New

Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassion's never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.

Lamentations 3:22-24

We are not consumed because of His great love. How awesome is that? Last week I threw myself a pity party. What's worse is I invited some friends. Ugh. Let me just say that I am thankful for good friends, who still appear to want to be my friend, in spite of me. An example of that before mentioned great love. The invites went out when I started to feel lonely and like nobody loved me, respected me, blah blah blah. I was listening to lies. It's a slippery slope when you start to do that. After a long talk with one of those fab friends I took a walk and sobbed. I hadn't cried like that in a long time. I'm due every so often. It was there that the Lord reminded me that we've been here before but we don't have to stay. This same place of looking for contentment, security, significance, love, respect, comfort, etc. everywhere except the place where I already have it. I had slowly crept back towards putting this on people instead of leaving it in the Lord's hands. So of course I felt rotten for doing so but He reminded me that with Him every morning is new. Praise the Lord for that. I look forward to more new.

Headed for Pink Sands

My Simple Woman's Daybook

My Simple Woman’s Daybook For Today… Tuesday August 5, 2009
Outside my Window,,,perhaps I should open it?
I am thinking… of all I have to do before I leave, and all that I want to do.
I am thankful for… my mom who is willing to come and be with the kids.
From the kitchen… broth.
I am wearing… let's just say that it is laundry day.

I am reading… The Maker's Diet and The Secret Garden (to the kids).
I am hoping… that this trip will be a time not only of relaxation, but regeneration.
I am hearing… kids chatting, cleaning and a dove cooing in the pear tree outside.

I am creating… a few baby gifts to have on hand for the 8 girlfriends that are pregnant.

Around the house… laundry, sheets to be changed, bedrooms to be vacuumed.
One of my favorite things… staying up late and laughing.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week… picking up mom, store, packing and sailing away!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you…

it should be this

but it's this...

Nostalgic Nester

According to THESE people, that's my style personality. Actually I like it better than any other result I've had. Fun stuff. Though I think it makes me sound like I have clutter. Well, I guess I do, but I'm working on it!

"You're a collector who likes to express their individuality. Trends don't interest you; you're down to earth. You've developed your own style and stay true to yourself. You enjoy indoor and outdoor living. Unique souvenirs from your travels adorn your home. You're sentimental, you keep photo albums and happy memories around you. You make your own treasures."

What for?

So I thought I'd try computer devotions and was wondering if I was flaking a bit on my devotions. I probably was, but never the less God met me in spite of me. I went to the LPM Blog and THIS is the first thing I read. Check it out. I thought it was quite relevant to my desire for scripture memory (what am I doing it for?) as well as the verses she chose. I often have to watch what I say or how I say something and I would like the Lord to conquer this in my life.

The other post that Beth is referring to is HERE. Also a worthy read, that caused some tears to stream down the cheeks.

Simple Woman's Daybook

My Simple Woman’s Daybook For Monday July 13, 2009

Outside my Window..a gorgeous day

I am thinking… just thinking

I am thankful for… this weather!

From the kitchen… spaghetti

From the learning rooms… summer reading, consistent obedience

I am wearing… jammies

I am reading… The Maker's Diet

I am hoping… to see results from before mentioned read

I am hearing… toys being dumped out on to the floor and Laurie Berkner

I am creating… just finished a couple doll dresses

Around the house… clutter is starting to build up, must attack!

One of my favorite things… kisses from V and E's wanting to snuggle with her mommy more lately.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week… swim lessons

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you…

Goals

I don't like goals. Chalk it up to my fear of failure, but I don't like to make them often. If I do they are usually a secret. I also do not like to be legalistic about things, but I can't handle not doing something I say I'm going to do. grrr. The fact of the matter is I am also a person who does well with accountability, so I am going to go public with a few goals I have. I'm still figuring out how to make some of these happen, but feel free to check on me anytime. I will feel loved :)



In no particular order

• Play my guitar once a week.


• Memorize a piece of scripture once a month, involve the kids in this somehow (could use a partner in this, any takers?)


• Have REAL quiet time at least once or twice a week (this means, Bible open when there are no kids around, reading & praying w/ possible journaling for at least 20minutes if not more)


• Get to the gym at least 3x a week


• Sew something at least once a month


• Complete a organization/de-cluttering project once a month


• Be more consistent with kids on their chores.


• Lose weight (overall health, and I don't want to buy any clothes in a bigger size!)


• Learn more about simplifying life, through less spending and reducing possessions as well as appreciating nature and family time instead of turning to movies and Internet.

I know there is more, but I will start with that. I think I need to print this and put it somewhere I will see it so I don't forget.

Bulletin Cover

Instead of posting it here you can check out my bulletin cover for last sunday at my church's blog here.

It's not about me....in case you were wondering.

It's late and I need to go to bed. I've been slipping in and out of my insecurities lately and it's bugging the you know what out of me. I'll be in such a good place and then before you know it I remember that I'm fatter than ever and start taking everything personally. I nag my poor husband and if he answers me with any edge in his voice I am in tears. Perhaps it's woman stuff. Perhaps not. Anyway, while I'm still feeling crappy about myself I hear about something stupid that someone else has done. I can't wait to tell my poor husband and start to feel superior again! And then I get hit with reality. It's happened before. A dear friend in a bad place or dealing with something heavier than I could imagine and all I can think of is hitting my knees for them and of course to thank God for His patience and His forgiveness of one who is can be so petty. Today I get news of a dear one who has some heavy, scary stuff going on in her family. My weight, whether people like me, if I'm being a better parent than others...all nothing. There are people hurting on so many levels in this world, and they need to see that Jesus is real in their lives. I'm tired of this cycle, but I'm hoping that each round of it is one step closer to home.

Favorite Moment of the Evening

Last night watching "So You Think You Can Dance" I had it muted for Mary's screaming. Dennis said, "un-mute it, what does Nigel have to say?".

My Simple Woman's Daybook

My Simple Woman’s Daybook For Today… June 8, 2009
Outside my Window...sunshine!!!! (with a little haze)
I am thinking… about summer.
I am thankful for… patience in my spouse.
From the kitchen…soon to be brewed coffee.
From the learning rooms…how to remain teachable.
I am wearing… black shirt, red skirt, bare feet

I am reading… closing in on the finish of Serve God Save the Planet, as well as occasional excerpts from Devotional Classics.
I am hoping… to not be overwhelmed by busyness.
I am hearing…tweety birds.

I am creating… invitations that are almost done!

Around the house… laundry, children, friend visiting.
One of my favorite things… the strawberries I picked last Friday that are now gone (freezer jam, desserts and the rest were gobbled up).

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week… watching kids, Longwood Gardens, make laundry detergent, get my herbs in pots.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you…

My Simple Woman’s Daybook For Today May 18, 2009

Outside my Window...green
I am thinking…about thinking
I am thankful for… weekend spent with my parents
From the kitchen… empty fridge
From the learning rooms… only a few more weeks of school
I am wearing…pj's

I am reading… still... Serve God Save the Planet. Must finish and return!
I am hoping… for unnecessary extras
I am hearing… a little voice of one who is glad to be back and playing in her own room

I am creating…ideas for a baby shower

Around the house… suitcases to be emptied
One of my favorite things… reminders of God's creativity and specific design, all at the zoo!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week… baseball games, getting baby V back on a real sleeping schedule and more
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you…

"All creatures of our God and King..."

"Lift up your voice with us and sing, Hallelujah!"

My Simple Woman's Daybook

My Simple Woman’s Daybook For Today, May 4, 2009

Outside my Window...darkness and rain

I am thinking… that I'm glad I remembered to do this!

I am thankful for… ice cream.

From the kitchen…chicken pot pie.

From the learning rooms… how to have a teachable heart...this is for everyone in this house.

I am wearing… jeans, black t-shirt, bare feet (also cold feet)

I am reading… blahhhhhhhhhhhhhh

I am hoping…to start reading again soon.

I am hearing… my children (who are supposed to be sleeping) quiz each other about random facts, my son was teaching his little sis how to make up a story and he was being very encouraging in the process.

I am creating… ideas for a baby shower.

Around the house… mess...must clean soon!

One of my favorite things…my youngest saying "pees" for please all through lunch today.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week… rained out baseball games, babysitting, prep for my mom's arrival on Saturday (eeeee!)

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you…

what??

I don't want to be a judger, really. And this probably goes against my embracing humility. But last night I saw a 5 year old with a pacifier, outside, not sleeping, no visible special needs, running around. nuff said.

My Simple Woman's Daybook

My Simple Woman’s Daybook For Today… April 27, 2009

Outside my Window...darkness, sleeping cows

I am thinking…tomorrow's to do's and the smell of soap

I am thankful for… the few steps back into cooler weather that will be coming

From the kitchen…dinner was grilled butter & dill tilapia, grilled asparagus, mushroom, garlic, basil and parmesean orzo

From the learning rooms… the same lessons that i've learned before, back to sqare one

I am wearing… no comment

I am reading… this and that...i'm having commitment issues

I am hoping… for some spiritual clarity

I am hearing… whir of the fan

I am creating… plans for summer frocks

Around the house… snoozing family, and the need for serious spring cleaning

One of my favorite things… thin mint ice cream

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week… cleaing, rained out game, catch up on Lost, dance recital

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you…

My Simple Woman's Daybook

My Simple Woman’s Daybook For Today… April 20, 2009
Outside my Window...dreadful weather

I am thinking…about simple, uninterrupted faith

I am thankful for… a husband I can talk to

From the kitchen…dirty dishes

From the learning rooms… how to take a loss, how to not be so absorbed with something that you can see nothing else

I am wearing… jeans, long sleeve faux layered shirt, warm fuzzy socks

I am reading… read? what's a read?

I am hoping… for the sunshine to return

I am hearing… wind rattling my windows

I am creating… lists

Around the house… laundry to be put away and sleeping children

One of my favorite things… my 1 yr old and his growing personality

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week… baseball, dance class, sleepovers

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you…



I'd like to add that I have been soooo slacking on this. I know it's nothing I need to be legalistic about, but I was really hoping for this to be a point of consistency in my life. However there have been times where I didn't even think of it until Wed. People ask how is it with 3 kids and overall it's not crazy hard. It is overall busier. Ah well, so this is my season now. I'll take it and hopefully live it fully and save my reading for later.

He Is Risen!

I love Easter Hymns. Perhaps I have mentioned this before. I had to share this favorite with you. I ask you to read the words and meditate on what this day is all about for us as believers. If there was ever a day to celebrate a victory this is it. Happy Easter, sing, celebrate, rejoice! HE IS RISEN! (Can I get an amen?)

Christ The Lord Is Risen Today
Text by: Charles Wesley, 1707-1788

Christ, the Lord, is risen today, Alleluia!
Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heavens, and earth, reply, Alleluia!

Love's redeeming work is done, Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!
Lo! the Sun's eclipse is over, Alleluia!
Lo! He sets in blood no more, Alleluia!

Vain the stone, the watch, the seal, Alleluia!
Christ hath burst the gates of hell, Alleluia!
Death in vain forbids His rise, Alleluia!
Christ hath opened paradise, Alleluia!

Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!
Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!
Once He died our souls to save, Alleluia!
Where thy victory, O grave? Alleluia!

Soar we now where Christ hath led, Alleluia!
Following our exalted Head, Alleluia!
Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia!
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!

Hail, the Lord of earth and heaven, Alleluia!
Praise to Thee by both be given, Alleluia!
Thee we greet triumphant now, Alleluia!
Hail, the resurrection day, Alleluia!

King of glory, Soul of bliss, Alleluia!
Everlasting life is this, Alleluia!
Thee to know, Thy power to prove, Alleluia!
Thus to sing and thus to love, Alleluia!

Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia!
Unto Christ, our heavenly King, Alleluia!
Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!
Sinners to redeem and save. Alleluia!

But the pains that He endured, Alleluia!
Our salvation have procured, Alleluia!
Now above the sky He's King, Alleluia!
Where the angels ever sing. Alleluia!

Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!
Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
Who did once upon the cross, Alleluia!
Suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia!

Bulletin Cover 3/15

I recently had a week where I made some mistakes. Yes, everyone makes mistakes, but these were the kind of mistakes that were made in front of others and I was called on them. It’s not so bad when you mess up and no one knows it. It’s easier for me to brush that off and move on in life. However, the times where I publicly say something stupid or arrogant, (my mouth is usually what gets me into trouble) and people take notice, are the times when I am really knocked down by my sin. When everybody else sees it I can’t pretend it didn’t happen and I am forced to deal with it. I have to recognize that I need the Lord. I am reminded that I cannot coast through life on mealtime prayers, and Sunday morning attendance. I desperately need God with His grace and mercy. So I read the scriptures and I cry out to Him and He tells me He loves me. He tells me that He came for the foremost of sinners, not those who trust in their own righteousness. He tells me these things and again I am humbled and thankful. Even in my sin He has chosen to use me as an example of how far His love and patience reach. I’d rather He use me to show others something that doesn’t involve me falling on my face in the mud. But that is the attitude that sends me to the mud in the first place. I don’t like to have that kind of a week, but I’m sure that I need to be knocked down every now and again so I can be reminded of Who is holding me up.


“And the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus. It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among who I am foremost of all. Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Timothy 1:14-17

My Simple Woman’s Daybook

My Simple Woman’s Daybook For today... March 30, 2009



Outside my Window...remnants of a storm and pink light on the fields

I am thinking… how did "Summer of 69" get stuck in my head?

I am thankful for… hot water and decent pressure in my shower.

From the kitchen…chili

From the learning rooms… yesterday we finally read about the 2nd commandment in our Droodles book. The kids love it and wanted to keep going. (unless that was a ploy to avoid rest time?)

I am wearing… what what? who's dressed so early? that's right, I am! jeans and a long sleeve shirt, ugly blue socks with non slip soles.

I am reading… a new book! Serve God Save the Planet (it is from a stack borrowed from Deanna, I've had these books for way too long.)

I am hoping… to work for consistency

I am hearing… birds, again.

I am creating…grocery list

Around the house… sleeping children, one who needs to be woken up for school

One of my favorite things… V's new thing of trying to be silly on purpose for a laugh.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week… tball practice 2x, dance class, Truth Project, hopefully rearranging some rooms.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you

Saint Patrick's Day

In honor of today, here are some quotes of Pat himself:

Before I was humiliated I was like a stone that lies in deep mud, and he who is mighty came and in his compassion raised me up and exalted me very high and placed me on the top of the wall.

I am Patrick, a sinner, most uncultivated and least of all the faithful and despised in the eyes of many.

If I have any worth, it is to live my life for God so as to teach these peoples; even though some of them still look down on me.

No one should ever say that it was my ignorance if I did or showed forth anything however small according to God's good pleasure; but let this be your conclusion and let it so be thought, that - as is the perfect truth - it was the gift of God.

That which I have set out in Latin is not my words but the words of God and of apostles and prophets, who of course have never lied. He who believes shall be saved, but he who does not believe shall be damned. God has spoken.

The Lord opened the understanding of my unbelieving heart, so that I should recall my sins.

I am imperfect in many things, nevertheless I want my brethren and kinsfolk to know my nature so that they may be able to perceive my soul's desire.”

Christ beside me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ within me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me.

My Simple Woman's Daybook

My Simple Woman’s Daybook For today... March 16, 2009



Outside my Window...hazy

I am thinking… that i shouldn't have bought the "protein zone" version of the Naked juive smoothie.

I am thankful for… grace and mercy.

From the kitchen…soon to be a roast, in the crock.

From the learning rooms… responsibility

I am wearing… still in my jammies, but i AM getting dressed after this!

I am reading… seek God for the city, adult and child's version, and I am almost done with Under the Overpass.

I am hoping… that my youngest will start to consistently sleep through the night.

I am hearing… birds.

I am creating…ideas, only ideas.

Around the house… preparation for tomorrow night's Truth Project.

One of my favorite things… that my son didn't want to hurt my feelings about dinner the other night.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week… getting back to normal and having 4 little girls 5 and under for a sleepover on Friday night. hold me.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you

My simple woman's daybook

My Simple Woman’s Daybook For today... March 9, 2009

Outside my Window...sunshine and breezes

I am thinking… of the baby in my tummy


I am thankful for… God's providence


From the kitchen… crockpot is giving off yummy smells, something new that i hope taste yummy too.


From the learning rooms… why it's important to tell the truth


I am wearing… just once i'd like to be dressed for real when I do this!


I am reading… seek God for the city, adult and child's version


I am hoping… to get better very soon!


I am hearing… my daughter's bible songs, and a baby that is ready to get out of his crib

I am creating…imaginary order


Around the house… sickness that needs to LEAVE!

One of my favorite things…even thought the baby is sick i was thankful to have a whole hour to lay on the couch and have him lay comfortably on my chest


A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week…recooperate, possible swim field trip

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you…the first crocus of spring!


Verse to share:
anything about healing!

be careful what you ask for

Did you know that if you ask God to humble you He probably will? Twice this has happened to me this week. It hit me so hard, sent me into tears and feeling of depression. I'm still bugged by these events, but I want to accept humility. How do we do this? I don't want to just brush them off so I simply feel better. I want them to soak in as lessons, to accept them as part of His pruning. Ouch, but how much prettier I'll be later.

6But He gives a greater grace Therefore it says, "GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE." 7Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. James 4:6-7

SImple Woman's Daybook

My Simple Woman’s Daybook For today... March 2, 2009

Outside my Window...white flurries and a blanket of snow

I am thinking… of changes

I am thankful for… my husband

From the kitchen… a mess to be cleaned and a ? for dinner

From the learning rooms… we started looking at the 10 Commandments and are reading from The Droodles, Ten Commandments Storybook, I had this as a child.

I am wearing… around the house clothes, it's laundry day

I am reading… various parts of my Bible, and getting back into Under the Overpass: A Journey of Faith on the Streets of America, by Mike Yankoski (still)

I am hoping… order, peace, confidence in the Sovereign

I am hearing… my daughter's bible songs

I am creating…floor plans in my head

Around the house… laundry, happy children

One of my favorite things…today I saw my oldest son teaching his little sister how to write the numbers she needed help with.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week… check in on a friend, make some calls, finish some sewing that was started a LONG time ago.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you…

it has gone too fast.

Verse to share:

Truly, truly I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father. Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it. John 4:12-14

Simple Woman's Daybook

I saw this on a friend's blog a while a back. I've been trying to journal more as well as use this blog more and I thought this might be a good writing exercise as well as a way to stop and reflect on the simple things. I hope to do this consistently on Mondays. I'd also like to add a verse that I read that dad.

Verse for the day:
For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!" The spirit also testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.
Romans 8:16-17 NAS

My Simple Woman’s Daybook For today... Feb 23, 2009
Outside my Window...blue skies with a few dabs of clouds, and very cold wind

I am thinking… about my dream that brad pitt came to my old church and i kept trying to talk to him about why he was there but it never happened before i woke up...weird.

I am thankful for… growing friendships

From the kitchen… right now it's just my coffee

From the learning rooms… e is wanting to learn to read and really picking up on it! love this.

I am wearing… black comfy pants, black cami, brown sweater and ugly blue socks


I am reading… various parts of my Bible, and getting back into Under the Overpass: A Journey of Faith on the Streets of America, by Mike Yankoski

I am hoping… for warmer weather soooooon

I am hearing… the still of a house with sleeping children (whom i need to get up)


I am creating…mostly ideas for some sewing projects


Around the house… I'm trying to think of ways to reduce clutter in our bedroom, it overwhelms me!

One of my favorite things…lately v has been such a charmer and loves to give kisses, i do wish they weren't so sloppy, but that's part of the fun.


A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week… get ready for truth project tomorrow, watching other kids, considering whether or not it would be worth it to set fire to my bedroom.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you…

Bulletin Cover 2/15

I’d Rather Have Jesus
I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold;
I’d rather be His than have riches untold;
I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands,
I’d rather be led by His nail pierced hand.

Than to be a king of a vast domain
Or be held in sin’s dread sway,
I’d rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.

I’d rather have Jesus than men’s applause;
I’d rather be faithful to His dear cause;
I’d rather have Jesus than world-wide fame,
I’d rather be true to His holy name.

He’s fairer than lilies of rarest bloom;
He’s sweeter than honey from out of the comb;
He’s all that my hungering spirit needs,
I’d rather have Jesus and let Him lead.
Rhea F. Miller (1922)

This song was in my head last night as I went to sleep. I love it. The words are simple and pure. They are refreshing to me, a perspective on life that I desire to have at all times. We live in a time when we have so much. I know most people would not say that they are wealthy. Yet, compared to most of the rest of the world we are. I don’t believe that having all that we have is sin itself. I just want to know that if God asked me to get rid of it all, would I? Do I really believe that Jesus meets every need in my life? I hope so.

I resonate with this passage in Matthew in the Message:
24 -26Then Jesus went to work on his disciples. "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat; I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for?

What could I ever trade my soul for? How about an active relationship with the Living God, and the bonus of eternal life?

Buried

Me: "I'm asking you as a husband. What do you think? Because I don't want to."

Husband: "Then I think you should."

He was right. When the pastor mentioned a few weeks ago that there was going to be a baptism service, I immediately felt a weight fall upon me. When he said that if this was something that we were ready to follow the Lord in, and that we should come see him, I felt almost a burning swell up within me.

I can't remember a time where God wasn't a part of my life. I can remember praying and making a decision by a gold couch in my old room. Though my dad remembers an earlier prayer with him. In fourth grade I went forward in church to make a public profession of faith and later talked with our interim pastor. Baptism came up in the conversation, but soon after our church hired a full time pastor and it didn't come up again.

I honestly didn't think of it tons after that. It didn't bother me. I had been baptized with the Holy Spirit at conversion and water baptism is not a requirement for salvation, so it was no big deal. Then when as I matured, opportunities arose and I let them pass by. (One opportunity being the chance to be immersed in a lake in the Rocky Mountains...still trying to forgive myself for this, sigh.) There were times I even wore it as a banner for the cause "saved by grace, no works required." This being true, we are saved by grace, we are still called to obey in order to have a full, deep and intimate relationship with the One who has saved us.

Needless to say, the Lord has been persistent in pursuing me. After the earlier mentioned conversation with my husband I went talk to our pastor and could barely get the words out. The hardest part of this whole experience was to be willing to humble myself before people I know and many I don't know. To be able to say to everyone, that I want to follow Jesus and after 25ish years of doing so, I am stilling learning, still seeking, and I have not figured everything out. I think I do this in small ways or with close friends who know me well. However, if I'm honest I'd rather not have people thinking that I can be clueless on various points of life including an array of spiritual matters.

When I was there, it was easy. I thought it would be hard, but it wasn't. There was a passing moment of emotion and near tears when we sang Amazing Grace. I was moved as the pastor read from Romans. And that was it. I was just happy and peaceful. It was the right thing to do. As it is always right to obey our Lord.

Thank you to all who supported me from near and far, if you only knew how much that meant to me, and how much I love you.

I am thankful that I was be able to share this with my children and my man. Don't I look happy?

*first photo of cross by my son J

*all other photos by Tina, who would probably like me to say that she doesn't think they are that great, but like them!

guilty

I'm copying my friend Deanna who posted this link. As I read it and kept thinking things like "ugh, i hate that.." I would be lying if I too wasn't guilty of some of these. Dare to read it.

TRUTH

This blog is not forgotten, but definitely neglected. I have a few ideas for posting, we'll see what happens. However, tonight Den and I are hosting our first night of the Truth Project. Check it out here.