The Safety of the Shoreline

I love fall!! The leaves are turning the most beautiful shades of gold, orange and red. The temperatures are cooling off and air is turning crisp.

It's time to change out the decor in my home from flowers and summer to pumpkins and scarecrows. It's time to change the scents in my home from lavender and lilacs to vanilla and apple pie.

I just love autumn!!!

But...for just a moment, let's enjoy one more memory of summer....

It's no secret that I love the beach. I love the water and I love the way the waves crashing against the shoreline is so relaxing!!

I love to get up early in the morning and walk hand in hand with my amazing man along the shore while the water rolls in and out over our feet. For me, it doesn't get much better.

I found myself in Hebrews last week and I was reading in chapter 2. Verse 1 says this,

"So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it." NLT

I just sat and pondered this for a minute and found myself putting it together this way....

As much as I love to play in the water when I'm at the beach, I also love to just get on a float and float around. Up and down, gently swaying with the breeze on the waves, eyes closed, listening to the sounds around me.

With my eyes closed, I'm not paying attention to the fact that my float is floating farther and farther from the shoreline. Many times I have even drifted off to sleep just to wake up and find out that I'm dangerously far away from the shoreline....and this ole' gal isn't a strong swimmer at all.

Panic begins to set in as all I can think of is that I'm going to drift so far out no one will be able to rescue me before I get into some real trouble!!

Thankfully, my ex-Navy-man hubby has kept his eye on me all along, and takes hold of my float and pulls me safely in to the shore.

Now, walk with me through my mind just a moment......

Think of the beach shoreline as the Truth. Just as the shoreline isn't going to move anywhere or change, neither is the Truth. It remains the same.

As I lay on the float, my mind begins to wander and I lose focus and before I know it, I've floated far away from the shore. I'm drifting here and there, farther and farther away.

If I don't read God's Word and stay grounded in the Truth, I will lose my focus on Him and drift farther and farther away from the Him. Before I know it, I have put myself in a very dangerous place.

Panic sets in because I realize that since I'm not a strong swimmer, I'm in serious trouble. Just like when I drift away from the Truth, I put myself in serious trouble.

But just as being under the watchful eye of my DH brought me safely back in to the shore, the watchful eye of my Father brings me to safety as well.

I am so thankful for a heavenly Father Who refuses to let me drift and wander aimlessly but takes hold of my float and pulls me back into the shoreline of His arms.

Beautiful Weekend, Beautiful Hands

What a great weekend I've had!!

We have been blessed with temps in the mid 80's for 3 days now!!! This is awesome because it's mid July in the great state of Alabama!!...We usually throw a party if the humidity drops below 90%!!

The wind has been gently blowing out of the north which just adds to the beauty of the day.
I've thrown the windows open and it just relaxes me so much to watch the curtains gently blowing and to listen to the wings of the hummingbirds as they drink their nectar.

Our kids were very busy this weekend--in other words, we didn't get to see them very much--DH and I were able to do some things outside together and just sit on the porch and enjoy each other's company. It was a great time for us to catch up and talk about the future.

Then yesterday morning the Spirit showed up at church and I haven't walked away from the Table so full in such a very long time. It was so awesome to be totally released into His presence...I've missed that....

Now to share something with you that brought me to tears while I sat at my computer.

Look carefully at the picture below.




Notice the hands. A beautiful white hand and a beautiful brown hand. That beautiful white hand belongs to my sweet friend Britney who handed over her summer to the Lord to be a missionary in Peru. The beautiful brown hand belongs to a beautiful child whose home is in Peru.

Britney will be coming home in 2 weeks and while I can't wait to see her, I'm asking the Father to slow down time that she can fully do everything He wants her to while she's there.

She has been so blessed while there and I am so thankful that she was obedient to the Father even though it was tough on her to leave home for 10 weeks.

Please drop by Britney's site and catch up on her missionary journey. Also please lift her and her entire team along with the people of Peru up in prayer that the seeds that have been planted will grow and bear fruit for the Kingdom.

Our hands are created to work, yes, but I believe they were created to comfort. They were created to touch someone and just by that touch, reassure them that they are not alone...that someone is there for them and will hold their hand and be beside them through whatever comes their way.

But I believe even more than that, hands were created to praise.

"I will praise You as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer."
Psalm 63: 4, NLT

"In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy."
1 Timothy 2:8, NLT

And let's be careful to not forget the ultimate picture of the most beautiful hands...

"Then He said to Thomas, 'Put you finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in My side. Don't be faithless any longer. Believe!' "
John 20: 27, NLT

The most beautiful hands belong to the One Who died for us...all of us. He endured what none of us could endure and paid a debt we could never repay.

Look again at the picture of Britney and the child's hand...




Remember these two Scriptures as you look at that tiny, brown hand....

"....Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn't receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it."
Mark 10: 14a-15, NLT

"Jesus came and told His disciples, ' I have been given all authority in Heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.' "
Matthew 28: 18-20, NLT

"Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world.
Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight.
Jesus loves the little children of the world."

Power Outages

This past Sunday night, we had some of the worst winds that I can ever remember since living in Alabama.

Trees were falling, people were losing shingles off of their roofs. My neighbor was in the process of building a shed, it is now laying on the ground along with some destroyed fencing.

Many have been without power since that night.

We were blessed. Our power blinked off for about 20 seconds. Except for having to chase down our trash cans, we had no problems.

I was in the Thrift Store yesterday and while I was in line, I was listening to a couple of ladies talking about how long they had been without power. You could tell that these were the sweetest ladies, but their frustration of having to be in the dark was mounting.

I also had to take DS to the Dr. Same discussion between different people. Same frustration.

I began to notice as I made my errands around town, that anger and frustration was the theme.

I starting thinking.

What is making folks so antsy..so frustrated..some~~ down right angry??

One word.

Darkness.

As an unsaved person, the only thing about the dark I didn't like was the fact in all the scary movies I watched, the bad stuff always happened in the dark.

Avoid the dark..avoid the unknown.

I've learned since meeting Jesus, that darkness takes on a whole new meaning.

Once you've enjoyed the Light, the darkness becomes worse.

With the case of the power outages, we've become accustomed to our electricity. We like the fact that we can flip a switch and instant light. No more darkness.

With the help of even the smallest flashlight, the darkness outside isn't so scary.
Our stress level goes down, our fear goes away.

All because of the light.

Isn't that just like Jesus?

We connect with Him, and He flips a switch. Instant Light.

Even when we enter those dark, scary places, we have our Light.

No more fear of the unknown because the One Who knows everything is lighting our way.

Then maybe, for whatever reason, we start moving away from the Light. We get "busy".

We get so preoccupied with the here and now that we take our eyes off of the Light.

As we do this and go there, we may notice that the Light is getting dimmer, but since we can still see It, we aren't afraid. We do find ourselves wondering why this powerful Light is getting dimmer and our mind~ the enemy~ convinces us that the Light Itself is going out. It has nothing to do with us. When in all reality, we've moved so far away from the Source of the Light, we can't see it as clearly anymore, if at all.

Then all of a sudden, we realize we don't see any Light at all. It's dark and we're afraid.

How did this happen? How did we get here? What caused the Light to go out?

Well, the Light didn't go out, but the connection between us and the Light has been broken.

Just like those trees snapped those power lines all around our city.

The power source was still there and available to be used, but because that connection had been broken, it wasn't able to be used.

The connection had to be restored.

Same with Jesus.

When we find ourselves in the dark after enjoying the Light, the connection has been broken and some outside source has broken it.

We have to repair the connection in order to enjoy the Light again and the sooner the better.

How do we repair it?

Fall on our knees. Confess our sins and dig into the Word. Re-establish that connection with the Power Source. Pray. Fill our ears with praise and worship music.

Quicker than we can realize that connection will be restored and we'll be enjoying the Light once again.

"For God Who said, "Let there be Light in the darkness," has made this Light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ."
2 Corinthians 4:6 NLT

Stepping Out---More About Me

Good Monday morning to all my bloggy buddies out there!!

I was out running some errands this weekend. I had the radio blaring (yes..I do listen to my music too loud--and my teenagers love it!!!.) I was thinking about my blogging and what God would have me do with it and all of a sudden I heard More About Me.

More about me??? Doesn't that sound a little pompous??

But, I turned my music down and tried to get a little quiet so I could know whether it was just my twisted mind thinking or if God was actually wanting me to begin something for a season.

It has been something I've thought about and prayed about all weekend and so with that here goes...

My Monday posts are going to begin with you. How's that you ask?

Well on Monday's (at least for a season) I'm going to have More About Me. You get to send me some questions (in good taste please) and I'll try to answer them.

In the bloggy world, we all tend to write about our what's going on in our lives or things God lays on our hearts. We write about ways to save money and be a better spouse and parent. We write about our awesome Father and what works He's doing in our lives and I want More About Me to focus on those same things, but on a deeper, more personal level.

For instance, I'm a 44 year old, stay-at-home Mom. I've been married to the most awesome man in the world for over 25 years. We've been homeschooling for almost 12 years, with our oldest graduating in May and our baby graduating next year.
We went through 5½ years of fertility treatments before getting pregnant with DD. I've been a child of the King for almost 17 years.

Pretty basic stuff, but how did I get there???

Maybe the paths I went down are where you are now. Small example...

I met Jesus when I was 27 years old. I grew up in a strict non-Christian home. I did go to church, but it was because a friend of the family came and picked me (and later my sister) up every time there was a service and took us to church. Even though I went to church with these friends for about 10 years, I didn't accept Jesus as my Savior. I was always a "good girl" and never got into much trouble at all and the trouble I did get into wasn't very serious.

I met DH and we married after knowing each other only 4½ months. We tried churches here and there, but we were good people and didn't give God too much thought.

We'd been married about 7½ years and DH and I entered the party scene. Circumstances in our workplace (we worked at the same place) put us in situations that led us to leading a very hard party lifestyle that truly, almost destroyed our marriage. We had reached the point of dividing things up, DH looking for a place of his own to live and trying to decide who would get DD when. (DS hadn't come along at that point)

In His Awesomeness, 3 years earlier God had moved us to a very rural community and planted us next door to a church. The pastor of that church lived across the street and visited us on occasion. He was never overbearing, just came over to chat and invite us to church. He was a super nice guy and DH actually got to where he enjoyed his visits. Me? I just hung out inside and wouldn't go outside until he left.

During our party phase, DH found a new job and so things in our marriage only got worse because I was still working with that party crowd. I still wanted to hang out with those people--they were fun!!

Again--God showing up and showing out (though we didn't know it) DH found out that the son of our next door preacher worked at the same place DH now worked. They decided to save on gas, they'd start riding together.

By our 8 year anniversary, we realized it would probably be the last one we'd have. Things were horribly bad and getting worse.

All of a sudden one Sunday morning I felt DH get out of the bed. We were both nursing hangovers and so I figured he was just going to the bathroom (again). He did, but instead of being sick he was getting a shower. He came out, got dressed. I asked him where he was going and he told me church. I belted out laughing. I remember saying, "You've got to be joking!!!", but he was very serious.

Me: "Well, I don't believe you so I'm going to church too just to make sure that's where you're going."

DH: "Good. C (the preacher's son) invited me...well, us...to a...revival? Thought I'd check it out."

Me: "Sure...I'll be ready in just a few minutes."

Didn't have to worry about getting DD ready, she was still at Grannie's house.

Sure enough, within the hour we were sitting in our next door church and talk about feeling like a hair in a biscuit!!!!

The man preaching wasn't our next door preacher, but I was sure this guy had been stalking us..sitting outside our door listening to our fights and accusations. Now I know it was God Himself, but at that moment...I was pretty shook up.

By the end of service, I knew if I didn't get out of that place, the roof was going to cave in on me. I had never felt so nasty dirty in all my life!

This preacher offered something called an invitation. Did I want to give up this world and come to a Man Who could help me get out of this pit I was in and live a better life with Him? If so, come on up. Someone would be there to introduce me to Him.

I didn't know about DH, but I couldn't stand still a minute longer. I don't remember getting to the front of that church. I don't remember talking to that preacher. I do remember falling in that altar and crying like I'd never cried before and telling God how sorry I was and begging Him to forgive me and clean me up.

He did.

As I stood up, many ladies were hugging me and encouraging me and I looked to find DH standing up from that same altar. He'd met with God as well.

It was the end of an old, destructive life and the beginning of a new one...the three of us...me and DH with God in the center.

So you have my testimony of how I met Jesus--but do you have questions about my growing up years, or that party period and how God has uses that in our lives now.

Do you wonder about homeschooling or being a Biblical wife.

Questions my buddies. Just ask. (again in good taste, please). Don't worry, I'd never share your names or point you out and if you have something of a very personal nature, just zap me an e-mail.

Maybe the story of my life is just what you need to hear to encourage you in yours.

Can't wait to hear from you!!!!

Entertaining Angels

They were sitting in the restaurant enjoying their meal. The little boy was busily eating his french fries and driving his race car on the table. The little girl was dipping her chicken in sauce and playing with the miniature doll that had come with her meal.

Mom was enjoying her food too, but she was enjoying watching those babies more than anything. Watching them play and laugh with each other. Listening to the bantering going on back and forth between brother and sister. Noticing out of the corner of her eye, the people looking their way..some smiling, some not so happy that this lady wouldn't keep those kids quiet. But really, they weren't that loud and the mom couldn't help but feel that everyone should enjoy the laughter of kids.

Looking at her watch, she realized they needed to be leaving. Telling the kids to finish up, she began gathering up the trash, refilling the drinks and rounding up the toys.

As they left the restaurant, she noticed a man leaning against the side of the building. While she wasn't afraid, there was a bar across the street and even though it was the middle of the day, there was a steady stream of people going in and out. She took the hand of each one of her children and picked up her pace just a bit.

With a smile and a nod, she walked past the man.

She heard him say as she passed, "Got a few dollars to spare?"

She felt a nudge in her heart. Something inside telling her she had the ability to meet the need this man had.

But...turning she said, "No, sorry."..and kept walking towards her car.

Her mind began racing with thoughts, trying to justify why she'd walked away.."He probably wants some money to go get drunk at the bar. I'm not going to give over our hard earned money so someone can get drunk." " My goodness, there are help wanted signs all over town, why doesn't he get a job!" "I'm not going to put my kids in danger. Nothing is worth that." "Somebody will give him a couple of bucks, I'm sure."

She buckled the kids in and sat down in the car. For a moment she paused. Then she heard, in a very clear voice, "He's hungry."

"What?!"

"He's hungry. You should have fed him. Sat with him while he ate."

She was confident now that she had ignored the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

She looked around, but couldn't see the area of the restaurant where he'd been standing. Telling the kids to unbuckle and grabbing her purse, she headed back towards the restaurant...but he was gone.

They went inside and looked around, maybe someone else had fed him, but he wasn't there.

She waited for several minutes by the bathroom, but no one went in, or came out.

Back outside, they walked all the way around the building, but she had to face facts....the man was gone....and she had blew it.

"Don't forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!" Hebrews 13:2, NLT

Slowly walking back to the car, she realized she had missed out on having a meal with Jesus. She realized that He'd been standing before her, and she had walked on by.

True, she didn't know what the man wanted the money for, but instead of walking away, she could have taken him back inside and used the money to buy him some food.

She sat in the car and explained all of this to her children, confessing to them how she had ignored God and missed out on a chance to get to know Him better.

She encouraged her children to pay attention to those around them and to act when they knew God was leading them to do something for Him.

With tears in her eyes, she confessed her sin to God and begged Him for one more chance....He forgave her sin, but didn't give her another chance to right the wrong.

............I learned a great lesson that day: When God is prompting you to do something for Him, He will give you everything you need, including safety. He won't bring you to what He isn't willing to bring you through. Now, I try very hard to pay attention to the prompting of His Spirit. I still fail to hear Him at times, but the sorrow of missing out on His blessings that day is forever burned in my soul. I hope it will always be there to remind me that obedience to God is not optional.

Blessings......

I am a Kept Woman..

This is not original with me. I got this as an e-mail from a very dear friend and wanted to share it.

Hope you enjoy...and I'm curious to know...are YOU a Kept woman??

Blessings.....

I Am a 'Kept' Woman!!

You see, there were a few times when I thought I would lose my mind, But GOD kept me sane. (Isaiah. 26:3)

There were times when I thought I could go on no longer, But the LORD kept me moving. (Gen 28:15)

At times, I've wanted to lash out at those whom I felt had done me wrong, But the LORD kept my mouth shut. (Psalms 13)

Sometimes, I think the money just isn't enough, But GOD has helped me to keep the lights on, the water on, the car paid, the house paid, etc.., (Matt. 6:25 -34)

When I thought I would fall, HE kept me up. When I thought I was weak, HE kept me strong! (I Pet. 5:7, Matt. 11:28-30)

I could go on and on and on, but I'm sure you hear me! I'm blessed to be 'kept.'

Are you...or do you know a 'kept' woman ?

I'm Kept by the Love and Grace of God!

Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!

Merry Christmas Eve!!

It's back!!! That giddy, little girl feeling I get every year at this time. I'm not going to apologize for it either! Yes, I'm 44 years old, yes, I have 2 teenagers who will be flying away (most likely) in the next 2 or 3 years, yes, I have some gray hair, yes, I have wrinkles..but...I just can't help it.

Last night me, DH and the kids got in our pj's, and drove through a few neighborhoods ooing and ahhing over the Christmas lights. We are fortunate to have a few homes around that literally look like a winter wonderland!! They are breathtaking and I get wide-eyed and giggly every time I see them!!

The sound of my teens in the back seat laughing and poking each other and yelling at the other one to "look out my window!" was music to this mom's ears. In my quest to stop taking things for granted, the voices of my kids has to be at the top of my list.

Another thing I don't want to take for granted is you. You who get on my blog and read my ramblings and comment and encourage me. You have given me the best gift of all...yourself. I pray God's blessings on all of you.

I'm most likely not going to do another post before Friday at best....unless something comes up that I must share with all of you!!..so let me take this time to pray for you.......

Dear Father, I ask You to watch over my friends. I ask you to bless their lives and their families. Thank you for bringing them into my life. Through them, You have given me hope, laughter and love. I ask You to keep them safe and to draw them closer to You that they may know what true peace and love is. Bring them comfort and joy and allow them to see the world around them through Your eyes. In Jesus' name, Amen..

"And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped Him snugly in strips of cloth and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the village inn.That night some shepherds were in the fields outside the village, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them and the radiance of the Lord's glory surrounded them. They were terribly frightened, but the angel reassured them. 'Don't be afraid!', he said. 'I bring you good news of great joy for everyone! The Saviour--yes, the Messiah, the Lord--has been born tonight in Bethlehem, the city of David!' And this is how you will recognized Him: You will find a baby lying in a manger, wrapped snugly in strips of cloth!' Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others--the armies of heaven--praising God: 'Glory to God in the highest Heaven, and peace on earth to all whom God favors." Luke 2: 6-14 NLT

Blessings on you, your family and your Christmas. Remember Jesus. Look to Him, live for Him.

MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIENDS!!!!!!!!!

Blessings.....

How Are You Feeling Today??

Are you finished with your Christmas shopping yet? I'm not. That is incredibly unlike me. In most years past, I've been finished for a couple of weeks now, and I can be found in the kitchen making goodies and being (for the most part) stress free.

I'm the lady who sends her Christmas cards out the day after Thanksgiving. (I'm still in the process of sending some even now!)

I did do very well, as I've previously posted, getting my extended family taken care of early on. The people I'm scrambling around for live with me!!

I've found myself wondering just what happened this year, and how can I prevent this from happening again.

I think the problem is..

1) I've neglected things. A stroll through my house will let you know that somehow things have gotten away from me...okay..they're out of control. Right now in the kitchen there are dishes in the sink, wrapping paper on the island, cookie crumbs in the floor. Come on into the dining room where you'll find empty pop cans on the table, a baby doll (Baby Jesus, actually, from last night's Nativity at church), a blanket (?!), a bag of corn chips and a roll of tape. On to the living room..which now that I'm looking at it, actually isn't too bad. Anyway, the ball's been dropped. No one has picked up after themselves and it shows.

2) I've been unorganized. I'm a huge list maker and it just hasn't happened lately. It seems as if too many spur of the moment things have kept creeping up and what I planned to do just kept getting pushed back until I had to do it and by then I was so stressed out that I rushed in, did what I had to (and it shows), rushed out and on to the next item to check off my list. I can be a bit of a perfectionist--which I've been working on--but it seems as if instead of trying to reach a happy medium, I've run off in the other direction!

3) Maybe, just maybe, I've been a little hard on myself....
Let's see, in the last 2 weeks I've been wrapping up some homeschooling projects with the kids, gotten sick, celebrated my 25th anniversary in the mountains with DH, celebrated my youngest's 16th birthday, helped the drama team get a performance ready on short notice...very short notice. These are things in addition to the "normal" everyday things...cooking, laundry, errands, cleaning...and including the extra baking that comes with the Christmas season! Maybe that's why I'm feeling like things are a bit out of control...

How about you?? Are you feeling overwhelmed? Does it seem as if everything is piling up on you and as if you're never going to dig your way out?? Do you feel that if one more person asks one more thing of you, you'll fall out in the floor in the fetal position, thumb in mouth, tears streaming down? Let me encourage you..

It really doesn't matter to your kids if there are cookie crumbs in the floor and a blanket (?!) on the table. It does matter that you bake more cookies with them and relax and enjoy the time with them. It does matter that you talk and laugh with them and make memories that will give them "warm fuzzies" when they are adults.

Maybe your hubby likes his house clean and organized, mine does, but I'm sure that if you'll just keep it manageable through the Christmas season and take the time to curl up beside him with a cup of hot cocoa and watch the lights on the tree and talk and enjoy his company, he won't mind the cookie crumbs or the blanket (?!) on the table.

What I'm trying to share with you--and myself--is that too often we as women think we have to have it all together all the time. In the process of trying to accomplish that, we often miss out on the things that matter most.

And I've saved the best for last--in the midst of all the frustration and chaos, when you feel overwhelmed and over scheduled, when you feel like no one cares how burdened you are....stop!! There is One Who is waiting with open arms to comfort you. He can take away your stress and give you peace. He can lift your burdens and bring the smile back to your weary face. His name is Jesus and He can slow you down, bring you peace and comfort and remind you that what really matters to Him is..... you.

"So I pray that God, Who gives you hope, will keep you happy and full of peace as you believe in Him. May you overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13 NLT

"Christmas Love"

Because we homeschool, we take full advantage of the freedom to study pretty much what we want, when we want. In the month of December we veer completely away from traditional studies and study about Christmas. How it is celebrated in other parts of the country. We bake and research and make things to give away. We study customs and traditions and just really relax the studying.

In going through my files of Christmas related studies, I found a little story that I obviously got through an e-mail or off the internet or something.

This isn't going to teach anyone a thing about history or math or English or science. It isn't going to improve your IQ one bit, but I hope it strikes a cord in your heart as it did ours...

The "W" in Christmas

Each December I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience. I had cut back on nonessential obligations-extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating and even over-spending.

Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family moments, and, of course, the True meaning of Christmas.

My son Nicholas was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season for a six year old. For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's Winter Pageant.

I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the production. Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his teacher. She assured me there'd be a dress rehearsal the morning of the presentation. All parents unable to attend that evening, were welcome to come then. Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise.
So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes early, found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down. Around the room I saw several other parents quietly scampering to their seats.

As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to perform their song.

Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday as "Christmas", I didn't expect anything other than fun, commercial entertainment songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer. So, when my son's class rose to sing "Christmas Love", I was slightly taken aback by it's bold title.
Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters, and bright snowcaps upon their heads. Those in the front row-center stage-held up large letters, one by one, to spell out the title of the song.

As the class would "C is for Christmas", a child would hold up the letter C. Then, "H is for Happy", and on and on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the complete message "Christmas Love".

The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her; a small, quiet girl in the front row holding the "M" upside down-totally unaware her letter "M" appeared as a "W". the audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered at this little one's mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her "W".

Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued until the last letter was raised and we all saw it together. A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen. In that instant, we understood the reason we were there, why we celebrated the holiday in the first place, why, even in the chaos, there was a purpose for our festivities.

For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear:

"C H R I S T W A S L O V E"

And I believe He still is...

Blessings......

I Love a Parade!!

I love Christmas parades! It starts on Thanksgiving Day with the Macy's parade and just goes from there!

I love to stand in the cold with my hands wrapped around a cup of hot cider or hot chocolate and watch all the floats go by.

I love to hear the Christmas music playing and singing along (mostly out of tune I might add!).

And let me let you in on a secret.......come closer.....I still love to grab for the candy that's thrown from the floats!!!

At this time of year I am still truly a kid at heart.

With all the glitz and sparkles and music and lights it's easy to take our focus off of why we even celebrate this holiday anyway. Our family fully shares, believes, talks about the fact that it's all about Jesus. Had He not been so willing to give up everything and come to this earth, how without hope we'd all be right now. I mean, can you even begin to imagine being up in Heaven, hanging out with God, enjoying all that has to offer and leaving it?? Not me. I have a feeling that once I get there, I'm going to have no desire to leave.

This time of year though, also has me taking a look at Mary. In that day and time it was perfectly normal and acceptable for girls 13, 14 years of age, to marry and begin families, but here was a young girl who had been notified by an angel that she was going to give birth to the Messiah. Although betrothed, she wasn't married, hadn't known a man. How was she ever going to explain that?? She couldn't. I fully believe that's why God sent Joseph his own angel.

It's not like today when we see an unwed pregnant girl. We may have those thoughts of "poor thing", or "she's so young", but it's become the "norm" in our society. Mary had to have been laughed at, made fun of, talked about. I think people may have walked on the other side of the street just to avoid contact with her. Unwed, Jewish girl..pregnant. How many looked at her in disgust and even if she tried to explain, everything she tried to explain wouldn't make sense to human ears.

Yet she held such a place of honor in Heaven. The one chosen to give birth to the One Who would save us from our sins! I am amazed when I think about what an amazing young woman she must have been! For God Himself to choose her from so many young women!

I think about Joseph and how much ridicule he must have had to endure. The scandalous talk that must have been going around their town and the fact that he was still willing to marry her!! He must have lost his mind!!

Have you ever wondered what Mary and Joseph's parents must have thought?? The Bible doesn't say but I can imagine that things didn't go over too well when they told them. But then, Mary being the young woman she had grown to be, has to say something for her parents. So maybe they were upset and then in awe of the fact their daughter had been chosen to be the vessel used to bring the Messiah into this world.

Not unlike today, those 2 families struggled with the right thing to do. They struggled with what will people think. I think that maybe some very heated discussions followed and maybe even some doubt filtered in from time to time. Yet look at the Awesome Result of 2 families being obedient to God!! The Savior!..born to die for me...and for you.

Let's especially remember that this Christmas season.

To tie this in with being a kid at heart......Children are open books. They will tell you what's on their mind, what they think, at a moment's notice. They will readily and quickly tell you about Jesus. As we go about our day and meet people on the street...as we look at the Christmas decorations and stand wide-eyed at the light displays, let's also be an open book, sharing with people about Jesus and what He truly means to us..and to them.

Blessings......

A Week of Thankfulness

Thanksgiving is Thursday and I thought I'd just take the next few days and blog about the things I'm thankful for and the whys behind them.

Let me begin with the fact that I'm thankful for my salvation. I know me and sometimes, even I don't like me..but in spite of that, God still loved me enough to give up His Son. Jesus loved me enough to give up His life. Would I give up my life for one of my kids? In a heartbeat!! Would I give up one of my kids for someone else...no. So I cannot begin to fathom the love of God. I'm just thankful that for whatever reason, He loved me..and He loves you. He saved me from the pit of hell, and He'll save you too. Want to know how? Contact me, I'll be blessed to share.

I'm thankful for my husband. Philip and I will celebrate 25 years of marriage on the 16th of December. For the most part, we've had an awesome 25 years, but there was a period in our lives, around the 7 year mark, that neither of us thought we would make it. We didn't know Jesus and our lives were a mess. Divorce was going to happen and we had fought so much, we reached a place of being too tired to try. Our daughter was only 8 months old. We had tried for so many years to get pregnant, and now that we had her we were going to tear her life apart. But we met a Man....Someone Who would not only save our souls, but our family as well. How thankful I am that when we wanted to give up..Jesus didn't. I am married to the most wonderful, patient, loving, kind-hearted, hard working man I know. He is an awesome husband, loving me in spite of me. My kids are blessed to have a Daddy that would give up everything to keep them safe and provided for. Beth has a perfect role model for a husband in her daddy and Zack has a perfect role model of what a great husband and daddy is. I have a safe place. I have strength and completion when he's with me.

I'm thankful for Beth. It took so long to get pregnant with her. 5 years of fertility drugs..and when we finally just gave up, we got pregnant. We had a scare with Spina Bifida and was told it wasn't too late to abort... are you joking??? Now...she will be 18 in January and she is a true blessing. She lives life pushing the limits and can be quite a challenge sometimes, and although she is my daughter first and foremost, she is one of my best friends. I love spending the day hanging out with her. She is so funny and loves life so much! She loves crazy clothes and wild fingernails. Even right now, her brown hair is loaded with hot pink highlights! She loves loud Christian concerts and weeps at sappy commercials. She is strong, but not always confident. She brings a joy into my life that no one else ever could.

I'm thankful for Zack. He's my "Little Buddy", although at 5'11, 225 pounds he's not so little anymore. He'll be 16 in December and fills my life with smiles. Like his sister, I had complications while I was pregnant with him. We know his exact date of conception, and was told when we were 4 ½ months pregnant with him that he had no kidneys or bladder. The sonar clearly showed that these very vital organs were missing. Doc could do what he could, but the Maker of Life was going to have to intervene if my little boy was to live outside the womb. Again, I was told by a nurse that it wasn't too late to abort. Again...are you kidding??? God will choose whether this child lives or dies. 2 weeks later, another sonogram showed that the Maker of Life, decided to let Zack live and made him 2 kidneys and a bladder!! All working and performing in harmony!! He can lift my spirits when I'm down. He's one of my biggest encouragers. He is always taking care of me if Dad isn't around. Still kisses and hugs me even in front of his buddies and tells me he loves me before he hangs up the phone...every time. He's my practical joker and brings so much laughter into our home. He is a tower of strength, in every meaning of the word. My life would be empty without him.

I am thankful for our home. Yes, I'm thankful for our house...a simple 3 bedroom house that has been a constant remodel since we bought it 3 years ago. It's modest and old but notice my wording....I'm thankful for our home. The 2x4's and siding. The sheetrock and paint. The floors and roof..it's all nice..it's all needed...but our home is one of laughter and tears. It is a place where each one of us long to be at the end of the day. We all know that no matter how tough the day's been, home is our destination. We know when we get here that love, hugs, encouragement, conversation, laughter, tears, a cold glass of water, a hot chocolate, a warm bath, a snuggly bed is waiting. Strength is found. The ability to try again is found. Since I stay at home, I know when my family gets home that everything will be okay. No matter how tough my day has been, my Father, my Safe Place, my Joy and my Little Buddy will make everything worth it.

How about sharing what you're thankful for with me..

I'll share more as I have time. Until then..

Blessings...

Looking Like the World

We had an amazing youth service at church last night!!!

The 2nd Sunday night of each month, our teenagers handle the service and last night was the best yet, by far!! Our drama team performed a new drama to Barlow Girl's "She Walked Away" and did another one that they hadn't done in quite some time to Skillet's "Better Than Drugs". Since I'm the "adult in charge", I've watched these dramas grow from birth. I've seen them practiced perfectly and yet I was bowled over by the way the Spirit took over during the performance last night! Nothing short of awesome!! (Can you tell I'm proud??)

I'm proud of those teens, yes. But what I'm truly proud of, is the way they allowed themselves to be taken out of the picture, and allowed the Holy Spirit to descend on them and therefore allowing Him to descend on every person in that place. The altar was literally filled with people of all ages sobbing, crying out to our Father for whatever need they had in their life.

Our speaker was a young man of 17 who did a fantastic skit with his brother and spoke about being a Lazy Christian. Let me add that our speaker didn't "look"...uhhh.....wasn't dressed in even slacks and a button up (although he was wearing a tie...) This young man has jet black hair, gages in his ears, 2 lip piercings. He wore chains on his pants, his belt was studded and hanging off his hip, he had spikes on his arms, gloves on his hands and was completely annointed by God.

See folks, and you're welcome to disagree with me, but this young man will be harshly judged for the way he dresses. People will look at him and say, "Freak!"..."You call yourself a Christian??"..."You look too much like the world to be a Christian!". But I have a question.....What does the world look like?

You see, I look like the world. I'm just a simple stay at home mom who goes out and about in jeans and a t-shirt. How many people "in the world" wear jeans and t-shirts?

My husband looks like the world. He wears a uniform everyday to work and when he's not at work, he can be found in sweats or jeans. How many people wear uniforms to work?

My daughter looks like the world. On Sunday morning she wears dresses to church and does her makeup very modestly. She also has bright, pink highlights in her hair and 2 piercings in one ear and 3 in the other. How many people color their hair and pierce their ears?

My son looks like the world. He wears jeans with holes in them, American Eagle (bought at the thrift store!) t-shirts, studded belt and his earring. Oh....and if it's been a while since his last haircut, he flat irons his hair. How many people have holes in their jeans?

You see, we've been to church with people in jeans, and we've been to church with people in 3 piece suits and they all look like the world, yet it's cool for them to call themselves Christians. So, would somebody please explain to me why this young man can't be a Christian because he "looks like the world"???

God will use this young man to reach people that won't give the 3 piece suits and the stay at home moms the time of day.

It's way past time to stop majoring on the minors and allow the Holy Spirit to use people the way He deems best to grow His kingdom.

I'd love to get some feedback from you on this!!

Blessings......

The Day After....finally!!

Did you vote yesterday? I truly hope so.

Did your candidate win? Honestly, it really doesn't matter. I'm a person that likes looking at the facts, and the fact is, that Barrak Obama will officially be the President of the United States on January 20, 2009.

What does that mean? That means that we as Christians we should do as we've been called to do from the very beginning..we are to bathe this man in prayer. We are to lift him up before the Father and pray that God will protect him and that he will 1) come to salvation through Jesus Christ if he doesn't know Him 2) if he does know Jesus as Savior, that this will only cause him to grow stronger in that relationship 3) that he will make decisions only after seeking the Father 4) that God will be glorified and honored in everything.

You see, no matter what happens in our lives, someone is going to be unhappy...if I make green beans for supper, Zack is going to be unhappy. If I tell Beth she has to have lights out at 10, she's going to be unhappy. If Philip doesn't get 8 hours of sleep at night, he's going to be unhappy. If we don't go to the beach for vacation, I'm going to be unhappy, but just because we're unhappy doesn't lessen the call that God has placed on our lives...to be His people, honoring and glorifying Him with our lives.

Make praying for our President-elect a part of your everyday life. Not only our President-elect, but those who work with him on a daily basis. Remember James 5: 16b---"....the earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results." NLT

Blessings....

I'm a Catalog!!

I just had to share this!!

While doing my devotions this morning, I was taken quite by surprise when I realized I'd just been compared to a catalog!! Now, I've been compared to many things over my lifetime, but never a catalog!! Well, believe me, this completely caught my attention..

As I read, the author was talking about the fact that the Christmas season is upon us and that each day would find more and more catalogs in our mailboxes. These catalogs would show us page upon page of things we didn't know we needed until we opened the catalog. I had to laugh!! I'm notorious for looking through a catalog and thinking, "Cool!" "Wow! I'd love to have that!" "Why didn't I think of that?!" You get the picture.

I've also gotten what I call "trash" catalogs. I'm not talking about ugly, sinful catalogs. I'm talking about those shoe catalogs for older men. I'm not older :o) and I'm certainly not a man..throw that catalog in the trash. Or the catalog for candy and goodies. I love to make my own (lots cheaper!) and there is enough of me anyway..throw that catalog in the trash too.

The author then went on to tell me that I was God's catalog...Whoa! Wait a minute! Me. A catalog. OOOkaaaaay.....

As I went on to read though, I found I completely agreed with the author. Like the catalogs we get in the mail that let us know we're "missing out" on something; that we've just got to have this something to make our lives better, easier, smoother; our lives should show those around us that they've just got to have what we have. If they had what we've got, their lives would be better, easier, smoother..... We should be a living, breathing, walking catalog for Jesus. People should be able to look at our lives and realize that they're missing out on something and that Something is Jesus Christ Himself!!

I took some time to examine my "catalog" and asked myself if the people watching my life, if the people who are around me in Wal Mart, if the people who are in the church I attend...see Something they've just got to have.
I pray that they do.

I decided this morning that I didn't want to be a "trash" catalog. How about you??

Blessings......

Remember to Vote Your Convictions Tomorrow

I'm going to be honest, I'm not fond of talking politcs. Yes, I do try to be informed. Yes, I do try to keep up with the current events. Yes, I am going to vote tomorrow and I truly hope you intend to also. I want to share my struggles with this election though.

I'm not going to tip toe around this...I will not be voting for Barrak Obama. This man clearly stands for everything I'm against. He's had way too many inconsistencies while he's been campaigning and done too much back-peddling, so to speak. I have absolutely no peace about this man being president of our country.

On the other hand.....In years past, I have always voted the Republican candidate for President. Sad to say, this year, I will not be voting for John McCain. This man, too, stands for things I am completely against. Like Obama, I have no peace about this man being president of our country either.

So what to do?? I was truly at my wit's end, praying, reading, seeking direction and wisdom from others and no one had any guidance to offer. All seemed hopeless. I had folks telling me to just vote the lesser of two evils. Something about that doesn't seem right....vote for the lesser of an evil???

Anyway, thanks to Chelsey over at Joyfully Living (www.joyfullyliving.blogspot.com) for introducing Independent Chuck Baldwin to me. After checking out his website, and doing a little research on my own. After careful consideration and prayer, I will be voting for him for President. I encourage you to check out his site over at www.baldwin08.com There, you can read about this candidate and make an informed decision for yourself.

The important thing is that you vote your convictions. Not what anyone, including myself, is telling you. We have less than 24 hours to make up our minds and when you leave the polls, I pray that you do so with a clear conscience, knowing that you 1. Voted 2. Voted your convictions.

Blessings......

Being a Submissive Wife

The more time passes and the older I get, I see a growing trend in women that is very discouraging to me. The more women I talk to, listen to and just observe, make me more aware of this trend. It's a trend that is continually moving farther and farther away from the way God ordained a marriage and family.

God created woman to be a help-meet for man. She was not created to be a leader in the family, but to help the one who was created to lead. She was not created to lord over man either. She was not created to bark orders or to demand her way. She was not created to whine and complain or to withold herself from her husband in order to "get her way".

In order for the woman, the wife, to Biblically fulfill her role..the role God Himself ordained for her..she must be..dare I say it.....submissive.

Now, please let me clarify to anyone reading that while over the next several weeks we are going to be talking about the role of a submissive wife, I do not intend to take Scripture out of context. A submissive wife is not to be lorded over, demeaned by or abused in any way by her husband. We will find in Scripture where the husband is told to love and cherish his wife "with the same love that Christ showed the church". (Ephesians 5:25) We'd do well to remember that Christ gave His life for the church.

I admit that I have tried many times to talk to different women over the years about being submissive and I'm usually met with the same defense, "NO man is going to tell me what to do!" These same women wonder what the problems are in their marriage.

I will also admit that my husband, bless him, married a very headstrong, independent, don't need anybody, non-Christian almost 25 years ago. During that time his wife has gotten saved (almost 17 years now!) and God has had to whip her repeatedly (God still has a very headstrong daughter..) My husband's wife has also had to learn submission. I wish I could tell you that it comes easily to me..it doesn't. I wish I could tell you that when Jesus saved me, He gave me the gift of submission..He didn't. But He did give me the Holy Spirit, Who is quick to let me know when I'm overstepping my God ordained boundaries.

I do hope you follow along as we travel together down this road to a better understanding of being the submissive wife that God has called us to be. I fully believe that if we study and put into practice what God shares with us, we will see a definite difference in the marriages and families we've been blessed with....

Blessings.....

Thinking About Christmas

It is already October 9th and truly before we know it, the Christmas season will be upon us.

With our economy today, this can be a very stressful time for all of us. In our society, we've been programmed to want more, "need" more, bigger, better...I am as guilty of that as anyone.

I must also add though, the more I try to live a more simple, frugal life, I have observed how materialistic we have become. It seems to me as if magazine advertisements and tv commercials have come to life in bigger and bolder ways to get our attention. It seems as if displays in the stores are everywhere promoting the newest this or the improved that.

I've found myself looking at these ads and displays and asking myself, "What's wrong with the one I have?" Now let me tell you, that is music to my husband's ears. He is definitely the saver in our family. Simple, frugal living is something I've had to go back to. My growing up years were mostly lean. Mom and Dad didn't have a lot of money and we raised most of what we ate.The early years of my marriage were also lean, buying only what was necessary. As time has marched on though, and my husband's income increased, I found myself falling victim to the "bigger, better" mentality. Thankfully though, God took the scales from my eyes and showed me how materialistic and worldly I had become.

As a Christian, I also find myself walking around in disbelief at how little Christ actually has to do with Christmas in our world. We spend so much time shopping for people and trying to find that perfect gift. We spend so much time planning Christmas parties and Christmas dinner. We spend so much time running out and buying those last minute gifts because so-and-so bought me something. We, too, as Christians, have fallen victim to pushing Christ to the side. I include myself in that.

So, as the middle of October approaches, if you find the stress levels starting to build, take a deep breath, make yourself a cup of hot chocolate, sit down with a pencil and paper and begin a list.

In our family we, of course, get gifts for each other and our teens. But this is how it goes in our extended family:
2 Grandmas
2 Grandpas
2 Married Aunts and Uncles
3 Single Aunts and Uncles
7 Nieces and Nephews

We then have Sunday School teachers, the mail carrier, the paper delievery, our garbage men..and like everyone else, those that pop up last minute.

Over the next few days, I'm going to address each group and share how we have chosen to gift these people. I am going to share things we have done in the past that will hopefully help you now and also how to plan in the future to help you next year.

How about leaving me a comment on what your family does. I'd love to hear how your family handles gift giving!