consider Him...

A new blog...

2006-04-30T12:49:00.000-07:00

I have a new blog...

It's a ocd thing... I have to have the right title and topic...

I know silly, but that's me! lol

http://ordinaryadventuresoflife.blogspot.com/

Eyes wide open...

2006-04-05T09:03:00.000-07:00

"my life is flashing before my eyes, i better just keep them open then.."

A line from my awesome niece"s blog... It can feel that way... I try to keep up with everything, everyone, and sometimes, no most of the time lately anyway I feel like I'm just sliding around...

Are we talking, "life goes by fast or make sure you don't bury your head in the sand

or gotta get to everything... " I don't think these birds can see what's going on to their side, do you?

I don't think I'll read this post when I'm done, I do that and then I end up "fixing" it...

You can't keep them open all the time, but you want to be sure they're open when they should be, huh?

I'm sure anyone who reads this will be completely confused, but I just don't feel like posting something that makes sense...

Some people see me like this, but I don't think I've ever published it... ?

So much going on in this head of mine that it shuts off a lot lately...

I MISS AFRICA!!!

11 MORE MONTHS!!

walk the dog...please...

2006-02-12T15:53:00.000-08:00

Thanks Matt...

I'll just be right here inside...

Aim for the target...

2006-01-25T14:48:00.000-08:00

...and Don't
miss anything on
the way down...

Do you laugh or cry?

2006-01-14T05:04:00.000-08:00

This was a funny night. My brother has been trying to teach this incredibly difficult song to his family for many years....

So they decide at around midnight to give it one more try....

They struggled thru it and just when we thought they'd get it someone would mess it up! But he kept giving them the instruction they needed and at last they got it, kind of...lol

Dennae studied and took notes, Lauren laughed... and posed for the camera, thanks Lauren...
The dog was very confused...

This was the night before Dennae left for Africa for 4 months and it was a bitter sweet night. We are all so excited for her, but we miss her already.

Having someone in you life on a daily basis who encourages, challenges, and loves you with so much enthusiasum is such a special treat...

Love you, Dennae!

a couple of hours off...

2006-01-10T15:43:00.000-08:00

We lodaed them up and shipped them out... 45 boxes of clothes, 19 bicycles, tools, books, tools,...
This stuff will change the lives of those receiving it!

Seriously... It will make things possible that are not now possibly. It will meet physical needs of those who are meeting spiritual needs... leading the lost to Christ...

Some would say that things didn't go to plan and ok I'll admit I was sweating a bit when it was 7:45 and the truck hadn't arrived and it was supposed to be there from 6-8pm...

but I am just glad that just as some were ready to give up God came thru and it all worked out...

so by the time we started we had waited and we were more than ready...

some gave the time because we knew we were needed... some because we know the vision Jill has and love her...

some thought of it as a task and others as another night out...

but if you knew the children that I was so blessed

to meet in 2005 and you think about those who have given their whole lives to go....

What are a couple of hours??

what did you see...?

2005-12-28T04:57:00.000-08:00

What did you see when you thought about being a Christian? Did you see and huge mountain you would climb and when you got to the top God would be there? (Anyone remember the Little House episode when Laura climbed the mountain to talk to God?)

I don't know if it's because I came to know God at a young age or because of my imagination or what... but I realized this morning that I have always seen "Christianity" as more of a plateau with plenty of room at the top to live and grow. In Psalms 18 it talks about God enlarging the path so our feet will not slip...

I think/know God wants not just to enlarge our path, but to walk the path with us. I would encourage anyone who reads this blog to just "know" that Jesus wants to walk on the path with you ; even if you've chose a bumpy one right now, He knows a detour... lol

God bless!

IS IT JUST A STORY?

2005-12-10T06:47:00.000-08:00

"Aslan, where are you going?"
"Can we walk with you?"

"I'D LIKE THE COMPANY."

"WHAT EDMOND DID IS IN THE PAST. THERE'S NO NEED TO TALK OF THOSE THINGS IN THE PAST."

What's up with the Emmanuel Center?

2005-11-29T06:20:00.000-08:00

Hello all,

Just a reminder that any donations for the Emmanuel Center container need to be at my house or at Lighthouse by December 19th.

SOMEONE HAS VOLUNTEERED TO TEACH THE BOYS KEYBOARD! THEY JUST NEED A KEYBOARD! DOES ANYONE HAVE ONE TO SEND?
http://emmanuelcenter.blogspot.com/

Here’s the email with the needed items.
We are going to be send a container to the Emmanuel Center in Tanzania, East Africa.

We are in NEED OF VERY BADLY, Clothes for Boys from age 6-16.
Any and all sizes are welcome, what we cant use we will pass on to other children.
Summer and Winter Clothes are welcome. It does get very cold in the cold season and the children will even be wearing winter jackets.

Our greatest need is for shoes, pants, t-shirts.
The boys would love, shirts and Ties.

WE also have a on going need of NEW UNDERWEAR. We have 16 children and never enough underwear.
Socks, we need socks,, black and white.. But any color would be better than what they have now.
Most of our kids have two uniform pairs for school and maybe one or two other pairs of socks.

SO OUR GREATEST NEED IS BOYS CLOTHES IF I DIDN'T MENTION THAT ALL READY.

Other things we are asking for:
1. Tools, we will be starting a training program for the boys to learn how to build and fix things,
Any and all electric wood working tools and hand tools.
Drills, saws and what ever else men use in making furniture and such.
2. Educational DVD's, and flash cards and such. Educational books and leap frog type stuff.
*If your child has grown out of their leap frog books and such, i guarantee you that our children will benefit greatly from these such books. They are studying hard to learn English.
3. Children's books, if you home school and have old school books you want to get rid of, we will even take those to help in tutoring the kids as we are trying to transition them to a English speaking school.
4. Sports equipment.
5. Tooth brushes and floss. Somebody send floss last year, and now my kids are hooked on it.
6. MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS.
We have the unique opportunity to teach our kids keyboard and different instruments. If you have one that you just don't use, or you want to invest into this opportunity.
We could use as many as are available to us.
7. Did I mention we need clothes.
8. bicycles
9. Other things that you think we would be blessed by.

We also have a women's center that is opening this year, there is a need for sewing stuff. Like needles and scissors and things of that nature.

ALL THE ITEMS NEED TO BE SENT TO
THE FOOKS HOUSE

The items have to be received by them by December 19th. That mean things have got to be shipped in three weeks time.
DID I MENTION THAT WE NEED BOYS CLOTHES.

Thanks,
Jill

oouch!

2005-11-15T16:48:00.000-08:00

Wow my chest is hurting! I think I fell on the ground to much on Sunday! So I took a muscle relaxer and wow,

is my body really there?

I mean I see myself, but am I really there?
I should not take medication... yeah I don't handle it well!

I took some really strong pain killer once and my nephew thought it was funny to ask me questions and listen to my dumb answers... So nothing to serious going thru my mind lately...

So bye for now...

Coley's ridin

2005-09-28T08:05:00.000-07:00

Cole is going crazy on his bike! He wants to paint his helmet to match. ugh!
I was going to tell him no, but he was planning it and had all the ideas and I thought, oh what can it hurt? so that's he and my Dad's next "project".

It's cool how he knows that when he has an idea Pupa's the man! It happens almost every day. "Mom, I have an idea. We could have Pupa help us!" So out he goes to see what Pupa thinks and how soon they can get started...
If it involves a
custom then it's Nana's turn to get in on "the plan"...

Get it out?

2005-09-27T05:16:00.000-07:00

A friend sent me this. I didn't post the entire message, because the rest of it was "yelling at the sinners" (kind or ironic) but this part I thought was thought provoking...

A young lady named Sally, relates an experience she had in a seminary class, given by her teacher, Dr. Smith. She says that Dr. Smith was known for his elaborate object lessons. One particular day, Sally walked into the seminary and knew they were in for a fun day. On the wall was a big target and on a nearby table were many darts. Dr. Smith told the students to draw a picture of someone that they disliked or someone who had made them angry, and he would allow them to throw darts at the person's picture. Sally's friend drew a picture of who had stolen her boyfriend. Another friend drew a picture of his little brother.
Sally drew a picture of a former friend, putting a great deal of detail into her drawing, even drawing pimples on the face. Sally was pleased with the overall effect she
had achieved. The class lined up and began throwing darts. Some of the students threw their darts with such force that their targets were ripping apart. Sally looked forward to her turn, and was filled with disappointment when Dr. Smith, because of time limits, asked the students to return to their seats.

As Sally sat thinking about how angry she was because she didn't have a chance to throw any darts at her target. Dr. Smithbegan removing the target from the wall. Underneath the target was a picture of Jesus. A hush fell over the room as each student viewed the mangled picture of Jesus; holes and jagged marks covered His face and His eyes were pierced. Dr. Smith said only these words...

"In as much as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Me." Matthew 25:40.

No other words were necessary; the tears filled eyes of the students focused only on the picture of Christ.

ok ok I'll post...

2005-09-20T05:52:00.000-07:00

So I was thinking...
How many times does it say in the Bible to hang out with your fellow Christians, learn how to speak their language, be careful not to involve yourself in things that would take you out of constant fellowship with Christians, and use most of your time finding creative ways to create a Christian world around you so you won't have to do things with non-believers?

Just wondering cuz I recently felt that this is the message from some umm... people in my life...

What the heck... Sorry!! When exactly are we going to:

Mt 5:13 -
"Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage

Mt 10:7 -
Tell them that the kingdom is here.

I know that many who read my blog are doing these things. This is just my struggle to stay out of this significantly "Christain" world so I can get out there!!

God bless you all!

started school

2005-09-01T15:27:00.000-07:00

School has begun!

So far I've learned there's another way of dividing fractions other than inverting, making a "clay" jay involves a lot of salt, although he's a terrible speller-Aaron can write a funny story, Cole can stay still for more than 5 minutes, and my boys are the best!
We are taking a long weekend. Matt's coming to stay with us for awhile.

The boys LOVE that idea! Who knows what this year will bring?

I'm looking forward to a great school year!

The rock...

2005-08-08T20:08:00.000-07:00

So it started as a fun day at the beach. Then Aaron decides to dig! He digs and digs and digs...
So Esther comes to help. Then Cami, then Cole pores water to "loosen the sand". Finally they have a good size hole when...
They hit a rock. So Aaron decides, let' just dig it out! Well 45 minutes later they discover it's a stinkin big rock...
So instead of getting upset and giving up they continue to dig...
After about half an hour more they decide to name their rock LaFooks....
There's more...
They swim for awhile,

And then go back to digging...

only to find...... yet another rock. At first they were going to name one fooks and on laflamme, but they decide on foklamme instead...

funny kids!

Tossed by the Waves?

2005-08-05T04:42:00.000-07:00

Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.

If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You'll get his help,and won't be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, with out a second thought. People who "worry thier prayer" are like wind-whipped waves. Don't think you're going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping your options open.

I could keep going, but I think that covers what God's been showing me for, well, months. He has been teaching me to be in the waves, but not tossed by the waves. I used to think it was just about faith, but I'm thinking now it also has to do with trust, about jumping into the waves and not panicing (inside joke, Kat). Going to a place where God's way is my only option...

When God is my only "hope", the only one who can "work things out" ...
I'm talking more about our future in regards to how the heck are we going to get to a point where we, as indidviduals and as a family, are using everything we have to bring people to God? I know all the "ways" we can and we are seeking to do those, but still sometimes I get impatient, want to change things. God is teaching me to wait and go at the same time... I don't know if any one will get this, but I thought I'd put it out there...

Pray for Africa...

2005-07-27T06:07:00.000-07:00

Will you take a minute to pray for those suffering...

Pray for Africa

We pray for healing.
We pray that you will lay your hands on brothers and sisters of Africa: the mothers, fathers, daughters, and sons.
We pray that you will touch their lives with your presence, your love, and your grace. We pray that you will heal their hearts and minds with the gift of life.

We pray that you will heal the church. We pray that you will touch the hearts, minds, and souls of religious communities with your compelling hand of truth. We pray that you will heal our fears, our anxiety, and our prejudice that we might live lives of faith, hope, and love to touch those suffering from HIV/AIDS.

We pray for salvation.

We pray that you will lift up our brothers and sisters of Africa from the mire of pain, horror and disease. We pray that you will offer the gift of salvation to those who are dying. We pray that you will bless them with hope in the light of love.

We pray for doctors, nurses, caregivers, and researchers. We pray that you will offer wisdom, compassion, and faith. We pray that you will bless them with an intellect to boldly imagine a world without AIDS, a vision for a new generation of medical care and an unconditional love for those who are dying without hope for treatment.

We pray for support.
We pray that you will provide for our brothers and sisters of Africa. We pray that you will comfort them in time of need. We pray that you will provide food for the hungry, clothes for the naked, a home for the homeless, and medical treatment for those who cannot afford such a luxury. We pray that you will provide your orphans with good families that will raise them in love.

We pray for our pharmaceutical companies, our corporations, and our religious communities. We pray that each institution will find it in their hearts and minds to offer monetary support by way of funding, medical treatment, and community-oriented aid.

We pray that institutions will advance in bringing “the kingdom come, on earth as it is in heaven” by dropping the debt, providing aid, and promoting trade in Africa.

We pray for compassion.

We pray that you will instill in the hearts of complacent Americans a vicarious understanding of suffering-mentally, physically, socially, and emotionally-of those dying with AIDS in Africa. We pray compassion on the cold hearts of those who cling to ignorance and in difference. We pray for compassion on those who are compelled to combat the virus, the suffering, and the death. We pray compassion for the world as we attempt to wage a war against a deadly disease that is killing our brothers and sisters. We pray for compassion for life itself.

O God, hear our prayer.

Newest Project

2005-07-25T12:14:00.000-07:00

So my newest project is the organizing of a co-op. I am doing this for our family's benefit as well as others. Last year I traveled to Lincoln on Tuesdays, North Kingstown on Wednesdays and held art at my house every other Friday. It was exhausting and I do not wish to do it again. So I am trying very hard to have as many of these co-op "classes" on Wednesdays at one location...

So check it out and pass the word! If you know people who homeschool...

This is what we are looking at http://greanmeadowcoop.blogspot.com/

The Emannuel Center got the cows!!

2005-07-22T04:42:00.000-07:00

Check it out they got the cows and it was an adventure!! Many of us were a part of this venture so be sure to go to the blog! Also, THEY SAW LIONS ON SAFARI!!!
http://emmanuelcenter.blogspot.com/

911 story God is God!

2005-07-20T13:00:00.000-07:00

An Awesome 9-11 StoryA man from Norfolk , VA
He called a local radio station to share this on Sept 11th, 2003 . His Name was Robert Matthews.
These are his words:
"A few weeks before Sept. 11th, my wife and I found out we were going tohave our first child. She planned a trip out to California to visit hersister.
On our way to the airport, we prayed that God would grant my wife asafe trip and be with her.
Shortly after I said 'amen,' we both heard a loud pop and the car shookviolently. We had blown out a tire.
I replaced the tire as quickly as I could, but we still missed herflight. Both very upset, we drove home.
I received a call from my father who was retired NYFD. He asked what mywife's flight number was, but I explained that we missed the flight. Myfather informed me that her flight was the one that crashed into thesouthern tower.
I was too shocked to speak.
My father also had more news for me; he was going to help. 'This isnot something I can just sit by for; I have to do something.'
I was concerned for his safety, of course, but more because he hadnever given his life to Christ. After a brief debate, I knew his mindwas madeup. Before he got off of the phone, he said, 'take good care of mygrandchild.'
Those were the last words I ever heard my father say; he died whilehelping in the rescue effort.
My joy that my prayer of safety for my wife had been answered quicklybecame anger. I was angry at God, at my father, and at myself.
I had gone for nearly two years blaming God for taking my father away.My son would never know his grandfather, my father had never acceptedChrist, and I never got to say goodbye Then something happened.
About two months ago, I was sitting at home with my wife and my son,when there was a knock on the door. I looked at my wife, but I couldtell she wasn't expecting anyone. I opened the door to a couple with asmall child.
The man looked at me and asked if my father's name was Jake Matthews. Itold him it was. He quickly grabbed my hand and said, 'I never got thechance to meet your father, but it is an honor to meet his son.'
He explained to me that his wife had worked in the World Trade Center and had been caught inside after the attack. She was pregnant and hadbeen caught under debris. He then explained that my father had beenthe one to find his wife and free her.
My eyes welled up with tears as I thought of my father giving his lifefor people like this. He then said, 'there is something else you needto know.'
His wife then told me that as my father worked to free her, she talkedto him and lead him to Christ.
I began sobbing at the news. Now I know that when I get to heaven, myfather will be standing beside Jesus to welcome me, and that thisfamily would be able to thank him themselves.
When their baby boy was born, they named him Jacob Matthew in honor ofthe man who gave his life so mother and baby could live."
This story should help us to realize two things:First - that though it has been three years since the attacks, we shouldnever let it become a mere tragic memory. And second - but mostimportant- God is always in control. We may not see the reason behind things,and we may never know this side of heaven, but God is ALWAYS incontrol.
Please take time to share this amazing story with those you love. Youmay never know the impact it may have on someone. God doesn't call thequalified, He qualifies the call.

Who are the Maasai?

2005-07-18T10:16:00.000-07:00

Good question.. and before our trip to Tanzania all I knew about them was what we saw on Discovery Channel...
Well ,what and experience when we went with Jill (and 12+ others in 1 car) to visit the Maasai. It was like going to another world, not enough that we were across the world from "home", but now it was like we were going even further. Read this story I found... go to the link in the post below and at the bottom select article box "Jesus among the Maasai"... couldn't get the link to work?

So our experience was with a church. This church was under a tree. They had recently built a building though and were waiting for the $ to finish it...

as we approached the church I was thinking, what are we going to do, say,... but as we joined them it was so amazing they were just glad to have us there with them...I think God brought us there to see how unimportant our stuff is...

it was an awesome visit sharing with them the story of Samuel and singing in half English and Swahili ...The children were so amazed by the video camera! And wow can they play soccer!

They could not stop touching Cole's head... They don't see many blondes...

So it was incredible and we left exhausted and soaked (from sweat) but now "knew" the Maasai...

What IS really important?

2005-07-11T15:14:00.000-07:00

http://www.aim-us.org/get_connected/articles/articledetail.asp?ArticleNum=49

Check this article out! wow!!

We've been getting to know our new friend

2005-07-05T22:19:00.000-07:00

Meet our new friend. We've spent a bit of time with this friend lately. We are finding our friend has many aspects to her that we didn't know about. Our friend hid from us for awhile but now our friend knows; hopefully, that we only want the best for her... (smile)

If we take time to get to know the people around us (even if it takes a broken down car) our life will be better for it...

Sometimes friendships take patience and time, but it's ALWAYS worth the end result. Take advantage of the opportunities that are put in front of you to spend time with people. You never know you may find as wonderful a person hiding in your friend as we did in ours! (smile)

Fatter

2005-07-05T12:35:00.000-07:00

Who is Fatter? Rather, who was Fatter? Fatter was our fish... Really Cole's fish.

Fatter passed away a few days ago.
He was a good fish, though he didn't do much other than swim on his back.

So, I found out there is actually a reason he would swim on his back, it's called "bloated fish disease". It happens when a fish sucks to much air...

So those times when we thought he was being friendly as he would come to the top of the bowl and "greet" us...

So be warned fish owners if you have a fish who sucks to much air...

Fatter was a good fish, we enjoyed seeing him doing those "tricks". What kind of animal shall we care for next?

One more thought about Cole...

2005-06-28T08:44:00.000-07:00

I was thinking some more about his personality and how he is so .... Cole.
And It lead me, of course, to a picture...

Sometimes when I have been away from Cole for a day or even a few hours he greets me at the door with a big hug. Sometimes with a "mom you go to hear this..." And then sometimes he is very down like his life has fallen apart while I was gone...

This got me thinking about God and how I go to Him. It is very much like this and He always picks me up and listens. And His answer is not always what I expect!

Thanks fro reading...

Crazines

2005-06-24T21:17:00.000-07:00

My son Cole.... He can be a crazy one... He can also make me a little crazy, but then he makes everything so fun... A party ready to happen!

Today after swim class he insisted on going to the changing room doing it all on his own. That's not a big deal because he is 6 years old. So he manages it all very well and we head out of the club. And he calls back to the women at the desk, "You have a nice day now!"

Boston...

2005-06-24T16:34:00.000-07:00

So we went to Boston...
What a great time, It was so nice to be with my nieces and hear them share their passions and excitement about life.
I know we will always share the same heart for people...

Watching people go by to their busy lives I started thinking about how I could relate the Gospel to them. I mean something that happened and is over...

but it is not over and done with because every time I call out to Him He is there. From the times when I'm just talking to Him about my day and thanking Him for my family to the times I am crying out "help me, I'm loosing my mind!" :) He's there.

I can't imagine not having that sense that my Father is there watching and waiting for me to reach out to Him...

Going to the city, a real city, as Allie puts it, gives you a feel for a the differences there are in people, yet we're all the same, in need of a savior. It's a great experience and I am so glad I shared it with "the girls".

2005-06-21T21:00:00.000-07:00

My stinkin Blog

2005-06-21T20:43:00.000-07:00

It's late at night and I am being forced to write this dumb thing. It WILL get better...
I needa post sosa I can go da bed...

night!