Monday, December 25, 2006






My great-nephew's new stocking, completely created by me. It was fun to make.

Baby C was only awake for a short time during his first family Christmas, but I got the perfect picture. This one is getting blown-up for his grandma. We were able to get a 5-generation picture for remembrance and the paper!

J got his first pheasant today, so we'll be having pheasant for supper. Liberty wasn't much of a help, but she enjoyed the walk!

Our Christmas Eve service was very nice last night and it was great to get to see friends that we hadn't seen for awhile. We have several who are either recovering from cancer surgery, dealing with cancer treatment or preparing for surgery-it was good to see them all. Life has been quite challenging for so many over that past couple of months and it looks to continue. Praise God that He is in control!

May you all be blessed this Christmas! Take time to go see "The Nativity Story" and remember the Reason for the season!

Tuesday, December 19, 2006



Well, picasa doesn't seem to be working for me. I thought I'd posted these photos last week, but alas, no. I tried again this morning, but it still didn't work for me.
I finally finished the stockings. The Red Heart yarn makes my hands ache, but to get the look of the originals, that's what I've got to use.
We were able to spend the day with my niece and great-nephew last week. He's growing good, seems quite content, but is already saying "ewww" when Aunt Dawn gives him a kiss.
I'm down to a few small projects for Christmas, but I've got a bit of baking to get accomplished. I think it's going to be a pretty low-key holiday and I'm grateful for that.

Tuesday, December 05, 2006

I wish I knew how to slow things down. I feel as though I've been going non-stop since the end of October. I look ahead at my schedule and it looks like there might be time to finish my knitting, wrap gifts, clean, bake, and spend time with my family, but I'm afraid that something else will come up or that I'll sit and stare at the wall because I'm not sure what to do with myself.

I'm struggling with my oldest dd's issues. There are rumors going around her place of work that she claims she knew nothing about but others say she was the one telling the stories in the breakroom. I hate that I'm not sure what to believe. She's been known to make up wild things in order to draw attention to herself, regardless of what it does to her reputation. It's almost as though she wants to have a bad reputation-that she wants to look bad to those that are living a bankrupt lifestyle. I don't know how to advise her when I don't know if what I'm hearing is the truth or not. Lord, help!

Monday, December 04, 2006


My niece and her little one. He's absolutely adorable and mommy is beginning to adapt to her new son. It's amazing how quickly our lives can change. There has been so much heartache in recent years, but Baby C is bringing joy to us all. Posted by Picasa

Liberty feeling militant!
 Posted by Picasa

Sunday, December 03, 2006

Well, things have changed dramatically in the last 28 hours or so. My neice, who just found out that she was pregnant 3 1/2 weeks ago (she'd been in deep denial), when into labor on Friday evening and our new little family member came just after 2:00 pm on the 2nd. Despite my neice being frightened by the whole process and the sudden thought of being a mother, everything went well. The labor progressed very quickly. This little guy was ready to join the family, I think he wants Christmas presents!! He weighs just over 6 pounds. We will be heading up again to visit this afternoon. They haven't got anything ready yet, so we'll do a little shopping on the way!

I feel for my neice, 18, a senior, denying the possibility, finally accepting the truth, and boom, she's a mommy. God has a purpose and a plan. I can trust in that.

Last night, we went to see "The Nativity Story". It's a beautiful movie. Gives you a wonderful idea of what life would have been like in Judea at the time of Jesus' birth. There is a gentleness and peace to the whole thing. An understanding that God has a plan. Some of the timing of certain events could be somewhat disputable, but certainly doesn't deter from the story of His birth and it's power. I would recommend it!

So, I have knitting that must get done. Life keeps interrupting my progress! A certain someone's socks are partly done and I've got 2 out of 4 Christmas stockings completed (at least the knitting, I've still got to the the embellishments). I've decided to make a stocking for our new great-nephew and make his sweater after the first of the year.

Friday, November 24, 2006

J's Lorna's Laces camoflage socks. Only took a year!! Posted by Picasa

Thursday, November 23, 2006

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

"In all things, give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus"

This week has been a rough week. It began with my uncle having to put to sleep his beloved shelty, Quincy. Quincy had been suffering with liver disease for about 1 1/2 years. Finally, it became to much and they had to do what was best for Quincy.

On Tuesday, we got the phone call that my cousin was passing away. He had been suffering with cancer for over a year. By evening, things were looking somewhat better, so I went to bed with hopes of getting to see him one more time. Wednesday morning, the call came, he had passed away on Tuesday evening (his 47th anniversary). So, I spent a good part of yesterday with my cousin and her family. We will be spending part of today there, as well as tomorrow and then the funeral follows on Saturday. It's going to be very difficult for my cousin, she's been with this man for most of her life.

Yesterday was also the anniversary of my daughter's miscarriage. She's been struggling with it since we found out that my 18-year-old niece is now expecting. We just found out, she's been in denial, so she's already 7 1/2 months along. While my daughter is happy for her, there is a feeling of "why not me".

So, while the holidays do bring sweet times, they are often so difficult.

Monday, November 20, 2006

Boy, life needs to slow down a bit so that I can blog more!

It's been a busy couple of weeks. On Saturday, we had an awesome ladies event "Giving Thanks". It went so well!! God is so good and so faithful. I realize that while we need to plan for these things, I've found that it's best not to coordinate what each speaker is going to talk about (other than the general theme). In our case, I had a message in mind, I wanted each lady to find a favorite verse about giving thanks or that they were thankful for, and I had two ladies give their testimony. We also spent time talking about those people that have been important in our lives. God had a message for all of us and He worked it all out through all the messages. Two things that had been e-mailed to me fit perfectly. Verses were the same, the points were the same. It was so awesome!! Of course, there were tears, but as one wonderful lady put it, "There have been many tears here today, but they have been tears of joy." It is so wonderful to see women being real, sharing what God has done in their lives, how He has touched them in the everyday living of life and in the dangers and calamaties that come our way. Plus, the children all stayed in the nursery the entire three hours! That was a true miricle. That was such a blessing for the young moms, they could focus and not worry about their little ones.

So, my weekend was spent of a lovely mountain top, God is bringing to fruition what He burdened my heart with. It didn't matter whether we worked outside the home or stayed home, it didn't matter whether we homeschooled or public/private schooled, it didn't matter if we were young or old, rich or poor, we were just God's women ready to hear from HIM!

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

The election is over. It has been an amazing learning experience. Many things need to change. Politics is to ugly, to nasty. There are to many outside influences. The media needs to be reminded what yellow journalism is, they need to be reminded that they are reporters not ediorialists. We need to be positive.

On a good note, my young candidate got 37% of the vote against a 12-year incumbent. That was higher than expected. In two years, the incumbent had better be watching behind him.

I do enjoy politics, I enjoy the challenge, I enjoy the work. I love working with people of like minds. I have met some of the most amazing people during the course of this summer and fall.

But, it is November 8th and I have a house to get straightened up and Christmas stockings to make. Please read the Scriptures below, they sum it all up.

Election 2006

Romans 1:28-32 (NIV)

Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.


2 Timothy 3
But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them. They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over weak-willed women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth. Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these men oppose the truth—men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone. You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.


Psalm 37:1-9
Do not fret because of evil men
or be envious of those who do wrong;
for like the grass they will soon wither,
like green plants they will soon die away.
Trust in the LORD and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
Delight yourself in the LORD
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him and he will do this:
He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,
the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when men succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.
Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;
do not fret—it leads only to evil.
For evil men will be cut off,
but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.

2 Chronicles 7:14
if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
What more can I say.
My Opal Handpainted socks are finally done. Still working on my son's, need to have those done by hunting season. Posted by Picasa

Sunday, October 29, 2006

Search me, O God, and know my heart today;
Try me, O Savior, know my thoughts, I pray;
See if there be some wicked way in me;
Cleanse me from ev'ry sin, and set me free.
I praise Thee Lord, for cleansing me from sin;
Fulfill Thy Word, and make me pure within;
Fill me with fire, where once I burned with shame;
Grant my desire to magnify They name.
Lord, take my life, and make it wholly Thine;
Fill my poor heart with Thy great love divine;
Take all my will, my passion, self and pride;
I now surrender; Lord in me abide
O Holy Ghost, revival comes from Thee;
Send a revival, start the work in me;
Thy Word declares Thou wilt supply our need;
For blessing now, O Lord, I humbly plead.
--J. Edwin Orr
BECAUSE HE IS RISEN I live, I live, because he is risen
I live, I live, with power over sin
I live, I live, because he is risen I
live, I live, to worship him
Thank you Jesus, thank you Jesus!
Because you're alive,
because you're alive,
because you're alive, I live!

Sunday, October 22, 2006

It's very exciting to sit back and watch God work. I wish that we'd just learn to relax and wait and to not get in His way. He is moving and it is awesome. When we get out of the way and finally say "yes", He works!

We had a wonderful ladies breakfast at church yesterday morning. We had several new ladies and we had a great lesson on God's hiding from us. We had wonderful discussion and the Holy Spirit led me to think of things I had not previously thought of. To top it off, the songs we sang at church this morning actually spoke to many of the things that were discussed. God was certainly driving home the message of His majesty and holiness.

I'm excited to see the new things He is going to do!!

Politics is still an interesting aspect of my life. I've learned that it can be very rewarding and at the same time, it can be extremely disheartening. When you maintain the status quo, it is somewhat discouraging, but when you step out ethically and take the high road, it can be a lot of fun. I must admit, though, that I'll be glad to not spend so much time on it and be able to focus more on church things. There is a lot of work to be done for the women of our church and I'm finally feeling focused.

A verse for today:

Isaiah 6:1b (NIV)
I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple.


He is exalted! He is mighty! He is GOD!!

Thursday, October 12, 2006

Pride...

Pride=
Title: Holman Bible Dictionary
Author:
PRIDE Undue confidence in and attention to one’s own skills, accomplishments, state, possessions, or position. Pride is easier to recognize than to define, easier to recognize in others than in oneself. Many biblical words describe this concept, each with its own emphasis. Some of the synonyms for pride include arrogance, presumption, conceit, self-satisfaction, boasting, and high-mindedness. It is the opposite of humility, the proper attitude one should have in relation to God. Pride is rebellion against God because it attributes to self the honor and glory due to God alone. Proud persons do not think it necessary to ask forgiveness because they do not admit their sinful condition. This attitude toward God finds expression in one’s attitude toward others, often causing people to have a low estimate of the ability and worth of others and therefore to treat them with either contempt or cruelty. Some have considered pride to be the root and essence of sin. Others consider it to be sin in its final form. In either case, it is a grievous sin.


Pride is a sin I've struggled with. I believe that if we were all honest, we would all have to confess to certain level of pride. It can be a real struggle for me, though. You see, my spiritual gifts are pastor/shepherd and exhortation. I see others sin, I want to point it out and encourage them to seek God's merciful forgiveness. I want to encourage them to seek God's best for their life, to live out their faith, to trust God's Word and take Him at His Word. But, I often question my motives. Is it for God's glory or my own? Most of the time, I believe that it is for God's glory, but sometimes I see that it is for my own. Lord, please forgive me. Help me to use my gifts for Your glory, not my own!

It's so easy to get caught up in our own agenda. To have all the answers to everyone's problems, to think we can fix everything. But, I don't think that we are supposed to fix everything. If we did, we'd get in God's way. He wouldn't be able to work in people's lives in a way that brings growth and maturity.

James 1:2-4 (NIV)
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.


Trials are important in our lives. They are there for a purpose. They cause us to mature, they cause us to run to God, they cause us to discover what is important in our lives, they help us to see spiritually. Just as Jesus was led to the desert by the Holy Spirit to be tested by Satan, I believe that we are led into the desert to be tested. The desert is not always a bad place. Growth and maturity are often in the desert. The desert causes us to hunger and thirst. The only place to turn is to the ONE that can give us spiritual water and bread. Jesus!

He is doing amazing things in my life right now, granting me focus and purpose. I'm excited to see what He is going to do and I want to be a willing participant and servant--without pride.

Friday, October 06, 2006

Just making sure Picasa is really working! Liberty is enjoying a quick nap in a strange position!! I'll be back shortly to do a better update! Posted by Picasa

Sunday, September 24, 2006

Baby M's sweater is done. It's quite dapper! I really don't have to worry about any baby sweaters until after the first of the year now. So, I've been working on my shawl and several pairs of socks. I have several things that I want to make for Christmas, so it will nice to concentrate on just those things.

You know, God's really been working on my heart to get back into the Word, work on our relationship. It's been great. There have been many challenges recently and God has been reminding me of His sufficiency.

I just finished listening to Candace Cameron Bure's testimony (you can get it at Way of the Master). She played D.J. on Full House. Wow, what a powerful testimony. It's so easy to get complacent, but we have so much to be thankful for! Where would we be without God's mercy? I feel for those that are in the dark, yet they believe they are the enlightened ones! God is so merciful and so kind, yet people (including myself 13 year ago) kick against His Word, kick against His love, kick against His commands.

I've recently posted on our newspapers website regarding someone's taking Scripture out of context, but they didn't get it. They want to continue in their sin. Yes, Christ taught peace and love, but He didn't tolerate. He did not tolerate sin. He told people to repent and sin no more. If we don't repent of our sins, for which He died, His death was in vain. That makes no sense.

Saturday, September 16, 2006

Why was my blog fine the other day and now the stuff on the side is down at the bottom? I've tried fixing it from the template page, but it won't fix. Ugh!!

I'm wearing my Cyclone t-shirt, listening to the Iowa/Iowa State game on the radio. Iowa State has already scored!! Yeah!

The liberals seem to be getting more and more scary. This week, Rosie O'Donnell compared radical Christians to radical Muslims. Huh? Sean Penn declared that President Bush has done serious damage to humanity. Huh? If only the rest of the world would stop listening to celebrities.

I'm not going to worry about it, God is in control. His plan will not be thwarted.

Back to knitting! Go Cyclones!!

Sunday, September 10, 2006

I'm slowly getting the hang of this new blogger. Once the bugs are worked out, I think that I'm going to like it.

Do you ever think that everything is just going crazy? It just seems like there is so much conflict, drama, struggle. I can't elaborate yet, but there is a lot of prayer going up these days for several situations.

Tomorrow is the anniversary of September 11. As the day has approached, I've found myself reflecting more and more. What a sad, scary day that was. Just as everyone else, I remember it like it was yesterday. The images, the feelings, they are all there with full clarity. I remember the kid's reactions, too. How scared my son was, at 11-years-old, it seemed that his world was crashing to an end. At the time, I didn't know anyone that perished, but I mourned for the loss of security, the awful loss of life, the loss of our naivete. Now, I know the widow of one the thousands lost, her daughter attends my church and I've had the priviledge of getting to know them both. I mourn for her husband, Jim, and I pray that as she returns tomorrow she will find a little bit of closure. His body was never recovered. She spoke to him after the first plane hit, he was at the hotel and was going to head home. She never heard from him again.

It was all so sudden. It was all so harsh.

It saddens me to think how many people we have in our country who just don't get it. They believe we were attacked for our politics. They don't seem to want to understand that we were attacked because of our religion, because we are "infidels". We were attacked for our way of life, whether the lives of true followers of Christ or followers of a decadent lifestyle, it matters not. This struggle goes back to the beginning of time. It will not be solved with diplomacy or war, God will solve it, it is His battle to fight.

Deuteronomy 20:2-4(NIV)
When you are about to go into battle, the priest shall come forward and address the army.
He shall say: "Hear, O Israel, today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not be terrified or give way to panic before them. For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory."
God will have His victory. In the mean time, we pray, we reach, we teach.

Thursday, September 07, 2006

This is my first post with Beta Blogger. I have messed with my template. Not sure I like the blue, but the colors aren't very muted, which I would prefer.

I'm supposed to be working on a brochure for my candidate, but I don't have a lot of ambition. I've been dinking on the internet all morning! I guess I'd better get the laundry going and get the brochure done!

Monday, September 04, 2006

Witnesses tell of freak death of Steve Irwin | NEWS.com.au

Witnesses tell of freak death of Steve Irwin NEWS.com.au

How sad! I remember when the kids were little, we'd watch him every Saturday morning. I feel so bad for his family, his 8-year-old daughter was with him when the accident happened. Of course, the saddest part was his relationship with God. I can only hope.
Lorna's Laces Child's Play socks Posted by Picasa

Wednesday, August 30, 2006

Baby DG's Marble sweater. It's much prettier in person.
My Socks that Rock yarn, Fairgrounds colorway. Can't wait! Posted by Picasa
I'm so excited! I got my first "Socks that Rock" sock yarn and the Rock and Weave. I can't wait to get started, but I'm going to have to, there are too many other things to finish! I'm almost done with the last August baby's sweater and I have to make a bigger sweater for Baby M. Soon, I'll be able to concentrate on Christmas gifts and other items.

I do have other activities vying for my time. I'm acting campaign manager for a young man in our district running for the state House of Representatives. This will consume quite a bit of my time for the next couple of months. It's a great opportunity for the kids, as well. How many kids get to do a campaign "unit study" for the first part of the school year? It's a great opportunity for us all.

I've been trying to do some reading also. I'm getting into the 5th Yada Yada book. They are awesome books, really make you think about your prayer life, judgements against others, etc.

I praise God for His continued faithfulness. This summer has not been easy, but God continues to show me that I do not need to worry, He has everything in His hands and He will deal with it all.

Sunday, August 20, 2006

We're sitting at my mom's, waiting to hear if my uncle's flight is delayed or canceled. He's coming in for my aunts funeral. It's been a very stressful week. Stuff going on with my oldest dd and my aunts passing. I crave my knitting when things are this stressful, but I don't get much done.

One thing I know, God is faithful! He is totally in control of the entire situation.

Tuesday, August 15, 2006

Baby K's sweater. It came out really cute. I like this pattern and it was quick to knit in Encore DK, so I'm using the same pattern for the last August baby. I'm using a different DK yarn, it's called Marble and it's got a neat self-striping effect. It will be nice to have all the baby sweaters out of the way this early, then I can focus on projects for Christmas and a couple of left-overs I need to get done. Posted by Picasa

Wednesday, August 09, 2006

After we visited Baby M, we made a stop at our new racetrack. The Richard Petty Driving Experience is here through Sunday and we were able to see several ride-alongs. We weren't to sure that the track would be a good thing, but since Rusty Wallace designed it and is extremely involved, it looks like it's going to be a great thing for our community.


I love NASCAR, so it's exciting to have some of the cars so close to home. We live about 10-12 miles away and I could hear the cars going around the track with the south breeze we have blowing. While NASCAR hasn't signed on yet, they are coming to test on the track before the final 10 races. It could get very exciting. Posted by Picasa
Baby A, she's 14 months now and is taking her first steps! Posted by Picasa
This is Baby A's baby brother, Baby M! Welcome to the world!! He was born at 39 weeks! Praise God!!! Since he was full-term, his sweater is way tooooo small. He weighed in at 8 lbs, 8 oz, and is 22 1/4" long. He was able to be born at the birthing center with the midwife, rather than the hospital. He's absolutely perfect!! He looks like his daddy. Baby A likes him and is being very gentle with him.

I still have a couple of August babies to knit for, but I've been able to keep up. 4 have been born in the last week and a half. Posted by Picasa

Thursday, August 03, 2006

Baby J's sweater. Dale Erle, made with Dale Baby Uhl. Only 2 more August babies to go!

We're obviously back from vacation. We had a wonderful time and when I get the chance, I'll post photos of the highlights. Suffice it to say, we'd move there if we could. Posted by Picasa

Wednesday, July 19, 2006

In the Basic Life seminar, Bill Gothard talks about our lives being cyclical. I do believe it's true. I've always struggled through March (don't know why for sure, by my dr. suggested SAD and it's my birthday month) and I struggle a lot in the summer. Sin rears its ugly head. Food and old habits take hold in my life. I haven't gained, but I haven't lost. My heart races from the carbs and sugar. So, I started wondering about why summer is so hard for me in the food area...

We buried my step-dad 29 years ago today! That entire summer, before and after, had been very stressful. He was laid off, struggling with many things in his life, getting deep into things he shouldn't have been involved in, and then he died. Everyone brought the young widow and their 13-year-old daughter tons of food!! It was totally acceptable for me to eat and eat. We couldn't let it go to waste. The rest of the summer (and for several years), life was sad. Sometimes, it was out of control. The next summer, his natural children finally found my step-grandparents (we lived in a different house, but on the same farm. We were very close). My step-grandparents were thrilled that their grandchildren had found them. I went from being their pride and joy (I was an only child, as well as my step-dad being their only child-they were so heartsick when he died) to being Kenny's step-daughter. That hurt my heart. It was summer, again, and I had now lost my grandparents. The kids came to visit that summer and oh, the joy! We had to show them off, take them everywhere (the boy was 2 years older than myself, and the girl was a month younger than myself). Everywhere, we ate. I sucked it up and went along with all the fun, but I look back now and realize that my heart was broken and I was hurting.

That relationship, with my grandparents, was never the same and within 4 years, we were estranged. My grandpa came down with cancer and died-I never saw him during that process.

I've learned to face March with prayer and an understanding that it's okay to "coast" as the dr put it, I guess I'm going to have to approach summer with the same preparation. I've got to give myself a little break (while gently making changes) and remember that this is somewhat programmed into my being. Lord, help me face this cyclical times in my life filled with your grace and mercy!

I had an amazing experience at the county fair the other night. There were members of the Christian Motorcycle Association (yes, B, you know several of them!). I got to chatting with them and shared my story of Moose. They let me know that they know of someone that goes to the clubhouses and shares the Gospel. I know that God is going to do a mighty work in Moose's heart, the same as He did in the hearts of the men I met the other night.

We also walked in the parade. Oh my goodness, it was so hot!! I was feeling it yesterday morning when I woke up. I definitly had the "sun-kissed" look!!

Today is cleaning day, as well as getting a bunch of magazines sent off that I auctioned off on ebay. Vacation is just a few days away!!

Monday, July 17, 2006

Baby N's little matinee sweater. I made it with Dreambaby Dk and the pattern in off the internet (shells & columns). Posted by Picasa
Baby Hooded Cardigan (from Creative Knitting). I used Di Ve, Teseo. It's a beautiful yarn. Posted by Picasa

Saturday, July 15, 2006

One week to vacation!!!! Yeah!!! We are really looking forward to some R&R&R (rest, relaxation, and romance!). It is such a blessing to be married to a man that loves me, that enjoys me, that would rather spend time with me than with anyone else. Next Friday, we'll have been married 19 years and I love that we still laugh, tease, and enjoy each other.

I've been somewhat reflective lately. There is a part of me that likes to return to my youth in the summer. Favorite books, movies, music. I enjoy it, but I'm finding that it has me thinking about who I am-who I was before Christ, who I am in Christ. I've been thinking about the liberal vs. conservative thing.

I was a flaming liberal. Always wanted to be "bohemian". Flowing skirts, peasant tops (they are even back in style and I still like the style-although I'm more a t-shirts and jeans gal in reality), no makeup (I'm still clinging to that one most of the time-hubby doesn't like makeup, so that helps!), and simple hairstyles (although a little curl would be nice, but this hair of mine is so heavy that it won't hold!). I believed in feminism and I was pro-choice. Looking back, though, I realize that I was always fiscally conservative-didn't believe that the government could or should take care of everyone. I've also never been much of an environmentalist-at least, not extreme. I grew up with a grandmother who gardened organically and taught me good stewardship, but she didn't go overboard.

I think that extremism is a lot of the problem these days. Everyone is either far right or far left. Now, I'm pro-life, I believe that homosexuality is sin, that it is a behavior (not a genetic thing-we're all born with the proclivity to sin in one form or another and homosexuality is no different), I believe that free-sex for all ages, "live and let live" attitudes, and the teaching of evolution have done so much to harm our society and country. But, on the other hand, I think that those of us that are very concerned with social issues (in the sin department) have become very complacent and negligent in fulfilling the Lord's call to reach out to the poor, the hurting, the ugly. We do it in name, and we cry out against the government doing it (which they shouldn't-it's not a part of our Constitution and it should be the responsibility of families and churches), but we're not really doing it. We're to comfortable.

Jesus ate with sinners. He shared God's kingdom with those that others thought were "worthy". He didn't pour money into the downtrodden, He poured Himself into them. He shared the ONE thing that would give them forgiveness, peace, relief, hope, and help. I don't believe that money is the answer to anything. Christ is!! If we share Christ, people can get through anything with Him. He can leave them as paupers, but He can also prosper them beyond anything they could have imagined. Does that mean that if they don't put their faith in Christ that we don't help them? On some levels, we probably shouldn't, especially if they are hostile to the Gospel, but, at the same time, in order to show the true love of God, we should do all that we can to love them.

I don't agree with the liberals ideas of just throwing money at the problem and keeping people victims. That does more harm than good, but it seems that their motives are sort of in the right place-some of the time. ----- So where is all this coming from. Well, I've watched "Dirty Dancing" and I've done a little research and I've watched it with a more discerning eye. I've always noticed the illegal abortion and I've always caught the pro-abortion spin. You know, this is what happened before Roe v Wade and wasn't it a shame. Rather than addressing the behavior (which seems to have been born out of the characters desire to just be loved), they address the need for social acceptance of their solution to the problem. Of course, they never really address how the character feels about the baby being ripped from her, but if they did that, they would have to acknowledge that it was a baby. But, there also a current of '60's liberalism running under the main plot, which is just how the liberal author wanted it to be. That's her right, it's her movie, I just never really noticed it before.

I'm not sure where I'm going with all this, but I do know that we've strayed. No one wants to be a sinner or say that their behavior is sinful. We want to justify it, reason about it, make it okay, but God's Word is clear-sin is sin! No matter what pretty packaging we wrap it up in, no matter the emotions behind it, no matter what the world is saying. That being said, I do believe that it's important to understand the "other side's" reasoning. I believe that it's good to know your enemy, send in spies, so to speak. Some of our "enemies" are truly against the things of God, but others are just hurting, deceived, burdened people (just like I was before Jesus!) and we need to be responsive to that.

I feel as those I've really rambled. My thoughts are still all over the board on this one. I've been reading in Isaiah and that does bring some clarity, I know that God's Word is absolute truth and it explains everything that we see, everyday. I know that He is doing something in me, leading me somewhere, I'm just not sure what or where yet. I know that He is going to use all that He has brought me through to get me where He wants me, though!

On a lighter note, we're starting to put in new windows in the house-one by one, with the first one today. I'll be judging textiles at our county fair this afternoon. My 4th year. I guess I must do a good job. It's going to be a hot one though, mid-'90's.

Tuesday, July 11, 2006

Well, basically very little has gotten done in the last two days. I've been dealing with a humidity sinus/migraine. I'm feeling better tonight.

I've been reading my all-time favorite book (next to the Bible), Seventeenth Summer by Maureen Daly. It's a beautiful first-love story set in the early 1940's. The simplicity of life, the sweetness of a pure and innocent heart, oh, it makes my heart soar. I love her discriptions of the weather and nature-you can feel it as you read. It always makes me want to write! I find myself thinking about it in contrast to my life. It actually inspires me to live more simply.

The evening was spent making phone calls for our local Republican party. Had some good responses. It's exciting to be getting involved so heavily in the campaigns.

Knitting is coming along. I'm working on a hooded cardigan out of some gorgeous yarn. I'll post a picture soon.

Sunday, July 09, 2006

Baby A's little brothers sweater is done! I think the hat is too small, but it might be alright.

Spent another morning at a parade, campaigning for a young man in our district that is running for state representative. We're looking at becoming more heavily involved. I seem to really enjoy the campaigning part-I just have to be careful that it doesn't get me over-involved and mess up my priorities. Posted by Picasa

Thursday, July 06, 2006



We went to visit Little Baby A today! She's beautiful! Mommy still isn't getting much sleep, but it's improving. Babies are so therapeutic! Posted by Picasa

Wednesday, July 05, 2006

Little Baby A's sweater and hat are done! Big Baby A's little brothers sweater is almost done. We're hoping to deliver this one tomorrow and see that little sweetie. They aren't getting much sleep, though-something to pray about.

I've had a pretty yucky day. Not bad, just not great. I haven't been eating well, haven't been exercising and my body and mood are proof. Lord, help me to get back on track! Posted by Picasa

Tuesday, July 04, 2006

My best friend's hubby has this boss car. My hubby and son are riding along. After the parade, they picked me up and we went cruisin' for awhile. Nothing like a '57 Chevy on the 4th of July. We're looking forward to grilling steak this evening and enjoying the fireworks.

I also want to say "Godspeed" to our brave astronauts. We just watched the lift off. It never ceases to amaze me how that get that gigantic thing in the air. Talk about fireworks!! Posted by Picasa
Happy Birthday, America!!! I spent my morning participating in our 4th of July parade, marching for our state senate candidate. It was a ton of fun!! I think the tides are turning. What use to be a democrat stronghold was quite receptive to a change! Posted by Picasa

Monday, July 03, 2006

Little Baby A is here!! She arrived safely into this world this morning around 4:00 AM. She weighed 7 lb 8 oz. I can't wait to see her!!

I'm not doing very well in the diet department. It is so easy to fall back into old habits. They just die so hard. I'm tired of fighting the food battle! I've quit exercising, but I'm going to get started on Wednesday. Tomorrow, I'm marching in our 4th of July parade for a local senate candidate, so I think that will be plenty of exercise. I know that I've been eating emotionally. I'm mad because the weight isn't falling off as quickly as I'd like. I'm mad because I don't like to cook and that makes things a bit more difficult (that's of my own making). I'm mad because it's summer-which makes no sense because I love summer!! It's just that I feel like all the regular routines are just thrown out the window and I'm not sure how to get the routines back.

I really do love summer! I love the sound of the birds in the morning, the warm breezes, the smell of freshly mowed hay. I love not having to wear a coat, I love having my toes free, I love the freedom. But, the freedom seems to be a double-edged sword. I feel like I should be able to eat what I want, when I want. It just seems that sin is far more present in summer than at any other time of the year. All that I can do is fall on my face before God and seek His mercy! Thank God, He gives it freely. It is only by falling before Him and admitting my inabilities that He can work and do a dramatic change in me. Lord, help me to reach that place!

Yesterdays sermon was very good. It was based on Romans 12:9-21. It's a checklist for believers behavior.

Romans 12:9-21 (NIV)
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Share with GodÂ’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.£ Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for GodÂ’s wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay,"£ says the Lord.

On the contrary:
"If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."£
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
So, here's a checklist for you (courtesy of Scripture and our associate pastor):
A. Personal Duties (vs. 9)
  • Love must be sincere
  • Hate what is evil
  • Cling to what is good.

B. Duties to the Family of God (vs. 10-13)

  • Be devoted in brotherly love.
  • Prefer one another in honor.
  • Never be lacking in zeal.
  • Be fervent in spirit.
  • Serve the Lord.
  • Rejoice in hope.
  • Be patient in affliction.
  • Be faithful in prayer.
  • Share with the saints in need.
  • Practice hospitality.

C. Duties to others (vs. 14-16)

  • Bless those who persecute you
  • Rejoice with those who rejoice
  • Mourn with those who mourn
  • Live in harmony with one another
  • Do not be proud or conceited

D. Duties to those who consider us enemies

  • Never return evil for evil
  • Always do what is right
  • Live at peace with everyone
  • Do not take revenge
  • Overcome evil with good

Do a word search-for every "duty", there is at least one corresponding verse for each duty somewhere in Scripture. God's Word never contradicts itself and always backs itself up.

Time to get knitting!

Baby A's little cousin is on her way! She could be here even as I type this. Mommy was having back labor and things were progressing slowly, but hopefully, things improved through the night. I'm almost done with her Dale sweater and I've started a quick hooded cardigan as well.

Much to do!

Friday, June 30, 2006

I’ve been surfing through the Christian Knitters Ring this morning. I don’t do it often, I have dial-up, so it takes quite a bit of time, but since I subscribed to bloglines, I wanted to get them in my list.

One of the things I read was from a young lady questioning how she could be sad and yet content. It’s weird because I’ve felt the same way and didn’t know how to put it into words.

I’m so saddened by the condition of our country. The division. The rampant sin. The politics. And, yet, I’m content in the sweetness of my home, my marriage, with my children. Things are not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but God is good, and I know that I am where I belong.

I have really become content in being at home. Now, I’ve been at home for almost 20 years, but I finally feel comfortable. I miss it when I’m not here. I like keeping it up. I love how much more content we all are when we’re not running all over. Not that our schedules aren’t still busy, they are, but we are making wiser choices and trying to do more when we are away from home so that we can be home more often.

However, I am really looking forward to our vacation in three weeks. We are returning to Wyoming for a week. We absolutely love it out there and if it were logistically possible we would seriously consider moving out there. We are going to be able to get across to the Tetons this trip, probably our favorite spot on this earth.

I’m trying to keep up with my knitting, lots of little ones still to come. Baby A’s little brother is still safely in the womb. Praise God!! Her little baby cousin has yet to arrive either. She’s due any minute.

Monday, June 26, 2006

Only in Iowa can you spend a beautiful (a bit chilly, though) day sitting on a hay rack, in a ditch, watching about 500 antique (and some newer) tractors going down the highway. It was so much fun!

My ds was baptized last evening. It was a special time. There is nothing more wonderful than having your child profess Christ as Lord and Savior. He knows where he is headed!

I feel for those that continue to reject the gift of Jesus Christ. God, came as a humble servant, to take the punishment that we all deserve in order that we might have forgiveness of sins and eternal life.

The world continues to discuss "global warming". They wonder why people of faith aren't getting all worked up over it. Why? Because we have hope. We know that nothing that happens on this earth is out of God's control. And, for those who continue to reject, and Scripture tells us that they will, God's "global warming" will be an all-consuming fire. I pray that there will be a revival. Praise God for His patience. Posted by Picasa