Check out this GiveAway at thekindlecrew.com

Go check out this give away at thekindlecrew.com

or click HERE

ENDS Feb 5th

Grace – Guest Blog – Life As a Mom

Please, PLEASE read this blog!

 

especially as we are going forward into the

holiday season

and as we have

family get-together.  All the wonderful things that

go on when we are with our extended family,

 the stress that builds up under the pressures  

This is a great reminder to remember!

Give away over at the Kindle Crew Blog Spot

Follow this link here:

However the text is the following

NOV 14, 2011

. Don’t miss this free giveaway!!!

The Lord Jesus Christ himself said, “it is better to give than to receive!”I am so very excited about this, in celebration of Thanksgiving I am going to be giving away lots of FREE stuff this month.  Be sure and follow this blog so you don’t miss these great opportunities.I’m very thankful for those joining me in blessing you!!!To jumpstart these giveaways, I have a sweet lady (wink wink) willing to donate one ticket to Sally Clarkson’s Mom Heart Conference 2012!! Whoop! I am leaping for joy….I love Sally Clarkson and her God-inspired ministry to moms.

If you aren’t familiar with Sally be sure and follow her blog at I Take Joy!

There are several opportunities to go to the Mom Heart Conferences:
Colorado Jan 20-21
California Feb 3-4
Texas Feb 17-18
North Carolina (dates to be determined)

Check out all conference info HERE!

Not only will you win a free ticket…you will also get a $10.00 gift certificate to use at the book table while at the conference…SCORE!!

Are you already registered for the conference?
Enter this giveaway anyway and bless a friend with a free ticket!!

To enter, leave a comment telling me which conference you would go to if you won!  (make sure you leave your email if it’s not in your profile)

To earn extra entries you may: (leave comment for each one)
1. follow this blog
2. tweet this giveaway @teamkindle is my username
3. share giveaway on FB
4. link giveaway on your blog

Winner will be announced on Friday, November 25th.

*** By entering giveaway, you agree to attend the conference or pass ticket along to someone who will attend.  If you can’t fulfill this, please let me know so we can bless someone else who is eager to attend.

Be sure and follow….you don’t want to miss all of these exciting giveaways….

Trisha

Listen to what this beautiful woman has to say about the

recent mission trip she took!

She is a blessing to me in my life, I can only imagine how

much of a blessing she was to these children

Trisha’s Trip To Prison

Mom Heart Conference

MOM HEART CONFERENCE with Sally Clarkson ~

Irving/DFW, TX

February 17-18, 2012

Dallas Marriott Las Colinas, Irving, TX

2012 Conference Theme:

The Heartshaping Mom ~H

ow to Open, Fill, and Hold Your Child’s Heart

Early Registration by November 30 $89.00

(Includes 10.00 table voucher for books/items)

We will be staying at the Marriott and the rooms are 89.00

each over and above the conference cost

Even if you may not have the money to attend, and are interested,

please contact us. We might be able to obtain some

scholarships for this conference! Please do not let money be a

hindrance if your HEART is lead to attend!

Call Laura Hix at 903-571-4360 Or laurahix@gmail.com

Happy First Birthday Jayden

Wow where has the time gone! You are one year old today!! God gifted us at such an unexpected time in the life of our family. But WHAT A GIFT!!!

I can’t believe that you are already one! I remember the day that your mama went to the hospital to have you!! It was a really LONG day… You didn’t want to come out! Boy when you did though, what an impact you have made on so many lives. Especially mine!

I know I don’t get to spend as much time with you as I would like to. However, the time I do spend with you is so special to me. I love your little grin, and how it only takes saying your name to make you smile.

I love how, that at just a year old, you are so obedient. You know… and smart… you are just so smart… just last night, I saw you reasoning out, putting the dog food one by one, in the water jug. (Of course after you tasted it – the dog food that is) I guess you had to make sure Buster was being fed right!

I know some get frustrated that you aren’t walking and talking a lot, but I know what you have going on… yeah buddy! You got it! Why SHOULD you walk? If you wait long enough, someone will pick you up and carry you!! And as for talking??? You can’t get a word in edgewise, so just hold it!!! Eventually they will all be quiet and then you can be heard… LOLOL

See I know what you have going on… You are ONE SMART DUDE!!!

Mr. JJ, I just want you to know that, the day you were born, when I sat holding you that first time, I prayed over you and committed my life to honor you through God. To make everything I do for you, to only glorify God, to teach you and love you and most of all, to never be a stumbling block for you.

I love you more than life Jayden, and I hope that I can live up to my commitment. You are prayed for daily, and you are loved so much!

I can’t wait to get on with the next year!

“Staycations”

Well, it’s almost summer here in GS and since we are doing Dave Ramsey, we are not doing any big vacations.  However, we will be doing two small ones at a time share my sister owns where all we have to do is pay for our gas and our food (gotta eat anyway)

So I’ve been thinking of several small things that I could do with the kids that would attract all the ages 10 through 1 and here are some of the things I’ve come up with.  I would LOVE your ideas if you have any to offer!!

East Texas Gator Farm

Caldwell Zoo

Brookshire’s World of Wildlife Museum

Canton City Park Playscape (The Castle Park) but is officially know as Cherry Creek Park

Grand Saline City Park  (not so much this one, as we are buying a pool, and yes I know this is SO not Dave Ramsey, but when you consider the cost of taking the kids swimming to the pool vs, buying and maintaining a pool, it’s cheaper for us in the long run, since we have kids everyday, yes we’ve done the math, should we go swimming 3 times a week)

Grand Saline Library  We will participate in the Summer Reading Program at the Library in GS and the 

Van Zandt County Library 

Dallas World Aquariam

Museum of Nature and Science
 

These are what I’ve come up with so far.  I’ve only been thinking about this for about 4 days now.  So ANY help would be greatly appreciated.  I don’t even mind going further out a bit.  

I just know I have a lot of kids to keep occupied all summer and this Memaw is already felling overwhelmed even though I know I can handle it! 

New Blog

Hey everyone… 

I have started (or started back up) a new blog..

Everything I Have And Everything I Am

This is my life, laid out there, as God sees it, 

because it’s an open book.
I ask God’s forgiveness, I ask God’s healing.
It is in Christ alone,
that I find my identity.  

Originally started January 21, 2008, but now, that I am finally able to bring myself to a closer walk with God, I can admit that I wasn’t able to do this back then.  So now, I will start.  I have given this over to God, because only HE can do this and show me what to write to glorify Him.  

I want to make these words not be a stumbling block to someone else, and I want them to honor God, honor my church, honor my family and honor myself.

I have for too long, “played” at being a “Good Church Girl” as  Angela Thomas calls it and while I am a Good church girl,  I want to be more than a “Good Church Girl”
I want to be a Good “GODLY” Girl.  I want everything that I do.  Everything that I am.  To honor Him.


So I start, this journey…. with a spirit of humility…. so that HE can speak through me.

Oh How I Love This Kid!!!

I have finally found a perfect description for the way to explain Anthony.. Every description that I could come up with made him sound like this horrible child, and other ones were way to passive!  

This one below is perfect!  Funny!, and bang on!!  

I left it in the author’s words, so it has his son’s name in it… you can find the original here.  It’s by John Hunt.  He pulls his descriptions from What Wives Wish their Husbands Knew About Women (James C. Dobson)-  I was so excited when I read this, I had to tell everyone I know!

THIS is Anthony!  Please don’t ever say he is a bad kid!  Yes he knows he makes some bad choices, and he gets that, but he’ trys so hard to do the right thing!! 

 ”In fact, the very day he turned eighteen months of age, it was as though a little voice whispered in his ear, “Now, kid, now!” Ryan began running that afternoon and he’s still moving at maximum velocity. He isn’t a malicious child and he rarely defies authority in a blatant manner. But he is enormously curious and he gets into everything. If it is humanly possible, Ryan can be expected to spill it, break it, disassemble it, spread it, or render it inoperable. Trying to get him to be still and quiet is like nailing Jell-O to a tree: it’s impossible! And, of course, his personal safety teeters on the brink of disaster from moment to moment”

This is just perfect!!! I love this face!!! I love this boy!!!
He has been such a blessing to me from the day he was born!

He makes my heart smile!!!

photo credits by Richard Hall and 

http://spotted.tylerpaper.com/photos/index.php?id=4619198

Check It Out!!!

Go check this blog out, and enter for a chance to win one of these gifts!

The blog is pretty awesome also!

“Like a Warm Cup of Coffee” enters my inbox everyday and I look forward to reading it so

often!  It is a breath of fresh air and just like a warm cup of coffee has become a desired friend in the

morning!

Since You’re in My Living Room, I Have Something Special for YOU «Like A Warm Cup Of Coffee

www.likeawarmcupofcoffee.com

Now that I know how most of you like your coffee (tea, and hot cocoa), I’ve decided to not only have you

cozy up to conversation, but I’d like to give you a gift.

What do I know?

What do I know?  God had a plan… 21 years ago, the SECOND time around for us when we said I do.. Then a few years before that the first time around *3 to be exact. so all together we have been together for 24 years going on 25 years this year God has blessed us through my husband’s cancer and healing, our son’s severe asthma and healing, and my catastrophic illnesses and eventual healings 

God is so amazing.  He loves like no one else can.  However I know that I love my husband in a way that is so much more that most women dream about, because of the circumstances surrounding our marriage(s)

WE are BLESSED!  some people would look at our life and think “woe is me”

I look at our life and thank God for trusting me to handle these burdens he’s asked me to bear.  Now, honestly, I wish I didn’t have to be trusted so much LOL

But  God is funny that way.

I Love God more than life itself,

Love my husband next.   (ssshhhh don’t tell him))))))))))))

http://ordinaryinspirations.blogspot.com/2011/01/love-dare-14-day-challenge-leading-up.html

Check it out at the blog above!

Wanna Join?

 

THE Love Dare: A 14 Day Challenge Leading Up To Valentines Day!

I’ve been thinking about what we can do for our husbands leading up to Valentines Day.  I know that Valentines Day is just another day on the calendar… but… it is a great reminder to make the time to love our husbands special!

So… from February 1st – February 14th, I will be taking the ideas from the first 14 days of the book, The Love Dare… for all of us to work on in our homes.

Are you interested? Here’s all you have to do to “sign up”… make every effort to work on the assigned “task” for each day.  Then, at the end of 14 days, (Valentines Day), write a post about how it went, linking back to this post.  Feel free to save the image above to use in your post.

Just comment below if you are interested… there may be some “love treats” along the way for those who participate.

Feel free to write a post now about the journey you will take over the first 14 days of February; if you do, please link up your post below.

If you don’t have a blog you are still more than welcome to join the fun.  Just comment below about what you learned along the way and how your husband responded.

Schedule:

Day 1 (Feb 1) “Love is patient” Eph. 4:2

Patience helps you give your spouse permission to be human.  Love is built on two pillars that best define what it is.  Those pillars are patience and kindness.  Choose to respond with patience towards your husband in all things.

Day 2 (Feb 2) “Love is kind” Eph. 4:32

Kindness inspires you to be agreeable.  Instead of being obstinate, reluctant, or stubborn, you cooperate, you stay flexible.  Rather than complaining and making excuses, you look for reasons to compromise and accommodate.  A kind wife ends thousands of potential arguments by her willingness to listen first rather than demand her way.

Day 3 (Feb 3) “Love is not selfish” Rom. 12:10

One ironic aspect of selfishness is that even generous actions can be selfish if the motive is to gain bragging rights or receive a reward.  If you do even a good thing to deceitfully manipulate your husband, you are still being selfish.  The bottom line is that you either make decisions out of love for others or love for yourself.

Day 4 (Feb 4) “Love is thoughtful” Psalm 139:17-18

When was the last time you spent a few minutes thinking about how you could better understand and demonstrate love to your spouse?  What immediate need can you meet?  What’s the next even you could be preparing for?  Great marriages come from great thinking.

Day 5 (Feb 5) “Love is not rude” Proverbs 27:14

How does your husband feel about the way you speak and act around him?  How does your behavior affect your mate’s sense of worth and self-esteem?  Would your husband say you’re a blessing or that you’re condescending and embarrassing?

Day 6 (Feb 6) “Love is not irritable” Proverbs 16:32

A loving wife is not overly sensitive or cranky but exercises emotional self-control.  She chooses to be a flower among the thorns and respond pleasantly during prickly situations.

Day 7 (Feb 7) “Love believes the best” 1 Cor. 13:7

Your husband is a living, breathing, endless book to be read.  Dreams and hopes have  yet to be realized.  Talents and abilities may be discovered like hidden treasure.  But the choice to explore them starts with a decision by you.  Develop a habit of reining in your negative thoughts and focusing on the positive attributes of your husband.

Day 8 (Feb 8) “Love is not jealous” Song of Sol. 8:6

If you’re not careful, jealousy slithers like a viper into your heart and strikes your motivations and relationships.  It can poison you from living the life of love God intended.

Day 9 (Feb 9) “Love makes good impressions” 1 Pet. 5:14

You can tell a lot about the state of a couple’s relationship from the way they greet one another.  You can see it in their expression and countenance, as well as how they speak to each other.  It is even more obvious by their physical contact.  Work on greeting your husband “special” when he arrives home from work!

Day 10 (Feb 10) “Love is unconditional” Rom. 5:8

When you rebuild your marriage with agape love as its foundation, then the friendship and romantic aspects of your love become more endearing than ever before.  When your enjoyment of each other as best friends and lovers is based on unwavering commitment, you will experience an intimacy that cannot be achieved any other way.

Day 11 (Feb 11) “Love cherishes” Eph. 5:28

Don’t let the culture around you determine the worth of your marriage.  To compare it with something that can be discarded or replaced is to dishonor god’s purpose for it.  That would be like amputating a limb.  Instead, it should be a picture of love between two imperfect people who choose to love each other regardless.

Day 12 (Feb 12) “Love lets others win” Phil. 2:4

Are you willing to bend to demonstrate love to your husband?  Or are you refusing to give in because of pride?  If it doesn’t matter in the long run–especially in eternity–then give up your rights and choose to honor the one you love.  It will be good for you and good for your marriage.

Day 13 (Feb 13) “Love fights fair” Mark 3:25

The deepest, most heartbreaking damage you’ll ever do (or ever have done) to your marriage will most likely occur in the thick of conflict.  But love reminds you that your marriage is too valuable to allow it to self-destruct, and that your love for your husband is more important than whatever you’re fighting about.  Married couples who learn to work through conflict tend to be closer, more trusting, more intimate, and enjoy a much deeper connection afterwards.

Day 14 (Feb 14) “Love takes delight” Eccles. 9:9

In your marriage relationship, you won’t always feel like loving.  It is unrealistic for your heart to constantly thrill at the thought of spending every moment with your husband.  Nobody can maintain a burning desire for togetherness just on feelings along.  However, there is something very powerful about the decision to delight in your husband and to love him no matter how long you’ve been married, or what “feelings” may or may not be there at the moment.

Sandwich Generation

I’m sitting here watching my grandson who is 4 years old watch TV, getting toys in and out of the toy box, playing the games on the computer, playing with the dog, moving about from one chair to the next, just doing general little boy things, and I think about how much joy he brings me every single day.

I am headed to school to pick up one of my granddaughters and I know it’s going to be a load of laughs this afternoon with her!  She’s going to play the games on the computer, do her homework, play with the dog, probably take a nap, write on the computer some, and who knows what else.

It’s cold here so we can’t go outside.  But just the sheer joy of having them around makes me smile!

They think I can help them do anything, and that I can do anything at this point in their lives.  (I still have them fooled)

Then I also get the phone calls from my aging dad… “how do I call verizon”; “did you order my medicine”; “I don’t feel good”; “I don’t like what this Dr. told me” etc etc… The list goes on and on… He’s going to be 80 and he’s just so frail… I wonder where that strong man, who I thought could do anything has gone.  Those hands that worked so hard to earn a living, why are they so weak?

I’m in between helping to raise my grandkids and helping to “raise” my dad.   While I wouldn’t change my world for nothing or give either one of them up.  I wonder what it would be like if Dad was stronger?  What if he didn’t need the help he does?  I mean he does still go out and work at the farm, but his mind is weak.

There’s no gentle way to say this where it doesn’t come off as a gripe, but it’s so far from that.  To me it’s a blessing.  I love my grandkids dearly, and I worship my dad.

I sometimes wonder, though, seriously wonder, what if…. what if, I could call on him to help me still?  Where’s my daddy?  The tears come when I think of the fact that I know without a doubt my dad is facing giants everyday with his health.  I thank God everyday, when I hear his voice on the other end of the phone.

Knowing that  I’m privileged to have him here with me even though I may complain about what he’s said or done, is a blessing, and I should thank my provider for giving me each second I have with my daddy.

I wonder what a day would be like with the grandkids and my dad!

 

This has all been my own rambling, but after a really tearful moment of realization, and playful moments with Anthony, I realize just how blessed I am to know that I have the most wonderful family on God’s planet!

To those of you who are in this sandwich generation of raising kids or grandkids and raising your parents, you have my prayers.  It’s not easy, physically or mentally.  The emotions are horrible.

Love your kids with everything you have, enjoy them and play with them!   Give them your attention and just have fun!

Love your parents with everything you have, enjoy them and play with them!  Give them your attention and just have fun!

 

My Big But!

I got this idea from here

I just found this blog, but am already loving it!

 

For years I made excuses, yes, but… I’ll do this, but.. Not yet, but.. No but!

But, But, But

I was dwelling in my own insecurities over a possible failed marriage, the realization that I had failed as a parent and the fact that I was turning to the world to feed my insecurities.

I was reeling.. I’m not going to give details, but… (there’s no reason to give the details) I was sulking, and sulking big time… I was on the biggest pity party one could imagine.  I had been wronged, and I wanted everyone to know it.  The one person of all, the one that hurt me the most, my husband, was the one I lashed out at the most.  I hurt him so much during this time.  I know I did.  All because I was saying, But God….

Let me back up a few years

I knew exactly what God wanted me to do.  I was seeking, I was seeking hard for the answer.  I had started going to church a few years before that because I was so empty inside and I wanted anything to fill the void.  I found a lot in church, however, I never felt fulfilled 100%.

I kept seeking.

Fast forward…  the depression got worse, the anxiety got worse, I dove into work and my youngest son.  I poured myself into both of them.  Heart and soul.  I gave them everything I had.  I was still seeking.  For anything still.

Still finding nothing, I knew still that the questions were the same, yes God, but…

It wasn’t until David went to college and I was forced to medically retire and I was left with nothing but myself, and God, (isn’t HE funny that way!) that I began to really realize, exactly what He had been trying to tell me all those years.  That the Yes Buts would get me no where!

Until I fully submitted myself to His awesome and incredible power and grace, that the things and feelings that I was having were going to keep cycling and going on in my head.  I would never get to that point of eternal peace, that I wanted so bad!

I had to be broken.  God had to literally break my heart to mend my heart!  But isn’t He so amazing that He has the power to heal our broken hearts!

The life I knew, the pity party, the But God’s were over…

I had a new heart and a new life.  I was always a Christian, I just didn’t know how to LIVE as a Christian.  I’m still not there, and I have my faults don’t get me wrong.  The arguing with God is over.  I know He will heal whatever it is that comes my way.

I’m so thankful God broke me to mend me…

The word But is no longer in my vocabulary when it comes to dealing with God!

 

 

 

Tears…

God has definitely blessed us with some beautiful weather lately!  I say beautiful because, I look at it, as this.  It’s killing pollens that cause allergies, bugs that ruin summers, and weeds that make lawns not so pretty.

That’s His way of keeping His perfect world in balance.  He has this way of knowing everything we need, every time we need it!

I know, I know it’s cold.  Some are freezing all the time, the weather has been bad, school has been out, work has been lost and roads have been horrible.

People have had wrecks, lost work, missed school (maybe no tears there), games have been canceled, plans canceled, trips canceled… You get the picture.  who knows what has happened in this realm of weather.  But the possibility stands that there was some pain… Tears…

Everyone has their tears for whatever reasons..

Our nation has been crippled by a storm that spanned 2000 miles I get that.

Let me take you to Thurs morning as the kids were getting ready for school here.  I was trying to get Natalie’s hair up in a ponytail and had the little rubber bands that her mom used all the time.  Well I had it ready to go…

The rubber band popped.. and hit her right in the back of the neck.. she had this massive welp come up and just burst into tears and I know it hurt her.

I started crying right after she did.  I’ve never hurt one of my grandchildren physically.  That pain just literally ripped my heart out, to hear her cries.  I know these tears are nothing compared to some this week, however to her, it was her world, and she yelled “Memaw”

Natalie is fine… She loves me! She has a bruise and isn’t mad at me!  Tears are dried and I prayed that I would never EVER  buy a pony that would break at one of my grandchildren’s expense.

I should have used this as a learning tool and I didn’t.  For that I feel horrible.  I should have immediately gotten with her and the two of us prayed together about this.  I should have used this to teach her about forgiveness and grace and understanding.  I was so taken aback by her tears, that I was shocked.

Nothing hurts more than having one of your kids cry out in pain, even when it’s not a real bad physical pain like this.  To her, at that point in time, I hurt her tremendously.  Tears….

I remind myself daily, though, that I have her.  She’s alive, and healthy.  I need to teach her about grace and understanding and forgiveness and the little things.  Thankfulness, even in the bad times.

I am so saddened today as I learned of friends loss in their grandchild that was 8 months old.  I cannot imagine the grief that they are feeling.  Or this child’s parents.  My sadness is huge and this child is not mine.  I had never met this child, nor had I met this child’s mother.  I know his grandparent’s and his father.  Their tears are many, I have no doubt.  Their family is going to grieve and deal with the loss through tears and hopefully turning to God to help them heal.  Tears…

Tears…. everyone’s tears are so different, and God uses our sad times to teach us that we should turn to him, whether it is something as simple as a broken rubber band or something as big as the death of a grandchild

God expects us to turn to Him in sad times and times of turmoil.  He expects us to lean on Him (Proverb 3:5-6)

But he also expects us to use these times and consider them blessings.

I’m reminded of what Charles Dickens had to say about it

“Reflect upon your present blessings of which every man has many – not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.”

But there are so many verses to back up the fact that you should be counting your blessings even in the bad times… The Tears…

Just a few…

“When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other…” – Ecclesiastes 7:14

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ.” – Galations 3:28

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we all live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.” – Galatians 5:22-26

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10

I know this is a rambling post, and my thoughts are all over the place.  However, the death that has been experienced in the last 4 days in our community has been huge.  The little things that are unfavorable have been huge…

However, again, I have an amazing, triumphant, glorious God and He can do anything! This is my blessing!  My Grace!

Titus 2 Woman

I am trying so hard, intentionally trying, to become, stay, and live as a Titus 2 Woman. I pray several times daily for God to hold my tongue, to soften my heart and for God to lead me down the right path towards living that Titus 2 Life.

I just have to say and confess. Its hard! When you are in the daily grind and the comings and goiings of a household. The housework, jobs, bills, children, grandchildren, pets……. You get the picture.

Now I must go apologize to my husband.

I GIVE IN! I GIVE IT UP!

I fully, 100%, without a doubt, no questions asked. GIVE IN to the fact that I’m getting old. I received 3 packages today from Amazon. Every single one of them were the same book……….

I ordered it three times.

I have to laugh at myself… I either wanted this book a lot, or I have just completely lost it!

BUT now I can enjoy the book club,

instead of just listening to what they have to say!

I know this is really funny, however, I also know that God has a plan for me. While there are somethings that I have feared about growing old.

I have feared not seeing my children grow up, they have.

I have feared not seeing my grandchildren, I have.

Now I trust that God will get me through the rest of my fears, because I CAN give them over to Him.

Fears are so simply put, when you turn them over to Him

Psalm 34:4 says “I sought the Lord and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears”

If you would like to join the book club, click here:

1000 Gifts! Growing and Changing Myself

I have so much to be thankful for.  I know that!  However, my attitude, hasn’t been a very thankful one lately.  I’ve been in a really bad attitude, and it’s just been pouring out at the people around me.

I’ve reaped what I sow also!  Which just seemed to make me worse.

So, along with the book club for One Thousand Gifts, I’m going to join in on the Multitudes on Mondays, Blog experience, so that during the week, I know for a fact there will be times that I will be thinking of things I’m grateful for.

Hopefully, this and continued prayer for my attitude, and just making that continued intentional effort to change my behavior, I can become a better mom, wife and grandmother.

I’m so thankful for

1.  A God who loves me in spite of myself

2.  A Husband who loves me in spite of myself

3.  4 beautiful Children

5.  6 beautiful Grandchildren

6.  The freedom to be able to serve my God openly and outwardly without repercussions of any kind.

7.  The joy of being able to celebrate with other Christians, the Word of God, in a Church led by a Bible believing, Bible Preaching, Man of God

8.  That we have a steady income in this unsteady time

9.  A roof over our head and that our needs are met

10.  The rest of my family.

So I begin with these.  1000 seems so far away!

 

 

 

 

 

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(in)courage Bloom Book Club: One Thousand Gifts (I think you’ll really want to be a part of this)

by DAWN on FEBRUARY 5, 2011

in (IN)COURAGE,FAITH,READING

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The (in)courage Bloom Book Club kicks off this Sunday with the first vlog (video blog) discussion for chapter 1 of Ann Voskamp’s One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are. I have my own copy and handed out three more to girlfriends last week. Vlog discussions of each chapter will post on Sundays and Wednesdays.

One Thousand Gifts is available now in stores, or downloadable in Kindle ebook format. I wouldn’t worry if you can’t get it in your hands by Sunday; with the book club moving at the rate of two chapters per week, you won’t have trouble catching up.

Groupon has a great deal that’s good until Monday night: pay $10 for $20 worth of books, toys, games, and more from Barnes and Noble; it can be spent either in stores or online. I bought mine yesterday, printed it today, and plan to get some work done at B&N this afternoon while my kids go to the movies with friends. (Click the button to buy your Groupon.)

Here’s the full Bloom Book Club schedule for One Thousand Gifts:

Video Chapter 1 Sunday, February 06, 2011

Video Chapter 2 Wednesday, February 09, 2011

Video Chapter 3 Sunday, February 13, 2011

Video Chapter 4 Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Video Chapter 5 Sunday, February 20, 2011

Video Chapter 6 Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Video Chapter 7 Sunday, February 27, 2011

Video Chapter 8 Wednesday, March 02, 2011

Video Chapter 9 Sunday, March 06, 2011

Video Chapter 10 Wednesday, March 09, 2011

Video Chapter 11 Sunday, March 13, 2011

Video Chapter 12 Sunday March 16, 2011

#10 through #43 Multitudes on Mondays

10 The laughter of my grandchildren

11 A Call from the Ombudsman saying it’s time

12 Roscoe

13 Waking up to a warm dog right beside me.

14 My health and what I have left of it

15 Fantastic doctors

16 medicine that heals

17 A God that provided the skills to that Doctor and that researcher to help heal!

18 A child’s prayer

19 Popeye

20 The heat of a fire on my back

21 Hearing my adult kids, being best friends, not just siblings

22 Robins

23 Beautiful pictures of all the snow we have had

24 toy boxes

25 a playful dog

26 good friends

27 memories

28 a good book 29 coupons

30 a beautiful song

31 bubbles

32 high school friends

33 facebook, so I can keep up with family across the country

34 kids coloring valentines day cards

35 packages in the mail

36 dogs playing in the backyard with each other

37 dirt cupcakes

38 new calendars

39 Dr Seuss

40 Little House on the Prairie

41 surprise phone calls

42 a great sermon

43 fresh, clean sheets

and just for the record!  I can’t count, as I found out from my original blog about Multitudes on Mondays

 

 

 

#4 and 44 through # 57

4     Clean Water to drink

44   a cold glass of milk

45   shopping with my grandson

46  shopping with my granddaughter

47  a surprise letter in the mail

48  daffodills

49  community

50  librarys

51   toast

52   great teachers for my grandkids

53   sunday school

54   babies

55   new backpacks

56   picture day

57   new books

 

 

 

10 Point Manifesto for Joyful Parenting

A gift for you From Ann Voskamp

10 Points of Joyful Parenting

Click on the link above and you will be taken to a page that gives you a printable download for a gift from Ann Voskamp, of the 1o Points of Joyful Parenting.

(the download is all the way at the bottom)

there is music on the page, if you don’t want to hear it, you can turn it off at the very top

She has added links that offer more explanation and encouragement at each point.

 

#58 through #84

For whatever reason this didn’t send last week, so there are two coming this week.

Sorry about the doubling up.

58 new books

59 a great nurse

60 the smell of firewood

61 piano 62 lullabies 63 coffee

64 a cool breeze

65 pink

66 birds singing

67 sounds of spring

68 new tires 69 peach tea

70 fresh mowed hay

71 watermelon

72 basketball

73 being able to go to the grocery store to get what I need

74 My Bible

75 good books to help me when I need encouragement

76 freedom of speech

77 the smell of rain

78 old tv shows

79 being able to type

80 quacks from a duck

81 talks from a sister

82 aunts

83 laughter

84 swings

 

 

 

 

Listen While You Can

Bro Ronald said today ‘if you reject God’s Word enough, eventually, you won’t hear it.

Pretty strong words! All I can think of are the millions of people who reject God on a daily basis.

My heart breaks for them. I want to reach them and get the Word to them.

Just here in our on community, and in my own family, I see people that reject Him outwardly.

My heart is there. I know what I need to do. I know the Word needs to be shared and I’m to scared to go out and do this on my own.

I can share Jesus all day long with my grandchildren and my kids and sister and dad, but outside of that, I am stumbling all over the place.

I pray that I can gain the closeness to God to be able to go out of my comfort zone and share with more than my family. Whether it be just here at home, in Mexico, the prisons or somewhere else in the mission field. Either way, sharing more about Jesus is all I want to do.

 

Love the Parables that Jesus teaches us in Matthew and how much they relate to our lives now.

My Beautiful Jasmine Turns Seven

Oh how I love this girl!  Jazzy Girl!!! TURNED SEVEN!!!

You are such a beautiful young girl.

I was so happy to see your face when you received your bows!

I know you’ve been looking for them a really long time.

They look really cute on you!

Jazzy I just want you to know how much I love you!  How much I’ve prayed for you.  Your future, your family, your husband, your children and even your own grandchildren.

God has wonderful things in store for you Jazzy!  You have such a beautiful spirit!  I love you with all my heart

Happy Birthday!

Thanks to Mindy Martin Anderson and Jennifer Marie Parish for the beautiful bows..

#85 through #110

85 Sunshine

86 Squirrels

87 Personal Testimonies

88 The Stillness of the Air

89 Beautifui Stars in the night Sky

90 Evenings with friends spent laughing and having fun

91 clover

92 baby pigs

93 child like faith

94 toddlers who smile as soon as they see their family members

95 a new game

96 camping

97 clean dishes

98 hot baths

99 Bible study

100 calm waters on the lakes

101 rocking chairs

102 colored papers by my grandchildren

103 good cries

104 new eye glasses

105 sharpened pencils

106 new pens

107 Birds nests

108 clean windows

109 clear mind

110 ocean waves

 

 

 

Love This Kid!

Check it out Here:

Resurgance

A word from the Valedictorian of Vacation Bible School

What a great little kid!!!

Christianity MUST Become More Christ Like

Breath of Faith—   If you are breathing in truth; you will exhale in truth… 2 Corinthians 4:13

“Our churches are too pretty to be a reflection of Jesus Christ!” Would we be willing to risk looking a lot less beautiful to the world and a lot more beautiful to Jesus Christ.  Galatians 6:1

I count my life worth nothing – God counts my life worth EVERYTHING – Abundantly – Acts 20:22-24

He has called us to live in him, not to live in fear.  You do not have to understand it… It’s not your place to understand it.  Just go on your faith and God already knows what your future has in store as we walk into other lands to tell of God’s Word… Are you living in the center of God’s will- compelled by the Spirit – Acts 1:1-13

All of these statements, Beth Moore made, or made something like them (she talks so fast sometimes) this is how I wrote them down.  In our Jesus the One and Only Bible Study.

I was so touched by this study today.

I seek daily to be more Christ like, however; I know I fail, every day, every minute, every second.

God however, is a God of love, and grace, and mercy.  I will never be Christ like, but in my will to be more like Christ, I can strive to be the best person I can be.  The best wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend and most of all Christian that I can be.

To do that, though, I need to know that means, being 100%, just like him.  Not when I want, not if it pleases me, not if I feel like it. Every minute, Every hour, Every day.

“Our Churches are to pretty to be a reflection of Jesus Christ” What a very powerful statement…

Think about that one awhile…   Not the buildings, not the pews, nor the windows, or carpets, etc…

But our pretty little boxes that we put people into… We have all of our perfect people in those pretty pews… the doctor, the teacher, the perfect student, the perfect family, etc… You get the picture…

We as Christians need to seek out those that don’t fit into that perfect little box… those sinners that may not look so pretty in our churches and help them fit into GOD’S pictures of what beautiful really is.

THEN and only THEN have we fulfilled his ministry…. To go and teach…

and then, each of these statements can be said with the power behind the text…

Breath of Faith—   If you are breathing in truth; you will exhale in truth… 2 Corinthians 4:13

“Our churches are too pretty to be a reflection of Jesus Christ!” Would we be willing to risk looking a lot less beautiful to the world and a lot more beautiful to Jesus Christ.  Galatians 6:1

I count my life worth nothing – God counts my life worth EVERYTHING – Abundantly – Acts 20:22-24

He has called us to live in him, not to live in fear.  You do not have to understand it… It’s not your place to understand it.  Just go on your faith and God already knows what your future has in store as we walk into other lands to tell of God’s Word… Are you living in the center of God’s will- compelled by the Spirit – Acts 1:1-13

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