Thrive at CCC

I'm going to a women's retreat

I know what you are thinking...sounds awful! It took me several years to agree to go to this thing. Thanks to a church event back when my girls were toddlers, I decided it was better to do a scrapbook weekend with friends than a women's retreat with a bunch of annoying women. Seriously, if I am going to spend lots of money and be away from my family for 1-2 days it better be fun or a time of great spiritual growth (or both). No kidding one of the sessions I attended back in the day was "how to dress your shape" WHAT??? That did me in! To be fair, there may have been something good presented that day, I just don't remember. I vowed to never go again. I don't want to learn how to fold napkins, use a scarf as an accessory or clean a bathroom in the midst of a women's retreat at church!

Geepers...a lot of punctuation and frustration just flowed out of me.

Anyway, I am so happy that Christ Community Church knows how to put on an event for women. And I'm thankful to some persuasive friends who got me to go back. Over the years at CCC I have had a variety of roles, this year I am a table leader again. Other than my loyal GF Tami, I do not know who will be at my table. This is both a source of excitement and anxiety. This week I am focusing on prayer for the event, the speakers, the table assignments, the attendees, the weather and health. God is able to do more than I could ever imagine. If you are so inclined please lift up this event in prayer.

As a table leader I am also trying to come up with something special to make for each person at my table. I can't spend much money so it may be a little sign with scripture on it. I will let you know if that actually happens. With a theme of "courage" I like the verse below. (I know I just mentioned it in my last post) I will take suggestions for other short verses.

Happy Presidents' Day!

Pray for our leaders!

I Am With You

I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I promised you.  -  Genesis 28:15

Soothing words for a parent in preparation to send her daughter out of our safe home and begin her journey of adulthood in college. Yes, it's only September of her senior year but nearly every day there is paperwork to fill out, a discussion to have or or check to write that reminds me she will be moving out all too soon. We pray for our children. We teach our children. We love our children. We know God is with them but still worry. Oh, why is my faith weak? This scripture reminds me that I need not worry, just trust the Lord that He has it all under control.

Here are a couple of Emma's senior pictures. Not my favorites but I post them because I enjoy the memory of the day they were taken. The top picture: We were done with the first photo shoot and heading home when Kelli, our photographer saw this building in an alley. A last second stop, 3 pictures taken and then jumped back in the van to head home. The bottom picture: Kelli wanted some candid pictures showing Emma's carefree laughter. She was struggling so I started doing cheers, something that totally embarrasses my daughters. There is nothing better than the pure unadulterated joy of a child. I love you girl!

Emma, the Lord your God will always be with you. He loves you more than we, your parents ever could. He is with you today and all your days ahead. This does not mean your path will always be easy but it will be worth the journey. In all you do, lean on Jesus for the big and little moments.

Bathroom Beautification

As a parent of teenagers I became a facebooker, instagramer, tweeter, pinner, etc. You have to. This post isn't about parenting or social media but I promise you, it's important to be able to navigate the same sites your children are. Obviously, they do it better and more often but I make my presences known. ANYWAY, one day as I was scrolling through instagram I found a post by daily_bibleverses that I knew had to go on my bathroom wall. Fast forward about a year and finally there is paint on my bathroom walls so I could start the creative process.

Here is the finished product. I love walking into my bathroom each morning and the first thing I see is this design with a reminder that With GOD all things are possible. 

I don't want anyone to think I am more capable than I really am. An old-school projector helped me shoot the image on the wall. I had to free hand the four ends of the cross but all that tough stuff I had a guide. Here's the kicker, my bedroom, bathroom and laundry area all have to be clean all the time so I can show off my artwork. I guess next time I will do something like this in the entry way. Ha

VERSE OF THE DAY

With man this is impossible 
but with God all things are possible

Matthew 19:26

So often this verse, like many are misused. It doesn't mean if I follow God I can do anything that I hope and dream for. This verse is in the middle of a passage about what it takes to get into heaven. Remember we are saved by FAITH! Jesus is telling a rich man and the disciples to follow the commandments and sell your possessions to give to the poor then follow me (Jesus). The rich man was sad and Jesus tells them,  it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God. It's not our possessions that hold us back, it's the love of our possessions that gets in the way of us fully devoting ourselves to God's purpose. This is when Jesus points out to them, with man this is impossible but with God all things are possible. God is good all the time.

Now I'm off to Hobby Lobby to purchase a canvas. I have two orders for this design. Oh how I love to create. Have a great weekend!

A Challenge

Verse of the Day

Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.” (‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭21‬ NIV)

Ok friends this is our challenge for today. Don't just know His Commands but keep them. Love is a great place to start. This was actually yesterday's verse for me but I didn't do a very good job so I'm starting fresh today. Pretty much like I do everyday.

Have a great day!

Easter Bunny, Fox, Lamb or Rooster

I know the story about Christ's birth, life, death and ultimately his Resurrection which is what brings us to Easter but often I have wondered where the eggs, bunnies and candy came into the equation. First I went to the all trust-worthy Wikipedia.
EASTER EGGS, also called PASCHAL EGGS, are decorated eggs that are often given to celebrate Easter or springtime. As such, Easter eggs are common during the season of Eastertide (Easter season). The oldest tradition is to use dyed and painted chicken eggs, but a modern custom is to substitute chocolate eggs, or plastic eggs filled with confectionery such as jelly beans. Eggs, in general, were a traditional symbol of fertility, and rebirth. In Christianity, for the celebration of Eastertide, Easter eggs symbolize the empty tomb of Jesus though an egg appears to be like the stone of a tomb, a bird hatches from it with life; similarly, the Easter egg, for Christians, is a reminder that Jesus rose from the grave, and that those who believe will also experience eternal life.

Then I found this little video that I found helpful.
Watch This Easter Video by the History Channel

The girls and I had fun making these Easter Egg decorations. Thank you Pinterest
Items Needed:
Water Balloons
Flour
Sta-Flo Liquid Starch
Embroidery Floss, one skein per egg
Paper to cover your table, this is a messy project

 The directions gave me a heads up on this one. Gradually unwind the skein of floss into the flour/starch mixture otherwise you will have a HUGE mess. Do not take a short cut on this, you will regret it.

 As you can see, this project also required a few Frappuccinos
Let the balloons dry completely, turning a couple times.

 I know this isn't the full instructions but you can easily find it on Pinterest.

Finished Product

Pinterest suggested making a wreath from the eggs, we decided we didn't like that look. Instead we have a center-piece for the table.

Tonight we plan to dye eggs. This is one of my favorite activities. Chris is planning on being gone.

First and foremost, I am a Christian who believes that Jesus Christ is one part of the trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. He left Heaven and became fully man to live amongst us so that He have a relationship with man-kind. Jesus knew He had to die on the cross to take on all the sins of humanity, he was the perfect sacrifice, also known as the Lamb of God. The Earth shook and veil in the temple was torn at the moment of His death. There was mourning and fear but three days later He arose from the dead. To this day Jesus sits at the right hand of God the Father. All will see Him face to face one day. Knowing this story is not enough, even the demons know this story. Believing Jesus is your Savior and knowing you are saved by His grace and your faith IS ENOUGH!

HAPPY EASTER TO EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU! GOD BLESS

VERSE OF THE DAY

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is 

eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 6:23

Jesus Calling to the Rescue

I like to have a plan when the crazy hits and it's hitting this week until about late July. This week however has three very ugly days. I'm not sure we will eat dinner together much this week. Oh that makes me sad. After I paced the kitchen, vented to Chris and even talked to my friend Tracy about how crazy it's getting I remembered I hadn't spent time with God yet today. This fantastic devotional by Sarah Young called "Jesus Calling" sits on my night stand, I started there. The first line reminded me that there's one who knows every detail.

"I am a God of both intricate detail and overflowing abundance." 

Whew! Thank you Jesus for that word! It goes on to say...

"When you entrust the details of your life to Me, you are surprised by how thoroughly I answer your petitions. I take pleasure in hearing your prayers, so feel free to bring Me all your requests."

I know these are Sarah's words, not God's but it draws me into a time with God. God, you are all knowing, larger than life, strong tower, infinite and yet care about the smallest detail.

VERSE OF THE DAY

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

Proverbs 18:10

Jesus Calling March 18

Today's entry in Sarah Young's Jesus Calling Devotional should be booked marked and read everyday in this house. Maybe I will one day let this truly settle in.

Trust Me one day at a time. This keeps you close to Me, responsive to My will. Trust is not a natural response, especially for those who have been deeply wounded. My Spirit within you is your resident Tutor, helping you in his supernatural endeavor. Yield to His gentle touch; be sensitive to His prompting.

Exert your will to trust Me in all circumstances. Don't let your need to understand distract you from My presence. I will equip you to get through this day victoriously, as you live in deep dependence on Me. Tomorrow is busy worrying about itself; don't get tangled up in its worry-webs. Trust Me one day at a time.

VERSE OF THE DAY
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of it's own.
Matthew 6:34

All Kinds of Goodness

If I want to be completely honest, last night I was dreading today. The calendar on my phone was overwhelming. Now that I have completed the day, I look back on it with a sense of joy and accomplishment. Thank the Good Lord I have a husband who is helpful. That Mr Raabe is a pretty good guy to keep around.

Emma overbooked herself which means she enlisted her mom's help without prior consideration. The day started with taking her across town early for babysitting. (I'm NOT a morning person) What came after that is a bunch of goodness... 

P O W E R T O O L S !!

My friend (pictured below) and I built a super cool filing device. I am bound to be uber organized now. We shopped at Home Depot, used a chop saw,  circular saw and nail gun. Loved it!!

I do think I will end up painting the bare boards.

The rest of our day consisted of taking Reagan and 2 friends to a movie

Olivia & I went to "Cinderella" since it was $5 Tuesday...great flick!

Shopping for a birthday party gift for Livie's friend.

I babysat for 3 hours while Emma went to track practice.

Reagan going to the dentist...2 cavities. :(

Olivia to soccer practice then to a sleepover party.

Chris sold stuff on Craig's List

Me going to a meeting for busy women, ironic huh? 

Chris going to men's bible study.

It's so nice to relax over spring break. I know I sound like a clanging gong. Actually I enjoy my kids being home and running around with them. The days can be long but the years are short. I was created for such a time as this, right??

VERSE OF THE DAY

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. 

Proverbs 17:22

Verse of The Day

Woo Hoo! I'm 2 for 2! 

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28 NIV

This verse brings me great comfort. There have been circumstances that seem unbearable and then God reminds me of this verse. He does not bring chaos into our lives so that we might learn a lesson or draw near to Him but He will use it to deepen a relationship with us. Oh God, you are so merciful and loving. Thank you for the reminder that you love us and will use our misguided ways for good.

Verse of the Day

This is something I hope to start adding to my posts. I'm not sure if I should call it "verse of the day" or "verse of the week" maybe even "verse of the month". I know I won't get on here daily but it is still MY daily verse. So in short expect change and don't hold your breath that I will remember to even post ever again. There have been days that I forgot to pick my child up from the bus stop. I can't be trusted!!

Therefore, he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
Hebrews 7:25 NIV

I encourage you to look up this verse and read the rest of the story.

New House Timeline

It has been fun the last 6-7 months to watch this house building process. Usually once a week after picking up the girls from school we drive by "our dirt." The waiting has been challenging for all. Each of us have had our less than pleasant moments but I do want to say that our girls have done a great job adapting to different living environments. Thank you girls for remembering there is an end in sight. Now that we have only a few days left I am about to go out of my mind.  I want to move in NOW!!! (3 yr old tantrum right there)

I have a series of pictures below with dates. We have hit several holidays and milestones during this process...

School started

All 5 of us celebrated birthdays (Chris turned 40)

Thanksgiving 

Christmas

New Years

Presidents Day...that's a big one right?

But we will be in before St Patty's Day. I might even want a green beer. Wait, no I won't. HA

We signed the builders contract on August 1st, one day before we had to vacate our home.

An interesting sidenote: the new home owners on 162nd Ave already have the house on the market. I hope everything is okay, probably just a job transfer. I wish them well.

October 11, 2013- digging began

Digging the Hole 10/15/13

October 18, 2013- Poured the footings

Basement Walls then wait 30 days 10/23/13

November 11, 2013-Garage floor poured and pipes in basement

November 16, 2013- Driveway, sidewalk and basement floors poured

Liv on the backside of the house

November 19, 2013- The wood arrives

Wood Dropped, now 90 days from completion

November 26, 2013- Opa makes a visit to the building site

Opa and Olivia on the main floor

December 2, 2013- we sneak in for a photo without the roof (can you tell it's unseasonably warm)

upstairs close to the laundry room

December 6, 2013

December 8, 2013- Windows installed
December 10, 2013

Backside of the house

Nothing significant, I just think this is cute.

December 14, 2013- We write scriptures and prayers on the floors and wood beams of our walls.

John 3:16

Isaiah 40:31

Romans 12:21

Our Happy Family

Writing scriptures on the walls of a building has nothing to do with magic, instead it has everything to do with the foundations of our new home being built on the Word of God and His promises. We will use this house to honor and glorify our Lord, Jesus Christ. We laughed as we froze our fingers trying to write on rough wood. I wanted to have something in every room of the house. There really isn't much in the bible about laundry so I may have taken that scripture out of context. :)

December 19, 2013- Siding & Garage Doors went on

December 28, 2013- I walked around the inside of the house video taping the walls so we would know what was under the dry wall, where pipes and wiring were.

First week of January- Drywall and mudding

January 10, 2014- Back deck was completed

January 14, 2014- Interior Doors and trim was installed

January 22, 2014- Cabinets through out the house were installed and exterior lighting

kitchen cabinets

January 31, 2014- Tile and hardwood installed
February 4, 2014- Counter tops installed & fireplace stone completed (love both of these!!)
February 11, 2014- Carpet guy came back to finish the install

Carpet

February sometime the door was painted. The house will be painted when the weather warms up.

Oh I have a brown door...I like it!

February, 17, 2014- A pre-walk through with the agent.

They approve

All that's left now is a few appliances and a some touch ups.  

February 24, 2014- Official Walk-thru

February 26, 2014- We close (hopefully)

March 8, 2014- is our official BIG move in date. Aunt Helen is making food for the movers, so it will be yummy. If you are reading this you are invited to come help. (Vicki, I know you won't make it.)

There are several things that we want to do to the house in the next year. I will give you before and after photos as they are completed.

-painting, upgrading light fixtures & ceiling fans, seal the deck, landscaping, finishing the basement, more stone on the house and new front porch posts. Chris says "we'll see."  Oh yes we will.  ha

  

Beth Moore's Scripture Challenge

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge;

fools despise wisdom and instruction.  Proverbs 1:7

Here I am in week #9 of Beth Moore's scripture memory challenge.

I am learning scripture but not as much as I would like.  I need to

be more diligent with my study habits.

Our pastor is challenging our church body to read a chapter in Proverbs a day. 

May has 31 days and Proverbs has 31 chapters.  So there really isn't a good

excuse for not knowing what chapter they should be reading.  My two

verses in May will probably both come from this month's reading.

I can't let today pass without at least mentioning the latest world news.

To be totally honest, I don't know how to feel about the death of Bin Laden.

It a relief to know he is gone but that doesn't change the status of

what he built.  I don't see his cause skipping a beat.  We have all been

affected by 9-11, certainly some much more than others.  The pain of

loosing a loved one probably never goes away but I know resentment does

not heal anything either.  So does Bin Laden's death release the resentment?

He (terrorist in general) has changed us forever. 

I'm not sure if I should delete that, I don't really know what to say or

how I feel.  I read a cute little saying on a friend's blog, all the

sudden I can see how true it is.

"Blogging is cheaper than a therapist!"

Ha!  That makes me laugh but I guess getting those unorganized

feelings out is proof of that statement.  If you have strong opinions

about what I said feel free to comment but if you leave something ugly

I won't post your comment.  Aw, the power!  :)

UPDATE:  saw this on a friend's facebook status today...I like this.

Whoever said it, doesn't matter:
"I will mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that."

Easter Week

Easter week . Holy week . Chocolate Bunnies . Spring break

The week that Christ was tortured, hung on a cross, buried and resurrected means different things to different people.  Our family enjoys the fun part of easter.  Below you will see our peep wreath, eggs that we colored with traditional dye and also silk dyed.  And when I get the pictures from Nana you'll also see the easter egg hunt.  What you won't see is pictures of us in church celebrating Christ's death and resurrection but that side of easter is what means the most to us.

My verse for Beth Moore's scripture challenge is all about the Easter good news:

For God so loved the world

that He gave His one and only son

that who ever believes in Him

shall not perish but have eterntal life.

John 3:16

 Emma's final 6th grade orchestra concert was this week.  I was so disappointed when I realized that my camera battery was very low.  However to my great surprise I was able to take several pictures and video 2 songs including Emma's duet.  YAY!  The camera shut off and I was pleased.  Oh no, they weren't done...

Emma was then given "The Outstanding Musician" award...

AND I DIDN'T HAVE A CAMERA!  dang!!



I had to capture Reagan, Olivia and friend on their DS waiting for the concert to start.  No, I didn't let them play video games during the orchestra concert.  :)



The only good use for peeps...turn them into art. 

 The girls and I had lots of fun making this colorful wreath for our front door.

Silk Dyed Easter Eggs

I found this link at Our Best Bites If you are not familiar with that site, they have some very creative and fun holiday activities.  I can't wait to make the multicolored cup cakes but I will be using natural dyes instead of artificial dyes.  I care too much about my families health to load them up with all that junk.

By the way, no we did not eat these eggs.

My girls are creative egg decorators. 

Mom and My Beautiful girls.

Visiting Aunt Delma before going to church on Saturday night.

Easter Baskets





Freedom Rings

What holds you captive?

What will release you from that tight grip?

I continue to participate in Beth Moore's scripture challenge.  The living, breathing word of God never fails me, tucked inside the bible are so many little nuggets that help me get through live on a daily basis.  There are times that I feel lost, bound by the enemy's lies but when I seek His truth I am freed from the lies, the guilt and the fear.  My 7th memory verse describes this freedom and how to achieve it...from knowing the truth.  Thank you God for these words.

"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

John 8:32 (NIV)

These are words that are so easy to "know" but easily forgotten.  So I am committed to memorizing these 13 words, when Satan comes knocking I will slam the door and seek the truth from our Lord God.

Yikes...I'm Late

Verse #6

Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.  Psalm 14:31 (NIV)

This scripture challenge on Beth Moore's Blog is to be updated the 1st and 15th of the month.  I guess I'm late this month because I did not work on my verse much the past 2 weeks.  So I am starting fresh today, no reason to fret over what I didn't get done.

Our church is in the middle of our Global Summit.  It's a week when we invite in our missionary teams in to talk about their ministry.  It's a great learning time.  Last night our family went through "Project Experience" which was an interactive museum dealing with the struggles of every day life for many people in third world countries.  As an example, we had an opportunity to carry jugs of water (40 lbs each) just like they do in Africa if they are lucky enough to find clean water within 5 miles.  Can you imagine doing that every day?

Anyway, I saw this verse last night and it really spoke to me.  I have so much and usually want more when there are so many who do not have the minimums.  It's not that we should feel guilty but we should be moved to help others.

Scripture Challenge

Scripture #5

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

John 8:36, NIV

Oh isn't that a gem?  So many of us need to hear, believe and then really let it this truth sink in.  The enemy wants me to believe that I am that sin from years (or days) past.  I'm not!  I have been made clean through the blood of Jesus.  Praise God for His Son!  He set me free so I am FREE!!!

More Memory Work

Geepers!  February is already half over.  Time flies when...well you fill in the blank, there are lots of reasons that time flies.  Anyway, almost forgot to record my memory verse for Beth Moore's Scripture Challenge.

Verse #4 of 24
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.

Proverbs 16:3 NKJV

I have 2 reasons for picking this verse.  #1 We have some new stuff in our life and it's important that whatever we do, it's for His glory, not ours.  #2 This is a short one.  I'm struggling with my week number two, not that it was long, I just can't remember it.