made me realize I wish to totally pursue my photography, and I will search my heart and His will to see if that is what is to happen this spring and summer, and following. I really don't know how I'd have a sitter consitently for 3-4 days a week, all day. Just not possible. I will have to be content in what we can do in the summer..we have learned how to "not have" since we bought this house, and especially since we have had 2 children. Anyways, I feel better letting that other job go and seeing what is possible for the future with photography.
My doctor increased some medication for me last week and I feel much "brighter." And that will help me along to make decisions and think clearly about relationships, my children, and my desires in photography.
It is a beautiful day here and I am glad to share the sunshine with my two wonderful kids here at home!
As I traveled to Boardman to have lunch with Beth and Kimmy, I listened to Moody's Midday Connection. They briefly mentioned a book called Amusing Ourselves to Death as the newest Book Club Book. I am very VERY interested in reading this. My husband said he'd probably agree to mostly everything it says. I like books investigating our culture, and breaking it down. I learned to be thoroughly interested in that in my journalism classes in college. I love to de-layer everything about the media, communication, cultural, etc. Anyways, I'll have to call some libraries and find it.
Lunch was wonderful, and a true blessing. I hope that I can do that again with these two friends soon.
I am debating whether or not to apply for a part time job. We'd really would "appreciate" some extra income for 1. my photography pursuits and 2. for things we need to do for the house this summer and the following couple years. I found a job that could work, but I need to figure out sitting for the kids, and someone that can take Ella to school. I could work in the summer, when my parents are off work, but between then and now it'd be tough. Still, don't know if I want to do that work, or just throw myself into my photography and advertise for all children photography (my passion). I guess I need to PRAY!
This year I am NOT having big party, combined for Buddy and Ella, like last year. It's tough but I am trying to be firm on this decision.
I will have a "beauty parlor" theme for Ella's party next month. JUST girls. ONLY girls. And, I have a huge dilema with church guests. I think I will invite ONE girl secretly and that's it. Otherwise, well..you'd have me in distress because MANY kids and babies being there. We're talking over a dozen kids and then their moms, too, and younger siblings...AGHHHH! Last year, it was close to 40 people, I think!
So, tops of 4 girls from school, one from church, 2 cousins...I think that is it. I am not even inviting the neighbor! I feel bad, but I don't want to be overwhelmed!
Also, a couple of friends with baby girls, and one friend that you just can't have NOT there! :-)
I am not having a party for Philip, just celebrating quietly with family. He won't care a bit!
I am so tempted to not follow through with this plan...please keep me accountable people! HA!
And here are some favor and activity ideas, just so I don't forget them. Lip gloss (already MADE by my sister in law Lisa), Hello Kitty gel pens, HK stickers, HK hairclips...I would like to find sticker earrings and some more hair pretties to use for the beauty parlor theme. And small mirrors, and a big mirror. I think my sister in law Jessica will provide simple Mary Kay samples to use. OH , and nail polish! Can't forget that! They do have teeny tiny bottles available around here.
Food? Hmmm....probably pizza and then some fruit, and then a simple pretty cake. I am not doing bumble bee cupcakes and a monkey shaped cake like last year. I did have fun doing that, but it's a lot of work!
My other problem...I was disappointed by feebay this time around. I relisted, so I am praying that it works this time around. It's very disappointing when you just don't make out. Thus, "feebay."
Unbeknownst to me (is that a word?)...Ella took the play scissors into the bathroom with her. She had been cutting paper, supervised of course. She came out.."How does my hair look, Mommy?"
"Fine."
She went in again. And came out with the same question.
Finally, I got it. SHE CUT HER HAIR! She has some really short and different lenght of bangs on the left side of her head. Oh well. Not too bad of a cut, but she needs to have it clipped back.
She learned though. I was not upset at her. I let her see herself in the mirror, and she cried. Lesson learned. Poor thing!
I have to add this to this entry: Philip went on the potty! I about fainted! He's not even TWO! It's probably a fluke, but we'll keep this up hopefully!
Check this out.
I am glad the cinema is going to be saved. I was talking to Rich about it the other day...after I saw the "for sale" sign.
**Added later***
My brother wonders if he can go now for free!
They're friends, he and Don. I thought that was a funny thing to say.
I was able to visit with my friend, Katie, Thursday at the Lazy Bean for awhile while Ella was in school. Philip slept in my arms most of the time, and Katie's little Autumn was awake and so alert the whole time. I had a mocha (ughh reminds me I don't like them) and a muffin, and hot tea (my favorite, my choice at all times!). I would've gotten hot chocolate too, but then I realized I would have spent a lot on just drinks! LOL!
Saturday, Rich went to a favorite music store of his..on the condition that he would stop at Chipotle and get me some food! Yum! So he did. (the store was in Kent).
Sunday, church was canceled. Philip had been fighting a fever, etc anyways, so I wasn't going anyways. Ella had a terrible time with an earache, that left her miserable the whole evening too. I felt so bad.
No sleep for me the past few days..I think 6 hours total the past two nights. Seriously, who can go on that?!
I have the beginnings of a cold, and laying my head down just made it worse, I think. When I pick up a tissue to use, and use it, I sound like that scary farm tractor in Cars when they went tractor tipping.
By the way, Philip and I are terribly disappointed that Cars didn't win an Oscar. It's one of Philip's favorite.
Also one of his favorites, is Jonah (the Veggie Tales version). I have a question about that...I can understand that the veggies don't have hands..I deal with that..but...
I can't figure out how they can get away with clapping?!
Philip had a fever all night again..I wish littles wouldn't get sicker at night!
For the end of the week, I hope to see some other friends..you know who you are!
This weekend is the weekend Rich works...that is always tough on me, but we'll figure out something to pass the time.
I hope everyone has a wonderful start to the week!
for someone who desperately needed inspiration? What I mean is, that when you are in dire need of inspiration, you need a lot. And only in God's timing did it come for me two days ago. I was about ready to just throw in the towel with some aspects of my creativity (meaning photography) becuase of my health, mentally and physically, but THEN...
I came across an award winning photopgrapher and her beautiful website and her style spoke so much to me. I connected with what she was saying about her "art" and I know that is how I want to take my photography now. It'll take more persistance, because I am defining what I do, rather than what people want me to do. I am going to show MY style to clients, and if that is not what they want, they can find someone else. Rather than being something that would dishearten me, as usually it happens when I see someone else's photography going well (the human nature thing), it inspired me to no end. And now I know, you CAN be that good. That good of a photographer that your photographs speak emotions to a person. And have the confidence to do it.
I have lots more to learn, especially in post processing, but now I feel I have the right path again. And that God will lead me on!
26. Rich does not really like Tupperware documentaries...he did rent one once and received a lot of laughs for it..by those who came by that night. Just wanted to clarify that one for my wonderful husband! :-)
27. Ella's first movie to see in the theater was Charlotte's Web.
28. I always cry when I see Charlotte's Web
29. Growing up, I loved pretending I was Laura Ingalls.
30. Grandma Snyder let my brother and I tie up her entire living room using yarn. stretching it and tying it from one thing to the next.
31. I have gone white water rafting several times...loved it, fell out once, but that experience probably is well over for me!
32. We plan on vacationing at Beaver Creek (camping) this year.
33. Rich spent many hours in high school and college years building and flying radio controlled model airplanes.
34. Rich thought I was married when he first met me...by the purity ring I had on my finger.
35. I would love to go to Europe or somewhere abroad when I am older.
36. Rich has traveled Europe.
37. My goal for our family as a major vacation sometime is either New England or out West.
38. I'd love to see Mesa Verde and the Grand Canyon.
40. Never feed me onions, mushrooms, or raisins.
41. Everyone else here like raisins.
42. Rich and I split up the housework here pretty well...due to my fibro and his servant like attitude!
43. We live across the street from a nice school playground...pretty handy in the summer and after school hours!
44. My grandmother went to see Titanic with me in the theater...at that point, I think it was the 3rd time I would have seen it. She had a nice time, too!
45. Ella and Philip love their cousin, Abby, and really miss her.
46. Philip has begun working on the computer, too!
47. Rich's mom makes a mean (wonderful) coffee punch that her daughter in law practically begs for when we have family get togethers :-)
48. Rich loves riding his bike..and is able to do that more often these days. Besides his almost daily walks.
49. We continually feel blessed with what we have..from children, family, friends, house...and more!
50. For Valentines Day, I made cards and had my husband pick one of the cards I made to give to me. He had to or else..I loved the card kit too much!
Rich and I have had our two main wedding photos up in beautiful frames since we were married. Little did we know how much these two photographs convey to two little ones.
Ella knows they are "married" pictures. Buddy knows that is dadda and momma in the photographs.
Ella knows we are happy...she even said so one time.
She says she is going to be married like that sometime. Just like mommy is to daddy.
I am so relieved that we are living examples for these children on how to correctly establish a family...and that these photos, and hopefully future ones, will hold memories and ideas for them to grow properly with.
and the little one said...haha
Well, since Ella came in first at 2:30, and talked to Daddy, and he let her beside him, I thought...oh well...I guess that's okay.
Then a half hour later, you-know-who came in of course as he always does, and went right to my side and right to sleep in the crook of my right arm. How sweet.
But, now I can't sleep (no suprise). I've had juice and toast..hopefully one piece of chocolate will help me go to sleep!
I don't mind. I am glad my kids are safe asleep..and happy.
Just, kids, don't repeat this tomorrow!!!!!!
Saturday, Rich and I had the pleasure of enjoying each other's company. We went to Niles for lunch at Chipolte and a couple of hours browsing through Borders Bookstore. Wonderful Wonderful Wonderful!
Sunday's morning worship went well.. I was very nervous of the speaking I had to do as well as the leading the praise and worship. However, the songs and introductions and prayer following the music went well. Yeah!
Today, I am at my in laws. It is a nice change. I love visiting here!
Well, I finally did some touching up to my website that I haven't touched since October. It still has more work to be done with it, including a better looking gallery of photos put up on the other pages. BUT, I worked hours yesterday and a bit today. If you wish to see what's new there go to www.cthphoto.com
I am unsure if I will keep this hosting site though. I found many wonderful photographers' websites on this very blog site. I don't know HTML though...that is why I am using the site I have now at the moment. It uses a more lay-person ability. I would LOVE to have a gallery that enlarges thumbnails if you click the thumbnail..and music, too. Hopefully that will happen someday. I have a feeling the cost would be too great now!
Now, hopefully, I can begin putting my name out again in a month or two. I know God will give me what I can handle..only. I have a feeling it won't be much and that is okay.
It's hard to learn that you have many limitations, more than you thought, in processing things mentally and "multi-tasking."
Already, though, I have 2 six-month old sessions lined up and a small wedding. I do not wish to add weddings to my speciality, but I agreed to do this ONE for a friend.
Enough about this photography stuff..I don't want it to overwhelm my thoughts today...my husband and I are going on a date. No, not to a movie but out to eat and to a bookstore. I will not say where yet, because, if you didn't figure out, we always end up changing our minds! But, it will be a wonderful day to ourselves.
I am terribly disappointed. The Last Sin Eater isn't at the the theaters anymore.
I could cry. A simple thing, but when you were looking forward to it, it's hard to accept that you have to find something just as wonderful to do. Maybe it's just as well. Rich and I can buy a magazine each instead. HA!
Last night was the first parent teacher conference for Richard and I. We learned that our Ella is quite loved by her teacher and the other helpers. She behaves well, is polite, is a little girl in every way, and is very, very intelligent. They say she knows more than most children her age.
Miss Meledy, her teacher, is Ella's "best friend," and when I told Miss Meledy that is how Ella described her to my mother, she was so thrilled!
What a compliment it was to us for Miss M. to tell us we are doing something good and right with the way we are raising Ella...she comes to school so happy and is excited about everything. JOY is how you would descibe her nature at school.
I cannot tell you how happy that made me, a mom, feel..for this week was tough with Ella on occassion. We figured out that may be because she has so much she is processing in her head (because she is so smart) and doesn't know yet how to verbalize her feelings and all her thoughts.
Also, she knows her numbers well (she counts very high when she is here at home) and can write her name with no problem (she's been doing that for several months). Even at church, she is the same. She has been complimented on how well she writes her name and counts, and knows so many letters- how to identify them and write them. We are so proud and thankful for this little girl...even if she wasn't doing so well, we know that she would be enjoying herself and learning little by little, and we would continue to encourage her and be proud of her abilities.
On to other things...when I read, I read fast. I have always been a speed reader. I have tried not to, but still, it happens! So, yes, all the books I got from the library this week are read. The Last Sin Eater, The Scent of Water, a few other ones...oh, and just this morning, the first Mary Higgins Clark book I've ever read, suggested by a friend who likes to read the same Christian novels I do, called Daddy's Little Girl. It was pretty good. I'll have to look for more of her books. I honestly have to go in spurts or phases with going to the library. I cannot set a book down until I have read it, or at least half. I also am particular with what I read. I love Christian novels, and have been stuck on those for awhile. It's my only downtime for my brain...and I love a little romance in them. Not always..I like some authors that put in other elements, too.
Anyways, Saturday, Rich and I are going to see The Last Sin Eater and use our gift card we recieved at Christmas, for Applebee's.
I pray that the kids don't have colds that worsen the next few days. We HAVE to go to church as I am leading the praise and worksip and since we don't have our drummer or bass guitarist players that day, I need Rich there to play too!
Happy Valentines Day, everyone! We are snowed in today, again. I don't mind. Well, I should say that we had to leave the house yesterday morning. Ella had her ear check up appt (everything is fine!) and since Philip started getting sick and had a fever all night, I had the doctor check him, too. I am so glad she gave us a prescription for him. I don't want to rough it out with him again.
Last night was another fitful night with Philip, so I have not had good sleep. I deal with insomnia anyways, for the most part, so it wasn't anything fairly new.
The kids received their valentine gifts and love them. Each got a flashlight, and Ella got a Disney princess nightlight and socks.
The funny thing about these socks..they were actually for a 1-2 year old and were hose. I didn't know that, there wasn't a tag on them and they were in the GIRL section at Target...so, to make them the knee socks I thought they were, I cut the top off! HA! And they work just fine!
I hope to take some simple candids of them today. I have not felt like taking pictures lately, probably soon, but not yet. Depression is so very oppresive, but I have appreciated the prayers that I know have been sent up. It's so encouraging!
He treated me with extra special care today.
And now we go in the living room to watch Titanic.
AWWWW... at his own suggestion. I am so excited. I get to rest and have my tea, too.
He really has shown so much love to me through this tough time.
I am so blessed.
I can't wait! Check this out. I am excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Another Fox Faith movie! I read the book a long time ago, and this movie sounds like it may have a touch of the suspense from a recent twisted-red-community film that at the moment I can't think of the name. Midnight something or other? Rich and I really had liked that movie, too. Gosh, it's embarrassing to be so forgetful!
Anyways, I think I got my husband excited about it too. So hopefully we'll be going to see it on our next date. It's been awhile!
I saw friends at the bookstore today. That was a refreshing suprise for Rich, the kids, and I. I had a difficult end of the week, and I think God planned for that refreshing meeting. He even let me keep my purse...ha, Kimmy! (see kimmy.inkbleedpress.com for more information about that story! Sorry I can't figure out how to link that!?)
Have a wonderful weekend everyone. Look ahead, the best is yet to come. He is holding you in his hands....it's hard to trust, and be willing to be broken and put back together. But, the best is yet to come.
Today looks like we'll have a bright outlook here in the Russell household. I say this is an answer to prayer.
A couple of days ago I woke up and found my face and neck not puffy anymore (due to thyroid). That was definitely an answer to prayer...from Sunday. There wasn't any change to my meds or anything for that to happen. Praise God.
Also, I found a couple of convicting verses last night. Now, that normally wouldn't put a bright and shiny outlook on a person, but sure would if you are a Christian striving to be more like Christ. And, that is the case here.
Ephesians 5:10 "...find out what please the Lord."
Ephesians 5: 17 "......understand what the Lord's will is."
These verses struck me in a refreshing way. One thing that I know that pleases the Lord is being compassionate towards one another. I need to hold on to those verses for Friday, as I take the children to make Valentines, and fellowship with the other moms at my church.
Also, I feel I need to start up with my duties on the Music and Worship Committee at church... I haven't been to a meeting in a couple of years, due to these small wonderful kids. This Tuesday evening is a meeting, and I will surely try to be there. As the church pianist, I am a part of the committee...so I think we need to make a change and strive to fulfill this duty.
For a small prayer request, for whomever is reading this, Ella did not pass her hearing screening yesterday. I feel this is due to constant fluid and ear infections she has had this terrible cold/flu season. In the spring, she'll be tested again.
Now, that's something to feel good about. For those who don't know, I like thrifting.
I also adore Gymboree clothing...this has been going on for 2 years now, about the time I started to ebay the kids' clothing. It's amazing..you really pay almost NOTHING for brand names after you ebay and get a return!
Imagine my delight when I found a beautiful 18-24 month cream fisherman sweater from a Gymboree '05 fall line for only 60 cents. It had been originally $38! At that same time, I found a summer hoodie for Ella for the same price. I believe that retailed for $30.
I hadn't the courage to write about my find until today. This happened several weeks ago. I thought it was a dream.
I really don't understand why I get so obsessed over the kids clothing. I always find "deals" and I never pay CLOSE to the retail for any brand name. I have no qualms about used clothing either. BUT, I could classify any piece of clothing from G******* if you showed me it! Now that's talent!
I miss my friend, Jen's, preschool helper eye, too. She had a student that wore this brand EVERY day. She would describe the outfit to me and I would tell her exactly what it was called!
Seriously, I think this is humorous, and it is going to come to an end soon (well in a few years!)... Cato's carries a girl's line now! HA~
my friend Jen! You are far far away in the physical sense, but right at home in spirit. Love you!
Miss you thanks for the email!
Thanks for taking the time to read this tiny blog, too!
I think blonde would be fine...you look good with hair any color!
Everyday is a work of art (aka battle) for me. I appreciate so much, the calls of my family, and emails from friends. It is encouraging and supportive.
I mostly appreciate the love from DH...and of course, the love of HIM, who will always give us strength.
I feel that I have gotten strength this week to clean out some areas in the house, and heart. And keep positive throughout the past few days.
It is a good feeling, and greater feeling to know that the Lord listens to our hearts cries.
Our family must be crazy. First, yesterday, Ella wore a swimsuit most of the day.
IT IS BELOW ZERO OUT!
Then, my husband breaks out the ice cream after dinner for desert. All three monkeys of the family ate it (not me).
Today, it is still below zero. Ella sneaked out of her room wearing, well, her swimsuit.
And then she goes around the living room, "swimming." Such character the Russells have!
Daddy's choice of music is rubbing off on Philip.
Philip now calls mommy, "Momina," pronounced mom-eena, with the emphasis upon the "ee."
It is so sweet. I believe this little boy will be constantly suprising me with new wonderful things to enjoy.
You know, as a mother with a toddler and a preschooler, life has many challenges. Life is more tiring. Life is more interesting.
Life has more bumps and bruises (for everybody). It has more love.
Life has more frustration. Life has a lot more little things that matter.
Life..well...it's different.
Plans are waylayed by a little girl waking up with an earache. YOU are the one she depends upon to help her get better. So, you schedule a doctor's appointment and take her there and your other child and wait...and wait..and wait..until you see the Doctor. Then you wait again, trying to get the prescription. When that doesn't work, you just go home. Praying that the snow doesn't get worse so you can walk your children over to drop the one off at school. A certain little boy starts being territorial again with his toys. A little girl is very needy and says, "holdy." Then, as you figure out that the preschooler can go to school because she is VERY energetic, you plan to explain to the teacher that she just has an ear infection and that the bump on her head was an accident from the other day.
Then, after a short afternoon to yourself (and a toddler) you shovel the snow in your driveway and sidewalks for people to be able to pass by nicely. AND, you take a big blanket and cover your sleepy child while there are big squalls of snow and wind coming down right on the two of you walking to school to pick up the other child again.
Then,..hm...you have the pleasure of holding a little girl's hand as she skips and says "it's a snowy winter day" with joy and a smile.
Life is wonderful.
Of course, my dream date is my husband. And tonight, we are actually going on another date.
It's hard to say where we end up (we usually say one thing and do another, in all honesty).
At this point, it's Aladdin's for dinner, Target for some essentials, and then Barnes and Noble for browsing through magazines and music and drinking hot cocoa (me) or tea (me again) and then coffee or tea (Richie).
We are both so excited...and my parents are definitely happy to be seeing the kids.
It will be the second time this month we have gone out on a date. It is a new goal for us to do this more often. And, we are succeeding!
Here are the latest Philip- and Ella- ISMS.
Rich and I had another HUGE blessing bestowed upon us today. God's timing is always perfect.
The morning unfolded with blessings all around..from hand me down clothing for Ella that is NICE (that doesn't happen at all, for us!) and then this gift from an anonymous person, and THEN, our song (I'll Fly Away) that we did that blessed OTHER people..Rich prayed more than ever about playing the offertory at church today. I am so thankful he does that to begin with, but to know that maybe today was more important to get our minds right with the Lord musically than ever before truly says a lot to me about the heart of my husband.
For this upcoming week...plans are to practice music , as we have a busy weekend of that coming up, including our praise band doing a praise and worship Sunday evening service.
Organize my house..after this week's sickness, etc...it needs it!
Look for a dresser for Ella..we finally hope to get one for her now!
Visit with a few friends. I need this, definitely. I was highly deprived this past week.
My darling husband likes the Franz Family..if you have time to listen, check this out and listen to the Title of my blog...
We desire more of this sound for our twosome..maybe someday our kids will learn the fiddle and guitar! Who knows!
I am not one to post jokes, but saw this and thought it was pretty funny!
An old man lived alone in New Mexico. He wanted to plant his chiligarden, but it was very hard work. His only son, Francisco, who used tohelp him, was in prison.
The old man wrote a letter to his son anddescribed his predicament:
Oye Francisco, I feeling pretty bat cuz I do not think I will be ableto plant my Chili gardenz this year. I just getting too viejo to dig agarden, but if you waz here, all mi problemas wood be over. I know youwould dig the lot for me. Siempre, tu Papa
A few days later he received a letter from his son:Dear Papa,Por favor, no, don't dig up the garden, that's where I buried theBODIES!Love, Francisco
At 4 a.m. the next morning, FBI agents and local police showed up anddug up the entire area without finding any bodies. They apologized tothe old man and left.
That same day the old man received another letter from his son.
Dear Papa,Go ahead and plant the chilis now. Its the best I could do.Love, Francisco
A cheesy title, I know..but..
While I am not feeling well, and the kids are settled watching Elmo, and even though Philip has been fighting a cold/fever, I will take some time to right POSITIVE things.
And, having luck when you go thrifting is QUITE the positive experience.
The best place to go thrifting is....tada...where my brother and sister in law live. They are so lucky. They find EVERYTHING they need there!
It's really unbelievable.
This past weekend, I found a pair of Gap jeans, five dollars. Long and lean style (haha..I don't think that was the right "style" for me, but they worked!), and Lisa hemmed them for me! Then, found a Princess Leap Frog book set for our school bus thingy, half off retail! We almost purchased that for Ella this past Christmas...it was good to wait!
Also, a Christmas present or birthday gift for someone...for next winter!
And, two spring style tops for me...American Eagle and Gap.
Finally, something that was uncanny. A love mug and plate set. At the same exact time, different places in the aisle, Lisa picked up the plate and asked, "Do you know anyone getting married?" and while my back was turned to her and I picked up the matching mug, I said "No, but..oooohh wow!"
We turned around and saw what was in each other's hands...too funny! I was the lucky one to keep it and I love my new mug and plate set!
I am banning myself from thrifting for awhile...at least until we go back to another "good" thrift store!
Ella is so excited, she may not sleep tonight.
For tomorrow we travel
And momma doesn't pack light
To go to a special party
We will have to dress right
And drink and eat daintily not at all hearty
Philip and Daddy will not be there
And neither will Uncle Bill
Aunt Lisa will surely keep them out of her hair
But Mothers and Daughters, they'll have all the fun
Basking in a birthday girl's glory
Miss Abigail, who will be the shining sun.
So, dear, sweet Ella girl
Mommy prays this evening
Sleep tight, for soon, you'll twirl and twirl!
Here is a scripture that is helpful, to me, and has some interesting history in it.
PSALM 133
How good and pleasant it is
when brothers live together in unity!
It is like precious oil poured on the head,
running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron's beard,
down upon the collar of his robes.
It is as if the dew of Hermon
were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the Lord bestows his blessing,
even life forever more.
NIV, Archaeological Bible
NOTE: When oil saturated Aaron's beard and clothing, it was a symbol of total consecration to holy service. Mount Hermon has much precipitation and heavy dew..creating much greenery . However, Mount Zion did not have that, especially during the summer months and pilgramages were made to Mount Hermon....so, therefore, how refreshing is the unity of God's people!
Speaking of LOVING ONE ANOTHER...
Philip and Ella have developed a new bedtime routine. When Ella is in her bed, and we enter in to have prayer and storytime, Philip is now in her bed too! He says so solemnly, "g'night mommy, g'night dadda.." But, do you think they then procede to fall asleep? I think not! We hear delightful little giggles and sometimes a pitter-pattering of feet. This goes on for a few minutes and then we enter in. Then we all say goodnight once more. And the process starts all over again! It is very cute. We don't mind. I hope that they can share a room perhaps soon. Maybe this whole routine will help! They do certainly love each other..through the difficult sharing times even.
I was tagged by my friend, Beth! So here goes!
Three things that scare me: spiders, my husband going on late night walks, and anything that may harm my family and friends
Three people who make me laugh: my husband, my dad, and Kimmy!
Three things I love: my family, sleep, and being creative with music and photography
Three things I hate: mushrooms, onions
Three things I don’t understand: politicians, country music, myself
Three things on my desk: Philip's piggy bank, Ella's Belle toys, and bills
Three things I’m doing right now: typing, falling asleep, and wishing I were in bed already!
Three things I want to do before I die: go out West, write and publish a book (i've begun, like, three..never finished them!), and become the woman God wants me to be completely!
Three things I can do: play and sing music, take pictures, sleep
Three things you should listen to: God, Richard's mandolin and harmonica, and your parents
Three things you should never listen to: money-minded evangelists, political commercials on tv, prerecorded phone calls by salespersons
Three things I 'd like to learn: how NOT to be so sensitive, how to cook better, how to truly have a strong singing voice
Three favorite foods: steak, chocolate, lemon poppyseed muffins
Three beverages I drink regularly: water, hot tea, cold tea
Three TV shows/books I watched/read as a kid: Little House on the Prairie, the Mandi Books, and Nancy Drew
Three people to tag: I don't have any blogger friends other than who tagged me! So, if Jen is reading this, and Lisa..go for it! Tag you're it!
This day truly has beauty in it...contented children, a steady rain, husband's day off...our 5th anniversary...
But, for some reason, due to fibromyalgia pain and fatigue, there is a melancholy in my heart. I am anxious to go out on our date, tonight, too...
I think underneath this all, I have been thinking hard about my grandmother Duvall, who passed away earlier this year. Here is a poem she had written down, copied by someone anonymous, to my knowledge. My mom was able to salvage mostly only writings and clips of poetry and scripture from my grandmother's house, sad to say, due to the unkindly acts of keeping precious items from my grandmother's children. God used this clippings to heal my mother's hearts, and ours, especially after she put them together in a book and made copies for family members.
Here is one I would like to share...
my treadmill this afternoon, the new little mp3 player in my pocket and ears played the program from todays Revive Our Hearts. The words spoken, the story told, the wisdom breathed in my heart from the Lord said to me to embrace the Word whole heartedly and had me in tears.
I no longer have a doubt to why I recently purchased the Archaeological Bible, other than for being an Anthropology major..for I believe that I was led to that this year, after Christmas, for a certain purpose...a purpose I may not find out right away, but maybe, just maybe, through this different version, something may hit me, or another family member or friend that reads this Bible, a bit differently, as to open our hearts and eyes more to knowing Jesus. And our Heavenly Father.
Here is what I listend to, from the Revive Our Hearts website:
How Much is the Bible Worth?
Series: The Wonder of the Word
Leslie Basham: Do you have any idea of how much your Bible costs? I don’t mean the amount you paid the cashier when you purchased it at the store. Here is Nancy Leigh DeMoss.
Nancy Leigh DeMoss: We owe a huge debt to a handful of men who paid a great price to get the Bible translated into the common languages of the people.
Leslie: This is Revive Our Hearts with Nancy Leigh DeMoss for Wednesday, January 3rd. The Bible didn’t come to us cheaply. Many have paid the ultimate price, giving their very lives to translate and pass along the Word of God from one generation to the next. Today we will hear about some of the sacrifices they made in order for us to read. Here’s Nancy.
Nancy: We have been talking all this week about the wonder of the Word. I have been encouraging us to develop a new heart of reverence and appreciation and love for the Word of God. I have been encouraging, if you are not already in the habit, of starting a new habit of spending some time every day reading God’s Word. It is the only way you will ever get to know God. You can’t know Him apart from knowing His Word.
We have been giving a 30-day challenge. Here is what that challenge is in case you’ve missed it: encouraging you to make a commitment that everyday for the next 30 days, you will spend some time alone with the Lord inprayer, just getting to know Him and cultivating a relationship with Him.
Don’t put yourself in the bondage of saying, “Okay, I am going to do this for two hours every morning. I am going to set my alarm clock for three o’clock in the morning, and I am going to get up and have my two-hour quiet time.” If you don’t have a quiet time habit, that is not the way to start.
Start by setting aside some time though. If you don’t put it on your calendar, if you don’t schedule it into your day, I can tell you it won’t happen. If I let my day run away and I haven’t set aside the time—made the time to get into the Word—it is amazing how many things just come in and crowd in and crowd out the Word of God in my life. I’ll look back and it’s late at night, and I really haven’t had the time alone with the Lord.
But let me encourage you every day for the next 30 days to spend some time in the Word. You’ll find, I really believe, as many have testified that have taken this challenge, that once you get in that habit, you won’t want to stop.
I want us to focus today as we continue to look at the wonder of the Word on the fact that we have a Bible that is precious—it is priceless; it is of infinite value. And therefore, it is something that we should treasure and cherish.
I don’t know if you realize what an incredible privilege it is for us to be able to have our own copies of the Bible. Have you ever thought about that? I mean, I have dozen copies of the Bible, every color, every size—this one is pretty beat up. I have some that are newer, different translations. I have Bibles everywhere.
But that is a privilege that most people have never had. Most people in the world today do not have that privilege, and most people in the history of the world have not had the privilege of having their own Bible. In fact, as you study the history of how we came to get the Bible in our language today, you realize that people have had to make some enormous sacrifices to preserve the Word of God to have the Word of God.
We owe a huge debt to a handful of men who paid a great price to get the Bible translated into the common languages of the people. As you go back, you realize that some of those people were tortured for their efforts; some were martyred. Those who were martyred were usually during the Middle Ages, burned alive publicly at the stake.
As heretics, this happened, the church did this, the organized institutional church, not the true church. The organized church considered them heretics for translating the Bible into English. Now those men paid the price. The translations were made; they [the men] were burned, but the copies of the Bible were let out into the lives, hearts, and minds of the people. It was a revolution.
It paved the way, as you know, for the Reformation, which is one of the reasons that we are able to have the Bible today. But once those copies of the Bible began to circulate in the common languages of the people, then it became unlawful and a criminal offense to possess one of those copies.
You can read many different stories. I can think of a story of a man in Europe who was burned alive for owning just a piece of a page of one of those Bibles. His children were forced to light the fire after he was fastened to the stake because he owned a part of a page . . . a fragment of a page of one of those Bibles. And that has continued to modern times.
I think of the Soviet Jew, Anatoli Shcharansky, who was detained and finally imprisoned in Russia in 1974. He spent years in Russian prison work camps, and during those years, he was stripped of all his personal belongings. The only possession he managed to keep was a miniature copy of the Psalms.
At one point during his imprisonment, because he refused to give that book up to the authorities, it cost him more than four months in solitary confinement because he wouldn’t let that little copy of the Psalms go. Finally, 12 years after he had been parted from his wife, he was offered his freedom.
You may remember February 1986 as the whole world was watching that Shcharansky was allowed to walk away from those Russian guards and to walk toward those who were going to take him to Jerusalem to be reunited with his wife. But right in the final moments before he was released, the guards tried one more time to confiscate that Psalms book from Shcharansky. Do you remember what he did? He threw himself face down in the snow, clinging to that Psalms book and refusing to give it up. He would not go into freedom without it.1
One of my favorite stories about those who have treasured the Word of God is a story that took place many years ago. It has been written up in a book called Mary Jones and Her Bible. Listen to that story about a little girl who treasured the Word of God.
“I must have a Bible of my own! I must have one, if I have to save up for it for ten years!"
The year was 1794. For as long as she could remember, little Mary Jones had yearned to hold a Bible in her hands so that she might read it for herself. For years, she had sat at night on her weaver father’s lap and listened to him tell stories of Abraham and Joseph and David and Daniel. But her family was far too poor to afford a Bible, even if one had been available, for Bibles could scarcely be found in all of Wales during those days.
Two years earlier, Mrs. Evans, the wife of a nearby farmer, having learned of Mary’s longing to read the Bible, had promised the child that when she learned to read, she could come to their house and read their Bible. As soon as the first school opened in a neighboring village, Mary had eagerly set about learning to read.
Now, the ten-year-old girl had just walked two miles from the North Wales village of Llanfihangel to the Evans’ farm. The distance was no object to the eager child: "I’d walk further than that for such a pleasure, ma’am!" she had said to Mrs. Evans.
When once Mary finally was left alone in the room with the Bible, she reverently lifted off the white napkin that covered and protected the cherished book. Then, with trembling hands, she opened the book to the fifth chapter of John where her eyes lit on the words, "Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me" (John 5:39 KJV). Confident that God had spoken to her directly, she earnestly vowed to search His Word with all her heart.
Every Saturday from that point on she made the journey to the Evans’ farm, where she read, studied, and memorized entire chapters from the ‘borrowed’ Bible. All the time, however, her heart ached, so great was her yearning to have a Bible of her own. She purposed that she must have a Bible, at any cost.
For the next six years, in addition to her studies at school and the many chores to be tended to at home, Mary used every available moment to do odd jobs for friends and neighbors. Every penny she earned was carefully laid aside, until, at long last she had saved enough to buy a Bible of her own.
When she learned that the closest place a Bible could be purchased was the town of Bala, some twenty-five miles away, there was no question in her mind about what she must do. With hope in her heart, she started out early one morning, walking barefoot, so as not to ruin her one pair of shoes. Before she reached her destination, her feet were blistered and cut from the stones in the road.
Physically weary, but barely able to contain her excitement that her lifelong goal should be so nearly realized, Mary finally arrived in Bala, where she poured out her story to the minister, Mr. Charles. When she had finished, Mr. Charles reluctantly informed her that the last of the Bibles available for purchase had already been sold and that the handful of remaining Bibles had already been promised to others. Furthermore, the Society that had printed the small quantity of Welsh Bibles did not intend to print any more.
So great was Mary’s disappointment, that she began to sob uncontrollably. Touched by the intensity of her passion to have a Bible of her own, Mr. Charles decided that she must have one of the few Bibles left in his possession. Words cannot describe the ecstasy Mary felt as Mr. Charles placed into her hands that precious treasure for which she had prayed, wept, and hoarded all these years. Her heart sang as she walked the twenty-five miles back home, carrying her very own Bible, the Book that would remain her dearest friend and companion throughout her life.2
Do you realize the value of what you have in God’s Word? “The law of your mouth,” the Psalmist said, “is better unto me than thousands of coins of gold and silver” (Psalm 119:72). “How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth” (Psalm 119:103). “I rejoice at Your Word as one who finds great treasure” (Psalm 119:162). What a treasure it is.
So the next time that you pick up that Bible, one of many perhaps in your possession, remember what a price many have paid before you so that you could have that Bible. And don’t take it lightly. Thank God for the privilege for owning your own copy; and as you read it, treasure it, for there is no greater treasure in life.
Leslie: Nancy Leigh DeMoss will continue her teaching in just a minute. We treasure so many things, but nothing has greater value than the Word of God. Were you stirred like I was when Nancy Leigh DeMoss told the story of the girl who treasured her Bible?
If you have young daughters or granddaughters, I hope you will get a copy of that story. It is called Mary Jones and Her Bible. Reading it to the young women in your life will instill in them an appreciation for God’s Word at a young age. Order a copy at ReviveOurHearts.com, or call 1-800-569-5959.
Well today, you don’t just get one moving story about treasuring the Bible, you get two. Here’s Nancy to explain.
Nancy: Several years ago, I had the privilege of hearing a testimony that illustrated in a powerful way how precious and priceless the Word of God is. Margaret Nikol grew up in Bulgaria under one of the most repressive Communist regimes in history.
As you will hear from her testimony in just a few moments, her father was a pastor as was her brother. She grew up in a time in Bulgaria when Bibles were not accessible to believers. As she was growing up in Bulgaria, Margaret was trained to be a professional violinist. Then when she was in her mid-30s she was exiled to the United States. Since Margaret came to the United States, she has continued to give violin concerts, but most importantly to share her story of how she came to have her first copy of the Word of God. I know you are going to be moved as I have been as you listen now to this testimony from Margaret Nikol.
Margaret Nikol: When I came here [to the United States], I had two most prized possessions: I had my violin, and I had one page from God’s Bible—only one page. Probably you would ask me why didn’t I buy myself a Bible. In our country, we did not have it.
The Communists took power, and they confiscated God’s Word from churches, and hymnals. They went to houses and confiscated the Bibles available in our country. How did I get my page? A lady from our church, she was reading her Bible one night, and she overheard when the police came talking at the door to her husband that they wanted to confiscate her Bible. And she thought, “No, never my Bible,” and she sat on it.
And they looked for hours in her house, everywhere, but not under her skirt; and there was the Bible. Then she came to church and tearing it page, by page, by page, she shared with us her Bible with tears in her eyes. With all respect to God’s Word, Pastor Woodall, I was so happy I didn’t get one from the Numbers. I had a very good page—Genesis 16 and 17. The promise of God to give Abraham and Sarah a son.
And here I was in this country, and it was close to Christmas when I came. The second Sunday when I went to the same very small church, next to me sat an old couple. It turned out they were German immigrants after the first World War. So, we able to communicate in German, and I told them I am 10 days in America.
I was so excited when they said, “We would like to give you a Christmas present. What would you like?” Probably they thought I would say, “Let’s go shopping till we drop.” I didn’t. Do you know why? Because I was 12 when I got my page [of the Bible] and for 25 years I prayed, “Lord, I so want to have your Word.”
And when they asked me, I said, “If possible, I would like to have a Bible.” They said, “Oh, honey, this is America; Bibles are available. You can have it.” So the next morning they came, and they brought me to the Bible bookstore. And can you picture me—the woman with one page for her entire life—getting into that Bible bookstore and seeing all the shelves—black, blue, green, brown, and red Bibles.
I stood there in the middle of that bookstore and wept and cried. I couldn’t believe that after so many years, prayers God will answer. I got a Bible and hugged it to my chest; and I wept, and I wept. My friends, it was joyful, and then it became sorrow. First I thought of my brother. He was a pastor in Bulgaria, having a fifteen hundred-people church and preached from couple of pages copied by his own hand, and so were the others. No Bibles.
And I said, “But Lord, what about them? What about them? If they could all come here, and You could send Bibles.” That is why I so respect all the missions, Brother Andrew and the others, who smuggled Bibles, but they couldn’t smuggle for all of us. I made the covenant with God that day. And I said, “Father, I am not the man; I am not the preacher; I am not the teacher; I am not the evangelist; I am a musician and a woman on top of that. What can You do with my life? But You have it.”
And I thank God that He never looks for able people. He looks for available people. I thank Him for that. The first three and a half years I was in a quandary. I didn’t know what to do. I was professor of music and gave concerts, and then the call came and I gave up everything and started traveling to raise funds for Bibles.
In 1993 I was in Bulgaria, back with 10,000 Bibles printed in the country—this very same Bible. The pastors of that country had their first conference in freedom. In that hall when I entered with the Bibles, and with my hand started giving each pastor their first Bible. The joy and the tears and the gratefulness of their hearts, and the prayers which went for you, for the American Christians who send them the Bibles.
And on their behalf, I would like to thank you. I would like to thank you as Christians. At the same token I would like to challenge you. Any time you take your Bible for granted, I pray that the Holy Spirit will remind you of this page, because it represents not only Margaret Nikol. No, millions of your brothers and sisters around the world are still on their knees to pray for God to send them His Word.
For me, the most sinful corners in every church I have been in and seen is lost and found. Do you know why? The most lost items are never looked for are the Bibles. That is how much we appreciate them. And I challenge you tonight to cherish your Bible, to thank God in our country we can go to bookstores, anywhere, and in such abundance look at God’s Word.
Nancy: We’ve been listening to Margaret Nikol, and what a stirring reminder of the precious gift that God has given to us in His Word. In this country where we have such ready access to the Word of God, it is easy to lose sight of the privilege that we have, in our day, in our age, in this country to have our own copies of the Scripture.
God’s Word says in Psalm 19 that the Word of God is more to be desired than gold, yea, than much fine gold, and that it is sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb (Psalm 19:10). It is through reading and keeping the Word of God that we receive great reward in our lives. I want you to have the rewards that come from knowing God’s Word, not just from having copies of it, but from knowing it, and reading it, and studying it, and memorizing it, and personalizing it, and getting it internalized in your own life.
So maybe right now if you are in a place where you can do this, you’d like to just pick up a copy of the Bible. You probably have one real close to you. Just put it in your hands and look at it, and then lift up your eyes to the Lord and your heart to the Lord and say, “Lord, thank You for giving me this book. Thank You for making it available to us in the English language and for those who have paid such a price so that we could have it in our language.”
Thank the Lord we live in a country where we are free to purchase copies of the Bible, to have them, to own them, and to make them a part of our lives. Then ask the Lord to make this Book precious to you. Ask Him to help you not to take it for granted, but to make it one of your most cherished possessions and treasures. And not the just the book itself, because the Bible is not just the paper and ink, and a leather or hardback cover; but ask the Lord to make what is in that book to become the Word alive in you and to cause it to change your life as you treasure it from this day forward.
I hope this story/message was meaningful for any readers here. I am thankful that I heard it today.
We had the Snyder families over at our house for breakfast Christmas morning. It was a wonderful time! Everyone pitched in with the food, so it was not stressful for me. What a yummy meal we had!
Then, Richard had to go off to work..a sad thing but we knew this was his holiday to work.
The kids and I then went over to the Simplican grandparents' house, where we proceeded to have more food and more gift opening..and the beloved coffee punch!
I will have to journal more about this wonderful day later, but so much happens on these special holidays, I need a quiet time to post.
Christmas Eve was a tender time...I enjoyed playing a classical style piano prelude at our church, and then truly enjoyed sitting with my husband and kids during the service. I decided not to play the piano during the service and it was fine with the other music people. Someone else was able to fill in, thankfully.
The most special thing for me was singing Silent Night, and having Ella right beside me, with her face sweetly looking at the lit candle I held..
Thank you, Lord, for such a wonderful and calm Christmas. It was truly a blessing. Last Christmas was not a delightful one, as some depression settled in fiercely on that day, but with many prayers, I believe, it was different this year.
Ohhh I forgot to mention our wonderful time with my brother and his family on Saturday. The girls (cousins) played and were having so much fun. Philip was a hit with his hair again. I will not cut those curls yet!
My mom had prepared a fine meal and we feasted like royalty!
Even Megan and Molly were there to join in on the Christmas celebration. They are such sweet girls. I wish we could see them more often.
My recent scrapbooking magazine had an article about colors. It was very enlightening. I just have to comment!
First, I will state what my family members' favorite colors are.
Richard's favorite color is green.
Mine ARE browns and tans, and cream.
Ella loves yellow with a passion!
Philip, I think, loves orange. He really takes to anything orange, especially a few of his favorite outfits.
So, Green, according to this article, represents a balanced metabolic system.
Neutral colors are comforting, stable, prtective, and reliability...even going into sophistication, if they are darker.
Yellow is for self confidence and optimism.
Orange represents joy, more than any other color. Also, playfulness and stimulating.
Interestingly, these colors really fit our personalities. Green was my former favorite color..through high school and college. It change after having kids, which I am assuming, after reading this article, that I am not metabolically stable..and this is no suprise! On the otherhand, my husband is so level headed and even keeled, I think it is such an interesting match!
Ella is so energetic and loves life. She is a leader..yellow fits her perfectly.
Philip is an "old soul." He is comforting and very much a joyful child as well. But yes, playful. And sweet.
Other colors in a nutshell: red is fiery and bold; pastels/white are pure, clean, and innocent...and tender. Purple is associated with royalty and wisdom..and the angelic nature of children.
Oh how sweet was our little girl's preschool program today!
She sang right along to most everything and had so many adorable expressions. The funniest thing for me (and believe me, the row I was in laughed A LOT) was the song about 5 Lonely Christmas Trees. When I was Ella's age, I cried when my brother sang that song for HIS Christmas program! And here Ella was, seeing with a mighty gusto I never saw her use with any song she has every sung! How sweet!
Grandpa came to see her program, as well as mommy, daddy, and great grandparents' Snyder.
We loved it and were truly proud of her. And were so impressed again by her teacher and assistants. Each child received a present from the school...the girls got a Dora doll! This is Ella's first Dora doll..well, wait that's not true...she has a miniature one, but this is a soft one, and came with a comb and her backpack, of course! A wonderful little gift for the preschool girls! The boys all received a neat noisy car....so glad we got a silent doll!
...were pretty good. Ella enjoyed her evening at the Movies for the first time!
Daddy had the day off!
And Buddy got to play outside!
Mommy got to sleep in!
Kodak got some attention!
Photograph taken today at Williamsport Chapel...I think our son's hair got a little too much wind!
O Christmas Tree, where art thou lovely branches?
Still no tree here...
Oh, except for Ella and Philip's little table top tree in the living room.
What an odd thing to do..have no tree...well, hopefully we'll have one up tomorrow, during Rich's day off!
God surely answered my prayer for positive thoughts on my pictures, or at least smooth transition for returning photos to customers. Thank you, Lord!
I hope to concentrate on more digital scrapbooking for Christmas the next couple of days, and work up a nice little book for next weekend.
I recently purchased a gingerbread house kit, on behalf of Aunt Marsha, for Ella. She is so excited to create her house, but she is going to have to wait until later this week....teeheee!
Our friend, Joe, just gave me one of the sweetest gifts..the Father/Son willow tree figurine, for my birthday and Christmas. I could not believe it...I told Rich..see, he really does think highly of you although he teases you like a brother! What a thoughtful gesture...
Well, tomorrow I plan on taking Ella to see Charlotte's Web..with our friend, Kimmy, too.
Yesterday, we went to see Disney On Ice, with a few other families. All our tickets were purchased by someone from our church! We saw a bit of Pinnochio, 101 Dalmations, Lilo and Stitch, and best of all, the Little Mermaid. Ella was enthralled with the Little Mermaid...she is one of her favorites.
Today, Rich and I played at my parents' church again. The blessing always remains there for us. What a welcoming group of people and welcoming chapel! My dad preached on the "magnification" of the birth of Jesus, and how all the events leading up to His birth magnified the Lord. What a refreshing sermon!
I am loving the Psalms these days. Some things have been putting me under a lot of pressure and burdening my heart and mind. God's word truly helps. And prayers.
Ella and Grandma made Mommy cupcakes for her birthday. Richard purchased a willow tree angel for me...the love of learning...I love it and was so suprised.
Philip is speaking more sentences and words than EVER. It is truly amazing.
The little kids' (aka 3 year old special) on Sunday went well. I was so nervous to lead it, but it worked out well and we had plenty of younguns!
My photoshoots on Saturday were interesting. I did not totally please the one family, and I am praying desperately, yes desperately, that their photographs are miraculously blessed by the Lord when they return to me. I am afraid of my mail right now. I believe that it was just a tough photoshoot and you'll have those. I am trying not to take it personally.
Every other photoshoot I have had, including three to four of them this past week, have been great. It's hard to learn, and be positive.
I thank the Lord for Richie, who has been truly supportive through this weekend and through even today, when I have emotionally lost it over several stressors.
Thank you Lord, for family, friends, and dear children and a dear husband!
This post is a reminder to focus on the season's most wonderful gift...Jesus.
Lord, let us remember who you are, and what was given to us on Christmas day, as we celebrate Jesus' birth. Let it be apparent to our children and children's friends the reason for the season..through us.
And, Lord, give us wisdom to focus on what is right and true and peaceful during this month of December.
In Jesus' name,
Amen
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