Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Grace by Grace

I started my day giving thanks.
Thanks long overlooked.
Clinging to His grace for that needed lifeline.
I served.
And then.....
 
Odds that only an all powerful, all knowing, and all loving GOD can pull off.
Get YOUR specific, personal attention kind of circumstances.
Way too big and individual to be simple coincidence.
Sit on the front porch and cry tears that HE holds.
Hot tears that release memories of being loved by my creator.
A love so pure and real and so undeserved.
That kind of God moment.
That kind of reminder.
ONLY GOD.
Oh Jesus how I love you, from that same front porch.
And a decision to be made.

Today I poured advice, guidance from my heart.  I've been her and I don't believe her.  To not need help because you ONLY have the Lord doesn't make sense.  He IS the help.  He IS the provision.  He IS the grace.  He IS the saving.  It didn't make sense.  So I shared the story a wise preacher man once shared with me....

There was a flood and a man sat on the rooftop of his house praying, pleading with the Lord to help him, to save him.  A lifeboat came by and offered this man a ride to dry land.  He declined, and continued to wait on the Lord he knew would save him.  Then a rescue chopper lowered a ladder, another way to dry land.  Again, this faithful man declined.  He decided to wait for his God, to hold out for God to save Him.  The man drowned as the flood waters rose.  He drowned not knowing that the chopper and the lifeboat had been sent from God.  The help he refused was the direct lifeline from the God he pleaded to. 

The answers to our prayers aren't always the things we expect.  They aren't always packaged how we expect them to be.  Sometimes we miss God while we wait for Him.  We don't see His hand because we're looking for His face.  Little did I know that council given today was God's pre-given advice to a question I myself would be asked later this day.

And the answer?  God is God.  Grace is a gift and it's given the way He chooses to give it.  I too was reminded today that sometimes it's easy to overlook an answer to prayer.  It's our nature to stay stuck on what we had in mind for our future.  Today, I choose GOD and I fully accept HIS ways.  His plans far exceed mine in what's best.  Again, I soak in a scripture I shared with another person, advice that I gave to yet another child of our King today.  I gratefully take it as my own and give thanks to the God that loves me beyond my wildest dreams.  The second bit of truth I shared today that was indeed also handed down for my own answer.....

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us  Ephesians 3:20

Thank you Jesus for your all-powerful, breathtaking, tear bringing reminder that I belong to YOU.  Am loved by YOU.  Am protected and guided by YOU... moment by moment.  Grace by grace. 

So yes God, I will take your grace today.  In whatever fashion you give, with all satisfaction.  For I know that whether it be your hand or your face, your personal presence or your lifeline.....that it is far above anything I could ever ask or dream of.  OH JESUS....how I love YOU.




Sunday, June 29, 2014

Tomatoe Grace

 
It's that time of year again.  The vegetables....not coming in like I want, but still the harvest is enough and there's hope for more.  But these girls....
They steal my heart.
Every time.
They make it skip a beat.
And make it explode with laughter.
They're the perfect part of our crazy.
Yep, these two sisters have a huge part of me.

 


Memories and tomatoes, all wrapped up in one.
Pretty good if you ask me!
Yummy and goofy too!
 

 
Always entertaining.
Always loved, so very loved.
By eachother,by me, by any and every one who knows them.

 
And randomly crazy, oh so random!

 
This food sieve....generations old.  The perfect birthday gift from my Grandma a few years back.  If I'm right, it was her Grandmother's before it was hers.  And now her Great Granddaughters share the kitchen with it once again.

 
And the boys, those crazy boys.  Yep, they're the other piece of the puzzle!  I never, ever would have guessed my heart could have this much room for this much love.  With each day, each year, each crazy kitchen moment, and every wild parenting challenge....it continues to grow.  A limitless grace.  Thanks you Jesus for the four greatest kids ever.
They're pretty amazing.
 
RANDOM KID QUOTES OF THE NIGHT.....
 
Alaina:  Gracie thinks North America is Texas....like all of it.
 
Gracie:  I love my sister.
 
Cass: Uhhhh....I don't know what to say....HELLO.
 
Aiden:  Ummm whatever.
True story, that's just kinda how we roll!
I'm now inspired to actually capture their randomness while theyr'e unaware....to steal their perfect words when they least expect it.  That will be fun.
 
We can do ALL things through Christ who gives us strength.  And it is ONLY through Christ that I am anything, anyone, with any sort of plan and purpose.  May all I do this week be in love!  And may the little (and big) eyes and ears around me continue to be the grace, the blessing, the motivation, and inspiration that they are.  And they don't even know it!  I guess that's how amazing works.
 
Jennifer

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Summer's In FULL SWING in our neck of the woods!
 
Join me this week over at HOMESCHOOL SURVIVAL for some summer survival tips!
 
 
 
Love in Christ,
Jennifer
 

Sunday, June 1, 2014

School Year 2013-2014

Homeschool Year #1 Complete!!!!
Wow!
That's HUGE for us!
 
 
I look forward to printing these pictures for each kid to put in their school album!
 
 
Most importantly....GOD HAS BEEN FAITHFUL!
So thankful for these memories!
 
 

 
 
Here's a video to watch and enjoy!
Please forgive the mistake or two or three.

Saturday, May 3, 2014

A Reminder of Grace

Several weeks ago we had a pretty fierce storm. 
We know the drill.....
Watch the radar
Keep Tuned into local weather alerts
Pay attention and Listen
 
The lights flickered and suddenly it sounded like the house was being pounded inward from every direction by the rain.
 
That's when I gave the word and we rushed into the main bathroom of our house.  We live in a mobile home and I believe this is the safest room-if there is one.  It has no windows and seems to be in the best location if any of the big trees come down.  In the middle of this, we hurried into Cass' bedroom and drug his double size mattress into the bathroom floor, along with the weather radio.  It was here that we stayed and listened to the storm and the weather updates, on a now battery operated radio.
 
Let me explain that this isn't exactly a rare occurrence around here.  We live in a land of frequent severe thunderstorms, tornado watches, and the occasional tornado itself.  Most of the time, the worst that happens is we lose power for a day or more and/or spend the night in the bathroom floor.
 
I didn't go to sleep during this storm, and later in the night when it calmed down, I moved me and the kids back into our bedroom for the night.  I did peek out the front door and see a big limb off of a tree.  But I had no idea until morning what had happened outside.
 
 
To give you an idea, this shed is located behind the house.  There is usually only grass on the ground.  You can see a line of trees down behind Gracie, extending past both sides of the picture.

 
Here is a closer picture of what was happening outside of the house.  Where the skirting is 'ruffled' is  where we went to get the mattress and only steps away from the bathroom we ended up in.

 
Use your imagination here.  This specific line of damage started past the edge of the first picture of the post.  It began far from the house and did a whole lot of damage before making its way here.  It went through the trees as I've tried to show in the pictures above.  It messed with the skirting on the edge of the house....and then it literally STOPPED.  Right there, right before the area where the kids and I were sheltered.  Just.  In.  Time.
 
Let that soak in.
 
The next morning, the kids yelled that there were trees down in the back, big trees.  I stepped outside and my heart literally stopped and sank into my belly.  We ventured outside and with every step, I saw something that I'll never forget. 
 
I saw the exact measure of grace we were given that night.  The weeks since have held discoveries of many more places effected by that night's storms.  And a whole lot of cleanup with eventual results.  
 
Since that morning I've been unable to help it.....I keep comparing this storm to God's protection in our lives.  We go through times in life knowing things are rough and knowing God is with us.  But it's not always then that we realize just how much grace we've been given.  It's often not until the storm has passed that we are able to see.  To look and feel of the damage, to sense the hurt from which we've been spared.  Often Grace is best measured in hind-sight.  Looking back and being able to see just how much our Savior has protected us from.  I believe that feeling will be endlessly multiplied in the time we will walk and talk with Jesus.  Until then, I'll remember to trust HIM in the storms.  My hope is that you will too.
 
Life carries on in the days since.  Springtime filled with all things spring.  Baseball.  Soccer.  Softball.  End of school work.  Little friendships growing.  Family together.  Gardens planted.  Yards mowed.  Flowers planted.  Hearts healing.  And most of all.....lives lived.  The tragedies coming from storms in other states remind us that the same God that gives....He also takes away.  Still HE is mighty and He knows what He's protecting each of us from....even those whose lives were lost to a storm's fury.  Pray for those families.  Thank God that He isn't done with you yet.  Be inspired by the stories of faith pouring in from survivors. 

 
 
Today I give things to HIM in all we have.  For my husband, my best friend.  For our four beautiful and healthy children.  For little friendships and lives growing.  For lessons learned and storms survived.  For protections unknown and Grace we often don't see.
 
The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.  Psalm 145:17

Saturday, April 19, 2014

Louisiana House Bill 1091

Okay Dog Owners and Hog Hunters, there is yet another bill working it's way through into Louisiana Law that I think you will find of interest.  It looks like we have only until Tuesday April 22nd to stop this bill from passing into the Senate and getting one huge step closer to becoming law.  First, let me introduce you to....
 
LOUISIANA HOUSE BILL 1091  By Representative Tom Willmott
 
ANIMALS:  Prohibits the transportation of dogs in pickup truck beds on certain roadways unless humanely secured
 
Scheduled for Floor Debate on 4/22/14
(Final House Vote before moving to Senate)
 
This may or may not mean anything to you.  For our family, it's another jab closer to stepping on our rights as dog owners and a family that hunts with our dogs.  For us, it's a silly place for government to step in and could very well add to the slippery slope of losing our rights as dog owners.  I believe the people supporting this law think it's a public safety issue to have a dog riding unsecured on a pickup bed on Interstate Highways.  If you're like us, we know many people and many dogs that have done this for a long time with no incident.  And also like us, you can probably come up with a list of other hazards to our citizens that need much more attention....such as an overreach of government control on things that don't need fixed. 
 
If you feel the same way, please consider taking a few moments this weekend to shoot an email and or voice mail to your representative.  You can find your representative and contact information HERE.
 
If you're not great with words, feel free to use the same words we have.  Here is a sample email you might find handy....
 
 
 
Dear Representative_________________,
 
It has come to my attention that House Bill 1091 is up for floor debate and a final vote this coming Tuesday, April 22nd.  This bill seeks to prohibit the transportation of dogs in pickup truck beds on certain roadways unless humanely secured.
 
I am a dog owner, who cares very much about the safety of my animals and other citizens.  With that being said, I find this law an attack on my personal rights and lifestyle.  The practice of dogs riding unrestrained in truck beds is a long lived way of doing things for many of us here in Louisiana-and something that has not represented a hazard to myself or anyone/dog that I know.
 
At the end of the day, I find this bill an excuse for more government regulation where none is needed.  I feel there are many other pressing issues that need our law makers and law enforcement's attention.  Please consider taking a stand against this bill that will do nothing other than hinder dog owners like myself, as well as law enforcement officers from keeping their attention on more pressing matters.
 
PLEASE VOTE NO to House Bill 1091 this coming week. 
 
THANK YOU,
 
______________________
 
 
 
 
Please take time before Tuesday to email or call your rep's office.  Each voice makes a difference and this is just one of many attempts for lawmakers to get their fingers into a way of life that we are trying to protect!
 
 
 
For more information of past work we are trying to accomplish, you can visit the following posts....
 
HOUSE BILL No. 958 Update:  Bill 958 did NOT make it out of committee this year.  Instead, it was decided that a study would be done on this issue.  Good work people.  Keep your eyes and ears open for more information to come on the issue of transporting Live, Feral Hogs.
HOG HUNTING better known as HOGS, DOGS, & HATERS can also be found in your April issue of Tuskers Magazine and is a good read on what it is we're aiming to protect.
 
 
And now, to ask a favor from you.....
 
I've done the homework here, as well as give y'all specific breakdowns in who and when to contact.  My husband Tommy and I are glad to help fight to preserve this heritage for our children and generations to come!  Now I'm asking that after you make your calls and send your emails, to PLEASE take a minute to share this post with any and everyone you can.  Facebook is an awesome platform, so get busy and paste the link to this post in every dog, hog hunting, and other dog hunting group that you can!  THANK YOU!
 
HAPPY EASTER WEEKEND!  HE IS RISEN, HE IS KING, and HE IS THE HEAD OF OUR HOME and the HEART OF ALL WE DO!!!!!
 
JESUS REIGNS!
 
You can contact me directly at jenwhitten8@yahoo.com

 
 
 

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Louisiana Homeschool Lessons

Wow....we've had an eventful few weeks!

Many things to share in the days to come!

Surprise sister visit and walking by faith!

Spring schedules & the tricky art of 'doing it all'!

Tornado....God proves right on time!

Current issues and future plans for protecting our hunting and dog rights.

Those are only to mention a few!

Yes, there's much to be written!

So as our life settles back to 'normal', I'll leave you with a Louisiana Homeschool Lesson!

Visit HERE at HOMESCHOOL SURVIVAL for a little bit of a Southern Challenge!




Remember if you'd like to have our posts delivered to your inbox, visit the left sidebar to signup for email delivery!



Friday, March 14, 2014

House Bill No. 288

UPDATE:

This post was originally posted approximately a year ago and Titled Louisiana House Bill No. 958. Once again-the same type of bill has been proposed-this time it's House Bill No. 288 being proposed by Representative Major Thibaut. For the sake of streamlining the process of equipping  hunters to speak up for their rights-I'm simply going to replace last years details with updated information. Since they're trying to pull the same type of nonsense law out of their valuable public service skills-this will be very easy. The only information changing will be the above mentioned  name on the bill proposal and I will fill in dates as I learn them! Now it's y'all's turn.....let's get busy with the phone calls and emails! Happy hunting....and advocating for your rights!...Jennifer


LOUISIANA HOUSE BILL NO. 288



A week ago I posted an article.  Its reach was pretty far.  Its content seemed to serve as a voice for a large number of hog hunters like myself, my husband, and so many of our friends.  If you're unfamiliar with this article you can GO HERE to read it. 

There were many of YOU, just like us...
Ready to stand up for what we believe in to protect our rights as hog hunters and dog owners.
There's a time to speak up for these things and one of those times is NOW.

This past week many of you were made aware of a law being proposed in our state of Louisiana.   A law that will prohibit the transport of 'live feral hogs'.

Now, I am fairly educated.  But I will be the first to admit that I didn't pay that much attention when it came to 'government'.  Since I spend my days raising & teaching our kids, taking care of pups, and hunting with my husband-I'm not exactly a walking resource on the 'law making' process in Louisiana-or anywhere to be more exact.   I don't think I'm the only one. 

So, I've done my homework.  I've made the phone calls.  And I've come up with what I hope will serve as an easy guide to what's going on here.  AND to make sure WE ALL know that time is of the essence and there IS A WAY for you to make a difference.  I'll do my best to share what I've learned.
 

FIRST LET'S GET UP TO SPEED

HOUSE BILL NO. 288 by Representative Thibaut looks to prohibit the transport of live feral hogs

The bill can be found HERE.  Included are penalties that one 'shall' be subject to if the law is violated. 

A quick little graph of how the law making process works in Louisiana can be found HERE.  But basically, it's like this....

1.  A House Representative presents a proposed bill (In this case Representative Thibaut)
2.  It is referred to a specific house committee (In this case Natural Resource & Environment)
3.  That committee hears/reviews the bill and they make a report on the bill.  It is my understanding that the bill can be stopped inside the committee.  If so, it stops there.  If not, we go on to number 4.
4.  The bill gets presented/debated on the floor of the House of Representatives.
5.  The Bill is either voted for or against in the House of Representatives. If against, it can either be reconsidered or receive no further action.  If approved, it then goes on to the Louisiana Senate.
6.  From here, pretty much the same process of #'s 1-5 is repeated in the Senate.  If all gets approved, it goes on to the process to get final approval and enactment as law.

Where are we now?

The Bill has been assigned to the Natural Resource & Environment Committee.  My checking shows that it is likely to be 'reviewed' by this committee as early as (To Be Updated).  So, theoretically-the committee could approve this bill, pass it on to be voted and approved by the entire House, and move it onto the Senate possibly as early as (To Be Updated).  (Remember, this is based on my understanding of information received)  That's a lot of work and a whole lot of possible progress to be made in a very short time.  That's where we come in.

MOST IMPORTANTLY, WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Our first and perhaps most effective approach needs to be to 'kill' this bill right where it's starting!  It would be awesome to stop it in committee.  If not there, then lets get it stopped in the House so it won't even move onto Senate.

Like I shared in the 'Hogs Dogs & Haters' article, our voices do make a difference.  What matters is that we let the people who are making these decisions and laws know how we feel about this proposed law.

HERE'S HOW

1.  Email or call your specific House Representative (CLICK HERE to find your rep)  and let them know you are AGAINST HOUSE BILL No. 288.  Share your thoughts, opinions, and reasons.
2.  Encourage your like minded friends to do the same.
3.  Email or call EVERY representative that you can on this specific committee.  Remember they will be reviewing and making a report on this bill in a (To Be Updated)!  Go HERE to find the list of Representative on this committee.  Print the list then go through and find links to each member's contact information.
4.  Encourage your like minded friends to do the same.

I don't mind sharing what I will be emailing to the representatives in this committee.  It might give you an example of how to word your own opinions:

Dear Representative_____________,

My name is ______________ and I live _______________.  I understand that house Bill No. 288 will be reviewed by your committee within                        .  This bill would have a very negative impact on the sport of Hog Hunting.  This impact is more than personal, it could also affect many businesses throughout the state that rely on this sport as the heart of their income.  Please strongly consider stopping this bill in its tracks because of the impact it will have on myself and others.  We often catch and transport live hogs for the purpose of training hunting dogs or to castrate so that down the road they can be fit to kill as food.  Please contact me if you'd like further information.  Please STOP Bill. No 288 that would prohibit the transportation of live feral hogs.

Signed,

________________



REMEMBER:  This is just a sample.  It would be great to add your own thoughts and concerns.  The more representatives on this committee that you can email and call, the better we will be heard!  And remember to contact your own representative too!

There you have it-with instructions and links as well.  I hope this helps make it easier.  PLEASE voice your opposition to this bill.  Don't think your opinion doesn't matter!  Don't wait until after a law is passed to take action.  Take charge and BE HEARD AS SOON as you can!

THANK Y'ALL and GOD BLESS!  Feel free to comment with questions or concerns.

SHARE THE LINK TO THIS POST WITH AS MANY PEOPLE AS YOU CAN!

Monday, March 10, 2014

Philippines Mission Trip


I've gathered pictures from our friends helping to rebuild the Open Door Bible Baptist Mission in the Philippines!  Please continue to pray as they serve as the hands and feet of Christ for a people in need!  THANK YOU!
 



Framing for the building they have started on!  Beside it is one of the huts for Sunday School.


CCWC Associate Pastor Josh Love sharing with the people in Sagay!

 
Who would have EVER thought this little guy could be found on a mission trip with a little boy's Daddy!

My favorite picture of the day!  Rumor has it this little one already had CCWC Pastor Dean Love wrapped around her finger!
 
 
Keep those prayers coming as God uses these to share and shine the love of Christ!

Friday, March 7, 2014

Counting Gifts

The weekend is about to make its appearance!
Whether you're dealing in helping and linking verbs, multiplication facts, chemistry, or just the family chores....consider slowing down your weekend for some great family time!
We will be!

Today you can find me writing over HERE at Homeschool Survival.
Consider visiting and reading.  Today's post has this oh so perfect little red-headed boy at its heart!
 
 
I can already tell today is one of those days I just can't make myself WANT to stay inside.....so we probably won't.  It's days when the classroom moves outside, when the creation surrounding us becomes the chalkboard, when family becomes the teacher.....that's when I am especially reminded to give thanks!

 
Thankful for such a FAITHFUL God.
For such a wonderful husband.
For the opportunity to teach these crazy little people.
For another day to give my best.
For the countdown to the end of this hitch.
Today, I choose to count my gifts.
 
Today, that choice can be yours as well!
 
 
Give thanks in everything, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1Thes.5:18b
 

Will you take the time today to pray for a team we have headed to the Philippines?  They have traveled there to be the hands and feet of Christ.  To be the vessels of His light into the lives of those who have lost so much.  Please pray for protection, for God's glory, and for hearts to be tender to their presence.  God knows their names!  Thank you!

UPDATE ON OUR MISSIONARIES:

On this Friday morning, they are in Manila, Philippines!  It's 11PM on Friday night there!  They should fly out to the other side of the Island on Saturday at 10:30.  For those of you who don't know, they will be rebuilding the Open Door Baptist Church!  Keep those prayers coming!  Thank You!!!

Saturday, March 1, 2014

Hog Hunting

 
As the 'hog hunting' culture is being exposed through popular television shows....some of us at home are actually living the sport.  My husband's been a hog hunter since long before hog hunting was cool.  With that said, let me tell you that the opposition to the sport is LOUD, proud, and shameless about trying to drag us through the mud.
 
 
We live where generations have hunted.  Hunted more than hog.  Lived off the land.  Shared their stories.  Loved their family.  Lost their loved ones.  Survived wars.  Our history runs deep in these woods.  Even me, the transplanted wife, can tell you that the history of two cultures now collide and intertwine in my heart.
 
 
We catch the negative attention more times than you'd realize.  While families in cities across America cheer on reality TV shows pretending to depict the reality of this sport....we hear whispers of new laws to protect these poor 'abused' animals.  We are told that what we do is cruel, inhumane, and should in the end be prosecuted.
 
So a message has been brewing in my heart for many weeks.  If you know me, you know I have NO problem standing up for what I believe in.  I pray, I study God's word, I pay attention to the culture shifts, and I am willing to fight for my children's future.  Spiritually, emotionally, and politically.
 
 
Their generation is losing rights before they are even old enough to enjoy them.  While at the same time blinded, reprobate minds are fighting for other nonsense liberties....like the right to kill their own children.  Trying to teach them that 'love' has no boundaries.  That the best way to be protected is to take away their fire arms.  That their health is in the hands of the agencies controlling an engineered food supply.
 
WRONG.  So VERY WRONG.
LOUD.  The groups lobbying for abortion rights, same-sex marriage, gun control, and an 'atheist' nation....those groups are LOUD and PROUD.  If they are outnumbered by conservative Christians like ourselves, you wouldn't know it on Capitol Hill.  This nation is governed by the louder voice more often than it is the popular vote. 
 
 
So...let me give you another perspective to stand on.  And let me remind you that doing what's right is usually not what's popular.  And it's usually uncomfortable.  So if you believe in what I'm sharing, feel free to use my words if yours don't come as easily.  Use them, share them, rally them together with your own.  Just don't, whatever you do, sit and quietly watch another right be stripped away.
 
 
 
A PERSONAL, OPEN LETTER TO DOG HUNTING HATERS & ACTIVISTS :
 
Like you, I was created.  This whole 'debate' can be found summarized in Romans chapter 1 of the Bible.  You see, you are doing something the Bible calls 'worshiping the created instead of the creator'.  Animals are created.  Humans are created.  So while fighting full speed ahead for the rights of feral hogs and catch dogs at any and all cost....you're missing some seriously important parts of the picture.
 
Let me clear up some misconceptions. 
 
First, our primary reason for owning hog dogs IS NOT to spend our days chasing or cheering our dogs on just to see how much they can 'damage' a hog.  My response stems from an article on the Humane Society's website that say of  LEGAL bay competitions...
 "While hog dog trials try to package themselves as respectable entertainment, they are often little more than glorified hog dog fights, similar to other bloodsports like dogfighting, bullfighting, and cockfighting." 
The truth is that our passion is in hunting wild hogs to eat or to use in the training of puppies.  At no time is it ever to see how much damage a dog can do.  Our bay dogs serve an important role while hunting and these competitions are a great way to showcase our dog's talent, enjoy the sport with others like ourselves, and get our children involved in such a great activity.
Our catch dogs (not entered in said bay competitions) serve to CATCH the hog.  Yes, injuries occur to both animals at times but we do take measures to prevent this and quickly put a hog down if the damage is severe.  Distorted views like the one I've quoted above do nothing other than spread untrue views of what we really do.
 
Second, wild hogs are not cute, cuddly, defenseless animals that are left at a disadvantage.  They are destructive, mean, and completely capable of holding their ground.   I promise you that if my kids or myself came across a hog in the woods and it felt threatened...we are at FAR greater risk than the animal.  Countless acres of land are destroyed every year by the hog population.  As for the sport of "catch competitions"... you can't fairly pass laws that hinder an entire sport because of a few small events that represented barely a portion of 'hog dog' activities.
 
Third, you argue that the dogs are suffering cruelty in this sport.  You are DEAD wrong.  Dogs are animals.  As domesticated as you may aim to make them, they are completely in their element while hunting.  It's silly to say letting an animal hunt is doing it a disservice.  I could argue that keeping an animal in a house every day is further against it's origins than what we do.  I'm all for house pets if that's what you like, but leave my dogs natural abilities to hunt alone.  The instinct to hunt is what they were born with, not a cute fluffy bed that sits in your entryway.  I can guarantee you that our dogs are better cared for, happier, and healthier than the starving and neglected children in this country that you COULD be spending your energy and time protecting instead of our happy animals.  You see, those children, and the 1.3 million unborn children that our nation aborts yearly, they were all made in the image of God-unlike hogs.  Your passion, energy, and financial provision would be so much better spent on THAT kind of protection.
 
As for the dogs themselves, not allowing them to hunt is the same to me as not allowing your children to play sports or enjoy life because you're afraid of them getting hurt.  Same thing.  When you limit your children to only your home and never let them out into the world (especially sports or any other activity that carries risks), then-and only then-can you come talk to me about not hunting my dogs because they could get hurt.
 
Fourth, you argue that my children are being taught blood sport.  Wrong.  My children are being taught to hunt their own food.  To take pride in training an animal to sharpen their natural born hunting skills.  We hunt as a family, in God's beautiful creation of the woods, away from violent video games and cartoons, and not in front of TV shows that promote homosexuality or violence.  They are taught the sanctity of HUMAN life, and that it's OK and encouraged to hunt and harvest their own food.  Wouldn't you, as a liberal, be proud that they're not eating the poison junk food that you're trying to ban from public schools? 
 
Fifth, our dogs are respected as animals and in no way endanger our children.  I once said I'd never let a pit bull live on this land.  I was so misguided and mistaken because of the negative media attention this breed attracts.  A dog is a dog.  Period.  Safety measures and common sense should always be used when allowing children around dogs-especially ones large and powerful in strength.  I know true accidents have happened in the past, but so have many tragedies that could have been prevented.  At the end of the day, a dog is still a dog.  Even the best dog can 'snap' under certain circumstances.  Unfortunately, this breed has been sadly blamed for many situations that have stemmed from poor decisions and a lack of common sense.  Our catch dogs have proven to be our sweetest, gentlest, most protective, and good natured dogs that we've ever had.  We love them dearly.  We also take precautions as with any dog around our children. 
 
And finally, I ask you to prayerfully consider where better you could invest your time, energy, and finances.  There are children and adults being sold in sex trafficking right here in our country.  Women and families being destroyed for the sake of aborting an 'inconvenient' child.  Like I mentioned before this letter, the rights to bear arms, to worship and serve Christ, and to remain free-are under major attack daily.  Further legislation and laws against such isolated incidents as 'dog fighting' should NOT continue to hinder the family sport of hog hunting.
 
SIGNED:
A Louisiana Hog Hunting Family
 
 
NOTE:  In no way was this letter written to stir hate.  Only to make you, others, and the people pushing to abolish our sport aware of the truth.  I encourage you to pay attention to your state and national legislation so as these rights are not terminated before we even knew they were at risk.
 
Do your homework.  Stand up for this sport.  Encourage your state representatives to do the same.
 
 

 
ATTENTION:  While I will not include links as to boost their page viewings, I am aware of more than one site and/or group of people that are actively seeking to take away our rights to hunt hogs and to hunt with our dogs.  However I have NO way to prove their authenticity.  I just don't know if their bite is as big as their bark-pun intended.  Our job needs to be to match the voices of these groups to our legislators and representatives-when necessary.
 
If you are aware of any specific proposals, laws being drafted, petitions, or any other action of the like against our rights, please comment with specifics below.  Consider joining your local dog hunting association.  If there isn't one-start one.  We need to be paying attention to what these groups of people are doing and be ready to counter their voices with our own.

IF YOU ARE A BUSINESS OR INDIVIDUAL WHO WOULD LIKE YOUR NAME SIGNED AT THE BOTTOM OF THE ABOVE LETTER, COMMENT BELOW WITH YOUR NAME, CITY & STATE, & DIRECTIONS TO ADD YOUR SIGNATURE.
 
THANK YALL AND GOD BLESS!!!
 

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Introducing F2D

Introducing Frazzled to Dazzled

 
 
Bringing handmade, quality items to you one sister at a time!  We have a few select items for sale at this time, with many more to come.  A plan to officially launch our sales in the fall is in full swing!  Until then, we've started a Facebook page to share our vision with yall.
 
Below is a small sample of the items we will have.  Behind the scenes we have plans in motion to add more items like these and many others!  We're thinking and creating along the lines of crocheted and beaded treasures, hair accessories, and home décor!
 


An etsy shop is very likely in our future along with some local festivals in the fall.  'Local' takes on a different meaning here, as creations are coming to life in more states than one!
 
The heart of F2D is that of two sisters.  Young and old! 


 
Younger ones being busy with school, active cheer and dance stars, and life itself!  Still they can be found helping behind the scenes at different times, with fun down the road with their own awesome creations! 

 
Like, visit, and share our Facebook page with friends (see the link above) and look forward to more great things to come!

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Pray Without Ceasing

Been thinking lately?

 
Yeah, me too.
The change of weather seems to have that effect on me.
We've had plenty of that around here.
 
 
I'm learning that there are times God wants us to speak.
Times He wants us to stand.
And there are times to be quiet and still.

 
In the meantime, school days pass by.
'Little' people grow.  In more ways than one.
Our days come in hitches.
The man I love provides more than we could ever need.
Still, I forget that we are blessed beyond belief.

 
There are families starving right now.
We are a minority with the majority.
And as a nation, we don't even know it.

 
We continue to learn from each other.
The more I learn, the less I realize I've known.
The more I know I need my Savior.
To focus on pointing their hearts to HIM while not being distracted by the world.

 
Once lost, now found.
At times thinking I knew every answer.
Not ashamed to tell you I cling to scripture and promises today.
Promises of things I can't always see.
Reminders that God knows what I do not.
Knowing that we never really know the battles others face.
 
God gave me a word today.
Twice.  In a row.
 
PRAY WITHOUT CEASING.
PRAY WITHOUT CEASING.
(1Thes. 5:17)
 
No conditions.
No questions asked.
PRAY WITHOUT CEASING.
PRAY WITHOUT CEASING.

 
That means to pick up my shield of faith, the sword of the spirit, and to cover myself in the rest of God's armor.
Tired.  Imperfect.  Unworthy.
Yet blessed by the grace of a God whose clearly speaking.


 
To run with endurance the race that's been set before me.  Eyes only on JESUS, the author and finisher of my faith.
(Hebrews 12:1-2)
Knowing with every piece of my heart that HE is faithful.  That He who began a good work in me, in us, will be faithful to complete it.
(Philippians 1:6)
PRAISE.  WORSHIP.  THANKS.
 
And above all...
PRAY WITHOUT CEASING
PRAY WITHOUT CEASING

Friday, January 31, 2014

Winter Wonder

Louisiana Snow

These cypress knees have seen snow very few times in the many years they've grown in this swamp.

 
 
This long county road isn't accustomed to the white visitor that graced it's surface twice within the week, with the possibility of a soon return.

 
'Snow day' isn't usually a part of their vocabulary.

 
Sometimes the craziest kid of all comes disguised as a grown up!

 
Little cheeks accustomed to heat waves grow rosy with the chill.

 
Tonka truck beds fill with a good dose from Jack Frost.

 
Cocoa with sugar cookie marshmallows warm little bodies, as family memories warm their hearts.



This week you can find me over at HOMESCHOOL SURVIVAL blogging about a time old tradition that serves well in the classroom!  Do visit?  I hope you'll enjoy!