So...You're Moving to Alaska

Who would have thought when we left Alaska almost 10 years ago that one day we would be moving back?  It sure caught me by surprise!  But, then again, I never imagined when we left that we would move 3 additional times before making our second beautiful trek northward.

My Mother-in-Law has taken to calling us the Gypsy Family because one never knows where we'll be living next.  That just makes life all the more exciting ~ going wherever God leads you and staying when He wants you to stay; always knowing you are in His care.

The first day had us driving across Michigan.  We spent the first night in Bemidji, Minnesota.  I really should have taken pictures the first day as the U.P. of Michigan is beautiful to visit.  Hearing, "Are we almost there yet?" only an hour into the first day of driving with 4 children made us ever to thankful to have Grandma along for the journey!

North Dakota

The second day, we drove from Bemidji, Minnesota through North Dakota, and up to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.  We debated driving across North Dakota further south to see the Badlands, but decided that would have to be seen at a different time; trip was already long enough.

How is this for a welcome into Canada?  The border crossing we took between ND and Saskatchewan was quite unimpressive.  Oil sands (I'm assuming) projects have the landscape looking completely desolate.  I haven't looked into it yet but North Dakota has similar looking grassy mounds everywhere, many with numbers written in white rocks on their hillsides.  Are those old oil sites as well? 

While there are numerous hotels in Saskatoon (beautiful city by the way), we stayed at a nice Days Inn there with an indoor pool/waterslide. 

Saskatchewan, Canada

Northern Minnesota, North Dakota, and Southern Saskatchewan had many areas of flooding.  Not small flooding, but fields looking like small lakes.  Another big rain storm hit the day we headed out of Saskatchewan. It was only weeks earlier that a state of emergency was declared in the Thunder Bay, Ontario region due to massive flooding (not common for that area).

We have a toddler who loves trains; it was great to see so many trains and tracks along the way!

Another place I didn't bring my camera was to the West Edmonton Mall.  We spent a couple nights in Edmonton.  Staying at a Holiday Inn Express near the mall was a great choice.  The rooms were beautiful (not the "express"-type rooms we expected) and it was the perfect location to enjoy the massive indoor water park and amusement park within the mall.  It wasn't out intention to go to the amusement park, but it actually worked out well.  My Mother-in-Law, our toddler, and I explored the mall while Daddy kept the other three occupied with ride after ride for a few hours.

If you are driving to Alaska and Edmonton is in (or even near) your route you need to go to the West Edmonton Mall indoor water park!  It was only my husband and I who drove to Alaska years ago.  We still had a great time on the slides and in the wave pool.  Of course, with children, it was just a must-go-to place this time around too!

Dawson Creek, British Columbia

Our next night was spent in Fort St. John, British Columbia.  All I can say about that is the prices for hotels are expensive, the hotels are not nice (with the exception of one that possibly only rich oil execs can afford), and the town is very dirty.  Even waitresses we had at a *nicer* restaurant told us that they were only working in Fort St. John because the tips are so good when the boys come to town on break from oil field work.  If we drive back at some point, we will definitely be avoiding this city as an overnight stop.

Mountains are only beginning...  Pictures just can't capture the depth of the hills and the steep grade of the highway!

This is why I should have volunteered to drive back in the northern States and Saskatchewan...  I told my husband it was all up to him.  I know, you can't tell how fast that guy is driving...but believe me, some of those truck drivers are wild.

 Muncho Lake, British Columbia

We loved the quaint cabin and beautiful scenery at this overnight stop!  For just under $200, we stayed at the Northern Rockies Lodge in Muncho Lake, British Columbia.  There are RV campsites available here and several other places along this stretch.  Some of the RV sites people were staying in in Northern BC had the most enviable views; almost made me wish we had an RV...

Be forewarned: the food in these parts is VERY expensive.  Stock up in lower BC and bring a portable camp stove if you have one.  We were told the restaurant at the lodge would be expensive so we purchased hotdogs, veggies, fruit, breakfast items, etc. before we arrived thinking we could cook the hotdogs in the cabin.  Not so... no refrigeration or stoves ~ sorry!  Not to be undone, my husband pulled our waffle maker out of the back of the truck. It cooked hotdogs superbly! :)

At a distance, Muncho Lake is a gorgeous shade of teal blue.

Oh, Canada!

Our travels continue through BC, into the Yukon, and over to Alaska.  More to follow so be sure to check back for more of our story...because you never know:  Moving to Alaska may become your story.

Book Review: It Could Happen Tomorrow ~ Gary Frazier

"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." Mark 13:32

End times, world destruction, future events... These are the things movies are made of, right?  It's only natural that we are curious about what will happen in the future.  10 years, 100 years, tomorrow; we wonder about it all.  Differing worldviews give us altogether different perspectives on the end of the world.  Some would question the fact that you can know anything about the future beyond how each moment of each day unravels.

God has given us the history book of the universe in His Word, the Bible.  No history is all past history to God; He knows the beginning from the end.  We can trust that what He says will happen will indeed happen; it always has and always will.  Jesus promised to return; God's promises are never broken. 

Looking around should remind you of the days of Noah.  Everyone was doing what was right in their own eyes.  The only righteous man to be found was Noah and while God's invitation was for any/all to trust Him and board the vessel He had Noah build, it was only Noah's family who entered the ark.  Once God shut the door, that was it; there was no other opportunity for people to enter in.  Everyone left behind drowned.

Gary Frazier delves into Biblical prophecy of what is still to come in his book, It Could Happen Tomorrow.  God has already decided so we know there is a coming end to this world.  Based on Bible passages, I found it helpful to understand the context of what is happening in the world today compared with what was prophesied thousands of years before I was born. 

This book comes from the perspective that the Rapture (Jesus Himself taking up His followers to heaven; those living and the bodies of those who have previously died) will happen shortly before the 7 years of tribulation occur, or right at the start of the 7 years.  The difference between the Rapture and the Second Coming of Christ is discussed in detail; something I found insightful.  Going with the thought that at the beginning of the 7 years, all true believers will be removed from this world, the immediate absence of millions of Biblical Christians would be the catastrophic event that could throw events into motion that are difficult for us to imagine (ie. giving up freedoms we enjoy, Israel rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem where there is currently a Muslim mosque built on the temple mound, a one world leader, etc.).

Topics include: The Great Disappearing, America in Prophecy, Birth Order of the New World Order, Islamic Invasion of Israel, The Great Deceiver, Global Religion, Temple Rebuilt, The Mark, The Glorious Appearing

An easy and interesting read, I would recommend this book to anyone seeking to learn more about what to expect in the future and how Old Testament and New Testament prophesies mesh in the Bible.  I can't say with authority that every idea Mr. Frazier is spot-on but this book really makes you think and you can see how what is changing in the world today makes some of his ideas quite plausible.  I received a free copy from New Leaf Press to review but will gladly be passing it on to others to read.

Ever hear of Paul Harvey's, "...and now you know the rest of the story.."?  As a child, I remember his familiar voice on the radio.  My Dad is always one wanting to know the story behind the story.  He took a different view of the way prophecy is laid out and questioned that there would be a rapture of God's people before the 7 years of tribulation.  He has talked about differing points of view but what he told me a couple months ago was that what it comes down to is that Jesus IS coming back and all the signs in the Bible are coming into fruition for that grand event.  These days he says he isn't persuaded by either side of the discussion between A-millenialists, Pre-millenialists, etc.  He just trusts in the fact that God always keeps His promises and He knows where His future ultimately is. My Mom likes to say she is a Pan-millenialist as it "all pans out in the end."  I love her attitude!

Is learning and reading more about Biblical prophecy and end times events something we should shy away from?  God hasn't given us a spirit of fear (timidity); but of power, of love, and a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7  Read the God's Word (Bible) -- study what He says and hold His promises dear.

Are you ready to meet your Creator?  He knows the day each person is conceived and He knows the day your soul will leave this earth.  Will you be forever with the God who loved you enough to send His Son as an atonement for your sins?  God the Father is judge.  He doesn't want to punish us for our sin but as a fair judge, He must.  In His perfect plan and loving mercy, He sent His perfect son as the sacrifice who would cover the punishment due us for our sins.  We need to transfer the trust we have in ourselves to Jesus, the only One who can save us from an eternity apart from God.  No amount of "good deeds" you do on earth will get you into Heaven.  "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus who gave himself a ransom for all..." (1 Timothy 2:5,6)  I pray you will give your life to the Lord before the ark door closes and it is too late.

Book Review: Covenant Child ~ Terri Blackstock

Kara and Lizzie were born into a loving family and were referred to as the "Billion Dollar Babies" at birth.  While newspapers spread the news of the twins' birth, their father had already turned his back on the family fortune and married the love of his life.  A look into the past shares that their mother died while they were very young and the loving father is raising them on his own.

Amanda becomes the mother they dreamed of and when tragedy strikes, no one could imagine that custody would be put in the hands of the birth mother's parents.  Raised by greedy grandparents who never cared for their own daughter, least of all her children; Kare and Lizzie are lied to and treated horribly the remainder of their childhood years.

All the while, Amanda, the mother they had known as 3-year-olds, was in the wings keeping their best interests at heart and awaiting the day she would welcome them home.

Covenant Child is a reflection of the parable of the prodigal son and the choice we make between coming home to a loving Savior who frees us or remaining in the chains that hold us.

I've read a few of Terri Blackstock's books in the past, so I was happy to receive a free ebook copy of "Covenant Child" to review.  I'll continue to watch for titles by this author.

Awesome Science - Explore Yellowstone with Noah Justice (DVD)

This is the second DVD in the "Awesome Science" series and it is just as wonderful as the first.  The Awesome Science DVDs are a family production beginning with Noah (your guide) and his father (whose video talents have been displayed on National Geographic, ESPN, and the Outdoor Channel).  This homeschooling family has brought a much-needed Creation-based science series into our living room.

Whether your children are in Christian school, homeschooled, or in a public school, this is one of those resources you don't want to pass by.  Give your children (yourself!) the knowledge you need to defend your faith and the Biblical account of Creation.  Learn how and why features in Yellowstone didn't take tens of thousands of years of erosion to be created.

It's important to understand the significance of why your faith cannot be based on millions of years.  Death couldn't have existed before sin, but that is what evolution teaches.  Immerse yourself and your family in the Bible and Creation-based science resources and you will treasure that what God says is the absolute truth.  This is a wonderfully put together family-friendly video that you will be watching again and again.

There is a third Awesome Science DVD currently available as well - Explore Meteor Crater and Petrified Forest with Noah Justice.  It's on our to-buy list and we are all looking forward to future videos!

Awesome Science - Exploring the Grand Canyon with Noah Justice (DVD)

While our great adventure will be driving to Alaska in about 7 weeks, we've been loving learning more about the Grand Canyon from a Biblical Creation perspective. 

Noah Justice is the 14-year-old host who takes you on an hour long tour of the Grand Canyon.  Visually stunning footage, smooth editing, top quality videography, and solid evidence go hand in hand with this DVD.

Our children thoroughly enjoyed this production and it is always thrilling to hear the facts they regurgitate even weeks later.  If there is one thing we're always on the lookout for, it's books, videos, and other resources that give us solid scientific evidence that shows that the Biblical record of creation can be trusted as true and completely accurate.

It's a misconception that evolution-based scientists and creation-based scientists hold different evidence to "prove" their point.  Everyone has the same evidence; it just depends which sunglasses you are wearing.  If you are interpreting your evidence based on a preconceived notion that the earth is millions of years old, you ignore what that evidence would mean if the world is not that old.  As a creation scientist, you look at the same evidences and show how the Biblical account of Creation and the flood would account for the current state of the earth. 

Wonderful DVD for all ages!  I'm sure we'll be watching it at least a few times on our long trek northward.

Book Review: Then Sings My Soul Book 3 ~ Robert J. Morgan

I have often wondered where to find a book that tells the story behind the cherished songs we know so well.  From time to time, I've heard tidbits of stories about Franny Crosby, Horatio Spafford, and other well known hymn writers.  When asked to review Then Sings My Soul (Book 3), I jumped at the opportunity.

Robert Morgan has done a wonderful job of compiling the history, stories of, and reasons for continuing with hymns in modern worship.  While I was only seeking a book of "stories", this offers much more.

Prior to reading this book, I had never really thought about the age of some of the songs we sing.  The first part of this book discusses hymnody in context of Biblical, Ancient, Medieval, German, English, and Gospel/Contemporary Praise music.  It's quite the interesting and informative read.

Most of the history surrounding each hymn is brief (a page long), detailing the song's authorship, area/time written in, and circumstances surrounding said author's life.  Each hymn is included (with sheet music).  As an added touch, the book itself is constructed so as to resemble old hymnal pages; very nostalgic.

I look forward to reading Books 1 and 2.

Miracle for Jen - Book Review & GIVEAWAY!

Drawn to the book trailer and description, Miracle for Jen was a book I knew I had to read.   The adage, “you never think it will happen to you” fits the Barrick family to a tee.  A family sold out to the Lord; a daughter whose deepest desire and prayer was for boldness to proclaim God’s glory...  While the world may question why God would allow such apparent devastation, the lives Jen touched give us a glimpse into how God truly does “work all things together for good to those who love Him and are the called according to His purpose.”

To survive an accident of such catastrophic proportions would appear to be a miracle itself.  But it didn’t end there; that was only the beginning.  Written from the perspective of Linda Barrick, Jen’s mother, this book takes you on an emotional and spiritual journey; one you don’t want to miss.

Jen Barrick, a beautiful 15-year-old girl, had a passion to serve God in whatever capacity He wanted; her journal entries prior to the crash attest to the fact.  In a comatose and semi-coma state after the crash that nearly killed her, it was known that Jen would suffer brain damage.  The extent of her injuries slowly unraveled as Jen began waking up.  People who awake after such traumatic brain injuries often experience a change of personality, outbursts of anger, and shouting curse words they have never uttered before.  Severely injured from the accident, Jen’s parents tried to prepare themselves, their family, and friends for what Jen may be like as she awoke.  All the while, Linda prayed fervently for Jen to be completely healed from her injuries.

The way God answered Linda’s prayers for healing and Jen’s deepest prayers for boldness mesh into a glorious answer that only God could orchestrate.  In reading “Miracle for Jen” you will see that while we often pray with what we consider an ideal answer in mind; it is God who knows how every detail of life fits into the beautiful portrait He painted for us.  It’s a portrait of a loving Saviour drawing the children He loves into a relationship with Himself.  It’s a portrait much larger than this life can contain; it’s one stretching into eternity.  It’s a portrait that leaves you longing for the boldness Jen prayed for and the courageous faith it takes to say, “Yes, Lord” to whatever God asks of you.

watch on tyndale.com

Tyndale House Publishers sent me a copy of this new book in exchange for my honest review and have also graciously given me a second copy to give away to one of my blog readers!  What a blessing this book will be to you and those you share it with.  My copy is already making the rounds of family/friends; it's that good!

Giveaway has ended and the cool "Rafflecopter" feature is now inactive for new entries ~~  Congratulations to Andrea R!!  Hope you enjoy the book!

A Special Birthday Gift ~ Quilted Apron & Bambu Kids in the Kitchen Utensil Set

Invited to her first birthday party, our daughter was wondering what birthday gift to give her friend.  Knowing I had princess coordinating fabric scraps on hand from a previous project, we pieced together two adorable aprons; now both sweet friends can match!  We even used the apron as the wrapping paper to wrap up a cute child's set of these bamboo (Bambu) kitchen spoons.  Fun & personal birthday gift idea!

The One True King

The One True King is the Lord JESUS.

God sent His one and only Son to die on the cross for our sins so we would have a way to get to Heaven. He loved you so much He sent his Son to die for our sins. His Son's name is JESUS.

That is a real King who loves everyone.
His name is GOD, the one true King.

He is the only true King.

 

~ Caleb 

 

 

** I just had to share the beautiful message that Caleb typed up on the computer the other day. It wasn't something he had to do for school or church. He just surprised us a few days ago when he printed it out and let us read it. What a blessing our son is! We feel so blessed with all of our children! May they always tell others about the glorious gift God offers us so freely. Praise God for His everlasting goodness! ♥

Book Review: His Princess...Love Letters from Your King ~ Sheri Rose Shepherd

As the mother of a little princess, it was a sweet treasure to find His Princess: Love Letters from Your King, a book written for me; for all women.  Sheri Rose Shepherd has woven together a book full of loving words, promises, and Bible verses that affirm God's love for us. 

Every woman has a need for affirmation from those she loves - family, friends, co-workers, acquaintances... Through whom should we find our soul filled?  Is it through others or through our Heavenly Father; our King?  Being reminded of just how much our Savior loves us and how far He has gone (and will go) to bring us to Himself can be overwhelming (in a good way!).  When you become a child of the King, you also become His princess.  He gives you the right to become a child of God and the personal relationship that comes with that glorious promise.

While this book is a gift-sized (smaller than the usual) book, its 185 pages include 89 mini-letters, addressed to you from your King.  Most include a Bible verse and elaborate on the love of your Father for you.  Interested in a preview?  You can read the first chapter for free here.  This would be a lovely gift for another princess/sister-in-Christ in your life.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.