Give It All

June 2009

2009-06-30T18:17:00.003-05:00

Here is my parents new home on Lake Mille Lacs, where James recently spent two months working!

Heal Me, O Lord, and I Will Be Healed

2009-04-14T14:56:00.002-05:00

"I sought the Lord
and He answered me,
and delivered me
from all my fears.

They looked to Him
and were radiant,
and their faces will never be ashamed

This poor man cried
and the Lord heard him,
and saved him out of all his troubles

The angel of the Lord encamps around
those who fear Him
and rescues them

The righteous cry
and the Lord hears
and delivers them out of all thier troubles

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are
crushed in spirit

Many are the afflictions of the righteous
But the Lord delivers him
out of them all"

Psalm 34, selected verses

Content At Home

2009-03-17T11:16:00.003-05:00

I used to drag my kids here and there, trying to find life in all the activities and people around us. As I have matured in my walk with God, He has impressed on my heart, to be "a happy mother of children!" I don't need to find life in other things, because I am right where He wants me, content at home.
Our little Ezra recently said something very cute and profound, He said, "Mom, I touch Jesus with my whole life!"
Here are some pictures of a typical day at the Knoblauchs, as well as a picture taken of one of our home fellowship meetings that we have been blessed to be hosting every sunday night..................

I Will Waste My Life

2009-03-07T10:26:00.003-06:00

"I will waste my life
I'll be tested and tried
with no regrets inside of me
to find I'm at Your feet

I'll leave my father's house
and I'll leave my mother
I'll leave all I have known
and I'll have no other
I am in love with You
there is no cost
I am in love with You
there is no loss
I am in love with You
I want to take Your Name
I am in love with You
I want to cling to You, Jesus
Just let me cling to You, Jesus

I'll say goodbye to my father, my mother
I'll turn my back on every other lover
and I'll press on
yes, I'll press on"

by Misty Edwards

The Best Moment

2009-01-29T16:55:00.003-06:00

As we were driving to church on Saturday night, I had the very best, sweetest moment as a parent I have had so far in four years. I was talking to Isaac and Ezra who were in the backseat of the van about how excited I was to worship Jesus at church and to be with them and Daddy and Shiloh, because they are my very most favorite people in the world.(: Then Isaac said, "I love you, but Mom, I love Jesus more than I love you and daddy and bubby and shiloh, because He died on the cross for my sins!" So sweet. If your cheif purpose in life is to bring your children into the Lordship of Jesus Christ, these are the best words you could ever hear!

Love In Action

2009-01-06T21:39:00.003-06:00

Today, our dear friends Chris and Jeanne Adams and Eric, as well as our new friend George, gave their entire day to help us paint our house. James has been working 12 hours a day nonstop for over two weeks now, and so it was up to me, (Alyssa) to get our house painted and ready to go on the market at the end of the month. As I was praying and thinking about this task, it just seemed so overwhelming. With three small children, painting an entire main level and part of our upper level was a crazy thought! Well, let me tell you, nothing is too big for our God.

Chris and Jeanne found out about this, and recruited a whole crew of their friends to get the job done for us, for free! James and I were blown away by thier heart to serve us and help take this burden off of our shoulders. Never, besides family, have we experienced such a selfless giving. Chris, Jeanne, Shannon, Eric and George, thank you!!!! We pray that God will bless you a million times over for your hearts to serve His body. What an example of Love in action. Your kindness will not be forgotten...........

New Years Resolution

2009-01-02T16:04:00.002-06:00

Shortly before the begining of 2009, James and I were watching a youth conference on God TV. One of the preachers was sharing a message about a generation of "Nazarites" that he feels the Lord is going to bring forth as we approach the end times before Jesus' return to earth. James and I were very impacted, sobered and excited about this message. We began thinking about our son, Ezra, who's middle name is Nazareth. When I was pregnant with him, we chose the middle name Nazareth for Ezra because of the consecration we felt that the name represented. Not only is Nazareth the city of Jesus' youth, thus making it an honorable name, but the concept of being a "Nazarite" is also a wonderful thing. We believed as we began to bring Ezra into this world that part of God's purpose for Ezra was for him to be a forerunner, an evangelist, like John the Baptist was, a fire for the Lord in this generation. Our pastor Bruce, was sharing a scripture last service in which he referenced the verse in the Bible that speaks of being " a holy people, set apart, shining like stars in this wicked and depraved generation." I love the way this verse ties in with the concept of being a "Nazarite." The beauty of the concept is a person, and ultimately a generation of people, who are set apart unto the Lord as the Nazarites in the bible were. They did not cut their hair, they did not drink wine, and a number of other things, which led their outward conduct to reflect their inward devotion to the Lord. I know that God wants and earnestly desires, and will have, a generation of youth that will be set apart to him in complete holiness in these last days, as John the Baptist and the Nazarites were. As the IHOP worship team declared, "He won't relent until He has it all, our hearts are His." My prayer is that myself, my husband and my children will be passionately pursuing our Lord to the point of being in such intense fellowship with Him that all else falls away, revealing total holiness by the work of His Holy Spirit that will enable us to shine like stars in the universe amidst a crooked and perverse generation. In this New Year, make it your resolution and purpose to be set apart unto the Lord as the Nazarites were, for He alone is life and truth, and nothing else will satisfy; He is worthy!

Florida Trip Pictures and Our Anniversary

2008-12-22T23:35:00.005-06:00

I never did post any pictures of the wonderful trip that our family took to Florida back in October, so here are some ones of the beach there in Pensacola.
For our five year anniversary, which was really special; I can't believe it has already been 5 whole years!, my hubby brought home some GORGEOUS flowers for me, and bought me a beautiful anniversary/wedding band. But, presents aside, I think he is the best present of all(:

2008-12-03T12:28:00.002-06:00

O Holy Night
the stars are brightly shining
it is the night of our dear Savior's birth
long lay the world in sin and ever-pining
until He appeared........and the sould felt it's worth

A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices
for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn
Fall on your knees........
O hear the angel voices
O night Divine
O night when Christ was born

O night, Divine
O night when Christ was born...

Fall on your knees
O hear the angel voices......
O night Divine
O night when Christ was born

We love you, sweet Jesus

JAMES AND ALYSSA, FIVE YEARS....

2008-11-28T22:14:00.007-06:00

"Today, I promise, to give myself to you, to be suited perfectly to you in everything, to honor you, follow you, esteem you, and serve you as serving the Lord. I will love you now and forever, for richer or poorer, for better or worse, in sickness and in health, til Jesus takes us home. I Alyssa Rose, take you, James Eric, to be my husband, and me, to be your wife......."

Dear, dear James(;
We have loved,
we have struggled,
we have fought,
we have made up,
we have changed,
we have grown,
we have failed,
we have forgiven,
and we have overcome.
We have laughed,
we have kissed,
we have cried,
and we have held on through the dark valleys.

You have loved me when I have been unlovable,
you have stood by my side when I didn't deserve your faithfulness,
you have taught me what no other teacher in my life has,
you have seen me in a way that no one ever has,
you know my flaws, and you chose to love me anyway,
you taught me how to work,
how to not be afraid,
how to be strong,
how to not be afriad of spiders,
how to not be afraid of the dark,
you taught me how to cook,
how to ride on a motorcycle and how to camp.
You have made me a better woman than the little girl I was when I met you.
You have taught me how to fight and overcome
by your example of never giving up.
You held my hand when I was in surgery,
you held each of our children before I did,
and prayed over them.
You have taught me how to see behind the visible,
how to discern what is really happening in a situation.
You have taught me how to be wise with our household,
how to drive a car better,
and how to make our boys strong.
You are the only man who has never abandoned me,
you are the only friend who has always been there,
even if life becomes unbearable,
we bear it together.
You have poured out your heart to me,
day after day,
you have shared your dreams with me,
and helped me see the true meaning of love.

You are an amazing reflection of Christ's love to me,
you are the most caring, fun and special father,
the hardest worker,
the smartest and most discerning man I know,
and with the biggest heart in the world.
God is truly forming you and making you after His own image,
and I know beyond the shadow of a doubt,
as Jason Ma prophesied,
"That God will make you whole,
and that He will send to you to all nations,
to tell of His glory."
You are becoming more and more like Him every day,
and I am so proud of you.

I love you now a thousand times more than i did the day we met.....

I love you a thousand times more than the day we got engaged...

I love you a thousand times more than the day we got married.........

I love you James Eric Knoblauch,
and I thank my sweet and faithful God for you every minute of every day-
you are my hero!
Happy FIVE YEAR ANNIVERSARY(:

Your Girl

Isaac Goes to the Dentist!

2008-11-19T14:52:00.003-06:00

Our little birthday boy, Isaac James, went to the dentist for the first time yesterday, and it was quite the affair! I had been putting off taking him for over a year and I decided that onn his fourth bday, it was just getting ridiculous that we hadn't had his teeth checked yet, so I made the apt. Isaac was adamant that he did not want to go, because the dentist in the movie "Finding Nemo" was always drilling on someone's teeth and then they would scream. What an observant kid! I never would have even thought of that! After much explanation, I finally convinced Isaac that they were just going to "count" his teeth. He still didn't want to go, but on we went. I was a little concerned that when we got there, he was going to make a big fuss, but lo and behold, he was very brave! He climbed right up into the big dentist's chair and proudly said, "I'll go first so Bubby won't be scared!" And he did a great job, even when they were taking x-rays of his teeth. My my, he's getting to be such a big boy. Bubby, on the other hand, seemed calm right up until it was his turn, and then he began kicking and screaming and I had to hold him in the chair. Let's just suffice it to say, his check lasted all of sixty seconds! But afterwards, I got him to sit in the chair and take a pretty cute picture.

We're Back!

2008-11-12T14:22:00.004-06:00

Hi Friends and Family!
We have been back from Florida now for almost three weeks and are finally settling back into our daily routine. I haven't been posting much since we got back because we have been really focusing on getting our house and kids back into the swing of things! Out family trip to Florida was great, such a good and much needed break for James and a really exciting adventure for the kids. We had a great time with my parents and had many fun outings, also swimming in the pool and the ocean. While in Florida, James read a phenomenal book, "The Shack", which was recommended by our pastor, Bruce. I read it shortly after coming back home, and it has really touched both James and I in our walks with the Lord, and challenged our relationship with God. I would encourage all of you to read it!
This past weekend, James went deer hunting with his Mom, new step Dad and brother, Aaron. James did get a deer, and we were all really proud!
Today is Isaac's 4th Birthday and we celebrated as a family last night with a birthday dinner and a homemade hot fudge birthday cake. Isaac blew out his candles and was very excited! We also had a fun bday breakfast this morning and a trip to "Sharks Are" at Mall of America with mom and the kids today. Isaac and Bubby are really looking forward to having all of you over on November 23rd to our home! Here are some pictures

Carving Pumpkins!

2008-10-29T15:40:00.002-05:00

Well, the kids enjoyed their first time (that they can remember), carving pumpkins. They loved, especially Isaac, pulling out the pumpkin "slime" and carving the fun faces. Here are some cute pictures

Helping Daddy Work

2008-10-21T22:00:00.000-05:00

Visiting Ruby at the Hospital and James' Family Reunion

2008-10-08T19:50:00.003-05:00

My dear friend Audra had her second baby this last week, Ruby Ann. We went to visit them at the hospital and had the privilege of seeing little Ruby on her very first day in the world. Her Daddy, JP, and big sister Rae were there too, and that was really nice to see them as well. Congratulations, Charlebois'!

James' uncle David came to town the week before we left for florida and we all went out to James' dad's side of the family in Buffalo to meet with them. The kids all had a great time playing in the cornstalks.

Emma Krumbee's with the Bislews!

2008-10-02T21:27:00.002-05:00

Shiloh's Dedication

2008-09-29T15:11:00.004-05:00

Assorted Fall Pictures (:

2008-09-25T22:06:00.006-05:00

Sorry I haven't written much lately, but we have been CRAZY busy and sorting out alot of things! But praise God for His faithfulness and goodness in all things...

Isaac is SUPER excited about cutting up the fish Daddy caught!

Bubby shows us what he thinks about hiding in the "whale bones" at the MN Zoo

Believe it or not, this is where I, (Alyssa) grew up from birth until age 14

Isaac LOVED this "tuff trax" rider at the Emma Krumbees Apple Orchard when we went with the Bislews last weekend

Isaac gets serious about protecting his "little Bubs"

The Church trip to the Minnetonka Orchard was a soaking wet, but superfun experience!

Bubby touches the "father's hand"

Oh, I LOVE having a sweet, pink little baby girl!

2nd Pro Life March and Other Fun Stuff!

2008-09-16T21:29:00.002-05:00

Well we had our second pro life on campus at the U of M today and it was much more interactive that the last one, which was in the rain. Today, the campus was packed and even before we started marching there was a student who was challenging Grant (our associate pastor) about abortion. We had quite a strong response from some of the students, blank stares from a lot of them and one or two friendly faces. there were even two girls from the campus pro choice coalition who were trying to "sabotage" our efforts by marching along side of and in front of us with their pro choice posters. We talked to them a bit, which was good, I think. Below is a picture of our faitful little ones at the march! Also, some other recent pictures.

Autumn Begins...

2008-09-11T16:09:00.004-05:00

Well, fall is officially here, and it is my favorite time of year!
I love it when it gets a little chilly and the leaves begin to turn colors, it is so beautiful. Here are some assorted pictures form the last few weeks.
We have been to the state fair, the Minnesota Zoo, and up to "Grammy's" cabin, yet again!

Pro Life March on Campus

2008-09-02T15:19:00.003-05:00

State Fair

2008-09-02T15:12:00.002-05:00

Pro Life T Shirt Day at the Knoblauchs

2008-08-31T23:18:00.004-05:00

Beth Buse, our campus pastor's wife, and I have organized a pro life march for mommies and babies that will be this coming tuesday on the campus of the U of M. We are very excited about this and pray that it will be an encouragement, conviction and prayerful testimony to all those students and faculty to cherish life and to help bring an end to the atrocity of abortion in this nation!
On friday, we had a really fun t shirt painting party at our house for the kids where they decorated their pro life tshirts with their handprints and puffy paint. They will wear the shirts they made at the march.
Here are some pictures!

Fun Pictures

2008-08-30T23:45:00.004-05:00

We have had some fun adventures lately!
My close friend, Bethany got to spend the day with us this tuesday which was really special, since she is usually very busy with Chiropractic school.
then on Thursday we went out on my other friend, Shannon's boat, which was also very fun

Restoration

2008-08-26T23:04:00.003-05:00

"When the Lord brought back
his exiles to Jerusalem,
it was like a dream!

We were filled with laughter
and we sang for joy
And the other nations said,
"What amazing things the Lord
has done for them."
Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us!
What joy!

Restore our fortunes, Lord
as streams renew the desert.

Those who plant in tears
will harvest with shouts of joy.

They weep as they go to plant
their seed,
but they sing as they return
with the harvest.

Psalm 126:1-6

Beaver Creek Valley Camping Trip with the Bardals

2008-08-25T16:14:00.004-05:00

Our family just got back from camping with our friends Mike and Priya Bardal at Beaver Creek Valley this past weekend. The Bardals have most of the cute pictures, which I will post later in the week after I get them, but here are a few from my iPhone for now! We had a blast fishing by the river, having campfires and playing settlers, as well as hiking up a hill and down a long winding trail by the river. Can't wait to do it again next year!

Little Travelers

2008-08-19T22:10:00.002-05:00

The kids and I just got home today, Tuesday from Shell Lake once again! Our whole family went up for the weekend, and then James came home sunday night for work on Monday, but the kids and I stayed up at my parents cabin for a couple more days. Shiloh Maia began to crawl for the first time this week, which was really special, and there is a picture of her first crawl below. Isaac and Bub had their first ice cream cones, and we saw a beautiful sunset over the lake!

Goodbye TV!

2008-08-14T20:32:00.002-05:00

We decided to get rid of our TV this week, we actually sold it on craigslist! It was so funny, because it was such a spiritual battle to get rid of that thing. When James and I first got married, we did not want a TV in our house. That was just something we had in our hearts to do, and later on a TV was given to us, and then when we finished our basement, we bought another one for the basement. James works really hard, and it is nice to relax at night and watch TV, BUT, it had become such a distraction to our time, so we decided to sell it and be done with it for good. I went back and forth in my mind, oh, we should keep it for such and such a reason, then I wanted to sell it and I just went back and forth on it like that. But I have to say that when it was finally out of our bedroom, what a relief! The atmosphere in our bedroom is just so peaceful and to be honest, the whole atmosphere in the house is more peaceful. Amen!
and here's a sweet sweet picture of my darling little baby girl(:

We Stand Before Him

2008-08-10T13:03:00.004-05:00

Your words were found and I ate them, and
Your words became for me a
joy and the delight of my heart;
For I have been called by Your name,
O Lord God of hosts.

I did not sit in the cirle
of the merrymakers,
Nor did I exult.
Because Your hand was heavy upon me,
I sat alone.

For You filled me with indignation.
Why has my pain been perpetual
and my wound incurable,
refusing to be healed?
Will You indeed be to me like a deceptive stream
With water that is unreliable?

Therefore, thus says the Lord,
"If you return,
then I will restore you,
Before Me you will stand;
and if you extract the precious from the worthless
You will become my spokesman
They for their part may turn to you,
But as for you,
you must not turn to them.

Then I will make you to this people
a fortified wall of bronze
and though they fight against you
they will not prevail over you
for I am with you to save you
and deliver you", declares the Lord.

Jeremiah 15:16-20

I was reading this passage yesterday and the Lord was showing me some amazing things!
Jeremiah says that because of the Lord's hand upon him, he did not take part in the lawless partying and revelry around him. He knew that he was to stand before God alone and account for what was in his heart. And not only that, his heart was filled with indignation that those around him were not following God with their hearts. God spoke to Jeremiah and told him that if he would return to the Lord and extract the precious from the worthless, he would be God's spokesman to the people. God is interested in holiness. Holiness is not religion, it is not the keeping of the law. It is the condition of purity in your heart towards God and those around you.

"Come, let us return to the Lord.
For He has torn us,
but He will heal us;
He has wounded us,
but He will bind up our wounds.
He will revive us after two days;
He will raise us up on the third day,
That we may live before Him.
So let us know, let us press on to know the Lord."
Hosea 6:1-3a

Why does the Lord "wound us" and "tear us"? He does it to free us of the selfishness and wickedness that we cling to. He has to tear theres things away from us if we will not let them go. He does it to make us like Him, so that we may know Him better and be free of the ways of the world that only bring death! God is not cruel, but He is just. And He cares for our sanctification, not our comfort.He wants to bring us into true freedom and joy in our spirits that we may glorify Him, and sometimes that process is painful. So if you feel wounded, return to Him! He will heal you, He will free you. Though we don't understand His ways, and we don't understand why He lets us struggle, we can trust his love. I let my children struggle so that they learn how to accomplish what is before them, I let them struggle to make them stronger, even though I could do it for them. I let them struggle to bring them to maturity, because of my love for them, and that is also why I train them!

"Let us press on, for we will reap in due season, if we faint not."
"It is not by might nor power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord."

On a side note! Here are some cute pictures of our little flock(:

Our Little Baby Girl!

2008-08-09T17:35:00.002-05:00

The sweetest face in all the land......! I love my little girl so much

Summer Days...

2008-08-06T16:53:00.001-05:00

Real Fellowship/Communion

2008-08-02T16:56:00.002-05:00

Pastor Bruce has been preaching on the subject of communion or fellowship in the church, and it has really been moving my heart. Actually, the week prior to his message on communion, I had been reading the book of First John and the passage of the prayer that Jesus prayed for his believers before he gave His life on the cross. It was so funny, because, Bruce used both of those passages in his message, and I just knew that the Holy Spirit had been speaking the same thing to my heart and probably the rest of the church's heart as well. There are two things about communion.

-You can't have communion with God without also loving his children/His body.
and
-You can't have real fellowship with the church without "returning to your First Love" (Jesus) which enables you to love the church unselfishly.
-Also, you must be transparent and willing to humble your self, or there will be nothing real happening between the members of the body of Christ.

When I was reading these passages on fellowship, God spoke one other very specific scripture to my heart, and that is, in Revelations where Jesus is speaking to the seven churches and to one of them he says, "You must return to your First Love (Jesus)". That church had loved Jesus passionately at first, but their hearts had become filled with other things.
There is not room for Jesus and other things to have first place in our hearts! There is only one first place, one throne of your heart.
What does it mean to "return to your First Love"?
What does it mean to love Christ and to be transparent?

We have no idea what needs others in the body of Christ may have, the struggles they may be going through, or the help they may need from us as their brothers and sisters in Christ. First John says, "If you claim to love God, but you hate your brother, you are deceiving yourself," he is talking about what real love is. We cannot love God, but be in opposition to his body, we must support His body and help it grow!

Gosh, I just have such a heart to see the Church of God stand as one.
Jesus said that the world will know that God sent Him if we as believers truly love one another. The world is not able to truly love each other, because love comes from God, and they that have not God, have not real love for each other. I am talking about selfless love. The love that lays itself down. THAT is how the world will know that Jesus truly was the Son of God, by His love flowing through us to each other! That is a powerful statement.

The Church is so broken, so divided, so full of pride. It does not always choose to love as Jesus did. We are divided over theology, cultural issues, abortion, gay marriage, politics, and many other things.
Things that the heart of God is not divided on.
It says in the bible that we have One God, One Father, One Faith.
How can we then we divided? Is there not one will of the Holy Spirit to unite us so that the world can see the true power of Christ?
God can and will do this!
When I fellowship with the Holy Spirit, He speaks to me about these issues.
I am not talking about rules, or about legalism. I am talking about God's heart. If you know God's heart, you know where he stands on these issues. Such things should not render the church impotent and lifeless, unable to stand as one against the demonic forces in this present age.
God is raising such a passion in me to see the church united.

There is a song by Jason Upton called,"They Will Know We ARe Christians By Our Love" on his Remember Cd. Listen to that song.

Another scripture that God spoke to me about this is, "unless two be agreed, how can they walk together?"
We must be agreed as the people of God, and we must walk together!
United we stand, divided we fall.

Come on, people of God! Lets love one another with the love of God. Then the world will know that Jesus is who He says He is.

Daddy Tapes

2008-07-28T21:44:00.003-05:00

We are getting ready to start our first year of homeschooling with the boys, Isaac and Bub this September. And I have been going through some materials to get ready, a lot of which I had organized last year, but I came across a book by the Maxwells that Heather Bislew showed me when we were down in Mankato last weekend. It is about managing your time with a schedule that maximizes your time so that all of the things you need to get done each day, school, chores, cooking, devotions, etc are all organized. In the book there is such a great idea! It is called "Daddy Tapes" and the idea is that, as we all know, kids need the nuture and the admonition and teaching of their daddies, but most daddies go to work all day every day and are not there for most of the homeschooling/play throughout the day, and so the kids miss those opportunities. The idea of the Daddy Tapes is that their daddy would pre-record a tape on a certain topic each week and then the kids get to listen to it during the day at an appointed time and spend time with their daddy that way, learning from him on whatever topic he chooses. This is such a fun idea, I love it! Also, here are some recent pictures of the kids.

Isaac Overcomes!

2008-07-23T08:42:00.002-05:00

My parents have a jet ski up at their cabin and the whole summer, Isaac has been afraid to ride it. Every time we mention him going on the jet ski he kicks his legs and hops up and down and shouts "no! It's too scary!" I had been talking to Isaac about how he cannot let fear control him and keep him from doing things in his life and that he needs to trust God that He will keep Isaac safe and that Mommy will not let anything happen to him. He had been talking with me about that for about a month, but still would not go on the jet ski. Finally, right before we left to come home last week, we had abreakthrough with him dealing with fear. I know it may seem silly, since it is just a jet ski, but to him, it was real fear. I know what fear is like and that it can take root in us when we are children and turn into a real debihilitating stronghold when we are adults in different areas of our lives, so I really wanted Isaac to overcome this! I was taking Bubby, who of course, loves the jet ski and has no fear of the water or going FAST! Isaac was standing at the end of the dock looking at Bub and I, and I asked him one more time, "Come on Isaac, don't be afraid! God is going to help you overcome that fear. Come with Mommy and Bubby." And, he said yes! A small victory, but an important one

Contact Your House Representative

2008-07-20T22:23:00.004-05:00

An alarming bill was passed in 2008 regarding our young children that would allow the government officials to mentally screen our young children according to their standards. Please contact your house representative IMMEDIATELY in opposition to this issue and tell them to vote "no" to the HR 3289 Act, Providing Resources for Kids Act of 2008(Pre-K) and the HR 2343 the Education Begins at Home Act.

You can read about this issue at http://edaction.org

The One Thing That Never Changes

2008-07-20T20:31:00.002-05:00

"The One Thing"
by Paul Coleman

Here I am
In a river of questions
Can I pour my heart out to a listening ear?
I see this life
Its valleys and mountains
And I think of all the roads that brought me here
I’ve questioned my reasons
The life I’m living
I’ve questioned my ability
To judge wrong from right
I’ve questioned all the things that I’ve ever called certain
My race, my religion, my country, my mind

But the one thing I don’t question is You
You really love me like you say you do
You really love me like you say you do
Hold me
Hold me

I’ve questioned significance
Meaning and relevance
Does the work I’m doing really matter at all?
Well I’ve questioned my friendships
Alliance, dependence
Who will still be here when I fall?

Only one thing doesn’t change
Only one thing stays the same
All I know at the end of the day is Your love remains
[ The One Thing Lyrics on http://www.lyricsmania.com

When everything falls apart, as it often does, we can count on the truth and love of Christ to be our firm foundtion when all else fails, He will never change. May we all uphold that standard of truth, intergrity, character and love for one another as we seek to be sober minded and vigilent in this present evil age, shining as lights in the universe amongst a twisted and perverse worldly generation.May we be careful to have the fear of the Lord in our hearts to keep us from sinning agianst Him, and to instruct us in all our ways. We are the hope of the world, the instrument of Christ, His body that reaches out to the lives around us!

Shell Lake Playground

2008-07-18T10:35:00.001-05:00

Growing Up/Daddy's Little Helpers

2008-07-13T09:03:00.002-05:00

Bubby Prayed!

2008-07-09T14:40:00.003-05:00

We have been really struggling with Bubby over the last couple of weeks with his attitude and whining, and I have to admit, it has been really sanctifying! We just couldn't seem to get a breakthrough with him, and I have been very troubled by his lack of response to me during these times lately. I had been praying about it and seeking some counsel, and today, something happened. All day today, Bubby has had a really good attitude, and has been happy and listening to my instruction very well. At naptime, I was putting Isaac and Bubby down for their nap and I was telling them a story that I was making up as I went along. I was rocking Bubby in my lap and a story came on my heart, which I think was from the Lord, about Isaac and Bubby when they are grown up. The story was about them buying a red and white airplane and filling it with food and water and bibles and flying over the ocean to Africa and other countries where there were many little children who were hungry and thristy and have never heard the gospel and the Good News of Jesus. I was telling the boys this story about how they would climb in the big red and white airplane and fly over the ocean to hand out the food and water and bibles to the little children and their families and tell them all about Jesus as they read their new bibles. At this point, Bubby said, "Where is Jesus?" and I told him, "Jesus is up in heaven and he sends his Holy Spirit down to earth to fill our hearts if we ask Him to!" and then Bubby said, "Jesus is in MY heart!" and I said, "Is he? You can ask Him to come into your heart and be your Lord and forgive you of your disobedience, and He will fill your heart with joy!" and then, my little two and a half year old son said, " Jesus, come into my heart, amen" and "fill me up!" Bubby has said little prayers before, but always repeating after Mama, and not really on his own very much. But this was different! I knew it was coming from his heart, and I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit. I believe that it was a sincere prayer of faith towards God, and even though he is really little and will make many mistakes as he matures, this will be a turning point in his heart towards the Lord. Thank you Jesus! What a testimony. Even when I fail as a mother and make so many mistakes, and am impatient with my children, and so many other things, God is still so merciful to me! What a wonderful God we serve.

Selection from Psalm 116

2008-07-08T14:40:00.005-05:00

I love the Lord because He hears my voice
and my prayer for mercy
Because He bends down to listen
I will pray as long as I have breath!
Death wrapped its ropes around me;
the terrors of the grave overtook me
I saw only trouble and sorrow
Then I called on the Name of the Lord;
"Please, Lord, save me!"
How kind the Lord is!
How good He is!
So merciful, this God of ours!
The Lord protects those of childlike faith;
Let my soul be at rest again,
for the lord has been good to me.
He has saved me from death,
my eyes from tears,
my feet from stumbling.
And so I walk in the Lord's presence
as I live here on earth

Our family has had some exciting trips and adventures this summer so far, and it has been great! I wish I could say that everything in life is peaches and cream, but there have been some things that we have been facing that have been pretty stressful too, and pretty overwhelming. Sometimes, when I feel like giving up, and I can't feel God's presence, I just begin to read the Psalms. As I was reading them last night, this passage really struck me. Later on, I was rocking Shiloh to sleep and all of a sudden I just felt the Lord's presence come, and He just said, " I am here, I am with you!"

More 4th of July Pictures!

2008-07-06T10:04:00.002-05:00

Fourth of July!

2008-07-04T21:12:00.003-05:00

We spent the 4th of July up at my parents cabin in wisconsin. The kids and I came up on thursday and James just joined us tonight on friday night. We were sooo happy to have him, done with work and up here with us! Hope you all are having a great 4th too, and here are some cute pictures of our weekend so far.

God spoke to Isaac

2008-06-30T22:31:00.000-05:00

Earlier today, Isaac, Ezra and I were outside playing in the sprinkler in the front yard. The kids were riding their bikes back and forth through the sprinkler just like they always do. When I say "ride" their bikes, I mean, sit on their bikes and push their bikes along with their feet on the pavement. Isaac had pushed his bike this way ever since he was old enough to sit on it. He just uses his feet to push the bike along the pavement. Many times I have tried to get him to actually pedal his bike using the pedals, but he has always refused to even try! So today we were playing as usual when I heard Isaac say, "Look Mom, I'm pedaling my bike!" And sure enough, there he was, pedaling along, and doing it just great, for the first time ever! At nap time, I was cuddling him, and I told him how proud I was of him pedaling his bike for the first time. He smiled and then he said to me, "I never wanted to pedal to before. Last days(which is what he says instead of 'yesterday'), I always just pushed my bike with my feet. But today when I was on my bike, God said, "pedal!", so I pedaled! I obeyed God, Momma! He said "pedal" and I did it!" Praise God for His faithfulness to my children! To hear Isaac say that he heard God's voice was SO EXCITING! And that Isaac responded to what God said is even better. We truly serve an amazing and glorious God.

Lake of the Woods

2008-06-29T22:43:00.000-05:00

Wow! What a trip! We spent Friday, Satruday and Sunday on a camping trip up to Lake of the Woods, which for those of you who don't know, is right on the Canadian border of Mn and Canada, about 8 hours north if you include stopping for lunch and potty breaks. Oh my goodness! We left the twin cities around 10am on friday and headed north after meeting up with Aaron, James's brother and his wife and four kids. Aaron and his family were hauling their boat behind them because Lake of the Woods is supposed to have some great fishing. Actually, my whole idea when I planned our family camping trip with the Knoblauchs was, "hey we are going to have seven kids, so why don't we go to this great big lake with a 3 mile long beach and have a fun road trip whihle we are at it!" Well, fun road trip we did! As we drove north, the clouds became darker and darker and darker until, about 2 hours south of Lake of the Woods it began to downpour, and I mean, really downpour! We thought, we will drive through and by the time we get there, it will be clear skies! Well, we got through the storm and then about an hour later, it started again. When we got up to the campground, it was clear skies. We set up our tents, unpacked everything and began grilling our chickend and roasting our corn. James even engineered a really nifty rain shelter out of a tarp, some clothesline and three huge sticks that he found. We had a really nice time friday night by the fire. We tucked ourselves into our little campsite for the night and fell asleep. Well, about 4am the rain started. It kept raining and raining and then about 7:30 am James said we better go into town for breakfast because it was soaking at the campsite. So we all bundled into the cars and headed for town. We had a great breakfast at the Ranch House restaurant in Baudette, MN and then James and the guys bought some fishing bait and we decided to wait out the rain. Well, that didn't end up workin gout, because it just kept on raining! Until around noon, we decided to pack up. The forecast said more and more rain until Sunday, so we headed back to the campsite to pack up. After we packed up in the rain with ponchos on (which was actually pretty fun, James and I were a good team!), the real fun started! We decided to drive down the windy trail to the actual LAKE of the Woods, since we hadn't seen it yet, in the rain. About halfway down the road we saw that a tree had fallen in the storm and we could not pass. I threw James his axe and he chopped the tree so we could move it off of the road and then we got down to the beach. There were about 30-40mph winds on the beach and James and I ran down there and snapped some pictures. Then we hopped in the car and headed the 4hrs back to Brainerd to stay at his mom's house with Aaron and the kids and Debbie(James Mom) and Keith, her husband. They had also come up to camp but there tent was missing two pegs and they had to stay in a hotel friday night! We finally got to Brainerd Saturday night and Aaron's car tracker said that we had driven 15 hours at that point in the last 1 1/2 days! We had dinner and put the kids down and everyone crashed. Then on Sunday we drove the boat to a beautiful lake in Crosby, MN and spent the day on the lake, the kids playing and going on tubing rides behind the boat. We finally got our beautiful sunny day! And acutally, we all got a lot of sun and layed around talking and had a picnic by the lake. It was a great day! Then we packed up and drove back home on Sunday night. Gosh, I feel like I just took a two week obstacle course run or something! It was a crazy weekend

The Present American Age

2008-06-25T14:33:00.000-05:00

Comedian George Carlin passed away on June 22 at the age of 71. A comedic legend, yes, but not someone who’s known for sensitive, retrospective insight on life, but he said this not long ago…

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but
shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more,
but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and
smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees
but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet
more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly and laugh too
little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too
tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.
We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too
much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We’ve learned how to make a living, but not a life. We’ve added years to
life not life to years. We’ve been all the way to the moon and back, but
have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered
outer space but not inner space. We’ve done larger things, but not
better things.

We’ve cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We’ve conquered the
atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan
more, but accomplish less. We’ve learned to rush, but not to wait. We
build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies
than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small
character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days
of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These
are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one
night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from
cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the
showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can
bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share
this insight, or to just hit delete…

Remember, spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not
going to be around forever.
Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because
that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.Remember to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the
only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn’t cost a cent.
Remember to say, “I love you” to your partner and your loved ones, but
most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes
from deep inside of you.
Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person
will not be there again.
Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the
precious thoughts in your mind.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the
moments that take our breath away.

When Will We Get There?

2008-06-24T22:20:00.000-05:00

I was reading an article in Send! magazine which is a magazine about reaching the remote areas of Asia for Christ yesterday. The story I was reading was about a young man who had no purpose in life and was on the verge of stepping in front of a speeding train when the voice of Christ spoke to his heart and said, "Why are you doing this? Your life isn't over yet! There is a purpose for your life, that purpose is Me." The young man gave his life to Christ and began traveling to remote areas of his home country with the gospel. For over two years he knocked on doors talking about Christ, handed out tracks, reached people in any way he could. Many of the areas he went to were hostile to Christians and he was once even stoned for his message. For over two years he never saw even one person give their life to Christ. Yet he pressed on, seeking God and crying out to Him daily. In due season, he reaped a bountiful harvest for His Lord! But imagine if he had given up in those times of discouragement and persecution. Times when it seemed that all he was doing he was doing in vain! I remember when I first gave my heart to the Lord and I just burned with a passion to live a radical life like that. As I embraced God's will for my life in marriage and mommyhood with an equal amount of passion and a desire to reach the nations for Christ, to be on the mission field on short term trips, going back and forth from here to other countires, touching people for Christ and handing out food with my children, that vision never left my heart. And it hasn't to this day. But as the days and weeks and years go by, sometimes the tediousness of American life and bills and what seems like mundane living can really dull you down to those dreams that once burned so strong in your heart. It seems as if the thing syou are doing every day are not leading you towards that vision...but as I read that story, I realized that God uses times like these for preparation of what lies ahead. To see my children giving food to needy little children and to be in that place of total abandonment in a place that is nothing like America! I would sell it all and live that radical life, and I know that our hearts desire to walk that out with Jesus is coming closer and closer each day.

Weekend at Shell Lake

2008-06-22T22:27:00.000-05:00

My parents live at a little cabin in Shell Lake, WI. They were out of town this weekend and offered their cabin to us for a family get away! Here are some cute pictures from this weekend.

Beach Day at Lake Josephine

2008-06-20T22:01:00.000-05:00

Some of the moms from the church had abeach day with the kids yesterday, and it was a blast! The kids had so much fun playing together in the water and eating lunch together, and to top it off, we met a mom at the beach who emmigrated here from Iran in 2005. She was very friendly, and we invited her to visit Maranatha. Here are some pictures from beach day that Amber sent. Thanks for all the fun girls!

2008-06-20T21:51:00.000-05:00

I will thank You, Lord,
among all the people
I will sing Your praises among the nations
For Your unfailing love is higher than the heavens
Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds

Be exalted O God
above the highest heavens
May Your glory shine over all the earth!

Psalms 108:3-4

Why do we act?

2008-06-18T17:19:00.001-05:00

I have been reading the story of king Saul in the old testament recently, and when I was reading last night, something really struck me about Saul's downfall. After he is crowned king of Israel, he is surrounded by the Philistine army and he and his army are waiting for Samuel's arrival before they begin battle. Samuel is going to offer a sacrifice to the Lord on Israel's behalf so they might seek the Lord and pray that He would give them victory in battle. Samuel is a long time coming. At this point, Saul looks around, sees the huge Philistine army that is ready to attack him and his men, and he makes a decision. He offers the sacrifice in the place of Samuel. When Samuel arrives shortly after and sees what Saul has done, he tells Saul that because of what he has done, God is going to take away his authority as king. Saul says to Samuel, " you were a long time coming, and I felt compelled to act." What caught my attention is that Saul acted on his compulsion and not on the commandment of the Lord. He looked around and saw the overwhelming circumstances and chose to act based on his feelings, instead of waiting for the Lord. Because of this decision, he loses the kingdom. I know that the Lord has used this to speak to me about waiting on Him in the midst of overwhelming circumstances that look as if they might destroy me/and my family. Just like Samuel was a long time coming, sometimes it seems that God's salvation of a situation is a long time coming and it seems as if it might be too late, and that is when we make the mistake of acting on our own behalf. God is teaching me that in those moments of decision, instead of acting on compulsion, that is when we need to be still and trust that He is coming!

Our Hearts Cry!

2008-06-16T22:28:00.001-05:00

I've been to town and now I'm back again
I'm tired of living for the pride of men

I've been to church and now I'm back again
I'm tired of living for the pride of men

And the world might think I'm crazy
because I don't run with them
but it's just plain idolatry
when God can't have all of me...

Because I want to live for the will of God
oh Lord
I want to follow, with all of my mind, my heart, my soul
I want to follow you
oh Lord

The enemy of my soul in the world
the enemy of my soul in religion

Where do You want to move me?
Where do You want me to go?
Oh God, draw me out, draw me out, draw me out
by Your hand

Your freedom
to be like the child You created me to be...

Father's Day!

2008-06-15T10:02:00.000-05:00

Here's to the best daddy in the whole wide world! We love you James

My Calling

2008-06-13T22:46:00.000-05:00

Does anyone else love being a mom? Until I met Christ, I never really wanted to have kids. I grew up as an only child and wasn't really around little kids and I never babysat much. It wasn't until God revealed to me what my true calling was that I truly embraced my role as a mommy. As Audra can tell you, when I was eight months pregnant with my first son, Isaac, I didn't even know what a "onesie" was! That's how clueless about children I was right up until I had Isaac. Motherhood was such an overwhelming and all consuming change from the life I was used to. I never realized what it meant to give your life for another person's well being until I had a child. Everything inside of you screams to want to be selfish and take care of your needs, but stronger than that is this longing in your spirit to BE the mama, the teacher, the cuddler, the trainer, the role model, the playmate, to defend and take of and instruct and pray for and engage with your little disciples! It is so sanctifying to give your all for your children, for the purpose God has for them and for you and ultimately, for His glory. Praise God that I was able to embrace that vision all those years ago when I was young and immature and didn't really understand what life was about. If I hadn't followed Jesus's voice down the path He was leading me, I would have missed the greatest blessings in my life: Isaac, Ezra and Shiloh Maia!

What He Went Through

2008-06-12T23:40:00.000-05:00

When I was up at my parents cabin this past weekend, I was making a fire down on the beach for the boys. I was pulling some old decking wood out of a pail to put it on the fire when three huge splinters went into my finger! The biggest of the three splinters went into my skin and poked out the other side....suffice it to say i was in a LOT of pain. I got a needle and tried to pry them out, but the force with which they had gone in had shoved them really deep inside the skin. I was almost in tears at that point and my dad drove me into town to get some numbing gel to try and help with the pain while I perfomed my "little surgery" on my finger to get these splinters out. I put the numbing gel on my finger, but it didn't really do all that much and I realized that in order to get the wood out, I was going to have to pierce the skin open, cut the skin covering the splinters open and then pull them out. After about a half an hour, I was able to bring myself to do it. I used a nail clipper to literally cut my skin open on my fingertip and it was bleeding, let me tell you! Then I pulled the splinters out, and they didn't come out on the first pull either. Do you know what I was thinking the whole time I was doing this? If the pain I am experiencing from cutting open a small section of skin on my finger open is SO painful, I can only imagine how painful it was for Jesus to go through all the whipping and beating and pierced hands and feet that he willingly submitted Himself to for me and you on the cross? And yet..........He did it! He must have experienced 100,000 times that amount of pain, yet for the joy set before Him, He endured that cross. Oh, what love is this, that He would give Himself for me, little old me. But, He did!

Fire!

2008-06-12T15:14:00.000-05:00

James and I were reading the kids their night time bible story the other night, and we were reading the story of Pentecost. Isaac pointed to the flames of fire on the disciples head, and wanted to know why there was fire on them. We have always told the kids, "don't touch fire, you will get burned!" so he didn't understand how the fire on their heads could be a good thing! We explained to him that it was the outpouring of the Holy Spirit manifesting as fire upon the people, and something amazing happened. Isaac closed his little eyes and squinched up his little nose and prayed and said, "God, I want some FIRE on me!" then he did it again. "God, I want some FIRE on me!" It was so amazing to see our little son say those words! How many of us are so content, me included sometimes, to go through our day without the fire of God upon us? When Isaac prayed that prayer, my heart rejoiced, and I remembered how earnestly I had prayed that prayer when I was a new believer. May we all come to Him like children, saying "God, I want some fire on me!" (:

Pictures of James's Deck Job

2008-06-12T00:28:00.000-05:00

This is a picture of the beautiful 300 sq ft deck that James built for my parents over the last two weekends in Wisconsin

Motivation

2008-06-10T09:41:00.000-05:00

I was listening to a sermon last night on the way home from Wisconsin in our van about motivation. The preacher was talking about two different kinds of people, those who are internally motivated and those who are externally motivated. The internally motivated people have the purpose and vision and motivation inside of themselves from God to get up each day and press towards the goals that God has for them while the externally motivated people only move when a negative external circumstance forces them to action. For example, lets say that a dad of five kids is faced with losing his job. The internally motivated person would look at the situation and believe that God will take care of their needs and provide another job for them and he would press on. The externally motivated person would doubt God's love for them based on negative circumstances and would only be moved to find another job when something negative forces his action, like the inablility to pay a mortgage payment or bills. I was thinking about this and God was speaking to me about training kids! He was telling me that our ultimate goal in the training of our kids is to get them to be internally motivated to live for him each day. In the begining their training comes by our externally motivating them to do the right thing, basically training them and praying for them while instructing them in what is right until they catch the vision and internalize that inside their hearts and then they behave the right way out of an internally motivated right heart. When kids grow up, I believe that they abandon Chrisitianity because they were only externally prodded and forced to be Christians, and they never internalized a love for God and a vision to live for him in their own hearts. So when the parents watchful hands come off of their life when they turn 18 and they have to begin a life of their own, the external motivation to do what is right is gone, and they jump ship to the world. If through the process of their training as children they begin to become internally motivated in their own hearts towards a life of faith and intimacy with God, they will grow and grow in that faith when they are released into adult life, because their faith is their own, it is not just a product of outside circumstances.

Shiloh in Mama's Sweater

2008-06-09T23:39:00.000-05:00

The Begining of Summer.........

2008-06-09T23:26:00.000-05:00

We have been so busy the last month, we went camping on the North Shore on Memorial Weekend and then spent the last two weekends in Wisconsin while James rebuilt my parents deck. Here are some pictures from the last few weeks!