~Perception~

My Pastor started a new series last Sunday morning called  "For God's Glory, by God's Grace."  Both of the words glory and grace are hard words to define.  He had three points to help us out on the word "glory" that were taken from Rev 4:11 and Col 1:15, 2:9.

• The glory of God includes praise - includes any type of worship/ giving
• The glory of God includes pleasure - ask what would please the Lord right now
• The glory of God includes perception - what perception do I leave?

My mind is stuck on the last point.  He reminded us that anyone that met Jesus walked away with the right perception of God.  Am I the image of the invisible God?!?!?!

~Griz~

Well, we have had Griz for a week now!  It is neat to see how he already has changed.  He does much better going up and down the steps and running without tripping over his own big feet.  He likes to be where ever we are, but it seems like he is not a lap dog.  He really enjoys being outside.

He found this chair cushion on the floor and made himself at home.  I chuckled to think that only his head will fit on here soon!

His favorite toy is a ribbon.  He loves to tug on it.  He likes to chew on fingers, hair and clothes... but we are trying to not allow that ☺  He hasn't figured out how to play catch yet.  He will chase a ball, but doesn't think it too fun and never brings it back.

He has started grabbing his blanket out of his pen to play with it.

He has a good schedule for the day... three long naps in his pen for us to get things done without keeping an eye on him.  He also does very well at night now.  He gets up a little early, but the boys are taking turns watching him in the early am so I can keep my morning routine in tact.

~A Vapor~

I started the year by studying the book of James.  I have managed to take a seven week study and make it 9 weeks ☺  I take days off here and there for the lessons I am teaching our Jr church and to our single mom kids.

I have learned so much and should have been sharing all along... I tend to remember more when I share it!

Anyway, last week was a good study for me!

vapor coming off my coffee mug this morning

James 4:14

Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. 

For what is your life? It is even a vapour, 

that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

I learned several things about this "vapour" over the course of several days.

• Our life is a vapor. The eternal view of this is that God is only asking me to do this hard thing called life for a few minutes... I can be faithful!
• My life may be a vapor, but I am still valued by God. After all, he did send his son to die for me.
• My life is a vapor, but each day is willed by God for his pleasure. (Eph 1:5)
• My life is a vapor, and I often waste it by pursuing prosperity over the presence of God... God, however, wants me to pursue him and he will prosper me. (Jer 29:11)

~March~

~Puppy Love~

Didn't see this coming...  This soon anyway.

All Eric wanted for his birthday was a dog.  I love our two cockapoos but the guys all want a big dog... all the guys includes Gregg.  Eric has been looking in the newspaper just about every week for months now.  This week he found an add for golden doodles.  I had been wanting one of those... my weakness I guess☺  He caught both Gregg and I at a weak moment.

We went to meet the puppies on Saturday.  They are eight weeks old were ready to leave home.  We met the mom first and boy was she a sweet dog.  I don't want a dog that sheds or I would have wanted a golden!  Then all the puppies came frolicking out.  Be still my heart, what an adorable sight it was! Somehow, the golden and the white poodle managed to have 4 black puppies.  My guys wanted a black dog... and they are not as desirable for those on the market for a golden doodle so we got a good deal.

The puppies thought Kiersten was one of them

We thought we wanted a boy and we wanted one that looked big.  This guy was the only black male... and his feet and body are beefy (he is already 18 lbs).  He also seemed lovable♥  

We don't have a name picked out for him yet, but that is always the hard part.

We stopped at the store to get him a collar.  The rest of the family had him out playing in the snow while we shopped.  He loves to be outside!

He road well too.

Bullet and River seemed scared of him at first.  Now they are a little annoyed.  I don't think they know what to think right now.

He is doing ok with some steps... it won't be long until he bounds up them without a thought.

Bullet and River don't normally find refuge with Gregg... but he was the closest thing to safety they could find.

Our first night wasn't too bad... poor guy was lonely and I heard him a lot.  We didn't deal with that much with our other dogs because they had each other.  

He is doing very well with being house trained... well, either he is or I am. He is a smart little guy and should catch on quickly.

UPDATE:  We have a name!  Meet Griz!  (short for Grizwald or Grizzly Bear)  the boys are sure hoping he is as big as his name sounds.

~Prairie Primer ~ Little Town on the Prairie~

We missed two weeks because some kids were sick and another week because we didn't have power... so I'm not sure which week of projects we are on :-)  I am enjoying this book much more than "By the Shores of Silver Lake" that we read in December.  I did like "The Long Winter" (we read that in January) but can't find any photos at the moment ~ When I find the photos I'll share those for the book too.  I could certainly understand the issues with the winter book with our nonstop snow storm and power outage!  

We were doing experiments with air this week.

We filled a cup with water and it was held in the cup by a paper.

Which paper will fall faster?!?!

How much air do your lungs hold?  That was a fun one. We started out with a little water bottle not realize how much air our lungs do hold!  We changed containers 3 times before we found a big enough container!  Jared emptied the gallon jug!

We put cold air in a sealed soft sided plastic container and watched it collapse.  Then we put hot air in a glass jar and watched the lid lift off.  Cold air shrinks, hot air expands.

We also compared white flour/bread and whole wheat flour/bread.

We had to skip a few projects but I think we are hitting most of them... the moms are learning as much (or more) than the kids☺

~A Visitor~

I have been hearing the distinct sound of a carnal for a few days.  I finally saw my feathered friend this morning!  Isn't she lovely!

Lest you think I am well learned in the sounds and sights of birds... The cardinal and the woodpecker are the only birds I know the sound of ☺  I only know a few more by sight.  Regardless, I find myself amazed with Gods creativity.  All for us to enjoy!

For the beauty of the earth For the glory of the skies, For the love which from our birth Over and around us lies. Refrain Lord of all, to Thee we raise, This our hymn of grateful praise. For the beauty of each hour, Of the day and of the night, Hill and vale, and tree and flower, Sun and moon, and stars of light.