His Promise: Scripture for Memorial Day

Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore. Isaiah 2:4

Because we live in a broken world, we will train for war, we will be a part of combat. But God promises us that one day, we will live in a perfect world with no need of soldiers.  I am thankful for that promise.

 

 

I am also thankful for those that have served, are serving, and will serve our country in the Armed Forces. It takes a special kind of person to serve, willing to put his/her life on the line for our country. 

I am also thankful for the families that stay and serve on the homefront.  Your service is not easy, but it is greatly appreciated as well. 

Take a moment today to pray for our Soldiers. Thank them. Honor them. Remember them.

Book Review: The Truth About Grace

Have you ever wanted to understand God's grace a little better?  Well, this little book is a great resource just for that. 

John MacArthur takes a biblical look at God's grace, His saving grace.  He digs deep within Holy Scripture to show readers that salvation is soley based on God's grace, not the works of man. He clearly proves that we are utterly unworthy of salvation, but because God's love for us, His sovereign grace, we can be saved.

MacArthur defines grace and discusses how some misunderstand and twist it around. He also discusses how Christians live out grace.

I thought this was a well written, easy to understand book. It would serve as a fabulous resource for Bible study and and pastoral aide. 

I received a free copy of this book for the purpose of an honest review through the Booksneeze program by Thomas Nelson.

To our Military, Past, Present, and Future

Daddy's Home

It Runs In the Family

You met my dad yesterday.....

 He takes after his grandson.....

The Perfect Way to Start the Morning

Numbers Part 2

1 more day in Japan

1/2 day of work

5 more baseball games

3 wild boys

1 tired mama (that one seems to never change)

Wordless Wednesday

Chore Charts

To keep the house picked up, teach some responsibility, and keep my sanity for the summer, the big boys now have chore charts. I found these customizable/printable charts at iMom. 

We haven't set a specific number of stickers or anything, but the boys know they will be able to earn some extra fun stuff by being more responsible.  This week is sort of a trial since I am still working. We will see how they do, and then pick some rewards.

Do you use chore charts at home?

 

Going Out With a Bang

Actually, it was more like a splat, sore arm, and bruised hip!


Yesterday was the last day of school. I had a fabulously fun day planned for my kids who came and stayed all day....lots of recess, a free book, iPods, DS's, and movies.


Toward the end of the day, one of the boys was sprawled out on the floor playing, and as I walked by, he stretched out and I hit the floor.


No one moved. Not even me.


The kids started asking if I was ok. I assured them I was, but I don't think they believed me until I finally picked myself up off the floor.


Man, the last day of school is rough!

Why I do what I do

I got a letter today from one of my former students. It went something like this....

Hi. I miss you so much!  I'm writing to tell you what an awesome, fun, and amazing teacher you are. I'm also going to have to tell you goodbye for the last time because I am going to middle school next year. 

I'm going to start out by telling you how much I learned from you. I learned to turn everything bad into something good. I have made so many friends by always being in a good mood even when I'm not having a good day. You taught me so many academic things, in a way that none of my teacher done (no offense Mrs. Winston, Mrs. Tucker, and Ms. Goodlad).

This may sound a little cheesy, but every time I see you it puts me in a good mood. Everyday I purposely walk by you to go to the library, and believe me, it would have saved a lot of energy the other way. Its worth it though. Even when I'm in a bad mood, you make me happy. You are the best teacher I've ever had.

Well, this isn't the last time I'll talk to you, but I hope you keep this and remember me for a long time. Oh, yeah, if you are still teaching when I'm out of high school, I'll come visit you. So, goodbye. I'll miss you next year.

Sincerely,
Cheyenne

Adam Brown: Fearless

A huge THANK YOU goes out to WaterBrook Press.  They donated 25 copies of Eric Blehm's book Fearless for us to pass out to the Soldiers at Jeff's unit!

Check out the trailer for it.

It Wasn't About the Lunchable

This morning, Colin threw what I will call a "stinkin' fit" because in his words,

"It's not fair. Carson always gets up early and gets the good food!"

The good food he was referring to was the pizza Lunchable that Carson chose for his lunch.  Keep in mind too that Carson is usually still asleep when we leave in the mornings. 

I promised Colin we would go to the store right after school and get him a pizza Lunchable for tomorrow.

In the Lunchable aisle (if there is one really called that), Colin chose the chicken nuggets and BBQ sauce Lunchable.  My exact words, "Seriously, Colin? Cold chicken nuggets?"

So, it wasn't really about the Lunchable.

Numbers

2 more days of school

7 days in Japan

8 more baseball games

3 quiet kids

1 tired mama

Book Review: Fearless

Eric Blehm knows how to bring out the humanity in our Soldiers. That is just what he did in his newest book Fearless: The Undaunted Courage and Ultimate Sacrifice of Navy SEAL Team SIX Operator Adam Brown.

Adam Brown was a son, brother, husband, father, Soldier, and Christian.  He never saw himself as a hero, but as a warrior.  He knew deep down the power of God and that he was a testimony to His power, the reason his story was told.

The book shows that Adam was not perfect.  He had his struggles, his demons that haunted him and tried to ruin his life.  Yet, he was not a quitter. Failing was better than not trying at all.  Regardless of what pit he was in, he never gave up.  Through hard work, determination, support from his family and friends, and most importantly, the grace and power of God, Adam overcame addiction and career ending injuries to serve as the ultimate warrior, a Navy SEAL Team SIX member.

Blehm does not sugar coat Adam's struggles.  He shows how human Adam truly was. He shows how Adam relied on God to become the man He had planned. Fearlessly, Adam gave the ultimate sacrifice, his life, for the country he loved.

This is an amazing book, one that I will definitely read again.  I don't have the words to truly express how touched I was by reading it. It is a must read for anyone who believes in patriotism and the power of God. While reading this book, I laughed, cried, cringed, and wanted a different ending, although I knew how the book would end.


I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through the Blogging for Books program for the purpose of an honest review. 

Storms and Rainbows

I snapped this picture at the ballpark the other night, and I am reminded of the people in my life that are going through storms right now. 

My mom will find out tomorrow about a mass that she has.  My coworker/friend Tiffany is fighting a brain tumor, and my father in law is in surgery as I type. 

I think of my dearest friends who battle the storms in their marriages and other family relationships, the storms of drug and alcohol use, and the soldier whom our cousin is visiting with today because of depression.

We often wonder why bad things happen to good people. We ask, "Why me?"  We get so upset and wrapped up in sorrow that we forget about that rainbow.

The original rainbow came after God flooded the earth. It was his promise that he would never do that again.  But you know what? He promises so much more that that. 

Jeremiah 29:11

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

Matthew 11:28-29

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

2 Corinthians 4:8-9
We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.

Psalm 103:10-12
He has not dealt with us according to our sins,

Psalm 147:3

Nor punished us according to our iniquities.
For as the heavens are high above the earth,
So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;
As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

The list goes on.

The fact of the matter is.....life is not perfect. It is not fair.  Things happen that we have no control over. But God is still the same.  He never changes. He loves us...me...you...everyone.  He wants us to fall into his arms. He wants us to cry out to him.  He is there for us.

If you are going through a storm right now, look for your rainbow....your promise from God. He never breaks his promise!

Book Review: All Pro Dad

For men who feel like they are lacking in their relationship with their children, Mark Merrill's book, All Pro Dad, is the book to read.

Throughout the book, Merrill describes "the seven essentials to be a hero to your kids."  His 7 M's are Makeup, Mind-set, Motive, Method, Model, Message, and Master. Each essential is connected to the two basic fundamentals: Love and Leadership. 

Merrill humbly describes times he has failed in his journey as a father and husband.  He doesn't claim to be a perfect dad, only a dad who learns from his mistakes. Merrill also includes advice from other notable men such as Tony Dungy, Truett Cathy, Dr. Ben Carson, and authors Stephen and Alex Kendrick.


As I read through the book, there were many things that I felt were just common sense.  However, I had to remind myself that there are many men who were never shown how to be an All Pro Dad from their own fathers.

I recommend this book to any father wanting to strengthen his relationship with his children.

I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through the Booksneeze program for the purpose of an honest review.

Few and Far Between

It seems that is the deal with writing here lately.



Sometimes I feel bad for not posting something, but then I remind myself that this blog is not my life. Jesus is my life. If I can't come here and honor him, then I won't post just to post.



The whole purpose of this blog thing is to touch hearts. To use whatever God places on my heart to share with you and let you know him better through my relationship with him.



God is so amazingly wonderful. I see his love in so many things....the children singing in church, the pinkish purplish sunset in the evening, the tender hugs and kisses from my husband, the blessings of sharing life with so many great people.


I love my LORD so very much and am truly thankful for all he has done (and will do) in my life.

Of Firsts and Seconds

Sunday was a day of firsts and seconds in our family.

Jeff performed his first baptism. He baptized Colin (his second time being baptized). It was such a sweet, sweet moment.

It was also a moment of live and learn. 

Jeff dipped down too far and water went down his waders.  He was pretty soaked.  I don't know which was funnier....Jeff getting soaked or Steve offering him his pants!

Thankfully, Steve filled in for Jeff and he was able to go home and change!