Life in Pictures 8/31/09

Whistler cuddles with Peep today during Morning Time. She has a knack for getting her to sleep! Little Bit dressed for the Lord's Day. Perhaps soon she'll keep her eyes open when she smiles for the camera. :)Boo couldn't wait to tell me about the beautiful rainbow God gave us the other day. Here's the view from our deck.

Little Big Man giving Peep a lesson in iPod 101. She liked it!

Don't worry....he kept the volume very low.

Peep....squeaky clean!

Peep watching the sunset....

Little Bit in stitches...courtesy of her brothers and sisters.

Quietly resting last week when she didn't feel well.

The Sisters Four

Ready for The Lord's Day

"Likewise, we must also work at getting ready for Sunday. We cannot worship if our hearts are full of secular responsibilities, bitter anguishes, old guilts, and aching sins. We cannot praise with equanimity if we are harried by unfulfilled commitments, distraught over incomplete promises, unsettled because of the Sunday morning fracas. We must ready ourselves physically. We must ready ourselves spiritually. We must ready ourselves emotionally and psychologically. This takes practice which will at first seem difficult. Establishing new disciplines is always exhausting."
~Karen Mains
Making Sunday Special

Weekly Rewind 8/23-8/29/09

What an interesting week it has been, a potpourri of events that simply confirm His sovereignty. Only God can offer such ups and downs and in-betweens in one week....and, all for our good, too!

~The week started with a slight stomach bug traveling through a few of the Littles....Boo, Little Bit, and even Peep. After having coped with severe cases of rotovirus, I was especially praising God for these much milder symptoms. The most unsettling time was watching Peep get ill, for babies can quickly get dehydrated. Praise the LORD, she's doing better, and God has kept the rest of us healthy.

~It's that time. The new water stains this week on our ceiling, in various spots, screamed loudly that we really need a new roof. (ok, Allisons, is this contagious?) :) We'd appreciate prayer for God's provision and for suspension of pelting rains!

~You know those beautiful flower beds the men made? Well, soon after, our lovely plants just started dying. It was very frustrating since we've planted before without a problem. And, this time, Mountain Man diligently prepared a special soil, too. Since scratching our heads doesn't make the flowers grow, we knew we had to DO something. Then, my Beloved said the magic word.....MULCH. You see, the author of our gardening book might not think it necessary, but with the wind and the heat that we enjoy here, we had to have mulch! Amazing...we've watched the flowers come to life this past week....which is quite the reminder that God can make anything grow. (even me!)

~We finished up our school year yesterday! I know...most other children are now returning for the new one, but with a new baby and our trip to VA, we had to adjust our schedule a bit. But, that's one of my favorite aspects of homeschooling....you learn as you live and don't have to worry that your living will only occur at the convenience of your learning.

~I returned to the Dr. to have my stitch (and hair) removed from my forehead and was given the initial report that the biopsy was positive. I later received a phone call from the nurse who explained that this cancer is very superficial, and I have a number of treatment options!

~Mountain Man made a trip to a medical center yesterday, complaining of severe chest pain. PRAISE GOD....it wasn't a heart attack! The doctor initially thought that MM had a clot in his lungs, but that test was negative, too. So, he's been diagnosed with inflammation of the chest wall, which does cause excruciating pain...only when you breathe. The medicines are finally starting to help a bit, and he's just planning on getting a lot of rest this weekend. It's interesting, though, to note what often causes this type of pain and inflammation.....STRESS. Here are quotes from his care sheet from the hospital:

"This is pain in the chest that comes from the surface of the chest, not the heart or lungs. It is sometimes called costochondritis. This is quite often stress related. Chest wall pain can be very painful but is not dangerous."

"....try to eliminate the cause of your stress." "...you must try other means of reducing your stress level."


"Count it all joy....." We praise God for the following:

~there was only one time during the illness this week that I had to get up in the middle of the night. That might not sound like a big deal, but, it is truly a gift for most Moms, and I'm so thankful to God for his mercy!

~Though the children had a few symptoms, they weren't listless or unable to play and enjoy the day

~The roof problem reminds us of our dependence on God and His provision, and we're also reminded to be thankful for everything else about our home that we often take for granted

~that He blessed our efforts to solve the dying-flowers problem, and even brought several of them back to life

~that He helped us perservere and continue finishing the school year even in the midst of continously challenging circumstances

~that my cancer won't require a deeply invasive procedure

~that Mountain Man doesn't have heart issues, and yet, God, through His meticulous design of our bodies, is alerting us that we need to make some big decisions....the drive to work one of them

Isn't it wonderful that no matter what circumstances we're facing, there is ALWAYS something for which to praise Him ? When He presents us with the "impossible," it's just another opportunity to trust Him to do amazing things.

I am so grateful that, because of His mercies, we are not consumed. I'm thankful that the Lord's compassion doesn't fail, and His faithfulness is great. (Lamentations 3:22, 23)

Please Pray

~for God's provision for a new roof
~that we'll enjoy our summer break and use our time wisely
~that the Dr. removed all of the skin cancer when she did the biopsy
~for complete healing of Mountain Man's chest pain
~for God's provision for us to move closer to his work so that we can reduce the stress from a long drive
~for wisdom to know what other ways we can reduce stress and trust Him more
~for submissive wills to His plans and that praise for His goodness and mercy would continually be on our lips

Love,
Queen Mom for the Clan

Are You Growing? Part 1

(Though it's been awhile since we've done our Holiness posts, Scribe thinks we should just pick up where we left off. even though we've continued moving on in the book...so, we'll be posting summaries of various chapters, especially since we have someone else reading with us! Welcome, Sister C!)

"...To every one who is in downright earnest about his soul, and hungers and thirsts after spiritual life, the question ought to come with searching power. Do we make progress in our religion? Do we grow?"

Such are the questions that Ryle urges us to ask ourselves as he addresses growth in the Christian's life. Ryle reminds us of how short our lives are and that we should be actively looking within and examining ourselves. He, of course, is not affirming that a Christian can be more "justified" in Christ, but rather, "that his sense of sin is becoming deeper, his faith stronger, his hope brighter, his love more extensive, his spiritual-mindedness more marked."

Ryle offers the following Scriptures to support the reality of Christian growth.....
~2 Thess. 1:3
~1 Thess. 4:10
~Col. 1:10
~2 Cor. 10:15
~1 Thess. 3:12
~Eph. 4:15
~Phil. 1:9
~1 Thess. 4:1
~2 Pet. 3:18

He then reminds us why growth is so important in a Christian's life.

a) When we're growing, there is evidence of "spiritual health and prosperity." We all know that when something is healthy it is growing. Such should be the case with our souls. (Isn't it interesting, though, that this if often the LAST thing we discuss as Christians. When was the last time you asked a Christian friend, "How are you growing in Christ?" )

b) Growing in Christ, states Ryle, is one way to "be happy in our religion." He asserts that God has "linked together our comfort and our increase in holiness." (How true this is. Christians who are still "babes" and weaker in their faith often suffer from a deeper unrest, a fighting against God's will, especially when faced with trials. Ten years ago, had I been diagnosed with yet a second skin cancer, I would have fretted so needlessly. But, as I have grown in the Lord, so has my trust in Him increased, as well as my peace and happiness in spite of my circumstances. At the same time, I recognize even more just how far I have to go!)

c) Growth in grace makes us "useful" to others because it greatly influences others for good. Want to be a positive witness for Christ? Then make sure you're growing. Want to be a poor witness? Then, remain stagnant.

d) Growth in grace "pleases God." While it seems too wonderful to think that we could actually "give pleasure to the most High God," Scripture often speaks of walking in a manner that pleases Him. 1 Thess. 4:1, Heb. 13:16

e) Growth is something for which we will be held accountable. "Neglect of growth robs (us) of privileges, grieves the Spirit, and makes the chariot wheels of (our) souls move heavily."
James 4:6, Psalm 35:27

***

"A good Christian is not like Hezekiah's sun that went backwards, nor Joshua's sun that stood still, but is always advancing in holiness, and increasing with the increase of God." ~Thomas Watson


~Part 2 will address the marks of Christian growth

A Heap O' Livin' and A Heap O' Praise

Announcement! I've started my own blog which you can find at http://www.aheapofliving.blogspot.com/
It will focus on more "domestic' things and the joys of being a wife and mother. So, girlfriends, grab a cup of tea and stop by! (Of course, we'll still be keeping up The Good Life with pictures and family updates and, hopefully, thoughtful posts!:))

Now for the praise! The doctor's office called yesterday regarding the biopsy report. This spot is much more superficial than the place on my nose, so I actually have a few treatment options to consider, one of which is to possibly do nothing for now! Yippee! Please pray that I'll choose wisely. And praise be to God, Who gave me peace, and then blessed me again with such great news.

Love,
Queen Mom

Your Duty

No matter how old we are, we can find many reasons to abandon our duties. Here is our new poem for memorization to help us (all of us :)) remember to not let that lazy habit take root in our hearts.

"Your Duty"
~Fanny Allen

When little children try to shirk
From doing any honest work
And always have a good excuse
If asked to be of any use,
They'll find the lazy habit grow
As nearly all the elders know.
And very likely hard to break
Though one may lots of trouble take.
So, start today, and do your bit.
I'm sure you will be glad of it.

Why I Love Bangs

Because they'll come in handy in helping hide scar #2! Yes, my biopsy results were positive for skin cancer. I'm still waiting to talk with the doctor about what we do from here, but I just know it's gonna involve sharp objects, pain, stitches, pain, potential infection, a scar, and pain. Did I mention pain?:)

In this case, I'm not sure if there's great value in knowing what I'm in for! (But,the great news is that the nurse was able to remove the several strands of hair that had been sewn in together with the stitch!)

So, I can fret and obsess over things to come (and that is a very tempting option) or I can praise the One from whose hand this has come, for His lovingkindness is better than life. (Psalm 63:3) It's just another opportunity to die to self and trust Him more.

"The moment that you think of nothing save God's will you will cease to fear, and there will be no hindrance in your way. Cast aside all earthly impulses, and so doing, you will spare yourself much inward anxiety and much outward indiscretion." ~Fenelon

Coveting your prayers,
Queen Mom

The Herd Wins It

Boo just picked the Heckendorn Herd as the winner of our "What's Wrong with This Picture" contest. The right answer was that it appears that Scribe is only wearing one shoe.....(technically, he was wearing a flip flop and a sandal, but you could only assume he was just wearing one shoe from the picture we posted. :)

Let us know, Herd , what prize you want, and it'll be fast on the way!

Thanks for all who entered, and look for another fun contest as we soon celebrate our one year blogaversary!

Love,
The Poff Clan

A Fondue Feast

~This past Thursday evening, we were finally able to take Little Big Man to his first dinner at the Melting Pot to celebrate his 12th birthday. What a feast it was! He was so impressed, and we're proud of him for stepping outside his comfort zone and trying new things. He even enjoyed the first course of cheese fondue, and cheese just isn't his thing unless it's on pizza or nachos. :) Of course, his favorite part of the meal was the dessert fondue. From where did he get such a sweet tooth?

Before leaving, I just wanted a picture with my birthday boy, but Scribe had to turn it into a lengthy photo session.

Finally, he takes a serious picture!

Little Big Man outside the Melting PotBalloons and a chocolate candle were waiting for him.

Is it wise to give this mountain man a sharp utensil?Ok, he manages to stick it in the food and not in the wall.Can you see why he loved the dessert fondue so much?

Don't Forget the Contest

***Remember to enter our fun giveaway! Deadline is Saturday, and we'd love more entries. Check out the post from 8/15!***

All Too Familiar

I walked into my dermatologist's office yesterday hoping for a simple check-up, but I came out with a stitch in my forehead. Alas, this is another post about Queen Mom's face. You can exit now, if you please.

I was really hoping I wouldn't hear that word..you know, the one that starts with a B......Biopsy. However, since the cancer on my nose took my Dr. "by surprise" (remember, I see her every 6 months), she thought it would be prudent to test the skin anyway.

Lidocaine in the forehead is no less painful than in the nose. Trust me. (and if you'd like to always just "trust me" about skin cancer and MOHS and scars, etc. , then be sure to put on that sunscreen a bit more regularly.) Thankfully, the Dr. was able to cut and stitch with the greatest of speed, and I was soon on my way.

But, guess who was my buddy during this nice hour and a half long visit? You'll never guess.

Little Bit.

While the rest of the clan waited patiently in the car, I decided to take Little Bit inside with me. (You see, most doctor's offices aren't designed to acommodate a Mama and her many children.) She was absolutely EXCELLENT! She waited patiently and was quite content to draw pictures for me while I was "worked on." What a blessing.

Now, most things of a medical nature just don't go "smoothly" with me. Of course, this stitching has already had a bit of a glitch...I'll explain that tomorrow. Nonetheless, I'll return Tuesday for my biopsy results, and I would so appreciate your praying that, honestly, the test comes back negative. However, should that not be God's will, please also pray that I'll be thankful regardless of the results (and brave, too, should I have to go through that MOHS again!).

While I was waiting, and in between playing games with Little Bit, I was reading from the writings of Fenelon. How appropriate are his thoughts..

"We adore, we praise, we bless God for everything; we see Him incessantly in all things, and in all things His paternal hand is the only object with which we are occupied. "

"The trouble you feel about so many things comes from your not accepting everything which may happen to you, with sufficient resignation to God. Put all things, then, in His hands, and offer them beforehand to Him in your heart, as a sacrifice."

Pressing On,
Queen Mom

I Am the Queen

"How beautiful the day can be when kindness touches it!"
~George Elliston

I was pleasantly, so pleasantly surprised this past Lord's Day when my dear Marissa handed me a lovely package. Tucked inside were these delightful treats.......


and this amazing mug!!! I love it! I love it!Truly, the most special gifts are often the most unexpected. Her sweet note of, "Just because I love you" blessed my heart and her kindness made for such a beautiful day. But, of course, I'm most thankful for God's perfect timing, for He so graciously provides encouragement just when we need it, and I needed it! Thank you, dear Marissa!

***P.S. Cathy, stay away from the mug and no one will get hurt!

Life in Pictures 8/18/09

Why Our Children Never Complain of Boredom Reason #101~Here Boo creates a nice "fire" with the resources available. She and Whistler and Little Bit were stranded on an island. Boo wanted milkshakes and cookies, but after Whistler's explanation that you wouldn't find such delicacies on a desert island, they all settled happily on some fresh fruit. :)

~It was fine weather for sprucing up our "yard" a bit. One thing we have plenty of out here is D-I-R-T! Here's Whistler ready to work, ballcap and all.

Little Big loved helping get the rock out of the truck. In fact, that pile of rock would be reason number 102 why our children don't complain of boredom.Here's the "before" space.And here's the "after." Isn't it lovely?Another "before" shot.And the pretty "after" as hosted by the delighted Poff girls. Now if we can just keep those perty plants alive!And, we started giving Peep a bit of cereal. More of it ended up on her onesie than in her tummy.Whistler has the magic touch....more food went in Peep's tummy than on her shirt.

Happy 6 Months, Peep!

Stop the clock, please! Peep is 6 months old today!

What's Wrong With This Picture?

Ok, it's time for another contest! You know that the Poff Clan loves to give away things. :) Look carefully at the above picture, and tell us what's wrong with it. We'll draw a name from all of the correct entries, and the winner will receive either a $10.00 Amazon gift certificate or an album from iTunes, up to a value of $10.00. Send your answers directly to Queen Mom. We'll leave this open until next Saturday, August 22nd, and will announce the winner on Monday, August 24th. Be sure to tell me which prize you would like if you're the winner. Have fun!

New Blog Launch

Today Scribe launched his own blog, "No Other Foundation." You can check it out at www.scribe-nootherfoundation.blogspot.com. Be sure to sign up as a follower so you won't miss a thing! :)

~Queen Mom

The Heavens Declare the Glory of God

(as Christians, we don't struggle with believing God exists, but we sometimes live as though He doesn't....just watch and be reminded of the greatness of our God and worship Him accordingly)

Our current memory work is Psalm 19 which opens with,

"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth His
handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not
heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to
the end of the world. In them hath He set a tabernacle for the sun, Which is as a bridegroom coming out of His chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to
run a race. His going forth is from the end of the heaven and His circuit
unto the ends of it; and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof."

Matthew Henry expounds...."From the excellency of the work, we may easily infer the infinite perfection of its great author. From the brightness of the heavens we may collect that the Creator is light; their vastness of extent bespeaks His immensity, their height His transcendency and sovereignty, their influence upon this earth His dominion, and providence, and universal beneficence: and all declare His almighty power, by which they were at first made, and continue to this day according to the ordinances that were then settled."

Everyday His greatness and majesty is right before us in His creation. If we've lost our awe of it, we need to take a second look. It should remind us of His faithful provision for all we need...no matter how big or small. I want to be like my Little Bit and my Boo and my Whistler and my Reaches Up. They stand in awe of His creation...they ooh and aah...and they know and believe that nothing is impossible with our great God.

****

"Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God; which made heaven and earth, the sea, and that therein is; which keepeth truth for ever;" Psalm 146:5,6

"Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall He not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?" Matt. 6:30

At Any Cost

I'm currently reading a book about Theodore Roosevelt called Carry A Big Stick. As I read about this great man I admire him more and more. He was the ultimate family man, outdoorsman, and husband. Here are some great quotes I've come across, and I see how even today they ring true. As you read, think on how true they are to this day.

'' The things that will destroy America are prosperity- at- any- price,

peace- at- any- price, safety first instead of duty first, the love of soft

living, and the get- rich- quick theory of life.''

" Peace is generally good in itself, but it is never the highest good unless it comes as the handmaiden of righteousness; and it becomes a very evil thing if it serves merely as a mask for cowardice and sloth, or as an instrument to further the ends of despotism or anarchy.''

(***the word despotism means absolute power and authority, also known as tyranny)

Servant of the King,

Little Big Man

The BEST Way to Put a Baby to Sleep

....with Daddy's kisses, of course!

~Yes, Peep truly is unique. She's the first Poff baby to be lulled to sleep by Daddy's kisses. Mountain Man can't imagine it will ever happen again, but I'm more optimistic. :) Even if it doesn't, we'll have these sweet pictures to help us remember this moment because time truly is the magic eraser of memories.

~Scribe wanted to know how many pictures I could actually take of Mountain Man kissing Peep, and I say, "Not enough..."

Life in Pictures 8/10/09

It was a great week of nature finds for the children. Look at this beautiful skink...the first we've found since we've lived here.

And, isn't this Jerusalem Cricket cool looking? Don't worry. It's a myth that they're venemous, but they can give a painful bite.

~ The moon this past week was simply breathtaking!

~Here's another shot....

~We enjoyed meeting a dear friend of mine at the park for lunch. The children LOVE going to the park. However, Reaches Up isn't as impressed with the climbing equipment as he is with the Original Jungle Gym....the tree.

~Peep couldn't have been happier.

~One of the best ways to pass time on a breezy summer evening is playing football. Little Bit was happy to be chosen for Mountain Man's team.

~Whistler and Peep were the loveliest cheerleaders.