I have the most amazing God..

The way He answers prayers, the way He works in our lives, The way He loved us so much that He sent the Son to come and take our punishment for sin so that one day we who are His children can spend eternity with Him.. My Lord is so amazing it is beyond words.

Back On Sept 20,2006 I wrote this post about how Sweet Pea excepted Christ as her Savior. In it I shared the testimonies of when Princess came to Christ and also when Mr Man was saved. I ended the post with this.
"God is such a great God, I thank Him every day for everything He has done in my life and in the life of my children. Isn't is wonderful how he answers prayer.
Now I sit back and wait to see How my wonderful Lord will bring Little Man to HIM"



On Tuesday night Febuary 16,2010 before bed I was working with Little Man with his ABC's he seems to struggle with them due to his speech delay and other issues it is hard for him to do the sounds. I had been fretting about this issue all day on Tuesday after talking with his preschool teachers.. So I was about ready to pull my hair out not so much with him.. but with I just couldn't think of a good way to help him learn these and say them correctly.. So I was doing alot of praying in my mind to God Tuesday about helping Little Man with his sounds, his letters and helping me to help him.
Tuesday night at bed time I laid in bed with Little Man like I do alot of nights.. I love that cuddle time and also it is a good one on one time to talk about God. Over the last few months we have had alot of talks about Gods love for us and what he did for us on the cross and everything.. This night I was just tired and spent trying to figure out this ABC stuff and trying to make up my mind on what would be best for Little Man for next fall, Kindergarten or a Pre K program.. that is where my mind was.. It wasn't on talking really.. just on cuddling and falling asleep.. We said our prayers and was ready for him to fall asleep quickly.. Then a few minutes after we prayed and everything was quite.. He said "oops I forgot".... then he went on " Dear Jesus please help me to not be bad, please help me control myself and not fight with my sister and brothers, the end" LOL Yes he says The End and not Amen, I think it is part of his speech/motor planning/delay sort of thing.. because when I say we say Amen, he says Yes I know The end.. makes me wonder if that is what he is hearing when I say Amen.. Anyways... back to my story..

After he said The End, He rolled over hugged my neck really tight and said, "I love you, Natalie(his little girlfriend who he prayers for each and every night)and I love Jesus" Then he gave me a kiss and rolled over to go to sleep.. I had tears just spilling out of my eyes.. at that moment I said a little prayer silently to God.. "God it doesn't matter one little bit if this little boys learns his ABC's or if he goes to kindergarten or preschool next fall, what matters is that he comes to know you as his savior, Dear Lord Please Let Rhett be one of your chosen and let him except you as his savior" I was still had tears at this point.. Then I wrapped my arm around Little Man and waited for him to go to sleep.. this whole time I was talking with God I thought Little Man was almost asleep.. 5 minutes or so went by with no words from either of us I thought he was asleep.. then he rolled over looked at me and asked..

"Mommy how does God live in our hearts and up in heaven?" I answered " God is all powerful honey, and he can be everywhere at all times" I didn't want to get into some big talk about all that God could go at this moment it was late and He is 4 years old LOL.. But then it hit me I better make sure he understands that God doesn't live in the heart of the unsaved.. So I said "you know honey..God only lives in your heart if you are saved" again not wanting to spend alot of time talking about all of this.. We have had many talks about being saved in the past and it was late and he and I were both tired.. He said "oh" Then he rolled over and I thought we were going to go to sleep.. but then he started to pray out loud "Dear Jesus, please come live in my heart and save me, in Jesus name The End"

I didn't have to tell him what to pray, I didn't even ask him if he wanted to ask Jesus to save him.. He did this all on his own..

Yes, I have the most amazing God and now so does my Little Man..

From Gods Word Friday(November 13, 09)

Philippians 4:4-13
4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.
11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

I normally don't make notes in my From Gods Word Friday post, because Gods word is powerful and can speak for it's self.. but I wanted to share today.. that I think these are some key verse for a Christians happiness. Rejoice in the Lord Always.. In spite of poverty, trials and affliction we can have joy. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. We are not to worry because we can come to God in pray with everything, and When we do that.... Then.... the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. What an amazing promise from God that is... Then if we obey God and Think on things that are true, honest, Just, pure, lovely, things of Good report, virtuous and things we can praise God about.. Our time will be spent thinking of God and what He wants us to think about and not on the other things that want to steel our joy. Then we like Paul can say,"for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. " OH How I loves these verses..

What a beautiful story

I was just getting caught up on reading some blogs I"m behind on, and While at my blogging friend Fifi blog I came across this post.

what a beautiful story from Gianna Jensen , I encourage everyone who stops by my blog to take a few minutes to go over to Fifi blog click on the youtube video and listen to Gianna story.. It will touch your heart..

While Fifi is from Southern Africa, I think her timing on this is perfect.. and I think this video is something we all need to see and pray about before going into tomorrows election.. Please take the time to view it..

7 years after 9/11

Faith-Lift Friday (June 29, 2008)

When I was younger like 9 years old I started going to church summer camp, not just the longer VBS day camps that churches have today as there vacation Bible schools.. but the sleep away summer camp sort of camp.. We had all the fun stuff one would think of when you think of summer camp but we also learned alot about God at camp.. We had morning and evening chapel, along with cabin devotions and a time set aside for personal devotions.

Since our summer camp was located on an Island of one of our great lakes, alot of times for cabin devotions and for our personal time with God we would go find ourselves a nice spot on the rocks next to the water..

I went to this camp from the time I was 9 years old till I was 17 years old every summer for a week. Then the summer of 1992 I spent the whole summer there on staff.

I grew in Christ and felt so close with my Lord during those years spent at camp and on those rocks.. Now I can't help but see the rocks and the shoreline and not think of God. Not only for his beautiful handy work of the lake and shorelines.. but for the work he has done in my life.. It like seeing those rocks and water always sets my heart and mind in a state of prayer and meditation on God.

We spent time on the rock of this great lake during our camping trip last week and I took some time to sit by the water and do my devotions and also some time to just be still and know God.

During this time my mind kept going to a few verses.

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Colossians 3:1-2 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

By thinking of things that are honest, just, pure etc. and by setting our minds on things above and not on the things of this world. We can renew our minds and be transformed, so when the troubles of this life comes are way we can be at perfect peace. The conflicts of this life can be raging around us like a bad storm out on the lake, but we can be calm, our souls can be at rest and hidden from anything other then peace and love. What an amazing thing.. What an Amazing God. Thank you Jesus.

TURN YOUR EYES UPON JESUS

O soul, are you weary and troubled?

No light in the darkness you see?

There’s a light for a look at the Savior,

And life more abundant and free!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

Look full in His wonderful face,

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,

In the light of His glory and grace.

Through death into life everlasting

He passed, and we follow Him there;

Over us sin no more hath dominion—

For more than conquerors we are!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

His Word shall not fail you—He promised;

Believe Him, and all will be well:

Then go to a world that is dying,

His perfect salvation to tell!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

(all pictures in this post was taken by me on day 3 of our camping trip at the lake which I'll be posting about sometime this weekend)

For More Faith-lift Friday visit Taking The Challenge

Faith-Lift Friday(June 6, 2008)

Colossians 4:1-6

1Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.

2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:
4 That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

Yesterday I got an email from my sister, which she got from her bible study group leader. She thought I would enjoy it and she was correct, So I wanted to share it with all of you.

Here is the email:

Several of you asked for this: It is a side note in my bible called Seasoned with salt (referencing Col. 4:5-6).

Imagine you are getting out the ingredients to bake a batch of cookies, but you have unknowingly mixed up the salt and sugar. You end up putting in a dash of sugar and a cup of salt. Now picture a little child taking a big bite of one of those cookes. How long will it take the child to realize something is wrong? Do you think he or she will ask for another cookie? Of course not!

The art of seasoning is a matter of balance. Just enough salt to notice, but not too much to overwhelm. Salt creates thirst, a desire for more.

As Christians, we sprinkle the salt of God's grace and gospel into our daily conversations. We don't saturate every conversation in a way that drives others away. The artful seasoning of God's loving grace into our conversation will create a thirst, a desire in the lives of others. They will long to know more of Jesus.

Tell Me Your Story Blog Carnival.

Diane over at Meyers on the Hood is having a "Tell Me Your Story" Testimony Bloggy Carnival! Click here if you'd like to read what "Tell Me Your Story" is all about

I'm tempted to say, I don't have a great testimony.. But that wouldn't be the truth because any time God choices to save a person.. Then that is GREAT!!!!!!

I may not have the story of being a teenage run away, homeless and on drugs.. But I have a Wonderful Lord who choice to spare me from that and reached down and touched my heart when I was just a child.. I was blessed to be born into a christian home where I was taught the Word of God.. I was blessed to have loving Grandparents who were also Christians and there whenever I need them.. My testimony may not be all that exciting of a story to some.. BUT it was the most exciting day of my life.. the day the Lord saved me.. Changed my life and made me His.

I accepted Christ as my Savior on March 21, 1977 when I was 4 years old. Every night before bed my dad would tell us a bedtime story.. This night we were all(my dad and sister and I) laying in bed. I don't remember what story we had or what we were talking about.. But we started talking about God and being saved and that night I told my dad I wanted to get saved,
Now growing up in a Christian home and going to church and being in sunday school from the time I was born.. I knew all about how Christ died on the cross to save us from sin, How all of us are sinners, and how our sin would keep us from getting into Heaven and from knowing God, and how because of this.. God took our place and paid the price for our sin on the cross and how he didn't stay dead but rose again and now is in Heaven. But Knowing about it and hearing it and even being able to tell other about it, Isn't the same as when Christ opens your hearts and you accept God as your Lord.. It is at that point that it becomes more then a story and you are changed forever. That night God was dealing with me.. letting me know my need for Him, and even at my young age I understood that I did bad things, my bad things would keep me from God, God loved me and sent his son Jesus to die on the cross to pay for my sins. So I told my dad I wanted to get saved. Dad helped me by leading me in a prayer and that Night The Lord saved me.

Each and every day of my life I see the Lord working in me and in my life. He is always there uplifting me when I need it, comforting me, leading me.. Loving me..
One of the biggest growing experiences of my life was when we lost our baby Alyssa when I was 13 weeks along. That was the hardest time in my life and during that time, God was there.. he held me when I needed held, he comforted me, he spoke to me in so many different ways.. His Love was so real to me. I would have never made it though that time without Him... I grew so much and learned to Love my Lord SO much more though that time.
I can go on forever about the things the Lord has done for me each and every day..
Even this past Friday when my grandpa was placed in the hospital and we weren't sure if he was going to make it or not.. God worked His wonderful will during that time.. I would have been a mess of tears and fears of losing my Grandpa.. But God used it to bring me closer to Him.. to help me know that no matter what life brings my way, God is in control and there is no greater Joy then to Know, Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. And to know what God promises, He will DO.

I Thank God for picking me to be his Child, I love Him with all my heart and I want Him to be my everything. All week long the song In Christ Alone has been playing over and over in my head(Thanks to my sister who mentioned it in one of our talks over the past weekend) and the part that keeps sticking out to me is this.

In Christ alone I place my trust And find my glory in the power of the cross In every victory let it be said of me My source of strength My source of hope In Christ alone No guilt in life, no fear in death This is the power of Christ in me From life's first cry to final breath Jesus commands my destiny No power of hell, no scheme of man Can ever pluck me from His Hand 'til He returns or calls me home Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.

Here is a youtube video of the song.. to view it without my normal blog music playing just go to my side bar scroll down and turn off my normal music. or if you would like to here the song playing on my blog just click on the one that says In Christ Alone and it will start to play here on my blog.



In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest
drought and storm

What heights of love,
what depths of peace
When fears are stilled,
when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand

In Christ Alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save

'Til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
Forevery sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live

There in the ground His body lay
Light of thw world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious day
Up from the grave he rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ

In Christ alone I place my trust
And find my glory in the power
of the cross
In every victory let it be said of me
My source of strength
My source of hope
In Christ alone I place my trust
And find my glory in the power
of the cross
In every victory let it be said of me
My source of strength
My source of hope
In Christ alone

No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His Hand
'til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.

Faith-Life Friday(3/14/08)

Encourage others and yourself! Share a scripture, quote, devotional, lyrics, or anything that has blessed you and strengthened you in your faith.

The way God works in my life, His timing, His Love.. It just all amazes me.. I know He works in our life, I know he has a plan for us and He works that Plan in His Time.. but every time I see God working in my life, I still just have to take a deep breath and stand in amazement, of What a wonderful All powerful, All Knowing God we have. God is so good.

I was gone this evening out with my oldest and my grandmother, We didn't get home till late(well late for a mom with young children on a school night LOL) As I walked in the door my thoughts were on getting DH off to work, the kids to bed and then What will I write on my blog for my Faith-Lift Friday post.. Normally though my weekly Bible reading God will lay a verse or something on my heart to share.. and this week I just never had anything jump out at me, well not anything that I felt lead to post for the Faith-Lift post. Then my thoughts went right back to getting DH up and out the door because I was late we were rushing around.. He went and got the mails.. bills, bills bills and more bills..

In the last week it seemed that the stress of this life had just been adding up.. Starting last Thursday when DH company did a big layoff and told the workers that was still there that come June if things don't pick up they will have to lay off more people and go down to 2 shifts instead of 3. That alone is enough to stress a person.. Then Add to that the fact that gas went up again and it is costing about $120 a week in gas just for DH to make it to work.. DH said to me.. if Gas hits $4 or more I just don't know what we are going to do..

After he left for work I sat down with that stack of bills that just came out of our mailbox mixed in there was a envelope card shaped and sort of thick. I saw who it was from, a older lady who was friends with DH's grandmother when she was alive, and who attends church with my IL's. Not that I was trying to be rude but I tossed it aside, I didn't have time to sit and read a big thick letter at that moment.. I had to figure out where to get the money to pay all these bills steering me in the face. I open up one after the other.. so much here so much there..

Things have been really tight since DH was sick and off work without pay for those 2 months back in the fall . Sure we got our income tax check in, but by the time we paid back the people who so lovingly loaned us money to live on those 2 months and got caught up on the things we let get behind during that time and the oldest need braces(no really she does and they are getting put on April 1) That check is gone and then some. So I sat there feeling a bit sick about all of these things.. I opened the last bill and sorted them all out.. and there sat this letter..

Feeling sort of down, I picked up the letter on the back of the envelope was written. "Those Who Let God Provide Be Satisfied" I opened it up and there was a card along with a letter. The card read on the front "You're on my heart...." Inside "And in my prayers." with Romans 15:13 printed at the bottom. " Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost."

Hand written inside was written this " Special to Jesus, Special to me. You will be provided for-Why? God Knows your needs. His timing always right and on time. He has a future for you two. Love Sis. Marge + Br. Don"

That alone was enough to make me stop and turn this all over to God.. It just touched my heart so much.. But I still hadn't read the letter so I unfolded the 4 pages and was blessed even more.. So much so that God laid it on my heart to share this letter with all of you tonight.(or early Friday morning as the case maybe)

Here is the letter.

She had her good morning greeting to me and DH and then went on to say

"Before my day is started God is telling me to sit down and drop in to chat with you two. The Lord has made this day "Give us this day-our Daily (food) Bread". God always provides for our needs. We all sometimes get all involved in this 21st Century of Provisions. God Knows our needs & He even supplies MORE!! As Bible says the Righteous will never be forsaken- His Promises are sure & un removable! All we need to do is put our faith into Action- feet to our faith. He Saved us , now it is up to us to be Obedient to Him. When we aren't obedient our faith is, dead faith, in any Spiritual area. Some Don't Read there Bibles, don't pray(enough) Saved and don't come forward or don't even attend church- How Sad!

Sometimes Satan works in so many ways, He will get you depressed, anxious, worried. Anyways Except Peace, Joy, contentment. We are to look to Him. one day at a time!! Remember the birds, the flowers, Ever read about the Ravens...

We are to trust God, His Kingdom, His Righteousness, Nothing is about us!!! It's all about me, some think today. "Me-centric" me me me self. He feed the sparrows can't he feed and give us our needs. YES!!!!

He works in many ways to get to those in need. Sent one widow woman one time to feed those in need. Sent ravens with food, People can be the Ravens He sends :)

We all need to trust God!! Walmart, Target Fords, can't give us our provisions, can't give us contentment.. God says "be anxious for nothing" Why should we even start to worry about tomorrow.. He is already There!! He already knows yours needs :) :) He will Provide.. You two can't see the future.. HE Knows the Past, present, future!! Thank you Lord :) He knows exactly what you need! We all have trials in this life on earth. Why do we? Because He wants our attention. He provides, He heals because of the Glory He wants us to give Him. To Thank Him :)

Why Me? some will say, Well why not me? Who do we think we are. Look at Jesus's life(He did for you as if you were only one) and look at all the apostiles, what they went through and what did they say? "Count it all Joy"

God wants us to Obey Him, He has to be #1 in our life. People die, we can't find happiness in man, Happiness is in the Lord :)

When we worry show we are not trusting in HIM, because if we were we wouldn't be worrying! Faith and worry do not go together.

It really takes being committed to God and his Written Word. Reading and not applying it doesn't do any good.......

When one belongs to Him, we don't need to help Him do His Job. He will take care of us, correct us, keep us, "saved"

We each have a job to do as His children. Be thankful we can. .....

At this point of the letter she goes on talking about the kids and DH and the IL's and attached a gift card to Cracker Barrel for DH and I to go out and leave the kids with Grandma(my IL's is who she was referring to.)

Talk about TIMING... There are no accidents in the life of a Christian.. God plans it all.. We haven't seen or talked to this dear lady since September when DH was in the hospital and she came to visit.. She didn't know what was going on in our lives.. She just knew what God had laid on her heart to write to us that day.. and She didn't know it would get to me the same day as a pile of bills and didn't know I would open and read it when I did.. BUT GOD DID...

so I say thank you not only to this lady for her obedience to God, but to my wonderful loving Lord and Savior Jesus.. I love you so much Dear Lord.

Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

For More Faith-lift Friday visit Taking The Challenge

and if my sister or my BIL is out there reading.. I'm sorry I forgot to call to wish BIL a happy birthday.. I meant to call right before I sat down with this letter and then read it and started posting and forgot to call and now seeing how it is 12:40AM it is too late.. so I'll have to send belated I'm a bad sister in law birthday wishes tomorrow(today Friday)..

Know & Tell Friday(2/8/08)

To play along or read the answers of other bloggers stop over at To Know Him

Question 1
(In honor of my best fwend today.... she has been so ill :( How often do you get real sick? once or twice a year.. I get nasty head colds every so often that are a pain but really sick where I can't lift my head off the pillow sick Maybe once or twice a years.

Question 2
Do you usually send serious or humorous greeting cards? Why? I don't know.. depends on what mood I am in. I would say maybe 50/50 maybe a little more on the humorous side. Because I'm normally in a more humorous playful sort of mood.

Question 3
Are you a person who has a whole lot of acquaintances, or just a few very close friends? this question sounds like it is saying the same thing.. because most people with a lot of acquaintances have a few very close friends.. I say I fall into that also.. I have a lot of acquaintances some of which the more I get to know them I call friends and then I have a few very close friends also. I have a few cyber group of ladies who even though I haven't got to see all of them face to face in the real world I think of as some of my closet dearest friends also.. One group of them(22 of us) have been posting every day for the last 9 years this month.. we you chat that much about everything under the sun every day of the year you get to know each other really well.

Question 4
If you could cure a disease, or heal a sickness, which one would you choose? hummm I don't really know. I guess I would pick something which I think is a disease.. and that is a bad heart. Cancer popped into mind because my grandma fought battle after battle with cancer but she has since passed away, My MIL had breast cancer but she is doing well now.. But my Grandpa has all sort of heart problems and more stints then I can count.. I"m not ready to say good bye to my grandpa any time soon so I pick something to do with his heart.

Bonus Questions
Question 5
What does "being spiritual" mean to you? This is going to sound weird but the whole being spiritual thing sort of has a negative sound to me. I guess it is just because there are so many people out there "being spiritual" or more like acting spiritual who wouldn't know anything about having a real relationship with Christ, yet acts as if they are so much better because they come across as being "spiritual". I pray I never comes across like that..
I guess to answer this question I would saying walking with Jesus, living your life for Him, seeking His will for your every day life.
1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

Question 6
Imagine you were talking to someone who did not believe in God and Jesus... How would you explain to them that Jesus is Real (from your experiences in your own life)? Oh my list of experiences of how God has proved He is Real to me is countless.. There is the day he saved me, all the times he kept me from trouble, how he saved the lives of both of my sons during there births, How he healed my oldest when she was having seizures.. Just endless numbers of answered prayer and How He was with me and helped me grow though the lose of our baby, but I think the best example from our life experiences that people will see is just watching us day to day and hopefully they can see Christ in us. That is my goal but I know I cannot meet that goal on my own, I need God to meet that goal for me. The other thing is that God has to do the work in the other persons life so that they can see and know there is a God.
John 6: 63-65 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.

Sweet Pea is sad

Sweet Pea is in her bedroom crying right now.. She has been crying since we got home from church tonight. I tried to explain to her it is ok and we will have it taken care of next Sunday night but it doesn't matter to her.
You see she worked really hard all week long on learning all her verses to earn her 1st jewel in Awanas. This is her 1st year as a Spark, So this would be her 1st jewel. At the last awana's meeting she finished up the starting gate and this would have been the 1st week for her to work towards her jewels.. and saying a few verses just wasn't enough for her she wanted to say every one in that section to get her jewel. So she worked every day all day from the time she got home from school.. and she knew all of them. She was getting the book and chapters confused because she was saying so many.. but the verses she knew without missing a word..
When working on the verses with her.. I would tell her the book, chapter and verse then say the 1st word of the verse to help her not get them confused. and then she would say the whole verse to me. She was so happy that today she said all 6 verses like that to me, then had to show off for daddy and then grandma and grandpa and just everyone who would listen.. I would tell her the book, chapter and verse and give her the 1st word and she would say all her verses.
she was so excited for Awanas to night because she wanted to say all her verses and get her 1st jewel.
ONLY when it was over she was said and when we got home I asked all the kids if they said everything and she just broke out into tears and ran to her room.. I opened up her book and not a one of the pages were signed.
I jumped to the wrong conclusion.. Thinking Sweet Pea just got shy and wouldn't talk to her leader, she is my shy one and has been known to do that in the past This upset her even more and she tried to tell me she just forgot the verses.. so I had her say all of them to me again, like we normally do where I say the book, chapter and verse and the 1st word.. and she said each and every verse. So I said see you know them you didn't forget them.. so why.. and she stopped me and started crying harder and said.. I don't know them unless you say the 1st words and they won't do that for me. and then she was crying so hard that she couldn't stop..

Now I want to cry.. This is my fault.. it was the way I was teaching her these, and now she is heart broken and really really sad.

UPDATE to this post..
As I was typing this she came out and sat in my lap, hugging me with her head on my shoulder. It was at that point God reminded me, I was missing the point. Yes the jewels and rewards are fun.. but the Point is my sweet baby girl is hiding Gods Word in her heart. and that she has done.
I told her that it didn't matter that she didn't get her book signed tonight.. because mommy is still proud of her for working so hard this week.. and more importantly.. She has made Jesus happy because she has obeyed him and hid His Word in her heart..

Looking for something good to read

If you are looking for something worth reading, you all need to head over to Stray Thoughts. Barbra H posted a wonderful post about Gods judgement, love and forgiveness. When I read it tonight I knew I wanted to share this with all of you so I'm passing it along. Go read it.. Well what are you still doing here at my blog go HERE.

Faith-Lift Fridays(7/6/07)

While reading Annie's blog today I found this and thought I would do a post of my own.


Encourage others and yourself!

Share a scripture, quote, devotional, lyrics, or anything that has blessed you and strengthened you in your faith.

Don't forget to grab the button and to link back to Sheryl's post.

I have been reading in the book of Romans this week. Early in the week Romans 5:1-5 jumped out at me and I thought those would be really good verses to memories. So this week I have been learning these by heart.

Romans 5: 1-5
1)Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
2) By who also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
3) And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also; Knowing that tribulations worketh patience
4) And Patience experience and experience hope
5) And hope maketh not ashamed because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Isn't it wonderful that God give us peace and that though tribulations we can glory in knowing that God is working in us .

A little later in Romans 8:18 I found this and I liked this verse also so I'm going to learn this on by heart also.

Romans 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

That is all I wanted to share this Friday. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

To God Be the Glory

To God be the glory great things He has done.

I have been wanting to blog about this for a few days now, but was wanting to word it in a way where God would be glorified for the wonderful work HE has done.

This story is sort of a long one, go grab your popcorn and take a seat.

Princess was invited to a slumber party for a new friend she made with in the last few months. The slumber party was for her basketball team at one of the girls house. This year Princess is at a new school she went from a small elementary school(K-4) where there were only 2 classes for her grade and a total of 50 kids if even(in her grade) over to the 5th and 6th grade building here in our town which has around 250 kids per grade give or take some. Part of me when she started school was a bit worried, but she has taken to it great, made a ton of new friends and has done really well.

Let me move on here, Saturday night my mom took the younger 3 kids and Princess was at the party So DH and I went and got groceries and a bite to eat. As we were driving back home I was thinking about slumber parties I went to growing up. Most of my friends growing up came from christian homes, they all pretty much went to my church and at Princesses age I was also attending our church christian school. I was thinking how at sleepovers I didn't have to worry about my friend wanting to do thing I knew we should have any part of like(the name of these types of boards I'm not adding because I don't want my blog to come up in a Google search for the,) O. boards or different things like that. At that point I started to worry about Princess. She has excepted Christ as her savior and has followed Him in believers baptism. We have talked about certain things like this, but 95% of her friend are from her school. Some might attend a church but with most of her friends being new this year I don't know them all I have met some parents though her cheerleading for the school, some from basketball though the school, some though the school drama club, but to say I know these people I can't really say I do.. so like any mom I was wondering If I made the right choice in letting her go to this slumber party. Not that I didn't trust the parents(from basketball I felt safe enough to know she would be cared for)what had my mind wondering was what sort of stuff would the girls be doing, what would there conversations be about(these are preteen girls who like boys) I was wondering if I have been a good enough mother and have taught my baby right from wrong not in the normal use your manner sort of way but in the this isn't what a christian young lady should be talking about or taking part in sort of way. At this point I prayed silently that God would keep my girl safe from things she might not be ready for.

When I got home I almost had a heart attack. On my answering machine was my babies voice frantic as if she was crying. Her words "mom, MOM.MOM if your there pick up the phone. MOM pick up the phone it's an emergency, MOM I really need you" NOW what's mothers heart wouldn't stop at hearing that and knowing her child couldn't get a hold of her(I'm now thinking about getting a cell phone) I grabbed the phone 10:45pm and I called over to the girls house where Princesses was staying. She was fine Happy and just over the moon filled with total excitement.. I was confused. she was upset and in tear telling me there was an emergency now she is filled with joy..
I guess before Princess tried to call me, one of her friends at the party got a phone call from her mom letting the girl know that her Aunt died and that the mom was taking off and someone different was going to pick her up in the morning. I guess the poor girl was a mess that her aunt just died and all the other girls felt awful for her and everyone was in tears crying.. Princess was calling me to get advice on how she could help and comfort all these girls. (not part of the story but WOW that made me feel good to know that my daughter would call me for advice while at a slumber party) When Princess couldn't get a hold of me she tried to call my mom because she knew I was going there to drop the kids off, she told my mom what was going on. My mom prayed with her and told her that she should pray with all the girls too.

This sort of went back to my train of thought on the way home wondering if She would do what is right when she wasn't sure if it was a "cool" thing to do in front of her friends. So I went on and Asked Princess if she took Grandmas advice.
She did she gathered all 12 of the girls together and she prayed for the girl who lost her aunt and for the family. This led to a bunch of questions being tossed at her about church and God and Heaven and Hell.
It was at this point that Princess got all excited in one of the happiest voices I have ever heard her have and she basically yelled into the phone.. "AND MOM THREE OF THE GIRLS GOT SAVED TONIGHT"
I have goose bumps just typing this out.. but I tell ya i was in tears of joy and my heart was just melting when she went on to tell me she got to lead these 3 girls to Christ.

Here I was just an hour or less before worried about her and there she was telling her friends about How God died for there sins and sharing the Gospel and the plan of salvation with them..

GOD IS SO GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
and all the Glory belongs to Him, He has given me this sweet life to care for, and if I was left on my own to raise her I would mess it up so badly.. BUT He works His will, He is with me as I go though this game of motherhood. The comfort comes not from wondering if I have done enough to train my children.. BUT the comfort comes from knowing God is working HIS WILL in the life of my children.. and that HE has a Plan for them and despite all my short comings God WILL DO His perfect will for them.
What a Great and Wonderful God we have.

om-goodness

The other night I read this. I felt that I needed to make a post about it.
In real life I would never take the name of the Lord in vain, that holds true for the cyber world also, BUT I have and do from time to time type out those three little letters *omg*. I try not to use them in public sites such as the blogging world because most people use those letters to mean oh my god, but when chatting with my group of cyber friends who know me well(we have been chatting and posting together for over 7 years) They know that when I write it out I mean Oh my Goodness. They just know me well enough to know that I love my Lord and would not turn His Great name into phrase like that.
After reading this little devotional on Sunday I thought what if I had typed that out in my blog and people read that and thought i just said what the 3 little letters are meant to say.. Even though that isn't what I meant, I don't want people who don't know me thinking it is what I meant.. I'm not going to go back though all my post to see if I did ever say that, but I will think before I type and overcome my laziness and type out * Oh My Goodness* from now on instead of trying to save a few seconds and using omg(goodness). This way there is no mix up or no mistaking what I did or did not say.

Counting Your Blessings.

I thought about blogging on this topic on sunday while singing the song Count Your Blessings in church on sunday morning, but never got around to it.
Then today while reading blogs I came across this http://tinyurl.com/y8gsulover at Faith Lifts and it brought back to mind what I was thinking in church while we were singing.
I had mention the trouble earlier today that we were facing. Unsure if DH was going to have a job to go to by the end of the week and that was laying heavy on my heart. Then we were singing sunday morning and i started to really listen to the words of the song and though it God spoke to me.

Here are the words to the Song writen by Johnson Oatman, Jr.,
Count Your Blessings:

When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed,When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,Count your many blessings, name them one by one,And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Refrain
Count your blessings, name them one by one,Count your blessings, see what God hath done!Count your blessings, name them one by one,Count your many blessing, See what God hath Done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,And you will be singing as the days go by.

Refrain

When you look at others with their lands and gold,Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;Count your many blessings. Money can not buy,Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

Refrain

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,Do not be discourage God is over all;Count your many blessings, angels will attend,Help and comfort give you to your journey's end.

Refrain


WOW!!! I have been sing that song for as long as I can remember, yet God used it this week to remind me of things he wanted to teach me. Like what do you do when your dicourage: Count your blessings and give thanks to God for them, I found once you start Thanking God for the blessings in your life, next thing you know your thanking him for the trails and heartackes also. and by doing that we are obeying Him. "Give thanks in ALL thing"

the 2nd verse hit home also.. are you ever burdend with a load of care? oh boy was I ever.. how would we make it a week or two without money coming in if DH's company went on strike or if they closed down, how would we pay the bills, keep the house, have gifts under the tree at christmas. I wasn't so much worried about food to eat because I knew between my family and DH's we wouldn't starve but they couldn't pay our expenses. well in that verse of the song Count your blesseings every doubt will fly and you will be singing as the days go bye. So that is what I did and God gave me a peace that we would all be OK. and he brought to mind,that he has promissed to provide all our needs. Also when we are counting our blessings and giving Thanks to God, it lifts our eye off of our problems and places them on HIM..

Last verse.. So, amid the conflict whether great or small,Do not be discourage God is over all..............Help and comfort give you to your journey's end.
What a wonderful thing to remember.. no matter what the trouble in our live be it big or little WE don't need to be discourage or down or fearful of it, God is in control. PRAISE GOD, He give us comfort and peace that you would never have without HIM and he is there helping us. An ever present help in times of trouble.

Amazing how God used this hymn to show me so much this week..
We truly do have an awsome God.

God Is So Good.

God is So Good.
here is a little back ground of what has been going on.
Early part of Nov my DH got a phone call letting him know that his union at work was talking about striking due to a awful contract that the company was offering, The company took that one back and gave them just a tad bit better but still bad contract. The union rep was sure they guys would vote it down, but the plant manager told them if they didn't pass it they were going to close down the plant. So for a few weeks now i have been on pins and needles wondering what was going to happen and not sure if my husband(the only sorce of income we have) was going to have a job or not.
Monday they voted on the contract and they voted it down. Yesterday my husband was told they will know on Wed if they had a job to go back to after thanksgiving. So lastnight was a little stressful but I took it to God in prayers like i have been doing this whole month. Well this morning i got a phone call from DH telling me they are not closeing the plant, that after thanksgiving they will go back to the table and talk out the contract some more. So hopefully they will come to some sort of agreement.
Nest I'm sure by now you all know that my 3 older kids are in TX with my parents and my sister. Yesterday I got a phone call from my mom telling me Sweet Pea was running a 103.0 fever, that her tummy hurt her and she hasn't ate all day and she has done nothing but sleep and lay lifeless on the couch all day. OH my goodness. I just wanted to cry, and did. My baby girl is 1180 miles away from me and sick and there was nothing i could do for her. So I took it to God in prayer.
I Just thank God for his goodness.. I tell ya He is so Great.. Just yesterday and today he has answered all my prayers. 1st there was this whole job thing and God worked in a way that will not only keep DH from losing his job but also worked it in a way where the guys didn't vote in the crappy contract that the company was trying to force them to take. Then I was so worried about Sweet Pea and the only thing i could do for her this far away was pray for her, so with tears flowing down my cheeks that is what i did, and with in an hour of that I got a call that she was feeling better, her fever broke and she was up and running around like she was never sick at all. The other thing i was worried about was this utility bill, I don't know what on earth happened with it but they were telling me i owned $500(which i thought they were crazy) and it needed to be paid by friday and I didn't know where i was going to come up with that money.. so that has been in my prayers for a week now.. and this morning God answered that prayer also.. I thought i would call these people and ask for an extension.. for another week to come up with that money. and they told me no.. But then while the lady was looking at my account on her computer, she found a mistaken on there end, and i didn't own that much(which i didn't think i did but got no where with the 1st person i talked to about it that 1st person acted if i was clueless) So i only owed what i thought i did of $175.. So i paid them that today and Life is good now.. I hate the stress of stuff like this happening, but I always love to see God at work. I think sometimes He brings this stuff into our life in order for us to remember, that he has promised to provide all our needs, and then to show us his great handy work in action... God is so Good. and since i'm bragging on God there is one more I want to list.. Last monday Princess and Sweet Pea had work done at the dentist office. the friday before i got a message from the dentist reminding me of there appt but also said my portion of the work will need to be paid that day and they gave me an amount of $675.00 I about hit the floor, i never expected there work to be that much.. I didn't have the money and was about to cancel the appt, when I though God answered my prayers when my grandpa called and offered me his CC and i could just pay him back when i had the money. I was thankful thinking that God has worked is wonderful handy work again making it so i didn't have to cancel the appt. So I get there the girls have there work done and when i check out they said i owed $155.00(which is more of what i thought it would have been) So i did question the amount they told me and she said, that was our mistake, i gave you the wrong amount over the phone i was looking at some other persons chart, I'm sorry.. So i was able to pay the dentist.
OK.. i'm an just so amazed at how much God takes care of me. I don't even think i can express how happy am I at the moment..

I John 4:18

I John 4:18" There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love."

This verse came to mind today as I was taking a shower. Like most busy moms I don't get alot of time to myself, so in order to have clean hair shaved legs and not smell from a mile away, after the 3 older kids were off at school I took Little Man into the tub with me.
It has been along time since Little Man has been in a shower, so long that he forgot what it was(he does like his baths though) When I turned on the shower and he was sitting in the back of the tub in his bathtub seat, his face had this look of fear on it. I finished up washing my hair, but the whole time he kept crying when the water would splash on him. I picked him up into my arms and placed him under the water he was shaking from fear of being under that water and he was crying. I hugged him tight and wishpered to him "it's ok mommy's here" still under the shower he looked right into my eyes and this peace came over him, he was still hanging tight to my neck but he stopped crying and he wasn't shaking anymore. It was like just me hugging him and reminding him it was ok i was there drove all the fear away.
What a wonderful great feeling that was, my little boy who I love with all my heart, loves me back with all his heart and he trust me completely to never put him in harms way, just a few little words from me can keep him from being afraid and make him happy.. I don't even know how to express the joy I felt at that moment.
It was at that point I John 4:18 came to mind and made me think of how when we are afraid God is there telling us "fear not for I am with you" If only we could trust God and love him to the point of totally tursting on him and letting him drive all our fear away. We would be a much happier people. I also though of how Happy it made me when Little Man did this and though, What Joy we must bring to God when we trust Him, when we cast our cares upon Him and leave them there and not fear.

There is a song I use to sing growing up from the Patch the Priate book (one of them I just don't remember which one) and I sometimes sing this to my kids also.

"When shadows fall and the night covers all there are things that my eye can not see, I'll never fear for the Savior is near, my Lord abides with me.
How can I fear, Jesus is near, He ever watches over me, worries all secess, He gives me Peace, How can I fear with Jesus
Jesus is King He controls everything, He is with me each night and each day, I'll turst my soul to the Saviors control He drives all fears away.
How can I fear, Jesus is near, He ever watches over me, worries all secess, He gives me Peace, How can I fear with Jesus."

One of the greatest gifts God has given his children is this gift of Peace
Thank you Lord for saving me, for teaching me to trust in you, For taking away my fear and giving me Joy and Peace

As a mother if I could only teach my children one thing I would be to Love the Lord trust in Him and cast there cares upon Him. I know that looks like more then one thing but it all goes hand in hand cuz as you Love the Lord and grow in Him the rest will come. Then No matter where they are in life they will be happy.

What is your purpose?

"We can decide to abide in Him and make that our one purpose, trusting in Him to fulfill any other purposes He has planned through us." ~ Lauran from Faith Lifts

I have never read this blog before today and just happend upon it while reading other blogs. This was part of what i read today and I couldn't agree more. So i wanted to link you to it. so here you go, hope you enjoy it as much as i did.
I think this will be a blog i'll be reading more of.

God is Good.

It always amazes me just how he knows what i need and when i need it.
DH is working tonight it is overtime all of it, I was thinking great we could use the money. We can always use the money,we are a live pay check to pay check sort family with only DH working and providing for the 6 of us. The only thing that keeps me from loseing my mind with worry about how we will pay the bills is God promiss to provide all our NEEDS.

Twenty minuts ago my DH calls me from work and tells me I'm going to need to find a way to get a car tomorrow morning(we are down to just one at the moment and no money to get another at this time) to get Princess to her volleyball game, because he was going to work 12 hours insteed of just the 8. This in an of itself isn't too much of a problem my grandparents live 5 mins from me and are always willing to help with stuff like this. I'll just call them in the morning and set it up. The problem is the reason why he feels the need to stay over. He got a speeding ticket on the way to work

A Ticket... this is so not good, this makes #3 for him in the last 12 months, this is the 2nd one since September. UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He can not just pay this tickest since it is #3 he has to go to court.. He was all upset, I love my DH but he doesn't handel things going wrong with much grace. He thinks this one is going to cost in the $150 range, you know money we do not have. WEll basicly whatever he makes tonight working will go to pay this ticket.

We get off the phone and all sorts of worry starts to sets into my brain, stuff like we really needed that money, we have bills to pay, we need another car or at least the money to fix the transmisson his our one that is broken down. Then the panic of What if they give him a higher price of the ticket and then it hit me this is #3 in 12 months insurance is going to jump up just one more thing we can't do right now.. you know all the worries and stuff that I should be trusting God with.

I was about to go to bed because i was upset and didn't feel like reading blogs anymore when God reminded me It would be nice if i spent some time with HIM. You see i have been slipping lately in my walk with God, it makes me sad to say this but it is true, I get so busy doing this and doing that that i don't take time for me and God. My devotions have gone by the way side, I'm still doing them with the kids and still having them learn verses and stuff, But MY time in Gods word has taken a back seat to me rushing around doing this and doing that and then passing out at night. Well the reminded from him that he placed in my heart as i walked to the bedroom got me to stop turn around and I got my Bible and linked up to rbc.org to get the reading from todays Our Daily Bread

here is part of what i read.
In the spiritual realm, we're more likely to find that life is filled with unexpected free falls. The loss of a loved one, a broken relationship, or a terminated job can make us feel as if we're dropping into the unknown. For believers, there is a spiritual "parachute"—the loving arms of God.

Thousands of years ago, Moses wrote these words to the Israelites just before he died: "The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms" (Deut. 33:27). The words "everlasting arms" refer to the protection and preservation of God's people. Despite the stressful circumstances they would surely face, they could rest in the assurance of God's watchful care.

Do you feel as if you're in a free fall? Take heart. God's loving arms are there to catch you. —Dennis Fisher—Dennis Fisher-->

O the sweet unfailing refugeOf the everlasting arms;In their loving clasp enfoldedNothing worries or alarms. —Hennessay

With God behind you and His arms beneath you, you can face whatever lies ahead of you.

WOW... God is so good. He knows what I need when I need it.
I don't know what God will do or how he will work this out, But I know He will be with us, He will provide for us and He will never leave us.

On June 29,2006 i posted this
http://mindlesschatterofabusymom.blogspot.com/2006/06/in-times-of-trouble.html It apply here also.

Thank you God for getting my attention and laying on my heart my need for more of YOU. Thank you for know what i need and then for leading me to the place i need to be to get it. Thank you for loving me, for giving your life for me.
I Love You.

The Best News in the World.

Friday night Dh and Princess went to a highschool football game, leaving me home with Mr Man, Sweet Pea, and Little Man. The kids were just playing and Little Man had fell asleep. I'm not sure what brought this up, but Mr Man and Sweet Pea came out into the living room and Mr Man said to me, mom Will you explain salvation to Sweet Pea. You see Mr Man got Saved just over 2 years ago and he was in his bedroom sharing this with his little sister. So the 3 of us sat down and started talking about Christ and heaven and what Jesus did on the cross for us. I wanted to be very careful not to talk anyone into professing Christ. I know one can sell someone on salvation but unless God is working in that person all it will be is words, so I didn't ask Sweet Pea if she wanted to be saved, I just explained how we are all sinner, and how Christ died for our sins and took our place and how if we except Him he will save us. and I left it at that and we went on to do some other stuff.
Some time had passed and Sweet Pea came to me and said "mommy i want to get saved" I said you do she said "yes but I don't know what to say" So we sat down and I prayed a prayer that she could repeat and she repeated it.
Once again I was careful not to tell her she was saved, because I can not know that, that is between her and God, But after she prayed she gave me a great big hug and ran into the next room and Yelled "Mr Man I got saved" OH my he was so excited, she was so excited, and I was excited..
Even before i ever became a mom i started praying that ALL my childer would be Gods children and come to His saving grace at a young age. I know alot of people who think children can't know what they are doing.. but I am proof they are wrong.. I was saved when i was 5 years old and i knew what i was doing and i ment every word of it.
Friday was one of the greatest days of my life, My little girl came to Christ.
Princess did this when she was almost 5 years old in Dec 1999
we were laying in bed talking and we said our prayers for the night and she told me she wanted to pray and get saved so I got the honor of leading my 1st child to the Lord that night.
Mr Man excepted Christ when he was 4 years and 5 months old. My mom was with him when he asked the Lord to save him. I had a doctor appt, I was PG with Alyssa(my baby who is now with the Lord) So my mom took the kids to burger king and when they sat down to eat and prayed for the food, Mr Man right out of the blue said Grandma I want to pray and ask Jesus into my heart to save me. And he did. My mom didn't even have to say a prayer for him to repete, he just prayed right there for God to save him. I came home to the best news ever that day.
and Now Sweet Pea has come to the Lord at 4 years 8 months old.

God is such a great God, I thank Him every day for everything He has done in my life and in the life of my children. Isn't is wonderful how he answers prayer.
Now I sit back and wait to see How my wonderful Lord will bring Little Man to HIM.

I pray that God will continue to Lead me to be the Mother He wants me to be and to help me contiue to Teach my children to live there lifes for Him.