Family First

J and I have had some minor marriage problems throughout the years. We have used certain tools to help like books, attending a Family Life marriage conference, and even counseling. We have been going through the toughest trial this last year. Which is one of the reasons we chose to renew our vows this August. Before we do, I want our relationship to be the strongest it can be. And very recently I believe the enemy is trying to rip our family apart. We are praying about this intensive couples counseling service: http://christianmarriageretreats.net/intensives.html

I believe this would be so great for us! Here is the problem, it would cost us over $2000 including gas and food. Will you please pray for our relationship and if it's God's will, the funds for this retreat would be provided? Thank you.

From Above Rubies' Nancy:
I have always loved the Scripture in Jeremiah 31:1 where God says, “I will be the God of all the families of Israel.” God is the originator of families. He loves families. And He wants to be the God of each individual family.

God cannot be God of the nation unless He is God of the families. It all starts with families. That means it starts with us. The most powerful thing we can do to bless our nation is strengthen our individual marriage and family.

The devil wants to weaken families. He tempts us with things that look good to lure us away from the home. Yes, even homeschooling mothers can often be more involved out of the home than in the home. I want to encourage you that the greatest thing you can do is to build your home. Put an end to everything that fragments your family life. Cancel everything that weakens your marriage and family structure at home (Proverbs 14:1). Know your purpose and stick to it.

Are you running your home from the periphery of your home, or from the heart of your home? Is God the preeminent One in your home, or someone to be called upon when you need Him?

best brothers

At the therapist's office the other day,
E. told Dr. Ann that S. is his best brother.  

They really do get along well and love to play together.
Thank God for that!

"what to do with the kids so mom stays sane" summer plans

Adding to this as I get suggestions...please contribute!
http://powerofmoms.com/2012/05/do-it-yourself-summer-camp/

Yes, I'm alive

I have been blogging a lot over at www.rollerbettie.blogspot.com recently, but plan to keep this blog up as well.  I have been busy recovering from my recent surgery.  Recovery meaning watching lots of junk TV, napping, and reading.  I actually finished a fiction book for the first time in who knows how long. Yes, it was Hunger Games.  And yes, I really enjoyed it.

Last week our family went on an outing (the first one since my surgery) to the big city and rode the DUCKS. I will blog a post about that soon.  It was so much fun.  The whole family really seemed to enjoy themselves.

Since that day trip, summer has been on my mind. "What to do with the kids so mom stays sane" is the theme. I am going to be thinking of a bucket list of summer activities that won't break the bank for us to do.  Suggestions appreciated!! Remember, we live in the Pacific NW, where gas is expensive, rain is common and when it is hot, air conditioning is not always present!

blog

I am in the hospital and on drugs. I wanted to tell you about my new blog, where I am updating and explaining what is going on. http://rollerbettie.blogspot.com/

Photo of the day

Young me

Photo of the day: lunch

Today we celebrated E's birthday! We did pizza at his favorite pizza place. He fell on his face last Sunday during a walk and got some serious road rash, poor guy!