PROVERBS 31:27

by Robin

"She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness."

As much as I would have liked to enjoy a nice bubblebath & then bon bons on the couch, that never seems to be my life. However, God has given me such a good life.

I was able to make an emergency appt. to the pediatrician today to find out nothing is wrong with Andrew. Praise God.

We schooled on the way down, in the waiting room and on the way back home, so that we would have plenty of time to finish school and do this.

Sometimes I wonder if the Proverbs 31 woman, described here, had boys. A house full of boys with hundreds of suggestions of things they could do in an afternoon. I'm certain she must have had some children because we read that they praised her.

After we were done baking cookies, we joined up with fellow choir members and sang caroles in the historic downtown of our area. I treated the boys to hot cocoa.

It is 9 pm and I can hear the boys playing their Christian music videoes while playing Kerplunk.

What a great day.

EXODUS 20:15
"Thou shalt not steal."
by Robin

This should seem like a no-brainer for most of us. Many times we see this in a material way and it is certainly applicable this way. However, this verse has been sticking in my head the past couple weeks since going over the 8th commandment in our Wed night Bible study.

We can steal so much more than material possessions. We can steal time, joy, reputations and so much more. I realize what I'm about to say may be controversial but I feel the need to express it.

Back in another generation, adoptions were kept very hush-hush. People did not know they were adopted many times until it was revealed accidentally by some unknowing family member. I had a cousin, and probably you did too, who was adopted and never knew about it until one very painful day when the truth was revealed.

The same was for Jack when he was 12. It was a shocker when he found out his adoptive Dad wasn't his biological Dad. He spent the next 20 years wishing to know his Dad and his ethnic background. Ironically, knowing his Dad didn't turn out to be as cheery as you see on Oprah or Dr. Phil but it still gave Jack a sense of security in self-esteem. Still, Jack missed out on a lifetime of knowing stories about his Dad and having time to create a bond - good or bad. Time had been stolen from him that can never be regained.

Because of Grandma Mary's funeral, something very good has happened. People are TALKING. People are coming together. A fractured family is no longer having the precious gift of time being stolen from them. Jack has two brothers that he's never met before.....

This week, there is a man (actually 2) out there, in his 30's, finding out for the first time in his life that he has a brother. Neither parent ever told him the truth about this legitimate, created in-wedlock, half brother of his. I will never understand what kept these adults from telling the truth. There is half a lifetime of time stolen from them getting to know each other.

In the Bible, there is a familiar truth that says what the devil meant for bad, God can use for good. What lies, shame and guilt did, God can undo. I am praying that when these brothers get together, they will make a solid, loving bond with each other. Time will no longer be stolen from them.

God has adopted us into His family with loving arms. And, we still love our earthly families. There is room in our hearts with love for both families. Time is a gift that can be stolen if we aren't careful. Between the holiday bustle or fractured families, don't let this happen to you.

Philippians 4:6 (niv)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

On the left, I'm quite anxious... freaking out mostly. Wondering why in the world I thought this would be easy.

Getting over the first peak.

Starting to gain the victory, feeling confident and even comfortable on the roof.

Well, this picture may end up being too small to show all the effort. I'm in the left corner of the roof, stringing the top of the palm.

I have to say that getting down was the most scary part. I did pray before getting up there and gave the boys instructions to call 911 if I fell. God was so good to keep me safe.

Jack will be so surprised to see the lights on when he gets home. (And I might get a little lecture....)

GALATIANS 4: 3-7

So also, when we were children, we were in slavery under the basic principles of the world.

But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.

Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." So you are no longer a slave, but a son;

and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.

The picture was taken at church last night. We had our 1st Annual Family Christmas Celebration. The kids went from station to station making parts of the nativity scene. I was part of the Christmas carolers. Above is our Youth Pastor Steve telling the children the story of Jesus' birth.

Please note that this verse also applies to daughters. :o)

The REAL Magic Kingdom
by Robin

As seems to be the tradition a few Sundays now, I'd like to take a moment talk about Jesus.

We had so much fun these past couple weeks with having Thanksgiving company, learning Christmas Cantata music and seeing all the stars at Magic Kingdom, including Mickey and Minnie. However, we also grieved this week over losing a loved one. My thoughts went from one Magic Kingdom to the *true* Magic Kingdom where the King of Kings and Lord of Lords resides. A great city filled with precious stones, great walls and twelve gates made of whole pearls. Can you imagine? The foundations of the wall were garnished with jasper, sapphire, chalcedony, emerald, sardonyx, sardius, topaz, chrysoprasus, jacinth and amethyst. The city needed no sun or moon as it was filled with the glory of God to lighten it. The gates shall never be shut, as there is no night there. Those who are written in the Lamb's book of life will dwell there.

And God shall wipe away all tears from eyes and there is no death; neither shall there be any more pain and all former things passed away. God can make all things new.

Last Sunday evening, Jack and I visited his dying grandmother. We sat at her bedside taking turns praying and crying. We held her hand and kissed her head. We gave her sips of Diet Coke, which she said gave her life. We all had a laugh over that one. But we were there for business. Serious business for God. We let her know that God loved her. We told her what she already knew, that Jesus died for her sins. We asked her to trust Jesus with her life and to call upon his name in her time of need. When some time had passed, we asked her if she had understood and she replied, "I'm good."

We left her bedside at 1am, desperately praying for assurance and salvation.

The next day, the kids were able to visit with her. God provided us with more privacy to speak with Grandma Mary and again, she replied that she was good. That night, feeling unassured, I went to the Word of God and ask that He speak to me. In there, He told me that the effectual, fervent prayers of a righteous man availeth much (James 5:16). I read that verse over and over, meditating on its words. Effectual stood out in my mind as if it had never existed before. It referenced 1Kin18:42, 45 where Elijah had prayed again and again for rain. On the 7th time, a black cloud came across the skies and grew into a mighty storm. Elijah and Ahab couldn't even get back to the city of Jez-re-el before it poured.

I cried and thanked the Lord for such hope and so we continued praying for the next 7 days.

This morning, the 7th day since when we made this desperate prayer before the Lord and spoke with Grandma Mary about Jesus, we learned that she passed. We are heartbroken to lose such a lovely woman, yet God loves us so much that He gave us hope. You see, in Bible talk, seven stands for completion. He had heard our prayers and I have faith that He completed a work of salvation in Grandma Mary's heart. I have to have faith that Jesus was now giving her life, not Diet Coke. I believe, through faith, that when I get to heaven, I will be greeted by Mary and hear her most wonderful Florida drawl and be kissed.

For with God, nothing shall be impossible. Luke 1:37

This was one of the Scriptures in today's sermon at church. Our main feature song in the choir was "Presence of Glory." For me, it was all confirmation of our prayers and hope during what can be some of the most painful times in a person's life.

Are you going to the real Magic Kingdom?

CLIP of the TAPING of the DISNEY SHOW



I hope this works. You Tube failed me. Jon Secada is singing in brown suit. If you get out your magnifying glasses, you'll see Derek & Julianne from Dancing with the Stars dancing below him on the 2nd (left) stage. Julianne is in gold and Derek in white shirt/ blk pants

MAGICAL DAY!!! with

singing Christmas carols over and over. He was such a great sport about it. Also, so were the Dancing with the Stars folks.

Helio & Julianne were featured. Derek (Jenny Garth's partner) & Julianne danced some. Edyta, Joey Fatone and his dance partner also were there. Oh, Oh!! And how could I forget, Cheetah Gal Sabrina & her partner Mark were also there.
Lunch then.....

..... singing "Hark the Herald" with the Harlem Gospel Choir. She was not as good of a sport. And.....

this lovely lady sang with her group of Princesses all around her. You could hear her through the entire park.

We did get to ride 7 different rides before it got dark at 6pm. Fireworks were also magical - the best I've ever seen. Then, we saw this leaving this park....

Disney really knows how to make a Magical Day......

Thanks Mickey & Minnie,

Robin (Edited to add that you can see this Disney Special aired Christmas morning on ABC. Maybe we'll be in it.)

RAISING FISHERMEN this weekend

One thing I've notice about my fishermen is that they have a wonderful love for the sea. They will stroll a beach in a heartbeat. They find dead mullet on the beach interesting. And, they are captivated by beautiful sunsets. Have sand & water, ........ will travel.


Simon Peter is braving not just wind, but bitterly cold wind without a jacket for a chance to run the shoreline.

Andrew is awaiting the pop of the proverbial gun before taking off in a sprint from the camera to The Point.

More THANKSGIVING pics

Here I am, making the broth part of the Bouillabaisse.

Kiss the cook, right? Only, try not to get your nose in her eye. Jack was right with me, in the kitchen, the entire morning. He does all my seafood cooking. The clams, crab & shrimp were perfect.

Here are the cousins. They had a great time creating this silly pose for my sister.

This picture is more serious. Aren't they cute kids? And are they talented!!!!

More pics later. I'm tired & church comes early tomorrow.

Robin

TESTING the new CAMERA

Nothing better to try a new camera out on than Blue Crab.

First downsized version:

Full 7.2MP size at 2.5 MB

I don't see a difference. Do you? The larger one is slightly lighter in brightness but not enough to matter. Right?

THANKSGIVING with FAMILY

Partially, I'm testing out my new camera and partially I'm showing you all that we had a wonderful Thanksgiving with my sister & her family today. We made the Lady's Bouillabaisse- modified & guaranteed to dirty every dish in your kitchen!

Dessert was Pumpkin Slump, I think. I need to get the recipe & name correct & post it here. My neighbor brought it over and it was FANTASTIC! Here is a picture of my sister giving the kids squirts of whipped cream in the mouth.

I have a picture of my nieces but I forgot to downsize it. I'll post it up later.

EPHESIANS 5: 22

Wives submit yourself unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.

by Robin

This is such a popular verse in the Bible, ........




If you're a woman, you'd love to hate it if it wasn't the word of God. If you're a man, you love it. It is even more special if you're a wife-beater with a mullet, crushing beer cans on your forehead and flying a rebel flag..... but let's not go there this morning. Anyhow, there are many ways women can submit to their husbands without actually becoming their slaves. The verse is not intended to make woman a slave to her husband and I firmly stress that at our home.

Last night, I had the tv remote FIRST. Dancing with the Stars had just come on and Jack walked in from the computer room late. I had it. I had it first.. na na na na booo booo. Ooo, wait, that's not very submissive. I was on one couch and he the other. In a customary manner, I got up on the commercials to finish up the big pans in the kitchen and tidy it up. Jack asked for the remote. The coveted remote that I so rarely get my hands on.

Now, I don't really need the remote from the kitchen. I really shouldn't stay with the remote on the couch during the commercials because the dishes won't do themselves. Hmmm... ok..... I'll be a submissive wife and give him the remote. Very lazily, I might add, with elbow propped up on the couch he has an outreached hand, much like a baby bird waiting for the worm. I saw it but the rebel in me was screaming, "Don't do it girl." It was like good angel, bad devil sitting on my shoulders telling me how lazy & demanding his hand looked. How do I fulfill Eph 5:22 and still be a rebel at heart?

Well, the middle child in me won out. I put the remote on the table in front of him. Not the birdy hand, but close enough. With little eyes watching us, they could see the birdy hand make open & shut movements, wanting its remote. I saw it, but now I had to address if I was going to be openly rebellious or submissive.

I stood a second and look at the bird and then the remote. I glanced around at my dear children's eyes afixed to the remote, the birdy and their mama. There was only thing that a good, submissive middle-child mama could do. I walked around to the back of the couch and pushed the birdy, I mean hand, closer to the remote.

We all burst out laughing for a few minutes. I had won. He got his own remote, everyone was laughing and I kept my dignity at the same time.

I'm so thankful that Jack loves me for me. He accepts my rebellious spirit and middle-child personality. He knows I would wait on him hand & foot if he were really helpless, but......... he wasn't.

STINKIN' THINKIN'
by Robin

We heard this wonderful sermon this morning at our church on Stinkin' Thinkin'. It is based out of the book of Philippians, Chapter 4, written by Paul. Have you ever met a person with the attitude of I stink, you stink and life stinks? Well, they are wrong. You don't stink because you are wonderfully and fearfully made (Psa 139:14) . Others don't stink because we are made in the image of God (Gen 1:27) Life does not stink because we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Phil 4:13).

However, what we need to do is learn to be content in whatever state we are in (Phil 4:11-12). No, not Florida versus Wyoming, although it is better in Florida hands down. The state like 'State of the Union.' I never get tired of hearing Paul's testimony that he sang in jail or that he was fearless in the face of death in 2 Timothy.

I think that this teaching is very applicable as we begin the holiday season and we become overwhelmed by stresses. Instead of having stinkin' thinking, try to be content with your situation, be still while taking time for God and give thanks to God Almighty for all your blessings. Here are some adaptations from a letter that was published in the local County Baptist Newsletter. I couldn't remember all of them but you'll get the idea.....

*I'm thankful for crowded grocery stores because it means I have plenty of food to choose from whenever I get hungry.

*I'm thankful for rising gas prices because that means I have a car to drive.

*I'm thankful for that early alarm clock bell because that means I made it through the night.

*I'm thankful for things breaking down in our house because it means I have a home to live in.

*I'm thankful for those health problems because it means I'm still alive.

*I'm thankful for dirty dishes because it means I had food to eat today.

*I'm thankful for lots of laundry because it means I have clothes to wear.

*I'm thankful for taxes because it means I have a job.

*I'm thankful for fingerprints on the walls and toys over the entire floor because it means I have children in my home.

*I'm thankful for the ACLU fighting to stop prayer in school & witnessing in the workplace because it means God is still working on hearts.

*I'm thankful for athiests because they give wonderful testimonies once they make Jesus Lord of their lives.

What are you thankful for? Are you having one of those stinkin' moments? Don't.

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS & DECORATIONS

(terrible photo - that shadow behind Jack makes his head look so big!)

Jack and Simon Peter had the best time the other day at Universal Studios. They did like the Jimmy Neutron & Spiderman rides the best in that park. From there, they hopped over the Island of Adventure and rode the Hulk 5x, Mummy and couple others. They both agreed that Islands is the better park.

Fortunately for them, the parks were near empty. It was them and the International folks. Many rides they would get off and run right back to the front of the line for another turn. When they called at 3:30 and said they were done, I was caught off-guard. I thought something was wrong, but there wasn't. They had had their fill of rides in only 6 hrs. It was time to come home for some family time.

Andrew and I had only been home about 5 minutes when the arrived, so I had plenty of help to unload all the groceries & holiday stuff. It was my big day to knock as many gifts off my list as possible and I succeeded. It sure was fun and most of all, it will make December so much more enjoyable without the stress of that deadline. I will enjoy Jesus' birthday so much more now. I am hoping to knock out my cards right after Thanksgiving. Yeah.

Since we have family coming to town for the holiday, we decided to put up our tree early. Andrew was a big influence on me getting all those boxes out and to keep going. He would love it if we had lights all 12 months of the year.

We have gotten some new ornaments, which didn't show up here. I will have to get close-ups tomorrow. You can get a feel for the Christmas warmth with this low light picture. I wish my camera did better in low light because it feels so festive in the LR now. It doesn't translate that well across the blog.

This is our first Christmas in our new home. I can't wait to wrap & put more gifts under the tree tomorrow.

Robin

NINJA WARRIORS

My boys have never been much for climbing as toddlers but it is something they find a challenge now as young men. Last night, they were inspired by a show called Ninja Warriors on the G4 channel. (If you watch this show, mute the commercials or change channels.) This Ninja course lies in Japan and they had 100 contestants the other night. Out of those 100, only 2 Japanese men passed onto the second level. There were 3 Americans out of the 100 competitors and all three fell into the water on the Jumping Spider obstacle.

So, at 10:30pm, the boys were climbing the walls, literally. This morning, I went ahead and videoed, quickly, them doing it.

Enjoy. They are only several seconds each. First is Simon Peter.



Second is Andrew, who does a dismount & hilarious bow at the end.


I'm not sure how God will use this talent in the future; but for now, my boys think they strong as Ninja warriors. If only that could transfer that energy into doing dishes and laundry......

If you think of it, please pray for Simon Peter and Jack as they head off to Universal Studios for a Father/Son day riding roller coasters. Andrew and I are going to do lots of shopping.

Robin

JEALOUSY

We are fortunate that this doesn't happen much amongst our boys but we had an incident today. I always feel like I am inadequate as a parent because my boys still fall victims to jealousy and I have somehow missed the boat in teaching on this topic. The truth is this topic is nothing new to God. It is nothing new in the arsonal of spiritual attacks. Families have had jealousy since the first family of Adam and Eve. Think Cain and Abel in Genesis. They had jealousy so fierce that Cain killed his brother. Some other famous Bible brothers were Jacob and Esau. Jacob stole Esau's inheritance blessing. Esau was filled with so much rage that Jacob left town for dozens of years. How can I prevent such jealousy in my boys? In my own strength, I can't. It is a temptation that they must learn to fight on their own, if I give them the right spiritual tools (i.e. Bible & prayer).

You see, yesterday, we were given 2 tickets to the Universal Studio themeparks. Not 4, only 2. Jack had planned on making a roller coaster *event* for him and Simon Peter. A father & son bonding day. None of us even thought Andrew would be jealous, but he was. He didn't even like roller coasters. Why wasn't he happy for his brother? We worked out some alternative scenarios but the fact was that we had a heart issue. I could give in, buy more tickets and let Andrew gets his way or I could try to reason with him outside on the back deck. (Jack was at work.) In the end, the best thing was to go inside and finish making lunch after I had said my peace. Andrew stayed behind and from the window I watched & prayed for my little boy.

I saw him move around and then, sit like a statue. Then, he came in the house with some reservation. His eyes met mine and he said, "I'm sorry." I quickly let him know that I had forgiven him and knew he would make the right decision.

The only problem now was that he hadn't forgiven himself. So many times, we ask Jesus to forgive us and we cast our sins upon His shoulders. But then, we take them back into our lives and keep beating ourselves up over them. I don't know why we do this but sure enough, it happens to young and old alike. Andrew is the type of personality that he has such a hard time leaving his sins with Jesus and feeling forgiven. He is good at self-hatred which is something I had to deal with all my life. It's about feeling worthy. As a child of the King of kings, I have to often remind myself that I am worthy of forgiveness and happiness. I had Andrew pray about it and he kept his head in a pillow until the smell of fresh pizza filled the air. Like Scooby Doo to a Scooby snack, the world was right again.

I believe he had finally come to the point of letting go of his jealousy and letting go of his own sin. It is good to see a smile back on his face and a restored relationship with his brother as he eats his pizza.

Robin

VETERAN'S DAY

As I was enjoying my morning coffee, I could feel & hear engines roaring over the house. I went outside for about 10 min and saw planes in formation, experimental aircraft and the normal ones too. What was going on? (see the 2 dots close to the tree line? ... in the center) I googled the local airport and found out they were having a Veteran's Day Open House at our local Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum.

http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071105/NEWS01/711050318/1006/news01

Even with the boys not feeling well, I promised them free toys from the gift shop if they went to the museum with me. Today was "free" day for county residents and veterans. It would be a shame to miss it since we're so close and this is something my youngest wanted to do earlier in the year and we opted out.

Our highlight of the day was to meet Scott MacLeod, astronaut and fighter pilot. Andrew sat in his plane and posed for a quick picture. It was such an honor that I admit I was star struck and couldn't say a thing other than thank-you and what a pleasure it was.

I think this is something we're going to have to frame and put in the boys' room. Andrew really was in his element amongst the airplanes & memorabilia. I wouldn't be surprised if he ended up being a pilot, like his daddy.

Here is Simon Peter with Dr. Scott MacLeod. He was so kind to take his time explaining all the buttons and switches to the kids. He must have a teacher's spirit.

Here is a fun picture of the boys reenacting some wartime play. This afternoon, their heads are filled with new visions for all their toy planes. The toys are out of the closet and I can lay down and rest. I may even take some Nyquil.

Thank you to all the people who serve around the world in the name of FREEDOM. I appreciate your service.

Robin

SICK!

SIMON PETER'S BREAD

I think he did a fine job this morning. It's making my mouth water. It's still warm. The boy is cute AND he can cook.

4H Day

Today, we schooled extra fast so we could go guilt-free to the 4H club meeting. After the business mtg, the boys did a search & rescue attempt. Half the class, including Andrew, suddenly became lost in the woods behind the Ag Building. Several minutes later, the other half of the club, including Simon Peter were told to come find them. I thought it was ingenious way to segue from first-aid the past 3 meetings to geocaching.

Jack is sick......I'm not sick, I'm not sick (sniffle), I'm not sick...(ah-choo)....I'm not sick. Please pass the Lysol and Chlorox Clean-up. Really, I'm not going to be sick.

Just in case you paused here to ask me about Critical Thinking & Reading Comprehension, well then I wanted to recommend "Reading Detective A1". I LOVE it!! Best of all, it is self-teaching for the boys and it even keeps their scores! I only have to print off their scores at the end of the quarter. http://www.criticalthinking.com/ I would love to invest in more of these at a later date.

I finally go to sit down on the couch tonight only to find a mess o'chips cluttered everywhere! Grrrrr. I say, "Thank you Andrew for chips in my seat." To which he proceeded to tell me, "You're welcome," gave a kiss and left the room. Sometimes I love him & his sense of humor too much to discipline him. I can't wait until he has his own children. ha ha

Robin

SUPERMAN REALITY CHECK!!!

Here is my "fountainhead" Scripture: Philippians 1:6

Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

It was a good day to be in the house of God today. We woke up to 61 deg weather, the sun fully shining and we headed off to church, chipper to learn something new this morning.

The children of the church all sat in the first three pews and listened to the music. I was in the row behind them. During the greeting part, the boys' teacher came to me and praised our boys. While I did make a couple threats for good behavior prior to church, it was true, they were good boys. I'm very proud of my sons and love them very much. Anybody who knows me for very long knows my love for my children. They are my Achilles Heel. So, at this point, I'm a bit puffed up as I sit back into the pew for a sermon. "Yep", I told myself, "I had done a good job of parenting."

Was I in for a reality check!!!! Have you ever heard that story of Muhammed Ali where he's on a flight and the stewardess asks him to put on a seatbelt? Boastingly, he says to her, "Lady, I'm Superman, I don't need no seatbelt." Being quick-witted, the stewardess replies to him, "Superman, you don't need no airplane. Now, buckle-up." What she gave him was a reality check!! And for the next 45 min, God proceeded to give me a reality check.

In most areas of my life, I am humble, except when it comes to taking credit for having good children. It's true, I sacrificed my education and career to stay home. It's true, I gave up mornings with the Today show and afternoons with Oprah to homeschool. It's true, I was considered for sainthood for teaching 1-6th graders for a couple years, by myself, walking uphill both ways, in 6 ft snow drifts. LOL

But then I looked in my Bible and saw words like "made himself nothing, taking on the nature of a servant" (Phi 2:7). "But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ." (3:7) Paul was essentially a PhD of his time with of pure lineage, yet he gave perspective that it meant nothing. It was dung compared to winning Christ in his life. "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead" (3:13) - I had to give up the notion that my education was what qualified me to be a homeschool mom. Truth is, it is ALL CHRIST. (3:21) He changed my lowly body into a glorious one for His glory.

If the boys were stand-outs in their class, it wasn't because of me and my degree. It wasn't because they completed the Miss Manner's Course for Children that *I* taught them. It wasn't even because I had disciplined myself to talk in a happy voice for the past 24 hrs. It was because Christ changed ME & JACK and Christ was now our family's focus. We give thanks for meals, Bible is a subject in our home and prayer is a daily requirements like brushing teeth. God began a good work in me and now He was going to carry it on in my children.

It has been said that pride is the only disease that makes everyone else sick but the one that has it. I never want to get in the way of God's work of raising fishermen. Next time somebody compliments my children, I shall sit in the pew and thank God for doing a great job. Even Muhammed Ali got his reality check.........eventually.

WORDLESS ......... THURSDAY (?)

Trunk or Treat - two of 25 trunks

In the gymnasium.

On the hayride

Eating candy.