So...there's this hole.

I've had a stress test, an ultra sound, a bubble test, and a couple of weeks ago I had a TEE test that confirmed that I have a hole in my heart. This is very unusual to be found in an adult, and has apparently been there since birth. I am ever so grateful for the Lord's protection! It hasn't caused me any major problems through all my pregnancies and life until as of late. Though I have gone to the doctor 4-5 times because of chest pain since I was 13, but it was always excused away as 'your changing', 'you're pregnant', 'you just had a baby', and so on.  But now it needs fixin'. I did not handle the anestectic too well. Jeff was so sweet and tender with me, holding my hand, helping me drink, praying with me, walking me in the house, by my side all the way - I love that man!
So since this is usually taken care of as an infant I am being sent to a specialist on the 15th, of this month, a pediatric specialist. My doctor said I will be his oldest patient! There's a 90% chance that this can be fixed through a catheter, otherwise it would mean another doctor and another surgery. So we know just what to pray for!

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Blessings!

Tomorrow we need to get up and go so today I took advantage of a keeper at home day and lounged in bed for a bit snuggling my little ones. There were 6 of us all together piled in bed and talking about the day ahead. Then one suggested that they get some apple cider - a favorite this time of year! So everyone quickly got up except for me and Ben. He moved in closer and said with a great big smile, "Aha! Save the best for last!" So the two of us snuggled a bit more! What a great way to start the day!

iHeartFaces - Lydia

This is my first time entering the iHeartFaces photo competition. I snapped this picture of Lydia on a fishing trip this summer. Lydia loved playing with the worms and crickets, and splashing in the water. :)

~Megan

P.S. Just noticed this is post 101 for the Kunkel bunch. :)

Lydia is 2!

Today was Lydia's second birthday! When ever we would talk to her about her birthday she would say, "Eat cake!" and hold up 2 fingers. This is such a playful and fun age! We are cherishing every fleeting moment!

Harvest!

I have been talking about it for years now. It made me a bit nervous, broken glass, hot temperatures, pressure...but now - victory! I had a coupon for jars, and we just got a hot water bath at the store, and we started canning! Our garden was devoured by deer this year so we got absolutely no vegetables from it. We did get several handfuls of strawberries and blueberries, and our peach tree gave us 5 peaches! But they were consumed quickly! We picked up a couple bushel of peaches and started with them. It worked! We were so thrilled! The girls kept saying, "This is so old fashioned! Such homesteading!" Then, we were blessed abundantly by a dear friends who brought us pails of beans, potatoes, beets, and corn! And then neighbors generously gave us tomatoes! So with a bit of confidence under our belt and many helping hands, we got it all put away - minus what we ate! The kids just can't resist a raw bean!

Luk 10:2 Then He said to them, "The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest."

Emily's Birthday

Emily Grace turned 11 on Thursday! Love ya Ems!











Emily loves
~ Sewing - she made her dress!
~ Playing piano
~ Reading books
~ Playing doctor-she loves to be in charge of vitamins, bandaids, and medicines when needed
~ Holding babies
~ And baking bread!

Daniel's Frogs

Daniel LOVES these frogs. One of the prime entertainment sources around here has been 'feeding the frogs'. They have such lovely table manners! Since we all enjoy it so much, we just assumed you would too!

Daniel got these frogs as tadpoles last October. They looked like a bag of dirty water, they were so small you could hardly see them! We started out with 17 tadpoles and now we have, well, 4 frogs. :) We pet them and hold them whenever Mom lets us! They are very loved!

Shoes!

They bring the greatest panic when we're trying to go somewhere and can't find them! But this time they bring great joy! I imagine for a middle child of 8 kids to get something that is not a hand-me-down, something new off the shelf that you actually get to cut tags of is pretty exciting! Especially when it's not even your birthday! This time it was Joey's turn to get new shoes! Our biggest dilema was whether to get laces or velcro. He wanted to learn to tie, but Jeff and I were a bit apprehensive because we knew if he didn't learn quickly, we were committed to tying them for him until he did. And re-tying them. And re-tying. We conceeded to his wishes and brought the tying shoes home. Joey imediately cut the tags off and asked when he would get his first lesson in tying! He followed me around, making sure as soon as I finished a few things I was keeping my word. So we sat on the couch and did the whole rabbit hole, rabbit ear routine. It took him 3 tries and he could do it all on his own! He was so excited he wanted to sleep with them!

Pics

This is Megan pretending to be a photographer and having fun doing it. :) I just sat on the driveway and snapped away!

Average?

It's been said that the National average of children per family is 2.5, we have an average of 2.5 in every bedroom! Even if our kids could have their own rooms we appreciate all that being together teaches them! Being quiet when someone else is sleeping, respectful of property, keeping your part clean, are all good things! But we especially like the relationships that build during those times between being put to bed and actually going to sleep! We often hear giggles, story telling, talking and even an occassional wrestling! Jeff and I laugh and love to listen to the deep belly laughs. Lately, we've gotten in the habbit of telling stories to the kids before bed ourselves. Or we may share the favorite part of everyone's day. Wonderful memories! There are times when we have to tell them to be quiet and get to sleep, but we're so thankful for the fun that they have of just being together!

Robbie

Robbie turns 16 today and we got him a new set of wheels to celebrate! He will have the priviledge of pedaling them for a long time! ;-) What a blessing it is to have such a wonderful kid, always willing to help, so good with the little ones, a handyman, and keeps us all laughing with his sense of humor! Happy Birthday Robbie! It's been a great 16 years so far!







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Believers Baptism

Last Sunday was a very special day for our family! Daniel and Emily were baptized! Here is what we mean by this, it's a bit long, but well worth the read. This was taken directly from a study that we've been working on as a family, printed with permission from Faith Baptist Church:

It is essential that we understand the Bible's teaching on baptism. The teachings regarding baptism vary among different denominations and sects.

The teachings on baptism range from those who believe baptism imparts salvation to those who believe that baptism should no longer be practiced by the Church. Many believe that baptizing infants imparts or guarantees the infants' salvation.

Not only are there various teachings on baptism, but there are many methods of baptizing practiced by different denominations, such as sprinkling, pouring, or immmersion.

We must learn what the Bible says so we can have a proper understanding of baptism. Not only is it important to understand baptism from a theological perspective, but it is important form a practical aspect as well. Once we know what the Bible teaches, we can do what God asks.

Acts 2:41 "Then they that gladly received the Word were baptized."

Definition: The word baptize comes form the Greek word baptizo meaning "to immerse, to put under, to place into completely."

From the following passages, note the concept of baptism.

Matthew 3:6 "And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins."

Matthew 3:16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water:

Acts 8:36-39 And as they went on [their] way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, [here is] water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
Act 8:37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
Act 8:38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
Act 8:39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.

Every instance of baptism in Scripture is seen going into the water or coming out of the water. Baptism in Scripture is always total immersion in water.

The Purpose of Baptism:

Baptism has a distinct purpose. It is a picture of our salvation and identification with Christ.

1.) Salvation ALWAYS precedes baptism!
According to Acts 2:41, who gets baptized?
Acts 2:41 "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added [unto them] about three thousand souls."

Acts 8:12 What took place prior to their baptism?
Acts 8:12 "But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women."

In Acts 16:31-34, before this household was baptized what took place?
Acts 16:31-34 "And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
Act 16:32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.
Act 16:33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed [their] stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
Act 16:34 And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house."


Acts 8:36-37 What was the one condition for this man to receive baptism?
Acts 8:36-37 "And as they went on [their] way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, [here is] water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
Act 8:37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."

There is NOT one example in Scripture of any individual who was ever baptized prior to salvation. Salvation always comes first, then baptism.

Knowing this from Scripture, please explain why infant baptism would then be wrong?

Baptism ALWAYS pictures salvation. Look up 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. What are the 3 ingredients that make up the Gospel?

1 Corinthians 15:1-4 "Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
1Cr 15:2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
1Cr 15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
1Cr 15:4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:"

In Romans 6:3-4, what does baptism picture?
Romans 6:3-4 "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
Rom 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."

Standing in the water (upright as on the cross)
Picturing His death

Placed under the water (horizonal, as in the tomb)
Picturing His burial

Coming up out of the water (He is risen!)
Picturing His resurrection

Baptism always pictures salvation. It is always done AFTER one is saved. It is ALWAYS a public declaration of what has taken place in one's life. Single immersion in water is the only method of baptism that pictures salvation.

Martin Luther said: "Baptism is a Greek word and may be translated immersion. I would have those who are to be baptized to be altogether dipped in the water."

John Calvin said: "The very word 'baptism' means to immerse. It is certain that immersion was the practice fo the early Church."

The Importance of Baptism

Why is it important to be baptized? In Matthew 28:19 the Great Commission of Jesus Christ commands you to do three things:

Matthew 28:19 "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:"

Make Disciples. Baptize them. Teach them.

What is commanded in Acts 10:48?
Acts 10:48 "And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days."

If you are instructed to be baptized, what is it when you do what you are commanded to do?
Obedience.

Conclusion:
Baptism is important because it is the first step of obedience in our new Christian life.
Acts 8:27-39 " And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,
Act 8:28 Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Isaiah the prophet.
Act 8:29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.
Act 8:30 And Philip ran thither to [him], and heard him read the prophet Isaiah, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?
Act 8:31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.
Act 8:32 The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:
Act 8:33 In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.
Act 8:34 And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?
Act 8:35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.
Act 8:36 And as they went on [their] way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, [here is] water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
Act 8:37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
Act 8:38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
Act 8:39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing."

The teaching of Scripture on baptism is clear. Now you may understand why we call it "beliver's baptism".

There is much false teaching among religious groups concerning baptism. From the biblical principles taught in this lesson, we should understand and be able to identify the following false teachings and why these teachings are not what the Scriptures teach.

The Bible does not teach that:
1.) Man must be baptized in order to be saved.
2.) Baptism by being sprinkled is just as meaningful as immersion.
3.) Babies should be baptized into God's family or into "the Church".

As you seek to walk with God in your new Christian life, it is important that you always obey God. Baptism is that first major step. It identifies you as a Believer! It pictures your new relationship that you have with Jesus Christ.

This was taken directly from a wonderful dicipleship book that we have had and gone through for years. It also covers The Bible, God, Salvation, Eternal Security, The Holy Spirit, Prayer, Dealing With Sin, The Will of God, Liberty in Christ, The Local Church, Fellowship, Stewardship, Giving, The Lord's Supper, Spiritual Gifts, Personal Evangelism, My Job and My Employer, The Unsaved World, and Discipleship. In each study it pulls the scripture directly from the Bible, so we can learn exactly what God says about each subject - it's been a fabulous tool! Thank you Faith Baptist Church!

Deuteronomy 6:7 "And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."

Bunch of Berries!

Berry patches fear us! We can really do some damage in picking and eating! 106lbs of blueberries, last week it was 22-25 qaurts of black raspberries (and these were all God given, organic from our back field!). We put some in the freezer and we leave a dish of them on the counter and everyone grabs a handful as they pass by. And now the black berries are so abundant, we've gotton some, but we're pretty tired of being poked and scratched by the thorns! ;-)

Psalm 34:10b But those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.

Summer Fun!