My Heart Will Rejoice...

stuff does not create happiness

2012-01-21T15:13:00.000-05:00

link...gratitude...

2012-01-06T19:19:00.000-05:00

Beautiful blog and give-a-way :)

A Holy Experience

linked post- stewardship

2011-12-29T21:46:00.000-05:00

great post here I found by clicking the "next" button on my blog from blogger. glad I did :)

enjoy!

Praying you have a had a blessed Christmas.

seasons with hope...

2011-12-03T17:26:00.000-05:00

Don't you just love the fall? The smell of burning leaves, the smoke rising from the chimney...
(I am in the northeast...maybe you have the smell of suntan lotion, in that case...well, no comment! )
....the radiant colors of the leaves, snuggly socks, rich hot coffee in the dark of the morning, pumpkin pies, hearty soups, soft homemade bread nestling the sweet butter, craft time, the warm, sweet embrace of the loved one and cozy little ones nestled in a lap while reading Snowy Day...blessings.

Seasons can be crazy.
Seasons can be loud.
Seasons can be quiet.
Seasons can be somber.

Fall brings the close of hot days, maddening schedules, loud days and long nights. It brings with it routine, quieter days, rest and the richness of color.

Then comes winter. Fall colors fade away, leaving the simple white of snow, the angular lines of bare branches, the fullness of evergreens and their crisp sweet scent, the swirl of hot chocolate steam and cozy days together.

Spring is greatly welcomed. The peeking of daffodils, colors bursting forth in the grey days, welcoming of new life, the joyful chirp of returning winged friends, April showers. Even the mud and pesky black flies bring a relief to the long winter days.

Summer, oh summer. Hot days, cold ice cream, bare feet running through vibrant green blades of grass, sprinklers, waves, sand, seashells. Loud laughter late into the evening with sunsets past the dinner hour and crazy schedules.

We are fortunate here in New England to experience the four seasons. Before our move here, we didn't have such distinct differences in the seasons. In the south it was hot and mild..mostly hot! Sometimes, life can be like this. At some point in time as a new Christian someone referred to life as seasons. This stuck with me. What a beautiful analogy. The highs and lows. The hot and the cold. The new and the old. With each season, though some seem longer than others, the next season will come. With this, no matter what season you are in, there is hope. Hope. Isn't this one of the most beautiful words and gifts the Lord has given us.

"[ Hannah’s Prayer ] Then Hannah prayed and said: “My heart rejoices in the LORD; in the LORD my horn is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in your deliverance."~ 1 Samuel 2:1

"Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?”~Job 2:10

"Though we are slaves, our God has not forsaken us in our bondage. He has shown us kindness in the sight of the kings of Persia: He has granted us new life to rebuild the house of our God and repair its ruins, and he has given us a wall of protection in Judah and Jerusalem."~Ezra 8:9-10

“Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” ~John 6:35

There is a verse for every season, but through each one there is Hope.

And as believers in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, we have hope because of this:

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)

thankful...(77-100)

2011-11-14T21:27:00.002-05:00

What a year this has been...I've been thinking this should be my post for the New Year but why wait...who knows what the LORD will be doing then ;)

I suppose I shall get to the point and make this a thankful post because despite the emotional and spiritual roller coaster this year has been, the LORD has been with me every step of the way...extending grace, endless mercies, heaping love, leading, carrying, being patient, comforting and blessing with HIS Word and peace.

Thanking HIM for...

77. making it through the summer
78. this precious hubby
79. the oldest's help this evening
80. the opportunity to meet this dear old man, all because a carpet needed to be cleaned
81. praying together as a family every night
82. the fact that daddy makes us sit and talk before prayer time, when if left to my own devices, I would miss this precious time
83. the pink ipod hubby bought me for work
84. the sermons I listen to on the little pink ipod
85. God's Word playing on the ipod
86. the homeschool conference speakers playing on the ipod...teaching me about parenting, myself, the Lord, my husband, my children, giftedness...oh, and homeschooling :)
89. HIS will and not mine, and slowly doing it first, rather than last
90. the Skirmish and the boys doing the best they ever have
91. even better about the Skirmish-their cheering for others :)
92. the new teachers and the Lord's hand
93. new place of worship
94. a Woman's Retreat, resting in the "sweet spot"-at the feet of Jesus
95. clean kitchen (not because of me)
96. clean laundry (not because of me)
97. a squeal from a 2 year old as a welcome home
98. text messages sent in love and to encourage from my honey
99. continued work
100. prayer first...and waiting...

this precious man has been a gift from the LORD to me...the LORD has truly used him this year to show me that I can make it just one more step when I think I can't...we're both fallen, broken people saved by grace, walking in joy and love...good stuff :)

“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.” 1 Peter 3:18 NIV

1000 Gifts...
A beautiful idea from Ann Voskamp at a Holy Experience. Her beautiful website and link here-won't you join?

Autumn Snow Storm...

2011-11-08T20:12:00.002-05:00

Thanking the Lord for His goodness...

"...But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." ~Joshua 24:15

{this moment}

2011-10-14T22:38:00.000-04:00

sweet reminder of summer's final days...{this moment-a Friday ritual} joining with soulemama

thankful... (61-76)

2011-09-15T21:02:00.000-04:00

Thankful...

61. His Word...
62. Daddy playing football outside with the boys...
63. A nap...
64. Homemade biscuits and gravy...
65. Dinner of homemade spicy black-eyed peas (from a friend!), oven fried parmesan chicken, corn and rice...
66. Blog checking with lovely inspirations...
67. Cool breeze (even though there's supposed to be a tropical storm?)
68. Family safe from the hurricane...

69. My sweet family at home...
70. A chuckle of the poor weather reporter on TV...
71. Washer and dryer tops cleaned...
72. Play-dough that sounds like "mato" from the 2 year old...
73. A great first week of school for Daddy...
74. A great first week of school for the boys...
75. The grace that comes when trying so hard to let go of the perfectionist attitude...

76. The peace of the LORD, knowing He is control...

Romans 12:2
~ Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

(Written on Sunday August 28th, but didn't want to let it go by :) )

{this moment} - sweet note to come home to...

2011-08-19T21:31:00.000-04:00

Joining with SouleMama~
{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

to serve...

2011-08-18T22:18:00.000-04:00

A scene from a beautiful church production called "A Walk Through Bethlehem"

"Pay attention and listen to the
saying of the wise;
apply your heart to what I teach,
for it is pleasing when you keep them
in your heart
and have them ready on your
lips.
So that your trust may be in the LORD,
I teach you today, even you."

~Proverbs 22:17-20

There is something to be said about having your sweet ones home with you, choosing to homeschool, choosing a life style that goes against what main stream (aka-the world) promotes.

We commit to teaching them, but we also commit to laying our selves at the Lord's feet, along with our pride, our "me" time, our selfish tendencies, our comfort zone...our selves.

We choose to serve, no strings attached.

Lots of prayer but a priceless fruit... :)

Praying for contentment in your hearts, the peace that surpasses all understanding and the gift of truly laying it all at the feet of Jesus, sitting right there as Mary did and not bustling about in frustration as Martha did, though she meant well but was missing the point. May we not miss the point...relationship, servant hood, love...

when in doubt, smile :)

good stuff...

growing, slowly but surely...

2011-08-09T23:57:00.000-04:00

The Lord is so good in His love and discipline of those He loves. I'm just going to say it, I am one stubborn girl! I get my own idea in my head and have a hard time letting it go (even when I think I have.)

But the Lord can use all things for His glory and you know what, He loves me enough to walk me through it :)

This summer, actually this year, has brought many changes, filled with emotion. We've brought our precious boys back to homeschooling; I've gone from working part time to full time; hubby has gone from working full time to being a full time student and super daddy at home (this actually started a year ago after being laid off); we've taken our "little side business" to a full time company with a vision; we made a hard, but right decision to follow the Lord's leading to a new church. But the biggest transition and change has been in my heart. He has shown me what my priorities are and what they need to be. I've asked in prayer that the Lord would purge from my heart what is not pleasing to Him. I've struggled greatly with contentment (I've written about that here before.) In my work, I come face to face with this struggle. This evening I shared with our boys this struggle I have. It was good to confess it. Another struggle He has revealed...fear. So many things I have done or not done have been in fear-fear of failure, fear of disappointment, fear of the unknown. Something I do not want to pass on to our boys.

I look back on my early days as a mama. I was home, we had a large home, my family nearby and all the amenities close by....and I didn't appreciate it in the least. Our move to the north has brought with it a lot of hard work and a lot of tears. But I'm humbled that the Lord saw (sees) fit to walk us through this because He loves us and knows what is best for us. Our marriage has grown, our parenting changed, our hearts changed, our walk with our Heavenly Father blessed beyond belief.

I said to my sweet ones tonight, if we had nothing, we're (I am) blessed because we have Jesus. We are rich beyond belief despite what we have in this life. We are in this world but not of it.

I don't know what the Lord has in store for us but I do know that it is good. And through all of these tears of letting go of my (sinful) will and submitting to His (by His grace only), there I (we) will find peace, joy and hope...it's not about me, but Him...

May we serve the Lord completely, knowing His plans are good.

Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the people of the world revere him.

~Psalm 33:8

I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

~Philippians 4:10-12

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. ~Luke 12:6-7

summer... :)

2011-07-29T16:57:00.000-04:00

Sometimes, we have to lay out all the cards (in this case, the pictures) to see how good it is :) In the midst of a crazy summer, working full time, changing plans, places, God gently reminds, He is right there in all of it...and we breathe, inhale, and smile...oh, yes, You've been here the whole time sweet Lord... (insert heart)

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ~Jeremiah 29:11

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. ~ 1 Chronicles 16:34

May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. ~Psalm 20:4

...now onto homeschooling :) He is so, so good!

children (linked post)

2011-07-14T22:40:00.000-04:00

Our children are a precious gift from God :)
Excellent article here.
Praying you see your little ones (or older ones) through His eyes.

"Then Esau looked up and saw the women and children. “Who are these with you?” he asked.

Jacob answered, “They are the children God has graciously given your servant.” Genesis 33:5

He will...

2011-07-06T22:35:00.001-04:00

²² “‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I myself will take a shoot from the very top of a cedar and plant it; I will break off a tender sprig from its topmost shoots and plant it on a high and lofty mountain. ²³ On the mountain heights of Israel I will plant it; it will produce branches and bear fruit and become a splendid cedar. Birds of every kind will nest in it; they will find shelter in the shade of its branches. ²⁴ All the trees of the forest will know that I the LORD bring down the tall tree and make the low tree grow tall. I dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish.

“‘I the LORD have spoken, and I will do it.’”

Ezekiel 17:22-24

He can and will, let us trust in Him, for His goodness is holy, just and mercy filled. It is about Him and not about us. We take the focus off of ourselves and place it on our Heavenly Father and by His grace, we see all that matters is Him and our relationship with Him, our Savior, Jesus Christ. God became a man, born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, facing all of the temptations of man, His creation, was nailed to a cross and died. And the earth became black. But the story doesn't end there. 3 days later, Jesus rose from the grave, defeated death fulfilling the prophecy of a savior for mankind, for all those who would believe and accept Him. And our hope today is found in Him. God became a man, that there would be a perfect sacrifice for His children. Not the blood of a lamb or bull was shed at Calvary but the perfect holy blood of our Creator in a man's body for men stained by sin. The one and only perfect sacrifice that would cover the sin permanently for those who believe. There is nothing that can make one worthy enough or righteous enough to deserve this gift of eternal life with the Creator. Simply put, it is a gift from a Father to His sons and daughters, whom He loves and extends grace to. He desires a relationship with us. He desires to love us and bring us a peace that surpasses all understanding. Can we believe we are anything but sinful people in need of a savior, even the best of us? Can we be so prideful that we believe we can do this thing called life on our own? Can we believe that we don't have a Creator who loves us unconditionally, who knit us together in our mother's womb and knows every hair on our head? Can we harden our hearts so much that we deny the awesome creation around us and the amazing intricate details of the human body, mind and personality and believe that there was anything but a Creator? Can we believe we are not deserving of the love of our Creator, the One who knows our innermost thoughts, desires, fears, hurts, joys? Could you step out with just the smallest mustard seed of faith and believe that He is there, waiting at the door, waiting to be let in and be reconciled back to His child, you? He will help.

3 Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 4 They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” 5 But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water.
...
⁸ But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. ⁹ The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance...

11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.[b] That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. 13 But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.
~2 Peter 3:3-5, 8-9, 11-13

5 This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all[b] sin.
8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.
1 John 1:5-10

If you confess with your mouth you are a sinner and believe Jesus died on the cross to bear your sins and rose again and is alive and you want Him to save you, He is just and might to forgive your sins and all unrighteousness that you might begin to live a life with Him. He will save you and you will have the promise of eternity with your Creator. You will have new life, be reborn spiritually, as you were once dead in sin. Will you trust Him?

I have...and I would never turn back. His love heals, His love endures, His love grows, His love promises a hope and a future. It doesn't promise a perfect, pain-free, trouble free life, but it does promise a helper, His Holy Spirit to guide and lead you, to comfort you, to strengthen you and to bring you peace in the calm and in the storms.

God loves you, no matter what! (A great lesson from Vacation Bible School we shouted out all week!)

Praying for you,

In His Word Sunday- contentment

2011-07-03T23:43:00.000-04:00

Contentment...

contentment: (noun) the state of being contented; satisfaction; ease of mind. (dictionary.com)

From Our Daily Bread Devotional,

"A poet once wrote: “As a rule, man’s a fool. When it’s hot, he wants it cool. And when it’s cool, he wants it hot. Always wanting what is not.”

What an insightful observation on human nature! So when we read in Philippians 4:11, “I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content” we wonder, Can this be possible?

For Paul it was. Philippians 4:12-13 describes Paul’s response to life: “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength” (NIV). Paul’s relationship with God superseded whatever he did or did not have. His contentment was not based on his circumstances, but on his relationship with Christ."

If there is something I struggle with greatly, it is this. The Lord has done a mighty work in my heart and continues to as He gently shows me my heart attitude, convicts my thoughts and my words and shows me the mirror through my little ones. Growth happens when, at least speaking for myself, when we are able to humble our selves and listen to the words being spoken by a loved one (in love); to take these words and learn and not harden our hearts is through the strength and wisdom of God and the laying down of our sinful selves. Peace is found in Him, contentment is peace found in our precious Jesus with the renewing of our minds in and by Him.

I recently read a blog post by a homeschooling mama (not sure where now!) and she wrote about falling into the trap of comparing herself to other homeschoolers. In her journey of hearing the Lord in her home and schooling, she said she had to put the blinders on, as a horse would have, that she wouldn't be distracted by everything else, even the good. She had to find what the Lord was calling HER to do and not everyone else.

I think of this often, not just in homeschooling but in the other areas-put the blinders on- His yoke upon me, His will and not mine, be content in all things...and a huge amen- His love endures forever :) The many times I stumble and regress, He is there, to gently lead me back, to forgive, to love, to extend grace and mercy when not deserved. He is our loving Creator.

Finding peace in being content with where we are at, for His plans are so much greater than mine could ever be and I have to trust that. Let go and let God :)

12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:12-13

He strengthens me...

hello, summer :)

2011-07-02T19:14:00.000-04:00

birthday boys-oldest and youngest -cheesecake and a whoopie pie! :)

missing some legs?

summer days

engineer

characters!

future Yankee ;)

bike riding days

little league

lupines

mama on the porch

season in full swing

planting (I'm proud to say-they're STILL alive!!!)

my sweet ones

Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives.

-Galatians 5:25 NLT

In His Word Sunday-the love of money (part 1)

2011-06-26T23:15:00.002-04:00

I've decided to pick a word on Sundays that the Lord has been working on my heart with...today is Money. Leave me a note if He is doing the same in your heart and you write about it-how we can learn from one another! Blessings!

The Lord is continually teaching us. Teaching us who He is, who we are, who we are in Him...
This week, I sat down with our boys to begin a study on money. After hearing, "I want..", "can I have...", "can we go to...", "when I get..." continually, woo-wee it starts to wear on you precious nerves. And I will admit it isn't just the continual asking for more and more and the seemingly ungrateful attitudes...it is also the part of having to say no majority of the time. But dear ones, can I say how good our God is, when we say (or type) it out loud (confessing, if you will), He sure is awesome in revealing sinful nature there. For me to be able to say yes to everything, would we be able to teach a grateful heart? Would we be able to teach a content spirit? Would we be able to teach a generous hand?

He is good :)

Okay, so that was a some what side note but, praise the Lord-I have to share what He reveals! Anyhow, we started to read about God's money. I took the big concordance out and we found verses on money. Where did we end up? Here:

1 Timothy 6:10
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

The earlier part of the verse speaks foundational wisdom and roots: 1 Timothy 6:6-10

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

We will be studying this for a while. Not only for them but for myself as well. I didn't learn how to handle money well and it has been an ongoing lesson (and sometimes battle) for me. I can't emphasize enough the amazing gift and responsibility we have as parents to teach our children how to handle God's money. When we instill in them the truth of being God's stewards when they are young, prayerfully they will continue on that path as adults, avoiding unneeded hardships that come with unhealthy views and handling of finances.

Deuteronomy 15:6

6 For the LORD your God will bless you as he has promised, and you will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. You will rule over many nations but none will rule over you.

Psalm 37:21

21 The wicked borrow and do not repay,

but the righteous give generously;

Romans 13:8

8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.

Also,

Here is a great series on Revive Our Hearts (Calling Women to Freedom, Fullness and Fruitfulness in Christ): Financial Wisdom for God's Glory with Jan Thompson (a 4 part series that is downloadable, I believe.)

Praying for the Lord's hand upon you, learning His ways, teaching them to your young, and being good stewards of what He has entrusted to your care.

Most importantly,

Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

to be continued...

trials and breathing...

2011-06-18T22:21:00.000-04:00

There is so much I want to write! So many I times I'm thinking to myself, "oh, I want to write about this on the blog..." Well, I must start some where :)

There have been days I feel like I can't take one more step, one more breath and at that moment I have a choice...step, breathe...or don't...and I know there is no other choice but to step, to breathe...and I do-He does. And I am left breathless, not because I am without hope but because He has done the opposite. He has carried me through it, He has given me new breath, new hope to take another step. Can I hear an Amen to His goodness :)

Though my trials are minuscule in comparison to many, they are what He knows I can handle. He is using these trials to answer prayers.

May I serve You Lord, to live and bring You glory.

Love,
your girl :)

"...And your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel:
He is called the God of the whole Earth." ~Isaiah 54:5

linked post- mud :)

2011-05-22T22:19:00.000-04:00

"Because even mud is beautiful."

...she couldn't have said it better...read here...
Amen sister!

Finding joy in who we are and He created us to be...

a self portrait of sorts :)

¹³ For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

Galatians 5:13 (New King James Version)

Journeying...

2011-05-16T21:57:00.000-04:00

Just when you think you know the plan...things change. This seems to be the theme for us for the past 4 years. It has been in spurts, ups and downs, highs and lows, plateauing in between. Through it all though, I know God is leading.

I do have to say though, the past couple months have brought with them much change and I've struggled. I've struggled with my faith, not with my love for the Lord but learning who He is, who I am in Him and well,...what am I supposed to be doing, thinking, saying? A sweet friend said these words to me in conversation, "growing pains." Yes, this is what they are...

Journeying with Him...He is good all the time :)

Zephaniah 3:17 (New King James Version)
¹⁷ The LORD your God in your midst,
      The Mighty One, will save;
      He will rejoice over you with gladness,
      He will quiet you with His love,
      He will rejoice over you with singing.”

What a precious gift...

Mom :)

2011-05-08T23:55:00.000-04:00

Thankful, honored, humbled at the gift to be called this precious name...Mom.

Ephesians 1:5 (New King James Version)

having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,

with a smile...pop art!

2011-04-13T15:40:00.000-04:00

Oh, how good the Lord is...little bits and pieces, coming together and a hope, a glimmer...the excitement of what He has put in each of us.... :)

we shall see...

“For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.” - Romans 3:23-24

seeing is believing (by His grace)...

2011-04-09T23:01:00.001-04:00

New Year's Day I sat with my Bible in hand, reading His Word and had an unmistakable peace. I wanted to dive into His Word, to make changes in our life that would be honoring to our precious LORD. For this to be a year of changes, growth, learning and drawing nearer to Him.

Well, as with most New Year's resolutions (though I would definitely not categorize this desire as a NY's resolution-just a comparison being that it was New Year's day), life takes over and those "great changes" start to move to the back burner.

So this great journey I was to embark on, grabbing the bull by the horns so to speak, TV turned off, cloth diapers in hand, garden started, canning in process, crafting and journaling a daily habit, sewing, drawing, schooling and planning flowing, nature journals overflowing, organizing, de-cluttering, streamlining the home and daily duties and most importantly, diving into His Word-learning, searching, growing, being fully immersed in Him (can you imagine it, being completely submerged in His love, in His truth, in HIM?!) Oh, it is breath-taking at the thought!

Well...as I'm writing this, these were my heart's desires and I was going to say that not, if any, progress had been made in these areas, but the truth is...there has been. And the next only truth, it has been God who has lead these paths, not my own doing (isn't He wonderful!) I have not made a conscious effort to put these desires into practice; one, due to lack of motivation; two, due to lack of organization and three, due to my perfectionist tendencies which usually result in null attempts (yep, sad but true.) So what has the Lord done? He has set these things into motion by circumstance, forcing me with His gentle hand to move into these directions. Again, I say it: He is wonderful! (I'm not going to lie, not sure if I'm using the correct punctuation-have mercy on me :) )

So there you go, sometimes (a lot of times!) we have to step outside of ourselves, out of our boxes and look, that we can see what He's doing. We can be blown away by His mighty work in the smallest of things. The fact that He loves us, sinful and all is miracle enough. And to think of the mighty blessings He has for us; us, an undeserving, selfish, filth covered people...saved only by the cross with grace. Whoo-takes your breath away, humbling isn't it?

Yes, I am journeying with Him, seeking His (not my own, which I'm continuously laying at His feet) will...oh, He is good always and forever :)

“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” -Hebrews 1:3

amazed...quiet

2011-04-04T22:43:00.000-04:00

Without words, amazed by His hand upon lives, in and through them...we are only to obey...

This young woman's testimony leaves me speechless, with tears, humbled and amazed...asking for you to pray for her and her sweet ones and the journey the Lord has her on...

Praying all is well, I've been quiet for a while, resting in His care, sometimes clinging (always clinging!) Resting in the assurance of His goodness and mighty works and plans He has...and that I shall trust and obey, for I am here to serve Him, with joy and love. In His strength and not my own.

“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace” - Ephesians 1:7

Isaiah...

2011-03-19T11:58:00.001-04:00

Resting in His care....a sweet post from a dear friend with an amazing testimony...

Praying you are resting in His care,

where we are...

2011-03-06T22:49:00.000-05:00

We feed, we open our home, we pray, we rejoice, we love, we share His Word...

...all from where He has placed us...remote or urban, foreign or domestic, neighbor or stranger...

we love as He has called us to, not in our own way, but His way,

not in our own strength, but His strength,

not in our own heart, but HIS heart...

...humbled and not worthy, but chosen, to be used (and loved) by the Creator, our precious and mighty Savior...

“[Praise to the LORD] LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago.” - Isaiah 25:1

me-- with an explanation

2011-02-16T06:49:00.002-05:00

explanation: It has been weighing on my heart to make sure this post does not come across the wrong way. Sometimes when we read something, especially be it in an email or blog post etc., something can be misunderstood not knowing the meaning behind the words. This was my feeling behind this post, replying that God saved me. The Lord saved me by His grace so that I now have the promise of a life with Him and His Holy Spirit now on this earth. He saved me not from my family but from myself. I am truly blessed and humbled that even though I did not grow up in a Christian home, I grew up in a loving home that had the hand of God all over it. I can look back now and see His love notes to me all through the years of my youth, be it through Bible books in the doctor's office, book read to me at night, Christian friends He placed in my path and most importantly the love that was (and is) given to me by my family all of those years with an abundance of forgiveness to the selfish and ungrateful person I was.

Our God is good forever and His mercies are new every morning...
In His love,
Bree

Who I am in a nut shell...(what I posted on Bloom)...

I am mama to 4 precious sons and wife to an amazing man. I didn’t grow up in a Christian home and by the grace of our Heavenly Father, HE saved me. I have been a Christian for 10 years now, later baptized on Father’s Day of 2002, where I wept, chocking it up to pregnancy hormones, but now knowing it was my spirit that wept for the joy of coming to Him. He is good! So here I am, living daily, only by His grace and His strength, trying to learn who He created me to be, learning to live with forgiveness and healing of the past and to love the Lord with my whole heart, that I might show that same love to the precious family He has blessed me with. God is so good, all the time! ....
~Bree

Bloom (in) courage...starts today!

2011-02-06T23:32:00.000-05:00

bloom (in) courage ...sweet ones, won't you join me here? Through His beautiful ways, I was able to purchase Ann Voskamp's One Thousand Gifts and funny enough, wanting to retreat to a little nook and read the entire book in one sitting, I found myself only being able to catch enough minutes here and there to read through chapter one. Well, as it should be no surprise, this evening, catching up on a few blogs I came upon Bloom at (in)courage (a book club started by Angie Smith and her friend Jess and now beautiful new addition to (in)courage) and realize the new book they've chosen is Ann's wonderful book! And tonight is the first night they've posted their video with Ann in it (and will be through the study!) and they're on chapter 1! We should never be surprised by His timing :)

Praying you'll be able to check out Bloom at (in)courage, and follow along with the study. So many times I find myself serving in different areas and somehow it seems to close the doors to Bible studies or women's groups. This in itself is a season of my life, and I praise the Lord for it! So with that, I thank Him for allowing this opportunity to arise :)

May His face shine upon you, may you rest in His care, find joy in His presence and an everlasting love in His Word. For sisters, He is good ALWAYS! AMEN, AMEN!

“Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.” - Proverbs 21:21

reading...

2011-01-29T22:26:00.000-05:00

...in her most amazing and humble words, she writes this here...

"We don't see the material world for what it is meant to be: as the the means to communion with God."

"...communion with God..."

Life pulls at us from every direction: children, marriage, church, school, home, work, friends, ministry, finances, meals, family, our own desires, our own insecurities and struggles...the list goes on.

But He gives us a glimpse when we can slow down just for a minute and reminds us,
...it is only about Him.

He isn't another space on the calendar, another check box on the to-do-list, another Bible study or Sunday School class...this isn't the only place we should meet Him.

He is our everyday. Our every moment. Our fill. Our Hope. Our home. He makes us complete.

We search and search for "our purpose", our calling, our destiny to fulfill...and it sits in front of us, He sits before us, resides in us,
...we are to love and be loved by our Creator...to commune with God...

Humbling, isn't it?

Praying for you, may you be encouraged in His word, find love in His care, and be encouraged in the knowledge that you have been created with purpose and utmost love, He hears your heart and rejoices and weeps with you. You are His, created to love and be loved by Him...

God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. Genesis 1:31

Grace abounds...

2011-01-29T02:14:00.000-05:00

On New Year's day I sat quietly, thanking the Lord for the newness. Thanking the Lord for the sweet ones He has blessed me with. Thanking the Lord for my dear hubby who was half way across the world at that time ministering and being ministered to. I sat thanking the Lord for His word.

There was such peace, such a feeling of new beginnings, making changes, setting priorities and letting all the other "stuff" fall to the wayside. First and foremost, it was to dive into His word, to soak in it to know Him more intimately, to share His love with these sweet ones He has blessed us with.

...Grace abounds...

He knows my heart, He knows my desires and He loves me despite my sinful nature, my falling short of the mark.

I said once at one of our women's groups at church that I wished I could just take my self out and wash it off. Okay, so saying that out loud seems quite strange, but I suppose being a visual person this is how I can explain what I mean. Wash away the faults, failures, and put back in a happy, peaceful (and organized) girl. :)

So He says, "I have done this through the cleansing blood of Jesus...now we'll walk through it together.."

Our Heavenly Father is so good. His ways are not our ways. He is changing and healing and renewing my heart in His ways, not in mine...and I thank Him with humble heart. So we take it step by step, being quiet most of the time (He needs to constantly remind me of this I think!), listening, watching, teaching, loving and resting in His care.

"His love endures forever and by the grace of God we will carry on, His love endures forever, sing praise!"

I say this all with a Joyful heart-all by His grace!

My heart will (and does) rejoice...

Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” ~ Mark 9:35

Miss America...

2011-01-21T23:07:00.000-05:00

Some thoughts here...

...found myself watching the Miss America Pageant the other night, not something I would usually be watching. Despite what I thought it was going to be like, I was pleasantly pleased for majority of it, what they spoke about, physical limitations...Something that really stood out to me though, these girls have worked really hard to accomplish this goal. They have used gifts the Lord has given them (whether they know it or not) and blossomed. I'm speaking specifically about the talent section. The winner of the pageant is 17 and a phenomenal piano player! Really, how many hours, years did this girl practice? Point is, I don't want to let a gifting lay dormant simply because of fear, lack of motivation, lack of organization...just plain ol' laziness. And I don't want to let this happen with our sweet ones. My hubby wanted to be a professional boxer and he did it. He has dreams and I believe he can accomplish them (of course with the Lord's blessing and if this is where He wants him.) He has inspired me with his hard work and determination and lack of fear (pushing through it if there is.)

We have this one life, one life the Lord has a plan for.
Let us rejoice and be glad in it!
Let us serve Him with our whole hearts!
Let us seek Him and His will for our lives
...that He may be glorified...in the big and the small.

something grand to grow out of something so small, designed with a purpose by our Mighty God...

He is so good :)

Galatians 6:7-8 (NIV)

⁷ Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. ⁸Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

a whole decade...

2011-01-09T00:22:00.000-05:00

my sweet boys

installing our first flag pole (he started and finished the entire process with Uncle Tom)

laughing & fun

Christmas cantata

gingerbread house

winter :)

summer fun in the COLD water

fishing with the big boys

loves his little brother :)

he loves to build, design, create

best buds

he'd drive it if he could!

he is such a ham (usually there are noises that go along with these funny faces!)

first year to kayak

summer fun

1st place Fascar!

again the ham!

Our oldest is 10 today, a whole decade...

Time truly does go by quickly like "they" say. I find myself being one of those mamas that tells that young frazzled mommy, "it really does go by quickly, enjoy them, enjoy the moments, remember they're little..."

I love our sweet boy. When he was born he came quickly! My entire labor (including contractions and all) was 3 hours and 49 minutes! Yes, this is why I say I survived natural childbirth-there was no time for an epidural...well, that and my nurse was our birthing teacher and she knew I wanted to deliver naturally, so she just kept saying the anesthesiologist was on his way...not so much :)

He loves to hear about how daddy had told mom that we couldn't have a baby that day because he had classes (hubby was finishing up his NT degree) and then how daddy drove on the shoulder in morning rush hour in the rain VERY quickly to get us to the hospital! And then how we parked at the emergency entrance and left the car running while we ran upstairs...good times!

Our sweet boy was a little more than 3 weeks early so for those of you who know me, I was definitely NOT ready (some issues with procrastination, lack of organization...) So after our sweet boy arrived, daddy went home tossed some stuff in a laundry basket and brought it back--I love this guy :) Hubby was so amazing, for this to be our first, no warning, both of us having no idea what to expect, he truly is a blessing to me and our boys.

So our sweet one shares Elvis Presley's birthday, which all the nurses seemed to know. And since this sweet one arrived so quickly, he had some slight breathing issues which resulted in grunting. He was dubbed the singing baby :)

Ten years...ten years of laughter, crying, a lot of sorry's (from mommy), a lot of learning, a couple of trips to the ER (none ever too serious Praise the Lord!), mistakes, forgiveness, hugs, kisses, Thomas the Tank Engine and Toy Story to robots, hunting and legos. Disney World, the loss of a grandma, a trip with daddy to the World Series, 4 houses, a huge move away from family to family, a lot of car trips (these kids are awesome in a car for 14-17 hours! God bless them :) ), daycare, preschool, public school to homeschool...and the best, his asking of Jesus into his heart and later being baptized by his daddy.

I know the Lord chose him to be first. I know the Lord has a special calling on him (as He does for us all). I know the Lord has a mighty plan and purpose for him and He chose us to be his family. I am humbled and grateful to be your mama sweet boy, you teach me more than you know.

This sweet boy amazes me everyday...
We love you, happy birthday!

“Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the LORD God Almighty will be with you, just as you say he is. Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts. Perhaps the LORD God Almighty will have mercy on the remnant of Joseph.” - Amos 5:14-15

the LORD make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you; -Numbers 6:25

out with the old, in with the new...

2011-01-01T00:24:00.000-05:00

Growing up, I spent many an hour with my buddy, by the name of Tele Vision. My buddy told me fine stories of love, family life, friends, parents, school, how to dress, what would make me "cool" and "special". TV (as I like to refer to buddy) told me the best clothes to wear and how I would be able to dance through the hallways of school and be so popular and that "cool" boy would like me so much because I would look so cool and beautiful (because that is so important.)

As I got older, I saw what holidays were supposed to be like and the way everyone else was celebrating them. I continued to learn how to find love, how to act with friends, what life would be like in college and how marriage would be 50/50 with my blooming career and then having children some day, 2.5 you know with the picket fence, golden retriever, nice cars, baking cookies on the granite countertops with commercial grade kitchen...

(Are you laughing---or crying---yet?)

Yep, seems I've had quite a bit of disappointment over the years...life didn't go that way...

So let me tell you what I did end up with. A husband who loves the Lord. Four sons who are amazing people, teach me daily, stretch me to be the mother I want to be. A home filled with love, dirty clothes, dirty dishes, sometimes stinky bathrooms, closets overflowing, a mudroom continuously spilling out shoes, a dresser covered in dust with note that says, "I love you Mom" from a 6 year old. Another dusty dresser, missing knobs, filled with pants that are too small, boasting a framed piece of poetry to Mom and Dad from a then 8 year old. Rugs with dog hair, pink candy stains and coffee stains. Walls smudged with fingerprints, shoe marks, some random spiderwebs and dust bunnies. Stinky diapers, overflowing bookshelves, piles of paperwork, random bins filled with fabric, pictures, scrapbooking paper of projects yet to be started.

Days filled with little and big voices, laughter, crying, some arguing, sorries, "mama," hello's, goodbyes, "I love you's."

Random pictures from the past almost 4 years...significant years in our walk with the Lord, growth in our faith and His amazing grace over our family...His love endures...

Thank you's, prayers and His Word.

...not disappointing in the least when I tell my "buddy" what my true Best Friend, by the name of Jesus, says is "good and right." :)

Praying you can see the reality that is in front of you...lemonade, not lemons sweet ones. It is all in the eye of the beholder, let that beholder be your heart through the eyes of Jesus. Find joy in the everyday, in your reality, your cup, not comparing it to another's...all that does is breed discontent, giving the enemy a foothold to destroy.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

(2 Corinthians 5:17)

Happy 2011! His blessing upon you and your dear ones Praying for fresh eyes, guarded tongues and a deeper relationship with our Heavenly Father. Praying His will would be revealed to you for your life, my daily prayer for our home.

He does...

2010-12-08T01:20:00.000-05:00

I had a precious conversation with a friend today. We spoke of our little ones and struggles and joys in homeschooling. What I was able to share in our conversation was God's goodness (always!) in our homeschooling journey, and more pointedly, my journey with Him.

Our boys are home.
Our boys are home because He said yes.
Our boys are home because He extends grace, multiple times.
Our boys are home because He cares more for them than I could even imagine.
My heart swells to the brim for these sweet ones He has entrusted to our care and it doesn't even come close to the love He feels for them.
And our boys are home because He loves me more than I could imagine and refines with a love and an unquenchable fire.

I am humbled at our days. I can't really even put it into words the amazing changes the Lord has done and is doing in our home, our hearts, our family life. I am not resting in my own strength. I am not trying to prove something. I am at His feet knowing I am not equipped to do this job, this role of mother, wife, friend, daughter...but, I know He will through me. I know He can, and I am humbled and in awe at what He does!

He speaks to me in the moments, His love present...and He renews, strengthens, equips and leads on...

His love endures...He is amazing!

In your unfailing love you will lead

the people you have redeemed.

In your strength you will guide them

to your holy dwelling. (Exodus 15:13)

Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4)

following Him in the everyday...

His peace...Advent link

2010-12-02T23:04:00.001-05:00

Oh how wonderful!

Free Jesse Tree Devotional from Ann Voskamp @ A Holy Experience

I have pictures to share soon...life is so busy and overwhelming at times but God is so good because His peace He gives me, even in the whirlwind...

...the verses He is continually laying upon my heart...

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? (Matthew 6:26)

But the LORD has become my fortress,

and my God the rock in whom I take refuge. (Psalm 94:22)

God bless you dear ones, celebrating in this Advent season...

Toys'R'Us Holiday Scavenger Hunt

2010-11-25T22:39:00.000-05:00

well...everyone who joins the scavenger hunt gets me another entry so I'm posting it. I'm generally not one to do this but felt inclined this time so I'm going with it :)

Hope everyone has had a blessed Thanksgiving. We have and we have MUCH to be thankful for, the love of our precious Savior, Jesus is truly amazing...

Toys'R'Us Holiday Scavenger Hunt: "Enter for your chance to win $25 Gift Cards Daily! One grand prize winner will also receive a $1500 Gift Card!"

God bless dear ones,

...blessings (52-60)

2010-11-23T21:40:00.000-05:00

51. a new beginning with homeschooling...

52. a sweet surprise gift opened yesterday..it's contents: a HUGE bag of Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts coffee...Tricia, thank you, thank you :)

53. this dear man next to me who challenges me, and though I may not like it sometimes, his leadership of our home has blessed me and our boys more than I could know...

54. the 40 books and videos we brought home from the library today...

55. a stirring in my soul to create...

56. HIS love, filled with grace and mercy...

57. the generosity of so many to support hubby going to Uganda...

58. home...

59. homemade bread and lentil soup tonight...

60. sweet baby Matthew new today, and his precious mama and daddy...a young new family that loves the Lord...priceless...

Enter His gates with thanksgiving

and his courts with praise;

give thanks to him and praise his name.

⁵ For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;

his faithfulness continues through all generations.

~Psalm 100:4-5

A blessed Thanksgiving to all of you dear friends,

give hope...

2010-11-21T02:08:00.000-05:00

"Anytime we feel diminished or accused of being unworthy, those are satan's words.
Jesus said in Revelation 12:10 that satan is the "accuser of our brothers."
We can recognize his creepy voice anytime we feel accused.
The Holy Spirit woos us, loves us, and moves us to a place of understanding.
He never undermines us, his children, with derogatory messages that make us feel worthless.
We are worth the price of Jesus on the cross, which makes us acceptable to a holy God just as we are."
~Marilyn Meberg

You are precious and worthy, because He says so :)

Share His Word...there are so many that are hurting and lost, hopeless, right in front of our eyes. Someone shared the Word with you, prayed for you, that you might know His love and the hope He gives. There is no greater gift than a life for and through Him.

...Never cease praying and praising Him.

"For the eyes of the Lord are on the
righteous
and His ears are attentive to their
prayers,
...For Christ died for sins once for all,
the righteous for the unrighteous,
to bring you to God."
(1 Peter 3: 12, 18)

...would you please pray for one of my dear family members who is lost and hurting and in need of the love, comfort and hope of our precious Jesus...

With a grateful heart,

motherhood & Proverbs 31...

2010-11-16T23:11:00.000-05:00

A sweet friend linked to this (10 Point Manifesto of Joyful Parenting w/free printout) on her blog and I am following suit.

What sweet, sweet encouragement and gentle conviction to live a life that glorifies our Heavenly Father. Embarking upon this mission as a parent, as a mother, as a wife and whatever other hat you may wear cannot be done without your face...your heart, turned...listening to the slightest of whisper of the Lord.

sleeping little one's hands

The Proverbs 31 woman is not an imaginary "ideal" woman. She is a woman who had her heart turned to the Lord, at His feet, who through His grace, accomplished the goals and plans He had set before her. Had she relied upon her own strength and good intentions, I gently think, she would have failed miserably. God's love, His strength, is made perfect in our weakness and would we see Him working so lovingly and majestically in our lives if we were so confident in our own abilities?

¹² She brings him {her husband} good, not harm,

   all the days of her life.
¹⁷ She sets about her work vigorously;
   her arms are strong for her tasks.
²⁰ She opens her arms to the poor
   and extends her hands to the needy.
²⁵ She is clothed with strength and dignity;
   she can laugh at the days to come.²⁶ She speaks with wisdom,
   and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
²⁷ She watches over the affairs of her household
   and does not eat the bread of idleness.
³⁰ Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
   but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
(Proverbs 31:12,17,20,25,27,30)

Great grandma, our sweet boy & green beans...

I am humbled every day at what gets accomplished, because of Him and my heart attitude towards the day...and yes, His grace is mighty when my heart falls short.

"Open my eyes that I may see

wonderful things in your law." (Psalm 119:18)

homeschooling in grace...

2010-11-15T23:32:00.000-05:00

As of right this minute, all four boys are with daddy watching a show in our room. I know my time here is limited to say the least---well, at least because of the 1 1/2 year old, bedtime and all! So as I sit here, I'm reflecting on my day...the thoughts that went through my head....

.....Calgon take me away..... (geez, there might be someone out there who has no idea what I'm talking about, how funny!)

My goodness, I am exhausted to say the least! But, no matter what, God is SO GOOD! This is week 3 of the boys being home, beginning of week 2 with homeschooling. Day 1 of homeschooling consisted of tears, fortunately, just from myself and the 1 year old ;) As I've spoken before about our homeschooling (oh, there's the 1 year old, he's been released from the room, LOL...to write later)...

...(3 hours later...)...so, as I was saying, our homeschooling started 5 years ago with our oldest in Kindergarten. They have been in public school off and on for 3 years total, funny thing is never a full year for any of those years (well, maybe not funny to someone else?)

Through all the times of homeschooling I have never felt the Lord's presence like I do now. I say with the humblest of heart, this is His will for our lives. Our Day 1 last week consisted of the wee one screaming, not wanting to nap, being a child I didn't recognize to say the least. Then there was the "in my face" realization of what I did not have prepared, what schedule we did not have and the flooding of emotions of failure from past attempts at homeschooling. Sigh....

But He reminded me, "My compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is My faithfulness" (Lamentations 3:22-23)

And His precious love continues to remind me as we continue to find or way in this new season to carry on for He is with me, with us.

"I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him.” (Lamentations 3:24)

Oh, yes, His love endures forever, sing praise! He has equipped me to carry on the work He desires to be done and His peace is priceless, it is what sustains me, it is what strengthens me to carry on and to give all that I have, trusting He will lead.

"The LORD makes firm the steps
of the one who delights in him;" (Psalm 37:23)

I am humbled by His grace, what love He pours out, there are no words for this preciousness...don't you agree? :)

Bless you sweet ones,

new look...again :)

2010-11-14T00:15:00.001-05:00

I case you follow this blog you might learn something about me... yes, I can't pick how I want this blog to look! I love changing with the seasons, sometimes my moods or seasons of my own life, and of course there are holidays and just plain ol' pretty stuff :)

So, I'm hoping to stick with this background, consistency is good...I suppose going along with this precious season, and I might say life renewing the Lord is working in me...

² Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12:2 (New International Version)

²⁸ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who^[a] have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28 (New International Version)

Praying you rest in Him and rejoice in Him today...how's your devotional time?

humbled...

2010-11-07T22:02:00.000-05:00

Okay, so do I sift through all these amazing books/boxes of curriculum sitting in front and next to me....or do I scrap it all and start simple and from scratch?????....

....feeling a bit overwhelmed....oh, but oh, so excited and continually humbled by the Lord's AWESOME grace!

...did I tell you, this is an answer to prayer, but not just an answer, something He walked me through...and when I went through steps of hopelessness and came back around to setting it at His feet and realizing He loves our boys even more then I could ever imagine, then I had hope again.

....and with this hope, I felt a stirring in my heart that made me want to jump out of my skin, to tell my hubby "YES, THIS IS WHAT WE NEED TO DO, YES, YES, YES" ....but the Lord said,

"wait and be still...be quiet and watch what I shall do...be still (actually He really had to tell me to be quiet!)"

...so I did...and I came home to my precious family from a day at work and hubby says,
"so I've been thinking today, I think we should homeschool..."

...~~speechless~~ HUMBLED does not even begin to describe what happened in my heart, my spirit at that moment...

...and it continues :)

³³ Let the trees of the forest sing,

let them sing for joy before the LORD,

for he comes to judge the earth.

³⁴ Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;

his love endures forever.

^{³⁵ Cry out, “Save us, God our Savior;}

gather us and deliver us from the nations,

that we may give thanks to your holy name,

and glory in your praise.”

1 Chronicles 16:33-35 (New International Version)
...and so 2 years almost exactly to the day that we decided to place our boys back in school (after much prayer too-we had peace), the Lord says, bring 'em home :)

He is good ALWAYS...thank you for your prayers...I am humbled...

weekend link...

2010-11-06T22:17:00.000-04:00

Such a sweet post from a mama's heart-oh, how I can relate :)

Bless you sweet ones, praying your weekend is filled with Him and seeing those around you through His eyes, praising the Lord for new mornings...

²² Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,

for his compassions never fail.

^{²³ They are new every morning;}

great is your faithfulness.

^{²⁴ I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion;}

therefore I will wait for him.”

~Lamentations 3:22-24 (New International Version)

His lovingkindness in the morning...

2010-11-02T07:16:00.001-04:00

A quick good morning :)

The Lord has been doing such amazing things in our home, which I will share when I have a moment but the result- our boys are home and we are homeschooling again! An amazing answer to prayer and I am humbled by HIS grace!

Our oldest praying for our day...I'm humbled by His grace

From a devotional this morning...how we should always arise to our day... God bless you dear ones, in His name...

"Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning,

For in You do I trust;

Cause me to know the way in which I should walk,

For I lift up my soul to You." ~Psalm 143:8

Are you beginning this day with Him leading it?

a constant...

2010-10-23T00:25:00.000-04:00

There are seasons in our lives.

Times of being quiet, times of being loud.

Times of adventure and times of routine.

Times to serve and times to be served.

Times to rest and times of work.

In all these seasons, there is something that is a constant, never changing, never failing, never ceasing...

...the love of the Heavenly Father.

And in all of these seasons, there is something constant, never changing, never failing, never ceasing...

...our need for Him.

Our need to remain in His word.

Our need to seek Him daily.

Our need to bring every joy, tear, laughter, and hurt to Him.

At the feet of Jesus, we must remain, despite what season it is.

Because He is constant, never changing, never failing, never ceasing...

"To God alone be the glory

To God alone be the praise

Everything I say or do

Let it be all for you

The glory is yours alone

Yours alone..." Aaron Shust, To God Alone (song)

"Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy."~Acts 14:17

Praying you are seeking His face, in every season, to know your Creator...

Bree

prayers of the faithful...

2010-10-18T00:57:00.000-04:00

About a year ago, a precious older woman from my church went home to our Lord. She came faithfully to church every Sunday, despite health problems. I would often see her a couple times a week at the Y, exercising (her, not me) chatting with her, my little ones in tow. She would speak of her family, a mama of boys (special connection with her there), grandmother of boys, great grandmother of boys (and one girl!) wife, mother and grandmother of military men. But every Sunday, she was there, usually only with a daughter-in-law, no sons, or grandsons ever present.

Then she passed unexpectedly. And that following Sunday after her service, I sat in the back of the church and looked. And what I saw brought more tears to my eyes than the sadness of her being gone. There before me filling pews upon pews was her family. Sons, daughter-in-laws, grandsons, wives, great grandchildren, nephews. And this precious mother of boys-there was no mistaking her family, I don't think I've ever seen a family with such strong facial features resembling one another -there is no mistaking who's family they belong to!

And in my heart, I felt the Lord gave me just a glimpse of the greatness He has for this family and what He would do and was doing. My heart rejoiced at the joy she would have of knowing what was answered to years of prayer for her family, the legacy that would come from her faith and devotion to our loving Father.

Today, I watched, tears running as her grandson and his wife, pregnant with a great grandson professed their faith, professed their need for Christ, professed their sins and their great love for Jesus and were baptized. Within this year of her passing, her sons and their families have returned to the church, family members have been freed from strongholds, a grandson and his family have moved to another country as soon-to-be missionaries, granddaughter-in-laws have accepted Christ as well as great grandchildren. And it continues, I could go on and on. I have been blessed by this family and by their testimony. It is a humbling honor to see the great things of our LORD and what He is doing in this precious family.

May we never doubt the prayers that He hears, the prayers we sing, we cry, we yell, we whisper out to Him. This precious woman did not see it with her own eyes but with faith she believed, and He answered in His timing. We praise Him!

"but God has surely listened
and heard my voice in prayer."~Psalm 66:19

the Lord, books & marriage

2010-10-02T01:10:00.001-04:00

(Google images)

I've just finished reading the book, Fireproof. I still haven't seen the movie so reading the book was lovely, all new. Can I encourage you to read this beautiful love story. I think we might all be able to relate to this story, some more than others, certain aspects more than others, but I humbly think at least some part of it.

First, let me say how many books we have in our home-I love books-how can you not?! They're overflowing from every nook and cranny, piled up here and there and of course there are so many more I could give a good home to (my poor hubby!) Now, as much as I love these word-filled, some scripture-filled, some delicately picture-filled narratives, how many have I read you might ask? "Well," I would answer, "I've started most of them." Oh, my intentions are always for good but generally, by the time I sit to read (not too often!), yep you guessed it, this mama is out like a light! I am always amazed at the sweet blogs where they do book reviews (I love to read them-the blogs that is...see, I can still read!)

Okay, my point-I read this book in 3 days in the evening, a total of 3-4 hours quite possibly! A miracle I might say ;) It was a light read, having the reader hoping for more, relating to the characters, intrigued by the firefighting, waiting for the next response. But what brought tears to my eyes-the love of the Lord, the testimony of God's hand in the characters lives, His grace and the miraculous changes He truly can make in a human heart when the heart is just the tiniest bit open.
This truly was a love story.

There was much I took from this love story, but one of the main things I did was truly commit my marriage to the Lord. When hubby and I got married, I wasn't saved. I knew I loved this man and wanted to marry him (did I ever tell you I was an hour late-perpetually late I am!) and we would have a nice party and we were going to have a life where it was 50/50 and have children and a big house and nice cars someday. Yep, these were my thoughts for the most part, because this is what the world told me marriage was.

It wasn't until our oldest was an infant that I asked Jesus to be my Savior and I thought just a bit outside of myself. Slowly, I began to attend church (sometimes just to have childcare for little ones)...but the seeds were being sown. A year later when pregnant with our second (7 months to be exact) the Lord struck a chord in my spirit and I wanted to be baptized, right then and there. I went, tears streaming down my face with a huge smile, white robe, big belly and professed His goodness and my need for Him in front of our church. It was Father's Day, isn't that precious?

From that time on, I began attending a beautiful church alive with His Word! Hubby was saved but hadn't been attending. Then one Sunday I asked and he came. And was the Lord ready for that-oh, is He good! The sermon spoke exactly to my hubby and his concerns with the churches we had attended. He continued to come after that...no surprise to Him :)

But getting back to the marriage part, one huge change in our marriage was attending a MOPS meeting where our pastor and wife spoke to us ladies on marriage. This was the first time I'd heard my husband was to be before my children. What? But he is a grown man who can do things for himself, here I have these helpless little ones who can't, what do you mean I should put his needs first? And shouldn't he be doing things for me since I take care of the kids all day? Oh, I could go on and on. But, I didn't take offense to what I was hearing, the Lord had prepared my heart to hear and to understand and changes started happening.

This has been a long process for us (well, probably not in the grand scheme of things) but my heart has been resistant to authority. This is why I tell people, we are married by the grace of God :) And I say how PATIENT our heavenly Father is! He doesn't ask us to come to Him perfect or all put together-Praise the Lord! Just a willing heart, at least a hint...how willing maybe, will determine how long the process will be (just something to think about ;) )

So, I read the book and I prayed. I committed my marriage to the Lord and my role as a wife and a mother. I committed this heart to my Father and the precious man He blessed me with, through the good and the bad, 'til death do us part, to love and to cherish, to honor and obey, to work as best I can, and to love the Lord with all my heart (because none of this will work or stick with out Him and the renewing of my mind.)

my Scottish honey :)

He is good always...

The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband.~1Corinthians 7:3

For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. ~Ephesians 5:23

However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. ~Ephesians 5:33

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. ~Roman 12:2

praying for your homes and hearts...

pictures and gifts...

2010-09-22T02:08:00.001-04:00

I'm thinking I would like to share more family photos, especially considering I'm so terrible about sending my dear family photos of our boys. Would you like a chuckle (well, I hope you'll chuckle)--last week I sent 2 boxes, one to my mom and grandma, the other to my dad and stepmom. The contents of those boxes: Mother's Day gifts, Birthday gifts (you know, for May AND January) AND the best part...CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR 2009! Yes, so sad I know! How many times I say, I am a work in progress! As always, I am reminded though, my God is good and so much bigger than me and my many faults and short comings.

Praise Him, He really does care for my heart and my desire to grow. No matter what, I am precious and worthy in Him. Not because I am fabulously organized or consistently on time. Not because my house is immaculate, the laundry is always done and put away or the house is free of clutter. And not because my family's meals consist of wholesome, organic, home-cooked foods, and their days always end with showers, devotionals and story time. These things are what I am working on and my heart's desire to be the norm in our household (and majority of it is hard let me tell ya!) I have failed at many things, and I will continue to. But I must listen to my Heavenly Father knowing He is my creator and He does not make mistakes. He has given me all I need IN HIM. Seeking to accomplish these things on my own is futile but with Him...the sky's the limit! Amen! I can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens me (and so can you.)

1 Peter 4:11 (New International Version)

¹¹If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Well, onto the pictures...Praying all is well with you!

mama and her boys

the big brothers with the littlest brother (now I might be partial but I think they might be the best big brothers in the whole world!) ;)..and yes, these are older pictures!

His "love notes"

2010-09-14T00:49:00.000-04:00

Goodness gracious! Here I am again, 15 minutes until midnight and writing a post! I must be getting older because it seems I keep catching a cat nap around 9'ish (on the couch, chair, nursing little one...) and then I get my second wind! Now of course I must admit I very much enjoy this quiet time, and the thought of a lovely cup of decaf right now is very tempting...hmmm (at least I'm getting wise in my old age and not making regular!)

Let me share (side note-still thinking, do I make the coffee or not) what a beautiful day at church we had yesterday! We had a "Rally Day" which consisted of a beautiful breakfast (which my sweet hubby cooked over 8 pounds of meat for-nothing like some bacon and sausage---ohh, if only we had had some biscuits and gravy...oh how I love the South :)) The day was to kick off the Fall season for Sunday school-it was lovely!

So yes, as much as I enjoy meals, that's not what was amazing (though it was pretty high up there!) We were blessed to have worship led by John Waller and his wife, Josee (read here about them). I believe I've mentioned it here before but if there is something I miss about our last church it is the worship. I love music, I love how the Lord ministers to us, how it stirs my soul, how when our eyes close and our hearts hear His word, we praise Him, hands raised, spirits filled...oh, it can leave you speechless can't it!

We are blessed by our church here so please don't get me wrong, just a different type of church and more importantly an entirely different culture (South to New England...very different..and quiet :) )

This dear man and his wife sang blessings over the men and then over the women and then asked everyone to raise their hands to Heaven and follow him in song. All hands raised in the church! It was precious, precious, precious! We were then blessed by a message given by a missionary who, along with his wife translate the Bible into over 24 native languages! Can you imagine the gift this is?

The Spirit was moving...

The Lord reminded me, especially as of lately, that He is right here, big and mighty, I just need to pay attention. Though we don't have the large worship band here (we are truly blessed by the one we do have) I have seen more professional artists in our sweet little church then ever in my life. I am amazed by this, but our precious Father is not. He sends us "love notes" in all places, a sweet song, a call from a friend, a bird's song over an entry way, the vibrant color of Spring flowers or Autumn leaves, a hug from a little one, a surprise meal and even the quiet with a good cup of coffee.

Let us not miss Him. Our day should begin, end and be filled with Him and His Word-it truly is a gift from God--the creator of the Universe, the Creator of Life! This is humbling and full of His grace and mercy.

Praising Him :)

life...a sweet gift to us (acorns growing at the park)

Psalm 66

¹ Shout with joy to God, all the earth!
² Sing the glory of his name;
       make his praise glorious!
³ Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds!
       So great is your power
       that your enemies cringe before you.
⁴ All the earth bows down to you;
       they sing praise to you,
       they sing praise to your name."
       Selah
⁵ Come and see what God has done,
       how awesome his works in man's behalf!
⁶ He turned the sea into dry land,
       they passed through the waters on foot—
       come, let us rejoice in him.
⁷ He rules forever by his power,
       his eyes watch the nations—
       let not the rebellious rise up against him.
       Selah
⁸ Praise our God, O peoples,
       let the sound of his praise be heard;
⁹ he has preserved our lives
       and kept our feet from slipping.
¹⁰ For you, O God, tested us;
       you refined us like silver.
¹¹ You brought us into prison
       and laid burdens on our backs.
¹² You let men ride over our heads;
       we went through fire and water,
       but you brought us to a place of abundance.
¹³ I will come to your temple with burnt offerings
       and fulfill my vows to you-
¹⁴ vows my lips promised and my mouth spoke
       when I was in trouble.
¹⁵ I will sacrifice fat animals to you
       and an offering of rams;
       I will offer bulls and goats.
       Selah
¹⁶ Come and listen, all you who fear God;
       let me tell you what he has done for me.
¹⁷ I cried out to him with my mouth;
       his praise was on my tongue.
¹⁸ If I had cherished sin in my heart,
       the Lord would not have listened;
¹⁹ but God has surely listened
       and heard my voice in prayer.
²⁰ Praise be to God,
       who has not rejected my prayer
       or withheld his love from me!

the reigns...

2010-09-11T01:06:00.002-04:00

the boys...

I somehow had this realization yesterday while dusting (I was at work-not my own home ;) ) that my boys will one day be grown men, prayerfully with families of their own...and hubby and I will still have a life to live...a whole life...a whole new season that I'd somehow never truly realized. I'm so focused on the now and what our lives are right here that it is hard to imagine anything beyond this.

I have to admit I've been struggling lately with what I want our life to be now and fearing that it will never be and then life will be passed and the kids will be grown and that's as far as my thoughts usually go. I know our children are not and should not be my life. They are precious gifts from the Lord whom He has entrusted to our care, to train up in the ways they should go...that we might let them go on to the purpose He has called them to, praying we've done the best we can and knowing His grace is there to cover our mistakes. So saying this, maybe this is the realization that maybe I am thinking like this.

But I digress, so my struggles...discontentment and fear. Both not true or honoring to our Father. But I can't emphasize enough to you the grace that has poured out from my precious Heavenly Father. Despite my heart attitude, He has heard my cries, my pleas to fix this broken and sinful heart of mine. He has been faithful to show me quickly how He hears me and cares for the little things as much as the big things. I prayed, I cried for joy...and He filled me.

I can only turn to His Word...His love to us.
I have prayed He would allow me to know Him better, to be the woman He has called me to be, to know who I am in Him.

He is faithful, I know this, I cling to this, looking forward with faith that He is in control and knows SO MUCH better than I do what is best for all of us-not just me. How precious He is, with mercy and grace and all in love.

Deuteronomy 28:11 (New International Version)

¹¹ The LORD will grant you abundant prosperity—in the fruit of your womb, the young of your livestock and the crops of your ground—in the land he swore to your forefathers to give you.

I sit in the cart continually handing over the reigns but holding onto the ends out of fear we might never go down "that" path. He stops the cart, sits and listens, and waits, patiently reaffirming that the cart might end up on that path...and it might not. But no matter which way He leads it, if I let Him...and trust Him He will take me on the BEST path. He gently puts his hand out and waits for the reigns of this cart that sit in my hand. I give them, asking for His help to let go, His peace surrounding, His voice to my heart.

Deuteronomy 5:33 (New International Version)

³³ Walk in all the way that the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.

And He will lead...and I pray to sit and look out past the cart and see the beauty of the path He drives, looking beyond the reigns, taking the blinders off, the fears, the worries subsiding,
...trusting, hoping...in faith...

looking out...

Psalm 121:1-2

A song of ascents.
¹ I lift up my eyes to the hills—
where does my help come from? ² My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

Bless you dear friends,

thankful...

2010-09-07T00:06:00.000-04:00

Thanking Him this day

the fresh breeze of the cool water against my face...
my sweet family beside me...
looking over at hubby, his face toward the sky, mind at ease...
pizza in the fridge for dinner...
sleeping little ones...
dryer and washer going...
whipped cream in my coffee...
His Word...
His Grace...
His continued Mercy...
His patience with this heart...

He is good always...

1 Chronicles 16:34

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever.

a work in progress...

2010-08-24T00:01:00.000-04:00

I'm wondering if I don't have anything better to do than to mess with my template (and the font and of course the lovely colors) here. Geez, I have a whole lot to do! I have been in the midst of cleaning out this infamous back room for a...month ( I think.) I have to explain- we are a 6 person family living in 2 bedrooms WITH a third bedroom as storage---anyone see a problem here?!

Needless to say, with much prayer and large trash bags and a yard sale-we are finally using the third bedroom! Last night ( I tell you this because hopefully you'll feel better about yourself) I went through the dreaded paperwork and found utility bills from 2000! Guess I don't need those anymore, right? ;)

I have been released from the pack rat mentality (praise the Lord!) but it truly is a process. So, all of you precious organized, time oriented, efficient people-don't take these gift for granted...and extend grace to those who don't possess these gifts naturally...we're a work in progress!

Pictures to come....before and afters (brace yourselves!)

Some inspiring pictures over at my letters to emily (a sweet blog that blesses.)

Praying all is well...

Psalm 94:18-19 (New International Version)

¹⁸ When I said, "My foot is slipping,"
your love, O LORD, supported me.

¹⁹ When anxiety was great within me,
your consolation brought joy to my soul.

When I sa
Bree
id

, "My foot is slipping," your love, O LORD, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.”
- Psalm 94:18-19

heart and treasure...

2010-08-15T19:57:00.000-04:00

A precious visit to a "Walk through Bethlehem" at a local church a few years ago...

Do you ever have the desire to go completely natural? I'm talking chickens and goats in the backyard, everything from scratch, organic, veggies from the garden you've sown, bread you've kneaded by hand, no TV, books and nature exploration, babies, homeschooling and SCRIPTURE ALL THROUGH THE DAY...a life committed wholly and completely to Him...

Well...this is the desire that has been lingering in my heart :)

Oh sweet friends, first, I think half of you are already living this way to a certain degree (maybe minus the goats!) but secondly, God's Word can (and should be) in every moment of the day no matter out in the rolling fields or crammed in the bustling city...

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. ~ Luke 12:34

For where your heart is, there your treasure will be also. ~ Matthew 6:21

Pondering these two verses, just a switch of two words...

He is good always, praying with you and His will for your life (and ours as well, to be sensitive to His voice and calling.)

Bless you!

mustard seed...

2010-07-12T08:39:00.000-04:00

There is an amazing thing that happens when you allow the Lord to work in your heart...changes actually start to happen! You see situations through different eyes, something you once fought you now enjoy. Something or even someone you struggled with, you enjoy. Why? All because of the grace of a loving God.

I find myself enjoying my work, enjoying it with purpose. I'm consistently telling my little ones, what we do we do it for the Lord, all things we should do with a joyful heart for the Lord. How I catch myself not modeling that example though. I see our little ones and the Lord gently convicts my heart, "is this your attitude they are modeling?" Oh yes Lord, forgive me, help me....and He does.

So I gently ask for your forgiveness for my post (with the whiny moments) about the people from away. Yes, I spoke about God's goodness and Him showing me my attitude even then, but it has been lingering on my heart about my attitude behind the entire situation. But, this is me, I am human, flawed beyond measure, living and learning by the grace of a most awesome, mighty, powerful and wonderful Creator, our Heavenly Father. His Holy Spirit gently convicts, teaching, comforting, growing me into the woman I desire to be for Him.

So dear friends He is good, let us praise His mighty name!

He loves us, forgives us and we accept that forgiveness with a grateful and humble heart, living not in fear or condemnation but in freedom and truth and an unconditional love through Jesus Christ. What an amazing place to be!

May your day be amazing in Him! Spend time every single day in His Word-yes, even 5 minutes, if your life or one of your loved ones life depended on it would you do it-faithfully committing to it? Well dear ones, it really does. He asks us for a mustard seed of faith, let us show our love for Him with a reverent and honoring heart...I am doing this right along side of you, let us pray for one another, encourage one another in our walk with Him. There is no better place to be :)

Luke 13:18-20 (New International Version)

The Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Yeast

¹⁸Then Jesus asked, "What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to? ¹⁹It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air perched in its branches." ²⁰Again he asked, "What shall I compare the kingdom of God to?

1 Samuel 12:24 (New International Version)

²⁴ But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.

God bless you friends,

♡

2010-06-20T21:48:00.000-04:00

Happy Father's Day to my dear hubby, my dad and our precious heavenly Father-

We bow down and worship you LORD....we bow down and we crown you the King...
LORD of all Lords you will be...You are LORD of my life and King of all kings...

He is precious and worthy of all our praise, may we live for Him completely.
Happy day to you :)

seasons...

2010-06-16T22:38:00.000-04:00

An interesting book review and blog here...especially with summer about, time to cram in some books! Here in our little coastal town, life in the summer becomes filled with "people from away" and the locals working like crazy, because again, we're a little coastal town that thrives on the tourism. Its funny, we yearn for the summer (sun mostly) and then it comes and most us don't enjoy the picturesque beauty, and we yearn for the end of "the season." And then the winter comes...and stays and we yearn for the summer...and then it comes....I suppose you get my point. ☺

But truthfully, as I look at where I am and where I live, I find myself offering up praises to my Lord for His majesty. I praise Him, though I may not be lounging about as so many I see, I live here, where they have traveled to, from who knows where and from what life they may have. And (yes, yes, I know I'm not supposed to start sentences with "and"- it is fitting for how I'm speaking though) when it all comes down to it, my treasures are not to be here, but with my precious Lord, where one day I will be in His glorious presence...and for this, I am accountable for my actions, attitudes and heart in the now.

I must remember there are seasons for everything. A time to sow and a time to reap, a time to work and a time for rest, and a time to live and a time to die...and I have the promise of Heaven when all is said and done. So for now, with my mini temper tantrums and woe-is-me moments (fortunately, most are in my head!) when I see the "people from away" enjoying their visits or seasonal stays, I will humbly request the Lord's mercy and forgiveness, and remember I am rich beyond measure for the Creator of all that is good and lovely... loves me with an abounding grace. He has a season for me and truly does care about my heart's desires. I will look to Him and praise Him and serve Him with all I am and do, for He has lessons for me to learn and places for me to serve...may my heart be pleasing to Him, that one day He shall say, "well done my good and faithful servant."

Thinking of you, praying you see Him in the everything, that you see Him, yourself and situations through His eyes and praise in all times...for He is good always!

It is a land the LORD your God cares for; the eyes of the LORD your God are continually on it from the beginning of the year to its end.

So if you faithfully obey the commands I am giving you today—to love the LORD your God and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul- then I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains, so that you may gather in your grain, new wine and oil.

Deuteronomy 11:12-14 (New International Version)

a glimpse at His beauty in the everyday moments...

It is well with my soul...

2010-06-13T01:39:00.000-04:00

Do you do the same as me? Since beginning to blog, I notice so many more things in my day that I start turning into a post in my mind-running through it, analyzing it, chuckling with myself about something (at least I'm not having a full blown out conversation with myself! )

Well, with this said, I have so many posts running through my mind, I can't seem to narrow them down, thus making it into a bigger deal than it is (after all, it really is just rambling sometimes) and voila-what do I write? NADA! This is that ridiculous perfectionist attitude coming out-all or nothing, and sadly most of the time it ends up being nothing. Yes, the Lord is working on this area of my life (among the many other areas!)

Alright, so what am I writing about today...seasons I suppose and trust. Trust in the faith I have. Trust in my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Trust that I can hear His voice. Trust that if I mess up, He will forgive me and use it for His glory. Trust that I can do it. Trust that He really does care about my worries, short comings, flaws and insecurities. Trust that it will work out, even if it doesn't work out the way I have planned. Just trust.

Proverbs 19:21

Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.

And there is nothing in particular that brings these thoughts, just seasons. Times when I feel He is stirring and cleansing, healing, bringing things to the surface to cleanse away, to show His goodness in comparison to what was not good in the "former life." When I was dead in sin, a life I lived without hope, searching for fulfillment and peace not knowing it was Him I needed. But He came, with His grace, His love, His mercy and rescued me- a lost soul, sinful, broken, angry, scared and foolish me. He laid His life down on a cross, shattered and torn skin, blood shed for someone like me. Someone who didn't know, who spoke foolishness, someone who searched in all the other places and mocked the Truth...because I didn't know. He still came for me, because He loved and loves me. He still embraced the foolish girl who didn't know the love of a Father so great, so mighty, abounding in an endless grace and passion for His creation. And with mercy, He embraced this broken spirit and brought me into His family, back to where I should have always been, but had to choose. Humbly, I sit and write these words, humbled by a love that surpasses all human emotion and nature, a love that is free from the depths of sin, a love that can only be from our Savior, a true and holy love. I can't even wrap my mind around these thoughts, but He has given me a glimpse into His goodness, that I may know Him...that you may know Him. Our heavenly Father is precious, worthy of our praise. For He loves us, not because we loved Him, but because He loved us first.

Jeremiah 6:16

This is what the LORD says: "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest

for your souls.

It is well with my soul...

Matthew 11:29

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Is He good! He is good always, always, always! Find rest in your souls with Him, spend the time with Him in His word, learning, knowing your precious Creator, Father, Friend, Comforter, Savior. Find who you are in Him, you are precious to Him.

Psalm 139:13

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.

Psalm 19:9-11 (New International Version)

⁹ The fear of the LORD is pure,
   enduring forever.
   The ordinances of the LORD are sure
   and altogether righteous.

¹⁰ They are more precious than gold,
   than much pure gold;
   they are sweeter than honey,
   than honey from the comb.

¹¹ By them is your servant warned;
   in keeping them there is great reward.

A wonderful post here from Ann@a holy experience...

Bless you sweet friends, praying for and with you, know you are loved by our most Awesome and loving God. Jesus came and died on the cross, His blood shed for your sins and He was resurrected 3 days later, defeating death, that you might be reconciled back to your heavenly Father, and with your faith and repentance, you receive the gift of eternal salvation offered wholly and completely through the grace of the Lord. This is a priceless gift, have you accepted it, for He stands, knocking at your door. Will you let Him in and begin to live? Truly live-a life filled with hope, freedom and healing and the promise of eternity with Him, with the unconditional love of a perfect heavenly Father. He is good always, rest in Him...

a gentle reminder...

Update to old post with apology...

2010-05-22T18:01:00.000-04:00

(Update to this post)

** I was just watching Julie and Julia again (5/22/2010) and after enjoying the movie decided to google Mrs. Julie Powell and her blog. Well, I am sad to say, though I feel the movie is light-hearted, Mrs. Powell's blog uses many curse words, but to the worst, taking our precious Lord's name in vain. I might truly gather she is not a Christian, thus she does not know what she is saying. However, I do feel it is my responsibility to recommend things that are glorifying to our precious Father. I will not be reading her blog again. It broke my heart to see such disrespect (and as a Christian I say, hateful words). We must all be careful with our choices and what we say, read, do...we are to be a light for our Lord and that includes our actions, not just our words. My apologies for not being aware of this sooner, please forgive me. I might encourage us all though, let's lift Mrs. Powell up in prayer, that she would come to know the beautiful and loving Father that has created her and given her the gifts she has. Let us pray for her salvation and that of her family. Our God is so good always and desires a loving relationship with us all, His children, His creation. And it is our responsibility to lift those up to Him that do not know Him- He did this for us. I was lost but now am found, and I am humbly grateful that my life is in Him, when before it was so very far, I was like Mrs. Powell. I did nothing to deserve His grace and love but He chose to give it to me, despite who I was (and am) and to give me hope and a future and blessings are too numerous to count. I am humbled by the love of my Jesus. I pray you are as well.

Bless you dear ones, for His love and grace abounds.

Proverbs 4:23 (New International Version)
²³ Above all else, guard your heart,
       for it is the wellspring of life.
Psalm 126:2 (New International Version)
² Our mouths were filled with laughter,
       our tongues with songs of joy.
       Then it was said among the nations,
       "The LORD has done great things for them."

Mother's Day...

2010-05-10T08:59:00.000-04:00

Beth Moore video from her blog---a Mother's Day gift to all of us. God's Word-a gift and a blessing. Praying you all had a blessed and joyful Mother's Day, resting in His care, rejoicing through the good, having peace with hurts, loving through forgiveness, living and seeing in and through Him.

My sweet Mom, I love you dearly and thank you for helping me be the woman, wife, mother, daughter and friend who I am. We have different views and ideas on things but you have shown me an unconditional love that has humbled me and shown me what love is, what Christ's true love is. God bless you Mom. We love you dearly♡.

Grandma with "all her boys"-love you Mom

Jeremiah 29:11 (New International Version)

¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

My Heart Will Rejoice...

stuff does not create happiness

link...gratitude...

linked post- stewardship

seasons with hope...

thankful...(77-100)

Autumn Snow Storm...

{this moment}

thankful... (61-76)

{this moment} - sweet note to come home to...

to serve...

growing, slowly but surely...

summer... :)

children (linked post)

He will...

In His Word Sunday- contentment

hello, summer :)

In His Word Sunday-the love of money (part 1)

trials and breathing...

linked post- mud :)

13 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

Galatians 5:13 (New King James Version)

Journeying...

Zephaniah 3:17 (New King James Version)

Mom :)

Ephesians 1:5 (New King James Version)

with a smile...pop art!

seeing is believing (by His grace)...

amazed...quiet

Isaiah...

where we are...

me-- with an explanation

Bloom (in) courage...starts today!

reading...

Grace abounds...

Miss America...

a whole decade...

out with the old, in with the new...

He does...

His peace...Advent link

Toys'R'Us Holiday Scavenger Hunt

...blessings (52-60)

give hope...

motherhood & Proverbs 31...

homeschooling in grace...

new look...again :)

2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12:2 (New International Version)

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28 (New International Version)

humbled...

our praise.”

1 Chronicles 16:33-35 (New International Version)

weekend link...

His lovingkindness in the morning...

a constant...

prayers of the faithful...

the Lord, books & marriage

pictures and gifts...

1 Peter 4:11 (New International Version)

His "love notes"

the reigns...

Psalm 121:1-2

A song of ascents.

A song of ascents.

thankful...

a work in progress...

Psalm 94:18-19 (New International Version)

Psalm 94:18-19 (New International Version)

Bree

heart and treasure...

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. ~ Luke 12:34

mustard seed...

Luke 13:18-20 (New International Version)

The Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Yeast

1 Samuel 12:24 (New International Version)

♡

seasons...

It is well with my soul...

Psalm 19:9-11 (New International Version)

¹³ For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

² Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

²⁸ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who^[a] have been called according to his purpose.

Proverbs 4:23 (New International Version)
²³ Above all else, guard your heart,
for it is the wellspring of life.