Christmas Tradition

I was told to post something, so here is what I've come up with. ;)

My family has a tradition about Christmas trees. I don't know who's idea it was, but it has been carried out pretty regularly every Christmas. We don't get a Christmas tree till the week of Christmas. In some ways it's nice: Cheaper tree, more anticipation, less pine needles. One downfall is when we get asked about it. "So how is your Christmas tree?" "Um, I'm sure it's nice, sitting in the lot where we are going to buy it from."

This year I tried to break the tradition. I really did. "Hey, Mom that looks like a good Christmas tree!" "Oh, yeah." Well, it's December 15 and we still do not have a tree. It's looking like the tradition will hold. That's okay though. Every family has a tradition and that's ours.

Isaiah 55:12
"You will go out in joy
and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and hills
will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field
will clap their hands."

Happy Birthday milestones!

Last month my oldest son turned 30 and today my youngest is turning 18. These two sons have been a blessing to the family in many ways and I'm truly thankful for them!

It makes me think how much, as a mother, I have learned from all my children through the years. They have challenged me to see my own sins. I have been driven to seek the Lord. He is the merciful Savior, the One who forgives! Am I a mother who is merciful and forgives too? They have shown me what it is like to be a child of the King. Do I depend on Him for everything, as a child depends on his parents? Do I show I am a dependent mother, that I can do nothing without the wisdom and direction from the Lord? Their curiosity has driven me to find things out, to look it up, and dig into the truth of a matter. Am I diligent to keep studying God's world & His Word to know Him more deeply?

This is the constant journey we are all on. Become like a child. Be thankful that the Lord works through the little ones and the big ones to bring you to Himself in a deeper way.

Happy Birthday, Toby & Jeremy!

National Bible Bee Competition

This is it - the moment we've been waiting for! Early this morning 300 contestants (ages 7-18) from around the USA began to regurgitate all they have been committing to memory the last 5 1/2 months. They began by taking a 200 question written Bible test in 1 hour. Following the test, they will recite up to 30 Scripture passages in 10 minutes. From there some will go on to the semi-finals and then on to the finals.

These young people have given loads of time to prepare themselves. One such example is a 12 yr old young lady who, for the last month, spent up to 3 hours a day reviewing the 500 verses she memorized. Also every Sunday her church family gave an opportunity for her to recite in front of the congregation. Thank the Lord for her diligence and her parents as they have prayed for her, quizzed her, and encouraged her along the way. They will never be the same after all this is over.

To go to the National Bible Bee is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the 300+ families. It's like an intensive conference around God's Word and you can never go wrong with that. Can you imagine hearing God speaking all day long?! We ought to pray for the lasting effects of the Scriptures in the hearts and minds of those attending. May those of us who are watching, cheering, and praying be motivated to hide God's Word in our hearts too.

Go here for the live web cast, to see the contestants, and hear the results.

Christians, take heart...

God's ultimate purpose for Christians is not to bring them out of this world and into heaven but to use them to bring heaven into this world. As we hallow God's name and do God's will in how we think, feel, and act- even when it means being unfashionable- the power of Christ's resurrection flows through us, and as a result we bring heaven's culture to earth; we give people a fortaste of what's to come. In this manner we continue the work Christ began and will one day complete.
~pg. 61, Unfashionable, by Tullian Tchividjian~

This can only be accomplished through humbling ourselves before the mighty God and receiving His strength, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to do His will.

God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble...Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. ~James 4: 6-10

...I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me. ~John 15: 26

...He has given us of His Spirit...Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him and he in God.~1 John 4: 12- 15

Ephesians 6:1-7 in Pictures

Children obey your parents in the Lord for this is right.
Honor thy father and mother; which is the first
commandment with promise.

That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live
long on the earth. And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath; but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Servants, be obedient to them...

...that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; not with eye service, as menpleasers; as the servants...

...of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men;

Passionate About Puppets

This is "Sparky" that I made for an Awana group.

This is Sparky's cousin, "Sparks."

This little girl is "Melody." She taught her grandpa what Christmas was all about, among other stories.

These are 3 of my 5 frogs hopping on their lily pads.They were made from frog puppets that had only heads and croaker noise makers in their mouths. I took out the croakers, made the mouths bigger, and added bodies. I wanted to have a tongue shoot out of their mouths to get bugs, but I couldn't figure out how to do it.

These guys are my first black light people puppets.












This chubby guy was one of my favorites, but I sold him to someone.

This puppet, being one of the oldest, has been many characters;

one time he was "Christian" in Pilgrim's Progress.

Why go to Church?

I've heard it a lot: "No, our family does home church." "Sorry, Sunday is my day to sleep in." "I work on Sundays, too bad." Whatever the reason, I've gotten to know some people who don't go to church consistently. (That is the key word. These people may go to church two or three times a year, but that's all.)

It's been a different experience, growing up with families who are consistent Church-goers. Whenever I think of this, I always come to the why. Why are these people not choosing to fellowship with God's people? Now, don't mistake me, these people may be Christians and I believe they probably are (however, that's not for me to say). The more important question is why some would think it right to deprive themselves of such a good gift from God. They all have various reasons: Church is hypocritical, can't find one that I like, I had a bad experience, my relationship with Christ is more important.

The sad thing is, this all starts with the Church. Is she accurately representing who Christ is? That's her job, after all. So, in some ways, it is her fault for not acting like the bride of Christ. But, I would also add, that those who are not attending Church, are not off the hook. Why would you want to "date the church" instead of making a commitment to her (as Josh Harris would say in his book: Stop Dating the Church: Falling in love with the family of God.) and sticking with her in the hard times and the good times.

Going to Church is not only important for your spiritual growth, but also for the edification of others at your Church. You will bring something new, challenging, and encouraging to your fellow believers. That is what the Church is all about! More importantly, why would you not want to spend time with your God? You say you're a christian? Good!

"But someone will say, 'You have faith, and I have works.' Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works." - James 2:18

Going to church is not about you and what you want, its about following and trusting God in all things.

Happy Birthday Mommy!

You are the best Mommy ever! :) I hope you have a fun day and that you have the best birthday! Love ya!

Happy Birthday, Molly darling!

It's hard to believe my daughter is no longer a teenager! She is a beautiful young woman inside and out and a blessing to our family! I'm thankful to the Lord for giving her to us 20 years ago. Molly, may you continue to serve our Lord and Savior with all the time that you are given to live on this earth. Keep smiling too!

Cleaning out the bedroom...remembering...

There's a feeling of accomplishment when you can actually get your bedroom organized. Having 2 new bookcases (his & hers- guess which is bigger?!), I've been able to clear off the night stands and move books from our office/school room to the shelves. It's great to have a place to put things (books and more books)!

When cleaning out I stumbled across a box of old photos. Here's one of my favorites. It's my dad in his younger years. I remember when I was little he would play a small accordion that we had. I would watch in amazement how he could pull it out and push it in, all the while coordinating the fingers on either side! My dad was quite talented! I don't know whatever happen to that accordion, but years later Dad bought himself an organ and once again amazed me, this time with his feet moving and coordinated fingers playing on different levels. It was a strenuous workout for that middle-aged man, as he filled the home with strands of "Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Old Oak Tree" bringing joy to his family!

Will You Have This Dance, Anyone?!

Alright, all you Austen lovers, here's a new quote from Emma, Chapter 29:

It may be possible to do without dancing entirely. Instances have been known of young people passing many, many months successively without being at any ball of any description, and no material injury accrue either to body or mind; but when a beginning is made-- when the felicities of rapid motion have once been, thought lightly, felt-- it must be a very heavy set that does not ask for more.

Dancing is for old people too; it keeps them young! When we had our Resurrection Ball at a retirement home, it was a joy to see the residents sitting around the dance hall where families were taking part in the dance. I spoke with several elderly asking if they would like to dance, and they said no because they were participating while watching. Many reminisced about their younger days doing the swing or foxtrot. They seemed surprised that even the 6 yr olds (or younger) were getting into it. It gave them a few hours of reliving a happy time.

I enjoy watching couples that know how to dance well. They move together with fluid movements and unity, which amazes me. Knowing what the other is doing, they move simultaneously as one. The beat of the music drives them on. I have to be careful not to stare with my mouth open in awe! The Jane Austen books bring us back to that recreation and entertainment enjoyed for centuries; surely not only young people like a dance, but all ages enjoy the felicities of rapid motion!

I'm looking forward to the next ball and trying again some basic steps, hoping not to step on my husband's feet!

What is Your Faith In?

I've often heard comments like: "my faith helped me," "if you just have a little faith," or "faith will get you through." What do these phrases mean to the people saying them? My guess is that this kind of "faith" is a positive attitude that you can do whatever task is before you. Like The Little Train That Could was trying to get over the mountain saying, "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can," you just might have the strength to get through your difficulty.

Most would agree that faith is believing in something you can't see---that seems unattainable, but faith is more than that. What is your faith in? If you believe you can do something like the Little Train, you are putting your faith in yourself and that is an enormous responsibility to carry. What happens when you mess up or when you are so weak you can't keep going? What happens to your faith then? Someone might say, "at that point I have to rely on my family and friends to pull me through." Certainly family and friends can give love and support; however, some time they will be weak also, what then? Maybe you can still "make a wish" that something good will happen, but who are you wishing to? A star? A birthday candle? Faith in self falls short and faith in others or things such as stars or birthday candles cannot assist you. All are finite.

Someone I know said---Faith is not stirring up something in ourselves; it's knowing that God is faithful.

This kind of faith is directed toward the infinite God of the universe who knows all things and gives lasting help. He is the faithful One who will never grow weary. He is always present and delights in those who put their trust in Him. His very Word, gives guidance in all situations.We might not always want to do what it says, but if we know the One who has said it we can't argue. He is the heavenly Father who specially cares for His children.

Oh taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him! Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him. The young lions lack and suffer hunger; but those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing. Psalm 34:8-10

This is our God who loves to bless those who put their faith in Him!

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. Romans 10:17

Faith isn't the ability to believe long and far into the misty future. It's simply taking God at His Word and taking the next step. -Joni Erickson Tada

The Joys of Modern Technology

Go here to see the sweetest grandchildren in the world (their dad & mom aren't too bad either):

havingtwolegs.blogspot.com/2010/05/for-oma.html

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR GRANTS PASS BIBLE BEE!

Register today for the National Bible Bee!

If you live in the Southern Oregon/Northern California/Grants Pass area come join us! See our site here.

If you'd like to find out more information, sign-up, or find a local Bible Bee closer to you go here.

What is the Bible Bee? The National Bible Bee Competition is a series of events designed to help parents encourage diligence in Bible study, Scripture memorization, and prayer in their families. There are two focal points: 1) Bible memorization and Bible knowledge competition held at Local Bible Bees; these are organized by volunteer Hosts and Local Event Teams in various locations throughout the United States, and 2) The National Bible Bee competition for the 300 top-scoring contestants from the Local Bible Bees. Family discipleship is reinforced during the time leading up to these events through planned voluntary social interactions that focus on the Word, memory verse games, and Christian fellowship.

Where are the Bible Bee Contests held? Local Bible Bees will be held in churches, schools, universities, and community centers across the United States on Saturday, August 28th, 2010. The National Bible Bee Contest will take place at the Renaissance Hotel and Conference Center in Schaumburg, Illinois, just outside of Chicago, on November 11-13, 2010.

Who can participate in the Bible Bee?
Families may begin to register their children and youth who will be 7 to 18 years of age on or before November 13, 2010. Contestants will compete in one of three age divisions: Primary (ages 7-10), Junior (11-14) or Senior (15-18).

Why participate in the Bible Bee? The Bible Bee is a summer catalyst for families to establish a life-long pattern of discipleship through in-depth study of the Word of God, Scripture memorization, and prayer. All the events, including the Local Bee, are designed to be enjoyable, family-style get-togethers to encourage, recognize, and reward diligence in Bible study, memorization, and prayer. The blessings of drawing close to God and to one another are without limit. You will likely meet many like-minded families and have tons of fun along the way!

What are the rewards for being in the Bible Bee? The greatest reward is your family drawing closer to the Lord and closer to one another as you study God’s word together, memorize Scripture and pray together. Local Event Teams may choose to arrange awards and/or prize money for their Local Bible Bee winners. The top National Bible Bee winners are awarded from $5,000 up to $100,000 according to their Final Challenge Round rank and age division.

I was surprised to see they've turned Little House into a musical. I'm sorry to see that it isn't playing near here! World magazine warns: Fans of the Little House books and TV series will see some big differences in the prairie life set to music. Even though the characters are portrayed differently, the show is supposedly continuing in the Little House tradition of being family centered. From the website it sounds like a fun evening for the whole family!

God's Love Shown

Here is a vivid picture of God's love. Pastor Toby Sumpter walks us through history. We are admonished to remember how often we have refused God's love, and still our heavenly Father has never given up loving us---to the very end. This is worth 15 minutes of your time.


My Song is Love Unknown: A Good Friday Homily-- http://www.canonpress.org/shop/custom.asp?recid=26

He will complete it

If we indulge in any confidence which is not grounded on the Rock of ages, our confidence is worse than a dream, it will fall upon u, and cover us with its ruins, to our sorrow and confusion. All that Nature spins time will unravel, to the eternal confusion of all who are clothed therein. The Psalmist was wise, he rested upon nothing short of the Lord's work. It is the Lord who has begun the good work within us; it is He who has carried it on; and if He does not finish it, it never will be complete. If there be one stitch in the celestial garment of our righteousness which we are to insert ourselves, then we are lost; but this is our confidence, the Lord who began will perfect. He has done it all, must do it all, and will do it all. Our confidence must not be in what we have done, nor in what we have resolved to do, but entirely in what the Lord will do.

-Charles Spurgeon

Moods, the Weather, and Easter

Have you ever noticed how the weather and the moods of people are related. I know for myself it's true. I just feel more down and sad when it is dark and raining out. Now when the sunshine comes out, that all changes! I become very happy! I will be the first one out the door to enjoy that sunshine. I've noticed that I'm not the only one too. Lately, with there being nicer weather, more people are out and people just seem more pleasant. Our moods are funny things. They can be so driven by our circumstances. Sometimes that is a good thing and sometimes not, but it's true. Do you remember what the Bible says about the night of good Friday?

Now it was about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. Then the sun was darkened , and the veil of the temple was torn in two.

Luke 23:44-45.

Wow, the day on which Christ died, was covered in darkness. I believe this was a picture of the agony God went through watching His son die. It showed the wrath God being poured out. That darkness, that blackness, was because of my sin and all the sins committed by mankind. This was not a happy day, it was a dark day, a horrible day. The good news is that the sun shone even more brightly on that easter morning! Christ suffered for our sins, but then rose victorious that morning.

Now in some ways it might seem like a small detail. What's the big deal? God is interested in the smallest details of everything. So, there was darkness, but then there was light and the first resurrection day dawned.

Resurrection Ball

When: Friday, April 9, 2010, 7:00-9:00 P.M.

Dessert Reception, 9:15-11:00 P.M.*

Where: Spring Village Retirement Living

Community, 1420 Redwood Circle, Grants Pass.

What: Dancing, table refreshments, singing and joy.

Who: You, your dancing partner, your children, parents,

family, friends and neighbors.

Attire: Semi-formal to formal—this is a celebration of the

Resurrection. Look sharp and elegant.

Cost: $7 per household at door, this covers rental services.

Please R.S.V.P. by April 7^th, 471-1414 or email:

mpsumpter@gmail.com

(Mark and Peggy Sumpter)

*Dessert Reception: At around 9:00 P.M., we'll make

our way over to the Taprock Event Center,

Maple Room, 755 South East 7^th Street, Grants Pass.

Important Note: A donation will be taken on behalf of the Pregnancy Care

Center of Grants Pass, please make checks payable directly

to Pregnancy Care Center of Grants Pass, and on the cost of $7

for the Ball, make checks payable to Peggy Sumpter.

Yes, It's time to do some dancing! Hope you can be there!

Teaching With Pictures

Pictures are excellent teaching and memory devises. It doesn't take many words to get a point across, if you have adequate stick figures or symbols. Certainly you don't have to be an artist. I remember drawing on the back of the worship bulletin to illustrate for my children the sermon. It definitely kept me listening, and hopefully it helped them too.

In Classical Conversations we are memorizing together Exodus 20. Today it was: "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house" I drew on the white board a guy next to his house looking and pointing over at his neighbor's house and thinking- "I'd like to have that house." Each time we said the verse I wiped off a word or picture. It's a great way to learn a large passage. Young children, as well as some adults such as myself, tend to be more visual and will benefit from the use of simple artwork. It will also remain in the mind for future reference.

My husband was explaining something to a child in the above pictures. See if you can figure out what he's saying.

Pictures

Anyone who would like to see Christmas or New Years pictures of our family and what we did can go Here to see it all. Enjoy!