He Knows a Good Thing

Jedediah has discovered what every other Poff baby learns early on.....lovin' arms are the place to be and babies are meant for holdin' and cradles are overrated.

Watermelon Cooler

This simple drink made our 4th of July celebration even sweeter.  Chill your glasses ahead of time.

2 c. lemonade

3 c. seedless watermelon, coarsely chopped

1 c. crushed ice

Combine all ingredients in blender; cover and process until smooth.  Pour into chilled glasses and serve immediately.

We doubled the recipe for our family.

***from Taste of Home

Enjoy!

Where Shall We Adventure?

"Where shall we adventure, to-day that we're afloat,

Wary of the weather and steering by a star?

Shall it be to Africa, a-steering of the boat,

To Providence, or Babylon, or off to Malabar?

~Robert Louis Stevenson

~Inspired by Robert Louis Stevenson's "Pirate Story" poem, Claire investigates potential travel destinations.

"Where do you think we should go, Cap'n?  By the way, where in the world is Malabar?"

"Hmm, let me think on it for a minute.  Malabar...Malabar. Oh, yes, that's in India.  In fact, the Malabar Coast is known as the wettest region of southern India.  I got that from Wikipedia...uh-oh, I hope it's correct.  Yes, India.  I stand by that answer, dear sister."

"Ok, Cap'n, this map of Japan is amazing.  What do you think of a quick trip there?"

"Japan isn't a quick trip from where we are, Sister, and besides, Scribe's told me about sushi, and I think I'll pass."

***The above pictures were not staged in any way; however, the conversation was perhaps a bit imagined.

What You Must Do in Hard Times

 "I will bless Thee while I live...."

Psalm 63:4

When God has set us in hard places, often our first response is to look for an escape while we grumble all the way.  We acknowledge He's sovereign, but we look for a way around it.  "Thy will be done.." is easiest said when livin' is easy and things are going just as we planned.  Sometimes He leaves us in hard places for awhile...we see no end in sight, and discouragement sets in.  Daily giving thanks for all of His mercies, and yes, there are too many to even name, holds us back from walking in those bitter places, and it's our privilege, our duty, to do so no matter where His good and loving Hand leads us.

"Praising God must be the work of our whole lives; we must always maintain a grateful sense of His former favors and repeat our thanksgivings for them.  We must every day give thanks to Him for the benefits with which we are daily loaded.  We must in every thing give thanks, and not be put out of frame for this duty by any of the afflictions of this present time.  Whatever days we live to see, how dark and cloudy soever, though the days come of which we say, "We have no pleasure in them," yet still every day must be a thanks-giving-day, even to our dying-day.  In this work we must spend our time because in this work we hope to spend a blessed eternity."
~Matthew Henry

Love,

The Three Week Photo Shoot

~Growing a bit weary of the continuous flashing in his face and concerned about his quickly doubling chin, Jedediah doesn't look too thrilled when Mommy shouts with glee, "You're three weeks old today, Jedediah!  Let's take more pictures."

~After hearing Mommy explain how quickly time passes and the importance of capturing these soon-forgotten moments and that family is just waiting to see more photos, Jedediah agrees to offer a more agreeable pose.

~A nameless misfit invades the photo shoot and slips a baby doll in Jedediah's lap.  Is that a look of terror?

~A sympathetic by-stander notices Jedediah's concern and quickly changes the baby for a gun.

~Exhausted from all of the excitement, sweet Jedediah decides to take a nap.

~Mommy captures his tiny hand for those who won't hold it while it's this small.

~THE END

He's Got the Right Idea

                               ~Yes, I'd say this is one of the sweetest ways to read your Bible....

July 4th

~a little shootin'

~hot dogs and chili

~lemon bars

~blondie brownies

~sparklers and fireworks

~the wonder of it all

Goodnight

Last night a Godly wife and homeschooling Mom (really an understatement because she and her family have made such a huge and positive impact for homeschooling) passed away.  Sono Harris was diagnosed with cancer just a few months before she died.  Time is truly short, and none of us knows if God will grant us tomorrow.

Her son posted this wonderful song...truly a comforting reminder of the hope we have as Christians.  It's just been a year since Mountain Man's Dad passed away as well as my cousin's father, and my own father is so frail.  I ask myself more and more if I'm redeeming the time for His glory.

(You can hear the song here....just remember to turn off the blog music first.)



I journey forth rejoicing
From this dark vale of tears,
To heavenly joy and freedom,
From earthly bonds and fears;
Where Christ our Lord shall gather
All His redeemed again,
His kingdom to inherit.
Goodnight, goodnight till then!

Why thus so sadly weeping,
Beloved ones of my heart?
The Lord is good and gracious,
Though now He bids us part.
Oft have we met in gladness.
And we shall meet again,
All sorrow left behind us.
Goodnight, goodnight till then!

I go to see His glory,
Whom we have loved below:
I go, the blessed angels,
The holy saints to know.
Our lovely ones departed,
I go to find again,
And wait for you to join us.
Goodnight, goodnight till then!

I hear the Saviour calling,
The joyful hour has come:
The angel guards are ready
To guide me to our home,
Where Christ our Lord shall gather
All His redeemed again,
His kingdom to inherit.
Goodnight, goodnight till then!


You can purchase the song here.

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