We are off to play in the wonderful world of Disney!

Disney here we come! We leave Friday and will be returning the following Saturday. We are so excited to be going on this trip. God has truly blessed us with people who have been so kind to provide this getaway! A big thank you to John's mom who is providing our lodging at Disney's Old Key West and to our friends, the Sutter's who gave us free passes to Sea World, and to Gary Baer who for the past 4 years has let us in Disney and has helped make very special memories! This first picture is from May of 2003 when we went to Orlando on vacation then ended up moving there 2 months later. I can't believe how little the kids were! They have done a whole lot of growing in 4 years! We might have to go back to Downtown Disney and find those Robin Hood and Captain Hook hats and take another picture. That would be hilarious! I have a movie of this but for some reason I can't get it to load. It is so funny of Nick dancing. Maybe I can figure it out. We might have to do it again this time and then I could put both videos up to compare! The next picture was taken in 2005 when Gary arranged a fairy tale meeting with all the princesses and the fairy godmother. That day was so special for Kristen! I don't know if we will have Internet connection while we are there so I may not be able to post again until we return home. Hope you have a magical week . . . I know we will!

Shopping For Time

Well the votes are in and to my surprise the majority of you who voted get up between 7 A.M. and 8 A.M. I would say that if I could have voted, I would have voted on the after 8 A.M. because most of the time I am dragging myself out of bed right at 8 A.M. To be honest, I thought this was an okay time to get up. Until I read "Shopping for Time" by Carolyn Mahaney and her three daughters! Now, this post is in no means a way to make you think you aren't doing what you are suppose to be doing, but it is simply a post to tell what I have learned through reading this book. Now to be completely honest with you, when John brought this book home and gave it to me I thought, "Oh great, another book to add to the height of my mountain of books I need to read already!" I admit my heart and actions showed no sign of thankfulness to my sweet husband who was excited to be able to give me a copy of this book. For those of you who know my husband, he gets excited every time the postman delivers another box of books and this happens every other day at the Lenfestey home! He loves books! Okay back to this book . . . . When I saw the title I thought I would get nothing out of this book. I didn't think it was for me. (no pride there huh?) Shopping for Time - How to Do It All and NOT Be Overwhelmed. Hmmm, I thought I was doing well, I mean I am a stay at home wife and mother and I have all day to get everything done . . . . I have all the time in the world! But after just reading the first chapter, conviction fell upon me. Here are the questions asked that got me:

• Do you plan ahead to maximize your fruitfulness each day, or do you simply let life happen?


• Do you make choices based on Scripture or on what feels good at the moment?


• Do you strategize to use your talents to bless your family and church, or do you employ them primarily for your own personal fulfillment?


• Do you evaluate every opportunity in light of biblical priorities, or do you do whatever it takes to get ahead?
  
• Do you consider whom God would have you serve, or do you try to please everyone all the time?

They were talking in this chapter how we as women constantly - almost unconsciously - plan, evaluate, stratiegize, and make wise choices when shopping, but often neglect to do so with the most important matters of our lives. We wouldn't dream of going to the grocery store without a shopping list or purchase a pair of new shoes without looking at the price tag, but we throw away our time as if we had an endless supply! As a result, we often miss out on the best deals life has to offer and end up paying big time in guilt, anxiety, and a lack of confidence that we're really doing the will of God. But it doesn't have to be this way. We can know for certain that we are doing all God wants us to do.

Ephesians 5:15-16 says, "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil."

The NKJV reads: "See then that you walk circumspectly." To be circumspect means to look around with caution. That is sobering! I realized that I was not looking around with caution. In fact, I realized that I was just plain lazy! I would have never thought of myself as a lazy person but I was letting my days just happen without putting much thought into them. There are many things listed in this book that I will let you read for yourself, but they said to pick one area and ask God for the grace to change. I was convicted in the area of sleep. I have to have sleep and if I don't get my sleep then my whole day is affected by it. My children are affected by it. My walk with God is affected by it. Now it is good to get a good nights rest. Sleep is a gift from God! But, I have been going to bed late and not being purposeful in what time I arise. I was not planning my day. Yes, we get our school done most days and our house is clean enough and most of the laundry gets done. But it was all by happenstance and not planned. We were waking up and letting life happen as it may. Not only was I convicted about my sleep habits but also having a set routine in place for our day. So I now have two areas, which really do go together anyway! So today was our first day to try out all I have learned. But before bed last night, I talked to the kids about what I was wanting to start. They were excited! WOW! I was in awe that they wanted a schedule and was actually excited to try something new! God is so good to have already been at work in their hearts . . .it makes it much easier on me! After letting them know what was in store for them, Kristen asked if we could make up a chart with pictures to show what our days would look like. So we sat down at the computer and made up the cutest little chart in the order in which they are to do what:

• Wake up from alarm at 7 A.M
  
• Make your bed
  
• Brush your teeth
  
• Get dressed for the day
  
• Have quiet time for prayer and Bible reading
  
• Eat breakfast
  
• Be at the table ready to start school by 8 A.M.
  
• Lunch at noon
  
• Do chores
  
• Hour of reading
  
• Free time - check email, do hobbies, etc.

I was able to arise at 6 A.M. (AMAZING) but I do have to admit that I sat on the side of my bed for about 5 minutes then fell asleep on the toilet for probably another 5 minutes before getting dressed! Hopefully tomorrow I will do better with that! Anyway, I did make it out the door by 6:15 and went for a 30 minute walk. I took along Kristen's iPod and listened to worship songs and hymns while I walked and it was the sweetest time of worshiping and praying to the Lord! See that is what I was missing . . . the most important thing of all . . . quiet time with the Lord! Yes I do have quiet times but it isn't always quiet! When I am waking up with the kids or after the kids, the house isn't at all quiet! I really was amazed this morning at how refreshing it really was. I came home and took a shower then I smiled as each one my children came to say good morning, after obediently setting their alarms for 7 A.M. and really got up and started their day in the order of their chart! I am so thankful for my children! Anyway, they did exactly as was instructed and all were ready at 8 A.M. for school to start, fully dressed, tummies full, with minty breath even! We went through our day in a planned, organized way and I have to say, our day was awesome! I am so shocked at how well it went. I thought for sure today would be horrible and the schedule we made would have things that needed to be tweaked, but to my amazement, it all flowed and we got so much accomplished. Tonight Nicholas said, "Mom, I really like that schedule we have. It really helped me to get everything done that I needed to get done, and I had free time!"

So if you do not have this book, I encourage you to get it and read it. I am sure you will find at least one thing that will be helpful to you and that will serve you and your family. I have a link to this book on the side of my blog under the Books Worth Reading heading. I finished reading it today (thanks to the scheduled reading time). It is a very easy, fun read.

The Mahaney ladies put it this way: By rising early, we can secure much needed refreshment for our souls! I AGREE!

I will end with this advice from author John Piper:

I earnestly recommend that it be in the early morning, unless there are
some extenuating circumstances. Entering the day without a serious
meeting with God, over his Word and in prayer, is like entering the battle without tending to your weapons. The human heart does not
replenish itself with sleep. The body does, but not the heart . . .We replenish our hearts not with sleep, but with the Word of God and prayer.

Taco Monday

Last week we discovered that Crestview has a Taco Town! On Monday's they have 45 cent tacos! So John took us last week and said we might have to do this every week for that price. Well Kristen did not forget him saying that. I told her to go take her bath and she replied, "I have the perfect outfit picked out for today!" I had no idea what she had planned. After showering she came out with her outfit Grandma and Grandpa bought her in Mexico when they went last year. She said "I am ready for Taco Monday!" Nick said, "Sis, you're not wearing that are you? That's embarrassing!" Well, she was not embarrassed at all and and wore it proudy to Taco Town to eat her 2 tacos!

POLL

I am reading "Shopping for Time" and have become convicted on my sleeping habits. I will be posting more about this later, but wanted to put a poll on my blog just out of curiosity sake . . . . what time do you wake up each morning? Please play along and vote on the left side of my blog. Thanks!

23rd Psalm

This is adorable! Click here to see a precious little girl recite the 23rd Psalm.

Happy 9th Birthday Kristen!

I can't believe our baby girl is 9 years old! Nine years ago today, God blessed us with a beautiful daughter after two sons. We thought for sure we were having another boy, and were very excited at the thought of having three boys. When she arrived and they said, "it's a girl", we couldn't believe it! It has been so fun having Kristen. I have to admit, she has been harder than the boys, but we enjoy her! She is a girly girl and loves to shop for clothes and shoes and anything pink. She is growing in love for the Lord with each passing day and is obedient and respectful to her parents. She loves to leave us notes and make us things for no reason . . .just because. One of my favorite things to see is her on a Sunday morning raising her hands worshiping Jesus. She is growing so much and understanding the things of God more each day. I thank my God for such a wonderful gift. She indeed is a blessing from the Lord! I love you Kristen! Happy Birthday Sweetie! (I know you read this!)

Build-A-Bear Birthday

Past Birthdays

Kristen was blessed to be born on her Papaw's birthday! They had this special day to share together every year. Today has been hard, I think harder on me than her. How I miss him. But God is kind to remind me that he gave me a precious gift that happened to be on my Dad's birthday and that in remembering him every year on this day, I get to celebrate Kristen's life and remember all the special birthday's they had together. We have so many good memories of this day! My dad was such a good sport . . . he had Barbie, Minnie Mouse, Princess and Strawberry Shortcake birthday parties! Above are a few pictures of past birthdays.

Shrimp Boil

Yesterday we were blessed to be able to be apart of something we had never done before. A Shrimp Boil! After church, the care group leaders and their families and the pastors and their families met at Henderson State Park for a day of fun in the sun! It was a beautiful day! The tourists have went back home since school has started, so the beach was quiet and the water was warm and inviting.

We then ate dinner together, the most interesting way! They had a Shrimp Boil. We had never been apart of something like this so did not know what to expect. They boil up corn on the cob, potatoes, sweet onions and shrimp in a big 'ol pot and when it was ready, they just dumped it right on the table! Now this is some down home, southern style, help yourself kind of meal! For those of us who do not eat shrimp, they were kind enough to prepare the same thing in a different pot but with sausage instead of shrimp. It was very yummy!

We all brought side dishes and desserts to go along with our meal. The corn on the cob was my favorite! I am an Indiana girl so I miss all the corn we would eat in the summertime back home. There is nothing better than eating a fresh ear of corn with butter drippin' down your chin! Anyway, after dinner we all sat down on the beach and watched the sun set and enjoyed the cool breeze. After a hot day, that breeze felt so good I could have sat there all night.

We are so blessed to live here and get to enjoy the beach, and also the wonderful friendships we have been blessed to have with our church family at CrossWay Community Church! God is so good to us!

When Sinners Say "I Do"

Okay many of you know that I usually am not an avid reader . . . but God is helping me to see my need for gaining wisdom by reading really good books. I put a link list on the left side of my blog so you can see what I am currently reading. Now, I won't be reading all these all the time but I like to read a little here and there from each book until I finish them. But I have to say when I started reading this book by Dave Harvey, I couldn't put it down. Here is what the back of this book says:

Marriage is the union of two people who arrive at the altar toting some surprisingly large luggage. Often it gets opened right there on the honeymoon, sometimes it waits for the week after. The Bible calls it sin and understanding its influence can make all the difference for a man and woman who are building a life together. When Sinners Say "I Do" is about encountering the life-transforming power of the gospel in the unpredictable journey of marriage.
Dave's writing style embraces the reader as he speaks honestly, and sometimes humorously, about sin and the power of the gospel to overcome it. He opens the delightful truth of God's word and encourages the reader to see more clearly the glorious picture of what God does when sinners say "I do."

Let me just say, this book is not just for newlyweds. This is for any couple desiring to have a God glorifying marriage! This is a book worth reading!

Update on Leanne

Thank you all for your prayers for my sister-in-law Leanne. She is doing much better and her tests came back good this morning. They were still trying to figure out why this even happened and the doctor kept asking her if she took drugs and every time she said no. She is a bartender so she told him she does drink occasionally. It seemed every time the doctor would come in he would ask her again about drugs. Finally my brother put two and two together and told the doctor that when Leanne quit smoking 8 months ago, she started taking these energy pills called Stacker 2. When the doctor heard of this he said this is most likely what cause her to have the stroke! Stackers have caffeine and ephedrine in them and because caffeine and ephedrine are both stimulants, taking them in combination can overburden the nervous system, leading (in worst cases) to stroke, heart attacks, and seizures! Symptoms of caffeine abuse alone can include insomnia, palpitations, tremors, sweating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chest paints, and neurological symptoms! People do not realize that popping these "energy pills" or "diet pills" such as; No Doz, Alert, Vivarin, Stay Awake or the ever popular "energy drinks" that are all the rage, can have serious affects on your body. My brother even admitted he has taken these types of "energy pills" here and there for over 10 years! Then my older sister said she has taken the Stacker 2 pills for energy when she works a double at work. This has been an eye opener for them to say the least.
Thank you again for your prayers. Continue to pray for their souls. I love you all!

Lynette's apron

Okay, I admit it!!! I have a hard time keeping surprises under wraps! I made this apron today for Lynette which was suppose to be for her 40th birthday, (Sept. 22) but I couldn't resist giving it to her when she came over before work tonight. (that is why she is wearing her scrubs!) I loved the earth tones in this material. I am having lots of fun sewing. If my sisters and nieces are reading this blog, I will be sending your surprises soon! ;o)

good news . . .

Leanne is feeling much better and they said the bleeding in her brain has stopped! They are still wanting to know what caused it and she goes for another test tomorrow morning. They said at this point it doesn't look like she will need brain surgery so we are thankful for that. Please pray that the doctors will have wisdom and be able to understand why this has happened and how to care for her.

Lord, thank you for your mercy! Thank you for touching Leanne. You are worthy to be praised!

Mom's little helper!

I finished Kristen's apron last night. It is funky! She picked out all her fabrics on her own. She really loves it!

No real news yet . . .

I talked to my mom again and she said they haven't really been given any more news. But she said Leanne is feeling better and has regained her balance but her face is still droopy on her left side. They took her for a MRI this morning but we haven't heard any news as to what that showed. Thank you for your continued prayers.

Update on Leanne

My mom just called and the doctor had just came in and told them that Leanne has a bleed deep inside the right side of her brain. They said she could have been born with an aneurysm, they don't know how she got it. He said that Leanne has had a stoke and mom said when she smiles her smiled is very crooked on the left side and that she can barely close her left eye. She said that for the past 4 days she has been getting really bad headaches like someone has hit her upside the head with a baseball bat. They are going to run tests in the morning to look at the blood vessels and veins in her head. Mom said that Leanne doesn't see the seriousness of her situation and is sitting up in bed acting like it is no big deal. My brother said it took him 4 hours to get her to go to the hospital. She just didn't think she needed to. He saw her face was drupy and her balance was way off so he was very concerned. They have NO medical insurance! Please keep them in your prayers and I will update in the morning when I know more. Thank you so much for your prayers for Leanne and Buddy - their souls are lost.

Urgent Prayer Request

Please pray for my sister-in-law Leanne. This is my brother's wife. She has been experiencing major symptoms of being extremely tired the past three days. Then today her face was drooping and her balance wasn't good. My brother took her to the ER and they did a cat scan and said she has bleeding on the brain. When I talked to my mom they were rushing Leanne by ambulance to Lutheran Hospital (the same hospital my dad was with his bleed). My mom and sister Bonnie were going up to Fort Wayne to be with my brother. Please pray for Leanne. She is not saved. My brother is not saved either. I am praying that God will be merciful to allow them another chance to submit their lives to Him. I just don't know what it will take. But God knows! Leanne was conscious and very alert when she left Marion General Hospital. I will post again once I hear anymore news from my mom or brother. Thank you all so much for your prayers.

Dear Lord,

You are worthy to be praised! Even when things like this happen and they seem too familiar to our family, you are worthy to be praised! You know all things and hold all of us in the palm of your hand. Nothing is a surprise to you for you have planned all our days. Lord, we know that in all things, you bring glory unto yourself. Whatever your plan is for Leanne and my brother, I trust you with them. Lord, I pray that Leanne and Buddy will become aware of their need for you. I pray their hearts will be soften and that someone will share the Gospel with them and they will turn to you. Be with my mom and sister as they drive up to the hospital and as they go into the same place where our dad died. Lord, help them to remain strong . . . .comfort them I pray. Thank you Lord that we can come to you and that you love us and care for us. You are a faithful God and you will remain faithful. I love you Lord!

Kristen's Fashion Show!

My mom sent a package for Kristen's birthday (Aug. 21st) that we received today. She should have not done all of this but I guess she came upon a sale she couldn't resist! Kristen was thrilled with all the clothes. Grandma has a great sense of fashion! We love you Grandma! Enjoy the slide show of Kristen modeling her new outfits.
P.S. The shirt and shorts are PJ's with optional pants in the following picture.

Headed to Orlando!

Just wanted you to know that I will not be posting again until next week. John and I are so excited to go to Orlando to Metro Life Church to attend the worship conference - Glorify!

Thought I would leave you with a good laugh! This is so cute and I promise you will laugh out loud watching this FUNNY BABY! Too cute!

Until next week . . . . .

The BEST Aunt & Uncle in the WHOLE world!

John & his Aunt Marcy

Uncle Jim & Aunt Marcy

Just want everyone to know that John's Aunt Marceil & Uncle Jim are the BEST! They are wonderful Christians and love the Lord with all their hearts. We are so grateful to God for them! They have been an amazing means of grace to us. They have corrected, encouraged, and loved us through the years. They will always be special to us and we always look forward to spending time with them. Thank you Uncle Jim & Aunt Marcy for your love and for your friendship. We cherish you! We can't wait to see you in October! WE LOVE YOU!

An evening at the beach!

Last night we decided to go over to the Destin Commons for a little shopping and a little Starbucks. We loaded up the kids and called Lynette and the girls and invited them to join us. John finally bought some flip flops. He has been against wearing these until he tried on my pair which are crocs, and he loved them. So anyway, we went there for that initally but pick up a few other things since it was a tax free weekend here in Florida. Then we all headed over to Henderson Beach to watch the sunset. We all brought our chairs and beach blankets. It was so enjoyable to just sit and listen to the waves and feel that cool breeze on your face. We are so blessed to live here! God is so good to us! I love spending time with family and making memories. After losing Dad a few months ago, I want to spend even more time with family and friends and enjoy life with them. I love taking pictures to have to help remember times spent with loved ones. So what about you? What memories are you making with friends and family? Any ideas of fun things to do that are cheap, (or even better yet . . . free!) are welcome here! Post a comment and let us know what you do with your family that is fun and memorable.
God is so kind to us isn't he?