Dixie's Seven Flames

Counting My Blessings

2011-11-29T21:09:00.001-05:00

I'm pretty blessed. I've been doing "30 Days of Thanksgiving" for my Facebook posts all month (today's the last day!) and it has truly made me turn my gratitude meter UP. I was even thankful for my dog one day...now I know a lot of furparents who love their pets like their children. I even know some people who care more for their dogs than their own flesh and blood. But, that is not me. I like having pets, I think there is definitely a purpose and reason people love animals. Like, maybe because God put us humans in charge of them. We name, watch, and generally steward them - usually from afar. But, I think getting our dog was a little bit of a mistake. It's like having a perpetual toddler that you can't actually take with you when you leave the house. Plus, the black dog hair everywhere is a ~~pain~~ frustration. However, there is no denying the comfort of that big black body sleeping beneath my feet in the evening and the "high alert" status he goes on at night. Protector of the house!

I hope to continue this atmosphere of gratitude and well-being as we enter the Advent season. Keeping my eyes and, by extension, our children's eyes set on the heart and person of Jesus Christ will definitely help. I'm thrilled to be preparing to take the journey of Jesus from Angelic Proclamation to His flight to Egypt. Talk about an Advent-ure! I'm thinking about getting a small tree to feature the children's special ornaments they're going to be making from Truth in the Tinsel: An Advent Experience for Little Hands this month. I definitely need to prepare the special calendar with each day's focus to explore. I hope you will all go on the journey with us. Amanda is offering her incredible e-book for only $4.99 and it is full of great ideas, beautiful crafts your kids can actually make, and moments you'll always treasure. Consider joining the fun on the Tinsel Facebook page too! http://facebook.com/truthinthetinsel
We're working on our special "custom" advent calendar right now; we'll (of course) use our Lego one too. ;)

What special preparations are you making for Christmas?

Convicted....and Consecrated

2011-11-28T23:17:00.001-05:00

Our amazing pastor, Blake Lorenz, at Encounter gave a great message on Sunday featuring Romans 12:1,2 "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

Of course, I am familiar with this passage, and have studied and prayed on it before. My body is a sacrifice to the Lord. Not only my body, but my entire life. But...am I truly proving the perfect will of God if I hold part of myself back? Always before, I'd dwelt on whether I was treating my body as an acceptable sacrifice. Wondering. Does that mean I should exercise more? Eat less sugar? Get up earlier to read the bible, pray, make the kids breakfast?

Now, on Sunday, I found God convicting me on a different level. Don't get me wrong, He is happy with me. He loves me with a LOVE unbound. Unfathomable. However, He likes to teach me in gentle whispers. He wants me to be aligned to His perfect will. After the birth of our 7th child, I made the decision to have an IUD implanted in my womb. At the time, it made sense. We'd considered tubal ligation, vasectomy, the essure procedure, but figured the IUD worked with the body's natural system best. Plus, it was good for years. I should have known it was a mistake right away. The midwife put the wrong IUD in. She used the Mirena, which uses chemical hormones (like the pill) as well as the IUD technology, and I knew it was wrong. She said to give it a try, and if I didn't like it, they'd take it out. I was 6 weeks post-partum and just wanted my life back to "normal." It seemed to. After a few months, I didn't even have a regular cycle. However, after I stopped nursing when Sabina was just over 1 year old, I started putting on more weight. I hadn't heard that the Mirena did that. Out of laziness, I guess, I never did anything about the thing. It's been 4 years.

Now, God is directing me to think about trusting Him. I need to present my ENTIRE body as a living sacrifice to Him. It's time that I stopped being conformed to the world in this ONE way. Stop holding this part of myself back from Him. God is our provider. He is our caretaker. He hasn't let us down yet! I have to be willing to submit and prove what is good, acceptable and within the perfect will of God.
It's time to consecrate myself, my WHOLE self, to God.

Thanks for listening.

The Truth About the Truth in the Tinsel (Review!)

2011-11-25T10:04:00.001-05:00

I'm super excited today. Not only am I blogging again, which has strangely burned within me for the past few months of hiatus, but I'm starting it all off with the beginning of the Holiday Season. As a extra bonus, I've been asked to review the new e-book The Truth in the Tinsel: An Advent Experience for Little Hands by the awesome mom-blogger after God's heart, Amanda White, of Impress Your Kids! Click here to visit Impress Your Kids.

It's always on my heart to make the advent season purposeful and focused on Jesus in the midst of the hype. This book is a perfect way to carve out a small part of the day (only about 30 minutes) and create something with your child(ren) that will make it easy to share the birth story of Jesus in a way that will be sticky to their hearts and minds - and maybe even their hands sometimes. What got me truly enthusiastic about The Truth in the Tinsel is this part of the section How to Use This Book: "The key to this entire advent celebration is to have a daily focus and meditation on God’s greatest gift. Your children will learn the ins and outs of the story because you’ve facilitated a time to discuss, play, and create. And in those moments, God will speak to their hearts and yours.
The little Baby is no longer in the manger but alive and sitting on a throne—waiting to have a relationship with you and your children. Help your children get to know Him this Christmas!"
I almost cried with JOY!

Each day of December preceding Christmas has a small ornament craft planned around scripture verses. The sections on each page "Read it Together", "Make it Together", "Talk About it Together", and "Do More Together" make it easy to glance at and find your place in the midst of artsiness and - let's face it - noise. The accompanying photos show the materials needed, step-by-step shots, and the finished product hanging on a tree branch. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy. I love the idea of reading the bible together and then talking about it while creating. Amanda White has planned this activity book to reach pre-school through middle elementary aged children, but I'm pretty sure all of my kids will want to make these cute ornaments (with the possible exception of my 13-year-old) and participate in the scripture reading and discussion. For days when we have extra time to spend on this, we will definitely be exploring the activities in the "Do More Together" sections; these can be additional scripture, picture books, singing, play-acting, and bringing others in on the fun!

In the weeks to come, my family and I will be exploring and creating The Truth in the Tinsel: An Advent Experience for Little Hands, so make sure and check back here to see all the fun we're having getting to know the birth story of Jesus a little better. I know you'll love it and TODAY ONLY Amanda is offering this beautiful gem for only $2.99! After today, the e-book will retail for $4.99, so don't wait! GRAB THAT DEAL. Then, you can use the supply list at the beginning of the book and take full advantage of the fabulous coupon you got for Michaels, or Hobby Lobby, or JoAnn's. Make this Christmas season the best ever - be intentional and share God's heart with your little ones. They need know that He loves them than Santa Claus ever could.

2011-11-12T23:43:00.001-05:00

Under Construction! I had all this great stuff planned out to revitalize and renovate my blog and then I got on to update and found everything on Blogspot had changed. So sorry! Until I get it all figured out and fixed, things are going to be a bit weird around here. Be patient and check back soon! :)

Time to Continue this Drama called Life

2011-07-31T19:18:00.000-04:00

After a week camping in the Smoky Mountain National Park, "roughing it" with no showers (!), we are home again. We spent a day cleaning out the van, doing laundry, and catching up on phone calls. Cecelia spent some quality time with her parrot, Storm. He was so happy to see her that he did NOT want to go back in his cage. Then, today we packed the girls off to church camp. I was sorry to see them go after only a day home, but I know God opened the door on this for His purposes. On another note, we got the call this morning that Nick's grandma passed away last night. She has been suffering for some time and we were praying for her to be healed by God - she was ready to go home to Jesus and we're happy that she is free. She was 91-years-old, lived a good long life, and got to encounter Jesus in an amazing way two years ago. Please pray for the peace of the family as they celebrate Marcella's life and mourn her passing.
If this had happened 2 days earlier, we probably would have all driven up to Nebraska with my parents straight from Tennessee. The kids are sad, but they all (except the youngest two) got to visit her within the past few weeks during their visit.

So, Nick is prayerfully purchasing airplane tickets to fly back for the memorial and funeral services, to help his mom who has bravely been the caretaker for Marcella for the past 5 years. He is going to his first staff meeting at Encounter House of Prayer tomorrow (Monday), we're celebrating Carlo's 7th birthday on Tuesday, Nick's teaching Encounter's youth group that evening, then he's flying out on Wednesday morning. We'll have to delay celebrating out 16th wedding anniversary until he gets back next week. (It's Saturday.) Of course, there are many other things we're dealing with in the meantime. Transition is never easy. I need to finalize plans for homeschooling this year as well as finish up the kids' evaluations for this past year. There are MANY people I have to touch base with and get together with this month. And my internet is down right now. I'm typing away in Starbucks. Thank goodness for free Wi-fi.

I've been through an eye-opening, thought-provoking, life-changing weekend through the amazing Bethel School of Supernatural Evangelism hosted at OHOP just last week! My whole perspective on Holy Spirit and our lives as Christians has been shifted. How blessed we are by God who wants to BE with us! He wants us to know how much He loves us and He wants us to share it with others! He loves us all much more than we know. And you know what? Jesus wants His money's worth - He died and rose again for more than a feel-good moment here and there. He sent us Holy Spirit so that we can do more miraculous things than He did! Isn't it time we walked that out? Are you ready to get out of the boat?! I AM!

By the way, the Warrior Prayers 21 Days of Prayer for Sons is already planning on a fall session toward the beginning of September. See you then? I am in the process of writing and praying out a similar prayer focus time for Daughters. Any suggestions on focus that you would like? God has given me some great words. Look forward to sharing with you all soon and posting some great pictures soon from our recent adventures.

Captured Moments...

2011-07-08T21:14:00.000-04:00

There are moments - too rare, jewel treasure moments - that you have to attempt to capture.

Moments of joy. Moments of fun. Moments of just plain silliness.

Moments to crank up the stereo and grab your broom guitars and wii microphones. Moments to head-bang and dance around the floor you're in the middle of cleaning.

Moments to share...

Fun in the Sun!

2011-07-04T17:35:00.000-04:00

On our family fun day last Monday, we started in the morning at the Winter Garden splash park. I was particularly pleased when Antonio, a too cool 13-year-old, got in on the fun. Missing them this 4th of July, but I know they're having fun. We're about to head out to do something fun and watch fireworks with our 2 youngest. God bless the USA!

A Few Amazing VBS Pictures

2011-06-29T21:07:00.000-04:00

The Little Warriors learning how to work together as the Body of Christ.

Nick teaching on prayer.

Sabina had so much fun and made great new friends.

Sorry it's a bit blurry, but the dance to the Lord's prayer was great!

The little warriors working together so much better with the big parachute!

Pastor Blake leading the altar call - all of these kids chose to trust Jesus with their lives!

We had an amazing week at Encounter helping with the Let's Go Pray vacation bible school. It grew from an idea God gave me to this amazing week with almost 40 kids and an awesome team of volunteers. We were so blessed as an entire family.

21 Days of Prayer for Sons - Humility (Day 21)

2011-06-28T18:30:00.000-04:00

It's the last day of our journey together in intense prayer for our sons. Yes, I'm a little sad, but a little relieved as well. How do you feel? Of course, I still plan on praying for my sons, but this has been a challenge of organization and purpose! I plan on taking a little break and posting some fun summer pics of things we've been doing as a family. My oldest 5 flew north this evening with Dad. I won't see the kids for over 3 weeks; it's bittersweet because I know they have so much fun and need to keep those ties to family, but I miss them SO! I'm also working on plans for a similar prayer challenge centered on daughters. Let me know how many of you are interested in participating!

Anyway, as most of you know because you have the ebook Warrior Prayers, there are actually 22 sections of prayers. I encourage you to go ahead and pray through the Honesty prayers when you get the chance, but Brooke wanted to end the 21-Day Challenge with Humility because, as she says, "I chose humility as our last day's topic because it is such an amazing posture of the heart. Scripture just seems to scream God's favor over those who are humble in heart." I have to agree with her, and my sons definitely could use prayers in this direction. Like most boys, they are loud, boastful, and always think their point of view is RIGHT! However, it takes a humble heart for true salvation. We have to admit that we are sinners. We have to ask for forgiveness. We have to put our lives into the hands of our Savior. We have to thank Jesus, praise His name only, and love Him above all others!

Another part of this challenge is modeling humility before our sons. Pray and ask God for ways you can show humility today, and then your sons will know what to do when their time comes. So much of this job of parenting comes not in the "do what I say" but in the "do what I do."

What are some specific ways this challenge has been meaningful for you? Please leave a comment and share with all of us! As a result of this journey, as God to show you three specific ways you can pray for your sons every day.

Congratulations!!! Keep praying, Warrior Mamas!

Humility

May__________humble himself before the Lord, and be exalted (James 4:10)

May__________humble himself, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt him (1 Peter 5:6)

May God give grace to__________as he humbles himself (James 4:6)

If__________who is called by My Name humbles himself, and prays and seeks My Face and turns from his wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive this sin and heal his land (2 Chronicles 7:14)

Lord, lead the humble in what is right, and teach__________Your way. (Psalm 25:9)

May__________have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind (1 Peter 3:8)

May__________take God's yoke upon him, and learn from Him, for He is gentle and lowly in heart, and__________will find rest for his soul (Matthew 11:29)

May the LORD take pleasure in__________, and adorn the humble with salvation (Psalm 149:4)

May__________have all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with others in love (Ephesians 4:2)

May__________be subject to the elders. May he clothe himself with humility toward others, for "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." (1 Peter 5:5)

21 Days of Prayer for Sons - Heart Change (Day 20)

2011-06-27T22:34:00.000-04:00

In Matthew 23: 25-26, Jesus preaches, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence.Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also." It's not good enough to look pious or righteous. We don't want our sons just to "act good," we want them to truly be good! For example, a lot of times my boys get in trouble for over-reacting to something that another sibling did to them. "She hit me!" "He was making fun of me." "He did it first!" When they try to give me those excuses, I try to explain, "You are responsible for your own actions. You have a choice in how you react to them." I also sometimes throw in, "You're going to let them control you?"
I help them see a way out of those situations, "You can ignore them. Just walk away." Or, maybe, "If you start feeling mad, go in your room and pound a pillow!"

But, what I'm truly hoping for is when they are clean on the inside. They will forgive and let it go even as it's happening. They will truly turn the other cheek. Instead of reacting in anger, they will reach out in love. They will shine inside and out!

Oh, Lord, cleanse their hearts! Let my sons truly die to themselves and let You live through them. God, guide my own responses to my children, as they are watching and learning from me day by day!

Keep it up, mighty warrior moms! This prayer journey is almost complete. I am rooting for you and your sons!

Heart Change

May__________first clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean (Matthew 23:26)

Give__________a new heart, and a new spirit put within him. Remove the heart of stone from his flesh and give him a heart of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26)

May__________honor God with his heart, and not just his lips (Isaiah 29:13)

May__________out of the good treasure of his heart produce good, for out of the abundance of his heart his mouth speaks (Luke 6:45)

May__________heart cry be, "not my will, but Yours, be done." (Luke 22:42)

May__________draw near to God, and He will draw near to him. May he cleanse his hands and purify his heart (James 4:8)

Create in__________a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within him (Psalm 51:10)

May__________be like the wise man, whose heart inclines him to the right.(Ecclesiastes 10:2)

May__________not take idols into his heart, and set the stumbling block of his iniquity before his face (Ezekiel 14:3)

When he hears the word of the Lord, may__________be cut to the heart (Acts 2:37)

21 Days of Prayer for Sons - Salvation (Day 19)

2011-06-26T20:18:00.000-04:00

Antonio prayer-leading at OHOP

Today's prayer focus is the key for the entire challenge. To quote from the eBook: "Day after day you will parent, intentionally seeking the heart of your son. But until the King of kings and Lord of lords turns his heart of stone to a heart of flesh, your son's actions will be motivated by what is pleasing to him, rather than what is pleasing to the Lord."

We can spend our formative years parenting with pure hearts, great intentions, and our eyes set on Jesus, but if the stone doesn't turn to flesh it's a losing battle! I don't know how you feel about it, but I'm willing to put up with a pig-sty room and wet towels on the bathroom floor as long as my child turns to me with shining eyes asking, "Can I pray, Mom?" Talk about moving hearts!

Take a moment and look around your home, think about your days, consider whether the life you and your family leads is truly Gospel-centered. Do you talk to your children about Jesus? Do you TALK to Jesus in front of your children? Do you allow them a chance to ask questions, to lead prayers, to learn about God's Word? I know I need to better in all of these areas.

Pray hard today - there is nothing so important as your son's salvation!

Salvation

May __________ confess with his mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in his heart that God raised him from the dead, and be saved (Romans 10:9)

May__________be saved by grace through faith. Not of his own doing; but the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8)

May__________believe in the God who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began (2 Timothy 1:9)

May__________fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for him today (Exodus 14:13)

May the LORD be__________light and his salvation; whom shall he fear? May the LORD be the stronghold of his life; of whom shall he be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)

May__________take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Ephesians 6:17)

May__________work out his own salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12)

May__________be guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time (1 Peter 1:5)

Lord, make Your face shine on__________; save him in Your steadfast love (Psalm 31:16)

Lord, save__________to the uttermost as he draws near to God through him (Hebrews 7:25)

21 Days of Prayer for Sons - Anger (Day 18)

2011-06-25T15:59:00.001-04:00

"So much of the Christian life is a choice. Every day (multiple times a day) we're presented with a choice to choose God or choose ourselves. Anger is a perfect example."(from the Leader's Guide by Brook Mcglothlin) This is so true. I often have to "counsel" my children to choose not to get angry with their siblings, or at least not act in anger. How often do we all get in trouble by acting out in anger? Wouldn't things be smoother if we chose to turn the other cheek, forgive and move on?
Yesterday afternoon, shortly after we got home from VBS, the kids were supposed to be getting themselves sandwiches for lunch and I went upstairs to the bathroom. During the following 5 minutes, I heard yelling, scuffling, the front door slamming shut, and then a little knock at the door and Luca's plaintive voice. When I opened the bathroom door, there was Luca, in tears, telling me about Rocky and Antonio's fight. "Are you okay, are you hurt?" I asked him. "No, it's Rocky, my buddy. He's bleeding." "You weren't in the fight?" "No, it's Rocky my buddy."
I was moved by his concern for his big brother and buddy. I've never seen him like that. In a fleeting moment, I rejoiced that he was showing maturity in his feelings of concern for someone else.
Anyway, there was Rocky on my bed: upset, still angry, tears in his eyes. The whole story tumbled out. He was in the kitchen making a sandwich for Luca and himself and Sabina was trying to open the dishwasher to get a plate. "The dishes are dirty." "I need a plate," Sabina said. "They're dirty." "I need a plate!" "These plates are dirty. Cecelia! Get a plate for your buddy!" Sabina, enraged, yelled,"AAH! Stupid Rocky!" So, yes, already the anger had begun. Out of frustration with the rising level of noise and craziness, Rocky vented, "Everybody SHUT UP!" Then, Antonio felt that he had to step in and control the situation AKA put his hand on Rocky and control HIM. This turned into one of the epic physical fights that they've been getting into since they were 1 and 2. Nobody was hurt, but Antonio stormed out of the house and took off on his bike. I didn't even get a chance to talk to him. Luca and Sabina were watching Rocky as he told me the story. I looked at the three of them, my own anger rising up that I couldn't even go to the bathroom without this happening. I noticed Luca still had tears next to his eyes and pointed it out to Rocky that he was so concerned for him. Rocky didn't actually have any blood, but a scab on his shoulder had partially ripped off earlier in the day and I told Luca that's what it was. Then, I turned to Sabina because I saw how it all had stemmed from her fit of anger. She is little (only 3) and angelically cute; she needed to know how her anger affected her brother. I told her that she needs to listen to what Rocky says to her and told her she needed to apologize for the mean words she said to him. Now, as God's child (we dubbed her thus while I was pregnant with her), she seems unnaturally capable of understanding when she needs to apologize and go all the way with it. She sweetly said sorry to Rocky for the way she treated him and they hugged. Then I wanted Rocky to comfort Luca and the other way around. I tried to explain how when we show love toward one another it can diffuse anger. They ended up hugging too.
I spoke to Rocky, "I know you feel upset when things are noisy and crazy sometimes, but you have to use your self-control and calm down. Remove yourself from the situation so you don't get angry." He agreed and then left to find Antonio. At the park nearby, he found him to apologize. It took another half-hour for Antonio to come home. The anger was still all over him. Some of the kids had said to him, "It's better when you're gone." (He'd spent the night at a friend's house the night before.) His feelings were hurt and he was in the middle of a "poor me. No one understands or likes me anymore because I'm a teen now, but I'm the same kid." adolescent mood swing. I had to choose to step away from my own anger at him for treating his brother badly and then taking off. I saw how hurt he was, and took a moment to pray and hug him after cracking through his anger shell. This motherhood business is a constant challenge.
I had the other kids apologize to him for saying that. I think they understood that it was pretty mean. I also think Antonio grew to understand that they only said it to hurt him, just like he sometimes says mean things out of anger. This was a pretty big lesson for me in how one little seed of temper/anger can grow into a storm of junk for the whole family. We have a choice in how to react to others' anger. Do we let them affect us? Do we let them control our emotions and actions? No, we use our fruits to love, to be patient, to use self-control, to be kind. We let God, and sometimes Mom, handle the situation.

Anger

May all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from __________, along with all malice (Ephesians 4:31)

May__________ put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from his mouth (Colossians 3:8)

May__________ give a soft answer, which turns away wrath, and avoid harsh words which stir up anger (Proverbs 15:1)

May__________ not be quick in his spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the bosom of fools (Ecclesiastes 7:9)

May__________ never avenge himself, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written,"Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." (Romans 12:19)

May__________ know that God himself is our peace (Ephesians 2:14)

May__________ make peace, and so have a harvest of righteousness (James 3:18)

And let the peace of Christ rule in __________ heart, to which indeed he was called in one body. And be thankful (Colossians 3:15)

May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard __________ heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7)

May__________turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it (1 Peter 3:11)

21 Days of Prayer for Sons - Self-Control (Day 17)

2011-06-25T15:07:00.000-04:00

I have to apologize for posting this a day late. Yesterday was the last day of our VBS, it was exciting, rewarding, and absolutely BLESSING! It was also exhausting. Due to overwhelming drama in our life on Thursday, I didn't get to prepare for things on Friday morning. I stayed up till 3 in the morning getting things done I should have done in the afternoon. I spent Friday afternoon laying around and parenting from the couch. Not too pretty. When I went to bed, extremely early last night, I felt a twinge of guilt for not posting the Day 17 entry, but there was no way I could have stayed awake to write. I actually fell asleep praying for my sons last night.

This fruit of the Spirit has been in MUCH discussion in my family of late. In my mind, it's the fruit of ANTI-SELFISHNESS. I love this quote from Brooke in the Leader's Guide: "The choice to love Him more begins from the beginning... hearts made to worship Him...choose Him. Hearts that left to themselves will choose our own way every time. How many times have I chosen my own way when I knew the consequences? How many times have I forfeited the sweet, peaceful blessings of obedience in order to stamp my feet, cross my arms, dig in my stubborn three-year-old-like heels and have my own way?" We all struggle to put Jesus first in our lives, to make the choice to turn away from our own desires and set our eyes on Christ. That's why it's so important to grow and mature in the Spirit, to bring forth that fruit of self-control. That's why it's vital to pray over our sons to grow likewise; so that fruit can get them out of sticky situations. I was so moved to pray these 10 prayers over my boys. I hope that you are blessed likewise.

Self-Control

May__________know that he is God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in him (1 Corinthians 3:16)

May__________not let sin therefore reign in his mortal body, to make him obey its passions. May he not present his members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present himself to God as one who has been brought from death to life, and his members to God as instruments for righteousness (Romans 6:12-13)

May__________present his body as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is his spiritual worship. May he not be conformed to this world, but transformed by the renewal of his mind, that by testing he may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:1-2)

May__________discipline his body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others he himself should be disqualified (1 Corinthians 9:27)

Whether__________eats or drinks, or whatever he does, may he do it all to the glory of God (Ephesians 5:15)

Let not__________heart envy sinners, but continue in the fear of the LORD all the day (Proverbs 23:17)

Remove far from__________falsehood and lying; give him neither poverty nor riches; feed him with the food that is needful for him (Proverbs 30:8)

Let the words of__________mouth and the meditation of his heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, his rock and his redeemer (Psalm 19:14)

May__________have a tranquil heart that gives life to the flesh (Proverbs 14:30)

May__________be wise in doing right and stay innocent of any wrong (Romans 16:19)

21 Days of Prayer for Sons - Gentleness (Day 16)

2011-06-23T19:56:00.000-04:00

This week, we've been leading a vacation bible school completely focused on prayer called Let's Go Pray! It's all about empowering children to use their gifts and be joyful in the place of prayer, ministering to God, relationship with God. Yesterday, Nick was teaching on the verse "Pray without ceasing." (1 Thessalonians 5:17) He was talking about how when you love someone, you hold them continually in your heart and thoughts. That means, when you have Jesus in your heart, He's always with you. He's with you when you wake up and lie down. He's with you when you eat your Cheerios and when you're playing soccer. Jesus is with you when you're disobedient or fighting with your brother. That's when you turn to him, pray to Jesus, ask Him what's going on with you. He hears your voice, He knows your heart. He loves you beyond imagining. That Still, Small Voice is gentle as a lamb, but strong as a lion.

Praying for you all. The enemy is raging this week at our house. The VBS is going AMAZING, but we've been attacked physically and spiritually. I believe this is in direct response to our leading children in prayer and my own efforts here. I am praying for you and your sons. I am lifting my boys up as they grow in the knowledge of God. Please take 90 seconds and pray for me and my family. Take a moment and lift up the other moms taking this prayer trek with you! We bear one another's burdens in love.

Gentleness

May__________know that a gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit (Proverbs 15:4)

May__________take God's yoke upon Him, and learn from Him, for He is gentle and lowly in heart, then__________will find rest for his soul (Matthew 11:29)

May__________be completely humble and gentle; patient, bearing with others in love (Ephesians 4:2)

May__________be gentle, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children (1 Thessalonians 2:7)

May__________not be a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money (1 Timothy 3:3)

May__________pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness (1Timothy 6:11)

May__________correct his opponents with gentleness that God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth (2 Timothy 2:25)

May__________speak evil of no one, avoid quarreling, be gentle, and show perfect courtesy toward all people (Titus 3:2)

May__________have wisdom from above that is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere (James 3:17)

May__________honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks him for a reason for the hope that is in him; yet do it with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15)

21 Days of Prayer for Sons - Faithfulness (Day 15)

2011-06-22T17:12:00.001-04:00

"Mature Christians are keenly aware that they can't raise their kids. It's a no-brainer. Even if they are perfect parents, they still can't get inside their kids' hearts. That's why strong Christians pray more." (from Paul E. Miller's A Praying Life: Connecting with God in a Distracting World)

I don't think I can add much more to that. What we really want, when it comes down to it, is for our sons to be faithful to God. Everything else falls under that. Therefore, my main prayer is for my sons to love the Lord, their God, with all their hearts minds, souls and strength.

This is what we're fighting for. God's children.

Faithfulness

May__________fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and in faithfulness (Joshua 24:14)

May__________fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all his heart, considering what great things He has done for him (1 Samuel 12:24)

All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness for__________as he keeps His covenant and His testimonies (Psalm 25:10)

May God's steadfast love be before__________eyes, as he walks in His faithfulness (Psalm 26:3)

May__________trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness (Psalm 37:3)

May the Lord never remove from__________His steadfast love or be false to His faithfulness (Psalm 89:33)

May the Lord cover__________with His pinions, and under His wings may he find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and buckle to__________(Psalm 91:4)

Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake__________; may he bind them around his neck; write them on the tablet of his heart (Proverbs 3:3)

May__________call this to mind and therefore have hope: Because of the Lord's great love he is not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is His faithfulness. May__________say to himself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." (Lamentations 3:21-24)

No temptation has overtaken__________that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let him be tempted beyond his ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that he may be able to endure it (1 Corinthians 10:13)

21 Days of Prayer for Sons - Goodness (Day 14)

2011-06-21T20:14:00.000-04:00

I've really been blessed by praying the daily prayers over my sons right before I go to sleep. It calms my mind and my heart. I end the day thinking good thoughts toward them and focusing on God. How has it been going for you? What works best in your daily routine to pray?

Today's focus of goodness strikes home for me. I am having a difficult time with Luca right now (age 5). It's not the typical "boy stuff" of running around and being loud that bothers me, it's the defiance and anger directed at me for daring to challenge his behavior. I've had to take a lot of time-outs for myself. I think the biggest challenge for me is that I don't necessarily expect them to act perfect or even "good" all the time, but I DO expect them to have a good HEART all the time. I know, I know, I can't change their heart. But, GOD CAN! That's why this prayer challenge is SO good! This battle will be won on my knees.

To close, I want to challenge you with these questions originally posted by Brooke on the M.O.B. Society blog:

What parenting tools have I been using that only focus on changing behavior and not the heart? Am I willing to lay them down even if they produce what looks like a good child?
Reaching a child's heart takes time. Behavior modification is much faster! Am I willing to change things about my life so that I have the time to invest in the hearts of my children?
Most importantly: Am I willing to submit my own heart to God and allow Him to mold me from the inside out?

Goodness

May__________be glad of heart for all the goodness that the LORD had shown to his people (1Kings 8:66)

May goodness and mercy follow__________all the days of his life, and may he dwell in the house of the LORD forever (Psalm 23:6)

Remember not the sins of__________youth or his transgressions; according to Your steadfast love remember__________, for the sake of your goodness, O LORD (Psalm 25:7)

May__________believe that he shall look upon the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living (Psalm 27:13)

How abundant is Your goodness, which you have stored up for__________and worked for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children of mankind (Psalm 31:19)

May__________be satisfied with the goodness of your house, the holiness of your temple (Psalm 65:4)

May__________taste the goodness of the word of God (Hebrews 6:5)

It is not good that__________should be alone; Lord, make him a helper fit for him (Genesis 2:18)

May__________do what is right and good in the sight of the LORD, that it may go well with him (Deuteronomy 6:18)

May__________go and celebrate because of all the good things the LORD his God has given to him (Deuteronomy 26:11)

21 Days of Prayer for Sons - Kindness (Day 13)

2011-06-20T17:03:00.000-04:00

Rocky showing kindness to Luca (at the end of a long birthday)

One of my main directions to my older sons is to be loving and KIND to their siblings. I think a lot of times they get caught up in trying to control or "boss" the others and forget to treat others as they want to be treated. When Antonio and Rocky were little, the ages that Carlo and Luca are now, they were pretty self-sufficient boys. However, there were times when they lost control of their tempers or forgot the rules (just as their brothers do.) I found then, and it still holds true, that boys need kindness and a strong hand. Discipline is not about bossing or punishing, but training with love.

As Sally Clarkson wrote on the M.O.B. Society blog, "I noticed that when I treated my boys in a gentle way, with respect and spoke directly to them, at eye level, and touched their little backs or shoulders, they were much more attentive.'A gentle answer turns away wrath,' from Proverbs became the pattern for my speech to my boys. Treating them with gentleness and patience created a desire in them to become civil with me. I was firm and consistent, but honored their desire for kindness."

This is such wisdom. Even now, at 13 and almost 12, my older boys respond much better to me if I look them in the eye (almost eye-to-eye! Yikes!), touch their arm or hand, and speak to them in a gentle, firm manner. We all want to be treated with respect as well as kindness; it pays to honor your sons in this way.

Kindness

May the LORD now show__________kindness and faithfulness (2 Samuel 2:6)

May__________be kind and compassionate to others, forgiving, just as in Christ God forgave him (Ephesians 4:32)

May__________, as the Lord's servant, not be quarrelsome, but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil (2 Timothy 2:24)

May__________never repay anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to others and to everyone (1 Thessalonians 5:15)

Let__________speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that he may know how he ought to answer each person (Colossians 4:6)

May__________love others with brotherly affection, outdo others in showing honor (Romans 12:10)

May the the Lord bless__________and keep him. May the Lord make his face shine upon him and be gracious to him; the Lord turn his face toward him and give him peace (Numbers 6:23-26)

May__________not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares (Hebrews 13:2)

May__________be kind to others, tenderhearted, forgiving others, as God in Christ forgave Him (Ephesians 4:32)

May__________live in harmony with others; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble (1 Peter 3:8)

21 Days of Prayer for Sons - Patience (Day 12)

2011-06-19T22:50:00.000-04:00

I want to start off today by wishing my wonderful husband, Nick, a Happy Father's Day. It seems that more often than not, I get caught up in the responsibilities and challenges of being a mom and don't give enough thought or credit to him as the father of these seven amazing, smart, creative children of ours. He has been patient with me through most of it and I am so grateful to him for sticking with me through all of the craziness. I am blessed by Nick daily, and my kids are so lucky.

I also want to apologize for getting to this so late. I have been praying for you all and your families. My own sons seem to be getting some benefit from my time in prayer the past 12 days. How has it been for you?

I want to share this great jewel that Brooke included in the Leader's Guide for today. It really touched my heart because it's what God's been speaking to me about in the past few months as well. Be blessed. "I'm convinced that God cares less about how much I accomplish in life...the "great things" I do in His Name...than He does about how I respond to the things He allows into my life on the daily. Some of the most accomplished in the Kingdom of Christ are those whose names you and I will never know this side of heaven. And greatness is only measured by how well we respond to Christ in the little things. Being patient for what God's plan is and not necessarily pursuing our own dreams."

Hold on to that when your patience is being tested. May the fruit of the Spirit grow large and ripe for you!

Patience

May__________be an example of suffering and patience (James 5:10)

May__________be strengthened with all power, according to God?s glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy (Colossians 1:11)

May__________prove himself by his purity, understanding, patience, kindness, by the Holy Spirit within him, and by his sincere love (2 Corinthians 6:6)

May__________preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and ex-hort, with complete patience and teaching (2 Timothy 4:2)

May__________not presume on the riches of God?s kindness and forbearance and patience, knowing that God?s kindness is meant to lead him to repentance (Romans 2:4)

May__________put on then, as God?s chosen one, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience (Colossians 3:12)

May__________be patient, for the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit (Ecclesiastes 7:8)

May__________have good sense making him slow to anger, for it is his glory to overlook an of-fense (Proverbs 19:11)

May__________make every effort to add to his faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love (2 Peter 1:5-7)

May__________be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness (Titus 2:2)

21 Days of Prayer for Sons - Peace (Day 11)

2011-06-18T18:25:00.000-04:00

Because this has been a busy, stressful day and I still have a lot to do this evening, I am going to keep it short and sweet. Lord knows we all need peace — I am so thankful Holy Spirit provides it! This is pretty much a daily prayer in my house "God give us peace!" I don't mean just quiet, that's almost impossible with 7 children aged 3 to 13, but peace in our hearts. Peace in our minds. Peace in our bodies. Peace in our home.

Laura Lee Groves, author of I'm Outnumbered! One Mom's Lessons in the Lively Art of Raising Boys, gave some simple tips that we can use to "Help Ourselves" when we feel the need for peace in the midst of the mothering.

Find someone to confide in
If at all possible, step away from the demands (even for a little while)
You can help yourself by shifting your perspective as your son grows
Pray for him and for your relationship

Peace

Let__________turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it (1 Peter 3:11)

Now may the Lord of peace himself give__________peace at all times in every way (2 Thessalonians 3:16)

Peace God leaves with__________; His peace He gives to__________. Not as the world gives does God give. Let not__________heart be troubled, neither let him be afraid (John 14:27)

May__________be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage others. Live in harmony and peace.Then the God of love and peace will be with him (2 Corinthians 13:11)

May__________sow a harvest of righteousness by making peace (James 3:18)

And let the peace of Christ rule in__________heart, to which indeed he was called in one body. And be thankful (Colossians 3:15)

May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to__________(Jude 1:2)

May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard__________heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7)

May__________be justified by faith, and have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1)

Now may the God of peace himself sanctify__________completely, and may his whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:23)

21 Days of Prayer for Sons - Joy (Day 10)

2011-06-17T13:16:00.000-04:00

Carlo - Joyful in the House of Prayer!

There are plenty of times when I plead with Jesus to urge Holy Spirit grow fruit of Joy within me. (He is the great intercessor, after all.) Those times of frustration, irritation, brokenness all resolve when I remember "The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him" from Psalm 28:7. I will praise Him! My strength and peace and love in the face of ugliness comes from the Joy of the Lord!

You've heard the expressions "Love is a choice," well I truly believe that Joy is a choice too. In those sleep-deprived early months with your son, you choose to take joy in his beauty and purity. In the wild toddler times of tantrums and two-million questions, you choose to take joy in his growth and wonder. In the tough years of discipline and training, you choose to take joy in the man God is growing him into.

So, this morning, when I had to struggle to get out of the house with my 4 youngest, appropriate clothing, hair and teeth brushed, shoes matching and tied, I really didn't want to go to the prayer room. I chose joy as we went to a back room with a couple other kids for a short teaching to prepare us for the time in the Children's Prayer Watch - in the midst of a hundred distractions. I chose God and I chose to take joy in Him and my children and the other children there. And guess what?

God chose to bring His JOY too!

As Brooke wrote in the Leader's Guide for this prayer challenge, "So how do I find joy and strength from the Lord? Enough to make me 'burst out in songs of thanksgiving?' How do you? Here's the secret: Focus on Christ. Focus on what He did for you (and for your sons) on the cross." Trust in Jesus Christ's work of grace on the cross to get you through those rough days with your kids. Trust Him to hear and answer when you pray for Him to turn their hearts of stone into hearts of flesh.

He hears and brings His Joy to you!

Joy

May the joy of the Lord be__________strength (Nehemiah 8:10)

May__________be filled with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22)

May__________go out in joy and be led forth in peace (Isaiah 55:12)

May the God of hope fill__________with all joy and peace as he trusts in him, so that he may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13)

May__________go to the altar of God, to God, his joy and his delight (Psalm 43:4)

May__________count it all joy when he meets trials of various kinds, as the testing of his faith produces steadfastness. May he let steadfastness have its full effect, that he may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing (James 1:1-4)

May__________know that while weeping may tarry for the night, joy comes with the morning (Psalm 30:5)

May__________be imitators of us and of the Lord (1 Thessalonians 1:6)

May the God of hope fill__________with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit He may abound in hope (Romans 15:13)

May__________know that the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17)

21 Days of Prayer for Sons - Love (Day 9)

2011-06-16T18:21:00.000-04:00

Luca showing his Love ;)

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." ~Galatians 5: 22
Today, we're getting into the first part of praying the fruits of the Spirit for our sons. In reality, praying for the fruit of Love is asking to know God in a new way. There are so many facets to God's personality that it we will not hesitate to spend eternity seeking more of Him. 1 John 4:8 says "Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love." God = Love. This is truly heartening because it means that anyone who loves, either in their actions or their hearts, knows God in some way. I believe that this is a major part of how we are made in His image; how we love.

So, if you're ever frustrated in reaching your son's heart, or frightened that maybe he doesn't even know God at all, do not fear. You will see God in how he loves to hug you, helps his little sister tie her shoe, spends time talking to his grandparents on the phone. As Brooke wrote in the Leader's Guide for this challenge, "There is no real love apart from God, and God is behind all real and genuine acts of love."

To get real for a minute, while writing this post, I've had to discipline Carlo and Luca for fighting - saying mean things, grabbing arms, even biting. This is frustrating to me after faithfully praying scripture into their lives all week. But, my heart is encouraged when they are so quick to forgive each other and make up with hugs. I just need to keep sowing those seeds of LOVE into their hearts, it has taken root and will grow as they do, eventually into a fruit-bearing tree.

Love

May__________ not love the world or the things in the world (1 John 2:15)

May our sons love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God (1 John 4:7)

May our sons love one another earnestly from a pure heart (1 Peter 1:22)

May our sons, when they become husbands, love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself (Ephesians 5:28)

May the Lord make__________increase and abound in love (1 Thessalonians 3:12)

May__________know that this is love, that we walk according to His commandments... (2 John 1:6)

May__________not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth (1 John 3:18) May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to __________ (Jude 1:2)

May __________ love the LORD his God with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his might (Deuteronomy 6:5)

May__________know that this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins (1 John 4:10)

21 Days of Prayer for Sons - Honor (Day 8)

2011-06-15T18:50:00.000-04:00

In the Warrior Prayers Leader's Guide, Brooke McGlothlin writes, "I came across a book recently that perfectly illustrates the type of men I hope my sons will become. It might surprise you to know that it's written for girls. The book? The Princess and the Three Knights, by Karen Kingsbury. Look beyond the surface moms. Even you parents of older boys may want to purchase a copy of this book as a gift for your sons. Its presentation makes it a perfect fit for a girl. But its message is for girls and boys. The only knight good enough to win the heart of the princess was the one who would do anything to protect her. That's the kind of honor I'm praying for in my sons."

I have read that book, and it's beautiful and touching, perfectly giving the example of honor we are praying for today. However, I was excited to find on Karen Kingsbury's website another book of hers. Parents of boys urged her to write a book with the same values as The Princess and the Three Knights, but without all the pink and glitter and girly stuff. A book of honor for boys. It's called Brave Young Knight, and just came out last month. I included a short video about the book so you can see why I'm encouraging you to buy it for your sons. The Brave Young Knight is a man who is not necessarily the strongest or smartest knight, but a man of integrity and faith - inspiring and encouraging. I'm not getting any money out of this endorsement, but I believe it would solidify the value of honor that you are soaking in prayer.

While my sons love to run around with capes on and swords outstretched, they don't always exhibit or understand the valor and honor that we think of in the knights of old. They're not sure why they "can't hit a girl" or why it's always "ladies first." It seems an obscure ideal in this day and age, but so sorely needed! Doesn't it still warm your heart when a man holds the door for you? My husband, Nick, used to unlock my car door first and open it for me before going around and getting in - we were dating and he was very chivalrous - no one else had done that for me, I felt so cherished.

How are you training your boys and young men in honor? Please share your ideas! I'm still hesitating when Rocky asks me why it's ladies first.

Honor

May__________know that both riches and honor come from God, and that He rules over all (1Chronicles 29:12)

May__________fear the Lord, and receive honor (Psalm 15:4)

May the LORD bestows favor and honor upon__________. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly (Psalm 84:11)

Lord, be with__________in trouble; rescue him and honor him (Psalm 91:15)

May__________honor the LORD with his wealth and with the firstfruits of all his produce (Proverbs 3:9)

May__________be wise and inherit honor (Proverbs 3:35)

May__________honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor (1 Peter 2:17)

May__________honor his father and mother, for this is the first commandment with a promise (Ephesians 6:2)

May__________honor the face of an old man (Leviticus 19:32)

May__________do good, and receive glory, honor and peace (Romans 2:10)

21 Days of Prayer for Sons - A Servant's Heart (Day 7)

2011-06-14T08:00:00.001-04:00

Confession: a few days ago I had a moment in the flesh and snapped, "what am I, your servant?" to one of my kids. It didn't take very long at all for God to deal with that. He whispered kindly in my ear, "Don't you see that you're not serving them? You're serving ME." Let's face it, mothering is the hidden ministry. We are pouring ourselves out into raising Godly children with little accolades, acknowledgement, or even thanks. The Lord sees all those moments or servanthood. He keeps count of the choices we make in the hidden place. He will reward us accordingly.

How do you model a "servant's heart" for your son? As moms we HAVE to resolve ourselves to servanthood at the birth of our children. They are helpless and need us to do everything for them - even push them into the world. As they grow into independence, however, we expect them to do more and more for themselves - it's what we're training them for. But, you and I know that there is still plenty of serving going on. The meals you shop for and prepare; the clothes you buy, wash, and fold; the wounds you mend; the precautions you take; the sleep you lose to help finish a school assignment. Count it all Christ.

Jesus, the King of Kings, humbled Himself for us. He illustrated it so beautifully on the evening of the last supper when He disrobed, draped a towel over His middle, and washed the feet of His disciples- wiping them with that same towel. As Brooke wrote in the leader's guide for this prayer challenge, "He didn't have to serve anyone. Neither do we. We don't have to serve others. But Jesus did. And He said that if we want to be first, we'll need to be last. He said that loving others, serving them, was serving Him--loving Him."

I want to encourage you to find ways of serving as a family to show the "how to" of having a servant's heart. Ask them if they have any ideas of ways to serve in the community. You could take meals to people in your church who need help, participate in a Walk for Life, serve as a family in a local food bank or soup kitchen, or maybe volunteer to clean bathrooms at church together. Find something that works for you and remember Jesus' words, "But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." (Matthew 23:11,12)

A Servant's Heart

May__________ be a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ (James 1:1)

May__________follow Christ; and where He is, may__________be also. If anyone serves Christ, the Father will honor him (John 12:26)

May__________be like Moses, faithful in all God?s house as a servant (Hebrews 3:5)

As the Lord's servant, may__________not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil (2 Timothy 2:24)

May__________not use his freedom to satisfy his sinful nature. Instead, may he use his freedom to serve others in love (Galatians 5:13)

May__________use his spiritual gifts to serve others, as good stewards of God's varied grace (1Peter 4:10)

May__________serve wholeheartedly, as if he were serving the Lord, not men (Ephesians 6:7)

Let__________be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and let him offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe (Hebrews 12:28)

May__________be a servant, for the greatest among us shall be servants (Matthew 23:11)

May__________fear the LORD his God and serve him only Deuteronomy 6:13)

21 Days of Prayer for Sons - Purity (Day 6)

2011-06-13T12:19:00.000-04:00

"And all who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure, just as He is pure." ~1 John 3:3

Is there anything more beautiful, more pure than your newborn baby son, just placed in your arms for the first time? I remember gazing at each perfect, God-created boy in complete awe. At that moment, you can't imagine the days ahead in which he will defy you, he will lie to you, he will hide things from you, he will react in anger to your most innocent inquiries into his life. It just doesn't seem possible, in that moment, that this pure little one will be a person who struggles with sin. That is why we're doing this. God is equipping us and we are calling on Him to equip and arm our sons in righteousness.

Hal and Melanie Young, authors of Raising Real Men, write that in addition to being open and honest with our sons about body and purity issues, "We need to prepare them to look for the snares our enemy lays for them, give them tools to help them fight temptation, and make sure they have accountability that helps them stand firm. Too many mothers we talk to are in denial that their sons are old enough or sinful enough (hint: we all are) to face these temptations. That's sad, because their sons need their help!" We need to lay a groundwork of communication and frankness from the toddler years; explaining and answering all their questions and putting it in biblical perspective. The Youngs also write, "We can help them, too, by praying for them. We need to pray for protection for them and pray they'll be strong enough to flee temptation - and pray for the princesses they will one day claim!"

These days,we can not live in denial. You've heard the expression "if you fail to plan, you plan to fail;" I think this holds true in the area of purity for our sons as well. PRAY and PLAN. Equip your sons to deal with the evil they will encounter. Train them to come to you with honesty in the issues they're dealing with. These precious boys are worth the uncomfortable moments, the struggles with our own pasts, the hours spent on our knees before the Lord.

These are the sons we are praying for - our baby boys, our terrific toddlers, our wonderful kids, our growing teens, young men:
Deanna has Todd (14) and Tanner (9)
Bluecottonmemory has 5 sons ages 11 to 25
Megin has Kaiden (5) and Tairen (4)
Kristine has Nathan (2.5) and Matthew (1)
Karen has Paul (14), Peter and Carl
Dixie (me) has Antonio (13), Rocky (11), Carlo (6) and Luca (5)
Plus, the sons of the moms who are joining us on facebook and in the Spirit!

Purity

May__________have love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith (1 Timothy 1:5)

May__________hope in God and thus purify himself (1 John 3:3)

May__________have religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unstained from the world (James 1:27)

May__________think on whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, may he think about these things (Philippians 4:8)

May__________be like the pure in heart, for they shall see God (Matthew 5:8)

May there be no violence in__________hands, and his prayer be pure (Job 16:17)

May__________be pure, because even a child makes himself known by his acts, by whether his conduct is pure and upright (Proverbs 20:11)

May__________love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that he may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ (Philippians 1:9-10)

How can__________keep his way pure? By guarding it according to God's word (Psalm 119:9)

May__________be blameless and innocent, a child of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation (Philippians 2:15)

21 Days of Prayer for Sons - Pride (Day 5)

2011-06-12T18:16:00.001-04:00

I wanted to share a golden tidbit from the Leader's Guide for Warrior Prayers. Brooke just knows how to be real, to speak to the heart and be an encourager. This part deals with the pride we may have in our sons. "We take such pride in our sons, don't we? When we see one with a natural bent toward academics we call him gifted. When we see one who excels in sports we call him an exceptional athlete — bound for the pros. Sometimes we even place pressure on our sons to be who we wish we could've been. And this can be a form of pride. Sometimes, we have to let go of our dreams for our sons, and deliberately choose to pick up God's dreams for them instead."

When it comes down to it, we have to put our hopes and dreams in what God has for our boys. We are after all just "foster" parents in the greater scheme of things. God is their Heavenly Father, the One who will be with them after they leave home, with them when they make choices without us, with them when they are to confused or afraid to come to us. Melissa Smallwood from Multitasking Mama reminds us that "Prayers for our sons must be individual to that child, and sensitive to the one of a kind man God has designed each of them to be. Whether my boys grow to be doctors, pastors, or drive a milk truck, as long as they are living their lives for God's glory, my mama heart should be pleased and satisfied."

I have been encouraged by the Lord to "keep up the good work" I've begun this week on this prayer journey. He's been reminding me of how certain prayers mean more in regards to Carlo or Rocky. God's been showing how Antonio or Luca will benefit from the prayers. What has the Lord been speaking to you this week? I am lifting you all up in prayer - don't forget to leave a comment hear so we can pray specifically for you and your sons or celebrate victories with you!

Can I add an additional challenge to your plate? I want to ask you to remember the single moms you know in your prayers. Please pray that God will bring a godly man into her son's life to show him what a holy laying down of pride looks like. Thank you!

I am so happy to be doing this with all of you! This has been exciting, uplifting and convicting. My sons deserve the seeds I'm sowing for them. They need me to be a praying mom. Lord, give me Your heart for my sons!

Pride

May__________not have a haughty spirit, for pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall (Proverbs 16:18)

May__________be lowly in spirit and obtain honor, for one's pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor (Proverbs 29:23

Lord, make__________turn from doing wrong and keep him from pride (Job 33:17)

Lord, please break__________'s proud spirit (Leviticus 26:19)

May__________take advice and gain wisdom, for with insolence comes nothing but strife (Proverbs 13:10)

May__________not be a "Scoffer"- the name of the arrogant, haughty man who acts with arrogant pride (Proverbs 21:24)

Lord, give us the pleasure of taking great pride in__________, being filled with comfort (2 Corinthians 7:4)

Let__________test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor (Galatians 6:4)

Let not the foot of arrogance come upon__________, nor the hand of the wicked drive him away (Psalm 36:11)

Let__________talk no more so very proudly, let not arrogance come from his mouth; for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed (1 Samuel 2:3)

21 Days of Prayer for Sons - Avoiding Foolishness (Day 4)

2011-06-11T18:11:00.000-04:00

Well, ladies, I've had a busy day, as I'm sure the rest of you have as well. I'm sorry to be getting this up so late today. So far on this prayer journey, I've been saying them throughout the day, but I find my best times of focused prayer are at night just before bed. What's working best for all of you?

I've heard some reports of some of the other participants having hard times already this week. I've been lifting you up in prayer; protection, peace, strength to see this through. Of course, the everyday can be a rough time with boys. They can be loud, rowdy, antagonistic, moody, clingy, irritating, but that is what we're here for! We are praying for God to change their hearts of stone into flesh. We are praying for God's plan to be made manifest in our sons' lives! It's exciting, exhilarating, and exhausting. ;)

Just know, I am with you in spirit as we pray together over our sons' hearts, minds, lives and spirits. I know we all can agree in our sincere hope that they will AVOID FOOLISHNESS!

I'll end with this great prayer from the Warrior Prayers book: "Lord, I pray that my son will resolve not to defile himself with what the world has to offer. I ask for boldness for him in standing up for what is right, just like Daniel did. And that You would give him favor and compassion in the sight of those he will encounter. Amen."

Avoiding Foolishness

May __________ avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless (Titus 3:9)

May __________ have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; for they breed quarrels (2 Timothy 2:23)

May __________ not participate in filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving (Ephesians 5:4)

May __________ hear these words of Mine, act on them, and avoid being like a foolish man who built his house on the sand (Matthew 7:26)

May __________ be more like a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who no longer knows how to take advice (Ecclesiastes 4:13)

May __________ not be foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures... (Titus 3:3)

May __________ leave the presence of a fool, for there he will not meet words of knowledge (Proverbs 14:7)

May __________ not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is (Ephesians 5:17)

May our sons be like a poor person who walks in his integrity rather than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool (Proverbs 19:1)

May __________ have a wise man?s heart inclining him to the right, and not a fool?s heart inclining to the left (Ecclesiastes 10:2)

21 Days of Prayer for Sons - Integrity (Day 3)

2011-06-10T15:26:00.000-04:00

Rocky when he got the Terrific Kids citizenship award

I love this quote from the Warrior Prayers book: "If you're anything like me, the greatest desire of your heart is for your son to be a mighty man of God. You dream of him being a man of integrity, a man of principle, and a man who loves Jesus. You dare to hope that when the day of temptation comes, he will stand strong and fight for Truth." This IS my deepest longing for my boys! This is what I'm praying over their lives. I hope that they will be successful in their endeavors, that they find love and have happy families. I hope that their hearts are never broken and they will be protected from pain. But I am PRAYING that they will be mighty men of God.

I'm really enjoying spending this time with God, talking to Him about my sons, agreeing with His Word over their lives. How is it going with all of you? I spent some time praying for you last night before bedtime. I needed the quiet to concentrate! Let me know how I can pray for you specifically. I know my sons are benefiting from the prayers, but I feel kind of drained. Warfare can be tiring, we've got to make sure we're getting refreshed in the Lord. Put some worship music on and sing, or dance! Tickle you son till he starts giggling; that makes me smile every time! Find a JOYFUL Psalm and pray it out while you soak in a bubble bath. Find what works for you and take that time for yourself so you can have the strength to go back to those warrior prayers!
If there's anyone following along with us who hasn't left a comment on this, please let me know the first names and ages of your sons. On Monday, I'll post a complete list of the sons we're fighting for. That will give us a great idea of how awesome the army of the Lord will be as they grow into men.
I just love these prayers for integrity today; they cover so much of what it means to be a man of God. I think we can all agree that our desire is for our sons to be righteous, to resist the flesh and keep their eyes set on the Lord. The chapter on Daniel is great; it got me thinking about how he didn't conform to the king's ways, but he did this not in a critical or rebellious way, but respectful and keeping God foremost. He didn't succumb to temptation, he didn't conform, he chose God. And Daniel was honored by God. Another great quote by Brooke, "So I'm praying that the Lord will give my boys a heart like Daniel. A warrior's heart that is set apart."

Integrity

May__________walk before You, as David his father walked, with integrity of heart and upright-ness, doing according to all that God has commanded him, and keeping His statutes and His rules (1 Kings 9:4)

Till he dies, may__________never put away his integrity (Job 27:5)

May__________ponder the way that is blameless and walk with integrity of heart within God?s house (Psalm 101:2)

May__________show himself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in his teaching show integrity, dignity (Titus 2:7)

Like Joseph, may__________hear the word of the Lord and obey (from Luke 1:27)

Like Daniel, may__________resolve not to defile himself (from Daniel 1:8)

Like Paul, may__________learn to be content in any situation (Philippians 4:11)

Like Timothy, may__________set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity (1 Timothy 4:12)

Like David with Goliath, may__________stand up for the living God (1 Samuel 17)

Like Abraham, may__________obey God in faith (Genesis 12)

21 Days of Prayer for Sons - Submission to Authority (Day 2)

2011-06-09T12:40:00.001-04:00

Antonio praying from his Bible

All right, how did everybody do yesterday? It took me a while to pray intentionally through the 10 prayers on obedience over all four of my sons. There were a few that I said out loud while they were in the room playing games or eating lunch. They may have thought I was being weird, or silly, but their faces were wreathed in smiles! Not only that, but I saw results almost immediately. Speaking the Word over our children is so powerful and God is a better parent than we could ever be. In fact, I didn't have another obedience issue for the rest of the day with the oldest 3 boys. Luca, however, never took a nap and chose to stay up and play LOUDLY. He did put away the dishes with no complaint when I asked him to, though. This is a new chore for him and I told him how proud I was!

How was your first day? Do you have any praise reports or prayer requests? Leave a comment!

I want to encourage you all to try one of these ways to pray through those 10 prayers:
1. Get up early to bathe your sons in prayer first thing in the morning.
2. Pray the prayers one at a time throughout the day.
3. Make the prayers part of your family devotion time.
4. Spend time in concentrated prayer late at night, close to bedtime.

Today's prayer focus is Submission to Authority, this flows perfectly from yesterday's topic of obedience. Throughout life, our sons will have to submit to some kind of authority. First their parents, then teachers, pastors, bosses, government officials but most importantly God Himself! We are training our sons to not only HEAR the voice of God, but to submit to His leadership and obey. If our sons can learn this now, in their youth, they will be in a better position to be able to travel the narrow path God has set before them. Oh, how my heart longs for my boys to stay on the path! It can be a rough road sometimes, but nothing compared to the brambles and rockslides that wait on either side. I pray they don't make the mistakes I made, that my sons will never wander away from the Word. Are you ready? Let's Go PRAY!

Submission to Authority

May__________obey his leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over his soul, as those who will have to give an account. Let him do this with joy and not with groaning (Hebrews 13:17)

May__________submit himself therefore to God. May he resist the devil, so he will flee from him (James 4:7)

May__________submit to laborers of the Gospel and to everyone who joins in the work (1 Corinthians 16:16)

May__________submit to others out of reverence for Christ (Ephesians 5:21)

May__________be subject to the Father of spirits and live (Hebrews 12:9)

May__________agree with God, and be at peace; so good will come to him (Job 22:21)

May__________be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God (Romans 13:1)

May__________submit himself to the LORD (2 Chronicles 30:8)

May__________, who is younger, be subject to the elders. May he clothe himself with humility toward others, for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. (1 Peter 5:5)

For freedom Christ has set us free; may__________stand firm therefore, and not submit again to a yoke of slavery (Galatians 5:1)

21 Days of Prayer for Sons - Obedience (Day 1)

2011-06-08T12:00:00.000-04:00

Carlo - 6

Antonio -13

Rocky - 11

My 4 Blessed BOYS!

Luca - 5

I'm so excited to start the 21 Days of Prayer for Sons today, and so grateful to Brooke for her amazing book inspiring us to be Warrior Moms! Already this morning, I've dealt with obedience issues, broken up a fight, and dealt with brothers torturing their sisters. So, I definitely need God to change these little hearts! For those of you joining me here for the first time, for this timely purpose, I'll give you a little background on my family. I've been married for 15 years, and I am the happy, proud and frazzled mom to 7 amazing children. Four of which are boys. My oldest 2 are boys (only 18-months apart) and then 2 girls, 2 more boys (20-months apart), and the littlest is a girl. My husband and I have been involved in ministry for more than 13 years - from music ministry to youth ministry to prayer ministry. There have been ups and downs, but it's natural to have an ebb and flow in life. Currently, we are involved with a House of Prayer, including the children. On paper, it sounds awesome, but in life it is HARD and there are days when we fight to stay on the path the Lord has placed us on - feeling our way in the dark with just that spark of Love leading us on. God is always faithful.

I'm looking forward to hearing from all of you. Your stories of family, struggles, prayer requests and praise reports! I'm here to encourage you during this dedicated time of prayer for your sons and if there is anything you need prayer for, please don't hesitate to ask. You can leave a comment on here for me and the others, send me an email for more private correspondence (dixiecanuso@hotmail.com), or if you're linking up with us on Facebook you can send me a message on there too.

So, as I said, I've already been struggling with obedience at home today - let's get started! If you purchased the Warrior Prayers book, you know the layout. We'll be saying 8 specific and biblical prayers over our sons each day. Focus on that issue, the face of your son(s), his name, his future. Let him see you, hear you praying over him. If you have a grown son, I thought it was a great idea to write a short letter to him including the prayers you spoke over him each day. Imagine what an impact that would make! I'm going to keep a journal during this time to keep track of the days, prayers, and personal breakthroughs. Do you guys have any other ideas?

As you say these prayers, inserting your sons' names, hold them up to the Lord. Only He can change hearts. I encourage you to look up the Bible verses and read them, meditate upon them as you pray throughout the day. Remember, as Brooke says, "I have no idea how to raise men who will be different, respecters of women, lovers of God. I have no idea how to teach little men to work with their hands, take commitments seriously and protect the least of these. And I certainly have no idea how to raise warriors, protectors, worshippers, peacemakers and friends by myself." THE BATTLE IS BEST FOUGHT ON OUR KNEES! I've been working on Cheerful Obedience here, at home, but there are days when I'll settle for simply "no fights" when I ask them to do something. I'm hoping for "yes, Mom, I'd be happy to" when I would settle for them just walking off to DO IT! I guess you could say the training isn't going too well. I'm looking forward to the results of these prayers. Good luck, everyone! I'll be holding you up in prayer as well.

OBEDIENCE

Whether it is favorable or unfavorable, may ___________ obey the LORD our God...so that it will go well with him (Jeremiah 42:6).

May __________ obey his parents in the Lord, for this is right (Ephesians 6:1).

May __________ obey his leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over his soul, as those who will have to give an account. Let __________ do this with joy and not with groaning (Hebrews 13:17).

May __________ obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29).

May __________ return to the LORD His God, and obey with all his heart and all his soul all the commands God has given (Deuteronomy 30:2).

May __________ walk after the LORD His God and fear Him and keep His commandments and obey His voice. May he serve Him and hold fast to Him (Deuteronomy 13:4).

May __________ stop his sinning and begin to obey the LORD his God (Jeremiah 26:13).

May __________ obey Jesus' commandments, and remain in His love (John 15:10).

May __________ show his love for Christ by obeying His commands (John 14:15).

May we be full of joy at __________'s obedience (Romans 16:19).

Fun Mom Prayer

2011-06-07T14:24:00.000-04:00

One of the reasons I started blogging was because of all the encouragement and community I found through other mom bloggers. I visit some favorites and get a few in my email. Occasionally, I follow the bread-crumb trail of wonder to new kindred spirits. Yesterday, a link to this prayer from Stacy of MOD Squad was provided in my email. It spoke directly to my heart, and I know it will touch yours too! So, here goes, the Fun Mom Prayer...

Cecelia, Me, and Keliah having fun together!

Dear Lord,
I’m the rule maker.
The one who makes them wash their hands 100x’s
and eat their green beans.
I am their teacher.
I say “NO”, a lot.
And sometimes, that is the right thing to say.
But what I really want to be, is the one who captures their hearts and turns them to You.
Who I really want to be, is a mom who has time to make cookies, play Yahtzee, and catch lightning bugs in a jar.
What I want to say more is, “Yes! Let’s have an adventure today.”
And put aside my chores, my have to’s, my grown up things and enjoy this precious time I have with them.
Because tomorrow, they will be grown.
And I will not have a chance to do these things with them.
I’m not sure where this is in Your Word exactly, but I know you are a God who loves relationship.
And You did make it a point to let the children come to you. {Matthew 19:14}
So, would you make me, this mom, a fun mom?
Let my children remember me:
Smiling. Chasing. Dreaming. And having fun with them.
Amen.

Lighting the Fire on the Family Altar

2011-06-05T20:27:00.000-04:00

Today, for various reasons, we had family church at home. Normally we would go to our wonderful church community at OHOP, or if we're ministering somewhere else, we'd be having fun experiencing a new worship service. I think God pushed us into rekindling the fire on our family altar. There has been much hustle and bustle, and very little connecting with God around our home. Nick and I have been desiring to pray together with the kids more. We've been planning to have purposeful worship time as a family. We've talked about what we'd do for family altar time. But, there was very little actual DOING.

I tell ya, sometimes I feel like a little kid and my Daddy has to yank me along by the hand 'cause I just won't keep up! (God, thank you for not letting me get lost or left behind. You are loving and faithful.)

It was a good day to light those fires. After we all went around and said our own opening prayer for our family, Nick opened his prayer book. He read out that in 1967, on today's date - June 5 - it was the beginning of the Six Day War in Israel. He gave a shortened version of the events and outcome of that conflict. God did miracles. There will always be conflict over that little bit of land - Israel - the Promised Land. He reiterated that we need to keep praying for Israel because of the enemies, pressures, spiritual warfare continuing to surround that little nation. We prayed together, taking turns again, for Israel, Jerusalem, and the Jewish people. We read several passages from the Bible and prayed some more. The two youngest were very distracted/distracting, but I know they will learn to take joy in the place of prayer and how to be reverent to God.

Even if I have to yank them by the hand so they keep up!

5 Guys Burgers and Fries ;)

2011-06-03T18:26:00.000-04:00

Lego is having a contest in which younger kids are supposed to make creations of their favorite foods and then send in a photo. My kids all love playing with Legos, and Rocky encouraged Luca to enter. He created "5 Guys Burgers and Fries." Considering he's only 5-years-old, I thought he did an amazing job - he even included the peanuts (foreground) that the restaurant serves while you're waiting for them to make your custom burger. I thought this was so cute, I had to feature it here!

P.S. I did not get any compensation for mentioning Legos or 5 Guys. Just having fun.

A Few Parting Shots from a Dying Town

2011-06-01T14:41:00.000-04:00

While I was in Marshall, Oklahoma, I decided to take a walk "around town" to see what I could see. I was in a melancholy mood, it being the day after Grandpa's funeral, and the condition of the town didn't help. It occurred to me that my Grandpa's life was pretty closely related to the life of Marshall, where he lived his entire life except for the time he spent on a Navy ship during WWII. As I was blown up and down the empty roads by a strong Spring wind, I thought of Don Huffer's life - a farmer, a sailor, a husband, a father, grandfather, great-grandfather, a church-goer, Republican, traveler, a man who worked hard, made big plans, and loved life. This town, established around 1890 and barely hanging on to life through the post-office, co-op store and one last church, was only a little over 30 years older than he. How must he have felt seeing it pass away in front of him?

These photos are a few from my bittersweet tour of Marshall last month. I'm still clinging to my roots buried deep in the red, red soil of northern Oklahoma.

The family church - weddings, funerals, confirmations, and Christmas pageants.

Marshall school - est. 1904, closed 1988

The old fire truck, used for the parade on Prairie City Days. (They do have a modern one.)

One of the empty Co-op grain elevators, the train doesn't come through here any more.

Part of Main Street - plate glass of the bar broken out, small grocery closed for good.

Destruction and Life.

Empty playground.

Among the broken, dead brambles - LIFE and COLOR - roses

Little red wagon along the backyard I used to play in - it was my great-grandmother's house once.

Irises my Grandpa planted along the back of his workshop.

Scrap metal wheels


Town billboard in the middle of the wide Main Street, news: Huffer funeral.

I found an entry for this little town on Wikipedia, obviously written by someone who lives, or grew up, there. The part that spoke to me said, "Back in the town's prime between 1900 and 1980 it had two gas stations, a hotel, 5-dime store, drug store, cafe, bar, grocery store, laundromat, hardware store, lawyer office, bank, doctor office, blacksmith, barber shop, beauty shop, fire station, arcade, movie theatre, two car dealers and farmers' co-op. Today all that is left is the co-op and post office. Where main street was once lined with cars on Saturdays is now pretty much a ghost town. Most of the buildings downtown are, or have, fallen down or empty. During the 1980s the oil bust happened and the town hasn't been the same ever since."

To everything there is a season,
A time for every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, And a time to die;
A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted;

A time to kill, And a time to heal;
A time to break down, And a time to build up;

A time to weep, And a time to laugh;
A time to mourn, And a time to dance;

A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing;

A time to gain, And a time to lose;
A time to keep, And a time to throw away;

A time to tear, And a time to sew;
A time to keep silence, And a time to speak;

A time to love, And a time to hate; A time of war, And a time of peace. —Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

My Big Girl is 10!

2011-05-30T14:01:00.000-04:00

A week ago, we celebrated Cecelia's 10th birthday. I was overwhelmed by the realization that my big/little girl is growing up and out of childhood. She didn't even get any toys for presents. (She didn't ask for any either.) She had wanted to have a sleepover, but one of her friends wasn't able to spend the night and the other is allergic to our pets. The best alternative was THE BEACH!

Rocky, Keliah, Cecelia, Carlo, Antonio and Luca

We drove out to Ft. Desoto park on the gulf coast and shared a picnic lunch with seagulls and had a great time swimming, exploring, and playing. Because of the long road trip and extended time on the beach (as evidenced by the pink shoulders of some of us), we had cake, ice cream and presents the next day.

Happy Birthday Cecelia!!!

I was touched when Keliah (8) wanted to pray for Cecelia to bless her birthday.
Sweet Cecelia, you may not always hear me say all I feel for you. I love you - you know that - but do you know how much I treasure and cherish you? You are the delight of my heart and everyday my respect for you and my pride in you grows. You are an amazing lover of the Lord, a girl who desires the things of God with your whole heart! I pray that you are continually blessed and amazed by the goodness of your Heavenly Father and that we as your family will always lift you up on your journey.

Keliah praying a blessing over Cecelia

My Hope is in YOU!

2011-05-30T13:20:00.000-04:00

Source: etsy.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Proud Momma Moments...

2011-05-17T20:06:00.000-04:00

On Sunday, big changes were announced for the Children's Equipping Center at OHOP. Of course, I already knew about them because I was almost finished with the CEC newsletter coming out this week. ;) There was a great moment when the talking was over and they showed a quick promo video put together during the week. Jessica, CEC's interim director, really wanted to show what we're growing here. The fastest way to show that is by letting the kid's do what they do best - PRAY! Friday mornings Nick teaches a group of kids 9 and up music and the Harp and Bowl model of the prayer room, after class they do a full intercession watch in the prayer room. Recently, a friend and I began a short class to equip the younger kids to participate as well. The older kids have done a great job and have grown immensely over the past 2 years; they are patient and kind to the little ones too. The "newbies" are so excited to participate in the prayer room. They are blossoming with the Joy of the Lord! Many of these kids got together for the filming of a short version of what we do on Fridays. This is the resulting video – props to Luke Schepler who did an amazing job with this!

Hats & Boots to Fill

2011-05-15T19:16:00.000-04:00

While in Oklahoma for my Grandpa's funeral, I was party to some pretty interesting post-death goings-on. There were typical moments of ordering flowers, picking out pictures from a long life to share with fellow mourners in celebration of our loved one, lots of eating of funeral food. (Praise God for wonderful women -and a few men- who cook for comfort.) We wrote MANY thank-you notes.

Then, there were the not-so-typical times.
My aunts and mom were intent on DOING CONSTRUCTIVE THINGS. They worked on the yard, emptying long-ignored flower pots to take some home to use (a little piece of Dad's garden.) They all went together to the nursing home to remove Grandpa's clothes and hygiene items. They divided the MANY gifts of plants sent for the funeral - I only escaped bringing one home because I was flying. The strangest moment for me was when they lined up all of grandpa's shoes and boots to see if any of us could use them or wanted them. Grandpa had smallish feet lengthwise, but very wide. I ended up taking 2 pairs home for my boys. I thought they could use them for a year or two when they visit Uncle Rodney's farm, then maybe I can use a pair for a cool planter.

Just a few of Grandpa's hats. (Uncle Rodney in background.)

My cousin Kevin with his choice of hat.

My cousin Chris with his "new" hat. He's the oldest grandchild.

An awe-inspiring moment was when they brought out all of Grandpa's hats. Stacks of them. Lines of them. Straw cowboy hats, leather ones, wool fedoras, canvas sun-hats, a wooly sheepskin winter hat. Each of Grandpa's children AND grandchildren got to pick a hat. I carried mine home. I put it on while waiting in a Southwest Airlines boarding line at the request of the gentleman in front of me. Trying to tell the story, I got a little teary and couldn't talk. I tucked it safely on top of my carry-on bag under the seat in front of me.

Most of us (3 cousins had already left) with our hats. I'm in the center.

These are big shoes & big hats to fill. I miss you, Grandpa!

A Time to Mourn...

2011-04-25T13:43:00.000-04:00

Just got the news this morning that my Grandpa, Howard Don Huffer, passed away early today. I haven't been on here, haven't blogged at all since my trip to the midwest 2 weeks ago. It was great to see my dad - who is healing wonderfully - and connect with my family again. I got to spend some good quality time with my nieces and even a day in Lincoln to see my in-laws. The trip to Oklahoma over that weekend was another thing. While it was a blessing to be able to celebrate my Gram's birthday with her and extended family (some of whom I hadn't seen in years), it was a shock to see my Grandpa. The alzheimers and cancer had eroded his mind and body. He was not in good shape all around, but I was so grateful to see him again. I have been having a hard time processing all of this and I'm hoping this second trip to the funeral, to be with family, to examine my own heart and life from a bit of a distance from the norm will help. Please pray for comfort and God-encounters. Thank you...

Light it Up Blue!

2011-03-31T23:50:00.000-04:00

My blog-friend Debi, over at Who Says 8 is Enough? has a little boy, Will, with autism. He is adorable and full of JOY! I know he is the delight of his mother's heart. She posted today:
"I hope there will come a day where autism isn't viewed so negatively and the key to that is awareness. Autism Speaks is an organization that gives a voice to the cause and this month, through them, we are Lighting it up Blue for Autism. I have bought blue light bulbs and on April 1st and 2nd, my home will be lit up blue.
Won't you do it too? For Will and for every child you know that is on the spectrum and for all of the ones who might be..."
Please, be a voice for these children who so rarely get to express themselves. Shine a blue light and tell others about a little boy or little girl you know who is the delight of their parents' hearts. Consider donating to Autism Speaks and say a prayer for the families who've been touched by this little-understood condition. Lord God, gather Your precious children into Your arms, touch their hearts and minds, give them peace and strength! Thank you!

A Time to Laugh

2011-03-29T20:14:00.000-04:00

After such a sobering week dealing with my Grandpa's illness and his move into a nursing home, accompanied by Gram (and I'm so far away, so far...), I needed a little laughter.

Rocky's favorite books are the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series of "graphic" novels. I have to say this is genious! Simple, fun "kid's life" stories with doodle-style cartoons to illustrate the most serious or funniest moments. Last year, when the movie came out, Rocky and I had a "date" and went to see it. It was way funnier than I thought it would be. This year, they came out with a sequel, and you know we'll have to go see it!

I found a great link on Facebook to "Wimp Yourself" promoting the movie. I couldn't resist. So here's my version of myself in the Wimpy universe. ;)

A Time to Weep

2011-03-22T19:14:00.000-04:00

I happened to call my parents this evening about 15 minutes before they hit the road to drive from Iowa to Oklahoma. My grandpa, Don, is in the hospital with clots in his legs and lungs. They're running tests, but believe this is the result of some form of cancer. They're recommending hospice care.
He's 90-years-old and his health, mentally and physically, has been declining steadily over the past few years. This year, however, has been the most dramatic. I was fortunate to be able to visit last July and, although he was obviously confused and slept a lot more, Grandpa was up playing cards, escorting my Gram to the senior center for lunch, dabbling in the yard, and walking to the post office for mail. When my mom went down last week for her spring break, he was so weak that he had to lean on her when she took him into the yard. He had little interest in things and couldn't tell the difference between the suits when they played cards. She had gone down, not only for a visit, but for a serious meeting with her brother and sisters about getting her parents into an assisted living facility with security in case Grandpa went wandering. It's a difficult transition that has been the subject of discussion for the past few years between "the kids." By the end of the week, no move had been made, and now this – just 4 days later.
I am praying peace over Grandpa. I'm praying peace and strength over Gram, Momma, Uncle Rodney, Aunt Carol, and Aunt Susan. Please join me with your prayers.

Grandpa Don Huffer – July 4, 2010

"To everything there is a season. A time for everything under heaven... A time to weep, and a time to laugh; A time to mourn, and a time to dance." Ecclesiastes 3:1,4

A Mother's Great Voice in Heaven

2011-03-17T13:52:00.000-04:00

The tag line on this blog is "the joys and trials of raising 7 children in a house of prayer." I realized that I haven't been sharing too many joys lately. I experience them, but haven't written about them. Which is maybe (part of) why God felt that I needed this word from Him. My friend Susan, whom I've known for at least 15 years, but only lately have come to be on any kind of intimate level with, got this word for me and typed it up. She gave it to Nick while he was visiting his family last week to bring home to me. I am so grateful to her for her ability to listen to that "still small Voice" and her obedient heart. I'm sharing this because it gave me such joy and encouragement and I think it will do the same for some of you.

Do you not know?

Have you not considered this:

A mother has a great voice in heaven

A mother's prayer, a mother's tears move the heart of God that He may tenderly bend down to His daughter to catch every whispered heartache.

Is it enough that God the Father knows your name?

Is it enough that angels are dispatched when you pray?

Where would you be great? Upon the earth that will burn with fire at the end?

Keep looking to Me, to My words, for My words will build you up, they will shape you and mold you.

Who knows your name? Where do you go for praise and recognition?

Who holds the secrets of your heart?

Who walks with you?

My very precious daughter, your faith is a delight to Me. I shall lead you to the altar and re-ignite the passions of your heart as you have desired, for it is My desire.

Take heart, this is only for a season, the way you feel now will not be forever. All mothers/mother hearts go through this. I know, for I too have a mother's heart for I am El Shaddai, the all-sufficient One, the Provider. I nurture all who come to Me.

What seems to you a smoldering wick about to go out is quite the bright light in the courts of God.

Your faithfulness amazes the angels before Me, for you attend to Me without seeing My Glory or Holiness. Blessed are you My little one, for your children will rise up and call you "blessed".

You say, "I have done no great thing for the Lord. My deeds are small."

I say, your deeds are only small to human eyes. Eternity is being planted in the hearts of your children, being raised to know and glorify the Lord. This is an awesome work before Me that no angel, no cherub, no seraph or living creature is able to do.

Your day is coming my very precious daughter, the day when I will draw you deeper into My chamber, I will cup your face in My hands and look lovingly upon you. In that place, great things are before you.

You have yet to know this place but have yearned for it.

I tell you it is a surety in My heart and shall be.

Take heart, for your God is strong on your behalf and delights in the faith you have in the small things.

Great things grow from small seeds.

Fear of the Lord & Repentance

2011-03-13T00:50:00.000-05:00

Romans 2:1-5 says: "You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed."

Do you ever wonder if you're experiencing the fullness that God has for you? Do you ever "just know" that you're missing something? I do. For sure. And it wasn't till last week, listening to John Mulinde speak over the IHOP-KC webstream, that I realized why I was missing it. I am not fully repentant for some of the things I do or think. I ask for forgiveness, most of the time, but there are many times that I just go ahead and do it again because - hey, I'm human. But, true repentance takes an active act of change. Change of WAYS. If I think badly of someone, even if they "deserve it" for acting nasty, being hurtful, or not appreciating me or someone I love, it's not okay! How can I judge them when I am doing the same thing in my head to them? The plank is in my eye!!!

I don't know about you, but I want to stop storing up wrath against myself ASAP!!! There is a reason it's called "the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord!" I want to see the treasures and rewards, not God's wrath. I do not want to be one of these: "Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’"(Matthew 7:22,23) And I also don't want the Lord to say to me:
"I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked." (Rev. 3:15-17)

God is calling us out of our human ways to walk fully in God's ways. The work done on the cross was fully complete. If we are still dealing with woundedness, bitterness, selfishness, we have not died to ourselves, so we cannot be experiencing holiness. Holiness comes from God.
We are being called to deep repentance and total surrender to God.

This place of comfort I've come to live in is not good enough. It's time to get radical, and it starts with myself. Lord Jesus, help me to fully repent of my ways. Show me the things I need to change, and guide me in YOUR WAYS. Holy Spirit, reveal to us the fullness of God - the awesome power - so that we live in reverent fear and love. Don't let us stay lukewarm in our sleepy complacency of Your forgiveness.
He cannot forgive what we do not repent of.

As I wrap this up, I'm reminded of something Misty Edwards, one of the leading worship leaders and intercessors at IHOP-KC, said at the Onething 2008 conference. "You can't run the race with one foot still in bed." That really resounded with my spirit. There were things holding me back - things I wasn't ready to change about myself. Things I wasn't ready to give up. It's time. I'm ready to run this race with excellence. With God's help, I will follow His ways and leave mine behind.

P.S. Thank you, Keliah, for giving me an opening to teach you and your siblings about the fear of God.

How a Week Can Change You

2011-03-10T23:30:00.000-05:00

It's been an amazing, humbling, saddening, maddening, joy-ride week. There were several times within the past week and a half that I've been hungry to get on here and have a little self-therapy and share. I'm finally forcing myself to step out of my head and get it all typed up. Although, it may take a few posts to do so.
First off, let me say that I am missing Nick like CRAZY right now. He flew out to Nebraska on Tuesday quite suddenly because of a death in the family. I will get to that. I hate when he is gone because I tend to cocoon until he gets home. I wrap myself up in the kids and too much Netflix surfing and recognizing the mess I'm living in. I haven't even been communicating much online because my heart is kind of unraveled and I feel undone. Plus, I don't sleep well when he's not in bed with me. This is why I rarely complain about him hogging the bed. I am just BETTER when he is around me. How wonderful to be married to a man that loves, cherishes, and champions me! I am truly blessed.
On Monday, I got a voicemail from my mother-in-law, Connie. Not sure why my phone didn't ring, but I listened to her prayer request for her step-daughter Janice who was in the hospital with pneumonia and already had hepatitis. Now, the relationships in this family are somewhat confusing from the outside. Connie is Nick's mom, she married Bill almost 29 years ago after he'd been married and divorced twice before. They didn't have any children together, but Bill had 2 children with each of his other wives. A son and daughter (Janice) in the first marriage, and 2 daughters in the second. The 2 girls from Bill's second marriage are very close in age to Nick and they spent a lot of weekends and vacations together. Bill's first wife remarried and they lived in the Kansas City area; his son ended up living with Nick, Connie and Bill for a short time in his teens and Janice came to visit for a while too, but they were largely out of the picture. Now, it's sad to say, but I have been married to Nick for 15 and a half years and I never met Janice nor any of her 3 kids. I did meet Bill's son, Lenny, once as well as his daughter. This has gotten kind of drawn out, but it's important to get a glimpse of the family dynamics. Janice spent time in and out of prison during her adult life. Her 2 sons also have been in and out of jail (the older one is in now.) Janice was actually serving time for the past few months and got sick in prison. Her daughter, Skye, was staying with Janice's stepdad because her own father is out of the picture now. Nick had met Skye before because he went to see Janice when she was still with Skye's dad. When Janice was sent to prison this last time, Nick was on the phone with Bill telling him we were willing to take Skye in and make her part of our family. No one really listened. Then, Janice got sick, Bill rushed down to Kansas City to see her because they didn't know how long she would last. I found out not long after that when Bill got the call she had already flat-lined once and been brought back. By the time he got there, she was already brain-dead. Her systems started shutting down, her younger son (barely 20) was faced with making a serious decision, but she passed not too much later. We were praying, we had many people at OHOP and in the mid-west praying for her. Janice was only 41 years old. Skye is only 9.
Just 2 years ago, Janice's brother Lenny died at about the same age - quite suddenly. Then, their mom died a few months later. Bill did not handle the death of his son well, he was just starting to open up and talk about it in December when Nick was visiting them. Connie's mom, Marcella, has been living with them for the past few years and has become completely dependent on them for her care. Nick felt compelled to fly up as soon as he could to help his family. He knew that his mom should be with Bill for the funeral service, so he thought at the least he can stay with his Grandma. However, Nick had Skye on his heart from the beginning of all this. We prayed about all driving up, but it takes at least 2 days to drive and we were not prepared to make the trip at all. (Now we're going to have to make a plan because all of our grandparents are getting near the end.) We prayed for Grandpa Bill and Great and Grandma Connie and Skye. We prayed traveling mercies over Nick and that God would use him. We're still praying.
Janice's stepdad is now trying to get official custody of Skye. He didn't want to have a service for Janice, Bill made the arrangements. It seems that no one takes Nick seriously when he says that we are more than willing to bring Skye into our family. It's not a good situation there. However, Nick's uncle and aunt are coming to stay with his Grandma while he goes to the funeral in Kansas City with his parents. He will have an opportunity to see Skye and her grandfather. I was praying for her and God showed me how He had been taking people out of her life for a purpose. She is precious to Him and He has a plan for her. Whether she is with us or not, I will not stop praying for Skye.
All of this has been sobering and humbling. I have been impressed upon within the past month to understand the fear of the Lord. He loves and forgives, our repentance is accepted. But, we can't stop fearing the Lord. There is power and authority there. More on this tomorrow.

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. You have heard Me say to you, ‘I am going away and coming back to you.’ John 14:27,28

Youth Pastor Summit!

2011-02-27T22:06:00.000-05:00

Well, I got the babysitter for the whole day, gas in the car, and a (finally) convinced husband. We're going to the Youth Pastor Summit at Universal Studios tomorrow! Yes, a whole day without the kids! This free mini-conference is put on every year by the Student Leadership University to bless, inform, and edify youth pastors. We had that job for many years, as youth sponsors as well as pastors, and it was tough, rewarding, and frustrating. But, I tell ya, there is nothing more satisfying than seeing a teen growing in his or her relationship with Jesus. We're not "in the business" now, exactly, but we are parents of youth now. (WHAT?!) I, for one, need more insight into how the development between childhood to adulthood works and how I can guide them, with Christ, through the process. I need inspiration! God is an excellent co-parent, but sometimes it's so noisy inside and outside of my head that I can't hear His voice. So, I am definitely looking forward to tomorrow. Plus, we get to hang out at Universal for free for a few hours. How fun is that?

Looking forward to sharing more with you all soon!

A Few Pictures from Summertime, Small Town Oklahoma

2011-02-22T21:59:00.000-05:00

Last summer we had the amazing good fortune to visit my grandparents in Oklahoma. My mom's parents, my Gram and Grandpa, live in a tiny prairie town: Marshall. All the former businesses are shut down and abandoned. My aunt and uncle's farm is on the outer edge of town, that's where my grandparents raised their children and ran a dairy farm. We celebrated the 4th of July in the pasture with extended family. I seized the opportunity to photograph my grandparents (both around 90 years old) and the aunts, uncles, cousins, second cousins, etc. that we rarely get to see anymore. Who knew that moving to Florida (5 years ago) was like moving to another country? I hope you enjoy the fresh simple beauty of this corner of my heart.


Sophia (my niece), Luca, and Carlo running down the middle of Main Street.

Luca and Sophia visiting the horse and pony living in the middle of town.

Sophia & Carlo having fun at the park with playground equipment from the 60s.

Red dirt path between Main Street buildings and the park.

Sabina and puppy from my childhood "leaving town" to walk the 2 blocks to my grandparents'.

My Grandpa, Don Huffer

My sister, Holly, picking mulberries in our grandparents' backyard


My Grandpa still loves to tinker around outside

My Gram, Evadean Huffer with the newest Great-Grandbaby

Great-Uncle J.C. is the only man I know with a handlebar mustache!

Luca, Carlo, and Rocky at the farm pond getting ready for fireworks!

Beautiful sunset clouds behind farm pond.

Their own fireworks -BOOM!- of dry grass.

Sophia enjoying the countryside.

Fun with Fireworks! Ah, the freedom of living in the country!

Sabina tuckered out at the end of the night; mosquito bites and all, isn't she an angel?

Microcosm of Humanity

2011-02-21T21:56:00.000-05:00

So, I had a follow-up appointment at the doctor's office this morning that I had rescheduled 3 times. I figured I couldn't put it off any longer. I did not choose this doctor, he was chosen for me by my HMO. This office has a waiting room the size of my bathroom with about 9 chairs squeezed in, no magazines, only some medical ads on the walls and a big screen on the wall showing some medical programming. When I got there, I signed in and there was only 1 person in the waiting room. I was called back to do the triage bit: weight (I lost 8 pounds in the last 4 weeks!), temperature, blood pressure. There were no examination rooms available, so I was told to go back and wait.

I figured it wouldn't be too long, so finished my sodoku game while 3 more people arrived and 1 person came out to wait for his next appointment to be scheduled. It took about 15-20 minutes of chatty silliness from the nurses and office staff to get back to him. He was an old black man, arms crossed, legs crossed, folded into himself. When he finally reminded them of his purpose, and got instructions in a slightly condescending tone, he left muttering "Lord have mercy." I forgot to mention that the computer in the triage room had Facebook up. But why not? They obviously didn't have much work to do! I finished 2 more Sodoku games while a man came in wearing an undershirt to ask the ladies to read out his paper that he had pneumonia. He left laughing. Another older man left with instructions to see a GI, which he didn't understand. An old man, who obviously had some serious health problems arrived with his 20-something daughter (I think) to drive him, sign him in, take care of the Medicaid stuff, etc. While they waited, he pulled out a thick novel and turned to his place in the first quarter of the book. "Do you think I'll have time to finish this here?" he joked. A young couple came in with a double stroller with 2 toddlers strapped in and a stroller with an infant car seat with their 1-month-old. All floor space was now taken up. Shortly after they arrived, a middle-aged white woman on a slant came in and checked in and started baby-talk with the adorable children. She was missing half her teeth. I gave up on the next sodoku game because I messed up somewhere. An hour after I arrived, I texted Nick on my phone that I was still waiting. Less than 5 minutes later, I was taken back to a room. Then I waited about 10 more minutes.

I forgot to mention that one of the times I had to reschedule was because when I went to have the blood tests that he ordered, I was told that I had to be fasting for one of them. Yeah, thanks for the wasted time/gas, doctor! Why couldn't they have told me that at the doctor's office?

Anyway, my doctor is elderly and of some Asian descent. That doesn't concern me. What does bother me is when he can't think of the word "symptoms."

Through this experience, I was patient, unbothered - mostly - and interested in those around me. I was stirred to start praying for the other people in the waiting room. Now, I am kind of shy, so my prayers were in my head and under my breath. (They may have thought I was a weirdo.) But, I felt that I was actually seeing some of them through God's eyes. His heart will give you the most breathtaking empathy. Lord, let me see each of Your children as You do! Guide me in Your ways!

Just one picture from this weekend's amazing Holy Spirit joy at OHOP (Nick in front)

The Teen Years

2011-02-18T18:09:00.000-05:00

That's right, we've entered the teen years in our home. And, I gotta tell ya, it's not all bad. Sure, Antonio is now officially taller than I am and he has this cute shadow over his top lip, but he's also a really great kid! Not only is he willing to watch his little brothers and sisters while Nick & I take a coffee date, but he actually makes sure stuff is cleaned up and the dog is taken out. (I've gotten a few complaints about his bossiness, but I think that's okay considering he's the oldest.) We've really been blessed by our firstborn and he continues to bless others as well.
As heartbroken as I am to realize my little blond-haired angelic baby is growing up, I am also happy that he is becoming a man after God's heart.
We didn't have a big party, but Antonio did invite a friend over to spend the night for the first time. The two of them, Rocky, and Nick went and played a couple sessions of laser tag, we shared a meal, and pigged out on my creation of a S'More Cake. It was messy, gooey, and yummy + ice cream. Later, they played Wii and PS3 till about midnight and crashed out on couches in the living room. Church time came too early the next day. ;)
Happy Birthday Antonio! You bring joy to my heart and love to my life. I expect your teen years to be amazing!

Thankful Thursday

2011-02-10T21:53:00.000-05:00

Today, I finally got the video of the progress on our house online. I am so thankful for all the amazing people who volunteered their time and generously donated toward our home makeover. We've been here for a few months now, and there's still a lot of work to do, but we are thankful for this opportunity God gave us to learn, grow, and persevere. He is truly glorious. Hop on over to our family blog to check it out! http://canusofamily.blogspot.com/

Feeling More Myself

2011-02-07T21:32:00.000-05:00

Quick update on my dad for my fellow prayer warriors out there; he was moved back to the V.A. Medical Center today after spending the last 2 days at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. I guess they still want to observe him and they had a room open at the V.A. His eyesight is still messed up to the right and his head still hurts. He's been unable to keep any food down in the past 3 days besides 1 yogurt. He's also having trouble reading. Although I'm not quite the wreck I was on Saturday, I'm still really worried about him. He's having hemorrhagic strokes, so instead of blocked vessels, it's broken vessels bleeding out into the brain. He seemed almost normal on the phone, but I can tell he still needs a lot of prayer. Thank you.

Anyway. Today, I'm wearing ripped jeans and a princess t-shirt. On my errands to get medical tests done, break my fast at Starbucks, and trip to the grocery store, I found myself almost strutting. Strangers talked to me out of no where. I was really feeling more myself for the first time in a long time. Years even. Now, I know that part of that is this new way of eating I'm following. I'm eating a lot of plants. Veggies, fruits, beans, seeds, some whole grains: naturally occurring food. God-made food. I've only been doing this for about 2 weeks, and not entirely faithfully. But, I've been breaking some seriously bad eating habits and it already shows. I have, unfortunately, not started exercising yet but have lost enough weight that people are noticing. I feel better. My moods have evened out, I feel more positive in general. And, even the shock of my dad's stroke hasn't dropped me in the pit. We led worship at OHOP yesterday and it was AMAZING! Holy Spirit was moving in that place and so were the people! JOY! I feel that I am safe, for the first time in a long time. Safe in God's arms. I feel that I can do whatever He calls me to! I know that the girl I used to be, artistic, bold, silly, is still me. Does that sound strange? I am STILL ME! God created me in His image and in realizing that, KNOWING it, I have become one "with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord" and I'm "being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." (2 Corinthians 3:18) Isn't that AWESOME?

I guess that's really what it comes down to. My face has been unveiled. GLORY!!!!
Truly "where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." (2 Corinth. 3:17) Even the freedom to wear your old ripped jeans and walk boldly.

Lord Help Me!

2011-02-05T19:32:00.000-05:00

I need your prayers again. I've been wanting to write and share joys and the busy-ness I'm still trying to juggle. I've been meaning to give everybody an update on Rachel's progress. But, I come here today with another prayer request. Please, please pray for my Daddy, Jim. He's been admitted to the VA Medical Center in Omaha because he's had a stroke. I just got the call from my mom this evening. He just had a mini-stroke in December and he had a more serious mini-stroke in 1998. I don't know how serious this one is, but I am believing that he will be healed by the blood of Jesus. I'm kind of a wreck; been missing my family lately anyway and this happens. The outpouring of prayers from my church family and friends so far tonight has been a blessing. I would be untethered without them. My Papa (my dad's dad) died when he was 59, and now my dad is that age. To me, he still seems young. To my kids, he's Papa. Please help me pray.

Praying for a Miracle

2011-01-16T22:42:00.001-05:00

Five days ago, my best friend from Jr. High put an urgent message on my Facebook page. "Do you know what's happened to Rachel Stotler? I don't know but all I know is we need to pray HARD for her!!! RIGHT NOW!!!!" That started a quick frantic search of Facebook to find out what was happening. I followed a link to the Omaha World-Herald newspaper article that recounted a bad car accident on icy roads that led to my friend Rachel (Stotler) Clasemann to being admitted to Creighton Hospital in Omaha. I friend requested her husband, Jon, who I'd only met at their wedding about 11 years ago and sent him a message. He was kind enough to get back to me the same day, after I'd read his journal on the Caring Bridge site set up for Rachel.

She is 35-years-old, a physical therapist, and mommy to 2 little boys: Nathan and Jacob. They are too young to be visitors at the ICU where their mom is in a coma. She is recovering from a severe brain injury. So severe, in fact, that 2 parts of her skull had to be removed to relieve the pressure from the swelling in her brain. There have been some good developments in the past few days, but we are dwelling in the needed-miracle area here.

Please join me in prayer for my friend of 23 years, Rachel Clasemann. Also, pray for peace, strength, and joy for Jon and their sons, and Rachel's parents. I know Jesus has this situation in the palm of His pierced hand. I continue to lay my fear and anguish for her at the foot of the cross. I am believing for complete, miraculous restoration! She will not only wake up, but be fully healed in the name of Jesus!

“Because heloves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him;
   I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
He will call on me, and I will answer him;
   I will be with him in trouble,
   I will deliver him and honor him.
With long life I will satisfy him

and show him my salvation.” Psalm 91:14-16

Back Online ~ after 3 months!

2011-01-10T22:51:00.000-05:00

What have you all been up to? I feel so lost! I've been playing catch-up for the past couple days because we are finally online again. The short version of the story of why it's been so long is that we moved and didn't want to get cable internet access again. We looked into alternatives, really liked one, but they don't service our area yet! So, we broke down and called the cable guy again. I'm so glad. I got to read A LOT of sweet and lovable birthday wishes from October on my Facebook page and got to send out Christmas blessings to friends who wished me merry last month. I'm only a little late in the New Years hoopla, and got to laugh, cry and groan while catching up on my blog buddies' posts.
I'm so happy to be back on here and have lots to share. One sad note is that my camera is missing. Either I lost it (how, where, I don't go anywhere!?!) or it was stolen out of my van. Seems unlikely, but I don't keep it locked and I may have left it in there. So, for now, no current pictures unless you can all stand my cell phone photos. Not pretty.
Fun time of my day is that I took all 3 of my daughters for a girls' time out to Downtown Disney. We just meant to go to the 3D showing of Tangled, but arrived late due to rain and had to hangout till the next showing. What's a girl to do in Downtown Disney for 2 hours? Shop & snack! We hit the Lego store, the princess end of the Disney emporium (that's what I call it), and shared a big Rocky Road sundae at the Ghirardelli soda fountain. Fun! I have to say it was pretty cute looking at Sabina sitting pretty in her 3D shades and licking a long unicorn lollipop. Plus, Cecelia & Keliah were in their sparkly cool outfits and dancing their Hannah Montana hearts out along the wet walkway of Pleasure Island. Singing in the Rain style. Moments to treasure.

The Time is Counting Down!

2010-09-30T22:07:00.000-04:00

We are almost there. I can taste it. I can imagine it. I just don't see how it's all going to come together yet. Can you say freaking out? I have a full day to pack tomorrow. A garage sale for part of Saturday because Nick is determined that we have one so he doesn't have to move all the stuff we don't need anymore. Church (where we are leading worship!) and staff meeting Sunday. Then, at 4 or so, more time to pack and hopefully start moving some stuff. MONDAY!!!! Moving day. Probably all day.
We're moving 10 minutes away, it shouldn't be this big a deal. But, with the extensive work that had to (and still does) be done on the house that will soon be home, it's been a VERY BIG DEAL! As it is, we're probably going to live without flooring in our bedrooms and stairs for a while. I'm tough, I'll deal. The trick will be convincing the kids to wear shoes. I'm absolutely loving the look of the house with new paint going up and clean cabinets and bathrooms. It's truly going to be a place to feel at home, at peace.
In the meantime, though, there's very little PEACE to go around. The kids, the pets, the parents (yes, that includes me) are very wound up with all the craziness. Nick and I both had dreams with our mothers last night (both mothers in both dreams), how I wish they were here. My mom is the most awesome, no-nonsense packer ever. A veteran of Air Force moves, she knows how to buckle down, focus, and GET IT DONE! My mother-in-law is great at organizing and creating a lovely space with limited resources. I'm hoping to channel them both in the next week or two to get through this.
Plus, Sabina my baby is turning 3 on Tuesday. How can we celebrate, make it special, in the midst of chaos? I'm not sure yet, but somehow we will. Thankfully, present shopping was done months ago!
Please, keep us in your prayers during this tumultuous time. Thank you!
I'll end with a favorite quote: "Can we do it? YES WE CAN! (uh, yeah, I think so...)" Thanks Bob!

Alex's Lemonade Stand- Canuso Kids Kick Cancer!

2010-09-26T22:52:00.000-04:00

So, this is the story of how I got involved with Alex's Lemonade Stand foundation.
I get the American Greeting emails (not exactly sure why I'm on their list, but it's fun to look over sometimes) and they had a little advertisement at the bottom. Strawberry Shortcake supports Alex's Lemonade Stand.

I clicked on the ad to find out that Strawberry Shortcake was donating $50 toward the foundation for every person who signed up to do a stand during September, Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. I thought, well, I can definitely sign up! Last fall, our 10-year-old cousin Coleman fought and won his battle with lymphoma. We prayed as a family for him, got a lot of OHOPers praying for him, a lot of my wonderful blog readers were interceding for him as well! We lifted him up in the Children's Prayer Watch and were rewarded with his complete healing! Our sale was done in honor of him, and it really made it personal for us. The kids and I ended up doing 2 sales at OHOP: 1 before the monthly Awaken the Bride conference, and the other today just after service. We managed to raise just over $100! Praise God! The kids were very excited, despite their goal of $500 not being reached. If you would like to make a donation toward this goal, go to our page: http://www.alexslemonade.org/mypage/69151

At any rate, we had a great time doing this and it made us feel great too! We'll probably make it an annual tradition for our family. I put together a little video from the footage Nick took of our sale last Friday. Hope you enjoy it!

Moving and Makeover

2010-09-25T21:44:00.000-04:00

Well, things have been really busy around here with the packing and the homegrown home-makeover going on. I'm stealing a few minutes here to let you know, yes, I am alive. Yes, I am blessed abundantly. Yes, I found a refrigerator today that we could afford (barely.) All exciting stuff! Click over to our family blog to see what's going on! Here is the video from last Saturday:

Please Pray!

2010-09-16T15:08:00.000-04:00

Okay, things are getting serious. We are coming up against some opposition on the house and we're pressing in today in prayer. Please join us. We need appliances, air conditioner, flooring, front door, and some furniture. And lots and lots of help and grace. Just spend 90 seconds right now to pray for us and our needs. Thank you sooo much!

The "New" House

2010-09-12T21:38:00.000-04:00

We are getting blessed in a big way. We have the chance to be homeowners by the glory of God.
However, this is a distressed property that needs a LOT of work. Nick & I started another blog for our family to chronicle the story of our home. I know a few of you have made your way over there already! It's http://canusofamily.blogspot.com/ and Nick's already posted a couple times. I was working on this blog today, but I'll put in some work over there tomorrow so it's not so generic. ;)
I just wanted to put the "before" video of the house over here too. It just gives you a taste of what we're up against next weekend when the work begins.

Baby Picture Sunday- BOOM!

2010-09-12T16:51:00.001-04:00

4th of July, this year, the 2-year-old Sabina and her same-age 2nd cousin making their own fireworks. I guess that dry pasture grass is just as good as the roman candles when you're a toddler. They did it over and over, with appropriate sound effects. BOOM!
(And, dontcha just love the red dirt stained jeans and strawberry pop mustaches? Too precious.)

Signs & Wonders Children's Conference

2010-09-06T00:26:00.000-04:00

This weekend was the 4th annual Signs & Wonders conference at the Orlando House of Prayer. Since I volunteer with the Children's Equipping Center at OHOP, I was blessed to take my 2 big girls - Cecelia & Keliah - for the weekend. It was an incredible time of training the children up to walk in obedience, POWER, and authority! This morning at OHOP's Sunday service, the children attending the conference got a chance to pray for the sick. Those first 2 girls in the picture are my daughters, the Prayer Warriors!
I've already heard confirmation of a healing that took place today, praise Jesus!
Thank you, Lenny LaGuardia for pouring into this generation; it was a great prayer boot camp!

Blessings,

Dixie

Another August Birthday(s)

2010-08-28T17:33:00.000-04:00


Sophia with her new Scooby lunchbox (Holly & Hope in background)

I couldn't let 2 very important birthdays pass too far into history without acknowledging them here. On Aug. 16th my niece, Sophia, turned the big 5! She's almost too big for her britches but adorable, sweet, and endlessly funny. She had a Fancy Nancy birthday (like her big cousin Keliah) in the community garden where they live. So cool...and green! She also just started kindergarten on her actual birthday so she's having new adventures every day. (So is my sister who is struggling just a little bit with the schedule change - I love you!) Happy Birthday, Sophia, we are so proud of you & pray many blessings over you!
Also, last Saturday, the 21st was Holly's birthday; she's 30something which means I am 30somethingplus. Scary how the years just keep piling up. Anyway, happy birthday, Holly! We love you so much & want you to know how much we miss you. I pray God's peace over you and many blessings of abundance!

Definition...

2010-08-27T21:14:00.000-04:00

What defines you?
Is it your job.... your clothes... maybe your relationships?
Are you defined by the place you live or what you do for fun? What music you listen to or how many "friends" you have?
I am troubled by this question.
What defines me?
I suppose a big part of it is the people I love and the ones who love me. It's not about perception or looks. Not anymore.
I've struggled with my desire to do more, to be more, to have an identity other than Mommy, or even Wife.
I've found my answers in Psalm 127, a scripture that continues to define me.

¹ Unless the LORD builds the house,
         They labor in vain who build it;
         Unless the LORD guards the city,
         The watchman stays awake in vain.
² It is vain for you to rise up early,
         To sit up late,
         To eat the bread of sorrows;
         For so He gives His beloved sleep.

³ Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,
         The fruit of the womb is a reward.
⁴ Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,
         So are the children of one’s youth.
⁵ Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them;
         They shall not be ashamed,
         But shall speak with their enemies in the gate.

He calls me His beloved. I am a builder, a watchman, a warrior. I have been rewarded richly by the Lord with children. I am happy.

Thankful Thursday

2010-08-26T21:13:00.000-04:00

I haven't done a TT for a long time. Not because I'm not thankful, but mostly because my days sometimes run together and by the time I remember it's Thursday, it's not anymore.
Today, I am truly thankful that my sister will call me when she's having a bad day.
Not necessarily because I can solve any of her problems, although I occasionally hand out free big-sister advice, but because she knows she can vent to me and (hopefully) feel better. I can usually make her laugh at least once. Plus, I usually have a story from my own life that is so over-the-top that her problem shrinks to a manageable size.

I happen to think my sister, Holly, is pretty amazing.
Thank you, God, for giving me a sister and blessing our relationship.

More Birthday Props! Rocky's 11th

2010-08-26T20:01:00.000-04:00

It's a crazy busy month in August. Ryan "Rocky" James turned 11 on Aug. 9th. We had invitations created and given out about a week before the big day, however the party didn't really come together. 2 of his good friends moved THAT DAY, so we had them over to ~~play~~ hang out a few days earlier. The other friend he invited is a girl, and I think her parents are just not cool with her coming over for a boy's party. Not sure why, but we decided to do something else to make up for the disappointment. Since Rocky had decided on a Lego Beach Party as the theme, we thought it would be appropriate to go to Downtown Disney to the big Lego store. We got there kind of late in the day, but managed to cram in the maximum amount of fun (with Nick on crutches.) Then, after losing and finding Luca in the meandering Disney store, we came home for cake and presents.

Rocky, Luca, Carlo & Sabina greet the Lego family & dogs.

Non-edible Lego cake with Lego flies! Ew.

Keliah with Lego Woody

Sabina & Luca checking out the Lego water serpent.

Rocky creating a car (Luca watching) to race outside of Lego store

We shared the super mega sundae at Ghirardelli soda fountain. YUM

Rocky had a high-concept for his cake. He loves Legos and likes baking, so I provided the goodies, created the water/beach cake and he decorated with the Legos he'd picked out for this purpose. It came out really awesome & showed what a great, creative kid he is. I can still call him a kid for at least the next year, can't I?

Finishing touches by Rocky.

Make a wish! He looks so proud!


Only a small part of the Lego-heavy presents

Happy 11th, Rocky! I love you!

Can You Believe 15 years?

2010-08-25T20:00:00.000-04:00

As I continue the updates from the past month, I have to give mention of a momentous occasion.
August 6th was Nick's and my 15th wedding anniversary. Kind of a big deal. We decided to celebrate with a special getaway for the 2 of us. Thankfully, God was faithful (as always) and provided the mini-vacation for us. Just a few days before we left for the midwest this summer, I had attended a homeschool conference and entered a raffle. There were many items available to enter drawings for, but when I saw the sign for a 2-night stay at the Shingle Creek Resort hotel (where the conference was being held), I knew that it was mine! (The prize package also included a big basket of Godiva chocolates so I just HAD to enter.) I only put one ticket in, and just happened to be passing later in the day when they drew for that prize - it was my number!!! I was so excited and thankful. It was a gorgeous weekend alone with my husband.
Super bonus: before Christmas last year, I'd won an online sweepstakes with part of the prize being spa gift certificates. We took full advantage of them at Mandara Spa on our Saturday alone. We were blessed to be able to celebrate in style, but also just blissed out to have this time to connect with no pressures. Just enjoying each other.
I highly recommend it to every married couple!

My wonderful husband, Nick, chillin' by the pool.

"Beautiful Music" mango cheesecake - YUM!

Me, enjoying gelato post-spa: note the glowy skin

A Bit Late...Birthday Love!

2010-08-24T22:41:00.000-04:00

On August 2nd, my son Carlo turned 6 years old! It was a big day because he "officially" doesn't have to take naps anymore. Enter quiet time... :) Anyway, we celebrated with a Woody Toy Story party as a family. I take a lot of joy in making birthdays special for each of my children. We baked a cake in the horseshoe cake pan that my aunt in Oklahoma handed down to me this summer; Carlo helped decorate by frosting most of the top himself. And at the telling of this birthday story, Carlo has misplaced about half of his gifts. I guess quiet time in his room doesn't lend to cleaning it. I'll let the pictures tell the rest of the story:


Carlo unwrapping presents while the crew watches. (Hopefully w/o envy.)


His own chair (and Mickey pillow) for watching t.v. or reading in!

Decorated with Toy Story fruit snacks.

May all his wishes come true!

I love you, Carlo! Happy Birthday buddy.

A Lesson in Servanthood...

2010-08-17T21:04:00.000-04:00

Andrea rubbing Nicole's legs and feet. Baby due in 4 days.

Sunday evening, 6 ladies from church gathered together at Nicole's apartment for a Girls Night. She was 4 days from a scheduled c-section and wanted to have some fun before then. We came together with chick-flicks and nail care supplies in hand. She provided desserts (YAY) and an empty apartment (NO HUSBANDS!). Chancia sells skin-care products and brought her samples so we all ended up with facials as well as our do-it-yourself mani/pedis. She was so great - sharing her expertise, painting on the masks, and as you can see above, giving a chair massage to Rachel. We took turns helping Nicole with her toes - removing polish, salt-scrubbing, rubbing lotion on, and painting. Andrea took special care after we told her about the pressure points that can induce labor. My point, besides sharing our great time together, is that my heart was so blessed by the attitude of servanthood exhibited by all of these ladies. These are the small moments in all of our lives when we can exhibit the qualities of Christ. Jesus was a model of leadership and servanthood (one and the same.) He provided wine for a wedding, food for over 5,000, healed so many, and taught us God's heart. My goal is to teach those I come into contact with me about God's heart, even without words and only actions. Thank you OHOP ladies for sharing this with others, and each other.


Smiling Chancia giving a chair massage to Rachel

Scripture of the Day: "Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples' feet, drying them with the towel he had around him." John 13:3-5

Baby Picture Sunday- too funny!

2010-08-15T14:58:00.000-04:00

Well, I don't know if Debi has decided not to do BPS anymore or if she's just taking a break. I know she's got her hands full. I just had to post this pic, though!


Sabina eating Rocky's birthday cake.

I just had to capture a picture of Sabina with her blue frosting mustache! It's too funny.
Last Monday was Rocky's 11th birthday and with everything else going on that day, we didn't have cake and presents till after 8:00! Sabina was already dressed for bed in her oversized T, but had fun with us as we celebrated Rocky. She's going to be 3 in October, so I may not be able to post current pics of her on "Baby" Picture Sunday much longer. I guess it's time to start scanning in those old pics of my big kids!
Blessings, Dixie

Under Construction

2010-08-12T19:58:00.000-04:00

As my regular readers may know (if I still have any), I haven't been blogging lately. Things are a bit... confused around here. Everyone is healthy, we are blessed, but I've been in flux. God is doing something in my life. He seems to be calling me to rise above my everyday existence and step into the destiny He has for me. I am still trying to get through the days in peace and resisting His voice. On the outside, everything seems the same with me, but on the inside I am under construction. I am not even sure of the blueprint yet, but I know preparations have begun. The landscape has been altered, smoothing the way for a new thing. I'm kind of excited, but also nervous about how it's all going to turn out.
This is what I know:

Jesus is my Lord and Savior, I will follow God the best that I can.
He has definitely told me to homeschool my children.
My husband, Nick, is a man after God's own heart.
I am blessed abundantly - not only by God the Father, but by the love of the people in my life.
The time has come to live radically.
I'm not the only one who's hearing this call.

I'm going to be blogging regularly again. I will still share cute pictures of my kids and stories of our journey of faith. I will also be journaling about this path I am traveling - wherever it may take me.
Blessings, Dixie

Stretching....

2010-07-22T21:23:00.000-04:00

We are back from a month and a half in the midwest, visiting family and ministering. Our time there was anything but a vacation. We have had our faith stretched and our ministry refined. God is taking us through a time of shaking and challenges. I will be spending some time over the next few days sharing and maybe griping a little. :) All I can say tonight is that I KNOW God is good all the time. No matter what.

Baby Picture Sunday - Father & Child

2010-06-06T20:30:00.000-04:00

In honor of almost Father's Day (okay it's still 2 weeks away), I posted some of my favorite pictures of Nick with some of the kids. As you can see, he is a great Daddy full of fun and love. I'm so blessed!

First, from a recent trip to the Orlando Science Center - the big boys figured out how to make that tricky cube! (Antonio, Rocky, Nick)

Nick & Cecelia snacking on the Russian Tea Cakes they made together (last year)

Nick shadowing Sabina this Easter. So cute!

This is the closest I got to a "Baby Picture": Nick returning to the car while Sabina was "driving." I think she's almost 1 here.

Nothin' But Love for Ya, Baby...

2010-06-05T20:02:00.000-04:00

Sabina's a tough one. Sometimes she's so loving, giving out hugs and kisses to her family. At other times, when asked for a kiss, she'll refuse - shaking her head - she'll say in her husky little voice, "No kiss."
So, consider yourself a lucky one. A kiss from Princess Sabina, for you!

Who likes swords?

2010-06-04T00:23:00.000-04:00

How long can you spend in a sword shop without buying anything?

That's the question we seemed to be asking on a recent trip to St. Augustine (possibly our favorite city ever.) The kids (and Nick) would have been happy to spend another half-hour trying out the merchandise, but I felt we'd reached the limit. For the record, no sales person bothered us or asked us to leave; we had a great time. I was getting a little nervous, though, about whether Luca would pick up something and smash it over his little sister's head. He only got to try the wooden swords. ;)

Baby Picture Sunday - sometimes there's tears

2010-05-30T22:03:00.000-04:00

I know Debi is on break from BPS for her huge road trip, but I wanted to do one today anyway.

A couple posts ago, I wrote on Cecelia's birthday. Sabina immediately fell in love with her sister's new white poodle Webkinz. (As I've mentioned before, Sabina LOVES puppies and dogs of any kind.) Since Cecelia had JUST opened it, we reproved her gently and told her to give it back. She did, but this was the result: tears and the need of mommy comfort. I thought that I should capture some of the sad moments of growing up as well as the toothy smiles. As we all know, in life there are tribulations. The secret in God's word is that "those who sow in tears shall reap in joy." (The trick is the sowing!) Sabina, you will be happy to know, has gotten lots of play time with the white puppy. Her sister has a loving and sharing heart.

Something short and sweet...

2010-05-28T23:31:00.000-04:00

I am so blessed that God trusted me with these 7 children. I just pray that He continues to speak to me about how He wants them raised! Please Lord, give me ears to hear Your whispers as I walk this noisy path!

My Family from WiddlyTinks.com

Birthday Girl!

2010-05-25T20:06:00.000-04:00

My oldest daughter, Cecelia turned 9 on Sunday. She was a good sport about not having a big party this year. She'd wanted a Hannah Montana party, and I had some cute, fun ideas on that front, but it was not to be. Nick and I were extremely busy all weekend with OHOP's monthly Awaken the Bride conference. Nick led worship on Friday night, Saturday morning and Sunday morning (I sing on his team.) He also taught classes on Sat. afternoon and Sun. afternoon. It was a crazy time to think about poor Cecelia's birthday. She was thankful, though, that her birthday was on Sunday and glorified and worshiped God with excellence! Fortunately, Grandma always remembers to send birthday gifts early, so she had a gift to open first thing after church. (Thank you Grandma & Grandpa; you are awesome!) Her sister, Keliah, couldn't wait to give her gift of a pink Princess Disney hat, either. That evening, she and I got to go out (just the 2 of us!) to see Alice in Wonderland - sharing the tub of popcorn and large Cherry Coke for supper. We had fun together and planned to have our family cake party to celebrate on Monday evening.

After much speculation and looking at other guitar cakes online, I just made up my own ideas with what I had on hand to create her pink guitar cake. (Notice the C.C. initials!) Nothing too fancy, but perfect for our little gathering with 2 kinds of ice cream. The remains were breakfast this morning. Anyway, I'm so proud of my little girl, getting so grown up (but not too grown up.) She is truly a gift from God and I'm so humbled to be her mom.

The gifts from us were pretty simple this year. Books, a couple toys, candy and clothes. As you can see below, Sabina was certain that the cute puppy was hers! Today, she even got to stretch that birthday joy for another day with the arrival of a package from my parents - Granny & Papa. Woo-hoo! I'm determined to enjoy letting her be a little girl for these next couple of years. I don't want her rushing in to growing up too fast. These years are precious. Besides, once you are grown up it lasts for the rest of your life! That's not so fun. Even though I try to impress a sense of responsibility and contribution upon all my children, I also want them to have lots of time to just be KIDS. This is the time for the games, books, songs, artwork, and dances that will truly make up the woman Cecelia will be. And, please God, help me be the mother that Cecelia needs.

Thankful Thursday

2010-05-20T23:02:00.000-04:00

Today, I am thankful that I got to participate in intercession for the Exodus Cry set - an end to Human Trafficking & modern slavery!

I'm thankful that my kids are healthy and pretty well behaved.
I'm thankful to be on the worship team tomorrow for the Awaken the Bride service at OHOP.
I am supremely thankful that God is always faithfull, even when I'm not. He is a good, good Father!

I am thankful to have a husband who works so hard to serve God and glorify Him.

Cheering for the YMCA!

2010-05-17T14:03:00.000-04:00

Cecelia (middle of frame) cheering during a game with her team!

A couple months ago, my 2 older daughters Cecelia (8) and Keliah (7) got to experience cheerleading for the 1st time. We signed them up as beginners at our local YMCA and they were on a team! They practiced and learned cheers on Friday evenings and then cheered for the beginning boys basketball teams on Saturday mornings. It was a rather eye-opening experience for me because the closest I got to cheerleading was as a 6th grader on the pep-squad in Texas and an 11th grader on a short-lived dance team (no cheering required.) My girls enjoyed it, but I think Cecelia is more interested in joining the basketball team in the future and Keliah was wanting to add her cartwheels - which she is awesome at! As beginners, the team was relegated to standing and sitting cheers with arm movements and occasional step-outs.

Keliah's favorite cheer was: Hot to Go!
H-O-T-T-O-G-O the mighty Y is Hot to Go!
Whoooo...hot to go....whooo...hot to go!
(much pom-pom shaking on whoooo.)

Keliah with "Hands on Hips, Smiles on Lips!"

Cecelia's favorite cheer was: Strawberry Shortcake
Strawberry Shortcake, Huckleberry Pie,
Take that victory to the sky!
Go Y!

It was a fun time to meet other families and for the girls to make new friends. We're really looking forward to getting more involved at the YMCA, but will double-check next time on the actual game times because we're committed to our involvement in the Children's Prayer Watch at OHOP on Saturday mornings. Cecelia and Keliah are getting more bold and melodic in their prophetic singing - it's exciting!

3 New "Babies"

2010-05-14T14:24:00.000-04:00

I better start this story at the beginning.

Pretty girl Fina hanging out at home.

About 3 years ago, Nick got a parakeet. He'd wanted a bird for a long time, and after researching, he decided that a parakeet would make a good intro bird. It was his 32nd birthday present. He named it Forte, fed him, held him, carried him around on his shoulder, even taught him how to fly. Then Forte thought it was hilarious to fly and dive into my hair while I was busy in the kitchen. Everyone loved him. About half a year later, there was an accident and Forte died in Nick's hands. It was very sad and Nick was devastated. The kids put together their Christmas money and got Daddy a new parakeet a few months later. His name was Solo, we think he was too old when we got him, because he would not leave his cage unless forced and never bonded to any of us. He just died about 6 months ago. I think only Carlo missed him. Sad, but true. But, Nick was still longing for a bird friend. He took to visiting the sun conures at the local PetSmart. One of them is pretty snotty and jealous, the other more friendly and fun, but under the "thumb" of his partner. Nick wanted to bring him home, but the bird and large cage we would need were about $1000. YIKES!
After we got our tax return a couple months ago, Nick started looking at craigslist ads for a feathered friend and ended up taking our 4 oldest kids to the Bird Hut, a local pet store with every kind of bird. They had the opportunity to play with several kinds of parrots there, they even had a sun conure, but it was a little scarlet lady who stole Nick's heart. She snuggled right up to Nick and was gentle with the excited fingers of our children. I was recruited for a visit, and after talking about finances and other concerns, we brought her home at the end of the week. Fina is a female eclectus, still quite young, and has totally bonded to Nick - even enjoying outings to Starbucks and the outside tables at OHOP. She is just starting to chatter and likes to whistle when she hears music or the vacuum. We picked the name "Fina" because it means "the Lord provides" - and there were several prophetic references to birds in the week we got her and in weeks following.

Keliah with Skittles

Now, we have a friend at OHOP, Charlotte, who has an amazing ministry of provision in Africa http://www.possibilitiesministries.com/ - and it looks like God is sending her there personally in the coming months. She made the decision to come on staff full-time at OHOP until she is sent to Burundi to minister. That meant she wanted to live closer to the missions base and needed to cut living costs, to opportunity to move in with another OHOP family fulfilled her needs, but she couldn't bring her 2 birds. She approached us about taking in her African Grey Parrot, Storm, and her Macaw, Skittles. Nick was ready to say yes and kind of asked me as a formality. In fairness, when she asked us months ago about the possibility of taking them when she went to Africa and we'd agreed. That was before we'd adopted Fina, of course. Anyway, we have 3 birdy babies in the house.
Now, Storm and Macaw are, I think, about 3 years old so they have more boldness than Fina right now. Storm is super smart, as an African Grey, and a pretty vast vocabulary already not to mention all the other noises he makes. He has different whistles, imitates a knock at the door and the barking of a dog following (Charlotte's dog), the whines at the door of our own dog Indy, and has already perfected the high-pitched screams of Sabina in a temper. YAY. However, he had acquired a bad parrot habit of over-preening. Whether out of nerves, boredom, or other causes we're not sure, but he was pretty plucked-over when we got him. Through the advice of a vet, and our own attention, his pretty feathers are starting to fill out again. I'll be so happy when he has a proper tail and wings again! Skittles is a rainbow colored Macaw with all the loud squawking of his breed which can be trying at times - but he loves the kids! I think he's really just a kid himself and wants to play all the time. He can say "Hello" and dance, he kind of says "step up." He likes to be ticked under the wings and ride around on our shoulders.

Sabina and Luca with Storm "kissing"

It's been a little crazy around here getting into the flow of caring for so many little ones, but the kids have stepped up to help with the responsibility - especially Cecelia. I tell ya, there is never a dull moment around here.

Ugh...

2010-05-12T21:01:00.000-04:00

You know when your husband's sick and you feel bad for him, and try to take care of him, and keep the kids away from him while he's napping? But, after a couple days, you feel kind of irritated that he's not pulling himself together and getting over it? Well, that was me a week ago. Then, the illness hit me. So NOT fun. I tried to pull out of it over the weekend, but Nick took me out to a movie Sunday night for Mother's Day and I think I just overdid it. I stayed in bed almost all day Monday. On Tuesday, I was either in bed or on the couch. My head hurt too much to even watch T.V. Well, it was Nick's turn to get a little annoyed that I wasn't doing anything. I can't really blame him. So, today, I valiantly got up, got dressed and got the kids motivated to straighten up, do schoolwork, and I actually folded 3 loads of laundry. I did rest a bit this afternoon, but I managed to make a healthy dinner! It's been a trying week, I'm just thankful that none of the kids have gotten really sick.
Please say a prayer for us as there is still quite a bit of hacking coughing going on around here. And I have 2 mountains of laundry in the garage to attend to by Saturday morning. ;)

Baby Picture Sunday - Mother & Child

2010-05-09T18:03:00.000-04:00

Here I am with my 7 babies. It's hard to believe this is my 13th Mother's Day. Antonio is 12 now, and how clearly I remember that first sunny day in May with little tiny Antonio. He was full of smiles and had wispy blond hair and a bad milk rash on his chin that I thought would NEVER go away! I have been abundantly blessed by motherhood and strive to be a blessing to my kids. Lord, help me to be the mother you want for these, Your children!
Thanks, guys, for the chocolates and always making me laugh at least once a day!

In other news: the winner of the 2 Nick Canuso CDs in my give-away for the 2nd Annual Tuesday Blog Party is - Debi Bouffard from Who Says 8 is Enough. Since she was the main organizer for this Blog Party, I'd say she deserves a round of applause and some great worship music!
A big thank you to everyone who participated! I can't wait till next year's blog party!

A Moment of Reflection...

2010-05-08T00:06:00.000-04:00

On our recent trip to St. Augustine, partly to celebrate my husband, Nick's birthday, we stopped in the Greek Orthodox shrine. It's so beautiful, and has an interesting history recorded there from the earliest years of settlement in the area. We have a Catholic background, and the idea of prayer candles really spoke to our children. Nick paid for a candle, we all laid fingers on it (all 9 of us) and offered up prayers to God for our family. Then, the wick was gently tipped into the flame of another candle before Keliah planted it as firmly as she could in the sand. It was a beautiful moment.
Those candles are only representing the prayers going forth to the throne room, but I thought it was a special reminder that the flame from someone's heart can spark the prayer from another's. Just as our prayers for the children battling cancer can spread to the community, sending warmth and support to the families contending for the life and health of their children.
Please take a moment to pray for them, take a few minutes to visit the other blogs participating in the 2nd Annual Tuesday Blog Party. Thank God for the health of your own children, and remember the moms who are spending this Mother's Day weekend with their children in hospital beds. You can help with your small flame. Thank you.

HEY! Please help for pediatric cancer!

2010-05-04T22:30:00.000-04:00

Hi! Just wanted to post quickly about the amazing work my friend Debi is doing over at Who Says 8 is Enough. She's hosting this blog party in memory of little Tuesday Whitt to help raise funds for those battling and dealing with pediatric cancer. Please follow the links in my previous post to donate and possibly win awesome give-aways, even my own! (see post below!) It all goes through the 8th! Get involved, say a prayer, and do your part! Thank you! Bless you!