One Word 2012

So..

Have you figured out that I am a little behind? Seriously, its ok, since there are a few more hours left in January.

Since my word for 2012 is CONTENT, I am just going to be content that I had a few minutes to post on my word. I kept thinking, I have so much I want to post about my word. How God gave it to me. What I was going to do with it? You know,  the who, what, & whys of the whole concept of ONE WORD.

I wanted it to be profound and share some things that have been on my heart. But, that's just it, I don't actually know how to share some of it. I am going to be content in what I am going to post. You see, God has been working on me in this area. Am I there yet? No, I still have my tendencies to be all things to all people. But, I there's a lot to celebrate even in the small victories. 

Content- from www.dictionary.com 

adjective

satisfied with what one is or has; not wanting more or anything else.

noun

the state or feeling of being contented; contentment: 

 

I would love to say that I am content and I live in a state of contentment every day. Unfortunately, I am not content in many ways. I borrowed the below from a devotion on Proverbs 31 Ministries and its me (with more added in red)  

 

Nothing More and Nothing Less
Rachel Olsen

Lord, how can I become content with just who I am, nothing more and nothing less?(wow, me in a nut shell- just be content with who you made me to be)

I’m certainly prone to want to be more, or less than I am. To be smarter, prettier, funnier, fitter. To be more productive, happier and higher energy. And then also to be lower key, calmer, more level-headed and focused.

To be a better wife, mother, friend, daughter, worker, servant, teacher , etc....

I want to have better self-awareness, see others as you do,  and yet I want to be less concerned about what others think of me.

I want to be a better cook, to sing on key, and to keep the house neat without so much perceived effort. And did I mention fuller, thicker hair would be nice too?(well, I can say, I don't need thicker fuller hair, but less gray would be nice and good hair days every now & then)

I want to be a better writer – one that’s both highly creative and meticulously organized. And I want fewer propensities to run late, slack off or procrastinate.(maybe just a better blogger or at least one that doesn't ramble so much)

Yes, I want to be both more and less of me.(yes Lord yes!!)

 

 

Below are some of the scriptures that have really spoke to me....

"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
Philippians 4:11-13, KJV

"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."
Hebrews 13:5, KJV

"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness."
1 Timothy 6:6-11, KJV

"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever."
1 John 2:15-17, KJV

In looking to HIS WORD I find great peace and contentment. I know that this is a work in progress.

When He gave me this word, He gave me two ways to look at it and work towards it...... 

1. I definitely need to learn to be content with the things that I have, that I am, and who He says that I am.  

2. I that I should never be content in my walk with HIM. I must strive to be more like Christ every day.  

For those of you that are content and find pure contentment in your lives, would you please share ways, steps, desires that led you to where you are?

And are you content with your walk with the Lord? 

I know this post was a bunch of rambling, but you know I think I will just chose to be CONTENT with it!! I will post more as God works in this area of my life! 

Let's Here It for the Boys! GO KEA!!

I know....

I am not the best at keeping up with my blog. I have lots to say, I just haven't had the time nor the words to say it all....maybe soon???

Last week I posted a Let's Here It For the Boys! post to link up at The M.O.B. Society about Bub. Well, I can't let this week go by without bragging on Kea. Bless his heart he has been sick on an off all week with the sinus crud. Just when we thought he was on the mend, we had to take him to the doctor, he has double ear infection. But, as of this afternoon, he was wide open. I think he will be fine to go back to school tomorrow. Up until today, he had perfect attendance.
Oh well..... ???

Anyway, I said several posts ago that I am not very good at remembering to take pictures at ball games.(Although, I do take my camera, I know, that's just how I roll)

WELL...Last Saturday, I actually remembered to video and I actually got great videos of him making TWO baskets. Usually, I am the crazy mom yelling, and facing the camera at the wall or just plain out videoing other players...... so this is a first for this year for me.

I am so proud of Kea, he is learning so much and is getting better and better. Remember this is Prepeewee league and most days its just plain out funny!!

 Yes, we are "those" kinda moms....but if we don't cheer on our boys, who will???

My Man, Coach B and my little man taking a rest.

Not, real sure what he is doing with his tongue????

Tired of keeping his hands up, gotta rest them.

Way to go Kea!! You played an awesome game considering 24 hours later you were sick..... I love you, Buzz!! 

Let's Hear It for the Boys!! GO Bub!!!

Today I am jumping in at the The M.O.B. Society for their Let's Hear It for the Boys!!series. Each week they have a post that is just to brag on your boys!! Isn't that the coolest!! I mean, if you are a mom of a boy or boys, sometimes.....well, let's just say, I don't know about you, but I can be challenged! I have two boys, one is 14 and one is 7. We have great kids(we have 2 girls too)!! And I love that The M.O.B. Society (that is Mother's of Boys) is so focused on the issues of mothering boys and everything that goes along with raising boys in today's society.

My stinkin' rotten lovable boys!!

I have read this series several times and I have commented a few times but, I realized that I haven't posted in order to brag on my boys in order to join in! So today I am going to brag on Bub, my 14 year old!! 

From the time he was 2 years old, he has loved the drums.... 

Y.E.S. 

Drums. Something that I thought would come & go.....

And it did... go..... on & on and to this day is still going on & on!!

Through all the noise the beating & banging we found out when he was 11 that he had a natural talent for drums...... so all the beating & banging was for good! (Romans 8:28!) Not just something to drive his Momma batty (ok, battier).

He is now in High School, and made Snare as a freshman!! (something usually reserved for upper classman!!Whoo hoo!! ) And last week he made 

                                                         drum roll please.....

All County Band!!! Whoo!! Hoo!! Way to go BUB!!! (Can you see me doing the happy dance?~go ahead, he rolled his eyes at me too)

Bub is in the middle!!

As proud as we are of him, working so hard, making his dream to play drums a reality, we are even prouder of the fact that he is using his talent for the Lord. He is playing drums for our church's Youth Praise Band. Last night I was watching him as they were practicing and he was enjoying himself so much. God has given him a special talent and he is using it to glorify Him. And there is nothing better than seeing your child serve the Lord with so much determination and love. As he was playing and singing the song below I could just imagine the Lord smiling down on the him and the other two guys in the band as they use their talents to serve and to worship Him. 

 

Take a few minutes at Jesus' feet!

I just have to say, "Bub, I am so proud of you. I thank God for you!  I love you, Bub!!"

How about you?? Even though some days may be tough with your rowdy, rough & tumble boy(s), I am sure you can find someway to brag on him!!!

 

God's Protection

Last Wednesday, we had severe weather in our area that produced tornadoes. We were getting ready for church and if it were not for my Mom, we wouldn't have known about the tornado warning. I am extremely scared of thunderstorms (when I was about 5 years old, lightning struck our house and I guess, I have never gotten over that) so the news struck that cord of fear in me. I said, "don't let Kea know,(he is so afraid of storms and just the word tornado, hurricane, etc strikes a fear in him that I have never seen in a child.) B turned on the tv and it was most definitely headed in our direction. The warning was until 6:15 and it was 5:50pm. Kea walked in and heard "tornado" immediately, he freaked. We began praying, reading scripture, singing "when I am afraid I will trust in you, I will trust in you" . Nothing worked, he was soooo scared. B rushed us out the door just as the storm began.His parents had already left and we didn't know if they knew. We are less than 5 minutes from the church and I just wanted to get to the basement. In the meantime, they extended the warning to 6:45.

NO we didn't tell Kea. He was so shaken I could barely keep him in my lap. Continuing to pray, I just held him and tried to comfort him. When he saw the time was 6:16, the fear was gone..... just like a light switch. Whew, at least while the storm was raging outside he was playing and running around. By 6:30, I was getting texts and B was getting phone calls, checking on us. B checked on Am, M and Baby C and they were in the bathtub. She had actually seen it. It did a lot of damage less than .2 of a mile from their house. It went right by our friends home. S.C.A.R.Y.

When church was over we found out that a family in our church had lost their home.Praise the Lord, they were not there at the time. God had them away from home due to a job interview. Within 30 minutes, we heard churches in the area were setting up shelters. I was so numb over the whole ordeal, all I could do was thank HIM for protecting us, our family and our home. When we got home, I expected things to be blown all around in our yard. NOTHING was out of place.

As the pictures of the damage and destruction shown on tv &  facebook the following morning and throughout the day, it became so real to me and I could not stop thinking about  God's hand of protection. Many lost their homes. And everything they owned.  It was as if he just covered our area with his ALMIGHTY HAND. Once we saw the path it took, we praised Him some more. On Saturday, we drove to one area and it was unreal the devastation that came from that storm. God taught us all a lesson that night and even since then. He will take care of us, no matter what. He will keep us in the palm of His hand. There has been story after story of God's protection during the storm. I am sure there will be even more. May God get the Glory through what many have said, "its like a bad dream, except I am not waking up. But, God is good and He is faithful."

When I am afraid, I will trust in you. Psalm 56:3

Please pray for those that have been affected by the destruction.

Thank you Father, for your hand of protection, for those that you kept out of harms way, for the rescue personnel, for those that have volunteered, gave money, took time to reach out to others, thank you Father for every thing!

2011 Siesta Scripture Memory Team: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

I did it, I did it, uh, huh, uh, huh... (just imagine me doing the happy dance, on second thought, DON'T!!)

That is all in fun...but, the truth of the matter is

 

I could not have done it without my Heavenly Father!! I made it through the 24 verses...I still have a hard time with some, but there are A LOT that I have gained so much from. Each verse has a reason for my choosing it, God led me to each one. Most every one has a story behind it. What led me there or how God used it. So many times I have used one that I learned (not just memorized) in my life and have been able to share it with someone right when they needed it. God's word is living and working in me. If I have learned anything from accomplishing this...I did this for me and my relationship with HIM. Not my friends that were doing it, not to go to the celebration in Houston, (even though, I wish now that I could, ~D don't even!!) and just not to be able to say that I did it. BUT, God showed me what He wanted me to learn, not memorize and He brought each one ALIVE in my life. If you don't understand what it means for God's word to be alive, then just dig in and learn a verse or two, you won't want to stop!

 I have a hard time memorizing ANYTHING... and I have such an easy time forgetting things....In 2009 I started the SSMT but, halfway through I just fizzled out... I just couldn't do it. Even though I said I would, I didn't make it. That seems to happen a lot to me. I think, I am going to do that... or this... and sometimes even before I begin I stop..or I quit...or its too much.... too hard... not for me...ohh and sometimes I am raring to go.....and then...B.A.M its over.

Which brings me to my next thought.... here we are on the 11th day of a new year... and I had thoughts of a resolution...a life change...something I wanted to do different in my life..a word for the year....something on my blog...something that would keep my focus on the Lord. I have seen sooo many great ideas in blogland and I have to say some of you are so precious, so encouraging that it makes me want to jump in and join in the Challenge or the monthly activity, or, or, or. So my mind has been reeling for several days.....ok weeks. And I won't commit to anything because I am afraid of not finishing. CRAZY....yes, I know.

SO, I haven't committed to anything (with the exception of staying in the word). There are a couple of things at the top of my list and I am praying about what GOD wants me to do as this year begins. 

Staying in THE WORD.... sooo excited, to say that on January 23 we begin 

I have to say I LOVE OUR BIBLE STUDIES!! My life tends to go outta control when I am not in an organized Bible Study. Pray for Deidre (our faithful leader), and for the women that will attend. 

Fall 2011 Bible Study Group

God has reminded me in the past day or so that, I am me.... and GOD MADE ME! I am fearfully and wonderfully made. He knows my name, my thoughts, my heartaches, my passions, and He has lots in store for me!! I cannot live through the blessings, trials, defeats or victories of others. God has some JUST for me.... I have got to find what is right for me at this time in my life. No one else is facing what I am, or living in the craziness I am right now. Whatever I do, I must do it as unto the Lord. And I am seeking Him not just to say I did ??? in 2012, but I can say that because of ??? I am different and I allowed God to WORK in me!!So I have to find what is best for me and what will glorify HIM.

What are you doing in your life, on your blog, in your quiet time to keep your focus on HIM in 2012?? Do you have a word, a challenge, a daily post, a weekly devotion or whatever for this year?

Sounds (& more Sights) of December 2011

I know my last December post was lengthy, and nothing I did seemed to work. Hopefully this one will be different and I can it to post today!

One of the many parades... Go Bub!!

Baby C's got it going on!!

I pinterested!!!(I know... easy peasy!!)

Am pinterested...matched my bathroom perfectly!!

Baby C loves Uncle Bub!! @Christmas concert

Finally a couple pix of Kea during basketball.

Everybody get your hands up...lol!!

Well.... finally I got the videos to upload.... I am still missing my special one... our main computer is still sick.

Have a great week!

Sharing a Giveaway.....

Wanted to jump on here right quick and share a GIVEAWAY from The Blogging Pastor's Wife.  
I have recently started following her blog and have been blessed by several posts!!

Have you seen ??

Have you read??

Hop on over to her blog to check it out!!

Sights of December 2011

I had something special I wanted to put on this post, but the video card went out on our big computer :( and I had planned to post tonight, so prayerfully we will get it fixed and I can post it another time. I was so excited because we got a video camera, until it STOPPED working! errhh!! Lost some videos..... sooo sad

The month of December is challenging at our house, well most months are, but December seems to be very hectic. Beginning on Thanksgiving Day, our oldest son is in the Carolina's Carrousel Parade, which is the first of 5 parades in 2 weeks. Then there is Children's Christmas Play at church....A BIG DEAL around here. (especially when your associate pastor compares it to a Broadway production!! YIKES!!!) We pray, plan and pray some more for months and then all of a sudden the day is here. Then there's my mom's birthday, Bub's band concert,  school party, first college exams for Sis (stressful!!), the boy's basketball practices & games begin, the decorating, the shopping  .....all that and more that I know I have forgotten about.....

Are you tired yet? Just reminising over all of it I am very tired...very....

Then finally, let the Christmas festivities begin!!.

This year tradition was shaken a bit.....since 1989, I have always spent Christmas Eve at my parent's house. Well.... they have their house on the market and my lovin' Christmas, decorating every room Momma, didn't decorate on the slight chance that an offer would be made on their house. So they came here! We still had the traditional ham biscuits, sandwich tray, more than enough goodies, just like we did at my grandmother's when I was growing up. Before the presents were opened Keaton read the true meaning of Christmas!! I was sooo proud!! We played Apples to Apples and had a great time together!! Breaking tradition wasn't heart wrenching at all....It was great! After everyone left the kids were in bed before 10! Now that's a miracle!!

As tradition has held since Sis was a baby, both sets of grandparents returned Christmas morning, to watch them open their gifts. Then what Bub says is his favorite part of Christmas.... CHRISTMAS BREAKFAST!!! To hear him tell it, it is like no other, as if, eggs, homemade sausage, bacon, has brown casserole, biscuits & gravy are just different at Christmas.....And just as we were beginning to cook...our favorite family from Texas joined us for breakfast!!! To hear her tell it....Bub bragged about it sooo much, they just invited themselves, lol!! We love having them and they are part of our family whether they claim us or not!!

After breakfast, Am, M & Baby C came and spent some time with us. We are very lucky and we get to hang out all day at our house!! It's a stay in your pjs kinda day. Unfortunately, later in the afternooon, I begin to fight a terrible migraine which I fought until Tuesday, nothing like being down on a day off from work. Although, I think that God allowed it so that I would just stop for a bit. I had been running on empty......

I usually have tons of pictures, but this year I chose to leave the camera alone and be more intentional about being with my loved ones.

I do have some of what December held for our family!!! Enjoy!(sorry they are not in any sort of order!)

In a parade!!

Sis & Baby C in a parade!



See the cutie in the red tie...my very own drummer boy!




Baby C loves Uncle Bub and the drums!



The best kids E-VAH!!

 

Sweet Angel on the left & my Kea on the right.

 

You may remember this pic from a few posts back.... Do you recognize them?? They are now 6 & 7 years old!



Miracle on Main Street!! They did an AWESOME job!!!

 

My precious baby boy. Shhh don't tell him I said that!!




Oh yeah, we now need to add 2 front teeth to Santa's list.....

 The next few are while they are playing Hedb*nds...that's funny right 'der!


Hmm, am I an animal?

 



I don't get this?!!



Am I a food?

 



This was soooo funny(look at his card)....He is Pop & I am Lolli.....lol!!!

 

Waiting on Bub to march in parade!

 


Bub is done!!! Waiting on Santa!!



Hope you enjoy a little of our December Madness!! I have more to post...for some reason I cannot get some pix or videos to cooperate.....Sounds of December 2011 coming your way as soon as I can figure out my tech problems....to be truthful its probably the operator!