Our family is headed to Anderson, Indiana, where we will attend the wedding of Angela Neal to Glen Posthuma. We are excited to see Glen, Wes's cousin, and Angela unite in marriage and spend some time celebrating with family.
After the wedding we will load back into our Ford Expedition and drive to Orlando, Florida, for the Southern Baptist Convention. We are looking forward to arriving in Orlando and spending several days sharing in the business of the convention, while reconnecting with friends who minister all over the country.
On Thursday, June 17th, our family will drive to Naples, Florida, to spend the weekend with Wes's grandparents, Verne & Joanne Kenney. We haven't seen them in 8 years and we're really excited for this opportunity.
As you can see our family will be traveling a LOT over the next two weeks, and we would appreciate your prayers for safe travel and nice vacation. I hope to blog some while we're gone, but if I don't please understand I'll have plenty of fun stories and pictures when I get back.
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
Why?
(I began this post last week and left it in the editing folder, because I wasn't sure I wanted to share it. After talking with a friend I decided to go ahead and share my thoughts with you.)
*Why do we Christians shy away from praying aloud when in a group?
*Why do we Christians go running to the Lord in prayer when something bad happens, and when all is going fairly well a prayer is never offered?
*Why do we Christians look for feel good sermons or music rather than biblical theology?
* Why don't we Christians pour out our problems to our Heavenly Father instead of our friends?
* Why don't we Christians open our bibles and share from the Word of God when a friend, coworker, or family member begins to share what's happening in their life & wants our advice?
*Why do I blog about spiritual concepts instead of sharing scripture?
Could the answers to several of these questions be:
We Christians (I) do not spend enough time in the Word of God and are still spiritual children or young adults? Yes, I think that's the answer.
Will we (I) be willing to change and begin maturing?
Yes, I desire to be constantly growing. I don't want to be stagnant in my walk with the Lord. I desire to know my Lord and Savior better everyday, and I desire for my family, friends, and strangers to see Christ in my life.
*Why do we Christians shy away from praying aloud when in a group?
*Why do we Christians go running to the Lord in prayer when something bad happens, and when all is going fairly well a prayer is never offered?
*Why do we Christians look for feel good sermons or music rather than biblical theology?
* Why don't we Christians pour out our problems to our Heavenly Father instead of our friends?
* Why don't we Christians open our bibles and share from the Word of God when a friend, coworker, or family member begins to share what's happening in their life & wants our advice?
*Why do I blog about spiritual concepts instead of sharing scripture?
Could the answers to several of these questions be:
We Christians (I) do not spend enough time in the Word of God and are still spiritual children or young adults? Yes, I think that's the answer.
Will we (I) be willing to change and begin maturing?
Yes, I desire to be constantly growing. I don't want to be stagnant in my walk with the Lord. I desire to know my Lord and Savior better everyday, and I desire for my family, friends, and strangers to see Christ in my life.
Monday, June 07, 2010
Sunday, June 06, 2010
Saddle Ridge Ranch
It was a one day vacation bible school on Saturday, June 5th. There were 28 kids and 15 adults who enjoyed a HOT, but fun filled day of Roundin' Up Questions & Drivin' Home Answers on Saddle Ridge Ranch!Check out some of the highlights...
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
Still, My Soul Be Still (video)
Tonight the song "Still, My Soul Be Still" by the Getty's is on weighing heavy on my mind.
Still my soul be still
And do not fear
Though winds of change may rage tomorrow
God is at your side
No longer dread
The fires of unexpected sorrow
God You are my God
And I will trust in You and not be shaken
Lord of peace renew
A steadfast spirit with me
To rest in You alone
Still my soul be still
Do not be moved
By lesser lights and fleeting shadows
Hold onto His ways
With shield of faith
Against temptations flaming arrows
Still my soul be still
Do not forsake
The Truth you learned in the beginning
Wait upon the Lord
Still my soul be still
And do not fear
Though winds of change may rage tomorrow
God is at your side
No longer dread
The fires of unexpected sorrow
God You are my God
And I will trust in You and not be shaken
Lord of peace renew
A steadfast spirit with me
To rest in You alone
Still my soul be still
Do not be moved
By lesser lights and fleeting shadows
Hold onto His ways
With shield of faith
Against temptations flaming arrows
Still my soul be still
Do not forsake
The Truth you learned in the beginning
Wait upon the Lord
And hope will rise As stars appear when day is dimming
(My original post from January on this song is here.)
(My original post from January on this song is here.)
June, Already?
The month of June is always a busy month for our family.
Here is a list of some of the events we have going on this month...
* Vacation Bible School at Trinity Baptist Church of Valliant, OK, on Friday & Saturday June 4-5.
* Wedding of Angela Neal & Glen Posthuma on June 12th in Anderson, Indiana.
* Pastor's Conference & Southern Baptist Convention in Orlando, Florida, June 13th-16th.
*Vacation at Verne Sr. & Joanne Kenney's in Naples, Florida, for several days after the convention.
That list doesn't include all the preparations that must be done before any of those events either. Yes, June is a VERY busy month for our family, but I'm just thankful we have the opportunity to do each one of these things.
Oh, and it looks like we'll be traveling again in July, but that's a whole different post! :-)
Here is a list of some of the events we have going on this month...
* Vacation Bible School at Trinity Baptist Church of Valliant, OK, on Friday & Saturday June 4-5.
* Wedding of Angela Neal & Glen Posthuma on June 12th in Anderson, Indiana.
* Pastor's Conference & Southern Baptist Convention in Orlando, Florida, June 13th-16th.
*Vacation at Verne Sr. & Joanne Kenney's in Naples, Florida, for several days after the convention.
That list doesn't include all the preparations that must be done before any of those events either. Yes, June is a VERY busy month for our family, but I'm just thankful we have the opportunity to do each one of these things.
Oh, and it looks like we'll be traveling again in July, but that's a whole different post! :-)
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Katherine, Sebastian, & Corn Pt. 2
These were taken today. I'd say the corn is growing at a much faster rate, but that's good. I don't want those cute kids growing up ANY faster than they already are.
Backyard Project #3...99% complete
It's all up! There's still a few finishing touches & clean up to do before it's totally complete.
Next up...cleaning up the flower bed & mowing.
Yuck! :-(
Maybe we'll get the pool up first. Hmm; maybe.
Trying to get everything finished before our trips in June.
Next up...cleaning up the flower bed & mowing.
Yuck! :-(
Maybe we'll get the pool up first. Hmm; maybe.
Trying to get everything finished before our trips in June.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Interesting Observation
Last fall I had a garage sale where I began getting rid of the baby items I had been keeping in the storage building behind our house. Wes was so thrilled for me to finally part with the kids crib, toddler bed, and ten or so plastic totes full of kids clothes. I ended up having a successful garage sale last fall, but only because a friend (who was also having a garage sale that day in Valliant) sent people out my way. Sometimes living outside the city limits is nice, but it makes things a little challenging if you're trying to have a garage/yard sale.
This weekend a friend, who lives in Idabel, was having a garage sale and offered to let me bring a few things (i.e.: the infant carrier/car seat & stroller I didn't want to part with last fall) over to her sale. I loaded up my truck with the rest of the baby items, clothes, and some household nick knacks that had been packed in plastic totes since our move from Wynnewood to Valliant four and a half years ago. There were several small decorative items from early in mine & Wes' marriage and a few ceramic bears & things that had been my mom's. None of the items had any sentimental value anymore and it was time to get rid of them.
Today when I began helping my friend pack up the items that did not sell at her garage sale I noticed something very interesting. My decorative nick knack items sold EXCEPT those that were my mom's. This stands out to me, because last Thursday, May 20th, was the 13th anniversary of my mom's death. Last Thursday was also the day I priced all the items I would be trying to sell. I don't believe in superstitions or signs, but I do find this very interesting. And, I will be keeping those little ceramic bears for a while longer. :-)
This weekend a friend, who lives in Idabel, was having a garage sale and offered to let me bring a few things (i.e.: the infant carrier/car seat & stroller I didn't want to part with last fall) over to her sale. I loaded up my truck with the rest of the baby items, clothes, and some household nick knacks that had been packed in plastic totes since our move from Wynnewood to Valliant four and a half years ago. There were several small decorative items from early in mine & Wes' marriage and a few ceramic bears & things that had been my mom's. None of the items had any sentimental value anymore and it was time to get rid of them.
Today when I began helping my friend pack up the items that did not sell at her garage sale I noticed something very interesting. My decorative nick knack items sold EXCEPT those that were my mom's. This stands out to me, because last Thursday, May 20th, was the 13th anniversary of my mom's death. Last Thursday was also the day I priced all the items I would be trying to sell. I don't believe in superstitions or signs, but I do find this very interesting. And, I will be keeping those little ceramic bears for a while longer. :-)
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Katherine, Sebastian, & Corn
On Tuesday Katherine and Sebastian spent the day visiting the Camp family. I'm still not sure who enjoys it more the kids or the Camp's. Anyway, Virginia was nice enough to send me this picture of the kids in the corn patch. I think the goal is to take a picture every time the kids visit to see whether the corn outgrows the kids. I think the corn will win the growth contest. What do you think? It will be fun to see the progress over the weeks to come. Thanks Nelson & Virginia!
My Tongue Equals Trouble
Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world... Philippians 2:14-15
My tongue gets me into all sorts of trouble! I have a habit of grumbling, questioning, & complaining.
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:29-32
There are many times corrupting talk comes out of my mouth. More negative words flow from my mouth than positive words. I do not build up others as much as I am called to do. My words and actions more often than not grieve the Holy Spirit. Yes, I struggle with bitterness and anger, which I am called to "put away from me". God calls me to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving to others like He is to me. There are some days I can do this very well, but too many days when I fail miserably.
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. James 1:19-21
I am not quick to hear, slow to speak, or slow to anger. What does that say about me? Scripture tells me "for the anger of a man (me) does not produce the righteousness of God".
I said somethings yesterday with an attitude not of Christ. The above scriptures are what God brought to my mind this morning followed by repentance & forgiveness.
My tongue gets me into all sorts of trouble! I have a habit of grumbling, questioning, & complaining.
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:29-32
There are many times corrupting talk comes out of my mouth. More negative words flow from my mouth than positive words. I do not build up others as much as I am called to do. My words and actions more often than not grieve the Holy Spirit. Yes, I struggle with bitterness and anger, which I am called to "put away from me". God calls me to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving to others like He is to me. There are some days I can do this very well, but too many days when I fail miserably.
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. James 1:19-21
I am not quick to hear, slow to speak, or slow to anger. What does that say about me? Scripture tells me "for the anger of a man (me) does not produce the righteousness of God".
I said somethings yesterday with an attitude not of Christ. The above scriptures are what God brought to my mind this morning followed by repentance & forgiveness.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Bookcases
Several weeks ago Wes put together the new bookcases for the living room. I'm slowly putting all our books and things on them, but here's a couple pictures.
Here's the rest of the living room. It hasn't really changed.
Here's the rest of the living room. It hasn't really changed.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Backyard Project #2
We expanded our back porch!
As you can see, it was only a small expansion. Not! It is now large enough for our pool to sit on during the summer, and plenty of other outside items the rest of the year. We LOVE it already!
As you can see, it was only a small expansion. Not! It is now large enough for our pool to sit on during the summer, and plenty of other outside items the rest of the year. We LOVE it already!
Thursday, May 06, 2010
Backyard Project #1
Phase 1: Unloading the heavy railroad ties.
(and NO I wasn't lifting only holding it steady for Wes to reposition it to get it off)
Phase 2: Laying the ground work for the pea gravel.
Phase 3: Spreading out the pea gravel.
The longest & hardest part of this project!
Little helpers.
Working hard.
Taking a break for a picture.
Phase 4: The finished project!
Woohoo! Not sure who is more excited Wes & I or the kids to have this project completed.
(and NO I wasn't lifting only holding it steady for Wes to reposition it to get it off)
Phase 2: Laying the ground work for the pea gravel.
Phase 3: Spreading out the pea gravel.
The longest & hardest part of this project!
Little helpers.
Working hard.
Taking a break for a picture.
Phase 4: The finished project!
Woohoo! Not sure who is more excited Wes & I or the kids to have this project completed.
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Spring Changes
Wow! Spring is flying past, and it's been crazy around the Kenney house. Maybe I should say busy rather than crazy, but crazy is how I feel. Anywho, we have been making some changes around our house which we've wanted to do for awhile, but were unable until now. Instead of starting and finishing one thing at a time, we jumped head first into several projects, which is why I feel our lives have gone crazy.
On Monday I had LASIK surgery on both my eyes to correct my vision. I've worn glasses or contacts since I was three, and absolutely love that when I wake up now I can see across the room without having to reach for my glasses first. I am excited to see! Wes commented this morning how weird it was to see me reading email using my phone without glasses. It's awesome!
(Deb on Monday afternoon after surgery.)
Last week we finally upgraded our internet at our house. When Wes and I began to play with our iChat video, we discovered my computer's microphone wasn't working. Bummer, but the video feed was great! My computer has been at the Apple Store at Stonebriar Center in Frisco, Texas, since Friday, and I'm looking forward to getting to it back Thursday. Thankfully we have a laptop I can use until then.
After leaving the computer at the Apple Store Wes, the kids, and I decided we would stop at Ikea. Wes and I had decided several months ago we wanted several bookcases to make a unit in our living room. I've want bookcases for storage for a while, so we decided to get them since we were there. We also picked up a storage unit for Sebastian's toys. Needless to say Wes spent the rest of the weekend putting together bookcases.
We are also making some changes in our backyard, but I'll get to those in another post. My eyes need a break. I'll add more pictures once I get my computer back.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
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