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Sunday, January 30, 2011

Sermon Archive | Bible Church of Owasso

If you get a chance, you should click on this link and listen to 1/23 or 1/30. These are great sermons. When I get time I want to share some things from them.1/30 is about the dark night of the soul and feeling down.

Sermon Archive | Bible Church of Owasso

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Derrick had a Yard Built for Me

When Derrick and I were looking for a new house we really liked the one we bought. But, we had to weight out some things because there were a couple of things that we would like to be different. Derrick saw beyond the problems. He saw the potential. I didn't imagine it possible to do what he had done. The major problem I had was that the backyard did not have a fence and... it backed up to the woods. It was rocky, hilly, and pretty grassless. I knew we could have a fence built but didn't know it had the potential to be what it is now. The house had the feel of "the one" but I was nervous with small children and a dog. I am so thankful for what sweet Derrick has done! I wish I had been intentional about taking before and after pictures but, like I said, I didn't realize what a dramatic makeover it would be. He first had a bunch of dirt hauled in and a wall of railroad ties was built. Then the dirt was leveled. They put sod down and Derrick very faithfully watered it. Then the fence was put up. We love being back there. Before I could hardly walk back there without tripping on rocks. Derrick's problem was that the living room is smaller than he would like. He's already kicked around some ideas in his head. Hmm...let's see what he may do there one day. That guy is always coming up with solutions when someone else thinks it is hopeless. And, just look at the transformation the Lord has used Derrick to accomplish in me! ;) I used to be the biggest mess. Not that I don't still struggle but I have come a long way with Derrick's help.

P.S. From the before pictures, you can see the kids didn't mind it a bit. They sure found a lot of bugs!



These pictures were taken before it was finished.

Jesus' Birthday

At Grandma & Grandpa's
Derrick reminded me of Papa Bear from the Berenstain Bear's because he actually chopped down our tree with his own hands. Only...he didn't go out in the wilderness to get one but a tree nursery.

I LOVE the smell and look of a real Christmas tree...until it gets dried out and the needles fall all over the place.
I had the nurse scrub made for my mom. The pictures are of our last days spent with the cousins at the Bass Pro Shop and looking at Christmas lights.

I could've written this today. Or...maybe I should just say I really needed to hear this today.

A Wise Woman Builds Her Home: When We Fail: "Oh dear mothers-----we certainly have our days, don't we? We wake up, we have our grand plans and as soon as we step out of our beds the da..."

This Works Like Magic

Things got a little too messy around my house tonight. Only because Derrick was not here. ;) Oh, how Derrick's ways are higher than mine. ;) Life really does run more smoothly when we follow his advice. When dinner was winding up I thought, well, actually said aloud to the kids almost under my breath, "I wish I could just close my eyes and open them again and everything would be clean." I didn't have the energy to play the roll of a drill sergeant. My heart even physically feels weak today. Then I remembered my niece, Mia's, little game. I can't remember the name of it but something similar to "Hide and Go Seek." I think it may be called, "Hide and Go Clean." She taught it to my kids one time when they were helping to pick up before we left their house. I remembered it was so much fun for the kids and I was the "counter." Mia told me to count to 60 and close my eyes. The kids whirled around me breathless and cleaning. I threw in a Mississippi between the numbers. When I opened my eyes the room was clean. I thought, "Wow! Note to myself..." I didn't remember it much again until tonight. I'm so thankful it came to my mind. I said, "Hey! Remember that game we played with the cousins?!" The next thing you know I was relaxing comfortably in a chair with my eyes closed while the kids went about the living room and kitchen cleaning. I did end up having to count to about 160 (with Mississippis)for this mess though. ;)It was so nice to open my eyes and see order again. There were still some crumbs here and there and things for me to do but it wasn't so hard to imagine tackling anymore. Thank you, Mia! I'm going to try to use this when I walk into a messy bedroom too. It kind of reminds me of Flylady's concept of setting a timer and cleaning a troubled area for 5 minutes.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

A Wise Woman Builds Her Home: Finding Forgiveness For My Abortion

A Wise Woman Builds Her Home: Finding Forgiveness For My Abortion: "Have you ever had an abortion and needed forgiveness for it? Our friends, Terry and Lynn Fortune, were featured at Focus on the Family toda..."

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

A Quote from Discipline by Elisabeth Elliot

Strive to choose, not that which is easiest, but that which is most difficult. Do not deprive your soul of the agility which it needs to mount up to Him. Saint John of the Cross

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Caldrea Countertop Cleaner

I had to stop cleaning for a moment to tell you about this yummy smelling cleaner. I heard it was good stuff but never bought it because of the price! But...Target had it on clearance. It's always nice to have a good smelling cleaner or new cleaning product to motivate housecleaning, don't ya think? The one I have is made with natural essential oils of cardamom and nutmeg. The scent is Plum Nutmeg. It makes cleaning a bit funner. ;)

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Staying Married Is Not About Staying in Love, Part 2

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this sermon on marriage. I love how incredibly passionate Pastor John Piper is. You can hear it in his voice.

Staying Married Is Not About Staying in Love, Part 2

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

A Woman Who Knew of Hardship

I have a feeling God wants me to hear this as it has been put across my path twice now in the past week or so. I can't say exactly why it is so great for this to come across my path today (publicly) but those of you who know the happenings of today can probably imagine...

A Hymn by Annie Johnson Flint

•He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength when the labors increase,
To added affliction He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.
•When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half-done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources,
Our Father’s full giving is only begun.
•His love has no limit, His grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men,
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus,
He giveth and giveth and giveth again.

Westminster Bookstore - Reformed Books - Low Prices - Flat Fee UPS Shipping - Getting to the Heart of Parenting (DVD) Tripp, Paul David TRIPPGTHPDVD

You should scroll down and click on this and listen to what Paul David has to say. It is awesome!
Westminster Bookstore - Reformed Books - Low Prices - Flat Fee UPS Shipping - Getting to the Heart of Parenting (DVD) Tripp, Paul David TRIPPGTHPDVD

Monday, January 10, 2011

Mandy Mom . com: What are you willing to sacrifice?

Mandy Mom . com: What are you willing to sacrifice?: "While browsing the library last week I came across a book titled The Guidance Manual for the Christian Home School. The book's focus is pre..."

Sunday, January 9, 2011

From the writer of the hymn, Amazing Grace

See if you don't have to take a deep breath after reading this. God really does do this! But always, always for our good.

Prayer Answered by Crosses

By John Newton

I asked the Lord that I might grow 


In faith and love and every grace, 


Might more of his salvation know, 


And seek more earnestly his face.

‘Twas he who taught me thus to pray; 


And he, I trust, has answered prayer; 


But it has been in such a way 


As almost drove me to despair.

I hoped that, in some favoured hour, 


At once he’d answer my request, 


And by his love’s constraining power 


Subdue my sins, and give me rest.

Instead of this, he made me feel 


The hidden evils of my heart, 


And let the angry powers of hell 


Assault my soul in every part.

Yea, more, with his own hand he seemed

Intent to aggravate my woe, 


Crossed all the fair designs I schemed, 


Blasted my gourds, and laid me low.

Lord, why is this? I trembling cried; 


Wilt thou pursue this worm to death? 


This is the way, the Lord replied

I answer prayer for grace and faith.

These inward trials I now employ 


From self and pride to set thee free,

And break thy schemes of earthly joy, 


That thou may’st seek thy all in me.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

All I Have is Christ

I love this song and the lyrics are ever so true and powerful.

ALL I HAVE IS CHRIST

I once was lost in darkest night
Yet thought I knew the way
The sin that promised joy and life
Had led me to the grave
I had no hope that You would own
A rebel to Your will
And if You had not loved me first
I would refuse You still

But as I ran my hell-bound race
Indifferent to the cost
You looked upon my helpless state
And led me to the cross
And I beheld God’s love displayed
You suffered in my place
You bore the wrath reserved for me
Now all I know is grace

Hallelujah! All I have is Christ
Hallelujah! Jesus is my life

Now, Lord, I would be Yours alone
And live so all might see
The strength to follow Your commands
Could never come from me
Oh Father, use my ransomed life
In any way You choose
And let my song forever be
My only boast is You

© 2008 Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI), by Jordan Kauflin