A Dressmaker - the sequel

Well it's official, I'm addicted to dressmaking. I finished my first dress and today I made another one (for Jessica, our 13 year old).

I had to laugh, I'm sitting in my room barefoot, windows open, I can hear the birds chirping, and I'm sewing a little house on the prairie type print dress, for my daughter, while humming "Come Thou Almighty King". Maybe I should have been born 100 years ago?

I must say, as time consuming as it is (for a novice anyway), it's so relaxing, and so rewarding, I just wish I would have done this years ago.

I've promised my 5 year old a pink sundress, so tomorrow, I'm off to the fabric store again, and will get started on another one. I'll get pictures of all three of them, and share them here, when I have the third one done.

If anyone ever wanted to learn how to sew, but thought they couldn't do it, TRUST me, you can do it. If I can do it, anyone can.

Home Church?

For the last 2 years, our family has been looking for a new church to call home. When we moved 2 years ago, we continued going to the church we'd been attending in town, but it quickly became very difficult to make that 2 hour trip every other Sunday. We were only able to go twice a month because of Kev's work schedule, so that was hard on us as well.

So after about 7 months of making the commute, we knew it was time to start looking for a church in our own area, that we might be able to call home. It was a disaster. The closest churches to us were not even what we would consider options. We looked, and we talked to people, we scanned the "come worship with us" ads in the local papers every week, and over and over again, were disappointed.

2 weeks ago, we decided to diligently search once more - and I clicked on an obscure link on some page I cannot even remember the title of. That link lead me to a statement of faith for a fellowship of Baptist churches. As I was reading the statement, I came to the portion that addresses the nature of man after the fall, and the process of salvation, and I thought "hey, good stuff here!". I saw a link for "member churches" and searched for our area. 1 church came up. The 1 church that came up, had OUR home address listed, for the church address.

Now for those of you who live in the country, you know that often it is the case for all homes on a certain road, or a certain section to have the same rural route number, so that part isn't so odd. What WAS odd, that there was a church who held to the same doctrinal position WE do, THAT close to us.

It was a trick to find the actual address of the church. I called the church number but they had an answering machine on, so I didn't get the address that way. Kev went into the other room and picked up last week's local paper, and sure enough, in the "come worship with us" section, this church was listed, WITH the physical address!! We were too excited, so we hopped in the van, and headed down the dirt road. One right turn, and down another dirt road, and 10 minutes later, there was the church. We had to laugh at the irony, the "coincidence" of it all.

Kev went and spoke with the pastor last Tuesday morning, and 2 hours later came home with a hop in his step. He had a great conversation with him, and was really looking forward to going Sunday.

So, Sunday came, and we got all the kids ready, and visited this new church. It was a good study in Sunday school, the kids loved their sunday school, the sermon preached on Jeremiah 18 was excellent, and it was just a really wonderful experience, all in all. Baby Ruth didn't even cry in the nursery when I left her there! Now that can only be the hand of God - you don't KNOW how that child screams in the presence of strangers!

So we will go back this coming Sunday, and we will keep going, and hopefully, prayerfully, this will be our new home church. I can't see any reason why it wouldn't be, but I have to admit, I'm so very cautious about getting too excited (not that you could tell by reading this far, eh? lol).

So pray for us - pray that we've finally found a church we can be ministered to in, where we can offer what gifts we have, where the kids can be in a church family as they grow up. It is our heart's desire that this be the case.

A Dressmaker

Well... I did it. I went to the fabric store today, bought a pattern, and everything I needed to make a girl's jumper. Came home, cut out the pattern, and made a dress.

No, it wasn't that simple, and yes, it's a big deal. I've had a sewing machine for years (around 12 years I think), but I've only used it for mending and altering, I've never made anything with it. So to actually make a dress, that looks like a dress, was a huge deal for me.

I must confess, I didn't do it without help. My dear friend BK put up with alot of whining from me this afternoon, and was more than gracious to encourage me that I COULD DO IT. She was right, I could, and I did. :-) I'll post a picture here when I get my film developed this weekend.

Now that I know I can do it, I'm eager to go buy more material and make another one,and another,and another. :-} Now that I know I can do it, I'm really looking forward to teaching the girls how to do it too - who knows - maybe one of them is truly gifted this way, and will just love to sew!?

Okay okay, maybe it's not a big deal to anyone else, but for me it sure is. When I was young and my mom tried to teach me how to sew, I was too pre-occupied with the worldly junk, to care. In junior high, home-ec, the only time I payed attention was when we were making cinnamon rolls. I've regretted it ever since, and have always wanted to know how to make lovely dresses, and snuggly jammies for the kids, and I never knew how. So this was a great blessing for me today - and Lord willing, a great blessing for the girls, because now mom knows how to make a dress! lol.

This was a good day. :-}

A Short Study on Angels

I was reading a Christian discussion forum this morning, and saw a question, "are angels envious of human beings?".

I posted a short study on angels:

Angel

A word signifying, both in the Hebrew and Greek, a "messenger," and hence employed to denote any agent God sends forth to execute his purposes.
It is used of an ordinary messenger #Job 1:14 1Sa 11:3 #Lu 7:24 9:52 of prophets #Isa 42:19 Hag 1:13 of priests #Mal 2:7 and ministers of the New Testament #Re 1:20
It is also applied to such impersonal agents as the pestilence #2Sa 24:16,17 #2Ki 19:35 the wind #Ps 104:4 But its distinctive application is to certain heavenly intelligences whom God employs in carrying on his government of the world.
The name does not denote their nature but their office as messengers. The appearances to Abraham at Mamre #Ge 18:2,22 Comp. #Ge 19:1 to Jacob at Peniel #Ge 32:24,30 to Joshua at Gilgal #Jos 5:13,15 of the Angel of the Lord, were doubtless manifestations of the Divine presence, "foreshadowings of the incarnation," revelations before the "fulness of the time" of the Son of God.

1. The existence and orders of angelic beings can only be discovered from the Scriptures. Although the Bible does not treat of this subject specially, yet there are numerous incidental details that furnish us with ample information.
Their personal existence is plainly implied in such passages as #Ge 16:7,10,11 Jud 13:1-21 Mt 28:2-5 Heb 1:4 etc.
These superior beings are very numerous. "Thousand thousands," etc. #Da 7:10 Mt 26:53 Lu 2:13 Heb 12:22,23
They are also spoken of as of different ranks in dignity and power #Zec 1:9,11 Da 10:13 12:1 1Th 4:16 Jude 1:9 Eph 1:21 Col 1:16

2. As to their nature, they are spirits #Heb 1:14 like the soul of man, but not incorporeal. Such expressions as "like the angels" #Lu 20:36 and the fact that whenever angels appeared to man it was always in a human form #Ge 18:2 19:1,10 Lu 24:4 Ac 1:10 and the titles that are applied to them of God,") #Job 1:6 38:7 #Da 3:25 comp. #Da 3:28 and to men #Lu 3:38 seem all to indicate some resemblance between them and the human race.

Imperfection is ascribed to them as creatures #Job 4:18 #Mt 24:36 1Pe 1:12 As finite creatures they may fall under temptation; and accordingly we read of "fallen angels." Of the cause and manner of their "fall" we are wholly ignorant. We know only that "they left their first estate" #Mt 25:41 Re 12:7,9 and that they are "reserved unto judgement" #2Pe 2:4
When the manna is called "angels’ food," this is merely to denote its excellence #Ps 78:25
Angels never die #Lu 20:36
They are possessed of superhuman intelligence and power #Mr 13:32 #2Th 1:7 Ps 103:20
They are called "holy" #Lu 9:26 "elect" #1Ti 5:21
The redeemed in glory are "like unto the angels" #Lu 20:36 They are not to be worshipped #Col 2:18 #Re 19:10

3. Their functions are manifold.

a. In the widest sense they are agents of God’s providence #Ex 12:23 Ps 104:4 Heb 11:28 1Co 10:10 2Sa 24:16 1Ch 21:16 #2Ki 19:35 Ac 12:23

b. They are specially God’s agents in carrying on his great work of redemption. There is no notice of angelic appearances to man till after the call of Abraham. From that time onward there are frequent references to their ministry on earth #Ge 18:1ff. #Ge 19:1ff. #Ge 24:7,40 #Ge 28:12 32:1
They appear to rebuke idolatry #Jud 2:1-4 to call Gideon #Jud 6:11,12 and to consecrate Samson #Jud 13:3 In the days of the prophets, from Samuel downward, the angels appear only in their behalf #1Ki 19:5 2Ki 6:17 Zec 1:1-6:15 Da 4:13,23 10:10,13,20,21

The Incarnation introduces a new era in the ministrations of angels. They come with their Lord to earth to do him service while here. They predict his advent #Mt 1:20 Lu 1:26-38 minister to him after his temptation and agony #Mt 4:11 #Lu 22:43 and declare his resurrection and ascension #Mt 28:2-8 Joh 20:12,13 Ac 1:10,11
They are now ministering spirits to the people of God #Heb 1:14 Ps 34:7 #Ps 91:11 Mt 18:10 #Ac 5:19 8:26 10:3 12:7 27:23
They rejoice over a penitent sinner #Lu 15:10
They bear the souls of the redeemed to paradise #Lu 16:22 and they will be the ministers of judgement hereafter on the great day #Mt 13:39,41,49 16:27 24:31
The passages #Ps 34:7 #Mt 18:10 usually referred to in support of the idea that every individual has a particular guardian angel have no such meaning. They merely indicate that God employs the ministry of angels to deliver his people from affliction and danger, and that the angels do not think it below their dignity to minister even to children and to the least among Christ’s disciples.
The "angel of his presence" #Isa 63:9 Comp. #Ex 23:20,21 32:34 33:2 Nu 20:16 is probably rightly interpreted of the Messiah as the guide of his people. Others have supposed the expression to refer to Gabriel #Lu 1:19

Grandpa

(Originally posted at my old blog: Tuesday, 27 April 2004)

My Grandpa

I've been saying for years that "someday I'll share my grandpa's testimony"... so finally, here it is.

In 1991, grandpa fell seriously ill. No one suspected there was anything wrong with him, until grandma found him one morning, sitting in his chair, unable to breathe, skin turning blue before her eyes. He was rushed to ER, and immediately placed in ICU. After a series of tests, it turned out grandpa had asbestosis, and the prognosis was not good. They had a very hard time stabilizing his oxygen level, and for a few days, it was very touch and go.

He seemed to stabilize for a few hours, then suddenly his condition would rapidly deteriorate, and they'd struggle to stabilize him again. This happened over and over again. Finally, the last time it happened, they were not able to stabilize him. They tried and tried, for hours, without success.

The head nurse at the hospital called a couple of family members, to tell them, if they wanted to see him, NOW was the time to come, as he would likely not make it, to the end of the day. He was intubated, and was unable to speak. By the time word got around to the rest of the family, and we all began to arrive at the hospital, his doctor had shortened his prognosis even more, down to "minutes", instead of hours.

My brother Gary arrived, and his first question was "has anyone prayed with Grandpa?". He didn't even wait for an answer, and asked the nurse if he could go in. He went in, sat down next to grandpa, and began asking him some questions. (There are 2 versions of this testimony; the second one is after this one) He asked grandpa if he could hear and understand him, and if he could, to raise his finger. Grandpa raised his finger for each question. He began to ask him such things as "do you realize they say you're dying?" (grandpa indicated YES), "do you believe after this life, there is another life?" (grandpa indicated YES) and "do you understand Heaven and Hell are real places?" (grandpa indicated YES). My brother then shared the gospel of Jesus with grandpa, and asked him "do you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?" My brother said, he looked in grandpa's face, and saw the tears in his eyes, and my grandpa lifted his finger, and indicated YES. Gary then prayed with grandpa, a prayer of repentance.

At this same time, something began beeping and making odd noises at the nurse’s station, and the nurse got up to enter grandpa's room. None of the family members knew anything, except that Gary went in to pray with grandpa. We honestly thought it was over, and grandpa was gone, and we were bracing ourselves for the nurse to come out with the worst news. She did come out, REAL quick, with the most perplexed look on her face I've ever seen. A few seconds later, Gary came out of grandpa's room, with tears on his face, and a smile. All he said was "grandpa is ready to see Jesus". We all began to cry, or cried harder. The nurse approached my grandma and told her something odd was happening, but I don’t know if grandma even heard what she was saying. Many of us overheard her, however.

She could not explain it, but all of my grandpa's vital signs, were stabilizing. They were not supposed to. Prior to this, he had only minutes to live. They began to remove some of the life support apparatus from him, because as he stabilized, they had to take some of these things out. The nurse could not explain it, the doctor who rushed in, could not explain it, but I remember one of them saying "the only thing that makes sense, is a miracle". Over the next few days, and weeks, grandpa was well enough to come home. He was on oxygen, 24 hours a day, but he was doing remarkably well, for an 82 year old man with “minutes to live”.

When my brother shared what happened in grandpa’s room that day, this was the only testimony any of us knew. Grandpa had his own testimony, which he shared with grandma, but he asked her not to tell anyone, until after he died. He thought people might think he’d went crazy.

Grandpa’s version was very similar to Gary’s except for one small detail. He remembered Gary walking into his room, he remembered the entire conversation, the prayer, and feeling at peace with God, but he also remembered wondering who the man was with Gary. He said when Gary first walked into the room, he noticed another man behind him, but really didn’t pay much attention to him. During their conversation, from time to time grandpa would try to get a look at the other man, because he thought he recognized him somehow. He said the man wore a long white robe, had a very peaceful face, and comforting eyes. At first he thought he might have been someone from Gary’s church, but there was something about him that intrigued grandpa, not the least of which was the long white robe. Men just don’t walk around in long white robes. Grandpa said the robed man stood the whole time, just behind my brother. After my grandpa prayed, he looked at the man, and the man nodded his head in affirmation, and smiled. When Gary left, the man in the robe left behind him.

Grandpa had intended to ask Gary who that man was, but the more he thought about it, the more he realized, Gary didn’t know anyone was with him that day. My grandpa didn’t want anyone to know this, because he was afraid folks in the family might think less of his conversion experience.

18 months later, Grandpa went to bed one night, and woke up in Heaven. Those 18 months after he came home from the hospital, he spent fairly bedridden, on oxygen. I was still living in the world at the time, and on Halloween that year, I did what I always did, dressed up along with the kids, and took them over to grandma and grandpa’s house, to trick or treat on their street. I had on a tall, pointy black hat, and came in the living room and said “trick or treat!”. Grandpa smiled, and said “hey, someone get that witch outta my house!”. The kids all went over and showed off their costumes to him, and he smiled and talked with them all for a few minutes. That was the last time I saw him. That was October 31st, grandpa went home to Jesus, 6 days later. He was 83 years old. He was the literal interpretation of the 11th hour laborer. (Matthew 20)

About a month later, grandma shared with me, grandpa’s version of what happened that day in the ICU, when Gary came to pray with him.

All of these details did not escape me, even though I was living my own life as an unbeliever. I began to search the Bible for an answer to the robed man in my grandpa’s room, and found this passage: Hebrews 1: 13 But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

And this one: Hebrews 13: 2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

I cannot say for certain, that this was indeed an angel, but those two verses stood out in my mind as boldly as anything.

My own conversion to Christ happened just 17 months later.

My grandpa was Harry McKinsey, beloved husband of Zora, father of 4, grandfather of 13, great grandfather of 17 (at the time). He was US Army, and had been a machinist in the naval shipyard for 25 years, before retiring.

Prayers for Baby Elijah

A friend of mine in Wisconsin told me the wonderful news of the birth of her pastor's eighth child last week. This wonderful news was coupled with the heartbreaking news that baby Elijah was born with spina bifida.

I've been getting regular updates, and now I'd like to share these updates with others as well, please remember this family in prayer as the Lord leads.

Baby Elijah: http://elijah.dcsnetlink.com/

Modesty

I went shopping the other day for my 5 and 6 year old daughters, and once again was met with the nearly impossible task of selecting modest, feminine clothing for my girls. My choices were basically limited to Lizzie McGuire street-walker trash, or Strawberry Shortcake screen printed clothing. I've been struggling with this ever since my oldest daughter Caryn was about 3 years old, and it just drives me NUTS!

So, I set out on the task of searching online for modest clothing for girls, and BOY was I ever impressed. There are actually many, many sites out there, most of them put together by mothers just like me, who have finally had enough of the trash-clothes available for their daughters. Not all of the sites had clothing on them that was either affordable, for a family of 9 on a tight budget, or that reflected my personal taste, but they were all in all, very good sites.

I believe this is a very import resource in our day and age, and Lord willing, I will be creating a page for our site soon, that covers this topic of MODESTY, from a Biblical perspective. I hope to include links to articles on the topic, as well as some of the links to clothing, for all members of the family. I hope it will prove to be a valuable resource for other mothers out there, that like me, have just had enough of the trash.

Ruth's Birthday

I can't believe my baby girl is a year old already. Technically, she turns 1 on July 9th, but to accomodate everyone's work schedules, we're celebrating her birthday today. Amazing to me it's been a year already - and I say that every time one of them turns 1, lol.
Gradma Norma, aunt Kim, Caryn & Derek are all coming, and it should be lots of fun for her to see everyone.
She is true joy and blessing. I never thought in a million years by the time I was 39 years old, I'd have 7 children, with my youngest being a year old, and my oldest being 21, but the Lord's ways are usually not our ways, or our plans, and His will and purpose is perfect. Kev and I thank Him for these children, daily.
Off to bake a cake!
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Just testing the waters

I've started to do this a few times before, but I really like this setup, so maybe I'll actually stick with it this time?

Time will tell, eh? :-)