Through Doldrums and Ecstasies

Monday Musings: Adulthood

2012-01-16T09:13:00.000-08:00

Adulthood is something that most people assume just happens. One becomes an adult when he or she reaches 18, gets married, has their first child, goes to college, gets their first steady job..... I suppose all of these things require a level of maturity, but all of these situations can happen to someone still in an "adolescent" phase.

The world would have it that to become an adult means to be independent, to have a mind of your own and make your own decisions without counsel or help from another person.

So, just what is adulthood anyway?

Anna Sofia and Elizabeth Botkin define it this way: "The hallmarks of adulthood are not self-will or self-expression. They are self-denial and self-government." A true sign of adulthood is knowing your place and being willing to submit to your God given authorities, thereby submitting to God Himself. Being an adult is doing what is asked and required of you, without having to be coaxed or prompted.

The question is: How would you define Adulthood?

Our Fall Trip: Ridgecrest

2012-01-14T07:01:00.000-08:00

The day before the conference, we went with the Bartons and the Knights to a local geyser.

Butterfly and Kate! : )

Beautiful fountains!

From a photographer's perspective!

We found a bench and had fun!

Family photo!

The LaPores showed up!

The Knights!

Amanda- intense photographer!

Lovely Barton Ladies

Dave and Sarah matched!!

Mom and I behind the geyser (with a lovely crane for background!)

Love those sisters! : )

We took a picture of the foliage through mom's sunglasses and it gave it a vintage look!

Hannah and I were able to spend some time together, which was such a blessing! Here's adorable Nabby!

The view from the back door of our room at the conference.

I didn't take any photos of the actual conference, because we were to busy bustling here and there and chatting with people, but I wish I had! Hopefully next year!

Of Boys and Army Men...

2012-01-11T06:49:00.000-08:00

Ethan (ie. captain of the minutemen): Do you surrender??
Dad (ie General of the British Army): Never! We'll fire until we see the whites of their eyes! Oh, wait..... forget it! Just shoot 'em!

Our Fall Trip: Colonial Williamsburg

2012-01-10T09:04:00.000-08:00

Thomas Jefferson (As he was talking, a helicopter flew overhead and he mentioned something about how the Americas were filled with new scientific discoveries, like these enormous dragonflies!!)

One of the highlights of our fall trip was going to Colonial Williamsburg. A village in Virginia that has been conserved and originated pre-Revolutionary war.
The jaol appears to be empty..... but for one prisoner...

Upon visiting the cabinetmaker, we found a harpsichord and were allowed to play it! It was such a neat experience, as it was the instrument used by composers like Bach, Correlli and Handel. Apparently cabinetmakers were also responsible for repairing harpsichords and also for wallpapering!
The cabinetmaker even gave me a Bach invention to try out!

How many eagles can you count in this chair? (hint, if you look beyond the chair you'll find a couple as well! )

The workshop

Look whose been locked in the stocks!!

The kitchen where Ethan discovered that little boys his age were also taught to cook, in the event that they may have to feed themselves from time to time. His epiphany: "Hey! If I learn how to cook, than I won't ever have to get married!" (the marriage conference changed his mind, thankfully!)

The Governor's Palace

These as well as rows and rows of guns lined the walls of the mansion, in the halls and even up the stairways!!

Our tour guide.

The ball room

View of the Palace from the Palace Green!

The tavern in which we ate lunch! So fun!

We were seated in the basement, which gave it a tavern, aesthetic feeling all the more!

Mmmmm.... Mom and I had Bangers and Mash (also known as Mashed potatoes and sausage)

We were able to witness a re-enactment in the middle of the street.

Patrick Henry

This poor fellow was nearly tarred and feathered! (Which is actually a whole lot more barbaric than it seems!)

I spy with my little eye....

We only were able to see about 1/3 of the village. We would love to go back again, spend a week and take a crowd with us! Who wants to join??

Top Books

2011-12-29T14:04:00.000-08:00

The books we read during our life will impact us in some shape or form. This being said, it is important to choose wisely! Out of the 40 books I read in 2011 I wanted to share the top 6 that had the greatest effect on my life:

This has got to be one of my favorite books, ever. It's so encouraging for my season of life and current walk! If you're a daughter still at home or you want to know more about what it's like to live fruitfully at home before marriage, this is a must read!
This book is a necessity for every Christian woman- I think one of our biggest problems is an ungrateful heart toward the Lord!
Our purpose is to glorify the Lord AND enjoy Him forever. This book is about how to glorify God BY enjoying Him forever!
Most people, in some form or other, have a fear of man. This is directly the opposite of what we are commanded to do in fearing God, rather than man. A much-needed change for this girls' heart!
Surrender to the will of God- it's the best thing we can do!
Just the title of this book convicts me! I think I may make it an annual or bi-annual read. It's worth being reminded of what our lives are all about! (Plus, it's a John Piper book!)

So, what were your top reads for this past year? What's on your reading list for 2012??

Monday Musings: Resolutions

2011-12-26T08:10:00.000-08:00

In consideration of two things (one, being my last post on examining things and two being the upcoming start of a new year), my mind tends to dwell on that of goals and resolutions.

Annually, during the last week of December, I reflect on the year past and think about the year to come. I often read through my journal of the past year, look through my notes from my morning devotions and browse through photos. This helps recall to my memory all of the events and the lessons I've experienced and learned over the last 365 days. I've wrestled with this a little bit recently, wondering if it's a waste of time or too much self-focus.

Goals and resolutions can get out of hand. We can become so fixated on our own sanctification that we neglect those around us. This is pride and self-worship. But, this kind of reflection and resolution is not the type I have in mind. My aim in musing over the past year is three-fold:

1. To see the hand of the providence of God in my life and to give Him praise and thanksgiving for it.

2. To seal in my heart the lessons that the Lord has taught me.

3. To seek to walk in the ways that the Lord would have me to walk in for the upcoming year.

So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

~ Psalm 90:12

John Piper says that at the end of each year, he looks upon it as if it were his last. He ponders which things were a blessing and which things were not done well. He reflects on his satisfactions and his regrets. And then, he thinks about the upcoming year as a gift from God; another opportunity to live with less regrets. I think that this year, I'll do the same. I'll prayerfully muse on this past year and seek the Lord's counsel on how He'd wish me to live in 2012. I want to set goals that will glorify the Lord, each with a scriptural reason as to why this is a goal.

Therefore He says, "Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light." See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time because the days are evil.

~ Ephesians 5:14-16

So with that being said, what are your thoughts on goals and resolutions? Will you be making any for 2012?

Nollaig Shona Duit!

2011-12-23T09:36:00.000-08:00

11:30 pm. I sit in front of the Christmas tree sipping chamomile tea and listening to the dark silence of the house. Everyone is sleeping and the lights on the tree are the sole illuminate of the room. They cast shadows and incite thoughts.

Gifts. What's the purpose? We spend profuse amounts of time and money buying things, making sure we get the right ones and cover everyone who needs to be given something. If this stood alone and had no significance behind it, it would be wasted time and energy indeed. But, it isn't. It is a symbolic gesture. A gesture of love that reflects the adoration of the Magi for the new Baby King and a reminder to us of the best gift we will ever receive. The gift that extends to eternity and never fades, from the God who is love and gave us His most precious thing, though we aren't worthy. It reminds me of a story by O. Henry about a young couple who both sold their most precious possessions to buy a gift for each other, but was done with joy and out of great love:

The Magi, as you know, were wise men- wonderfully wise men- who brought gifts to the Babe in the manger. They invented the art of giving Christmas presents. Being wise, their gifts were no doubt wise ones, possibly bearing the privilege of exchange in case of duplication. And here I have lamely related to you the uneventful chronicle of two foolish children in a flat who most unwisely sacrificed for each other the greatest treasures of their house. But in a last word to the wise of these days let it be said that of all who give gifts, these two were the wisest. Of all who give and receive gifts, such as they are wisest. Everywhere they are wisest. They are the magi.

To differ with Mr. Henry, the inventor of the Christmas gift was the Lord God, Himself. If we think of this when giving presents to those we care about, then maybe we will:

...on Christmas day.... remember Who made lame beggars walk and blind men see. (A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens)

If giving a gift doesn't mean this to us, then maybe we should re-think the tradition. Or, better yet, change our attitudes about giving....

Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before!

"Maybe Christmas," he thought, "doesn't come from a store."

"Maybe Christmas... perhaps.... means a little bit more!"

Jesus. Jesus is the reason we give gifts. God's pure love is the reason we sing carols and bake cookies to give to friends. Our total depravity, transcended by God's unfathomable and indelible mercy is why we celebrate this season. The shadow of the cross and the joy of the tomb should cast itself on the manger and in our hearts.

For unto us a Child is born,

Unto us a Son is given;

And the government will be upon His shoulder.

And His name will be called

Wonderful,

Counselor,

Mighty God,

Everlasting Father,

Prince of Peace.

~ Isaiah 9:6

Merry Christmas!

Christmastime Festivities

2011-12-22T11:54:00.000-08:00

We had an early, Thanksgiving snow this year- Marshall forgot to put away his tractor!

The cookie-consuming table at the Shivelys

(Tiersa-R, Ethan and Jo-Jo-L)

Jo-Jo got a little ambitious with the sprinkles!!

Brielle making gingerbread snowmen...

... and taking a self-portrait. My, is she talented! : )

The Bartons' scrumptious peanut butter blossoms.

Sweet Amanda helping Jo-Jo decorate the cookies.

Lovely Ruthie hard at work!

Nabby on her first Christmas caroling adventure!

Judah- SO cute!

Titus could barely move in his snow outfit- everytime he bent over to get something, he couldn't get back up again!!! haha!

Ruthie looking very natural holding miss Abigail Rose.

Emmy-Lou in the process of decapitating a snowman....

Part of our caroling crew!

No caption necessary... oh,wait, I just created one.... ooops!

"God bless us, every one."

Making cookies with Pip and Ti

More dough was consumed than cookies created...

Marshall's creation

We'll just call these "artsy" sugar cookies!

I do hope you all have enjoyed your various Christmas festivities and traditions this year!

That's What I Like About You....

2011-12-19T12:34:00.000-08:00

This is a guest post by my mom. It's for my father as part of the 12 days of Christmas she's giving him. Enjoy all, especially YOU Dad! : )

#1. I love your smiling eyes, even when I've annoyed you.
#2. I love the way you call me during the day just to hear a nice voice on the phone.
#3. I love your stories especially the "blueberry spitball" one.
#4. I love the way you always say thank you for the food I make for you.
#5. I love the way you look at me even when I'm not even "looking good"
#6. I love that you are a man of integrity and are respected by many especially me!
#7. I love that you read God's Word to us every day and try to live what it says.

Bring Back the Andrews Sisters!!

2011-12-17T09:44:00.001-08:00

This is so much fun! My favorite version of Jingle Bells- reminiscent of Bing Crosby and the Andrews sisters!

Monday Musings: Tradition

2011-12-12T08:00:00.000-08:00

In the musical The Fiddler on the Roof, the show opens with a number called "traditions." The main character, talking to the audience asks the question, "And why do we do this? Let me tell you..... I don't know." It's a question I've been asking myself, as we fly through the holiday season.

These past few months the Lord has been challenging me on a deeper level, to examine the things I do on a daily basis; to think about my habits and tendencies in light of scripture. Along with this, He's been directing me to re-evaluate the traditions of men that I take for granted and do out of pattern and often without a thought. We have become so saturated in our culture and in humanism, that our traditions are often of men and of evil origin- which not only is displeasing to our great God, but a waste of the time He has given us. I would encourage you to join me in this and do as scripture says:

Test all things; hold fast what is good.

~ 1 Thessalonians 5:21

What traditions have you been lackadaisically following that may not be honoring to the Lord or that are honoring to the Lord and you've just been ignorant of why you've done it?

Our Fall Trip: Mount Vernon

2011-12-09T19:44:00.000-08:00

History is so interesting! I enjoy reading history and watching historical movies, listening to people tell stories about their experiences in the past and how different events shaped the life they they lead now. This being said, it was such a delight to visit our First President's estate, Mount Vernon, in Virginia.

Do you think Ethan will be as tall as Mr. President?

Mom and Dad on the front veranda of Mount Vernon.

It boasts a beautiful view of the Potomac River.

Ethan and I at the back of Mount Vernon- in our day, it would've been considered the front as it's the side with the "driveway".

This would be considered the front of the mansion- the side facing the river.

Huge tree!! Probably older than Washington himself!

Ethan racing to win the hay maze!

This was Washington's sixteen-sided barn. It acted as a sort of wheat grinder as he strapped his plow horses in and then walked around and around until the wheat was ground.

Isn't it a gorgeous house? We were able to tour the inside, but not able to take any photos. : ( I guess you'll have to visit it yourself to see!

I can't remember the number, but in Washington's day, they caught hundreds and hundreds of fish in the river! He had a booming home economy!

Lady Martha Washington. This lady was impersonating Mrs. Washington and she did such a nice job that we could've just sat there and listened to her sing-song story voice all day! I do remember her saying one thing:

"My mother always taught me never to hurry. A young lady ought never to be hurrying here or there, for it implies that she had been doing something she ought not to have."

Washington was a pioneering farmer- he was innovative and hard working, but loved farming. It was his main hobby.

Although our first President had many, many slaves, he was not a harsh master. And in his will he freed his slaves upon his death, but also made provision for them to stay on and work the farm as paid servants, if they so chose.

The tomb of George Washington

While we were standing outside the tomb, watching a service be performed, Ethan starts giggling, making all kinds of noise and fidgeting. I looked down at him to see him point to his shirt and say "a bird pooped on me!" Haha and ewww! We had to go wash it off. A little while later, still listening to the service, I felt something drop on my head and panicked!! Thankfully, it was just a leaf or nut of some sort. The man standing next to me thought it was rather entertaining....
The gardens at Mount Vernon are beautiful- something you'd think to see in England. He was in favor of using live fencing for his estate- that means he cultivated trees and shrubs to act as a fence for things- I'm sure he had to tie them certain ways to get them to grown in that manner.
There is much to be admired about the character of our first president: humble, hard working, persevering, giving to a fault.... the list could go on! I'd recommend a study of him for yourself!

Two tuckered men!

Thank you Lord, for Presidents like George Washington, for the chance to visit Mount Vernon and enjoy the beauty of Your creation!

Desiring God

2011-12-07T08:06:00.000-08:00

I just love reading John Piper! He's intelligent, expresses himself well, doesn't beat around the bush, but has lots of grace and humility to temper it all.

I recently read his most popular book, Desiring God, and was deeply convicted and encouraged by it. He makes the bold statement that Christians should live a life of pleasure- hedonism. This may sound completely contradictory to the Bible, but it really isn't. If we look at the first question and answer in the catechism in this way, we can see what he means:

Q: What is man's chief end?

A: The chief end of man is to glorify God by enjoying Him forever.

When we find our deepest joys and happiness in the Lord and learn to delight in Him (Psalm 37:4), He receives the most glory. Just as a wife and a husband find the most fulfillment in their marriage when they enjoy one another, not merely performing their duties, but cherishing each other.

I won't share many quotes, as I usually do when I've read a book, but I will end with this 0ne and STRONGLY recommend that you read this book:

"We have accustomed ourselves to such meager, short-lived pleasures that our capacity for joy has shriveled. And so our worship has shriveled."

Monday Musings

2011-12-05T14:16:00.000-08:00

I am fond of aliterations... therefore I thought I'd add a sort of alternating blog post for Mondays entitled "Monday Musings." It will be posts of different things to muse (think) about and I will definitely encourage feed-back comments.

** The above painting is called Woman Seated at a Window Thinking by John George Brown, which I have altered a bit using picnik.**

Fall Trip Part 1: Pennsylvania

2011-12-03T11:47:00.000-08:00

During our trip down to North Carolina, we were able to stop in and enjoy the hospitality of our very dear friends, the Johnsons.

They took us on a lovely Sunday afternoon walk- we just love these!

Mom and TT

Angela and I

Oh look! We've found a play ground!!

No, sadly, no... I'm not brave enough for the bigger slide. This one's more my aptitude!

Swingin' and flyin' with the lovely Angela!

Haha! these two pictures crack me up!

This is the view from the upstairs window.

We missed them as soon as we left- they need to make suitcases big enough to fit people in.....

It's always such a treat to visit with them!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T07:00:00.000-08:00

Not Only on Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23T06:00:00.000-08:00

"Every virtue divorced from thankfulness is maimed and limps along the spiritual road."

~ John Henry Jowett

I once heard it said that the most evident character quality of a Christian should be thankfulness. This is so true! As believers, we know from what we have been spared and how little we deserve it. This should continually drive us to our knees in thanksgiving to God!
One of the books that impacted me the most this year was "Choosing Gratitude" by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. I'll share more about how this changed my thinking in a later blog post, but for now, I'll just share some of the convicting quotes from the book:
"If tomorrow's supply depended on today's thanksgiving, how much would I have tomorrow?"

"Ungrateful people tend to hold tightly to their rights."

"Is the gratitude that flows out of your life as abounding as the grace that flowed into your life?"

My God, I have never thanked You for my thorn!

I have thanked You a thousand times for my roses, but never once for my thorn.

Teach me the glory of the cross I bear;

teach me the value of my thorns.

Show me that I have climbed to You by the path of pain.

Show me that my tears have made my rainbow.

~ George Matheson

I'm convicted as I type these quotes and probing questions, because I so often complain, rather than praise! I so often whine, rather than worship. I often cry for the things I want, instead of thanking God for the things He's given me!

It's important to chronicle the things that the Lord has given us. After reading this book, I started a Gratitude Account and every morning, first thing, I'd write down 5 things that I was thankful for! I've long since stopped doing this- out of negligence and laziness- but I am determined to start up again. My goal is to record 1,000 gifts from the Lord- be they simple or complex. It's not an original idea: 1,000 Gifts

I would encourage you to cultivate a thankful heart by reflecting on the blessings that the Lord has bestowed on you this past year- be they sought-for ones or seemingly hard ones!

"Gratitude is a lifestyle. A hard-fought, grace-infused, biblical lifestyle."

O, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness,

and for His wonderful work to the children of men.

~ Psalm 107:8, 15, 21,31

Fall Felicities

2011-11-21T14:53:00.000-08:00

Fall seemed to fly away so quickly! Here are a few highlights from my favorite month: October!

Kayla took us to Governor's for desert- yum, yum, yum!

My birthday lobster- not long for this world!

I make it a habit to do some reflecting on my birthday. So I usually take a walk on the trails of the Curtis homestead and commune with my Savior!

As I was walking, I was busy praying out loud and looking at my feet when I nearly ran into....

... a porcupine!!

I stepped back, and walked around him, waiting for him to follow me, but he just sat there, munching on his leaf. He even let me get this close to take a photo! What a neat blessing!

My seat of retrospection! ; )

I'd always wanted to see a sunset or sunrise from a mountain top. (Titus didn't seem too thrilled with my dream!)

So, just before dusk, we hiked up monument hill.

And were met with a beautiful, fiery sunset!

Ethan and Marshall found a rock to climb under!

Me and Ben

Just like Daddy!

Dad lead us in the doxology as we sat and gazed at the beautiful colors of the fading day!

Marshall received a balloon.... even though it was MY birthday! ; )

I love these boys!

This is a new kind of trailer- a train trailer!

Ti's first popsicle! His lips were huge afterward!!

Mom sporting her lovely new do for her big 5-0!

Chocolate steamed-pudding, Mom's favorite!

What a blessing to have such a mom!

Interesting position to play guitar in....

Ethan's pj workout!

The warm colors of fall are almost gone now, but thankfully we have the memories of God's blessings stored in our pantries and in our hearts!

I hope you enjoyed a bountiful fall!

Gabriel Edward Denny

2011-11-14T19:17:00.000-08:00

Sweet September Fairs

2011-11-11T13:40:00.000-08:00

This year we went to "The Big O" twice!

The first time with the Smiths (All seven of them!).

Grinding corn.

Matthias fully enjoying the fair!

There were no lines for the ponies, so the boys went on again and again and.....

An adorable kid sporting Eli's hat!

"Pardon me, but I cannot tell who's in front of me. My horns are in the way!"

The second time we took the Wardwell bairns.

This strikes me as rather a humorous photo.

It would've been a nice photo of Stephen, but Ethan put his cheesy hands in front of the camera!!

A mixture of healthy and fried food... go Em!

Emmy-Lou made us really beautiful, and yummy, cookies!

John-Boy thoroughly enjoying his!

My new endeavor.... coming to Leeds in 2012!

A Chick and what once was a chick....

Ti waiting with mommy, Auntie Hannah and Tash at the Hippy Fair, as Marshall calls it (otherwise known as the Common Ground Fair)

Pip, entertaining himself.

Yet more of my favorite farm animal.

It was soo hot out!

Grammy and Marshall sliding down the hay hill- where else would you be able to do this on a piece of cardboard, but at a hippy fair??

Auntie Shay helping Ti slide down.

And so ends our fairly fair fair adventures! : p

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for all of your creatures!

Sweet September Apples

2011-11-05T18:39:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite traditions of the fall is going apple picking. The minute you step into the orchard you can smell that sweet, cider perfume and see the bright red fruit pulling down the branches on each tree.

Pip and Ti, ready to roll.

Ti picks his first apple

Marshall's apple- soon to be devoured.

Marshall eats his apple- seeds, core and all- from the bottom up!

Who's that cute preggo?

The beautiful view of Cochnewagon from Chick's orchard.

Hmmm... a cutesie boy photo amidst the pumpkins proves unsuccessful.

Yes, Marshall, that is GOURDgeous (sorry- I couldn't resist)

Guess who did this? Who's obsessed with trailers right now?

Pretty creative, if you ask me! Do you think it would've made it all the way back home?

I am the Vine, you are the brances. He who abides in Me, and I in him bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

~John 15:5

Sweet September Gatherings

2011-11-04T17:38:00.000-07:00

We invited our church over for a Fried Dough party while we were at Dunn's!

Jess and Sarah- dough rollers extrodinaire

Fully enjoying their dough...

Lovely Emmy-Lou

And a new game we shall title, "Who can leap over Seth?"

Josiah was successful!

All others that tried- Shay, Lance, John, Ethan- came close, but no bananas. : (

Mini-Dennys

And, of course, no Winterbrook gathering is complete with out a few games of Volleyball. : )

Our annual Popham Beach Day

Marshall, looking thoughtful...

Grammy and Ti

Love his little chuckle!

Nabby fell asleep on Auntie Tasha

Marshall all bundled up after playing in the freezing water!

Beautiful new momma and her sweet little girl.

Anna

Half of our crew

The Lord blessed us with a gorgeous sunset at the end of our nice day.

The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork.

~ Psalm 19:1

Sweet September Vacation

2011-11-03T17:00:00.000-07:00

This September we took our annual vacation at Dunn's Camp.

"Dude"

After Marshall caught some millfoil in his net he said, "Nanny, I make a green smoo-ie?"

Ethan found this wig in our cabin and decided to try it out on us....

A Jenna Angle. : )

After having been attending church in Poland for nearly 8 years, we finally got around to hiking the trails on the grounds of Poland Springs.

The spot of one of the original sources for Poland Spring water.

This beautiful tile was above the fireplace in the museum.

This bathroom contained the original glass walls of the building!

I knew it! Mom somehow has stock in water- that's why she's always pushing it!!

Mushrooms are some of the coolest things ever- I have a new found interest in them!

Aparently, you should never pick up any mushrooms. Some are so poisonous that if you get them on your finger and then somehow the oils/residue reach your mouth, it could be fatal! Let's just say I didn't put my hand anywhere near my mouth for the remainder of our trek.

Evidence of fall.

Where's Capulet's trail, that's what I want to know! ; )

Lovely Mum

A tag-along!

I found a monkey!

Since the trail skirt the Poland Springs Inn and Golf Course, guess what Ethan collected along the way?

Ma Pere

All Soul's Chapel- it reminds me of an old English church.

All I can picture is Jonathan Edwards when I look at this pulpit...

Too cold for a fire outside? Just roast marshmallows in the wood stove!

Ahhhh.... c'est la vie!

The boys pop over for a visit and have fun playing with kitchen utensils! Doesn't take much to entertain them!

Return to your rest, O my soul, for the LORD has dealt bountifully with you.

~ Psalm 116:7

Sweet September Entertainment

2011-11-01T12:05:00.001-07:00

Jess and Emmy-Lou at the Mark Schultz concert!

Josiah and Dad- what... interesting expressions. ; )

The Seaside Pavillion

"The Big Event" (i.e. Dad's over 45 league play-off game....)

John-boy and Happy- playing baseball on an ipod while watching the game!

Tammy, Dave and Judah even stopped by!

Ethan's at-bat! : )

The Winners

The devoted fans.

Jenna holding Nabby after seeing Courageous

(if you haven't seen that movie yet, you'd better!)

Shay, Marshall and Ethan skyping the Wardwells on her ipod.

Goin' on a Little Trip

2011-10-21T18:55:00.000-07:00

Here's one of our luggage bags...

Packing, packing, packing.... I'm actually done for now. It's amazing how long it takes one to pack a week's worth of clothing into one little suitcase! Our family will be leaving tomorrow morning for an out-of-state vacation. First we'll be going to visit our dear friends, the Johnsons, in Pennsylvania. I'm so looking forward to a visit with them!

There appears to be a stowe-away!

Ethan and I have been study the life of George Washington for the past two months and what better way to celebrate our completion than to go to his estate, Mount Vernon, in Virginia. We'll also be going to Colonial Williamsburg, which was the capital of Virginia during the Revolutionary war. I think it will really help Ethan (and myself) to cement the events of our first President's life into our minds by actually seeing where he lived!

I suppose he'll have to come with us!

The last neck of our trip will be spend in North Carolina where we'll attend the NCFIC Gospel-Centered Marriages conference. I was listening to a radio program which featured Paul David Tripp and something he said stuck out to me. On the subject of his marriage conferences, the interviewer asked him, "So, who do you think should attend your seminars?" To which he promptly replied, "Teenagers." So, though some may think it strange that a single person attend a series of sermons devoted to the topic of marriage, I would agree with Paul Tripp! It is important that we know the facts about marriage before we enter into that state. It is a reflection of the gospel, and therefore should not be entered into lightly!

Anyway, Lord willing, I will have oodles of photos to put up when we get back, as well as sharing with you the information I learn during the conference. (I've also got some photo journal catching up to do with you, so it's a date!)

God's richest blessings!

America's Holocaust

2011-10-11T17:07:00.000-07:00

***WARNING***

This video has some disturbing images in it, so you may want to watch when children aren't present!

The Sovereignty of God

2011-10-08T15:04:00.000-07:00

I recently finished reading A.W. Pink's The Sovereignty of God. It is such an important book for us to read as believers, because it magnifies the character of God and reminds us of how small we are! There is a song by Francesca Battistelli that correlates well with this book. The chorus goes like this:

When I know that I know what You have down the road,

When I'm sure that I've figured You out,

Help me see that I'm small, that I can't know it all

Cause You're so unpredictable.

(From the song Unpredictable)

As John Piper points out, the happiness of the believer should be rooted in the fact that God is Sovereign. It brings such comfort and peace in times of trials. So, on that note, I thought I'd share a few quotes from this book (which you should all read!!).

"The redemption of man is not an afterthought of God, but was fore-ordained before creation." (Ephesians 3:11)

"The natural man has no desire for holiness on his own. If the Spirit does not plant His holy seed in our heart, we cannot come to God."

"The new birth is no mere turning over a new leaf, but is the inception and reception of a new life! It is radical, revolutionary and lasting!"

"In God's sovereignty, all ground for human boasting is removed!"

"God the Father purposed our salvation; God the Son had to purchase it and God the Spirit has to apply it."
"Prayer is communion with God, therefore a prayer-less life is one without communion with God."

"There could be little to no comfort in praying to a God who is like a chameleon- God's unchangeableness is what encourages us to pray."

"Prayer is not overcoming God's reluctance, but laying hold of His willingness."

“Prayer is coming to God, telling Him our need (or the needs of others), committing our way unto the Lord, and then leaving Him to deal with the case as seems best to Him.”

"Happy is the soul that has been awed by a view of God's majesty, His awful greatness, His ineffible holiness, His perfect righteousness, His irresistible power and His sovereign grace."

"There is no rest for your poor heart until you learn to see the hand of God in everything."

"It is ignorance of doctrine which has rendered the professing church helpless to cope with the rising tide of infidelity."

The LORD reigns,

Let the peoples tremble!

He dwells between the cherubim,

Let the earth be moved!

Psalm 99:1

26 Things

2011-10-05T07:00:00.000-07:00

After 26 years, here are 26 (of many more) things for which I am thankful....

26. God's beauty, pervasive in His creation- humans included!
25. God's provision of all of my basic needs.

24. God's gift of good books which challenge the mind and spur us on to greater godliness.
23. God's ministry of music which reaches the hearts of many.
22. God's creating people with different skills and interests that glorify Himself, further His kingdom and benefit others.

21. God's people, from past ages and generations, who have sacrificed comforts and pleasures, even their lives, for the sake of the gospel and the Word of God.
20. God's grace in choosing America to be my home country.
19. God's providence in the founding of the United states of America and the people He chose as catalysts for this free nation.
18. God's blessing of children who cause us to really think, get outside of ourselves and bring fun!
17. God's love for us that is strong enough to bring us through trials and blessings and to keep stretching and growing us.

16. God's provision of fathers-in-the-faith who exemplify true manhood, and brothers-in-Christ who walk in integrity and the strength of the Lord.
15. God's provision of beautiful, godly mothers-in-the-faith and fellow sisters-in-Christ who inspire, encourage and are constant sources of joy.
14. God's provision of a Pastor who speaks the truth of God's Word and does the hard things and for his family who supports him, loves God's people and sacrifices their time for them.

13. God's providence in bringing us to Winterbrook Fellowship, where we've been and continue to be blessed by godly brothers and sisters (every single one of you!) and true fellowship.
12. God's provision of two caring, compassionate, generous and loving grandmothers.

11. God's provision of two praying, godly, loving and generous grandfathers.
10. God's provision of two sweet nephews who delight my heart and bring such joy!

9. God's answer to prayer in a brother-in-law who loves Him, my sister and his children and seeks their good for the glory of God.
8. God's provision of a godly, loyal, faithful, giving, serving little sister whose friendship I treasure.
7. God's provision of an active, fun, compassionate little brother who teaches me patience and keeps me laughing.

6. God's provision of a loving, serving, godly mother who strives to obey Him and has been a source of wise counsel and friendship.
5. God's provision of a loving, caring and wise earthly father, who provides, protects and teaches us the ways of the Lord. (And who is also a huge source of longevity, due to his making us laugh to add years to our lives....)
4. God's Holy and Inerrant Word, the Bible, which teaches us how we may walk and please God.

3. God's sending the Holy Spirit, the Helper, to guide and direct our steps.
2. God's Sovereign rule over all His creation, coupled with His infinite wisdom and goodness!
1. God's saving grace, unworthy that I am, granting salvation through Jesus Christ!

There is so much more for which to be thankful- some of which are the wonderful people in these pictures and those whose pictures I don't have. God has richly blessed these 26 years of life and I don't deserve an ounce of the goodness He's bestowed on me, but I am truly grateful! Thank you, Heavenly Father!

24 going on 30.....

2011-10-03T15:05:00.000-07:00

I remember being little and thinking 30 was old! Now, just days away from having four years left until that infamous three-decades, it seems a lot younger than I recall!! To tell true, I'm a bit scared of stepping beyond 25. It's as if 25 permits things that 26 won't: immaturity, goofiness, certain interests and ideas, singleness, imagination.... ect. Of course, I realize it's only one year older, but it seems as if I'm stepping into a different level altogether.
Okay, so in saying all of this, I begin to get sweaty and nervous. My pulse races and I feel queesy. Just what will 26 hold? Higher expectations? New experiences and challenges? The selling of my soul.....? So, maybe that's going a tad too far!

To answer my own questions, 26 will look different from 25 only in that it is a new year, just as each day is a new day and doesn't look exactly like yesterday. It will come with higher expectations, because each day comes with higher expectations. I don't have to pressure myself into thinking perfection must be magically and instantaneously attained (for indeed, it won't be attained at all)! However, I do want to set goals and press on toward godliness, because this glorifies God and, after all....

[A]man[da]'s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.

I must step outside of me (because "me" can't do a thing) and lean into the strength of the God who is All-Powerful and All-Knowing, and let Him guide me through each day's challenges, letting His fire, hot and painful though it may be, filter out the dross and bring out the gold. As one song says,

I know I'm not strong enough to be everything that I'm supposed to be.

I give up. I'm not strong enough.

Hands of mercy, won't you cover me?

Lord, right now, I'm asking You to be strong enough..

For the both of us!

I loved being 25. It was my best year yet! I faced loneliness, heartache, change, the death of a loved one, growth and loss in our church, sojourners living in our house, hard decisions and a time of closeness to the Lord, like I've never experienced. God was so good in each of these situations. Now, it's time for a new year of adventures.

There is sin in my life that can't stay. Character flaws. Habits. Cravings. Idols. Selfishness. These things cannot stay. God is asking me to go beyond me, outside comfortable and do, daily, those things which are hard. And, in that way, 26 looks vastly different from 25. Just as your next year looks different than your last.

Caged Freedom

2011-09-26T18:42:00.000-07:00

A little bird I am,

Shut from the fields of air;

Yet in my cage I sit and sing

To Him who placed me there;

Well pleased a prisoner to be,

Because, my God, it pleaseth Thee.

Not have I else to do;

I sing the whole day long;

And He whom most I love to please,

Doth listen to my song;

He caught and bound my wandering wing

But still He bends to hear me sing.

My cage confines me round;

Abroad I cannot fly;

But though my wing is closely bound,

My heart's at liberty.

My prison walls cannot control

The flight, the freedom of the soul.

Ah; it is good to soar

These bolts and bars above,

To Him whose purpose I adore,

Who's Providence I love;

And in Thy mighty will to find

The joy, the freedom of the mind.

~ Madame Guyon

taken from The Sovereignty of God by A.W.Pink

My Fickle Friend, the Summer Wind Part 2

2011-09-24T10:22:00.000-07:00

Pizza Dude

The "big" Monmouth Fair

Horse sitting for the Hunts- Bug and Lakota

Wonderful trip to Portsmouth with Emmy-Lou

The Wizard of Oz at the open air theatre in Prescott Park

Freeport with my little sisters : )

"Pharoh, pharoh, pharoh, O baby, let my people go...."

Winterbrook get together

Welcome to the world, Matthias Brian Smith!!

Playing outside and swimming during Hurricane Irene.

The beautiful Shively girls!

Thank you, Lord, for each season and its brevity. It makes it all the more special!

My Fickle Friend, the Summer Wind Part 1

2011-09-23T15:00:00.000-07:00

Hannah's shower.

Sweet Auntie Tash and Titus.

Sweet time with relatives!

A visit from the Johnsons. : )

Beatrix Potter cabbage and lettuce!

Happy Birthday Gully!

Happy Birthday Ethan!

Grand slam!

Good job, Pip!

Bench warmers?? Not these two!

The whole gang!

Uh oh! Stephen has a grenade!!

John and I playing water balloon baseball.

Pip feeding Ti

Being an auntie is one of the sweet joys of my life.

Fielder's Choice.... enough said.

Men of mettle!

Gorgeous Auntie Shay

Happy Birthday, Tammy!

Welcome to the world, Nabby!

Spiritual Muscles

2011-09-22T20:20:00.000-07:00

This has got to be one of the best articles I've read on the subject of waiting:

http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/spiritual-muscle-development

Enjoy!

2011-09-18T08:48:00.000-07:00

"But seek the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added to you. Do not fear,little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."

~ Luke 12:31-32

A Lovely Day for the Beach

2011-09-17T07:15:00.000-07:00

One lovely August day, a crazy red head took four lovely kids to the beach...

"soul surfer"

The latest fashion at the Popham Mall

Somehow, it is slightly disturbing to eat something that has a smile on it....

...doesn't seem to bother Hayden, though.

Thank you, Lord, for the wind and the sea! And for good friends to enjoy them with!

In Honor of Fair Season...

2011-09-15T06:56:00.000-07:00

Me: "Ethan, what was your favorite animal at the fair today?"

Ethan: "Umm... the ponies."

Me: "Marshall, what was your favorite animal at the fair today?"

Marshall: "Green Tracta!"

Pickin' Peas with Ti

2011-08-23T09:03:00.000-07:00

We discovered a new garden helper this year!

Look what I got!

No, Nanny, I want to keep it!

Okay, here you go!

"Eat your greens!"

A Tale of Two Visits Part 3

2011-08-19T08:22:00.000-07:00

The Johnsons came again this July, and oh what a blessing it was!

We had a short interlude with the Moody family at the Red Barn in Augusta. This is Renee's resturaunt favorite!

This smile comes with onion breath!!

We were slightly taken aback and driven indoors by high wind and ominous clouds which downed rain upon us!

Marshall enjoys a cola! : )

Angela with beautiful Clara (her neice)!

This milkweed is rather out of place and was meant to be a little further along in the post- so sorry!

Part of Charlie's vacation- painting our house. He is such a willing servant and enjoys having a project to work on, even during his time off!

Ahh... the Swedish mafia strikes whilst I am away. Perhaps this is some sort of ransom note, or perhaps I am one of them! ; )

We attempted a walk in the woods, but bugs and darkness prevented us. We were greeted by a field of Milkweed- it had such a terrific smell!

Instead we took a rather longish detour for ice cream....

... and a rest in the park.

"That's the slowest water skiier I've ever seen!"

Two sets of lovies!

And some crazy kiddos!

"Give us a boost, will you, old girl?"

There was a new monument in the park of all of the veterans from Winthrop.

We even found a memorial of Julie Fletcher's father. He was a kind man with lots of talent and generosity.

The Johnsons are such sweet blessings in our lives and we look forward to their visits each year! We missed them as soon as they were gone1

A Tale of Two Visits Part 2

2011-08-16T06:24:00.000-07:00

A lovely day at fort Popham!

Ti is ready to do some heavy creating using sand and shovel!

Oops... so this is why we were supposed to keep our feet off the blanket!

Angela writing all of our names in the sand.

Trying to dodge the camera, ay??

She's so photo-jenna-ic (get it??), I don't know why she tries to hide from the camera!

Pip enjoying his lunch

Praying??

Lovely ladies- inside and out!

Ethan's creation

um, Marshall.... you know you don't have to swim in the sand. There is water about 10 feet away from you! : )

We walked down to the sandbar- a perfect day for it!

Hmmm... green smoothie material??

Apparently Angela's willing to have a go at it!

"Sisters, Sisters.." two pairs of 'em!

Oh yeah, she's ahead of her time in fashion...

Love these ladies!

I try to compete with Kayla's sense of progressive fashion, but alas, I fall short....

The water in between shore and the sandbar was as warm as bathwater!

Mommy and Pip doing some architectural work.

All in all a lovely day, filled with some of my favorite of God's beautiful creation, good fellowship with such close friends. God is far greater to us that we ever deserve!

A Step Back

2011-08-12T09:21:00.001-07:00

Benjamin Franklin once said, "Waste neither time nor money, but make the best use of both." This is something I do poorly. I tend to be governed by time, rather than view it as something of which I am steward. It occurs to me that every moment is one that will not be gained back, but will could toward eternity for either good or evil.
There are certain little "fox holes" that I fall into regarding time. I tend to use it selfishly and carelessly, as if I had an endless supply of it. But the truth is, I don't. None of us do. So sitting in front of a movie or the computer or any other manner of entertainment that depletes more time than it should is not a wise choice.
So, I've decided to take a step back, or away, from the computer for awhile (not sure how long) in an effort to take better care of the time that belongs to God, not myself. I've pre-posted (scheduled) a couple of blog posts and will be checking facebook only to get updates concerning my friend Megan. Other than that, the world wide web is to be lost to me, for a time. So, perhaps I'll see you in the real world! ; )

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.

Ephesians 5:15-16

Stumble Inn....

2011-08-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

One of the highlights of our summer is going up to my Uncle Rob's camp, Stumble Inn, on Sebec Lake. It is always a fun time to catch up with my cousins, do some kayaking, play silly card games, laugh at the Moody family humor and enjoy God's beautiful creation.

Kristy on Renee's very tippy kayak- she wanted an open faced one so that she would be ambushed by any spiders!!

Dad

Ah...the lovely lake

Renee and I looking quite couture

Americana

Kristy with some hollywood patriotism. : )

Le Captain!

"Hollah!" Luna the Loon with her flipper in the air.

One of the most beautiful things about camp is the sunsets!

Uncle Rob sporting his fancy spectacles- classy!

The view of the camp from the water.

One of the best memories this year- fishin' with the guys.

Uncle Rob's huge pickerel

Dad's phsycadellic lure.

Ethan caught a fish and took it off the hook himself (with some coaching from Grampa) for the first time!

Kristy

I've been told that I'm not allowed to make this face around eligible young men.

That's better, so I'm told. : )

Pip lovin' the water

Nana Kayaking- it's amazing the things she makes herself do with the little lung capacity she has! She's such an inspiration in that regard! Perseverance!

Picturesque Maine, doncha think?

Me and some of my boys!

Marshall???? Are you in there??

I love this photo of Mom and Ti

Boating adventures!

The female osprey guarding her nest.

Le Captain, again!

Marshall and Daddy enjoying the ride until....

these rather ominous clouds spoiled our fun.

Mom tries to take cover at Dad's expense. The Drama unfolds...

Cute little Sunny Blue

Titus exclaims, "Y'all come back now, ya hear!"

Nabby

2011-08-02T10:23:00.000-07:00

Marshall would like to introduce you to his very first cousin...

Abigail Rose Denny!

The beautiful new mommy and her sweet baby. : )

Me holding "Nabby" (my nickname for her. Used with permission. :)

Mom and Uncle Stephen

Marshall got a hold of my camera and took some rather "artsy" photos. Above is a picture of Uncle Lance's flashlight.

Marshall portrait of Stephen.

Marshall is enamored with her! He kept saying "I want to hold baby."

He even covered her eyes so the flash wouldn't bother her- so sweet!

More of Marshall's Art.

Dad and Abigail

Aunt Kayla (first-time aunt!)

Ethan and Abigail

Titus kept trying to climb up to get her!

Congratulations Happy and BananaGirl on your BEAUTIFUL little girl! You are going to be fantastic parents! : )

The Death of Common Sense

2011-07-28T12:25:00.001-07:00

This is from an email Jess sent me a month or so ago. It's sad, but true:

An Obituary printed in the London Times- interesting and sadly true

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:

- Knowing when to come in out of the rain

- Why the early bird gets the worm

- Life isn't always fair

- And maybe it was my fault.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies ( adults, not children, are in charge).

His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6 year old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.

Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children.

It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have and abortion.

Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims.

Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.

Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, by his wife, Discretion, by his daughter, Responsibility, and his son, Reason.

He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers;

I know my rights

I want it now

Someone else is to blame

I'm a victim

Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone. If you still remember him, pass this on. If not, join the majority and do nothing.

Think about it America!

Ethan's Determination

2011-07-23T07:00:00.000-07:00

"Amanda, you're my girl. I'm going to marry you."

"No, you can't. I'm going to marry someone else and you're going to marry someone else."

"No, I'm not going to get married and if any man comes around to try to marry you, I'm going to stop him."

"No!"

"Yes, I'll just say, 'stay away from my sister!!'"

"Why didn't you do that with Kayla?"

"I would have, but I was sleeping when he did the finger!" (i.e. when he put the ring on her finger to ask her to marry him!)

A Tale of Two Visits Part 1

2011-07-22T07:00:00.000-07:00

This year we were blessed with two visits from the Johnson in the space of two months!

Jenna in her looovely outfit- even her socks match! ; )

A beautiful blue day in Freeport.

Jenna sporting a chic hat in the British goods store.

A funny candy bar in the British Goods store.

Lamentable.

Trio in Beans. Love those two sisters!

Mother's Day at Popham

2011-07-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

As is our tradition, we went to Popham for Mother's Day.

Marshall throwing sand.

The wind blew it back into his face!

Nanny and Marshall

A seal. This is the third year that the Lord has blessed us with seals for mother's day!

Ti bearing the Moody double chin!!

Cool fort. Cool boy.

Uncle Ethan was writing his name in the sand...

...so Pip wanted to try too.

Ethan's name.

Marshall's name.

Sweet mommy and Ti baby.

Nappin'

So thankful for my mother, as well as the many mother's who exude the sacrificial love of Jesus in their daily lives toward their children!

God's Wisdom

2011-07-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

March 11

"Does God always give us what we ask in prayer?"

Sometimes His answer is no. He knows what we do not know. He knows everything and His negative answer is part of His plan for our lives.

My life is but a weaving, between my God and me.

I do not choose the colors, He worketh steadily.

Ofttimes He weaveth sorry, and I in foolish pride,

Forget He sees the upper, and I the underside.

Not till the loom is silent and the shuttles cease to fly,

Will God unroll the canvas and explain the reason why.

The dark threads are as needful in the skillful Weaver's hand,

As the threads of gold and silver in the pattern He has planned.

I know, O Lord, that Thy judgments are right, and that in faithfulness Thou hast afflicted me.

~ Psalm119:75

Lord, it is hard to accept a negative answer, but keep us humble enough, patient enough, faithful enough to trust. Thank You that You always answer our prayers in Your way with a yes or a no. How good it is to know that You never make a mistake.

~ From Each New Day by Corrie Ten Boom

Snapshots from June

2011-07-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

I went inside for a minute, came back out and found this:

He must think he's a present! : )

They went swimming and were cold, so they came in and went swimming in the warm tub!

Eager enough to swim in a pool 1/4 of the way filled!

All-Stars for Ti!

"Mommy, I want a Green Smoothie!!"

A Day at the Coast

2011-07-18T07:13:00.000-07:00

Take a look at the lobster boat- it's tres patriotic!

At the beginning of June, Ethan and I were invited on an expedition with the Shivelys to Pemequid.

Brielle in front of the remains of a tavern in what was the original Pemequid Colony.

Growing up we spend a weekend every summer with my mom's side of the family in Pemequid. My Aunt Brenda's in-laws owned a cottage right on the water and we played for hours outside and on the beach. If you've ever read the book Roxaboxen, you'll get an idea of what Kayla, my cousin Roxie and I spent exorbitant amounts of time doing.

Our Tour guide for the fort.

What was once a tower on one of the flanks of the fort.

Fort William Henry

This big rock was originally where the Native Americans would hide whilst attacking the colonists. So, a wise move by the colonists, they built the fort around it!

The Harbor.

Reuel

We were able to see a gun demonstration. Lock, stock and barrel!

As part of the tour, we went on a boat ride for a Puffin watch.

Four eager sailors!

One sunburned sailor.

Now don't quote me on this one, but I believe this is Monhegan Island. One of Maine's most famous Island villages.

The bird island. We saw 3 puffins- so cute- different kinds of seagulls, comrants and turns. Birds are fascinating!

Photo by Jo-Jo : )

We were also able to scout out some seals.

Jo-Jo

Ethan (He typed in his own name!)

Brielle

Tiersa

There is so much rich history in Maine! I encourage you to explore as much of it as you can!