So, it's Sunday morning and I'm here on the computer. I've checked out Facebook Land, had my Bible study time, and had my first diet mt. dew. ;0) Katie is having her Crunch Berries and both Tony and Hayes are still in the bed.
We love our new pastor and his family. He has been a tremendous blessing to our church. Our Sunday school class is just the best and we've learned so much from our teacher....
This afternoon I'll be helping Katie study for a biology test she has tomorrow, then she'll be off to the barn for her riding lesson.
Hayes will probably go play at a friend's house this afternoon--
While Katie is at the barn and Hayes is off playing I'll be home. Maybe I'll paint something.... maybe I'll study for my 2nd grade lessons for Tuesday.... Maybe I'll take a nap....
Tony will probably work on school this afternoon and maybe get to rest before his long week ahead. He'll be traveling late this afternoon and will be gone all week. Once he gets home on Friday he'll prepare for a camping trip with Hayes next weekend. Shortly after they get home from camping he'll pack and get ready to go out of town again the next week-- What a great daddy and husband he is....
Katie is loving high school. Homecoming is this week and she's signed up to play in the Powder Puff football game! It's a flag football game comprised of 2 teams of girls. They'll play during the school day on Friday for spirit week. ;0)
Hayes is content in school this year. He's in the 6th grade and happy to still be homeschooling. He's playing soccer with GBC for the first time. He's also very busy with Boy Scouts-- and loving every minute of it.
This part-time teaching job for me is just the best. I love teaching. I'm so glad that's the path that I chose to take so long ago in college. It was the right decision.
Life IS good.... :0)
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Grieving.....
I have found that grief comes in different ways, on different levels, and to different degrees. I knew that I was grieving about a few different things in my life, but until yesterday I didn't realize one area that I was struggling. I've been struggling with heart ache because my sweet friend's mom died unexpectedly last week. My body is still trying to heal from my leg injury. While Tony was out of town we had TWO episodes of water coming through ceiling fixtures. Katie was out of town for 7 full days and we had no contact with her. I miss Mama and Daddy terribly and I want to be "home" with them. I actually found myself crying the other day and telling my sweet husband that I was "home sick".... when I've lived in this town for almost 25 years. I long for the days of Mayberry life. I long for goodness and love. I long to be known. I long to have children around me. I long for WORSHIP. I long for my family. I long for laughter. I long for sweetness and kindness. I long for real hugs and touch. I long for Truth.
All of that said..... I just figured out yesterday in addition to all of this that I'm grieving my Katie starting high school. Yes, we're excited. Yes, we're positive that God's calling us to send her to FACS. Yes, it's a wonderful thing that she's growing up into a beautiful young lady. But.... we only have 4 years left with her. She will more than likely meet her husband in the next 4-6 years. Where should we be? Where will we live when she goes to college? Do I really want her to marry and live in Memphis? What about me trying to get to my Mama and Daddy? I don't want to wait until one of them is gone to move down there. Am I jumping the gun thinking about marriage? I don't think so. Not at all.... At this point in her life we're still able to present her with settings where she may meet THE one. Where is the right place? This is such a big thing..... What a responsibility. Where and how we "do" life affects our entire little family on a MUCH larger scale than just day to day life. It's everything.
Time is flying by. Life is so short. Why can't we just pick where we get to live our "happily ever after" until our time here is done? Is it okay to say that it's not fair??? My time is running out.... and my heart hurts.
All of that said..... I just figured out yesterday in addition to all of this that I'm grieving my Katie starting high school. Yes, we're excited. Yes, we're positive that God's calling us to send her to FACS. Yes, it's a wonderful thing that she's growing up into a beautiful young lady. But.... we only have 4 years left with her. She will more than likely meet her husband in the next 4-6 years. Where should we be? Where will we live when she goes to college? Do I really want her to marry and live in Memphis? What about me trying to get to my Mama and Daddy? I don't want to wait until one of them is gone to move down there. Am I jumping the gun thinking about marriage? I don't think so. Not at all.... At this point in her life we're still able to present her with settings where she may meet THE one. Where is the right place? This is such a big thing..... What a responsibility. Where and how we "do" life affects our entire little family on a MUCH larger scale than just day to day life. It's everything.
Time is flying by. Life is so short. Why can't we just pick where we get to live our "happily ever after" until our time here is done? Is it okay to say that it's not fair??? My time is running out.... and my heart hurts.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Is it a gift to have faith?
Mama and I were talking on the phone earlier today and I asked her how their revival was going at her church this week. She said it was wonderful with around 40+ in attendance. :0) I asked her to tell me something she's learned. (I'm especially hungry for the Word these days.... ;0) She said the topic came up on whether or not faith was a gift.... meaning that it was like a talent given from God. My immediate answer and thought to that was "no" that it's a command. She said she thought so, too but that there was a lady in their church who was convinced that to have faith that it was a "gift" of God--- the same as a talent is a gift of God.
So, with this hunger in my soul for Truth I had to study this topic and discern for myself what the answer was. After studying for just a short time I found scripture after scripture where God talks about faith. It 2 Chronicles 20:20 we are told to HAVE faith. In Isaiah 7:9 it says that if we don't stand firm in our faith and we will not stand at all. The next one I came to was the Lord's response to Habakkuk in Hab. 2:4 was that the righteous will live by faith. The scriptures go on and on......
Malachi 2:16 ".. guard yourself in spirit and do not break faith..."
Matthew 6:30 "... oh you of little faith..."
Matthew 8:10 (Jesus is looking for people of faith)
Matthew 8:26 ".... you of little faith..."
Matthew 9:29 ".... according to your faith will it be done unto you" (a girl was healed)
Matthew 13:58 He (Jesus) did not do many miracles because of their lack of faith
Matthew 17:21 ".... the faith of a mustard seed...."
There are so many more verses to back this up, but I stopped and was content with the answer when I got to the scripture about the mustard seed. :0)
Faith is not a gift.... it's a decision.
So, with this hunger in my soul for Truth I had to study this topic and discern for myself what the answer was. After studying for just a short time I found scripture after scripture where God talks about faith. It 2 Chronicles 20:20 we are told to HAVE faith. In Isaiah 7:9 it says that if we don't stand firm in our faith and we will not stand at all. The next one I came to was the Lord's response to Habakkuk in Hab. 2:4 was that the righteous will live by faith. The scriptures go on and on......
Malachi 2:16 ".. guard yourself in spirit and do not break faith..."
Matthew 6:30 "... oh you of little faith..."
Matthew 8:10 (Jesus is looking for people of faith)
Matthew 8:26 ".... you of little faith..."
Matthew 9:29 ".... according to your faith will it be done unto you" (a girl was healed)
Matthew 13:58 He (Jesus) did not do many miracles because of their lack of faith
Matthew 17:21 ".... the faith of a mustard seed...."
There are so many more verses to back this up, but I stopped and was content with the answer when I got to the scripture about the mustard seed. :0)
Faith is not a gift.... it's a decision.
Prayers being answered.... :0)
Well, Katie is off to Montana! She's on a trip with Nana and Grandpa. They're going to Glacier National Park and she's very excited about it-- :0) She's learned the art of texting and she's texting Tony from time to time. what a sweet girl she is.... a true blessing from the Lord.
Over the 4th of July we spent the night with Terry and Mindy at Mindy's parents' place out in Toon, TN. We had a great time doing a whole lot of nothing much. :0) We rode 4-wheelers and the mule (golf cart thingy-- not the stinky, poopy kind-- LOL), watched a fireworks show put on by the "wonder twins", and we ate a lot of yummy food. During one of our excursions we walked out onto a long narrow dock--- very cool place with lots of lilly pads, etc. to see. Hayes decided it was too muddy to reach with his flip flops on, so he stayed back at the end of the dock. I had been out there and seen about as much as I felt comfortable to with leaving him back in the woods by himself and decided to go back. On the way back I stepped down a step and kept going--- right through the dock. Prayers have been answered.... It was not broken and I'm very slowly, but surely healing. :0) Praise the Lord-- :0)
My chairs went to the furniture hospital yesterday. Woo hoo! As minimal and insignificant this may seem it was something that was important to me. Our chairs were in overall good shape, but with about 12 years worth of wear on them the stuffing was coming out of the arms. Tony was very sweet to share a little bit of bonus money with me. The total to re-upholster the chairs AND get two pillows made for the couch came to the a little less than the amount he gave me. Is that sweet or what??!! God really does care about those little things that mean a lot to us.... :0)
Hayes is doing great. Prayers were answered with him through our ENT appointments for him. He was having terrible nose bleeds-- one right after the other. We finally gave in and took him to the ENT when he experienced 7 really bad ones in one weekend. We treated him aggressively with antibiotics, steroids, and ointment. After going to the doctor and getting started on his meds. he didn't have another nose bleed. What an answer that was! We're still keeping an eye on him and he's using the ointment because of some recent small bleeds, but they're nothing compared to what he was suffering before.... :0)
Last but not least.... it looks like I will get to teach this fall! Yay!!!!! I'm so excited. We're praying for all the details to be worked out, but we're trusting-- knowing that God is in control. I may be driving to 2 different campuses to teach, but if that's what God wants me to do, then I'll be there! :0)
God is so good.... :0) Prayers are being answered.... I'm thankful to be a child of the King.
Over the 4th of July we spent the night with Terry and Mindy at Mindy's parents' place out in Toon, TN. We had a great time doing a whole lot of nothing much. :0) We rode 4-wheelers and the mule (golf cart thingy-- not the stinky, poopy kind-- LOL), watched a fireworks show put on by the "wonder twins", and we ate a lot of yummy food. During one of our excursions we walked out onto a long narrow dock--- very cool place with lots of lilly pads, etc. to see. Hayes decided it was too muddy to reach with his flip flops on, so he stayed back at the end of the dock. I had been out there and seen about as much as I felt comfortable to with leaving him back in the woods by himself and decided to go back. On the way back I stepped down a step and kept going--- right through the dock. Prayers have been answered.... It was not broken and I'm very slowly, but surely healing. :0) Praise the Lord-- :0)
My chairs went to the furniture hospital yesterday. Woo hoo! As minimal and insignificant this may seem it was something that was important to me. Our chairs were in overall good shape, but with about 12 years worth of wear on them the stuffing was coming out of the arms. Tony was very sweet to share a little bit of bonus money with me. The total to re-upholster the chairs AND get two pillows made for the couch came to the a little less than the amount he gave me. Is that sweet or what??!! God really does care about those little things that mean a lot to us.... :0)
Hayes is doing great. Prayers were answered with him through our ENT appointments for him. He was having terrible nose bleeds-- one right after the other. We finally gave in and took him to the ENT when he experienced 7 really bad ones in one weekend. We treated him aggressively with antibiotics, steroids, and ointment. After going to the doctor and getting started on his meds. he didn't have another nose bleed. What an answer that was! We're still keeping an eye on him and he's using the ointment because of some recent small bleeds, but they're nothing compared to what he was suffering before.... :0)
Last but not least.... it looks like I will get to teach this fall! Yay!!!!! I'm so excited. We're praying for all the details to be worked out, but we're trusting-- knowing that God is in control. I may be driving to 2 different campuses to teach, but if that's what God wants me to do, then I'll be there! :0)
God is so good.... :0) Prayers are being answered.... I'm thankful to be a child of the King.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Thoughts--
There is a book entitled "Men are Like Waffles, Women are Like Spaghetti". How true this is.... I think about that title (I've never even read the book) often and you know it's really the way it is. Tony has the ability to think about ONE thing and one thing only at a time. He can't even consider life any other way. He also has the "gift" of an "empty box" if he wants to go there in his mind. I do not have an empty box available in my mind. My mind really is like a bowl of spaghetti. My latest bowl of spaghetti is so all-over-the-place that I felt the need to write it down. So...... here it goes:
*I really want that teaching job for next year. I feel like God wants me there.
*I have used "too" and "they're" incorrectly in the last week. Where the heck did THAT come from? I have made A's in grammar all of my life and right when I want to get a second grade teaching job I goof up--- and in front of "everybody" on Facebook.
*Our two wingback chairs have stuffing coming out of the arms. They really need to be reupholstered.
*I HATE asking Tony for money.
*God has no doubt placed us back at GBC, but I really, REALLY miss contemporary worship. I would really rather be with Pastor Sam, but I'm not sure God will allow us to go.
*Why do I keep losing things?
*Katie is a freshman now? Good grief.
*Hayes is finally getting taller. I hope his weight continues to come down.
*I really want a covered section on our back patio. I think it's completely blank back there with nothing on it.
*The tile in our kitchen is exactly the same white 4" square tile that's in our bathroom. Go figure.
*Hayes threw a sticky hand up in the school room. There will probably be a permanent mark up there. Sticky hands are cool.... ;0)
*Why do I bite my fingernails?
*I want to sit and read, read, read.... and study, study, study the Word of God. I have such a desire to learn and know more Truth.
*I really wish LOST had not ended so politically correct. They were setting themselves up to be another "Narnia" type of show.
*I'm still broken for Karen and the girls in their loss of Cale. My heart still hurts....
*Will I desire food and let it win for the rest of my life? Will I always be a size 14/16?
*I love Facebook--- Don't know what I did before without it.
*I wish Chad and I were closer. I miss him.
*I wish I we lived closer to Mama and Daddy.
*I have to get about a million more yards of ribbon cut for VBS in the next couple of days. Not sure that craft is going to come together right--- Those thumb tacks are going to be all over the church. I hope nobody steps on one.
*Hayes will really miss Maurice this summer.
*I can't believe our preacher said "old Negra spiritual" the other day at church.
*I hope GBC doesn't completely fall apart before they get a new pastor. Good grief.... we REALLY need a contemporary service to pull some new people (and younger families) into the church. All the old people who are there who only want the Baptist way are going to let the church die.
*I really want to paint more.
*If I could have an old house I think I could just nest and nest forever. I've found that I'm happiest when I'm nesting.
*Katie really wants to go spend time at Mama's house. I want her to go.
*I can't make decisions. It's like my brain has a block-- I really wish I knew how to remove it. I would really like some clarity in my mind..... Most of the time I'm okay, but I seem to be in a fog right now.....
*Why do I feel like everything is surely my fault? And I really do believe it really is my fault?
So, this is all going on in my mind right now.... All at one time. It's "on" continuously.
I AM a bowl of spaghetti. ;0)
*I really want that teaching job for next year. I feel like God wants me there.
*I have used "too" and "they're" incorrectly in the last week. Where the heck did THAT come from? I have made A's in grammar all of my life and right when I want to get a second grade teaching job I goof up--- and in front of "everybody" on Facebook.
*Our two wingback chairs have stuffing coming out of the arms. They really need to be reupholstered.
*I HATE asking Tony for money.
*God has no doubt placed us back at GBC, but I really, REALLY miss contemporary worship. I would really rather be with Pastor Sam, but I'm not sure God will allow us to go.
*Why do I keep losing things?
*Katie is a freshman now? Good grief.
*Hayes is finally getting taller. I hope his weight continues to come down.
*I really want a covered section on our back patio. I think it's completely blank back there with nothing on it.
*The tile in our kitchen is exactly the same white 4" square tile that's in our bathroom. Go figure.
*Hayes threw a sticky hand up in the school room. There will probably be a permanent mark up there. Sticky hands are cool.... ;0)
*Why do I bite my fingernails?
*I want to sit and read, read, read.... and study, study, study the Word of God. I have such a desire to learn and know more Truth.
*I really wish LOST had not ended so politically correct. They were setting themselves up to be another "Narnia" type of show.
*I'm still broken for Karen and the girls in their loss of Cale. My heart still hurts....
*Will I desire food and let it win for the rest of my life? Will I always be a size 14/16?
*I love Facebook--- Don't know what I did before without it.
*I wish Chad and I were closer. I miss him.
*I wish I we lived closer to Mama and Daddy.
*I have to get about a million more yards of ribbon cut for VBS in the next couple of days. Not sure that craft is going to come together right--- Those thumb tacks are going to be all over the church. I hope nobody steps on one.
*Hayes will really miss Maurice this summer.
*I can't believe our preacher said "old Negra spiritual" the other day at church.
*I hope GBC doesn't completely fall apart before they get a new pastor. Good grief.... we REALLY need a contemporary service to pull some new people (and younger families) into the church. All the old people who are there who only want the Baptist way are going to let the church die.
*I really want to paint more.
*If I could have an old house I think I could just nest and nest forever. I've found that I'm happiest when I'm nesting.
*Katie really wants to go spend time at Mama's house. I want her to go.
*I can't make decisions. It's like my brain has a block-- I really wish I knew how to remove it. I would really like some clarity in my mind..... Most of the time I'm okay, but I seem to be in a fog right now.....
*Why do I feel like everything is surely my fault? And I really do believe it really is my fault?
So, this is all going on in my mind right now.... All at one time. It's "on" continuously.
I AM a bowl of spaghetti. ;0)
Saturday, April 17, 2010
a very, very sad day
Tears are pouring as I write tonight. My first real boyfriend died today. We fell in "true love" in the 8th grade. He played football and I was in the band. He took me to my first homecoming dance. :0) I'm so, so sad that Karen and the girls are left without him that I can hardly stand it. Yet, I'm so thankful that his death was sudden-- not a terrible car accident that might have affected other families and not a terrible sickness that prolonged the pain. He went straight to be with the Savior. He knew the Lord, so there are tears of comfort there..... but, of course tears of great sadness because he will be so terribly missed by so many-- including me.
Thank you Lord for letting our families meet that weekend. Thank you Lord for a silly thing like Facebook that has allowed us to connect with old friends. It has allowed some healing and sharing time. Thank you Lord for his sweet family. Thank you Lord for sweet memories and first love.
Thank you Lord for letting our families meet that weekend. Thank you Lord for a silly thing like Facebook that has allowed us to connect with old friends. It has allowed some healing and sharing time. Thank you Lord for his sweet family. Thank you Lord for sweet memories and first love.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
the season
It's time for Mr.Winter to move on now.... I loved the snow and cold while it was here, but I think it's time for daffodils, tulips, bunny rabbits, baby chicks, and GREEN. It's just amazing how the weather outside can affect me. I really don't mind the cold weather so much.... it's the gray colors, the "dirtiness" of everything outside, and the lack of real sunlight. The bright, glaring rays reflecting off of the snow just don't count ;0)
So, thank you, Lord for the seasons... Thank you for the fall and winter that bring us into new life in the spring and summer.... :0)
Happy almost-Spring time!!!!!
So, thank you, Lord for the seasons... Thank you for the fall and winter that bring us into new life in the spring and summer.... :0)
Happy almost-Spring time!!!!!
Friday, February 19, 2010
Praise Him
Praise the King!!! We have been very clearly directed by the Holy Spirit to place Katie with First Assembly Christian School for high school. She'll be there beginning in the fall. What a beautiful, peaceful, and blessed feeling it is to know the Savior's voice and to follow Him.
"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me-" John 10:14.
Check it out!!! :0)
http://www.facsmemphis.org/index.htm
"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me-" John 10:14.
Check it out!!! :0)
http://www.facsmemphis.org/index.htm
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Psalms 139:23-24
Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Exciting things--
Exciting things......
*finding a Sunday school class where we feel like we already belong
*feeling at peace about our church home
*planning for our Disney World trip
*snow on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom
*getting a reservation for the Sci-Fi Dine In
*having only one more day of school after we return from our vacation
*having a husband who's more in tune to my heart now than ever in our marriage before
*my birthday coming up is more exciting these days than dreadful
*traveling to see Mama and Daddy-- even for a short visit
*finding a new game to play online-- my happy place :0)
*new friends..... old friends.... and ones like me who prefer a child-like heart :0)
*finding a Sunday school class where we feel like we already belong
*feeling at peace about our church home
*planning for our Disney World trip
*snow on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom
*getting a reservation for the Sci-Fi Dine In
*having only one more day of school after we return from our vacation
*having a husband who's more in tune to my heart now than ever in our marriage before
*my birthday coming up is more exciting these days than dreadful
*traveling to see Mama and Daddy-- even for a short visit
*finding a new game to play online-- my happy place :0)
*new friends..... old friends.... and ones like me who prefer a child-like heart :0)
Monday, November 9, 2009
Following the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit and me.... well, we're connected. He tends to wake me up in the night for me to pray for people and He brings me to my knees clear out of the blue in the middle of the day. I thought He spoke to everyone that way--- but, apparently He doesn't. Maybe it's just discernment??? I don't know. But, what I do know is that that relationship with my Lord is just as real as I'm sitting here sharing this with you.
We've been searching for a church home again. It was a walk of obedience for me because I was very much in love with our other church home and my heart was very content teaching 4 year old's about Jesus. My sweet husband, though, was feeling a longing in his heart for more and so our journey began. I left my little ones.... the desire of my heart.... to follow my husband and I'm so thankful that I did. I don't take heart pulls by the Holy Spirit lightly at all. I tend to take them more seriously than most--- which is maybe why I remain sensitive to His nudges and His direction. Through this time I've watched Tony grow closer to the Lord and I've watched his love for the Savior grow and deepen. What a gift it has been to follow his lead. It's something I had prayed for for over 12 years....
So, now our journey had lead us back around full circle to GBC where Tony first met the Lord. He fell in love with Him there. They're without a pastor right now because of some of the same issues that actually took us away from there just over three years ago. Since they don't have a head pastor right now they've lined up guest speakers from now through Christmas and this was a perfect opportunity for us to come and be filled with teaching, see old friends, observe the body of the church and see where their hearts are now, and to kind of test the waters of GBC again, honestly.
Yesterday was the first day of a Revival there at the church. They're calling it "Echo". Ken Freeman is speaking 4 nights this week. We went yesterday morning and again last night. We experienced the Lord's Supper like never before. It lasted almost 2 hours and was an incredibly moving time. The church, the body, was (mostly) in full worship mode. Tony and I watched as Ken called all of the deacons and church leaders to the front to kneel and pray. Then, the most amazing thing-- he asked the YOUTH to come, lay hands on them, and pray for them ALOUD. Talk about the Lord moving in a place.... wow. What a blessing it was to see that happen. I watched some of those men in their 60's, 70's, and 80's get up wiping their eyes.... Praise God!
As I was leaving the service my heart got one of those pulls from the Spirit and I'm sure now that He's leading us back to GBC. We're supposed to be a part of the youth leadership in some way..... something I never suspected. I've always cherished teaching the little ones-- I call them my "favorite". But, now.... there's no doubt that this body of youth at GBC is needing and searching for adult leaders to come along side of them and to build this church back to where it was more than 3 years ago. I wanted to be sitting with them last night-- THEY had hands raised high and tears flowing in worship. THEY are the ones who fasted before the Revival this week. THEY are the ones that their particular age group fills an entire floor section of the sanctuary. And, THEY are the ones who need adults and families to come along side them and say, "Yes-- what your heart is telling you is right and I'm here with you all the way."
I can honestly say that obedience to the King is all that I want in my life and through all of those years of prayers He proved faithful to me. The blessings abound. Pray for us that our hearts remain sensitive to the Spirit. Pray that we will find the specific place that God wants us to serve. Our hearts long only for Him and the Kingdom. Praise Him. He is worthy!
We've been searching for a church home again. It was a walk of obedience for me because I was very much in love with our other church home and my heart was very content teaching 4 year old's about Jesus. My sweet husband, though, was feeling a longing in his heart for more and so our journey began. I left my little ones.... the desire of my heart.... to follow my husband and I'm so thankful that I did. I don't take heart pulls by the Holy Spirit lightly at all. I tend to take them more seriously than most--- which is maybe why I remain sensitive to His nudges and His direction. Through this time I've watched Tony grow closer to the Lord and I've watched his love for the Savior grow and deepen. What a gift it has been to follow his lead. It's something I had prayed for for over 12 years....
So, now our journey had lead us back around full circle to GBC where Tony first met the Lord. He fell in love with Him there. They're without a pastor right now because of some of the same issues that actually took us away from there just over three years ago. Since they don't have a head pastor right now they've lined up guest speakers from now through Christmas and this was a perfect opportunity for us to come and be filled with teaching, see old friends, observe the body of the church and see where their hearts are now, and to kind of test the waters of GBC again, honestly.
Yesterday was the first day of a Revival there at the church. They're calling it "Echo". Ken Freeman is speaking 4 nights this week. We went yesterday morning and again last night. We experienced the Lord's Supper like never before. It lasted almost 2 hours and was an incredibly moving time. The church, the body, was (mostly) in full worship mode. Tony and I watched as Ken called all of the deacons and church leaders to the front to kneel and pray. Then, the most amazing thing-- he asked the YOUTH to come, lay hands on them, and pray for them ALOUD. Talk about the Lord moving in a place.... wow. What a blessing it was to see that happen. I watched some of those men in their 60's, 70's, and 80's get up wiping their eyes.... Praise God!
As I was leaving the service my heart got one of those pulls from the Spirit and I'm sure now that He's leading us back to GBC. We're supposed to be a part of the youth leadership in some way..... something I never suspected. I've always cherished teaching the little ones-- I call them my "favorite". But, now.... there's no doubt that this body of youth at GBC is needing and searching for adult leaders to come along side of them and to build this church back to where it was more than 3 years ago. I wanted to be sitting with them last night-- THEY had hands raised high and tears flowing in worship. THEY are the ones who fasted before the Revival this week. THEY are the ones that their particular age group fills an entire floor section of the sanctuary. And, THEY are the ones who need adults and families to come along side them and say, "Yes-- what your heart is telling you is right and I'm here with you all the way."
I can honestly say that obedience to the King is all that I want in my life and through all of those years of prayers He proved faithful to me. The blessings abound. Pray for us that our hearts remain sensitive to the Spirit. Pray that we will find the specific place that God wants us to serve. Our hearts long only for Him and the Kingdom. Praise Him. He is worthy!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Treasure Shopping on Trash Day--
Well, I just hit a jackpot. :0) I love trash days..... lol. I know, I'm an oddball, but it's just the coolest thing ever to drive by and see a chair or a piece of furniture, or a pile of "stuff" that looks like it would be fun to dig through.
Today's loot:
*Ralph Lauren twin size dust ruffle (might keep it and cut it up to re-size for my bed)
*a twin size wicker headboard
*short wire fencing with smooth edges to go around the lower section of our fence in
the back yard to keep my crazy dogs home
*2 nice wooden bed rails
*4 huge wrapped pieces of foam core (I'll just in a kitchen project I had in mind already)
*2 shoe racks (JUST shopped for these last weekend-- around $18 each)
*pre-lit Christmas star for outside (made out of brown grapevine wreath stuff)
*2 window grill thingys-- one of them in a really pretty diamond design (tudor house)
Loot from other trips in weeks and years past......
*chest of drawers (9 drawers)
*ball and claw foot coffee table with HEAVY beveled glass top
*copper and iron planter box (stand) for outside
*HUGE English pine side board with shelving
*English pine bookshelf
*2 TV armoirs (wood)
*upholstered swivel rocker
*full-sized leather couch with recliners on each end
*Tony found a dryer for our laundry room :0)
*ETC>>>>>>
That's all I can think of right now off the top of my head. I hate missing trash day...... lol. There's nothing more fun than finding free "treasure" on the side of the road!
Today's loot:
*Ralph Lauren twin size dust ruffle (might keep it and cut it up to re-size for my bed)
*a twin size wicker headboard
*short wire fencing with smooth edges to go around the lower section of our fence in
the back yard to keep my crazy dogs home
*2 nice wooden bed rails
*4 huge wrapped pieces of foam core (I'll just in a kitchen project I had in mind already)
*2 shoe racks (JUST shopped for these last weekend-- around $18 each)
*pre-lit Christmas star for outside (made out of brown grapevine wreath stuff)
*2 window grill thingys-- one of them in a really pretty diamond design (tudor house)
Loot from other trips in weeks and years past......
*chest of drawers (9 drawers)
*ball and claw foot coffee table with HEAVY beveled glass top
*copper and iron planter box (stand) for outside
*HUGE English pine side board with shelving
*English pine bookshelf
*2 TV armoirs (wood)
*upholstered swivel rocker
*full-sized leather couch with recliners on each end
*Tony found a dryer for our laundry room :0)
*ETC>>>>>>
That's all I can think of right now off the top of my head. I hate missing trash day...... lol. There's nothing more fun than finding free "treasure" on the side of the road!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
How Sweet It Is.....
How sweet it is to have friends who love you for you--- just the way you are. I'm so very thankful for the blessings God has given me. I'm more aware of them with each and every day. He has blessed me with a husband who loves the Lord. He has blessed me with healthy children and sweet relationships with them. He has blessed me with a hunger for His Word and His direction. I'm aware of His presence everywhere I go-- and with everything that I do.
Thank you, Lord, that you are everywhere. Thank you, Lord, that you are big enough..... Thank you, Lord, that you are MY KING. :0)
Thank you, Lord, that you are everywhere. Thank you, Lord, that you are big enough..... Thank you, Lord, that you are MY KING. :0)
SMARTS ;0)
Okay, so I'm really proud that both of my children seem to be pretty intelligent. They both excel in their school work and both seem to have areas of giftedness...... EXCEPT when it comes to common sense. Please somebody tell me that their smarts will develop along the way as they continue to grow. I'm getting concerned that they'll be brilliant goobers! lol..... Book sense-- yep. Common sense..... ummmm.... not displayed as often as I think it should be! When you pour something with food or liquid from a bowl is it not common knowledge to check to see if it's spilled over the edge before you put it down? That just happens to be the latest episode in my memory banks-- most of the others I have fortunately forgotten. :0)
Friday, October 9, 2009
My some days......
Some day I would love to have a booth in an antique store-- full of "treasures".
Some day I would would like to buy a really old house, fix it up, and live in it (or sell it :0). I fondly refer to this idea as "nesting".
Some day I would like to teach preschoolers again.
Some day I would like to live in a small town again.
Some day I would like to live out in the country, so that I could have all the puppies, kitties, and pets that I want.
Some day I would like my own flower and vegetable gardens.
Some day I would like to have a screened porch so I can sit comfortably outside at night and hear the rain.
Some day I would like to sing with the church worship team on stage.
Some day I hope to not be homesick anymore.
Some days I wish I could adopt a baby. I'm not ready for this time in my life to end. I long for children to be all around me. I love to be on their eye level-- hugging, loving, teaching, and singing.
These "some day" dreams are difficult for me. They're in my heart..... but, after all they're all about ME. They all begin with "I". And isn't the "all about Me" life exactly the opposite of living for the Lord??? My heart feels peace when I remember and think about how God loves me right where I am. After all.... how could I ask for more than the abundance of blessings that I've already been given?
Now, if I can just figure out how to not let these dreams of "some days" (that I feel may never come) make me sad.... Turning 40 this year is not coming easy for me.
Some day I would would like to buy a really old house, fix it up, and live in it (or sell it :0). I fondly refer to this idea as "nesting".
Some day I would like to teach preschoolers again.
Some day I would like to live in a small town again.
Some day I would like to live out in the country, so that I could have all the puppies, kitties, and pets that I want.
Some day I would like my own flower and vegetable gardens.
Some day I would like to have a screened porch so I can sit comfortably outside at night and hear the rain.
Some day I would like to sing with the church worship team on stage.
Some day I hope to not be homesick anymore.
Some days I wish I could adopt a baby. I'm not ready for this time in my life to end. I long for children to be all around me. I love to be on their eye level-- hugging, loving, teaching, and singing.
These "some day" dreams are difficult for me. They're in my heart..... but, after all they're all about ME. They all begin with "I". And isn't the "all about Me" life exactly the opposite of living for the Lord??? My heart feels peace when I remember and think about how God loves me right where I am. After all.... how could I ask for more than the abundance of blessings that I've already been given?
Now, if I can just figure out how to not let these dreams of "some days" (that I feel may never come) make me sad.... Turning 40 this year is not coming easy for me.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
my mother's words today--
If you don't know Christ.... this is as good as it gets.
You die one of two ways..... forgiven or unforgiven.
You die one of two ways..... forgiven or unforgiven.
Monday, October 5, 2009
putting all the pieces together--
New friends, old friends, new opportunities, opportunities that keep coming back..... Life just keeps on going whether we want it to or not. I'm so aware of God all around me every minute of every day. I know that I really am never alone. It's a pretty peaceful feeling--- I know He has all the answers. The "life" part of it all is in my waiting and watching His plan all unfold. The pieces come from some known places, but many more unexpected ones.
A song that seems to be my story these days is one by Cindy Morgan-- "How Could I Ask for More".... ;0)
There's nothing like the warmth of a summer afternoon
Waking to the sunlight, and being cradled by the moon
Catching fireflies at night
Building castles in the sand
Kissing Mama's face goodnight
Holding Daddy's hand
Thank you Lord, how could I ask for more
Running barefoot through the grass
A little hide and go seek
Being so in love, that you can hardly eat
Dancing in the dark, when there's no one else around
Being bundled 'neath the covers, watching snow
Fall to the ground
Thank you Lord, how could I ask for more
So many things I thought would bring me happiness
Some dreams that are realities today
Such an irony the things that mean the most to me
Are the memories that I've made along the way
So if there's anything I've learned
From this journey I am on
Simple truths will keep you going
Simple love will keep you strong
Cause there are questions without answers
Flames that never die
Heartaches we go through are often blessings in disguise
So thank you Lord, oh thank you Lord
How could I ask for more
A song that seems to be my story these days is one by Cindy Morgan-- "How Could I Ask for More".... ;0)
There's nothing like the warmth of a summer afternoon
Waking to the sunlight, and being cradled by the moon
Catching fireflies at night
Building castles in the sand
Kissing Mama's face goodnight
Holding Daddy's hand
Thank you Lord, how could I ask for more
Running barefoot through the grass
A little hide and go seek
Being so in love, that you can hardly eat
Dancing in the dark, when there's no one else around
Being bundled 'neath the covers, watching snow
Fall to the ground
Thank you Lord, how could I ask for more
So many things I thought would bring me happiness
Some dreams that are realities today
Such an irony the things that mean the most to me
Are the memories that I've made along the way
So if there's anything I've learned
From this journey I am on
Simple truths will keep you going
Simple love will keep you strong
Cause there are questions without answers
Flames that never die
Heartaches we go through are often blessings in disguise
So thank you Lord, oh thank you Lord
How could I ask for more
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Katie Bug :0)
When I take a step back and look at how He's blessed our family with these homeschooling years there's no question that we've been walking in obedience. My philosophy of education has not changed at all, so why would we change a thing--- And my faith??? It has changed a lot. It has grown much, much stronger..... :0)
Friday, September 25, 2009
Scouting as a Family
thought of the moment....
I think there should be a scripture somewhere that says, "Children, do not exasperate your parents." ;0) Of course this day of tension all goes back to MY fault--- letting the kids stay up too late last night, which meant sleeping later than planned, and then finally--- the "doom" of the day--- getting school started too late in the morning. If I would just get them to bed at a reasonable time, then I'd get to bed at a reasonable time. If I got them up at a "good" time, then their school would get started and done at a "good" time. If their school was done by a "good" time, then our afternoon would be much more pleasant...... and the children then wouldn't put me at my wit's end at all..... Conclusion --- It's not all their fault that I'm ready to pull my hair out.... The more I procrastinate the more THEY procrastinate.
Lesson for today--- Note to self--- Get the kids to bed by 9:30!!! ;0)
Lesson for today--- Note to self--- Get the kids to bed by 9:30!!! ;0)
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