My Son......My Hero

I have this .... small... yes, that's the word... small fear of spiders landing on me.

Over the years I've gotten braver at being able to end their miserable little lives if they are in the house, outside I can enjoy them as God intended but there is something about a spider being in the house, or worse yet ON ME, that just .... well......Does NOT sit well with me.

Last night while reading to Justin I noticed a spider doing laps around his ceiling light. He was tired, I successfully managed to ignore it.

NOT SO TONIGHT!!!

Milo (justin's cat) decided he'd read with us.
HE was utterly captivated by lamp lapping spider.

I attempted to remove said spider from the ceiling.
It jumped!!!

I ...um... no.. really...I didn't freak out.. really I didn't.

Justin immediately jumped to my rescue.
"That's okay mommy, I"ll get him".
"That bad spider won't jump on you".
He jumped in circles around me to protect me from the spider until he saw where the spider landed and then he SQUISHED him with his bare hands.

YEAH!!! My son, my hero!!!

Me...the big wimp......

Silliness In a Test

take this test, see how you do.

oops....a fall

So yesterday we went out to the pinery for a walk.

We get a pass every year and it's one of our favourite places to go. Once the warm weather hits we'll be doing picnic lunches in the park as well.

We decided yesterday to take the heritage trail. It's a longer trail that has a walkoff to the river. We took that trail.

Justin and I walked and looked at different things along the way, noticing the some trees have different bark than others, seeing purple butterflies (might be a moth), catching glimpses of moss, and lichen growing among and on the trees, and then we came to the river. Don't little boys always like rivers?

Justin noticed that the water level wasn't very high and commented on it. and wanted to walk across the river. We thought that wasn't a good idea. I said it was deep in the middle, dad said the bottom was too soft and he would sink in. So justin had to test that theory out. It started out as finding a branch to stick into the water and wow!!! it was true!!! look how far he could stick that branch into the bottom!

So he had fun Splashing around in the water while siting on the dock. I retreated as getting splashed with river water wasn't my idea of fun and he was being safe.

But then....he wanted to get the big branch out of the water. He did fine getting it out until he thought he'd turn around with it.
He unbalanced and then landed up in the water!

Mommy!!! HELP!!!!!

(this yelled as I was rushing towards him).

I hauled him out.
he was dirty and stinky and cold!!!

he wanted to stay longer and play more.
I said no...you'll just get colder.

"but mommy, I"m all wet now, I can play in the water more". "it's all shivering now, so I can still play right?"

No buddy, we're heading back to the car because you'll just get colder.

All the way back to the car I got comments of
"i'm shivery cold"
"good thing I grabbed the dock right mommy?" (yes)
"why did I do that mommy?" (you got over balanced by the stick)
"why" (because it was too long and heavy for you)
"Oh, I should have broken a piece off" (that would have been a good idea)
"why didn't I mommy?" (I don't know, it easier to think afterwards about better ideas)
...and then with tears "I wanted to bring the stick home with me!!!!!!"
"why did I fall off mommy?" and so forth.....

Dad had left us and walked on ahead....I got the feeling that he's abandoned us to the slow walk back to the car. NOT to be when Justin finally caught sight of him he took off down the trail after him.
I decided to let him run and took a short cut through the bush. Learned that Jim had walked on ahead in the hopes of encouraging Justin to run/walk faster as we both know a cold wet boy doesn't move particularly fast.

We stopped at a host camper site and begged some soap and a towel so we could give the lad a wash up.
Justin LOVED the warmth of the shower and could have stayed under it for a good 20 minutes. I just wanted to not get soaked! But no more river smell, a warm boy and a change clothing. Life is an adventure isn't it?

owl box

http://www.ustream.tv/theowlbox

Real Owls this time!

Take a look at this great webcam in an owl box. It may take a little time to load, but it is worth it.

Try this to see if it works.

Free live streaming by Ustream

Molly is a Barn Owl, and yes, she does have some owlets under there! She is a wild owl living in an owl box 15 feet off the ground, in a backyard in San Marcos, CA.

Did you know that a group of owls is called a parliament?

Because of Love

sent to me in an email, a bit sappy, but thought I'd share it anyways. Love is a powerful motivator. :)

Because of Love

A brother and sister had made their usual hurried, obligatory pre- Christmas visit to the little farm where dwelt their elderly parents with their small herd of horses. The farm was where they had grown up and had been named Lone Pine Farm because of the huge pine, which topped the hill behind the farm.

Through the years, the tree had become a talisman to the old man and his wife, and a landmark in the countryside. The young siblings had fond memories of their childhood here, but the city hustle and bustle added more excitement to their lives, and called them away to a different life.

The old folks no longer showed their horses, for the years had taken their toll, and getting out to the barn on those frosty mornings was getting harder, but it gave them a reason to get up in the mornings and a reason to live. They sold a few foals each year, and the horses were their reason for joy in the morning and contentment at day's end.

Angry, as they prepared to leave, the young couple confronted the old folks "Why do you not at least dispose of The Old One." She is no longer of use to you. It's been years since you've had foals from her. You should cut corners and save so you can have more for yourselves. How can this old worn out horse bring you anything but expense and work? Why do you keep her anyway?"

The old man looked down at his worn boots, holes in the toes, scuffed at the barn floor and replied, " Yes, I could use a pair of new boots. His arm slid defensively about the Old One's neck as he drew her near with gentle caressing he rubbed her softly behind her ears.

He replied softly, "We keep her because of love. Nothing else, just love."

Baffled and irritated, the young folks wished the old man and his wife a Merry Christmas and headed back toward the city as darkness stole through the valley. The old couple shook their heads in sorrow that it had not been a happy visit. A tear fell upon their cheeks. How is it that these young folks do not understand the peace of the love that filled their hearts?

So it was, that because of the unhappy leave-taking, no one noticed the insulation smouldering on the frayed wires in the old barn. None saw the first spark fall. None, but the "Old One".

In a matter of minutes, the whole barn was ablaze and the hungry flames were licking at the loft full of hay. With a cry of horror and despair, the old man shouted to his wife to call for help as he raced to the barn to save their beloved horses. But the flames were roaring now, and the blazing heat drove him back. He sank sobbing to the ground, helpless before the fire's fury. His wife back from calling for help cradled him in her arms, clinging to each other, they wept at their loss.

By the time the fire department arrived, only smoking, glowing ruins were left, and the old man and his wife, exhausted from their grief, huddled together before the barn. They were speechless as they rose from the cold snow covered ground.

They nodded thanks to the firemen, as there was nothing anyone could do now. The old man turned to his wife, resting her white head upon his shoulders as his shaking old hands clumsily dried her tears with a frayed red bandana. Brokenly he whispered, "We have lost much, but God has spared our home on this eve of Christmas. Let us gather strength and climb the hill to the old pine where we have sought comfort in times of despair. We will look down upon our home and give thanks to God that it has been spared and pray for our beloved most precious gifts that have been taken from us.

And so, he took her by the hand and slowly helped her up the snowy hill as he brushed aside his own tears with the back of his old and withered hand.

The journey up the hill was hard for their old bodies in the steep snow. As they stepped over the little knoll at the crest of the hill, they paused to rest; looking up to the top of the hill the old couple gasped and fell to their knees in amazement at the incredible beauty before them.

Seemingly, every glorious, brilliant star in the heavens was caught up in the glittering, snow-frosted branches of their beloved pine, and it was aglow with heavenly candles. And poised on its top most bough, a crystal crescent moon glistened like spun glass. Never had a mere mortal created a Christmas tree such as this. They were breathless as the old man held his wife tighter in his arms.

Suddenly, the old man gave a cry of wonder and incredible joy. Amazed and mystified, he took his wife by the hand and pulled her forward. There, beneath the tree, in resplendent glory, a mist hovering over and glowing in the darkness was their Christmas gift. Shadows were glistening in the night-light.

Bedded down about the "Old One" close to the trunk of the tree, was the entire herd, safe. At the first hint of smoke, she had pushed the door ajar with her muzzle and had led the horses through it. Slowly and with great dignity, never looking back, she had led them up
the hill, stepping cautiously through the snow. The foals were frightened and dashed about. The skittish yearlings looked back at the crackling, hungry flames, and tucked their tails under them as they licked their lips and hopped like rabbits. The mares that were in foal with a new years crop of babies, pressed uneasily against the "Old One" as she moved calmly up the hill and to safety beneath the pine. And now, she lay among them and gazed at the faces of the old man and his wife. Those she loved she had not disappointed.

Her body was brittle with years, tired from the climb, but the golden eyes were filled with devotion as she offered her gift---Because of love. Only Because of love.

Tears flowed as the old couple shouted their praise and joy... And again the peace of love filled their hearts.

True story by Willy Eagle

L. B. Graham books - binding of the blade series

There are five books in the Binding of the Blade series. They very much build one to the other.

Good books. I have to admit, started off slowly, I wondered if they were a good purchase, but by the end of book two...I was hooked. There is a Christian overtone to the book.

I found the last book a bit anti-climatic, but overall a well written series.

Building from one book to the other the reader is carefully carried along in the story. You end up wanting to know what happens next to the different main characters. Good books, I can easily see reading them again in a couple of months.

Christian Carnival Time!

The Power of God's Word is presented to us by Ridge's Blog.

We need to understand that unless we feed on and hunger for God’s Word, our efforts are in vain because it’s the Word of God – particularly the Gospels – that changes our lives. I’m praying that our mission will be more focused on the Word.

Be afraid of the dark submitted by Other Food: daily devo's.

Darkness is not a real, tangible thing. Rather it is the absence of something real, tangible and measurable – light. There can be degrees of darkness with complete, utter darkness being the complete and utter absence of any light.

God’s first positive act of creation, which began to bring order to the chaos of earth, was to create light (before He created the sun, moon and stars – which brings up the question – what was that light like; did it emanate from something, or somewhere, or Someone?).

What God Taught me Through a Corndog is posted at Follow The Savior.

The society we live in today has become one of instant gratification. We have become dependent on technology and its advancements to give us exactly what we want, when we want. We use dryers instead of clotheslines, microwaves instead of ovens, and cars instead of walking or biking places. Don’t get me wrong, I love all of those things.

Unfailingly Loved gives us Valued by God.

Today’s post is dedicated to all the women that I know (and don’t know) who feel “less than.” For all of you who have been told that you do not matter, that you are not as important, that you have no to little value or that what you do is a waste of time, I have good news for you. It is a lie. You are valued and you are loved.

GaryChapman.org – Internationally Respected Marriage and Family Life Expert coined for us by SiteTally.com.

Gary Chapman is a renowned relationship counselor and the author of the best seller The Five Love Languages series.

Overcoming Difficulties & Adversity: Lessons From Joseph by Christian Personal Finance.W

hat kinds of adversities have you faced? 10% of you are currently unemployed. 50% of you who have been married have also been divorced. Many have been through bankruptcy or foreclosure or repossession. All of us know what it means to lose loved ones. Some adversities could have been prevented; some could not. The question is this: “How do you cope?” Joseph of Bible times was rejected by his siblings, unfairly imprisoned and lied to by those who could help him. Yet he overcame difficulties & adversity without becoming jaded or bitter. How did he do it?

All Things Being Made New shows up with Can One Person Pay Another Person's Moral Debt?

Many atheists arguing against the Christian faith will invariably state that they believe that the concept of one person paying another person's moral debt is untenable. In their view, the only true justice is essentially "to each his own" or to put it another way, everyone must get their just desserts.

Personal Finance By The Book presents Deal With Conflict by Standing For Good.

How do you handle conflict? I realize that many smart people tell us that conflict is a positive thing: it pushes issues to the forefront that would otherwise remain stewing in our internal crock pots. Yes, I understand…but I still don’t like conflict. I am embarrassed to confess that I will often remain silent or even acquiesce in order to avoid conflict. Not good. So this post is an attempt at kicking myself in the appropriate spot in order to grow a backbone. “Joe…listen up!”

Hidden Me gifted to us by RodneyOlsen.Net.

Some of the issues people face remain buried or hidden, making healing difficult. That’s why 98.5 Sonshine FM is partnering with Thornlie Church of Christ in presenting the one day Hidden Me conference.

Rely on God in your personal development gifts us with Express your love for Jesus.

Do not worry. If you have a desire to serve to Jesus, if you will pray, He'll reveal your talent. But it must be a real desire. Do not oblige to God " Well, I'll serve, just tell me what to do." You must burn inside the desire to serve Jesus. You have to be obsessed with this desire. It should dominate in your consciousness.

McKnight Vs. Wright on the Historical Jesus Explored brought to us by Seeking the truth.

The cover article of this month's Christianity Today deals with the question of the historical Jesus. Can we know him and should we try? Scot McKnight takes the line that we can't and we shouldn't.

The Intergrity of the Bible posted by Crossroads: Where Faith and Inquiry Meet.

There is a great article in this current edition of Modern Reformation magazine (March/April, 2010). The article, by Michael J. Kruger, Associate Professor of New Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte, NC, is entitled "Textual Criticism: The Achilles Heel of Inerrancy?"

Speaking of 'God' presented by You Can't Mean That!

In other words, we can "know" God, but not know him that well, as he knows him or (to borrow from Aquinas) as the angels know him.

Response to the resurrection by True Paradigm.

Those who claim there was no resurrection of Jesus often do so from the perspective that such an event is impossible.

Dust gives us Lamentations 3.

Exile is a powerful state of mind as well as being a physical reality. Without home, without belonging, without identity, without help, alone, fearful. Yet even here this poet knows how to be within the faith. There is a tension between 'my doing' and 'their doing' and in this case the doing of Hashem. This poet is not afraid to attribute cause to Hashem - because that is the source of all wrestling, correction and rebuke.

LB Graham - binding of the blade series by Fish and Cans.

A book review on this series by LB Graham.

A game of "the sinner and the saint" submits Heart, Mind, Soul, and Strength.

Back in January I had a little free time and was on the CARM discussion boards. One of the non-Christians there wanted to play a popular game for skeptics: a game of "the sinner and the saint". I've played before. Basically, the anti-Christian asks the Christian how in the world it is defensible that a good non-Christian might be lost and a bad Christian might be saved. One variant is "Gandhi and Hitler". I wanted to keep a few notes for next time I play, so I thought I'd pass along my answer here.

Thinking Christian bestows us with He came to rescue us.

Why did Jesus come? In his own words,

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.

I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. 47 If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.

Did Jesus really rise from the dead? is granted to us by who am i?

And does it really matter? My answer to both questions is an unequivocal yes.

Maybe you agree, maybe you don’t. Here are a few things I hope will help you wrestle with those questions this Easter.

Commentaries on Romans given by Parableman.

[Note: This is part of a larger project reviewing commentaries on each book of the Bible. Follow the links from that post for more information on the series, including explanations of what I mean by some of the terms and abbreviations in this post. This is not an exhaustive list, just the commentaries that I think are most worth paying attention to.]

good friday meal

ham

Ingredients

• 1 (4 pound) fully-cooked spiral cut ham
• 1 (20 ounce) can sliced pineapple, drained with juice reserved
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 liter ginger ale

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Remove as much of the ham from the bone as you can. Layer one third of the ham in the bottom of a 6 quart casserole dish. Top with a few pineapple rings and 1/4 of the brown sugar. Repeat the layers, ending with pineapple rings on top, but don't sprinkle the last 1/4 of brown sugar.
3. Pour any juice left in the pineapple can over the ham. Then pour in enough of the ginger ale to fill the dish about half way. Sprinkle the remaining brown sugar over the top.
4. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven. Uncover and cook for an additional 20 minutes.

mashed taters
I"ll probably make them very simple.

veggies
not sure what kind but they'll be enjoyed.

crescent rolls
yes, from a package. :)