For His Service

Robin looking for a worm..   <><><> Woodpecker hanging out.. <><><>    Tufted Titmouse cracking a sunflower seed     Male Cardinal playing hide-and-seek   http://inhonoroftheking.blogspot.com/2010/06/my-bluebirds.html Today I tried to get a photo of the bluebirds eating from my bucket of mealworms..but they were too fast. If you go to the link above, you can see the pictures from last year.  The bluebirds are very smart and come ...I am not kidding...when I call them.  Seriously!  I will try to post a video this year...so fun! 

Pull out your Braves wear!  Today is the official start of Baseball season!  Baseball wasn't even on the radar before I met Russell.  Slowly, I took more interest in it..simply because he loved baseball.  I wanted to learn about what fascinated him so.    Now, twenty one years later, I have a pretty good handle on baseball and I really enjoy watching the games with my sweet husband.  So, in the next few months, we will see how the Braves do without their main coach, Bobby Cox.  Cox was the coach for the Braves for 25 years...so I have never known Braves Baseball without Bobby Cox.  The new coach has big shoes to fill, as Cox has won 15 division crowns in his career, including 14 in Atlanta that have led to five pennants (1991, 1992, 1995, 1996 and 1999) and one World Championship (1995).   Let see what happens in 2011!  Let's go, Braves. Now...if I can only get Russell to take an interest in birds. :)

Sometimes you just need a reminder of the truth...so I painted  YOU ARE NOT ALONE.... I sometimes need that reminder.  Enjoy your day, Rachel

John-Michael looks good. The NF specialist did not identify any new issues which is good news!  The bad news is ...that the tumor by his spine must be debulked.  It is 3 1/2 cm/ by 4 cm and is at a size/ by his spine...that needs to be addressed.  So, we called to make an appointment with Dr. Williams, a cranofacial/ child- plastic surgeon,....but he is not in network for our health insurance.  The out of network charge is $7500.   Please pray that we can find a good surgeon who knows NF issues and knows nerves.  There is a chance his neurosurgeon will do this. Pray this works out.  This surgery would probably be this summer. Mr. Bluebird is FREE and doing great!  He is flying again.  What a blessing to know he has a second chance.   We are so glad to see God's mercy here..and are so thankful that God is keeping His hand on John-Michael.

When my youngest son was 3 months old, I heard the word neurofibromatosis for the first time.  It wasn't until he was 3 years old that he was diagnosed with having it.   Now, he is  7 years old and we are dealing with a plexiform fibroma by his spine and a cyst inside his spinal cord.  What is NF? Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) is the most common form of NF, affecting one in every 3,000 births. It is one of the most prevalent genetic disorders and the most common ofthe neurocutaneous disorders (conditions that affect both the skin and nervous system).  NF1 is characterized by pigmented spots on the skin (café-au-lait spots) and tumors that developon nerves anywhere in the body. In some cases, tumors can arise in the brain or on the spinal cord. The disorder also can cause non-tumorous complications such as learning disabilities – which affect up to 60% of all individuals with NF1 – as well as bone or skeletal abnormalities and certain cardiovascular defects....

Today I went to a mini-Seminar with Paul Miller as the teacher. One of his excellent books is Love Walked Among Us. He is preparing to write a book on Ruth and was teaching us some of the nuggets he has learned. He said God has a way of de-centering His heroes. Think about that. Moses, Joseph, David… God showed their weaknesses, but he still used them as heroes. This tells us two things: 1. God can use less -than -perfect people. 2. God is the focus, not the hero. He also talked about how Boaz loved Ruth with a covenant love. ..the same love God has for us..and the same love we should have for our spouses. He said “ Marriage is love without an exit strategy.” Oh, if our society would live that way! Then, Paul Miller challenged us to love those around us, even when it is messy, even when it is uncomfortable, even when it isn’t convenient. He said the devil gets us overwhelmed with the size of love that we need to do that, so we pull back and don’t try instead of jumping in and loving...

I know we have at least 15 Bibles in our house. We have many websites we use to read His word on line.   We have plenty of opportunity to study His word...to read His word.  May we have the joy that the Kimyal people have.  May we cherish His word as they do!  The Kimyal people only had parts of the New Testamant.  Click on the Video above to see the Kimyal people receive the New Testament for the first time. http://www.churchleaders.com/pastors/videos-for-pastors/149820-the-kimyal-people-receive-the-new-testament.html

We went to a conference last night, put on by Matt Brinkley who wrote DATING BY THE BOOK. http://www.pactministry.org/index.php?page=store We left with many, wonderful questions. I didn't do much dating, because I married my high school sweetheart, but it is by God’s grace that our marriage is strong. He was a believer and I thought I was a believer, but I don’t think I really was until the age of 27 (that’s a whole different story).  Anyway, I met him at 16 at an Al Holly concert at Mabel White Baptist in Macon (the very church that Matt gave his first dating seminar at). I wish that I had been discipled early ...by someone... my parents, my husband, a church leader, a Christian friend, anyone, but I wasn’t. .... If I had been discipled, my marriage might not have had so many twist for the first 10 years. I think all of us...disciplining our children in His word...by using the Bible, Matt’s book, and other resources...will go a very, very long way in what our children ...

There are many things in my life I used to take credit for.  I used to take credit for earning three College degrees.  But, who gave  me the ability and drive to learn when no one told me I had to?  Who gave me the desire to make good grades in High School so that I could get scholarships to attend college.  I used to take credit for staying married to my high school sweet heart, but who made his heart dedicated to mine... three years later?  ...and now, who makes his heart dedicated to mine..25 years later?  And..on the other hand, who makes my heart dedicated to his heart?              I used to take credit for working hard at any task I was given ( i.e . being nominated Disney Teacher of the Year, Gwinnett Co. Teacher of the Year)..  But, who put that desire to succeed within me?  I used to take credit for having a talent (sketching/ painting...without many classe...

Russell requested one gift, a Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake.  I found this recipe on the Cooking Network.  The cake was fabulous! Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Base • 1/2 (14-ounce) box graham crackers (2 cups crumbs) • 1/2 cup salted peanuts • 1/2 cup bittersweet chocolate chips • 4 tablespoons soft unsalted butter Filling: • 2 (8-ounce) bars cream cheese • 3 eggs • 3 egg yolks • 1 cup superfine sugar • 1/2 cup sour cream • 1 cup creamy peanut butter Topping: • 1 cup sour cream • 1 cup milk chocolate chips • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar • 9-inch springform pan Directions: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Process the crackers, peanuts, bittersweet chocolate chips, and butter in a food processor. Once it comes together in a clump, turn it into a spring form pan and press into the bottom and up the sides to make the crunchy crust. Put it in the refrigerator while you make the filling.Add all the filling ingredients to a food processor and pulse until it b...

Here is Russell at 19..when I met him..and fell in love... Here he is at 32 with Baby Noah Here he is at 20.. Teaching Madeline and Noah about Braves Baseball Our family in 2004 Russell in 2001 with Grandmama Maxine and Madeline 2 year old Madeline stealing kisses from Daddy John-Michael..up way to late..celebrating the New Year... Easter 2008?? July 2009? Russell tossing Noah in the pool ..2002 Us resting at the park... July 2009? Russell, I have had the pleasure of having you in my life for 25 of your 44 years.. You are a very good man.. You are a very good father.  You are a very good husband.  You are a very good friend!  I am so thankful for you and hope you feel especially loved on your birthday!

Well, John-Michael woke me up saying ..."my tummy hurts".  The vomiting started soon after.  After  him being sick all day, and running a fever, we were concerned that he was dehydrated, so we took him to the doctor.  The doctor said that John-Michael has the stomach "flu".   Well, it is really a virus.... gasteroenteritis. Unfortunately, it is  highly contagious ....and the Stomach Flu (Viral Gastroenteritis) is the second most common illness in the United States.      Therefore, I am guessing we all will have it this week. But for now...we must focus on this little guy...... So ....we are trying all the tricks to get him to drink...right now, we are bribing him with Go-Go crazy Bones.   After vomiting over a dozen times...and having a shot at the doctor's office,....Go-Go Crazy bones helped him smile.  Here is what a Go-Go Crazy Bones looks like.  If you look at the photo of John-Michael, yo...

Today, I want to write a little encouragement to myself and to you. Why? Consider how widely encouragement is urged and reported in scripture: -God to Moses : Encourage Joshua, because he will lead Israel (Deuteronomy 1:38) -Soldiers in the midst of battle" . The men of Israel encouraged one another (Judges 20:22). -Joab to Saul before battle- Now go out and encourage your men (2 Samuel 19:7) Josiah to the priests: Josiah appointed the priests to their duties and encouraged them in the service of the LORD's temple (2 Chronicles 35:2) -Paul and Silas to the early church-After Paul and Silas come out of the prison, they went to Lydia's house, where they met with the brothers and encouraged them (Acts 16:40). -Paul to the disciples" When the uproar had ended, Paul sent for the disciples and , after encouraging them, said good-by and set out for Macedonia (Acts 20:1) Also consider a few general exhortations to encouragement. -But my mouth would encourage you; comfort from...

Here is Daddy Bluebird (see his white-taped wing) I stopped by Dr. Orr's office to see how the bluebird is doing.  If all goes well, I will be able to post pictures of him flying away...some time next week!   The little bird is healing well...and he is even singing! Zephaniah 3:17- The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”

Please note..those are veins..not hairs. LOL.. Last summer, I caught Fifth's Disease from one of my kids.  Usually people have this virus  by the time they are 5 years of age.  It is a one time virus, and has more severe symptoms in adults than children.  From this virus, last summer, I developed Erythema nodosum.  This is an inflammatory disorder that is characterized by tender, red nodules under the skin.  I can tell you that it feels like hot lymph nodes and it is uncomfortable, but the doctors say that it is usually not dangerous.  Last summer, I had them for almost 6 weeks.  I have already had them...this go around for about three weeks.  Here is hoping they go away more quickly.  I believe if I began running more regularly again, these bumps would go away.  However, Erythema Nodosum also causes a feeling of malaise.  I just don't have as much get up and go as I usually do.  I think this is wher...

http://www.mightybookjr.com/ Mighty Books Jr. is offering a completely FREE membership to their website – usually a $99.00 value. They have tons of online books that are animated and read aloud to your kiddos. Redeem this offer in 3 simple steps: 1. Sign up at www.mightybookjr.com. 2. Enter coupon code-      learntoread. 3. Payment box will disappear – giving you 1 FREE year My first grader thinks this is cool!

I have noticed our two largest news outlets in America, CNN and Fox News, have both reported on faith, or the lack of faith, in Japan.  Here is the link to the Fox News article and and excerpt from that article:   http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/03/18/finding-faith-japans-crisis/ But what of Japan, a country where many consider themselves more secular than sacred? Where do they turn for comfort from the triple threat of earthquake, tsunami and potential nuclear catastrophe? First, it may be deceptive to think of Japan as non-religious, says Dr. Michael Roemer, assistant professor of Religious Studies at Ball State University in Indiana. "In Japan, they don't belong to [congregational] religious organizations like in the U.S. like Churches, Mosques, or Temples." But there is still faith.  Another American academic, Dr. Duncan Williams of the University of California at Berkeley, was in Japan on a train headed to Tokyo’s airport when the quake hit. His train nearly ...

I added miniture retaining walls in my flower garden so I could plant a few veggies through out ...without erosion issues. After removing our falling split rail fencing, we saved the gates and now..the gates are the supports for our new grape vines. Two of my raised Veggie gardens- squash, tomato, bean flowers (to attract bees), and lettuce.

Well, having purchased so many flower seeds and vegetable plants...I have a lot of planting to do today.  I imagine I will look something like Olivie, my 7 month old puppy, when I am done.  Well, hopefully my mouth will be a bit cleaner.LOL... I have always loved God's creation!  As long as I can remember, even before I was a Christian, I knew God was real by seeing His work in the world. Psalm 65:9-13 -9 You care for the land and water it; you enrich it abundantly. The streams of God are filled with water to provide the people with grain, for so you have ordained it.[a] 10 You drench its furrows and level its ridges; you soften it with showers and bless its crops. 11 You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance. 12 The grasslands of the wilderness overflow; the hills are clothed with gladness. 13 The meadows are covered with flocks  and the valleys are mantled with grain;  they shout for joy and sing. Romans 1:  18- 23...

 Some of the Georgia Wildflowers I purchased for our shade area of the garden....  Just a small sample  of seeds that I purchased to plant in our backyard. Some of my Irises are blooming. Today I went a little crazy at the local home improvement store.  I bought so many flower seeds and vegetable seeds, as well as small vegetable plants.  I started working on the garden today, but I am certain it will take me days to get them all in.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CH113NEpY0k&feature=player_embedded The above video clip is of a Japanese news crew from Fuji TV that finds a tan and white cocker spaniel who refuses to leave his injured doggie friend. It is a very touching in the aftermath of such a terrible, horrific tragedy. It has been said that the two dogs in the video were both reportedly rescued and are being treated at this time by veterinarians in Mito. You can follow more information about both dogs and other animals being rescued at this Facebook page that was set up by Japan Earthquake Animal and Rescue Support. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Japan-Earthquake-Animal-Rescue-and-Support/207835229228979?ref=ts        Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue and Support Please do not stop praying for the people of Japan and the other people who are coming to try to help with their care. Proverbs 17:17  A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to hel...

After finding the male bluebird with the broken wing, I painted this ...God's sheltering wings. This week, I painted this one of a lady praising the LORD. I painted this one this week as well.  Sometimes I want to hide my heart instead of pouring my heart out to Him..and going to Him as my refuge.   If you are interested in me painting your favorite scripture for you, you can go to my website...  http://www.scripturepainting.com/       Most of my paintings are $50 plus shipping  (no handling fee). :)

Who is St. Patrick anyway? Well, it is said that he lived around 432-461 A.D. in Scotland. All was fine and normal for Patrick until he was kidnapped by pirates and sold as a slave to work in Ireland. He was probably more concerned about which job to take and which girl to marry when his world was suddenly changed. It is believed that he was about the age of sixteen when, as a slave, he worked as a shepherd and turned to Grandfather’s religion for peace. He knew of Christ. He knew the gospel, the good news- Christ has paid the penalty for our sins and we have this FREE gift through Him. We must only believe, repent, and follow Christ. So, having turned to Christ, it is said that he spent his six years in bondage ….. Pray. I imagine his prayers were like this, “Lord, I know you. Please have mercy. Release me. I want to make a difference for you. I can’t in slavery. Lord, please save me from this situation. So, after six years of praying, God gave him a dream that told him how to escape....

Sometimes reality is terrible.  I feel so sad for the people of Japan.  I can not imagine having an earthquake, then..a tsunami, and now...problems with their nuclear plants.  I pray for them throughout the day.  I also think of the people in Libya who are fighting to be free.  With very little, they fight to be free from a cruel dictator.  Even here at home, I have hard, disappointing days.  Days of hearing friends that have cancer, that can't care for their own children... days of worrying about my own son's health and what his life will look like.  Days of seeing friends with no job and no prospect of a job.  Days of seeing fastly rising gas and food prices. Just in the last two days, a neighbor called to tell me she almost ran over my son...twice!  He was told not to go to a certain street ...where it is hard to see kids playing.  He went any way.    Then, he was riding his bike in ...