words that I have been longing to hear.  "Let's go look for a dog." Good and bad.

Good part:
Now, that we are settled into our home since moving in the end of October, it is time to find a dog.  Like I posted before, I really would LOVE a Great Dane.  There happens to be one that we might get that is 9 months old and house trained and kennel trained. We just need to be selected by the breeder as a perfect fit.  The stunning dog is named Pandora and is the one with the natural ears in this picture.

Bad part:

I was so excited last night, I hardly slept. So, instead of being being anxious about whether we get her I will count my many blessings and keep looking UP:

1) an amazing home with views of both the sunrise over the mountains and the sunset

2) great friends who shoulder my concerns

3) people to pour into (discipleship and peers)

4) Friday morning breakfast with Anita Moiser that gives me an excuse for making a more elaborate meal.

5) relationship with my Savior who protects me and cares for my needs

6) understanding and encouraging husband who is a blast to do anything with

7) children who love reading and learning -spent the last hour on the couch reading together under the electric blanket.

8) a heated garage

9) wind drifts that avoid my road and driveway so that we don't have to shovel

10) family that loves my children and enjoys our company!

11) parents that still surprise me with their unending love

12) great friends for my children

13) health and exercise

14) ability to learn about God with my children through the Bible readings

15) great library

16) love for missions and what God is doing around the world

17) heart that is still in Africa thankful for the lessons learned- Yebo Africa!

18) coffee and Kindle with a fireplace 

19) seeing others enjoy taking photos from my back yard because it is soooo beautiful. 

20) Life groups and our little church

21) Heaven!

"Life works better when we know how to glance at things but gaze at God.  Seeing Him clearly will enable us to see all other things clearly."

We had an amazing time today doing our "Young Woman after God's heart" Bible study.  The girls got to dream up of their best decorated bedroom.  Share ideas about honor parents in keeping their stuff tidy. 

The crazy fun was when we got out the tie die as part of our Homeschooling project this week.

Hannah even made one for her dad.  I got one as well.  So, we will show the finished product later.

Passport to Purity

So, today I am going to be doing the Passport to Purity adventure with my oldest daughter Hannah.  It is so precious to be open and truthful regarding sex and God's perfect design.  I love how James during our discussion says, "No dating until 25!" I really can't imagine Hannah being married but, I know that this time together will open the discussion and the transparency that every parent longs for.

We are thankful for Lazy Mountain Bible Church providing this excellent resource.