What you do in your house is worth as much as if you did it up in heaven for our Lord God. We should accustom ourselves to think of our position and work as sacred and well-pleasing to God, not on account of the position and work, but on account of the word and faith from which the obedience and the work flow. ~ Martin Luther

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Photo Shoot: Part 1 and Todays Plans


I spoke with my mom the other day and she complained that she didn't have any current professional photos of the kids and none at all of Andrew (professional, that is...) Those who know me, know how much I hate forking over even the $5.88 walmart price for photos that I, most often, don't even like. ESPECIALLY since I am a photo freak the rest of the time. SO-I promised her I would take a few uncluttered shots for her picture frames.

I had the kids all in matching clothes and was ready to have at it, when the phone rang. Then we had to go shopping and by the time we got back, daylight had nearly passed and dusk was settling in. Since I don't have any special lighting and my digital does VERY poorly without pristine light conditions, the photo shoot was put off after just a few shots.

Today is Bible study and after that, I have a meeting to go to for church stuff. So, we will be coming home nearing dusk again today. I plan on doing the *real* photo shoot tomorrow but I wanted to share some of this cutie pie today. I don't know that I will send my mom this one, but it was the best one I took yesterday. It's a shame they won't be in their matching duds, though.

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Has anyone ever made from scratch baked beans before? I made some for supper last night-and Matt raved about them but I must say, the beans were still a bit *tough* for my liking. I soaked the dry beans for TWO nights and cooked them for SIX hours-both WELL over the recommended time frames. Matt would be happy with them just as they were, but I would like them softer. Any suggestions?

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The last few days I have heard about several different families who are going through some very major and very serious marital (familial) struggles, most of which have been long standing and are just coming to a climax. Each family has different issues but each stems from the same root problem. It pains me to see the anguish that can be caused by a callous and selfish spouse, espeically those that claim themselves to be Christians. Coincidentally, the sermon series our pastor is preaching on currently is on divorce. How I wish my dear friends could hear the words he preaches. How I wish I DIDN'T have to hear these words and about these situations. I don't like to be reminded that all is NOT well in the world, that for MANY, life is just a pain they go through day by day.

To see these struggles first hand, one must step back and evaluate their own lives. First of all, my body is brought low in humble thankfulness for the gift of a healthy and strong marriage. That God would bless me with such a man as Matt, is beyond a gift-it is a treasure. Secondly, and much less enjoyably, such objectiveness brings about some introspection. Do I give in to the temptations of these sins, even on a minute level? For truly, these sins are made large through a hardening of heart, yet even on a small level, they are still despicable.

My head is brought low constantly, in fervent prayer for these families and I fear, will be so for a long time to come.

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I hate to leave this post on such a dark and depressing note, but my time on this techno box is up. I will say this. The Lord will protect His sheep and nothing is outside of His will. With prayer and wisdom, those who struggle will one day be free from such pains and until then, the Lord, if sought, is the great Comforter and Sustainer.
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9 comments:

Morgan said...

I am humbled by your gentle and loving spirit. maybe had I followed God's leading in my younger days and knew people like you, I would have had a little less pain. I have been divorced (NOT WANTED)and remarried (God is so good!) but it is an ongoing hurt. You are sweet and Matt is lucky to have you be so concerned of these things.

Anonymous said...

My mother used to parboil her beans after soaking them over night

Anonymous said...

If you wouldn't mind a recipe that begins with original recipe Bush beans, I will pass it on to you. I add molasses, brown sugar, bacon grease, and of course bacon. Then they are slow cooked in the oven. Anyone that likes baked beans and eats this recipe has always asked for the recipe. I had to prod it out of Mr. Bibby's step dad before he passed away. He swears by them.

About David's sermons - doesn't he put them on the web? You could download them, copy them, and hand them out for your friends. I am thankful that they have you and that you pray so diligently for them. Keep it up and keep up the godly example that you set for them. That is the best you can do.

Anonymous said...

Pssst, Rebecca! I've answered your questions.

So sorry to hear about the trouble that your friends are going through. I will remember them in prayer!

Paula said...

WOW! Those photos YOU took are AMAZING!!! What are you using for the black? I want to buy hubby a black one but have not found something inexpensive enough. And that black and white one that you like the look of PRECIOUS!! I would LOVE the details of how you set up that photo studio of yous! LOL!!!

Also, I am STILL waiting for those directions on making that cute clothes line! Did I miss you putting them on your blog? I will have to find some time to look through old posts on your blog. I may have been away from the computer with moving and all.

Which reminds me I have still not heard from you on if you want the clothes or not. I found some more to add to the box, so I have NOT sent it out yet. I will be sending it out on Friday though (before the next storm hits), so drop me a line on my new blog (yep, moved from HSB back to blogger - LONG story).

Anyways, I have not heard how you are liking 100EL?? Let us know! :)

Blessings, Paula (lvg4him)

Rebecca said...

Morgan~if only I COULD have an impact on the lives of these people! I feel so inadequate at times like these. My words are never enough and my prayers are never answered quickly enough for my own foolish desires.

Mrs. B~ I would *LOVE* that recipe! And my goodness-I will feel that much MORE priviledged to know the Bush's 'secret family recipe'! Yay! That would be GREAT! And it was a GREAT idea about online sermons...I am going to check into that today. As much as I love this internet, I am still not fully aware of all it has to offer me-and perhaps that is a GOOD thing! :-)

paula~I wrote a comment on your last post and just checked to see if it was still there...and it is. So, check your little bunny foofoo post for my response. As for the clothsline, I did explain it (a bit) but who knows where THAT post is. I am going to ask my hubby to write it on his blog tonight. OKay? And if not there, I will post on it here in the next day or two.

Barbara~I am going to check out your site, but it won't let me NOW for some reason. Thanks in advance though!

Rean Day said...

Rebecca,
First: About the beans. Did you cook them with salt? I know my mother always said to leave the salt out until the very end otherwise they would be tough.
Second: I know what you mean about being thankful for your marriage. DH and I have been married for 4 years and so many around us are falling apart. It is so encouraging to know that the marriage relationship is to be an example of what the household of believers should be. This is a great time to be thankful and simply live as an example for others.

God Bless
Rean Day

Wendy said...

Hi Rebecca,
I soak my beans and change the water often...I also boil and then soak again...add a little baking soda to take the gassiness out...you cant taste it. Perhaps we all could have that Bush Bean recipe? Anything with bacon grease and bacon is a winner!!!

I love all of the pictures of the kiddos...they are getting so very big! You are so good to us keeping us up to date--I feel like I still am in touch with you even though you have moved away! Thanks so much!

Rebecca said...

Rean Day~we have four years under our belt too! I liked what you said about

"It is so encouraging to know that the marriage relationship is to be an example of what the household of believers should be." because in truth, a marriage among believers should be a reflection of the marriage of Christ and the Church. Nice thoughts to ponder...

Wendy~when I get the recipe I will post it here if it's okay with Mrs. B-of course, Mrs. Bibby might just post it in a comment too. If not, I will mail it to you!

I hope that you do the same-especially when that new baby comes of yours! I SO enjoy keeping up to date with you through your blog too. I miss you guys all so much!