Sunday Hymns

I Sing The Mighty Power Of God
Isaac Watts

I sing the mighty power of God, that made the mountains rise,
That spread the flowing seas abroad, and built the lofty skies.
I sing the wisdom that ordained the sun to rule the day;
The moon shines full at God's command, and all the stars obey.
I sing the goodness of the Lord, who filled the earth with food,
Who formed the creatures through the Word, and then pronounced them good.
Lord, hoe Thy wonders are displayed, where'er I turn my eye,
If I survey the ground I tread, or gaze upon the sky.
There's not a plant or flower below, but makes Thy glories known,
And clouds arise, and tempests blow, by order from Thy throne;
While all that borrows life from Thee is ever in Thy care;
And everywhere that we can be, Thou, God art present there.

Blogging Fridays

This week for my first Blogging Fridays, I am going to put two links. One is for Passionate Homemaking. I liked the post about affirming our husbands. I think that this is a subject that is important to talk about. The link is http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/

The other link that I would like to share is to Goodness&Grace. They have a great blog, and they had a great post on family worship. The link is http://goodnessandgraceblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/beauty-of-family-worship.html

I hope that you get a chance to go and check out these blogs!
Have a great weekend!

Patriotism

I think there is something sad about Americans. I think we are lacking in patriotism. I mean you would think that we would be so grateful for all the blessings that we have in our country. You think that we would be proud that we are Americans. But it seems like Americans are lacking in this area. It also bothers me that we are at war, and there seems to be precious little thankfulness shown to the men and woman who are fighting for us. Where is the support for them and their families? Where is the thankfulness that should be shown to them for the sacrifices that they have made? Some of them have given the ultimate sacrifice and left behind their wives and children...their parents and loved ones. Some have come back severely wounded and have had their lives forever changed. Where is our thankfulness as a nation? Where is our support for them and their families? Why when we are at war isn't there a cry of patriotism, and a willingness to stand behind them? Why isn't America as a whole letting some of our entertainment go to make sure that these people have what they need while they are in a war? I hate it when I hear of a soldier's funeral where there are protesters, or a soldier that isn't shown the respect they deserve when they get back. I think Americans need to stop looking at themselves and start showing these brave men and woman some thankfulness for the sacrifices that they make on a daily basis. So next time you see a soldier, buy them lunch, thank them for their service, send a box to a deployed soldier. It would be great to see more Americans realize that we are in a war and that some of their fellow Americans have given a lot to go and serve in that war, and show them some respect, and show some patriotism. As a side note there are many woman out there whose husbands are at war. Looking at their needs and helping them, and remembering them while their husbands are away could be a great encouragement to them. Also remembering these families in your prayers is important too.

Wednesday Scriptures

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2

Sunday Hymns

                  This Is My Father's World
                          Maltbie Babcock
 This is my Father's world, and to my listening ears,
 all nature sings and 'round me rings the music of the spheres.
This is my Father's world: I rest me in the thought of rocks and trees of skies and seas; His hand the wonders wrought.
This is my Father's world, the birds their  carols raise,
The morning light, the lily white, declare their Maker's praise.
This is my Father's world; He shines in all that's fair;
In the rustling grass I hear Him pass, He speaks to me everywhere.
This is my Father's world, O let me ne'er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the Ruler yet.
This is my Father's world; the battle is not done;
Jesus who died shall be satisfied, and earth and heav'n be one.

Adoption

I recently got a link to this blog from an Above Rubies e-mail. I thought that I would post a link to it on my blog. If anyone out there is thinking about adoption then maybe someone would be interested in this blog. http://iknowyouroutthereimjustwaiting.blogspot.com/
She is such a cute little girl.

Life in the Picture Lens

Ramblings...

I have been thinking that I would like to have a little more structure to my blog. Sometimes I can think of things to say, and sometimes I can't. I thought that I would add a couple more things to it, and try it, and then see how it goes. So on Sundays I am going to have Sunday Hymns, and I already have Wednesday Scriptures. I thought that on Friday I will post one or more links to another blog that has a post that I have enjoyed over the week. I think I'll also have my weekly Ramblings, and I'll try once a week or every other week to post some of the recipes I plan to make. I am kindof new to getting the weekly menu going, and I don't always follow it, so those might be more sporadic. I think I'll also have a picture type post that I will throw in once a week or again every other week. Can't wait to get started!
The picture I just added for fun. We saw this airplane on a building and I just had to take the picture. Don't know how or why the plane got there.

Wednesday Scriptures

And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts,  to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Colossians 3:14-16

Sunday Hymns

Holy, Holy, Holy!
Reginald Heber

Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee.
Holy, Holy Holy! Merciful and Mighty!
God in three persons, Blessed Trinity!

Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee,
Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,
Who wert, and art, and evermore shall be.

Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide Thee,
Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see,
Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee
Perfect in pow'r, in love and purity.

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All Thy works shall praise Thy name in earth and sky and sea.
Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!

Radio Drama

I grew  up with very little tv, and no cable. As a child and teen I loved listening to radio drama and reading books. One radio program I use to listen to was Unshackled. It dramatized the life stories of people. It also shared how they had become saved. It was a great program, and also a sobering reminder of where many bad chioces in life could take you. It is run by the Pacific Garden Mission. They run a mission for the homeless in Chicago. If you would like to listen here is the link http://www.unshackled.org/listen_home.html .
Another program that I grew up listening to was Adventures in Odyssey. I loved that program, and my kids listen to it today. I am sure that many of you probably have kids that listen to it. You can listen on radio or it is also available to listen to online. Here is the link http://www.whitsend.org/radio/ . Anyways just thought I would share these links. If any of you have some other radio drama that you enjoy listening to, I'd love to hear it, and if you have a link please share it with us.

Bible Lessons

I have been putting some thought into the need to be teaching our children more about the Bible in school. With such wide age ranges in our house, it can be hard to find something that they can all understand, but that will go a bit more indepth for our oldest son. I recently saw this book being reviewed at My Life on a Taffy Pull link here http://mylifeonataffypull.blogspot.com/search?q=illustrated+bible+dictionary+for+kids. I have been thinking about reading the Bible with the kids, and then using this book to help them understand. I like the pictures in the book, so that the little kids can get a better grasp on what some of the words mean. It looks like a great tool, and I can't wait to order it. We do have some Bible Flash A Card that I ordered from A Beka. They are also a great tool. The kids enjoy learning the Bible stories and they also have some great pictures that help them grasp what is going on in the story. I would love to hear what any of you are using to teach your kids the Bible.

Blessings

                        Count Your Blessings
                              author unknown
                       Count your blessings instead of your crosses;
                           Count your gains instead of your losses.
                            Count your joys instead of your woes;
                          Count your friends instead of your foes.
                          Count your smiles instead of your tears;
                        Count your courage instead of your fears.
                        Count your full years instead of your lean;
                      Count your kind deeds instead of your mean.
                       Count your health instead of your wealth;
                             Count on God instead of yourself.

Wednesday Scriptures

Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late,  to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.
Lo, Children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.
Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

Psalm 127

I think that it is so sad, that in so many churches today that people seem to think children are an inconvience. I believe that if more Christians would start leaving their family size to the Lord, that we could have such an influence on America and the world. We as mothers have the privilege to possibly be raising pastors, and missionaries, and future mothers. What a great ministry. How exciting!

Sunday Thoughts

While at church today, our pastor made mention of something that I had never thought of, but was really a neat thought. He said that the military has worked so hard to get Jesus' name out of things...military things, but that they are sending Christians all over the world. He also mentioned that some of these Christians are starting churches. It was really an insightful thought. What a neat thought...I mean the military is sending Christians all over the world, at virtually no cost to us, and what a great ministry oportunity. I didn't think about it like that...but wow.

Toy Review

I really really like the Melissa and Doug toys. One of our kiddos got some Melissa and Doug food toys. Great toys. They are a bit pricey, but they last longer than a lot of plastic toys that are out there.

       Also could use them to learn with, such as matching pieces that look alike.

Motherhood

Sometimes as mothers it is easy to get very frustrated. There is always someone needing something from us. The kids are fighting for the hundredth time that day, we still need to make dinner, it is almost time for church, the kids still need a bath before we leave, and we have run out of dish soap for the dishwasher. Don't get discouraged. It is so easy to feel like you just cleaned something and five minutes later it is dirty again. But I encourage you, when you are the most frustrated, and the noise is overwhelming...take all of it to the Lord. Stop. Give the kids something that will keep them busy for a minute, and take a small minute to stop and ask the Lord to bless your day. Ask Him for patience when you feel like yelling, ask Him to give you wisdom. And don't forget to thank Him for your blessings. Giving thanks is so important. If you feel tired in the morning and you feel overwhelmed...send a prayer up to the Lord to bless your day. Look and see what are the most important chores to get done that day...maybe just three, and make a list to do those. Think about what you would like to do with the children that day and make a note of it. It could be something as simple as painting or reading books. Make that a priority. It will help you to realize that not everything must get done, and that you can get things done better when you prioritize what is really important. Remember your chilren will only be young once, so enjoy them while they are little. Remember, that we as parents have a duty to be teaching our children about the Lord. We can teach them as we go along with our daily duties. We can remember that when the Lord blesses us with something, that we can show our children that the Lord blessed us, and it can teach them to be thankful. It's important to remember what a blessing and privilege we have in raising our children.

Wednesday Scriptures

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
And your feet shod with the preperation of the gospel of peace;
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverence and supplication for all saints;
Ephesians 6:10-18

Kitchen Stuff

I thought that I would share some of my new kitchen things. I did really awesome on my grocery shopping trip this week, and came in under budget, so I was able to buy some new pans.

I have been wanting to try some cheesecakes, but I didn't have the springform pan to make them in.  The other dish I just wanted...thought it would be nice to have for another dish I want to make.

My other new items...these I got for my birthday are

Some decorater tips and bags. I really love those disposable bags. I have become interested in decorating cakes. I am by no means an expert, but I hope to take some classes to learn how to decorate better. I also want to learn how to work with fondant. Fondant just makes a cake look so pretty.