A Thought From Each Of Us...

Mal ~ "I'm thankful for my kitty..."

MaKayla ~ "I'm dreaming of a white Christmas..." :o)

Kyle ~ "I give God praise for renewed health and my beautiful girls..."

Mendi ~ "An amazing day with My Man...traveling to a doctor's appointment, laughing, sharing (convictions, Pepsi, Munch Em's, Philly Steak & Cheese), shopping, being..."

Promises Fulfilled... Thoughts from MaKayla...

As I was fixing my hair for church Sunday morning, a thought struck me...


Four years ago my dear friend Julie came into my life.


It was my first year of quizzing and I had been asked, as well as six other young quizzers, to be on a special team that our ministry had formed to go to Nationals due to the fact that a team from another state was not going to be able to make it. None of us had qualified however, God had a plan as usual and it was one of the most life-changing experiences that I have ever had.... Julie was one of the "score keepers" from our ministry and although we did not know each other she felt God leading her to call and ask if I would like her to be my private coach, considering the fact that I had absolutely NO idea how to prepare for such a big competition. Of course we said Yes!!!!, and it was very evident that we would be kindred spirits. Julie became "Adopted Big Sis #1", and we began to spend lots and lots of time together, sometimes just the two of us, and other times as a family (Me, Mom, Dad, Mal, and Julie) :-). Julie was single during this period of time of her life and was patiently waiting for God to provide her with a mate that was exactly who she knew she was supposed to marry. She had come very close to marriage a couple of times, only to step away, knowing that it was not God's perfect will. Several people had tried to set her up on dates only for her to come home, knowing that those men, although maybe very nice, were not God's perfect will for her life either. This was very discouraging for her as it seemed as though maybe God did not desire for her to be married at all... The promise that He knew exactly what He was doing, was hard to believe more times than not. Flash forward to today, four years later: Julie is now happily married to Brian, a wonderful, God fearing man, that was obviously the "promise" that she had been waiting for! :-) Their meeting was clearly God's work, because He prompted Brian to call the same day she got home from vacation, (otherwise she would not have been home to answer the phone), and He gave him the wisdom to call her parents house, (not knowing she no longer lived with her parents), and she just happened to be there! They went on their first date, yet Julie had peace about it, they began dating yet the anxiety that usually filled Julie's body was non existent, they were in a near-death accident yet they had the confidence that God had a plan, they became engaged and yet no depression came to Julie's spirit as before. May 23, 2010, Julie Beattie became, Julie Damewood! (I would say it flows nicely, wouldn't you? :-)) God's promise was fulfilled.



Somewhere around three years ago I met Megan, (A.K.A. Meg), our Pastor and his wife's daughter.

She was very nice and friendly however I did not necessarily extend myself to her as I am not a very outgoing person. :-) I was of the mind frame that I had plenty of friends and really did not need to become friends with anyone else. Oh, how wrong I was! Mal was the first to really see the love that Meg had for people, as did many of the other kids in our church. It was very evident who they gravitated to, knowing that a hug and a smile would be ready and waiting for them. It was not long before I let myself get to know Megan and to allow her take on the title of "Adopted Big Sis #2"! She soon became a member of our family and I loved the evenings that she would come over and just "hang". She has invested in me and taken the time just to listen and encourage. We have worked together to make shrink art jewelry, chat about knitting, sit drooling over wedding dress magazines and just learn to love spending time together. She, like Julie, has been there to come over when we need her, and actually was the person who stayed with Mal the night of Julie and Brian's accident. She has a wonderfully sweet spirit and loves to sit and cuddle up next to Mal and I. All of Megan's life she really has had no interest in dating, knowing that God would provide her with the right man for her if she was patient. However she did not realize just how patient she would have to be.... As she watched those that she went to school with getting married around her, yet she seeing no results from her patience, I know her heart questioned what God's plan must be and once again, if His promise would be fulfilled. Flash forward to today three years later: Megan is newly engaged to Jonas, a great guy, confident in who he is in Christ and excited to begin a family of his own to nurture. Their meeting was a work of God as well, considering that they met on the computer. Both had submitted information to E-Harmony, not serious about finding someone at all, but just to see what the big hype was about it. It just so happened that it placed them as each others top and most likely match! He contacted Megan first, just to get to know her... Turns out God had a big plan! After e-mailing for a couple of months, Jonas came up for a visit and it was love at first sight! :-) About two weeks ago, he proposed! Megan Thompson will soon be Megan Fink, (I think it flows quite nicely as well! :-)) God's promise was fulfilled.

(Wedding Picture to Follow) :-)

The thought that struck me Sunday morning was, "The two single women in my life, my two big sisters, are not single anymore!" As I have watched these two women that I love so much go from somewhat unsure of what their future held, to knowing without a doubt that God has and has always had a mighty plan, I have learned a great deal. I have learned to be patient. I have learned to trust. I have learned to be content in the fact that God has a mighty plan for me. I have learned the proper way to "date", while at the same time staying true to your values and morals. Most importantly I have learned that God is in control... I still have no clue what the Lord's plan for my life is besides being a wife and a mom... I have no idea when or where I will meet my future husband... Am I worried or afraid? I used to be, until I learned that one of these days... God's promise will be fulfilled.

From My Heart...

Are there seriously only five days until Christmas??? Where did this year evaporate to anyway??? As Kyle and I visited earlier this morning we both agreed that things are just "different" this time around. Is it because the weather stayed warmer longer? Is it because we are getting older? Is it because Kyle had a spell of illness which took a chunk of our November/December? Is it because our focus is in a different place?

Preparing for Christmas this year has been a tremendous struggle for me. Some of the decorations that I typically can't wait to pull out and get up, are still neatly tucked in rough totes. The cookie containers that I am always eager to fill as a small gift to Kyle's employees are still sitting on the shelf unpurchased at the store. The gifts that are normally neatly wrapped, decorated and placed under the tree are still sitting in the basement in piles and stacks. The crafts that are excitedly constructed haven't even been attempted. The shopping I always anticipate for months was painful. I struggle with "why" things are different, yet I have peace. Does it all matter anyway?

If not careful, the decorations become idols. The cookies are too soon gone. The pretty wrapping and bows are thrown away. The gifts are soon forgotten. The crafts collect dust. The shopping requires money better used other places. After all, why do we celebrate?

The other day we sat as a family and discussed our Christmas traditions and reflected on what this time of year truly means to us. I asked the question, "If it were your birthday and everyone was hustling/bustling around, running here/there, doing this/that and you were completely forgotten, how would you feel? If you saw all the money spent and presents purchased and none were placed before you. How would you respond? If a season were in your honor yet you went unnoticed...

I wonder if that's how Jesus feels?

I wonder if He feels forgotten?

I wonder if He feels unnoticed?

As I've reflected on "why" Christmas is different for me this year I've come to the conclusion that an inward battle has been taking place within me. One side is vying to be true to traditions and continue doing the same things we've always done. The other side is pleading to keep the focus truly where it belongs and on Whom it belongs.

I'm so thankful this Christmas that I know the Greatest Gift.

I'm so thankful that when the tree is down, the cookies are gone, the wrapping it tossed and the temporal gifts are forgotten, Jesus is still mine. He will still wake with me in the morning and tenderly tuck me in bed at night. He will guide my way with every step that I take and He will pick me up when I fall. He will instruct me as I seek His counsel and He will discipline me when I make the wrong choice. He loves me beyond measure and He isn't present just one season out of the year, but day-to-day-to-day.

It isn't about the season, it's about the Gift.

The Greatest Gift of all!

Jesus

On My Heart...

Suffering,
borne and accepted is joy...

Things That Make Me Happy Today...

I recently finished studying about "happiness" through God's eyes and how He delights in splashing happy moments around us as His children. Just as we delight in doing things for our children that make them happy, so does He do things for us that bring happiness. How often do we acknowledge that it is He who has provided those "happy moments" for us? Do we just enjoy them and relish in the moment or do we truly stop and thank Him...

Things that make me happy today:

*a sleepy-eyed girl who stumbled out of her room to scoop up her cat and take it back in her room to snuggle and read...

*a restful night of sleep without nurses bugging us every few hours...

*waking up in the arms of the man who God divinely provided for my life...

*soft Christmas music playing...

*the anticipation of spending a few days away with Kyle while we enjoy Christmas shopping together...

*God's amazing, blessed and unfathomable provision in ways we never expected...

*twinkling Christmas lights...

*time spent with my Heavenly Father who loves me...

*getting an early morning e-mail from my mom...

*knowing that our family pictures are finally ordered and will soon be showing up in our mailbox...

*the reality that Tucker has safely arrived into our lives...

God, I thank you from the depths of my heart for the people, situations and blessings that you lavish upon me that bring warmth and happiness to my life!

Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray.
Is any one of you happy? Let him sing songs of praise.
James 5:13

Introducing...

Tucker Allen Pearce
December 2, 2010
7:16 a.m.
9 lbs. 4 oz.
20 1/2"

One precious baby ~ One beautiful momma...

MaKayla, Auntie Bri and Tucker

Mallary and Tucker

MaKayla and Tucker

I'm amazed...

Uncle Kyle fixing his "Little Man"...

Marci is one happy, proud and wonderful grandma!

Gettin' loves from his momma...

Pure and absolute sweetness...

I had no doubt that Tucker would be fantastically sweet, but I simply had no idea how wonderfully precious this little (big) bundle of love would be. Kyle and I are still in awe of the reality that we are "great" uncle/aunt.

Danielle has always been Kyle's "little girl" so seeing her emerge into the realm of "mommy hood" has been moving to watch. From the time this beautiful little girl tiptoed into his heart (she was about a year and a half old when we started dating) he was totally taken. She used to stumble around the house in his over sized jeans and peer out from underneath his monstrous ball caps. Through the years, the love has grown... Last year he sang "Cinderella" at her wedding reception for her father/daughter dance and this year he is awestruck at witnessing her becoming a mommy.

Mark and Marci are in love...
Bri is head over heels infatuated...
We think he is simply amazing...

Little Man has arrived...
Tucker is here...

A Thought From Each of Us...

Mallary is thankful for her new cousin Tucker...(excited is a mild description for me...)

MaKayla has felt God's peace in immeasurable and unique ways...

Mendi longs for those who are struggling, lonely and destitute to know the reality of the satisfaction and fulfillment that only Jesus can bring...

Kyle is dreading the thought of returning to work after nearly three weeks off...

I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint. Jeremiah 31:25

Arminianism vs. Calvinism...

MaKayla is working through an amazing yet intense American Lit study this year and in turn is reading some great pieces of literature. The book she is preparing to start is 'Sinners In the Hands of an Angry God' by Jonathan Edwards and before embarking on it, she has several prereading activities to complete. As she finished her study work the other day she said, "Mom, I would like you to read over this, think about it and see what you think." That evening I overheard her mention to Kyle, "Dad, I learned about Calvinism vs. Arminianism today and I would like you to read over what I read and see how you feel." Tuesday, as we were preparing to leave my parent's house she hugged my dad (her grandpa whom she dearly loves) and said, "Grandpa, I read something in American Lit today and I would like you to look at it as well and share with me your thoughts about it." I love when our kids are stretched...especially when what they are learning scholastically encompasses spiritual knowledge as well. This is what was contained in her reading:

Calvinism vs. Arminianism: At this time in history within the Protestant churches, two basic systems of belief were in conflict with each other--Calvinism and Arminianism. Calvinism is named after the Swiss reformer, John Calvin, who revived the teachings of St. Augustine, writer of Confessions and the City of God. Calvin's work, The Institutes of the Christian Religion is still studied today in many seminaries. Arminianism is named after the Dutch theologian, Jacobus Arminius who opposed the teachings of Calvin regarding salvation. The differences between the two systems are summarized as following:

Regarding Free Will

Arminianism: God graciously enables every sinner to repent and believe, but He does not interfere with man's freedom. Every sinner possesses a free will, and his eternal destiny depends on how he uses it.

Calvinism: The sinner is dead in sin and is unable to respond to the gospel by himself. Man does not have a free will, but his will is under bondage to sin. The sinner must be regenerated before he can act on God's promises.

Regarding Election

Arminianism: Election of the sinner is conditional upon God's foreknowledge, knowing that certain individuals would choose to accept Christ as their savior. Therefore, the sinner's choosing God is the basis for salvation.

Calvinism: Election of the sinner is unconditional. God chooses certain individuals for salvation based solely on His sovereign will. Therefore, God's choosing the sinner is basis for salvation.

Regarding Redemption

Arminianism: Christ's redeeming work makes it possible for everyone to be saved. However, the atonement did not guarantee the salvation of anyone, since salvation depends upon the sinner's choosing Christ. The Lord's atoning blood only becomes effective if a sinner chooses to accept it.

Calvinism: Christ died for the elect only and His blood secures their salvation. The elect of God is given the gift of faith, which is applied by the Spirit.

Regarding Resisting the Holy Spirit

Arminianism: Since the sinner has a free will, he can resist the wooing of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit does His best to have the sinner choose salvation in Christ; but, ultimately, the sinner must be willing to submit to the grace that is offered by God.

Calvinism: The elect receives a special inward calling that cannot be resisted. The sinner will cooperate and repent and freely come to Christ. God's will cannot be frustrated.

Regarding Eternal Security

Arminianism (or more precisely, a tenet of Wesleyanism): Generally, those who believe are in danger of losing their salvation should they fail to keep the faith.

Calvinism: The believer is secure in his salvation because God's power preserves him.

I would be the first to admit that neither Kyle nor myself have ever really done any research on things such as these however what we read was enlightening. We have always, totally based our faith in Jesus Christ on our interpretation of the Bible through the leading of the Holy Spirit as well as what we have learned and been taught. It especially interested MaKayla because one of her closest quiz friends considers herself a Calvinist however she never really knew what all that encompassed.

It was enlightening yet it doesn't change the basis of my faith... I still see Jesus as the Saviour of the world. I still see Him as the One who chose me. I still see Him as the Way, the Truth and the Life. I still see Him as the One who redeemed my soul and calls me by name. I still see Him as my closest Friend.

I still see Him as Jesus!

I call myself a Christ-follower!

Just When You Think You've Heard It All...

There are times that I am simply amazed by the things that I hear... I am simply amazed by the things that Christians do... I am simply amazed by the things that Christians say... I am simply amazed by the things Christians believe... I am simply amazed by the things Christians allow... I am simply amazed by the things that Christians deem as "okay"... I strive to not be judgmental knowing that although God and His Word are unchanging, He calls us all in different ways, however, just when I thought I had heard it all... As Kyle, the girls and I were leaving my parent's house last night, we were talking about the state of the church and how far we have wandered from the TRUTH of who God is, WHAT His Word says and HOW He commands us to live, Mom shared a situation with me that has absolutely left me dumbfounded. Just when I thought I had heard it all, Mom told us about a church in our close proximity that actually encouraged its parishioners/congregation to dress up for Halloween. Of course Halloween fell on a Sunday this year and the pastor asked the people that would be attending to dress up, (and they did)...even he, himself dressed up. I was amazed... I truly wonder what God thinks... What are we trading our faith for??? I am still in shock... I am grieved... I am deeply saddened...

Just when you think you have heard it all...

But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God--having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have NOTHING to do with them. They are the kind that worm their way into homes and gain control over weak-willed women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth. Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these men oppose the truth--men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone. 2 Timothy 3:1~9

Homeschooling Survey... English Assignment...

This week my English assignment was to do a survey on homeschooling. I had to come up with three questions that asked for a "yes" or "no" answer, but that did not manipulate or persuade an opinion either way. I know that not many people leave comments on the blog, however there are several that follow, so if you would like or feel led to answer any or all of the three questions, I would love to know what you think!

1.) Do you feel that homeschooling is more structured
when there is a room in your household specifically set aside for school only?

2.) Do you feel like there are too many
requirements that children have to meet in order to receive a diploma?

3.) Do you feel that homeschooled children should
be made to have an eight to three school day, as public children do?


~MaKayla

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated! :o)