It’s been a gorgeous, cold, snowy day here in the midwest! Thanks for stopping by. I’ve had some things on my mind for a few days and am finally ready to share it.
This blog was created as a way of recording family happenings for my children and to help keep far away family close. The amount and diversity of the visitors here have kind of taken me by surprise, but it’s been so enjoyable. I really feel as if I have made some spectacular, inspiring friends!
I do not normally engage in controversial topics here. After all, this is about my family, not a talk show. However, being human, I do have personal preferences, opinions, interests, convictions, and beliefs. There are some areas, like Christianity, that I have no problem openly proclaiming. Then there are other, smaller areas like homeschooling, child training, etc. ,that I share because they are such a huge part of my life, but do not try to cram down throats. Still, in just recording my life and sharing my joys and struggles, you will see me. I don’t do things half-heartedly. I’m excited about a lot of things ! And that can be offensive to some with differing beliefs and opinions.
Isn’t blogging about sharing a bit of yourself?
I am endeavoring to keep in mind at all times that God’s will for your life is not going to be exactly like His will for my life in very many areas. I don’t expect everyone to look just like me. (Heaven forbid!) It would be a great favor to me if it would not be assumed that I am being judgmental, legalistic, or narrow-minded about others simply because I am passionate about what he has called me to do, or because I may appear to be very different sometimes.
I think it’s wonderful that God has created us so uniquely and with so many different gifts! He is a master artist and there is room for much individuality.
But there’s no family I’m anymore intimately acquainted with than my family, and please forgive me if I feel as if God has to be spoiling us more than anyone on earth, lol! He’s just that wonderful to us! I’m sure many of you feel the same way, and that’s why I like reading about your life, too.
First Fruits Farm NE 
really well said, if i say so myself. God Bless you and your family
By: paul & leah on December 3, 2008
at 5:45 pm
I just like reading that you all are ok. This is who you are. No one is the way they wish they were. They are as God made them. The beauty of mercy is getting what we don’t deserve.
By: smallb on December 3, 2008
at 5:56 pm
All you can do, Kim, is just be yourself! Not everyone is going to agree with us or like us. As we express our beliefs on our blogs, there will always be those who are offended or oppose us. I don’t intentionally try to offend my readers, but if they don’t like something I’ve said, they can leave a comment and move on! I hope that you’ll continue sharing from your heart 🙂
By: Brenda on December 3, 2008
at 6:05 pm
I have always enjoyed your blog. The first time I read it I was hooked. I don’t mind reading others opinions even if I don’t share the same ones. I find your blog very refreshing. I hope you continue to post your thoughts and feelings. Your family is so adorable. 🙂
By: oceans5 on December 3, 2008
at 6:15 pm
It sounds like you have fallen into one of the traps of women, myself included; always comparing, and never wanting to hurt anyone. I agree with the previous commenters. We love your blog and reading about how God has blessed you all! You are an inspiration just by being you, and sharing it with us! If God has convicted you with something, He often intends to use it in someone elses life you meet down the road, too. Keep up the Good Fight! Terri
By: Terri on December 4, 2008
at 12:20 am
Hi Kim,
Keep on writing and sharing. I really enjoy reading about your family and your walk with the Lord. Thank you for sharing your life with us.
God bless,
Jessica
By: Jessica Donaldson on December 4, 2008
at 2:29 am
I feel the same way Kim! It is hard as there always seems to be pressure from the world and fellow chritians to fit into a certain mold, and yet everyones “mold” that they think we should be “cut” from differs from one another. It is a constant struggle for me and is something I have to call upon the Lord to give me contentment with where he has our family and not look to be or have what other families have. Great post!!!
Megan
By: Megan Reed on December 4, 2008
at 2:52 pm
sorry for my bad spelling, I rely too much on spell check when it is available 🙂
By: Megan Reed on December 4, 2008
at 2:53 pm
My husband and i were trying to figure out the time line. what house do you live in now? is this house close to where you are at? is this an older post and is the house you are in now. Obvious new readers to the blog. So we went back and were looking at older posts and get this, we were married on feb 14 also. only 1997. we too have 5 children, 6 counting in limbo adoption and one of our daughters is named ashlyn(1 n and our oldest). just noticed the small stuff. love the blog, check it everyday or so, i still don’t know why other than it’s just neat reading about other peoples interesting lives.
By: paul & leah on December 4, 2008
at 6:19 pm
Leah,
How neat! That’s just great how much we have in common!
We don’t live in this house yet. We are renting a house now about 20 miles away from the one in the post. We are hoping to be able to move in in the next month or two.
Glad you’re reading! You have a lovely family!
By: firstfruitsfarmne on December 6, 2008
at 11:59 am
I tried to post this in the above post but it wouldn’t let me, so I brought it over here:)
Congratulations! God is SO good! I appreciate you sharing your heart about your move. This past April my husband and our three little ones left everything we knew to go into full time ministry. It has been an amazing journey and God has been so faithful and so good to us.
p.s I love the kitchen floor! Adds such character. I vote keep it:-)
By: liz on December 8, 2008
at 11:19 am
I have found out that one of the biggest things in life is to worry about your family and friends not the strangers you meet. They can say what ever they want but you have to learn to let it slide. you cannot make everyone happy. If they really knew you i think their opinion would change. you are a wonderful person.
By: stacy on December 17, 2008
at 2:38 am