Bahrain..

Today we will pray for Bahrain.

Largest Religion Muslim

We pray that the people of Bahrain find the true Messiah. That many will come to their knees before it is too late.

We as a family don’t spend much time learning about Muslim Countries. We simply just let our children know that most of the people are not following our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We will pray that the believers in these countries are kept safe and that non believers find true salvation in Jesus Christ.

More Info

Bahrain 

Flag to color

28/365 - 30/365

28/365 Just Cute

29/365 Organic Chex Mix

30/365 Small Ice Cycles 

The Heart of Courageous 2.0

I am so excited about this film.  

The Grace Card Trailer

Here is to better Health

Most people think they can't buy Organic and healthy food items because it is way too expensive. It's true that Organic food and Food without GMO's, and preservatives do cost a little more. Safe household items cost more but are safer for your family.  I am here to tell you it is worth it, you and your families are worth it! It is a sacrifice, a sacrifice you must make for your family. To feed your family all Organic is a big financial step for many families. Financially it may look hard, but so is paying hospital bills from sickness and Cancer. I think you will agree with me, that buying better food is cheaper then hospital bills. It is worth every penny is it not?  Cheap junk is just that, it is filled with things that are not good for you, things that will make you sick.

I have seen books and websites teaching families how to be frugal with their food. Let's be frugal in other areas instead, let’s not eat food that will make us sick.

 The coupon clipping to save big money to me is just a disaster.   You can’t buy food because of a coupon.  I can’t remember the last time I used a coupon from the newspaper, simply to save $1.00. 95% or more of what you will find is just junk food anyway.  You are what you eat; your body is the only body you have, take care of it. If you go online under Organic Valley,Stonyfield, and others you will find they have coupons for you to print. Organic food does go on sale look for those sales and save.

The first thing you should budget as a family is food.  Live within our means, which might mean you have to buy a smaller older home, and buy a used car instead of the new one. The clothes you buy may have to come from a second hand store. The reward for changing your eating habits will be, a healthier you and a healthier family.  Be frugal in other areas of your life. Don’t let your health go it is so important, take care of your body while taking care of your Soul.

Remember if you can’t afford to buy all Organic right away then start small, but just start.

27/365 January Board

Bahamas...

Today we pray for the people of the Bahamas.

We pray that that the women having babies out of Wedlock will decline.

A country that is heavy in tourism, which brings wealth and many robberies.

Here is more info

Bahamas

The Flag

Blessings,
Pamela



26/365 Chicken Minestrone Soup

2011 Family Bible Study

Day 25-28

I skipped a few days to touch on certain topics at a later date.

Today I will post the questions for the rest of the week.

I will again post questions 29-31 on Saturday. Then I should be back on track. I will be posting each morning a new question and verse for you and your family to study.

Next week we will have a theme week, we all have to come dressed up to dinner. It should be interesting to see what they come up with. Each day will be something new.

Our questions for the rest of the week are as follows.

PRIDE a topic I know a lot of us struggle with.

Day 25~ Does God Humble you? Yes!

Day 26 ~ what is so wrong with being prideful?

Day 27 ~ If I do something really well should I not be proud of myself?

Day ~ 28 what does the Bible say to people that are arrogant?

Verses

Day 25~Exodus 34:4-7, Psalm 119:21, Psalm 40:4

Day 26 ~ Proverbs 11:2, Proverbs 6:16-19

Day 27 ~ Romans 12:16, 1 Corinthians 8:2

Day 28 ~Psalm 138:6, Psalm 123:1-4, and Psalm 119:85

Blessings,

Pamela

Azerbaijan..

Today we pray for the country of Azerbaijan

Largest religion is Muslim

We pray that more will find the true God, and Savior Jesus Christ.

Here is a link with some more info.

Azerbaijan
A Flag to color

Blessings,
Pamela

A Thought

  

I have not always been as strong as I am in the word of God.  Today the Lord showed me something, that he has always been in control.  I just needed to stop and let him work.  I became a Christian when I was 23 yrs old and I knew nothing about the Bible.  I came from a home where it was not talked about.  My father maybe tried but I never heard.  I married my high school sweetheart, we had our first baby at the age of 21, and from there I fell in love with being a mom.  I have learned these things in my 10 yr walk as a Christian. 

It was today while doing my third load of Laundry at 10am that this all came to me.  I think very well when I am in the shower, doing laundry, or when I get up earlier than my children do in the morning.  The Lord has been working in my life and stirring my thoughts for this very day.  I am so grateful more than ever for the life my Lord has given me I was given a great peace in my heart. 

1.  A Mother is a very serious role.  The Father in Heaven selected my children just for my husband and me.  They are on loan from him because really they are his children first.  I always knew that they were special gifts; I just never knew how big of a role model I am.  Being a mother is so much more than a title.  I am in charge of bringing up Godly seed.  I must plant seeds and tend them well. 
2. We are to live debt free.  Okay, I know some of us are not at that point, but we must get there fast.  Our husbands are not our workhorses.  If he makes $60,000, we should not spend $60,001.  Keep him free to be a father, keep him healthy, not worn out.  You do not deserve a home you cannot pay for, or expensive clothes that you need to charge.  I say this because I lived this way for the first 10 yrs of my 14 yr marriage.  We spent and spent just thinking that my husband would be healthy, and able to work.  This is not the way to live.  The last 3 years the Lord has showed us what is important.  Having daddy around for his girls, not coming home to a stack of bills he cannot pay for when hrs fall short at work.  You may be on top now but things can and will change, be ready.

Living without a mortgage, and huge amounts of bills has turned my husband’s life around.  He has always been the type not to ask for much.  He has always wanted to give us the best.  The best your husband can give you is himself.  It is not money, a fancy house, or a nice car.  Look deep into your heart?  Are you trying to be a Woman of God?  Can I recommend something for you to listen to during a quite time?  These cd’s have taught me so much, it is, - She Shall be Called Women. 


3. I always have said that to be a Christian you must follow the whole Bible, even if it hurts.  Easy to say when you are on top of everything and life is grand.  I always pray that I do not receive the tests that Job went through.  I hope I can run my life the way the Bible says to, not the way I see fit.  His rules are simple, yet hard.  I am not perfect but I am trying to follow Gods ways the best I can. 
One last thing you can think about, something that I think about often, "Be fruitful and multiply."  Something many Christians just bypass when they study the word.  I have always wanted many children even before I was a Christian, but times were good then.  It is easy to be positive and strong in faith when you are not being tested.  In the last 4 years we were tested; we lost a baby, we lost a great job, we left a Church for good reasons, we took a 60% pay cut, and now my husband is laid off for the second month.  That makes a family rethink a lot.  My husband says we will press on, Gods will is sufficient. 


I have to admit I feel as if we should be done, I mean seven kids is a lot.  Even as I type this, I feel the Lord telling me to follow his word, listen to my husband, and rest knowing that my Lord is never wrong.  I pray, that even during hard times, we stay strong in Gods ways.

Blessings,

Pamela

25/365 Daddy is Home

The Lord is Testing us Again

My husband got the news that he would be off of work in February. We were a little shocked when we got the news, 2 months is a long time. They are saying March is a sure thing, at least we hope. I can see God's hand in all of this, yet I am not sure what to make of all this. Does that make any sense? January was great with my husband home, we were able to study Gods word as a couple more then ever, my husband helped with all the house work, all the schooling, and we spent great alone time together watching movies and reading books. I could get used to this for sure no problem. I am a wife that could spend every waking hour with my husband. We have our days like any couple, but we really complete each other. Most of his jobs have been long hrs or many days away from home. When he served in the Army it was months without him, when he's working it is 12-14 hr days. I am happy to be with him all day every day.  

What hurts even in my happiness is to know that the man was made to work. It makes me sad to see my husband home knowing he should be working. I worry about how he feels and I try to comfort him and love  him deeply at this time. I want him to know that I love him know matter what. I want him to know he is needed, that he is the leader of this home, and the King of our Castle.  He said he's okay with all of it, and is going to take this time to grow in his faith.  I have to say I did not handle this the same way he did. I felt last night I was more of a drip to him than anything. I went to bed early and just asked the Lord to help us get through another month. I woke up feeling better this morning, had my Prune Juice and spent time in the word. I started to think, something I do a lot of.  Here we have 7 children and 1 hungry German shepherd and you know we have always been cared for. Our Father knows what we need, we just need to spend time with him, and listen to his word. He is going to test our hearts because he loves us. We are looking at this as a gift from God, a gift that we will see someday look back on and say “okay now we see why you did that.”

In the last 4 yrs my husband and I have seen the Lord work in our life over, and over again. We have been tested many times in different areas of our life, each one was horrible but we saw the Glory of God in the end. I am happy to report we are still holding strong by the Grace of God. Our home is paid off, are debt is down to almost nothing, we are healthy, and we walk with the maker of the Universe. 

I am remembering these verses from Deuteronomy 8:1-14 all about the Dangers of Money.  Deuteronomy 8 is about not forgetting the Lord.

Be careful to follow every command I am giving you today, so that you may live and increase and may enter and possess the land that the LORD promised on oath to your forefathers. Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years; to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD. Your clothes did not wear out and your feet did not swell during these forty years. Know that in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the LORD your God disciplines you.
Observe the commands of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and revering him.  For the LORD your God is bringing you into a good land- a land with streams and pools of water, with springs flowing in the valley and hills: a land with wheat and barley, vines and figs trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey: a land where bread will not be scarce and you will lack nothing; a land where the rocks are iron and you can dig copper out of the hills. When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you. Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God, who brought you out of  Egypt, out of the land of slavery. ~ Deuteronomy 8:1-14

Are income did multiply, and we found ourselves again not being as humble as we should. We must praise the Lord in all we do, even when things look good. We all get wrapped up in our daily lives, we must remember to put God first not last.

Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walks in his ways.  Psalm 128:1

Even when times are tough we must keep going and press on. Fear the LORD and keep his ways.

My Soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning.   Psalm 130:6 

It is hard, so hard to wait for a answer, I have a hard time waiting. Reading this Verse is a good reminder of how we must wait for the Lord.  Sometimes us mom's have to much time on our hands and we worry way to much. This is something I am working on in  my life. I want to say thank you to my husband for everything he does, he is a wonderful man of God. I thank the LORD for you each and every day. May the Lord bless all my readers and friends as you face the crosses in your lives.


                                                          Blessings,

Pamela

Great Deal from Vision Forum

Now through January 26th 

History of Christianity & Western Civiliation course set for olny $59.00
The regular price is $95.00
The great deal!

I have heard so much about this, I ordered a set for my family over Christmas and I can't wait to watch it.

24/365 Magnet fun

Austria..

Today please pray for Austria

 So many are leaving the Catholic Church because of the sex scandals, and the church tax.  Many believe in God but very few have met Jesus personally. 

We keep them in our prayers.

Here is a link for more info, great info and a video to watch about Austria's need.

Austria

Activites

We will listen to this

We will watch a family movie The Sound of Music (Three-Disc 45th Anniversary Blu-ray/DVD Combo in Blu-ray Packaging) (I grew up with this movie and now my children love it.)

We will listen to this at bed time

We have lots of doll clothes in our home. We really try to by modest wear even for our dolls.

Maria's Play Dress is one that we own. Perfect for today:)

Were hoping to add

Maria's Party Dress

This Book, and V is for von Trapp Book, maybe for birthday's coming up.

Coloring Sheets

Austria's Flag

Or this flag

Europe Map to label for older kids, Word Bank, and Answers to the Europe Map.

Blessings,

Pamela

January means Snow, February means Love

Well, January went by fast which I am okay with. We have replaced the snowflakes, and started decorating for Valentine’s Day. We will be learning about Love this month, and what the Bible has to say about Love. Will also celebrate Presidents Day and learn about Abraham Lincoln and George Washington. Here is a glance at what we will be doing the first week of February

Week 1
Cover in our family worship time- Love for God, What does the Bible say?
Deuteronomy 6:1-25, 10:12, 11:1, Joshua 22:5, Psalm 31:23, Matthew 22:37, 2 Thessalonians 3:5, and Jude 1:21. These are some of the verses we will look at over the week.

Do fun activities on Groundhog Day
Matching Groundhog's
Read about the Groundhog
Make a book for early readers 
Make a book for fluent readers
Draw and write pages, here, and here (1st-6th grade) at least in my home, my older girls love to draw and write.
Spelling
Easy animal report
Finish and send out our Valentines. We make homemade Valentines for our family, and the girls make them for each other. This year I bought a little stamp set-Melissa & Doug Butterfly & Heart Stamp Set. I can't wait till they open it.  I will post our Valentine plans later this week.

We will go over the Letter E as we continue down the Alphabet. I'll post more on the later.  

23/365 Big Lap Dog

Happy Birthday Madelyn

Our 6th little girl had a birthday party on Sunday the 16th.

 Madelyn turned 2 and we had a rainbow birthday to celebrate. Most children love some type of character, Toy Story, GI Joe, Strawberry Shortcake.  

Well, Madelyn is into Baby dolls, baking, cooking, and anything that I do. It is so cute to watch her walk around burping her baby. She, changes her dolls diapers, and nurses her baby to sleep. Oh, she can be so sweet.

This post has lots of pictures.

Here are some pictures form Madelyn’s First Big day, and her 2nd birthday party.

Madelyn's 3 months

6 months old

Your first Christmas

Madelyn's First Birthday

Homemade cupcakes

A little party with cupcakes,

and some pictures of your big day.

You big sisters made you signs

 Elsa even dressed up

Then you were 1, now you are 2 years old.

here are some pictures from your 2nd

It snowed on your birthday 

You had a Rainbow Birthday

 Mommy and Madelyn

 Daddy and Madelyn

 A cake from Grandpa and rainbow cupcakes made by your sisters and mommy.

Doll Diaper Bag and Melissa & Doug Tiered Special Occasion Cake

 Madelyn is always changing your clothes. These pants looked a little snug.

Happy 2nd Birthday

Sweetheart.



2011 Family Bible Study

Day 17

How powerful is the one true God?
If you look at the Birth of Jesus you will see the power of God.

 

In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary.  The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."

Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.

But the angel said to her, " Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."

"How will this be," Mary asked the angel," since I am a virgin?" The Angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.  So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.  Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God."

I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her. ~ Luke 1:26-38

Here is a picture to color.
Gabriel and Mary.

My hubby was saying that you could also use the story of Creation, and the story of Noah. These are to very good examples of God showing how powerful he is.

Blessings,
Pamela

22/365 Look we have matching hats.



21/365 Big Sister

School Books

As a home school family do you really ever stop buying books? I really don't mind, seeing I love to shop :) I have become more frugal over the years which I am proud of, but I still can't pass up great books. When my daughters ask for reading books and items that will help them grow in their faith, I melt. I can't help it I love to learn new things, and I love the fact that my daughters love God and homemaking. So, my daughter came up to me and said she was ready for another reading book. She looked at me and asked if we could order from Vision Forum. I was so excited and of course said yes.

Here is what we picked out-
The Kathleen Collection
And for my oldest daughter, who will be 12 in April.-
Homestead Blessings. She picked this out herself. We will learn how to sew together and I can't wait.

When you place any size order from now till January 31st you will receive free Building A Winning Curriculum. I am in the middle of reading this book and it gives you a load of information. Even if you don't base your life around schooling your kids like I do. It helps you understand what you are buying, what age it is recommended for, and how to use the book.
Example-
Fathers & Daughters: Why Every Father is Leaving a Legacy
First, there is an explanation of the title, followed by how you might use this book within your own home.
Second the format of the resource.
Third what age the resource is for.

Blessings,
Pamela

Whats For Dinner Mom...

I felt so bad that at 4:30 last night I had forgot to make dinner. My husband and I have kind of lost track of days and time since he has been laid off. Well, mom came to the rescue and I made Nachos. The girls and hubby love them, and they are so easy to make. They taste better in the summer with fresh ingredients but we managed. So here is what I used to make Nachos last night. You can make them so many different ways, the ideas are endless.

Organic meat 3lbs (add an Organic Onion, Organic Garlic, and your spices.)
Organic Corn Chips
Organic toppings - Black Olives
Lettuce,
Avocados
Tomatoes
Final touches- Organic Sour Cream, and Jalapenos.

We used to make 1 huge plate of Nachos for the whole family. Now, we have more little ones, and everyone likes different things on their Nachos. In the past I have also set up a Nacho table where you can dress up your own.  It is so much fun to watch the little ones pick what they want, and the get so excited.

Here are some other ideas for Nachos
BBQ Chicken Nachos
Fajita chicken Nachos
Steak Nachos
Fish Nachos
Seafood nachos
Cheese Nachos
Plantain Nachos with Black Beans (from a great cookbook, Cooking the Cowboy Way: Recipes Inspired by Campfires, Chuck Wagons, and Ranch Kitchens)
Sausage and Sour Kraut Nachos (for the Polish man in my life)
Greek style Nachos (with lots of Feta)
Chili Dog Nachos
Dessert Nachos

Don’t forget refried beans, and Spanish rice.

Can you tell we love food in this house, What a gift from God.

2011 Family Bible Study

Day 15 and 16

Remember to ask the Lord to guide you in this study

Day 15

What is the Bible trying to tell us when it says, God is a jealous God?

God makes it very clear in these next verses.

Do not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God. ~ Exodus 34:14

Part of the Ten Commandments

God spoke all these words.

“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out Egypt, out of the land of slavery.

You shall have no gods before me.

You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments. ~ Exodus 20:1-6

For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God. ~ Deuteronomy 4:24

Day 16

How do I know that God will keep his word?

He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he. ~ Deuteronomy 32:4

For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. ~ Psalm 33:4

Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God, the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them - the LORD, who remains faithful forever. ~ Psalm 146:5-6

Blessings,

Pamela

19/365 - 20/365

19/365  Fruit Cobbler

20/365  Madeyln in More Snow