Happy (late) Birthday Babe!

OK.....I must be the worst wife ever!
I have tried to be very good about posting the birthday's of those closest to me, but what happen to Brent's, whose bday was MONDAY!!
My closest!
Not to make excuses but maybe because it is so close to the holidays!
Sorry BABE!

But we did celebrate with yummy food and dessert!
This guy is the best! And not just because I am married to him, either!
Isn't it funny how the Lord has a match just for you!
Brent and I met about 14 yrs ago in Bellville, TX!
We have been married almost 12 yrs and our life has been very full and BLESSED!
He has amazing patience....with me and the kids!
He is so selfless!
He is a GREAT father!
He LOVES the outdoors and spending time with the kids in the outdoors AND always puts them first!
He has a wonderful family!
I am so thankful that the Lord hooked us up!
I love you Babe!
Happy Birthday!

Rapids of life

I LOVE to "float the river"!
It has been a long time since I have been, but the memories made "floatin'" will last forever!
Load up all your friends and head out I-10......
windows down, hair blowin', music playing....singing and laughing the whole way (there and back, though the memories of the drive home are a bit harder to remember.....Thank goodness the Lord is full of grace!)
Once you arrived you would get your toob (or toobs) rented....I always like the ones with the bottom, that way you didn't scratch up yours.
You get everything unloaded from the car to the toobs and then slowly, very slowly wade into that icy-cold, clear water.
Am I making you wanna go?
Once you and all your friends are in the toobs, you just sit and the water moves you along!
Most everyone has been there before so you know what to expect so you just sit back and enjoy.
Then all of the sudden you hear it.......oh, no...it's the rapids! YEA!
See even if you don't know exactly where the rapids are.....you will know you are getting close because you will hear something different.
Everyone then tries to get together, guarding the "extra" toobs, then whether you are ready or not.....
there you go!
Some friends made it look SO easy and are waiting, some friends flipped out and are trying to keep their clothes on or get their belongings back.....
Some friends standing right there...they grab your arms (or your things) and help you get your footing...then you can regroup and get ready for the next one, hopefully it's not a big one!
It is great!
But can you imagine going by yourself?
How LAME!
Who would you laugh with, who would help you carry your toob or reach out to grab you or help you collect your things?
Life to me is kind of like "floatin the river"!
You go along, water smooth and easy, then here come the rapids.....except most times you can't hear the rushing water.....until it is over your head and your ears are filled with it!
You have friends who maybe have been down that river who might be able to help you along the way or you may have friends to stick their arm out an grab you...help you get your footing so you can continue!
Well, for me that is not the case.
I struggle with loneliness, yes loneliness.
Not sure how that works because I have a home full of kids and a husband who is great (but if it can't be fixed with 2 part Apoxi or paint....HE starts to freak) and I have lots of "friends", but I am still lonely!
You know, having someone to talk to, have coffee with, someone to not agree with me just to make me feel good, but to encourage me even when I don't feel like I can go on or to hold me accountable.
I want that!
I start wondering if maybe I have personality flaw....you know one of "those friends" who suck the life out of you or "a little of you goes a long way" kind of friend!
Gosh I hope I am not one of those......if I am please, PLEASE tell me OR slap me or something.
Maybe I am just having a pity party and I need to take the step....
but who wants to go to a women's function ALONE or call up someone you hardly even know and ask them to coffee? Then what do you say? "I have red hair and will be wearing a purple shirt and black pants!" Because they probably no more remember you than the man in the moon!
Not me!
Maybe I am one of those "Oh, I don't want to bother them" kind of people......I mean who wants to call someone and vomit your problems in their lap?
Like "Hi, this is Kellie, I have red hair, I saw you the other day...yes that was me, with 3 kids who were acting like monkeys! Well....BARF, BARF, SPIT!"
Oh that feels much better! NOT!
I have tried seeking the Lord and leaning on Him, He has proven faithful and sufficient, but dog-goneit', sometimes it is nice to sit in front of a warm body and smiling face!
What's a girl to do??

Got doubt?

Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him, "You have so little faith," Jesus said. "Why do you doubt me?" Matthew14:31

Happy Birthday Lex!

Four years ago on this day Brent and I anxiously awaited for the arrival of our new baby. This day was not only one filled with normal delivery day anxiety, but we chose not to find out the sex of the baby.....so we wanted to know, BOY or GIRL and so did lots of others!
If you ever want to make people crazy...especially your mom, do not find out the sex of your baby! It is great!
Anyway, the first 2 wks following his birth were a bit rocky. I mean the things we take for granted, like breathig and eating.
He needed alittle extra TLC but was soon home and we have been rockin' and rollin' ever since.
I mean you would never know this kid had problems with the whole suck-swallow thing...REALLY!
Brent and I are so thankful that the Lord chose us for him!
I mean we thought we were DONE having kids, but the Lord had other plans
He keeps us laughing and smiling.
He loves to give hugs and kisses, music of any kind can stop him dead in his tracks and let me tell you, this kid has rhythm. He is curious and full of questions. He is a great helper and so sensitive to others.
And he LOVES the LORD!
Happy Birthday Lex! I love you soooo much!

PS Please pray for him, today is his bday and he is SICK!

Lex had a vision....

It is no secret...we spank our kids! I hope no one from CPS is reading this!
Anyway, Lex has become VERY, VERY good friends with "Mr. Brown". You see Mr. Brown is not actually a person, but rather a THING and it lives in our laundry room on its own special hook. When the kids decide to test their limits......well, Mr. Brown as to come for a visit!
Lex DOES NOT like Mr. Brown
The other day, well he pushed the limit and guess who came?
I told Lex to go to his room......I think the anticipation is worse than the actual spanking!
So off he goes, crying ALREADY!
I go and get Mr. Brown and come into his room.....you know kids can say the most kindest things in the moments before a spanking!
Lex was laying across his
bed and when I walked in he said to me through his sobs, "Vivas (that is how he says Jesus!) told me you not gonna 'pank me no mo!"
I guess while he was waiting on me he sent up a quick prayer of despiration and Vivas spoke to him.....
Is that not the cutest thing EVER!
But he still got a spanking!

Happy Birthday Poppie!
We love you and miss you, but know that we will see you again!

I run for desserts!

I ran in my 1st ever 5K run with a VERY good friend on Thanksgiving morning and it was amazing!
This all came about because Tracy, my dear friend, who lives in Indiana called and said she wanted to run in this "Turkey Trot" on Thanksgiving morning there in Indiana. I was so excited for her and was really encouraging her.
WELL, it turned out that she was not going to be in Indiana for that Turkey Trot, but she had found a couple here in Texas AND she wondered if I would like to join her.
UUUHHH, EEERRR, WWWWEEELLLL, "sure, that would be fun!" I told her, I knew how important this was to her and I wanted HER to do it and I knew if she did not have someone running with her she would make a million excuses as to why she would not end up doing it!
What was I thinking?
Guess who started working on excuses??
The Lord has an amazing way of revealing things about ourselves to us!
OK, I finally came to grips that she IS really serious about this and there is no way out!
So I sign up!
The Sunday before the run, I wear these new (and too cute) shoes to church......well I wore them to church and carried them home from church.
I got the BIGGEST blister on my heel!
This was my ticket out...who can run 3.2 miles with a nasty blister.
Oh thank you Jesus!
NOT!
UHhhh, I must of forgot He is a healer and miracle worker!
My sister, Taylor, who is a runner turned me on to some awesome band aides and the shoes I was wearing did not actually really rub too much on the blister and so are you following the idea here...
See she and I BOTH needed this race for a personal victory, and the Lord was not releasing me!
I picked Tracy and her son up Thursday morning at 7:30 am and off to Katy YMCA we headed!
Tracy covered us in prayer and I think she was texting some back up during the run...yes, during the run! That's my Tracy!
The race was amazing!
My favorite part was when the volunteers were handing out water to the participants and you grabbed the little cup with literally a SIP of water in it and when you finished you just threw the cup on the ground! Man, I felt like I was really cool! I am a dork I know!
But I have to admit I was so tired and weary towards the end and I was thinking I can't make it running, I need to walk, but then just when I was thinking this there were all these people yelling, cheering the participants on..."Come on, only 400 yards!" "YOU can do it!" "Almost there!" "YEAH!" It was great!
Plus I was thinking about ALL that food I was going to be eating later in the day! HE HE!
I finished....3.2 miles, 37 mins. It's not a great time! I was NOT last!
I have NO excuses now for ANYTHING!

Commit your plans to the Lord and they will succeed. Proverbs 16:3
Not to take this verse out of context, like you can commit ANY plans, like robbing a bank or something...but plans that are in line with scripture and the Lords way! But like this race or being a better parent or being more committed to the Lord and His ways...

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

The Lord has blessed me in many, many ways! He has given me 2 wonderful girl friends that I am so thankful to have in my life! Thanks Tracy and Heidi for all you are to me!

Now! Heidi, you are next......I am finding us a run and making you do it with me!

Welcome Briley and Brady!

There here! Briley Grace and Brady Preston were born yesterday minutes after 1:00pm. I'm not sure of exact weights......that is what happens when you send a guy to something like this, but each was on the upper end of 5 lb. As far as birth order, Brent "thinks" Briley was first. When I asked him who was born first his reply was "there twins, they were born at the same time!" HE HE Bless his soul!
As of last night when Brent left San Antonio Briley and Brady were doing well!
Kendall is doing good, needing some rest at this point!
Thanks to those who were praying!

And let there be LIGHT!

AHHHH! This is the most WONDERFUL sight ever!
I have a fridge INSIDE my home!
You see when Mr. Ike paid us a visit...he wrecked my fridge!
That is right I have NOT had fridge inside my home since Ike!
The little things we take for granted!
We are extremely blessed to have a fridge in the garage, but come on, how convenient is that for 2 mos?
Have you ever tried fixing a meal (or a sandwich for that) using a fridge that is in you garage?
First off you have to make a list or have complete silence so you are sure not to forget anything.
Then you have to GO to the garage and start getting everything....it you are making something other than a bowl of cereal you can count on 2 trips.
Then AFTER you have made the meal....gather all your supplies and return them to the fridge.
I can not tell you how many things I had to toss out because they got left out.
Like you have to put something down to open the doors (since your arms are full determined to make it in 1 trip instead of 2) and you are just so estatic you got everything in there, then when you come out to gather items for the next meal or to get a COLD DRINK you realize.....oh gosh, I left that out!
But thanks to the super nice and knowledgeable repair guy, we are up and running!
You see we had one "local company" come out and the repair guy said we needed a few parts (this was shortly after Ike). Did I mention I think this was the repair guys first day AS a repair guy?? But being the obedient and desperate customer I said OK and WAITED... come to find out the part was backordered until 10/30/08 then add 5-7 days for shipping...WHAT!
So I waited!
James 5:8 tells us, you too be patient! RIGHT???
Finally the parts arrived Friday! YYYEAAHHH!
You should have seen the excitement at our house! Anyone looking in would have thought we won the lottery or something.
So Monday I called the "local company" to have them install my new parts........
well, what an ordeal! You don't tell someone who has been waiting (patiently waiting) on parts for their fridge for 2 months that you will call them Thursday morning between 8:30 and 9:30 and let them know when they will be out to fix it!
So to make a long story short I called another place, Appliance Masters....and that they are, Go APPLIANCE MASTERS!
They were out to my house in less than 1 hr. Fridge running like a champ AND the parts that I had been waiting on are still in the wrapper in the BOX that arrived at my house on Friday awaiting a return to GE! I did not even need them....nope did not need them!

Halloween 2008

Well, Halloween night went well! No melt downs (I was worried about Lex since he only got a series of catnaps while running errands with me), no injuries, no tramatic events, well I just made sure I did plenty of explaining that "everyone you see tonight is just a regular person like you, me, daddy or brother or sister only they have paint on their face or masks on and are making creepy noises" so we would not have a freaked out child in the night!
But more importantly it is OVER!
I am sooo not a fan of Halloween!
I mean what is the purpose?
And ALL that stinkin' candy! At my house it usually ends up in the trash on day 2 post Halloween due to candy obsession and fighting....yes kids fighting over CANDY! It is not pretty!
And I am so amazed at the amount of money some people invest in this creepy day!
And it's all just to scare the fire out of someone.....and yes, I STILL get creeped out even though I KNOW it is fake!
But the kids have fun!
We have tried to stick with costumes that are not too freaky or bizarre but as you can see by the picture there was still some blood involved!
I have 1 child who is OBSESSED with having blood every year.....she doesn't care WHAT she is as long as it has blood.
(Side note....Chloe had to write a story about what she wanted to be when she grew up and she wants to be a doctor...I am guessing a surgeon of some sort with the blood fascination! Go figure)
So this year we had Lex the Clown, Jace the Wild Game Sniper and Chloe....the Busted Up Ballerina Dancer!

Faith

Faith begins in the wilderness-when you are alone and afraid, when things don't make sense.

In the wilderness of loneliness we are terribly vulnerable.

But we may be missing the fact that it is here....here where we may learn to love Him-here where it seems He is not at work, where His will seems obscure or frightening, where He is not doing what we expected Him to do.

If faith does not go to work here it will not go to work at all.

God's answer is always: "Trust me."

by Elisabeth Elliott

Happy Birthday Jace

It was on this day, 11 years ago that Brent and I waited in anxious anticipation for the arrival of our first baby!
Isn't it amazing how all the "what-if's" and uncertainties of being a new parent or even when you have your 2nd or 3rd child can VANISH the moment that sweet baby is put into your arms.....even when they are screaming their heads off it is MUSIC to your ears. The heavens are celebrating and so are YOU!
Today is Jaces birthday.
He is growing up so quickly and is growing into a fine young man.
He was recently baptised and his love for the Lord is apparent.
He is responsible and respectable, a leader and a hard worker. He LOVES the outdoors and can usually be found with a pellet gun in hand!
He has great athletic ability......have you ever seen him play baseball??
And his laugh is SO contagious!

I love who he is and who he is becoming!
Thank you Lord for entrusting Brent and I with him!

Jace did not want to have a party, so last Friday night we took him to dinner at Red Lobster (his choice...he loves king crab legs!) and tonight we will have CHEESECAKE and he will open presents!

Patience, NOT!

I am the most impulsive and inpatient person in the WORLD!

Really, I am, ask anyone who knows me......or just see me when I have to wait!

My daily prayer always contains "Lord, please give me the strength to exercise self control and patience."

He must really like to hear me ask that because it seems like it goes unanswered LOTS! HE HE

No, He is probably answering, I am just NOT LISTENING....too busy being impulsive I guess!

Websters says impatient means being annoyed because of delay.

James 5:8 says You too be patient.

If it were only that simple. But James 5:8 HAS become my daily chant!

What is so crazy is that it is not people I am most impatient with, it's the Lord!

There I said it!

He makes me wait and it drives me crazy!

It is hear where I struggle because I don't feel like I have ever really given the Lord a chance to "show up and show out" in my life because I am TOO impatient, yet I trust in the Lord.

So if I trust, why do I become so darn impatient?

He has never disappointed me!

I pray and if I don't get an answer relatively quick I start working it out on my own.

Maybe it is fear that drives my impatience. Fear that he will not answer the way I want him too. Or fear of WHAT that answer will be. Fear that I won't hear him and miss an opportunity.

What is it?

Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. PS 62:5

Live, Love, PINK!

Today is the day I will be walking for Race for the Cure. I will be walking with some friends, 2 of which have a mother who is a breast cancer survivor and their aunt was recently diagnosed. I am sure there are MANY stories from women today at this walk. Please pray for the millions of women who are warriors in this nasty battle of breast cancer, those who have lost their battle and the many survivors and the friends and family who love them so much and for those that are participating today! And don't forget that we serve a God who is SO MUCH bigger than this disease!

I also want to say thanks to those who supported me with donations....I reached my goal!

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28

Happy Birthday Mother!

It was this day, 58 years ago (sorry mother, but you don't look a day over 38!) that the angels sang HALLLLLLLLLLLLELUJAH!
Today is my wonderful mothers birthday!
Last night we had a birthday dinner and yummy cheesecake with strawberries at our house. And a birthday is not complete without presents......she got My Redeeming Love by F. Rivers.
BEST BOOK EVER!
Anyway! I am so thankful for my mother.
She's there for me ANYTIME!
She's so selfless, putting others first!
She's thoughtful!
She's compassionate and sympathetic to others!
She loves me when I make it hard to love me!
I love her!
The kids think she is great too! Just look at the picture!

Mother-Son Camp!

Riflery!

Zip line get up...ain't it cute!

Jace skeet shooting! I never knew that boy was such a good shot! At one point he shot 4 of 5 targets....moving targets! I only hit 2 and they were on the ground! I'm trying!

Cedar tree with cross carved in top!

Sling shots! Yes, I even hit the target!

Jace found the treasure chest with the gold coin!!!!!!!!!

In the truck at the gas station....before our journey began!

OK, this weekend Jace and I got to spend some awesome time together....worshipping the Lord, learning new things about each other and doing some AWESOME activities like riflery, archery, sling shots, horseback riding, ZIP LINE, treasure hunting, skeet shooting and I know I am leaving a ton of stuff out, but we had so much fun, we can not wait to back next year! This place is a MUST for anyone! Check it out...Camp Peniel, Marble Falls, TX

IKE was bad, God is GOOD!

OK! I am finally somewhere where I can access a computer...that right there is AWESOME!
We are still without power but I am NOT complaining!
Everyday I am optimistic that "this is the day" we will get power.
We had no damage to our house!
I feel almost guilty for saying but we had 1 tree down in the front and we lost our mailbox (now that IS a BLESSING)
I will put pics of our new mailbox up ASAP! It is so nice thanks to my handy hubby!
Anyway!
The Lord has remained faithful to my family and many others during this time.
There are so many things we can be thankful for EVEN in the midst of the chaos.....
I will update more later!
Everyone take care!

Choose your words WISELY!

I know some of you are shocked by this, but my mouth has a "mind" of its own!

I really struggle with keeping it quiet or only allowing word that are helpful for building someone up to flow from it.

I have even been so bold as to ask the Lord to simply MUZZLE me...forget the bridle, just slap on the muzzle and start my day!

Duck tape might work, too!

And it is not that I gossip all day or spit fire every time my mouth opens (though my kids may disagree) but sometimes I just say things and then think "Why did I say that?"

We all know those people who have "just the right thing to say", well, I LONG to be one of those, but perhaps MUTE is better for me!

This was a devotional I received this morning from Bro. Ed of FBC Magnolia!

James 3:5b-6
New American Standard Version
James 3:5-7
5b Behold, how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! 6 And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell.

Pastor's Paraphrase
Think of how a great forest can be set ablaze by just a tiny spark and soon thousands of acres are destroyed. The tongue is just that powerful! It can set off an inferno of blazing evil and destruction among the body. It can contaminate every part of a person, leaving in charred ruins the entire direction of his life with a fire that comes from Hell itself.

"How does this help me become more like Him?"
Some time ago, a thoughtless act caused the destruction of huge portions of a great forest. A news story recounted the sad event," The Associated Press reported yesterday that an 18 year old central Washington resident would be billed for the costs of fighting an August wildfire which consumed thousands of acres of forest and burned one home. The rider is believed to have started the fire while riding off-road on a bike without a spark arrester."
It was just a single spark but it set off a chain reaction that resulted in a burning, destructive inferno. Recovery from such fires may take many years or may never happen at all. The same thing can be true about the words we speak to others. Our heated words may seem like only a spark but the fire of hurt that can be ignited can do damage that lasts for many years. Anyone who counsels hurting people will tell you that the deep struggles that many people have were caused by words spoken to them many years earlier by people who may not even be living any longer. The effect of their words to burn and scar outlive them sometimes for decades.
I am amazed at how heated our emotions and our words can become over things that don't matter much at all. The most fiery arguments in a marriage can erupt over things that, in retrospect, were incredibly trivial. Yet, in the midst of the inflamed emotions, things are said that should never come from our lips. They often burn into the hearts of our intended targets - people we love - and leave deep scars that are so very difficult to heal. Ephesians 4:26-27 tells us that such angry speech invites the devil to "set up camp" in our homes. How he must sit in the corner and laugh with delight when we fall right into his traps!
May we allow the Word of God to make us wise enough to recognize his schemes and refuse to fall for them! Let's hand him an eviction notice and tell him he will never again be welcome in our homes, our lives, and our speech. Let's replace the fire he seeks to ignite to burn our homes to the ground with the cool wind of God's Spirit, which brings gentleness, patience, and self-control. Let's practice the kind of "fire prevention" that will allow our marriages, families, and testimonies to grow and flourish in health. May our words be pleasing to His ears and a blessing to those to whom we speak.

"How should I pray for Him to change my life?"
Ask the Lord to so guard your mind and your lips that the only fire that ignites is the fire of commitment in your heart for Him. Thank Him that He repeatedly warns us and instructs us about those things that can do such great harm in our lives. Pray that His Spirit would stand guard over your lips so that you might speak those things that demonstrate your desire to live more like Him.

How BUSY are you??

My friend sent this email to me and it is very INTERESTING!

ARE YOU TOO BUSY?
Satan called a worldwide convention.
In his opening address to his evil demons, he said, "We can't keep the Christians from going to
church.
We can't keep them from reading their Bibles and knowing the truth.
We can't keep them
from forming an intimate, abiding relationship experience in Christ.
If they gain that connection with Jesus, our power over them is broken. So let them go to their churches;
let them have their conservative lifestyles, but steal their time, so they can't gain that relationship with Jesus Christ.
This is what I want you to do demons.
Distract them from gaining hold of their Savior and maintaining that vital connection throughout their day!"
"How shall we do this?" shouted his demons.
"Keep them busy in the non essentials of life and invent innumerable schemes to occupy their minds." He answered. "Tempt them to spend, spend, spend, and borrow, borrow, borrow.
Persuade the wives to go to work for long hours and the husbands to work 6-7 days each week, 10-12 hours a day, so they can afford their empty lifestyles.
Keep them from spending time with their children.
As their family fragments, soon, their home will offer no escape from the
pressures of work!
"Over stimulate their minds so that they cannot hear that still, small voice.
Entice them to play the radio or cassette player whenever they drive. To keep the TV, VCR, CDs and their PCs going constantly in their home and see to it that every store and restaurant in the world plays nonbiblical
music constantly. This will jam their minds and break that union with Christ."
"Fill the coffee tables with magazines and newspapers.
Pound their minds with the news 24 hours a day.
Invade their driving moments with billboards.
Flood their mailboxes with junk mail, mail order catalogs, sweepstakes, and every kind of newsletter and promotional offering free
products, services and false hopes.
Keep skinny, beautiful models on the magazines so husbands
will believe that external beauty is what's important, and they'll become dissatisfied with their wives.
Ha! That will fragment those families quickly!"
"Even in their recreation, let them be excessive.
Have them return from their recreation exhausted, disquieted and unprepared for the coming week.
Don't let them go out in nature to reflect on God's wonders.
Send them to amusement parks, sporting events, concerts and movies
instead.
Keep them busy, busy, busy!
And when they meet for spiritual fellowship, involve them in gossip and small talk so that they leave with troubled consciences and unsettled emotions.
Go ahead, let them be involved in soul winning;
but crowd their lives with so many good causes they have no time to seek power from Jesus.
Soon they will be working in their own strength, sacrificing their health and family for the good of the cause.
It will work! It will work!"
It was quite a convention. The evil demons went eagerly to their assignments causing Christians everywhere to get busier and move rushed, going here and there.
So, the question is:
Has the devil been successful at his scheme?
You be the judge! Does "busy" mean:
B-eing
U-nder
S-atan's
Y-oke?

For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. Galatians 3:26-27

This picture does not even begin to capture what my family experienced this weekend!
Jace was baptised and it was awesome!
As a parent, I can not even begin to put it into words how proud Brent and I are of Jace.
Those of you who know Jace, know what great kid he really is.
His laugh and smile are contagious!
His love for the Lord is apparent!
Our church actually baptised 14 kids in the 9:30 service and even more in the 11:00 service.
That is AMAZING! We have been blessed with a wonderful church that is so ALIVE and the Lord is doing such amazing things there!

Pretty as the Mornin'

Look how STINKIN' cute she looks!

And she picked out this outfit ON HER OWN at the store and I DID NOT have to bribe her to wear it! She even has on pantyhose and dress shoes! HOORAY!

I might have chosen different shade of pantyhose and shoes...but hey, you have to pick your battles RIGHT?

She has actually worn a dress 2 days this week.

I am SOOO very proud.

Though I think Chloe is adorable in whatever outfit she chooses, I do love to see her dressed up in something other than her usual shorts and t with her "fastest running tennis shoes".

For those of you who do not know Chloe she has been blessed with athletic ability and NO FEAR! I am not tooo sure the "no fear" thing excites me, as long as it's channeled positively... but anyway....that is a whole post in its self!

Last night was her 1st DIVING CLASS! And yes, that stinker went of the high dive!

No triple back flip or anything, just what I call "the pencil", but still that thing is crazy high!

She LOVED IT!

I LOVE HER!

Trust

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, do not depend on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

That verse seems sooooo simple, but I have such a HARD time with it.

I mean I do trust the Lord....I know who He is and have seen first hand that He is faithful, BUT I still find myself trying to figure things out for myself.

Or, this is usually what happens, I put my trust in Him then I "secretly" start working on how I can fix it or make it work in my simple mind....like the Lord is not going to know!

DUH! He is GOD! He knows EVERYTHING! HELLO!

I love that picture! It looks like those little fingers are giving everything to hold onto that thumb. Then there is the hand in the background....the "safety net".
Are you trusting the Lord like that. Just holding on to Him so tightly......confident of his "safety net"?
Sometimes I am.................

The Lord wants us to trust him with everything and let HIM work it out. Not say it with our mouths and then take it back with our hearts or action or thoughts.

He wants to get the glory for everything from healing you of that nagging headache to finding you that MOST PERFECT parking spot to getting you out of the HUGE monster mess that you got yourself into last week to what is happening in the future!

Many of us have seen first hand of His great faithfulness...but we a so quick to forget.

I am starting to write down all my prayer requests and then I will go back an put the date and how it was answered.

Sometimes I need that reassurance of what He can do.......I mean I know but to have it there in black and white to refresh my memory!

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power or the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

Don't Take Your Guns to Town.....

Take a close look at this photo!

This is a picture of DD... the same DD that cringes each time Jace tells of his latest hunting adventure.

But I want you to know she is SURE a good shot...

And look at the way she's holding that gun!

I think she's holdin' out on us!

Anyway! Today we spent some time with DD and Grumps!

Grumps is currently working in Nevada and he is home for a few days....so they came out and we had dinner....and target practice!

If you ever need a QUICK and AWESOME meal....HEB has the best briskets ever. They are fully cooked, all you have to do is heat in oven or microwave (if you only need a little)! It is a DEFINITE crowd pleaser!

Salt and Light

The Lord has really been speaking to me about teaching my children about living.

So I decided to start with Jesus' teaching in Matthew

1st lesson....I got the kids settled down and read them Matthew 5:13-16 about being the salt and light of the world. Not sure how much they received, I don't feel I am much of a teacher......but I was REFRESHED!

“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.
"You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." Matthew 5:13-16

Then the foot note of my Bible says if Christians make no effort to affect the world around them, they are of little value to God. If we are too much like the world we are worthless. It then goes on to say that Christians should not blend in with everyone else.

Could it be more CLEARER??

This is what I call being "Peculiar in Christ"

I think sometimes we forget this...in our busy-ness of life it is soo easy to get caught up in our self that we have missed opportunities!

And for me sometimes it IS an honest overlooking.....or rather I am not SEEKING, but there are times when it is on purpose and I find excuses to not do whatever......YUCK!

Brandon Heath has a great song Give Me Your Eyes....I think it is a true reflection of what we should be longing for minute by minute, day by day.

Here is the chorus, but the entire song is AMAZING!

Give me your eyes for just one second

Give me your eyes so I can see

Everything that I keep missing

Give me your love for humanity

Give me your arms for the broken hearted

Was it far beyond my reach?

Give me your heart for the once forgotten

Give me your eyes so I can see

Easy, Breezy Key Lime Pie

This recipe is SOOO good and SUPER simple....
1 sm. frozen limeade
14 oz can condensed milk
1 sm. container of CoolWhip
12 mini graham cracker pie crusts

Mix limeade, condensed milk and HALF of the Cool Whip until well blended and smooth. Spoon mixture into each pie crust. Freeze for 3+ hrs, removing 10-15 min. before serving. Right before serving top with remaining Cool Whip!

For you goody-two shoes.....YES you can use light condensed milk and CoolWhip! But it is such a snap to make you have PLENTY of time for exercise NOW!

Watch your mouth, Missy! (or Mister!)

Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut. Proverbs 10:19

(The Lord made that verse just especially for me...HA HA!)

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Eph 4:29

(Excellent verse to teach to kids....our motto is "was that building someone up or tearing them down?")

But evil words come from an evil heart and defile the person who says them. Matthew 15:18

If you claim religious but don't control your tongue, you are fooling yourself and your religion is worthless. Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. James 1:26-27

Again I say, don't get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach and be patient with difficult people. 2Tim 2:23-24

The tongue can bring life or death; those who love to talk will reap the consequences. Pro. 18:21

I have a hard time keeping my mouth shut and the Lord is really working on me with this.......one would think it is pretty simple, but HA!

And I tell you this, that you must give an account on judgement day of every idle word you speak. The words you say now reflect your fate then; either you will be justified by them or you will be condemned. Matthew 12:36-37

I remember my mom telling me....and I tell my kids "if you can't say anything nice, then don't say anything at all." Sounds simple enough, but why is it sooo darn HARD?

Do you think sometimes people just talk because silence is awkward?? Or maybe you feel like you need to be HEARD....I think our emotions have alot to do with our "talking" and when you let your emotions guide you sometimes you can get yourself into a "jam".

Words are like a bullet being fired from a gun....once they are spoken you CAN NOT get them back! OUCH! And some words can be as painful as a gunshot...sometimes we need to hear them and sometimes not!

I once heard:

your THOUGHTS determine your ATTITUDE

your ATTITUDE determines your ACTIONS

your ACTIONS determine your HABITS

your HABITS determine your CHARACTER

your CHARACTER determines your DESTINY.........

What is your destiny?

I DID IT!

OK! I finally did it! I rode 10 miles this morning! I thought I made it on Saturday, but when I clocked it in my truck it was only 7.5...BUMMER!

But TODAY I got up, determined to make it and I did! 10 miles in 43 minutes......AND without WATER! This fancy-pantsy bike I have does not even have a waterbottle holder....whats up with that?

At the beginning of the summer I decided I wanted to set some goals for myself, long and short term....believe it or not I have never really done that and committed to it! Then I found this scripture:

Commit to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:3

Soooo I set out some goals and through prayer (and sweat) I am working toward those...getting them in line with Gods plan while He is refining me along the way!

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil 4:13

Long Live the King

And No I am not talking about Elvis! I am talking about Jesus!

Today Lex and I were in the car and he was listening to a CD.....yes, he was listening and not asking WHY! I know you are all shocked.
Anyway, he was singing along about "Vivas" and then he proceeded to tell me "Vivas" lives in his heart.
Isn't that the cutest thing EVER!

Well, the whole "Vivas" thing makes me laugh but I was wondering.....
Is viva a word and if so what does it mean??

When we got home, straight to the computer I went and started my search for the meaning of viva.....not "Vivas"

Guess what I found......
As a word, it means "he/she lives". In an exclamation, it is like saying "Long live the king!"
Websters says: used to express goodwill or approval
What are the likes of that???

I don't know about you.....but I was SHOWN that Jesus does live in Lex's heart!
My, my, the things you can learn from a child!

Thank you Lord for Lex and for living in his heart!

A time for.................

For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under 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 tear down and a time to build up. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance. A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away. A time to search and a time to quit searching. A time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak. A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

I love the different seasons but unfortunately here in Houston area we only experience 2....hot and not so hot (AKA in other states as winter)!

But even though we only have 2 seasons here I still go through many "seasons" in my life. These seasons are more exciting.....some can be hard or painful...but still more exciting, I think!

Sometimes the seasons may not last as long as a "true season" and sometimes they can last what seems like eternity!

I feel like I am in a season of change.....every since school got out it seems like there has been change.

Getting used to the kids being home ALL DAY, me not working, Brent working alot, friends changing, family moving, new babies coming, sisters leaving, grandfather passing,....along with many others.

And usually when change comes it is followed by heels digging in a lot of kickin' and screamin'! Though I have definately had my moments I can still be thankful for change because I know that these changes are necessary for the "bigger picture" and the Lord knows what he's doing...

What's your season??

Have a slice of humble pie.....

OK! I admit it! I was offended the other day and I let the offense effect my actions.

I am sure your dying to know the details.......................so, I will share!

The other day the kids and I went to eat at a little place in Magnolia. There was only about 4 tables being occupied and 2 waitresses, but the service was HORRIBLE. I won't bore you with those details, we have ALL experienced this at some point.

Anyway, when I went to pay I was determined I was NOT going to leave a tip! I had convinced myself that had I been a guy I would have been treated MUCH better! I was OFFENDED by this poor service!

So, she swiped the card and I signed my name and DID NOT leave a tip!

"HUH, I'll show her" were my thoughts......mind you I had my kids with me and one in particular was very curious if I tipped.

I explained that I did not leave a tip because "she didn't do anything and the service was horrible." Can't you just hear me...oh gosh, I am so lame! Then we drove away and finished our day!

Way to go....Raise those kids up right!!!

WRONG ANSWER!

The Lord spoke to me very clearly that night....it was almost frightening!

He revealed to me that I was allowing myself to be offended and then teaching that behavior to my children.............................YIKES, that never occurred to me while I was acting childish and giving way to my feelings and emotions.

I was reminded of all the things the Lord has done for me....even when I "didn't do anything and gave poor service"!

I did not know what was going on that day, at that moment, with her. I should have just shown love and understanding (maybe even asking her how her day was going?) but instead I was being selfish AND teaching my kids to be that way!

Not only that, but what was I accomplishing by not leaving her a tip? Would it have made the service better? NO! In fact the next time I went there to eat (which I know I will) the service may have been WORSE, because I could have OFFENDED HER by not leaving a tip.......and look at that cycle flourish!

I needed to have grace!

It goes back to something I said in a previous post....when you have expectations in people other than Jesus you can expect to be disappointed!

We believe that we are all saved the same way, by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus.

Acts 15:11

So, guess where I went?

Yep, back to the little restaurant to find my waitress and give her the tip that I did not leave the other day.......

And my kids came too!

They eat all they can and sell the REST!

Blue Bell, the best ice cream in the country!!!!!!

Tuesday the kids, myself and Ma Myers went to the Blue Bell Creamery in Brenham and took the tour AND we got a scoop of that yummy ice cream! It was so fun and pretty informative! Did you know they make 160 Country Cones (AKA Drum Sticks) a MINUTE! Or 120 ice cream sandwiches a MINUTE! That is insane....That is 7200 ice cream sandwiches an hour and 57,600 ice cream sandwiches in 8 hours! That's ALOT of ice cream sandwiches! They also have a HUGE freezer in the employee break room with pints of ice cream and other ice cream treats that the employees can have...hince...They eat all they can and sell the rest! I guess when you make that much ice cream you SHOULD share some! Those workers are probably pretty hungry too! I wanna work at Blue Bell!

Not only did we enjoy the tour we got to spend some time with Ma Myers! Thanks for coming Ma! We have been missing you!

It's Gettin' HOT in here.........

OK, have you ever had one of those days? Weeks? Month? YEAR?
One where your thinking "OK, what is going on and WHY is it happening to ME?"
When you are faced with these situations what do you do? Do you whine and complain, wear your friends and family out with what is going on, become bitter and angry or do you turn to the Lord and thank him??
Yes.......you heard me correctly, I said THANK HIM?

Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad - for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world. 1 Peter 4:12

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is Gods will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
1 Thes 5:18

There are many more, but they are all clear, VERY clear...............

Many times the Lord sends things in our life to strengthen our relationship with Him. He is pruning us. Pruning sound nice....it makes me think of roses.
Can you get the visual, you are a beautiful rose bush in an overgrown flower bed. A bed that has not been tended to in a while. You have great potential but the "weeds and other stuff" are suffocating you and you are SOOOO thirsty. The Lord is the Master Gardener, pruning and watering, pulling the weeds....................and TAADAAA you are able to blossom into all that your were intended! :) But it is not a one time thing either....as new weeds grow, they need to be pulled, dead limbs and buds must be removed and you will need to be watered daily!

I mean look at the suffering Jesus endured...and he did not go around grumbling or complaining, instead he cried out "Abba, Father everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine." Mark 14:36

The Lord knows what is going on with us, He knows what has happened and what is going to happen. I mean he knows EVERYTHING, He made you! And sometimes he uses those circumstances to show YOU who you really are, with the desire to make you more like HIM!

Now I know (from 1st hand experience) it is not easy. Some people are thinking..."yeah right, you just don't even know the HALF of it and there is NO WAY I can be glad or thankful."
But there is!
The Lord loves us so much and He wants to be glorified in all situations..... from Him finding you that perfect parking spot at the mall to having someone dedicate their life to Him.

These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold - though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. 1 Peter 1:7

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28

Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you did not know. Jer 33:3

So when your feet are being held in the fire or your "bed" is overgrown with weeds seek the Lord and REJOICE and know that it is for a reason!
It is the "valley" experiences that lead us to the "mountaintop" experiences and it is the mountaintops where you want to shout "PRAISE GOD!"

Lay it down!

OK, so I am stubborn and hard-headed, but I am trying to work through this.....thanks to the grace of God and the WONDERFUL book I am reading !
I am finding that our world is SO incredibly warped!
You know it sends the message to be strong, independent, don't let anyone take advantage of you, stand up for yourself and this message is started out at an early age!
This is where the stubborn, hard-headedness (if that is even a word) comes into play that I am DESPERATELY trying to change.
Do you stand up for what you feel/think is right?
Like that would mean you are living by/on emotion, right?
Or, do you just lay it down? That would mean your are weak and let people take advantage of you??????????? And I am NOT weak and WILL NOT be taken advantage of!
I so remember having a conversation with my friend not too long ago about how I "stood up for myself and what was right".
My rational was that the Lord did not intend for us to be "walked all over or taken advantage of".
But I had this feeling....what I thought was condemnation and figured it was another one of the enemy's savvy tricks, so I was determined NOT to let it get to me. I even had others pray with me and for me because the condemnation was just lingering.
Well, as I am reading in my book, I see that we ARE to just "lay it down" and not take matters into our own hands. We just give that person over to the Lord....and let HIM deal with that person. OH GOSH! What freedom, one less thing the Lord needs my help with... HE HE!
It DOES NOT mean we are weak or giving people a ticket to trample on us like a door mat, it means we are OBEDIENT!

What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Romans 8:31

So that feeling I was feeling was CONVICTION, from the Lord, not condemnation (this is never from the Lord)! He was convicting me that I took matters into my own hands instead of giving that person and situation over to HIM to allow him to work for GLORY!
So for 4 months I have been walking around with conviction, not even realizing it was conviction, thinking it was condemnation and something was wrong with me and wondering if it would EVER leave me....
When all I really needed 4 mos ago was a ROLL of DUCK TAPE and more FAITH!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

The Challenge? Next time you are wronged or feel you are wronged, send out a prayer and even pray for the person who you believed wronged you! Yes, I said pray for them! It seems crazy, I know! Then sit back and watch God in his glory! His plan is far better that what we could do or imagine.

Princess in the making.........

I am so excited! Chloe got some of the CUTEST clothes this weekend for school! She even got 2 dresses.......we are definately making progress! For those of you who may not know Miss Chloe....well, she is definately not a GIRLY, GIRLY! She loves being outside, climbing trees, riding bikes, playing sports (I mean she plays CATCHER in softball and got the Sweaty-Dirty Award last year. The coach said no one gets more sweaty or dirty than the catcher, YUCK!)
One time she had an ortho appt and it interfered with recess....
well, I got an ear full and she requested that I not make appts. at that hour any more because she does NOT want to miss recess.
Now me at that age?
I would have been like "WOOOO WHHHOOOO I missed recess" and begged my mom to take me to lunch and home for the rest of the day!
Don't get me wrong, there is NOTHING wrong with this, but I was a major GIRLY, GIRLY so you can imagine my surprise when she was anything but thrilled when she got her 1st tea set.
But she is still AWESOME and we are getting pretty good at getting tennis shoes to go with dresses or skirts and she likes that because she can still run really fast at recess!
I love her so much and I am glad the Lord gave her to us!

Bye! Bye!

Well, this weekend we (Brent, myself, Chloe and Lex) went to help "The Myers 3 Pearland" get ready for the BIG MOVE!
Lex and Barret were HUGE helpers, can't you tell! HE HE!
They will be moving to the Hill Country this week!
I am soooo sad for my own selfish reason, but I am really happy for them, and now we have a really cool place to visit. I mean, not that Pearland isn't cool, but the Hill Country is AWESOME!
My nephew Barret is the cutest darn thing, his eyes and eyelashes would make a grown woman SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO jealous!
AND for those of you who may not know.................my wonderful sister-in-law is expecting TWINS! YIPPIE!
That has got me super excited!
Baby boy and baby girl are due in December! UUUHHH, Kendall, Nov. 22 would be AN AWESOME day, too!
Anyway, despite all the work over the past few days, I really had fun getting a chance to catch up with Kendall, love on Barret, we laughed ALOT, I learned so many neat organizational things....I love to be organized, and I got some great loot (they had a garage sale...those are ALWAYS FUN) and FOOD! Many thanks guys!
We will be praying for you! We love you much and can't wait to come visit!

Living this Life!

Yesterday my friend received some world-rockin' news and it got me thinking.
In life there are no guarantees....but there are some certains, we will live and die. Some people are given a longer time on this earth than others.
I am really not afraid of dying, but what I am afraid of is the sadness that will be with my family in my absence......my kids, Brent, my parents. But the Lord will take care of them....
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28
But what really shook me was how would I be remembered?
I am SO GUILTY of not taking the time to "smell the roses", I like my house to be clean and orderly (yes I am SOOOO TYPE A), I gripe (or yell) about silly things, I say "NO" alot, I really don't "play" with the kids...I am involved but I don't play "house" or "babies"(I wish I could talk Chloe into playing "Spa", but she is not going for it) or whatever.

I don't want to be remembered as a griper or complainer, a meanie or lame-O.
I don't want to be remembered as selfish or stubborn, either.

I have heard the terms "dance like no one is watching"......"live like there is no tomorrow" and never given it much thought, but now I am thinking that might be some pretty good advice.

Slowing down, making lemonade when life gives you lemons, taking in the beauty of this world and life that I have been given, living selflessly, let people know how much they mean to me.

That is how I want to be remembered!

Each day is a gift that is why it is called present and you never know what tomorrow holds!

Best book EVER!

OK! I am reading the most awesome book....The Bait of Satan, by John Bevere. Thanks Tracy for telling me about it! I can not put it down!
This book is about being offended.
To me being offended meant like someone asking me "When is your baby due" and HELLO I am NOT even pregnant. Or one time I had someone, a complete stranger, ask me if all my kids had the SAME DAD? What is that??
Those things were offensive to me.
But I am learning in this book that being offended means someone wrongs you OR you BELIEVE you have been wronged and you hang on to that.
Sometimes you can even trick yourself into thinking you were not offended but you are not tricking the most important person......GOD! He knows your heart...He knows the number of hairs on your head! Who do you think your kiddin'?
Anyway, I am also learning that I am selfish! OUCH! This is something that I do not want to be, I want to be selfless. By being offended I am allowing myself to be controlled by the flesh.
The book give many examples of people in the Bible who had been wronged but chose to not be offended!
It shows how Joseph showed nothing but grace to the SAME brothers who sold him as a slave, he knew it was part of God's plan. WHAT??? If my siblings sold me as a SLAVE, well.....I would not have handled the situation like Joseph did (but I am trying to be better). David showed grace to Saul by not killing him, when given several opportunities, and David actually mourned for him when he was finally killed and David took care of Saul's family.
They took themselves out of the picture, emotions and all, and were obedient! They let God deal with the offenders!
GOSH! That is how I want to be!
I will definitely be keeping ya'll updated on this book!

And he's off................

Look at that, would you! Lex has finally mastered the skill of pedaling. I am so proud of him! And he is soooo fast, too! A few times that little bike has almost threw him. He thinks he is so big. I got a bike and now when I tell him we are going on a bike ride he runs to his bike and then acts CRAZY when I tell him he can't take his just yet. His response is "but me big now and me can wide fast, see"................and zoom off he goes. He even has the stand up thing going at times! What a toot!

Fear this!

You know there are so many things to experience in life that are missed due to fear. Now this could be a true fear, like being overcome with fear, or a subtle fear. Maybe fear of rejection or fear of failure. Well, it says everywhere in scripture not to be afraid. In fact being fearful means you are not trusting the Lord, and when you are not trusting the Lord, well, that is sin! OUCH! We are by no means perfect people, but WE should be able to trust the Lord. He is faithful and the Bible tells us so! Over the past couple of days I have read about different types of fear, OK Lord I see where this is going, and I have realized that I am fearful person! Why?? I don't know.
If the Lord is for me who can be against me?
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil 4:13
Well, I am thinking that this is just ONE of the many ways the enemy starts to work on a person. "Oh yeah, let me fill them fear and doubt and then they will get stuck and and quit trying!" Well, enemy I have NEWS for YOU! I am not going to live that way. I can't! I want to be full of joy and ready to receive what the Lord has for me. I do not want to go around living my life in fear! I know that I can not please everyone, everybody will not always like me or my ideas or my food or whatever.....but I am seeking the Lord and all that other stuff does not matter.
I mean look at David and Goliath.....this little guy fought a huge giant, and won...killed him, with ONLY a sling shot and rock and the Lord took care of the rest! He was TOTALLY trusting the Lord! Go DAVID!
Joyce Meyer is always saying "if we do what we can, the Lord will do the rest!"
The light is finally on! I think I am starting to get it.
When we have expectations in or for anyone else, other than the Lord, we will be disappointed!

"Look! He has placed the land in front of you. Go and occupy it as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, has promised you. Don’t be afraid! Don’t be discouraged!" Deut 1:21

Family!

I am so blessed to have such an awesome family! Now I am not saying that we are perfect....but it is pretty darn good! My Mimi has been living in Magnolia for 1 yr. Last July she sold her home, the ONLY home I ever remember her and my grandfather ever living in, to move to an "apartment" at my dad and Brenda's house. This was HUGE for her, but not too long ago she told me "I don't know why I waited so long!". My Mimi just toddles around town ALL the time. She is known on a first name bases at Walgreen's in Decker Prairie and she thinks Brookshire Bros. "rocks".....those were not her exact words, but pretty close. HE HE! She also has recently discovered Wednesday's at the community center where she can play Bridge...Ye HAW! That is HUGE and she loves going there and visiting with friends! I am glad she is here! I am so thankful that my dad and Brenda are in a situation that allowed Mimi to live there, too! I love you MIMI! Daddy and Brenda, MANY, MANY thanks to you guys and Taylor and Tracy too!

Target, Walmart and KIDS!

Would you just look at those sweet faces, aren't they precious? Yeah, until you step foot inside a store!

I used to think it was the red bulls eye...you know red is a fiery color and then you couple that with the whole bulls eye thing which brings out the whole wild, competitiveness stuff.

You know you park your car and start the 10 minute trek to the store...well, it takes US 10 minutes even when we are front row Joes. The kids start gazing at the huge red bulls eyes during the trek into the store, then the automatic doors fly open and they turn into WILD ANIMALS! There are times I have to do a double take to make sure I have not accidentally taken someone elses kids, but no they ARE MINE!

So then I thought Walmart will be better. There is no red bulls eye and Walmart is blue..a nice soothing, relaxing color. But to my surprise the same behavior was noted! What is the deal?

If anyone has any suggestions or ideas..please do share!

Paul tells us that love is patient and kind..but he obviously never went to the store with 3 kids in tow!

Are you contagious?

No, this is not about covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze or how important it is to frequently wash your hands. Although those things ARE important this is about something you WANT to catch. A contagious spirit


Is your spirit contagious?

This is something that I truly want to have but it is real work for me. I mean, I want people to say "What is with her?" and not in a bad way. I want to be peculiar for Christ. Doing because I love him and serving others is what I am called to do, not based on what I feel like doing or think I can or can't do.

Jesus was a servant, I mean he even washed feet!

Our sermon this Sunday was about 6 characteristics of a true servant. Those characteristics are 1) being trustworthy and dependable 2) having genuine concern for others and their needs and not just himself 3) proves himself over an extended period of time - not "fizzling out" over time 4) has a positive outlook even in the face of difficulties 5) serves others even at the cost of great personal sacrifice and hardship..............oohh, that's a tough one! 6) is deserving of honor and esteem for what he does for Christ and others.

I think it is something that people need to be reminded of frequently. You know ministering to someone through actions. Completely removing yourself from the picture. Not doing something because of what's in it for you or how it will effect you, you JUST DO IT!

I love the song Pass it On...It only takes a spark to get a fire glowing, soon all those around can warm up in glowing. That's how it is with God's love once you've experienced it, you spread His love to everyone. You want to pass it on!

Life keeps us busy but lets not take our eyes off of what is really important. You might be just what that person needs today!

Date Night!

What bliss! Last night Brent and I were able to escape the craziness of the Myers Family Home and have a nice dinner to ourselves. You know when you have 3 kids it is really hard to get them all "gone" at the same time, but luckily I live pretty close to Granna and Poppie, Nana and DD and even Auntie Taylor and Auntie Casey watch on occasion. Now I just need to work on Uncle Tracy since Taylor and Casey will be off to college soon! What is the going rate for babysitting these days anyway?

I am so grateful for our "date night" and really realize how important it is to spend 1 on 1 time with your spouse and talk about other things than "kid stuff" or having to say after every 2 words "I am talking wait your turn please!".

Obedience

I have never considered myself to be one of those "do as I say not as I do" parents, but WHOA yesterday I was totally convicted!
I am ALWAYS telling my kids "you have to listen AND obey", "you may not like my decision but you need to respect it (no LOUD sighs or mumbo/grumbo under the breath, you know....the things you did to YOUR parents...I was a MAJOR eye roller and to this day I am still pretty darn good, just ask Brent! Sorry Babe!) Anyway, yesterday after I had explained to Mr. Lex how important it is for him to listen AND obey the veil was lifted, OK more like yanked, from my eyes. Do I listen AND obey my Heavenly Father? DUH?????????? I try, really hard, but I can not and do not alway listen AND obey. And as Christians we must do both. You see you can hear it and carry it around in your head and think about it and never put it into action, whether it is sin that needs to be dealt with or an assignment the Lord has for you. You can also be flappin' your mouth (oh yeah, thats me) telling the Lord everything, like He doesn't already know it, that you do not give him a chance to speak or reveal things to you. LISTENING and OBEYING! You see this is how you grow in your relationship with the Lord and strengthen your spiritual walk. While the things being asked of you may be painful, the Lord will be with you. Even though Jesus was God's Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. Hebrews 5:8

He told his disciples "teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28:20. There it is! He WILL be with you!

So lets try to be better listen-ers AND obey-ers because that is what He is calls us to do!

Do you ever feel overwhelmed? I do, ALOT! I sometimes get so bogged down by "whys" and "what ifs" that I get myself into a trap of thinkin' and at times it can be hard to get out of. Today I was reminded by Psalms 139 that the Lord has OUR whole lives mapped out and that we need not be worried about the "whys" and "what ifs". All we need to do is seek the Lord and HE will guide us. He has everything worked out for us. We are looking through the keyhole of a life that has already been set out for us; we think we know what we need and want but do we really??
You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Psalms 139:5
What comfort! Psalms 139 is full of encouragement that the Lord knows everything about us, of course he made us, and He wants to bless us! Let us be overjoyed and not overwhelmed!

Psalm 139
1 O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. 2 You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. 3 You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. 4 You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. 5 You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!
7 I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! 8 If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. 9 If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, 10 even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. 11 I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night— 12 but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you. 13 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. 15 You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. 16 You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.
17 How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! 18 I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!
19 O God, if only you would destroy the wicked! Get out of my life, you murderers! 20 They blaspheme you; your enemies misuse your name. 21 O Lord, shouldn’t I hate those who hate you? Shouldn’t I despise those who oppose you? 22 Yes, I hate them with total hatred, for your enemies are my enemies. 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.