Drunk Man Crashes Easter Morning Service

Our morning started bright and early, at 4:30am. Our church has a sunrise service on Easter morning to celebrate the resurrection of our Saviour Jesus Christ. The sunrise service was cold and drizzly, but nice just the same. We  meet at a park on a hill nearby our church so we can see the sun rise while we sing hymns and have a lesson about Christ's sacrifice on the cross and resurrection for our sins. What an amazingly wonderful thing he did for you and me. Why anyone would choose to die without his salvation is truly beyond my comprehension.

Sunrise Service

 It's a tradition at our church to have a huge breakfast after the sunrise service where the men and boys do the cooking and serving. It's sort of their thank you to the women for taking care of the cooking and serving of the food for all of the other gatherings during the year. The men cooked, french toast, bacon, sausage and scrambled eggs, and the young boys served the plates of food to all of the women and girls. One of the women has 10 children ( her 11th blessing on the way), the look of gratefulness in her eyes when she was told that she could sit down and her food would be brought to her and her children, was priceless. Of course we ladies always talk about how weird we feel just sitting there while the men/boys cook and serve. Just to humor them, we let them do this once a year. *grin*

Trading Silly Bands

The regular morning service is followed right after breakfast. Usually on Sundays we have a morning church service, but on Easter both services are in the morning so that families can spend the rest of the day with their families. This year our regular service had a guest yeller. It was a little surprising, and a little scary at the same time. Toward the end of the sermon a man walked in and started yelling at the pastor and challenging his beliefs. Before I continue, I want to first address that the entire sermon was focused on the proof that Jesus Christ is God, and how some people think he was just a great prophet or a good man. So...This man, was wearing a giant poncho and had a guitar. He was extremely drunk and yelling. He stood toward the back of the pews in the aisle and announced that he was the Angel Gabriel and he had a message to tell us. He screamed at our pastor asking, "Why are you teaching from the 2nd testament? Jesus of that testament was the anti-christ. The true christ has not yet come. We are all sinning by worshipping this false Jesus of the 2nd testament and he is not God and there is only a 1 part God and we should serve him only" **I kid you not, he came in yelling and carrying on about exactly what our pastor had been preaching on.** He was asked by the pastor to sit down so he could hear and learn why he was preaching that Jesus is in fact, God. He sat for a moment and then stood up and started yelling a bunch of  twisted scripture and how he did his homework before he came in so he   could give us this message. One of our men walked over to him and told him if he wasn't going to sit and listen then he would have to leave. "Gabriel" started getting angry and asking why had security been called on him. This was sort of funny because the man who got up to talk to him, is a huge security type looking man. He refused to sit and be quiet so he was nicely escorted out while yelling, "I'm being thrown out of my lords house?".  Once he was outside, our pastor finished the sermon, prayed for "Gabriel" and we closed the service. Our pastors wife saw him drinking a beer outside of the church near the curb by the street. Another 1st time visitor drove him home, but I guess they didn't know each other. It was all very strange.

The "Gabriel" incident was a little scary, you never have any idea what a crazy belligerently drunk person is going to do. All of the children remained very calm, but expressed later that they were scared. Our men handled it and made sure everyone was safe.

I tried to get a snap shot of "Gabriel" but this is all I could get. He's in the passenger seat but you can't really see him.

On a different note, we had the family over to our house this year for lunch/dinner. Usually we gather at one of my aunts' houses, but since we bought a new house, they let us have the honors. Everyone brought food and snacks. K & A made Hummingbird Cake Cupcakes yesterday. They were awesome. We stuffed some plastic eggs with puzzle pieces, green army men and a little candy so the kids could hunt out in the back yard. It was such a lovely afternoon. E  has been singing, "When the Roll is Called Up Yonder" all day. It's cute. The little ones are old enough to begin to understand the reason for celebrating Christs resurrection and what he did for us.

I hope you had  blessed day with your loved ones.

Still here

It's been busy around here. I haven't had much time for blogging. I've been trying to limit my computer time. I find I can spend way too much time online and before I realize it I've let go a bunch of my responsibilities. So, I do most of my email and Facebook checking from my phone.


We've had quite a bit going on. Our pastor bought a new house and we've been over there a lot helping to clean, and the men are building 2 bathrooms. It only came with 1. Adam has been going over there a lot after work to help with the plans and building. He is sort of the project manager, and some of the men work all day doing the stuff he told them to. Like all DIY projects, it's taking longer and costing more than Pastor figured. That's life I guess. Hopefully they will be all finished in the next 2 weeks, so us ladies can get over there and really clean for them to move in.

I've been placed in charge of the youth table at our church's upcoming rummage sale. The youth of the church are going to be selling baked goods, coffee and water to earn money to go to the National Youth Conference next year. It's about $150 per kid and some of the families at our church have several children who can go. Just for us it would be $300 for the two oldest to go. They are also collecting recycling to earn money. It was all my idea, so I'm sure that's why they are putting me in charge. I think it will be fun, I love the teenagers at our church.

I'm still doing my declutter mission and am ready to post on that. I've got about half the house done and I'm loving the lack of stuff everywhere. We are enjoying our last few weeks of summer before we start school again. It's been hot and the girls have been doing a lot of  swimming.


I had my birthday last week and hit the big 31. We celebrated at the A's game. My brother in law shares the same birthday as I do, so the whole family went to the game and we tailgated first. The A's won. Yay! Later that evening, my husband let me relax in the hot tub and he and the girls cooked me dinner followed by homemade cookie ice cream sandwiches. It was a blissful wonderful day. I love my family. My mom had another birthday get together for cake and ice cream this last Sunday afternoon. That was very nice and relaxing.


For those of you inclined to prayer, our family needs it. We have a few members who have ran across some bad health problems. I can't explain at the moment. Some people haven't been told about it yet and I'd hate to be the one to spill the beans. Just send some prayers our way.


Yesterday the girls and I met up with my friend and her little girl, she also had her friend and little boy come along. We met at the water park and had a picnic. It ended up being really windy and kind of chilly so our day was cut short. It was a lot of fun to hang out with my friend, it's been a while since I've seen her.


Scary stuff last night, as we were all sitting in the hot tub. Emily started pointing at August laughing and saying "you have a spider on your head" we thought she was joking because of the way she was giggling. Either that or it was a tiny bug or something. August got annoyed with her sister and said "Mom, is there a spider on my head?" I turned to look and TO MY HORROR I LOUDLY GASPED. Adam turned and looked too,  there was a giant Black Widow Spider on her head. I've never seen one so big, or on a human. He flew across the hot tub and tried to flick it, and it just stuck on. Then he swatted it and nothing, he was afraid it would get mad and bite her so he tried to swat again, and finally grabbed her head and dunked her under water. When she came back up it was gone, and luckily didn't bite her. It all happened so fast, and we looked around the water and found no spider. He yelled at us all to get out, get out. So we all got out and ran in the house to change and make sure it didn't end up in our clothes or hair. We never did find that spider and have no idea where it went. It still makes me shiver. August never saw the spider and that's probably a good thing. That was the highlight of our week I think.


I am finishing up the decluttering of our kitchen today and hope to blog on it soon. God bless you all.

Where are ya gonna go?

If you were to die today, do you know where your eternal soul would go? Would you go to eternal life in Heaven? Would you go to the eternal burning fires of hell? Are you not sure?

Heaven would be the most desirable place to go. It's easy to get there. You need only believe in Jesus Christ by faith alone. THAT'S IT!! "And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house" (Acts 16:31). See, simple. Believe that Jesus Christ is God ("I and my Father are one" John 10:30) and that he died to pay for your sin and then rose again 3 days later. This is God's free gift to you. All you need to do is accept it. Once you have accepted this free gift of salvation, you can't lose it! You can't maintain it, you can't work for it, you can't sin it away. There is nothing you did to earn it, so therefore you can't do anything to lose it. "And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. (John 10:28) You are given eternal life. Something that is eternal can't end. It's everlasting. It's a common misconception that if you don't "live right" after you're saved then you are no longer saved. NOT TRUE! THIS IS A LIE! No where in the bible does it say you will lose your salvation if you don't "live right" What is right anyway? None of us can "live right", we are all sinners and still sin everyday.

This may be the only chance you get to determine your eternity. You could die today. Don't waste this chance to accept Him. Okay, follow these easy steps.

-Admit you're a sinner and believe in your heart and confess the Lord Jesus, with your mouth.

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God:

Romans 10:9-10 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

-Realize and acknowledge that your sin must be paid for, and that death is the payment for that sin. Then ask God to save you.  (There is no magic way to pray, just talk to God)

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Sin has to have a payment. It's payment requirement is death. Either you pay for your sin by eternal death in hell, or you can accept the payment that Christ made already. Christ died and paid for all of your sin, past present and future. It's a free gift from God, and it's eternal through Jesus Christ ONLY!

- Believe that Christ died for YOU!

Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

He died for us, even though we are sinners. He was perfect and laid down his life for us. Who else would do that? He had no sin to pay for, he didn't deserve death for sin. But, he did it anyway. Know this, that if  you were the only person that ever sinned and needed redemption, he would have gone through his horrific death, just for YOU alone.

- Salvation is free to anyone who will accept it by faith in Jesus Christ alone.

Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Salvation comes when you believe on Jesus Christ. Then you pass from death to life. - Romans 4:5 "But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness" This clearly states that you can't "work" or "earn" your way to Heaven. Anyone who tells you this is lying to you. Going to church won't save you, being a good person won't save you, doing rituals won't save you, helping the poor or sick won't save you, being baptized won't save you. Only faith in Jesus Christ will save you.

Let me know if you made the decision to be saved. All comments are moderated so it wont be publically published if you don't want it to. You don't have to even say who you are. Thanks for reading and I hope you were able to make a decision today. Don't wait, it may be too late. If you made the decision, get yourself a KING JAMES Bible. They are easy to get, you can even find them at the dollar tree. If you can't afford one, I have a few brand new ones sitting in my room, I'll mail one to you.

Mother's Day Gifts: How to make bath salts

I have been into making gifts lately. I was taught how to make bath salts by my friend. I made 10 jars for Mother's Day this year. I had 3 large lovely mason jars, that I used for my Mother, Mother in law and Sister in law, The others were various jelly, small mason jars and even a relish jar. These were for the mothers at our church. I really enjoy the Victorian era and the style from that time. I made my gift tags with Victorian photos.

Ingredients/Directions for bath salt:

Epsom Salt
Essential Oil  (I used 100% pure Jasmine. I found this at the health food store)
Baking Soda (makes the skin soft)

Food coloring. I used about 3 drops of Neon Pink

I mixed everything up in a large gallon ziplock bag.

I found a wonderful remnant of fabric for $.50, that also matched well with my Victorian theme. I was able to make all of these gifts for less than $20.00. It always pleases my husband when I'm able to stretch his hard earned dollars.

Gift Tag

Easter "Resurrection Day"

I have found a friend in Jesus, He's everything to me He's the fairest of ten thousand to my soul.

The Lily of the Valley, in Him alone I see All I need to cleanse and make me fully whole.

In sorrow He's my comfort, in trouble He's my stay He tells me every care on Him to roll He's the Lily of the Valley, the Bright and Morning Star He's the fairest of ten thousand to my soul.

~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~

Saturday night we finally got around to dying our eggs. This was a lot of fun for the kids. I am now appreciating that they are older because it made the clean up much easier.

Easter was a very busy day. We woke at 5:30am so we could get to Sunrise Service at 6:30. It was at the park on the hill, so it was very cold. Of course it was nice to be up with our church family at sunrise to bring in the day that the Son rose. Following the service the sweet men of our Church cooked breakfast for all the women and children. This was a nice treat.

Sunrise Service. I wish this picture had turned out better.

Sweet little Emily all bundled up

After our fabulous breakfast, we had our normal Sunday School and regular Sunday Service. Immediately following the children all had an egg hunt. This was madness and lasted only a few minutes. They sure were excited to pile all those eggs in their buckets.

The altar was filled with Easter Lily's. They were purchased by the church members for our loved ones who are no longer with us. We bought one in remembrance of Grandma Mary and one for Haley's Mama.

August, Haley & Kiley

Victory Baptist Children with Pastor

We traveled to Brentwood after church. Our Aunt Karen hosted Easter this year. It was so very nice, it has been a long time since we have been able to see them all. We are blessed to have so much family that we have to split them up between holidays. Auntie Karen's house was such fun. The children had an egg hunt in the rain, and spent the afternoon consumed with blowing bubbles.

We would like to apologize to the family. We realized that we took about 200 pictures of Easter and they were all of our children. I guess we are biased, but I'll have to remember next time to take photos of others too.

Beautiful picture of the grandchildren

Haley

running to get those eggs


Miss Julia

Emily blowing bubbles

Adam bought a very nice digital SLR camera for his 30th birthday. I have really not used this camera much. I have recently discovered that it takes the most beautiful photos, and is now my best friend. I am amazed at the beauty of these pictures.

all of the children hunting

Emily and her bubbles

Julia loved the bubbles

Kiley and Oma

Emily and Marilyn

I am not going to kill myself trying to post even amounts of pictures of all of our kids. It's an almost impossible feat. Some days we have more of one than of the others.

August

Kiley

Haley

I thought this next picture had a funny mirror illusion to it. Is it just me? Or do you see it too?

The fun things you can do with twins.

Julia and Emily

Kiley and August

Kiley

It was a fun day.

DO YOU EVER WEAR PANTS?

The title "Do you ever wear pants?" was a question asked by the girls' violin instructor yesterday. Kiley said "we used to". She quickly responded with "You all always look so nice, it reminds me when I was a little girl, we always wore dresses. I think people used to care more about how they looked." I thanked her, not having expected her to say such a nice thing.

Before I begin here are some of my reasons for ditching pants for skirts/dresses:

• They are SO MUCH MORE COMFORTABLE, Can you say "FREEDOM"?
• It looks so much nicer
• They have to be laundered less
• I have noticed more respectful treatment from strangers/store workers
• I want my clothing to be pleasing to God
• My husband LOVES all of his girls in dresses
• Countless compliments on how nice my family looks. How nice, sweet and well behaved my children are.
• God commanded "The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God" Deuteronomy 22:5
• If you've had babies and your belly has not gone back to normal, you don't have to try and squeeze into pants. Dresses hide it. "YES!"
• Less worry about your butt and thighs being too big and others noticing. They are covered. "WHEW"

This blog is about OUR choice for OUR family. This is a conviction that has been placed on my heart. This decision has taken prayer and discussion with my husband. He is all for it. He loves it. Please understand we do not think differently about any other girl/woman in pants. Please don't misread.
(Whining) Emily and Julia started it. As soon as they were old enough to talk/point they have worn mostly dresses. Last summer they began to ONLY want to wear dresses/skirts. August and Kiley started to follow in their footsteps, asking for more dresses/skirts.
I noticed when we started at our "new" church last year that most of the women and girls wore only dresses/skirts. How beautiful they always looked.

Modesty is largely absent in our society. I used to think "ugly" when I thought of modesty. Frumpy fat and ugly, right? Nonsense. For 6 months now the girls and I have slowly began to transform to a more modest tone of clothing including wearing skirts/dresses daily. Believe me, I am only 30, I do not want to be ugly or frumpy.

(The photo is of Kiley. Isn't she just darling?)
It has been harder and harder to find "little girl" clothing in stores. I'm guilty, I confess of the "skinny jean". Which we have now thrown away. I didn't like those on my daughters from day one. First, my girls are way too skinny for skinny jeans, then it made them look "older" and they acted a little sassy. It's funny how clothing affects attitude. Since wearing dresses/skirts, they are not acting sassy or walking with an attitude. They actually act/look like sweet young ladies. There is just something gorgeous about little girls who look like little girls.

"Isn't it harder for them to play in dresses and skirts?" I haven't noticed anything harder. They are playing just the same. In fact we needed to get undershorts/leggings to cover their unmentionables, since they still like to rough house.

We have set up a small rule of thumb: All skirts/dresses must come to the middle of the knee or below. Shorter skirts and dresses are not very attractive, in my own opinion.

"Wow, don't you feel weird wearing dresses everyday?" Um NO! In fact, I'm much more comfortable. If you haven't noticed girls still wear dresses. Women used to wear them daily, and they looked so much nicer. I can't begin to tell you how much more positive of a response I receive from people when we are all dressed nicely, than if we were all in sweatpants.

This has not been a difficult transition. In fact I don't think I've worn a pair of pants in at least 4 months. I haven't even thought about it. I have found that I LOVE wearing skirts. I actually have worn skirts quite a lot in the past, just not daily. Ask my closest friends, I have ALWAYS had an issue buying jeans that fit me.

It has been fun buying skirts and dresses for everyone. Since we are on such a small income, the 2nd hand stores have been AWESOME! I have been able to clothe all of us girls in dresses/skirts mostly from these stores. Can you say "SUPER CHEAP". Um, don't turn your nose at me, we have found awesome quality name brand stuff for just $1 or $2 an item. Can't even tell they were worn. I find it funny that it is so very difficult to find dresses/skirts for older little girls at regular retail stores. Mostly, they are all very short.
Kiley was right on with her answer to the question: "Do you ever wear pants?"
"We used to"

Col 3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

Our New Favorite Hymn

This is our (the girls and my) new favorite hymn. From the Songs & Hymns of Revival hymnal #216. Listening to the 3 year olds sing, is so wonderful. You can just see and hear God's love in their singing. It's such a blessing to hearing all the girls sing as they do their chores and go about their daily business. I love being their Mama.

Dwelling in Buelah Land

Words and Music by C. Austin Miles

Isaiah 62:4"... but thou shalt be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah:for the LORD delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married"

Far away the noise of strife upon my ear is falling.Then I know the sins of earth beset on every hand.Doubt and fear and things of earth in vain to me are calling.None of these shall move me from Beulah Land.

Chorus

I'm living on the mountain, underneath a cloudless sky. (Praise God!)I'm drinking at the fountain that never shall run dry.O yes! I'm feasting on the manna from a bountiful supply,For I am dwelling in Beulah Land.

Far below the storm of doubt upon the world is beating.Sons of men in battle long the enemy withstand.Safe am I within the castle of God's Word retreating.Nothing then can reach me - 'tis Beulah Land.

Chorus

I'm living on the mountain, underneath a cloudless sky. (Praise God!) I'm drinking at the fountain that never shall run dry.O yes! I'm feasting on the manna from a bountiful supply,For I am dwelling in Beulah Land.

Let the stormy breezes blow, their cry cannot alarm me;I am safely sheltered here, protected by God's hand.Here the sun is always shining, here there's naught can harm me.I am safe forever in Beulah Land.

Chorus

I'm living on the mountain, underneath a cloudless sky. (Praise God!)I'm drinking at the fountain that never shall run dry.O yes! I'm feasting on the manna from a bountiful supply,For I am dwelling in Beulah Land.

Viewing here the works of God, I sink in contemplation.Hearing now His blessed voice, I see the way He planned.Dwelling in the Spirit here I learn of full salvation.Gladly I will tarry in Beulah Land.

Chorus

I'm living on the mountain, underneath a cloudless sky. (Praise God!)I'm drinking at the fountain that never shall run dry.O yes! I'm feasting on the manna from a bountiful supply,For I am dwelling in Beulah Land.

Kiley and August's Baptism Photos

January 3, 2010

Pastor Dan, August, Kiley & Bennet

Kiley goes first

The water was a bit on the chilly side

Getting ready

All done. Awesome

August's turn

She likes the cold water

Awesome, all done Receiving certificates