Guy's Rules

Guy's Rules


At last a guy has taken the time to write this all down. Finally, the
guys' side of the story. (I must admit, it's pretty good.) We always
hear "the rules" from the female side. Now here are the rules from
the male side. These are our rules!

Please note.. These are all numbered "1" ON PURPOSE!

1. Men are NOT mind readers.

1. Learn to work the toilet seat. You're a big girl. If it's up, put
it down. We need it up, you need it down. You don't hear us
complaining about you leaving it down.

1. Sunday sports. It's like the full moon or the changing of the
tides. Let it be.

1. Shopping is NOT a sport. And no, we are never going to think of it
that way.

1. Crying is blackmail.

1. Ask for what you want. Let us be clear on this one: Subtle hints
do not work! Strong hints do not work! Obvious hints do not work!
Just say it!

1. Yes and No are perfectly acceptable answers to almost every question.

1. Come to us with a problem only if you want help solving it. That's
what we do. Sympathy is what your girlfriends are for.

1. A headache that lasts for 17 months is a Problem. See a doctor.

1. Anything we said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument. In
fact, all comments become null and void after 7 Days.

1. If you won't dress like the Victoria's Secret girls, don't expect
us to act like soap opera guys.

1. If you think you're fat, you probably are. Don't ask us.

1. If something we said can be interpreted two ways and one of the
ways makes you sad or angry, we meant the other one.

1. You can either ask us to do something or tell us how you want it
done. Not both. If you already know best how to do it, just do it
yourself.

1. Whenever possible, Please say whatever you have to say during
commercials.

1. Christopher Columbus did NOT need directions and neither do we.

1. ALL men see in only 16 colors, like Windows default settings.
Peach, for example, is a fruit, not A color. Pumpkin is also a fruit.
We have no idea what mauve is.

1. If it itches, it will be scratched. We do that.

1. If we ask what is wrong and you say "nothing," We will act like
nothing's wrong. We know you are lying, but it is just not worth the
hassle.

1. If you ask a question you don't want an answer to, expect an
answer you don't want to hear.

1. When we have to go somewhere, absolutely anything you wear is
fine. Really!

1. Don't ask us what we're thinking about unless you are prepared to
discuss such topics as SEX, CARS, the shotgun formation, or HOCKEY.

1. You have enough clothes.

1. You have too many shoes.

1. I am in shape. Round IS a shape!

1. Thank you for reading this. Yes, I know, I have to sleep on the
couch tonight; but did you know men really don't mind that? It's like
camping.

How good is He?

I can't get over how Good the Lord has been to us! Really, I have said it again and again. It is amazing how He used that whole ugly PAINFUL ordeal of last year to bring about a wonderful testimony of His refining redemptive love. So many people tell me that we are such on on fire spirit led family for Him. How we are so hospitable, how God's hand is on us. We tell them that it is because of God's mercy and goodness, and the sanctification that took place all of last year, (well, my whole life really) and our promise as a family to use what God has given us for HIS purposes! I don't think we would have been so appreciative of what we have now, if we didn't go through the fiery furnace of last year! I can't tell you the changes in my husband. I get to hear him sharing his faith, his reasons for why we are pursuing adoption, HIS TESTIMONY! He is growing and it is faith building. My favorite thing is to hear him sing hymns worshipping the Lord. :-) I thank the Lord for my wonderful husband who has had to see me learn how to trust, and love and yield. He is so patient. We will be married 7 year son the 31st. He wants to be baptized.

I am also so grateful to be alive. I see it more and more as I interact with people who raised me that are caught in a snare of suffering and sin. There were so many times Satan tried to snuff out my life ( and prevent my children from being brought into this world), and to see me keep my in bondage. It is so wonderful to see how God has used each hurt and trial to bring Him Glory. I am glad for the many people HE brought to my life that encourage me in my walk. I am blessed by the people the Lord puts in our path to witness and minister too, and to pray for. I am thankful for the many sisters that prayed with me during the Retreat! The Lord has healed my broken and hurt heart in a way that I never thought possible! The Joy of the Lord is our STRENGTH! I have been able to minister to my mother and others about how God wants us to live and abundant life and how He can HEAL our hurts and cleanse our ugly pasts. That He uses all things for Good. I am thankful that the Lord can pick up the pieces of the mess that we have made and the hole we have dug for ourselves and make it a masterpiece of His grace and glory! I am thankful that He uses the foolish things of this world to confound the wise. Sorry this is so long...LUKE 7:36-47. To whom much is forgiven, he loveth much; and to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.


Psalm 40: 1 I waited patiently for the LORD; And He inclined to me and heard my cry. He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay,

Psalm 40:3 He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.
Alida

My Family doesn't GET me!

I just I just felt like sharing...


my family doesn't get me at all. a couple days ago a family member made this hint to me that I am cold, uncaring, not affectionate to my kids, that my boys will find wives that are the same way. Then made a comment that I am too stern have too high expectations, also that my kids will never be able to find a wife as I won't ever let them go, and let them out of my sight. ( They are homescooled and we don't do Sunday school)

I was like are you SERIOUS? I am an attachment parenting mother! They would quite possibly be the ONLY one on the planet that would call me uncaring, and cold. I breastfed my TWINS until they were 4.5 YEARS old! There are total strangers that I meet in a store or online for 5 or 10 minutes that know more about my ideals and philosophies than my own family. Also, do they need to be spouse searching at the ripe ole age of 6? I DO expect my children to obey me. I DO check attitudes and character issues, and nip bad behavior in the bud, and I DO lovingly enforce consequences.. But I DON'T consider my behavior to be uncaring.

The same relative also said a week before that the homeschooling issue really bugs her. It also bothers her that we seem to be so counterculture. (Which I thought we were SUPPOSED to be, not conformed to this world but transformed by the rewing of our minds, in the world not of the world, the 1 century church turned the world right side up! .. but I digress) but her spouse reminded her that considering what I came from it could be much worse, after all, I could be all strung out on crack! so... homeschooling the kids, or crack habit...well homeschooling is ATLEAST one notch above crack... hehehe it actually sounds so funny typing this out. I am giggling as I type...

Interestingly enough this same relative admits that my children are wonderful, good, easy going, behaved her words, not mine... could it POSSIBLY be that MAYBE the weird horrific way I parent might have SOMETHING to do with it? OR is it completely by chance that my children are a joy and delight to be around, and are wonderful compassionate, moral God-fearing people? We may never know the real answer! Hope this cheers you up. Or makes you laugh.. Also, if anyone has a couple of daughters that need a spouse... Canaan & Elijah will be 7 in July. They like long walks on the beach, puppies, and Bibleman! So the girls would have to be OK with that... ;-) I don't want to let them get too old and not be able to find a suitable wife. hehehe ok, I'm off to bed.

Can You Shelter a Child TOO Much?

By Gena Suarez Do you "shelter" your children?We're finding that's a bad word in some circles. Something is creeping into the church (and even the homeschooling community), and it isn't biblical. It is an "anti-sheltering campaign" of sorts, and it's full of holes. Think about it. What does it mean to shelter? Protect. Defend. Guard. Preserve. Watch over. Shield. Safeguard. Hmmmm, so far so good, right? Sure, until "pop psychology" comes in and tells us we should allow our children to taste a little of the world in order to understand it or pray for it - that we should not "over-shelter" them. Nonsense.

What's the opposite of shelter? Expose. Endanger. We parents are called to be like our Father in Heaven. He is the greatest "Shelterer" there ever was, and it is us He shelters - or watches over; protecting us, preserving us, shielding us. Praise Him for this! Glory to God who knows how to parent (shelter) us perfectly. May we as parents follow this model - His model. Let's continue to shelter (love) our children as He loves us. Dismiss the garbage that crawls in; don't buy it. We're promised there will be false teachers, liars in the church (and there are many). I want to keep my eyes focused on Christ, come what may.

Parents: Keep sheltering them. You are bringing them up in the love and admonition of the Lord, not in the latest "homeschool philosophy." God's word trumps any speaker! It dwarfs any author! May you be blessed as you continue to walk in obedience of His word.

Lord, thank you for sheltering me. Please never stop. "Over-shelter" if You will (if there is such a thing). Fine with me!

Over-protect, over-defend, over-guard me; please do! I'll take it all, Lord. Keep me tight to Your side. I'm safe in that place. There, I can breathe and thrive. It's where I live.

For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. - Psalms 61:3

Action point: Do you need to repent to someone today for looking down on (judging) them? Have you been a thorn in another parent's side over this issue? Who have you scolded or cryptically "spoken to" about their "overbearance" in regards to their own children? It might be time to humbly pick up the phone or shoot off an email.

Parents who strongly shelter their children are to be praised, not made to feel inadequate or odd. That's the world lying to us, there. And this world is not our home. - Paul & Gena

Sincerely, Paul and Gena Suarez

My Abortion/Why I am Prolife

My Abortion/Why I am Prolife
My abortion.

When I was about 14 years old (1995), I had an abortion. I have always regretted this decision. It will always stay with me. Abortions snuff out human life and damage mothers as well. Yes you are a mother even if your child is ripped away from your womb. 14 was a crazy horrible time for me. My mother was on drugs, I was with an abusive guy that didn't really love me, and I felt trapped. I hated school anyway, but trying to get up and go to school when I was nauseous and vomiting to teachers that didn't like me in the first place was hard. My boyfriend didn't believe me so I saved the pregnancy test and showed him. He seemed very excited at first. (afterall he bragged how he put holes in the condoms) I was confused and hid the pregnancy for awhile, wasn't hard as my mom was doing her own thing. I just wanted time to figure out what to do. I didn't want the baby, I figured I was so messed up, I couldn't raise any child to be decent, especially with a guy that would beat up on me. It was like living my moms life all over again. My mom used to tell me "you better not get pregnant, I won't keep you or a kid if you do. I'll put you in one of those group homes. " I didn't want an abortion either. I saw a few movies where gals gave there babies up to loving homes and that seemed ok. I just needed more time, more information. I was told my baby was just a mass of cells. Deep down I knew better and did want an alternative like adoption.

My friend Jennifer came over after school. When I came in my mom mentioned that when Jennifer left, she needed to speak with me. When I went to my room I panicked.. I'll never know why, but my mother decided out of the blue to clean my room, do my laundry and when I came home from school, I came in to see the jeans with the pregnancy test gone! A very sick feeling in my stomach came over me. I wished Jennifer would not go home. My mom confronted me about it. I confessed that I was indeed pregnant. She mentioned that this wouldn't come between us and that we'd get through it.

It was decided that I'd get an abortion. Later on I mentioned adoption. That idea was quickly shot down by my mother, my boyfriend and his mother.(who didn't want "proof" of statutory rape, he was almost turning 18) They felt that I'd get to "attached " to the baby and refuse to give it up. The appointment was set at a planned parenthood. ( an evil organization) I walked up and saw one lone protester and hoped (prayed that is she came up and spoke to me I wouldn't do it) I hoped she'd come speak to my mother and I. She was far away. I remember two girls with their boyfriends who were very casual, not at all upset. This surprised me. They discovered that I had asthma and that my mom needed to drive home and get my inhaler before the surgery. During that time I tried to protest to my boyfriend that we could do this another way. He mentioned that I'd have my whole life ahead of me to have kids, and that we just needed to do this. This was upsetting as this baby was HIS idea. I was the one who insisted on using "protection." I remember thinking... "oh God, twins run in my family, what if am killing TWO babies! The twins I always wanted" I felt like had no choice. I could have run away until I was too far along for the abortion, but that frightened me. I was told that runways go to juvenile hall. I didn't want a criminal record. I wished I could some how freeze the growth of baby in my womb to a time when I was older and could either take care of this child or decide what to do. I can see how girls panic , hide their pregnancies, block it out of their mind and sort of forget their pregnancy.

Even though I mentioned to 2or 3 staff members that I did NOT want my abortion and that they were making me do this, they ignored me and gave me scrubs to put on and lead me down the hall. There was NEVER a discussions on other options. Why? because they wanted to make money. Because they probably didn't acknowledge that every child, yes even black children borne to teenage mothers out of wedlock, are wanted children. A child created by God for His purposes. A child that could bring new life and joy to a barren family's longing loving arms. They made me get on a table with stir ups. Told me to scoot way down. I'll never forget the doctor aned nurses in their scrubs looking at me in the white bare operating room. They gave me a IV and told me to count backward from 100. I think I only got to like 97.

I woke up feeling drugged and foggy. I was hysterical and crying and saying something about "they killed the baby, the baby's gone!" I remember something one of the staff members said "we got ourselves a crier here, a drama queen (or something to that affect)" then I fell asleep again. I remember waking up and them wheeling me into a room with other ladies on beds. Gee there must have been 6 or 8 gals there. They were all chatting like it was no big deal. One of them said "this is my fourth time" another lady who was older maybe like 30's said oh I had this procedure done about 4 or 7 times. I can't recall. I was like "What! how can you do this ? why? I will NEVER be back here again." To which they replied "sure that's what they all say!" I felt so worthless, violated and ashamed. I was angry at being in this situation and for being here. They made me get up and sit on the toilet. Something about getting clots out, or I'd get sick. I was bleeding heavily, there was SO much blood. I wondered if the clots of blood were pieces of the baby. I felt all the more guilty. They gave me pads and dismissed me and told me to wait a few weeks before having sex again. This bothered my boyfriend. I felt dizzy. My boyfriend held my hand as we left and made jokes to cheer me up. He seemed fine. My mom made me lunch and told me to take it easy. My boyfriend had so readily gotten over the ordeal that he was pressuring me for intercourse about an hour or two after the surgery. Why I stayed with him so long, I'll never know. I guess I always knew the only family I had would be the one I made. Maybe I figured at least I got to choose who would mistreat me.

About a month later, I was at school and coming back from lunch. I believe it was a man who handed me a paper about the development of babies and options to abortions with pictures and descriptions of abortion procedures. I read it and immediately felt sick to my stomach. the 11 week old baby was so developed already. When I saw how much my baby looked like a baby I became filled with such deep indescribable anguish and regret. The magazine provided many links to homes, shelters and hotlines for young women. Where was all of this a month ago?

I never thought the Lord would bless me with children as I had committed so great a sin. The Lord has been merciful and given me 4! I have been restored to fellowship with him. God's has blessed me greatly, but sometimes I wonder if I had one baby or twins that were aborted. What would my 11 year old look like. Would they have green eyes like their father, dimples like my kids now. Would he or she have had curly hair? I know that will see my child in heaven, but not a day goes by that I don't wish that I wouldn't have chosen the easy way out. In Jesus, Alida

Guy's Rules

Guy's Rules

At last a guy has taken the time to write this all down. Finally, the guys' side of the story. (I must admit, it's pretty good.) We always hear "the rules" from the female side. Now here are the rules from the male side. These are our rules!Please note.. These are all numbered "1" ON PURPOSE!

1. Men are NOT mind readers.

1. Learn to work the toilet seat. You're a big girl. If it's up, put it down. We need it up, you need it down. You don't hear us complaining about you leaving it down.

1. Sunday sports. It's like the full moon or the changing of the tides. Let it be.

1. Shopping is NOT a sport. And no, we are never going to think of it that way.

1. Crying is blackmail.

1. Ask for what you want. Let us be clear on this one: Subtle hints do not work! Strong hints do not work! Obvious hints do not work! Just say it!

1. Yes and No are perfectly acceptable answers to almost every question.

1. Come to us with a problem only if you want help solving it. That's what we do. Sympathy is what your girlfriends are for.

1. A headache that lasts for 17 months is a Problem. See a doctor.

1. Anything we said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument. In fact, all comments become null and void after 7 Days.

1. If you won't dress like the Victoria's Secret girls, don't expect us to act like soap opera guys.1. If you think you're fat, you probably are. Don't ask us.

1. If something we said can be interpreted two ways and one of the ways makes you sad or angry, we meant the other one.

1. You can either ask us to do something or tell us how you want it done. Not both. If you already know best how to do it, just do it yourself.

1. Whenever possible, Please say whatever you have to say during commercials.1. Christopher Columbus did NOT need directions and neither do we.

1. ALL men see in only 16 colors, like Windows default settings. Peach, for example, is a fruit, not A color. Pumpkin is also a fruit. We have no idea what mauve is.

1. If it itches, it will be scratched. We do that.

1. If we ask what is wrong and you say "nothing," We will act like nothing's wrong. We know you are lying, but it is just not worth the hassle.

1. If you ask a question you don't want an answer to, expect an answer you don't want to hear.1. When we have to go somewhere, absolutely anything you wear is fine. Really!

1. Don't ask us what we're thinking about unless you are prepared to discuss such topics as SEX, CARS, the shotgun formation, or HOCKEY.

1. You have enough clothes.

1. You have too many shoes.

1. I am in shape. Round IS a shape!

1. Thank you for reading this. Yes, I know, I have to sleep on the couch tonight; but did you know men really don't mind that? It's like camping.

Change yourself, Change the World

The following is written on the tomb of an Anglican Bishop in Westminster Abby (1100 A.D):
"When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world. As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change, so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country.
"But it, too, seemed immovable.
"As I grew into my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt, I settled for changing only my family, those closest to me, but alas, they would have none of it.
"And now, as I lie on my deathbed, I suddenly realize: If I had only changed myself first, then by example I would have changed my family."From their inspiration and encouragement, I would then have been able to better my country, and who knows, I may have even changed the world."

Civil War Renactment

Hi Folks,
Yes, my hubby did it, He enlisted in the army! :-) He joined the union! (to free the slaves of course!) I wanted to pass on this pic of my hubby in His reenactment attire. It is so fun to watch Huatzin (aka History Buff) He is the 1st USSS Berdan Sharp Shooters, Company C. Come on out and check us out! Hope to see you at an event! The next reenactment will be September 1 - 2 it is FREE and in Huntington Beach! Huntington Beach Ccivilivil War Reenactment

http://www.beachcalifornia.com/-war-california-actors.html

Its is wonderful to watch. The whole family learns so much! Fathers volunteer with their sons, I hope to get clothing for all of us so that we can stay overnight in our own camp while daddy is with the Soldier guys. ( though you don't have to) They do amputations as well. The whole family can watch or volunteer! They are always looking for volunteers. it is so fun to learn so much about history in such a wonderful way! Hope to see you at an event! A history note... Captured sharp shooters were usually executed because they actually AIMED for there targets, where as line infantry would always point to the direction to where they would fire, and it was up to God on who that bullet would killed. Which is why some soldiers closed their eyes while shooting. The berdans on the other hand choose they would kill. http://www.angelfire.com/co3/sharpshooters/usss.html
In Jesus. ALidaw4
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"May all who come behind us find us faithful." Soli Deo Gloria (For the Glory of God alone)

Isaiah 65:24

Isaiah 65:24

It shall come to pass that BEFORE they call, I WILL answer, and while they are still speaking, I will hear. isn't this so good.what a reminder that before we even ask of the Lord, He is answering.....this encouraged me greatly.the creator of the universe who spoke this world into existence is waiting to hear from me....Jesus already knows our prayer but there is life and healing in the obedience of speaking it to Him i hope it encourages you too.

~~~~~~
This story was written by a doctor who worked in South Africa...
One night I had worked hard to help a mother in the labor ward; but
in spite of all we could do, she died leaving us with a tiny premature baby
and a crying two-year-old daughter. We would have difficulty keeping the
baby alive, as we had no incubator (we had no electricity to run an
incubator).
We also had no special feeding facilities. Although we lived on the
equator, nights were often chilly with treacherous drafts. One student
midwife went for the box we had for such babies and the cotton wool that
the baby would be wrapped in.
Another went to stoke up the fire and fill a hot water bottle. She came
back shortly in distress to tell me that in filling the bottle, it had burst
(rubber perishes easily in tropical climates). "And it is our last hot water
bottle!" she exclaimed. As in the West, it is no good crying over spilled
milk so in Central Africa it might be considered no good crying over burst
water bottles. They do not grow on trees, and there are no drugstores
down forest pathways.
"All right," I said, "put the baby as near the fire as you safely can,
and sleep between the baby and the door to keep it free from drafts.
Your job is to keep the baby warm."
The following noon, as I did most days, I went to have prayers with
any of the orphanage children who chose to gather with me. I gave the
youngsters various suggestions of things to pray about and told them
about the tiny baby. I explained our problem about keeping the baby warm enough, mentioning the hot water bottle, and that the baby could so easily
die if it got chills. I also told them of the two-year-old sister, crying because
her mother had died.
During prayer time, one ten-year old girl, Ruth, prayed with the usual
blunt conciseness of our African children. "Please, God" she prayed, "send
us a water bottle. It'll be no good tomorrow, God, as the baby will be
dead, so please send it this afternoon."
While I gasped inwardly at the audacity of the prayer, she added, "And
while You are about it, would You please send a dolly for the little girl so
she'll know You really love her?"
As often with children's prayers, I was put on the spot. Could I honestly
say,"Amen". I just did not believe that God could do this. Oh, yes, I
know that He can do everything, the Bible says so. But there are limits,
aren't there? The only way God could answer this particular prayer would
be by sending me a parcel from homeland. I had been in Africa for almost
four years at that time, and I had never, ever received a parcel from home.
Anyway, if anyone did send me a parcel, who would put in a hot water
bottle? I lived on the equator! Halfway through the afternoon, while I was
teaching in the nurses' training school, a message was sent that there was
a car at my front door.
By the time I reached home, the car had gone, but there, on the veranda,
was a large twenty-two pound parcel. I felt tears pricking my eyes. I could
not open the parcel alone, so I sent for the orphanage children.
Together we pulled off the string, carefully undoing each knot. We folded
the paper, taking care not to tear it unduly. Excitement was mounting.
Some thirty or forty pairs of eyes were focused on the large cardboard
box. From the top, I lifted out brightly colored, knitted jerseys. Eyes
sparkled as I gave them out. Then there were the knitted bandages for the
leprosy patients, and the children looked a little bored. Then came a box of
mixed raisins and sultanas - that would make a batch of buns for the
weekend. Then, as I put my hand in again, I felt the.....could it really be?
I grasped it and pulled it out - yes, a brand-new, rubber hot water bottle. I
cried. I had not asked God to send it; I had not truly believed that He
could. Ruth was in the front row of the children. She rushed forward,
crying out, "If God has sent the bottle, He must have sent the dolly too!"
Rummaging down to the bottom of the box, she pulled out the small,
beautifully dressed dolly. Her eyes shone! She had never doubted!
Looking up at me, she asked: "Can I g over with you and give this dolly
to that little girl, so she'll know that Jesus really loves her?"
That parcel had been on the way for five whole months. Packed up by my
former Sunday school class, whose leader had heard and obeyed God's
prompting to send a hot water bottle, even to the equator. And one of
the girls had put in a dolly for an African child - five months before, in
answer to the believing prayer of a ten-year-old to bring it "that afternoon."
"Before they call, I will answer" (Isaiah 65:24)

The Momsense Video

The Momsense Video
This is too FUNNY! Clean, and the woman in the clip was from the Women of Faith tour. How many times have you said these things??

http://www.anitarenfroe.com/video_clips_main.htm

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.

Jesus was the Friend of sinners (Luke 7:34). But the important thing to note is that wherever Jesus went, sinners were permanently and radically impacted by Him. Therefore, when you walk into places where worldly stuff is going on, if people start turning to God and repenting from their sin, go for it! If you’re truly impacting the place you’re in — excellent! But if the place is impacting you, causing your own spirit to sag, get out. Pull away. Back off immediately. ‘Oh, but I’m mature in the Lord,’ you say. ‘So it’s OK for me to go into this business venture even though my partners are unbelievers.’Is it really? I refer you to what happened to one of the greatest men of history …Jehoshaphat was a uniquely blessed man. Revival broke out around him; blessings flowed from him; good things came to him. And then, as his life is coming to an end, there’s a P.S. in his story …And after this did Jehoshaphat king of Judah join himself with Ahaziah king of Israel who did very wickedly: And he joined himself with him to make ships to go to Tarshish … 2 Chronicles 20:35-36A godly Jehoshaphat joined with an ungodly Ahaziah in the shipping business. But the venture sunk.You might have walked with the Lord for 30 or 40 years or more. Don’t be like Jehoshaphat, saying, ‘This might not be God’s best for me — but I know my ship will come in eventually.’ A person might become rich financially by joining with an unbeliever, but what does it profit him if he gain the whole world and lose his soul (Mark 8:36)? What good is it if it causes him to be only a shell of what he once was spiritually?What’s your legacy, dad? At one time, you were about the things of the Kingdom; you were a servant, a leader, a worker. But now you’re known as a business whiz. How tragic. Don’t be yoked with unbelievers in any endeavor which will cause you to be sink spiritually.
Jon Courson

Video (watch it) Underground Reality!

http://www.ur-video.com/ This totally inspired me!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~"May all who come behind us find us faithful." Soli Deo Gloria (For the Glory of God alone) Alida Fiametta-RodriguezDomestic Diva, Proud Homemaking Homeschooling Kingdom building Mother to 4_____________Lowly Alida-Daughter of the High King, Wife to Huatzin The Noble Knight, Mother to twins Elijah the Great & Canaan the Magnificent, Virtuous Princess Anaiah Grace 2, Josiah My little man of Valor (5 months)

Update on us Jan/18/2005

Hi Folks,
It has been awhile since I have posted. God is doing a great work in keeping me humble. Lest I not get to prideful thinking I can control everything. :-)

The boys are giving me a run for my money with how much energy they have and how quick witted they are. I am learning patience love and gentleness in parenting three. My mentor Sue is such a sweetheart. She tells me 3 is as hard as it ever got for her, and she has SEVEN!

Huatzin is almost done with school. He does Special Olympics coaching often. I am so proud that he does this and the boys and I LOVE cheering him and the guys on. We will begin a Crown financial class in February, to learn better budgeting to save for a house and learn to be better stewards. Huatzin is amazing! He really is an WONDERFUL dad. The boys admire him and Anaiah wants him MORE than me when he is home! Something I never experienced with the boys. GOD I AM SO BLESSED!!!

The boys are so amazingly smart. Sometimes I wonder WHY they are so smart. God has made them delightfully inquisitive and the whole world to them is an endless place of exploring and learning. I am finally getting the " why questions." They want to know about EVERYTHING! Lord help me keep this desire for knowledge alive.

They are my mirror. If I have ANY flaws at all, they pick up on it and will reflect them right at me! I kept telling them boys in a harsh manner. "BE QUIET! Keep your mouth SHUT." They boys started saying it to each other. When I told them not to say it Canaan said," only YOU can say that mama? Uww burn.

Lord let me not be the hypocritical parent that demands more of my children than I myself can do.

Kids are such a great reason to always try to improve yourself and your condition! There is a saying,

" Live so that when your children think of fairness and integrity, they think of you." H. Jackson Brown

How true that is!

Hope all is well with you all. Alida PROUD mom & wife

Hectic Times

Hectic Times in the Rodriguez Household. Bless my dear sweet children and husband for putting up with such a looney mom! I have been doing the oddest things lately... I am both a scatter brain and an exhausted mental case! lol :o) I threw away my toothbrush and put a dirty diaper in my cabinet!

From appearances, it may " LOOK " like I have things together and under control.. do not be deceived. :o) I put the nose suction in my fridge, I left the Milk on my counter... I am making lists for everything now as I forget anything not written before me in text. The kids have been a bit sick here and there making it hard for me to keep any scheduled engagements.

I a fanatically CONSTANTLY cleaning my home only to discover it filthy with moments of me proclaiming it finished! I feel like I am running around like a chicken with no head... or "a toddler trying to hold 15 things with two hands!" LOL. NEVERTHELESS...

This is such a beautiful blessed time in my life. Even though this has been a challenging year, I am SO blessed. I have had quite a few friends that have either been sick or have relatives that are dying from some type of cancer or illness. I have three beautifully healthy children. One of the gals from my LLL just lost her two month old baby. I couldn't imagine it.

I have such a sweet considerate husband. He supports whatever I do. It really is wonderful. Since Anaiah had been born, our relationship has gone to a whole new level. Who knew that 3's a charm.

We are checking out our options for the boys education. We went to a "considering homeschooling" meeting and I am truly inspired. My dear husband is OK with whatever choice the Lord would lead us to do. I think we will Homeschool.

That means for me that I will not return back to school or work for a long time, maybe not another 20 years or so. Once it sank in it was sobering. I feel encouraged though. I know this will reap eternal rewards and it will touch my children's lives and relationship with the Lord forever. GOD IS GOOD!

I am reading through Ecclesiastes. It is so touching and beautiful. I read through it and it gives me such joy and hope. For everything there is a season! This is the season I am in. I am learning contentment in where ever the Lord puts me. Be Blessed!~ Alida

Ecclesiastes 3:1- "To every [thing there is] a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up [that which is] planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth?
I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.
He hath made every [thing] beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.

She's gonna BLOW! Part 1&2

Part 1

Kids are so amusing... With childrearing, days can be SO frustrating and some days downright embarrassing. A wise woman that I know.. tells me.. " It is all humbling. It ALL Keeps you humble..". Never before have I REALLY appreciated those words... It is my MANTRA when things are going so horribly horribly wrong.. If I remember that it keeps me humble I feel there is purpose behind it.

Lets start off.. (My birthday) Tuesday started off with not much food in the home. The kids asking for candy. I said sure.. we all ended up eating a TON Of candy as I didn't cook till much later. I know I am awful for allowing such a thing. After a loooooong day of refereeing squabbles and hurt feelings, I am near exhausted and looking forward to adult conversation with a friend later on.

Today is one of the toughest days I have had in awhile. the KIDS UNUSUALLY CRANKY.

After awhile I take them out to go vote. EVERYONE there was saying "wow how wonderful your twins are". "They are SO well behaved... What ANGELS!" One woman mentioned that her twins are monsters but mine we so upstanding and obedient. ... HA!They did fine until we went up to Tina's home (she invited us over for dinner)

... I had to wake them in the car, so they had no nap... One of the boys kept trying to hug Isabella.. By picking her up by her neck... Then kept pushing Anaiah WAY to hard in the swing, arguing over toys, tantrums! NO amount of redirecting will help against tired hungry amped on sugar TWIN BOYS.

I will be SHOCKED if she ever has us back again.. I tried to explain it is because they are amped on candy and haven't had a nap.. not sure if she was convinced or not. I feel like that mom of twins on that show (haven't seen much of it) Desperate Housewives. I bet MANY folks with twins have boys like that...

Afterward we peeled out of her home EXHAUSTED!

PART 2

Wednesday, A new day, a new start. Fresh beginnings. We go to a fantastic Bible study. Community Bible Study that is held at a church/private school. I ask the teachers how they did cringing at the recollection of Tuesday's chain of events. They did wonderfully... Little boogers. I was pleased and thankful to hear those words.

AS we were leaving I noticed Elijah looking at the fire alarm. My gut said to move QUICKLY! Alas not quick enough. He pulled and the alarm went off everyone darts for the field. THE WHOLE SCHOOL HAD TO BE EVACUATED! The fire truck came and circled around the school and after 20 minutes of the alarm sironing off we all could leave and the students could return to their classes.

EVERYONE knew it was the lady with the twins who pulled the fire alarm! No one could know my horror! LOL.I then had to go get groceries. Once again they feel asleep in the car and I had to wake them up. I should have KNOWN better.

A wise woman has a saying.. "When your hungry or tired your prone to sin." how true that is how true.Here I am wearing Anaiah in the sling and pushing them in the cart and they are pulling things off the shelves wrestling, poking each other in the eye... jumping out the cart to dance. I RACED through the store grabbing the things I needed and vowed NEVER ever again to take them anywhere with me in public.

We then went down to San Diego. My dear sweet hubby coaches Special Olympics. The kids were wrestling with the athletes, swinging around their equipment... fairly behaved though. They ran around training with the athletes. Not sure how many miles they ran, do you think that wore them out at all? Not in the least! OH to be young and have energy.

Every where we go I feel like a circus show! I am always slinging Anaiah and having to drop everything to race ALL three to the bathroom, or having to referee arguments... or folks will come by to ask questions on the twins and tell me how a niece of there has twins or how they always wanted twins...or how cute and well behaved they are...

Maybe if they read my blog they'd think twice. We will politely stop and chat with them for a bit. The attention started the moment we brought them home from the hospital and hasn't stopped since.

AHH the fame of having multiples... If they aren't staring at them folks are coming up and loving on Anaiah. It is very sweet. Sometimes however, you just want to get in a store and out and not be chatty.

Anyhoo. Hope this makes SOMEONE SMILE. I can only laugh now that time has passed. Perhaps someone will not feel so alone to read this. Perhaps SOME GOOD WILL COME OUT OF THESE TWO LOOOOONG painful days. :o) Oh God is good to let us not think we have things all together. Not sure about you all, but when my home is calm, I start to feel like I am self sufficient, and like I am Miss wonderful altogether Mama.

Again I quote... "It all keeps up humble."