Carpenter Family Life

Shutting down & New Blog

2011-04-14T08:04:00.000-07:00

My last posting mentioned my frustration with blogger. I have enjoyed keeping an online journal and it is fun to have something to go back and read. This is an announcement to say that I will no longer be keeping up with this blog. I will now be blogging from wordpress.

My address is not much different and is found at carpenterfamilylife.wordpress.com. I am still working on making it look nice and getting to know the new format.

Hope you will check me out at the new blog. Thank you!

Frustration

2011-04-12T14:22:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-08T18:36:00.000-07:00

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

Inspiring Titles :)

2011-04-08T14:09:00.001-07:00

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

2011-04-07T15:27:00.001-07:00

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

2011-04-02T09:57:00.000-07:00

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

2011-03-19T20:21:00.001-07:00

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

2011-03-19T19:48:00.000-07:00

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

2011-03-14T19:01:00.000-07:00

before
and after edits
edit 1
edit 2

edit 3

Lyrics message to share with girls

2011-03-09T18:27:00.000-08:00

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

2011-03-05T06:10:00.000-08:00

A Conversation: Seth & Sydney

2011-03-02T10:38:00.000-08:00

* 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

2011-02-26T21:06:00.001-08:00

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

2011-02-26T20:47:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-17T15:01:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-14T07:19:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-14T06:52:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-10T14:26:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-09T15:41:00.000-08:00

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 :)

2011-02-09T07:45:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-06T20:36:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-05T19:59:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-03T09:06:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-01T08:12:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-31T19:03:00.000-08:00

Sanctity of Human Life 2011 Message by Rebeca

2011-01-30T15:13:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-29T14:36:00.002-08:00

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

2011-01-29T14:33:00.000-08:00

“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

2011-01-27T21:58:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-26T20:48:00.000-08:00

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 (?)

2011-01-26T20:33:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-26T19:34:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-22T14:44:00.000-08:00

(click to enlarge)

2 Corintios 12:5-9

⁵pero 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

2011-01-19T19:05:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-19T18:47:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-16T12:24:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-12T18:51:00.000-08:00

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.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

2011-01-10T18:34:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-09T19:45:00.001-08:00

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 This recipe requires a simple prep.
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 I boil my ancho chilies in a separate small pot for the garnish part(read below).
4 Now you are ready to cook.
5 Place the meat in a large saucepan and just cover with lightly salted water.
6 Add 1/2 chopped onion, the 2 cloves peeled garlic, pepper, cumin, and oregano.
7 Bring to a boil over medium heat, skim off any foam that rises, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 45 minutes.
8 Remove meat and broth, reserving both.
9 Saute the remaining chopped onion and garlic in oil until translucent.
10 Add the remaining spices, stir for a minute.
11 Cut the reserved pork into 1 inch cubes and add to the pan.
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 Cook at a simmer, covered, for 45 to 60 minutes until the meat and hominy are tender.
14 If necessary, cook for up to an additional 60 minutes until the chilies and onions are well blended into the broth.
15 Degrease the stew, taste for salt, and serve in soup bowls.
16 This is a delicious recipe and well worth the effort to make.
17 Garnishes that are always served with are:.
18 lots of lime/lemon wedges.
19 sliced radishes.
20 chopped cilantro.
21 Shredded cabbage(not red).
22 fresh/ packaged fried corn tortillas.
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

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.

The Marriage Prayer

2010-12-23T09:12:00.000-08:00

I know lately my blog post have been more like blog quotes. I really do intend to start doing some of my own writing. I have thought of this blog of something like a journal of thoughts, memories, and stories that I would like to pass on to my children. I would like them to know what is important to me and near and dear to my heart.

I do love to post quotes here, because they are written by people who are more eloquent. So here again I am quoting a prayer that someone forwarded to me by e-mail.

The Marriage Prayer: 68 words that could change the direction of your marriage

For Him
Father, I said, “Til death do us part.” I want to mean it. Help me love You more than her
and her more than anyone or anything else. Help me bring her into Your presence today. Make us one, like You are three in one. I want to hear her, cherish her, and serve her--
So she would love You more and we can bring You glory. Amen.

For Her
Father, I said, “Til death do us part.” I want to mean it. Help me love You more than him
and him more than anyone or anything else. Help me bring him into Your presence today. Make us one, like You are three in one. I want to hear him, support him, and serve him--
So he would love You more and we can bring You glory. Amen.

As heard on FamilyLife Today from the book, The Marriage Prayer: 68 words that could change the direction of your marriage by Patrick Morley and David Delk. © 2008 Moody Publishers

On my birthday

2010-12-18T19:55:00.000-08:00

I know this is a late post, but I actually have a lot of late post I hope to get caught up on here in the near future. I just wanted to to a little something on turning thirty. To start off, I am putting some pictures and a poem that I find appropriate for this birthday.

On this day I am thankful for a very special person in my life, my hubby, Timothy Carpenter. He is my best friend and best companion to share life with. I know neither of us are perfect and actually have a looong way to go before God's handy work is completed in us. But Tim is still the one I want to grow old with as we pray for the best that is yet to be.

Grow old along with me!

The best is yet to be,

The last of life, for which the first was made:

Our times are in His hand

Who saith "A whole I planned,

Youth shows but half; trust God: see all, nor be afraid!"

Look not thou down but up!

To uses of a cup,

The festal board, lamp's flash and trumpet's peal,

The new wine's foaming flow,

The Master's lips a-glow!

Thou, heaven's consummate cup, what need'st thou with earth's wheel?

But I need, now as then,

Thee, God, who mouldest men;

And since, not even while the whirl was worst,

Did I,--to the wheel of life

With shapes and colours rife,

Bound dizzily,--mistake my end, to slake Thy thirst:

So, take and use Thy work:

Amend what flaws may lurk,

What strain o' the stuff, what warpings past the aim!

My times be in Thy hand!

Perfect the cup as planned!

Let age approve of youth, and death complete the same!

Robert Browning (1812-1889)

photo credit: Seth Taylor Carpenter

Happy News

2010-12-17T07:42:00.000-08:00

We are happy to share the news of the new life that has begun in my womb. With many prayers we are expectantly awaiting the birth of a new baby sometime around July 8th, 2011. Please join us in prayer for we know that every baby is a miracle. -Rebeca

Due Date	7/8/2011	Conception	10/15/2010
Pregnancy Test	10/28/2010	1st Heartbeat	11/11/2010
Quickening	2/3/2011	Viability	3/17/2011

Week 1	10/8/2010	Week 22	3/3/2011
Week 2	10/15/2010	Week 23	3/10/2011
Week 3	10/22/2010	Week 24	3/17/2011
Week 4	10/28/2010	Week 25	3/24/2011
Week 5	11/4/2010	Week 26	3/31/2011
Week 6	11/11/2010	Week 27	4/7/2011
Week 7	11/18/2010	Week 28	4/14/2011
Week 8	11/25/2010	Week 29	4/21/2011
Week 9	12/2/2010	Week 30	4/29/2011
Week 10	12/9/2010	Week 31	5/6/2011
Week 11	12/16/2010	Week 32	5/13/2011
Week 12	12/23/2010	Week 33	5/20/2011
Week 13	12/30/2010	Week 34	5/27/2011
Week 14	1/6/2011	Week 35	6/3/2011
Week 15	1/13/2011	Week 36	6/10/2011
Week 16	1/20/2011	Week 37	6/17/2011
Week 17	1/27/2011	Week 38	6/24/2011
Week 18	2/3/2011	Week 39	7/1/2011
Week 19	2/10/2011	Week 40	7/8/2011
Week 20	2/17/2011	Week 41	7/15/2011
Week 21	2/24/2011	Week 42	7/22/2011

14 Marks of a wise woman

2010-10-18T19:16:00.000-07:00

Got this from one of the blogs I follow. I am working on planning our first girls leadership retreat at Hidden Acres. This is good stuff to share with the girls.

14 marks of a wise woman. She...

Fears God, Proverbs 31:30.
“Openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness ,” Proverbs 31:26.
Is content to be a “keeper at home,” Titus 2:5. (This doesn’t mean she never leaves her house, but her focus and the bulk of her attention is on her home and family.)
Loves her husband and children, Titus 2:4.
Is focused more on inward character than outward adornment, I Peter 3:3-4.
Is modestly attired, I Timothy 2:9.
Is trustworthy, Proverbs 31:11.
Has a meek and quiet spirit, I Peter 3:4.
Is industrious, Proverbs 31:13-27.
Is giving, Proverbs 31:20, Luke 8:3.
Is discreet, Titus 2:5. (“of a sound mind, sane, in one’s senses, curbing one’s desires and impulses, self-controlled, temperate,”)
Is chaste, Titus 2:5.(“exciting reverence, venerable, sacred, pure; pure from carnality, chaste, modest; pure from every fault, immaculate; clean”).
Builds up instead of tearing down, Proverbs 14:1, Ephesians 4:29.
Is praiseworthy, Proverbs 31:28-31.

from A Wise Woman Builds Her Home

Homeschooling quote

2010-10-10T15:58:00.000-07:00

"Many folks support our decision to homeschool. Others think we're crazy. I happen to agree with both camps." -Ree Drummond

Thankful for missionaries

2010-10-10T13:58:00.000-07:00

"Every day I remind myself that my inner and outer life are based on the labors of other men, living and dead, and that I must exert myself in order to give in the same measure as I have received and am still receiving." - Albert Einstein

While I was in Africa in September having breakfast with my hosts Ben & Candi. Ben was talking about a time he was really encouraged during a missions week at Baylor. He said one of the college professors who invited him to speak at her class said she was very thankful to missionaries because her parents became Christians through the work of missionaries in China.

I told them that I could easily relate to that college professor.

You see my mother's immediate family became believers through close contact to missionaries. My mother's paternal uncle who lived in the rural parts of central Mexico was the first to become a believer because of the witness and outreach of missionaries. My mom's uncle then came back to his family to share the good news of how Jesus Christ had changed his life and then my grandfather and grandmother became believers. Through their lives, teaching, and example my mother also became a believer as a young girl.

My father was the first believer in his family. He happened to walk past a church on a certain really bad day and heard people singing. He stopped and went inside to listen to the singing and then ended up hearing a missionary preaching. This missionary would end up being my dad's spiritual father, a great friend, and role model.

My family has been blessed by the labors and sacrifices of men who feel the call to leave their homes to reach others in the name of Jesus.

I would not be here if it were not for the work of missionaries.

North Africa Trip Issue 3

2010-10-09T06:51:00.001-07:00

North Africa Trip Issue 3

by Rebeca E. Carpenter on Thursday, September 9, 2010 at 1:00pm

Went up a mountain by the town we are staying at overlooking the city to pray for the people group our M friends are serving. May these precious people come to know Him. May God reveal Himself to them.

We enjoyed a meal prepared by a national which was a typical meal she would make at home for her family. It was quite good and reminded me a little of Mexican beans and rice though it was mashed peas and an oat type grain.

After lunch we watched "Faith like Potatoes" a movie I brought as a gift for the Ms. I cried during the sad parts. I have been very emotional this week and I think have cried every day. I have just been moved by many happenings.

I enjoyed sitting outside of the home and watching people walking down the dirt road. A lady tried to talk to me but I have no idea what she said. She kept going on and on and I just had to smile and tell her I did not understand. She was carrying a baby on her back and I touched and prayed a blessing for him that he may know our Savior. A little girl just stood there watching me and being very curious I gave her some jelly beans.

It is raining again. It is definitely raining season. Pray that our M family across the street will get their electricity back. Oh and we just lost ours so pray for both M families to get their electricity back

Gotta go before the Internet connection goes too.

North Africa Trip Issue 2

2010-10-09T06:50:00.000-07:00

North Africa Trip Issue 2

by Rebeca E. Carpenter on Monday, September 6, 2010 at 2:25pm

Thank you to everyone who is praying for me to feel better. I think your prayers are working. We had a great day today. We were excited to learn about the work of the M's in the area. We were able to see more towns and actually meet two national believers who work alongside of the M's. They were two wonderful men in whose faces you can see the joy and the love of Christ. Even though we could not communicate very well we felt a closeness to them and were excited two meet them our brothers in Christ from the time we met them.

These two men have such a heart to reach their people whom are 99.8% Muslim. The work they are currently doing is a radio broadcast Bible presentation to their people. This people group as you can see are unreached and the Bible is not translated in their native language. Meeting these two men whom have suffered persecution was such an encouragement and such a good time for my spirit. I was very moved emotionally and as we prayed together we all felt a great connection and their heart for their people made us love their people all the more.

We shared a meal with them and ate one of their national dishes which was very good. I was not sure how the meal would sit in my stomach but I think the hot tea we had after lunch settled my stomach and helped my headache to go away. Well, I better get off b/c I need to go to bed. We have an early breakfast today. Thanks again for your prayers. -Rebka

trip to north africa issue 1

2010-10-08T20:29:00.000-07:00

I am reposting my notes I wrote on Facebook from my trip to North Africa

trip to north africa issue 1

by Rebeca E. Carpenter on Monday, September 6, 2010 at 1:11am

hello friends,

I am sitting here after breakfast staying at my new m friends house. It is 9 am and I just finished my breakfast (I am thinking most of you are asleep while I am writing here since it is 1 am in the USA). Oatmeal and pumpkin banana bread. It has been an interesting trip thus far.

The trip was crazy long. I barely slept on the plane and the time change is one that I had never experienced and my body is still trying to get accustomed to. I am sorry to say that I got really stomach sick on the plane about 10 hrs after we left the USA and I still have not completely recovered. Please pray for quick recovery and full energy back.

I am missing home but fully enjoying every new experience. We are in the city we were destined to be and I am staying across the street from the m's house we came to visit in another m's home.

Last night I slept pretty good sleeping to the sound of hard rain on the metal roof. I am staying in a comfortable place and am very happy to be here and only wish my stomach would be just as happy.

Thanks for keeping up with me. hope to write a new update soon.

luv, "Rebka" is how they same my name here

Personal Mission Statement

2010-09-02T13:55:00.000-07:00

I recently came upon something I wrote for my Evangelism class back in UMHB. I remember being really excited about that class because my professor was the missions pastor at my church, Bro. Charlie whom I just love. (He also did our pre-marriage counseling. )

One of our class assignments was to write our personal mission statement. As far as I can remember this was the first time that I was asked to write one, and have not really revised it since. I think Tim and I will soon try to work on a Family Mission Statement and one specifically for our Home school, when we do I will be sure to post it here.

Personal Mission Statement

Lord Jesus,

I thank you for your salvation and for your calling in my life. My prayer is that I may do your will. I want to renew the promise I made when I was young to follow you where you lead me and to do your will always. I sense a calling in my life to missions. I want to be a missionary wherever I go. Starting here and now I wan to fulfill the Great Commission. My prayer Lord is that there be more of you and less of me. I want to complete the task you have given me - the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace, and to live a life worthy of your calling.

"Lord send me anywhere only go with me
Lay any burden upon me only sustain me
Sever any tie that binds
Except the tie that binds me to thy heart and to thy service."

In your Precious Son's Name,

Rebeca Elizabeth Escobedo

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.
Acts 20:24

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,
Ephesians 4:1

He must become greater; I must become less.
John 3:30

What's the time

2010-08-31T21:35:00.000-07:00

Just so you know I have added a clock on my blog that tells what time it is where I'll be from Sept. 4th to the 11th. But if you know how to add 8 to a number you can probably come up with the time all on your own, but here is the little clock sample just for fun....

Powerful lyrics

2010-08-18T20:51:00.000-07:00

We rest on Thee, our Shield and our Defender,
We go not forth alone against the foe.
Strong in Thy Strength, safe in Thy keeping tender,
We rest on Thee, and in Thy name we go.

We go in faith, our own great weakness feeling,
And needing more each day Thy grace to know,
Yet from our hearts a song of triumph pealing,
We rest on Thee, and in Thy name we go.

Song sung by the five missionary martyrs serving the Waodani Indians the day they left to make their visit, and sung later by their wives upon receiving the news that all their husbands had been killed.

Summer Camp Celebration Dinner

2010-08-17T14:10:00.000-07:00

You are officially invited!

click on image to enlarge

Africa Trip Letter

2010-08-15T18:56:00.000-07:00

Here is a copy of the letter I sent to some family and friends about my upcoming trip to Africa.

Dear Family and Friends, I hope all is well with you and your loved ones and that you have had a great summer. I am writing to you in regards to my upcoming mission trip to North Africa. My trip will take place September 3-12, 2010. I will be traveling with a couple from my church, the Gieseckes. Though I cannot disclose the specific country or city we will be visiting here in writing for the safety of the missionaries we are visiting, I want to share as much as I can about my trip.

Over a year ago Tim and I were blessed to meet a beautiful missionary family, the Hatfields, at our church. They were staying at our church’s mission house for their time in the states. During one of our Sunday School class fellowships it was mentioned by our Missions Pastor, Jim Witt, that upon their return to Africa we should plan a time to visit them to be of encouragement.

The H’s, are what I like to call “undercover missionaries” working with an unreached people group, meaning that the Bible and the message of Christ has not been shared with the vast majority of the people of their native language. Part of their mission work is a goat farm project where they raise goats to be given out among the most needy widows in their area. The people keep these goats for their milk. I am very excited to learn more about their work from first hand experience. Our primary objective is to be of encouragement and prayerful support to the H’s. We will join them in some of their regular work of befriending the natives, sharing the love of God, and praying for them.

I look forward to learning about what it takes to run a goat farm and what the life of a missionary in Africa is like. I am excited to say that well over half of the cost of the trip has been covered with the help of my First Baptist Garland church family. I am trusting the Lord to help me cover the other $1,000. My plane ticket has been purchased, the vaccines have been scheduled, and I am already making my list of things that I will need to pack. This is my first time overseas and I am not gonna lie, I am excited and nervous all at once over this new experience.

Please remember to pray for me during my travels. Please pray that God’s will be accomplished in and through me and that I will be sensitive to His leading. Please pray for health for all of us as we travel. And now that you know about the Hatfields please think about them as you pray, they have two preschool children and two on the way (they are expecting twins). I look forward to sharing with you about what happens as I go. Because Christ said “go” I am on my way.

Thank you for your prayers and support,

Rebeca E. Carpenter

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations. Matthew 28: 19a

Sydney on true generosity

2010-08-15T15:38:00.000-07:00

Sydney:
"Mami, a bugger"
(holding a little bugger on her finger)
"You can put it in your nose."
Mami:
"Oh, thank you Sydney, that's very nice of you."
Sydney:
"You're welcome, Mami"

silly goose sydney

2010-08-13T15:51:00.000-07:00

Sydney is my sweet, silly, and sometimes obstinate girl (takes after her Papi).

I sometimes call her "Mary, Mary Quite Contrary," when she is being particular.
There are times when Sydney is playing dress up and she calls herself "Mary, Mary."

Just for the record and to remember a story to tell when she brings friends around I would like to immortalize her first poem here on this little blog sphere. Sydney found this her first poem quite amusing, and she cracked herself up repeating it about a dozen times.

Mary, Mary quite contrary
how does your garden grow?
with poopie and mustard
poopie and mustard
poopie and mustard
The End

I know this is improper and gross and all, but hearing her crack up about this made me have to hide my smile while getting after her.

T-shirt info.

2010-08-09T09:02:00.000-07:00

Selling some t-shirts I designed for my North Africa Trip.
I am going with a small group of three including myself from my Sunday School class to visit some "undercover" missionaries in North Africa (Top Secret location).

My shirts are just $15 (but of course I'll take more if you want to contribute more for the trip)

I am making it super easy for you to contribute by placing a Donate through PayPal button on the left side of my blog. www.carpenterfamilylife.blogspot.com.

I will ship t-shirts to you for an extra $5 donation

Send me a message if you have any questions or if you would like to make a donation to be tax-exempt.

heart with zebra pattern and "For Africa With Love" logo

gray origami elephant with small "For Africa With Love" logo

Quote on Servanthood by Elisabeth Elliot

2010-08-08T16:29:00.000-07:00

If we call ourselves followers of Jesus, obviously we must walk the path He walked. "The Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister." We must get this straight. We have come, not to be benefactors, but to be servants. "Slaves" is the word Jesus often used. Our perception of this truth will make an incalculable difference in our attitude toward the people, which in turn cannot help but affect their attitude toward us. To be a benefactor is to be a superior. Quite apart from the rightness or wrongness, morally, of this view, I became aware that it was a bad mistake. To the Auca I was not a superior by any standards. To be a servant is to be an inferior, and unless we are willing to accept this position we are not followers of Jesus Christ. The servant is not greater than his lord. And lest we think there is some merit in what we do, we are reminded that when we have done all we are still "unprofitable." We are in debt. We owe it to Christ, we owe it to men, savage or civilized, to lay down our lives daily.

The Savage My Kinsman by Elisabeth Elliot

North Africa Trip

2010-07-03T16:52:00.000-07:00

I am excited to share with you my plans to go overseas to visit some missionary friends we met last year through our church. I will join two fellow members from our Sunday School class on a trip to North Africa. During the first two weeks of September 2010.

The country we are visiting is closed to proselytizing and the area we will be visiting is primarily Muslim so I cannot disclose the specific place we are going.

Our primary objective is to be of encouragement to this beautiful missionary family, and to learn of ways to be of service to them.

I will have to raise approximately $2,000. While our team hopes to raise the money with the help of our church family each individual needs to take on the responsibility of covering the cost.

Please pray that God will prepare the way for us and provide for all our needs.

If you would like to contribute toward the trip:

1) You can make a check out to First Baptist Garland Memo: North Africa Project (They will send you a form where you can write it off your taxes) Mail to: First Baptist Church, ATT: MIssions office, 801 W. Ave. D Garland, Texas 75040

2) If you don't care about the tax stuff you can just give me money :) and/ or mail it to my address with a memo that it's for the Africa trip

For more details feel free to send me a message or text me at 214.673.5071

Thank you-Rebeca Carpenter

p.s. I am working on designing a shirt to raise funds for my trip. Let me know what you think.

For Africa with Love

2010-07-03T15:54:00.000-07:00

In Code

Africa skies

Pink Origami Elephant

Africa on my skies

For Africa with Love
Large Heart
Smart logo

Africa on my heart

For Africa with Love
Large logo

One of the main ideas behind the design for these t-shirts originate with something Seth started when he was probably about three.

When he would see the moon that looked like a "smile" he would tell me "Mami, the moon is for you." I would just say "Oh, thank you Seth."

Well, after a while we all started stuff like that. The other day we were walking at Hidden Acres during sunset and the sky had streaks of pink and I told Selah, "Look Selah, the pink in the sky is for you. God loves you so much that he put some of your favorite color up in the sky."

The truth is that everyday God shows us glimpses of His love through nature, people, and events. I think one very cool thing about the continent of Africa is its very unique animals. People go on Safari's just to get glimpses of these animals in their natural habitat.

This is why for the first design I created I wanted to use a picture of a close up of a zebra that I took at the State Fair in the Petting Zoo. I think that those very cool stripes tell us about God's beauty and how He shows His mastery in the details of this world.

For Africa with Love.

God has written love notes for us everywhere, and most clearly in the Bible. In the Bible is where we remember that God's most precious love note was sending His Son, "The Word become flesh" to take away the sins of the world.

I pray for the people of Africa that they may know that Christ came "for Africa with Love"

Birthday Prayer

2010-05-03T10:14:00.000-07:00

O God, our times are in your hand: Look with favor, we
pray, on you servant Tim as he begins another year. Grant
that he may grow in wisdom and grace, and strengthen his
trust in your goodness all the days of his life; through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.

from the Book of Common Prayer

Grandma's Cuties

2010-04-25T07:07:00.000-07:00

Halle

Christian

Seth

Selah

Landon

Sydney

Finnley

and one more just for fun, I think they are yelling "We love Grandma!!!"

Pictures from last summer

2010-04-16T13:50:00.000-07:00

JD photoshoot

2010-04-15T16:11:00.000-07:00

J.D. × 3 × 3

A Sunday Prayer

2010-04-11T21:09:00.000-07:00

Tim and I have started praying blessings over our children on Sunday nights.

The prayer I said tonight was taken in part from a prayer Dr. Dobson sent in his last letter from Focus on the Family. This was actually a prayer spoken by his father as he asked the Lord to bless his marriage to Shirley.

I reworded it a little to fit as a prayer for my children

O eternal God: We bring Thee our children, Seth, Selah, and Sydney. They are Thine but Thou in love dist lend them to us for a little season: to care for, to love and to cherish.

It is our earnest prayer for them, not that God shall have a part in their lives, but that He shall have the preeminent part; not that they shall possess faith, but that faith shall fully possess them; that in a materialistic world they shall not live for the earthly and temporal alone, but that they shall be enabled to lay hold on that which is spiritual and eternal.

Let their lives be like the course of the sun: rising in strength, going forth in power and shining more and more unto the perfect day. Let the end of their lives resemble the setting of the sun: going down in a sea of glory, only to shine on undimmed in the firmament of a better world than this.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, Amen.

A Hidden Acres Event

2010-04-08T04:20:00.000-07:00

click on image to enlarge

Hope to see you there!

A Slate Wiped Clean

2010-04-07T13:00:00.000-07:00

Another reason I love Hobby Lobby :)

The mark of a man

2010-04-06T21:55:00.000-07:00

Men protect women
Men are leaders
Men are responsible as heads of their families
Men are to teach their children 24/7
Men are to love their wives as Christ loved the church and be willing to die for them
Men are to be fruitful and multiply
Men do not own their bodies, their wives do
Men must bring up their children in the training and admonition of the Lord
Men must insure that their whole families and everyone else around them should celebrate the Sabbath
Mens hearts should be turned toward their children

--Scott Brown, National Center for Family Integrated Churches

I found this list on a blog that was recently suggested to me. This list really stood out to me as I have been recently listening to a few Focus on the Family shows dealing with the issue of bringing up boys and issues dealing with men. These are things that I hope to instill in our little man.

Rules to live by

2010-04-06T05:39:00.000-07:00

I read about these rules recently in a homeschool book I am reading. Mr. Gregg Harris' chapters in the book were some of my favorite, he is a man I admire as his kids have turned out to be godly men and Christian leaders. I was glad to find he posted these on a blog.

These rules will soon be implemented in our little household. If grandma & granddad, and of course Cathy (or anyone who is ever around my cute little sinners/children) is reading these we hope you will remind our kids of our rules if you ever see them breaking them :). Thank you.

The 21 Rules Of This House
by Gregg Harris

1. We obey God.
2. We love, honor and pray for one another.
3. We tell the truth.
4. We consider one another's interests ahead of our own.
5. We speak quietly and respectfully with one another.
6. We do not hurt one another with unkind words or deeds.
7. When someone needs correction, we correct him in love.
8. When someone is sorry, we forgive him.
9. When someone is sad, we comfort him.
10. When someone is happy, we rejoice with him.
11. When we have something nice to share, we share it.
12. When we have work to do, we do it without complaining.
13. We take good care of everything that God has given us.
14. We do not create unnecessary work for others.
15. When we open something, we close it.
16. When we take something out, we put it away.
17. When we turn something on, we turn it off.
18. When we make a mess, we clean it up.
19. When we do not know what to do, we ask.
20. When we go out, we act just as if we were in this house.
21. When we disobey or forget any of the 21 Rules of This House, we accept the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

At the top of my lungs

2010-04-02T12:58:00.000-07:00

this is the song I want to sing at the top of my lungs Easter morning...

In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand

In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
‘Til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life’s first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
‘til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand

In Christ Alone, by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend

years happen

2010-03-26T08:10:00.000-07:00

When did my baby boy grow up?

Oh dear Seth how I love you. How you've stretched my heart. How you make me proud.
My sweet dear boy.

My sweet son

2010-03-18T14:31:00.000-07:00

"Mami... I am glad you had a son, and that that son is me"

-Seth Taylor Carpenter

Happy Birthday J.D.

2010-03-15T18:55:00.000-07:00

waiting

watching

baby is here

IT'S A BOY!!!

Hugging

Texting

Waiting to see baby.

Playing

J.D.

meeting

generations

loving

grandma hand

grandpa hand. baby feet

grandma love

aunt love

posing

family

Never thought I would say this

2010-03-12T20:06:00.000-08:00

I really never considered wanting a Volkswagen bus growing up. But it is looking like a sweet ride here as I reach 30 years of age. I may ask for this for my birthday. What do you think hubby?

rebeca elizabeth escobedo de carpenter

2010-03-12T19:50:00.000-08:00

I don't usually like myself in pictures or even think about taking pictures of myself, but someday my kiddos may want to know what I looked like when I was 29 and here is where my Mac comes in handy even though the quality isn't tops

Mami Notes

2010-03-12T19:11:00.000-08:00

Here is a little something from an article in HOMELIFE that I think will help me as I raise my little ones:

"I am responsible to God for your protection. This really isn't about you or being your friend or what you think. This is about me, answering to God for how I have protected you. I don't care if it makes you mad or sad or glad. I'm the mom. I will stand in front of God one day, and I'm taking that seriously."

from Angela Thomas' "My Single Mom Life

Sometimes the responsibility of raising children into adulthood seems daunting. I have to remind myself to take it a day at a time. My children have been such a blessing to my life and I can't imagine the kind of person I would be without them. I feel that I can say that they are helping to make me a better person. Through them God has taught me and continues to teach me many things. I want to take this parenting thing seriously and do the best I can.

I am currently reading a book on homeschooling, as that is the path we are starting with Seth. Here is a quote from Noah Webster found in this book.

"All government originates in families, and if neglected there, it will hardly exist in society... The foundation of all free government and of all social order must be laid in families and in the discipline of youth.

... The education of youth, [is] an employment of more consequence than making laws and preaching the gospel, because it lays the foundation on which both the law and gospel rest for success."

Please continue to pray for us as we preach the gospel to our children. Right now we have begun the process of teaching our children a children catechism.

I have been pleasantly surprised that Seth has been eager to memorize and learn this with me. I hope to have it all memorized before Seth turns six.

Great Quote from a Great Book

2010-03-12T11:06:00.000-08:00

We know that God is everywhere; but certainly we feel His presence most when His works are on the grandest scale spread before us: and it is in the unclouded night-sky, where His worlds wheel their silent course, that we read clearest His infinitude, His omnipotence, His omnipresence.

Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë

Epiphany wish list

2010-03-02T12:41:00.000-08:00

There are a lot of things on my wish list, and most of them I can't afford. That is why this post is here. By blogging about this camera give away on my blog I get a chance to win one of the things on my wish list... A Canon 5D

Epiphany makes these super cute camera bags. I wish I had one and well they are holding this contest on their blog.

I also made these little cards for an extra chance. I am going all out. Hope I win :)

A Card for my Hubby

2010-03-02T06:00:00.000-08:00

Sincerely Yours, Rebeca Carpenter

2010-02-28T17:18:00.000-08:00

At the close of the 19th century, the London Times asked several prominent writers of the day to submit essays on the subject, "What's Wrong with the World?"

Here's how one responded:

Dear Sirs:

I am.

Sincerely Yours,

G.K. Chesterton

(Philip Yancey, Soul Survivor [New Your: Doubleday, 2001] 58.)

Love of Life Luncheon this Saturday

2010-02-26T11:11:00.001-08:00

Here is the invitation and the info. Please be in prayer for this event

Dog Photo Contest

2010-02-25T21:07:00.000-08:00

I entered this picture in Pioneer Woman's Dog Photo Contest she is hosting right now. This is what I wrote about the picture:

Pogo was found by Uncle Charles on a cold rainy day matted, wet, and homeless, little did Uncle Charles know that Pogo was coming home.

If Pioneer Woman does not like this picture, I already know someone who does.... and well that's all that matters :)

Love

2010-02-24T21:21:00.000-08:00

I love

princess tea party storyboard

2010-02-24T09:03:00.000-08:00

"Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" (Mt. 5:16).

"On His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords" Revelations 19:16.

DPC in the news

2010-02-22T20:51:00.001-08:00

Plump

2010-02-18T09:30:00.000-08:00

This morning as I was looking at myself in the mirror Seth started to say, "Mami, you look a little bit fat." but before finishing his statement he continued "...I mean plump. You look a little bit plump."

I smiled at him and said, "Oh thank you Seth, plump does make it sound better."

We had read a book where they used the word plump and I told him that it was a nice way to say fat and that you should never tell someone that they are fat because it might hurt their feelings.

Looking the word up did actually make me feel a little better, check it out:

plump
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, dull, blunt, from Middle Dutch plomp Date: 1569
1 : having a full rounded usually pleasing form

"usually pleasing form " :)

En la nieve :)

2010-02-13T21:43:00.000-08:00

Que bueno fuera si pudieran disfrutar la nieve con nosotros abuelita y abuelito :) Si fuera de sabores estaria mucho mejor. Mucho amor.

The bright side

2010-02-11T07:25:00.000-08:00

"Oh NO! Selah you have pink eye." "Oh! Yeay! I like pink"

Oh the Love

2010-02-10T16:19:00.000-08:00

Seth said we should print this picture and send it to everyone for Valentines.
Since I am not sure I will be able to accomplish that I decided to post it on my blog instead.

Verses for Summer Camp 2010

2010-02-09T21:35:00.000-08:00

Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

What man is there who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good?

Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

Psalm 34:11-14

On Celebrating Valentines Day

2010-02-09T21:14:00.000-08:00

I told Tim this would be on his Valentines Card...

So go ahead. Eat your food with joy, and drink your wine with a happy heart, for God approves of this! Wear fine clothes, with a splash of cologne! Live happily with the woman you love through all the meaningless days of life that God has given you under the sun.
-Ecclesiastes 9:7-9

Oh be careful little eyes what you see

2010-02-08T11:15:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for Sundays that inspire conversations and thoughts on God and bringing glory to His name. I am thankful for Sundays that remind us that we are fallen creatures in need of grace and redemption. I wanted to post a little something inspired from what we talked about in Sunday School.

Sometimes songs convey more than just regular talk. Here is a great music video and lyrics.

Slow Fade by Casting Crowns

Be careful little eyes what you see
It's the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings
Be careful little feet where you go
For it's the little feet behind you that are sure to follow

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
It's a slow fade, it's a slow fade

Be careful little ears what you hear
When flattery leads to compromise, the end is always near
Be careful little lips what you say
For empty words and promises lead broken hearts astray

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day

The journey from your mind to your hands
Is shorter than you're thinking
Be careful if you think you stand
You just might be sinking

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
Daddies never crumble in a day
Families never crumble in a day

Oh be careful little eyes what see
Oh be careful little eyes what you see
For the Father up above is looking down in love
Oh be careful little eyes what you see

Because I am cool like that

2010-02-03T09:43:00.000-08:00

So I am going for a new look. I did not realize my strength for as I was cleaning my glasses this morning they broke right down the middle. But a little masking tape solved my problem. But do these glasses make me look fat? I figured if I was going to take a picture of me with my new look I better include three cute little faces to improve the picture.

The little boy on the left is our little tent boy or teepee boy. He likes walking around with this here his little costume.

Lyrics post inspired from our Sunday School

2010-01-24T19:17:00.000-08:00

I wanted to post the lyrics to this song inspired by thoughts we covered in Sunday School.

Rich Young Ruler

Mockingbird
by Derek Webb

Poverty is so hard to see
When it’s only on your tv
and twenty miles across town
Where we’re all living so good
That we moved out of Jesus’ neighborhood

Where he’s hungry and not feeling so good
From going through our trash He says,
more than just your cash and coin
I want your time, I want your voice
I want the things you just can’t give me
So what must we do Here in the west
we want to follow you
We speak the language and we keep all the rules
Even a few we made up
Come on and follow me
But sell your house, sell your suv
Sell your stocks, sell your security
And give it to the poor

What is this, hey what’s the deal
I don’t sleep around and i don’t steal
I want the things you just can’t give me
Because what you do to the least of these
My brother’s, you have done it to me
Because I want the things you just can’t give me

Intercessions for Life

2010-01-22T12:11:00.000-08:00

Please pray with me

For the members of our Supreme Court, that as we observe the anniversary of the legalization of abortion, God might move their hearts with love for the unborn child, for parents whose souls have been wounded by abortion, let us pray to the Lord.

R. Lord, hear our prayer

For those who have grown very old, that we might cherish them for their wisdom, and guard them as the infinite treasures they are, we pray to the Lord.

R. Lord, hear our prayer

For doctors, who in their practice abort unborn children: that God might give them the grace to turn from sin and remember the Gospel, we pray to the Lord.

R. Lord, hear our prayer

For pregnant teens: that they might receive the grace they need to love and protect the child God has placed in their care, we pray to the Lord.

R. Lord, hear our prayer

print pdf

To Save a Life

2010-01-20T08:23:00.000-08:00

To Save A Life is an indie movie about the real life challenges of teens and their choices, written by seasoned youth worker Jim Britts and inspired by a passion to reach teenagers with life-affirming entertainment.

Pictures from "Mehiho" as Selah would say it

2010-01-12T18:27:00.000-08:00

Un Calendario

2010-01-11T20:07:00.000-08:00

click to enlarge. You can then save, print, and post it somewhere if you'd like :) If you'd like to find one in the mail you just might .

Wow Video

2010-01-08T09:54:00.000-08:00

Call to Repentance. Because Christ should make a difference. What are you putting your trust in?

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

2009-12-27T21:09:00.000-08:00

click to enlarge

Loving Jesus Without Limits Devotional

2009-12-26T20:12:00.001-08:00

I just wanted to jot this from my devotionals to remember it.

I believe there is something-Someone-inside us who tells us there is more to life than sitting in the boat. You were made for something more than merely avoiding failure. There is something inside you that wants to walk on the water-to leave the comfort of routine existence and abandon yourself to the high adventure of following God.

So let me ask you a very important question. What's your boat?

Your boat is whatever represents safety and security to you apart from God himself. Your boat is whatever you are tempted to put your trust in , especially when life gets a little stormy. Your boat is whatever keeps you so comfortable that you don't want to give it up even if it's keeping you from joining Jesus on the waves. Your boat is whatever pulls you away from the high adventure of extreme discipleship.

If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat, John Ortberg

Father God,

So often we cling to things that provide a sense of comfort and security, yet these are false supports in our lives. Our real security comes from knowing that we are directly in the center of Your will, even if that means riding the waves of uncertainty. Thank You for promising to always be with us, no matter how strong the storms of life may become. Amen

Completely Blessed, Shannon Ethridge