Tree of Happiness

Grace Today sent me over this beautiful tree of happiness... I can't wait to plant it on my blog! The rules of the game are to list 6 things that make me happy and then to send off 6 trees for others to plant on their blog...

1. My God full of grace- so amazing- and so real... thank you, God, for being so easy to talk to and for understanding me, just the way I am...
2. My awesomely handsome and rugged- throw me over his shoulder kinda man (just ask- or not), athletic, devoted, gifted, and sweet spirited HUBBY...
3. My three beautiful- blue eyed- blonde shaved haired boys...they bring me happiness every single day- except when they're fighting and wont stop for even a moment- oh wait, even then- they still bring me happiness.
4. My friends who will do coffee with me at the drop of a hat and my friends who are way too far away, but use to do coffee and lemonade at the drop of a hat.
5. Beautiful blue skied sunshiny days, like today!!!!
6. The sound of the ocean, warm sand under my feet, the smell of the beach, boogy boarding all day long (well- that was just a little long time ago- but my memories remain), sandy towels, picnics by the sea, sigh...

6 of my sweet peeps (no, they're not really peeps- tweet tweet!) get a tree too!!!

1. The Back Forty
2. Treasures in Jars of Clay
3. Lifetime Intimate Portraits
4. Our Adventurous Life
5. The Leaking Window
6. Move Fearlessly

™

Awards

Lori at Encouragement from the Heart recently honored Beloved Mama Prays with the Blog of Distinction Award. I am truly blessed that a wonderful team of prayer warriors agreed to join me on the prayer journey of Beloved Mama Prays. Lori, is one of the prayer warrior who prays for each request that comes our way. Lori also writes a wonderfully inspiring blog that I highly encourage you to check out. Thank you, Lori, for blessing me and thank you for your heart of prayer.

It is my turn to give the Blog of Distinction award to a distinguished blogger. Because the award was given to Beloved Mama Prays, I would like to award one of the prayer team members who has joined me on the prayer journey that God has called us to. Tania at Weir Blessed writes a very open, honest, and candid blog. She is a wonderful wife and mommy and prays for the requests that come to Beloved Mama Prays. Thank you, Tania, for blessing many through your blog as well as through your prayers.

******************************

Angela at Becoming Me Thru Him shared a little bloggy love with me a few days back. Now it's my turn to give some lovin' to a few others...

I'm awarding the following blogs with the Sharing the Love award because they have encouraged me, uplifted me, inspired me, and some have even prayed for me!!! You guys rock!!!

Joy of Desserts
Ordinary Christian Women's Heart
Faith Hope Love Mama
Signs Miracles and Wonders
******************************
Believe me when I say, I pray for every request that come this way. My heart goes out to all of you who leave requests and I know that our heavenly Father is working in ways that we often cannot understand nor see... But, in all honesty, there are certain requests that touch my heart and leave me hurting and crying out to God "Why?!" There are requests that come that will not allow me peace until I am crying out to God on behalf of the ones in need...Sometimes, I am unable to sleep- other times I am awakened...and so often I ask God- why me- why are you choosing me to pray- why am I not allowed peace in my heart with the burden of this request looming over me...Why me, God? Why them? and every time God says "You need to pray...pray now...pray pray pray" sometimes I have other words from the Lord- but really- it's the urgency of the request that leaves me knowing that we must be willing to lift another's burden...for in my darkest moments- in the moments I did not have the strength to pray another word- the times when all I could muster was "Help" God heard and He allowed others to lift a bit of my burden and to pray for me...

Ladies, please pray for the following request as the Lord leads- ask your prayer partners to pray- ask your churches to pray- ask all those who can pray to pray-
M C K Mama writes a blog entitled My Charming Kids- she just found out that her 21 week unborn child has water around his heart and a very irregular heart beat...they still have tests coming...Please just pray for the family, pray for peace, and pray for a miracle...For more details, click here, and please lift a bit of the burden in this beautiful mommy's heart by praying for her unborn child.

™

Two things we are learning today

Our TWO BIG lessons of the day:

1. We only color on paper.
2. It's not o.k. to flush the toilet over and over.
in case you're wondering...we have a Toddler in the house

And the Question of the Day, from my 10 year old son:

T: Mom, how old is Jamie Lynn Spears?
Me: Oh, probably 17- 16 or 17 I think.
T to friends: See I told you- I said 16-17-or 18 as he runs off
Me thinking to self: What in the world was that all about?! Oh My!
AND Note to self: Pray for sons. Pray for their future wives. Pray without ceasing over and over and over...

Tomorrow I have 2 Bloggy awards to give away! Angela at Becoming Me and Lori at Joyful Sister blessed me with an award and now it's my turn to bless some others.

Happy Summer :o)

™

Pondering things

One day, God told me to share my story.
I said, But God...I don't know where...I don't know how...
When God says...Go...
I do my best to ...Go...
For years, I journaled my prayers, my thoughts, my heart.
And then, one day, I noticed this thing called blogging...
It seemed...there was a new trend in town...
People were meeting, making friends both near and far
Sharing their hearts, telling their stories, blogging about their interests
So I thought...o.k., God- perhaps I will start by blogging my story-
So there I started- blogging about my life, my story, my family, our moments
It doesn't have any sort of flow- just my random thoughts on any given day-
but when God says GO- I try to GO and do just what he says...
I have faults, like everyone else
I'm sorting through issues, aren't we all?
I'm working to be the best child of the king that I can be...
Today I saw a beautiful quote...it's not mine...not sure who's it is, but I'll quote it so you know that I'm not the one who made it up

"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass,
it's about learning to dance in the rain!"

I've written about various storms in my life...
and I would just love to be the person who is able to dance in the rain
I think I can do it...one twirl at a time...
In fact, I know I can do it...when Jesus reaches out his hand, twirls me around, and dances with me every step of the way...
Would you like to join us?!

™

He always carries me...

This is a re-post, written last year, around the time of B's birthday.

Three years ago my husband and I thought the time had come to try for a 3rd child. We felt that an incredibly busy season of our lives had come to an end (J had recently completed his BA/MA as well as his first year of teaching AND I was able to be home with the boys). Our two older children were at an age where they could help around the house, get themselves dressed, and help with the baby. Everyone was excited with the prospect of having a new baby when we found out that I was pregnant in October of 2004. We began to make preparations for a nursery and dig out all of our old baby items from years past. Weeks later, I started bleeding and my body began to lose all signs of pregnancy. Exactly 7 days before Christmas, we miscarried our 3rd child. It's strange to think that he/she would be 2 this very month. I say "we miscarried" because my entire family felt the pain of the loss. Even our boys were saddened as the joy they had felt towards their new sibling was taken so fast.

In February of that year, we were pregnant again. This time, however, I had an awful feeling that I would not carry our child to term. I couldn't shake the feeling and even shared the thoughts with friends. Christians who meant well, offered their advise, observations, and suggestions...but still, somehow I knew that this baby would not be a survivor. In April, I miscarried for a second time. The boys seemed to grow in their faith as they asked questions about our babies being in heaven. They talked openly with those who would listen about the deaths of our babies and how God knows what our family needs. I was amazed at the mature strength of their faith and must admit that they taught me several lessons in the midst of it all.

During this time, I suffered from terrible depression and anxiety. This too, taught me a valuable lesson about God and my faith. I will also say that as depressed as I was, I have never in my life felt closer to God. I took comfort in such verses as "Draw near to me and I will draw near to you" "Come to me all ye who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest" "He went to her, took her hand, and lifted her up" "When you seek me, you will find me, when you seek me with all your heart". I read the entire Bible through and took detailed notes during my second time through. I truly felt His presence as a peace that passeth all understanding.

Exactly one year ago tomorrow, I gave birth to a beautiful, healthy, and joyful baby boy. He has HUGE blue eyes, blond hair, and a smile to light up the room. His presence brings joy to everyone who comes in contact with him.

I thank God for bringing B into our lives. His birth has been a great blessing and his life, an even greater blessing. My middle son, who is the sensitive child in the family, will often remind us that B is the "survivor". Survivor? My husband and I question, "what exactly do you mean?" J will reply, "we would have 5 kids in the family, but 2 of them died...B is the only baby that survived." Then he will look upon his baby brother with the type of look a proud parent shows to his son. I thank God not only for beautiful B, but also for his two proud older brothers. God is good-ALL THE TIME :0)

™

A Blessing...

Angela at Becoming Me Through Him blessed me with the Sharing the Love award. Angela writes an inspiring and encouraging blog that I HIGHLY recommend you check out. Recently, Angela and I met up at Facebook and realized that we have several connections in the "Real World" too! It's fun to see God place people in our lives and how he perfectly constructs every piece of this puzzle we call life. Angela, you are amazing! And I thank you for blessing me!

Now it's my turn to share the love and pass on the award.

Please give me a moment while I give this some thought :o)

Happy Summer Days!

™

Please remember to pray

I've been slower in posting since the summer started... the boys are all home, including hubby and we have a ton of fun exploring and doing...
Thus far we've gone hiking, gone to many area parks, gone roller skating, gone to the beach, went berry picking, enjoyed a couple of the free Regal Cinema movies, played in the fountains, enjoyed the book store, went to some area museums, and have plans to go on a summer road trip!!! PHEW... our biggest challenge is making sure Toddler B gets a nap during the day, or else... we all suffer!!!

Today we hit our first BIG heat wave of the summer- over 100 degrees!!! AUGH... on the other hand... I'm really enjoying the sun and blue skies... I'm just hoping I can sleep tonight in the heat- we don't have air conditioning :(

Please don't forget to check the prayer request over at Beloved Mama Prays...there have been several new postings... Thank you!

Happy Summer Days to you!!!

™

Lord, I have no words...

no words this day
don't know what to say
you know my heart
you have a plan
you hold the big picture
the pieces of the puzzle
tears streaming
hearts breaking
wondering what is to come
you are the author
creator
you know each heart
none the better
nor the worse
what is to come, I say
Do no worry, you say
it's too big, I say
Goliath?, you say
Job, David, Paul
Yes, I'm reminded
one goal
one purpose
one plan
Look up, you say
Look toward the prize, you remind me
Words spoken long ago
still hold true this very day
Peace, I give you
before during and after the storm
Lord, what am I to do, I ask
be still and know that I am God
listen, be silent
for I am the same yesterday today and forever
nothing has changed under the sun
There is a time
There is a season
There is a purpose
for everything
be still, I hear
listen, you say

Psalm 139
For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.
1 O LORD, you have searched me
and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.

3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.

4 Before a word is on my tongue
you know it completely, O LORD.

5 You hem me in—behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.

7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?

8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, [a] you are there.

9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,

10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.

11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,"

12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.

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

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

16 your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

17 How precious to [b] me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!

18 Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand.
When I awake,
I am still with you.

19 If only you would slay the wicked, O God!
Away from me, you bloodthirsty men!

20 They speak of you with evil intent;
your adversaries misuse your name.

21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD,
and abhor those who rise up against you?

22 I have nothing but hatred for them;
I count them my enemies.

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.

24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.

™

Hope

"my hope is not in PEOPLE
my hope is not in the CHURCH
my hope is not in CHRISTIANITY nor Religion
My hope is in CHRIST and CHRIST alone"

Thoughts pondered by Christelle back in October

...and the winner is!

Marlene, from Queen of the Click...

Marlene is the winner of a onesie of her choice from Losing Weight After Baby!!! Marlene says:

"Arlene's site is going to come in handy soon enough. I'm pregnant with our first. It's taken us 10 years to get here!!! So Major Miracle Camo Boy Onesie is very fitting."

So now, you have TWO reasons to stop by Marlene's site and congratulate her!!!


Thank you to everyone who participated!!! I'll be doing another giveaway in August to celebrate my ONE YEAR BLOGGY ANNIVERSARY and my 33rd Birthday!!!!

™

2 exciting events today...

Two very wonderful and exciting events happened this day:

Toddler B picked up his very own plate when he was done eating and placed it in the dishwasher...WITHOUT being asked!!! Granted, he didn't realize that it would be best to wash off the uneaten food- but hey- that's beside the point.

I went roller skating! And I realized I'm still quite good...maybe not as good as I was when I was in middle school, but still- 33 years and rolling strong- it's definitely a "braggy moment" as a good friend would say. BUT if, however, I should fall- PLEASE know that I will retire from skating once and for all...REALLY, I will!!! And I seriously don't know what got into him, but Hubby even tried to hold my hand while we were skating. As lovely as the gesture was, WE WERE the oldest on the floor, and it was just a bit too dangerous for us to be lovey dovey in the skating moment...maybe next time :)

Happy weekend to you!

™

a meme

I saw this meme on Deanna's blog and it looked like fun, so I borrowed it...Feel free to borrow it yourself...I always love learning a new tidbit about others!

1) What is your favorite day of the week?
I love Friday...always have...during the school year, it means the start of a weekend with my family and a family fun evening together... on my list of to-dos with the family: go cart racing: doesn't that sound like fun?!

2) How do you usually do your hair?
Most people comment that my hair is always different. I cut, color, and experiment...though, no worries...I think I'm done experimenting with color...fake blonde for me will do just fine. Currently my hair is rather pixie like short.

3) What is your favorite item of clothing?
My red dress

4) Where would your dream vacation be?
Greece with my hubby- we never had a honeymoon...so going away somewhere by ourselves would be absolutely dreamy! and yes, I'm still so in love!

5) Who is your favorite author? book?
Yancey, the Jesus I Never Knew and oh so many more

6) How often do you log on?
often

7) What is one of your favorite internet sites to visit?
facebook to keep in touch with old friends and Christian Women Online

8) Coke or Pepsi?
COKE, always coke...and definitely not diet!!!

9) Healthy snacks or junk food?
both: chips, string cheese, cookies, chocolate, smoothies

10) Are you a morning person or a night owl?
Night Owl, absolutely!!!

Don't FORGET, the last day to enter the summer giveaway is JUNE 23rd!!!

™

Happy 1st Birthday Bash!

Happy 1st Birthday! You can wish Buttercup a happy 1st birthday and join in the party fun by entering fun contests and giveaways too!!! Just click the button and you'll be zapped on over to the party :o) One fun side note about me: When I was in 6th grade, our class had secret pen pals. My code name was Buttercup! Happy 1st Birthday, Buttercup- be sure to enjoy that first birthday cake nice and messy :o)

™

Christelle is wondering...

For those of you who have myspace or facebook- you will know what this means:

Christelle is wondering...
who amongst us is without sin...

Christelle is realizing...
that it's not about them...
but all about me...

Christelle is learning...
to look deep within her own heart to see what it is that God is wanting her to learn...

Christelle is remembering...
that we are all God's children...
even those that she just can't stand...

Christelle knows...
that someone out there can't stand me...

God is teaching Christelle...
that noone is perfect not me nor them...

God is teaching Christelle...
that he has so much more in store for her...

God is teaching Christelle...
that she needs to learn to forgive and forget...

God told Christelle today...
that he loves her and them and you...

God told Christelle today...
that we are all HIS children...

Christelle is working really hard to...
love her enemies and pray for those who persecute her...

Christelle is working really hard to...
not have enemies and to love everyone...

Christelle has a...
hurting heart...

Christelle is thankful...
that God is patient with her...

Christelle is so not perfect...
but trying really hard to live and to love and to walk in Christ's footsteps...

Christelle fails at this way too often...
God loves her anyways...

God loves you too!!!

™

Let's pretend it's friday and this is my friday post :o)

This post is the bomb!!!! Seriously- go check it out...Stuff Christians Like writes straight from the heart in a very real way...He captures exactly what those of us- in my generation- who have grown up in the church- want to say... CHECK THIS POST OUT- I can honestly say that this is something I am working on- aren't we all?

™

Thankful Thursday

My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother. For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck." (Pr 1:8-9)

What a joy it is to have my father in law in town. Sitting with hubby, listening to his stories of growing up overseas, and hearing his chapel talks that include great stories about his parents is truly an inspiration. Hubby looks up to his father and respects him immensely. It's truly a joy to see my hubby, his father, and my sons spend time simply enjoying each other's company. Thus far we have given FIL a tour of the city, introduced him to friends, spent time playing games, and spent hours talking to him, asking questions, and hopefully gleaning at least a bit of his anointed wisdom. What blessing it is to have a hubby who respects, loves and treasures everything about his father and mother...For that, I am grateful... not only because of the treasure of the relationship between my hubby and his father, but also for the treasure of raising boys who are walking in their father's footsteps... Lord, I pray...that you would continue to bless my hubby, his father, and my boys in this way...

™

Introducing...

It's Official!!!! Summer Break is here!!! To kick our summer break off into high gear I am hosting a SIZZLING HOT summer giveaway. As part of my summer fun and celebration I would like to introduce you to our party honoree: a very sweet and multi-talented friend- I'm positive you are going to enjoy meeting her and visiting her blog and website :o)

Meet: Arlene
Arlene Pellicane, mother of a toddler and baby, loves to encourage women to lose their baby weight and thrive. Her weekly podcast "Losing Weight After Baby" is full of practical ideas that work for busy moms. An everyday mom herself, you can visit Arlene's website for free podcasts, video tips, articles and shop her online store at Losing Weight After Baby.

As a thirty-something mom having three pregnancies in three years, Arlene has mastered going from size 6 to maternity larges and back again. As an everyday mom, she has a message that women are drawn to: anyone can do it! You don’t have to be a celebrity, personal trainer or nutritionist to succeed.

Before becoming a stay-home mother, Arlene worked as the Associate Producer for Turning Point Television with Dr. David Jeremiah. Her articles have been featured in Dr. Jeremiah’s Turning Points Magazine (circ 145,000). Prior to working at Turning Point, Arlene was an on-air features producer for The 700 Club. As an energetic communicator, Arlene loves connecting with women at one day seminars, moms groups, and retreats.

For our party favor, I am giving away one of Arlene's adorable onesies to one lucky winner!!! All you need to do is 1. check out Arlene's blog, 2. leave her a fun comment- 3. THEN head on over to her website- select the onesie that you would like for either your child OR as a gift for another child AND 4. THEN head back to Beloved Mama and let me know which onesie you would like to win and why... The winner will be posted on June 23rd... I would like to ask just one more favor... please post a link to this contest somewhere on your blog- if you don't have a blog- just let your friends know about the summer fun going on here at Beloved Mama and leave a comment letting me know where I can reach you if selected!!!

Let the SUMMER fun begin!!!! WOOT WOOT!!!


On June 15th, we will be highlighted in 5 Minutes for Mom's weekly column "5 Minutes Around The Blogosphere." Click here to check it out.

If you are new to 5 Minutes for Mom, you'll definitely want to
visit their Readers Blogs section to find other great blogs to read.

Tuesday Tootin' for "Losing Weight After Baby"!

™

GIVEAWAY and Summer Fun!

My favorite season is here alas! Can I just yell at the top of my lungs... I LOVE SUMMER!!!! LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!!!!! I love the summer sunshine, the blue skies, the kids and hubby being home, I love our summer adventures and oh so much more :o)

To celebrate summer vacation and to kick it off into high gear, I'm hosting a sizzling HOT summer giveaway! Visit Beloved Mama between the dates of June 9th and June 23rd to join in my celebration and for a chance to win an amazing prize for your kiddo or as a gift for another kiddo. I am so excited to introduce you to a sweet friend who is EXTREMELY multi-talented (just wait- you are going to LOVE meeting her!), Arlene, at Losing Weight After Baby. She has an inspiring website AND blog, along with a great online shop (where one lucky winner will get to choose a fabulous gift). Check back on June 9th for all the details :o)

---

What about those summer adventures? Here's a list of things we do during summer vacation:

Free Movies at Regal Cinemas CLICK for more INFO
Vacation Bible Schools (yes I said Schools with an s. I check the local Christian newspaper to find churches who are hosting in my area)
Baseball Games (some ball parks have designated baby and tot areas)
Rose Gardens
Berry Picking
Area pools (some offer slides and fountains! check your local rec. centers for info)
Hikes and Picnics
Ski Bowl (yes in the summer!)
Local lakes
Fishing
Beaches (often times there are amusement parks nearby that offer discount tickets on certain nights- check it out!)
Local Parks for Bike Riding
Fountains (for the kids to play and cool off)
Roller Skating (some rinks offer special summer rates or events)
Bowling (some lanes offer free summer bowling!)
Nickel Arcades
Evening movies and concerts (check your rec ctrs, zoos, local parks, and malls)
Go for a scenic drive or a fun family adventure- visit mountains, lakes, beaches
Museums (some libraries give out free passes to local museums. some museums also offer discount rates at special times)
Work on a summer journal with your kiddos, featuring pictures and writings about your adventures
Visit your local library to check out books and reading times
Some toy stores offer craft times, sing along times, or reading times

See you tomorrow for the Summer Kickoff Celebration and Giveaway!!!

P.S., please remember to pray for the request below and those located at Beloved MaMa Prays

™

Prayer request against Teen Depression

Hi ladies :o) (and perhaps a man or two who might stumble by!)

Typically all of the prayer requests that come this way are placed on the NEW prayer site over at Beloved Mama Prays. However, I want to personally ask each of you to remember the request I'm about to post throughout the coming week. As a mom to an almost teenager and as a lady who has personally suffered from depression, my heart hurts for the young girl who is suffering and hurting so much. Let us stand together in taking back what the enemy would like to steal from this young life: That being JOY...let us pray that the Lord would pour out his anointing over her young life and that peace would fill her heart. Let us also pray for direction, wisdom, and guidance in her family's life as they seek the best plan of action in the situation.

I wanted to submit a prayer request to your site (which I love and check often). My 13 year old sister Katelyn, normally a very happy-go-lucky-teen, is having a very difficult time right now. She is battling deep depression - that came out of nowhere. Recently she was crying to my Mom asking why she felt so "hollow" inside. We are beginning to fear if this gets any worse she may begin to contemplate suicide. She loves Jesus desperately. And studies His Word on her own. She is truly reaching out to Him asking for help. Please join her cry and my own on her behalf. We are praying my parents will take the right course of action in finding her the counselor she may need. Also that this depression would lift just as suddenly as it came.
Words cannot express my gratitude,
Kristen Schiffman
kristenschiffman.com

™

August 21, 2007 A kid and a coke

Today, a kid bought me a coke.

For those of you who don't know me, I NEVER carry cash- only a bank card...
Sometimes, I might have a bit of change in my pocket.
On this day, Today, I had $1.95 in change- took my middle son to 7/11 and asked the cashier what the price of a can of coke would be...
His friend, (who was hanging out by the counter) must have noticed me wondering the store looking for 2 items that would total less than $1.95.
He took a bunch of change out of his pocket, placed it on the counter and said-
Don't worry about it- the coke's on me...
So, today, a kid bought me a coke...

This simple act of kindness got me thinking...
First, how often do I offer my change to another...?
How often do I assume the worst of people, especially the kids who hang out at 7/11...?
How often do I show Christ's love with some random act of kindness?

You see, I've been reflecting upon my Faith lately...
I've been rebelling against Fundamental Christianity, and running towards Christ's love for me.
I cringe at the laws of this denomination and that.
Yet, I embrace the God who loves the hurting, the afflicted, and the least of these.
I long for unity amongst the believers- all of those who wish to share Christ's love with the world...
I sigh at the thought of those who want nothing to to do with my God because my fellow believers can't get along!
Does this that and the other REALLY matter in the end?
Shouldn't we live to LOVE Christ and to show His love to the world?
AM I willing to go to the hurting, the afflicted, and the least of these?
More important, am I willing to stand with them- where they are at- no matter what the cost?
Can I befriend the spiked haired, tattoed teen: even if it means other's might judge me?
Can I stand with the promiscuous mother, even if it means other moms might look at me cross eyed?
Can I be friends with those who live an alternative lifestyle, even when the church casts accusations against them?
AM I willing to do all of these things, because that is EXACTLY what Christ did for ME and for YOU and for THEM?
NOT because it makes me feel good to help those who have less than me.
NOT because I FEEL sorry for the hurting and afflicted.
SIMPLY because I love the way Christ loved me.
SIMPLY because I know a God who loves purely, simply, and unconditionally...without any ounce of guilt or reason...LOVE...
God's LOVE
Christ's Love

All this because a kid bought me a can of coke...

™

Thank you Joy @ Joy of Desserts. You blessed me today :o)

™

Flashback to the beginning of the school year:

Flashback: August 2007

Yesterday it was back to school for my hubby. Hubby is a high school history teacher and a soccer coach...That leaves me with the 3 boys who would love to do nothing but sit around in their undies all day watching cartoons and playing video games. However, since I have this dream of raising well rounded boys...I've made it my goal this week to take the boys out for a different scenic hike every day...I have hope that they will learn something and at the very least- take away a hiking memory with their mama. I must say that yesterday AND today was met with objections about the hike as well as fighting amongst the 2 older boys...all leading up to me having to throw out threats of report writing or pages of ...I will be nice to my brother...I will love my brother...or whatever creative sentence I could think of at the time (I call this creative punishment)...

Yesterday, after fight number 102 broke out, I told the boys to go stand by the purple flowers and watch the bees...
BOYS: BUT Mom, I don't want to
MOM: I don't care...I want you to see what they are doing in those flowers
BOYS: They are just flying around
MOM: No, I want you to watch them carefully for 5 minutes and when you are done I want a detailed account of the bee situation
BOYS: But MOOOOOOOOoooooooom!
MOM: DO IT!
And wouldn't you know that not 5, but 20 minutes later...I couldn't even get them away from the bee moment...Not only had they basked in the educational bee situation, but they had moved on to trying to catch a butterfly in the mix...When they finally ran over to meet me...they had a zillion stories to tell as well as questions about the bees...for example...what is the yellow stuff on their legs? Is that how they make honey? Why did the butterfly have yellow stuff too...Needless to say, I became a proud mama as the end result of our outing was one of memories and education...When I asked them what their favorite part of the hike was...they both stated "Watching the bees and trying to catch a butterfly"...

So today, we ventured out again...this time to the Vietnam Veteran's War Memorial. The memorial includes all of the names of our state's fallen soldiers, broken in to time frames and winds around a beautiful path surrounded by flowers and trees. The boys were intrigued by the stories that each memorial included. They asked questions about the war, who won, how they might have died, etc.

We then moved on to a trail that winds behind the memorial. The boys found an entire bird's nest, many sticks and plenty of rock treasures. I'll have to post a picture of the treasures tomorrow...

In the end...after all the grumbling and complaining about not wanting to go on a hike...the boys had a wonderful time doing what boys did before the time of TV watching, video game playing, computer digging and so on...I'm foreseeing many more of these outings in the boys future!!!! IN my own heart, I treasure the memories that we created on our hikes AND the wonderful dialogue we were able to engage in between fights, tree climbs and treasure finds!!!!

Every once in a while I like to post a special blog that speaks to my heart... Today I read a blog about REST over at Mel's World... Check it out HERE and allow it to speak to your heart as well... Blessings this Sabbath my friends :o)

™

Thankful Thursday

I am so very thankful that:

"...all things work together for good to those who love God" Romans 8:28

And I stand amazed each time I am reminded of this simple truth!

I want to share a special Thankful Thursday post written by a fellow bloggy sister. It especially spoke to my heart today, I believe that you too will be blessed by what she shared: Chats With An Old Lady

*and now, a bit on my absentmindeness: I accidently hit the reject button on most of my comments today, instead of the publish button. I am so sorry about that!!!

™

Bringin' a blog back- I've been around the World- doo doo doo doo doo waah!

Written August 7, 2007

Well, not really...but in the past 10 years I have moved about 10 times! From San Diego to LA to Minnesota, back to San Diego, and on over to Nosville...(Hubby, however, CAN truthfully sing- I've been around the WORLD :o)- ask him sometime!)

Growing up, I lived in the same house from the age of 9 months to 18 years of age! Though, my family never formally moved...we did a whole lot of church hopping! Looking back, I remember hating the thought of having to change friends (and I'm currently not a huge fan of being a hopper) HOWEVER, I feel that season of my life gave me an appreciation and a direction for my thoughts today. I can say that in my 31 years of life, I have been a Baptist, Wesleyan, Nazarene, Non-denom, and a Pentecostal. Some of my best friends represent the Catholics, Presbyterians, Methodists, and Lutherans. I find sadness in the thought that the body of believers is separated by denominational barriers. My soul desire is that we could somehow find unity it what matters most! JESUS! and yet, even the denominations have barriers within their own barrack. I find irony in the fact that when we all get to heaven the barriers will be completely GONE!!! Please don't get me wrong, every denomination has a wonderfully rich history in their story and I truly cherish and value that fact. BUT, how much more could we do TOGETHER, UNITED, AS ONE! Aren't we ultimately ONE church, ONE body of believers? How much more could we accomplish as a TEAM?

In more recent years, I think I came as close to heaven on earth as one might get. For a brief moment, I had the opportunity to work for an amazing Seminary here in the Nosville. The seminary is represented by multiple denominations in students and in faculty. I learned wonderful things in the 9 months I was there. For instance, Lutherans Love Jesus too! Episcopalians serve the Lord our God! and Baptists love God with all their heart, soul and mind! I learned that no one saw the other as a CULT. (I've heard this word thrown around- way too many times!). I learned that liberals and conservatives can both love Jesus (Did you know this?) I learned that no one is really any better than the other (truly amazing!) I learned a bit more about GRACE...Most important, I saw what amazing things can happen when we put aside our denominational differences and work for a common purpose.

To quote the head of the Doctor of Ministry Program: "My life motto is to love God with all my heart, after that, everything else will fall into place"... What a life it would be if all of us made this our life motto...What a wonderful world it would be!

™

This Blog is the real deal...

For all you mamas with boys young and old:
This is good...really really good...
The Prodigal Jon
Written by a Preacher's Kid/Self proclaimed Prodigal Son/A man simply being real and saying it like it is...
I highly suggest reading this blog and passing it along to your teen to adult kids.
The Prodigal Jon
Jon has a way of writing that has captured my attention since I found him on his other site: Stuff Christians Like- a site that pokes fun at the goofy things we as Christians like to do and yet, stays true to his faith and love of Christ...
Now check out his OTHER blog when you have a moment; I think you'll find yourself reading for quite a long time:
The Prodigal Jon

---

And Now, for the question of the day:
Do you believe things about people because of what others may have said about them OR because you make it a point to get to know them yourself?

™

We were chaperones!

We chaperoned the high school formal.
Our big chance to get dressed up!

We had so much fun!
Hubby is doing the graduation commencement this Friday, please pray for him!

™

Internet Cafe

What is a positive tradition or godly character trait that you learned from your extended family that you hope to pass down to your own family?
My husband's parents were both raised on farms in Wisconsin. Both came from humble beginnings and both learned to work hard as if everything they did was for the Lord. They were married young, became very young ministers in sm