Why do I headcover?

(sporting a new one I purchased recently)

I have blogged in the past about my reasons for wearing skirts (you can read them here and here), & now I'd like to blog about my reasons for wearing a simple headcovering. I've been led to do so for many years, but it wasn't until a year and a half ago that I began to do so all the time. Every time someone wishes to discuss this, they go straight to 1 Corinthians 11:1-16. I encourage you to read it, although I will not be using that passage. Instead I will be using Ephesians 5:21-24.

Ephesians 5:21-24 (ESV)

"...Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands."

I wear my headcovering to show I am under the authority of my parents, my beau, and more importantly, the Lord. I am quite stubborn by nature, and several times God has reminded me of my headcovering & why I wear it, which changes my attitude. Am I flawless at this? By no means. I am still a sinner saved by grace, but it is an action that I can do to let those with authority over me, lead me when that needs to happen. Now I listed three people with authority over me spiritually. My father and mother, & my beau (aka boyfriend, but in this case beau is a better term to use). As I am still in my parents' household, I honor their spiritual wisdom and discernment. My beau John, however, may make you raise an eyebrow. 

We are simply dating, & we are not engaged. Why would I list him? Simply because I know someday I will marry him & will then be under his headship. By covering my head, I submit to his authority as I regard him as the leader in our relationship. We work together, but he has final say, even regarding ideas or opinions that I may have. I value and trust his decisions in leading us. It's not easy some days as the Enemy gets to us, but it is worth it in the end. God's ways and plans are much better than my own.

I encourage you to read the various verses with the words submit and submission if you so desire to pursue it. I hope you understand why I cover my head. It is simply in reverence and submission to my glorious King!

Obligatory Valentine's Day Post

But its not a typical obligatory Valentine's day post! This is a post about what love is:

...clearing out the driveway for your Dad!

...your Dad going to the post so you can get a valentine you're waiting for!

...having a friend let you cry because it wasnt there...

...opening an unexpected letter from a different friend...and seeing their love for you!

...and grinning because God provided stamps for your R.L.O.E.s!!!

...finding a heart God sent you to remind you that youre loved and blessed!

Beautiful Blessings - 1/18/16

~ Breaking into Broadway in the kitchen with T-bug! <3 :~D
~ Going through clothes with Mom!
~ Finding new-to-me clothes!
~ Ending the night with Mr Darcy...we watched the second episode of the Colin Firth version....mmmm <3 lol
~ And enjoying a new coloring book from Daddy! Its a tropical themed one!

Weekend Blessings - Beautiful Blessings - 1/11/16

~ Buying a new pair of cute boots! Thanks Dad for buying them and letting me pay you back!! <3

~ Perfectly pulling off a plan to surprise John by joining him on his trip back to college!

~ Going back to dance tonight!! FOR THE FIRST TIME IN A YEAR!!! (the first photo was taken on our way to dance) AHHHH it was soooooooo nice!!!!

~ Achy sore muscles all over from dancing...strangely wonderful!

~ Being on at the right place at the right time to encourage my friends through God's might <3 Its pretty amazing to see...Im really thankful when I can return the favors they do for me <3 :~)

Bonus Blessing:

~ Gaining a new friend (only had her as one for 11 days) and already being able to call each other sister! <3

Beautiful Blessings - 11/30/15

~ Catching sight of an Eastern Screech Owl!

~ Catching up with a bunch of friends!

~ Catching a hug from T-bug!

~ Catching one from L-Jo too!

~ Catching a smile from L-Jo as she tells me how Dad used to read to her "The Little Red Hen" when she was little!

Hats for the Holidays! Day 25.... & More!

Over 30,000 views! And its my 900th post of my blog!

Thank you all!!!

Beautiful Blessings:

~ Having my Aunt and Uncle come for dinner!

~ Dad and T-Tot doing the Turkey Trot together!! 197 and 198 across the finish line!

~ Lil' G explaing her Plymoth made out of pillows as she takes the Mayflower across the perilous journey to the New World!

~ Watching "Its a Wonderful Life" as is tradition!

~ Washing dishes!

Beautiful Blessings - 11/1/15

(the sunset)

~ Watching a raptor soar high in the beautiful blue sky!
~ A Sunday migraine-free!
~ A needed iced-coffee before Church...thanks Daddy!
~ Putting my strange love of ironing to good use this evening!
~ Enjoying crazy conversations with friends!

A Beautiful Blessed Week - 10/19/15-10/26/15

~ Snow!!!!!!!

~ A lovely chat over tea with myself, my Mom, and a lovely older woman!

~ Receiving delicious produce from her garden!

~ Knowing that the girls were having a blat the other day while pouring over the toy cars in the magazine....

~ ...and watching their excitement as they get to drive one!! They were so excited that our friend had one for/from her grandkids!

~ The beautiful view through the hills and valleys! The colors were magnificent! The picture doesnt do it justice!

~ Making more apple butter! (in the new crockpot! :~D yay!)

~ The similarities and difference in a project L-Jo and Lil' G for school!

~ Video calling with a friend I never video called with before!
~ The ability to pray together during it!
~ Catching a woodpecker at work!

~ Mom and Dad's Engagement Anniversary! 20 years! <3 (He proposed to her in a library with the ring inside a book, isnt that adorable?? <3)

~ A creative kitty made of pretzel's! L-Jo made it! :~)

~ T-bug's abstract!

~ Pretending an old box is the Magic School Bus!
~ Coconut Acorn Squash Soup! Mmmm....

~ Light reflecting off our carousel! <3

~ Fall colors surrounding our house!

~ Reflecting colors off the windshield!

~ Brilliant blue skies!
~ Morning sunlight in the fish tank!

~ Catching fishie shadows! Reminds me of Peter Pan ;~)

~ T-Tot wearing a dress I loved as a kid! Grandma made it for me!
~ T-Tot swiming the length of the competition pool and back with a few breaks! Still quite impressive considering she really couldnt swim at the beginning of the summer!

Beautiful Blessings - 9/14/15

~ Finding a perfect hiding spot for a cat-nap and a bath! ;~) She even has towels to ensure everything is perfect! Heehee!

~ The girls getting their first swim lessons!

~ Swimming 8 laps, and Dad swimming 20! He swam a 1/5 of a mile!

~ T-bug getting 5 inches taller over the past year....tis amazing how they grow!

~ Having a friend's honest advice. Thanks girlie! <3

Oil and perfume make the heart glad,

    and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel. 

~ Proverbs 27:9 (ESV)

Beautiful Blessings - 8/30/15

~ Laughing with Heidi before service about something nonsensical...shoulder eating butterflies to be precise. We were laughing so hard we couldn't breathe, our stomachs hurt, and our eyes began to water. I love laughter!

~ Singing with the congregation! I havent been able to due to my headaches.

~ Having Dad hug me after service and say he missed hearing my singing voice <3

~ Going over the hills in the countryside and seeing the fields abounding with crops!

~ Rejoicing with L-Jo that Minnie Mouse has been found!

Beautiful Blessings - 7/14/15

~ Puddles after the rain.

~ Beautiful lacy spiderwebs delicately decorated with raindrops.

~ Sharing a yogurt with T-bug - she gets the lid, and I get the rest. ;~)

~ Splurging on ice cream to treat Mom...dont tell Dad! lol!

~ Giggling and having fun with T-bug as we chat with a friend.

Beautiful Blessings - 7/13/15

~ A quiet evening with some games of Solitaire....and actually winning a game without cheating! (I havent done that in a lonnnnnnnnnng time lol)

~ Compliments from Daddy <3 

~ Matthew 11:28

~ Enjoying iced coffee from yesterday....and realizing it was Mom's I was drinking today and I have some still for tomorrow ;~)

~ Mosquitoes -- even though they are a pain!

Pneumonia and why I'm thankful for it!

Nearly 2 weeks ago, I was diagnosed with pneumonia. Pneumonia is not fun, in case you want to know. You're exhausted, your lungs ache, and you just feel blah! Today I actually feel like I'm getting better. It's rather nice I must say, and while I could talk about my pneumonia, I'd rather talk about some things I find amazing and I'm so thankful for!

First of all, people who have been praying for me! So many of my friends, my family, my parents' friends and people from Church have been praying for me! To know that people care that much about you is truly amazing. For all of you who have been praying, thank you. It means so much to me!

Secondly, my friends have been a big source of encouragement! From quick "how are you?", to long emails full of alliterations, to listening to my ceaseless chatter, or even coming over for a visit, it's been so encouraging! I'm so thankful for their encouraging words, verses they've shared and just giving me something to laugh about! (Even though laughing really hurt for a while....  ;~)They've been such a blessing to me! Thank you, my dear friends, for everything you've done!

Thirdly, my family, specifically my parents. They've let me get in extra naps when I've needed them. They've given me space to just sit quietly to rest. They've gone out on snowy nasty days to get my medicine, and freezing-cold days take me to the doctor's. They have done so much for me. Thank you Mom and Dad!!

This pneumonia has been a test of my patience. I've wanted to do things, go out to the library/post office, help around the house, etc., but I've been unable to. Instead it's given me a chance to sit, and study my Bible. It's given me a chance to spend time in prayer and pray for others. I've even been able to encourage others which is hard to do when one is busy. I'm very thankful for this time of quietness. God is so good!

(Two little munchkins hopped on my lap while I was resting one day. They were cold from playing outside and ready for some delicious hot chocolate!!)

Safe in Strong Arms

We like to feel safe. We like to know who we can trust and who we are safe with. We usually feel the safest in strong loving arms.

This past week in Sunday School, a little girl in the class I work with, told us a story when we were talking about trust and trust falls. She recounted her tale with shining eyes how her big strong brother would always catch her if she did one with him. She had so much trust in his strong safe arms. She knew that he would always be willing to protect and take care of her.

My sisters personally like being in safe in Daddy's arms. Every day before he goes to work and when he comes home, they clamor for hugs. Sometimes they ask for two or three because they love getting a great big bear hug from Daddy!

One day when they were getting hugs, I thought I'd like one too! So I went up to my Dad and he picked me up, giving me a great big hug. That day shall always be a memory for me. In fact, the day he did that, I wrote the following poem:

Sweet Daddy of Mine
He gives them all a hug goodbye,
as he heads out the door. 
As he turns around he sees me, 
standing in the middle of the dining room floor.

He gives me a great big hug,
and whispers in my ear:
"You have grown to be such a young lady,
with the passing of each year."

He jokes I've gotten way too big,
so I say he should shrink me.
He puts his hand behind my shoulders,
and puts his other behind my knee.

He holds me in his arms,
the moment marked in time.
Then he sets me down,
this moment now etched in rhyme.

I personally love getting hugs from my friends and family. I feel safe and loved in their arms. As I pondered these things, I realized how awesome it is to be safe and be able to trust in God's strong arms. I pursued the topic a bit, and came across the following verses.

Jeremiah 17:7 (ESV)
Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
    whose trust is the Lord.

Isaiah 26:4 (ESV)
Trust in the Lord forever,
    for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
    and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
    and he will make straight your paths.

Psalm 118:8 (ESV)
It is better to take refuge in the Lord
    than to trust in man.

Knowing that I can put my trust in God's safe strong arms, I feel safe! I know He will protect me through the good times and the bad. If I go through a trial-filled time, then who can I turn to? God! I know He's always there for me. I can put my complete trust in Him.

Hebrews 13:6 (ESV)

So we can confidently say,

“The Lord is my helper;

I will not fear;

what can man do to me?”

Science Saturday: Chipmunks, Daddy Longlegs and Frost!

(My Dad took this picture the other day!)

Marvelous, mildly-mediocre, interesting facts:

• Chipmunks are different from Squirrels by the mere fact that they live underground while Squirrels live in trees. They usually make burrows near logs, stumps, or boulders.
• A Chipmunk's burrow is more than a place to hide. They make chambers for food storage, sleeping chamber, and an exit tunnel. If it's a female, she would also make herself a nesting chamber.
• They do hibernate some, but they also need to eat through out the winter. This is when the food storage chambers come into play. They can easily access them so that they can eat when they need to.
• Daddy Longlegs are not spiders, but they are part of the Arachnid family. Spiders have 2 distinct sections of their body (the cephalothorax and the abdomen) while Daddy Longlegs have one section (the cephalothorax and abdomen are combined).
• Daddy Longlegs do not have silk glands for spinning webs. They also don't have poison glands for paralyzing prey. Daddy Longlegs do have a unique gland that emits an offensive smell to their predators.
• Their legs aren't just for moving, they are also important sensory equipment. They can be used to sense the surroundings. If anything happens to the second pair of legs, the Daddy Longlegs will most likely die within a short time.
• Frost is a turning point in the fall. It kills the vulnerable plants as the temperature drops below 32* F. 
• You may think of frost as frozen dew, but in reality frost is more crystal-like, an akin to snow.
• Frost occurs when it's a clear night and the temperature drops below 32* F. The vapor in the air freezes into what we know as frost.

People of Jordan: Patrick and Calvin

Patrick and his son Calvin have lived here for 12 years. They enjoy how quiet and peaceful it is. Patrick mentioned the small community is nice because you get to know everyone. Calvin told me that Mom works at Tops, so it's nice that it's close by. They are very intrigued with the historical aspect of our small town and the lovely history behind it. Calvin enjoys going to school here and they both agree that this is a lovely place to live.

People of Jordan: David and Ethan

(Ethan with his Dad, David)

I found David and Ethan shoveling some ice chunks. David said they enjoy having sidewalks to use. They have lived here for about 9 years and they love how everything is nearby and peacefully quiet. And Grandma only lives a few miles away! (I think that's Ethan's favorite part ;~)

My Daddy

 A Poem for my awesome, delightful, handsome Dad. :~)

My Daddy

My tiny fingers reach up to touch my Daddy's beard.

It's rough and scratchy against my face.

He squeezes me and sets me down,

"You'll always be Daddy's little girl."

It's Valentine's Day.

I find a card with a hamster on it.

Inside it says:

"To my Pucka Monster, I love you, Love Daddy."

One day Daddy makes me mad.

I get myself in loads of trouble.

"You are my little girl, and I don't want anything to happen to you."

I cry as I try smile.

A bad day happens, I'm in tears.

He sits down on my bed,

rubs my back, and pats my head.

His quiet love touches my heart.

As I walked into the kitchen, I tease him.

He stops what he's doing to tickle me.

I screech in delight and panic.

His arms enfold me and he hugs me.

I dress up fancy for something special.

He gives me a great bear hug.

"Daddy, you're smushing me."

"I know. That's because you're beautiful."

"Daddy, Daddy, Daddy!"

He comes in the door from work.

Tired and ready for supper.

And happy to get a hug.

"Some day I'll be standing guard."

My Daddy's driving to the store.

"I'll have to beat the boys away.

From my precious girl."

Fancy dress, fancy shoes.

I'm growing up too fast for Daddy.

He slows his day.

He comes over and gives me a kiss on the forehead.

I may not be a baby.

I may not be a child.

I may be a young lady.

I'll always be Daddy's girl.

A late evening episode!

Last night I was sorting laundry in my room. The kids were playing with the neighbor kids. Dad was doing dishes and Mom was putting her feet up. (She sprained it on Saturday). All of a sudden I heard screams, screams are normal but these are screams of fright and distress. I came downstairs to see L-Jo being ushered into the house.

A fox bit my sister.

We called 9-1-1 and they came quickly. This fox had attacked a couple other people but soon the fox's life was disposed off. The 7 year old was hysterical. She always gets hysterical when people get hurt.

The kids were playing outside when a fox bounded up and tried to attack them. T-Tot hit the fox with her balloons and Lil' G was knocked over. The neighbor kids ran away screaming. That's how I knew something was wrong.

L-Jo, Mom, and Dad went to the ER, and she was treated for rabies. She was a little shell shocked but a little trooper. One of the doctors brought in an Ipad and put on Dora so they could give her the shots. All she did was say "Ow".

Grandpa came bearing lifesaver peppermints and stayed with us girlies. After we showered the girls down, we enjoyed watching Parent Trap and put them to bed. I stayed up until 1:00, but couldn't stay alert so I headed off to bed. They literally got home 5 minutes after I went to bed.

L-Jo is doing fine and currently watching Hello Dolly. Laundry is awaiting, so I bid adieu. :)