Never A Dull Moment!

There is never a dull moment around here! Today's favorite - the consumers energy bill in the mail for electricity when they provide us with natural gas, opps! It gets even better, I called to get the problem fixed and find out what we really owe only to find out that their computer systems are down. Well, guess I have to put that off until tomorrow!

Memorable Moments, Wednesday, March 7th

Anytime we celebrate a birthday, that is a memorable moment.  Today was my (Tami) birthday and it was a wonderful day spent with my family.  The most memorable birthday moment for me actually occured on Saturday when friends arrived as a surprise to spend some time with us and to have dinner with our children so hubby and I could go on a date.  All was pre-arranged without my knowledge, and I was surprised, and very blessed!  I enjoyed time catching up with friends and an evening out with my hubby. :)

Today's memorable moment came when I arrived home after doing some early morning grocery shopping before everyone was up...I came home to a large poster hanging over the kitchen doorway that read "Happy Birthday, We love You!" with some wonderful pictures drawn on it.  I love these little (or big) things made by my children because I know they put their whole heart into them and they desire to see a smile on my face when I see what they have done. What precious gifts from their hearts to mine. :)

Memorable Moments, Monday, March 5th

Monday:  Being surprised by Lily getting up early, spending a few quiet moments with her, and then enjoying a productive morning because of her helpfulness.

Memorable Moments, Tuesday, March 6th

Tuesday:  Spending a few minutes hanging out with Olivia in her crib and allowing her to stand and inspect her animal buddies in her mobile.  Enjoyed watching her delight and listening to her baby babble!

Memorable Moments, Sunday, March 4th

Hello, again!  Starting another topic too, so we can document the sweet and good things that happen regularly to help us think on "things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report; if there be any virtue" (Philippians 4:8, paraphrase).
  
Sunday:  Watching our oldest, Clair, make a profession of faith and be welcomed into our local church body; followed closely by enjoying communion with her and seeing her joy at being at the Lord's table!

Zane'ism - I so thirsty!

I'm starting a new category called quotable's as funny things are said on an almost daily basis in our home.  This morning, it was Zane and his often said "I so thirsty" that was funny!

"Daddy, I have a drink of your coffee, please? I so thirsty!" Zane, age 2 (and a half)

Olivia @ 4-Months!

Olivia turned 4-months old this past week!  It's hard to believe that it's been that long since she was born.  I thought it would be good to record what daily life with her is like and the milestones she's reached at this point since I don't have time for a baby book at the moment. :)

Olivia is a bright-eyed, happy little girl who constantly watches what is occurring in the family - smiling and scowling as she deems appropriate and sometimes even giving an offended cry.  She's particular too...from her preference to hang out with mommy to her desire to sleep in her own bed.  She eats and sleeps well and has a fairly regular schedule that allows mommy to plan for the daily/weekly routines of bible study, chores, homeschool, shopping, meal prep, and other family activities.

She has a wonderful personality and a beautiful dimple in her left cheek.  She is affectionately nicknamed "Bean" and is called "weila" by Zane, who can't say "Olivia" yet. :) 

Olivia is a mommy's girl and needs some help getting comfortable with others besides mommy. :)  She is our first baby that detests a wet diaper and will cry until the offending diaper is changed.  She also prefers to nap in her own bed, away from all the family hub-bub (I can't say I blame her!).  She enjoys playing with her sisters but isn't so sure about Zane as he is usually too loud for her. :)

Olivia is doing well meeting or even exceeding some milestones for her age.  She:

• holds her head up well while being held or laying on her tummy
• laughs out loud (so adorable!)
• will turn to certain voices (like mommy's)
• rolls to her side and will roll to her tummy if she's on something soft
• easily grabs toys, blankets, hair, and her pacifier - sometimes she likes to try "holding" her bottle
• chews on anything you put in her mouth...teething has commenced (although an actual tooth could be weeks/months away)

This past week brought some new things for Olivia as well...she has started "talking" to us, which is adorable, and she now takes the pacifier out of her mouth and can even put it back, sometimes.  Removal of the "poppy" (as it is called in our home) usually results in an offended cry.  It's hard not to laugh at times, since she's the one taking the poppy out of her mouth. :)

Here are a few pictures of Olivia and her siblings too!

Nature Study - Leaves

We did our first nature study today!  The children and I, minus Olivia, went outside to see what we could find that interested our senses.  It is a beautiful, sunny, and warm day and we headed out in the morning hoping to beat the afternoon heat and some of the bugs.  We were only successful in beating the heat!  The bugs were so bad by the woods that we quickly retreated inside after only 15 minutes outside.  Here's what we saw:

1. Autumn Olive - we have two bushes to the south of the house that have very pretty green leaves with red berries.  What is unique about these bushes is that the underside of the leaves are sliver and the berries also have silver dots on them.  Upon further research we discovered that these are Autumn Olive bushes, which are thought to be noxious weeds that are very hard to get rid of!  I also found an article, see the attached link to this post, that indicates the berries are delicious and high in lycopene.  The berries have a very interesting seed inside of them as well.
2. Queen Ann's Lace
3. Blackberries!
4. Large grape leaves
5. Mosquitoes galore!!!

We also heard an amazing symphony of sounds while we were outside - from the bugs and birds!  The crickets, locusts, and various birds were singing away this morning. :)

We'll be spending this week learning about the things we saw, below are some pictures:

Olivia & Jessica

Here's a short video of Olivia being cute with Jessica watching/commenting.  Olivia is 2 months old and smiles, coos, and "talks" to us.

http://www.vimeo.com/26133625

OSV of Clair and Lily #1

Clair and Lily at the kitchen table (ignore the messy counter in the background!)

Spring Clean!

Good Morning!   We're refreshing this blog to reflect our entire family, so please be patient with us as we do some general clean-up and upload long forgotten family photos!

OSV of Clair #1

Clair at our previous house in Westland playing with her Garfield figures.

OSV of Lily #4

Here's a short video of Lily pushing her empty stroller with our dog Solomon being walked along side of her.

OSV of Lily #3

Old Silent Video (OSV) of Lily #2

Old Silent Video (OSV) of Lily #1

Holland 2010

Here's a sample of photos taken in Holland, Michigan this past weekend.  We all had a great time on this mini-vacation...especially the girls!

Praises for Rod and Staff Publishers, Inc.

We recently decided to purchase new Homeschooling material for our first grader. We have been homeschooling her all along thus far, and plan to continue to do so. We decided to order the 1st Grade materials by Rod and Staff Publishers, Inc. However, since they do not have a direct website to order from, we used the above linked website. We are very impressed with the material and plan to go through it all starting this coming Monday. Check them out if you're a homeschooling parent!

The Refining Process

One more bible study on "character"...

Character:
The Refining Process

This Bible study on the refining process can be used by one person alone or in a small group. It is short (20 to 30 mins) but if you read each passage, reflect on it, and discuss it, you'll gain a good sense of what refining really means, its demands, and its rewards.


For Christmas, anniversaries or birthdays, jewelry is always a popular gift item. Gold jewelry is made from 14-karat, 18-karat, 22-karat, or 24-karat gold. What’s the difference between them?

What do you know about the metal refining process that brings about such beauty and quality?

In the dictionary, “Refine” means several things:
1. to reduce to a pure state, as with sugar, metal, or oil
2. to free from moral imperfection
3. to improve by pruning or polishing
4. to free from what is coarse, vulgar, or uncouth, as with a refined person

When the Bible speaks of “refining,” to which of these definitions does it refer?

What does the Bible say about refining?

a. Metal is refined and purified in a furnace; the Lord purifies and tests the heart. (Read Proverbs 17:3)

b. We must be refined before our offerings are acceptable to the Lord. (Read Malachi 3:2-4)

c. The Lord’s people will be tested in the furnace of affliction (or great suffering). (Read Isaiah 1:25, 4:4, 48:10 and Jeremiah 9:7)

d. The Lord examines your heart and mind. (Read Jeremiah 17:10)

e. Those who survive will be refined and tested by the Lord. (Read Zechariah 13:9)

Describe a recent situation that at the time was difficult but later you could look back at it from the point of view of refining your character.

To Do:

1. Remember, refining does not come from listening to sermons or reading the Bible. It comes from being exposed to difficult situations and enduring affliction.

2. Pray that you recognize the hand of the Refiner in difficult situations.

Highlights from The Gospel of Mark (Ch. 1)

This past Christmas wife my bought me yet another new bible. Of course I actually wanted this bible, because it's new to me, and because it's a King James bible. And to be honest, I ordered it myself, but gave credit to my wife! This particular bible is "The New Defender's Study Bible" by Henry M. Morris. If I can convince any of you to switch to, or stay with the King James, I'd very much recommend this edition. I've started going through the gospel of Mark recently during my morning devotionals. This time around certain passages have struck me and have special meaning at the time of my readings each morning. I thought I'd share these highlighted sections of the first eight chapters that I have gotten through over the past few weeks:

1:1 "The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;"

The simple pronouncement that Jesus was and is God's Son.


1:7 "...There cometh one mightier than I after me,"

John the Baptist is acknowledging the coming of Jesus, and that He is Mighty!


1:8 "I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost."

John the Baptist has already been made aware of the fact that Jesus will have the ultimate power to baptize people with the Holy Ghost (Holy Spirit).


1:10 "...the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:"

Jesus is being baptized by John here. Can you imagine what the "heavens opened" must have looked like? me neither! It's got to be more awesome than anything we can image. Here's the Holy Ghost making his great entrance into the created world via God's Son. Thank you Jesus for sharing your Spirit with us!


1:11 "...a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."

Obviously the "voice from heaven" is God the Father. Any time that people audibly hear God speaking, we better pay attention! If God is "well pleased" with Jesus, He must have been doing something right! We'd be wise to follow Jesus' examples.


1:14 "...after that John was put into prison,"

Apparently soon after Jesus is baptized by John the Baptist, John is put into prison. Since this is the start of Jesus' main missionary time (the approximately 3 years), it's no wonder that some people thought that Jesus was really John the Baptist come back alive.


1:16 "...Simon and Andrew"

DISCIPLE #1 - Simon (Peter): fisherman
DISCIPLE #2 - Andrew, Simon's brother: fisherman


1:19 "...James the son of Zebedee, and John"

DISCIPLE #3 - James, son of Zebedee: fisherman
DISCIPLE #4 - John, son of Zebedee, James' brother: fisherman


1:22 "...he taught them as one who had authority,"

Jesus, without a doubt, had authority to teach the word of God!


1:24 "...the Holy One of God."

An example of the fact that the enemy's evil spirits are well aware of who Jesus truly is.


1:35 "...prayed."

If Jesus found it necessary to pray to His Father, don't you think that each of us should make that an important part of our daily lives, walking with Him?


1:44 "...those things which Moses commanded,"

It's extremely important to realize that Jesus refers to the Old Testament and its teachings many many times during His walk on earth. Churches and Christians today CANNOT throw out the OT and try to just follow the NT - they are woven together.

Problems with "New" Bible Versions - Part 1

I (Rich) started this back in November 2008 - I plan to add to it in the near future:

Problems with the “New” Bible Versions:
(Any versions other than the KJV)

1. The “new” bible versions use scriptures that were perverted in Alexandria, Egypt instead of the preserved scriptures found in Antioch of Syria (where the disciples were first called “Christians”).

2. The “scholars” of Alexandria couldn’t agree on anything regarding the bible. The main source of the resulting false bible was Origen:
Origen was not a bible-believer
Origen did not believe in the Old Testament miracles
Origen did not believe many of Jesus’ words or stories
Origen did not believe the Holy Spirit was eternal
Origen did not believe that Jesus Christ is Almighty God
Therefore, Origen freely removed Jesus’ words and changed verses as he saw fit. He made up his own version of the bible. It contained his own modified Greek Old Testament, mixed in the “old folk tales” called the Apocrypha, and added his own perverted New Testament.

3. Origen called his modified Old Testament mixed with the Aprocrypha: the “ancient” Septuagint.

4. The combined Septuagint and Origen’s perverted New Testament are called the Alexandrian Bible.

5. Origen is today considered a “saint” even though he wasn’t a real Christian!

6. The “scholars” at Alexandria wrote 3 bible perversions:
Sinaiticus (about 350 AD)
Vaticanus (before 400 AD)
Alexandrinus (about 450 AD)

7. The Vaudois from northwest Italy (east of France) went to Antioch of Syria to receive God’s words in about 120 AD. For the next 37 years they translated the bible into Latin. This true bible was known as the Old Latin Bible. This bible was also known as the Common Bible or the Vulgate Bible. (This “vulgate” is not to be confused with Jerome’s false “vulgate” published later).

8. Rome’s last Caesar, Constantine, gave himself a new title: Pontifex Maximus (a.k.a. Pope).

TO BE CONTINUED...

God Is with You

We got this bookmark recently...

"Although each day
brings challenges
and things that are unknown,
You needn't face them
by yourself
or deal with alone,
For others care about you
and will keep you
close in prayer
And, above all,
God will guide you -
for His love is
always there.

by Emily Matthews

We thought we'd share this with you during these challenging economic times! Hang in there!

Definition of JOY

Jesus first

Others second

Yourself last

"Imitation Bibles Produce Imitation Christians"

The quote in my Title comes from page 182 of a book that I (Rich) have been reading lately. It's a slow process because as I'm going through the book, I am referencing both my NIV Study bible and my Holy Bible: King James Version. The book is titled:

New Age Bible Versions: An Exhaustive Documentation Exposing the Message, Men and Manuscripts Moving Mankind to the Antichrist's One World Religion

I've always preferred the NIV in the past, but as I read more, I am discovering that I am becoming a King James Only advocate. The changes that the new version editors have taken over the years are at the very least scary! I plan to write more about this in upcoming posts.

Thou Shalt Not...

THOU SHALT NOT...
MAKE A COVENANT WITH THEM OR THEIR GODS (referring specifically in this case to "foreigners" such as the Philistines - but certainly could apply today to any people group following a false god)

EX. 23:32