tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71054754171638478842012-01-03T12:48:50.857-06:00His mercies are new every morning... Lamentations 3:22mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.comBlogger2661100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-34070926898278182572011-12-02T06:59:00.000-06:002011-12-02T06:59:00.552-06:00

It was, until recently, too tiring for me to even attempt to join a new small group at my church. Let me give you a short history of the small groups I've been a part of. 1.  My boss at my job in the Air Force in 2001 was the first person to seem to be utterly delighted that a new tiny person was joining the human race when he heard I was pregnant. He  turned out to be a Christian and invited

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-35913884712653210592011-11-28T22:41:00.005-06:002011-11-29T11:08:09.260-06:00

Dear SIL (any of y'all), newly married sister, friends with kids younger than mine, first-time moms, moms with kids in public school all day, moms I judged when I was a new mom, and other women I know: Hello. You may remember me, I'm that homeschooling mother of four you see once in a while. I desperately want to get to know you better, and create a real relationship with you, but try as I might

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-28584371426850706442011-10-24T12:12:00.002-05:002011-11-29T11:12:59.860-06:00

Here is a checklist for a girl or woman to run through when she gets dressed or goes shopping. Women's Hedges: a worksheet to help define protective boundaries The Modesty Survey: by the Harris brothers, authors of Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations Following is a radio interview of Nancy Leigh DeMoss. Nancy: So 1 Timothy 2 tell us that we should adorn ourselves with

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-27459827376635807722011-08-06T14:53:00.000-05:002011-08-06T14:53:15.015-05:00

It's been a hard year But I'm climbing out of the rubble These lessons are hard Healing changes are subtle But every day it's Less like tearing, more like building Less like captive, more like willing Less like breakdown, more like surrender Less like haunting, more like remember Less like a prison, more like my room It's less like a casket, more like a womb Less like dying, more like

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-6773945039891544742011-05-10T23:09:00.002-05:002011-05-10T23:10:51.615-05:00

Sometimes I read my own old posts and I'm surprised how much I like them. Here's a repost from January of last year. More from my Titus 2 Aunt: she read this recently in Spurgeon's Beside Still Waters: Words Of Comfort For The Soul."God has a motive! His thoughts are working to give you a future and a hope (Jer. 29:11) All things are working together for good for those who are called according

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-63746564442512308262011-03-29T07:12:00.002-05:002011-03-29T07:12:00.255-05:00

This is another assignment from my memoir class. We had to write a letter describing our worst day. This is my first draft.Hey honey,When I backed out of the driveway nine weeks ago I was mad that you didn't walk us out. I had to wrestle with the car seats and the buckles by myself. I couldn't fit the kids' wooden blocks in the trunk with the playpen and the suitcase, so I put them on the front

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-90387168001142837052011-03-27T07:37:00.005-05:002011-03-27T07:37:00.649-05:00

This is another assignment from my memoir class. It happened 3 months before my husband and I began what would become our 18-month separation. I called it "Hope Renewed." The metaphor at the end there is a little sketchy at this point.Darkness surrounded the little house and everyone was asleep. I leaned against the pillows that piled up in front of my bamboo headboard. Adjusting the round weight

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-54106740845166701472011-03-26T07:20:00.002-05:002011-03-26T07:20:00.170-05:00

This is a memoir I wrote for my writing class. It's about a trip to San Antonio my husband, my dad and I took a few years ago to a writing workshop weekend sponsored by the Screenwriters Guild East. Afterward, we were written up in the New York Times!!Skeptical, he rode the 12-passenger bus south with me, distancing himself from the other writers by his silence. We were all veterans, but he had

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-87903419356740702612011-03-24T21:36:00.004-05:002011-03-24T22:04:21.104-05:00

(a rant about my anger towards my husband)This morning I thought thought those past two evenings were the best I could, literally, ever remember. Sitting on the couches with you and the kids, and last night when you read to them, were so beautiful. The way you changed accents in the middle of the story. The way she ran to get the next book. Watching you smile at their antics and one-liners made

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-44805701300308663812011-03-06T21:37:00.002-06:002011-03-06T21:41:53.983-06:00

Seven times seventy timesI'll do what it takes to make it rightI thought the pain was here to stayBut forgiveness made a waySeven times seventy timesThere's healing in the air tonightI'm reaching up to pull it downGonna wrap it all around....I lost count of the ways you let me downBut no matter how many times you weren't aroundI'm alright now… causeGod picked up my heart and helped me throughAnd

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-7364265371546925812011-02-13T17:28:00.003-06:002011-02-13T17:45:47.102-06:00

My church started a series on the 10 commandments. Can you name all of them?One thing came to mind when we talked about the first one:“You shall have no other gods before me." Exodus 20:3Evidently the phrase "before me" could mean 4 things.1. in front of2. beside, alongside3. instead of4. in the face of/ presence ofMy pastor ran through a short list of things that can be before God, such as job,

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-40150953214737108572011-01-03T18:44:00.000-06:002012-01-03T12:48:50.866-06:00

Doesn't he look grumpy? You're gonna know all my love Even if it's not enough.... So let me recklessly love you, even if I bleed You're worth all of me, you're worth all of me... Wow. I first heard Matt Hammitt's song,, "All of Me," this summer when I was driving to yet another doctor's appointment. I had gotten some blood taken to find out which vaccinations I had already had. I was trying to

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-58104420944212985442010-12-29T09:47:00.001-06:002010-12-29T09:48:29.501-06:00

"To wait is not merely to remain impassive. It is to expect--to look for with patience, and also with submission. It is to long for, but not impatiently; to look for, but not to fret at the delay; to watch for, but not restlessly; to feel that if he does not come, we will acquiesce, and yet to refuse to let the mind acquiesce in the feeling that he will not come." - Dr. A.B. Davidson, Waiting on

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-6950284354445767392010-12-10T14:18:00.004-06:002011-03-24T22:07:00.918-05:00

My daughter was in counseling for a while to help her deal with anxiety (fear). I was considering taking my son to the same counselor to help him learn techniques to deal with anger. Who do they remind me of?No matter my struggle to deal with fear Biblically, my daughter still does. No matter what I try to teach him about anger, my son still slams doors and clenches his fists.We hung out with a

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-53360666469469236722010-12-08T09:53:00.005-06:002010-12-08T10:02:47.164-06:00

God making us a beautiful sunrise each morning and us sleeping through it is like making a cup of coffee for a loved one that it is left to become cold.God longs for us to meet with him each day and pour out our worries and hopes. If we slighted our friends and family like that for months soon we would be left alone.I'm honored that you would read New Mercy and I would love to hear from you

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-66532514859215566512010-10-05T11:21:00.000-05:002010-10-05T11:21:00.436-05:00

I am so proud of my man lately. He has been taking steps that are really adding up! Let me brag on him for a minute.He watched all four kids for the first time ever while I went away on women's retreat for 2 days!He took the kids to small group for church- by himself- when I had a homeschool meeting- and it was "our" first visit!He spontaneously helped some guy unload chairs at churchHe has been

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-83058626215846689222010-09-22T19:08:00.000-05:002010-09-22T19:09:32.341-05:00

Top 10 videos dealing with Human Trafficking.I'm honored that you would read New Mercy and I would love to hear from you through comments!Teresa (Tracy) Dearif (WIDGETBOX) WIDGETBOX.renderWidget('c60039ef-1ad7-4730-a1d1-ca10790429de');

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-15770904774392332632010-09-14T12:38:00.003-05:002010-09-14T12:50:33.941-05:00

Tropical Storm Hermine: the story of the flooding of my house last week.Tuesday morning it was already raining when we woke up... and it continued to rain all day, all night, and into the next day. The creek behind our house was full again, and the chickens were miserable. We put a tarp over their coop and went to bed. At 11:30, my husband and I put on our rainjackets and grabbed the flashlight

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-35541804583626130182010-09-06T22:26:00.006-05:002010-09-06T22:49:27.211-05:00

Joan of Arc by Dante GabrielTomorrow is my girls' first Keepers meeting (their scouts) and you may recall that I am the "spiritual leader" for the older girls. For September's scripture, I decided on Joshua 1:9."Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." It's pretty short, so I'm going to

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-8477781540481378242010-08-31T17:25:00.003-05:002010-08-31T19:07:11.106-05:00

The school and its extracurricular clubs have started up. As homeschoolers, we meet not so much for the club aspect as the friendships that accompany them. One of the clubs we do is called "Keepers of the Faith" and the other is "Contenders for the Faith." They are the girls and boys versions, respectively, of a kind Christian scouting program.This year I am the "Spiritual Leader" of my

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-52026237848256444552010-08-12T23:33:00.002-05:002010-08-12T23:45:40.602-05:00

Well, hello... thanks for coming back! I have gotten some comments recently- even a note on Facebook! from readers that actually wanted to interact with me. Wow. It's so exciting to hear from some of you. It really encourages me to come back and write again.Here's the latest news: James, who lost his job last November, found out about something called the post 9/11 GI Bill. In addition to paying

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-85831901966312332962010-08-04T22:51:00.002-05:002010-08-04T22:55:41.044-05:00

Not to much to say that I can put into words before bed. Bedtime comes so quickly when I'm this tired. I donated some sleep time to the maintenance of my home and I'm just done for the day. I wanted to just say hi, I'm still here, to those of you that mentioned that you miss new posts when you check back. Glad to know that there is someone out in blogland reading me! I have a little list of stuff

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-51439573038304530352010-06-28T09:13:00.000-05:002010-08-12T23:47:13.219-05:00

What does it mean that I desperately want a white 10-passenger van? What is the underlying desire that makes this behemoth car so appealing to me? I've been pondering it, and have come to some conclusions.The external, easily enunciated reason that I want such a van is so that I can fill it up with children. MY children. The children I've had myself, and the sibling groups I've adopted from the

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-15576740416590708432010-06-25T16:12:00.006-05:002011-03-24T22:07:00.920-05:00

I am reading a good book right now... it's one about angry Christian moms.Yeah, angry moms that are Christians. Uh-huh, women, with children, who love the Lord and yet still are impatient, frustrated, and MAD and sinfully direct those emotions toward their children.The book is called She's Gonna Blow!: Real Help for Moms Dealing with Anger. I'm enjoying it, as much as I can, when it's hitting

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-35508562456895986462010-05-21T17:41:00.000-05:002010-06-24T16:05:32.886-05:00

(chirp) (chirp)uhhh.... Hello? Anyone here?It's been a while. No excuses. I'm going to just jump in.James has been in CA chasing work for the past 5 weeks. You know that ratcheting noise the roller coaster makes as it pulls itself up the hill? I think that's what he's been doing, this whole agonizing 7 months of unemployment. One ratcheting, nerve-wracking hitch upwards after another."He's doing

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-40127065142191749202010-04-04T13:20:00.005-05:002010-06-24T16:05:00.777-05:00

I must confess. I realized through a few interactions that I have some blog lurkers who I actually know and see in real life. Then when things went downhill last month, I realized that they would read about it here. Now, these people seem to love me anyway, but it was a little startling to realize they had read the contents of my heart and not left a comment or anything to let me know. A danger

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-37263492029411171452010-03-26T09:11:00.003-05:002010-03-26T09:15:36.742-05:00

I have been enjoying these ladies and their encouragement on Facebook. Their fan page is called Spiritually Unequal Marriage, and they have a blog of the same name. The book isn't due until next year, but you can get a lot of great words from their blog.I'm honored that you would read New Mercy and I would love to hear from you through comments!Teresa (Tracy) Dearif (WIDGETBOX)

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-11370126612402094982010-03-18T14:22:00.001-05:002010-03-18T14:23:50.682-05:00

Hopefully, what I've written here is timeless and you can enjoy a lot when you surf my topics from the sidebar. Sorry it's been so long; a few posts are percolating...I'm honored that you would read New Mercy and I would love to hear from you through comments!Teresa (Tracy) Dearif (WIDGETBOX) WIDGETBOX.renderWidget('c60039ef-1ad7-4730-a1d1-ca10790429de');

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-49814643014529857442010-03-16T11:23:00.002-05:002010-04-12T23:15:46.872-05:00

I've been trying to look on "the bright side" of doing childcare again. I'm trying to look at it like someone is paying me to look after my own kids in a better fashion. When I do childcare, I am really conscious of doing a good job. I want to always feed them breakfast by 8:30, I want to change their diaper at least every two hours, I want them down for nap at a regular time. I wash their little

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-85722171285817590712010-03-08T08:54:00.006-06:002011-05-10T22:50:04.816-05:00

Although I am usually loathe to refer anyone to Wikipedia, it had a few good poems about unrequited love, and this nice quote:"Unrequited love has long been depicted as noble, an unselfish and stoic willingness to accept suffering, though contemporary western culture may give greater weight to practical, goal-oriented and self-assertive behavior." I feel lately like I have an unrequited love. It

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-45008266822153188522010-03-02T19:16:00.007-06:002011-03-24T22:50:06.115-05:00

So it is Tuesday night...and once again,I have been giventhe opportunity to be patient, forgiving,and to forget offenses in love. *sigh*Supposed to go to the Daniel Bible study but James has to help a friend. grrr.1 Corinthians 13:4-8Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-29402973368367227582010-02-26T06:20:00.006-06:002011-03-24T22:59:58.697-05:00

Read this first: Pregnancy Watched by God: Part 1So we went to the local ER and they whisked me to the back. A nurse asked how many weeks I was, and looked dismayed when I said I thought I was 9 weeks. Usually, she said, when a miscarriage starts that early, there's nothing they can do.I forget some details but I remember sitting alone with James in between people coming in and out. In the silent

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-40098966561041170362010-02-23T23:40:00.004-06:002011-03-24T22:59:58.699-05:00

I wanted to tell you the story of how God watched over my last pregnancy. As my toddler furrows his brow to me and is learning how to potty-train, I think back to his time in the womb, and his delivery, and thank God for watching over him. It's a long one, faithful readers, so grab your coffee and settle in.I was separated from my husband when we became pregnant. We decided to reconcile and began

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-81533840145692138192010-02-22T23:43:00.001-06:002010-02-22T23:44:44.375-06:00

Hey there you faithful few! Guess what- James got a job! Woo-hoo! It's at the grower he wanted all along! It is a place that supplies plants to landscapers.Thanks for your prayers!I'm honored that you would read New Mercy and I would love to hear from you through comments!Teresa (Tracy) Dearif (WIDGETBOX) WIDGETBOX.renderWidget('c60039ef-1ad7-4730-a1d1-ca10790429de');

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-82265354660727004772010-02-19T21:24:00.004-06:002010-02-19T21:45:20.063-06:00

I have to tell you, James and I are doing really well right now. Although there are the stressors of lack of income, and his method of job searching, I know we are on the same side of the fence. It makes me glad. He threw the most excellent party for me for my birthday last week. I invited everyone; he was in charge of the food. Oh it was great! Here's the menu:Mingling Food:tortilla

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-74826697922673214092010-02-18T00:07:00.001-06:002010-02-18T00:09:22.439-06:00

Please pray for me. I am feeling a little underwhelmed. I'm hoping that you will be distracted from my quietness by exploring the new navigation bar and the new layout... Thank you.I'm honored that you would read New Mercy and I would love to hear from you through comments!Teresa (Tracy) Dearif (WIDGETBOX) WIDGETBOX.renderWidget('c60039ef-1ad7-4730-a1d1-ca10790429de');

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-7265634999821020142010-02-16T10:30:00.001-06:002010-02-16T10:32:19.568-06:00

As my first year blogging comes to a close I decided to do some renovations.... what do you think?! I'm pleased, floored more like it. I LOVE the new layout. There is only one sidebar now, and all the helpful info can now be found in the navigation buttons at the top of the page! Take a look around- become a subscriber- enjoy the new look! And tell me what you think!I'm honored that you would

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-83156789477579806452010-02-15T05:57:00.000-06:002010-02-15T05:57:00.867-06:00

Listen to Mary Kassain, author of a blog called Girls Gone Wise:"When it comes down to it, I believe that living out biblical submission in this culture requires far more backbone and brains than acquiescing to popular reason. It’s one of the most radical, courageous, and intelligent things a Christian woman can do." (link to entire post)I'm honored that you would read New Mercy and I would

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-37994512409600152982010-02-10T10:01:00.000-06:002010-02-10T10:03:08.068-06:00

Enjoy this post from last April with me...."Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us" Hebrews 12:1Persevere: verb; to persist in a state or undertaking in spite of opposition or discouragement. Synonyms: to carry on, persist, hang on, follow through. Antonyms: quit, yield, falter, hesitate, give up."

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-2899124584181564342010-02-08T06:05:00.001-06:002010-02-08T06:05:00.221-06:00

copyrighted by MPC643I feel at times like I am waiting for the hundred-year bloom of a rare plant in some far-off desert. Did it bloom while I was napping? Did I somehow miss it? Or is it going to bloom mere days after I die?I look at my husband and I think similar thoughts... what is he waiting for? When is he going to grow up? Or... are my standards too high? Is this what I get? How will I know

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-55050871061388304042010-02-05T06:01:00.000-06:002010-02-05T06:01:00.453-06:00

Dear readers, I am pretty tired.I was writing a lot for my son's Contenders of the Faith club. I started a blog describing starting up his club and about our activities so that others can have an easier path. It's a club for Christian boys and it's like a scouts program.I'm also the Austin Homeschool Examiner. That is homeschool + local Austin area-focused writing, less theory, and more of a

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-34127979643235569632010-02-03T06:00:00.001-06:002010-02-03T06:00:04.170-06:00

I am meeting with friends each Tuesday to study Beth Moore's study called Daniel: Lives of Integrity, Words of Prophecy. Tonight was so excellent... here's a recap."Fiery trails can burn the fake out of us."While we live in a world similar to Babylon, we should remain separate from it like Daniel did when he was in captivity. Tonight we talked about the fiery furnace. (Remember, the three Hebrews

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-69074492070030714062010-02-01T13:30:00.001-06:002010-02-01T13:30:21.466-06:00

HEY, TODAY'S MY BIRTHDAY!I'm honored that you would read New Mercy and I would love to hear from you through comments!Teresa (Tracy) Dearif (WIDGETBOX) WIDGETBOX.renderWidget('c60039ef-1ad7-4730-a1d1-ca10790429de');

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-78524215583306002182010-02-01T00:56:00.003-06:002010-02-01T01:46:20.968-06:00

In your ocean, I'm ankle deepI feel the waves crashin' on my feetIt's like I know where I need to beBut I can't figure out, yeah I can't figure outJust how much air I will need to breatheWhen your tide rushes over meThere's only one way to figure outWill you let me drown, will you let me drown?Hey now, this is my desireConsume me like a fire, 'cause I just want something beautifulTo touch me, I

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-87508419604031260742010-01-29T06:48:00.002-06:002010-01-29T06:48:00.268-06:00

Here's the notes of how I spent my evening- with my latest copy of World magazine. I love it, it gives me a Christian take on today's news- but this pro-life issue was a tiring if riveting read.-Three pages discuss how saving the habitat of a 2-inch fish (Delta smelt) are ravaging our food supply (CA farms aren't allowed any water) are followed by 16 pages about the abortion debate in our nation.

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-79165982847424342382010-01-27T06:47:00.001-06:002010-01-27T06:47:00.793-06:00

Is this not the cutest thing ever? I was feeling bad the other day and James wrote this for my homeschooling blog:"A poem in honor of and for my dear wife, whom I certainly don't deserve (as she may or may not have already pointed out.) Tracy is a bit under the weather, so I am unconventionally assuming her duties for the evening. Enjoy, take pity or both. God Bless."UNTITLEDFrom early light as

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-50345236317562120502010-01-25T06:21:00.001-06:002010-01-25T06:21:00.308-06:00

Please enjoy this excellent pair of pro-life, Christian, heart-moving short videos. Oh that we would all count it an honor to be hated for what makes God smile!I'm honored that you would read New Mercy andI would love to hear from you through comments!Teresa (Tracy) Dearif (WIDGETBOX) WIDGETBOX.renderWidget('c60039ef-1ad7-4730-a1d1-ca10790429de');

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-39396561640952853782010-01-20T06:19:00.002-06:002011-03-24T22:07:00.923-05:00

(I wrote this last night) I sit here, disappointed, tears wet on my face. When someone jostles your cup, what comes out? For me, it is a slosh of patience and then the nasty burning acid of anger.What is it that makes me so angry? I know it's selfishness. Thinking only of myself. I am so angry right now! I was absolutely FURIOUS at my husband a moment ago and now it is anger at myself and regret

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-82192240991899038062010-01-19T06:10:00.001-06:002010-01-19T06:10:00.480-06:00

The Busy Couple's Guide to Sharing the Work and the Joy by Kathy Peel asks the question "Can a loving, understanding couple turn into monsters that devour themselves and their young?"Although there is sort of an assumption that it's a woman who picks up this book and "gets" her husband to read it, it is pretty man-friendly. After the intro, it has nine extensive sections. The book would be easy

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-83501465709933841782010-01-18T06:05:00.000-06:002010-01-18T06:05:00.438-06:00

Stick with me here, dear readers. I see a wandering post ahead.My eyes are tired. They are dry and burning a little. It reminds me of four years ago when a terrible pastor told me, before I had taken the boundaries classes, "You made children with that man. Go throw his stuff on the lawn and get a few jobs, and support those kids." I cried the entire day and ruined my contacts.Isn't it funny, in

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-56277048314435799712010-01-15T06:12:00.001-06:002011-03-24T22:50:06.117-05:00

More from my Titus 2 Aunt: she read this recently in Spurgeon's Beside Still Waters: Words Of Comfort For The Soul."God has a motive! His thoughts are working to give you a future and a hope (Jer. 29:11) All things are working together for good for those who are called according to his purposes (Rom. 8:28). We see only the beginning. We spell the alphabet --alpha, beta, gamma... but from alpha

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-47413316990193180672010-01-13T06:27:00.003-06:002011-03-24T22:50:06.118-05:00

You know what I think the biggest problem men have? Fear. Initially, this idea came from Wild at Heart by John Eldredge. He says that most men are faking their expertise and essentially their whole life, and they are sure that at any minute someone is going to figure them out and yell "Fraud!"Much of his book is encouraging men to be men by protecting and fighting for women. James bought this

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-25167077362427374172010-01-11T06:38:00.004-06:002010-01-11T10:06:35.359-06:00

So as I near my one-year blogging anniversary, I wonder at the point of all this. When I started all this writing, I set a goal for myself and a time limit of 18 months. I started on March 17th, so I have till September to judge if I am "a success." I asked my husband tonight if I don't think I am "successful" then, what should I do? Stop writing? He was like, "yeah." So, he doesn't really have

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-36546135010410719212010-01-08T06:37:00.000-06:002010-01-08T06:37:00.572-06:00

I typed out for you part of my vows from my wedding in July 1998. What's funny is, I had so much trouble with the submission part. I was brought up by a woman who worked in corporate America for 30 years, not a feminist, but definitely not someone who wanted me to be a doormat. Don't you love that phrase! Me too.I had some discussion with the pastor who married us. He made it clear that he was

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-1834338391596980962010-01-06T06:22:00.001-06:002010-01-06T06:22:00.161-06:00

Oh, how the power of a song, repeating with the music, can shape our minds and affect our thoughts. During our intel training in podunk San Angelo, Texas, we bought a NEW car and drove home every other weekend to Austin to see friends, with only a Baby Taylor in the back seat. The summer of 2000 I almost exclusively listened to Nancy Griffith's Country Gold CD when driving on lonely Texas

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-43244812103583801242010-01-04T06:30:00.001-06:002010-01-04T06:30:00.382-06:00

Here is part two of four stories- now/then comparisons.When we were first married, we were in the Air Force. We were both Russian Linguists in training in beautiful Monterey, California. Before we went off to our home beside the sea, as we thought, I bought some sleeveless shirts with my mother- because it would be hot in California. Well, Monterey is like the Bermuda Triangle of California, it's

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-18204366101654376262010-01-01T00:22:00.002-06:002010-01-16T23:51:09.232-06:00

Here is a good quote that speaks even to things like a marriage: serving, giving yourself, sometimes for longer and harder than you initially planned on."We are called to love more than we planned, "or perhaps even wished." This is Greek to the pro-abortionist. Control, planning, the absence of surprise (and mystery) is their alpha and omega. Faced with an "unplanned pregnancy," the instantaneous

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-87841964326023169592009-12-30T06:29:00.001-06:002010-01-01T16:30:14.087-06:00

James and I camping in CA, 1999, in the AF, pre-kids, pre-dog,married maybe a little over a yearI want to begin a series of posts that are comparison stories. A few things have struck me recently that were stark comparisons between my life now and 'before.'For instance, even 14 years ago, we already knew that one day we would be married to each other. James and I used to go to the grocery store

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-16084487946982349002009-12-28T05:47:00.002-06:002009-12-28T11:32:49.194-06:00

Hey dudes, break's over and I'm baa-aack! Here, pull up another window and listen to this song while you read the lyrics. Jars of Clay wrote it, inspired by Psalm 51. It's on their Redemption Songs CD.God be merciful to meon Thy grace, I rest my pleaPlenteous in compassion ThouBlot out my transgressions nowWash me, make me pure withinCleanse, oh, cleanse me from my sinMy transgressions I

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-15871889582417053702009-12-22T14:41:00.002-06:002009-12-22T14:45:02.141-06:00

I am feeling pretty overwhelmed by stuff so I will be back after the holiday on Monday.This is my husband's first Christmas without his dad, who passed away in June, and with the bills mounting and his job search essentially being stalled till after the holiday, we're feeling a tad low...Enjoy your week and your families! I am praying for you and I'm honored that you would read here.Remember

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-10145767488159486212009-12-21T05:28:00.001-06:002009-12-21T05:28:00.500-06:00

Beth Moore evidentally had a cancer scare and hysterectomy this past week... I'm going to pray for her- what a warrior! From her blog:"Anyway, by the time I really began to wake up and have clear thoughts, still sick as a dog, a nurse walked into my hospital room and over to the dry erase marker board across from my bed. She grabbed one of the markers and said, "These are your nurses for today."

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-21832263129886018202009-12-18T11:55:00.004-06:002010-01-04T19:47:29.537-06:00

People to Keep in our PrayersSpeaker of the House Nancy PelosiPresident Barack ObamaSenate Majority Leader Harry ReidLet me offer a long quote from "Just How Pro-Choice is America, Really?" It encapsulates a lot of what is going on, not just in this essay, but in the larger culture. NARAL's Nancy Keenan likes to say that abortion's biggest defenders right now are a "menopausal militia"--a rueful

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-1599636713764843592009-12-16T06:10:00.001-06:002010-01-01T19:00:23.969-06:00

Worthy is theLamb who was slainHoly, Holy, is HeSing a new song, to Him who sits onHeaven's Mercy SeatHoly, Holy, HolyIs the Lord God Almighty!Who was, and is, and is to comeWith all creation I sing:Praise to the King of Kings!You are my everything,And I will adore You!Jesus, Your Name is PowerBreath, and Living WaterSuch a marvelous mysteryHoly, Holy, HolyIs the Lord God Almighty!Who was, and is

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-40697842688001401352009-12-14T11:20:00.000-06:002009-12-14T11:21:18.587-06:00

MY HUSBAND BOUGHT ME A MOOD RING THE OTHER DAY. WHEN I'M IN A GOOD MOOD, IT TURNS GREEN.WHEN I'M IN A BAD MOOD, IT LEAVES A RED MARK ON HISFOREHEAD.

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-72629535994562153042009-12-14T06:01:00.002-06:002010-04-11T22:15:15.183-05:00

He is jealous for meLoves like a hurricaneI am a treeBending beneath the weight of his wind and mercyWhen all of a sudden-I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by GloryAnd I realize just how beautiful you areand how great your affections are for me...And oh, how he loves us!Oh how he loves us-how he loves us so!That's a song you probably heard on the radio by the David Crowder Band (I think

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-36041719910233309892009-12-11T05:44:00.000-06:002009-12-11T05:44:00.591-06:00

Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup;you have made my lot secure.The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;surely I have a delightful inheritance.I will praise the Lord, who counsels me;even at night my heart instructs me.I have set the Lord always before me.Because he is at my right hand,I will not be shaken.Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;my body

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-11140593903400554312009-12-10T13:05:00.003-06:002011-03-24T22:50:06.120-05:00

My aunt, a dear Titus 2 woman, read this recently in Beside Still Waters and forwarded it to me today. James was supposed to interview today, but it was mis-scheduled and isn't today after all. *sigh*God has a motive! His thoughts are working to give you a future and a hope (Jer. 29:11) All things are working together for good for those who are called according to his purposes (rom. 8:28). We see

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-72473137591432654622009-12-09T06:18:00.000-06:002010-01-01T18:59:18.198-06:00

Psalm 130:5-7I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,and in his word I put my hope.My soul waits for the Lordmore than watchmen wait for the morning,more than watchmen wait for the morning.O Israel, put your hope in the Lord,for with the Lord is unfailing loveand with him is full redemption.When I was in the Air Force I did CQ, which is a lame form of watchman- and on a short field exercise, I did

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-36426022844392936732009-12-07T05:47:00.000-06:002009-12-07T05:47:00.147-06:00

Psalm 22:14I am poured out like water,and all my bones are out of joint.My heart has tuned to wax;it has melted away within me.Psalm 31:11, 14-17, 19-24I am the utter contempt of all my neighbors;I am a dread to my friends-those who see me on the street flee from me.But I trust in you, O Lord,I say, "You are my God."My times are in your hands...Let your face shine on your servantsave me in your

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-44692273187176324502009-12-05T05:57:00.000-06:002009-12-05T05:57:00.601-06:00

Psalm 38:8-11, 14-18, 21, 22I am feeble and uttlerly crushed;I groan in anguish of heart.All my longings lie open before you, O Lord;my sighing is not hidden from you.My heart pounds, my strength fails me;even the light has gone from my eyes.My friends and companions avoid me because of my woundsmy neighbors stay far away.I have become like a man who does not hear,whose mouth can offer no reply!I

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-22476802068293826762009-12-04T19:40:00.003-06:002009-12-04T21:18:54.585-06:00

How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?How long will you hide your face from me?How long must I wrestle with my thoughtsand every day have sorrow in my heart?How long will my enemy triumph over me?Look on me and answer, O Lord my God.Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death;my enemy will say, "I have overcome him,"and my foes will rejoice when I fall.But I trust in your unfailing

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-79110304243390612662009-12-04T06:32:00.001-06:002009-12-04T21:45:38.693-06:00

So in the comments the other day (I loo-ve your comments!) I got this question:1 comments:Regina said...What exactly qualifies a person as a "non-believer?"December 2, 2009 11:16 AM After alot of thought, I think it comes down to the sufficiency of Christ's death- if you don't believe in that, then I would say you were a non-believer.So, you don't put your faith in these things:1. being a good

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-66342417857527889782009-11-30T05:44:00.000-06:002010-08-12T23:47:13.222-05:00

What a future God must have planned for us! Rejoice with me here today! James has his first (and wouldn't it be wonderful if he got the job, and it was his last!) interview on Tuesday. It's a company run on Christian principles and we are both excited that he might work there. The other thing is, that as happens with some regularity at our house, I was talking about foster care. I don't even

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-15677229611338540712009-11-26T06:31:00.000-06:002009-11-26T06:31:00.375-06:00

Here's praying that we all have a pleasant and drama-free holiday! Enjoy the time with your family!

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-73936453439809098982009-11-25T06:11:00.001-06:002009-11-25T06:11:00.196-06:00

"Today, I watched a freshman fall down the stairs, and then land with an air guitar and a knee slide, and walk away like nothing happened. That kid is going places. MLIA."Man, I want to be like that. Aren't there benefits of acting like nothing happened? Don't you seem composed and on top of it? Think of the sayings:Like water off a duck's back, roll with the punches, take it in stride...Where

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-89635403664106283102009-11-24T06:00:00.001-06:002010-01-01T19:16:13.725-06:00

I'm praying for the unborn and the nation... soon a decision will be made that will tell us whether or not we have to pay for the abortions of neighbors and strangers. What will our choices be?1. We can pay to participate in the national health care plan that emphasizes death.2. We can fund death (through fines) and not receive health care through the national plan, and then pay for other care in

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-38626230714278012362009-11-20T05:29:00.000-06:002009-11-20T05:29:00.557-06:00

Well, I was looking over my posts here at New Mercy since the week before Halloween. Eh.I was cleaning out under the coffee table- all the magazines- and I was going through my Christianity Today's and Christian Counseling Today's and they were all marked up for the first half and then none of the articles even looked familiar, and were unmarked and unfolded... I hadn't finished them. My parents

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-61902731945666685152009-11-18T06:12:00.001-06:002009-11-18T06:12:00.577-06:00

SO, on the 6th my husband was laid off.He had to return his work cell phone and his laptop and his truck, and we're sharing my cell and the van.We have had a blast.A few days later, we were laying in bed (fully clothed. daytime.) and laughing our butts off. I had my face in his neck and I was like "why haven't we laughed like this in so long?" Hahhh... the sigh you do after laughing so hard. "

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-24784058688379044712009-11-16T08:51:00.003-06:002009-11-16T08:54:11.525-06:00

And our winner is... Renee! Congratulations, come on down... and since she's local, she could. I hear coffee perking!Renee and I started a Contenders club for our sons, and the first meeting is this Wednesday. It's a boys club and ours is open to area homeschoolers. We're excited to get started. Our first lesson features my mother teaching the boys how to carve. They are starting out using a nail

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-44832938504081849492009-11-13T05:37:00.001-06:002009-12-13T22:41:05.446-06:00

So this morning is your last chance to leave a comment to enter the drawing for this awesome book. Today I wanted to leave you a jewel that the author, Pam Cope, found while her family adjusted their standard of living to reflect what they found most important:"What changed was our idea of what was essential to us and what was not. I, like many of us, had bought in to the idea that more is better

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-55433543934340557622009-11-11T05:39:00.001-06:002009-11-11T05:39:00.325-06:00

I was totally struck on page 55 of Jantsen's Gift: A True Story of Grief, Rescue, and Grace because it could have been written by me- this is practically verbatim the story of how I came to know that God was a real personality, alive today, and interested in me personally. I was 17 years old."...I went straight to my bedroom and locked the door. The anger and hopelessness welled inside me, so

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-23890703597698160482009-11-09T07:08:00.001-06:002009-11-10T13:53:34.720-06:00

Jantsen's Gift: A True Story of Grief, Rescue, and Grace, by Pam Cope and Aimmee Molloy is a therapeutic, deeply personal story. However, it's also a greatly inspiring, soul-stirring, question-asking tale that makes its readers inspect their value system to see how it stands when their world is shaken to its core.Pam Cope had her world toppled when her son died at the age of 15. What she thought

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-64528686851539532512009-11-09T05:24:00.001-06:002009-12-13T22:38:14.764-06:00

Here is a video from my new favorite non-profit, Gospel for Asia. Hopefully you find it interesting. The couple in it (the Americans) seem straight out of my part of the country. It's exciting that normal people in America who probably shop at Wal-Mart and have chicken-fried steak with their grandkids can impact the world for Christ. I'm hoping my son's new scout group is going to earn money in

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-49523578558327384892009-11-06T05:35:00.004-06:002009-11-24T22:09:41.960-06:00

Ooh just a jumble of thoughts today.-Didn't have my coffee until 10:30 today and only a twinge of a headache. Ever since a good friend of mine told me she had given up coffee for a season (her husband identified it as an idol for her), I have been watchful of how much I enjoy it. But I think it is a blessing and it's mornings like today, when I don't have any and hardly notice, that I am

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-80913132149904053942009-11-04T05:38:00.000-06:002009-11-04T05:38:00.416-06:00

Girl Talk: Celebrities and Other Extraordinary Women Share Their Secrets is a compilation of advice from women of all walks of life. It was collected and contributed to by Gigi Garner, (daughter of James Garner) who evidently had many contacts and was friendly with all kinds of women.Initially upon looking at the semi- sensual woman on the book's cover, and reading the title (including the words

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-51645023345009336682009-11-02T05:49:00.001-06:002011-03-24T22:59:58.701-05:00

So, I may have mentioned (eee NY Times!) that I was writing a book... It will be a 90-day devotional aimed at women who are struggling through a separation or who feel alone in their marriage. I went to a writer's conference a few weekends ago and thought of a lot of things... and then when I posted a simple post about my temporal joys I got a bunch (for me and my lonely blog) of kind and

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-47662037464826317232009-10-30T21:49:00.003-05:002009-10-31T18:54:55.547-05:00

I wanted to post something... I'm actually not going out of town, and (!) James left me his laptop to use and we are making a plan to figure something out with the desktop this week.I made a playlist of the songs which pierce my heart... here it is... If you buy one from iTunes, go thru my site and I get a nickle or something (you can do that for any music you buy if you're an iPOD

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-61456917362396676392009-10-29T23:17:00.001-05:002009-10-29T23:18:30.247-05:00

My computer crashed so I was unable to write. I'm also going out of town this weekend and I won't be back till Monday, so I'll be here Wednesday!

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-62026049769708937882009-10-28T05:59:00.001-05:002009-10-28T05:59:00.245-05:00

When I get frustrated with waiting on God, with waiting on my husband, with waiting in general (see an awesome poem about women waiting), I readily forget one concept that is the answer to probably the majority of the "wait" or "no" responses that we get from God:RELATIONSHIP. God is a God of relationships. Beth Moore says in her *excellent* book, Praying God's Word: Breaking Free from Spiritual

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-20711279074777080042009-10-26T05:59:00.003-05:002011-03-24T22:50:06.123-05:00

So, a few announcements before I give you my sob story for today:1. Got a new profile picture- whaddaya think?2. Added a "meet mama4x" introduction box in the sidebar so new readers can know what on earth I'm talking about... maybe keep the wave of comments up!3. I opened a Cafe Press store, called mama4x (of course) that has a few New Mercy t-shirts and such. A work in progress for a while as I

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-27009817555338757172009-10-23T16:54:00.000-05:002009-10-23T16:56:36.627-05:00

I am soooo in love with my new blog button! And I am also in love with y'alls comments this week! I feel like I pour my heart into this blog, and don't get very many comments... but you sure like to hear about down comforters! Thanks readers!

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-64447060977952137722009-10-23T05:51:00.002-05:002009-11-03T12:07:23.896-06:00

I don't know what God is doing in me right now, but he has got my heart in a vise and is squishing it. I have the most shredded heart I know. I can't do or read or see anything without the lost and hurting somehow crowding into my brain and laying there, taking up all of my attention and drilling holes into my heart. It is hard to see people as God does! For a few hours today I read a book I had

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-11657764754971005882009-10-21T05:58:00.004-05:002010-01-01T18:52:24.359-06:00

First of all, I wanted to lay off of the spiritual things for a day and mention a few of my temporal joys. Here is a pair of Frye's boots, that I desperately want to own. I think I covet them. However, I went to try them on once, and they are all individual. You can't just order a pair online and it'll be good. You have to keep going in to a local Frye's seller and keep trying them on until you

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-12207209359922197192009-10-19T05:57:00.000-05:002010-01-01T19:16:43.963-06:00

Is this not the best picture EVER?!How do you measure your growth? Now that you've got all your big-kid teeth, and aren't getting new shoes every season change, and (hopefully) people have stopped saying "You're so much bigger than I saw you last!" how do you know when you've grown?Spiritually, one way you can tell that you have matured is by your reactions. When confronted with a familiar

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-75663818082253913262009-10-16T06:11:00.004-05:002009-10-16T09:36:14.591-05:00

My friend and I were discussing happiness on Facebook. She said, after much back-and-forth, "But life isn't meant to be miserable. While people have their trials and tribulations, how can you inspire people to follow a Christian life if they see you and you aren't happy? People don't want to emulate people that do not seem happy."I don't know if my rebuttal was adequate:"I hope the inspiration to

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-56349232079917543372009-10-14T06:33:00.003-05:002009-10-16T12:06:00.303-05:00

This is a child who was adopted, and not aborted.Well, yesterday I was mentioned in the NY Times. Maybe I have it on the brain... today I got a email from the NRL with a link to a compelling story. Here's the article- don't click on the pictures if your kids are in the room- the comments were riveting. I didn't read all 225 comments, but numbers 62, 71, 98 and especially 119 were excellent.Let

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-91330270290467422122009-10-13T05:47:00.000-05:002010-01-01T19:02:42.959-06:00

"Another [group] heard Teresa Dear, a former Russian linguist in the Air Force and a mother of four, lay out plans for a piece of Christian devotional literature, aimed at helping women who are going through marital problems. In a separate room Ms. Dear’s husband James, another former Air Force linguist who served with the NSA, was scratching on a pad and trying to figure out what exactly it

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-88717593188541890792009-10-12T06:07:00.006-05:002009-10-12T06:39:24.826-05:00

They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity—for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him. If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning. It would have been better for them not to have known the way of

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-68152344272301130962009-10-09T06:37:00.001-05:002010-12-10T14:54:42.243-06:00

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28Now I never actually had the thought that there was “no such thing as depression.” But until I had lived with a person in a major depressive episode, I had never internalized what it really meant. It’s like a woman who knows that her newborn will get up at night-

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7105475417163847884.post-20024381994633630192009-10-07T06:23:00.000-05:002009-10-07T06:23:00.716-05:00

This is what the LORD says— he who created you, he who formed you: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy

mama4xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12399167425409854324noreply@blogger.com1