tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25311553368148458032024-03-12T21:04:26.539-06:00This is my life...K.J. Shirleymommakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13988621552972994863noreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2531155336814845803.post-6306536981084032852010-12-06T07:50:00.000-06:002010-12-06T07:50:16.518-06:00Children are a gift...Psalm 127:3 "Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from Him."<br />
<br />
Now, I TRULY believe that children are a gift - I am so thankful to have three babies born to me (carried to full term with no problems or complications) and what a privilege it is to have them!<br />
<br />
But I am reminded in SO many way each and every day - what that word "gift" truly means in each child...<br />
<br />
With Chayse - its her telling me yesterday "I love cleaning the house with you Mom! You make it fun!" YEAH!! A child with a heart to clean (it just doesn't always flow out of her in regards to her own room)!!<br />
<br />
With Connor - I LOVE his laugh (and I love that he loves to be tickled so I can hear that laugh often)!! He and I are known for just looking at each other and giggling... I love that! (I hope he never loses that!)<br />
<br />
With Colton - it is his wit and wisdom (he also gives the BEST bear hugs to any nearby legs!!) but today I have to share with you some of Colton's profound wisdom that he shared with me this morning...<br />
<br />
Colton: Mom, when do I turn 8?<br />
Mom: Colton! You just turned 7 - its a whole year away!!<br />
Colton: I know Mom, but what day?<br />
Mom: November 29th - same as this year... (wondering to myself, what comes next??)<br />
Colton: You mean, I have my birthday every year on November 29th - the same day - NO WAY! That is too cool!!<br />
Mom: (Bursts into laughter!!)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwbwZan-mm5fUnCGTE-AkgP6RFmKHhLm7IT0EjSzzF7FpH39rUD20zNxF8c6pqXJK-xLsmZC-6wXnI4cKemHe3CkSYmc0k3a7QyJ6hr90WIbqMGodMUGnWSdid5hZBPwjtWsuXoAva0qz4/s1600/IMAG0199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwbwZan-mm5fUnCGTE-AkgP6RFmKHhLm7IT0EjSzzF7FpH39rUD20zNxF8c6pqXJK-xLsmZC-6wXnI4cKemHe3CkSYmc0k3a7QyJ6hr90WIbqMGodMUGnWSdid5hZBPwjtWsuXoAva0qz4/s320/IMAG0199.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
See why I know that children are a gift from the Lord - I NEEDED that laughter this morning and maybe you did too!!<br />
<br />
Enjoy every moment... they go by way too quickly!mommakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13988621552972994863noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2531155336814845803.post-52359013434196017472010-12-04T14:42:00.000-06:002010-12-04T14:42:40.940-06:00Forgiveness... its tricky This is a devotion I read the other day that made me stop and think - so I thought I would share it with you...<br />
<br />
Matthew 6:14-15 "For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."<br />
<br />
"In life, we all have unfair things that happen to us." <i>Isn't that the truth!!</i><br />
<br />
"We can choose to hold on to the hurt, become bitter & angry, and let it poison our future; or, we can choose to let it go and trust God to make it up to us."<i> (I think that is easier said than done sometimes!!)</i><br />
<br />
"You might not think that you are able to forgive because someone hurt you so badly."<br />
<br />
"But realize, you don't forgive for <b>their</b> sake; you forgive for <b>your </b>own sake. When you forgive, you are taking away their power to hurt you." <i>(That is the part that just makes me stop & think...)</i><br />
<br />
"But if you hold on to that offense and stay angry (hurt or offended), you are only poisoning your own life and disconnecting yourself from God." <i>(My hurt and offense disconnects me from my loving Father - that's just NOT right!!)</i><br />
<br />
My mother-in-law often makes a statement to anyone listening - she says "Just because you think you have the right to be angry (or offended) - doesn't mean that you should be. Mercy is better than justice any day..."<br />
Now, as much as that statement frustrates me when I hear it - it is a great reminder...<br />
He had nothing in His heart but forgiveness and mercy for the people that had hurt him (even in the midst of his pain). So how can I stand as His representative and not do the same... <br />
<br />
So me, I'm working on forgiveness today...<br />
1 John 4:12 "No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and His love is brought to full expression in us."mommakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13988621552972994863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2531155336814845803.post-86139454801730570502010-12-02T09:03:00.000-06:002010-12-02T09:03:53.626-06:00A new view to ChristmasI found this over at <a href="http://withoutwax.tv/">Pete Wilson's blog</a> and it just JUMPED out at me - SO perfect for Christmas!!<br />
<br />
I had someone tell me about a <a href="http://www.youversion.com/reading-plans/rediscovering-the-christmas-season">Christmas reading plan</a> called <em>Rediscovering The Christmas Season</em> that was available at <a href="http://www.youversion.com/">YouVersion.com</a>. I checked it out and love it so I thought I would invite you to read along with me. I’ll probably post on it from time to time over the next couple weeks.<br />
<br />
I put the first two days of the plan below but I really encourage you to go to <a href="http://www.youversion.com/">youversion.com</a> and sign up for a free account. It’s a wonderful tool I think you’ll love.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEGbRT5LYrj7e8R_bWzm0fLdVpH1CEAx0IySmqWn7c0Ok7vNeqktRwWPDPIFjLmtv1fwQdwW2Ko3JJvglugKBNqr7-6DHrkaDOE3NTnkMy7f6-Zpg7kACoYX1WpC9g6SBZNJ48v2FljuvA/s1600/Glowing+Tree.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEGbRT5LYrj7e8R_bWzm0fLdVpH1CEAx0IySmqWn7c0Ok7vNeqktRwWPDPIFjLmtv1fwQdwW2Ko3JJvglugKBNqr7-6DHrkaDOE3NTnkMy7f6-Zpg7kACoYX1WpC9g6SBZNJ48v2FljuvA/s320/Glowing+Tree.jpg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>So here we go… I'm on Day 2.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><strong>You in?</strong></span><br />
<br />
Dec 1: Luke 2:21-40<br />
<br />
Dec 2: Matthew 1<br />
<br />
After reading the overview of the plan - it explains Advent a little more (which I have to admit, I've not taken a whole lot of time to understand before). I understand the 1st Advent that happened, and that we're waiting for the 2nd Advent (Jesus coming).<br />
But here's an interesting statement they made on this Christmas reading about Advent (which started yesterday):<br />
"Advent reminds us to look forward to His return every day. This season is about resetting Jesus Christ at the center of our lives."<br />
<br />
So there's my goal for the next 25 days - to "reset Jesus Christ at the center of my life". Instead of letting presents, baking, decorations, parties & just general "busyness" be the center - I'm taking time (myself and with my kids) to take a different look at what the first Christmas season looked like.<br />
<br />
Consider yourself challenged...mommakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13988621552972994863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2531155336814845803.post-71213002656612819382010-11-18T08:43:00.000-06:002010-11-18T08:43:03.012-06:00I "borrowed" The Funk... but its okay!I was just sitting here this morning contemplating the events of the last couple of days and (honestly) dreading the funeral I am attending today (its for a young woman who is my age), but knowing that I should be there.<br />
Through my tears about the day, I gave myself an attitude check (which I'll explain after) but when I got home I read this blog post by Pete Wilson (http://withoutwax.tv/) which was a good reminder (and a great "boost" that I heard God speak it to me before I got to this article - YEAH!!)<br />
So - what to do with a "FUNK"...<br />
<br />
<h2 class="entry-title" style="color: white;">The Funk</h2><div style="color: white;">Ever have one of those days?</div><div style="color: white;">You know those days, when everything goes wrong!</div><div style="color: white;">Who hasn’t had one of those days?</div><div style="color: white;"><br />
</div><div style="color: white;">I had one the other day. It was the kind of day where I think I would have been better off just staying in bed. The kind of day that makes you wonder if you can do anything right.</div><div style="color: white;"><br />
</div><div style="color: white;">Anyway, I was sitting there in the midst of my very bad day and jotted down a few choices I felt I had to shake this funk. So here’s my list. Hope it helps you on your very bad day.</div><div style="color: white;"><br />
</div><ol style="color: white;"><li>Do something nice for someone else. While I’m not really sure that being selfless for selfish reasons is exactly Biblical, it sure does seem to work. </li>
<li>Tell yourself, “Well, at least I ______________.” At least, you went to the gym, or played with your kids, or walked the dog, or read your children a story, or recycled, or saved the world from catastrophic disaster. Okay, you probably didn’t do the latter but you get the point.</li>
<li>Go to bed early. I’ve said this before but sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is get some sleep. I’m always amazed how a little extra sleep helps you have a whole new perspective the next morning. <em>Lamentations3:22 Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. <sup id="en-NIV-20378">23</sup> They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.</em> </li>
<li>Keep a proper perspective. Ask yourself: “Will this matter in a month? In a year?”</li>
<li>Be grateful. Remind yourself that a lousy day isn’t a catastrophic day. Probably, things could be worse. In fact, I believe most of it can and will be redeemed by God.</li>
</ol> So... my idea to add to all of this - thankfulness. Plain and simple thankfulness... <br />
Like I said, I had God already help me deal with my "funk" in the car before I read this - and His gentle reminder was "Remember what you do have, not what you've lost..." and my heart FILLED with thankfulness.<br />
<ul><li>3 healthy children that I carried to full term (in my pregnancy) and are still healthy today</li>
<li>A spouse that is with me, stands by my side, loves me and enjoys every bit of the 15 years that we've spent together</li>
<li>That I am healthy and whole and able to walk out the plan that my Father has for my life</li>
<li>And that no matter how many trips to the hospital I make (in laws, new babies, friends) God is still God and He cares for us AND His grace is sufficient to help me make every trip.</li>
</ul>Psalm 118:29 (The Message)<br />
"You're my God, and I thank you. O my God, I lift high your praise. Thank <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">God</span>—he's so good. His love never quits!"<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlTWL6uK1vMiXq4llBgWaNgFKztygS-ullPV6yPgT6OUVWNa_A_D7wTsZqHWPCFQ298qA2RnEXvg3CL5zAmYCTbed76G_trtMhQEo1Xd7ICcioVNS-3UOIg2VQ1jaGD03y56d2KP_QxnkC/s1600/IMG_4688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlTWL6uK1vMiXq4llBgWaNgFKztygS-ullPV6yPgT6OUVWNa_A_D7wTsZqHWPCFQ298qA2RnEXvg3CL5zAmYCTbed76G_trtMhQEo1Xd7ICcioVNS-3UOIg2VQ1jaGD03y56d2KP_QxnkC/s320/IMG_4688.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>mommakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13988621552972994863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2531155336814845803.post-54477749195361537812010-11-15T09:08:00.000-06:002010-11-15T09:08:37.826-06:00I'm SO glad He's my strength"Don't be afraid, I've redeemed you. <br />
I've called your name. You're mine.<br />
When you're in over your head, I'll be there with you. <br />
When you're in rough waters, you will not go down.<br />
When you're between a rock and a hard place, <br />
it won't be a dead end—<br />
Because I am God, your personal God, <br />
The Holy of Israel, your Savior.<br />
I paid a huge price for you:"<br />
Isaiah 43:2-4mommakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13988621552972994863noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2531155336814845803.post-31339988751281915642010-08-23T08:20:00.000-05:002010-08-23T08:20:40.746-05:00They get so big, so fast...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPDgg5STbP2TuMOn9be89j2NWLjlhCokwV-t2G2EoIJwW1Ta_2sVghNtTkMoGPAIkAwQuseYCH8-4ABr6i5kfXLWVgBZoozFvDY6cfQydS0KKtNTU5UeAFfOw6Bac-6woU5WIcBIEpUxDo/s1600/Soccer+Girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPDgg5STbP2TuMOn9be89j2NWLjlhCokwV-t2G2EoIJwW1Ta_2sVghNtTkMoGPAIkAwQuseYCH8-4ABr6i5kfXLWVgBZoozFvDY6cfQydS0KKtNTU5UeAFfOw6Bac-6woU5WIcBIEpUxDo/s320/Soccer+Girl.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Soccer star (no action shot - sorry!!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEidytFPEahpRsxPG4WZq0SDfMecnvTiKYKsvebiMNlSPip8ZkXKBjR_Vbh45K5lvjzDQHkSzvIIKEaMc19lEh5jRKXbTIWBEqsN8duq1cS2UsY6CfA_nBiU6zoXDY6jf5-VxCbApXEn73/s1600/Summer+2010+018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEidytFPEahpRsxPG4WZq0SDfMecnvTiKYKsvebiMNlSPip8ZkXKBjR_Vbh45K5lvjzDQHkSzvIIKEaMc19lEh5jRKXbTIWBEqsN8duq1cS2UsY6CfA_nBiU6zoXDY6jf5-VxCbApXEn73/s320/Summer+2010+018.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brothers with their common like - TOY STORY & Legos!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvEQa1UHeo9JnHw1ib9GcSUo2ZPVrYchIT05NR0zX5d9i_DIn2mOE2T1s1lspZO2TgQlaWxAf-53DU_lqzXGoDxLZ4PeV2JVF2PJ7r7A4mskMdJG_fDrCBbDqwwTh9DSjmfzK43xBWeUaE/s1600/Soccer+All+Star.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvEQa1UHeo9JnHw1ib9GcSUo2ZPVrYchIT05NR0zX5d9i_DIn2mOE2T1s1lspZO2TgQlaWxAf-53DU_lqzXGoDxLZ4PeV2JVF2PJ7r7A4mskMdJG_fDrCBbDqwwTh9DSjmfzK43xBWeUaE/s320/Soccer+All+Star.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Connor played Soccer - he's the one in the middle KICKING IT!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8KQtS4uGbtNuRIPgh3dtyZQHJtnHtZBy4zV2cFfSU-NGuXuDBY9GuC2qipG8aDW3X5M-mJxtLqaeTUfOfGWJ4EIPAJ7j5Ng7OCkQT8TQgR1kEhcJmP5WS3qxoO2hpupY7UOEv8ENnKa2U/s1600/Summer+Fun+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8KQtS4uGbtNuRIPgh3dtyZQHJtnHtZBy4zV2cFfSU-NGuXuDBY9GuC2qipG8aDW3X5M-mJxtLqaeTUfOfGWJ4EIPAJ7j5Ng7OCkQT8TQgR1kEhcJmP5WS3qxoO2hpupY7UOEv8ENnKa2U/s320/Summer+Fun+002.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colton played baseball this Summer - he's #1</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOZ66KSjU1H9_Pb4zYyiyyJDBsn__WoNXMiIgodi6aKZ8Fs5ZAaIGh7Hrk3XATaLnOBGZnkrcEUsXfE6K9b8ZUXuoErLFNWNGV7jS0KYlxOYcYzd7dcYFxGK1P9ehRd2N_LhIzQcB646-M/s1600/Summer+Fun+055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOZ66KSjU1H9_Pb4zYyiyyJDBsn__WoNXMiIgodi6aKZ8Fs5ZAaIGh7Hrk3XATaLnOBGZnkrcEUsXfE6K9b8ZUXuoErLFNWNGV7jS0KYlxOYcYzd7dcYFxGK1P9ehRd2N_LhIzQcB646-M/s320/Summer+Fun+055.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aren't they cute?? </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZL87KqsGjf1wAt5P1q17cTSPKaHb9Orvv6hyKQprmdlNg44u85ph506-36AThrr2XiNrLTjom8aEhyJvK0GHqp997Yq0qYTJfur0S6ExxXzBCacEmW7MweckHzaTcR_7FOArc3kj1Y99g/s1600/Summer+Fun+031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZL87KqsGjf1wAt5P1q17cTSPKaHb9Orvv6hyKQprmdlNg44u85ph506-36AThrr2XiNrLTjom8aEhyJvK0GHqp997Yq0qYTJfur0S6ExxXzBCacEmW7MweckHzaTcR_7FOArc3kj1Y99g/s320/Summer+Fun+031.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing like a big boy - first year on the slip-n-slide!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>As we're starting the final countdown to school starting (2 weeks!!)I am amazed at how much my kiddos have changed!!<br />
I thought I'd share a few pics with you...mommakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13988621552972994863noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2531155336814845803.post-83597385080128835542010-08-10T09:39:00.003-05:002010-08-10T09:55:39.059-05:00What a day...It's only 9:39 am as I am typing this - I have been up for almost 3 hours now and SO much has happened... (it seems like to me)<br /><br />1. Made/ate breakfast with the family...<br />2. I used my brand new hot pink laundry basket (which was a GREAT motivator to do laundry this morning) to do a couple of loads of laundry.)<br />3. Kids and I went on a mile walk/run - VERY good for me!! But I wasn't sure how far I had walked/ran so... <br />4. I decided to take the motorcycle out to see how far I had walked. Tried a couple of times to get it started... VERY unsuccessful.<br />BUT I had moved it out into the driveway during my attempt to start it and so I needed to move it back into the garage.<br />When I attempted to do this, I tipped my hubby 1300 VTX (which means it's heavy for my delicate, female frame) over on myself.<br />THANKFULLY it didn't hit the ground, I did catch it and get it back upright. (Only a small bruise on my left hip to show for it)<br />Called my hubby to see what I was doing wrong and (of course) it starts up with NO problem. Praise God!!<br />So now I took it out for a 2 1/2 mile ride (to see how far I had walked) and only stalled on one of my turns (turns have been my downfall - I'm pushing myself to get better) and did fabulous on the other big turn (a u-turn). YEAH!! I even got it up the driveway and into the garage without stalling, only 1 brief pause. :)<br />5. I decided to clean "Dan" (short for Moondance Alexander) the fish's tank today (which is not my favorite) and here's where I have to explain something...<br /><br />In Proverbs 18:21 (in the Message translation) it says:<br />"Words kill, words give life;<br /> they're either poison or fruit—you choose."<br /><br />Yesterday, I did NOT want to clean the fish tank - it is my LEAST favorite chore in the whole house... so I told the kids (jokingly) that I wanted to kill their fish instead of cleaning his tank. WRONG CHOICE!! <br />(Its funny though - because when I told them this, Colton said "Oh good - then we can get a dog!!" Is he my son or what??? Always see the positive!!)<br />So today as I go to clean the tank, I am chasing "Dan" around the tank with the catcher and he is swimming away from he as usual. So I get the bright idea to remove some of the water (which is normal - there are vent holes in the top which easily let water out).<br />As I proceed to let some water open the lid pops open (on accident) and out falls "Dan" down the drain. And Colton says - "Oh Mom!! Dan came out!!". I set the tank down, squealed and looked down the drain... he was GONE!!<br />So... a great time to teach my children about the power of their words (even when they are joking).<br />Yesterday, I joked about killing their fish - today I did...<br /><br />Let's hope this day improves as we head out to Petco to get another fish!!<br />I'm so thankful for God's grace - aren't you?? :)mommakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13988621552972994863noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2531155336814845803.post-14195321923514363142010-07-06T11:58:00.000-05:002010-07-06T11:59:28.827-05:00Oh, I need to remember this...Be Mindful Of Christ’s Obedience At The Cross<br /><br />2 Corinthians 10:5<br />“casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,”<br /><br />Have you ever felt condemned because of the bad thoughts you have had? You could be in the middle of a prayer meeting when suddenly a dirty thought enters your mind. Actually, it is the devil who puts such thoughts in your mind. Then, he steps back, looks at you and knocks you on your head, saying, “How can you call yourself a Christian and still think such thoughts?”<br /><br />I used to be in bondage over the bad thoughts I had because I felt that I had to confess every one of them and seek God’s forgiveness. But that is not what God’s Word exhorts us to do. You see, God wants us to bring “every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ”. Now, whose obedience are we to focus on? Christ’s obedience and not our own obedience!<br /><br />But what is “the obedience of Christ”? It is His obedience at the cross, where “by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous”. (Romans 5:19) Jesus shed His blood for us at the cross. This means that when our thoughts condemn us, we are to focus our thoughts on Jesus’ obedience at the cross.<br /><br />My friend, the devil can only make inroads into our minds when he gets us to focus on our obedience instead of Christ’s obedience. His strategy is to point us to our obedience or the lack of it to determine our standing before God. But just as our position as sinners is not based on what we do, but what the first Adam did, in the same way, we are forever righteous today not because of what we do, but because of what Christ, the last Adam, did on the cross.<br /><br />So the next time your thoughts seem to condemn you, say, “I am righteous whether I have good or bad thoughts. My righteousness has nothing to do with my obedience. Jesus’ obedience at the cross made me righteous.” Then, go ahead and pray, knowing that you have access to God and His favor, and that He hears the prayer of the righteous. (Proverbs 15:29)<br /><br />Thank you Lord for using Joseph Prince to remind me of this... :)mommakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13988621552972994863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2531155336814845803.post-3066006113371418432010-04-04T16:38:00.004-05:002010-04-04T16:51:21.842-05:00Trust... its a tricky thing?Life has been BUSY lately... I feel like the days fly by faster than I can blink sometimes. And in the middle of that "busyness" are three children that are growing and maturing SO quickly - I feel like they are becoming adults right before my very eyes.<br />I mean - just look at my daughter in the picture above... doesn't she look like she's 13 (or older)!! YIKES!!<br /><br />As I look at my VERY old daughter - I wonder... am I a good mother to her? Am I teaching her to talk to God no matter what (and talk to me as well)? How can I keep her from making the same mistakes (or worse) than I did? And so many more...<br /><br />And then I remember...<br />"For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome." (Jeremiah 29:11)<br />She is, he is, and he is - HIS!! My Heavenly Father managed (quite well) to keep me, lead me and love me through all my mistakes (and keep me from making many more) - HE can do a MUCH better job with all three of the treasures that He's entrusted me with!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP45MzRXOPZ_LF5Alt49ffi8JnQLzqsd0nC-kLGXLR12al0Nk2mts4abplICXZc1ygmuStKXqeMU7PTvNZ4F53yKonhaV0Zd3YMZHzaTg-mAZHHVXMb8bD9Bj1evSnKB_r7eMMxsbpVGIp/s1600/Family+2010+008.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP45MzRXOPZ_LF5Alt49ffi8JnQLzqsd0nC-kLGXLR12al0Nk2mts4abplICXZc1ygmuStKXqeMU7PTvNZ4F53yKonhaV0Zd3YMZHzaTg-mAZHHVXMb8bD9Bj1evSnKB_r7eMMxsbpVGIp/s320/Family+2010+008.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456402674125620114" /></a><br /><br />So I choose to trust Him with their lives... so there's where trust is a "tricky thing". <br /><br />When I want to worry (just a little) about if my daughter is REALLY making good choices... or if my son will ever learn to stop hitting people... or if my other son will stop doing things that aren't good or safe for him... I CHOOSE to trust in Him to lead them (and give me the patience I need to help them through) and lead me!<br />Its a tricky thing to FULLY give Him control and trust in Him... but its WORTH IT! <br /><br />So that's my choice today... to trust in Him (no matter what)!!mommakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13988621552972994863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2531155336814845803.post-26433106182938684282010-04-03T17:42:00.005-06:002010-04-03T17:58:36.933-06:00An interesting Easter day...Okay, I know its not Easter yet, but we celebrated Easter today with my family and friends....<br /><br />Here's the way it started - 2 handsome boys and a beautiful girl in a pretty skirt (that SHE picked out) that (along with her curly hair) made her look MUCH older than her Momma was ready to see... (but MAN - she did look pretty!!)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIRvyYPdwZk_XeqGE2yeh1w681OK9PuOHVobJzyOFhlFkTq7PZD4Aub56XDe2WzSbk5zDHzeqCqKihjZ8sFQtVRVRDRat7_J2-cpNtVxBEnkkgcIKsFk0ddcGD0-wUJwcwcspZ6e8wnsJQ/s1600/Family+2010+049.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIRvyYPdwZk_XeqGE2yeh1w681OK9PuOHVobJzyOFhlFkTq7PZD4Aub56XDe2WzSbk5zDHzeqCqKihjZ8sFQtVRVRDRat7_J2-cpNtVxBEnkkgcIKsFk0ddcGD0-wUJwcwcspZ6e8wnsJQ/s320/Family+2010+049.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456061329788010802" /></a><br /><br />We enjoyed a nice lunch with a Mom & Dad, their 3 daughters (and their husbands & husband-to-be), another very special Mother, 3 grandpas, 1 grandma, 8 cousins and a beautiful girl from Russia... it was a FUN crew!!<br /><br />After all the quiche you could handle, cheesy potatoes, yummy strawberries, cinnamon rolls and WAY too much food we let the kids go outside and find the eggs that the men had so cleverly hid for them...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9xDnl4Dsl9Z8DW_A88G-fezL8KD321ux0nkDxqdgtB-UrrXhOn5PtYAndP88ryzVL87_Fyz3Qw5mk4CGY90XDOXc0nMrodlznEFPxqI-7nzvITjDM0rMW0bhUFt-_SmmdXcqkZXLnFK1Z/s1600/Family+2010+115.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9xDnl4Dsl9Z8DW_A88G-fezL8KD321ux0nkDxqdgtB-UrrXhOn5PtYAndP88ryzVL87_Fyz3Qw5mk4CGY90XDOXc0nMrodlznEFPxqI-7nzvITjDM0rMW0bhUFt-_SmmdXcqkZXLnFK1Z/s320/Family+2010+115.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456062174730020418" /></a><br /><br />It was SUCH a lovely time!! :) Seriously - I LOVE family time!<br /><br />Then we had nap time for the boys - and my boy of VERY special sleeping positions surprised me yet again...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFyMXLXFKELk5Bxt8TjnywTx3NkXrbauchcJ6gMiPXWA61bou7gUdlgbPYkQZEyBIjnPp1a-BHQHjBPyL_6Ptm2QY3IhsxnW0m4-VnVkYuRVwZF-9KXdtw8-X0sCqDH0q8KxTYtI211woI/s1600/Family+2010+070.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFyMXLXFKELk5Bxt8TjnywTx3NkXrbauchcJ6gMiPXWA61bou7gUdlgbPYkQZEyBIjnPp1a-BHQHjBPyL_6Ptm2QY3IhsxnW0m4-VnVkYuRVwZF-9KXdtw8-X0sCqDH0q8KxTYtI211woI/s320/Family+2010+070.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456063825758157426" /></a><br />He is sleeping in the bookshelf of his bed in his underwear... what a special boy!<br /><br />THEN... while the other boy was supposed to be sleeping - he did this instead<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIcVpEhqRnPoFCznFUI6FSiZr8QPScqPLT0O4yH50KPQXiRxYf1wG8rUWwbhoAa4Va7H3NsGfcttm6USogUPVFiU0dUMtvhLUsJUC6mk6jlEX6-m9IP3-NYJuEHf7b-hSGp_dNg_eMtF6w/s1600/Family+2010+072.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIcVpEhqRnPoFCznFUI6FSiZr8QPScqPLT0O4yH50KPQXiRxYf1wG8rUWwbhoAa4Va7H3NsGfcttm6USogUPVFiU0dUMtvhLUsJUC6mk6jlEX6-m9IP3-NYJuEHf7b-hSGp_dNg_eMtF6w/s320/Family+2010+072.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456064175595523954" /></a><br /><br />Yes, that is a BRAND NEW pack of bubble gum from HIS SISTER'S Easter basket - and in case you didn't know... he SWALLOWS his bubble gum!!<br />Just in case that wasn't weird enough - after dinner he needed to go #2, which when he did he yelled from the bathroom "Hey Colton, LOOK!! I can pee out of my butt!! How did I do that?" (Sorry to be so gross, but it was TOO FUNNY!!)<br />It was a great time to point out "This is why we DON'T eat an entire pack of bubble gum!!<br />Doesn't life just make you laugh sometimes?? :) It does for me!mommakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13988621552972994863noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2531155336814845803.post-54575221109542884662010-02-09T22:56:00.003-06:002010-02-09T23:11:01.548-06:00Haven't I been here before???There are so many times in life when I feel like "I've been here before, haven't I?" and my life feels like its going around in circles - I enjoy it - just round and round...<br /><ul><li>Successfully potty training another child</li><li>Mac & Cheese and Hot Dogs for lunch (again)</li><li>Vacuuming/Dusting the house (again)<br /></li><li>ANOTHER spelling test (with the daughter)</li><li>Teaching another child to "sound out the words - you can do it"</li><li>Cleaning/purging another child's room (AGAIN) for the 2nd time this month<br /></li><li>Check the facebook, blogs, twitter, etc</li><li>It's time for "insert junior high activity here" again - where am I going this time Lord?</li></ul>I think you get my point...<br /><br />But in a day, like today, where I stayed home to work today, it started off as very "routine" and I got about as excited as you can get... and then the Lord interrupted it<br /><br />I was reading/studying to share at church tomorrow night with the Junior Highers and I read something in my devotion/book/devotional e-mail (not sure which one) - that my Father wants time with me (not "okay Lord, here's your 10 minutes") but just time in my day, spending time with me...<br /><br />Today that time was discovering a new worship song on iTunes that just grabbed my heart and reminded me of how much He loves me... and not because I'm perfect (FAR from it), not because of who I am, for my hubby, my kids, my parents OR my job - just because He likes me (despite all my failures)<br /><br />All of a sudden - that was it - the day was no longer routine or boring or predictable (although it did go a little like I thought it would - remember, I said I'm NOT perfect) but there was a new sense of enjoyment in it...<br /><ul><li>my sons laugh</li><li>my other boys smile</li><li>sharing a book with my boys</li><li>learning with my girl</li><li>remembering how much I love to talk with my Grandma (even for a brief 5 minute phone call)</li><li>paying all my bills (yes, even that was peaceful)</li><li>thinking of how much I'm glad my husband is in my life</li></ul>and SO much more, but I don't want to bore you with the details... but all this started from a sweet time of worship (that was MUCH needed!!!)<br /><br />So what song is stirring your heart today? Today, I needed a good love song for Him to remind myself what I have in Him and with Him.<br /><br />I'm thankful...mommakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13988621552972994863noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2531155336814845803.post-2462812962043254442010-01-16T11:41:00.002-06:002010-01-16T11:56:34.172-06:00I'm thankful...<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">"You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought."</span> Matthew 5:5 (MSG)<br /><br />Today, I'm SO thankful for all that I have (and I want to stay that way)...<br /><br />Its sad that sometimes it takes a huge tragedy for us to see what we REALLY have in front of us and be TRULY thankful for it - but I'm purposing to see Him in the everyday things (without the vision of the tragedy in front of me) - but nonetheless today I'm thankful for so much.<br /><br /><ul><li>I'm thankful that I have a house to wake up in that's warm and not collapsed on top of me and my family.</li><li>I have food for breakfast (and a choice of what I want to eat)<br /></li><li>I have electricity, clean water, heat, and roads that I can drive on to get to the store to get food.</li><li>Clothes to clothe myself and my children and keep them warm</li><li>PLENTY of blankets for my children to keep them warm at night<br /></li><li>I have children that are healthy and whole and not in danger (and not without parents)</li><li>My husband and I both have jobs that we get paid well and have health insurance.<br /></li><li>I have the opportunity to help others and be an agent of change on the other side of the world with just my prayers (and my finances too)<br /></li><li>I am SURROUNDED by friends and family that love us and care for us!</li><li>I have a Father who loves me and is everything I need... </li></ul>Like I said - My goal and my aim is to be sensitive to remember this EVERY DAY (and not just the days when pictures of all that is wrong in the world flood my RSS feed) and thank my Father for all that I have.<br /><br />So Father today - I am content in where I am.<br />I always want more of you in my life - but I am thankful for where I am...<br />and I choose to see life through your eyes.mommakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13988621552972994863noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2531155336814845803.post-65449268201197340122009-10-20T10:06:00.001-05:002009-10-20T10:08:29.095-05:00I needed this today...<h2 style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 18px; color: rgb(137, 159, 165); font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family: verdana;">God is SO good!! He always sends me JUST what I need when I need it... and today - that was true as always!! (So I just had to share it!!)</span></span><br /><strong></strong></h2><h2 style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 18px; color: rgb(51, 0, 51); font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong>TODAY'S WORD</strong> from Joel and Victoria Osteen<br /></span></h2> <p style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 15px; color: rgb(51, 0, 51); font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Do you feel like you are in a pit today? That pit can be frustration or disappointment or a feeling of discouragement, despair, or hopelessness. And maybe you can’t see a way out, but you’ve got to know that God is still with you, and He will make a way where there seems to be no way.</span></p> <p style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 15px; color: rgb(51, 0, 51); font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Remember, God will never waste anything you go through in life. If you’ll keep the right attitude, He’ll turn that situation around for your good. It doesn’t matter how you got there, whether it was by your own poor choices or maybe someone else treated you unfairly, God wants to use that situation to do a work in you. He’ll take that evil and turn it around for your good. You may be uncomfortable at times, but you’ve got to know you are growing, and God is building your character.</span></p> <p style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 15px; color: rgb(51, 0, 51); font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Today, make the decision to shake off any negative, self-defeating mindsets. Choose to cooperate with God. Trust that He is preparing you for promotion. As you keep an attitude of faith, expectancy, and thanksgiving, He will lift you up and set you on the solid path of victory He has in store for you!</span></p><p style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 15px; color: rgb(51, 0, 51); font-family: times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><em>"He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and mire. He set my feet on the solid ground and steadied me as I walked along"</em><br /><strong>(Psalm 40:2, NLT)</strong></span></p>mommakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13988621552972994863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2531155336814845803.post-22260528790890510992009-10-07T14:22:00.004-05:002009-10-07T14:36:20.306-05:00Oh, how He loves us..."He is jealous for me,<br />Love's like a hurricane, I am a tree<br />Bending beneath the weight of His wind and mercy<br />When all of a sudden, I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory<br />and I realize just how beautiful You are and how great your affections are for me.<br />Oh, how He loves us so<br />Oh, how He loves us<br />How He loves us so."<br /><br />I feel like lately there is SO much going on - I just can't even begin to describe.<br />I know I am in a season of being stretched... and that is good.<br />Learning not to lean on myself or the "natural", but to REALLY trust Him and follow His leading.<br />But there are times in the middle of this stretching that I feel like parts of me are going to "snap"... but, OH how my Father is SO good to me!!<br /><br />As I sat and worshipped this afternoon, He brought this song to my mind...<br />the part that sticks out to me is this "I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory"<br /><br />All these problems are NOTHING compared to His glory. His affections are GREAT for me!!<br /><br />I am so thankful that no matter how difficult, confusing, intimidating or trying a situation may seem to me - it's NOTHING compared to His glory and His Glory is in ME!!<br />That just brings SUCH peace to me!!<br /><br />So, as I pray today to clearly hear His voice and experience Him - I pray the same for you!! Because I know that <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">on my own</span> I will work and toil FOREVER, but as I <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">trust in Him and follow Him</span>... He can do GREAT things through my small efforts.<br /><br />by the way... if you want to see a video of the whole song - click <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoC1ec-lYps">HERE</a>mommakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13988621552972994863noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2531155336814845803.post-63258489968903017592009-08-29T15:00:00.000-05:002009-08-29T15:00:01.644-05:00"Growing like a weed..."I always hated when people would say that about me when I was growing up!!<br />I'm not a weed - I am a person (would be the thought going on in my head)<br /><br />But now I look at my yard and I realize that weeds suddenly grow and are this "thing" before you even realized it was there...<br />Now, I know that my kids are there (I did give birth to them) - but suddenly before my eyes they are these little "people"...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWWMimgSDHVjtvJehiu-okbZCrJPE1WaTGu8ESODZY81DamI0QKy6Ez7-416Z4BQo3uLITCs_uge75G3r3ioL3LtMzrbvYueWmx0tKAR9ni86AU5AYPLjvLNwe9FDaqUQpTU7w6_sbJ4US/s1600-h/Summer+09+035.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWWMimgSDHVjtvJehiu-okbZCrJPE1WaTGu8ESODZY81DamI0QKy6Ez7-416Z4BQo3uLITCs_uge75G3r3ioL3LtMzrbvYueWmx0tKAR9ni86AU5AYPLjvLNwe9FDaqUQpTU7w6_sbJ4US/s320/Summer+09+035.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375032593414447794" border="0" /></a><br />Chayse is starting to enjoy some grown up things - cleaning the house, sitting down and just "chatting", she's starting the Praise & Worship team at church in September, she is learning to cook and now wants to make every meal, she's starting to care about how she's dressed and what she's wearing (most times) AND needs to carry a purse each time we go out!!! (And she'll only be TEN this fall - double digits baby!!)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizDueBbryfoZ0cfNylOdvtp9C4OXEe0bX-0nEEnq11VJGEIeQAXTAu-U7gYLI263_iyoaup8UqZwWYHDp2FD3QW7EVVKEsre00phv-n0RGRaCyoFbHAHAyKXNhcPasr4QeRa4x-FA6yLL0/s1600-h/BIG+BOY.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizDueBbryfoZ0cfNylOdvtp9C4OXEe0bX-0nEEnq11VJGEIeQAXTAu-U7gYLI263_iyoaup8UqZwWYHDp2FD3QW7EVVKEsre00phv-n0RGRaCyoFbHAHAyKXNhcPasr4QeRa4x-FA6yLL0/s320/BIG+BOY.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375032172420560514" border="0" /></a><br />Colton has lost another two teeth this summer (that's why the goofy picture) all he wants for his first day of Kindergarten (or Christmas) is his two front teeth!! He's lost his 4 front teeth total so far... which makes eating apples interesting! :)<br />He has suddenly become this little "man" - helping take care of Grandpa & Grandma (this morning he sat next to Grandpa and wouldn't move until he had identified which pills were which for Grandpa), asking for jobs to do around the house, riding his bicycle up and down the street any chance he can and BEGGING for his legs to grow so he can ride the motorcyle with Daddy!! :)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivaEGu-vg0bEbxNLTFkU2eBzOGMNWNAdvQZXByyaA7V0xRzqH7Cc7o4uJFtQHEbhREVpUxgE3dYrlZIqODDNcrCTfne4Fw1FRWfD36GHk-cEkHSB7Vj-Ng4H9tmE9Fg9nlQYK85EPAuXSZ/s1600-h/Truck+Day+019.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivaEGu-vg0bEbxNLTFkU2eBzOGMNWNAdvQZXByyaA7V0xRzqH7Cc7o4uJFtQHEbhREVpUxgE3dYrlZIqODDNcrCTfne4Fw1FRWfD36GHk-cEkHSB7Vj-Ng4H9tmE9Fg9nlQYK85EPAuXSZ/s320/Truck+Day+019.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375033877847110034" border="0" /></a>Now Connor - he's his own story...<br />He turned three in April but still wanted to be the "baby" until 2 weeks ago - he decided he didn't like Pull-Ups anymore and he's done very well since. He's SO proud of "poopy in the toilet" each time he goes that anyone close by will be asked to "come see it" (Gross, I know - but such is my life). He is all of a sudden (it seems) able to talk so that most people can understand him and he LOVES trucks of any kind!! He's funny - he only identifys the color green (John Deere green) but can spot a garbage truck, a tractor, a skidster, an excavator or a skinny (and correctly identify it) from a WAYS away! SOON we'll have those both worked out (our colors and our trucks). The picture is an excavator that some VERY nice workmen let him sit on and now he wants one for his birthday! :)<br /><br />So... all that to say - my children have just changed (evidently when I wasn't looking) and its SO cool to see what these awesome creations of my Father are becoming!! :)mommakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13988621552972994863noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2531155336814845803.post-30175401956388519412009-08-28T09:34:00.001-05:002009-08-28T09:53:11.046-05:00I love God's faithfulness...<p style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 15px; color: rgb(63, 79, 85); font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I read this today in my devotion and it was such a great reminder...</span></p><p style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 15px; color: rgb(63, 79, 85); font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">"The Lord isn't really being slow about His promise, as some people think. No, He is being patient for your sake..." 2 Peter 3:9 NLT</span><br /></span></p><p style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 15px; color: rgb(63, 79, 85); font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:100%;">It doesn't take very long to discover that God's timing is not always our timing. It's easy to question and wonder why you've been waiting for your breakthrough for 15 years and your neighbor got their breakthrough in 15 minutes! In the Bible, Abraham waited 20 years for his promise, and in the upper room they waited about ten days. I don't know how long you'll have to wait, but you've got to understand that God has your best interest at heart. He is being patient for your sake. He's aligning things and waiting for the exact right moment! If you'll just continue waiting with the right attitude, then at the right time, God will bring it to pass.</span></p> <p style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 15px; color: rgb(63, 79, 85); font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Remember, God is always working behind the scenes for your good. Just because you don't see any changes taking place doesn't mean they aren't happening. Keep standing, keep believing, keep hoping because you're breakthrough is coming for your sake!</span></p>mommakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13988621552972994863noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2531155336814845803.post-11748610649657670782009-08-14T16:35:00.000-05:002009-08-14T16:36:18.646-05:00Just a good reminder...<p style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 15px; color: rgb(63, 79, 85); font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><em>"We know that God will work all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose"</em><strong> Romans 8:28</strong></p><p style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 15px; color: rgb(63, 79, 85); font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">God is working behind the scenes in your life today. No matter what you may be facing, no matter what trial you may be going through, God has a plan to turn things around in your favor. Right now, He is working out a plan for your good. Right now, He is orchestrating the right people to come across your path. He is orchestrating the right opportunities to open up to you. You may not see it in the natural, but look with your eyes of faith today. Keep standing. Keep believing. Keep hoping. Keep following His Word. Focus on His goodness in your life, knowing that He rewards the people who seek after Him. As you meditate on the faithfulness of God and show your love for Him by following His Word, you will see His plan come to pass. You'll experience His peace and joy, and you will live in victory all the days of your life!</p>mommakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13988621552972994863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2531155336814845803.post-13482456677212312612009-07-25T21:34:00.003-05:002009-07-25T21:36:04.087-05:00First crop...I planted some tomato plants this year (on the deck - nothing serious) and I just enjoyed my first "crop"...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjc0g5hVPJHvr0VKgavnk4cOR4Rw9T4-8Bc4SlsY7ll8ak6kz2-rNo0Brgv-WWz8Il_nNHYwgLM8d6pozc8g9y0N7l0sYRvVgLnnB35rsjyfYM0ZKWEM57lwPtYYbrlWK38fp0DEb5AjMu/s1600-h/First+Crop.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjc0g5hVPJHvr0VKgavnk4cOR4Rw9T4-8Bc4SlsY7ll8ak6kz2-rNo0Brgv-WWz8Il_nNHYwgLM8d6pozc8g9y0N7l0sYRvVgLnnB35rsjyfYM0ZKWEM57lwPtYYbrlWK38fp0DEb5AjMu/s320/First+Crop.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362591909662534402" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Two little "grape" tomatoes... they were SO yummy and salty!! :)<br />I'm looking forward to SO many more!mommakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13988621552972994863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2531155336814845803.post-13339791986531247922009-07-04T16:59:00.002-05:002009-07-04T17:29:19.961-05:00A lesson from Psalms...I was reading a devotion the other day about Solomon and his request to the Lord for wisdom and this devotion challenged me to think about what ONE THING I would ask of the Lord...<br /><ul><li>money & riches to fulfill all my dreams<br /></li><li>more time to be with my family</li><li>more money/time to travel with my hubby more!!! :)</li><li>be a better teacher/preacher in DJH and beyond (and to teach more)<br /></li></ul>But as I thought about it - none of this really matters!!<br />They are all very important to me and things that I pray regularly, but not the most important.<br /><br />Here's what I found next...<br />Psalm 27:4<br />"One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek:<br />that I may dwell in the house of the Lord<br />all the days of my life,<br />to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord<br />and to seek Him in His temple."<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Nothing matters more than to know Him.</span><br /><br />I love my kids - but someday they're going to get married and leave the house - what then?<br />I could have all the money in the world - but would it make me love Him more?<br /><br />All I need is you Lord...mommakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13988621552972994863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2531155336814845803.post-66588858473471372142009-06-12T10:07:00.000-05:002009-06-12T10:13:59.285-05:00It's my "glory"...I saw this verse in a devotion from Joel Osteen the other day and it just "went off" in me...<br /><br />"Good sense makes a man restrain his anger, and it is his glory to overlook a transgression or an offense."<br /><br />That last part just HIT ME... it is our GLORY to overlook an offense!!<br /><br />Something to think about...<br /><br />(I love how God's Word can make you think SO much over just one little sentence!! :)mommakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13988621552972994863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2531155336814845803.post-33514772115374297252009-04-06T23:28:00.005-05:002009-04-06T23:36:58.082-05:00I love my kids...The other day my kids were having one of those love/hate days - and went from playing happily together to "telling on" each other kind of days (LOTS of fun for a mom!!)...<br /><br />I was busy talking with Fred in the kitchen (actually having a PRODUCTIVE conversation while the kids got their PJ's on - so I wanted to finish it) and I asked Chayse if she would read a book to her brothers for 5 minutes while I talked to Daddy (NOT laziness - just enjoyed a couple of minutes of un-interrupted talking time).<br /><br />Here's what I came upstairs to:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTcxgj7wZKwTbf2Gi-JOHagxdeBEsri5rzkUirjW0oZ8kPzGbHKsCNiE0kFFIbDJDW2kZEaGSzsdiOVkRZvUOCycylEalineWlc4SUb29tUcY6tXlfaDpb4F8JTuC4gYa_eexEQwi9BZ4c/s1600-h/My+Cute+Kiddos.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTcxgj7wZKwTbf2Gi-JOHagxdeBEsri5rzkUirjW0oZ8kPzGbHKsCNiE0kFFIbDJDW2kZEaGSzsdiOVkRZvUOCycylEalineWlc4SUb29tUcY6tXlfaDpb4F8JTuC4gYa_eexEQwi9BZ4c/s320/My+Cute+Kiddos.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321803048187173554" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Aren't they cute!! Connor's on the left, Chayse in the middle (reading an "Inspector Gadget" book) and Colton on the right...<br /><br />I just LOVE IT when my kiddos get along and do stuff like this...<br />I still giggle a little every time I see this picture and I remember just how precious EACH of my kids are! Thank you Lord!mommakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13988621552972994863noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2531155336814845803.post-36222674103757736812009-04-02T08:18:00.005-06:002009-04-02T08:53:05.562-06:00My random life... but no so random??Just to be transparent here for a minute...<br /><br />Two days ago, I was ready to head back to Jamaica and stay there for a little bit (with my family, of course - not alone)... I miss the kids, I miss wrapping my arms around them and loving on them, I wish to go to their houses and help their parents - anything - just to help with something that doesn't involve paperwork, hours of meetings and "office hours".<br /><br />Believe me - I LOVE my job, I love Driven services, I love my 242 group, I love where God has called me - ALL OF IT... I just don't always love the <span style="font-style: italic;">work</span> that accompanies it.<br /><br />Then last night... THIS:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4AeI_tczn1u6ZySLhNGheyZcSTxu9YLu9uNrUo4b9lBjcUxCBq6EPzpuDDb2s4JipCwBlCKb1geV7ySDbPZ4mLLetxLtXyFEkMQHUmlxtBMEFzBrx-87MmvN7Y64T64HXrXEyKkBzXu9H/s1600-h/Jamaica+116.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4AeI_tczn1u6ZySLhNGheyZcSTxu9YLu9uNrUo4b9lBjcUxCBq6EPzpuDDb2s4JipCwBlCKb1geV7ySDbPZ4mLLetxLtXyFEkMQHUmlxtBMEFzBrx-87MmvN7Y64T64HXrXEyKkBzXu9H/s320/Jamaica+116.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320099796411603042" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />God hit me like a BEAM of light... not just a "ray of sunshine" a stinkin BEAM!!<br /><br />I spent the day yesterday (really I've spent the last 4 weeks) preparing for our Purity kickoff service last night (and really for the rest of the services for the month) and really felt like I heard from God as to what to say and I was "ready".<br /><br />But in that service, as I sat down in my seat to teach - I felt the presence of God so strong (even through all the goofy videos we watched first) on me... and as we began to have a time of praise before the teaching - it was even stronger. Then as I stepped up to teach, it just HIT ME... not that I taught some magnificent teaching - just God leading me!!<br />And as we went into worship tears welled up in my eyes as I realize that THIS is where God's called me to (not Jamaica, not anywhere else) to be here... a thirty-some year old woman of God in the middle of hundreds of teenagers worshiping, praising, and helping them walk out the plan God has for them! It was so awesome!<br /><br />I came home and was looking through some pictures and found the one above from my trip to Jamaica and it HIT ME - that's what I felt like!! I felt like I was surrounded by the "clouds" of being busy with lots of "things" and here was my Father, shining down on me showing me that He sees me and He's leading me and I am in the right spot.<br /><br />Thank you Father!mommakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13988621552972994863noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2531155336814845803.post-12543865905986879922009-03-11T08:08:00.004-06:002009-03-11T08:41:36.933-06:00Change your world view today...Did you know that today is "Global Food Crisis Day"?? Check it out <a href="http://www.compassion.com/global-food-crisis/?referer=98493&utm_campaign=gfcradio-homead-98493">HERE</a>...<br /><br />I realize that when we all see videos (like the one on Compassion's website) its very easy to turn it off, close the "window", change the channel and just make it all "go away".<br /><br />But for me - I just can't anymore. Something in Jamaica changed me...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhjJbYaakxb6Ff3b96XgaF0mF_KbGdTTtcW7arJl-00_q-ZKAm53fc3inznawZV9pnnltrso3FzGKhCgtb5PscUW5yXH8ABkGLD3fMiZxV6xJ_Mpbp2E37R9uBq7_-Rrib33lr-MzdbmQh/s1600-h/Jamaica+019.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhjJbYaakxb6Ff3b96XgaF0mF_KbGdTTtcW7arJl-00_q-ZKAm53fc3inznawZV9pnnltrso3FzGKhCgtb5PscUW5yXH8ABkGLD3fMiZxV6xJ_Mpbp2E37R9uBq7_-Rrib33lr-MzdbmQh/s320/Jamaica+019.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311939839213721522" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I used to feel like - "I can't solve the problem, so I don't want to see it (it just breaks my heart anyway)." But I had to ask myself - where is the compassion of God in that statement?<br /><br />On my first day to the primary school in Jamaica, I was getting the tour around the school and during this tour the kids took a break for "snack". Some children took a 1,000 "J" bill out of their pocket and headed to the tuk shop for some chips and a juice bag. Some took out a bundle of something from home. But so many more just wandered around the school yard... some "mooched" food off of the other kids - but more just wandered around.<br /><br />I had one little boy come up to me to say hello who was just a little taller than my Colton... and as we chatted he told me that he had just had his birthday and he was 6 now (my Colton is 5). My Colton is quite the skinny little boy and reminded me of this little boy who was very skinny as well. As I told him that he was about the same age and size as my Colton at home - I reached down to affectionately give his arm a little squeeze and my heart dropped... all I felt was skin and bone (no muscle). And yes, this little boy had NO snack to eat.<br /><br />As I fought to hold back the tears at the thought of "this could be my little boy if not for the grace of God that we are BLESSED to live in the US, we have jobs and we have food"... my mom hands me a piece of cake that one of the teachers was selling as a fundraiser for the school. (Are you kidding me???)<br /><br />I looked at her (still fighting back the tears) and said "I CAN'T eat this!!" Do you see this little boy in front of me? (And have you seen the size of my arms compared to his?)<br /><br />What am I supposed to do?<br />"Can I give it to him?" I asked her.<br />"Sure, whatever." she responds<br /><br />I then took that cake (and the other one I got from her a little while later) and broke off pieces and gave it to every kid that didn't have a snack that day.<br /><br />I also took my spending money for snacks (that I had brought) and spent it on those kids at the tuk shop for the next two days. (Yes, I am a bit of a sucker for all their begging - but who cares! I can spoil them if I want to - I'm a mom!)<br /><br />Now I realize that I didn't "save the world" or stop global hunger that week... but I know I made a difference.<br /><br />Because as I got back to my hotel that first night and bawled on my mom's shoulder, I prayed and asked God "What am I supposed to do now?"<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Make a difference when and where you can...</span> were the words I heard.<br /><br />I can't always send money (but I will when I can), I can't always feed them (although I will when I can)... but I CAN take the time to pray for God to send others to send money, bring them food, bring good paying jobs to their parents and more.<br /><br />Why am I sharing all this? Because I know we can each make a difference instead of "turning the channel"...<br /><br />for those here - LWCC does SO much to help programs that help feed children and families in the cities we travel to for missions trips (and more)... just support the church and support people going on trips!<br /><br />for those away - Did you know for just $13 you can feed a child for a MONTH!! Take what you would spend on coffee for a week, one or two lunches a week or whatever and send it to them... they have proven results.<br /><br />for anyone - PRAYER does make a difference!! It isn't a "thing" that just makes us feel better - our prayers AVAIL MUCH!! When we believe that God can do it!!<br /><br /><h3>Matthew 25:34-36 (The Message)</h3> <p> <sup id="en-MSG-10280" class="versenum" value="34-36">34-36</sup>"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take what's coming to you in this kingdom. It's been ready for you since the world's foundation. And here's why:<br /><br /> I was hungry and you fed me,<br /> I was thirsty and you gave me a drink,<br /> I was homeless and you gave me a room,<br /> I was shivering and you gave me clothes,<br /> I was sick and you stopped to visit,<br /> I was in prison and you came to me.'<br /></p><p>You can make a difference...<br /></p>mommakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13988621552972994863noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2531155336814845803.post-46656795114872945762009-03-02T08:15:00.003-06:002009-03-02T08:20:43.028-06:00"warmed hearts"I was reading this today and just loved this part...<br /><br />Proverbs 19:6 (The Message Translation)<br />"That's how God's Word vaults across the skies<br />from sunrise to sunset,<br />Melting ice, scorching deserts,<br />warming hearts to faith."<br /><br />Now, I really enjoy the "melting ice" - God can melt ALL the ice and snow He wants to here in Minnesota (especially with our last "dump" of snow)...<br /><br />But I love that part about "warming hearts to faith"... it just reminds me of how much He loves me! He doesn't "push" me to faith - He "warms my heart" to faith... which just makes me want my faith to grow even more! :)mommakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13988621552972994863noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2531155336814845803.post-82043723264118057942009-02-25T09:33:00.003-06:002009-02-25T09:43:04.567-06:00This was so good - I just had to share...I just had to share this good little "nugget" I found today... check it out <a href="http://97secondswithgod.blogspot.com/2009/02/day-25-heart.html">HERE<br /></a><br />One little kind word can be MUCH better than a sweet treat! :)<br /><br />Love you all!<br /><br />Enjoy! :)mommakhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13988621552972994863noreply@blogger.com0