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!