For the past couple of weeks, I have been working on writing my testimony.
O.U.C.H.
I thought oh this will be easy, God has done so much in my life. Then I tried to think of where to begin..... Once upon a time a little girl was born to a loving mommy and daddy.
And there it stopped. The fairy-tale ended. My parents divorced when I was 5. Lots of stuff came after that... (one day, if God leads me to, I will post the full version) I could not get over how hard it was to re-visit some hard places in my life.
I thought of things that I haven't thought of in years. And some things that I know happened, I can't remember where or how they happened. Sad. Maybe my mind won't let me go there. Or my conscience has no intention of returning.
Oh God had such a plan for me.... until I came along and decided to do things my way. NOT GOOD.
Oh, but such a loving God that has a plan, one that took my mess-ups and turned them into good for HIS GLORY.
As hard as it was to write out, and re-live those tough places in my life. He reminded me of how he took each bad and made good from each one. Some, maybe I will never know the reason, but God will make good out of our bad. If only we will allow Him too.
Have you written you testimony out? If, for no one than yourself. Put down on paper to see your LOVE STORY. He loves us with an everlasting love. One that I, for the life of me cannot comprehend. But, I will accept and believe that His promises are true. He loves me and that is that!!
In all my wanderings, I was not unlike the Israelites....wandered in sin for a long time.....
I have to THANK HIM for being there no matter how far away I was. HE WAS THERE!!
I want to wish my wonderful husband a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! I thank God for you every day!! You are my best
friend, love of my life, the best Dad, an awesome "Pop", and so much
more!!! You mean the world to me!! I am so thankful that God created you
and that He made you for me. I know that God worked in our hearts as we
were growing up to bring us together and bless our lives together.
So thankful for a Savior that hears my cries for help, gives me strength to just keep breathing, holds me up, lifts my head and so much, so much more!
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
Once again months have gone by without posting at all.... This post is in Worship & Praise to the Lord! Once I get off the roller coaster called October, maybe I will post again. And maybe we can talk about the word ENOUGH.
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Ephesians 3:20
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19
Focusing on the one that Loves me with an Everlasting LOVE!!!
I need to confess something... confession is a good thing, RIGHT? I am not good at making decisions. What's for supper? What to wear? Where to go eat? I am terrible. And picking my SSMT verse can be hard for me too! When its time to pick another verse, sometimes I know what its going to be.... and other times I just can't decide!! I will see my friends verses, and think...ohhh, that's a good one. Ohhh, now I think I need to learn that one. In my heart, I know that I need to let the Lord show me what HE wants me to learn. And sometimes He has given me a list to choose from (then the DECISION???), but, most of the time it is one that He is using to speak to me. Another confession, I don't always like the one He is using. BUT GOD, always has a plan and today's verse is no different.
Since the beginning of the year, God has been working on an area in my life. It has been a bed of roses very difficult at times, yet I have learned a lot and am still learning some things. Not just about my selfish self, but how God is present in every area of my life. He gives me more grace than I could ever imagine giving to someone. I have a hard time giving myself some grace, let alone anyone else.
Anytime that I do something that the Lord has led me to, I know very quickly, if I am really supposed to be doing it or not. If its what God would have me to do, the enemy sticks his nose in my business and things get really messy, hard, tough, etc. Does the rascal show up when you are doing "as unto the Lord"?
Well, I can tell you there have been days that I am fighting with every ounce of my being. Other days, I just want to throw in the towel. This week has been a struggle, there have been times that I didn't even like myself! This morning, a sweet friend, who has been an accountability sister since the beginning of the year, reminded me to "rebuke the enemy" so that he cannot get a foothold in my life. I sooo, needed those words today! Which brought me to scripture #4!
What a great reminder that THE LORD doesn't need my help. He has got this. I just need to get out of the way. I look at different translations and I don't know about you, but the message got my attention (and cracked me up) this morning...
"God will fight the battle for you.
And you? You keep your mouths shut!” Exodus 14:14
One more confession.... I have a HARD.TIME. with the keeping my mouth shut part!
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 waskindled 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!!!!
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!!!!
Sorry, it has taken so long for me to post about our Youth Mission Trip to W.V. There is so much that I could write about. And I probably will. If you get bored with my post, just close out. I have to remember that when I started this blog, it was to be a Family Scrapbook of sorts. As well as a place that I can brag on my Lord & Savior. I hope that one day, when I look back, I can see in writing what God has done and shown me in my life. So if this is more than you care to read. I understand.
Oh my goodness!! What a weekend! God is sooo good. Prayers & more were answered. Thank you for those of you that prayed for our trip. He always goes above and beyond anything we think or imagine.
First I want to thank the Lord for the opportunity He placed before me. I had no idea what He had in store for me. It was almost more than I could handle. My cup was so full it was overflowing. I just love that about Him.
Now, I know there are some awesome Youth Groups out there, but I am going to thank God, not just for the youth that went, but for this WHOLE TEAM!!! You may see people, young and older, but I see hearts, lives and servants with compassionate hearts. I also see my husband, Bub, and Sis!
It is unbelievable that less than 4 hours away life is so different. Its like going back 50-60 years. In 2010, this county was 28th in the lowest poverty levels in the NATION!!! Over 90% of those that live there, are on welfare. There are drugs, alcohol and more that I can't even imagine.
Brother Harold Ward needs your prayers! He has such a vision for The King's Closet, and just as other ministries have a vision, unfortunately in ministry, there's not enough money, workers, time, etc to complete each part of the vision. Along with that, when God is at work, satan digs his heels in and suppression is all around. In Brother Harold's words, he said, "for instance, if it should take me an hour to hang a door, it will probably take me three." And we saw that first hand when we arrived. We assessed what we had to do when we got there as far as cleaning everything before we unloaded. The toilets and the showers began backing up! Septic line issues( they found the line was busted by a bulldozer)during when they were moving dirt and leveling the area last week . So of course that took priority over some of the cleaning. One of our prayers was to get us out of our comfort zone, and B said, "digging a line with sewage, was not at all in his comfort zone", and I said, "God has such a sense of humor!"
A couple children were saved, PRAISE THE LORD, and many of us were changed. WOW, our youth, what workers!! They were awesome!! God used them as only he can do. Many were broken as never before. Bub was very broken. I have never seen him like that. It's one thing when I am broken, but it just does something to a Mom & Dad to see their children so broken. (of course tenderhearted Sis was broken before we ever left ~ she has been there twice and has such a burden for those children). I am praying that Bub doesn't lose what God gave him this weekend. This is where my cup was so full!! Serving along side two of our children, God blessed us in a way I cannot put into words!
Several of the youth that went are the ones that we take to our Children's Camp. And God knew that 19 days after this trip, they would be heading to camp. He knows what we need right when we need it. (as I write this...its 9 days!! )
Brother Harold has such brokenness for the people there. He cannot do it alone. They are so backwards and different there, they don't quite get their need for Jesus. Its very heartbreaking to see those that don't have a clue they are in desperate need of a Savior. Harold gives and does so much for these people, because that is what God has called him to do. He would give them the shirt of his back, yet, they would steal it before they would ask for it. UNREAL. And Harold, still continues and even says, I will do it until God calls me home. (He is 69 years old and works from sun up to sun down.)
There is so much to do for the Kingdom of God, everywhere. We all need to be broken for the lost, whether we are in WV, our churches, or even at our jobs. We live in a lost and dying world, and when we look at it, we think that its just too much, its too hard, what little I could do, won't even matter. But, what we need to realize is that we can all do something, anything, we can pray, we can share the Word, we can give, we can live our lives out loud, we must get up off the pew and do something, anything for the glory of God!!! He gave his best for us, its way past time that we gave Him our best!!!
If I could chose one thing that stood out to me the most in this trip, it would be that I do not pray for those in ministry enough. It doesn't matter whether its Brother Harold, my pastors, children & youth workers, ministry leaders, missionaries, local outreach, etc. I need to cry out to the Lord on their behalf! satan wants nothing more than to defeat anyone that is working for HIS Kingdom and I have failed them by not praying the fervent prayer of a righteous man!
Here are some pix from our weekend.... Saturday was Kid's Day! These children are so precious! Just look at their sweet faces and pray that God will become real to them.
Love this picture of Brother Harold!!
This young lady LOVED Mr. B!! She told him that I was too old for him!!
And I was standing RIGHT THERE!!
And she also told him she thought he was in his 30's.
Baaaahaaaaaaa!! FUNNY!!! I will never live this down!
Our Youth Pastor and friend!
Music time with Sis!
Yumm, snack time!
Craft time!
Youth Pastor's better half...lol!!
Thank you all for the prayers, please pray for your Brother that God will send him exactly what he needs so that he can continue to do what God has called him to do!!
When things get busy and I am feeling overwhelmed I know that I need to turn my focus to my Heavenly Father and off my circumstances. So as I turn my worries to worship HIM I will share a couple videos this morning.
Ouch.... did you hear these words?
"When they see me do they see you?"
Thank you Lord for your grace and your mercy on me!!
As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:12
Where you are waiting on God to show you what is next?
Or are you waiting for His answer to a prayer?
Or are you waiting, but you are not quiet sure what it is you are waiting for?
Sometimes I am playing the waiting game for some reason. And more times than not, its a game I am playing on my own. Because what I am actually waiting on is right before my very eyes. So many times I am looking for bigger or better and God has placed something before me and I have chosen to ignore it, or overlook it in my impatience.
Yet in my selfishness I have tried to go ahead of God, or try to do my own thing, thinking and saying that I am serving the Lord in.......... whatever it may be.
In reality, I need to call it what it really is..... S I N! My impatience = SIN.
I have been given so much by God. And I push some of it aside waiting on Him to give me something else.
Our family has lots to pray about right now. We need God's guidance in many areas. In praying for God's will, we are waiting for Him. One thing He has shown me is that while I am waiting on Him, I need to know that He is for me.
God has placed so much before me in my daily life and sometimes, most of the time I forget what awesome responsibilities He has given me.... and lately I am failing at the jobs I have been given.
In my impatience~
I fail at my relationship with HIM. I need to be still before HIM and just spend some one on one time with HIM. Just worshiping who HE really is!
I fail at being the wife that I should be. God has given me a wonderful loving husband and I need to work at being the wife God has called me to be.
I fail at being the Mom I think I should be.....God has given me our children. What a responsibility?!!! He chose me to be their mother! (Thanks D for that reminder!) A ministry that I take advantage of too often. Too many times I have beat myself up when I mess up as a Mom. It's not about the mother I think I should be, its about who HE wants me to be! I want to leave a Godly heritage to my children and continually point them to Christ. Thank God for His mercies are new every day!
In my quest to be CONTENT, I realize these are things that are of MOST importance. I must not forget what God has placed right under my roof. These are my first ministries and if I cannot keep up with what I have already been given, why should He give me anything else? Why would I want more? I have a long way to go in learning how to wait, but I will chose to press on right where God has me. How could I ask for more?
I am waiting on Him to work in the above areas of my life. If it were up to me, the answers would come quickly, but it is not up to me. So as I wait, I will chose to:
Worship Him
Acknowledge Him
Invite Him to take control
Thank Him
But they that
wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they
shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they
shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah
40:31
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!!
But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of
mine head. Psalm 3:3
Father, thank you for lifting me up when I am weak, for wrapping your arms around me. I am not perfect, and I know I have let you down time and time again.. Thank you for your love and your forgiveness.
Christmas is a busy time of year, although I have been attempting to "not be so busy" (that's why I haven't posted in the past couple of days..I have lots of pix and I need to get them on here before this phase of my kids lives fly by as well.) The past several days seemed to have flown by at the speed of sound. Lots going on at work and in the rest of my world. This morning I woke up anxious and overwhelmed and that was before my feet hit the floor. Once I got to work I had calmed down some, I prayed all morning. I needed a calm reassuring song to bring me comfort. This song did it.... oh the words were sooo very true..... take time to watch the video and allow the works to speak to you..
So, if you too are like me, trying to figure out how to get it all done and get everyone where they need to be and you just feel like you can't do one more thing....... settle down (get a cup of coffee or a latte) pray and let this song minister to you... HE is WHAT I needed this morning!!! I need to be In HIS Arms!
Hang on dear Sisters, He has so much more in store for us!!!
Ok, so I am behind again. I warned you in the beginning I may not be able to keep up. Another warning, this one may be long & boring. This one was a little more difficult to actually name. It is definitely more difficult to put into words. We didn't get to do Thankful Time on Tuesday night (B & Bub were at a ballgame) and this one was one that I wanted needed all of them to hear.
So, we did two in one last night, for Tuesday,
I gave thanks for DELIVERANCE (wasn't sure what else to call it, exactly)
I mentioned here (day 20) about a wilderness time in my life. This day was a little tougher because, by choosing this, I was going to become vulnerable in a way to my children and my husband. Why this even came up, why I even remember this date is beyond me??? At some point on Tuesday at work, I was working on Monday, (odd yes, but when you work in Accounting you usually work in the past) and I wrote 11/28. I stopped and thought, that was when I got married the first time. Hmm?? Did that really happen to me?? Didn't think that much of it until later when I was thinking about what I would be thankful for today?? ....confession, I can think of lots of things, you know, like chocolate, good hair days(those are rare for me), easy mornings, my children's laughter, you know the simple things in life..... but, I want the things that I put on our tree and that I am writing about to be meaningful. And God reminded me again about the date. "Yes, Lord that is something to be very THANKFUL for!! As my friend, Deidre, in her He Is On My Side, post mentioned 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.
If it had not been the LORD that was on my side.... my life would not be as it is now. I thought, what if all that stuff hadn't happened and I was never delivered from that situation? I would not have my husband, my children, or anything that resembles my life now. I may have never found my way back to the Lord. I am so unworthy, but HE chose to never leave me, nor forsake me. He delivered me from the hand of the enemy. He delivered me from myself. He had a different plan for me (Jer. 29:11)!! I praise HIM for His MERCY & His GRACE!! I have so much to thank HIM for!!
Oh, Heavenly Father, my heart has been so full since you reminded me of what you have done for me. I am thankful that I did not feel the guilt and shame as I once did when I thought of that journey that I chose to be on, away from you~ making my own choices with no regard for you or your ways. With victory, I can look back at that time in my life as ALL YOU. Your ways are not my ways and I praise YOU for that!! I think you allow me to remember that date, so that I can look back and remember how YOU delivered me!
If it had not been the LORD that was on your side________????
Yesterday I GAVE THANKS for answered prayers. You may ask, what about the ones He hasn't answered yet, or the ones that He said, "No" too, or the ones He said, "wait". Oh, yes I am thanking Him for those too. Looking back on my life a lot of my prayers were "in the now". You know the ones that are for whatever moment we are having right then. They are the prayers that are the ones that are more of a "wish" than a prayer. Our Heavenly Father is not a Magic Genie and that's not how He works. And I am soooo grateful for that. Seriously, if that was the case, my control issues would be more of a problem than they are now, lol!! Ok, today maybe I would be taller, skinnier, prettier, and bad hair days would be long gone. I would not have any issues, I would not complain over the little things, I wouldn't worry about my children cause they would be perfect, etc. Do you follow me??
I think of the song by Garth Brooks, (back in the day, I was a huge Garth fan) Unanswered Prayers, and I think of the things I prayed for as a teenager and young adult.
Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers
Remember when you're talkin' to the man upstairs
That just because he doesn't answer doesn't mean he don't care
Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers
If He had answered those prayers, then I would not be where I am right now, my family would not be as it is..... I thank God for answering those prayers HIS way, not mine. I am blessed beyond measure!! Thank you Lord!!
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:9
Getting behind on posting Give Thanks was something I was afraid of happening. Even though I am behind on posting, our Thankful Time each night is still continuing. Our tree is so full of leaves, that we may have to more branches!! Something else to be thankful for, huh? Each night is a blessing in itself. I will try to post another picture of the Thankful Tree.
Day 11
I gave thanks for God's Healing. Thank you for praying for my Dad. His surgery went great, and he got to come home the next day! That was absolutely GOD!! He is doing great, has to take it easy for 6-8 weeks. I have to praise Him for being the HEALER. About 6 weeks or so ago, my dad was taken to the ER and when I saw him, it scared me, he looked really bad. His blood levels were so low, that he ended up getting 6 pints of blood, several days in CCU, and lots of tests later, He finally came home. He was very sick, and it was GOD that took care of him then, too. I know that God is still in the healing business! Aren't you glad??
Day 12
I GAVE THANKS that God never gave up on me. At one time I was so far away from God, he was probably the last thing on my mind. But, no matter what I did, He still loved me. I got so far down in a pit that the only place I could look was UP to HIM. And guess what, HE was right there with OPEN ARMS just waiting on me to finally come to HIM. He was there even when I didn't care, didn't want Him there, and even when I realized how much I needed Him. He was there ready to give me a second, third, fourth & on & on! He never gave up on ME!!!!
Day 13
Today I GIVE THANKS for God's Grace.
Grace--getting what you don't deserve / unmerited favor
OH YES!! His GRACE is something I definitely don't deserve, but He pours it out on me daily!!
Yesterday, was a special day, Women of Grace Women's Ministry had a Thankful Breakfast. It was such a blessing to me. There were almost 70 women there and all of it was very special. I am so thankful that I have been given the opportunity to help plan events. (Thank you Deidre!) The morning was very special, great food, some fun, sharing blessings, prayer time, testimony by a precious lady that I love dearly, and a time of devotion.
The morning was a time of His Amazing Grace.
I was attempting to get a few things done when I got home. It was just me & Kea and he was playing, and occupying himself. He has a toy camera that records short videos on it. (I wanted to post it, but the little techy deleted it when he cleared his camera when it got full) He was videoing himself and one moment he was a superhero and the next I heard him say....
"Welcome to Church!" (he had my attention~but I couldn't let him know it)
"Today I am going to talk about Grace" (what 7 year old boy talks about grace??)
"God's Grace is powerful" ( amen, brother!)
"With the Grace of Him, He will always bless you." (and the video stops!! wonder what else he would have said??)
I wrote that down so I would not forget it. I knew that those words were given to me from God. I just stopped right there and thanked God for HIS POWERFUL GRACE. And the blessings of that precious boy and using the words of a 7 year old to get my attention! His Grace Is Amazing!!
Father thank you for your healing touch on Daddy. Please continue to touch him during his recovery. Thank you for never giving up on me. Even at my worst, you loved me and you were right there waiting on me. Your Grace is powerful!! Thank you for using Kea to remind me of your Amazing Grace. You are the Healer, the God of chances, and your Grace is extended regardless of where we have been or what we have done!! Thank you, Father, thank you!!
Not even sure what I want to say, I may just ramble but I have to post something. If not for anyone except me. So that I won't forget what God has shown me tonight. Finishing up Week 3 of One in A Million by Priscilla Shirer.
If you haven't done this study, you need to and please do it with someone that will keep you accountable. I have wanted to quit no less than 25 times. But, I know that I can't. I won't. But I want too. I know that this study is "for such a time as this" in my life. I thank God for placing it on Deidre's heart for our Fall Study. I also, have secretly decided numerous times that I should just end this friendship. Do you have that friend that just keeps you accountable no matter what? Sometimes, I (the flesh me) doesn't care to hear it. Even though its TRUTH.
Anyway, speaking of truth an exercise on Day 4, I just have to put it on here in case I lose my note card.
Phil 4: 4, 6 & 8.
whatever is true.....
I am ~
unworthy ~ He is my REDEEMER, fear not for I have redeemed thee Isaiah 43:1
useless ~ I am a mother, wife, daughter, friend....He will never leave me
confused ~ "let me never be put to confusion" Psalm 71:1
defeated ~ God is my refuge & strength Psalm 46:1
depressed ~ the rivers shall not overflow me! Isaiah 43:2
discouraged~ He has a plan... Jeremiah 29:13
Now when I am feeling one of these on this list ... I need to fight it with TRUTH from God's word!!
(taken from One In A Million)
TRUST.....
HE IS GOD and I am NOT! Another truth... yes I know I am not God....but I can allow satan to tempt me with being a "little god". I need to learn to trust that God works on my behalf regardless of what I am facing. No matter what I should HONOR HIM. I know that I will face trials in my life and I don't have to allow them to derail my relationship with HIM. He will make a way for me to experience HIS greatness.
Trusting God to work in my life in His ways not mine is what I am praying. His ways are HIGHER and He has so much more for me if I will TRUST HIM with all of me....not just the parts I don't think I can handle.
I need to do this
and stop struggling with many things that are keeping me from living the abundant life God has for me!
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10
Lord this is what I desire..... Please do it or something better!!!
I know I haven't posted lately and I have meant to but, I just haven't had time....but I warned anyone reading my blog in my very first post I Am that I may not have time to post. I have wanted to post several things, and I am behind on several things.....even tonight as I am posting I can barely keep my eyes open. It has been a long weekend....birthday, band competition, our parents and our children [with exception of Matt,he had to work :( ] were over for lunch after church, and a Sing Praise service tonight filled with God given talent!!.... (3 of ours participated....which makes me a Proud Mama of children that want to praise the Lord!)
A glimpse of a fun but tiring weekend!! Thank you Lord for your blessings on me!!!
Sis & Birthday Boy!!
Amber & Baby C (a grand-blessing!!) too cute!!
Bub.... the goofy one!!!
This be the Daddy & the crazy man I am married to!
The Gang's all Here!!
This got me all teared up....... I have another video of the middle two singing, just not working right...
