tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69972039521971359962024-03-21T02:11:20.580-07:00The PenningtonsLibbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03228001467995140717noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6997203952197135996.post-30947754168546485432010-10-05T16:39:00.000-07:002010-10-05T17:16:59.620-07:00October...Isn't it funny and sad at the same time that people gossip. Or assume that they know the whole story to things that they truly know nothing of. Your sin of gossip is no greater than my sins. Your words are spreading like a wild fire and are doing terrible amounts of damage. I'm a blunt person. It gets me in trouble every time. But at least I will say it. I'd rather you say something to me than talk about me. What our family is going through is our business. No ONE ELSE'S. You can cover your gossip with the "I just want you to know so you can be praying" line all you want it is still gossip. If you want to pray for us please do. But cover it with "I have a friend who covets your prayer God know who this family is, there's no need to share details just pray for them". Gossip finds a way of coming back to the person it's about. And sometimes it is through the most innocent of ears. We've told our closest friends what is going on so if you weren't told then maybe we didn't feel you needed to know. We do as a family covet your prayer. And we are struggling right now. So are many others. But please don't use our struggles to encourage your sin of gossip. Most likely if you email or text us we will share with you what God lays on our hearts to share.<br /><br /><br />"Everyone says forgiveness is a lovely idea until they have something to forgive."- C.S. Lewis<br /><br />Proverbs 20:19 -a gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much.<br /><br /><br />James 1:2 -count it all joy when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.<br /><br />Ephesians 4:29-<br />Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up of others according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.Libbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03228001467995140717noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6997203952197135996.post-56655633808005989182010-06-21T21:10:00.000-07:002010-06-21T21:33:56.850-07:00really....<span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;">Its been a rough day. So here is my soap box. I am amazed at the growth or the lack of growth of Christians... I know it is not my place to judge. That's not what this is, it is more of an observation. Do you really think your numbers driven, street preaching, track passing out ministry will really work? If there isn't any follow up and you leave these people with nothing but frustration what good have you done? Frustration towards all Christians. There needs to be a relationship... not preaching. A devotion to living in a tight friendship through tough times and times of fun. Living out what you believe not just having hope that you can draw people into your building on Sundays. Take time to read what you say you believe. The Jesus I read about hung out with Murderers, outcast,and adulterers. And had a relationship with them. I don't see many churches in our area jumping up to meet these people. They would rather have the deep pocketed heavy tither. Who is going to help with their building fund. It is my observation that God still has a lot of work to do in our self-centered hearts. Mine and yours. If you have a chance look up Rob Bell. Nooma Videos- "Bull Horn" It is more deep and clear than I am. </span>Libbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03228001467995140717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6997203952197135996.post-78322961918146775192010-06-01T19:20:00.000-07:002010-06-01T19:45:28.001-07:00Schools out!!!!OK almost.... I am <em><strong>so</strong></em> ready. My kids are <em><strong>so</strong></em> ready. I <strong>LOVE</strong> summer time! So this is our normal summer day:<br /><br />*7 am wake up <br />* 7:30 am pack up our breakfast<br />* 7:45 am get swim suits on<br />* 8 am go to the pool<br />* swim!!!<br />* take a break and eat breakfast<br />*swim<br />*10 am play at the park<br />* home/shower<br />*Play<br />*12 noon lunch<br />* nap/rest time<br />* chores/ clean up<br />* 4:30 pm Daddy Home!!!!<br />* 5 pm dinner prep<br />* 6 dinner<br />* walk<br />* bed time routine/next day prep<br />* Mommy/Daddy quiet time :)<br /><br />I Love you summer time!!!!Libbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03228001467995140717noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6997203952197135996.post-30339089061879270692010-04-13T18:54:00.000-07:002010-04-13T19:14:50.748-07:00Note to parents<span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;">Do the rest of the world a favor and teach your children basic manners! Please, Thank you, your welcome, no ma'am, yes ma'am. Respect for elders. NO ONE will want to be around your child if you don't. The fruit of the spirit. Teach them to be loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, gentle, and to have SELF CONTROL!</span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;"> I see so many students in trouble everyday who lack basic skills. And guess what in 6 years these students will be on the loose in grown up land and expected to fit into society. Don't reward bad behavior or mediocrity. Reward good behavior or going above the rest. Praise them when they do a good job. Reward verbally. Not with toys or possessions. </span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;">If you don't spank your children the rest of the world will want to.</span>Libbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03228001467995140717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6997203952197135996.post-81617569791906556422010-04-11T18:49:00.000-07:002010-04-11T19:22:09.478-07:00here we go....<span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;">May 1998....</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;">Oct. 2000....</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;">July 2004...</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;">Nov. 2005....</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;">These were the years I was supposed to go to collage and continue my education. Each time I would start to enroll I would end up having beebee's. But I have no more beebees coming. At least not that I know of. :) It would be a miracle of God. I love teaching. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it! I have a crazy passion for Jr. High kids. I've known this for the last 10 years. I've been blessed to teach Jr.High kids in youth ministry and in the public school system. There is something about Jr. High that is so fun. They're still reachable. By high school they've made up their minds to be a jerk or not but Jr. High you can still get to them. I love these kids. So here we go. I've enrolled to start taking classes online. It may take me years but I at least have a goal ahead of me. I've been extremely blessed to be able to stay home with all of my children and be there for them in these precious early years of life. It does scare the pee out of me to think about doing this but I know I need to go and I need to go now. I feel a underlying sense of urgency with this. I can't explain it other than like a restlessness. So I covet your prayers. Prayers for my family, me and that it will go by fast and easy on the school end of it.</span>Libbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03228001467995140717noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6997203952197135996.post-38577425733411571492010-04-01T18:50:00.000-07:002010-04-01T19:17:33.561-07:00fear...I love the students at Barton Middle School but, there are <strong>some</strong> students at Barton Middle School that I <strong>really love</strong>. I enjoy seeing their faces. They are so much fun to be around and make work not feel like work at all. There is one student whom I enjoy having robust dialog with. He is my little brother in Christ. His family attends a church in Austin. We get to talk about what God is doing in different areas. It is very cool. He told me a while back he had been praying for one of his teachers. And asked me if I would too. This teacher is an <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Atheist</span>. And likes to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">announce</span> it ever so often. Today as I was in his class with him. This young man made a bold move. He walked over to the teacher and handed him an invitation and an Easter egg. He said Mr. _______, God placed it on my heart to invite you to church this Sunday. I know you might not come. But I had to be <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">obedient</span> and invite you like God said." It was precious. This young mans faith and courage to do this was amazing. This teacher is pretty intimidating.... and this young man obeyed. The teacher was taken back, "Oh son I'll be playing golf this Sunday, you won't find me in a church." And the student said "How about You go to church with me and then I'll go play golf with you". The teacher smiled.... "I'll think about it. "he said I could not believe what I heard and saw. It gave me chills. I went back to the student a little later and told him how proud I was of him. God may not do anything with this.... he may never change his beliefs but there were 20 other kids in that class who <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">witnessed</span> this go down. And It may be a seed planted in one of their hearts. As I pray for this teachers salvation and many of these students I wonder if I would be that bold and obedient if God told me to share with someone like him. Would I brush it off and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">pretend</span> I didn't hear or come up with another excuse. ..............................My fear of God is greater than my fear of man. I would much rather please him than others.Libbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03228001467995140717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6997203952197135996.post-54413265526968453132010-03-23T10:15:00.000-07:002010-03-23T10:17:43.740-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-JAiuokotTZ5AOq6Ej9UcDvmJu5i20OY4FBIPSzZhbwe7mK_JAAGyvWclUl1FCVpQ76himgmhqVDaIQgxP4c5vpLNv7Z7pYyMJdqaRA_RK6Vo6xlysmvlDbooKVn4jMQkHdnHUhGe0YP/s1600-h/IMG_3553.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451879446522160882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-JAiuokotTZ5AOq6Ej9UcDvmJu5i20OY4FBIPSzZhbwe7mK_JAAGyvWclUl1FCVpQ76himgmhqVDaIQgxP4c5vpLNv7Z7pYyMJdqaRA_RK6Vo6xlysmvlDbooKVn4jMQkHdnHUhGe0YP/s320/IMG_3553.jpg" /></a><br /><div align="center">Bridget opens her presents and is so precious :)</div>Libbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03228001467995140717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6997203952197135996.post-49807507422737650132010-03-23T09:59:00.000-07:002010-03-23T10:15:46.750-07:00Spring '10<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU2DPKY_O_Kjeyp6zhPYSuOYWJzLLwI6T07YPF-Bva0CSeHtuD5QZO3igNGvVMhkctuBOPNZjU_JrjEj0r1bCnxIO6DicIyo2lh9Vs0ppuDtMUrGkdS5eLAy77k28voBEYAUa2foaaccXK/s1600-h/IMG_3438.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 243px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451879154489798610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU2DPKY_O_Kjeyp6zhPYSuOYWJzLLwI6T07YPF-Bva0CSeHtuD5QZO3igNGvVMhkctuBOPNZjU_JrjEj0r1bCnxIO6DicIyo2lh9Vs0ppuDtMUrGkdS5eLAy77k28voBEYAUa2foaaccXK/s320/IMG_3438.jpg" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;">My poor little blog hasn't been touched in a while. I love writing. It is not my giftedness but I enjoy getting my thoughts out. I'm usually scattered and not an organized writer. I jump around a lot. Spring and summer are my favorite seasons. It gives my so much happiness to have things blooming and the sun out. Our spring break was a nice one. Bailey and I went on "The amazing Race" with the <em>Creeks</em> youth. It was so much fun. I loved my team. They were energetic, creative and HILARIOUS! We even joked about not going home and staying together. I missed killa bee and the bee bees so much. The 19th was my baby girl Bridget's 6th birthday so we went to her favorite place Chick Fila or "Chicken Lake" as Benjamin calls it. We celebrated and had a great time. Now we are back to school and the craziness of a busy life again. I'm ready for summer and the bee bees being home again. I'm going to write more later... so much to jabber about and so little time. </span></div><br /><div></div>Libbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03228001467995140717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6997203952197135996.post-72904277450279040352010-01-16T15:44:00.000-08:002010-01-17T07:02:00.184-08:00To connect or to disconnect....<span style="font-size:130%;">Was Jesus connected with the people he hung out with? I think about this often. I see the pros and con's. Staying in touch with the next generation. Was he up to the latest tech of the time for his time period? My house hold personally trys to. We text, facebook, blog, tweet, GPS in the cars, have iPhones with the best apps. As soon as new technology comes out we try to jump on as soon as we can. Are we wrong in doing that? We also try and stay current on the news. Not in a crazy way but we have the news on when we are getting ready in the mornings. And I usually check it at lunch time or in the afternoon. I'm really bad with staying in touch with people if they aren't in my everyday/weekly lives. Some of these outlets keep me doing a better job at this. I HATE talking on the phone. I don't like to be in the middle of washing dishes, making dinner, cleaning house and have to answer a phone call. I LOVE texting. It is so much more convenient for my personality. We have friends who are the total opposite. No TV, no texting, don't face book, don't twitter... you get my point. There are so many times that I have started to text them or post something to them but can't. There also is the issue of homeschooling... this is such a sensitive subject. I go before the throne so often on this matter. I make no excuses about it. I AM A SELFISH PERSON. I don't like to share my children. When they are at school I miss them terribly. BUT God has told us that our children are to remain in public school. I totally get the whole in the world but not of the world aspect. And you can interpret that both ways. "my kids go to school as our mission field" or "we home school because we want to be set apart". It is a tough choice. We used to go to a church where very few kids were home schooled and were rare. The church we are currently attending my kids are the odd man out. It is different. The isolation my kids have felt has driven me to anger more than I could have ever thought. The very things that home school parents are hoping to avoid, their kids have done to my kids. -That's beside the point. Whole different blog sorry.... the whole to connect to not connect makes me ponder quite often. Here is my reasoning for "up to date"... Brett and I have a love and passion for youth. They told us way back when facebook first came out. 'You guys should get a face book... Hey you guys should get on twitter....hey can I text you?" If they are struggling in an area I want to be available and approachable to be there for them. There have been so many opertunities on each of these where I've been able to have great dialog with these youth and they have said you really helped me get through this. This may not always be our calling. My kids schools are my mission Field. I signed up to sub in HaysCISD. There are over 20 kids in most classrooms everyday that I can be a positive influence on. Without even saying one word about God. But just building a relationship. Mentoring.. a whole area where one hr. a week can impact a child's life FOREVER. I can name numerous times that getting info out on twitter has helped. House fires... this family needs help. A huge one. This earthquake in Haiti... the first info out that it even happened was on twitter.... "please send help...." I could keep going on about this. </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">We have some friends who have grown children who we are crazy about. They were some of our youth in Jr.High and are now grown. We asked their parents what helped them grow into awesome kids? They responded "Stay current. Get the latest games, keep your fridge stocked, be the fun house. Let your house be the hangout spot. Be involved in everything they do." </span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">This is my prayer. That Brett and I are always involved. That we would be appealing and approachable to the current generation. That our gifts and talents would be used to bless others with all he has given us. </span>Libbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03228001467995140717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6997203952197135996.post-17604934609647452912010-01-06T17:59:00.000-08:002010-01-06T18:31:52.602-08:00Homemaking<span style="font-size:130%;">I'm a homemaker. I enjoy the mundaneness (is that even a word?) of the everyday chores that come with being a mom. Laundry, cleaning, cooking, organizing, scheduling, dishes... OK maybe not dishes, decorating, planning and yard work. I know I've said this before but when other little girls were talking about "when I grow up I want to be a doctor, lawyer, etc...." I just wanted to be a mommy and wife. My mom was a fly by the seat of your pants, organization out the window, live in the moment Mom. It was great for having a fun childhood. She would let us have our dessert first and never cleaned unless we had too. She also had to support 4 children on her own. So times for lessons in cooking and cleaning were scarce. So when I became a wife and Mom I needed to learn and learn fast. So I went to non other than Martha Stewart. What ever your feelings of her may be she is great at what she does. Now I thrive on organization. I love order and labels. It gives me peace of mind and calms me. When I was first learning and had piles of laundry, dishes on every counter and a messy apartment it hit me hard one day- God is a God of order, Not chaos. He doesn't do a half done job. He does it to the fullest. I have specific jobs in my life that I will be accountable for someday. Being a good helpmate to Brett. Helping with the things he needs. (Words of affirmation is his love language so giving him plenty of complements )Making his time at home enjoyable not stressful. Encouraging him in his giftedness. I am responsible for teaching my girls to be Godly women, wives and mothers. I am responsible for teaching Benjamin how to be a Godly Man, husband and father. Teaching all of my children how to be good adults who love God passionately and walk with integrity. I love my job. It pays more to me than any other ever will. The benefits will never end. In a blink it will be gone. They will be grown and gone. Right now my children are begging for my attention just hoping for a minute with me. In a few short years it will be the other way around and I will be begging for theirs. I will never get this time back. My all time favorite quote is (if you've ever gotten an e-mail from me its at the bottom) "You only get today once"- Matt Chandler. No one else can be Brett's wife, Bailey,Beatrice,Bridget and Benjamin's Mom like I can. This is my JOB and I love it.</span>Libbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03228001467995140717noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6997203952197135996.post-11355756242085298022009-12-27T12:57:00.000-08:002010-01-03T16:52:43.799-08:00December '09Why must it go by so fast. Here we are again to another end of year with the same wishes on my list of accomplishments and "to do's" still not done. I'm recently crying and hurting on the inside for a couple I don't even know. I find myself petitioning before the Father on their behalf many times throughout my day. They are Matt and Lauren Chandler. Matt is the lead pastor at The Village Church in Highland Village (Dallas area). Matt has been our (Brett and my) sabbatical teacher. Refueling and feeding us as we minister to others. He has retaught us so many things, brought us to our knees, lovingly and sternly unapologetic preached Gods word to us weekly. We have podcast his sermons for years. Each week eagerly waiting for it to be up on i-tunes and then discussing how it taught us. We've grown to love, admire, and respect Matt and his wife Lauren from a far. On Thanksgiving morning Matt had a seizure. ( his first ever) He fell hit his head and was taken to the hospital. Once there they did testing and realized he had a brain tumor. I don't want to mess up facts, it is all on their website<br /><a href="http://fm.thevillagechurch.net/blog/pastors/">http://fm.thevillagechurch.net/blog/pastors/</a><br />or <a href="http://www.themchandlers.blogspot.com/">www.themchandlers.blogspot.com</a><br />both give details on his health and video of Matt speaking. As I petition and ponder I think about how this could be anyone of us. God choose Matt for this time to lead him through this and to bring him closer to him through this. Josh Patterson preached after these things happened on Jars of Clay. 2Cor. 7 About how the outer man wastes away but the inner man is renewed to look like the son. These things are momentary. My prayer today is I will be mindful of the frailness of life and we are just shells. That we will live each day to the fullest.Libbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03228001467995140717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6997203952197135996.post-34709872123350968572009-12-01T08:03:00.000-08:002009-12-01T08:35:03.418-08:00Winter.....<span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;">This morning I am in a sense of awe and praise. As most of you know Brett and I have run Pennington Service Company for 8 long years. It has been a rough 8 years. Feeling called to ministry and most days feeling pulled between church and business. We had done youth ministry at FBC Kyle with Chris and Tahrea Smith since 2000. And assisted Robert Irmen in the Children's Ministry since 2000. Then in 2007 took on the Children's ministry. Then Brett was ordained as a deacon in 2007. All this time feeling a call to ministry. THEN in spring 2009 deciding to "go".... no more waiting for the right time. We left our home church and Brett enrolled in Regents University. Planning to attend seminary after. This was a HUGE leap of faith for both of us. It was to the point where we felt like we were being disobedient by not following this calling. Last week Brett was brought on as Intern to Pastor Jonathan Leftwich at "The Creek". Then yesterday found out he was hired on as a teacher at The Gary Job Corps in San Marcos to teach and mentor underprivileged youth. A paid steady job doing all 3 things that God has trained him in. Ministry, Air Conditioning, and teaching. He will have insurance, benefits and teacher retirement. ( We have never had any of these things!) A School schedule, the same as our kids. Still being able to run his business after school each day. SO.... all this to say I'm in awe. In a mindset of praise and admiration to Gods faithfulness. Overwhelmed by his love and grace that we so don't deserve. Humbled......</span>Libbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03228001467995140717noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6997203952197135996.post-21991581627773816692009-10-25T11:02:00.000-07:002009-10-25T11:07:59.800-07:00Birthday Fun<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikCBNwGmfLjYjGUF0RsY67kaFLVVOgO7IG9pL0mON25V0pPA_NANDOgsVhM7UcFdlVEOyrNKgJdYoZqPhr33zmeXCK_D4dbGM9lZNz15FoAia0qG6Xe0rMXKSWKccA18X3WlvLo5TH1QIP/s1600-h/IMG_2323.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396600560168414658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikCBNwGmfLjYjGUF0RsY67kaFLVVOgO7IG9pL0mON25V0pPA_NANDOgsVhM7UcFdlVEOyrNKgJdYoZqPhr33zmeXCK_D4dbGM9lZNz15FoAia0qG6Xe0rMXKSWKccA18X3WlvLo5TH1QIP/s320/IMG_2323.jpg" border="0" /></a> Me and my beautiful friend Anne and our fun Mums we got each other<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_hNZX2dlubQo9uU2UxxPvXXcJNe7A6DgvpCDwIOuW4oInuoFEPYsrIQ6wvPcYnndeJLjkoINjPMeRjiFE6zcy3JQsAg7p7K5PAUY59TmO-2YQswcYq38hqputZgBglrReUEqD3H2Hv44b/s1600-h/IMG_2326.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396600198090278770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_hNZX2dlubQo9uU2UxxPvXXcJNe7A6DgvpCDwIOuW4oInuoFEPYsrIQ6wvPcYnndeJLjkoINjPMeRjiFE6zcy3JQsAg7p7K5PAUY59TmO-2YQswcYq38hqputZgBglrReUEqD3H2Hv44b/s320/IMG_2326.jpg" border="0" /></a> My yummy cake that my kids and Miss Linda made me.<br /><br /><div></div></div>Libbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03228001467995140717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6997203952197135996.post-42158080424629814442009-10-25T10:07:00.000-07:002009-10-25T10:54:30.681-07:00Birthday Blog<span style="font-family:times new roman;">October 23rd 1979..... wow. This has been a long time coming. I really never thought this day would come. It seems strange like I beat the odds. Like I'm some rare bread. Trouble-making rebel preachers kid who actually reached the old age of 30. It was hard for me when Brett turned 30. The thought of being married to a 30 year old, or even being intimate with him aren't their laws against that. :) GROSS. Just kidding. It is surreal to me that I'm finally here. Each year is a gift. This long road was bumpy, twisted, winding, with cliffs on each side of me. 2 words progressive sanctification. I am not what I once was. And I'm not yet what I'm going to be. I had a fun weekend. I got to swap mums with my friend Anne. Go to the football game, go to a movie with my kids, and had surprise visits from my Mom and my best forever friend Sarah and her pretty boy Alex. It was a good weekend. I want to say a special Thank you to all of you for sticking it out with me through the tough times. For loving the unlovable and enduring this road with me. You'll never know how much it means</span><span style="font-family:times new roman;">. Thanks You God. Thanks for this life you've given me. Attached is one of my favorite songs. This is my song of praise to God for another year. If you have time watch it. </span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bfy2JVLaCTw">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bfy2JVLaCTw</a><br /><br /><br /><em><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></em>Libbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03228001467995140717noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6997203952197135996.post-87442728235774968742009-10-15T10:47:00.000-07:002009-10-15T11:22:08.655-07:00Are you approachable?<span style="font-family:courier new;"><strong><span style="font-family:Georgia;">I </span></strong>really try hard to give people the benefit of the doubt. Maybe they've had a rough day. Maybe they have huge things in their lives that cause them to act a certain way. Or to not be at their best. Gods Anointed.... people who are called by God to a leadership position weather it is a deacon, a city official, a preacher or leader at a church, or a president (extreme I know, I'm not really talking about politics here just giving an example) have a big job. You are being watched how you act, what you say. The kids song "Oh be careful little eyes what you see" comes to mind. If you don't know it it goes... Oh be careful little eyes what you see, Oh be careful little eyes what you see, For the Father up above is looking down in love, oh be careful little eyes what you see...... Then it's repeated with little ears what you hear instead of eyes then little hands what you do. </span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">I teach my children to respect their elders. I want them to be mindful of people who have an authority over them and to be kind and loving. But today it has been on my mind in a frustrating way so much so that I had to write this in hopes that certain people will read this. ARE YOU MINDFUL THAT YOU ARE BEING WATCHED? Not in a creepy stalkerish way. In a way that... the next generation is watching you. Teens, tweens, and children. They look up to you. They are walking with the hope that some Sundays you just make eye contact with them or say hi. Are you approachable. I would hope so. In our place of worship I put a big emphasis on leadership. If my child cannot come and talk to me about something is she or he able to come and talk to you? <strong>ARE YOU APPROACHABLE</strong>? Or are you so enveloped your little group of friends and clicks with in the church that it leaves no room for those who may be needing to be ministered to? Teachers, are you so busy with school work and grades and being observed that you forget that there are students who may need you? Who may need someone to talk to. I understand that everyone has stress and is busy. I'm just saying you were put in this position of leadership for a reason. Are you worthy of their respect? Maybe this is just a friendly reminder that there are people who look up to you. Maybe you should think about it for a while..... I need people who are worthy of my children to look up to. </span>Libbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03228001467995140717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6997203952197135996.post-3228425477874101932009-09-29T10:30:00.000-07:002009-09-29T10:31:42.324-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgltiLHBbxp2JKtYz1ieqIKSskr2LJv0sAX1CDzBNrVABQC9p26njTpYfseNbYDYoZGjUfUvVEqwhuYFH-4r-M9sD7AuUzfDWeVij3G_1uIZejKTO8iAWWm2rcI_LN14VxtmLjdCXzIQfxW/s1600-h/031.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386943331304366226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgltiLHBbxp2JKtYz1ieqIKSskr2LJv0sAX1CDzBNrVABQC9p26njTpYfseNbYDYoZGjUfUvVEqwhuYFH-4r-M9sD7AuUzfDWeVij3G_1uIZejKTO8iAWWm2rcI_LN14VxtmLjdCXzIQfxW/s320/031.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>Libbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03228001467995140717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6997203952197135996.post-18609195582515747182009-09-29T09:49:00.000-07:002009-09-29T10:23:16.772-07:00FallGod is so awesome. When we least expect it and least deserve it he is there for us, willing to forgive and embrace us again and again. I'm such a messed up person yet he loves me and shows me it everyday. My struggles and insecurities are nothing to him. He sees past them. You are loved. Even when you don't think so.<br /> Some thoughts running through my mind lately are.... missional living.... How to live in this neighborhood where they know about Christ and openly reject him........ Balance of school and home and values......... Brett.... as he is preparing to send his resume out to churches that it will be the right ones and God will give him wisdom........ Protection for our sweet bee bee's. They are bombarded with things everyday that go against out beliefs and pray that they will have a hedge of protection around them......... And finances. It is our slow season and we have bills piling up that we have no idea where the money to pay them will come from. I pray that we will be provided for and that the income will be there......and sanity. That I will be the Godly wife and mother I need to be.Libbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03228001467995140717noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6997203952197135996.post-77070887782354902502009-07-29T20:36:00.000-07:002009-07-30T14:54:52.699-07:00callings<span style="font-family:times new roman;">I have some friends who have decided to make some life changing choices lately. Some very hard stomach churning choices. One friend has been obedient to a call to become a missionary. She is not going to return to the university she had been attending. She knew her parents would be disappointed but chose to full fill this calling. I have some other friends who have made the choice to go from a 2 income family to a one income family. Giving up luxuries and comfort and having to sell their home that they love in the process. I have other friends who have chosen to home school their children instead of sending them to public. Feeling a call to be obedient to Gods calling is not easy. I have many people in my life who truly don't understand the choices I have made and am making. My open and honest "Libby response" is I am madly and passionately in love with my creator. It is a stronger love than I have ever witnessed before. My thoughts are drawn to him constantly. The qualities that I admire in others I know all come from him. I know some of you will never understand. And I'm OK with that. To some it is the scent of life and others it is the scent of death. But obeying out of love is one of the most peaceful choices you can make. When others looking in are confused at why in the midst of madness you are calm it is because of love. A quote we use sometimes in our home is "if it's not immediate it's disobedient". May you choose to be immediate today even in the hard choices.</span>Libbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03228001467995140717noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6997203952197135996.post-88898055693406103412009-07-20T14:16:00.000-07:002009-07-20T14:19:03.878-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvcAqOEDwAtcOdFPbu1P_IvjKd680YmX2qm2Y9nsh8CSiPxhkFZR-H_FnNopM026Sk5bBM25p7GGNSecGYUXRFeyGuiaXqDyKaAER29gAZ3gQ9NXxE3YgZvAP3ybnI3JV2H4vLFjzKyaPc/s1600-h/2009+116.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360654415954800802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvcAqOEDwAtcOdFPbu1P_IvjKd680YmX2qm2Y9nsh8CSiPxhkFZR-H_FnNopM026Sk5bBM25p7GGNSecGYUXRFeyGuiaXqDyKaAER29gAZ3gQ9NXxE3YgZvAP3ybnI3JV2H4vLFjzKyaPc/s320/2009+116.JPG" /></a> Benjamin. All boy-all the time. He was prayed for over and over. That God would bless us with a son. And God heard our cries and blessed. He's just cool like that.<br /><div></div>Libbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03228001467995140717noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6997203952197135996.post-68999519794414026262009-07-20T14:10:00.000-07:002009-07-20T14:16:00.845-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWBc2pbHNLVuOnuhYbqJwJIh3EUf6i3SaSw9PoukhmRnV_Wkar_HvdagzLLsLNpwKAIrVQY4EOVGmJ_KkYETJknY215ImOvfwK7Ije6SbUbFG6aFKJUbzhTVofSe2jdGX_fnJihl5VsYs/s1600-h/2009+115.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360652996748257186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWBc2pbHNLVuOnuhYbqJwJIh3EUf6i3SaSw9PoukhmRnV_Wkar_HvdagzLLsLNpwKAIrVQY4EOVGmJ_KkYETJknY215ImOvfwK7Ije6SbUbFG6aFKJUbzhTVofSe2jdGX_fnJihl5VsYs/s320/2009+115.JPG" /></a> Bridget my princess, my girly girl. Chooses dresses over shorts and t's. Loves nails, hair and talking about boys :) My cuddle bug.<br /><div></div>Libbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03228001467995140717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6997203952197135996.post-17498421298516880932009-07-20T14:07:00.000-07:002009-07-20T14:10:20.088-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkHQbXl_uET-hpQDvqWNn3fuMgEm1Z7tVRlrhahUr67tM8yAIhhLgLdotKHDSh_OzBJ_mn-dDeex6c6wABxez-DS9QAMmhKLcU4P1LNH6g610UYCzk87HJkipZnshMsqKUc6xVPXc0msVM/s1600-h/2009+114.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360652164452506306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkHQbXl_uET-hpQDvqWNn3fuMgEm1Z7tVRlrhahUr67tM8yAIhhLgLdotKHDSh_OzBJ_mn-dDeex6c6wABxez-DS9QAMmhKLcU4P1LNH6g610UYCzk87HJkipZnshMsqKUc6xVPXc0msVM/s320/2009+114.JPG" /></a> My sweet girl Beatrice. So creative and artistic. Great things ahead for this precious girl.<br /><div></div>Libbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03228001467995140717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6997203952197135996.post-64962778714634437292009-07-20T13:52:00.000-07:002009-07-20T13:55:17.535-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwVEE-0b1IsfUy0jzynGMRw_VUnZ7hPm5l9iTCUTOYh1NirAtmCHSvyaGFM0s0wWHZKxfVrDbi-MikS2rWu9NCe2Myp39t_lcQ60EeZ0hE5WNF4z-garfyn7u2Jdc9BhfZ6mqWdfVAv0Wg/s1600-h/2009+112.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360648494162307858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwVEE-0b1IsfUy0jzynGMRw_VUnZ7hPm5l9iTCUTOYh1NirAtmCHSvyaGFM0s0wWHZKxfVrDbi-MikS2rWu9NCe2Myp39t_lcQ60EeZ0hE5WNF4z-garfyn7u2Jdc9BhfZ6mqWdfVAv0Wg/s320/2009+112.JPG" /></a> Bailey Boo. It's hard to believe this is the same little baby girl that brought me to my knees and changed my life forever.Libbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03228001467995140717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6997203952197135996.post-90430212446011352142009-07-20T13:45:00.000-07:002009-07-20T13:52:47.666-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQadmfJdzZST_-VNYLUtHEvoI-_Jw5iRGiUQ25khtBqSK8uVyoUOGo2x4HUKpy_r-Hv3AMdULukoxTl9nUloXVEVYyAPIUSMBIDpv6A-V7ABdAzTslT_rFKAtkcwrD1rbwfwzGTb0YiqF8/s1600-h/2009+089.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360647525635740626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQadmfJdzZST_-VNYLUtHEvoI-_Jw5iRGiUQ25khtBqSK8uVyoUOGo2x4HUKpy_r-Hv3AMdULukoxTl9nUloXVEVYyAPIUSMBIDpv6A-V7ABdAzTslT_rFKAtkcwrD1rbwfwzGTb0YiqF8/s320/2009+089.JPG" /></a><br /><div> Brett can never be serious in a picture. So here is me and Mr.McCreepy </div>Libbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03228001467995140717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6997203952197135996.post-9509412993668091412009-07-20T13:03:00.000-07:002009-07-20T16:54:29.902-07:00Tummy troubleThis Monday is starting kinda slow. I have tummy issues this morning and can't be far from the restroom. It is one of those gross things that no one ever wants to deal with. I pray it starts and ends with me and that my children and husband do not get it. Please pray for me today. All nastiness aside.....<br /><br />Yesterday Pastor Jonathan had a message that was truly life changing. He and some other dear friends returned last Wed. from a mission trip to Honduras. He came back and shared some things that God revealed to him. He spoke of living within our means, changing our mindsets to realize how comfortable we are as Americans. How wealthy we are. Really discerning between needs and wants. That our definition of hungry and rich and the people of Honduras's definition are two different things. It reminded me a lot of Francis Chan's book Crazy Love. I really recommend for you to read this book. Also if you have time you can listen to Jonathan's message at <a href="http://www.plumcreekchurch.org/">http://www.plumcreekchurch.org/</a> . I try hard to keep fresh on my mind how blessed we are. Don't get me wrong I change the channel every time I see one of the feed the children commercials and love Starbucks. I'm so not as compassionate as I should be. I grew up in a home that was not wealthy. I won't go into detail other than to say I never want my children to have to worry about electricity or water being cut off. Weather there is food to make a lunch or not. I am concerned with the opposite now. Do they know how blessed we are. The home we live in is a mansion compared to the home I grew up in (Compared to the majority of other homes in the world as a whole). Every time I pull into our driveway I am still overwhelmed with a feeling of unworthiness. I worry that my children will never know how blessed they are. I pray that as their mother I would be able to teach them to have a heart for others who are not as blessed. And teach them to have an awareness of how TRULY BLESSED they are. May God reveal to you today how blessed you are. <br /><br />Thoughts racing through my mind........ Is this tummy bug to slow me down to listen?..........The true definition of poverty...........teaching humble attitudes......... cutting back..........???Libbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03228001467995140717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6997203952197135996.post-44710980649036877052009-07-15T07:21:00.000-07:002009-07-15T08:01:15.191-07:00Summer 09<span style="font-family:georgia;">Summer is a <em><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">BIZZY</span></em> time in the Pennington house. Brett's A/C business Pennington Service Company keeps him away most of the summer. He is in the process of going back to school and then on to Seminary. So he is extremely busy. The kids and I stay busy as well. Bailey (12 almost 13) just finished up with select basketball. Beatrice (8) is very artistic and loves dance so there are tons of Beatrice's art projects going on all over the house. Bridget (5) is into tea parties and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">girly</span> stuff. And Benjamin (3) is a wild man. He doesn't slow down much. He will cuddle with me when I ask. :) He loves his sisters and loves to wrestle. Our wonderful friend Miss Becky has agreed to teach Dance class for the girls so we all are excited about that. We go to the pool most mornings to wear the bees out. I really love summer time and having my kids home from school. I hope we can make some fun memories this summer. We've been attending The Fellowship at Plum Creek on Sunday Mornings and Austin Stone Community Church on Sunday evenings. It's amazing to see all God is doing in both of these areas. We love all the new friends we have made. Some random thoughts and ideas that race through my mind lately I'll share with you....dicipleship.....intentional ministry......stewardship........babies.....is my house sanitary yet fun......I miss my size 5 jeans.......Dear God please keep me <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">sain</span>...... </span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">OK well I'll keep you posted.</span>Libbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03228001467995140717noreply@blogger.com0