Happy Anniversrary

Mom and Dad 36 years is something to celebrate. I am proud of you and thankful for you. Hope you two love-birds get a nice break. Just singing your praises.

The Cost of Discipleship

I just wanted to share a few snip-its from the book I just started, The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrech Bonhoeffer. Coming off the heals of reading, Monday Morning Church by Jerry Cook this new book already is so parallel in theme. These quotes are from the introduction alone;
"When we go to church and listen to the sermon, what we want to hear is his Word- and that not merely for selfish reasons, but for the sake of the many for whom the Church and her message are foreign."
"The real trouble is that the pure Word of Jesus has been overlaid with so much human ballast-burdensome rules and regulations, false hopes and consolations-that it has become extremely difficult to make a genuine decision for Christ. Of course it is our aim to preach Christ and Christ alone, but , when all is said and done, it is not the fault of our critics that they find our preaching so hard to understand, so overburdened with ideas and expressions which are hopelessly out of touch with the mental climate in which they live."
"They are convinced that it is not the Word of Jesus himself that puts them off, but the superstructure of human, institutional, and doctrinal elements in our preaching."
"Does not our preaching contain too much of our own opinions and convictions, and too little of Jesus Christ? Jesus invites all those that labour and are heavy laden, and nothing could be so contrary to our best intentions, and so fatal to our proclamation, as to drive men away from him by forcing upon them man-made dogmas."
"When the Bible speaks of following Jesus, it is proclaiming a discipleship which will liberate mankind from all man-made dogmas, from every burden and oppression, from every anxiety and torture which afflicts the consciense. If they follow Jesus, men escape from the hard yoke of thier own laws, and submit to the kindly yoke of Jesus Christ."

What I am amazed at most is that this was written in 1937 first and then revised and Copywrit in 1959 and yet it is so applicable for this day and age. I guess this is a problem that the church has been having for quite some time. Nothing new under the sun.
Wow, I am excited to read this rest. This man's life and death(he was matyered for Jesus) tells such a story.

Take me out ....

Take me out to the ball game
Take me out to the crowd
Buy me some peanuts and cracker jacks
I don't care if I ever come back
For it's root root root for the home team
If they don't win it's a shame
For it's one , two, three strikes you're out
at the ol' ball game.

First thought of the season... the Giants need to find themselves a pitcher!!!

A day in the life....

So , today started off pretty good. Got the kiddos up and showered and ready to head out the door, when suddenly I realized it was hat day at Little Lites today. Can't be the teacher without a hat or have my son a straight' A 'student(no such thing in preschool) without a hat on hat day!!! He chose his new nike hat and I of course in preparation for the Bo' Sox first game this weekend chose my Boston Red Sox hat. Before we left though the phone rang and on the other end was an answer to prayer. Our kids dentist bill was dramatacially different than what I thought it was going to be and in fact my complete prayer for this situation was completely answered. I KNOW this is God's doing!! So we were off to school, with hats on our heads and a smile on my face.
Great day at school , some quotes from our class today ; Eli when describing his hat to the class "This is my hat from Ho-tucky that my Nana gave me" I believe it was a University of Kentucky hat, but Ho tucky I think is pretty good. Nathynn, when asked about the memory verse, " The debval is the bad guys boss." We then went on to have a wonderful loud parade and later a special visit from Pastor Louie that was pretty fun.
When I left school today the weather was absolutely fabuloso and so I decided today would be a great day for a car wash. This is the first time I haven't had kids with me thru the wash and let me just say that it was not nearly as much fun. The way thier eyes light up when we go thru the machine is a sight to behold and literally an event for them , kinda like going thru a disneyland ride. After I was done cleaning up the car I shut the last door and went to drive off when I realized I had locked my keys in the car. DAG- NABIT!!! I was determined not to let this ruin my day and the lady who was cleaning her car next to mine had a cell phone that she was kind enough to let me borrow. She had two little girls and said she wasn't going anywhere (fast anyways,w/kids at the car washit takes about half hour longer than normal) so I did call but of course Moses was busy outside and couldn't hear the phone. I then remembered that the gals for Joni's small group were meeting over at Starbucks and I thought maybe I could borrow Joni's car , run to get Moses keys , and then be back in enough to time to finish my other errands. All was well again. Thank you Jesus. I prayed for blessings for that kind lady and for Joni (it's good to have a big family) I was on my way to Wal-Mart for the things that Mo needed and on my way out the Older gentleman greeter was wearing a Bo' Soxs hat we exchanged mutual admiration for our hats and the team and I was off to get the girls from school.
I picked them up and Joni said that they lady who lent me her cell phone stayed around and chatted a bit with the other ladies . Get this , she said that she might be checking out the preschool. How great is that.
Just sharing a day in the life of Noel, Enjoy!!

The story of Mo..el Part 3 of 3

Learning to be complete in God's love and to trust in Him fully for the future was what the time in between my sophmore and senior year taught me. Ephesians 3:14-20
Okay, so this bring us to my Senior year of high school. In between all that time like I said I truly didn't think again about Moses but that was partly due to the fact that I didn't see him again because he had dropped out of high school and partly due to a distraction that I entertained for a bit about another boy. Ya know , I was after all in high school!! Mostly though I really was growing alot in my relationship with Jesus and I was fortunate enough to be able to go on several missions trips during this time that kept me pretty busy.
My Senior year was very hard because I really didn't want to be there anymore. So the year was draggin a bit for me up until mid year one day when I walked into my last class Art, and there was Moses. Whoa!!! I was so shocked I cannot even tell you but again not knowing if he ever got my letter or if he knew who I was now, I just walked on by and sat down at my table in class. Then, when I looked up there he was. Closer than we had ever been before he sat down right next to me and said, "You are Noel right?" To which I replied "Yes" He then said, " I never got to thank you for that letter but it came at a really important time in my life and I just wanted to thank you for it." He then went on to say, "I would really like to get together with you sometime and talk to you about what you believe in" to which I said, "NO"(just kidding) I said yes of course. The class proceeded I left and went right over to my youth pastors house and told them what had happened. I was on cloud 9 you better believe it. I could hardly wait to go back to school the next day but when I did to my total disappointment he wasn't there. The art teacher told me that there was a mix up with the school and that they weren't going to allow him to come and assist in the class anymore. I was pretty upset but I didn't even know how to get a hold of him and certainly didn't want to fall back into my bad stalker habits again so I didn't even try.
Another year went by. I graduated from high school and decided not to go away for college as I originally had planned. I was working at a preschool taking classes at WNCC and had a new roomate at my parents house, my good friend Allie. We would stay up late almost every night into the wee hours of the night(not good for her she was still in high school) but made for some very great memories for me. Anyhew, she asked me whatever happened to Moses to which I replied I have no idea. She then suggested that I look him up in the phone book and see what happens. So I did. I called the listing and to my shock and amazement it was his house but he wasn't home. His roomate Scott answered and said he would give him my message. What I didn't know was that around the same time I was looking for him he had thought of me again as well. Running into a mutual friend he asked where I was and what I was up to. So after a day or so of phone tag we spoke and I invited him to come to our Saturday night college service. He said that sounded great and I was so excited just to see him again. At the same time I was a bit weary because I knew for sure that I wasn't about to just start dating him right away unless I knew he was serious about persuing a relationship with Jesus first. I watched from a distance as he was faithful to come every Saturday and then when he was asked to live in Guys house for the purpose of becoming a stronger Christian (it was called a discipleship house) I knew that he meant business with Jesus and not just with me. This meant a lot to me, his decision probably more than he realized at the time. So for a long time we went out with a big gang of people and then as I got more sure of his intentions for Jesus and for me we started to go out just the three of us, Me , Mo, and my good friend Allie. Poor guy , now that I think back on this time I have to laugh because of the hoops I made him jump through but I had to be sure. Anyway, he didn't seem to mind and even paid for Allie's night out as well(what a gentleman) but it didn't take long before he wanted to know when we could go out on a date alone. I was at this point to be honest a little scared but excited at the same time. We dated for about 2 months before he made his intentions clear that he didn't want to just "be dating" but that in fact he wanted a life partner. I was on board. So at the young age of 19 he asked me to be his wife and the rest is history....present and future.

Story of Mo..el Part 2 of 3

Prayer changes everything!! 1 Timothy 2:1
Now, a few months had gone by since I first saw Moses at that bible study. He had changed girlfriends and was still very much lost in the world from all appearances. I was looking for him at high school around every corner. Truly, he was the highlight of my sophmore year. The girl he was dating at the time I knew to be a Jehovah's Witness so my prayers for him had changed a bit. After I got the prophetic word from my youth pastor though, I knew that I didn't want to upset God any further with my attentions being elsewhere so I decided to write Moses the
letter and not for any other reason than the fact that I wanted him to know that God loved him. When writing this letter you have to realize that I didn't even know if Moses knew who I was. I just wanted to tell him a little bit about the fact that I knew God had bigger and better plans for his life then what I saw him living out. I wanted him to know that the God of the universe was paying attention even if no else was. The letter went something like this;
Dear Moses,
I know you don't know who I am but my name is Noel Pellant. I am a sophmore and I am a Christian. I have been praying for you the last few months and I just wanted you to know that I really believe with all my heart that God has big plans for your life. I don't know much about you but one thing I do know is that Jesus loves you very much and I really wanted you to know that.
Sincerely,
Noel Pellant
It wasn't a long letter and I didn't even know if he would just throw it away or if he would even get it but I knew that in order to move on for me I needed to send it. Again I prayed , "God if we ever talk please let our first conversation be about you so that I will know that you heard my prayers for him" I sent the letter and shortly after I did I was invited to a birthday party of an old friend. I wasn't going to go because I knew that it was going to be the kind of party that I didn't go to anymore but another Christian friend I knew was going and said that she would take me home if I didn't feel comfortable so I went. Most of the night was pretty much a good eye opener for me and made me very thankful that God had brought me out of so much empty living, but about half way thru the night Moses arrived with his friends and he looked very disturbed. I was wondering at this point if he had got the letter, if he knew who I was now, and what was going on in his life that was the cause for all his intoxication and tears that I could see he had been crying.
We didn't even make eye contact until at one point I was sitting down on a couch doing some serious people watching when he suddenly plopped down on the other end of the couch with no one in between. Now, of course inside my head I was thinking all kinds of things, but I didn't even look his way or acknowledge that he was there until he turned to me and said, "Do you believe in eternity?" to which I responded "Yes, I do." After my response the whole world came back to life. His friends plopped down right beside him and continued comforting him for the reason he was upset that evening was that he had broken up with his girlfriend .That I didn't know, but what I did know was that God's hand was indeed moving and I knew in my heart at that point that something very special was happening.
I got up from the couch, went into the bathroom, looked in the mirror and thanked Jesus over and over again because I knew that one question about eternity was the conformation I was looking for and that now even if nothing else ever happened , even if I never saw him again I knew that God was moving in his life and that I could leave it in His hands and I did. I didn't pray anymore for him from that moment on and strangely enough I didn't see him again for two more years until my Senior year in high school. I didn't ask about him, think about him, or even wonder about him. Strangely enough my heart was asleep again during those years.
To be continued....

The Story Of Mo..el Part 1of 3

The story of how Moses and Noel came to be Mo..el. The story of how when we wait on God and obey him in all areas of life, when we love Him more than anything or anyone He works all things for good. Romans 8:28
The summer before my sophmore year in high school I was asked by my friend Jen to go to her youth group and I was up for meeting new people and mostly just hanging out with my friend Jen . We went over to some peoples house where about 15 or so teenagers were crammed in a living room for bible study. This is the first time that I met Jen's youth pastors Louie and Joni Locke. We all sat down for a cozy bible study when some late arrivals walked thru the door, a girl I knew from choir Heather and her very very attractive boyfriend Moses.
They introduced themselves to the group and I thought to myself "Whoa that guy is fun to look at,also do they allow older college persons to come to a high school bible study? hmmm.. okay, but since he's not hard on the eyes, the more the merrier" I wish I could say that I still remember to this day what we studied in the bible that night but pretty much my attention was not on the bible as much as it was on Heather's boyfriend. (ouch)
After bible study was over I probably asked my friend a gazillion questions about the mysterious boy named Moses and she clued me in that he was indeed still in High School, that he wasn't a christian, and suddenly, starting my high school year took on a whole new excitement. I soon found out that Moses was actually pretty lost in the world. I began to pray for him. ALOT!!! I asked everyone I knew about him and if they knew why he was named Moses. I thought with a name like that there has to be some history that would give a flicker of hope. No one really knew the story of his name. Well, my interest grew and grew and soon became much more than prayers for salvation, my thoughts turned more toward what most young girls think about at that age, that one boy who would fall hopelessly in love with them and protect them from all the other boys of the world. At this point my self-control was a bit lacking and I became a slight stalker in some sense....well pretty much, yeah a stalker of the high school good christian girl kinda way ,not the burn your bunny kinda way. I knew where he worked, where he lived, his phone number everything. All this time we had never even had a conversation but my prayers for salvation, and ahem....for other things became more frequent. I think this is about the time that God decided to get my attention.
My youth pastor at the time was very prophetic. God told him things all the time that he had no way of knowing other than thru this gift and thankfully his gift was always used for our encouragement. I had told no one in my youth group about my serious crush on Moses and certainly hadn't told my youth pastors anything (somehow i knew it wouldn't be recieved with kudos)Anyway, one day before youth group was to start my youth pastor asked if he could talk to me with his wife privately. Oh man, I knew something was up but I had no idea that the God of the universe would care for me so much as to communicate this to me. My youth pastor said, "Noel, God has told me that he is jealous of the time you have been spending thinking and praying for someone else, you have this romance novel going on inside your head and God really misses you and your attention." Oh man, can I just say, that I was floored!! I had no idea that God was paying that close of attention to me, and my mind but apparently He was. So, I prayed one last time for Moses and this was my prayer, "God I really do hope and pray that all my prayers for Moses to come to know you are the ones that you will answer, more than anything I want him to know the hope for living that I know now in You. Please if all this wasn't a total loss I pray the first time we talk that our conversation would be about you, I am sorry for making you jealous and would it be okay if I write him a letter about you?" To which God gave me the permission to go ahead and write him a letter and then leave it at that.
To be continued......

Coffee

Nothing like a Saturday morning cup of Joe except maybe.....Sunday morning, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday morning or anytime of the day or night.....well you get the point.

At a Loss for words (if you can believe that)

So, I have absolutely nothing to blog about but I really want to blog. I thought about blogging about the last book I just finished, You and Your Child by Charles Swindoll . A very good book but not enough to fill a whole blog topic. Then thought I might add a funny one about the event that took place in our home tonight but others might not find it all that funny. Thought about doing some rebutle blogs to other blogs but I just don't have the energy or thoughts to convey those correctly. So, here I am wanting to talk about something but not really having all that much to say right now. I am however enjoying immensely the topics that have been brought up by everyone else in our blogging community and with that I will say goodnight.

Solomon's Question????

Okay, My son Solomon has yet again stumped me with his line of questions regarding spiritual matters, not good I know to be stumped by a 4 year olds questions. It might worry some of you but how would you answer this one;
"Momma does Jesus love the Debal(devil)?"
My answer was "No." I really don't think that He does. I know He loves everyone and that His life was a an act of love. I know that He is capable of loving even the cruelest criminal but I don't think He loves the devil.
So there it is. What do all think?? The question that followed that one is almost as good "Would Jesus be mad if I killed the Debal(devil)?" To that I also replied "No, he wouldn't and I wish that we could kill the punk devil!"

Quotes on Truth

"All truth is safe and nothing else is safe; and he who keeps back the truth, or witholds it from men, from motives of expedience, is either a coward or a criminal, or both." Max Muller

"It is all in vain to preach the truth,
To eager ears of a trusting youth,
If, whenever the lad is standing by,
He sees you cheat and he hears you lie" Edgar A. Guest

Getting it Right

"Paul spent himself for one purpose only-that he might win men to Jesus Christ. Paul attracted to Jesus all the time, never to himself. " I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some." When a man says he must develop a holy life alone with God, he is no more use to his fellow men: he puts himself on a pedestal, away from the common run of men." My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers. Reading this got me thinking , how do we do that "become all things to all people" without being warped somehow by the world? Is that possible? How do you practically do that without being a people pleaser? (something I fall prey to often)
Also, the book in the bible I am hanging out in right now is probably one my favorites. Romans is written by Paul to the Romans. What a huge task this must have been to him. To write a book to a city so big and powerful at the time that it would be like one of us trying to explain Christianity to the city of New York. IF it were me who had to tell the city of Reno what Christianity is what would I say? Another friend wrote recently in a blog about our worldview and how important it is that we have a proper worldview in order to really be affective. I have been really tripping out on some of the verses this time while really studying this book. The one I have been stuck on for weeks is this one " You therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgement on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. Now we know that God's judgement against those who do such things is based on truth. So when you , a mere man, pass judgement on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God's judgement? Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?" Romans 2:1-4
That last verse has really been sticking with me first of all because the word tolerance stood out to me and second of all because I have really been trying to find the balance of speaking into others lives with truth but in a way that will draw them closer to Jesus and not futher away.
I guess I haven't ever really thought of God as being tolerant like how the world uses that word so much right now, but He is so tolerant of us all the time. Our humanity in comparison to His soveriegnty is something that requires alot of tolerance on His part.
Another one that is convicting me again, "Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil, cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves." Romans 12:9-10 and "If it is possible , as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone" vs18
These are hard verses to live by. Sometimes really hard. I want to live by them though because I know they are at the core of what I am supposed to be doing here on this planet.
I am reminded on a daily basis how selfish I am. Having 4 children will reveal that to anyone, but I don't want to look back later on this season and wish that I wouldv'e done more for them or for others, but mostly for Jesus. I know that by loving others I show my love to Him. I want to get that right.

I wonder.....

I was reading in Matthew the other day, and pondering on the man Joseph who built Jesus tomb. My thoughts just kind of got away from me when I read this part,"and he placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock" Matt 27:60 I think that the reason it struck me so deeply is because I have been reading the recent Max Lucado book, Cure For the Common Life. In this book it states that we are all created for a special purpose, given gifts, and talents for a unique task, and that when we find out what that is we find our "sweet spot" in life. Nothing really new that I didn't already know in this book but awesome stories of how some people have come to find out what that sweet spot is.
Well, anyway back to Matthew. As I was reading this verse I was thinking,' I wonder when Joseph was cutting away at this rock , day after day, coming home with bloody knuckles, I wonder if he ever thought in a million years that this stone would hold humanities most precious gift and witness the greatest miracle of all time'. The bible says that Joseph was a secret disciple of Jesus, rich, prominent member of council, waiting for the kingdom of God, bold, a good and upright man, a friend to Nicodemus, and that he didn't concent to crucify Christ. That is all the bible states about this man. So I am sure that as he worked on this stone he was thinking that it would make a suitable place for his body and maybe that of his loved ones, but I know he never imagined that thousands of years later people would travel from all over to come and see his workmanship.
Another story that I would like to share is from the Max Lucado book , a riveting story from a survivor of Hurricane Katrina, "As the waters rose around his house , this New Orleanian swam out a window. With two children clinging to his back, the man found safe refuge atop the tallest building in the neighborhood. Other people joined him on the roof. Soon a small circle of people huddled together on what would be their home for three days until they were rescued. After an hour on the building, the man realized he was on a church. He patted the rooftop and announced to the others, "We are on holy ground." His news jogged the memory of another roof dweller. She looked around at the area, crawled over to the steeple, hugged it, and proclaimed, "My grandfather and grandmother helped build this church!"
Do you think those grandparents ever imagined God would use thier work to save thier granddaughter?? They surely prayed for God to use that building to save souls... but they couldn't have imagined he would use it to save thier grandchild from a hurricane. They had no idea how God would use the work of thier hands. Nor do you. "
I am encouraged to know that no matter how small or large the task at hand God has designed each of us for a special purpose. Do you wonder if your work makes a difference? If your life is making a difference??
One final encouraging note from this book "God inhabits the tiny seed, empowers the tiny deed. He cures the common life by giving no common life, by offering no common gifts. "
What a treasure that lies within each of us when we are willing to just be a vessel for God to accomplish His plans and purposes in and through.
I wonder if you all know that God is moving in and through you. I wonder if you know that we serve the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were.

The Family of God

Family of God you are a gift to me.
Just very thankful for the family God has given me at Hillside(and formerly at the Fountainhead). I am so glad I get to be a part of such a wonderful group of people. Thanks each of you for who you are and how much you love Jesus and His people.
That's all!!! Just sharing the vitamin love!!! (my new favorite phrase)

Psalm 145:9

" He is good to everyone, and his compassion is intertwined with everything he does."

Love Divine

Love's Divine
Then the rain storm came over me
and I felt my spirit break.
I had lost all of my belief you see
and realized my mistake.
But time threw a prayer to me
and all around me became still.

I need Love, Love's Divine
Please forgive me now I sse that I've been blind.
Give me Love, Love is what I need
to help me know my name.

Through the rain storm came sanctuary
and I felt my spirit fly
I had found all my reality
I realized what it takes.

Don't bend
Don't break
Show me how to live and promise me you won't forsake
Cause Love can help me know my name.

Well, I tried to say there's nothing wrong
But inside I felt me lying all along
But the message here was plain to see
BELIEVE ME.

From the artist Seal

So listening to this song from Seal I realized that it is a song I could sing to Jesus. I really love to change my favorite secular songs to be able to sing them to Jesus. He is my Love Divine. He helps me know who I really am(know my name) , He shows me how to live and He HAS promised me that He won't forsake.
1 John 4:16-19
If you want to listen it is the song on my myspace account http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=44451930

Sloganize your name

Hey check this out , go to http://www.thesurrealist.co.uk/slogan.cgi put your name in the box and then comment your personal slogan.
Mine was;
Noel Scofield is good for you!!!

Happy Birthday, My Gentle Giant!!

Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday dear Moses,
Happy Birthday to you.

Solomon's thoughts

Sol- "Mom you know what's weally cool about Jesus?"
Me-"What Sol?"
Sol- "He knows evewything that's inside my pocket"
Me-"Yep, yep He sure does"
Sol-"And you know what else?"
Me-"Huh"
Sol-"When we go to heaven someday, He's gonna have the best soda eber"
Me- Big smile
Love the mind of my 4 year old son.

Whooo hooo it's finally back on!!!

I just thought I would share the fact that my favorite television show is back on. For the last five years now it has been pretty much the only thing that I tune into the idiot box for. I watch begining to end the journey that these contestants go on in thier quest for fame and fortune.
This show becomes somewhat of an addiction for me and so in attempt to not feel guilty this year I was thinking of how I could make it into a small group.
LOL!!! I actually did mention to the girls that watched with me tonight that this could be a small group but I don't know if the name is all that appropriate!!

Why Jacob wrestled??

Okay, just thought I would put this out there to see what others take is on this passage of scripture. In Genesis 32:24-30 it tells of when Jacob is about to be reunited with his brother Esau and that night he sends his family and possesions away from himself in fear that if his brother were to come and attack they wouldn't be there and they would be safe. He seems to be in a fearful state already and so maybe that is why what happens next happens, dunno??
So he is all alone and then this is where it tells of the famous story of Jacob wrestling with God. Although , the story first states that it was a man it later says that the man says you have wrestled with God and man and have overcome.
Here is my pondering , why is he wrestling God ? Was it really God or a messenger of God? Why at this season of his life is he wrestling, he's already been blessed with so much? To me when you read this story this part just comes out of no where and it doesn't make sense to me. Why is he wrestling God?
I have heard some tell of how we wrestle with God sometimes in prayer for things that we really want His hand to move in but I just want to know more about this paticular scripture. If anyone has more clarity about this(Georgia) I would really love to hear about it.

Can you say peanut butter and JELLY!!!!

YUM YUM!! Probably won't the get the jelly out of the carpet, table, chairs..... but what a face!!!!

I love my life teacher

Jesus requires that we take of Him and let Him teach us. He asks that we let Him be our teacher. There are alot of people in life who want to take that role as teacher in our lives but Jesus asks for it and not because He's coming from a place of pride like, I know it all(even though He does) but because He says "I'm a humble and gentle teacher" He asks to be our teacher not for His own benefit like these mega-millionares who have all the answers for your life's problems but it comes in the form of a book they wrote, or a pill they perscribe, or just yet another counseling session. NO, He asks to be our teacher for our own benefit that we might "find rest for our souls"
He says that if you LET Him be your life teacher that you "WILL find rest"
I know that in my own life lessons when Jesus became my teacher, He has always come to me in gentleness and humility. None of that , "I told you so" or "See, why didn't you just listen to me" but rather " I think this might help Noel" or "How can I help you Noel to have this really turn out for the best" He always reminds me " I am here, to walk with you through this hurt, pain, loss, or confusion , You are not alone, I have felt that too"
I love my Life Teacher so much. My Jesus knows just how to teach me the things that I need to learn so that my life can be better, fuller, richer with hope, peace, and true joy. I love the way He teaches me. His yoke fits perfectly to me. It is custom-designed to fit !! His burdens are oh so light because they are my own given back to Him and turned into blessings.
Matthew 11:28-30 " Come to me all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you . Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle and you will find rest for your souls" For my yoke fits perfectly and the burden I give you is light."

me and my sister/friends!!!

So this is a picture of me and my beautiful sisters that I love so much. Being with them both is like Christmas for me, all in and of itself.
My older sister Jenny bought these hats for me and my younger sister Gina for ourDecember birthdays. In true girl dorky form we were so excited to all have matching hats but no where to wear them so we decided to go parading around the mall.
The funniest part was when a black man came up to us and asked us where he could get one, I almost couldn't contain my laughter, cause I did feel like a bit of a poser in the hat.
They are a true sign that Jen has been livin in LA for way too long and needs to move home!!!
Now, because I know that she will probably read this I don't want to sound ungrateful or anything and so in defense of the hat it is very, very warm and I most certainly will wear it again because of that.
Jenny is in Lavita right now on a ministry trip so if you would pray for her, health,clarity of speech, and bonding with the people she will be ministering to that would be much appreciated.

Some lessons learned

"All true leaders have learned to say NO to the good in order to say YES to the best" John Maxwell
This quote got me thinking of how much I have had to change over the years in this area. I used to say yes to almost everything so as to please, and appease everyone. Being a person who likes to make everyone happy, keep everything and everyone copesetic was who I used to be. I came by this people pleasing lifestyle genetically as my mother is a true blue people pleaser. We prefer the Pollyana version of life.
Recently, though I have had to change(alot) Change is not normally something I embrace.
Although I know it is good for me it is so hard. It's not that I like things to stay the same it's just that when there is so much change I get this very unsettling feeling. This past year though I had no choice in the matter. God took the drivers seat and brought two moves, weddings, deaths, 2nd born entering kindergarten, new job, new friends, and many more changes too countless to list them all. So with all those changes it was either stick my feet in the sand and have a crappy attitude or embrace them with the grace that only God gives for those changes. I chose the latter.
In the process though I have realized a few important things. One, is that people pleasing is for the birds. Still, I fall back into wanting so much to go there but I am reminded continually to live for an audience of ONE. This is the struggle. Learning to say yes only to the best and no to the good. The good sometimes presents itself as the best but when looked at closely is not always the best possible scenario.
Take for instance this holiday season my giant and I took some vacation time. Well before the time even got off to a start an old family friend asked for a favor , if her son could stay with us for a few days because he was taking lifeguarding lesson in Sparks and needed a place to stay since they live in Dayton. Now, before I wouldv'e said yes in an instant because this seemed the right thing to do, to help this friend but instead I remembered to prefer my husband above others and ask him first. I said yes to the best and no to the good. I think she hates me now(just kidding) I probably did upset her but I realized that God knew what was ahead for us and He led me in the right direction(as He always does)
Another thing I realized is how my family is affected by what I say yes and no to is what I have begun to realize is the reason why you say no to the good. They are the ones that are most directly affected by my life choices and so I want to choose the right ones always for them. I know that as I show my love for them in this I love Jesus in the process.

Whether or not this makes me a true leader remains to be seen.
I do hope to lead my life in such a way as to please only ONE. I hope I get better and better at this as the years go by.

Uh oh!!

Uh oh!!! Call the barber police the giant is dying his hair, he may even put a few streaks in my own. This should be fun. Hope we will be recognizable later. hee hee.

Please Pray

I am asking everyone I know to keep Moses dad in prayer. His name is Russell. He fell the day before Christmas and broke his hip that he recently had hip replacement surgery on. While in surgery to fix the damage done, he suffered from a massive stroke and is no longer able to speak. He is still in a lot of pain and desperately needs your prayers.

Look at the Birds

"That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life-whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn't life more than food and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your Heavenly Father feeds them. And aren't you far more valuable to Him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?" Matt.6:25-27
I really enjoy watching birds that fly free and how they build nests out of our trash and lint from our dryers. I used to have a neighbor that was a total bird watcher. She could name them off on sight. I know there is name for that but I can't think of it. Anyways, she would spend hours outside with her binochulers(did i spell that right?) just studying them. So when Jesus says here to "look at the birds" it reminds me of a few things. They fly free. They nurture thier young. They are always moving(migrating) so nothing stays the same for them.
They are beautiful examples of God's amazing talent in creating and attention to detail for even the smallest of creations.
Today while reading this scripture I was reminded of how awesome God's love is for His kids. How I can't even wrap my brain around His faithfulness to me and how He love's me so much that the silly things that are of importance to me become , therefore important to Him. His love for me and the way He chose to love me still amazes me(Jesus). His words are life to me and truly something I treasure. I am so very thankful this holiday season mostly just cause I have a Father in Heaven who loves me enough , more than enough to give me THE most amazing gift.
Sometimes I worry too much about things that don't really matter and I am thankful that He always knows what I need.

Hellllpppp!!!

Help I am getting sucked into the myspace world. " I have fallen and I can't get up" . I think I am just surprised that I can even do it. It's not as hard as I thought it was. I did have help. Bloggin still seems much easier and simplier. I like simple. Simple is good.

The life of a child

So, my lil man knows that when he has to put his coat on it is time to go somewhere. This morning he brought his coat over to me as if to say, "Can we go have some fun"
When I put on his coat this is the grin that exploded on his face.
The simple things in this life are what make these lil' people so truly happy and that is what I want to be like.
Happy just to be alive, healthy, warm, well-fed, and loved.

My husband is a genius!!!

Ok so problem with photo number one has been solved by the genius giant.
He photo shopped Em's non-smile and replaced it with the lovely pose in another photo as well as made Sol's smile a lil bigger as well, exhibit right.
Now, this makes me wonder is this like genetic reprogramming? You know like you don't like what you get so you get to change it
Kinda wierd but really great for the dilema's of a family full of small children who rarely to never are all looking and smiling in the same direction.

Getting the right photo at precisely the right moment

So, today was Christmas photo day at the Scofields. What an event.
After more than a dozen attempts to capture all 4 Scofield kids at just the right moment I resorted to bribes.
I think in this photo I was telling them that I would give them each a candycane. Check out the baby. How does he even know the word "candy" is something to smile about you might ask?? Well, any of you who have had to take a photo with more than one kid at a time would understand my tactics.
The saddest thing of all is that I might not even use these cause we had a great idea for another fun photo that might work out better for the whole family. That didn't stop me from bribing my kids all morning though and putting them through this wonderful Christmas tradition.

O Christmas Tree O Christmas Tree

For the last 4 years or so the Scofields have had the tradition of cutting down thier own tree. It was a tradition that was of course my brilliant idea, and I think the family just indulged me. Since I was a little girl I have always thought that it was the coolest thing to hear of other families who made a whole day out of picking out thier beloved tree. Going for a ride in the country, sipping hot cocoa, ya know the whole shibang, so naturally when I got older , got to do things my way, I started this tradition with our family.
Well, this year we had planned to join up with some friends and make it a family/friend event(even more fun) but as the flu-bug descended upon the Scofield house , plans got rearranged.
So, we didn't get to go cut down our tree this year but instead went down to our freindly Lowe's and picked up a beautiful douglas fir for under $20 bucks. We made the decision rather quick, threw the tree on top of the Ford and were home about 20 minutes later. My Emma says to me as we are walking through our front door, " See mom if we were cutting down our tree this year we wouldn't be home til it was dark" I didn't appreciate her tone.
Then as we are setting up the tree and having a great time decorating cause we are not all tired from the drive and the hike to find the tree it dawns on me ...."What the heck, this is the most perfect , beautiful , tree we have had in a long time and maybe , just maybe I was wrong about the whole "cutting down our own tree". Just then then the Giants says what I am thinking and we both laugh. He's never been big on the cutting down our own tree thing either(maybe cause he's a realist and i not so much)but like a good hubbie he's been great about doing it all these years anyway.
I'm not saying we won't ever do it again but ya know , just rethinking the whole "traditions" thing and the novelty of it all verses the reality.
Anyway, it was a beautiful day until flu-bug strikes child number 3!!!

Old Friends and New Friends

Had a great time this week connecting with some friends. I am truly grateful for all the friends that God has brought into my life over the years. One of my friends that I've known since I was a teenager moved back from Oregon recently and hanging out with her is like hanging out with family. Another new friend that I got to hang with this week blessed me tremendously with new ideas and a fresh way to look at some things in my life.
Then I had a question for all you bloggers that I think will be kinda fun. I am a person who loves to have people around 24/7. Maybe that's why I have 4 children. Anyway, even if I am not necessarily doing anything with them but just living my life, I just enjoy sharing my life with others. BUT part of being a person who loves to have others persons around 24/7 is that I have really crappy time-management skills. I would rather just sit and chit chat or play with kids then do the things in life that need to be done.
SO here's the question: Can you be a person who has both good time manangment skills as well as good people skills at the same time??
This is a honest question because to me I don't see how you can. I would rather say no to the clock and pretend that it's not there than say no to a person who might need something or my kids who just want to play.
I need better time-management skills. I think that the two are somewhat related. What do you all think?? Maybe, it's a matter of priorities. Priority to me are the people in my life.

A bit deep for me

"I can't wait to figure out what's wrong with me so I can say this is the way that I used to be. There's no substitute for time , or for the sadness" john mayer
"You're blessed when you're content with just who you are-no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought. You're blessed when youv'e worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat." Matt.5:5-6 MSG
"God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice/righteousness, for they will be satisfied. " Matt. 5:5-6 NLT
Realizing who I am (what's wrong with me) and finding freedom in the love of Christ. Can't get back the time that I wasn't hungry and thirsty for the heart of Jesus but I can work up a good appetite for it now and be content in that. Seeing again how much He loves me gives me hope for the future, gives me life.
"You can't build a house of leaves and live like it's an evergreen. It's just a season thing. It's just this thing the seasons do. And you can't love too much one part of it, you can't love too much one part of it" john mayer
Trying to be content in the seasons of life is key for me right now. Enjoying the simple things and remembering that I can't hold on to the past or look too far into the future but enjoy the moments as they come, however they present themselves. Life is about changing and growing two things that once I've done them it's not that hard, but in the midst of it I don't like them all that much. Change and growth are good it is just very painful for me. Don't know why, maybe cause ,a creature of habit I am, but what if your habits are not so good??
These are my thoughts for the day. A lil bit deep for me but deep is good right??

The legal drug

I love coffee, but not as much as some. I know someone who's favorite coffee mug is stained due to the constant drip that never ends. I think that is cool. When I don't have coffee in the morning it makes for a not so perfect morning. I can live without , but I choose not to . I am not really sure why I felt I needed to share this with you all but there it is.
Oh yes, I almost forgot to mention something strange about coffee and me, it never seems to matter when I drink it. Take for instance right now at 10:30pm this evening I am drinking a wonderful cup of coffee with gingerbread coffemate and a dash of cinnamon and when I go to bed in a few minutes it won't bother me a bit. I won't be kept up due to the caffiene. I don't really know if that is a bad thing or not or why exactly that happens to me but I am glad I can drink it anytime,anywhere, and that it is something in life that makes me happy. Have you other coffee drinkers ever noticed how happy you are when you make a really good cup of coffee?? Is this just yet another thing in the simple life of Noel that is a true joy or are there others of you out there??

He's a killer after all

Well, I am proud to announce that Hunter has killed his first mouse. It was quite the event. While cleaning out my daughters room yesterday I nearly had a heart attack as the stupid rodent scared me half to death. Thankfully, Hunter came to save the day we all jumped up on the girls beds and watched the Gladiator type event unfold. About a half an hour later the mouse was pronounced dead .
Hunter was quite impressive and we all were glad when it was over. He really just played with him so much that eventually the lil nasty critter just couldn't keep up anymore , so when he didn't move it was no longer fun to Hunter. He handed him over and off to the trash it went.
I will say that the event was great to watch through the eyes of my kids. They all had different reactions of course. Em, was sympathetic for the critter until it came runnin her way and then she shrieked in all force, Chloe just kept closing her eyes as did her mom, Solomon ....well let's just say I wish I had a video camera for his facial expressions and Isaiah napped through the whole thing.
The difference between them Em," Mom can't we just keep the lil guy" Chloe " Gross Em I don't want to keep it" Solomon " Oh yeah, that suckers almost dead"
Hooray, Hunter!!! You have earned your keep.

Church Service at the Scofields

Ok let me just set up the scenario for you . First they worshiped as all good church services do. Emma on pink guitar, Chloe lead singer, and Sol singin backup(me and zay in the other room pretending not to notice) They lead karoke style with the radio in the backround while they rocked out to "More love, More power, More of you in my life" They were all standing up on the fireplace like a stage and then when worship was over Em took the lead (as she always does)
Chloe and Sol took seats in front of the fireplace stage, and promply pulled out their bibles ready to learn. Emma began with a good welcome, and then started to read out of the bible, when suddenly Chloe's cell phone rang and the service was interupted.
Who needs Saturday morning cartoons when ya got this kind of entertainment!!!

Hunter

So the Scofields expanded thier family last week. We picked up an orange tabby kitten from the pound in hopes that he might solve our mouse problem. It's not like we needed another mouth to feed or more poop to pick up but mice are not welcome in this house and the only thing that seems to work the best for mouse patrol is a mightymouse killer.
Well, so far he seems a bit more concerned about sleeping and eating his grocery store food than eating up the mice. It has provided for some pretty good entertainment though because when he knows there is something lurking behind the corner his hair stands up and he tucks his tail between his legs and off he goes. SO much for the mightymouse killer we thought MR. HUNTER would be.
In fairness to Hunter he is only a baby still and so he has a few more months to pull his weight around here and do his job. If by the new year he's not patrolling this house with all his might, he will be "fired" !! (Donald Trump style) Not sure how that will change things being the suckers that we are we would never return him, but ya know it added some dramatic effect to my story.

Topic at Youth Grp tonight

The topic at youth group tonight was our view of God. Very good topic that peeked alot of great questions from young inquiring minds who want to know. One good question in my small group was "If God doesn't cause death and disease then why did He send the flood that killed the whole earth except for Noah and his family?"
My answer took me a minute. I stalled by saying very good question. Thought about it and only came up with two things . He wouldn't have flooded the earth if there wasn't sin, and also at least He did send warning and provide a way out(the ark).
Well, this got me thinking. The God we serve is so amazing and hard for me to understand sometimes. For me it is so easy to view Him as the Loving Savior which is why I like hanging out in the New Testament but when reading in the Old Testament I have more questions. I love the stories of the OldTestament but many of them are hard for me to get a handle on. I know that God hates sin and that is why it is dealt with so severely. I know that He doesn't change (Hebrews 13:8, 4square scripture) but truly there are some stories in the Old testament that just tweak me. I also know that in OT times people were living under the law and not covered by the blood. SO , those are a few things I know but still alot I don't know.
I am wondering if my answer was a good one and also if there was more I couldv'e said to help bring a good understanding of the God we serve. I want always that my interpretation/view of Him would be an accurate one.
So, this is a young/old inquiring mind who wants to know your view of the God we serve.

Jesus Prayer For Me

" Sanctify them by the truth; your word is the truth" John 17:17
(sanctify to set apart for a sacred use or make holy)
" In the begining was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" John 1:1
When I first read this scripture I was thinking about God's word being the bible but then reading it again I am thinking of how Jesus is the word.
I think both would apply because the word of God does a work of sanctification in my life on a daily basis. When my heart and attitude are not holy all I need to do is look to the word the bible for an adjustment.
I am so thankful for Jesus being the living translation of the Father's heart for His children.
The scripture in John 17:17 was actually Jesus prayer for me. How amazing is that. I love to read his prayers for me. They are so powerful.
Thank you Jesus for praying for me.

Nevada Day Parade

For years and years I have been attending the Nevada Day parade. Ever since I was a little girl sitting on the sidewalk, gorging myself with my big bag of trick or treat candy waiting ever so patiently for Bertha and Tina to pass by this has been a tradition that I now get to share with my lil ones.
My mom is the biggest fan of this event ,but over the years she no longer can force us to go, and surprisingly enough I am the only one out the five of us kids who sits by her side year after year. In fairness to my older sister Jenny who lives in L.A. I don't think I would by a ticket for this event either, but all others could attend if they wanted. To my dismay though they don't share the same joy over this event. I wonder why?? Now, Jeremy my youngest brother still has to go because he is only 13 and doesn't have the free will choice yet(poor guy) .
The Giant has been dragged along a few times (once pre marriage, once children and friends(thanks Jason and Alyse) who guilted him into going) but other than that he's not a big fan. My hopes are that one day he will join the bag-pipin Sierra Highlanders group and then he will have to go.

My friends over the years have relentlessly teased and laughed at me for going to this parade . One of them even wrote a poem in honor of Nevada Day Parade and the people who attend , but still my love for it doesn't waver.
Now, I know that there is no other day that you will see all of Nevada at it's finest. The parade entries range from churches evanlegizing and worshiping Jesus(ahem..was on one of those once or twice) to the Playboy bunnies from the Mustang Ranch. This is the finest people watchin event around for me and it doesn't get any better than this for diversety.
So today was yet again another great day for the parade. I shared my memories with my girls, baby, mom, dad, brother Jeremy,Uncle Jimmy, and Cousin Glen. We covered our ears as the guns went off, we laughed at the Shriners dressed as clowns, we ooh and awwwed at the Miss, Ms. and Mrs. Nevada's that went by and pretty much enjoyed ourselves throughly.
Who know's maybe by next year the main attraction will be my Giant in a kilt!!! Now that's a funny thought.

Happy B-day Allie

Happy Birthday My Dear Old Friend Cali- Allie. Hope it's a good one.
Hey have you heard the new country song "My next thirty years"??
It's a good one. Also "She's somebody's hero" that one made me cry.
Ya know it's our time of year for listening to country.

For Jeni

I know I said there would be no promoting of any other sox team on my site but since you are illin Jeni and cause you are so sweet to my lil'peeps, and well just plain sweet, hope this helps.
Congrats, and take it all in cause it won't be happening next year!!
Dennis so sorry. I really was hopin they would make a comeback for you. That would have been some dramatic baseball kinda like another team I know.

In a Funk!!

I am in a funk today. Don't know if it's the weather or what but I would definetley classify this mood I am in as a true blue FUNK!!
I read my bible, for all you spiritual doctors out there, I even listened to worship music but still nothing. I went shopping for some retail therapy, still nothing.
How often is one allowed to be in a funk ?? Once a week, a month, a year?? Dunno but I am taking mine today.

Halloween

Okay , I am going to attempt to communicate my thoughts about this holiday and all others in a way that is very encouraging and correct. Things I do not approve of about this holiday are as follows; intentions to frighten, tricks instead of treats, the gory over the top decorations, the witches,ghosts, and other monsters that are supposed to be ok for kids to be exposed to. These are the evil sides of this holiday that I am opposed to. I am sadened that there will be another side of this holiday that is about death and fear . Because of these traditions that the world promotes I will choose to do things differently with my kids. I do not however want to confuse my kids by telling them that cannot do something that I believe is perfectly fine for them to do. When I asked my 4year old son what he thinks Jesus thinks about Halloween he said "He thinks we should dress up in only good things , he likes good things, not bad things cause we don't believe in the bad things." Just today in my 5 year old daughter Chloe's class a boy wanted to play a game about ghosts and witches and she said, " I don't believe in witches, cause they like the devil." She told me she didn't play his game. WOW!! A light be it ever so small??
I don't think that everything about this holiday is bad and evil though.
Things I love about this holiday; imaginations,creativity,meeting new people and children, neighbors that are no longer strangers, the colors, the costumes,and of course the candy.
I truly do wonder what Jesus would do in this situation, and I have asked Him several times almost every year around this time, and if I ever get a different answer I will certainly obey.
Now, this brings me to one last point, and that is the calendar that Georgia had listed below her post. It also had alot of other holidays on there besides just Halloween(Christmas, Easter) in which the church of satan chooses to have an opposite celebration . If they choose to celebrate death, dying, and fear on that night why can't we as the church of the Living God celebrate life and life abundant. There is no greater joy or life abundant sound than that of children having fun and enjoying life. All the holidays are to me a time to celebrate the blessings and gifts that God abundantly gives. To remember on those days, as on everyday, who is the giver of every good and perfect gift, and to be truly thankful, and grateful for each one.
I understand completely why other families choose to celebrate differently and I think that is what makes the body of Christ so amazing. We all have different roles to play and choices to make.
I hope my heart was communicated correctly.
history of halloween
http://wilstar.com/holidays/hallown.htm
satanic ritual calendar
http://www.care1.org/articles/a23_calendar.htm

Hebrews 10:22-25

"Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith......Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together.... but let us encourage one another- and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

"The hiddeness of her calling"

I read on my sister's post recently a very encourgaging reminder. Please check out her post on "the hidden calling." Her blogspot is a link on the right as "my sista."
This was an encouragement to me because in the day to day grind of wiping butts and picking up toys it's good to know that in the" hidden times" I am doing so much more than that.
Thanks for the reminder Jen.

Oh for the love of the game!!!

So , tonight the giant is in the garage with the guys doing mechanics stuff, the kids are all in bed and I remember my dad telling me today on the phone who would be playing ball tonight, and that he thought it would be a good game.
Now, I am not nearly as interested cause niether my mom's team(bo sox) or my dad's team (angels) are in the series but I decide to check it out anyway.
I turn the game on and see that it's the Astros vs. Cardinals. Now, niether of these teams do anything for me so I start to think like a girl. Follow my thought process here.......well, bo sox beat the cardinals last year so maybe ya know maybe they should win, and I don't really care for anything texan(except my beloved friends who live there) although, the texans they've been good to all those Katrina victims, but they are already ahead 4 to 2 so I'm just gonna root for the underdog in this .....yes......the Cardinals.
Okay, I have established who I want to win but it's looking pretty bleak. The Astro fans are going wild as it enters the top of the 9th. The Cardinals aren't working with me as they keep getting up to the plate. Strike one, Strike two but at least we have a few men on deck so maybe....... and then one of the Cardinals left hand hitters takes the plate and right away I'm thinking this would be so great, come on, being partial to lefties seeing as I am one myself I think this guy is gonna hit one out , way out. First throw and its a strike cause he's gunning for it Second throw, and see ya later Astros the score is now 5 to 2 . Not even a fan of either teams and I still have a moment of yesssss!!!!
Now, I may not know names and stats, rules or even the right verbage but I do love baseball.
Something about how it all can change in the last moments is so great, and the fact that not every game is as exciting or dramatic but it could be. Ya never know!!

Please Pray

I need prayers for a friend of mines, nephew. He was shot in the arm on Saturday. He is currently at home but is in need of God's mercy,comfort, love, and grace in his life right now. He is only 18. Pray for strength,peace, and wisdom for his parents and grandparents that he lives with right now.
Thank you so very much.

Sleeping in zzzzzzz zzzzzzz zzzzzz

Someday when I am an old lady I hope to be able to sleep in again. When I was a teen on the weekend I could sleep in til at least noon, no problemo!! Now, post 4 children 8am is sleeping in. Ahhh, the good ol' days.
This is the strange thing though, from what I hear the older you get the less you choose to sleep in. Say it isn't so, PLEASE say it isn't so.

Playin Hookie

Okay, what is the deal with half days?? I mean seriously. My girls had a half day at thier school today and well when you have one in Kindergarten and one in Second grade what is the point?? Drop off at 9am pick up 10:30 kindergartener and 12:50 Second grader. What??
Sorry, but in my book these are good days to play hookie.
Spoken truly like my motha!!!!!

2nd Grade

I got the awesome pleasure of spending the morning with my daughter in her 2nd grade class. I love when I get to go back to school as the parent and just kinda be a fly on the wall. I had so much fun just observing these lil 7 and 8 year olds.
It's funny cause, when I was in school as a kid I didn't really like it all that much but, now as an adult it would be high on my list of favorite things to do.
Anyway, soon I will be going back to big people school for myself, and I hope I can keep up cause I have been out for quite sometime. College is not nearly as fun as 2nd grade or better yet Kindergarten.
Someday, when I grow up I want to be a Kindergarten teacher. Until then I am so glad I get the oppurtunity to be a helper in my kids classes. It is the best way to get to know what thier day is like , who thier friends are, and also one of the best people watchin events around.

My sista has posted

My big sis has posted again and for those of you who haven't checked out her writing capablities ya should. abrightfuture.blogspot.com or on my links as My Sista.
Just a plug for my sister who I love so much.

ummm... did i mention my love for babies

My love for babies goes way back. When I was a teen I didn't have pictures of the latest heart throb hangin up around my room , no I had pictures of cute lil babies. When most girls my age were going out on friday nights I was usually babysitting.
It is not at all surprising that I grew up and had four babies of my own but now that the baby making dept in the Scofields home is closed for business, and now that my youngest baby is almost 2 (actually just turned one in july) but you get my point right??
Well, it got me thinking ... unless the Giant allows for an adoption I will soon be going through some major baby withdrawls.
Uh oh!! I don't think my obsession for these lil people is going anywhere so ..... I am looking forward to when I get to enjoy my family and friends brand new babies(no pressure Gina and Iz, Dave and Jami, Ben and Jessica) hee hee hee!! Really, take your time but umm.. if you ask Em to be your babysitter don't be surprised if her mom comes right along with her.

Faith

Now, faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see....By faith I believed God would send me good strong Christian friends in jr high when my faith was so brand new and He did. By faith I believed God would bring a man named Moses to know, love , and serve Him. By faith, I believed that if God really wanted me to marry this man then it would be ok for me to stop,cease, and no longer stalk, I mean pray for this boy named Moses. By faith, I believed that my second pregnancy wouldn't end as my first and it did not,(Emma Faith). By faith, I believed my lil babies would breathe all through the night even if I wasn't staring at them all night long. By faith, I believed God would heal my son Solomon when he had RSV and he did. By faith.........

Just reading through Hebrews chapter 11 this time made me think of how in my own life of faith I could make my own list of faith testimonies that would bring God glory and how wanting and needing a new measure of faith is never a bad thing. I am praying for this for myself and for others right now.
I would love to hear some of your faith stories. Also what is your favorite story of faith in the bible? My all time favorite faith story is of Abraham and his son Isaac. This story always strikes a chord in my heart that makes me stop and think do I have that kind of faith/trust in my God.

The Twilight Zone

I feel I have entered the twilight zone and I am repeating the last 5years of my life only this time its being at home with 2 boys instead of 2 girls.
Very wierd. Very different. Very Interesting.
Boys are a different breed and I don't quite get em yet but I am working on it.
IF I could just get past having panic attacks every 5 seconds that they are jumping off something, or climbing something else, or breaking things.......Lord have mercy there is a special place in heaven for the parents of all boys, I'm convinced tis true.

My Lil man's Happy Day

Happy Birthday Solomon!!! 10-4 Good Buddy!!

Romans 8:26-28 MSG version

"God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves....and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good."
Romans 8:26-28
I have had lots of wordless sighs and aching groans lately and I was glad to be reminded that the Holy Spirit is a good interpretor. Thankful that I'm not left alone to figure it all out and that in the end if I keep loving God it will all work out good in the end. Every detail of my life is important to Him.
One of the things that reminds me of Gods detail in life is this time of year. Every time the leaves on the trees begin to change into this beautiful display of colors I am reminded that my God is THE God of details. He couldv'e just had the leaves fall off in there present state but instead we get to witness every year at this time his amazing attention to the details. If he pays attention to leaves on the trees how much more the details of our lives. What an awesome God I serve.

Knowing who you are

Knowing who you are.
This topic is one that has been rolling around in my mind for a while now. I think for many of us this is something that we don't really grasp until much later in life. For others, they are so full of who they are that it pours out of them and there is no doubt when you encounter these kind. For most though I think it is a process.
It has been a process for me ,and one that I am still not finished with yet ,but getting a lil more confident in- who I" truly" am.
I think what might have started this thought is when I posted about my grandmother being so much of who I am and then reading a fellow bloggers post about his dad, and yet another blog about how we try to identify ourselves with what we wear,what car we drive,what music we listen to, what sports team is our fav, etc... These are external things that all too often come to identify the eternal soul inside.
I think some things that help in knowing who you are is knowing where you came from, also where you are going but mostly for all those who follow Christ it is the same; We are His .
Tonight at youth group the topic was being God's vessel and Knowing that you are chosen. In small group time a comment was made that knowing that "you are chosen by God" is important because it keeps you from doing some things that you shouldn't but also encourages you to branch out and do some things that maybe you wouldn't if you didn't have your faith.
Anyway, after tonight I thought that I would put this topic out there and see if there are more words of wisdom about it .
I have to say that I don't think it is a healthy thing to spend too much time thinking about ourselves I just hope that when the rubber meets the road on this journey i won't take the wrong turn just cause I don't know who I am or where I am going.(Hope that makes sense) If not don't comment!!!

Sharing

Sharing....is this not something we should have down by our 30's?? By down, I mean be good at.
Taking a thought from Jason's blog about sharing food on his plate, and then thinking about how hard it has been for me to accomodate for only having one car right now got me thinkin that I am really not that good at the basics . Isn't sharing one of the basics? Seems so simple but when it comes right down to it I don't think I like sharing. I mean when it makes everyday life a bit uncomfortable. wah, wah, wah, just humor me . i feel like such a smhuck, knowing that so many others have it way worse(brewers who can't even fit whole family in one car) but all the same it doesn't make it any easier for the lil 5 year kid in me who is sick of sharing.
Call me selfish, BUT I WANT MY CAR BACK!!!
Akay, I feel better now.
Just thought I would share that with you all.
Poor Giant , working day and night to get his lil vdub car on the road. I love you, I just don't want to share anymore, okay? okay?
Fellow bloggers please don't hold this blog against me, know that its just a moment and that this too shall pass!!! Thanks

Some Scofield funnies

Today while waiting to pick up Chloe from school , Sol says to me "Look mom they have trapped a robot inside that fence!" I say, "Hugh" not even looking. Then he says it again, "Look mommy, it has two eyes, a nose and really long arms, can I go climb the fence and let it out?" I say , "What are you talking about??" He says, "LOOK" This time because he is so enmphatic I look directly where he is pointing and see that he is talking about the power meter(i think that's what you might call it) that is inside a chain link fence, probably for safety reasons, directly in front of the school. " "Oh, no you can't go climb the fence and let the robot out , the principal might need that robot for something later" The mind of a soon to be 4 year old boy. So Great!!
Later, after school talking with Emma my 7 year old, I say," What is your favorite season Em?" She thinks long and hard and then says very certainly, " I think Summer when it's warm because that's when ice cream is in high demand" hee hee hee , Keeping a straight face I say, "Oh really why is that?" She says rather condescending "Well, certainly because it is so hot outside" Who has this kid been hanging around , that's what I want to know. Mann, if only I could sound as smart at 30 as she does at 7 sheesh!!!

Please Pray

Just thought I would ask for prayers for a close friend who has had to evacuate in Texas with 4 small children and two puppies. Please pray for all those in the south and for a miracle in the weather predictions.

eharmony.com

Akay, so I have this friend ahem.... that well lets just say, I want to see enter into the world of marital bliss,and well... this other friend and myself were thinking why don't we secretly put them on one of those singles internet things. Ya know just to see what the results would be, ya know just for fun. Well, my Giant is not so happy with me and I thought why not find out what all my bloggin pals think.
So if you were this friend what would your thoughts be??? I haven't signed on the dotted line yet for this friend BUT the first 5 matches look promising and I am oh.... so....... tempted!!!!

il mio grandma bello

My beloved gramma Johanna,Jennie,Joan Farina/LeSage passed away September 11, 2005. She was 83 years old and had suffered for over 10years with alzhemiers. She closed her eyes to sleep on this earth and opened them in heaven. She has now been given a new name and is in her true eternal home.
She was the most Christ-like person I have ever known and her beauty because of this was beyond compare. She was born in South Braintree Massachusetts. The family that she came from was the Farina's . Her mother and father both came to the states from Italy when they were only children and thier marriage was an arranged marriage that brought forth 6 wonderful, amazing people 5 girls and only 1 boy. Because she was the first to get married,have children, and move out west she was the pioneer of her family. In her life she was married 49years before my grandpa died, they had 5 children,16 grandchildren, and 29 great grandchildren. They raised a family of faith, with each person as unique and talented, kind and loving , funny and incredibly charasmatic as the next.
When my mom was growing up she said that gramma used to set an extra place at the dinner table every night just in case someone who needed the meal might not feel welcome enough to stay otherwise. She said usually they would have a few new faces around the dinner table most nights, and I know this is where my mothers heart of mercy and love for her neighbors comes from.
My gramma had all 5 of her children before the age of 25. She never learned how to drive a car but she had more than enough adventures and great stories to tell . Once shortly after having my first child I asked her "Gramma how did you do it? Raising 5 kids all so close in age with not much help from Granpa, and no way to get out and about?" She said as clear as day(even with some alzhemiers kickin in), "I just did it, I didn't think about it" Her family was her life. Her husband, who she lovingly referred to her as "Her pal" and her children were the jewels, the treasures she took so much joy in.
Her father, a beautiful man who loved Jesus but never went to church. The reason, because the catholic church started charging families to buy the pews they would sit in every Sunday and he refused. He said he and his family would have church at home and they did . Every Sunday they would read the bible in thier living room on 39 Fountain Street.He used to drive an oil truck in the time of the depression, and any extra oil that would drip out of the truck he would save in a can to be delivered to families in great need. He was a "Robin Hood" of sorts.That was one of his many ministries. My gramma was born in 1922 and shortly after she was born , countless diseases that took many other lives was stopped in time for her with the very first administrations of immunizations.She was a miracle. Her sister Elizabeth, was not as fortunate. She had 5 sisters and only one brother Louie who also passed away in January of this year. Louie Farina, adored his Jennie and so it is only appropriate that they left in the same year. My gramma was only 5 feet tall. She fell in love and was married at the young age of 19 to my Granpa a half Irish half French man who wasn't even supposed to talk to the italian women back in that day. He asked if he could carry her books from school home for her. At first she said no, but then every day he didn't stop asking, and finally she said yes, and the rest is part of my history now.
Three sons and two daughters,my mother Ellen was her fourth child. All her children were born in South Braintree Massachusetts and moved out west when they were in thier teens and pre-teens.
Some of the sayings and things that I will remember the most about my beautiful gramma; "When you think a fella is really interested in you and you like him too, the first question you be sure to ask him is, How much did you say your name was worth?" "The smart one shuts up" "God love ya" "Can I get you anything" Her theme song that she would sing alot, so simple and yet so true "Row,row,row your boat gently down the stream. Merrily, merrily, merrily life is but a dream"
Her homemade meatballs or italian cookies( covetchonis). Her love for children and her protection of them. Her love for music. There was always music in her life. My Grampa would play the organ or the accordion or her children the guitar. Always had a song in heart and a smile on her face. "Peace be with you". "I pray everyday for all my friends and benefactors, my family, and the most forgotten soul, I think that pretty much covers everyone""If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all"
To everyone she met she would say goodbye by saying " God Bless ya" . Her life was a blessing to all who were blessed enough to know her . These are only a very few of my beloved memories. Her life was so rich, so full that it would take me alot longer to write them all. So much of who I am is because of her. I have been truly so blessed, so fortunate to have had her for my grandmother. I am truly thankful to God for all the wonderful things that she taught me. I know that she is finally home, restored to perfect health and with her Savior now and that brings me great comfort, but I still miss her already.
On this day I will try to keep her memory close to my heart by being gentle and merry, being kind to children, singing songs of joy,winking as a sign of approval and acceptance , raising one eyebrow to the things in this world that make me wonder. In tribute to her I will try to teach my children all the things that she taught me, and instill a strong sense of faith, love for others and a strong sense of identity. Her heritage was one of love,faith, service,and perserverance. Her legacy was not riches, possesions, or property but rather lots and lots of spoken blessings and love. She truly loved everyone.

I pray that I will honor her by living a life much like her own with as much faith, grace, love, humility, peace, and kindness as she lived hers with. Ti amo Gramma, I will miss you until we meet again.

Her Children Stand and Bless Her...Prov31:28

My mom is THE most amazing woman I have ever known. She is truly a modern-day saint to me. You know the scripture that describes true religon as taking care of widows and orphans ,she currently has both living under her roof right now as well as my beloved vietnam vet Uncle Jimmy. These are her family members and so some might say what's so amazing about that?? Well, I will tell you . She is going to be 60 in November and I am not being generous when I say that she does more for Christ on a daily basis than I might in a year. God has given her a true heart of mercy and truly has used her to be an instrument of His love to countless others who have had no home and no where else to look. The widow, my beautiful italian gramma who has alzhemiers is in constant need of care. 24/7 my mom is changing her, feeding her,bathing her, reading to her...everything. My mom has hard days as all human beings do but when all is said and done she truly feels honored to be the one who gets the privledge of serving my gramma in her last days and she treasures every moment. The orphan(no longer) is my 13 year old brother who my parents have had as a foster child since the day he was born and officially adopted when he was 3. He is a typical teenager in many ways in that he has lots of energy and lots of pressing social engagements that require a taxi cab. Thankfully, he is one of sweetest spirits I have known and is helpful to my mom on many occasions but, still very much a young boy. My uncle well....lets just say he would fit in perfect with my nieghbors down the street!! My dad is working hard at Albertson's to keep all those in the house fed and in a house.

Ok that's just her living situation. Now, my mom is of the firm belief that Jesus really meant it when he said "love your neighbors" cause she has got some neighbors that are starving for that love and they always seem to know that they can get it at Ellen's and it served up just right.
Her neighbors baffle me. She has always seemed to have neighbors that are strategically placed on her block that are the most needy of all people on the face of the EARTH!! She has learned over the years some boundaries and that it is not her job to save the WHOLE world, BUT all the same it amazes me how much she notices the needs, and then meets them. Amazing!!
She is not sugar-coated in her delivery of love and kindness. She is real and they know that they will always get sincerety with her good or bad.

Yesterday, I had a full day. A day that was so full of DOING and loving people that I had to laugh. I thought this is an Ellen kinda day. I decided to share my day with my mom cause I knew she would relate and again she has taught me yet another lesson at 30 years of age. She said, "Noel you weren't doing what I do, you were doing what Jesus would do" and then of course she chimed in with her Boston accent and said "Don't those people know you have fourwa childrwen of yourwa own" LOL . Truly, I love her with all my heart and today "I stand and bless her " for the example she has been and continues to be.

They're baaackk!!!

Yes , the burning man people have returned and quite dusty I might add. They actually have been trickling in this whole week and the returned product is more fun to watch then when they left.
So, my interest has been peeked. I checked out the website and low and behold you can actually bring children to this event. They have a whole section on how to make this into a fun, family trip. Whooaaa!!! I am really, really a bit perplexed and lil concerned now.
I thought about walking down there today and passing out tickets to the car wash but then I thought I better save those for myself cause they were given to ME from a very thoughtful friend, and my car that is lookin pretty shabby again should really be the benefactor of those.
Anyhew, I discovered from thier own advertisement on the back of one of the RV's that my nieghbors house is officially known as the Black Rock Sage Burning Man Hostile. Hmmm....and again I say Hmmmm.....
Does this mean that they might be there for months to come. COOL!! I am enjoying the free entertainment and who knows maybe I will get to figure out what all the hype is about from them.
I am trying to think of way to start up a conversation but then again maybe not. Dunno if I am brave or trained enough for this social event.
Any ideas???

Reasons why I love Jesus #2 , His Extravagant Love

His love is extravagant. It is more than any words could ever describe and to even try to describe in words the way that Jesus loves is almost futile,weak at best. There truly are no words that do it justice but one that comes a lil close to me and also a word that seems to keep being highlighted in life right now is extravagant.
Websters describes extravagant like this-
Exceeding reasonable bounds
Extremely abundant
Straying beyond limits or bounds
These descriptions begin to describe another reason why I love Jesus. That He FIRST loved me, while I was not nearly as in love with Him as I am now is extravagant. That He never stops loving me even when my actions don't show my love for Him is extravagant. That in every detail of this life, behind every corner He is revealing His love to me is extravagant.
The song from Darrell Evans "Your love is extravagant"is one that has become a new favorite.
"Your love is extravagant
Your friendship intamate
I find myself moving to the rhythms of your grace
Your love is extravagant"
I love Jesus because of the way He loves me. I want to love the way He loves. I want to love the unlovely, the ones who don't love me, the ones who don't love me first, the ones who may never love me or YOU Jesus . I want to love them the way you do and by doing so I want to show my love. My love for you Jesus can never compare but all the days of my life I want to spend every ounce of who I am, who you created me to be, to love you and others in only the ways that I can.
Thank you Jesus for your extravagant love.

Yikes, I've been tagged,the pressure!!

Akay, so I have been tagged and usually I don't like to play along with ...well....pretty much any game but since this is not physical I guess I can handle it.
I think I have to list 5 quirks and then tag someone else to do the same so here goes.
1. I love Donald Duck. Love 'em. His voice makes me laugh and feel giddy inside and anyone who can do a good impression of his voice pretty much wins major brownie points with me and are further seen as a better person.
2. I can touch my tongue to my nose. I have never actually used this manuevuer to lick my nose but when I am an old lady someday and I don't feel like gettin up for the tissue box it might come in handy.
3.CAN'T STAND the sound of people chewing, smakin, or anything that remotely comes close to either of those two. If there is no other noise in the room when it's eatin time I will find a radio or otherwise the innocent smaker might be maimed.
4.I think I am allergic to kiwi. It makes my tongue tingle and feel kinda numb and yet when given the opportunity I eat it anyway.
5.Old men to me, are as cute as babies in my book
Whew... I think that's about all I feel I can reveal at this time.
Hope others are up for playing games, I tag(simply because you make me laugh) Mr. Oakes and (because I don't have a clue what you will list)My Oldest Sista.

Recent Prayers of The Scofield Kids

So, something that I have loved to do for years is quote my children in thier own special quote books, and well, as of late it has been thier prayers that have been most worthy of quotin. I thought for everyones enjoyment and the lighter side of life I would share some of them with you all.
Solomon- "Momma, I prayed for to Jesus , that for my birwfday that He would send snow and fireworks."
Chloe at lunch-"Dear Lord I pray that you keep us healthy with this good food and more good foods like fruit is healthy, and brocolli is healthy, and milk is healthy, and you Jesus you are healthy ......right Momma??" "Right Chloe"
Emma at bedtime-"I pray for our friends Promise,Samantha, and Nikki that they would feel right at home in thier new home in Oregon and that if that don't that would come back home to thier home in Reno."
Chloe after first day of kindergarten-"Lord thank you for my good day and my new lots of friends, and tomorrow that I go again to school so I will know my friends names.

Reasons why I LOVE JESUS

#1 He understands me even when I don't understand myself.

Reading in My Utmost for His Highest today it described the act of Marywho poured fragrant perfume all over Jesus feet as "an extravagant act of devotion"
Mark 14:3-4
This got me thinkin if I have ever shown Jesus in an extravagant way my devotion to him. I really couldn't think of any.
I struggle with issues of Lordship in even the simplest things let alone extravagantly loving Him. This brought me to the number one reason I love Jesus, because He understands. He knows all things even when I don't, when I can't, or even when I choose that I won't ,He is still understanding of me. It comforts me to know that I don't have to understand myself or others or even Him, just continually look to the author and finisher of my faith and then I can breathe easier. He's ok with the fact that I don't often understand the way that He works or how things play out in my life . He is ok with my honesty and He knows me better than I know myself.
I am constantly frustrated by the parallel between the apostle Pauls dilema in his life with Christ and my own,where he states "the things I want to do, I don't,and the things I don't want to do , I do" Romans 7:19 Why is that??
This is so true of my life. When I am truly at my end with me I look to Jesus and
He understands and that is so so so amazing.
His love is amazing(Darrell Evans song) I can't remember all the words but I think this songs describes His love being extravagant, amazing,...
Extravagance in love for Jesus. How does that work? Can I love Him extravagantly like He loves me? Am I capable of this love?
I am glad that He understands . I want to love Him this way. Holy Spirit help me love Jesus the way He deserves to be loved.