tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80411554443762607752012-02-16T07:48:11.544-06:00Each moment in life gives us an opportunity to place a stone or stones as reminders of those moments when Christ reached out and touched our life.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.comBlogger741100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-69823012337379705512011-12-14T12:13:00.004-06:002011-12-16T13:14:11.217-06:00

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5 This hit me like a brick this morning!  Since the closing on "Faith Cottage" we have been in almost a dead run. At least that is how it has felt. We closed, and moved and moved and moved. It took about a week to get everything

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-74865936295417979672011-10-18T14:27:00.004-05:002011-12-14T12:11:56.803-06:00

"Is my most important consideration in every undertaking whether or not God would be glorified?" -Beth MooreI have this quote written inside the first pages of my Bible to remind me that EVERY undertaking should be first taken before the throne of God. I'm sorry to say that it doesn't always happen in my house or in my choices. It's more of an afterthought. {shock!} It shouldn't be that way.

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-61450669158019338802011-10-02T18:05:00.008-05:002011-10-18T14:27:23.534-05:00

I just told a friend. I'm packing, Trusting God to handle the details that need to happen within the next 22 days. Yep, that is right, 22 days for us to wrap up the purchase of a home, pack, home school, serve, travel...and pack some more. I told my friend, that if God changes His mind...I'll unpack. But in the mean time, I am going to keep moving forward. And even if He says no, I don't want

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-86398576282896373372011-09-27T23:44:00.002-05:002011-10-02T18:04:56.647-05:00

Have you ever had hiccups? You know those annoying little spasm that happens in your diaphragm, that make it nearly impossible to get anything done while you have them? I looked up the definition of the word. I wanted to know if my understanding was correct. While I had thought that the physical definition was a muscle spasm in the throat, (guess I should have paid better attention in anatomy

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-86770479104711884952011-09-23T16:58:00.004-05:002011-09-23T17:26:11.001-05:00

Summer's over? Umm..okay?!?! Lol, no, really! I didn't realize it was over on the calendar today!For me, having to put on a jacket every morning to walk the pups, seeing my breath at night when we run, the fact that my furnace, not my A/C was on, was the sign that Summer was over. To be honest, this year, it makes me sad! My oldest daughter Kaite, is a senior this year. I'm not ready for that!

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-63696831908743939052011-09-20T20:41:00.008-05:002011-09-21T14:01:52.582-05:00

(photograph by Kaite.Lance)Well.. Now we wait. Wait, now we wait? Indeed.We went on Monday to the Mortgage office and filled out papers galore. Now we get to wait. Wait for underwriters, wait for inspections. Wait for answers. I do not like waiting! Never have....more than likely I never will. But God says to wait, so wait I will. Trusting that this next step we take in faith that He has been

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-61891770522866230802011-09-13T08:30:00.009-05:002011-09-18T21:01:57.674-05:00

photographer unknownWe are in the process of purchasing a home. A modest 1950's ranch in a small town. It has potential. But for me, it comes with fears, and uncertainty. Some, most, unfounded. But with raising and homeschooling five children, I get a bit ansy when it comes to money. Purchasing a home is a HUGE step for me.Bring in the stone. As I have said before Standing Stones or Ebenezer

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-21223003007540673552011-08-03T09:02:00.003-05:002011-08-03T10:03:24.119-05:00

Well this has been a season of new things. This summer, I finally refinished a table I have wanted to do for the past 11 years, I finished a bookcase for our kitchen, planted flowers around our house, I actually purchased a swimming pool pass for us, I helped a friend redecorate her bedroom, her two children's rooms. After bruising my hand, I finally pulled a bow back, (while wearing a dress too

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-22497603954369388932011-05-06T13:48:00.005-05:002011-05-09T12:28:37.769-05:00

(picture courtesy of flickr.com)According to the Merriam-Websters Online Dictionary the definition forReinvent is:transitive verb:1. to make as if for the first time something already invented.2. to remake or redo something completely.3. to bring into use again. That is my goal with this blog. When I first writing the blog it was a way for my distant family to read up on our life a way from

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-76146071682526683512011-03-18T13:01:00.004-05:002011-03-22T20:50:31.797-05:00

"So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob's hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. Then the man said, 'Let me go, for it is daybreak.' But Jacob replied, 'I will not let you go unless you bless me.' The man asked him, 'what is your name?' 'Jacob,' he answered.

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-84202694869091543252011-02-22T09:32:00.002-06:002011-03-22T20:40:42.648-05:00

"Faith does not operate in the realm of the possible. There is no glory for God in that which is humanly possible. Faith begins where man's power ends." ~ George MuellerThat has been the motto for the month of February. Only God can do the miraculous with my father's life. That I will leave in His capable hands. I can do no more than pray. Not that prayer is nothing, but it is in fact the only

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-78245745591374720532011-02-08T14:59:00.005-06:002011-02-08T16:29:57.576-06:00

Photo by vanz on flickrOver the course of the past two weeks, I have spent more time in prayer than I sadly had in a long time! My dad is in the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU). What started as a urinary tract infection led to near death. And now, he lay in a hospital bed attached to a ventilator, sedated for his own safety. Antibiotics, feeding tube, and a several other tubes and wires are

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-1254957620989048822011-01-18T19:39:00.002-06:002011-02-02T15:37:25.082-06:00

Yesterday, God taught me a lesson through my six year old son. A lesson, I wish I would have learned awhile ago. But God has a way of constantly using my children, to teach me. After having finished a Dr. appointment, a lunch date and a trip to Walmart, Daniel and I headed home. He wasn't happy, we had left his paper car, (the one they hand out at Steak n' Shake) at the restaurant. He was

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-36868631345043107262010-12-30T09:04:00.004-06:002011-01-18T19:38:33.859-06:00

(photo courtesy of Cottage Living magazine)It's hard to believe that the end of the year is just a day away! And that a new year approaches with some anxiousness for me.REFLECTING HAD LOTS OF PIZZA and Enjoyed making new friends with our new family! Samuel had a great Webkinz birthday party with new friends, and played all day! Karley attended the Junior High CIY in Chicago in February! She got

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-61278748778037973522010-10-01T06:11:00.003-05:002010-10-01T06:30:16.093-05:00

Over at The Inspired Room, www.theinspiredroom.net, Melissa is starting her annual Autumn Bliss series. I love fall, its my favorite time of year, always has been. I love, leaves on the ground, the muted colors and the smell! Living in Central Illinois again, I get to see Harvest, which has been fairly early this year, but I have enjoyed it none the less.But today Melissa wrote how Autumn helps

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-85768200129197561362010-09-29T14:25:00.006-05:002010-09-29T16:49:39.836-05:00

Well, September has thirty days, and we have almost reach the 30th day.And the month has gone by in a whirlwind! I can hardly believe it is the 29th.School, visits, surprise Birthday parties, and trips! Russ and the kids were kind enough to go with me to IKEA at the beginning of the month! And not only did they enter the store with me, they power shopped with me! I do not like shopping..(ask my

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-1520480447385127242010-09-03T07:31:00.008-05:002010-09-03T11:45:58.217-05:00

flickr image of th. totz photography Do you remember that poem? I am trying to teach Samuel how many days each month has, and the older three will repeat the poem with me, as I am trying to teach it to Samuel, and hopefully Daniel. Thirty days has September,April, June and November.All the rest have thirty-one,But February has twenty-eight,And in a Leap Year,That is when,February has

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-75258558197260002972010-07-31T22:40:00.005-05:002010-08-11T09:16:01.764-05:00

"come to me all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest" Jesus said that. Wish I could do it. Vacations are so stressful...at least for me. The planning, the packing, the traveling, the keeping an extra careful eye on very rambunctious boys, and being in unfamiliar territory. Very unnerving! This year we once again made the trip to Lake Michigan and to Indiana National

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-22598733512922203662010-07-20T06:40:00.004-05:002010-07-20T13:32:45.805-05:00

Well, the month has come and gone and I have not one single picture of the entire summer. That is what happens when you move...you lose or misplace things. Yesterday I did find the camera, finally! but now have to wait until I have batteries for the camera. I do have some but they are old and won't hold any sort of a charge. Vacation is next week so I best hop to it, or the journey and

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-60201617983203893792010-06-01T05:14:00.006-05:002010-06-01T08:00:49.870-05:00

The heavens declare the glory of the Lord!I got up way too early this morning! 3 am or there abouts; I checked my cell at 3:28 wondering why in the world, I was wide awake. Three hours of sleep will not make for a pleasant Mama. I plan on taking a nap later this morning. After quite time and coffee, and maybe a bite to eat.The sunrise was magnificent, as always. It never fails to amaze me the

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-55809104725169601272010-04-08T10:02:00.004-05:002010-04-19T22:57:28.866-05:00

Wait..., I have been busy! Thus the lack of post over the past several months!It's April now and the tree outside my office window is budding and the grass needs to be mowed today! But right now I am sitting in a mess! My office has been turned upside down once again, but this time by me! I moved furniture again! For those of you who know me realize this is a constant in my life. As if moving

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-32137789882473654482009-12-21T13:37:00.005-06:002010-04-08T10:01:01.111-05:00

Yesterday started out very, very rough! We woke up late! Now for some this is not a big deal but for a minister waking up 5 minutes before you co-worker is supposed to come to pick you up for Sunday service this is NOT good! Thankfully, we were able to get everyone up and ready and out the door 25 minutes after we woke! Yep, all seven of us woke up, got dressed and out the door without looking

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-63534685339322740592009-08-31T14:58:00.008-05:002009-10-15T14:50:06.828-05:00

The month has flown by in a blur! In fact most of it is but a memory! Working on school, enjoying the weather, time with each other and looking for another ministry.Today is August 31, Russ' 38th birthday.He has received a Mandrin Orange tree (he wanted it!) a pair of jeans and a gift from the kids that he has yet to receive!Here is a look at what the girls did on their trip and the birthday boy!

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-47742880021062362572009-07-19T20:53:00.011-05:002009-07-21T12:54:34.857-05:00

Photos from the 4th of July at a friends home. We stood in the drizzle and waited for the show! While we waited, our friends gave the kids sparklers to play with! The evening before we went to Navy Lake with Cindy, Clif and Kyle to watch the show! Unfortunately,I don't have photos to share!Russ and IKarley and KaitlynBenjamin and I dualing with sparklers Samuel having a blast!Daniel couldn't get

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-60225274639624483262009-06-06T14:19:00.015-05:002009-06-24T19:12:27.692-05:00

Okay, its not supposed to be June not yet! Well, I must admit I am happy it is June, it just came faster that I was expecting. We've been sort of busy. Herb Festivals, workshops, planting herb gardens, school work, repacking boxes in one of the storage sheds, making new recipes, learning how to sight a gun and visiting different areas!At the end of May we had a trip to visit NCIS on the naval

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-88781936170278194052009-05-24T14:49:00.008-05:002009-05-24T17:17:11.432-05:00

For about the past three months we have been heading to Lowes (as if we don't go there enough as it is) for their I Built It! workshops. This is a time for younger children and their parents/guardians to spend time together, with the children building something. The boys love it and we use it as school lesson as well (but don't tell the kids!)So far the boys have built a rain gauge, a birdhouse,

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-57424820830394398622009-05-23T18:58:00.007-05:002009-05-24T17:21:45.184-05:00

Cindy was given tickets to see the Drag Races in Memphis/Millington area with the option to go to the pit. {The tickets were free all over town, but you had to pay to park your car}Seeing how it was another warm day/evening we all packed up after having our weekly Pizza Night. The boys were excited, Clif had shown them what Drag Racing was with a YouTube video (thank you internet!) And after a

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-63361241130405393372009-05-22T22:28:00.008-05:002010-02-17T13:37:57.320-06:00

Spring days are wonderful and here in Tennessee they are warm. Yesterday we enjoyed the weather and headed for a few parks in our area. Kaitlyn and Karley (if you look closely the boys are in the background)BenjaminDaniel looney toons gang (that's what Russ thought the photo looked like)Then we came home to help Cindy celebrate her birthday! Taco Salad and Fresh Stawberry shortcake! Yum!The only

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-23584216771456014912009-05-10T15:24:00.005-05:002009-05-15T20:57:58.985-05:00

(image from kwerfeldein "contact" on flickr)I have struggled so much with the word "Surrender" this year. Giving up that which I most desire. For me that is a home of my own. And to be honest, it can even be a rental, just as long as I can call it home. This I have been called to surrender. I need to give this over to God. I know that His word is true and that I can believe Him. "I know the

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-489889720121604982009-05-02T11:44:00.006-05:002009-05-04T18:40:49.673-05:00

Once again Melissa over at "The Inspired Room" http://theinspiredroom.net/ has put out a request for a list of things to help remind us once again to celebrate life. And since May is the month to focus on family I will start my list.1. My family, with five children and a wonderful husband I start my list and my month remembering that without them my life would have less joy and celebration. 2. My

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-56586607913258626122009-05-01T12:13:00.004-05:002009-05-01T12:28:55.914-05:00

I want to say "Thank You" to everyone who has been praying for my Dad this past week. So far he is doing okay. He did have to go back to the hospital on Wednesday morning because he woke up with his eyes swollen shut. The doctors did a CAT Scan and could find nothing wrong. So they sent him home and told him to take it easy. He will return again to the hospital next week to have the battery put

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-42494102016624435352009-04-28T15:06:00.013-05:002009-04-30T15:33:52.144-05:00

Recently we asked our dear friend Shannon to help us once more with our family photos. We had a great time. These were taken in a park in Covington, TNOur family Our blessings! Kaitlyn 15, Karley 13, Benjamin 10, Samuel 7 and Daniel 4they aren't supposed to be this old my cousin said it looks like, hear no evil, see just a peak and say whatever want!We tried the correct version of this but this

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-73345411586151342362009-04-04T14:15:00.006-05:002009-04-29T10:13:50.818-05:00

The song "Sweetly Broken" by Jeremy Riddle ran through my head for days. Wondering why, I asked. This is what He is calling me to do. On my knees, humble before Him. Lost in love, wholly surrendered.This hit me again on Sunday at church. I am not sure whether it was the worship service, the sermon or the communion time but I was faced with surrender. All of it. My life, my stuff, my choices, and

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-89323616768243655362009-03-22T20:43:00.009-05:002009-04-23T12:14:22.572-05:00

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/purpose the definition of Purpose is1 a: something set up as an object or end to be attained : 2: a subject under discussion or an action in course of execution.Do you live a life with purpose? Do you set up something as an object or end to be attained? What is the purpose of my life? Unequivocally to give

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-92088071097726041902009-03-17T12:18:00.017-05:002009-03-20T16:53:57.869-05:00

About a month ago, Samuel started asking us every night before bed what we were each thankful for today. So now, we ask every evening what each person is thankful for or about for that day.Samuel - I am thankful that I got to wake up before Daddy left for work so I could spend time with him, and that I learned something while watching Angel Wars.Karley-I am thankful that I got to talk to Audry

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-31100082971020352612009-02-25T21:25:00.008-06:002009-03-14T14:21:58.291-05:00

How many photos can you save on your digital camera? So far the total is 588 on mine! Yes, I have 588 photos on my memory stick screaming for me to have them printed! At least 500 of them now sit in Walmart's photo lab, longing for me to pick them up. You may ask 'why are you waiting?' or 'why so many?' The answer to that is simple. Miscommunication.I went to Walmart, Christmas Eve to have my

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-61322906362250117602009-02-19T10:38:00.009-06:002009-02-20T10:42:02.925-06:00

I hate the dentist office! I usually avoid it at all possible. Usually, Russ will take the kids to the dentist for me since I have a tremendous fear of them. Bad experience in the past traumatized me. Today,I had to take Samuel to the dentist because Russ is at work. And since right now he can't take the time off work, I suffer. The dentist office has changed a bit since I was a kid. The office

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-83900125262874112482009-02-16T13:02:00.012-06:002009-02-17T12:13:48.939-06:00

(image by fazen at flickr) Yesterday, my family and I attended New Hope Christian Church. http://www.newhopechristianchurch.com/ We have been attending New Hope while we are in transistion. The minister is a wonderful, funny man by the name of Scott Greer. Scott has been preaching on the Gospel of Mark with a series called The Mark of Wisdom. If you would like you can go to their site and listen

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-25543241194017857692009-02-05T16:33:00.007-06:002009-02-05T17:11:52.998-06:00

I guess, I need to catch up on the blog. Sorry I haven't posted anything in awhile. Life has still been upside down since December. We still reside in TN. Russ has been looking for a ministry position in various parts of the country and continent. Nothing has surfaced as of yet. We have had some excitement here in Munford, TN. January 28th we got snow... these were taken in the timber behind

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-40958258720174108452009-01-16T16:54:00.004-06:002009-01-20T19:16:24.810-06:00

New look for the blog! I hope someone likes it. It took me a whole day of working on it a while back to get it to work and in the process I lost a few things and got a bit frustrated while doing so. I once again changed the name; the address is already standingstones, so I went back to it after my cousin commented on the name. Standing Stones really does fit us, and in our current season it means

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-22011028499893196272008-12-31T21:36:00.002-06:002008-12-31T21:41:07.600-06:00

Happy New Years from the Lance family!At dinner this evening Russ asked the kids to name off several things that they have been thankful for over the past year. And suprisingly, our children rattled off a list of things for which they are thankful. I do have to confess, thinking about the past year brings joy and pain. Being thankful for all of it is what we are being called to do, trusting that

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-88380509898881215962008-12-30T11:21:00.017-06:002008-12-30T13:44:33.896-06:00

Well...let's see a lot has happened since my last post. Kaitlyn's birthday and Thanksgiving happened on the same day. Below are pictures of Kaitlyn opening presents that she received. I made Kaitlyn a purse for her birthday as well.Then we packed some more and we moved...to Tennessee. Our neighbor James Doran helped us load the truckBenjamin and Issac BerkauWe now live temporarily (since Dec 1)

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-90569870244937826462008-11-12T20:28:00.003-06:002008-11-12T21:14:25.726-06:00

That is what we celebrated this week and last. Karley turned 13, finally a teenager. We celebrated all day with her. She began her day with Chocolate, chocolate chip muffins; per her request, then lunch at Chili's and dessert was Brownies and ice cream. No one believes me that the kids don't prefer cake but not all of them do. Karley showing off the hat she purchased with birthday money, and the

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-57787438130569161212008-11-06T09:38:00.004-06:002008-11-11T16:24:32.723-06:00

The ladies over at iLash {iLashGirls.com} have decided that their word of the month is Happiness. And what would I describe as happiness to me. Well, since happiness is based on my emotions and the current situation, I don't necessarily like the word. I have happiness all around me, at home, work and church. Contentment and satisfaction and that contentment is found in my faith. That is my

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-54584899879829107222008-11-03T21:04:00.009-06:002008-11-05T23:41:22.484-06:00

November has arrived! And I wasn't ready. This month is full of everything. Yesterday was my dad's birthday. "Happy Birthday Dad!" The card is late as normal! Then tomorrow my sister has a birthday, "Happy Birthday Jill," your card is going to be late as well. Sorry! Then Sunday Karley turns 13 and Tuesday Daniel turns 4. And I still have to shop for them too! Thanksgiving is just around the

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-49929811795766451332008-11-01T21:32:00.003-05:002008-11-01T21:59:07.448-05:00

Meet our pumpkins!I am not the Halloween type person, never have been. As one friend put it, "I don't like having my children go around begging for candy". I know that is the point of the day but when I have had teenagers not dressed in costume come to my door for candy, I stopped giving out candy! However, since I have a husband and children who like dressing up for Halloween. We try to do

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-61567129350008870542008-10-26T23:01:00.005-05:002008-10-26T23:23:45.669-05:00

Today was a good day. Since we woke up late this morning we decided to stay home from church. We spent time discussing our faith and what we have been missing. What our goals are and what things we look forward to in the future. We also decided to go on a hike at Pinacle Mountain {I just said we hadn't gone yet} and see if the leaves were changing. We also borrowed an idea I got from mayamade's

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-82189006275067032682008-10-25T22:41:00.008-05:002008-10-26T00:00:44.370-05:00

This month has been crazy. Changes have definetely been happening in my home and life and although I accept them, sometimes I don't always like them. Going to work has been a good thing for me. Russ and the kids have told me as much. I enjoy working with the people I work with. One day I will post pictures of them {after I get permission} so you can all see who they are. I enjoy where I work.

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-32462278488408350452008-10-02T20:21:00.005-05:002008-10-05T10:33:32.867-05:00

(google images/vladstudio)I know many people who absolutely HATE change. Its hard for them. They liked things the way they were, but the funny thing is that change is always around them, they just don't seem to recognize it for what it is.I on the other had need change, just ask Russ. I change things in my house about every 3-4 weeks. Whether it is a bathroom, kitchen, child's room, closet

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-63696059991286661202008-09-24T22:57:00.005-05:002008-09-26T15:06:07.442-05:00

The title holds so many meanings for me right now that I almost feel overwhelmed by the thought.Autumn is almost upon us, more so for those in the north. The leaves change, plants and flowers die back in preparation for the coming winter, animals continue their hunting and gathering, all preparing for a different season in their lives.For me, one aspect that is changing in the midst of this fall

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-46436859532088659382008-09-23T08:13:00.009-05:002008-09-23T10:23:51.729-05:00

To be honest, from childhood the one thing that stands out in the kitchen is Chocolate Chip Cookies! My mom makes the BEST cookies. Now, my husband says he prefers mine, but I think that is because that is all he gets. People over the years have always complimented my mom on her cookies. Try as I might, mine still don't taste like hers, and I even use the same recipe. {I think, I will have to

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-74879716557978619302008-09-19T11:52:00.012-05:002008-09-19T21:59:45.965-05:00

(images from Google photos)I subscribe to a web feed from "The Inspired Room" and Melissa Michaels the author of the site, was discussing our favorite things about fall.For me, Autumn has always been my favorite time of year. I even want to get married in the fall, unfortunately my groom was not a big fan of the season at that time in our lives so I wasn't able to do that, but I have been

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-54400142331915011392008-09-09T11:21:00.004-05:002008-09-09T23:08:56.131-05:00

I love photos from the beach. Especially ones that I was able to take myself. These were right outside the building we were staying in. The sign at the fence read "please keep out Dune Restoration program". So I got online tonight to check it out. The article read "The plantings will help prevent erosion and encourage growth and environment sustenance," {Baldwin CountyNow.com} God speaks to us

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-71332469131966692782008-09-02T12:36:00.009-05:002009-04-23T12:14:05.834-05:00

Now if only I looked as a Hobbit from Tolkiens' book. The past two weeks have been a whirlwind. Driving, seeing new things, seeing loved ones, experiencing new thing, meeting new people, driving. Kind of like Bilbo Baggins, (except for the driving) lots of adventure but no monsters. (though we did have a few close run-ins with accidents)Arkansas to Tennessee through Mississippi to Alabama and

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-56082717590657021832008-08-27T11:32:00.012-05:002008-08-28T21:55:22.468-05:00

Well, let's see for awhile now several have asked for family photos, and photos of the kids. Now, I have them. And you can order them via Webshots if you want them. Just go to www.webshots.com and search for luvmykids2. There should be two albums; the originals or the ones that have been changed to either b/w, sepia,colored or have been blurred a bit. You may have to be a member of webshots to

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-80580760379816073542008-08-26T19:33:00.013-05:002008-08-26T22:18:46.598-05:00

"Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart.Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him and He will do this; He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun." ~ Psalm 37:4-6This verse has new meaning for me, especially after this past week. Many would say its a "name it claim it" verse or "health and wealth"

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-71186337977620992332008-08-12T11:41:00.004-05:002008-08-13T15:56:17.730-05:00

Samuel pulled his own tooth on Thursday August 7th. I write this so that I won't forget. It always amazes me how God shows me things through the kids. What is also amazing is that I notice.Samuel's too had been loose for awhile but he refused to let me pull it. That was fine, it wasn't quite loose enough and I couldn't see the permanent tooth, so I let it go. This past week he came to me

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-91257204333854556652008-07-29T12:57:00.008-05:002008-08-13T15:49:02.058-05:00

Recently we took an idea I had read and put it into practice. Sabbath rest. Oh yeah, we're in ministry, we are supposed to know that we are to have a day of rest. Unfortunately, this hasn't happened. Things come up, people call, responsibilities need to be taken care of before Sunday, life gets busy. However, my family needed rest from everything. This past Saturday that happened. Rest, no

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-7922592862682527262008-07-15T19:41:00.010-05:002008-07-29T12:57:07.496-05:00

Yesterday, God used my parents to give us a wonderful blessing. One in which our whole family is grateful. We spent the day together as a family.Eating at Jason's DeliWe saw Nim's Island with Abigail Breslin, Jodi Foster and Gerard Butler.Playing at this park "The Old Mill" is located in North Little RockThen Russ and I were able to finally have our Anniversary dinner here at Cregeen's Irish Pub

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-65828595722221387432008-07-09T18:41:00.008-05:002008-07-10T12:14:02.610-05:00

"I love you Lord, and I lift my voice, to worship You, O my soul rejoice, take joy my King, in what You hear, may it be a sweet, sweet sound in Your ears. " Karley was just singing that for me. That song has always calmed me, I don't know why, but it does, it's not my favorite, my favorite is Amazing Grace. I like the original as well as Chris Tomlin's remix of it. Mom once told me I used to sing

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-69256063601111068062008-06-18T18:05:00.009-05:002008-06-18T18:44:56.561-05:00

"Come to me, all you who are weary, and burdened, and I will give you rest." ~Matthew 11:28I need this, so does my family. Jesus was talking about those who were laden with burdens of the heart. How many times, have I forsaken the rest and peace of Jesus? Jesus says that His burden is light. Yet, I continue to carry burdens within my heart. "Cast all your anxiety on Him for He cares for you." 1

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-40991492288697281912008-06-13T09:28:00.007-05:002008-06-13T10:06:59.175-05:00

I feel like an idiot. Things have been so hectic at church, that I have completely forgotten that Sunday is Father's Day. We have talked about it, Russ purchased his dad's card already, but I have to run out later and get mine. It will of course be late. I just wish my dad would understand, that its not because I don't love him, that things like cards come late. The holidays, and birthday's are

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-27642829743030739032008-06-08T15:11:00.003-05:002008-06-08T15:28:32.588-05:00

This morning Benjamin was baptized. And my heart sang praises to God. I have been praying for years that he would come to accept Christ and be baptized. Benjamin has always struggled with his anger and temper, he has spent hours praying that God would help him over come. Some of this comes from just being a child, but some of this is a sin that has been passed through the generations. I too

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-90029088032148805192008-06-05T10:15:00.002-05:002008-06-05T15:42:02.847-05:00

I heard something very sad this week. Some only attend church to keep from going to "h***". What a horrible thing. If you don't attend church, or fellowship with other believers because you love Jesus, Why bother?We can only get to heaven because of Jesus, we are only saved by Him. Why would you go do something out of "I am supposed to"? You don't go to church because that is the right

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-34412335209069500032008-06-04T12:29:00.004-05:002008-06-04T12:57:30.563-05:00

Today while reading my personal Bible Study, (the one that I learn from not just teach from), posed this question..."Am I willing to cooperate and prepare the way for Jesus?" I had to stop and consider this. Did I want everything, my emotions, including my attitude, my home, and my life, to coincide with Jesus? Well, of course, I thought, I am in ministry! That is what we do isn't it? But then I

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-24766818667967927842008-06-03T09:58:00.006-05:002008-06-04T13:23:15.280-05:00

Weekends, the ending of a week. Relaxation and rest. Not at the Lance home. Weekends mean more work, well, Daddy style work.We were given several trees this past week to cut up for firewood, the problem was they weren't cut down in small manageable pieces, they were large sections and they were in a location where we could not take our trailer and just load them; Russ had to cut the pieces into

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-85809678586217740032008-05-14T08:34:00.003-05:002008-05-14T09:05:50.145-05:00

Life is messy. I am sure that comes as a shock to some of you (sarcasm dripping). But I am sitting at a desk with a pile of papers to grade, bills to pay, articles to read, books to put away; in a room that is messy, a bed to make and clothes to be hung, in home that is in need of cleaning. It is what I would label as a mess, my mess. And sometimes those messes are very annoying. But, I just read

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-45572942520706467692008-05-12T22:29:00.005-05:002008-05-12T23:14:53.891-05:00

That was our day today.The weekend went fairly well. We had company on Friday, our new friends the Halls minus Klay (he had to work at the fire dept) came over for pizza and visiting.Saturday was Mama's day; Kaitlyn did not feel so hot that day so she did not help. But we got mulch, and lots of it for our backyard and our flower beds in front of the house. Unfortunately, something was in the

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-22692922796936175162008-05-05T10:23:00.005-05:002008-05-06T14:02:38.783-05:00

This past weekend was swamped. We were busy on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. And now I need a break to recover from the weekend. :)On a good note we have two new families come and visit on Sunday. We went to lunch with them that afternoon and told them more about the church and what the plans are (if the Lord allows) for growing the church even more. We had one more family join our congregation.

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-61055804668559467472008-04-30T12:48:00.005-05:002008-05-01T05:50:49.609-05:00

Its beautiful outside today. Sunshine, breeze and a brillant green are what I get to see looking outside our bedroom room window. We have a bit more work to do in the backyard but it still calls to me to come and sit and enjoy. Bask in the beauty God has place before me. I love Spring, to look out and see what God has made new once more, I just wish I could enjoy it again If I could just get rid

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-26299134811051793682008-04-27T09:07:00.003-05:002008-04-27T19:15:16.858-05:00

Well, it looks like more rain is coming our way and unfortunately the storms aren't just outside. Please keep us in prayer this week. The problems we are facing are draining and wearing on both church and family. It would be nice if we could tell all of it to stop and go away but that is not how it works. And its difficult when others don't listen or care to listen. We had one friend say that

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-40730333529886188662008-04-25T12:33:00.002-05:002008-04-25T12:42:56.797-05:00

Well, the kids had their last day at Lighthouse our homeschooling co-op. The day was filled with games, and inflatibles, and food. The kids had a good time. We got a sprinkled on a little but the rain has held out so far. They are still having the rides until 2 but I needed a break, my throat was sore from the yelling I was doing. The kids are now wound up on sugar from all of the candy they

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-77346324874744132072008-04-24T09:02:00.008-05:002008-04-25T12:43:59.522-05:00

It rained early this morning here and once again I have a headache. Russ feels they are allergy related. I think it more stress related and allergies of some sort.Russ is off to visit with Guy this morning and the kids are working on chores before school. I am coping with the shooting pain in my head.Changes in life are going to have to be made, I wish I knew which way they were headed.Please

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8041155444376260775.post-40347982358328215782008-04-23T19:57:00.006-05:002008-04-23T21:29:47.521-05:00

Well, I am trying something new. A blog. I got the idea from someone else and I needed a way to keep family and friends apprised of what was going on with us since we don't always have time to call everyone and fill them in. This way I can update it daily, weekly, every other week or as things change and I need to let you all know. So for the update. Its been awhile for those of you I am sending

Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07276516471649755480noreply@blogger.com0