Frustration

Okay, so I am really getting frustrated with this here blog. I like to include pictures with every posting, but it is becoming impossible to upload pictures to blogger. Like I would really like to put a picture of my frustrated face on this posting, but it is just to frustrating to even try. If this problem does not get resolved I may have to shut this down and find another blog service. I feel sad to leave all these my old posts behind, but I may have to go on to bigger an better things. I'll let you know all my faithful readers :) what I decide.

How to Re-Paint Furniture from youtube

Saving this video for later use. I want to learn to re-paint furniture. This looks like a good tutorial. Love me some educational videos :)

Oh and here is a helpful article I found

How to Paint Without Leaving Brush Strokes

By braniac, eHow User

Paint Without Leaving Brush Strokes

I decided to paint my bookcase myself. But as I progressed I noticed a lot of thick brush strokes that wouldn't go away no matter how smooth I tried to make it. When the bookcase finally dried and I realized the brush strokes were here to stay, I decided to do a little research myself. I just could not figure out what I did wrong. I wanted that smooth finish that you see everyday. So here are a few tips to eliminate those unwanted brush strokes and get that smooth, even finish.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Paint Brush
• Foam Roller
• Floentrol/Penetrol

1. • 1

     Relax. Most of the woodwork you will ever see is sprayed with a spray gun. So if your using a brush don't expect the same finish.

   • 2

     Buy a soft brush. There are only two different types of brushes out there. Brushes for stains, and brushes for paints. Most the them are made of nylon these days. Benjamin moore makes great brushes as well as that can be rinsed out and used over. Purdy also makes great brushes that are a little cheaper. Expect to spend around 10 on a good brush.

   • 3

     Choose your paint type. Most paints these day are all latex acrylic. Oil based paints are an old technology. Some paint stores don't even carry oil based paints these days. Different paint sheens can make a huge difference in the size of your brush strokes. Flat is your least likely followed buy Matte, satin/pearl, eggshell, semi gloss, and high gloss. Once you get to semi gloss it's almost impossible to paint without leaving brush strokes.

   • 4

     Add an additive to your paint. Thinning out the paint will take it longer to dry but during the drying process it will have more time to settle flat. Floentrol is one of the best thinners out there. Penotrol is it's counter part used for rare oil based paints. You mix about half of the bottle into a gallon of paint.

   • 5

     Brushing the paint on is the easy part. Long thick strokes going with the grain of the wood are best. Do not soak the brush. You only need to dip about an inch of the brush into the paint. Going any further will only result in unused paint dying on the brush before you can wash it out. When your done or in between coats, store your brush in the freezer. This will prevent the paint from drying into the brush for short periods of time.

Inspiring Titles :)

I previously mentioned blogging about Inspired Finds found. Here in my blog the translation for my postings are more like "Rebeca's Wish List" or you could call it "Hint, hint, Tim ;)"

A more Biblical approach I could take on my posting would come from the passage

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds" Hebrews 10:24.

Let me explain how this fits in... So see as I write my wish list on this hear blog I am spurring my husband and other loving people to consider how they may show their love by giving some of these great gifts to their loved ones. I am encouraging deeds of love.

So you can take your pick on Titles for my upcoming Blog Posts...
Inspired finds from Inspiring Women/Rebeca's Wish List/Hint, hint Tim/The Hebrews 10:24 Blog

Hope you are feeling inspired today

Inspired Finds from Inspiring Women

I am excited to be a contributor for a blog belonging to the Uptown Women's Center.

Here is the info I sent to them. My bio and the topic I will be blogging on...

My name is Rebeca Carpenter. I am married to Tim and we have three
children and one on the way. I like to volunteer my time at
different non-profit organizations and community services. I also
enjoy photography and design. One of my favorite things to do is to
follow blogs and find inspiration from the things I see and read.
Therefore I am excited to contribute to this blog the many treasures I
come across on the blog-o-sphere (I think I just made up that word).
If you are looking for a little inspiration, creativity, and
pretty-pick-me-ups then I hope you will come see what I find.

INSPIRED FINDS FROM INSPIRING WOMEN will highlight nifty new products or services provided by women entrepreneurs. Here you will find products ranging
from nature based care products, jewelery, baby items, gifts ideas and
much more. The cool thing is that all these treasures are not only created
by women who are making stuff to sell, but women who are making a difference in the world. Women with passion and vision. Women who will encourage us to be all we can be and live out the life we were meant to live.

So if you have any ideas of women, products, or services I can highlight please send me a message. I will be working on my first posting coming up.

White Vinegar Tips

Uses for white distilled vinegar

Clean the deposits and water lines in aquariums and fish bowls
Wipe them down with white distilled vinegar and then rinse. For hard stains soak overnight.

Use as an antiseptic on cuts or scrapes

Remove old stickers on cars
Soak a cloth in white distilled vinegar and cover the sticker. They should peel off in a couple of hours.

Clean your washing machine by Pouring a few cups of white distilled vinegar in the machine and run a normal cycle.

Soothe a sunburn by spraying white distilled vinegar on the burn. Chill in the refrigerator for a refreshing relief.

Get rid of smells in plastic food containers by wiping them with a damp cloth that has been soaked in white distilled vinegar.

Make nail polish last longer by wiping fingernails with a cotton ball that has been dipped in white distilled vinegar before painting nails.

Clean sticky scissors with a cloth that has been dipped in white distilled vinegar.

Deodorize the garbage disposal by pouring 1/2 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup hot white distilled vinegar into disposal. Let sit for 5 minutes. Run disposal with hot water.

mixing some with water to use as mirror/window cleaner.

It is also a great laundry softener, and doesn't dirty the dispenser!

Windows are another favorite.

And the dishwasher! It cleans dishes spotless and cleans the dishwasher to boot. Also good for getting water stains off glasses or other things with water spots

Devo from ICR

I first learned about the Institute for Creation Research from a volunteer at the Downtown Pregnancy Center, named Dalta. Dalta is a super neat lady who is married to the president of the Institute. We now receive several publications from them. One being a small devotional book similar to Our Daily Bread.

I read this devotional and thought about how it perfectly fits with our summer camp theme. This is what we want the kids to learn this summer at Hidden Acres. Our theme is : OUT OF THIS WORLD

Living in the Real World

by Henry Morris, Ph.D.

"For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind." (Isaiah 65:17)

People often think they are being practical when they place material values ahead of spiritual, emphasizing that we have to "live in the real world." The fact is, however, that we are not living in the real world at all, but in a world that is dying and will soon be gone. "The world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever" (1 John 2:17). This is not even the world that God created, for that world was "very good" (Genesis 1:31). Because "sin entered into the world, and death by sin" (Romans 5:12), therefore, "the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now" (Romans 8:22). In fact, this world is not even as it was soon after God's curse, for "the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished" (2 Peter 3:6).

The present, post-Flood world is now under the dominion of Satan, who is "the prince of this world" (John 12:31) and of "all the kingdoms of the world" (Matthew 4:8). The Lord Jesus Christ came to "deliver us from this present evil world" (Galatians 1:4). As our text says, this world shall not even "be remembered, nor come into mind." It "shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God" (Romans 8:21).

Therefore, we must "be not conformed to this world" (Romans 12:2). We must "live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ" (Titus 2:12-13). In the meantime, our true citizenship, if we have been born again in Christ, is in the real world to come, and we are His ambassadors to an alien land (2 Corinthians 5:20). HMM

A Prayer

I received this prayer by e-mail when I was in college. I don't know if it is original to the person who sent it or if it was written by someone else and then personalized for me. I recently found a print out of this prayer among some of my things. I wanted to post it because it is such a beautiful prayer and I hope to share it with the girls at the leadership retreat at HA.

Dear Lord,

I ask that you touch the inner most part of Rebeca's heart tonight and speak to her. Show her more and more the plans you have for her life, and mold her into the woman that you have created her to be. Hold her close and pull her into your lap when she needs to be held. I ask that you would allow her to understand that you are her hiding place, you are her refuge, you are her shoulder to cry on, you are her counselor, you are her defense, you are her vindicator, and you are her daddy.

I ask that you would give Rebeca a new anointing, I ask that you lift off the old anointing that is there and put on a newness, a refreshing, a deeper level of intimacy with you. I ask that you pierce her with your love, your acceptance, your ears, your eyes, your grace, and your power. Allow all those who come in contact with her to see you, Jesus, allow others to understand the person of Jesus just from being around her. I ask that you put people in her life that she would impact and put people in her life that will allow her to grow deeper and be sharpened.

Reveal the things that are not of you in her life, and take her by your side and refine, cleanse, and mold her into the woman you see and have destined to have a huge impact for your Kingdom. Fill her daily with your presence and I ask that a new level of your presence would become a daily reality. Hear her cry to be near to you, and answer her, come quick to help, assist, and bring clarity into her life. Show her and give her a new confidence of things that she will do for you and your kingdom.

Put a new understanding deep in her heart so she will see herself just as you see her, pure, spotless, and your favorite daughter. Anoint her and bring a refreshing into her life. In the name of Jesus.

Amen

from John H.

little boots, big horse photo edits

before
and after edits
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Lyrics message to share with girls

I love the message of this song. This is a message I hope my daughters understand. It is also a song that I want to share with the girls at the leadership retreat coming up at Hidden Acres.

More Beautiful You by Jonny Diaz

LITTLE GIRL FOURTEEN FLIPPING THROUGH A MAGAZINE
SAYS SHE WANTS TO LOOK THAT WAY
BUT HER HAIR ISN’T STRAIGHT HER BODY ISN’T FAKE
AND SHE’S ALWAYS FELT OVERWEIGHT

WELL LITTLE GIRL FOURTEEN I WISH THAT YOU COULD SEE
THAT BEAUTY IS WITHIN YOUR HEART
AND YOU WERE MADE WITH SUCH CARE YOUR SKIN YOUR BODY AND YOUR HAIR
ARE PERFECT JUST THE WAY THEY ARE

THERE COULD NEVER BE A MORE BEAUTIFUL YOU
DON’T BUY THE LIES DISGUISES AND HOOPS THEY MAKE YOU JUMP THROUGH
YOU WERE MADE TO FILL A PURPOSE THAT ONLY YOU COULD DO
SO THERE COULD NEVER BE A MORE BEAUTIFUL YOU

LITTLE GIRL TWENTY-ONE THE THINGS THAT YOU’VE ALREADY DONE
ANYTHING TO GET AHEAD
AND YOU SAY YOU’VE GOT A MAN BUT HE’S GOT ANOTHER PLAN
ONLY WANTS WHAT YOU WILL DO INSTEAD

WELL LITTLE GIRL TWENTY-ONE YOU NEVER THOUGHT THAT THIS WOULD COME
YOU STARVE YOURSELF TO PLAY THE PART
BUT I CAN PROMISE YOU THERE’S A MAN WHOSE LOVE IS TRUE
AND HE’LL TREAT YOU LIKE THE JEWEL YOU ARE

SO TURN AROUND YOU’RE NOT TOO FAR
TO BACK AWAY BE WHO YOU ARE
TO CHANGE YOUR PATH GO ANOTHER WAY
IT’S NOT TOO LATE YOU CAN BE SAVED
IF YOU FEEL DEPRESSED WITH PAST REGRETS
THE SHAMEFUL NIGHTS HOPE TO FORGETS
CAN DISAPPEAR THEY CAN ALL BE WASHED AWAY
BY THE ONE WHO’S STRONG CAN RIGHT YOUR WRONGS
CAN RID YOUR FEARS DRY ALL YOUR TEARS
AND CHANGE THE WAY YOU LOOK AT THIS BIG WORLD
HE WILL TAKE YOUR DARK DISTORTED VIEW
AND WITH HIS LIGHT HE WILL SHOW YOU TRUTH
AND AGAIN YOU’LL SEE THROUGH THE EYES OF A LITTLE GIRL

A Few other reasons illustrated

A Conversation: Seth & Sydney

* Photo credit Seth Carpenter on self timer

I am in another room overhearing this conversation....

Seth: "Okay, we are going to play the quiet game"

Sydney: "How do you play that game?"

Seth: "You have to be quiet. okay 1,2,3, go"...

Sydney: "How do you play that game?"

Seth: "Sydney, you have to be quiet!"

Sydney: "How do you play that game?"

Seth: "Never mind Sydney, you'll never learn how to play the quiet game."

Verse for my daughters

This verse is a verse I stumbled upon one time during college. There was a large stone with this verse carved on it, so I literally almost stumbled over it at UMHB. This awesome stone with moss growing on it near a path really caught my attention. I later remember reading that this was a verse a pastor used when he talked to his congregation over the importance of starting a university for girls in Texas. Since then this has been one of my favorite verses pertaining to women in the Bible.

It is a prayer for my daughters. (I also like the first part of the verse for my son.)

"...that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace." (Psalms 144:12)

2 Chapters

Two Chapters that I love going back to when I think of my family and God's blessing in my life are Psalm 127 & 128

Psalm 127

A song of ascents. Of Solomon.

¹ Unless the LORD builds the house,
the builders labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,
the guards stand watch in vain.
² In vain you rise early
and stay up late,
toiling for food to eat—
for he grants sleep to those he loves.

³ Children are a heritage from the LORD,
offspring a reward from him.
⁴ Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are children born in one’s youth.
⁵ Blessed is the man
whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame
when they contend with their opponents in court.

Psalm 128

A song of ascents.

¹ Blessed are all who fear the LORD,
who walk in obedience to him.
² You will eat the fruit of your labor;
blessings and prosperity will be yours.
³ Your wife will be like a fruitful vine
within your house;
your children will be like olive shoots
around your table.
⁴ Yes, this will be the blessing
for the man who fears the LORD.

⁵ May the LORD bless you from Zion;
may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem
all the days of your life.
⁶ May you live to see your children’s children—
peace be on Israel.

How sweet it is to be loved by you

This kid is little firecracker Sydney. She brings so much joy and laughter to our lives. Though she has been pulling my hair out for about three years I will would not trade my thumb sucker, hair pulling girl for anything. I like the way she is so much herself, but also how much she is Seth and Selah. It is amazing to see how each person in our family influences each other. It is amazing to see how even we as parents pick up little things from our kids.

She is also photogenic and natural in front of the camera. (Sethsito usually puts on a fake smile and Selah usually cocks her head and looks off into space instead of the camera.)

There are times I can't believe how stubborn my sweet little girl can be. But then she'll just spread out her arms for a hug and kiss me and make me forget the difficulties of trying to be a good parent and failing 7/10 times.

I love loving you Sydney Elizabeth Carpenter and how sweet it is to be loved by you.

Love Memories

Yesterday was one month since my dad passed away. I have been sick and had a bad night coughing constantly but I still managed to have some dreams. I had a weird dream where my dad came and hugged me and my mom said it was a Valentines Day hug. So today on Valentines day I want to share a part of my love story that involves my dad.

One thing I appreciated about my parents was that we could share just about everything with them. Well on a certain day I got a call from Tim while we were in college. He nervously asked me if we could meet later on to talk. For some reason I just knew what this was going to be about. So after I hung up with him I called home to talk to my mom. My mom was not available so I talked to my dad. I told him that I thought Tim was going to ask me to be his girlfriend. I asked him what he thought I should do. He told me, "Follow your heart." I kinda smiled and laughed at his cheesy response. I never expected that kinda sweet answer.

Needles to say I did follow my heart and said yes to Tim. I am so glad Tim (finally) asked me to be his girlfriend and I am so glad I still am. :)

Kisses for Papi

Happy Valentines Day to Papi from your niños.
here is their message

Seth: I love you. Thank you for all the times with you. I love you. I like riding my bike with you. I like walking with you. I like loving you.

Selah: I think that you should love people with your heart and you are my cutest dad in the whole wide world. Shine your light to Jesus.

Sydney: I love you. I love you. You are a silly goose. I love you all of the day. I want to buy Elmo. I want to listen to Adventures in Odyssey.

Reading List from Harvest Bible Chapel

I am cleaning out my e-mail. Wow! What a job. I am going back to e-mails from 2007. I am doing this because I actually created a new e-mail account. What was I thinking. Now I will have to keep up with two accounts for a while. I have just been having issues with my yahoo account so I opened a google account. While looking through some old e-mails I came across a link to this.

So I am posting this for Tim who is a book lover. I love books too, but I have not gotten around to finishing a book in a month. Maybe one day I can get around to it. For now here is a list recommended by a pastor I love listening to.

Develop Your Personal Christian Library

At Harvest Bible Chapel, the church I pastor, we’re filling our minds with good books. We’ve developed a five-year reading schedule with what we think are some of the very best books available in a wide range of topics surrounding the Christian life (100 books total!). Join us in the pursuit of godly living and reading. Print the following lists and develop a reading plan suitable to your needs and schedule.


Be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

Year 1 Reading List

* Basic Christianity, John R.W. Stott
* Don’t Waste Your Life, John Piper
* The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate, Gary Chapman
* God Wrote a Book, James MacDonald
* Honesty, Morality, and Conscience, Jerry White
* The Jesus I Never Knew, Philip Yancey
* Knowledge of the Holy, A.W. Tozer
* The Master Plan of Evangelism, Robert Coleman
* More than a Carpenter, Josh McDowell
* My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers
* No Compromise: The Life Story of Keith Green, Melody Green
* The Pursuit of Holiness, Jerry Bridges
* The Saving Life of Christ, Ian Thomas
* A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, W. Phillip Keller
* Shepherding a Child's Heart, Tedd Tripp
* The Treasure Principle: Discovering the Secret of Joyful Giving, Randy Alcorn
* Through Gates of Splendor, Elisabeth Elliot
* The Unquenchable Worshipper: Coming Back to the Heart of Worship, Matt Redman
* What the Bible is All About, Henrietta Mears
* Word Biblical Commentary, Gordon Wenham

Year 2 Reading List

* At Home in Mitford, Jan Karon
* The Case for Christ: A Journalist’s Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus, Lee Strobel
* Concise Theology, J.I. Packer
* The Excellent Wife: A Biblical Perspective, Martha Peace
* The Exemplary Husband: A Biblical Perspective, Stuart Scott
* The Gospel According to Jesus, John MacArthur
* Hard Questions, Real Answers, William Lane Craig
* The Heavenly Man: The Remarkable True Story of Chinese Christian Brother Yun, Paul Hattaway
* How to Give Away Your Faith, Little
* Living by the Book, Howard Hendricks
* I Really Want to Change ...: So, Help Me God : God’s Power to Transform Lives, James MacDonald
* Message of the Sermon on the Mount, John R.W. Stott
* New Bible Dictionary, I. Howard Marshall
* Passion and Purity: Learning to Bring Your Love Life under Christ's Control, Elisabeth Elliot
* The Practice of the Presence of God, Brother Lawrence
* Pleasures Evermore: The Life-Changing Power of Enjoying God, Sam Storms
* Pursuit of God, A.W. Tozer
Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life/Ten Questions to Diagnose Your Spiritual Health, by Donald S. Whitney
* Turning Points: Decisive Moments in the History of Christianity, Mark Noll
* Your Money Counts: The Biblical Guide to Earning, Spending, Saving, Investing, Giving, and Getting Out of Debt, Howard Dayton

Year 3 Reading List

* Bible Translation Differences: Criteria for Excellence in Reading and Choosing a Bible Translation, Leland Ryken
* Brokenness, Nancy Leigh DeMoss
* Continuous Revival, Norman Grubb
* Disciplines of a Godly Man, R. Kent Hughes
* Fit Bodies Fat Minds: Why Evangelicals Don’t Think and What to Do About It, Os Guiness
* The God Who Hears, W. Bingham Hunter
* Holman Bible Atlas: A Complete Guide to the Expansive Geography of Biblical History, Thomas C. Brisco
* How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth, Dr. Gordon D. Fee, Dr. Douglas Stuart
* I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist, Norman L. Geisler
* Jack: A Life of C.S. Lewis, George Sayer
* Letters along the Way: A Novel of the Christian Life, D. A. Carson, John D. Woodbridge
* Marriage under Fire: Why We Must Win This Battle, James Dobson
* Operation World: When We Pray God Works, Patrick Johnstone
* Persecution: How Liberals Are Waging War against Christianity, David Limbaugh
* The Pilgrim’s Progress, John Bunyan
* Psychobabble: The Failure of Modern Psychology and the Biblical Alternative, Richard Ganz
* Strengthening Your Marriage, Wayne A. Mack
* Systematic Theology, Wayne Grudem
* What Is the Difference?: Manhood and Womanhood Defined according to the Bible, John Piper
* Why Pro-Life? : Caring for the Unborn and Their Mothers, Randy Alcorn

Year 4 Reading List

* The Beginner’s Guide to Spiritual Gifts, Sam Storms
* Church History in Plain Language, Bruce L. Shelley
* Feminine Appeal: Seven Virtues of a Godly Wife and Mother, Carolyn Mahaney
* Keep in Step with the Spirit, J.I. Packer
* Hard Sayings of the Bible, Walter C. Kaiser, ed
* Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther, Roland H. Bainton
* How Now Shall We Live?, Charles Colson, Nancy Pearcey
* Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret, Hudson Taylor
* Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands: People in Need of Change Helping People in Need of Change, Paul David Tripp
* On Being a Servant of God, Warren W. Wiersbe
* Overcoming Fear, Worry, and Anxiety: Becoming a Woman of Faith and Confidence, Elyse Fitzpatrick
* Sacred Marriage, Gary L. Thomas
* Set Apart: Calling a Worldly Church to a Godly Life, R. Kent Hughes
* Sex, Romance and the Glory of God: What Every Christian Husband Needs to Know, C. J. Mahaney, Carolyn Mahaney
* A Tale of Three Kings, Gene Edwards
* Three Crucial Questions about Spiritual Warfare, Clinton E. Arnold
* When Life Is Changed Forever/by the Death of Someone Near, Rick Taylor
* Why Small Groups? by C. J. Mahaney, ed.
* Why Revival Tarries, Leonard Ravenhill

Year 5 Reading List

* Ashamed of the Gospel: When the Church Becomes Like the World, John F. MacArthur
* Backgrounds of Early Christianity, Everett Ferguson
* The Celebration of Discipline, Richard Foster
* The Cost of Discipleship, Deitrick Bonhoeffer
* The Cross of Christ, John R.W. Stott
* Darwin on Trial, Phillip E. Johnson
* Decision Making and the Will of God : A Biblical Alternative to the Traditional View Garry Friesen
* Desiring God, John Piper
* How to Read a Book, Charles Van Doren, Mortimer J. Adler
* The Kingdom of God: The Biblical Concept and Its Meaning for the Church, John Bright
* The Kingdom of the Cults, Walter Ralston Martin
* Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis
* Nine Marks of a Healthy Church, Mark Dever
* Orthodoxy, G.K. Chesterton
* Prophetic Untimeliness: A Challenge to the Idol of Relevance, Os Guinness
* Religious Affections: A Christian’s Character before God, Jonathan Edwards
* The Scandal of the Evangelical Mind, Mark A. Noll
* Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis
* Total Truth: Liberating Christianity from Its Cultural Captivity, Nancy R. Pearcey
* The Universe Next Door: A Basic Worldview Catalog, James W Sire

Pics for Mrs. Jana

Here are some images I've uploaded for Mrs. Ewing to save and print to use for her new organization. I am so excited to contribute a little to this new and awesome endeavor of her's. :) We love you Mrs. Jana and are so excited about Jake E's Riding Roundup: Horse Therapy Healing Center. You can learn more about this on their website jakeesrr.com.






Click on image to enlarge first. To save right click and save or just pull on your desktop depending on computer.

A Valentine for all my many readers :)

I took this picture at Hidden Acres during one of our autumn walks. I enjoy the times at Hidden Acres where we can take a slow stroll and enjoy the beauty of God's creation. I love the little leaf shaped like a heart.

I've edited this as a Valentine. And sometime today I will have to start working on Valentines for a party we will be attending. There will be 42 other kids, so if each of my kids is making a card for every kid I will have to take care of 126 :| wow! The party we will be attending is for the new homeschool co-op group we've joined. Funny thing is only 12 families are attending with close to 50 kids in attendance :)

Tamales

So today for lunch we went by our favorite place to buy warm delicious tamales and ordered our usual dozen to take home and eat for our Sunday lunch.

Well, lately Selah has been more and more picky about food and she decided that she was not going to eat her tamal because she does not like tamales. I told her, "Selah you will eat that tamal, because we are a tamal eating family." I kinda cracked myself up when I heard myself say that. But it was funny that Tim agreed with me and we made her eat it.

Selah also kind of realized to what I was trying to get across. She said "oh yes I remember when it was tamales day." Meaning the day my sisters and I got together to make tamales.

This made me also share with my kids that one of the last meals prepared by my Papi for our family was tamales that he and my mom made when we went to visit in December. One thing I remember crying over as I was talking to Tim about my dad when I heard my dad had had a stroke was thinking back about the last time we visited my parents. I remember that even though my dad had just gotten out of dialysis he took the time to fix ribs and meat loaf for us. My mom and dad had also made tamales that week in preparation for our visit. I knew that this was a way my father liked to show us his love. My dad was a great cook and he loved fixing food for people to show his love and appreciation.

This may be funny, but I really do hope Selah learns to love tamales as much as I do and that maybe tamales will remind her of family and the love that abuelito had for her and for all his family.

One thing about my Papi

Today as I was looking at a wedding photographer's blog I had a flash back. I remember when Tim and I got married and we walked to hug my parents right after we were pronounced husband and wife when I hugged my dad I realized he was weeping. "Don't cry" I told him but he couldn't stop.

And of course after that I could not hold tears back and by the time we walked down the aisle and past the doors I just cried like a baby to my newly wed husband's great concern. He was wondering if I was happy or sad to be married. All I could say was, "My dad was crying...and he made me cry too."

I know I will not fully understand the significance of this until I to give my first child away in marriage and even not then fully through the eyes of a loving father giving his first daughter away.

Reason #1

Deuteronomy 6:1-9

¹ These are the commands, decrees and laws the LORD your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess, ² so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the LORD your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life. ³ Hear, Israel, and be careful to obey so that it may go well with you and that you may increase greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD, the God of your ancestors, promised you.

⁴ Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. ⁵ Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. ⁶ These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. ⁷ Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. ⁸ Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. ⁹ Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.

Love of Life Luncheon

click on image to enlarge

Hoping some of you can make it.

I have personally worked for Carol Everett's Heidi Group Ministry in the past.
You don't want to miss her message.

Martin Luther Quote

Sanctity of Human Life 2011 Message by Rebeca

Today I spoke at church during the Spanish service about the sanctity of human life. This issue becomes more and more important to me. Right now I am expecting baby number four but this is my fifth pregnancy. Before you wonder whether I had an abortion I will share what happened with my first pregnancy.

Tim and I had talked about contraceptives and the such and had made a decision (that is a whole other issue for another day) that I would not take prescription contraceptives. And when we got married I got pregnant during our honeymoon. We were nervous and happy about the pregnancy all at the same time. Everyday I got more excited about my pregnancy but at 12 weeks experienced some of the worst pain I had ever had as I miscarried my first baby. My heart broke and I felt so empty. Still I found comfort in God's word and in knowing that baby Shiloh was with the Lord. This is the closest I have come to feeling what a girl must feel after an abortion and I would not wish this on anyone.

Right now I am about 17 weeks along in my pregnancy, but did you know that I could take hwy 80 to hwy 635 to hwy 75 exit Knox Henderson Ave and find a red sign with white lettering that says Routh Street Women’s Clinic, 4321 where I could have an abortion.

It really wouldn't be that long of a drive for me, but apparently from looking at directions from their website people come from Oklahoma, Waco, Tyler and many other places near and far.

The website makes me feel comforted that I should not feel like I am the only one making this choice.

"Dallas Abortion - For decades Routh Street Women's Clinic has provided confidential abortion services to tens of thousands of women in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. We know that the decision about having an abortion can be difficult and involve complex issues. We also know that you are making a serious and significant decision about your pregnancy. If abortion is the best choice for you, you are not alone -- it is estimated that at least 43% of the women in the United States will have an abortion by age 45."

Wow 43%!

But what exactly should I expect..

If your pregnancy is measured at less than 16 weeks LMP, your abortion can usually be completed in one visit to the clinic. At more than 16 weeks LMP, you may need two visits to the clinic on consecutive days. Each appointment may take as long as 4-5 hours. You must stay within a half-hour's drive of the clinic overnight, and we can refer you to affordable lodging near us if you need it.

Once you have dressed, you can expect to relax in our recovery room for about 20 minutes (one hour after some second trimester procedures). After you go home, you can return to most normal activities.

So does this bother you? I mean almost everyone is doing it or at least close to every other woman. And well you've heard that it's my body and my choice?

People this should bother you!! I would want you to tell not to do this. I would want you to give me words of hope. I pray that your eyes are open to the truth of abortion. I wish I could give you a passion for life, for women, for babies, for the lost.

"This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life" -Deuteronomy 30:19, 20a

baby at 16 weeks. This baby has fingers, toes, a heart beat.

Abortion is murder. An innocent baby is killed and a mother is wounded.

God is a healer and he wants to heal or hearts and our land.

If you would like to learn more about abortion or need resources follow this link.

Selah Funny

Early one morning as Tim was heading to work he told Selah,

"Now Selah Bre, you be good for your momma."

She replied, "Yes, because sometimes I have bad feelings in by brain."

Quote of the Day

“What you do in your house is worth as much as if you did it up in Heaven for our Lord God. We should accustom ourselves to think of our position and work as sacred and well pleasing to God, not on account of the position or work, but on account of the Word and Faith from which the obedience and the work flow.”

- Martin Luther

Resolution: Read the whole Bible in a year

One of my resolutions this year has been to read the whole Bible in a year. I bought a small ESV Bible to take on my trip to Africa. On the back it has a reading plan that I've been following. I recently also found it online and put a link on my blog.

What I've really enjoyed about the online option is that it has a button where you can listen to the reading of the Bible. So far I am staying on top of my reading.


ESV Yearly Bible Reading Plan

To guide the reader each year-once through the Old Testament, twice through the Psalms, and twice through the New Testament.

Online link click here.

Another cute Seth quote

Seth is praying during our night devotional time but before he ends he says "Abuelito, I love you. I hope you are doing okay." After that he asks Tim if he thinks abuelito heard that. Tim says, "I think he probably did, and if not I am sure Jesus will pass on the message." Seth replies, "well I hope he tells him in Spanish."

For Seth: The Future Farmer (?)

Almost as far back as I can remember Seth being able to talk that he told us he wanted to be a farmer when he grew up.

Today Seth would tell you that when he grows up he would like to be a photographer, paleontologists, an artist, and book illustrator these would all help Seth work with dinosaurs and make a dinosaur book. Seth still also wants to be a missionary, a detective, and a farmer.

Here is a quote that made me think that it would be great if he did one day become a farmer at least like the kind quoted.

“Not so long ago the farmer and his wife were the most diverse and inventive people that walked the planet. They had to ‘know more about more things than anyone in another profession.’ The farmer had to be a botanist, biologist, carpenter, mechanic, veterinarian and mid-wife, weather-forecaster, and tireless digger of the soil. The farm wife was, as often as not, a horticulturist, animal handler, culinary wizard, food-preserving expert, accountant, and confessor, who say with endless patience and heard her husband’s woes. And they both had to have the calm of a philosopher and the patience of a saint to survive all the adversities man and God heaped on them. Almost as important, they had to be first class human beings and even better friends, for on farms of old everyone needed the help of his neighbor to survive. And most farmers were all that and more. As Louis Bromfeld wrote in the late 1930s, ‘For companionship, good conversation, intelligence and the power of stimulating one’s mind, there are none I would place above a good farmer.’ “
A Reasonable Life by Ferenc Mate

Good day & Resolution

Today was a good day because... Seth called me a genius, Selah thinks I am amazingly talented, and Sydney says I am her favorite Mami in the whole wide world.

I was noticing that since the time I started my blog in 2008 my posts have progressively decreased.

Noted by the count on the right of my blog saying

Blog Archive

• 08 (137)
• 09 (122)
• 10 (58)
• 11 (7)

So one of my new years resolutions is to get back to writing on my on-line journal. I think I've been doing more reading and surfing other blogs than writing on my own.

But well that is all I have for now. Hoping inspiration will come soon.

For now I will post one of my latest favorite pictures of my two princesses at HA.

Tratamiento de Dialisis por Carlos Escobedo

(click to enlarge)

2 Corintios 12:5-9

⁵ pero de mí mismo en nada me gloriaré, sino en mis debilidades.

⁶ Sin embargo, si quisiera gloriarme, no sería insensato, porque diría la verdad; pero lo dejo, para que nadie piense de mí más de lo que en mí ve, u oye de mí.

⁷ Y para que la grandeza de las revelaciones no me exaltase desmedidamente, me fue dado un aguijón en mi carne, un mensajero de Satanás que me abofetee, para que no me enaltezca sobremanera;

⁸ respecto a lo cual tres veces he rogado al Señor, que lo quite de mí.

⁹ Y me ha dicho: Bástate mi gracia; porque mi poder se perfecciona en la debilidad. Por tanto, de buena gana me gloriaré más bien en mis debilidades, para que repose sobre mí el poder de Cristo.

Cute quotes from kids

This morning Selah said, "Wow Mami, when you have your baby you are going to have FOUR kids." I said, "Yes and I am going to have so many children I won't know what to do." Selah replies "Yeah I guess we'll have to buy a shoe to live in!"

Yesterday after my dad's funeral we had a devotional before bed time with our kids. Selah volunteered to pray for my dad her abuelito. Seth said "Selah you don't have to pray for abuelito because he is doing really well... actually he's doing really, REALLY well!"

My Fathers Obituary

CARLOS M. ESCOBEDO

MISSION – Carlos M. Escobedo, 60, passed away on January 15, 2011 at McAllen Medical Center in McAllen. He was the Pastor of Grace Baptist Mission in Madero for 19 years, he had a heart for starting missions in Mexico. He battled severe illness for many years, but would never let it slow down the work of the Lord throughout his life. He always was grateful to God for the opportunity to see all his girls grow and serve the Lord.

He was preceded in death by his parents Francisco and Maria Socorro Escobedo; daughters Rayito and Yessica Escobedo.

Carlos is survived by his wife of 37 years Isabel Escobedo of Mission, daughters Rebeca (Tim) Carpenter of Mesquite, Raquel Escobedo of DeSoto, and Ruth (Jody)McDonald of Kaufman, Texas; grandchildren Seth, Selah, Sydney Carpenter, Joseph DeForest "J.D." McDonald. He is also survived by siblings Ruth (Ernesto) Ibarra of Alton, Alma (Jesus) Donato of Monterrey, Blanca Esther (Juan) Cepeda of Monterrey, and Francisco Javier (Laura) Escobedo of Monterrey as well as by many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held tomorrow, Monday, January 17, 2011, 4-9 pm with a 7pm prayer service at First Baptist Church in Mission. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, January 18, 2011, at 2 pm at First Baptist Church in Mission. Burial will follow at Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery in McAllen.

"Yes we are fully confident, and we would rather be away these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8"

On my Father's Passing

This is the message I sent to people to let them know about my father's going away.

1/15/2011

Thank you to all who have been lifting us up in prayer. Your prayers have been answer and God's will has been done. My father went to be with the Lord this morning at approximately 10 AM. We have been made strong through the power of prayer and the Spirit of the Lord.

His going was peaceful as we prayed and sang hymns over him. Oh how I wish my eyes were open to what was happening as angels came and lifted my father from his sick and frail body.

We spoke to my father these last few days as we visited with him reminding him of how awesome it would be for him to finally be free from his earthly body. We told him how much we knew he loved us. We recalled many memories we had of him, some that made us laugh and some that made us cry. I really wish I could write more eloquently right now, but words fail me. I hope soon that God would give me inspiration to share with you the life He allowed my father to live. My father was a gift to us and many others. He left a legacy for us to follow.

I don't know why but lately a little memory of Selah has been replaying in my head. Selah was singing the song "I have decided to follow Jesus." It is a song that makes me think of my father and I know he would have loved to hear this. So just the other day Selah is walking around the house singing to that well know tune except she changed the lyrics to "I am excited to follow Jesus. I am excited to follow Jesus." I didn't correct her but just smiled to hear her singing that. Her song made me think that truly I should be excited to follow Jesus. We know that there will be times when things look grim and when we will have times of sorrow but when we decide to follow Jesus we know that we can trust his promises. He promises to never leave us nor forsake us. He also promises a heavenly home for those who trust and follow him... That makes me excited. Excited to know that today I didn't really have to say goodbye to my father but see you later.


Mourning with hope, Rebeca

Prayer Updates for my Dad

My parents with their grandkids this summer

I am re-posting the notes I have been writing on Facebook

by Rebeca E. Carpenter on Tuesday, January 11, 2011 at 6:38pm

Please be in prayer for my father, Carlos Escobedo, who is in critical condition at the ICU at Regional Hospital in McAllen, Texas. Yesterday evening my mother, Isabel Escobedo, found him unconscious at home. They have him sedated and on a respirator which they are slowly weaning him and are at about 50%. They are running several test to see if he suffered a stroke or any brain damage. Though his doctor thinks it was more likely a heart attack they are still running several test to know exactly what happened.

My father has had health problems for almost as long as I can remember and has been on dialysis for over 16 years. He does not have diabetes but his kidneys do not work because of a tumor. Even through all this my father has been very mission minded and tries to help pastors and churches in Mexico. His health has definitely continued to decline through the years, but we have seen 2 Corinthians 12:9 evident in His life...

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Please be in prayer for him and my mother. I am so thankful for the body of Christ who is surrounding my father and mother with prayers, love and support. Thank you from the Escobedo family.

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by Rebeca E. Carpenter on Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at 2:32pm

Thank you to everyone who has been praying for my father. God has given my father victory over a lot of health battles. My family knows that it is only by God's grace and power that my father has lived this long. Over sixteen years ago I was in a doctor's office with my dad when the doctor told him that he had four months to live. God has been good to the Escobedo family and we give Him nothing but praise. "His mercy endures forever!"

My mom has told me that my father is in a coma and his breathing is close to nothing with the respirator back at 100%. My mom is still waiting to talk to the neurologist and see the results on the brain scans. My father's doctor has told my mom to wait until tomorrow to make any decision whether to take him off life support. But in some ways they have told my mother to prepare for "the worse."

As I think about this I remember something I learned in college from my New Testament professor. I had been struggling with the question of praying for healing. I told my teacher after class about not knowing exactly if I was praying the right way. I was praying for my father's healing, primarily for him to get off dialysis, and for full recovery of his kidneys and the sort. I prayed constantly and fervently while at the same time doubting my faith and if I was praying God's will. My professor answered with a question. He simply asked "What is the worse thing that could happen to your father?" I thought a moment and said, "Well I suppose the worse thing that could happen to any person is that they would die and go to hell, but that can't happen to my father because he is a believer." He went on to tell me about how we sometimes view sickness and disease as a curse and one of the worse things that could happen while failing to see that God can still use that for His glory. That has really stuck with me and given me hope and a new perspective in life. When I shared this with my dad several years ago I think it was also very meaningful to him because I remembered he shared it with the church that evening (My dad is a pastor for those who don't know).

In this time as we are possibly facing the possibility of what the world will sometimes call "the worse" I turn to them and through tears reply you mean "the best?!" Because for a believer we should say like Paul "for me to live is Christ and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21

Praying God's will be done. Rebeca E. Carpenter

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by Rebeca E. Carpenter on Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at 4:43pm

Thank you to everyone who is praying for my family. We received relatively good news from the neurologist. He said my dad's brain is still responsive and though it is not working perfectly it is not as bad as it could be at about 40 % activity. His heart is still beating on its own and it is mainly his lungs that are not working. The doctors don't have a conclusive report on what caused him to go into a coma so they will be running more test tomorrow. Today he will undergo dialysis and they are also waiting to see how he responds to that.

My sisters and I are set to leave early Saturday when my sisters are off work. Tim and I are still trying to decide whether I should leave before then, but for now my mom wants me to wait for my sisters so we can all come together. Please continue to pray for us and for peace and wisdom.

My mom keeps telling my dad that he needs to get better and keep fighting because we are coming to see him. We pray that he does get better and that God will continue to use him for His glory.

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Here is a song that Tim was playing tonight that which lyrics speak to my heart today

Before the throne of God above
I have a strong, a perfect plea:
A great High Priest, whose name is Love,
Who ever lives and pleads for me.

My name is graven on his hands,
My name is written on his heart;
I know that while in heaven he stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart
No tongue can bid me thence depart.

When Satan tempts me to despair,
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look, and see him there
Who made an end of all my sin.

Because a sinless Savior died,
My sinful soul is counted free;
For God, the Just, is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me
To look on Him and pardon me

Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Praise the One,
Risen Son of God!

Behold him there, the risen Lamb
My perfect, spotless righteousness,
The great unchangeable I am,
The King of glory and of grace!

One in himself, I cannot die
My soul is purchased by his blood
My life is hid with Christ on high,
With Christ, my Savior and my God
With Christ, my Savior and my God

Names

Thinking of names... whoever names their kids, names that start with the same letter, well freaks like us... leave it to us and by the time we get to baby 14 we will have to be make up names... and just kidding I really don't think I will be having 14 children.

At the moment here are some names we are liking

Boy: Samuel, Soren, Sawyer

Girl: Savannah, Sparrow, Sinclair

Recipes for a wintery day

This delicious Pozole recipe and hot chocolate really hit the spot on a cold and snowy day. Tim had a craving for Pozole and I had a craving for homemade hot chocolate and with a little web search we found some recipes that worked.

Pozole

• 1 1/2 lbs pork shoulder
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled
• 1 tablespoon cumin powder
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
• 2 tablespoons california chili powder
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon oregano
• 4 cups canned white hominy, drained and rinsed
• 3 -5 cups pork broth, from cooking pork shoulder
• 1 cup canned diced green chilis (optional)
• salt
• 2 whole fresh jalapenos, chopped (optional)
• 3 whole ancho chilies, seeded and stemmed (garnish) (optional)

Change Measurements: US | Metric

Directions:

Prep Time: 15 mins

Total Time: 1 1/2 hrs

1. 1 This recipe requires a simple prep.
2. 2 Prepare the onion, peel the garlic, chop the onion, peel and chop the 2 garlic cloves, chop the green chilies and jalapenos if you are using them and get the hominy drained and rinsed.
3. 3 I boil my ancho chilies in a separate small pot for the garnish part(read below).
4. 4 Now you are ready to cook.
5. 5 Place the meat in a large saucepan and just cover with lightly salted water.
6. 6 Add 1/2 chopped onion, the 2 cloves peeled garlic, pepper, cumin, and oregano.
7. 7 Bring to a boil over medium heat, skim off any foam that rises, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 45 minutes.
8. 8 Remove meat and broth, reserving both.
9. 9 Saute the remaining chopped onion and garlic in oil until translucent.
10. 10 Add the remaining spices, stir for a minute.
11. 11 Cut the reserved pork into 1 inch cubes and add to the pan.
12. 12 Stir in the canned hominy, pork broth (if there is not enough pork broth, add chicken stock, I like to add it anyway for flavor, about 2-4 cups, eyeball the amount you like), green chilies and jalapenos (optional).
13. 13 Cook at a simmer, covered, for 45 to 60 minutes until the meat and hominy are tender.
14. 14 If necessary, cook for up to an additional 60 minutes until the chilies and onions are well blended into the broth.
15. 15 Degrease the stew, taste for salt, and serve in soup bowls.
16. 16 This is a delicious recipe and well worth the effort to make.
17. 17 Garnishes that are always served with are:.
18. 18 lots of lime/lemon wedges.
19. 19 sliced radishes.
20. 20 chopped cilantro.
21. 21 Shredded cabbage(not red).
22. 22 fresh/ packaged fried corn tortillas.
23. 23 When my ancho chilies are soft from boiling(takes about 15 minutes), then i put them in the blender with 1 1/2cups of water, 1 clove of garlic and about 2 tablespoons diced onion, and about 1 tablespoons of salt and pepper. I blend this thin, then strain it to get the liquid separated from its "pulp". I throw the pulp into the soup for the flavor i like but you can discard if too spicy for you. The remaining liquid you put in a serving dish for guests to add in their own bowl, if desired. Beware! It's HOT!

We did not follow directions to the dot, but it was still very delicious .

Hot Chocolate.

• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1 pinch salt
• 1/3 cup boiling water
• 3 1/2 cups milk
• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup half-and-half cream

Directions

1. Combine the cocoa, sugar and pinch of salt in a saucepan. Blend in the boiling water. Bring this mixture to an easy boil while you stir. Simmer and stir for about 2 minutes. Watch that it doesn't scorch. Stir in 3 1/2 cups of milk and heat until very hot, but do not boil! Remove from heat and add vanilla. Divide between 4 mugs. Add the cream to the mugs of cocoa to cool it to drinking temperature.

I added whipped cream on top and marshmallows and a little less than the sugar asked for because some people had commented that it was too sweet.