Home Again!

We just got home from vacation today so my fast lasted a few extra days. I haven't the time just yet to look through the links and comments but will later this week. I've missed you all and it feels great to be back. I've much to share! New design is being put up so there may be a few gliches. I'll let you know when all is said and done! I really like it!!

My First Blog Give Away

The Lord has led me to give away this book and cd set written by John Bevere as the beginning of my internet fast. The book is titled, "Driven by Eternity" and the cd set is called. " Affabel". Here is the following description taken directly from Messenger International John Bevere's web site. Please visit it, John and Lisa his wife have many wonderful books, dvds, cds and other helps that I highly recommend. You can also hear excerpts from Affabel here Listen to an audio excerpt.

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Affabel: Window of Eternity

Join the majestic King Jalyn, the dark lord Dagon, Charity, Independent and others as you explore the wondrous lands of The Kingdom of Affabel, The Community of Endel and the terrible outer limits of Lone! You'll be challenged in the Great Hall - perhaps even shocked - as each character reveals much of YOUR very own heart! Search your deepest feelings as you hear the drama play out!

This audio drama, taken from John Bevere's newest book Driven by Eternity (Warner Faith) will capture your heart and soul as you experience life on "the other side" where eternity is brought into the present and all must stand before the Great King and Judge. Be prepared for a roller coaster ride of joy and sorrow, astonishment and revelation as life-long rewards are bestowed on some and others are bound hand and foot and cast into outer darkness by the Royal Guard!

4CD SET, digitally recorded with a hollywood cast, this riveting audio drama brings characters to life with action, emotion and custom music to complete the exciting production. This story takes you beyond yourself and into a world of other-reality. A place where things are not always as they seem, but truth prevails and your heart will emerge forever changed!

Driven by Eternity
Making Your Life Count Today and Forever

We were made for eternity. This life on earth is but a vapor. Yet too many live as though there is nothing on the other side. Scriptural laws and principles may be applied to achieve success on earth, but are we prepared for eternity? Have we failed to remember we will all stand before the Great Judge of Heaven and Earth?
Scripture tells us there will be various degrees of rewards for believers ranging from those who watch as all they accomplished is devoured in judgment to those who are awarded the privilege to reign with Christ. These judgments will determine how we spend our span of eternity.

Included in this book is a riveting allegory. It takes place in a world similar to our own, yet different. Lord Jalyn is the ruler of the Kingdom of Affabel. You will journey with six of his subjects through their lives, witness their judgment, and see how and where they will spend the rest of their lives. The teaching of this book revolves around the lessons learned from their lives.

The purpose of this book is to reveal an eternal perspective, motivate believers to labor for what endures, as well as, to draw seekers to Salvation and Kingdom living.

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I have just finished reading and listening to this set and I have to say that it is truly phenomenal! I have learned so much about the end times and eternity. I had so many questions about the saved and how they would answer to the Lord. This series answered and taught me much!

Rules

Since I am going to be away for some time I would like to ask you to blog a little post linking back to my blog with the details of the giveaway, then just leave me a comment and tell me that you would like to have your name entered in the contest and sign in on Mr. Linky linking directly back to the post that you blog about this giveaway and NOT directly to your blog. This will enter you once. No one will be able to see others participating if you link to your blog. After a week they will not be able to even find it!

If you would like to have your name entered in the contest twice I would ask that you visit my other blog Keys of the Kingdom Evangelistic Ministries and chip in any amount that you feel led (with a minimum of $5) to help send my oldest daughter Heaven to South Africa for one month this summer. The chip in button is in the side bar and you pay with paypal. Her testimony is there as well as our pleas for prayer over her and this trip. If you would prefer to mail a donation the address is on the blog. Just be sure to send me an e-mail to let me know of your plans and comment me so that I know your intentions and I can visit your blog upon my return. If you choose to do this just include a link to the Keys of the Kingdom blog with mention of my daughter and her trip with requests for prayer in the same post that you will create above. No need for two separate posts. I have not one but TWO sets of Affabel and the book Driven by Eternity to give away. When I return I will take the time to reply to all e-mails and all comments making sure I have everything correct and then will plan a draw date! Please know that I so appreciate any and all prayers and support.

It's really important for everyone to use Mr. Linky to link back to the NEW POST you create about THIS GIVEAWAY and NOT just back to your blog. I'm not trying to be a stickler but with me being gone for 40 days how will people know about the give away if you guys don't share the information with others?!

Please keep me in your prayers while I am away on this 40 days fast that I have been called into. My new look will be taking place sometimes during my away time so be looking for it! I will be in prayer for all of you as the Lord leads me. I am eager to draw close to Him. Remember to wash in the water of the word!

I came back to add share these words of wisdom from a sweet friend. Read this friends if you would like to go deeper with God read Deeper by Tiffany at The Shame Factor

My fast begins midnight tonight 4-12-08 and will end midnight going into 5-28-08.

Ephesians 5
Walk in Love
1 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.
3 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; 4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not be partakers with them.
Walk in Light
8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), 10 finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. 13 But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. 14 Therefore He says:
" Awake, you who sleep,
Arise from the dead,
And Christ will give you light."
Walk in Wisdom
15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another in the fear of God.

Thankful Thursday

Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. 24 Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. 28 So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. 30 For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. 31 "For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh." 32 This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.


I found this scripture because the Lord had been giving me the verse that says "washing in the water of the word". I had no idea that this scripture was included here with the scripture on Marriage. The Lord has been pouring scripture into me that I know He is wanting me to study. This one hit me pretty hard because as of late I've not been submitting to my husband. Its so hard to submit willing and trustfully without first putting in my two cents and making it clear when I don't agree. Now I'm not saying I shouldn't have input or an opinion but I've crossed the line. My husband honors me. He cherishes me. He loves me just as Christ loves His church. Tony truly desires nothing MORE than he desires for me to trust him. For me to allow him to lead us. For me to say "ok honey, God is leading you so I'll stand beside you in this."

So today I am thankful for my husband. I'm thankful for his patience with me because I know its by the grace of God that he doesn't just simply explode!! I'm thankful for second chances, and thirds, and fourths....I'm thankful for the Lord's gentle nudging and how He always opens my eyes to situations at hand even if I can be slow at realizing it.

I'm thankful for the internet, the blogoshere, my homeschooling boards, my e-mail, my friends, the ministry and every gift from my Father. I'm thankful for the fast the Lord is calling me to. I'm going to miss you all but I'm thankful the Lord is drawing me close to Him. I'm thankful I can ask you all to pray for me! Tomorrow I'm going to post my give away and say a farewell. I will be praying for each of you and looking forward to seeing you when I return. I pray each of you have a wonderfully blessed Thankful Thursday and blessed thankful everydays until we meet again. I love you all!

Wordless Wednesday

Mother~Daughter

For more Wordless Wednesdays visit WW HUB and 5 minutes for Mom.

Divine Appointment

It's so good to be home!!!! We had a great time. We visited Lee University in Cleveland, TN and I have to say that we all absolutely loved it. It was a beautiful place and a wonderful atmosphere. We stayed in Cleveland Thursday and Friday night and after Lee Day was over on Saturday we drove on into Jamestown, TN which was a good 140 more miles. We stayed at a little motel in Jamestown, the only motel in Jamestown I do believe! We visited a dear friend, Jason Kerr a Youth Evangelist who has been speaking all of the world for more than a decade. The Lord has finally called Jason to settle and become a Pastor, a Sheppard of a flock. His church just launched last September and it is growing leaps and bounds.

We had planned to surprise Jason so we hadn't told him of our visit. I didn't rest really well that Saturday night and woke early the next morning. The girls beat me to the shower and I wasn't much of a happy camper and told Tony to take me out and give me time to breathe, cool off and make sure I didn't over react or say anything I would regret. So we rode out early into this little town. Strangely it reminded me so much of where we are from only....smaller. I would have never imagined. The fog was heavily misted over the place and we seen no life and had to wonder if we were even in the right place. Turning onto the road we knew the church should have been on we seen a odd looking fella getting into his car. Tony pulled in and rolled down his window and asked the man if he could direct us to the church we were looking for. The guy knew immediately and replied quite matter of factly , "Jason Kerr's church." Yes that was the one. "Its right there," and he pointed to the building we were parked beside of. The guy told us his name repeatedly, he asked us not to forget it and to tell Jason he had pointed us to the right place. We pulled off and I realized we didn't know where to find breakfast. I told Tony he should have asked that man where the nearest place to eat would be, he agreed and turned around to go back.

Sure enough that odd fella was sitting in his smoky car waiting for it to heat up some before pulling off. Tony asked him if he could tell us where to find a good breakfast and the man replied, "Follow me." We arrived at the Dairy Queen in Jamestown just seconds from where we were and when we were getting out the car Terry was on the phone with Jason's voice mail. Tony tried to tell him that we had planned a surprise for Jason but the cat was already out of the bag! We laughed! How funny it was because Terry had no idea. Jason called Terry back and Tony spoke with him for a moment and then Terry came in and had breakfast with us. Talk about Divine appointment. While our weekend had been nice and we had enjoyed the college it had been uneventful and I had not felt at my best. As everyone knows when mom isn't at her best it prevents everyone else from being at their's and presents an unspoken stress. Something you can't see but is felt.

This was eventful and it excited me.

It was obvious God had led us there and I was amazed that my short temper and intolerable mood had been used to bring us to exactly where the Lord wanted us to be. What a kind reminder of how in control God really is. This odd fella, this man named Terry began to pour out his heart, his struggles. He had been praying and we were the voice God used to speak to him, to answer that prayer. We had grace with him before the meal and afterwards we held hands and we prayed for Terry. Tears were shed as hope filled the air. It had been a long time since I had felt so used by my Father and I loved that He used my unshowered bedhead to comfort someone whom I know would not have been as or even at all comfortable had I been ritzed up as I would be for church. I had a strong feeling that it had been even longer for Terry. The blessing was double, it was two fold.

We hurried back to the hotel and quickly showered and made it to church just before the doors were closed and services began. The presence of God was so strong and of course the message was tailored just for me! It was called, "Obedience vs Rebellion" At the end of the service the Lord spoke to me and I entered into a worship that was so sweet. I spend a lot of time in praise but this was worship and it was another needed reminder of the difference between the two. After the service Jason met with us and asked us to share how in the world we came across Terry. We shared the story and then Jason shared with us. Terry had been the man that had led Jason at the age of 21 to Christ. I was amazed. The world is truly so small and the little things are truly so large. If we could only discern their importance and if we could hear the Lord more clearly we would see such a larger picture and we would know how very important down to even the most minute detail things really are.

The Lord used Jason to speak things we desperately needed to hear about the ministry the Lord has led us into and the place the Lord has us in. Thank-you Father for that answered prayer.

As I looked back over the trip from start to finish I could see the Lord's hand. I was able to remember things I had seen, things I had done, things I had heard and the things I had felt. I was able to have revelation as though a veil was removed and I was able to hear God speaking to me and showing me things and by the end of the trip I was able to put them all together for a full message. Just like a puzzle. The Lord revealed much to me that I had been blind to. I was able to repent, forgive, receive deliverance and come away in a new place with the Lord. A fuller place and I was renewed with reminders that we are ever growing, ever needing and that He is always with us even when we do not feel Him, see Him or hear Him. He is always knocking. This was Divine Training, another revelation.

I can't wait for the Suddenly that I know is coming in our life. The door is getting ready to open.

Acts 2:2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

Visiting College Campus

Sorry I haven't been able to participate in Wordless Wednesday or Thankful Thursday this week. I went out of town and stayed in a nice hotel with my mom and the girls. Mom had to take a state board exam and it was easier for us to drive down the day before instead of trying to get up at the crack of dawn and find the place. I'm no morning person anyway so it would have been torture for me! :)

We are headed to visit a college campus that my dear Heaven is looking into this weekend. I won't be back until Sunday or Monday. I'll get around to all of you as soon as I can. I find it sad that it seems as soon as I meet so many new friends I have to be gone so much. I have a lot of things coming up though....

We have been invited to speak in three churches so far in April. Heaven is sharing her testimony, her call into missions and raising funds while sharing the word of God. She graduates in June! Since we have been homeschooling the last 7 years we are planning and implementing her graduation ourselves. We are holding it at our church and I'm having mixed emotions. Emotions ranging from ecstatic happiness to nervous wreck to sad mourning. Her 4 week missions trip to South Africa is in July. Lots of changes!

I am scheduled to have a new blog "do" soon! I'm guessing somewhere within the next two weeks! I can't wait to see what Rebecca at Artistree Blog Designs has in store for me!

Also I am praying and feeling the Lord calling me into some time with Him. I'm having thoughts that this time is going to include fasting and this will most probably include fasting the internet. This is incredibly hard for me and in a lot of ways I think that sounds silly but my home school boards, blogging and myspace are a huge part of my life. They are a huge part of my ministry. I am going to be hosting a give away that will begin before my departure and will end upon my return! This way everyone will have something to look forward to!

I'll be back the beginning of next week! Hugs to all and have a very blessed weekend!

Spring Operation Weight Off

Jen over at One Mom's World is hosting a weigh loss challenge called Spring Operation Weight off for Mom's. We are blogging our current weight if comfortable and how much we desire to lose and then will be posting our weekly loss on Mondays. I'm so excited! I began a weight loss challenge 5 weeks ago and have currently loss 18 and I'm looking forward to taking off another 46!

My weight came of course with my pregnancies. After my second daughter I had gained 60 pounds. In 1998 I lost 60 pounds and I felt great. Two years after that I was blessed with another child and AFTER the pregnancy during nursing I gained it all back. I starved and didn't move and ate a lot of junk. Since then I haven't been able to commit long enough to lose it again. I want this year to be different.

So today my current weigh in is 181. My current goal is to lose 46 more pounds which will put me at 135. Visit Jen over at One Mom's World to join this challenge and to see other women who have stepped up to the plate to do something about their health! If you are participating please sign Mr. Linky!

Sunday

Since I didn't have a sitter Meadow and I went with the family to stay at the hotel but I didn't get to go to Battle Cry. I gave my ticket to one of Sky's friends and the four of them had a great time while Meadow and I lazed at the hotel. We had a good time too. It was a nice change of scenery, we don't have television here at home so Meadow watched cartoons, Hannah Montana and Suite life with Zach and Cody the whole time. I enjoyed watching the gang come in singing praise and worship and talking about what they had learned. They came back to the hotel Saturday and we had lunch together in the hotel's restaurant the called the "The Bistro". The food was delicious and I indulged in a few desserts! It was nice not having to leave the hotel for food! :) Tony reserved us seats for next year's Acquire the Fire so I'll experience it then!

I have had the worst stomach ache today and I missed church today because of it. I haven't been sick to my stomach just had a tummy ache. I'm not sure if this is the virus or not, it's so hard to tell. I wanted to let everyone know how things went so I drug myself out of bed to blog a little. I hope everything is well with all of you and I'll try to catch up tomorrow! God bless you all!

Shopping Day

My girlfriend Kim and I took my oldest daughter Heaven and her girlfriend shopping for Prom dresses this afternoon. It sure can be stressful. I learned a few things today that I didn't know before because I never had the opportunity to go to Prom. I learned that dresses do not look the same on as they do on the hanger. I learned that my daughter and I have completely different taste....how had I missed that before? I learned that dress shop owners are excellent sales people and that you should be better prepared before entering! And finally I learned not to schedule three hours for Prom dress hunting and make an appointment for dog training! What a hoot!

I had Roxy (my Shih Tzu) an appointment for grooming at 5. We dropped her off with all intentions of being back by 8 for our training class. We barely made it back before nine which is when they close!

Heaven and Kelley both found dresses! Yay! What a load off! Heaven also found shoes. So now all she'll need is a purse/bag/clutch thing, hair and nail appointments and a tan! Whew! I had to leave the dress there for alterations but I will post pictures sometime in April. Alterations take a little over two weeks. I'll post pictures of the dress alone and then I'll post pictures of the dress on Heaven. I can't believe the difference!

I wanted Heaven to go poofy but she had other ideas. The lady at the dress store whispered to me, "Mom, no she (meaning Heaven) needs to like dress." I knew then I need to back off a little and remain quiet. It was so hard for me! I do love the dress on her but it sure wasn't my style.

I can't believe she is going to be 18 in August and leaving for college soon. I have spent the better part of the last two years mourning over this but you know, I think I'm finally to the point that I'm happy for her. She knew how insecure I was and one day she nonchalantly mentioned just getting a job, staying home and going to the local community college. I was shocked. I asked her what brought that on and she replied, "I'm just a little worried about you mom." I knew then I was holding on too tight. Its just so hard to let go. I put my foot down and told her absolutely not, she would go and fulfill the call God has on her life. You should have seen her smile. So now it truly does bring me joy to know she is reaching for her goals...I do still shed a few tears though, especially late at night like now.

On the way home from the mall tonight Meadow started vomiting. I guess she has picked up the virus that Heaven had. We are suppose to be attending Battle Cry Recreate this weekend, like leaving early tomorrow and now the sitter I had lined up has backed out because she has small children. I understand but I'm lost at what to do now. I've thought of taking her with me. I know Tony will not have me staying here with her because its suppose to be a family thing and we've already spent the money on tickets and a hotel room. Please pray that she feels better tomorrow and that I do not catch this thing!

Have a blessed and wonderful Friday everyone!

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful that Jesus still heals today. My sister is better. She fought a huge battle that almost took her under but we banned together and we prayed for her and she is better! Praise God.

I am thankful for forgiveness. So many times I allow my flesh to rule and my mouth to take over situations before taking the time to seek my Father and allow Him to show me how to handle things.

I am thankful that this week is a short week for us and Tony will be home tomorrow night. We have plans this week to attend Battle Cry~Recreate hosted by Ron Luce. Tony and I will have training and the girls will have separate classes in between the Praise and Worship. I'm so looking forward to this time with my family learning and basking together with the Lord.

I am thankful for home schooling and the opportunity to be a stay at home mother. I thank my husband for sacrificing so much to make this possible. It truly has made a difference in our family.

I am thankful for the call the Lord has put on my family's life. I so look forward to watching each of us fulfill that call.

I am thankful for each one of you reading my blogs, this one and our new ministry blog. It tickles my heart to know that the Lord leads so many by here. I pray that the Lord use me to lift each one of you up in some small way.

Happy Thankful Thursday! Have a blessed beyond measure day!
For more Thankful Thursdays visit Sting My Heart

Wordless Wednesday

For more Wordless Wednesdays visit WW HUB and 5 minutes for Mom.

I'm Behind

I have to apologize as I have forgotten to post my weigh in updates. I am still going strong with minimal struggles praise God! For those just happening by I am eating lower carb and smaller portions hoping to soon add in some real exercise. Up to this point I'm moving and stretching but thats about it. So far since my starting this loss journey I have lost a total of 16 lbs. I'm thrilled! I still have a good ways to go though. I will weigh in again this Friday and try my best to remember to post my losses! I continue to covet your prayers. This has been a stronghold for me and I want victory through Christ over my bad eating habits! I want those chains broken once and for all. I'm tired of being a slave to my stomach! Amen!

Our Easter

This is Nicoletta and Meadow. (Nikki is Meadow's friend from next door, she is just like a part of our family.)

They were my bakers for the day. They made chocolate oatmeal cookies rolled in confectioners sugar.

They both loved them!

I just love to see them smile!

They both got bored having to roll out so many cookies. They were patient only because they knew they were going to get to color eggs!

Look at these smiles....

And there were lots of giggles!

Ahh...here comes the color

How long do they have to stay in mom?

Let's not forget Sky!

This picture shows about half of our eggs and it was taken after hunting and eating a few!

The family, after church.

Tony and I

Tony made it home later Saturday evening. I was so glad to finally see him. Our Easter, our celebration of the Risen Savior was splendid. Definitely worth the wait. Thank-you for all of the prayers and support. I pray that each of your celebrations were also blessed!

Then Sings My Soul Saturdays

Well today has been a hard one. Tony was suppose to be in last night and we had plans to go to his mothers today for Easter. Instead he is still on the road even now as I type. Sometimes its so hard to not get down over my husband being gone so much of lives. Its harder today because its Easter weekend and I want us to be together so badly. I've gotten use to him being gone during the week and in a lot of ways that in itself is sad. Use to I could have never dealt with that. Weekends though, those are suppose to be ours. Family time. Prayerfully he will be in tonight. I'm trying to check my attitude because I feel cheated and if I'm not careful I'll allow myself to use today to destroy our weekend and the precious time we do have together. Sigh....

So today I listen to the song you hear playing on my play list and I sing to the Lord. Because He knows, I can't hide myself from Him.

Lord I pray that You filter through me today, enabling me to bring my flesh and soul into submission and that my spirit soar full of Christ and that I take my family into the spirit of celebration and thankfulness for all You have blessed us with and that I not teach them to focus on what is not. Dwell with us this day, right in the midst of us and teach us more in spite of me. Amen.

Psalm 139
You search me
You know me
You see my every move
There's nothing I could ever do
To hide myself from You
You know my thoughts
My fears and hurts
My weaknesses and pride
You know what I am going through
And how I feel inside
But even though You know
You will always love me
Even though You know
You'll never let me go
I don't deserve Your love
But you give it freely
You will always love me
Even though You know

By: Rebecca St. James

If you are playing today please sign Mr. Linky. Thank-you to Amy at Signs, Miracles and Wonders for creating this meme.

Good Friday

The Son of Man Must Suffer Many Things.....And Be Killed.

Rosetta Stone Giveaway!

In my blog travels the last two days I've visited many new blogs and had many new visitors! I'm having so much fun! On top of that I couldn't believe my eyes when I came across this Rosetta Stone Giveaway!

What?! Giveaway this awesome not to mention pricey program!

Well...yeppers! You got it! Say,"Yay for free stuff!" Yay! For free stuff! :)

I know you are just dying to know how to enter..........so here goes....
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Rosetta Stone has been the #1 foreign language curriculum among homeschoolers for a while -- next week they are unleashing a brand new curriculum, and you can WIN the *all new* Rosetta Stone Homeschool Version 3… FOR FREE!

This is a $219 program (and believe me it's worth every penny!) and the winner gets to pick from any of these 14 languages: Spanish (Spain or Latin America), English (American or British), Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Irish, Hebrew, or Russian.

This will also include a headset with microphone, and students will participate in lifelike conversations and actually produce language to advance through the program. Rosetta Stone still incorporates listening, reading and writing as well, in addition to speaking. Many homeschoolers requested grammar and vocabulary exercises, and with Rosetta Stone Homeschool Version 3, they're included! For parents, the new Parent Administrative Tools are integrated into the program and allow parents to easily enroll students in any of 12 predetermined lesson plans, monitor student progress, and view and print reports.

To win this most excellent program -- in the language of your choice -- copy these (blue) paragraphs and post it in (or as) your next blog post -- then to enter the contest, go to the original contest page HERE: http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/JenIG/501132/ and leave a comment with the link showing where you blogged about it. And please make sure the link works to get back to the original contest page when you post it. And good luck! The winner will be picked randomly on March 26, and will be notified thru the link they left to their blog pg. And if you have more than one blog, you can post them and enter those separately for more chances to win. Yay for free stuff!

Wishing you all the best!

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for prayer, my very dedicated prayer warrior sisters online both in blog land and on my home school boards. I am thankful that you are each sensitive enough to follow the prompting of the Holy Spirit and that our precious Father is always, always, always faithful to hear our calls and answer!

My Sweet and Crazy Husband

As most of you know my hubby is an over the road truck driver. Before leaving last week he borrowed my camera and took these pictures. He called and told me to check the pictures on it later. How surprised I was to see these. I didn't blog them all, as there were many many more! My three daughters are always taking pictures of themselves with crazy facial expressions and Tony thought he'd try it! Hilarious! You gotta love him!

Roxy is growing so fast!

Isn't she gorgeous?!
Roxy is like a new baby in our home.

She is obeying the command, Down.

I love to see Roxy running. She just floats across the ground.

Standing still.

All in all Roxy is doing great. She likes to play and sometimes nips you and she becomes very excited when company arrives. I am taking her to training once a week and having her groomed while there. I know the more time I spend teaching her the more obedient she will be. Its funny because right now at home I can get her to do every one of her tricks but when there are distractions she completely ignores me. I'm hoping as she outgrows the puppy stage this will change.

Moving Right Along

I am into week three of changing my eating habits and trying to move more. The weather has been beautiful the last few days and I have been taking Roxy out for nice walks enjoying the Lord's creations. Weigh ins are on Fridays and I don't have a scale in the house. Before I started changing my way of eating I had gone to the doctor with Tony and while we were there we discussed our weight problems. I weighed while there and I decided upon leaving her office to make some changes as I had gained 9 pounds since December. So every Friday I have been driving back to the doctor's office and asking to use their scale to weigh on. ;) How kewel is that? It keeps me from weighing everyday which use to discourage me especially if I had done well and stepped on the scale only to see I'd gained a pound! Then I'd just give up. So I like weighing in once a week and I know if I had a scale here I would give in and get on it...so no scales right now!!

I decided to eat low carb because its what has worked the best for me in the past. It clears my skin and curbs my appetite. I couldn't make it on weight watchers because I always went over my points. When I am eating more carbs than I set for myself each day I make sure that they are in fruits, whole wheats and healthy foods. Healthy carbs and not junk food. My portions have naturally cut way back and I feel so energized. I know I'm losing because my jeans are already getting baggy. I'll post my total weight loss this Friday.

I'm just so happy to be doing something about it! It has taken me so long to just care. I appreciate any and all prayers that you all could offer me! Thanks!

Drama

We first seen this drama on You Tube. It was called Everything by Life House. In this first picture you see my daughter Heaven who is playing someone who meets Jesus. Jesus is played by our dear friend Mel he is in the purple.

Jesus dances with her and shows her many beauties that He has created.

Jesus knows her every move and never leaves her.

I love the expression on her face here.

Notice how they move together.

It's joy spending time with Jesus.

But then satan steps in.

Mimicking Jesus, offering lies.

You think its the same but deep inside you know it isn't.

Pretending to love but abandoning you leaving you broken and alone.

Here the temptation of greed and money step in.
This part is played by Austin our pastor's son.

Teasing you always being within your reach...

Yet never close enough for you to grasp.

It's a horrible struggle searching after riches.

And in steps alcohol.
Played by one of our youth Balei.

Pretending to be your friend.

Now this is vanity. She is making you feel like you aren't pretty enough.
Vanity is played by my middle daughter Sky.

Vanity focuses you on your body and how you compare.

Vanity leads to anorexia and bulimia.
I missed the picture that shows Heaven pretending to throw up.

So many of our girls deal with this on a daily basis.

This demon is played by Tommy. Suicide is his name.
He offers a knife and tempts her to cut.

Giving in she cuts.

He doesn't give up and eventually cutting isn't enough.
He offers the gun.

She wrestles within herself not wanting to give in.
She remembers the Jesus she once knew.

But how could she ever get back to him?

She throws the gun to the floor and plunges the demons trying to reach Jesus.

You know satan never wants to give up what you've given him.

She is determined to fight to find her way back to her Lord.
The picture doesn't show that Jesus is standing on the side intercessing for her.

They battle courageously against her.

This is war!!!

We fight this spiritual battle daily but its not always as plain to see.

Jesus steps in. Can you see the look of relief on her face?

She praises Him thanking Him for winning this battle.
Just remember she had to call on Him!!!
She had to choose Him!

And just like our loving God...

All is forgiven.

All is forgotten.

This drama in person is so powerful. There is a black light running during the battle to get back to Jesus and its very intense. Sometimes our daily struggles are just as intense as satan wars with us to tempt us and get us as far away from Christ as he can. Jesus is always there though, waiting for us to repent and turn our hearts back to Him! He never leaves nor forsakes us.
Where are you? Are you as close as you should be or have you wandered away?
Don't wait. Return to Him now.