Happy Halloween

We had a great day.  The kids were so excited.  Margo and Mike came over with their four boys.  It was  a lot of fun.  My sister was also in town so that was nice.  The weather was so perfect.  Our three year old was Indiana Jones, "W" was a ninja, "J" was batman, and the baby was a lion.  Here are a few pics.

Books I Love

I love to read books.  Most of my sweet little friends know this about me!!  I love to read books on marriage and parenting and just the Christian life in general.   Well, some of the ones that I love to keep around to share are Calm My Anxious Heart by Linda Dillow.  It is about anxiety and contentment.  Very good.  Actually all of her books are wonderful (Creative Counterpart, Intimate Issues).   Another one that I have read several times is called Words that Hurt Words that Heal.  It is a quick read that goes into detail about gossip and slander.  Good stuff.  I have enjoyed Twelve Extraordinary Women. It is fun to read and learn about Biblical characters.  One Bible study that has meant a lot to me is called Be Transformed.   Well, if you have any books that you love, let me know!! 

Being Bold

Today in my Bible study we discussed the life of John the Baptist and how he was bold for Christ. 

Many times I find that I am not bold for Christ.  Today's discussion reminded me about the topic of salvation.  One pastor broke salvation down into three components.  This has made it easier for me to explain to my children.  The first part is that we must come to the place where we realize that we are sinners and that we need a Saviour.  The second part is that we acknowledge that Jesus paid our debt or our penalty on the Cross.  He was our sacrifice.  The third component involves surrendering our lives for Christ.  Each day we should continue to surrender to Him.  My prayer is that God will continue to give me opportunities for Him.  I pray that I will be bold for Him when I need to be and that I will share His story.  

Fall Break in Branson

We have taken the boys to Branson for the past 2 years.  Who knows, it might become a tradition in the fall.  Our Mimi got to go with us.  We enjoyed having her with us. We had a great time.  We stayed at Big Cedar.  There is so much there to do with the kiddos...paddle boats, trails, minature golf, lincoln logs, etc.  We did make it to Silver Dollar City.  The boys favorite thing to do there was the cave.  My oldest kept saying "This is awesome!".  It was great to get away.  Thank You God for allowing us to make some memories!!

Pressing On

I have suffered with psoriasis (rash on my skin) for about fifteen years.  Right now God has led me to look at nutrition.  I am doing the Maker's Diet which really just involves eating unprocessed foods and exercising!!  I know God can heal me but I am not sure that He will. He may have other plans for my suffering.  When I get discouraged I have to remind myself of some of these truths:  God, You are for me, You are with me, You are on my side, You are my Help, Nothing is too hard for You, My future is in your hands, My healing is in your hands, You are not perplexed by what I am going through, You hold me securely, You are worthy of my trust, You are more than enough for me. 

Pumpkin Contest

My little guy has a pumpkin decorating contest in his class.  Sooo we decided to paint his like Batman.  He really likes Batman stuff, in fact he plans to be Batman for Halloween.  We really had a lot of fun designing and creating this.  

Pumpkin Patch Time

Recently, I took the boys to the pumpkin patch in Claremore.  They had fun making a scarecrow and playing the little games.  A sweet friend told me about this patch.  It was a lot of fun.  

More Fall Pics

Tonight we had to take our family pictures for the church directory.  So I did a little photo taking myself before the big group pic.  Here are my 2 youngest boys.

Will's Field Trip

Will's class went to the fair today. I really enjoyed my time with him today.  One of my close friends, Shannon, watched Sammy for me so that was a huge help.  It was fun to focus on Will.  

Pumpkin Patch Time

I love the fall.  We love to check out various pumpkin patches.  Today Max and I met some friends at a pumpkin patch in town.  He had fun climbing on the pumpkins.