Nourishment for Ladies

What's My Response?

2012-01-28T14:34:00.001-05:00

I was facing another frustrating moment today when I had to make a decision - How am I going to respond? Abigail had been crying for a long time, I was trying to figure out something on the computer, and I needed to be cooking supper. Once I thought of my options, I knew I had none. As a believer in the power of the Gospel to change lives, I knew I couldn't fall apart. I didn't get a shower until 5:15 in the afternoon (with just enough time to get ready for church), the girls stepped up to help (again), the computer actually worked for me, and supper turned out edible.

I glanced at Facebook at some point later in the day and this was a friend's status. I don't know what his thinking was for putting it up, but it was a nice reminder for me too.

Wherever you may live, and whatever may be your trials; however great your difficulties, and however small your helps; nothing should prevent your aiming at the highest standard, to behave like one who believes that Christ is coming again! You should resolve, by God’s help, to live so that the day of Christ shall find you needing as little change as possible! You should seek to have...

your tastes so heavenly,

your affections so spiritual,

your will so subdued,

your mind so unworldly

...that when the Lord appears, you may be thoroughly in tune for His kingdom!

I Can't Wait...

2012-01-26T08:31:00.002-05:00

... to show these pictures. We haven't gotten all of the wedding pictures in but what we've seen are just beautiful! What a great day for Rachel and Adrian!

2012-01-26T07:55:00.004-05:00

Does it seem odd that I carry a diaper bag and a large print Bible?

2012-01-24T09:28:00.001-05:00

On Christmas afternoon after all kinds of presents, Lydia had a dirty kitchen table cloth wrapped around her and asked, "Can I play with this?"

Pampering our Girl

2012-01-22T11:08:00.001-05:00

As a mom I have had lots of ideas of things I wanted to with and for my daughters when they get married to make their wedding week extra special for them. On the day before Rachel's wedding, Ray and I tried to do some of those things. Because of how the week turned out there were things left undone, but over all I think it was a special time. Ray took her out to eat and ordered the biggest steak he could get for her. (Rachel is the kind of girl that when you take her out to eat, she'll order the cheapest thing on the menu.) They had a great time hanging out and enjoying one another.

In the afternoon, I went with her and the bridesmaids to get her nails done and Starbucks. Rachel's bridesmaids did a wonderful job of pampering her all afternoon and into the next day. They did fun spa stuff and simply helped keep anything stressful away from her. What a fun time for her!

That doesn't mean there was NO stress, it was just kept to a minimum.

Steaming her veil.

Cutting fruit for the reception.

Christmas Morning

2012-01-20T13:07:00.001-05:00

After many days of being at the hospital with his dad, thanks to some sacrificial family members, Ray got to come home on Christmas Eve night and wake up at home for Christmas. We enjoyed the time like no other. This past season helped us appreciated the little moments we had together. After the worship service with our church and lunch we learned that Ray's dad had died in the afternoon on Christmas Day. It made for a somber day but we are grateful that we got to be together for that short time.

This is the extent of creativity at Christmas crafts this year. We got the idea from Lydia's music teacher and they were quite easy to make. It's powdered sugar doughnuts with mini chocolate chips for eyes and candy corn for the noses.

Last Single Sister Slumber Party

2012-01-18T12:07:00.001-05:00

The Christmas Eve Sister Slumber party has become quite a tradition and this was Rachel's last one. As you can tell Adrian was invited to join them for a little while.

Thanks to An Army of Ants

2012-01-12T12:43:00.001-05:00

I haven't written thank you notes yet for anything that happened in the past few weeks but I feel like I have to say a big thank you here. I was talking to a family member and she was amazed at how our church family has helped us through so many life changing events lately. From meals, visits, gifts, prayers and everything in between, you have shown up! This family member said that after the wedding was over and she started putting things away, she looked up and saw what appeared like an army of ants moving. There were people moving tables and chairs and packing boxes and loading trucks. But that was only one night. You have overwhelmed us with ALL of the times you've shown up. When Abigail was born, you were there. During the Christmas season, when Ray was gone to be with his dad and family, you were there. When Ray's dad died on Christmas Day, you were there. For the week of Rachel's wedding, you were there. You did not leave us in our time of need that week and placed before many eyes an excellent example of how the body of Christ works. You sent gifts, helped decorate the wedding venue, brought countless meals, attended the funeral (and even babysat there), served in many ways at the wedding, cleaned up after the wedding, and prayed diligently. And then you asked how you could help! THANK YOU!

2012-01-11T07:46:00.002-05:00

I'm sitting on my sofa listening to the pouring rain, drinking a cup of coffee, holding my sweet baby and looking at my Christmas tree. Yes- looking at my Christmas tree. I have just finish Psalm 116 and am reminded of God's faithfulness again. I realize that having all of these decorations up this long, but I haven't done a lot of things the way I would have lately. I hope that today they'll come down and I can get the house cleaned up. Most of the wedding supplies are out of the main part of the house and will take a while to sort through and get where they belong. But for right now I'm enjoying a quiet moment and thanking God for the gifts He has given me.

Happy Birthday Mary!

2012-01-03T08:16:00.004-05:00

After all that's gone on around here, I am so thankful that Mary wants to celebrate her twelfth birthday in a quite way at home. She is such a blessing to our family. This picture was taken just before Christmas to put on a coffee cup for Ray since we have two new additions this year. Mary is in the top left.

2011-12-26T21:08:00.005-05:00

I just wanted to share what's been happening in our family these past few weeks. As we have struggled with the suffering of our dear father and grandfather we have been blessed beyond measure by our church family. Here is a sampling of an email sent out by Ray's fellow elder and dear friend. I can't imagine walking these days without them. Notice the use of the word - we. The church is one body.

Pastor Ray’s Dad died this afternoon. Ray will send out the funeral arrangements once they are complete. For now, please continue to pray for the family. Once the situation has solidified, I will send out some suggestions for how we may minister to them. Ray made it home last night and is with Lori and the girls today.

As you know, Rachel and Adrian’s Wedding is scheduled for Saturday, so we will have a funeral and a wedding this week. As we read this morning, God Himself will provide – Praise be to Him. We His people are often the instruments of His provision, so let us consider together how we may be of comfort and help to the Rhodes at this hour. May our faithfulness be a balm to their souls.

I trust that the Gospel has informed and deepened your Christmas experience and allowed you to minister to your families, extended families, friends, and neighbors. Remember that the shadow of the Cross lies across the Bethlehem manger and thus gives hope to the hopeless and comfort to the grieving.

Let us all look to Christ and long for His return to put an end to sin and suffering and death.

2011-12-20T07:17:00.002-05:00

Early last summer I planned my Bible reading to end this year in the book of Psalms since we were having a baby and planning a wedding. I have been so grateful to God for the encouragement and prayers found there these past couple of weeks. When we don't know what to pray for ourselves, scripture is sufficient. Psalm 63:1-8 was a great praise to God on a day that I thought I was too busy to slow down enough to pray.

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

2011-12-11T08:23:00.000-05:00

Every year we all wear these goofy Santa sweat shirts to the Christmas tree farm.

Abigail spends most of her days being held and admired.

Searching, searching, searching...

but never alone.

I love this picture of Abigail meeting Mr. Lowery at the tree farm. He's a dear man who owns Hilltop Tree Farm and always greets us like we're his best friends.

Traditions still reign here but sometimes they have to change a little. We set out this year to get our Christmas tree from the same tree farm in Ellijay that we've been going to for about fifteen years. The past few years the owners have been telling us that they aren't sure how long they'll be open but to keep coming back. Well, this year there wasn't a tree for us. We love the Leland Cypress because it's full, natural and just a beautiful tree, but there wasn't one at their farm that would fit our living room. So we said sad good byes and went to another farm, only to find that they didn't have a cypress tree for us either. We ended getting a different kind of tree, getting it set up and decorated last week. Because this is an unusual season we didn't put out as much "stuff" as the little girls would have liked, but we put out as many decorations as we could, then put everything else back in the attic. There are still lights all over the house, the candy tree in the dining room, and Christmas music going as much as I can get it on, so it is beginning to look a lot like Christmas here.

Thanksgiving Pictures

2011-12-09T08:14:00.005-05:00

Abigail's first Thanksgiving was all about getting admired!

The whole Rhodes family except Josh

Here's a few of our favorite boys!

I love what's going on in the background of this picture. Nana and Granddaddy's house is so fun with all those cousins.

Faith

2011-12-07T08:39:00.000-05:00

This past year has been a huge journey of faith for our family. Going through pregnancy with Abigail wasn't the only thing we've needed a extra measure of faith for. Ray's dad has had cancer for a long time, and has demonstrated great faith to the family. He is really sick right now and we are reminded again that our faith in an all-sovereign God is so important. If God isn't in control of all things, what is our faith in?... Doctors? - they can't be positive of what course to take; our family? - they can only do so much; traditions? - they change over time; ourselves? - we aren't God. So giving Abigail the middle name of Faith is a reminder of what it takes to navigate life, faith in the One True God, Who is in control at all times.

Things I Need to Relearn About Having a Newborn

2011-12-04T08:20:00.007-05:00

How to get a shower before two in the afternoon
How to go to the bathroom alone
How to cook with one arm
How to get my bed made
How to wash all of her clothes at the same time
How to quit staring at her to do other things
How to not speak in baby talk to other people (one of the girls actually had a dream in baby talk)
How to remember to change her diaper
How to share her with other people who love her
How to get anything completed

Every expression is a treasure! We love watching her yawn, sneeze and even try to goo at us.

2011-12-02T09:30:00.001-05:00

A somewhat familiar sight at the Rhodes family home...

Some of Sarah's photography of our sweet baby girl.

As I keep wondering how God could have blessed me with such a treasure as this new baby girl, I am reminded again, He has done this FIVE times before! I am truly amazed and so very thankful.

Only a Mother's Child

2011-12-01T09:25:00.002-05:00

I was riding in the backseat of the van with Lydia and Abigail when this song came on the radio that is really special to us. It's A Christmas Lullaby by Amy Grant. Somehow, years ago, it became the lullaby I would sing to the girls as they went to sleep. Apparently, this was the first time Lydia had ever noticed when anyone else sang it. When it came on, she gave me a little nudge and smiled a sweet smile. After we were quiet and listened for a while, she said, as only a little girl would, "Mommy, you sing it better than she does."

Sarah Is Trying To Recover

2011-11-29T09:01:00.001-05:00

In the past six weeks as Sarah is really trying to recover from her concussions, she (and the rest of us) have had to be really patient with her lifestyle change. The doctors are seeing results and are very hopeful she can return to full play in the next few months. She is able to get back to some light school work and minimal activity. (Some of the girls are hoping that means doing the dishes.)

Here a just a few conversations we've had these recent weeks :

I'm so bored!

Sarah, "I've lost so many muscles that I feel like a limp washcloth."
Me, "Think about how I feel. I haven't been able to exercise in almost nine months."
Sarah, "Well that's ok, you're more like a fluffy bath towel."
Lydia, "What about me? What am I like?"
"You're like a bar of soap."

I'm so bored!

Sarah, "When does the time change?"
Me, "Tonight."
Sarah, "Well that stinks."
(Everyone else in the world is thankful for the extra hour of sleep.)

I'm so bored!

Me, "Sarah, are you watching that game on television?"
Sarah, "No, I have my head under a blanket. I'm just listening."

I'm so bored!

One thing that has been exciting for her is to introduce Abigail to the Dawgs. Her philosophy of sports? - "Start 'em young, raise 'em right." Watching television is still not something she can do much of but she sneaks in as much GA football as she can.

For Time To Stand Still

2011-11-27T09:03:00.004-05:00

One of the benefits of knowing your baby's date of delivery is knowing how much time you have to get things done. We have spent a lot of time the past few months getting the baby's "corner" ready, working on wedding details and trying to get Christmas things done. Today I thought about how it seemed as if time had stood still for the past week. I have thought very little about chores, projects, or shopping that needed to be done. It has been great to sit still, hold Abigail and enjoy her. I know that next week my life will need to resume a quicker pace, but I hope I'll be able to remember to enjoy these brief moments of her tiny little life.

Postscript- I wrote this post last week. It sat on my computer waiting for me to get back to it. Guess what happened? Life! The pace has picked up and I'm fighting it tooth and nail. And sometimes without the best attitude.

A Mother's Love

2011-11-20T17:23:00.002-05:00

We've all known the fierce love of a mother when her child has been wronged. It is often likened to that of a "Mama Bear." I've experienced it many times in the past twenty-two years. Whether my child is in the right or not, there is a fierce desire to protect and defend.

This week I have felt another type of great love - a grateful love. If I had to go over again the past eight years to get to this point, I would would do it a million times over. Enduring being pregnant over and over again would be worth it to know this great treasure I have now. I am most grateful to God for for allowing this amazing gift to come to our home. Every time I stop to think of what happened for our family on Monday, I have to fight tears.

Just one of many moments of thanking God with our tears! We have not prayed for anything more in our marriage than for the birth of this baby.

Every birth has its momentous experiences and this one was no exception. I am so glad the older girls and my mom got to be in the room with Ray and me when our sweet baby was born. The cameras were flashing and the tears were flowing freely. Mary and Lydia came into the room very quickly after to see their new baby.

Well Said!

2011-11-18T14:05:00.001-05:00

Look here for a great article about our newest addition.

The Baby's Coming!

2011-11-12T11:40:00.003-05:00

On Monday morning I am being admitted into the hospital to be induced, if I haven't started labor on my own. I have gone back and forth on my thoughts of inducing and really didn't want to go too early. The doctors have discussed my age at every visit, and since I am forty-four, they don't want to take any chances. The baby is at seven pounds, and her measurements haven't changed for a couple of weeks. So, since she is at a good weight we are planning to get started then. My prayer has been that I will be strong enough to deliver without too much trouble. I have worried too much about the fact that I haven't been exercising and will be really weak. This weekend I am focusing on resting as much as I can. And my Monday evening I will be holding my new precious little girl.

How to Homeschool

2011-11-11T09:27:00.000-05:00

On chilly mornings, it's best to snuggle in fuzzy robes and blankets to do flash cards. See that smile? She loved it... I did too. Hot chocolate was the next thing on the agenda. There is probably a science lesson in that. Don't you think?

What's Rachel Doing?

2011-11-09T08:56:00.001-05:00

Since Rachel took this semester off from school, I kind of thought she would have all kinds of free time. In God's providence, her time off from school has been the help we needed in our home. It's no secret that planning a wedding takes a lot of time, especially when you do everything yourself to save money. Her blog documents some of her fun date times with Adrian and some of the work they are doing to get their apartment ready. She doesn't really keep documented there all of what she's doing, but she is busy non- stop.

But what I am so thankful for is her willingness to help at home. Lately, her first question to me every morning has been, "What do you need me to do today?" She has spent the past several months cooking when I can't, cleaning where I can't, and driving where I can't. All busy moms know that it takes a lot to keep up a home, do homeschool, and stay active in ministry. I am grateful that Rachel has been such a help to me these past few months. (No, she isn't perfect and we clash sometimes, but she is willing and available.)

Rachel and Adrian treated us to lunch in Dahlonega on a double date for a couple of hours.

How Do They Know?

2011-11-07T08:57:00.006-05:00

After reading the chapter on loving your children in Feminine Appeal, I asked my kids how they knew that I loved them. I thought it was funny the responses I got from each of them. One of these responses are from Adrian and one of the girls couldn't answer. I think I need to get busy showing my love to them in different ways.

Because you spanked us - This one said that she had to make sure she gave the most Biblically correct answer.
You drive me to practice and go to every game - This one is always apologizing for causing me inconvenience.
You really feel bad when you can't do things with us - This is a great encourager.
You cook us delicious food - I really like feeding this one :)
You pray for us and tell us you love us... I think that's all -

2011-11-05T18:35:00.002-04:00

My friend Suzanne gave me a great compliment by featuring me on her blog. Go visit her here to see what she's up to. It is humbling to think that someone is inspired by me when I so often feel uninspiring and uninspired myself.

Burt's Pumpkin Farm

2011-11-03T20:08:00.002-04:00

Lydia looking too grown up.

Sarah is able to take more pictures these days.

There's a new face in the picture.

Rachel loved having Adrian join in this tradition!

Rachel and Lydia

Pregnancy update

2011-11-01T16:06:00.002-04:00

A pumpkin for my little pumpkin...

My sister-in-law, Anna seems to thrive when she's pregnant. She's pregnant with her fifth and is doing great. If she ever feels bad, you would never know it. Me, on the other, I complain too much and don't thrive during pregnancy. In a normal pregnancy, I have the typical nausea and yuckiness at first, then a few months of feeling pretty good. Several months before the baby comes I get so very ready to not be pregnant.

That's the feeling I remember most of all- just ready to not be pregnant anymore. Then came this pregnancy. I don't remember the desire to hold the baby being this strong. Maybe it's my history of miscarriages or new technology, but I've had this incredible desire to hold the baby like I don't remember. In the past few weeks the false contractions have started overshadowing my desire to hold the baby and I'm back to - just so ready to not be pregnant.

I'm at 36 and a half weeks and have gained 33 pounds. I have to wake up at night to turn over, then wake up to go to the bathroom, then wake up to get something to drink. I can't wait for the baby to get here so I can get some sleep :)

...only my little pumpkin isn't so little.

2011-10-30T16:07:00.002-04:00

It's no secret that our family has a lot going on in general, every family does. Sometimes, though it seems as if God has given us more than we can handle. I'm thankful for scripture on days like this. The short version of our life today? Ray's parents are very sick and he is spending a lot time traveling back and forth (his siblings are too); I am having a baby in November; Rachel is getting married in December; she and Adrian are building an apartment in our basement; and now our 'go-to' girl has been side lined.

Sarah had two different concussions last year, one during basketball season and one during soccer. Since then she has been plagued with constant headaches and dizziness. She never had this before, but has them constantly now, some things make them worse but they never go away. We've seen several doctors with no result. We've had some ridiculous diagnoses, but each doctor kept saying that she would grow out of it.

We saw a doctor this week who specializes in sports medicine who gave us some pretty shocking news. Okay, not so shocking, it's been in the news every day.... Concussions are serious! He was very firm about her diagnosis and treatment. She did poorly on the impact test and has to get those scores up. She cannot do anything physical until all symptoms are gone, nothing that raises her heart rate at all. There is to be no concentrating on anything, including school, TV or computer. She isn't allowed to do anything that causes a slight increase to the headaches or dizziness. And there was to be no discussion of how long this would last.

I am still trying to get my head around all of this. Does this mean no running and dancing around the house? What about bounding down the stairs? Can she yell upstairs to call her sisters to the table?

She definitely can't go anywhere near a basketball court. This was hardest thing to take - no basketball. At this point in her life, it's hard to see past this point because basketball is what she loves, almost as who she is. She loves the game, her team and coaches and she's worried about letting them down. Ray and I love for her to play and we're sad for her too. There is great joy for a parent to watch your child use her God-given talents well.

Had we made her sit out last season until every symptom was gone, she may have gotten better then. Instead we have to take drastic measures now. We'll be seeing two different kinds of physical therapists and a neuropsychologist this week. I'm not sure what all of it means other than a lifestyle change for us all, especially our bright, cheery Sarah.

Sarah, #12, with some of her favorite people in the world, in her element.

Hockey? Street Fighting? Golf?

2011-10-28T15:09:00.001-04:00

At Ray's latest marriage conference I was reminded of a hard truth I had to learn. We enjoyed the company of couples who had been married for nearly 50 years, engaged couples and couples in all stages of life.

One couple we sat with at several different meal times was friends that we've known for a while. I hadn't seen J. in a long time when I bumped into her and her husband at Target a couple of months ago. We stood and chatted for a while and she told me that she had started playing hockey with her husband and some other friends.

They came to the marriage conference and we were able to visit with them more. The subject of her playing hockey with her husband came up again. (She has also started learning a type of street fighting with him too.) The real reason came out about why she's playing such tough sports. It's a great way to spend time with her husband! At 45, she has one child left at home and they wanted things to do together that would keep them connected. How amazing is that? She had only ice skated a few times before she started this, yet she's strong and healthy (but jealously thin and beautiful). I love her contagious enthusiasm for life and joy in the Lord. But I'm so thankful for this reminder. Do what it takes to spend time with your husband!

About twenty years ago a man in our church would take Ray to play golf every once in a while. He told me that I should encourage Ray to play golf more often because he could be really good. During this time, Ray would often ask me to go with him to play golf and hang out, I could even drive the golf cart if I wanted to. I always had excuses about the children, my chores, I was too busy.... Eventually, Ray quit playing golf. I always felt a little guilty about that, like if I had encouraged him he might have continued on with it. He's always been pretty active, running and going to the gym to work out. So in the past few years I've made more of an effort to go to the gym, run and do other things with him. We try to have at least one date meal a week and spend over-nighters away a couple of times a year.

This week, again, another reminder to do better to spend time with my husband came along. Rachel is a good example of this. It was her turn to plan hers and Adrian's date this week. I was impressed by how much thought and time she put into planning it. I have been thinking, "Oh, I could do that if I had more time, Ray and I use to do things like that, but we're stuck in a rut. It's much easier on me if we just go out to eat. I don't have time to cook like that and do all the extra stuff."

Reading Feminine Appeal, I am convicted to "love my husband." I love him, but do I show him love? What little extra things do I do to go out of my way to show him that I love him exclusively? It's easy to come up with excuses, but Titus 2:4 is clear about the need for women to show our husbands affectionate love. That might mean a little extra thought into date nights, meals, what we wear, play hockey or golf... Rachel left her cute little date night spot set up so Ray and I could enjoy it soon. I hope I have (ahem, make) time this week for us to do that.

2011-10-26T17:05:00.001-04:00

I just saw this picture and someone is in big trouble. I think they are making fun of me!

Cross Country at Truett-McConnell College

2011-10-24T07:03:00.003-04:00

We actually got to go see Hannah run at a meet at Toccoa Falls College and loved seeing her use the talents God has blessed her with. She has been bothered with a sore hip for years and the running has made it very painful. But true to Hannah's nature, she keeps running.

Sports at Christian schools can be great for a girl!

I love how different each of the girls are.

I Love My Kids!

2011-10-17T08:56:00.000-04:00

Rachel was playing Bible charades with Mary and Lydia when Lydia came up with some interesting topics. Rachel's were characters like Ruth, Moses... Lydia? As unusual as she usually is - David marries Bathsheba, the 12 Apostles on the 12 thrones, and Jezebel being eaten by dogs.

A Moment of Tranquility

2011-10-15T21:06:00.001-04:00

It was a brief moment, but it was tranquil. There isn't much quiet in our house because of the way the rooms are located and the lack of insulation. I was soaking and reading in the tub. From the den, I could hear Ray reading Northwoods to Mary and Lydia; Rachel was reading to Adrian in the basement (as it just so happens - while he was installing insulation); and I knew that Sarah was sitting at the kitchen table doing history. I listened to the sounds for a few moments and went back to my book. About the time I noticed that my water was getting chilly, I realized that my "tranquility" had changed. There was a piano playing, a little girl speaking in a British accent, tub water running upstairs, Ray looking for something (very loudly), and hammering on the ceiling directly below my bathtub. That was my cue, to get out of the tub. It may no longer have been the hushed sounds of reading, but it was still my home and I was thankful for almost everyone being here. And it was reminder to pray for Hannah, who was at that very moment on her way to Baltimore for a cross country meet.

Are You Using Grace?

2011-10-13T10:47:00.001-04:00

In many Christian circles there are people who "use" grace as an excuse to sin. They want to "rebel" against the law. I realize there is legalism and man made rules everywhere. Every family has them. But at some point, we should look at those rules and see why they are in place. Christians do have liberties, but do we use those liberties at the expense of others? NO! I think not, and I am broken to see that happening. I know I don't have the perfect balance between grace and legalism. Ray has said many times, "We are all a bundle of inconsistencies."

When you have the freedom to do a certain thing that "good" society deems unacceptable, should you do that just because you can? Often our pride rises up and says, "Yes, you should." But without looking at the effects of that freedom, we put ourselves in a self-centered world. When I say that I am going to do something regardless of how it affects anyone else, I am exposing my own sin.

When I think of or engage in certain things that I believe Christians are allowed to do, I have to also think of how those behaviors would affect others if I did them. I'm not talking about blatant sin, but those gray areas in scripture that seem to be out of the norm for our culture. (I know some people are too easily offended, you can't ever please them. Skip that point.)

But, thinking of the most godly older lady I know, how would what I am doing grieve her? Or the newest believer that sees me do something out of the ordinary? Do my actions affect only me? No. Does that mean I can't do those things? No. But I need to be very careful how, when and why I am doing them. I can't "use" God's grace as an excuse to offend or hurt others.

Baby Shower

2011-10-11T14:37:00.001-04:00

Our church gave my friend Natalie and me a joint baby shower. I was overwhelmed with how beautiful everything was and the effort the ladies went to to make it special. What a blessing to have enough diapers to last for a very long time!

My girls went crazy and bought way too many gifts, but they had so much fun doing it. I had been going through my old baby clothes so they also knew exactly what I needed. I never tire of baby girl clothes. It is so fun to get out all of the girls baby dresses that they wore and remember how sweet they were.

The gift that made me cry? This sweater. Natalie started hand-making this for me before she knew what she was having. Even after she found out her baby was a girls too, she still gave it to me. her sacrificial love is a definite testimony! And the sweater... it will be a treasure for this baby forever.

Feminine Appeal by Carolyn Mahaney

2011-10-09T14:18:00.001-04:00

The ladies of our church are going through Feminine Appeal together and I am so convicted. (I usually am when I read anything of value.) One of the study questions suggested we ask our husbands what of the seven virtues in Titus 2:4 we need to work on the most. When I finally got around to asking Ray's first off the cuff response...

"I like peace too much to answer that one." Then he started stuttering and saying, "Ohh, uhh, I meant to say you don't need to work on any of those, you're great at everyone of them." Yeah, right. I told him not to say anything else about it until he had time to think about his response.

His first response is probably closer to the truth than I would like to admit. Anyone who knows me very well, knows that I'm afraid of my own sin. I don't want anyone else telling me about my sin, who does? I am aware that sin reigns too often in me and I do try to rid myself of it. The sins I see are sometimes so overwhelming that I am afraid that there are even greater ones lurking but obvious to others. But I also know I need other godly people to be honest with me and tell me the truth.

Looking at this list - ask your husband what is it that he sees that you need to work on most. Then search the scriptures to find out biblical ways to do that.

love your husband
love your children
be self-controlled
be pure
work at home
be kind
be submissive to your own husband

I'm still waiting on Ray's response, and... depending on what he says, I may or may not get back to you on that :)

It is well with my soul

2011-10-07T17:30:00.001-04:00

No matter how many times I hear that song I tear up. Our family have been moved many times by the story of this hymn. Years ago, when Rachel was learning to play hymns she learned this song. It became a comfort to all of our family when we had hard days of suffering. On some days of turmoil, when your soul is at its lowest, you can't do anything but think of hymns that God has given you in the past. It has been a comfort to our whole family to hear strains of comforting hymns like this flowing through our house. Last year, when Hannah was in the choir at Truett-McConnell, they sang a beautiful version of It Is Well and our church sings it often. Hymns minister to us in so many ways and I'm thankful that God has given them to us.

Wedding Showers

2011-10-05T16:52:00.001-04:00

Rachel's aunts gave her a wedding shower and had everything perfect!

Aunt Amy, Rachel, Aunt Robin, and Aunt Anna

The wedding gifts were so exciting too!

Her bridesmaids gave her a shower that lasted all night long, and included lots of fun presents. I'm really thankful they included me!

Baby Update

2011-10-03T16:10:00.002-04:00

"Mama, you know you look just like Templeton when you lay like that. You know when he ate too much and his big tummy just flops. You know who Templeton is don't you, from Charlotte's Web?" - Yes... I know who Templeton is, and I also know that came from Rachel!

Even though I've gained a whopping 27 pounds, this week my uterus hadn't grown so the doctors did another sonogram. The baby is up to four pounds and two ounces and doing great! Next week, I start going to the doctor every week for non-stress tests on the baby, which is normal for women of "my age". Apparently, all I'll have to do is lay down, eat something and let them monitor the baby. That's the kind of tests I like:)

Common Sense Parenting

2011-10-01T17:30:00.000-04:00

I'm sure you've seen this played out before or maybe it's happened to you... The mommy and small child are out shopping and the mommy says that it's time to go. The child isn't ready to go so the mommy says she's leaving anyway and "pretends" to leave. The child panics then runs to obey. It doesn't matter which parent it is, where you are or the age of the child... It's a sad picture. It's manipulation on the parent's part and defiance on the child's.

When I'm out and see a small child standing alone I am going to watch to see if she is being taken care of. Yesterday, I was out shopping with Rachel when this happened again. There was obviously some concern for the child by other shoppers and sales clerks. The child started screaming and ran after what looked like her mom. The mom stopped and held out her arms. The child realized she wasn't being left then turned around to walk away from the mom. Then the mom walked away again to start the process over again. I turned to Rachel, and Adrian who had just joined us, and said, "When it's time to go, tell the child it's time to leave. If they refuse, pick them up and leave or spank them, then pick them up and leave."

No child needs the kind of threatening that they may be left alone any where. Can you imagine the fright? That isn't funny and we shouldn't train our children using fear. A healthy "fear" of punishment is okay, and the "fear of the Lord" is the beginning of wisdom. That isn't the kind of fear I'm talking about. The frightening experience of being alone in an unfamiliar place leads to insecurities that cause many problems in small children.

And no child needs to think she has that much control over a parent that she can refuse to leave when the parent has said, "Let's go." Scripture says, "Let your yes be yes, and your no be no." If you make a habit of doing what you say, your child will know you mean business when you say something. There are times when you can't live up to everything you had hoped for on certain occasions. But it's best not to make promises or statements that you can't live up to. Do what you say you're going to do and teach your child to trust your word. That isn't rocket science, just common sense parenting, and living.

Seasons of Life

2011-09-29T10:36:00.004-04:00

I'm loving these different season of my life... well, most of the time. But right now, I am loving it. We got the Fall decorations out of the attic so our kitchen table is again home to the happy little Pilgrims and Indians with our Fall table cloth. But what's funny is the diaper cake sitting on the table too. The church had a shower for me and my sweet friend Natalie and we got lots of diapers, including diaper cakes. There were many other goodies too, but for right now, my kitchen shows signs of the different seasons of our lives. (You wouldn't believe what's happening in the dining room... Hint - it has everything to do with a certain someone's wedding.)

2011-09-13T09:59:00.001-04:00

There are two ladies I know and admire so much. (Don't tell, but I love their children like they are my own too.) They lived next door to each other for years in Honduras and became close friends. As God would have it, Melody's son married Maggie's daughter and now they have a great relationship sharing their children and grandchildren. I love to see pictures of them as friends before their children were married. Long term relationships like that mean a lot to me.

This past weekend Rachel's future in-laws came from Minnesota to visit Georgia. I had prayed that God would give us a good relationship and that He would be honored. The weekend went really well, and we are on our way to being great friends. We didn't have the privilege of living side by side because we are separated by half of the country. But I know that while we are sharing our children and (hopefully, lots of :) grandchildren, we can develop a wonderful relationship too.

I loved seeing Adrian interacting with his mom and dad and it made us love him even more. We went to Amicalola Falls and the place where the wedding will be. We got to talk a lot about the details of the wedding and stuff like that. While the girls went to a bridal shower for Rachel, Adrian and his dad worked on the kitchen in their apartment. Rachel has more fun photos of the weekend on her blog.

Maternity Pictures

2011-09-11T10:23:00.002-04:00

Have you ever seen those really cute photo shoots with pregnant moms and their small children? Sarah was going for something like that. This is what our family came up with...

I think they were mocking me...

With so many big girl hands, it just looks awkward.

They had fun any way. I love having girls!

Lydia's Latest

2011-09-09T19:27:00.003-04:00

"Wow Mama! You just stumped the know-it-all!" Speaking of me giving Mary a spelling placement test and she didn't know the word 'apparatus'.

"Does the baby's gumbily cord attach straight to the feed sack?" This was after I had explained a little about the placenta being a sort of snack bag for the baby. Then she wanted to know if the baby has taste buds and what good are they right now.

"I know how the doctor knows if our baby is a boy or girl!" I gasp and ask how. "He can tell by the platter." It took a long time for me to figure out she meant 'bladder'. (I'm kind of impressed she knows what the bladder does.)

"Don't you think that a Praying Mantis would go to Heaven?"

"I'm so glad we're home schooled! We can bundle up when we get cold." Yes, the weather was a little nicer, but not cold!

This is really the first year that I've ever done any grammar with Lydia. The curriculum we use starts with prepositions. I asked Lydia to give me nine words that rhyme with the preposition 'by'. I was expecting words like my, sky, fly... Her first question was, "Can I use slanted rhymes like 'deny'?" When I told her that maybe we should start with simple rhyming first, her list of words began with nigh, sigh, and thigh. I asked her if she thought about my, sky, and fly, and she said they'd probably be good words too. How does a seven year old know about slanted rhyming? I'm not sure I know about them.

"You need to get Sarah another appointment about her headaches." - Daddy

"Why don't you get an appointment with God, you won't have to call ahead of time, you can just pray anytime." - Lydia

One of My All Time Favorite Household Projects!

2011-09-07T09:46:00.001-04:00

...well not completely, but close. A while back we started memorizing a Bible verse from each book of the Bible. We would spend time during our school devotions working on them, trying to complete each verse in a week. (I think the whole process has actually taken two or three years.) I didn't want them left on cards in a closet so about a year ago, during family nights, we started painting the verses on canvases. We finally finished painting this week.

This is what our stairs looked like after cutting out papers the same size of the canvases and spreading them on the wall to see how they would fit.

At five o'clock in the morning the day after all of the canvases were hung, I started hearing banging. The first one nearly gave me a heart attack, but then I realized what it was. The canvases were starting to fall and have been falling for several days. I left them alone to see which ones would remain then I went back to securing them better.

I love the finished product! Since this project started, Ray has actually figured out what he should paint on the canvases (no more Georgia Bulldogs themes), Lydia has learned to spell, and Hannah and Sarah have realized that no matter how they try to avoid it they are always going to pick the same colors. It is so fun to see the growth of the younger girls through this project and watch Lydia sit on the stairs reading the verses over and over.

School is in Full Swing

2011-08-30T11:44:00.005-04:00

Eating Out

2011-08-29T00:32:00.002-04:00

What girl doesn't love Krispy Kreme doughnuts?!?

Zeno's is the only store in Daytona that still makes their own salt water taffy, in every flavor you can imagine. They have the same machine running in the window since Ray was a child.

Aunt Catfish's On the River is one of our favorite places to eat because of the amazing salad bar that has everything, including grits! Plus every plate comes with cinnamon rolls.

For most of our vacations we usually stay in a suite that has extra beds and a kitchen so that we can take our own food. This year the food was the best. The girls worked really hard to have lots of meals prepared and frozen for us to take to eat so that we didn't have to spend too much money eating out. We did get to a couple of restaurants in that we really like.

Guess What Rachel did on Vacation?

2011-08-26T11:21:00.001-04:00

Admired how wonderful Adrian is... (He had these flowers waiting for her at the hotel.)

Shopped for her wedding to Adrian...
Talked to Adrian on the phone...
Thought about Adrian the whole time....

And ... she did find a little time for fun too.

Mary is Growing Up Too Fast!

2011-08-25T10:50:00.003-04:00

This is a typical picture of what Mary does... at the beach, at home, during games, anywhere she is, she will be hiding to read. What's happened this year has taken me by surprise, even though it shouldn't have. I've watched it happen three times before.

I love to see the girls growing and sharing their lives with one another. At any point during our trip that I had to look for Mary, she was out in the waves with the big girls. Her idea of fun has stretched from the shore line to getting as deep in the water as she can. She stayed with Hannah and Sarah most of the trip and they loved letting her in on some of their time.

This is a small picture of her growing older and stronger, and I am taking notice. And, I'm thankful for the way God is maturing her.

All the Latest From Rachel and Adrian

2011-08-23T19:34:00.008-04:00

Rachel and Adrian have set up two places to keep us up to date with all the latest news going on in their lives. I am thankful they are working hard to honor God.

This one has all the details about their wedding. Wedding website

Here is the place that they are documenting all kinds of fun stuff about their journey to married life. Blog

These are just a couple of their engagement pictures that Sarah took. She did a great job with them. There are more here.

Happy Birthday to My "Baby"

2011-08-22T09:26:00.007-04:00

Lately, Lydia has become very sensitive to being called the "baby" of the family. She wonders why can't anyone just say the "youngest". As she is growing to the ripe old age of eight, I am amazed at what a blessing she is. She loves with all that she has and is so open and honest with everyone. What a joy it is to hear her pray and learn to grow her child-like faith. She is thrilled to be having a new baby sister that she can share her room with and teach all about being a big girl. I can't wait to see what God is going to do in her life.

2011-08-19T16:09:00.001-04:00

Okay, who hasn't heard enough about the drama on Sesame Street? Years ago, when celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres started appearing there, I got so mad and turned that show off completely. (We have never really spent a lot of time in front of the television any way.) With all my complaining, Ray had to remind me, "What do you expect from unbelievers?" I realize it is preposterous that they would consider holding a marriage of Bert and Ernie on a kids' show. It is wrong, it is shameful, it is liberal activists trying to indoctrinate small children.

We have chosen, for our family, that the best way to keep them from that kind indoctrination is to turn off the television! We watch almost no tv and when we do, I usually regret that because of commercials. There is enough sin in our own hearts that it doesn't seem wise to spend time watching it glorified. Even my older girls have been sucked in to popular tv shows, only to feel let down and like they've wasted time.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Wedding Check List

2011-08-17T15:16:00.001-04:00

The most beautiful wedding dress ever bought - done
The location of every girl's dream secured - done
Registry for the greatest home ever completed - done
Two bridesmaids' dresses bought - (only two more to go)
Bible studies started for the most spiritual couple ever - done
Bride and Groom still dreamy eyed - done

Left to do... Wow! The list is unbelievable, but it really is a fun process.

24 Years!

2011-08-15T11:10:00.002-04:00

I am constantly amazed that God has blessed me so much! Happy Anniversary to Ray!

Ordering Our Home

2011-08-12T14:54:00.004-04:00

We are in the process of cleaning out our house. Over the past few years "pack-ratitis" has set in on many of our family members. How do we clear out stuff that looks like junk to bring things back to order without stripping some of us of everything we hold dear? I have heard of families who are diligent in giving away a toy for every toy that comes into their home or having annual yard sales. I just haven't been good about doing that or teaching it to my children. Our basement and attic has way too many relics from Ray's and my childhood ... for that matter, relics from our parents' childhood. And any way, who doesn't need giant four metal Tonka trucks?

I realize some of this stuff just needs to go! The collection of aluminum foil creations seems to have lost its glow to me, but for some reason it really needs to stay. Balding baby dolls and board books that are covered in teeth marks are just as sentimental to me, so I know there are some things that have to remain with us.

And I'm pretty sure God allowed black trash to be invented for moms who need to clean house. There is definitely a spiritual lesson to be learned here. With all of this holding on to "stuff," I hope that our real treasure is in Heaven.

While we pull things out to clean and reorganize, I have to understand that some of this "junk" is really special. I just hope that the people who shop at Goodwill finds it as special as my girls once did....

Recharge

2011-08-10T13:18:00.005-04:00

Ray's sermons and newspaper articles for the past few weeks have been about the theology of resting. As we took our family vacation we had to keep reminding ourselves not to just rest and relax, but to also recharge. We usually have our personal and family Bible times on vacation, only we were trying to make this vacation about renewing and recharging our tired brains. I don't know how successful we were but we had a great trip and are glad to be home and shake out some of the sand.

Something that kept reminding me of our need to relax was the birds on the beach. If you've seen them, you know what I mean. The cute little birds with the legs that bend backwards, scurrying back and forth poking their beaks in the sand. They dart here and there running from the waves, but trying to find treasures that the waves have washed ashore. Lydia and I wondered if they ever take a vacation to the North Georgia mountains.

One group of creatures we hope to miss every year is the jelly fish. The younger girls have been really afraid of them so Ray always tells them they might be taking their vacation to the mountains when we go to Florida. (They know he's joking.) This year three of the girls had real life evidence that they were doing their jobs at the beach. And yes - vinegar does help take the sting away.

We took tons of pictures as usual, did a few new things, and of course, kept some favorite long-standing traditions.

Fear

2011-07-27T20:21:00.000-04:00

Fear seems to overwhelm me some days. As I go through this pregnancy, I have moments that my eyes aren't focussed on God. Last week, I spent most of my time on the sofa, wondering and waiting again. I have been feeling the wonderful flutterings of my little one moving around, but the days she doesn't move a lot get frightening. Add to that the pains of being forty-four and pregnant and I let myself get consumed with fear. The doctor couldn't explain the pains that I was having except to say that the baby was doing great. He said it could be Braxton-hicks or stretching ligaments or multiple pregnancies or ... old age. I was not comforted by that last explanation, though seeing her on the ultrasound WAS so amazing. No matter how many pictures I see like that I am always astounded at God's creativity. These pictures were so beautiful, I felt like I could reach right in and hold her.
I am so grateful to God that He allows glimpses of His mercy through things like ultrasounds and flutterings in my tummy.

First Day of School

2011-07-26T11:22:00.004-04:00

Sarah's first day of homeschool was eleven years ago. I still remember her disappointed face after several hours of going strong with Rachel and Hannah and I finally realized I hadn't started anything with her. She was sitting in her little chair with her best dress and hat (she wanted to be dressed her best for her first day) and had her new notebook and pencils in hand. I asked her if she was okay and her response broke my heart, "Is this how homeschool is going to be every day? Are you ever going to get to me?" Of course, I immediately started working with her and her views of sitting bored and waiting have changed drastically.

Monday, I started our first day of school with Mary and Lydia. It was much different than Sarah's first day years ago. They didn't seem to mind too much that I only got to do devotions with them. They were able to get to some of their on their own work and ended the day pretty satisfied. I hope this isn't a sign of things to come.

Rest in Peace

2011-07-21T10:01:00.002-04:00

Here is a copy of Ray's latest newspaper article, just in time for vacation season.

The car packed tight, kids buckled in and off everyone goes on family vacation. Have you ever wondered why folks (like you and I) travel long distances and spend lots of money only to sometimes return home in worse shape than when we left? Perhaps we have the wrong idea about vacation. I am not referring to the beaches or mountains but the philosophy behind many vacations. For many people going on vacation means leaving the world behind and simply emptying oneself of all of the stresses within. People vacate but do they rest. The Bible says that God gives rest (Psalm 127:2). The rest that God gives is redemptive and restorative.

Rest, like any other of God's good gifts can be idolized, (living for the weekend mentality), rejected ( "I am indispensable."), or received, enjoyed and applied for the purpose for which it is designed by a good and gracious Father who gives good gifts! Rest is a good gift! Chew on that!

I needed a reminder that rest is a good gift. This week (like most) has been a tidal wave of activity. To make honest confession, I have lived as if I do not believe in the kind of rest spoken of in Psalm 127. Perhaps most telling is the night I collapsed on the sofa, to be awakened three times and asked if I wanted to come to bed. This after days of rising up early and staying up late. Though I was sleeping, I am not sure that I was resting. The rest spoken of in Psalm 127:2 is a remedy from falling into a sort of mindless coma due to complete exhaustion.

The rest that is sought after by so many is that which empties but does not refill. They will fail to rest because they have put off daily stresses but failed to put on godly rest. Putting off is merely vacating, moving out, leaving the premises. It does not prepare you to return home. You see we must not only check out, we must check in. We must check in to the nourishing words of Scripture, massage our minds deep in the waters of the gospel, allow the sweet winds of God's grace (on beaches, lakes, mountains, backyards) to blow through our hair, renew our energy, strengthen our minds and bodies so that we can return with a sense of purpose, not drudgery. On the one hand we find this redemptive rest daily as we breath deep, look heavenward and recall God's promises. Nightly we, in gospel grace, lay our heads to the pillow and receive rest. Each morning we rise early to drink the pure milk of God's Word. Throughout the day we meditate on the riches found in God's treasury. Occasionally we retreat away from normal surroundings to go on a vacation and we rest. It is a gift not to be idolized nor neglected but to be received. Not to receive God's gift is a sin. It is to reject His love. It is to be self-reliant rather than God-dependent. It is to think that it is ultimately we who build houses and keep cities secure, who establish homes and provide for their needs. That is more than just sinful, that is atheistic. Do you see how important it is to receive God's gift of rest. At the end of the day the well-being of the world, your business and even your family is not dependent on you but on the one who says, "Come to Me and I will give you rest."

Decorating a Home in Real Life

2011-07-19T16:23:00.000-04:00

My mom's shop has all kinds of great stuff for the home, and every time I go I rearrange my home (in my mind). I have a lot of ideas about my house of what I would like to change here and there. Most of my ideas take a lot more time and money than I usually have. I love color and have lots of it in every room, except my own bedroom. In the past two years I have been trying to create a calming peaceful sanctuary in there. It's really hard to keep it clean and picked up but it does seem to be my favorite place to be. I took out all of the patterns and colors and painted the room a creamy color, trying to keep everything off white and cream with a few touches of pale turquoise blue. There is a comfy chair for reading and some of my favorite pictures.

I have looked at hundreds of magazines and thought at times that I could use some of the ideas, then real life enters, and it hits my bedroom with a vengeance. The air is out downstairs in Ray's office so he is spending most of his work time in the chair in our room, along with all of his paraphernalia. And the stacks of stuff every where...? There is a huge pile for Goodwill, so that doesn't make things as peaceful as I'd like. Then there is the location of our room- it's right off the main traffic of our house so there is a lot of noise going by. Lately, I have used the Bailey trick and have been running a fan to block the noise, which is something you never see in the magazine pictures. Even with all of the extras in there, I still love to be there. And in November, it will take on a whole new life with the addition of a crib and a Baby's things.

Nothing in my house is really magazine ready, but I love to spend time creating a place where my family loves to live, which is why we have a home.

Big News

2011-07-17T21:12:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago we had the doctor put a note in an envelope saying if we were having a boy or a girl. We took the family out for a special meal and opened it up. Here is the answer! We remain a focused family.

Motherhood Is a Calling (And Where Your Children Rank)

2011-07-15T15:20:00.002-04:00

Motherhood Is a Calling (And Where Your Children Rank)

Here is a great article on the calling of motherhood.

2011-07-13T19:17:00.006-04:00

Rachel has found the dress of her dreams and Ray is giving her a hard time.

Adrian Rink's Proposal to Rachel Rhodes

2011-07-08T11:00:00.002-04:00

Summer Fun

2011-07-07T19:41:00.001-04:00

Remember when riding in the back of a pick up truck was an everyday affair in the summer time? There is still fun to be had riding on country roads.

Learning to Cook

2011-07-05T18:02:00.002-04:00

Lydia was the best blueberry picker of the family. She stayed with Papa until the job was completely done.

This is the season of Sarah and Mary learning to cook. Because Rachel has always loved to be in the kitchen, the younger girls haven't had the experience cooking that they should have had. Since I'm tired a lot, Sarah has been a huge help. We spent several days at my moms freezing vegetables and Sarah got the full effect of that, especially since I kept laying down on the job. We put up squash, field peas, peaches, and blueberries.

When the girls can successfully fry chicken I consider them well rounded cooks. We don't usually don't fry a lot of food, but in the Summer there is usually so much squash and okra that we do eat some of it fried. (I also like to freeze it for casseroles too.) My mom had some beautiful eggplant that Sarah fried up that were the best I've ever tasted! What fun it is to see your little girls gobble up eggplant, squash and zucchini! After learning to eat it fried, they usually can eat it pretty well in "cheese" casseroles. So even though Sarah hasn't fried chicken yet... she is becoming a great cook.

Grandma and Papa's dog, Bo got tired of picking before anybody else did.

Respectable Sins

2011-07-03T16:05:00.003-04:00

After reading Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges I drew this on our white board for a while. This book is about confronting sins we tolerate in our lives - like worry, gossip, worldliness, etc. It was eye opening to sins I allow in my own heart to fester, sins I even nurture.

The Best Father Awards

2011-07-01T16:29:00.001-04:00

I just love these pictures of Ray and his dad loving on the girls. They really are the best fathers I have ever known!

The Baby Bump

2011-06-29T16:23:00.001-04:00

Eighteen Weeks

Rachel's Office at Camp

2011-06-27T15:59:00.007-04:00

I really like what this picture says about Rachel. She keeps her things neat and tidy and surrounds herself with the things she loves most - her Bible, books, flowers from her "sweetie", and pictures of people she loves. She has a dish full of sharpies in every color to send interesting notes home (I got a letter written completely in Spanish).

The paper doll chain is so adorable! Our sweet friend, Natalie had several young ladies over to make one of these each for Rachel and Hannah. (They love getting care packages in the mail.) It was so much fun for the girls and moms to cut, glue, draw and decorate these little dolls. She googled "paper doll chain" to get the pattern and cut them out of brown paper bags. It was such a fun idea that Mary and Lydia want to make one for their room. I'm thinking ... Christmas ideas for friends too.

What a Mother is to Think

2011-06-24T09:29:00.000-04:00

The girls have often thought this to be a funny line from the movie Pride and Prejudice. Elizabeth's sister has just been found in an inappropriate situation and will be married to a less than appropriate husband. Mrs. Bennet is just thrilled that her daughter is to be married.

Elizabeth Bennet: [On Marriage] Is that really all you think about?
Mrs. Bennet: When you have five daughters, Lizzie, tell me what else will occupy your thoughts, and then perhaps you will understand.

But as we have talked a lot lately of Lydia's desire to be a Christian, I quoted this line for the girls last night. This is what must occupy a mother's thoughts for her children - their salvation! To know that your own dear children love Christ and want to serve Him is and must be the mother's greatest prayer. How wonderful to be able to talk to your children about walking with Christ and how to deal with sin as a Christian.

Confidence

2011-06-22T09:24:00.000-04:00

Last night at the end of our prayer meeting and Bible Study, Lydia came to me to ask if she could talk to me and her Daddy. She told us she wanted to be a Christian. What a joy! As we walk through these days with her of growing and understanding her faith we have so much to be thankful for! Ray's breakfast devotions for her and the rest of us were about confidence in our salvation:
Confidence when we face temptation - we can be sure that there is a Helper to keep us from sin.
Confidence when we fall to sin - When we do sin, we don't condemn ourselves or lose our salvation. We are secure in Christ.
Confidence when we die - We will be with Jesus! Lydia's comment, "It's not really like dying."

2011-06-20T13:35:00.000-04:00

Does a little girl's feather boa multiply itself? No matter how many pink and purple feathers I pick up or vacuum away, the thing never seems to disappear!

Baby Update

2011-06-17T12:51:00.003-04:00

I am now at seventeen weeks, gained a whopping eighteen pounds and feeling great. I started back walking this week and have actually gotten to just over a half mile. I am pretty much back to most of my normal activities, but sleeping later and taking afternoon naps sometimes.

The Kind of Call a Mom Loves to Get

2011-06-17T11:44:00.000-04:00

I hadn't talked to Hannah in a couple of days when she called this morning. I was excited to hear from her, but she was more excited to tell me her news. She was with a girl last night who received Christ as her savior. Hannah was amazed at how God worked through her and in this young girl's life. She kept saying things like, "I was remembering verses that I didn't even know I knew, and the prayer she prayed was so sweet and from her heart."
I am amazed at how the Holy Spirit works. He moves in our lives and gives us help when we need it most. At a time when Hannah would have normally been nervous about her own abilities to share the gospel, the Holy Spirit gave her boldness, confidence and a great recall of what she had learned years before.

The Journey of a Good Dog

2011-06-15T12:22:00.001-04:00

Brandon came to us one night in 2002 in a parking lot in Gainesville. The family who had him couldn't take care of him because the single mom worked and the children were in daycare, so he lived in a small cage. They wanted a family who had a yard and stayed home to give him to. So, at eleven months old, he came to us... he ate our garage, he wanted to jump on the girls shoulders, he ran every where! Within days Ray had him trained to stay in our yard and not to jump up on us, and he eventually quit eating bicycle seats and trash cans. Each of the girls thought he belonged to them, but secretly, I knew he was my dog:) There were many days of dog shows where the girls would jump him over obstacles or lay on him under the shade trees. When we sat on the front porch he would lay his head on our feet, but if we sat down on the ground, he wanted to put a paw on our shoulder. The past few months, the postal carriers had gotten a little jumpy around him, and he wasn't very happy about them coming into his drive way. He was getting very serious about protecting his yard from the bad guys. I had gotten a little worried about this, I thought Golden Retrievers were supposed to be docile and kind no matter what.

Early this week, he growled at Lydia. We just thought it was because she was wearing a giant blanket as a cape and carrying a knapsack full of doll clothes. (This isn't really that unusual, it was just a different kind of cape.) Then a couple of days later he was acting funny and pacing around in front of the doors. Ray spent some time with him, bathing him and trying to figure out what was wrong. He perked up and seemed okay. Later, he was listless and couldn't lift himself at all. Ray took him to the vet and after a very sad morning, he died. There has been much crying and reminiscing.

This morning I took a short walk - there was no one at the end of the driveway wagging his tail to make sure I got home safely. There was tipping of toenails to greet me on the sidewalk when I went to water the plants. There was no one for Lydia to pretend adventures in the yard with. (Brandon was always Aslan in Narnia.) It seems that even our cats are very quiet and reserved these days and don't know what to do with themselves. They would sprawl out on the driveway while he was out there with them and rub on him. And who is going to pick up the fallen apples when the apple trees start dropping? Brandon will be missed. God is good to give us great furry compaions to love.

Servant Hearts

2011-06-14T10:13:00.000-04:00

This Summer Rachel is working on the head staff of Camp Westminster and Hannah is working as a senior counselor there. They will spend most of their Summer working with children who come to the camp in Conyers. We will get to see them for a few hours every weekend, but most of the time they will be working long hours in the heat. They'll have a lot of opportunities to teach Bible studies, share the gospel and be with children ages six to fifteen.

Rachel left for camp in late May to get ready for the staff to come in later. For several weeks she had been working hard to make up extra meals for the freezer for us to pull out on the days that I don't feel good, and making sure as much cleaning was done before she left. After she left, Hannah spent several days doing very much the same thing - cleaning, cooking, and trying to make things as easy as possible for me. Then she left to work at camp with Rachel. Now, Sarah is home, finally finished with school and is spending most mornings trying to do the heavy work of the cleaning to keep me from having to do too much. Last weekend, Sarah went to a friend's house and I was at home with Mary and Lydia. I was getting stressed (sinfully anxious) because I had to do several things before leaving for the day. Mary jumped up and got busy helping out, without me asking. Now that I am feeling much better than the first few months of pregnancy, I am able to get off the couch and do most of my normal work. But I am easily tired out and still need the girls' help. I am so thankful for their servants' hearts. Not only have they become my friends, but they have servants' hearts that want to help.

My Intro to Our Newest Booklet

2011-06-12T10:17:00.001-04:00

I giggled when I heard the name of this book – Girls: Faults and Ideals. Being the mom of five girls and a girl myself, I see faults clearly everyday. Ideals? Well, there are plenty of wistful thoughts of what we should be – healthy, happy, pretty, neat, clean, and orderly... The list of both faults and ideals could go on and on. As I read through this book, my first thoughts were, “What about this sin and that attitude?” It’s easy for me to nitpick my own bad attitudes and sinful habits and forget the cross. But the ideal that sums up all ideals is godliness. It’s easy for me to nitpick my own bad attitudes and sinful habits and forget the cross. I keep going back to what I should be doing and not thinking of what Christ has already done. When I focus first on what God has accomplished for me through the gospel then my faults are washed in the river of His grace, they are transformed. Then I am able to pursue with maximum effort His call to pursue godliness. Keep a gospel saturated heart as you read this wonderful little book.

Friendships

2011-06-10T07:40:00.003-04:00

I was moaning with a friend recently about Rachel and Hannah being gone for the summer and her daughter is moving away in the fall. She was commenting that her daughter was her closest friend and how much she would miss her. As the girls grow up and find themselves away from home more and more, I am realizing too that my closest friends are those in my own home. I love how the girls are growing into godly young ladies and share with me. I am still their mom first, but at their ages, our interactions are more sharing than instruction and correction. There are still moments when I have to be - "I'm the mom! that's why" - but those times are farther apart with the older girls. And I think that's the way it should be.

The friendships I share with ladies in my extended family, my church, and other places are invaluable too. Months ago, I had a conversation with another pastor's wife about this very thing. Being a pastor's wife can be very lonely sometimes and this lady had decided that she didn't really want friends other than her own husband and children. I was a little impressed at first, but later saddened for her. What a blessing she is missing out on! Yes, sometimes, friendships are wrought with disappointments. I have had my share of that, even been the cause of some of those problems. But most of the time those friendships can be a wonderful gift from God. Our godly friends are a true source of encouragement, help and even admonition. So while my closest circle of friends may not be huge, I am so thankful for Proverbs 18:27.

A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Lost and Found

2011-06-08T14:26:00.001-04:00

We recently found some paper dolls that had been missing for years! The big girls played with paper dolls all the time, even making dolls for families we know by cutting people out of magazines. A few years ago, they set on a search to find them for Mary and Lydia to play and we thought they were lost forever. I had forgotten all of the sets we had, but obviously it was a favorite gift for us to get. We have sets of several presidents, Little Women, Shirley Temple, Little House on the Prairie, Robert E. Lee and Civil War.

At this very moment Lydia is on the floor of the living room acting out a wedding ceremony for Richard Nixon's daughter and her husband. She just said, "It's so hard to decide which ones to play with first." She's even learning a little history along with her playing.

There is no telling what I would find if I would clean out closets more often.

Girls:Faults and Ideals

2011-06-07T11:09:00.003-04:00

A new book coming out soon, information to come !

Finally

2011-06-06T18:46:00.003-04:00

Well I was beginning to think we wouldn't have a garden this year, but it has finally been planted. The scene was quite different from years gone by. Don't get me wrong, I did a lot of watching and supervising while Ray and the girls did all of the work, so not much change there. But this year we only had the two little girls in the garden with us. Mary even made the comment, "I'm not sure I know how to use the hoe, the big girls always get to use them."

Another difference is the size of the garden. We usually have it twice the size as this year, but with us starting late and the fact that I probably won't feel like canning much in the late summer, Ray kept it smaller. (If you can say twenty six tomato plants is smaller.) It was nice to sit out and watch Mary and Lydia get muddy and ooh and ahh over how wonderful everything would be.

Salvation

2011-06-02T10:37:00.000-04:00

When you pray for someones salvation, what do you expect? I expect my children to be saved, I have complete faith that God will bring all of them to Himself and have prayed for that since they were born. So why am I surprised when God brings in others that I have prayed for? A dear family that has been a part of our church for years has touched my heart many times. They have faced as many trials as a family should ever have to face, yet they are faithful in attendance and seem joyful to be there. Their 16 year old twin son and daughter professed Christ and were baptized recently. It was hard not to tear up at their testimony of how God brought them to Himself using the faithful witness of godly Christians in their lives. As they stood waiting their turn to go into the waters, they almost bounced with joy. Praise God that He is faithful to answer our prayers and redeem His own!

Birthday Lessons

2011-05-31T10:01:00.007-04:00

The sweet beautimous Nadia

When we have company at our home in the evenings, we often include them in our family Bible times. While celebrating birthdays last week we had a sweet family with small children whom we love dearly. We played charades and enjoyed the fun that all of the children had, even encouraging a little "wildness." When it was almost time for the night to end, Ray grabbed his Bible to have Bible time before anyone left. He and I both had forgotten about the "transition" time between "wild" fun and reverence for God's Word. So, what ended up happening is the poor mommy spent the next little "wrestling" her littlest one to try to get him to calm down and sit still.

It's important for little ones to play hard, they can learn to work hard like that, but it's also important for them to learn to sit still. We make a mistake in having a "grand ole run wild" time then saying, let's sit down and be reverent. Even adults need some time to get their hearts right. (Ever wonder why there is a prelude in church services?)

This sweet family is doing such a great job raising their little ones... I'm afraid we didn't help them much that night. Hopefully, next time we'll remember to start slowing things down a little before expecting so much.

Adrian acts out NYPD
We never guessed what Ray was trying to act out....

Baby Update

2011-05-27T16:32:00.004-04:00

At fourteen weeks, the doctor is very encouraging. He said I was progressing like an eighteen year pregnant girl. Hannah and Sarah even got to see the baby on an ultrasound.

Family Yard Work

2011-05-18T06:19:00.005-04:00

After working in the yard for several hours in my flower beds and planting a new dogwood, Mary was very proud of how pretty everything looked. She said, "I bet all the landscapers who drive by here are going to be jealous."
Lydia shot back, "Pshh, Better Homes and Gardens are going to want to take pictures!"
Hannah's response? "I hope not, they'll want me and Sarah to clean our room!"

They even scrubbed the little yard girl and boy.

Lydia wanted to shovel all day!

We moved the coneflowers out of the front flower bed where they were trying to take over to a less conspicuous place in the back.

I don't know what is scarier with the weed wacker - Rachel or Hannah.

Arabian Nights

2011-05-15T08:26:00.009-04:00

This is Mary's last year of music at Funderful World of Music, a program that we have been so thankful for. All of the girls have gone through the music program there from the time that they were about four years old. They learn to play the piano, but mostly they get a foundational love for music that will last them a lifetime. Hannah and I were talking about her practicing and came to the realization that I have never really had to make the girls practice, there have even been times when I have had to make them stop practicing. This isn't anything I have done, but the love of the program instilled by their all time favorite teacher - Ms. Pam.

Mary is third from the left

Every Spring she comes up with some creative idea for their recital and they have a great time singing and performing. This year's theme was Arabian Nights and the girls loved dressing up in the costumes and getting their hair done. (Thanks to big sister Sarah.) Mary chose the biggest musical challenge of all for her last piece- Ashokan Farewell and did a beautiful job! My prayer is that the girls will always honor God with this foundation of music. (The three older girls that graduated from the program have stayed involved with music by continuing to play the piano, singing, and learning other instruments, as well.)

Lydia with Ms. Pam

I Chronicles 29:10 - 19

2011-05-15T08:21:00.002-04:00

“Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of Israel our father, forever and ever. 11 Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. 12 Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. 13 And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.

14 “But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you. 15 For we are strangers before you and sojourners, as all our fathers were. Our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no abiding. 16 O Lord our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a house for your holy name comes from your hand and is all your own. 17 I know, my God, that you test the heart and have pleasure in uprightness. In the uprightness of my heart I have freely offered all these things, and now I have seen your people, who are present here, offering freely and joyously to you. 18 O Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, our fathers, keep forever such purposes and thoughts in the hearts of your people, and direct their hearts toward you. 19 Grant to Solomon my son a whole heart that he may keep your commandments, your testimonies, and your statutes, performing all, and that he may build the palace for which I have made provision.”

Photography from Sarah

2011-05-12T09:28:00.001-04:00

Rachel In Another World

Hannah - A Daisy Among Daisies
Mary Is Growing Up Too Fast

Food

2011-05-10T09:32:00.000-04:00

Our love of food knows no bounds.... except for tradition, of course. We often go to the same places to eat. Is it that we are just creatures of habit or that we aren't creative enough to search out something different?

Giant Chicken Sandwiches!

On the way to Nashville, we love to stop at the Sugar's Ribs for barbecue. You can sit on a deck outside, if the weather is right, and look at all of downtown Chattanooga and eat the best corn on the cob and grilled okra. (Actually, it's the first time we ever tasted grilled okra, but I'm hooked.) The portions are huge and enough to share, which is helpful because it's a little pricey for a family. After eating, we enjoy petting the goats they have outside.
Downtown Nashville has another favorite place - The Old Spaghetti Factory. The food is pretty good, but the atmosphere is great! Some of the seating arrangements are in giant bed frames, trolleys and "king" chairs. Runners want lots of spaghetti before a big race, so it's packed with runners. Rachel tried Italian meatloaf that was pretty good, but way too much food for one person to eat. I liked the chicken Marsala, but the lasagna is still the best. And it doesn't hurt that every meal comes with ice cream.

After the marathon, we usually go to Johnny Rockets in Opry Mills to eat because Ray loves to eat their giant burgers and shakes. (The girls and I do too.) This year almost the whole mall was closed because of last year's flood, so we took the girls to Caney Fork River Valley Grill which Ray and I had tried before. We had to wait about forty-five minutes to sit by the indoor catfish pond, but it wasn't too bad. Most people were able to walk in and be seated right away. The fried green tomatoes were Ray's and my favorite, but the unlimited baskets of free corn fritters they placed on the tables were the girls'. Sarah ordered the "Cholesterol Buster" and couldn't eat it all. She said she actually liked having an egg on her hamburger.

I didn't really pay close enough attention to Lydia's eating all weekend so ... after three days of eating restaurant food where she ordered chicken fingers nearly every time, she spent all day Monday in bed or hanging over a trash can. She had a real life lesson that eating too much fried food, will actually make you sick.

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T06:30:00.001-04:00

I love being a mother to daughters! God has truly blessed me.

2011-05-06T08:35:00.007-04:00

As I was praying this morning, God impressed upon me to pray for the mothers of my own church. In our church we have mothers who:

became Christians later in life and are faithfully praying and witnessing to their children
have taken in others' children to care for as their own
are seeking to win their husbands to Christ
have been Christians many years and watched their own dear children rebel against the Lord
are young and desperately seeking God's favor on their own children
quietly move through day to day hardships raising their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord
lack confidence in their own abilities to raise their children
been a mother for many years and watched their own children walk through great dangers toils and snares

But this is my prayer today for them - that God would give them children that rise up and call them blessed, their husbands would trust them and be known in the gates, and they would impart their own sincere faith into their children that they would not have a spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control.

26.2 Miles Again?

2011-05-04T14:17:00.001-04:00

Ray continued his tradition of running the Country Music Marathon this year in Nashville. We spent most of the time walking- very slowly, around the city, eating out and resting in our hotel room. We weren't able to tell much from the floods a year ago except that one of our favorite restaurants (Johnny Rockets) was still closed. In fact, almost all of Opry Mills is still closed. We did see a lot of the damage from the recent tornadoes and were sobered at the loss of life and property there too.

What's Wrong With My Marriage?

2011-05-03T14:15:00.001-04:00

Easter Pictures

2011-05-01T08:29:00.001-04:00

Our traditional family picture

A sweet relationship we love to watch grow

A fun tradition

Hannah loves to play with the little boys and they love her too.

The girls and Nana

Group hugs with Aunt Amy

Sarah and Micah (Anna and Andrew's second)

I am already growing too much!

The entire group, except we missed Christy and Corey!

I love having little kids around!

2011-04-29T11:44:00.002-04:00

After reading her Bible for the day, I had an amusing conversation with Lydia.
"Woah, you mean Abraham had two wives?!" - Lydia
"Yes."
"I'll bet that was complicated. I wonder if he ever forgot to give one of them a Christmas present. That would be bad." Lydia
"What about Soloman? He had six hundred wives."
She burst out laughing and says, "That must have been the funniest looking wedding. He couldn't even know all of their names!"

The Hills Hath Blowing

2011-04-27T14:54:00.001-04:00

When you read this, you have to stand big and tall and make dramatic moves while you use your best English accent. Hannah was writing a sonnet for an assignment so Lydia decided to join her.

Her hair blows softly as she stands on a hill

watching the river below her feet.

All the streets are quiet as she just stands,

stands with not a care in the world.

Her thick, black curls blow in the wind

as she thinks quietly.

2011-04-25T08:28:00.002-04:00

How is that I am taking pre-natal vitamins and using wrinkle cream?