tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13638689796141975952024-03-12T23:59:27.512-05:00RedeemedI know that my Redeemer lives, and in the end He will stand upon the earth. Job 19:25Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05107060537521418668noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1363868979614197595.post-74016345366921432842010-01-15T13:12:00.003-06:002010-01-15T13:14:34.354-06:00The Invisible WomanI received this video today and thought it a beautiful reflection of motherhood. Persevere, my beloved friends.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/9YU0aNAHXP0&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/9YU0aNAHXP0&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05107060537521418668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1363868979614197595.post-26417226586314543152009-11-10T13:25:00.012-06:002009-11-11T10:46:00.044-06:00Restoration Ministries - Investing In Hope<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Y6mCIy7TmEE&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Y6mCIy7TmEE&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><em>Wellington is the one singing in this video</em><br /><br />We are coming off one of the most special weeks of our lives. We hosted two missionaries, Paulo and Wellington, from Restoration Ministries in Sau Paulo, Brazil. Words cannot describe what I feel after encountering these two awesome men of God. From the minute they walked in our door, the word that comes to mind is "JOY". Regardless of their circumstances... for those they reach and the Lord they serve... they truly have the JOY of the Lord... a gift of the Holy Spirit. <br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SvnHGKzvByI/AAAAAAAAAMs/SnYj8AG36_I/s1600-h/wellington02.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SvnHGKzvByI/AAAAAAAAAMs/SnYj8AG36_I/s400/wellington02.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402568136802109218" /></a><br /><br /><br />They were with us for 8 days. We did not want it to end... even though I'm sure they were anxious to return to loved ones and their ministry back in Brazil. They have been touring sponsering churches here in the states for six weeks and completed the last leg of their trip at our Grace Church Mission's Festival this past week. We had a blast, ate tons and shopped what seemed like forever (they did Christmas shopping as things are very expensive in Brazil). We even learned a little portuguese and often had prayer said in portuguese... quite an amazing experience... and to think that one day in heaven we will all worship the Lord Jesus as brothers and sisters... <br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SvnHGVYz4_I/AAAAAAAAAM0/tNeYVPKD2Vw/s1600-h/wellington03.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SvnHGVYz4_I/AAAAAAAAAM0/tNeYVPKD2Vw/s400/wellington03.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402568139641971698" /></a><br /><br /><br />Restoration Ministries reaches hundreds of children weekly. Children coming from the favelas(slums) can come to their day centers for food, classes and learning the gospel message of Jesus Christ. They are called to serve in very dangerous areas of Brazil, and work directly on the streets. They need to work directly with the drug lords to gain access to the street children in the favaelas. Permission is usually granted and they know the ministry is there to serve the children. They encounter great spiritual warfare on a daily basis... something we've most likely never seen the likes of in our comforatble lives.<br /><br />Paulo states that they have worked inside brothels and work on the streets, inside the slums, with the organized crime. They do radical things, and it's amazing to see God working the in the most radical people.<br /><br />My husband, Kurt, went to Brazil two years ago and it has impacted his life forever. He serves on the board of Restoration Ministries, sponsered by WorldVenture and knows Paulo quite well. I now understand his love and passion for this dear ministry and for these amazing people. I'm moved to tears just thinking of it. Prayerfully, Kurt will be leading a trip of 25-30 back to Brazil next August. We pray too that the funds are available for Isaac to join Kurt. As much as I would LOVE to go, I don't believe I'm called to go until our entire family can go together. I believe that this trip would be life changing for Isaac. He has such a heart for others, and this would totally be in his "element". He's watched videos and seen so many children from this ministry and is truly giddy with anticipation that he may get to go and serve them. He also wants to see Paulo & Wellington again (very soon):)<br /><br />In summary, this past week we opened our home to serve others. In return, I've been served and seen the face of God like no other time in my life. I'm truly humbled and have such a different outlook on what the Lord may want to do in my life and in the lives of our family as we venture to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with whomever we may meet... even those who live across the street. Pray for Restoration Ministries and those who serve in the ministry. <br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SvnHGt6nKwI/AAAAAAAAAM8/HNn3PxYffho/s1600-h/wellington01.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SvnHGt6nKwI/AAAAAAAAAM8/HNn3PxYffho/s400/wellington01.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402568146226195202" /></a><br />We had all just finished crying in this picture as the kids said their "goodbyes" Sunday night before going to bed. <br /><br />Go to <br />http://worldventure.com/Missionaries/Missionary-Directory/Missionary/Mota_Paulo_Ireni.html<br /><br />for more information on Restoration Ministries and the Mota family.<br /><br />Is the Lord promting your heart to reach those without hope (here or anywhere)?<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SvrptkOe3xI/AAAAAAAAANk/7KWaOGG-5Po/s1600-h/111109+022.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SvrptkOe3xI/AAAAAAAAANk/7KWaOGG-5Po/s400/111109+022.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402887672012136210" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SvrpsMiL81I/AAAAAAAAANE/2rJrM8CAx2k/s1600-h/111109+015.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SvrpsMiL81I/AAAAAAAAANE/2rJrM8CAx2k/s400/111109+015.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402887648472462162" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SvrptSYVrHI/AAAAAAAAANc/UIgoT6P8U4Y/s1600-h/111109+021.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SvrptSYVrHI/AAAAAAAAANc/UIgoT6P8U4Y/s400/111109+021.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402887667221638258" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SvrptCutv7I/AAAAAAAAANU/3LPveC9lrz0/s1600-h/111109+019.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SvrptCutv7I/AAAAAAAAANU/3LPveC9lrz0/s400/111109+019.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402887663020523442" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SvrpssSSWPI/AAAAAAAAANM/AcEG3j8qkFs/s1600-h/111109+017.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SvrpssSSWPI/AAAAAAAAANM/AcEG3j8qkFs/s400/111109+017.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402887656995707122" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SvrqBac8JwI/AAAAAAAAANs/7x1GFmliJhc/s1600-h/111109+023.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SvrqBac8JwI/AAAAAAAAANs/7x1GFmliJhc/s400/111109+023.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402888012985804546" /></a>Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05107060537521418668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1363868979614197595.post-61743167918266825112009-10-20T09:35:00.008-05:002009-10-20T10:06:04.894-05:00A day at the apple orchard<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/St3P5kQu52I/AAAAAAAAAMk/4RsgZB6IDp4/s1600-h/Oct+20+09+040.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/St3P5kQu52I/AAAAAAAAAMk/4RsgZB6IDp4/s400/Oct+20+09+040.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394696516553074530" /></a><br /><br />Here's an update via pictures. We went to the Delano apple orchard and as always, the kids and I had a great time enjoying the beautiful things the Lord has made.<br /><br /><strong>Isaac - 9 years old</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/St3MEl_k-3I/AAAAAAAAAK0/4rcMYM5Qcw0/s1600-h/Oct+20+09+034.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/St3MEl_k-3I/AAAAAAAAAK0/4rcMYM5Qcw0/s400/Oct+20+09+034.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394692307950041970" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/St3MEKBDRII/AAAAAAAAAKs/_f_YyED99Oc/s1600-h/Oct+20+09+028.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/St3MEKBDRII/AAAAAAAAAKs/_f_YyED99Oc/s400/Oct+20+09+028.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394692300440028290" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/St3MDecIkvI/AAAAAAAAAKk/MPcg6Guwo-c/s1600-h/Oct+20+09+022.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/St3MDecIkvI/AAAAAAAAAKk/MPcg6Guwo-c/s400/Oct+20+09+022.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394692288742462194" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/St3MC1SvetI/AAAAAAAAAKc/R0Cuo9zp7PE/s1600-h/Oct+20+09+013.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/St3MC1SvetI/AAAAAAAAAKc/R0Cuo9zp7PE/s400/Oct+20+09+013.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394692277697215186" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/St3MCJUA9TI/AAAAAAAAAKU/b1DdvrMIFDg/s1600-h/Oct+20+09+012.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/St3MCJUA9TI/AAAAAAAAAKU/b1DdvrMIFDg/s400/Oct+20+09+012.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394692265891394866" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/St3NATtLz1I/AAAAAAAAAK8/fcgnRt02N8o/s1600-h/Oct+20+09+035.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/St3NATtLz1I/AAAAAAAAAK8/fcgnRt02N8o/s400/Oct+20+09+035.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394693333833207634" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/St3NA_Y_xZI/AAAAAAAAALE/V3UD1AOBGlM/s1600-h/Oct+20+09+036.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/St3NA_Y_xZI/AAAAAAAAALE/V3UD1AOBGlM/s400/Oct+20+09+036.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394693345559692690" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Isabel - 7 years old</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/St3NBrfjq7I/AAAAAAAAALM/lrUXaLBMZeo/s1600-h/Oct+20+09+014.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/St3NBrfjq7I/AAAAAAAAALM/lrUXaLBMZeo/s400/Oct+20+09+014.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394693357398371250" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/St3NDJiT6tI/AAAAAAAAALc/XPNhg5dzG-E/s1600-h/Oct+20+09+033.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/St3NDJiT6tI/AAAAAAAAALc/XPNhg5dzG-E/s400/Oct+20+09+033.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394693382642854610" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/St3OHm7pyjI/AAAAAAAAALs/YWN7dM43vUA/s1600-h/Oct+20+09+044.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/St3OHm7pyjI/AAAAAAAAALs/YWN7dM43vUA/s400/Oct+20+09+044.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394694558764878386" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/St3OGq3hXRI/AAAAAAAAALk/4-b-PCkMlQc/s1600-h/Oct+20+09+037.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/St3OGq3hXRI/AAAAAAAAALk/4-b-PCkMlQc/s400/Oct+20+09+037.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394694542641421586" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/St3NCcyg6LI/AAAAAAAAALU/xQ05sevWHPY/s1600-h/Oct+20+09+026.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/St3NCcyg6LI/AAAAAAAAALU/xQ05sevWHPY/s400/Oct+20+09+026.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394693370631219378" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Isaiah - age 6</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/St3OJxCRzMI/AAAAAAAAAME/Kvo_gyTwy18/s1600-h/Oct+20+09+017.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/St3OJxCRzMI/AAAAAAAAAME/Kvo_gyTwy18/s400/Oct+20+09+017.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394694595836759234" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/St3OJO9Qp-I/AAAAAAAAAL8/Jczr1DflK84/s1600-h/Oct+20+09+011.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/St3OJO9Qp-I/AAAAAAAAAL8/Jczr1DflK84/s400/Oct+20+09+011.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394694586688907234" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/St3OIifa3PI/AAAAAAAAAL0/4hQNlenn_dI/s1600-h/Oct+20+09+009.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/St3OIifa3PI/AAAAAAAAAL0/4hQNlenn_dI/s400/Oct+20+09+009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394694574752586994" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/St3O56Unr1I/AAAAAAAAAMU/nbH8ErfFBfI/s1600-h/Oct+20+09+039.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/St3O56Unr1I/AAAAAAAAAMU/nbH8ErfFBfI/s400/Oct+20+09+039.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394695422963330898" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/St3O5agBb3I/AAAAAAAAAMM/egE5WQEMY08/s1600-h/Oct+20+09+032.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/St3O5agBb3I/AAAAAAAAAMM/egE5WQEMY08/s400/Oct+20+09+032.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394695414421221234" /></a><br /><br />Yesterday I found Isaiah reading a chapter book all on his own. He is loving the new freedom in reading!<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/St3O6ZL5owI/AAAAAAAAAMc/ORT8XD_MKAI/s1600-h/Oct+20+09+075.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/St3O6ZL5owI/AAAAAAAAAMc/ORT8XD_MKAI/s400/Oct+20+09+075.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394695431248257794" /></a>Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05107060537521418668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1363868979614197595.post-46532151922426321152009-09-07T13:32:00.005-05:002009-09-07T13:52:48.637-05:00Will heaven be like a butterfly garden?This past Saturday we ventured to the Minnesota State Fair along with 220,000 of our closest friends. It was very spare of the moment and the kids had no idea what to anticipate. The last time we went, we went with a double stroller and a 1, 2 and 4 year old. We had a blast. We ate a variety of things from gluten free french fries (yum!), porkchop on a stick (another yum), nachos (mine are MUCH better) and mini donuts for the non-gluten free of the family. We saw a few animal exhibits, a parade and a really fun horse show. <br /><br />But the most favorite event of all for all of us (with the exception of Isaiah who really disliked it :) was the Butterfly House. It was amazing! I've never seen anything like it. We each paid $3 to get in and as Isaac said, it was the best $3 ever spent. It was a little piece of heaven. You could stay for as long as you like and butterflies came and landed on you constantly. Each butterfly was so beautifully designed. They would land softly and stay for a long time. At one point, both Isabel and Isaac had about 12-15 butterflies on them. It was so beautiful. <br /><br />Thank you Lord, for creating butterflies! What a beautiful gift.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SqVWJhx7lMI/AAAAAAAAAKM/qn_rFiS-klg/s1600-h/Isabel%27s+Pictures+007.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SqVWJhx7lMI/AAAAAAAAAKM/qn_rFiS-klg/s400/Isabel%27s+Pictures+007.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378800051650532546" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SqVWJFyOQmI/AAAAAAAAAKE/56rjnU3pl4o/s1600-h/Isabel%27s+Pictures+006.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SqVWJFyOQmI/AAAAAAAAAKE/56rjnU3pl4o/s400/Isabel%27s+Pictures+006.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378800044135563874" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SqVV5P0MHHI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/KFXY3ekL75k/s1600-h/Isabel%27s+Pictures+005.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SqVV5P0MHHI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/KFXY3ekL75k/s400/Isabel%27s+Pictures+005.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378799771950259314" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SqVV4oeM3tI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/TpqzhpI0qZw/s1600-h/Isabel%27s+Pictures+004.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SqVV4oeM3tI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/TpqzhpI0qZw/s400/Isabel%27s+Pictures+004.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378799761389051602" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SqVV4AzSJQI/AAAAAAAAAJs/853pnCwk_rs/s1600-h/Isabel%27s+Pictures+003.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SqVV4AzSJQI/AAAAAAAAAJs/853pnCwk_rs/s400/Isabel%27s+Pictures+003.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378799750740059394" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SqVV3jvbtnI/AAAAAAAAAJk/hCjjiUPt6Rg/s1600-h/Isabel%27s+Pictures+002.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SqVV3jvbtnI/AAAAAAAAAJk/hCjjiUPt6Rg/s400/Isabel%27s+Pictures+002.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378799742939281010" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SqVV265VGiI/AAAAAAAAAJc/AxM3m1rPw64/s1600-h/Isabel%27s+Pictures+001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SqVV265VGiI/AAAAAAAAAJc/AxM3m1rPw64/s400/Isabel%27s+Pictures+001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378799731974937122" /></a>Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05107060537521418668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1363868979614197595.post-67444268970947244082009-08-25T22:09:00.002-05:002009-08-25T22:11:11.744-05:00Tornado, Lutherans & HomosexualityThe following is an excerpt from Pastor John Piper's blog... Desiring God, posted on August 20.<br /><br />I saw the fast-moving, misshapen, unusually-wide funnel over downtown Minneapolis from Seven Corners. I said to Kevin Dau, “That looks serious.” <br /><br />It was. Serious in more ways than one. A friend who drove down to see the damage wrote, <br /><br />On a day when no severe weather was predicted or expected...a tornado forms, baffling the weather experts—most saying they’ve never seen anything like it. It happens right in the city. The city: Minneapolis.<br /><br />The tornado happens on a Wednesday...during the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America's national convention in the Minneapolis Convention Center. The convention is using Central Lutheran across the street as its church. The church has set up tents around it’s building for this purpose. <br /><br />According to the ELCA’s printed convention schedule, at 2 PM on Wednesday, August 19, the 5th session of the convention was to begin. The main item of the session: “Consideration: Proposed Social Statement on Human Sexuality.” The issue is whether practicing homosexuality is a behavior that should disqualify a person from the pastoral ministry. <br /><br />The eyewitness of the damage continues: <br /><br />This curious tornado touches down just south of downtown and follows 35W straight towards the city center. It crosses I94. It is now downtown. <br /><br />The time: 2PM. <br /><br />The first buildings on the downtown side of I94 are the Minneapolis Convention Center and Central Lutheran. The tornado severely damages the convention center roof, shreds the tents, breaks off the steeple of Central Lutheran, splits what’s left of the steeple in two...and then lifts. <br /><br /> <br /><br />Let me venture an interpretation of this Providence with some biblical warrant. <br /><br />1. The unrepentant practice of homosexual behavior (like other sins) will exclude a person from the kingdom of God. <br /><br />The unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10) <br /><br />2. The church has always embraced those who forsake sexual sin but who still struggle with homosexual desires, rejoicing with them that all our fallen, sinful, disordered lives (all of us, no exceptions) are forgiven if we turn to Christ in faith. <br /><br />Such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. (1 Corinthians 6:11) <br /><br />3. Therefore, official church pronouncements that condone the very sins that keep people out of the kingdom of God, are evil. They dishonor God, contradict Scripture, and implicitly promote damnation where salvation is freely offered. <br /><br />4. Jesus Christ controls the wind, including all tornados. <br /><br />Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him? (Mark 4:41) <br /><br />5. When asked about a seemingly random calamity near Jerusalem where 18 people were killed, Jesus answered in general terms—an answer that would cover calamities in Minneapolis, Taiwan, or Baghdad. God’s message is repent, because none of us will otherwise escape God’s judgment. <br /><br />Jesus: “Those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:4-5) <br /><br />6. Conclusion: The tornado in Minneapolis was a gentle but firm warning to the ELCA and all of us: Turn from the approval of sin. Turn from the promotion of behaviors that lead to destruction. Reaffirm the great Lutheran heritage of allegiance to the truth and authority of Scripture. Turn back from distorting the grace of God into sensuality. Rejoice in the pardon of the cross of Christ and its power to transform left and right wing sinners.Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05107060537521418668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1363868979614197595.post-34911885749047752472009-07-25T15:39:00.001-05:002009-07-25T15:42:11.866-05:00A passage I recently read...Isaiah 46:8-13<br /><br />8 "Remember this, fix it in mind, <br /> take it to heart, you rebels. <br /><br /> 9 Remember the former things, those of long ago; <br /> I am God, and there is no other; <br /> I am God, and there is none like me. <br /><br /> 10 I make known the end from the beginning, <br /> from ancient times, what is still to come. <br /> I say: My purpose will stand, <br /> and I will do all that I please. <br /><br /> 11 From the east I summon a bird of prey; <br /> from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose. <br /> What I have said, that will I bring about; <br /> what I have planned, that will I do. <br /><br /> 12 Listen to me, you stubborn-hearted, <br /> you who are far from righteousness. <br /><br /> 13 I am bringing my righteousness near, <br /> it is not far away; <br /> and my salvation will not be delayed. <br /> I will grant salvation to Zion, <br /> my splendor to Israel.Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05107060537521418668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1363868979614197595.post-81657588887184330172009-04-07T14:18:00.015-05:002009-04-07T14:56:32.760-05:00Spring has sprung... I thinkToday is in the upper 40s. Still a chill in the air, but the smell of spring is present. I'm not one to usually complain about a long cold winter, as I like to be cozy, but this winter was a tough one. <br /><br />Please continue to keep Fargo in your prayers as the river is expected to have a second crest, possibly a foot higher than the first crest last week. Apparently there is a lot of water on its way from different sources into the Red River. <br /><br />I'm continuing to knit and can't seem to get enough. I finished a baby sweater for a dear Bible study friend. It was my first "real person" clothing item. <br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SdusgP9O8-I/AAAAAAAAAJU/HeX9B8PEXnI/s1600-h/1st+baby+sweater+007.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SdusgP9O8-I/AAAAAAAAAJU/HeX9B8PEXnI/s400/1st+baby+sweater+007.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322037054707528674" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/Sdusf8NaRXI/AAAAAAAAAJM/KDhOpQJd45M/s1600-h/1st+baby+sweater+009.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/Sdusf8NaRXI/AAAAAAAAAJM/KDhOpQJd45M/s400/1st+baby+sweater+009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322037049406670194" /></a><br /><br />I'm now making myself a sweater. I have tons of patterns in queue waiting for me to tackle. There doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day to clean, cook according to our dietary needs and educate my kids :) Yet, I knit... it keeps me sane. I feel so blessed that the Lord allows me to be home with my family doing the things I love.<br /><br />Our sporting season starts soon. Isaac plays Little League baseball and was recuited to "play up" in his age bracket. He's very excited and we are very proud. Isabel and Isaiah will start soccer in a couple of weeks. Scary for me to think that Isabel will be playing 2nd grade soccer and Isaiah 1st grade soccer. Where has the time gone?<br /><br />Off to read to my kids. I was at the MACHE homeshool convention this past weekend and two venders in particular caught my attention. The first is a man/dad from Williston, ND (my home state) who as a result from family devotions has written a series of books called the "Kingdom Series". It is medieval parables following stories of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/Sdur83pPSTI/AAAAAAAAAJE/OUama54CpuQ/s1600-h/Kingdom%2520Series%2520Set%2520(1-6)_MED.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 285px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/Sdur83pPSTI/AAAAAAAAAJE/OUama54CpuQ/s400/Kingdom%2520Series%2520Set%2520(1-6)_MED.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322036446885792050" /></a><br /><br />We bought the dramatized audio version and we are excited to get started. Isaac has made it perfectly clear to me that we will start studying medieval history in the fall. <br /><br />The second vender was a teenage girl from Minnesota who at the age of 12 started to write a series of horse stories. She has horses of her own and plays the violin. Isabel has informed me she will start writing her first story very soon. This young lady, the author, has actually been on a several book sign tours around the United States.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/Sduq3b3iCXI/AAAAAAAAAI8/qDWamLUivkw/s1600-h/stall-3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 397px; height: 250px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/Sduq3b3iCXI/AAAAAAAAAI8/qDWamLUivkw/s400/stall-3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322035254018574706" /></a><br /><br /><br />There are currently six books in the series following a herd of wild mustangs. We started the first book last night, and I must say I am beyond impressed. They are simple, captivating stories. We are hooked, and Isabel is begging me to come read... then knit.Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05107060537521418668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1363868979614197595.post-87545657375704656732009-03-28T19:31:00.003-05:002009-03-28T19:37:28.239-05:00Waiting & PrayingThe wait is on. I won't go into all the details as many news reports have already done that. My mom feels that there is still a long road ahead. There is still so much snow to melt and more coming. <br /><br />My mom has helped with making meals. My dad makes a killer coffee cake. He made 6 rings of it and delivered it the city workers this morning. They were glad to have it. <br /><br />I just have to share this video. It has amazing photography and the song is simply perfect. Keep praying.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/guQB_-Nper4&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/guQB_-Nper4&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05107060537521418668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1363868979614197595.post-17581649830749000062009-03-27T14:36:00.005-05:002009-03-27T14:43:41.786-05:00FargoMy heart is constantly in my throat these days. I cannot stop thinking of my beloved hometown. I cry just writing this. Lord Jesus, please protect this community. There is such a sense of wholesomeness that you will find no where else. They face adversity with such determination. Hospitals and local universities have been evacuated. Relatives of mine forced to leave their beautiful home. The next few days are crucial. Please Lord, keep the levies strong. Let your glory be revealed through the works of your hands. Bring them peace and rest that only you can give.<br /><br />This is a video is very well done. Love the song.<br /><br /><object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/zdxtwROYTgE&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/zdxtwROYTgE&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object>Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05107060537521418668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1363868979614197595.post-14145389349551475822009-03-23T20:35:00.014-05:002009-03-23T20:48:38.980-05:00Praying for those in FargoMy thoughts and prayers are with all those in Fargo (especially mom & dad), and many others that I know. I pray the flood waters crest and cease soon, and that no one incurs disastrous damage. I check the weather.com site several times a day and am discouraged that it continues to rain.... and rain. May the Lord protect all the volunteers and the many homes and personal belongings.<br /><br />I've finished another ensemble for Gabby. I call it her Spring Gray's. I'm currently working on a baby sweater (for a real baby). I'm using a luxurious cotton/rayon yarn. It is such a treat to pick up and knit. I can't wait until it's finished so that I can give it to a wonderful Bible study friend.<br /><br />Here is a picture of Gabby's latest...click on it to view the really cool knit/purl stitch.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/Scg6l9bzxZI/AAAAAAAAAI0/5yT6XeiSWIE/s1600-h/doll+pictures+046.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/Scg6l9bzxZI/AAAAAAAAAI0/5yT6XeiSWIE/s400/doll+pictures+046.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316563783931643282" /></a>Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05107060537521418668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1363868979614197595.post-73657944822302636342009-03-11T14:44:00.006-05:002009-03-11T17:01:38.089-05:00Just call me the "Yarn Cobbler"This past week has been busy making shoes...yep, you read that right... shoes. I found a cute pattern for Mary Jane Skimmers using yarn. Yarn relaxes me. <br /><br />I'm currently working on my third pair... a pair for Isabel. Once completed I may need to start working on other things. Isaac is consistently asking when I might make him some stuff. He's currently requesting a scarf and fingerless gloves. Have the patterns, now just need the right yarn. Isabel is also requesting additional clothes for her "Gabby". So here's the most recent creations... <br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SbgV2PU8mpI/AAAAAAAAAIs/dgo0x5u9PtM/s1600-h/doll+pictures+042.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SbgV2PU8mpI/AAAAAAAAAIs/dgo0x5u9PtM/s400/doll+pictures+042.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312019782055008914" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SbgV1lDI99I/AAAAAAAAAIk/9bHzjT7t7nc/s1600-h/doll+pictures+036.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SbgV1lDI99I/AAAAAAAAAIk/9bHzjT7t7nc/s400/doll+pictures+036.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312019770706032594" /></a>Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05107060537521418668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1363868979614197595.post-54940239891867197662009-02-24T10:08:00.005-06:002009-02-24T10:18:43.352-06:00This weekend's creationI suppose I better start knitting for my kids. Or even taking more pictures of them instead of Gabby... but I'm just having too much fun whipping out these ensembles.<br /><br />Just wanted to share this past weekend's creation. Some of it is my own design... like the flowers and headband. I think the Mary Jane's are just too cute and can't wait to make more. Very springy.<br /><br />Isabel's comment to me regarding her doll's new wardrobe... "Mom, you can't stop knitting until Jesus comes back!" She also wanted to know if I could knit in heaven. I thought that was cute. Thanks for letting me share.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SaQco_N91_I/AAAAAAAAAH8/G_ab_KBw4uk/s1600-h/doll+pictures+024.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SaQco_N91_I/AAAAAAAAAH8/G_ab_KBw4uk/s400/doll+pictures+024.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306397751439644658" /></a><br /><br />Does this make you thing of spring? I crocheted this dress instead of knit.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SaQcpPQj1eI/AAAAAAAAAIE/UAP8CZGK7kE/s1600-h/doll+pictures+029.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SaQcpPQj1eI/AAAAAAAAAIE/UAP8CZGK7kE/s400/doll+pictures+029.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306397755745490402" /></a><br /><br />Flower Power.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SaQcpc0l8wI/AAAAAAAAAIM/qUAhYk5U-oU/s1600-h/doll+pictures+030.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SaQcpc0l8wI/AAAAAAAAAIM/qUAhYk5U-oU/s400/doll+pictures+030.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306397759386284802" /></a><br /><br />Love the Mary Jane's.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SaQcpjbec2I/AAAAAAAAAIU/qSmOLuO4KUI/s1600-h/doll+pictures+031.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SaQcpjbec2I/AAAAAAAAAIU/qSmOLuO4KUI/s400/doll+pictures+031.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306397761159983970" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SaQcpy9RAEI/AAAAAAAAAIc/esOVKsKJSC4/s1600-h/doll+pictures+032.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SaQcpy9RAEI/AAAAAAAAAIc/esOVKsKJSC4/s400/doll+pictures+032.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306397765328240706" /></a><br /><br />I designed the headband. Can't believe I got it to fit the first time.Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05107060537521418668noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1363868979614197595.post-79712347647258671002009-02-21T12:13:00.007-06:002009-02-21T12:45:14.943-06:00My newest obsessionMy latest addiction... knitting clothes for Isabel's new American Girl doll... Gabby (Gabrielle). Is she not the cutest thing? ... and she looks so much like Isabel. So far Gabby has gone to church, out to eat and violin lessons wearing her new wardrobe.<br /><br />Every pattern I've made has been free off the internet and done with yarn I already have in my stash. I have a three ring binder full of free internet knit/crochet doll patterns. Do you have any idea what American Girl doll clothes cost in the store? Very expensive... Gabby will have an outfit for every week of the year at the cost of one American Girl outfit. <br /><br />Gabby will be the best dressed of any of us here in this house :). Anyway, here are pictures of my two recent creations. More to come in the next few days.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SaBJU8-NIHI/AAAAAAAAAHM/-5kZbjySEl0/s1600-h/doll+pictures+001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SaBJU8-NIHI/AAAAAAAAAHM/-5kZbjySEl0/s400/doll+pictures+001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305320985355690098" /></a><br /><br />Gabby wearing a knitted all-in-one sweater with matching jester's hat and leg warmers.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SaBJVIK5cJI/AAAAAAAAAHU/AJZADP0bJtg/s1600-h/doll+pictures+003.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SaBJVIK5cJI/AAAAAAAAAHU/AJZADP0bJtg/s400/doll+pictures+003.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305320988361715858" /></a><br /><br />Jester's hat with tassles.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SaBKHuWnbuI/AAAAAAAAAHc/clI1sFYeY6s/s1600-h/doll+pictures+005.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SaBKHuWnbuI/AAAAAAAAAHc/clI1sFYeY6s/s400/doll+pictures+005.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305321857604873954" /></a><br /><br />Tweed cape with matching fur muff.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SaBKHyRaEYI/AAAAAAAAAHk/NIHySDnPeTY/s1600-h/doll+pictures+006.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SaBKHyRaEYI/AAAAAAAAAHk/NIHySDnPeTY/s400/doll+pictures+006.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305321858656768386" /></a><br /><br />Tweed cape back with hood.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SaBKICHRr9I/AAAAAAAAAHs/bQXrPG8PXoU/s1600-h/doll+pictures+007.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SaBKICHRr9I/AAAAAAAAAHs/bQXrPG8PXoU/s400/doll+pictures+007.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305321862909243346" /></a><br /><br />Wouldn't this cape be too cute in Little Red Riding hood red?<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SaBKIbzxxSI/AAAAAAAAAH0/7ZSzEdmVwMw/s1600-h/doll+pictures+010.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SaBKIbzxxSI/AAAAAAAAAH0/7ZSzEdmVwMw/s400/doll+pictures+010.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305321869806781730" /></a><br /><br />Love how the hood frames her sweet face.Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05107060537521418668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1363868979614197595.post-90623610812700082162009-01-31T11:28:00.016-06:002009-01-31T14:31:31.802-06:00My Itzhak Perlman'sI know it's been awhile since I last updated my blog. I want to get better about that, but am very happy that I've learned how to download video (thanks to my techy - I mean sexy husband). <br /><br />Isaac and Isabel both had violin recitals this past Tuesday. Isabel did very well and Isaac just <STRONG>blew me away</STRONG>. He was extremely nervous (really hasn't been in past performances). So much so, that he thought he had forgotten parts of the piece shortly before performing. He paniced... let me tell you ... HE ROCKED! He had overwhelming praise from many in attendance... it brought tears to my eyes. Isaac has worked so hard this past year and has really come to an appreciation of his Lord given talent. <br /><br />Isabel performed a folk song titled <EM>Long Long Ago</EM>. It's not one of her favorite pieces, but one her instructor thought she would do beautifully... and she did. <br /><br />Isaac performed <EM>Gossec's Gavotte</EM>. His music pieces are getting steadily more difficult and he always rises to the challenge. His auditory skills really are quite impressive for an 8 year old boy. He can hear a piece of music on the radio and then play the melody on his violin (and sometimes even works it out on the piano). He tends to like the pieces that have a serious beat (ex. "rock"). <br /><br />This violin journey is sometimes really tough financially and in time commitment/routine. But moments like these make it ALL worth the sacrifice.<br /><br /><OBJECT class=BLOG_video_class id=BLOG_video-d90d0b078e725688 height=266 width=320 contentId="d90d0b078e725688"></OBJECT><br /><br /><br /><OBJECT class=BLOG_video_class id=BLOG_video-58dedcbace0035a height=266 width=320 contentId="58dedcbace0035a"></OBJECT>Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05107060537521418668noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1363868979614197595.post-82490460153669846782008-11-17T14:31:00.011-06:002008-11-18T08:41:34.993-06:00Our new pastorOur church is so blessed to have a new, dynamic young pastor. He is very unapologetic in how he preaches the gospel. I love his preaching style and as a bonus, he has a great sense of humor. His video sermons are now online on our church website. How awesome is that?! Our church membership is up 20% from a year ago. Here is a video from a couple of weeks ago, addressing a very familiar passage from the Bible, John 3:16. It's about 28 minutes, so if you have the time, use it as your daily devotional.<br /><br /><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" width="437" height="370" id="viddler"><param name="movie" value="http://www.viddler.com/player/e687cadd/" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent"/><embed src="http://www.viddler.com/player/e687cadd/" width="437" height="370" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowScriptAccess="always" allowFullScreen="true" wmode="transparent" name="viddler" ></embed></object><br /><br /><br />Here is yesterday's sermon on Psalm 1. Focusing on worldly "happiness" v. Biblical "happiness". I particularily love his second point on scripture. Very cool. <br /><br /><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" width="437" height="370" id="viddler"><param name="movie" value="http://www.viddler.com/player/b558752b/" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent"/><embed src="http://www.viddler.com/player/b558752b/" width="437" height="370" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowScriptAccess="always" allowFullScreen="true" wmode="transparent" name="viddler" ></embed></object>Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05107060537521418668noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1363868979614197595.post-874529977018519062008-11-07T11:15:00.002-06:002008-11-07T11:21:13.938-06:00Scripture on FearLately, I've been journaling regarding fear. Fear can saturate much of our lives. Fear of failure. Fear of the future. Fear of fear. Here are some of my thoughts and supporting scripture.<br /><br />Give it ALL to God. He does not want us to suffer. He wants to help us in our times of need.<br /><br /><strong>Why we Suffer?</strong><br /><br />We need trials to help us grow in faith.<br /><br /><em>Romans 5:3-5</em><br /><br />Exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. <br /><br /><strong>Trials bring us peace and righteousness.</strong><br /><br /><em>Hebrews 12:11</em><br /><br />All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.<br /><br /><strong>Persecution reminds us our reward is in heaven.</strong><br /><br /><em>2 Timothy 3:12</em><br /><br />Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.<br /><br /><strong>God will be there through it all.</strong><br /><br /><em>Psalm 27:1</em><br /><br /> The LORD is my light and my salvation;<br /> Whom shall I fear?<br /> The LORD is the defense of my life;<br /> Whom shall I dread?<br /><br /><em>Proverbs 3:25-26</em><br /><br /> Do not be afraid of sudden fear<br /> Nor of the onslaught of the wicked when it comes; <br /> For the LORD will be your confidence<br /> And will keep your foot from being caught.<br /><em><br />Isaiah 41:13</em><br /><br /> For I am the LORD your God, who upholds your right hand,<br /> Who says to you, Do not fear, I will help you.<br /><br /><strong>God can turn what others do to you into something beneficial.</strong><br /><br /><em>Genesis 50:20</em><br /> As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. <br /><br />Redeemed,<br />AnnetteAnnettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05107060537521418668noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1363868979614197595.post-74480612274297274762008-10-10T18:24:00.004-05:002008-10-10T19:06:02.446-05:00David Crowder!!!We are taking Isaac to his first concert on November 6!!! We will have artist section seats to see David Crowder & the band. Can you say "Excited"?! The concert is at our church which seats about 5,000. It will be great memories to share with our oldest.<br /><br />Here are some cool videos of his music...sit back, relax, watch and listen.<br /><br /><embed src="http://godtube.com/flvplayer.swf" FlashVars="viewkey=5f9ab363aca584455253" wmode="transparent" quality="high" width="330" height="270" name="godtube" align="middle" allowScriptAccess="sameDomain" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" /></embed><br /><br />"O, Praise Him"<br /><br /><embed src="http://godtube.com/flvplayer.swf" FlashVars="viewkey=72487b20cee5d7434506" wmode="transparent" quality="high" width="330" height="270" name="godtube" align="middle" allowScriptAccess="sameDomain" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" /></embed><br /><br />"He is Our King"<br /><br /><embed src="http://godtube.com/flvplayer.swf" FlashVars="viewkey=58a17f0c3f6f5dc97ca7" wmode="transparent" quality="high" width="330" height="270" name="godtube" align="middle" allowScriptAccess="sameDomain" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" /></embed><br /><br />"Never Let Go"Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05107060537521418668noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1363868979614197595.post-29969139386043579882008-10-02T10:36:00.007-05:002008-10-02T10:43:40.457-05:00These pictures deserve their own postOk, as I'm updating my blog this morning, and contemplating what I need to pack for our afternoon of violin lessons, I get several loud laughs from upstairs. I rush to find this...<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SOTq4jw0WZI/AAAAAAAAAFc/ynsmsZyBXGU/s1600-h/2008+505.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SOTq4jw0WZI/AAAAAAAAAFc/ynsmsZyBXGU/s400/2008+505.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252581322814413202" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SOTrFgCLPeI/AAAAAAAAAFk/3h2pyrPgj4Y/s1600-h/2008+506.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SOTrFgCLPeI/AAAAAAAAAFk/3h2pyrPgj4Y/s400/2008+506.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252581545151774178" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SOTrYcBAzFI/AAAAAAAAAFs/TlzwiY3tfWU/s1600-h/2008+507.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SOTrYcBAzFI/AAAAAAAAAFs/TlzwiY3tfWU/s400/2008+507.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252581870490668114" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SOTrmh9rD3I/AAAAAAAAAF0/z0Qg2XNw34U/s1600-h/2008+508.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SOTrmh9rD3I/AAAAAAAAAF0/z0Qg2XNw34U/s400/2008+508.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252582112605441906" /></a><br /><br />Any bets on how long you think it will before we have someone with a broken bone(s).Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05107060537521418668noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1363868979614197595.post-58481275396139438602008-10-02T10:18:00.015-05:002008-10-02T10:35:45.321-05:00Update via pictures<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SOTpY8YmMRI/AAAAAAAAAFU/0xhH-Qv5jw4/s1600-h/2008+390.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SOTpY8YmMRI/AAAAAAAAAFU/0xhH-Qv5jw4/s400/2008+390.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252579680156266770" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SOTpMqHHsYI/AAAAAAAAAFM/fQJfY-puJBI/s1600-h/2008+389.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SOTpMqHHsYI/AAAAAAAAAFM/fQJfY-puJBI/s400/2008+389.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252579469092696450" /></a><br /><br />What the school room looks like following a typical day of school. It warms my heart. I love learning with my kids.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SOTo-xN0yXI/AAAAAAAAAFE/khv_xKQXFsc/s1600-h/2008+376.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SOTo-xN0yXI/AAAAAAAAAFE/khv_xKQXFsc/s400/2008+376.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252579230481697138" /></a><br /><br />Computer boy.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SOTnW6hOgMI/AAAAAAAAAEU/zPmKASM9WjE/s1600-h/2008+354.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SOTnW6hOgMI/AAAAAAAAAEU/zPmKASM9WjE/s400/2008+354.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252577446272598210" /></a><br /><br />The kid's and I went to a small apple orchards several Fridays ago. We had so much fun.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SOTouV7RkII/AAAAAAAAAE8/JuUbK8i-OEA/s1600-h/2008+372.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SOTouV7RkII/AAAAAAAAAE8/JuUbK8i-OEA/s400/2008+372.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252578948278227074" /></a><br /><br />Isaiah playing in the corn bin.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SOTog9YkKiI/AAAAAAAAAE0/yK6BpKwBf0A/s1600-h/2008+369.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SOTog9YkKiI/AAAAAAAAAE0/yK6BpKwBf0A/s400/2008+369.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252578718351895074" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SOToVC72nHI/AAAAAAAAAEs/FAwNBEm1b3A/s1600-h/2008+365.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SOToVC72nHI/AAAAAAAAAEs/FAwNBEm1b3A/s400/2008+365.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252578513683651698" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SOTn_l6jkyI/AAAAAAAAAEk/xrMVIOCPbhc/s1600-h/2008+364.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SOTn_l6jkyI/AAAAAAAAAEk/xrMVIOCPbhc/s400/2008+364.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252578145116328738" /></a><br /><br />I know who I think is more cute... but you have to love the baby goats.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SOTntAH9V2I/AAAAAAAAAEc/xLZKoALOyWk/s1600-h/2008+363.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SOTntAH9V2I/AAAAAAAAAEc/xLZKoALOyWk/s400/2008+363.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252577825734350690" /></a><br /><br />I love watching my kids enjoy nature.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SOTm5bze04I/AAAAAAAAAEM/bmKb9d6dNiE/s1600-h/2008+352.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SOTm5bze04I/AAAAAAAAAEM/bmKb9d6dNiE/s400/2008+352.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252576939811459970" /></a><br />Who thought $5 face paints could be so fun.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SOTmhHYIyOI/AAAAAAAAAEE/HBW1cn3udvo/s1600-h/2008+351.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SOTmhHYIyOI/AAAAAAAAAEE/HBW1cn3udvo/s400/2008+351.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252576522011199714" /></a><br /><br />Kurt and I playing with Isabel's new face paints.Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05107060537521418668noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1363868979614197595.post-46198959534480192172008-09-07T14:03:00.011-05:002008-09-07T14:29:54.377-05:00Blog catch up with picturesWe will start our first FULL week of school this week. Should be fun. Last week went really well, just a lot of life's distractions. It is hard for me to believe that I am starting my 5th year homeschooling and now have a 3rd, 1st and K'er. We are enjoying the glorious Fall Minnesota weather. Love it! My favorite time of year.<br /><br />Our first day of school this week happened to be daddy's birthday. We had a nice celebration and even got a little school done.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SMQp6nvUgNI/AAAAAAAAAD8/dKg2MejuasQ/s1600-h/2008+285.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SMQp6nvUgNI/AAAAAAAAAD8/dKg2MejuasQ/s400/2008+285.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243361953242710226" /></a><br /><br />The kids are growing WAY too fast<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SMQpskfwUII/AAAAAAAAAD0/EIbo4ruFFYM/s1600-h/2008+282.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SMQpskfwUII/AAAAAAAAAD0/EIbo4ruFFYM/s400/2008+282.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243361711853949058" /></a> <br /><br />Out for dinner on daddy's birthday<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SMQpJTTZaaI/AAAAAAAAADs/QAiFRiaKJ2A/s1600-h/2008+260.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SMQpJTTZaaI/AAAAAAAAADs/QAiFRiaKJ2A/s400/2008+260.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243361105943292322" /></a> <br /><br />Our "Horsy" girl<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SMQoxdlTRRI/AAAAAAAAADk/HmkS7rzfl-k/s1600-h/2008+280.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SMQoxdlTRRI/AAAAAAAAADk/HmkS7rzfl-k/s400/2008+280.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243360696385881362" /></a> <br /><br />Isaiah's first day of Kindergarten<br /><br />Prayers for a blessed week to all of you.Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05107060537521418668noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1363868979614197595.post-17465444242781083522008-08-17T13:55:00.013-05:002008-08-17T15:06:10.412-05:00A day with my KING<embed name="godtube" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" align="middle" src="http://godtube.com/flvplayer.swf" width="330" height="270" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" flashvars="viewkey=572b18853b3948570fad" wmode="transparent" quality="high" allowscriptaccess="sameDomain"></embed><br /><br /><br />If you've never seen this video... it rocks! I've seen many times and it never fails to awe me.<br /><br /><br />Yesterday I atteded an all day prayer summit for women at my church. Can I just say how awesome it is to come into the presence of the Lord without an agenda? Without requests? Without it being about ME? It was so amazing. There will be a three day summit next March that I hope to attend at a resort somewhere. I can't imagine spending that kind of time with my Lord and Savior without life's distractions. Very cool.<br /><br /><br /><br />The prayer summit includes time of corporate worship, praise, prayer... again, no agenda... it is only as the spirit moves. I went to one last year, and again it was great, and differed from this one in the sense that it took on it's own theme. There are also several hours of "code of silence". Can I say "bizarre"?! I haven't heard that kind of silence... like... ever. At one point I plugged my ears, and could actually hear the blood pumping through my veins. It was magnificent. To know that the Lord, with His all sufficient power, causes my blood to flow. Without His power, our world ceases.<br /><br /><br /><p>We were given these prayer books that we could use in our silent times. I loved focusing on the attributes of our God, the names of our Lord and His Spirit and so much more.</p><br />I know the Lord is Holy (which means PERFECT). Only He is perfect. He is merciful. He is full of grace. I facilitated a Bible study this last year on GRACE. Grace is unmerited favor. Unmerited favor means we are undeserving and cannot earn His grace. It is something God freely gives to those who receive.<br /><br /><br />Other attributes of God, are ones we hear frequently, but to see them defined and prayed over, is very powerful...<br /><br /><br />FAITHFUL - God is always true to His promises. He can never draw back from His promises of blessing OR of judgment. Since He cannot lie. He is totally steadfast to what He has spoken.<br /><br /><br />INCOMPREHENSIBLE - Because God is God, He is beyond the understanding of man. His ways, character, and acts are higher than ours. We only understand as He chooses to reveal.<br /><br /><br />JEALOUS- God is unwilling to share His glory with any other creature or give up His REDEEMED people.<br /><br /><br />JUST- In all of His actions, God acts with fairness. Whether He deals with man, angels, or demons, He acts in total equity by rewarding righteousness and punishing sin.<br /><br /><br />LONG-SUFFERING - God's righteous anger is slow to be kindled against those who fail to listen to His warnings or to obey His instructions. The eternal longing for the highest good for His creatures holds back His holy justice.<br /><br /><br />RIGHTEOUS - God is always good.<br /><br /><br />SOVERIGN- God is totally, supremely and preeminently over all His creation.<br /><br /><br />TRUTHFUL- All that God says is reality. Whether believed by man or not, wheather seen as reality or not; if it is spoken by God, it is reality. Whatever He speaks becomes truth as we know it.<br /><br /><br />WRATHFUL - There is within God a hatred for all that is unrighteous and an unquenchable desire to punish all unrighteouness. Whatever is inconsistent with Him must ultimately be consumed.<br /><br /><embed src="http://godtube.com/flvplayer.swf" FlashVars="viewkey=68ac300294f69470c103" wmode="transparent" quality="high" width="330" height="270" name="godtube" align="middle" allowScriptAccess="sameDomain" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" /></embed><br /><br /><br />Thanks for letting me reflect. What an awesome Lord we serve.<br /><br />Daughter of the King,<br />AnnetteAnnettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05107060537521418668noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1363868979614197595.post-41813750102685180072008-07-27T11:42:00.022-05:002008-07-27T12:30:03.267-05:00North Dakota Reflection<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SIysSb9AE0I/AAAAAAAAADU/V03Gt8geFEM/s1600-h/2008+229.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227742700211540802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SIysSb9AE0I/AAAAAAAAADU/V03Gt8geFEM/s400/2008+229.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SIysEnefDTI/AAAAAAAAADM/uQDiATHlbnc/s1600-h/2008+219.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227742462786604338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SIysEnefDTI/AAAAAAAAADM/uQDiATHlbnc/s400/2008+219.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SIyr3e4xRtI/AAAAAAAAADE/Uf3EYA0Mqds/s1600-h/2008+205.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227742237142632146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SIyr3e4xRtI/AAAAAAAAADE/Uf3EYA0Mqds/s400/2008+205.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SIyrpg1wsXI/AAAAAAAAAC8/VieJ6mmygx4/s1600-h/2008+209.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227741997148713330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SIyrpg1wsXI/AAAAAAAAAC8/VieJ6mmygx4/s400/2008+209.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SIyrYr05z0I/AAAAAAAAAC0/34_AZqZxjNY/s1600-h/2008+203.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227741708040130370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SIyrYr05z0I/AAAAAAAAAC0/34_AZqZxjNY/s400/2008+203.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SIyrEOrzsSI/AAAAAAAAACs/gzyUZER-mdA/s1600-h/2008+196.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227741356619968802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SIyrEOrzsSI/AAAAAAAAACs/gzyUZER-mdA/s400/2008+196.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SIyqxd61qdI/AAAAAAAAACk/f0EcywKIwH4/s1600-h/2008+134.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227741034292029906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SIyqxd61qdI/AAAAAAAAACk/f0EcywKIwH4/s400/2008+134.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SIypuAO_qII/AAAAAAAAACc/uj-OYYlZfmw/s1600-h/2008+187.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227739875272272002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SIypuAO_qII/AAAAAAAAACc/uj-OYYlZfmw/s400/2008+187.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SIypfyfDS8I/AAAAAAAAACU/rVVOtuC2IAA/s1600-h/2008+127.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227739631063354306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SIypfyfDS8I/AAAAAAAAACU/rVVOtuC2IAA/s400/2008+127.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SIyo9yoDHQI/AAAAAAAAACM/uI06tAdNHPE/s1600-h/2008+149.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227739046985538818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SIyo9yoDHQI/AAAAAAAAACM/uI06tAdNHPE/s400/2008+149.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>We've been home for a few days now. Due to my awesome husband, I came home to a clean house. Even the carpets had been steamed cleaned. What a great way to start a new school year.</div><div></div><br /><div>I've been busy getting the fridge and cabinets filled with groceries. Lately, I've been shopping at Costco. I really like that store. We are not able to eat any of their processed foods, but I really appreciate their organic selection of fruits and vegies. I also like that they carry many natural meats (no nitrates, etc.)</div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>We had a great time in North Dakota with my sister and her family. The kids and I had planned to return to Fargo from McVille last Friday, but ended up staying and were so excited when Kurt came all the way to McVille to join us. It was McVille Days last weekend and we had soooo much fun. There were tons of kid activities including a bike parade, paper plate toss, canoe races, street dances and much more. </div><div></div><div></div><br /><div>Quite impressive for a small town of 450 people out in the middle of farm country. Kurt and I figured our immediate neighborhood of 82 homes has about 450 people. We would never feel such a community of belonging and friendship here as we did McVille. It was truely a breath of fresh air. </div><div></div><br /><div>It was actually hard to leave McVille last Sunday as we drove to Fargo. I've always loved farms and open fields of grain and corn. To me, it represents such a dynamic portrait of what God created thousands of years ago. I can honestly say I find as much beauty in North Dakota farm land as I would in the mountains or at the ocean.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Other adventures for our week in McVille included fishing, tree climbing and horseback riding. It was also very fun spending quality time with my nieces. We love North Dakota.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>We start a swim camp tomorrow. Four mornings a week for the next two weeks. We are also planning to do an Olympic unit study with some homeschool friends of ours. I'm looking forward to getting back into some kind of routine.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Farm girl living in the city,</div><div>Annette</div><div></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05107060537521418668noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1363868979614197595.post-27808928522807291302008-07-15T20:07:00.002-05:002008-07-15T20:18:56.001-05:00In North DakotaIt's been awhile since I've updated. I'm in farm country, North Dakota with my kids this week. We are staying with my sister and her family. Actually, I'm taking care of my two nieces while my sister and her husband work. My older niece, Nadia, is six and Ellen Jane is three months tomorrow. That combined with my 8, 6, and 5 year old is good practice I think for having another baby... right honey?<br /><br />We will be here the remainder of this week and then head back to my parents home in Fargo for a few days before returning to the Twin Cities.<br /><br />We are enjoying ourselves here and the kids are having a blast in the big pool in the back yard. Tomorrow we go fishing and to see some horses. <br /><br />I've been doing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">a lot</span> of reading... just finished a 700 page book <u>Through a Glass Darkly</u> by Karleen <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Koen</span>. It's a great historical fiction of the early 18th century, but a little sexy (if you know what I mean). Starting the sequel to this book <u>Now Face to Face</u> which is a mere 800 pages. My next read after this will be Joel C. Rosenberg's <u>Dead Heat.</u> It is the fifth book in his best seller series dealing with the end times. Awesome, awesome books.<br /><br />Off to check on the kids.<br /><br />Redeemed,<br />AnnetteAnnettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05107060537521418668noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1363868979614197595.post-1601324319295067202008-06-23T12:28:00.018-05:002008-06-23T13:55:15.810-05:00Violin<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SF_lzGhmRJI/AAAAAAAAACE/VLdf_oPrh3c/s1600-h/2008+029.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215139559605945490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SF_lzGhmRJI/AAAAAAAAACE/VLdf_oPrh3c/s400/2008+029.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SF_lXrrblqI/AAAAAAAAAB0/pZ0XOFPtd5s/s1600-h/2008+010.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215139088542963362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SF_lXrrblqI/AAAAAAAAAB0/pZ0XOFPtd5s/s400/2008+010.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SF_lYNwAraI/AAAAAAAAAB8/IEOQ0ENdsAg/s1600-h/2008+016.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215139097688976802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_YN4qcXsCleo/SF_lYNwAraI/AAAAAAAAAB8/IEOQ0ENdsAg/s400/2008+016.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div>We are a violin family. That's like saying to those who play serious hockey, that you are a "hockey family". It takes lots of time and money to do either of these.<br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Isaac is 8 and has played violin for 3 1/2 years. Isabel just turned 6 and has played 1 1/2 years. Isaiah will be starting violin either in the Fall or by January. That all amounts to lots of time and lots of money.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>As of late, I've been struggling with the violin commitment. It is huge. I was (trying to work my way out) in a slump. When mom is in a slump, everyone is in a slump. Practices have been slim to none over the past three weeks. This makes my palms sweat as we have lessons tomorrow.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div>After discussing with my awesome husband, he encouraged me and really believes that we need to stay the course. He will try to help out with practices as much as he can. Being a violin parent to young children requires me to observe every aspect of the practice. Once they are 12 or so they can go solo. </div></div><div> </div><div><div><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div>Besides practice for both (and soon to add Isaiah) there are also two different lessons each week. Lessons require considerable travel time... an individual lesson and group lessons for both. It's an awesome community of students and parents from all over the Twin Cities. We feel honored to connect with so many in this one endeavor.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div> </div><div>Why would I want to quit? Time. Money. Time. Money.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div> </div><div>Why should we continue? Violin is a beautiful instrument. My children can play the violin beautifully and we consider this a great gift from the Lord. Playing and knowing music broadens the mind and trains it in a whole different way that then effects other areas of their learning. We belong to an awesome group of violinists and supporting parents. </div><div><br /></div><div></div><div> </div><div>One of the main reasons we would stay the course is to teach the kids to be a blessing to others. I really believe that their gifts in this area can be used to bless others. I pray to find a nursing home by Fall, to which we can go to weekly and practice violin for the residents. As they mature, they could play in our church orchestra. Who knows what the Lord would have in store.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div> </div><div>Thanks for listening. Here's a really cool act from last week's "America's Got Talent". Our kids are classically trained, but we all think this video rocks! (I can't get it to load right, but click on the tag)</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /> </div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSVMHzKr_-A">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSVMHzKr_-A</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div>Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05107060537521418668noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1363868979614197595.post-12426687177174950702008-06-22T18:00:00.011-05:002008-06-22T18:44:18.165-05:00My first blog post...Here I am... in blog land. Prayfully, this blog will be used in communicating my life, my family and my faith.<br /><br />Today is my mom's birthday. Happy birthday, Mom!!<br /><br />This past week was VBS with over 1,100 people each day. Such fun. Such energy. It was so awesome to have the opportunity to share the love of Jesus with these young kids.<br /><br />Tonight Isaac starts his little league baseball playoffs. I'll keep you all posted on the outcome.<br /><br />Before saying goodbye, here's an awesome Godtube video I'd like to share with you. I am Redeemed and my Redeemer lives...<br /><br /><a href="http://%3cembed%20src=%22http//godtube.com/flvplayer.swf%22%20FlashVars=%22viewkey=83e335755e5e914c16da%22%20wmode=%22transparent%22%20quality=%22high%22%20width=%22330%22%20height=%22270%22%20name=%22godtube%22%20align=%22middle%22%20allowScriptAccess=%22sameDomain%22%20type=%22application/x-shockwave-flash%22%20pluginspage=%22http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer%22%20/%3E%3C/embed%3E">http://<embed name="godtube" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" align="middle" src="http://godtube.com/flvplayer.swf" width="330" height="270" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" flashvars="viewkey=83e335755e5e914c16da" wmode="transparent" quality="high" allowscriptaccess="sameDomain"></embed></a><br /><br />Redeemed,<br />AnnetteAnnettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05107060537521418668noreply@blogger.com2