Our Hope is in Christ

 As we see votes going toward the party of murder (abortion), marxism (BLM)/communism and immorality (LGBT)...we, as followers of Christ, can feel a sense of dread, depression, hopelessness. Heavy hearts weigh down our souls. But friends, be encouraged! This is not a time to despair! Our hope doesn't lie in a conservative political party (most of which are out doing much of the same garbage the liberals are....politics is just a game. A horrible circle of power). Our hope lies in Jesus Christ, alone! 

We may face persecution in upcoming days, months or years (John 15:20). The Lord said we would, as believers living a Godly life (2 Timothy 3:12). I think many of us have lived lives with a sense of comfort ~ not truly understanding Christian persecution. Of course, living peacefully is wonderful and desirable...but I believe God separates the wheat from the chaff during times of persecution. Are you willing to give up all you have? Are you willing to be tortured, ridiculed, and demeaned as Christ was? Are you willing to die...or watch your loved ones die while you cling to Christ? In Matthew 5:10-12 ~ the Lord tells us that those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake are blessed! 

It is time (if you aren't already), dear friends, to be in prayer and daily, reading God's Word in context. Memorize scripture. Put on the full armor of God. Memorization can be difficult...so try to do so in the form of songs. Those have always helped my family. Be ready to share the hope that is within you. It is a lost and depraved world. Your faith must be strong. Pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44). The world hates us and will continue to. This should not come as a surprise (1 John 3:13). But let us remember the promises of Romans 8:35 ~ that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. Take heart! For Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33)! He is our true King! 

If you haven't been already...live your life for Christ (1 Peter 4:19). Honor Him as Lord. Praise Him! He knows us through and through....our failures and sins...and yet, He loves us anyway. We don't deserve it. We are righteous only because He made us righteous. He took our sin and shame...and imputed us with His righteousness so we can stand before a holy God and be blameless. Not one of us deserves that. Oh how great is our Lord. Always faithful, always true! How worthy of our praise (Revelation 6:9-11)! 

I pray you find encouragement and strength for your soul here today (Acts 14:22). Please feel free to share your heart in the comments below or by email. I will reply if you desire to converse! Every time your soul feels troubled in this political climate or any troublesome time you are experiencing, direct your focus back to Christ. He is our hope and we can *always* find joy in Him (Psalm 23). 

If you are looking for a great fiction book to read...I highly recommend Safely Home by Randy Alcorn. It details some of how Christian persecution is in China. It will challenge you...truly! The link above is for Amazon but you may find it cheaper on ebay! :o)  

Warmly,

Katy

A Surprise Party!

Setting Up

Last Friday and Saturday for us was really busy! My aunt (my mom's sister) turns 60 in a couple weeks. My mom planned a surprise party for her...a few weeks early so she wouldn't suspect anything! She lived in south PA for a long time so my mom invited a lot of her friends and one of her favorite jazz singers from there! They all made the 4+ hour trip up to celebrate with us! 

We all worked hard to make my mom's vision come alive! X helped her cut large branches (that happened to be thorn branches ~ ouch!). After letting them dry, they hung them from the ceiling (which took hours)! I worked on cleaning the girls bathroom (it took a while!)...Madelyn and Jax...as well as other family members helped too. There was a *lot* to do (It took two whole days!)! I even counted the square tiles on the floor to make sure all the tables were perfectly spaced! Madelyn teased me but I couldn't help myself!

Mom made (and a couple of my cousins served) lasagna. We had appetizers, bread and salads too! 

My aunt likes wine (as do her friends) and so my mom had all different kinds of cakes and wine (normally she would have hand-made the cakes because she is detailed and fantastic like that ~ but there was just too much to do and so she had them made for Madelyn and I to go pick up!)....

People began arriving...even family that lives across the state! It was great to see them as well as meet some of my aunt's lovely friends! There was much anticipation waiting for my aunt to arrive (who had *no* idea). We enjoyed welcoming people, talking and meeting new people...

Finally she arrived! She thought my mom was using the fire hall to throw a dinner for her church (as her church's basement was undergoing renovations anyway...so it was a perfect cover!) and my mom acted like she "forgot" the Valentine's games that she had printed out. My aunt lives in a house right next to my parents so she went over and got the "forgotten" games and brought them to the fire hall....thinking my mom needed them. She was completely blown away when she walked in and we all yelled, "Surprise!"...she was so shocked she walked back outside! Haha! She came back in though soon after and was crying. I think she truly felt loved! She got lots of hugs and was so thrilled to see all the people she loved here for her!! Below is my aunt in the jean jacket (with purple hair ;) She's eclectic, unique and fun...

Finally, everyone sat down to eat while we listened to beautiful, live jazz music being sung!

Jaxson...handsome as always!

My cousin works in a flower shop. My mom ordered tulips....aren't they beautiful? They were put at every table!

After the busyness of the prep-work...it was nice to be able to sit and relax with my honey...while listening to the music! We aren't very talented at taking selfies...here's the first one we tried ((fail!))...

The second one worked out a bit better! :)

Sunday we missed church (although Madelyn still went) so we could go out to breakfast with everyone (before our extended family all returned home across the state). It was so nice to be around everyone! :o) After that some of us headed back to the fire hall to finish cleaning up! That took quite a while too! I was *so* thankful to get home later in the afternoon and take a little nap!

Mom even asked if I wanted to take some tulips home! I accepted eagerly! I have some in my living room...

...and in the kitchen! I love fresh flowers!

This morning I woke early and was ready to start my day. I got laundry going, packed lunches, started the kids on schooling (after our prayer, scripture reading and catechism), did some organizing and got things ready to take to Goodwill. I was so happy to be getting things done. It's such a great feeling when you have some extra energy! And then...

While unloading the stuff at the local Goodwill donation center I fell. On ice. Hard. I hurt my left leg pretty badly. It's painful to walk. I had to have someone fill in for me at spin class (cycling) tonight at the Y...there was just no way I could teach. I am praying it is just bruised (although one isn't showing yet). The muscle in the front and back of my leg hurt terribly. I am hoping it feels a bit better in the morning. The idea of missing another day of exercising distresses me! I take Sunday as a rest day...but taking today off was rough. 

On the positive side though...if you read my last post you will know my children were under-the-weather for a bit! I finally decided that maybe it wasn't a cold virus and maybe we needed to go to the doctor. Turns out they each had a sinus infection. They are all all meds...and feeling *much* better! It's back-to-normal around here in that sense! The children are back to their energetic, jovial selves! :o) Thank you for your kind suggestions and prayers. 

I am pretty tired! I'm headed upstairs to tuck down snug under the covers and spend some time reading and in prayer. I am praying my leg is better tomorrow so I can get back to doing what needs done! :)  (Our other lap top is giving us trouble now too....so far 2018 hasn't been good to me! Thankfully, I trust in a God Who knows all and is in control of *every*thing! So, I know whatever happens is ordained by Him and I need to just keep my focus on Him!)

Sorry for such a long post (that goes off in lots of different directions!). Thanks for coming by and reading (especially if you got this far!). I hope your week is lovely! 

Warmly,

Katy

"In all states of dilemma or of difficulty...

...prayer is an available source. The ship of prayer may sail through all temptations, doubts and fears, straight up to the throne of God; and though she may be outward bound with only griefs, and groans and sighs, she shall return freighted with a wealth of blessings!"

~ Charles Spurgeon

This past week has been a trying and exhausting one. The Lord has been so good to us though and I praise Him in the trials! Here's what's been happening. This past Saturday, my cousin got married. Devon had fun using her polaroid camera to take mini-pictures of couples! Here is the one she took of Chris and me...

Sunday was church...then that evening ~ I get a phone call that my mom had been out riding (by herself) and was thrown from her horse. She had a concussion and didn't know exactly where she was. This was at dusk and the idea of trying to find her seemed overwhelming as she could be one of a bazillion places when out riding!

God, in His beautiful goodness, graciously fixed this for us! As I am driving to her place (trying VERY hard not to speed) I get another call from Chris and my Brother in Law (who were ahead of me and communicating with my dad) letting me know that the horse had gotten back to the barn and that an acquaintance (while out filling up water at a spring in a field) had found mom on the ground. He thought (from a distance) that she was a turkey...but then realized that was *no* turkey. My dad, Chris and my BIL got there with me close behind. She was nauseated and in a lot of pain. We didn't want to move her for fear of hurting her more. We called 911 and the ambulance & medics arrived and transferred her to a local hospital (in the next town over). My sister who had arrived by then, my aunt and I followed the ambulance to the hospital. To make a long story short ~ she was transferred to a bigger hospital a few  hours away and we found that she had broken two ribs and punctured a lung (which was partially collapsed). She has been being monitored and cared for at that hospital and we are hoping she will get to come home soon (although she will still be down a while...needing to rest and heal).

To make her more comfortable when she gets home, my sister and her girls met us at our parents' home to clean and tidy it. We want it to be nice for her to just walk in and be able to rest with no stress. Church family, friends and loved ones have offered to make meals so we have the next week full of meals for supper set up! Such a blessing! It is a beautiful thing to watch people be the hands and feet of Christ!

While at my mom's, I organized her pantry (isn't that old door fantastic?). I didn't have my camera to take a before picture so I brought it the next day I went to her house so I could at least take an *after* picture! :) I just love looking at it (is that strange?)....

As I said before, my sister and her girls came down to help too. Audra found a little new testament to *read*...

Madelyn found this school picture of me from 11th grade. She kept going on about how adorable I was...and that I look the same! Ha! I'll take that! This was 18 years ago!

So, life has been a bit crazy in these here parts. So much to juggle and lots of running around. Speaking of running...in the midst of all this, I went out for a run yesterday and halfway through ~ wouldn't you know, I got stung just above my sock line. It hurt terribly and I limped home. I have put lavender essential oil on it as well as ice...but now my foot is swollen and terribly uncomfortable. It's not a huge deal but it sure did happen at the worst time! Ay yi yi! ;)

In other quick news....I have been homeschool planning (as we hope to start our school year this Monday coming up) and I have found a new way to organize our books. Each year I try something to see if it works...but I haven't ever been 100% thrilled with any of the previous methods. This year, I am trying this...

Each child has a vertical row...and each subject has a slot. Everything can be gotten (and put away neatly) with each use! Plus, I will have all books readily available to me each week as I am planning out our days! :)

I used my trusty labeler to label the subjects...

And since the organizer has taken the place of our printer, I had to find it a new home! It is now housed in our old television hutch in the old living room (which is now the school room/library)...

So, as you can see ~ we have been really busy lately. If you have made it to the bottom of this post, thanks for sticking with me! I gotta run though....it's late and I haven't eaten supper yet (my stomach is growling!).

Thank you for coming by and for your lovely comments and emails! They truly encourage me so!

Warmly,
Katy

Linked up at The WholeHearted Home and A Wise Woman Builds Her Home

Thank-You Notes

A friend and I were talking the other day about the lost art known as *thank-you* notes. He was thanking me for sending him and his wife a thank-you (They were the ones who gave us the armoire that I posted about HERE)! I told him that he wasn't suppose to thank *me* for a thank-you note! The thank-yous would never end if we continually thanked each other for the thank-you! ;)  He commented that he and his wife value getting thank-you notes and send them as well. He noted how it seems to be a lost form of etiquette nowadays. I agreed.

It's terribly unfortunate that a simple act of gratitude often gets skipped. Why is that?

Occasionally, I will still receive a thank-you note in the mail for a wedding gift or baby shower gift that was given (but even those don't always happen!?). Of course, I don't give the gift in order to *get* a thank-you...but when one isn't received, it does seem a bit rude. I feel like manners have just flown out the window sometimes! My mama taught me the importance of writing thank-you notes when I was growing up...and it is something I have continued and tried to teach my children as well.

I know postage can get pretty pricey...but I think it is best when a thank-you is sent in the mail. Handing it to the person (just to save postage) seems cheap...especially when you are trying to sincerely thank someone for something they bought, made or did for you. I think it seems to say that whatever that person gave or did for you wasn't worth that stamp. The point of a thank-you note is to show gratitude to someone for their kindness. It's *worth* the stamp it takes to mail it. If you are unsure of the address of the intended recipient, don't just thank them on social media or email...find their address out...even if you have to ask them directly.

Something else I believe is important when writing a thank-you note is taking the time to write neatly. Nothing screams ingratitude more than a sloppy, I-wrote-this-in-five-seconds-flat thank-you note! Whatever kindness the person showed you, it deserves a decent amount of effort put into thanking them. **Keep neatness in mind when addressing the envelope and putting on the stamp too! Appearance matters when you are sending a thank-you!

Keep track of what gifts you are given. For instance, at Christmas, keep a list of the gifts you (and the rest of your family) are given and from whom. That way, after the season has quieted down, you and/or the children can sit down and prepare some thank-you notes. If you keep track of the gifts you are given then you can be specific in your thank-you note. This shows that you truly *do* appreciate whatever kindness was given/shown to you (and not just some generic "thanks").

You can find an etiquette guide on writing thank-you notes HERE. Do you write thank-you notes? Why or why not? If you don't already, I encourage you to start...and make sure you are teaching your children to do so. Having a humble, thankful heart is part of your witness as a follower of Christ.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this! :)
Kindly,
Katy

Linked to: Titus 2 Tuesdays

Truth...

 ...from my favorite source...

 So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.”  Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name bear witness about me, but you do not believe because you are not among my sheep.  My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.  I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.  My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one.”

~John 10:24-30

Are you looking to grow in your walk with Christ? I desire to share some things that are on my heart. Deep truth that many don't understand. :) I pray you will grow in knowledge and wisdom...beginning here and through deeper studies of your own as the Lord leads!

Notice what I have in bold in the verses above the photo. Jesus did not say that the pharisees were not His sheep because they didn't believe. Realize what He *did* say...they *cannot* believe because they are not His sheep. Ponder that a moment and let the truth sink in.

Many Christians today would say this verse couldn't be true. They would say that the pharisees had the *chance* to believe but because they didn't (believe)...they did not become sheep. However, this is absolutely incorrect. Jesus spoke plainly. One cannot believe *unless* they *are* one of His sheep.

Every single person is born blind, spiritually. From the Fall, we are all utterly depraved, separated from God. We love our sin and are slaves to it. We can't earn our way to Him and don't even have a desire to because we love ourselves more. We are wretched, filthy sinners. No one is righteous...not one of us. It can seem like a terribly hopeless situation!

However, the Almighty, Creator God, in His infinite love, wisdom and grace, before the beginning of time chose to save His beloved. Not because of anything we have done...but out of His incredible mercy. He knew we would never be able to do anything to save ourselves...so He sent His Son to live a perfect, sinless life and bear the penalty and sins of His people on the cross. He imputes His righteousness to us...so we are redeemed only in His perfect work!

 If we believe that Christ is the Son of God and our Savior...it is *only* because God opened our eyes to Him first. If He doesn't do that for a person, they will never believe because they are walking around spiritually blind. Many see it as unfair for God to choose His people..but truly, at the Fall we all became blind to Him. No one would have any hope. It's a wonder and absolutely astounding that He would choose any of our wretched souls to save! All we can do is fall to our knees in humble adoration and gratitude and thank Him. He is worthy of *all* our praise!

So, then it is *always* asked...."If God chose certain people for His own...why evangelize?". The answer is simple really...but two-fold. 1. Christ *told* us to...so we obey. 2. God uses us as the *means* to bring people to Him. We can evangelize until we are blue in the face (or pink or purple! ;)...but not one single heart will turn to Him if He hasn't ordained it and opened their eyes to the truth of Him. 

“Faith is not the cause of the new birth, but the consequence of it. This ought not to need arguing. ... Faith is a spiritual grace, the fruit of the spiritual nature, and because the unregenerate are spiritually dead--‘dead in trespasses and sins’--then it follows that faith from them is impossible, for a dead man cannot believe anything” (The Sovereignty of God, p. 73). 

~ A.I. Pink

For those new to the Doctrines of Grace, it can seem like such an overwhelming thing to wrap your mind around...it can take a lot of time studying and praying to truly see. But as you pray for wisdom and keep diligently searching the scriptures...He will reveal it all to you! 

Along with studying your Bible...here are some links to help you in your learning:

The Doctrines of Grace (sermon series) ~ from Grace to You ministries (John MacArthur)

The Doctrines of Grace (written by D.James Kennedy) ~ Reformation Theology

Directory of Theology ~ Monergism.com

The Doctrine of Total Depravity (youtube sermon) ~ Voddie Baucham

Grace Alone ~ RC Sproul

Reformed Theology ~ Dr. James White

John Piper on the Five Points of Calvinism ~ Desiring God

And for many more great resources check out my page HERE! :)

If you have questions, please ask. I am happy to help you understand the truth of God's sovereignty. I don't have all the answers....but I will do my best, with the ability God gives me, to help you try to grasp it all! :o)

Thank you for stopping by! I look forward to (hopefully) a lovely discussion (in the comment section) on all this. You don't have to agree...but gentle, loving, respectful words are mandatory in this conversation (Ephesians 4:1-6).

***I will quickly add that yes, I am quite disappointed in the election results for our president. However, knowing God is sovereign and in control of all things...I trust and find total comfort and peace in that! ♥

♥ In loving kindness,
Katy

A Good Decision!

"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go..."

~ Dr. Seuss

Marissa shared a lovely comment on THIS post and I wanted to share it with you. What she has to say is a beautiful testimony (I hope it is OK that I am sharing it)...and then I will share my own experience with this same issue! :)

"When my children were in public school, years ago- our meals were on the go and we were all scattered around. My hunny, eating in his recliner in front of the tv and me feeding kids, rushing around to get to ball practice, games, ect. I strived to make sure we were together on weekends around our dinner table, but God was dealing with me, leading me down a different path- a path to a more simple, more family structured and homeschool life. This may sound a little odd, but I prayed for the tv to break. I had tried talking to my hunny about how I felt we needed to be more of a family. He just didn't see it that way. He'd worked hard and felt he was entitled to sit in front of the tv during his home time. So praying for the tv to break was the only thing I could think of...I had tried time limits and such with the tv, infact, we all needed a purge from tv--so guess what? The tv broke. Hunny fixed it and it broke again...and again he fixed it and again it broke. . 42 inch plasma tv in all it's time consuming glory was now black. Broken. The thing cost $3k when we bought it, he knew we didn't have $ to replace it and it's hard to go from a theater experience down to a regular tv. So time went-WITHOUT a big tv in the living room. Fast forward a few years to present time. We still have no tv in the living room, we've been eating at the dining table for years, every meal. We talk, we eat, we laugh, we eat. We LOVE meal time and family time. And I'd like to add that by purging ourselves from the hypnotic glow of the tv, that we all spent too much time watching, our family has grown and blossomed into something that I am so proud of...something that is simple and pure. Family time & family love."

How easy is it to plop your children (or yourself) in front of the television and mindlessly watch something or flip through channels? Think of the amount of commercial exposure you and your family witness...often without realizing it. (I do realize that many have a DVR and can then skip the commercials....we never had that.) So many people have become almost accepting of the amount of skin and inappropriate behavior that bombards us from all directions! Young girls think it's "normal" to walk around in skin-tight, short skirts or to wear low cut shirts. So often, when I am out and about, my heart sinks to see how some young girls are dressed....but I am getting off my original point. Television (among other things) is, in my opinion, a time-waster with a lot of *bad* on it. Yes, there are some good, quality shows...but they are terribly few and far between.

**Let me quickly say here that I don't sit in judgment of you for having television....I just try to share what is on my heart and things God has shown *me* in my walk. It is my responsibility to share with other women my testimony and walk with Christ...so this is what I strive to do!**

I had asked Chris if we could "get rid" of television. We were paying approximately $50/month for a small package with Dish (with taxes etc.). Chris never wanted to get rid of it though, as it was how he "relaxed". I understood that....but in my heart wished he would relax by reading or playing games with the children and me. (Not that he was a total couch-potato! He is a hard worker!) My children only had three channels they were allowed to watch...and weren't allowed much time watching them either....but it was always still *there*.

I'll admit, I *nagged* Chris about it from time to time, for a while. I was hoping my "encouraging" would convince him. Let's just say....it didn't. So, I apologized to him and left it alone. I prayed about it and that was that. Fast forward a few months and while doing the budget together (as normally, I am the one who handles all the bills and the checkbook etc.), Chris realized how much we were spending on television and said to me: "We could be putting that in savings every month, couldn't we?". I told him that we definitely could. He agreed, then, that we should get rid of our subscription to Dish. I was over-joyed (and honestly, quite surprised. I never expected him to say this!)

Dan, Chris's brother, told us about Netflix. It was very inexpensive, had no commercials and offered a wide variety of things to watch. So we signed up for it and really like it. We all sit together and watch a movie sometimes or an educational documentary...and Chris, from time to time, can watch an episode of TV that he likes, as well. Now there is no more "mindless TV watching" or inappropriate commercials. Of course, there is a lot of "garbage" you could pick from the Netflix choices....but you can delete things you don't want. You have a lot of control over what you have in front of you.

I share this with you because so many people don't realize the things that their children are watching. Many assume that because it's deemed a "children show" that it is safe...this is not true. There are so many dangerous shows and commercials influencing our children daily. As parents, we need to safeguard our children's hearts and minds.

A book I have (that I found at the thrift store!) is called 365 TV-Free Activities (you can do with your child). It is full of fantastic ideas and suggestions of things you can do to challenge your children mentally and physically! Hopefully, you live in a place where your children can enjoy a great amount of time playing outside....but if not, take them to the park or to the playground. Go for a walk or play I Spy out on your front steps! Read books to them...or let them read to *you*!

"Oh the places you'll go! There is fun to be done! There are points to be scored. There are games to be won. And the magical things you can do with that ball will make you the winning-est winner of all." ~Dr. Seuss

Maybe you, like me, would love to get rid of your television programming. Maybe your husband does not agree. Let me encourage you *not* to nag...it's not your job as his helper to gripe at him. Ask him about it...then let it go. Pray about it and honor your husband. God is faithful...trust me...I've seen it happen in my life. :) You can control the things (and amount of time) you watch on the television...use it wisely. Guard what (and how much) your children watch. You and your family will benefit greatly from it....and hopefully, God will work on your husband's heart, as well.

I am reminded in that old movie "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" of television-obsessed Mike Teevee. Remember the lessons the Oompa-Loompas sang? ;) That kinda sums it up, doesn't it?

Thank-you for stopping by today. I'm always so glad you take the time to visit. I'm still dealing with a lot of mouth pain. My left wisdom teeth extraction is not scheduled until July 19th...I don't know how I am going to deal with this pain that long, but I guess I have no choice. I *am* on the cancellation list, though, so hopefully I will be able to get in sooner! I really appreciate your prayers!

Warmly,

Katy

"We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand... and melting like a snowflake. Let us use it before it is too late."~Marie Beyon Ray

A Fight for Life

I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind.
Some come from ahead and some come from behind.
But I've bought a big bat. I'm all ready you see.
Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!
~Dr. Seuss

I probably cannot name one single person who has not been affected by the terrible disease of cancer in one way or another. Maybe you have fought (or are fighting) this disease or know someone who is. So many suffer with it...tearing from us ones we know and love. When I hear that someone has cancer, often I feel so helpless. I cry out to God in prayer but always wish there was more I could do. Today, I have been given the chance. I thought that maybe, just maybe, you would want to help too! ;)

We have family friends, whom we love. We grew up knowing each other most of our lives! The eldest daughter and I grew up together in church and graduated high school together. Her mother, Jamie, is battling lung cancer (this is not her first run-in with this awful disease, either, as you can read HERE). She is a sweet and loving woman...always striving to be a strong and good mother to her three children. She has a wonderful sense of humor and is generous with her time and abilities. *** I just know, if you knew her, you would like her too! :) *** Jamie's children are all adults now, having children of their own...and oh how she loves those grandchildren of hers (and one still being formed in it's mother's womb)!

One day, I was at my dad's garage and Jamie came in...she looked defeated and heavy-hearted. I asked if she was okay and she said she wasn't. I didn't press for information though. Once she had left, I prayed for her and have done so, each time she is brought to mind. I didn't realize until recently that she was diagnosed in the fourth stage of lung cancer.

My friend, Jamie's daughter, is trying to help her mother relieve some of her stress from all that she is going through. We all know that much of this burden, unfortunately, can be financial. So, in an attempt to raise money to aid her mother's finances during lost work time and tests and treatments, she has started a website called Cakes to Fight Cancer.

I know the hearts of the readers who visit here. Your always loving encouragment and support through comments and emails show me who *you* are. So, I come to you, first asking for prayer for Jamie. This is the first and most important thing we can do. And next, to consider entering (through donation of any amount) a monthly raffle for one of these fantastic specialty cakes my friend makes! You can see some photos of her cakes HERE. Talk to your husband first...and pray about it...every little bit helps and you just may win one of the monthly raffles to enjoy one of these *fantastic* cakes!

You can go HERE to learn more and HERE to donate...all donations are safe and secure. I thank you so much for reading and praying...as I know even if you can't afford to give *monetarily* that you will pray ~ our God hears those prayers...Thank-you, thank-you dear friends!

Warmly,

Katy

"We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand... and melting like a snowflake. Let us use it before it is too late."~Marie Beyon Ray

The Fawn

I debated sharing this...as I don't want to get in trouble. A few weeks back, friends of ours found a fawn laying on the road. This was a *brand-new* fawn...very tiny and fragile. It was raining and chilly out. They thought that it had been hit, but to their amazement, it seemed fine and was just laying in the middle of the road...shaking. So that it wouldn't be hurt, they placed it on the side of the road and went home.

Hours later, they drove past and noticed the fawn was *still* there....getting rained on and shaking. After doing some calling around, to see if anyone could help it, they finally got a hold of me and thought maybe *I* would want to nurse it back to health. Evening had set in and the baby was still along the side of the road....hunters had been in that area and although it was only turkey season, apparently they weren't carrying *turkey* guns. :(

I learned that it is technically a *no-no* for people to care for a fawn. However, if we were to call the game warden, folks advised us that he would probably just set the little fawn out by itself...with no chance of survival. This broke my heart. So I told them I would care for this little one...it was incredibly sweet! I wrapped it up and snuggled it, gently. We gave it (as we couldn't tell for sure if it was a boy or girl...it being so young) formula...and it drank some, but not a lot. I called a friend who raises goats and she was setting out goat formula starter (to be followed by goat milk, which is the best substitute for young ones) for me to pick up the next day.

My intentions were good...I was not trying to imprison or *keep* this baby...but without nurturing, it just wasn't going to make it...this was the smallest fawn I have ever seen.

So, I wrapped it, loosely, in blankets...to keep it warm but not to inhibit movement. In hindsight, I wish I would have slept near it, giving it warmth through the night...after preparing a bottle in the morning and going out, the fawn was dead. I was quite devastated. I had hoped it would grow up around us and maybe even hang around in the woods....of its own choice.

I wish I had done more for it, but I tried my best. Honestly, I truly believe it was just *too* young to be away from its mother. I was so sad about it for a while....but knew it was a rare treat, to hold a piece of God's Creation so close.

I realize what I did was considered "wrong" in the eyes of the law...and I really battled with that realization. But morally, I felt strongly that I needed to do my best to give this little one a good start in its life. I am so thankful I had the opportunity to give care to this little one for a bit and tried to make its last moments more comfortable....the idea of it alone on the side of the road in the rain and cold just seems wrong and inhumane! I feel I did the right thing....and honestly, if it ever happens again, I would probably not change a thing about it (except I would snuggle it through the night...even if I had to lay on the floor!).

I hope you enjoy the pictures. It was even more darling in real life! Wish I could share more, but this is all I have!

I hope you are enjoying your week...the weather is just gorgeous here in Pennsylvania and we are all completely enjoying it! Swimming, playing, gardening, hanging clothes out...it's been wonderful! Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope the rest of the week goes well for you!

Kindly,

Katy :)

"We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand... and melting like a snowflake. Let us use it before it is too late."~Marie Beyon Ray

Passion Play!

Spring has arrived and for our church family, it means another two weekends of putting on the Passion Play *The Choice* to packed audiences! It involves a lot of practice, prayer and dedication...but it is worth it. I was told, by a man who attended the play, for the first time, on Friday, that sometimes you can tend to think that a "church play" will be kind of boring and not well done...but he was thrilled to say that it was just *amazing* and wishes he could watch it every night (it is performed for 4 nights total...and tickets are always gone!)! He said everyone played their role so realistically and well. It is a joy to have my family involved in such a ministry! We also just love our church family....beautiful people they are, truly!

The pictures above and below are of the last songs...when the whole cast is on stage!


**Behind the Scenes**

Jaxson and Madelyn...

Cuban Bread, I made for "props" during the *marketplace* scene...

Jaxson, doing a craft between scenes...

Xavier, the little man...


And look at this little guy...isn't he cute? His owner offered him to our family. They are trying to find him a good home. I just don't know what to do. After losing my sweet girl, Stu, I am nervous to raise another sheep. Chris said it was totally my decision (but he said if we do get him, he is naming him Gyro! ha!). Just thinking about the fact that Stu passed away makes me want to cry. So it is something we are debating (for now, he is making his acting debut in the passion play!)...

My silly Christopher...

The boys...

Miss Madelyn...

Jaxson and X (and our friend, Chris aka: Pilate, in the background!)...

Chris and Chris...putting the alters and such, back, for church services on Sunday! Strong guys!


We are all etremely tired but the day goes on! ;) Today, dishes are done, laundry is going, beds are made...I need to make bread, continue with some housework and work on schooling with the children! A full, busy and enjoyable day ahead! I hope you are enjoying your day, as well! Thank-you for stopping by!

Kindly,
Katy :)

He must increase, but I must decrease. ~John 3:30

Love Notes

I receive love notes, daily. I am quite blessed in that way. :) *Most* of them come from Xavier...but Madelyn and Jaxson give me a great number, as well. Xavier wrote the note, above. It says "Dear mom, I love you. I will not whine wen (when) I do my scoll (school)." Truly sweet, isn't it?

Madelyn made me this note...

Isn't that a pretty butterfly? And here is what it says inside...

She loves me more than salami! Now *that* is love! ;)
Another note from X, below. He loves to do block letters and numbers. (Unfortunately, he likes to do that when answering schoolwork questions in his workbooks too...!)...

Do you notice on the bottom of X's note, above, says "I love both uv (of) um (them)"...hehe! I love that. :) And one, X left me on a chalkboard...

Oh, and there are so many more...I honestly receive them in abundance. It makes my heart soar! How can you *not* feel loved when you get love notes?

I also have a love note that is breathed from the very lips of God. It is the greatest love note I have ever received...and it is one that has been written to you too! If you haven't read it yet, it tells of God's love for us, His people. He loved us, so much, that He sent His Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to live, teach and die for us. Have you ever had someone love you, that much? To take every wrong thing you have done, are doing, and will do upon Himself and suffer in your place?

Just knowing this, though, isn't enough. He wants to live within you. He wants His Holy Spirit to fill and work *in* you! It's a purifying of the heart...taking out (repenting of) all the sin that has held you back and letting it go. Asking forgiveness and then walking away from it. It's a striving to live a holy and righteous life...knowing that perfection is not-obtainable this side of Heaven...but truly trying to live for Him and not self, anymore.

My heart desires for you to know my Jesus. I want you to know His Love, His Peace, His Joy. If you don't know Him, please, feel free to email me *anytime*...to talk and for prayer. Only He can save you. There are so many, faceless people who visit my blog....thousands of page views per week. Most don't comment, and that is OK. But I don't know each of you. I don't know your hurts, pains, joys, loves. I don't know where your faith stands...but I do wish for *each* of you to know you are saved. Let Him love you, because He *does*...and tells you in His Word. It is the best love you will ever know. :)

Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.
1 John 4:7-12 (emphasis mine)

And this morning, as I read in that beautiful love note from God, I read this passage:

Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Isaiah 40:28-31

Complete encouragement, isn't it? :)

We have had snow, rain, sleet and even a bit of sunshine the past few days.

See the ice hanging from the swingset, below? Brrr! But then, look behind it and see the beautiful wood stove...ablaze, keeping us warm inside! :)

Smiles abound in our hearts and on our faces...


The children have been doing well with their studies. One valuable resource I recommend to anyone educating at home are these two books...

Easy Homeschooling Companion and Easy Homeschooling Techniques...both by Lorraine Curry. I had seen the Companion book recommended by Jewels on her blog. So I thought I would check it out. I, then, decided to also get the Techniques book. I really have enjoyed them...full of wisdom and ideas! :)

Jaxson, coloring...


My beloved-shadow, Ruthie. She always rests her head on the wrungs under the chairs. I don't see how that could possibly be comfortable...but it must be! :) Also a few other pictures from around my home...




I am so glad you stopped by. If you are one of those faceless page-views I mentioned above, please, feel free to say *hello*! I would love to hear from you! You don't have to be a blogger. It's always great to meet new friends! I hope you have a great end of your week!

Joyfully,
Katy :)

He must increase, but I must decrease. ~John 3:30