A Few Train Depot Pics and the Latest Book I'm Reading

I am definitely not a photographer, but I do like taking pictures of certain things......my kiddos, old buildings and old barns.  I love just about anything old.  This old train depot where I took these pictures has been fixed up and is so neat!

I love to post about good books I'm reading, so here is the latest........Tortured for Christ by Richard Wurmbrand.  It is a MUST read for every Christian!  It has really opened my eyes to the plight of our Christian brothers and sisters in other countries who are being tortured RIGHT NOW!  In the book, Richard Wurmbrand was a prisoner for 14 years in Communist Romania back in the 50's and 60's.  He talks a lot about how Christians in the West should be doing more to try to help the martyrs who are suffering around the world.  It is sooooo much more important than the stupid stuff we get consumed with in this country like nice cars, fancy vacations, the lastest technology gadgets, etc.  I'm as guilty as anybody else, by the way.  Christians are suffering in China, North Korea, North Vietnam, Cuba and some Arab countries.  Richard Wurmbrand started a great ministry called VOICE OF THE MARTYRS.  They do a lot to help these precious Christians.

A Visit to My Mom and Dad's House

A house in my favorite town, on the way to my Mom and Dad's house.

My Dad with Clayton.

I love old buildings!

Carrington

Clayton

Carrington, Clayton, and I went to my Mom and Dad's house yesterday, since we didn't see my Dad for Father's Day.  Carrington finished her testing on Wednesday afternoon (yay!!!), and we put her test in the mail on Thursday and  headed out of town.  I'll have to post more pics later. 

The Rebel's Guide to Joy - The Life of Horatio Spafford

I know most people have probably heard of this story about Horatio Spafford, but just in case, I thought that I would post it.  What a hero!  He had so much faith!  It makes my cries and complaints to God seem so trivial.  But I do know that God wants us to cry out to Him.  Hebrews 4:16 tells us, "Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."  That is definitely one of my favorite verses in the Bible.  It is so amazing to me that the God of the whole universe listens to my prayers!    :o)

The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry

Picture from http://www.amazon.com/.

I always love a good family-friendly movie!  I was very excited when my sister told me that this was a good one.   It's about a group of boys who become friends with an old, Christian man.  The old man, Jonathan Sperry, is played by Gavin McLeod (remember Captain Stubing from The Love Boat?).   Jonathan Sperry begins to have Bible studies with the boys and mentors them.  The boys become fired-up for God.  I watched the movie with my children and we loved it!  My son Clayton was very inspired.  His prayer at bedtime that night was so sweet.  The next morning he said, "I'm never gonna sin again."  I can assure you that he has sinned since then, but it is always neat to see my kids getting excited about the things of God.  This movie definitely gets a thumbs up from this Momma!  :o)

More Fun With Family

Water ballet ~ ha!!!

The baseball slide

Boys

My sister and her kids came to our house for a couple of days.  The kids had a great time at the pool.  Saying goodbye was not as sad for the kids this time, because we will be seeing them again soon!

Our Weekend at Grandma's house

Open your eyes, Clayton.

This reminded me of Maybury.  :o)

Cousins by the pool.

They have lots of fun at their Grandpa's pool and make a lot of fun memories with their cousins.

Not sure why Clayton was sucking in.  :o)

We went to my Mom and Dad's house last weekend.  It was a mini-family reunion.  On the way home I saw this old-timey gas station in a little town.  I love all things old!

Francis Chan - Beware of good liars 1 of 6 (12-06-09)

This is a great video! I know I post a lot of videos, but this is just so good. It really makes me realize how selfish and spoiled I am. I want to think about these brave Christians in India. They are our brothers and sisters in Christ. I want my children to think about them too. I feel so weak compared to someone who is willing to be tortured because they won't deny Jesus. The second part if below. It's unbelievable too.

Francis Chan - Beware of good liars 2 of 6 (12-06-09)

He tells such an amazing story in this video.  It is a must watch for sure!!!!!!

Picture courtesy of http://www.amazon.com/. 
I heard Todd Wilson speak at a homeschool conference recently.  His talk called,  "Lies Homeschooling Moms Believe" was hilarious, but also VERY helpful.  I ordered the above book to hear more.  It is a fairly short book, so I finished it in no time.  It was EXCELLENT!  One of the points he makes in the book is that if you give attention and care to your marriage, then your homeschooling and family will fall into place.  He mentioned a woman he met with 13 homeschooled children.  She said that she focused so much on her children and homeschooling that her husband got sick of it and they are now divorced.  Such a tragedy!
It really made me realize that I get too caught up sometimes in doing all of the "good" things for my children's education ( ie reading lots of books, doing experiments, field ttrips, etc.)  that I neglect my husband.  That is NOT what God wants us to do.  This book, as well as Todd Wilson's talk at the conference, made me realize that I CAN  let some things go with my children.  They will be more blessed if I am a good wife.  :o)
Todd Wilson's website is http://www.familymanweb.com/.  Check it out! You can also get his books from http://www.amazon.com/. 

Glorious Summer

A life without love is like a year without Summer. ~ Swedish proverb

BEST ENCOURAGEMENT! ever! Ammazing! Must see! (Francis Chan - Creazy Lo...

I thought this video was really good.  He made several comments that I liked, so I had to post it.  I love watching good sermons on Youtube.  One thing he mentioned is that he grew up when churches begged people to follow Jesus.  I think it is still like that sometimes.  I wonder how many people would still go to church if they could lose their job or get in trouble with the law.  I heard a quote on Focus on the Family this week that was very thought-provoking.  The man said, "The problem with Christians is that nobody wants to kill  them anymore."  Wow!  I have read about Christians in other countries who are persecuted and even tortured, but their faith is so much stronger than ours.  Right now, in other parts of the world, some of our brothers and sisters are in prison for their faith.......and yet they really love Jesus.  I told Clayton this morning, "I just want you to really love Jesus."  I pray that for my whole family.  That is more important than anything.