wow- prayer

A dear friend ( Pattio :o) ) has been talking with me about what she's been learning about prayer in her personal study. It's been so sweet and refreshing to be reminded of what an AMAZING Father I have. She shared this amazing sermon link with me by Tim Keller. (just 30 minutes) I think it's part of series on the Lords prayer.

About 3/4 of the way through, at the part about the father and daughter in the toy store and he related to the story of Eve and the trees in the garden, really struck home. It's an example I've heard twice in three days. Satan made Eve think/act: "Because you won't give me this one thing you won't give me anything". Sin happened when Eve focused on what she couldn't have (JUST ONE little tree- she'd been given EVERYTHING! but that). It's an adoration problem: "because God won't give me everything, that just proves he doesn't want me to have anything" - LIE- Satan has distorted my thinking. It's a matter of trust that He has my best in mind. I must fill my prayers with adoration and praise!

Adoration- turning my thoughts to Him and what He HAS given me will change my view of my current situation (petition). Adoration will heal my sinful heart. (because it changes my hearts focus to GOD).

Praise must be at the gate of my heart, the first to overflow, saturate and dominate when I talk to my God! I must pray only because I adore my GOD. What I choose to pray about reveals what my heart hallows.

All of this has spoke to my heart in relation to what happened this summer. I must honestly say that I have questioned God's love for me many times; because he took our son, Bennett Torger, away from us. But in reality, (and I hope I can feel this in more and more real ways in the future), He took Bennett to be with Him because He loves me (us). I don't fully understand that kind of love, but I know it's true. I want to be thankful now for the things I do have and the gifts He has bestowed on us! He has saved me from eternal wrath, has has given me PRECIOUS family and friend, and a husband who loves and cares for me dearly. He's provided for my every physical need, and my list could go on.

Thank you Patty. My heart needed this. I'm humbled. I want to PRAISE MORE!!!



...and on that note: (little long- but WORTH IT! I wanna follow Hannah's example! :-) I wanna parent like these guys!

"In Jesus Name, AMEN."

That's all.

fall party

We were so blessed to have a suddenly beautiful fall day (a change from our 30-40 degree, rainy, snowy weather). These are the words that come to mind about that day: sunny, crisply warm, autumn, orange, yellow, friends, family, fun, kids, couples, together, relaxing, creative, silly, trees, gratefulness. We'll definitely have to do this again. We enjoyed carving and paintings and chatting with ya'll!Us and our little Penelopie Pumpkin 2009

If you'd like to see some more photo's of our fall pumpkin party go here.

Two weekends ago we got to go to Des Moines to celebrate our nephew's (Elliott) third birthday. They held the party at a place like Chuckie Cheese's- we ALL had a blast. -those games can be really addicting (the ones where you win tickets...) yeah- are we trying to get our kids addicted to gambling!??! (LOL- it was so fun though!). Silly faces with the birthday boy! (oh by the way, Elliott addresses me (manda) as "Unca-Manda" Not sure if that's because he likes Charlie better and wishes he were with him...or if Aunty-Manda is too tough to get out???)
So happy to spend this season with the love of my life.

pumpkin

Fall is definitely and undoubtedly here in Plymouth. In fact, it may have already been here and left- and it may be winter... I think we're well over 3" of snow this month. CRAZY! It's OCTOBER! This weekend promises to be warmer and more sun filled, that's encouraging. I hope it is warmer and dry and sunny 'cuz we're having a big fall pumpkin carving/decorating party at our house this Saturday afternoon. If you're in the area be sure to come decorate with us, bring a friend! I'll post pictures of the party next week.

This is our little pumpkin I decorated:

tip: to create a pumpkin like this for yourself, use a knife to peel away or slice away the pumpkin's top layer of skin. I enjoyed doing this more than carving and found I could be more intricate too!

My family comes tonight to visit for a few days! YAY!

classy & crafty please

Leave me some ideas!

Ok, so I KNOW some of you guys out there are fabulously creative. For about a month now I've had this little crafty-sewy-makey type bug. I'm all inspired to make Christmas presents, and other fun gifts... my only stipulation is that it not look COMPLETELY "home-made" -if you know what I mean. I'd TOTALLY love to hear about any classy gift-making idea's you may have. Comment about it, comment a link about it, or whatever.

One idea I've run across lately (haven't tried it) is felting- but I'm not real sure how to do it, or what these darling little wool/felt balls are for. I suppose they'd be good for moms with little boys (or young children) who like balls in the house... plus I guess they bounce!?!

Now's a good time to start thinking about making Christmas presents, of begin shopping to avoid the last minute Christmas panic!

rain-a little throwback

In honor of our never-ending rainy weather in the Cities...I give you "Rain Falls" on Sesame Street! I liked it when Bob visited the street. Enjoy (the second half).

my help and my deliverer

Psalm 40

1 I waited patiently for the Lord;
 he inclined to me and heard my cry.
 2 He drew me up from the pit of destruction, 
out of the miry bog, 
and set my feet upon a rock,
 making my steps secure.
 3 He put a new song in my mouth,
 a song of praise to our God.
 Many will see and fear,
 and put their trust in the Lord. 4 Blessed is the man who makes
 the Lord his trust… 5 You have multiplied, O Lord my God,
 your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us;
 none can compare with you!
 I will proclaim and tell of them,
 yet they are more than can be told. 6 …you have given me an open ear. 8 I delight to do your will, O my God;
 your law is within my heart.” 10 …I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation;
 I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness. 11 As for you, O Lord, you will not restrain
 your mercy from me;
 your steadfast love and your faithfulness will
ever preserve me!
 16 But may all who seek you 
rejoice and be glad in you;
 may those who love your salvation
 say continually, “Great is the Lord!” 
17 …You are my help and my deliverer…!

rainy days with nieces & nephews

I got to spend a few days in Des Moines visiting my sister and my sister-in-law. It was a rainy couple of days so we did inside things. I got to spend time holding Isabella Marie Caven and playing with Elliott and Emma at the Science Center. Bridge and I hung out at night and made mac and cheese and snuggled in to watch Grey's. It was a relaxing and fun get-away. :-) I love to spend time with family!

And I got to meet the newest precious Caven kiddo-

Isabella Marie