Happy 6th Birthday Brandon!

Today is Brandon's sixth birthday.  Jamie asked him if he felt different now that he is six.  He said, "Yes.  I feel a little stronger.  But my pants still fit me."  He fully expected that he would have outgrown all his clothes over night.  But, he did announce that his pants were a little tighter.  I let out the draw string a bit to take care of that.
Our attempt at a humble birthday party at KQ Ranch in Julian on Saturday was so cold and windy that we took out the pinata, had cake, and presents in light speed and then packed up and headed home.  B was fully content and didn't seem to be bothered in the least that his party was cut short.
He has spent his day today making all sorts of crafts.  Jamie took him off-roading and taught him to shoot his (Jamie's) new bb gun.  What more could a boy want?

I just made cupcakes to take to the t-ball field tonight.  And, in the process, superglued my left index finger to the bottom of the mixing bowl.  "How does this happen?", one might ask.  Well, Jamie glued together a little wooden glider for Si and he kept coming into the kitchen asking me if it was ready yet.  Well, I must have had some glue from the glider on my finger and then picked up the mixing bowl and went back to work filling cupcake papers.  When I was done, I was stuck.  I rinsed the bowl out (finger attached) and then took it to the bathroom, a q-tip and some nail polish remover did the trick.  Fun times!
B has a runny nose and sore throat today (as do I).  He and I had big plans to hike up to the cross after his t-ball game this evening but we may have to put it off for when he is feeling a little better.
Happy Birthday, sweet Brandon.  You are so special to us and so many others.

Quiet times when you're a mom. Is that possible?

Life certainly goes through dry spells, but I feel like I am finally (since having my babies) having time for deep Bible study and have a new and heartfelt passion for this great nation. So, suddenly I have something to say. I am currently in the process of becoming a Prayer Action Leader for Concerned Women for America. And I may attend a training in Denver for another outlet I think the Lord may use to encourage moms to make the most of their opportunities with those precious children they have influence over. It is with a ministry called Wholeheart or Mom Heart. www.wholeheart.org is the website. The speaker, Sally Clarkson, has a fantastic blog that I don't ever miss. www.itakejoy.com

It's so hard to have quiet times with the Lord when you have little ones. But by reading them Bible stories, listening to Christian music, and singing Bible songs, you are doing the right thing. I was just reading about Mary giving her gift to Jesus before His crucifixion. "She did what she could."  (Mk. 14:3-9)  For now, you are doing what you can.  He knows your heart, for sure.  I got a book a couple of years ago ("Mom... and Loving It!").  I still haven't read it, but there was one chapter that intrigued me and was the reason I bought it. The chapter is called "Loud Times with God." Haha! I loved that! Isn't that so how it is when you have kids?  Kids are the bomb!!!!! Though, they do make it hard for anything to actually be quiet. LOL!

"Mission to Motherhood" by Sally Clarkson changed my life. I highly recommend. I was one grumpy, selfish momma before I read that book.  (Not that I'm not grumpy and selfish now, but there is a slight improvement.)  Sally is excellent. I attend her mom's conferences every year. 

What's ironic is that right now as I am trying to be an encouraging mom I have walked into the boys room at least 5 times threatening them with everything but death if they don't go to sleep. LOL!

Nothing is perfect and even when we are trying to be the "perfect" whatever, God reminds us how absolutely dependent on Him we are.

(This is a summary of a chat I had earlier today with my sweet friend, Deanna Bloomer.)

Loving My Enemies...

I had opportunity to put this into practice recently.  It was very difficult.  Thankfully, I had just read Kay Smith's Pleasing God chapter on this very subject.  A coincidence?  I think not.  I read through the chapter and the study guide questions in light speed...I wanted to be as prepared as possible for what was before me.  How very thoughtful of the Lord to have that be the next chapter we were to cover in my weekly Bible study.
The moment came...I stalled and suddenly was overcome with emotion and all reason and truth flew out the window.  I was frozen, paralyzed, unable to see myself in God's perspective.  All I could think about were the terrible ways I had been treated, and the "what if this happens?" scenarios.  I knew in my head what I must do, but I couldn't trust my reactions.  Would I cry?  Would I get angry?  Kindness...love...kindness...love....  I knew what I must do.
For those of you  who prayed, thank you so much.  With God, all things are possible.
It went "well," though I desperately wanted the truth to be exposed.  I wish I could get past my pride in being totally disgusted at the complete denial of the truth of the circumstances.  It was awkward but not obviously so (at least on my part).  I was kind though everything within me warred against kindness.  Aren't we so glad God tells us how to handle these difficult situations?
Thank You, Father, for scripture.  For instructing us through Your Word when we don't know what to do, or do know but don't feel like it.  I can obey even when everything within me rebels against the act.  My mind raced about the circumstances leading to this, the lack of justice in the situation.  Our thoughts are so wicked.  I have thought the most terrible things about irrational/difficult/shallow people...but may I always do the right thing even when I don't feel the right way.
Oh, how we need Him!

It is for Freedom that Christ made us FREE.

"What I've experienced is that I can't know the future.  I can't know if anything I do will change what happens tomorrow.  I can't know with certainty, but what I do know is if I do nothing, nothing will change." ~James Orbinski

Josiah rose to power after a line of God-less kings.  The people had turned so drastically from the Lord.  Josiah had a heart for God so he began to restore the temple.  During the restoration, the book of the law of Moses was found and told to Josiah.  Josiah was distraught knowing that because of the previous generations' disobedience to and rebellion against God, judgment was coming to the people.  But, Josiah didn't act as though all was lost.  He was spared the judgment, though the nation would certainly get what they deserved, and he followed hard after the Lord and inspired his people to do the same...even though destruction was coming. (2 Kings 22-23)

We don't know if God will lift His hand and not judge our nation for our blatant immorality and wickedness.  My guess is He won't.  We will reap what we have sown as a nation.  But, should we continue to sin?  Should we not try to do what is right?  We must do something if, for no other reason, but to please Him and it will be well with us personally and with our families.

"Stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." ~Galatians 5:1

Should we fight to keep the freedom our nation's forefathers have given to us?  YES!  We should not sit idly by watching the liberal media and progressive (socialist) government leadership strip all that is good from the people.

At the close of the Constitutional Convention, Ben Franklin was asked if we had a monarchy or a republic.  His response?  "A republic.  If you can keep it?"

We CAN keep it but we must try to.  If we do nothing, nothing will change.  What are YOU doing?

1. PRAY!  Really, what is more effective than this?  "If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land." ~2 Chr. 7:14.  Now I am not sure the grand USA is His land but we certainly were striving for that in the beginning.  But I do know that I and my family are His people and this is my land, so let's get to work and let God do His work.
2. Live a life pleasing to God and morally straight.
3. Know what the Constitution says and defend it.  Call out those who are sworn to protect it (yes, your politicians) yet go blatantly against it.  Don't allow "hate speech" laws to quiet our pastors when the first amendment clearly states "freedom of speech" and "freedom of religion" and, really, is the Bible hate speech?  Do you have a copy of the Constitution?  You can get one free here.
4. Do you have children?  Even if you are not a home schooler, you are still responsible for their education.  I guarantee you the government-funded school your child is attending is not going to teach your precious little one to think independantly or to question their authority.  You'd better do it.  We already have a culture and society of brain-washed government-indoctrinated robots, your child should not be one of these.  You have to counter it at home.  Teach them the truth about our founders.  Not the deep lessons (note the sarcasm) that your child's school will teach about Lincoln's log-splitting, George's cherry tree or slavery (even though he set all his slaves free), and Ben Franklin's womanizing.   I mean, really, don't you think the founders of the greatest nation on earth were a little more than that?  Ronald Reagan said, "All great change in America starts at the dinner table."  That is absolutely the truth! 
5. Go to a Tea Party.  Stand against big government.  YOU ARE THE GOVERNMENT. "We the people" were the first three words of the Constitution for a reason....and they were written in big letters so even the smallest-minded dictators could understand it.  Do you feel like you are in charge of your government?  Yeah, neither do I.  Do something about it.  Tea Party! Pick up the phone and call whoever you have to call and let them know their boss is on the phone and if they don't shape up, they're fired!  And mean it.  Join me on this.
6. Be informed.  Concerned Women for America has accurate information about real issues.  You can subscribe to updates if you would like as well.
7. The liberal media is not telling the truth to the people which ironically is their job.  Watch Fox news and get what NBC's Obama-bowers won't tell you.  Even if you don't agree with Fox's seemingly conservative perspective, you can't deny the actual video and audio footage they show that no other news station will.  Just because you are ignorant of the truth doesn't mean it isn't happening.
8. Understand that America is a fantastic country but it is actually possible that we could fail.  We are not incapable of falling apart.  We have spent ourselves into oblivion, we have been God-deniers for many years, we have lived lavish, pleasure-seeking immoral lives, we have sacrificed more than 50 million lives to the altar of sex and selfishness, and the list goes on.  Do you think the blood of all those innocent babies doesn't cry out to God?  Do you think He turns His head and ignores it?  Just because we do, doesn't mean He will.

Please don't think that because you are only one person, you don 't matter.  You are infinitely valuable to your Maker, to those you influence, to me, and to your country.  You matter BIG!  Do something!  Please!  If we do nothing, nothing will change.  I can't do for you what you should be doing.  Join me and double the effect and we will multiply our efforts far beyond.  Let's give our children a future.  "It is for freedom that Christ made us free."  It is a God-given right.  Will you let others strip you of what is rightfully yours?  

All my love to you.  Kori

Civil War Reenactment

correspondence with a friend

From my sweet friend:

My parents were very involved in politics and I grew up in it. I am sorry but the Lord really doesn't lead me to be moved by much of it! I guess, I mostly believe that if we want a king well get whatever that king brings to the table.


I really believe God's plan is being worked out in the earth. He has shown through Godly men and women how wonderful His plan for us in this country can be. Now the ungodly are showing what greed and evil can do. I pray for all that feel led to be involved in politics. However Jesus did not rival against the Roman government. So I follow Christ's example.


I am thinking about and being led to pray through the capitol building. If God opens the doors for me to speak with anyone, the truth that He is reigning over us and of our need to repent and follow Him, I will.


I am at peace, and I believe love is our only weapon against hardness and rebellion. Hebrews 12:14-15 Pursue peace with all people and holiness, without which no one will see the lord. Looking carefully least anyone fall short of the grace of God; least any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble and by this many become defiled.


Love in Christ...
_____________________
My response:

That's the bummer... I don't want a king and the founders certainly didn't either.  They had just given their English king the boot. Even when George Washington was asked to lead the country, he said that he should not be a king. But a President who would willingly give up his power after a designated time of service.

The scripture is true and beautiful. What a fine balance we must have regarding the issues we face. And I love your heart to pray through the capitol building.

I have struggled with whether or not it is totally in vain to fight for our freedoms when we know the stage is being set for the rapture, the anti-Christ, and the Great Tribulation. Certainly God is in control. Please view my blog post here (if you would like) regarding this very subject. (I actually started a Bible study on it and am still working on it ...when I have the chance). The answer I came up with for what we must do is: 1. trust God, 2. seek out the truth and make it known, and 3. be loving (1 Thess. 5:8). So, I do agree with you. Though, I struggle with not being bitter.

I also thought the same of Jesus' example...He was in the midst of an oppressive tyrannical government. Yes, He went with the flow and kept things personal rather than political. Serving, loving, changing lives on a personal level. But, you and I have been blessed to be born in a free country and we shouldn't just sit passively by and let it be stripped away from us.  Especially when we are the government...according to the Constitution. Where else can we go? What if we are no longer free to worship Jesus? We must stand for righteousness. What about my two sweet sons? What will they think and say if I do nothing while their future and freedom is at stake? If I do nothing, then no one will. And big government corruption will be obstacle-free to subvert the great work of our founders and we will be forced to participate in an ungodly government system. We are already guilty of this. You and I pay for the killing of the unborn babies... How absolutely horrific! Nationalized healthcare is theft. How do we as citizens opt out of something that we are mandated to do but is not God-honoring? Will we be held accountable? We are forced into sin. I sin enough all by myself, I don't need someone to help me.

If, God forbid, we do end up in an oppressive, tyrannical government and liberty is lost forever, then yes, I will stop speaking politics and do what I can do: keep things personal only. But, for now, while we have these coveted (by some) freedoms, I think I will keep things personal AND political. So that my children may have a "future and a hope" in case Jesus doesn't return tomorrow.

"So, for the person who knows to do good and doesn't do it, it is a sin." ~James 4:17

If I may add....Many wanted Jesus to take His rightful place as King, but it wasn't time for that yet. But, His time is coming, and we know from Revelation that He will come and will make no bones about throwing the dictator of all time in his rightful place and it won't be pretty for him. But, oh, how we rejoice at what is to come!! So, can we follow Jesus' example in a yet-to-be-fulfilled, but surely-will-be-fulfilled prophecy? :) Yes, be loving, be peaceful. He calls us to love our enemies and so we must.  I say this now, but I definitely struggle with it.  My motives are constantly in question.  Ugh!  What a wretch I am!

I, also, feel that we must do what we are called to. This is my calling right now (one of them, anyway) and it may not be yours. I respect that. Please be gracious to me because I have to speak my heart and convictions.

Much love, K

Megan

Last Thursday, Jamie chaperoned a youth group trip to Magic Mountain.  As they were exiting onto Magic Mountain Parkway, the last car in the caravan was rear-ended.  After a 4-hour drive, all the girls in the vehicle were sent home for fear that subtle neck injuries would be worse after an all-day tour of roller coasters.  This was terribly disappointing for the girls, but it, undoubtedly was the wise thing to do.  Megan, our youth pastor's wife, joined the girls on the ride home and determined to make the most of the day, so she stopped for ice cream.  Then, when they returned to Borrego, she invited them all to her home and gave them all new haircuts (Megan is a fantastic hairdresser).  And promised them that they all would go back to Magic Mountain for a special "just the girls" trip.  She really brought beauty from ashes and made the day so worthwhile for some very disappointed ladies.  I was speaking with one of them the other day and she was just radiant with the princess treatment from Megan.  I just thought this was such a special effort from Megan.  She went above and beyond and was so gracious, thoughtful, and selfless.  I am sure after an 8-hour drive, crash in the midst, she was ready to take a nap.  Yea for a great youth pastor and his precious wife!