Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Our Christmas Letter
Dearest Family and Friends,
Merry Christmas! We look forward to seeing and hearing from many of you this time of year! Thank you for another year of your love, prayers and friendship. We are so blessed to have you as part of our lives.
Our biggest news is that we are having a baby boy who is due February 16th (Angie's birthday). We are very excited. We have been working on the baby's room and planning as much as we can for what the future will be like with another family member.
In July Brad and Susan gave us their dog Bosco. He is a Westie Terrier and has been a perfect fit for our family. He is a good breed of dog for allergies, sleeps a lot and loves our family. He gets along well with our two outside cats, Puff and Tuff.
Kurt started a new job in February of this year. He works at B+D Auto Sales as a mechanic. In April Kurt started taking classes at Southeast Community College for computer programming. He is currently taking 7-8 credits per quarter. He goes to class and studies during the week and on the weekends we have lots of family time. He is still teaching 3rd and 4th grade Sunday School and leads singing at our church. Kurt is as always a wonderful husband and father. I am so thankful for him.
In July we moved 1/4 mile north into my parents house. My parents have two houses at the moment so we are living in one of them. My Dad has worked for several years in Topeka, KS and that is where they live full time now. Our new address is 13101 NW 56th St. Raymond, NE 68428.
I am feeling well and trying to keep up with the family. We are still homeschooling. Hannah is 5th grade, Natalie is 3rd, and Caleb is 1st. The kids for the most part enjoy school and they are doing well with their studies. I have been in a ladies Bible study this fall and enjoyed that a lot. My days are filled and blessed. I am thankful for lots of good friends and family who help me through this busy time of life.
Hannah is a wonderful big sister. She goes to horse riding lessons once a week, piano lessons, and Good News Club. She loves to play with Bosco and spend time with friends. She loves to read and is very interested in learning new information. She and Natalie help me quite a lot in the kitchen and all the kids have chores to do every day.
Natalie is my little pixie girl. She has a huge heart and loves life. She also attends riding lessons, piano lessons and Good News Club. She is very a very social child. She loves animals and her best friend Jayden.
Caleb is in his room shooting the bad guys at the moment. He loves to laugh and make everyone around him laugh. He wears cowboy boots to church and still sleeps with his afghans. He loves to hug and snuggle. He is attending Good News Club once a week. All the kids will be in 4-H again this year.
Well, that is our year on one page. God is good and we are blessed!
Merry Christmas and blessings to you!
Kurt, Angie, Hannah, Natalie, Caleb, Baby, Bosco, Puff and Tuff
Merry Christmas! We look forward to seeing and hearing from many of you this time of year! Thank you for another year of your love, prayers and friendship. We are so blessed to have you as part of our lives.
Our biggest news is that we are having a baby boy who is due February 16th (Angie's birthday). We are very excited. We have been working on the baby's room and planning as much as we can for what the future will be like with another family member.
In July Brad and Susan gave us their dog Bosco. He is a Westie Terrier and has been a perfect fit for our family. He is a good breed of dog for allergies, sleeps a lot and loves our family. He gets along well with our two outside cats, Puff and Tuff.
Kurt started a new job in February of this year. He works at B+D Auto Sales as a mechanic. In April Kurt started taking classes at Southeast Community College for computer programming. He is currently taking 7-8 credits per quarter. He goes to class and studies during the week and on the weekends we have lots of family time. He is still teaching 3rd and 4th grade Sunday School and leads singing at our church. Kurt is as always a wonderful husband and father. I am so thankful for him.
In July we moved 1/4 mile north into my parents house. My parents have two houses at the moment so we are living in one of them. My Dad has worked for several years in Topeka, KS and that is where they live full time now. Our new address is 13101 NW 56th St. Raymond, NE 68428.
I am feeling well and trying to keep up with the family. We are still homeschooling. Hannah is 5th grade, Natalie is 3rd, and Caleb is 1st. The kids for the most part enjoy school and they are doing well with their studies. I have been in a ladies Bible study this fall and enjoyed that a lot. My days are filled and blessed. I am thankful for lots of good friends and family who help me through this busy time of life.
Hannah is a wonderful big sister. She goes to horse riding lessons once a week, piano lessons, and Good News Club. She loves to play with Bosco and spend time with friends. She loves to read and is very interested in learning new information. She and Natalie help me quite a lot in the kitchen and all the kids have chores to do every day.
Natalie is my little pixie girl. She has a huge heart and loves life. She also attends riding lessons, piano lessons and Good News Club. She is very a very social child. She loves animals and her best friend Jayden.
Caleb is in his room shooting the bad guys at the moment. He loves to laugh and make everyone around him laugh. He wears cowboy boots to church and still sleeps with his afghans. He loves to hug and snuggle. He is attending Good News Club once a week. All the kids will be in 4-H again this year.
Well, that is our year on one page. God is good and we are blessed!
Merry Christmas and blessings to you!
Kurt, Angie, Hannah, Natalie, Caleb, Baby, Bosco, Puff and Tuff
The Green Family
Hi,
I posted the pictures of Muff and Ruff so another family could see them. Caroline and Lillian Jerred stopped by to help us figure out the correct gender of our kitties. We have to change their names to Muff and Fluff. I had posted an add on our homeschool message board to say we had two kitties to give away. We met the family on Saturday and gave them our kitties. Muff and Fluff are the Christmas presents for a 6 year old girl this year. They will be inside kitties and very loved.
Well, to catch you up on our lives....Halloween was fun. Hannah was a pioneer girl, Natalie a wind princess and Caleb was a cowboy. We went to both of my grandparents and walked through the town of Malcolm for our trick-or-treating.
The girls have started horse lessons with our neighbor. They are learning a lot and loving it! They go one afternoon a week.
We spent the weekend before Thanksgiving in Atkinson with most of the Kliewer family. We were up late every night, laughed a lot and just enjoyed being together. It was fun to visit our old church and see friends. We spent one afternoon with Uncle Neal and Aunt Shirley.
Thanksgiving Day we were in Columbus. We ate too much, I took a nap in a nice big chair, had a nice long afternoon of Mexican Train Dominoes, and laughed a lot. The day after Thanksgiving Kurt, Caleb and my Daddy went to Grandpa Mel and Grandma Glema's to watch the game. Mom, the girls, Terri Whitney, her girls and I did our normal antique shopping and had lots of fun. Mom pushed me around the antique mall in a wheelchair because I was having contractions. :-)
November also included visits with other friends, school, painting the baby's room, and just regular life stuff.
December has been full so far. I go to my midwife appointments every other week and I have been to the chiropractor more often. We don't have Good News Club or horse lessons this month. We are shopping, reading Christmas stories, decorating, baking, sending out cards, ordering and wrapping presents and the air is full of surprises. The "candy fairy" comes every morning to put three pieces of candy in the kids Christmas countdown tree. We drank our first eggnog last night and started watching Elf. Saturday night we will meet most of the Kliewer family in Grand Island to go to the Singing Christmas Tree. Last year Kurt and I went so we are excited about taking the kids this year. Sunday night we are going Christmas caroling with friends. We will go to both sets of my Grandparents and some of their friends. Next week we will finish our baking and food planning. Next weekend we will go to Topeka to celebrate Christmas with my Mom and Daddy. Bosco and Jake will have a fun Christmas together I am sure. Christmas Eve we will go to the service at our church. We will have our own family Christmas morning. Brad and Susan will get here in the afternoon. We will have our traditional steak and lobster dinner with them in the evening. The Saturday after Christmas we will all travel to Columbus for a day of visiting. Wow, it will be a fun month!
I posted the pictures of Muff and Ruff so another family could see them. Caroline and Lillian Jerred stopped by to help us figure out the correct gender of our kitties. We have to change their names to Muff and Fluff. I had posted an add on our homeschool message board to say we had two kitties to give away. We met the family on Saturday and gave them our kitties. Muff and Fluff are the Christmas presents for a 6 year old girl this year. They will be inside kitties and very loved.
Well, to catch you up on our lives....Halloween was fun. Hannah was a pioneer girl, Natalie a wind princess and Caleb was a cowboy. We went to both of my grandparents and walked through the town of Malcolm for our trick-or-treating.
The girls have started horse lessons with our neighbor. They are learning a lot and loving it! They go one afternoon a week.
We spent the weekend before Thanksgiving in Atkinson with most of the Kliewer family. We were up late every night, laughed a lot and just enjoyed being together. It was fun to visit our old church and see friends. We spent one afternoon with Uncle Neal and Aunt Shirley.
Thanksgiving Day we were in Columbus. We ate too much, I took a nap in a nice big chair, had a nice long afternoon of Mexican Train Dominoes, and laughed a lot. The day after Thanksgiving Kurt, Caleb and my Daddy went to Grandpa Mel and Grandma Glema's to watch the game. Mom, the girls, Terri Whitney, her girls and I did our normal antique shopping and had lots of fun. Mom pushed me around the antique mall in a wheelchair because I was having contractions. :-)
November also included visits with other friends, school, painting the baby's room, and just regular life stuff.
December has been full so far. I go to my midwife appointments every other week and I have been to the chiropractor more often. We don't have Good News Club or horse lessons this month. We are shopping, reading Christmas stories, decorating, baking, sending out cards, ordering and wrapping presents and the air is full of surprises. The "candy fairy" comes every morning to put three pieces of candy in the kids Christmas countdown tree. We drank our first eggnog last night and started watching Elf. Saturday night we will meet most of the Kliewer family in Grand Island to go to the Singing Christmas Tree. Last year Kurt and I went so we are excited about taking the kids this year. Sunday night we are going Christmas caroling with friends. We will go to both sets of my Grandparents and some of their friends. Next week we will finish our baking and food planning. Next weekend we will go to Topeka to celebrate Christmas with my Mom and Daddy. Bosco and Jake will have a fun Christmas together I am sure. Christmas Eve we will go to the service at our church. We will have our own family Christmas morning. Brad and Susan will get here in the afternoon. We will have our traditional steak and lobster dinner with them in the evening. The Saturday after Christmas we will all travel to Columbus for a day of visiting. Wow, it will be a fun month!
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
The house is quiet
The kids are in bed and I miss Kurt. He has class tonight until 10:00pm. He is working so hard and I am proud of him, I just miss him. My pregnant emotions seem to be on a roller coaster. Spending time with Kurt always makes me feel better. I am learning to pray more and God is keeping me going. We have been home for four days in a row this week which is very rare these days. It has been nice. (Don't check my grammar and spelling tonight OK)
Caleb's birthday was fun and he is now 7 years old. On his birthday we went to Chucky Cheese, Toys R Us to spend his money, and home to put together his Lego set and play a new board game. Kadoo is a very fun kids game! He just finished his thank yous and they are in the mail.
Natalie and Hannah cleaned their room and are playing baby dolls more lately. Every night they get their dolls all ready for bed and then dress them in the mornings. They bring the high chairs downstairs at meal times and some of the babies get to eat. They went through their toys on their own and decided to give some things away. I am proud of them, but I like the toys they picked. :-(
Miss Puff has had an eventful few weeks. She is the proud mother of two baby kitties. They are in a box, in the garage on the workbench. Their eyes are open now and we are really enjoying watching them grow. The kids named them Muff and Ruff. Tuff (our other cat) is jealous and wants more attention when we visit the kittens.
Bosco has been itchy this week because he had fleas. I know we should have had stuff on him to prevent this. I have learning my lesson. He is now treated with stuff and feeling better. The kids and I vacuumed and mopped, sprayed and powdered the house today for the second time. We have not seen any fleas in the house, but there may be some here. We are trying to treat them with natural products. I am tired.
A friend gave us some apples and I made our second batch on apple sauce today. We are going to take some to my Grandma Jeanne and Grandpa Mo tomorrow. They have made me gallons of applesauce during my lifetime and it is fun to make them some. I am learning to knit socks. Another homeschool mom offered to teach me. It think it is fun. I have lots of books I am trying to read at the same time, homeschool books, Bible study, nutrition, and for fun. I watch more TV now that we have the dish hooked up. I am about sick of reality TV, but I do like the shows with families who have 8, 11 or 18 kids. It makes me feel like I can for sure handle four! Kurt and I watch Justice League Cartoon every night. I know that may seem weird, but it is 20 minutes that we can sit together, and the good guys always win. I want to use cloth diapers for the baby so I have been working on that idea and looking for good deals. We painted the baby room. I hope to have the room ready after Thanksgiving weekend.
We did find out we are having a boy and that is very exciting! He is growing and kicking me more everyday. I am not good at remembering to take pictures or getting them posted, but I will try to get some up soon so you can see the baby grow. I finished his baby blanket. It is yellow and very fuzzy. It is size 5 yarn with size 17 needles! The kids all want one now. Natalie is going to make a blanket, Hannah is going to make his Christmas stocking, Caleb is going to color pictures and paint the letters of his name for his room. (I may have already told you that)
The kitchen is a mess and Kurt will be home soon! We are one day closer to his graduation day! Praise the Lord! I feel like I am getting a second elementary education degree (up to 5th grade so far), a second round of college, and working toward my Mommy/ Wife/ Child of the KING life long achievement award!
Love and Blessings to you all! (Leave a comment if you read this so I don't feel like I am talking to myself)
Angie
Caleb's birthday was fun and he is now 7 years old. On his birthday we went to Chucky Cheese, Toys R Us to spend his money, and home to put together his Lego set and play a new board game. Kadoo is a very fun kids game! He just finished his thank yous and they are in the mail.
Natalie and Hannah cleaned their room and are playing baby dolls more lately. Every night they get their dolls all ready for bed and then dress them in the mornings. They bring the high chairs downstairs at meal times and some of the babies get to eat. They went through their toys on their own and decided to give some things away. I am proud of them, but I like the toys they picked. :-(
Miss Puff has had an eventful few weeks. She is the proud mother of two baby kitties. They are in a box, in the garage on the workbench. Their eyes are open now and we are really enjoying watching them grow. The kids named them Muff and Ruff. Tuff (our other cat) is jealous and wants more attention when we visit the kittens.
Bosco has been itchy this week because he had fleas. I know we should have had stuff on him to prevent this. I have learning my lesson. He is now treated with stuff and feeling better. The kids and I vacuumed and mopped, sprayed and powdered the house today for the second time. We have not seen any fleas in the house, but there may be some here. We are trying to treat them with natural products. I am tired.
A friend gave us some apples and I made our second batch on apple sauce today. We are going to take some to my Grandma Jeanne and Grandpa Mo tomorrow. They have made me gallons of applesauce during my lifetime and it is fun to make them some. I am learning to knit socks. Another homeschool mom offered to teach me. It think it is fun. I have lots of books I am trying to read at the same time, homeschool books, Bible study, nutrition, and for fun. I watch more TV now that we have the dish hooked up. I am about sick of reality TV, but I do like the shows with families who have 8, 11 or 18 kids. It makes me feel like I can for sure handle four! Kurt and I watch Justice League Cartoon every night. I know that may seem weird, but it is 20 minutes that we can sit together, and the good guys always win. I want to use cloth diapers for the baby so I have been working on that idea and looking for good deals. We painted the baby room. I hope to have the room ready after Thanksgiving weekend.
We did find out we are having a boy and that is very exciting! He is growing and kicking me more everyday. I am not good at remembering to take pictures or getting them posted, but I will try to get some up soon so you can see the baby grow. I finished his baby blanket. It is yellow and very fuzzy. It is size 5 yarn with size 17 needles! The kids all want one now. Natalie is going to make a blanket, Hannah is going to make his Christmas stocking, Caleb is going to color pictures and paint the letters of his name for his room. (I may have already told you that)
The kitchen is a mess and Kurt will be home soon! We are one day closer to his graduation day! Praise the Lord! I feel like I am getting a second elementary education degree (up to 5th grade so far), a second round of college, and working toward my Mommy/ Wife/ Child of the KING life long achievement award!
Love and Blessings to you all! (Leave a comment if you read this so I don't feel like I am talking to myself)
Angie
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Our life
Dear Everyone,
This school year I seem to have more computer time while the kids are doing school. I sit at the dining room table with them and work on the laptop. Sometimes I even play card games. Shhh!
We are unpacked and back into a new normal routine. We are still using Robinson Curriculum and Math U See. We switched from Scaredy Cat Phonics to Hooked on Phonics. Natalie and Caleb are seeing real progress with their reading. Hannah has been reading Nancy Drew books. She also loves big fat books with lots of science facts in them. The kids are in Good News Club at church. Our 4-H group is having a break right now. We are using Simply Music DVDs to teach piano this year and the girls really like them. We will look for another teacher in the future. Our next door neighbor has offered to teach the girls how to ride a horse so we will see if that works out. She also gives us free eggs.
Kurt just finished up a quarter at South East Community College and he has started three new classes. One is a web design class, a math class and Access. He gets home Tuesdays at 8:00 and Thursdays at 10:00. I really miss him and the weeks get long. We have a lot of family time together on the weekends.
I just started going to a ladies Bible Study last night. I can leave the kids home at 6:50 and Kurt is home by 8:00 to put them to bed. I am about 10 minutes from home if there would be a problem. They like to watch TV while I am gone. The Bible Study and fellowship with other women was wonderful last night! I found a homeschool mom who offered to teach me how to knit socks, so I am excited about that!
I am feeling pretty good. The baby is 21 weeks along now! I can feel him move and he looked very healthy during our last ultrasound. Yes, we are having a boy!!! We are all very excited! I am tired and my fibromyalgia is acting up some, but that is normal for me. Everyone here is doing a great job taking care of me and helping around the house. On weekends we are really working to get the baby room ready. We have painting, decorating, sewing and carpeting to do. I want to use a cowboy theme for our little boy. Part of that idea comes from the fact that I really miss Kurt's Dad. I can't believe Mom and Dad won't be here on earth with us for this event. I want to use pictures of Dad and his Dad, Troxel to decorate the baby room. Hannah is going to make the baby's Christmas stocking, Natalie is going to make a blanket, Caleb is going to paint the letters of the baby's name and color comboy pictures for the walls. The kids are so excited! Next week we are going to tour the hospital and do our preregistration paperwork.
Bosco has been a wonderful addition to our family. He looks a little funny right now because I trimed the hair around his eyes myself. Most of the time he is very calm and sleeps a lot. He loves to follow the kids around outside. He loves to ride in the car. When people come to visit he tries to get in the car and leave with them! It is not unusual for all the kids and Bosco to need a bath at the end of them day. He gets the most excited when my mom and dad's dog Jake comes to visit. Jake is a big poofy dog and Bosco is 18 lbs! They look like Mutt and Jeff but they have fun together. (Susan, When is Bosco's Birthday? Did you name him Bosco?)
I need to get back to school. Love you all!!
Angie
This school year I seem to have more computer time while the kids are doing school. I sit at the dining room table with them and work on the laptop. Sometimes I even play card games. Shhh!
We are unpacked and back into a new normal routine. We are still using Robinson Curriculum and Math U See. We switched from Scaredy Cat Phonics to Hooked on Phonics. Natalie and Caleb are seeing real progress with their reading. Hannah has been reading Nancy Drew books. She also loves big fat books with lots of science facts in them. The kids are in Good News Club at church. Our 4-H group is having a break right now. We are using Simply Music DVDs to teach piano this year and the girls really like them. We will look for another teacher in the future. Our next door neighbor has offered to teach the girls how to ride a horse so we will see if that works out. She also gives us free eggs.
Kurt just finished up a quarter at South East Community College and he has started three new classes. One is a web design class, a math class and Access. He gets home Tuesdays at 8:00 and Thursdays at 10:00. I really miss him and the weeks get long. We have a lot of family time together on the weekends.
I just started going to a ladies Bible Study last night. I can leave the kids home at 6:50 and Kurt is home by 8:00 to put them to bed. I am about 10 minutes from home if there would be a problem. They like to watch TV while I am gone. The Bible Study and fellowship with other women was wonderful last night! I found a homeschool mom who offered to teach me how to knit socks, so I am excited about that!
I am feeling pretty good. The baby is 21 weeks along now! I can feel him move and he looked very healthy during our last ultrasound. Yes, we are having a boy!!! We are all very excited! I am tired and my fibromyalgia is acting up some, but that is normal for me. Everyone here is doing a great job taking care of me and helping around the house. On weekends we are really working to get the baby room ready. We have painting, decorating, sewing and carpeting to do. I want to use a cowboy theme for our little boy. Part of that idea comes from the fact that I really miss Kurt's Dad. I can't believe Mom and Dad won't be here on earth with us for this event. I want to use pictures of Dad and his Dad, Troxel to decorate the baby room. Hannah is going to make the baby's Christmas stocking, Natalie is going to make a blanket, Caleb is going to paint the letters of the baby's name and color comboy pictures for the walls. The kids are so excited! Next week we are going to tour the hospital and do our preregistration paperwork.
Bosco has been a wonderful addition to our family. He looks a little funny right now because I trimed the hair around his eyes myself. Most of the time he is very calm and sleeps a lot. He loves to follow the kids around outside. He loves to ride in the car. When people come to visit he tries to get in the car and leave with them! It is not unusual for all the kids and Bosco to need a bath at the end of them day. He gets the most excited when my mom and dad's dog Jake comes to visit. Jake is a big poofy dog and Bosco is 18 lbs! They look like Mutt and Jeff but they have fun together. (Susan, When is Bosco's Birthday? Did you name him Bosco?)
I need to get back to school. Love you all!!
Angie
Thursday, August 14, 2008
News
Hello,
Since my last post in June we have mainly been moving, finishing all our 4-H projects, getting a new dog, and surviving life. Moving turned out to be a lot more work than I remembered! We still can't find the top to the blender, my bath robe, or the food chopper...but we will some time. We will spend the next couple weeks unpacking the rest of the boxes. I am ready to start homeschool and get on with life.
We finished 4-H for this year. Hannah sewed an apron, knit a washcloth, entered a cupcake that fell over on the car ride to the fair, and entered a necklace she made. She got a trophy for reserve champion for her apron plus and purple ribbon, a blue ribbon for her washcloth, purple for the necklace and blue for the cupcake. She also got a medal for the modeling of her apron. Natalie and Caleb are in Clover kids. They get a ribbon for whatever they do. Natalie entered a pillow she made with Grandma Glema, cupcakes, a barrette, paper air plane, and a storage container. Next year she will be in 4-H. Caleb entered a pillow he made with Grandma Glema, chocolate chips cookies, paper air plane, storage container, puppet, lego design and a pinata. Our club had a turn to run the 4-H food stand. Our club's scarecrow won 2nd place and $20 for our club. A lot of fun and a lot of work!
Brad and Susan came to visit us August 8th and 9th. They asked us if we would like to have their dog, Bosco. He is a 4 year old Westie Terrier. He is a sweet dog and is fitting well into our family. Kurt, Brad and Susan were able to go to the Speedway museum. We all spent the day Saturday in Columbus with the Taylors and part of the Kliewer family. The kids played all day with Brittin and Brenen. They even took turns driving the go cart around the shed. We ate too much and it was so nice to just be together.
Caleb's head is fine. The swelling went down and all the tests were negative. It must have been a bug bite that got infected. The kids have been healthy all summer and just keep playing no matter what else is going.
Our biggest news to share with you is that we are expecting a baby Feb. 16th (my birthday). :-) We are very excited! The kids were surprised and so happy. Hannah cried and "just kept thanking God". Natalie "can't believe it, I just can't believe it!" Caleb wants to name the baby "Banana" or "Super". I have been feeling Ok, tired and nauseous. I have been struggling a bit with my regular health issues. I had to revamp my supplement routine to make it safe for the baby. On Sunday I was having trouble and in a lot of pain. We ended up going to the emergency room and they were able to help me. I have been to several different doctors this week. I am feeling much better now. Please just pray for Kurt and I to make wise decisions with my health issues. The baby is just fine and healthy after this episode.
I want to apologize to those of you I would have rather called with this news. We normally use a cell phone for our long distance calls but we do not get good service at our new house. We need to figure out what we will do about long distance calls now.
In the middle of all this we have had picnics at the lake, played at the park, been to the zoo and the Children's Museum....we are having an unusual summer with some normal things thrown in. God is good.
Kurt is taking three classes this quarter, 7 1/2 credit hours. He has class Monday 6-8 and Wed. 6-10. He has more homework this quarter as well. We miss him during the week but we have lots of time together on the weekends. For those of you who don't know this he is going back to school for computer programing. He wants to be an independent contractor at some point.
Kurt is going to close Green Cylinder Heads for now. He does not have time to keep up a full time job, part time business and part time school. We are hoping to us some of his extra time to work on our own drag race cars, go carts and all the projects laying around.
Thanks for all your love and prayers. Have a blessed day!
Kurt, Angie, Hannah, Natalie and Caleb Green
Since my last post in June we have mainly been moving, finishing all our 4-H projects, getting a new dog, and surviving life. Moving turned out to be a lot more work than I remembered! We still can't find the top to the blender, my bath robe, or the food chopper...but we will some time. We will spend the next couple weeks unpacking the rest of the boxes. I am ready to start homeschool and get on with life.
We finished 4-H for this year. Hannah sewed an apron, knit a washcloth, entered a cupcake that fell over on the car ride to the fair, and entered a necklace she made. She got a trophy for reserve champion for her apron plus and purple ribbon, a blue ribbon for her washcloth, purple for the necklace and blue for the cupcake. She also got a medal for the modeling of her apron. Natalie and Caleb are in Clover kids. They get a ribbon for whatever they do. Natalie entered a pillow she made with Grandma Glema, cupcakes, a barrette, paper air plane, and a storage container. Next year she will be in 4-H. Caleb entered a pillow he made with Grandma Glema, chocolate chips cookies, paper air plane, storage container, puppet, lego design and a pinata. Our club had a turn to run the 4-H food stand. Our club's scarecrow won 2nd place and $20 for our club. A lot of fun and a lot of work!
Brad and Susan came to visit us August 8th and 9th. They asked us if we would like to have their dog, Bosco. He is a 4 year old Westie Terrier. He is a sweet dog and is fitting well into our family. Kurt, Brad and Susan were able to go to the Speedway museum. We all spent the day Saturday in Columbus with the Taylors and part of the Kliewer family. The kids played all day with Brittin and Brenen. They even took turns driving the go cart around the shed. We ate too much and it was so nice to just be together.
Caleb's head is fine. The swelling went down and all the tests were negative. It must have been a bug bite that got infected. The kids have been healthy all summer and just keep playing no matter what else is going.
Our biggest news to share with you is that we are expecting a baby Feb. 16th (my birthday). :-) We are very excited! The kids were surprised and so happy. Hannah cried and "just kept thanking God". Natalie "can't believe it, I just can't believe it!" Caleb wants to name the baby "Banana" or "Super". I have been feeling Ok, tired and nauseous. I have been struggling a bit with my regular health issues. I had to revamp my supplement routine to make it safe for the baby. On Sunday I was having trouble and in a lot of pain. We ended up going to the emergency room and they were able to help me. I have been to several different doctors this week. I am feeling much better now. Please just pray for Kurt and I to make wise decisions with my health issues. The baby is just fine and healthy after this episode.
I want to apologize to those of you I would have rather called with this news. We normally use a cell phone for our long distance calls but we do not get good service at our new house. We need to figure out what we will do about long distance calls now.
In the middle of all this we have had picnics at the lake, played at the park, been to the zoo and the Children's Museum....we are having an unusual summer with some normal things thrown in. God is good.
Kurt is taking three classes this quarter, 7 1/2 credit hours. He has class Monday 6-8 and Wed. 6-10. He has more homework this quarter as well. We miss him during the week but we have lots of time together on the weekends. For those of you who don't know this he is going back to school for computer programing. He wants to be an independent contractor at some point.
Kurt is going to close Green Cylinder Heads for now. He does not have time to keep up a full time job, part time business and part time school. We are hoping to us some of his extra time to work on our own drag race cars, go carts and all the projects laying around.
Thanks for all your love and prayers. Have a blessed day!
Kurt, Angie, Hannah, Natalie and Caleb Green
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
HI
Hello,
I will try to catch you up with what has been going on in our lives.
The kids tract meet was fun. When all the girls K-9th ran a quarter mile, Hannah won and Natalie came in second place! When all the boys ran Caleb beat a lot of the older boys and smiled the entire time he ran. It was a beautiful day for our activities.
May 19th-23rd our church hosted VBS. The kids attended each day and I helped for the first two days. We use Gospel Light curriculum and this years theme was Power Lab..."there is power, power wonder working power in the blood of the Lamb...!"
We left on the 23rd to go to Long Pine, NE for our annual camping trip with the Kliewer and Konrad family. We fished, hiked, laughed and ate tons of good food. We all stayed up very late each night at the campfire. We had chocolate marshmallows for our smores. The kids road their bikes and tubed down the creek. It was rainy and cold the first night and morning. After that the weather was perfect the rest of the weekend. We took my Mom and Dad's pop up camper.
The next couple weeks were a blur. Kurt was working a ton of hours and we were just all trying to hold down the fort. I tried to catch him and make him eat when I could. He finished all the heads he needed to do and built an engine for a pulling tractor.
We had 4-H the morning of Kurt's birthday, the 14th. Kurt was up at 6:00 helping put new shingles on the church. We ate lunch together to celebrate his birthday. We used the deep fat fryer to fondue. This is the first time in our married life that we have used our deep fat fryer. We fried french fries, chicken, beef strips, breaded mushrooms, mozerella sticks, pizza rolls, and jalepeno poppers. We ate dirt (pudding, oreos, whipped cream) and mint ice cream for desert. Kurt received free ticket from his work to the World of Outlaws. He invited Tim Hendricks to go with him.
On Father's Day we ate fondue two more times and went fishing. The kids each caught a fish, but Kurt did not catch any. He was busy bating the hooks and helping the kids. I do not put worms on hooks, so he and Hannah have to manage that on their own.
I could go on with all the details of the fun things we have done so far this summer. We are blessed with so many good friends, and the weather has been perfect.
We have a new kitty named Tuff. Our first cat Puff is not sure she likes him yet, but we are having lots of fun with him. He is very playful.
About 10 days ago Caleb said he had sore spots on his head. I did not see anything so I what not sure what to think. The next day he had very sore swollen lumps on his head. I took him to the doctor that day. Our doctor tested him for strep which was negative. She gave him 10 days of antibiotics and told me to watch him closely. Hannah told me after we were back home that she had pulled a tick off his head a few days earlier...so maybe these swollen glands were from an infected tick bite. IT was a standard size tick. He is now done with the antibiotics, the swelling has gone to about half the size. He talks about his stomach hurting. After four times of trying the nurses were able to get enough blood to run some tests. We will know more at the end of the week. He is eating and playing just fine.
I was able to go to a used Homeschool Curriculum Sale on the 16th. I went with two of my friends and we arranged our families so the three of us could eat our together before the sale. It was a rare evening out with girlfriends and we had lots of fun.
Our big project that we are working on right now is moving. My parents are moving to Topeka Kansas. They will be out of their house by July 4th. We are moving 1/4th mile from our present home, into my parent's house. Kurt and I will be the landlords of our current home. If you know of any good renters please let us know! We have quite a lot of packing done, so we are in good shape.
Be Blessed!
Angie
I will try to catch you up with what has been going on in our lives.
The kids tract meet was fun. When all the girls K-9th ran a quarter mile, Hannah won and Natalie came in second place! When all the boys ran Caleb beat a lot of the older boys and smiled the entire time he ran. It was a beautiful day for our activities.
May 19th-23rd our church hosted VBS. The kids attended each day and I helped for the first two days. We use Gospel Light curriculum and this years theme was Power Lab..."there is power, power wonder working power in the blood of the Lamb...!"
We left on the 23rd to go to Long Pine, NE for our annual camping trip with the Kliewer and Konrad family. We fished, hiked, laughed and ate tons of good food. We all stayed up very late each night at the campfire. We had chocolate marshmallows for our smores. The kids road their bikes and tubed down the creek. It was rainy and cold the first night and morning. After that the weather was perfect the rest of the weekend. We took my Mom and Dad's pop up camper.
The next couple weeks were a blur. Kurt was working a ton of hours and we were just all trying to hold down the fort. I tried to catch him and make him eat when I could. He finished all the heads he needed to do and built an engine for a pulling tractor.
We had 4-H the morning of Kurt's birthday, the 14th. Kurt was up at 6:00 helping put new shingles on the church. We ate lunch together to celebrate his birthday. We used the deep fat fryer to fondue. This is the first time in our married life that we have used our deep fat fryer. We fried french fries, chicken, beef strips, breaded mushrooms, mozerella sticks, pizza rolls, and jalepeno poppers. We ate dirt (pudding, oreos, whipped cream) and mint ice cream for desert. Kurt received free ticket from his work to the World of Outlaws. He invited Tim Hendricks to go with him.
On Father's Day we ate fondue two more times and went fishing. The kids each caught a fish, but Kurt did not catch any. He was busy bating the hooks and helping the kids. I do not put worms on hooks, so he and Hannah have to manage that on their own.
I could go on with all the details of the fun things we have done so far this summer. We are blessed with so many good friends, and the weather has been perfect.
We have a new kitty named Tuff. Our first cat Puff is not sure she likes him yet, but we are having lots of fun with him. He is very playful.
About 10 days ago Caleb said he had sore spots on his head. I did not see anything so I what not sure what to think. The next day he had very sore swollen lumps on his head. I took him to the doctor that day. Our doctor tested him for strep which was negative. She gave him 10 days of antibiotics and told me to watch him closely. Hannah told me after we were back home that she had pulled a tick off his head a few days earlier...so maybe these swollen glands were from an infected tick bite. IT was a standard size tick. He is now done with the antibiotics, the swelling has gone to about half the size. He talks about his stomach hurting. After four times of trying the nurses were able to get enough blood to run some tests. We will know more at the end of the week. He is eating and playing just fine.
I was able to go to a used Homeschool Curriculum Sale on the 16th. I went with two of my friends and we arranged our families so the three of us could eat our together before the sale. It was a rare evening out with girlfriends and we had lots of fun.
Our big project that we are working on right now is moving. My parents are moving to Topeka Kansas. They will be out of their house by July 4th. We are moving 1/4th mile from our present home, into my parent's house. Kurt and I will be the landlords of our current home. If you know of any good renters please let us know! We have quite a lot of packing done, so we are in good shape.
Be Blessed!
Angie
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Happy Mother's Day!!
Our day has been fun. The kids put a Happy Mother's Day sign up in the bathroom for me this morning. They made me peanut butter toast with chocolate chips with a glass of milk for breakfast. At church Pastor Frank delivered a challenging message from Phil 4:1-9. After church we came home to change clothes, which should be simple right? With winter clothes put away, summer clothes that may be too small, jackets that are lost or dirty...it was quite a process. We ate lunch at El Potreo, an authentic mexican restaraunt. We all enjoy eating there. After that we visited a few of the homes participating in the Lincoln Parade of homes. Most of these are brand new homes for sale. We had fun and decided we like our home the best. So many new homes have huge master bedrooms, master bathrooms, bars, and fancy stuff...with a small room in some corner for the children. We are just hanging out together for the rest of the day. We usually put the kids to bed at 8:00 with lights out at 8:30.
Last week was very busy. Kurt was in class and working a lot. The kids and I had friends over to play on Wednesday afternoon. Thursday afternoon we had a field trip to the Seward Animal Hospital. Hannah wants to be a veterinarian. Saturday morning we had 4-H. Hannah and Natalie worked on sewing projects and learned about first aid. Caleb helps five other five and six year olds prepare lunch for our group.
This week will not be as busy. Tuesday we will go to Seward for track and field day and a picnic.
Be Blessed, Angie
Last week was very busy. Kurt was in class and working a lot. The kids and I had friends over to play on Wednesday afternoon. Thursday afternoon we had a field trip to the Seward Animal Hospital. Hannah wants to be a veterinarian. Saturday morning we had 4-H. Hannah and Natalie worked on sewing projects and learned about first aid. Caleb helps five other five and six year olds prepare lunch for our group.
This week will not be as busy. Tuesday we will go to Seward for track and field day and a picnic.
Be Blessed, Angie
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Our day
Hi,
Kurt is so busy with work and school that I am going to help out with our blog. Computers and I don't always get along so we will see.
We had a fun time with school today. Hannah is reading through the Ruth Fielding series. She is also learning multiplication and grammar. Caleb, Natalie and I worked on phonics. I am getting a Hooked on Phonics curriculum from the library tomorrow. Natalie is learning her addition facts. Caleb is the only one who will get an official summer break. I like to do school year round and take of time as needed.
The weather is nice to we worked in the flowers bed. We made homemade bread shaped like a turtle to take to Grandma Jeanne and Grandpa Mo tomorrow. We made bread shaped like a bunny and few days ago. I have started making homemade bread to save money and we are enjoying it.
Our trampoline arrived today! The kids saved their money for two years to buy this. The day is long waiting for Kurt to get home to put it together! I am going to church tonight to help paint scenery for VBS. I will be home in time to get my turn on the trampoline.
Kurt is taking one class this quarter and he is enjoying it. On Monday and Wednesday nights he is home by 8:00. The rest of the week he is home at 5:30.
Yesterday our friend, Miss Pam, surprised us with a visit from Arkansas. She came over for supper and a visit last night. She brought the girls Arkansas t-shirts and Caleb an Arkansas cap.
Life is full and God is good!
Kurt is so busy with work and school that I am going to help out with our blog. Computers and I don't always get along so we will see.
We had a fun time with school today. Hannah is reading through the Ruth Fielding series. She is also learning multiplication and grammar. Caleb, Natalie and I worked on phonics. I am getting a Hooked on Phonics curriculum from the library tomorrow. Natalie is learning her addition facts. Caleb is the only one who will get an official summer break. I like to do school year round and take of time as needed.
The weather is nice to we worked in the flowers bed. We made homemade bread shaped like a turtle to take to Grandma Jeanne and Grandpa Mo tomorrow. We made bread shaped like a bunny and few days ago. I have started making homemade bread to save money and we are enjoying it.
Our trampoline arrived today! The kids saved their money for two years to buy this. The day is long waiting for Kurt to get home to put it together! I am going to church tonight to help paint scenery for VBS. I will be home in time to get my turn on the trampoline.
Kurt is taking one class this quarter and he is enjoying it. On Monday and Wednesday nights he is home by 8:00. The rest of the week he is home at 5:30.
Yesterday our friend, Miss Pam, surprised us with a visit from Arkansas. She came over for supper and a visit last night. She brought the girls Arkansas t-shirts and Caleb an Arkansas cap.
Life is full and God is good!
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Gary and Kathy Green's Life
I have uploaded the Power Point production that was shown at Mom and Dad's funeral to Scribd.com. I thought that way anyone that would like to see it or have a copy of it can get it.
feel free to pass it on to anyone that knew Mom and Dad.
Kurt
feel free to pass it on to anyone that knew Mom and Dad.
Kurt
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
The Church of Oprah....
If you haven't seen this, you need to. We need to know our Bible and stand up for the Living Word of God.
Kurt Green
http://www.themarketleaders.com/profile/KurtGreen
Kurt Green
http://www.themarketleaders.com/profile/KurtGreen
Thursday, January 24, 2008
God's Economy
I recieve a weekly free newsletter from Advantage Conferences President Tim Darnell called the "Footsteps of Faith Messenger". I wanted to share today's edition with all of you. If you want to subscribe to the Messenger, you can click here
Footsteps of Faith Messenger - Issue 190
God's Economy
Malachi 3:7-18
Luke 16:9
Haggai 2:8
Tim Darnell
In the world’s economy, “more” is the thing that men chase only to find that “more” is never enough. In the world’s economy, conditions like recessions and depressions in the marketplace loom large in the minds of men. Tales of woe and hardship frighten the masses and cause them to tighten their grasp on inanimate coins from which they are destined to be separated anyway.
In the world’s economy, people fear money. They incessantly think about it and worry over it day in and day out. They secretly wish money didn’t exist, yet their lives revolve around it, while investing the bulk of their time and energy toward its acquisition.
In the world’s economy men worship and are controlled by a non-existent god called mammon. This man-made god of deceit seduces individuals and entire countries with the promise of tinsel and glitter – mere objects that never provide meaning, contentment, or true pleasure whatsoever.
The world’s economy is defined in terms of scarcity. The concept of scarcity is focused on to the extent that it becomes a mindset and way of life. Since money and things are thought of as scarce, competition to get “my share” drives individuals and populations to compete for the “little” that is available. Soon, people become bound to the rules of scarcity and take up permanent residence in the town of “Scared City.”
In the world’s economy, human life is cheapened and even disregarded in favor of “our” comfort and convenience. Children by the millions are left alone without food or shelter, and that’s somehow OK as long as “our” stomachs are fed, and the sheets are warm and clean on “our” beds. “Ours” is so paramount that a baby can and does die of hunger every few seconds while we turn away in order to disattach ourselves from the horror to not feel guilty or nauseous.
The world’s economy is measured and reported on 24/7. Entire media networks focus on the world’s money and its condition. The world’s economy is watched like a hawk, while men focus their entire lives on understanding it, predicting what it will do, and conquering it. Those who seemingly have conquered it, gathering more for themselves than the masses, are venerated as pop icons, more famous than rock stars. We make lists of these people and value their rankings as if their lives were more valuable than ours.
When the world’s economy dips, the masses rise up and blame the President, the political party in power, and the Chairman of the Federal Reserve for their ineptness and stupidity. Likewise, when a household’s economy dips, blame and accusation flare against a spouse for his or her ineptness, stupidity, and lack of concern. The very subject of money becomes a source of contention, eliciting disgust and frustration.
Time out, please…
Can we please stop this manic carousel of confusion and aggravation? It’s time we understand and enter into a different economy - God’s economy. His economy is completely removed from the world’s economy, and doesn’t carry with it the angst and hysteria.
A few simple words reveal a greater economy - a powerful revelation for each of us to comprehend. “The silver and the gold is mine”, declares the Lord Almighty.” Haggai 2:8
God created the money. He created the things that money buys. Everything is His, and in God’s economy all of our needs are fully provided. They ‘have been’ provided and they ‘will be’ provided. He has given us everything that we need, not only for our provision, but also for the provision of the homeless, the orphans, and the widows. He gives us the choice – a test, as to whether we will “hoard” what He has so generously given us; or whether we will we transfer it to the ones who can’t provide for themselves.
The money to feed every soul on this planet has already been given to believers. It is in our pockets at this very moment. The question is whether we’re willing to turn loose of what we’ve been given to feed and care for those who are depending on us.
God’s economy is not scarce, so you can renounce your citizenship of Scared City if you’ve been living there. No, His economy is one of infinite abundance, where there is more than enough for everybody. His economy is prosperous, growing, infinite, and never subject to failure. It is not selfish, but rather expansive and inclusive of all of His children. If you want to find “more”, you’ll find it in God’s economy, and you will be amazed to find that it is always more than enough.
God says, and I paraphrase from scripture after scripture, “you are placing your focus on a wrong economy – the world’s; and the wrong person - yourself. You do not understand Who is important and Who is to be feared. Mammon will never treat you with respect and will always leave you empty. You can never trust in mammon – it is a trap and it will always betray you. No, I am the only One to be feared and respected. “I Am” your very great reward. Come to Me. Have courage and do not be afraid. Do not worry, but respect and trust in Me - and I, and I alone will take care of all your needs and even give you the desires of your heart.”
In God’s economy, relationships are infinitely more important than money and things. Relationships are our reward, and they are much more fulfilling and longer lasting than money or things. Wealth is a mere tool. Jesus told His disciples, “…use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.” Luke 16:9 Jesus doesn’t say, “if” it will be gone, He says, “when it is gone”.
In God’s economy – our wealth is stable. Our wealth is infinite. God is our wealth. He is our faithful provider. Our relationships, soul to soul with others, constitute tremendous, gratifying wealth, as well. Our wealth is here consistently all the time because God is here all the time – with you and me, and in you and me. Indeed, “the kingdom of God is within you”! Luke 17:21b. How could we want more? There is no need to do so.
In God’s economy there is no need for the blame game. People are not to be blamed. They are not to be disparaged. Quite the opposite – they are to be loved and uplifted. They are to be built up and supported in every way, not cursed, slandered, feared, or despised.
In God’s economy, there is no need to worry about circumstances. There is no need to worry about the future. Jesus admonishes Martha in Luke 10:41, “Martha, Martha..., you are worried about so many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better and it will not be taken away from her.” Mary’s choice was to not be distracted with preparations, agendas, outcomes, etc., but to simply be with Jesus. She chose the best – the relationship with Jesus rather than a schedule or thing.
In God’s economy, we “return” to Him, and He will “return” to us. I’ve always thought of that word “return” as talking about giving our hearts to Him, while following His decrees, and that is certainly true. But God, through the prophet Malachi is very specifically talking about money and possessions when He uses the term “return”. I believe He is very clearly talking about the monetary meaning of “return” as much as He is our heart’s return. If we don’t purposely give or “return” our money (our “returns”) to Him, we are in essence robbing God. Notice in the following scripture who is to return first – we are.
“Return to Me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord Almighty.
“But you ask, ‘How are we to return?’”
“Will a man rob God? Yet you rob Me.”
“But you ask, ‘How do we rob You?’”
“In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—the whole nation of you—because you are robbing Me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. ‘Test me in this,’ says the Lord Almighty, ‘and I will open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.’” Malachi 3:7b-12
Let us be mindful of honoring and entering into God’s economy. Let us live under His rules and sovereignty, and not our man-made, up and down, worldly economy. Let us “return” to him in our hearts, and with our tithes and offerings. His economy is the right economy. His economy blesses - the world’s economy stresses. It curses. It frustrates and leads to nothingness. God’s economy is strong, faithful and not subject to the sneeze of the Chairman of some man-made board.
God’s economy was found long ago in the Garden of Eden, where man could find and have any and all he ever needed – abundant, delightful, free gifts from God. It will be found in the City of Zion, where the streets are paved with gold and where we sit at the feet of King Jesus surrounded by His dazzling white brilliance in the company of fellow believers. It is found today in our love for Him and in the hearts of one another - a prosperity afforded us beyond compare and measure.
In God’s economy, you can smirk at the recession and understand that opportunity always abounds regardless of circumstances, measurements, or the falling or rising valuations of the Euro or US dollar. True wealth lies in our hearts and in our relationships with our fellow man, our families, and with God Himself. In God’s economy, we are blessed beyond measure and that includes our needs and our finances.
Does all of this mean we shouldn’t go about the task of making money? Not at all. We should make money and we should be proficient at doing so. But it’s not all about the money like the world would have us believe. It simply means that we can get off the manic, agitating carousel of the world’s economy thinking our well-being revolves around the movement of markets, money and the creation of wealth. We can get our self-centered eyes off of the wrong person (our self) and focus on Jesus and our relationship with Him. We can loosen the death grip we have on our so-called ‘wealth’ and use our possessions to help those who are truly in need and rely on our awareness and compassion for their sustenance.
We must be ever mindful that the silver and gold are all His. His economy is extremely generous and in spite of what our checkbooks or savings account ledgers currently report, we have been blessed beyond measure.
Many talk of recession. Will you be fine? No, you will be more than fine. You will be, and already are unimaginably prosperous. Don’t be deceived by the world’s economy of confusion and chance when evaluating your worth and your measure of success. Enter into God’s economy and have total confidence in Him. Know that you live in abundance already and, in His economy, you have infinite value. You live in the very place where your future is perfectly assured – in God’s kingdom, God’s economy.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you would like to commit your life to Jesus Christ, you can do so, and thereby experience the most important gift ever offered to mankind! You don’t have to be perfect – I’m certainly not and I know you aren’t either. In fact, we all sin and fall far short of perfection. Won’t you make the greatest decision you can ever make? I pray that you will do so today.
To accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, click this link:
http://www.timdarnell.org/prayer.asp
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tim Darnell is a Christian business owner, professional recording artist, and most importantly, husband to Cathy and father to Lindy, Hannah, and Caleb.
Footsteps of Faith Messenger - Issue 190
God's Economy
Malachi 3:7-18
Luke 16:9
Haggai 2:8
Tim Darnell
In the world’s economy, “more” is the thing that men chase only to find that “more” is never enough. In the world’s economy, conditions like recessions and depressions in the marketplace loom large in the minds of men. Tales of woe and hardship frighten the masses and cause them to tighten their grasp on inanimate coins from which they are destined to be separated anyway.
In the world’s economy, people fear money. They incessantly think about it and worry over it day in and day out. They secretly wish money didn’t exist, yet their lives revolve around it, while investing the bulk of their time and energy toward its acquisition.
In the world’s economy men worship and are controlled by a non-existent god called mammon. This man-made god of deceit seduces individuals and entire countries with the promise of tinsel and glitter – mere objects that never provide meaning, contentment, or true pleasure whatsoever.
The world’s economy is defined in terms of scarcity. The concept of scarcity is focused on to the extent that it becomes a mindset and way of life. Since money and things are thought of as scarce, competition to get “my share” drives individuals and populations to compete for the “little” that is available. Soon, people become bound to the rules of scarcity and take up permanent residence in the town of “Scared City.”
In the world’s economy, human life is cheapened and even disregarded in favor of “our” comfort and convenience. Children by the millions are left alone without food or shelter, and that’s somehow OK as long as “our” stomachs are fed, and the sheets are warm and clean on “our” beds. “Ours” is so paramount that a baby can and does die of hunger every few seconds while we turn away in order to disattach ourselves from the horror to not feel guilty or nauseous.
The world’s economy is measured and reported on 24/7. Entire media networks focus on the world’s money and its condition. The world’s economy is watched like a hawk, while men focus their entire lives on understanding it, predicting what it will do, and conquering it. Those who seemingly have conquered it, gathering more for themselves than the masses, are venerated as pop icons, more famous than rock stars. We make lists of these people and value their rankings as if their lives were more valuable than ours.
When the world’s economy dips, the masses rise up and blame the President, the political party in power, and the Chairman of the Federal Reserve for their ineptness and stupidity. Likewise, when a household’s economy dips, blame and accusation flare against a spouse for his or her ineptness, stupidity, and lack of concern. The very subject of money becomes a source of contention, eliciting disgust and frustration.
Time out, please…
Can we please stop this manic carousel of confusion and aggravation? It’s time we understand and enter into a different economy - God’s economy. His economy is completely removed from the world’s economy, and doesn’t carry with it the angst and hysteria.
A few simple words reveal a greater economy - a powerful revelation for each of us to comprehend. “The silver and the gold is mine”, declares the Lord Almighty.” Haggai 2:8
God created the money. He created the things that money buys. Everything is His, and in God’s economy all of our needs are fully provided. They ‘have been’ provided and they ‘will be’ provided. He has given us everything that we need, not only for our provision, but also for the provision of the homeless, the orphans, and the widows. He gives us the choice – a test, as to whether we will “hoard” what He has so generously given us; or whether we will we transfer it to the ones who can’t provide for themselves.
The money to feed every soul on this planet has already been given to believers. It is in our pockets at this very moment. The question is whether we’re willing to turn loose of what we’ve been given to feed and care for those who are depending on us.
God’s economy is not scarce, so you can renounce your citizenship of Scared City if you’ve been living there. No, His economy is one of infinite abundance, where there is more than enough for everybody. His economy is prosperous, growing, infinite, and never subject to failure. It is not selfish, but rather expansive and inclusive of all of His children. If you want to find “more”, you’ll find it in God’s economy, and you will be amazed to find that it is always more than enough.
God says, and I paraphrase from scripture after scripture, “you are placing your focus on a wrong economy – the world’s; and the wrong person - yourself. You do not understand Who is important and Who is to be feared. Mammon will never treat you with respect and will always leave you empty. You can never trust in mammon – it is a trap and it will always betray you. No, I am the only One to be feared and respected. “I Am” your very great reward. Come to Me. Have courage and do not be afraid. Do not worry, but respect and trust in Me - and I, and I alone will take care of all your needs and even give you the desires of your heart.”
In God’s economy, relationships are infinitely more important than money and things. Relationships are our reward, and they are much more fulfilling and longer lasting than money or things. Wealth is a mere tool. Jesus told His disciples, “…use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.” Luke 16:9 Jesus doesn’t say, “if” it will be gone, He says, “when it is gone”.
In God’s economy – our wealth is stable. Our wealth is infinite. God is our wealth. He is our faithful provider. Our relationships, soul to soul with others, constitute tremendous, gratifying wealth, as well. Our wealth is here consistently all the time because God is here all the time – with you and me, and in you and me. Indeed, “the kingdom of God is within you”! Luke 17:21b. How could we want more? There is no need to do so.
In God’s economy there is no need for the blame game. People are not to be blamed. They are not to be disparaged. Quite the opposite – they are to be loved and uplifted. They are to be built up and supported in every way, not cursed, slandered, feared, or despised.
In God’s economy, there is no need to worry about circumstances. There is no need to worry about the future. Jesus admonishes Martha in Luke 10:41, “Martha, Martha..., you are worried about so many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better and it will not be taken away from her.” Mary’s choice was to not be distracted with preparations, agendas, outcomes, etc., but to simply be with Jesus. She chose the best – the relationship with Jesus rather than a schedule or thing.
In God’s economy, we “return” to Him, and He will “return” to us. I’ve always thought of that word “return” as talking about giving our hearts to Him, while following His decrees, and that is certainly true. But God, through the prophet Malachi is very specifically talking about money and possessions when He uses the term “return”. I believe He is very clearly talking about the monetary meaning of “return” as much as He is our heart’s return. If we don’t purposely give or “return” our money (our “returns”) to Him, we are in essence robbing God. Notice in the following scripture who is to return first – we are.
“Return to Me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord Almighty.
“But you ask, ‘How are we to return?’”
“Will a man rob God? Yet you rob Me.”
“But you ask, ‘How do we rob You?’”
“In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—the whole nation of you—because you are robbing Me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. ‘Test me in this,’ says the Lord Almighty, ‘and I will open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.’” Malachi 3:7b-12
Let us be mindful of honoring and entering into God’s economy. Let us live under His rules and sovereignty, and not our man-made, up and down, worldly economy. Let us “return” to him in our hearts, and with our tithes and offerings. His economy is the right economy. His economy blesses - the world’s economy stresses. It curses. It frustrates and leads to nothingness. God’s economy is strong, faithful and not subject to the sneeze of the Chairman of some man-made board.
God’s economy was found long ago in the Garden of Eden, where man could find and have any and all he ever needed – abundant, delightful, free gifts from God. It will be found in the City of Zion, where the streets are paved with gold and where we sit at the feet of King Jesus surrounded by His dazzling white brilliance in the company of fellow believers. It is found today in our love for Him and in the hearts of one another - a prosperity afforded us beyond compare and measure.
In God’s economy, you can smirk at the recession and understand that opportunity always abounds regardless of circumstances, measurements, or the falling or rising valuations of the Euro or US dollar. True wealth lies in our hearts and in our relationships with our fellow man, our families, and with God Himself. In God’s economy, we are blessed beyond measure and that includes our needs and our finances.
Does all of this mean we shouldn’t go about the task of making money? Not at all. We should make money and we should be proficient at doing so. But it’s not all about the money like the world would have us believe. It simply means that we can get off the manic, agitating carousel of the world’s economy thinking our well-being revolves around the movement of markets, money and the creation of wealth. We can get our self-centered eyes off of the wrong person (our self) and focus on Jesus and our relationship with Him. We can loosen the death grip we have on our so-called ‘wealth’ and use our possessions to help those who are truly in need and rely on our awareness and compassion for their sustenance.
We must be ever mindful that the silver and gold are all His. His economy is extremely generous and in spite of what our checkbooks or savings account ledgers currently report, we have been blessed beyond measure.
Many talk of recession. Will you be fine? No, you will be more than fine. You will be, and already are unimaginably prosperous. Don’t be deceived by the world’s economy of confusion and chance when evaluating your worth and your measure of success. Enter into God’s economy and have total confidence in Him. Know that you live in abundance already and, in His economy, you have infinite value. You live in the very place where your future is perfectly assured – in God’s kingdom, God’s economy.
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If you would like to commit your life to Jesus Christ, you can do so, and thereby experience the most important gift ever offered to mankind! You don’t have to be perfect – I’m certainly not and I know you aren’t either. In fact, we all sin and fall far short of perfection. Won’t you make the greatest decision you can ever make? I pray that you will do so today.
To accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, click this link:
http://www.timdarnell.org/prayer.asp
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Tim Darnell is a Christian business owner, professional recording artist, and most importantly, husband to Cathy and father to Lindy, Hannah, and Caleb.
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