Watching "B"...
Learning letters...
Reading...
Napping with Cassie
"Thummy"...
Sweet Sarah Jane.....Wednesday, October 1, 2008
a day in the life of .....sarah jane
Watching "B"... Learning letters... Reading... Napping with Cassie "Thummy"... Sweet Sarah Jane.....
Monday, September 29, 2008
the simple life
The simple life. It seems like such an elementary term. But, truly, what does it entail? Some thoughts.......
The other day my Hannah came up to me and told me how she wanted to live back in the "Little House On the Prairie" days. She wanted to have a farm and not have anything but indoor plumbing. She wanted to wear her calico dress and her bonnet and make bread. I thought,"oh, how cute," and continued to wash dishes, (well, rise under my faucet and put them into the dishwasher...not very "prairie" like).
Well, in complete awe and humbled heart, I continued to think about what she said. Not only am I thankful that she is beginning to embrace our new way of the Biblical life, but I am just so thankful that the Lord is doing something amazing and wonderful in the heart of my beautiful first born. Yes, it has been a struggle, but I see the fruit and I am blessed.
So, simple life, sure we could go without electricity, Internet and cell phones, but it was life of a man with a simple message who came many years ago to take the sin of the world upon His shoulders so that we could simply have Him.......That is the life we all should long for.........
Be Blessed
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
moments
God is so good and His mercies are new....
everyday!
I am having such a wonderful time being a mother of four. God has awakened my soul and I feel a connection to my Heavenly Father like never before...and it is flowing into all areas of my life...Yet I still have so far to go...but I rise every morning to a new day, a new adventure and a new mercy...with my sweet girls by my side.
I am on a journey of peace and remaining in His peace is the goal that I strive for each and every moment...A constant reminder of my dependance on a risen Savior and a faithful Lord...Even in times where I feel rushed and on a "cleaning mission," my Lord often reminds me of my calling and duty to be a mommy, a teacher, a playmate, and (my girls favorite), an audience of one! Well, yesturday was no exception....
In the never winning battle to keep the sliding glass doors clean, my dear "little two" thought it funny to see how many times they could touch the glass. I do have to admit that I am a recovering "neat-freak" and "clean-a-holic", so this was WAY out of my comfort zone....But I am convinced that my sweet Savior smiled when I forgot about the glass and engaged my babies in their innocent fun! It was a meoment of pure peace and happiness....Lord, I yearn for more...Let me not soon forget the power of that moment....
Be Blessed
Saturday, September 20, 2008
words
I praise God for His new mercies each and everyday.
Wow...I am learning so much from my Heavenly Father....and my earthly father as well....
Lately, my mind and my emotions have been in a "bit" of a down-ward spiral. Call it "post-pardum" or call it "life", it is all based on the lies and entanglement of the enemy. I struggle with doubt and unbelief, but I serve a risen Savior whom has overcome both, and in that I place my full trust and hope.
As I was on the phone with my dad today, I knew he could tell just by the tone in my voice that I was feeling down and discouraged. In his amazing way, he kept repeating these words, "Don't quit...Don't quit...DO NOT EVER QUIT!"
I knew that God was using my earthly father to speak words to my heart....Don't quit...Don't quit...DO NOT EVER QUIT! It is these words and many other positive and encouraging words that my dad has said my whole life, that has propelled me to accomplish some pretty extraordinary things. I thank the Lord for that. And those words he spoke today still ring like the remnants of the sound of gun-fire at the beginning of a race. Don't quit...Don't quit...DO NOT EVER QUIT!
My spirit has been renewed and the newness of HIS daily mercy has washed over me like a warm shower. I have so long to go, but it is the Lord that is strengthening me and pruning me, for HIS Glory. In HIM I must rest. In HIM I must find peace and settle in it and in HIM I must hang on to these words, Don't quit...Don't quit...DO NOT EVER QUIT!
Be Blessed!
Wow...I am learning so much from my Heavenly Father....and my earthly father as well....
Lately, my mind and my emotions have been in a "bit" of a down-ward spiral. Call it "post-pardum" or call it "life", it is all based on the lies and entanglement of the enemy. I struggle with doubt and unbelief, but I serve a risen Savior whom has overcome both, and in that I place my full trust and hope.
As I was on the phone with my dad today, I knew he could tell just by the tone in my voice that I was feeling down and discouraged. In his amazing way, he kept repeating these words, "Don't quit...Don't quit...DO NOT EVER QUIT!"
I knew that God was using my earthly father to speak words to my heart....Don't quit...Don't quit...DO NOT EVER QUIT! It is these words and many other positive and encouraging words that my dad has said my whole life, that has propelled me to accomplish some pretty extraordinary things. I thank the Lord for that. And those words he spoke today still ring like the remnants of the sound of gun-fire at the beginning of a race. Don't quit...Don't quit...DO NOT EVER QUIT!
My spirit has been renewed and the newness of HIS daily mercy has washed over me like a warm shower. I have so long to go, but it is the Lord that is strengthening me and pruning me, for HIS Glory. In HIM I must rest. In HIM I must find peace and settle in it and in HIM I must hang on to these words, Don't quit...Don't quit...DO NOT EVER QUIT!
Be Blessed!
Monday, September 1, 2008
Believe
WOW is all I have to say!!!! Well, not really:) I do have more to say!!!
Have I mentioned how blessed I am to be the mother to four absolutely wonderful and fantastic daughters?!! Well...I am and the Lord never ceases to amaze me...
A few weeks ago, we decided to go to Sea World on a Sunday after our family worship time.
Our first stop was at Shamu Stadium and the show called "Believe." In the midst of parking strollers, getting snacks, and making sure everyone was holding hands, a gentleman came up to us and began asking questions about Hannah. After a few questions about her age, where we are from, and what she wants to be when she "grows up", I began to get a bit nervous. About that time the gentleman introduced himself as the talent manager of the "Believe" show. He went on to kindly ask if our Hannah would like to be in the show.
The rest is history....
It was a true God-moment. This show is about believing in the power of dreams and where they come from. The premise of the show is about a boy who dreams of making a difference in this world. He dreams of growing up to care for "The creatures of the earth" because it is our obligation. (Like in Genesis) The trainer that comes out and does the show with Shamu is supposed to be the boy all grown up. They then introduced Hannah and she is apart of the show. They talk about her dreams with her and she is apart of the storyline and gets to help with Shamu by feeding her etc. etc.
The focus of the show was on how we were created with a unique purpose and that we matter in this world. It was amazing the Biblical parallels that this show has. They even say "All things are possible to those who Believe." When her picture was shown on the gi-normous screen, I said to Ken that the stadium was just lit up with the very light and glory of God in her through Jesus Christ. A thousand people were blessed in the show that day and I am honored God chose her for that moment for that purpose to show His beauty in such an awesome young lady.
It was so special. My little Hannah, now 11, was the little girl that would not even stand up in front of her little preschool class and sing the "Tom Turkey" song, which made me cry because of how shy she was. She would not even walk up to get her Kindergarten diploma when she was 5, and here she was in front of a thousand people talking about her dreams. She even mentioned that she believes in the power of God. We all were so blessed to watch her. Even Elizabeth and Sarah Jane were amazed and proud of her...God IS so good!!!!
Be Blessed,
Cathleen
Thursday, August 21, 2008
a life less ordinary
I am so blessed to be a mother. I have four wounderful daughters that are so precious to me and even more precious to my Heavenly Father. And I am so honored to have been blessed with a husband who has a vision for our daughters and their future....
The Bible talks about children being a gift and a reward. The Word of God says that children are to be cherished as eternal souls that were created to love God. Scriptures also give specific ways that children should be trained in the way they should go so that they will ultimately choose to follow Christ and partake in all that He died to give. The Bible is VERY clear and percise when it comes to Godly living. It is a narrow road....A road that we have chosen, by His Grace, to follow as best as we humanly can. And a road that we will take our children down in hopes that they too, will "live as Christ."
I know that this life-style can be odd, even to fellow Christians. It is a life less ordinary. It is a life that takes stepping out of what the World says is "normal." It is a life of sacrifice for the sanctification of the heart. It is also a life of pure freedom to live in the manner which is pleasing to the Lord. It is a life that reveals His Glory and the Hope that is within us through the power and ministry of the Holy Spirit. It is a life that gives Christ room to rule and regin.
It is a life that says that parents are the ultimate earthly authority over the children and that those parents are accountable to God to instruct those children in all things and make choices that line up with the specific goals and guidelines of the Bible. It is a life where each of the members of that family are growing together as one unit where siblings are encouraged to take care and nurture one another as friends and sisters/brothers.
It is a life where the home is the center of all things. Where learning and training takes place. Where love and Godliness is encouraged and promoted so that the family, as a whole, can go out and be a blessing to those who will receive the family as one. And likewise, to have the home open so that, as a family unit, we can welcome and bless others in our home with the kindness and love in our hearts that come from fellowship with the Lord and eachother.
It is a life where the extended family, such as Grand-Parents, aunts, uncles, cousins etc. etc., and close friends that are like family, come together and enjoy the family as one and work with the family, encouraging and ministering to the family. And likewise the family is there to receive and bless others through times of extended family and or friend gatherings. It is a beautiful picture of fellowship, fun, and a time where wonderful memories are made and never forgotten. It is a time of peace and acceptance of what the family has worked so hard to achieve for the Kingdom of God.
It is a life promoted and encouraged throughout the Word of God. It is a life Christ Himself talks about. Marriage is the Gospel lived out and the fruit of the marriage is the sweetest part! The children ARE a blessing and a reward. They diserve to have a Biblical life that looks totally different from the World. It is their right and it is imparitave that we obey the Lord in this as parents.
It is certainly not an easy life, but it is so worth it. It has taken us 11 years to figure this out and we have only just begun! I praise God for His mercy and undying love and that through Him who is able, we can do all the things that He requires!!!
Be Blessed!
The Bible talks about children being a gift and a reward. The Word of God says that children are to be cherished as eternal souls that were created to love God. Scriptures also give specific ways that children should be trained in the way they should go so that they will ultimately choose to follow Christ and partake in all that He died to give. The Bible is VERY clear and percise when it comes to Godly living. It is a narrow road....A road that we have chosen, by His Grace, to follow as best as we humanly can. And a road that we will take our children down in hopes that they too, will "live as Christ."
I know that this life-style can be odd, even to fellow Christians. It is a life less ordinary. It is a life that takes stepping out of what the World says is "normal." It is a life of sacrifice for the sanctification of the heart. It is also a life of pure freedom to live in the manner which is pleasing to the Lord. It is a life that reveals His Glory and the Hope that is within us through the power and ministry of the Holy Spirit. It is a life that gives Christ room to rule and regin.
It is a life that says that parents are the ultimate earthly authority over the children and that those parents are accountable to God to instruct those children in all things and make choices that line up with the specific goals and guidelines of the Bible. It is a life where each of the members of that family are growing together as one unit where siblings are encouraged to take care and nurture one another as friends and sisters/brothers.
It is a life where the home is the center of all things. Where learning and training takes place. Where love and Godliness is encouraged and promoted so that the family, as a whole, can go out and be a blessing to those who will receive the family as one. And likewise, to have the home open so that, as a family unit, we can welcome and bless others in our home with the kindness and love in our hearts that come from fellowship with the Lord and eachother.
It is a life where the extended family, such as Grand-Parents, aunts, uncles, cousins etc. etc., and close friends that are like family, come together and enjoy the family as one and work with the family, encouraging and ministering to the family. And likewise the family is there to receive and bless others through times of extended family and or friend gatherings. It is a beautiful picture of fellowship, fun, and a time where wonderful memories are made and never forgotten. It is a time of peace and acceptance of what the family has worked so hard to achieve for the Kingdom of God.
It is a life promoted and encouraged throughout the Word of God. It is a life Christ Himself talks about. Marriage is the Gospel lived out and the fruit of the marriage is the sweetest part! The children ARE a blessing and a reward. They diserve to have a Biblical life that looks totally different from the World. It is their right and it is imparitave that we obey the Lord in this as parents.
It is certainly not an easy life, but it is so worth it. It has taken us 11 years to figure this out and we have only just begun! I praise God for His mercy and undying love and that through Him who is able, we can do all the things that He requires!!!
Be Blessed!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
so worth it
School's in!
Yay! We began our "official" school year. I am so blessed to be doing what I do. I am a proud home educator and I would not trade that for the world! Thank you to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, I am doing what I have always dreamed of doing since I was a little girl. My hearts desire is now His hearts desire and His hearts desire is now mine. It is truly awesome!!!
It is a fight, however, a good fight indeed. In Nehemiah 4:14 it says to "fight" for your children. To fight for their best interests under the Soverign Hand of the Lord and the awesome life of service and sacrifice that the Holy Father intends for us all. We are blessed to have a fresh vision from the Lord. We are finally heading in the "right" direction.
I pray that it is your heart's desire to serve the living God. It is a life of struggle and strain, but show me a life that is smooth and easy anyway. It is all in His hands. Will you trust Him with that? It is a leap of faith to trust Him in everything, but the rewards of a sanctified life is so worth it!
Be Blessed!
Yay! We began our "official" school year. I am so blessed to be doing what I do. I am a proud home educator and I would not trade that for the world! Thank you to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, I am doing what I have always dreamed of doing since I was a little girl. My hearts desire is now His hearts desire and His hearts desire is now mine. It is truly awesome!!!
It is a fight, however, a good fight indeed. In Nehemiah 4:14 it says to "fight" for your children. To fight for their best interests under the Soverign Hand of the Lord and the awesome life of service and sacrifice that the Holy Father intends for us all. We are blessed to have a fresh vision from the Lord. We are finally heading in the "right" direction.
I pray that it is your heart's desire to serve the living God. It is a life of struggle and strain, but show me a life that is smooth and easy anyway. It is all in His hands. Will you trust Him with that? It is a leap of faith to trust Him in everything, but the rewards of a sanctified life is so worth it!
Be Blessed!
Friday, August 8, 2008
jumping on the bed....a new olympic sport?!
If you ever want to stir up some excitement in your life, I have some suggestions: 1) Run for some political office, (vote 4 Pastor Ken:) and 2) Start a Blog!!!! (No, we are not Ammish, Mike...:) Just Kidding!!!!!
Last night the 2008 Olympics opened with the most spectacular show we have ever seen!! It was fantastic!!! Such an awesome display of technology and pure talent. In my true homeschooling fashion, I put up our new huge "Map Of The World" on our bedroom wall and as the participants from all the countries were announced I had Ken and the girls find where the country was. It was great. Such beauty in the faces of our fellow brothers and sisters from around the world. The evidence of a common Creator!
Well, it was exciting but, let's just say that after an hour of opening ceremony and an hour and a half of people with funny hats, the little girls were getting restless and resorted to jumping on the bed! Such fun!!!!
I truly enjoy these moments of family time.....Be Blessed!
Last night the 2008 Olympics opened with the most spectacular show we have ever seen!! It was fantastic!!! Such an awesome display of technology and pure talent. In my true homeschooling fashion, I put up our new huge "Map Of The World" on our bedroom wall and as the participants from all the countries were announced I had Ken and the girls find where the country was. It was great. Such beauty in the faces of our fellow brothers and sisters from around the world. The evidence of a common Creator!
Well, it was exciting but, let's just say that after an hour of opening ceremony and an hour and a half of people with funny hats, the little girls were getting restless and resorted to jumping on the bed! Such fun!!!!
I truly enjoy these moments of family time.....Be Blessed!
fighting the good fight
We are on a new journey that will last for generations to come. Ken and I have chosen to live a life-style that will change the course of history. Events from this past summer rocked the very foundation of our lives and the lives of our children. We are born-again, Bible-believing, hearts-on-fire, sanctified Christians and we have totally dedicated our lives to aiding in the survival of the continuation of the Gospel and the message of Christ's redeeming love.
We are thankful to our fellow Bible-believing friends and families that have been a huge support at this crucial time. We are especially thankful to those of you who have turned us on to Vision Forum and Home-Discipleship Christianity. Both of these ministries have had a huge impact on the course in which we have set our focus toward. Vision Forum has given us the expression of what has been in my heart for so long and the support to help us follow through. Home-Discipleship has given Ken the freedom to be the "Pastor" of our home and the vision to help other families along the way.
Both these ministries, along with like-minded friends and family, have been the spring-board to getting us closer to our Heavenly Father and the plans that He has for our life. We are thankful that our God cared enough about us, not only to give us Jesus Christ as a payment for OUR sin, but He gave us the support we will need along the way.
I am truly blessed and look forward to this journey that will last forever!
Be Blessed!
We are thankful to our fellow Bible-believing friends and families that have been a huge support at this crucial time. We are especially thankful to those of you who have turned us on to Vision Forum and Home-Discipleship Christianity. Both of these ministries have had a huge impact on the course in which we have set our focus toward. Vision Forum has given us the expression of what has been in my heart for so long and the support to help us follow through. Home-Discipleship has given Ken the freedom to be the "Pastor" of our home and the vision to help other families along the way.
Both these ministries, along with like-minded friends and family, have been the spring-board to getting us closer to our Heavenly Father and the plans that He has for our life. We are thankful that our God cared enough about us, not only to give us Jesus Christ as a payment for OUR sin, but He gave us the support we will need along the way.
I am truly blessed and look forward to this journey that will last forever!
Be Blessed!
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
loving life
I finally did it! I am an official blogger. You would think a writer would naturally have a blog so the "creative juices" could flow. Well, the only juices flowing around here are of the new mommy kind, if you know what I mean!!!
I love my life!!! I am so thankful for my husband and I love being a mommy of four girls. God has been so incredibly good to me. That truly is the main reason for this blog. To share in the goodness and mercy of our Heavenly Father. He is the source of ALL good things, and I look forward to sharing His awesome love with the world!!!!!
I love my life!!! I am so thankful for my husband and I love being a mommy of four girls. God has been so incredibly good to me. That truly is the main reason for this blog. To share in the goodness and mercy of our Heavenly Father. He is the source of ALL good things, and I look forward to sharing His awesome love with the world!!!!!
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