Here is an email that’s been making the rounds. How does it strike you?

 Ever wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phone?

What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?

What if we flipped through it several times a day?

What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?

What if we used it to receive messages from the text?

What if we treated it like we couldn’t live without it?

What if we gave it to kids as gifts?

What if we used it when we traveled?

What if we used it in case of emergency?

This is something to make you go….hmm…where is my Bible?

Oh, and one more thing.

Unlike our cell phone, we don’t have to worry about our Bible being
disconnected, because Jesus already paid the bill.

Makes you stop and think ‘where are my priorities’?

And no dropped calls!

Something to think about as we head into a new year!

Jesus is our gift, come let us adore HIM. Let us be like the wise men, continually seeking and worshiping HIM.  Like the shepherd’s, rejoicing with gladness, God came in human flesh.. because he loves US!

You kids have made them. You know, the list. The list of things they have to have for Christmas. The things that if they don’t get them their world could potentially stop spinning. Our daughter’s lists are pretty simple for now. Natalie is somewhat hard to buy for. She get’s alot of clothes, hair accessories, nail polish and lotions. Girl stuff. She does love books on CD’s so she gets those too. Phoebe is still at that age where she is playing with dolls and toys. No big “gadgets” on her lists right now..yeah!! She want’s doll accessories and Furry Frenzy toys. She also asked for more games for us as a family.

So my question to you, what’s on your list? My hubby just asked me what I wanted last night and I have to say I could only come up with a robe..seriously a robe. I was at a loss for words, which doesn’t happen often. So from one gal to another, what are you asking for. This could help me out with some ideas. My sister said jewelry and I do want a new silver necklace…hmm.   I don’t need any books, have a pile I need to read. Got slippers, got perfume, although I might ask for some new perfume.

I do have another list. A list in my heart. A list of things I pray for over my marriage and my family. A list I talk over with Christ regarding my own heart. A list I give to Him. Only he can and did purchase things on this list. Only he can be the giver of things on this list. The list contains, peace, kindness, gentleness, self-control and joy. I pray he gives me  the things on that list. I pray that I can slow down and marvel in the miraculous season of Christmas. I pray I can see, really see Jesus at work daily. I pray that I am a good servant with what he has blessed me with and that I step in to help those in need when I see it. This season is such a wonderful chance to be the shinning lights we are called to be.  So, take those lists  while you are out in the craziness of shopping for the much wanted things and  SHINE!

Matthew 5:16
New International Version
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

My husband and I recently went to see COURAGEOUS the movie.  Can I just say, incredible.  It has such a good story line and message that has you crying, laughing, cheering, and is very thought provoking.  I encourage you to go see it.    Find out more information about it  here. 

Our sweet, caring friends at Dayspringhave come up with an entire collection that accompanies  the movie.  I love that they have created products that can take the movie  from the big screen to our homes.  They have created mugs, cards, t-shirts and this beautiful print that is the message of the movie.  Great gifts for the great men in your life.   (Oh, a disclaimer, DaySpring gave me  the free product to review and  all opinions stated are mine.)

Courageous Resolution PrintEncouraging Card Pack

Here is the cool thing….you have a chance to win the very things pictured above.  Just leave a comment about how you encourage the men in your life.  The 7th person that leaves a comment wins.  Deadline for comments is Friday October 28th at 2pm EST.   Thank you Dayspring for being so generous!  You must have a U.S. mailing address to win.

A decade, 10 years, it’s alot of time.  September 11th, 2001 marked a day in history we will never forget.  That day will forever be etched in my mind and heart but another day  is forever ingrained in my memory and heart that changed my life.  September 16, 2001.  Five days after our hearts broke for all those families affected by the World Trade Center attacks, my family was personally attacked.  That day, our very “normal” toddler had a life altering event that rocked our family.  Our daughter Natalie was 18 months old and pure joy, fun and love.  She had such a sweet personality. 

As you can see from the photo’s, life was good.  Well life went bad very quickly.  Natalie suffered a brain injury that has left her severly disabled.  Her disability is similar to CP.  She is in a wheelchair, can’t talk, eat by mouth, sit by herself, she is full care.  I don’t want to dwell on the past, but I can say that it has taken a long time, and I mean a long time to mend the brokeness in my heart.  I have processed the incident, trying to figure out how I could have changed the outcome, we tried to heal her by our own doings and research, fought with God,  pleaded with God and tried to make deals with God.  I asked why, which is a loaded question.  One that if you really new why you might not have wanted to ask it.    

I started this journey with my backpack packed wrong.  It was full of bitterness, fear, anger, pride, doing things in my own strength and many, many masks.  It was not one that I wanted to carry for a long time and it really didn’t help me anyways.  So I asked God to come, change me, help me  and he did!   He came and dumped out my backpack, refilling it so I could walk this journey with Jesus as my guide down the path.    Don’t get me wrong, life is tough, full of steep ledges and pits,  but I am confident that there is a plan.  I am confident that God has employed Natalie for HIS kingdom.  There is something about Natalie. Everyone that meets her falls in love with her.  It’s the twinkle in her eye, that side smile she does, her sweet spirit.  God is using her and has a purpose for her life.  I claim and hold onto His promises.   We might not know who her life is impacting or how her life is making an impact, but we do know that our God is faithful to complete a work in us. 

Phillipians 4:13  I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Romans 8:31     What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Psalm 105:4   Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.

Romans 8:28  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

 I could write so much more.  Our zany life has encountered so many blessings and trials.  God has been so faithful, teaching, loving and guiding.  Natalie has endured her fair share of illness and pain, bouncing back with a power that is only of God.  She is a trooper and God’s hand has been all over her.  We are grateful for all the people we have met, friends we have made, prayer warriors who have lifted our family up and those who have stood in the gap for us when life get’s hard.  We are thankful for Natalie’s school, her assistants at school, her doctors, her therapists,  and all the help that has come into our home to help with her. 

Today I honor Natalie.  I am confident that God has a plan for her..his word says so! (Jerimiah 29:11)  She is an heiress with Christ, (Galations 3:28).  I love her, she is a blessing and she is my hero!!  One day sweet girl you will dance on the streets of gold, you will sing with all your might, you will praise Jesus with a beautiful voice and we will feast together.  I cannot wait for that day.  To see you whole, healed and with the KING.  May God be glorified in her life and we give Jesus all praises!!   Natalie I am proud to be your Mom!!!!

 

Okay, so we all can say that deep down we love getting mail.  Not email, facebook comments but real mail, the kind that comes in a mailbox.  Come on, I know you all do.  I do and I  really love getting cards.  To get a card in the mail is bliss for me.  To think someone has taken the time to go to a store, pick out the perfect card for that time and season in life, write a short or long note, lick the envelope and place a stamp on it..sending it to me. Ah, can you see my smile!   I also love to send cards.  I love to hold them,  read them, thinking of that person that needs some encouragement, laugh or support.   Sometimes I laugh my head off or cry my heart out over cards.

I have the privilege to review these delightful, beautiful cards.  DaySpring sent  me the cards to review and all the opinions I am writing are my own.   Take a look at these pretty’s.

These cards are the creative expression of  Holley Gerth.  You can find them at Blessings Unlimited.  Blessings Unlimited is DaySpring’s home party business (think Pampered Chef of inspirational home décor). All products are sold through independent Consultants. You can visit Blessings site to view the full Catalog, learn how to host a Gathering, or even start your own business.  These cards are perfect for sending a girlfriend encouragement, love, or support.  The “theme” of the cards is to share who we are in God’s heart.  So how would you answer this question, IN GOD’S HEART I AM…  I know for me I answered with the word captivating.  We are his creative masterpiece, no two alike.  Don’t you just love that.  There is only one you!  The bonus is God knows you to the core.  He see’s all and loves us so graciously.  That is amazing.  So, I hope you get on Blessings Unlimited website and view their new fall catalog.  They have tons of pretty things to make your house a home filled with encouragement.

Well, school is in full swing and we are getting back into routine.  I love it!!   Biblestudy starts next week and I look forward to getting back together with some dear friends, digging in God’s word together and the adventure we will go on.  Make sure to check out Moms In Touch.  It’s a wonderful ministry that get’s mom’s together to pray over their children and the schools.  There are other types of groups ranging from home-school, private school to grandma’s getting together.  Cover your families in prayer.  Teach your children to pray.  This is something I am personally working on.  Instead of worry, pray.   It is so nice to hear other moms pray for your kids.  There is power in numbers.  Look for a group you can join.  One hour, one time a week…we can do that!

I follow this blog and about two weeks ago they asked the question, “In God’s Heart I am..”  You had to finish the sentence, take a picture of you and your answer and post it on their facebook page.  Easy enough, so I concluded the sentence for Natalie, Phoebe, and myself.  We posted them and WE WON!!  Well, Natalie won.  This company is so giving.  Check out all the goodies I received today:

I can’t wait to share the blessings!  Thank you so much (in)courage and Blessing Unlimited for sharing Christ with me and for choosing Natalie’s photo.  She is such a blessing to everyone who meets her.  Natalie lights up a room with her spirit and sweetness.  We are confident that she is making a difference for the Kingdom!   Oh, and if you want to see the photo’s check them out here.   You will have to go through a few pages to find our’s, it’s worth it just reading all the comments, it get’s you thinking about who you are to God!  

I pray that the gal reading this right now realizes who she is in God’s heart!  She is chosen, strong,  free, accepted, delightful, redeemed, captivating, adopted loved, valued, able and BLESSED!

In my last post I shared that we had some BIG news to share.  Big news comes in different ways.   Announcement of a pregnancy or new baby.  Someone gets engaged then married.  Birthdays, anniversaries, graduations.  Well,  this one is the grandest of all!  This sweet, compassionate, fun, loving, delightful girl,

made the best decision in her life…she decided to follow Jesus!  Yes, she gave her life to Christ on June 5th.  Can I just say,  nothing compares to the joy that  overflows from my heart.  She is sealed with the Holy Spirit ( Ephesians 1:13).  She has an eternal home.  She loves Jesus with a sweet girly passion.  I am very confident that God who started a good work in Phoebe will carry it on to completion (Philippians 1:6). 

Baptism morning

confession of faith with Mr. Guy

This day was a day of rejoicing.  Our church had a special baptism service and  baptised 43 people.  Praise Jesus! 

Pastor Greg

It was such a delightful day that glorified God!   Afterwards,  we had a huge celebration with family and friends.   

We are so excited for Phoebe’s decision.   It’s grand  news and we are extremely proud to share it! 

2 Corinthians 5:7  Therefore if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation; the old is gone, the new has come!

Things here have been crazy, a good crazy…does that exist?  Well in my world it does.  We ended another school year with lots of laughter and memories.  Natalie had a great last week with activities and Phoebe had the famous “Fairytale Ball” and Readers Theater.   We are excited about the teachers that both girls have next year and look forward to new adventures…but first, some summer fun!

We have already had alot of things going on and it’s the first week of June.  Our pool is open and feels terrific.  We have been grilling and entertaining, which is fun.  Elliott and I decided this summer we are getting some cookbooks from the library and trying new things. (there is always carry out..)  That should be fun.   The schedule has camp’s, a beach vacation, VBS and relaxing by the pool on it.

We have some awesome news to share, but before I do I want to share some pictures to get you up to speed.

my new favorite dessert

FairyTale Ball

great friends

chillin

I am so excited to share with you the BIG news…but you will have to come back later to find out what it is.  I don’t have all the pictures yet.  I am so excited about summer.  I am excited in the relaxed routine.  Excited about some family time!  Time to just grow together, laugh together and make memories.

One thing that will not become relaxed is my time in God’s word.  It’s our playbook for life.  I am in the process of looking for the bible study I will do this summer.  What are you doing?

A group of us are heading to the Deeper Still event this weekend in Louisville.  I can’t wait!!  Kay Arthur, Beth Moore and Pricilla S.  I am confident we will receive a word from Jesus!   Ah, a girls weekend.  What a way to start off summer!!   I am sure I will have tons of pictures and a few stories to tell.  Something funny always happens with this group of friends  and I don’t think this time will be different.

Christ the Lord is Risen today!!   Hallelujah!  Today I spent some time reading in all 4 gospels the accounts of the crucifixion.  It was really neat to get all the perspectives.  Though there were differences, they all told the same history, a different perspective.   Christ died to set us free!  That is what Easter is all about.  A sinless, blameless man walked the earth and died a brutal death so that we could be reconciled with God.  We are free, redeemed, adopted, chosen, blessed, loved, accepted and renewed! 

Phoebe has been asking alot about being baptised and becoming a Christ follower.  Last Saturday night a young lady at church accepted Christ and was baptised.  She stood before family and friends and professed the faith she has in Jesus!  Everyone clapped, cheered and sweet Phoebe looked over at me, with a big smile, but in a question stated, “it’s that easy?”  I smiled back and said “yes, it’s that easy, you just have to believe”  Now, I did explain that being a Christian is hard, we are called to be different.  We are not to have worldly standards but live by God’s word, which is Truth.  We are not perfect but strive to be like Jesus.  We have a Savior that we can go to and ask for forgiveness and because of what was done on the cross whatever “it” is..is not remembered.  Thank you Jesus!

 This Easter do you need some renewal?  Do you need a fresh start?  Do you need to follow through with a commitment?  Do you need a change?  What is your need?  Take it to the cross.  Lay it at the base and humbly give yourself and it to God.  He will meet you there. 

I pray that you rejoice in our risen Savior.  The rock is rolled away and Christ is alive!

Ephesians 3:12 

 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.

 

Acts 2:24 

But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him