Looking for a Challenge?

Hey Blogville,

One thing that I love about blogging is that you can come across some awesome blogs that really challenge you in your walk with Christ. I have found (among so many others) a blog that almost every time I visit her blog I walk away challenged or encouraged by the posts I read.

So here is a sample of Shelia's posts... Click here to read her latest challenge and word of encouragement. Although I am sure this post may not apply to everyone; I think most women will really be able to relate to this post.

I would love to know if you visited Shelia's blog...just leave me a quick comment telling me you did so.

Be blessed and encouraged :)

Cafe Chat (Please Participate Everyone..)

What is one thing you will do in 2009 to draw closer to Jesus? (this is not a New Year's Resolution :)

This will seem like a simple answer, but I can tell you it is not simple to do... Read, Study, and Stay in God's Word. I know 100% if I do this one thing I will draw closer to Jesus...undoubtedly...

I know this is not a simple thing to do because I have been actively saying I want to do this for probably my whole Christian life, but even more specifically the last 5 years. My flesh is weak and lazy, and I quickly seek things that satisfy for the moment and not what will fill up my soul eternally. I hope that 2009 holds much growth for me in my walk with Jesus... I feel that He has been teaching me things over this past year that need to blossom in my life...bear fruit.

Blessings to all, and stay tuned as I would like to tackle some tough questions (not just for the Cafe) on my blog in 2009... I would like for all who read my blog to participate in answering the questions, so we can start a dialogue and really start to seek God's truth together.

Have a Happy New Year!!!!

Merry Christmas 2008

Yes...

Cafe Chat

We will stick with a Christmas season theme question today.

There is so much happiness around this time of year, but I have encountered a lot of people, including myself (at times) that seem to be very stressed during the Christmas season. I started to think why that is the case with so many people. Well, an obvious answer is that there is just a lot to do during this season; parties, presents, plays, etc. I am sure you could come up with a whole list for me.

However, I am thinking a bit deeper, and I think the Enemy (Satan) wants to keep us distracted with all the Christmas activities that we lose focus of the real meaning of Christmas. I know I struggle with this every year, and every year I learn new lessons that help me to keep Jesus first. I am far from where I need to be, but I am growing and learning everyday.


So I ask you now, why do you think so many people are stressed out during this time of year? What advice would you give them (or yourself) to help de-stress?

Blessings and have a Merry Christmas!!!

Thankful Thursday

Psalm 103 (1-5) (Read the whole chapter if you can)

1 Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits-
3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.



Today I will do my "TT" post a little differently... I was in a pretty good mood today, and then I turned into Mrs. Grumpy in a matter of hours... I am sure that my hormones and the time of the month have something to do with that, but I never allow myself to lay full blame on those factors. So, I almost didn't do a "TT" post, but then thought how blessed I am to have a God that loves and knows me so well. I then thought about the verse in Psalms above (Psalm 103:2) Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits... Yes, there are so many benefits I have as a child of God (look at all the ones in 103).



Today's Thankful will be a list of some of the benefits of being a child of God that I am thankful for...

-His unending patience with me

-His limitless forgiveness of my sin

-His presence in my life

-His Hope that keeps me wanting to pursue the Christian walk

-His mercy that I know in the depths of my soul that I don't deserve

-His power that has changed me from the person I once was, and continues to change me daily

-The fact that He knows everything about me...there is comfort in that

-The promise of Heaven one day

-His happiness that wells up in my soul at the most unexpected times

-His Power

-His ways...I love how He answers prayers...so unexpected and supernaturally

-His love!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



I could go on and on if I had time, but I will stop here for now... Praise the Lord, oh my soul, and forget not all his benefits... I feel better now :)

Wordless Wednesday (Some Words :)

This is one of my favorite ornaments... My sister gave this to me to remind us about Jesus dying on the cross for us...His birth story isn't complete without His death and resurrection story :)

Being from Florida originally I thought these flamingos were just the cutest gift ever... I broke the male flamingo (because I am klutzy), and I didn't want to tell my friend that I broke the beautiful ornament she purchased for me. So I did some detective work, and found out where she purchased the ornaments and I was so blessed there was one lone male flamingo hanging on the store's display tree... I ended up confessing to my friend later :)

Cafe Chat

Sweet Amy has filled in for me the last two weeks with coming up with questions. Thanks Amy! My mother had a heart attack and then had to have quadruple bypass surgery. It has been a whirlwind to say the least, but my mother is at home recovering now, and our family will continue to pray for her recovery, both physical and spiritual. We serve an awesome God!!!
I think I will just keep it simple this month, and kind of follow a Christmas theme with the “Chat” questions, and save some of the “meaty” questions for next year.
I didn’t come to know Jesus until I was about 10 years old, and for our family Christmas was really about the presents and all the fun things that go with Christmas, minus Jesus. Well, now I know that if you take Jesus out of the picture than you really are not celebrating Christmas at all. The true meaning of Christmas is all about Jesus, and what His birth means to the world. All the other things about Christmas are fun, but we should keep them in their proper perspective and turn our number one focus to Jesus Christ.
What are you currently doing (or can start to do) to put the focus of Christmas on Jesus?
Blessings Friends…

Beware of the Doghouse

I saw this advertisement from JCPenney's and had to admit that it was pretty clever...Please watch, and then let me know what you think...

Thankful Thursday

First please feel free to enter my two giveaways below. I have two different giveaways going on, but am giving away the "Facing The Giants" DVD for both. You can enter until this Friday.OK, now onto my Thankful list...-First, my mother has been at home for five days now, and she is recovering well. She is still trying to process really what has happened the last 3 weeks. Life can sure change in a blink of an eye. Any prayers you would continue to lift up on her behalf would be appreciated.-I am thankful today for a husband that is giving...He gives in so many areas, and I know that he can feel unappreciated at times... I love you honey!!!-I am thankful for a reminder a couple of weeks ago through a sermon I heard at Church to be thankful... So many times I look at life through the "glass half empty" syndrome, but when you have Christ the glass is not half full, it is OVERFLOWING. Thank you God for bearing with me when I fail to offer you the thanks you deserve.-Our Big God is working in the lives of several friends the last couple of weeks. Some of our good friends just sold their house and our now 100% debt free. If I told you all the details of the story you would be blown away about how they got to that point. God worked in mysterious ways, and He alone will get the Glory for what happened in the lives of my friends. -My best Fwend is just blowing me away daily with how she is in the midst of a refining process with God, yet she is finding joy in it... You are my mentor Fwend!!!-I am struggling in my walk with God, but the struggle keeps me going back to Him, and that is exactly where I need to be.So, I will end here and wish you all a MERRY CHRISTMAS SEASON!!! Blessings!!!

Another Cool Christmas Giveaway (Ends Dec 12th)

Yes, I am involved in two giveaways this week... I am going "giveaway" crazy. This carnival is sponsored by one of my favorite sites..."Proverb 31 Ministries (Lysa Terkeurst). Make sure to visit her site to enter other giveaways. I have a link to her site in my sidebar as well (under Proverb 31 Ministries).

Well, since I love the movie so much, and it is on sale now; for this giveaway I will be giving away the DVD movie, "Facing the Giants". So I am actually giving away two copies of "Facing the Giants" this month... one in the "Internet Cafe" carnival (go one post below and enter that contest as well), and one for the Lysa Terkeurst Giveaway. All you need to do is leave a comment and let me know what your favorite movie is...Pretty simple. Again, I will only be shipping within the US for this giveaway.

(I don't yet know when the contest is over... I will get that info up soon) Blessings

Holiday Expo Giveaway (Internet Cafe)

(If you are looking for the "Thankful Thursday Post...go down one post)

Hey all, I love to give things away, and December is a good time to do this :) The "Internet Cafe" is hosting a bloggy carnival giveaway for the Holidays. Please make sure to click on over today and enter all the giveaways you would like to. Click HERE...

I will be giving away a copy of the DVD "Facing the Giants"... One of my favorite movies of all time. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post saying you would like to enter...Also, I would love to know what your favorite movie is. Winners will be announced December 12th at the Internet Cafe. Sadly, I will only be able to ship within the US this time around.

Blessings all!!!

One of the Most Thankful Thursdays Yet...

I have been wanting to write this "TT" post since Tuesday of last week. I have much to be thankful for, and I am overwhelmed with God's goodness... He loves His children so much more than we will ever grasp.-First, my mother came through Quadruple Bypass surgery last Tuesday, and at present is doing very well, and may go home soon. (She does have fluid on her lungs so we are still praying that goes away, and that she continues to do well as she faces a long recovery). The amazing thing about this is in all actuality my mother's chances of survival because of how sick she was to begin with were not very good...we know that, and we know that God pulled her through the surgery, and is still with her :)-Second, I am so thankful for all the prayers that were lifted up on my mom's behalf... our family prayed, friends, Church members, and something that was so special was that people from the blogworld/Internet prayed for her...People that didn't even know her...that is beautiful.-Third, I talked to my mom a few nights ago, and I sensed what I think is a spiritual rebirth in her... Oh, that this whole situation will be used to bring God glory and praise :) I think my mom is going to be different now...She has been in a physical pit for a long time, but what was worse was the spiritual pit she was in... I am praying that she is out of that "pit" for good!!!-When I had to fly down to Florida I got a ticket round trip with one day notice for $225... How awesome is that??? I know people can pay 4 times that with such short notice. -Even though the circumstances were not what I would have hoped for when visiting my family, I got to spend some wonderful time with my family, and we bonded in a different way.-There was peace between two (unnamed) people that really have not spoken to each other because of a hurtful situation during the time my mom was in the hospital...I watched in surprise as these two people came together for my mother :)-My mother in law came and helped my husband while I was away... He didn't have to miss work at all!!-I got a special surprise and got paid for the 3 days I missed at work...I normally would not have been paid for days I miss. COOL!!!-The ladies at work really prayed for me and my family, and they bought my family a Gift Certificate to a restaurant.-A woman from our Sunday School class cooked an awesome meal for my husband, mother in law and kids while I was away. I will end here today, but want to thank any and all of you that prayed for my mother... That is the most awesome gift anyone could give...I need to learn to do that for others more... May Jesus be lifted up today and forever!!!

Wordless Wednesday

These pics of from 2006...Terminator and his dad shucking corn (I have no idea if that is spelled right :) I think that is what it is called...Terminator is my "Hands On" learner for sure :)

Surgery Completed & Random Thoughts

Wow, what a roller coaster of emotions that have surfaced through our family the last few days... It is unbelievable how one minute I was at home having just returned from Christmas shopping and then the next moment receiving a phone call letting me know that my mom was being checked for possibly having a heart attack. Then, in the hour that followed my sister calls to let me know that my mom has to have open heart surgery...a quadruple bypass. Life was quickly put in perspective for me. It is sad that it takes a moment like this to wake me up.

First, of all I want to say that my mom made it through her surgery. It was about a five hour surgery that for all intents and purposes went well. She is in the ICU recovering and she still has a long way to go, but things are looking pretty good so far, although, she doesn't look well :( She is in a lot of pain; if you think of her please continue to lift her up in prayer.

I cannot leave this blog without giving praise to our Awesome God... He just blows me away with his goodness... What a joy to know that He is the reason my mom is still living now. He is so good and loving.... I can't even express in words on this blog post what I am feeling, but He knows!!!! May this whole experience bring Him much Glory and Praise. Lord, please help me to learn and grow in wisdom from this experience. I don't deserve Your love, but I am so thankful for it...Help me grow in understanding, and help me learn to love You more everyday!!!!!!!

Mom... You won't read this, but I love you, and you inspire me everyday. May this day be the beginning of a new life, not just with your physical body, but in your spiritual life.

Thank you to anyone that read this blog and lifted up a prayer for my mom... I am just amazed!!!

Honey, thanks for being an awesome MR. MOM while I am away... You inspire me too, and give your mom a big kiss for me. Tell "Moose" Grandma's arteries are all unblocked :)

Surgery

My mom goes in for Open Heart Quadruple By Pass tomorrow at 7:30 AM... Florida Time... Pray... Thank you

Update...

Thank you to the many that are praying for my mom... I found out today that she will have a quadruple by-pass either Monday or Tuesday...My mother is so afraid and lacks peace right now... She is afraid that she will not make it, and reality says that her chances are not that good... I know the outcome is already done in the heavenlies, but your prayers while we are unsure will mean so much to my family...Especially my mother, pray that the enemy will not be able to have access to her mind and cause her to fear, but that she will be able to only hear the voice of our Savior, Jesus Christ... Thanks to all the community!!!

A Prayer Request...

Today, I received a call from my sister letting me know that my mother was in the hospital, and that it appeared she had a heart attack. After a procedure on my mother they told us that she has to have open heart surgery, as she has a 95% blockage. I am leaving tomorrow on a plane to see her before her surgery on Monday...My mother has not been well for a long time, so this surgery is more of a high risk. If you read this post, would you say a prayer? Any prayer would be appreciated. Blessings...

Thankful Thursday

Well, I will cut straight to the list today... I have to help my "Moose" study for a math test... Poor Moose :)

-Family Christian Bookstore sent me a 50% off one item coupon for my birthday (I think that says...I shop there too much :) Well, I had to use it this month, and I didn't want to waste it on a $10.00 item, so I decided to purchase the "GO BIBLE" (I will totally do a post on this soon giving more details), but basically it is the entire Bible on a MP3 Player... It is so awesome!!! I think my bloggy friend Bev has one too. I chose the NIV version read by Max McLean (I think that is how you spell his last name). It is great! Oh, it was like $99.00 originally and I got it for around $49. Woo hoo!!

-My husband did a nice job celebrating my birthday, and I received some very nice and practical gifts...including CASH... My favorite :)

-I injured my back pretty badly on Thursday, and everyday since then it is getting better!!!

-I didn't have to miss a day of work due to my back... The pain was tolerable and I could do my job without too much pain.

-I survived my yearly exam (you know what I am talking about ladies :)

-In the same manner, I had to find a new doctor to do my exam, and she turned out to be a very good one... That is a big deal.

-We (me and hubby) had a pretty intense situation come up with a couple friend of ours, and we thank God for helping us all talk openly about things, and come to place of healing and peace.

-I will share more about this probably later in my posts, but the Lord is helping and strengthening me in an area of struggle in my life.

Well, I have procrastinated long enough about helping Moose with his Math... I shall go, but I am most thankful that the Lord has restored to me joy that I had lost in the past couple of weeks...

Thank you Lord!!!

Wordless Wednesday

Is this not the cutest picture of my little Terminator? I wore this wig for Crazy Hair Day in my Pre-K class, and Terminator coveted this wig all day :)

Café Chat November 15th

Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.Do not be anxious about anything…

Oh that is a hard one for me, as I am prone in the flesh to worry and be anxious all the time if I don’t let God intervene. However, as we can see in Philippians that we are not to be anxious about “anything”, but in “everything” with thanksgiving we can pray to God, and present our requests to Him.

I know if I asked a question about what we pray to God about that we would easily be able to come up with our lists. However, looking at the verse in Philippians, I wonder what we don’t pray about. I know that in my own life I do not pray about “everything”, and that fact inspired today’s question.

God’s Word tells us that we can pray about “everything”; however what are some things in your life that you do not pray to God about? (You can tell about a specific situation, or give a general answer). Why don’t you pray to God about what you named above?


Blessings Friends (If interested go to the "Internet Cafe" today and link up with your answers..button on sidebar, or click on "Internet Cafe" in link list)

Thankful Thursday

Another week, another list of thankfuls :)
-First, I am excited that my Church is going to offer Beth Moore's new study on Esther for the January session of our Women's Ministry. I just don't know if I can wait that long :) FYI: Beth is currently retaping the video sessions to "Breaking Free"... I loved that study, and will look forward to seeing the updated version in the future. Pray for her this week, if you can. I think she has about 5 more in depth sessions still to record.-I am thankful that our Small Group is going to begin a parenting study this Thursday. It is by Ginger Plowman, and it is the best approach, spiritually speaking, to parenting I have seen since I have become a parent. If any of you are interested, please contact me and I will get you the info :)-My Birthday is Friday, so I should be thankful for that, even though I am getting close to that 40 mark. Before all of you 40 and above say anything, I think 40 is young and awesome. My perspective changes as I age. I remember when I thought 30 year olds were old :( I WAS WRONG !!! :) It is just hard to believe that I have been around for 38 years on Friday.-I was in a bad spiritual slump for the last couple of weeks, although I would not say I am totally out of it, I am feeling better, and Hope is on the Horizon :)-I am thankful that my hubby and I have jobs... In this economy, I think that is important!!-I am thankful for the blogger over in my sidebar, "A Homemakers Meditations"... Her site always seems to challenge me. I could probably make a list right now of all the blogs that encourage or challenge me... Will save that for another time :)-I am thankful for my hubby who works a full day at the "office" and then comes home and works just as hard for his family :) Thanks honey!!!

Wordless Wednesday

Terminator showing me all his hard work of folding the towels... I was so proud of him :)

American Idol...NOT, but he is mine

Please don't even dare begin watching the video until you have read this post...I say this because you must know this about my hubby... This is a video of my husband singing, and not so well, but it is still precious. My husband loves music, to say he is a music geek is quite an understatement. He loves to sing and belt out tunes, especially from the 80s. Regardless of how well my husband can sing ,or not sing in this case is not why I posted this video (FYI..he sings quite nice in Church with me). This video represents one special part of our relationship. We have fun together!!! We can make each other laugh, and we can poke fun at each other in a non hurtful way (that only took us 15 years to figure out how to do that). He and I both have learned to laugh at ourselves, and not take ourselves so seriously all the time. I love him so, and yes that even includes his music madness addiction. So, it is with his blessings and permission that I post this video of my hubby singing Ronnie Milsap (Did I spell that right, honey?). I also am letting you peek into our not so clean bedroom, but don't hold that against me.



Enjoy, and you might want to turn your volume down a little while listening :)

Thankful Thursday

Thankful Thursday again...Thanks Iris for starting this Meme, it has been so great to connect with other bloggers through the "TT" community. -First, I am thankful for my blog friend Leigh who has started a new thing where she video blogs what she is learning in God's Word. CLICK ON BUTTON ON THE RIGHT-'Speaking Thru Me" to be connected to her site. Leigh is an upcoming Christian speaker that has a ministry with a few other ladies... One thing I appreciate about Leigh is her passion for God.-Second, I am encouraged at how many bloggers (at least the ones that I visit regularly) have reminded me, and others that no matter how this election has turned out, or how you voted God Reigns, and He is in control. -I am thankful that my husband made it home safely from his business trip, and that he was able to share his testimony with a man he just met on his business trip. The man is currently in a "bad" place admittedly, and my husband was able to share what God has done for him, and the man thanked my husband for the encouragement. A seed planted :)-My van needed repairs that costs about $280.00, and I am thankful that we had money in our emergency fund that paid for these repairs... We didn't have to put the charge on a credit card.-I am thankful for my new ESV Study Bible that I purchased with my paycheck from teaching :) I am so happy because it is a bigger Bible, and I can read the words better. This Bible has been recommended by many as a wonderful tool to dig deeper into God's Word.-And again, I am thankful that God continues to work in my heart, although at times my heart can seem cold to the things that matter to God, but one breath, one Word from God can melt my cold heart. Thank you Lord. I want to learn to love You more, and in the way that You deserve.

Wordless Wednesday

The Beauty of Fall, and some pictures of my hubby reliving the days of his youth. (Go down a few posts if you would like to see a short video of him climbing a tree :)