Pfaller Pfun

HE is changing her heart!!

2009-05-12T12:06:00.002-04:00

I was so thankful for the reminder this week that the Lord is working in my sweet little girl's heart!! As we were walking through Kohl's the other day, Mika was not behaving very well. She was begging for a toy, not staying with me, and was not respecting me with her words. For a minute I was letting this behavior slide when the Lord so graciously pointed me to my laziness in not correcting her. I knelt down in front of her to whisper that her behavior was sin and she was not bringing glory to God. Normally, Mika would stop the behavior, but it would be obvious that her heart was not changed. This time was different, she immediately became very repentent and asked to hold my hand so she could stay with me. I was excited about the quick change. That night at dinner as we were telling daddy what happened, I thanked her for her quick change in behavior. She told me and Mark, "When mommy said I was sinning, God told me He wanted to change my heart, and my heart started beating hard and fast. That is why I stop acting bad." Mark and I just sat and stared at each other. We were both soooo grateful that the Lord is opening her eyes. We knew that could only come from Him. I need to be more faithful and quick to discipline her, but God is the one that is changing her. I am in AWE of HIM!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mother's Day

2009-05-12T11:30:00.002-04:00

I hope everyone had a great Mother's Day! My husband and kids sure made it special for me!! Before church, Makenzie made an omelet for me. She did a great job and made me feel very special!! The Lord was very gracious to remind me through several words during church that it was by His strength and grace that I can be the mom He created me to be and that He died for the mistakes and sin that I frequently make with and against my children. PRAISE GOD that He did not leave to do this awesome task alone. After church, we had a great lunch and they took me shopping for a tennis outfit to begin playing in the neighborhood tennis league. I was amazed how patient they were as I tried on many outfits. Not one complaint!! The day did not end there, they all sat and watch the finale of Amazing Race with me that evening. I think this was my favorite Mother's Day ever!! (I think I say that every year!!)

SPRING TRAINING!!!

2009-05-12T11:16:00.003-04:00

Caleb began spring training last week for tackle football. He has played flag football for a few years, so he was ready for the next step. He starts tackling this week. Not sure whether I shoud start worrying yet!!

Mark and Caleb's Fishin' Trip

2009-05-12T11:11:00.001-04:00

EASTER PFUN

2009-05-12T11:02:00.003-04:00

EASTER!!!

We had a great Easter!! After Easter baskets and church, we picked up subs and had a picnic at the park. Mark and I hid Easter eggs for the kids and enjoyed watching them hunt. Makenzie and Caleb did not complain about hunting since there was lots of money hidden for them. We finished the picnic with a round of frisbee golf on an actual frisbee golf course, which was quite hard since it was on the side of a mountain!! We finished the evening having dinner with great friends.

Praise God from Whom ALL Blessings Flow!!!

2009-03-21T09:36:00.002-04:00

Yeah!! Mark has a job. It's not just a job, it's a great job!! We are sooo thankful to our Father for this blessing. We have learned so much through this trial, like learning to depend on the Lord and giving full and rightful control to Him. He is such a GOOD God!! I do not know how people go through trials without Him. We have also learned great things like the joy of not being in debt. I have been so thankful for a husband who has told me NO many times to silly things, so that we would not be in debt. I have found that leaning on Mark as the leader for our family is very easy. His faith in God has been unwavering and I am grateful for the many times during this trial that he did not let me give into self-pity and worry. He constantly pointed me to my Savior! We have both been very thankful to our family and friends for their love, support, and prayers. We are convinced that we attend the greatest church ever. The love that we recieved from our pastors, friends, and care group is unmatchable. We both have the best families ever!!

Three Treed BIG TIME!!!

2009-03-12T18:42:00.003-04:00

I know this title may seem foreign to most, but most Sovereign Gracers know exactly what it means. Thanks to my very loving Father, who hates sin, my very caring husband, who is not scared to comfront my sin, and much examination, by me the sinner, I have unfortunately been producing some bad fruit recently in this trial. I do know how many times this week I have said, "I just want my life back." Which in turn the Lord so lovingly showed me that I was like the Isrealites complaining and saying they just wanted to go back to Egypt. I have always thought how silly that was, until I found myself begging for the riches of slavery and denying God's plan. (Numbers 11:1-15) I haven't stood up under the temptation and preached the gospel to myself in the last week. I have not let His presence be my yearning. I was so grateful because God did not let Mark stop there, we went on to look at 2 Corintians 1:1-12. Iknow in this life my trials will never be as hard as Paul's, but I am grateful that he wrote about them so that we can share in the comfort. Please be praying that I will see God's mercy and comfort (verse 2-4), His deliverence (verse 10), and His grace to affect my conduct (verse 12). That it would bear good fruit. It hasn't stopped me from praying for quick deliverence from the trial, but it has made me pray once again to walk in faith trusting in Him for deliverence in His perfect plan!!!!

Jesus, Draw Me Ever Nearer!!!

2009-02-17T16:52:00.002-05:00

Jesus draw me ever nearer
As I labour through the storm.
You have called me to this passage,
and I'll follow, though I'm worn.

May this journey bring a blessing,
May I rise on wings of faith;
And at the end of my heart's testing
With your likeness let me wake.

Jesus guide me through the tempest;
Keep my spirit staid and sure.
When the midnight meets the morning,
Let me love You even more.

Let the treasures of the trial
Form within me as I go -
And at the end of this long passage,
Let me leave them at your throne.

-"Jesus Draw Me Ever Nearer"Music by Keith Getty; Words by Margaret BeckerCopyright © 2002 Thankyou Music

15 Years!!!!

2009-02-12T08:09:00.002-05:00

It is our 15th anniversary!!! The Lord has really blessed us. I am soooo grateful for the wonderful, godly man of God that the Lord has given me to live this life with. It is easy to follow when God gives you a humble leader. I love you, Mark!!! I look forward to many more years together. It is a fun journey!!!!

Before the Cross

2009-02-12T07:57:00.004-05:00

Last night in family worship, we sang "Before the Cross":
Before the cross I humbly bow
I place my trust in the Savior
Your finished work
Captures my gaze
You bore the wrath
I know the grace
After we sang I realized that even in the hardest trial, God has already filled my greatest need. He lived a perfect, sinless life and took the punishment that I deserved. Even now that my life is not as comfortable as I would like it, I can certainly say, "I am better than I deserve". It also brought joy to my heart as I listened to my children pour out their heart to God. They are really trusting in the Lord for provision. I pray the Lord reveals more of His great love to them and they always remember how the Lord met every one of their needs!!!

Facebooking with Daddy!!

2009-02-07T21:37:00.003-05:00

As I was facebooking my dad, the Lord gave me this scripture. Isaish26:3-4 - "You keep him in perfect peace whose minds is stayed on you, because He trusts in YOU. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord is an everlasting ROCK!!!" I love what the ESV Study Bible says: The source of such peace is the righteous, sovereign, saving God - who will wipe away every tear, and who alone is worthy of trust. The vindication of faith is secured by the solid dependability of God. I love depending on the sovereign God. It is so comforting to know that my sovereign God knows my past, present, and future!!! And that my present situation lies in HIS very dependable hand!!!!

Joy in HIM!!!

2009-02-07T14:01:00.004-05:00

My God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory!!! I am finding great joy in my Savior!! I did not realize how much joy there is by trusting in Him to care for me and not in myself. It was exhausting before!!!
It seems before I can speak the need that is swirling around in my head the Lord has already taken care of it!! For instance, one of my concerns was what will I do when I need to have my hair colored. I know that sounds very vain, but it was a concern since I began graying very early in life. Well, I did it!! I colored my own hair. And I must say that it looks really good. It was just another way the Lord is caring for me.

Grace For the Moment!!!

2009-02-04T18:02:00.004-05:00

"Grace for the moment!!" Thank you to my friends who continue to give this promise to me!! I have certainly sensed His grace today! Today as I was filling out my gorcery list and trying to be a good steward of the money we have, I had to battle hard not to get discouraged and remember that God is our provider. It has been hard to remember that His grace is there for the moment I need it and not for things my imagination may bring up for the future. When I got in the car the following song began playing:
BE STILL, MY SOUL; THE LORD IN ON THY SIDE;
BEAR PATIENTLY THE THE CROSS OF GRIEF OR PAIN;
LEAVE TO THY GOD TO ORDER AND PROVIDE;
IN EVERY CHANGE HE FAITHFUL WILL REMAIN.
BE STILL, MY SOUL, THE BEST, THY HEAVENLY, FRIEND
THROUGH THORNY WAYS LEADS TO A JOYFUL END.
He was definately there this morning to remind me that He had ordered and He will provide!!!!!

A New Journey

2009-02-02T13:40:00.005-05:00

So many people keep asking how we are doing, so I thought I might journal some of the new journey. I guess right now I say, "It stinks"!!!! I never thought I see the day when I would kiss my husband goodbye on his way to file for unemployment. Mark has been such a trooper so far. His constant faith and drive to live what he has preached for so long has sooo encouraged me. Yesterday at church several prophetic words were given and I have found them popping in my head today when I feel I might get discouraged. One of them has been given to me three times now by different people. It is James 1:2-4, "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces STEADFASTNESS. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be prefect and complete, lacking in nothing." That is my heart's desire as I sit and write this. Even though it stinks right now my heart is crying out for His full work during this trial be done in my life. And may HE alone receive all the glory before, during and after this trial!!! Another picture that continues to go through my mind is the Lord reaching His hand out to me calling me to leave the comfort of my life and walk in faith on water with Him. (Matthew 14:28-33) So if you see me looking at the wind, growing afraid and sinking, I welcome your encouragement to see the Son of God!!!!!

2009-01-31T12:28:00.003-05:00

God often takes a course
for accomplishing His purposes
directly contrary to what our
narrow views would prescribe
He brings a death upon our feelings,
wishes, and prospects when
He is about to give us
the desire of our hearts
- John Newton

Our Gift!!!

2009-01-09T09:16:00.003-05:00

In January 10, 1996, God gifted us with our wonderful daughter Makenzie. What a blessing she is!!!! There are many adjectives that are very fitting to describe our Rosie: beautiful, graceful, quiet, meek, calm, loving, caring, but perhaps our favorite is godly. Wow, how she has grown this year! She has grown in her love for the Savior and it has been very evident in the fruit that has manifested. She is very unselfish in her love for her brother and sister. She is always quick to obey and honor her parents. Her love for godliness as grown and is less affected by things of the world. This year she becomes a TEENAGER!!! Can you believe it? It is hard to imagine for us as well. We love you, Rosie! We pray that your love for the Savior increases, and that you know more of the riches of His grace as you grow into the teen years! Happy B-day!!

Another Favorite Gift!!!

2009-01-05T17:19:00.002-05:00

On January 7, 1998, God gave us a miracle when Caleb was born!! What a gift he was!!! He has always given us alot of joy and laughs. God gifted him in athletics at a very early age. As we have learned this year his favortie sport is definately football. Everytime he is given a writing assignment this school year it has been very predictable: football. It helps that his favorite team, the TN Titans, is doing so well. GO TITANS!!!! There have been many wonderful memories this year from watching him play football and basketball to seeing him interact with his sisters and buddies. Our favorite has been seeing his eyes open to his Savior. The other day during family worship this was his prayer, "God thank you for gifting me to play sports. I know that I would not be good and fall on my face if it wasn't for You!" This brought tears to my eyes. If you know Caleb, then you know this is an awesome revelation for him. You are a gift to your dad and mom, little buddy. We are sooooo thankful for you!!! Happy 11th birthday! We pray we get to spend many more with you!!!!

Christmas Pfun!!!

2009-01-05T16:16:00.004-05:00

We had a blast this Christmas! On the 21st, we went to Knoxville to spend Christmas with Mark's family. It was such fun to reconnect with them. We were very blessed by the gifts we recieved! We also celebrated Mika's b-day while there. We spent a very chilly evening looking at Christmas lights and eating cake. We came home on the 23rd and went to our friends home for a few games and laughs. I must brag that the girls finally beat the men in a game of Peurto Rico!!!! Yahoo!!!! Christmas Eve the kids exchange their gifts to eachother and we watched Prince Caspian. On Christmas morning, we had a great time as a family and sped off to see my family in Memphis. We had a blast!!! Two days of shopping with the money my parents gave us. DOES IT GET ANY BETTER!! Not to mention the late nights night of laughing, chair tipping into clocks, and cousins turning flips and headstands in the living room. It is hard to believe the holidays are over. This will go down in history as a time of alot of fun!!!!

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Birthday Pfun!

2009-01-05T15:31:00.001-05:00

Mika enjoyed celebrating her birthday with her cousins in Knoxville!

One of Our Favorite Gifts!!!

2008-12-19T07:58:00.003-05:00

Five years ago on December 22, 2003, God gave us our beautiful baby girl. She has been such a wonderful gift. She has given us much joy and laughter in her five years. She has also made sure that we continue to lean on the Lord. Our favorite memory of her this year is her increasing interest in learning more about the gospel. This past year someone put up a cross on a vacant lot that we pass almost everyday when we leave the house. Everytime we pass it she gets so excited and says, "Daddy (mommy) ask me cross words?" She loves for us to ask her questions about the gospel. We are grateful for the reminder we pass often to remind us to teach our little girl the most important thing that could ever be taught. The Lord as used this and we have seen great change in our little girl. We have seen God opening her eyes to her sin and His awesome sacrifice for it! Happy Birthday, JellyBean!!!! We love you!!!

Resurgence Christmas Party

2008-12-15T11:58:00.003-05:00

Last night, Mark took Makenzie to our Resurgence (youth group) Christmas Party. It was a costume party. Makenzie went as little kid on Christmas morning and Mark went as a football player. (don't get any ideas the Falcons jersey was a last minute idea, we still love the Titans even if they did loose to the Texans) They had a blast at the party. Our youth group is an parent/teen group that allows the parents to attend with the youth. Mark loves this opportunity to spend time with Makenzie and see her grow in godliness. We see God's grace working in her life!!

Happy 39th Birthday, Mark!

2008-12-13T16:03:00.003-05:00

Today is Mark's 39th bithday! The kids and I are sooooo thankful for the godly man that God has given us to lead our family! Your the best, honey!

Tagged!!

2008-12-11T18:48:00.004-05:00

I was tagged! Here is the 5th picture in the 5th folder of my pictures. (thanks, Wok!!) Isn't she adorable! It was Mika's 2nd Christmas. (she was only 3 days old on her fist Christmas) Okay, I tag Heather Hoerl, Michelle Lindsey, and Makenzie Pfaller. When tagged you are suppose to publish the 5th picture in the 5th folder in you computer. No pressure, just fun! (or should I say PFUN!!)

Thanksgiving!!

2008-12-04T18:50:00.003-05:00

As you can see, we had a blast during the Thanksgiving holiday! After enjoying a great dinner, we spent lots of time playing games and looking through the newspaper ads for our shopping trip on Friday. The next day we fought the crowds. After much looking. I found the one gift that I had set out to find. Later Friday night, we went to Christmas in the City that was in downtown Knoxville. The kids had a blast eating kettlecorn, making crafts, and playing with their cousins. They look forward to going back at Christmas to ice skate.

So Thankful!!

2008-11-25T16:29:00.003-05:00

Since I have been blessed in the fact that my mother-in-law is doing all the cooking for Thanksgiving, (which I am thankful for) I have had more time to ponder what I am thankful for this year. The Lord has blessed me with a wonderful family. An awesome husband who loves, serves, and dies to himself daily to care for us. Three children who are a joy to parent everyday. The ability to stay home to care for my family and homeschool my children. I am sure like most of you I am most thankful for my Saviour. It never ceases to amaze me that One so holy would lay down His life for me. This morning the Lord lead me to this gentle reminder in Andrew Murray's book, Humility:
"With Christ, who committed His Spirit into the Father's hands, humble yourself and descend each day into the perfect, helpless dependence upon God. God will raise you up and exalt you. Every morning, sink in deep, deep nothingness into the grave of Jesus. Every day, the life of Jesus will be manifest in you."
WOW! I pray that will be my heart's cry, to depend on Him and lay down my life daily that He will be lifted up. I'm so thankful that my Saviour provided the way. Happy Thanksgiving!!!

First B-Ball Game

2008-11-15T15:25:00.002-05:00

Caleb had his first basketball game today. They won 22-18. Caleb scored 8 of their points. He is playing for a different league this year. He is playing for Shiloh Hills. It is a very competitive league. He is having a blast because one of his church freinds is on his team. WAY TO GO, BUD!! Mom and Dad are proud of you!

It's Fixed!!!

2008-11-03T11:51:00.001-05:00

Big OOPS!!!!

2008-11-03T11:36:00.005-05:00

Mark has been so sweet this week to begin beadboarding my downstars bathroom. It was a belated birthday present for me. He has been so busy that it has taken until now to begin the project. He worked all day Saturday cutting out the piece to fit behind the tiolet. About 7:00p.m. Saturday night (when the Vol game was beginning) he was ready to screw the board in the wall. At that time all I heard was, "Kim,Kim, Come Quick!!!!" When I came around the corner all I could see was water spraying (like Mount St Helen) everywhere. Mark was trying his hardest to block it, but it was spraying his face, body, and had already covered his feet. Even funnier, I had already put on my PJs to enjoy the game, I was running around the outside of the house trying to figure out how to shut off the water. Our neighbor was enjoying the sight from his front yard and came over to shut off the water for me. After a quick trip to Home Depot, we started the game around 9pm. As you can see from the picture, Mark's tools were floating in the bathroom. What you can't see is water covering the walls, dripping from the ceiling, and Mark fully drenched. I love you, honey. Thank you for serving your wife and her impossible demands! I'm sorry that the game stunk on top of everything you went through.

For HIM!!

2008-11-03T11:30:00.002-05:00

I thought this was a beautiful picture of Makenzie. At the end of the Christmas program every year the girls end the show by taking off their pointe shoes and pointing them to the cross. We are so grateful that the Lord has given Makenzie the chance to use her talent for HIM!!!

2008-10-29T16:07:00.001-04:00

For the first time, their pumpkin carving was pretty good!

2008-10-29T16:01:00.002-04:00

CARE GROUP!!

We just had our first care group social and had a blast! After a game of kickball, the kids having a great time on the playground and playing football, and enjoying southern fried chicken, we were all worn out.

2008-10-29T15:51:00.005-04:00

I agree! GO VOLS!

Steal the base, Shelly!

I know the pictures are not that great! I was suppose to be the catcher and you know how competitive Mark is. I had to take them quick!

7-0 Season!!

2008-10-19T17:01:00.003-04:00

Caleb's team swept the season in football. He scored 3 touchdowns on Saturday, beating the other team, 34-6. I tried to convince him that he got all his talent from me, but as you can see from my last post, it clearly came from his father and ultimately from his Heavenly Father! WAY TO GO STEELERS!!!!

!!!Champs!!!

2008-10-19T16:57:00.003-04:00

He wins again! Mark's tennis team is now the ALTA champions in his league. Mark and his partner, Mike, (or Bing-Bong, the kids call him) won 6-1.6-1 and finished in two sets. They play in the play-offs this coming Saturday. YOU GO, JUICEBOX AND BING-BONG!!

Caregroup

2008-10-15T16:46:00.002-04:00

Well, I'm off to continue to clean for caregroup tonight. We are both having a blast being caregroup leaders. I so enjoy seeing Mark used by the Lord to lead worship and group discussion. I know we have all called him the "pride-munger" for so long, but I am so encouraged watching him grow in humility as he leads. Tonight the discussion is about a message that our pastor gave on Sunday. He spoke on Joshua 7:1-26. One of the questions he asked was, "Do you take sin seriously?". After much reflection since Sunday, I am sooooo grateful for my Savior who died on the cross for my sin!!! It is amazing to think Jesus, the most Holy One, took my punishment and accounted His righteousness to me.

2008-10-15T16:36:00.002-04:00

What a blast! Makenzie, Caleb, and I went with some friends horseback riding today. This was the first time the kids had ever ridden a horse that was not attached to a pony circle. They each brushed and saddled their own horse. After a short lesson they were out walking and trotting in the arena. They both had very energitic horses. The owner pegged me well and put me on Cole, a 22 yr old horse. We got along great. After playing in the arena we went on a very hilly trail ride. When we were done we each unsaddled our horse and brushed them out. They have not stop talking about it yet.

2008-10-15T16:33:00.000-04:00

Makenzie on a very stubborn Lightening!

2008-10-15T16:31:00.001-04:00

Caleb on Belew!

2008-10-14T19:56:00.002-04:00

OK, don't tell anyone, but we ditched school today and went on a fieldtrip. (homeschoolers get to do that to!) We joined a few good friends and went to the pumpkin patch. The kids had a blast leading the moms through the corn maze. They did pretty good, however we were all very muddy when we were finished. Mika enjoyed riding the pony, and of course was begging to go again. Kenz and Caleb were not jealous since they get to go real horseback riding tomorrow. Maybe I'll post those pictures tomorrow, if I'm not to sore and walking bowlegged.

2008-10-14T19:53:00.000-04:00

Mika got to ride Milky Way the pony

2008-10-14T19:49:00.001-04:00

Makenzie, Caleb, and Mika at Yahoo Farms

Juicebox WINS!

2008-10-14T18:34:00.005-04:00

I know you are probably wondering who juicebox is, well it's Mark. That is the nickname his team has given him. He and his tennis partner won again this week. If they win again this Saturday, then there is a good chance his team will be #1.

It Begins!

2008-10-14T16:37:00.001-04:00

I know! I have been saying forever that I do not have time to do this, but I thought all our family and friends might enjoy seeing our pictures and hearing the fun stories from time to time. So here it goes! I may or may not be able to keep up with it, but I will try.