Something Inspiring...

These days, it seems like the "church in general" teaches more along the lines that God wants ONLY the best for us and they interpret "best" to be things like financial blessing, health, soaring careers, etc. I would agree that He does want the best for us, in that He promises to finish His work of salvation in us. And I do agree that sometimes He chooses to bless us with the things listed above, I disagree though on many levels with the whole philosophy of do good - get good! How do you explain God's love to the people in third world countries who faithfully serve Him but have no food, live in danger and daily suffer if you believe that idealogy. We confine our thinking too much to this earth and we need to be more eternally minded. (Colossians 3 and
2Corinthians 4:16-18)

Sometimes the "best for us" is a life that includes hardships, times filled with pain or struggles/trials. Sometimes those are the things God uses to bring us to Himself, Keep us close to Him, or to further His glory and plan in other's lives. That is the ultimate love, that He works all things to perfect us, and not to pamper us. Our idea of God's love is so skewed by what we think it should be. I'm so glad He defines love no matter how we understand it. If you think of the lives of the people God used in the bible, none of them had the "easy life" but all of them had the "abundant life"! I was encouraged by James' wife's testimony of just that. James MacDonald has cancer right now, and they are LIVING this testimony. Thought I'd share it...paste the address below in your browser to see the video interview.

https://www.walkintheword.com/donations.aspx?specID=150

Something pretty...Spring is on the way and so are the mosquitos!

The last week of Feb?

Does anyone else feel like February is flying?

Here are a couple of shots of our week.

Cooper has developed a new love for the FRONT yard and LOVES to sit and watch the cars go by - weird, I know. Anytime the front door opens he makes a mad dash.

Alex has been having a great time in basketball. Loves his coach!

Allie participated every day of spirit week and participated is an understatement. (Including superhero day, which I'm not "allowed" to post a picture of:)

Michael has been enjoying a lull in sports and practicing more music. (sorry, no pics.)

crazy, but March is almost here.

Yeah! Back to two cars!

A big thanks to our friend John for helping Pete do some big car repairs in our own garage. I think you may have found a new hobby Pete! Yeah for two cars!

Anyone need a ride?

It's been a little bit of a crazy week! Michael and Allie had a winter camp over the break, Alex started B ball and Michael and Allie wrapped their seasons up. On Friday, Pete's car decided it was tired of running. How a new engine can decide to quit is beyond me?(The kids think it's because I call it names:)- it's good I'm not superstitious!) Let's just say God is teaching me a lot about patience lately. I am grateful that I am able to drive everyone around, including my hubby, but I will be glad when we return to the land of the two vehicle family:) All that said, car time can definitely turn into good talk time, so I am making the most of being the family taxi driver and enjoying being able to visit with everyone in an uninterrupted environment! So, anyone need a ride? :):):)

Alex shoots too

This week on sports center...

Michael takes and makes two threes and has a breakaway down the court to tie at half. Allie puts a little hip into the opposing team and defends her goal. Go U-Prep!

Something that convicted me...

A sermon I listend to called "Grace in compromise" - www.walkintheword.com

My feelings about that sermon:

COMPROMISE:
Excusing or explaining my behavior so that I don't have to change or give up things I know aren't right.

Comparing myself to the standard others follow rather than the standard set for me in the Word of God.

A slow fade - Small choices that begin putting distance between my heart and the heart of God.

So, in order that my blog will aspire to be what I pray it is - a testimony, I am being vulnerable for a minute. I am saddened today by the compromise I've allowed in my life and I desperately want to live to a higher standard, God's!

*To give God my first's. The first of my day, the first of our finances, the first of our week, FIRST.
*To not allow anything in our home that would oppose the desire or purpose of God.
*To not be entertained by what breaks His heart.
*To realize that what God tells me no to, is for my good and His glory, and not to restrict my joy.

This is my prayer and my commitment. Not out of a heart of legalism, but out of gratitude for my salvation and for the sole purpose that He would be magnified in our lives and in my home.

Hebrews 3:7 " Today if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts."
Something that convicted me - Compormise!

Something that moved me...

This past week 2 boys committed suicide at one of our local highshcools. It has broke my heart to think about the hopelesness they felt. This video of a skit is one that our church youth group performed. It left me sobbing. Thank you Jesus for fighting for me! Please watch this if you have time! It won't work to click on it, but if you copy and paste the link below into you browser, it will bring it up. Let me know what you think.


www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=ee73e63418003b47d7d5

Thanks Tim- you ROCK! ( My brother is the coolest!)

Hiking to Whiskeytown Falls

On Sunday we hiked to the Whiskeytown falls. These falls were just discovered a few years ago. The base of the hike is only 20 minutes from our house, so I can't believe it has taken us this long to do it. It was beautiful. Even though it was 60 degrees, there was still snow on the ground up high in the shady places. The hike is uphill most of the way, but well worth the view at the top! Next time we'll take Cooper, he'll love it!

Bet I can beat you!

Mount Shasta Ice Skating Rink

Kacia and Sawyer

Kacia was cracking up - which made me CRACK UP!

Happy Early 30th KEVIN!

Kevin's parents were so kind to invite us to help celebrate Kevin's 30th bday in Mt Shasta - Thank you Ray and Debbie! The weekend turned out a little diffent than we had planned due to our warm weather, lack of snow and a flu bug, but we still got to get away, play together with our family and friends and enjoy the beautiful creation God has given us. Mount Shasta was 59 degree, even at 6500 feet. There was enough snow to sled on even if there wasn't enough to ski on. All the boys, even the big ones had an awesome snowball fight - I think Kevin has rights to "cream" Alex for many years to come! The iceskating rink was probably my favorite part of the day. The sky was bright blue and it felt warm enough to take off our coats. The only bummer was not being able to share the day with my sister who was stuck in the vacation rental with a bummer flu - poor Jenny! We'll have to try this again for Kevin's 31st!!!

Portfolio

Most of you already know that I have been working towards the goal of doing photography more full time, so I will spare you an advertisement. :) As 2009 begins, I am so excited to move forward with Portfolio and grow in my abilities! I am blessed to have such supportive friends who have volunteered for me to practice with these past months. I want to thank you! You have beautiful families and have made it easy to get that "great picture". I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to capture what I see in all of you! The slide show posted below is a little sneak peak. Thank you again!

Portfolio

Why I love living here!

I snapped this out the window on our way home! What a beatiful place God has allowed us to raise our family in!
"I lift my eyes up unto the mountains, where does my help come from"

And down he comes!