Dr. Visit

Wow...its been a WHILE!! I haven't felt much like blogging lately but I have been reading and keeping up with the awesome fall decorating ideas out there! I have been feeling so bad lately....and I finally put on my big girl panties and went to the Doctor today. I actually had a list made of all of the things I have been feeling.....my sweet Dr. laughed at me and thought it was great.......she actually took my list to keep in my file. I was really anxious about going, but thanks to my husbands nudging, I went. Come to find out I have another really bad urinary tract infection...so I have another appointment in 2 weeks to follow up with that..and if it is not cleared up, I will be sent to a specialist to have further testing done. One of which is a cancer test, to rule that out. The Dr. did a full hormone panel, a full thyroid panel and vitamin panel to see what could be causing some other problems I am experiencing. Will be several days before I hear back about that. I have been EXTREMELY exhausted, having trouble with my memory and concentration, cold all of the time, weight gain, all over body aches and several other things. So, I am hoping to find some answers...I mean, I don't want there to be anything wrong with me, but I know something is out of whack for sure. I have been wanting to pull out of everything just cause I feel so bad. I try to hide the pain I experience everyday. My poor family, they see how it is affecting me..and it affects them :( Anywho...say a prayer......that we can get it resolved and I can start feeling good again......too young to feel like this....haha!!!

my beautiful babies

The older my children get the more centimental I get!! I just love them so much and finding it REALLY hard to believe that I am about to have a teenager!!! These are pics from last years beach trip.

My daily ABC's

One day... as I was writing in my journal my daily prayer request.....I started thinking of what I needed to remind myself of DAILY to keep my walk with Christ close! I think I wrote this down around March 2008. I often times will go back and re-read my journal entries or prayer lists, to see how things turned out! So, here is a simple list to help keep me in line....although I couldn't think of anything for x...so if you think of one...let me know!!

A- Abide: John 15:4-6 V:5 For without me, ye can do nothing.

B- Burden: Psalm 55:22 Cast thy burden upon the Lord.

C- Compassion: Jude 22 Some have compassion, making a difference.

D- Daily: Luke 9:23 Take up his cross daily

E- Example: 1 Timothy 4:12 Be thou an example of believers

F- Faithful: Proverbs 28:20a A faithful man shall abound with blessings.

G-Gracious: Proverbs 11:16a A gracious woman retaineth honor.

H- Honor: 1 Timothy 5:17 Let the elders that rule be counted worthy of double honor.

I- Instant: Romans 12:12 continuing instant in prayer

J-Joy: 2 John 12 Our joy may be full.

K- Kindness: 2 Peter 7 Brotherly Kindness

L- Labour: 1 Thess. 1:3 Labour of Love

M-Meek: Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the word of God

N-Neighbor: Matthew 19:19 Love thy neighbor as thyself

O-Obey: Colossians 3:22 Servants, obey all things

P- Prepare: 1 Sam. 7:3 Prepare your hearts unto the Lord

Q- Quiet: 1 Thess. 4:11 Study to be quiet and to do your own business

R- Repent: Matthew 3:2 And saying-repent ye.

S- Seek: Psalm 63:1 Early will I seek thee.

T- Trust: Psalm 62:8 Trust in Him at all times

U- Uphold: Hebrews 1:3 Upholding all things.

V- Vessel: 2 Timothy 2:21 He shall be a vessel unto honor.

W- Wait: Psalm 25:4-5 Wait all the day

X-

Y- Yield: 2 Chronicles 30:8 Yield yourselves unto the Lord, and enter into his sanctuary.

Z- Zeal: Revelation 3:19 Be zealous therefore, and repent

Come to Jesus

A year ago in March, the day after my birthday, someone whom I loved dearly passed away suddenly. Around the same time, I had been sent a CD with this song on it(sung by Sons of Jubal). To this day, I can not listen to this song without crying. I had been asked to sing at the funeral and was going to sing this song, but could not go through with singing it. I knew I would not be able to make it through. I love the words to this song. It is kinda of an entire brief view of the Christian life. First, realizing you are a sinner. Secondly, repenting and asking Jesus to be your Savior. Times of struggle and times of triumph. And in the end spending eternity in Heaven. I cry when I hear it...because my grief for this loss is so deep. Deeper than any other grief I have had in my life. I truly miss our Great and think about her often. Thankful she was part of my life, thankful she influenced me, thankful she loved me, thankful she loved my husband and my children. Her memory will live FOREVER in our hearts!

P&L Engagement Session

Verse Cards

Sweet Cousins

Vicarious Faith

vi·car·i·ous

   /vaɪˈkɛəriəs, vɪ-/ Show Spelled

–adjective

1.

performed, exercised, received, or suffered in place ofanother: vicarious punishment.

2.

taking the place of another person or thing; acting or servingas a substitute.

This morning my pastor preached a sermon that really struck a chord with me. I find myself always learning from him and his wisdom because I truly believe he seeks the truth and is a true man of God. Today he spoke on "Vicarious Faith". Exercising MY faith for the benefit of OTHERS. He posed questions like.....when was the last time you fasted for someone else? when did you last petition God to send whatever blessing HE had in store for you, to send to someone else? when was the last time you spent more time begging God to supply someone else's need above your own? WOW......when was the last time I truly wanted to see God use me for the benefit of someone else? For His blessings to flow to me and THROUGH ME. We read in the bible where the four men that took their friend to see Jesus to be healed. When they arrived, they couldn't get into the door to see Jesus, there were so many people there. They didn't give up. They thought outside of the box.....they wanted God to use their faith to heal their friend. So what did they do? They came in through the roof....Jesus healed their friend. That man benefited from their faith, their determination. Did they gain anything from it, other than getting to witness their friend being healed....NO!!! Matter of fact, they are nameless in the Bible.....because the only recognition that is important is GOD's!!!!

I do pray for others. I do beg God to use me.....but I am challenging myself to truly have vicarious faith. I want God to use me in a way that benefits others for HIS honor and glory....not for the praise of man.

writing on the wall

okay...well the other day I was wishing for things to be simpler....ya know....written out on a wall for you....WELL......I believe one of the decisions I was facing was basically answered for me....

I am so thankful I can trust GOD and know that HE will answer my prayer.....whether or not it is the way I had wanted or not.

There are going to be some very exciting things happening soon and I can not wait.

lately

Okay....so lately I have been feeling confused.....pulled in many different directions......and questioning am I being stupid or wise?

I don't like being 35(tomorrow) and feeling so overwhelmed with decisions. Truly don't know which path to take......about a couple of different things going on right now. Sometimes I wish the Lord's will was written clearly on a wall somewhere. Really needing some guidance and direction.

Also, I have a praise.....they were able to remove ALL of the cancer from my dad's arm. WOOTWOOT!!! But now we have another prayer request.......my dad has been experiencing some severe abdominal pain for a few weeks now. Well, he went to the Dr., they ran some test and as of this morning, he was told he has an enlarged liver(which can only be caused by one of 3 things. Either liver disease, cancer, or heart problems) He is being sent to a specialist to have more test run and hopefully a diagnosis. Please continue to pray for him. He will be turning 68 in April!

So, as I mentioned above......I turn 35 tomorrow. Last year on my birthday I received a horrible phone call about our "GREAT"and they day after my birthday, our Great died. I am feeling so sad.....and don't feel much like celebrating. I miss her so much and just the mere thought of her, makes me cry!

Anywho......I am just so thankful, I have my Lord and Savior to take the petitions to! For HE knows the way all I have to do is follow!!!

I Just Want To Please The Lord

I can't help but listen to this song and cry every time I hear it! My heart aches at all of the many times that daily I let HIM down. I want to please MY LORD. I have the desire to please HIM through being a good wife, mother, teacher, church member, friend, daughter and in every other role in my life. Far too long, I have taken these roles for granted and I don't want to do that anymore. It is an honor to be where God has placed me. I think we spend too much time being BUSY with things, that we do not take the time to WORSHIP Him. To sit at His feet and be in His Presence. I want to teach my children to have a heart for God and the heart of God. Truly LOVE Him. Our movement gets so wrapped up in the outward appearance of man and the works of man that we forget about the HEART. Listen to the words of this song......I pray it will touch you like it has me!

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Here is the "card" the kids and I made for daddy for V-day!! It is a "message in a bottle". The kids and I each wrote him a sweet note and we rolled it up and put it inside. There is sugar in the bottom for the sand!! Turned out really cute!!!

I am so in love with my hubby!!! He makes me a better me!!! He is my BEST FRIEND and my SOUL MATE!!!

I LOVE my kiddos beyond what I can say!!! Tyler....and Emma!! They are truly my heart!!!

Snow....AGAIN.....

Well, this is what we woke to this morning. It is beautiful and peaceful....BUT......I am MORE than ready for spring.

Need a laugh today.....

Here are some church bulletin BLOOPERS!!!!

* Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our church and community.

*The concert held in Fellowship Hall was a great success. Special thanks are due to the minister's daughter, who labored the whole evening at the piano, which as usual fell upon her.

*Potluck supper: prayer and medication to follow.

* Don't let worry kill you off - let the church help.

* Pastor is on vacation. Massages can be given to church secretary.

Longing to sit on the sand and listen to the ocean waves.......

I want to be sitting under one of those umbrellas!! I am so over cold weather. I truly love the beach and hopefully will get to go this summer!!! I have a lot on my mind and my heart today....and I have so much I could say.....but will refrain from writing it all down....the Lord really is the only one that needs to know about things, so I am going to keep things between us!!!

I would like to ask you to pray for my dad. He found out yesterday that he has carcinoma.....he will be having surgery on the 15th. Please say a little prayer for him. Six years ago, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and he had a radical prostectomy done, so anytime we hear the word "cancer" we get a little apprehensive!! Thank you in advance for your prayers!!

Vera Bradley giveaway!!!!

Head on over to Kristen's Palace and check out her blog and her AWESOME Vera Bradley giveaway!!! The prize....a Vera Bradley bag of her choice and it will be filled with goodies....CHECK IT OUT!!!!!

http://kristenann11.blogspot.com

Why are we fault finders???

I think we...as humans...better yet, as Christians are fault finders in others. We can't wait to point out someone else's flaws, sins or faults! Why is that, I wonder? Sad...isn't it? I am so sick of Christians thinking they are better than others. Yes, we should be separated. We should not "fit in" with the world....but how are we going to win the world if we go around acting like we are better than others. That is prideful.

Proverbs 16:18

PRIDE [goeth] before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 29:23

A man's PRIDE shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

Treat everyone fairly.....

James 2:1-10

¹ My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, [the Lord] of glory, with respect of persons.

² For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;

³ And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:

⁴ Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?

⁵ Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

⁶ But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?

⁷ Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?

⁸ If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:

⁹ But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.

¹⁰ For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one [point], he is guilty of all.

We (christians) of all other people should be the kindest to others. We should be complimenters not criticizers. We have Christ within us. We can win someone over a whole lot easier with kind words rather than a sharp tongue.

We should humble ourselves. James 4 v.10 says "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up."

I am going to work on myself. I need to compliment people more. Stop the criticizing and critiquing. Stop the fault finding and LOVE people WHERE they are HOW they are!!!

Unspoken

We have an unspoken prayer request! Please say a little prayer for us! Thank you!! God is GOOD!!

One lump or Two....how to teach kids how to handle the injustices of LIFE!!!!

Here are some helpful thoughts regarding letting my kids handle life's lumps, whether deserved or not.

1. Teach your kids that when you mess up and it's your fault, "take your lumps."

Don't whine about it. You deserve it. Take it.

2. Teach your kids that sometimes you "take your lumps" because life is difficult.

It's no fun, but you aren't Job. Get over it. It's just God's way of allowing life to toughen you up. You can't control who your parents are, where you go to school, your looks, etc.

3. Teach your kids that sometimes you "take your lumps" because you are mistreated.

This is the hardest one to deal with, but Jesus understands your pain. He dealt with the same thing.

4. As a parent, I don't have to make sure that everything that happens to or for or concerning my kids is fair.

5. Realize that not everything is about your kids.

6. I was treated unfairly at times and survived (with very few ticks and glitches:).

7. I was treated unfairly and accepted both the pain and the mistreatment as part of life.

8. I am allowed to let my kids be treated unfairly and not do anything about it.

9. I do not have to let it fester or get bitter.

10. If I handle the situation without bitterness, then almost always, so will my children.

11. If I overreact as a parent, it will usually end up as a bigger problem than the original problem.

12. If my kids feel like the world is against them, it is my fault through either my bad example, or lack of training them.

13. If I feel like I've been an underdog all of my life, then my kids probably will too.

In other words, before I can show them how to handle it, I must deal with my own issues first.

14. When my kids are mistreated I have the opportunity teach them several lessons:

a. Maybe the other person misunderstood the situation.

b. Maybe you misunderstood the situation.

c. Maybe the other person is in the wrong. (We didn't expect perfection, did we?)

d. The other person can handle something wrongly and still be a great person.

e. The other person can handle something wrongly and that doesn't mean they're out to get you.

f. The other person can handle something and you perceive it wrongly and it had absolutely nothing to do with you.

g. Only shallow people think that how the other person treats us is the measuring stick to determine whether they are a great or horrible person.

15. If I run to the aid of my kid, I'm teaching them to depend on me, when the very purpose of my training them is to make them incrementally less and less dependent on me.

Ephesians 6

⁶Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;

⁷ With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:

dirt

"Worry about the dirt on your own front porch instead of the dirt on mine"

If we all could be more concerned about the sin and junk we have in our own lives instead of worrying about jack and jane's sins.....maybe we could actually clean up some things in our own lives.

Often times when I find myself weak....it's because I haven't been in the book that keeps me STRONG!!!

Are you a stepping stone or a stumbling block?

"Some Christians are stumbling blocks to the world when they should be stepping stones."

So this quote leads me to think about what I am and who those are around me that I associate with?

I, as a Christian, know that I am a sinner and have to ask forgiveness everyday for either my actions, my words, my thoughts or things I didn't do that I should have. For the bible teaches us that knowing to do something and not doing it is a sin as well. Therefore, knowing these things about myself.....what am I to people?

step·ping–stone

noun \ˈste-piŋ-ˌstōn\

Definition of STEPPING-STONE

1

: a stone on which to step (as in crossing a stream)

2

: a means of progress or advancement

stum·bling block

noun \ˈstəm-bliŋ-\

1

: an obstacle to progress

2

: an impediment to belief or understanding :

So here I have the dictionary definitions of what the two mean. Not that we didn't know, but sometimes we need to see it on paper. So am I a stepping stone or a stumbling block?

Let's see......stepping stone....means of progress or advancement.....okay.....is my testimony what it should be in order to help someone progress in their Christian life? Is my testimony strong enough to help a lost soul come to KNOW Christ as their personal Saviour. Am I that stone that they can step on to be able to go where they need to go? Am I an encourager to the down in spirit? Am I a provider when a need arises? Do I help my church and church family when a something needs to be done? Sometimes in order to get from point a to point b...you have to cross over.....sometimes what lies beneath you is hard and dangerous....maybe it's the rushing water with strong rapids...in which you need some heavy strong stones to step on in order that you make it across. Am I that stone for someone to step on? Sometimes we must be USED......and spent. So these are some thought provoking questions. If we are honest, we will take these questions and ponder on them and prayerfully ask the Lord to help us to be a stepping stone for others. I truly have a desire to be a stepping stone......even though sometimes getting stepped on HURTS.

Stumbling Block.....an obstacle!! I guess we could apply the same list of questions from above to go down here. An obstacle. Am I standing in someone's way? Is my "Christian" life discouraging someone because I am a FAKE? Am I hurting the cause of Christ? Am I trying to encourage someone to do wrong? There are many Christians out there living a lie.....living like they are saints on Sunday and Wednesday night, but throughout the rest of the week.....live like the devil. Am I "ONE" of those Christians? Oh how dangerous it can be to be a stumbling block to someone. Am I leading someone down the wrong path by tempting them to do something that is wrong? Is my attitude an obstacle...does it get in the way of someone trying to do the Lord's will?

There are SO MANY things that we must ask ourselves.....truly be transparent and ask ourselves. Are you surrounding yourself with people that are stumbling blocks or stepping stones in your life? There are folks that I know that try to put on this holier than thou attitude, but truly are stumbling blocks in my life. Often times I get so frustrated.......but my Lord knows all about it. God sees the heart of a man......and judgment will come by HIM..in HIS time, not mine.......and I will be judged as well for the person I am. Oh Lord, help me to die daily........if I am hindering someone from being a better Christian......help me to move from in front of them to underneath their feet.

Where are we going? CRAZY!!!

Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

Boy......sometimes I sure do feel like I am going to go insane. When we get in the car, Emma often asks me where we are going and I always answer her.....CRAZY!!! We are going crazy!!! Not only do I feel insane, but man, so many times I feel like such a bad parent!!!

Today has been...ONE of THOSE DAYS, ya know....the ones momma said there would be...haha!!! The kids have been at each other's throats today and it started from the moment they woke up. Tyler said something to Emma....Emma went balistic and where does that leave me.....in the looney bin!!! So, punishment, NO TV, NO XBOX, NO KINECT. CHORES AND SCHOOL ONLY!!! And, the worst part.....they aren't allowed to speak to each other AT ALL today. I am hoping by not being allowed to speak to each other, they will in turn realize how much they need each other and enjoy each other's company. Most days in my home are so peaceful but wow.....not today at least not this morning. Things have been better since they haven't been speaking and boy, the house sure is quiet.

I feel like a failure more times than not when it comes to parenting. I hope and pray that my children turn out in spite of me. I am thankful though that with the Lord failure isn't final and with HIS help, we will be able to raise well adjusted, healthy, happy children.

So, I will go now.....and put back on my straight jacket and sit in a corner and pray.....I need some solitary confinement where it is just me and my sweet Lord!!!

the love of my life...

I just wanted to take a little moment to post about someone who is SO SPECIAL to me. This man is not only my best friend, he is my wonderful husband. Coming up this April we will celebrate our 14 year anniversary. He is one of the most caring, loving, selfless men that I know. Hard-headed....yes....haha, but wonderfully imperfect and I love him more and more with each passing day. He can make my blues go away with just the faintest of smiles and the corniest of jokes. I often times feel he is misunderstood and I wish folks could know him the way I know him. He truly sees the BEST in everyone and is one of the most positive people I know. He makes me a better person. We have been thru trials and he is always so strong. I love the fact that the Lord gave me such a godly man. A man who truly desires to have the heart of his FATHER. He is the spiritual leader in our home and I am thankful for that. He takes care of me and our wonderful children in every area of our lives. He is hard working.....and so many times, I just wish he could get a break! Brad is an encourager to me and others. He is an awesome daddy. That is one of the reasons I wish he had a different job...so he would be able to spend more time with them. He misses seeing his kiddos!! As this valentine's day approaches and our anniversary, I just want him to know how much I adore, love and respect him!!!! I love you Bradley!!!!

Thank You Lord......

For making the sun to shine. Putting the stars in the sky.
For the flowers that bloom, the ocean so blue. Thank you Lord
For every sparrow that sings and makes sweet melody
For the River that flows. The rain and the snow thank you Lord

I just want to thank you Lord. I just want to thank you Lord. For everything you've done for me thank you Lord. I just want to thank you Lord. I just want to thank you Lord. For making me whole, saving my soul thank you Lord.

For my whole family, For the joy my children bring. For shoes on our feet, plenty to eat thank you Lord. For the church where I worship and pray. For the freedom I have today .For your spirit I feel. Your presence so real. Thank you Lord. I just want to thank you Lord. I just want to thank you Lord. For everything you've done for me thank you Lord.

I just want to thank you Lord. I just want to thank you Lord. For making me whole, saving my soul. Thank you Lord.

For being a friend so dear. Giving my sad heart cheer. For holding my hand when I could not stand. Thank you Lord. For giving your life for me on a cross at calvary. For taking my place, mercy and grace. Thank you Lord.

I just want to thank you Lord. I just want to thank you Lord. For everything you've done for me thank you Lord. I just want to thank you Lord. I just want to thank you Lord. For making me whole, saving my soul thank you Lord

Home is where Heart is........

house (hous)

n. pl. hous·es (houzz, -sz)

1.

a. A structure serving as a dwelling for one or more persons, especially for a family.

b. A household or family.

home (hm)

n.

1. A place where one lives; a residence.

2. The physical structure within which one lives, such as a house or apartment.

3. A dwelling place together with the family or social unit that occupies it; a household.

4.

a. An environment offering security and happiness.

b. A valued place regarded as a refuge or place of origin.

So let me start off by saying that I AM SO THANKFUL!!!!! Truly from the bottom of my heart....thankfulness is overflowing. We have been "down here" in the basement for a year and a half so far. It is nice, it is clean. It is a roof over our heads and warmth to our skin! Hey, let's face it.....we didn't even know that a tornado was 5 miles from us when it touched down. The saying Home is where the heart is.....is true. I truly believe I have made every place I have ever lived in.....HOME. I take pride in every place we have ever dwelt and treated it like my own. With all of that being said.......the fever to have my own home has hit me!!! I can't wait to find our own place and truly make it ours. I have been praying that the Lord opens some doors for us and provides us with a home of our own! This is my hearts desire!!! Thank you Lord for all you do in my life!!!