Standing on the Mountain of God

Lord, "No Matter What...I'm gonna Love You!"

2010-09-09T11:56:00.004-05:00

Tamatha "Tami" Thornton Fleming
September 14th, 1968 - July 6th, 2010

"I'm running back to your promises one more time.
Lord... that's all I can hold on to!
I gotta say this has taken me by surprise,
but NOTHING surprises YOU!
Before a heartache can ever touch my life...
It HAS to go thru Your hands
And even though I keep asking WHY...
I keep asking WHY....
NO MATTER WHAT... I'm gonna LOVE YOU!"

On July 6th, my world was shaken to the point of complete brokenness. My older sister, my friend, my confidant, my shoulder to cry on, my encourager, my mentor, (in the eyes of a little sister) my hero... was involved in a fatal car accident and instantly met our Savior.
The first couple of days were of nothing but sheer shock and questions. WHY? Desperately seeking my Lord, I poured out my heart and asked my questions. God's love reached down, wiped away my tears and opened my eyes to His revelation. He was not offended by my need for assurance. He simply gave me the answers I so desperately needed... peace that surpasses ALL understanding and supernatural joy. He gave me a reason to sing and amazingly turned my mourning into dancing!

"There’s no way I can make it without Your help,
I wont even try it.
I know You have Your reasons for everything,
So I will keep believing,

I came to the conclusion... You either trust God or you don't! Simple as that! God ALWAYS has our best interest at hand. We do not know the future. We do not know what lies ahead. We do not know our capabilities. Only God knows. For, GOD KNOWS ALL! I can only taste the very tip of HIS love and yet even the tip is more than I can comprehend. HIS Love is ENDLESS!! HIS mercy endures forever. With every fiber of my being I know God gave my sister as much time on this earth as He could without compromising HER good.

"NO MATTER WHAT.... I'LL TRUST YOU!"

After a long night of weeping, God awakened me to the words of the song.. Shout unto God... "The enemy has been defeated... Death couldn't hold you down... We're gonna lift our voice to victory. We're gonna make our Praises loud!" Then He reminded me of how satan plotted against Jesus. Oh.. as Jesus was beaten, tortured and murdered, the enemy thought he had won. I'm sure he was laughing with an evil sneer. But little did he know that his very own plot to kill was the very instrument used to defeat him.
God turned satan's evil plot into his own demise.

The wicked plot against the righteous
and gnashes his teeth at them;

but the Lord laughs at the wicked,
for he knows his day is coming.

Psalm 37:12-13

I know where my sister is... I know that as she walks the streets of gold, My sister laughs with the Lord. For the enemy's attempt to destroy her failed miserably! She's more alive today than ever before. She's feeling happiness that we can not even imagine.

We may not always understand God's reasoning for allowing circumstances into our lives. But we either Trust Him or we don't. Once we understand the indefinite amount of His love, we have no other choice but to Trust Him. HE ONLY CONTAINS GOODNESS! Sometimes it's hard for our feeble minds to grasp His reasoning, because we want to look at things with carnal eyes, but God sees the eternal picture. Life on this earth is nothing compared to eternity. I would rather spend one day on earth and have all eternity to laugh, giggle and chat with my sister. Then spend 100 years with her on this earth, only to part for all eternity.

We will all have moments of questions in this life, but I can promise you one thing... if we truly seek His face, He will always give us the answers we need. I am able to understand that because of circumstances that I could not foresee. God reached down and embraced my sister in the perfect, premise, exact moment she needed Him. God's timing is IMPECCABLE!

I've taken the last couple of months to allow God to heal me. I needed Him to mend my heart before I could truly pour it out for the would to see. I trusted Him to piece me back together again. He is ALWAYS FAITHFUL! Although I miss her passionately, God's Grace once again carries me. I seek His presence often and bask within His peace. "Within His presence there is fullness of joy", I understand this better now than ever before and it's that supernatural joy that is constantly keeping in awe of His magnificence.

"Whatever I might be feeling,
God You are my Hope, and You will be my strength!"

No matter what... I’m gonna love you, I’m gonna need you,
No matter what.... I’ll trust you,
No matter, No matter, No matter what!

"No Matter What" by Kerri Roberts

Safety First...

2010-06-19T22:43:00.003-05:00

Even Serenity's tricycle has it's own anti-lock brake system...

That little booger is stronger than she looks!

The more Serenity peddled the more lil Rose pulled! :)

Unique Knick Knack

2010-05-20T10:11:00.008-05:00

Went to get groceries... picked the kids up from school.... told the kids to take Lil Rose out for her afternoon potty break.... unloaded groceries.
As usual, I was walking through the house a mile a minute, when I passed by the curio in our living room. I stopped... looked at the curio... tilted by head... hmm... something doesn't seem right... shook my head and took another gander.
Uh... yeah... something definitely is NOT right.

I burst into laughter once I realize...

Lil Rose is sitting perfectly still on a glass shelf inside our curio!

Apparently, Serenity thought she was sooo cute that she needed to be on display. She told her to "sit there and be pretty." The little dog didn't argue a bit. She just sat there quietly and watched all the commotion. lol Poor Lil Rose!

I do have to admit though... I totally agree with Serenity.... I have seen very few knick knacks that could even compare with that little dog's cuteness! :)

Meet Lil Rose

2010-05-19T11:46:00.009-05:00

We have a new beagle puppy. Noah named her Lil Rose.
The kids absolutely LOVE her. I have to admit she IS very cute.

Serenity likes to pretend she's her very own little baby.

"I'm your Mommy"
And...

"You're my baby."
lol Poor Lil Rose

Eli, on the other hand is a very good Daddy.
See how he knows to support the bottom half. :)

While playing house... Serenity says...
"Eli you're the Daddy and I'm the Mommy, Okay?'
Eli agrees..."Okay."
Then immediately Serenity hands the puppy to Eli and replies...
"Now get her out! I don't like dirty dogs in my house!"
Eli argues... "But her is just a little dirty dog."
lol Kind of gives you a bird's eye view into our home life...doesn't it?
Kids are so funny!

Cute Aren't they?
Uh... yeah... Serenity is... well... just Serenity. :)

Taken by Love

2010-05-12T10:22:00.004-05:00

"The world will fade away as I lift my hands..."
"The King is worthy of praise He's the Great I Am."
"The joy you've given rings out as I lift my voice..."
"I'm captivated by your ways. So I will worship you!"

I believe one of the greatest miracles demonstrated by God is simply His ability to make all the cares... all the troubles... all the weight of this world just fade away. The moment we choose to worship Him, everything else just DISSOLVES...

The moment my heart yearns for worship... the moment it screams out... PRAISE HIM... The moment I choose to lift my hands... the world begins to vanish. Suddenly... My heart is overwhelmed! His Grace begins to carry me. I begin to soar like an eagle. Looking down on the cares of this world and yet not feeling it's misery. I begin to sing... I lift my voice in honor of Him... Even in the midst of destruction, My lips begin to quiver as His joy beams across my face. Because of His Grace... Because of His Mercy... Because of His Love... He takes me away and carries me.
He carries me to VICTORY!

All the cares of this world disappear because Lord....
"You've Taken me by Love"
"You’ve taken me by Grace"
"You’ve taken me away"
"I can’t resist because..."
"You’ve taken my heart!"

"You've Taken me by LOVE!"
Taken by Love - Kutless

"You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent.O LORD my God, I will give thanks to You forever!"
Psalm 30:11-12

"Jesus has Plenty of Money in HIS pocket!"

2010-05-04T14:33:00.003-05:00

Sitting around talking about vacation, Serenity decides she wants to go to Disney World. I explain to her that a trip like that takes A LOT of money and money isn't something that is easily obtained... especially for a family of seven, living on one income. Well... my little speech did not influence Serenity's decision in any way. She just smiled and replied...
"Mommy... Jesus has plenty of money in HIS pocket and He will give it if we ask."

Her words just melted my heart! As adults we can learn SOOO much about faith from a child! She did not even hesitate. She simply relied on Jesus as her source.

"Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” Luke 18:17

I was simply inspired by her persistent faith. I know that it is always God's perfect will to bless His children. He LOVES to give us the desires of our heart and He always honors a heart of pure faith. I wasn't going to shut the door on her desire. I simply explained to her that we just had to wait on HIS timing. If it was God's will for us to travel to Disney World THIS summer than He would supply the funds to do it.

Meanwhile in my mind, I was just trying to figure out.... HOW! We live on a very tight week to week budget. Last year, Tommy's job survived a couple of big layoffs within his company (PRAISE GOD) but he had to endure some major cut backs on his hours. This put was way behind on several bills and unfortunately we only broke even recently. After almost an entire year in the red. We finally are back in the black again. We still owe, but at least we're no longer behind on payments. So here is my daughter, exclaiming that God will supply us a trip to Disney World... a trip worth several thousand dollars ($1000 just to get my family through the park gates for two days of fun) and our savings is nearly non existent. It did not seem promising... but then again matters that require faith never do! :)

Then came the BIG step. God spoke to me to start tithing 20%, instead of our normal 10%. Wow! Now talk about a leap of faith! God has ALWAYS supplied all of our needs, but we were counting pennies just to get by before. So the thought of coming up with an extra 10% on top of the normal 10%, was a bit scary. But in my heart, I knew that even if God had to rain manna from heaven (Exodus 16:4-5) or give us money in a fishes mouth, (Matthew 17:27) He would supply our needs. So I was obedient.

Guess what I learned? God confirmed in a physical manner what my heart has always known... No matter how hard you try you just can NOT out give God! The more you give, the MORE you receive!

Since I started tithing 20 %. I have had plenty to pay all of our bills on time, buy groceries, and still manage to put back some every week toward our vacation. We are slowly inching our way there... we ARE well on our way. Serenity's dream vacation to see Minnie Mouse's house is not so far fetched anymore. As a matter of fact, it may be a lot sooner than anticipated. We have even been offered a FREE place to stay while we're there. God is Good! He always honors FAITH and OBEDIENCE!
He remains faithful to all of His promises.

"Bring all the tithes into the storehouse,
That there may be food in My house,
And try Me now in this,”
Says the LORD of hosts,
“ If I will not open for you the windows of heaven
And pour out for you such blessing
That there will not be room enough to receive it."
Malachi 3:10-11

The only place in the Bible where God says to test Him to see if it works and You can be certain that it DOES! :)

Reflection of Love

2010-04-22T23:18:00.004-05:00

Serenity loves to sit on my lap and gaze into my eyes...
"Mommy, I can see me in YOUR eyes!"
She will bat her eyes, tilt her head and smile. She thinks she looks so pretty in the reflection in my eyes.

When I see her, I look at her with love. I see my perfect, beautiful little baby girl. I look past her ornery behavior. I see past her smart little mouth. The love of a mother looks past all wrong doings and just sees her beautiful, blameless child.

The love of a mother is only a taste of what our Heavenly Father feels. When we become a child of God, Jesus sees us through eyes of love. He doesn't see our mistakes. He sees us covered in His blood... spotless, purified and blameless. He sees us worthy of even the greatest blessings!

The enemy loves to tell us we don't deserve God's blessings. He knows we will easily believe his shenanigans because truth is... we don't deserve them. That's the reason Jesus came to die for us... but now oh now... through the blood of Jesus we are joint heirs to ALL His Kingdom. By His LOVE we become sons and daughters of the almighty King!

When we look into the mirror, the enemy makes it easy for us to see all our flaws.. all of our imperfections. But if we could just strive to see... if we could just draw close enough to Jesus... if we could just reach up and sit on His lap... If we could just gaze into HIS eyes and see our reflection in HIM....oh how beautiful we would appear and how worthy we would feel!

For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will -- to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the One He loves. ~ Ephesians 1:4-6

"Jesus, I want to see Me in Your eyes!"

Love,

Let There Be LIGHT...

2010-04-19T08:41:00.000-05:00

God saw darkness and He said..."Let there be LIGHT... and there was light!" What would have happened if He spoke more darkness into the darkness? Obviously... the night would have become much darker!

Our lives are filled with dark moments. The people we love all have dark qualities... our friends... our parents...our spouse... our children.. all have qualities about them that need refining. No one is perfect. We all need correction. We all have bad days with dark moments, But how often do we see those "dark" moments and speak negative things in to them? It's just impossible... How often do we rehearse the problems of are loved ones... You're so selfish... You're such a mess... Why do you have to be sooo lazy.... Can't you do anything right? By speaking negative things, we are actually looking into darkness and saying.... Let it be darker.

What would happen if we actually took the time to think before we speak? What if we actually stopped and made the choice to be positive? What if we only spoke the promises of God over our dark moments... With God ALL things are possible! What if we actually put emphasis on all the GOOD qualities of our loved ones and encouraged them to do better... When you help others out, your face lights up and makes my day...

What if we made the decision to speak LIGHT into the darkness?
Our world would be a much brighter place!

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit." Proverbs 18:21

Look into your dark moments and say.... "LET THERE BE LIGHT!"

A Trip Down Memory Lane...

2010-04-13T12:55:00.007-05:00

Serenity Summer 07...

Who put this hat on my head?

Seriously.... TAKE IF OFF!
What? Not going to happen?
Well...

Mommy always says to keep a stiff upper lip
And Find the good in everything
So...

I guess it DOES come in handy during nap time
And... What's that you say?

I LOOK CUTE TOO?

I LOVE to look cute!
Yes... That makes me....

One Happy Cowgirl... BA---BY!

Toddler Talk: Apologize and Serenity's New Song

2010-04-12T09:23:00.003-05:00

Spent the morning hard at work cleaning house. I was in the girls' room gathering laundry, when Serenity walks into the room...

"Mom, I need to apologize."

Stunned to hear such a word I ask. "Apologize? That's an awfully BIG word for such a little girl! Do you even know what that means?"

"Yep!"

"Okay then, What does it mean?"

She looks down at the ground and answers... "It means... I opened a banana and squished it on the floor." LOL

Uh... Apology accepted! :)

SERENITY'S NEW SONG:

Serenity loves to sing. She always trying to find new songs to master. Sometimes she amazes me and memorizes them verbatim. Other times... well... she misses the lyrics just a tad.

The other day, she ran to me all excited about a new song she just heard....

"Mommy... Mommy... I know a new song!"

"That's great Honey... Let's hear it."

She begins to sing...
"Underwear ridge is falling down... falling down... falling down! Underwear ridge is falling down... Poor... Little... Lady!"

Trying very hard not to laugh, I applaud her...
"Yay Reni, that song is beautiful!"

With a grin of satisfaction she asks...
"Have YOU ever heard that song before, Mommy?"

"Uh...No Serenity... I can honestly say I have NEVER heard THAT particular song before." :)

Someone really enjoys Springtime...

2010-04-08T09:49:00.007-05:00

Serenity is absolutely LOVIN' this weather! She's really enjoying all the perks that springtime has to offer.... like wearing her pretty flower hair accessories or cool hot pink sunglasses.

Yes.. She loves to wear all her Springtime gear,
But not quite as much as she loves to...

Model them for the camera! :)

Rejoice! Our Savior is ALIVE!

2010-04-05T16:04:00.009-05:00

Last weekend Tom and I attended some young Christian workshops with our youth group. We heard several inspiring messages. During a special sermon on Sunday morning, the speaker portrayed himself as the roman man who built the very cross Jesus was crucified on. As he built this cross, he talked about this man everyone called the son of God. He argued with himself about why he should or should not believe the accusations about Jesus. Then at the end of the presentation he made a very powerful statement. He said..."If this is true. If Jesus really is the son of God. If He really was sent to save this entire world. If He really is dying for all of our sins. Then even I... yes even I... have Hope!"

So often we hear people say... God could never forgive me. I'm a terrible person. No one could ever forgive ALL the things I've done! Satan often uses this lie to keep people in bondage. Who are we to say, we can't be forgiven? We think we can keep God in a little box. There isn't a box big enough to contain God's love. The love of God is powerful enough to cover ALL sin.

Jesus was persecuted, ridiculed. He was beaten, tortured, spit upon. He was cut, slashed, stabbed. Our minds can not even comprehend the pain He endured. Only the Son of God could sustain such brutality. Yet, after everything they did to Him. What did He say? Did He say.. Curse them Father? Did He say... Don't bother with them, for they're far too gone? No! What did He say? He said..."Forgive them Father! For they know not what they do!" Time and time again they spit in His face. They cursed Him. They beat Him. Yet He said..."Forgive them Father! For they know not what they do." If Jesus had enough love to forgive the very soldiers who tortured Him. Then who are we to say, our sins are far too great for His forgiveness?

No man knows the extend of His love! He was born for a purpose. He died for a reason. He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: was chastised for our peace, beaten for our healing. He DIED so that we might LIVE!

As the Son of God, He had the power to stop them at any given moment. He had all the angels in Heaven at His beckoning. He had all the power of the universe. All He had to do was open His mouth and speak.

Yet Isaiah 53:7 tells us...

He was oppressed and He was afflicted,

Yet He opened not His mouth;

He was led as a lamb to the slaughter,

And as a sheep before its shearers is silent,

He opened not His mouth.

He opened not His mouth. Why?

Simple! 1 John 4:8 tells us that God is Love and John 15:13 says.

There is no greater love than this, to lay down one's life for another.

Jesus LOVED us so much that He was willing to die for all of our imperfections. He was willing to take the place of even the roman soldiers who tortured Him. He was willing to die so that even THEY might live. No one is worthy of His Love! Yet to ALL, it has been freely given. We all are born with the same opportunity. We all have an opportunity for redemption. We all receive it the same way... Through Grace and By Faith. Grace gets us there and Faith makes it happen!

Do you believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God? Do you believe that He died upon a cross for the sins of this world and rose again on the third day? Do you believe that He LIVES today? Are you willing to surrender to His will? Are you willing to lay aside the things of this world for an eternal crown of righteousness?

If so... than YOU have Hope! No matter what you've done... You have Hope.

YES! EVEN YOU HAVE HOPE! Need to know more? Click Here!

The Love of Jesus is waiting with open arms. It's waiting for ALL those who call upon Him. Those who have never known Him... Those who already know Him.... Those who despise Him.... Those who worship Him... Those who need Him... His Love is waiting for ALL those who call upon Him.

For love such as this, Deserves an earnest heartfelt praise. Our Savior Deserves our time in Worship! He DESERVES our undivided attention! He Deserves Hands lifted in Honor of Praise. He deserves hearts filled with thanksgiving! He Deserves our Love in return!

Where ever you are today, I pray you take a moment to reflect on what Love accomplished for YOU! I pray you find a way to worship Him... whether it be by song, by prayer, or just standing still within the midst of His presence. However you choose, may it be earnest, sincere and heartfelt. For He is worthy to be Praised!

Our family offers special praise! We praise Him for ALL that was accomplished... Eternal Salvation, Deliverance, Prosperity, Healing... Oh to be offered Healing! True...There's no greater gift than eternal Salvation, but healing.... Healing is such a very precious gift! We are SOOO very thankful for the stripes Jesus took on the day He suffered and died. We are so very grateful for the pain He endured.

For it was By those Stripes, on THAT day,

Our little Serenity WAS healed!

From our Family to yours,

We pray you had a very blessed Resurrection Day!

Rejoice! For Today Our Savior is ALIVE!

Love,

Your Grace is Enough

2010-04-02T11:24:00.002-05:00

I never really understood the meaning of Grace until our journey with Serenity. In an online dictionary it's defined as..."the influence or spirit of God operating in humans to regenerate or strengthen them." But to fully understand, you must experience His grace firsthand.

Just as you must also experience a PICU before you can truly understand it's depressing nature. In that area of a hospital, two large metal doors separate two completely different worlds. On one side, there is normalcy. There are blue skies and butterflies, birthday cakes and laughter. Then in an instant you walk through those large metal doors and everything changes. Skies turn gray, butterflies disappear. Birthday cakes are left untouched and laughter, not only fades, but it ceases to exist. Moments are filled with tears. Helpless cries from desperate mothers fill the air. Expressions begin to vanish. The majority fear to feel anything, for if they feel something, than they are sure to feel pain.

The PICU is a walk into a world of depression and the wonderful dedicated nurses of this unit experience this world on a daily basis. I'm sure if you were to ask one of them, most would admit that they love their job, but they would also admit that they do have their moments... many, many moments, when they long for a better atmosphere. I know this, because those same nurses use to fight over our room assignment. They all wanted to work in our atmosphere. We were the topic of many discussions. My husband was always cracking jokes. Even the most professional staff members couldn't keep a straight face once they entered our room. We were friendly. We were hopeful. We were joyful, because we were confident. We had our fair share of tears, but we had more than our fair share of laughter. Our room stood out to the entire staff. There was something different about us and everyone wanted to be a part of our world. People were drawn to the very thing that gave us our strength. They were drawn to a world where laughter could exist once more. They were drawn to the Spirit of God which surrounded us! They wondered why we were so different. They knew, it wasn't because we cared any less than the other parents. We just had something that they desperately needed, but didn't know how to obtain.
We had God's Grace to carry us through.

About a month ago, I had a dream... My family was driving down a street in our home town. We were enjoying the ride, smiling and having fun. Suddenly a storm hit. The sky became dark and funnel clouds started to form. I called out to my husband who was behind the wheel and insisted that he take us home. He sped up the car... a funnel cloud touched down directly in front of us. He slammed on the brakes. I called out... "Back up, Back up!" He put the car in reverse. A funnel cloud touched down directly behind us. I called out.. "Turn right." Several funnels clouds surrounded us on the right. I called out.."Go left." Both of our hearts sank when three more funnels clouds touch the ground on our left. We were completely surrounded by many powerful tornadoes. There was no where left to go. We were stuck in the midst of a powerful storm. The tornadoes on our left started to grow and quickly began to approach us. I turned around and glanced at my five small children buckled in the backseat. Instinct told me to get everyone out of the car and into a ditch, but in my dream there wasn't enough time. With no other alternative, I told my family to brace themselves. I could see the powerful storm. It was uprooting trees, demolishing houses and everything within it's path. Debris was flying through the air. The storm leveled everything near and it was heading straight for us. I grabbed my husband's hand, closed my eyes and started to pray. Several seconds went by. The tornado should have hit our car. I slowly opened my eyes to see... dirt, trees, dark wind flying all around us. My husband opened his eyes. He looked around, then at me. Both of our mouths dropped in amazement. We are in the very center of a tornado. There was no sound, There was no movement. Our car was completely motionless. It didn't even rock with the wind. The tornado passed to the other side...still no movement... still no sound. My children looked up, and wandered what all the fuss was about. My husband started the car and we drove away.. utterly untouched by the disaster around us.

A thousand may fall at your side, And ten thousand at your right hand; But it shall not come near you. Psalms 91:7

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not over overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you. For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
Isaiah 43: 2-3

I awakened and remembered our journey with Serenity. This is how grace is defined.. In this life there will be storms. There will be LOTS of storms. Storms that seem impossible. Moments that seem hopeless, but as long as we focus our eyes on Jesus, we can weather ANY storm. By the Grace of God, we can come through victorious, dry as a bone, completely untouched and not even feel the wind!

That's the power of His Grace...
No matter what lies within our path.. as long as we place our trust in You oh Lord. Your Grace is MORE than enough!

"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Romans 5:1-2

"And He said to me, “My grace is enough for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness...”
2 Corinthians 12:9

Chasing Here... Chasing There... Chasing Everywhere!

2010-03-23T09:54:00.001-05:00

Chasing toddlers Here...
Chasing toddlers There...
Chasing toddlers EVERYWHERE!

In the house...
at the park...
in the grocery store!
Chasing toddlers... til I can't chase any MORE!

As if two toddlers weren't enough to keep me running. Now we've added a very eager girl beagle to keep me moving. Yes folks... Lemar has a girlfriend. Her name is Cleo. She's not our dog. We're just watching her for a little awhile, but she just keeps me running just the same. Apparently, she is an INDOOR dog, because she HATES being outside. Every time the door opens... IN she goes! She sits on the top step all day long, just watching the door. The kids go out... Cleo comes in.

I chase the toddlers... I chase Cleo... I chase the toddlers as they chase Cleo... under the bed... into the kitchen... out of the trash can.... away from the toilet... out the door and into the backyard... AGAIN and AGAIN! All day long... over and over. After awhile, the toddlers stop chasing Cleo. They stop... so they can watch ME run. Oh how funny Mommy looks while she chases the beagle all over the house.. slipping, sliding and falling all over the place as the dog scurries along. Finally I've had enough and I set my foot down! "No one goes outside again today. Don't even THINK about opening that door!" The older kids all nod their heads in agreement. They know Mommy means business! A couple of hours go by and all is well. Then later, I walk into the kitchen and spot Serenity standing by the back door. She's turned toward me with her hand perched on the door handle. It's as if, she's just waiting for me to spot her. "Serenity... don't you even THINK about it! Get away from that..." Before I can even finish my sentence, she lets out a giggle and quickly opens the door. Like Lightening.. Cleo flashes through the house. OH GREAT! HERE WE GO AGAIN! Once again, I start chasing the beagle and a giddy Serenity sits back and watches the show.

Did I ever tell you I have one VERY ORNERY little miracle baby? :)

Know Your Savior

2010-03-15T21:36:00.004-05:00

Number 1 rule of engagement says to "know your enemy." People always say fight fire with fire! But I tend to disagree. Jesus said..."These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Jesus overcame the world. Jesus defeated the enemy. Jesus knew His enemy, but Jesus did NOT fight fire with fire. He could have used satan's tactics. He had the power to instantly destroy all of us and satan himself. But He chose to use a different measure... a smarter measure. Destruction goes against His character. So Instead... He hit satan with a surprise attack. He did something that satan never could have imagined in a million years. Satan's mind could not even conceive the tactic that Jesus used against him, because it was something that went against every fiber of satan's being. Jesus overcame this world with an act of....LOVE! 1 John 5:4-5 tells us that through Jesus we can overcome this world as well.
"For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?"
So through our faith we have the power and authority to overcome all obstacles of this world. We will have tribulations but because of our faith in the one who conquered this world we can have peace and be of good cheer. Now... faith is more than just to say.."I believe", because the word tells us that even the demons in hell believe and tremble. Faith needs another ingredient. "Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." James 2:17 and in Galatians 5:6 we see that...."...faith works by Love." Faith needs LOVE and all the characteristics there of (1Cor. 13:4-7)
You see.. we don't have to fight fire with fire! We don't have to get inside the mind of our enemy. We don't have to use his tactics. We don't have to think inside his little box. As a matter of fact we need to think OUTSIDE his box. We need to obtain the mind of Christ. We need to become Christ-like. I praise God that in order to have victory we do NOT have to "know our enemy!"

We just need to KNOW our Savior!

Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice

2010-03-08T10:03:00.002-06:00

"Girls are sugar and spice and everything nice."

Serenity is part sugar. She has an amazingly sweet side to her. Yesterday morning, she awakened me with such a sweet sediment...
"Yay, It's morning! The sun is waking up and now we can go to church."
Now...If you didn't grin at "the sun is waking up" part. Then you just don't know sweet and the fact that she is just SOOO excited about going to church... well... that just takes the cake! Yes...my heart just melts when she tells me...
"Mom your my bestest friend and the most beautiful Mommy ever."
And If you've ever heard her sing, "Jesus loves me" or "You are my sunshine" then chances are, you know that melted heart feeling as well. Yes... She has a sweet side. Serenity is definitely part sugar!

Now just as sure as I am that she is part sugar. I'm even more certain that she has a much larger part which is Spice. A recent example would be last night. She was taking a shower with her sisters and half way through decided she had enough. So she jumped out stark naked and took off running through the house. Noah yelled at her to get some clothes on and in turn unintentionally invited her into his space. She immediately ran and jumped onto his bed. From the other room, I heard him yell...
"Gross Serenity... get off my bed before you pee on it!"
Now I know my daughter! I know that she is very ornery and smart enough on her own. So if YOU are as smart as she is, than you will NOT give her any extra ideas.... or else! :) A few seconds later, I heard Noah again....
"Ahh... NASTY! MOM!!!!! Reni just peed all over my bed!"
On my way into the room, I heard Serenity's spicy little attitude reply....
"Oh WAAA.... What are you going to do about it, little BABY?"
I entered the room and spotted her from behind. She had her bare bottom stuck out, head shaking left to right and finger pointed. She was sporting the entire.."oh no you didn't" look. Then unknowingly with me behind her, she mouthed off again...
"Oh WAAA WAAA.. little baby boy gotta tell your Mommy about it."
Oh.. Mommy heard loud and clear alright! :) Now you do remember that she is only three years old right? UNBELIEVABLE! Of course she was punished for her terrible behavior, but I have to admit, not without a few muffled giggles from me.

Serenity may be part sugar, but one thing is certain. There isn't a pepper in the world that can hold a candle to her spice! Then just when you think you can't take the heat... "the sun is waking up." and there's that sweetness again. :)

Savior Please... Keep Saving Me

2010-03-02T14:22:00.005-06:00

So often, I receive emails saying..."You're so strong." People read Serenity's testimony or hear the testimony of how God saved my marriage and they immediately assume I'm a strong person. Each time I read or hear that line, I have to chuckle a little. The thought of someone thinking I'm a strong person is just so funny to me. Truth is... I'm not strong at all. I'm one of the weakest people I know. The only reason I made it through these various trials was because like a limp, unconscious damsel in distress, my hero which is my Savior... had to carry me.
Oh... I try to be so tough, but I'm just not strong enough.

Recently, God used the story of Elijah to remind me of how much I need my Savior. In 1 Kings, we read how Elijah performed many miracles and in the 18th chapter, we read that Elijah stood strong through many tests of faith. God used his faith to open the eyes of those who worshiped Baal. Elijah was up against some mighty spiritual warfare and he stood strong in faith until the rain fell and the prophets of baal were slaughtered. Through his faith many souls were turned back to God and many rejoiced in the name of the Lord. Then soon after in the 19th chapter we read that Jezebel discovered all that Elijah did and she vowed to kill him by the next day.
Now when Elijah heard she was after him, he ran scared. The word says.. "he arose and ran for his life... and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he prayed that he might die, and said, “It is enough! Now, LORD, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!”
So after all that he witnessed God accomplish through him, after everything that had happened, even after the impossible was made possible and Victory was celebrated, he still gave up and ran for his life, when he found out a WOMAN was after him. (true, there's a powerful evil spirit behind that woman, but that's a different message)
God spoke to me through this story. Elijah knew God could move mountains. Elijah knew that God would save him again, but Elijah was tired. He had fought until he couldn't fight anymore. Elijah had grown weary.
The fight of faith is tiring. The enemy loves to attack and attack until we grow weary. Sometimes we get so caught up in fighting for others that we tend to forget about our own armor. We neglect our own strength.
Last week, God spoke to me and said... "You started out this race strong and determined. You allowed nothing to stand in your way. Even when those whom you love, said give up.. you stood strong and watched Me move mountains. Now that the mountains are hills and the problems are small, you're ready to give up... because you've grown weary."
You see in my determined fight to help others, I've allowed my time to become consumed with my ministry. I've noticed lately that every time I try to minister to someone during a trial in their life, the enemy attacks my family in that same area. I minister to someone about standing for their finances, and immediately the enemy attacks my bank account. I minister to couples about standing in faith for their marriage and immediately the enemy attacks my marriage again. Now these attacks are nothing like the mountains I've faced before, extremely minor in comparison, but yet I'm ready to call it quits and just surrender. Like Elijah, I've grown weary.
If we read further we discover how God strengthened Elijah... "Then as he lay and slept under a broom tree, suddenly an angel touched him, and said to him, “Arise and eat.” Then he looked, and there by his head was a cake baked on coals, and a jar of water. So he ate and drank, and lay down again. And the angel of the LORD came back the second time, and touched him, and said, “Arise and eat, because the journey is too great for you.” So he arose, and ate and drank; and he went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights as far as Horeb, the mountain of God."
Elijah had to get in the presence of the Lord and eat. Now we see in Matthew 4:4... “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”
God was telling me that I had grown weary because I had been neglecting my OWN spiritual strengthening. In order for my ministry to flourish, in order for my family to withstand the storms, I need to set aside time for my own growth. Yes, I attend church regularly! Yes.. I read God's word! Yes, I pray, but I need more! I need to forget about all the worries and just bask within His presence. I need to spend time worshiping and getting to know Him all over again. I need to lay everything else aside and just nourish my relationship for awhile. I need to get in His presence... read His word... and let Him feed me.

I'm NOT a strong person... I desperately need my Savior!
Because...

I try to be so tough.. but I'm just not strong enough.
I can't do this alone, God I need you to hold onto me
I try be good enough, but I'm nothing without Your love
Savior Please... KEEP SAVING ME!

Everything You are to me
Is everything I'll ever need
And I am learning to believe
That I don't have to prove a thing
'Cause You're the one who's saving me
Savior Please - Josh Wilson

Savior Please... KEEP SAVING ME!

Love,

Serenity's Meatloaf Surprise

2010-02-16T11:23:00.010-06:00

Serenity LOVES to help me make dinner. She LOVES to help me do anything that makes her feel like a big girl, because she genuinely believes she IS a big girl! So when it comes time to cook she will scoot her little stool over to the counter and "help" me. The trouble is... she thinks she can do it BETTER than Mommy. On occasions she's been known to add extra pepper, salt, sugar, or garlic while I'm not looking. But even after all my experience with her mischief, nothing could have prepared me for what I found last night.

I removed my glass baking dish from the cabinet, rinsed any dust particles off and dried it. Then I set it on the counter next to Serenity. I turned around, grabbed some non-stick aluminum foil and covered the bottom of the dish. With Serenity by my side, I finished mushing the ingredients of my meatloaf together. She helped me put the loaf into the pan on top of the aluminum foil. Finally, we placed the pan in the oven. Once finished, we all ate. It was delicious. After dinner, I went back into the kitchen to start the clean up process. I carefully removed the used foil and to my surprise found...

A melted orange crayon!

Yes folks... I baked an orange crayon at 400 degrees for an hour under the foil that contain the meatloaf my entire family consumed! I'm at a complete loss as to WHEN that special ingredient was added to our meal. Although I'm seemingly certain I can guess the WHO! Now I'm not saying I blame any little ornery toddler in particular. I mean I have no solid proof that any one person is responsible. But... let's just say, I will have extra eyes on one certain little girl the next time she decides to "help" me in the kitchen! :)

All I can say is... It's a good thing crayons aren't toxic! :)

Just thinking out loud...

2010-02-15T12:14:00.002-06:00

"Do not fret because of evildoers, Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, And wither as the green herb. Trust in the LORD, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, And your justice as the noonday. Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him; " Psalm 37:1-7

"Delight yourself also in the Lord" Take pleasure in serving Him! Not because you have to, not because you're told to, not because you want something from Him, but because you truly enjoy serving Him.
Do not wish you were on the other side of the fence. Do not envy the happenings of those who are worldly. Take PLEASURE in serving your King... through mountains and valleys... through rewards and tests. Do good... WANT good. "Commit your way to the Lord" Surrender your will....Commit to HIS way. When you are committed to Him, Your heart is Aligned with the heart of Christ. His desires become your desires.

Trust fully in Him. Recognize that He IS your ONLY source. His faithfulness FEEDS you! So rely fully on Him. Focus your eyes on our Lord. Do not become anxious! Instead...Rest in confidence KNOWING He WILL bring it to pass. Wait patiently, even if it seems long, wait patiently with Faith....
"And He shall give you the desires of your heart."

Just thinking out loud....:)

Meet Lemar...

2010-01-26T11:19:00.013-06:00

He's the newest addition to our family! I know what you're thinking. Why would anyone name a DOG.. LEMAR? Well.. I asked the same question and I honestly don't know! Lemar already had his name when we got him. Fortunately, it's starting to grow on me and I couldn't imagine him being named anything else. :)

Lemar's story is a nice one. My husband Tom is really into rabbit hunting. Not sure why, he very seldom actually kills a rabbit. But for some odd reason, he LOVES running the dogs and TRYING to catch those " Waskley Wabbits!" Men.. Go Figure!

Anyway... we use to have THREE beagles... two puppies (that eventually grew up) and one older female. The older female was a previous rabbit hunting champion. She won her previous owner LOTS of cold hard cash. We bought her after she retired in the hopes of training the other puppies. She died before she had the chance. So.. time past and the puppies grew into adult dogs.. that NEVER learned how to hunt. This disappointed my rabbit hunting husband. This Christmas he decided he wanted ANOTHER dog. This disappointed the WIFE of my rabbit hunting husband. :) I definitely did NOT want ANOTHER dog. It was hard enough keeping up with the ones we had... plus I wasn't willing to part with the money to fund another dog purchase. So... After MUCH debate, we finally came to a compromise. We agreed, he would sell the other two and then use that money to buy another puppy.

My husband has a BIG heart, especially when it comes to befriending strangers. He's soft and I love him for it. He ended up GIVING both dogs away, which left him without the funds for another one. Sad... I know. Well, my husband is also a VERY outgoing loud mouth. :) He's never actually met a stranger. He can talk to ANYONE as if he's known them his entire life. With or without a dog, he wanted to be right in the middle of the rabbit hunting world. So what does he do? He just starts calling places trying to find names and numbers of people who run beagles. After awhile, he comes across this man who agrees to allow him to come along on some of his runs.

After only a couple of conversations, they become the best of friends. Almost immediately, the man just offers, out of the blue to GIVE us one of his puppies AND borrow another one to train him. Lemar has been out only a few times and is already out hunting two well known rabbit hunting champions. lol What does Luke 6:38 say? Oh yes... "Give, and it shall be given unto you!" :)

Lemar has become one of the family.

The kids absolutely LOVE him.

Especially Serenity and Eli...

I just wish I could say the same about Lemar! :) He's not quite sure how to take all of us just yet. I can hear his little mind wheels turning right now....

"Who are YOU and WHY are you touching my leg?"

"Oh Please...
when I open my eyes... Please let them be gone...
Oh PLEASE... let them be GONE!"

"NOPE! They're STILL here!"

"Hey! Wait a minute... What's this?"

"Alright... this is kind of nice"

"OKay... Maybe... JUST MAYBE...."

"Maybe.. they COULD grow on me!"

LOL...

Learning, Growing, Watching

2010-01-13T12:11:00.004-06:00

I LOVE my children!! I enjoy being around each and every one of them. For they each have completely different personalities and that just amazes me! I Love them at all ages, but they all have gone through a phase where I have especially enjoyed them. It's right at the age, when they are really developing their personalities. The age that they are learning and watching everything we do. Serenity is at that age right now!

I LOVE the way she giggles. I love the way she tries to pronounce big words but gets them twisted. I love the way she pushes buckets, step ladders, chairs, boxes, whatever she can find, around the house just so she can reach things she's NOT supposed to reach. I even love the way she gives everyone attitude. She's going to be such a strong independent woman, and that trait shines through, even as a toddler. I love all these things that make her who she is, but most importantly, I LOVE the spiritual side of her.

I Love the way, Serenity is always quick to pray... before meals... every time she gets a small boo boo... when she sees someone else hurt. She LOVES to ask Jesus for things!

I Love the way she jumps at the chance to praise and worship our Lord! Earlier she was going around singing a little song and making it up as she went... "Alleluia... Alleluia... Tank you for being my God... Alleluia... I Loved my God... tank you oh tank you!" That just THRILLS me!

I love the way she thanks Jesus for everything. Whenever she gets her way she always says with much enthusiasm ... "Oh Tank You Jesus! Praise da Lord!" Each time it warms my heart!

I Love the way she takes her authority over all things and declares whatever she wants "In the name of Jesus" A couple of nights ago, Serenity was watching me make supper and she said... "Mmm... Mmm...Mom that looks Delicious! I'm going to eat it all gone gone... In the name of Jesus!"

I Love the way she's learning and growing spiritually! I Love the way she's becoming the person God has created her to be and most of all...

I LOVE the fact that she's learning from ME!!

"Train a child in the way he should go

And when he is old he will not depart from it"

Proverbs 22:6

Fightin' Reni

2010-01-11T08:40:00.007-06:00

Remember when I said..."God puts a special fight in those who He knows will need it for survival. Now that fight doesn't just go away once their well.. Oh No... it gets stronger with age!" I've said it dozens of times!

Well.. just in case your having a hard time taking my word for it. I thought I would supply you with some proof!You see... usually everyone knows better than to mess with Serenity. From the time she was old enough to bite, hit, pitch or defend herself at all, they've learned the hard way to just leave her alone! She's a fiesty little booger!

Well...Gracee had a slight relapse in memory and made a HUGE boo boo..

Yep... She TRIED to play with one of Serenity's toys,

but...

She didn't get far!

Even though Serenity can DEFINITELY hold her own... Eli just had to join in. He's very quick to defend Serenity, even when she's in the wrong! That's actually his hand yanking Gracee's hair out! Ouch!

Don't worry Folks! Gracee wasn't hurt. As a matter of fact she's actually having fun and she ended up getting to play with Reni's toy after all. Meanwhile...Serenity and Elijah had to spend some much needed time in the naughty chair... a place where Serenity is becoming more and more familar with every day!

It's so hard to believe that this fiesty little toddler once had to fight for her life. Now she's fighting her seven year old sister... AND WINNING! Even though I don't approve of her behavior some times... It's actually moments like these that remind me just how blessed I really am! :)

"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen." Ephesians 3:20

Praise God From whom all blessings flow!

How Important are the words we speak?

2010-01-05T07:50:00.003-06:00

"Then an angel of the Lord appeared to Zacharias, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.
But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
And Zacharias said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.”
And the angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings. But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.” Luke 1:11-20

How important are the words we speak? Important enough for God to shut the mouth of an unbeliever! God knew the importance of John the Baptist! John's birth was crucial to His plan for Jesus. Zacharias' heart was filled with doubt. God knew that if that doubt were to be voiced, it could stop His plan from unfolding. Therefore He physically shut Zacharias mouth until the day when Zacharias declared his baby boy... John!

There is POWER in our words! For we were made in God's image and He spoke the entire universe into existence! We can move mountains just by speaking the name of Jesus!

"For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says." Mark 11:23

We can have whatever we say when we believe! And the more you speak something the more you believe it to be true! God has given us the power to have what we say... be it positive or negative! If we continually voice the negative reports, just as the Israelite children, we will have what we say!

"And the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, “How long shall I bear with this evil congregation who complain against Me? I have heard the complaints which the children of Israel make against Me. Say to them, ‘As I live,’ says the LORD, ‘just as you have spoken in My hearing, so I will do to you:" Numbers 14:26-28

The same goes for those who give voice to God's Holy Word! When we speak God's promises over our lives. God unleashes a multitude of Angels to come and bring those things about! So...

How important are the words we speak?
Well... that's depends...
How important is a move of God in your life?

..."Behold... I make all things new!"

2010-01-04T14:17:00.001-06:00

"...Behold... I make all things new!" Revelations 21:5
"Thus says the LORD, who makes a way in the sea And a path through the mighty waters, Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert." Isaiah 43:16,18-19

As I look toward the coming year, an excitement fills my soul. I'm so grateful for a Heavenly Father with so much power and glory!!!
In Ecclesiastes 3 the word tells us that for everything there is a season. There is a time to sow and a time to reap. 2009 brought so many hardships...many tests of faith... opportunities to plant spiritual seeds. 2009 was a time of labor. Many seeds were sown. I believe 2010 will be a year of HARVEST! I believe all the seeds we labored so hard over will begin to bear fruit in the coming months! I believe that God's children will be set apart from the rest of the world. I believe His Glory will shine brightly upon those who choose to fully serve and trust Him. I believe that He will continue to make roads in the wilderness and rivers in the desert! I believe the windows of Heaven are about to burst open and rain blessings down upon God's people... blessings that we can not contain!!! He is longing to show His Glory and majesty to ALL the world. He is longing to reveal His Glory in all it's entirety. He wants to shine brightly that ALL eyes my be opened to see and understand His mystery!

I have seen so many miracles in my lifetime. So many impossibilities suddenly becoming possible. I have witnessed God's glory time and time again and yet He never ceases to AMAZE me!! Each time it's like seeing His Hand at work for the very first time. Today I stand in awe at all His wonder. I stand in anticipation of seeing more of His Glory in the days to come. Today I stand completely.... AMAZED!

You're Glory fills the sky!
A Great and Holy Light
Shining like a million stars,
I'm amazed by who you are
Lord we lift you high,
Oh God be magnified
You have overwhelmed my heart,
I'm amazed by who you are

The universe, is at your feet
And angels bow, when you speak
So high above, our greatest song
but still you call
and we will come

How amazed I am
Amazed- Kutless

Love in Christ,

Does Prayer really work?

2009-12-14T09:35:00.003-06:00

ABSOLUTELY!! No matter how many times I witness the power of prayer... it never ceases to amaze me. Our God is so very AWESOME! Nothing is impossible for Him! Last night served as another reminder of just how powerful prayer really is!!

Recently Serenity came down with a cold. She soon developed asthma like symptoms due to this cold. I have been giving her breathing treatments every few hours to help with these symptoms. Well... I had just finished giving her one and for the first time... it did NOT help at all. As a matter of fact, she continued to get worse. I knew that I needed to wait at least a couple of hours before giving her another one, but her wheezing was growing louder and louder. It was so bad that you could hear her breathing clear across the room. I really started to worry. So what do I do when I worry? I pray of course. I snuggled up beside her in bed and laid my hands on her chest. I began to offer praises to our Lord and welcomed the Holy Spirit into the situation. Then I started speaking life and health into her body. I prayed that God would open up those airways so she could breathe freely. Well.. about 15 minutes into my prayers, I felt like God was leading me to blow on her. May sound strange.. but I was obedient to my instinct and I very lightly blew on her face. Then I said... "Not my breath Lord but your breath" and I blew again. Serenity.. immediately.. no joke... IMMEDIATELY... took one quick very deep breath and then... silence. The wheezing just stopped. I felt her chest and her breathes were now coming regular and without strain. She slept peacefully through the entire night with NO wheezing! She woke up this morning with NO wheezing. I have not had to give her another breathing treatment since. Now tell me...

How AWESOME IS OUR GOD?!?! :)

A Zhu Zhu Blessing!

2009-12-03T09:41:00.004-06:00

So what is the hottest Christmas toy this year?
Why a Zhu Zhu pet of course!

A tiny little mechanical hamster is all the rage. Seems a little silly, but yet the hot Christmas items usually do. Serenity is just at the perfect age this year to be intrigued with a $10 hamster. So like most loving parents of toddlers, we set out to find her one. Can you guess how that worked out? I bet you can! We called lots of different stores in our area, studied their delivery schedules and traveled a few times, trying to run one down. Each time we would just miss them. The clerks would tell us that the cuddling creatures never even made it to the shelves. Crazy... I know! We looked online. All the stores were sold out and the few on ebay were going for 40 and 50 bucks... uh... not an option for a $10 toy in my book. I am not the kind of person to push, shove, or nearly kill someone just to get a toy on black Friday. So I decided just to leave it in God's hands. I've been praying God's favor on our family and left it at that. If it was meant for us to have one, then God would put us in the right place at the right time.

Well... this weekend Tommy's Dad, Tom Sr. and his wife Sue were out shopping at a nearby toy store. Tom Sr. is a brutal diebetic and often has to deal with insulin reactions. (We are working on him about believing for his complete healing) In the middle of their shopping trip, his blood sugar dropped and he nearly passed out. The store's manager, who is also a diebetic, rushed over with some candy. They talked for awhile, swapping stories. She was very understanding and sympathetic. She found favor with Tom because she knew exactly how he felt. Tom Sr. thanked her for being so nice. Then she handed them a card and said... "If there is ever anything I can do for you just let me know." Grandma Sue immediately spoke up with... "Well I don't suppose you could call and let us know when you get another shipment of Zhu Zhu pets in? Our granddaughter wants one for Christmas."
The nice lady just smiled and replied..."I can do you one even better than that" Then she reached into her pocket and pulled out a small coupon. "Just give this to the cashier when you check out." Sure enough... Sue handed the clerk the coupon and in return she handed Sue one cuddly little rodent. So now Serenity will get her Zhu Zhu pet on Christmas day! How awesome is that? Just as God promises us in Romans 8:28. He turned a situation that the enemy meant for Tom Sr.'s harm and turned it into a blessing for our little Reni! Isn't it amazing how we can trust God with even the smallest things and He always comes through! Even if it is for... a small mechanical $10 rodent! :)

Twas the month before Christmas and all through the house...

2009-11-17T11:12:00.003-06:00

Everyone was screaming because of that pesky ole' mouse!

Gracee ran screaming out of the bathroom this morning...
"Mommy... Mommy! Something is scratching on the bathtub!
I am NOT going pee in there!"

I walk inside and take a peek. Sure enough... there is a tiny little mouse stuck inside the bathtub. Hmm...How am I going to get him out of there? For a moment I thought about just leaving him there until Tommy arrived home. But then again... that would be at least another 10 hours. That's a long time for him to devise an escape plan. So I called Tom at work to see if he had any ideas.

"Go hit me with an old mop!"

"Hit him with my mop? I can't do that! That's just too cruel."

"Do you want him getting out?

"No."

"Do you want to catch him with your hands?"

"NO! Definitely NOT!"

"Then go hit him with an old mop."

Noah was standing next to me soaking in every detail of our conversation. It didn't take long before he was ready to go to battle. He immediately came to my rescue.

"I'll do it Mom! I'll get him for you!"

We grabbed an old empty mop handle from the closet and in we went. Noah smacked and smacked and smacked the bathtub. The poor little mouse ran up and down... back and forth... dodging every blow. Noah tried for several minutes, but unfortunately missed every hit. Meanwhile, Tom is still waiting on the phone...

"You're gonna have to do it! Just grab the mop and hit him!"

"I told you, I can't do that!"

He laughs... "Yes you can!"

About that time, Noah throws one last blow and the mouse lets out a screech.

Noah yells..."Yay! I got him."

I slowly lean over the bathtub to take a look. Hmm...Well... almost! The mop caught the very end of the mouses tail. Now his poor little legs are running as fast as they can go... and yet he isn't going anywhere. The kids laugh for a moment as he does his morning workout on our homemade treadmill. Then Noah picks up the mop and off he goes... like lightening! ZOOM! He runs up the side of the tub and slides right back down! He looks to the right and looks to the left... Yep... he's surrounded. So he crawls up under a washcloth.

"Dana... You are gonna have to hit him."

"I can't do it... He's hiding under a washcloth because he's scared."

"That's good! Now you can hit him. We can't have him loose in the house....crawling all over our food. Now just hit him!"

"But... he's scared!"

Through laughter..."Will YOU just hit him!"

I raise up the mop and with one swift blow... I smack the washcloth. I hear a tiny little squeak, followed by several more little squeaks.
A tear rolls down MY cheek.

"Tommy! He's crying! I made him cry."

Again he laughs at me! "Well...What did you expect him to do? You'll have to hit him again!"

I sadly look at him. I don't want him to suffer anymore. So I hit him again. The next sound I hear is EVERYONE saying... "Eeewwww!"

Problem solved!

Tom laughs hysterically at me as I say.. "Oh.. It is SO not funny!
That was the most barbaric thing I have ever had to do!"

"You did fine!"

"Whatever.. Just so you know....I am NOT getting him outta there!"

Ugh.... I may NEVER take a bath again!

Noah's Answered Prayer...

2009-11-12T10:36:00.006-06:00

For about six months now, Noah has been saving for a new bike. His old one is very worn out. It used to be neon orange, but it's become so faded that it's pink now. All the other little boys in our neighborhood have brand new bikes complete with trick pegs on all the wheels. They often playfully tease Noah. So he REALLY wanted a new bike! Unfortunately, things have been a little tight in our family. With the fallen economy, it's only by the grace of God that Tommy has a job. His company had two major layoffs. So when they just merely cut back his hours, we did not complain. God has always supplied our needs, but we haven't had any extra money in quite a while. Noah completely understood his need to earn the money for his bike. He did not complain. He just started doing some odd jobs for my parents. It took him several months to earn half the money. Then one day, we needed a few groceries, but were completely strapped for cash. Noah cheerfully gave us his savings. Once again, he did not complain, or whine. He was HAPPY to help us out, even if it meant giving up the chance for a new bike. Meanwhile, little did we know, he was secretly praying every night! He stood in faith believing as he placed a detailed request to our Heavenly Father.

It is no secret, that God works in the field of sowing and reaping. When we plant a seed, we will reap the harvest of that seed. If we sow sparingly, we will reap sparingly. When we sow bountiful, we will reap bountiful. Now God does not measure by quantity, but rather by heart. Just as Jesus told the little widow lady, who gave less than a penny. She gave more than even the richest tax collector, for she gave out of her need! God will always honor EVERY gift based on faith. He LOVES to bless a cheerful giver and we can NEVER out give God! By cheerfully helping out his family, Noah sowed a seed for a new bike. Then God answered his prayer!

Last Wednesday, Noah arrived home from school to find a brand new bike waiting on our porch! A wonderful anonymous person from our church was obedient when God told them to buy Noah a new bike. Turns out it was EXACTLY what Noah wanted... down to the very color!

God is SOOO Good!

Noah has always been wise to the power of prayer. Hence the reason Eli is here! :) However, this time he learned an equally important lesson... not only does God care about his needs, but He loves him so much that God cares about even his SMALLEST desires!

"Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart."
Psalm 37:4

Hmm... What Miracle Baby is Three Years old?

2009-11-10T10:29:00.007-06:00

Why it's our little Lady Bug... of course!
Happy Birthday Reni Rose!
We Love You!

Toddler Talk: Look at that Reni!

2009-10-22T11:24:00.001-05:00

While we are driving down the road, Eli spots something through the window on Serenity's side of the car. He wants to share his discovery with his sister.

Eli points toward the window

"Wow... look at that Reni!"

Serenity continues to stare the other way

"I AM Reni silly!"

"No... Look at THAT... Reni!"

"I SAID I AM Reni!"

Eli becomes frustrated and points more vigorously

"NO! Just Look at THAT...Reni!"

"ELI! I TOAD YOU A HUNDRED TIMES... I AM RENI! I CAN'T LOOKED AT MYSELF! (rolls her eyes and shakes her head) DUH!"

LOL!

Seasons of change

2009-10-19T13:37:00.004-05:00

My favorite time of the year is the fall. I love all the beautiful colors and the feel of change. I love to step outside and smell the brisk cold air. It's the smell of winter coming. It always fills me with excitement, an anticipation of something great to come.

I laugh at that statement, for I am suddenly reminded of my Dad's comment on the subject. He actually hates this time of year. He views it as a time for everything withering away and dying, only to be replaced by a bitter cold that he has to work out in. I can plainly see his point. For as much as I love the snow, I wouldn't want to work 10 or 12 hours a day wading through it.

However, I've never looked at it in that manner. I don't see death. I see change. Life is full of changes and with every turn of event we must weather a bitter cold. Just like every trial we endure, the cold winter draws us closer to our loved ones. We must huddle together to keep warm. We must depend on another to help get us through.

Fall is definitely my favorite time of the year. It's the time when I feel the the most joy. Which in itself is very ironic considering, I can link nearly every painful experience in my life to the autumn months. Three years ago we spent most of the fall in the hospital with Serenity, watching her cling to life. Seven years ago, Tommy and I, just barely escaped divorce. Twenty-four years ago, on October 14th, was by far the hardest to overcome. My oldest brother, was tragically killed in a car accident.

At the time, he was my biggest hero. He was always protecting me from the wrath of my less older brothers. :) Even though there were twelve years difference in our ages, we were very close. He always made time for me. He allowed me a tag along whenever I asked. As a matter of fact, he loved to show me off to his friends. He made me feel so very special. I found comfort and security just by being around him. So often I would awaken in the middle of the night frightened and would hurry off to his room. He never became frustrated by my intrusion. He would simply just pull back the covers and invite me to stay. So many nights I slept safely snuggled in his arms. At the age of only six, it rocked my world when I lost my brother.

Yet despite all of these attempts by Satan to steal my joy, this is STILL my favorite time of the year! I realize that we can view these occurrences two ways. I can view them the way I wrote them above or I can say, Three years ago God healed our daughter, Seven years ago God renewed and strengthened the love in my marriage, Twenty-four years ago my brother was embraced in the arms of our Lord and Savior. Today, he is resting safely snuggled within the arms of THE greatest hero.

Satan's main goal is to steal our joy in every aspect of our lives. For once that joy is gone, he has room to bring even more destruction. However, when we focus our eyes on Jesus, when we cling to the promises His blood provides, we always have VICTORY! All satan can do is try. He can't accomplish anything unless we allow him.

Autumn is the time of year set aside for God's creations to prepare themselves for the bitter winter to come. In order to prepare, a change must first take place. Although change can sometimes be scary, it can also be exciting when we realize that God is always in control. Whatever cold the winter may bring, the warm sun always returns in the spring. The flowers and trees that seem to wither in preparation, always bounce back with more life and beauty, stronger than before.

So when I step outside and inhale the scent of the oncoming winter months, I'm overwhelmed with anticipation. Excitement fills me as I step out and embrace change.
"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to harvest; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance; a time to cast away and a time to gather; a time to embrace and a time to pull away; a time to get and a time to lose; a time to keep and a time to give away; a time to rend, and time to sew, a time to keep silent and a time to speak; A time to love and a time to hate; a time of war and a time of peace" Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

There is a season for everything. The world is constantly changing and renewing. This is what we call life. So whatever the change may bring in preparation for the future, know that,

"He hath made everything beautiful in HIS time." Ecclesiastes 3:11a

Love in Christ,

Even Stars have their Bad Days...

2009-10-16T08:22:00.005-05:00

Here is just a little reminder that even stars have their bad days. Take Hannah Montana for instance. In the spotlight she looks nearly perfect. Skin all glistening with glitter, makeup precisely applied, not one hair outta place. But... she's not always perfect... no sometimes even Hannah Montana has a bad hair day. Especially after living a year at our house....

Yep... she's not so perfect now. Makes me feel a little better knowing I'm not the only one who has trouble looking nice in this house... not even a Superstar can take the toll of five young kids! :)

However, Hannah Montana is a bit more upset then usual. Today, She would like me to make a special announcement on her behalf.

Attention ALL Children's Church Workers!

It is never a GOOD idea to give Serenity bubble gum and even more so... it is always a REALLY BAD idea to give Serenity enough bubble gum to share with the rest of her siblings!

Poor Hannah Montana... She has just been distraught about it for days....

So PLEASE NO bubble gum for Serenity.

You never know whose life might be affected by it!

Thank you for your cooperation! :)

Love in Christ,

Storytime with Serenity

2009-10-15T09:16:00.003-05:00

Serenity sat in the kitchen watching me cook and suddenly decided it was story time.

"Onced upon dat time, there was a little girl named My Mommy! Her had a little baby girl named Reni Rosed. Her was putted in da hospital cause her had a broked heart... BUT den Jesus fixed it... YAY Jesus! Tank you Jesus, Praise da Lord! Jesus loves us!
"Jesus love me... Jesus love me... this I owe."
See He is (flexes muscles) STRONG! But Jesus died on dat cross (turns up bottom lip and looks down) They put a sharp knife (or nail) in his hand and made the blood comed out. He died cause he loves us..."Jesus love me.. Jesus love me.. this I owe. Cause this song tells me so"
(Her little mind starts to wander) Umm...Sometimes the rain wakes me up at night. It rains REAL hard and the sky goes BOOM! And Daddy snores REAL hard like this...
(makes snorting noises with her nose) Den Mommy say.. "Waked UP Daddy Your snoring!"
(Her mind starts to wander again) Jesus died on dat cross and fixed my broked heart. Umm...My Daddy snores REAL loud. Den there was umm... umm... ummm... (starts to hold herself and sway left to right) Den...umm.. there was a big... umm...(starts to bounce up and down) I GOTS to goed peed! (takes off running toward the bathroom and yells over her shoulder)
De End!

Isn't it amazing how a toddler's mind works! :)

Set apart and Pushed aside

2009-10-13T22:19:00.005-05:00

For the past few months, I have noticed an increasing division between the worldly and God's devoted children. I feel as if I'm being set apart... as well as pushed aside. God is blessing my family tremendously. I feel protected and sheltered within His wings but at the same time I feel rejected by those I've loved and been loved by my entire life.

There is a joy and a forever glow surrounding me, yet there are those who suddenly shun me. At first I was quick to blame myself. I evaluated my behavior. Did I say or do something? Could I do more or less? Then I began to set back and notice the actions of others. I can plainly see other Christians going through the same rejection. I've witnessed those with a heart full of God's love being treated like dirt... for NO apparent reason. I have seen luke warm Christians pick apart the lives of those who are clearly on fire for God. I've heard blanant lies being told without even an ounce of justifiable cause.

On a more positive note, I can also see the difference in God's blessings. I see faithful Christians being blessed in the midst of a recession. I see a protection against viruses in the midst of a declared epidemic. It is as if there is an invisible shield surrounding the faithful. God is definitely taking care of those who remain loyal to trust Him!

Lately I feel as if I'm living Psalms 91 "A thousand may fall at your side, And ten thousand at your right hand; But it shall not come near you."... "No evil shall befall you,Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; For He shall give His angels charge over you,To keep you in all your ways."

Yet...I also feel as if I'm living out John 15:19-21
“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me.

God is setting apart His Children, because He wants everyone to see His glory. He's crying out to a lost and dying world... Come to me and I will shelter you! I AM your Hope! I AM your salvation! Just as a parent tries to reward the obedient and use tough love to shake the rebellious. Our Heavenly Father is trying to make a point. He wants the world to see the harsh reality of serving the world vs the benefits of serving an awesome savior.

Now there has always been a line drawn between the world and God's kingdom. God has always blessed His people and Christians have always been persecuted. But the fact that there is a sudden increase in this division, the fact that it is suddenly magnified, tells me one thing.... OUR TIME IS ALMOST UP!

There is a major spiritual warfare going on! Just as Ephesians 6:12 says...
"For we wrestle NOT against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age..."

We are in the middle of a spiritual battle.... a spiritual awakening. The tides have suddenly shifted because God is fed up with our rebellion, He is fed up with luke warm Christians. He's fed up with our wishy washy behavior. He's declaring.... You will either get in or be left behind. God is raising up His faithful followers and He is preparing them for a mighty outpouring of His glory. He is preparing them for one last and final revival. This is His desperate call for the world He loves!

The enemy is also fighting! He knows what is coming. He is fighting God's people with everything he has. He is desperately trying to discredit God's chosen. He wants to destroy God's faithful, but he can't penetrate God's shield of protection without our allowance. So he's coming in through the backdoor... using everyone who will allow him access. He's pulling families apart. His destroying life long relationships. He's bring in strife Because James 3:16 tells us... "For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and EVERY evil work." As long as there is strife... he is able to hit God's people with EVERY evil devise he has. As long as there is confusion he can plant his seeds of doubt.... as long as there is doubt.... there is NO faith... Without faith there is NO spiritual blessings.

We MUST stay prayed up. We MUST stay within God's presence. We MUST remain with a pure heart, sensitive to God's touch. WE MUST NOT ALLOW THE ENEMY TO STEAL GOD'S BLESSINGS! We must stand firm, declaring the truth, even though.... NO... ESPECIALLY WHEN we are persecuted!

There is a spiritual battle going on and the end is drawing nigh. Now we all know how this book ends! We all know who wins the war of good and evil!!
So It's time to decide...
Whose side will you be fighting on?
Will you shout Victory OR cry in agony?
Will you be set apart & pushed aside OR lost in the shuffle?

The choice belongs to us... I pray for God's mercy and grace!

Love In Christ,

What Faith Can Do... WILL DO!

2009-10-06T15:47:00.011-05:00

Eli and Reni watched this video together and Eli asked.. "Reni, why are you in da hospital?" Reni answered... "Cause my heart was broken, but then Jesus fixed it."

I'm sooo thankful for a Savior who mends broken hearts!

Don't forget to pause our media player located at the bottom of the page before you hit play!

You can find this video on youtube... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lhZoEG6nAA

This is my first blog hop. When I found out the theme for this week was "Anything that feels good..." including encouraging or inspirational. I just had to include Serenity's video, Even though it's been posted for a week. I wanted to share "What faith WILL do" with the blog hopping community. Sorry folks a new post is coming soon! :)

Would you take the place of this man?

2009-09-29T21:15:00.004-05:00

While driving home earlier this week, a Jeremy Camp song came on the radio. I have heard the song a million times over, but for some reason the message suddenly hit me harder than usual. The question arose within my spirit... "Would you take the place of this man? Would you take the nails from His hands?" My first reaction was.... "Of course Lord... I would die for you. I Love you!" I mean it's easy to blurt out those words. It's easy to say I would gladly take His place. My life does not demand such a sacrifice. But then... I really searched my heart.... If the situation arose... If I REALLY had to make the choice... Would I die for my Lord? That's a hard question.

Oh we think we really know what love is. We think we have it all figured out. But truth is we don't even have a clue. The word says... "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends." John 15:13 Friends? Christ laid down His life for a world that despised Him. A world that rejected Him. A world that hated Him. He laid down His life for a species of humans not worthy of the dirt that formed them. Christ Loved the unlovable. He was tortured and beaten for a people who spit upon Him. He gave His life so that we might live. Yet most will not even take advantage of His great sacrifice. For most of us... His beating was taken in vain. For most of us NEVER receive it's benefits. Christ died for the ungrateful unbeliever. He didn't have to die. He was GOD! He could have spoke one word to stop the crucifixion. He could have called upon all the angels in heaven to save him. Yet, he even refused to drink the pain numbing solution he was offered. He wanted to feel it all. He wanted to feel all the pain so that we wouldn't have to feel any. He wanted to die for a lowly world. Christ suffered... FOR LOVE!

Earlier I was talking with Serenity and Eli. They have heard Bible stories in Sunday School. They have heard me talking with their older siblings. They know the basic story line of the birth, life, crucifixion and most importantly they know that Jesus is no longer dead, but ALIVE. Yet, their little minds can not even fathom the sacrifice Jesus made for them. They do not understand WHY Jesus had to die. Eli... in his loving concerned voice stated.. "Mama, I don't want Jesus to die. I Love Him!" Serenity's world was rocked when she heard the conversation. "Mama, why those people hurt Jesus? Why he falled on that cross. He's my friend." I long for their innocence. I hunger for their devotion. Their pure little hearts Love without condition. Any wonder why Jesus was so fond of the little children... they are the purest example of a Godly heart. They are the closest we will ever come to experiencing the Love of Christ.

I Long for that kind of loyalty. I long for the moment when I would know without hesitation... Just as I know I would trade my life for my children.... I would trade places with my Lord. Daily I will strive for that kind of devotion. I will make every effort for a closer deeper relationship with my Savior. I will search my heart until I am no longer haunted by these questions... Am I REALLY devoted enough to my Savior that I would die for Him? Do I LOVE Him enough to have taken His place on that cross? Daily I will strive until I, myself, KNOW and FEEL the Love of Christ. Because there is coming a day when we may have to face these questions for REAL. What will our decision be?

Take a few minutes and watch the following video. Then ask yourself.... "Would you take the place of this man? Would you take the nails from His hands?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBAhvI0TRDs

Love in Christ,

The Importance of Repentance in Receiving God's Blessings

2009-09-26T09:31:00.006-05:00

God in His ultimate wisdom never ceases to amaze me. He knows the future... He knows all.. Every day is planned. Every day He is in preparation for the next. Today He is preparing you for what you will need for tomorrow... or a year from now... or even 50 years from now. How awesome is our God?

When I was about 18 years of age, I told a lie to my mother. It wasn't just some slip of the tongue kind of lie. I actually looked her straight in the eye and lied through my teeth. For a few years, I often thought about it and felt bad, but NEVER said anything. Then after awhile, the conviction lessened, I began thinking about it less and less. For several years I hardly ever thought about it at all. Then when I was expecting Serenity... about 6 or 7 months along, God suddenly reminded me about my little lie. I soon became consumed with conviction. Every time I would speak to her, I became tongue tied. I would feel sick to my stomach. Each time became harder and harder to look her in the eye. The the dark hours of the night I began crying out to God... begging for His forgiveness. But I couldn't receive a peace! Before long, I knew what I had to do... I had to confess to my mother.

The thought of telling my parents scared me. It was always SO important to me that both of my parents were proud of me. I didn't want to disappoint them. I didn't want them to know that I had let them down. A few more days passed, and the conviction grew stronger and stronger. Finally, I made a trip to their house to confess. I stayed for a couple of hours... trying to come up with the courage to speak, but failed. As I walked to my car that night, the burden overwhelmed me. Never in my life, had I ever felt conviction so strong. I turned around to see my mother walking back toward the house and I called out to her. Immediately I broke down and confessed with tears streaming down my face. "I lied to you." I spent the next few moments bawling my eyes out as I confessed every little detail. Once everything was out in the open, you know what she said? She said... "I've known that all along" It wasn't a big deal to her. What WAS a big deal, was the fact that I felt bad enough to confess after all those years. That night she developed a deeper respect for me. A few months later, Serenity entered into this world.

In hindsight, I can see God's reasoning for my confession. He was preparing me for the long road that laid ahead of me. He was preparing me to be a mighty prayer warrior. Few people truly understand the importance of repentance. Few people truly understand the importance of praying with a pure heart.

"For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight." 1 John 3:20-22

In order for us to have the confidence of God answering our prayers we MUST have a guilt free conscious. Now of course, we all make mistakes every day. But there is a HUGE difference in making honest human mistakes and outward blatant sin. There is a difference in slipping up and harboring a hidden sin within your heart. So many people use the excuse... "I'm only human." as a scapegoat to do as they please... not realizing they are hindering God from moving within their lives. We must STRIVE toward Christ-like perfection. We MUST make EVERY effort to become perfect. We will never reach that goal, but we MUST strive toward that goal. A pure heart takes a DAILY effort. "Lord, reveal my faults on this day, so that I can correct them. Then forgive me Lord" With the obvious sins there MUST be a true heart felt repentance. Repentance is more than just asking for forgiveness

Repentance: Turning away from sin by changing one's actions to obey the teachings of Jesus Christ. The repentance process consists of feeling sincere regret or sorrow for doing wrong, confessing the sin(s), asking for forgiveness, making restitution for any damage done, and promising not to repeat the sin.

Throughout the bible God gives us examples of the importance of repentance, but one in particular has always hit me like a ton of bricks.

"If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will NOT hear. But certainly God has heard me; He has attended to the voice of my prayer. " Psalm 66:18-19

God requires a prayer of repentance before He will even HEAR our other petitions! Therefore, a powerful prayer warrior requires a pure heart.

Before Serenity's birth God was already preparing me to become a worthy prayer warrior. After her birth, we made every effort to remain within God's good standing. I NEVER even DARED to ask God for her healing without first asking for forgiveness. "Lord, if I have knowingly or unknowingly stepped out of your will on this day, Forgive me, that I may come to you with a pure heart." Every time I prayed, I first searched my heart. Once my conscious was clear... then I proceeded with my petitions of healing.

Yes.. God's wisdom never ceases to amaze me. He goes before us preparing our way.... as long as we are obedient to listen, we can NOT fail. God knew how Serenity's story would end. He planned her healing before MY existence. He knew every detail that would need to fall into place. All the way from placing the Charles Capps book into my hands months before her birth (that helped me understand faith in depth)... to purifying my heart. God planned everything! He KNEW that I had to reveal EVERY hidden sin. If I had not been obedient to the convicting power of the Holy Spirit, I am most certain our story would have turned out differently. I Praise a loving, mighty and Patient God... who never gave up on me!

A New Boldness in Love!

2009-09-25T11:20:00.007-05:00

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven" Matthew 5:13-16.

I have been thinking a lot about the power of witnessing. My mind and my heart have been drawn to a lost and dying world. My heart aches for those who are blinded my the lies of the enemy... Those who believe they can continue to live in darkness and still make it home. My spirit cries out for the Christians who have become complacent. Christians who look for excuses for their sin instead of falling upon their faces in repentance and the Christians who are so luke warm they don't even realize they are sinning. God's word tells us the fate of all these people. (Romans 6:23), (Revelation 3:16)

The more I watch the news.... the more I see biblical revelations coming to pass. The end times are not just near... THEY ARE HERE! An urgency rises up in my soul and I must DO something! There are those who I love that I KNOW are lost! Time is running out! Is letting my light shine enough? Is is enough for them to just see MY life? No! I MUST speak up!

"And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature"
Mark 16:15.

Every person we come into contact with is an opportunity. If we truly believe God directs our steps... then EVERY moment has a purpose! Every person is in our lives FOR A REASON! Sometimes they are there to witness or bless us.. Sometimes we are there to bless them. Sometimes we bless each other. Nothing is by chance. God is all knowing and all powerful. He has carefully designed the paths of our lives. So over the course of this life... how many opportunities have we missed?

I hunger for a new boldness! I thirst for a Spiritual awakening. I fall at the feet of Christ and BEG for forgiveness. I have set quiet long enough. I have allowed those who I love to further slip away, while I have remained silent. I see Christians doing the same. I see many turning the other way while blatant sin continues. I see them patting the sinner on the back and saying.." It's okay.. God still Loves you."

What is LOVE? God is LOVE! (1 John 4:8) Does anyone remember Jesus turning his back on sin? Does anyone remember Him patting a sinner on the back and saying... "It's okay... God STILL Loves you!"? NO! Because God does TRULY Love us! That's why Jesus declared over and over and over and over again.... REPENT! He was more concerned with the sinner's eternal soul than His own acceptance. He never played games when it came to sin! He never mickey moused around about finding excuses for sin... Oh this person has had a hard life.. This person just doesn't know better... He simply declared... REPENT! REPENT!

What is TRUE LOVE? If you KNEW with all your heart.. someone you love would be hit by a bus the very moment they stepped out into the street and yet, you said nothing to warn them... Would THAT be Love? NO! Then how much more should we be concerned with someones eternal soul. How much harder should we try to save them from everlasting torture?

LOVE is doing everything in your power to protect that person. Love is doing what's right, even though it's hard. Love is being rejected and STILL declaring the Truth! We can no longer sit idly by and watch our loved ones slip further away. Not only is it NOT love, but the word says their blood will be on OUR hands. Now...we are NOT to judge the condition of someones heart by what they wear, how often they go to church, the strength of their faith etc. However, we are to call blatant, scripture defining sin as what it is... SIN! We are to bring the light of God's Word into EVERY dark situation. For if we fail to do so, the Word tells us... WE will be held accountable for their sins. How scary is that!

It's time for a new boldness. It's time for Christians to rise and take their place. It's time for us take a stand against wrong and boldly pursue what is RIGHT! Not in our own power but by the power of the Holy Spirit.. In God who gives us Grace!

"To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ" Ephesians 3:8

Through the Grace given by God, It's time for us to demonstrate the power of TRUE Love!

"For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires ALL men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." 1Timothy 2:3-4

Love in Christ,

Abundantly Blessed

2009-09-12T00:04:00.008-05:00

Honey... I Shrunk the Recliner!

Or Maybe...

Our Heavenly Father just Blessed us with an Abundant Garden!

If you were to see our garden you would understand just how much of a miracle this really is! lol This was the first year we tried gardening. We had absolutely no idea what we were doing and it REALLY shows. Yet... our produce by FAR surpasses what we could hope to expect. We planted early and it just KEEPS coming... HUGE veggies and LOTS of them!

Why? Because... WE ARE BLESSED!

"And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the LORD your God: Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country. Blessed shall be the fruit of your body, the produce of your ground and the increase of your herds, the increase of your cattle and the offspring of your flocks. Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl. Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out." Deuteronomy 28:2-6

“The LORD will command the blessing on you in your storehouses and in all to which you set your hand, and He will bless you in the land which the LORD your God is giving you. And the LORD will grant you plenty of goods, in the fruit of your body, in the increase of your livestock, and in the produce of your ground, in the land of which the LORD swore to your fathers to give you." Deuteronomy 28:8,11

Yes.. We are BLESSED Beyond Measure!

Tiny Eyes...

2009-09-10T09:45:00.011-05:00

By: Dana Burk

Tiny eyes... they're watching me.

What kind of example will I be?

Will I help them grow up strong?

Will I teach them right from wrong?

Tiny eyes... they're watching me.

What kind of person will they see?

Will I be honest, true and bold...

God's Shining Glory to behold?

Will I always stand and fight...

Never compromising what is right?

Will I be faithful, loyal and true?

Hopelessly devoted to the words... "I Do."

Tiny eyes they're watching me...

What kind of Mommy will I be?

Will I be slow to anger yet quick to love.

Will I give plenty... always enough?

Will I be understanding when they stray...

Always devoted to fervently pray?

Tiny eyes they're watching me... learning... watching... carefully!

Will they see me Spiritually grow?

Will they hunger for the Savior I know?

Will they see my burning flame...

Never weakened with life's rain?

Will they see me walk upright?

Will they follow my guiding light?

Tiny eyes... they're watching me.
What kind of example will I be?

Where there is an exception to the rule... There is NO rule!

2009-09-05T12:10:00.007-05:00

I have often heard people discuss how it's okay to commit a little wrong, if it works toward a greater good. So my question is... where do you draw the line?

Recently a nice young man approached my door. I could tell he was very nervous and wasn't use to speaking with strangers. He had a very well rehearsed speech on why I should buy one of his magazines, which in turn would earn him points toward a trip to Bermuda. The magazine purchases also help send children books to hospitals. Well... if you know me that's where he had me hooked. After spending so much time in the PICU with Serenity, I have a certain soft spot for anything that makes the patient experience more pleasurable. So I had my mind set on helping out.. until... he mentioned the price.

As many of you know, my husband had his hours cut back quite drastically for awhile. For the past several weeks God has blessed him with an abundance of overtime. Praise the Lord! However, we were very far behind for a several months. Now it's taking every extra bit he's making just to catch up. Bottom line.. We are surviving but we still don't have extra cash.

I asked him if he might be able to come back another time. He refused. Instead he said he would be willing to accept a post dated check. I wouldn't do that. I explained that I didn't know when I would have the extra money to help out. So then he made me a proposition. He turned the form around and revealed the fine print on the back. "It says right here that if for any reason you want to cancel your order, you have 10 days to do so. All you have to do is give me a check today. Then call and explain that you've had an expected bill and cancel. They will immediately stamp void on your check. I still get my points. The children still get their book and you get that warm fuzzy feeling inside for helping out. Everyone's happy!"

Sounded like a good deal! What makes everyone happy couldn't possibility be wrong.. right? Wrong! God's doesn't give us exceptions to the rules. As my husband always says..."Where there is an exception to the rule.. there is no rule." No matter how much people try to make something sound good. Wrong is still Wrong and Right is always Right. There is NO gray area when it comes to sin. A lie (no matter how much we think it helps someone out) is still a lie.

In my opinion, if I were to sign my name to a check agreeing to pay a certain amount with the intention of never actually dishing out the dough. Then that is the same as a lie. Not to mention the fact that I would have to verbally lie to the operator just to convince them to cancel my order. There wasn't any unexpected bill heading my way... and I knew it!

I politely explained that I just didn't want to do that and thanked him for his time. He mumbled under his breath and left very angry. I felt badly because I knew he was very nervous and probably felt like a failure. Part of me wanted to cave, but another part of me knew the consequences of doing so.

We often prevent God's blessings in our life, by compromising the truth. God doesn't see big or small... God only sees disobedience. There have been many times when people have thought I was absolutely crazy for trying to do the right thing. I have walked back into a store to pay just a few cents for an item the checker forgot to scan. Some people might say.. "Well.. it was their fault or it was only worth a few cents... Therefore it's alright." But I tell you what... if I'm going to risk missing out on God's blessings in my life... I'm not going to do it for just a few cents. How completely insane would that be!!!

I have also refused gifts from store clerks. One guy tried to give me a free fountain drink. "That's okay... just keep it." I asked him if he was going to pay for it.. "Nah.. don't worry about it." Well.. YES I'm going to worry about it because it wasn't HIS to give. It would be different if he happened to be the owner, but he was just a clerk. I ended up paying for my drink and I'm sure being the blunt of every joke for the rest of the night. But I know with every fiber of my being that God has honored my persistence to always try to do the right thing. Sometimes I may fail, but I always try to be obedient! God blesses the obedient!

Satan knows this. It's his main purpose to kill, steal and destroy. (John 10:10) He wants to stop the blessings of God from flowing. So he will often set up circumstances that appear to be good. He wants to set traps for God's people. He makes people believe they are doing a good thing, when in actuality they're stepping out of God's will and into dangerous territory. Example.. a married woman/man starts out by innocently "Witnessing" to someone of the opposite sex. They ignore the fact that their spouse doesn't agree with the little talks. Soon they end up lying to their loved ones for the "greater good." Then before long they're caught up in an adulterous affair. By reasoning out what they know in their hearts is wrong, they end up destroying not only their marriage, but their mind, body and spirit as well.

So where do we draw the line? We don't!!! The bible tells us to shun the very appearance of evil. (1 Thessalonians 5:22) For God knows that one tiny snowflake can soon turn into a giant snowball of destruction. And nothing is worth missing out on the blessings of God!

Love in Christ,

Toddler Talk - Repaying the Favor

2009-08-31T18:21:00.005-05:00

Eli woke me up the other morning with a great big hug and kiss!

"Mommy... I LOVE you!"

"I LOVE you too Eli."

"Why?"

"Because you're very special to me!"

"Why"

"Because I'm your Mommy."

"Why, you my Mommy?"

"Because I gave birth to you!"

Without hesitation... He takes a deep breath and releases it right into my face.

"Hhhhhaaaaaa!"

Then very satisfied he adds...

"There... I give breath back to you!"

I Love the fact that he wanted to repay the favor. I just hope he doesn't think this means he's MY Mommy now! LOL

Martha yearning to be like Mary

2009-08-20T09:24:00.004-05:00

"Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But only one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42

Recently God has been dealing with me on a certain issue. Throughout my life, I have made a vain effort to please the people I'm close to. The thought of disappointing or letting down those that I love, somehow consumes me. Almost to the point of an obsession! I am constantly asking myself..."Did I do the right thing?... "Could I have done more?... Did I say the right thing?... Should I have said more?" I become frantic when I believe I might someone down. Then when things don't go the way I believe that should, I always blame myself.

My Christian life is no different. I have been living my life to please my Savior. Which is a GOOD thing... helping others, spreading the gospel, sharing our testimony and encouraging those needing hope. However, when things happen that I do not understand. I immediately blame myself... "Did I miss God? Did I say or do the wrong thing? Lord forgive, I will try harder!!" I truly believe that the desire to please our Lord is a good quality... a GOD given quality. Until.. it becomes the center of your focus and you end up missing the greater picture.

Lately I find myself as a Martha yearning to be like Mary! Just like Martha I feel like I have become frantic in my preparations. I've been so busy trying to please my Lord that I'm missing out on the only thing that really matters... being in His presence. At night in my desperate calls out to him, I hear him saying... "All I need is your Love. Then all these things will come." If I want to accomplish my purpose on this earth, if I want to be the person God created me to be, if I truly want to please my Savior, then first I must be content with having ONLY Him! He is the ONLY thing that matters! If I'm truly walking in His presence then I don't have to worry about letting Him down, because He's guiding my steps!

I do not want to be a Martha. Jesus was in her house. He was right next to her, but yet...she missed the only thing that mattered... His closeness. Mary savored every moment with her Savior. She worshiped Him! She loved Him! She was happy to just be near Him! Martha tried frantically to please Jesus, but in the end Mary's the one who was truly adored!

I have cut back on my ministering and blogging. Because if I truly want to be an instrument that God can use, then I must first center in on my relationship. I must focus on ONLY His presence. I must enjoy the closeness of my Savior! Get to know Him again! Love Him! Worship Him! Then I will grow and do as HE leads me!

I want to please my Savior! I want to help others! I want a flourishing ministry of Victory and Hope.. because I have a strong desire to make a difference, a deep compassion for complete strangers. I want to be a servant of the Lord accomplishing great things in HIS name! But I must be obedient... "All I need is your Love! Then all these things will come!"

Love in Christ,

Riding the Rail

2009-08-16T18:07:00.006-05:00

When do you know it's time

to upgrade a baby bed into a toddler bed?

When the safety rail becomes the Baby's new favorite toy...

"Look, Mom! I a Cowboy! Giddy UP! Wee Haw!"

This gives a whole new meaning to the phrase...

"Riding the Rail!"

Looking Toward Victory!

2009-08-12T23:07:00.006-05:00

Okay.. now that I've had a little time to vent, I feel much better. Everyone is being hit hard right now. Lately... it seems we've been attacked on all sides. God's people are definitely being tested. Does that mean we become discouraged? NO! Does that mean we accept defeat? Absolutely NOT! Whether our trial is big or small... whether or valley is deep or shallow... We always start climbing that mountain! WE always look toward Victory!! I am a child of the KING of KINGS and victory is already mine!! When the enemy tries to bring strife into my family... I take the authority Christ has given me and I stop him dead in his tracks! When the enemy tries to attack my finances... I stand on His promises.

"Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this, Says the LORD of hosts, If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field, Says the LORD of hosts; And all nations will call you blessed, For you will be a delightful land,” Says the LORD of hosts." Malachi 3:10-12

When I'm obedient to His commandment to tithe, (even in...no.. especially in my lack) then I have His promise that He will rebuke the devourer on my behalf. I do my part... then I EXPECT Him to pour out blessings on me that I can not contain! God is ALWAYS faithful to His promises!

Over the past few months we have endured a little tightening in our belts, but we have never been without. God has remained faithful to supply our needs. Tommy was able to hold onto his job through two large lay offs (a miracle in itself) They DID cut out all overtime, which hurt our way of life. However, the company had also warned him of at least one 30 hour week per month. I stood firm on God's promises and prayed faithfully. For months, they chose only a handful of employees to work full time during these short weeks. Tommy was chosen every time! Each week he was able to work the full 40 hours! Praise God! Many similar companies sadly had to close their doors completely. However, the company Tom works for was founded on tithing. The owner gives God all the glory for it's success! They were down for awhile but not destroyed. While so many other companies are failing, This company recently hired back several more employees!! For the last couple of weeks, Tom has been able to work 10 hours overtime. (Praise God we're catching up) Then today, they announced everyone would be working 20 hours of overtime. God is Good! He is faithful!

You can put me on record as saying... There is a mighty blessing heading our way!! I know because... for one.. God has promised it! And two... the enemy has been desperately trying to discourage my family. Whenever the enemy attacks at full force, you can almost guarantee God has something BIG in the making! He sees it coming and he wants to stop God from moving. The only way he can do that is if he gets our eyes off the prize. Sometimes it doesn't take much to discourage God's people. Sometimes he has to hit us FULL FORCE! If you're being attacked from all sides, take it as a compliment that you're a strong warrior worthy of a mighty battle! No one said fighting the good fight of faith would be easy, they just said it would be victorious!

The enemy comes to kill, steal and destroy. (John 10:10) He walks around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. (1 Peter 5:8) But.. whether or not he succeeds, is always up to us! The enemy can and WILL attack but we can either let him have our blessing or we can be obedient to God and HOLD onto God's promises! We are to trust fully in our lord, knowing that God is allowing our trial as a teaching tool... using it to perfect His vessel. (James 1:2) Then EXPECT God to shower us with His love and blessing! We are always to EXPECT Victory in every situation we face, because we are promised VICTORY!

"But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."
1 Corinthians 15:57-58

"For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world even our faith" 1 John 5:4

I will NOT be moved by circumstances around me! I will be praying and PROCLAIMING Victory! I continue to look toward the future in expectation of a mighty blessing... financial and spiritual!!

Love in Christ,

Broken but not Destroyed and... Learning

2009-08-12T08:54:00.008-05:00

Today my eyes are opened to a harsh reality. Today my view on the world has changed. Today my desperation for a world wide spiritual awakening screams out to all who will listen.

While Serenity was in the hospital my eyes were opened to the abundant suffering of the ill or forgotten. Now my eyes have been opened to the cause of all that suffering. The world has grown cold. It's conscience has been seared. It's heart blackened. In the middle of an economic hardship, everyone should be drawing closer together... working with one another toward a greater good. Yet... more and more souls have become devious, self loving, stepping on who ever gets in their way just to earn the all mighty dollar. People have become inhumane, heartless, immoral.

"But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." 2 Timothy 3:1-7

As most of you know, toward the beginning of the year, Tommy's place of employment drastically reduced his hours. They had two large lay offs. So at the time we were just thankful that God's favor protected his job. But at the same time, the loss of income sent us into a temporary financial whirlwind. We had to make a priority list of bills needing payment. We had a medical bill that in comparison to food and shelter, was just not high on our list. Tom and I both called on this bill to make payment arrangements. They wanted twice as much a month as what we could afford and REFUSED to accept anything less. The lady actually told me that even if I sent a payment in that amount, they would not credit it as a full payment and would still refer our account to collection. She was completely unsympathetic to our situation. Basically she told us we would have to make payment arrangements with the collection agency. Although at the time I was FURIOUS (I had never heard of someone refusing a payment before) I went ahead and sent in what I could afford. A couple of months later I no longer could afford half the payment. A couple of months after that we received our first letter in the mail from the collection agency saying.. it was now referring us to a lawyer for... refusal to negotiate payment. "WHAT?" I never received any notices from the collection agency... not sure if they made a mistake and never sent them or if somehow there was a mix up on our end or on the post office end. Either way, we had missed our opportunity. We immediately called them and they told us there was nothing they could do. It was in the lawyer's hands now. So we called the law office and we're told.. the only way to stop it from going to court was "Payment in full" Well.. that was just out of the question.

That night we called a debt consolidation place. We gave them all of our information. In return they told us they would contact all of our creditors. We were tied to them for an entire month. All the while thinking they are negotiating everything. The day after are first payment goes through, we get a call. "Sorry to inform you that our company is not licensed to work within your state. We're sorry for the inconvenience but it may be four to six weeks before we can refund your check." YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING! Immediately I start praying and call our bank, it turns out the transaction was still pending. I put a stop on the check with 15 minutes to spare. Praise God! Our money was returned! However, the fact still remains that for an entire month we thought these people were negotiating with our creditors. Yet.. they had done NOTHING! The very next day we receive a summons to court.

Meanwhile I'm just beyond words. "Lord why is this happening? You know that I always try my best to cover my debt. This wasn't even something that was frivolously spent. It was a medical bill.. a necessity at the time. " Not to mention the series of unfortunate circumstances. It was clearly an attack of the enemy. I mean... who has this kind of thing happen to them. But... just wait it only gets worse.

Tom takes off a day of work (which obviously was something we did not need) and we head to court with all five of our children. As we walk in the door, we have no clue where to go. We have never done this kind of thing before. I sit down with the kids and Tom goes off to ask someone for directions. He returns with a very unhappy face. "Man.. see that guy over there in the white shirt and all the piercings?" "Yeah." "He's not very nice at all. Actually he's down right mean!" "Oh.. really?" End of conversation.

Several minutes later we are corralled into the courtroom with an entire herd of people. There isn't even standing room left. All being sued by the same hospital. One by one our names are called. We go before the judge and one by one he depicts some legal jargon then tells us to go wait in the lobby. After another long wait with five kids, we're led into another room to discuss payment arrangements with a legal assistant. Now remember, we had already called the law office before our court date pleading for a payment arrangement, but we were told they would only accept payment in full. Now after dragging us to court suddenly we can payment arrangements, plus court cost, plus interest. Does that make sense? We didn't think so either.

As we enter the room our heart sinks... There sits... yes you guessed it.. the mean little man. For the first couple of minutes he seems nice enough. Tom even mentions his turn of behavior. "Hey man, thanks! You're nicer than you were the first time I saw you." "Yeah.. well. I was just really stressed out." He asks us a couple more questions, punches some numbers into his calculator than blurts out... "Let's see can you do..." then proceeds to announce a number three times as high as what the hospital was asking. Our immediate simultaneous reaction... like a hit in the gut... "UUUH... NO!"

The guy screams out at the top of his lungs... "THAT'S IT! GET OUT! WE'RE DONE HERE!" Tommy and I just look at just other in astonishment. "What?" Again at the top of his lungs. I can see the vein bulging in his neck with ever word... "I SAID... WE'RE DONE HERE! YOU'RE NOT GOING TO RAISE YOUR VOICE AT ME. YOU CAN LEAVE! GET OUT!" My husband says.. "Hey man... we didn't raise our raise. You're the one yelling." Meanwhile I glace over at my children lined up quietly against the wall and reply.. "We're not going anywhere! You're are not going to treat us like dirt." I thought the vein might burst in his neck... "DO YOU WANT ME TO GO GET THE LAWYER AND JUDGE INVOLVED." I very sternly reply.. "YES I DO. I WANT TO TALK TO SOMEONE WITH A HEART, BECAUSE YOU ARE HEARTLESS!"

The little guy storms out of the room. A few minutes later, he returns alone and declares.. "YOU'RE GONNA HAVE TO GET OUT OF THOSE CHAIRS BECAUSE I NEED THEM." Tom pulls at my arm. "Come on let's just go." I look at him shaking from the adrenaline pumping through my body... "No.. it's the principle of the matter now." I turn toward the man.. "I pray you're NEVER treated this way." He gets right up in my face and again starts screaming... "YOU BLEW UP AT ME FIRST! NOW GET OUT BEFORE I GO GET THE JUDGE." I can feel tears streaming down my face as the man continues to yell. "I SAID... GET OUT BEFORE I GO GET THE JUDGE." I look directly into his eyes and a chill runs down my spine. This is not just some caulky young man. I was in the middle of a spiritual battle. I relax into the chair... "I said.. you go get him!" At this point, I had made up my mind. I was going to wait out this situation even if they had to drag my bottom to jail. I wasn't going to allow my family to be plowed over by some goofy, evil little guy in a suit.

About five more minutes into the waiting, a woman who works with him walks over to me, "Mam.. I understand you're trying to uphold a principle but we really have tons of people waiting for these seats. Could please wait in the other room?" I looked up at her and wondered how could she be so oblivious to what was happening. Does this kind of thing happen a lot? She had no emotion, no concern... just "let me do my job" attitude. I wiped the tears away from my eyes and thought about the multitude of people waiting to enter the room of doom. I didn't want to cause them anymore stress or a longer wait than necessary. So I got up out of the chair and walked out the door. We passed evil man and his lawyer friend in the hallway. "Oh.. there they are. They're leaving now!" The lawyer caught us and announced "As soon as I'm finished in the courtroom I will meet up with you to discuss a payment arrangement."

We waited for quite awhile. The entire time I can't seem to stop crying. The kids are growing more tired and more hungry and more thirsty. Finally, the lawyer comes back and we make a settlement. Although he does not yell at us... he does not offer an apology nor does he offer any sympathy for situation. He threatened to garnish my husband's check for nearly $200 a week. Didn't seem to care if our five kids ended up on the street. Boy.. do I wish we had a lawyer. Anyway... Finally we settled on a payment close enough to our budget range. We left broken but not destroyed.

Looking back in hindsight, I realize that I should have stood strong and demanded to speak with the judge. I feel like I compromised too soon. People who are already struggling are being beaten down and broken. They know these people can't afford help for their defense. Therefore they think that gives them free reign to treat them how ever they want. It's cold and heartless and they should be held accountable. Part of me feels like I failed them. I feel like I back down too soon. But.. like all bad situations, You live and you learn.

Just two days prior to this happening, my husband's step mother called me for some advice on a particular situation. It seems every where she turns people are trying to take advantage of her. She asked.. "Do you think God is trying to teach me to be more bold?" I explained that God has been trying to toughen me up for some time now. I use to be a MAJOR push over. But over the last few years, He has been teaching me to become stronger. I think he is trying to strength his warriors, Because in these last days, He is going to need an army that isn't afraid to not back down. He's going to need an army that isn't easily swayed from what is right. So often Christians compromise what is right just to make peace. Jesus said..

“Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword." Matthew 10:34

The sword of course meaning...the word! This scripture is clearly defining that we must stand for what is right according to the word of God. We are NEVER to compromise the truth just to make someone happy. We are never to give in to evil just to make peace. We do not invoke violence, but when attacked we have to take a stand. We must be willing to fight for what is right and just! We must NEVER back down to the enemy. We must always stand up for what is right! In the last days, weak little Christians who are easily conquered are not going to make it! God is trying to strengthen His army. Because a spiritual battle like our minds can not even comprehend is soon at hand!

So as I recall my words to her just two days prior, I realize the purpose behind this entire attack. God is teaching me how to become a strong bold Christian and I'm learning... slowly.

I also view it as an opportunity for prayer. Just as I mentioned in this part of Serenity's story, People like this do not become cold without reason. It's rooted from some sort of void or hurt in their lives. They all have different reasons for their actions but they all need the same solution... Jesus!

So I will pray for the healing power of Christ to touch this young man's heart. I will pray for the convicting power of the Holy Spirit to change his life. I will pray for God's mercy as we all know.. what goes around, comes around. I will pray his heart is softened and love fills his soul. I will pray for all those involved who made my life a little more stressful. But forgive me, because for now... I just want to cool off for awhile!

Love In Christ,

Happy Meal Princesses...

2009-08-10T16:32:00.003-05:00

Apparently, when you're a prissy little girl...

EVERYTHING looks like a tiara!

Nothing without my Savior

2009-08-06T23:46:00.001-05:00

As I recall all the trials in my life, my heart praises my Lord! I can not express how grateful I am for His security. I do not fear death! I do not fear loneliness! I do not fear failure! I do not fear a broken heart! I do not fear loss! The only thing that truly frightens me... is the thought of facing all of these things WITHOUT my Savior!

I've witnessed the Victory of Jesus Christ and I've witnessed the horrible alternative without Him. I've witnessed God perform healing miracles and I've seen parents wheeling their children to hospice. I seen loving mothers praying over their sick and I seen frighten babies crying alone in their hospital beds. I've witnessed mothers standing strong and declaring victory when there seemed to be no earthly Hope and I've seen parents give up when faced with less serious circumstances. I've witnessed Hope and I've seen failure!

With every trial I've endured, I've had a supernatural peace that surrounded me... a supernatural strength that carried me, a supernatural boldness that pushed me forward, and nail scared hands that lifted me higher. I am not a strong person! I am not anything special! I am NOTHING without my Savior!

My heart aches for those without that security. I cry for those who suffer in vain. I'm at a loss for those who are broken without the knowledge of their hope. I cry for those who are falling apart with nothing to hold onto.

Even when I'm barely breathing, His love becomes my air. Even when my heart is broken...He keeps it beating! In every pain I endure, He brings forth healing!

With every trial I face... He's there giving me something to hold on to...

"We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; We are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed...." 2 Cor. 7: 8-9
Therefore:
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because the Lord your God goes with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6."

As I recall all the trials in my life, my heart praises my Lord! I can not express how grateful I am for His security. I do not fear death! I do not fear loneliness! I do not fear failure! I do not fear a broken heart! I do not fear loss! The only thing that truly frightens me... is the thought of facing all of these things WITHOUT my Savior!

Love in Christ,

Monkey see, Monkey Do

2009-07-30T13:35:00.007-05:00

As I'm sure you've noticed over previous posts, Our little Monkey LOVES to climb. Remember the fun picture of Reni swinging from the canopy on our bed? Or how about the numerous times I had to retrieve her from the top bunk of her sister's bed? She has been climbing since before she could walk. Yes... Serenity is definitely a little monkey. She even likes to make monkey sounds when she climbs! :)
Here she is at the park...

She climbs on everything! I have found her on top of cabinets, counters, tables, book shelves, dressers, bunk beds. Then just when I thought there wasn't anything left for her to climb.... She surprised me! Believe it or not Serenity has actually found a way to climb.... THE WALLS! Yep! I've been saying it for years... "The kids are climbing the walls today." Well.. Serenity has finally proven me to be a truthful mama.

How does she accomplish this unbelievable task...you ask?

She uses the curtains for leverage!

A NOT SO Clean Shave

2009-07-25T22:37:00.007-05:00

In our house there is NEVER a dull moment and rarely a quiet one. Kids are constantly fighting, screaming, jumping, pushing, laughing, giggling, sighing, moaning, complaining, tattling, singing... well, you get the picture! It's noisy in our house! However, on a few occasions, the toddlers will REALLY focus their attention on something...In these rare moments, there is silence.

So fair warning: If you come for a visit and our house is quiet...

BE AFRAID... BE VERY AFRAID!

I didn't happen to see my husband before he left for work,

but I'm guessing he left in a rush with a nice clean shave.

Eli and Reni however, we're in no HURRY!

They took their sweet little time while taking care of his shaving cream.

Yes.. They definitely remembered to put it up!

Up on their face.... Up on the WALLS... UP EVERYWHERE!

Gillette may be the BEST a MAN can get...

But as a mom I can honestly say I've had BETTER moments! :)

Faith as a mustard seed..

2009-07-24T10:35:00.004-05:00

"And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it shall obey you." Luke 17:6

So many look at this scripture and bring forth the fact that the mustard seed is the smallest seed. It's true that faith starts small and God will always give us what we need to help it grow. However, did you also know that the mustard seed is a PURE seed? Faith can not be corrupted with worldly views. Faith can not be compromised with doubt. In order to grow, faith MUST be PURE!

I know that I must sound like a broken record. Some may be tired of hearing me talk about faith. However, God has laid such a burden on my heart to understand what it means to fully trust Him. I am not claiming to know it all. I just merely have a hunger to understand more. So when I come across those who completely misinterpret even the basic concept of the word. It bothers me! I become consumed with wanting to help people understand. Everything God has to offer is received by faith. Therefore, the key to receiving God's blessings is fully understanding faith. Because of the compassion God places in my heart, I want to see EVERYONE blessed! Yet, so many miss out on God's blessings because they "think" they are truly believing... When in actuality they are being double minded.

One of my absolute biggest pet peeves is the phrase..."Hoping for the best but preparing for the worst." This has GOT to be the biggest oxymoron to ever cross the lips of a believer. Now, We go back to the definition of hope... "to expect with confidence." If you are EXPECTING the best... you are NOT going to be preparing for the worse. If you are EXPECTING a bright and sunny day... do you carry an umbrella with you all day long? If you are CONFIDENT that your brand new car will start.. do you call a friend and say... " I may need a jump start. Standby just in case." No because no one who is TRULY HOPING for the best EVER prepares for the worst.

Once again the biblical meaning of faith... "The substance of things hoped for. The evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1

Faith is EXPECTING a promise of God even when your eyes can't see it's outcome. EXPECTING something despite the circumstances.

If you are truly standing in faith for a miracle healing... you are not going to make funernal arrangements. If you are standing in faith for God to save your marriage... your not going to retain a lawyer.

A few years ago I read a story... A woman was a devoted Christian. She loved and served the Lord with all of her heart. Her husband, on the other hand, was running from the call God had on his life. He wanted nothing to do with her or her God. One day he told her their marriage was over and left... pledging to NEVER return. The woman knew that even though the bible does indeed give a couple of allowances for divorce, it is NEVER God's perfect will that a family be destroyed. So she prayed. She prayed daily and EXPECTED God to answer her prayer. Every night she went about her normal routine. She would cook dinner and set TWO places at the table. Then she would sit down and stare at the door... waiting for him to come home. After their normal dinner time had passed she would go ahead and eat without him. Then the next day she would do it all over again. Friends would come over for dinner and she would set and extra place. They would ask.. "Are you expecting someone else?" She always replied, "Yes.. my husband! God is bringing him home and I want to be prepared." Now the friends all knew that the husband wanted nothing to do with her. So they pitied her... thinking she was in some horrible state of denial. However, their unbelief didn't affect the woman's faith. She continued to trust God. For months, the woman was genuinely disappointed each time his seat remained empty. Then one night, as she sat down at the table and stared at the door, the knob finally began to turn. The husband to whom she hadn't spoken in months, walked nervously into the house. He was sure he was going to have to beg and plead for her forgiveness. Yet, the woman simply smiled and said.."Welcome home... Supper is ready." Together they ate. He later went on to have a flourished ministry for God.

Faith is Expecting! Faith is KNOWING without seeing. Faith is PREPARING FOR THE BEST because you are EXPECTING THE BEST. If this woman would have said.. "Well I'm believing that God is going to save my marriage... but I better call a lawyer 'Just in case' " She might have missed one of the greatest blessings of her life. She might have missed God's perfect will.

When the doctors made Serenity's future seem grim, my parents went out and bought her a diamond heart necklace. Now they didn't buy a tiny baby necklace. No.. they bought her an adult necklace. This necklace was a step of faith toward the bright healthy future, we knew God was going to give her. It remains put up until the day she's old enough to wear it.

A person who says... "I'm hoping for the best but preparing for the worst." is living a double standard. They are claiming to have a spiritual view but in reality are thinking carnally. They are being double minded. What does God's word say about the double minded?

"A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. "James 1:8

And an unstable man will surely fall!

That's why the Word also tells us to have faith as a child.
"Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein." Mark 10:15

A child does not reason things out. A child just BELIEVES. If you were to tell a child the sky is green. They would grow believing the sky was green until the day they were old enough to reason it out. A child never doubts the truth. A child's faith is PURE. Just as a child, we must be free from all doubt. Just as a mustard seed, our faith must be PURE!

"And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it shall obey you." Luke 17:6

Love in Christ,

Meet Boxer the Turtle

2009-07-16T22:38:00.004-05:00

Isn't he cute? I found Boxer by chance one day. I nearly tripped over him on the sidewalk next to my parents house. As I stared at this lonely creature I began to recall the dozens of times I refused to pull the car over when one of my children would spot one stranded along the roadside.

Hmm.. what a great surprise... I thought.

So I snagged him. The kids immediately feel in love.

For several days they played with him and cared for him. I was very proud of how responsible they were proving to be. Then a few days ago, Noah surprised me with an odd question...

"Mom did you know turtles LOVE marshmallows?"

"Oh No... Noah tell me you aren't feeding him marshmallows!"

"Uh... yeah! He's already ate a few large ones. Why?"

I sat down and had a long talk with the kids about why marshmallows are not the best food for turtles. However, despite my efforts, I still noticed marshmallows were suspiciously disappearing.

Anyway, a few days passed and Daddy began to worry that Boxer may not be the happiest turtle cooped up in a tiny little box. He needs grass, fresh air and bugs. And even more importantly, he needs to be TODDLER free. So Daddy suggested the kids let him go. Oh.. they were very disappointed, but eventually understood that it would probably be for the best.

They placed him on the drive way and said their farewells.

"Good -bye Boxer! We will miss you! Farewell dear friend! So long! Remember... we'll always love you."

Boxer slowly crawled away. The kids sat and sadly watched as he crossed the barren street. It took him only a matter of moments to reach the other side. Soon he would be gone for good.

But wait... what's this?

Boxer suddenly pauses. He turns around. He quickly (as quickly as a turtle can move) begins crawling back. The kids begin to cheer.

"He came back. He came back because he LOVES us."

Boxer stops at their feet and waits for them to pick him up. Oh... freedom was so close. Yet he gave it all away. Gave it away... For what? Love? Love for a tiny little box and toddlers who LOVE to shake his whole world... I don't think so!

No.. there could only be one reason he would trade in his freedom. Boxer the Turtle is.... is.... is.... addicted to marshmallows. Yep! He has a marshmallow dependency and knows that our house is the only place that can supply his shameful habit. There just isn't any other reasonable answer. Poor Boxer... imprisoned by his love for gooey puffed treats.

We brought Boxer home and placed him back in his tiny little box. We were determined to help him kick his nasty habit. So over the next couple of days, I made SURE he was marshmallow free. Then this evening we set him free again. This time he RAN! He RAN as fast as his little legs could carry him. He never even looked back.

Okay.. Okay... so maybe I'm being a little goofy! Maybe he wasn't exactly addicted to marshmallows. But oddly enough he DID love them and he did come back the first time and when we took away the marshmallows, he did finally leave. So you draw your own conclusions. :)

Farewell Boxer! You will be missed!

We hope you find happiness in someone else's pantry. :)

Love,

Toddler Talk: Cops and Robbers

2009-07-12T21:19:00.003-05:00

Eli asks... "Reni.. you wanna play bad boys?"

Reni nods with enthusiasm.

"K.. run and I'll getchu."

Serenity takes off running and Eli begins to follow... singing as he goes

"Bad Boys.. Bad Boys.. watchu do.. watchu do when I comes for u.. bad boys.. bad Boys.. watchu do... watchu do... when I comes for u?"

Eli catches Reni in a corner.

"Bad guy.. you wanna mess with me?"

Reni vigorously shakes her head... "No!"

Frustrated Eli throws down his guard and confronts Serenity.

"Rennni.... Your POST to say YES! I can't getchu if you say NO."

"Oh... K."

"Now Bad Guy... you wanna mess with me?"

Again Serenity shakes her head... "NO!"

"RENNNNI... I toad you... YOU HAVE TO SAY YES! You want to mess with me or NOT?"

"Nope."

"Why not?"

"Mommy said... NO make a mess."

Can't argue with that!

Looks like Eli's gonna have to find himself a new bad guy. This one has decided to start listening to her Mommy. :)

To Assemble or not to Assemble... that is the question

2009-07-10T13:59:00.013-05:00

Okay... So a couple of recent posts from some dear blogger friends of mine have my mind wheels turning over a certain topic. Kathy @ theknittingbasics and Stephanie @ livingasetapartlife are blogging about some issues concerning church.

"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day (the last day) approaching. " Hebrews 10:25

The word is pretty clear. We are not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together. We are at all costs to make the most possible effort to attend church. God is to be first and foremost.

My family was blessed with a very Spiritual and loving church. So attendance comes very easy to us. My kids LOVE to go to church. That in itself is a blessing. However... many people have not been so fortunate.

Many churches have become stale and complacent. Many Ministers are actually doing more spiritual harm than good. Many people are being turned off to the structural church and even Christianity. Unfortunately, the closer we come to the end times. The worse it's going to get. More and More people will be led astray. The Word says if possible even the elect will be deceived. (Matthew 24:24) That's why it's even MORE important to have a good spiritual support. We need to be surrounded by those who are sensitive to the discerning power of the Holy Spirit.

Now there is no doubt in my mind that there is a HUGE difference in Religion and Christianity. There is a major gap between those religious and those born again. There are religious people and there are Christ-Like people. There is religion and there is.. having an intimate relationship with our Savior.

In my opinion...Religious people develop a routine instead of a relationship. They are complacent. They act a certain way because of tradition without having a change of heart. They are the ones who declare Christianity without knowing Christ. They are the reason Christians are labeled hypocrites. That's why when people ask me if I'M religious I say ..."NO! I'm Born Again. I'm a member of the blood bought, the church, the redeemed." There is a difference.

I have often heard it said..."I'm not going to a church full of hypocrites." Well.. let me pose this question. Would you rather go to church with hypocrites or to hell with hypocrites. Would you rather spend a few hours a week sitting next to them in a pew or suffering with them for all eternity?

Now before you ask... I DO NOT believe a person will go to hell just because they don't go to church. However... I do believe that it makes it a whole lot harder to spiritually grow and a lot easier to become complacent or lukewarm. Why take the chance? Also... you're cheating yourself out of a tremendous blessing by forsaking the assembly.

We are blessed by blessing others. I want to be the exception in a world full of hypocrites. I don't just want to BE blessed. I want to be a blessing. If I stay at home in my own little world, how is my light going to be seen? Who's to say that there isn't someone at church on Sunday that needs to hear something God has laid on MY heart? How many opportunities to honor God am I missing by staying home? Maybe there is a little old lady that's waiting for my friendly hug or a young girl who needs to see my example. I want to be there to make a difference. So that even if the church is crowded with hypocrites, an unbeliever might see me and think "Well, maybe they're not ALL bad." By staying home.. I'm missing out on opportunities for blessings.

So we agree that we need to go to church regularly. Now Stephanie poses another question. How do we know which church to go to? We do not want to be led astray. We do not want to become complacent or stale in our faith. We want to spiritually grow. Well.. Kathy posted some great guidelines to follow. If you're already attending a church ask yourself these questions.

1. Were you inspired to live in a Godly way?
2. Were you rebuked and corrected in your Spirit by God's word?
3. Were you encouraged by God's word?
4. Did you want to dig deeper into the Spiritual realm of God?
5. Was their focus on God and God alone?
6. Was God's presence felt in the worship service? Was the
music simply entertaining, or could you tell the people were
singing to praise and not just show off?
7. Is your church involved in society.... and changing it?

If you are looking for a church, observe the other members and answer the questions on their behalf. You will also know if they are spiritually growing by the fruit they bear.

"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree brings forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.Every tree that brings not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." Matthew 7: 15-20

Are the elder members living a Godly life? Are they bearing good Godly fruit? We know that the Holy Spirit brings forth spiritual growth. For He is the one who brings forth conviction. If you want to be in a church where you will mature in Christ.. then the Holy Spirit must be present!

If you see routine members of the church living a life without conviction... then it's NOT the church for you. Party on Saturday.. church on Sunday. Is NOT Spiritual growth. The Holy Spirit brings forth a desire to change. Those living a worldly life who desire to continue to live a worldly life are not going to want to show up in a church where the Holy Spirit is present. For they're not going to want to feel conviction. Now to add to that scenario... back to the "religious" spirit. God is LOVE. If you see the elders of the church acting with an attitude of judgment instead of LOVE. Then Christ is not the focus there either. The Holy Spirit convicts NOT the church. Where the Lord's Spirit is you will feel convicted not condemned. His Spirit will bring forth continued change and growth. For we are ALL only merely STRIVING for Christ like perfection. NONE of us have actually obtained it. Therefore...Those who are not wanting to grow will not want to stay within the presence of the Holy Spirit. If they're staying and NOT feeling convicted. He's not there. Plain and simple.

There you have it... Spiritual growth. I believe that in today's society it's a necessity to continue to grow spiritually. In these last days, it will become easier and easier to be led astray it will become easier to be deceived... easier to become complacent... easier to become lukewarm Christians.

"So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth." Revelation 3:16

Why take the chance? We have so VERY much to lose! We must do everything within our power to be obedient to God's word and then His grace will carry us.

In these last days, we must remain on fire for God. We must continue to grow and mature in Christ if we want to remain within the Master's protection. We need our brothers and sisters in Christ to encourage us and help us grow. Therefore let us not forsake the assembling of ourselves together. Let us unite as the body of Christ and together triumph over the works of the enemy.

Love in Christ,

Yabba Dabba Dooo... Reni

2009-07-07T22:03:00.006-05:00

Combine one of Kayleigh's old night gowns along with Serenity's new fetish to put what she calls a "pony" in her hair and what do you get?

Yabba Dabba Dooo!

God Blessed America

2009-07-04T23:25:00.003-05:00

"Now, the Lord is the Spirit, & wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, He gives freedom." 2 Cor. 3:17

As born again Christians we have the kind of freedom that can only be bought by the blood of one man. The blood of our Savior purchased freedom from the law of sin and death. He gave His life so that we might live. He freed us from all the bondage this world has to offer. He freed us from eternal damnation.

Today we celebrate our nation's freedom. We take time to honor the sacrifice of all the brave men and women who gave their lives for our independence.

But...Have you ever wondered WHY our country has prospered? There are many other countries who have also lost many brave souls for a great cause,.. yet their death was in vain. Why is our country so different?

"Now, the Lord is the Spirit, & wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, He gives freedom." 2Cor. 3:17

233 years ago our forefathers made a decision that would set forth a prosperous path for our country. 233 years ago they decided to give God the Glory for our independence. They decided to stamp God's name into the future of our nation. They made the decision to unite these United States of America as "One Nation under God." We are blessed because we welcomed the Spirit of the Lord into our country.

"Now, the Lord is the Spirit, & wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, He gives freedom." 2Cor. 3:17

This Fourth of July let us not forget the sacrifice of all the brave men and women who gave their lives for our independence, but more importantly let us not forget the reason WHY their lives were NOT given in vain. Praise the maker of Heaven and Earth you are able to live a life of abundance. Praise Him because you are FREE to do so! Praise our Heavenly Father for the ability to choose the God you serve.

Praise God because GOD BLESSED AMERICA!

You get a line... I'll get a pole.

2009-07-03T23:02:00.008-05:00

Hey y'all we are back in business!

We spent a week away from the hustle and bustle of things and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it! Unfortunately, We didn't have a lot of money to splurge on vacation this year. I still had to do cook most of the meals, on top of the usual cleaning and preparation. However, even with all the my motherly work, because we were strapped for cash and couldn't rush from one activity to another, we actually found ourselves relaxing. It was SOOOO nice! And do you know what the best part was? Nothing was planned! Everything was just spur of the moment and we had to get creative with our outings.

Can you guess what we're doing here?

In our dress clothes... wading in the water?

Hmm... what could we be looking for?
Any guesses... anyone?
Okay, I'll give you a hint...
"You get a line. I'll get a pole and we'll go down to the..."

"Crawdad hole! Honey, Babe ole mine."

Yep... we're fishing for crayfish
Or as we rednecks like to call em'... crawdads!
Aren't they cute?
Just keep your hands off the goofy one... Cause he's mine! :)

You Better Kiss me....

2009-06-25T23:22:00.003-05:00

"You better kiss me... cause you're gonna miss me when I'm gone." (or maybe not) LOL

Just wanted to let all my blogger friends know that we will be living without computer access for several days. We should be back by July 4th (if not before). In the meantime, if you're curious about the status of our family, you can follow theburkfamily on twitter or view our updates on the left hand sidebar here. We'll try to update often via cellphone. I'm gonna miss everyone. Although I won't be able to comment, please know you continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
Lots of Love and we'll see ya soon!

Love in Christ,

The Dress Shop Shuffle

2009-06-25T07:59:00.009-05:00

What happens when you take two very active toddlers into a department store? Why... you end up doing the Dress Shop Shuffle of course.

1. First place the toddlers into a twin stroller. Buckle them up nice and tight... You don't want them escaping.

2. Carefully move the HUGE stroller between the cramped clothing racks. When you crash on occasion.. smile and glance around to make sure no one is watching.

3. Sternly warn the toddlers.. "Do not touch anything!" Then... WHEN the toddlers fail to heed your warning, bend over to pick up various articles of clothing as you pass each rack. Bend.. pick... bend... pick and 5...6...7...8...

Your doing good ladies!

4. Next... Dare to actually look at clothing. Mind you.. this is a very dangerous step and should only be attempted by the most experienced Super Moms. Because only the experienced mom knows there is a sequence you MUST follow... A perfect rhythm that MUST be kept...
glance right.. down stroller... glance left... down stroller...forward... left...down.. right...down.. forward... left..down...right..down...forward...

Got the rhythm? Good!

5. You spot a sale rack! $4.00 Bermuda shorts and tank tops.. You lose concentration as your mind wanders... Let's see this one is good for Kayleigh.. Gracee would LOVE this one.. Maybe I should get two..... hmmm

6. Suddenly you hear a giggle. OH NO! You turn to look.. Sure enough... there is a reason you call toddler number two "Skinny Reni." She has escaped her seat belt and unbuckled her brother as well.

7. She quickly darts off. You chase her under... through and OVER clothing racks... leaving your stroller, purse and son behind. Oops... you run back to grab your son.

8. Other customers watch in amusement as you vainly yell... "NO! STOP! COME BACK HERE! 1..2..3...." All attempts fail. Until finally you catch her by the ankle as she attempts to crawl between the legs of a mannequin.

9. She kicks, screams and bites. Throwing a two year old fit. You desperately try to hold onto BOTH toddlers as you make your way back to the stroller. They wiggle.. you squirm... wiggle... squirm... wiggle.. squirm.. trying to push each one back onto your hips.

10. Back at the stroller, you buckle the escape artist in first... muttering under your breath.. "Just wait until I get you home." Meanwhile toddler number one thinks Sissy's game looks like a lot of fun. He grins as he jumps out of the stroller. Here we go again....

11. Whew! Time for intermission. All toddlers all caught and restrained. You give them a couple of books off a nearby shelf. They're now quiet and reformed. So you continue to finish your shopping.

12. After a few minutes all is forgotten. Shopping is complete for the children. You begin to head toward the checkout counter. When suddenly...

13. You spot the cutest little outfit for yourself. You think to yourself... No! Just keep walking... But it's on sale and the babies are being really good... the smart thing to do is just keep walking... But today is NOT your smart day.

14. You grab the outfit and head to the nearest dressing room! BIG MISTAKE!

15. The stroller is too large for the dressing area. So you park it just outside the door. You set the babies on the table inside the room and again sternly warn them to stay put! You begin to undress...

16. Your vision is blocked for merely a moment as you remove your shirt. You turn around. Where is toddler number 2? You twirl around several times.... she's gone! You hear a faint giggle on the other side of the partitioned wall. You drop to the ground and look underneath the wall. Yep.. toddler number 2 is crawling from dressing room to dressing room.

17. Once again you make a vain attempt to call her back. When that doesn't work! You exit the room... Topless... in hopes of snagging her before she leaves the dressing area entirely. You barely succeed!

18. Completely exhausted and mortified... you give up all hopes of buying anything for yourself. Instead... you take only the children's clothing and head to the nearest check out.

So in quick review here's the Dress Shop Shuffle:

Buckle... Crash...bend...pick...bend... pick...bend...pick...glance right... down stroller... glance left... down stroller... forward... left...down.. right...down... forward...
STOP!
Yell..."NO! STOP! COME BACK HERE! 1...2...3..." wiggle... squirm... wiggle.. squirm... Buckle...Crash... AGAIN!
Now REST!
Strip...twirl...fall down... jump up.... RUN!... CATCH...dress...go...crash...go...
NOW BREATHE!!!

Yet even with all the commotion, I can't help but think about this post. I once prayed for just one tiny movement. Now I pray for just one tiny moment. God is sooo good! I am so thankful that both of my toddlers are healthy enough... to run me raggid. :)

Love in Christ,

All Natural Ham

2009-06-22T22:47:00.013-05:00

While on our road trip this weekend,

we came across a beautiful little waterfall.

It was definitely a Kodak moment.

So I grabbed my cheap little camera and started clicking away.

It was a nice thought.

However... everyone was extremely tired from the long day.
So not everyone shared my enthusiam.

Well... except for Kayleigh.

She absolutely LOVES to have her picture taken.

When it comes to posing, she's quite the little ham.

She just LOVES the camera.

And the camera LOVES her!

Yep.. she's a natural....

My all naturally sweet lil Ham.

I wanna leave a Legacy

2009-06-21T00:01:00.008-05:00

I wanna leave a legacy.

How will they remember me?

Did I choose to love?

Did I point to you enough...

To make a mark on things?

I wanna leave an offering.

A child of mercy and grace...

who blessed your name

Unapologetically

And leave that kind of legacy.

Nicole Nordeman- "Legacy"

Everyone wants to be remembered. Everyone wants to believe their life had some meaning... that they made an impression on this world (whether good or bad). Everyone wants a legacy.

This past week, my last remaining grandparent passed away. He lived a very long and fruitful life. He was 95 and had five children, 22 children, 33 great- children and 10 great - great grandchildren. He was a born- again Christian, who enjoyed sharing the gospel.

During the funeral, I began thinking about the life he lived and then my own life. At his grave site, I noticed the thousands of headstones that lined the cemetery... each one representing a life.

Who were all these people? What life did they lead? Whose life did they touch? Some lived only a few hours... some lived 100 years. Yet, all were given the same opportunity to affect someone's life. Did they affect it in a positive way or a negative way? Where they a pure example of God's love or a direct impression of satan himself? Some were laid to rest days ago... some have been buried for nearly a century. Are they still remembered? Are the memories good? And most importantly WHERE are all these people now? Are they celebrating eternal life or enduring eternal torture?

It really started to sink in. Each headstone represents a life lived. Each grave represents a soul departed. Who were all these people? What was their legacy?

I began to think about a couple of this world's "Legends." Marilyn Monroe was beautiful, yet she lived such a sad, unhappy life. Her legacy is actually referred to as one of America's greatest tragedies. I do not want to be a "tragedy" just to be remembered. I want my story to be an encouraging one.

Then of course there is one of the world's greatest legends... Elvis Presley with his sexy look and sultry voice, made the world smile. He forever changed our view of music and entertainment. He set an example for generations to come. Yes in deed, Elvis will live on as an icon until the end of this world.....

Suddenly it hits me.... that's just it.... this world WILL end.

So I then began to think about Billy Graham and the millions of people he's led to God's saving Grace. For years, he has worked to further God's kingdom. Not only has he been blessed for his faithfulness while on this earth, but he's also secured a legacy that will NEVER end. Billy Graham will be remembered even AFTER the end of this world... for His legacy is eternal.

Now as I look at my life... How will I be remembered? The number is not important to me. I don't care how MANY people remember me... Only HOW they remember me. Does Lisa Marie really care that her Dad was a legend to millions of people? I don't think she does. I just think she wishes he was alive to be a legend in her eyes.

I want to be a pure example of the love of Christ! I want to be an encouraging story of God's blessings and the Victory provided by the sacrifice of Jesus. I want to live a life that will draw people closer to Him!

When I leave this world, I want a legacy my children will be proud of. But most importantly... I want a legacy my SAVIOR will be proud of. When my eyes finally behold the Glory of God's face, I want to hear...

"Well Done my good and faithful servant!"

For that is by far the greatest legacy!

Everyone wants to be remembered. Everyone wants to believe their life had some meaning... that they made an impression on this world (whether good or bad). Everyone wants a legacy....

I wanna leave a legacy.

How will they remember me?

Did I choose to love?

Did I point to you enough...

To make a mark on things?

I wanna leave an offering.

A child of mercy and grace...

who blessed your name

Unapologetically

And leave that kind of legacy.

Nicole Nordeman- "Legacy"

What kind of legacy will YOU leave?

Love in Christ,

Toddler Talk - Anatomy 101

2009-06-17T21:55:00.008-05:00

Anatomy 101... From the mind of Serenity

Mommy points to various parts on Reni's body as Reni states their name and purpose

"Reni, What's this?"

"Eyes"

"Good and what are eyes for?"

"Open and close." demonstrates by blinking several times.

"Good girl! Now what's this?"

"Mouth."

"Good! And what's a mouth for?"

"Lip Gloss."

"Umm... okay. Yes... we do put lip gloss on our mouths...Good! Now what's this?"

"Ear"

"Good! What's an ear for?"

"Ear rings"

"Okay... but not until we're much much older. Now what's this?"

"Nose"

"Good.. What's a nose for"

"Yucky stuff"

LOL "Yucky stuff?"

Oh no... My prissy little girl did NOT just say that!.... Did she?

Yes she did!

Betcha can't guess what she said her fingers were for?

Yep...

To get the yucky stuff!

Brotherly Love Renewed...

2009-06-15T11:40:00.008-05:00

Very few people know how our family ended up with Eli. You see.. Tom and I were not expecting to have any more children. As a matter of a fact, we were actually trying NOT to have any more children. I thought we had our hands full with the three we already had.

However, little did we know. Noah was quickly becoming VERY tired of being the only boy in the bunch. He was sick of having to defend himself against two VERY overbearing little sisters. Believe it or not, our girls are FAR more aggressive than our boys. Although Noah is the oldest, he has always been the laid back, quiet type. He doesn't fight. He just... kind of... goes with the flow. The girls are SO NOT like that. Which ever way the flow is flowing, it's because they TOLD it to.! They definitely know what they want and they WILL get it! Plain and simple. Noah's personality just doesn't stand up to the tide. He's always being overridden. At the time, he needed someone he knew would always have his back. He decided the answer was a little brother.

So it came as no surprise to him when Mommy announced.."We're gonna have another baby." Noah just looked up with a smile and said... "I know! I've been praying every night for a little brother and I knew God would give me one."

Even though it was a long time before we could technically discover the baby's sex.. We all knew we were having a little boy. God had answered Noah's prayer and given him a little brother.

However, once Eli was born. It didn't take long before Noah grew tired of having to share his "boy" things. Eli was always breaking his favorite toys, messing up his playstation, or just getting in the way. Each time Noah would become frustrated, I would always remind him..."Remember... You Prayed for a little brother. God gave him to you because He trusts you to take care of him." I don't think he ever fully comprehended my message, UNTIL... this weekend.

The boys were outside playing... doing boy stuff. When Noah comes running into the house. "Mom, Eli cracked his head open."

"What?"

"Eli, cracked his head open."

Immediately, I ran outside and met Eli at the front porch. He was covered in blood. His once bright blond head was literally BLOOD red.... completely saturated. His shirt collar was completely stained and it was actually dripping blood. My heart sank as I wiped the blood from his face.

"NOAH! What happened?"

Noah was crying hysterically! He could barely spit the words out.

"He got hit with a rock."

"A ROCK? How did he get hit with a rock? Were YOU throwing rocks again?"

He begins to cry even harder.

"Yeeeessss! I was skipping them on the mud puddle and he walked in front of me. MOM.. take him to the hospital!"

I looked at Eli, drenched in blood. I knew that head wounds bleed beyond excessively. Something very minor could appear to be very serious. On the other hand, because of the amount of blood, It was so hard to determine the size of the wound. I decided not to take any chances. While praying, I quickly ran into the house, grabbed a clean wash cloth and told Kayleigh to apply pressure as I changed out of my pajamas.

Tom was out fishing with my brother. So I loaded all the kids up and headed for the hospital. On the way, Noah was still sobbing.

"Mom, I prayed for Eli."

"I know honey and Eli is going to be just fine."

Meanwhile... Eli was just sitting there perfectly calm.. no tears... no worries... just wiping the blood out of his eyes.

The bleeding stopped just as we were pulling up to the ER. We went in anyway. Once the nurses saw my blood covered little boy. They wasted no time taking him back.

As they were cleaning the wound. I glanced down and suddenly blushed with embarrassment. The entire time, my shorts were completely unzipped. I casually reached down and tried to zip them without being noticed. However, much to my surprise, I could not locate the zipper. Upon careful inspection, I realized... in the mad dash to get dressed, not only had I forgotten to zip my shorts, BUT.. I had also put them on inside out. Yep... I could not find my zipper because it was INSIDE my shorts. Obviously, sticking my hand down my pants in order to grasp the zipper was completely out of the question at that particular moment. So.. I desperately pulled the bottom of my shirt down in an attempt to cover my mistake. Fortunately no one noticed... or... they were just being really polite by not saying anything.
Either way I was grateful! :)

Anyway, It turns out that Eli did NOT have to have any stitches. As a matter of fact, all the commotion was over this tinnie tiny, itty bitty, little scratch...

UNBELIEVABLE!

The other good part is.. Noah has once again realized just how much he LOVES his brother. He suddenly has more patience and understanding. He has even given him permission to play with all of his things.

Since the accident they have become inseparable...

"Thank you Jesus for giving me my little brother....
and...
for KEEPING him around."

The More Impossible it Seems... The More Glory God Receives

2009-06-11T12:32:00.011-05:00

"Not to us oh Lord, but to YOU goes ALL the Glory for your unfailing Love and faithfulness." Psalm 115:1

It's no secret that God loves to be glorified. For it's through His glory that we come to know His saving grace. It's through HIS Glory that we learn to completely rely on Him. His Glory is what catches our eye. His Glory is what draws us closer.

But so many times we tend to deny God His glory. So often we deny Him Glory for healing...I had some awesome doctors! We often deny Him glory for our protection.. I was just lucky, I guess. We are so ready to give anyone or anything else God's credit. That's why sometimes, we have to hit rock bottom. We have to go past the point of possibility... So credit can be given where credit is due.

Have you ever read the story of Gideon? It's an awesome story found in the sixth and seventh chapters of Judges. Gideon was facing one of the most powerful armies... the Midianites. Not only were they powerful, but they were numerous as well. The word tells us they were thick as locusts and their camels could no more be counted than sand on the seashore. Can you imagine facing an army of that multitude?

There were times when Gideon became fearful. But God promised him Victory and he remained obedient. He started out with only 32,000 troops. If that wasn't impossible enough...22,000 became fearful and left. Then God took it a step further... "The Lord said...There are still too many, take them down to the water and I will sift them for you there."

God wanted to receive ALL the glory for the Victory. He was leaving no room for doubt. Gideon was soon left with only 300. Yep I said.. 300 men facing an army compared to sand on a seashore. How many of us would have said...NO WAY! This is far too impossible.. Many of us today would have denied God's promise of Victory. Many of us would have accepted defeat. But not Gideon. He was faithful in listening to the voice of God and with the Lord's encouragement...He pushed through.

Now wait this story only gets more interesting. What weapons do you think they took with them? Spears? Swords? Nope! They had empty jars, torches and trumpets. Yes.. I said trumpets. They went in facing one of the most feared armies, with 300 men carrying trumpets. Surely they're setting themselves up for their own slaughter? Right?

Nope again. "When the 300 trumpets sounded the Lord caused the men throughout the camp to turn on each other with their swords." God remained faithful to His promise of Victory. Gideon was Victorious because he remained obedient and fully trusted in a God who can NOT lie.

While going through our valley with Serenity. We went from the possibility of a slightly routine heart surgery...(good thing we have good doctors)...to a very difficult and extremely dangerous heart surgery...(good thing they're sending us to better doctors)... to "no surgery can save your daughter's heart."(Lord, what are we going to do now)...God wanted ALL the Glory. He had to take us to a place where ALL we had was His promise of healing.

Sometimes we have to hit rock bottom before we fully rely on God. Sometimes God has to remove all obstacles before He can receive His glory.

For the more impossible it seems...
The More Glory God Receives!

The problem is.. most of the time we (myself included) give up too easily. We focus on the circumstances.... instead of God's promise of victory. We see the fierce multitude of the enemy and we become fearful. "Oh, it must not be God's will." Sometimes we miss God's perfect plan because we fail to be obedient and trust a God who can NOT lie.

Do you remember back in 95 or 96... the first Holyfield vs.Tyson fight? Not the one of the infamous ear bite..but the first one. I remember it well because I knew the outcome before the fight ever started.

Holyfield being the less fit underdog declared victory by God's hand. He boldly professed God was on His side. Tyson on the other hand just mocked his declarations.

I dished out the $50 for pay per view and invited all of my friends over to watch. For just as I'm sure that the Titanic had to sink when so many said.."Not even God can sink this ship." Holyfield HAD to win that fight! If Tyson would have won, our God would have appeared small to millions of unbelievers. THAT WILL NEVER HAPPEN...GOD WILL NEVER APPEAR SMALL!

Gideon and Holyfield won their battles because they openly placed all their trust in God! And...

"As the scripture says, Anyone who places their trust in Him will NEVER be put to shame." Romans 10:11

We may hit rock bottom. We may have plenty of reasons to become fearful. We may be left with NOTHING except a promise of God to hold on to. But as long as we are fully trusting Him...A promise is ALL we need!

We serve a God of miracles... A God of Victory.... A GOD OF GLORY

"Therefore whether you eat or drink, whatever you do...Do all to the Glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31

Love in Christ,

Lazy days and X marks the spot

2009-06-09T20:47:00.009-05:00

Good news! Serenity is feeling much better. Yesterday she said...
"No Fevers! Yay!! Tank you Jesus! Praise da Lord!"

Since everyone was feeling so well,
we decided to spend some time bathing in the sun
So...

Today was a Lazy Summer Day...

Ahhh... This is SO the life!
Even rambunctious little Reni was up for some relaxation.

However, a day of play isn't without it's side effects.

After all the summer fun. Kayleigh pulled me aside.

"Mom, do I have something on my back? It hurts."

"Let me see? Where exactly does it hurt?"

Kayleigh points to the center of her back

"Right.... HERE!"

Uh...Yeah.... X definitely marks the spot!

FYI: Even SPF 50 has it's limits!

The Post of Many Topics

2009-06-07T22:10:00.012-05:00

Oh so much to talk about! Hmm... Let's start out with a BIG shout out to Stephanie, for the AMAZING makeover she gave my blog! She decided to bless me for no other reason than... just out of the goodness of her little heart! She's such a sweetie! Can you believe she just RECENTLY became a "self taught" blog designer? The girl haz got some crazee skills! Thank you Steph, I LOVE my new look! Now would everyone do me a favor? Head on over to Confessions of a Student Nurse and tell her how much you like her style and appreciate her kindness.

Okay, next on the agenda. Update on Serenity; She hasn't had any more tummy problems since yesterday morning. However, last night she started running a temperature... not high, but just high enough to consider it a fever...101. As long as she has motrin in her system, she's good to go. She doesn't even act like she feels bad. Until...the moment the medicine wears off. Then she's back in Mommy's lap. As a matter of fact she's in my arms as I type. She's just about to doze...... zzzz zz zzz off. :)

On a more serious note, recently I was reminiscing. While we were going through Serenity's valley, I would listen to parents worrying over colds, flu, minor allergies. I remember thinking..."Man after all we've been through, I'm NEVER going to sweat over the small stuff again." And for awhile, I lived up to that standard. Things would come my way and just roll off my back.. no big deal. Then it happened! Over a period of time, I became complacent again. After two years of security, I've grown accustomed to normalcy. I do not want to sweat the small stuff. For, I do not want to become complacent. God taught us many lessons during our journey with Serenity. Lessons that I desperately do NOT want to have to learn again.

Still... there is the factor that because Serenity has once had heart problems, we will always have to be more cautious with her concerning colds and viruses. Medically speaking... it causes her to be more susceptible to infections around the heart. A simple virus could soon become a major thing. Nothing to really worry about... just something to be more cautious about. She gets antibiotics more often and sooner than most people.. that kind of thing.

Anyway, we are always to be on alert for a temperature higher than 100.4. After, taking her temperature last night I started to feel fear creeping in. Fear over what... a little virus? Nothing compared to what we've been through. Right? Yet, my mind soon filled with those "what ifs." The "what ifs" soon began to overwhelm me. I felt as if I was nearly drowning with anxiety. I could hardly even breathe.

Immediately, I had to repent and call out to God for help...
"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy1:7

I realized that I was not completely trusting my Savior. Once I repented, instantly my spirit recognized what the enemy was trying to do. He wants me to become fearful. For when I'm controlled by fear, I allow him access into my life. His main purpose is to bring destruction. Especially, to God's children. He wants to destroy Serenity's testimony. He wants to destroy ANYTHING that gives God Glory. The word says, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour:" 1 Peter 5:8
We must be wise to his devises! We must leave him no room to operate. He has NO authority over me nor my family. As a child of God, covered by the blood of Jesus, only two people have authority over my life... God and myself. I have to open a door for the enemy...through, fear, disobedience, sin... anything that bears the fruit of this world. Otherwise, God has allowed a trial because he sees something in my life that needs perfecting. If God has allowed it then I have the promise according to Romans 8:28 that He will turn it around for my good.

I have NOTHING to fear!

So I prayed for quite a while. Then I declared... "Get BEHIND me satan! You're a LIAR!" Immediately the peace of God filled my heart and I slept soundly without a second thought!
God is so awesome!

Okay last topic I promise. Joylynn over at Joy's Jewels tagged me. Thanks Joy for thinking of me! I'm no pro at this tagging thing, but I thought I would give it a try. I'm suppose to list 8 things...

I'm looking forward to:
1. The second coming of our Savior... of course.
2. The complete manifestation of healing for those I'm praying for
3. Painting all the bedrooms
4. VACATION! It can not come soon enough!
5. The construction of our garage to be finished (it's been nearly 3 years already...urgh!)
6. My new workout videos to be delivered. (Woo Hoo! Hot body here I come!)
7. A smaller pile of laundry (yeah right.. I can dream)
8. My goodnight kiss (Hey! Just being honest, I was asked! :)

I did yesterday (Saturday):
1. Cleaned
2. Cooked
3. Watched the kids play on the slip n slide
4. Watered the garden/picked strawberries
5. Rocked Reni
6. Made up a song while Rockin Reni (to the tune of Rockin' Robin)
7. Made the kids laugh A LOT
8. Prayed

I wish I could do:
1. Make all the evil in this world just DISAPPEAR
2. Stand in the gap for EVERY sick child
3. Hold EVERY lonely baby
4. Bring EVERYONE to the saving grace of Jesus Christ
5. Become the person God created me to be
6. Fulfill my purpose
7. Trust God completely in ALL things
8. Oh yeah.. and Shop! Shop! Shop!

Shows I watch:
1. Christian Programing
2. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse (It IS a necessity. Our world runs smoother if Minnie is near.)
3. Go Diego Go
4. Hannah Montana
5. Whatever superhero or hero show is on (Noah's discretion)
6. NCIS
7. The Unit (Tom refuses to allow us to miss an episode)
8. The Mentalist (Don't u just LOVE Simon Baker's eyes...Ahhh!)

Okay, now I'm suppose to tag eight other people. But I'm just gonna tag Tessa! Because I had to miss her daughter, Kennedy's birthday party today and I'm sad! So Tessa, consider yourself tagged.... Now Go!

"Jesus will make me better!"

2009-06-06T21:28:00.009-05:00

The day didn't start out that great for Serenity. She woke up this morning with an upset tummy. Unfortunately, we didn't have to take her word for it! She gave us some yucky proof several times. :(

She just laid in Mommy's lap for most of the morning. When I asked her if she was feeling bad, she nodded her head, then replied with a BIG confident smile... "Jesus WILL make me better!" So young, yet...such unwavering faith! Oh.. to have the heart of a child! (Mark 10:15)

Over and over again, "Jesus will make me better. Jesus will heal me!"

Until finally... she fell asleep...

She slept for what seemed like forever. Then.. VIOLA... she was back to her usual mischievous self. She was up running and playing just like any other day.

The other kids enjoyed outside play for awhile. Although Reni made a brief appearance in her new bathing suit, she spent most of the day inside...just in case.

After Kayleigh had been playing hard for awhile, she came inside to cool off and sighed, "Whew! I'm pooped!"

Reni didn't hesitate for a moment before she blurted out...
"Oh that's nassy! You should be a big girl like me and poop in da potty!"

LOL Yep! She seems to be back to her old self! :)

Choose Life!

2009-06-05T21:36:00.008-05:00

"I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying God, and holding fast; for that means life to you and length of days, so that you may live in the land that God swore to give to your ancestors, to Abraham and Sarah, to Isaac and Rebekah, and to Jacob and Rachel." Deuteronomy 30:19-20

I believe this scripture stands true for us today. Even as born again Christians, every morning we wake up and make a choice... Am I going to trust God today.... Am I going to walk by faith... Am I going to believe the negative reports of this world or Am I going to believe the TRUTH? (God's Holy Word)

Every day we make a choice to walk within the blessings of God or to walk within the curses of Adam and Eve. We make a choice. I believe that we can live in the land God swore to our ancestors... even while here on this Earth. I believe that we can live a life of abundance... physical and spiritual. I believe that we WILL encounter trials (it is promised) but I believe we can ALWAYS walk in Victory!

As you can read in Numbers the 13th and 14th chapters or in this previous post, the Israelite children were also handed a choice. God swore unto them a land flowing with milk and honey. He delivered them out of Egypt. He performed miracle after miracle, supplying all of their needs. It should have been so simple to trust God. It should have been an absolute "NO BRAINIER" that God would fulfill His promise.

Yet, once they arrived, many chose to believe a negative report. The spies were sent out...The walls are so tall, the land is surrounded on all sides. It's impossible....blah blah blah. The people were faced with circumstances and became fearful. We're gonna get slaughtered! Let's load up and head back to Egypt!

Only a handful trusted a God who can NOT lie! Caleb did not ignore the height of the wall, nor did he deny the mighty forces on each side. He simply picked up his armor...God said it therefore it is! Let's Fight! The land belongs to us. We WILL win!

All were God's children...All were promised the same land. Yet only a handful entered in. Caleb received his promise land because he chose to believe God's report. He placed his trust fully in God! He chose life!

How many times have we acted as the doubtful multitude? How many times have we gave up on the promises of God because it seemed too impossible? How many times have we turned our eyes toward the circumstances instead of focusing on the Deliverer? How many times have we been handed a negative report and laid claim to it?

We are promised many blessings, but we must HOLD FAST to God's promises. Even when things seem impossible. We must NEVER doubt God's goodness or ability! We must be confident in Christ! Last time I checked, the Word said to come BOLDLY to the throne of Grace.

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16

Caleb was bold in his faith. He did not turn and run from his fight. He knew alone he was far too weak, but he was not relying on himself. He was relying on the promises of God! He KNEW that greater is He that is in us than he that is in this world! (1 John 4:4)

We are to be bold because we are to be confident of who Christ is and what HE accomplished for us! We must know who we are in Christ....

We are MORE THAN CONQUERORS! (Romans 8:37)

Every day we are faced with two reports... the report this world has to offer (eternal damnation, poverty, sickness, divorce,etc) or God's report! We are faced with two choices... life or death. We can have eternal life... life in our finances...life in our health....life in our marriages! We can live in a land flowing with milk and honey or we can choose to live in the darkness of this world.

Every day we make a choice! Today will you choose life or death? Once the reports are in...Whose report will you believe?

Simon Says... It's Toddler Talk Time

2009-06-03T10:45:00.011-05:00

Last night, the girls were playing Simon Says with Eli.

Kayleigh: "Simon says, Sit down."

Grace: "Good Eli."

Kayleigh: "Stand up!"

Grace: "NO Eli! You have to wait until Simon says."

Eli: "Oh..."

Kayleigh: "Simon says, Roll over!"

Grace: "ELI...Simon said Roll over!

Eli just shakes his head.

Kayleigh: "Simon SAYS, Stand up!"

Grace: "Eli, STAND UP! Simon said!"

Again Eli shakes his head.

Gracee: "Are you playing or what?'

Eli: "Yep"

Gracee: "Then WHY won't you stand up?"

Eli: "Simon not say!"

Grace: "YES HE DID!"

Eli: "When? looks around the room Simon not even here!"

Grace: "Kayleigh is Simon."

Eli: looks confused No er not! Simon at... imitating Ryan Seacrest... This is... AMERICAN IDOL!"

You Do have to give him credit for one thing...
Kayleigh looks NOTHING like Simon Cowell! :)

Cast your cares on the Lord...

2009-05-31T22:57:00.004-05:00

"Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall." Psalm 55:22

This scripture is such an awesome promise. Just as every promise of God, it is so straight forward. God never leaves any room for doubt. There are NO maybes, mights or could be. Just plain and simple... do this and I WILL do this!
"Cast your cares on the Lord and He WILL sustain you. He WILL NEVER let the Righteous fall."

As a mother of five, I LOVE doing things for my children. I take great pride in caring for them... for a couple of reasons;
One... I love them more than life itself and it warms my heart to nurture them... and two.. I want things done RIGHT! If I do them myself first hand then I know the job is efficient.

Our little arrangement would work out fine. Except... my children are just too independent... especially Serenity.
Reni's favorite words are... "NO! I do it myself."
I can not tell you how many times we have had this conversation...

"Serenity, what are you doing? I already did it for you."

"NO! I do it MYSELF."

Big sigh " I guess you have to learn...Okay, do it yourself."

A minute later, I either go behind her and redo it or she comes crying.."Mommy, help me!"

Either way... I'm stuck doing whatever it is at least twice and we both end up frustrated.

Just like Serenity, I also like to do things myself. So many times I have become burdened down with the cares of this world. So often I have suffered grief. I have carried sorrow. I have felt broken, depressed, lost. There have been many nights when I have cried myself to sleep. So many times I have just wanted to give up. The burden seemed too heavy. I felt the weight of a load impossible for me to carry.

Looking back now, I wonder... Was Jesus looking down on me shaking His head saying..."What are you doing? I already did that for you."

For God's Word says..
"Surely He bore our griefs and carried our sorrows." Isaiah 53:4

Why must we insist on doing everything ourselves? We KNOW that we will never be able to do it as well as our Lord. Yet... we insist on trying anyway.

"I'm strong enough! I can carry this heavy load!"

Then soon after, we become overwhelmed... we begin to crumble and we must call out for help.

"Lord, Help me!"

How frustrating it must be... constantly doing everything over and over again.
Yet... Jesus is always patiently waiting to pick up the pieces and mend our broken hearts.

Once we finally make up our minds to cast our cares upon Jesus, He's always ready to wrap His arms around us and shower us with a peace that surpasses all understanding. (Philippians 4:7)

Do we not realize He already holds every tear in His hands? He counts each drop and not one tear is overlooked. He knows our suffering. He knows our sorrow. Do we not realize, He LOVES US! He HAS already provided healing for our mind, body and spirit. He has already provided an answer to every problem we have to face. He has already provided a peace to guard our minds and hearts.

We just have to call out His name!

We just have to lay our cares on the alter and say..."Lord... I give this to you."

Then let go...Completely LET GO...and walk away!

Yet for most of us, even after we make the decision to walk away, we tend to come back. Satan begins to whisper into our ears. "He doesn't want your burden. He doesn't care about you. He has more important people to care for" We know he is the father of lies. We know he is incapable of telling the truth. Yet, we listen to him anyway. So once again, we pick up our burden. This time feeding it with self pity, more worry, and more depression. Before long our burden is twice as heavy as it was before.

All we have to do...is place our complete trust in God. We have to KNOW that He loves us. We have to EXPECT His blessings, EXPECT Him to take care of our burdens. We MUST completely surrender our own will. We MUST completely trust our Savior. We MUST NOT look at the problem but rather focus on the Deliverer. God rose Peter up above his storm. Peter walked on water until his eyes began to wander. Once he started looking at the winds around him, he began to sink. No matter how strong the storm, no matter how big the burden...We MUST keep our eyes focused on Jesus! Problem SOLVED!.

"Lord, you will keep in perfect peace, him whose mind is stayed on you. Because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever. For in the Lord is everlasting strength."
Isaiah 26:3-4

God has promised to wipe away every tear... mend the broken hearted...bring peace in the storm...heal every fiber of our being. Nothing is too great for our Savior. No pain, physical nor emotional, is too severe for His hand to numb.

"Surely He bore our griefs and carried our sorrows." Isaiah 53:4

Don't leave Jesus standing there, shaking His head.... "What are you doing... I already did that for you!" Instead..

"Cast all your cares on Him for He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7

Water Bandit

2009-05-30T18:22:00.005-05:00

Yes... I know that I am cute...

Splashing around in my PINK floaty.

But make NO mistake about it!
I AM armed and dangerous...

And I WILL defend my favorite Damsel in Distress!

So....

"DON'T EVEN TANK ABOUT IT!"
"OH Eli... MY HERO!"

Be Anxious for Nothing..

2009-05-27T08:26:00.005-05:00

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6,7

God's Word tells us to be anxious for nothing. Yet so many times in our lives we become engulfed in the cares of this world.

"Lord, I need this in my life or I must have that. I need it and I need it now!"

Soon it becomes all we can think about. Our prayer time is consumed with that one concern. We forget to offer Him praises. We forget to worship. We forget our relationship entirely.
Then... when these things fail to happen, we are quick to blame God or assume that He just doesn't care. "Oh well, God must not love me enough. If God really cared about me then He would have answered my prayer."

The first commandment plainly tells us "Thou shall have no other god before me." This commandment isn't strictly referring to other religions.

A god is anything that we choose to exalt or place as a higher priority over our creator.

We can have many "gods" in our lives: Money, food, jobs, relationships, addictions. When we become anxious for these things, we in turn, stop God from moving in the situation. For God Loves us too much to allow anything to hinder our relationship with Him.

When Serenity was struggling to survive, her life became a god to me. It was all I thought about....all I cared about. The status of her health consumed me. If you've read her story, then you know it wasn't until God asked me.."Would you still love me?" that I learned how to completely surrender her into His hands.

Just as Paul taught us.. we have to "learn to be content in whatever state we're in" (Philippians 4:11) For it's when we are truly content that we are fully trusting in God. Once we fully trust God, then our faith becomes pure. Faith moves the Hand of God.

I knew it was God's will to heal my daughter, but I had to become content with whatever decision He made. I had to say.. "Yes Lord, I would still love you! I would still serve you and hardest of all... I will still Praise you!" Immediately after those words left my lips, God's assurance came. From that moment on, the peace that surpasses all understanding guarded my heart. I knew but I knew but I knew just as I know the color of my eyes... I knew my daughter was healed and no word, action or deed was going to change my mind. With His peace came pure faith and God's hand soon moved mightily in our midst.

So we are to be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with THANKSGIVING, let our requests be know to God.

How can we give thanksgiving during our time of need? Simple..when we are a child of God, and when we are truly doing our best to strive toward "Christ like" perfection, Then we fall under the shadow of the almighty (Psalm 91). We our sheltered within the wings of the ultimate protector. The enemy can NOT bring anything into our lives that God does not allow. So if God allows it... then we also know this promise...

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

We have a promise of Victory! We have a promise of blessings! We know God loves us and is doing His best to perfect His chosen vessel. (James 1) So why should we become anxious, or impatient? Why should we worry?

We shouldn't!

Here's a tip I have learned...the sooner I allow God complete control and fully trust Him with every situation... the sooner I become content in whatever state I'm in.... then the sooner I obtain Victory and God receives His glory!

We are to offer our prayers to Him. Then be obedient to His commandment to...

"Be still and know that I am God!" Psalm 46:10

So be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication let your requests be made know to God, then...

"Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart: wait, I say, on the LORD." Psalm 27:14

My Big Catch...

2009-05-26T21:47:00.011-05:00

Tommy spent the entire Memorial day weekend fishing! A friend allowed him use of their small private lake. He was ecstatic! On Sunday, he thought he would share some of that bliss with me. After many long minutes of persuasion, I finally gave in!

We loaded up the boat, dropped the kids off at my mom's and ended up here...

Several miles out, with only one road in, we were VERY secluded! After the first chirp of a lone cricket, I was ready to bust out into the chorus of "I think we're alone now!"

Oh... there's nothing like the sound of SILENCE!

Alone at last, we enjoyed the small quiet boat ride. As we strolled through the peaceful waters, The view was beautiful...

To top it all off, the fishing was incredible. I've never seen anything like it. We would drop the line into the water and immediately feel a tug. We were catching bass left and right with little to no effort.

Even little ole' prissy me soon became a lure expert! I was catching them like a pro. I was fearless... A master of the tackle.... Grabbing those slimy fish and yanking those hooks right out of their mouths. They took one look at me and KNEW they had met their match! I'm tellin' ya, Bill Dance had NOTHING on me! Yes... I was quite the fisherman! Ahhh! (Stares off into a daydream)

REALITY CHECK!

Okay...Okay... So I might be exaggerating just a tad. Maybe I had a little help....

Oh... all right I had a LOT of help!

But why should a damsel like me have to touch a nasty, slimy ole' fish when I have a goodlookin' backwoods boy like this...

Just begging to do all my dirty work?

Notice that cute little wink? Yeah....he LOVES me! :)

Train up a child in the way he should go...

2009-05-24T23:47:00.007-05:00

Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

As a Christian mother, so often I wonder...Am I saying or doing enough to train my children in the ways of the Lord? It's one of my greatest concerns. God has entrusted five little lives in my hands. I desperately do not want to disappoint Him. The thought that my babies might miss out on God's perfect will or plan for their lives because of MY failure... terrifies me! I want to do ALL I can to ensure they follow His path. For like most mothers, I only want the best for my children and I know with all of my heart that God's way is the only certain path to true happiness.

Of course I am human. I often make mistakes. I often get caught up in this fast paced world. I miss plenty of opportunities for bible discussion. I've been known to rush through prayer time on occasion or even (dare I say it) ...forget it completely.

I am also not one who likes to talk a lot (believe it or not). I can write down my feelings or type out long letters, but to actually put my thoughts into spoken words... is nearly impossible for me. I just don't talk a lot.

So I become concerned that I may not be doing enough. Are my children learning the ways of the Lord from me? Are they getting enough "soul" food for their spiritual growth?

Then remarkably they answer my question.

The older ones are constantly asking for prayer for their friends, talking about Jesus, humming Praise and worship songs. They know right from wrong. They LOVE to read their Bibles.

Even little Eli has picked up some good habits. Lately he has become quite the little preacher. Whenever he see a child his not familiar with, he will ask them about Jesus.
Just the other day I overheard him talking...

Eli: "Do you know Jesus?"

Little boy ignores him

Eli: "Hey! Do you know Jesus"

Little boy again tries to ignore him

Eli: "HEY! You know JESUS?"

Little boy shakes his head in hope that Eli will stop bothering him. This only entices Eli more. He gets right up in the boy's face and again boldly asks..

Eli: "You know CHURCH?... JESUS?... HEL-LO?"

The little boy causally pushed him away but Eli was persistent until finally the little boy gave him a yes answer. He never gave up! The whole time I'm thinking... Wow he could teach ME a thing or two about witnessing!

I'm also in awe at how Serenity has learned to praise Jesus for everything. She praises Him for her favorite meals, toys and even getting her way.
Last week we were out shopping for new shoes and were having a hard time finding some to fit her foot. She tried on several pair... they were either too short or too wide. Finally we found a pair that fit.
Immediately, Serenity shouted.."Oh Thank you Jesus! Praise the LORD!"
Everyone in the store heard her Praise!

Moments like these I am so proud of my children. Moments like these ease my conscious and help me to realize that they are in deed being trained in the way they should go.

I may not express my thoughts or feelings well verbally. But, they are learning! They are absorbing every minor detail.

From the time they were conceived I have prayed God's will over their lives. I have asked for His hand to guide their steps and I strive to live a Godly life before them. Even with all my imperfections, I strive daily for "Christ like" perfection. They watch...they listen....They are learning...By the Grace of God... They ARE learning to walk the right path!

And they will continue to learn

through Prayer and by....

Example!

Toddler Talk - Shopping Spree

2009-05-22T18:48:00.002-05:00

Playtime With Eli and Serenity:

Serenity climbs onto her Winnie the Pooh ride on toy with her Easter basket strapped over her shoulder. She begins to sing as she pushes her way through the kitchen.

Reni: "We're goin' to All- Mart. We're goin' to All-Mart."

Once she reaches the dining room, she carefully parks Winnie the Pooh and ducks under the table where Eli is patiently waiting.

Reni: "Ello All - Mart man."

Eli: "Elcome to All-Mart. You wanna sticker?"

Reni: "Yep"

Eli: "K here ya go" pretends to stick something on her shirt

Reni: "Tank you All-Mart man. I need cereal."

Eli: "K here some cereal." hands her imaginary cereal.
"That be 9 hundreds of dollars"
(Wow inflation's a bummer ain't it?)

Serenity reaches down into her "purse like" Easter basket and hands him the imaginary money. Then turns to leave.

Reni: "Bye-bye All- Mart man!"

Eli: "Bye-Bye Come back again and gimme er money."
(A true business man)

Reni: yells over her shoulder "K... I will."

Serenity climbs back onto her ride on Winnie the Pooh and pushes her way back through the kitchen.

Bet ya can't guess where we spend the biggest part of our time away from home? :)