No Animals Were Harmed in the Making of this Cheeseburger

Kamakazi pork chops? They volunteered? This cracks me up! People are so weird.

P.S. I Love You

My older daughters and I watched that movie last night and boo-hooed all over ourselves. It was one of those movies I should have previewed first – when will I learn?- and I wish we had had Guardian installed on our DVD Player – the language really was overkill, as usual in movies. BUT, the movie was otherwise, very well done in that it really tugged at the heartstrings and caused one to hate death the way we should. It was especially touching as a family in our area recently suffered the tragic loss of the husband and father after he fell from a ladder landing on his head. This father of eight died three days later. Yep, death sucks.

Sorry if that word offends but I chose it because “death stinks” isn’t heavy enough or exemplify the disgust I’m feeling so, death sucks. One thing that frustrates me about movies is when they ignore God in situations where even atheists would be forced to at least consider the possibility that God exists whether by pleading for help or yelling in anger to him. (Like Castaway! Any normal person stuck by themselves that long would at some point say, “God, if you’re there…”) P.S. I Love You did not pretend that God doesn’t exist and the main character, Holly, does ask, “Why did God kill my husband?” A valid question and I’m happy they included it among other questions of “Why?” And “why” do people have to die? Sin. Sin sucks, too. I’m sorry I’m not being very ladylike but I’m feeling ticked that MY sin is the reason people die, why I’ll have to die (should the Lord tarry) and why Christ had to die.

I’m also ticked that people choose sin instead of Jesus then whine about how God has been unjust. In a way, they’re right; it was unfair that Jesus had to die when He wasn’t guilty. It was unjust that he was tortured. It was unjust that He had to leave His Heavenly throne at all. But instead of being grateful, most folks are still hurling insults at Him and declaring “there’s more than one way to heaven!” If that were true, Jesus wouldn’t have had to come to die…duh. Many people say, “Why would God condemn the pigmies in Africa just because they didn’t get to hear about Jesus?” It’s not hearing about Jesus that condemns us – it’s our sin. Again, duh. If it was about knowing Christ, He could have stayed in heaven and saved us, and Himself, a lot of headache. IOW, if it was about knowing about Him that condemns us, His coming is what condemned us, not our sin. But, sorry, it’s our sin that does us in! Jesus has given us the way out. Without that, our “Why God?” remains unanswered. But with Jesus, the “Why God?” turns into “I understand….thank You. And, because of Christ, we can see our loved ones again.

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”
Acts 4:12

“For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all.”
1 Timothy 2:5, 6

P.S. He loves you.

Funduhwas

After the rumble of thunder shook the house, my 3 y.o., Isabelle, came to me to inform me "it is funduhwas outside." I said, "Funduhwas?" She answered, "Yes, vewy funduhwus."

Did you see the episode of MASH where Colonel Blake’s wall is missing and Frank Burns has that priceless, hysterical expression of "what the heck is going on? Where’s the wall?" Well, my 2 y.o. had that same expression today as we walked by the window and he noticed the rain for the first time as a 2 year old. I was holding him as we walked by and he grunted "Monk?" Monk is milk and is what he asks for when he wants a drink, even water. I answered, "Water." He said, "Wowow." He stared and stared. SO, we went outside. I had Ben run to get the camera, this was too fun. We stuck our hands out in it then stood out in it. He giggled and blinked up into the rain until the thunder hit. He clung to me and pointed to the door pleading, "Side? Side?
Ease" which is baby-ease for "inside, please." And I almost missed out on enjoying the rain.

Glorious

That’s the word that describes a day like today. Of course, during the morning rush to be ready to host our home church, I gave my traditional threats to never host again. But things came together, our church family arrived, a meal was shared, and the weather was hand-delivered from Heaven. Being able to, once again, be outside for our worship time was such a blessing! I wish I could describe the serenity that comes with home church. All of our members are still sinners, mind you, but having been over-committed and too busy for livin’ in my previous life in “regular” church, “doing” church as described in the New Testament has been such a sanctuary. Sanctuary is the very reason we started fellowshipping with this group; we were struggling with how involved with youth and children’s activities we should be. We’re already homeschooling and peer dependency/pressure was one reason we chose that route. Watching our young ladies struggle with there self-image, attitudes toward their siblings and parents, and basic respect and maturity caused us to prayerfully consider the possibility that all those books and homeschool convention speakers were right about the negative effects of youth group. (A brief trip down memory lane helped as well). Michael Pearl wrote and excellent article on Sanctuary that convicted us and led us to home church. In the article, he talked about how the church today is more of a mission field than a sanctuary and families need sanctuary; it’s how we’re wired and what God intended the church to be. The church was never meant to be an evangelistic tool, believe it or not. WE are the evangelists and the church is for, eh hem, the church. It’s for building each other up, teaching, singing praises to our Creator. But what about seekers? That’s what hospitality is for. But people are too busy doing church crud, school band and athletics, etc. to be hospitable. Nuff said.

I believe it pleases God when his church gathers as a family reunion and spends the day together. You get to know people when you spend that much time together, and they get to know you. There’s no faking it – problems can’t hide, sorrows will be shared, as will the joys. There’s no denying that God works through institutional church and that the Holy Spirit moves amongst His people wherever they are called to be. I just know that more and more folks are feeling the weight of doctrines and activities and division and activities and pressure and traditions and activities, and, and, and just want to be with God’s people. Winds are changing – this may be a part of it.




I posted on Facebook that I'm sure they played Ultimate
Frisbee in Corinth. A friend said,"They probably called it
Ultimatum di Fresbee."




Natalie and friend in
our "balcony seats."









Judah is all snips and snails. This time, he has a toad. He played with it for hours. Try getting away with that in children's church.

People confuse us all the time…

I’m speaking of Angelina Jolie and myself….of course. As I checked out at Wally World, I saw the cover story – "Angelina is pregnant…again!" I just know that friends of mine who go through the check-out lane have to stop a minute and remember which name goes with which face. After all, they’ve said it many a time, "Michelle is pregnant…again!" Alas, this time it is not I that bears glad tidings but that rich, homely chic. One can only hope that her and Brad have read "To Train Up a Child."

Anyhoo, it has been VERY peculiar, not being pregnant or having a tiny one in my arms by now. Very strange. Some "friends" have likened me to a barn cat due to my predictability – every 2 years, a baby. I use to get the rude questions, "Don’t you know what causes that, yet?" "Aren’t you worried they won’t get the attention they need?" Some are just curious; "Are you done?" "How many are you going to have?" "What does your husband do?" "How old were you when you had your first?" The past year I’ve been getting, "Do you have any news for us?" "Are you expecting, yet?" A friend told me the other day that eventually, one does stop having babies without any external intervention. It really does stop. Most folks decide what size family best suits them, and that’s fine, we’ve just fallen in love with let God do what suits Him and have been abundantly blessed!

If we had done things "my way" (up until I was married, I wanted 2 and no more), we would have never met jolly Jillian with her incredible singing voice, cheerful disposition, peacemaking abilities and the ability to love anyone unconditionally,

or adventurous, tree-climbing Natalie, another great singer who loves to learn (on her own) about and how to do out-of-the-norm things like scuba diving, pirates & ships, and how to play bass. (She also enjoys memorizing useless facts like New Jersey is the biggest exporter of eggplant. That one won us a Papa John’s pizza so it’s no longer useless.)

AND, if we had stopped at 2, we would never have had boys! I could go into describing each of my children but will save it for the book (JK) as this would get very lengthy. You get the idea, though, especially if you know our family. If you know my children, you shudder to think of the world without them! They are incredible people!

And so, that is why I don’t feel at all excited at the possibility that I may be "done," as it were. I would love to have more. One of our answers to "how many are you going to have?" is "We’re collecting the whole set." It just doesn’t feel like we have the whole set.

My Life in Third Day Music

This went around Facebook and I usually don't waste time on these things but I couldn't resist participating using my FAV-OR-ITE band!

Using only song titles from ONE ARTIST, cleverly answer these questions.
Artist/group/band: Third Day
1 Are you male or female: This is Who I Am
2 Describe yourself: Mama & I Believe
3 How do you feel about yourself: I Got a Feeling
4 Describe your ex boyfriend/girlfriend: You Make Me Mad
5 Describe your current boy/girl situation: ‘Til the Day I Die
6 Describe your current location: Took My Place
7 Describe where you want to be: Mountain of God
8 Your best friend is: You Are So Good To Me
9 Your favorite color is: Take It All (Green, as in the current administration’s plan for stimulus)
10 You know that: Love Heals Your Heart
11 What's the weather like: The Sun is Shining or When the Rain Comes or Sky Falls Down or Consuming Fire (We’re in Indiana, this could all happen tomorrow)
12 If your life was a television show what would it be called?: Alien
13 What is life to you?: Revelation
14 What is the best advice you have to give: Cry Out to Jesus
15 If you could change your name what would you change it to: Rockstar or Billy Brown

Don’t Take Them For Granted

Craig and I met with friends one night last week and enjoyed some intense fellowship as we shared some pretty hearty laughs but also divulged deep hurt and loss that led to tears at one point. We’re not close friends with these folks but it’s impossible to not feel drawn closer to someone when you, and they, have become vulnerable enough to cry in front of each other and reveal a part of your heart that has been wounded by loss. Our friends’ loss is more recent – about 2 years ago, a young lady who may as well have been their daughter was tragically killed in a car accident (riding in a vehicle one mile to pick up drinks for a party. One mile. No, no alcohol was involved.) Their son and this girl had been friends since they were born fighting and playing like brother and sister into their teen years. My heart breaks for this young man as I experienced this pain 22 years ago when my brother died at the age of 16.

After we went home from the visit with our friends, I went to bed thinking about the heartrending loss of their young friend and as I drifted off to sleep, it hit me. All of my adult life I have longed for THAT friend. That kindred spirit that loves my kids as my own and I love theirs. That friend that I would take special trips with, buy gifts for, hang out with, argue with and not fear loss of their friendship, and call at least every 3 days. Some of you enjoy this kind of friendship. Thank God and don’t take them for granted. What hit me was that I haven’t been longing for a friend that I have yet to meet; I long for the friend I had and will never have again, my brother, Scott. Every time I’ve had a baby (reminder – 11 times), I have felt SO very sad that Scott wasn’t there to see his newest niece or nephew. Then I revisit those emotions I struggled with when Scott died like: "He was so young!" "We’ve only been close friends for a couple of years; why couldn’t you have waited, Lord?" Then there are new hurts: "Our kids would have been best friends." "He would have been SO much fun to spend time with." "Scott might have kept Todd, our younger brother, from becoming estranged from his family." "Scott would’ve homeschooled, too."

When you lose someone, many people offer, or try to offer, encouragement by telling you "time heals all wounds." I know this won’t be a huge newsflash for those of you who have lost someone close to them, but wounds like that don’t really heal. That’s how it should be. If you don’t hurt and long to see them again, then you weren’t really close. You learn to "deal" with this kind of loss but the hurt doesn’t go away. In fact, as I noted in the previous paragraph, new dimensions are added to the pain that can cause the ache to go even deeper. New "what ifs" make their appearance and there’s not a thing you can do about it. I give it to God and trust that He knows what to do with it but sometimes, I go through bouts of that helplessness. Then you find pictures, as I did today, and you lose them all over again…and again…and again. BUT, I have hope. I don’t know how anyone make’s it through without Christ. To lose my brother is bad enough but to not have the hope that I WILL see him again, I don’t know that I could function. I love him more than when he was here and I believe that’s because I am looking forward to seeing him again! Wow.

Loss also helps us tie heartstrings with others when they experience loss and it’s looking to the needs of others that keeps us from feeling sorry for ourselves. Our new-found friends’ suffering is still fresh and Craig and I have discussed our intent to reach out and encourage them. In the meantime, hug your friends. Tell your spouse you love them. Smile at and hug your children. I know it’s cliché but it’s so very true – you don’t know how much longer you have them.

"Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words."
1 Thessalonians 4:12-18

Scott would have loved this:

Minister at a funeral service, "Friends, let us say goodbye to our beloved, departed friend. Let us remember that here lies only the shell – the nut has gone!"
Be blessed and hugs in Him!

Scott loved purple. His fave places to shop were the GAP and the Merry-Go-Round. This is the shirt and tie he was buried in.

My Life in Third Day Music

This went around Facebook and I usually don't waste time on these things but I couldn't resist participating using my FAV-OR-ITE band!

Using only song titles from ONE ARTIST, cleverly answer these questions.
Artist/group/band: Third Day
1 Are you male or female: This is Who I Am
2 Describe yourself: Mama & I Believe
3 How do you feel about yourself: I Got a Feeling
4 Describe your ex boyfriend/girlfriend: You Make Me Mad
5 Describe your current boy/girl situation: ‘Til the Day I Die
6 Describe your current location: Took My Place
7 Describe where you want to be: Mountain of God
8 Your best friend is: You Are So Good To Me
9 Your favorite color is: Take It All (Green, as in the current administration’s plan for stimulus)
10 You know that: Love Heals Your Heart
11 What's the weather like: The Sun is Shining or When the Rain Comes or Sky Falls Down or Consuming Fire (We’re in Indiana, this could all happen tomorrow)
12 If your life was a television show what would it be called?: Alien
13 What is life to you?: Revelation
14 What is the best advice you have to give: Cry Out to Jesus
15 If you could change your name what would you change it to: Rockstar or Billy Brown

Top 10 Things You Hate to Hear on an Airplane

1.This is your captain speaking. I don’t mean to alarm anyone, but if the child out on the starboard wing belongs to anyone, would you please alert the flight attendant?
2.I’m sorry sir but you have one more child than you have tickets for.
3.Boy, Dad, you sure made a loud noise in the bathroom…and what is that smell?
4.Dad, wasn’t there an engine attached to the wing when we took off?
5.Psst, Dad, this big fat lady next to me is squishing me.
6.I know I just went, but I gotta go again.
7.How much longer?
8.How much longer?
9.How much longer?
10. Honey, you take care of the kids and wake me when the plane lands.

and a bonus:
"This is your captain speaking. I have some bad news. We have lost all navigational & communication devices and and we have no idea where we are. We are almost out of fuel and the engines are failing one by one.But I have good news…we are making excellent time."

Free Haircuts

One day, a barber decides, as a service to the community, to give free haircuts to all his customers for the entire week.

First thing in the morning, a florist goes to the barber for a haircut. After the cut he asked about his bill and the barber replied, 'I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week.' The florist was pleased and left the shop.
When the barber goes to open his shop the next morning there is a 'thank you' card and a dozen roses waiting for him at his door.

Later, a cop comes in for a haircut, and when he tries to pay his bill, the barber again replies, 'I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week.' The cop is happy and leaves the shop.
The next morning when the barber goes to open up there is a 'thank you' card and a dozen donuts waiting for him at his door.

Later that day, a college professor comes in for a haircut, and when he tries to pay his bill, the barber again replies, 'I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week.' The professor is very happy and leaves the shop.
The next morning when the barber opens his shop, there is a 'thank you' card and a dozen different books, such as 'How to Improve Your Business' and 'Becoming More Successful.

Then, a Congressman comes in for a haircut, and when he goes to pay his bill the barber again replies, 'I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week.' The Congressman is very happy and leaves the shop.

The next morning when the barber goes to open up, there are a dozen Congressmen lined up waiting for a free haircut.

Tea Parties

Tomorrow, no less than 2000 cities will host Tea Parties and/or Fair Tax rallies as well as the sabotage efforts of Acorn and other folks that believe you should be tolerant and have freedom of speech unless you’re disagreeing with them or voicing dissent against Obama’s spending spree. I plan on being one of the throng along with my friend, Heather, who celebrates her birthday on Tax Day every year. She is looking forward to spending part of her birthday standing up for what it is right and speaking out against injustice. She is a tenacious friend who I aspire to be like in that she is eager to learn…about anything and put it into practice. She retains more knowledge in her pinky than most so-called experts will ever hope to attain. In short, if you want to how make home remedies from homegrown herbs, how to raise chickens, homeschooling statistics, how to make diaper wraps, any and all gardening, the ins and outs of economics, gain nutrition knowledge, learn the stifled research revealing cures for cancer, diabetes, et al. and the reduced lifespans and quality of life caused by today’s methods of treating and preventing disease, and know all the fascinating facts as to why Obama should not be President, ask Heather. Media-suppressed facts like Mr. Obama tried to join the C.I.A. and the Secret Service but because of his background and connections could not gain the clearance necessary to join. But yet, he’s in the White House. And other facts like giving a speech from the porch of his friend, Bill Aires. Remember Bill Aires? He bombed the Pentagon several years ago, said he regretted they didn’t do more damage, and was glad for what happened to the Twin Towers. Yea, good friend for our President to have. I feel so safe. Oh, she has more where that comes from but she also is fully aware that most people don’t care. When Shawn Hannady interviewed people on the street who voted for Obama if they knew who our Vice-President is, the one they voted for, they didn’t know. When asked if the government should help them buy a house or a car, they said yes. When read selections from the Communist Manifesto, they agreed that’s how government should be. And when asked if they knew who Karl Marx is, they didn’t know. These weren’t impecunious indigents. Average people. And that’s what frustrates Heather and me so much. Average people are willing to give up their freedoms that other people have DIED for because they’re lazy, selfish, gullible, and willingly ignorant just so long as they can enjoy the current Obama fad. That’s what it has been – a "we are the world, change we need" fad and our country has become a nation of followers instead of the leaders that once made this a great nation. I had a bumper sticker once that read, "Ignore the media, think for yourself." If people would learn to think for themselves, we might just have us a country again. And, "If My people, who are called by my name, would humble themselves, and turn from their wicked ways, I will heal their land."
We thoroughly enjoy our chats and do not get together enough. For Heather’s birthday, I’m giving this "spout off." I know she would be glad she’s not the only one who feels the need. Happy Birthday, Heather.

What I learned at 4-H

An interesting tidbit: we went to a 4-H Sharp Sh--ters meeting (they’re still legal…for now) and discussion was introduced on whether to continue having sh--ts at the current indoor rxnge which is having scheduling conflicts but provides all the a-mo, or move to another rxnge and the club buy its own –m-o. The latter r-nge is preferred but the free a--o is too big a deal to pass up. Especially in light of the fact that every place in town sells out of azmunision almost as soon as it’s delivered and places like Wal-mart have instituted a 2-box per person limit. This is due to the fact that dealers are buying IT up and reselling it at flea markets and u-know-what shows at a mark-up AND folks are stock-piling for fear of impending loss of liberties. Wow. The Revxlusionary Waar was fought with ilxegal w—p-ns; will we have to witness a repeat in our lifetime?

Getting back in the groove

It has been so long since I’ve actually blogged. I am so busy making memories and learning life lessons that I haven’t had time to jot them down. I also have been through some yuck, not unusual for a human, and haven’t felt like hanging dirty laundry. I’m also a procrastinator. The only reason there’s not a good excuse for procrastination is because I haven’t had time to think of one, yet. A big problem with not writing it down is I have had Pregnant Brain Rot one too many times and I keep having to go through repeat lessons I didn’t like having to go through the first time. I also have a lot to share; I just can’t seem to remember what it is I have to share when there’s an interested, listening ear available. I’m a visual person. I have to write it down. Once I write it down, it’s apart of me. It’s also easier to share when in print so here I am – I’ll give it another go.
I am suppose to be working on menus and grocery lists but can’t concentrate until we get these little munchkins to bed. Isaiah is currently screaming at a babydoll because its PJs won’t fit right and it won’t go into the carseat the way he wants. Yes, the carseat is sitting in the middle of the living room right now; part of our crew went to The Truth Project study at friends' and had to make room in the van for riders. Zah-man just said he’s going bye-bye and blew me a kiss. The almost 2 y.o. is quite the cutie.
Lenae, Jillian, Natalie, Benjamin and I spent 4 days at Equine Affair in Columbus, Ohio over the weekend. We don’t own horses but after going to this event since 2004, I think I might know what to do with a horse if I am ever blessed with one. I get very impressed with myself at EA as I can’t stand to walk near dog poop, spit in the parking lot, worms in the driveway, or smashed grapes on the dining room floor but I can tromp all over horse crud for 4 days straight without batting an eye. There’s hope for this city girl – I might even be able to muck a stall some day!
Alrighty, I’m going to get off here and drop-kick some kids in bed. My hope is to start a blog imparting my vast wisdom and experience with homeschooling, big family management, and the struggle to be a great wife while married to a loathsome sinner (and being somewhat imperfect myself). I also want to have a blog just covering our adventure into catering. We’ve been working for 3 years to start a family catering business and it’s just been a hoot following God’s leading and being a part of His "coincidences." Eventually, I will probably also have a blog that will tackle living with a rebellious child and my hope is that you’ll be able to rejoice with us as we witness to God’s provision and protection as I tell you the secrets to success. Right now, they’re still secrets but we’re hoping we’re close to victory. I’ll keep you posted!

2/19/09
Still in the Midst
I keep putting off blogging. I love to write and would love to have a unique niche that blesses somebody but our lives have been so consumed with "what to do with our rebel" that I constantly put off posting until "things get better." I want to be able to exude humor and encouragement and hope but that’s so hard when you’re "in the midst" and the "midst" has lasted eight, long, non-stop years. I’ve often contemplated deleting the posts about our rebel child and perhaps will someday. I don’t want to alienate her further, on the one hand, one the other, I don’t think that’s possible. If I can help any parent prevent their child from becoming rebellious, it will have been worth the time taken to jot down my thoughts.

Some out there have given suggestions as to the source of the problem and we have investigated everything. After Fitzilla spent EIGHT weeks living in another family’s home where the parents are being trained in counseling, they observed no indication of bi-polar or any other abnormality, just a young lady who somewhere along the line started believing satan’s claims to truth. She quite often loses touch with reality and her twisted perspective on events as they occur. Some would try to diagnose that as something or other but we, believing Scripture is all-sufficient, see her believing her lies to be truth as she sees fit and the Bible calls her a fool. I am the mother of a foolish daughter. That grief is about as unbearable as losing a child. I hope I never experience that grief but knowing that if my daughter were to die in her rebellion, she might be lost forever, I don’t know how, without God, I could endure that.

So, my DH and I have been talking to a nouthetic counselor for several months and have learned quite a bit about what we’re dealing with here. Fitzilla is living out what is called a "wrathful lifestyle." Because of years of not being on the same page with training and discipline with her, she’s had her own set of rules from early on (we do not have any problems with any of our 10 other children...knock on Formica). When a child sins, they know and when they don’t experience consequences for that sin, they carry the burden of guilt. If this goes on for years, the frustration of that guilt leads to the wrathful lifestyle. The anger that mounts up give the devil a foothold as God’s Word warns us and, voila, instant rebel. As parents, we made mistakes early on with her but are on the same page and striving to be obedient is what God wants us to do now. It may be too late (for now) and our young adult child may have to make a lot of stupid mistakes before she comes back to what we have taught her. Until that time, it will hurt to watch, we will pray non-stop, and we will train our other children in the love and admonition of the Lord. We also have a burden for other parents to not make the same mistakes. Smokey Bears tells us "Only you can prevent forest fires." I’m here to tell you that only you, not the youth group leader, not their friends, not anybody else can prevent rebel fires. Yes, all kids are wired different and some have a predisposition toward defiant tendencies. I don’t believe God gives us children then says "good luck with that one." All children’s hearts are pliable, don’t believe psychobabble. God’s Word is all-sufficient.