Truth is Hope

dietliend wolf via pinterest

I have something I just have to share with you all!  Last night as I was frantically catching up on my BSF lesson (follow the link for more information) I read this amazing verse that got me so excited I just can't hold it in.

For God did not destine us for wrath but for gaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5:9

Now I've read the entire New Testament a few times and 1 Thessalonians is one of my favorites so this book isn't new to me but this verse is entirely what I NEEDED to read.  What I NEED to share.  You see in our culture my heart has been pounded by all the lies of Satan that he feeds to people saying that we are to hate those who sin.  I'm sure you've all seen the doomsday people yelling, have read their signs of hate and I am saddened to say that I've been at a loss as to what to say in response.  At a loss until last night.

With this verse I have not just the words to say by HIS WORD to say in response.  This has given me such hope, joy and peace.  That is what the truth does...it gives HOPE breathes life into the dying and offers encouragement to those in need.  When you know what TRUTH gives you can more easily see lies for what they are...hopelessness.

Now I'm spreading the truth to you and I hope you read this in full...YOU ARE NOT DESTINED for wrath, not because of what you've done but because of what CHRIST has done...you need only to accept the truth and reap the benefit of HOPE, LIFE & LOVE.

I promise to be back tomorrow with more crafting but with news as exciting as that I just couldn't keep it to myself.  Can you blame me?

A Princesses Kit to a Happily Ever After Marriage

source flickr.com via Ksenia Pascal via Pinterest

As little girls most of us dreamed incessantly about fining our Prince and getting married.  I remember thinking as a young Princess in Training that a wedding was simply the Prince dancing with the Princess, kissing her soundly and then everyone lived happily ever after.  The villain was dead, the threat was over what awaited my favorite Prince and Princess was wedded bliss.

However, having found my Prince I discovered that there is more to a wedding than just a dance and a kiss and that happily ever after is a lot of work.  So I have what I like to call ‘A Princess’s Kit for a Happily Ever After Marriage.’  

A bag. 

source vandco.bigcartel.com via Vanessa Christensen via Pinterest

If you’re gonna have a kit you’re gonna need something to store everything in.  However, this bag isn’t just any bag it is a visual reminder to you, Jenna that you need to “store up treasures in heaven.” (Mt 6:19-21) ‘For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.’ Right now you are so excited to be getting married.  You’re heart has been captured by your fairy tale Prince and in your heart he always will be.  Yet you must always remember who first stole your heart, and has truly made you a princess.  That by putting God first you will always be the wife your husband needs.

Body Wash. 

source hotbeautyhealth.com via Shannon Spiegel via Pinterest

Every princess is gonna need to shower in the morning so she’s clean and ready for the day.  Yet I find that this is the best time of the day to talk with the Lord, to ‘cast your cares upon Him.’  Prayer is an essential part of marriage.  “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6) You must constantly be in communion with your Heavenly Father about the ponderings of your heart.  Pray for your husband, that he will be the leader you need.  Don’t be afraid to tell God to talk to your husband for you and above all remember to ask God to guide you as you take on the role of wife.

Deodorant.

source etsy.com via Melissa Blom via Pinterest

Yes, it is true that even princesses have a certain ‘odor’ to us all but this goes further than any perfume or deodorant.  ‘For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.’ (2 Cor 2:15)  As you embark on this new life we must constantly remember that we are ambassadors for Christ and that you will stick out in the world.  This is good.  So when you’re out with your husband watch your actions, are you showing others how you love and respect him?  True submissiveness in a loving, godly relationship built on mutual love and respect is foreign to the world and is a powerful tool for spreading the gospel.   Stay on your guard for those who are watching you interact with your husband and may your aroma always be pleasant.

Toothbrush and Toothpaste.  

source urbanoutfitters.com via Nina Burk via Pinterest

With all your public engagements as a princess you’ll want to make sure your teeth are clean and your breath is fresh.  ‘Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.’ (James 3:5) Guard your mouth in dealing with your husband.  Words are immortal.  So think before you speak.  Trust me when I say that at some point (probably multiple times) you will nearly bite your tongue in half to keep yourself from saying something you’ll regret.  This is a great time to go brush your teeth and remember that you love your husband and that he loves you.  That even if you are seriously considering physical harm to him, what you both truly desire for each other is the very best and what is needed is fresh breathe to remind you of how  you’re words must be honest, but kind.

Sunscreen.

source marthastewartweddings.com via Kerry via Pinterest

The limelight is bright on the fair skin of our Princess and she’ll want to protect her beautiful skin from burning.  Stay on guard Jenna for ‘the sin that so easily entangles us’ (Hebrews 12:1).  In every marriage there are seasons.  Joyful times and sorrowful times, times of plenty and times of drought.  Temptation is always at the door knocking and we must be prepared.  Marriage is work, probably the hardest work of your life (yes, harder than working at Starbucks at 4am).  However, it will be the most rewarding and dare I say enjoyable work too.  Be proactive.  Date your husband, never stop talking to him, read books on marriage or blogs.  You can never know too much about communicating with your husband or how to make a marriage last. 

Aloe Vera.

source thoughtbyangel.blogspot.com via Pranava via Pinterest

Even sunscreen can wear off when we least expect it.  Sunburns are painful but quick and reliable treatment can keep the pain low and the scars at bay.  No matter how perfect life seems sin can blind side you, in your life and in your husband’s life.  ‘Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.  Forgive as the Lord forgave you.’ (Col 3:13) Forgiveness, Grace and Mercy are crucial to a happy marriage.  Forgiveness is the Aloe Vera to a sinful sunburn.  And just like Aloe Vera works best right away, so too does forgiveness.  FORGIVE quickly and completely. Sometimes it’s yourself that you have to forgive.  Other times you have to forgive a hurt that the other doesn’t understand.  Whatever it takes don’t hold a grudge, for it is a poison that will seep in and destroy your happily ever after.

Tissues & Snickers.

source chow.com via Jaime Eggleston via Pinterest

source hollandcox.com via Dawn Ramirez via Pinterest

Tears and laughter are a part of every person’s life.  If you have to make a choice between crying or laughing, laugh…I mean Snickers always trump tissues, right? Embrace the moments of happiness and sorrow and share them with your beloved.  Don’t hide your joy and don’t bury your pain from your husband even in the smallest of matters.  It is hard to be that vulnerable but it is so necessary to create a new life as man and wife.  Remember to eat your fruit together every day for a healthy spirit. ‘But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.’ Gal 5:22-23

Last, a Tiara. 

source katelandersevents.blogspot.com via pc brown via Pinterest

Of course our princess is going to need the crown to complete the look, what Princess doesn’t have one?  A tiara is a loving reminder to you that you were bought at a price and because of that great sacrifice you are truly a Princess of the Most High God. ‘The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.’ Romans 8:16

The world will constantly be sending you and your beloved a barrage of temptations that will leave you dissatisfied.  What is more Satan will try to persuade you that you deserve better.  At these times you are going to need your kit to remember that while wedded bliss and happily ever after aren’t just for fairy tales, but to achieve it you must work for it.  And should you misplace your kit or forget what you need to do look no further than the Spirit living and working within your heart.

...in keeping with the Fearless Friday theme I thought I'd fearlessly share this devotion with you all.  I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

{{hugs}}

Buffy

Stairs, Knitting, and the Peverse Lack of Sleep...

Our week started out sour, Thaddeus and Elsbeth decided that they didn't want to sleep at all Saturday night so Husband and I were up all night with the both of them (they were so kind as to alternate who was awake...so we were only dealing with ONE screaming child instead of two).  Elsbeth problem was fear of the dark...so we promptly got a light bulb for her night light.  Sleeping just fine so far.  In fact she points to it every night as says "Ite on. It on." So Precious (she is talking more but does tend to drop consonants, like the l in light).

Thaddeus, well we still don't know how to get him to stay asleep...still working on daily naps in hopes that if he is no longer OVERtired he'll start sleeping longer at night...which has been working a little.

However, the problem with not sleeping all night is that my natural grace and athleticism disappears (I can hear you laughing) and I had a little run in with the stairs at church...or should I say a down fall  twisted my ankle maybe? though it didn't hurt right away...in fact it was more painful on Monday and a little better Tuesday.  Yet I still am determined to find the good in it...I got to knit almost the whole day...was pampered by my husband and kids as I kept my foot up and warm next to my water bottle (yes I have a water bottle, love it!  and it stays warm for so long...need to knit it a cozy).  I finished a second sock...

Tuesday Thaddeus and Elsa woke up early but it was forgivable because I was able to get these amazing pictures (sadly my photo skills can't keep up with God's artistry...but I tried)

Pictures taken January 11, 2011 about 7:30am PST

I haven't spent as much time sewing as I would like but am working on a few things.  As for the aprons well, I made one and I'm still trying to get a picture of it.  With much luck this next week I'll be able to get some more sewing done and take some pictures of the projects I've made.   I do however have a pictures of my finished socks.

 

Okay so here are the specs:

Pattern: Turkish Bed Socks by Churchmouse Yarns & Teas

Yarn: Melody Superwash by Jojoland

(all above links are to ravelry, you'll have to have an account to see them)

So I loved knitting these (of course I love knitting socks in general).  I did them on one long circular needle and I liked how they turned out.  I do have a tiny issue with the pattern as it has you bind off a lot of stitches just to have you sew a seam which seemed rather pointless.  So I modified it a bit by keeping the stitches live on the needle then knitting the live stitches (the ones that should have been bound off) together with the heel flap thus seaming as I knit.  It was much easier that way.  I think I knit together 2 stitches (1 on each end or heel flap) every 3 rows then one row straight.  Of course none of this will make sense to you if you a) don't knit, b) have never knit socks, or c) need to see the pattern to understand.  However, I wanted to include my learning process with you and if you find yourself knitting these and want to avoid seams and if you still don't understand what I wrote let me know and I'll help you out.

The only other issue I have with the pattern is that they are a bit short, even for a footie.  I think my next pair I'll knit a bit longer to start.  If you are on ravelry check out the nice notes from other knitters who have made them...I'm quite sure this will be a regular pattern on my needles.

I love this yarn too!  It is super-duper soft and many of you know how I hate superwash wool, well in sock yarn it is forgivable. Also it was reasonably priced too...right now I feel like stocking up on it... I really like the gradual color change and how it all flows together.  I had more than enough yarn to complete this project and actually I started another pair of socks for Elsa with the left overs with any luck I'll have pics of those next week.

Speaking of Elsa, I caught a really great picture of her this week playing with what she loves most:

 

CARS!  Not really too much of a surprise since she has 3 older brothers. Now don't mistake her desire for mechanical things (yes she is a big fan of computer gadgets too I totally blame Husband for this as he read to her computer tech books as an infant) lead you to think that she is a tom-boy.  She is not!  Elsa loves for me to do her hair, paint her nails and toe-nails.  She loves dresses and her fave color is pink (I may have mentioned that before).  She loves her dolls and dress-up clothes but really her favorite thing is to stuff cars into purses and carry them around.  She makes car noises just like the boys.  It really is an endearing quality of hers.  I think she plays with them because her brothers like them and she wants to fit in with them and let the know that what they like is cool too.

Homeschooling Lincoln has been going a bit better this week but still it isn't my favorite thing to do.  I really am feeling overwhelmed by all the things that I have to do and it just feels like school time with Lincoln is just one more thing.  I seriously need a nanny/housekeeper.  Perhaps one of you knows how to get in contact with Mary Poppins?  I know my kids would love her to come.

 I have our monthly meeting at homelink this morning for Lincoln.  I spoke briefly with our consultant last night and told her that while the homeschooling with Lincoln has been difficult I really think that it is because of our lack of restful sleep with Thaddeus.  She told me we can talk about it and that she has experience working with children who refuse to do things like sleep...she has some tricks she will share.  I personally am very excited about that.  Also she said she was excited to see Lincoln again, that she really liked him.  That made this Momma's heart very proud.

I hope you all have a blessed week.

Well life happened!

So I know I've been a little more than behind in blogging, however going from four to five kiddos has proven much more work than originally planned. I can hear you all laughing over that one.

Husband's schedule has changed twice since Thaddeus came, but now he finally has his regular schedule for the time. He really seems to be enjoying the job and feels appreciated at work. I think that it helps that he's getting the hang of the job.

More updates: Lincoln lost his top two front teeth. I really hope we won't have to go back to speech therapy once his teeth grow back in as he is slipping up on letters that require those teeth to pronounce properly. However, I really am not worried just writing what's on my mind.

Thaddeus is growing so fast, he's quickly making short work of his clothes and starting to get into 3-6 month but still can wear a lot of his 0-3 month clothes too. At his 6 week check-up he was 11 lbs. 2 oz. I'm sure he'll be close to 13 lbs. at his 2 month check-up, which happens to be this Thursday.

Elsbeth is growing too. I finally went through all of her clothes, birth to present which took an afternoon to complete. Mostly because there was a lot of boy clothes I went through too plus I sorted everything by size or if it was an accessory. Now I'm just trying to find the clothes new homes, haha. About a month ago I went over to a friends who had a bunch of girl clothes and brought home a kitchen garbage bag full of clothes sized 24 months to 2T. Well the pants fit her just fine, maybe a little on the long side...the tops are another matter. They fit around, and the sleeves are the right length however the length is proving to be slightly too short for proprieties sake. SIGH! I think I may just end up making her some tops for the summer.

This leads me into my Mother's Day gift, in addition to the delightful presents Samuel & Lincoln made me at school and a surprise gift certificate to the local yarn shop here in Deer Park, In Stitches, Husband took the four oldest (yes he left baby Thaddeus) into town for the day so that I could sew! I asked for this because I had several projects that I really wanted to get done but the time to do them in was hard to find. (Even now with this post I have been interrupted no less than 5 times and imagine that number to increase before I publish.) It was quite a luxury I tell you, the only frustration was that I had to stop to make myself something to eat for lunch.

I have discovered that I am quickly becoming re-addicted to sewing, which isn't too surprising as I have found that in the summer I'm more prone to sewing than knitting. Not to worry my knitter friends I guarantee that by the time September comes my fingers will be uncontrollably drawn to my dear friend Mr. Wool. However, this summer I might get the chance to learn how to spin! Oooh I am nearly beside myself in excitement and anticipation, however I fear I might not be able to afford the habit. Oh well, one thing I have learned is that God is faithful to provide all our needs and somehow He always manages to throw in several of our wants too.

I have the dreaded case of Senioritis...I can barely push myself to complete my work, let alone do it to the best of my ability. Good thing there is just under 4 weeks left and then I'll be DONE, well until I decide I want to torture myself again :) I did complete all the required classes for my degree so they've already sent me my diploma, which is nice because it does take all the stress out of the schoolwork. I'm doing it just for the pure sake of learning and the grade doesn't matter (too much, I tend to be a perfectionist some of the time). Overall I am enjoying the classes I'm taking, I just hate the deadlines.

Samuel is completely beside himself with the sillies. I can't hardly go an hour before he has me wanting to roll on the floor howling with laughter. Just this week he took a leftover hamburger to preschool for breakfast, told me and Husband that he was "scary on Tuesdays...and Thursdays" not to mention that his preschool teacher Mr.Frank had surgery to get two more hands, yellow to boot! I tell you that kid is one silly boy, but we love him so very much. He is very much looking forward to kindergarten in the fall and I am happy that he is happy.

I suppose the only kiddo I haven't written about is the infamous Mr. Vinny. Yes I telly you he is destined to be a mob boss/politician (pretty much the same thing) 3 1/2 and he can nearly talk circles around you to get what he wants, plus if word don't work he bats his lashes and looks like an angel. Often he can be heard praying for forgiveness which usually begins "Dear God thank I " I have to cover my mouth to keep from showing my smile and close my eyes lest he realize how adorable and funny he was.

Well, I suppose that I shouldn't delay too much longer as the interruptions will just keep coming (we're up to about 10 now). Hopefully I'll get back to my regular postings soon and just to keep myself accountable I'll let you all know that we're going to put in our yard as it looks a little pathetic now compared to the church's. I'll be sure to take before & after pics for you all.


Blessings!

Books!

The mail just arrived today and to say I'm excited is an understatement. Last Monday I ordered a couple of books from Christian Books. The first is Finding Your Child's Way on the Autism Spectrum by Dr. Laura Hendrickson.


I have been wanting this book for several months yet timing for the purchase of it hasn't been great until recently. My main reason in wanting the book is that Dr. Hendrickson is a Christian and has a son who falls on the spectrum too. The greatest struggle I have battled since Lincoln's diagnosis isn't finding resources about Asperger's but finding a Godly resource for helping us to raise our son as Godly parents. It is unfortunate fact, but the Christian community is entirely lacking in the Autism area of parenting. So when I find a book I have to read it, because Husband and I are raising our son not just to be a productive adult with Asperger's, but a Godly productive adult with Asperger's.

My goal is to read this book and to also blog about what I have read as I really do want to provide a resource for other parents. So check back to see my progress.

The other book I ordered was don't waste your life by John Piper. Our Adult Sunday School class is reading through this book and discussing it in class. I am excited for this as well. Lately I've felt that the adult class was lacking in practical lessons for busy adults. However, the last couple of classes I have been excited and encouraged by the actual discussion among the adults. I leave feeling fed, that what had been missing was found and my desire to draw closer to God had grown. You may be getting a few reports on this book as well.


The count down to baby has begun (well, actually it began a long time ago but now it is much sooner). 5 more weeks! No, I'm not ready and to be honest this baby can stay where it is forever! I'm sure I'll have a change of heart in few more weeks, but for now I'm just glad to be pregnant and not taking care of an infant. If I can remember I'll have Husband take a pic of me for you all to see.

Blessings to you all!