Everytime we see our children, we can’t help but praising the Lord for allowing us the awesome privilege of raising 7 children for Him.  They are special gifts sent straight from Lord himself.  God gave me the joy of giving birth to our first six children.  Because of their Filipino/Chinese blood, they were little and petite.   One of my doctors had said that I probably wouldn’t be able to have any children after a tumor was removed a month after the birth of my 2nd child.  However, God in his awesome power allowed us to have 4 more beautiful children.  God then turned our hearts to another avenue for receiving these special gifts of children.  As we began opening our eyes to the hurting world around us, we soon saw that there were many children right here in our own country that needed loving families, spiritual upbringing, and a home to call their own.  Although we knew that the child may not come as a little newborn, we said yes to the ministry of opening our home and family to children from other places in this world.  Soon after that God placed a handsome little infant boy into our home.  (No, that’s not quite right.  He was actually a big baby (compared to my babies) and he rapidly put on more weight when we began feeding him on a schedule. We were given a 20 minute warning before he was to be handed over to us.  Although he was constantly wanting to eat and needed special attention in various ways, we and our children quickly fell in love with this bundle of energy.  Before too long, I heard those special words “Mama” and my husband heard “Dada”.  Little Jonathan was constantly wanting to dress up in his brother’s medieval outfit.  When he was only 15 months old, he would tromp through the house with his foam sword, the cape and shield, sunglasses, and my high heels!  He’d have a silly grin on his face and he would quickly get my attention no matter what I was doing!  It soon became apparent that Jonathan had a few extra challenges to work through.  His language skills waned, but that didn’t stop him from singing a bunch of Sunday School tunes with every note in tune perfectly.  Play a classical number and he’ll hum along with it almost immediately.  Maybe he can’t speak, but he sure is brilliant with music!  Isn’t that just like God?  Although He may allow one weakness in a person’s life, He balances it out with a strength in another area.  What an awesome God! 

October 6 was a very special day for us because on that day we adopted Jonathan and gave him our name.  Although Jonathan didn’t realize what was going on, we realized it fully with somberness and yet an air of celebration.  Everytime I get him up in the morning and everytime I tuck him in, I can’t help but thank the Lord for giving us Jonathan in such a unique way.  I can’t even imagine what life would be like without Jonathan there to teach us patience, perseverance, and humor.  It’s an awesome thing to think that God also adopted me - with all my imperfections and weaknesses.  He loved me and accepted me just the way I was.  As God continues, Lord willing, to give us more “special gifts” in various shapes and sizes and with different strengths and weaknesses, I pray that we will not only be thankful, but that we’ll always remember God’s unfailing love shown to each of us every day of our lives.

For more resources on parenting and God’s gift of children, check out www.godseternalmasterpiece.com. 

This week has been one of those weeks which are about as unplanned and hectic as they come.  My husband and I spent most of this week caring for sick children.  On Monday, our 6 year old was diagnosed with multiple allergies, which explains his discomfort for so long.  He is allergic to almost every tree and weed we have our our acreage.  Now that he is on proper medication, a revised diet, and  supplements, he is already showing much improvement.  Our 21 month old came down with the flu the next day and is still trying to recuperate from that.  I never dreamed we could use so much laundry and so many diapers in such a short period of time when a toddler is sick!  Today two of our teenagers came down with it also.  Needless to say, I’m disinfecting the house like crazy!  To top it off, God decided to bless us this week with lots of tomatoes, grapes, apples, and carrots which need to be canned for the winter!  Thank you Lord!  It wouldn’t be so bad except that I still can’t walk the best due to my fractured foot.  With our fall sale going on with God’s Eternal Masterpiece and with everything else on the platter - I have felt slightly stressed!  However, isn’t it so nice to know that we have a heavenly father who knows exactly how much we can handle?!!  I Peter 5:7 says “Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you”.  That’s exactly what I’ve done this week.  I’ve given it over to the Lord and have relied on His strength.  It’s amazing to look back and see that we got through this week in 1 piece - just like the Lord wanted us to!  God is so good!  I have found 1 book (besides the Bible!) to be so helpful.  Finding God’s Path Through Your Trials by Elizabeth George encourages me to remember that God’s grace is sufficient to get me through all the situations that come my way.  When trials get too hard, God provides a way of escape.  (This book is presently in our store at www.godseternalmasterpiece.com)  I encourage you to read this book for yourself.  This weekend, as you have many things which God brings your way, may you too remember to lean wholly on the Lord for the strength you need.  He’s there to carry your burdens!

 Becky - God’s Eternal Masterpiece.

This week as my daughters are memorizing Proverbs 31, I couldn’t help but think about how blessed I am to have the mother God gave me.  One year ago on Aug. 30, 2007, my mother went home to be with the Lord after battling cancer for two years.  We buried her on Sept. 8 after hearing testimony after testimony at the memorial service about Mom’s influence on many other people’s lives.  Proverbs 31:28 says, “Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.” Verse 30 says, “…but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised”.  It is only right that I take the time to praise my mother for her godly example to me, her family, her friends, and her community. 

My mother, Sheryl Gonnerman, gave her life completely over to the Lord while still a teenager in high school.  Her mother had died quickly from cancer while Mom was still in high school.  Mom quickly learned that she had to rely completely on God for the strength she needed to continue on.  Giving God the glory and teaching others about God’s sacrifice of love was my mother’s passion from that time on.  She married my father and became a pastor’s wife.  Because she loved teaching children, she delved into teaching them God’s Word.  Many tears flowed from Mom as she prayed over those who were not living wholeheartedly for the Lord.  I still remember waking up at night and seeing Mom in the living room kneeling at the couch crying out to the Lord for her children and those in the community who were not living completely for the Lord.  Faithfully teaching Sunday School, children’s church, and the beginners department at the Iowa Regular Baptist Camp were only a few of the things she did.  Mom also loved to decorate with themes both in the home and at church to help get God’s Word out in a more practical way.  We knew that on Valentine’s Day we’d get a theme-based meal plus a story about God’s amazing love for each of us.  That happened on every holiday - even the ones that most people don’t even recognize as official holidays!  With four children of her own to raise, Mom worked hard at clothing us, feeding us home cooked meals, giving us gifts at the most unexpected times, reading stories to us, and talking to us about how our day went.  I, for one, loved having Mom call me each day when I got married - just to see how I was doing.  My fondest memories are those phone calls at all hours of the day.  Mom loved each of us children equally and worked hard at showing us that through our own unique love languages.  Because Mom and Dad lived on a small pastor’s salary, we were not blessed with fancy clothes and expensive vacations.  That was OK because Mom taught us that our riches are stored up in heaven.  She worked hard to make sure that we never felt slighted.  Her ultimate goal was to teach us to glorify God in all that we had and did. 

As Proverbs 31 talks about the hard work of a godly woman, I can relate that to Mom.  She would stay up into the wee hours of the night cooking, sewing, cleaning, and preparing Bible lessons for church.  Rest of us would be fast asleep while she kept working.  Her humbleness in serving others was also amazing.  She wasn’t afraid of doing the jobs no one else would do.  She’d say to me “If Jesus could do it, then I most certainly think I’m able to do it”. 

Was Mom perfect?  No.  She had her moments.  However, she wasn’t afraid to apologize and move forward.  She worked hard at displaying unconditional love to those who hurt her time and time again.  A statue of the prodigal son and Jesus sat in her office to remind her how God forgives and accepts all who turn to Him.  She wanted to please God by doing likewise.

As I look back at this past year without Mom, I think about how often I have missed Mom’s godly counsel, her example of servanthood, and her burning desire to see others saved.  However, I also look forward to the day when I can see her again.  It’s amazing to think that right now she’s in the presence of her Savior who she totally adored.  There is no possible way I could think of wanting her back here.  Before Mom died, she told me the same thing her mother told her before she died “Becky, you don’t need a mother - you just need God.  He’s all you need.”  You know what?  She was right.  God has given me and my family an amazing peace and joy as we lean on Him.  God receives all the glory for blessing us with such an amazing woman and mother.  May I in turn be a mother and wife who whole heartedly serves God and spreads His love to others around me as Mom did for so many years.

—Becky — God’s Eternal Masterpiece

Resources for women who desire to live wholeheartedly for God are available at www.godseternalmasterpiece.com.

This week has been one of those weeks which have been very busy as we can the produce God has given us, but it has also been an awe-inspiring week as we have taken the time to see God’s creation up close.  Many times we get too busy and we forget to look at all the blessings God gives us.

Several different nights I took the children outside to view God’s creation from a different perspective.  We thoroughly enjoyed sitting outside listening to the locusts sing their song of praise to the Lord.  Also, we tried to check out the cicadas emerging from their homes underground since my dad said they were doing that in full force.  After checking out all the trees in our yard (which are many!) and finding none,  we went back inside and viewed the entire cicada life process via the internet.  It is fascinating to see how God allows that cicada to grow for 17 years before it emerges from the ground.  Some of the girls found the night time insect search to be strange, but our boys were totally enthralled with it.  Even our 1 1/2 year old searched diligently - with his swim goggles on! I should say that we did manage to see some shooting stars and other beautiful nighttime scenes.   

The next day as we were preparing to go out to pick more berries, we had the opportunity to see 2 new baby fawns.  They were just learning to walk and were the cutest things you’ve ever seen.  It was a great opportunity to discuss with the children how good God is in even protecting the baby animals through camaflouge.  When we then came upon a bunch of absolutely gorgeous wildflowers and we saw the beautiful sunset with large billowing clouds allowing bright bursts of red/gold sunlight to shoot out, the following song came to our minds:

I sing the mighty power of God that made the mountains rise, That spread the flowing seas abroad and built the lofty skies.

As you finish enjoying these summer months, I hope you too are taking the time to enjoy God’s creation with your children.  Remind them of Gen. 1 which speaks of God’s mighty power in creating all things for his good (and ours!).  During devotions, take them to Psalms and praise God together over his amazing creation.  When we are busy praising God for his goodness, it’s mighty hard to complain about our other concerns in life.  Try it and see for yourself! 

We now have a fairly large inventory of creation science books and curriculum available for all ages at www.godseternalmasterpiece.com.  They are a great asset when teaching your children about God’s creation and the fallacies of evolution.

 Becky - God’s Eternal Masterpiece

“I will remember the works of the Lord: surely I will remember thy wonders of old.” Psalm 77:11

This week our family had the privilege of attending Family Camp at the Iowa Regular Baptist Camp.  It is one of the few opportunities we have to relax for an entire week with the children while being fed spiritually through God’s Word each morning and evening.  This year was a bit more emotional for me as I stepped onto the campgrounds because it was the first year of being at camp without talking to my mom while I was there.  Mom went home to be with the Lord last year in August.  My parents taught the preschoolers at Family Camp for 25 years, so the camp is like my 2nd home.  In fact, I always thought I’d build a home and just live there some day! 

This week as I sat on Snake Hill watching my son go down the zip line for the first time, I looked over at the classroom where Mom and Dad spent many hours preparing the materials and crafts for the children’s classes.  I remembered how Mom was very particular about what she taught the children.  She wanted to make sure that the children understood the importance of God’s Word and how they could apply it to their lives.  Every 3 and 4 year old who went through those doors learned about The Good Shepherd, Heaven, How Special Each Person is to God, and most importantly - the plan of salvation.  To this day I can remember those wonderful lessons.  Mom always wanted each of us children to understand that our God is almighty, all powerful, and so very loving.  Through all of Mom’s lessons and stories, I learned how amazing God’s love and mercy is toward me, a sinner.  I also remember the many hours Dad would spend reading Bible stories to us.  He’d also play godly hymns and music in the home in order to teach us even more about our great God.  There were nights I would wake up and tiptoe to the living room.  I still remember the profound impact on me when I saw my dad on his knees before the couch with tears streaming down his face.  I can’t help but believe those tears and prayers were for his children and many, many others. 

As I sat on that hill, I also thought a lot about myself and my own children.  What am I teaching my children and what will they remember when I’m gone?  Will it be about my temporal activities or will it be about the spiritual lessons I taught them?  This morning our speaker had us study Psalm 78.  Read that when you have a chance.  Psalm 78: 1-4 says “Give ear O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth.  I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old: Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children, showing to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.”  Vs 6&7 - “That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children: That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commanments.”

The psalmist went on to rehearse all the mighty acts of God to the children of Israel while they were traveling to the promised land.  Even though the people complained, whined, grumbled, and disobeyed, God consistently cared for them and showed mercy to them.  The psalmist wanted the future generations to hear of God’s great love for his people so that they would always remember that He will do the same for them.  I wonder how often we let our children know about God’s work in our lives in times past and in the present.  Do our children know who God really is because of both our actions and our speech?  Do we leave that to the church or are do we actively talk to our children ourselves?  History shows that we have an amazing God who never leaves us or forsakes us.  Do our children know that or do we worry and fret about our circumstances - causing our children to doubt the almighty power of our God? 

This week as I thought back to the godly heritage I’ve been given from my parents and as I’ve read Psalm 78, I’ve realized that I need to do a much better job of passing the powerful message of God’s love and sacrifice on to my own children.  We dare not drop the baton in this race of life as we keep our eyes on the final goal.  May you too pass on to your children the amazing story of God’s love to them.

- Becky, www.godseternalmasterpiece.com

God’s Eternal Masterpiece is a family-run bookstore which offers Christian parenting and character-building books to aid parents in raising Godly children.  It has now expanded and is now offering homeschool curriculum and Bible studies also.

I have had several responses to the article I wrote last week concerning the importance of waiting on the Lord.  Some of these women are really struggling with depression and the feeling of despair.  I think I understand somewhat what they are saying now.  These past several weeks have been tough ones for me as well.  With all the financial burdens of a tight economy, the impact of raising children for the Lord 24/7, running a family business, missing my mother (who passed away almost a year ago), and having more things to do than I have time, it’s been easy to get discouraged.  My husband and my father recognized this long before I did.  As a result, my wise and loving husband decided that I needed a long overdue break.  Since it was our 20th anniversary, he sent the kids to our friend’s home and took me to the town where our courting days began.  For three days we spent time renewing our marriage and renewing the memories of days gone by.  I never dreamed that I was so burnt out until I was able to take a step back from it all.  After some much needed sleep, exercise, spiritual refreshment, and loving care from my husband, I am able to begin again with the important ministry of motherhood.  I have been reading one of the books we sell in our bookstore, “Lies Women Believe” and I have especially been interested in the section on “Emotions”. 

Psalm 42:5,6 says “Why art thou cast down, O my soul?  And why art thou disquieted in me? Hope thou in God: For I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.  O my God, my soul is cast down within me: Therefore will I remember thee… (vs.8) yet the Lord will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.”

This passage reminds us that it is vitally important that when we are feeling down or overwhelmed, it is necessary to immediately turn to the Lord. No matter how things are going in our life, we should acknowledge God and ask Him to direct us in responding to the various situations properly.  Our goal is to glorify God in all we do and say.  We cannot do this if we are turning to other people or other things instead of going to God in His Word and in prayer.  There is a place for other people (as a means of encouragement).  In James, the importance of other believers ministering to those who are hurting is emphasized.  God has placed individuals in our lives for a purpose.  However, let’s make sure that going to God and seeking his desires is first in line.  God has given us so many promises that we can cling to.  For example:  God promises to always be with us (Matt.28:20).  Philippians 4:19 promises that God will meet all our needs.  John 14:27 states that we don’t have to fear, no matter what our circumstances are.  As my husband reminded me this week, “Phil. 4:6 tells us that we don’t need to worry about ANYTHING”.  We can’t forget I Thess. 5:18.  “Give thanks in all things”!  It’s mighty hard to be depressed if you are singing praises to the Lord!

As Nancy DeMoss stated in her book, “Lies Women Believe”, when we fix our minds on Christ and bring every thought into subjection to the Truth, the Holy Spirit sanctifies our emotions and grants supernatural grace, comfort, and peace.  II Corinthians 10:5 b says, “We take every thought to make it obedient to Christ”.  

This week, I have renewed my desire to the Lord to dwell on Him and not on the circumstances around me.  With God’s help, may I have renewed energy and strength as I learn to lean on God’s promises.  May you do likewise in the days ahead!   Becky - God’s Eternal Masterpiece

THOU WILT KEEP HIM IN PERFECT PEACE, WHOSE MIND IS STAYED ON THEE; BECAUSE HE TRUSTETH IN THEE!  Isaiah 26:3

*Various books mentioned are available through www.godseternalmasterpiece.com. 

Have you ever had a day, or maybe a week or more, where you feel that you are just too worn out to go on?  I’ve had one of those weeks.  In fact, it’s more than a week!  Somehow summer becomes much more busy than the school year, even though we are not homeschooling with all the subjects and textbooks, per say. 

As I came home today from teaching at Vacation Bible School, I happened to look over my garden.  Immediately a flood of despair came over me as I realized that the summer is half over and the poor garden (which is usually full of produce by now) is bedraggled and appears to have very little produce in it.  Of course, I do need to say that much of that is because it’s been under water for a great period of time, thanks to the floods and wet, cold spring.  However, that didn’t stop me from moaning!  When I went in the house, I heard children fussing because they were hungry and I saw a home in much need of spring (or maybe it’s now summer!) cleaning.  With the older children working at camp for much of the summer and with my husband and I putting in long hours in our business, the house cleaning has somewhat declined and those wonderful made-from-scratch meals have come to a halt.   The first thought that came into my mind was “Lord, I just can’t do this anymore.  I’m just too tired.” 

It was at that moment that the Lord placed a verse in my mind that has stuck with me all day.  II Corinthians 12:9 states, “And he said unto me, MY grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.  Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”  As I have been thinking on this verse, I have realized that it is not until I come to a point of exhaustion that I humbly realize that no - I cannot do everything on my own.   In fact, I can’t do anything on my own.  God wants to show his glory and His power through me, but I must be willing to lean on Him and trust Him fully for the strength to continue on.  Our purpose here on earth is to bring glory to God in all we do and say.  When I turn to Him and rely on Him, I am glorifying Him and allowing Him to work through me. 

Our children are closely watching us to see how we respond to the tough, tiring circumstances each day.  I want my children to be able to say that their mommy leaned on the Lord for strength, not on her own strength.  It’s with humbleness and shame that I admit that many times I fail in that area.  However, it doesn’t stop me from confessing it to the Lord and trying again.  As Galatians 6:9 says, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”  I have 7 precious children who God is presently allowing me to minister to and a precious husband who needs the support and strength of his wife.  My greatest desire is to one day hear my Lord say, “Well done, my child, well done.”  May we all keep our eyes on the Lord as we continue ministering for him in the fields he has placed us in - for with God, nothing is impossible. 

“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”  Isaiah 40:31

DON’T GIVE UP!  GOD STILL HAS GREAT THINGS HE PLANS TO DO THROUGH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!

Becky - God’s Eternal Masterpiece

www.godseternalmasterpiece.com