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