Friday, October 31, 2008

Will America get what they want?!

I haven't blogged about the presidential race at all! Mostly because I am just tired of it all, aren't you! I am so looking forward to it being over! That being said, a passage of scripture has been on my mind this week. It is from the book of Numbers and deals with the Israelites grumbling about how bad they have it in the desert! They were remarking that they had it so much better in Egypt! This always cracks me up! They were slaves who were continually having things taken away from them to make it harder for them because Pharaoh kept seeing how God would bless them with numbers! He was afraid of them so he made them work all the harder! But what the Israelites had back in Egypt, at least so they thought was MEAT! In the desert they had MANNA from Heaven! So what do they do COMPLAIN!
Numbers 11: 18-20
"Tell the people: 'Consecrate yourselves in preparation for tomorrow, when you will eat meat. The LORD heard you when you wailed, "If only we had meat to eat! We were better off in Egypt!" Now the LORD will give you meat, and you will eat it. You will not eat it for just one day, or two days, or five, ten or twenty days, but for a whole month—until it comes out of your nostrils and you loathe it—because you have rejected the LORD, who is among you, and have wailed before him, saying, "Why did we ever leave Egypt?" ' "
The whole chapter is wonderful, but this is the part that I've been thinking on! So my question to you all is: Is America about ready to get what they are asking for? And if we are, be prepared to get your fill!

I've been BOO-ed!

I've been BOO-ed by Jennifer!
Here are the rules: "Go to as many friends as you want and tell them they've been Boo-ed." Have them link back to your blog to pick up their Halloween treat (picture) and tell them to Boo their friends. (Then put the picture in your side bar so everyone knows you've already been Boo-ed and to send the picture to someone else.) Are you scared yet!!??

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Thankful Thursday!


          Iris's theme this week is the 5 senses! I think that is a great theme to have! It's unique and gets me thinking about how grateful I should be to have all 5 senses. What came to my mind right away is all 5 senses in Fall!
        • Thank you Lord for the sense of smell so in the Fall I can smell
        • leaves laying on the ground
        • Apple Crisp or Apple pie baking in the oven
        • pumpkin donuts and apple cider for an area farm
        • hot coffee on a cool Autumn morning
        • Thank you Lord for the sense of taste so I can taste
        • all the things above
        • soups that we start to make this time of year
        • Thank you for being able to taste the coffee I love so much!!! (do you sense a theme?)

        • Thank you for the sense of touch so I can
        • go on walks with my family and pick up leaves
        • hug my family and enjoy being together
        • carve pumpkins and scoop out the inside
        • feel the cool air on my face
        • Thank you for my sense of sight so I can
        • see the beautiful colors of Fall. Knowing there is no way that something this beautiful happened by chance
        • watching the leaves fall off the trees after a big wind comes! They gently fall to the ground
        • watching my children play in the leaves

        • Thank you Lord for my sense of hearing so I can hear
        • wind in the trees
        • the laughter of my children
        • the cheers from the football crowd
        • the geese flying overhead

        God has blessed us abundantly! Give him praise today! Visit Grace Alone to hear what others are thankful for!

        Wednesday, October 29, 2008

        The Warrior is a Child!

        This song has been on my mind lately! I am so glad that I do not have to fight the battles alone! I am so glad that I have someone who is there for me always and understands my need for rest! I hope you enjoy this video! Please realize that when you are weak, He is strong!
        2 Corinthians 12: 9 & 10
        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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.


        Tuesday, October 28, 2008

        Bloggy Carnival Giveaway!

        I'm late, I'm late for a very important date! I told my friend Jennifer that the next time a Bloggy Carnival comes around I wanted to do a giveaway to help promote her cute baby products! Well I almost missed it! It started yesterday, but thankfully I am not to late!

        Let me tell you just a little bit about Jennifer! This is one talented woman! I wanted to help Jennifer because of her heart for service. She and another friend Diane began a ministry 3 years ago called Manna Meals. This ministry provides sack suppers for children in the elementary schools of Allendale who may go home and not have supper! Believe it or not even in a small community like ours there is alot of need for this! For me it is such a blessing to be a part of this ministry that I just wanted to give back.

        So unto the giveaway!!! Jennifer will be giving away a Little Minky Blanket!

        What you need to do is go to her website: http://www.sewhappybaby.com/ and check it out! Then come back here and comment on #1 - What you liked on her site, and #2 - What items you would like to see added to the website. It's that simple! You do not have to be a blogger to enter. Just be sure to leave your name and an e-mail address where you can be reached incase you win, so I can notifiy you!

        Over the weekend we went from this......

        to this.......

        The first one was beautiful and old, but heavy and very large! Did I say very heavy and very LARGE! I was telling my sister that we wanted to get Bekah a new piano and that we might look on Craig's List. She told me she had her mother-in-laws old piano in her garage and we were welcome to it!
        So we placed the old one on Craig's List for free, got 30 or so responses, and this saturday made the switch. Friday night we went to my sisters to pick up the one just above.
        Two problems now:
        1. That sucker needs to be tuned in a bad way. Even I can tell it doesn't sound good!
        2. I forgot my sister smokes so the piano emits smoke smell that has imbedded itself it the piano's pores!
        Anyone have any great ideas for removal of smoke smell?! I murphy oil soaped it last night and I think that helped, so maybe if we do that once a week for a while that might work. Right now it smells slightly of old smoke and Murphy's Oil. Interesting smell, no?
        Piano tuning seems to be a little on the expensive side, but I think I'll take a look on trusty ole' Craig's List! That sight rocks!

        Monday, October 27, 2008

        A Deep Hurt!

        Where to begin?! Hummm....... I have always had a problem with the feeling that I am not likable! Now I know that that is a lie from Satan, but I have let situations in my past help further define that belief in me! Until yesterday that is..... My husband and I were talking about a situation that a guy he works with is going through. I identified that the very same thing had happen to me years ago. When I said this my husband did something very innocent (for he knew not the hurt and self doubt it had inflicted on me). It sent me back to one of those defining moments and put me in a tailspin! He could not even begin to understand the responsibility I felt for how others treated me and those who chose to be close to me. In the recent past we have had situations where I have been faced with (or assumed I was faced with) a similar situation, and I would close down and feel this deep hurt (by others) and a since of responsibility for my family being excluded because of me! HEAVY STUFF HUH?!!!!!

        Yep, that's me! So yesterday and today I feel God saying "Kim, are you done with this? Will you let me finally take this burden from you? You are not validated by others, you are validated by me! Do you trust me enough?

        I AM HERE TO SAY "YES LORD, YES LORD, YES YES LORD! I am tired of these feelings! They are not of God! They are a lie that I have allowed satan to continue to keep me down with most of my life! God wants freedom for me! After all isn't that why he sent His son!

        Isaiah 61:1-3
        The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me
        to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
        to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,
        to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.
        Jesus proclaims this about himself in Luke 4:17-19
        Galatians 5:1
        It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
        So faithful blog readers! I commit this day to continue to trust God! I have a wonderful husband who supports me, and desires for me to be free! I praise God for Steve!!! Thank you Jesus!! I have wonderful friends that I am hoping will walk beside me, asking how are you doing in this and holding me accountable to my promise today!
        Will it be easy, probably not, but if God decides to bring immediate and complete healing I'm all for that!!! He can you know! Will it be without pain, boy I sure hope so, but I doubt it! But I need to keep trusting! He is faithful and His promises are forever!!!
        If you are having the same feelings and would like to walk together with me, feel free to e-mail me at skjbvh4 - at - allcom - dot - net!
        I just want to leave you with a couple of things that have spoken to me today! The first is from the Believing God Bible study I did a few years ago. I made the ladies who came a bookmark that had the covenant on it. Here it is:
        I Covenant to Believe....
        God is who He says He is....
        God can do what He says He can do....
        I am who God says I am....
        I can do all things through Christ....
        God's word is alive and active in Me....
        The song History by Matthew West was God saying "put in behind you now, walk forward in FREEDOM!"

        History - Matthew West

        Sunday, October 26, 2008

        Super Sunday - Scene and scripture!

        Cathedral Rock - Yosemite

        Isaiah 44:22-24

        I have swept away your offenses like a cloud,

        your sins like the morning mist.

        Return to me,

        for I have redeemed you."

        Sing for joy, O heavens, for the LORD has done this;

        shout aloud, O earth beneath.

        Burst into song, you mountains,

        you forests and all your trees,

        for the LORD has redeemed Jacob,

        he displays his glory in Israel.

        Jerusalem to Be Inhabited

        "This is what the LORD says—

        your Redeemer, who formed you in the womb:

        I am the LORD,

        who has made all things,

        who alone stretched out the heavens,

        who spread out the earth by myself,

        Join others at Amazing Grace - Mazes, Messes and Miracles for other scenes and Scripture for this Sunday!

        Friday, October 24, 2008

        I think we all need some! -EDITED

        Are you tired and listless? Do you pooped out at parties? Are you unpopular?
        I love the I Love Lucy show! It always manages to make me laugh! She was a true comedian! A few years back people compared Roseanne (what's her last name) to Lucy! I have to tell you folks there is no comparing them! Roseanne was rude, obnoxious and disrespectful to everyone especially her husband! I never thought then, no do I know think that anyone compares to her comedic abilities! Below is one of my favorite episodes! Lucy is the Vitameatavegamin girl! Try say that 3 times real fast!

        I hope you enjoy!


        Well according to Brenda the Vitameatavegamin video is no longer available, so I thought I would post this one for anyone else that likes Lucy! I think it fits with my Thankful Thursday Post about Friendship!!


        Creator of the stars!




        Job 38:31-33
        Can you bind the beautiful Pleiades?
        Can you loose the cords of Orion?
        32 Can you bring forth the constellations in their seasons
        or lead out the Bear with its cubs?
        33 Do you know the laws of the heavens?
        Can you set up God's dominion over the earth?
        Our family loves to look at the stars! We have a telescope and occasionally go out and look at the moon and stars! We have a chart that shows the constellations, and where they are in the sky at what time of night! This chapter of Job is just amazing. It is God's response to Job! It reminds me that God allows us to ask the "whys" in life, but will answer us honestly! The truth being, He is God! He created everything, even the position of the stars in the sky that make up the constellations. I just find it amazing that they are mentioned in scripture, don't you?!

        Thursday, October 23, 2008

        Thankful Thursday!

        Ecclesiastes 4 :9-11

        Two are better than one,

        because they have a good return for their work:

        If one falls down, his friend can help him up.

        But pity the man who falls and has

        no one to help him up!

        Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.

        But how can one keep warm alone?

        Today Iris' theme is special friendships! I have wonderful friends at church who I love as sisters in Christ! Since I don't have close relationships with most of my blood sisters, they are OH so special to me! But my first thoughts went to women I have known most of my life and who have been there through many stages and trials with me. These women stood up for me at our wedding! It never dawned on me to have anyone else! We don't see each other much anymore, because we are all so busy, but that bond of love in Christ keeps us close! We can always pick up right where we left off! The great thing is one of them is on Facebook so we can keep in touch the techy way! Those friends are Jamie and Brenda, Janet and my sister Kam! At our wedding they walked down the isle to "Friends are friends forever". It is so true! The bond we have is a heavenly bond, that transcends this earth!

        So in tribute to all my friend from my church family, bloggy land, and extended life! I give thanks to God for all of you! You are precious to me and have blessed my life in more ways then I can say!

        I Love you ALL!

        Tuesday, October 21, 2008

        My Response!

        First of all let me say thank you to everyone that responded! It was great seeing what everyone had to say.


        Here are my thoughts:

        I do not believe that a call from God always comes with excitement. Actually I believe most of the time it is received with doubt. People doubting their ability to do said task! Consider Moses in Exodus 3: 7-14.

        I think people today are seeking the highs when expecting and answering a call from God! They want to be all excited about their ministry/mission. Consider these people who had a call from God, how did they respond?


        Sampson (He was a Nazarene, but did not go merrily.)
        Job (Do you think Job said UHHH...UHHH... Pick me to suffer like he did?)
        Jonah (well we all know what he did in response!)
        Jeremiah (who wants to always be the bearer of bad news?)
        Isaiah (How would you feel if no one listened, when you told them of judgement?)
        Hosea (now how would you feel if God told you to marry a woman of ill repute?)
        David (now this is kind of reversed. David wanted to build the temple, but God said NO. How do you think he felt?)

        The Apostles:
        Peter
        Paul (Look at how he suffered for Christ!) Looked at what God said about him in Acts 9:16

        The list goes on and on!

        I'm not saying that excitement and fulfillment is not there. I believe blessings come when we answer the call. Even with our doubts. After all it is I AM that is sending us!

        What is the one thing necessary to accept the call? I believe it is obedience!


        If we are obedient to God's call, there will be times of excitement and fulfillment! Perseverance is necessary! I like what e-mom said about "inner confirmation", "peace", "rooted steadfastness", and "assurance".

        I am troubled by those who may not answer the call because they don't have that Awe feeling!


        I have to admit there are times (alot of times) where I wish I was not doing at least parts of what I am doing now! The sense of frustration and lack of ability to get things done, or the sense of feeling that I am not setting forth the vision for Children's Ministries in a way that people understand and get behind is overwhelming! The frustrating this for me is discerning whether God has lifted His call or whether he just needs me to trust more! But one thing I have learned along this road is just because he calls you does not mean its going to be a "rose garden". Well maybe it with be a "rose garden" but with lots of thorns!

        Well that's it. I don't know if this make sense or not, but it was on my mind and I needed to get it out! Thanks for your responses. I hope it has maybe gotten you thinking as well. Maybe even digging into scripture more.

        Monday, October 20, 2008

        Question?

        O.K. so a thought came to my mind the other day that I want you to answer! Then tomorrow I will give you my response! O.K, Sound good? Are you going to humor me and give me answer? Oh the anticipation is going to drive me nuts! Remember if you have no blogger account you can click on anonymous and answer then just leave your name, or choose not to leave your name, whatever! O.K. here is the question:

        When God has given you a call to do something for Him, should that be accompanied by great excitement and anticipation in order to consider it a true calling of God?

        Saturday, October 18, 2008

        Super Sunday - Scene and Scripture!

        Peggy from Amazing Grace ~ Mazes, Messes, Miracles had this meme on her blog for Sunday! Today I thought I would join in with a scene and scripture! Be blessed today!!!!

        Daniel 2:20-22

        "Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;

        wisdom and power are his.

        21 He changes times and seasons;

        he sets up kings and deposes them.

        He gives wisdom to the wise

        and knowledge to the discerning.

        22 He reveals deep and hidden things;

        he knows what lies in darkness,

        and light dwells with him.

        Thursday, October 16, 2008

        Thankful Thursday - Joy!


        What came to mind as soon as I saw Iris' theme for this week was the song "There is Joy in Serving Jesus!" Sometimes I find myself smiling and humming that tune and the starting to sing it, in alot of different situations. Do you know the song? I posted about it here.

        I agree with Iris that Joy comes from the inside, because there are times where you just shouldn't have joy, but it is there still.

        Psalms 28:7

        7 The LORD is my strength and my shield;

        my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.

        My heart leaps for joy

        and I will give thanks to him in song.

        It's late so I need to get to my thankful list! I so wish that I had more time to visit you all tonight, but I am tired and need to sleep! Hopefully tomorrow will bring the time that I can visit your sites as well.

        Thankful for these:

        • The moon has been so gorgeous the last few nights! Don't you love how when the seasons change, the moon and sun does too! It is truly an "Autumn Moon" out there!
        • I'm thankful for a handy husband! Our dishwasher quit working the other day, and I had to wash dishes pioneer style! I'm sorry but I don't do good that way. By the time I got home today it was fixed!!!! YEAH!!!
        • I'm thankful for what God has shown me this week in His word! Especially Isaiah 46!
        • I love the surprises in scripture! Did you know there is a ghost in scripture - yes- go see I Samuel 28! Exciting story! Bad news for Saul, but boy good lessons too!
        • I'm thankful that Steve and I got to go away together last weekend! Looking forward to this weekend with the whole family!
        • Have a blessed week! Go check out the other thankful hearts at Sting my heart!

        Tuesday, October 14, 2008

        I AM He, I am He who will sustain you

        Last week Lisa @ The Preacher's Wife posted this. I loved the verse she used: Isaiah 33: 5 & 6.

        Isaiah 33:5-6 (King James Version)
        King James Version (KJV)
        5The LORD is exalted; for he dwelleth on high: he hath filled Zion with judgment and righteousness.
        6And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD is his treasure.
        Sunday in church Pastor Paul mentioned something that got me thinking about what she said. I went to my concordance thinking she had said sustainer (humm... could that have been God directing me?) I knew it was in Isaiah, but couldn't remember where so when I saw Isaiah 46 I went there. WOW! this chapter just spoke to me and I had to share it with all of you! I don't know about you, but with what has been happening in the world financially lately, Steve and I have begun to wonder and maybe worry a little about our retirement. Will it be there! What should we do? Shame on those greedy people who have put us in this position! Can any of you relate? This chapter calmed my fears and again reminded me of who is in control and who has always been in control and always will be in control! Check it out!

        Isaiah 46
        Gods of Babylon
        1 Bel bows down, Nebo stoops low;
        their idols are borne by beasts of burden.
        The images that are carried about are burdensome,
        a burden for the weary.
        (Bel and Nebo where Babylonian God's who were carried off to exile after Cyrus (the bird of prey) conquered Babylon). They couldn't save themselves let alone the people who sadly worshipped them!) What are we worshipping that will not, cannot help us?
        2 They stoop and bow down together;
        unable to rescue the burden,
        they themselves go off into captivity.
        3 "Listen to me, O house of Jacob,
        all you who remain of the house of Israel,
        you whom I have upheld since you were conceived,
        and have carried since your birth.
        4 Even to your old age and gray hairs
        I am he, I am he who will sustain you.
        I have made you and I will carry you;
        I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
        (Is that not cool! He reminds them that it was He who was there since you/me/we were conceived, conceived! It is he who carried us, even to our old age (can I hear retirement!) I AM HE, I AM HE, he says that twice! Remember he knows the future! Does this mean we are not to be good stewards and prepare? No, we need to always be good stewards, but we cannot know or control the future. But HE is there! He will sustain! Oh people it gets me so excited to know this, doesn't it you!
        5 "To whom will you compare me or count me equal?
        To whom will you liken me that we may be compared?
        6 Some pour out gold from their bags
        and weigh out silver on the scales;
        they hire a goldsmith to make it into a god,
        and they bow down and worship it.
        7 They lift it to their shoulders and carry it;
        they set it up in its place, and there it stands.
        From that spot it cannot move.
        Though one cries out to it, it does not answer;
        it cannot save him from his troubles.
        (when I read this I think of all of us who put our faith in something other then God! What idol do you worship (put ahead of God) What are you pouring all your strength and time into, looking to it to help you, to no avail?) Then this next part:
        8 "Remember this, fix it in mind,
        take it to heart, you rebels.
        9 Remember the former things, those of long ago;
        I am God, and there is no other;
        I am God, and there is none like me.
        10 I make known the end from the beginning,
        from ancient times, what is still to come.
        I say: My purpose will stand,
        and I will do all that I please.
        (See! Why do we always forget?! He was and is and is to come Revelation 1:8 )
        11 From the east I summon a bird of prey;
        (this is a cool part too! Amy if your reading this is OT history, this points to Cyrus the Great) Isn't that cool! Love the OT!!!!!
        from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose.
        (God uses both the righteous and the unrighteous in His plans. We need not fear the coming elections! God's man will get in, whomever that is! He has a purpose and it is marching forward!
        What I have said, that will I bring about;
        what I have planned, that will I do.
        12 Listen to me, you stubborn-hearted,
        you who are far from righteousness.
        13 I am bringing my righteousness near,
        it is not far away;
        and my salvation will not be delayed.
        (doesn't that bring you comfort? It does me! His salvation will not be delayed! He has a timetable and it continues to march forward!) Praise God!!!!!
        I will grant salvation to Zion,
        my splendor to Israel.
        It speaks of Israel here, and it is literal and also pointing to us, who know Christ! We have been adopted as sons and daughters of the Most High God! He has granted us the same salvation!
        For those of us in Christ, there is much to celebrate and nothing to fear! Put your hope in Him! If you are reading this and do not know Christ as your personal Savior and Lord I would love to discuss this with you, and pray with you!
        Have an absolutely wonderful Day! Seek out his Beauty in Creation in this wonderful Autumn time!
        Blessings!!!!!

        Monday, October 13, 2008

        A great Fall weekend all the way around!

        Well Steve and I were able to get away this weekend overnight finally! It was so needed and really relaxing! Friday we took off about 2:30 and got up to Pentwater a little after 3:30. First we went to our hotel and dropped stuff off, then to a little winery down the road. After that we went to the beach (my peaceful spot), then to dinner in Pentwater. After that it was back to the hotel, sit in the hot tub for a while then bed time! It's funny, I think we went to bed at 9:00. It was all about relaxing!

        On Saturday we went golfing! Well if you can call it golfing! We found a little golf course that no one hardly goes to, and which was in need of a little work. We didn't mind though, we had alot of laughs and Steve lost alot of balls! After that we went back to Pentwater for Octoberfest! They were having a classic car show Steve had to see! The man loves his old cars! Then we meandered our way home! Sorry no pictures! The colors really weren't out yet, and I seem to have misplaced the self portrait of Steve and I!


        Jeremiah did great at the 30 hour famine! We are very proud of him for doing this! Another hurdle jumped over!


        Bekah stayed with a friend overnight and went to a Pumpkinfest in Montague! Not very far from where we were.


        It was a great weekend! Everyone had fun (even when starving), but it was also good to be together again!


        Last night Steve and Bekah got a daddy/daughter night. We were supposed to go to the beach and watch the sunset, but Jeremiah finally hit the wall of tired so we stayed home. Steve has been wanting to get away with Bekah so they took Champ and headed for Grand Haven. Here's a couple of picks of them!

        Sunday, October 12, 2008

        Be Still Sunday!!

        Resting in Him today! Be Blessed and may you be rejuvenated for your week ahead!

        Psalms 91:1
        He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
        will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

        BeStillSunday

        Saturday, October 11, 2008

        From Rags to Ringlets!

        When you were young did your mother ever rag roll your hair? I did, and she usually did it after giving me a perm so I would go to church looking like Rosan Rosanadana (ya know from the 1970's SNL)! Anyway I got the Idea off of Rocks in my Dryer "Works for me Wednesdays". If you've never gone there on Wednesday you should! I get so many great ideas from the women who post there. I of course don't post because I have nothing to contribute only to take away! TEE HEE! Anyway below are pictures of what we did last night for her school pictures today! You may recognize another face in one of the pictures too! I think she turned out quite cute myself!!!

        Friday, October 10, 2008

        Blogiversary Questions and Answers! And a Winner!!!

        I would like to thank all the ladies for their wonderful questions! I hope they are entertaining to you as well! I thought I'd better pick someone before Steve and I leave for our night away! So without further ado, here is the winner of the coffee:

        Comment #12 my good friend Cheryl!
        This number was picked by truly random number generator
        Cheryl get me your snail mail address and I will ship out your gift! Do you have a preference between Starbucks, Seattles Best or Biggby(formally know as Beaners in the North)?

        Mari said...
        Congratulations on a year. I have been blessed by your year of blogging and I think I can say I have read them all! My question is - If you were going to live anywhere but West Michigan, where would it be?
        October 7, 2008 7:01 PM


        Oh Mari, that is such an easy one, thank you!!! Are you ready?! The U.P. Preferably close to Copper Harbor!!!!!

        Laurel Wreath said...
        Happy Blogaversary!!!!
        October 7, 2008 7:08 PM


        Jennifer said...
        Wow! I am going to have to go check how long it has been for me. I didn't think it could have been a year but I think I started before you. That just goes to show you how time flies!My question... What was your favorite sport/extracurricular activity in High School?Smiles!
        October 7, 2008 7:52 PM


        Jennifer,

        In all honesty and not very proud I did not have any extra curricular activities that I did when I was in High School! Suffice it to say I was part of the "partying crowd"! Back then it was all about trying to fit in, and I was trying to fit in with the wrong people!

        Thanks for the great questions!

        Monkey Giggles said...
        Hey!!! Congrats girl. I have been blessed by reading your blog. My question is: How do you think you have changed because of blogging?
        October 7, 2008 8:08 PM


        Oh I like that one!! I am amazed at how many blogs I have gone to and the scripture they have posted was exactly what I needed in that moment! So many women have helped grow me into the more Christ centered woman I am today! Not that I don't have a long way to go, but God has used all of you to help me in my learning to WAIT on Him! For that I say a big THANK YOU!!!

        Melissa said...
        Happy blogiversary! I totally missed mine....I think it was middle of September or something....I'd like to know, what is your favorite thing to do with your family?
        October 7, 2008 9:51 PM

        Well there are two things really Camping and Hiking! We are also adding Canoeing and hopefully Kayaking! We love being outside together away from things! Great question Melissa!


        e-Mom said...
        Happy first blogaversary! Whoohoo! Isn't this bloggy community just amazing? I'm so glad you joined us.And hey, thanks for your coffee giveaway. Here's my question: Do you have a life verse? Is a there a Bible passage that keeps you going, year after year? Hugs!
        October 8, 2008 12:47 AM


        Why yes I do! There are actually several that help to remind me of God's love for me, but this one is the one I keep going to for a reminder of how he sees me! You see I have a problem with self worth and feeling down about myself at times! This passage jumped out at me - GOD DELIGHTS IN ME!!! And can you believe it's from Zephaniah!!!
        Zephaniah 3:14-17
        Sing, O Daughter of Zion;

        shout aloud, O Israel!

        Be glad and rejoice with all your heart,

        O Daughter of Jerusalem!

        15 The LORD has taken away your punishment,

        he has turned back your enemy.

        The LORD, the King of Israel, is with you;

        never again will you fear any harm.

        16 On that day they will say to Jerusalem,

        "Do not fear, O Zion;

        do not let your hands hang limp.

        17 The LORD your God is with you,

        he is mighty to save.

        He will take great delight in you,

        he will quiet you with his love,

        he will rejoice over you with singing."

        Joanne said...
        WOOOOO HOOOOOOOOO! Congratulations on your blogoversary!!!I think one year of blogging is like 10 dog years or something like that. Hmmmm, so what question to ask you?Ok, what tasty treat are you selfish with? Is there an edible yummy that you won't share with your kids or hubby?
        October 8, 2008 1:31 AM


        Oh my goodness yes!!! It's my sister Kam's Carmel Corn!!! Those that have had it understand why! She makes a batch for me special for my birthday each year! I am very selfish with it!! Isn't that awful!!!!!

        Diane said...
        Congrats on a year in blogworld! I've enjoyed your posts - this allowed me to dig even deeper into the world of Kim! ;)Ok, "e-mom" kinda touched on my question but I'll change it just a little.What verse or verses from the Bible have majorly effected the way you live your life?
        October 8, 2008 8:13 AM


        Well there are alot of them but most recently it would be: Philippians 1:27a "Whatever happens, conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ"
        Always at the forefront of my mind should be preserving his character and holiness which is reflected in what I do or say.

        Cheri said...
        Yeah- congrats on 1 year!!My question is:What would be your best advice for new parents?
        October 8, 2008 8:21 AM


        Best advice for new parents. hummm..... Entrust those little ones to the Lord everyday! Don't be so hard on yourself and them. Learn to relax, and realize everything does not have to happen at a certain time! They are all different, learn to work with their unique qualities. You will never have it figured out so trust the One who knows them and loves them more then you! Remember they are not yours, they are His and he has entrusted you with them, so he thinks alot of you! Also remember that they can teach you things too!

        Miss*Suzanne said...
        Congratulations!! Wooo Hoooo!!!!O.K...let's see, hmm... o.k. how about this?If you could write a letter to God, what would you ask Him and would any one answer change the direction of your life today?:)
        October 8, 2008 8:53 AM


        I guess this would be a somewhat funny question, but one I think of often! Why oh why did you make Men and Women so different in the S_X area! Why are they always needing it and we are always to tired or whatever! Would this change the direction of my life? Possibly, I'm not sure! But boy I sure want to know!!!!!

        Tonya said...
        Hi, Kimberly!Happy Blogiversary!HMMM... What to ask, what to ask???Oh, I know.. what's your favorite place to shop???


        I guess my favorite place to shop for clothes would be Kohl's! I don't know if you have them in the south. I really love browsing through Christian Book Stores, especially Parable Books in Grandville! Oh the books I'd love to buy!!!!!

        Cheryl said...
        Hey Kim! You have really been a blessing for me. I love reading your comments on my blog! You are so sweet! My question.....What is your favorite post YOU have written and was it easy to write??? ooopps!! That is two questions huh?
        October 8, 2008 6:18 PM

        Hey Cheryl.

        Good but very hard questions. It's hard to pick, but I would say the ones that are closest to my heart are ones that I wrote when the Holy Spirit revealed something to me. I looked back and found this one:

        http://astonegatherer.blogspot.com/2008/01/snow-day.html

        and this one:

        http://astonegatherer.blogspot.com/2008/04/living-well-wednesday-mirrors.html

        All posts that were truly inspired by God were easy to write. I just felt like I had to share them. I don't feel like I've had many lately. It seems my intimate time with God is not as intimate as it has been. I hope this season will be over soon, and God will continue to speak to me about himself! Also any post that has dealt with what the Lord has laid on my heart about waiting is a favorite post! He is teaching me much!!!

        OH did you say one!!!! : )


        Bobbi Jo said...
        Congratulations on 1 year. This is my first time here. I found you through CWO blogroll. I enjoyed your post "Things I Love About Fall." That is my favorite time of year.

        Thanks for stopping by Bobbi Jo! Thanks so much for the encouraging words!

        Thursday, October 9, 2008

        Thankful Thursday!



        John 1:15-17


        15John testifies concerning him. He cries out, saying, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.' " 16From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. 17For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

        I love that Iris put the definition of grace in her post! Apart from God and His son Jesus we have no grace or mercy! I too love how both words and meanings are intertwined! We have so much to be thankful for don't we!!!!!!!



        • I am thankful for Jeremiah's Court of Honor for Boy Scouts and how well he is doing in school!
        • I am thankful that I was able to celebrate my mom's 80th birthday with her on Friday!
        • I'm thankful that Steve and I are FINALLY getting away together over night this Friday!
        • I'm thankful for the wonderful 4th grade girls I get to lead this year in our Wednesday NIGHT! ministry! They are all wonderful and I look forward to guiding them in their relationship with Christ!
        • I'm thankful for all the women and one man that coordinate the children's ministries at our church! Especially one EM! She has worked so diligently to get Wednesday Night going! She is such a blessing to me, and I so know her love for the Lord and the children he has placed in our care!!!
        • I'm thankful for the verse that God gave me in Colossians this morning:
        • 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

        • We have so so much to be grateful for today! Join other grateful hearts at Sting my Heart!

        Tuesday, October 7, 2008

        My Bloggiversary!

        I cannot believe that it has been 1 year since I started this blog! Where has the time gone?! I have so enjoyed the people I have gotten to meet through this blog and for the people I have gotten to know better! I hope that I have in some way been a blessing to you all for you have all been a blessing to me! Lately I haven't been blogging as much. I just don't feel like I have much to say (surprisingly) and I'm just to lazy to download pictures of what has been going on. I thought I would go back 1 year and see what were a few of my favorite post, and maybe have a little giveaway in celebration!

        Here are a few post from my grand beginnings:

        Why Scattered Stones?

        Seeing Double!

        Things I love about Fall!

        Now I thought I would do something like Jennifer did for her 100th post!!!! I thought I would let you ask me any question that you might want to know about me. Just ask in the comment section and I will answer them in another post. I will leave the comments open until Friday, then after that I will randomly pick a winner! I'm thinking the prize will be Coffee, either from Starbucks, Biggby's or Seattle's best!!!!!! If you don't have a blog you can still play along, just remember to add your name!!!

        EDIT: I will post all comments and answers in one post on friday!

        Thanks for a great year!

        Friday, October 3, 2008

        Things I love beginning with "S"

        Mari over at My Little Corner of the World had this meme on her blog to day. The idea is that you are assigned a letter and you need to list 10 things you love, that start with that letter. The letter Mari gave me was S.

        Here they are:

        1. Steve
        2. Son
        3. Sweet Girls
        4. Stones
        5. Lake Superior
        6. Sister
        7. Salvation
        8. Sunrises
        9. Sunsets
        10. Scripture

        I couldn't figure out the picture thingy so I couldn't post cool pictures like Mari! If you'd like to join in let me know and I'll give you a letter!

        Wednesday, October 1, 2008

        Lessons I learn from Barney!

        I absolutely love The Andy Griffith Show! This episode has been on my mind lately and since I have nothing profound to post about I was so glad to find it today! Lessons I learn from this segment:

        1. Get enough sleep on Saturday night!
        2. Don't go off on my own, follow the hymnal!
        3. Slow Down! No really that is a good one!
        4. Pay attention!

        Enjoy and have a good laugh I sure did! Did you seen any other lessons?