tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8182632942487819212024-03-19T00:28:02.833-07:00Ebenezer AcresI Samuel 7:12
"Then Samuel took a stone and set it up ... He named it Ebenezer, saying...Till now the Lord has helped us.”C. B. Nottinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12880950242410048473noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818263294248781921.post-82121056904781871822013-05-07T18:46:00.000-07:002013-05-08T10:47:28.469-07:00a House Divided - no more!((Let's just say, that title does not truly hold double meaning to what you read in this post. It is said in sincere jest and creativity. I tend to like catchy titles that attract attention. From a former blog, one person in particular took one of my titles a little too literally, thus the disclaimer.))<br />
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So, for the last 5 years it has seemed appropriate for me to be the outsider at the Civil War events my family attends. If you are unsure what I'm talking about, you can see my husband who's a "real" Abe here <a href="http://alincolnlive.webs.com/">http://alincolnlive.webs.com/</a> . <br />
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My role is most often child care, costume room organizer, food and water supply, secretary and script writer. But, someone recently saw fit to "dress" me up and invite me out for the evening. She offered to make me a gown of silver gray, with two different tops, one for a ball and one for a fashion/tea show I will be attending this summer as ((drum roll))......Mrs. Mary Todd Lincoln. Right now, it's just a one time appearance, until I'm able to present for a full weekend. <br />
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In the meantime though these fineries gave me a chance to spy out what actually goes on at these shindigs Spring Balls. I mean, it can be quite intimidating knowing your husband is out dancing the night away on the town with overly clad women in silk. Why shouldn't I?<br />
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In order to save my self-esteem, I did a before and after picture. So, don't judge! It takes an element of loosing yourself to step back 200 years in time and become something you truly are not comfortable being, everything from hairstyle, pleats, hoop skirt, and even a corset. Wow, what a ton of work just to get dressed. Did you know you have to get everything on before the corset, because you cannot bend over to tie your shoe or pick up something from the floor.<br />
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Then you have to learn proper etiquette. Like, always, always stand at the gentleman's right side, never show your ankles, do not cross the dance floor unattended or you'll be thought of as forward, never by any means turn down an invitation to dance, never wear a red gown, hair nets are a must to keep all your hair in place, and gloves are to be always worn so as never to touch bare skin. By no means should a man's hands touch your waist or vs. ((Phew, after I learned all that, it took all the fun out of spying!))<br />
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I was to be Widow Nottingham with my daughter Ms. Nottingham and her friend Ms. Sanger. Here we are just before we stepped back in time flaunting our new-millennium-modern-women-look with our techy toys.<br />
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Our costumes were made and delivered to the upstairs of the hall where we had a huge carpeted room with mirrors and furniture to lounge on and several other women comparing their fancies. All we had to do was show up and get pampered. It was a great experience and fun.<br />
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Here we are, all dressed up and ready to go......<br />
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It was a revealing experience of what we have seen on one of our favorite Civil War movies <u>Little Women</u>, caddy women comparing their goods to each others. And the fear of being asked to dance or not and worse yet, dancing with someone you don't wish to. Not to mention even knowing the dances. Thankfully we had a masterful master of ceremonies and he talked you through every move. It was always nice when you pair up with someone who had been at it a few times before. </div>
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But there was that one dance, myself and 3 other single teen women, all we could do was giggle. We had to escort ourselves off the dance floor and find a room to let it all out. We laughed to tears, recomposed ourselves in the powder room, and returned to the floor. Goodness, it's hard to remain composed. How did they ever do it?</div>
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Then there was Mr. Lincoln. He scandalously asked me to dance with him 4 times that evening. I thought his extra attention awkward, but it was much fun, I've decided to return again sometime.<br />
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And, all in all, Mrs. Lincoln gave me very little to "spy" about. She doesn't prefer much dancing herself, due to arthritic knees, so she was happy to see Mr. Lincoln having a good time. She truly is a good sport (as I am myself!). <br />
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All in all, it was an evening of learning. As I continue to prepare for my next roll, as Mrs. Lincoln as a guest at a society fashion and tea show, I'm learning that I'm not one to romanticize the Civil War era. During these times many suffered, lost lives, and it was a time that evil (slavery) made many men and women rich. So the question remains, how do we portray these parts and pieces of history and not become delusional to the realities of them. It was appropriately stated by one of our fellow actors that the Civil War was a time of great loss and while they dressed as best as they could for these social events, many had to learn to focus on a greater reason to gather than to just show their fineries. I liked that idea and will hopefully continue to find a greater purpose for all these fancy duds!<br />
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<strong><em>"Those who deny freedom to others, deserve it not for themselves; and, </em></strong></div>
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<strong><em>under a just God, can not long retain it."</em></strong> </div>
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(The Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln - "Letter to Henry. L. pierce, April 6, 1859). </div>
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C. B. Nottinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12880950242410048473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818263294248781921.post-77555240434848271212013-03-22T07:50:00.001-07:002013-03-24T15:12:51.618-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong><span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;">Armed and Dangerous!</span></strong></div>
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Is it just me or are we surrounded by gun talk--buried ammunition, common people utilizing the black market, and conspiracy theories within the government? Maybe such talk is more prevalent amongst country-loving, agrarian-minded, hunting-dependent, landowners. But it seems to be everywhere.<br />
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Hilariously, sitting in a recent Mom's night out weapons became part of the conversation. It always amazes me when my sex is armed <em>and</em> dangerous. I'm glad to say, I feel safe knowing some of my good friends are only a phone call away!<br />
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But another arming is more concerning and confirming to me as of recent.</div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Confirming:</span></strong> A group of college friends and I have recently been sharing our life stories of the last 20 years on FB chat. The stories have at times been heart wrenching with lives broken and piece by piece picked up and put back together and as each person put their life in God's Hands, He was able to use the pieces to bring Glory to Himself and in turn benefit individual's lives.<br />
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Honestly, most of us have that broken detail somewhere in our distant past. But one detail remains constant: the preservation and work of Scripture in each story. Whether it was a verse, a Truth about God, or the evidence of it upon the life of someone helping an individual through a trial. As I read, it is the common thread of each of these stories. <br />
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If you listen closely, often those who don't even know Him will also have some "ammunition" buried, waiting for retrieval. Why? Because it works, it's Living (to those who know its Source) and it gives Hope! How thankful I am for parents who understood that and it was valued in talk, time was set aside to "burry" it, it was valued as if on the black market, it was talked about in our circles, it was truly troubled over. Time and time again it has come back to me, and saved me. This is what I desire for my children too.<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Concerning:</span> </strong>I recently saw a cartoon of children sitting in church anticipating what they would hear. The cartoonist pictured a serpent like creature wrapped around the young person's body, and on the creature were labels of cares that would be on the mind of a child, choking the truth out. The symbolism was saying that sometimes we struggle with hearing truth because we have spent so much time troubled with the cares of this world that we leave no room for truth. Some of these troubles we should take the time to work through but many we borrow unnecessarily.<br />
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Although the cartoon was intended for the young, it was very convicting to me. How often, we "trouble" ourselves with so much that pertains to this lifetime. St. Patrick's Day, watching the Chicago river being turned green (just one small example) I couldn't help but to think, that sure is quite a bit of "trouble" for a very temporal thing. Fun, yes, but for what?<br />
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This is concerning to me because every detail of my life that I trouble over, I'm communicating to the young in my watching that this is worthy. Not all trials (tribulations) we have are of our own design but we certainly can choose how "troubled" we'll be with them. Our level of "interchange" with the "troubles" of this world we certainly have control over. This interchange of troubling over trouble has concerned me personally and I wish instead to be armed with Truth. <br />
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Truth is, all this trouble has already been overcome, we just need to be convinced of that. A sort of amnesty takes place, He (Jesus) which all truth is represented by, has taken car of all. As we surrender all peace is awarded. Knowing this makes a world of difference.</div>
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<span class="verse-num woc" id="v43016033-1"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">John 16: 33 </span></strong></span><a alt="esv_01" class="va" href="http://www.blogger.com/null" rel="v43016033"></a><span class="woc"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">I have said these things to you, </span></strong></span></div>
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<span class="woc"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">that in me (Jesus) you may have peace. </span></strong></span></div>
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<span class="woc"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">In the world you will have tribulation (trouble). </span></strong></span></div>
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<span class="woc"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">But take heart; I have overcome the world.</span></strong></span></div>
C. B. Nottinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12880950242410048473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818263294248781921.post-90632792019141767982012-10-31T11:42:00.000-07:002012-11-02T20:36:48.670-07:00Checkpoints!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5dN8DglAOB5f_CDxnc2Ye2kkFm4FHtzZSImKJVisnAU2AsCnrM7Zo_HxHLnSXtJ6TQ052viQhHwrwd6k-nbJu-GHgB9_Qj6_kXIPpgzV8Khez6RhhKQ1V9gzOcNy4z9m7HjGgb6XJLF4/s1600/Serena's+Photo+Shoot+September+2011+043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5dN8DglAOB5f_CDxnc2Ye2kkFm4FHtzZSImKJVisnAU2AsCnrM7Zo_HxHLnSXtJ6TQ052viQhHwrwd6k-nbJu-GHgB9_Qj6_kXIPpgzV8Khez6RhhKQ1V9gzOcNy4z9m7HjGgb6XJLF4/s200/Serena's+Photo+Shoot+September+2011+043.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ooh, checking in here on Ebenezer Acres and found summer fun overtook blogging. But I have a head filled with writing themes and ideas. Most will stay there, meaningful ones may find their way out. Fall and winter months are upon us, which means indoor time: hunkering down for home educating, more study, computer, thinking, and writing time. <br /><br />For the last few months though <em>checkpoints</em> have been on my mind.<br /><br />The following incident which was shared with me by one of the most unsuspecting (almost 75 year old) people I know, made me consider checkpoints.</span><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></div>
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At the airport in Ft. Lauderdale, at the scanner I was singled out for an "interrogation." The TSA attendant questioned me, got a piece of white cloth with something on it and swiped it across both palms, put it on a machine which indicated I had something on my hands. She asked my husband if I had held a gun with gun powder on it. He said, no, we don't have a gun. He started to walk toward me and she told him he couldn't speak to me or touch me. That was a little scary. I had to wait until she could find another attendant to fill in for her and was taken aside to a little room and waited again for another attendant to go in with us. She told me what she was going to do and proceeded with her pat down. I think maybe they're like the police who, it seems like, have a daily quota to meet. She didn't find anything and let me go. My mind was racing a mile-a-minute with ideas like being jailed like a terrorist. Needless to say, it was quite frightening and I don't think I want to fly anytime soon.</blockquote>
<span style="font-size: large;">I also have vivid memories of border patrol. My father had a keen desire to live, work, and minister in Canada. As children, we crossed the borders regularly. Back then (30 plus years ago), it was fairly easy but t</span><span style="font-size: large;">here were times they would inspect our goods or even ask us children leading questions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Only once was it scary, and it was when my sister who had been sleeping, woke up in the middle of one such "interrogation" and the border patrol chose to question her, with his flashlight in her face. Due to her grogginess she did not do a good job of answering questions, leaving my parents, transporting five children back and forth, open for speculation. Eventually, we were cleared to go.</span><br />
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Toronto, Canada - a great city to spend time with your family !</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you mention checkpoints to my husband, he has memories of something in school days called "hair check". Apparently, as the young men paraded past faculty they would "inspect" their hair, making sure hair was not touching in the wrong places. If so, you were pulled aside and you failed hair checkpoint!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Traffic life provides its own sets of checkpoints. Living in the state of Maine, I do remember being randomly stopped to have our vehicle inspected, and being held until someone came to rescue us. It was a constant reminder to keep our vehicles maintained. I'm thankful Michigan law is more obliging in this regard. Any Maniacs know if this still happens?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">There are those moments in life when you can breath easy and know, you passed a checkpoint!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our family recently traveled 2000 miles together. We were not sure how it would be, nine of us - tired, traveling, and together - too trying? It was a good checkpoint for our family. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Once, a lady had been observing us eating breakfast together made it a point to pull me aside and offer feedback. </span><span style="font-size: large;">She had not been in America too long, and shared, that in all of Europe there were not to be found such well behaved and well mannered children. She observed they enjoyed each other and were pleasant to talk to. She had several questions for me. This scenario was repeated several times on our trip. It was a positive checkpoint for these weary traveling parents and a confirmation of hard work (and prayer).</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I could ramble on (maybe I have already), but if you're still here, I was reminded this week of a Biblical checkpoint. It spoke to me again on this theme.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">An Old Testament clan decided that they had a plan. It was to stay together, no more roaming. They declared, "Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, <u>so that we may make a name for ourselves</u> and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth." (Genesis 11:4) Most of you know the rest of the story. The very thing they were afraid of (scattering) is what happened to them. Why? Becuase they failed majorly a checkpoint. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Literally, God came to drop in and pay them a visit, a building inspection of sorts. "But the LORD came down to see the city and the tower that the men were building." </span><span style="font-size: large;">Unfortunately for them, they failed the building inspection. He allowed them to be confused, forcing them to scatter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This story I have heard 100's of times, but it spoke to me again. God did not look too keenly on them trying to make a name for themselves. He is God who wishes to have the name of Jesus, above all other names. He resists prideful (wo)men and desires that we make His name known.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Perhaps because we are in search of a <em>different </em>home, a <em>different</em> church, and <em>different </em>career paths, we realize how easy and tempting it would be to make those choices that best made a "name" for <em>us</em>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now, more than ever, we're asking God to help, to provide, and to let Him work as we do.</span></div>
C. B. Nottinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12880950242410048473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818263294248781921.post-75831095948011032852012-06-14T21:49:00.001-07:002012-06-15T07:25:35.900-07:00Bye-Bye Ebenezer Acres<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It just seems that special places require a name. Some weren't exactly sure what was up when I started this blog and called it <em>Ebenezer Acres</em>. The name was meant for something much more special to me than blog name; it is connected with the acres and acres of land upon which we currently live. It has been inspirational to me and part of much of my material on this blog.</div>
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There are times in life when God drops you smack dab in the middle of something--or somewhere--that you can only consider and acknowledge, "This is a God-thing". Ebenezer Acres, where we live, south of Quincy, Michigan, was a God-thing for our growing family.</div>
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Upon our first sighting of the property we knew, this was going to be <em>the time of our lives</em>.</div>
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It may not say that to you but being the city girl I had been all my life, never once having lived on more than one acre and moving 18 times, state to state and even out of the country, in 24 years, it was just a slice of Heaven. I never desired a"Mansion on a hilltop" (as in a big fancy estate) but always believed that given a plot of land to work and live on with open spaces and plenty of trees, I'd be happy as a lark. Moving to the country I felt like a caged bird that was allowed to expand its wings for the very first time. Wow, it felt good. </div>
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There was virgin dirt, fresh and unturned, just waiting for seeds. Anything planted grew, and it was like experiencing a miracle every time something was planted! We prayed while we planted and prayed thankfulness again, while we picked. </div>
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Fruit trees, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEwhc4vO4LvXxatgwzovPIJXKDyC1iJCkAhJ9EALsW_KhP6p4piVjaErmGeF86O1O1hLZfq7cHc8fsB3pseSwOQL6ys1yldkN2akix6yC2r2yVCWarf-ANB2hf8SHAx8bjY5gUPkSHwQA/s1600/Summers+End+020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" pca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifR5mkEd5C5gHyK7UWE-3NX8tztO3dQC4TaIn5xofpzYaMFMwu4wDwyqeh_puuLS23rMpjYZEHtOIBGZZkgIiI4syZAkguZXvoHhLNMc74REnZW0XvospvHdu0m4Q6LfpFd-3U6IZGNOg/s200/green+002.jpg" width="166" /></a>Grape vines, <img border="0" height="285" pca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEwhc4vO4LvXxatgwzovPIJXKDyC1iJCkAhJ9EALsW_KhP6p4piVjaErmGeF86O1O1hLZfq7cHc8fsB3pseSwOQL6ys1yldkN2akix6yC2r2yVCWarf-ANB2hf8SHAx8bjY5gUPkSHwQA/s320/Summers+End+020.jpg" width="320" /> and flowers everywhere. </div>
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Critters of all shapes and sizes; perfect for a boy with a bow and arrow.</div>
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My favorite part, endless fields, and a front, wrap, stone porch, perfect for hosting any event; </div>
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hundreds have visited us here. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyPIiOuTHpEh8ToIFOx5Nj4lfzk9_WtDg71u_kV3ZoNVRI9rSXkFyxJy661do1BRN6Js0cnEd6lKKrW_BvvBmeLY0KQ3YJsuFPbXi9C-1WEz-mRoY95yoJlplqljpLbI5XL7lXOt892Wc/s1600/mulberry+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Then the icing on the cake, for the first few years we had endless use of the landlord's pool, opened and treated just for the Nottingham clan.</div>
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Barns a plenty - opportunity to <em>try</em> our hand at agriculture, and a trial it was.</div>
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.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsFub0i5cuOce8TDJG649pmCR34JCVKXkh2xLZYez98syDqbtv567P8imp78czpHQZLHlsu6Ft9AP-fbU6l4W1Bc4uqz7IduTAZPnxwX_V35V1ZW-I6ASMSvh6_eufMEmeUju0ZjlqDjM/s1600/Gleaning+Hay+and+preparing+for+baby+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" pca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsFub0i5cuOce8TDJG649pmCR34JCVKXkh2xLZYez98syDqbtv567P8imp78czpHQZLHlsu6Ft9AP-fbU6l4W1Bc4uqz7IduTAZPnxwX_V35V1ZW-I6ASMSvh6_eufMEmeUju0ZjlqDjM/s200/Gleaning+Hay+and+preparing+for+baby+008.jpg" width="190" /></a></div>
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Wide open spaces, making a knife throwing hobby possible.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9KLToKeRZelf7comJGQit_bVvKO7d0aYktPrwEguy0H-wybZ1MgOfW7QOUuxQL8uotYTe3m3haqWZFVSjNMTDd9lk38aW4IIiu6G6Ixu7ps3Qqf3MrfNjDYjQRGATBsR8epWOeK2koSc/s1600/projects+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" pca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9KLToKeRZelf7comJGQit_bVvKO7d0aYktPrwEguy0H-wybZ1MgOfW7QOUuxQL8uotYTe3m3haqWZFVSjNMTDd9lk38aW4IIiu6G6Ixu7ps3Qqf3MrfNjDYjQRGATBsR8epWOeK2koSc/s200/projects+009.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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And awe inspiring sunsets to view nightly from a bay dining room window.</div>
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This was "my" <em>Ebenezer Acres</em>!</div>
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Just years before, our family went through an economical disaster. After a job loss and a various other things, not limited to but including having a baby with no insurance, we faced foreclosure on our former home. How often I prayed to see the "ram in the bush", deliverance. But it did not come. It seemed God would allow us to walk the path and experience loosing our home. It was a humbling and trying time.</div>
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Then, an offer was made to us, "Visit our country property, you'll love it". </div>
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Love it, we did indeed and it has been a reminder to me that like the stone Ebenezer, an ancient Israel monument, that the Lord God was our helper. This pretty piece of earth, has done the same for me. God provided, helped, and allowed us joy during a very trying time of our lives.</div>
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Well, the Nottingham family has grown and the demands of life have also grown; right out of our Ebenezer Acres home and budget. With a landlord that wishes to sell and our budget says "no can buy", it's time to pull up roots and move on. It is more important to me to have a complete family (vs. a dad who is always gone working) than to have things.</div>
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The house-hunting process, like it is for anyone, is tedious and at times stressful, but I can't help to believe that just like "Ebenezer Acres" came to us, another plot of land, be it on a city square or endless grassy field is there.</div>
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I have learned a few things living here. Country life is often elevated, :spiritually". There are "lines" between city dwellers and country dwellers. But I find, people are the same, wherever you go. And in the end, we all only require (as morbid as it sounds) a plot of about 6ft by 3ft, a place to finally rest on earth. How often we gather, toil, labor, and stake our claims forgetting it eminently will sift right through our fingers. How often our blessings become our burdens.</div>
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This reminds me, that while we've quite happily rooted ourselves here, it is not for us to stay. There are greater things in store for us, things of a spiritual nature, found in contentment and joy, which we <em>will </em>take into eternity with us. So, right here in blog land, I'm saying, "Farewell my friend, you have served us well. I've loved every inch of your beauty. Thank you God for being our Helper, in times past and in times to come." </div>
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Author's Note: Stay tuned to see what's next. Prayerfully, it will not take too long!</div>C. B. Nottinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12880950242410048473noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818263294248781921.post-13441921326765730152012-03-11T13:31:00.002-07:002012-03-11T18:20:05.440-07:00At Home (WARNING: This is a "huggy-feel good" blog)<div style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"></div><br />
A friend recently, quite randomly asked me, "Are you close to your sisters?".<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">"Sure, yeah...mostly!" was my quick answer. Then I had to ask her, "Why did you just ask me that?". </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Her response was that over time she had observed my oldest daughter and I interact. She said that it seemed we were always so close and had a good relationship. So, from that, she assumed it was the same with my sisters and I. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I was happy to quickly answer her with, Yes, my sisters and I are close, however...just like with my daughter, it takes work.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84ht7WVNnt4NcmXQn_fNQZHXVeMI8HMahx7j1if0EA92KTyb8UJXheo2dQ5Y7ikqxajNJbypa1DupQGKIUoh6Bc0FwMftmbw67ZjE6K_UHFiGIVJPkGLG4IBj2hh0is2uDKEQ9QRQCl8/s1600/joppa+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84ht7WVNnt4NcmXQn_fNQZHXVeMI8HMahx7j1if0EA92KTyb8UJXheo2dQ5Y7ikqxajNJbypa1DupQGKIUoh6Bc0FwMftmbw67ZjE6K_UHFiGIVJPkGLG4IBj2hh0is2uDKEQ9QRQCl8/s200/joppa+006.jpg" width="150" yda="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Serena and I</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Let me assure you, it's not just on my part. Off the bat, I would say, my daughter is one of the most forgiving people I know. She overlooks her mother's imperfections and loves me in spite of who I can be sometimes. </div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I'd say the same for my sisters (brothers too!). Only they can testify of my testiness over the years. It's not always been easy for them to be "at home" with me, whether as a child sharing bedrooms, clothing, or boyfriends (just throwing that one out there...not sure we did that) or now as adults, all the kid stuff, holidays, preferences, differences in lifestyle, or whatever. So before this sounds like a personal horn-tooting session, it is not! They each are equally responsible in their own way.</div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Recently, it seems that I've heard at least three times (and this somehow makes it noteworthy to write about here in my land of personal blog) of family members sharing how awful their relationship is with a sibling or parents.</div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTyw9Y9Ha-S3uYWeIvuRJBnRMaJCIxO_idfwUUUMVm27uNRL6c7QXbbsp15m0IQ1NprBZqowlASDPXzqe1A-EM-e9DAv_pkhb0YfRwZx6Z07ZPARFaHVr9JbNtMRo9QEiw4pYA5OnfjcY/s1600/Christmas+2010+-+random+139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTyw9Y9Ha-S3uYWeIvuRJBnRMaJCIxO_idfwUUUMVm27uNRL6c7QXbbsp15m0IQ1NprBZqowlASDPXzqe1A-EM-e9DAv_pkhb0YfRwZx6Z07ZPARFaHVr9JbNtMRo9QEiw4pYA5OnfjcY/s200/Christmas+2010+-+random+139.jpg" width="169" yda="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Marme</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <strong>One,</strong> I had to sit and endure listening to two peers go through a mother-bashing session. I'm not saying my mother has arrived to perfection, nor has our relationship, but how sad to hear these adult women spend so much time and energy sharing amongst peers how dreadful their mothers and their actions were. It saddened me and I'm certain it would have their mothers as well. <br />
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<strong>Two,</strong> I heard recently of sisters who had been estranged for years. In spite of the best efforts of one, nothing would change. <br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-snc4/161588_1212256484_198344624_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Profile Picture" border="0" class="img" height="125" itemprop="photo" src="http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-snc4/161588_1212256484_198344624_n.jpg" style="left: -16.67%;" width="167" /></a><strong>Three,</strong> in contrast, I heard someone say how "at home" they were with their </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">spouse. Knowing both of them, I knew, they understood a key ingredient to good relationships. These three </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">reminded me people truly do long for good relationships.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">But here is what I really wanted to say, RELATIONSHIPS take WORK! Sometimes, it requires "taking the hit", when that other one is down in the mouth or running low in the giving department, or whatever the lacking between you/he/she may be. This is <em>way hard</em> to do. And I'm not setting myself up as a perfect exmple of it. However, I've seen it time and time again, heal in what could be a broken relationship. It works!</div><br />
God is big enough, He is huge, He can handle anything that might come along and not be His best will for individuals. I can liberate myself of that in relationships and continue to love, give, and even ENJOY the relationship. Just as so many people have done with me.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">And this is how I'm able to continue to enjoy my sometimes not so enjoyable children. I do my part by loving, encouraging, and giving when I can to the unlovely child. God will take care of the imperfections, much, much better than I can. He may choose to, He may not. It's not for me to "worry" with. </div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I do know this, Jesus Himself, sacrificed his life in Love, for some pretty undeserving humans, utterly hateful toward his Father. How can I/we do less? Following His example is the only way we can truly be "at home" with other human beings. As I dwell on that, how thankful I am for those that are Christ's example to me. It provokes me to know Him more...and that's what relationships truly are all about!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRHXVrta8awrc-C2U9KgSbn_srNciCL9J8Jof5d2_Uw7QUefF4UJ2ZXRozJ1wpGzvXTVF_iZNcfONIolNSQOhKGo_r-y2fKSrkTSkAToRzxVKvwGjrpgrjAO1CXEcxtu6rpGehMNYHSJ4/s1600/Christmas+2010+-+random+149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRHXVrta8awrc-C2U9KgSbn_srNciCL9J8Jof5d2_Uw7QUefF4UJ2ZXRozJ1wpGzvXTVF_iZNcfONIolNSQOhKGo_r-y2fKSrkTSkAToRzxVKvwGjrpgrjAO1CXEcxtu6rpGehMNYHSJ4/s200/Christmas+2010+-+random+149.jpg" width="150" yda="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Sisters that God has blessed me with!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-snc4/161588_1212256484_198344624_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Romans 8:17...and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>C. B. Nottinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12880950242410048473noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818263294248781921.post-1465189551714478622012-03-04T13:48:00.003-08:002012-03-06T14:10:57.022-08:00Funeral Notes<div style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></div><br />
I'm a perpetual note taker. Always with me is something on which to make a "quick note". My bird's eye view does a pretty good job of it too. But how often we want to remember something, and find it gone.<br />
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It seems as time is passing, funerals have become as common as other ceremonial celebrations. Finding myself recently again there, I resisted the urge to take notes. "Take notes at a funeral?" Well, why not?<br />
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I've attended a variety of funerals and my husband has officiated for both sanctified and unsanctified alike. I can remember one particular funeral, finding something good to say was at best, challenging. These times have provoked me to pull out my proverbial notebook and <em>take note</em> just as the rich man spoke from his eternity (Luke 16:23) asking ones to remember him and the consequences and sadness of his life wasted on carnality. These ones who have found their destination for eternity had one more thing to say to us, "Live differently!".<br />
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On the other hand, at the passing of a joyful saved-sinner, to be surrounded by a group of saints, weeping and rejoicing, simultaneously praising God (in one accord and in one spirit), testifying of the life spent fulfilling the two greatest commandments: love God and love others, this is also a <em>noteworthy</em> moment! <br />
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Finding myself in the last few weeks at such a funeral, how tempting it was to want to make note of every detail about this person, beloved of God and so many others. Jackie Harris was not a perfect person, but how thankful I am to have had the chance to share her lifetime. In the weeks since her passing, her life has been helpful and encouraging to me, even in her death she continues to love God and others. <br />
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Her example was found in living out her thankfulness to her benefactor, Jesus Christ. Whom, before His very own passing, it was prophesied "when they look on me" (Zach. 12:10) hearts would be changed. How interesting it is to me, that even at the viewing of Christ's deceased body, those past and present that were in need of a changed heart, it would become evident.<br />
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I am awed and thankful for greater appreciation of life and death. Jackie Harris is just one person. Although few and far between, there are others that can and do set a tremendous example for those of us still here, in the land of the dying. I pray and ask my Heavenly Father, as I daily view His life and others, that mine will be noteworthy in the way He has purposed for me.<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong>These thoughts are dedicated to my good friend Jody, daughter of the deceased Jackie Harris. </strong></span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong>Both whom I count it a joy to have walked, laughed, loved, and shared many good times with. </strong></span></div> <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jackie, Jody, and Renee</td></tr>
</tbody></table>C. B. Nottinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12880950242410048473noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818263294248781921.post-2214811820658795412012-02-13T19:09:00.000-08:002012-02-13T19:09:54.787-08:00Pure Water<div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; </span></span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land </span></span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">where there is no water." (Psalm 63:1) </span></span></div><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">This Psalm sumizes my month. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">A wise woman once told me, just like the Brook Cherith (my namesake and an actual body of water that trickled from the Jordan River) dried up, you can as well. Why? It failed to take in. This happens when output surpasses input (Earth Science 101). </span><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is not to boaster my life or doings in any way, but to acknowledge that there are spells in life that seem to weight on us (in a draining sort of manner). I realize the landscape of my life could seem a parched Brook, a weary Cherith. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">David's words are pitcorial of the internal dryness one can experience. It's certainly not a pretty picture, sometimes you have to be at the bottom to really look up.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU_hMX8z7vnRVnTyd8kpWTf1QFg5CIwUUW7wqfBt4qnUQFOmZ6XKZ9Hh8ghuQDRtGjDDlbn7OpddP2I_7RcmXgLvG90KGWiPKCNWHgvu4kuVVyj3_wm49pO-pTV4o15H25ROLmACOPSho/s1600/coop+MSU+trip+019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU_hMX8z7vnRVnTyd8kpWTf1QFg5CIwUUW7wqfBt4qnUQFOmZ6XKZ9Hh8ghuQDRtGjDDlbn7OpddP2I_7RcmXgLvG90KGWiPKCNWHgvu4kuVVyj3_wm49pO-pTV4o15H25ROLmACOPSho/s200/coop+MSU+trip+019.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dried Bones - MSU Museum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>But, I am reminded, hope is found in repentence. We are so vulnerable during these "dry spells". How easy it is to respond to situations around us in light of our present views. How thankful I am that people forgive, that God forgives, and hears the prayers of a humble and dry, broken spirit. Just as a healed bone finds re<strong>new</strong>ed strength, so can a broken spirit.<br />
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Where's hope? Wisdom from above. That most certainly cannot be duplicated. How often we look for it in all the wrong places--other people, events, more service, dwelling on others who have it worse. None of these will fill us or bring life back to drying ground. Christ alone, whose shed blood appeased his Father God, makes this "watering" eternally possible. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Therefore, brothers,<sup> </sup>since we have confidence to enter <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30136B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup>the holy places </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">by the blood of Jesus, by <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30137C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup>the new and living way that he opened for us through <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30137D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup>the curtain, </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">that is, through his flesh, and since we have <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30138E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup>a great priest over the house of God, </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">with our hearts <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30139F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup>sprinkled clean <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30139G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup>from an evil conscience </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and our bodies <sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30139H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup>washed with pure water. (Heb. 10:19-22)</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;">How very thankful I am for the "talks" I can have with my Father God, especially during these dry times. The ground still is not completely watered but how good it is to know that I can live <em>expectantly</em>, knowing One much greater than I, than any circumstances in my view, who loves and cares about me beyond any telling, is in high places, listening downward to one who is earnestly seeking after Him.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqHQIAOdwgiRq9QSc3zfriBHtHhn0XrRl6mv6pZcVzuvUtNnWuIecJSWbGC26UqM0UjzF620a6EKMjSZrfMcXDb5nXIoLsm1hEW84XucIegK4dmxvA7YCK_xCInOVYw1sTfHUzm7vmr_8/s1600/Peter's+bday+033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqHQIAOdwgiRq9QSc3zfriBHtHhn0XrRl6mv6pZcVzuvUtNnWuIecJSWbGC26UqM0UjzF620a6EKMjSZrfMcXDb5nXIoLsm1hEW84XucIegK4dmxvA7YCK_xCInOVYw1sTfHUzm7vmr_8/s320/Peter's+bday+033.jpg" width="283" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A local brook we like to wade in.</td></tr>
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</div>C. B. Nottinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12880950242410048473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818263294248781921.post-37056247903186170792012-02-05T18:37:00.000-08:002012-02-05T18:37:00.760-08:00L. O. L.<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></div><br />
<span lang="EN"> <div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #666666;"><strong>People everywhere are L.‘ing O. L.</strong></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn5kR3wbeUh1McWcU3XdSnovzKHaL5-_Sx24ZRmZcMOl9CTFU4ZR775hZgFRNt_pBmGeoL_1pVVDL04B-S5Q0W8ws2-WvqR7QfDn1KCV7fIOAQbcdiR3YhF5ttdz5w1iHki8VOo2Ul6_4/s1600/kids+stuff...co+op,+teens,+mo+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn5kR3wbeUh1McWcU3XdSnovzKHaL5-_Sx24ZRmZcMOl9CTFU4ZR775hZgFRNt_pBmGeoL_1pVVDL04B-S5Q0W8ws2-WvqR7QfDn1KCV7fIOAQbcdiR3YhF5ttdz5w1iHki8VOo2Ul6_4/s200/kids+stuff...co+op,+teens,+mo+008.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">This week I was reminded of someone who didn’t exactly L.O.L., but she most certainly L.‘ed O.L. The great patriarchal wife Sarah was caught (by God) expressing herself in a <i>seemingly </i>innocent giggle (Genesis 18:13). This significant moment in her life captured my attention as it has captured the attention of many theologians. Surprising, eh? It was to me, <i>and</i> it rebuked and encouraged me in a timely manner (referring to my former blog).</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Come on - <i>a laugh </i>- really? Interesting to me God would note this emotional “outburst” as small as it was. What a reminder that feelings and emotions cannot be trusted. They are indicators, thermometers, if you will, of what is abundant in the heart. How thankful I am that God lovingly rebukes and brings repentance when there is need.</div><br />
Sarah was in her place doing what she knew to do. Busy about her daily life, not necessarily meddling in Abraham’s affairs--for once. How often we, as wives, feel the need to dabble, here a little, there a little, to help along our husbands, to spur on the end result we wish to see. <br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">This impatient heart (she waited a long time to have a child), I personally believe, is what stirred up her heart toward this disbelieving laugh. How challenging it can be to wait, to watch, to not be part of the solution. Although, she was very much a part of the solution, it was <em>unknown</em> to her or her timetable. <em>How well do I deal with unknowns?</em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ZBNoebFVXaC2tEf7qJptjHyxM2E5742DqRppx9CfSP5gK-BYmyp65w__CF5JvEPzRLLNb0rxVahsQZQW-xU-NBLn6Nr3riW4_naRnF_LZCYdddSVYTrPg_T_VUupvk9EvkM2jtIC-cY/s1600/kids+stuff...co+op,+teens,+mo+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ZBNoebFVXaC2tEf7qJptjHyxM2E5742DqRppx9CfSP5gK-BYmyp65w__CF5JvEPzRLLNb0rxVahsQZQW-xU-NBLn6Nr3riW4_naRnF_LZCYdddSVYTrPg_T_VUupvk9EvkM2jtIC-cY/s200/kids+stuff...co+op,+teens,+mo+007.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXKVBetCAD9wyhtgAPXJPvvK90ZPe8Z1sBbSH5CdoKtZdM0jX2T81WPmnqRYw63Z-iFulCrptykPIr_7VkfA2PHKLBsHbDULGAsugPv6nJ3jzSsue8cZs9ASMzzQwe27HLQFAD0rzi_04/s1600/Hal's+work+party+with+Grandma+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>I read once about a Christian pastor imprisoned in China for preaching the Gospel. He wrote home a letter to his wife asking her to ask others to <i>stop</i> praying for his release. Apparently, his church (underground and in prison) had grown into the thousands. He was concerned that if he was released, the church would be hinder precluded. Can you imagine? </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXKZseBJHbwjv5aB_J8EtR8RNIf4ReEft-17BCcYwZ6jERggEMaIq9i-fjpLzc7WcoGzlmnBAzSZUN3xWXv_MaUolxXTkCDgrTDcipPKYPoxu4S5QIUsZZhvHjMLbDzbdniKMLFsB2cok/s1600/kids+stuff...co+op,+teens,+mo+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXKZseBJHbwjv5aB_J8EtR8RNIf4ReEft-17BCcYwZ6jERggEMaIq9i-fjpLzc7WcoGzlmnBAzSZUN3xWXv_MaUolxXTkCDgrTDcipPKYPoxu4S5QIUsZZhvHjMLbDzbdniKMLFsB2cok/s200/kids+stuff...co+op,+teens,+mo+006.jpg" width="200" /></a>I was wowed at his confident prayer of faith, his patience and sacrifice for this single cause. How often I’ve asked for relief from current circumstances, believing I knew what was better for us. And I’ve even heard of others praying for a change in our personal circumstances. <em>Would it be right to ask ones to not worry, and pray, but instead ask God to do His work in our personal lives instead?</em></div><br />
<div align="center"></div>A doubting and disbelieving heart comes from a calloused heart. Truly, “Hope deferred maketh the heart sick” Proverbs 13:12. It seemed Sarah’s hope was deferred time and time again. How I need to seek the truth of my best friend, God’s word, to scrape the hardness away and show me that my heart can so easily become calloused and hardened to His promises.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The outcomes of my children (home school), the future path of my husband (new job), my own personal dreams and desires, and more--these all necessitate a belief that <i>He</i> can and will do the impossible. This is what <i>He</i> delights in and desires us to delight in as well. Exciting part: He <i>will</i> use me in that process, but I may not know the timetable, may have to wait, and must keep my focus on Him and His work in my heart. Without this faith it is impossible to please Him or do to anything pleasing for him.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSmkkN1FaSxrOD2icqjrfpu_xIEwPE_dz6_GfDIolqhm3QyrMqclbRSa03yFW7evuSy6MQ_hcUZ61o-SYcOR-OLKDomPac2Qd5lSHJyOWbdQrAwFkbLGcRo57iGEq2DYqC-YGKqF8D4oU/s1600/kids+stuff...co+op,+teens,+mo+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSmkkN1FaSxrOD2icqjrfpu_xIEwPE_dz6_GfDIolqhm3QyrMqclbRSa03yFW7evuSy6MQ_hcUZ61o-SYcOR-OLKDomPac2Qd5lSHJyOWbdQrAwFkbLGcRo57iGEq2DYqC-YGKqF8D4oU/s200/kids+stuff...co+op,+teens,+mo+009.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Thank you Sarah, that in spite of your L.O.L you allowed Him to use you.</div></span>C. B. Nottinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12880950242410048473noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818263294248781921.post-22281316370752005212012-01-20T16:32:00.000-08:002012-01-20T16:32:05.201-08:00Baby, It's Cold Outside and I'm going Insane!The endless, Northern, indoor, winter months can seem relentless. Couple that with 2-year-old training (potty and otherwise), and it's the perfect mix for <em>insanity</em>! It's times like this we at-home and homeschooling moms begin to grope for the next best moment to escape. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEAaQpvdCyzG5H-pCYgLvwHMEo9fjTo5q4Jq1DBxO6XXosewYSnuoBGhojSxTXKhSTXQjKTnpDcPDdetKqV2ga28BNtxlDDm5Qy5qkGBPKD0W4_qefmB1cfDtWNgUE4rUlMYRx905rMzc/s1600/Christmas+250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEAaQpvdCyzG5H-pCYgLvwHMEo9fjTo5q4Jq1DBxO6XXosewYSnuoBGhojSxTXKhSTXQjKTnpDcPDdetKqV2ga28BNtxlDDm5Qy5qkGBPKD0W4_qefmB1cfDtWNgUE4rUlMYRx905rMzc/s320/Christmas+250.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from my scenic window - winter serenity.</td></tr>
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What will it be, another trip to the library (with the same 2 year old?), walking the stores (cash all spent!), or inviting friends over (that would mean cleaning the house). Just gotta wonder sometimes why God made this time of the year--it just seems to bog me down.<br />
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Most of my southern friends have no idea. Well, maybe they do, but they tell me, it is different. Us northerners are downcast, sun deprived, overweight, and generally cranky in the winter. Yep, we are--me included. !!!NEWSFLASH!!!! It's January in Michigan - what more can I say?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoKtMFT593OhCO6GNtRv0fZxiz6HxFqZYjf9VvgBdRLa97Tt1ZqN5lV-1zTvsqycWpZIjqtYJGvIH8iswRiWyCuJroP5LiYV5LGDl6OI3GGUNQivyik_uoW3ZnbYNUD9iSWbhXe86pImY/s1600/Winter-Christmas+2011+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" nfa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoKtMFT593OhCO6GNtRv0fZxiz6HxFqZYjf9VvgBdRLa97Tt1ZqN5lV-1zTvsqycWpZIjqtYJGvIH8iswRiWyCuJroP5LiYV5LGDl6OI3GGUNQivyik_uoW3ZnbYNUD9iSWbhXe86pImY/s400/Winter-Christmas+2011+002.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amish Guys residing the barn. I took a picture of them, just for fun...they had no idea. </td></tr>
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Yah, yah, yah, I know, there is new life under the tundra and spring necessitates the bleak mid-winter. But do I have to like it? No, no I don't, not one bit.<br />
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In the last month I've heard two of my friends mention they are either writing a "Life Purpose Statement" or a purpose statement for homeschooling. Have you done this already or recently? I'd love to hear what you've come up with. All In all, I do believe, right now it would be a good time for me to revisit, remind, and rewrite the same for <em>WHY IN THE WORLD WOULD A MOTHER CHOOSE TO BE HOME 24/7 WITH 7 CHILDREN??</em><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Tune in next month to see what I came up with. </strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>In the meantime, join in singing, "Baby it's Cold Outside". </strong></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;">((<u>DISCLAIMER</u>: Life is really not all that bad. I do not have SDD or depression, please do not suggest I buy a sunlamp. I do take Vitamins. However, if' you have scribed a purpose statement, please do share that! Thank you))</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>C. B. Nottinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12880950242410048473noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818263294248781921.post-17758760816528261852011-12-19T11:47:00.000-08:002011-12-19T11:47:39.385-08:00Merry Christmas Letter from the Nottinghams<div style="text-align: right;"><span style="background-color: lime; color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait </span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="background-color: lime;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;">for the salvation of the LORD.</span> Lam. 3:26</span></span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br />
</div><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Oh nooo!</span> It's December 20th and my Christmas cards are not even started. This has never happened to me. A couple of my kids have asked, "Mom, when are we going to do our cards?" (Typically, it's a family affair). I had a goal, family pictures, in the snow, but alas--No snow! That's not supposed to happen in Michigan. So, for all my <em>faithful </em>friends and family, a bloggy Christmas greeting will just have to suffice. For those of you who were <em>idly </em>sitting by (ha ha), wondering <em>w...h...e...n...</em> our card was coming, please forgive me!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Phew, glad that's over. I don't like condemnation, especially at Christmas. (hee hee)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrMLN7VlA9H-rH70oitdUvty8GE9NzQDZno2CWlIYs4y2uMlGgdYKxiMUnmfWGHJJGlyjv6klhIEFMo-ImSNDXRfDnC2Ezd7oVl20SaZJ1mkzTdEVfPPkc4-XfUI1Kf5JaiECIuPBwHPo/s1600/Winter-Christmas+2011+032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrMLN7VlA9H-rH70oitdUvty8GE9NzQDZno2CWlIYs4y2uMlGgdYKxiMUnmfWGHJJGlyjv6klhIEFMo-ImSNDXRfDnC2Ezd7oVl20SaZJ1mkzTdEVfPPkc4-XfUI1Kf5JaiECIuPBwHPo/s320/Winter-Christmas+2011+032.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">So, what would that beautiful card have said?</span> This year my Christmas thoughts have been centered on stillness. I'm certain, from reading everyone's cards, facebooks, blogs, and watching all the hustle and bustle, stillness at Christmas is paradoxical!<br />
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How many carols and songs we hear that speak of waiting and preparing for something or someone. I don't know about you but for me, waiting quietly (peacefully) for anything, is challenging!<br />
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Often, I consider those who waited for <em>hundreds </em>of years for the salvation of the Messiah. I would imagine, life often seemed at a <em>stand still</em>. Then, when it happened, how relieved the <em>true </em>watchers must have been, and rejoicing manifested. This quiet waiting reminds me that possibly, this is to be the manner we as <em>current day watchers</em> are to wait. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">As I put the final touches on our Christmas, I'm reminded,</span><span style="color: #cc0000;"> <strong>"</strong></span><em><strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">Portions on earth are perishing things, but God is a portion for ever."</span></strong> <span style="font-size: small;">(</span></em></span> Matthew Henry). This knowledge changes my waiting for Christmas. Somehow the anticipation of things now and to come is quieter. It's accompanied by an unexplained stillness <em>and</em> resolve. It silents complaining. It changes visions. It clears a path for truth, understanding, and harder work in the midst of noisy living. This is the stillness that I long for this Christmas. Because, <span style="font-size: large;">It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD. Lam. 3:26</span><br />
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But, honestly, Nottingham household life <em>appears</em> anything but still and quiet. Anyone who has more than 1.5 children knows the "noises" that accompany family life! But it seems, with each day, these wee ones quiet me in a way that I cannot explain. Maybe I'm learning how intricate life is.<br />
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I'm sure our noise isn't much different than yours but since these newsy Christmas letters are usually accompanied by a little of this and that we have experienced over the last year...here are our newsy items.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Hal </span></strong>will receive his 10 year badge this summer for working at the Laurels. He's hoping though, that by then, he will have tested and PASSED his state Administration testing. Pray for him--holding down a full time job, a random part timer (still at Hungry Howies - our favorite pizzeria), serving at church, occasional Lincoln acting, and family life, studying is <em>quite</em> random. He's hoping that he can pass the test with flying colors and although the Laurels community has blessed our family, he's hoping to venture out into different venues. <br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">As for me,</span> Cherith</span>, each day brings new blessing of either provision, strength, or learning. It's just so exciting to start my day with high school Algebra (with coffee in one hand and a prayer in the other), teaching a Kindergartner to read, every other subject in between, and a 2 year old on the loose. Somehow, <em>feeding and watering</em> is accomplished in the meantime. That pretty much is the summation of my days.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0xlECQotMS08y_Szbm9uzcbExdw8tqYKoA71kcoXzi_lmKJxUc_7uOQslklDkmgbehlBRIMG3plpQyhR5n8SQgUa5M2zziihLJ0gc_mztvi3e115OaLachkk5hhL6fCP5HAULvwxA7NQ/s1600/Winter-Christmas+2011+025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0xlECQotMS08y_Szbm9uzcbExdw8tqYKoA71kcoXzi_lmKJxUc_7uOQslklDkmgbehlBRIMG3plpQyhR5n8SQgUa5M2zziihLJ0gc_mztvi3e115OaLachkk5hhL6fCP5HAULvwxA7NQ/s400/Winter-Christmas+2011+025.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVeA65vkwc8uF4UQTObirunUWQcewuwErjLtHDTjlbbgctibABxy1nuAhWK0IakwDRIZxsX5fQuJmkDhswKwX2RKUQVAH57Ih-2mDRi5532zh1xpEtxZ4hjQMcKk8hLZyepNykPHdMOsE/s1600/Winter-Christmas+2011+021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVeA65vkwc8uF4UQTObirunUWQcewuwErjLtHDTjlbbgctibABxy1nuAhWK0IakwDRIZxsX5fQuJmkDhswKwX2RKUQVAH57Ih-2mDRi5532zh1xpEtxZ4hjQMcKk8hLZyepNykPHdMOsE/s400/Winter-Christmas+2011+021.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">The clan</span>, I'll try to summarize with as few words as possible....<u>Serena </u>loves her music--piano, voice, and flute (in that order)--Math and Science not so much, but she's passing! She has a summer job at Nature's Bounty Farm and is looking forward to a full summer. <u>Ethan,</u> now a teen, is still our resident Police, he never turns down an opportunity for a sword fight or wrestling match. He and Peter work as caretakers of a friend's property and have learned so much. <u>Peter</u> is still mesmerized with anything electric, puzzle, mystery, or magic, and enjoys piano too...trying to work himself into a percussion band. <u>Elisa</u>, our sweet, sweet girl, seems to be our socialite...always loving on others and anticipating her next moment with her friends. <u>Jed</u> is learning rapidly and how exciting to teach him. He is Ethan's shadow and Eben's BIG brother. <u>Moriah</u>, still has 20 "children" (dolls) in her care, at all times and is now saying she will have 12 kids of her own. I do believe she has the "might" for the job! <u>Eben</u> is just as cute as a button and provides us with constant entertainment.<br />
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Overall, it has been a "quiet" year here, but there's always room for growth in the year to come of the stillness only God can place within our hearts. That can only happen, as the object of our hope remains the one True Christ of Christmas!<br />
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It is good to get each of your letters and greetings! I do read and enjoy each one. It is our goal to take each of our Christmas cards and pray for someone each week, throughout the year. Perhaps next year, there will be a real card from us. So, from our home to yours, with all the Christmas joy we can muster up, A Very Merry (peaceful) Christmas to you and yours! <br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Cherith for all the Hal Nottinghams</span></div><div align="right"></div>C. B. Nottinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12880950242410048473noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818263294248781921.post-67034842714470163382011-11-21T18:16:00.000-08:002011-11-21T18:16:39.728-08:00Seeing Thanks Giving Every Day<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sometimes being thankful for <em>everything </em>doesn't come easy. Like today, something (being general on purpose) came up and I had to climb out my state of discontent. Ever been there?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've learned though, when I surround myself with Truth, contentment <em>finds </em>me, if I'm seeking it. I learned this from my youth where my mother planted Truth so anyone within our home, found it. I'm so thankful God wasn't in a box. He didn't just come out on Sunday or Wednesday. He wasn't a person dressed in a suit and tie. Truth was for every day. Truth was ever present, visible in their lives as well as visible on our walls. </span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've grown to realize how imortant this is. Here are few ways our walls bear truth of God's presence!</span></div><br />
As I get ready each morning, my day starts with a reminder that "This is the Day". It may be my last. How will I live it? How can God's Glory best be seen today.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRZmDO1a6LUKLybmwUYnGkjLcbxcjYxloiIQlXZ2cIlJea9bF3CmufNo2fSSVRw8Of0rY_MzT0hlV4WAKw55DC3q9HfTQ6k2QFywCSTBfrpSbjVvNmUwRNsJgxbyERVkeY7v3pvZwyQgM/s1600/Mom%2527s+random+Thanksgiving+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRZmDO1a6LUKLybmwUYnGkjLcbxcjYxloiIQlXZ2cIlJea9bF3CmufNo2fSSVRw8Of0rY_MzT0hlV4WAKw55DC3q9HfTQ6k2QFywCSTBfrpSbjVvNmUwRNsJgxbyERVkeY7v3pvZwyQgM/s200/Mom%2527s+random+Thanksgiving+013.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><br />
My next hot spot is usually my laundry room; I visit there 3 times a day. No surprise when there's 9 people living here. Some days I wish to see anything but a pile of dirty duds. This little truth reminds me to not "count my piles" but to count blessings. The fruit of our labors are beyond words!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimHaNVO1PCt5EYFGs7bxTFJxW3q6_itX-xZjuS7RWRQuzKr41aQfLgZsJzPio8IGwl_o1F2DoVZc-FeRWS1e3exxZNXGLaGBvrpfUR7ogfxPc6KKBiMlAnSozDLOGLFw0Mf_mhhGTpADA/s1600/Serena%2527s+Photo+Shoot+September+2011+022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimHaNVO1PCt5EYFGs7bxTFJxW3q6_itX-xZjuS7RWRQuzKr41aQfLgZsJzPio8IGwl_o1F2DoVZc-FeRWS1e3exxZNXGLaGBvrpfUR7ogfxPc6KKBiMlAnSozDLOGLFw0Mf_mhhGTpADA/s200/Serena%2527s+Photo+Shoot+September+2011+022.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
Above my stove, where on most days I cook for at least 27 hungry mouths, this lady speaks to me (she's an antique, handed down from mom). She reminds me, "It is pleasant to labor for those we love". Over the years I've learned, it is pleasant indeed to be able to serve others!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2I6a-xExCfNh7rXU4hq7zjuLhQx5GyM6gaSgyMOVTchT7tzoUW0rP3oZx4ek4q8AWaX7DM5VXiqM4gfhHt9FARWi5vpCL9QZGX8iehRA7-1QpHg2cMOax7fAT6-5fAdFgwiDuyecFPQg/s1600/Mom%2527s+random+Thanksgiving+019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2I6a-xExCfNh7rXU4hq7zjuLhQx5GyM6gaSgyMOVTchT7tzoUW0rP3oZx4ek4q8AWaX7DM5VXiqM4gfhHt9FARWi5vpCL9QZGX8iehRA7-1QpHg2cMOax7fAT6-5fAdFgwiDuyecFPQg/s200/Mom%2527s+random+Thanksgiving+019.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And if I ever need to be reminded that GOD is so much bigger than any detail of my life, my "Creation corner" isn't far away. I love decorating with natural elements, these jars hold sand, shells and stones from special places we've visited. When I see them all together, I think of how mighty God is, how wonderful his Creation is. Is nothing to hard for Him?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfcQutt0-JdABctjQpPYOCJdbW3p3ED2K6Xo9rf9aFxkV8N32sUoubQ6k1j9BhyTCpiVGy62nSX8JkdV2c3SMC0O4CfJC5q1o-g5scqhSlhakyzfgx8GihZgHjJbXRcnFGxxGSNZ8pxE/s1600/Mom%2527s+random+Thanksgiving+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfcQutt0-JdABctjQpPYOCJdbW3p3ED2K6Xo9rf9aFxkV8N32sUoubQ6k1j9BhyTCpiVGy62nSX8JkdV2c3SMC0O4CfJC5q1o-g5scqhSlhakyzfgx8GihZgHjJbXRcnFGxxGSNZ8pxE/s320/Mom%2527s+random+Thanksgiving+011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
These messages though are not always for us. If you come into our home, any visitor will know and read too, our home is for the purpose of serving our LORD, by serving others, and not just housing our things.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNHU-cuVAhibm3fRpGmlfH_rO1uT_Gt-UUZb3JhuZY3e6M71B9j9pHmnsBC_KzrK7nk60pWbuo9qCw2zCFKfDmvE5o0HbnWutMJmdJq5gKgruIGkJRlJR6zZ2WgXfQdxX14ibR0NbV5bk/s1600/Mom%2527s+random+Thanksgiving+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNHU-cuVAhibm3fRpGmlfH_rO1uT_Gt-UUZb3JhuZY3e6M71B9j9pHmnsBC_KzrK7nk60pWbuo9qCw2zCFKfDmvE5o0HbnWutMJmdJq5gKgruIGkJRlJR6zZ2WgXfQdxX14ibR0NbV5bk/s200/Mom%2527s+random+Thanksgiving+014.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><br />
There are more. But one last reminder. This word hangs about our dining room. When someone needs to be reminded, it's ever present reminding us that a spirit of thankfulness works wonders!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIUMQcY-r94G-feD61hfJPJ40mLMfqMgWChxk8t748TAYCNcEFwqwIAyQsayqs_aS_m-E94UFCrzCcB_qDy8l4Fy9Th3yxuE8y1pZieH3bJxE6fxIqiBV_mqtXOdNCvKrYAzK-wtlEjc/s1600/Mom%2527s+random+Thanksgiving+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIUMQcY-r94G-feD61hfJPJ40mLMfqMgWChxk8t748TAYCNcEFwqwIAyQsayqs_aS_m-E94UFCrzCcB_qDy8l4Fy9Th3yxuE8y1pZieH3bJxE6fxIqiBV_mqtXOdNCvKrYAzK-wtlEjc/s320/Mom%2527s+random+Thanksgiving+003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In Proverbs 7 a wise father once told his son, "...keep my words</div><div style="text-align: center;"> and treasure up my commandments with you; keep my commandments and live;</div><div style="text-align: center;"> keep my teaching as<sup class="xref" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-16578C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup> the apple of your eye bind them on your fingers;</div><div style="text-align: center;"> write them on the tablet of your heart." I desperately need to <em>see</em> them, how about you?</div>C. B. Nottinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12880950242410048473noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818263294248781921.post-15793308591411260352011-09-24T20:41:00.000-07:002011-09-25T18:37:22.621-07:00Use it or Lose it!<div class="MsoNormal">Take a look at this group. They look pretty much like any other group and they certainly are not more charactistically unique than other groups. A diverse crowd - unified under one theme. They happen to be homeschoolers.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis0GH6R9OPAkiAuvE1aRH1DbZnv_bjVDjHToff0dmSuJUeY-boEhtCkgVmtk6EiHcGNePr2fII-N_05MRCV6y0yuXoY_HC4HEN71ir5BgmjbPcnoTfVhi-Wn64W5rIW1di5gLuMrraKgM/s1600/CCHE+2011+-+2012+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis0GH6R9OPAkiAuvE1aRH1DbZnv_bjVDjHToff0dmSuJUeY-boEhtCkgVmtk6EiHcGNePr2fII-N_05MRCV6y0yuXoY_HC4HEN71ir5BgmjbPcnoTfVhi-Wn64W5rIW1di5gLuMrraKgM/s320/CCHE+2011+-+2012+012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">When widely varying individuals come together (the times, places, and frequency is unimportant) and when varying gifts, abilities, and skills are utilized the group is referred to as <i>living</i>. When a group (or what some are buzz-wording as <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">community</i>) is functioning as a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">living</i><i> community </i>it’s wonderful! Seeing unity in action and seeing progress made is the nuts and bolts of a living community. It is the groundwork for the perfect soil for life to touch life! (Note: this group is living!)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">For the last few weeks the antitheses if this has been on my mind. Have you ever been part of a lifeless community? If you could place it in nature it would be comparable to a bog— sludge, overgrown, heavy, stagnant, and certain aspects of it repulsive. This happens when the bog <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">overtakes</i></b>, leaving little or no outlet.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This is also what happens in a community where people skills and abilities are not utilized. When the majority are still (whether by choice or default) and taking in or soaking up are the norm and outlet is the exception, the group becomes bog-like. Life cycles cease to be steady—the true sense of community eventually ceases to exist. And, when you don’t use it, you loose it. Community is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Retired</i>! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Mind you, there are seasons for retirement, rest homes, and hospitals. But for most, life needs to keep moving, skills utilized, and progress made. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I would say this is especially true in any Christian community. It should function like a pumping heart, steady and healthy. It should be duplicating life. Of course, as a Christian community we have a higher reason and motivation for such a community, but retirement in this sense should be one of our greatest concerns.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Could my communities be labeled, Retirement Baptist Church, Retirement Academy, Retirement Readers Group, Retirement Writers Club, or Retirement …fill in the blanks? What part am I carrying out to see that the groups in my life are not retired? These are questions I’m asking because I’m certainly not ready to lose it!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Bog-bound</u> </b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">What is one to do if <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">stuck</i> in the middle of a proverbial bog. We know quite certainly there are divinely appointed times. I’m reminded recently of some friends who are able and willing but due to circumstances are unable to give their skills and abilities. This is certainly a painful place for them to be. It’s also painful watching them have to wait out their circumstances.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">One such young boy expressed this burden,</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">What can I give Him, as poor as I am? </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">But what can I give Him? Give Him my heart.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">There are times in our lives when we can insert our own circumstances, “What can I give Him, as …….. as I am?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">He answers the question, “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">do justice</b>, and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">to love kindness</b>, and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">to walk humbly</b> with your God?” (Micah 6:8). </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">What is most important to him are the things of the heart. Perhaps, during these times of waiting, He asks of us greater usage, one of the heart. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">So, note to self, If I’ve got it, and God allows, use it! If for some reason I’m unable to give it “all I’ve got”, give Him my heart and He’ll get the greater glory!</div>C. B. Nottinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12880950242410048473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818263294248781921.post-44182407827256129312011-08-22T05:36:00.000-07:002011-08-23T05:49:26.220-07:00A Tale of Two Sisters - Retold<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -0.5in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I wrote this several years go and I pull it out occasionally to revisit. It was time again.</span></span><b><u><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 26pt;"><br />
</span></u></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -0.5in; text-align: center;"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 26pt;"> A Tale of Two Sisters</span></u></b><b><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 26pt;"></span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">A True Story—Retold from Ezekiel 23</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> It was not the best of times nor was it the worst of times. It was a time in Biblical history unequal to others. Many sought after the Lord God but few remained single in heart towards Him.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">There were two sisters, Aholah and Aholibah. Aholah was the elder sister, Aholibah was the younger sister. They were precious and beloved in the sight of God, their “Father”. and He ardently referred to them as “Mine”. It was God’s plan that these sisters would remain faithful in heart towards Him. Over time, however, Aholah and Aholibah idolatrized and Ezekiel 23 tells us their tale as a warning against the sin of idolatry.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">I don’t know about everyone else but I find it very difficult to target the sin of idolatry in my contemporary, Americanized, privileged life. Many who are enthusiastic, ambitious, and passionate about finding and doing God’s will and who do not seek God through carved wood, clay, or connections through mediums believe our lives free of such temptations. These rituals seem the most accurate way to label “idol” worship. But, after reviewing this sad “tale of two sisters” and seeing the digression in their lives I could more easily see their struggle personally.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">The Tale</span></u></b><b><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Aholah, the greater sister was the name God gave to the nation of </span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Israel</span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">. Aholibah represents Judah (Ezekiel 23:4). </span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Israel</span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> was a nomadic nation, they traveled through many lands. Aholah (</span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Israel</span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">) played the harlot as she coveted the works and the might she looked upon as she journeyed; her eyes feasted on her surroundings and desired the military strength displayed in the captains and the fair young rulers, desirable men on fine horses. She believed somehow that alliances with these would provide her confidences necessary to survive life.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Then the younger sister “saw” all this too (</span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">23:11</span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">) and she was even more corrupt in all her ways. She doted up on the Assyrians…for when she saw men portrayed upon the wall, the images of the Chaldeans portrayed with vermilion (color), girded with girdles … exceeding in dyed attire upon their heads, all of them princes to look to—she doted upon them (12–16). </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Perhaps the saddest and final commentary of these sisters is this, The Lord had enough, He alienated Himself from these whom He once fiercely protected, He called for an end to their wickedness. When I first read this sad tale of two “sisters” I was troubled with their behavior and quickly thanked the Lord that my heart was not idolatrous and wicked as theirs was. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">As I continued to re-examine their story though God began to reveal areas of idolatry in my own heart. Here’s how their story challenged me.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">FREEDOM</span></u></b><u><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">: Do I need the good opinions of the “Assyrians” in my life or do I live freely?</span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">We all know “Assyrians”. These sisters felt a sense of security with their former connections. Once free from slavery they multiplied their wrong doing in <u>calling to remembrance </u>the days of their youth (19). They had freedom but were they truly, living freely unto their God? Scripture tells us they chose to continue to live in bondage by <u>mentally</u><i> </i>dwelling in </span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Assyria</span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">The temptation to displease God in this way really had not sunk in till one day in conversation with another individual, whose comments perhaps were not meant to be critical, ate at me like a mad-termite. They deprived me of the confidence (joy) I had in what the Lord has blessed me with, which was the knowledge and peace of trusting Him with a particular area of my life—Homeschooling! Her comments pushed me just over the edge.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> How “pomp” her life appeared. How gorgeous her home, her children, and her choices appeared to what I had chosen and been given. I knew there was nothing wrong with the “things” my heart longed for and the comfort and ease she had but I truly longed to be in “</span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Assyria</span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">” with her! That just would not be possible, if I were to continue to stay on the path the Lord put me on.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> It was during this time that the Lord gave me understanding from this passage in Ezekiel and this “tale of two sisters”. It showed that my heart was at times very similar to these Old Testament “ladies”. How much confidence (misplaced of course!) I experienced when my ways were accepted and doted upon by “Assyrians” in my life. When they approved what I was called to do, life felt good, and I would waver in my faith when they did not approve! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">I was acting much in the same way as these two sisters who had their sights set upon the gorgeous refinery of other nations and somehow felt their associations would provide strength and confidence. This though was far from the truth. We know that their confidence was to come solely from the knowledge of the Lord. He delighted in them when they remembered their strength came not from earthly finery but in trusting in the name of the LORD God <u>alone</u> (Psalm 20:7).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> This “tale” rebuked my heart for lack of peace which was a mere lack of trust in God. My attitude was far from reflecting the confidence of knowing that the Lord was LORD of my life. Under conviction for my whorish heart, I asked the Lord to forgive me and asked Him to help me find freedom in Him alone and His will for me.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">WORSHIP</span></u></b><u><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">: Have I blended my worship with that of the heathen idol worshipers?</span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">The “wisdom” found amongst some of the highest forms of idol worshipers in the ancient worlds became a source of strength for God’s children. Often these sisters brought to remembrance that wisdom. They mingled “worldy” wisdom with God’s wisdom. God’s wisdom though is very different than these “high forms” of wisdom (Mark 10:15). We must be careful in our worship (giving attribute to God for who He is and what he does) that we worship God for works and words that are indeed <i>His.</i> These sisters committed whoredom as they worshiped God with idolatrous hearts. In doing so, they became defiled, as did the </span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Temple</span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> of </span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">God</span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">How often we give appearances of leading our families in God’s way but mingle with our training and teaching <i>just snippets</i> of worldly wisdom (Hebrews </span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">3:10</span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">). It is so easy to deviate from His ways and the simple truth and <i>add to</i> the most basic purpose for our existence here on the earth. God wishes for us to be <i>single</i> in heart towards him! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">I had to begin challenging myself with the questions, “Have I welcomed alliances, philosophical or otherwise, that have allowed the entrance of heathen practice into my home, my heart, or my worship?” Men and women alike are without doubt keepers of the home in much the same way that God has called us to be keepers of our hearts (Proverbs 4:23). How very easy it is to allow idolatry right into our own hearts, homes, and places of worship.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">I had to look around me and ask, what percentage of my time today has my heart and mind stayed upon the knowledge of the Lord? How much time today have I allowed other forms of wisdom to have place in my heart and home?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">HEADSHIP: </span></u></b><u><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Am I intentionally making unidolterated choices for what I’m steward over?</span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">As idolatry can be very hard to pinpoint I turned to <i>Matthew Henry’s Commentary</i> for definition. “Whatever creature we dote upon, pay homage to, and put confidence in, we make an idol of…whatever we make an idol of we defile ourselves with.” What is idolatry? Col. 3:5 defines it, <i>“</i></span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence,<i> and covetousness, which is idolatry…”.</i></span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> Luke </span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">12:15</span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> admonishes us, “Take heed and beware of covetousness…”. Many of us, as I do, forget that covetousness is idolatry.</span><i><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">When I am honest with God there have been many moments of covetousness in my life, times when I have been ungrateful to my most Benevolent Benefactor. If my sights stray from trusting God and what He has provided (Headship) to doting upon things (or ideas) of this life, I’m quite possibly idolatrizing.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">Covetousness was perhaps the greatest betrayal of Aholah and Aholibah—<i>the highest ingratitude to the best of benefactors.</i> When covetousness dominates our lives we are failing to recognize God as Lord. We then begin fleshly scheming. Where we believe <i>He </i> left off, we take over. This process begins with covetousness. God help our covetous hearts!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">We need to challenge our thinking, Why do I want <i>the best</i> for my children? Why do I need that look? Why do I want/need the affirmation (doting) of others, the leading role, or the extra confirmation of our home life? Could it be perhaps that the desire for any of these has been covetousness in my life?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">LORDSHIP:</span></u></b><u><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> Do I allow God to be Lord of my life? Do I encourage others to do the same?</span></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">While writing this my heart is full of questions. My “why” questions may be different than yours but we all have “why” questions. Why are things the way they are? Why are people sick with cancer or leukemia? Really, a tent falling on people at the fair and killing them, why? Why devastating financial needs? Some suffer from severe mental anguish while others do not, why? Why do Christians hurt other Christians? Why do some get so wounded by the events of this life and give up? Why are there problems in relationships, families, and churches? Why, why, why?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"> In reading Ezekiel’s message I found this statement (or one very close to it) over 20 times, <b>“<u>That they shall know that I am the Lord God</u>.”</b> </span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">It seems to be Ezekiel’s theme. What an awe inspiring thought that God wishes that we should know and be able to believe and live that He is the Lord God. After reading this statement repeatedly I had to stop and consider what this may say to me.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">It tells me God is desirous of being paramount in my knowledge. Above all else, I should seek to <i>know Him</i>. This knowledge of Him leads me to make choices leading to further confidence (trust) in Him. This is the life of faith (and lack of fleshy scheming) He lovingly desires, not just <i>for</i> us, but <u>with</u> us. It is a life only made possible through Him. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">After much consideration given to the lives of these two sisters, I must conclude to live otherwise, would be to live idolatrous. </span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">When we are left to seek God alone in our trials and adversities, we can always say in response to our “why<b>” </b>questions<b>, That I will know that HE is the LORD GOD!</b> When we can do nothing, we can know that HE is at work. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">In Conclusion: </span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br />
</span></span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";">There’s so much more to be learned from these two sisters but I pray the Lord continues to remind me of their story and to write it on my heart. May my life, may your life, be lived in a way that FREELY WORSHIPS the LORD GOD and know that he is (the head) the LORD GOD JEHOVAH working all things out for HIS honor and glory, for really, in the end, nothing else matters!</span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"></span></div>C. B. Nottinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12880950242410048473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818263294248781921.post-67091840069156209162011-06-20T15:40:00.000-07:002011-06-20T16:28:28.744-07:00SimplifyingA Nottingham child turned 5 recently and her brother (age 7) has taken on the task of training her to ride her bike--free of training wheels. Today, she scratched up her toe and I made her put on shoes. She was angry that this was not working as easily as she would have liked.. After putting on her shoes, she tore out the back door, yelling as she went, "THAT'S WHY I NEED A NEW BIKE!". <i>Slam</i>.<br />
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Her words froze me in my tracks and thoughts.<br />
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It brought me back to a time in my life when "simplifying" everything was key. I read as many books as I could on the topic. Elaine St. James, simplifier guru, and I became partners for a period of time. That was until she began to give marriage advise in a particular book and prompted, if your marriage is cluttering your life, find your way out. Yep, if it isn't working, simplify or get a new one. I then realized that while she had many good thoughts on how to cram more into your life without feeling all "cluttery", it really wasn't the best way. No more than my 5-year-old's quick solution with her task at hand was to get rid of the old, and get new.<br />
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(Point is, I wouldn't wish others to do the same for me, when he or others begin to see my flaws, they send me out to trash bearing the label: no more useful. Mercy and grace are far more desired.) <br />
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Paul, an earlier follower of Jesus said, while having so little (he hungered), being weary (at times frustrated), being misused and abused (persecutions), being set out to "trash", and going without were simply not grounds for discontentment. Nope, not grounds to yell, stomp, pout, slam doors, and remind everyone else around you that you are in this form.<br />
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Instead,<i> Godliness, with contentment, is gain</i>! (I Tim. 6:6). So, I traded in simply simplifying for this path. Accepting the things, situations, and people in my life, as "cluttered" as they seem and allowing God to do the work through them. Most days, I'm convinced, but sometimes, just as it is for 5-year-old, it's a huge step of faith.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpnygcofHPcbsJujjHDiPzZVBjCNLp3E6hzyGkoIMYVKclSmzadbdQo0rFQAtaFoUmimQ0jefs7I5jTT0pxnqDPON1owbEg1xX3NdKBrF1_VZwROGVOWqoyl6VuO2wwvvSkY1j7nRBxkY/s1600/Summer+2011+128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpnygcofHPcbsJujjHDiPzZVBjCNLp3E6hzyGkoIMYVKclSmzadbdQo0rFQAtaFoUmimQ0jefs7I5jTT0pxnqDPON1owbEg1xX3NdKBrF1_VZwROGVOWqoyl6VuO2wwvvSkY1j7nRBxkY/s400/Summer+2011+128.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Just should also add, that 5-year-old has run back in the house 3 times now to tell me, "I've got balance". Hmmm, she's onto another blog. "Balance" in life makes such a difference.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">PS. This is<i> not</i> a commentary on my marriage; it is a commentary on my attitude sometimes.</div>C. B. Nottinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12880950242410048473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818263294248781921.post-49880920878199559982011-06-17T06:48:00.000-07:002011-06-17T06:54:12.146-07:00Happy Father's Day - to my SonsA little background first (I recently was reminded this was helpful for better understanding what we communicate).<br />
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During my teen years, after a lifetime of seeing the spiritual souls of men and women in destruction or forever freed, my interest in the "criminal" mind peeked. Jody Fisher's role in Silence of the Lambs (never seen the movie but the plot caught my interest) attracted me. I wanted to know what made people make the choices they did--the whole nature vs. nurture debate (The answers were later in life made much more simple as God and His Word became real to me.) <br />
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I also realized my study and interest in this world of deviation to be of little value, to me and to others. This came to me in many different "messages" but one always sticks out in my mind. As I was walking through a Cracker Barrel and looking at all the pretties, one of those plaques with nice sayings read, "Why try to change all the bad men, make new good men". <br />
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That, and other things, set my course in motion for a different purpose. Instead of understanding and learning of the "criminal" mind, understanding what "New" men meant became of greater interest.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Ok, this blog is not an exegesis on what "newness" means, it's about Fathers day.</div><br />
Fast forward till today, June 17th, I'm reading Proverbs 17 (yep, still love Proverbs a day) and am reminded "..the glory of children are their fathers." Since I do not feel at liberty to speak to all the Fathers out there, the Lord reminded me that I do however have much liberty with 4 potential fathers in my own "Jerusalem and Judeah". <span class="block-indent"><span class="reftext"><a href="http://bible.cc/proverbs/1-8.htm">Ladies, we do have a voice, </a></span><span class="line">"My son.....</span><span class="ln-indent">forsake not your mother’s teaching,</span></span>" (Pr. 1:8)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My boys in training and other future fathers.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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The rest of the "bad men" in the world I currently have little impact on personally. But don't we sometimes underestimate the role we can have with "new" fathers in this world. What a provoking thought that we mothers have been allowed by God to raise potential fathers who can someday be the glory of their own children.<br />
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One of my favorite authors Evangeline Johnson, in a recent article, "How to Fight Like a Woman" wrote regarding overcoming self pity and defeat in facing the real enemies in "men's" lives,<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">"We as women can move these mountains! I beg your pardon? What can I do without becoming a Criminal Justice lawyer or without leaping out of the home away from my own children to help the orphans? Without going to Thailand to set us a Rescue Shop? You can do the best thing ever! Psalm 24:17 says, 'The righteous cry and the Lord hears.". My own great-grandmother (who was blind in her later years) cried day and night for the coming generations of our family. Hundreds of thousands of people have come to know God because she simply took up her weapon. Hannah cried and the world got Samuel. Mary cried and Jesus' feet were anointed. Esther cried and God's people got justice....We can tip the bowls for Heaven. When interceding tears meet with God's, they have the power to alert society and generations to come, to change governments, and deliver people and nations caught in unbelieveable situations. </div><div style="text-align: right;">This is justice and this is how women fight!"</div><br />
My "battleground" for the souls of men has enlarged, allowing the opportunity to sharpen arrows to aim straight at the wickedness that roams the earth seeking whom he may devour. The battle is not of flesh and blood but a daily task for the souls of our own family, the souls of others that they may also be, God's Glory to their children. This Father's Day I'm reminded of my role in the making of Godly Fathers.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"> Children’s children <i>are</i> the crown of old men, </div><div style="text-align: center;"> And the glory of children <i>is</i> their father.(Pr. 17:6)</div>C. B. Nottinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12880950242410048473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818263294248781921.post-89707791871767529142011-06-12T08:34:00.000-07:002011-06-12T09:46:59.479-07:00A Fork in the Road<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4G7F3B2y0Y3pyekxYypv2GELLgwu7nMWIagjJM45BrcOxL3D_T5A_egxHWqXutHbs6N78Kc2Y2kLQQs-CjfQyTTC0_3xlUqQxH-GkLcm4-hnF7K4jNDRTOLdTxxUVPeB8y6TXbuCEpg/s1600/Serena%2527s+Letter+pics+077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4G7F3B2y0Y3pyekxYypv2GELLgwu7nMWIagjJM45BrcOxL3D_T5A_egxHWqXutHbs6N78Kc2Y2kLQQs-CjfQyTTC0_3xlUqQxH-GkLcm4-hnF7K4jNDRTOLdTxxUVPeB8y6TXbuCEpg/s200/Serena%2527s+Letter+pics+077.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>Today I'm staking my claim on relevance - with a fork in the road. I place it here and now. This fork is not horizontal, it's vertical. If I don't visualize this, I'm not sure how otherwise to do it. I make the choice to put perspective into all this activity we call living. Sometimes, others do it for us. Always, God is busy at work, directing and redirecting our paths. But it's for us to keep all things in perspective - relevant.<br />
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Is it not enough to be about a "busy nest" but to have to add to that the other opportunities life allows you? Sure, I <i>love</i> being an activity-junky as much as the next wo(man) but there comes a point when you have to take a minute to breathe. Are we really supposed to be only about mindless hec-tivity? <i>You know what I mean, you're doing it too.</i><br />
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So, it's bothering me that two months have come and gone and one of my favorite pastimes and passions have gone unnoticed--reflective writing. How is it that life gets so complicated we can't stop and reflect, think, and focus. Yeah, I know, it's not just about the act of putting thoughts down, for me, it's about seeing relevance in my living and knowing it's properly placed. <br />
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I'm taking this day to renew the process with a mental vertical fork in the road. Truth be told, I have to actively ask myself, is all the business in my life leading to one place? Imagine with me a fork, many roads leading to one. I would hope that all my roads were relevant to my chief end, <i>God's preeminence.</i> How easy it is to put people, places, ideologies, and things in <i>His</i> place. No one thing, no one person, no one idea should motivate us greater than God Himself. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Col. 1:16-18, For by<span class="footnote"> </span>him <b>all things</b> were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—<b>all things</b> were created through him and for him. <span class="verse-num" id="v51001017-1"></span>And he is before <b>all things</b>, and in him <b>all things</b> hold together. <span class="verse-num" id="v51001018-1"></span>And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in <b>everything </b>he might be preeminent. <span class="verse-num" id="v51001019-1"></span></div>C. B. Nottinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12880950242410048473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818263294248781921.post-63040612895352313842011-05-06T08:04:00.000-07:002011-05-06T08:12:53.829-07:00The Power of Suggestion<b>Easter week comes and goes too quickly!</b> How neat it would be to truly celebrate each day we gather to worship with the <i>same</i> freshness.Ideally, it would be great.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbIJTzbJ6ZJOAHOV7hKXW5vd-ilko7a7Dcv0XgfSKnP_0py1PT7p7Sj3cJloirEnPGVXFgnZMuRBzKnjt1lAM9UnHyp5iMqnK-fNvfdf9rBOdao1BBRbHE3JWhpA9bUY9q9PJ4i2YusdE/s1600/April+2011+017.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbIJTzbJ6ZJOAHOV7hKXW5vd-ilko7a7Dcv0XgfSKnP_0py1PT7p7Sj3cJloirEnPGVXFgnZMuRBzKnjt1lAM9UnHyp5iMqnK-fNvfdf9rBOdao1BBRbHE3JWhpA9bUY9q9PJ4i2YusdE/s200/April+2011+017.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elisa's artwork</td></tr>
</tbody></table>It is one of our family goals to "beef up", to make greater or stronger importance, this time to ourselves. This year we took a spring break the week before Resurrection Sunday. It was such a good week and do believe we'll do this more often. How wonderful it was to truly take time--<i>slow down</i>--and <i>reflect</i>. Taking a sabbatical from normal is key to setting apart anything, <br />
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Mind you, I realize one can't <i>make</i> children reflect or appreciate anything more than what is already in their heart. But I do believe in the "power of suggestion". Hopefully, by our strong suggestion, they will catch on.<br />
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<b>We Suggested:</b> Serving out of love is the greatest "force"<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96uLJU2vYfXBQH8bQZyMJA7-gf4eZ9eouJ7GNKhizOPa9vAShoG2mFZFHqnyHzexcH397KHxiekuIeHSH0UA5lEZycefbDOTbY_r1597DOtTebHyV1OsnqLyMJLee7pjYOqTEZeehilM/s1600/April+2011+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96uLJU2vYfXBQH8bQZyMJA7-gf4eZ9eouJ7GNKhizOPa9vAShoG2mFZFHqnyHzexcH397KHxiekuIeHSH0UA5lEZycefbDOTbY_r1597DOtTebHyV1OsnqLyMJLee7pjYOqTEZeehilM/s320/April+2011+005.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moriah was caught helping mom with laundry</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNMn-41f6DXUXmCwMOmdLeWhWtnQX3ZhbZwX3LJgmvbJ61TuJOD9GQbFvJSqQHOAO01crASiCvrYBbwkQluVtPoDu5szxIwoO3lbFW8r_Sey8n1HD8TiRBWjHaWXQnW7tHTxu7W6eehY0/s1600/April+2011+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNMn-41f6DXUXmCwMOmdLeWhWtnQX3ZhbZwX3LJgmvbJ61TuJOD9GQbFvJSqQHOAO01crASiCvrYBbwkQluVtPoDu5szxIwoO3lbFW8r_Sey8n1HD8TiRBWjHaWXQnW7tHTxu7W6eehY0/s320/April+2011+007.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eben doing dishes with Serena or Serena serving mom by entertaining Eben?</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table><b>We suggested:</b> Trusting and Obeying pleases God<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnm3LqK1w1h_oHoLsAn5_7XnGaGlz1hpFCarVYIEe3kxVvyGRwj441IRREBeoxTeH3AAnl0Iz63LJUlmgJby0iF9p0JngIChoyY3Bny0G6SqS3xIh_HyROz8_sEGjchufGWZaLDNzNRMI/s1600/April+2011+016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnm3LqK1w1h_oHoLsAn5_7XnGaGlz1hpFCarVYIEe3kxVvyGRwj441IRREBeoxTeH3AAnl0Iz63LJUlmgJby0iF9p0JngIChoyY3Bny0G6SqS3xIh_HyROz8_sEGjchufGWZaLDNzNRMI/s320/April+2011+016.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cross charts were quickly covered with Newness as we secretly found victory in areas that needed work.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<b>We suggested:</b> New life is Wonderful<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDJWn3LGIKVRRzsKHoSTAggs4oeY18EDsVHYOuPthdgwBWB-x2TEzOZk76w2aL_H7NPW65SYpctybo43QzLCknzjs1Jk-80vyvfgmYBRGswt0-uano3LoqO0yvTyEbD4yJ-MOJZjv6To/s1600/April+2011+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDJWn3LGIKVRRzsKHoSTAggs4oeY18EDsVHYOuPthdgwBWB-x2TEzOZk76w2aL_H7NPW65SYpctybo43QzLCknzjs1Jk-80vyvfgmYBRGswt0-uano3LoqO0yvTyEbD4yJ-MOJZjv6To/s320/April+2011+009.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhClQu2abdU4lM8lRRygHhsTLQy-6-EMFOAK-l60lclSYm5SFfM7pGzhfi0iWFkB58Y03dWWOHJJIm2pRonTU0LwlzmUoiSUJkmmumisM5_irupdTqDX7hinHREugUi15vpJ-EzGCHscxw/s1600/April+2011+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhClQu2abdU4lM8lRRygHhsTLQy-6-EMFOAK-l60lclSYm5SFfM7pGzhfi0iWFkB58Y03dWWOHJJIm2pRonTU0LwlzmUoiSUJkmmumisM5_irupdTqDX7hinHREugUi15vpJ-EzGCHscxw/s320/April+2011+011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<b>We suggested:</b> Remembrance<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitY0aaKTZsjMqcgFn8Wc0scwpvid4iBtOb96deFWfnbYGZceD9gUg90sGlRQDuwXghayq6BKcRcJDuNbcvolCYCz3-yLslkwqUXE3BLXMy8tGQNL3Uu8guMMjbPATw2_kkYDCqxRXsBuc/s1600/April+2011+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitY0aaKTZsjMqcgFn8Wc0scwpvid4iBtOb96deFWfnbYGZceD9gUg90sGlRQDuwXghayq6BKcRcJDuNbcvolCYCz3-yLslkwqUXE3BLXMy8tGQNL3Uu8guMMjbPATw2_kkYDCqxRXsBuc/s200/April+2011+013.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Unleavened" Cookies for friends</td></tr>
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We had a Passover dinner of sorts, greatly adapted to our tasting. We made dozens of "unleavened" cookies - no flour - and shared them with others, thanking them for their care for us.<br />
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Well it was a humble attempt to celebrate - nothing in comparison to His gift - but may the suggestions given set a course for an Eternity of heart felt celebration pointing to Him. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbIJTzbJ6ZJOAHOV7hKXW5vd-ilko7a7Dcv0XgfSKnP_0py1PT7p7Sj3cJloirEnPGVXFgnZMuRBzKnjt1lAM9UnHyp5iMqnK-fNvfdf9rBOdao1BBRbHE3JWhpA9bUY9q9PJ4i2YusdE/s1600/April+2011+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>C. B. Nottinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12880950242410048473noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818263294248781921.post-23994870565283783032011-04-11T19:29:00.000-07:002011-04-19T11:03:29.100-07:00Granting Grandma's Request<div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">A certain Grandma asked, "More pictures, </span><span style="font-size: 85%;">Please</span><span style="font-size: 85%;">?".<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">So, I go to my camera and these are what I find. They are a good reminder to me that some days </span><span style="font-size: 85%; font-style: italic;">in spite of </span><span style="font-size: 85%;">administration, organization, re-administration, and re-organization, home educating is random! Learning never ceases and I once again delight in the fact that, learning </span><span style="font-size: 85%;">is </span><span style="font-size: 85%;">buffet style!<br />
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In the business of life, it's easy to believe that too little learning is accomplished. So these pictures do me good. Hopefully Grandma(s) too.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 85%;"> (Note: This is also more practice on my new blog)</span></div><span style="font-size: 85%;"> <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_uO5qNY0ijkzWPGK6FPpTuFEi4LyVDhhVZyD45xJ_uMov3k8anitNrQNZcw3rdJmBEHO_HoK2I37u6vTKdgmHz4AQFOratcdjxmbUnVyh8UiK9Ljv63uP_di74VdKBS_GcHsBzUNXf1g/s1600/Random+lightbulb%252C+letters%252C+kids+misc.+003.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594521115034835762" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_uO5qNY0ijkzWPGK6FPpTuFEi4LyVDhhVZyD45xJ_uMov3k8anitNrQNZcw3rdJmBEHO_HoK2I37u6vTKdgmHz4AQFOratcdjxmbUnVyh8UiK9Ljv63uP_di74VdKBS_GcHsBzUNXf1g/s320/Random+lightbulb%252C+letters%252C+kids+misc.+003.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 158px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 211px;" /></a><br />
</span></div><span style="font-size: 85%;"> My day always starts (and ends) with this little guy. He's growing much to fast and is never void of our attention. Today Peter had to write a biography. He chose 1 year old Eben. It's amazing the details an older sibling will remember and love. Eben is pure joy and a true preschooler.<br />
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Preschool, joined second by Moriah Love. Never a question left unasked. Tonight she asked me if, when it was her turn to go to Heaven, she could ask Jesus for a table. Then, she told me she wanted to color pictures for Jesus because she loves Him so much. Entertaining, she is, at the least!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJTRFrsduSCNGqXSKgO1GksoK9XKvBRZZp8SHu-FViVERRxTVRyN5QiOJ40SRNvLHhLEttwa8lQf2uUoZfg9UgXNkdyvD-HCsOWZGSfMkyTp6CzcPFav6c7fGSTMINBhVHliDMsVT9MDo/s1600/Random+lightbulb%252C+letters%252C+kids+misc.+004.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594522291630355874" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJTRFrsduSCNGqXSKgO1GksoK9XKvBRZZp8SHu-FViVERRxTVRyN5QiOJ40SRNvLHhLEttwa8lQf2uUoZfg9UgXNkdyvD-HCsOWZGSfMkyTp6CzcPFav6c7fGSTMINBhVHliDMsVT9MDo/s400/Random+lightbulb%252C+letters%252C+kids+misc.+004.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 138px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 130px;" /></a></span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkDSQJxgfsdeahjRSuNrntSwNiho3sHzaZqt-JJiZ2ZLGaF9zgLtSz6c_DHNa7t9hI0H952zujzQfhM_25QHi40Qa9DiPdUPHm9aXlV65eMIDQgRp6n9e07SAxaKZf_swJwNX04GtWQwE/s1600/Random+lightbulb%252C+letters%252C+kids+misc.+007.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594523320839131554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkDSQJxgfsdeahjRSuNrntSwNiho3sHzaZqt-JJiZ2ZLGaF9zgLtSz6c_DHNa7t9hI0H952zujzQfhM_25QHi40Qa9DiPdUPHm9aXlV65eMIDQgRp6n9e07SAxaKZf_swJwNX04GtWQwE/s400/Random+lightbulb%252C+letters%252C+kids+misc.+007.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 161px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 215px;" /></a><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">Jed, jumps in here in 1st grade. Emulating his older siblings is his learning style. Here, he found the perfect matching glasses to his brother Ethan's. Thankfully Jed's cost only $1.00. He wears them believing he's just like his big brother.<br />
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Elisa is an artist in every way. She will create anything she puts her mind to. Here she and Moriah work together to mold an ancient pyramid and oasis. The whole time she's teaching little sister how she does it and why and bits and pieces from the lesson she just heard. I mean, who needs kindergarten anyhow?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjviR1UmkACOh7oP5gPP_qlGv87L3P7D65U02IEedMK7kTwhlAojO2600tQWTZSiEphIjp1dzWaLNVHW4u0OFMfv4inFkWst5AVSU7WE3xep0v_LO3BSo08khOkg5kFJ-we6GcaUNq6XaU/s1600/Random+lightbulb%252C+letters%252C+kids+misc.+010.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594524866085711282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjviR1UmkACOh7oP5gPP_qlGv87L3P7D65U02IEedMK7kTwhlAojO2600tQWTZSiEphIjp1dzWaLNVHW4u0OFMfv4inFkWst5AVSU7WE3xep0v_LO3BSo08khOkg5kFJ-we6GcaUNq6XaU/s400/Random+lightbulb%252C+letters%252C+kids+misc.+010.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 260px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 346px;" /></a><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">Serena's favorite days of the week are music days: piano, flute, and choir. She absolutely adores her piano teacher and they laugh alot. Sometimes I wonder if learning is happening. But amazingly it does.<br />
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This week Serena put me in search of a voice teacher. So here we go, preparing for high school, vocational training, and providing her with opportunities that interest her, music, music, music! She's her daddy's girl!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Rvk7F1mbgmzYrEx96qmvbuJqa5oiHcL94PHtB0lWQR3OWW_z3NPuRSPSu5FKb9TY6KlcHyHDWywlGmzCIU6NUR3JNNGPfe5gl80dG3kUtYAGWogksh4ySVcpKk6gsqSBgZK9VLLUj8s/s1600/Random+lightbulb%252C+letters%252C+kids+misc.+009.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597097058008772962" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Rvk7F1mbgmzYrEx96qmvbuJqa5oiHcL94PHtB0lWQR3OWW_z3NPuRSPSu5FKb9TY6KlcHyHDWywlGmzCIU6NUR3JNNGPfe5gl80dG3kUtYAGWogksh4ySVcpKk6gsqSBgZK9VLLUj8s/s400/Random+lightbulb%252C+letters%252C+kids+misc.+009.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 202px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 254px;" /></a><br />
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It has also been fundraising times at our house. We've been selling Christian and encouraging greeting cards for about 10 years now. People love them because it's something that keeps giving. Plus, Serena makes some extra spending money and it requires math application. Love it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5NKymmghP1mba9tmGBnChj7Be0wZooTyDmosBSUp9NJ51NpvBRDTvJQMzCNAaV3VAm2V80PBHRm2cl35ckS_uyIrPxsWnSovaYXNGH5d9Y0sUwirDKt7jMQ9gRCqQuXppTXgdMTDAJ4k/s1600/Random+lightbulb%252C+letters%252C+kids+misc.+014.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594794664400026530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5NKymmghP1mba9tmGBnChj7Be0wZooTyDmosBSUp9NJ51NpvBRDTvJQMzCNAaV3VAm2V80PBHRm2cl35ckS_uyIrPxsWnSovaYXNGH5d9Y0sUwirDKt7jMQ9gRCqQuXppTXgdMTDAJ4k/s400/Random+lightbulb%252C+letters%252C+kids+misc.+014.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 254px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 339px;" /></a><br />
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A field trip next door. </span><span style="font-size: 85%;">Our faithful neighbor and friend Ronda, an American Indian, often shares her knowledge with us. (Ronda has recently told her us though her "path" is undecided.) This week she set up a TP with all the fixings and gave my children a first hand Indian experience. Pretty neat<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgittVaPjCfwJ2S1_b1jOxhciLLgKyC3LVsl8pq7EKgnI_a-7Vb13mXRsiSOfFuHzRa8VX6NECNgfDnzSwONpeul7eJVbGn_OT5LSuloChKx1iAGU43dznWR2F_apWnfUzJjK2n-2WCM8k/s1600/Random+lightbulb%252C+letters%252C+kids+misc.+016.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594796312498112018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgittVaPjCfwJ2S1_b1jOxhciLLgKyC3LVsl8pq7EKgnI_a-7Vb13mXRsiSOfFuHzRa8VX6NECNgfDnzSwONpeul7eJVbGn_OT5LSuloChKx1iAGU43dznWR2F_apWnfUzJjK2n-2WCM8k/s400/Random+lightbulb%252C+letters%252C+kids+misc.+016.jpg" style="float: right; height: 254px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 339px;" /></a>!<br />
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Real furs<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQQzl3_EPVjTtizF1KzgPxkb1GJMNQJc8ZMtRQFkMN8kGs_uDl-HyD1Cd7Ni80iWE25_xQ5GsMYycfjADi-EmP4l53bnmN_LPXjcF03RoZQpDM37by4l4CtZMgLSuBh0iYIkLDj5FjEr8/s1600/Random+lightbulb%252C+letters%252C+kids+misc.+019.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594797370233870866" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQQzl3_EPVjTtizF1KzgPxkb1GJMNQJc8ZMtRQFkMN8kGs_uDl-HyD1Cd7Ni80iWE25_xQ5GsMYycfjADi-EmP4l53bnmN_LPXjcF03RoZQpDM37by4l4CtZMgLSuBh0iYIkLDj5FjEr8/s400/Random+lightbulb%252C+letters%252C+kids+misc.+019.jpg" style="float: right; height: 259px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 326px;" /></a>!<br />
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Driving our country roads, we acquired another pet. Jed claimed this little turtle but, due to endangered species laws, we couldn't keep him. Jed was very bummed! But we learned about endangered species, turtles, and </span><span style="font-size: 85%; font-style: italic;">letting go</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"> in the process.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgehYVgh1HYDCA16VfaNpnIcJ6HNIaOW73X-MxLTZKhTtKTxLlFS7yjQzoNfnu0SJXJHN8CG_qW4JU9NMrpf12pYopqGrpKxJvDIshoXJUll42lq_O8J7FwJWv6nzGxf32de7wL8bogKpc/s1600/Random+lightbulb%252C+letters%252C+kids+misc.+025.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597097707715163314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgehYVgh1HYDCA16VfaNpnIcJ6HNIaOW73X-MxLTZKhTtKTxLlFS7yjQzoNfnu0SJXJHN8CG_qW4JU9NMrpf12pYopqGrpKxJvDIshoXJUll42lq_O8J7FwJWv6nzGxf32de7wL8bogKpc/s400/Random+lightbulb%252C+letters%252C+kids+misc.+025.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 220px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 294px;" /></a><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">Peter, the egg collector, loves to find eggs of all shapes and sizes. Check out that mini!<br />
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</span><span style="font-size: 85%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUGa-Ab_RmdAokWh4a_7N5GABbEyC3PHeuUV-_-TTn9Vl02zCR_nJN9tYsQWiRSE8HKY-06YunXC1L1EaJB8acUCWla_ZjhVHG1jONFT8PHFAa0cbHIAqDfWM0nA4cXpCCxca2NMPrRuA/s1600/Random+lightbulb%252C+letters%252C+kids+misc.+021.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597099046671674066" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUGa-Ab_RmdAokWh4a_7N5GABbEyC3PHeuUV-_-TTn9Vl02zCR_nJN9tYsQWiRSE8HKY-06YunXC1L1EaJB8acUCWla_ZjhVHG1jONFT8PHFAa0cbHIAqDfWM0nA4cXpCCxca2NMPrRuA/s400/Random+lightbulb%252C+letters%252C+kids+misc.+021.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 302px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 227px;" /></a><br />
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I also found Serena's alphabet. She's taking a lettering class and so we went all over town looking for letters in pictures. <br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdPuhH1FW1rYV6oszamFlMwL04TNWRQKQCRLlNDJpwUeY_oNJcjGESl6rUSZm5GU6nBQ9Wh9-6aKVbdlXMwHXg9w9Plxck8zFcEZdToppuh2L8H6r6t4VYeyXOmoBLC-lAoz7zAy3E1rk/s1600/Random+lightbulb%252C+letters%252C+kids+misc.+023.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597099056877620786" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdPuhH1FW1rYV6oszamFlMwL04TNWRQKQCRLlNDJpwUeY_oNJcjGESl6rUSZm5GU6nBQ9Wh9-6aKVbdlXMwHXg9w9Plxck8zFcEZdToppuh2L8H6r6t4VYeyXOmoBLC-lAoz7zAy3E1rk/s400/Random+lightbulb%252C+letters%252C+kids+misc.+023.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 328px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 234px;" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 85%;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 85%;">X marks The End!</span></div></div></div>C. B. Nottinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12880950242410048473noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-818263294248781921.post-74677713660572486672011-04-01T17:00:00.000-07:002011-04-01T18:29:15.089-07:00Perseverance<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Note: This is a new blog site for me. </span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">If you're reading this, you found me. </span></span><span style=";font-family:lucida grande;font-size:85%;" >I keep filling my allotted space at Homeschool Blogger so I just moved on over to Blogger. Normally, I use the autonomous method of designing a blog but now that I'm changing over, perhaps I will get creative, all in time.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">I had several things on my blog list for March and with my former blog limitations, I gave up. Then I realized, it's April 1st and my deadline had passed. But, I persevered and found a new site. <span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br />Here it goes!<br /></span></span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; font-family: lucida grande;font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="font-size:85%;">And that's<span style="font-style: italic;"> exactly</span> what has been on my mind this month, <span style="font-style: italic;">Perseverance</span>!<br /><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: lucida grande;font-size:85%;" > It seems that not only <span style="font-style: italic;">personally</span> but in the lives of many, <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmLekApjg_IBX92qlj5pA0LIVUt42D9irJoL0X62agFIuIfKLDmwRAbYJk08-a0dPHzU3U9yvNGoH8ImMniAeH09OCKUpwg-yxdefk1K8pjHhb42J_8DwrRI6rFPQBy7yISiFYBjPzu4c/s1600/laundry+and+gma%2527s+gifts+001.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 145px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmLekApjg_IBX92qlj5pA0LIVUt42D9irJoL0X62agFIuIfKLDmwRAbYJk08-a0dPHzU3U9yvNGoH8ImMniAeH09OCKUpwg-yxdefk1K8pjHhb42J_8DwrRI6rFPQBy7yISiFYBjPzu4c/s400/laundry+and+gma%2527s+gifts+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590789517661077490" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-family: lucida grande;font-size:85%;" >March has been the month for "madness"! Madness that results in--due to spring fever, weariness in well doing, activity, or whatever--lost perspecti</span><span style="font-family: lucida grande;font-size:85%;" >ve. March seems to be a cross road where decisions are made whether to persevere in ones current direction or to move onto something different. This is what I've been hearing and been personally dealing with.<br /><br />So I have given some thought to these times. I'd like to believe I am like the proverbial punching bag. You can <span style="font-style: italic;">knock 'em and sock 'em</span> and what do they do? They get right back in your face. And I don't mean that in an irritating way. It can be great entertainment to a child who is doing the punching, the harder they try to get the bag down, the quicker it's back on its feet.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: lucida grande;font-size:85%;" >And as I look around and see struggling, groping, toiling to continue in work that suddenly seems mundane and fruitless, I want to say with all my might, "</span><span style="font-family: lucida grande;font-size:85%;" >Get back up, stand up, don't stay down...</span><span style="font-family: lucida grande;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-style: italic;">Persevere</span>!"<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: lucida grande;">For some reason, I believe I was supposed to write this here today. Having at least three people tell me recently that they faithfully look here for a certain type of encouragement, I didn't doubt myself. When God gives you something, a lesson written on the heart, it should not be wasted but shared...in the right timing and with the right words. Prayerfully, as I have, you're persevering in the mission you've been led to.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"> </span></span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><br /></span> </span>C. B. Nottinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12880950242410048473noreply@blogger.com4