Thanks to all of your wise word in regards to judging others. This is a great opportunity to turn the tables around and examine my own heart. Especially in the light of the cross and resurection of the Savior. Again, I am so glad that a merciful, righteous and patient God sits as Judge and Savior. Happy Easter!

Judging others.

At what point does seeing sin in someone's life become a sin in my own life by judging them? This has been the question in my mind for the past several days. I've thought and thought and thought some more. Today I asked my hubby what he thought and he asked another question. 'Do you have sadness over that sin that you see or do you wish the person ill over it?' Hmmm.....

I am not sure. The feeling that I am having is not either. It is more of a frustration maybe even anger of someone who claims to be a follower of Christ living so contrary to God's word. Is that judging?

I wonder...do I not think God is big enough to deal with these situations on His own? Am I worried about God's reputation at stake? Do I not think He will deal with things properly or in a timely manner(this is probably the closest answer to me)? The truth is God is God over all situations and things. He's got it all covered. He is a God of great mercy and grace. That is why He allows what He does. Thank goodness I am not judge and jury...

My Sweetie and I just returned from a fabulous few days at Mt. Ranier. Yes, it looked just like this picture. We enjoyed spending lots of quality time together and celebrating our 16th anniversary. We would have done this last year, but last year was a blur with our trip to China and the year long recovery that it required.

We spent the days reading, watching movies (ones that we picked out, not the kids),enjoying the beautiful scenery, and having conversations that actually had a begining, middle and endding. No interuptions... Wow!

As much fun as we had, it was great to be greeted with lots of hugs and kisses from all 5 kiddos.

A blow to all parents

Last week the California courts ruled that it is illegal to home school your child in their state. This is not just a home school issue. According to Dr. Albert Mohler(President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary)'This is a controversy that demands the attention of all parents. After all, if parents have no constitutional right to educate their own children, what other aspects of the parent's choices for their own children lack protection? This question reaches far beyond educational decisions.'

James Dobson addressed this issue on his Friday broadcast. Dr. Dobson felt so strongly about this issue that he changed his regularly scheduled broadcast to address this issue.

This is not only a home school issue. This should be a concern to all parents just as Dr. Mohler stated. If this ruling is upheld, what might come at us later? I urge you to sign the petition with The Home school Legal Defense Assoc. You don't have to join the HSLDA or be a homeschooler, just a concerned citizen who is alarmed with this ruling.

This is a clip from the Oprah show. Randy Pausch gave this lecture at his university in September. He at the time was given 3-6 months to live.

The talk this gentleman gave was very inspiring seeing especially knowing his recent news. What I thought sad about this talk watched by literally millions of people (over 6 million hits on the Internet to date) was that he gives credit to 'karma' and following your dreams to live a successful life. He talks of great principals; people over things, choose not to complain, choose to be happy, etc. all which are great. I think it is sad that for him, he sees the end of this life the end.

verses, books and menus

Two verses this week:

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely, immeasurably, and abundantly more than we might ask or think. Eph 3:20

This woman was abounding with deeds of kindness and charity, which she continually did."
Acts 9:36

I am putting them together because I want to live a life that shows kindness and charity continually in what I do. And God, who is able through His mighty power is at work in me, accomplishing infinitely, immeasurably and abundantly more than I ask or think.

I am going through the book Power of a Positive Mom with several woman from church. What an encouragement it is to talk with other moms that are striving to be all that God wants them to be. We recognize that we don't do it all right all the time, we fall and fail. It was wonderful and incredibly encouraging to me to hear the hearts of the other moms that what we dream most for our children is not a certain career path, but that our children love and serve God. Thanks to you that are such a blessing to me!



Monday: French Toast with fruit
Tuesday: Chicken soup
Wednesday:Dinner at church
Thursday: Grilled Chicken and salad
Friday:Hamburgers and salad
Saturday: Salmon and salad
For more menu ideas check out Laura at the Organizing Junkie

Ron took the older girls to the Father/Daughter Ball on Friday night. They all had a fabulous time and already are excited for next year. I am so glad they had the opportunity to get dressed up and pretty for this special time with daddy. This pic was taken as they were leaving.