Something Fun!

Since I have been an adult the Lord has convicted me to watch what I do and say. In doing that He has shown me more about Halloween and what it really stands for. So, for many years now we have not done anything this time of year except for decorate for fall and hide until October is over. Trick or treat night is not the same as it used to be when I was a kid and now we don't even want to be in our home that night. Well, a few years ago we changed our plans from hibernating in the dark to spending the evening with our best friends and we are so glad we did. Now we leave early, meet for pizza and then go to Magic Mountain for hours of fun. This is so much fun for everyone. I let the kids pick out a bag of candy that way they still get their candy and then we go have lots of fun with our friends. Our entire family is so excited about going out tonight and we can't wait! I hope you have a fun alternative to this evil holiday and I pray that you are able to shine the light of Jesus where ever you are!

Good Morning!

It is freezing cold out but so refreshing. I changed up my walking routine because I ran into a man on a walk and it concerned me so I am walking a different direction. The good thing is that I am now getting in about 2.2 miles and I have to walk up a big hill. This is definitely working some extra muscles, but that is okay. I have even started jogging a little to increase my heart rate and feel my fat giggle a little :D Hey, if I don't laugh at myself, who will right. Anyway, I am so thankful I have this time to get out and walk with my Lord Jesus. My time with Him in the morning is like no other time I have ever had with Him. I was a bit distracted at first because of the cold, but once I got going I found His presence to warm me up and I was able to keep going. Last week I walked three days and so my goal this week is to walk four days. Tomorrow will be four so I am very excited!

My Family

About every three months the women from my Mom's side of the family all get together. We pick a restaurant and eat and talk. It is funny because they eat and then they leave. It cracks me up. Anyway, the Lord is using me to minister to my family and last night He used my oldest son. He is 4 years old and it is so exciting to hear him talk about Jesus. Last night he was asked about what he was going to dress up as for Halloween and he very politely answered "we don't celebrate that and I am not dressing up as anything." My cousin was shocked and looked at him kind of funny, but he just put the biggest grin on his face and loved on her. The really neat thing is that he doesn't really know her because he doesn't see her but once a year. My extended family isn't really close and the reason we are getting together is my Mom, and her aunts all decided that since they were getting older and may not be here much longer we had better start getting together so their kids would know each other. I know that sounds funny, but that is the truth. So, during dinner the Lord was using Tra and he was talking and singing about Jesus all night. It was such a blessing to see. At the end of the night I was able to pray for my Mom and I can't wait to see the fruits of her healing! Thank You Lord for allowing me and Tra to be your humble servants!

Fire Proof

I know I have already talked about the movie Fireproof, but the Lord has been talking to me about my marriage. I have been married for 11 years now and although we have a good marriage, I want a great one. So, the Lord has challenged me to a "Love Dare" for my husband. Today starts the beginning of a 40 day journey of loving my husband with the agape love that only Jesus can give me. I cannot wait to see how this changes me and him and our relationship. I challenge anyone else to do this for their spouse whether you have seen the movie or not. I know I am only on day one and I can see areas in my life that I need to improve on to be a better wife. I will keep you updated as I go through my journey and I hope to hear from anyone else who is doing this for their spouse too.

Obedience

This morning in my devotional I was reading about how King Saul didn't do exactly what God commanded him to do so he lost his kingdom. Saul wanted to look good to the people and didn't think about what he was doing to his relationship with God. I know that I don't want to be like Saul. I want to follow exactly what God has told me and do it the second He tells me to. That is my heart today. I believe the Holy Spirit is getting ready to move and I don't want to be left out because I am not obedient today.

Not done yet!

Well believe it or not I have a hard time coming up with something to write on here. I love to journal but that is between me and the Lord so nobody else reads it. Not that many people read this either, but it is out there for anyone to read. So, last night I was braiding my daughters hair and we were watching Hermie by Max Lucado. It was cute and has a great message for anyone with young children. Anyway, it ministered to me and to my son who had a bunch of questions as we watched the movie. This one was about a worm who wasn't satisfied with who he is and wants to be something else because he thinks they are more special than him. Every day he talks to God and asks why God doesn't change him and every day God says that He isn't done with him yet. Not to go into the entire video, but it was a blessing because the questions that it brought up with our kids were so good and thought provoking that it made me begin to realize that sometimes I too get into that thinking of am I special or why did You make me like this. But no more. I know that God has made me special and I didn't need this video to tell me that. I know that I am a daughter of the Most High King and that I am made in His image, but it was a good gentle reminder that He is not done with me yet and that I need to hang in there because He wants to continue to mold me after His heart so that I may emulate the life of Jesus Christ while I am here. So, what a blessing this kids video was last night and what a good reminder for me as an adult to stop and just listen to what the Lord is whispering into my ears. Thank You Father for this reminder and I praise You for creating me in Your image!

Walking with the Lord

Today starts a new routine! I am tired of having nothing to wear and I hate going shopping. So after not wanting to listen to the Lord for about a week now He finally got my attention. This morning I walked around my block twice which is about two miles. It was so refreshing and peaceful and quiet and yes, cold too. There was not a soul moving this morning when I was walking and I was able to see three deer too. If you want some quiet time with the Lord where He can renew your strength then walk with Him first thing in the morning. It is exciting for me to think the Lord wants to spend time with me and He keeps getting me up earlier and earlier to do this. I was up just before 4:00 am this morning and I can't wait to see how He is going to get me through my day. I am excited to see what the Lord is going to do in my life through this new routine. I know this much, I was at a complete peace this morning while I was walking with Him and I am ready to walk with Him again tomorrow morning!

Cool breeze

This morning about 4am a cool breeze started blowing through our windows. It was so peaceful and smelled so good. I don't know about anyone else, but I love the smell right before a rain comes especially in the fall. Well, this breeze woke me up and I just laid there enjoying the breeze and talking to the Lord. It was as if every time He spoke the wind would pick up coming through my window. So, in my very imaginative mind, I was seeing the Lord standing outside of my house speaking to me and it was his cool calming breath that was passing through the window. I just stayed there for an hour before I got up to start my day. What a neat way to wake up, in the presence of the Lord, with His breath flowing all through my room. Thank You Lord for that extra time I had to spend with You this morning. I have been praying for Your presence to in-fill me everyday and I see this as one way You showed me that You are here, even in the little things!

The Grand Finale!

I have never looked at woman this way before. God had created everything and was still missing something because He didn't want man to be alone. He created woman and then He rested. How about that, God made us last. I always knew that, but today that just means something more to me. Actually, one version of this verse says that God fashioned us, maybe that is why we have such a desire for fashion and to look good? This morning I was studying Hannah and I too have not been able to bear any children. The Lord has blessed me with all of my children through adoption! As I was praying for my children this verse kept coming to mind: "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." (Psalm 139:13-16). Hannah cried out to God and He blessed her with Sampson. I cried out to God and He has blessed me with Joyona, Travyon and Elijah. We are all fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of Christ and every time we put our selves down or criticise something about our kids we are saying that about Christ. I know He has been showing me that every time I mumble something in the car about another precious driver, I am saying that about the Father who made that precious driver. Lord God, forgive me for not seeing everyone as one who You created and who You love. Lord continue to give me Your love for others and to see everyone as You see them. Thank You for not stopping, for creating woman from man and for making us Your grand finale!

Look at the Heart!

I have started a new devotional and it is about the life of David, so I am reading in the old testament right now. 1 Samuel 16:7 says "But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." I have been meditating on this verse for a couple of days. I have come to the point in my life that I want to emulate Jesus Christ in everything I do, so this has become my prayer. I want to look at the heart of man not just the outward appearance. I want to love people the way Jesus loves them. I know what He does and is doing for me so I want to pass His love on to other people so the can be blessed too!

11 Years!

Saturday, I celebrated my 11th year anniversary with my husband. It was fun thinking about what the day was like 11 years ago and all the planning that went into our wedding. Things were much different then than they are now that is for sure. We were really busy this weekend and we kind of celebrated in stages. First, Tim bought us tickets to see Michael W. Smith and Stephen Curtis Chapman in concert on Thursday. It was lots of fun and relaxing as we had a babysitter for the kids so we actually went out on a date! Then Saturday he surprised me with a dozen roses. I can't remember the last time I had roses, let alone 12 of them! Then Saturday evening we went to a bonfire at my parents with my extended family. It was a fun and busy day, but I am so thankful that we have been married for 11 years. I know that there are always times of frustration and questioning, but I am so thankful that God knew what He was doing when he brought Tim and I together so many years ago. I can't imagine my life with out him and I am looking forward to the many years ahead of us. He is my encourager, my friend, my supporter and my one true love! Tim, I love you very much and with all of my heart and I look forward to spending the rest of my life with you by my side!

Friday!

Man am I glad it is Friday. This has been a long week for me. I think just draining spiritually. I have been in prayer about some things that were very important for me and they are finally over and I am so thankful. Some of them are continued to another week, but that is okay because I feel like I can rest today. So, I am taking the day off from cleaning and working and school so I can regroup and refocus. My kids are enjoying it because I took them out for McDonald's for breakfast, after I let them all sleep in until they woke up on their own. Now the television is on and they are watching and playing nicely, which is a God thing! Then there is my 19 month old, he is just walking around and playing too, but every now and then he just wants to come over and love on his mommy. What a blessing! So since today is the day that the Lord has made for me, then I will rejoice and be glad in my resting! Thank You Lord for this peaceful day!

Fostercare

I don't have much to say today. I am a foster parent and my husband and I have started a ministry at our church called Precious Hearts. It is an orphan care ministry and we support adoptions, foster care and orphanages. Anyway, through this ministry we have supported several families in getting their foster care license and one of the families happens to be our neighbors. They have their first placement and he is a cute little boy who is now about 2 1/2 months old now I think. Well, there is court for him today and I am going with my friend to encourage and support her. This will be her first time down to the court house for foster care and I can't wait to see what the Lord is going to show her. I am a huge advocate for all foster parents to go to court for the kids that are in their home. I know it can take hours sometimes, but we are the only voice of the kids in our homes and if we don't speak up and care for these kids who will? Anyway, I didn't mean to get on my soap box this early in the morning, but I wanted to post something this morning to stay in my habit of getting on here and posting. So I hope everyone has a blessed day!

My prayer for today.

Ephesians 3:14-20 says "For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith: that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height - to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge: that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us." I want to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge, to know what I cannot know with out the Holy Spirit. I know the Lord has much still to reveal to me and I want receive it, so this is my prayer today.

The Cabin

My husband goes to a cabin twice a year down in southern Ohio. He loves it and is joined by a bunch of guys that love it too. They do all that male bonding and have no running water or a toilet that flushes. I have been down there a couple of times and have absolutely no desire to ever return. Our 4 year old son however can't wait to get down there. He was telling me all weekend how many cool bugs and things he could find there. Yuck! It will be a blessing though when our boys get old enough to start going then my daughter and I will have a girls weekend. How cool will that be! Anyway, I know my husband loves it, but I really missed him this time. I don't know what was different, but I am really happy he is home. The kids really missed him too. Don't get me wrong, me and the kids we had a great weekend playing all weekend and staying up late watching movies and stuff, but I am really glad the weekend is over and he is home. I missed you honey, and I love you very much!

Luke 23:55-56

I have been reading in Luke for a while now and I am just amazed at what new things I read everyday. This morning I was the women who went to tend to Jesus after He died in a different light. They are not unlike us women today. Okay, I know that sounds funny because we are all women, but sometimes I forget they had feelings and thoughts just like I do today. So here were some women who stood there on Friday and watched Jesus being crucified. They were there the entire time weeping, how exhausted they must have been. Then they watched Him taken off the cross and followed Him to see where they were going to bury Him. I can't even imagine how they were feeling at this point, but they weren't done yet. Now they observed the tomb and know how His body is laid they return home to prepare spices and fragrant oils. This is the part that I don't think I ever realized before. They had to wait to go back to Jesus. It was the sabbath and they were not permitted to leave. How about that. Then when it wasn't sabbath anymore it was dark and they still had to wait until Sunday. I don't think I have ever really thought about that. When they finally did get to go see Jesus, the stone was rolled away and He was gone! Now, two men were standing there and said to the women, "remember what He spoke to you..." How about that. Those angels wanted the women to remember what Jesus had said to them earlier but they are in shock if you will because Jesus isn't there. I think this is so cool because this is just what He has been trying to tell me this week. Not only is it in His timing, meaning I can't go do something just because I want to or I think I need it right now so I have to go get it, I have to wait upon the Lord. Take my sabbath at His feet and wait on Him for the time to go. Then when it is time for me to move I need to remember His words to me of comfort and His promises that He has given to me. I am so thankful that God is God and I am not. Thank You Lord for Your promises and for being patient with me when I am not patient in waiting for Your timing. Help me Lord to sit at Your feet and wait upon You!

This is my prayer for today.

Well, here it is Thursday morning and I am feeling so behind in everything. The Lord is so good to me and I am thankful that He doesn't ever get behind in what He is doing. Things have been really busy in my home for the last week and I have been feeling very overwhelmed when I am home because there are so many things to do that I don't even know where to start. I don't know about anyone else but do you ever feel like you have so much to say and don't even know how to say it or what to say? That is where I am at today. I feel like I am being pulled in so many different directions and have so many thoughts going through my head that I wouldn't even know where to begin if I tried to write about what I really want to write about. So I am going to leave it at this. Even though I am feeling this way I praise You Lord for keeping me in the center of the storm. For keeping me at peace, knowing that You are in total control of everything in my life. I praise Your Holy name and I am so thankful for all You are doing in my life and in my families lives. Father, I pray that You would send Your Spirit of knowledge and wisdom to me today. Lord God, today is a new day and I start fresh with You leading my every step. Lord God, I pray that You would begin to put into order the gifts that You have given to me and teach me how to walk boldly in them. Father I can't help but to praise You and thank You for all You are doing and I can't wait to see the fruit that You bear from the seeds You are planting. Thank You Lord and I love You!