Making a house a home and sitting in awe of how Great our God is.....

After many LONG years.....the Lord blessed us with a beautiful home. I haven't blogged in FOREVER.....so I thought maybe I should start catching up. I truly can't say enough how awesome our God is....He is faithful....He is a provider....a deliverer....so many things!! Thankful for His provision!!!

A daily battle of the mind.....

I am not sure where to begin as I sit here.....my mind seems to be jumbled up with so many thoughts of what I would like to say.....but how to say them is what I struggle with. We live in a society where the unmentionable things seem to be common conversation....where our sights are clammoured with questionable billboards..crude television..the work place has become a place of gossip and lude conversations...our churches have become so casual. Daily our minds are being squandered away by sex, gossip, lies. Things that were once taboo in our society are commonplace now. Not only am I speaking from my heart today....but I speak as a Christian...a woman, a wife and a mother. For me...my work is at home. I know I am blessed to have this opportunity to be a stay at home mom. Even though some women have to work...I understand that some women choose to work. Whatever your case may be....WE  all have a work to do in our homes. Our husbands go out into the world on a daily basis. They are confronted maybe with fowl language, women co-workers who have no thought of your husband being a married man, watercooler talk, hard to deal with bosses......ON TOP of their already tough job and responsiblity of being the bread winner for your home. Lately, I have seen SO MUCH talk about certain books and movies that have recently come out or are about to come out.....and I have been TRULY STUNNED at the women who have posted or written about these said things. I don't write this to judge or criticize what one chooses to read or watch but I do write this hoping to challenge each one of you. Our minds are being filled with so much trash. Our time is being filled with fantasy. The many hours our minds spend wandering and daydreaming. I always thought pornagraphy was more of a problem for men....but now I am not so sure. It seems to be rampant among women now days. I have seen so many posts from women so excited to go see the movie "magic mike". I get red faced just seeing the previews on tv....that come on first thing in the morning. I wonder why...ladies are so taken with things like this. Your husband should be the only one that gets you excited. What a diservice we do to our men...when we fill our minds with other men. Ladies...we not only owe it to ourselves to live a sober minded life but to our husbands as well. We need to not only guard our hearts...but we need to guard our minds. For we are fighting a battle of the mind. When we allow visions and thoughts of these things to take us to a fantasy world...then we have clearly exited reality. We need to build walls around our home....and not let this trash penetrate through. If our minds aren't clear and focused....then we can't help our husbands. Every day your husband walks out the front door....as a wife...you should be praying for him. He will be bombarded with worldy things. Through out the day...I am constantly praying for my husband...for him to be safe...have a successful day, for him to be protected from the wiles of this world. His job is hard enough....I don't want my husband falling prey. If my mind is off doing things it shouldn't ....I can't pray for him like I should.  What would it make you feel like if your husband was so excited to go watch a female stripper movie....where nothing is left to the imagination. How would you feel if your husband spent hours on end reading a sexual trilogy. I dare say....it would make you feel cheapened. It would me. I know I can never compare or live up to what these books and movies portray. Pretty soon...I would have a pretty crummy attitude about myself. I think my husband is the sexiest man alive. I want to please him and make him happy. I can't do that if my thoughts are all consumed by junk....my mind not on him....but of a character from a book that I wish he was. And vice versa. That's so not fair. God created a man....and then he created a women to be his help meet. My husband tells me everyday that I am beautiful and he makes me feel special and he spoils me. Our children know that our love is real. Does that mean it's perfect....ABSOLUTELY NOT. Does that mean every day is a bed of roses at our house.....Ummm,NO!!! Love is not just a feeling. You have to keep falling back in love with the same person over and over again.  But it does mean that I will do my best to guard my mind. I will do this for first and foremost for my Savior...Jesus Christ...and I will do this for my husband because I love him so. So ladies...I challenge you....build a wall that this stuff can't penetrate. Be sober minded.....clear headed. Do it for you....your husband and ultimatley your children.  Don't fall prey to what the world calls entertainment....the price is far too great to pay. 

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!!