An excellent reminder from Josh Harris on the importance of handling God's truth rightly. 

Go to 10:31 Sermon Jams to hear more excellent truths that bring glory to God.  

An excellent reminder from Josh Harris on the importance of handling God's truth rightly. 

Go to 10:31 Sermon Jams to hear more excellent truths that bring glory to God.  

We have windows! The den's windows are in and I love them!! Now to get the rest of the windows measured, ordered and installed. Whew...There is a lot of work ahead, but it feels good getting it done. 

And since the den was torn up, we had access to the ceiling in the living room and the wall, so we could install a ceiling fan and wall sconces. I'm so grateful that Russ has electrical expereince and can do those type of things himself. He also added a bunch more electrical outlets in the den. They will come in very handy when we can set the computer back up in there. 

We have windows! The den's windows are in and I love them!! Now to get the rest of the windows measured, ordered and installed. Whew...There is a lot of work ahead, but it feels good getting it done. 

And since the den was torn up, we had access to the ceiling in the living room and the wall, so we could install a ceiling fan and wall sconces. I'm so grateful that Russ has electrical expereince and can do those type of things himself. He also added a bunch more electrical outlets in the den. They will come in very handy when we can set the computer back up in there. 

Come join the fun of My Husband Rocks Friday. 

My Rusty rocks because he brought laughter and fun back into my life and into the life of my children. We experienced a long drought period where laughter and fun was a rarity. Now everyday has at least one moment of silliness that brings laughter into our home. 

Case in point:

A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance...Proverbs 15:13

Come join the fun of My Husband Rocks Friday. 

My Rusty rocks because he brought laughter and fun back into my life and into the life of my children. We experienced a long drought period where laughter and fun was a rarity. Now everyday has at least one moment of silliness that brings laughter into our home. 

Case in point:

A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance...Proverbs 15:13

My momma received this clock from her dad in honor of her high school graduation. She treasured it because he picked it out and purchased it as a gift just from him. It's special when  daddy buys something for his little girl, no matter her age. It's a tiny little thing. Only 4 inches tall, not counting the dangles. I probably should have dusted it before I took the picture, but that would have given you a false impression. Dusting is not high on my list of things to do. 

 Come join us for Things In My House Thursday! 

My momma received this clock from her dad in honor of her high school graduation. She treasured it because he picked it out and purchased it as a gift just from him. It's special when  daddy buys something for his little girl, no matter her age. It's a tiny little thing. Only 4 inches tall, not counting the dangles. I probably should have dusted it before I took the picture, but that would have given you a false impression. Dusting is not high on my list of things to do. 

 Come join us for Things In My House Thursday! 

For you were like sheep 

going astray,

but now have returned

to the Shepherd and Overseer

of your souls.

1 Peter 2:25

Come join the blessing of Word Filled Wednesday, where it's ALL ABOUT HIM. 

Edit: The sweet picture of the lamb was taken by a sweet homeschooling young lady that graciously allowed me to share it on my blog. Isn't he a sweetheart?

For you were like sheep 

going astray,

but now have returned

to the Shepherd and Overseer

of your souls.

1 Peter 2:25

Come join the blessing of Word Filled Wednesday, where it's ALL ABOUT HIM. 

Edit: The sweet picture of the lamb was taken by a sweet homeschooling young lady that graciously allowed me to share it on my blog. Isn't he a sweetheart?

I was able to wear my momma's dress to church yesterday! :-D 

I was able to wear my momma's dress to church yesterday! :-D 

I am richly blessed to hear my pastor faithfully preach the gospel every Sunday. I never tire of hearing it. The video is of John Piper sharing the Gospel. I thought I would post it in case someone isn't as blessed as I am.

I am richly blessed to hear my pastor faithfully preach the gospel every Sunday. I never tire of hearing it. The video is of John Piper sharing the Gospel. I thought I would post it in case someone isn't as blessed as I am.

We live in a world where it's more common to hear a woman complaining about her husband in public more often than hearing one who is building her husband up. When I married my husband 8 years ago, I determined to never tear him down in public, or in private for that matter, but to always honor him. I didn't want to be a foolish woman who tears down my own house with my own hands (Proverbs 14:1). I haven't always been successful, but with God's grace, I have honored him many times more than I have dishonored him.

I can't even begin to retrace the steps I took the day I stumbled upon Katy Lin's blog, the great adventure. It was one of those blog reading days where I skipped all over the internet, but there weren't any bread crumbs on the path to show me from whence I came. But that doesn't matter now. What matters is that I found a treasure. A breath of fresh air. A kindred spirit. I found another woman who loves to brag up on her hubby!! And one smart enough to start a meme about it, to boot! Katy Lin's blog roll for My Husband Rocks! is impressive for only being a couple of months old. I believe this is a meme made in Heaven. Literally. It glorifies God when we honor and respect our husbands, so I am excited to be a part of it.

Won't you come join us for

Friday!

My Rusty Rocks in the selflessness department. I am one of the millions of people around the world that suffers from migraines. The medical community has made great strides in finding medications to help reduce or eliminate migraines over the last several years, however, none are perfect and there are times where I wind up in bed for a day or two no matter what I try.

During those times, my Rusty is attentive and caring. He will rub my temple for hours in the middle of the night, even though he has to get up early in the morning to go to work. He'll also get up in the night to get me more medication or refill my ice bag when needed. He has NEVER complained...Not once...

I may not have the biggest, fanciest house in town, or the biggest diamond on my finger, but what I have is worth far more than those things...I have a husband who cherishes me.

And I could not ask for more...

We live in a world where it's more common to hear a woman complaining about her husband in public more often than hearing one who is building her husband up. When I married my husband 8 years ago, I determined to never tear him down in public, or in private for that matter, but to always honor him. I didn't want to be a foolish woman who tears down my own house with my own hands (Proverbs 14:1). I haven't always been successful, but with God's grace, I have honored him many times more than I have dishonored him.

I can't even begin to retrace the steps I took the day I stumbled upon Katy Lin's blog, the great adventure. It was one of those blog reading days where I skipped all over the internet, but there weren't any bread crumbs on the path to show me from whence I came. But that doesn't matter now. What matters is that I found a treasure. A breath of fresh air. A kindred spirit. I found another woman who loves to brag up on her hubby!! And one smart enough to start a meme about it, to boot! Katy Lin's blog roll for My Husband Rocks! is impressive for only being a couple of months old. I believe this is a meme made in Heaven. Literally. It glorifies God when we honor and respect our husbands, so I am excited to be a part of it.

Won't you come join us for

Friday!

My Rusty Rocks in the selflessness department. I am one of the millions of people around the world that suffers from migraines. The medical community has made great strides in finding medications to help reduce or eliminate migraines over the last several years, however, none are perfect and there are times where I wind up in bed for a day or two no matter what I try.

During those times, my Rusty is attentive and caring. He will rub my temple for hours in the middle of the night, even though he has to get up early in the morning to go to work. He'll also get up in the night to get me more medication or refill my ice bag when needed. He has NEVER complained...Not once...

I may not have the biggest, fanciest house in town, or the biggest diamond on my finger, but what I have is worth far more than those things...I have a husband who cherishes me.

And I could not ask for more...

In honor of Holden, who turned 20 on Monday. I decided to post about my Beanie Baby, Early Robin. Stay with me. There is a connection. 

When Holden was a very young boy, we played a game called, "I Saw the First Robin." Seeing robins come back to Iowa is a sure sign that Spring is here, so we would race to see who would see the first one of the new Spring season. The game quickly evolved into a counting game for Holden. He would come in from playing outside and announce, "I saw three more robins. That makes 278 robins this year." It was our special game and one I looked forward to every spring time...Until the time came when he told me he was "too old" to count the robins for me. *sigh* 'Tis so bittersweet to watch your children grow up. 

During those Beanie Babies crazy days (I tried not to be one of "those people," but I did get caught up in it...just a little), I spotted Early Robin and immediately thought of Holden. He's a precious reminder of a sweeter and simpler time that I had with my son that passed by far too quickly...

In honor of Holden, who turned 20 on Monday. I decided to post about my Beanie Baby, Early Robin. Stay with me. There is a connection. 

When Holden was a very young boy, we played a game called, "I Saw the First Robin." Seeing robins come back to Iowa is a sure sign that Spring is here, so we would race to see who would see the first one of the new Spring season. The game quickly evolved into a counting game for Holden. He would come in from playing outside and announce, "I saw three more robins. That makes 278 robins this year." It was our special game and one I looked forward to every spring time...Until the time came when he told me he was "too old" to count the robins for me. *sigh* 'Tis so bittersweet to watch your children grow up. 

During those Beanie Babies crazy days (I tried not to be one of "those people," but I did get caught up in it...just a little), I spotted Early Robin and immediately thought of Holden. He's a precious reminder of a sweeter and simpler time that I had with my son that passed by far too quickly...

For You created my inmost being;
You knit me together in my mother's womb.

Psalms 139:13

Come join Word Filled Wednesday, where it's all about HIM. 

For You created my inmost being;
You knit me together in my mother's womb.

Psalms 139:13

Come join Word Filled Wednesday, where it's all about HIM. 

Happy Anniversary, My Love....You are my favorite treasure that God has given to me. Thank you for loving me, for praying for me, for being a spiritual leader in our home and for being an example for our sons on what a godly man looks like. My cup overflows with joy...

Happy Anniversary, My Love....You are my favorite treasure that God has given to me. Thank you for loving me, for praying for me, for being a spiritual leader in our home and for being an example for our sons on what a godly man looks like. My cup overflows with joy...

Happy 20th birthday! I love you, my son...

Happy 20th birthday! I love you, my son...

Granger Community Church is #6 in the list 50 most influential churches in the US. Thousands of churches across the US have purchased sermon series from them. Keep that in mind. 

Earlier this year, along with 500 other churches across the US, they took their church growth movement survey to see how they were doing...

The results were interesting.
Good news:

- The congregation is excited about how they take care of the poor and needy. 
- The average age of those who attend Granger are very young compared to the rest of the churches in the US. (This will explain some of the bad news)
- Healthy balance: 43% of the church say they are growing in Christ or are Christ centered; 57% are exploring Christianity and are comfortable in the church.
- More people invite friends to come to church than the other churches surveyed do.

Bad news:

- For the last three years, new community attendance has flat lined. 
- They don’t know how to feed themselves to grow and mature in Christ.
- Bottom percentile in giving. (Young people = not as financially secure and not able to give generously and they like their stuff. *See below*) 
- The majority of the church body said that the #1 barrier to their growth was because it wasn’t a priority for them.

Horrifying news....
- The church body does not have a Biblical worldview
- 47% don’t believe in salvation by grace 
- 56% believe that Jesus isn't the only way to eternal life
- 57% don’t believe in the authority of the Bible
- 71% stuff is more important 
- 41% don’t believe that God is actively involved in their lives

Bottom line, over half of the church attenders at Granger are not saved, are not regenerated, are not born again and they are the 6th most influential church in the US? Wow! They grew a church, but not disciples. I also can't help but notice that all the horrifying news has to do with the congregation not being taught sound doctrine. 

Now for the GREAT NEWS!!!

The pastor repented and is taking responsibility for not feeding the flock. Change is coming to Granger. 

Source:

Fighting For the Faith

A Little Leaven

Granger Community Church is #6 in the list 50 most influential churches in the US. Thousands of churches across the US have purchased sermon series from them. Keep that in mind. 

Earlier this year, along with 500 other churches across the US, they took their church growth movement survey to see how they were doing...

The results were interesting.
Good news:

- The congregation is excited about how they take care of the poor and needy. 
- The average age of those who attend Granger are very young compared to the rest of the churches in the US. (This will explain some of the bad news)
- Healthy balance: 43% of the church say they are growing in Christ or are Christ centered; 57% are exploring Christianity and are comfortable in the church.
- More people invite friends to come to church than the other churches surveyed do.

Bad news:

- For the last three years, new community attendance has flat lined. 
- They don’t know how to feed themselves to grow and mature in Christ.
- Bottom percentile in giving. (Young people = not as financially secure and not able to give generously and they like their stuff. *See below*) 
- The majority of the church body said that the #1 barrier to their growth was because it wasn’t a priority for them.

Horrifying news....
- The church body does not have a Biblical worldview
- 47% don’t believe in salvation by grace 
- 56% believe that Jesus isn't the only way to eternal life
- 57% don’t believe in the authority of the Bible
- 71% stuff is more important 
- 41% don’t believe that God is actively involved in their lives

Bottom line, over half of the church attenders at Granger are not saved, are not regenerated, are not born again and they are the 6th most influential church in the US? Wow! They grew a church, but not disciples. I also can't help but notice that all the horrifying news has to do with the congregation not being taught sound doctrine. 

Now for the GREAT NEWS!!!

The pastor repented and is taking responsibility for not feeding the flock. Change is coming to Granger. 

Source:

Fighting For the Faith

A Little Leaven

One of my favorite Disney movie lines is the mouse in Cinderella when he announces, "Visitor! Visitor! Viiiiiisitor!!" 

That line is running through my head because a very special visitor is coming to spend the night on Saturday. 

And my very special visitor will be coming to church with us, so my friends will get to meet her and her parents. 

And, it's my week for nursery, so I will get some extra special time to be with this very special visitor. 

I  can't wait....

One of my favorite Disney movie lines is the mouse in Cinderella when he announces, "Visitor! Visitor! Viiiiiisitor!!" 

That line is running through my head because a very special visitor is coming to spend the night on Saturday. 

And my very special visitor will be coming to church with us, so my friends will get to meet her and her parents. 

And, it's my week for nursery, so I will get some extra special time to be with this very special visitor. 

I  can't wait....

Things In My House Thursday #3

 Come join us for Things In My House Thursday! 

You can get your own Things In My House Thursday button here.

Thanks, Muddy, for making the adorable button!

My contribution for today are two things that I love that were given to me by someone I have never met in real life...From an internet friend...A Swappie internet friend. 

On the Swap, we have swaps several times a year. We have swapped mugs, kitchen towels, refrigerator magnets, and ever year we swap Christmas ornaments. A few times, the Swappies decided to swap fat quarters. You quilters will understand what they are. 

The baby blanket was made for me by my Swappie sister, Bridget. She made it several months before Brooklyn was born and placed for adoption. She wrote in the card that she prayed for me and for Brooklyn while she made it. I use it on my office desk as a table cloth. I wanted it to be on display. It's too precious to have folded up and put away. 

Here is the card that Bridget sent with the blanket. I recently framed it to hang in my office area. I hope you can see it well enough to see that the sheep's body is the written words of the 23rd Psalm. 

Update: I found where I could buy the cards. I ordered 4 sets. ;o) Triple Dog Embroidery 

 Come join us for Things In My House Thursday! 

You can get your own Things In My House Thursday button here.

Thanks, Muddy, for making the adorable button!

My contribution for today are two things that I love that were given to me by someone I have never met in real life...From an internet friend...A Swappie internet friend. 

On the Swap, we have swaps several times a year. We have swapped mugs, kitchen towels, refrigerator magnets, and ever year we swap Christmas ornaments. A few times, the Swappies decided to swap fat quarters. You quilters will understand what they are. 

The baby blanket was made for me by my Swappie sister, Bridget. She made it several months before Brooklyn was born and placed for adoption. She wrote in the card that she prayed for me and for Brooklyn while she made it. I use it on my office desk as a table cloth. I wanted it to be on display. It's too precious to have folded up and put away. 

Here is the card that Bridget sent with the blanket. I recently framed it to hang in my office area. I hope you can see it well enough to see that the sheep's body is the written words of the 23rd Psalm. 

Update: I found where I could buy the cards. I ordered 4 sets. ;o) Triple Dog Embroidery 

I now own Photo Shop Elements 6. I guess it's pretty obvious I played with it today. ;o) 

I now own Photo Shop Elements 6. I guess it's pretty obvious I played with it today. ;o) 

I can't decide....

I can't decide....

That's the title of a blog post posted on August 6th on "Our Blah Blah Blog" that I think everyone should read. Let's ban the "R" word because words DO hurt....

That's the title of a blog post posted on August 6th on "Our Blah Blah Blog" that I think everyone should read. Let's ban the "R" word because words DO hurt....

Things In My House Thursday...#2

You can get your own Things In My House Thursday button here. 

Thanks, Muddy, for making the adorable button!

Okay, this is complicated, but I think you can handle it...Russ' former wife's sister's husband, Denny made this clock for me a couple of years ago. So, that makes Denny and his wife, Debbie, Russ' former brother and sister in law. To further complicate things. We are best friends with them and Denny was Russ' best man when we got married. 

On to the clock....It all started as a joke. Denny does lovely work crafting furniture as a hobby and I teasingly told him if he needed something to do, I'd love a glass cabinet. He teased me right back and said he would make me one if I bought him a new muzzle loader. The game began...We teased each other for months. I'd say, "How's my cabinet doing?" He's respond, "Did you get my gun yet?" So, on  a whim, Russ and I bought the gun Denny wanted and gave it to him. That was a blast!! Seeing the surprise and shock on his face was gift enough for me, so I never mentioned the cabinet again. A few years later, I came home from puppy class and found this beautiful clock in my living room! It was my turn to be surprised. I LOVE it!!! I keep all my special pretties in it. You can see the bird from my first Things In My House Thursday post on the top shelf. 

If I asked Denny, I have a feeling he would agree with me and say the best part of our game was the giving, not the getting.

You can get your own Things In My House Thursday button here. 

Thanks, Muddy, for making the adorable button!

Okay, this is complicated, but I think you can handle it...Russ' former wife's sister's husband, Denny made this clock for me a couple of years ago. So, that makes Denny and his wife, Debbie, Russ' former brother and sister in law. To further complicate things. We are best friends with them and Denny was Russ' best man when we got married. 

On to the clock....It all started as a joke. Denny does lovely work crafting furniture as a hobby and I teasingly told him if he needed something to do, I'd love a glass cabinet. He teased me right back and said he would make me one if I bought him a new muzzle loader. The game began...We teased each other for months. I'd say, "How's my cabinet doing?" He's respond, "Did you get my gun yet?" So, on  a whim, Russ and I bought the gun Denny wanted and gave it to him. That was a blast!! Seeing the surprise and shock on his face was gift enough for me, so I never mentioned the cabinet again. A few years later, I came home from puppy class and found this beautiful clock in my living room! It was my turn to be surprised. I LOVE it!!! I keep all my special pretties in it. You can see the bird from my first Things In My House Thursday post on the top shelf. 

If I asked Denny, I have a feeling he would agree with me and say the best part of our game was the giving, not the getting.

In loving memory of my mom. Oct 9, 1934 - Aug 8, 2006

In loving memory of my mom. Oct 9, 1934 - Aug 8, 2006