God's Solution for Life's Problems

Look through the problem, not at the problem. Problems are the opportunities for God to show His power. The bigger the problem, the greater the revelation of God.

Surrender every negative to God's eternal power. Set your heart, no matter what, to walk in the grace of God's solution. God is patient with us. He is right even when we are puzzled. Rest assured that in the end, we will find Him faithful and good.

Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. Hebrews 12:1-2

 Devotional excerpt by Don Leetch, DaySpring Co-Founder.

Magic Show......

Gabe and Anna had a fun time getting ready for their magic show.  Gabe is especially interested in magic and card tricks.  He has a birthday coming up in May and he has asked for magic items.  He had a chance to watch some magic shows last summer, which I think sparked his interest.  It's fun to watch them put so much work into getting ready for the show.

 Gabe wearing his magic hat, which adds to the show.

Will Anna escape after being tied up?

I love this picture and I had to share it with you all!

Baby Lambs......
We had the opportunity to go out to a friends house this past weekend and see the baby lambs.  It was really cold, but inside the barn it was warm enough.  The kids loved holding them and having a chance to see the lamb weighed.  

 They also had a lot of kittens to hold if they let you.  A few were friendly, but some were not so friendly. 

It was a lovely day spending time with friends.  Thanks Erin for letting us coming out and visit the farm.  

Soccer......
All the kids played soccer at the Rec. Center.  They play for six Saturdays in a row.  It's fun for them and gives them some good exercise.  They also get to play with friends...

Kearney Children's Museum....
Yesterday we went to Kearney to have a family fun day.  When we are there we have to shop at Target, Old Navy, & Hobby Lobby.  The kids had a blast playing at the children's museum. 

It was a fun time, but they were exhausted on the way home.

Sick....
Last week Gabe got sick Monday afternoon.  I'm glad it didn't hit till the afternoon because we were able to get a good day of learning in.  Then by Wednesday evening I got sick and spent the night puking.  It's one of those flu's that no one wants to get.  On Thursday and Friday I still didn't feel good, but by Saturday I felt better.

Anna had Awana Quiz on Saturday.  This was her first year and it went well.  She really didn't know what to expect.  She took a written quiz and then they did an oral quiz, which she liked the best.  The kids sit in rows and had cards that they were hold up depending on what they thought the answer was.  They are quizzed over Bible verses and other Bible questions from their books that they are working on.  Then her leaders took them out for pizza afterwards.  After eating we had to get home to get the boys because they had to play soccer at the Rec. Center.  All my kids have a fun time playing soccer and they play for an hour, which also tires them out.

So that is last week in a nut shell... 

Finally Some Snow......
The kids and I are so glad to have some pretty snow.  It's not a lot, but it's better then looking at dead lawn and they have something to play in.  We have gone sledding a couple of times, but hopefully we will have some more days of sledding fun. 

 They are getting some shoveling done between all the playing & fun.

Room Rearranged.....
I was needed to clean and move some things around in the school room.  I moved the table and we now have a new space created by Noah's desk.  It's a perfect place to have our Bible reading and read aloud time in the morning.  I also have this comfortable chair next to Noah's desk, so I can help him in comfort.  I also love my tired stand in the corner that holds our games.

Gabe asked, "Mom can we leave it like this for at least ten minutes?"  He knows me too well!

Real Love

God showed how much He loved us by sending His one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through Him.

This is real love - not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.

Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other.

No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and His love is brought to full expression in us.

1 John 4:9-12

Curly Tops...

Anna had a good reason to have me put rollers in her hair.  She loves to have me do it, but I don't like to because it's so much work.  Her hair curls so well that the curls are right up to her hair.  It's fun for a day, but the next day it's kind of hard to know what to do with them. 

 Posing for the camera.....

Happy 6th Birthday.....

  Wow I can't believe that my youngest is now six.  The time goes by so quickly.  He is a silly little boy who loves animals, legos and never wants to be without his mommy.  He has started to read and loves to read me a couple of stories before bed each night.  He also loves to roller blade, ride his bike and dig in the dirt.

Noah and some of his friends being silly.

God Sent Us A Saviour

If our greatest need had been information,
God would have sent us an educator.

If our greatest need had been technology,
God would have sent us a scientist.

If our greatest need had been money,
God would have sent us an economist.

If our greatest need had been pleasure,
God would have sent us an entertainer.

But our greatest need was forgiveness,
so God sent us a Saviour.
-Roy Lessin

Jesus Is Light, Joy, Hope

The One who is the True Light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.
He came into the very world He created, but the world didn't recognize Him. He came to His own people, and even they rejected Him. But to all who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God. - John 1:9-12

Jesus is...
the Light of Christmas,
the Joy of our hearts,
the Hope of our world.

CHRISTMAS FUN....
The kids had fun making cutout cookies last week.  They are getting so big now that they can roll them out, cut them out and put them on the pan.  Before I know it they will be doing the mixing and baking as well.  

 They were also able to decorate each of the cookies too.  They were also very yummy!

 This is how our dog Ruby has fun by snuggling in the chair with pillows and blankets.

 Our Christmas tree turn out real pretty this year.  The kids have so much fun decorating and looking at each ornament before they put it on the tree.  There are many memories and I know just who gave or made which ones. 

 Here's a new addition to my dining room.  It's a tiered stand that is able to hold a few pretty plants, napkins, fruits and vegetables.  It's such a nice storage place, but is able to display pretties too. 

NEWS TIME......
The kids and I were interview after the North Platte Lights Parade, by 10/11 Lincoln News.  The kids thought it was awesome especially Anna with her big smile.  Noah really liked his red lips whistle blower and Gabe thought it was to warm out to have his coat on. http://www.1011now.com/northplatte/home  The video can be found on the left hand side and it's titled, "Families Enjoy Holiday Parade".
 

Love Came Down

The world was blessed at Christmas
with a miracle of love...
a guiding star and angel choir
rejoicing from above.
They pointed to a tiny babe
within a cattle stall -
a Saviour bringing peace on earth -
the greatest gift of all.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given...and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Busy Making and Creating.....

In Jesus

We not only find peace,
but we also find the Prince of Peace.
We not only find righteousness,
but we also find the Righteous One.
We not only find counsel,
but we also find the Counselor.
We not only find wonders,
but we also find the Wonderful One.
We not only find spiritual food,
but we also find the Bread of Life.
We not only find provision,
but we also find the Shepherd of our souls.
We not only find salvation,
but we also find the Savior.
We not only find the Kingdom,
but we also find the King.
-Roy Lessin

Tim Timmons

I friend post about this new artist.  I have to post a few links, so I don't lose them. 

Here's a link to the Lyrics and Chord Charts.

A few of my favorite songs so far are Cast My Cares, Christ in Me, and Great Reward. 

So uplift and encouraging and could list to these songs all the time.

Thanksgiving Fun....
On Thanksgiving Day Grandpa let the kids have rides on the mules.  They all enjoyed it even thought it was only a high of 35 degrees.  At least the sun was shining, which made it feel a little warmer.

Anna and Noah really like Ruthy and Buck.  They always have big smiles on their faces when they get to sit on them.  They did have there first fall off of Ruthy when she got a little spooked.  Both Anna and Noah were hurting for a while, but thankful they have recovered.

The 4 wheeler was also a big it with the kids.  Gabe had a chance to spend time with his cousin Killian.  These two boys have so much fun together.

God's Love Keeps Us Close
Across The Miles

No matter how far apart we are
as we celebrate God's goodness,
His love is a blessing that is
welcomed in our homes,
appreciated at our tables,
and shared in our hearts.

Know that you're thought of, missed, and wished the very best He has to give both now and always.

Give thanks to the Lord for He is good; His love endures forever. Psalm 118:29

 Jump-starting Christmas Fun.....
This past weekend Westfield shopping center had some fun Christmas activities plan for the kids.  The kids had a great time decorating some delicious cookies, making Christmas ornaments and spending time with friends.

Noah especially like eating his marshmallow that he roasted over the fire.  He thought it was so much fun getting it all over his face. 

Give Thanks to the Lord

You are my God,
and I will praise you;
You are my God,
and I will exalt you.

Give thanks to the Lord,
for He is good;
His love endures forever.

Psalm 118:28-29

Ninja Turtle Knitted Hat!!!!

Homeschool Room Demolition.....

The kids had to pull up all the old floor tiles.  The kids had a blast and it made a lot less work for mom.  There was no stopping them!

Now it's time for the new ceramic tile.

Homeschool Room.......

I wanted to share our school room.  A few months ago I tore some old carpet out and the kids then took up some very old ugly tiles.  Then my father and law helped me lay this very pretty cermaic tile, which makes the room look awesome. It was a lot of work, but worth it in the end.  It's nice to be able to clean the floor and have it feel clean when I'm done.  

 Here's a picture of when the tile all just got put down. 

 We also have a nice loveseat, which is nice when we want a little more comfortable place to sit. 
We love our school room and it's a great space. 

Our New Piano....

I happen to come across a free piano on Craigslist about a month and a half ago.  I couldn't pass it up and we just love it.  Since we brought the piano home Anna has been busy at practicing.  She has been doing great and I have also been enjoying the sounds of a real piano.  Gabe even asked me last week if he could practice in his book.  It's been fun teaching my kids one of the things that I love to do.