A Story you won't forget

I spent 2 hours on Sunday afternoon catching up on this story. I couldn't move from my seat. I couldn't turn my eyes from the page.

Here is a 20 minute clip of their story. It's worth your time...

http://www.vimeo.com/951902


A story so heart wrenching, yet so full of faith. A woman able to write her journey of pain and hope. A mother's words...so powerful...so strong.

She needs our prayers. Visit Angie's blog to read more of their story.

Decisions...decisions...

For about a month and a half now, my hubby and I have been muling over a decision we have to make. A decision that will affect the lives of our family. ( no not divorce...we like each other verymuchthankyou!! :) )

It's a decision that I have tried "reasoning" over for much too long. I have reasons to do it-very valid ones I might add. Then, I also have very valid reasons not to do it.

I have reasoned myself into total confusion over the situation. My mind has been so on the go over this that I have rarely asked God what it is he'd have us do. I was reasoning my way right out of God's will. Isn't that just crazy, ya'll?

Anyway, we are now at the threshold and are going to have to make a decision on this too soon. We have wasted so much time debating that now there is no time left.

In my quiet time today I came across this scripture, and I know God brought me here:

It says in James 1: 5-8

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.

I had a conversation with God after reading this- he basically said: " Why do you not trust me?"

I said," This is my life we're talking about here. I don't want to make the wrong choice."

* Did you all hear what I just said to God? Could I possibly be serious? I mean-who am I? It's almost humorous, isn't it?

This is what he said," I made you. I know what is best for you. I know the plans I have for you. Trust me, give it all to me and I will answer you. I will give you peace in your heart and peace in your spirit, and you will no longer have to doubt."

Wow, is he not great?!! :)

Once again I have relied on myself, on my own understanding, and it has left me nothing but confused. I am finally giving this one to God.

My most gracious heavenly Father, thank you for once again showing me that you are the way the truth and the life. All answers are from you and for you. God take this from me and do what you will. I want clarity and peace and wisdom Lord. Please bring it to my heart. I trust you. In Jesus' name, Amen

Let's go...

I am truly enjoying all this new music-a lot of which I haven't heard before. Join us at Amy's to hear some new tunes!

I believe in the power of prayer. I've seen so many of mine answered, that I KNOW He hears me. It makes me wonder why I don't spend more time praying.

I don't know if it's the voices singing this, or if it's the words- but I can listen to this song over and over again.

Do you all want to go? I Do...

Here is Dallas' Devotion----Faithfulness

** If you haven't read the short post below, go there and see why Dallas has written a devotion!

Here it is! I am so proud of her...

FAITHFULNESS

If anyone is ashamed of me and my words...the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels.

Mark 8:38

Are you faithful to God? What do you "do" that makes you faithful to him?

I get up on Sunday morning and go to church. I really enjoy being there, and I get upset when Mom or Dad tell us we're not going. I like it so much because the teacher makes it fun for us and we learn a lot about God.

I also show my faithfulness to God by praying. I know it's something he wants me to do.

I feel like I should be doing more to show my faithfulness. I think I should tell about God no matter how embarrassing I think it might be. He does so much for me, and I need to respect him more for that by sharing him with others.

He says in Matthew 25:23:

" Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!"

Wouldn't that be spectacular?

Now get on your feet, go out, and tell about God. Show him your faithfulness!


Lord, help me be faithful to You, no matter what. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen

Here's what's going on today!

Good morning everyone. Today is national child go to work day, and since Dallas didn't want to go to work with her Dad (which I will explain), she will stay home with me to see what I do while she's at school all day.

Her Dad sales beef, and when he informed her that they BBQ up some cow gut and other things for the kids to try, she happily declined! I do believe I would've done the same!! So, since she is home with me today we will be getting a lot of laundry done, and of course some house cleaning!

But, I also want her to try writing a devotion since this is something else I do. She will be giving this a try later on today, maybe this afternoon, so I do hope you will check back to see what she will post here!

Let's all come back and get inspired by an ALMOST 12 year old young lady!!

What am I thinking about?

You know, God is really showing me that my thoughts are negative most of the time. It just comes naturally for me- I don't mean that as a joke either....unfortunately. I have become so used to thinking in this way that it is second nature for me.

I'm not even sure I know when it happened or when it began. But this much I have learned so far, it is a slow and deliberate process by none other than the enemy...Satan. He knows my weaknesses and he waits and works ever so slowly on my thoughts until I feel defeated.

It's time for me to start really thinking about what's going on in my brain. What it is that I am thinking about ALL the time? My mind is always so busy with things (apparently most of which are not good) that I'm missing what the Lord is telling me. I'm not hearing that still small voice because there's just to much noise going on upstairs.

My mind needs to be renewed, and it's something I'm going to have to work very hard at. It has been taken captive, and the Lord needs to have access to it again to gain back that control. I know the process will take some time, but if God can crumble the wall around Jericho, then he can do the same for the negative thoughts that encircle my mind.



My most gracious Heavenly Father, I come to you today on my knees. I need your help to get my mind in right thinking. I pray that the eyes of my heart may be enlightened in order that I may know the hope to which you have called me ( Ephesians1:18). Through you Lord, I have a complete assurance of a certain victory. I know you are going to help me. I know I will succeed in this because you are by my side. Thank you, God. In the sweet name of Jesus, Amen!

I am a......?

On the same drive I was speaking of in my last post, this song came on the radio. I have heard it a hundred times before, but this was the first time that my heart and mind were open to hearing the words.

I was overwhelmed thinking that God, the Creator of heaven and earth, would love me enough to call me - His friend!

He is AMAZING!

For more inspiring stories and songs go see Amy at Signs, Miracles, and Wonders.

Trip down memory lane....

Today I went back in time. I'm remembering my 10th or 11th birthday party where I opened up the greatest gift I had ever gotten.

It was a .......ghetto blaster!! I believe the preferred choice now is an ipod. :) Oh, but my ghetto blaster ROCKED, and along with it came a particular tape that I oh, so enjoyed! (more on that later)

Mom and Dad, I'd like to say thanks again for those gifts - I thought I was the coolest chic in town!......

This all came flooding back today while on my way to taking my son to the orthodontist. A certain song from this tape came on the radio. I started singing loudly when my son said," Mom would you puh-leez turn the station." I said,"But this is a classic" to which he replied, "Yeah, I can tell."

Uh- hello, can you say reality check!!

Oh well- I am who I am, right?!!!

Anyway, here is a link to the song. And ladies, you might want to put some dancin' shoes on so you can work off some of those unwanted calories. It's the perfect time right....good music and exercise...the two really do go hand in hand! ENJOY!!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Tqf9PuKi63E

Oh, come on ya'll...you know your head was bobbin and you were twitchin your shoulders!!! ;)

Leaning

I hope that you all will forgive me for wallowing in self pity.....AGAIN!! LOL



God is really working on me. It seems to all be hitting at one time and sometimes I get overwhelmed, wondering what it's all for. I guess I am still searching for my purpose-what is it that God is changing me for?



Oh, how I wish I was a patient person-wish I didn't always have to have all the answers.



I am broken and in search of healing. Yes, I know where the healing comes from. It comes from my Creator. But, it is so hard to wait when your in pain.



I was at my daughter's soccer practice this evening. Across the field were 3 trees bending in the wind. Have you ever noticed that trees, having been blown in the same direction by the wind for a long amount of time, just naturally lean that way?



It's supposed to be that way with us and God. We should learn to naturally lean into Him after spending time in a relationship with our Father.



Oh, but my flesh- it wins out too often, and it's like spittin' in the wind, my friends.



I need to learn to lean into my Maker. Trust in the One who is above all others.



I want to say thank you to Kimberly who reminded me to lean in.

And also a thank you to Laurie who reminds me that Satan is ever present waiting to devour the weak in their weaknesses..... sometimes I forget that he is lurking.

Thank you so much to all of my friends who pray for me and remind me that I am never alone. I truly felt your prayers today.

This is the verse I am holding on to tonight and in the days to come:

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is- his good, pleasing, and perfect will. Romans 12:2

A Withering Tree...

About a week ago I woke up with a wonderful thought in my head. I was a tree planted by a stream. My roots delved deep into the earth to soak up that water. It refreshes me, that water.

He is like a tree planted by streams of living water,which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. Psalm1:3


But lately, I just don't feel refreshed. I feel dry and very thirsty. My leaves are brittle and beginning to fall. Nothing I do seems to be right and I wonder 'where has God gone.'

I feel I have done or am doing what God has asked of me. Why can't I hear him?
Why don't I feel his presence? Is there something else in my heart that I need to repent of?

Lord, please come back and refresh me. Show me if there isn't a right attitude in my heart. Help me to feel your presence in my life. I'm here every morning Lord to spend time with you yet I still walk away dull. Where are you? Please show me what you want me to do. For now Lord, I will just meditate on the fact that your grace is enough. In Jesus' name and all according to your will, Amen

Where Am I?........Then Sings My Soul Saturday

The things in my past might make some Christians gawk, while others, with a simple fling of the wrist would say, " That ain't nothin' girl, listen to this.....!"

I have always tried my best to never judge others. I do this only because I know the place where I come from, and because I know the place where I am going.

I am a work in progress. God chooses certain things to work on and then moves on to the next. It is a gradual process that will last my lifetime.

So if you asked me where I am in my walk with Jesus....this is what I'd say:

Go here to see Amy for more songs of inspiration!!

Getting to know me

I've been tagged by Jenifer at By His Grace. Here is what she wants to know:

What I was doing 10 years ago: (1998)- and please know that I didn't quite yet know the saving grace of Jesus at this point...so don't let anything shock you! :)

* Being a single mom
*Had just met my one and only husband
*working in a bar
*attending nursing school
*being very bitter
---Thank God that by his saving grace I am passed all of this!

5 things on my to-do list today:

*NOT laundry since I got all of it done on Tuesday-but tomorrow I will be busy with it again!
*cleaning bathrooms...'Oh, why must we be the ones'...can't you just hear the lament!
*thinking about the fact that I'm starting my new healthy lifestyle on Sunday, soooo....
*I'll be eating whatever I feel like :)
*Cooking up a great dinner since the kids don't have practices tonight

5 snacks I enjoy: being that healthy lifestyle change occurs in 3 days....

*chips
*candy
*chips
*candy
*and UUUMMMMM...did I mention- CHIPS!

5 things I would do if I were a billionaire:

*give all the $ necessary for my church to build their first church building- we currently meet in an 'unused' wing of the hospital
*pay off all our debt including cars and house and whatever else- along with those of our siblings, and parents!! What a great day that would be!
*Travel
*Put money away for children's education
*also for the education of nieces and nephews
*invest

5 bad habits:

*temper--doing much better
*quick tongue- doing much better
*won't let anyone wear only socks on their feet when around the house...I have NO idea why-it just drives me crazy!! :)
*OCD...Ahhhh-to only let some of those pesky details go....
*not getting around to showering until late morning- on most days-but hey, I've only got so much time :)

5 places I've lived:

*Kansas
*Colorado
*Nebraska
*Georgia
*Missouri

5 jobs I've had

*waitress-at a pizza joint in high school...loved it
*in charge of irrigation at golf course
*mowed greens at different golf course
*nurse
*Stay at Home Mom


I am tagging anyone who hasn't done this yet, so- drop me a line if you participate so I can come over and learn more about you!! :)


And now...... I would like to take the opportunity to give Jenifer the Excellent Blog award. You always cheer me up and you are a true witness for Christ in everything you say. I am always encouraged by you. ENJOY!! :)

Come join me

I am here today. Hope to see you there!!

Hurry...to get a free CD!!-------UPDATED

Click here for a free CD...hurry while supplies last!! All the freebies are gone BUT you can order them online for only $8.97 and that's an awesome price!!

After that, check this out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNk29-fjqXM. It's previews of some of the songs off the CD that hopefully...you just got for free!! I just loved listening to the stories behind the songs. He is fabulous!

Just a little tid bit of info...Matt is actually the one who wrote ' Your Grace is Enough' which was recorded by none other than.....Chris Tomlin!

Total Honesty

I didn't get much sleep last night. I guess I have some conviction in my heart.

Here is the issue-

I went out Friday night with a girlfriend from high school and a couple of girls she knows. This friend and I have remained great friends all these years and she invited me to a ladies night out.
We went to dinner, and here is where the conviction comes in. I had a couple of beers.

I know the Bible says-do not get drunk with wine. So I assume that a couple beers isn't that big of a deal. But, the conviction is there...am I being a good witness for Christ? Am I a hypocrite? Did I really do something wrong?

I have always felt that because I am of legal age to drink, then I am not breaking the law.

During my time with God this morning- this is the scripture that really got me to thinking about this: (It is of Paul speaking to believers everywhere)

But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is by faith in Christ- the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.--Philippians 3:7-9

It says- not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law but a righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.

Because I am of legal age I was obeying the law-but maybe not the law of righteousness that God calls me to.

The study portion of my Bible on these verses says this-we have to make sacrifices in order to fully enjoy the resurrection power of Christ. What are we willing to give up in order to know Christ? An overcrowded schedule in order to spend quiet time with him? Some of your plans or pleasures? Your friends approval?

I am still struggling with this a bit. I know there is conviction in my heart, but did I really do something wrong?

I have already gone to God for the answers I am seeking on this issue. I know that he is my guide.

I am curious if anyone else deals or has dealt with this issue in their heart.

Writing Contest!!

Hey all,

CWO is hosting a writing contest which is sponsored by Art Bookbindery. Click on the picture below for all the information:

Go on over and check it out.....you never know....and there are lots of prizes for the winner- including--- $400!!





Sponsored by Art Bookbindery

Give God the glory, glory!

If any of you read my post a couple of days ago then you know I have been struggling with getting up early to spend time with God. I thought I needed to get up at 4:30 am but he has shown me that I can do it at 5:00 instead. That 30 minutes means a lot!

I used to do my quiet time when my 2 year old son was napping in the afternoon but felt God urging me to do it in the morning. I ignored him for a long time, but thankfully after much prodding, I gave in. I don't believe he calls everyone to do this in the wee hours of the morning- He just knows I have little patience and somewhat of a bad temper- though it is MUCH better than it used to be.

You see, by the time I got around to it in the afternoon, I had already ruined my day and the day of the ones I love. I need that time in the morning to get my head and heart straight. I am so thankful God put me back on track with his will.

So far this week has been awesome. I realize it's only been 2 days but....2 days is 2 days, right? You've gotta start somewhere!

I have also been very convicted about my relationship with my husband. How there are so many more things I can do for him to help him with his day. After all, that's what I was created for-to be his helper.

When I think of what my husband does for me, I am blown away by it. This is what I told him the other day...and I meant it with all my heart. " I can not imagine getting up everyday at the crack of dawn and going to work knowing that it is my lot for almost the rest of my life. Thank you for what you do for your family....I don't think I could do it." Imagine HAVING to do that for your whole life- there's no option. How stressful that must be.

So, the last 2 days I have gotten up and had my quiet time. Then I have made my husband a awesome breakfast that would take him through till lunch. I got my daughter up and did the same for her. Then, it was time to get my boys up and do the same for them. All the while I had folded a load of laundry, started another, and got the dishes going in the dishwasher! This was all done by 7:15 am.

I don't say this boastfully. I say this because I am so overwhelmed with God's amazingness. ( Is that even a word?)...oh well, it's gonna be today! :)

He NEVER fails me. He proves his trustworthiness every time! He doesn't have to prove himself- he just chooses to, and because of that I am beginning to trust my Maker more and more everyday!

So, I will continue on this path because it is the one that God calls me to. I am joyful today and I give God the glory!!


As my friend told me......

"weeping may last for the night, but JOY comes in the morning." (Psalms 30:5)

Thank you Lord for showing me the way and help me to stay in it. I know there will be days that I fail.