Lorentzen Family

2011-11-15T13:58:00.000-08:00

Psalm 133:1 How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!

God has been speaking to my heart about his love, and his desire for unity. Love and unity go hand and hand, they cannot be separated.

1 Corinthians 13

1 If I speak in human or angelic tongues,[a] but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing.

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

God is love, and his greatest desire is that his children that we would walk in love and unity. That we would not let things get in the way of fellowship with him, or with each other.

It is one thing to read about love and unity; It's another thing to walk in it. It is hard to turn the other cheek at times, it's hard to love that person who is treating you like garbage. There is a safe place to run to, where you can find rest. This life is not easy, and relationships can be hard...but I know that with God, all things are possible. I know that He brings healing and restoration. He brings peace, and joy. His love endures forever, and his arms are always open wide. I want to walk in the Love of Christ, and love others even when they are acting in a way that is unkind. I don't know what is going on in their heart. I don't know all the pain they have suffered...all I know is that Jesus loves them, just like he loves me...and He is not easily offended.

Give me eyes to see, and ears to hear, understanding from you God. Help me to see others with your eyes, and love hem with your love.

Redneck Smoken

2011-10-07T17:37:00.000-07:00

There is no denying it after everyone reads this post, and I am sure most people who know us have already figured it out. We have redneck in our blood, and it shines through in many ways. I wanted to share with you just for fun, how we made our homemade Redneck Smoked Salmon.

First thing you have to do is going fishing and catch your self some fresh Salmon out of the river. Next you have to clean your fish, and make a dry rub to put on it. Some people use a liquid brine, but I like the dry rub the best.

Dry rub Recipe:
four cups of dark brown sugar
1 cup kosher salt
15 cloves of garlic minced

Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl, and then lay some out on the bottom of a pan. I used a casserole pan. Lay the salmon skin side down on the mixture, and then put the rest of the mixture on top. I found that this recipe was enough for four medium size fillets. Let it sit in the fridge for 12 hours, I let it sit overnight. Before you put it in your smoker you have to rinse all the rub off of the fish, and be careful not to drop it because it is really slippery. The dry rub will turn into a brown slime. Could be a science experiment all in it self.

Now onto building the smoker. This is how we built ours: 1. Cut down about four maple saplings, make sure you do not drop them on a bee hive like Joshua did. Unless you want some more excitement in your life! 2. Strip the bark off of the saplings.3. Take the two straightest and set them aside to use later. 4. Cut the rest in one inch pieces and then cut the one inch pieces in half using a hatchet. Be careful not to cut any fingers off. 5. Put saw horses on each side of your fire pit. 6. Lay your two straight maple sticks between the sawhorses and nail them down to make them secure. 7. Take a metal grate (we used our bbq grate) and lay it on top of the maple sticks, directly above the fire. 8. Find all the pieces of plywood laying around your yard, and put them up against your sawhorses, leaving one side open to tend to your fire. 8. Make sure you check direction of the wind with your wet finger, so that you know what side to block with the plywood...the whole point being you don't want your smoke to blow away. 9. Build a fire using hardwood. (cherry, maple, apple) Let it burn until you have small flames then add your maple chips. 10. Put your salmon on the metal grate. 11. Since we used our bbq grate, we covered the salmon with the lid to the bbq. It worked great! 12. Keep tending the fire. You don't want it to hot, and you don't want it to go out. 13. Ours took between 6 and 8 hours to finish.

Fishing on the Stilly

2011-10-07T09:57:00.000-07:00

The men in my house were counting down the days until fishing season. September first was opening day, and they headed out right after Larry got off work. They went fishing all of September, but only caught four fish. On the Stilly it is illigal to have barbs on your hooks, which results in lots of fish getting off the hook. They still had a wonderful time, and I decided since they are fishing all of September let's study Pacific Northwest Salmon. They have been reading books, watching documentaries, doing online searches, and now they are culminating everything they learned into a binder, complete with pictures, diagrams, and information they learned. Here are some of the pictures they took.

Some how they were posted in the wrong order, but oh well, I don't have time to play with it today, because I am helping my young men put their report folders together. It has been a wonderful way to learn about God's creation together as a family.

Our garden efforts

2011-08-21T16:20:00.000-07:00

Our garden share has been a wonderful experience this year, and has blessed both my parents, and us so very much. Everything has really grown really well. We have been blessed with lots of snap peas, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, beets, lettuce, spinach, and beans. It has been wonderful not having to buy any of these at the grocery store this year. Here are some pictures from early in the season.

Our humble garden beginnings

2011-03-14T14:04:00.001-07:00

A few months ago we read about George Washington Carver. Where do you even begin when talking about this amazingly creative, and God honoring man. I would highly recommend reading about his life with your children. The book we read was from YWAM, because we love their books, and they also offer unit study guides.

I have always loved plants, and have always wanted my own vegetable garden. I have done little pot gardens every year, but nothing to extensive. Our yard is not set up real well for a vegetable plot, and with having boys, big dogs, and a cat...garden's don't have much of a chance. We are going to garden share with my Mom and Dad this year, and hopefully be able to grow enough produce for both our families. I will grow tomatoes and peppers at my house because I do have a very hot place that warmth loving plants thrive.

We have been moving pretty steadily though our botany study...this is through Apologia Science. We are learning so many fascinating facts. To many to list here, but I highly recommend Apologia. We have done a lot of hands on experiments and activities and that is always enjoyable. Here is a picture of our miniature green house. It has two grow lights, and a special warming pad for the germination process. The guys had fun putting it together and we have all enjoyed watching our plants grow. We have started Broccoli, cabbage, onions, tomatoes, and peppers so far.

2011-03-01T16:38:00.000-08:00

I have not blogged in such a long time. We have been staying busy and I rarely find time to sit for a while in peace and quite to collect my thoughts and write. I guess these are just the days of activity, and I am happy with that. One day my boys will be grown, and I will miss the conversations that we have, I will miss the questions, and the jokes and stories they tell me. One day they will be grown and have families of there own to care for. Then it will be quiet and I will have more than enough time to sit and reflect on my thoughts....

We have studied wars that involved the United States for the last six months, and the the men in my house have really enjoyed learning about it. I have had my full share of blood, guts, and dying men for a while. I have a new appreciation for our military men and how much they truly sacrifice to keep us safe and free. I also appreciate their families who are left at home waiting for there husbands, sons, or dads to come home...and the ones that have had to endure them not coming home...Thank you is just not enough...sometimes there are not words to express something to deep, and costly.

We have started a new study on botany and I am really enjoying it. So far we have made a miniature green house for seedlings, planted tomato seeds, cabbage, and broccoli. In a few more days we will be planting onion, leek, and pepper seeds. We plan on building a cold frame to keep the plants in while the temperature outside is still to cold for them to be totally exposed. We are also in the process of enlarging a vegetable garden at my Mom and Dads house, that will hopefully supply enough produce for two families. I am really looking forward to the warmer days of working in the garden.

We have also been learning how to shoot hand guns, and have had many wonderful trips to the woods, and to the shooting range together. My men are excellent shots, and I am doing pretty good....but I know I need lot's more practice. For my birthday my Dad bought me a nice little gun that I really enjoy shooting. It fits nicely in my small hands, and the slide is easy for me to pull, and I can load it easily myself.

Well, this has been a little of what we have been up to lately. I hope I can find time in the next few days to post some other things. Right now my dinner is going to burn if I don't go attend to it.

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-21T22:13:00.001-08:00

It hard to believe it's Christmas time already! It seems like we just did this not that long ago. As I get older time seems to go faster, and the years start to blur together. I do love Christmas time with my family!

Over the years we have done different things to celebrate the birth of our Savior. In the years past we have always taken a month off of regular school work and focused on learning about the Christmas story. We have done Unit Studies on Christmas, and have made our own Christmas books filled with scripture that tells the the story of a world in need of a savior. We have made ornaments for our tree that have to do with different aspects of Gods word, and his promises. It has always been a wonderful time of learning, and fun.

This year we decided to push through half of December with regular School work, and take a week off before Christmas to get all our shopping, baking, and present making done. We are also taking the week after Christmas off because Larry is only working two days that week. Although we are busy, I love the relaxed atmosphere in the house. No one is grumbling about their math, or grammar lessons...we are just having fun baking cookies and making gifts.

There is so much I could say about this year, but I don't have the words. It has been a really tough one, but God is faithful. God has had to do some trimming on us as a family, and it's been painful...yet the pain has brought healing in so many ways. I am glad that in a few weeks we will be able to put this year behind us, and I look forward to all He will do in our lives in the coming year. I do not want to forget the lessons that have been learned, but I am ready to start fresh. We are much lighter now, we have gotten rid of a lot of stuff that was dragging us down...So I think we may be ready to start running for the Lord....but we are waiting for his direction. I know he has much more work to do in us, and probably more pruning...I don't like to think of the pruning...but if it accomplishes God's plans for us...then I lift up my arms....

I am so glad that God has given us good friends to share our lives with. I love my brothers and sisters in Christ...you know the ones that stick around even when you have messed up pretty bad. The ones who pray with you and encourage you in the Lord. I am thankful for my Sisters who encourage me when I am having a really hard school day as well...and they take the time to talk me through it, or take the time to pray for me. I am thankful God has given me a wonderful family who goes out of their way to bless us, and loves us. I am so blessed, We are so blessed, and I hold you all in my prayers!

Merry Christmas everyone!!! May this season draw you closer to our Savior Jesus Christ. He is our hope, and the reason why we sing!!!!

grieving

2010-12-04T12:28:00.000-08:00

It was a year ago last Friday that we said our final goodbyes to my Nana. The day is fresh in my memory. I have not had a day that I did not think of her this year. She was such a wonderful blessing to me and my family.

Last Saturday we had to say goodbye to our faithful friend Saidee. She was sick for a week, and we didn't quite know what was wrong with her, but she just kept declining. She has not been a healthy dog the past year, and has been in and out of the vet with stomach problems. The vet said she was bleeding internally, and it most likely was from a tumor. She had lost so much blood, that the only option was to put her to sleep. It's been a very sad week!

Our chocolate lab, Koda has been grieving too. He doesn't want to chase squirrels anymore, and has been wanting to be inside all the time. He lays on Saidee's bed in front of the fireplace and looks sad. We have made extra effort to take him for walks and play ball with him. I know it will take a little while for him to feel better, but I hope he will get back to himself soon. It really seems strange that he's not giving those squirrels a bad time.

The boys have been gathering pictures of Saidee to put together a scrapbook for her. I think this will be very healing for them, and it's also great for a school project. Then after that is done, maybe it will be easier to get in the Christmas cheer.

Deep thoughts and wonderings

2010-11-22T13:07:00.000-08:00

My heart has been heavy lately and I have not known how to express what is going on in my heart. I feel we are at a cross roads right now, and we are just standing here waiting for the Lord to lead us on the path that he wants us to go. I know that I just want to be in the center of His will, whatever that is.

We don't know at this point if Larry's work will be there tomorrow. Things are really tight at Pearson, and work is very slow. Yet, I know if he comes home and says that he does not have a job...God will still provide. His ways are far above my ways, and he knows the plans he has for us. My job is to trust and obey. I am asking for more faith right now, and a better understanding of His will for our family.

Lately the Lord has been putting a great burden on my heart for the downcast. My heart is breaking for the people all over the world who do not have warmth, or food, or a way to be clean. The ones who are sick and lonely, for the unsaved. God has only given me a small glimpse, and my heart is so heavy...I can not imagine the pain Jesus must feel in his heart for his children!

I asked Jesus last night why His children are going hungry, why is he not providing food for them? In Psalms it says that His children will not go without bread...So why are these people starving. I heard a still small voice say," because my church is not doing what I have commanded her to do." I know that when He says the "church", I can point the finger right at myself and say because I have not been doing what God has commanded me. Anyone who has said the salvation prayer, and asked Jesus to be his or her Lord is the Church. We have a commission by the Lord to go out and reach the dying world for him. We are his hands and feet in the world!

Isaiah 58:5-7
Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for a man to humble himself? Is it only for bowing ones head like a reed and for lying on sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord? Is not this the kind of fast that I have chosen:to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter- when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
The whole chapter of Isaiah 58 is amazing and you should get out your bible and read it. It goes on to tell you how God will bless you if you do His way.

Jesus came and walked on the earth, and he taught us how to love. He also commanded us to love. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself. He laid down his very life so that we could be free. He sent his Holy Spirit into the world to empower us to live for him. He gives us all we need to do what is right....then why do so many who call Him their God, not do what he has called them to do. I am not just pointing my finger at everyone else, because my finger points back at me as well. It is more burdensome to live a selfish life, than a life of love.

Never Gonna Stand For This by Teachenor Clark

2010-10-01T13:43:00.000-07:00

I saw this on facebook, and I just had to post it on my blog. I feel it really sums up what a lot of us are feeling right now. I know I am completely fed up, and ready to take a stand.

Keep yourself informed on what is going on. Do not depend on the liberal media either because they are not giving you all the facts. Pray for our Country, Pray for revival, and make sure you vote in November.

Crying out for Daddy

2010-09-18T12:00:00.000-07:00

Today I was sitting in line at Costco and notice a small boy about the age of two in the line beside me. He was on one side of the check stand while his Mommy was on the other side. He was holding out his arms to her and saying," Mama I want you, I want to get out of the cart, Mama I need you, please Mama please."

As I was witnessing this the thought came into my mind. I thought about our Abba Father. I thought about the fact that there are times when we don't think we can do it on our own and we cry out, "Abba father I need you, I don't want to be apart from you any longer, I need your protection, I need your love, I need to feel your arms of safety around me."

There are times that He does let us learn to walk a little on our own, he lets us endure uncomfortable circumstances. HE gently tells us that He is right there, that He sees us, that he is with us, that he is working things out for our good. Just like this Mama who was calmly looking to her child, she was letting him know your alright, I am right here, I am not going to let anything happen to you, I am not going to leave you, I love you.

We should always be calling out to our Abba father, always seeking him in every situation. He is always listening, He always cares, and will always guide us in the right way. He always has open arms to comfort us. He is our Abba Father, our daddy. His love is unconditional, and we can trust him to never let us down.

Creativity in the kitchen

2010-09-06T17:06:00.000-07:00

Today I have been in the kitchen most of the day. I am trying to be creative this week and see how far I can stretch the things that I have in my pantry, fridge and freezer. I would really like to be able to make it to next payday without having to go to the store. What do you think they did in the old days? I have been asking myself this lately. We are so spoiled now days with a market on every corner. Everything is open twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.
Today I made breakfast bars out of oatmeal, very ripe pears, raw honey, extra virgin coconut oil, cinnamon, and nutmeg. I am sorry that I don't always measure ingredients so that I can share the recipe with everyone. I want to get better about this, but it really goes against my creative bend I think. Anyway, I do not use the oven to bake this. I use my dehydrator set on 120 degrees and it takes six to eight hours to cook. I have made a variety of different breakfast bars this way; apple crisp bars made from all the ingredients that you would use to make apple crisp. Chocolate almond coconut bars is one of the families favorites. Really you are only limited by your creativity or lack there of. I am sensitive to wheat products so I make my own nut flour, or oat flour with my food processor. It is really fun, and the boys eat my breakfast bars without complaint.
I have just finished up dehydrating about 40 pounds of peaches. I will use these throughout the fall and winter in a variety of different things, if I can keep certain peoples fingers out of them. They really taste so sweet and nice all by themselves.
I cut up veggies today, and I wish I could say they were all from my garden. Maybe next year. I like to have a big container of fresh veggies for anyone who says they are hungry. They are washed, and cut, and easy to grab. It does take some time to prepare them all but it is really worth the effort.
I boiled about 14 eggs today and made a batch of egg salad for sandwiches. These eggs are such a blessing to us, because they are from my dads chickens and he give them to us for free. I got a really good papa!
I made peanut butter today with my vita- mix machine, and guess what. I measured the ingredients so I can share my recipe.
Four cups dry roasted peanuts (Winco has the best prices on these)
1/2 cup extra virgin coconut oil in liquid form. ( heat it on the stove in a pan on low heat.)
1/4 cup honey (you can heat this with the coconut oil because you want it to be as syrup like as possible.) Just make sure you stir with a wooden spoon.
1/2 teaspoon to 1 tsp sea salt.
Put all the ingredients in the vita-mix turn on at variable speed, then up to high. You have to use the plunger thing to keep pushing the peanuts down into the blade. It really is very loud while it is grinding but don't be afraid just keep working the peanuts down into the blade until they are all creamy. This mixture does not have to be refrigerated, but should be used within a week or two.
I have made the peanut butter with canola oil too, and it works just as well. If you use canola oil put the peanut butter in the fridge to store or it will be to runny.
I hope you are encouraged to get in your kitchen and be creative. It really is a lot of fun. Our food doesn't have to come from a box.

Can prepositions be fun?

2010-09-01T15:12:00.000-07:00

There is a certain individual in our home who is so very creative. He does not want me to mention him by name, but says I can share his word for the day. He was told to write a list of all his prepositions that start with the letter b and make a prepositional phrase for each one. This is what he wrote.

The devil is behind you,
below you,
beneath you,
beside you,
between you,
beyond you,
by you,
but don't be afraid because God is on your side.

I thought it was quite clever, and was proud of his effort.

The most excellent way

2010-08-14T16:01:00.000-07:00

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angles, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all that I have to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. 1 Corithians 13:1-3

There is much I want to say, but I have no words in which to say them. The Lord has closed my mouth for the time, but he has opened my heart.

Wooden Boat

2010-07-28T14:24:00.000-07:00

Larry and I wanted to find some kind of summer job for Joshua to keep his hands moving, build some self esteem, and learn some skills of a trade. We asked Alan Tomle of Boat Works if he would mind having Joshua come help him two days a week during the summer. Alan said he would love that, and we are thrilled. Joshua has been working hard, and learning a lot about boats, and how to work on them. Here are some pictures of a boat that Alan built from scratch. It is not quite finished in the pictures. He still had to put the metal trim on the edges and a metal handle on the front. The craftsmanship of this boat is amazing, and Joshua was so excited to take pictures of it. He helped with some sanding and varnishing on this boat.

Planning for next falls homeschool days

2010-07-01T11:51:00.000-07:00

I sat down with the family last weekend and discussed with them what they would like to study in the fall. I had a huge list of areas that we could amerce ourselves in this year. When we study something I like to dig in real deep and find out as much as I can about that thing...so Unit Studies work very well for us.
After talking with the boys they both showed great interest in Military History. So we are planning on studying American wars, starting with the Revolutionary war and working all the way through to the present. For Science we will be learning about military machines, and ballistics. We will be making some of our own backyard ballistics like catapults, potato launchers, mini cannons...that sort of thing. Don't worry this will be all supervised by Dad. LOL! For physical education we will be doing a mini boot camp.
So I am trying to find as much material as I can about Military life,Branches of military, wars, battles, weapons, famous generals or soldiers who did extraordinary things...so if you have any books, movies, audio CD's that you would be willing to lend to us for anywhere from six months to a year, we would be so blessed. This is one thing about homeschooling that can be overwhelming...the cost of materials...If you lent us anything we would treat it with utmost care. I love that the Library has resources, but I have also noticed that their is a great amount of censoring that goes on. It seems like if their is anything about God in a book or film they do not carry it. I can't tell you how frustrating it is to have a list of books that I need, and am not able to find them in our local library...but there are more than enough books about sorcery, witchcraft, and everything else...my pet peeve...
Also if you have any great, creative ideas that you would like to share...I am all ears!

What we have been up too

2010-06-16T12:26:00.001-07:00

Larry has been busy teaching Joshua how to build his motor. This has been a wonderful time for both of them, and Joshua has been able to do almost everything himself. He really has a passion for working on engines, and has done really well! He needs a few more things before it is ready to be put in his truck, but it's getting there...

We have also started a new Unit Study on Kings, Queens, Knights, and Castles. We are attempting to build a wooden castle. It is not finished yet, but here are some pictures of the beginning stages.

A Light In The Darkness

2010-04-11T09:55:00.000-07:00

A Light In The Darkness

We are beginning a new unit study this week on light. I came upon this blog while doing researching our upcoming theme, and I was so blessed. This is beautifully, and thoughtfully done, and I am so thankful that I came upon it. I wanted to share with others, because that is what we are called to do. I really enjoyed this blog, and I am sure I will visit it many more times. Check it out, and I hope you are blessed for doing so!

Trusting in Jesus

2010-04-01T10:03:00.000-07:00

... Proverbs 28:25 He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth
his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.

Psalms 125:1 A Song of Ascents. They that trust in the LORD are as mount Zion,
which cannot be moved, but abideth for ever.

Trust in in the Lord, lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5,6

What do you trust in? Is it in your goodness, is it in your wealth, is it in your own wisdom, is it in another person, is it in your government? Where do you place your trust?

There have been many times that I have placed my trust where it didn't belong. There have manytimes I chose to do things my own way. Maybe out of selfishness, maybe out of fear, maybe out of pride...this never works out, it only brings pain, suffering, and loss. Not only for myself but also for others around me. How many times have I let others down because I failed to Trust God? How many messes have I made because I failed to trust God?

There is a song that goes like this: Trust and obey; cause theres no other way; to be happy in Jesus; but to trust and obey...

The Lord and I have been going round and round for many years about my trust issues, about my lack of faith, about my fear of the unknown. He wants me to take steps of faith, that seem so scary to me. I don't know if you have watched the Indiana Jones movies, but there is a scene in one of the movies. Harrison Ford is standing on a cliff,and the enemy is right behind him. He has only one choice step off the cliff, or be killed by the enemy. He chooses to step off the cliff. To his amazement something catches him, and he is able to walk across this invisable bridge to the other side. The bridge was there, even though he couldn't see it at first. I find this to be a perfect word picture, of how God wants us to trust. Faith without seeing, or knowing the outcome.
I find over and over again in the scripture that when God asks his children to trust him, he always gives a promise. Notice that in the verses above. I find that I have to claim those promises over and over again. When I pray I remind God of his word, and his promises. I remind myself of all the times he has been faithful to those who love him. They are there in the stories you read in the bible, and they are even true in my own life. I can look back at the times I really needed him, and I had no choice but to trust him, and He always has pulled me through.

It is the times in my life that I have chosen not to trust in Him, and chose to do things my own way, or chosen to listen to man's wisdom that I have gotten way over my head. I think of the story of Peter walking on the water to Jesus. He was doing great walking on that water, as long as he kept his eyes on Jesus. But as soon he let his eyes wander to the waves crashing around him, he started to sink. He got caught up in the fear of the storm for just a moment. He cried out to Jesus, and Jesus saved him. Jesus asked Peter," Why did you doubt me?"...What is your storm?

I have to believe God can get us out of storms, even when they are self imposed storms. If we have messed up, If we have taken our eyes off of Jesus, If we have tried to do things in our own power, and we have made a total mess of our lives.We can still cry out to Jesus, and ask him to save us. He always will, He always forgives, He is always calling out to us, and saying," take my hand!" Today is the day to start trusting Jesus. There really is no other way!

Lord, today I choose to take that step of faith. I choose to do it your way, because I know that your way is the only way. I have made a mess of things trying to do it on my own. Jesus, I need you to do the impossible in my life. I am tired sinking, I want to float. I need you to hold out your hand, I need you to save me, because I can't do it on my own. I know that you never intended me too. Lord please forgive me, and help me to walk in your ways. Take over my life, and make it what you want it to be. I know that this is the only way that I can truely live!

Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

"Give me Liberty or Give me Death."

2010-03-23T14:40:00.000-07:00

Please watch this video, and ask yourself if you are willing to give up your freedom for temporary indulgence...This is something I have been asking myself a lot lately as our President is trying to push through this health care act.
I do not have health insurance, and have not seen a doctor or a dentist in years. Of course I would love to be able to have health care, but not at the cost of giving up my freedom. When the government wants to force all people to carry health insurance, that is against our constitutional rights...And when this is the case, We must stand on the side of Liberty, or we will loose it!
Benjamin Franklin said,"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." To me these word are so very profound, and the echo in my ear! Let us never forget our past, and what we have fought to obtain, and let us never give our freedom away!
Thomas Paine said," Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect everyone who approaches that jewel."

Going Home

2010-02-22T13:00:00.000-08:00

My Grandma Elsie is going home to be with her Jesus very soon. I was blessed with a good visit with her in the hospital on Friday, and in the nursing home that same night. Saturday she said lots of goodbyes to her children and grandchildren, giving them all her last words of wisdom. I am sure they were good words, her words of wisdom were sweet to my ear.
She is really looking forward to being with the Lord, and even in death she is so strong....I am really going to miss her, but I know I will see her again in time. It won't be long now Grandma, He's coming to carry you home. What a glorious time that will be, I can only imagine....

Fun day with Dad

2010-02-15T14:56:00.001-08:00

Larry took the boys shooting up in the hills today. They got up early and got ready right away. Funny how quickly they can wake up and get dressed when they have something like this to look forward too! They had a great time practicing there shooting skills.

Marshmallow shooter

2010-02-13T11:50:00.000-08:00

If you have sons eight and above you have to watch this video, and make your own shooters. I don't know a single man who would not love this!

Hands on learning

2010-01-28T09:08:00.000-08:00

Joshua is not thrilled about getting his picture taken, but he is thrilled about this carburetor. He went to a swap meet with his dad in December, and found a really nice carburetter for a really good deal. Larry taught him how to tear it down, and rebuild it. He really enjoyed the whole process of getting the carburetor, and fixing it up nice.

Now he is on the hunt for a good engine block, and some good heads. He is saving all his money for building this engine. It is taking a long time to get all the pieces...But I am sure the effort will be worth it.

The Pilgrim’s Heart Part 5 – The Contrite Heart « Possessing the Treasure

2010-01-02T10:50:00.000-08:00

The Pilgrim’s Heart Part 5 – The Contrite Heart « Possessing the Treasure

Last night as I was thinking about life, and talking with God about how he wants me to walk during this season. He told me with a broken and contrite heart...I really didn't know what this meant completey... So today, I did some research on the subject and fell upon this artical. It really blessed my heart, and I really want to live this way!

Unaware we pass "Him" by

2009-12-25T11:33:00.000-08:00

On life's busy thoroughfares
We meet with Angels anawares-
But we are too busy to listen or hear,
Too busy to sense that God is near,
Too busy to stop and recognize
The grief that lies in another's eyes,
Too busy to offer to help or share,
Too busy to sympathize or care,
Too busy to do the Good Things we should,
Telling ourselves we would if we could...
But life is too swift and the pace is too great
and we dare not pause for we might be late
For our next appointment which means so much,
We are willing to brush off the Saviours's touch
And we tell ourselves there will come a day
We will have more time to pause on our way...
But before we know it"life's sun has set"
And we've passed the Saviour but never met,
For hurry along life's thoroughfare
We passed Him by and remained unaware
That within the VERY SIGHT OF OUR EYE,
UNNOTICED, THE SON OF GOD PASSED BY.

Helen Steiner Rice

My mom used to read me The Story of the Christmas Guest every christmas season when I was a child. The book now belongs to me and I read it with my children every Christmas season.

May you be blessed this Christmas, and may the Lord give you new revelation of His Love for you, and may you respond with this same kind of Love.

How could He love us so?

2009-12-20T12:08:00.000-08:00

How could He love us so?

How could He love us so?

How could He love us so?

How could He leave His throne in Heaven, to be born into the filth of mankind? How could the Creator, choose to be the creation? When we had hurt him so... The first man and woman that he created, chose disobedience and touched what they should not have touch, tasted what they should not have tasted. There fist born son murdered his brother because of jealousy... and it goes on, and on, and on....

We are such a selfish people! Bent on getting our own way, not counting the cost of our selfish ways. We place ourselves on a throne, We exalt ourselves up in our own eyes, wanting to be our own gods. We say, " Oh look at the sovereignty of might man" With our heads lifted up, and our chest puffed out, we walk around in arrogance. We hold on to our pride, like it is our treasure, it is our right.

Why did he not just put an end to our selfishness? Do away with mankind once and for all... In the time of Noah, he was the only righteous man in all of the world. Why didn't he just pull him up to heaven and do away with the rest? Why did he bother with our selfishness?

Why did he lower himself? Why did He choose a stable to be born? Why did he choose a teenage mother, and a humble carpenter for a father? Why did he choose to be born in such an insignificant town as Bethlehem? Why did he choose to hang out with the lowly people... the sick, and the needy? Why did he choose fishermen, and tax collectors to be his best friends? Why was he willing to die on a cross, meant for the worst kind of criminals? Why did he remain silent, when Pilot asked him to plead his case? Why did he allow them to beat him, and spit on him, and pound nails into his hands, and ridicule him, and laugh at him, and tear his clothes off of him? He didn't have too! He could have had his angles carry him away, but he didn't... He chose to die on the cross, just like He chose to come to earth... Why?

The only thing that makes sense is so that We would learn to walk in Love, as He walked in Love. So that we could learn to sacrifice for other peoples good, and not our own. So we could be made right in God's sight, by His blood. He gave us Love! He laid down His life so that we could have life in Him!

What is our response to Him? What is your response to Him? What do you choose to do with what He gave?

I pray you choose love in every situation, in every relationship. He loved us when we were ugly and nasty to him. He loved us when we put Him on a cross, and He prayed, "Father forgive them for the know no what they are doing." I pray you choose love today. I pray that you will walk as Jesus walked. Even when people don't receive you like you think they should. Even when people have hurt you, and said all kinds of evil against you, I pray you can find it in your heart to forgive.

Psalm 34:13-15 (New International Version)

13 keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from speaking lies.

14 Turn from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it.

15 The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous
and his ears are attentive to their cry;

I pray this finds you well, and if it doesn't then maybe it will in time. The Lord reconciled us to Himself, because He chose to lower Himself. Will you?

Peace to you.

Thankful for the little things

2009-12-16T14:11:00.000-08:00

When faced with writing my Christmas letter this year, I was a bit apprehensive. I felt like there were so many negative things that happened, and I thought to myself there is just nothing good to write. But, then I realized I was looking at the glass as half empty instead of half full. So I wrote my letter, and it was OK, but then when I went to print it out... the printer is out of ink. So, I will not be sending out a letter this year like I normally do. I thought it was funny in an odd sort of way, symbolic of how this year has been.

John 16:33
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

What a wonderful verse! This year we have lost three loved ones in our family. Work has been slow, bills have been large and late, but even through our heartaches and our frustrations, God is faithful! We see his hands upon our lives, and we are comforted by his love. He is our provider, our strength, our peace!

This year has made me even more thankful for the simple things in life. A small humble garden, a homemade compost container, a clothes line that hold two large load of laundry, special moments spent with those I love. It is the simple things in life that I hold most dear, a warm smile, a cheerful embrace, and holding of hands, a kind word shared. These are the things that make life most sweet! I am thankful for each and every one.

Most of all I am thankful for a loving Savior, who came to earth, and taught us how to love, and died on a cross that he did not deserve, and went up into heaven to make a place for me. I am thankful most of all for my Jesus! I am thankful that I know my Grandpa and my Nana are there with him, and I hope my uncle is as well. I am thankful that goodbyes don't have to be forever.

Teach your children well

2009-12-02T09:18:00.000-08:00

Psalm 78: 1-8

O my people, hear my teaching;
listen to the words of my mouth.
I will open my mouth in parables,
I will utter hidden things, things
of old-
What we have heard and known,
what our fathers have told us.
We will not hide them from their
children;
we will tell the next generation
the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord,
his power, and the wonders he has done.

He decreed statutes for Jacob and established
the law in Israel,
Which he commanded our forefathers
to teach their children,
so the next generation would know
them,
even the children yet to be born,
and they in turn would tell their children.
Then they would put their trust in God
and would not forget his deeds
but would keep his commands.
They would not be like their forefathers-
a stubborn and rebellious generation,
whose hearts were not loyal to God,
whose spirits were not faithful to him.

Deuteronomy 11:18-20 (New International Version)
18 Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 19 Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

I believe these words are just as relevant today, as they were thousands of years ago. I believe when God gives you a child, you have a wonderful and great responsibility to teach that child about God, and how God wants us to live for him.
I believe this is a command to parents, not to churches, not to schools. God placed this child in your arms, and gave you the responsibility to teach them about Him.

I believe the churches responsibility is to come along side the parents and back them up, but not take over. Church should never be a drop off zone for tired, selfish parents. Children are a blessing from the Lord, they are a gift to you from God, they are an amazing miracle... but they are a lot of work.... If you take the time to spend with them, and take the time to teach them, and take the time to encourage them, then you will reap a harvest of good fruit.. but if you see them as a burden, or is you are naive and give them over to the state to teach, and the church to teach, and spend your time in selfish ways... well then.... your missing your calling, your missing the blessing.. and scripture give you all the warning you need. Psalms 78:8 says they will become a stubborn and rebellious generation! Look around you, at this generation, and what do you see?! Maybe look in the mirror, and look the person looking back at you.... Please do not harden your hearts....God's word is sharper than a double edged sword, and it hurts at times, but it is meant for your good, and the good of your children.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T09:07:00.000-08:00

I thank the Lord for His many provissions, for His unseen protections, for His unconditional love. I thank the Lord for a wonderful family, great friends, and godly council.

I pray that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and that your hearts would be as full as your stomachs today. That your joy may be full, as you join in this celabration day...

Psalm 118
1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever.

Genesis, Wifely Submission, and Modern Wives - Answers in Genesis

2009-11-25T18:10:00.001-08:00

Genesis, Wifely Submission, and Modern Wives - Answers in Genesis

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Why I homeschool

2009-11-20T12:53:00.000-08:00

I homeschool because I feel the Lord has impressed me to do so. I feel he has given me children to train up in his word. I feel that my children are a blessings,and I want to do my best with what he has given me. I want my children to know they are always loved, that I am available to them whenever they need to talk, whenever they need a hug, whenever they need help... Because that is how God is with me. I want them to learn to be respectful, honorable, honest, hardworking men. I want them to have a heart that is filled with God's word, so when the time comes that they are out on their own then will have a storehouse of knowledge inside of them.

I feel obligated to teach my children that this world did not come about by chance, that a big explosion can not create anything. This world was created for a purpose, and they were created for a purpose, and there are no accidents when it comes to the creation. God made us, He loves us, and He wants a relationship with us...

Why is that such a threat to so many? Why do people look at me so strange when I say that I choose to educate my children? Can I really go wrong... after all I have the Creator of the world on my side. I have his knowledge in my heart, and it's an complete honor to teach my children about his creation. It's an honor to tell them about Jesus love. It's an honor to teach them about the providence of God. It is an honor to be with them, to share my time with them, to learn with them, to grow in the Lord with them... It's a great privilege to be a parent. To be intrusted with a life... It's an honor! I will never take that lightly!

I will never give my children over to the state for them to indoctrinate. They teach a doctrine that is contrary to the word of God. They teach children that they came about by chance, and that they evolved from apes, that it's OK to live in sin, and give them protective measures so that they can do it safely.... like sin is ever safe! They teach that if you think homosexuality is wrong then you are hateful. If you believe in God, then your ignorant...and that is just the beginning, their is many more lies they teach... Why would I not homeschool my children? I love them, and they are a gift to me... after all it all goes by so fast.. I don't want to miss a minute of it!

lazy days and ponderings

2009-11-16T11:18:00.000-08:00

We have been having some lazy days around our house. Cold weather is here, and so are the sore throats and sniffles. I have been forcing elderberry tinctures and super green vitamins down every ones throats, trying to get them healthy again... I also made up my thieves oil, and have been rubbing it on their necks and feet.. and using it to keep my hands germ free.

Saturday, Joshua helped Larry built a little house that goes over the top of our generator. It will keep it nice and dry when it's in storage, but it also will keep it dry if we need to use it. I love to see them working together on projects.

Levi is really into football right now, so him and a friend play in our back yard. Sometimes Larry and Joshua get involved too, and they have so much fun...

I have been going through all the clothes that were left to me from my Nana. It has been hard to go through them, but I have really been blessed with some nice shirts. I also was blessed with all her paper, and pencils, and paints... She loved to paint, and it kept her busy right up to the end... Yesterday I sat down and drew a picture of sunflowers, and painted them with her watercolor pencils... It was fun,and of course I thought about her the whole time... OK, I'm crying... but, I know that will get better in time. I am so glad she is with Jesus, and not hurting anymore... and I bet she is having a wonderful time catching up with all her loved ones. Maybe she is talking to Papa and holding his hand...

Theives Oil: Homemade Hand Sanitizer | Healthy and Green Living

2009-11-12T11:15:00.000-08:00

Theives Oil: Homemade Hand Sanitizer | Healthy and Green Living

I was talking to a friend about Thieves oil the other day, and I decided to try to find a recipe that was close to the one I used to buy. This one is very similar. This mixture is wonderful for getting rid of viruses, and bacteria. It is also calms your coughs, and takes the pain out of soar throats. If I could only have a few things in my medicine cabinet this would be one of them for sure.

Homeschoolers Under Fire

2009-11-06T14:35:00.000-08:00

Homeschoolers Under Fire

Please watch this video, and pray for these families in Europe. You can go to parentalrights.org and sign the petition, so that our rights as parents will not be taken away. There is no time to wait on this!

Rise up, O men of God

2009-11-04T11:27:00.000-08:00

This is a song I found in an old hymnal... It dates back to the late 1800's.

Rise up, O men of God! Have done with lesser things;
Give heart and mind and soul and strength To serve the King of Kings.

Rise up, O men of God! His kingdom tarries long;
Bring in the day of brotherhood And end the night of wrong.

Rise up, O men of God! The Church for you doth wait,
Her strength unequal to her task; Rise up, and make her great!

Lift high the cross of Christ! Tread where His feet have trod.
As brothers of the Son of Man, Rise up, O men of God!

Talk about a heart cry! O Lord, that the hearts of Christian men would wake up, and rise up to lead the church, and lead there families in truth and righteousness! Lord Jesus, put a fire in our men's hearts that can not be ignored, that cannot be put out. Let them sound the trumpets, and March as men of War. Let them stand on God's Holy Word, and not the status quo. Let them not be afraid to offend men, but afraid to offend God! What this nation needs is Men, real Men, that will not shrink back, but will stand upon the word of God.

Trust and obey

2009-11-03T14:12:00.000-08:00

This is the song the Lord has laid on my heart today. I hope it blesses you...

crunchy bars

2009-10-27T15:55:00.000-07:00

My family loves to eat these healthy treats. They taste so good,you would never guess that they are healthy too. I am always on the lookout for snacks that full of protein and not loaded with sugar. I hope your family likes them too!

Crunchy bars
Makes 12-16 bars

4cups uncooked oatmeal
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 1/2 cup chopped nuts
1 cup honey
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp salt
3/4 cup butter or margarine
(for an added bonus a handful of dried fruit, like raisins is nice)

1. Combine all ingredients and mix well. Press into well-greased 9 inch square pan.
2. Bake at 425 for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Cool and cut into bars.

Meditation of the heart

2009-10-25T15:59:00.000-07:00

Psalm 19:14

14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

The Lord has been speaking a lot to me about this verse. When I go to bed at night, these words play over in my head. When I wake in the morning these words pour forth from my spirit. When I go about my day, he gently corrects me with these words.

I notice that the words of my mouth are a reflection of what my mind is meditating on. So often I find myself grumbling or complaining in my heart... Instead of being thankful, I am sullen. Oh how I want God to change this in me! So I go to His word and I find wonderful verses to encourage me, to teach me how to think.

Philippians 4:8 (Message bible)
Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.

I see in this verse that I have to put into practice what I have learned. I have to work at being positive. It takes effort, but I believe the effort is worth it. I know that God is there to help me.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (New International Version)
16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Isaiah 55:11 (New King James Version)
11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
It shall not return to Me void,
But it shall accomplish what I please,
And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

I cling to these verses because they are filled with promise for me. That God is working in my heart, and his word is transforming me. God is my constant help, and what I can't do by myself he is doing in me.

I hope this is an encouragement to you all well. I pray that you will find rest, peace, and joy in the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

A gentle word turns away wrath

2009-10-21T14:02:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 15
1 A gentle answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.

2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge,
but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.

Lord thank you for your words of knowledge, please help me to always speak in a manner that is pleasing to you. The husband and the children you have blessed me with, are true treasures and I want to treat them as such. Help me to keep my tongue, and when I need to speak, help me to whisper instead of yell. Help me to smile instead of frown. Please help me to walk in the Love you have given me, through your Holy Spirit. Have your way in my heart, and in the hearts of my family.

I love that God is still working in me, I love that he knows my struggles and he loves me and gently encourages me. I want to be that way to those around me as well. I want to be a reflection of his glory. Just like when Moses came down off the mountain after being in God's presence his face radiated. I want Gods love to radiate through me, so that I can be an encouragement to those around me. I know God is faithful to finish the work he has started in me.

Sweeter than Honey

2009-10-16T12:15:00.000-07:00

Psalm 19:9-11 (New International Version)

9 The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever.
The ordinances of the LORD are sure
and altogether righteous.

10 They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the comb.

11 By them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.

Psalm 119:102-104 (New International Version)

102 I have not departed from your laws,
for you yourself have taught me.

103 How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!

104 I gain understanding from your precepts;
therefore I hate every wrong path.

King David declares that the fear of the Lord, and the commands of the Lord are sweeter than pure honey, even honey from the comb! He says, that the words of the Lord give him warning,understanding, and that in keeping them there is GREAT REWARD!
Who doesn't have a sweet tooth? I know that for me there are times that I just crave something sweet, and nothing else that I eat will satisfy my taste buds. An interesting fact that I have learned is that honey is two times as sweet as sugar, and it is actually very beneficial to your health.
So I find it is very fitting that David would make such a claim about the word of God. It satisfies our souls, and nothing can take it's place. So here is my question... Why do we try to find a substitute for God's word? Why do we go to the cupboard when we feel depressed, or tired, or lonely, or board. I use this illustration because we are talking about honey. But I know we all have our own things we go to when we are trying to fill that void, that only God can fill. Why don't we go to God's word first?

Exodus 3:17
And I have promised to bring you up out of your misery in Egypt into the land of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites—a land flowing with milk and honey.'
Numbers 14:8
If the LORD is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us
Deuteronomy 6:3
Hear, O Israel, and be careful to obey so that it may go well with you and that you may increase greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD, the God of your fathers, promised you.

In these verses God sees his people and there suffering, and he has compassion on them. He promises to bring them out of bondage, and bring them into a land flowing with milk and HONEY. But, there is a condition... They must obey the words of the Lord.
It should never be a chore to read the Word of God, because it is a delight. It satisfies us in a way that nothing else can. All other things are imposter's, they may satisfy an itch, but they don't last. Often they lead us away from the Lord, and his will for us.
The Lord wants to bring us into a land flowing with milk and honey, he wants to satisfy you with his word. But, he is not a God who will force our hand and make us spend time with him. He wants us to love him enough to spend time with him, and in doing so He will give us a great reward!

What do I know of Holy

2009-10-14T11:29:00.000-07:00

I hope this song blesses your heart as much as it does mine. Sometimes we try to make God so small, and we just don't understand the awesomeness of our God!

A dog house for Saydee, and Koda

2009-10-12T14:54:00.000-07:00

When Joshua was a small boy, he would spend hours with his wooden blocks or plastic Lego's, with his cars and trucks, and his small plastic animals. He would build, and build, and build. He has always loved to work with his hand!

Now that he is becoming older, those toys have turned to tools. The wooden blocks have turned to planks of wood. Plastic tools have turned to real tools. This is Joshua's first time using the miter saw. Dad stayed close by his side, and made sure he was paying attention to all the safety rules. Larry and Joshua love to build things together.

This is day two of the building project, and the frame is completed. They had fun cutting and nailing all the pieces in place.

This is Saydee, and Koda in there finished doghouse. They both fit so snug inside, and they are kept warm will the wonderful cedar shavings. Notice we keep hay down in their kennel to keep them from getting muddy when it rains.

2009-10-10T22:16:00.000-07:00

Fishing is Levi's favorite thing to do with his dad. This year they spent many hours fishing the Stilly river. They had a wonderful time and we were blessed with quite a few salmon dinners.

This a fish that Larry caught. My nephew didn't know quite what to think of it, but when Uncle Larry started the cleaning process, Sean said " Oh Gross". I have to agree with Sean, but I sure like eating them.

Salvation Message-Shock and Awe

2009-10-10T15:34:00.000-07:00