Prayers for Venezuela

My brother and his family are missionaries in Venezuela. And for those of you that don't know there is much political unrest in that country. He keeps in contact thru email, facebook and a blog on occasion. He has been asking for prayers for several weeks. 

The Lord woke me up very early yesterday morning with my brother on my heart. I began to pray for him and his family. We know very little of what is going on there, but we know that it isn't good. I read an article and someone said, "we are a very rich country, but we cannot buy a kilo of flour". Those words pierced my heart as well as reading about attacks on the innocent. 

I cannot imagine what it is like there. In my selfish, fleshly mind, I am thinking that boy just needs to pack up and get back to the states. I even sent him a message on Facebook that we were praying, as well as letting him know that he needed to get home. I tend to worry....I know those of you that really know me.... are thinking "tend"??? more like constantly. My mind does head to the bad and I can allow the enemy to come in and turn me upside down! Its a constant battle, but that story is for another time.

Not fifteen minutes later, B brings me my phone and its my baby brother!! (Isn't technology great?? its not even long distance!!) After getting my message he had to share with me what happened...or yet what didn't happen because of God's hand of protection. Assuring me that they are right where God wants them to be. Sharing Christ's love is why they are there. They are in the midst of people that practice Catholicism as well as worshiping 8-9 other gods all at the same time. Head over now to The Venezuelan Voice to read God's Timing is Perfect, my sister-in-law shares what my brother shared with me on the phone.

What faith! What love the Father has shown them and to those around them that they have been ministering to since they moved there in September. He was praising God for His protection, how He showed up and showed the lost that HE is God. My brother has such a peace about being right where he is. He is there to share Christ, and that is exactly what he intends to do. There is no safer place than being in the center of God's will. God's protection, provision. guidance, love, etc is what got them to Venezuela. He mentioned that they have about 3 weeks of food left, but he knows that God will supply all their needs. 

As I hung up the phone, I was putting chicken in my crock-pot. My heart was heavy. How selfish I am. How blessed I am. I can open my freezer and my pantry, get out food, and if I don't have what I want or need. I go five minutes from my house to the grocery store. 

I feel so unworthy. 

My faith is weak.

BUT, my Heavenly Father loves me unconditionally, even in my selfish state of mind. The Lord reminded me He is in control and He has a plan. I just need to trust Him in all the situations going on on Venezuela, as well as what is going on in my family. And most of all, I need to love Him with all my heart, mind and soul. 

Want to know more about God's Love - head over to Raising Future Esthers and check out Deidre's month of devotions.

Pray for my brother and his precious family. Pray for God's protection... provision of food. 

Pray for Venezuela. 

Be a blessing to someone today!!

 

Twenty-One Years!!

God gave me the wonderful gift of my awesome husband 21 years ago today! Last year I wrote this for our 20 years. Instead of re-writing all of that post...

I second it today!!

And I love him more today!

Thank you Lord for your blessings on me!

So Very Thankful!

I cannot believe this month is almost over!! Last year I posted Giving Thanks throughout the month of November. And as the one or two of you that visit me, you may have noticed that I didn't do it this year. 

This fall, our Bible Study was 

and during the very first week, God impressed upon me that I spend way too much time on my blog, blog stalking hopping, pin*eresting, facebo*k, & on & on. What it boiled down to, is that I spend way too much time on the computer and it robs me of what I always say I don't have enough of...

TIME! Hmph, at first I fought it a little, a lot and at the end of that very first week of homework. It was super clear to me. I allow the internet to ROB (yes, Women's Retreat ladies) me of precious time from the Lord, (yes, even when time is spent on blogs in search of what God is doing  in others lives), my family, my home, my job, my friends, etc. 

So, I haven't posted very often, and I have limited my time on the computer, no I haven't completely, shut it off. But, I can say that I have gone through a weekend or two without checking my email, or facebook, or pinning, or reading a blog post. I have found that I do have more time to spend with the Lord, with my family, and getting some things done that I seem to never have time to do. 

God is shown me some other things through this study, and I am working on that obedience thing. It seems that the same issue comes up in almost every Bible study I do. I struggle in this area, and I work on it, and then I find myself, right back at it again. Will you pray for me as I do want to get well??!!

If you haven't done this study, I highly recommend it, especially if you are struggling with priorities in your life. God can use it in such a way that you will come away, broken, humbled, and refreshed!

As to not get so lengthy in my post..... 

I wanted to say that I am very thankful for so many things in my life. God has blessed my life with His hand of mercy, and He has never failed me. I am so blessed. And I am so very thankful for not only the good, great things in my life, but for the hard, and the tough, and what seemed impossible. 

Twenty-five years ago today, I made a decision that rocked my world, robbed me of my stability, my independence, my sanity, and so much more. (I honestly don't know why I remember this date? Goodness, I can't remember what I had for lunch yesterday.) For almost two years, I stepped farther and farther from the Lord and little did I know it...... GOD WAS RIGHT THERE. 

In the midst of a terrible storm, He lifted me out of a pit of lies, that I allowed satan to drive me to.

BUT GOD intervened and became such a presence in my life. I love the BUT GOD stories in my life......because it is PROOF of answered prayers, long awaited news, that God has my best interest at heart, He uses evil for good. 

Which reminds me of another study, we did a few years ago...

Psalms of Ascent and the following Psalm became so very real to me and when I am weak and feel as if I can't take another step, He reminds me that He is all I need.

Psalm 124

If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, now may Israel say;
If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, when men rose up against us:Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us: Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul: Then the proud waters had gone over our soul. Blessed be the Lord, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth. Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped.Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

So very thankful for what I went through and especially thankful that the Lord never gave up on me. 

 

In this month of Thanksgiving I GIVE PRAISE TO THE LORD THAT WAS ON MY SIDE!!!!

Worship Wednesday : He Never Gave Up on Me!!

In this month of thankfulness, I have been reminded of God's love for me. This song is one that goes along with my testimony. Even when I was so far away from Him. He was there welcoming me just as I was....

THANK YOU LORD FOR NEVER GIVING UP ON ME!!!!

Twenty Years!!!

On November 1, 1992, I married my best friend. The person that I know God placed in my life to complete me. Now, I am as sure today, as I was back then, that he is the best part of me. The Lord worked in him and prepared him for me and we became one on that day. Oh... I took some detours along the way, and Praise HIM that He never gave up on me. On, many days, I do not feel worthy to have such a wonderful loving husband, yet, the Lord has blessed me. I cannot thank the Lord enough for having our paths to cross, for us to come together through HIS love and mercy.

Not only did I marry my best friend, I was blessed with a daughter on that day. I may not have given birth to her, but God placed her in my heart and gave me a love for her as if she were mine. I may not remember every thing that has happened in the past 20 years, but I do remember most everything about that day. I do remember that my heart was about to beat out of my chest as I walked that aisle, thinking I would never reach where he was standing. My Daddy had asked me to have my step-dad walk me down the aisle with him, I was so overwhelmed with the love and appreciation he had for him that he would have ask. B had no idea, I don't think. This happened just before the ceremony. But, the moment my hand was placed into B's I knew that God had given me a gift that He prepared just for me. Out of my 2 father's arms, I was given to a wonderful man. 

B is so loving and generous. He loves me... I know he must to have put up with me for 20 years!! God has blessed our lives with 3 more wonderful children.  Our oldest has a wonderful husband (they just celebrated 4 yrs!!) and they have a sweet little boy. We are now "Lolli"-"Pop" to him. Not only is B a wonderful husband, but he is the dad of all dads!! He is the best!! I know I may sound a bit biased, but I have the best husband and father to our children that I could ever ask for. Thank you Lord for 20 years!!! 

Twenty years is a long time when you think about it. And yes, we have had our ups and downs, our fusses and our make-ups, our bad and our good, and sometimes we just didn't know which way to turn. But, our God is a BIG GOD and He has been the glue that has bound us together. If God, isn't first in you and your spouse's lives, you need to work on that. Because the closer you get to God and the closer he gets to God, the closer  you become to one another. 

Happy Anniversary to the love of my life!! I love you! And I thank God for you!!! You are the best!!

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.

Flashback Friday - 2009 WV Mission Trip

As we are leaving shortly to head to 2012 Youth Mission Trip, I was thinking back to the first time Sis went. She returned broken over the children there. She has such a sweet spirit about her and  loves loves children. I believe God worked in her heart, and gave her a faith and a love to serve Him more.

The following year was Bub's first trip there, he was only 12, and he too came back with a different spirit. We were told that he was a worker. He did anything that was asked of him. He truly has a servant's heart.

Here are a few pictures from the 2009 trip....can't seem to find any from 2010. I thank God that this time, that B & I will be there to serve along side of them. Our focus is on the children this weekend. Please pray for strength, love, boldness and hearts to follow the Lord!

Both these girls are now out of Youth, but have such a heart for WV they will both be there again!!
Such a blessing to me!

Youth girls having some fun!!

Sis & A loving on a precious little girl!

The King's Closet in 2009, since that time God has provided and there is now a sanctuary added.

The county that we are headed to in WV was  #28 in the list of the lowest poverty counties in the United States. And to think we are about 3 1/2 hours from there is unreal. 

God reminded me this morning how blessed I am. And I know that He will continue to this weekend. 

Thank you LORD!!!

In His Arms

Life has a way of pulling me in more directions than I can count. I allow myself to get stressed out, overwhelmed, anxious, tossed and tumbled. In all that, my focus gets off of my Savior and on my circumstances. I reach a point that I feel as if I can't take another step and I finally realize that I am depending on myself to make it. I know that I cannot do "life" alone and again I find my Heavenly Father waiting with open arms for me. Oh for HIS ENDLESS GRACE!

I ask that you pray for my mother-in-law, she is having a biopsy done today, as well as my father-in-law as he recovers from surgery. And if you will please pray for Bub, the Lord knows the situation. May GOD's hand be upon them!!

Praise the Lord for HIS MERCY AND GRACE!!!

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!!

Content: Blessings In Disguise

Warning... this is long and most likely boring to you.... consider yourself warned! As I was writing this post I realized that I needed to record some God sightings.....may I never forget what HE can and will do, no matter what emotional state of mind I am in! 

I took an unexpected leave from posting....... Why? Ummmmm, well I don't really have an answer to that question.... other than I am Not Up To It.....You  see, when I decided to start this blog, it was mostly a lazy way for me to scrapbook our family, sort of anyways. I wanted everything I posted to be uplifting and encouraging and lately, I was feeling the opposite of both and every time I thought about posting, I just thought, I will do it tomorrow. I was not up to posting anything about my little pity party.

Have you had times in your life that everything seemed as if it was going wrong and nothing you did seemed to help? Well, this is how the past several weeks have gone. Why am I posting about it now? Well, in this life we can always pretty up the outside, put a smile on our face and let the world think we have it all together and then post away...... sort of like a Cinderella story where she lives happily ever after. And because this blog was originally started as a scrapbook for my family....I don't want those that read it years down the road to think for that every thing in life is supposed to be all smiles and happiness. I want those that read this to understand that in this life there will be trouble, there will be heartache, trials and tough times along the way. And I want them to KNOW that God is there with them every step of the way. Even when they feel like they cannot take another step, God will carry them.

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33

I don't like to give the enemy credit, but I will say when you are doing something for the Lord.....watch your back, because it will make him mad and he will do what he can to take your focus off the LORD so your circumstance will obstruct your view. I thought I was prepared for him, but not prepared enough. I would shake him off, and he would attack me from another side.

Let me just say in the past month, my oldest son broke his thumb, he was out of baseball and drum playing for a month, my insurance changed so all the bills would be applied to my deductible therefore, we have to pay all of it, my youngest had an accident at school that rattled me pretty good,  then I beat myself up for my "o ye of little faith", my van was worked on four times, only to find out it needed more work and it wasn't even worth what it was going to cost to fix, our washer broke, our laundry was already piled high, our schedule has been a mess, we had Easter Drama practices, baseball games, soccer practice and games......I was right in the middle of Bible Study....Believing God by Beth Moore. So with that and the Drama (keep your heart clean before the Lord and get things right so there will be nothing hindering the Lord during the Drama itself) I should have had the WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD covering me from head to toe and then some!!!

I know you are tired of reading my pity party, just hang on for the best part of this post.....

BUT GOD (don't you just love a but God story?) HE REDEEMS ALL THINGS!!! In spite of my doubt, God showed up and answered prayers in ways that ONLY HE CAN!!! He has blessed me so.....and I am so unworthy of His LOVE and FORGIVENESS!! PRAISE HIM!!!

THE LORD....

Healed my son's thumb, he is back at starting catcher, and to drumming (thank you Lord for a little quiet~blessing in disguise!!lol!!).
The PA at the doctor's office waived the charges for the X-rays. I ABOUT SHOUTED RIGHT THERE IN THE DR's OFFICE!!! If you were in the parking lot when I left, yes, I was the one running & Praising the Lord as I went to my car! Really? Did that just happen? Of course it did!!! God can do what HE wants to do!!

Kea and another little boy ran and collided into one another and they called 911 for the other little boy, he was fine just a really bad black eye, They checked Kea's head and they said he was fine. Yet he didn't have a hard raised knot, his forehead was very squishy and it really scared me, I had never seen such and fear set in when he went to bed and I just lost it.......

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, 

and of a sound mind.2 Timothy 1:7

God placed a young single mother in my path last Thursday, God used her to gently remind me of the many blessings in my life. Even though I have had some troubles, been far from content, He showed me that I am blessed in ways that I fail to see every day. So, when my washer's spin cycle didn't work at 10:15pm. I just laughed, so what? at least I have a washer and a husband that can most likely fix it!

Knowing that we were going to look for a vehicle the next morning I felt a peace knowing He had all this under control. It is just a memory to Him. I had prayed that the Lord would prepare the way and that it would be quick and easy ..... and of course HE DID.....We have a really nice van.  He provided above and beyond what I asked....another blessing!!

On Saturday, I decided since my laundry room was piled high with clothes, and not sure when B would get the washer fixed I decided that Sis & I would go to the laundromat. It's been years since I have had to go, but let me just say this..... 11 loads of laundry (I am always behind!) and 2.5 hours

ALL OUR LAUNDRY WAS DONE!!!!  That hasn't happened since I was on maternity leave with Kea!!! That's over 7 years.....can you say HAPPY DANCE!!! A HUGE BLESSING!!

Our family has been a part of our church's Easter Drama for over 10 years and this year was no exception..... it can be stressful with the practices and the fact that me a three other wonderful servants were responsible for 23 children. They are so excited it's hard to keep them quiet & still while waiting on our parts..... BUT IT WAS WORTH IT ALL!!!

So far, there were 21 lives robbed from satan over the weekend. God is soooo good to me. I had the opportunity to lead 2 precious little girls to Christ on Sunday. I am sure that even more lives were changed over the course of the Drama.... ALL HIS GLORY..... More blessings!!!!!

My grandmother always said, "everything happens for a reason". I find that I say that a lot as I have gotten older. God does have a reason for things in our lives and sometimes we get to see the fruit of it and others, we may not know until we get to Heaven. We never know what are truly blessings in disguise. Looking back over the past couple of weeks, I was so overwhelmed with things that I wasn't looking for the blessings,  I was too busy worrying about everything and having my pity party.

God is faithful, even when I am wandering around as the Israelites. Lost and undone. He still chose to use me, even though my view was clouded. He is faithful, even when I am not.

 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself. 2 Timothy 2:13

Looking back at the past several weeks, I am reminded of many of David's Psalms. David cries out for God's mercy in the beginning, and by the end he is praising Him for who He is and what ONLY He can do. I cried out to Him in my affliction and He heard my cry and He has done wonderful things that only HE can do!!! May I never forget what God has done and will continue to do for me!!!

Will I worry again? Probably.

Will I find  myself having another pity party? Probably

Will I turn to the Lord again and again? YES!!

Will the troubles in my life be over? No.... BUT GOD can and will answer my cry!

Am I learning anything about CONTENT? Yes, with God leading the way!!

If you have read this entire post, (bless your heart!) and you are having your own pity party, open your eyes,  God has a multitude of blessings right before your very eyes....sometimes you just have to work through the fog to see the SON!!!

 

Let's Hear It for the Girls!!

I realized when I posted the Let's Hear It for the Boys the other day, that I really need to give some blog time to our girls! They deserve some praise too!!

Beautiful inside & out!!



Am & Sis are 8 years apart, but they are so close you would NEVER know it. Am has always adored Sis and Sis, well she adores her right back! When Am got married a few years ago, I was overwhelmed when she asked Sis to be her Maid of Honor. I am getting all teary eyed just writing about it.

Am is now a wife and a mother, yet she still has time for Sis and I think they are even closer now than ever before. When they are together they are always laughing, giggling and just so full of love & joy, it makes me smile myself! 

She is all about this precious boy!!

Silly girl, loves some Zebra!!

Precious Family

Sweet girl!!

Aside from the fact that they are smart, beautiful, fun-loving, and great friends as well as sisters, these girls have such sweet spirits about them. I am honored and proud every week when I can look at them while we are at Bible Study. Yes, we are all in Believing God together. Isn't that awesome? What else could a Momma ask for??? That both of them are seeking the Lord for their lives!! They both love the Lord!!! When I was their age, I was so far away from the Lord. I am so thankful that is not the case for them.

I love these girls and I am so blessed I can't seem to stop my eyes from leaking as I write this! When I grow up, I want to be just like them!!

Thank you Lord for blessing me with our girls!!!

Let's Hear It for the Boys!!

Yes, it's me again! That MOM.... you know the one that thinks her children are the BOMB!!! 

Well, they are.........I love them and I am so proud of them and since I am writing this post in honor of The MOB Society's "Let's Hear It for the Boys" link up . Today is of course a day to brag on my boys!!! 

There are days that these two can wear this ol' mom to a pulp, make me laugh til I cry, make me want to scream or find a hiding place far far away. But, there are other days that they can make this Momma so proud I could squeeze them in two!

I will start with Bub! He is our family athlete. Do you have one of those that just has that natural athletic talent that just oozes from their pores? Well, his oozes and it runs deep, and on top of that he is very competitive so that makes for a very determined athlete! God has given him a talent that must have come from his Daddy, cause this boy has more athletic ability in his little toe than I do in my whole body!!! 

10-11 years old - I think!

Last year-8th grade

His absolute favorite sport is baseball.... since he was just a toddler he always wanted to catch. All through little league that was his desire. Oh, he can play just about any position, but catching well, he loves it..... and as of last week he is catching on the High School VARSITY Baseball team!!! Whoo Hoo!! All that hard work and determination God has blessed!! And the best part of him making Varsity, he just takes it in stride and is humble about it! God is working in that boy's life! Praise HIM!!!

He looks so little.....but sooo serious!

So grown up!! (tear) 

Warning.... I hope to post lots of pix of the upcoming season (please pray for his thumb....it took a hard hit yesterday during a scrimmage!!) 

Now for Mr. Kea......

I was going through his book bag and getting all his school work out one night and he had an Act of Kindness Citation. It made me wonder why he hadn't mentioned it. He is all about telling about everything and then some....

I asked him about it the next morning, and what he did to earn it. 

He said, "I don't know."

Me "You don't know what you did to deserve such an awesome award? Because I think that's pretty cool."

Kea - "Nope" "I must have done something nice" (well, duh Mom was the look I got)

Me "Really???!" (me laughing inside)

Kea - "Yea" "I am nice you know."

Me (giggling) - "Yes you are. I think you are very nice."

Realizing that the boy of many words didn't know what he did or when and on top of that didn't seem to think it was that big of a deal I just let it go.

Which got me to thanking the Lord for working in his young life. He is naturally a good child. And he doesn't even realize how wonderful that is. He listens to his teachers, he does very well in school, he is a great helper, he is kind to others, and he is always helping others in his class. They call him a Peer Helper with those that struggle in reading...God gave him a special talent and he began reading before he was 4 years old...which can be a challenge for his teachers and for us!

So for him to get the award for just being himself..... makes a Momma Proud, whether he thinks its a big deal or not!!

So very proud of my boys!! And so very thankful for a Heavenly Father that has blessed me so!!!