Today

Today is the day I have been wanting to avoid. Today is the day that family, and countless friends, of Ivan, have to lay his body to rest. We have to say our final goodbyes. I don't think his death has really sunk in just yet. The reality of it all just hasn't hit. I mean, I know he's gone but seeing him laying there is going to make it more real. I don't know if that makes a lot of sense, but it's the best way I can describe my feelings right now.

Every time I think about how I won't see his smiling face, that I won't hear his happy voice, that I won't see him playing with his kids, makes me tear up. When I drive by somewhere we went together, I cry. But, I also remember the good memory I have of him. He truly was an amazing person. Loved by so many.

Today is not going to be easy. When I am with all of those people that loved and cared for him, my heart is going to break all over again. When my eyes see those beautiful children, who have no idea what is going on, my heart is going to break even more. I am going to try to be strong, to not fall apart too much. It is going to be hard to accomplish this but, the Lord is with me. And with Christ ALL things ARE possible. He is the ONLY one who can fill that void in a person's heart. I hope that all the people there know that. I hope that Ivan knew that.

Is Meat Necessary?

Today I was talking with a friend about my choice not to eat meat. While part of it is a religious decision (Pork), the other is just a health decision. This evening my husband was watching these YouTube videos titled The Effects of Animal Fats on the Human Body! Is Meat Necessary?. There are 6 parts, each about 10 minutes long. Very interesting to say the least! Enjoy!

Still, Small Voice

This morning, as I was reading through our church's youth study for today, this excerpt from Prophets and Kings by Ellen White really spoke to me. It gave me some comfort, and opened my eyes. In light of the events that have taken place in this last week, this is something I needed to read. I hope it blesses you as well.

 "What Doest Thou Here?"

     Elijah's retreat on Mount Horeb, though hidden from man, was known to God; and the weary and discouraged prophet was not left to struggle alone with the powers of darkness that were pressing upon him. At the entrance to the cave wherein Elijah had taken refuge, God met with him, through a mighty angel sent to inquire into his needs and to make plain the divine purpose for Israel. 

     Not until Elijah had learned to trust wholly in God could he complete his work for those who had been seduced into Baal worship. The signal triumph on the heights of Carmel had opened the way for still greater victories; yet from the wonderful opportunities opening before him, Elijah had been turned away by the threat of Jezebel. The man of God must be made to understand the weakness of his present position as compared with the vantage ground the Lord would have him occupy. 

     In bitterness of soul Elijah mourned out his complaint: "I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken Thy covenant, thrown down Thine altars, and slain Thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away." 

     Calling upon the prophet to leave the cave, the angel bade him stand before the Lord on the mount, and listen to His word. "And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: and after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave." 

     Not in mighty manifestations of divine power, but by "a still small voice," did God choose to reveal Himself to His servant. He desired to teach Elijah that it is not always the work that makes the greatest demonstration that is most successful in accomplishing His purpose. While Elijah waited for the revelation of the Lord, a tempest rolled, the lightnings flashed, and a devouring fire swept by; but God was not in all this. Then there came a still, small voice, and the prophet covered his head before the presence of the Lord. His petulance was silenced, his spirit softened and subdued. He now knew that a quiet trust, a firm reliance on God, would ever find for him a present help in time of need. 

     It is not always the most learned presentation of God's truth that convicts and converts the soul. Not by eloquence or logic are men's hearts reached, but by the sweet influences of the Holy Spirit, which operate quietly yet surely in transforming and developing character. It is the still, small voice of the Spirit of God that has power to change the heart. 

     "What doest thou here, Elijah?" the voice inquired; and again the prophet answered, "I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken Thy covenant, thrown down Thine altars, and slain Thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away." 

     The Lord answered Elijah that the wrongdoers in Israel should not go unpunished. Men were to be especially chosen to fulfill the divine purpose in the punishment of the idolatrous kingdom. There was stern work to be done, that all might be given opportunity to take their position on the side of the true God. Elijah himself was to return to Israel, and share with others the burden of bringing about a reformation. 

       Elijah had thought that he alone in Israel was a worshiper of the true God. But He who reads the hearts of all revealed to the prophet that there were many others who, through the long years of apostasy, had remained true to Him. "I have left Me," God said, "seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him." 

     From Elijah's experience during those days of discouragement and apparent defeat there are many lessons to be drawn, lessons invaluable to the servants of God in this age, marked as it is by general departure from right. The apostasy prevailing today is similar to that which in the prophet's day overspread Israel. In the exaltation of the human above the divine, in the praise of popular leaders, in the worship of mammon, and in the placing of the teachings of science above the truths of revelation, multitudes today are following after Baal. Doubt and unbelief are exercising their baleful influence over mind and heart, and many are substituting for the oracles of God the theories of men. It is publicly taught that we have reached a time when human reason should be exalted above the teachings of the Word. The law of God, the divine standard of righteousness, is declared to be of no effect. The enemy of all truth is working with deceptive power to cause men and women to place human institutions where God should be, and to forget that which was ordained for the happiness and salvation of mankind. 

     Yet this apostasy, widespread as it has come to be, is not universal. Not all in the world are lawless and sinful; not all have taken sides with the enemy. God has many thousands who have not bowed the knee to Baal, many who long to understand more fully in regard to Christ and the law, many who are hoping against hope that Jesus will come soon to end the reign of sin and death. And there are many who have been worshiping Baal ignorantly, but with whom the Spirit of God is still striving. 

     These need the personal help of those who have learned to know God and the power of His word. In such a time as this, every child of God should be actively engaged in helping others. As those who have an understanding of Bible truth try to seek out the men and women who are longing for light, angels of God will attend them. And where angels go, none need fear to move forward. As a result of the faithful efforts of consecrated workers, many will be turned from idolatry to the worship of the living God. Many will cease to pay homage to man-made institutions and will take their stand fearlessly on the side of God and His law.

Cry Out to Jesus

I haven't posted anything in a week. I didn't really feel like I had anything worth saying. Then, Wednesday came at me like a ton of bricks. Now, I have so much to say, and I can't share it with someone who needed to hear it from me again. When someone you know dies, it's hard, but usually you have the comfort of knowing that they lived a long, full life. But sometimes, there are those who are still young, who have small children that looked up to them, they have a whole life that was waiting for them, and then, that's it. They're gone. If the fact they are so young doesn't make it hard enough to deal with, it's the fact that you know they willing made the choice.

My heart is breaking each time I think about him, and his family he chose to leave behind. All of the questions his loved ones have. All of the pain each one is feeling. The fact that 2 beautiful babies are going to grow up without their dad with them. The fact that the mother of those 2 beautiful children is blaming herself for this tragedy. So much hurt, so much pain. But what bothers me the most, is not knowing if he was right with God. My heart aches that he didn't have that relationship with the Lord, the one that would have comforted all of his pain and sorrow. Yes, as Christians we still hurt but we have comfort knowing that Jesus has been there before, and will help us through it now.

I just want to shout it to everyone, that JESUS LOVES US ALL! HE DOES CARE FOR YOU. CRY OUT TO HIM! I can't say those words to my friend now. I can't share Jesus with him anymore. Now I sit and wonder if I shared enough. If I shared the right way. And I know it is so wrong to think these things. There is nothing I could have done. Salvation comes through Jesus Christ, and Him alone. It's a personal choice one has to make for themselves.

All I can do now is remember his smiling face. I can remember what a loving, caring person he was. I can lift his family in prayer. I can share the love of Jesus with every other person I come in contact with. There are so many lost souls out there. They are depressed, screaming for help. If I am part of the body of Christ, then I need to see those needs of those people. I need to be proactive in strectching out my arms to help them, to share Jesus with them.

He was so young, only 25 years old. He left behind 2 children, ages 4 and 2, the mother of his children, a sister, a mom, and countless others who knew and loved him. Rest in peace Ivan.

God's Chisel

Sometimes I forget that each one of us is at a different place in our Christian walk. Sometimes I say things to someone too matter-of-factly for them, at this time in their walk. Sometimes when you are walking with the Lord and striving for that perfection, you forget that not everyone has reached where you are yet. And, that you haven't quite reached where some others are. That is why it is called a walk, not a run. I think it's important to remember that as we go on our day to day happenings in life. We come across people who are struggling with something, and we are not to judge them, or tear them down by speaking things they are not ready to hear yet. Instead, we are to lovingly talk with them, pointing them toward Scripture that will help them on their walk. They could be in a place we have traveled through not that long ago. We should oh so carefully, and lovingly, share our experiences with them, to encourage them on their way. Always remembering to point them to the Lord, in ALL things. because it is only through Him, that we made it through any trial we have gone through. Remembering that He does not tempt us beyond what we are able. And, we can do all things through Him who gives us strength.

Isn't HE amazing?! He always provides for us, He always comforts us, and He always encourages us through His Word.

Here's a little video clip that I watch every now and again to help remind me that God is slowly chipping away at each one of us, in the time of His choosing, when He knows it is right for us. It helps remind me that we are all struggling with something, and that the Lord will deal with us in our own time, which is ultimately His time. Enjoy!

Exodus 20:11

Happy Sabbath!

Dinner

Starting today, every Friday we are going to have only veggies for dinner. Now, I'm sure you're thinking, "You're vegetarians. What would you eat other than veggies?" True, we are vegetarians. We eat Quorn products, it's meat-less and soy-free. Anyway, here is what we had for dinner tonight...

The cucumber and zucchini are from our garden. Yum! I found a pretty tasty zucchini recipe. Then, we just built our own salads. =)

Quick Takes Friday

1. We went to a fun new to us splash park this week. The kids had a blast, and I enjoyed chatting with some other moms under an awning, out of the heat.  =)

2. I really like cinnamon rolls!

3. I have gotten some sewing done! I have 2 bags finished, well one just needs handles and it's done, the other IS done. They both turned out great!

4. At KCM (a local resale shop) I found, and purchased, a pretty awesome room divider. It is something I was hoping to find in a resale shop because they are quite pricey, and I wasn't going to spend the money on one. So, finding it for cheap was a great unexpected surprise!

5. I have started running with my 7 y/o in the evenings. I am hoping to find him a track team to join, but, until then, I am running with him. I will probably continue to anyway, we are enjoying the time together, just me and him. I am a bit soar but it feels so great! I look forward to better health, more energy, and a clearer mind to think. Exercise is a glorious thing.

6. This week I have had a hard time with words. Just the other day I told our 4 y/o to take off his shoes but he didn't. So, I said to my husband, "Look! He's wearing a shoe AND a napkin!" I meant to say a shoe and a sandal but yeah, napkin came out instead. You know, because they sound same! (Okay, so that is probably a 'you had to be there' moment but it was so funny, and now my husband won't let me live it down. it has become a little joke in our home.  =] )

7. God has been really blessing me lately. I mean, He's always blessing me, but lately He's been showing me the little blessings in life that I tend to overlook. And thus, those blessings just multiply into other areas of my life. God is so amazingly good!

It's Time to Obey

"My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, [and] apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, [and] liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as [for] hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth [cometh] knowledge and understanding. He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: [he is] a buckler to them that walk uprightly. He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints. Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; [yea], every good path." Proverbs 2:1-9

Dear Lord, my Father God, I cry out to you. I know you hear my voice. I desire to hear your Words, to understand your Words. Your Knowledge is perfect, just and right. I desire to keep Your Commandments, to walk the paths in which You have laid out for me, Lord. I hear a still small voice in my heart Lord. It's my desire to obey Your Words Lord. Thank you for helping me to obey You. Thank you for taking away any fears I may have. You are mighty and all powerful. Your Son, Jesus, came, and walked this earth being shamed and torn down. He was mocked, and crucified. He over came the grave. He died for me. With Your help Lord, I know I can do as you have asked me to do. I cry out to You, and I will hearken unto Your Words, oh Lord.

In Your Son's Mighty Name, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Quick Takes Friday

Okay, so I've borrowed this idea from my friend's blog. Here it goes... some quick takes from my week!


1. Last Sunday, we had some friends over that we haven't hung out with in a long while. It was so great to see everyone! We had 7 adults and 8 kids total, with 4 of those kids being 4 y/o's! It was such a wonderful blessing seeing them all play together so well. I look forward to doing that again!

2. We also got to visit with some friends of ours that recently got back from their trip to Hawaii. It was great to see them after them being gone for about a month! She even brought me back some cool fabric. I've already got some ideas about what I am going to make with it!

3. Speaking of fabric, I decided I would finally make a wallet, something I have been wanting to do for a while. My first one was, well... my first one. I've made a couple now, and I think I finally have it perfected! Hawaii fabric wallet? I think so!  =)

4. Last weekend, our son had a friend stay the weekend. I thought it was a great idea, the kids would hang out, play, and what not. But, what I did not take into consideration, was the fact that we are vegetarians, and he is not. We also don't drink cow milk. I think he had it rough that weekend, especially with our family's observance of Sabbath, but he seemed happy. It was nice hosting him.

5. Kids.... wait brothers maybe... They incessantly bicker with each other. Summer is great and all, but there is just too much free time! I'm ready for the formal school year to begin again! Less than 2 months to go!  =)

6. It's not all bad though. They don't always argue and nit-pick at each other. They can be very sweet! Here they are, the 9 y/o teaching the 4 y/o math. Love it! It's times like these that remind me how truly blessed I am!!!!

See the number line?!

7. Of course, we live in Texas, and it's HOT! So, we've been trying to frequent the splash park by our house. It's a great time to be had by all. Even I, you heard right, get to play in the water. Thanks to my super adorable 11 month old daughter! She LOVES the spraying water, and I certainly can't let her roam free with all of those kids running about! So, I too get some relief from the heat.

8. My boys are really enjoying listening to Adventures in Odyssey. They listen in the car and at home, a lot. I enjoy hearing the stories also. My 9 y/o is the one who really, really likes to listen. The first thing he did this morning, was turn it one! And that makes me happy! If you haven't heard of Adventures in Odyssey, it's like a radio show for kids, a Christian one. It has great stories from the Bible and character lessons too. We borrowed the platinum collection from the library. I recommend checking them out!

Well, that's it! Some quick takes from my crazy week. I'm hoping to do this every Friday, so, if you care to know what's been going on in my life, check back here next Friday!