It's Going to Be a Great Day!

Are you a morning person?? If you are? Then good for you!! (and bad for those that have to put up with you in the mornings) Because I am not!! I need some time and space in the mornings. I don't like getting up early....I don't talk... I don't do loud.... I don't make decisions, at least not hard ones.... I am pretty much a grumpy butt in the mornings. I am better left to myself when I get up. There ~ I have admitted my fault for all the world to see!

This week I have tried to have a better attitude when I get up. Sort of, choosing to be nice and not snap anyone's head off. The boys started back to school this week, so I am getting up earlier so that they can have a better breakfast than just poptarts or cereal. No, I don't get up and make a full fledged bacon, eggs, & homemade biscuits. But, I have quick and easy things that I try to do each morning. Oh, do you love Pin*terest like I do?? Well, I have found some great breakfast ideas soooo the first morning of school, I attempted to make Funfetti Cake Pancakes. 

Did you get the "attempted to make"? Let me say this.....I love Pin*terest, but either some of these women are "Suzy Homemakers" or I cannot follow a simple recipe. Some of those recipes, do not turn out at ALL like they look on their blogs! And they aren't very tasty either. The kids said they were ok. But they weren't pretty to look at, and they took longer to get done in the middle....so I burned a couple. I know it probably has something to do with the fact that I am not a morning person! Next time I feel Funfetti Pancakes are in order. I will just put sprinkles in my pancake mix!

 This morning when B woke me, (bless his heart, he has the pleasure of waking me up :[ ). I did not want to get out of bed. I was in a fog thinking, is it Friday?, oh man, its just Thursday! So I pried myself out of the bed and immediately all the things that I needed to get done today started running through my head!! Do you ever think??? I have too much to do and not enough time to do it. How can I possibly get it all done? I was pondering all that and Kea got dressed and came to me and said in his chipper sweet voice,

Kea - "Mom, I think that it's going to be a great day." 
Mom - You do? (thinking thats a pretty profound statement coming from him at 6:15 -he sorta has his mother's disposition about mornings, that is until he has been up for 15-20 minutes and his Dad's happy go lucky morning person's disposition explodes!!)
Kea - Yes, I do. I don't know why but I think its going to be a good one.
Mom - You know that's a great way to start your day, being positive. Knowing that God is taking care of everything.
Kea - Yeah, I know. (and off he goes singing songs from The Lor*x)
Mom - thinking... well that conversation didn't last long.....

Which left me to my own thoughts. Wow, Lord, you left it up to a 7 year old to put me in my place this morning. Instead of worrying over my day, thinking of all the stuff, I should put on my happy face, and start the day with a positive attitude. And with his little thought, which is a really big one... It's going to be a great day!!  In my mind I began singing, this is the day, this is the day that the Lord hath made, let us rejoice, let us rejoice and be glad in it and be glad in it.....

So today I am choosing to think " it's going to be a great day!!"

 Hope you "have a great day!!"

This is for Kea.....

Dear Kea,

As I walked you into school today, I was a little sad that we didn't head down Kinder/1st Grade hall. But, you are so grown up now, that you just turned left, because after all you knew exactly where you were going. You even said to me, "I walked to that same classroom for reading group last year, don't you remember?" You are so funny, you make my heart smile.

Sunday night, when you said you were a little nervous, I was a little worried, but when we got to school, God wiped all that worry away. You didn't seem nervous, you acted as if you hadn' t been away all summer. You are growing up so quickly. We know that you have some fears that you are working at overcoming and you know that we are praying about them for you.

As we talked Sunday night about the scripture that we chose for you this school year, we wanted you to hide God's word in your heart so that when you become fearful, that you can draw strength from this verse.

Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Deuteronomy 31:6

Be strong - be strong in God's Power!
and of a good courage - be brave (knowing God is right there with you)
fear not, nor be afraid of them - do not be afraid, God says it, so you know He means it
for the Lord thy God  - He is your Heavenly Father
he is that doth go with thee - He is with you every step you take
he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee - He will never leave you, He is right there with you always!

We love you and we are so very proud of you. We are praying that you have a great year, that you will be kind to others, and that you will let your light shine for Jesus!! We thank God for you!!

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for this precious little boy, that is growing up way to fast. Lord, you know his heart and you know his struggles better than we do. Please help him to commit this verse to memory, and help it to be a guide to stay focused on you and not the storms and the weather that the enemy uses against him. Help him with school, friends, and help Him depend on you. Thank you for his sweet and kind heart. May he continue to live for you. In Jesus name,  Amen 

This is for Bub.....

Dear Bub,

WOW! It's unbelievable that you started your second year of high school today! It seems like just last week you were toddling around following Dad everywhere he went. And just yesterday, it seems as if I walked you in on your very first day of Kindergarten. As you drove to the school this morning, I looked over at you and I saw that sweet little boy and in an instant you were 15 and you were driving yourself to school. Then I realized, that today was the last time I would take you to school on your first day. Most likely, anyways, you will be driving next year. Then I saw a confident, young man, with a heart of gold walk up that sidewalk towards the school. I know you don't want to hear this, (but you probably know) that tears started flowing and my heart swelled with pride over the young man you are growing to be. Your faith is strong and you know that God has a plan for you and you stand your ground in what you believe. That to me is amazing. Oh, how I wish I could have been as strong as you when I was your age.

Last night, we gave you this scripture and before I could even write this you already had the same image on your phone. Commit it to memory, and into your heart. We were not kidding when we were talking about his schemes. satan cannot have you, YOU BELONG TO CHRIST, but he will come after you in ways to cause you to stumble.

Put it on every day, because the times you least expect it. He will strike.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6:12

Belt of TRUTH

God: the Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit

"I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." (John 14:6)

Breastplate of RIGHTEOUSNESS

The holy and perfect righteousness of Jesus in those who are "born again" and filled with His Spirit

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled." (Matt. 5:6) Sandals of PEACE

Inner peace and readiness

"For He Himself is our peace..." (Eph. 2:14-15)
Shield of FAITH

Living by faith

"I am crucified with Christ:...and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God...." (Gal. 2:20) Helmet of SALVATION

Salvation through Christ today and forever"Nor is there salvation in any other..."(Acts 4:12) 

The victorious Sword of the spirit: GOD'S WORD

God's Word countering spiritual deception and accusations"...the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory...." (John 1:14)  

As we have told you before we are very proud of you. Work hard, do the right thing,and remember that God is with you everywhere you go. No matter where you step, He steps with you. Stand for right in all you do. And may every thing you do, do for the Glory of God!

We love you!!!

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for your precious gift to us. Lord, as he begins another year of school, we want to pray that he will put on your armor each and every day. That with the armor, and you before him, that he can face whatever the enemy puts in his way. Lord, please protect him from this world. Do not allow satan to rob him of his joy, his witness or his love for you. Please put those that love you in his path, may he be a light in a dark place. We thank you Lord for loving him. Please lead guide and direct his path. 

In Jesus, precious name. Amen

Content: Trusting Him

In my last post, I mentioned many things that are swirling around in my head, and how stressed I can allow all that to make me. Last night was Open House for Kea, needless to say, I was consumed with the situation we have with him. And by the time I left, I was in shut-down mode. I keep telling myself that I have to TRUST HIM, that He has it all under control. One day this week I got an email from DayS*ring with this

I immediately went there and got my printable and its on my bulletin board by my desk to remind me that I just need to Trust Him with this circumstance.  As well as any other circumstances that come my way. 

If you have read my blog for any length of time, you know that music and worship is a way that the Lord uses to speak to me. Rarely, does a week go by that I do not post a video. Today is no different, on my way to work this song came on, I love it, I have hinted to Bub that he needs to learn it. From time to time my past haunts me and I allow it to discourage me and it seems when I am in the midst of a struggle, I let my guard down and satan sneeks in and throws it back in my face. Instead of facing the the battle at hand, I allow him  to add past battles as well. So, I become even more discouraged. In my quest to find contentment with things and to focus more on the Lord instead of my circumstances, I had the radio turned up and this song was EXACTLY what I needed to hear this morning. So if you are in the midst of a struggle, if you beat yourself up over your past, have a regret as recent as yesterday, or you just need a reminder from Him today, take a moment and listen to the words, let them soak in and allow the Holy Spirit to work. Let Him whisper, "Child lift up your head".

Praise the Lord! I am not who I used to be! He is not done with me yet!! I am REDEEMED!!

Content: He is Faithful

Have you ever had one of those times that you are just "blah"? To be honest, Kea was talking about feeling "blah" the other day. And that explains how I am feeling pretty well. Well, I am having one of those times. I think that every year just before school starts. 

I have been thinking about

summer ending

school starting 

the scheduling and routines getting into place (which is a good thing, but I fight it right along with my children)

the regrets about the things that I had planned to do over the summer that we didn't do

my children growing up way to fast  

Sis is in her second year of college

that as another school year begins the obstacles we will face with certain situations with Kea
Kea's fear of storms

that this will be the last year that I take Bub to school~ he will turn 16 in April! YIKES!!

how much I love the fall

football season, band competitions, ~ great fun but our weekends take on a different meaning

Christmas being 4 months away(I know,  you didn't want to hear that)

how stressed I let all this and more make me. 

Did you notice in my list very many positives?? Uh, no not really. I need to look at this list as positive opportunities and not something that looks like I am dreading. Being content is something I must strive for each and every day. God has a bigger plan than my to-do list. And I am thankful for that!!

I was reminded yesterday, as I was blog hopping (a hobby of mine-not even sure where it was) that I allow all this to take my focus off of God and onto circumstances. In my quest of CONTENT,  I should consider it all joy that my children are growing up, that I get to watch them grow, learn new things, and experience life with them. I need to take time to sit back and enjoy them instead of being all worked up all the time. I need to take things one day at a time, one crisis at a time and remember that God is faithful. God is in control. He is with me through it all. He will make a way! 

Happy 70th Birthday Daddy!!

I know my Daddy doesn't even know I have a blog, and if he did, he wouldn't have a clue how to find it....but I just wanted to recognize him on his special day. Last November I wrote this post about my parents, and how thankful I am for them.

Last year we had a real scare with Daddy, and God's healing hand was at work and I praise Him for that! Thank you for the good news at his recent doctor's appointment.

Daddy and his whole family, with the exception of one son, and two grandchildren.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for my Daddy. Thank you for your protection and your healing hand on him. I thank you for never giving up on him. Thank you for pursuing him during dark times. Your faithfulness and love is never-ending. Thank you for my sweet Daddy.

This is for Sis......

Sweet baby girl!

All grown up!

Dear Sis,

Oh my, where do I start?? I cannot believe that you started your sophomore year of college today. It is unbelievable to me that one day you were that precious chubby-cheeked baby and now, you are a beautiful young lady, inside and out. Oh, I have watched you grow physically and spiritually through the years, but I have to say that I still see glimpses of that shy, timid, sweet little girl with the cutest laugh and it makes my heart smile. God has truly blessed us with a compassionate loving child and I know you have heard it many times, I want to be like you when I grow up. Your Dad and I are so very proud of the woman you have become. You stand your ground, you live your faith out loud and you do not back down from what you believe in. Oh yea, there are hard days and sometimes fear can get the best of you, but you know who to call on in those tough times. And that is more than we could ever ask. That you know WHO to call on in troubling times. This summer was a bit tough for you. You faced many challenges, but girl, you have made it through strong and ready for today!!

As you begin this school year at a new school, I know you are excited, nervous, overwhelmed, and maybe a little anxious, but you said so just yesterday, that you felt excited about this and that this is going to be different than last year. You just seemed peaceful about the changes you have made. God does have a plan for you and it is up to you to follow it. Every year I see changes and challenges that help you grow stronger and more confident. I cannot wait to see what all God has in store for you!!

  

Your Daddy & I will be praying this verse over you this year, and I pray you commit it to memory and hide it in your heart so when you feel anxious, tired, lonely, overwhelmed, weak, etc you can say it over and over until God gives you the peace that only He can. 

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:10

Fear thou not  

Do not fear my precious child - there is no reason to be afraid I am on your side (Psalm 118:6)

for I am with thee 

I will never leave you nor forsake you... I am with you EVERYWHERE you go. (Hebrews 13:5)

be not dismayed 

Do not be alarmed or discouraged (Joshua 1:9) 

for I am thy God

 I am the LORD thy God (Deut. 5:6)

I will strengthen thee

You can do all things through Christ which strengthens you. (Phil 4:13)

I will help thee

 I am your refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1)

I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness

My hand leads you, and my right hand shall hold you. Psalm (139:10)

We love you baby girl!!

Mom & Dad

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you so much for this precious child. Please keep her safe, give her peace and help her as she begins yet another chapter in her life. Continue to work in her heart so that she will glorify You in all she does. Oh Father, I pray this verse over her as she begins this semester. I pray you give her strength, help and that she will commit this to memory and to her life. Oh thank you Father for your blessings on me! Amen

Bittersweet Times

A few months ago, you may recall reading this, about my brother & his family being called as missionaries to Venezuela. The time is really close now, and God has put everything into place for them. They are very excited to take this next step in their journey. They will leave in September for Costa Rica for a year of language school.

Family and friends met for a Mission Celebration for them yesterday. There was lots of love, hugs, laughter and tears. I managed to hold mine back. How? God's grace, I suppose. But, as I write this my eyes seem to be leaking a bit. Odd??

I guess the reality of it all is hitting me. Some of us talked yesterday that part of us didn't want them to go, which of course is the selfish part. My dad said, "I am not selfish, I just don't want them to go." Hmmm, Dad really?? He is so matter of fact. And then there is the part that is so very proud of them and their obedience to the Lord. Some can't imagine why and how they can do this. I can..... their hearts are soooo big and they have such faith, God has brought them this far, and ONLY God can do what has been done in their lives.

What is so amazing to me, is their children are so excited for this as well. God has something wonderful in store for this family. I am so blessed to see what God can do within a family. Although, I think I will have to send care packages to my nieces and nephews, because some of the food my brother was talking about.... well, all I can say is peanut butter crackers, please!!

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  The Venezuelan Voice  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 take the next step in their journey.

Paw Bob with his Grandbabies  - (3 and the great are missing)

Dad with 5 of his 6 children (one in Navy not there)

Mimi & Paw

B & Sis missing their Sunday afternoon nap.

Some really "tuff" kids!! 

Isn't she the cutest??

My Dad & his sister...The best Aunt ever!!

Camp Sonseeker 2012

The best & the silliest kids on the planet!! (& the brightest!!lol) 

Camp Sonseeker 2012 came quickly and was over in a blink of an eye. We had 52 children attend.... and WOW God's Power was so evident!! Anytime you are doing something for the Lord....you know who shows up. BUT OUR GOD IS BIGGER!!! And Praise Him!! Three precious children came to know the Lord as their personal Savior!! I won't tell you all the darts that were thrown our way, BUT God came and worked anyway!! He gets the GLORY for all!! 

I love love Mr B!! I am so proud of him!!
( I know we look like highlighters... and this is NOT my color, I am not bitter or anything! lol!!)

Over 10 years ago, Mr B was called to lead our Children's Ministry, and along with that came planning events for our children. This is his 10th year as our camp director. We had been to camp 3 years prior with our Children's Pastor, and when he left, God worked on Mr B to lead. WOW... God works in ways that only He can and he did a mighty work in my husband. Mr B stepped up to the task and I am so proud of how he has allowed God to lead him. Mr B is just a kid at heart and the kids love him! As his wife, I stepped in and followed his lead and we have been so blessed to have the opportunity to work with the children for so many years. One day, I will post the story of when Mr B finally stopped running from what God was telling him to do. 

When we tell people about Camp, and tell them how many kids, their eyes get big and say....why do you do that??? and how??? Because God leads and God gives us exactly what we need to be able to do it. AND we need a lot of counselors to go with us and help us with camp!! We could not do it without such a great group of adults and youth that go with us. Most of them have been going as long as we have, and some of the youth were campers at one time. It is so awesome to see them grow up and want to be a part of Camp Sonseeker! 

There is so much that I could write about this weekend but my post would be entirely too long!! So I will post pictures and if a video show up of our Counselor's Got Talent Show I will post later. It was too much fun and as usual our counselors out did themselves!! Oh, yeah, and a bit embarrassing too!! 

Sis and her sweet group (a few were missing :( )

Blues Brother - Bub!!

These two Buddies started attending Camp Sonseeker before they were born!! (Kea is on the left) 

Coach B! Host of Counselors Got Talent!! 

Recreation! 

 

Praising the Lord! 

 

Sorry D...couldn't resist!! 

Swim test time! 

Lake time with friends!

Cool canoeing!!

Meet Judges ...Karen Wasborne & Wild Bon Rovi!! 

And Judge Billy Bob Jeb! 

Everyday I'm Praisin' Him! 

         

Loved them!!

Having fun in the sun!

Kung Fu Elders~ you just had to be there!!

The Pillage People! 

The Blues Brothers LIVE!!! 

 


   

Awesome group! Love you girls!!

There are lots & lots more pix but me & blogger are having issues as you can tell the pictures are in a random order! I am sure its me!! Lol!!

Thank you for joining us for Camp Sonseeker 2012!!!!

Worship Wednesday

Last weekend we had the 2nd opportunity to go see Selah with our Youth Group. (The previous week they were to play after the Crawdads game and it was a washout!! Terrible storms came and just sat down over the area soooo we took the Youth bowling instead, fun!!) And Oh MY!! What a time of worship!! SO real!! I was battling a migraine and almost didn't go. I thank God that I did!

What a testimony from Amy Perry.... and God has given her a voice ...WOW!! If you ever have the opportunity to see Selah, you won't regret it!! This video is a little long, yet, so worth listening to. When you are struggling, can't find your way, at a loss for what to do, look to HIM! 

On Friday we leave for our children's camp, as of right now we have over 50 children going. Pray for our camp if you will please. And for Mr. B as he leads and guides us!  I sometimes get a bit overwhelmed at the opportunity He puts before us and this was a wonderful reminder to look to Him & to worship Him!! He is the WHY?  Thank you Jesus!!