The Fruitful Bearing Family Treehouse. . .

Pray WITH and FOR your Children Daily...

2011-07-14T09:23:00.000-06:00

I just came across this great encouragement to parents in praying with and for your children. MY HEART IS BIG FOR CHILDREN AND PRAYER...so what better way than to share this with you: (found at WOMEN LIVING WELL's blog)

Here are some verses you can pray over them:

1. When they wake up: “Let the morning bring (child’s name) word of your unfailing love, for she has put her trust in You. Show (her/him) the way (she/he) should go, for to you (he/she) lifts up her soul.” (Adapted from Psalm 143:8)

2. When they are getting dressed: “Therefore, as God’s chosen child, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Lord, help (him/her) bear with others and forgive whatever grievances (he/she) has against others. Help (him/her) forgive as the Lord forgave (him/her). And over all these virtues, help (him/her) put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” (Adapted from Colossians 3:12-14)

3. While they are eating: “Teach (child’s name) the secret of being content in any and every situation whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Teach (him/her) that (he/she) can do everything through him who gives (him/her) strength.” (Adapted from Philippians 4:12-13)

4. When they go out of the house: “(Name of child), do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-His good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Adapted from Romans 12:2)

5. While they are taking a bath: Lord, give (name of child) clean hands and a pure heart, and let (him/her) not lift (his/her) soul to an idol or swear by what is false. Let (him/her) receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God (his/her) Savior. Let (him/her) be part of the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob. (Adapted from Psalm 24:4-6)

6. When they are going to bed: “The Lord Your God is with you; he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, be will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17)

7. While they are sleeping: “I pray that (name of child) will do everything without complaining or arguing, so that he/she may become blameless and pure, a child of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which he/she shines like a star in the universe as he/she holds out the word of life-in order that he/she may boast on the day of Christ that he/she did not run or labor for nothing.” (Adapted from Philippians 2:14-16)

With Great Heart for Him,
MAMA BEAR

Loving My Weekends

2011-06-26T22:43:00.000-06:00

We're in the process of buying a new home, so HOME DEPOT is our current favorite store and riding around in Papa Bear's truck, aka "Old Red" (named by the children -of course it stuck!) Brother Bear sure makes things even cuter. Hope you had a nice weekend too! Just loving up my family.......

With Love,

Father's Day

2011-06-19T20:44:00.003-06:00

(shirt made by "yours truly" ...Mama Bear)

We always end every good day at our favorite frozen yogurt joint.

It was a peaceful day of loving our Heavenly Father for giving us this day to celebrate and the warmth of our family. He has blessed us so much and we are so grateful!

"Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way.Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ." -1 Peter 3:15-16

Grateful,

Family - Guidelines

2011-06-13T15:41:00.000-06:00

The Duggar Family - Guidelines

1. Always use soft words, even when you don’t feel well.

2. Always display kind actions, even if you have been mistreated.

3. Show joyful attitudes even when no one is looking.

4. Have sincere motives with no thought of self-gain.

5. Think pure thoughts.

6. Always give a good report of others. Never talebear unless physical harm will come to someone. Use Matthew 18.

7. Never raise a hand to hit.

8. Never raise a foot to kick.

9. Never raise an object to throw.

10. Never raise a voice to yell.

11. Never raise an eye to scowl.

12. Use one toy/activity at a time.

13. Never let the sun go down on your wrath. (Don’t go to bed angry or guilty)

14. Amendment J.O.Y. – Make serving your family a priority.
Put Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last.

I came across this list (I LOVE LISTS!) on "The Family Duggar" blog (they seem to know what they're doing) and I am going to implement it into our home at the Treehouse. I find that when we have something to follow, we do our "best" to get it right. I'm keeping this simple, since blogging lately has not been at the top of my "LIST" of Things To Do. I'm reading alot more than I'm writing and I am enjoying this time right now. I hope YOUR Summer is full of Sunshine and lots of time with your loved ones.

Living in His Sonshine,

Uh oh! Someone.Likes.Bowling!

2011-06-03T10:05:00.001-06:00

We had a blast last night! The kids never let Mama even have a shot at it.

(We were there for a business gathering for Papa Bear).

I guess we have a new family sport!

"Circle of Moms" Top 25 Faith Blogs by Moms: FAITH WAR...

2011-05-31T11:32:00.001-06:00

“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.

“And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye. -Matthew 7:1-5

Instead let's.....

"Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance."

-1 Corinthians 13:4-7

If you LOVE God, we are commanded to LOVE others. It's not always easy, but each ~~day~~ moment, is a test to be more and more like Christ. And He knows each one of our hearts. I have very low votes, and I am absolutely ok with that. I never intended to have more than a vote or two (so THANK YOU for the extra kind votes), I just prayed that one heart would be reached for the Lord in getting my blog (that I have abandoned lately) out there for God's glory. I have confidence in my God, King of Kings that His Word stands true, yesterday, today and forever and that Romans 8:28 is still in the Bible, it simply reads this.....

"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good

of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."

So if you'd like to vote for your favorite mom's blog(s), you can do so by clicking on this statement below:

Mom's are lovely and they come in all shapes, sizes, colors and faith beliefs! May each lady be respected and loved the same.

In His gracious Love,

The Lost Get Found...... (encouraging song and video)

2011-04-27T14:33:00.000-06:00

This song and video just made my day and had to share.

If you're not sure where to start, open the nearest bible to the "Gospel of John" (if you don't own one, click on the words above "Gospel of John" and begin to learn why believing in Jesus can miraculously change your life.

"In the beginning was the one who is called the Word.

The Word was with God and was truly God.

From the very beginning the Word was with God.

And with this Word, God created all things.

Nothing was made without the Word.

Everything that was created received its life from him,
and his life gave light to everyone.

The light keeps shining in the dark,
and darkness has never put it out.
God sent a man named John,
who came to tell about the light and
to lead all people to have faith.
John wasn't that light.
He came only to tell about the light."
-John 1:1-8

Love,

It's Good Friday and if you can't make it to church, listen to this and feel the presence of the Lord right where you are..

2011-04-22T07:31:00.000-06:00

He's holding your life, your marriage, your family, your troubles in the palm of His hand. That alone should make you feel lighter in spirit and so loved by the Great One Whom created you.

Praise His name, Jesus!

If you're looking for a Family Activity to do today that involves Good Friday, try these today....

1.Make a cross out of wood scraps. Ask each family member to think of an attitude or action from the past week that they knew didn't make God happy. Have family members write their thoughts on a piece of paper, fold it and pin it to the cross. Talk about how Jesus suffered the punishment for all of our sins so that we would not have to.

2.Place a white carnation in a vase. Read 1 Peter 1:18-19. Discuss with your children what it meant that Jesus was a "lamb without blemish or defect." Add a dozen drops of red food coloring to the water. Watch what happens over the next two or three days. Use the red flower petals as a reminder that Jesus took our sins upon himself when He died on the Cross.

3.Have your kids take turns sharing stories about bullies from school or cyberbullies online. Talk about how people often treat others unkindly because they are hurting inside, and point out that they need forgiveness just like we do. Read the story about the repentant criminal who hung on the cross next to Jesus (Luke 23:39-43). Let your children tell how they may have acted unkind when they didn't take the thoughts or feelings of another into consideration. Lead them in prayer, confessing your failings in this area. Allow your kids time (but don't force them) to confess, also.

This week, my children and I used this week to enjoy the gifts God gave us to create and we painted birdhouses with friends, I made them t-shirts with Scripture and we played at the park.. enjoying God's creation.

Take time to enjoy what God wants to show you and reap His blessings that He can't wait to share with you.

Thanking Him for His great name,

Not sure how to share the true meaning of Easter with your family? You don't have to give up fun-filled traditions that satisfy your/their sweet tooth.

2011-04-15T09:24:00.001-06:00

North Americans celebrate Easter in a variety of ways — treat-filled baskets, egg hunts, new Sunday clothes. Although there is nothing wrong with these traditions, Easter is so much bigger than dyed eggs and bunnies. As Christians, we celebrate Christ's resurrection and the new life He gives us.

To help you bring the Easter story to life for your children, the editors of Thriving Family have compiled a week of Christ-focused activities. They are not meant to replace your family's traditional Easter activities, but to help your children learn more about Jesus' sacrifice and victory over death at Easter.

Palm Sunday

In Jesus' time, palm branches were used in celebrations or to honor dignitaries. Read John 12:12-13. Have your kids make palm branches out of green construction paper and decorate the dinner table with their creations. Place extra "branches" on a path from the entryway to the table to mark a path of honor. Before dinner, discuss the meaning of Hosanna, which could have been an appeal for divine help or salvation, or a way to praise Jesus. Ask your children what they might shout if they saw Jesus coming down the road today.

Monday

Bake bread as a family, and discuss why Jesus called himself the Bread of Life. Point out that just as bread gives us nutrition and sustains us physically, Jesus offers us eternal life and sustains us spiritually. Put the bread in a basket. Then add some Easter goodies and at least one item that shares the Easter message, such as a bookmark, tract or Biblezine (for tweens). Deliver the basket to someone who may need an extra dose of kindness this week.

Tuesday

Make an Easter picture tree. Anchor a small branch in a pot. Have your kids look through magazines and cut out images that remind them of Jesus. Examples: A lamp because He is the Light of the World or a road because He is the one way to heaven. Glue pictures on card stock, attach short pieces of string, and hang the pictures on the branches.

Wednesday

Send your children on an Easter scavenger hunt. Instruct them to find items that symbolize different parts of the Easter story. Examples: A rock (the tomb), two sticks (the Cross), something black (sin), something red (blood), something white (a clean heart), something green (growing in Christ). Older children can go on a digital scavenger hunt, taking photographs of items that remind them of Easter.

Thursday

1.Experience your own Maundy Thursday foot-washing ceremony. Fill a bucket with water. Grab a few towels, gather your family, and share the story found in John 13:1-17. Then take turns washing each other's feet and praying for one another.

2.Read Luke 22:39-46. Visit a garden or park and pray there. Chat about Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane. Have your kids talk about what plans they have for tomorrow and what Jesus may have been thinking about for the next day.

3.Talk with your children about a time when a friend hurt their feelings. Read Matthew 26:14-16, 47-56. Then give your children a dollar bill. Ask if they would trade it for five nickels. Thirty pennies? Determine which has the most value. Discuss how Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 silver coins and what a poor trade he made. Ask your children how Jesus must have felt when His friend betrayed Him.

Friday

1.Make a cross out of wood scraps. Ask each family member to think of an attitude or action from the past week that they knew didn't make God happy. Have family members write their thoughts on a piece of paper, fold it and pin it to the cross. Talk about how Jesus suffered the punishment for all of our sins so that we would not have to.

2.Place a white carnation in a vase. Read 1 Peter 1:18-19. Discuss with your children what it meant that Jesus was a "lamb without blemish or defect." Add a dozen drops of red food coloring to the water. Watch what happens over the next two or three days. Use the red flower petals as a reminder that Jesus took our sins upon himself when He died on the Cross.

3.Have your kids take turns sharing stories about bullies from school or cyberbullies online. Talk about how people often treat others unkindly because they are hurting inside, and point out that they need forgiveness just like we do. Read the story about the repentant criminal who hung on the cross next to Jesus (Luke 23:39-43). Let your children tell how they may have acted unkind when they didn't take the thoughts or feelings of another into consideration. Lead them in prayer, confessing your failings in this area. Allow your kids time (but don't force them) to confess, also.

Saturday

1.Take a morning walk around your neighborhood. Talk about how spring reminds us of the new life Jesus gives us. Point out the signs of new life that are starting to appear.

2.Let your kids help you clean your windows. Talk about how much better they can see through them afterward. Read Luke 18:31-34. Explain that the disciples did not see clearly at first. They did not understand that Jesus had to die and rise from the dead — until He did!

3.That evening, decorate a plain white tablecloth with fabric markers or a disposable plastic one with Sharpies. Let your children illustrate the tablecloth with symbols of Easter. Use the tablecloth for Easter dinner the following day.

Easter Sunday

1.Read Matthew 27:57-61. Then ask your children for a volunteer. Wrap him or her in toilet paper, or "grave clothes." After your kids have stopped giggling, allow the volunteer to break free from the toilet paper. Talk about how sad the disciples must have felt and how happy they must have been when they saw that Jesus had conquered death.

2.Go to a park, search for an oversized boulder and try to move it. Read Matthew 27:62-66; 28:1-4. Discuss how a large stone couldn't keep Jesus in the tomb and how surprised the soldiers must have been when it was rolled away.

3.During Easter dinner, have cupcakes for dessert with one candle on each. Use trick candles to show how Jesus, the Light of the World, appeared to be extinguished but wasn't. Light the candles and together blow them out. When the candles relight themselves, talk about how everyone thought Jesus' light had disappeared, but it hadn't. He was and still is alive!

4.Take a night hike as a family. Observe how a flashlight ensures safe stepping. Remind your children how Jesus came into the world to guide our steps and show us the way to God.

~ Get more Easter activities from Focus on the Family. ~

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This article first appeared in the March/April, 2011 issue of Thriving Family magazine and was originally titled "Exploring Easter." Copyright © 2011 by Focus on the Family. Used by permission. ThrivingFamily.com.

He has Risen!

Song Dedication to my children....

2011-03-25T08:16:00.003-06:00

Sister Bear had a sad day yesterday because she got in trouble for not staying in her seat at school (this part of the story was given to me this morning, yesterday it was "All the other kids ran outside and I stayed in class, I should not have been given a sweater change. It's making me sad.") Her "Behavior Bear" changed her sweater from Green to Yellow for the first time since she started school. This devastated Sister Bear, embarrassed her and had her in a blue mood all day, into the night (not even a game of "ZINGO" with Mama could brighten things up for very long). We talked about it and prayed before bed last night and this morning she woke up feeling so much better. Still a bit sad, but after being completely honest (I think with herself first) she came to terms with the consequence of not following the rules away from home.

This song is just the song for her today!

Brother Bear LOVES this song, in fact we sing a duet together pretty often. I sang this to him when he was swimming in my belly! Right now, he's swimming in the bathtub, so I'm going to go sing this to him.

Have a beautiful, Sunshiney day, wherever you are.

Grateful,

If you are a wife, you may want to slow things down and read this letter and watch this video..... (click on "Dear Husband...")

2011-03-16T14:03:00.000-06:00

Dear Husband, ................. Love, Your Wife

Can you see over this heart? Now go and love your husband and keep praying for him. He needs all your prayers and encouragement that he can get.

Love,

A collage of lately....

2011-03-13T15:38:00.002-06:00

"Hi Sissy!!!"

(picking Sister Bear up from school, the highlight of his day)

Our dinner napkins say so much.

We thank the Lord each day for all He gives us.

A trip to the zoo on Friday after school......

Each child had a leaf to play with the river otter.... so much joy to watch!

This is a regular stop for Brother Bear everytime we go to the zoo.

We call it the "Little Bear" photo! He LOVES visiting the black bears!

A visit to the vet for our dog, and they had LEGOS! Brother Bear was in building tower heaven!

Last Saturday, we woke up early and left the house and made our way to 2 parks and the beach! This is something I have fond memories of with my sister growing up, we'd swing together. We called it the "Spider Swing".... Now sharing the memory with Sister Bear!

My little guy.... in Daddy's hat!

Today... Sister Bear's smile makes me happy happy happy and feel full of love!

Life is simply wonderful.

Love,

Wise words to live by... (the ones highlighted)

2011-03-13T15:11:00.002-06:00

A person that has a bible that's falling apart probably doesn't have a life that is.
-Pastor Adrian Rogers.

T A L K

2011-03-08T08:17:00.001-07:00

Praying with your kids - Prayer is such an important part of our relationship with God! Jesus thought it so important that He gave His disciples a model to teach them how to pray (Matthew 6:5-13). We must also teach and model prayer to our kids. I encourage you to take advantage of daily opportunities to share prayer with your child - in the car, on a walk, before bedtime, at dinnertime... any place or time!

Below is a simple prayer model to encourage our younger kids to TALK to God:
Prayer is talking to God. When you TALK, you:

T - Tell God about your day

A - Ask God for forgiveness and guidance

L - Listen to what God is saying to you

K - Know that God is crazy about you and that He loves when you TALK to Him!

To pray with my children is such a blessing. When I hear them pray, it gives me a peace to know that they are learning to call on Jesus for all they need anytime. It gives them a comfort and security, especially when their parents aren't around. Teach them to depend on Him.

Morning, Noon and Night....Prayers come together and up, up they go for the Lord to hear. We rest in Him for everything.

Teach them, show them and pray with them often and they will begin to TALK to Jesus.

Jesus loves the little children

All the children of the world

Red, Brown, Yellow,

Black and White

They are precious in His sight.

Jesus loves the little children

Of the world.

Loving and praying for all our children and families of the world,

New Generation of Children Praying (video)... grab tissues.

2011-02-25T13:49:00.000-07:00

Children have my heart, they always have and always will. God bless these little hearts that hunger for your Truth and your ways, dear Lord. This video tugged at my heart and I pray it reaches yours. Share it with your children and encourage them to pray and love the Lord. What a blessing.

Love,

The Parable of the Good Samaritan

25 On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

26 “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”

27 He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

28 “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”

29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

30 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’

36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”

37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”

Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

"Dear Jesus, Come into my heart."

2011-02-25T12:16:00.002-07:00

Last night Sister Bear asked Jesus to come into her heart, all on her own at devotion time. She said her own prayer quietly under her blanket and then climbed out and said, "Now I'm going to sing." (She opened her bible that she has been reading all week, God's been preparing her) and she sang, softly, "Jesus, come into my heart...." She's 5 years old, the same age her auntie, Noppy accepted Jesus into her heart, all on her own. When Noppy (my sister) accepted Jesus as her Savior, she ran into our mother's room and said, "Mommy, I just asked Jesus into my heart and after He came in, I felt something!"

I thank the Lord, for the hearts of children, so open wide for His love. Now it's my duty and pleasure as her mother, to nurture her in all ways that guide and encourage her to stay in step with Jesus all of her days. She's growing in the Lord each day and it's a beautiful blessing to witness.

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." -John 14:16

(This picture hung on my grandparents wall and now it encourages daily prayer in my home)

Sharing the gospel,

Sister Bear completed her first week of school.....

2011-02-23T12:04:00.000-07:00

"David praised the LORD in the presence of the whole assembly, saying,

“Praise be to you, LORD,
the God of our father Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting.
Yours, LORD, is the greatness and the power
and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
for everything in heaven and earth is yours.
Yours, LORD, is the kingdom;
you are exalted as head over all.
Wealth and honor come from you;
you are the ruler of all things.
In your hands are strength and power
to exalt and give strength to all.
Now, our God, we give you thanks,
and praise your glorious name."
-I Chronicles 29:10-13
*Sister Bear's memorized bible verse for the week. She did great! And still knows it this week.

Here is a collection of photos for the week, it ended with a friend staying with us for the weekend......

Day 1:

"Good Morning, Sunshine!"
The morning of a new beginning for Sister Bear, her clothes are laid out!
Her first day began on Valentine's Day

Breakfast of Champions!

And she's off!

My little girl, all ready to learn,

make new friends and encourage.

I love this child ♥

She traded her banana in for a bag of cereal.

Little did Brother Bear know he would be doing this every morning.

Since then, he has learned to love it,

because it means....

he and Mama get some good times together in the making.

I kinda love it too.

Beautiful sky to start our day!

Our Creator gets all the glory for this and every good thing in our lives.

♥ The moment Sister Bear arrived to her First Day of School.

Meeting her teacher for the first time and it's Valentine's Day ♥

Very special moment to remember all her life.

All her classmates and teacher spent the week prior,

praying for Sister Bear to get better from her cold.

What a very loving class ♥

Looking up never disappoints.

"His mercies never come to an end;

they are new every morning."

-Lamentations 3:22-23

What Brother Bear does when Sissy's not around....

Dinner tonight. Valentine's Day Special ♥

(Thanks, Papa John's Pizza)

Day 2:

Ready to start her day with JOY in her little heart!

She came home yesterday with a class full of new friends.

God is so good!

He is our comforter not in just new places, but in ALL places.

She's upgraded her backpack,

Miss Hello Kitty seems to have more space inside..

for all that schoolwork and art she's going to do!

The Panera Bread girls just love this little guy......can't imagine why?

Mama's heart m e l t s for this face.

Waiting for Sissy at "School Pick-up".

Day 3:

Loves school!

Our church and possibly Stella's new school for the year....... ♥

Brother Bear having fun with Mama in the car on the way to Bible study.

Jammies and The Fresh market!

Day 4:

She's a happy girl. . .

A sweet pink heart for good behavior

♥

The lil guy gets to read devotions and pray with the girls

and then it's off to parent's room for sleepy bye.

We've got enough babies in this bed!

Brother Bear actually enjoyed sleeping in a love seat in our room,

it was his own little bed.

Goodnight, Girls! ..School in the mornin'.

His new smile. Started this week... it's got spunk.

Playtime at the park with friends....

"I can do this!"

Snackin' on scones...

"Wait for meeeeeeeeeeeeeee!"

Day 5:

Time to pick up Sissy from school....

"Show and Tell" on Fridays....guess what she shared about?

(notice Brother bear in the very backseat, chewing on a straw!)

♥ Lunch for the little angels ♥

I shared the table with two beautiful little princesses for lunch today!

It was my pleasure to serve them.

"Hey, what about me?"

....And a little prince.

The conversations. . . .

Why I love little girls.. . .

Singing at the top of her lungs! Worship and Praises!

These two girls have the most beautiful voices and together,

they both sang their hearts out in my car.

"Let everything that breathes sing praises to the LORD!"

-Psalm 150:6

"Wait, we're missing some Barbies, I had 7 and she had 5." -hilarious!

Jammies, Barbies, Movies and Popcorn.....A complete Friday Night ♥

Can't forget Brother Bear and a snuggly blankie for all to share.

The next day, the Zoo called our names... .. .

I know it was alot of photos, but if you're a Mother than you understand the milestone. I'm so proud of her. On Monday, Papa Bear and I attended a Homeschoolers meeting with some friends and fellow homeschoolers, it sure did encourage us and it was alot of fun! Being that it was "Couples Night", we made a double date out of it.

We are just so grateful for all that is placed before us. With His Grace, guidance and complete faith on our part, we're learning more and more, His will. He directs all our paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Nothing but a Mother's Love,

You know how I love my "Church Signs"! (video)

2011-02-23T07:04:00.002-07:00

I've been taking photos of church signs for years and love each one. Here is the latest one I saw the other day in front of a church in my neighborhood and oh, is it the Truth!......

"One Week Without God Makes One Weak."

With Love,

Mothers The World Needs

2011-02-21T09:46:00.001-07:00

♥♥♥

"Mothers with courage; mothers who pray,

These are the kind the world needs today.

Mother who think, who study and plan;

Mothers who laugh as much as they can,

Having the gift that is better than money--

The habit of seeing that some things are funny.

Mothers whose faith never wavers or falters;

Mothers whose spirits the world never alters;

Loving the right and scorning the wrong;

Facing the problems of life with a song.

Mothers whose bravery transcends their fears;

Winning the battle with patience and tears;

Never submitting to weakness or sin---

Storming heaven's gates till the children are in.

♥♥♥

Mothers heroic, not guilty of whining;

Hands graced with service and faces with shining.

Mothers of purity, virtue and faith,

Steadfast in life and triumphant and death;

Looking beyond the dark pathway of sorrow,

Seeking a home in God's joyous tomorrow,

Leading the children; pointing the way---

These are the mothers, the world needs today!

-Kathryn Blackburn Peck

♥♥♥

I reposted this from a blog I read this morning and had to share.

Find it here:

A Wise Woman Builds Her Home

Joining in prayer with all you Mothers,

A Beautiful Sunday Hymn....

2011-02-13T17:31:00.002-07:00

"Come Thou Fount"

Sing along....

Come Thou fount of every blessing
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace
Streams of mercy never ceasing
Call for songs of loudest praise
Teach me some melodious sonnet
Sung by flaming tongues above
Praise the mount I'm fixed upon it
Mount of Thy unchanging love

Here I raise my Ebenezer
Hither by Thy help I come
And I hope by Thy good pleasure
Safely to arrive at home
Jesus sought me when a stranger
Wondering from the fold of God
He, to rescue me from danger
Interposed His precious blood

O to grace how great a debtor daily I'm constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to Thee
Prone to wander Lord I feel it, prone to leave the God I love
Here's my heart Lord, take and seal it, seal it for Thy courts above

SUPERBOWL Commercials can surprise us! What about this one?

2011-02-08T11:22:00.001-07:00

Repost from the blog: Jesus Wept

"Last week I was able to bring to your attention that FOX sports had banned a Christian commerical under the ruling of too much "religious content". It goes without saying that restricting of this commercial mocks the freedom of speech that seems to so often rule American advertising. Prayers were no doubt needed here as sexually explicit advertising has become a norm on Superbowl Sunday however something with Christian morals is deemed inappropriate.

Good news!!!! Just before the 4th quarter of football on Sunday night the John 3:16 commercial aired. It was to the surprise of many however the website was bombarded with hits to the point where it became difficult to load. This is amazing news that in mere curiosity people were drawn to discover the meaning behind John 3:16 and get a glimpse of Christ. Here is the ad. Please share it with those who might have missed it."
-Dan Willis

John 3:16
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

The best gift ever, given to us freely.

Pray on this and receive your very own personal Lord and Savior. He will save you from all that is not right and nudge you in the right direction. It's that simple. Guess what? He forgives you when you make mistakes, no matter how big or how small. He forgives over and over and over and over and over again. Until you pass the test and get it right. Just have a sincere heart when you ask for His forgiveness. And He says, "Ok, forgiven. And erased, forgotten." Then loves you up with His big heart. He won't bring up your old stuff, He won't bash you or make you feel bad for doing it. He never holds a grudge, just a hopeful heart that you'll turn to Him instead of yourself or Man (anyone other than Him). What do you have to lose? If you were to die right now, do you know where you are headed? Pray on this. If you've never prayed, start right now. Jesus loves you, even if you don't know Him. He still loves you anyway.

If you need a prayer to say, sincerely from your heart and receive Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, repeat this prayer below. There is no right or wrong way to say it, if it's truly from your heart:

Dear Father,

I now believe that Jesus Christ is Your only begotten Son, that He came to our earth in the flesh and died on the cross to take away all of my sins and the sins of this world. I believe that Jesus Christ then rose from the dead on the third day to give all of us eternal life.

Lord Jesus,

I now confess to You all of the wrong and sinful things that I have ever done in my life. I ask that You please forgive me and wash away all of my sins by the blood that You have personally shed for me on the cross. I am now ready to accept You as my personal Lord and Savior. I now ask that You come into my life and live with me for all of eternity.

Father, Jesus – I now believe that I am truly saved and born again.

Thank You Father.
Thank You Jesus.

To understand what you just did or are about to do or need further prayer to make this decision in your life, read about it further: Sinner's Prayer (Know, we are all sinners and even by being saved, we will always be sinners until our Lord takes us home to heaven for an eternal life with Him).

A great book for children that shares Jesus with them and invites Him into their hearts is: "The Prayer that Makes God Smile" by Stormie Omartian. I just gave this book to Sister Bear and it's making her think about it and understand it more at her level.

Praying for you and with you.
Love,

Jesus as the Home of my Soul

2011-02-07T11:39:00.001-07:00

I'm reposting this from a blog that was shared with me...... My hope is that it touches YOU today.

Photo Credit

What a beautiful thing it is that Jesus cares about us and every little thing we do. Whether it is making our beds, doing the dishes, teaching a math lesson, or folding clothes - He is interested in all of these things and watches over us as we perform our daily labors. Likewise, we can and should meditate on Him while engaged in any task, no matter how menial.

I ran across the following on an index card that my Mom had placed in her scriptures. This little illustration might be good to put above your sink as a reminder that the Lord is in and through all things:

Picture Jesus as the Home of my Soul

Ceiling- He protects me and is above me

Floor - Supports and is below me

Walls- His arms are wrapped around me

Meditate on Him through Household Activities:

Getting dressed in the morning - Wear the "garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness" (this is a wonderful way to remind me throughout the day to praise Him and not fear the circumstances).

Doing Dishes, cleaning, etc.- Ask that God would cleanse me of sin and worry

Fine Arts (Crocheting, Sewing)-Realizing God is concerned about ALL the details of our lives

Our beds-Resting in His arms!

By Krystal Yoder

Send your kids on an "ADVENTURE" every day!

2011-02-02T13:50:00.001-07:00

By introducing them to "Adventures in Odyssey"

They will thank you for sending them on a journey into a place where they can investigate the TRUTH, share thoughts on SELF-CONTROL, learn how to be RESPECTFUL, love to be HONEST, get excited about being FAITHFUL, gear up to have COURAGE, and through the process learn the love of Jesus and how He is our guidance and how all of their questions can be answered by following God's word. That's their real journey.. in desiring to become a DISCIPLE!

I love how Scripture is shared at the end of each Adventure!

Connie encourages well by sharing the gospel with our children.

You can tune in M-F to your local Christian radio station (MOODY radio) or tune in daily to their website "Adventures in Odyssey" and listen as often as you'd like. Or do what we have done in our home, and purchase them on CD. However you find best to listen to these great Adventures, your children and whole family will grow to love them for years and years to come! If you already have them or know of them, share them with others.

There is something about Whit's voice that is so comforting.

"All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness."

-2 Timothy 3:16

Prayerfully teaching and training our little ones in the Lord.

Love,

$ .25

2011-02-01T08:54:00.000-07:00

A Christian

Several years ago, a preacher from out-of-state accepted a call to a church in Houston , Texas . Some weeks after he arrived, he had an occasion to ride the bus from his home to the downtown area. When he sat down, he discovered that the driver had accidentally given him a quarter too much change.. As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, 'You'd better give the quarter back. It would be wrong to keep it.' Then he thought, 'Oh, forget it, it's only a quarter. Who would worry about this little amount? Anyway, the bus company gets too much fare; they will never miss it. Accept it as a 'gift from God' and keep quiet.'

When his stop came, he paused momentarily at the door, and then he handed the quarter to the driver and said, 'Here,you gave me too much change ..'

The driver, with a smile, replied, 'Aren't you the new preacher in town?'

'Yes' he replied.

'Well, I have been thinking a lot lately about going somewhere to worship. I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change. I'll see you at church on Sunday.'

When the preacher stepped off of the bus, he literally grabbed the nearest light pole, held on, and said, 'Oh God, I almost sold your Son for a quarter.'

Our lives are the only Bible some people will ever read. This is a really scary example of how much people watch us as Christians, and will put us to the test! Always be on guard -- and remember -- You carry the name of Christ on your shoulders when you call yourself 'Christian.'

Watch your thoughts ; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
W atch your actions; they become habits..
Watch your habits; they become character.
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.

I'm glad a friend forwarded this to me this morning, as a reminder. So, I choose to forward it to you - my friend. God bless you.

If you don't pass this on to anybody, nothing bad will happen; but, if you do, you will have ministered to someone today.

Rememeber, each day.....

2011-01-30T12:11:00.001-07:00

Can my heart get any bigger?

2011-01-28T13:45:00.000-07:00

"The Lord will work out His plans for my life." -Psalm 138:8 (TLB)

"Why Would A Good God Allow Suffering?"

2011-01-18T10:02:00.002-07:00

"Missy could fall down and hurt herself, even if I'm walking right there beside her. That doesn't mean that I allowed it to happen. She knows, as far as unconditional love, I'll pick her up and I'll carry her. I'll try to heal her. I'll cry when she cries. And I'll rejoice when she is well. In all the moments of my life, God has been right there beside me. The truth of God's love is not that he allows bad things to happen. It's His promise that he'll be there with us when they do."

-Quoting the movie "Love Comes Softly"
Movie trailer for "Love Comes Softly"

"All things work together for good to those who love God."

-Romans 8:28

FOR FURTHER STUDY

Wondering about the reasons for your trials?
Read the online booklet "Why Would A Good God Allow Suffering?":
Read the PDF link HERE

My prayer this morning is for someone who's looking to find some peace and encouragement and possibly some better understanding of how to lean on God during the storms of life. If you think or feel He's asleep, out of reach, or just not even there, then quietly ask Him to comfort you and reveal himself to you. All you need is the faith of a mustard seed. Begin to grow your faith each day.

All God ever wants from you and I is total dependance on Him. Your struggles are different than mine and at times we may relate, but no matter the struggle, storm or circumstance, He promises to see us through it. He never leaves us. When we draw close, He draws closer.

Lovingly,

What's in this stuff anyway? Maybe Pearl knows!

2011-01-18T07:32:00.000-07:00

(Going through all my blog "DRAFTS", believe it or not, there are plenty. This was created in 2009! I think it's cute enough to post....I miss Brother Bear being this little)

Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King

2011-01-17T12:10:00.000-07:00

"I Have A Dream"

As my friend, Jeff says it best, "These are the Americans we should all be proud of."

Love,

It's a Birthday Celebration for my Sister today............

2011-01-13T11:58:00.002-07:00

Lets start with her favorite quotes.........

"I love quotations because it is a joy to find thoughts one might have, beautifully expressed with much authority by someone recognized wiser than oneself." -Marlene Dietrich

and...

"Either that wallpaper goes, or I do" - Oscar Wilde, dying in a Paris bedroom, 1900.

Ok, now in no particular order, and trust me, I could have gone on and on, but I had to stop somewhere....here are some photos that sum my sister up through the years. Each photo will have some kind of special memory or meaning:

Happy Birthday to my dear, sweet and wonderful Sissy! I love you beyond words....so hopefully the photos speak my heart. I wish we were together, not just today to celebrate your birthday, but each day.

Love,
Lisi

Make Each Day Count..... .. .

2011-01-11T12:23:00.001-07:00

God holds each of us in the palm of His hand.

"Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; for it is written,

“As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess [shall give praise] to God.” So then each of us will give an account of himself to God." -Romans 14:10-12

Make each day count for Him.

Joyfully a child of God,

11 Year-Old Reveals Jesus Throughout the Entire Bible! - Inspirational Video

2011-01-10T13:21:00.003-07:00

I have such a heart for children and their heart's for the Lord. When I come across something like this below, I cannot help but share and pray that it encourages you to share with your child(ren) and their friends. Young girls who babysit, Grandparents, Neighbors, Friends, whoever you are, please share with our children as much as possible, the promise, protection and stories of JESUS. Plant those seeds of God's truth and His unconditional love and then watch them grow in the hearts of many. Children love to watch these kinds of videos, they are so encouraging. I know, because I have a 2 and 5 year old and they love it!

For more great videos like this, browse at God†ube

From the mom of Jack: For those asking, a copy of the text we used can be found at home.intekom.com/jason/jesusot.htm or google "Jesus in every Book of the Bible." For those asking to learn it with your kids, it really helped all of my children (the youngest 6) to memorize it with hand motions - you can see Jack doing a few as he recites it.

“All your sons and daughters will be taught by the Lord, and great will be your children’s peace.”
-Isaiah 54:13

Praising Him for the hearts of children,

Casual, Religious Shoes "May God rip the casual, religious shoes off our feet and cast them far from us."

2011-01-07T08:48:00.001-07:00

I read this, this morning while getting my roast together for tonight's dinner and it spoke to my heart and would love to share it with you...

"I loved this devotional from Oswald Chamber’s classic My Utmost for His Highest and wanted to share it with all of you." -Kristi Stephens

A person who has not been born again by the Spirit of God will tell you that the teachings of Jesus are simple. But when he is baptized by the Holy Spirit, he finds that “clouds and darkness surround Him…” (Psalm 97:2). When we come into close contact with the teachings of Jesus Christ we have our first realization of this. The only possible way to have full understanding of the teachings of Jesus is through the light of the Spirit of God shining inside us. If we have never had the experience of taking our casual, religious shoes off our casual, religious feet – getting rid of all the excessive informality with which we approach God – it is questionable whether we have ever stood in His presence. The people who are flippant and disrespectful in their approach to God are those who have never been introduced to Jesus Christ. Only after the amazing delight and liberty of realizing what Jesus Christ does, comes the impenetrable “darkness” of realizing who He is.

O, Lord Jesus – please throw our casual, religious shoes far from us… may we stand barefoot in the holy ground of your presence. May we be laid low.

Source: Kristi Stephens Blog Casual, Religious Shoes

I always pray that whatever I post on here, reaches the hearts of those who needed to read it, think about it or just enjoy the words shared.

God's Great Blessings,

"Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." -Romans 15:4

AT&T Documentary Takes on Texting-While-Driving "It CAN Wait"

2011-01-03T21:45:00.000-07:00

Please watch this video and listen to how a simple few letters or words can end or change lives forever. Help make a difference. "It Can Wait"

In a proactive public relations move, AT&T is taking the lead on texting-and-driving prevention with an 11-minute documentary on the topic, intended to reach consumers before New Year’s Eve.

The doc, called The Last Text, features stories about people whose lives were adversely affected by texting behind the wheel, including the parents of Mariah West, who died after texting “Where u at?” to a friend.

AT&T is distributing the film to schools, safety organizations and government agencies and on its YouTube() channel. The doc is part of AT&T’s “It Can Wait” TV, print and online campaign, which the company introduced in March. Part of that campaign includes a Facebook app() where friends can take a pledge not to text and drive.

AT&T’s not alone in publicizing the risks of texting and driving. Sprint partnered with The Oprah Winfrey Show in May for a program fighting texting and driving. In addition, a video from the Gwent Police Department in Wales also garnered thousands of views on YouTube thanks in part to its graphic depiction of a (dramatized) accident brought on by texting and driving.

Nevertheless, texting behind the wheel appears to be a growing problem. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 5,500 people were killed last year because of “distracted driving” and the largest proportion of those fatalities were people under 20. A recent survey from the Pew Internet & American Life Project showed 26% of teens have texted while driving and 43% have made calls on their cellphones while driving.

PLEASE POST AND SHARE THIS MESSAGE WITH OTHERS. Thank you!

God's great blessings,
Mama Bear

Why We Celebrate New Years...

2011-01-01T10:27:00.005-07:00

Happy New Year 2011!

God's Great Blessings,

Filling their bowls...Hearts, with Jesus!

2010-12-14T11:06:00.005-07:00

And all your [spiritual] children shall be disciples [taught by the Lord and obedient to His will], and great shall be the peace and undisturbed composure of your children.(A)
-Isaiah 54:13 (Amplified Bible)

Cross references:
A.Isaiah 54:13 : John 6:45

Last night as I was asked for "More soupy please!" at dinner, I was led to meditate on this Scripture above. While my little ones are young and learning so many things each day, it forces me to think back when I was young and try to remember how I processed things to keep the right perspective. I want to fill my children's bowls with more, and fill their hearts with more of Jesus and teach them as they can understand at their heart's level, the love our Lord has for us and the importance of g r o w i n g in Christ. But most importantly, where and how that begins.

I read a wonderful post on a blog this morning at The M.O.B. Society: "Don't just ask Jesus into your heart" (Not just parents, but everyone should read this if you plan on sharing Jesus with others and have hopeful prayer for their salvation. This message may share and help deliver a better understanding, the fullness of God's heart and His loving desire to reach you/us and save you/us, not just save you/us but Keep you/us.)

It made me really think deeply of how I share Jesus with my children (I'm starting there because they are my responsibility and top priority) and then it made me think of how I'm sharing Him with others. I remember when I was a little girl, on fire for the Lord and how I felt then. Pretty full of Jesus. I also know how I felt through the years after and how I still had my faith, but my daily walk was not so straight. My personal relationship was not so loyal. I never really drew into the clear message that goes along with accepting Jesus as my Saviour. My relationship with Jesus today is so very different because of the understanding that I now have at 37. As I read the post at The M.O.B. Society I enjoyed reading the comments that followed and drew even more of an understanding on how to share Him with not just my children, but with others.

One of the comments made really spoke to my heart:
"First, God was always forgiving, long before Jesus, God was always forgiving. Read the old testament. What Jesus did was set us free, bought us back, (That’s what redeem actually means) and gave us His spirit so we have his power to not return to the bondage that sin kept us in.

Jesus willingly offered himself in exchange for all of us, to set us all free. When we invite him in we are asking him to put his life into us, so that we can, right now, be participants with him in his kingdom, and with him do the work of redeeming the world, which was our original job before we ate the apple and lost the life of his spirit. That’s an exciting reason to be following him.

The gospel isn’t about sin management, it’s about being fully human and fully alive. And that’s something even a 5 year old can understand.

I would say this with the juice and the cup, and I do to my kids “here, this is to remember that Jesus gave himself to set us free, and make it so we have the power to live righteously. Let’s ask him again, right now, to give us his spirit and help us to love him and others today, and every day. Because we will need his help.”

There are stages of realizing grace. Don’t make your kids wait for a magical crisis moment to learn that they can ask for help to live righteously. Don't teach them that they need a crisis moment that they remember to truly be “saved”. Many children raised in Christian homes remember walking with God from birth. Isn’t that infinitely better?"
-Carrien at She Laughs at the Days

You draw your own from it and ask that the Lord will speak to you in a way you can best understand. Your relationship is between you and Him. He loves you and wants to draw you in and Keep you. I love that this post made us think about talking to our children, but we are all God's children and we are to never lose sight of that. So this reached me well by explaining it on a child's level.

I pray that this post reaches you today and if you haven't yet asked Jesus to be your Lord, Saviour and Deliverer, that you will consider it and if it's still unclear, my hope is that you will feel comfortable enough to ask for prayer.

Just send me, Mama Bear, a simple message at bluntshaw@gmail.com and just ask me to pray for you. I find an abundance of joy in praying for you, whoever you are, no matter what the prayer is about. If you feel more comfortable, just start by praying for yourself and ask God to show you whatever it is you need understanding on or help with. Our Heavenly Father will begin to reveal some amazing things. Only you will then begin to believe for more. Write them down, date them and look back. It's an incredible journey! His Living Word has all the answers, but begin with prayer. If you need a couple of verses to start living by, remember these two.....

"Don't Worry About Anything, but Pray about Everything."
Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.
And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
-Philippians 4:6-7
(Amplified Bible)

"Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.
In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths."
-Proverbs 3:5-6
(Amplified Bible)

Love,
Mama Bear

Mama's Homemade Laundry Soap

2010-12-10T21:58:00.005-07:00

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

♥ I finally made it! "MAMA'S HOMEMADE LAUNDRY SOAP". Can't wait to use it tomorrow (it's still in the cooling and geling period). I'll let you know how the first load washes ♥

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Homemade Liquid Laundry Soap Recipe

Ingredients:

4 cups hot tap water
1 Fels-Naptha soap bar (I used IVORY soap bar)
1 cup washing soda (found on the same shelf as the Borax)
½ cup Borax

Now lets make laundry soap.....
Grate bar of soap and add to saucepan with water. Stir continually over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted.

Fill a five-gallon bucket half full of hot tap water. Add melted soap, washing soda and Borax. Stir well until all powder is dissolved. Fill bucket to top with more hot water. Stir, cover and let sit overnight to thicken.

Stir and fill a used, clean, laundry soap dispenser half full with soap and then fill rest of way with water. Shake before each use. (It will gel.)

Optional: You can add 10-15 drops of essential oil per two gallons. Add once soap has cooled. Ideas: lavender, rosemary, tea tree oil...

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

"She gets up while it is still night;

she provides food for her family

and portions for her female servants.

She considers a field and buys it;

out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

She sets about her work vigorously;

her arms are strong for her tasks.

She sees that her trading is profitable,

and her lamp does not go out at night."

Proverbs 31:10-31

Love,

Mama Bear

Jesus is the Reason for the Season...

2010-12-09T17:36:00.004-07:00

Isn't the true meaning of Christmas just a beautiful picture? It takes all the focus away from "ME"...me, meaning you, me..us. It's not about us at all, it's about The precious birth of Jesus. That reason alone, is the reason that the stress of Christmas doesn't haunt me anymore. It hasn't for a few years now. I had no idea why but somehow, I was being stripped of my selfish ways in how and why I was celebrating it. God truly prepared me in such a loving way, as He always does. I just didn't know it at the time.

For the past few years with all the moving around and all the angst of instability and thoughts of, "Oh, where are my boxes of Christmas decorations this year"..."Oh, I can't have a normal Christmas again!"....and "It's so unfair that I can't do what I WANT!!!!!" Wow, it all looks so selfish and exhausting now, at the time, it was about me, not Him. So, He broke things down for me, not only took away MY kind of Christmas, but He took away alot of other things that didn't belong in my life anymore. Being here, where He wants me to be feels alot better, more peaceful and clear with direction for a life He planned from the moment He created me. It's about Him! Every step I take, is about Him. So this year, my family and I, celebrate Jesus and His beautiful birth. Not only do we celebrate His birth, but that He is our Deliverer! Stop and think for a moment, what is it that you may need to be delivered from or just Thank Him for what He has delivered you from.

2 Timothy 4:18 (New Living Translation)
"Yes, and the Lord will deliver me from every evil attack and will bring me safely into his heavenly Kingdom. All glory to God forever and ever! Amen."

Rest in that and celebrate! We thank Him for taking charge of our lives and keeping us in His will. It was exhausting trying to run things ourselves. I can't even count how many times we fell and wondered why? This song says it all:

and so........

Last night the little Bear cubs and I made some crafts to count down the days till Christmas......

Luke 2

The Birth of Jesus

1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while (a) Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.

For a real in depth look at our Lord's Birth and better understand the "The Virgin Birth", you can read it over at "Scripture Dig's" blog, it's beautifully written out:
Understand the Virgin Birth
Sandra says, "His name is holy because Christ is without sin–at birth, in life, and when He conquered death!"
Keep Christ in Christmas and Rejoice in this wonderful Season!

Love,
Mama Bear

Happy Thanksgiving... .. .

2010-11-23T14:57:00.002-07:00

It's been quiet at the Treehouse lately because of having family in town. That's a good thing! It's been nice being away from the hustle and bustle of the internet. I'm enjoying this time of year..not the changing of the leaves or the chill of the Fall season (living in Florida doesn't grace us with those luxuries)...I'm talking about the time of year for Thankfulness. Having family in town provides that gift.

It's always the little things that make you realize how big they really are. We've been to the zoo, had meals around the table, been to church together, watched movies at home, I'm learning to sew, been to a Quilt Show, celebrated Sister Bear's birthday on the 11th and the list goes on..... Now we're planning a little trip across the state to visit friends for Thanksgiving and I'm continuing to open my heart and simply just be thankful for the love of family and the blessings that God provides e a c h day.

My husband's hugs make me feel so loved, my daughter's smile (her eyes light up when she smiles at me) warms my heart, my son's voice and sweet big eyes make me happy when we sing "You are my Sunshine" together.

I love this verse for the week, it's written on tonight's dinner napkin.....

So enjoy your week and Be Thankful for all the little things that make life feel full and rich with love. Be back next week. Happy Thanksgiving!

Love,
Mama Bear

Watch this little girl recite by memory her own take on..

2010-11-15T11:51:00.001-07:00

The Story of Jonah

The story of Jonah from Corinth Baptist Church on Vimeo.

Sister Bear, 5 years old is enjoying this so much, especially since Jonah's her favorite story. She said, " I've never heard a kid tell a story like this before!" We're watching it for the 2nd time. May it touch more children and may God plant His seeds in their hearts to hunger for His Word. So glad this was shared, it's so encouraging. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

How To Give Your Child An Effective Timeout and share more of Jesus!

2010-11-03T10:16:00.002-06:00

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”
Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
-Ephesians 6:1-4

Find Courtney's Video HERE.
Women Living Well blog

Using patience, perseverence and much prayer, you will find progress. I like what she said, "Progress not Perfection". Parents, we can be so hard on ourselves. We don't have to be, lets find peace in the simplicity of prayer and perseverence.

I know I am already seeing great results, not just in my children, but in Papa Bear and I. The way we handle each other and our children is the same way they will handle their sibling(s) and friendships. I've taught Sister Bear to pray for her unkind friends (walk away and quietly in the moment say a little prayer) instead of getting into an argument, it helps to simmer down the negative emotions that can stir and build more intense emotions. Little girls are really good at this! It's teaching her to depend on God and not get caught up in "man". She's sharing Jesus more with others (even strangers) and taking a stand for Him and testifying His strength, courage and guidance. The Lord delights in this and Sister Bear honors and obeys His commands.

Mama Bear

Happy At Home

2010-11-03T09:24:00.002-06:00

My hope is that this video clip will encourage every woman and wife after listening to it...... feel free to share it with other women in your lives. And continue to pray for your family each day, God will honor that and bless you. Give Him all the glory.

Visit her blog: Women Living Well

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things."
-Galatians 5:22-23

More of Courtney's Videos:
Courtneylivingwell

May God bless your day and encourage you to walk closer in His will.
Mama Bear

"The Wait Poem" by Russell Kelfer

2010-11-02T12:35:00.003-06:00

"I had the privilege of sitting under His teaching ministry in San Antonio, years ago. His name was Russell Kelfer, and he wrote a poem about waiting. That poem has now been put into a beautiful little gift book with a journal [this book is not available through Revive Our Hearts]."
-Nancy Leigh DeMoss of Revive Our Hearts
Visit HERE for the full conversation that aired today.

Let me read to you that poem, because it describes the process that God takes us through as we learn to quietly wait on the Lord.

The Wait Poem
Desperately, helplessly, longingly, I cried;
Quietly, patiently, lovingly, God replied.
I pled and I wept for a clue to my fate . . .
And the Master so gently said,"Wait."

"Wait? You say wait?" my indignant reply.
"Lord, I need answers, I need to know why!"
Is your hand shortened? Or have you not heard?
By faith I have asked, and I'm claiming your Word.

My future and all to which I relate,
Hangs in the balance, and you tell me to Wait?"
I'm needing a 'yes,' a go-ahead sign.
Or even a 'no,' to which I'll resign.

You promised, dear Lord, that if we believe,
We need but to ask, and we shall receive.
Lord, I've been asking, and this is my cry:
I'm weary of asking! I need a reply.

Then quietly, softly, I learned of my fate,
As my Master replied again, "Wait."
So I slumped in my chair, defeated and taut,
And grumbled to God, "So, I'm waiting . . . for what?"

He seemed then to kneel, and His eyes met with mine . . .

And He tenderly said, "I could give you a sign.

I could shake the heavens and darken the sun.

I could raise the dead and cause mountains to run.

I could give all you seek and pleased you would be.
You'd have what you want, but you wouldn't know Me.
You'd not know the depth of My love for each saint.
You'd not know the power that I give to the faint.

You'd not learn to see through clouds of despair;
You'd not learn to trust just by knowing I'm there.
You'd not know the joy of resting in Me,
When darkness and silence are all you can see.

You'd never experience the fullness of love,

When the peace of My spirit descends like a dove.

You would know that I give, and I save, for a start,

But you'd not know the depth of the beat of My heart.

The glow of My comfort late into the night,
The faith that I give when you walk without sight.
The depth that's beyond getting just what you ask,
From an infinite God who makes what you have last.

You'd never know should your pain quickly flee,
What it means that My grace is sufficient for thee.
Yes, your dearest dreams overnight would come true,
But oh, the loss if I lost what I'm doing in you.

So, be silent, my child, and in time you will see,
That the greatest of gifts is to truly know me.
And though often My answers seem terribly late,
My most precious answer of all is still "WAIT".

Wait. Wait on the Lord. Those who wait on the Lord will never be disappointed.

"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
-Isaiah 40:31

Vote today! Be encouraged...Be encouraging...

2010-11-02T11:04:00.003-06:00

True Woman Movement “I believe if our people across this nation will get on their knees and repent, not only of their own sin but the sins of the nation, and cry out to God for His mercy on this upcoming election, that He will hear our prayers and answer them.”
--Shirley Dobson

For over 15 ways to pray for America, visit: http://www.reviveourhearts.com/topics/article.php?pid=9990
Revive Our Hearts Radio: Article: How to Pray for America
http://www.reviveourhearts.com/

Kenneth Copeland Ministries

Our liberty to preach the gospel is directly related to our government. 1 Tim. 2:1-2 tells us to pray for those in authority “that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness...” It’s our responsibility to see that godliness is projected through our government. By voting, we can preserve the freedom to fulfill the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-20). As Christians, we can influence our nation!

†††

Have you done your part and voted (and prayed!) today? "All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men [and women] to do nothing." --Edmund Burke

Don't stop praying when the poll booths close.

Here's my Doctor's note......

2010-10-26T08:44:00.000-06:00

Not only have we been sick at the Treehouse...but my computer has caught a ~~few~~ 31 viruses. So I won't be online until it's all cleared up. Hope you're feeling better than we are! Be back soon.

Love,
Mama Bear

A Plan for Hope

2010-10-20T01:11:00.003-06:00

Touching story...

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.”

-Jeremiah 29:11-14

Time alone is never lonely.

2010-10-20T00:07:00.001-06:00

"Praise the LORD.

Praise the LORD, O my soul.

I will praise the LORD all my life;

I will sing praise to my God as long as I live."

~ Psalm 146:1-2 ~

30 Life Principles

2010-10-19T23:35:00.002-06:00

When Dr. Stanley was a young man, one week spent with his grandfather charted the course for more than 50 years of preaching God's Word. During those few days, he learned the first of 30 foundational truths that guide his life and ministry to this day.

1. Our intimacy with God – His highest priority for our lives – determines the impact of our lives.

2. Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him.

3. God’s Word is an immovable anchor in times of storm.

4. The awareness of God’s presence energizes us for our work.

5. God does not require us to understand His will, just obey it, even if it seems unreasonable.

6. You reap what you sow, more than you sow, and later than you sow.

7. The dark moments of our life will last only so long as is necessary for God to accomplish His purpose in us.

8. Fight all your battles on your knees and you win every time.

9. Trusting God means looking beyond what we can see to what God sees.

10. If necessary, God will move heaven and earth to show us His will.

11. God assumes full responsibility for our needs when we obey Him.

12. Peace with God is the fruit of oneness with God.

13. Listening to God is essential to walking with God.

14. God acts on behalf of those who wait for Him.

15. Brokenness is God’s requirement for maximum usefulness.

16. Whatever you acquire outside of God’s will eventually turns to ashes.

17. We stand tallest and strongest on our knees.

18. As children of a sovereign God, we are never victims of our circumstances.

19. Anything you hold too tightly, you will lose.

20. Disappointments are inevitable, discouragement is a choice.

21. Obedience always brings blessing.

22. To walk in the Spirit is to obey the initial promptings of the Spirit.

23. You can never out give God.

24. To live the Christian life is to allow Jesus to live His life in and through us.

25. God blesses us so that we might bless others.

26. Adversity is a bridge to a deeper relationship with God.

27. Prayer is life’s greatest time saver.
28. No Christian has ever been called to “go it alone” in his or her walk of faith.

29. We learn more in our valley experiences than on our mountaintops.

30. An eager anticipation of the Lord’s return keeps us living productively.

Resource: http://www.intouch.org/resources/life-principles-to-live-by/30-life-principles

A Good Servant of Christ Jesus

2010-10-19T12:41:00.001-06:00

1 Timothy 4

Warnings against False Teachers

1 Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. 2 These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead.^[a]

3 They will say it is wrong to be married and wrong to eat certain foods. But God created those foods to be eaten with thanks by faithful people who know the truth. 4 Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks. 5 For we know it is made acceptable^[b] by the word of God and prayer.

A Good Servant of Christ Jesus

6 If you explain these things to the brothers and sisters,^[c] Timothy, you will be a worthy servant of Christ Jesus, one who is nourished by the message of faith and the good teaching you have followed. 7 Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. 8 “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” 9 This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it. 10 This is why we work hard and continue to struggle,^[d] for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers.

11 Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them. 12 Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. 13 Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them.

14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. 15 Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.

Footnotes:

a.1 Timothy 4:2 Greek are seared.

b.1 Timothy 4:5 Or made holy.

c.1 Timothy 4:6 Greek brothers.

d.1 Timothy 4:10 Some manuscripts read continue to suffer.

New Living Translation (NLT)

Having their "Daily Bread"

2010-10-17T20:18:00.002-06:00

"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."

-Matthew 4:19

An "Ahhhhhhhh" day......

2010-10-16T20:06:00.001-06:00

Today, we went out for breakfast and decided that since it was such a beautiful day, we should spend some of it outside. So it gave us a chance to get our boat all cleaned and ready to take out when the weather cools off. Hopefully that will be soon.

We found this little guy hanging around the boat! He's not so much just a spider, but a crab spider that spins a web. So I decided to remove him off of our boat and play around with him..for the kids to see. They got a kick out of it. I found him fascinating. Kinda pretty for a spider, dontcha think?

The kids just enjoyed the day........

Papa Bear worked on the boat, while the kids and I played outside and inside our car, we read some books until the kids decided otherwise.

Sister Bear and I read together a little. Reading outside with some fresh air just made the stories so much better.

Brother Bear made a few phone calls to his friends. Pondered on a few thoughts......

Then it was time for a delicious snack. Fresh grapes!

When we left the restaurant, we looked up and noticed some sky-writing! It went on ALL afternoon. Someone had someone special on their mind and wanted to share with everyone. Boy, what a refreshing message, that just went with our day. Especially since we ended it at church tonight.

God IS love.

1 John 4:8

Over 20 Ideas for $5 Fun (Good reading material for you Moms)

2010-10-14T21:11:00.000-06:00

Over 20 Ideas for $5 Fun
(REPOST from a blog I just started reading..Check it out Mamas! Great, Funtastic ideas!)
You know how I love lists!

Mama Mia:

1. Try a new lip gloss

2. Buy a bright colored scarf to wear with your comfy jeans & t

3. Pick a new magazine to read

4. Buy some pretty yarn…start a new hobby

With the Kids:

1. Have a picnic…cookies & juice. Or pb&j sandwiches.

2. Give them each a little money at the thrift store to pick books. Then host a storytime in the living room at home.

3. Take $5 to a craft store like Hobby Lobby or Michael’s and let them pick supplies. Get creative. The end result matters less than the fun of the process.

4. Buy a loaf of bread and take it to the parks to feed the ducks

5. Make cupcakes

6. Teach generosity – give/tip/donate it

Family time:

1. Make your own pizza on pizza night instead of ordering in

2. $1 for a movie at redbox and some popcorn makes for a fun and inexpensive family night

3. Head to a local ice cream shop and split a big sundae. Everyone grab a spoon.

4. Start a family journal – everyone can add to it and share thoughts and moments

5. Start a garden from seed packets

6. Go for coffee. Skip the latte, get a muffin for the kids

Thrifty home deco:

1. Makeover a table - new knobs & a small can of paint

2. Print some photos – send photos to shutterfly and pick them up at a local walgreens in an hour

3. Buy candles - an inexpensive way to add a little ambience to the home

4. Paint some terracotta pots with chalkboard paint for easy labeling. plant herbs in them.

5. Use mason jars for instant inexpensive decor and function

Everyday life:

1. File folders so you can stop procrastinating on those piles of bills, etc…

2. Sticky notes for posting scriptures, quotes, and love notes all over the house

3. A box of various cards….write some simple little notes to mail out and brighten someone’s day!

Have fun, be creative, enjoy the outdoors, make the most of what you have. Enjoy your time and think of all the things you can do for little money.

This was found while reading over at:
"Domestically Divine Divas"
http://domesticallydivinedivas.blogspot.com/2010/09/over-20-ideas-for-5-fun.html

Daily Devotional

2010-10-13T11:01:00.002-06:00

Daily Devotional

Dr. Charles Stanley Daily Devotional: Read here and get Spiritually fed.

Do you pray for your Spouse and Child(ren)?

2010-10-12T22:52:00.006-06:00

I have the wonderful book from Stormie Omartian, "The Power of a Praying Wife" and highly suggest if you don’t have it, purchase or borrow it. It really touches on all the areas of where we need to pray and support our husbands. I see where, when and how God moves when I’m praying for my husband. It’s the best thing we can do for our marriage. Honestly. I also gifted my husband, known around here as Papa Bear, "The Power of a Praying Husband" (it encourages by having a fishing rod on the cover!) He loves it.

God Bless all of you wives. Be good to your husband and pray for and with him, each day. It may take some time to see things change, but God blesses your heartfelt obedience. Even if it's hard at first, feels almost impossible..that's when you need to try it. Prayer never hurt anyone.

Husbands, Pray for and with your lovely wives. They will fall in love with you all over again..and again...and again. That's enough of a reason to start or continue to do it, each day. Your child(ren), if you have any, will benefit the most from it. THAT'S reason enough to Pray. It teaches them to start doing it for their future mates and just to Pray each day for their own path in life.

Pray for and with your children and watch amazing things start to happen.

"The Power of a Praying Parent"

Here is a sample list of things to pray about for your husband along with the source Scriptures:

Guard his spirit and not break faith in his relationships (Mal 2:13-15)

Protection from temptation/strength in temptation (1 Corinthians 7:5) – this would include all kinds of temptations, but specifically sexual temptation

Wisdom in his leadership of his family (Eph 5:22-24) – on a similar note, we should pray that God would help us respect and yield to our husband’s leadership

Deeper love for his wife – that’s you! (Eph 5:25)

Patience, wisdom, and discernment in raising your children (Col 3:19-21)

Strong moral character, gentle spirit, disciplined, and self-controlled (1 Tim 3:1-3)

Wisdom in managing family finances and his family (1 Tim 3:4-5)

Committed to the deep truths of the faith and lives a life of repentance (1Tim 3:9)

These things are just a beginning. Whenever you read your Bible, look for more ways to pray for your spouse, then add them to your prayer system.
Scripture reference: "Praying for Your Spouse" at Scripture Dig's blog http://scripturedig.com/2010/08/17/praying-for-your-spouse/

The books made mention above can all be found at any book store or ordered online by clicking onto the titles. They make great gifts for friends and loved ones!

That's it, tonight, we're baking more cookies........

2010-10-11T13:25:00.001-06:00

In hope that it will bring back that cooler weather we felt for a few days. It's Autumn, right? We want that cozy weather again!

Otherwise, we're going to continue to feel like this.......

I guess, we win either way...Life IS good.

Mama's current favorite cookie recipe:

Just go to your local grocery store and stop by the refrigerated section where they sell premade cookies to bake yourself and purchase "Ginger Spice" with Cinnamon, Molasses & Clove cookies by Immaculate Baking Co. You won't regret it! It makes 24 19 cookies, we tend to eat a few raw ones while waiting for the kitchen to start smelling like spices....

Top Ten Back to School Traditions (Repost from "My OH! Momma's" blog)

2010-10-10T14:46:00.000-06:00

I love "lists" especially if they have something to do with family, traditions and keepsakes. So as I was enjoying my visit over at "My OH! Momma's" blog, I came across this great "list"! I know school has already started, but it's never too late to start a great tradition..for years to come.

Top Ten Back to School Traditions

Want to start the school year off in a fun and memorable way?

Here are ten cute ideas that’ll make your kids feel extra special on their big day.

We’ve kept it simple and cheap so you’re more likely to do it year after year (which is sort of the key to traditions).

1.Serve breakfast up with a candle and sing “Happy First Day of School To You!”

2.Take a picture the first day of school, try making it in front of the same place each year or on the school steps. It’s also cute to cut out numbers of the grade they will be in and have your child hold it for the picture.

3.Have a treat waiting when they get home. It doesn’t have to be dessert, try a bin full of water balloons or fill their bedroom with helium balloons!

4.Hide a small treat, such as a sticker or a small toy, in your child’s pocket.

5.Pack a note with a loving message in your child’s lunchbox or backpack.

6.Make a paper chain with your child to countdown the last days of summer.

7.Start a journal for each child at the beginning of the year and record their friends, favorite subjects, stories they tell you, whatever you want! Even if you only spend 10 minutes a month, you will have a nice keepsake for when they are older.

8.Read “The Kissing Hand” before bed the night before school starts.

9.Have a “Back To School” bash or dinner the night or weekend before school starts. We’re planning on a bonfire and campout in our back yard.

10.Have breakfast with some friends and family to cry or celebrate now that your children are back to school!

Found this helpful and handy little list at "MyOH!Momma's" blog: http://www.myohmomma.com/ohsays/top-ten-back-to-school-traditions

What's better than stickers and lollipops?

2010-10-06T14:32:00.003-06:00

Brother Bear got TWO shots today at the Dr's..but in exchange was surprised with a "Berenstain Bears Out West" book. No more stickers that don't last very long and end up in places they don't belong. Or sticky lollipops that ~~worry~~ concern Mama Bear about tooth corrosion and chipped front teeth. We have the dearest pediatrician!

Not so bad after all..Soccer ball bandaids, Berenstain Bears book and a Popsicle stick! His tears are slowly drying up. And just for those of you curious, Brother Bear's weight is 30 lbs and he's 36 inches tall!

All is better now. A dip in the ol' sauce makes all things well.

My little Monkeys!

Feel like screaming and pulling your hair out? Quiet your voice for a minute, keep your hair and listen to this...

2010-10-05T10:08:00.004-06:00

Listen, patiently, to something we all need to hear from time to time:

Today on Radio
Make sure to click on the link above or "Audio Archives" and click on Oct 5th to hear the message I'm referring to. "The Consequences of Anger". Powerful message. Let go of your pride for a bit and listen for more than a bit. You're not alone. We all go through or have been there. After listening, try and visit another one that speaks to you. The "Archives" are liberating. If you're a visual person, visit the Video Archives .

How many of you can also relate to this?

2010-10-05T09:11:00.000-06:00

It's not a complaint or even a concern..just didn't know they wrote a song and made a video for it!

Catalog Living Presents: Stacks of Books

Our TWO Day "Winter Garden Festival Wonderland"....and the journey home.

2010-10-04T14:33:00.002-06:00

While Papa Bear had to work a booth at the festival this past weekend in a great lil town we have never been to before..we made it a family-fun-filled-weekend, absolutely full of music, food, cotton candy, bounce house, snow cones, bubbles, ice cream, food, music, arts & crafts, food, bring-your-dog, music, people watching, food, family, choo choo's, BBQ! For two whole days! We even made it to church on Sunday morning, which was just a blessing in itself.

Day One:

"Ohhhhhhhh, the Bounce House!" The fun starts here....

Games and Prizes!

A ride with "Sandy" for $ .25

The yummiest Ice Cream..... and even Papa Bear got to join us for some.

(I love ice cream parlors)

Our famous.."We-Take-It-Ourselves-Family-Photo".

Arts and Crafts are just awesome when the little ones are wanting to buy something and we've just eaten ice cream, snow cones and BBQ and I don't want to say "No" again..so how about, "Crafts, kids?" -Yay for Crafts!

(wanna bring this photo to life? video below)

And Sister bear had a "blast!" (her words) making this little trinket box.

She has big plans to fill it up..

If you know me well, you know how much I love to photograph water towers!

Isn't this just gorgeous, it sparkled from the sunlight at the perfect time of day.

Little guy, just fell asleep sitting up and hugging his lemonade. So Sister Bear and I decided it was a perfect time to go and find the Cotton Candy!

We must make a few stops along the way...Choo Choo! This was a mini museum, we would have stopped, but we were too excited for the Cotton Candy!!

We found out that if you own a deep freeze (we do!) this Cotton Candy will last indefinitely! Guess where this bag of Cotton Candy is right now? Yep, in our freezer! I think I'm the only one who remembers it's there.

(wanna bring this moment to life? me too....click below)

This is a booth FULL of plastic blow up friends for the little ones. Sister Bear b e e e e e g g e d me ALL day for one (especially when we passed by it), and the answer each time, was still No! She kept forgetting ALL the things we were enjoying from ice cream to snow cones to jumping in the bounce house to making crafts and the list goes on........the end of the day, I was still being asked about having one, "Pleeeeease, oh pleeeeeeease". We went to sleep this night making a verbal list of ALL the things we did and ate and enjoyed. She soon realized what a fun day she had, and was ever so thankful and knew that the next day it would be off limits to mention the word..b-a-l-l-o-o-n. So here's a photo, we'll have it forever!

She really wants a bike for her "5th" Birthday, so she's been trying them out like a pro.

(the wheels actually move! watch below)

YUM..BBQ! from a place called "Harry & Larry's" -it was the best brisket!

Then we had a smoothie from this place after we were offered a FREE sample.

The music at the festival was a nice blend of culture and talent, this gentleman and his wife shared both. They sang a song we once heard on one of our favorite kids shows, "Gullah Gullah Island". Sister Bear had a smile on her face when she heard it.

And then it was back to the Bouce House to shake things up!

(the best fun $2..$4 I've spent in a while, watch for FREE below!)

(Choo Choo........Brother Bear could play this lil video below ALL day long if I let him.)

(his face is just....precious.)

Day Two:

It was a very pet friendly festival, so we decided to bring ours.......

Piggy Sue wasn't sure where she was going, so a look of concern is understandable, once she arrived, she felt the love... And Sister Bear shared the joy of walking her through, so proud to be her owner. She watched people all day yesterday walk around with their pups and thought about bringing hers the next day. She couldn't wait!

It seemed that everywhere you looked, there was a very friendly dog meeting a very new friendly child. Here's a glimpse for Pearl's moment, our "Little Lady". I can't decide who had the bigger smile, the children or Pearl. It was very sweet.

We hung out in the shade to enjoy the oldies being played "live" before Papa Bear had to go and work at his booth......

Sometimes, this beats a stroller ride.

Sister Bear caught some bubbles while she scoped out where the "Snow Cone" booth was! Luckily it sat right across the way from Papa's booth.

Our flavor choice today? COTTON CANDY!

I found this "beautiful and sweet" little mural in a bathroom we used in a Bed and Breakfast, that did not carry the same description when you took a deep breath.

Couldn't get enough of that Bounce House!

Where is Sister Bear, you ask? She's in the Bounce House across the way, we never saw her until she was done bouncing and sliding down the big slide!

These trees were all over this little town, so gorgeous and full! I only uploaded one, because you know I have many.........Enjoy!

Brother Bear didn't want to leave, I don't blame him. It was two whole days of just family fun! I kinda fell in love with this lil town and know we'll be back. We made some great new friends at the booth. Went to church with them and heard a great message. God always confirms His work. We seem to find new blessings each day.

On our journey home, we made our famous "Starbuckets" stop. I enjoyed a cup of coffee. Hadn't done that in a while. Sister Bear and I got some brief "Mama-Sister Time" while Papa Bear and Brother Bear got some time with the pup outdoors. It was a beautiful sunny day with enough breeze to breathe in some fresh air. We actually had our windows down and the air conditioner off. (that's rare in Florida) So we ventured off the beaten path for future camping spots!

Did I mention we took the scenic route along the coast? Ahhhhhhh.. .. ... .

We always end up having silly conversations along the way! This is the tail end of our trip where Brother bear is concerned about if we lose our fish, Midnight Sky. We'd apparently replace him right away by taking a quick trip to Wally World! (enjoy this lil video)

Skype brings family close.

2010-10-01T10:23:00.000-06:00

We just had a great time chatting with Grizzly Gramps on Skype! He lives in Venezuela and with Skype, he's right in our very own Treehouse with just a touch of a button. The little cubs were overjoyed. They kept bringing all their toys to the computer to share with Grizzly Gramps and the squealing and laughter that poured out of them was infectious! He shared with us some good laughs, heartwarming words and his puppy!

We look forward to more chats soon, Grandpa!

Love,
Mama Bear and the little cubs

Beginning Again.

2010-09-29T11:33:00.000-06:00

I was reading this sweet mother's blog today and found some encouragement and just have to share her simple words with you, Mothers, for those moments of "Arrrrrggghhhhh!" or when all becomes overwhelming:
The Flourishing Mother "Beginning Again." (Just click on these words to bring them to life)

If you love Owls as much as I do and Artsy fun projects, then visit........

2010-09-28T15:55:00.001-06:00

Hoo Hoo! Go check out this project and many more great ideas at: "that artist woman", she's simply amazing and gifted. Click on these words, it's that simple. Have fun!

"Dear God..."

2010-09-28T15:18:00.002-06:00

After hearing that a storm was coming soon and we would experience high winds and need to bring in our loose items from outside..we came home after hearing the news from Papa bear and read a story from her Sunday school lesson and it asked us to say a prayer together at the end. Her little heart always touches me through her sweet prayers. (see below)

"Dear God, please hold the storm until Daddy comes home and we get all our things from outside. Amen." (Sister bear's prayer)

And here's that storm we were expecting...just about an hour later. Papa bear's not home, but we managed to pull in all our loose items!

Craft Time! "Make Your Own Puzzle"

2010-09-22T09:15:00.000-06:00

Visit My Oh! Momma's blog for this great, simple and fun craft. Stick around there awhile and you'll find some more fun ideas!
Now go make this craft, what are you waiting for? It's a cinch!