National Protest a "What" Day?!

Today is National Protest a _________(something) Day. There is a group of people who have been planning for months to set aside April 13 as a day to protest something that they claim is a great injustice to society.

Let's see....could it be....

child abuse?
or world hunger?
maybe homelessness?
racism?
government tyranny?
illiteracy?

No, unfortunately these and many other of society's "injustices" will go unprotested today, while the Feminist Majority Foundation, and all its college campus chapters have decided to protest crisis pregnancy centers today. They're uniting to stand against the evil forces who offer pregnancy tests, support, parenting classes, adoption referrals, accurate information, baby clothes and supplies, maternity clothes, diapers, formula....ALL FOR FREE! The nerve!

Now, let's just be honest here. What kind of shameless 20-something young woman stands out on the street and screams, "I want my birth control!"? (I heard one foul-mouthed heathen comedian say that he knew where to pick up women....at pro-choice rallies....Draw your on conclusions!) We're not exactly talking about the moral foundation of our society here. Of course, when you devote your life to the assault and murder of little unborn babies, I guess manners and common decency automatically take a back seat.

I can't really refute what these women are saying in this video above, because hardly a word of it is true. CPCs are not "fake" as their campaign charges. They do not advertise falsely. At our CPC , it states all over everything...every form, every advertisement, every brochure, that we are not a medical clinic and do not perform or refer for abortions. They claim that we are funded by millions of taxpayer dollars. Nevermind that $250 million of Planned Parenthood's $766 million annual income came from the government, courtesy of you and me!

First of all, it is true that under President Bush's Faith Based Initiative program, some money has been set aside for crisis pregnancy centers. As of 2006, 50 of the more than 3,000 U.S. centers had accepted money. The total for all grants from 2001-2006, a 5 year period, was under $60 million. Hardly even close to rivaling Planned Parenthood.

Secondly, LMO and the vast majority of all CPC's do not and WOULD NOT take any federal money. Our center is funded by churches and our community. Our annual budget is around $30-35,000. Our volunteers are overworked. The 2 paid staff we have work for practically nothing. And just for the record, both of them volunteered for years until our board was able to offer them what amounts to a small love offering for their weekly commitments to keep the center open. I guarantee you that no Planned Parenthood employees would sacrifice what our volunteers give. Our volunteers do it because they love young women and unborn babies and the Lord Jesus Christ. Not filthy lucre.

I wish, for the sake of accurate reporting, that I could post some of the protests that pro-aborts stage against pro-lifers. Unfortunately, I will not compromise my audience with the kind of foul language and lasciviousness that accompanies these protests. But I do want to share with you one story that has truly touched me. Please take time to read the full story of Paster Walter Hoye , a true American and Christian hero. He has just been released from jail, after serving a short sentence for standing across from an abortion clinic with a sign that reads, "Jesus loves you and your baby. Let us help." Christians, Americans, Patriots, you should be appalled at the unfair treatment of this man. When you watch the video below, you will be screaming, "Where is the First Amendment???!!!!"

Do you see what is happening? This is surveillance video that was used by the court to send him to jail. He is peacefully walking down the sidewalk with his sign, while PP workers are constantly walking alongside of him, covering up his sign with their blank sign every time a car or person passes by. AND THE PASTOR GOT ARRESTED???AND WENT TO JAIL????

Today, I'm calling on all my Christian brothers and sisters to please pray for crisis pregnancy centers all over America. They are probably the most effective pro-life witness we have in this deluded culture today. They provide a haven for young women in crisis who are being hunted down by money-hungry abortionists. It's a place where they can hear the gospel of our Lord Jesus, and receive love and support throughout the pregnancy and afterwards. It's a place where they can hear the TRUTH, something that is hard to find these days.


"Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils, And shed innocent blood, even the blood of their sons and of their daughters......and the land was polluted with blood. Thus were they defiled with their own works, and went a whoring with their own inventions. Therefore the wrath of the Lord kindled against his people....And he gave them into the land of the heathen, and they that hated them ruled over them......Many times did he deliver them; but they provoked him.....and were brought low for their iniquity." Psalm 106:37-43

Shucks, I missed it!

Well, unbeknownst to the likes of me, Tuesday, March 10 was National Day of Appreciation for Abortion Providers. Don't believe me? Check out this link:

National Day of Appreciation for Abortion Providers

(seriously, here's another link!)

If I had only known, I could have purchased one of these cool T-shirts to wear:

or maybe even a onesie for the baby....


or a cool logo for my car....

or even a new pair of tennis shoes!

Oh, well, better late than never.

THANK YOU, friendly local abortion provider, for mainstreaming infanticide.

THANK YOU for exploiting the lonely, lost, scared, needy women in my nation.

THANK YOU for being able to stomach the butchering of millions of precious babies.

THANK YOU for polluting the ground of my beloved country with innocent blood.

THANK YOU for degrading Divine Image Bearing created souls, to the level of a piece of meat.

Thanks, but no thanks. Your services are not wanted here.

Almighty God (Whom is most assuredly not a "she"), could, in a sense, be called "pro-choice"; but it is more accurate to say that He has offered you free will. You choose not to confess Him now, and by refusing to confess Him in this life,you will damn your own soul.

Refuse Him now.......... but you will still confess Him one day.

"Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

Philippians 2:9-11

Priorities

While most of America went on about their busy lives, 1.2 million human pre-born children were killed in 2008...
but on the other hand, you'll be happy to know that thanks to PETA, there will be no more kiss-a-pig contests at a Georgia high school, no more greased pig chases in West Virginia county fairs, no more frog jumps in the Florida Pumpkin Festival, and no more traumatized chimpanzees will have to lend their cute little faces to SEGA game commercials.

After all, we are a compassionate nation, right?

Jan. 22, 1973 - Jan. 22, 2009

36 years of legalized abortion

50 million dead

Surely not...

Please tell me I have read this incorrectly. Please tell me that at this special time of year when we remember the birth of the Christ child, that this is not happening.

If you have the stomach, click on the following link and read this disgusting article.

Planned Parenthood Issues Holiday Gift Certificates

Talk about scraping the bottom of the barrel for gift ideas!

Let Brotherly Love Continue

Summer Rose is absolutely one of the most loved babies ever born. All the kids just love on her all day long, but Seth just tickles me with his sweet, outspoken, complete adoration for her. He has such a tender heart

and a way with words, and she just lights up whenever she sees or hears him. He'll say, "Mama, you've got the cutest baby ever!"

.

I remember when I was expecting my second child, I wondered if I could possibly love another as much as I loved Caleb. Little did I understand then, the miracle of a mother's heart. With each addition, the love is not spread thin; instead, the Lord grows your heart and just adds more than enough love to go around. And the joy increases, because you not only have the blessing of a new little life, but also the joy of watching the interaction of your older children with the new little one. How wonderful the Lord is!

Everyday News

We sure have been busy around here. So many new things. We have our new baby, new chore charts, new school schedules, a new church building.....and we also have some new good news: my baby sister Keri is expecting her first baby! Now that makes my sister Jada, my good friend Melanie, my sweet LMO helper C.L., and now my baby sister ALL expecting babies!! There is so much to look forward to these next few months.

Here's what we've been up to lately:

Bub loves anything "shwockett". "Mama, what's that good smell I smell with my nose?"

So big already!

An angel and her Doodle

Seth rarely sits down without asking to hold his new sister. Thankfully, she is patient with all my helpers, and I'm so thankful the "new" hasn't worn off with them yet. He says, "Hey, pretty girl! Don't you cry, Bubba's got you!"

Sis loves to help with bathtime for the little princess. (No, Sis doesn't have an everlasting gobstopper in her jaw; she got stung twice by wasps on her chin!)

Moving day for the church. It was a blessing and honor to meet in Jason's grandmother's (who passed away in May 2006) house until the Lord sent us a building. We rejoice that the Lord is moving and answering prayer, but it was sad to leave this special place.


Bro. Jamie instructing Caleb on how to hide behind a song book when you're embarrassed

It's so wonderful to be surrounded by such sweet and willing helpers when you have small children

KK, watching Rosebud while Mom works and cleans the new church

Seth with his 2 best friends

Our new pulpit, built special order (maybe Jason won't break it)

Coffee with friends

Our First Week of Summer

Well, I woke up this morning and remembered that I had a Blog, and maybe I should update it! First, I'd like to thank all my family and friends for your prayers, e-mails, phone calls, meals, and visits over the past few days. It has meant so much to our family. We are doing well; Summer is doing wonderful. I have had some major (strange!) surgery complications, but I am finally beginning to see the light myself. It feels good to be up and about, taking care of things a little at a time, rather than having everyone waiting on me; though I have so greatly appreciated the help.

Here are some snapshots of what we've been doing....

Our darling little Rosebud (KK & Sis had her nicknamed before she was even born!!)

Summer, heading out to her first day at church

I've got lots and lots of helpers!

Remembering why there's a flower named "Baby's Breath"

Some snapshots from the hospital...

Violet the Blueberry with her children, just before delivery

No matter how hard the pregnancy, delivery, and recovery, it's always worth it.

"A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come; but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world." John 16:21

I can only humbly thank the Lord for His abundant and undeserved blessings he has bestowed upon me and my family.

Did I mention that I'm 9 months pregnant?

I'm not one of those cute ladies that gets a "baby bump". I usually milk this experience for all it's worth, and swell from head to toe; therefore, I rarely let anyone photograph me when I'm pregnant. But just for fun, I'll post one snapshot.

Here's me this morning:

(Seth actually told me I looked like "that blueberry girl on Wonka". Now, the kids have been going around chanting, "Violet, you're turning violet, Violet!" Ha ha ha ha)

All jokes aside, I am SO READY for this baby girl. If I survive until next week, the C-section has been scheduled for Monday, June 23rd, and I truly desire the prayers of all my readers. It's been fun blogging and sharing this experience with everyone.

The children are so sweet and excited, and boy have we been "nesting"!! These past 2 weeks, we've cleaned carpet, cleaned out every closet and bookshelf and and drawer and filing cabinet, dusted baseboards to ceilings, cleaned out showers and tubs, washed sheets and pillows, scrubbed down appliances, cleaned the fish tank, and I even made a dress and a skirt. All this when I can barely walk across the room, and Jason even preached a revival out of town. Wow, it truly is an instinct from the Lord that motivates a "mama" to get ready for her baby.

We've picked out a name, and the kids will reveal it to our family when she is born. They are so cute, and it has been hilarious listening to the big kids trying to get the little ones to keep the name a secret (kind of a family tradition for us). As we are a nickname family, they have already picked her out a nickname, and it just melts my heart to hear Bubbie look around and see if anyone else is looking, then run up to my belly and whisper, "Hey, _________! Hurry up and come out!" Yes, my kids are so sheltered and innocent, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Several people have tried to tell Bubbie he is going to be jealous, and have tried to tell Seth that he is going to be the "middle child" (as if this was a horrible disease), but they just look at me like they don't have a clue what these other people are talking about. I just wink and give them that "Some people are just weird, but be polite" smile, and we go on our happy way. It is so true that these rude attitudes are picked up from a very worldly and family un-friendly culture, because they sure don't come naturally in a happy family. Even Caleb doesn't understand what "middle child" means, at least not with the tone of voice that it's usually said to Seth. They've not been to public school, or watched television, or read books that give them these ideas, and as far as they know, siblings are friends. Imagine that!

Again, we truly do desire your prayers, and we'll keep everyone posted of any baby news.

How Tara Got Her Groove Back

Wow, do I feel better! It's true that I'm 8 months pregnant, can't take a deep breath, don't sleep more than 30 minutes at a time, take about 48 potty breaks per day, and I have definitely painted my own toenails for the last time for several weeks...but thanks be to the Lord, I finally have some of my energy back.

These past 2 weeks have been horrible. I have felt like I had a load of bricks tied to my ankles. It is so frustrating to have so many things that you want and need to do, but no strength to do them. Evidently, my main problem has been a severe iron deficiency. I found from my own research that there are 3 types of iron deficiencies, and mine could not be corrected with an iron pill alone. I am writing this, not because I enjoy complaining (I rarely share my maladies), but to prove, once again, the importance of not totally relying on doctors for your medical care.

Iron supplements make me sick, so it took several weeks to find something I could take. And I also discovered that I needed extra B-12 and folic acid to aid in the absorption, since the type of deficiency I suffered from comes from altered digestion during pregnancy. Had I settled for the doctors' final word, I would still be lying on the couch, helpless. Instead, this has been my plan for the past week: Supermom vitamins in the morning, Folic Acid at lunchtime, Emergen-C (1000 mg of Vit C in fizzy drink form, available from Wal-Mart) in the afternoon when I always need a "pick-me-up", Spirulina tablets along with supper, and prescription Repliva iron tablets at bedtime. After a week of this regimen, I feel like my real self again.

There was a time in my life, when for me to have been out of commission as I've been, that my house and family would have been turned completely upside down. However, with my fourth pregnancy, I saw a dire need to put my family on a functioning schedule. This week, again, proved how helpful that schedule has been to our lives. One of the best resources I've ever found for my schedule is Titus2.com , mainly the book "Managers of Their Homes". I'm not near as rigid as Mrs. Maxwell is with her schedule, but that book taught me so much about the value of multi-tasking, families working together, siblings helping each other, teaching younger children to entertain themselves, expecting more out of children, the folly of being a slave to a child's every whim, and children following tasks without being told. (Famous saying around here, "This chart is my voice.") We've been doing this since 2004, and we are not slave to it, and it changes every year as our family changes. We kind of look at it as Jesus said of man and the Sabbath, that the family was not made for the schedule, but the schedule for the family. Although I've not been able to even stand for more than a few minutes at a time, the laundry is still done (all except MY folding!), and we've not missed one single day of school lessons....all because my children are trained to follow the schedule. It has made the difference between a chaotic miserable house full of lazy, shiftless children and an over-worked, exhausted, resentful mother....and a functioning family who enjoys life. I thank the Lord for putting me on this path.

Sometimes we thank the Lord for our health, assuming that we are not taking our blessings for granted. But the Lord has shown me these past few days that each morning I get up and make out a "to do" list, I am taking it for granted that I will have the stamina and opportunity to complete that day. My prayer is like that of Moses:

"So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." Psalm 90:12

Third Trimester

I am now 27 weeks and 2 days pregnant, heading into my 3rd trimester. I have to eat small portions (if I want to still be able to breathe), I have terrible indigestion, my lap is gone (though that doesn't stop Bub and Seth from trying to sit there!), I wake up about 75 times each night to roll over and get "comfortable", and please...if you drop something at my feet, have mercy and don't look at me to pick it up!


Some women look beautiful during pregnancy. They don't get all puffy and swollen, and you'd hardly know they were pregnant if it weren't for that little bulge in their bellies. Me? I'm pregnant from my hair down to my toenails!

Even so, with all this discomfort, words fail me to describe what pregnancy is like. As I type, this little girl is apparently kickboxing in my belly. At this stage, I find it hard to be productive, because I know if I just sit still long enough, she'll start turning flips and I can sit and watch and feel the movements. What an awesome way our Lord has designed to bring new humans into the world! What a privilege and responsibility for woman!

Here's one of my favorite pictures of Jason and Seth:

I'm getting excited! And, BTW, we are still taking name suggestions!

Do you recognize these 2 kids?

Yes, that's Jason and me 13 years ago............or should I say, 5 pregnancies, 4 children (+1 on the way!), 4 churches, dozens of mortgage payments, some lost hair and some "found" pounds, and a whirlwind 13 years ago, today.

Looking back, I can see how far the Lord has brought us together. Jason and I met in June 1994 (I was 19; he was 22), got engaged in August, and married the next March. And the only reason we waited that long, was to satisfy everyone around us who, no doubt, thought we were "rushing it". I forfeited 3 remaining years on my college scholarship (known to others as "throwing away a golden opportunity") and followed the Lord to be with Jason. It was the easiest and most right decision, other than my salvation, that I have ever made. I've never questioned my choice, and I'll always remember that Jason never pressured me to do this. He was fully prepared to wait on me to graduate college before we married, but it just wasn't in God's plan. By the time I would have graduated, we already were married, had built a house, pastoring a church, and expecting our first child. I'm so glad I didn't delay Jason's ministry or our family, just to pursue the world's accolades.

When we met, we knew almost instantly that we would marry. Jason is the only man I have ever loved. I had faithfully prayed to the Lord since a young teenager, that I would never get sidetracked from following Him, by loving the wrong person. I gave the Lord the keys to my heart, and I felt Him unlock that door when Jason looked into my eyes. That was enough for me, but the Lord graciously sent so many confirmations to Jason and myself along the way. Most memorably, the night we went looking at engagement rings, we sat in his truck and prayed for the Lord's will to be done. We lifted our heads, sitting in the parking lot, and there in the sky, was the biggest, most beautiful rainbow I'd ever seen.

We were forced to grow up and mature almost instantly, and sometimes it's hard to even remember that first, carefree, absolutely fun year we had before Jason became a pastor and we became parents. As other wives can testify, it is very stressful being married to a real, God-called preacher, but I wouldn't trade our life for anything!

22 weeks

This Saturday, I will be 22 weeks along in my pregnancy. Here's what's going on with our baby girl now:

The bones of the ears harden, enabling sound conduction. She can now hear voices or sounds of her mother's breathing or heartbeat. The proportions of her face and body begin to assume the appearance of an infant near its due date. A period of substantial weight gain is beginning; fat layers are starting to form. She is about 10 inches long from crown to rump and weighs about 1 ¼ pounds. You now may notice a regular, rhythmic, rapid thumping in your belly - your baby is hiccupping! Hiccups are a normal reflex of the diaphragm. She moves an average of 200 times per day. Also, she has already decided on her favorite sleeping position! Perhaps she comfortably sleeps sitting straight up with her arms crossed, her thumb in hermouth and with her chin on her chest or perhaps she likes to lie at the bottom of your tummy stretched out with her arms up. Shortly after her birth you can see how she was lying in your stomach because she will also prefer to sleep this way when she's "on the outside."

This is an amazing photo of an actual 4-D ultrasound at 22 weeks that I found online.

Click here to see another absolutely amazing actual in-utero photograph
of a baby at 22 weeks.

"I will praise you; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well." Psalm 139:14

Please remember our family in your prayers, and we're still taking name suggestions!

Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice..

We're having a baby GIRL!

Due June 28 (at least that's their best guess. I say June 15. We'll see!)

We're taking baby girl name suggestions.....

A Mother's Prayer

by Barbara C. Ryberg

I wash the dirt from little feet,

And as I wash I pray,

"Lord, keep them ever pure and true

To walk the narrow way."

I wash the dirt from little hands,

And earnestly I ask,

"Lord, may they ever yielded be

To do the humblest task."

I wash the dirt from little knees,

And pray, "Lord, may they be

The place where victories are won,

And orders sought from Thee."

I scrub the clothes that soil so soon,

And pray, "Lord, may her dress

Throughout eternal ages be

Thy robe of righteousness."

E'er many hours shall pass, I know

I'll wash these hands again;

And there'll be dirt upon her dress

Before the day shall end."

But as she journeys on through life

And learns of want and pain,

Lord, keep her precious little heart

Cleansed from all sin and stain;

For soap and water cannot reach

Where Thou alone canst see,

Her hands and feet, these I can wash --

I trust her heart to Thee.

I'm definitely pregnant!

Okay, the lemon sour cravings have already started. For those of you who have lived such a deprived life that you've never had a lemon sour, I'll make your day and post the recipe here!

Lemon Sour

crushed ice

2 lemons

10 oz. club soda (Canada Dry)

salt to taste

Place crushed ice in a large cup. Thoroughly squeeze lemons onto ice. Pour soda water over ice. Mix well, and add salt to taste (lots of it!). Drink with a straw.

Enjoy, and absolutely NO negative comments unless you've tried it first!

(It's a wonder all my babies didn't come out puckered up!)

"As cold waters to a thirsty soul,

so is good news from a far country." Prov. 25:25

With good news being pretty hard to come by these days, our family would like to share some of our good news with you. WE'RE HAVING A A BABY! Today, I am 6 weeks, 1 day pregnant, and the baby will be due around June 15. I know this drives some people crazy that we have the nerve to add one more carbon footprint to this crowded world, but the truth is, I take great delight in frustrating tree-hugging, Planned Parenthood supporting, Margaret Sanger thinking, abortion promoting, God hating people.

Please pray for our family, and praise God along with us that He has so kindly blessed us.

With babies on my mind, I was thinking about when we brought Bubbie home from the hospital. Everyone was very sick, and we had to keep Bubbie in a separate room all alone for the first week. Finally, as the others got well, we let them in to see the new baby. I captured Seth's first peek into the crib at his new baby, or "bubbie" (which is where Bub got his firmly stuck nickname!). This is one of my favorite pictures ever.

I just can't wait!