tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85888251396316595962024-03-05T22:55:31.431-08:00Toddlers are TerrificMother of Manyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04444809396684586525noreply@blogger.comBlogger230125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8588825139631659596.post-73178853854085184412012-08-03T05:07:00.000-07:002012-08-03T05:07:04.441-07:00New HomeThank you for stopping by today. I now have a new site where I will be writing.
<a href="http://mundanefaithfulness.com">Www.mundanefaithfulness.com
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Fondly,
KaraMother of Manyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04444809396684586525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8588825139631659596.post-51589754147133095092012-06-27T22:11:00.001-07:002012-06-27T22:34:30.956-07:00Surreal LivingThe best word to describe the past 48 hours is surreal. I decided to sit down and spend a few minutes writing to capture some of what we have experienced in the past few days. Pardon my ramblings.
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Saturday evening a fire started in Waldo Canyon. A place I have often passed but have never visited. This canyon is near to our new home. 10 days new, still smells of fresh paint new, mostly unpacked new home on the west side of town. We happened upon this lovely home at an estate sale, we felt so blessed and grateful for our new digs. We could not wait to move into this home. This home is situated in Rockrimmon, where we have decided to place the church plant. This home found itself in an evacuation zone Tuesday afternoon.
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So, we mostly lived in disbelief that this fire would actually have anything to do with us. Most evenings we would sit together, read updates from news sources, and watch the smoke on the ridge. We had fascinating views of wildlife, but we felt completely separate from this fire. Sure we packed, we videoed our belongings, we prayed, but we didn't face any type of reality that we would be displaced, evacuated, sent away.
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Tuesday, we decided to enjoy some AC and take the kids to the movie. We had our dear friend Erika visiting, and we LOVE a good movie. While we were enjoying the movie, the winds shifted, and all hell broke loose. As I came out of the movie, I looked to the sky and saw the largest smoke plume I had ever seen. As I rounded the corner of the mall, the entire ridge was in flames. My heart sunk. I tried to keep composed for the kids, but I could hardly function. As I was driving toward the home, all I thought was why am I driving toward this mess. I had phoned Jason and he was similarly stunned. We met at home and had maybe 15 minutes to pack, give our possession that are dear to us to friends, and leave before the smoke was so oppressive we couldn't breathe. Erika worked hard to keep the kids calm as I frantically packed the most random assortment of clothing I have ever packed. I packed myself maybe one and a half outfits.
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10 days before we rented a 26 foot U-haul to carry our belongings to our new home, and we found ourselves driving down the road with our children, Erika, and a few belongings. It was all we needed. We were driving down the road without a destination fleeing a scene I cannot describe in words, but will never forget. Had the movie lasted 30 minutes longer I would have not been permitted home to pack the few belongings we took.
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I turned to Jason and said, I think we should go to the Mendicki's home. It was exactly the right decision. Our children have played and romped, laughed, dressed up and played orphan to their hearts content. One of the gang said they hope we don't get to go back home. It will likely be the highlight of their summer.
For me, I have been very grieved for the many families losing homes. I have been feeling so confused about how to feel. I understand that the Lord works in our brokenness. I believe He will use this to draw His children to Himself. I do not believe this has taken Him by surprise.
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I just don't know what that all means for me. I haven't had a moment to process this. I haven't been able to get my mind around all that has happened. I don't know what to expect in our home when we are finally permitted to go home. I cannot fathom the destruction the smoke has done. I do know the Lord is asking me to open wide my hands with my home, my expectations of the church plant, of what I expected tomorrow to be. I know my fingers are being pried off of my need to be in control, put together, a leader. I know I have the opportunity to trust. I have a hope in the midst of my struggle I need to be ready to share His story, His truth, His comfort.
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This has been a difficult year for our family with a move, a traumatic entry into the state, and now this fire. My kids could use your prayers. I could use your prayers. But even in the struggle I know we are exactly where the Lord wants us. I know this is exactly the time, the place, the people He has for us to do life. Easy was never promised, and I have not a single complaint. I just need your prayers that I would seek and find the grace to live honestly in the midst of this trial. To point my children to Jesus, His comfort, and His provision. I'm a prideful person who would much rather give than receive. The Lord is choosing to humble me.
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You have all loved us so well with your prayers, texts, and calls. We have had countless offers of homes, help, and support. We have no idea when we will be permitted to see our community again, but we trust the plan. Join us in praying for our community. Please also pray for our church: Westside. If you would like to receive weekly updates please send your email address to:
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We could certainly use your prayer support for the months to come. After the news reports have left, we will still be here. Random pictures for laughs. I've had enough of the fire pictures to last a lifetime.
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you for taking the time to read the lengthy ramblings of a frazzled church planters wife.Mother of Manyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04444809396684586525noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8588825139631659596.post-66404254969969688742012-03-28T09:37:00.001-07:002012-03-28T09:37:52.404-07:00Where it all beganWe are headed to the place it all began. We are packing up the kids for a night in the mountains. We are taking them to the place our story originated. I vividly remember walking around the lake at Eagle Lake and seeing Jason walking with a lovely woman up to camp. I thought,"I forgot about him, but I need to pray that woman out of his life." It turned out that lovely woman was Jason's sister. Though I wouldn't encourage such praying today, it was certainly where I was, and it was the beginning of our story.
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I later sat next to Jason, where he told me the goals for his life. To love children and Jesus and play outside all the days given to him. That night I wrote to my parents telling them I had met the kind of man I wanted to marry. That started a long friendship. Jason was clueless to my affections. I tried very hard to keep my feelings hidden. And as many of you know me, I'm not very good at keeping my feelings inside. Fortunate for me, he was clueless.
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Eventually, Jason was brave and asked me to consider dating him. All of this took place at Eagle Lake. It was a place that worked diligently to keep our focus on the campers. I believe it truly was our focus, but what better place to find people who were committed to walking with Jesus. In our three years at camp, I believe at least ten couples from there were married.
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We are excited to share this place with our children. If Eagle Lake hadn't existed, they would not exist. To show them our favorite hikes and our favorite quiet places. To show them the walk around the lake that forever changed my story. Maybe we will take a hike to the cross that overlooks camp. We will be spending time with dear friends from our camp days. With the man that took a bet on me as a counselor, Jesus knew I was a mess and didn't deserve the grace shown to me, but isn't that what grace is. Undeserved mercy. I look forward to sharing pictures of our weekend.
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I am thankful on many levels for Eagle Lake. I'm thankful for the place that taught me to walk near to Jesus. I'm thankful that it was where I met the love of my life. I'm thankful for the children that are a product of that relationship. I'm thankful for the lasting friendships that have grown out of my time there. It will be nice to spend quiet in the mountains before Sunday. To spend time committing the church plant to Jesus. Committing future decisions of home, car, church, children, future to the One who has our days exactly numbered. I can hardly wait. Very soon we will be celebrating our anniversary, but this weekend I celebrate the place that brought us together. It hasn't always been easy, but there has always been grace.....from the very beginning!Mother of Manyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04444809396684586525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8588825139631659596.post-68936954938586597212012-03-27T07:21:00.000-07:002012-03-27T07:31:29.115-07:00Be stillPsalm 46:10-11
"Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!"
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
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I love waking up and having my coffee in a sleeping house. It is spring break and my children are in no hurry to wake. Twice I have peeked in on my sweet sleeping faces. I have enjoyed time praying, reading scripture, and sharing my fears and concerns with the One who loves me best. Jason is enjoying breakfast with a new friend, and I am enjoying coffee with Jesus.
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There is a saying at Village 7, "Communities make big church small." Since we have been here, Jason and I have done a tour of the communities sharing about the church plant. I see how the saying is made true. Any given Sunday, Village 7 has roughly 1,500 people come through their doors. People then meet in smaller communities and build community among fellow believers. Several communities have made us feel very welcome, but we have not had the privilege of staying consistently in one spot.
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This Sunday marks the end of our tour of the communities. This Sunday is the first time those interested in the church plant will begin a new community. For the first time since I have been in Colorado Springs, big church will be made small. I am so excited about seeing who the Lord has prompted to come. I am so eager to see the makeup of this community and how we will begin to build community with one another. Certainly, I also have many fears, but in my time this morning the Lord has done much to quiet them. As my children wake one by one, I know what faithfulness today is. I do not need to worry about tomorrow.
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At the end of Psalm 48, I inserted Colorado Springs into the song, and it is my song for the church plant...
Walk about Zion (Colorado Springs), go around her,
number her towers,
consider well her ramparts,
go through her citadels,
that you may tell the next generation
that this is God,
our God forever and ever.
He will guide us forever.Mother of Manyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04444809396684586525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8588825139631659596.post-11747265373498659232012-03-26T14:28:00.000-07:002012-03-26T14:28:07.919-07:00TearsToday has been a day of tears. This morning Jason called to tell me the news of our van. At first, I thought I could be reasonable. Then as I began cleaning the house, I became overwhelmed with the situation. I have felt overwhelmed by our medical bills and now our car dying. I called a treasured friend in tears wondering what lesson I was missing. I know I'm supposed to trust the Lord in all situations, but I really struggle in my own control (which is a farce).
About an hour after the tears with my friend, a new friend pulled into my driveway with an almost an identical van (only difference is that their van is clean), to the van of ours that just died. He said drive it until you have a plan. I couldn't help but cry. I was overwhelmed with the generosity of this family, and cried in sadness over my own lack of trust. Maybe someday I will understand how much the Lord cares about my family, my heart, my big and small concerns, but today I get to repent of my weak faith.
Thank you friends. Thank you for living near to Jesus in front of me. You have encouraged a discouraged sister this day. I'm truly humbled.Mother of Manyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04444809396684586525noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8588825139631659596.post-32128201082624281592012-03-15T08:54:00.002-07:002012-03-15T16:03:22.439-07:00UnbeliefAs our family was facing a tough situation last year, I clung to Mark 9. As I spent time reading the Bible in that season, I felt as though I could not move past that chapter. It was a wonderful comfort, as only God's word can be. It is the story of the boy with an unclean spirit. I love the tender care that Jesus shows the situation. The father of the boy is at the end of his options, sounding tired and desperate. Jesus asks the father questions he knows that answers to already. He cares for the father by allowing him the grace to tell his story. He understands the importance for the father to unburden himself to a person that truly cares. Jesus listens. Jesus asks questions. Jesus heals.
This is the part I clung to in our tough season.
Mark 921-24
And Jesus asked his father, "How long has this been happening to him?" And he said, "From childhood. And it has often cast him into the fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us." And Jesus said to him, "'If you can!' All things are possible for the one who believes." Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, "I believe; help my unbelief!"
And we all know how the story ends, but do we? Do we understand that we must face down our unbelief with Jesus near to us? Or do we live thinking Jesus cannot rescue us in our difficult situation? I have recently grown in fear of our mailbox. Yes, you read that right, I dread getting the mail. I am paralyzed by what I find inside. I should be rejoicing that I live in an excellent age of medicine that helped me when I was in need. I should be rejoicing in my healing and excellent prognosis concerning my heart problem. Instead, I crumble under the fear of our medical bills. I forget who owns everything. I forget the tender care of Jesus. Instead, I am convinced our major medical insurance is bogus and will leave us struggling for years.
I hate my unbelief. I hate my faithless worry. I hate my sin struggle in this area. "Lord, I believe, help my unbelief." You are so good, why do I fret and lose my peace? Thank you for Your love! Thank you that you are enough. Thank you for loving me enough to walk near to me in my unbelief. Thank you for loving me enough to show me my sin. Would you please allow me to trust you with my moment of unbelief?
And, as I watch the shepherd of my heart in this story, I am struck by the way he cares, even as he knows the answers to the questions. He knew this father and child before they were born. He had known their every step, every need, every thought before this day. He knew their struggle, and He knew He had a holy ordained appointment with a father and son in desperation,and that the appointment would bring great glory to God then and today. It did not come as a surprise to him. Therefore, as I shepherd and love those around me, do I employ this tender care? Do I ask questions I may already know that answers to in order to allow a burdened heart to be unburdened? Do I offer Jesus as the only answer to the heart sickness we all have? Do you? Good questions for me to pray through this beautiful spring day.
Lastly, favorite reader, I'm sorry for my format. For some reason, blogger is not allowing my paragraph breaks. I hate reading this in one big clump, but alas, that is how it keeps coming out. I will soon be switching to a different host.Mother of Manyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04444809396684586525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8588825139631659596.post-77120472646900116412012-03-13T17:40:00.001-07:002012-03-13T18:10:08.656-07:00Meeting Loneliness with GraceI have, for so long, seen evangelism as meeting an unbeliever and sharing what it means to know Jesus. I'm realizing that sharing the complexities of my faith and love for Jesus is much more complicated. As I am currently in the community, I have had the opportunity to meet so many new people, believer and unbeliever alike. Today, especially, I have grown in thankfulness as Jesus brought two very different women in my life. I have the love of Jesus to share with believer and unbeliever alike.
At the heart of evangelism, is sharing. I'm learning that is sharing life, sharing loneliness, and offering friendship and the truth of Jesus. I have found that so many in this town are lonely and longing for friendship. I feel grateful for the people I have met who have shared their loneliness honestly. It's a risk to admit a need for friendship. It is a risk to say hi to a stranger. I think as Jesus accepts us in our depravity, He joins us to Himself in community. I believe honest community is one of our greatest heart desires.
I certainly do not have the corner on building community, but I do know loneliness. I do know that I long to be known. I want people not to just know the shiny, pretty places in my life, but the harder places in my heart. I long for community that will be honest with me in my ugly and point me to the Kind one. I feel so thankful for this day that brought two lovely women in my life. I have never deserved the kindness that was once shown to me by Michele, Jenny, and Mickey, but those women connected me to the God that has never left my community since the day I met Him, May 4, 1994. Thank you Jesus, You are the only cure for my loneliness. You are the One that gives me the grace to meet new people in new places. Thank you ladies that took the time to meet this simple believer today.Mother of Manyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04444809396684586525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8588825139631659596.post-74095052661153134032012-02-18T20:39:00.000-08:002012-02-18T20:56:26.840-08:00Epic StartI still have a hard time believing my start here in Colorado. The year before our time in Colorado was humbling in so many ways; I was looking to what the Lord had in store for us as we returned to the West. The Lord had it planned for me to fall on my face. LITERALLY! I fell on my face, tore open my lip, broke my nose in two places, and ended up with a heart issue. Currently, my lip is healed, my nose is mostly healed (until a child throws an elbow while snuggling), and I'm proudly sporting a super cool heart monitor.I know you are jealous.
I never expected such an entry into this great state, but it was the plan. It was hard on the kids, hard on my heart, but good for my soul. One of my children really struggled seeing my hurting face. They later said, "mom, you stayed at the doctor too long, and came back with a broken heart." We were humbled, each of us. People unpacked my home I had never met, filled my house with food, and helped Jason on our move day.
The truth is, He is good, ALL THE TIME! Even in the midst of brokeness and heartache. Alone in the hospital, I knew He was enough. As I have had late nights recently longing for the family in North Carolina, I know He is ENOUGH!
Many times over the last weeks, I have heard the beautiful stories of the people in this place. People who are lonely, hurting, fighting the daily battle with unbelief and I know this is where the Lord has me for His good purpose. I tend to be impatient for community, I forget that I need to fall on my face and be reminded how GOOD He is. I see how my children have to face their own lonliness and allow the rich grace of Jesus be enough for them as well.
I would love it if you chose to follow this blog. Follow my journey as our family seeks what the Lord has for us here in Colorado. I'm sure it's more falling on our faces, more being stripped of self, more brokenhearted dependance on Christ. May we learn the joy of Him. It's enough, it always has been, it always will be.
Thank you dear friends who pray. Thank you for your precious words of encouragement. What will you do in the mundane days of faithfulness?
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjljgQx9_U_xA9x-1167ZfRtmTNWeeGuhwBfTFrjF2F-BChMMH2CTRVBokOc9l6_jYhMnwitBxRpeVbYgsJyXSv-JJlR_5OhwBaXyaiC5mm7roSV_Rhq4_CKKtvuCdNeuGpJ72B4909co/s1600/DSC_4682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjljgQx9_U_xA9x-1167ZfRtmTNWeeGuhwBfTFrjF2F-BChMMH2CTRVBokOc9l6_jYhMnwitBxRpeVbYgsJyXSv-JJlR_5OhwBaXyaiC5mm7roSV_Rhq4_CKKtvuCdNeuGpJ72B4909co/s400/DSC_4682.jpg" /></a></div>Mother of Manyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04444809396684586525noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8588825139631659596.post-73021912480838429602011-12-13T11:27:00.000-08:002011-12-13T11:33:57.725-08:00Reunited...and it feels so good!I spent the weekend away finding a new home for our family. I had a wonderful time with a dear, dear friend; we shared a weekend of memories. We share a love of all things food. I spent the weekend introducing her to my favorite flavors in Colorado. It was excellent, but we are ladies that love our families. Home last night was a welcome sight. Our stomachs could not handle another meal, and we were ready for our own beds. More later on the trip.
I woke up in fast forward. I had planned to have our family photographed. (slideshow soon to follow) Fortunately, we worked with the kindest, most gentle professional. We enjoyed an hour exploring a very cool old factory and just happened to have a few pictures taken. It was such a fabulous experience, I highly suggest anyone looking for some family pictures consider working with Jennifer Owens. She is so kind and patient. I am so thankful we managed to get this in before the big move.
Things finally slowed down after lunch. We read our books, did our math, and I turned on the music. We enjoyed a dance party to The Cure and reconnected over our silly dance moves. I quickly wore out. I put Story in my lap and covered her face in kisses as I watched the others shake their tail feathers.
Story proceeded to look at me and say sweetly, "you love me." I tell you I could have wept in that moment. I'm of the mind that I do, in fact, love to hear my children say they love me, but much more importantly, it is my job to love them. I did not have my children to fullfill some unmet need in myself. I enjoy these children, and understand it is my high calling to love them with the vast, and generous love that the Father has loved me with daily. She was at rest in my arms in my love, she looked in my eyes with such contentment knowing that love was overflowing with gratitude. How richly, richly blessed I am.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUfFVKTmlOFI_SgQtnO5hr4-_fHQfTI4rNrucMg3qyr61Oi-AnJs3AhE20idY50hkTHyOzDpAfuLd4GIapDPFNPZb0UiBclf60YpwVrxWcSVxOaJ9IXZVSD9iQK6YnydR_mSs4Ex5yvQg/s1600/Nov_2011+106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="299" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUfFVKTmlOFI_SgQtnO5hr4-_fHQfTI4rNrucMg3qyr61Oi-AnJs3AhE20idY50hkTHyOzDpAfuLd4GIapDPFNPZb0UiBclf60YpwVrxWcSVxOaJ9IXZVSD9iQK6YnydR_mSs4Ex5yvQg/s400/Nov_2011+106.JPG" /></a></div>Mother of Manyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04444809396684586525noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8588825139631659596.post-43209554958573848692011-12-07T09:06:00.000-08:002011-12-07T11:52:12.197-08:00The hard truth of trustI follow a good and trustworthy God. I daily face my own unbelief and weakness. I am about to enter a new season of life that will bring me face to face with my depravity. I am leaving what is known and comfortable and entering into the unknown. My exciting new and hard reality is one of faith and trust. I do not do this alone; I will be moving to Colorado Springs with my best friend and my four covenant children. Team Tippetts is about to enter a new season of life. <br />
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The next few days I'm heading to Colorado Springs with a most dear sister in Christ. We will get to have a weekend as a great final hoorah together. It will be sweet as we know the goodbye soon looms for us. The joy in goodbye among believers is that it will truly never be goodbye. Our daily activity in one anothers life will change, but our friendship will not. I have so many dear sisters here that have been such a blessing to my life. It is not going to be easy to leave such an amazing group of dear friends.<br />
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It is going to be very hard to leave this place. I have walked a hard road with trusted friends around me. My love has only grown through this past year. I rejoice that goodbye will be difficult as it is an indication of fondness and connection to Christ in a community. They are not bitter tears that I know I will be shedding, but rather, tears of love and gratitude in getting to know such excellent and amazing people through this season of my life. <br />
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As our family enters this exciting new season, I leave this place stronger from what I have learned here, richer than I could ever imagine in friendship, and greatful for the experiences in joy and pain I have had in my community. We have shared so many experiences in North Carolina we take with us. We came from the Rockies to North Carolina nine years ago young, naive, weak and ready to see what God had in store for us. We leave nine years later with more kids, more friends, more of Christ, naive, weak and ready to see what God has in store for us. We look to the future trusting Him to provide community for us in Rockies just as He has done for us in the Blue Ridge. <br />
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The hard truth of trusting God is that He is good all the time. Even in the pain of change. He is good in the providence that moves me 1,400 miles from what is known. He is good in the lonliness of entering a new place. He is good as He builds the community He desires for us in Colorado Springs. He is good, and trusting Him is my joy. Truly the hard truth is not hard at all. It is my thankful, wonderful, joyful privledge to follow Him as He has great things in store for this weak vessel that is Kara. I get to look forward with faith and backwards with gratitude. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcSlX-Tj1iCN7zDkzt1PBUCNIaU-DpjWES3nOb2YfNHf50dPT7hTef-kgmTGhxP_XgqLXWcpT4LPz0mNJMkrznj9IYdNT-QMczp4EetEgKxNZY8G4ELsjZMwGIg2E0ck0q-ugGTle2Rao/s1600/Nov_2011+200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="299" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcSlX-Tj1iCN7zDkzt1PBUCNIaU-DpjWES3nOb2YfNHf50dPT7hTef-kgmTGhxP_XgqLXWcpT4LPz0mNJMkrznj9IYdNT-QMczp4EetEgKxNZY8G4ELsjZMwGIg2E0ck0q-ugGTle2Rao/s400/Nov_2011+200.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhPo2ncwspquaQ6BaHu2C7CnIBdE1qi7Ssf86JWrhetV3Dh4yxjm-p2KvESNwNtSCK4nOU-qQa8z4Q4L3Dq8Y2qrYU0h5gJPhq2kXUQ22hyphenhyphenDgKs7gLZ3RiQARNCZ00VObpN19INOn6Ic/s1600/Nov_2011+134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhPo2ncwspquaQ6BaHu2C7CnIBdE1qi7Ssf86JWrhetV3Dh4yxjm-p2KvESNwNtSCK4nOU-qQa8z4Q4L3Dq8Y2qrYU0h5gJPhq2kXUQ22hyphenhyphenDgKs7gLZ3RiQARNCZ00VObpN19INOn6Ic/s400/Nov_2011+134.JPG" /></a></div>Mother of Manyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04444809396684586525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8588825139631659596.post-17641291502794099922011-11-14T07:01:00.000-08:002011-11-14T07:01:17.974-08:00Needful TruthPsalm 73 21-28<br />
When my soul was embittered,<br />
when I was pricked in heart,<br />
I was brutish and ignorant;<br />
I was like a beast toward you.<br />
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Nevertheless, I am continually with you;<br />
you hold my right hand.<br />
You guide me wit your counsel,<br />
and afterward you will receive me to glory.<br />
Whom have I in heaven but you?<br />
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.<br />
My flesh and heart may fail,<br />
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.<br />
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For behold, those who are far from you shall perish;<br />
you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you.<br />
But for me it is good to be near God;<br />
I have made the Lord God my refuge,<br />
that I may tell of all your works.Mother of Manyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04444809396684586525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8588825139631659596.post-31321563352676858002011-09-25T04:48:00.000-07:002011-09-25T04:48:58.417-07:00Dazzle them with his love<i>He chose us out of his sheer grace and because he loves loving the unlovely. Because of his great love he deserves to be fully honored by us. This means that we transfer our entire trust (and keep transferring it over and over again) to him. This is faith. In the same way that you trust in him and not in yourself for your salvation, you can trust in him for the salvation of your children. You can give yourself grace, he's in control, he is loving, his plan is best. And you can give your children grace, too. Parenting with grace isn't another set of rules for you to follow. It's a story that you're to rejoice in. Share the story with your children. Show the savior. Show them Jesus. Dazzle them with his love. </i> Elyse M. Fitzpatrich, Give them Grace<br />
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This book has been such a good book for my heart. It has reminded me of that first taste of grace I experienced. The joy of my salvation that had nothing to do with my merit. As we enter parenthood without guidance from our own upbringing, rules often feel safe and secure. We can easily slip back into the law with our parenting. This book has reminded me the Jesus is enough for today and all eternity. The law exposes our need for a savior, but it is the savior that will fulfill our hearts greatest longing. Jesus loves us specifically today. He loves my children more than I ever can comprehend. He will draw them with his love, not my pushing and prodding. I need to live transparently before my children in love with Jesus. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQ0bveS6IBQ68STH2QmfDGXRkD_JNdkmXwxc9AITqsoVA0XIjP1NPo6M5rT4icG8NyKf_4euY25VAPzjCjSzuBd6NJAab0C-P7MfnisnA55Uils1jciBInwXDQnAHMOAL9UKRUspZ_yE/s1600/July1_2011+165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQ0bveS6IBQ68STH2QmfDGXRkD_JNdkmXwxc9AITqsoVA0XIjP1NPo6M5rT4icG8NyKf_4euY25VAPzjCjSzuBd6NJAab0C-P7MfnisnA55Uils1jciBInwXDQnAHMOAL9UKRUspZ_yE/s400/July1_2011+165.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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The law says, "do this," and it is never done. Grace says, "believe in this," and everything is already done. Martin LutherMother of Manyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04444809396684586525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8588825139631659596.post-39680892477600345502011-09-06T12:22:00.000-07:002011-09-06T12:22:34.833-07:00Praise be...A dear friend of mine called me yesterday to read me a quote from the bulletin of her new church.
(paraphrase) Sometimes we spend so much time lamenting over a closed door that we forget to notice the door that has been opened wide.
Oh, I have thought over that quote so much the last two days. It has convicted my heart and encouraged my focus. I need to leave the closed door to the Lord, only He can bring true peace to the hurt. But today, this day, He has opended amazing new doors to THIS day. For that, I'm thankful! Thank you for sharing that dearest Lois! It was just what the doctor ordered! I love you!!Mother of Manyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04444809396684586525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8588825139631659596.post-77270581665466095962011-08-27T07:50:00.000-07:002011-08-27T09:32:36.854-07:00life on the move....there are moments in life in slow motion...<br />
moments, seasons, you wish would pass quickly..<br />
pain you would rather not feel,<br />
moments that speed up without our knowing...<br />
moments we meant to savor...<br />
time we thought we cherished,<br />
but just like that time passes...<br />
<br />
even the hard, the hurt, the slow<br />
is glorious..<br />
<br />
life is speeding and at a crawl..<br />
we live it here intentionally with kindness..<br />
enjoying love...<br />
Great, Glorious, Extravangent love<br />
speed up you are going to slowly,<br />
slow down, my head is spinning.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmnp3N4mC-c-AAcue6V14rlsb12VzZa92Sn75Rku0gMVJMsqwNBYYELE7W-ZJfLx_GsiTJ7kcg2bGyLP0F0JGkqnGKLj8EpekSByTmCmEHiIyZG1TRQ8SEx-QnglYLG9cCS-B1NCwuN00/s1600/June_2011+148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmnp3N4mC-c-AAcue6V14rlsb12VzZa92Sn75Rku0gMVJMsqwNBYYELE7W-ZJfLx_GsiTJ7kcg2bGyLP0F0JGkqnGKLj8EpekSByTmCmEHiIyZG1TRQ8SEx-QnglYLG9cCS-B1NCwuN00/s400/June_2011+148.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Mother of Manyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04444809396684586525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8588825139631659596.post-91167141230597007632011-08-21T03:55:00.000-07:002011-08-21T03:55:20.638-07:00Constantly changingThe scripture says: "Do not be anxious about ANYTHING" <br />
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Anything? Truly, but what if you are? "In everything, with prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." <br />
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So, I'm not to be anxious, but rather pray. So simple, and yet so hard. We are in crunch time with various decisions to be made. I can hardly believe what the next six weeks could have in store for us. We simply have so many unanswered questions, but it's an exciting time. <br />
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Prayer, that's the key. And yet, I still feel anxious. It's an exciting time, I'm going to choose to embrace the unknown. But I will certainly rejoice when some of my questions are answered!Mother of Manyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04444809396684586525noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8588825139631659596.post-51982858759658971602011-08-05T11:11:00.001-07:002011-08-05T11:11:56.438-07:00John PiperPastor John from 1981:<br />
<br />
There are six things in the word of Joab that I think should characterize every effort at team ministry in the church.<br />
<br />
1. Humility<br />
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First of all, humility. "If the Syrians are too strong for me, then you shall help me." Joab was a mighty warrior, but not so foolish as to think himself wholly self-sufficient. "Abishai, my brother, I might be inadequate for the task today." And he was not ashamed to ask for help. Humility willingly acknowledges its own finitude and need. It is open to be helped, and it is open to being taught, and it does not resent good advice or counsel.<br />
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2. Diversification<br />
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The second characteristic of team ministry illustrated by Joab is diversification. Abishai was sent against the Ammonites; Joab went against the Syrians. It is wise battle strategy, when the enemy is widespread and diverse, that we not engage all the troops in one place. It is also wise to have everyone doing most of the time what they are best at. And it is a solid biblical principle that God has given all of us different combinations of gifts.<br />
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3. Mutual Helpfulness<br />
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The third characteristic of good team ministry is mutual helpfulness. "If the Syrians are too strong for me, then you shall help me; but if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will come and help you." Diversification in the church is not so ironclad that we can't leave our appointed bailiwicks and help one another. Fundamental to all successful teamwork is that the team members be for each other, not against each other. Competition in ministry is anathema to the Spirit of Christ.<br />
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4. Strength<br />
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The fourth characteristic of effective team ministry is strength. "Be of good courage and let us play the man." More literally, the Hebrew simply says, "Be strong and let us show ourselves strong!" When the battle begins, do not limp away weak and fearful. Attack! "Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil" (Ephesians 6:10). The power that we need does not come from within ourselves. It is the strength of God's might with which we must be strengthened. When we put on God's armor, we get God's strength.<br />
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5. Benefit to God's People<br />
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"For our people and for the cities of our God!" Joab said. Even though it must be our goal to help each other, yet we must always ask, "Help each other do what?" And the answer is, "Benefit God's people." No Christian team lives for itself alone. We strive for gospel humility, we employ our diversification, we live in mutual helpfulness, we maintain strength not for ourselves alone but for the benefit of God's people.<br />
<br />
6. Surrender to God's Sovereign Guidance<br />
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There is one final characteristic of team ministry that Joab illustrates: surrender to God's sovereign guidance. "Be of good courage, and let us play the man for our people and for the cities of our God, and may the Lord do what seems good to him!" And may the Lord do whatever seems good to him. O, may we always approach our work in this way, bowing together before God and saying: "God, we aim to be humble, to be diversified, mutually helpful, strong in the Lord, working hard for the benefit of your people, but, O God, we acknowledge you are sovereign and we are finite, and we would say no more than Joab: in all our plans and all our labor, you do what seems good to you!"<br />
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Excerpted from For Our People and for the Cities of God.<br />
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Recent posts from "Piper's Pen" —<br />
<br />
Entertainment-Oriented Preachers vs Bible-Oriented Preachers<br />
What Will It Mean to Live for Christ This Week?<br />
How Can You Identify a Woman Who Fears the Lord?Mother of Manyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04444809396684586525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8588825139631659596.post-5724949184529660232011-08-05T08:17:00.000-07:002011-08-05T08:17:17.833-07:00Life in filmIt always happens.. Once I decide to really get going on my blog, life hits me hard, crazy, fast, and my blog takes a backseat. I'm considering switching platforms and getting some help with my sight and getting a domain, and all at once things take off at a speed I can hardly manage. Sleep has been elusive lately. I am not wasting my mind in worry, but my mind simply won't shut off when I hit the pillow. It's an exciting time in our life. I can't wait to see what the Lord has for us. In the meantime, here is our life in photo! It's a hard job I have, somebody has to LOVE it, and I sure do love it! <br />
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It was a great couple of weeks playing at our favorite Montreat park, swimming, visits from grandparents... It has been one full summer!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnEmTARrP_k7nuUBCm6551aaOpU0U0ZE4nLQeyXOchTldbNpruPV9s15MOiIuf_cCvXpw2y4YUXvzkvCJUW-TH7tLYNp3nAHO1wPwRfklXQBbLpTmEZUUQqAhTxM6CzPMW0PyQ97-6qHA/s1600/July1_2011+170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnEmTARrP_k7nuUBCm6551aaOpU0U0ZE4nLQeyXOchTldbNpruPV9s15MOiIuf_cCvXpw2y4YUXvzkvCJUW-TH7tLYNp3nAHO1wPwRfklXQBbLpTmEZUUQqAhTxM6CzPMW0PyQ97-6qHA/s400/July1_2011+170.JPG" /></a></div><br />
My sweet girls enjoying one of our favorite places on earth!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWDlyXAnr6Z-2RVEgvvNDEftgtsdHLa95Rvo6jh528olhVtBh27qERfIPbytr3YdUw6sJ-hbTCKO8Lb70S-jRtmc3nT41qfkigOfkptycsNSAKCW7Ze8ogN5l7kTX7bxSdNzcZL58e2xc/s1600/July1_2011+169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWDlyXAnr6Z-2RVEgvvNDEftgtsdHLa95Rvo6jh528olhVtBh27qERfIPbytr3YdUw6sJ-hbTCKO8Lb70S-jRtmc3nT41qfkigOfkptycsNSAKCW7Ze8ogN5l7kTX7bxSdNzcZL58e2xc/s400/July1_2011+169.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Special big girl lunch at the Veranda with Bella.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsNJFZhGKznQ85meNFo2_588nJPYC4hhARMfamDMplx_vPj3NQ9hwUUHWCHBmWjAAcNjSNIDPp4ZR4916-fH3siVazHwwqtayRg3yZwankk9ad2Dw0EYLgsYTT0gebjtWJ4JL4Ajcvkow/s1600/July1_2011+168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsNJFZhGKznQ85meNFo2_588nJPYC4hhARMfamDMplx_vPj3NQ9hwUUHWCHBmWjAAcNjSNIDPp4ZR4916-fH3siVazHwwqtayRg3yZwankk9ad2Dw0EYLgsYTT0gebjtWJ4JL4Ajcvkow/s400/July1_2011+168.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Amazing treat movie with Jerry, Darnell, and Erika... First movie for Story. Big, big time!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98MRH2zCcCgjGhLf85OE9_WAJ_7XiUgCglqMeYAn4OrKL0BvOKW0Ec83-S49Q_czl_R5_leKW7WlT8LZkt6v5AyBDjgmRSRi-QMC5HBXJXuxr-6CAWWDwuu1LivYhyimnzGG5tcn2L04/s1600/July1_2011+167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98MRH2zCcCgjGhLf85OE9_WAJ_7XiUgCglqMeYAn4OrKL0BvOKW0Ec83-S49Q_czl_R5_leKW7WlT8LZkt6v5AyBDjgmRSRi-QMC5HBXJXuxr-6CAWWDwuu1LivYhyimnzGG5tcn2L04/s400/July1_2011+167.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Is there anything more photo worthy than a sweet sleeping babes?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvN4JFfQpaYTMuIGB81iW-1f06t_WXP_JWXB4O2H1bvu7kUIFuYypwqOW31xbJXuTPJzy5a_k7jTL7Qm8lYlkmn8ZBC-MwGrXfnkIfCWN9lLOJeK9J8dP4yKjJMr_GWNx3z8p79NMXpNw/s1600/July1_2011+165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvN4JFfQpaYTMuIGB81iW-1f06t_WXP_JWXB4O2H1bvu7kUIFuYypwqOW31xbJXuTPJzy5a_k7jTL7Qm8lYlkmn8ZBC-MwGrXfnkIfCWN9lLOJeK9J8dP4yKjJMr_GWNx3z8p79NMXpNw/s400/July1_2011+165.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Day at Montreat park!! Our Fav!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXiQhbnsJZtJAY6ZnUpDRDO8L-iGDf0P1dkjkmyZEBhQcgnAoTMb9lyVaIa1mQfhUSuAofPS9Kb0BEGeCZnoBLO1Bk-yR5BIaBRdO1932RVKcrDDH8iKNP0YXFlNtwyemnJ0UOmUx0XZ0/s1600/July1_2011+166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXiQhbnsJZtJAY6ZnUpDRDO8L-iGDf0P1dkjkmyZEBhQcgnAoTMb9lyVaIa1mQfhUSuAofPS9Kb0BEGeCZnoBLO1Bk-yR5BIaBRdO1932RVKcrDDH8iKNP0YXFlNtwyemnJ0UOmUx0XZ0/s400/July1_2011+166.JPG" /></a></div><br />
More pool love! It's where the best of childhood happens!<br />
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<a href="http://liferearranged.com/"><img alt="life rearranged" height="120" width="200" border="0" src="http://liferearranged.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/instafridaybutton.jpg" /></a>Mother of Manyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04444809396684586525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8588825139631659596.post-34030238815361179442011-07-26T12:27:00.001-07:002011-07-26T12:32:08.352-07:00Safe in His arms sweet Simi...Here is a hard story to read, and yet I know my God is in control. This sweet family is now in my constant prayers. I cannot imagine the reality they face this side of heaven absent from their sweet daughter, but in glory, what a reunion they will have. My heart grieves the loss of this child, and my prayers are with you.<br />
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<a href="http://theaquilareport.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5147:some-final-words-on-the-life-and-death-of-simi-goodwin&catid=49:people&Itemid=132">Some Final Words on the life and death of ‘Simi’ Goodwin</a>Mother of Manyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04444809396684586525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8588825139631659596.post-64211725489042509232011-07-25T10:23:00.000-07:002011-07-25T10:23:44.571-07:00Rainy Day ThoughtsRainy days make me contemplative and sad, but this rainy day was without thunder. I told the kids to stay outside and enjoy the silly wonder of play with rain. I sat and watched each of my children. <br />
<br />
Some played with abandon, some with reserve and uncertainty, but the wonder of a child is intoxicating. I enjoy watching the unique qualities of my children. I see how some of my children enjoy more freedom to be truly free. <br />
<br />
It makes my heart wonder what I can do to nurture in them more freedom to be free... It is why Jesus came... For freedom, He came to set me free. To set my children free. What do I do to quench that freedom? What do you do to steal true joy? It's worth some contemplating this rainy day!Mother of Manyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04444809396684586525noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8588825139631659596.post-40921406716291002592011-07-22T07:41:00.000-07:002011-07-22T07:41:50.680-07:00It's alright with me...I have come to terms with the fact that I'm just not that cool. I don't fight for coolness, and I am growing comfortable in my middle-ish state of life. I am free to be a little bit goofy and behind the times. I don't know what the newest music is, the next trends in food don't impress me much. I like food best that doesn't cause me to throw up nowadays!<br />
<br />
In high school, I was a vegetarian... Not so much for the rights of animals... Though I probably said that was the reason, truly, I thought it upped my coolness. I kept on that track for nearly seven years. I lacked any type of mammal in my diet for my cool value. Now I'm considering becoming a vegan... Not to be cool... because my gallbladder doesn't really work. How old lady is that. So, no... I'm not a bit cool in my possible quest to have a faceless diet, I'm getting old and grizzled. I remember my cool days, and I really don't miss them much.<br />
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Mammals, you are safe around me, well maybe, I'm on the fence if I can actually do this. I learned a few things this past week at assessment (the place where your life is laid bare before totally strangers, who decide the possibilities of your future), it's okay to be who I was created to be. The challenge to begin to divorce myself from the outward things that define me, and to simply live the gospel in the created being that is Kara. Not a simple challenge.<br />
<br />
So, I don't know what's cool in music, I pick my shoes for comfort, I don't really know what a libertarian is, and I may just pick a junk book to pass my time, but today, I get to live in the great Covenant with my children. The joy of faithfulness I can seek in this day is endless. I want to live in the reality of where Jesus has me. I get to embrace the freedom of repentance and living near to Jesus.<br />
<br />
The greatest challenge I face in my reality is not fretting about what the future holds. New exciting doors may be opening, and I don't need to be anxious! Living in the trust that a loving God holds my days, my moments, my future, and not fretting over tomorrow. I know I won't be cool in that future place, but I know I will be lovingly kept in His hand. Praise be!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnqkF1g_6jD9YeoYyKttaWDvZzeayK1tdVf8pfFnyDLsANMum88S7MKUCveYXo4wFdo04hQ9xk65bv1M024EI9X2KQue0bGAOMqbgL54VVrUlWon5aDApqTHSsjAbhv5q6szPZm1LFTY8/s1600/June_2011+060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnqkF1g_6jD9YeoYyKttaWDvZzeayK1tdVf8pfFnyDLsANMum88S7MKUCveYXo4wFdo04hQ9xk65bv1M024EI9X2KQue0bGAOMqbgL54VVrUlWon5aDApqTHSsjAbhv5q6szPZm1LFTY8/s400/June_2011+060.JPG" /></a></div>Mother of Manyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04444809396684586525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8588825139631659596.post-89755442181816225632011-07-15T08:53:00.000-07:002011-07-15T08:53:37.082-07:00Best Birthday!When you have a big family, every day feels like a party. <br />
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When you are married to your best friend, every night feels like a sleep over.<br />
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When you grow older, you cease to care about cool and value what is real.<br />
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When you have a full heart, you see the blessings in the moments that truly matter, the people next to you... Your nearest neighbor.<br />
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Things of this world pass away moment by moment, but the things of God are here, eternal and forever. <br />
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Love spent today on kindness matter....<br />
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Gift, today is a gift.... As was yesterday, that just so happened to be my birthday.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv4s0oMPBkZd089xiowxoS-2Hljxq9Mg9Bdxe3Ec8f1Q3EWvIwC74OuzWswdWlg3cleNDWiwPNnIxOFcZiU9c-42x3s_fZCr_cgN1r7h0u79Tr1Rhc0WJFyd9_M2wdLE13phYkfG3ccBk/s1600/July_2011+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv4s0oMPBkZd089xiowxoS-2Hljxq9Mg9Bdxe3Ec8f1Q3EWvIwC74OuzWswdWlg3cleNDWiwPNnIxOFcZiU9c-42x3s_fZCr_cgN1r7h0u79Tr1Rhc0WJFyd9_M2wdLE13phYkfG3ccBk/s400/July_2011+001.JPG" /></a></div>Mother of Manyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04444809396684586525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8588825139631659596.post-91502876740427505542011-07-12T08:59:00.000-07:002011-07-12T09:02:45.803-07:00Truck drivers and blessings!I have the great honor of being alive today. The privledge of breath and life. I get to snuggle my children and point them to Jesus.. It is my blessing to wash clothes from a trip and spend some money at the grocery store. I get to gently correct my children and read them books. My blessings never end. <br />
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I have a baby who wants to wear a swimming suit and a son that refuses to wear a shirt. Lake has the privledge of exploring our back yard. Our girls have already completed a craft and are onto dressing up and playing house. <br />
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My husband headed happily, though a little tired, off to work. Tonight a dear friend will be coming to stay the night with us. Every moment is a gift, every person we encounter a joy. Today, I want to spend it all. <br />
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You see yesterday I was driving along a fast highway at a high speed when suddenly a person in front of me decided to turn left off the highway, not the usual waiting a mile to exit to the right. Her sudden stop on the highway left the rest of us with no place go. I heard Jason make a tense sound looking in the rear mirror as the semi, heavy laden with steal beams behind us, also had no place to go. He was coming quickly to the place my four precious children were sleeping soundly in their seats.<br />
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I quickly drove forward into the median, only to watch as the trucker expertly avoided my car by inches. Jason looked at me, told me I did well and encouraged me forward to the nearest stop. The lady who caused our near miss went on without thought that her poor driving could have cost the life of an entire family.<br />
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I pulled over, almost threw up, and Jason took over driving. It was nearly fifty miles before I stopped shaking. I looked back at my children, still sleeping soundly, and immediately thanked the Lord for His protection. I know if we had been in that wreck His grace would have been sufficient. I know He is good ALL THE TIME! I get to serve Him one more day. I get to be His daughter today, tomorrow and forever. <br />
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And to you dearest truck driver. Thank you for expertly doing your job well. Thank you for your quick reaction. You will forever have my prayers for safety! Thank you.<br />
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Thank you for another day with my tall, tender daughter; my tiny, sweet daughter; my shirtless, loving son, and my screaming, snuggly baby. Thank you for the gift of another day married to my best friend. But mostly, thank you for another day to worship Your goodness even through the joy and pain of living in this world. I can't wait for the day I meet you in glory. It was not part of your plan to take us home yesterday. I pray I live well today. I want to enjoy You today.Mother of Manyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04444809396684586525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8588825139631659596.post-77829234370192272242011-07-05T13:05:00.000-07:002011-07-05T13:05:32.049-07:00Story JaneLast night I enjoyed watching fireworks with my sweet baby in my lap. She nearly fell asleep. When they were over she turned to me and said, "amen."<br />
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That's right little girl, "amen."<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTz5QUNyFU0xsz-yct2ffUyfvCO1plFGdyOkWeA3FLUiYew5a_o4dUw2QKJ1U_1mVMR4U1MP2_bp-3B0gnEjR0P6I0zM1EDEL_h8fCbaVTduAxnon4Ggm0tZWM4Z7SjTmOrXbyT-qb-WM/s1600/May_2011+103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTz5QUNyFU0xsz-yct2ffUyfvCO1plFGdyOkWeA3FLUiYew5a_o4dUw2QKJ1U_1mVMR4U1MP2_bp-3B0gnEjR0P6I0zM1EDEL_h8fCbaVTduAxnon4Ggm0tZWM4Z7SjTmOrXbyT-qb-WM/s400/May_2011+103.JPG" /></a></div>Mother of Manyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04444809396684586525noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8588825139631659596.post-71055656040988716472011-07-01T08:57:00.000-07:002011-07-01T08:57:08.153-07:00The Best BabysitterWe have been beyond blessed to have amazing babysitters. They have each become a special part of our family. Laura, Mary, Erika, we love you! Thank you for loving my children well and walking with Jesus in front of my children. This song goes out to you all!<br />
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<iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ZdbG6WkUsQ0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Mother of Manyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04444809396684586525noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8588825139631659596.post-68157476984867386822011-07-01T05:38:00.000-07:002011-07-01T05:42:40.598-07:00Friday Love.. A week in photos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4JGOFxv-b6938o5qnTudOrdg0mPZyIz6UI6yPOITHh_KUUhNau4RDrk-Ak0eYcqd1HIQ-ndYlXaidSZzq5y0WLZT2NB4JPQx3rNQbt29aCTUOXh3QfOnIFF7BAXVyedVLRXfXChbea7s/s1600/June_camping+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4JGOFxv-b6938o5qnTudOrdg0mPZyIz6UI6yPOITHh_KUUhNau4RDrk-Ak0eYcqd1HIQ-ndYlXaidSZzq5y0WLZT2NB4JPQx3rNQbt29aCTUOXh3QfOnIFF7BAXVyedVLRXfXChbea7s/s320/June_camping+014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div> Our week in review... Week in pictures. Had an amazing moment with this one after a struggle. We jumped in my bed, pulled out the Bible and discussed how it applied to the struggle. One of those rare moments of grace where there is not only connection to one another, but also to the word.<br />
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I was not a bit surprised to find that my son and I share a love of fire on our camping trip. We loved building the fire, collecting wood, and watching wet wood dry out. Every moment of every day... "Can we make fire now?" Is there anything better camping than fire?<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It doesn't matter how old, long or cool they are. When our children wake up, each one finds a lap to wake out of slumber... It's simply the best..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKpZhNRP9xX9o6re-4OeVppU5TNUEBxbyBK0x_50kb5us5-a-KihIdhcXh-iNrqvNeVbkmNdT-KGksVz9mwk1dZkN5-zXUVAGLbf5cNjYnlPK-VL0qje1MEQOBSWQlYc89gOYDagv0hGo/s1600/June_camping+028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKpZhNRP9xX9o6re-4OeVppU5TNUEBxbyBK0x_50kb5us5-a-KihIdhcXh-iNrqvNeVbkmNdT-KGksVz9mwk1dZkN5-zXUVAGLbf5cNjYnlPK-VL0qje1MEQOBSWQlYc89gOYDagv0hGo/s320/June_camping+028.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Little bit playing school with her big sisters. I think they will have her reading on her own in no time.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0vyFTkgJEEya18B27Puswsepcu4OAE4PPjt3HCf4hBJXeUo_WT2es09BePP3OBScoHRgk0hOj6zPby8gNcnoLfsnKC2jOmqei9v1oEgxusQ6nTuMg6R6jxxbm_mQV5fAgFZZHIXf2fFU/s1600/June_camping+124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0vyFTkgJEEya18B27Puswsepcu4OAE4PPjt3HCf4hBJXeUo_WT2es09BePP3OBScoHRgk0hOj6zPby8gNcnoLfsnKC2jOmqei9v1oEgxusQ6nTuMg6R6jxxbm_mQV5fAgFZZHIXf2fFU/s320/June_camping+124.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Jason and I both reverted to our backpacking days when we went camping. We wore the same outfit all weekend long. So this is the handsome man I was with for two days!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTZLbyNrNVQAP-pizj_2EYN0bAp3ujWLpEZtOOCXDgCNlJEV58U4L-IgJIvatFKJmz7LMVQnM_-WD-GYQuuIlijwDfqS05NJGYRXzfUq4u8UbKkl2VnM38wnDbXaJWtz7fGiQyyBS-pCw/s1600/June_camping+162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTZLbyNrNVQAP-pizj_2EYN0bAp3ujWLpEZtOOCXDgCNlJEV58U4L-IgJIvatFKJmz7LMVQnM_-WD-GYQuuIlijwDfqS05NJGYRXzfUq4u8UbKkl2VnM38wnDbXaJWtz7fGiQyyBS-pCw/s320/June_camping+162.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Harper LOVES a silly picture. She prefers a silly picture. Often when I'm looking for a good family picture I see her silly face in the corner. It's really the best thing. I don't ever want it to change. Her quiet silly ways tickles my silly bone!<br />
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<a href="http://liferearranged.com/"><img alt="life rearranged" height="120" width="200" border="0" src="http://liferearranged.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/instafridaybutton.jpg" /></a>Mother of Manyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04444809396684586525noreply@blogger.com1