My husband and I have been friends with a dear couple who have been involved in Children’s Ministries for decades of their lives.  They have no children of their own but have dedicated their lives to other people’s  children expecting nothing in return but only the hope that these little one’s would say “Yes” to the Savior and begin a journey of following Christ.  They are also big train  buffs and each year have the children help them set up a huge train display with the theme “Keep on Track with Jesus.”

The Children learn new “Railroad Words” while they gain an understanding of the Gospel.  When you “Derail” you are in sin and off the track.  When you “Repent” you change direction with the help of the Lord.  “Confess”.… You actually tell on yourself and your heart becomes clean again. You are “Forgiven” and welcomed back.  Then finally you “Re-rail”.… You are back on track and begin to grow spiritually.

In order to keep on track with Jesus you must:

1. Let GOD be the source of your “power.” Matthew 29:19 tells us that All power is given to Me (Christ) in heaven and on earth….Therefore, Go and make disciples of all nations…teaching them to obey all that I’ve commanded you…Remember, I am with you always.

2. When you de-rail, confess and then get back on the track. (1 John 1 :9)  If we confess our sin, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  Read more...

A young woman was about to finish her first year of college. Like so many others her age, she considered herself to be very liberal, and among other liberal ideals, was very much in favor of higher taxes to support more government programs, in other words redistribution of wealth.

She was deeply ashamed that her father was a rather staunch conservative, a feeling she openly expressed. Based on the lectures that she had participated in, and the occasional chat with a professor, she felt that her father had for years harbored an evil, selfish desire to keep what he thought should be his.

One day she was challenging her father on his opposition to higher taxes on the rich and the need for more government programs.

The self-professed objectivity proclaimed by her professors had to be the truth and she indicated so to her father. He responded by asking how she was doing in school.

Taken aback, she answered rather haughtily that she had a 4.0 GPA, and let him know that it was tough to maintain, insisting that she was taking a very difficult course load and was constantly studying, which left her no time to go out and party like other people she knew. She didn’t even have time for a boyfriend, and didn’t really have many college friends because she spent all her time studying.

Her father listened and then asked, “How is your friend Audrey doing?”  Read more...

Our Father in Heaven,
We give thanks for the pleasure
Of gathering together for this occasion.
We give thanks for this food
Prepared by loving hands.
We give thanks for life,
The freedom to enjoy it all
And all other blessings.
As we partake of this food,
We pray for health and strength
To carry on and try to live as You would have us.
This we ask in the name of Christ,
Our Heavenly Father. Amen

~H. Jewell

Creamy Carrot soup with Scallions

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion, coarsely chopped
1 quart low-sodium vegetable broth
1 quart water
2 pounds carrots, sliced 1/3 inch thick
6 large scallions, thinly sliced crosswise
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup milk
Salt and freshly ground pepper

Melt the butter in 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Add the onion, cover and cook over low heat,  until softened. Add  broth and water along with the carrots and bring to a boil. Simmer over low heat until the carrots are tender.
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the scallions  and cook over moderately high heat, stirring, until the scallions are softened, about 1 minute.
Working in batches, puree the carrot soup in a blender until smooth; transfer to a clean saucepan. Stir in the cream and milk and simmer over moderate heat, stirring. Season the soup with salt and pepper and ladle into bowls. Garnish with the scallions  and serve.  Read more...

America has much for which to be thankful. The unequaled freedom enjoyed by our citizens has provided a harvest of plenty to this nation throughout its history. In keeping with America’s heritage, one day each year is set aside for giving thanks to God for all of His blessings. On this day of thanksgiving, it is appropriate that we recall the first thanksgiving, celebrated in the autumn of 1621. After surviving a bitter winter, the Pilgrims planted and harvested a bountiful crop. After the harvest they gathered their families together and joined in celebration and prayer with the Native Americans who had taught them so much. Clearly our forefathers were thankful not only for the material well being of their harvest but for this abundance of goodwill as well.

In this spirit, Thanksgiving has become a day when Americans extend a helping hand to the less fortunate. Long before there was a government welfare program, this spirit of voluntary giving was ingrained in the American character. Americans have always understood that, truly, one must give in order to receive. This should be a day of giving as well as a day of thanks. As we celebrate Thanksgiving in 1981, we should reflect on the full meaning of this day as we enjoy the fellowship that is so much a part of the holiday festivities. Searching our hearts, we should ask what we can do sass individuals to demonstrate our gratitude to God for all He has done. Such reflection can only add to the significance of this precious day of remembrance.  Read more...

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn’t looking I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn’t looking I heard you say a prayer, and I knew there is a God I could always talk to and I learned to trust in God.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don’t.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn’t feel good and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.  Read more...

Love the message in this Country song.  🙂

This video touches my heart…makes me want to be a better parent and example to my boys. (Scroll down pass the clock and turn the music off…Enjoy)

There are little eyes upon you and they’re watching night and day.

There are little ears that quickly take in every word you say.

There are little hands all eager to do anything you do;

And a little boy who’s dreaming of the day he’ll be like you.

You’re the little fellow’s idol, you’re the wisest of the wise.

In his little mind about you no suspicions ever rise.

He believes in you devoutly, holds all you say and do;

He will say and do, in your way when he’s grown up just like you.

There’s a wide-eyed little fellow who believes you’re always right;

And his eyes are always opened, and he watches day and night.

You are setting an example every day in all you do;

For the little boy who’s waiting to grow up to be like you.

Author Unknown

In some of my previous posts I’ve talked about our more relaxed schooling schedule this year.  We are not as focused on our textbooks, and are allowing more time for projects at home, enjoying family activities together, building skills, and strengthening  family relationships.  I have found that this new relaxed year allows for more free time.  Because my boys sometimes seem to need more direction and instruction, I’ve prepared a list for them to use when they are having a difficult time  choosing worthy tasks to fill up their day.  I hope you will enjoy our list and perhaps come up with some ideas for your family.  Enjoy your children….they grow up so fast.  Let’s make plenty of happy memories together! ~Anne

Proverbs 10:8 The wise of heart will receive commands, but a babbling fool will be thrown down.

Ephesians 5:15-17 Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might  Read more...

• Pray about what the Lord would have you to do

• memorize Bible verses
• organize toys
• play ball outside
• clean up yard
• bake something
• learn a new song on piano
• learn a new Christmas song
• ride recumbent stationary bike
• walk the dog
• write a letter

DID YOU KNOW?

As you walk up the steps to the building which houses the U.S. Supreme Court you can see near the top of the building a row of the world’s law givers and each one is facing one in the middle who is facing forward with a full frontal view – it is Moses and he is holding the Ten Commandments!

DID YOU KNOW?

As you enter the Supreme Court courtroom, the two huge oak doors have the Ten Commandments engraved on each lower portion of each door.

DID YOU KNOW?

As you sit inside the courtroom, you can see the wall, right above where the Supreme Court judges sit, a display of the Ten Commandments!

DID YOU KNOW?

There are Bible verses etched in stone all over the Federal Buildings and Monuments in Washington, D.C.

DID YOU KNOW?

James Madison, the fourth president, known as “The Father of Our Constitution” made the following statement “We have staked the whole of all our political institutions upon the capacity of mankind for self-government, upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves, to control ourselves, to sustain ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Patrick Henry, that patriot and Founding Father of our country said, “It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists but by Christians, not on religions but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ”.  Read more...

Take two minutes today to pray for our men and women in the military.  It’s a pittance of time.   We have the greatest military and strongest country in the world.  Our men and women need to be able to win this war and come home.  I pray that our leadership will give them the tools to fight and win so that they can come home soon.  I pray for their protection,  for wisdom, and for their families.  I hope you will enjoy this song as much as I did.  It always makes me cry but it fills my heart with gratitude and thankfulness for such brave men as these. Be sure to scroll down past the clock on the right and click the little black box to shut the music off.

Joseph Ambrose, an 86-year-old World War I veteran, attends the dedication day parade for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.  He is holding the flag that covered the casket of his son, who was killed in the Korean War.

When you see someone in a uniform,
Someone who serves us all,
Doing military duty,
Answering their country’s call,

Take a moment to thank them
For protecting what you hold dear;
Tell them you are proud of them;
Make it very clear.

Just tap them on the shoulder,
Give a smile, and say,
“Thanks for what you’re doing
To keep us safe in the USA!”

By Joanna Fuchs