Happy Birthday Baby Girl!!!

Once upon a time, there was a little girl that wanted to grow up to be a Mommy.....

A Mommy to a precious baby girl.........

As she grew up that dream to be a Mommy to a baby girl or a baby boy was crushed by unfortunate news that she may never be a Mommy.

After much heartache a pain, she finally realized that God was the answer to all her problems. Once she began to live for the Lord, her life began to change.

Never in a  million years could she have known that God would allow her dreams to become a reality, she met her Prince Charming and his sweet little girl. 

Then God brought a precious bundle of pink joy into their lives.

(with a couple blue bundles that followed)

Praise the Lord, He used you to put us on a path to follow Him and we have never been the same!!

Thank you Lord for Sis!!!

 

Happy Birthday Sis!!! We thank God for you and the blessing you are to our lives!!! The years have flown by. It seems as if you were that chubby cheeked toddler just days ago. Now in the blink of an eye, you are a beautiful young lady that is not only beautiful on the outside but even more so on the inside. You have a sweet spirit that is all you!!  Continue to love the Lord and follow Him in all you do!! Have a HAPPY BIRTHDAY Baby Girl!

Won't You Join Me??

I wasn't going to mention this on here. BUT I am.........

Soooooo....... I am going to just throw myself out there, just in case someone else may be lead to do this along with me and the umpteen (don't judge!) others out there in Cyberland that are participating.

I started an online study of A Confident Heart by Renee Swope on Monday.

How to Stop Doubting Yourself & Live in the Security of God's Promises

I have NEVER participated in an online Bible Study, and I was a little concerned about it, but I thought, well if I am not able to keep up, no one will really know, and I can comment and no one will really know me.... 

Hmmmm how about that for confidence??? Think I need this study???

So, YES, I am doing a new thing.... the Lord has continually put this book before me. I have heard about it on 106.9 radio programs. I get Proverbs 31 Ministries email devotions and there was one by Renee Swope. And it came from this book!! 

Since I am confessing, I will tell you that when I am not in an organized study (remember, our Bible Study group just completed Believing God), I tend to flounder in my quiet time. I have several books, devotionals, yet, I don't dig into God's Word the way I do when I am in an organized study.

Which leads me to flounder from here to there. If you didn't know it already by reading some of my posts, I am sure that I have some form of ADD. To my really close friends, you do not have to agree so easily!!! 

So there I have CONFESSED and I am sharing this for two reasons:

1. Maybe you have doubts and insecurities that you face and you just don't think you are good enough, smart enough, pretty enough, knowledgeable enough & blah blah blah...... You may want to JUMP in quickly, IT'S just the 1st week!! You can catch up!! We are still in Chapter One!! DO IT WITH ME!!! You just need to get your book! I got mine at F*mily Christian and I got the last one....so you may want to call before you go there to see if more came in. They have ebook form too!!

2.And if you don't feel lead to be a part of it, call, text, comment, email me, or at least pray for me. I have struggled with doubt and the big WORRY for way too long and I know that its not going away over night. BUT GOD can help me through this study so that I can gain even more discernment and wisdom and ways to defeat the enemy's lies!!! Staying in His Word and focusing on HIM instead of my circumstances are crucial!!

Visit Renee Swope's for more info.

Hope to hear from you soon!!

He Carries Me Every Day

I love it when I am on my way to work, my mind is going in a hundred different directions and God slips His loving arms around me to remind me I am not alone. What peace!!! He is there to carry me every day in every way! I needed this today! Thank you Lord!!

Worship Him with me today!!

So Proud of My Brother!

I have a younger brother that I need to brag on a little bit. I don't get to see him very much, and those times will be even less & less by summer's end. 

He and his family live a few hours away, and we are lucky that they can make time for us with the rest of their family when they come our way. He & his wife have five children and when they come for a visit, our crowd gets even louder if that's possible. If you even hear a distant rumble, its probably us getting together.

Part of the reason that I am so proud of him, is that he and his family have accepted a call from God to be missionaries in Venezuela. This has been a long time coming.They have spent a lot of time and energy sharing their passion for what God has brought to their lives. I can remember when he was just a teenager, so much wiser than his much older sister, he told me that God had told him he was going to be a missionary one day. I am not even sure if he remembers that conversation. But, I do. Part of me was thinking, how could he know that at such a young age? You have to know, at that time in my life, I was saved, and I had drifted very far from the Lord for a long time, yet, I had finally realized that what was missing in my life was a relationship with my Heavenly Father. I thought, one day, maybe I will be close enough to the Lord for him to speak to me and to use me. Through the years, I have watched him grow and serve the Lord, his wife and his children in so many ways. He has said so many times in his life, "I want what God wants for me".

They have such a desire to be in Venezuela that I know their hearts are already there. In the next few months they will take the next step in this journey. Makes part of me sad, but makes me bubble up with pride to see such love and obedience to the Lord. Many people may not understand the whys and the whats of such a calling. I just know that FAITH is the answer to all of those questions. They have put their lives in the Lord's hands and they trust him with ALL that's to come. HE IS ALL THEY NEED!

There are lots of details about how they were called and where they are now in this process. They have a blog, and she updates it as she has time. (not sure how she does it, with all the itinerating -traveling and raising support-, homeschooling the children ages 5-14, preparing to leave the states and dealing with life in general.) Check out their Mission Story at  The Venezuelan Voice as well as her latest blog post 16 Years of Togetherness.

If you don't mind add the Smith Family to your prayers as they follow the Lord. If you have a chance stop by their blog and leave them a note of encouragement and maybe even a donation of support, I know they would appreciate it. I know they would love your prayers as they come to the final months of preparation. 

Love you Scott, Charity and my wonderful nieces and nephews!!! I am soooo very proud of you and what you are doing!!!

CONTENT: Who is Sitting on the Throne of My Heart?

Self: a person or thing referred to with respect to complete individuality:

Selfish: devoted to or caring only for oneself; concerned primarily with one's own interests, benefits, welfare, etc., regardless of others.

Deny oneself: to refrain from satisfying one's desires or needs; practice self-denial.

In a lesson that my husband was teaching to the children at church last night, he asked this question~

Who sits on the throne of your heart, Jesus or Self?

He proceeded to explain that “self” is……

a rebel

always selfish

easily offended

full of pride

thinking everyone else is wrong

going against what authority says

thinking of others before myself

Me, me me me 

When he first asked the question I thought, well Jesus sits on the throne of my heart. (uh, pride!) But, as he explained each thing that “self” is, I realized that “self” was sitting there most of the time. The more the lesson went on, the more I realized that I allow “self” to reign in my heart and rule the things in my life more than I do Christ. It's no wonder things in my life are a MESS!!! No wonder I have a hard time with being CONTENT!

Oh, I pray, read my Bible, learn scripture, go to church, Bible study, etc …..

But when I think of that list of what “self is”

I do rebel…. I am not always obedient to God’s word or what He calls me to do

I am selfish.... I like to control things… I can’t understand for the life of me, why some  people can’t act right??? (I know there are many of you that never feel that way)

I am offended when certain people don’t respond the way I think they should (see that I?)

I am prideful…. Just thinking that Christ sits on the throne of my heart is proof enough.

I don’t always put others before me…. I want to do things when I want, not at the expense of my time and I definitely don’t want to have to go out of my way (more & more I’s)

GUILTY GUILTY GUILTY of “SELF” trying to rule in my life.  

Soooooo… what am I going to do about it???

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. Matthew 16:24

Now, I have heard this verse over & over. Our pastors have said it many many times. So it isn’t like I have heard it for the first time……

But you know how scripture can speak to you one way today and then in a different way the next time you read it. Don’t you LOVE how God’s word is ALIVE and how it can become ACTIVE if we will let it?

Deny oneself: to refrain from satisfying one's desires or needs; practice self-denial.

I need to learn how to say “NO” to self and not give in to it, no matter if it’s a prideful thought, a desire, a selfish act and say “YES” to allowing Christ to rule in every situation.

Take up my cross: Choose God’s will over my own. Christ was a servant and I am to strive to be more like Him so I should continually work towards having a servant’s heart.

I was reminded of this verse

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Matthew 6:24

Do I want “Self” or “Christ” to sit on the throne of my heart? Because they definitely cannot rule together.

Of course I want Christ, so that I may experience true JOY & PEACE in my life. 

JOY + PEACE = CONTENT!!

Things that I can do to put Christ in HIS rightful place:

Be obedient to His Word.

Set aside time each day to pray and dig into God's Word. PRAY WITHOUT CEASING!

Not only learn scripture, but know it and BELIEVE it!!

Pray for God to change my heart towards those that I have a hard time with.

Do right.

Honor God in all I say and do.

Let God lead and guide me in all I do.

Rejoice in the Lord ALWAY!

So, who is sitting on the throne of your heart?

Baby C is TWO!!!

 

Isn't he the sweetest??!!! 

Happy Birthday Baby C!! 

Lolli & Pop love you!!!

It's His Birthday and He Can Drive.....

with a supervising driver....... (tear... :( ) YIKES!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUB!!!

WAIT A MINUTE!!! Could this precious rambunchous rumble tumble busy

BOY ACTUALLY be 15???!!!!

Makes a Momma a little sad and proud all at the same time!

This photo slideshow made with Smilebox

 

Thank you Lord for blessing me with this awesome young man!!

WHAT A BLESSING HE IS!!!! I love you BUB!!

Just Part of Being a Mom

There are soooo many things I love about being a Mom and there are some that just come along with it that you would like to do without...and after the week I have had with my allergies, and the dreaded stomach bug hitting 3 within 2 days, sending one on his first band trip(yikes!!) ..... this just put everything into perspective.....lol!!

POSITION :
Mom, Mommy, Mama, Ma
Dad, Daddy, Dada, Pa

JOB DESCRIPTION :
Long term, team players needed, for challenging permanent work in an, often chaotic environment. Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call. Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities! Travel expenses not reimbursed. Extensive courier duties also required.

RESPONSIBILITIES :
The rest of your life. Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5. Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly. Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf. Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers. Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects. Must have the ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks. Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next. Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices. Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product. Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility.

POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION :
None. Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE :
None required unfortunately. On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.

WAGES AND COMPENSATION :
Get this! You pay them! Offering frequent raises and bonuses. A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college will help them become financially independent. When you die, you give them whatever is left. The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.

BENEFITS :
While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options are offered; this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth and free hugs for life if you play your cards right.

And this still cracks me up.....

 

God chose for me to be a mother to 4 great children, no matter what the hour of the day, no matter if I am in the shower, or just pillowing my head, or if they sleeping soundly, or if they are giving me hugs. I wouldn't want my life to be any other way!! This week I realized no matter how old they get they still need their "Momma"!!

Father, I thank you for allowing me to be a mother to my precious children and a Lolli to a sweet grandson! Weeks like these are hard, BUT YOU lift me up and give me the strength to get through it. Watch over Bub and keep him safe. I sure miss him!!

Riding the Virginia Creeper!!!

What an awesome beautiful fun day!!! A friend of ours asked if we would like to go ride the Virginia Creeper on Good Friday. At first I thought...uh riding a bike for hours??? I had heard a little about it before and after checking out the website I definitely thought it would be a great day to get away, even though I was a little concerned about being on a bike for 17 miles~YIKES~ !!! Our whole family (except for M, he had to work, next time M!!!) even Baby C enjoyed the day!! Warning... this post is full of pix!!!



The whole crew ready to hit the trail!!!
This pix is courtesy of http://www.raisingfutureesthers.com/

Our Family... minus Bub he took off we will catch him later!!

Baby C... ready to "ride bike!"

 Kea is feeling a little puny..... (not for long) and his big sisters

 

Beautiful weather...thank you LORD!!

All smiles now!!




All of us, well except Bub, he was way ahead of us with his friend & the oldest of the group! Shhh!! Don't tell her I said that!!! Never mind, I am sure you are reading this...... I have to hand it to you....you  hung right with those teen boys!! Good job!!!
This pix is courtesy of http://www.raisingfutureesthers.com/

Pop!!

Me & Kea!

I'll get you, my pretty, and your little dog, too! Bahaaa!! B picked on D ALL day!! pix courtesy of www.raisingfutureesthers.com

Oh there's Bub (on right) & his friend...Can you tell Bub is not into having his picture made??

The rest of our "Crew"!! Love them!!!

Lunch time! They have been friends since she was just a baby!

She saw Mr B taking the pix....lol!! I love this ...so cute!

And they are OFF!!!

More of God's Creation!

Getting very sleepy....night night!!

Her Dad is keeping an EYE on that boy!...lol!!

 

Look R, its the little train you flew past!!

Waiting for us at our destination! So proud of these girls!! They were awesome!!

Really proud of this little guy, too!! WAY TO GO KEA!!! YOU RODE 17 MILES!!

 

B whoo hooing as we near the finish!! He's is sooo funny!!

pix is courtesy of http://www.raisingfutureesthers.com/



Look who we finally caught up to.... at the Bike Shop!

Nothing like a nap after a 17 mile bike ride!

 

Warned you there would be lots of pictures!! There are more where these came from, but I was afraid blogger wouldn't let me post!! 

Thanks D for asking us!! We had a great time! Enjoyed the fun, family, friends and the fellowship! Ready to go again....well, maybe not just yet....let my tailbone rest!! 

By the way, who invented the bicycle seat anyways??? I am thinking we need to re-invent it!!!