Clips of Christmas!!

We had a wonderful time! Thanks to our children and friends!

 It is so very difficult to get a good pic with 15 people! Even harder to find a place to hang that many stockings!

Adams family is so photogenic! JAX is doing pretty good. His mama discoverd that he has a mild allergy! Now if we can all just remember that and be careful what we give him to eat!

Anthony

looks great! He has been working crazy hours at the Grill! He is off for a vacation and we will see

where the Lord leads him from there! We love you Ant!

 These are our dearly loved Scottish Country dance teachers! Raymond and Gloria, ...we had a hard time getting Brett and Raymond to behave long enough to take the photo! Its a bit blurry but at least Raymond is looking head on and Bretts eyes are open! LOL!

                                                           Our sweet honey boy JAX!!!
                                                     Thank you all for your prayers for him.

                                              It is hard to believe there were little ones running around all over but we got narry a pic of 'em all! They were too busy playing together and we were too busy visiting! And where are the girls???

                                                   Mike and April came for dinner as well.
                                           They are always so fun to have around!
Thanks for a Merry Christmas all! And may we all have a Happy Next Year! Blessings, The Adams Clan

Look quick, before it's gone!

  Where does the time go? Fleeting childhood...being a mom since 1988, and now having grandchildren~the idea of fleeting childhood is a reality. Was it not just yesterday that we were praying that the Lord would give us many children? Surely it was only the other day that we were planning this house that we now live in! By the way, what is with the grey hair??? When did achy joints sneak in?
  We would like to interrupt this holiday season to draw your attention to the wonderful blessings that the Lord has given you...look quick! Chase them down the hallway and look them in the eye while you still can!
  Take the most of each moment~and never let homeschooling interfere with home discipling! May the Lord graciously remind us to be living for the eternal and not for the temporal. For another thoughtful post, visit my sweet friend Jacqueline and her beautiful blog. http://www.deeprootsathome.com/?p=14660&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+DeepRootsAtHome+%28Deep+Roots+at+Home%29
  Please remember to continue in prayer for the Sproul family during this difficult time. Blessings!

In Memory of Denise Sproul

Please go to; http://christianreader.com/. On behalf of the Sproul's, thank you, Brett/Dana

IN MEMORY OF DENISE SPROUL:

Denise Sproul was a wife, mother, teacher, and friend. She was married to Dr. R.C. Sproul, Jr. and the mother of eight beautiful children. In addition, she wrote a column for each issue of Every Thought Captive magazine, and her writing has appeared in several other national publications. Denise was a joy to be around and brightened every place she went. She is now being brightened by the joy of her Lord. She went home to Glory on December 18, 2011 after a long battle with cancer.

Tolle Lege Press had the honor of publishing her book, Tending Your Garden. In exchange for your donation of any amount by January 31, 2012, we will send you a copy of this special book. 100% of the proceeds will go directly to R.C. Sproul, Jr. and his eight children.

---

Tending Your Garden:Wisdom For Keepers At Home

Retail: $16.95 • FREE WITH YOUR DONATIONMAKE A DONATION TO R.C. SPROUL, JR & HIS CHILDREN

By Denise Sproul • Foreword by Carol DeMar

If you are a mother or hope to be one someday then this book is for you! It is short and easy to read which makes it perfect to put down and pick back up again. But it is so practical and engaging that you will not want to put it down.
Denise Sproul was the wife of R.C. Sproul, Jr., and the mother of eight children! So she certainly speaks from experience. The fact that a mother of eight can write a book both encouraging and enlightening attests to the fact that she has seen the fruits of her labors!
That being said, this book is not for the faint of heart! If you have ever tended a garden, you know that it requires much work and constant vigilance. This analogy works well throughout the book. The weeds must be removed and the garden cultivated continually. At some point, all mothers must answer the inevitable question, "Do you work or do you stay at home?" The answer is a definitive "Yes." As Denise puts it, the two are not mutually exclusive.

"Denise is my friend, so when I read her words, I see her face and hear her voice. But even before we were friends, I loved reading her articles in Every Thought Captive. I find myself mulling over and reflecting on her message throughout the next several days. Readers will find this collection of essays in Tending Your Garden just as refreshing and encouraging. Denise writes as one sister sharing with and exhorting another sister as we rejoice in our calling to "tend our garden." — Beall Phillips

Mothers must take their role seriously. The example set forth in Proverbs 31 is that of a woman who works hard caring for her children and providing for her household — among many other things! If you stay at home with the children, then you are doing the work that God has called you to do, so don't be apologetic. If you are even trying to do all that you should, this is a tremendous undertaking.
While the work is never ending, keepers at home are (in most cases) very blessed and should view it as such. "Generally speaking, unlike many of our husbands, we aren't dealing with cut-throat competition on the job…There isn't a great deal of office politics to maneuver around…Our commute to work is extremely short…We are, under our husbands, our own boss in the day-to-day labor." And I will add one of my own…the rewards at home are much more fulfilling than they are outside the home!
Perhaps the greatest blessing is also the most difficult…training up the next generation of warriors. The importance of this can not be overemphasized. This training is in and of itself an "act of war…a declaration to the world and to the powers of darkness that we will not sit back and let someone else's sinful agenda reign." If only this view permeated our thinking, how much easier many decisions would be!
Tending Your Garden was both a surprising and a challenging book. As I am single, I must confess that when I was given this assignment, I was not thrilled at the prospect of having to read a book which I was convinced did not apply to me right at this point in my life. But as I began working my way through its pages, I was surprised at just how practical and applicable this book really was…even for someone who I am relatively sure wasn't in the author's target audience. I was challenged by Denise's wisdom and insight and I believe that her book will be helpful to women of all ages. Those who are not yet married can store up knowledge, and even those who have passed that stage of life can use it to instruct younger mothers as Titus 2 calls them to do.

Hardback • Smythe-Sewn • 142 Pages

Retail: $16.95 • FREE WITH YOUR DONATIONMAKE A DONATION TO R.C. SPROUL, JR & HIS CHILDREN

Denise Sproul

  Please remember R.C. Sproul Jr. and his family. His wife Denise has gone home to be with the Lord. My heart breaks for the grief their family must be experiencing, those precious children who are missing their mother, R.C who will never hold his wife again this side of eternity. Please keep praying for them for months from now when the waves of grief visits them again. The comfort is that she is with the Lord and their trust is in Him who does all things well.

The latest Sons of Georgia Poster

Check out the latest 'Behind the Scenes' shots from the upcoming Sons of Georgia movie!

http://vimeo.com/33760061

Check out our FOR SALE page!!!

Just in time for the Holidays. 2 beautiful reenacting dresses. Jump over to the FOR SALE page and check them out! Thank you!

We Wish You a Merry Christmas!

It is interesting that some believers choose to not say 'Merry Christmas' as well as non believers! Of course for very different reasons! Well wherever you are  in your walk and understanding of what pleases the Lord~We wish you well! We thoroughly enjoy the Christmas season. It is a natural time of year to remind our children of their need for a Saviour and that He came! Just as at Easter time when we remind our children that "He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!"
  However you choose to celebrate we pray that you recognize your blessings, share them with others and thank our Gracious God for them as we do!
  Share with us how you celebrate this time of year! Merry Christmas to all and to all a blessed life!

Sons of Georgia!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Many of you already know, but we had the privilege of helping film a movie this year. It is named "The Sons of Georgia". I am pretty sure that everyone of us here in the Adams household is in that movie somewhere!   Our family also had the privilege of providing many of the costumes and props for the film. Because we have been involved in (un) Civil War reenacting for 12 years, we had much to offer!   The movie is close to final completion. There is only the music left that needs to be added and paid for. Music for a movie runs 40$-$400 per MINUTE! If you can imagine!   In order to help raise funds for the completion of this project, the Sons of Georgia team are making the film available for prepaid purchase.   We hope that you are able to help bring the project to its final production by purchasing a copy today! You wont regret it! It is not only a wonderful story, but it is written, produced and acted by a huge group of wonderful Christian young/old  people who are making a difference in the type of films available for family friendly viewing.   Thank you and God bless, The Adams Clan for 'The Sons of Georgia'. To purchase a DVD please go to: www.shopsonsofgeorgia.net   Official Website: www.sonsofgeorgia.com Also: If you pre-order your copy of the Sons of Georgia DVD by January 1st you will get 15% off your purchase!

True happiness...

This is a portion of a writing of JCRyle;

(J.C. Ryle, "HAPPINESS" 1878)

Happiness is what all mankind want to obtain--the desire for it is deeply planted in the human heart. All men naturally dislike pain, sorrow, and discomfort. All men naturally like ease, comfort, and gladness. All men naturally hunger and thirst after happiness. As the sick man longs for health--so does poor mortal man long to be happy.

But, alas, how few consider what they really mean, when they talk of happiness! How vague and indistinct and undefined are the ideas of most people are upon the subject! They think some are happy--who in reality are miserable; they think some are gloomy and sad--who in reality are truly happy. They dream of a happiness which in reality, would never satisfy their nature's needs.

  This makes me think of the people who just assume that stay at home moms are somehow, unhappy. When a woman rejoices in Gods structure of authority and obeys her husband, some call that oppressive. That is exactly what JC Ryle is speaking of here. Many are the people (especially other women) who would call me an unhappy, adult company deprived, oppressed wife and mother with no life...my question to those who think this is; How would you know? Have you ever asked? Me or any other whom you have prematurely judged?
  Although I know of those who speak these things of me and others; I never once have been asked. I will therefore answer to save anyone the trouble. My answer begins with a question too...what is your idea of happiness? My idea of happiness is living a life that is pleasing to the Lord, honoring to those that I love and consistent with the Christian life that I profess to be living. I am blessed to have a wonderful husband, beautiful children, and the freedom to home disciple as we choose. That makes me happy. Am I perfect? NOT a chance. Do I always have good days? NOT a chance...but I am happy and blessed AND I really relish and enjoy the life I live, and the way that the Lord has allowed me to live it. May the Lord grant you such happiness as well! The short answer; YES I am happy:)

Alexander and the terrible, horrible, no good ,very bad day...

  What does a little kid know about a day like that I would like to know?

We homeschooling parents know what a day like that is don't we?

Terrible- Is when you get up late and burn breakfast...

Horrible- The kids whine and fight while you're doing morning devotions...

No good- You have no idea how to figure out your teens algebra problem...

Very bad-The kids didn't nap, dinner is late, you've had it and put them to bed without even brushing their teeth!

  Now that is a day for you! The hope??? "His mercies are new every morning"! Praise the Lord!

  So when you have a day like this, , have courage! Remember...

 May the Lord encourage you in your mission today! 

Election....

"For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth." (Romans 9:11)
"What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded." (Romans 11:7)

 "And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained (by God - ed.) to eternal life believed." (Acts 13:48)

"Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace." (Romans 11:5)

"Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 1:10-11)

What verses can you add to these???????

Jellyfish!!!!

Today's Puritan Audio Devotional:
Man acting like a devil!
Horatius Bonar, powerful
Play Audio! Download Audio
  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~
Jellyfish Christianity

(J.C. Ryle)
"The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin!" 1 John 1:7

One plague of our age, is the widespread dislike to sound doctrine. In the place of it, the idol of the day is a kind of jellyfish Christianity--a Christianity without bone, or muscle, or sinew--without any distinct teaching about the atonement, or the work of the Spirit, or justification, or the way of peace with God--a vague, foggy, misty Christianity, of which the only watchwords seem to be, "You must be liberal and kind. You must condemn no man's doctrinal views. You must think everybody is right--and nobody is wrong."

And this spineless kind of religion, we are told, is to give us peace of conscience! And not to be satisfied with it in a sorrowful, dying world--is a proof that we are very narrow-minded! Satisfied, indeed! Such a religion might possibly do for unfallen angels! But to tell sinful, dying men and women to be satisfied with it--is an insult to common sense and a mockery of our distress. We need something far better than this. We need the sin-atoning blood of Christ!

     ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

We have published James Smith's comforting 2 page article, "The Priest on His Throne!"

     ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Feel free to forward this on to your friends.

God Bless you!

Happy Thanksgiving to you all! May you look back with gratefulness to those who came before, may you look with gratefulness to those you have now, and may you look ahead with gratefulness to all the Lord will give you in your days ahead! Blessings and peace! The Adams Clan

Raising Maidens of Virtue

I know a lot of moms and ladies who are really looking forward to this book coming out! You can find it available at Grace and Truth books. Their site is down at the moment but it will be up and running soon! http://www.graceandtruthbooks.com/

Wonderful Week!

  What a wonderful week we had! Beginning with a father/daughter  bible study at the Saffas, an evening at the Littmanns, several days in KC with friends and viewing historic Confederate sites....then, as if that weren't enough....fellowship at Covenant Family Church (not fellowship hehehe) with an awesome Christ honoring Thanksgiving celebration!!! We had the absolute privilege of meeting and listening to Dan Ford and Peter Bringe....all of that great activity and we didn't get a single picture!!!!! Sigh! Maybe next time!

  We are looking forward to the upcoming premier of the Sons of Georgia movie in December! (Lord willing!)...so much going on!

  Our prayer for you all is that you would enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving, being truly grateful to our Gracious Lord for all of His provision toward us! 

The blessing of fellowship

• Posted by Brett and Dana Adams on November 16, 2011 at 1:23am

     I like to call it Fellowship Divine! You know, when you spend time with like minded people! Folks who have the same world view and goals as you...true brothers and sisters in the Lord- who love the Lord and know how to pray. Well we are off for a week to spend time with families like that and I am so blessed and excited to be doing so!
No of course we all don't agree on everything, and we don't only sit around and pray when we are together! Though that would be alright! We just 'share life'. Spend time doing 'what we do' and we involve one another while we are doing it. We may do something special, but most likely we don't!
I'll miss all that I could have done being at home with school and projects and the wonderful everyday routine! But I think it is worth the time and effort to maintain these friendships and share in this fellowship divine!
It is a very worthwhile endeavor to build up friendships for all of eternity! He who has friends must show himself friendly! There aren't a whole lot of things you can give to a person that is more important than the sacrifice of yourself and your time. I never feel more blessed than when people do that for me! 
That is what we are doing by homeschooling our children. Giving them of ourselves and our time and building up relationships in their lives...relationships to their family, us their parents and helping them in their relationship to the Lord.What is more valuable than that?
Brett and I pray you all have a wonderful week in your life and in your home with your own Fellowship Divine!
God Bless!

Build them up in their most Holy faith...

  I wonder how we as wives can build up our husbands in their 'most holy faith'? I think it is important first of all to pray for our husbands. If we do not who will? Secondly, I believe strongly that our dear husbands NEED encouragement! The world and the enemy of our souls, battle against our husbands daily and we can be the buffer to their storms! What are some of the ways you encourage your husband? They are all so different and every husband responds best to a certain type of encouragement. Let's make a point of building up our Faith Filled Fathers today!

Happy Baptism!

Michael w/ Nathan Clarke George (and  Sam!)

Michael Patrick Patriot Adams was baptized today! Congratulations son!

Book Recommendation

Hunted and Harried by Ballantyne
We often count ourselves blessed that we have the heritage that we do...yet at the same time, we would be blessed with whatever heritage we had! We have mentioned before that we love to incorporate our own family history in teaching history..well this book has made it possible for us to do it again!
It is all about the Scottish Covenanters and their plight in Scotland! Our kids have a g.g.g grandfather on my side who is notated in church rolls as 'The Great Scottish Covenanter William Kendrick'.
This book also falls in line with our study of the Scottish Covenanters, which is also the theme of the coming CHEF conference next year! So enjoy this great book if you get the chance! You can buy it as Vision Forum or you can read it for free on Epub! Caution; I am reading this book aloud to the children as there are some descriptive parts that are graphic for young ones. Reader discretion advised...

Reader, are you taught of God?

(James Smith, "Manna in the Wilderness" 1863)

"I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is good for you--and leads you along the paths you should follow." Isaiah 48:17

God teaches all of His people the true nature, and awful consequences of sin--and instructs them "to flee from the wrath to come." His teaching makes them wise unto salvation--and holy in heart and life. Under His instructions, they . . .
  withdraw from the world, 
  enjoy private devotion, 
  unite with the saints, and 
  abound in every good work. 

"Behold, God is exalted in His power. Who is a teacher like Him?" Job 36:22. The truth which he unfolds to the understanding--He impresses upon the heart. His scholars learn to imitate Him. 

Untaught by Him, we are . . .
  vain, ignorant, and wicked; 
  estranged from God, and 
  hastening to eternal perdition!

To His divine teaching--we owe all that we know of self, sin, salvation, and eternal felicity.

He teaches freely and variously--but always effectually. 

His children cry, "Teach me to do Your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing!" Psalm 143:10. He graciously answers, "I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you shall go! I will guide you with My eye." Psalm 32:8

Reader, are you taught of God? Has he taught you . . .
  to hate sin--and flee from it, 
  to know Christ--and love Him, 
  to discover the beauty of holiness--and pant to possess it?

"Show me Your ways, O Lord, teach me Your paths; guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior!" Psalm 25:4-5

     ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Peace

Isaiah 26:3
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee because he trusteth in Thee...
  Are you at peace? Am I at peace? What is peace? A better question is ....Who is our peace? I do not know what your life is like..but this world  does not afford a measure of peace to it's inhabitants. Life and circumstances are always changing like the seasons, nothing ever stays the same. So how can your peace come from that?
  Now, God who changeth not..(Malachi 3:16, James 1:17).now there is a source of peace! The same yesterday today and forever.(Hebrews 13:8) What a comfort those words are to weary pilgims on the earth!
  There are some things that we can do to help attribute to our sense of peace;

Psalm 34:14

Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

Psalm 119:165

Great peace have they who love Your law, and nothing can make them stumble.

Psalm 85:8

I will listen to what God the LORD will say; He promises peace to His people, His saints-- but let them not return to folly.

  But sometimes we just need to be reminded of what our 'mission' is. Our goal...our utimate goal. It is often difficult to remember what is really important when we are struggling in adversity or discouragement, or just overwhelmed with our myriads of responsibilities like..homeschooling, laundry and/or whatever job we may have. So may the Word of God encourage us today, and may you experience and enjoy true PEACE. Not as the world gives....John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid

Isaiah 54:10

Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet My unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you.

Matt.11:28-30

Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

John 14:27

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

John 16:33

I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

2 Thess 3:16

Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all!

Adoption from Liberia

The following is an email from a dear friend, regarding another dear Christian family. May the Lord impress us to offer our prayers and help to them in their time of need!
The Redmans,  have been waiting to adopt twins
(they're actually triplets, but sadly the little boy died) for some years now.
Due to corruption concerning adoptions in Liberia, the government shut down
their international program as they endeavour to implement a system with better
checks and balances. Unfortunately, this has left a lot of legitimate orphans
without families, and so the Redmans continue to wait to bring those girls home.
In the meantime, they've been supporting the girls financially for all this
time.

More recently, they were made aware of a little girl who was so severely
malnourished that the powers that be relented and released her for adoption,
recognizing that if she isn't given immediate care she will likely die. The
Redmans have decided to adopt this little girl, despite knowing that she may be
developmentally, and is certainly physically, delayed due to the severe
condition of her little body.

Currently the Redman's are fundraising in order to raise sufficient funds to
complete the adoption costs and travel to Liberia to bring this little girl
home. They're hoping to do so as soon as possible.

I know that many are strapped financially right now, and many have or are giving
to various other very worthy causes. I thought I'd just bring this
need to your attention in order for you and your family, or even your church
family, to consider whether or not you might be able to do something to assist
the Redmans in bringing this little girl home to their loving family.

Also, Carrie is pregnant!  So do pray for
her, that if the Lord permits them to adopt the little girl from Liberia, Carrie
will be strengthened to the task of caring for a newborn, as well as a very
needy baby.

The following is an email from The Redman family, and where they can be reached. Thank you!

Baby Survivor was abandoned by her mother and grandmother. Her grandmother brought her to the orphanage when she was a few months old and she weighed less than 5 pounds. She is now up to 14 pounds and growing.

We need to raise $6500 more for the adoption to be complete and then we can travel. Our family would be honored to have your prayer support as we continue to walk this road toward bringing Survivor home.

Please feel free to share our story with others on your blog, email, Facebook or where ever. We do have a several fundraisers lined up in the next month or so. We are also selling one of our vehicles to help raise funds. We have a paypal button for donations on our website....

www.OurFullHouse.com
Thanks again for your encouragement!
Carrie

God desires truth in the inward parts...

  It is my desire to teach my children to be truthful. As adults, because God is truth, we should be truthful as well. Dishonesty comes in so many forms, it is often difficult to detect. What is truth? Here is the 1828 Daniel Webster definition:

TRUTH, n.

1. Conformity to fact or reality; exact accordance with that which is, or has been, or shall be. The truth of history constitutes its whole value. We rely on the truth of the scriptural prophecies.

My mouth shall speak truth. Prov.8.

Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth. John. 17.

2. True state of facts or things. The duty of a court of justice is to discover the truth. Witnesses are sworn to declare the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

3. Conformity of words to thoughts, which is called moral truth.

Shall truth fail to keep her word?

4. Veracity; purity from falsehood; practice of speaking truth; habitual disposition to speak truth; as when we say, a man is a man of truth.

5. Correct opinion.

6. Fidelity; constancy.

The thoughts of past pleasure and truth.

7. Honesty; virtue.

It must appear

That malice bears down truth.

8. Exactness; conformity to rule.

Plows, to go true, depend much on the truth of the iron work. [Not in use.]

9. Real fact of just principle; real state of things. There are innumerable truths with which we are not acquainted.10. Sincerity.

God is a spirit, and they that worship him must worship in spirit and in truth. John 4.11. The truth of God, is his veracity and faithfulness. Ps.71.

Or his revealed will.

I have walked in thy truth. Ps.26.12. Jesus Christ is called the truth. John 14.
13. It is sometimes used by way of concession.

She said, truth, Lord; yet the dogs eat of the crums-- Matt 15.

That is, it is a truth; what you have said, I admit to be true.

In truth, in reality; in fact.

Of a truth, in reality; certainly.

To do truth, is to practice what God commands. John 3.

  We all like to be accepted and approved...of people more than God I am afraid. Are we being accepted and approved because we are walking in truth and being truthful??? Or, because we are putting on a false front? Or are we being accepted because we are not declaring the truth when it needs to be? I certainly do not believe we should judge a person because of where they are or aren't in their walk...yet if the issue of abortion comes us, do we stand there in silence not offering the truth for the sake of acceptance?

  My husband is my ever present encouragement to walk in truth. He will not let me put on false 'airs' nor will he put any on. (Much to peoples displeasure:) What you see is what you get...(Thus people either love him or hate him! I for one love him dearly above all people!) Yet it is tempting to clean your house REALLY good before company comes over and then act like it looks that way all of the time! As well, it is easy to 'make more' of what school your kids are accomplishing, so ladies silently think 'wow she really has it all together'! ( Don't you just sigh when you know someone really thinks you're all that? )You fill in the blank on where you are not walking in truth today, and I will too. May the Lord give us courage to walk in truth, courage to speak the truth...and contentment to walk in the path He has laid out for us today...(even if it doesn't match up to our perfect ideal.)

Eph 5 8-11;

8for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9(for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true),10and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 11Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.

  

Happy Reformation Day ( Monday 31st!)

Providence Church, Peoria Illinois

 I know, I just can't seem to leave the Reformation alone! It has been that way in our home for nearly 3 years  now!
 I would encourage anyone to take some time to study the Reformation. And, just so you know, the Reformation is not over! The cry of the Reformers was 'Reformed always reforming'! Isn't that how we are to live? Continually being transformed by the renewing of our mind, conformed to the image of Christ, and reformed in our lives to always bring honor to Christ?
  So this Monday, we will be celebrating 'Reformation Day'! I wish we could have had a 'bigger event' involving lots of folks but we will be content to have our family! Daddy will be playing the role John Knox, the girls will don their renaissance dress, and we will be watching a movie on Martin Luther! Oh! Don't forget the crackling fire and sipping on egg nog!
  NORMALLY we would have 'candy' yet we are trying to cut down on sugar! Anyone have any ideas for fun and interesting snack foods?
  Well we wish you a joyful Reformation Day and our prayer for you is that you are Reformed and always Reforming!! All to the glory of Christ! Would you be willing to comment on how your family is celebrating Reformation Day today?

The Last Huzzah!!!

Pastor James McDonald and Brett in 'dress'!

They are probably talking
about....BOOKS!!!

Pastor Marcus Serven and Brett

Brett with Bill Potter & the boys

Of our Reformation Faire adventure! I wanted to pay due honor to the wonderful speakers that were at the event. Pastor James McDonald (Providence Church & Family Reformation Ministries), Pastor Marcus Serven (Covenant Family Church & The Genevan Foundation) and William Potter (Historian, author and highly sought after lecturer).

Essential Oils!

Do you like contests? Then go here and enter this one! We love Essential Oils and use them faithfully in our home! I just got some lavendar from Stacy this weekend and Im excited about trying it out! So go check it out! http://yoursacredcalling.com/commonscentsmom/2011/10/combat-cold-and-flu-season/

by Grant Colfax Tullar

"My life is but a weaving betwixt my God and me;

I do not choose the colors He worketh steadily.

Oft times He weaveth sorrow, and I in foolish pride

Forget He sees the upper, and I the underside.

Not till the loom is silent and the shuttles cease to fly

Will God unfold the pattern and explain the reason why.

For the dark threads are as needful in the Weaver's skillful hand

As the threads of gold and silver in the pattern He has planned."

Reformation Faire Part 3

Boffer Wars! Wow that was a ton of fun! The Dads liked it at least as much as the boys! This is another fun idea you can employ at home! We use foam tubes, and wrap them in duct tape. This keeps them from breaking easily! They can bop each other all day with these soft foam swords! For this Boffer war, they put pvc pipe inside of the foam and then wrapped it.
  This was definitely one of the highlights of all of the highland games! They also threw logs, and stones and the girls played a very vintage game of hoops. The very small children played on the playground and on the swings. It was perfect weather! We couldn't have hoped for such a nice day for the event!
We promised you a link where you can watch The Adams Clan do a little of their Scottish Country Dancing. Here it is!

http://youtu.be/UHIEoVsb0-I Enjoy!

  We are so grateful that we were able to attend the Reformation Faire 2011! We hope to see you there next year!

  For those of you who Facebook, here is the page for Providence Church where you can see more pictures from the event! http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.274794859227258.70852.1363...

  And don't miss this picture of our darling little Ella! http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=274799009226843&set=a.27...  God bless!

Dads Determinations

We have also now changed the Dads determinations page to Dads/Husbands determinations page. We simply can't seem to be able to separate being a spouse from being a parent! More is added on this new page and we hope you view and enjoy it!

Reformation Faire Part 2

  The Reformation Faire is a yearly event. It is held at Providence Church in Peoria, Ill., where James Mc Donald is the pastor. Perhaps you've heard of his wife Stacy McDonald who has the very popular blog; yoursacredcalling.com
  The theme this year was centered around the Reformation of the 1600s and the writing of the Westminster Confession, and there were talks on the Scottish Commissioners. On top of all of the great information there were many fun activities for the kids and adults to do!
 
This is the sight that greets you when you arrive! It was so fun for the kids to be walking into a castle! It was really neat how they constructed it! 2x4 framing covered with a type of painted canvas! I want to try that!

Does anyone recognize this Christian brother? This is the popular Christian music artist, Nathan Clark George! The kids were as excited to see him as the adults! If you don't already know who he is, I highly recommend you looking up his music. He is amazing on the guitar!
  Another of the highlights of the event were the outdoor activities. Candle making, leather punching, board games etc. As well, we did a Scottish Dance demo for everyone! It was soo fun dancing to an actual bagpiper! He was fantastic! Below is Greg Boyd the piper!
It was such an amazing time! Tomorrow I will post a youtube link of us dancing and some pics of the Boffer wars! Another fun thing your kids can do at home!