tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34043479976918280302024-03-19T03:25:24.355-07:00A Snapshot of MotherhoodLessons about life I've learned from my childrenLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00480071355949595758noreply@blogger.comBlogger93125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3404347997691828030.post-79017848058001722962015-03-03T14:29:00.001-08:002015-03-03T19:28:24.825-08:00Guatemala 2014If a picture is worth 1000 words, how much is a video worth? Below you can get a glimpse of what our mission trip to Guatemala was like last year. <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LJX6BNbggMQ" width="560"></iframe><br />
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<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00480071355949595758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3404347997691828030.post-56765101470133768682015-03-03T11:00:00.000-08:002015-03-03T11:00:00.736-08:00Pray for Josiah, Caleb & Laura<img src="webkit-fake-url://01B2D19B-59E2-4299-BE03-1B9C0E1888C4/image.tiff" />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00480071355949595758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3404347997691828030.post-2248011744563805282015-03-02T20:06:00.001-08:002015-03-02T20:06:41.226-08:00Guatemala Bound<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8meKBYDngi-fHN0D6Zn1UZbDOGQLjx8t-uN0N9_DCIlKVluxYoWjVpJKAJTwYuifM48Fvjw-pMlVHHBrki665oIlDvTLFh63j-r81i910L76a-8BL1MimKANtWIdmwF4jOXK9_Sjrws/s1600/IMG_4050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8meKBYDngi-fHN0D6Zn1UZbDOGQLjx8t-uN0N9_DCIlKVluxYoWjVpJKAJTwYuifM48Fvjw-pMlVHHBrki665oIlDvTLFh63j-r81i910L76a-8BL1MimKANtWIdmwF4jOXK9_Sjrws/s1600/IMG_4050.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
In June I will have the amazing privilege to return to Guatemala on a mission trip with Josiah. It will be our fourth mission trip together to this amazing country. Caleb will also join us on this journey. In the weeks to come I hope to add more pictures from past trips (maybe a video too) so you can get a better glimpse of what this mission is all about. And, if you are interested I can also share with you how you can partner with us in prayer and financial support. Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00480071355949595758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3404347997691828030.post-55639139988760036262015-03-02T19:57:00.000-08:002015-03-02T19:57:29.342-08:00Boise Weekend to Remember CommentsWow, it has been way too long since I've added anything on this blog. So sorry. Life has been busy. I did want to start with the latest comments from the Boise Weekend to Remember that happened just last weekend. I love to hear life change stories! <br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Boise Top Ten Comments</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">February 27- March1</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Attendance: 645</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Those <i>indicating</i> decisions </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Salvation: 63</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Holy Spirit: 150</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Recommit Family: 117</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Coming in we were fighting not speaking at all night one. By break of second day we went to our car, cried and asked for forgiveness, held each other and made a commitment to start fresh and do everything this conference was telling us. We are very appreciative for this fresh new start. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Wife, married 10 years</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>The event has given my fiancé and I things that you may not think of before. Also it has given us tools to strengthen our marriage.</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Engaged man</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">It helped my fiancé and I to mentally prepare for marriage and to learn how to fireproof it before it begins.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>We are currently legally divorced since December but came to conference to see if we can work on getting back together. This conference has shown us 16 tools to at least begin this process again. Thank you. </i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Wife, divorced</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Although we had a very good relationship prior to our coming to this weekend, it did help us open up and be honest about an area of weakness we had not talked about before and that was our sex life. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Wife, married more than 19 years</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>I was not happy at all to come. My attitude was one of giving up. My husband pointed that out to me. We had a huge fight after the session and then again on the way Saturday morning. I even was looking for ways out of the building. I took the dare of Bruce to write a prayer request. Filled with rage and bitterness toward my husband practically set the pen and paper on fire. Seemed like right after I put the request in the box God began to speak to me and showed me things and began to answer the questions that I had specifically about me and my choices that I was or wasn’t making in our marriage. He changed my heart and mind. I confessed and my husband started to see the wrongs that he was doing. We are looking for a marriage mentor to train us to continue God’s path for marriage. I stand amazed at how big God is. </i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Wife, married less than 5 years</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I have been struggling in my marriage relationship for about 4 years now. Nothing said at the FL weekend to remember was really new to me, however, it affirmed and clarified the truths that I had come to know through a very long and painful process. I wish I had the opportunity to attend years ago, to receive these truths all together without all of the painful struggle and study I have endured. Secondly, for the last 4 years I felt alone in my quest and struggle to improve my marriage. I see the light that has clicked on in my spouse. She has now committed to join me in the 100/100 plan. And now, for the first time in my 11+ years of marriage I feel that I have a partner. That I am not alone in this world. Thank you. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Husband</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>I had many different feelings about this trip. Part of me was excited and the other part was nervous because of the reality check we were about to get. I never thought I would ever think about divorce. Recently it was all I could think about. I wanted to give up. I went and talked to a friend. She recommended this trip and went on to tell me how much it saved their marriage. I can’t explain how thankful I am that we pursued this. We came in this with hopes, ears open, and hearts ready. I can officially say it saved us. I’ve learned so much. My spouse is not my enemy now. I love this man. Now I know I won’t give up. I will keep pushing! Thank you!</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Wife</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Great focused opportunity to reevaluate where our marriage is. So thankful for passionate openness, transparency, and wisdom for men dealing with correct physical temptations.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Husband, married 6 years (military)</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>[My wife] and I are very busy with various ministries and this weekend gave us the opportunity to reconnect, relax, and enjoy on another without the stress of outside pressures.</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Pastor, married 10 years</i></span></div>
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Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00480071355949595758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3404347997691828030.post-80101878397909517092012-06-10T15:46:00.000-07:002012-06-10T15:47:15.336-07:00On Our WayWell, the countdown is on. Just two more days and we are on our way to Guatemala. After months of thinking about it the time is finally here!<br />
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Josiah and Courtney will be helping with the children while the adults are in the med clinic...and me, well, that is still a mystery. Once we get there I'll find out where I am needed most, but it is possible I'll have the opportunity to work in the lab. <em>I told my parents about that possibility today and they laughed</em>. Well, you see there is a history with me and labs...<br />
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When I was a little girl I was anemic and had to get several iron shots that I didn't respond well to...<strong>and then there was the pre-kindergarten incident</strong>. When it was time for shots before going to school I was very upset (maybe because of all my previous iron shots) and I threw a crying fit in the doctor's office. After awhile the nurse said, "Fine, you don't have to get a shot" and she walked out of the room. I was so relieved and I stopped crying. However, the next thing that happened scarred me for life...one nurse grabbed me from behind and the other nurse came at me with that fearful needle and<strong> I responded by fainting</strong>. After that whenever I even saw I needle I would faint. I even fainted when my younger sister got her ears pierced because it looked like a needle too! <br />
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Over the years God has worked on me and my fears. I think of all the time I spent at Children's Hospital with Whitney and all the pokes and procedures done to her during her time there. God gave me the strength to be there by her side, witnessing it all, and never faining. He gave me the strength to stand beside her and trust Him even though I didn't understand everything that was going on inside her precious little body. <br />
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I think of all the verses I've reciting over and over again in my head when I've had to have procedures done on me<em><strong>..."For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations." Psalm 100:5</strong> </em>Over time I discovered that if I kept talking it was virtually impossible to faint as well...you see, you can't hold your breath when you keep talking! <br />
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This will be an adventure and I can't wait to see how God uses the next 10 days to draw my children closer to Him as they are able to share His love with children in Guatemala. I am also excited to know that God may choose to use me during this time to sit in a lab, a place I would never have anticipated many years ago, and work for His glory! Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00480071355949595758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3404347997691828030.post-8923103710089380222012-04-16T13:47:00.001-07:002012-04-16T16:23:39.397-07:00WordsThe phone call jarred me out of my peace. As I answered the phone and listened to the voice on the other end, stone upon stone was hurled upon my heart. "You are a failure!" "You will never be good enough." The taunts continued. How I wanted to take the phone and in anger thrust it back upon the receiver.<br />
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Words. Words flowing like a flood. A torrent of emotion overflowing the banks. Trying to grasp on to truth I am swept downstream in the murk, trying to keep my head above the water. Struggling against the current I try to reach solid ground. In desperation I reach out to a tree that has remained anchored on the bank. Clinging to the branch I will myself to hold on, to survive. <br />
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When the flood finally recedes, I am left to witness the damage. Where beauty once resided, ugliness has taken its place. Things uprooted and unearthed in the flood lay gnarled and withered in its wake. Things have changed, never to return to their same beauty. Trees downed in the flood will never be re-rooted. New things will grow, but the landscape has changed. <br />
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Tears flow freely now, it's natural with loss. But the challenge before me is how to weather this storm? Flinging stones and becoming my own flood will only cause more destruction and heartache. Innocents would also be affected. For a flood always does more damage than can be anticipated. <br />
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The key isn't found in forging the river and forcing it to return to its normal banks. It is found in forgiveness. The one throwing the stones may never seek forgiveness. But I know that in me deciding to forgive the offense will bring healing to my own heart and allow me to follow the steps of the Savior back to a place of peace and wholeness.Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00480071355949595758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3404347997691828030.post-12105829567481075762012-03-29T20:43:00.000-07:002012-03-29T20:43:12.176-07:00Parenting in PainSitting on the edge of the bed I reach for the Kleenex box. Once again I am in tears. Tears from pain and the inability to handle it on my own. Parenting isn't for the weak at heart, and parenting with an incurable illness takes the hand of God.<br />
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For years I have struggled with a disease that no one can see. "No cause, no cure" is what the doctors say. Prescriptions have been tried with horrible consequences...crushing chest pain, the inability to break down the medication so it becomes toxic in my system and many others. <br />
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When a body, designed by God, turns against itself, life gets complicated. And parenting in the midst of it all takes on challenges of its own. Some days are spent with me cocooned on the couch, trying my best to still be mom and invest in the lives of my children. Some days things appear fine and we go about as usual. However, the fear is always there, "When will it strike again?" <br />
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Questions of, "How are you today?" are often met with half-truths. On the outside I appear fine but inside my body can be wracked with pain. There are a few who have learned to read the cues and can tell when all is not right, but I don't want to be someone constantly complaining about hurting. <br />
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If you have ever experienced the contractions that go along with labor, you can begin to identify with my almost daily struggle. The pain comes in waves of intensity, sometimes easily overlooked, other times causing me to double over in trying to deal with it. <br />
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Stress can cause this disease to flare up, so one challenge in parenting with this illness is to parent in a healthy way, avoiding added stress. (Hmmm, with teenagers?)<br />
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I confess I have questioned God many times, "I know you can heal, why haven't you healed me?" It plagued me for years and infected my relationship with Him. Knowing that He can heal, but hasn't kept me at a distance. Thankfully, God hasn't given up and me and He has taught me His faithfulness in the midst of my pain. <br />
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One passage of Scripture that ministered to my heart this year was from 2 Corinthians chapter 12. In this passage Paul spoke of getting a "thorn in his flesh" and<strong><em> "Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'" </em></strong>The thing that hit me was that Paul was such a powerful servant of God and had an incredible ministry. He was close to God and yet, God in His goodness allowed the thorn to remain. That encouraged my heart. You see for years I have wondered, "What am I doing wrong?" and "Maybe there is something still in my life that God wants to prune first." I kept thinking that if only I could do something better, then maybe I could be healed. This verse changed my perspective completely. Paul was not perfect, none of us are, but I believe He had such an intimate relationship with God and yet God allowed his thorn to remain. So it's not just that I need to "get it right" but that I need to trust Him through it.<br />
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Today I believe was a break through. As I was sitting on the edge of the bed crying, I was also praying and surrendering...with all my will to choose His joy in the midst, knowing that He suffered and died to give me life. Yes, the trial remains, but I do have His grace and mercy to see me through. <br />
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00480071355949595758noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3404347997691828030.post-69128317792165106112012-02-15T11:11:00.000-08:002012-02-15T11:17:11.635-08:00Josiah's CallingJosiah believes that God is calling him to be a missionary. Recently he attended the World Vision 30 hour famine at our church and this is his story...<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Adobe Ming Std L","serif";">During
the 30 hour famine I learned how God can use just a little to do a lot, and how
very little people in different parts of Africa and other countries have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often time in American we get caught up in
all our own stuff and never take time to listen to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, when we take time to listen we can
hear God and listen to what He's calling us to do and to be obedient to follow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy783Fzwepp8jj3jTcA3e0ImD8d0J1HggQCEQdNMYpSMI9DUaxxq8Iiy05Wcdl9P2WgCUeZ0uKz69rUaVV5mws08MKWYaCKTtPWBAaOWhI_nFxDr_a-LNiPGhjuwr_8wUrgv0C-FKh0Os/s1600/IMG_5322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy783Fzwepp8jj3jTcA3e0ImD8d0J1HggQCEQdNMYpSMI9DUaxxq8Iiy05Wcdl9P2WgCUeZ0uKz69rUaVV5mws08MKWYaCKTtPWBAaOWhI_nFxDr_a-LNiPGhjuwr_8wUrgv0C-FKh0Os/s320/IMG_5322.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Adobe Ming Std L","serif";">So, as
I was saying, when I did the famine at church I felt God touch my heart and
felt him opening up my heart to listen to what He had to say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I heard Him calling me to be a missionary and
to open the Word of God to other countries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Adobe Ming Std L","serif";">When I
got home and then went to church on Sunday I saw the Guatemala mission trip in
the bulletin and I thought, "This must not be a coincidence."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So later I asked my mom if I could go to the
meeting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She told me to ask her later so
I did.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Adobe Ming Std L","serif";">On
Tuesday I asked and we both went and learned more about the mission trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We learned that we needed to raise $1800.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So
now I would kindly ask if you would like to donate to help us be able to help
those in Guatemala who need spiritual and physical help?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We would be grateful.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Adobe Ming Std L","serif";">Sincerely,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Adobe Ming Std L","serif";">Josiah
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<span style="font-family: "Adobe Ming Std L","serif";">The
mission trip to Guatemala is one led by The Webers from our
church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will be going as part of a
team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The focus is medical, building,
and going to the Palencia school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Josiah's focus would be working with the children during the time that
the adults are in the medical clinics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
trip is in June</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Adobe Ming Std L","serif";">If you
are interested in joining Josiah as a partner in the mission trip, you can
write a check to First Presbyterian Church and send it to our home address.</span></div>
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<br /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00480071355949595758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3404347997691828030.post-81511826630835507982012-02-01T10:06:00.000-08:002012-02-01T10:06:17.511-08:00On The Way to Africa<h3 class="post-title entry-title">
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<w:wrap type="square"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">31 January 2012</span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXUHHntYLLoEgU1PNRyJAgrnu3a_TBc2QF6wyEVvsvnpewrhs2DRPHFICqE1B7gRQCJhWlSGd_o0VcAbUeDvXDeoJ3xa8W2VnHxNXkLxQK8hm9nE9O5IRslpa7irSuokdM1X4sAonsR1qZ/s1600/IMG_7358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_3glh30="2" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXUHHntYLLoEgU1PNRyJAgrnu3a_TBc2QF6wyEVvsvnpewrhs2DRPHFICqE1B7gRQCJhWlSGd_o0VcAbUeDvXDeoJ3xa8W2VnHxNXkLxQK8hm9nE9O5IRslpa7irSuokdM1X4sAonsR1qZ/s320/IMG_7358.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria;">Happy New Year! I can hardly believe that Christmas
has already past and I’ve already started my second quarter at college. Last
quarter, I became involved with Campus Christian Fellowship and joined a few
clubs. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also felt the Lord’s calling to
apply for a Jesus Film mission trip to Burundi, Africa. Ever since the Cru
(formerly Campus Crusade for Christ) US Staff Conference, I’ve had this
incomprehensible urge to go to Africa, so I took one of Jesus Film trip
brochures. Although finances were tight and I was uncertain of my future, I was
convinced that God wanted me to apply. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;">About a month later, during Thanksgiving break, I
received my acceptance email. I am going to Africa. Every time I say those
words, this giant rush of joy and excitement runs through me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have no doubt that God has wanted me to go
all along, and I am exited to see him working through me and the rest of my team
in Burundi.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria;">Burundi is a small African country surrounded by
Rwanda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. My team and I will
travel to several rural villages there and put on showings of the Jesus Film in
the native languages. Burundi has three official languages—French, Rundi, and
Swahili—plus countless other dialects. I’m currently learning a bit of French,
but we will have translators to help us communicate with the people. Some of the
people we will reach will never have heard the gospel before, and I get to share
that with them! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria;">As excited as I am about Burundi, I cannot go
alone. This trip will cost about $4000, more than I have in my bank account. I
hope that you will pray about supporting me both spiritually and financially. A
gift of $50, $100, $300—or however much you feel led to give—would help
tremendously on my journey. Although you might not be able to go to Burundi
personally, helping to send me there will transform lives. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria;">If you choose to send a check, please make it out
to Cru and send it to my dorm address.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria;">Thanks so much!</span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/" name="_GoBack"></a></div>
</div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00480071355949595758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3404347997691828030.post-601535307359239442012-01-23T07:00:00.000-08:002012-01-23T07:00:12.414-08:00In His ImageDesigned to Create...<br />
<br />
I remember from my earliest school days writing. Not sitting down at the school desk and completing assignments but WRITING. I would create my own books. I would take two pieces of construction paper and cut out a shape and then cut lined papers to match the shape and write within the pages of that book. They were adventure stories, with me of course, being the main character of my book. My heart's desire was to create...and maybe someday, to have my name on the outside binding of a book. Published. <br />
<br />
Heading off to college that dream died quickly. No, I didn't head into my college years with the vision of becoming an author. I shot for an attainable goal, to become a teacher. I achieved that goal and went on to teach for several years (and loved it). But somehow, that love of writing, and the ability to communicate with written words didn't disappear. For you see, it wasn't just a crazy notion, it was how I was designed. <br />
<br />
In His Image. In Genesis 1:26 God said, "Let us make man in our image..."<br />
<br />
What does that mean? Does it mean I look just like him? No, but I was made to be like him, his nature, his character. Of course, that was all damaged in the fall, and man forever since has been trying to be god himself, rather than to reflect his Creator. <br />
<br />
However we all have this innate desire to create, to build, to bring beauty...all because we are made to be like Him, our Creator<br />
<br />
I see it in the hands of my boys and their creations...Lego's, first built to look like the picture on the box, and then taking on a new design to fit their dreams on that day. I see it in my little girls that love to draw and color. I see it in the fingers of my oldest, who has spent untold hours clicking away at the keyboard, on her way to be an author. (She has written several books and is hopefully on the way to get this one published!) <br />
<br />
Over the years my writing has been mostly in journals and prayer letters. Occasionally I'll come up with a new idea and run with it, but at this season motherhood is in full swing. I have no doubt that God has given me a love to write for His purpose and glory. Someday maybe I'll write that book and be published...or maybe my love of writing will carried on into the next generation and I'll see my dream fulfilled in the lives of my children. <br />
<br />
Of course I do have works in progress...and maybe once Courtney gets published, I'll be on the way too! <br />
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00480071355949595758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3404347997691828030.post-68348513643205975492012-01-21T11:18:00.000-08:002012-01-21T11:18:42.995-08:00An Unsettled HeartA quiet morning at home...the oldest 4 are out of the house, the youngest 3 are playing quietly together, and hubby is on his way home from a trip. The peace is wonderful, so why is my heart unsettled?<br />
<br />
I've spoken with my mom and sister on the phone, tried calling a friend, but that longing in my heart to connect, to really connect with another has been unmet. I pick up the phone and try again, only to be greeted with another automated message. <br />
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Perhaps in my longing to connect this morning I've neglected to connect with the One who made my heart, the One alone who can fulfill all my desires. <br />
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"<strong><em>Why are you downcast, O my soul? </em></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><em> Why so disturbed within me? </em></strong></div>
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<strong><em> Put your hope in God, </em></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><em>for I will yet praise him, </em></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><em>my Savior and my God."</em></strong></div>
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<strong><em> Psalm 42:5</em></strong></div>
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I think it is time to put down the phone, pick up the Word and prepare to meet with God .Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00480071355949595758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3404347997691828030.post-18749306284371967702012-01-15T14:36:00.000-08:002012-01-15T14:36:13.414-08:00One Thousand Gifts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhblFEX-Z1XBukqu86U2-zDaQgEQD9HQeiEEaH0RzcUtp5r13SlE4ohy91xDZL7-0GOlje630VW38tPsNDX_60W_Xoz7v_33qdoGiuKlkAs9AfP1IocahwOc4h-m8ZX-t5klFOeaJzhVyU/s1600/IMG_7957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhblFEX-Z1XBukqu86U2-zDaQgEQD9HQeiEEaH0RzcUtp5r13SlE4ohy91xDZL7-0GOlje630VW38tPsNDX_60W_Xoz7v_33qdoGiuKlkAs9AfP1IocahwOc4h-m8ZX-t5klFOeaJzhVyU/s320/IMG_7957.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Some time last year someone mentioned the book <a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/2012/01/because-saying-thank-you-can-change-the-world-and-if-youve-read-one-thousand-gifts-youve-got-to-read-this-how-youve-become-the-gift-back-to-the-world-thank-you/" target="_blank">One Thousand Gifts</a> by Ann Voskamp. The title intrigued me and I picked it up thinking it would be a great read. Although it was a great book to read, it was much more than that...it was a challenge to <strong>"live life fully right where I am". </strong>It is a challenge to look at life differently, to see the little things in life that are often missed and to give thanks in them. <br />
<br />
In 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 we are instructed to:<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em><strong>"Be joyful always; </strong></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em><strong>pray continually; </strong></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em><strong>give thanks in all circumstances, </strong></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><em><strong>for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."</strong></em></span> </div>
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In giving thanks it changes the focus off of me and puts my focus back on God. In giving thanks it causes my heart to grow in contentment rather than in discouragement or complaining. My list of gratitude has not been just words scrawled across a page in a journal, but in a transformation of heart. Thankfulness is transformational. Looking at all of life as a gift is a gift in itself. </div>
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My list of One Thousand began with...</div>
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<ol>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Blue sky peeking through the clouds</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Hugs from children</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Laughter</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Flowers waiting to be born</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Trees waiting for spring to burst into bloom</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Eyes with which to see (and read)</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Children learning to read</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Sharpened pencils</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
My husband</div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
God who has blessed us with His Gift</div>
</li>
</ol>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG8fUPZVbmceXiW3WG74_CWEjftIh80G1Fmj4eW_48pyziD9ukALbR0bySAVkDmX9eB_YqosJm_GQTAki47_9HVhAEPB7KYik8P5RQTZXTNHxRHP-osPmOMpkvgzQuqLtXVLYxcBdI8JM/s1600/IMG_7952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG8fUPZVbmceXiW3WG74_CWEjftIh80G1Fmj4eW_48pyziD9ukALbR0bySAVkDmX9eB_YqosJm_GQTAki47_9HVhAEPB7KYik8P5RQTZXTNHxRHP-osPmOMpkvgzQuqLtXVLYxcBdI8JM/s320/IMG_7952.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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At the beginning of 2012, when I decided to do things a little differently with my children, I got them journals too and together we are recording the things that we are choosing to be thankful for. What a treasure it is to begin our school day with 5-10 minutes of us taking time to reflect on and record the gifts in our lives. To me, it has been an incredible gift to treasure these moments with my children and to encourage them in giving of thanks. To see my children growing in thankfulness is a GIFT! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin9bTqtx2xJZisXSkKlVqFUWmhVdujWCQFyhWLeh99Z9rbPYZw93_jDLb2rS_iB9WvNJYr_lHy9eWkeYwtFKUjRaHFso9Cpdv0xkvxgxjAQEpXObWi3FojJD52W36Z6Np2yTejnFunvHI/s1600/IMG_7954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin9bTqtx2xJZisXSkKlVqFUWmhVdujWCQFyhWLeh99Z9rbPYZw93_jDLb2rS_iB9WvNJYr_lHy9eWkeYwtFKUjRaHFso9Cpdv0xkvxgxjAQEpXObWi3FojJD52W36Z6Np2yTejnFunvHI/s320/IMG_7954.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00480071355949595758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3404347997691828030.post-87145888320840202992012-01-07T06:30:00.000-08:002012-01-09T10:39:22.016-08:00An Innocent Spill<strong>"QUICK! GRAB THE B-B-Q SAUCE!" </strong>I said to Caleb who had accidentally let it slip from his hands. Unfortunately it had landed on the floor vent with the cap off and b-b-q sauce was quickly spilling from the opened container. <br />
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The vent on the floor is perfectly situated for keeping us cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Many times little feet can be found standing on it to warm up during the cold, winter months. <br />
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It does however, have a major drawback. Being so close to the kitchen table the vent also collects a lot of crumbs. Tiny pieces of scraps that fall during a meal, or that are inadvertently swept in the wrong direction by a careless child are quickly gathered into its depths. <br />
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After Caleb grabbed the bottle off the vent I took off the cover to wash it. What I found underneath the vent cover was disgusting! Crumbs, dust, debris had been slowly building up over time unnoticed. (Yes, it has been cleaned out several times before!) But then I began to wonder...how much of my life is like that vent?<br />
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Daily I go about my tasks letting little things slip in unnoticed...an angry thought, a disappointment, a frustration with a situation. Rather than taking it to the Lord, the crumbs fall into the hidden places of my heart and are forgotten.<br />
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Over time, my life may appear fine on the outside, but the inside is another story. The crumbs don't just sit there innocently. They cause the diseases of the heart to grow, to multiply. And those little crumbs don't just stay put. They come out in other ways...a harsh word, a lack of peace, discontentment, a critical spirit.<br />
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Just like the vent cover needed to be removed and the insides vacuumed out, so my heart also needs to be cleansed through confession of my sin and the work of the Holy Spirit. <br />
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<strong><em>"Search me, O God, and know my heart;</em></strong></div>
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<strong><em>test me and know my anxious thoughts.</em></strong></div>
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<strong><em>See if there is any offensive way in me,</em></strong></div>
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<strong><em>and lead me in the way everlasting."</em></strong></div>
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<strong><em>Psalm 139:23-24</em></strong></div>
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<strong><em>"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just</em></strong></div>
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<strong><em>and will forgive us our sins and purify us from</em></strong></div>
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<strong><em>any unrighteousness."</em></strong></div>
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<strong><em>1 John 1:9</em></strong></div>
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How thankful I am for God's forgiveness and grace. Now, if I'd only remember to have Him check the "vent cover" of my heart a little more frequently!Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00480071355949595758noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3404347997691828030.post-85664949743347996152012-01-06T12:26:00.000-08:002012-01-06T12:26:37.269-08:00An Encouragement for MomsAs a mom, it is so easy to get discouraged by the daily challenges of life and motherhood. But how would you like a chance to get away and be encouraged by other women? <br />
<br />
In March, why not attend MomLife's Bootcamp at Pine Cove in Tyler, Texas? Check out the video on the right sidebar to find out more about what MomLife Bootcamp is all about.<br />
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And, better yet, how about if you could win free registration for the event? Check it out today. Go to <a href="http://www.momlifetoday.com/2012/01/momlife-bootcamp-giveaway/" target="_blank">MomLife Boot Camp Giveaway</a> and leave a comment to be entered to win! I hope you do! Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00480071355949595758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3404347997691828030.post-68198324848256833762012-01-02T15:12:00.000-08:002012-01-02T15:12:52.779-08:00Kindness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KHUlBdHO7Kg/TwIzoCaYDBI/AAAAAAAAApo/krrB9t0LDzI/s1600/IMG_7921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KHUlBdHO7Kg/TwIzoCaYDBI/AAAAAAAAApo/krrB9t0LDzI/s320/IMG_7921.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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Yesterday I shared about prayer and my commitment to pray daily for my children using the book </div>
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<a href="http://www.shopfamilylife.com/while-they-are-sleeping.html" target="_blank">While They Are Sleeping: 12 Character Traits to Pray for Your Child</a>. Today, I had an inspiration of how to help develop the character qualities in my children using the poster and certificate set that corresponds with the book. Each poster has one of the character qualities, what it means, and also a verse that goes along with it.</div>
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I covered the posters with contact paper and hung them near the table where we do school. The character quality will not only be the focus of my prayers for my children, but it will also be the focus of the teaching for the same amount of time. </div>
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<a href="http://www.familylife.com/" target="_blank">FamilyLife</a> also has some beautiful certificates to go along with each of the character qualities. But, with seven children, the organization of award certificates is more than I realistically wanted to deal with...so I decided to cover the certificate with contact paper as well and place it on the wall next to the poster. When I see a child consistently exhibiting a particular character quality, I will write their name on the certificate with a dry erase marker. That way I can reuse the certificates and give incentives for my children to actively participate in the quality we are studying. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CGrWpQhiOvA/TwIz1QKkzAI/AAAAAAAAApw/1vQpVnz9Mps/s1600/IMG_7922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CGrWpQhiOvA/TwIz1QKkzAI/AAAAAAAAApw/1vQpVnz9Mps/s320/IMG_7922.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I also thought I would allow my older children to look for ways other siblings are showing the character quality and let them write a name on the certificate as well. Not only would it help them learn to look for kindness (for example) but it would help them to continue to cultivate kindness in their hearts as they look for it in the lives of their brothers and sisters. </div>
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How do you help your children grow in kindness? </div>
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<br /></div>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00480071355949595758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3404347997691828030.post-7107023492282669942012-01-01T07:00:00.000-08:002012-01-02T15:13:10.377-08:00A ConfessionOkay, I'll admit it. One area I am weak in is prayer. I love to spend time reading and studying the Bible. I love to write and contemplate, but when it comes to prayer I get so easily distracted. <br />
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Perhaps it is the little ones that seem to get up just when I should be praying. Maybe it is the older ones that are preparing for school. <em><strong>Or </strong></em>maybe it is because prayer is a battle. It isn't just a battle to pray, but when we pray when enter the battle for the hearts and minds of our children. <br />
<br />
When our oldest ones were little and went to bed early, Tom and I would go into their rooms after they were asleep and pray over them. We were united and our children were covered in prayer. As life got busy, somehow this important event got put on the back burner. It wasn't that we weren't praying, but it was no longer consistent and intentional. Prayer became more of a 911 emergency call, rather than consistently planting and weeding a garden. <br />
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One book that I have decided to use this year to help in my prayers for my children is <a href="http://www.shopfamilylife.com/while-they-are-sleeping.html" target="_blank">While They are Sleeping: 12 Character Traits to Pray for Your Child</a>. It is a beautiful book focused on consistent prayer and application. There are 12 chapters, each focused on one character trait with five days of prayer per trait. There is also you and me time, live it out, and a journal area to record answers that you see to your prayers. <br />
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I like the idea of focusing on kindness, humility, teachability, forgiveness, obedience, discernment, purity, responsibility, courage, servanthood, contentment, and endurance. I know that at the end of this year I will see a difference in my children, but I will be different as well. Prayer does that. It changes the situation, but more importantly it changes the one praying. Spending time at the feet of Jesus does that. <br />
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I am excited for this adventure. Anyone else want to join me this year as we consistently lift our children before the Lord?Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00480071355949595758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3404347997691828030.post-28694521455926213492011-12-31T17:45:00.000-08:002011-12-31T18:11:55.200-08:00A New Year, A New PerspectiveAs a former public school educator education has always been important to me. I was the first in my immediate family to go to college, earn a degree and go on to get a master's degree. I love learning and I think passing on that love for learning is important in teaching and parenting too. <br />
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But how much of my focus has been on turning out children to succeed in the educational arena? Our oldest was taught at home until 9th grade, went to a private school for two years, and then the public school for two years. She exceeded in her studies. So much like her mother, she loves to study and to learn. Thankfully, she also has a heart to love and serve the Lord.<br />
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The questioning of myself has been on just "getting the job done". With seven children, four of which are still learning at home (and a preschooler too) much of my day is focused on just getting done the bare necessities. <br />
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God has used the last few months to convict my heart. Perhaps some of it is due to a child who is very smart, but doesn't like to complete his assignments. I know he can get straight A's but that is not his priority. His priority is friends. <br />
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In my attempts to get him to "do what needs to be done" I am pushing him away and it is creating tension in our home. Yes, he does need to be held accountable and do the best he can do, but, in my focus on his scores alone I have left out something more important...his character and True Greatness. In Tim Kimmel's book, <a href="http://shop.familymatters.net/product/7/Raising-Kids-For-True-Greatness">Raising Kids for True Greatness</a> he challenges parents to strive not only for their kids to succeed but to reach greatness. Here is an excerpt from his book:<br />
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<br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: 135%; margin: 5pt 0.5in; tab-stops: 4.5pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 135%;">One date in recent history
permanently seared its mark onto America’s conscience: September 11, 2001. This
defining moment exposed the best and the worst things about us. It forced us to
look in the mirror as a nation and ask ourselves what really matters.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 135%; margin: 5pt 0.5in; tab-stops: 4.5pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 135%;">The terrorists who slammed
airplanes into the World Trade Center caught us completely off guard. In the
middle of a business-as-usual morning, they showed us how naive we were about
the magnitude of their hate and the extent to which we could be humbled by
their violence.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 135%; margin: 5pt 0.5in; tab-stops: 4.5pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 135%;">Many successful people
found themselves trapped in the clutches of this ghastly event. At 9:03 that
Tuesday morning, their SAT scores and the cars they drove to work meant
nothing. There was very little that their pedigrees and résumés could do for
them. The famous as well as the obscure became equals in the statistics. In the
Twin Towers, “Who’s Who” died side by side with “Who’s he?”<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 135%; margin: 5pt 0.5in; tab-stops: 4.5pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 135%;">But in the midst of this
crisis, there were magnificent people who responded to the urgency of the
moment and gave everything they had for the sake of others. As the <em><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">successful </span></em>rushed down
the stairs of the World Trade Center, the <em><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">truly
great </span></em>ran up. As the well-heeled and comfortable ran for their
lives, the truly great slipped inside the nightmare to see what they could do
to help those who were left behind. <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 135%; margin: 5pt 0.5in; tab-stops: 4.5pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 135%;">And after the smoke
cleared, thousands of truly great people stepped out from their quiet positions
within the ranks of successful Americans and opened their hearts and their
wallets to those whose lives had been shattered by this cataclysmic event.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 135%; margin: 5pt 0.5in; tab-stops: 4.5pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 135%;">Isn’t it ironic that as a
nation we worship those who are successful, but when tragedy strikes, our
survival depends upon those who are great? A cry for help is always answered
first by people who live for something more valuable than their own fame or
fortune. They respond even though there isn’t a thing in it for them.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 135%; margin: 5pt 0.5in; tab-stops: 4.5pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 135%;">That’s why, when it’s time
to bury our dead, we mourn the loss of those<br />
who were successful, but we celebrate the memory of those who were truly
great—the firefighters, the EMTs, the rescue workers, and the countless
civilians who sacrificed everything they had for people they’d never met.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 135%; margin: 5pt 0.5in; tab-stops: 4.5pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 135%;">Truly great people seldom
simply <em><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";">happen</span></em>;
they are carefully groomed for the moment long before they are forced to face
it. Long before they get to these challenges, so many of them have lived within
the proving grounds of a family that inspired them to true greatness.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 135%; margin: 5pt 0.5in; tab-stops: 4.5pt;">
<em><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 135%;">An excerpt taken from </span></b></em><strong><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 135%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Raising Kids For True
Greatness, </span></i></strong><em><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 135%;">pp 11-12, Tim Kimmel, Thomas Nelson Publishing.</span></b></em></div>
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Isn't that inspirational? I want my children to be truly great in the eyes of the Lord. I want them to seek to serve, rather than to be served. I want them to follow the example of Jesus, who lived to give his life for others. <br />
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That kind of life will not be learned in the pressures of daily life, with a focus on schooling alone. It is an intentional life, one that is not only taught but caught. As a mom, my life needs to first reflect love for my Savior and to set an example of living for others and not for my schedule alone. <br />
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For this new year my focus will be differnt and my teaching of my children will be different. Yes, they will still need to accomplish their daily assignments and tasks, but in the midst of life, I want to help them to get a glimpse of greatness beyond themselves. <br />
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I hope to achieve this by a few intentional things:<br />
<ul>
<li>Pray diligently for my children</li>
<li>Help them establish good, healthy routinues in their daily lives. One thing I am going to try is a <a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/dayplanner.pdf">daily planner</a> by Ann Voskamp from <a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/">A Holy Experience</a></li>
<li>Read great books. Since most of my children are taught at home I can have an impact on what they read. This year I am committed for them to read great literature and heroes of the faith. I want them to get a glimpse of others who had a bigger picture than themselves.</li>
</ul>
If you have any other ideas I'd love for you to share them below so together we can help our children reach for true greatnessLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00480071355949595758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3404347997691828030.post-50922923341806378282011-12-25T17:08:00.000-08:002011-12-25T17:08:13.929-08:00The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Christmas Breakfast<u>The Very Hungry Caterpillar</u> is one of my favorite childrens' books. A tiny caterpillar slowly eats his way through the week and various objects of food. It's an adorable story and I have always enjoyed reading with my children. But when a <strong><em>real caterpillar</em></strong> shows up in breakfast...well, that's another story.<br />
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The table was set with fruit, quiche, bacon, and a birthday cake for Jesus. We were half way through breakfast when Benjamin said, "Something is moving in my food." He continued with, "There is a caterpillar in my cake!" Much to his dismay, his breakfast was ruined. <br />
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It didn't matter that the caterpillar most likely came from the raspberries, there was no way he would eat another bite (and I don't really blame him!)<br />
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No matter how much time and energy go into planning the perfect Christmas breakfast (or some other event) the little unexpected things in life can try and steal away our joy and peace. If my hope had been in everyone having a perfect meal and meaningful conversations around the table, then my Christmas breakfast would have been ruined too. But my hope is in the One we celebrated today - Jesus - and His hope never disappoints.<br />
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I did feel sorry for my son, whose stomach was a little queasy all day,<strong> <em>but I do hope someday he can look back and laugh at the Christmas that a very hungry caterpillar got to enjoy his cake.</em> </strong><br />
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After all, isn't it unexpected things, whether good or bad, that tend to stick in our memories for years to come? <br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00480071355949595758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3404347997691828030.post-73226727782638762022011-12-25T08:00:00.000-08:002011-12-25T08:00:07.943-08:00Advent Calendar Day Twenty-five...Christmas is Here!Merry Christmas...after 25 boxes Christmas is finally here!<br />
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In box #25 there are three gifts to represent the gifts the Magi gave to Jesus<br />
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Matthew 2:11<br />
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<strong><em>"On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh."</em></strong><br />
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December 25th...the day we celebrate Christmas...the day when the Greatest Gift of all came into the world-Jesus.<br />
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But Christmas isn't just about a baby being born. It is about redemption...a way back to God. You see, the things in our life that are not good - bad thoughts, words, actions - keep us from God. God is holy and cannot be in the presence of sin. When sin entered the world, God's plan of redemption was already in place. It would take sacrifice. The sacrifice of His One and Only Son to enable us to have a relationship with Him.<br />
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There is no way for us to reach Him on our own. That is why Jesus had to die. He was perfect and came to earth wholly God and wholly man, to die in our place once and for all. It is His birth, death, and resurrection that made the way for us to spend eternity with God.<br />
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But there is a catch.<br />
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You see, with any gift that is given it has to be received and opened. Taking a gift and leaving it under the tree does no good. Knowing about Jesus and what He has done isn't enough. Going to church and being a good person isn't enough. Dedicating your time, money, and energy isn't enough. <br />
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Nothing is good enough...only God.<br />
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You must take the gift and open it for your very own. It involves admitting your sin, and your desire for God to be the One in control. It involves humility and surrender, surrender to the One who sacrificed all for you...all you have to do is to surrender your control to Him. The One who gives good and perfect gifts, the One and Only who can restore your life and make you the kind of person He wants you to be. <br />
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This Christmas as you open gifts under your tree, how about opening the only gift that can never perish and that alone can satisfy your heart? Jesus...the greatest gift of all, given for you. Will you take the gift and make it your own? <br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00480071355949595758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3404347997691828030.post-11881975382798437452011-12-24T09:00:00.000-08:002011-12-24T09:00:05.231-08:00Advent Calendar Day Twenty-fourIn box #24 there is a star, to represent the star the Magi followed to find Jesus.<br />
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Matthew 2:9-10<br />
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<strong><em>"After [the Magi] had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed."</em></strong><br />
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<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00480071355949595758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3404347997691828030.post-15616530775465980732011-12-23T16:10:00.000-08:002011-12-23T16:10:43.126-08:00Advent Calendar Day Twenty-threeIn box #23 there are jewels to represent Jesus being th King of Kings!<br />
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Matthew 2:1-2<br />
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<strong><em>"...Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, 'Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.'"</em></strong><br />
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The Magi traveled a long way, at their own expense to worship the King of Kings. With only two days left until Christmas I am humbled to think of their focus on the One who is important. At this time of year it is so busy to fill the days with a long 'to do' list of all that needs to be done. But my challenge is, how do I clearly use the days left until Christmas, not to fulfill my list, but to worship the One who left heaven to make a relationship with God possible for me? <br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00480071355949595758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3404347997691828030.post-46094298118192825942011-12-23T16:01:00.000-08:002011-12-23T16:01:02.110-08:00Advent Calendar Day Twenty-twoOn day #22 there is a scroll in the advent calendar box.<br />
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The scroll represents the wisdom and knowledge of the Magi who were watching and waiting!<br />
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Matthew 2:1<br />
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<strong><em>"After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem." </em></strong><br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00480071355949595758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3404347997691828030.post-34239887912928960602011-12-21T10:00:00.000-08:002011-12-21T10:00:02.816-08:00Advent Calendar Day Twenty-OneIn Box #21 there are a pair of eyes<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKHQ1GUMGaTz07P1S5XBM_xEe2jgRqWQvdC2GdI8BPncnda_eHnA3qU_Bj3KJg7UvVIf_9ERiJ_7nP-rZMHZSnwkZKnq9OCqw463D2bgYwoMxdtXH_X3YOnsGFnTHtDsZS54nhvbgfcOA/s1600/IMG_7709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKHQ1GUMGaTz07P1S5XBM_xEe2jgRqWQvdC2GdI8BPncnda_eHnA3qU_Bj3KJg7UvVIf_9ERiJ_7nP-rZMHZSnwkZKnq9OCqw463D2bgYwoMxdtXH_X3YOnsGFnTHtDsZS54nhvbgfcOA/s320/IMG_7709.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The eyes remind us that Jesus was revealed to Simeon as the Christ, the promised Messiah.<br />
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Luke 2:25-32<br />
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<strong><em>"Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. Moved by teh Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:</em></strong><br />
<strong><em>'Soverign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in sight of all people, a light for the revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.'" </em></strong>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00480071355949595758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3404347997691828030.post-26212272954896626652011-12-20T15:44:00.000-08:002011-12-20T15:44:14.776-08:00Advent Calendar Day TwentyIn Box #20 there is a dove<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju5JCwmYlF6nEWP9mG8uhnXvbUzouX2lHGEU_QfsmAUTz812SkmFfCsB6CF_BG_5Etio1NxmlZesHUEbJno3kYHNK6ZPaeemGJAqmWXoMtsVuRwmxNyc1w7hiIOr-vH2oUX-GqyXrri5M/s1600/IMG_7708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju5JCwmYlF6nEWP9mG8uhnXvbUzouX2lHGEU_QfsmAUTz812SkmFfCsB6CF_BG_5Etio1NxmlZesHUEbJno3kYHNK6ZPaeemGJAqmWXoMtsVuRwmxNyc1w7hiIOr-vH2oUX-GqyXrri5M/s320/IMG_7708.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The dove symbolizes the purification sacrifice that needed to be made. It also represents a later time in the life of Jesus, when the Holy Spirit came upon Him in the form of a dove after his baptism.<br />
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Luke 2:22-24<br />
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<strong><em>"When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, 'Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord', and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: 'a pair of doves or two young pigeons.'"</em></strong><br />
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Luke 3:21-22<br />
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<strong><em>"When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: 'You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.'" </em></strong><br />
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00480071355949595758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3404347997691828030.post-8880524707586677192011-12-19T20:53:00.000-08:002011-12-19T20:53:35.512-08:00Cranberry Pistachio Christmas BarkThis is fun and the red cranberries and green pistachios make it so festive for Christmas. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDO9dqySL00yYUJzGoy4x7QEHBrwZRvaI8cxeCJb-BpeLYIH46w7_nIc6xifytzXTQrG5G5LqeMtUdGUziKluVzfUEuZ0AvxOIuAU07Mcl57OLoTKCptOEuXsdcpaHiEzGpdcdOs_sWEM/s1600/IMG_7694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDO9dqySL00yYUJzGoy4x7QEHBrwZRvaI8cxeCJb-BpeLYIH46w7_nIc6xifytzXTQrG5G5LqeMtUdGUziKluVzfUEuZ0AvxOIuAU07Mcl57OLoTKCptOEuXsdcpaHiEzGpdcdOs_sWEM/s320/IMG_7694.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Ingredients:<br />
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1 pound white chocolate confectionery coating<br />
1 cup dried cranberries<br />
1 cup pistachios, shells removed<br />
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Melt the chocolate in a microwave safe bowl. Stir in cranberries and pistachios. Pour onto wax paper-lined baking sheet and spread out to form a thin layer. Chill in the refrigerator. Break into pieces. Enjoy!<br />
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This recipe is so easy to double (and I tend to add more cranberries and pistachios to fill it up!) <br />
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<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00480071355949595758noreply@blogger.com0