The post below is the study Marie is using for the first Ladies Bible Study. It starts in a few minutes today. It is a blessing that as we live for God and witness His power and provision, we are allowed to testify of what He has done. Simply tell me what you have seen. Simply tell me of your experiences. Simply tell me of this God that is everything to you.
Dictionary.com states some of the meanings of the word testimony:
1. Law. the statement or declaration of a witness under oath or affirmation, usually in court.
2. evidence in support of a fact or statement; proof.
Is not our world the court in which the people around will judge? Weighing the evidence and coming to verdict. Do we not enter the witness stand everyday? Help me Lord.
--Frank
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Jars of Faith
Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the LORD: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen. 2 Kings 4:1
Imagine that your husband just died an unexpected death at a young age. Your husband was in Bible School, he was going to be a preacher. He had so much left to do- he wasn’t supposed to die. Not only are you grieving, but suddenly you are a single mother of two boys. You have no job skills, no income, but a lot of debt. You have no way of paying this debt. The bill collectors want to take your boys as payment for the debt and it is legal for them to do so. The only things of value you have are your faith in God and your two precious boys. Where do you turn? You have no rich relative who can bail you out. There are no government programs to help widows. You don’t understand why this is happening to you. What do you do?
This mother turned to the only One who could help her. She went to the man of God to get godly council. The Bible said she cried, her pain was real and overwhelming, but her faith was unwavering. She knew God. She had a relationship with God that not even her dire circumstances could shake.
And Elisha said unto her, What shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast thou in the house? And she said, Thine handmaid hath not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil. 2 Kings 4:2
Elisha wanted to know what she had in the house. Didn’t he know that if she had anything of value that she would have sold it already? All she had was a pot of oil. A pot of oil seems so insignificant, but God used what she had.
For with God nothing shall be impossible. Luke 1:37
Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few. And when thou art come in, thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons, and shalt pour out into all those vessels, and thou shalt set aside that which is full. So she went from him, and shut the door upon her and upon her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured out. 2 Kings 4:3-5
The man of God told her to do something that seemed absolutely crazy! Yet she doesn’t hesitate to obey his instructions to the letter. She borrowed every pot, pan, and bowl that she possibly could. She worked hard because she needed a big blessing. Her situation was desperate, but her faith was great. She put action to her faith because she knew God would bless her.
And it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, Bring me yet a vessel. And he said unto her, There is not a vessel more. And the oil stayed. 2 Kings 4:6
Notice that when she obeyed all the vessels were filled and innumerable others could have been filled if she had borrowed them. She could have thought this is stupid and will never work. My sons will be taken from me I can’t waste my time trying to fill pots from my meager supply of oil. She did not look at the situation, but she looked to the God in control of the situation. God changed the very laws of nature to meet her need.
Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, Go, sell the oil, and pay thy debt, and live thou and thy children of the rest. 2 Kings 4:7
The oil no longer seems insignificant, but it isn’t until she returns to the man of God for further instructions that she understands its purpose. She was told to sell the oil and pay her debtors. That is why she went to the Man of God in the first place. God not only met her immediate need He provided above and beyond her wildest expectations. Her debts are paid and she has enough money left over to care for her and her boys.
Will God not also provide for us? Are our circumstances too big for God? Where is our faith?
…prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. Malachi 3:10
Imagine that your husband just died an unexpected death at a young age. Your husband was in Bible School, he was going to be a preacher. He had so much left to do- he wasn’t supposed to die. Not only are you grieving, but suddenly you are a single mother of two boys. You have no job skills, no income, but a lot of debt. You have no way of paying this debt. The bill collectors want to take your boys as payment for the debt and it is legal for them to do so. The only things of value you have are your faith in God and your two precious boys. Where do you turn? You have no rich relative who can bail you out. There are no government programs to help widows. You don’t understand why this is happening to you. What do you do?
This mother turned to the only One who could help her. She went to the man of God to get godly council. The Bible said she cried, her pain was real and overwhelming, but her faith was unwavering. She knew God. She had a relationship with God that not even her dire circumstances could shake.
And Elisha said unto her, What shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast thou in the house? And she said, Thine handmaid hath not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil. 2 Kings 4:2
Elisha wanted to know what she had in the house. Didn’t he know that if she had anything of value that she would have sold it already? All she had was a pot of oil. A pot of oil seems so insignificant, but God used what she had.
For with God nothing shall be impossible. Luke 1:37
Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few. And when thou art come in, thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons, and shalt pour out into all those vessels, and thou shalt set aside that which is full. So she went from him, and shut the door upon her and upon her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured out. 2 Kings 4:3-5
The man of God told her to do something that seemed absolutely crazy! Yet she doesn’t hesitate to obey his instructions to the letter. She borrowed every pot, pan, and bowl that she possibly could. She worked hard because she needed a big blessing. Her situation was desperate, but her faith was great. She put action to her faith because she knew God would bless her.
And it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, Bring me yet a vessel. And he said unto her, There is not a vessel more. And the oil stayed. 2 Kings 4:6
Notice that when she obeyed all the vessels were filled and innumerable others could have been filled if she had borrowed them. She could have thought this is stupid and will never work. My sons will be taken from me I can’t waste my time trying to fill pots from my meager supply of oil. She did not look at the situation, but she looked to the God in control of the situation. God changed the very laws of nature to meet her need.
Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, Go, sell the oil, and pay thy debt, and live thou and thy children of the rest. 2 Kings 4:7
The oil no longer seems insignificant, but it isn’t until she returns to the man of God for further instructions that she understands its purpose. She was told to sell the oil and pay her debtors. That is why she went to the Man of God in the first place. God not only met her immediate need He provided above and beyond her wildest expectations. Her debts are paid and she has enough money left over to care for her and her boys.
Will God not also provide for us? Are our circumstances too big for God? Where is our faith?
…prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. Malachi 3:10
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
A day of Home school
(Disclaimer: Every day is different. We use a lot of different things like; workbooks, leap pad, DVDs, games, books… )
We started this morning’s homeschool with the 101 Things to Know About Math workbook. Alex did 10 pages on shapes. Of course Alex already knows his shapes, but he does need to work on the following directions and he had to draw the shapes. Alex did two more pages than I had planned and he wanted to keep going. Alex did 4 pages of the Super Deluxe Preschool Scholar on writing lowercase letters.
After a snack break I read to both kids. Then Alex quickly did two puzzles that he hasn’t seen in at least 6 months. Next Alex wanted to do some mazes so I printed off several for him to do. (Alex loves mazes.) The mazes were way too easy for him. Then he wanted a Bible maze so I found one that I had a lesson already prepared for and Alex announced it was too easy as well.
We took a break for lunch then had the bible lesson: One Leper Says Thank You. Since Alex wanted more mazes I printed off 4 more mazes for him, (these apparently were either too hard or Alex lost interest because he didn’t do any of them right.)
While Sabrina is taking a nap I sent Alex upstairs to watch a DVD of his choice, Bill Nye the Science Guy. I mainly sent him up so he doesn’t wake her, but also so I can get some housework done.
Marie-Anne
We started this morning’s homeschool with the 101 Things to Know About Math workbook. Alex did 10 pages on shapes. Of course Alex already knows his shapes, but he does need to work on the following directions and he had to draw the shapes. Alex did two more pages than I had planned and he wanted to keep going. Alex did 4 pages of the Super Deluxe Preschool Scholar on writing lowercase letters.
After a snack break I read to both kids. Then Alex quickly did two puzzles that he hasn’t seen in at least 6 months. Next Alex wanted to do some mazes so I printed off several for him to do. (Alex loves mazes.) The mazes were way too easy for him. Then he wanted a Bible maze so I found one that I had a lesson already prepared for and Alex announced it was too easy as well.
We took a break for lunch then had the bible lesson: One Leper Says Thank You. Since Alex wanted more mazes I printed off 4 more mazes for him, (these apparently were either too hard or Alex lost interest because he didn’t do any of them right.)
While Sabrina is taking a nap I sent Alex upstairs to watch a DVD of his choice, Bill Nye the Science Guy. I mainly sent him up so he doesn’t wake her, but also so I can get some housework done.
Marie-Anne
Monday, March 23, 2009
Open Your Eyes
“Once there was a preacher who was on his knees praying for the souls of men and women when his 2-year-old son interrupted him. “Not now son, I’m praying for the men and women in our city that need Jesus.” As his son sadly walked away God spoke to the preacher’s heart. “Lift up your eyes to see the soul standing before you.” It was then that the father noticed the Children’s Bible in his son’s hands and realized the opportunity he almost missed. “
Let us never be too busy to share Jesus with our children.
Marie-Anne
Let us never be too busy to share Jesus with our children.
Marie-Anne
Playing Games
Alex and I have been playing a lot of games lately. The two dollars I spent on the Blue’s Clues Game was well worth it just for the amount of times we played this week alone! (I’m getting a little tired of Blue’s Clues, but it teaches him to think.) Tonight I told him to pick out another game besides Blue’s Clues so we played the Learning ABOUT manners Picnic Basket Game twice. Maybe we’ll play Blue’s Clues tomorrow.
Marie-Anne
Marie-Anne
Shadow Rock Park
Today for Family night we went to a park that has recently been remodeled. They added a whole new and very nice section to it. While Alex played Frank and I walked around the play area pushing Sabrina in the stroller. It was nice that we could do that and still keep an eye on Alex the whole time.
Marie-Anne
Marie-Anne
A little talk with Jesus
I was talking to Alex about Jesus. I said, “You can talk to Jesus anytime.”
Alex replied, “I can’t see Jesus.”
“Can’t you feel Him in your heart,” I asked. Alex looked down at his shirt.
“I can’t see Him.”
“I know you can’t see Him, but He’s still listening to you.”
“He doesn’t answer,” was Alex’s reply, “Jesus needs to talk louder.” Then Alex told Jesus to talk louder.
Marie-Anne
Alex replied, “I can’t see Jesus.”
“Can’t you feel Him in your heart,” I asked. Alex looked down at his shirt.
“I can’t see Him.”
“I know you can’t see Him, but He’s still listening to you.”
“He doesn’t answer,” was Alex’s reply, “Jesus needs to talk louder.” Then Alex told Jesus to talk louder.
Marie-Anne
Natural History Museum Again
Today Alex, Sabrina, and I were supposed to go with a friend to Lake Mead, but it was too windy and cold. Since she had never been to the Natural History Museum we went there instead. This was Alex and my fourth trip there. It was Sabrina’s first. We all enjoyed it.
It was interesting that Alex and I were talking about puffer fish and lionfish before we picked up Antoinette. At the time we had no clue we were going to see live puffer fish and lionfish at the museum, in fact, we didn’t even know we were going there.
This is Alex’s favorite museum and one I eventually want to get a membership to.
Marie-Anne
It was interesting that Alex and I were talking about puffer fish and lionfish before we picked up Antoinette. At the time we had no clue we were going to see live puffer fish and lionfish at the museum, in fact, we didn’t even know we were going there.
This is Alex’s favorite museum and one I eventually want to get a membership to.
Marie-Anne
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Sweet big brother
Today at story time the lady handed each of the kids two sticks to bang together until she ran out of sticks. The rest of the kids got shakers. During the songs Alex repeatedly tried to get her to give him a set of shakers. Finally she tried to trade them for his sticks, but he held the sticks behind him. Alex kept on until she gave him another set of sticks. (At this point I thought he was being greedy.) Alex ran to me and gave me a set of sticks for Sabrina. He didn’t want his little sister to be left out!
Marie-Anne
Marie-Anne
Monday, March 16, 2009
Rhyolite
Today I was at home where I wanted to be. Sabrina was asleep so I was spending uninterrupted time with Alex. We played with his train set for a while then we played the Blue’s Clues Game. Then the doorbell rang. As I walked to answer the door I thought, “I don’t want company.” To my complete and utter surprise my visitor was Frank who’d taken half the day off!
He said to get ready to go to Rhyolite. What a surprise! We had talked about going to Rhyolite last week, but I did not expect to go today. Rhyolite is a ghost town about 2 hours from Las Vegas. I have never been to a ghost town before.
We stopped at Beatty Museum to get directions. Since it was a free museum and we had time we looked at it. It was nice. Alex’s favorite part was the old tools.
Rhyolite was started in 1905 when a miner with a big mouth boasted of his gold strike. By 1908 there were over 8,000 people and now there is nothing, but some ruins. The most interesting thing, to me, was the bottle house. The bottle house is made of bout 30,000 bottles mostly from the local saloons. It was a strange feeling to see ruins where once a thriving town was.
If you want to learn more: http://www.rhyolitesite.com/
It was a great surprise, thank you, honey!
Marie-Anne
He said to get ready to go to Rhyolite. What a surprise! We had talked about going to Rhyolite last week, but I did not expect to go today. Rhyolite is a ghost town about 2 hours from Las Vegas. I have never been to a ghost town before.
We stopped at Beatty Museum to get directions. Since it was a free museum and we had time we looked at it. It was nice. Alex’s favorite part was the old tools.
Rhyolite was started in 1905 when a miner with a big mouth boasted of his gold strike. By 1908 there were over 8,000 people and now there is nothing, but some ruins. The most interesting thing, to me, was the bottle house. The bottle house is made of bout 30,000 bottles mostly from the local saloons. It was a strange feeling to see ruins where once a thriving town was.
If you want to learn more: http://www.rhyolitesite.com/
It was a great surprise, thank you, honey!
Marie-Anne
Weekly Game Day
I grew up with 50 million brothers and sisters, but we didn’t play board games often. Looking back, it was a lot of fun when we did play. I wonder why we didn’t play board games more often.
I am trying to implement a weekly game night. I want for us to have a time where Frank and I spend time together with the kids doing something on their level, then after their bedtime we can play games we like. Alex loves playing games with us and best of all we are making memories that will last a lifetime.
I have a growing collection of preschool games. Since I buy them on clearance or at a thrift store or yard sale the most I’ve paid for a game is $5. I have learned that if you buy used to make sure all pieces are there. It is very disappointing to get home and realize half the pieces are missing, especially if the child picked out the game.
Marie-Anne
I am trying to implement a weekly game night. I want for us to have a time where Frank and I spend time together with the kids doing something on their level, then after their bedtime we can play games we like. Alex loves playing games with us and best of all we are making memories that will last a lifetime.
I have a growing collection of preschool games. Since I buy them on clearance or at a thrift store or yard sale the most I’ve paid for a game is $5. I have learned that if you buy used to make sure all pieces are there. It is very disappointing to get home and realize half the pieces are missing, especially if the child picked out the game.
Marie-Anne
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Making Friends
Today I went to the park with Maxine and her grandkids, (the ones near Alex’s age). Those boys were so excited! I brought bubbles and a ball. Thankfully it was a three pack of bubbles since there were three boys. I also bought a big bubble wand that they took turns with. Sabrina didn’t seem to like the baby swing, but she liked it when we held her on the big swing. Maxine and I work together in Children’s church, but this was the first time we got to go somewhere just to spend time together.
While we were there a lady came with her two boys and her puppy. The puppy fascinated Sabrina. At first the five boys had a problem with sharing, especially Alex. Once we convinced them it would be more fun to share they all had a blast! Maxine and I got to talking to the lady, Crystal, and had a good time too.
I brought a camera and took lots of pictures. Before we left I took several of the 5 boys together on the steps of the slide. (It was hard to get 5 boys 5 and under to stand still and look at the camera at the same time!) I exchanged phone numbers with Crystal and we plan to meet at the park again.
Marie-Anne
While we were there a lady came with her two boys and her puppy. The puppy fascinated Sabrina. At first the five boys had a problem with sharing, especially Alex. Once we convinced them it would be more fun to share they all had a blast! Maxine and I got to talking to the lady, Crystal, and had a good time too.
I brought a camera and took lots of pictures. Before we left I took several of the 5 boys together on the steps of the slide. (It was hard to get 5 boys 5 and under to stand still and look at the camera at the same time!) I exchanged phone numbers with Crystal and we plan to meet at the park again.
Marie-Anne
Story time update
We have been going to the library’s story time every week since January 14. I am happy to report that Alex has not been jumping over the other kids! He is still one of the most hyper kids in there, but I don’t mind him running, jumping, and falling to the floor (his version of dancing) during the songs as long as he doesn’t hurt anybody and he stays in the area the kids are supposed to be in.
Sabrina also loves story time. If I’m not fast enough in getting her out of the stroller and into my lap where she can watch the other kids she will throw a fit. A couple of weeks ago she started crying so I made a bottle as fast as I could, but she didn’t want it, she wanted to see. As soon as I picked her up she was happy and she refused the bottle.
Marie-Anne
Sabrina also loves story time. If I’m not fast enough in getting her out of the stroller and into my lap where she can watch the other kids she will throw a fit. A couple of weeks ago she started crying so I made a bottle as fast as I could, but she didn’t want it, she wanted to see. As soon as I picked her up she was happy and she refused the bottle.
Marie-Anne
Cooking for less
In my quest to save money I have looked up a lot of recipes from scratch. I have found simple recipes for everything from applesauce to flour tortillas. Out of the next paycheck I will try a few of them. I have a friend, Bev, who manages to feed her family of 3 on less than $100 a month! If she can do that then I can certainly cut our grocery budget to at least half. That is my mission.
Bev has a great blog that I highly recommend: http://www.christianhomekeeping.com/
Marie-Anne
Bev has a great blog that I highly recommend: http://www.christianhomekeeping.com/
Marie-Anne
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Red Envelope Day (March 31)
I got an e-mail about Red Envelope Day. Apparently a group wants people who are pro-life to mail an empty red envelope to President Obama with the following written on the back:
“This envelope represents one child who died because of an abortion. It is empty because the life that was taken is now unable to be part of our world. Responsibility begins with conception."
They are hoping that 50 million Americans mail a red envelope on March 31. http://www.redenvelopeday.com/
President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington , D.C. 20500
I’m not sure that this will really give Obama a change of heart, but it will let him know where we stand. Abortion has been around for many many years it will take more than “a change of heart” to abolish it. It will take a lot of prayer and a mighty revival.
Marie-Anne
“This envelope represents one child who died because of an abortion. It is empty because the life that was taken is now unable to be part of our world. Responsibility begins with conception."
They are hoping that 50 million Americans mail a red envelope on March 31. http://www.redenvelopeday.com/
President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington , D.C. 20500
I’m not sure that this will really give Obama a change of heart, but it will let him know where we stand. Abortion has been around for many many years it will take more than “a change of heart” to abolish it. It will take a lot of prayer and a mighty revival.
Marie-Anne
Stolen bike
Alex’s tricycle is the second bike to be stolen from our road. I know it wasn’t any of the kids on our street because they have always been allowed to use Alex’s tricycle and his car as long as they put it back in our yard. I asked several neighbors if they saw anything and none did though one said kids were in her yard last night. I do not believe that kids took the tricycle for several reasons: 1) any kid out after dark would be too big for the tricycle, 2) they would have to carry it, 3) there was a bike in the yard across the street, 4) kids would have taken Alex’s car, (that was beside the house) which bigger kids can ride on. I walked the whole neighborhood and, of course, I didn’t find it.
Marie-Anne
Marie-Anne
Monday, March 9, 2009
Babyschool
I started having babyschool which is time set aside for Sabrina. It pretty much consists of reading board books, playing, talking, and showing her animal flashcards. Alex usually participates. This morning he got tired of waiting on me and did babyschool without me! Alex showed Sabrina the animal flashcards and told her what each animal was. He had to ask me what a few of the animals were, but other than that he did it on his own.
Marie-Anne
Marie-Anne
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Jalapeno poppers
10 Jalapenos
cream cheese
bacon
Wash jalapenos and cut off tops. Slice jalapenos lengthwise and de-seed. Fill jalapeno halves with cream cheese then wrap in bacon. Bake at 400 for 15 minutes or until bacon is cooked.
TIP: Wear gloves when cutting and deseeding jalapenos! (I found this out first hand when I made a double batch and decided to save the seeds. My hands burned on and off until the next morning! ~ Marie-Anne )
cream cheese
bacon
Wash jalapenos and cut off tops. Slice jalapenos lengthwise and de-seed. Fill jalapeno halves with cream cheese then wrap in bacon. Bake at 400 for 15 minutes or until bacon is cooked.
TIP: Wear gloves when cutting and deseeding jalapenos! (I found this out first hand when I made a double batch and decided to save the seeds. My hands burned on and off until the next morning! ~ Marie-Anne )
A Good Busy Day
Today has been a good busy day. We got up and played with the kids for a while. Then we stopped at the store for formula and a Happy b-day balloon for a friend. We visited a few people for church then delivered the balloon. I love surprising people like that.
When we stopped at home for lunch and to call folks about tomorrow’s service Alex drew a treasure map. So he and Frank searched for treasure. Alex’s treasure is some weeds. Then I gave him 2 formula lids to use as Frisbees. He’s practicing using them. Alex pretended to be an Indian with a bow and arrows after lunch.
We then went to a park with a couple from church and their boys. We all had fun. The boys enjoyed playing with the balls we brought. We even put Sabrina in the baby swing. She liked it for a minute or two. The older kids had a blast on the playground equipment and playing volleyball over the fence.
We also were invited over to another friend’s for dinner and for Frank to practice the guitar. Stacy is a good cook. I made jalapeno poppers (very good). Alex had fun playing with their daughter while we visited. After dinner we sang along while the guys practiced. It was a lot of fun.
What a good busy day we had!
Marie-Anne
When we stopped at home for lunch and to call folks about tomorrow’s service Alex drew a treasure map. So he and Frank searched for treasure. Alex’s treasure is some weeds. Then I gave him 2 formula lids to use as Frisbees. He’s practicing using them. Alex pretended to be an Indian with a bow and arrows after lunch.
We then went to a park with a couple from church and their boys. We all had fun. The boys enjoyed playing with the balls we brought. We even put Sabrina in the baby swing. She liked it for a minute or two. The older kids had a blast on the playground equipment and playing volleyball over the fence.
We also were invited over to another friend’s for dinner and for Frank to practice the guitar. Stacy is a good cook. I made jalapeno poppers (very good). Alex had fun playing with their daughter while we visited. After dinner we sang along while the guys practiced. It was a lot of fun.
What a good busy day we had!
Marie-Anne
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Obsolete job
Alex said, “I’m going to be dangerous when I grow up”
“Why,” I asked.
“Because I’m going to kill people.”
“Oh,” I replied.
“I’m going to be a Roman soldier.”
“Why,” I asked.
“Because I’m going to kill people.”
“Oh,” I replied.
“I’m going to be a Roman soldier.”
Monday, March 2, 2009
A Montessori kind of day
A have been reading a couple of Montessori blogs and I like what I see. A few days ago I got some trays from the thrift store and today I put them in use. While I’m doing housework Alex has three trays out. One has his magnet kit on it, the second one has a bunch of different shaped erasers he can separate, and the third has two juice glasses with colored water, and a baby medicine dropper. He’s going back and forth to the different trays. Alex also has the added “lesson” of watching workers put up a fence next door.
Marie-Anne
Marie-Anne
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Clothing Drive
Today we had a clothing drive at church. It was a great success! People left with garbage bags full of stuff and there was still a truckload of clothes taken to the Las Vegas Rescue Mission. As an added bonus several people brought boxes of toys so the kids went through that and came home with bags of toys, (like Alex needs more toys, but Sabrina did). I am worn out, but it was worth it.
Marie-Anne
Marie-Anne
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