Growing in Grace

grain mill giveaway

2011-09-06T12:27:00.000-07:00

Here is a giveaway for a wonderful Grain Mill!

http://heavenlyhomemakers.com/nutrimill-giveaway-from-paulas-bread/comment-page-59#comment-111987

Happy New Year!

2010-01-09T14:57:00.000-08:00

Wow. 2009 was a busy year! I pray that you will find yourself following Christ and trusting Him in a much deeper way in 2010. I will look to do a bigger update soon! Happy New Year everyone!

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T03:59:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to Mom Timmer and Mom Losch! God blessed me with a wonderful mother from birth and then blessed me again when I got married with a great mother-in-law!

Mom, I could not ask for a better mother! The first thing I think of when I look back, is you sitting at the kitchen table in the morning with your Bible wide open, reading away. What an awesome example that was to me. You made it clear that time with God in His Word was of utmost importance! I also know that you love me unconditionally. It has always been clear through your words and actions. You always built me up and told me how proud you were of me which made me felt like I could do anything! I know that if I need you, you will be by my side in a second flat! I am blessed beyond what I could ever ask for. I thank God He made me your daughter. Thank you Mom for all the sacrifices, hard work, and love you have given over all the years. I love you. Happy Mother's Day!

Here is what a friend recently wrote about my Mom:

Today I wanted to share someone who was deeply impactful during my growing up years, Jan. She was the mother of my best friend (Heather) and our families were close. They welcomed me over at their house day or night and I often celebrated holidays (like Memorial Day, Labor Day, etc.) with their family. As I reflect though, two things stand out in my memory.

1. I knew Jan loved me (through the ups and downs of those formative years)

2. She used her kitchen amazingly during our teen years.

What teen doesn't want to cook fun things over at someone elses house? :) While canning vegetables was hated in my own home; I was happy to freeze blueberries over at Jan's house! (Gotta love teenagers!)

She was a wonderful cook and our families cooked many things differently so I enjoyed making dinners, desserts, the renowned family rolls, etc. Not only did I learn a lot about cooking (and enjoyed eating!); but Jan made the most of those late night talks. We discussed many things over the years: Spiritual issues, home and family, boys, life dreams and goals. She invited me to put my views and ideas on the table. She may not always agree with me (and said so), but I knew she spoke in love and wanted the best for my life. Many a night ended after midnight with the sink full of dishes. Those times were invaluable to me in the formation of my own beliefs, thoughts and life desires. While I am sure her main desire was conversing and engaging her own two daughters, she opened her home and heart to me and I will be forever grateful.

Now, as a mother myself, it is my desire to invite my children's friends over with open heart (and refrigerator!) I believe it begins even now in these younger years as I open my kitchen to my own children and invite them to cook with me.

Thank you Jan. God used you and your family mightily in my life. Thank you for loving me and opening your home to me. I don't believe I will ever forget the Friday nights eating pizza and chips while watching, "The Princess Bride;" making Cream Puff Dessert, chicken with broccoli, and enjoying your laughter as we played games and talked while waiting for many a delicious morsel to cook in the oven. I love you.

It's clear to me that my Mom was not only a blessing to me, but to those around me. She has impacted to world in ways that will never be forgotten. Thanks, Mom.

I don't want to leave out my mother-in-law! Mom Losch, thank you so much for raising the man I love more than anyone! I am so grateful for him and who he is. I know that it took so much time, effort, training, and love to make him the man he is today. I have no doubt that he also saw you reading God's word habitually as well. The heart for missions that you modeled to him has now touched lives through us for eternity. I am also grateful for all that you have done for us over the years. We know that you would drop everything to help us in any way possible. You have spent countless hours typing in vital information and sending it via email while we were overseas, taken care of our kids for who knows how many hours when needed, and you have prayed for us no matter where God has placed us in this world. Thank you for all that you do. I am blessed to have a mother-in-law like you and I really mean that! Happy Mother's Day!

I can't believe it's been TEN years!

2009-05-02T16:18:00.000-07:00

HAPPY 10TH BIRTHDAY, ELIZABETH!!! Enjoy your montage! (Elizabeth picked this song from Go Fish.)The pictures are a few from the last three years.

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

We had a party for her with her grandparents and also cousin, Abbi. We shocked her by having our friend Tammi show up with a parakeet... a birthday present from Dad and Mom! She was speechless (although that's not too hard with her!) She is having a lot of fun with him and has named him Buddy. =}

It's hard to believe that we've had our precious Elizabeth Anne for 10 years already! She is growing into a beautiful young woman! She is creative, tender of heart, beautiful, smart as a whip, and a joy to have around. We love you Elizabeth. May you walk closer with Christ this year and know Him deeper as your Friend and Guide. Listen to Him carefully. As you walk with Him and follow His ways, you will experience joy deeper than you can possibly imagine. Happy Birthday to our precious 10 year old!

Spring has sprung... fast!

2009-04-27T18:43:00.000-07:00

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Well, Spring is here and has been just flying by! I looked back at the calendar to see what we have been up to and found some pretty fun events. Back in mid March Elizabeth participated in the AWANA Olympics over in Comstock Park. It was fun to watch the kids play. We were impressed by the great attitudes of the kids and the coaches. It was a fun day for all and both Chapel Pointe teams took 3rd place. Great job guys!
Over that same weekend Will and Laura were visiting for the weekend. We took time out to head to the Fredrick Meijer Butterfly gardens with the kids. I saw more butterflies than ever before... and much friendlier than ever before, as you can see in the video.
A few years back one of the trees in our back split part way toward the bottom. We were concerned that a big wind storm would topple in onto our neighbor's barn or fence so we had someone take it down for us (if you need a good person to do so, let us know we have someone to recommend) We just had him cut it down and then we have been slowly cutting it up. The kids had a riot playing on it.
Spring break brought a fun time in the park with cousins and Grandma Timmer. We tried a little kite flying but have very little luck. (We weren't sure if it was the kite assemblers, aka, mothers, or not enough wind. Later we decided it wasn't enough wind, right ladies?!
On Easter we loved the worship time and reminder of what Jesus has done for us. A gift beyond compare! We enjoyed a brunch out with family and then some very fun and successful kite flying at my parent's house. That was so much fun. I can't wait to do it again. There is just something relaxing about flying kites!
Spring also brought gardening and soccer. The kids started a couple weeks back. Last weekend we were "stormed" out...lightening, part way through David's game. Then the girl's games also got cancelled.
I am a very eager garden freak this year. Haaaaaa! We made our garden much bigger and I am loving every minute of it. Everything that can be planted already is in and I am very eager to get everything else planted during this next few weeks. The garlic is up as are the peas, spinach, lettuce and beets. Broccoli plants and brussel sprouts and in and growing. Yeah! We put up a fence around the whole thing (got some great posts from the tree we cut down) to keep out the fluffy, naughty, green-eating rabbits that wander the neighborhood!
So, our Spring has been full. I continue to tell people about Melaleuca. I am so excited about helping people get the nasty cancer causing chemicals out of their home. I love helping people who are willing to take it to heart! School is slowly winding down. Each of the kids have finished a couple subjects and we can't wait until we can cross the last few off! Yeah! Our goal is the end of May.
Well, that wraps it up for now. Wow, I had lots to say. Better not wait so long next time!

Is your home safe? Take a look!

2009-03-23T13:13:00.000-07:00

My sister posted this on her website and blog sight. I have seen part of it before but not all of it! I still shake my head at the information! It's worth ten minutes to see what is in the products you use. We learned of safer products about 5 years ago and are sooooo glad that we did! Take a look. Copy and paste the link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2byjtybbz2o

Crazy Hair Night

2009-02-25T18:20:00.000-08:00

We had a lot of fun this afternoon with my four kids, my sister, and her 6 kids. Tonight was "Crazy Hair Night" at church for the kids. What a riot we had getting each of the kids ready for the night!

At the end of the night when we took Elizabeth's hair down, we counted 65 hair bands! Wow. Great memories.

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Oh Canada! Dog sledding!

2009-02-17T07:53:00.000-08:00

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Over the weekend we went to Will and Laura's house in Canada. (Tim's sister) We had fun at Sophie's first birthday party and had a hilarious time with some Wii tournaments. The highlight of the weekend was dog sledding! What a riot! Will's Aunt has 200 dogs! They are beautiful dogs and hard workers! (My kids were in heaven with so many dogs around!) Most of the adults drove a sled while the kids sat at the front and enjoyed the ride. It was beautiful! It wasn't always easy to keep the dogs going as fast as I wanted as they didn't respond to my voice as well as their trainer's voice! I almost lost my balance going downhill once but managed to keep on the sled after some fancy foot dragging! Another time my team decided to take a small detour before it joined the main trail again. Then there are also some very small trees that may not fare as well as they did before we were there! =} It's amazing how they just jump out in front of you just before you go past! I won't tell you the name of the adult that totally dumped our boys over. Although I will tell you that I have been VERY close to him for almost 13 years and that he did catch his sled again! HA! Others drove like a pro. If you ever have the opportunity to go dog sledding, take it! It was wonderful. I would do it again in a second!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

If you are ever in Canada, they are worth riding with. They are north of Toronto. They are called Windrift Kennels. Their website is www.windriftkennel.ca They are very nice and very fun people to work with. And they love their dogs to pieces!

PASSION!!!

2009-02-12T17:47:00.000-08:00

OK, so it is Valentine's Day weekend. I realized that after I gave the title to this post. However, the passion I am thinking of has nothing to do with Valentine's Day... well, at least not exactly.

What are you passionate about? I find myself thinking a lot about that these days. Tim asked me a while back, "What are you passionate about?" I had to think about it a bit. But I am sure of my answer. Three things come to mind.
1. Jesus Christ! What would life be without Him? I don't want to know. He is my Lord, my Savior, my Friend, my Comfort, my Father, my Guide. I desire to love Him passionately. And I am completely convinced that EVERYONE should know Him! He loves every single person so very much and He wants to walk beside them through every day of their life. He wants to be their Savior, Lord, and Friend!
2 My family. I passionately love my family. I desire to be the best wife and Mom possible. I want to walk beside Tim and go through the "downs" of life in such a way that we are stronger together on the other side of them. And I want to go through the "ups" of life in such a way that we laugh and smile a lot! I desire to teach the kids to love God so deeply that it flows over into the lives of others! I want them to love people so much that people will be drawn to them and their God!
3. My work. I love it! I wouldn't trade what I do for anything. I get to help people by introducing them to products that can be life changing and will for sure keep their family and home safer! YES! It doesn't get any better than that! Helping people for a lifetime! THAT is something I can be passionate about!
These are my passions... Jesus Christ, family, and helping people through my work! It makes me want to yell "Yeeeee haaaaa!" But since the kids are in bed, I will refrain!
Think about what you are passionate about! I hope you can think of something great! Something that makes you also want to yell, "Yeeee haaaa!"

For the birds

2009-01-28T06:12:00.000-08:00

I had a cool thing happen to me last Saturday. It started a week earlier when I put up a new bird feeder and filled my other ones for the first time this winter. All week long I watched for birds and none came. Not even one stopped by to feed.
As I walked by the window on Saturday I had one of those moments where I wanted just a small reminder of God's care. I whispered, "Jesus, bring the birds." Then I started working on something at the table. Just two or three minutes later David walked through the kitchen and said, "Mom, look!" I looked out the window where he was pointing and right before my very eyes where two huge Blue Jays feeding! I told David what happened and said, "Thank you, Lord, that was so neat!" After watching them eat and fly off, I went on to other things. But it doesn't stop there. About 10 minutes later when I walked back into the kitchen I looked out and there was a small flock of birds feeding near the door where I spread a bit of seed. Up by the feeders there was a small wood pecker, a couple brown birds, a Blue Jay, and a large, beautiful white and brown wood pecker! I watched them for about 30 seconds or so before they all flew away! Wow! God is such a loving Father. Just a reminder that He hears us and blesses our lives! The birds have been coming back every day now at various times. It's so fun for all of us to watch. It reminds me of the verses in Matthew 6. "...Do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?"

Sing Sing Sing

2009-01-23T06:26:00.001-08:00

This song just goes through my mind. I love it! It's by Chris Tomlin. I think it's a great one to remember here in the middle of the cold winter!

We will sing, sing, sing
And make music with the heavens
We will sing, sing, sing
Grateful that You hear us
When we shout your praise
Lift high the name of Jesus

What's not to love about You?
Heaven and earth adore You
Kings and kingdoms bow down
Son of God, You are the One
You are the One we're living for

You are the love that frees us
You are the light that leads us
Like a fire burning
Son of God, You are the one
You are the one we're living for

It makes my toes tap and makes me sing loud and reminds me to praise God! I love it!

Life passes by

2009-01-23T06:03:00.000-08:00

Does it seem possible that January is almost over? Life seems to pass so quickly.

We have been busy with school, playing, and work. We took time out last weekend to go to the Tammy Trent concert. Elizabeth and David went with us while the younger two enjoyed time with Grandpa and Grandma Losch.

While at the concert the children were invited to the front of the auditorium. They pretty much remained there the rest of the concert. They had a blast. The highlight for David was when Tammy Trent asked him a few questions. The conversation went a little like this:

Tammy: What's your name?
David: David
Tammy: Where are you from?
David: Jenison
Tammy: Do you have a girl friend?
David with a shy blush: Noooo
Tammy: Do you like me?
David with a grin: Well, sort of.

That response evoked quite the laugh around the auditorium. We just laughed and grinned! He's fun.

The kids went sliding twice this week at "Charlie's Dump" or better known as the Soccer bowl here in Jenison. They had a riot. David and Anna even tried the bumpy, icy track that the older kids were going on... until they both took a good flip one right after the other. One ended up with a good bump on the forehead, the other on the back of the head. Then Mom decided it would be best to stick to the smooth snow trails!

Last weekend we sat down together and worked out kind of a family goal or mission statement. We took ideas from the kids and then put them all together. We came up with:

The Losch family resolves to: Respect and honor others, build each other up, be a light for Jesus with kindness and a servant's heart, and to live life with a grateful heart. We do these things to be more like Christ and to show others that we know Christ as our Savior so that they too might know Him.

Now we are working to do so. It seems each day there is a situation where I have to ask them, "Are you honoring _____ with your actions right now?" Or "Are you being a light for Jesus right now?" =} I like this!

I have been working my business a lot this month. It's so exciting. We are seeing lives changed for the better. I love it! We have two big goals this year. One, to have extra cash to go to Disney and the other big goal is to pay off a big chunk of our mortgage. If things continue on this track, we should meet both goals and more. Yeah!

Tim has been struggling a bit with a painful shoulder. It looks like he strained a few shoulder tendons. He had some therapy this week and hopefully in the next few weeks it should heal.

Caleb has done better since his hard time a couple weeks ago. We are very grateful for that!

Well, not only is the day passing by, but so is my morning, so I'd better keep moving. Have a super day!

It's a Wrap.... 2008 in Review

2008-12-29T12:40:00.000-08:00

JANUARY - We froze our way through this month. We were still in Kabul and the average morning temperature in my kitchen was 39F!!! I still shake my head as I remember that time!
FEBRUARY - We took a vacation to Dubai. We had a wonderful week together. One day after we returned to Kabul, Caleb came down with Synovitis of the Hip which kept him in the hospital for 5 days and not walking for another 8 days.
MARCH - Tim continued his work as Finance Manager in the PACTEC office. I continued home schooling and various other commitments. Caleb's pain continued to return. By the end of the month, we realized he needed further medical testing done which could only be done in the States.
APRIL - We returned to the States as a family. We saw the Orthopedic who recommended that we see a Rheumatologist.
MAY - Just when it seemed Caleb was better, he continued with pain flare ups in several joints. He had his first MRI which came back clean. As we were still not to the bottom of Caleb's health issues, we made the very hard decision to remain in the States.
JUNE - Tim was offered a position with his former employer (huge answer to prayer!). Caleb had a second MRI which also came back clean. I returned to Kabul for a week in order to pack up and sell our belongings. It was a very difficult yet a healing and blessed week! We finished up our work with PACTEC with sad, yet confident hearts in
God's plan.
JULY - We started to heal and adjust to life in the States once again. We prepared to move into our house. We also enjoy time at my parent's lake.
AUGUST - We moved into our home, unpacked, and prepared for school. It was a hard month emotionally, but with our eyes on Jesus and attitude checks, we continue to heal. Caleb still has fluid on his knee and he continues to have pain in his joints. He has been diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis and is on daily medicine.
SEPTEMBER - School starts. Elizabeth is in 4th grade, David in 2nd, and Anna in 1st. I also start working my home business, Melaleuca. I love it! The kid's play in a local soccer league. They have a great time!
OCTOBER - I start the month going on our church lady's retreat. What a riot! It was very refreshing. School and soccer continue for all.
NOVEMBER - Soccer finishes up just before we all freeze to the sidelines! Elizabeth and David sing at Sunset Manor with their Homeschool Choir group. They did a great job. We made Gingerbread houses with Grandpa and Grandma Losch, enjoyed Thanksgiving at the Kelloggs, and cut down a fat and "not as pretty as some" Christmas tree. Too bad we didn't have enough snow for a REAL snowball fight.
DECEMBER - My favorite time of the year... glimmering lights, scents of cinnamon, snow, snow, snow, and yet more snow! Secret wrapping of presents, whispers of Praise to God for His unbelievable gift, Jesus! We had a great time with a long time friend at the Grand Rapids Children's Museum. Caleb had another Rheumatologist appointment which went super! Because of reactions to his medicine, he is no longer on any prescription meds. He has had only short bouts of pain for the last two months. The doctor says everything looks good except one hip. We will check again next March to see how he is doing. If it is not better, another MRI or ultra sound will be ordered. This is a huge answer to prayer! We are so glad that he is off the meds and that his pain is minimal! We celebrate Christmas with family and are grateful for Eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Christmas with family 2008

2008-12-29T09:29:00.000-08:00

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

I did it!

2008-12-29T06:52:00.000-08:00

Well, I did it. Those of you who have bugged me over and over again, you know who you are. You have been telling me to start a blog spot. So, seeing as there is no school today, I can find half of the kitchen, and the laundry is only piled half way to the ceiling, I thought I'd give it a try!

Why "Growing in Grace" as the title? Because that is exactly how I want to live life... growing... with grace as a wife, a mother, a friend, and as a relative. May that be my choice each day. May that be what I teach my children! After all, it is Grace that gives us life! Grace through Christ alone!

We had a wonderful Christmas time with family, family, and more family. It was so fun to see the excitement on the faces of the kids as they woke up on Christmas morning. They were more than happy to wake up their Daddy and get him out of bed! This is one of my favorite times of the year!

Today we are recovering! My only disappointment from the last several days is that the large piles of snow around the house are nearly gone. I loved looking out to the deep snow everywhere. Now there is very little proof of all the snow shoveling I did!

Well, I will wrap this up by saying Happy New Year to all. May each of you know Christ deeper this year! And may this year be full of the best memories yet!