Tuesday, December 29, 2009

2009 reflections

Okay guys. 2010 is right around the corner. I mean seriously too. Lets see, in... 3 days!

Looking back over 2009, I see several memorable things that happened.
  • We got a big garden started
  • I had a birthday (does this count?)
  • Lyddie was born
  • Kayden came home
  • First year where my grades in school actually count :)
  • The Lord taught me some interesting things
  • I've grown in my desire for self-sufficiency
  • I sorta-kinda-a little bit- got a VERY small business going (or at least the start of one)
  • I started piano again
  • I got a harp
  • I found my love to play music

I think that covers most of it, but of course I could go on. However, I think that is enough for now.

Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!!



Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Nancy Campbell's article

Hey Guys! I found this article from Nancy Campbell, and thought it was very helpful! Hope you enjoy!


www.aboverubies.org



HASTY WORDS

Psalm 31:22, "I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee."

How easy it is to say things in haste! We spout off before we think. And usually when we speak hastily it is out of reaction. We often don't even believe the words we say! But sad to say, we have said them, and words have power! They have power to hurt our husband and hurt our children. Charles Spurgeon says, "Hasty words are but for a moment on the tongue, but they often lie for years on the conscience."

I remember with shame an incident that happened in the early days of our marriage. I felt hurt by words my husband spoke to me and hastily retorted, "You should have married someone else!" Fortunately I have a husband who doesn't let things go uncovered. He came to me a little while later and said, "Do you believe in the power of words?" "Yes," I muttered. "Well, you better take back what you said," he stated firmly. I realized he was right and I had to retract and confess my hasty words.

Hasty words are often words of doubt because we have not given time for faith to grow or to wait for God to move. We often have to wait for God. David cries out that he is cut off from the Lord, but he soon finds that they were hasty words as God had heard his cry all along. We must give God time to answer. His timing and His way is always the best way.

I cringe when I hear folk speaking derogatively against the Lord because things are not going the way they want. Again Spurgeon says, "Unbelief will have a corner of the heart of the firmest believer, and out of that corner it will vent many spiteful things against the Lord if the course of providence be not quite so smooth as nature might desire. Forever be such dark suspicions banished from our minds."

Proverbs 29:20 is also a challenging Scripture, "Seest thou a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope of a fool than him."

And Ecclesiastes 5:2, "Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few." How true it is that the more words we speak the more opportunity to sin. (Read Proverbs 10:19; 17:28)

So, how do we stop these hasty words? James 1:19 says, "Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath." Yes, we want to be "slow to speak" but how do we do it? I believe we have to get into the habit of doing it. Each time that someone (especially husband or children) rubs you up the wrong way, shut your mouth. Wait before you speak. If you can't think of anything positive to say, don't say anything. That's what Jesus did. When they accused him, He answered nothing. He didn't even open his mouth. (Matthew 27:13-14) Is that the hardest thing you've ever tried to do? You can do it if you will to do it. And especially as you pray about it and ask the Lord to help you.

Yes, you will fail. But keep working on making it a habit of your life. Some people say it takes 30 days to break a habit. Some say it takes 21 days to establish a habit. However, some habits may take a lot longer. Never despair. Keep trying and keep looking to the Lord who is your source. He lives in you and He is full of self control. (Galatians 5:22-23) Continually ask the Holy Spirit to work in your heart and your tongue. He will work His grace in you.

Proverbs 4:23, "Keep thy heart with all diligence: for out of it are the issues of life."

Love from NANCY CAMPBELL

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

From the pages of my journal- a family blessing

Psalm 128






Sunday, November 1, 2009

Butterflies


Isn't God creative?

Monday, October 26, 2009

Just musing

I've been thinking lately about something I could blog about, but could find nothing. I'd think to myself..."I really should update my blog...hhmmm, maybe tomorrow??" That's me. I love to read other people's blogs, and I know others feel the same way about mine.(or do they?) Sometimes a problem I have is not knowing what to write about. I mean, my life is anything but boring, I have plenty of things to blog about, but choosing one, and finding a time to do it is just a little challenging!
So... here is my plea(and an urgent one, mind you!)
Tell me what you want to read more of. Anything! Here are some options (but not limited too) to get you going.
  • Daily life
  • Random tags, or fun posts that are random(like me!!)
  • Pictures of random things
  • School thoughts (beware, I may use this to reteach ya'll things! Does Latin sound fun?)
  • My view on Biblical topics (which will be better than it may sound!)
  • Praise to the Lord
  • Recipes
  • Links to good videos, or songs, or my favorite blogs! (hhmmm that gave me an idea!)
  • etc. etc. etc. etc...........................................(you get the point)

Let me know, by leaving a comment, with more than one option please!!

Tori L.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

ten random thoughts about 'yours truly'

I...
  1. Like to sleep without a pillow
  2. adore little kids! Especially babies!!
  3. am VERY bad about sleep talking. (Okay, now my secret's out!)
  4. My best subject in school is drama, which I'm getting A's on every week. (Wow. I bet that surprises you!) (It is really a subject, in our curriculum.)
  5. like making friends that aren't just my age. I love talking to adult women(especially those with little babies). I also like talking with younger girls. I need practice on this no doubt!
  6. admire people with big families.
  7. ...hhmm...I don't do Facebook.
  8. love my cousins!!!
  9. love to write.
  10. love doing Truth Tables in Logic. (Maybe I'll teach you sometime!)
  11. love pasta!!


~ p v q

p q ~p ~p v q
T T F F T T
T F F F F F
F T T T T T
F F T T T F


And that my friends, is your defining truth table! Aren't you proud of me mrs. Amy?

Okay guys, if that's not random enough for you, then I guess I'll just have to try it again sometime!

I added in an extra one there!


Tori L.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Vacation!

Here are some of our pics. from our family vacation up north. I didn't put any pictures from NY, because I hardly got any from there! Enjoy!


We stopped at a rest stop and got this family picture. It's perfect except for that Twix bar, in Josh's mouth. :) Yes, we look like bed heads...(sigh) :)

Bumper Boats!!!!

Mama, and Saber( a big baby)
The Susquehanna River

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Radiant Purity Conference

This weekend mama and I went to a Radiant Purity Conference, together. We had a great time! The Mally's did a great job, and so did the leader of my group, Abby. She was a wonderful encouragment to me, and I hope we can keep in touch. The whole conference was a really good reinforcement to me, and a great encouragment! This is called a chalk drawing, and Sarah Mally drew it in about 30 minutes. It was amazing to watch her draw, she wasn't even careful and look what she made! It was beautiful!
This is a skit some of the leaders did on stage.

Here is Grace Mally and Sarah Mally(behind the flowers) playing a harp duet. They are very accomplished musicians.



This is Abby, my group leader, who was a wonderful encouragment to me. Thanks Abby, for listening to our endless questions! (This isn't a very good picture of either of us.)


This is Sarah Mally, the beautiful young woman who leads the Conference. Thanks Sarah!




This is Grace, who is a Very sweet young lady, and such an encouragment! Thanks Grace!







This is the church we went to have the conference.




It was an awesome conference. I hope they do one in NC sometime!
This is Grace's blog.... www.tomorrowsforefathers.com . I'm sure she'll be posting pics. soon as well!
Tori L.

Thursday, July 30, 2009

New Header\ 4th July weekend




As you can probably tell, I changed my background, and header. I think I like the way it turned out. I actually took the picture of the flower at Tryon Palace, which we went to for the 4th of July. It was fun. I dressed up sort of colonial, with a bonnet and everything! (I know totally not me, right?) (Just kidding)



Those pics. are of Tryon Palace.
I know I'm a little late for this, but, what did you and your family do for fourth of July?
Tori L.

Friday, July 3, 2009

Birthdays

Happy Birthday to Josh(and me) Happy birthday to Josh(and me!) Happy


birthday dear Joshie!!!!!(me too) !

Happy Birthday toooooooo youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu! (and me of course!)



Josh's and I birthdays were this week. We had a great time! I'll blog and post pics. Later hopefully!

In the mean time please wish Josh a happy birthday, by leaving a comment!

Tori L.

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Off to the beach!

We had a very fun time at the beach over memorial day weekend! Here, Josh is enjoying his root beer from Carrabba's!
Daddy really enjoyed his soup!

Isn't this a pretty picture? I'm not very good with cameras,(or electronics in general), but I thought this turned out well.


We had a great time with some of our good friends..... The Barts! We ended up staying in the same hotel as them too!(although we didn't know it, until we saw them in the pool, at the hotel!)



DR. Pepper anyone?




I absolutely LOVE that picture of Micah! He is so sweet!
Also, thank you for the cookies mrs. Jen! They Were heavenly!




We really had a great time at the beach, and had fun deeping our relationship with the Barts!
Thanks for being our friends, guys! We love you!
Tori L.





Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Aargg, ye treasure hunter


I am always proud to say that there is always an adventure going on at the Wagner Homestead. Today, I found that to be true!




It was beautiful outside, and I was weeding the back garden. Josh ran by me and said,"I'm going to dig for Spanish Dooblins,(whatever that is) and treasure."

I said logically, "What is a Spanish Dooblin?"

"I don't know. Maybe some kind of Spanish money, or something."

I replied, "We don't have any Spanish money in our yard,"

He said, "Then I'll find treasure!" And he ran around the bushes. I shook my head and continued weeding.

A few minutes later he says, "Ooh, I found a rock!"

"Wow!" I said not to enthusiastically. "Keep looking.

About a minute passed and he said, "Wow! Sis, come here. Really,"

I mumbled,"this better be good," And sure enough, it was!

He actually found..................
(drum roll please!)
A Canadian dollar coin in our yard. I was dumbfounded. He was very excited.
You can look at the picture above to see the coin.
Josh thought maybe it was from the pilgrims, or Indians. At least, he thought that until I pointed out that the coin said 1989, on it.
He was so happy that, when he dug for treasure, he actually found it. I'll leave it up to you to imagine his delight.
Maybe next, it will be gold in our creek!!! :)


Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Around The Homestead

Here are some pics. to keep you updated with our life on the homestead!


Here is daddy mulching our grass for the compost pit.


Here is our dog Mena, enjoying the warm weather!


We have a big garden this year! This is a picture of some garlic daddy and I planted!


the compost pile










We are ready to get our bees! This is their house. It's where they will bring the pollen back to, and produce the honey!!



This is just a little plant I felt like taking a picture of! :-)
So what kind of things are you doing around your house to get ready for spring? Leave a comment to let me know, please!!!
Shalom,
Tori L.






Monday, March 23, 2009

Here's this weeks prayer requests!!


  1. There are so many marriages that Satin is attacking, with divorce become the end result, we need to pray for strength against Satin's attack and that marriages would stay strong in God's power.
  2. The church bible drill is this Wednesday! (eeek) Please pray for the participants to have courage, and not be frightened.
  3. My grandparents are coming to town. Pray they will have a safe drive.

Praise

  1. We had an awesome time on vacation!

Shalom,

Tori L.

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Here are the requests I got for this weeks prayer list.

please pray for

  1. Kayden Beasley(Callie and Katie's brother) who's in China waiting for his family.
  2. Upcoming Bible drills. The Church Drill is on March 25, at Coats Baptist Church. The associational drill is April 4Th, and the State Drill is April 25Th.
  3. For our men & woman that serve in all branches of the military and for their families. Also pray for those families that have lost loved ones during the war on terror, that God would grant them peace for their loss.
  4. The Wilkie's baby, (baby Wilkie). Pray that everything will go smoothly in the delivery.
  5. We'll be safe on our Vacation!

Praise

  1. Mr. and Mrs. Beasley have gotten appointments to be finger printed for the adoption!!
  2. Mr. Anthony Beasley(Callie's daddy), and Mr. Parrish(Callie's Grandpa) both have birthdays in March! They are on the 24Th and 13 respectively. (I bet Mr Anthony hates it h ow I just told all my readers about his birthday!! Be sure next time you see him to sing happy B-day to him!!! :] )

Please include these in your prayer list for this week!

Please also get your requests in for next week's prayer\praise list!

Email them to me at anchoredinElShaddai@yahoo.com !

Thank you!

Shalom,

Tori L.

Monday, March 9, 2009

Prayer Challenge

I don't know how many of you are doing the Monday Prayer Challenge, but for those who are, or for those who would like to pray for others, I have come up with something to help you.
I had the idea last night, and started putting together thoughts in my mind for an e-newsletter concerning prayer.
What I need all my readers to do, is think of prayer requests they have, that they do not mind sharing with others. You may also do this with praises, and thanks to God. Then, e-mail me them at,
anchoredinElShaddai@yahoo.com

At the beginning of each new week, (particularly on Mondays), I will write them all down, and do a post on all the praises and prayers I got through the week. I think it will be an encouragement for us to see how God is blessing the other, and also to pray for each other.

When you email me the requests please just label the email either "prayer", or "Praise". Go ahead and write down as many requests as you like!


Feel free to write down prayer requests for others, but make sure you have their permission, if it's personal to them.

If you'd like to share a request me with me you don't want published, please say so in the email.
Leave a comment with any questions!

Praying for you,

Tori L.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

The I Am

Exodus 3:14 (13-15)
And God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM." And He said, " Thus you shall say to the children of Israel. 'I AM has sent me to you.' (nkjv.)
The Jewish people view God's name as being very precious. They believed the name YHWH (Yahweh)was very sacred, and should not be said aloud. So they made a substitute. The put the word Adonai in instead, which means "my Lord".
When you look in your Bible, you may see the word LORD, in all capital letters. This stands for YHWH, and when translated into English, means, "I AM WHO I AM." This is a very powerful name, showing that God created everything, even the highest star, planet, or galaxy, it's all in his divine palm. He has every hair on your numbered, and he knows you better than you know yourself!
God wants us to talk to Him, and call him by his name. He tells us in the new testament that we can call Him Abba, father, or daddy. He wants us to know him as an awesome father. Not just some vague God, or mystical spirit. He longs for us to get to know Him. However, He will not force this relationship. He wants YOU want to talk to him. He wants YOU love him. He wants YOU trust him, always.
Is God the I AM, in your life? Do you trust him, to take care of you? The God who made the universe, all the way out into space, and beyond forever, cared enough to make YOU. Just think about that. He has always been, and will be forever. He made the galaxies, the stars, the planets, the ocean, the land, He is the creator!! And He wants to be your daddy! Talk about an honor! Won't you let him, take care of you? He tells you to cast all your cares upon him, because he cares for you!! He loves you so much! Won't you love, and adore him back?? Is He the I AM in your life??


Tori L.

Monday, March 2, 2009

Previous Post mistake

I realized that I accidentally copied the same article about 5 times and that is why my previous post was so long! Those of you who read the long article may have known this already. Sorry about the mistake!
Please make sure you read this article in it's shortened form! It is so wonderful!
Shalom,
Tori L.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Wow guys, sorry, I didn't know the message I copied was so very long. Well, PLEASE take a minute out of your busy day to read this. It is a wonderful idea. My family is thinking about doing this. Won't you join us???


The following message was sent to my e-mail box...and I forwarded the idea on to my e-mail list of friends/family. But for the rest of you who may not have seen this yet, here it is! GREAT IDEA! Copy this, paste it in an e-mail and send it to everyone you know who cares about children of all ages and sizes. A couple more thoughts on this red envelope idea: We took WHITE envelopes and colored the front RED...then put a white label on the front for the address. Just an idea if you don't have red envelopes on hand and you don't want to buy them. Another thing I did was change the wording below. Instead of "because that life was UNABLE TO OFFER ANYTHING to the world", I wrote "because that life was NOT ALLOWED TO OFFER ANYTHING to the world."Also...we are sending one per child. Who says we should only send one? It is a home education project today!

Dear Friends and Intercessors:This afternoon I was praying about a number of things, and my mind began to wander. I was deeply distressed at the symbolic actions that President Obama took as he began his presidency. Namely, that he signed executive orders releasing funds to pay for abortions, permission to fund human stem cell research, and federal funding for contraception. I have been involved in the pro-life movement for nearly 20 years, and it pained my heart to see a man and a political party committed to the shedding of innocent blood. This man, and this party lead our country, but they do not represent me or the 54% of Americans who believe that abortion is wrong and should no longer be legal.As I was praying, I believe that God gave me an interesting idea. Out in the garage I have a box of red envelopes. Like the powerful image of the red LIFE tape, an empty red envelope will send a message to Barack Obama that there is moral outrage in this country over this issue. It will be quiet, but clear.Here is what I would like you to do:Get a red envelope. You can buy them at Kinkos, or at party supply stores. On the front, address it toPresident Barack ObamaThe White House1600 Pennsylvania Ave.Washington , D.C.On the back, write the following message:This envelope represents one child who died in abortion.It is empty because that life was unable to offer anything to the world.Responsibility begins with conception.Put it in the mail, and send it Then forward this email to every one of your friends who you think would send one too. I wish we could send 50 million red envelopes, one for every child who died before having a a chance to live. Maybe it will change the heart of the president.Warmly,In Christ, John Otto

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Be a baby's voice!!

















Is not this last one just so precious? These babies are so valuable, and yet we just toss them aside. Who will speak up for them?
My family and I have always felt a burden for these little ones, as I'm sure many have. I will be doing a post (Lord willing) on a simple thing you and your family can do that will hopefully change our president's mind. If you don't speak up for the babies, who will?
Feel free to copy and post pictures as needed!!
Shalom,
Tori L.




Thursday, February 12, 2009

Isn't it interesting that today is Lincoln's birthday, while also it is Darwin's 200 birthday? One of them opposed slavery, and the other who said he'd rather be made from a monkey, then be such a "savage".
For more information on this subject go to
www.tomorrowsforefathers.com and click on Grace Notes. ( this is a great website. It is the Mally family website. Sarah Mally wrote the book "before you meet prince Charming." It is one of my fave. books!)

Saturday, January 31, 2009






This is my hand at watercolor painting. I am actually very pleased with the way it turned out.

I like it. So does Josh! He thinks it is sssoooooo good. He asks if he can keep it, and I say no. Sorry Josh, but it's mine!



Saturday, January 17, 2009

Just a reminder!!!!!!

Friday, January 9, 2009

And the winner is......

OK, the results are in!!
The snowman finally has a name! His name is....(drum roll please)




Shnittsle!!!!!!!

Thanks to Micky who gave him that name!





The runners up where
Callie with Snow Fu, and
Josh with Icy!!


Thank you, Everyone!!
Be sure to congratulate the winner.

Shalom,
Tori L.

Monday, January 5, 2009

The Prayer Challenge

PRAY.
It's a simple four letter word, Yet it has so much meaning. Prayer is essential to turn our nation back to the Lord. Prayer is so powerful. We can pray for anything!
Will you join me every Monday, at about 1:00 pm. to pray for our nation, our senate, family and friends? If 1:00 is not a good time for you, you can change it to a more available time. Of course, you can pray any day, but if you'd like to join hundreds of other ladies who will be praying for everything, Monday is the time to do it.
For more information, on the Monday prayer challenge, you can scroll down the screen and look for the Prayer Challenge icon on the sidebar. While you're at their site, be sure to pick up their icon to post on your blog, and to remind you to pray. You can even post something about the challenge on your blog!
Thank you
Shalom
Tori L.

PS. Be sure to vote on the poll and say whether you accept the challenge or not!

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Read This First!!!!!!!!!

Alright guys,(and gals of course) the contest results are in. A big THANK YOU to everyone who submitted a name (or names) for the "nameless" snowman.
First, I want everyone to know, they that gave great name suggestions. They were all very good. This was very, very hard to judge, trust me. I don't think I could narrow it down to 1 name, that's why I'm letting you guys pick it.
Second, please don't be offended if I did not choose your name. There will be other contests.
Third, while we are waiting for results on the poll, please DO NOT push the "view results" button. I'm sorry if I'm picky.
Fourth, you don't have to vote just on the name you submitted. If someone else submitted a name you like better for the snowman, go ahead and vote on that.
Fifth, I'm pleased to announce our Honorable Mentions.

  1. Katie with Frosty
  2. Micky with peppermint
  3. Mom with Cornelius

Thanks! Be sure to get your vote in for the snowman!

Shalom,
Tori L.

PS. The poll ends next Friday.

Friday, January 2, 2009

New Year's resolutions

Well, it's finally 2009. This year has truly flown by.
I made a list of "reachable resolutions" for myself. That way they are more "reachable". Does anyone ever actually reach their goals for the new year? I don't, so that's why I made mine easier.
Here is a list of some of them:
  1. Journal more often
  2. Let Jesus shine in my life
  3. Start an online business
  4. Grow lots of herbs
  5. Drink at least four big cups of water a day
  6. Eat a salad (with no dressing) for lunch once a week
  7. Look into homesteading
  8. Crochet an afghan
  9. Raise bees
  10. Spend at least 30 minutes a week with Annis

So there you go! Let me know if you made any resolutions.
Shalom,
Tori L.