Music and Pictures

Every year, I think we'll get our game on and finally do some Christmas cards. I almost feel guilty getting such cute pictures and sweet cards from all of my people. They brighten the mail each day, and I don't return the love. :) Then, a certain window of time passes, and I start thinking... well, we'll do an e-newsletter, that's more economical. Faster. I can do that! And, then, I start wondering if even that will happen. So, for now, here are just a few pictures of December happenings around here that might be included should I ever get to cards or newsletters. Consider it a sneak peek, although probably a peek of something that won't quite come to fruition. Here's some music for you, too: http://matthewsmith.bandcamp.com/album/your-king-has-come. We're celebrating our family Christmas tomorrow, since we're going to TX next Saturday!

This kid turned 3 last Monday!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Lord Will Provide

We had the privilege of attending a Matthew Smith concert recently. I've especially been enjoying his new version of an old hidden gym by John Newton called, "The Lord Will Provide." Though troubles assail and dangers affright, Though friends should all fail and foes all unite; Yet one thing secures us, whatever betide, The scripture assures us, the Lord will provide The birds without barn or storehouse are fed, From them let us learn to trust for our bread: His saints, what is fitting, shall ne'er be denied, So long as it's written, the Lord will provide We may, like the ships, by tempest be tossed On perilous deeps, but cannot be lost. Though Satan enrages the wind and the tide, The promise engages, the Lord will provide. His call we obey, like Abram of old, Not knowing our way, but faith makes us bold; For though we are strangers we have a good Guide, And trust in all dangers, the Lord will provide When Satan appears to stop up our path, And fill us with fears, we triumph by faith; He cannot take from us, though oft he has tried, This heart-cheering promise, the Lord will provide He tells us we're weak, our hope is in vain, The good that we seek we ne'er shall obtain, But when such suggestions our spirits have plied, This answers all questions, the Lord will provide No strength of our own, or goodness we claim, Yet since we have known the Savior's great name; In this our strong tower for safety we hide, The Lord is our power, the Lord will provide When life sinks apace and death is in view, This word of his grace shall comfort us through: No fearing or doubting with Christ on our side, We hope to die shouting the Lord will provide credits from All I Owe, released 07 November 2006 Words: John Newton Music: Matthew S. Smith ©2006 Detuned Radio Music (ASCAP)

The Growing Boys!

It's hard to get them to look at the camera.  I put something on my head to be silly and get their attention.  When it fell on the ground, then the smiles came out.  How do the professionals do it?  :)  Thankful for these two silly brothers!

EE sings about Dirty Dishes :)

In my last post, I talked of my deep admiration for Elizabeth Elliot. She talks with godly, beautiful wisdom on suffering, marriage, homemaking, trusting God, discipline, etc. And, in this talk, she even sings about dirty dishes. :) http://www.blueletterbible.org/audio_video/comm_topic.cfm?AuthorID=44&commInfo=40&GroupID=0 Click on Guide to Contentment and go to 30:18-30:40 (ish). Enjoy!

May I Recommend...

...the archives of Elizabeth Elliot newsletters (1982-2003)? Not to mention the daily devotional, radio broadcasts, and other resources you'll find on this website. http://www.elisabethelliot.org/newsletters.html My husband and I have been having some discussions about incorporating solid devotional material to our morning routine to stir the soul. (Helpful when you are plugging through Leviticus, for example.) I so admire this woman, and I love reading her stuff. Maybe I'll post some reasons why and quotes in the near future, to give you a flavor. Until then, may these warm your affections for God.

Adios, Helmet!

These aren't the best pictures to show Timmy's original head shape/flatness. There's actually one picture that was more pronounced, but I can't find it. Anyway, if the numbers don't lie, our little man went from having diagonal differences of 13.6 mm down to 6.5 mm, in something like 4 1/2 months. We're thankful for the progress, which seems to be more unpredictable when older babies/toddlers are helmeted. Just deciding to get the helmet was a very tricky process for awhile. You hate to throw down a lot of money if it's not clearly a need, but looking back, we're encouraged that it was a worthwhile choice. Those helmet pictures sure were cute, but we don't miss the stench of the helmet. :)

Gals and Social Media

The ladies over at GirlTalk have been churning out a helpful and rather lengthy (proof of the need for such discussion) series on Social Media (Our Connected Heart).

I have been reading these posts, not always because I want to, but because, I know that I need to.

I actually don't tweet. I honestly don't even facebook much anymore, although I go through spurts where I do more often. Getting a bit more tired of pinterest, although I love finding recipes and rainy-day activities - a goldmine of a resource! Yet, which social media we use or don't use isn't really the problem here. I think I inwardly pride myself on the fact I don't use some of the more trendy social media forms. But, seriously, how many hours a week do I use e-mail, search blogs or even peruse recipes. How does that hold up to the weekly minutes spent in the Word? How does my time spent connecting or browing compare to my desires and commitments to pray, study Scripture, or serve others, especially my little ones and husband (and church family)?

And, just to preface the series, know they aren't saying quit your facebook, never tweet, etc. Read up, and you'll see that loud and clear.

Today, I'm going to take the Social Media Challenge. I'm not here to tell you what that will look like in my home. Shew, I don't even know yet. I need to take an honest look at my habits and think through that personally. But, I know I want my kids to grow up seeing WAY more of mom's front than her back. I am positive I want them to see me in the Word more than typing words. I'm sure I want to serve people face to face more than facebook to facebook (although that can be a real source of encouragement). I want to enjoy the sunshine. Have clean clothes and yummy food ready. I want to know God and know others. But, on a lot of days, what robs me of these basic desires is, yup, the Internet.

This isn't to discourage or make you feel crummy, the girltalkers are wonderful at reminding women of God's great grace to us and His wonderful calling on our lives.

So, be encouraged. I'm ready to take a harder look at my daily habits as they relate to time, priorities, the computer, etc. And maybe fill up some of my previously wasted time with some more profitable pursuits.

Here's the link to the posts - Social Media/Less Is More

Yellow Cake!!

Ok. A break from pictures of kids and random links. Maybe we'll move back to more substantial, thoughtful posts one of these years. But today, I'm typing up some new favorite recipes. Thought I'd share! You'll love this. The evil part about it is you probably have all of the ingredients on hand. I know - it's calling my name too. Just buy some storebought chocolate icing (if you're lazy like me) and make your people smile! Oh, and I love that it's a one-bowl recipe. Nate "helped" me make it awhile back. Old-Fashioned Yellow Cake

Multitasking.

Meet my new favorite Potty Training picture. This has been quite the 3 days. We win some, we lose some, but he's doing great overall. And, he's had some hilarious one-liners. And some funny pictures I won't share, so he'll thank me one day. But, this is sharable. And, this is often our reality. It's hard to slow down to work when you're having fun. I hear ya, Nate. Multitasking is not my forte - ask my husband or close friends. But, maybe Nate has a future in accomplishing several things at once!

"Long Before Batman Ever Rises..."

A dear friend sent me this link. You've got to hear this story...

Speaking of Marriage...

Anniversary!

We're celebrating 6 years of marriage (on Sunday, the 22nd)!

I so love my Dustin!!  Thankful to God for His mercy towards us.  In light of this milestone, I look forward to listening to this talk by Tim Keller, called Marriage in Gospel Focus.  You can listen here.

A wonderful husby and...

 a wonderful daddy!! 

Visit From Cousins!!

We have been busy having a BLAST with our wonderful nephews and Dustin's sweet sister and sweet mama - the best sister-in-law and mother-in-law I could ever have asked for! 

Here's a sweet cousin picture.  We're not sure we'll ever get a girl in this family, but we sure love little boys! 

What Every Husband Should Know About Stay-at-Home Moms

This is a helpful article for families.  I definitely have my days of outer and inner chaos, and I'm thankful that Dustin strives to understand and encourage me in it.  Enjoy!  

http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/what-every-husband-should-know-about-stay-at-home-moms#

A Sampling

Aaron Menikoff, our dear friend and the pastor of our church here in Atlanta, has a very helpful blog.  It's called Free to Serve, it can be found here, and I've personally been thankful for this resource and the last 5 posts specifically.  The topics covered in those posts have been evangelism, joy, family worship, leaving and joining a church and what is an accountability partner.  You should check out these posts to encourage, challenge and equip you in these areas.  Of course, his blog has addressed many other topics over time, so enjoy the archives as well!  I'm thankful for godly ministers like Aaron who strive to equip and strengthen God's people for living Christ-centered, Gospel-driven lives for His glory.  Be encouraged!

The Double-Think, by Nancy Wilson

Once upon a time, I used to check dozens of blogs a day.  I probably should have done something more productive with all of the time I took to do that.  Now, I only check a few, not necessarily because I've become more productive, but because I now have less time.  :)  Well, and the fact that people don't blog as much anymore, I suppose.

But, this one keeps me coming back lately.

And, something about the articles makes me not just think about them, but really chew on them.  I'm often very challenged by something said.

Here's an example of an article that has been very helpful to me, even this morning...

"Double-think is when we get into a tailspin over-analyzing our motives and worrying over our possible sins or those we might commit or whether we did commit or not. Did I apologize thoroughly enough? Do I need to apologize for that? Or not?"

Read more here.

Yard Sale Search

This is a really cool website if you are into yard sales!!  Or maybe I'm just behind the times, and everyone already knows about this.

Happy Birthday, Timmy!!

We celebrated Timmy's first year of life yesterday! I'm pretty sure this was the busiest, fullest year of my life, caring for my two tinies, but one of the sweetest as well. Dustin took off work yesterday, and we had a fun family day, complete with our tradition of a breakfast birthday balloon, monkey cupcakes and presents, a day at the zoo, Daddy giving Timmy another haircut, and an Ikea run. (Needless to say, we slept in today!)

Timmy is a very special little boy, with a smile as big as Texas, and a personality that's growing by the minute. We're so thankful for our happy, determined little Timmers. We pray that God would graciously grow him into a man whose name really fits, as Timothy means God-fearer! We love you sooooo much!

Brand new Timmy (with big feet for a newborn!)

I love it that big boy's holding up his finger in his 1st birthday picture! That picture was quite a happy coincidence, but as the day went on, we did teach him to hold up one finger when we asked him to.

Why yes, I am going to a concert. Called Man Up. :)

So, it's kind of funny, but I'm not (too) embarrassed to say it. We're going to the Man Up Concert tonight, as part of Reach Record's Man Up Conference on Biblical Manhood. Yes, we. The Concert tonight is open to the ladies too. Although, it's funny that us two white folks who have no rhythm are headed to praise God with lots of really cool, godly folks through the medium of Christian hip-hop.

And, I'm so, so excited. This is my gift to my amazing husband (who introduced me to my love of Christian rap. I was slow to catch on, but now I sincerely love it. Most songs anyway!), who is about to turn 30. I'm so thankful for my man.

Why do I like Christian rap? Glad you asked!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9CXwOe9m5o&feature=youtube_gdata

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RWEllqh5J0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7pKeazc6MA

Quiche for Lunch

Just a little silly picture of Mr. I-take-my-bib-off-when-you-aren't-looking.  Eating quiche. 
And laughing at his big brother, who is, in fact, quite funny. 

Tiny Kids and Easter!

I want to link up, with permission, to these precious videos of a very sweet girl, who is a very special friend of ours. Nate loves Rebekah!

In these videos, many things stand out to me... (besides just how cute our little friend is...)
-How you can teach tiny kids big truths...
-expressing the sadness of the death of Jesus (as Nate says, "Jesus had a lot of owies." Not sure how you spell owies.)
-expressing the joy of the fact that Jesus is Alive!

We did a very adapted version of these - http://www.freefuneaster.com/easter-crafts/he-is-risen-paper-plate-tomb-craft/. And, I've been trying to follow Noel Piper's recommendation to gather all of your books about Easter and children's Bibles in one spot and read about the death and resurrection of Jesus often!!

Of course, we also have been re-kindling our love for this song. (Dustin and I are going to our first Christian rap concert soon... more on this on another day! Ha!)

Just thought I'd share some fun, simple, frugal ideas that have been helpful in keeping the discussion going with our 2 year old.

Psalm 23.

Ever, Only, All for Thee.

Such an encouraging hymn. I need this constant reminder. I long to pray this way and think this way and live this way. Many moments seem mundane. Many things my hands do seem insignificant. But give your tongue, your wallet, your life to a King, and He can use it greatly for His glory. It's His anyway!

Take My Life and Let It Be
by Frances R. Havergal, 1874

And, if you'd rather a newer sound - here.

I'm pretty sure I've posted this one before, back when I blogged more often. Guess it's a favorite.

Take my life and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee.

Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in endless praise.

Take my hands and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love.

Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee.

Take my voice and let me sing,
Always, only for my King.

Take my lips and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee.

Take my silver and my gold,
Not a mite would I withhold.

Take my intellect and use
Every pow’r as Thou shalt choose.

Take my will and make it Thine,
It shall be no longer mine.

Take my heart, it is Thine own,
It shall be Thy royal throne.

Take my love, my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure store.

Take myself and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee.

Good Word!

LOVED this on the Girl Talk blog today.

Carolyn Mahaney writes,
A text from my husband the other day: "The providence of God is like Hebrew words--it can be read only backwards." ~John Flavel

Double Trouble! =)

 

Moods

"Bad moods must be fed to survive. Starve it." - Nancy Wilson from this post on questions such as How Do You Get Yourself Out of a Bad Mood?

Company "Sin"-amon Rolls

This has been a fun recipe to consume with company lately. I finally updated it since my copy was all marked up. I needed to type it up for a friend, so thought I'd go ahead and post it, since I don't post much these days. Enjoy!

Bread Machine Cinnamon Rolls

Source: (adapted from) Money Saving Mom (my friend Cara and I did the Math – 35 cents a cinnamon roll! even cheaper if you find powdered sugar on the cheap)
Yields: 2 round pans (about 16 rolls)
Note: This is actually a fairly simple recipe, although practice does make perfect. Be patient with yourself the first few tries. You’ll get faster and better as you make them!

Dough Ingredients:
• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons warm milk (10 oz)
• 3 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 egg, lightly beaten plus 2 egg whites
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 4 1/4 cups flour (Original recipes calls for 4 cups, but I’ve found the dough to be more manageable if I use 4 ¼. You might even need more. CHECK dough after first few minutes of kneading and if it looks too wet, add a bit more. It will make your life so much easier if dough is not very sticky!)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 teaspoons bread machine yeast

Filling Ingredients (this is the doubled version; half it if you want to be good):
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 1/3 cup brown sugar mixed with 1 tablespoon cinnamon

Icing (this too is the doubled version; half it if you want to be good):
• 4 teaspoon milk (after all icing ingredients are mixed, you might need to add extra splashes of milk and keep mixing until it seems right)
• 3 cups confectioners sugar
• 8 tablespoons (or less) butter, softened
• 2 teaspoon vanilla
Put the dough ingredients in the bread machine in the order listed and run on the dough cycle. Remember to check in a few minutes to see if you need to add a little more flour. After the dough cycle is finished, roll the dough into a large rectangle and spread it with 2 Tablespoons melted butter and 2/3 cup brown sugar mixed with 1 Tablespoon cinnamon.

Roll up (from long end to long end) and cut (I use dental floss – a trick my mom taught me) into 10-15 rolls and place in two greased round cake pans. Bake at 325 degrees for 20 minutes or until browned. Spread the icing on as soon as they come out of the oven.
You can also cover the unbaked rolls with plastic wrap, stick them in the refrigerator overnight, and then bake in the morning. You can freeze the baked rolls, and I suppose you can just freeze the dough unbaked, but I haven’t tried that. Let me know if you do!

Orange Icing Option:
• 3 tbsp. butter, soft
• 1 tbsp. grated orange peel
• 2 tbsp. orange juice
• 1 1/2 c. confectioner's sugar

Friday "For Reals!"

One of the biggest complaints you often read on the blogosphere is that everyone seems like they have it all together. Duh! No one does, but I guess it does feel like that sometimes. Everyone's all dressed up in their Sunday best with a smiley family and some crafty project done. Anyway, I don't know why I mention all of that except to say I just randomly felt like taking a few pics today to show what it is really like, in case anyone ever feels like my ducks are always in a row. Far from it! (And, I'm NOT crafty, for the record.)

 

 

 

 

There's a picture (a few days ago) of the kids all contained with their 3rd (I think) round of Cheerios, just because I needed to finish up dinner in peace. Ha! The pizza picture is from lunch today. I like making pizzas with Nate, but we are all out of cheese. Ha! Nice planning on my part, huh? Nate's eating lunch in his pj's. Don't judge. And, I've stayed on top of laundry this week (good) but not folding.

Some days are better than others, but that's a funny glimpse into some not-so-with-it days. I'm trying to learn to laugh. And press on! Signing off.

By Grace!

I recently read lyrics to a great hymn I've never heard before. I have no idea what it sounds like, but here are the words:

By Grace I am an Heir of Heaven

1. By grace I am an heir of heaven:

Why doubt this, O my trembling heart?

If what the Scriptures promise clearly

Is true and firm in every part,

This also must be truth divine:

By grace, a crown of life is mine.



2. By grace alone shall I inherit

That blissful home beyond the skies.

Works count for naught. The Lord incarnate

Has won for me the heavenly prize.

Salvation by his death he wrought,

His grace alone my pardon bought.



3. By grace! These precious words remember

When sorely by your sins oppressed,

When Satan comes to vex your spirit,

When troubled conscience sighs for rest.

What reason cannot comprehend

God does to you by grace extend.



4. By grace! Be this in death my comfort;

Despite my fears, 'tis well with me.

I know my sin in all its greatness,

But also Him who sets me free.

My heart to naught but joy gives place

Since I am saved by grace, by grace.

Contentment in 2012

Great post to ponder here.