A beginning

This is the beginning of a new day. God has given me this day to use as I will. I can waste it or use it for good. What I do today is important, because I'm exchanging a day of my life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever, leaving in its place something that I have traded for it. I want it to be gain, not loss; good, not evil; success, not failure; in order that I shall not regret the price I paid for it.

~Anonymous

We are truly amazing

Have you ever really thought about yourself as a Creation from the Maker of the Universe? We are so amazing. God could have made us without the world-renowned thumb. But He gave it to us. He didn't have to give us skin that stretches when we move our hands. And when we scrape ourself, He didn't have to make sure that more skin will eventually grow in its place. Think about how long our bodies last compared to the latest in technology (granted we sometimes do have an occasional upgrade)! Right now I have four holes in my mouth, but eventually I'll probably forget that they're even there. God didn't have to even give us skin, he could have just made us skeletons and we never would have known the difference, but He cares so much for us. And what did we do to deserve it? Absolutely nothing.

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

Psalm 139:13-16

Wow.

Now that's amazing.

Summer Happenings

Lots of things have been happening lately. We had the new flooring put in the rec room. There's been eye appointments, cleaning, camping, a BBQ at Erbele's-- Shanon and Gabe won a cookout for 50 people and was made as a sort of welcome to the neighborhood party. The boys and I have been painting the sheep barn. Not terribly exciting, but it's something. Tomorrow I am getting my wisdom teeth out. The sad thing is that I really like apples, and I just realized last night with the help of my dear mother, that I won't be able to eat them for a couple days! But on Saturday is a movie at Prairie Bible Camp, Facing the Giants, so I can go to that. Hopefully I don't look like a chipmunk.
I recently got some books in the mail. Three Elisabeth Elliot books-- Let Me Be a Woman, Passion and Purity, and Quest for Love: True Stories of Passion and Purity. And a VOM book, Called to Die. I'm also expecting two Joshua Harris books-- I Kissed Dating Goodbye and Boy Meets Girl: Hello Courtship. Along with some other books in my personal library that I need to get reading. And I've only got a month left of summer!!

Gasp!

My digital camera is gone!! You remember my great, wonderful, fantabulous camera right? Well it is now in the hands of Geek Squad at Best Buy. I have my memory cards so maybe that will keep me going. It will only be for... two... weeks. I'm okay, I'm okay. Really, I am. Well, no family is visiting, there is no camp, and no big holidays so it should be okay. And I get to have my wisdom teeth taken out next wednesday. So I don't think I'd be taking too many pictures anyway. So right now is an ideal time.

I hope.

My 300th post

Just thought I'd let you know about this fascinating milestone in my life.

Fourth of July

Fun Candids

And of course we had to have our annual incident. It never fails, something always happens! :)

Thank you Susan and Robert for the awesome homemade

ice cream and root beer. And the supper too. :)

She's on the go!

Paul was helping Elisabeth with her shoe. We concluded that she lost her shoe on purpose, just for him. [smile]

Reminder of Freedom

Fireworks

What a wondeful day to celebrate our freedom and blessings that God has given to us!

Books books books

Who is your favorite author and why? The apostle Paul or Elisabeth Elliot. I just love reading the book of Philippians. Especailly knowing the background of it. Paul was in prison when he wrote that we are to always be joyful! And Elisabeth Elliot-- even though I've only read a couple of her books (Be Still My Soul and Passion and Purity), I think she is such an amazing author. Her peace comes through so well in her writings. She is such an inspiration through all she has been through.

Who was your first favorite author and why? Oh goodness, I have no idea! Probably Dr. Seuss. I mean, can you really argue with green eggs and ham? The man is a genius!


Who is your most recent addition to your favorite authors, and why? CJ Mahaney. As stated in my previous post, I absolutely loved his book Humility: True Greatness.

If someone were to ask you right now- which author would just pop into mind? Corrie ten Boom

I tag--
Alyse><Bethany><Linda
Kris><Jenny><Brittney

Humility

I recently finished Humility: True Greatness by C.J. Mahaney. It is such an amazing book. I would highly recommend it. Anyway, today I was thinking about being truly humble. Having a servant's attitude. And I noticed so many things in my life in just the short hours of today how often I have pride in my heart. Not showing total respect to my parents, asking my brother what little work he has done today.

And the list goes on. I realized that in asking what little work others have done, I am just trying to raise myself up above them because I considered myself to have worked oh-so hard today. While reading the book, I often found myself thinking,"Ah, yes, humility. I can do that." Little did I know that I had pride in my heart as I said it. I was thinking that I could do it on my own, effortlessly. I need to learn to fully rely on Him, completely aware of my own shortcomings. Humility is a hard thing. But we're supposed to do hard things.

Family

Nothing purchased can come close to the renewed sense

of gratitude for having family and friends.

:::Courtland Milloy:::

Insanity runs in my family. It practically gallops.

:::Cary Grant:::

[smile]

Jump for Joy!

When was the last time you laughed for the sheer joy of your salvation? People are not attracted to somber doctrines. There is no persuasive power in a gloomy and morbid religion. Let the world see your joy and you won't be able to keep them away. To be filled with God is to be filled with joy.

:::Anonymous:::

Bethany

She definitely loves photography

She's can't help herself.

We try to distract her...

But she's addicted.

However she did find time for 'normal' activities like Migthy Mighty Scoop Noodle Challenge!

Maybe there is hope for her afterall.

(Remember to keep her in your prayers! :)

Cast and quotes

Alphie and Boe

(N is for knowledge!)

Louise and Clark




"Let me lead you to the shortcut"

Martin Luther's sister

"Services every 3 hours?!"

Joseph and Potiphar

:)

"Noo-o-o!!"

Martin Luther from the main drama

"But your honor!..."

The Judge

Paul and Silas

:)

"Jesus loves me this I know..."

Marketlady (me) and Martin Luther

Mr. Dirt

More camp pictures

I'm almost at a loss for posting all these pictures. Click here to see Ruth's awesome slideshow and Rachel's post about camp. I couldn't have said it better myself:

How does a person sum up a week of ol' time revival meetings, dozens of youth ages 4 - 18, colorful dramas, meaningful lessons, enthusiastic games, and priceless moments with friends?

By pictures of course!

Mighty Mighty Scoop Noodle Challenge

Gator ball

Devotional Time

Mr. Dirt

Chapel Time

Perfect Walks

Dancing in the Tabernacle