Reaching an Unbeliever

Yet again it's been way too long since I've posted... not that I've got many interested readers anyway... but I need to commit to getting on here at least once a week to share what God has been doing in my life.

I'm doing this incredible Bible study right now by Priscilla Shirer called "One in a Million; journey to your promised land." If you ever have the opportunity to do this study, DO IT. It is absolutely amazing. Well, anyhoo, I was looking up some scripture for my study and of course I stumbled upon some other scripture that really spoke to me.

But the people's minds were hardened, and to this day whenever the old covenant is being read, the same veil covers their minds so they cannot understand the truth. And this veil can be removed only be believing in Christ. Yes, even today when they read Moses' writings, their hears are covered with that veil, and they do not understand. But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is the spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord - who is the Spirit- makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.

2 Corinthians 14-18

Can I tell you that I know EXACTLY what this is like???? As a reformed Atheist, it's unbelievable how accurate this passage is. When I became a believer, it was like I instantly understood what those Christians were always trying to tell me. But when you don't believe, you are blind to the Truth. Before, I always thought that religious people were just brainwashed; but now I know that it's the other way around. An unbeliever can not see the truth; their minds and hearts are covered in a veil. 

God's Word is so incredible; it speaks the truth, not only in the spiritual world but in the physical world as well. Thank you Heavenly Father for bringing me out of the darkness.

Dinner 8/2-8/6

Monday: Chinese Take-out for D's birthday
Tuesday: fajitas (thank you Treasure Box treasurebox.org)
Wednesday: BBQ chicken with mac & cheese and a salad
Thursday: Beef roast (really this time) with cous cous and broccoli
Friday: Leftovers!!!!

Dinner 7/26 - 7/30

Monday: Left over tacos
Tuesday: Calzones and garlic bread
Wednesday: Asian beef stir fry
Thursday: Beef roast (crock pot)
Friday: Salsa chicken with cous cous

Freedom and the Soul

This is a wonderful quote from Whittaker Chambers (1901-1961) who was an American editor and writer:

Freedom is a need of the soul, and nothing else. It is in striving toward God that the soul strives continually after a condition of freedom. God alone is the inciter and guarantor of freedom. He is the only guarantor.

External freedom is only an aspect of interior freedom. Political freedom, as the Western world has known it, is only a political reading of the Bible. Religion and freedom are indivisible. Without freedom the soul dies. Without the soul, there is no justification for freedom. 

"for the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever." 1 Chronicles 9

Hobby

Well because I've got sooooooo much extra time (note the sarcasm), I've decided to start making Ronni's bows. I got the idea at one of the many festivals around here where there was a woman selling bows for $12! Unbelievable! So I decided to just make my own. I found a website that shows you how to make them, and slowly I've been learning how to make them cute. Here are some pictures of a few of my favorites:o)

I also made her birthday bow:o) AND I've ordered some Dallas Cowboys ribbon to make bows for football season! LOVE it:o)

It's been too long

I can't believe how long it's been since I've posted anything. C'mon Patti get your life together!

We had the kids' birthday party last weekend and it was a blast! We couldn't have wished for a better day. We had so many friends and family over! What a blessing! Here are some pictures from the party!

I just love the picture of Ronni with the blue balloon! It's hard to believe that Matthew is 3 and my baby girl will be 1 tomorrow! Can time slow down for a minute?

Wow! We've been soooooo busy!

Life has been super crazy lately. It's like we're always doing something! Here's what we've been up to:

Donny and Matthew had a day together at the Oakland zoo; just the two of them:o)

We spent a tourist day and drove around The Bay. We went to a windy Pier 39, ate lunch, and saw the Sea Lions.

We crossed the Bay Bridge, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Richmond Bridge. Look there's Alcatraz!

The kids and I went to the Contra Costa County Fair. We saw sheep, goats, pigs, cows, and so much more. Matthew wanted to ride all of the rides, and he especially loved the roller coasters! He rode the dragon coaster four times in a row. And he got to pet that huge snake... oh yeah it's real!

We've also gone to festivals, parks, Chaddy-poo's Birthday, and just played around the house:o) We're really enjoying life up here!

Life is definitely never boring with our two kiddos. I can't believe that next month Matthew will be 3 and Ronni will be 1! Come visit us; there's always something to do!