Family

I've just got to say, I've got the best family anyone could have! No, they are not perfect, but each one of my children is learning and growing and doing their best. They are reaching out to the Lord for their needs and wants and for direction in their lives. They are dependent upon Him- what more could I ask? My husband is also growing and reaching more and more toward Christ for his every question and need. He has developed a strong desire to serve our Lord and Saviour and in doing so, to serve his family as well! He works hard to provide and does his best in leading. I've just got to say, I've got the best family anyone could have!

God is in Control!

The Power of Feminine Dress (copied from Generation Cedar: http://www.generationcedar.com/main/)

The topic of dress is so fascinating to me! There are debates about what is modest, what is unacceptable, what is too masculine, etc. Feminine dress seems often to be regarded as an outdated fashion that we got to "throw off" thanks to the feminist movement, left only for the ultra-conservative, jumper-wearing crowd.

Too often we get caught up in the "pants versus dress" argument which I think is just a distraction. This article is not about that.

In a culture where grunge is in, gender lines are grossly confused, and women have finally achieved the "freedom" to dress as they please, I think a fun look at "the power of feminine dress" is in order.

What if women realized that their real power lay in what God had already given them...their femininity? What if we considered it a privilege to be a woman and we weren't afraid to show it?

A few years back I received this letter from a college professor sharing his "two cents" about the power of feminine dress.

"Here's a man's view on women and skirts.I'm a college lecturer, ok? So I'm "smart". Big deal!

Costume is powerful. It's more than just something to wear.A woman in a skirt or dress looks feminine. There's something almost mystical about that. Skirts make me stop and think. "She's a lady, not just a female clone trying to act like a man, or imitating a man.

"Oh" some women say, "pants are more practical". Sure they are. But you lose something.

"But", some women will say. "My job requires body positions that skirts interfere with."Really? Pioneer women WALKED (not rode) alongside covered wagons going out west. And they wore skirts. They had identity as women (distinct from men)

Queen Elizabeth (the first) wore gowns....not pants. She was powerful.And if skirts make your job more difficult there's a feminine alternative: Long pants sewn with wide legs....in silky fabrics and soft colors....and almost as feminine as a skirt.

Of course, if you're a woman who only cares about the masculine value of "efficiency at all costs", if you don't cherish your feminine power,as a woman; not a clone of men.....then by all means, keep wearing those pant suits." -Fred Bear

A Feminine Challenge

I challenge you to an experiment by which you dress femininely for a week, even at home. Pay close attention to how you feel, how your family members treat you and how strangers treat you.

I think you'll be pleasantly surprised!

God created glorious womanhood and a mysterious power--an appropriate power--for women who embrace their design.

This was originally sent to me by Generation Cedar: http://www.generationcedar.com/main/

God is Our Sunrise and Our Sunset

"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End," says the Lord," (Revelation 1:8a)

If God is the Alpha and Omega and the Beginning and the End - if He is these things - then He is our sunrise and sunset as well. He is what wakes us up in the morning of our lives and gets us moving. He warms our cold bodies and gives us comfort. He shines His light so we can see the Truth. If we have just been in the dark, the light actually hurts our eyes for a time. Darkness hates the light.

God is sweet gentle breeze that touches our cheeks, and on that breeze He whispers his direction, guidance and love.

Sometimes we don't listen to that breeze, and so He sends a storm. In that storm is still the Love of Christ. He is still there, even if we can't see Him directly.

At the end of our lives, He is that beautiful sunset. He is still alive, still glorious, still vibrant.

We get our perfect rest and peace from Him.

"I am the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, says the Lord, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." (Revelation 1:8)

Food Dehydrator Giveaway

I'm entered to win a $220 Deluxe 9-Tray Excalibur Food Dehydrator from keeperofthehome.org and savingnaturally.com. Get entered here.

Another Skirt Giveaway!

Marie Madeline Studio is giving away a Free Street Skirt Pattern and Fabric Of Your Choice! These are so pretty, fun, feminine and sweet! As Mrs. Regan points out, "There is no extra bulk around the waist...who needs that???" Go to the Regan Family Farm blog to enter. You will find the instructions on how, there. There are three easy ways to enter and win!

Hurry and enter! The giveaway ends June 8, Tuesday night.

RaisingHomemakers.com

There is a new website devoted to raising up godly young women to be homemakers, as is the Lord's design. Check it out here!

Unashamed Fellowship

I got this from a dear, young sister's blog, who lives in Georgia. The name of her blog is Aspiring Homemaker. Every time I hear this it makes my heart beat faster. It pumps me up and spurs me on. I love it! Read on:

I took this picture earlier this year in Tyler, Texas.

"I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed. The dye has been cast. The decision has been made. I have stepped over the line. I won't look back, let up, slow down, or back away.

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My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I'm finished with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap giving and dwarfed goals.

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I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognised, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk with patience, live by prayer and labor with power.

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My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is Heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few, my guide is reliable, my mission is clear. I can not be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded, or delayed.

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I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

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I won't give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, spoken for the case of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me.

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My banner is clear. I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed."

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--A final testimony by an African Christian just before he was martyred for his faith.

Beautiful You: 10 Simple Tips for a More Beautiful You

Taken from the Feelin' Feminine Blog:

1. Spread good cheer by smiling often.
2. Instead of adorning your outer person with excessive jewels, adorn your inner person with the priceless gems of a gentle and quiet spirit.
3. Don’t mask the beauty that God has gifted you with by painting your face.
4. Resist the temptation to show off every curve and cranny; dress modestly.
5. A neat and tidy image is far superior to the latest fads and trends. Seek functionality more than fashion.
6. Often a woman seems comely until she opens her mouth. Keep your speech pure and limited.
7. Walk like an heir of grace and not of death. Ditch the cocky carriage for a stride of confidence and humility.
8. You are what you eat. Fill up on nutritious fuel and it will show on the outside.
9. Treat others with kindness and consideration. Do not look down on others but consider them more important than yourself.
10. Spend adequate time in prayer and Scripture before the start of each new day. The time you spend in the presence of Yeshua is never wasted, but flows from within you to touch the lives of each person you meet on your way.

National Day of Prayer

What an awesome night of prayer and thanksgiving. We went to a different church tonight, to join fellow believers in the National Day of Prayer. There were fire fighters, police, and other law enforcement officers outside before the whole thing began.

Nicholas, Emily and Daniel with Skip Tinagero, our fire fighter neighbor.

Daniel and Emily in the SWAT armored vehicle.

Silas presented the colors at the beginning of the service with some other CAP cadets.

Presenting the colors.

Silas

The Civil Air Patrol Honor Guard.

Silas saluting the flag.

It was really neat being able to thank the different law enforcement people for their services, and then to go in and thank God for all HE does in our lives! The worship was amazing, and the prayers were full of the Holy Spirit.

I got reminded tonight, that whether I agree with my government officials in office or not, I am not to talk badly about them. I am to lift them up, encourage them and pray for them. Lord willing, they will one day put their hearts in HIS hands!

I am so thankful we live in a country that still allows us to gather publically and pray to our God freely! Praise HIM!

Flower Photo Contest

I adore flowers! I think they are here to give us a glimpse of the beauty of heaven! Johanna at An Old Fashioned Girl, is hosting a flower photo contest on her blog. You can enter up to five pictures. Below are my entries. Go ahead and enter yours!

Maellen

1. Multicolored Irises

2. Pink Clematis on a trellis

3. A beautiful tee blooming at the zoo a couple of weeks ago

4. The sweetest smelling rose in my yard.

5. This rose starts off a brilliant pink, and fades to a light pink.

Our Trip to the Zoo

As a follow-up to my last post, we did go to the zoo, and had a wonderful time! (I was able to find something to wear that was very comfortable, feminine and modest.) :-)

The flamingos

Nicholas, Daniel and Emily

It was Nich's turn for a camel ride. All the other kids have had a ride - next is Mom and Dad??

Oh my!

Pretty bird!

Looking at the giraffe

Dan the movie man (and photographer)

The flowers were in bloom!

Sweet little baby "Reece", born October 2, 2009.

Here we are using the timer on the camera....

In the Rainforest

Nich being pensive.

Emily, feeding the ducks.

The ducks have such incredible colors!

His royal majesty graced us with his presence! I loved how this guy's crown and robe were so regal!