The glory of a woman...

Been doing a bit of studying tonight (as the family sleeps) on those I Corinthian 11 Scriptures about headship, the glory of a woman, coverings, etc. Just thought I would do a bit of studying beside what I am already studying... look at a post from a few days ago... I didn't mention that I was also into the Book of Job in the Bible (heart-wrenching to me and convicting). Anyway, as it happens, I just popped up with this idea to study the matter once again... started studying it as a teenager... was clueless on the subject prior to that. While studying it, I realized that my very long hair (which I grew because of my studies of the Scriptures) was tangled, so I sprayed this stuff I purchased on it (I think it was really for black women's hair to soften it... I love black women's hair... they can actually fix their hair beautifully, and it will STAY for a long time!!!), and it added an oily coat to my hair, making it very easy to de-tangle. It also straightened my hair a bit, and I took a look at how long it had gotten (easier to tell without the curls), and wow... do you see that dark area behind me in the picture... it is difficult to tell, I think, but that is my hair! Give me just a few more inches, and it'll be to my knees! I would love that!!! It has not been cut (including trimming) for over 10 years, I believe. It is so fun to work with. If I want, I can do just about anything with it... but, sometimes I leave it messy, because I am busy at the house. Don't ask me why I am telling you all this... just thought you might find it interesting. I also have found some hair products recently that really compliment my hair styling. Once upon a time, I only could manage one or two hairstyles... and, that was to simply put a barrette in or a scrunchy. Ha! Glad I have learned a variety, 'cause I have 3 little gals who have need of some TLC in the hair department. Middle child has very long hair for her age!
Well, there is my 3rd post in a 24 hour period, I think. And, what a variety they have been! I just had a cup of coffee, and eliminated a bad headache, but now I am up late at night... the previous post is still tender to me... like a raw spot that refuses to heal. Maybe if I would stop picking that scab of memories of those deeply fearful moments and of the uncertainties of life, maybe those sores would heal some.
Well, I had better stop chattering away. Hope you all have a nice Saturday and a restful and worshipful Lord's Day.

Why?

I am tired right now, so if this turns out a bit emotional, please forgive me.
I am actually looking for a response to very long haunting thoughts. I am hoping for a "been-there" kind-of response, or, "I know someone who has been there."
Is it odd that I have been haunted the last two and a half years with thoughts of widowhood? Thoughts of what I would do... IF or WHEN? Sobbing because of it? Is it a lack of faith? Am I forever broken? Why am I grieving so much when he is still with me? He might even be cured or healed, and I am STILL stressed out and crying. Why is it so scary to believe? What should I believe? Will I still have to grieve if he does... you know? I mean, I have been doing that since we first suspected he had cancer... with a few breaks here and there. I am soooo nervous about the upcoming PET scan... if it returns... are there any options... proven options... this seems so long and drawn out, and I am starting to feel old.
Maybe I need a nap. Well, unfortunately, I didn't get one when the kids did, so the chances of getting one now, are nearly zip. Yawn!

What a week!

I am incredibly pleased at what was accomplished here this week. Got lots done, and even threw some book reading in there. Looks like my little Hope Christiana did, too. I like to read before I go to sleep, as well. This is happening right now... I went in to check on the two napping in the girls' room (Faith wasn't asleep, but Hope was... Charity is napping in my room. This system works best for nap-time.) There was a picture-worthy sight... She looked so sweet! They had just come in from playing outside while I worked on the yard and mowed the grass... so, sleep came quickly to some of them.

Mamas, here's you a book... or so.

Just thought I would throw out there some books I have been reading the past few days. I would encourage you mamas out there to check out a few of these books. Of course, God's Word is being read, as well... hoping you'd assume that. Then again, I have met "Christians" who rarely read their Bible.
1. Bringing Up Girls by Dr. James Dobson
I really found the physiological studies of the brain and hormones of the female child's makeup to be very informative and beneficial to my understanding of my three daughters. Definitely a book that I would recommend. Although I rarely find a book that I am in completely harmony with their tactics on child-rearing, this book is very helpful in equipping fathers and mothers with details on the differences between the male and female development, not only on the obvious, but the internal mechanisms that make us distinctly female from infancy; therefore, I feel I can make better judgement on their childhood training.
2. Against the Tide (How to Raise Sexually Pure Kids in an "Anything-Goes" World) by Tim and Beverly LaHaye
Fantastic book! Unfortunately, as I grew up, I had this notion that "sex" was a bad word and a bad act. Well, I am hoping to instill in my children that it really was God's idea, and if within the walls of marriage, it is not only okay, but good.
I also realize that this world wants to pervert little children's minds and bodies. This book broke my heart, as I read the statistics of little children who are abused and forever damaged from some sick-minded person who selfishly gets a thrill from stripping children's purity from them. It makes me angry, and it makes me ill. It makes me want to hide my precious children in a safe cocoon, away from this sin-sick world. I read about movements of this world to make young men and women believe that "anything goes," and I feel indignant... rather, angry... it is destroying so many lives. You just need to read the book.
Oh, and one more thing... I am a believer that parents need to teach their OWN children about sex, purity, how God made their bodies, marriage (and, the Scriptures teaching whom we as believers in Christ are commanded to stay away from... with whom not to "be yoked together"), and how to say "no" emphatically. Also, I am starting to teach my children modesty and the "do not allow anyone to..." and the very basics of the above... baby steps, of course.
This is my own personal opinion, parents, but I think it a risky thing to allow a child freedom on the Internet. It is my hope that small children are not even reading my post. While I was on Facebook, I came across some VERY disturbing material. Minors who have their own page, and posting pictures of themselves in seductive clothing and flirtatious behavior... I want to shake their parents and scream "PAY ATTENTION!!! Your child's purity is being threatened!" There are evil people out there (who, by the way, might be the person you think you could trust most... perverted people are not always yucky-looking old men), and they just might be getting pleasure out of your child's photos. Disturbing, I know, but true.
3. Reflecting Beauty by Valorie Quesenberry.
Valorie is a friend of mine, and purchased this book from her at the Convention last week. We all want to be beautiful, don't we ladies? Modest, but beautiful inside and out... so, I was captured by the title and the fact that Valorie wrote it :-)
4. What Laymen Wish Their Pastors Knew by Rollin Mitchell
I know, you are probably wondering why I am reading this, as my husband is not a pastor right now. Well, Ron bought it, and mentioned it to me. I started reading it, and just LOVE it!!! It is straight forward on many topics... covering them with brief, but very helpful answers. It ought to be in any ministers library, in my opinion, and I think wives of ministers should also read it.
So, there... that is my list at this present time. I know it is quite the combination, but I enjoy the variety. When I am ready for a break from housework, homeschooling, child training, or whatever, I can collapse for a few minutes with an encouraging, informative, and motivating book.
Now, if you want to know what I have been enjoying lately, as far as listening.
1. Been listening to Focus on the Family the last couple of days on the topic of the importance of sleep (okay, young moms with babies, we can all laugh together!).
2. Sermons by V.O. Agan
3. Heard some very good lessons about the role of women in the church on Revive Our Hearts recently. Not what every woman wants to hear if they enjoy overriding the God given authority of the man, but I found it rich and I appreciated hearing what I could of it.
I like to learn... when I first got married, I was a pathetic wife. I still am, at times. I knew little about cooking, organizing, how to be submissive, how to care for children... it was pathetic. I was whiny, tempermental, and self-centered. I did not understand men. I was raised in public school, which taught me next to nothing to how to make a marriage last a life-time. Yes, the school taught me how to cook some, how to balance a checkbook, etc., but I had this "back-door" escape route somehow implanted in my mind. It was crazy! I am hoping to teach my girls as much as possible about marriage, so their husbands will not have to go through what Ron has... poor guy! I actually have prayed, and plan to continue to pray, for my children's future spouses... that God would protect them from abuse and keep them pure as they grow up. I have every intention that my children will be taught obedience and to love Jesus, and my desire is that they will marry established holiness young men to are totally sold out to Jesus, kind, and are not lazy.
Wow... what a wordy post! If you made it to the end of all this reading, I would be surprised!
On a whole other note... Ron has been taken off two more pills. He is on very little medication now!!! He started with so much medication when he came out of the hospital, it is amazing he could keep it all straight! His PET is scheduled the first week of June. Pray God's will be done!

Call me the computer genius! HA!

Now, when you look through the following pictures, please keep in mind that the screen on my camera is shattered, and therefore, I cannot see the pictures as I take them. I just snap away and hope some turn out well.

This is Easter Sunday. I hope to get pictures of the IHC on pretty soon. Wish I had some nice pictures of Hope form Easter Sunday, but she wore same dress at the IH Convention, so when I get those on here, you can see what she wore. It was the same dress that Charity had wore last year. Very pretty.

Wow! That is quite a blur! There's Charity... in the school/office/library room.

Children's Church on Resurrection Sunday.

That is my man teaching there!

Do you see me kiddos in there? Minus Hope... she is being babysat by a friend of mine in the main sanctuary.

Don't those kiddos just look beautiful/handsome?

Don't ask.

Dad and Mom came up here recently to visit on their way to see Wes and Becca's new baby. Charity's birthday party was later that day, and I forgot my camera, of all things!

Back to Sunday here and, yes, little Princess made her appearance in Children's Church... much to the delight of the children. The children had an opportunity to have Sister Manley snap pictures of them with the bunny. It was quite the day, as I dramatically taught the resurrection story from the perspective of Mary Magdalene, the kids got no-bake cookies, saw me give a presentation of the Resurrection Eggs, and Ron's "bunny" object lesson... Don't bow to that bunny ;-)

Unfortunately, one child was allergic to the critter. Sorry there, Cale!

The excitement in the room was top-notch.

Back to my parents' visit here.
One of these days, I might try to put pictures in a decent order.

We've had this computer at our house that we thought could possibly be junk. It just would not work for us... only one program was usable at times. i worked hard on the thing today, and not only does it work quite smoothly on all the programs I have tried, but I just taught myself how to hook it up to the high-speed contraption, and here I am typing away to you! Ron has the laptop with him at work, and I was unable to use it during the day. I am really excited about having the "junky" computer up and running so beautifully.

As a follow-up on the previous post, Faith has been having headaches lately, accompanied with nausea, but the sharp pain was frightening. I think she needs more rest, breaks during long periods of reading or computer time, and little snacks... guess if I do all those, that should cover a multitude of possibilities. Yesterday, she had a headache immediately following a cry that she was hungry and had an upset stomach... she acted like a person having a migraine... she wanted her sisters to vanish, it seemed... just leave her alone!!! We had her snack on some fruit, etc, and lay down by Daddy while Mommy prepared supper. After supper, she seemed well again. Hmmm. Now, I am trying to be cautious to not allow too long of periods between snacks or meals.

I enjoyed my morning this morning, snuggling with some precious little ones, eating homemade French toast, and starting out my day. It has been a noisy one again, as usual, and it is no wonder I am turning grey so quickly. I had a sweet comment from someone the other day, that they taught grey hair was pretty. I have been noticing it more and more, and it is not very hide-able anymore. Guess I shouldn't be ashamed... worked hard for those silver highlights... HA!

Hope you all are doing well, and enjoy the few pictures here today.

Prayer request

I hope you all don't just think I am some paranoid mother, but you have to understand what I have been through.
I need you to pray about something that just happened to Faith. It was a bit scary, but the intense part was very short lived. She was watching Veggie Tales clips on-line when suddenly she grabbed the side of her face and cried out in terrible pain. She said it was hot! It was on her right side of her face and she cried huge tears. Fortunately, the pain lessoned in a few seconds, but she says it still hurts... obviously, not as badly. She can smile fine, lift her arms fine, and is talking just fine, so nothing too weird there. She took a nap this afternoon before the stabbing pain. She does sometimes complain of an upset stomach, but does anyone have any idea what just took place?

I LOVE IHC!

It is going well. There was only one or two moments of total embarrassment yesterday, I think, but my kids were overall... FANTASTIC... especially sitting 2 1/2 to over three hours for the evening service. Shocked me to pieces! Good job, girls!!!

a day in a mama's life...

What did I do today?
Wow... alot!
Started in the middle of the night, as I was awakened with an urgency... I needed to pray... pray for a young man that had been missing. I thought of the things I forgot to do in CC on Sunday morning... and, there were three things, and they were important... I didn't give the children their Scriptures to memorize, I didn't pray for the little girl's cousin she asked me to pray for in class, and I forgot to read about the Costa Rican missionaries. How could I have forgotten? Where did the time go? I didn't even have time really to fulfill everything that was to be done on the schedule for Children's Church. Some of the children were super-tough this week. Life had been tough on some of them. I need to ask for a helper for my very full classroom of lively children. That is on the to-do's for this week, I guess... need to talk to my friend about helping with the lively ones, so they don't disturb all the others.
Then, what a day it has been with housework, phone conversations, preparing for IHC, etc. My children helped out big time... well, not Hope, she did the opposite, but we'll leave it at that. It is incredible the work my little gals did today, and I am super-proud of them! They will be very good at it by the time they are teenagers, I am sure of that! I am even training them to do back rubs for their mommy who has a tendency to "need" them! HA! They are going to be good at that, as well! Faith helped do "bunny care" today, and later the girls had a blast playing with the clean little bunny in their bedroom... that poor critter got a stroller ride, put in their toy kitchen, and got carried around. Hope it survives all that! I made them no-bake cookies for all that hard work and later they played outside for a short-while, but Daddy-time is one of the girls' favorites... they have an incredible daddy... I mean, I think any little girls' dream would be to have a daddy like Ron. He tells great Bible stories, prays for them, wrestles with them, hugs and kisses them, has special days with them, etc., and he just loves them to pieces. He is very structured in disciplining them, he is faithful to be there for them... with the exception of his times of illness or hospitalization, which is mostly beyond his control, but he there for them in his heart and in prayer... and, wow, those girls have a thing for their dad! The moment he turns that doorknob, you better be prepared for the hopping and shouting of excitement, "Daddy!!! Daddy!!!" I get dumped into the pile, and Daddy gets the throne, it seems!
So, back to what I was doing today... well, Ron purchased a book, and it came through the mail, and guess I have attached myself to it tonight. It is Dr. James Dobson's new book, "Bringing Up Girls." Very interesting so far. If you are a parent with little girls, you ought to check it out!
Now, that leaves me to this moment... I think I shall return to this book!
Oh, mind you, I did read my Bible, as well, this morning... Just in case you wondered :-)
Well, I just KNEW you were dying tonight to know what I did all day, so there you go!
Don't forget the diapers and baths and food, too. And, the snuggles with the little people. And, my hiding in the bathroom, so that I could escape the loudness of the little people for a bit. Don't tell me you never tried that!!!

Praise God!!!

The previous prayer has been answered, and Ron is planning to see him tonight! We were up part of the night praying for him!

PLEASE, PRAY!!!

One of my friends at church tried this on her Facebook, and now I am going to try it on my blog. We have a very special teenage boy in our church who has been coming for years!!! We love him very much!
He went missing a couple of days ago and I am so worried about him. I have searched on-line for hopes of finding a hint somewhere of where he has gone. I, too, will not give out his name right now, but if YOU read this, young man, PLEASE!!!! contact someone from our church... a family member... someone! We are praying for you!!! You may call us or email me at sarahgbs@yahoo.com. We want to know you are safe, okay?!
Everyone else... pray!
I won't keep this post on here forever, but this is most urgent!!!

Rachel, what do you think??? Is it a keeper?

Dearest little sister, Rachel, who lives 2 hours, at least, away from me...
I have been tweeking with my hair, and thought of some ideas for your wedding. I know you had planned on a hairdresser to do my hair... but, I am not sure too many have dealt with hair as long as mine.
There are many variations I can do with this... I just put styling gel and scrunched up the wet natural curls and used Aussi (sp?) Freeze and wa-la... it looks permed! I have been asked if I had it permed... nope... it is the real deal... I have just gotten in the habit of pulling it tight over my head and smashing it down when it really could come ALIVE! I have tried several different variations the last few days, and thought you might like it. Vision it without the clamp, though. I had to hurry a bit today, since I had a clean-up to do in my van... you don't want to know! The picts aren't too good, d/t my camara being shattered inside from dropping it. I can try a few more styles if you'd like. The back looked MUCH better on Wednesday. Please, don't mind my double-chin... yuck!

Happy belated birthday, Charity!

Charity's birthday was Sunday, but we celebrated it on Saturday. I will have to share pictures of my now 4 year old soon.
4 reasons I love you, my little Charity.
1. Because I am your Mommy, and nothing can make me stop loving you.
2. You are just too cute not to love.
3. You are teeny tiny and cuddly, have gorgious hair and eyes, and have about the mousiest (is that a word?) voice ever!
4. I believe that God has an awesome plan for you, and I feel so unworthy to train you for that plan... but, nevertheless, I got the job, and as tough as it is, it is an honor! I feel like I am the one in need of the training sometimes!
I LOVE YOU! You might not always feel like I do, when you are "in trouble," but I do... soooo much! I am proud to be your mommy!

BTW, for those out there reading my Facebook, I am making an annoucement of my soon disappearance from Facebook. I know it is confusing, but I have my reasons. Nobody has done anything mean to me, it is a personal decision made in light of my family's interest. I really enjoyed finding people and it was fun, but right now, it is just not in our best interest to get caught up in it. I am giving time for folk to get the info they need to contact me via email. I want to stay in contact with folk, but... it is a long story. You may continue to read my blog at this time. Thank you for understanding what may not be understood. :-) It was interesting getting so many friends in so few days... maybe I am cooler than I think! HA! I liked the support groups somewhat out there for those battling Hodgkin's disease! It is nice to meet other folk going through the lymphoma battle, and support one another.
One downside I found on Facebook was the slipperly slope I found that many folks have fallen down. They once believed strongly in something... had a conviction... loved God with all their hearts... then, I found them... and, I see the "slow fade." It is happening everywhere! Some marriages broken, some lives shattered, and I wish we could rewind time and see where it all started. Generally, it was a gradual thing. Wish I would have prayed more for them... or, at all. I have felt the tugging of the world on me, too, so I am not exempt. Please, God, help me not to "fade"! PLEASE!!! Help me! Satan is doing is best to snag us all! Please, Lord, clear our vision... things can get foggy sometimes!
We shall press on!

I was on Facebook, before I was on Facebook

As I was relaxing this morning after an incredibly busy week (and, mind you, I still have an EXTREMELY busy weekend ahead), I was reading some beloved folks Facebooks, and saw who but ME and MY FAMILY! And, they were VERY hilarious pictures! They are a bit old pictures, but very fun. Shouldn't you be forewarned that your craziness will be posted for all the world to see? Oh, well, I got a good laugh about it!
I will have to get pix on here of our crazy week later! Been wild!!!
Rachel has come and gone and is much, much more prepared for her wedding now... may not want children for a while after hanging out with us, but she is very loved by her little nieces.
With help, the Children's Church is nearly all decorated for the 10-11 week series. Got quiet seat prizes enough for whole series, I think. Ron and I get to dress up like farmers for the next couple of months. Yeah! We are sowing seeds for eternity!
Faith had piano lesson yesterday, and we went to another appointment, too. It has been run, run, run, and tomorrow is run, run, run, and Sunday is run, run, run. I am pausing today for a while for some "down-time."
My well-behaved children (not) are currently enjoying my down-time by leaping off the couch in huge bounds. Precious.... or, rather, insanity. Now, the youngest one is crying again... she landed wrong... earlier she was crying 'cause a sister landed on her foot. Just to let you know... our couch was free... another man's trash is another man's goods, right? I do like my couch and am thankful for it, but I don't complain as much about it as I would if had to buy it, or had it been newer.
The music in our house is blasting away and my house is BEGGING my attention, so that is my "to-do" for today, and I might run over to the church later to prepare for tomorrow's "Tiny Tot Tea Party", aka Charity's birthday party, that is tomorrow at the church... after my parents leave. So glad that they get to come to visit... it has been sooo long... they have never been to my "new" mobile home.
Rachel! I forgot to tell you we have a merry-go-round here! So could have brought back some certain memories... we might not have been able to handle anything else afterward.... and, Ron would have had to have been there to make it "real". HA! Everyone else, to fill you in, I get very easily nauseated ever since I have had my children. Don't know what Rachel's excuse is? She is a little wimpy, I guess.
My poor kids are shot from being dragged everywhere. So glad for the down-time.

Wow! Another company coming this week... I am touched!

Another shockers, my parents might come Saturday! Wow! I think I am about to fall over with all the fun surprises!!! After they leave on Saturday, I am having a tiny tot tea party for Charity's birthday party!
Sooo, tomorrow and Wednesday is Rachel and church. Thursday is piano lesson in Franklin, Oh, and Friday is not scheduled yet... probably will decorate CC that day, and Saturday is booked, and Sunday I teach Children's Church... I am sooo excited about the excitement! I needed a life besides potty training, washing laundry, and staring at my computer! Woo-hoo! Then, IHC is coming up, and Faith needs to finish Kindergarten. Then, comes Summer! I LOVE Summer... the camp-meetings, playing outside with my kids, taking walks, teaching CC, doing flowers and hopefully gardening this year, and celebrating several birthdays and Ron's and my anniversary. I am sooo glad that the snow is gone and life is awakening! I am sooo excited! Bring it on, I say!

I am actually getting company... shockers!!!

"Baby sister", Rachel is coming to see me tomorrow and staying overnight with me. We are going wedding shopping... for bridesmaid dresses and flowers. It is sure to be alot of fun... especially if the dresses aren't too expensive :-) We have alot of fun together, and I am really looking forward to it. She is supposed to get married in the middle of July. Her date has changed several times, and I teased her that if she changes it much more, she'll be getting married at the end of the week!!!
Just thought I would throw this out, too, in case my Secret Sister is reading this... I love you! You are spoiling me to pieces!!! You are making me fat! I LOVED, LOVED that gift yesterday! I actually have LOVED all my gifts! Thanks so much!

Enjoying the weather on Good Friday

My handsome man!

Got to love those rocks with the spiders running throughout them!

Daughter and daddy.

The little fishing-gals.

Time for a picnic!

Don't let your plate fly away!

Yummy! Got to love those peanut butter and strawberry jelly sandwiches, pretzels, and other snacks... the ice waters turned warm quickly.

No catches the whole time... it still was fun for kids. Have you ever fished with 3 little tiny children? It is a challenge!

These rocks seemed like fun to them.

I LOVE THIS PICTURE!

It was a happy day. We, later, went home, got baths, and went to a Communion services at our church.