Psalm 63:6

This is the scene I found when I came home Tuesday night. Normally, Jamie waits up if I'm gone so I can tuck her in to bed for the night, but it was later than normal, and she fell asleep before I got home. I had just come in from a Finance Team meeting at church. This just made my heart melt! She had her Girl's Devotional Book laid across her chest, with her Bible opened up beside her. She's quickly approaching her "Tween" years, and sometimes has the attitude to match (mainly in regards to her brothers). But my prayer for her is that she will keep Jesus as her first love, and that her life will bring Him glory. I believe He will honor that prayer!

"On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night."
Psalm 63:6

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth."
3 John 1:4

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

It's still relatively quiet around the house this morning...Paul's at work, Jamie & Ericson are busy in the kitchen (preparing their mashed potatoes & sweet potato casserole respectively), and Noah's still in bed. So, I thought I would take a minute before the day gets any busier to sit down and make a list of what I'm thankful for. I actually made two lists. One I gave a lot of thought to-things I'm truly thankful for...things that make a difference in my life. The other list was made on a whim...the fun things that make life enjoyable, but are not necessities.

T-Time together.
H-Husband, Health, Home.
A-Atonement through the blood of Jesus Christ.
N-Neighbors that love on my kids & watch over us and our place.
K-Kid's.
S-Smiles.
G-God's grace.
I-Impact that my parent's have made in our lives.
V-"V is for Victory! Shout it out what a glorious word!"
I-Incredible love of our Heavenly Father.
N-New Testament-being under grace, not law.
G-Gatherings with family & friends.

T-Thesaurus-it really helps out when writing!
H-Hats-or to be more specific, ball caps for those bad hair days, or just lazy days in general!
A-Autobiographies that I love to read. Anything real life...no fiction please!
N-Nail polish...and for my good friend Connie that does nails for a living. :) Those two go hand-in-hand!
K-Khaki capris-they go with everything!
S-Sonic drinks. :)
G-George Strait's music.
I-Internet.
V-Visiting (via phone, internet, or face to face with family & friends).
I-Invitations...preferrably making them, but receiving them is also nice!
N-Naps.
G-Gobstoppers. The green ones are the best!

So, what are you thankful for??

We Are Hungry For More of You, Jesus

Food For Thought

This morning Ericson said, "And Mom, you know what? The other night when I was in bed, my tummy was growling. I knew I couldn't get up and eat, so I prayed. And then my tummy didn't growl anymore! I think I was hungry for Jesus!"

I thought that was pretty neat!

"You still the hunger of those you cherish..." Psalm 17:14

"Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." Matthew 4:4

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." Matthew 5:6

The following post is a song that came to mind, and I thought the message fit right in with this subject.

Instead of simply stuffing ourselves with physical food tomorrow, may we hunger for Jesus this week!!!

Fill your lives with Him!

N's Personality in Pictures

These are but a few examples of the range of emotions we experience daily with Noah, and show but a glimpse of his true personality. One of these days I'm going to have to write a book...but you probably wouldn't believe me if I told you anyway. :) Here's a sample of "accomplishments" in his short life so far...I wonder what the future holds?

1. He's broken a glow-in-the-dark bracelet and dripped the juice in his eyes (intentionally) because he wanted his eyes to glow.

2. He unlocked his car door and jumped out while I was pulling up to their school...Thank the Lord for school zones!

3. He ate Floor-tile adhesive at our former pastor's house because he "wanted the frosting!" I'm telling you, this child has a sugar craving unlike any other I've ever seen.

4. When he was right under 2 years old, I unbuckled him from his car seat. He literally jumped out of the car, ran around the back and immediately grabbed my tail pipe!! A quick trip to the ER, some meds. for the pain, and he recovered quite nicely from the 2nd degree burns. Thankfully, the next couple of times he pulled that stunt, my car hadn't been driven, so the tail pipe was cool. ????

5. He opened 2 entire boxes of my contact lenses and disposed of them. Not sure if they went down the sink or in the trash.? When confronted, he finally admitted to the crime, and told me he was playing with "those invisible things."

6. He put an empty shotgun shell (that he found after P's cousin went hunting at our place) into a battery charger...then inserted his finger to see what would happen. A nice little "shock" to the system.

7. He got into some locked cabinets in our church, snuck out with a book of matches, a candle and a lighter...then proceeded to set paper towels on fire in the kid's bathroom!! We had a nice little chat (at my request) with the Fire Marshall, Mr. Buster Chase. Nice man!

8. 4th day of school this past September...I get a call from the school nurse. N "found" something in the restroom, and was "brave" enough to report it to his teacher. In actuality, he took one of my insulin syringes to school!!! WITHOUT THE LID ON IT!!!!????? I about had a heart attack. I didn't even know he knew where my supplies were kept...I keep them hidden, I promise!

I could go on, but your brain probably can't handle anymore at this moment in time. ;)

I love this little boy more than you'll ever know-in spite of everything we've been through! There is NO doubt in my mind WHATSOEVER that God brought him to us...maybe not as a peaceful, sleeping newborn, but as a chubby, screaming, 30 pound, 10 month old. I had no idea what we were in for at the time, but I am so humbled and honored to be his mother. He daily teaches me more and more about God's grace and mercy and forgiveness and unconditional love than I ever thought possible. I didn't find this out until some time after the adoption was final, but did you know that adopted children are legally bound to you forever? You can disown your biological children, but never an adopted one?? Sound familiar? We're all adopted into God's family as His children, and we cannot lose our salvation! Pretty cool, huh?

A saturated sponge...

That's the word picture that comes to mind when I think about praying for my children. Envision a sink full of water...holding a sponge under the surface, allowing the sponge to absorb and soak up as much water as possible. When you take it out of the water, squeezing it isn't necessary in order to see what's inside. It can't help but pour out. That's what I want for my children!! I want them to be so totally immersed, and covered in prayer, that it's just dripping off and out of them.

Sadly though, I normally feel like I'm just dipping my fingers in the water and then sprinkling that over my children.

Have you thought of any creative ways to lift your children up in prayer throughout the day? If so, leave a comment...I'd love to hear your ideas!

11 Years Ago Today...

I became Mrs. Paul Baker! I can't believe 11 years have gone by so quickly!? In those 11 years, we have acquired 3 children, moved 6 times, gained and lost 20+ cats, 2 dogs, 1 bird, 14+ chickens and a rooster. :)

When I woke up this morning, Paul was in the shower, so I jumped out of bed, got his gift from it's hiding place, put it in front of the bathroom door, then climbed back in bed. These hard wood floors are cold!! When he opened the door, he said, "You beat me to it! I wanted to give you yours first!" So he went and got my present...he surprised me with a beautiful pair of diamond earrings!! Or if you look at them in view of eternity, I'm wearing small bits of the wall in my ears! Ha-ha! :)

Around noon we went to Paul's grandparent's 67th Wedding Anniversary party and hung out with family for most of the afternoon. The boy's especially had a blast! One of Paul's cousins, Jay, is an archaeologist, and upon learning of Ericson's love of archaeology, he gave both boys a few dinosaur bones, shark teeth, and even...petrified dinosaur poop!!?? The boy's are fascinated to say the least! :) Jay even invited us to go on a dig with him, so we're looking at the calendar to find a good time. After that, Noah ran and got a piece of paper and a pen, thrust them at Jay, and asked for his autograph! Ha-ha! :) When Jay wrote his name down, Noah responded with, "SWEET NIBLETS!!!" And then jumped and ran out the front door! They are so funny!

My sister Sara offered to keep our kid's for us tonight so we could go out to eat, so when we left the party, we dropped them off at her apartment, and ate dinner at the Olive Garden. It wasn't planned this way, but that's actually where we ate on our Honey Moon. It was fun reminiscing about our wedding day 11 years ago. We have both changed and grown so much. I am truly blessed beyond measure with having Paul as my husband and best friend!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY PAUL!! I LOVE YOU!!!

Ode to N's Tooth

My original plan was to post just the previous two pictures, since N lost a tooth this morning...by force of course! That's just N's way. :) But it got me to thinking about him...and you can't possibly even begin to sum up N's personality with just 2 pictures. However, to keep this post relatively short, I'll start with the original plan and then post more at another time.

I walked in the kitchen this morning to find N with dental floss tied around his loose tooth, and so far up the gum line he couldn't get it off. Since he couldn't remove the floss, he decided he was going to remove the tooth...even though it was noticeably loose, it wasn't ready to come out!! Next thing I know, he's tied the floss to the cabinet door. I didn't really think it would work, but he slammed the door, and how I wish I had a video camera! The surprised look on his face as he watched his tooth fly through the air, the excitement as he hollered, "Now we get ice cream today!!!", to the thrill of grossing his sister out as he showed her the blood that quickly covered the rest of his teeth in his mouth was pretty entertaining (and gross). N is certainly one of a kind! :) The top picture is what I found when I went to put his money under his pillow. We don't do the Tooth Fairy thing around here...even though they know it's P and I that are replacing the tooth with money, they still want to play along. :) Don't ask me how this got started, but one random fact about my children is that they name their teeth (when they lose them??). I'm assuming N meant to name this one, "Bobby" but notice the spelling. I guess it would be pronounced "Bo-bee." :) I'll have to ask him about that one in the morning. There's no telling where it came from.

N is very determined, and it just cracks me up sometimes with the thoughts that cross his mind!? I have three videos of him when he was trying to get his first loose tooth out, and they're hilarious!! You can see the intensity in his face as he's focusing on finding a way to remove the tooth. But that will have to wait until another day.

(On a side note, he is NOT completely dyslexic...the name "Boby" is written on one side of the ziploc bag, with his name & other info. on the other.) ;)

Until then...

Please Pray!

**Update!**

My friend Connie texted me a little earlier and her brother (Pee-Wee) does in fact have cancer. They were waiting for the doctor to come in so they could tell him the news. Please continue to keep this family in your prayers! Thanks!!

Would you all please be praying for my good friend & Sister-in-Christ, Connie? Her dad passed away 3 years ago from cancer, and her mom passed away the day before Valentine's Day this year-also from cancer. She's still hurting and struggling with those losses...and then today, she received news that her brother in Tennessee has a tumor in his chest. He will be having a biopsy done sometime soon.

Connie is understandably very upset, and I know she would covet your prayers both for healing and for peace and comfort.

Thanks!!!

My 8's

Enjoy!

8 TV Shows (in no particular order...I very rarely even watch TV!!):

1. American Idol
2. Extreme Makeover-Home Edition
3. Jimmy Kimmel (sometimes I laugh, sometimes I want to jump through the TV & choke him)
4. Local News
5. Cops
6. House
7. Diff'rent Strokes Reruns
8. Tori & Dean (only on occasion at my friend Connie's...we don't even have cable.)

8 Restaurants:

1. Johnny Carino's (their garlic/oil is the best!)
2. Jason's Deli
3. Red Lobster
4. Palacios Mexican Restaurant
(Chips & hot sauce are a mandatory staple in this woman's diet) :)
5. Olive Garden
6. Joe's Crab Shack
7. Sonic
8. Texas Road House

8 Things That Happened Today (the day is just getting started, so I'm going to reminisce about yesterday):

1. Went to church.
2. Went to my parent's house.
3. Ate lunch.
4. Visited with my cousin Patty, who is in from Corpus for a visit.
5. Played with my nieces and nephew.
6. Listened to Alli cry (several times). For some reason, the swing was really attracted to the left side of her face.??
7. Drove home.
8. Went to sleep.

Now doesn't that sound like a fascinating day??

8 Things I'm Looking Forward To:

1. Our Women's Bible Study tomorrow night.
2. Picking up my kid's from school this afternoon.
3. A few more hours of peace & quiet before I pick up my kid's from school this afternoon.
4. Spending the day with Paul since he's off of work today.
5. Decorating for Christmas.
6. Going Christmas shopping.
7. My anniversary in 5 days.
8. Seeing my mom and Patty sometime today.

There you have it folks! Just more random, useless information you probably didn't care to know about me. ;)

A Cry for Help!

I just had to post this! We're up early this Saturday morning because Jamie's Robotic's team is heading to Kingsville for it's competition. When I woke Ericson up, he starts sniffing and I could tell he had a stuffy nose. He then starts talking and his voice is pretty hoarse as well. He gets up, makes his bed, gets dressed and then proceeds to take his dirty clothes to the hamper. I'm in the other room when I hear this quiet, hoarse voice say, "Help?" I go in the kitchen/dining room, and find Ericson in the hamper. Don't ask me how he fell in, but instead of reaching in to help him, I said, "Wait! Do you mind if I grab the camera first??" He just grins and says, "I'll wait."

Have a great Saturday everyone!

Recipe for a Happy Home

With Thanksgiving coming up in less than 2 weeks, there's lots of planning & preparing to do! I'm sure you have recipes galore and grocery lists coming out the wazoo! This is a recipe of another kind that I've concocted. I keep a framed copy on my kitchen counter-it's great anytime of year!

Recipe for a Happy Home

Ingredients:

God
1 Husband
1 Wife
Children (add as many as you like)
1 Gallon Love
1 Part Open Communication
2 Handfuls of Faith
Generous portion of Time Together
3 C. Laughter (packed)
1 Heaping Tbsp. Forgiveness
Patience (in abundance)
1 C. Honesty

Keeping God at the center of your family, combine all other ingredients.
Stir frequently with tenderness.
Sprinkle freely with grace and mercy.
Cover with much prayer.

Enjoy!!!

The Heebie-Jeebies

After I got home from picking up the kid's at school this afternoon, I immediately went and laid down on my bed for a short nap. Not quite sure why, but ever since I woke up, I haven't been in the most pleasant of moods. In fact, I've been downright crabby!

The kid's and I had to go to a meeting this evening at 6:45 at the high school, and on the way home, Noah was taking pleasure in bothering & grossing out Ericson. I couldn't exactly make out everything that was being said or done, but it's normally something along the lines of picking his nose, making crude remarks of some kind, etc. Ericson finally said, "Noah, stop!!" Noah then responded with great delight and said, "What!? Am I giving you the PG's????" Ericson then says, "Noah, it's called the Heebie-Jeebies!"

It gave everyone a much needed laugh...especially myself!

"A cheerful heart is good medicine..." Proverbs 17:22

Innocent Blood

I was just now cleaning out my computer cabinet (it's behind closed doors, so I can normally get away with keeping it in a semi-trashed state, but it was pretty bad), and I came across a piece of paper that reminded me of a funny on Ericson.

Last October, the kid's and I were riding with our now pastor and his wife, with 2 of their teenage girls to the County Fair. We had just met them a few weeks earlier, so we were still trying to put our best foot forward. On the way, I was telling them another funny on Ericson & Noah. Ericson got really embarassed, and his 8 year old brain couldn't quite figure out how to get me to stop before I got any further, so he did the only thing he could think of...he SCREAMED!!!! Not just a short scream, but a scream that lasted about 5 seconds. I got upset, and under my breath, I said to him, "If you ever act like that again, I'm going to knock your teeth out of your mouth!" (Ashamedly, yes, I have a tendency at times to overreact and say things that I would never truly carry out...similar to when my dad would ask, "Do you want me to knock you into the middle of next week?" Ah, good times!) When we got out of the van, he immediately grabs my hand as we walk towards the gate and says, "You know Mom, when I screamed, I'm sure you did want to knock my teeth out, but...doesn't the Bible say something about not shedding innocent blood??" He then cocks his head up at me and grins! I laughed so hard!!

Nothing like quoting Bible verses to your mother to put her in her place! :)

Maranatha!

In light of the results of the Presidential Election, all I can say is, "Come Lord Jesus!"

That's pretty much all I've got to say about that.

Post Election Sermon

My mom sent me this, but I'm not sure where it originally came from. It's a good reminder!

Dear Friends,

For months now my email Inbox has been besieged by nearly hysterical warnings about what will happen if Barack Obama becomes President. I have been encouraged to be worried, afraid, concerned, prepared for disaster, and a whole host of other maladies if this happens. I do not deny the importance of this election, but it seems to me that we need a dose of perspective. So here, on the eve of the election, I would like to start my own email concerning this election. It’s a “True/False” test. I’d like for all of us to take it. Feel free to email it on to whomever:

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, Jesus will still be King.

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, our responsibilities as Christians will not have changed one iota.

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, the greatest agent for social change in America will still be winning the hearts and minds of men and women through the gospel, not legislation.

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, my primary citizenship will still be in this order – (1) the Kingdom of God, (2) America, not vice-versa.

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, the tomb will still be empty.

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, the cross, not the government, will still be our salvation.

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, our children will still be more concerned with whether or not we spend time with them than with who is President.
True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, my neighbor will still be my neighbor, and loving him/her will still be the second greatest commandment. (Do you know the first?)

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, the only way to see gay marriage ultimately defeated will still be winning men and women to a biblical view of marriage through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, my retirement will still not match my treasure in Heaven.

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, “Jesus Is Lord” will still be the greatest truth in the Universe.
True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, we will still know that God is in control.

How did you score?

So be sure to vote, but also remember who you are and who He is.

Bible Verse Scavenger Hunt

I wanted to tell you about a neat little thing I did for the kids a while back...Although I can't take full credit for it. I own a book by Shirley Dobson and Gloria Gaither, entitled, "Making Ordinary Days Extraordinary." One of their ideas was to go on a scavenger hunt around the house. I started to think about everything I could do and how I could pull it off. You can certainly add to this list, come up with your own ideas, and change it as you need to (depending on the ages of the kids, etc.), but I wanted to let you know how we did ours. It was so much fun!!!

First, I found some paper and printed out a sign that said, "Each day brings its own surprises." Proverbs 27:1. I put each one in an envelope, labeled it with each childs name and took them to their school while they were at lunch and laid them on their desk.

Next, I stuck another clue in a pocket in the back seat of the car (peaking out), that said, "So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by LETTER." 2 Thessalonians 2:15. That took us to the post office, where they found their next clue...

"I rejoiced with those who said to me, "Let us go to the house of the Lord." Psalm 122:1. We went to the church where they searched for their next clue...

"Sing to him a new song; PLAY skillfully, and shout for joy." Psalm 33:3. That took us to the children's park where they got to play for a while (until they found their next clue).

It said, "Then Joshua blessed them and sent them away, and they went to their homes." Joshua 22:6.

So then we loaded up and went back home where their "surprise" was waiting. Homemade sugar cookies with the Bible verse, "Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him." Psalm 34:8.


It was a blast and I thought your kids/grandkids/friends/students might enjoy doing something like that as well. Just an idea...

Love Dare-Day 5 Recap

Well, the Dare for today was to ask your spouse (or other guinea pig you're experimenting with) to tell you three things you do that make them uncomfortable or irritated. I had a few extra minutes today, so when I saw this person, I asked the question. The answer really didn't surprise me...I know I'm guilty. It was my tone of voice when I'm irritated, frustrated, upset or angry with this person. But honestly, ever since beginning this Love Dare, I've really become aware of what I'm allowing to come out of my mouth-and in the way it comes across. I believe with continued prayer, things will only improve!

My dare for tomorrow, Day 6 is: "Choose today to react to tough circumstances in your marriage (in my case, other relationship) in loving ways instead of with irritation. Begin by making a list of areas where you need to add margin to your schedule (assuming some of the irritations are being caused by stress, which is being caused by being over-loaded). Then list any wrong motivations that you need to release from your life."

More to come tomorrow. It's way past my bedtime as it is.

Rescue

At church this past Sunday, one of the songs we sang was, "Rescue." Have you ever heard it? It says:

"I need you, Jesus, to come to my rescue. Where else can I go? There's no other name by which I am saved. Capture me with grace. I will follow you. This world has nothing for me. I will follow you."

As the song was playing, I started thinking about all the struggles represented there in the lives simply within our church family & how we all truly need Jesus to come to our rescue...one couple just buried their oldest son (20 years old)...one was just diagnosed with Melanoma this past week...one lost her home in Hurricane Katrina, then moved to Texas, only to have her house burn down around her...one just lost both her parents within a 3 year span and is still struggling...one just had knee surgery and lives alone...one is dealing with Lupus...one is dealing with a special needs child...and the list goes on.

Then tonight, I received a phone call from my mom telling me that the doctor's believe my Aunt Maria has Lymphoma. She'll be having a biopsy done tomorrow to confirm this diagnosis.

And as I sit here typing this, guess what song just started playing? "Mighty to Save." Here's the chorus:

"Saviour, He can move the mountains. My God is mighty to save, He is mighty to save. Forever, Author of salvation, He rose and conquered the grave. Jesus conquered the grave."

This is no coincedence...now the radio is playing Nicole C. Mullen's song, "When I Call on Jesus." I love the way God speaks to me through music!!

We must remember that no matter what the circumstances, Jesus is our only hope! He is mighty to save! All things are possible with God!

Would you please join me in praying specifically for my Uncle Lawrence & Aunt Maria? If there's anything you need prayer for, please leave me a comment. I would be honored to join you at the throne of Grace.

Love Dare-Day 4

UGH!!! I just typed my whole update, and the stupid computer kicked me off line (without saving my post)!! Now I have to retype everything. I hate stupid computers! Have I mentioned my computer's stupid?? I'm very tired!

We just got back from Judgment House, and I'm worn out! Of course, not from Judgment House...it's all this going to bed late and getting up early these past few days. We don't have anything going tomorrow after church though, so I may reward myself with a nap! But we also get to set our clocks back one hour tonight. Whoo-hoo!!!! I better go do that before I forget and we show up to church one hour early...But, better early than late, I suppose.

Real quick...Day 4 was pretty uneventful. The Dare was quite frankly boring. I liked yesterday's dare much better! But then again, this Dare isn't about me. I haven't read the Dare for tomorrow yet...

Tomorrow is also my weekly weigh-in. I don't have high hopes for this week though. :( However, on Monday I'm going to start working out with a couple of friends from church, so hopefully that will get me going in the right direction.

That's all for tonight, folks! Thanks for tuning in. We'll be back tomorrow evening at about 9:00 p.m.

Good night America.