HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Freedom from Want by Norman Rockwell

Freedom of Speech by Norman Rockwell

Freedom of Worship by Norman Rockwell

Freedom from Fear by Norman Rockwell

Psalm 95:1-6 - “O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also.The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land. O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.”

A Week of Thanksgiving

By Nancy Leigh DeMoss

God’s Word teaches that thankfulness ought to be a way of life. But in the
reality of our daily lives, it is so easy for discontentment, murmuring, complaining, criticizing, or even bitterness to displace the “attitude of gratitude.” Cultivating a thankful heart will result in speaking thankful words. But we all need periodic reminders to be thankful, and, for most of us, developing the habit of thankfulness may require some practice! Here are some practical suggestions for devoting one week to practicing thankfulness. You may even want to include the whole family in this project.

Day 1
Every chapter in the book of Colossians has at least one reference to thankfulness. Read the following verses and jot down a thought that stands out to you (Colossians 1:3, 12; 2:7; 3:15, 17; 4:2):

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Someone has defined gratitude as “learning to recognize and express appreciation for the benefits which I have received from God and others.” Try to memorize this definition today, and review it at least once each day this week.

Day 2
Before we can express our gratitude, we must take time to recognize and identify the specific blessings that we have received from God and others.

Make a list of all the material and spiritual blessings you can think of that you have received from the Lord. Then stop and thank God for each item on your list.

Spiritual Blessings (If you need help getting started, try reading the first chapter of Ephesians!)

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Material Blessings

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Day 3
Today, focus on expressing gratitude to and for your family members. Make a list of each member of your family (mate, parents, children, brothers, sisters, etc.). Then next to each name, write one quality about their life for which you are particularly grateful.


Family Members; Qualities I Appreciate

1. ____________________

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2. ____________________

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3. ____________________

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4. ____________________

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5. ____________________

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6. ____________________

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7. ____________________

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8. ____________________

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9. ____________________

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10. ____________________

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Take time to thank God for each member of the family He has given you. Then pick three individuals from your list to whom you can express gratitude today, either in person, by phone, or by means of a note. You might want to begin by saying something like this:

“I thanked God for you today, and I want you to know how grateful I am that you are part of my family, and especially for this particular quality that I see in you . . .” (You may want to express gratitude to someone on your list who has been especially difficult to love!)

Day 4
Make a list of other individuals who have blessed or touched your life in some way. You may want to include pastors, teachers, friends, business associates, neighbors, authors, leaders of Christian ministries, etc. As you write each name, ask yourself, “Have I ever thanked that person for the way God has used him/her in my life?” Put a check mark next to each individual to whom you have expressed gratitude.

Day 5
Call or write three people on the list you made yesterday, to express your gratitude for their influence and ministry in your life.

Day 6
Paul instructed the Ephesian believers to “give thanks always for all things . . .” (Eph. 5:20).

One man of God told of meditating on this verse while he was brushing his teeth one morning. He was challenged by the thought of thanking God for everything! He said, “I began by thanking God for my toothbrush. Then I thanked Him for the toothpaste. Then I realized that I had never thanked God for my teeth!” He went on to ask this probing question: “If tomorrow’s supply depended on today’s thanksgiving, how much would I have tomorrow?”

As you go through this day, try to consciously thank God for all things . . . small things and big things!

Day 7
As you have been focusing on thankfulness, have you found some people, items, or circumstances for which it is not easy to be thankful?

Dr. Helen Roseveare, long-time missionary doctor in the Congo, told of a point in her life when she was shamefully mistreated at the hands of rebel soldiers. She described the painful struggle that took place in her heart, as she sought to make some sense out of the humiliation and physical suffering she had undergone. Then she told of the release and peace that came when she sensed God asking her,

“Helen, are you willing to give me thanks for that which I may never give you the privilege of understanding?”


Make a list of past or present circumstances, events, trials, or relationships for which you may never have given thanks. Then, as an expression of faith and an exercise of obedience, say, “Lord, I choose to give You thanks for ________ and ________, which You may never give me the privilege of understanding.”

In so doing, you will be acknowledging that God is the “Blessed Controller” of everything that touches your life, and that you trust Him and His sovereign choices for your life.


Difficult things for which God wants me to give thanks:

1. _______________________________________________________

2. _______________________________________________________

3. ________________________________________________________

4. ________________________________________________________

Now that you’ve spent a week focusing on gratitude, we’d like to challenge you to make a lifetime habit of giving thanks. In fact, you’ll discover that the whole world looks different, when you learn to see it through eyes of thankfulness!

© Revive Our Hearts. Used with permission. www.ReviveOurHearts.com. Info@ReviveOurHearts.com

A Season of Rest

Today was my last day of work at Central Christian School as a prek-3 teacher. I took this job in July when I was feeling like my normal self, no pain, or headaches.

As many of you know, since early September I have been in great pain that has rocked my whole life. Simple, daily tasks have become too hard. I have become more of a hermit and just ask my kids about how grouchy I have been. I stuck it out at the school for 3 months, but each day in the classroom was very taxing on my body. Working would spiral me downward and put me in more pain until I could rest up on the weekend to just do it all over again. The last month at school I missed more work than I liked which made it hard for the kids and the school who had to find last minute subs.

It was nearly three weeks ago that I put my resignation in due to my husbands request. He kind of put his foot down. So here I am, done with the first job that I have had since I was 22. I didn't last long did I? I have taken myself out of everything. I removed myself from worship team, all church ministries and now work. I guess this is just another season in my life. A season to rest my body and get it healthy, God willing.

Today was good day. I made it through the day with minimal pain and had a blast with the preschoolers. I have come to love 13 three year olds like my own in just three months. It was a very hard, emotional ending, and I cried. I feel some relief from the physical part of work but I will miss hanging out, playing and teaching these kids. I am hoping to go and help once in awhile in the class so I can get some time with them. They seemed to like that idea too.

What About Those Beavers? OSU-19 Arizona-17

Last night was another big game for OSU. They played Arizona, who gave them quite a run for their money. I have never, let me repeat, NEVER, heard my husband yell so loud as he did last night during the fourth quarter of the game. I wouldn't be surprised if he had no voice for Sunday worship today. He was even getting the kids to yell and get into it. Emma had her pom poms and bouncing on and off the couch cheering for the players. I was blogging of course and trying to watch the game at the same time. Michael kept telling me to watch the game. He told me to stop blogging and watch or I'd miss it. I saw all I needed to see; Kahut kick the winning field goal the last couple of seconds of the game. I was just happy that he redeemed himself after missing an important extra point that could have tied them up. But I can't forget the 47 yard kick Kahut made just at the end of the first half. Have you seen the guy up close? He looks like he's only 15! Way to go Kahut, who is from Clakamas, Oregon. My hubby can now relax and save whatever voice he has left for the Civil War game next Saturday. They are now that much close to the Rose Bowl and possibly playing against Penn State. Beavers haven't been to the Rose Bowl since 1965!!!! I think it's about time!!! Don't forget to watch the Civil War game, OSU vs. U of O next Saturday. If your not a Beaver fan them become one for just one game!!! Cheer those Beavers onto the Rose Bowl!!

Mandi's "Second" Mom

I just read a very sweet post that my friend Amanda wrote. I encourage you to check out her blog. I just love her perspective on life and what she writes about. I was especially blessed by what she wrote about my daughter, Mandi. http://pslittleworld.blogspot.com/2008/11/weekend-guest.html

Last weekend while Michael and I were out of town Amanda(my friend) took Mandi (my daughter) for the weekend. Mandi had an important student council meeting/party that she really didn't want to miss. So she got to spend the weekend with this very special family. Mandi feels so comfortable with this family and really loves their 3 boys. More than that she has really connected with my friend Amanda and calls her her "second mom". Nope, I don't feel threatened. If I were Mandi's age Miss Amanda would be the kind of woman I would seek out to get to know and even want to be mentored by. I am so glad that she is in my daughters life! Oh yeah, I am glad that I have her as a friend also.

"Amanda, thank you so much for loving on my daughter and investing in her life. You are welcome to steal her away anytime for some girl time. I just might want to come too. " :)

Happy Birthday !!!

We have a lot of birthdays to celebrate in November. Today is Michael's Mom's birthday!!! I know better than to tell her age, but she looks darn good for being........ ! You see, for years we never really new Nettie's age. She did such a great job hiding it. I think once she turned 40 she decided to stay there. I don't know why she isn't proud of her age because she doesn't look it at all. She also has the energy of someone in their 20's. She can run circles around me!! It was the other month that Emma asked me how old Nana was. I truly didn't know! I didn't know her birth date so I couldn't answer Emma. Later while we were visiting Nana's house, Emma decided to nonchalantly ask Nana when she was born. Low and behold she gave the month, day and year. I think Nana forgot that Emma can do math now! The cat was out of the bag. Now I know her age but I promise not to tell.

Happy Birthday Mom! I wish we could all help you celebrate tonight. Just another reason why I miss not being in the same town as family. Thank you for almost 20 years of love and acceptance. You bring so much wonderfulness (is that a word?)into my life and the life of my husband, kids and others. You are so nurturing, loving, and giving, and I hope that your day is filled with all that for you!

From all of us here in Redmond........Happy Birthday!!!!! We love you so much!

Doctor Visit Update

I saw my doctor today who did my Thoracic Outlet surgery in April. I was hoping that he had some thoughts on my pain. He felt very confident that a lot of my pain is due to my body getting use to living without all the stuff he took out of me. He thinks it is more muscular than neurological. He recommended a chiropractor that might help me.

My doctor is a very confident and I always walk out of the office feeling like he knows what he is talking about. It still leaves the big question as to why I am having such horrible headaches. I go back to the Brain and Spine specialist on Monday and will talk to him some more about my headaches.

I have 2 more days left of school. They found a replacement teacher for my class. I believe she will do a wonderful job with the preschoolers. I am really going to miss those sweet 3 year olds. I have come to enjoy them and love them so much. I hope to spend time in the classroom helping with crafta when I feel good so that I can still be around them. But for now, I just physically can not do my job. It just wasn't fair to the kids or my family. The preschoolers got a very tired, always in pain teacher who was usually on some kind of medication and my family got the worst of me at home due to my long, painful days at school. I am praying that we can keep our four children at the school and that I can generate enough income from home to pay the bill. I am thinking through ways that I can make money at home.

I can't explain just how much peace I am feeling lately about all my pain. I don't know if this is long term or not but I know that God has a plan in all of this for He is God!

In my distress may I seek Your favor, O Lord my God and humber myself greatly before You, the god of my father, for I know that You are God. (2 Chronicles 33:12-13)

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)

Our First 3 Portland Trips

Our first trip as Newly weds to Portland. I was only 20!!

Second trip to Portland. Now we are expecting our first child-Amanda! Lovely maternity shirt!!

Third trip to Portland. Mandi was 10 months old.

Trip to the Portland Zoo!

In my last post I mentioned that I had to miss out on a very important girls weekend with friends from G.P. Instead, I went to Portland and joined my husband, children and in-laws. You see, this is an annual trip that we have taken for the last 15 years!! My father- in-law has been on the Oregon State School Board, and every year they have their convention in Portland. The first year that Michael and I attended,we were newly weds and sooooo young. Back then we had no children and we got to experience the joy of playing with our nieces and nephew who were very young. In fact I just saw a video of us at Chuckee Cheese's with the fam in Portland. Michael and I looked like kids ourselves!! We were so in love!!! We still are -it's just that kids kind of take the focus off US.

Through the years we have made almost all of these Portland trips. No matter where we were living, (Wenatchee, Tacoma, Eugene) we were there. I remember being pregnant with Amanda, Jeff, Emma and Joshua. We were there even when I was going through chemo! I think we have missed 1 or 2 years. I can't really remember but I hope to find past pictures to document which years we weren't able to go. Honestly, I only remember always going.

The early years with the kids we were loaded down with baby strollers, gracos, and baby bottles. We quickly out grew the hotel room that we always shared with my in-laws and had to upgrade to a two room suite. We always have Michael's birthday dinner at some delicious restaurant. His favorite is Gustav's Bavarian Restaurant. We ride the max, visit Pioneer Place and just have tons of fun!

This year we visited the Zoo! Josh was very little when we went last so I knew he would enjoy it a lot. This was a first for us to visit the zoo without all the baby gear. It is so much easier to maneuver. Of course the kids are more prone to run ahead and get lost when they aren't strapped in a stroller. What a beautiful day for the zoo. No rain and around 65 degrees. All the animals were out showing off to us and the crowds weren't too bad. We had my (almost) 15 year old niece, Kady with us. She was so much fun to hang out with. She is also so wonderful with the kids. Kady was just 3 months old when Michael and I got married. I can't believe she will be driving soon.

The zoo trip set me back pain wise for several days but as I look over the pics I am so glad that I was able to take part in such fun memories. Below are a few pictures, it's hard to just pic a few!

The last few pictures were of us riding home on the MAX after a very long day at the zoo! Emma's face says it all!!!

I had my car packed and I was very ready for a girls weekend away at the beach house in Brookings, Oregon. I just had to finish 1 day of school and then head over the mountain and down 1-5 to total rest and relaxation! BUT....Sometimes life doesn't go the way we plan it.

Thursday morning I was having an exceptional day at school, enjoying my very sweet preschoolers. At the end of the first class I started getting one of my horrible headaches and I just spiraled downward from there. When Michael came to pick up Josh from school he found me in my classroom laying on the floor. Just before he got there my headache was so bad that I started seeing stars and got very dizzy. As you can imagine, my husband was a little surprised to find me on the floor.

The office found a sub for me and Michael drove me home to put me to bed. We left my packed car at the school. I knew then that my weekend plans had been spoiled. Boy, did I feel so disappointed. The kind of disappointment that a kids feels when Christmas comes and the present they were hoping to get was not under the tree.

I contemplated going Friday morning but the drive to Brookings is 6 hours. Michael felt it was best for me not to drive. Which was a very smart decision because I have had a couple more episode like the one at school with my headaches.

After I got over my disappointment and having a huge pity part, I thanked God for protecting me from a worse experience that could have happened on the rode in the middle of who knows where. I have been known to over spiritualize things but I do believe that there is a reason for everything. I believe God had his hand in all of this.

I ended up going with Michael and the kids to Portland. The thought was, I could spend my days in the nice Mariott Hotel if I didn't feel good. Plus, he felt much better having me with him so he could keep an eye on me. I had a nice time with my family in Portland, and I felt good some of the time. I have many pics to post of the family in Portland. I hope to do that soon!

Children In Crisis: The Need For A Biblical Foundation

Whoever would love life

and see good days

must keep his tongue from evil

and his lips from deceitful speech.

He must turn from evil and do good;

he must seek peace and pursue it.

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous

and his ears are attentive to their prayer,

but the face of the lord is against those who do evil.

-1 Peter 3:10-12-

How do I keep my kids from doing evil but to do good? How do I train my children so that when they leave the house and they are on their own they will live by God's standards and not the worlds? How can I give my children a biblical worldview instead of the one the world teaches? I am constantly on my knees asking God to help me parent these children. Because they were given to me from Him!

I was recently doing some reading about the Post Modern era that we live in and then on Sunday we had a speaker that also talked on this subject. I read that 9 out of 10 young people accept the existence of God, the existence of the Trinity, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and the fact that every person has an eternal soul. More than 4 out of 5 want to have a close relationship with God. I read that two-thirds or more of the nation's 13 year-olds are at least some what persuaded that the Bible is totally accurate in its teachings, that they have a personal responsibility to share their religious beliefs with others and that circumstances do not justify theft.

BUT, Three-quarters believe the following:

*The devil does not exist-Satan is just a symbol of evil.

*A good person earns entry into heaven by doing enough good works.

*People are morally neutral and make a choice as to become good or bad.

*All of the sacred books from different religious traditions(i.e, the bible, the Koran, the Book of Mormon)are merely different expressions of the same spiritual truths and principles.

*Spiritual and moral truth can only be discovered through logic, human reason and person experience.

Two-thirds believe the following:

*Praying to deceased saints can have a positive effect on your life.

*The Bible discourages sin but never describes it as an innate behavior.

Half or more than half contend the following:

*Life either has no meaning or the meaning is realized through hard work, which produces the resources to enjoy comfort and security.

*There are no absolute standards for morals and ethics.

*Life is either a random series of acts or predetermined, but we have no real say in how our lives unfold.

*When Jesus Christ lived on Earth, He committed sins.

*The Bible does not specifically condemn homosexuality.

Now to place these views in context, I read that only 3 percent of the nation's 13 year-olds have a biblical worldview, which serves as the foundation for their decision making. This is most likely the case because the youth today are basing their decisions on their feelings or on what other people expect of them instead of the work of God, the Bible. The sad statistic of all of this is that more than two out of every three 13 year-olds say that they will not alter any of their core beliefs in the future.

I was so troubled by this information. I immediately asked Mandi, my almost 13 year-old a series of questions to see what her biblical view was. Thankfully, she was right on. This is all a great reminder that Michael and I are the ones to teach the Bible to the kids. It is not the church's job, or the Christian school's job. Of course they do play a role in it, but if I left it up to them I might find that later on down the road my children aren't living life with a biblical worldview.

It is all about biblical integration. integrate the Bible into every day life. Help your children see through the Bible how we are to live, act, and speak. I love this quote by Abraham Lincoln-

"In regard to this Great Book, I have but to say, I believe the Bible is the best gift God has given to man. All the good Savior gave to the world was communicated through this Book. But for this Book we could not know right from wrong. All things most desirable for man's welfare, here and her after, are to be found portrayed in it."

So while it might be hard to prevent every worldly thing from getting into our child's head, as parents we can definitely give them a foundation of moral truth that will help them when they leave the house. this foundation is God's Word. The Bible isn't just a set of rules and regulations but God's instruction for Biblical living which will bring forth a joyful and fulfilling life. This will help them be mothers and fathers, citizens, employees and friends. The list goes on. As you read above, this has to happen from when they are young. Let me tell you from experience that the teen years come way too fast. Deuteronomy 6:6-8 says:

"These commandments that I give to you today are to be upon our hears. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when yo get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the door frame of your houses and on your gates."

I think the Bible is very clear on this and I couldn't say it better. Your whole life, from sun up to sun down is teaching your child about God, and what His Word says. At the breakfast table, in the car on the way to school, in the car on the way home from school, at dinner, at bedtime, Anytime and every time is a perfect time to integrate the Bible into your child's life. This will give them the best foundation in living a life that is pure and pleasing to God. Psalm 119:9-10 says-

"How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to Your word. I seek You with all my heart; do not let me stray from Your commands."

This info came from handouts that I got at Central Christian School when I was going through training on Worldviews and Biblical Integration.

Albert E. Greene, Reclaiming The Future of Christian Education: A Transforming Vision (Association of Christian Schools International, Colorado Springs, CO 1998)

Girls Weekend!!!

I am so excited about my weekend away! I leave tomorrow to drive 6 hours to Brookings, Oregon for my very special friends 30 birthday bash. You see, instead of someone throwing a party for her, she is throwing a weekend get away for her friends. These are all friends from my past in Grants Pass and I am very excited to reconnect with them. Please pray for my travels there and back. The weather is cooperating very nicely.

Michael and the kids, minus mandi are heading over to Portland for the weekend. This has been a tradition for 15 years that we have not missed except for once. It always lands around Michael's birthday. We go because Michael's dad is on the Oregon School Board and this is there big convention for the year. We stay at the Marriot and bum around Portland with Michael's mom while Dad Kuhlman is in meetings. As you can tell I am missing it this year for the girl's get away. I have mixed emotions because I love hanging out with the kids, Michael, and his mom and dad, but this is a fun opportunity for me. I hope to take lots of pics of the beach and I'm sure my mom in law will sent me lots of the weekend in Portland.

Happy Birthday Michael!

On Sunday the 12th of November, 1967 @ 6:18 pm, Jeffrey Michael Kuhlman was born at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Corvallis, Oregon. He weighed in at 9 pounds and a 1/2 ounce and was 21 inches long. It is recorded that his mother asked "why is he so Purple?" and father said "Oh, no! I was hoping it would be a girl!" The nurse answered,"shall I tell her to put it back and try again?!!!"

The headlines in the Corvallis newspaper on this wonderful day stated that the Beavers upset Southern Cal, 3-0. This Oregon State football victory called by many "the greatest OSU victory of all time". Michael's birth announcement was a football that had the OSU and USC score on it along with the birth statistics.


Now you can see why he is such a great OSU fan!!! He didn't have a choice!


Happy Birthday my sweet husband! I hope you have a fantastic day and all your wishes come true. You are such a wonderful, loving daddy and a loving, devoted husband. I count it a privilege to be your wife. Oh yeah, I don't think you look a bit over 40!!! You wear your age well. Like a great wine, you just get better with age. Of course, I will always be younger than you. LOL!!!!
Love, Kristin


I love you daddy, I hope you have a good birthday! I had lots of fun with you at Klamath Falls. Your the best, Jeffrey

Hi daddy, your are an amazing dad, and I love you so much. Hope you have a great b-day!Love, Mandi

Dear daddy, I love you and have a good birthday! Thank you for having cake. Love, Joshua

Dear dad, Your the best dad ever. You are amazing! Thank for working hard at your job and taking care of us. I hope you have a good birthday and all your wishes come true.Love, Emma

Someone is Having a BIRTHDAY!!!!

I am gearing up for Michael's birthday. I am so addicted to blogging that I have to have it just right for Michael's birthday. Music, Pictures, the whole enchilada!! There will be more on my wonderful husband's birthday tomorrow!!! So for now..... enjoy the goofy birthday music!

LOOK MOM, NO TRAINING WHEELS!!!

It is Sunday afternoon, Michael is home from K Falls and we are all relaxing after church. Josh is trying with all his might to get his daddy to get up and go to the store to get him training wheels. You see, just before Michael and Jeff left for the weekend he PROMISED, yes I did say promised that he would buy training wheel at Wal Mart so Josh could learn the new bike that Pastor Curtis gave him. From what I understand this is a very nice bike that he was trying to sell but asked Michael if we had a need for it. So Michael brought the bike home to see if Josh would fit it.

Back to today! Michael decided to forgo training wheels and have Josh learn how to ride a bike from the get go. Being that he is almost 5 and Emma was riding a two wheel bike at the age of 4, he most assuredly thought Josh would take after his big sis!!! I had no idea that Michael was doing this. I was still in my cozy bed getting completely lost in a great book while the rest of the family was cheering Joshy on. Finally, Jeff ran up the stairs and yelled for me to come watch Josh. By the time I got there Josh was riding like a pro,well, almost! No, seriously, within 5 or 10 minutes Josh had learned to ride this bike.

I had to quickly put my hurt aside and join in the cheering. I hoped that Josh didn't notice that I wasn't there from the start because this is definitely an important mild stone that should not be missed.

Sick!!!

I can't believe it! Last night I got sick with the real bad throw up kind that lasted all night! I was suppose to have parent/teacher conferences all day today, but I didn't make it. How am I ever going to make up seven hours of conferences? I pretty much stayed in bed all day while the kids played and did who knows what. Well actually, I saw the results of one child's play. Josh decided to write with a sharpie all over my chair, plate, blanket and desk. I have no idea what came over him. He has never done such a thing. My only guess is that he was acting out because he didn't like me being in bed all day. I want my husband! or my Mommy!

Michael and Jeff are gone for the weekend to Klamath Falls exploring the Lava Beds National Park with a couple of friends and their sons from high school. I am so glad he left before I got sick because knowing him, he would cancel the whole thing to stay home and take care of me and the kids. He was so sweet on the phone this morning and asked what he could do for me. Seriously, what could he possibly do several hours away except to tell the kids to be helpful. What I wanted to say was please run to the store for me and get me 7up. I told him to just pray that what ever I had would be short lived because I don't want to miss my hair appointment tomorrow.

I hate being sick, but one good thing comes from it.... REST. I have done so much sleeping today I don't think I will be able to sleep tonight. I hope no one else will get sick from me. I can't bare the thought of having another night like last night!!

God Is On His Throne!

We have had many discussions with our children this week on what God says in His Word about people who are in authority. I have 2 kids that are all reved up over the results of the election. I love their passion but realized how I needed to help direct that passion so that it glorified God. I have encouraged them to start praying for the new President, the leaders that he will appoint and for our country. God is on His throne and He reigns over all the nations. All things were created by him. Our new President was created by God! You would think that this would be a no brainer to a 8,10,12 year old who loves God and wants to follow Him, but it was an AH HA moment for them. It just reminds even more the great responsibility I have to train them in the ways of the Lord and to guide them in His Word.

You, O Lord Most High, are awesome,

The great King over all the earth!

You are the King of all the earth,

And I will sing Your praise.

You reign over the nations;

You are seated on Your holy throne. (Psalm 47:2, 7-8)

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. 17He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. (Colossians 1:15-17)

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. (1Timothy 2:1-2)

Here is a sampling of my child's political slogan that was put on a t-shirt. I thought it was pretty clever!

I liked what the Preacher's Wife had to say about disappointment in the outcome of the election. She wrote a blog on it and it is worth reading. Check it out!

http://thepreachers-wife.blogspot.com/2008/11/its-what-we-do-with-disappointment.html

Some Fun Pics From The Past! October 2004