Our New Ministry - Update 1

Our ministry blog has been updated. Check out the new information.

(Make sure you leave a comment - we would love to know you have visited!!)

For more information about our ministry - Homefront Ministries - check out our web page.

Blessings,
~Martie

Pictures / Pictures / Pictures

This afternoon the kids and I had some free time to spend as we waited for our open house to end. The younger kids were in taking naps and so I hauled the older kids out for some pictures. We are needing to get pictures done for the ministry web site and other ministry related needs.

I can not tell you how much fun we had out there today. It really was a blast working with the kids and getting them to do some fun little things. I thought I would include some of the pictures we took out in the field behind the church.

We started out with Rachel and her violin.

Then we called out the two other kids that were awake and started shooting some more.

Our new little one woke up from her nap towards the end. We thought we would get a few pictures of her with Rachel - but she wanted nothing of it. She wanted her Mommy! So Rachel grabbed the camera and started taking pictures of Mommy and Baby. I thought they turned out pretty well.

Lots of changes for us here. We are excited about what God has for us. We just continue to pray for His Will in the selling of our house.

Thanks so much for stopping by - I am so glad you did. Trust you are making memories with your family - and reaching for the High Notes.

Blessings,

~Martie

Writers Cramp

My posting has been sporadic at best - and there are many reason this may be so. A new baby to love and care for has a way of changing schedules and priorities. However, little babies go to bed at 8:00 and blogging time can be taken then.

Using the Internet to look for housing in a town two hours away can seem to take away from blogging time. How many nights we have sat in front of this screen checking on houses and using Google maps to check neighborhoods and locations. Yet, there have been evenings when the computer has sat - without use - without searches - yet, blogging and posting did not take place.

No, these are mere excuses. I know why the postings have been lacking. It is because a part of my life is coming to a close - and how do you write when there is so much that is changing. So many mixed emotions that it is most difficult to even know how to put them into words when speaking with my closest of friends; much wise pen them to words that can be read by anyone.

How do you close a chapter in your life that was six years in the making - and be able to put into words all the thoughts and feelings of your heart. I'm sorry - but I can't.

I can't find the words to explain how difficult it is to finish up a ministry that God specifically called us and equipped us to do. How do you put into words the emotions of your heart when you know this particular Wednesday night service was your last Wednesday night at the church you have called home for so long. How do you explain how unsure you are of the emotions you are facing; knowing that on Sunday the church home that you have known for six years will no longer be your church home - and life will move on.

How do I explain how excited I am about the future ministry God has called us to - the new church God has led us to - and the plans that await us in the near future? How do I explain this emotion - while still feeling the sadness of closing off life as I know it now? How do I put into words the questions that are facing us right now -

Where will we live? ...

Will there be enough money to live? ...

How far will our faith be tested?...

Can one explain just how hard it is to sell a home that you have put your heart and soul into?

How do you explain praying till your heart could almost break that God will sell the house - when in the next moment your thankful it has not sold - for it give opportunity to be able to stay just a bit longer in the abode you've called home for the last six years. The home that has housed your children's laughter for the past years. The home whose walls have witnessed the prayers and tears that go into life.

So many thoughts - so many different emotions - Life is moving on - and I am not really sure how to put it all into words.

"To every thing there is a season..."

Thanks so much for stopping by - I'm glad you did.

~Martie

Birthday Girl

Fifteen years ago today I became a Mom for the very first time. Having had three miscarriages - it was a day I had thought may never be. Yet, God in His graciousness blessed us with a little baby girl.

How being a Mom changed everything about my life. I LOVE being a Mom. I would not trade it for the highest paying career this world has to offer me!

Happy Birthday, Rachel! For all the days that we have shared - I am thankful. For all the days yet to come - I am anticipating.

Follow after God with your whole heart - serve Him all the days of your life - and you will never regret it.

All My Love,

~Mom

In honor of Rachel's birthday I wanted to link you all over to a post I did a few months ago - It just seems fitting.

Birthday Boy

Ten years ago today, God gave us our first boy. It was a special gift, as each baby truly is; but it made it a little extra special for this baby was our fourth - and only boy. He also was born on Sunday, June 21 - Father's Day. Rob was scheduled to preach; but had to cancel - due to pending circumstances.

What a blessing our James has been. I have told him since he was just a little one - "God gave you to me - because He knew I needed to smile again. James is tender hearted and always caring. On Sunday mornings - I never have to carry my bags out to the van - for a little boy, who is growing into a young man - runs to take my bags out of my hands - opens the van door for me and then shuts it tight behind me after I am in my seat and ready to go. He is my 'Man' when Rob has to leave for the church early to prepare for the day ahead. What a blessing my little man has been to me.

I thought I would share this poem - for I fall in love with it every time I read it. It seems an appropriate poem - being it is my son's birthday and he is my husbands - Father's Day present 10 years ago today.

Walk a Little Plainer, Daddy

~

Walk a little plainer, Daddy,

Said a little boy so frail.

I'm following in your footsteps,

And I don't want to fail.

Sometimes your steps are very plain,

Sometimes they are hard to see,

So walk a little plainer, Daddy,

For you are leading me.

~

I know that once you walked this way

Many years ago,

And what you did along the way,

I'd really like to know.

For sometimes when I am tempted,

I don't know what to do.

So walk a little plainer, Daddy,

For I must follow you.

~
Someday when I'm grown up,

You are like I want to be.

Then I will have a little boy,

Who will want to follow me.

And I would want to lead him right,

And help him to be true.

~~

So walk a little plainer, Daddy.

For we must follow you.
~

~Author Unknown

How blessed I am to have a husband who carefully lives his life; knowing that he has little ones who are following his example. How thankful I am to know that I can tell my children that their father is a man whose example is worth following. I am also thankful that I have a son, who is willing to follow his father and do what is right.

Happy Birthday, James. I love you.

~Mom

A Night Out with My Friend

This past Tuesday night Rob and I were able to enjoy going out on a "date". We had a wonderful time just being able to be together and enjoy each other's company.

First, we headed to the putt-putt course. It was a beautiful evening and the weather was just right for the night out. Being the weather was so nice, I can not blame that on the fact that I was a little off on my game. I would like to say that I just let Rob win to make him feel good about himself and follow the old rule that girls should always let boys win. However, that would not be true. He won fair and square and I lost really bad!

After we left our outdoor amusement - (Rob getting a bit more amusement from the fact that he stepped into the car the victor!) We went out to eat. Now, every time we are out on a date my husband asks me where I would like to go to eat. I seem to always answer about the same. "It does not matter." He always rolls his eyes and sighs a little sigh -for here he is trying to be a good husband and let me choose the restaurant and I always help him out with the choice by not choosing. Yet it is true, it really does not matter to me at all. Just so that we are together!

In the end, we enjoyed sharing fajitas at a local restaurant and found our time spent discussing the many things that are happening in our life right now and the future that is coming right up over the hill.

It was a wonderful evening together and I enjoyed it a lot. I think the best thing about married life it getting to spend as much time as you can with your best friend!

Trust your High Notes include time with your family - making memories and enjoying each other's company. Thanks for stopping by. I'm glad you did.

Blessings,

~Martie

Managing our Manor Marketing

We continue to pray that our house will sell soon. Every other Sunday our realtor hosts an open house during the afternoon hours. It makes for an interesting time getting 7 people ready and in their Sunday best - and making sure that everything is cleaned and put away before we leave! Yet, we realize that it will all be worth it when we get a buyer and are able to accept an offer and see the sold sign in the yard.

~

We had another person call and come through this afternoon. The good thing about having all these people walking through the house - (besides the fact that one of them just *might* be the one) - is that the house stays relatively clean all the time. It is kinda nice having a reason to have the house look like it belongs in a magazine. (Since it has been so clean and tidy - I have been thinking about doing a 'walk through my house' blog post - stay tuned!)

~

We just keep praying and waiting. We know God has the time table all in His hands and we are waiting for Him.

"Be still my soul, the Lord is on thy side..."

Waiting,

~Martie

To My Husband, Happy Father's Day

As a wife, one of the most cherished blessings you can have is a husband who is a loving father. I am blessed. My husband cares about our children in more ways than I can name.

I have watched him with our children since the first day our oldest daughter was born. With tears in his eyes, he held her, loved her a cherished her. Fifteen years later, he still does.

I remember lying in the hospital bed days after delivering Abbey; still too weak to hold her - and watching him as he gently rocked the tiny little one and cuddled her close. Too sick to hold her myself - I knew that she felt safe and secure in her Daddy's arms - and he would do the holding until I could get better.

I remember how happy he was to be the father of 3 little girls. I remember him baking Ally a birthday cake with the other two girls and bringing it up to the hospital when they all came to visit their new little sister. How thankful I was that in her short little life time - she had a birthday cake.

I remember holding his hand at the graveside of our little girl. Together we felt the loss of losing one so small. How the pain tried to keep us apart from each other. How thankful I am that he was committed to walking through the pain together.

I remember the ultra sound technician telling us that our fourth child was a boy. I remember being stunned at how excited my husband was that he finally had a boy - (even though minutes earlier he had told me it did not really matter to him - boy or girl - he had no preferences)! How special it was, that James - his first son, was born on Father's Day 10 years ago.

I watch him with our Zak and all his special needs. Rob speaks a language with Zak that only the two of them know. His gentleness, kindness and vision for this boy is remarkable. He never sees limitations for Zak - always possibilities.

A just recently, I have watched him with our new little one. The tears stop instantly at Daddy's pacing and singing. Already the bonding - the love - and the affection she has for her new Daddy. I can let her in on a little secret, her Daddy is smitten with her too.

How blessed I am to have a husband that values the role of Father above almost all other roles in his life. Thanks Honey, for being the wonderful father you are to our children. You inspire me with your love for our family.

Happy Father's Day,

~Me

To My Dad - Happy Father's Day

My Dad:

*Is Quiet

*Is Hardworking

*Never Complains

*Is Sacrificial

Dad's Favorite Lines:

*"You Bettcha..."

* I say, "Don't work too hard." He ALWAYS answers back, "Can't do it..."

* "Don't let the bed bugs bite."

* The phrase I heard growing up: "Some things are going to change around here..."

Things I remember about Dad:

* Going out on my first 'date' with him. I was in first grade - wore my teddy bear print dress. Dad pinned my corsage on my little dress and took me out to Randy's Pizza for dinner. Following dinner we went window shopping, and I held his hand while we walked through the shops.

*Dad taking me to school in his white pickup. It was a stick shift; and sometimes he would let me help him shift into a different gear.

Happy Father's Day, Dad. You have been a wonderful Dad to me. I always was so proud to be your little girl. Your strong, rough hands brought me security when I was little; and your hands were the hardest thing I let go of the day of my wedding. Thanks for all the things you have done for me throughout my life. I will forever be in your debt. For all the times I have taken you for granted - for all the times I selfishly looked past your sacrifices - I say from the heart, "I'm sorry." I know I am all grown up now; but in my heart, I will always be your little girl. I love you!!

Happy Father's Day.

Your Loving Daughter,

~Martie

One Year Ago Today

Today marks the one year anniversary of my blogging hobby. I must say - it has been a wonderful year. I have enjoyed getting to know so many new friends through "High Notes". Your comments and words of encouragement are a blessing.


I wanted to take this anniversary to invite any of you who have not comment before to introduce yourself. I would love to meet you.

Blessings,

~Martie

You Know It's Going to Be a Bad Day When...

An interesting topic of conversation came up the other day. I must say I was not quite sure what to make of it all - but thought you would enjoy it.

Daughter 1: "Mom, are you going to put on makeup today?"

Me: (A bit perplexed - reaching for my makeup drawer...) "Um, yes..."

Daughter 1: "Oh good, you're always in a better mood when you have your makeup on."

Mom: (Speechless, with a deer in the headlights look on my face...)

Daughter 2: "You are Mom, you really are nicer with makeup on..."

Mom: (Still Speechless, looking at my son - )

Son 1: "No, Mom; seriously, it is a much better day whenever you have your makeup on. You are not nearly as crabby with makeup on....

Mom: (You know when you are out numbered! I just reached for the foundation and started putting on my makeup...)

MORAL TO THIS STORY:

*If you come to my house and you do not see me with my makeup on - get going while the getting is good!

*Makes me wonder what type of Mom Tammy Faye Baker was... Her kids must have enjoyed complete and total bliss!

Trust you are having a good day - no matter what you face looks like.

Blessings,

~Martie

Teen Award Banquet

Last Friday night we enjoyed a wonderful dinner together as a family. Rachel was our honored guest as we were at the annual Proteen banquet hosted by the church.

We enjoyed a delicious meal catered in by, (drum roll please...) , the assistant pastor's wife. She did an absolutely beautiful job creating, cooking and serving the banquet meal. Here was our menu:

Italian Marinated Chicken Breast

Baked Potato w/ Sour Cream

Green Bean Casserole

Soft Homemade Dinner Rolls

Cherry or Pumpkin Pie

We are blessed to have an assistant pastor and his wife who work with our teenagers. They have been a blessing to us this past year. We have a couple who is dedicated to helping our young people take the next steps spiritually in their Christian walk with the Lord. It has been a blessing to me to watch as Rachel has learned and grown spiritually in the teen group this year. How blessed we are to have a program that encourages and promotes family involvement in the teen activities of the church. Our assistant pastor and his wife have truly come along side and enhanced what we are trying to teach our daughter - it has been a blessing.

The dinner followed with an award ceremony for the teens and their hard work this past year. Rachel and another one of the teen girls had been working hard at their scripture memory passages. It was neat to see them both tie for first place and share the award together.

My husband preached the banquet message and it brought a tear to my eye to think that six years ago - we came to Calvary as an assistant pastor - teaching and preaching to the teens here - now years later - at the close of our ministry here - my husband is preaching and challenging the teens (who were just little kids when we came) one more time to pick up the torch and stand firm for the cause of Christ. How needy we are that the next generation gets a vision for the Spiritual battle at hand.

It was a wonderful night - thanks Pastor Bret and Mrs. Katie for all the hard work; not just that night but throughout the entire year. We are forever grateful.

Blessings,

~Martie

Tea Time

Several weeks ago one of my good friends was in town for a visit and blessed me with a gift I KNEW I would have to show on a Friday S&T! Then, we got our unexpected call, and life has changed a bit - and there was no time to post for S&T's because I was busy bonding and rocking our new little one.

The little one is fed, rocked and snuggled down in her bed for the night; and tonight I have time to post about my gift.

My friend had to move away because of her husband's job and I have missed her since the day she left. There are have been visits and on this particular visit she brought me a pink tea cup and nesting tea pot. I absolutely love it! (I also loved that it was pink - the new favorite color of mine!)

She also accompanied the tea set with a gift card to a fabulous premium tea shop here in town. I went to the tea store and purchased the most unique brewing pot that you could have. I have enclosed pictures to see how you brew the tea.

(First you put hot water into the cup)

(Place in the amount of loose leaf tea and close the lid to allow to brew)

(When tea is finished brewing, drain tea by pushing up on the bottom of the cup; emptying contents of cup into desired tea pot or cup)

I also spent a little of my money to purchase some special loose leaf tea flavors. I purchased English Breakfast , (my personal favorite all time tea - and the loose leaf is MUCH better than any bagged tea!) Detox Tea - (this one was very good and had a wonderful cinnamon taste to it) Memory Aid - (hey, anything to help those fleeting name lapses - I AM almost 40 you know!). I have purchased some other flavors too and loved them! The brewing cup has been a wise investment of my friends money.

Also, every time I use my tea pot - I think of her - miss her and thank God for such a wonderful friend. Good news, she is coming for a visit soon and we will enjoy an evening together listening to the kids play, laughing together and this time I will personally introduce her to our new little one and I am thinking that as we chat, she will be in the rocking chair snuggling with my new little blessing; and while she is rocking - I think I will have to enjoy me another great cup of tea!!

Trust you have a wonderful weekend.

Blessings,

~Martie

K4T

Our church offers a wonderful program for the children in our church every Wednesday night. Kids for Truth is a challenging program for our kids that allows them to learn Baptist doctrine in a catechism format.

I feel it is so important that we teach our children not only what we believe, but why we believe the doctrines that we hold near and dear to our hearts. K4T has given our children a wonderful and fun avenue in which to learn basic Bible doctrines. It has been fun to watch the kids study these life changing truths.

On the last Sunday night in May, Calvary hosted our annual K4T award night. The children participated in singing songs and also quoting the doctrines and verses that they have learned throughout the year. This was an especially special award night for us because it is the last year our children will participate in the program here at our church.

Abbey knew that this was her last year here and finished 2 years worth of work in the past year. She has studied her little brain out. James, too was determined to memorize more passages this year than he did last year - he was very successful and more than doubled his badges on his standard. It is amazing how a young person can retain what they have learned so easily . We are continuing to go through the passages and reviewing them to keep them fresh in her mind.

There was excitement at the end of the award ceremony and we decided that dinner out was in order for after church to celebrate the year. So, dressed in our Sunday best, we headed over to McDonald's to celebrate a job well done and a wonderful year.

There was also some sadness too. I think what James said to me in the van on the way to the restaurant put it in perspective, "I'm going to miss all my friends here ..."

I guess that pretty well sums it up. Excited about the changes; but keenly aware that the chapter of our lives here is about to close...

Blessings,

~Martie