Happy 20th Birthday Rebecca!

Our oldest Daughter is turning 20 today!


How times flies by!

I know that we hear that saying often but it is so true.

Rebecca has grown into a lovely young lady. She has a heart for God and a sweet and warm spirit.

Our prayer that God will use her in a mighty way to glorify Him!

Happy Birthday Rebecca!

Love your Family!


You can check Rebecca's Blog Here !

Visit Rebecca's blog!

Are you a young Lady, or a girl, who is unique?
Do people think that you are unusual?
Do you want to serve God with all your heart?

Then please visit this new Blog:

A Rather Unusual Maiden for God


In this blog you will find beautiful photos, encouraging scripture, a heart for God and a few fun and "unusual" things.
And you will also learn more about Rebecca- one of the co-authors of our blog.
We hope that you will enjoy it!


~Kathy and Rebecca~

Lord, Teach Me!

I Love Sunday school!

Yes, even at the age of 19 I really do love Sunday school!
I had been attending the "College and Career" Sunday school class for almost a year
(although I currently am not in college nor have a "career" it is my age group, . . . well, they had to put me somewhere!! :)

Anyways, I was really enjoying the class, then summer came. Since our church has a college, many students were gone. Then my Pastor announced a summer Sunday school class for all couples, married or engaged.

So my parents who both teach/help in Sunday school went to that class. (And they REALLY enjoyed it!)
What was left of my Sunday school Class became Sunday school Teachers/helpers!

I was asked to help in the Pastor's wife's class. My mother was originally the helper.
The pastor's wife teaches 1&2 grade.
I was very excited, God had given me a small summer ministry! I was also able to teach the class a few times as a substitute teacher.
As Much as I enjoyed helping I did look forward to returning to my Sunday School Class as the teacher taught wonderful lessons.

10 weeks later The couples' class ended.

The Pastor's wife needed surgery. She would be unable to walk for6 weeks.
So I stayed in the class with my Mother as the teacher.

This past Sunday was the 6th week.
I was really excited to go back to my class in just a week.

But, I found out, I might be needed to help teach a little bit longer.

I was tempted to be upset. I talked to my Dad about it.
He said that he understood, and that he thought I should stay on because I would be impacting these kids lives for eternity.

I suddenly realized how foolish I was being! Here God was giving me an opportunity to serve, the very thing I had been praying for! And now I was pouting?
I asked God to forgive me.





I sometimes wonder how many opportunities God has given me that I have rejected and then lost those precious opportunities!







I have a rock in my room.



I bought it at a homeschooling convention for $3
When we got home My Dad got out his hammer and a wedge and gave the rock a few hard taps
And viol`a The rock broke in half revealing the beautiful crystals of this geode inside it.



The rock had to break to reveal the beauty inside.



This rock is very, very special to me.

Just like the rock, I too have to be "broken" to let the beauty out.
I have my own ideas, plans and ambitions, and sometimes will not listen to God's will.
I have to constantly hand my will over to God.

Just like my dad broke the geode for me, so God has to "break" me so that He can use me!

God has taught me alot, and I still have so much more to learn!

God Bless~ Rebecca

"A Day in Space"

I LOVE the violin!
I always wanted a violin when I was a little girl but my parents wanted me to do piano first. I did take piano for a little bit, but I still loved the violin! I would listen to a music tape of violins over and over! I loved the sound and the look. A violin just sings! I think it is the most beautiful instrument that God had man invent!

Well, in the fall of 2007 I finally received a violin from my parents!!!!!
I was sooooo excited! I loved the deep tones, and the high soft ones. I quickly fell in love with the feel of the wood and the smell of the rosin on the bow. The violin felt natural in my hands and my fingers seemed to know just what to do.

There was just one problem, I would have to teach myself!
We didn't know anyone who could teach me.

I wasn't very concerned though! I was pretty sure that I could teach myself, maybe.

So, I began to practice, I had a ''beginners Violin'' book, along with a cd to demonstrate the sounds of each song.
I practiced.
But I came to a song after a while that I just couldn't get.


Well, it is now almost fall 2008
And something wonderful happened!

A few weeks ago my church had a Band Camp, for voice and instrumentals.
The orchestral suite was "A Day in Space". My brother, Collin played the trumpet so he was going. I wondered if I should go for the choir.
I talked to my mom, and soon came to the conclusion that I would take my violin and just "see what happens"

So, I went the first day, and tried to play along, but became very frustrated. The song was centered on the notes I had the most trouble with! I considered just doing choir instead. But God prompted me to keep going and stick with the orchestra.

There were 2 other young ladies playing violins, both had lessons for 6+ years. They soon became my "little angels"! both were 5 yrs younger then I.
These 2 "angels" were sent by God!!!

These 2 young ladies went through the different movements in the songs with me, showing me how to properly hold my bow, and position my fingers. When they could have been practicing they were helping me! They were truly treasures! I quickly made progress. Both of my "little angels" couldn't believe how well I was doing. I told them that they were my first teachers, and good ones too!

I wasn't sure if I was going to play in the concert.
I couldn't play the entire piece. But some parts I picked up on very well. My mother and the girls encourage me to play my violin, so I did!



(my brother, Collin, is right behind me playing his trumpet)


The day of the concert came and I was nervous. Through God's infinite Grace I was able to perform in the concert!! I know He guided my hands!

After the concert I told the orchestra director that I had never had a lesson.
He was very surprised!

God is so Good,

~Rebecca~

What's A Girl To Do?

"So, What are you doing for college this fall?" a lady asks.

Inwardly I sigh, I know she's just being friendly. But I am not fond of this question.

"I'm staying home this fall. I am going to take some online writing courses, and help home school my younger siblings," I try to add a smile,"it's real hands-on elementary education!"

"Oh,"

So What's A Girl To Do?

It has been one of the toughest decisions I have ever made. Yes, I might go to College for a 1 yr Bible degree someday, if that is how God leads me. But do I need a degree in Elementary education to home school my own children someday? I believe God wants me to be a homemaker, and I have never seen a degree for cleaning kitchens, staying up all night with a sick child, or on how to be a good mommy. :)

(My little Buddy sneaks in for a hug!)

Now, College might be right for some girls, it might be right for me someday. But right now, God has lead me to stay home. One of my best friends went to college. That was how God was leading her. A dear older lady I know waited 1 yr before going to college to help her mother at home. When she did go to college the next year it was the same year a certain young man was starting. She and that young man eventually were married! She was blessed!

(I treasure this photo a friend took of me and a little boy reading the Bible for a class)

So, what am I going to do in the meantime?

1) I am going to help teach my younger siblings. My goal is to get my little brother Matt to read really good.

2) Take writing courses. I would like to write good books for preteens-young adults.

3) Continue working on my stories that I have started.

4) Help out as a Substitute Sunday school teacher.

5) Learn how to play the violin better!!!!!


6)Help out wherever I am needed!

So, What's A Girl To Do? ~Wait for God's leading and ALWAYS trust in Him!

Are there any young ladies out there who are choosing to stay home?

I would love to hear from You!

God Bless
~Rebecca~

Meet Rebecca

Hello, I am Rebecca. I am 19, and the oldest child of Kathy.

So, what does a Home-school Graduate do with herself? Most of my time is spent with my 7 younger siblings. I love to sit with them, play with them, and tell them stories. I am not very fond of cooking with them, because half of the brownie mix always "disappears", and little chocolate stained faces reply "Not me!"
I do enjoy all my siblings though! I have 5 brothers, and only 2 sisters. The closest sister in age being 10 yrs younger than I! I really do enjoy being with my brothers too. I am very close to my 3yr old brother. It is often that when I am not as cheerful as I should be, my younger brother will run up to me, hug me and tell me, "I love you Becca," I am instantly cheered up!
My dream is to someday be a children's author. I get plenty of ideas from watching my siblings play, or make mischief!
I am thankful for my family, each and every member.