For God's Glory

Indiana bound!!

2010-08-25T23:11:00.000-04:00

Beautiful scenery! Klingman's Dome,NC.

Two precious young ladies!

ART...

Other blog addresses...

2010-06-07T23:30:00.002-04:00

For those who follow the lives of our family, please
check out each of our different sites..

www.gravesfamily11.blogspot.com

www.gravesfamily11b.blogspot.com

www.bereanfamiliesunited.blogspot.com

www.timetracts.com

Thanks for visiting!!

Jordan's Birthday Party

2010-03-23T19:49:00.001-04:00

Happy 18th Birthday, Jordan!! So sorry I didn't have
a better picture than this!!

Aunt Mary and Emily (and Michael, too :)!! )

VOLLEYBALL!! I just thought this was a neat picture!!

Laura, Pat and Annie!!

Thank God for precious friends!!

2010-03-23T19:45:00.001-04:00

Theresa, Beth and Katie!!

Frank, Sam and Eddie!!

Markie and Amanda!!

Sweet little friends!!

Can you say..."Strawberries?"

2010-03-23T19:35:00.001-04:00

One of God's glorious creations...strawberries!!!

Lydia, Stacy and Hope enjoying an awesome day!!

Ben and Noah having a little too much fun!!

Hey, Lib!! Can you say strawberry!!??

More Strawberry Pics!!!

2010-03-23T19:29:00.002-04:00

Anna sure loves picking those berries!!

Rows and rows of beautiful berries!!

Heading home...Lib, Rachel, Noah and Hope.

The work continues...cleaning and preparing berries to
go in the freezer. Many thanks to the White family for
all their help!! We love you all!!

WOW>>>filled up that blog!!!

2010-02-01T21:09:00.002-05:00

Looks like we filled up the first "For God's Glory"...
here is the link for the second one...

www.gravesfamily11b.blogspot.com

Please join us for more posts on our new blog!!

Ben's Belated Birthday!!

2010-02-01T19:12:00.000-05:00

Mom, Rach, Dad and Ben

Dad, Ben and Rach

Precious friends!!

Predious friends, again!!

Baking Day #1--2010!!

2010-01-09T17:36:00.000-05:00

One of my New Year Resolutions is to make sure
that our family has a continuous supply of yummy
whole grain goodies.
Our first baking day in 2010 yielded 5 loaves of
whole wheat/7grain bread and 164 whole wheat english
muffins!!! The english muffins are to die for!!

Must have the recipe to get started...

Next, one willing worker/baker...(that's me!!)

Those yummy english muffins rising...

The yummy bread cooling!

So what are your new year resolutions? This is just
one of many...prayerfully I will be able to make most
of them happen with the help of the Lord.

May you and yours have a blessed 2010!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

2009-12-24T18:20:00.002-05:00

To all of our precious friends and family...
We wish you a joyous and JESUS-filled CHRISTMAS!!!
May you have the love of the Saviour with you
this Christmas and always!!
Much Love,
Steve, Tracy, Jessica, Sam, Rachel, Ben, Stacy,
Zack, Anna, Liberty and Steven

Rachel's Surprise 17th Birthday Party.

2009-12-02T14:17:00.010-05:00

Before the surprise :)
To let everyone know....I had no idea that my family was going to throw me a surprise party. So when I mean surprise...I really was surprised. Thank you all for coming and making that night so special.

The Lovely Discher ladies :).

Kitty and lil Emma :).

The John Travolta look-a-likes :).

The Alturas girls in their 50's outfits :).

Sweet Lil Baby Paul! :)

SURPRISE!!!!

Trying to recover from the shock by hugging daddy :).

Mr Doolin and Baby Paul :).

Enjoying good fellowship.

Jess and Jordan.

Mrs Frodge and Baby Paul. Loved this picture :).

Mama and I showing off our 50's outfits (Like my Gator 50's outfit???) Had to support my team when they CREAMED FSU!!!! :)

Momma and Mrs Stokes showing off their Poodle skirts :).

"In the jungle the mighty jungle the lion sleeps tonight...." The Discher gal's sang us a 50's song ;).

Daddy telling old stories about me....

....and of course everyone listens!

Opening my cards and gifts!

Beautiful Mary! :)

My dear Mrs Stokes and I <3.

Sam wearing a Doolin boy's jacket ;).

Callie and I. :)

Me and Billy! :) He was an unexpected and uninvited guest....Oh well.

OH NO! Not another unexpected/uninvited guest....Billy and Joker :P :D.

Jess, Jordan, and I :).

VOLLEYBALL!!! What's a party without Volleyball?

Mrs Stokes and Emma drawing pictures together.

Me and Mandy <3 <3.

Sarah's amazing outfit :).

Sweet little Margret's 50's outfit :).

Fellowshippin' :).

Had to get a picture with the John-Travolta-wanna-be before the nights end :).

Mrs Stokes and I being silly while washing dishes :).

Hope Y'all enjoyed this post.

In Christ,

Rachel

Happy Thanksgiving!!

2009-11-26T17:59:00.002-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving!! Our family wishes a wonderful
day to everyone!! May God Bless each of you!!
Love, Us

Patriots of the Faith is born

2009-11-25T19:58:00.002-05:00

A new blog has been designed to be an encouragement to those who are interested in Biblical Archeology, Creation articles as well as other things to be a blessing to those in Christ.

A Tea Party trip....

2009-11-25T00:09:00.000-05:00

After a day of coupon shopping...we decided (under Jordan's
insistance) that we attend a local tea-party. Not a big crowd...
but it was interesting!!

On our way into the meeting!!

Fellowship afterwards...

Some of the gang just fellowshipping!!

Some of the gang with Rep. Rich Glorioso.

Christian's Responsibility To Civil Government.

2009-11-19T21:44:00.000-05:00

This 2 part series was done by John MacArthur, He clearly teaches from the old and new testament the Christian's responsibility to civil government. Hope this will be a blessing to you and your loved ones.

Christian's responsibility to civil government part 1.

Christian's responsibility to civil government part 2.

Veteran's Day 2009 Get-together!!

2009-11-11T21:22:00.000-05:00

For the last three years our family has had
a big cookout for Veteran's Day. This was the
biggest so far!! We had 131 people attend this
year!! We had family, friends and new friends
and friends we hadn't even met yet!! (they came
with our already friends!!)
We truly had fun, food and fellowship!!
Our church family rallied around us to make it all
happend. Getting the property set-up...helping with
food...helping with break down...it was awesome!!
Thanks to all those who helped make it happen!!
Oh, and we also got a visit from "Dolly the horse" who
graciously allowed all the children to take a ride
around our property!! Thank you, Mr. Sykes and Dolly!!
We praise the Lord for a glorious evening!!!

Annie, Granny and friends!! (sounds like a t.v. show!!)

Ben and Dad on slide

Tracy and Cathy

Bouncey Noah's Ark and Slide!!

2009-11-11T21:14:00.000-05:00

Gravesie kids caged in on Noah's Ark!!

Mom having fun with Steven and Liberty!!

What a joy to have fun with my babies!!

Now who do you think they were laughing at???!!

FOOOOODDDD!!!!

2009-11-11T21:10:00.000-05:00

We had TONS of food!!
We even had an unexpected visitor!!! Bill Clinton stopped
by to bring some ribs....we quickly escorted him OUT!!!

A yummy dessert!!!

We had ribs, pork roast, chicken, burgers, hotdogs and .....

OOPPPSSS The bouncey castle a little out of sequence!!

Our Guests...

2009-11-11T21:05:00.000-05:00

Victor, Chris and Frank

Adiel and Rebekah

Molly and Cathy

Ethan and Cathy

Some of our guests...

2009-11-11T21:01:00.000-05:00

Our precious friend, Susan!

Ryan and dad, Pat

Beth and Sarah

Theresa and Becky

As the evening comes to an end...

2009-11-11T20:58:00.000-05:00

Laura and Reba

Playing mafia...

Katie and Jared

Ryan and Kyle

Graduation Day Preparations!!!

2009-10-13T21:06:00.000-04:00

Our sweet Mrs. Stokes working on a special gift!!

Rachel working on a masterpiece!!

Sam working on a video presentation. Such fun pulling
out those old pictures!!

Mom trying to have a steady hand at decorating!!

The Graduates!!!

2009-10-13T21:05:00.000-04:00

Graduate Sarah and Graduate Sam and their parents

Precious Sarah.

My "baby" Sam!

The Fun Stuff...getting gifts!!!

2009-10-13T21:04:00.000-04:00

Sam got an awesome Mechanics tool set!!!

Money is definitely nice!!!

I love this picture!! Beautiful mom and daughter!!

This is the "special gift" Mrs. Stokes was working on,
a memory book of past good times with family and friends!!

Cakes and the graduates...

2009-10-13T21:01:00.000-04:00

Fellowshipping Afterwards!!!

2009-10-13T20:51:00.000-04:00

Fellowshipping Afterwards!!!

2009-10-13T20:49:00.000-04:00

Defenders of the Faith Bible Study

2009-10-03T22:11:00.000-04:00

A few months ago, our daughter Jessica and her friend
Sarah came up with the idea to have a bible study to
help them defend their faith...thus "Defenders of
the Faith" bible study was born.
Each week we are picking a topic and studying it using
the Bible as the soul authority. These have been pretty
controversial topics...such as Creation vs evolution,
Is the Bible the inspired Word of God?, Calvinism vs
Arminianism, and then this week is covering the topic
of music.
It has been such a blessing seeing the young people,
aged 18 and up, (and us olders, too!) digging thru their
Bibles to see what God says about these topics!! It has
been incredible.
If you have a Friday night open, give us a call and
come visit!! We'd love to have you!!!

Jess and Sarah searching the Scriptures!!

Mark digging deeper...

Kyle and Mark

Our fearless leader and his humble servant!!

Follow-up to Zack's Birthday...

2009-10-03T22:00:00.000-04:00

In honor of Zack's 11th birthday, we decided to
take a day trip over to MacDill A.F.B. for some
bowling. Zack loves to bowl!!! We had the whole
bowling alley to ourselves!!!

Party Preparations!!

2009-10-03T21:49:00.000-04:00

Our family is making preparations for our 3rd Annual
Veteran's Day party. As Dad and the older children
were in the front yard laying some fresh mulch, they
realized that the littles...under Zack's leadership,
were putting there minds and bodies to help with the
landscaping designs!!
I just love the teamwork exhibited by these precious
little ones!!!
I love them so much!!!

After 8 weeks of waiting...

2009-10-01T12:42:00.005-04:00

Sam finally got his GED results in today and he...

Sam's new Blog!

2009-09-30T18:33:00.004-04:00

Here is Sams new blog that he started recently.
Check it out!

Click Here

Thank You, Char Lynn!!!

2009-09-20T13:02:00.001-04:00

This Tuesday, September 22, marks the 11th year
of our son Zachary's birthday. Our family
is so blessed to have Zack a part of our lives,
more blessed than the average family who
miraculously accepts a new child.

You see, we almost lost Zachary at birth.

We were almost to the point of his delivery when
something happened. His cord came first...this
is called "pro-lapsed cord." This is very serious.
The "normal" protacol is either an emergency
C-section or if that is not possible,
the possible death of the child.

This is where a precious woman by the name of
Char Lynn Daughtery became a life saver. Char Lynn
was my midwife for this joyous event. Never in
almost 20 years (at that time), had she ever
experienced a pro-lapsed cord. Of course she had
read about them, studied them and all that, but had
never experienced one. We were her first.

This Godly woman, along with the knowledge she had
gained by her studies, and a heart and head dedicated
to serving the Lord and hundreds of new mommas, had
only the GREAT PHYSICIAN to lead her thru this. And
that is just what she did.

With lights dimmed and soft praise music playing, she
cried out to God for help. Thru her calmness of spirit
and God's incredible intervention, Zachary safely
entered the world.

It wasn't until weeks and even a couple years later that
I realized details of the birth. All I know is that
we can only be full of gratitude to a beautiful, Godly
woman by the name of Char Lynn who allowed us to have
our wonderful son.

You will always hold a VERY special spot in my heart,
Char Lynn. I will love you forever!!!

I know she will not like the pic I placed below...
but it's the only one I could find.

Char Lynn Daughtery

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ZACK!!!

2009-09-20T12:58:00.004-04:00

September 22, 2008, Zachary Robert,
was born into the Graves family.

We have been very blessed to have
this very special young man in our family.

Zack is "special" in the way that he is on
the "low-end" autistic spectrum. What this
means is that he is very high functioning,
but has little social skills. Still, all-in-
all, he is so very loving and special to all
who know and love him.

Our family almost lost Zack at birth. We are
SO VERY GRATEFUL that God allowed us to have
him. We just cannot imagine life without him!!

We love you, Zack!! Thank you, Jesus, for
eleven wonderful years so far with our precious
Zachary!!!

Happy Birthday!!!

Zack the preacher!!

Zack the Air Traffic Controller guy!!!

Zack the zoo-keeper!!!

Zack the snow man!!!

Visiting the Versions!!

2009-09-05T20:57:00.004-04:00

Our Defender's class this week was on the versions
of the Bible. Steve gave us a brief history of the Bible
and shared the common problems between the King James
and the modern translations.

Even though there were some in the class that use modern
translations, by the end of the study they realized that
this area needs to be researched.

Our next study will be on the 18th of September. This
class will be concerning Creation vs Evolution. It will
include discussions such as:

Were the days of creation literal 24 hour days?
Dinosaurs and the scriptures
Evidence for Creation and much, much more.

As before, the purpose of these classes is to encourage those
who attend to ALWAYS look to scripture for the answers.
Our home is open to you!!! Give us a call if you can make it!!

Ben's 15th Birthday!!

2009-09-01T22:06:00.000-04:00

A couple of weeks ago, our son Benjamin, celebrated
his 15th birthday. Since he is an avid Tampa Bay
Buc's fan, that was the theme for this birthday.
His Granny's birthday is 3 days before his. She
lovingly conceded to the theme!!! Happy Birthday
to Ben and Granny!!!

Two Buc's cheerleaders cheering on the b'day folks!!

Ben and his Granny

Part of the table arrangement.

Their birthday cake made by the loving hands of
Rachel!!

Defenders of the Faith!!!

2009-09-01T21:38:00.000-04:00

A few months ago our oldest daughter, Jessica, approached her
father and asked him if he would be willing to conduct a witnessing
class for those 18 and up. Of course he was very willing!!!
Our first step was to go thru the first course of the Way of the
Master by Kirk Cameron and Ray Comfort. When we ended with that
class everyone realized that there a definite areas in which they
struggle in defending their faith. So that is where we are now.
Each Friday night at our home a group of precious young people and
their folks are meeting and discussing issues that are pressing in
our Christian walk. We are using the Bible as the ONLY resource
to defend our stand. Our moderator will, if necessary, point out
if someone is giving their opinion and send us back to the ONLY
foundation...GOD'S HOLY WORD!!!
We will post in the next few days what the upcoming topics will be.
Last week was how to defend that the Bible is the inspired Word of God.
This week will cover bible translations...which one is the best.
If the Lord is calling you to come, be prepared to defend your
stand using only the Bible!!!
Hope to see you there!!!!

Our reminder that God's word is relevant in all things!!

Our group for the introductory meeting!!

Ben, Tracy, Sarah and Lydia...fellowshipping!!

Jess and Sarah...more fellowshipping!!!

17 yr old girl's life threatened by father for becoming a Christian

2009-08-22T19:02:00.010-04:00

Years ago I did an audit for a couple who had a muslim background.
As I was talking to them I noticed Christian symbols and even a Bible
on their table. Near the end of the audit I asked them if they were
Christians and they reponded yes. When I asked them how their
family took it, they replied, "We are dead in their eyes, we lost
it all for Jesus". They were grown adults. What about the young
muslim boys and girls who become Christians? Please watch the
following video and serisiously consider how grateful we should
be to have committed Christian parents that bring us up in Christ.

May this video challenge us to be better witnesses for Him.

Steve Graves

Beware of False Prophets

2009-08-15T22:03:00.021-04:00

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. Matthew 7:15-17 KJV.

The bible is very clear that men claiming to be spiritual leaders will come in and try to deceive the brethren. In Revelation chapter 2, we are shown that the church of Ephesus was commended for testing those which say they were apostles and found them liars. What's sad is when the church fails to test the spirit of a spiritual leader. As time goes they become excepted by name and when they are finally identified as false, many of the brethren will overlook their error and defend them.

Many times I have quoted statements of spiritual leaders that indicated them as false teachers and nearly every time someone will defend them by saying "Where did you get that quote?" Or "Did you actually hear them say that?" While it is important to be accurate and not defame one another we live in a time where technology can be of great benefit.

The following clips should wake us up to the fact that we are not doing our job in exposing false prophets. But not to make it all negative, the ending clips should be an encouragement to those that love the word of God to know that there are those who will not compromise by the fear of man, but will stand on the word of God.

The first 3 clips are of Pastor Rick Warren of saddleback church in California. While this man is well known in America as the author of the books "The Purpose Driven Church and the Purpose Driven Life." And has thousands of pastors across our nation following his example as a seeker friendly church, I think we can conclude by the word of God that this man is a false prophet.

The first clip you are about to see is Rick Warren talking to a secular audience.

The second clip is where he is being interviewed about his view points concerning homosexuality. Notice that the authority pastor warren gives is not the word of God, but himself.

The next clip shows his defense of Homosexuality, where he admits he is not Anti-gay.
The sad part is that he apologizes to his "Gay Friends". What does the Bible say our true friends should be?

Our next clip is on Joel "Smiley" Osteen, who has the largest church in America. This clip shows him denying the true gospel, by saying "I don't know."

The last four clips is an example of how men of God should be when given an opportunity to defend the word of God. May you be encouraged, but beware of false teachings.

In Christ, Steve Graves

Happy Birthday Ryan!!

2009-08-11T10:51:00.000-04:00

The Oxner's invited us to an International
Birthday party a few weeks ago. It was a fun
day for all!!! Happy Birthday, Ryan!!

Everyone singing to Ryan.

Caesar and a "mexican watermelon farmer"!!!
(Skip and Tammy..they have traded farming for
parenting as of last Friday!!)

Skip "communicating" with Zack!!! (How funny!!)

Anna and her cousin Richard. They live right next door!!

Thanks for a great day!!

More fun at Ryan's party!!

2009-08-11T10:41:00.000-04:00

Having fun with the cameras!!

Christy, Ryan and Reese

Kelley, Phoenix and Tracy

The "flying nun????"!!!!

I love couponing!!!

2009-07-31T15:58:00.000-04:00

We got such an awesome deal today at Publix that I had
to post about it!!!

Here's what we bought...

Here's what we spent and how much we saved!! Wahoo!!!

Arminianism vs Calvinism revisited

2009-07-27T21:56:00.004-04:00

Ecclesiastes 10:20 (King James Version)

20) Curse not the king, no not in thy thought; and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber: for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter.

Not even 24 hours since we posted this article, we have been
hearing responses, mostly unfavorably. I feel at this point I
need to explain why we have posted this article. First, let
me say that this is not to pick on any one person. This
is primarily to help people who are "caught up" in these two
systems of beliefs that are not biblical. In the Arminian
arena, we have known many people who are of the belief that
they can lose their salvation. They are constantly being hit
by the enemy, the devil, into doubting their salvation. On
the other hand, in Calvinism, we have met people who struggle
wondering deep down if they are of the "elect" or not. Then
there are those who do not even witness because God has already
"elected" certain people, so why witness? Finally, the worst
case, is where we have known families that by the time their
children become pre-teens, it is determined by the father
whether they are of the "elect" or not. Even one prominent
Calvisist does not even share with his own children, when they
ask, how to become saved. If only they would have looked to
scripture for the answer: "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and
thou shalt be saved and thy house", Acts 16:31.

Another point I would like to make clear is, I believe John
Calvin was a great man that was used of God. I also believe
that Martin Luther, Jon Hus and others like them were also
great men who were used of God, but each one of these men held
to influences of the Catholic church that were unbiblical.

My other concern is while Calvin's writings were good, scripture
should have more eminence. Reading books about great men is fine,
but when they receive more time than scripture it gives the
adversary an opportunity to attack. Years ago our family was
involved with Bill Gothard's Institue in Basic Life Principles,
as well as, the Advanced Training Institute. This ministry will
always be remembered in encouraging our family in studying,
meditating and memorizing God's word. During those years, there
were multitudes of families who got caught up in reading seminar
materials more than their Bibles. They were known as Gothardites.
As a result of this, these families became divided. Children
rebelled, spiritual lives were shattered and divorce took the
toll on many families. This was a ministry devoted to challenging
Godly families to take a "higher stand", but if not properly
balanced with the reading and studying of God's word, it will fall.
In no way are we blaming the ministry, but those families who
failed to place scripture above all.

In conclusion, there are many great men and women who hold to one
or the other of these beliefs. We firmly believe it has limited
their abilities to be used of God. It is our hope that those caught
up in the extremes of these beliefs will find freedom as they search
the scriptures. (Proverbs 21:30)

In Christ,
Steve Graves

Arminianism vs Calvinism

2009-07-26T22:31:00.003-04:00

When it comes to the issues of Arminianism and Calvinism we come to a system of beliefs that have divided Christians for centuries. Although we have not had to deal with this in the past, recently it has reared it’s ugly head and we as a family have sensed the Lord’s prompting to search the scriptures for an answer.
Unfortunately, we have seen people we love and respect become divided over this issue. Ministries have even refused to give an answer to a belief in whether they fully support it or not.

Like in the days of the apostles when Jesus walked the earth, they asked him concerning a blind man whether he or his parents sinned that made him blind and the Lord answered, “neither …”.

In Jesus’ day, religious men had taken scripture and boxed it into doctrines that either you were this or this. When it comes to Calvinism or Arminianism, it seems we have the same problem. (Calvinism is named after John Calvin, a French theologian who lived from 1509-1564. Arminianism is named after Jacobus Arminius, a Dutch theologian who lived from 1560-1609.)

These two are systems of theology that attempt to explain the relationship between God's sovereignty and man's responsibility in the matter of salvation.
Both systems can be summarized with five points.

Calvinism’s five points are associated with the word TULIP.

Total Depravity - Total depravity states that every aspect of humanity is tainted by sin; therefore, human beings are unable to come to God on their own accord.

Unconditional Election - The view that God elects individuals to salvation based entirely on His will alone, not on anything inherently worthy in the individual.

Limited Atonement - The belief that Jesus only died for the elect.

Irresistible Grace - When God calls a person to salvation, that person will inevitably come to salvation.

Perseverance of the saints – The concept that a person who is elected by God will persevere in faith and will not permanently deny Christ or turn away from Him.

Arminianism’s five points are:

Partial depravity – That every aspect of humanity is tainted by sin, but not to the extent that they are unable to place faith in God of their own accord.

Conditional election - Believeth that God elects individuals to salvation based on His foreknowledge of who will believe in Christ unto salvation, thereby on the condition that the individual chooses God.

Unlimited atonement - The belief that Jesus died for all, but that His death is not effectual until a person receives Him by faith.

Resistible grace - States that God calls all to salvation, but that many people resist and reject this call.

Conditional salvation is the view that a believer in Christ can of his/her own free will turn away from Christ and thereby lose salvation.

Both of these beliefs have elements of truth, but they also have human reasoning in them as well. We also need to look at the men behind these teachings as well. John Calvin came out of the Roman Catholic Church and brought some baggage that influenced him in some of his doctrines. Jacobus Arminius believed that Calvin’s teachings were out of balance and therefore brought forth his points as well.

Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time… it’s either Calvinism or Arminianism ... But I say unto you ….

When you look to these doctrines both have problems or inconsistencies that don’t pan out totally in scripture.

So, is there a biblical set of doctrines we should strongly consider? May God allow the following beliefs to be consistent with His word. As with the acronym of TULIP, let’s consider the following as good Bereans.

Total dependence on God –

God’s word says that man is a sinner. “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God”, Romans 3:10 & 11. Romans 3:23 further states: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God”, Romans 3:23
In Romans 1:20, God’s word says that the world will be without excuse. If we are going to be held accountable, and if the only way to consider God’s way is to be prompted by the Holy Spirit, then grace would have to appear to all men as the scripture teaches (Titus 2:11). God’s word also teaches that, “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” This verse teaches that God gives every man an opportunity to know him. When He is rejected in the area of salvation, He gives them over to a reprobate mind (Romans 1).

Unlimited atonement –

The blood that was shed on Calvary paid for the sins of the world, just as the brazen serpent that God told Moses to make was able to save all those who looked upon it. The ones that died choose to rebel by not looking. The brazen serpent was something God used for the people to look upon. It wasn’t the serpent that saved them, it was God. (Numbers 21:7-9, John 3:14 & 15, Col. 1:14)

Limitless Grace –

God’s word tells us that God is not willing that any should perish … but all come to repentance. If that is true, then all mankind will be given grace in which they will decide, as it is written “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,” Titus 2:11, And he is the propitiation (atonement) for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. I John 2:2

Independence from the World –

This means that Christians have the power to over come the world, because as it is written, “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” I John 4:4

Preservation of the saints –

God’s word teaches that not only does He preserve His word, but He preserves us as well (Psalms 12:6 & 7). God’s word teaches that he is able to keep us once we enter the kingdom of God through salvation (John 10). Those that he rebukes and commands to depart Him, are those whom He says, “I never knew you” (Matthew 7:21-23). They were religious but lost.

Conclusion

I am fearful that most of the churches in America are lost and are listening to a watered down gospel. To those whom I know that are “Calvinists”, I believe them to be people who are tired of the compromises that effect churches nation wide and for some reason or another are getting caught up in this issue. May God bless those who seek his face and are committed to His word and His will.

In His service,

Steve Graves
www.timetracts.com

SHE'S HERE!!!

2009-07-21T14:00:00.001-04:00

Our precious Mrs. Sykesies gave birth to
a beautiful baby girl early this morning.
She weighed 9lbs 14oz!!!! 21 inchs long!
You go girl!! Praise the Lord for a safe
delivery!!!

Our Precious Sykesies!!!

2009-07-20T20:48:00.000-04:00

Please be praying that our sweet Mrs. Sykesies
has her new baby soon...she is overdue. We
love her sooo much and are praying for a quick
and safe delivery.

Jess and Mrs. S

"Cutting up!!"

What a face!!

Some of the men of our church.

Calgon take me away...

2009-07-20T10:26:00.000-04:00

One of the bad things that happens
after you take a cross country trip is
that you find yourself reminiscing (sp??)
ALOT!!! Today is one of those days that
I find myself longing to be exploring the
beautiful land I love with those I love...

Our family at the Grand Canyon...

The Grand Canyon...

Along the Oregon coast...

At the Grand Canyon...

Happy Birthday, Anna Grace!!

2009-07-20T09:52:00.000-04:00

June 28, 2000, our family was blessed with
a beautiful baby girl. Her name is Anna
Grace Graves. Since that time she has
grown into a beautiful, sensitive and loving
young lady.
Happy late birthday, Anna. We love you
and are so grateful that the Lord gave you
to us!!

Anna on her birthday with money from a sibling!!

Our sweet young lady!!

I love this picture...she has developed
such a sweet spirit!!

Anna and her buddy, Liberty, on the Oregon
coast in April, 2009.

Happy July 4th...late. :)

2009-07-16T22:53:00.002-04:00

What fun is a holiday if you can't spend
it with friends? Just a couple people pics
from our fun day.

Our precious Lady Liberty!!

My precious friend, Cathy, and me!!

Gee, I wonder who they were listening to
so intently...must've been good!!

Sam getting refreshed after a rough game
of volleyball.

Our grain co-op

2009-07-16T22:13:00.002-04:00

Our family heads up the Wheat Montana grain co-op
for Hillsborough and Polk Counties, we also have
some distant folks on the east coast!!

Every four months or so we have the blessing of
helping approximately 45 families with ordering
and receiving their grain. We actually have over
170 on our co-op list. We really enjoy serving
these families. Here are a few pictures of what
takes place on our pickup day.

THE BIG TRUCK ARRIVES!!!

Wonderful grains from Wheat Montana in Three
Forks, MT. We had the blessing of visiting
their business in May. These are wonderful
people to do business with!!

Assisting a co-op customer...Hello, Mrs. Knecht!!!
(She's down there somewhere!!)

This is how our living room looks after a pickup.
Our grain came really quick this time and some of
the other products weren't here in time for the
pickup. Therefore, we had to bring home about 4,000
pounds of grain and had a second pickup 3 days later.
Thanks to my wonderful family who carried it all in
and then back out to our wonderful customers!!!

I do wish we had taken more pictures of all our
precious co-op folks. They are a special group of
people. They have loved us and showered us with
sweet notes of encouragement and also precious
gifts over the last several years. We appreciate
each and every one of them!!!

Random pictures of the Gravesies life.

2009-06-30T21:38:00.009-04:00

CHURCH ON SUNDAY (5/31/09)
Mrs Stokes and Ariana posing for camera. :)

Liberty posing with the yummy birthday cake Olivia made for her. (Thanks Liv!!)

POOL TIME/CHICKS

Liberty enjoying the nice cool water!

Libby and Anna.

Our newer additions to the Graves family. We had baby kittens recently...So we can't call them the newest additions.

Christian and Lucas, (Anna and Sam named them).

FLOWERS

Recently, I was blessed with alot of plants to add color to our front yard :).

Just a couple of the plants I've got :).

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL.

V.B.S posters.

My Grandmother volunteered me to work in the kitchen for her church's VBS. So you will see the cook's perspective of VBS.

My grandmother and a fellow cook.

WOW! These people make as much food and drinks as my family eats for one meal.....

.....Kidding!

My sweetheart. His name is Stetson....ain't he a cutie?

The children we served throughout the week.

RANDOM CAT PIC'S

Sugar drinking from the bowl of the water purifier....while sitting on a tea pitcher. It was rather funny when she fell :).

Sugar and her baby "Dog" sleeping.

Believe it or not she is asleep in this picture and she moved to that position. We did not pose her. :)

Our sweet tiger volunteering to babysit the chicks.......Right.

The beautiful beach of Coquina Key, Florida. *SIGH*

The Cutie of the week...

The Cutie of every week :).

ANNA'S BIRTHDAY

The patient and eager children waiting for the blowing of the candle.....

The other side of the patient and eager people.... :)

The singing of the birthday song...

FINALLY! The blowing of the candle! (3 cheers for her)

One happy kid :).

Happy Birthday Anna!

Hope you all enjoyed this awkward post :).

In Christ,
Rachel

Happy Birthday, Steven Paul!!

2009-06-27T14:19:00.001-04:00

The many faces of Steven Paul Graves...
what a character you are!!!
We love you!!!

Happy Birthday, Steven Paul!!!

2009-06-27T14:15:00.001-04:00

Happy Birthday to our little Steven Paul!!
May 10th you turned 4 years old. So very,
very hard to believe!!!
We love you, son!!! God bless you.
You have blessed your family so much!!

Steven at the beach

Steven at the beach again!!

Mom, Steven and Jess

Steven, Anna and Libery...his bestest buddies!!!

Happy Birthday, Sam!!!

2009-06-27T14:07:00.000-04:00

This is a special section dedicated to our eldest son, Samuel, in honor
of his 18th birthday.
Sam, we just want you to know that we, your family, love you very much.
You are a precious part of making our family what it is.
You are a wonderful older brother.
You are a tremendous help to your parents.
You are a big blessing to your grandparents.
Your are a blessing to those who know and love you.

We are praying God's hand and direction on your life. The world is
layed out before you.

We love you, son. You are such a blessing!!!

Much Love, Your family

Sam at Vicksburg Battlefield, MS

Sam and siblings at the Grand Canyon

Sam and Rachel at the Grand Canyon

Dad and his boys at the Grand Canyon

Happy BIrthday, Sam!!!

2009-06-27T13:54:00.001-04:00

More of Sam...

Sam at the Oregon coast on our out west trip...

Sam and Zack on the ferry ride from Bremerton to Seattle,WA.

Sam and Steven celebrating both of their birthdays in Colorado.

Jess and Sam at What-a-burger...

God's Word and the Heavens declare HIS glory!!

2009-06-02T20:38:00.000-04:00

I am heavy hearted as I write this, but I wanted to
share my heart.

Our world is so full of hurting people. Where are we,
as believers, failing the world around us? My heart
has just been aching today for several people that the
Lord has brought into the path of our family. We, as
a family, are crying out to the Lord on their behalf.
What I would like to request is that if you are reading
this, would you, too, commit to praying for these precious
individuals? The Lord knows who they are.

We all must realize that God is our final authority. His
word is the foundation of our faith. We MUST---ABSOLUTELY
MUST---base ALL of our lives, our beliefs, our everything
on HIM and HIS WORD!!! HE WILL NOT LET US DOWN!!!!

Okay...sorry for being SOOO preachy...just needed to let
off some steam!!!

Much Love to all who read this and commit to praying with
our family for these precious souls!!!

Love, Tracy

As the night came to a close...

2009-05-30T22:11:00.000-04:00

As you can tell from the next few photos
it was getting REALLY late. Please note
that I was behind the camera and NOT in front
of it!!!

The leader of late night sillyness!!!

"Bone of her bones and flesh of her flesh"....

Next in line to balance something on her head...
her's was definitely unique...

Uh-huh, now we get the whole picture!!!

More new friends...

2009-05-30T22:06:00.000-04:00

Even the children have all been blessed
with some new friends. They all seemed
to be having a great time!!

New friends and wonderful fellowship!!

2009-05-30T21:59:00.000-04:00

The Lord has blessed us with some new friends
over the last few months. There is a tie that
binds, (besides the Lord), which we will hopefully
announce in the near future. We thank the Lord
for these new friendships!!

Tammy, Tina and Kelley

Steve, Skip(Tammy's hubby), Ben, and Kameron(Skip's son)

Ronnie and Kristy

A time of reflection, prayer and fellowship.

Misc. pics just because...

2009-05-30T21:40:00.000-04:00

Our Alpha and Omega!!!

Part of my reasons to live!!!

Our new adopted son!!! (Rambo...yeah, I know...I didn't name him!!!)

The cat is totally thrilled, can't you tell??!!!

Saying goodbye to an old friend...

2009-05-30T21:33:00.000-04:00

We have not been regulars, but every now and then
a "Whataburger" was desired by someone in our family.
It has come to our attention that all but one of their
restaurants in Florida is closing. This made us sad.
Not because of the lack of being able to eat there, but
because of all the folks losing their jobs. We decided to
make one last run...

Sign announcing their closure...

Jessica and Mom

Dad and Rachel

Our precious Liberty!!!

Some new friends and In & Out Burger

2009-05-22T21:50:00.001-04:00

While we were camping at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico,
we had the honor of meeting the Trowbridge family. They are
missionaries to the Tohono O'odham Indians in southwest Arizona.
We didn't have much opportunity to visit...a couple hours standing
in the drive of the campground...but what time we did have was
such a blessing.

It is so awesome how God brings brothers and sisters in Christ
together to encourage each other. After parting with them we were
all encouraged. We are praying for God's direction for you all.
If you read this post, please contact us!!!

While visiting with them, they told us about In and Out Burgers.
They are owned by a Christian family and you can only find them
in 3 or 4 states. When we found one, we thought we'd try it out....
It got our overwhelming approval. The restaurants were very clean.
The people were kind and professional. The food was good, too.
If you find yourself near one, give it a try...you won't be sorry!!

The Trowbridge Family...Harry, Karen, Harry IV, Katie and Jonathan

See the scripture on their wrappers!!!

Another quick look at the Redwoods...

2009-05-22T21:16:00.001-04:00

Avenue of the Giants

Steve and one of the giants!!

Daddy and some of the gang.

A treehouse or a "root"house?

Route 66 and Cruizers BBQ!!!

2009-05-22T19:14:00.001-04:00

Dad and some of the gang.

Dad and Mom loving being able to experience this with our children.

Jess loving every minute of it!!!

Mural outside of Cruizers BBQ where we ate dinner. Yum Yum!!!

More of Cruisers!!!

2009-05-22T19:06:00.001-04:00

Stacy chowing down on some yummy corn on the cob!!

Dad and his finger-lickin' good barbeque!!!

Anna acting like she is starving to death!!!

THE MAJESTIC SIERRA NEVADA MOUNTAINS

2009-05-22T17:43:00.007-04:00

On day 6 of our journey we not only visited the
Bristlecone Pine Trees, we also got to experience
the Sierra Nevada Mountains. We also refer to this
day as the "never ending day". We drove over 600
miles that day. Four hours of the drive was spent
going from the east side of the Sierra Nevada's to
the west side. (I never thought it would end.)
My pictures are a little out of order...my error...
but I think you can see that they went on and on and....

Moon Lake, CA

Sierra Nevada's (part of them!!!)

That was us!!!

The beginning of 4 hours of adventure (or misery for some of us!!!)

And on and on and on....

DON'T LOOK DOWN!!!

Yepper-do, it's a frozen lake!!! No idea how high we were!!!

Giving the brakes a break!!!

and on and on and on...

Close to sunset...breathtaking.

Civilization!!! This one is for you Java!!!

The end of the neverending journey!!!

A visit to the Bristlecone Pine Trees near Bishop, CA

2009-05-22T16:21:00.005-04:00

We were blessed to see the oldest living trees on our planet...
they date back to the flood account,some 4,000 years ago. The
character of these trees is incredible. Each one is very unique.
They can be found in the White Mountains of eastern California near
the town of Bishop. The forest is located about 11,000 feet up!!!

The Bristlecone Pine Tree

A view of the Sierra Nevada Mountains from the White Mountains.

Rachel playing in the snow!!!

Ben victorious at something!!!

The remains of a Bristlecone.

My husband, the great researcher!!!

Another view of the Sierra Nevada's.

Four of our precious daughters.

Long way up and down!!! Note how small the car is.

Snow!!!!

Plenty of snow for these southern kiddos!!!

A visit with the Kohlers!!!!!

2009-05-22T16:05:00.000-04:00

Have you ever called someone and invited yourself over?
That was what we did with the Kohler family of St. Charles,
Missouri!!! Can you imagine how bold of me to call and
say, "Hey, we (a small family of 11) are coming thru your
area, can we spend the night with you all?" How bold!!!
After I made the call, I felt terrible about calling. Then
I thought, you know, if someone called and asked me if they
could spend the night (or even two or three) we would be
thrilled to have them. Any time we can meet or get to know
other children of the King we would jump on it.
We were so blessed by our visit with Randy and Rebecca Kohler
and their precious children. We had such a great time visiting
with them that the few pictures you see are all that we took!!
Rebecca was so hospitable to us. She served us a wonderful meal.
They made us all very comfortable in their home. The fellowship
with their family was wonderful. The children really enjoy
"Mr. Randy"!! What a talented guy he is!!
Thank you, Kohler family, for a very special evening and a place
to stay. We love all of you!!!

As a side note: If any of you who happen to be reading this end
up in our "neck of the woods", please look us up. We would love
to serve the body of Christ with a meal or a place to stay. Just
let us know what we can do.

The only pic of us all talking just after we arrived.

Our precious little ladies!!!

A table set for many kings, queens, princes and princesses!!!

Things to do while travelling...

2009-05-18T20:57:00.004-04:00

Eat lunch.

Get caught eating lunch!!!

Try to write in your journal while being bumped all over the backseat!!!

Just be plain stinking cute!!!

Things to do while travelling...

2009-05-18T20:54:00.000-04:00

Take self-portraits!!!

Sleep with your bubba!!!

Sing and/or text a friend.

...or just enjoy the ride!!!

A much needed rest...

2009-05-18T20:45:00.000-04:00

Our family was very blessed this trip by being
able to stay at several military spots along the way.
We were so pleased with Peterson Air Force Base in
Colorado Springs, CO, that we decided to stay for 4
days. We were able to celebrate Steven's 4th birthday
and Mother's Day while we were there.

A view of the outside of our 2 bedroom, 1 bath apartment.

The wonderful playground right across the parking lot!!!

Steven enjoying his birthday cupcake!!!

Steven and Samuel with their birthday cake.
Steven turned 4 on May 10th and Sam turned 18 on May 13th.
Happy Birthday to our precious sons!!! We love you!!

Once again God proves His love for us!!!

2009-05-18T20:32:00.000-04:00

We all know that the Lord loves us emmensely. Every
now and then He lets us know it in miraculous ways
beyond His provision of daily bread, etc...
We experienced this several times while on this trip.
The below pictures show Steve and Sam changing a tire.
Story behind it:
A man pulled in behind us as we were going for breakfast
between St. Charles, Missouri and Cincinatti, Ohio. He
wanted to let us know that we were about to have a serious
blow-out. How he was able to see the HUGE bubble on the
inside of our back rear tire, can only be described as a
miracle!!!!
We then headed to a local Walmart for a new tire and were
back on the road.
As we went to the Creation Museum in Hebron, Kentucky, the
next day, we watched a presentation in the Planetarium about
just how small the earth is. I cried thru the whole thing
in humility as I remembered the previous morning and how
our Mighty God protected our family from what could have been
a very serious accident. Thank you, Jesus, for your love and
protection on our family. We love you!!!

Sam and Steve changing tire.

The huge bubble on the inside and outside of the tire!!!

Almost complete with a little help from Steven!!!

Next Stop: Mount Saint Helen, WA

2009-05-11T22:48:00.000-04:00

Mount Saint Helen

2009-05-11T22:43:00.000-04:00

Part two of Mount Saint Helen

2009-05-11T22:39:00.000-04:00

This is the farthest we could go up the mountain.
I guess you can see why!!! It was very cold and
wet on this particular day. We were very sad as
we wanted to get much closer.

This is a parking lot...the kids had a great time
in all the snow!!!

On the way out...

My darling, my everything, my life!!!

A visit to Wheat Montana!!!

2009-05-11T22:30:00.000-04:00

One of the highlights of our journey, at least for me,
was a visit to Wheat Montana where we get our grain for
our local co-op. We showed up totally unexpected and we
were so blessed by what we saw. Everyone there was so
precious to us. Mr. Paul Lambert offered to give us a
tour of the facilities...who would say no!!!
We got to see how the grain is bagged. Also the area
where they do their in-house grinding. We got to view
the area where the they do all of their in-house baking,
then they send the finished products to stores and such
in Montana, Utah and Wyoming. The place smelled so good!!!

We also got to eat in their deli. We found out that they
have about 6 deli-shops in the Montana area. It was an
awesome experience.

I was so impressed with the cleanliness of the operation.
Everything was orderly. The employees were very professional.
It was an incredible experience.

If you ever find yourself traveling across Interstate 70 in
Montana, check it out!!!

Wheat Montana...

2009-05-11T22:17:00.000-04:00

Wheat Montana...

2009-05-11T22:15:00.000-04:00

Graves meet the Shavers. Shavers meet the Graves!!!

2009-05-09T00:05:00.005-04:00

One of the most planned parts of our journey was getting
to meet up with an old Navy buddy of Dad's, Pastor Tavv Shaver
and his precious family...

One the way to the Shavers...real close to Canada...about 5 miles!!
Enlarge picture to see mountains and green sign...

We finally arrive at their lovely home!!
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How precious to see old friends reunited!!

Mr. Jordan Shaver...smile for the camera!!

Church sign for Evergreen Baptist Church!!

What a neat place to worship the Lord!!

This is the VERY LONG TABLE we sat at for lunch. Funny thing
is that the older boys had to go to an overflow table cause there
wasn't enough room for them!!!

Sweet Jo-Jo gave us the honor of sharing in her 6th birthday
celebraton!! The waitors sang to her in Spanish!!

Stacy with her new friend, Janna.

Here are the young men at the overflow table!!

Jess and JulieAnna

The Tavv Shaver and Steve Graves families. It is so awesome to see what
the Lord is doing in each of these families. Praise be to God!!!

It was hard to leave the Shavers that beautiful Sunday afternoon.
We were so grateful to get to know their family and we pray that the
Lord will cross our paths again soon.

Dearest Shaver Family...
Thank you for the precious memories!!! Our time with you was short,
but we were all VERY blessed by having met each and everyone of you!!
We love you!!

Dad and Tavv

Jess, Jordan, Justin and JulieAnna

Trying to say goodbye...it wasn't easy!!

More fun with the Shavers!!!

2009-05-08T23:43:00.003-04:00

It was hard to leave the Shavers that beautiful Sunday afternoon.
We were so grateful to get to know their family and we pray that the
Lord will cross our paths again soon.

Dearest Shaver Family...
Thank you for the precious memories!!! Our time with you was short,
but we were all VERY blessed by having met each and everyone of you!!
We love you!!

Jess, Jordan, Justin and JulieAnna

Trying to say goodbye...it wasn't easy!!

Some pictures of our day in Seattle.

2009-05-06T00:13:00.009-04:00

Howdy Y'all! Thanks for checking back for more pictures of our trip. These pictures are of our day in Seattle, Washington. We have lots of pictures to still put on here, but due to bad internet connection and late nights we haven't been able to do much :). We'll be putting more on later. So keep checking back!
Thank's a bunch.
In Christ,
Rachel

The bridge crossing into Bremerton.

One of the ships Daddy served on in the Navy.

A hammerhead crane. (Those things can pick up ships!)

All us kids on board the ferry going to Seattle.

Zack sticking his head in Sam's jacket to keep warm.

Ben and Jess.

"Dreaming of life on the open sea." Our lil' sailor.

Midshipman Libby.

Momma and Papa.

Our destination, Seattle.

The biggest Krispy Kremes shop we've ever seen!! :) Donut's and Java, Sounds good to me.

Shakeys. An old pizza place Daddy went to 25 yrs ago :).

The gang at Shakeys.

Trip pictures update...

2009-05-05T00:30:00.002-04:00

Blessings in the name of the Lord!!! Our trip is going great
so far. We have been on the road for 12 days and have about that
many to go... We are doing our best to post pictures as quickly as
possible, but have not always had good internet reception to do so.
Please bear with us and know that we will post as we can, and if we
don't get much done before it is all over, we will make up for it when
we get home.
We have been having a great time thus far, but I also think everyone
will be glad to get home. Our trek back across this beautiful nation
starts tomorrow. We leave Marysville, WA in the morning and will be
travelling thru Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri,
Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama and then back to Florida!!!
We do miss our family and friends, but are also so very blessed to be
experiencing the things we have thus far. Please pray for us on our way
home...we covet your prayers!!
Much Love from the Graves family....

Our wonderful trip part 2.

2009-05-02T00:35:00.010-04:00

Day 7. What city are we in today? Can you guess?

Hint: It's along the West Coast. :)

Street View.

WOW!! Pro-life signs in this city?!?!?!

The pacific harbor. This was the Graves first sighting of the Pacific :).

Us kids and daddy with a big anchor.

Hint #2
A totally awesome bridge. :D

Now Guess the city!!

Daddy and his monument. GO NAVY!!!

A vineyard in Napa Valley, California.

Daddy compared to a fallen Redwood.

Inside an old redwood.

Zachary awed by the beauty of the Pacific Ocean.

Mama and Papa at the Pacific.

Sweet Lil' Liberty.

Me and my stack of Sand dollars. Awesome little critters! ;)

Elk!!! Pollocks don't get any ideas! It's a national park, You ain't supposed to mess with em.

Redwood trees.

Paul Bunyan and Babe.

The beaches in Oregon.

Jess at the Beach.

Sam :).

Anna and Liberty.

The dreaded sand dunes. :P :P

Come on Deeda, you can make it!

More beach pictures :)

Daddy and Ben.

One set of footprints in the sand......

Behind the scenes of "Ahab the Arab".

Can you guess what this stuff is?

"Under the sea, Under the sea...."

The tidal pool explorers :).

Part 1 of our "Magnificent. Once in a lifetime kinda trip. :)

2009-04-29T23:02:00.011-04:00

The Vicksburg Battlefield. *sigh*

The Illinois state monument for the honored dead.

Us girl's in front of the dedication from the people of Illinois.

The cemetery.

Most of the Graves at Vicksburg Battlefield, Mississippi.

Do my eye's decieve me or is that a sandstorm?

Yep, the Graves family is in a SANDSTORM near Flagstaff, AZ!!

Jessica's Family Restaurant.

Williams, AZ, a sweet little town on route 66.

Daddy and the littles under a Route 66 sign.

GRAND CANYON, AZ.

God's beautiful Creation....(No, Mr Pollock, it was not filled with sludge!:)

The Graves family at the Grand Canyon.

Having fun, Libby?

Samuel and Rachel.

Momma and Jess.

Stacy.

Momma and Daddy :)

Rubbing noses.

Daddy and his binoculars.

The Colorado River.

Liberty reading a sign that says "All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing praises unto thee; they shall sing to thy name. Selah. Psalms 66:4" It's King James too!! :) YAY!! They aren't totally corrupt....Just 99% :P

Daddy enjoying himself.

Jess and Daddy.

Graves Family at GC.

Daddy being rebelious and popping "MY" whip at Grand Canyon just to here it pop really LOUD. :P

A little bit of what's been happening. Witnessing Class and Resurrection Sunday.

2009-04-13T22:40:00.008-04:00

Friday, Witnessing Class.

Participants of the Graves witnessing class :). Sarah and Andrew.

Kyle and Laura.

Art ;).

Ryan, Carl, and Sam. Andrew in the corner;).

Resurrection Sunday.

Daddy at the picnic :).

Jess and Ben conversating :).

enjoying the Picnic, Rach?

Daddy and the littles blowing bubbles.

The epitime of CUTENESS. :)

The boy's playing football.

Berean Baptist Redneck Antena Ball.(Red cups are our church signature) :).

Sweet little Deeda. Smiling big, cause he got the biggest prize. He won 5 bucks :).

It must be time to leave....He don't look too happy :).

Zack and his Dollar :). He won it also in a game.

Hmmm....where did the chocolate go?

Momma taking a little snooze before church. :)

Daddy doing the same.

Our dear Mrs Stokes.

Sweet little James and Libby showing off thier missing teeth :).

The Pollock family singers. :) It was beautifuly done :).

Sweet Ariana.

"We serve a risen Saviour, He's in the world today. We know that He is living whatever men may say. We see His hand of mercy, We hear His voice of cheer. And Just because We need Him He's alway's near. He lives! He Lives! Christ Jesus live today. He walks with me and talks with me along life's narrow way......"
Thank you Lord Jesus!

A full blooded wolf, Rick Warren

2009-04-09T22:22:00.002-04:00

Rick Warren sides with Sodomites.

California mega-church pastor and author of The Purpose Driven Life Rick Warren says he apologized to his homosexual friends for making comments in support of California's Proposition 8, and now claims he "never once even gave an endorsement" of the marriage amendment.

Monday night on CNN's Larry King Live, Pastor Rick Warren apologized for his support of Prop. 8, California's voter-approved marriage protection amendment, saying he has "never been and never will be" an "anti-gay or anti-gay marriage activist."

"During the whole Proposition 8 thing, I never once went to a meeting, never once issued a statement, never -- never once even gave an endorsement in the two years Prop. 8 was going," Warren told the CNN audience on Monday. "The week before the -- the vote, somebody in my church said, 'Pastor Rick, what -- what do you think about this?' And I sent a note to my own members that said, I actually believe that marriage is -- really should be defined, that that definition should be -- say between a man and a woman."

However, just two weeks before the November 4 Prop. 8 vote, Pastor Warren issued a clear endorsement of the marriage amendment while speaking to church members. "We support Proposition 8 -- and if you believe what the Bible says about marriage, you need to support Proposition 8," he said.

The following is a complete transcript of Warren's comments just weeks before the Prop. 8 election:

"The election's coming just in a couple of weeks, and I hope you're praying about your vote. One of the propositions, of course, that I want to mention is Proposition 8, which is the proposition that had to be instituted because the courts threw out the will of the people. And a court of four guys actually voted to change a definition of marriage that has been going for 5,000 years.

"Now let me say this really clearly: we support Proposition 8 -- and if you believe what the Bible says about marriage, you need to support Proposition 8. I never support a candidate, but on moral issues I come out very clear.

"This is one thing, friends, that all politicians tend to agree on. Both Barack Obama and John McCain, I flat-out asked both of them: what is your definition of marriage? And they both said the same thing -- it is the traditional, historic, universal definition of marriage: one man and one woman, for life. And every culture for 5,000 years, and every religion for 5,000 years, has said the definition of marriage is between one man and a woman.

"Now here's an interesting thing. There are about two percent of Americans [who] are homosexual or gay/lesbian people. We should not let two percent of the population determine to change a definition of marriage that has been supported by every single culture and every single religion for 5,000 years.

"This is not even just a Christian issue -- it's a humanitarian and human issue that God created marriage for the purpose of family, love, and procreation.

"So I urge you to support Proposition 8, and pass that word on. I'm going to be sending out a note to pastors on what I believe about this. But everybody knows what I believe about it. They heard me at the Civil Forum when I asked both Obama and McCain on their views."

During his CNN interview on Monday, Warren expressed regret for backing Prop. 8. "There were a number of things that were put out. I wrote to all my gay friends -- the leaders that I knew -- and actually apologized to them. That never got out," he admitted.

Additionally, Pastor Warren said he did not want to comment on or criticize the Iowa Supreme Court's decision last week to legalize same-sex "marriage" because it
was "not his agenda."

Bryan Fischer with the Idaho Values Alliance says Warren is abdicating his biblical role as a pastor. "For Pastor Warren to say that shoring up marriage is not something that's on his agenda is just something that's hard to believe for somebody who believes the Bible is our rule for faith and practice," Fischer notes.

Dr. Jim Garlow, the senior pastor of Skyline Wesleyan Church in the San Diego suburb of La Mesa, helped spearhead the Prop. 8 effort in California. Garlow admits he is confused and troubled by Pastor Warren's decision to apologize for supporting Prop. 8.
"Historically when institutions and individuals back away from convictional biblical truth, it is driven primarily by one single factor -- and that is the respectability of other people. In other words, much more caring about what other people think about them than what God thinks about them," he concludes.

(Written by Mr Graves)
"This man has truly proven himself to be a respecter of persons, and a 21st century Pharisee. If Warren does not repent, he will answer to a Holy and righteous God,
For honoring men rather then honoring God."

Note: There are people who still support Warren and feel that he has been misquoted.
So below this we have a Video of Rick Warren's interview on Larry King Live (Monday Night).

Tract of the Week.

2009-04-06T20:33:00.003-04:00

Dinosaurs and the Bible

On day six the Bible states that land animals were created. This would also include the animals which we know as the dinosaurs. The term dinosaur originated in 1841 when Professor Richard Owens of London, England, coined the term from two Greek words meaning "terrible lizard. The Bible has three Hebrew words that describe animals that could be identified as dinosaurs, They are Tannin Leviathan, and Behemoth.

Behemoth and Leviathan

"Behold now behemoth, which I made with thee; he eateth grass as the ox Lo now, his strength is in his loins, And his force is in the navel of his belly. He moveth his tail like a cedar: ...he is the chief of the ways of God..." Job 40:15-19

This special animal, behemoth, is described with detail in the book of Job. Behemoth moved his tail like a cedar indicating that he was most likely a large land dinosaur. Because God compares His power to behemoth, he was perhaps the crowning glory of the beasts of the earth. (Genesis 1:25)

Some Bible scholars have identified behemoth as an elephant or a hippopotamus. Those that are expressing this view are in no doubt being influenced by the evolutionary thinking that man and dinosaurs did not live during the same time period. The N.I.V. interprets the tail as his trunk, when referring to the Behemoth of Job 40:17

"Canst thou draw out leviathan with an hook? or his tongue with a cord...out of his mouth go burning lamps and sparks of fire leap out. Out of his nostrils goeth smoke, as out of a seething pot or cauldron." Job 41

The scriptures describe leviathan as a fire breathing water creature. Many commentators have classified this animal as an alligator, but alligators have never been known to breathe fire. Other commentators disqualify the description of fire breathing as poetic expression, but what about this ability to shoot fire? Evidence of such an animal exists in the bombardier beetle. This special breed of beetle still exists today as one of many insects that makes and uses complex chemicals for protection. Inside the beetle's body are two chambers, which produce two different chemicals. There is an explosion in the face of his attacker as these chemicals are mixed and ejected through a special tube positioned at the rear of the beetle's body. In light of this, it would be safe to assume that leviathan had a similar mechanism for projecting fire. Additional evidence supporting the existence of fire-breathing animals is found in ancient Chinese history. Many legends contain stories of how the early emperors trained these dragons for ceremonial and special purposes. These legends preceded the discovery of dinosaur bones at the end of the 18th century.

Scientists have found fossils of a dinosaur skull containing an open cavity above the brain with canals that lead to the nostrils. The purposes of these cavities are still unknown, but could certainly be evidence of fire-breathing capability. We do, however, know that leviathan did exist in the days of King David, for he writes of them in his psalms (Psalms. 104:26)

Tyrannosaurus Rex

According to Genesis 1:30, God commanded that all animals, as well as the birds, be vegetarians. This would include the dinosaurs. Some would argue, concerning Tyrannosaurus Rex, which he was a meat‑eater but close examination of his body would prove otherwise. The upper limbs of Tyrannosaurus Rex would have no purpose if he were a meat‑eater. Tyrannosaurus could not even bring his forelimbs to his mouth. In addition, his teeth were shallow rooted and, conflict with another animal would tear out teeth as he ripped flesh and bone. The teeth of a meat-eater would eventually show signs of wear, however, examinations of adult Tyrannosaurus teeth show his to be razor sharp with no teeth missing. In conclusion, evidence indicates that the upper limbs of the T‑Rex were used to grab and pull the limbs of trees closer to his mouth. Fossil records reveal no sign of the wear and tear that we would expect to find in the teeth of a meat‑eater, as well as no missing teeth. As we look at the skeleton of a T‑Rex, he appears to be a ferocious animal and most would assume he is a meat‑eater. When we look at the Panda, he too has sharp and powerful teeth, yet his are used to eat bamboo, not flesh. There has been no hard evidence to prove that T‑Rex was a meat‑eater.

An Amazing Discovery

In 1988, a 90% complete T-Rex was found in Montana. In 1990, a crew from Montana State University found red blood cells in a partially unfossilized femur. These red blood cells provide strong evidence that this T-Rex was not millions of years old, but only a few thousand years old.

Fossil Record
On the subject of the fossil record, isn't amazing that dinosaur bones are found fossilized and dead? Some would laugh at this, but those two observations tell us important facts about these creatures:

1. How they died.

When dinosaur bones are found, they are
fossilized, which shows that they were killed by mud flows. For bones to fossilize they have to be quickly covered by sediments. In other words, the evidence we find all over the world, points to the fact that our planet went through a flood in the not so distant past, which covered the entire earth.

2.When they lived.

When a dinosaur bone is found, it is usually
dead. Being dead tells us a great deal of when the animal lived. The Bible records that death entered into the world as a result of one man's sin, Adam. If we find dead dinosaur bones, this tells us that these animals died after Adam.

Decline of the Dinosaur

Today there are many theories that try to explain the disappearance of the dinosaurs. These theories include comets hitting the earth, massive drought and the ice age. One flaw in these theories is the fact that all of the larger animals, not just the dinosaurs, would have been affected by these conditions. Many questions raised by these theories are answered by creation science. First, at the time of the flood all the known dinosaurs that were not on the ark would have perished. Second, with the destruction of the water canopy, those that did survive would have had to adjust to the new harsh environment. Third, those that did adjust would have been hunted by man. In conclusion, we are not certain that all of the species of dinosaurs are extinct. There are many reports of people sighting animals throughout history that match the description of dinosaurs.

What I find as a sad testimony is that these animals are used to promote a godless philosophy that has no evidence, when they were created to exhibit the awesome power of God.

It is important that we have a firm foundation about our past. When the winds of adversity come into our lives we will stand because our foundation was built on a rock. What is your foundation? The Rock of Ages, Jesus Christ or the Sand, The philosophies of Man? On which one will you stand?

Fun with the Balogh's!!

2009-03-27T19:26:00.001-04:00

Our few weeks ago our family had the blessing of
spending the afternoon at a precious family's home,
the Balogh Family. It was a precious time...from
puzzles to basketball, coloring to croquet, and a
wonderful dinner, too!!! Thanks to this wonderful
family for a great afternoon!!! We love you all!!!

Fun with the Balogh's!!

2009-03-27T19:23:00.000-04:00

Fun with the Balogh's!!

2009-03-27T19:21:00.000-04:00

The Way of the Master

2009-03-27T19:15:00.000-04:00

Our family has had the honor of hosting the Way of the Master
evangelism course for Jess and some of her friends. Our family
has really been blessed so far by this experience. Here are some
pics of some of the precious attendees!!!

Tract of the Week!!

2009-03-10T21:30:00.002-04:00

Peter Francisco Day is March 15!!!

Peter Francisco: A One Man Army

"Without him we would have lost two crucial battles, perhaps the War, and with it our freedom. He was truly a One-Man Army." George Washington

And we know that all things: work together for good to them that love God. To them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

The principle that all things work together for good can sometimes be so painful to understand. Imagine that you are a father of a 4-5 year old boy who is suddenly kidnapped and you will never see him again. You will never know that his efforts helped forge a nation that was to be built on biblical principals. This is where our story begins:

On the morning of June 23, 1765, a ship dropped anchor in the James River at City Point, now a part of Hopewell, Virginia. A longboat was lowered in the water, and two sailors rowed it to the wharf where they deposited a young boy. The sailors left and the ship immediately slipped back down the river. Soon after Peter Francisco arrived in the New World. Peter was found sitting on a dock. The boy was 5 years old and large for his age. He had olive-skin with black hair and dark eyes, which revealed an engaging manner despite his predicament. He spoke a foreign language mixed with French, or Spanish -- and kept repeating the name "Pedro Francisco."

The town fathers found an unused bed in a dock warehouse, housewives arranged for him to be well fed and the old watchman on the wharf guarded him at night. As the story of Peter Francisco's mystifying appearance spread, Judge Anthony Winston, an uncle of famed orator Patrick Henry, investigated. As to Peter�s beginnings he liked the boy and took him, as an indentured servant, to his sprawling plantation on the old Lynchburg�Richmond stage road. Winston loved him like a son the young giant who could do the work of three men, and planned to adopt him formally.

In the spring of 1775, he took Francisco with him to Richmond for a meeting of the Virginia Convention in St. John's Church. Francisco was outside listening through an open window when, on March 23, Patrick Henry delivered his impassioned speech that ended in the declaration, "Give me liberty, or give me death!� Tempers flared as delegates hotly debated the colony's relationship with Great Britain. Young Peter contributed to the excitement when he broke up one tavern dispute by lifting the combatants into the air and banging them together until they ceased their argument. In adulthood Peter was destined to attain the height of six-feet-six-inches--nearly a foot taller than the average man at the time--and weighed at least 260 pounds. Already of surpassing stature by his early teens, the youth was instructed in the brawny trade of blacksmithing--an obvious calling for a person of his size and amazing strength. Peter was ready right there to take up arms against the British oppressors, but Judge Winston prevailed upon him to wait. Though Peter was large enough to go to war, he was not quite old enough. In 1776 Winston relented, and at the age of sixteen Peter enlisted with the 10th Virginia regiment as a private.

Francisco received his first taste of action in September 1777 at Brandywine Creek in neighboring Pennsylvania. General Washington, the commander in chief of the Continental Army, attempted to halt the advance toward Philadelphia of some 12,500 British troops under the command of General William Howe.

Outflanked by Howe, the Americans suffered a defeat in the ensuing battle, and Washington's army was forced into a disorderly retreat. The regiment of which Francisco was a member held the line at a narrow defile called Sandy Hollow Gap for a crucial forty-five minutes. This allowed the rest of the force to withdraw and preventing an all-out rout. The young soldier suffered a gunshot wound to his leg during this hard-fought rear-guard action.

While convalescing in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Peter encountered the Marquis de Lafayette, who as a twenty-year-old major general in Washington's Army also had been wounded in the fray. Their vast differences in rank notwithstanding, the two young men recuperated together and reportedly became friends.

Francisco was with the troops at Fort Mifflin on Port Island in the Delaware River from late October to mid-November. This post was abandoned under ferocious British shelling, forcing the defenders into the wintry hell of Valley Forge, where Francisco was hospitalized for two of those agonizing months.
Francisco fought at Monmouth (near present-day Freehold, New Jersey)on June 28,1778. A musket ball tore into his right thigh, leaving a wound that bothered him for the rest of his life.

On July 15-16, 1779 the young Goliath took part in the daring surprise attack led by General "Mad Anthony" Wayne on Stony Point. During the attack Francisco suffered his third wound of the war, a nine-inch gash in the stomach, but that didn't stop him from killing three enemy grenadiers and capturing the enemy's flag. After recuperating in Fishkill, New York, the wounded warrior bided his time with the troops in various locations until December 1779. Then his three-year tour of duty expired and he returned to Virginia.

During the Battle of Camden on August 16, 1780 Francisco achieved one of his most shining moments. Overtaken and surrounded by the enemy during the panicked American retreat, the lad speared a British cavalryman with a bayonet, hoisted him from his horse, and then, climbing onto the steed himself, escaped through the enemy line by pretending to be a Tory sympathizer. Catching up with his fleeing comrades, he gave the mount to his colonel, thereby saving the exhausted officer's life.

Next, seeing that one of two American cannons was being left behind, Peter--as the story has it--crouched beneath the 1,100-pound gun, lifted it from its carriage and onto his shoulder, and carried it off the field to prevent its falling into enemy hands. Some historians have questioned whether such a feat is possible, but during the American bicentennial celebrations of 1975-76 the U.S. Postal Service honored him with a stamp. No wonder that, by the time of this battle, Peter had acquired the reputation as the strongest man in America.

Benson Lossing reported in his 1850 Pictorial Field Book of the Revolution, Francisco, a brave Virginian, cut down eleven men in succession with his broadsword. One of the guards pinned Francisco's leg to his horse with a bayonet. Forbearing to strike, he assisted the assailant to draw his bayonet forth, when, with terrible force, he brought down his broadsword and cleft the poor fellow's head to his shoulders!Despite his latest wound, Francisco did not leave the battle. In one final assault against the British he killed two more of the enemy before receiving a bayonet thrust "in his right thigh the whole length of the bayonet, entering above the knee and coming out at the socket of his hip." As his comrades retreated, the fallen cavalryman was left for dead on the field. A Quaker named Robinson is said to have taken Francisco to his home and cared for him until he healed. Eventually his career of terrorizing British troops ended. He was granted, however, the supreme satisfaction of being present when Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown on October 19, 1781.

Peter then returned to Richmond and received an education. He married Susannah Anderson and had a son and daughter before his wife died in 1790. Catherine Brooke became Peter's second wife in 1794, and two years after her death in 1821 (they had three sons and one daughter) he married Mary Grymes West, the widow of Major West, a Virginia planter. Peter Francisco passed away, apparently from appendicitis, on January 16, 1831. Many other stories have been told of this giant of a man, but I hope we never forget his courage to fight for freedom in the American Revolution.

Guess Who??

2009-03-04T14:19:00.001-05:00

Just for fun, we thought we'd post some old family pictures
for everyone to guess who they think the pictures are of.
See if you can get them all correct!!

Joseph Lister: God's Surgeon.

2009-03-01T22:56:00.002-05:00

Joseph Lister

And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee. Exodus 15:26

Born on April 5, 1827 in Upton, Essex, Joseph Lister was the son of the British physicist Joseph Jackson Lister. Joseph Lister perfected the Compound Microscope and shared the credit with Dr. Thomas Hodgkin of being first to describe the true shape of a red blood cell.
After an early education at several Quaker schools he entered University College, London. After studying the arts he graduated and decided to take up medicine at the same college. He enrolled in the faculty of medical science in October 1848. During this time he was taught by physiologist William Sharpey, known as one of the greatest surgical teacher of his day. Lister was a brilliant student and graduated with honors in 1852.
In October 1856 he was appointed as an assistant surgeon at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, to James Syme, who's daughter he later married. The marriage, although unable to have children, was a happy one. He had his wife along side him and she was a great part of his professional life.

While a professor at Glasgow Infirmary, Lister pioneered many new surgical techniques and instruments. Some of these include:

A hook to remove small objects from the ear

The Screw Tourniquet

Sinus forceps

Rubber drainage tube for use during surgery

During the middle of the nineteenth century, post-operative sepsis infection accounted for the death of almost half of the patients undergoing major surgery. A common report by surgeons was: The operation was successful but the patient died.
In 1839 the chemist Justin von Liebig had asserted that sepsis was a kind of combustion caused by exposing moist body tissue to oxygen. It was therefore considered that the best prevention was to keep air away from wounds by means of plasters.
Lister doubted Justin von Liebig's explanation. For many years he had explored the inflammation of wounds at the Glasgow infirmary. These observations had led him to consider that infection was not due to bad air alone and that 'wound sepsis' was a form of decomposition.
Between 1861 and 1865 in Lister's Male Accident Ward, 45 to 50 percent of his amputation cases died from sepsis. It was in this ward that Lister began his experimental work with antisepsis.
In 1865, Louis Pasteur observed that decay was caused by living organisms (Germs) in the air, which on entering matter caused it to ferment. Lister made the connection with wound sepsis.

A researcher and surgeon, Lister recognized the relationship between Pasteur's research and his own. He considered that germs in the air were likely causing the putrefaction and had to be destroyed before they entered the wound.
The previous year Lister had heard that carbolic acid' was used to treat sewage in Carlise and as a result certain fields were freed of a parasite causing disease in cattle. Lister now began to clean wounds and dress them using a solution of carbolic acid. He was able to keep his wards free of Sepsis for over nine months. When he reported his findings to a British Medical Association meeting in 1867, his findings initially met with indifference and hostility.
Years earlier in 1844 in Austria, a woman went into the Great Vienna Hospital to have her baby. One mother out of every five died of child-bed fever. Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis, set out to find why. In those days no one knew about bacteria and while the existence of "germs" was suspected it was merely a theory. Semmelweis noticed that after examining the dead patients the young doctors would then examine the living and never considered washing their hands between examinations. With great opposition Dr. Semmelweis insisted they wash their hands after each patient and the death rate dropped to almost zero. Sadly, Dr. Semmelweis was dismissed and the old practice continued along with the awful death rate.
In life, Lister was a shy, unassuming man and deeply religious. He joined the Scottish Episcopal Church as a young man. He was firm in his purpose, humbly believing himself to be directed by God. He was uninterested in social success or financial reward.
The woman he married was not a Quaker, so Lister had to leave the Quaker Society. He faithfully attended the Scottish Episcopal Church the rest of his life. A man of true Christian character, no one ever heard him raise his voice in anger. If ever he did anything to give offense, he was quick to apologize. He said of himself, "I am a believer in the fundamental doctrines of Christianity." He told a graduating class: "It is our proud office to tend the fleshly tabernacle of the immortal spirit, and our path, if rightly followed, will be guided by unfettered truth and love unfeigned. In pursuit of this noble and holy calling I wish you all God-speed."
The following are a few of the Biblical principals that were consistent with what the medical field needed but did not realize how they could have saved thousands of lives.

Health and Sanitary Practices
Found in Scripture

Wound, Skin, and Discharge Precautions

Leviticus 15:2-11, 17:11

Postpartum Precautions

Leviticus 12:2-3

Burial Precautions

Numbers 19:11, 14-16,19,22

Leviticus 11:24-28, 40

Isolation and Quarantine

Leviticus 13:1-14:57

Numbers 5:2-4

Deuteronomy 23:10

Waste Disposal

Deuteronomy 23:12-14

Leviticus 11:33, 13:47-58, 15:12

Several years ago a man wondered if he could improve sanitation conditions and use the above scriptures to help. Later he built a sanitation plant based on these scriptures that is considered one of the best in the nation.

Conclusion

God's word tells us that there is no wisdom or counsel that will contradict his word (Proverbs 21:30). In any area God's word has something to say about it.
What about the most important decision one will make in his life time? Where will I spend eternality?

These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. I John 5:13

Written by Steven Graves.

One Year Ago...

2009-03-01T12:00:00.000-05:00

Psalm 3:5...
I laid me down and slept, I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.

February 29, 2008, was a day that we will never forget as a family. It was on
that day that our world seemed to stop, but the rest of the world contiue to flow. Ever feel like you are in a balloon...floating here and there...tossed about...

It was on that day that we were informed that I had cancer. Not just cancer, but the type that is aggressive and can spread to other parts of your body. We were devastated to say the least. It was a Friday...the doctor made us an appointment with a specialist for the next Monday...only 3 days away, but it seemed an eternity.

Thru God's grace and the prayers of many loving people, we made it thru that long weekend. Monday came, peace was over us in such a great way that we almost fell asleep while waiting for our appointment time with the doctor!! It's amazing what prayer can do. The doctor was awesome...gave us hope...see you in 3 weeks for your surgery and we'll go from there. He felt we caught it early.

Now, here we are...one year since the diagnosis and I am eternally grateful and humbled by the God that I serve. He has sustained me. He has allowed me to live. He has healed my body since the surgery...so far so good in the area of no more cancer.

I look around me at precious loved one's who have not been so fortunate. Oh, how my hearts breaks for them and their families. The depths of me is so grateful, yet so sorrowful for the pain they and their families are going thru. God is with you...allow Him to continue to carry you thru it all.

Not a day goes by that I don't think back to what happened one year ago. I want to be a testimony to the Lord in all that I do. I want the love of the Lord to flow from me to others as an act of gratefulness for what He has done, is doing and is going to do thru my life.

I am so grateful for a strong husband and precious children who walked that walk with me. Also, for precious friends who prayed and ministered to us thru that time. Thank you to all of you...you know who you are!! You are loved.

The Lord sent me a little angel on the Monday appointment with the specialist back in 2008. He let me know that I would be fine and that I would live to see my grandchildren. He also sent me a little angel today...both of these angels were older gentlemen...the one today shared with me that he had prostate cancer and is now clear of it...then his lungs were full of blood clots...three days later, he walked out of the hospital and today he is volunteering at the Strawberry Festival...and he is looking wonderful. He said..."I told the Lord if it is my time, so be it...if not, help me keep going!!" The Lord is sustaining each day of his life as he lives for the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!!! Praise the Lord!!!

My prayer is that as you read this post, you will be encouraged to love those around you fervently. Be grateful for each and every day. But, MOST IMPORTANTLY...Love the Lord, serve Him and always be grateful for everything He has given you!!!

With Much Love and Humbleness of Heart...
Tracy

Site of Interest...

2009-02-26T20:15:00.002-05:00

I have been meaning to let those who visit our blog about
two other blogs that might be of interest to you.

My hubby's website:
www.timetracts.com
(awesome stuff!!)

My daughter Rachel's blog:
www.commitedtothelord.blogspot.com

Our family is realizing that the internet really needs some
uplifting and encouraging things and we are trying to fill
the gap. You will also find links to some short video clips
my hubby and son have put on youtube. Not too great of stuff
there, so the fields are wide-open!! Hope you enjoy them!!

A response to Mohammad

2009-02-08T22:29:00.002-05:00

Today our family received the following post:

Hi. I'm realy glad I stumbled across your blog. It's heartwarming to see your family living by religious morals and values in this day and age. As a Muslim, I feel a connection with Christians, primarily through our shared belief in Almighty God. I just have a few questions, if you don't mind answering them. What is your family's impression of Islam? What is your view regarding Israel? Kind regards.

Now for our response:

Dear Mr. Mohammad,
Thank you for your post on our blog. To answer your questions:
First of all in regards to what we believe:
Most of what we believe can be found on our www.timetracts.com statement
of Faith. As for our faith, we are a family that is committed to live for
Jesus Christ as found in the Holy Scriptures, the "Bible". We purpose to
live by the principles that are found in it. Mainly, the Bible teaches
that Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven...John 14:6 "I am the way, the
truth and the life. No man cometh unto the Father but by Me."
In regards to Israel, we believe in the unconditional covenant that God made
with Israel in Genesis 12:3. Even though they have rejected Jesus Christ,
God is not finished with them as a people.
Mr. Mohammad, even though the Muslim religion and Christianity teach similar
things, in the area of eternal security, God's word, the Bible, teaches us
that one may know that they have eternal life. 1 John 5:13. What I would like
to ask you is that if you were to die tonight, where would you spend eternity?
If you stood before God, in His kingdom, and He said why should I let you into
my kingdom, what would your answer be?
John 3:16: For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son,
that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
May the God of creation guide you in your search for truth.
The Graves Family

The Girls Are Home!!

2009-01-31T23:55:00.002-05:00

We praise the Lord for the safe return of our daughters. They
have been off ministering to a new mom and her family. It is
so good to have everyone under one roof again!! Thanks to "that"
family for taking such good care of them while they were away.
Thanks to the Lord for their safety.

We love you girls and are soooo glad to have you home!!!

God's Awesome Provision!!!

2009-01-27T21:46:00.000-05:00

I AM SO EXCITED!!!!
Just a short testimony...a couple of weeks ago I was
invited to a "couponing class" put on by Anita, Celicia
and Alexis Huron. (They are the 3 oldest girls in a family
of 15 children!!) I really wanted to go...the thought of
saving money sounded really good...so I decided to go.
WOWWWWWWWWW...AM I GLAD I DID!!!!
These girls did such an awesome job sharing what God is doing
in their family in the area of using coupons to save their
family money on their grocery bill. They shared how that in
the last year they saved $8,000.00 at one store alone!!!
Okay...they really had my attention now!!!!
Okay...it sounded good...so let's give it a try and see what
I can do...
Another short note...when I left that morning, I had left my
cellphone at home...I don't go anywhere without my cellphone...
God wanted me to leave that phone home. On my way home from
the class I was about ready to bust!!! I had no one to talk to
and NO CELL PHONE!!!! All of a sudden in the quiet of my
15 passenger van a sweet voice whispered in my ear...

"Tracy, if you will be faithful in the little things I will be
faithful in much!!!"

WOW!!! What do you say to the Lord when He whispers that in your
ear??!! Okay, Lord...I will give it a try.

After two weeks of "couponing" I am so excited that I am SHOUTING
IT FROM THE ROOFTOPS!!! If you aren't already shopping this way
and are interested, let me know and I will help you get started.
If fact, they did a filming of the class and when it comes available
I will post it for those who are interested.

Today...Jan. 27th, I went grocery shopping. I went to CVS, Walgreens
and Publix. I sent 84.00 and brought home 247.00 worth of products!!!
WAHOOOOOOO!!!!! At Publix I got 16 boxes of cereal for 4.00!!!!!
I have taken pictures and they will follow this post.

My husband is so excited!!! We are buying namebrand products for a
fraction of the price and stocking our cabinets in such an abundance!!!
As of today...just 2 weeks worth of shopping...we have enough shampoo,
toothpaste, razors, cleaning products and hair detangler to get us thru
until the end of the year!!! My hubby became a believer when he bought
a 2.79 tube of toothpaste for .49 the other day!!!

My prayer is that I have shared this testimony and that someone will be
encouraged and changed by it. God is such an awesome provider!!!

MANY, MANY thanks and much love to the Huron girls for their obedience
to God's prompting in having this class. This is one momma who will be
forever indebted to them!!!! (in a good way!!!:))

Til later...
Tracy

A view of everything

Closer look of left side...

Closer look of right side...

Ben's Special Day!!

2009-01-25T15:08:00.000-05:00

For a belated Christmas present, Ben requested a
day off with Mom and Dad to do something special.
He chose to go to the Super Bowl Experience at
Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. It was a nice time.
It did also help us to realize how and what our true
focus in life needs to be. It is okay to have
"hobbies"...things we enjoy doing, but our true focus
needs to be loving the Lord Jesus Christ with all our
hearts and loving others thru Him.

Ben and his Dad!!

GO, MOM, GO!!!!

The famous Vince Lombardi trophy given to the winning team.

Ben as a Buc for a day and Mom.