God's blessed me Again

As some of you know, I have been longing for a cello for quite some time. 

A Beautiful cello with a flamed back.  That sings with a low, vibrating voice.  So I can play with Sarah on her violin.  So I can play with Mom on the piano.  So I can play with Sarah on her violin and Mom on the piano.  So I can “jam” with friends. (is it jamming when it is more of an orchestra? )  To just play for myself and learn a new instrument……..

Did I say for quite some time?  Let’s just say that my Sister bought some books for me.  Two books, in fact, on how to learn the cello.  Did I say when she bought them?  Back at Christmas.  Yup, so for 9 months I have been longing for a cello.  Well, that’s not true.  I mean, she did buy books at Christmas for me, but she bought books because I obviously wanted to find a cello then.  So for at LEAST a year I have been longing for a cello.

Over a year.

I have been watching Craigslist like a hawk. 

Searching, looking, listening, drooling, dreaming, asking questions of everyone I know….gaining all the information that I can about cellos.  I had even gone so far as to call a local cello teacher to see when she had openings for lessons. 

Are you getting the picture?  For over a year. 

As I looked, however, I just wasn’t finding it…..all the cellos on the internet didn’t have the flamed back that I desired so badly.  They just didn’t look nice at all.  That, or they weren’t in my price range.  Did I say that I had a price range?!?!  Did I say how much a good cello costs?!?!

Impossible hurdles.

Something would have to give.  I would need to drop my list of “wants”.  That flamed back?  Well, it didn’t have to be.  A better brand?  Well, how about one that just plays well and sounds nice.  Not beautiful, but nice. 

In other words, “Quit being picky, Rebecca.”

It’s not like I want to go play onstage.  I just want to enjoy it for myself.

Are you caught up now?  Do you understand how much I was longing for this, the battles of “should I, or shouldn’t I” that I was going through?

Due to life, I had stopped checking Craigslist every other day.  For some odd reason Mom had been on and found a couple of cellos listed.

Did I just say a couple?!?! When I couldn’t find one?!?!  :sigh:  Mother’s can ALWAYS find things…. :D

So I called and set up times to go look at them.

Option #1 was a cello that came from a good, well-known place in town.

Option #2 came with a hard case.  With Blue lining.  (Did you know I love the color blue!!??)

Being the wise woman that I am (yup, I’m tootin’ my own horn….) I begged my sister to come along…..at the price of Panda Express. (Which she loves. and I don’t. J)

We went and viewed option #1 first and although it was a lovely cello, it was just “eh”. 

After we walked out Sarah tells me, “It’s nice, but it has such-and-such which could be an easy fix or a more complicated one.”

Onto cello option #2.  Wait, did I mention that I was going to go look at this cello on Sunday?  But the lady called and said that it was gone?!?  You should have heard me Saturday night when I heard the news.  I was pretty torn up about it.  Very torn up.  Ask my siblings.  Or the friends we were with that night.  I couldn’t stop talking about how bummed I was!

Well, that deal fell through for the lady, and the cello was again on the market!  The lady called, and I scheduled to go look at it with Sarah after we had played the option #1 cello.

As we were getting directions to her house, she was so cute and said to come through her gate which was a “hobbit” gate to her little house which she called the “Shire”.  Cute, right?!?!  And I do like LOTR, so it was a little “plus” to the day.  Makes you smile.

We walked inside to view the cello. 

And it was gorgeous.

With flames

Beautiful flames on the back and sides.

Did I say FLAMES!!!!

:big grin:

The lady told us she had just tuned it, and I asked her to play it for us. 

It was love at first sound.  I didn’t want to admit it because I wanted to just really listen and use my discretion and not be fooled into buying something just because it was beautiful. 

But it was.

Beautiful AND sounded so well!

I told my family that I was NOT going to make a decision tonight, but that I would come home to sleep on it. 

That didn’t happen.

After the lady had played it, Sarah had played it, and I had played it, I looked at my sister and mouthed “what do you think” while the lady’s back was turned.  She nodded an emphatic “yes”.  But I couldn’t believe she had said that!!  So again when the lady turned her back I looked at her and asked “yes?!” and she nodded very hard and mouthed “yes”.

(Did I mention how wonderful my sister is??  She didn’t have to give up her valuable time to go trekking across town to look at cellos after a day at work.  She didn’t have to be there to support my decision and be that person to confirm what I knew.  Because if she hadn’t gone, I would still be at home wondering if I really should….but she did.  And I am so thankful and grateful for her!)

I now own a cello.

After over a year of waiting, dreaming, and praying, I own a cello.  With a hard case!  That is lined in blue…

God once again showed me how He loves to lavish us by giving me THE desire of my heart!!  He had no reason to, I was going to be happy without it, but He did!  He doesn’t do it all the time. There are times when He knows better than we do, and we don’t get it.  I just needed to hear it this week, needed to know once again how the God I serve is a God who loves me and DESIRES to show me His love.  I needed to watch Him orchestrate me finding a cello……

A beautiful cello with a flamed back.  That sings with a low, vibrating voice.  So I can play with Sarah on her violin.  So I can play with Mom on the piano.  So I can play with Sarah on her violin and Mom on the piano.  So I can “jam” with friends. To just play for myself and learn a new instrument……..

*pictures to follow.....

It's Here!

It's Here!  Remembering the Alamo  has finally made it!  My dear Friend's 4th published book (this one's a novella) will be entering the world today.  If you are looking for an enjoyable read that isn't heavy, yet isn't boring light fluff go check it out.

The Synopsis:

When Pastor Mark Siegler takes his youth group on a midsummer vacation to San Antonio, he anticipates teaching them about honor and sacrifice at the Alamo. But arrival at the historic landmark brings cutting disillusionment. A troubled teen is determined to make things difficult - and spread his embitterment to the rest of the group. 

Mark has two choices: give up or try again. Midst his own discouragement, he decides to give them the story behind the legendary Alamo. And his perseverance results in the unforgettable.

The sweeping events of the Alamo comes to life through the eyes of an 1800's wheelwright named Silas Edwards. As his tale unfolds, his decision becomes a difficult one. Is defending the Alamo so important? Or are the principles behind opposing General Santa Anna worth sacrificing everything for?

Join Private Silas Edwards, David Crockett, William Travis, and Mark's youth group to discover the gripping events behind America's battlecry: "Remember the Alamo!"

Alicia Willis is a homeschool graduate and avid historian. From an early age, she has had the desire to write family-friendly, accurate books about the past. When not writing or doing endless historical research, she enjoys singing, being a church pianist, and teaching music. She and her family live in New Mexico.





If you enjoy reading, if you enjoy history, if you enjoy historical fiction; then purchase your own copy- here.

The only thing missing?  That perfect cup of tea or coffee!!!  
~Rebecca

God's Love

As some of you who follow me on Google+ know, I was lucky enough to go with my dad to a trip to Portales.  He went to work a booth with his job at the NM Ag Festival, and I went along for the fun and to spend time with him.

I really like traveling, going places, seeing things, meeting people, and being with the ones I love.  That's why our bull sale season is always a fun time for me (travel!).  On top of the travel and time with Dad, I was really looking forward to the Ag Fest.  I mean, anything to do with cows has got to be good, right?!

Unfortunately, it was pretty slow there.   Maybe the beautiful weather had everyone home doing odds and ends before NM’s windy spring hit.  Who knows?  But it was very, very slow.

When you are in a situation like this (at least for me) you start thinking about ALL the things you could be doing at home!  Especially with the lovely weather!

BUT

(Yes, that was a huge conjunction with no sentence for my dear, English-loving friends!)

BUT

God had something in mind for me.  He blessed my socks off!

Josh and I have been working together on my horse Queenie.  We took her to a trainer for about a month, and now she is home for us to finish her training.  I must admit I am proud of her.  For all the bad things we did (unknowingly!) when she was younger, she has a lot going for her.  Still, she is a green horse (green meaning untrained) being trained by green trainers!  We had some GREAT help from a friend, and she gave us a lot of great exercises to be working on.

However, we were getting to a point that we had learned almost all those above-said exercises.  We were almost to a point that I didn't know how to move forward.  I know what kind of a horse I want by the time we are done- one that can work cattle easily, listens to what I want, and responds right away and enthusiastically.  However, getting that horse from point “A” to point “B” was something I didn't know how to do!!

So what does my Loving God do?

He opens the doors for me to go to Ag Fest with my daddy, in spite of battling a cold a few days before leaving.

He places me at a slow-paced Ag Fest where the sessions looked more interesting than just sitting there.

God gives me a session called- get this..........“Advancing the Green Horse”.

Yup.  That’s right. “Got a green horse?  Want to keep working it but don’t know how?”!!!! "

I was able to sit for about 4 hours watching and listening as this great horse trainer showed us several different exercises for getting your horse from point “A” to point “B”!   They all made so much sense- get your horse to do this in the pens, and he’ll then do this in the pasture.  So exciting to this Cowgirl!

God even blessed me with time to ask a question about an issue that Queenie was struggling with and getting it personally answered by him!

Really, this story isn't about horses, or horse training, or Ag Fest.  It is about God who is a loving Father and took the time to show me that He is watching me, taking care of me, and staying one-step ahead of me!

Are you there right now?  Are you in a situation where you have no idea what to do next?  Where to turn?  Keep your eyes open.  What may look like a boring, wasted ride somewhere may be your ticket of answers.  With God, who knows!

And if you are on that boring, wasted ride and nothing happens.  Look around you.  Maybe it was NOT what you needed but that you needed to go in order for someone else to be blessed.   My dad really had a pretty wasted trip when he could have been at the office working on some big things- but it is what I needed.

As God showed us in Christ’s Birth, God doesn’t mind moving a whole nation to get one person somewhere!  Keep your eyes open, you just might see something.

In Christ’s Love,

Rebecca

Blogs I have recently Enjoyed

I stumbled upon a couple of blogs/blog posts that have been very good.   The first is a blog you should just follow.  This woman has a love for singles and being an encouragement to them.  The two posts that have been neat to me are;

Why Women and Men Can't be Friends
(Watch the video at the bottom- it is pretty eye-opening!)
and
Single By Choice

These blog posts have brought up questions I haven't thought about- which is a good post!

The other blog post is by Lady Abigail at Lady Abigail's Soapbox.  It is on the;
patriarchal movement and our daughters.
Lady Abigail really wrote this post well- it is a controversial subject and can easily step on toes.  Although she didn't waver from her opinion, she said it in a very gracious manner- something few bloggers do!  She did a great job of presenting what she has seen over the years.  I value her words as she is someone who has and is living them out.  Rather than someone who has had no experience in the matter.

Go read them and leave a (nice!) comment letting them know what you think! (That is what we all want- lots of comments!!)  Then come back and tell me what you thought of the posts.  :)

~Rebecca

Make 'Em Laugh!

If you are wanting a few laughs, make sure you are comfortably seated and watch these videos!  They have become our favorites in a short time!

The first is a comedian, Mark Lowry.  Just hilarious!  Some comedians tend to mock others to be funny and I don't appreciate that.  Mark Lowry doesn't mock (that I've seen), but rather puts things as they are- using himself as an example.  He absolutely loves his momma, which always puts stars for me when they love their family.  :)  He never married and just enjoyed being a gift of laughter to others and using his gifts for God.

Ever heard the song "Mary Did You Know"?  Well, here is the author.  :)

This is my favorite video of his- because it is too true!   It is clean, so grab your siblings to watch.  You know they will hear it and come running right at the middle anyway, so just start out with them!!!! Oh- and your mom because she will appreciate it the most!  Introducing Mark Lowry in "Mommas Had Enough!"

My second video is one we just found today.  We have already watched several of their videos and love them!  Too cute!  Again, these are very clean and your whole family will enjoy them.  :)

Well, let me know what you think!  My family has really enjoyed them and has to almost say "only 3" or else we are online all day long watching them!

~Rebecca

Absentminded or Absent?

Yes, I have been "gone" a while.  Whether from Absentmindedness or just being absent, you decide. 

Life has been good.  Correction.   My Lord has been good!  He has been very gracious this season and Blessed us abundantly!  

"What?!?!" you ask, "Isn't He ALWAYS good and gracious"??  

Yes, pat yourself on the back for noticing my sinful ways and let me finish.

Thank you.  :D  

For those of you who know us, there have been some tough times in our past.  Not awful, for that would be putting down those who have had worse.  Just plain ole tough.  
Between the possibility of losing the ranch, the economy being unstable which made Dad's job unstable, to relationships really struggling, the loss of a beloved Bampa, and the struggles of new phases in life, it hasn't all been "hunky-dunky".  

I wouldn't go back and change any of the lessons we have learned, though, for they have all been lessons we needed to learn and hear.  You cannot be made into a pot without losing a bit of clay.

Our Lord, as He always does, was gracious enough to make that season only a season- though not a "season" of 3 months only!  He is gracious to bring the rain and the sun that beats its rays upon us to grow for our time, but then summer settles in where there is the slightest of breaks.  The fall will be upon us soon, and I long to see the results of His work that He has done upon us!  

Or have they already come.  No one knows but One.  and I am sure for each it is a different season.  

In the meantime, our time has been most delightfully spent.  The ranch is now in a stable condition.  (yay!)  We now cannot say we own any part of it.  It is truly the Lord's ranch!!! 

Psalm 50:10

"For every beast of the forest is Mine, The cattle on a thousand hills."

He has taken care of it just as He gave it to us.  But of course, it wouldn't have happened without us doing our hard work and part of it.  Joshua has truly stepped up this year and taken on the brunt of the labor, allowing Daddy to be faithful to his work.  
Josh has matured so much this year- both physically at a strapping 6 foot- and in everything else.  He has stepped across the threshold and left boyhood behind in the way it was planned. We couldn't be more proud of him!  He has such a servant's heart I don't know where there is room for anything left in his body....

With the ranch doing well, we took off over Thanksgiving weekend to spend a much needed vacation!!  For this family that hasn't had one in 6 years we were all in ecstasy!  :D  We drove out to LA, California and spent some delightful days seeing the sights and just relaxing with our family.  :sigh:  (see some pics here)

~We just got back from a delightful party at a friends house, and instead of just doing boring introductions, the hostess asked that we share what God has been teaching us lately.  

I have been thinking about that a lot (actually before the party, but that party brought it to the front of my mind if you know what I mean).  I think what He has been teaching me can be summed up in a beautiful hymn that I have been memorizing.

    Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way! 
 Thou art the potter, I am the clay. 
 Mold me and make me after thy will, 
 while I am waiting, yielded and still. 

 Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way! 
 Search me and try me, Savior today! 
 Wash me just now, Lord, whiter than snow, 
 as in thy presence humbly I bow. 

 Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way! 
 Wounded and weary, help me I pray! 
 Power, all power, surely is thine! 
 Touch me and heal me, Savior divine! 

 Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way! 
 Hold o'er my being absolute sway. 
 Fill with thy Spirit till all shall see 
 Christ only, always, living in me! 

 This song speaks to me of how I must be willing to be as wet, yielding clay in His hands if I want to be made into a vessel for Him.  It shows me that He is powerful, so powerful, yet gentle with me.  :sigh:  It has been a good song to learn for me in this season of life.  I also love the melody (which you can hear here!) as it is very calming. 

The Lord has been showing me more about Him as He truly is.  Not just who I have made Him in my mind.  He has been asking me to be willing to give all up to Him- something very hard to do for a first-born perfectionist, type-A personality!   

Ahhh!  If I can only put into better practice what I learn from my Master!  

Well my friends, it is a late night and to bed I must go.  I pray the Lord is Blessing you abundantly this Christmas season!  May He remind you of what you need to remember, and show you what you need to be shown! 

~Rebecca   

Modest Fashion Week

My Sister and her friend are doing a "Modest Fashion Show" where you have fun trying to match your wardrobe with what the "theme" of the day is!!  If you haven't already, join in!  It is going to be lots of fun with prizes at the end!

Today was Flowers.  I actually had quite a few clothing items that have flowers on them, but they are usually pretty small- background designs.  Sarah actually told me what I should wear...and I did.  :)  What can I say, having a fashion diva in the house is pretty nice at times.  It was really handy when I went shopping.  I just let her have free reign bring me clothes.  Although some of them I really didn't care for- weren't my style- I did try on some I normally wouldn't have and really liked!  They are in my closet thanks to her.....:D

Here is my outfit for today.

 

Sweater- Target (LOVE it!)

Tank Top-Walmart

Skirt- Roamon's

Shoes-Shoe Dept

Hat- Walmart

Earrings- Avon (My cousin just became a consultant!)

Better close up with the earrings.  Don't you love how Sarah posed me?  She did such a great job taking my pictures!!  We just both got our outfits on and took each others pictures.  :D:D

 

The Shoes.  Aren't they fun?  Mine are Clarks which are ALWAYS very comfortable
and last a loonnnggg time.  Can't go wrong there.  :D

That's all for me.  I have a couple of posts in mind, but it will have to wait. Did you do the fashion show?  

Love,

Rebecca

Pampered Chef

Yes, yes, I haven't been on in a while.  hopefully you missed me.  :)  If you didn't, I guess it was my fault....

I am now a Pampered Chef consultant!  I am very excited about this opportunity and look forward to seeing what God does with it.  :) It has kept me very busy between the actual shows and all the training for my hosts, plus my training and learning how to do things.  It has been a wonderful, and yes, trying experience. 

Some reasons that helped me decided to become a consultant were;
1.) You do it on your time.  Pampered Chef is very good to tell you to take your calendar and cross off dates that you have things going with your family.  THEN you set up appointments with people.  I really appreciated that.  Especially since that is the second thing in my heart- my family. :)  (God is first)

2.) They do have a minimum to meet, but it is very small.  If you want to go and become a big director and make lots of money- then go for it!  If you want to just make a few bucks here or there, then do that.  They encourage you to really make it, but they don't force you too.  I liked it because that means when CAPE convention rolls around I probably won't do as much the week before, of, and after.  When we are weaning and preg-checking, I can take the week off.  When I don't feel good, I just take a few days off without having to call anywhere and tell them I'm sick.  Sure, that doesn't mean I can just slack and not do shows because I will, but that also builds character, right?

3.)  I really love their stuff.  They have wonderful items that last a long time.  And their stoneware is amazing! (Ok, I will confess.  It will be very hard for me to not buy everything in their store!  I will have plenty of opportunity for learning self-control. :D)

4.) It gives me something to do.  I notice that when I don't have things to make me fill my day I can sit on the computer the whole time.  I find I just become unhappy.  Not all the time, but there is nothing like the feeling of your life just doing.....nothing.  Sure, there are things we do all the time in the house, on the ranch, just life- but it doesn't fill my day up. 

When I was chatting with Mom and Dad one night, mom brought up a good question.  She asked me if I would tell her when my business became something more than just a side job. When I wanted to push full ahead and make it a career that I just loved and didn't want to let go of it- would I tell them so that they could become my prayer warriors in that area?  Although I wanted to say "of course" and shrug off the question, it is a good one.

 Just like anything I don't want to let this become my idol.  I don't want this as a career.  I just want to be doing something and heck, make some money.  (wouldn't it be so nice to get married with some money to my name!) My heart is still to be married and have a family.  But I also want to be realistic in that though I dream my marriage will happen tomorrow, it may be several years down the road, or never.  I don't want to sit at home twiddling my fingers waiting for it to happen and then become a worrisome spinster that others need to take care of. 
I want to be a part of my family, yet not become a loathsome person to where I hate myself.  Although this job won't fix that it will help me stay active. :D

Does this make sense?  What have you found in your life to help you through these years of being at home?

Rebecca

Coocoo Lane?

I thought this was quite a funny succession of e-mails that passed between my sister and I.  We do tend to converse in e-mail once in a while.  It is fun to make the words in the e-mail sound funny, to play with how you write it, etc. 

This one took place while she and I were getting some details together of another family coming over.  I was somewhat heading it up but she had taken the liberty (gasp!) of telling them what they could bring.  I thus wrote her this e-mail letting her know what I thought of her…..

Oh well I was going to ask them to bring something.  I really wish you wouldn’t do things like this without asking me.  Please let me take care of things like this next time.  I appreciate your trying to help, but it really wasn’t all that helpful. 
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

Just Kidding. 
 Do go ahead and remind her that the ______ are bringing a dessert as well.  She is more than welcome to make something too, (who turns away more dessert?) but just so she knows that.  J  Otherwise it sounded perfect!

Love you,

Big Teaser

Sarah then replied;

GOOOD GRIEF!!!  You just about gave me a heart attack!!!!

DON'T DO THAT AGAIN!!!!!  hahaha!

Ok, I'll let her know..... :)

 Love,
 your innocent, adorable, little sister who doesn't deserve teasing like that.... *impish grin*

My Reply;

“Your innocent , adorable, little sister who doesn’t deserve teasing like that…..*impish grin*"

Ummm, I must have the wrong person.  I was trying to e-mail my sister, Sarah Heckendorn.  So sorry about that.  If you know where I can contact her, please let me know. 

Here’s a description of her;

Ornery, scares easily, likes to sing, loves to wear weird clothing combinations, usually is happy, can tell a good joke, can’t make a fire to save her life, likes ginger in her tacos, is funny, silly, laughs a lot, cries, likes to read- but not often, makes beautiful things with her hands, is good with kids, doesn’t always care for suspense movies, is what you call a dark-haired beauty, wouldn’t believe you when you say that, even though it is true, looks gorgeous in red, can do her hair nicely, and is a drama queen!

If you hear from her, please let me know.

Sincerely,

Rebecca

Her answer;

Oh, Sarah Heckendorn!  Oh, dear. I'm sorry to say that I haven't talked to her since she was fired from the company due to some odd reasons.  The biggest was probably the fact that she refused to follow dress code. The other reasons are as follows:  She wouldn't work on her homework and instead chose to make little knitted, crocheted, or hand sewn items. She made many of the employees gag when telling about her 'secret ingredients' for different foods, made it impossible for the other employees to work with her incessant laughing (mostly at random things) and joke telling.  Her dramatic entries into the office will not be discussed in detail at this moment.  The worst part was when she would hide behind a cubicle to scare a fellow worker, and then end up scaring herself instead. Her problem with singing harmony without a melody was also a "major" problem.  She would also get strangely terrified if you just mentioned the latest suspense movie.

After many complaints, we finally had to let her go...  I do have a forwarding address though:

 Happy Valley

721 Coocoo Lane

Crazyville, JK, 72193

 I sincerly hope that you'll be able to find her... and help her... if there is still a chance.

Kindest Regards,

Mrs. Bubblegum 

 I guess most of these would be inside jokes.  Like the one about "hiding behind a cubicle and jumping out to scare an employee only to scare herself." *ahem* Yeah, she really did hide to scare someone and then after "dramaticaly" jumping out and scaring them...scare herself.

Needles to say with her around we are all kept in stitches.  (get it??? "needles"!!)

~Rebecca

Trip!

Alright, I want to let you all know I have "What's a Girl to Do? part 2" coming out soon.  Right now I am needing to go back through and edit it some more.  Only problem is that we took off for a weekend with some friends in Carlsbad, and although I can use their computer, it is hard to work on an Apple when you are used to HP.  :P

It is coming out- soon!!!

I am off to visit with friends.  Just wanted to update everyone.

Here is a question for you all.  What is your favorite game to play with folks?  It can be a card game or a board game.  

We have a  fun family tradition that the day after Christmas we just hang out and play games with each other.  I love the day after almost as much as Christmas!  It is so nice to just relax and connect with the family.   We always buy a game or two so I was wondering if you all had some that are tried and true. :D

(now I can officially say)

Merry CHRISTmas!!!
Rebecca

What's a Girl to do? Part 1

I have a question.  What is the Highest calling a girl/young lady/woman can have? 

For the longest time my answer would have been; To be a wife and Mother. 

Is that really the answer?  Is that really the highest calling a female can have- no matter the stage in life?

After much thought (and lots of conversations with Mom and Sarah!!) I would now answer that question;

To Serve God where ever He needs me. 

God doesn't call us to be wives and mothers.  He call us to serve Him.  Now, I would believe that the greatest thing would be to serve Him by being a wife and mother.  That would be my greatest joy!  That is what (I think) is the desire of my heart!!!  For all of you who are wives and mothers, treasure it.  As a single girl, I envy you, but God has been cultivating my heart to realize that that may not be right on my horizon.  It may be in the future, or it may never be.  What am I to do now?  The answer has changed over the years.  (It will probably keep changing as I add experience to my answers.)

I know a wonderful woman who is now in her 30's and teaches school.  She is single.  She does not live at home.  She hasn't lived at home in years.  She felt that God was calling her to be a teacher. 

Now, although she doesn't live at home she seeks her parents guidance in all things.  She knows she is always welcome at home and there is always a bed for her.  She is honoring to her parents.  She is honoring to God in her actions.  She follows God- not her heart.  The key in her situation is that she has not removed herself from her father's authority, protection, and leadership. 

Is she in sin? 

I think not.

She does the things we as homeschoolers and Christians have been preached against doing for years.  She doesn't live at home.  She isn't staying at home wearing denim skirts and "serving her father". 

In reality, she is serving her Father. 
Which one is better? 

I believe that she is doing right.  We don't have a surplus of Christian men ready for marriage.  What are we young ladies supposed to do? 

I think my friend has an answer.  Not THE answer, but one of the many answers.  Do something, but do it serving your Father first, than your Daddy second.  Honor both of them.  Seek His counsel and his counsel.  If there is ever a time when you are holding back from telling your parents something, then you should wonder why.  If you don't want to tell your father, question if it is truly good.  There is probably a reason that you don't feel comfortable.  It probably isn't right.  (for the most part)

Make sure you are accountable, and then go.  Go serve your Father and your father.  Go be a blessing!  You don't even have to leave home to do it.  Your singleness is a blessing.  Someday when you have children you won't be able to work at your local hospital comforting hurt ones.  Someday when you have a husband who needs you at home you won't be able to go to the Seniors center and play chess.  You won't be able to pursue some fun things you like often.  You won't be able to serve in your community as often.  You won't be able to help some women with young children.  It is harder to do that in the marriage stage of life, not impossible but harder.  When you are married your focus is your husband and children.  It should be!

However, when you are single you can go take fun baking and cooking classes.  You can learn photography.  You can learn sign language.  You can get a job and store up money for when you get married- and bless your family by buying groceries once a month while you live at home.  You can serve mommas in your area by cleaning the house with them.  You can pursue higher academic learning.  You can learn an instrument.  You can teach your siblings. You can volunteer at the hospital.   You can help your family more...........

The possibilities are endless!  Above all Serve God.  He will show you and your parents what He wants you to do. 

Alright, I wrote up more, but you will have to wait for me to post part 2 later. 

In His Perfect Love,
Rebecca

Thankful

We are going to have a wonderful Thanksgiving this year....

We Sold part of the land on our ranch!!!

I know that sounds funny to be thankful for, but it means we can stay here for many, many more years.  We also get to keep the house & headquarters, so that is a big blessing.  Try moving a HUGE shop.... yeah right. 

For those of your who don't know, we bought this ranch 7 years ago.  Buying it was a feat of God in itself.  The couple who owned it were older- in their 80's.  He was getting alzheimers and wasn't doing well, and she broke her hip.  They needed off the ranch and near their son.  Yes, a beautiful ranch that the sons and daughter didn't want.  (the siblings had their own places which I understand, but I don't think I could have done it)  

When you are selling a ranch you don't have many serious lookers, so they knew we were serious and kept coming back to us.  Dad was so smart and wrote up this beautiful letter letting the couple know that we were a family operation that would just love the blessing of buying this ranch.

We got it.

We think it was the letter.

We were able to buy it only because my dad had another good job as a mortgage lender.  (he says he works to pay for his hobby- ranching. :D)   Well, 7 years ago mortgage was booming. 

And as we all know, it crashed after that.  Although we really worked hard, and Dad did all he could, we just couldn't keep up with the mortgage on the ranch. (the only way to get a ranch is if you are a millionaire or inherit it)

The ranch had plenty to keep us and more, so after much prayer we decided to try and sell a part of it.

After 2 and a 1/2 years of different parts, to different parts or the whole ranch we have sold 2/3 of just raw land.  Believe me, we had any and all options up for sale at the end.  Whichever God sold we were going to take it. 

And God worked out the perfect one.

And it is SUCH a blessing. 

And it is all God.

And I still can't believe it.

And I am going to miss the pastures we are selling.

And we are going to have a wonderful Thanksgiving. 

And only God could have kept us here for many more years than we should have been.

And even though we aren't out of the red zone, we are close enough to (with God's help!) handle it.

And we have had lots of rain to keep us through the winter.

And we have a bunch of heifers (female cows that haven't had a baby yet) to stock up with.

And we have plenty of room to expand our herd, even though we sold land.

And only God could have kept us here so long.

And I am so happy and sad at the same time.

And I am so excited to see this finally happen.

And I can't wait to get a dishwasher!!!  (Washing dishes by hand isn't bad, it is just SOO time consuming!)

Ahhhh, life is full again.  Our time of renewal is here.  It has been a loonnnggggg couple of years.  In all things God was good.  It was a time of growth and I am thankful for it.  I am just glad to be finished with it.  I hope.

Living in the Amazing Power of my Lord,
Rebecca

Warrior

I want to be a Warrior.

Yes, I am a young woman, but I want to be a Warrior.  I want to be highly trained and good at what I do.  I want to fight! 

You have probably guessed it, I want to be a Prayer Warrior.  Although I am still in the learning stages, I am being trained by The Best Warrior out there.  I have personal training with Him whenever I am ready to listen. 

 I fight things that sound scary, things that should be in books.  But they are in a Book.  I am told to fight them. 

Ephesians 6:11-12
"Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.  for our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places."
Vs. 18
"With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints..."

Even though you may never see me in battle array, I am constantly covered in it.  Even though you may never see me fight, I do.  Even though I am a woman, I fight- and I hope I fight well!  I do it with a large company.  I do it by myself.  I am a Warrior.

Even writing this up I get a stirring of heart to "go to battle!" with the call of my Lord wringing in my ears.

A favorite song of mine which I can't seem to find online, (we have the CD) is Battle Song by Holy Smoke.  It is a stirring song that depicts what we do in everyday life- we go into battle. 

I know who my General is and which side will Win- do you?

A Warrior For the Victor of victors, Lord of lord's, and King of king's,
~Rebecca

Prayers

I would appreciate your prayers for a dear friend of mine.  She has had a tough year.  4 months ago her father died, 3 days ago her dear friend and cousin passed away, and today she learned that she just miscarried another baby. 

I know the pain she is going through right now.  You wonder where God is right now.  You know He has everything under control and that it is all going to work out for His glory.... but you just wish you could have one good thing..... 

People are always saying "trust in God, He will take care of you!".  It is nice to hear that, but you are trusting in Him.  You can trust someone while you are hurting.  You can ache while you know that God is a Loving God that knows what you are going through.  But it still hurts.  And aches.  And you have bad days. 

I just ask you to be praying that God would refresh her spirit.  That He would place His hand on their family in a way they can see.  That she would be blessed beyond measure.  That God would give her the desires of her heart. 

In Christ,
Rebecca

180 Movie

Did you know there is a holocaust going on in America today?  We talk about it all the time.  We don't use that word for it, there is another term used to make it "politically correct". 

If you don't know what I am talking about, watch this video.  (for age 14+ unless edited by parents.  Talks about adultery, etc.)

humbleness from another author

I found this article from Forever His Servant really refreshing .  Refreshing in a good way.  A reminder, if you will.  It is good to take time and step back and ask yourself why you are doing things.  Are you doing it to bring glory to yourself?  That kind of glory won't last!

Or are you truly seeking to bring glory to God?  That kind of glory isn't recognized.  It is the kind you don't see.  But, it is truly the longest lasting!  When you are in heaven you will be there forever, and that glory goes with you! 

What are you seeking? 

In Christ's Amazing Love,
Rebecca

Thankful

I am thankful for brothers, who treat me like a lady and always open the gate for me.

For Papa's who take us down to the lake, just for us to enjoy it.

For Sisters who go out, even though they get wet.

For sweet sibling time.

For dragonflys that hold still so I can get a good shot.

For the relaxing time of having nothing to do except have fun.

For the mud between your feet, the seachells to pick up that are unique in coloring, for interesting weeds, rocks to climb on, and laughter to hear from everyone else.

We are spending a few days with my grandparents and having a great time!  They live right near a lake- and I mean near it!  They have a road going down to it!  It was fun to go and get our feet wet or further and scream, laugh, splash, and smile.  Thank you God for a nice day.
~Rebecca

He is Great

In my personal Bible reading I am doing a chronological order of reading through the Bible. (which my sister tells me is great when you get to Kings and Chronicles!)  At the moment I am in Exodus.  The Israelites have left the Egyptians with Moses and are stuck between the Red Sea and all of Pharaoh's mighty army. 

Here is a beautiful section that I hadn't appreciated before;

Exodus 13:21-22
"The LORD was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night.  He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people."

 I just really liked the last sentence.  He did not take away His Guidance from before them.  If He can lead the huge crowd of Israelites without leaving them, how much more can He lead me (If I listen....)???

Then in Exodus 14:14 Moses tells the people;
"The LORD will fight for you while you keep silent."

Ahh, this was just a balm to my spirit.  I have been worried lately about my husband.  What am I doing wrong that he isn't here? This was my reminder that I have nothing to do about finding my husband.  Nothing!  I just have to be silent.  My God will be fighting for me- and I do believe He is a better fighter! 

How can I be worried about how God is going to be bringing about my husband?  (or my future if I never get married) God was able to conquer the entire Egyptian army without anyone's help.  I just have to be willing to lift my arms.  :)  I have to be willing to listen and go stick myself in a bind between the Egyptian army and a huge sea.  I have to be willing to follow my Lord completely.  Then He will fight for me.  All I will have to do is walk across dry ground to the other side (oh, and maybe admire the fish on each side of me...) and give God the glory.

The other part I loved that tells how God fought for them was in Exodus 14:19-21

"The Angel of God, who had been going before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud moved from before them and stood behind them. 
So it came between the camp of Egypt and the camp of Israel; and there was the cloud along with the darkness, yet it gave light at night. Thus the one did not come near the other all night.
Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD swept the sea back by a strong east wind all night and turned the sea into dry land so the waters were divided."

Of course, I wanted to quote the entire rest of the chapter.  It is really a unique story.  One I really enjoyed this time for some reason. 

Anyway, back to my sharing...

I just enjoyed reading and seeing the Awesomeness of God.  I mean, He kept back the armies from each other for a day!   He then goes on to conquer the Egyptians completely so that they fully realize that God was fighting for the Israelites. 

Through all of the things going on in my family's life right now, it was a good reminder to me that I have a Champion Warrior on my side fighting for me.  As it says in Romans 8:31;

"If God is for us, who is against us?"

Blessings,
Rebecca

The Cat who almost lost his life.... all 9 of them

Last night, I was awakened by our cat, Snickers, meowing from the inside of our bedroom.  I was not surprised as the screen is broken at the moment, and so he just crawls through and sleeps on the foot of my bed.  I started calling for him to go ahead, hop on my bed, and go to sleep so I could.  Of course, he was all hyper and was jumping and playing around.  I turned on my lamp to get him and calm him down and .......


He had brought a MOUSE into the bedroom!!!



A MOUSE!









I just sat there horrified watching him "play" with his mouse and meowingly inviting me to come and "play" as well.  Of course, I did not, which he didn't seem to understand. 

My dilemma was how to get the mouse OUT!   I tried to wait until Snickers had it picked up and would try to pick him up to haul the pair OUT of the house.  As soon as I would pick Snickers up, he would, of course- drop the mouse.  I finally just grabbed a piece of denim something that was in the dirty laundry, picked up the mouse, and hauled the poor thing out onto the porch.  I then promptly went inside, grabbed that cat, and dumped him on the front porch with his prize.  (no cats were injured in the process, unfortunately)

Me?  Want a mouse?  I don't think so.  As much as I love this cat, that was almost the end of our relationship.  I think I just sat on the bed staring at him playing with the mouse in horror wondering HOW was I going to get them OUT! 


Although I am glad he is such a good mouser, he does not have to provide me with food, thank you very much.  I hope he learns that as I don't think I want another night hoping that the mouse doesn't crawl under our bed and stay there!



A girl who will NOT be snuggling with her cat for a while,
Rebecca

Paint

While Mom and Dad went on their trip we (Sarah and I) painted our bedroom.  :)  It was a bunch of fun and work and we did get it done before M&D came home! 

I have some before, during, and after pictures that I will be doing a post on, but I thought I would put up at least one after picture.

Yup, we think it is pretty cute.  What do you think? 

Love,

Rebecca