Finally Someone in Washington Is Thinking

Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Missouri, introduced a bill that would cap compensation for employees of any company that accepts federal bailout money. DUH! 18 Billion dollars was paid out in 2008 in BONUSES. How arrogant!

The economy is tanking and Wall Street executives are not tightening their belts. The stock market is bottoming out (the Dow is at 8000) and these companies are still paying huge bonuses. Citigroup received a 45 billion bailout and were still going to take delivery of a 42 million dollar jet. They decided against it with some encouragement from the Treasury Department. Good choice guys!

But wait, Rudy Giuliani says No Way! If you take bonuses out of the economy there will be more unemployment. Excuse me; so these executives get to keep their tax payer paid bonuses because we can't live with the possible consequences. There is situational ethics at its best.

We cannot reward poor choices and/or bad behavior because employment MAY be impacted. We cannot allow companies to receive tax payers money and then pay their executives not their salaries, but bonuses. There is a higher moral and ethical code at work here. To exempt a group of people from consequences because they may spend a little less is assine.

Millions of families in America have had to and are making hard decisions about their home, cars, insurance, etc. People are loosing their jobs daily and they have no assets to sell or savings to fall back on. Our small town paper has 3 or 4 pages of foreclosures a week. But, we are going to pay out bonuses to those that could easily save and live very comfortably on less than they do at present.

Yes, we each make decisions that effect our lives and the lives of our families. We live in a free nation where each can pretty much choose his or her path. We all must live with the consequences of our lifestyles and spending. But, remember, we are talking about big companies that are asking for government money to save them. I don't know about you, but I don't think if a submit a request for a 'bail out' that the government is going to send me a big fat check. And we have suffered in our business and investments.

I am not bitter, but I am angry. Angry that anyone could turn their head from the suffering going on in our nation and act as if everything is status quo. Angry that our government has gotten so big and involved in the affairs of private companies to the point of giving them money.

The assumption that spending more of the taxpayer’s money will make things better has survived all kinds of evidence that it has made things worse.

Thomas Sowell

99 Balloons

If you haven't seen this video, go here and view it now!! It is heart wrenching and inspiring. Most of us have it so incredible easy.

Girls Day and Other Stuff

The guys decided to get out into the woods with the puppy today, so we girls took off to the bookstore!

William, Hayden and Scout headed out into some of the national forest we have around us for some 'guy time'. Well, Scout is a girl, but I don't think she cares one way or the other! She just likes being outside.

Hannah, Sarah and I went to look for Sarah a new Bible and enjoy a Skinny Vanilla Latte. My favorite hot drink besides straight up coffee. Sarah finally found a Bible she likes, the ESV; Hannah and I looked at magazines on cooking. I found a new journal to take notes in on sermons.

Our pastor is a reformed expository preacher, which I love. I also love to take notes, but my Bible just doesn't allow enough room. So now I can write to my hearts content!!!

We are enjoying our new church family so much. They have already blessed us abundantly with their hospitality and friendship. They open their home every week to us for worship and the imparting of God's Word. After the service we share a meal and fellowship. WHAT A BLESSING!! Our family joined along with another family which added 10 people to their fellowship!!! We have filled up their dining room!

Our children absolutely love it as much as we do. They have young people their age that have been homeschooled or being homeschooled. Hannah enjoys the expository preaching so much as it is more teaching of the Word. Sarah likes that also and is enjoying the intimate fellowship right now. Hayden is just happy.

I don't question why this now and not sooner. God's timing is perfect. We had talked and talked about wanting a fellowship just like this; I mean down to wanting to join a house church. Wow, God is incredible! Our pastor has talked about how he had tried to start this church several times with no real success. But, he too, trusts God's timing . Not sooner, not later, but now. Don't question, just trust.

I desire to live my life trusting God's sovereignty and wisdom. Even that which seems hard, painful or difficult has a purpose. One of our children related a story they heard from someone in leadership not to long ago. They were released from a church and said that was not God's will. The reason they believed this was not God's will was for what I would call 'worldly reasons'. Our child felt that it was God's will as He directs our paths.; that like Job, God gives and takes way.This adult didn't agree. Funny, I think our child had it right.

Our desire is that our children trust God implicitly with their lives. This provides real peace; a peace the world can not give. Then when troubled winds blow, which they will, there is no fear, no question as to who is in control. When the rug is pulled out from under you, which it will, you know who is holding you up. He is either God of all or not God at all.

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

photo courtesy of Hannah Queen

Update on Harper!!

Harper is doing so much better. Go over to Kelly's Korner and see the latest pictures!! If you remember, I had a button that said "Praying for Harper". This sweet little girl had major health problems after she was born and many have been praying for her.

Scout Award

We attended a District Scout banquet Saturday night. William received an award for his adult training. Go William!!! He is also working on his Wood Badge; one more bead to move!!

Hayden decided that Piper needed some learnin. So now Piper gets school time like everyone else!!!

"We have staked the whole future of American civilization, not upon the power of government, far from it. We have staked the future upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves, to sustain ourselves, according to the Ten Commandments of God." ~ James Madison

How far have we drifted? I love history and I especially enjoy reading about he founding of America. I am awed by the commitment of these men that risked and sacrificed so much. What I do not enjoy is realizing how far we have drifted from the original intent of our Constitution.

Our government has forsaken the very foundation on which it was built.

100 Things I've Done

I found this over at The Great Adventure and thought I'd play along. Everything that is in BOLD I've done. If you decide to post this, please comment so I can check your list out!

1. Started your own blog.
2. Slept under the stars.
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii.
5. Watched a meteor shower.
6. Given more than you can afford to charity.
7. Been to Disneyland. Been to Disney World
8. Climbed a mountain.
9. Held a praying mantis.
10. Sang a solo.
11. Bungee jumped.
12. Visited Paris.
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea.
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch.
15. Adopted a child.
16. Had food poisoning.
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty.
18. Grown your own vegetables.
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France.
20. Slept on an overnight train.
21. Had a pillow fight.
22. Hitch hiked.
23. Taken a sick day when you're not sick.
24. Built a snow fort.
25. Held a lamb.
26. Gone skinny dipping.
27. Run a marathon.
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice.
29. Seen a total eclipse.
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset.
31. Hit a home run.
32. Been on a cruise.
33. Seen Niagra Falls in person.
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors.
35. Seen an Amish community.
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to truly be satisfied.
38. Seen the leaning tower of Pisa in person.
39. Gone rock climbing.
40. Seen Michelangelo's David.
41. Sung karaoke.
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt.
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant.
44. Visited Africa.
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight.
46. Been transported in an ambulance.
47. Had your portrait painted.
48. Gone deep sea fishing.
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person.
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling.
52. Kissed in the rain.
53. Played in the mud.
54. Gone to a drive-in theater.
55. Been in a movie.
56. Visited the Great Wall of China.
57. Started a business.
58. Taken a martial arts class.
59. Visited Russia.
60. Served in a soup kitchen.
61. Sold Girl Scout cookies.
62. Gone whale watching.
63. Gotten flowers for no reason.
64. Donated blood, platelets, or plasma.
65. Gone sky diving.
66. Visited a Nazi concentration camp.
67. Bounced a check.
68. Flown in a helicopter.
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy.
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial.
71. Eaten caviar.
72. Pieced a quilt.
73. Stood in Times Square.
74. Toured the Everglades.
75. Been fired from a job.
76. Seen the changing of the guards in London.
77. Broken a bone.
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle.
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person.
80. Published a book.
81. Been to the Vatican.
82. Bought a brand new car.
83. Walked in Jerusalem.
84. Had your picture in the paper.
85. Read the entire Bible.
86. Visited the White House.
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating.
88. Had Chicken pox.
89. Saved someone's life.
90. Sat on a jury.
91. Met someone famous.
92. Joined a book club.
93. Lost a loved one.
94. Had a baby.
95. Seen the Alamo in person.
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake.
97. Been involved in a lawsuit.
98. Owned a cell phone.
99. Been stung by a bee.
100. Read an entire book in one day.

Obama's Plan for Education, Etc.

I do not even know where to begin, but President Obama evidently wants to begin indoctrinating our children at birth. I guess waiting 5 years is just too long for our government; get them before they can talk. The enemey wants nothing more than to get our precious children out of the hands of their loving mothers from birth.

Early Childhood Education

• Zero to Five Plan: The Obama-Biden comprehensive "Zero to Five" plan will provide critical support to young children and their parents. Unlike other early childhood education plans, the Obama-Biden plan places key emphasis at early care and education for infants, which is essential for children to be ready to enter kindergarten. Obama and Biden will create Early Learning Challenge Grants to promote state Zero to Five efforts and help states move toward voluntary, universal pre-school.
• Expand Early Head Start and Head Start: Obama and Biden will quadruple Early Head Start, increase Head Start funding, and improve quality for both.
• Provide affordable, High-Quality Child Care: Obama and Biden will also increase access to affordable and high-quality child care to ease the burden on working families.

Whitehouse.gov is a interesting site to puruse if you want to see what is going on in the Executive branch of our government. You will want to read the changes President Obama desires to make concerning hate crimes, gay rights, adoption, AIDS, etc. We are seeing a clear socialist agenda and we must be prepared to pay a price for standing on the truth before it is all over.

Though they know God’s decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.” (Romans 1:32) Lord help us as the leader of our country gives his approval to sinful practices.

As Christians our allegiance isn't to a political party, but to the Kingdom of God. We must continue to stand on the Word of God and speak the truth whenever the opportunity arises. We can not wavier or shrink from the fight.

Stand up Church!!

Obama reverses abortion-funding policy

It is a sad sad day.

President Obama signed an executive order Friday striking down a rule prohibiting U.S. money from funding international family planning groups that promote abortion or provide information, counseling or referrals about abortion services.

I do not believe that taxpayer funds should not be used to pay for abortion or actively promote abortion. I do not believe in abortion. I do believe that President Obama has made it clear what we can expect from him. What a statement to make as the new sitting President.

This is who is effected. Tell them...

"My Husband Rocks" Friday

He is building a chicken coop so we can have chickens and therefore have eggs! There is always something to be done around here to keep him busy. Sometimes he shakes his head at me and plunges in to the newest project; but I know it gives him joy to fulfill my wants and needs.

He just ROCKS!!!

Harper is a sweet 1 week old that is having some serious medical problems. Click above and read about her.

It spit snow all day Monday, but we didn't think it was going to really do anything. Then around 4:00 it started coming down. So, I yelled at the kids to get ready to go driving. I love to drive in the snow! It is beautiful in the mountains and I love to see the snow hanging on the small pines.

Here it has just started snowing.

At Home


Our Driveway on Tuesday





Beautiful!

photos courtesy of Hannah Queen

What Paul Said

Paul gives three characteristics of a Christian in the book of Philippians.

1) Worship in the Spirit of God - The true source of life. Our conversion and sanctification is the work of Christ.
2) Glory in Christ -All our hope is in Christ. Our affections are on Him alone.
3) Put no confidence in the flesh - We recognize that we are sinners and our works are useless. We rely solely in the righteousness of Christ.


These are God's true covenant people; a covenant that covers our sins and what we truly deserve. Romans 5:12 Ecclesiastes 7:20

The work of the cross is not abstract, the effectual call of the Spirit is real, and the sovereign grace of God is AMAZING.

Oh to joy in Christ alone!

This is what I made for dinner tonight! Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup.

Hannah took the picture for me. Have to give credit where credit is due!

Recipe:

Whole Chicken

Cup of cut carrots

1/4 cup chopped onion

3 chicken bullion cubes

Fresh ground pepper

2 tsp. salt Salt

1 tsp. Thyme

1 tsp. Rosemary

Egg Noodles

Cook chicken in a gallon of water until tender. Remove chicken from pot. Add fresh carrots, onion, bullion, thyme, rosemary, pepper, and salt. Remove chicken from bone and add to pot. Let simmer for 30 mins. until carrots are tender. Add egg noodles and let simmer 10 mins. more. You may need to add some chicken broth at this point as liquid may be getting low. ENJOY!!

photo courtesy of Hannah Queen

Giveaway!!!

Quaint and Quirky is having a giveaway, so hop over to her site and sign up asap!!

She is giving away a beautiful bag!

A New Blog!!!

Our sweet Sarah has started her own blog! Go visit her at Wildflower Living. She will be talking about sewing, gardening and being a young lady seeking God.

"My Husband Rocks" Friday

My husband rocks because he is house breaking our puppy and it is COLD here in the South. Cold people, this morning the wind chill is -1. I don't do COLD. He takes her out beginning at 6:30 AM!! It is an all day, everyday thing until we know she is trained. (good thing he doesn't work this time of year!)

He is patient with the puppy like he is with most everything; talking gently to her and praising her when she does good. What a good man!

Oh the wind chill is now 0. Much better, good round number.

Giveaway Over at Honey and Jam

My sweet daughter is doing a Giveaway over on her blog, Honey and Jam! Head over there and get entered asap.

She is giving away one of her and her sisters cup sleeves from their Etsy shop!!

Hannah has done it again!! Her grapefruit curd makes another appearance!

She has been quoted and linked on blogher. Go check it out! She is Honey and Jam.

My Screaming Fit

I walked through the house earlier this evening looking for something sweet to eat. There was NOTHING! NOTHING I tell you! They had eaten everything in the house that resembled sugar except the actual sugar.

I went from cupboard, to cabinet, to freezer. I screeched each time I found nothing. Did I mention NOTHING! Not a bite. Only the girls were home, the guys were at Scouts. Fortunately. My sweet husband would have put me away!!

It was terrible. I had a cravin!

This



Or This



Or even This!

Hannah has been sick today, so she didn't feel like baking. Dang kid, no work ethic. :) No really, she has been puny today, which is unusual for her.

William called and asked if we needed anything. Of course, we always need milk. But, Sarah, who answered the phone, said, "Bring momma something sweet"!!!!! Bless his heart, he didn't have many choices at the gas station, so he had to bring home 'fake' sweets. UGH.

These will be thrown out; I am sorry, L***** D***** doesn't have anything on Hannah.

But, my hubby is considerate; he tried to find something. Sweetie! He's better than the L*****D***** any day!

photos courtesy of Hannah Queen

Quote

The Bible calls debt a curse and children a blessing; but in our culture, we apply for a curse and reject blessings. Something is wrong with this picture."

~ Doug Phillips

Geocaching Boys

William and Hayden met some friends that moved away last year this morning, then decided to do a little geocaching. We live near a old copper mine and there is a cache there. The mines are very cool and Hayden enjoyed the old mine things that were on display.

And it is great father and son time!

We Have a New Baby!!

We are animal magnets! Today our nephew brought us one of his German Shepherd puppies who is adorable. We have named her Scout and she is going to be Williams geocaching companion!!

The kids are in love and Piper, our house dog, is doing well with the new addition. She is not sure what it is, but she is doing ok!

Look at that face!!!!

"My Husband Rocks" Questionnaire

Here's my questionnaire!

1. Where did you meet? A skating rink. ( I was young)

2. Who long did you date before you were married? 5 yrs. My dad asked that I finish college first.

3. What does he do that surprises you? His humor. He and Sarah are not the funniest, but when he does say something funny, it cracks me up.

4. What is your favorite quality of his? His integrity. You can trust what he says.

5. What is your favorite feature of his? His smile and eyes

6. Does he have a nickname for you? Not really

7. What is his favorite food? Steak

8. What is his favorite sport? Baseball definitely.

9. When and where was your first kiss? Too long ago to remember!

10. What do you like to do together? Anything. We enjoy geocaching and traveling.

11. Do you have any children? 3 wonderful kids.

12. Does he have a hidden talent? He can sing!

13. Who said "I love you" first? He did. I am a chicken!!

14. What is his favorite type of music? 70's and christian

15. What do you admire most about him? His faithfulness to his family and his work ethic.

16. Do you think he will read this? Yes

Sarah and her Sewing

Sarah has been working on a rag quilt for Etsy. Hannah brought up her lighting to take some pictures of the progress. Sometimes irritating Sarah while she was working!!

OOPS!! Sarah stuck herself while Hannah was trying to take pictures.

Back to work girlfriend, this ain't no union job! Geez, these kids. If you're not bleeding from the head, KEEP WORKING!!!

That's my girl!! She is a hard worker!




And the finished product!!!! Sarah is getting very talented. I am so proud of her!

photos courtesy of Hannah Queen

An Amazing God

Wednesay we found out that we would be getting a huge refund from where we overpayed the IRS from 2005. We knew that our previous accountant had not listened to us when we told him that there were duplicate entries on our Quickbooks, but we did not know what to do. You do NOT mess with the IRS!

We changed accountants in 2006 and she has been working on it since that time. The IRS finally said that they were going to audit that year and see what was up. For two days our accountant met with an IRS agent going over every piece of paper from 2005. There were people praying for us during this time.

As small business owners we pay a large amount of tax; something we have accepted as part of running our own company. Do we consider it fair, NO, but it is the law. But, that is another subject for another time. We just don't want to 'tithe' to the IRS!!! Ok, maybe we do 'tithe', but we do not want to give additional 'offerings'!!

During the winter we can not work and God's provision is amazing.

The scripture speaks clearly about our money and that is the toughest area for most people. The world has such a strong pull on the family's finances. Credit card debt, mortgages, car payments, memberships, college loans, etc. All this takes away the ability to give to those in need and share freely.

Here is some scriptures concerning our money, needs, and provision.

.

God meeting our needs:

Matthew 6:31-32

Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat ' or 'What will we drink ' or 'What will we wear for clothing ' For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.

2 Corinthians 9:8

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything; you may have an abundance for every good deed;

Saving:

Proverbs 21:20

The wise man saves for the future but the foolish man spends whatever he gets.

Debt:

Romans 13:8

Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.

Proverbs 22:7

The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower becomes the lender s slave.

Contentment:

Hebrews 13:5

Keep your life free from the love of money, and be content with what you have.

Philippians 4:11-13

For I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstances may be. I know now how to live when things are difficult and I know how to live when things are prosperous. In general and in particular I have learned the secret of eating well or going hungry of facing either plenty of poverty. I am ready for anything through the strength of the One who lives within me.

Work:


1 Timothy 5:8

But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Ecclesiastes 9:10

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might;


As a family we are striving to follow the Word more closely in all areas. God is a patient and faithful Father. I am continually amazed and humbled at His love and provision for His children. So often I feel that I fall so short and I do, but He is faithful to His word. And through that love and patience I grow.

Hannah's Latest Accomplishment

Hannah, as I mentioned in a previous blog, was asked to have one of her photography/recipes featured on a website. Here it is!! Serious Eats

We are so proud of her. She works hard to do improve her photography and baking. Her focus is better than it has ever been. She is working on marketing the Etsy store. She is thinking of new ideas for products and helping us out with our home endeavors.

She and I talked the other night about what we will sell at the Farmer's Market in the spring. She is thinking ahead and planning. It is wonderful to watch your children mature; and she is maturing mentally and spiritually!

Blessed Momma!

I do not know if a momma could be more proud than this momma. Really. Have I mentioned that I think I have incredible kids?! I know we all have great kids, but these are mine, ok?!!

Hannah has been working on the Etsy store, planning for the Farmers Market in the Spring and has been asked to have her photography featured on a food blog. She is a blessing to our family in so many ways. She cares about the environment, her family, and those less fortunate. We have great discussions on the church, scripture and how we in America have wasted so much money glorifying ourselves.

Sarah is sewing away on an apron for Hannah. It is adorable!! She is planning to make rag quilts for the Etsy store. She also is such a blessing to us. She is a deep thinker with a servants heart. She takes care of the laundry for us and rarely complains.

Hayden just finished the dishes while singing away. He turned around and said, "you know, I like doing this". Ok, the kid could just be crazy. He is now working on drawings for our chicken coop; front, back, side and inside. Yes, we are getting chickens. He is learning that hard work is enjoyable and a blessing. And he is a blessing to all of us.

We continue to look for ways to be more self-sufficent. Finances are less than FABULOUS, but God continues to be faithful. We are getting jobs set up for the Spring and the girls and I continue to look for ways to bring in income.

To be able to work together as a family in an area (finances) that can be so difficult is amazingly wonderful. Everyone understands that we have to cut back and each finds ways to be creative with their needs and wants.

To be a blessed momma is more than enough for this momma.

He has given food and provision to those who reverently and worshipfully fear Him; He will remember His covenant forever and imprint it [on His mind]. Psalms 111:5

Because my heart does not condemn me, I have confidence toward God; and whatever I ask, I receive from him, because I keep his commandments and do the things that are pleasing in his sight. 1 John 3:21-22

New Etsy Shop

Hannah and Sarah have opened an Etsy Shop!!! We are so excited for them. They have started small, but they will add to their inventory in the future.

Check them out at honeyandjam!

An Awesome Day

We attended the house church again this morning and it was awesome!!!! The pastor preached out of Acts 7 about Stephen speaking before the Jewish leaders and his stoning. He gave us a new perspective and reminded us that Stephen didn't have the New Testament to draw from when speaking of Christ. He also allows for discussion which is helpful.

We had lunch after and several hours of incredible fellowship. It was amazing. DeGina and Chris brought their family which was very nice. William and Chris talked with Pastor Roderick for awhile and us women folk chatted amongst ourselves! We shared and laughed and laughed.

I haven't felt so engaged with God's word within a church in a long time. It seems as if it is over too quickly. I can't describe the feeling at this point. Energized, excited, blessed; OK, maybe I can describe it a little!

These are humble people seeking God's truth and will for their lives. How refreshing!! There is no pretense, no games, just real people seeking our Holy Father.

Acts 2:42

They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

God released us from our church body about 2 months ago, but I have not been ready to talk about it. It has been very difficult leaving people that we love and love us. We ministered there for 6 years and I have just been lost. I know that God has a plan and that we were not meant to stay where we were.

We needed something more; more of the Word, more accountability, more commitment. Thinking of finding that something different is frustrating. Living in a small area, we know most of the churches and they are full of nice people, but there is a lack of a deep, life changing commitment on the part of many. There is alot of tradition and a fear of changing anything even if it is just tradition. No one wants to risk offending someone. But, they will argue about the hymnals or the color of the carpet!

Also, we desire a reformed church and/or family integrated church. Last week I went on the Founders Ministry website and looked again at possible churches in our area and one came up. In the past there has been none. This one is not far from us and the Pastor seems to desire many of the same things we do.

We visited this past Sunday and enjoyed the service. It was very simple and worshipful. Many Sundays they have a meal after the service so everyone can fellowship. We are praying that God will clearly show us if this is the place for us.

“Seeing that a Pilot steers the ship in which we sail, who will never allow us to perish even in the midst of shipwrecks, there is no reason why our minds should be overwhelmed with fear and overcome with weariness” John Calvin

"My Husband Rocks" Friday

mMy husband rocks because his first priority is his family. Our well being comes before his own and always has. Our happiness comes before his own. He is a true servant! He rocks!!!