Ballinger Christmas Party 2008

Here are some pictures from our Ballinger
Christmas Party 2008. We had a great time
talking about old memories. Uncle Dick
brought a few old things of his dad's for us
to see and that started a competition to see
who had the coolest things of their parents.
Uncle Dick had a knife he was given when he
was tall enough to reach the handle of a door
they had (I hope I got that right). He waited
a long time to achieve that. He also brought
an axe that Grandpa used when he went
hunting. I had a special guard over the blade
that made it unique.
Uncle Jerry pulled out a $100.00 bill that
Grandpa would carry in his wallet (Can I see
that?).
My Mom brought out her parents class rings.
It proved to be very interesting as more things
were produced.

Here is the Queen Bee (Mom) being Hostess.

We only had one kitchen mishap (sorry mom I

have to tell on you), she made coffee but later

figured out she didn't put water in the coffee

maker. In our house mistakes are aloud.

(Thank Goodness!)

Candi with Zach (her youngest). He wanted

that food so much. He had his arms stretched

out as far as he could straining to reach it.

It was adorable!

This is Candi w/ Zach, Dave, and Josh w/ Noah


Bad picture but this is Uncle Dick with my

cousins, Steve and Scott.



This is Aunt Barb (love those Punpkin Bars!)

and Sharon (married to Steve).


And now we have Uncle Paul with Jeremy(my

2nd cousin, son of Scott). Open your eyes Paul!

Sorry my picture skills have to improve.

Here is Lora (Paul's wife) and Uncle Jerry.

We had a ball singing karaoke that night. This

is Paul and Lora performing "The Lion Sleeps

Tonight".

Uncle Dick did a great job with "New York, New

York". Candi scored the highest with "The Rose".

I sang "You're the One That I Want" from Grease.

I wasn't sure that I wanted to do it, I kept passing

tha mic to mom. But I now want to know why we

haven't done this before. We laughed and sang

together and really enjoyed ourselves. It was good

to see people get out of their comfort zones.

I hope you enjoyed our memories!!

Believe God,

Jamie

Delight me Lord

About a month ago on Nov. 5th the day after
our Pres. election, I woke up early to turn on
the news to see who won. Well, needless to say
I was very disappointed at the outcome. I got
up to start my day in this disappointment, not
rushing to get anything done. I was trying to
sort through my feelings and get on with school
with the kids. I didn't even get dressed before
Dave got home from work (Hey, I home school,
who is gonna see). Dave quickly left as I recall
to go hunting and right when I was going to get
in the shower my dog (Bear) got loose and I had
to at least put some jeans and a jacket and to go
chase him.

Well, first let me tell you that Bear is a beagle,
and beagles love to chase after things that they
smell, and they smell everything. So if he gets
loose he is off like the wind. I should also tell you
that I don't usually chase after him. It's Dave's
dog so I let the kids and him do the chasing.
Now remember Dave has left so it is up to the
kids and I to find him and bring him home (LOL).
I laugh because the dog is fast and doesn't listen
to anyone except maybe Dave when he is loose.
Ok, so here we are running in the tall weeds, I have
my cell phone and call Dave while running and
tell him HIS DOG is loose and he needs to come
home. So even though he is not happy about
missing out on hunting he comes home and
catches up with us. We are now armed with
walkie talkies and cell phones so we can talk
with each other.

So Dani and I walk up this path to see if we
can here anything (Bear yelps a lot if he is
chasing something). Dave and Ty head back
in the woods and tall brush and Ash stays
on a small hill in the middle to catch him if
he runs back through there. So Dani and I end
up on top of this hill on the path and don't hear
anything so we turn around and at this point
we can see Ashley sitting on her little hill.
Well, all of a sudden she stands up quick and at
the same time we hear some thrashing in the tall
weeds. She is running towards what she thinks
is Bear (and we think that also) but it turns out
to be a deer. All three of us assume that Bear
must be chasing it (because he has done that
before) but it is actually 2 deer running. They
see Ashley and turn and head towards Dani and
I. Well, all I could think was where is the camera
when you need it. Then I remember I can take
pictures with my cell phone but I am so excited
about the deer running towards us that I can't
remember how to turn the camera part on (my
Father-in-law called it "Buck Fever"). So seeing
them coming closer I tell Dani to get down so they
don't see us (remember we were on a path
surrounded by tall grass). Well, believe it or not
they ran right by us about 6 feet away. They
jumped right over the path we were on. It was
the coolest thing ever.

(Later I found out that Dave and Tyler scared the
deer where they were, sending them our way.)

When that happened I was reminded that Beth
Moore (You don't know who she is? You should
find out!) was at her cabin in the woods writing
and ask the Lord to delight her that day and sure
enough she went out for a walk and came upon
an Elk that was bugling. What a sight that would
have made! Can you imagine? Well, needless to say
she was very much delighted that day.

So back to my story, I thanked the Lord right then
and there for delighting my spirit and on a day that
started in such disappointment.

So I want to challenge you to ask the Lord to delight
you today and see what happens. I am sure that he
would take much pleasure in doing that for you. Be
on the look out for it. It might come in some way you
aren't expecting, like it did for me.

Taste and see that the LORD IS GOOD!!

P.S. I did get in the shower that day and we did find
Bear with the neighbor's help (and her dog -Bear
loves Zoey).

Believe God,

Jamie

Turkey Day Coma

I hope you all have survived your Turkey Day
Coma's. You know what I'm talking about, when
can't seem to do much of anything because you
ate to much but had a great time doing it.

We had a wonderful time. We decided not to wait
for the turkey to finish cooking because it wasn't
done when 1:00 came around (I think it was done
at about 4:00). Things like that seem to happen
for our family, how about yours? We have had
china make sparks in the microwave (Who would
think the metal trim would do that?), set toasters
on fire and had to throw them in the snow bank
outside, we have had red or green potatoes because
mom thought it would look more festive, just to
name a few.

Holidays in our family are a lot of fun!!

So after lunch we played with my Brother-in-law,
Josh's, new Wii gaming system. It was a ton of fun!!
You really get a work-out with it. Tyler was playing
tennis, bowling, boxing, and baseball and was
wondering way he was so sore a few days later. I said,
"Remember that we told you you would be sore from
playing so hard", and he said,"Oh, I thought you were
kidding." Silly kid!

Then on Friday I got up a little after 4:00, left the
house at 5:00 and was at Wal-mart at 5:15. People can
be crazy at that hour. I got my "bargains" and moved on
to the next store, and the next, and the next....

I love buying for my kids and others (I did find a thing
or 2 for myself I must admit). I love the adventure of
shopping the day after Thanksgiving. I must also say
it is very tiring and I didn't get to bed until after
10:00pm but I had a great day.

I hope you made great memories with your family
on this Thanksgiving, the day we set aside to be
thankful for all that God has blessed us with.

Thank You, Lord, for all the wonders you put in our
lives. We are truly blessed!!

Believe God,

Jamie

My wish

I'm not one for wishing anything but I wanted to
have a song picked out for Ashley when I wrote
about her Sweet 16th and at the time I didn't
have anything in mind. Well, I was listening
to my Rascal Flatts Cd in the car and came
across the song "My Wish for You" and thought
it was perfect (except I would say, My Hope or
My Prayer instead - you get the picture) for
what I wanted to say to her. So hear it is, Ashley,
pay attention to the words!! I hope you enjoy it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_zi4OxJpY0

Believe God,

Jamie (mom to Ashley)

I Love This Song

This is a song that I love from the new Hillsong

CD. I seen this on another blog I follow and thought

you might enjoy it and the story that goes along

with it.



Have you ever been in a place where you didn't

FEEL like worshipping the Lord? I'm sure we all

have. Listen to this story and be blessed.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZE33ejdgWIY


Believe God,

Jamie

Happy Sweet 16

16 years ago my life changed forever. On Friday,
November 13, 1992 I gave birth to my daughter,
Ashley Nicole and it's been a ride ever since. Before
the other kids came along Ash and I were together
all the time. She was so easy and when we wanted
to go do something we would just pick up and go.
Things became more complicated when the other
two came into the picture (don't get me wrong, I
love having Tyler and Danielle in my life, they were
just look more effort to please).

Ashley has turned into quite a young lady. She loves
the Lord and doesn't understand those who don't.
She is a great organizer ( I often find her in Dani's
room trying to put it back in order - Dani is quite
messy and doesn't see the need to see the floor she
is walking on) and I often ask her to share her gift
in different areas in the house (she gets it from her
mom - when I have the time).

Ashley loves reading but is particular in her selections.
She often starts a book and then might decide it's not
worth her time (me - I have to know how it ends). She
tends to read the last page of a book when she starts
to read it (I could never do that). She has to do a lot of
reading in her school work so I am glad she enjoys it.

Ashley loves Hawk Nelson and The Jonas Brothers. If
you don't know who they are she would be surprised
and /or disappointed with you. Her music is always
close by, never leaves the house without it.

Another thing she never leaves the house without is
her camera. She enjoys taking pictures of the people
she loves (and her dog!!).

Ashley is an important part of our family and she is
loved very much. I don't know what we would do
without her. Being the oldest we depend on her as a
babysitter for our other two children plus many other
things that she does to bless us. She is not perfect and
I don't expect her to be but she fits into our family
like a glove.

We love you Ashley and we can't wait to see what God
has for you as you live out your life. God bless you
Ashley!! Always keep Jesus first in your life and you
will live in His blessings.

Happy Birthday Sweet 16!!!

Believe God,

Jamie (proud mom of Ashley)

Election Funnies

My daughter sends me these flares
(they look like bottons) on Facebook
so I thought I would share them with
you and give you a few laughs.

Believe God,
Jamie

Vote, Vote, Vote

In less than a week we are having a very important
election in our countries history. We need to get out
there and let our voices be heard.

For me the important issues are:

• My families safety from terror
• The sanctity of life
• Smaller Government
• Less spending, lower taxes
• Less dependants on oil countries
• Integrity of our leaders

and many more but won't list them here.

I think that voting is a responsibility not a

just a right. If you don't vote you have no right

to complain about the state of our country.

You need to be informed about your choices

also. Don't just stick with your party because

you have for the last ? years.

I know a lot of people aren't happy with our

choices but they are our only choices. McCain

was not my first choice but he is the one I will

choose, especially after he chose Sara Palin as

his running mate.

If you are unsure about who to vote for and

what they stand for, here is a web site Focus

on the Family sent me -

http://www.focusvoter.com/

They even help with the collage board and

judges we don't seem to here about.

We Christians have got to take out heads out

of the sand and let our voices be heard. If we

don't speak up for the unborn, etc. who will?

Get out and vote on

Nov. 4th 2009 !!!

Believe God,

Jamie

Fall Color Tour

Well, we finally found

the cord to our camera

(Thanks Dave) so I cac

post our Fall color tour
pics.
After a quick lunch at

Applebees (one of our

favorites) we headed to

"Gene the Pumpkin Man" to get a few pumpkins. That's

Danielle among the pumpkins.

This is Dave, Tyler and

Dani picking out their

pumpkins (Ashley

was away at a youth

retreat).

Then we headed over to Lake Michigan. It was a bit

chilly but the kids loved it. Dani is such a poser, she

kept saying, "Take a picture mom".

This is at the pier

at South Haven.
We walked to the
very end. We had a
great time. I haven't
been to Lake Mi. in
a few years so we
took our time
enjoying it.















Here is Dani
yet again
loving the
camera.













Here is Tyler in
his bare feet
(Brrr). He didn't
want sand in his
shoes. I don't know
how they could
stand it. After the
pier we let them
play on the
playground equipement.






And Dave fed the Sea Gulls a few french fries from the
floor of our car. Yuck. We then traveled back home
the long way, taking lots of detours. It was really
relaxing. Oh, I can't forget that we stopped for a
snack (can you say apple pie) before we headed
home. What a great Saturday!!!


Believe God,


Jamie

Something to think on

Last week I watched a movie titled "The Great Debaters".
Maybe you have seen it. It had Denzel Washington in it and
it took place during the time of the civil rights movement.
Anyway, one of the quotes form the movie was said by
Forest Whittaker, he said (to his 14 year old son who was
attending the local Negro collage), "Son, we do what we have
to do,so we can do what we want to do." Does that speak to
anyone else like it did to me?
I will never forget that quote. It is so true. But I believe that
many people aren't doing what they have to do, they are just
doing what they want to do. How sad is that. I don't believe
that there lives will be blessed in any way by living like that.
How lazy have we gotten in a world that is out for the fun
without the work. No wonder people aren't satisfied with
their lives. Their is no fulfillment without accomplishment.
Their is no peace without doing what God wants you to do
in your life. You might think you are happy but you will not
have real joy without doing the thing you have to do (God's
thing) so we can do what we want to do (Also God's thing).
Anyway, just my 2 cents. Get out their and do want you
need to do.

Believe God,

Jamie

Fall is here

While the world is going crazy and feeling the stress
of the economy I can't but feel at peace by looking out
the window. Fall is here and it is getting really beautiful.
We plan on going on a color tour tomorrow (Tyler is not
thrilled about it at all - he says,"So we are just gonna
drive around and look at trees?") and I'm excited about
it. God's peace and beauty is all around and I can't help
but love Him even more for it.

As you are running your errands this week or if you are
just out driving, stop and thank God for this wonderful
world he created for us. It truly is marvelous!!

Believe God,

Jamie

5 Steps of Experiencing God's Rest - Part V

Step 5 -

Sit Down - He is a faithful and merciful and just High Priest

Hebrews 2:17
17 For this reason he had to be made like his brothers
in every way, in order that he might become a merciful
and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he
might make atonement for the sins of the people.

To be faithful to our God, he has to be faithful to you.
There is no one else who will be more faithful to you
than your Heavenly Father. No matter what you do,
no matter what your sin, He is faithful to forgive you.
He has fought for you and He has won.

Isaiah 43:25
I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions,
for my own sake, and remembers your sin no more.

God doesn't remember your sin any more, why should
you. You know the saying,"I'm a sinner saved by grace."
Well, which are you, a sinner or saved by grace?
I say you were an old sinner, you got saved by grace and
now you are a king & priest seated next to royalty himself!

So let's finish this by saying -
Sit Down - Because the Word has everything covered.
Sit Down - If you knew what to do it wouldn't be a trial.
Sit Down - Obey Jesus and shed the cares of this world.
Sit Down - Saying (with praise) what God has said in His Word.
Sit Down - He is a faithful and merciful and just High Priest.

If you are interested in hearing more on this subject you can
contact Kenneth Copeland Ministries ( www.kcm.org) and look
for the the series "The Blessing of the Lord - It maketh rich".
I got all the points and scriptures from that series. It was an
excellent teaching.

Now go and live your life in God's rest.

Believe God,

Jamie

5 Steps to Experiencing God's Rest - Part IV

Point # 4 is:

Sit Down - Saying (with Praise) what God has said in His Word.

Psalm 91:1-2
1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the
shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge
and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."


Hebrews 4:14-16
2 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone
through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly
to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest
who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have
one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet
was without sin. 16 Let us then approach the throne of grace
with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace
to help us in out time of need.

We need to find out what the word says about our situations
and start saying what the word says, not what our mind (worry)
or circumstances say. Our words have power and we can either
speak life into our situations and life or we can speak death.
It is your choice. If I were you I would choose LIFE. So let's
put these steps into practice.

Sit Down - Because the Word has everything covered.
Sit Down - If you knew what to do it wouldn't be a trial.
Sit Down - Obey Jesus and shed the cares of this world.
Sit Down - Saying (with praise) what God has said in His Word.

The last part is still to come but you need to start somewhere
so start with one at a time. Get in your Bible to find the answers
you need. Don't forget to come BOLDLY to His throne in prayer. He
loves you and wants the best for you. God Bless!

Believe God,

Jamie

Fireprooof

We went to see "Fireproof" on Saturday and really loved it. If you
go to see it don't forget the tissues. It is a very moving movie.
I pray that peoples lives will be truly changed by it. Get out there
and support worthwhile movies like this.

Believe God,

Jamie

5 Steps to Experiencing God's Rest - Part III

Step 3 is -


Sit Down - Obey Jesus and shed the cares of this world.

John 14:1, 27
1 Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also
in me.
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give you
as the world gives. do not let your hearts be troubled and do not
be afraid.

This can be a very hard thing to do. Especially if you have lived
in worry for most of your life. But if God tells us to trust Him and
not be troubled or to be afraid, then He has given us the ability to
do it. Have you heard the saying, "Let go and let God". Can you trust
God enough to take you hands (mind, control, etc.) off the situation
or problem. You won't have peace unless you do.

II Corinthians 10:3-6
3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world
does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapsons of the world.
On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We
demolish arguments and every pretention that sets itself up against
the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to
make it obedient to Christ.
6 And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once
your obedienc is complete.

I Peter 5:7-8
7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 8 Be self-
controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a
roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

Do be the one that Satan devours because you refuse to let go of
your worries. God will take your cares and He will take care of it.
He will be your Care Taker!

So -

1. Sit Down - Because the Word has everything covered.
2. Sit Down - If you knew what to do it wouldn't be a trial.
3. Sit Down - Obey Jesus and shed the cares of this world.

Believe God,

Jamie

5 Steps to Experiencing God's Rest - Part II

I left off talking about step one:

1. Sit Down - Because the Word has everything covered.

So now on to step two:

2. Sit Down - If you knew what to do it wouldn't be a trial.

James 1:2-8
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many
kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith developes
perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be
mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks
wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding
fault, and it will be given to him. 6 But when he asks, he must believe
and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown
and tossed by the wind. 7 That man should not think he will receive
anything from the Lord, 8 he is a double minded man, unstable in all he
does.

I know that this scripture is very familiar to most of you but if you didn't
really read it go back and read it again.

Know the question we should be asking during a trial is not "Why Me?"
or "What am I gonna do?" What we should ask is, "Lord, what do You
want me to do?"

So if you want to experience God's rest you need to:

Sit down - Because the Word has everything covered,

Sit Down - If you knew what to do it wouldn't be a trial.

We have three more steps so keep checking back. God Bless!

Believe God,

Jamie

5 Steps to Experiencing God's Rest - Part I

I was watching one of my favorite preachers the other day and he was
teaching on "5 Steps to Experiencing God's Rest" and I thought I would
pass on some of the things I learned.

Hebrews 4:9-11 says:
9 There remains, then, a Sabbeth rest for the people of God; 10 for
anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as
God did from his. 11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that
rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience.

(Wow! If we aren't resting we are in disobedience? Think on that one.)

So the first point is:
1. Sit Down - Because the Word has everything covered.
Ps. 110:1,4a:
1 The Lord says to my Lord:
"Sit at my right hand
until I make your enemies
a footstool for your feet"
4 The Lord has sworn
and will not change his mind

Hebrews 4:12-13
12 For the word of God is living and active, Sharper than any double-
edge sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and
marrow; it judges tha thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing
in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is
uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom
we must give account.

So my question to you is, can you Sit Down and trust that God has
everything covered in your life? He knows right where you are. He
knows what you are going through and He has everything under control.
All you have to do is Sit Down and trust (rest) in Him.

Because the Word has everything covered!

Believe God,

Jamie

A trip to the Dentist

A few weeks ago I scheduled Dani for a dentist appointment

and she was really excited about it. Can you imagine anyone

being excited about going to the dentist. She was jumping up

and down and clapping her hands about it. Here is a picture

of her after she finds out she has no cavities (yeah! says mom).

I think that Danielle's attitude is a great example to us as Christians to take what we

might view as a bad experience and know that good will come out of it. We might not like

what is going on in our lives but there is a reason for it. We can choose to be miserable in

the process or look for the good to come.

Romans 8:28

And we know that in all thigs God works for the good of those who love him, who have

been called according to his purpose.

Believe God,

Jamie

Living Life in the Full

I feel that a lot of people go through life just getting by till they die. They don't know that
we can and should be enjoying everyday to the full. Life can be really hard but if you have
no hope you can't enjoy it. I feel a calling to let all Christians know that we are to live a
joyful, abundant life.
Jesus died on the cross so we could live a wonderful (wonder filled) life on this earth. He is
our hope. John 10:10 spells it out loud and clear that Satan wants you miserable and
defeated, but Jesus wants you to live in the full and be VICTORIOUS.
I intend on showing you examples of Living Life in the Full through this blog. We all could
use a little help with that (including me).

Believe God,

Jamie