The pool is empty...

The clean up has begun...

The captain watches over the crew...

Good-bye, Summer...I'm sorry to see you go. :o(

The pool is empty...

The clean up has begun...

The captain watches over the crew...

Good-bye, Summer...I'm sorry to see you go. :o(

Pattern found on Taffy Talk. I hope to finish it tomorrow.

Pattern found on Taffy Talk. I hope to finish it tomorrow.

I have a sister....*update*

Things are bleak, however, not as touch and go as I originally was led to believe. It was not my intention to paint a false picture of what is going on with her and I apologize for not getting the facts perfectly clear before I posted. I ask for your forgiveness....

Time is short, to be sure, but not imminent. The condition of her body is horrific and I will spare the details. I would say we have days or weeks...perhaps months, but certainly less than a year.

My decisions are difficult ones. Do I go see her while there is time? Or, do I allow myself the luxury of my last memories of her be from the days of my mom's passing when she was still looking healthy?

I know the answer...And I wish I didn't....

Things are bleak, however, not as touch and go as I originally was led to believe. It was not my intention to paint a false picture of what is going on with her and I apologize for not getting the facts perfectly clear before I posted. I ask for your forgiveness....

Time is short, to be sure, but not imminent. The condition of her body is horrific and I will spare the details. I would say we have days or weeks...perhaps months, but certainly less than a year.

My decisions are difficult ones. Do I go see her while there is time? Or, do I allow myself the luxury of my last memories of her be from the days of my mom's passing when she was still looking healthy?

I know the answer...And I wish I didn't....

I have a sister...She is my big sister by six years. I don't talk about her much, for her story is very sad...Her whole life has revolved around a toilet and a scale. My sister is bulimic and anorexic and the toll this disorder has ravaged upon her body is about to be paid. She is now laying in a hospital bed breathing her last breaths. Her kidneys gave out long ago, so dialysis was a routine in her life. Her teeth rotted from her mouth, so false ones needed to be created. Her muscles deteriorated so she is unable to walk. Since I was a teen, this has been all I remember of my sister.

Family dynamics are difficult. I dread the days to come...

My prayer: Jesus...Draw me ever nearer...

I have a sister...She is my big sister by six years. I don't talk about her much, for her story is very sad...Her whole life has revolved around a toilet and a scale. My sister is bulimic and anorexic and the toll this disorder has ravaged upon her body is about to be paid. She is now laying in a hospital bed breathing her last breaths. Her kidneys gave out long ago, so dialysis was a routine in her life. Her teeth rotted from her mouth, so false ones needed to be created. Her muscles deteriorated so she is unable to walk. Since I was a teen, this has been all I remember of my sister.

Family dynamics are difficult. I dread the days to come...

My prayer: Jesus...Draw me ever nearer...

This is a beautiful hymn we've been learning at church. :o)

This is a beautiful hymn we've been learning at church. :o)

Excellent video by Tony...

Excellent video by Tony...

Rethinking Twitter

I've rethought Twitter. Sometimes I post little tweets, but I use it more to follow.

My list of favorite Twitterers...So far.

• John Piper
• Phil Johnson
• Al Mohler
• Tony Miano
• John MacArthur
• Tim Challies
• Paul Washer
• Chris Rosebrough

Do you use Twitter? Who do you like to follow? :o) Oh, I also love using Tweetdeck it's an easy way to keep up with all the tweets.

I've rethought Twitter. Sometimes I post little tweets, but I use it more to follow.

My list of favorite Twitterers...So far.

• John Piper
• Phil Johnson
• Al Mohler
• Tony Miano
• John MacArthur
• Tim Challies
• Paul Washer
• Chris Rosebrough

Do you use Twitter? Who do you like to follow? :o) Oh, I also love using Tweetdeck it's an easy way to keep up with all the tweets.

Hat tip: Justin Taylor @ Between Two Worlds

All I Have Is Christ from Sovereign Grace Ministries on Vimeo.

I once was lost in darkest night

Yet thought I knew the way.

The sin that promised joy and life

Had led me to the grave.

I had no hope that You would own

A rebel to Your will.

And if You had not loved me first

I would refuse You still.

But as I ran my hell-bound race

Indifferent to the cost

You looked upon my helpless state

And led me to the cross.

And I beheld God’s love displayed

You suffered in my place

You bore the wrath reserved for me

Now all I know is grace.

Hallelujah! All I have is Christ

Hallelujah! Jesus is my life

Now, Lord, I would be Yours alone

And live so all might see

The strength to follow Your commands

Could never come from me.

Oh Father, use my ransomed life

In any way You choose.

And let my song forever be

My only boast is You.

© 2008 Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI), by Jordan Kauflin

Hat tip: Justin Taylor @ Between Two Worlds

All I Have Is Christ from Sovereign Grace Ministries on Vimeo.

I once was lost in darkest night

Yet thought I knew the way.

The sin that promised joy and life

Had led me to the grave.

I had no hope that You would own

A rebel to Your will.

And if You had not loved me first

I would refuse You still.

But as I ran my hell-bound race

Indifferent to the cost

You looked upon my helpless state

And led me to the cross.

And I beheld God’s love displayed

You suffered in my place

You bore the wrath reserved for me

Now all I know is grace.

Hallelujah! All I have is Christ

Hallelujah! Jesus is my life

Now, Lord, I would be Yours alone

And live so all might see

The strength to follow Your commands

Could never come from me.

Oh Father, use my ransomed life

In any way You choose.

And let my song forever be

My only boast is You.

© 2008 Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI), by Jordan Kauflin

1~ I love him more now, though I thought it would be impossible to do so then...

2~ I laugh more...

3~ I worry less...

4~ I am totally spoiled...

5~ And I spoil him, too...

6~ I still don't understand his job...

7~ He thinks I work harder than he does...Not hardly...But I appreciate that he appreciates me.

8~ He is the finest man I know...

9~ Nine wonderful years together...And we have an eternity to look forward to worshiping our God and King, Jesus Christ.

Happy Anniversary, Baby...

1~ I love him more now, though I thought it would be impossible to do so then...

2~ I laugh more...

3~ I worry less...

4~ I am totally spoiled...

5~ And I spoil him, too...

6~ I still don't understand his job...

7~ He thinks I work harder than he does...Not hardly...But I appreciate that he appreciates me.

8~ He is the finest man I know...

9~ Nine wonderful years together...And we have an eternity to look forward to worshiping our God and King, Jesus Christ.

Happy Anniversary, Baby...

Happy birthday, Holden...

Happy birthday, Holden...

A good read by Matt Slick, The Shack is Only Fiction.

He makes a great point...If anyone were to write falsehoods about YOU and claimed it was "only fiction," would it bother you?? Hmmmmm???

A good read by Matt Slick, The Shack is Only Fiction.

He makes a great point...If anyone were to write falsehoods about YOU and claimed it was "only fiction," would it bother you?? Hmmmmm???

My cousin Brenda and me. She is my best buddy...I am SO glad God brought us back together.

Even though Brenda's husband, Chris, was always picking on me...I enjoyed talking to him and spending time with him. He is highly intelligent, and has a great smile and laugh.

My Aunt Charlene and me, which is what I've always called her. Everyone else calls her Charley.

Aunt Charlene and my daddy. They are half-siblings. Aunt Charlene is a wee bit more than 2 years older than I am. She and I had all kinds of adventures growing up.

The auntie with her three nieces...In front is Deb, then me, Brenda and then Charlene.

The gang...

My cousin Brenda and me. She is my best buddy...I am SO glad God brought us back together.

Even though Brenda's husband, Chris, was always picking on me...I enjoyed talking to him and spending time with him. He is highly intelligent, and has a great smile and laugh.

My Aunt Charlene and me, which is what I've always called her. Everyone else calls her Charley.

Aunt Charlene and my daddy. They are half-siblings. Aunt Charlene is a wee bit more than 2 years older than I am. She and I had all kinds of adventures growing up.

The auntie with her three nieces...In front is Deb, then me, Brenda and then Charlene.

The gang...

In just a little bit, my house will be full of family I haven't really talked to in almost 30 years. I am nervous and excited to have my cousins and auntie back in my life.

I hope I haven't made my kids too upset with me as we got the house ready. I know I need to not stress so much about those things, for they get the brunt of it.

My verse of the day...

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Philippians 4:6

Pictures later! :o)

In just a little bit, my house will be full of family I haven't really talked to in almost 30 years. I am nervous and excited to have my cousins and auntie back in my life.

I hope I haven't made my kids too upset with me as we got the house ready. I know I need to not stress so much about those things, for they get the brunt of it.

My verse of the day...

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Philippians 4:6

Pictures later! :o)

An interesting read by Dr. David Sills of Culturality & Missiology concerning the possibility of self-promotion being the reason for using Facebook or Twitter.

The question I must ask myself...Who am I trying to impress...Jesus Christ or man?

An interesting read by Dr. David Sills of Culturality & Missiology concerning the possibility of self-promotion being the reason for using Facebook or Twitter.

The question I must ask myself...Who am I trying to impress...Jesus Christ or man?

Let's see...What have I been doing? Not much and yet I have been very busy. I'm not sure how that works. :o)

*I've got the boys' school stuff all organized. School starts after Labor Day for us.

*I cleaned off several bookshelves and was able to bless someone in my church with the books we no longer use/need or want. That felt good on two levels. It's fun to bless someone and getting rid of clutter is always a good thing.

*I have been making new headers for The Swap's forum pages. I found a script to add to the forums files that causes the headers to change every time the page is refreshed.

*Our church is planning a Women's Conference for the fall, and I offered to help with the web page. I logged in 5 hours doing that yesterday. As soon as the page is live and we have all the conference details worked out, I'll post about it. It's going to be really good and I am looking foreword to attending myself.

I guess that's about it. Busy, but feeling like I am not getting much done, all at the same time. How does that work??

Let's see...What have I been doing? Not much and yet I have been very busy. I'm not sure how that works. :o)

*I've got the boys' school stuff all organized. School starts after Labor Day for us.

*I cleaned off several bookshelves and was able to bless someone in my church with the books we no longer use/need or want. That felt good on two levels. It's fun to bless someone and getting rid of clutter is always a good thing.

*I have been making new headers for The Swap's forum pages. I found a script to add to the forums files that causes the headers to change every time the page is refreshed.

*Our church is planning a Women's Conference for the fall, and I offered to help with the web page. I logged in 5 hours doing that yesterday. As soon as the page is live and we have all the conference details worked out, I'll post about it. It's going to be really good and I am looking foreword to attending myself.

I guess that's about it. Busy, but feeling like I am not getting much done, all at the same time. How does that work??

We had a fabulous time on Thursday...Here are a few pictures of our fun day...

Meeting my Swappie friend, Sue, for the first time. She has successfully learned the fine art of wearing lipstick. Doesn't she look fabulous?! I need to buy some and try...again...to learn this art myself. Sue said the best thing to buy is L'Oreal Paris, Infallible. It's on my list...

Sue, Eric, me and Russ...Serious hiking going on. One thing I really loved about being with Sue and Eric was watching the tender way he treated his wife. It was beautiful to witness...

Reagan, Mitchell and Spider Genius, aka Niel, braving the bats, bears and the bugs, just to pose for me.

Reagan and Spidey. I wish they were in better focus.

Perhaps Spidey is trying to subtly communicate to Mitchell that he was tired of hearing him talk, and talk, and talk, and talk, and talk, and talk, and talk, and talk, and talk,and talk, and talk, and talk, and talk, and talk, and talk, and talk, and talk, and talk.....

Russ teaching Mitchell...I don't know. I think it's a guy thing.

Cool millipede, but one I would rather live here and not at my home!

The toad that got away.

Spidey raises chicken and bless us with a "homeschoolers dozen" of his eggs.

Sue blessed us with delicious, run-down-your-face-juicy peaches. They are just like the ones I ate when I was a little girl. Yummy!!!

I think they had a good time, don't you??

We had a fabulous time on Thursday...Here are a few pictures of our fun day...

Meeting my Swappie friend, Sue, for the first time. She has successfully learned the fine art of wearing lipstick. Doesn't she look fabulous?! I need to buy some and try...again...to learn this art myself. Sue said the best thing to buy is L'Oreal Paris, Infallible. It's on my list...

Sue, Eric, me and Russ...Serious hiking going on. One thing I really loved about being with Sue and Eric was watching the tender way he treated his wife. It was beautiful to witness...

Reagan, Mitchell and Spider Genius, aka Niel, braving the bats, bears and the bugs, just to pose for me.

Reagan and Spidey. I wish they were in better focus.

Perhaps Spidey is trying to subtly communicate to Mitchell that he was tired of hearing him talk, and talk, and talk, and talk, and talk, and talk, and talk, and talk, and talk,and talk, and talk, and talk, and talk, and talk, and talk, and talk, and talk, and talk.....

Russ teaching Mitchell...I don't know. I think it's a guy thing.

Cool millipede, but one I would rather live here and not at my home!

The toad that got away.

Spidey raises chicken and bless us with a "homeschoolers dozen" of his eggs.

Sue blessed us with delicious, run-down-your-face-juicy peaches. They are just like the ones I ate when I was a little girl. Yummy!!!

I think they had a good time, don't you??

~In Memory~

It's hard to believe that my mom died three years ago today.

This is the one and only picture I have of her with all of my children. I wish the picture was a better quality, however, it's better than nothing, right? :o)

It's hard to believe that my mom died three years ago today.

This is the one and only picture I have of her with all of my children. I wish the picture was a better quality, however, it's better than nothing, right? :o)

There is a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that says:

I can see the fingerprints of God

When I look at you

I can see the fingerprints of God

And I know its true

You're a masterpiece

That all creation quietly applauds

And you're covered with the fingerprints of God

So look around you and see where YOU can see God's fingerprints. Is it in nature? Kids? Animals? Where do you see them? Here's how to join in:

1. Blog with your interpretation of God's fingerprints.

2. Be sure to link so others can find the entire list of participants! Go over to PamperingBeki's blog to add your link to the list of participants.

Baby robins...Small, helpless, totally dependent.

Heavenly Father, help me to remember that I am totally dependent on YOU!

There is a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that says:

I can see the fingerprints of God

When I look at you

I can see the fingerprints of God

And I know its true

You're a masterpiece

That all creation quietly applauds

And you're covered with the fingerprints of God

So look around you and see where YOU can see God's fingerprints. Is it in nature? Kids? Animals? Where do you see them? Here's how to join in:

1. Blog with your interpretation of God's fingerprints.

2. Be sure to link so others can find the entire list of participants! Go over to PamperingBeki's blog to add your link to the list of participants.

Baby robins...Small, helpless, totally dependent.

Heavenly Father, help me to remember that I am totally dependent on YOU!

Today, we are going to Maquoketa Caves State Park to meet some friends. For your reading pleasure, I am bringing up an old post about an adventure my older children had at Maquoketa Caves 10 years ago.

Today, we are going to Maquoketa Caves State Park to meet some friends. For your reading pleasure, I am bringing up an old post about an adventure my older children had at Maquoketa Caves 10 years ago.

Things In My House Thursday

While I was taking a nap (I had a mild migraine) Reagan decided to bake something for youth group...He made what are supposed to be brownies. My dear friend, Casey, stopped by and tried to eat one. She broke a tooth. Seriously!!!

Every good cook ought to eat what they make, don't you think?

Come join MommySweetMom for Things In My House Thursday and share the things in your house!!

While I was taking a nap (I had a mild migraine) Reagan decided to bake something for youth group...He made what are supposed to be brownies. My dear friend, Casey, stopped by and tried to eat one. She broke a tooth. Seriously!!!

Every good cook ought to eat what they make, don't you think?

Come join MommySweetMom for Things In My House Thursday and share the things in your house!!