Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Forgotten Halloween Video
I just found this video as I was going through my folders of pictures. It's from Matt and Tiff's house after trick or treating. They are dancing to Owen's toy banjo. It will make you laugh out loud!!!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Veteran's Day
I don't have the words to express exactly how I'm feeling this Veteran's Day. I've been reminded of the immense sacrifice our men and women in uniform truly make. I am an Army wife, but still can't imagine the agony of battle, losing a comrade, or living in a constant state of stress; then coming home to a country (or family) that may or may not say thank you, but also has NO clue as to what you have been through.
My husband came home from war five and a half years ago. He had been through some rough stuff. I had NO idea how to help him adjust or how to make it better. I do know that I could have, and should have, been more gracious and compassionate. He is at war again...and I'm praying this time is better, both during and after. I'm praying that I will know how to be more supportive when he comes home.
My brother has served two tours in Iraq and has seen more than his share of war as well. My father spent more than a year in Vietnam. My grandfather (whom I never met) served in WWII. We have numerous friends that are serving. THIS is real for us.
War and the toll it takes on people is REAL. My prayer today is that our leaders make good decisions based on defending America and our sovereignty and liberty. The personal sacrifice is tolerable if the cause is true and just. I just pray that it is and that it stays that way!
Keep all of our leaders, military members (past and present), and families in your prayers. God is in ultimate control of this, and all, situations!
I have copied SOME of an article below, you can read the entire thing here.
To all the veterans who are reading this: Thank you.
Than
k you for defending the United States of America from the attacks against our freedom waged by foreign entities. What you have done guarantees us a chance at a bright future.
My husband came home from war five and a half years ago. He had been through some rough stuff. I had NO idea how to help him adjust or how to make it better. I do know that I could have, and should have, been more gracious and compassionate. He is at war again...and I'm praying this time is better, both during and after. I'm praying that I will know how to be more supportive when he comes home.
My brother has served two tours in Iraq and has seen more than his share of war as well. My father spent more than a year in Vietnam. My grandfather (whom I never met) served in WWII. We have numerous friends that are serving. THIS is real for us.
War and the toll it takes on people is REAL. My prayer today is that our leaders make good decisions based on defending America and our sovereignty and liberty. The personal sacrifice is tolerable if the cause is true and just. I just pray that it is and that it stays that way!
Keep all of our leaders, military members (past and present), and families in your prayers. God is in ultimate control of this, and all, situations!
I have copied SOME of an article below, you can read the entire thing here.
To all the veterans who are reading this: Thank you.
Than
k you for defending the United States of America from the attacks against our freedom waged by foreign entities. What you have done guarantees us a chance at a bright future.Thank you for sacrificing years and, in some cases, decades of your life to serve in our armed forces.
Thank you for fighting on behalf of a nation that rarely appreciates what you've done. Thank you for doing your job even when the people and politicians you fought to protect, didn't support you.
Thank you for leaving your friends and families to go to a hard, uncomfortable, dangerous place in the world, because you pledged your life to fight for what is right.
Thank you for literally putting your body between America's liberty and those who want to destroy that liberty. Some of you in doing that, have lost the ability to function like you did before, whether because of physical or mental scars left from your service. Thank you.
You've given your career, your relationships, and your body to fight for ideals and principles that mean everything to the foundation of our nation, but are nothing more than archaic platitudes to many. You've given so much to protect the sovereignty and freedom of our nation.
From the bottom of my heart, Thank you.
Thank you for fighting on behalf of a nation that rarely appreciates what you've done. Thank you for doing your job even when the people and politicians you fought to protect, didn't support you.
Thank you for leaving your friends and families to go to a hard, uncomfortable, dangerous place in the world, because you pledged your life to fight for what is right.
Thank you for literally putting your body between America's liberty and those who want to destroy that liberty. Some of you in doing that, have lost the ability to function like you did before, whether because of physical or mental scars left from your service. Thank you.
You've given your career, your relationships, and your body to fight for ideals and principles that mean everything to the foundation of our nation, but are nothing more than archaic platitudes to many. You've given so much to protect the sovereignty and freedom of our nation.
From the bottom of my heart, Thank you.
Friday, November 5, 2010
A LONG couple weeks
So, last week the kids had strep throat and nasty colds. They visited the doctor on Tuesday and started on 7 days of antibiotics. So, they were feeling better by the weekend, which is why we were able to get all that trick or treating in.
Well, Thursday morning (of this week), as we were headed out the door to our co-op classes, Brynna threw up all over the carpet. She didn't act sick, didn't have a fever...but, none the less, vomit everywhere! I ran everyone into town, dropped Grant off at class, found a WONDERFUL mom to teach my class for me, drove home with Brynna, cleaned the carpet (ended up steam cleaning the entire living room, b/c once I get started I can't stop) and ran back into town to pick up Grant.
Everyone seemed fine all day and I assumed it was just a fluke thing. UNTIL, Thursday night when Grant woke up at 1:30am saying his tummy hurt. I let him come upstairs and sleep on the floor of my room...and he was up 3 different times throwing up...until about 3:00am. Then it was back to sleep and it has been like nothing happened since.
They have both been fine all day...STRANGE!!! I'm just hoping I'm not next in line!
I'm off to bed because I'm never sure what is going to happen next around here.
Well, Thursday morning (of this week), as we were headed out the door to our co-op classes, Brynna threw up all over the carpet. She didn't act sick, didn't have a fever...but, none the less, vomit everywhere! I ran everyone into town, dropped Grant off at class, found a WONDERFUL mom to teach my class for me, drove home with Brynna, cleaned the carpet (ended up steam cleaning the entire living room, b/c once I get started I can't stop) and ran back into town to pick up Grant.
Everyone seemed fine all day and I assumed it was just a fluke thing. UNTIL, Thursday night when Grant woke up at 1:30am saying his tummy hurt. I let him come upstairs and sleep on the floor of my room...and he was up 3 different times throwing up...until about 3:00am. Then it was back to sleep and it has been like nothing happened since.
They have both been fine all day...STRANGE!!! I'm just hoping I'm not next in line!
I'm off to bed because I'm never sure what is going to happen next around here.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Trick or Treat
We went trick or treating...TWICE!
Friday night we drove up to Ames and met the Vandewater cousins, the Welsh cousins, and an Army wife friend and kids. TEN kids trick or treating...it was fine, but I think most of the time we were strung out over the entire block :) Saturday night we went to Stuart with Aunt Tiffany and Owen. Three kids was a little more manageable.
Brynna sat in the wagon and ate a sucker most of the time and Grant was more excited about pulling the wagon in town then the candy :)
Grandma Cathy was along for both nights, we wore her out!!!
I'll post more pictures later, this is my last post for the night.
Brynna sat in the wagon and ate a sucker most of the time and Grant was more excited about pulling the wagon in town then the candy :)
Grandma Cathy was along for both nights, we wore her out!!!
I'll post more pictures later, this is my last post for the night.
Just for fun...here they are last year, in the same costumes!!!!
Praying for the Kearneys and for Lee
It was six years ago today that SGT James C. Kearney III was killed in Afghanistan. He was the first Iowan killed in the Afghanistan War. Most of you know that James was in Lee's platoon and know that this was the ambush that Lee was involved in. For me, it seems like a long time ago...I'm not sure Lee feels the same way.
War, although necessary, is heart breaking; for soldiers, for families, for a nation. Please pray for the Kearney family, for Lee, for all of the other soldiers and families that have and are sacrificing for this country. Please pray for this country!
There is SO much we don't understand and cannot control...I'm so thankful that God has it all figured out. In THAT I will trust!
You can read a bit from Lee about this on his blog.
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Selah. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah." Psalm 46:1-3,7
War, although necessary, is heart breaking; for soldiers, for families, for a nation. Please pray for the Kearney family, for Lee, for all of the other soldiers and families that have and are sacrificing for this country. Please pray for this country!
There is SO much we don't understand and cannot control...I'm so thankful that God has it all figured out. In THAT I will trust!
You can read a bit from Lee about this on his blog.
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Selah. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah." Psalm 46:1-3,7
Recent pictures
This kept her entertained while I was baking.
Her new favorite place. If only she knew how to use that Windex!
Hauling leaves, the battery in the Gator died, so we had to transfer them to the wagon.
She was quite the helper...yes, she's in her jammies; we live in the country for a reason!
Off they go to dump the leaves :)Sunday, October 24, 2010
Alabaster Ministries 2nd Annual Missions Fundraiser
Wow, what a humbling night! Alabaster Ministries, the women's ministry group I am involved with, held our 2nd Annual Missions Fundraiser last night. You can learn a little more about Alabaster if you go to the site linked above. Make sure to read our MISSION and the ABOUT US tab. Anyway, back to the missions fundraiser. We hosted an event last night to raise money for four local missionary families. We had a catered meal, guest speaker, music, missionary updates and a live auction. It was SO much fun. I'll admit I was dreading it...just a little...because I had to help lead the program, I mean SPEAKING in front of PEOPLE on a STAGE!!! However, Praise the Lord, it went fine. Once it started, I wasn't even really nervous, yay for answered prayer :)
Our numbers (# attended and money raised) are still being totaled, but I think it was a success. For me personally, it was humbling. As I sat in my chair, trying to pay attention to the videos describing what our missionary families are doing, DAILY, for HIS kingdom...and still focusing on the clock, our night's schedule, and what I needed to say next, I was moved by what these families are doing. Imagine, giving up everything you know as "normal" (jobs, homes, family, friends, freedoms, AMERICA) to move to a foreign country not for some fancy job, not because you want to gain another perspective, not for an adventure, but because GOD has called you to do HIS work!?!?!?! Now, don't get me wrong, I believe God has called all believers to do HIS work, maybe not in a foreign country but maybe right in our own family, church, community, school, work place, etc
"And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen. (Matthew 28:18-20)
...but the families we focused on last night, left everything that was comfortable to help grow GOD'S KINGDOM!!!! Wow, they took a giant leap of faith to answer God's call for their lives...HOW COOL!
Alabaster support The Coles and Andersons who are both in Germany with Military Youth for Christ. The Steenblocks who left recently for the Arabian Peninsula and are with Arab World Ministries. And The Terhaars, our neighbors, who returned from two years in Paraguay, with Christian Veterinary Mission, in June.
All of the proceeds from our night will be split equally between these four families. It's not too late, if you would like to make a donation, PLEASE let me know SOON!
jessvandewater@gmail.com
I could go on and on...but I'll leave you with this verse:
"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written,
"How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"Romans 10:13-15
If you have questions, I urge you to grab a Bible and turn to the book of Romans and read about how ALL have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), that the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life (Romans 6:23), that God died for US (Romans 5:8) and that if you confess and believe you will be saved (Romans 10:9)!!! Romans 10:13, again says everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved!
THAT is exciting stuff!! Obviously, we've all sinned...but to know, without a doubt, that we can be saved, not by anything we have to do or earn, but by simple, childlike faith in who God is and what he has done for us, we can be assured of ever lasting life!!!!!!!!!! This is truly life or death stuff...where will YOU spend eternity???
One more thing...my sweet Alabaster team surprised me with a thank you to Lee for his service to our country, by putting a family picture up on the screen, talking a bit about his, and our, sacrifice and gave me these gorgeous flowers!!! Yeah, I was a little teary, ON STAGE, but did manage to regain my composure and go on with the program. I love those girls!!!!!!!!
Our numbers (# attended and money raised) are still being totaled, but I think it was a success. For me personally, it was humbling. As I sat in my chair, trying to pay attention to the videos describing what our missionary families are doing, DAILY, for HIS kingdom...and still focusing on the clock, our night's schedule, and what I needed to say next, I was moved by what these families are doing. Imagine, giving up everything you know as "normal" (jobs, homes, family, friends, freedoms, AMERICA) to move to a foreign country not for some fancy job, not because you want to gain another perspective, not for an adventure, but because GOD has called you to do HIS work!?!?!?! Now, don't get me wrong, I believe God has called all believers to do HIS work, maybe not in a foreign country but maybe right in our own family, church, community, school, work place, etc
"And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen. (Matthew 28:18-20)
...but the families we focused on last night, left everything that was comfortable to help grow GOD'S KINGDOM!!!! Wow, they took a giant leap of faith to answer God's call for their lives...HOW COOL!
Alabaster support The Coles and Andersons who are both in Germany with Military Youth for Christ. The Steenblocks who left recently for the Arabian Peninsula and are with Arab World Ministries. And The Terhaars, our neighbors, who returned from two years in Paraguay, with Christian Veterinary Mission, in June.
All of the proceeds from our night will be split equally between these four families. It's not too late, if you would like to make a donation, PLEASE let me know SOON!
jessvandewater@gmail.com
I could go on and on...but I'll leave you with this verse:
"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written,
"How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"Romans 10:13-15
If you have questions, I urge you to grab a Bible and turn to the book of Romans and read about how ALL have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), that the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life (Romans 6:23), that God died for US (Romans 5:8) and that if you confess and believe you will be saved (Romans 10:9)!!! Romans 10:13, again says everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved!
THAT is exciting stuff!! Obviously, we've all sinned...but to know, without a doubt, that we can be saved, not by anything we have to do or earn, but by simple, childlike faith in who God is and what he has done for us, we can be assured of ever lasting life!!!!!!!!!! This is truly life or death stuff...where will YOU spend eternity???
One more thing...my sweet Alabaster team surprised me with a thank you to Lee for his service to our country, by putting a family picture up on the screen, talking a bit about his, and our, sacrifice and gave me these gorgeous flowers!!! Yeah, I was a little teary, ON STAGE, but did manage to regain my composure and go on with the program. I love those girls!!!!!!!!
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