My little cheerleader

It's the end of the year and don't we all do a lot of reflecting over the year and past years as well. My girls are growing up and with one of them graduating this year I have done a lot of reflecting on there childhood.

I remember the year my youngest daughter was in 1st grade. We were getting ready to go to the school Christmas program. She had the cutest little dress with ribbon and lace. I loved it - she didn't. We took her to her classroom before the program and she was just bawling. When her teacher looked at her (this was the teachers first year of teaching) she looked at me and said, "my goodness, what's wrong?", my response was, "I made her wear a dress." I wished the teacher good luck and went to find my seat. The program was great, my daughters blond hair and fair skin made her red puffy eyes stick out but I still think she looked adorable.

Fast forward to the present, the little girl that bawled because she had to wear a dress for her Christmas program is now in her second year of cheerleading with all the girly stuff that goes with it. We dropped her off this morning, actually I think it was still middle of the night, to head down to the Liberty Bowl in Memphis, TN where her squad will march in the Liberty Bowl Parade and then perform during half time. They grow up so fast.....

Reflecting on the past

I remember back when my oldest daughter was about 3 years old. I was sitting on the bed folding laundry when she walked in. I happened to be folding her little underwear at the time, emphases on "little". She would pick up a pair and do her three year old best to fold them. THEN she grabbed a pair of my underwear. Now mind you I didn't think they were that big, she looked at me, her eyes grew huge and said, "Whooo, whose are these?"

You gotta love'em.

A Mother – Daughter Moment

Holidays are a time to share with family and friends and make memories together. Today was on of the memory making days.

My family and I went to see the movie "Marley & Me". You can see a preview of the movie here. I had already read the book so I knew what to expect but what I didn't expect was sitting in the theater sharing a good cry with my oldest daughter. The tears were just streaming down both sides of my face; I would look at my daughter sitting beside me and find the tears running down her face just as quickly. We would look at each other and then start to laugh.

During the teenage years mother/daughter moments are sometimes far and few between especially during their senior year when they are trying to spread their wings of independence as far as they can. I'll take those moments whenever I can get them, even if it means crying in the theater together.

By the way, the movie was great and I recommend it to all dog lovers, especially if you have a larger dog. As usual the book gives more detail so I suggest both reading the book and seeing the movie.

We are never alone.

Merry Christmas

Like everyone else, it seems like there is more to do then there is time to do it. But as of today there is no swimming practice/meets for a week, my dh's company is on shut down until after the first of the year and I actually have a chance to take a deep breath. Even though I have to work the day before Christmas I am thankful that my family is at home taking care of the last minute Christmas preparations. Thank you guys for picking up my slack today.

I want to wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas. As I have said in an earlier post, it has been a different holiday season for me and still holds true today, but I feel warm inside and a little teary thinking about Joseph's and Mary's experience all those years ago at this time. I know God is working on great things for me and my family. Now is the time for me to put aside the confusion in my life and concentrate on the true meaning of the season, the birth of our Lord and Savior and all that comes with it.

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2: 11-14 NIV

Peace be with you and your family this holiday season.

We are never alone.

Snow Days

This has been a different Christmas season for me this year. Normally I love to go all out, make sure all the decorations are up, spend time with friends and Christmas shop. This year, not so much.

I have been in kind of a melancholy mood. There have been several events in my life lately that have contributed to this mood. The uncertainty of the economy and life in general have also contributed to this feeling and I can't seem to shake it. It's like God has me in a state of mind to ponder life as a whole.

Over the last week God has been bringing back the oddest memories. It's strange, I will smell something, hear something, or think I see something and it takes me straight back to my childhood. One of those memories for me today are snow days.

We would wait up until after the nightly news hoping that our school would be put on the list and if it wasn't we would be up first thing in the morning watching. Once our school was closed we would go back to bed. Later we would bundle up so much that we could hardly move and go out and play. Sometimes mom would have hot chocolate waiting for us when we came in.

Mom - now there's another story, while living at home I was not very close to my mom. It wasn't until I moved out that our relationship started to improve. Unfortunately mom passed away when I was 25 so we didn't have a lot of time to work on that relationship. Even though mom has been gone for 20 years I find myself thinking about her a lot this Christmas season. I haven't done that for a long time. I remember how she decorated the house for the holidays, the big feast we would have on Christmas day, (she spent hours in the kitchen) the wrapping of the gifts and all of the other things that go along with the season; I miss her.

I am sure God is preparing my head and my heart for something only He knows, so in the mean time I will enjoy the blessings He as given me, pray, and let Him be Him.

Merry Christmas and Happy Memories.

We are never alone.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,
I thank you for the cold weather you bring into our lives. It reminds me to be thankful and that you provide in all situations, things we tend to take for granted. Thank you for a warm house to live in, even when when the family thinks I keep the thermostat too low I am thankful I am doing it by choice. Thank you for a warm bed and warm covers for my family. Thank you for reliable cars that get us to our destination safe and warm. Thank you for the cell phones we can use should we have problems with those cars. Thank you for the warm food/drinks to help keep us warm. Thank you for employment in these times when so many are with out a job.

Lord I lift up to you those who are homeless, I pray that you will lead them to a warm place to lay down their head and for warm food/drink. I lift up to you those who do not have their own transportation, I pray that whatever means they use they can stay warm and arrive at their destination safely. I pray for those who are seeking employment, show them the plan you have for them and give them hope.

And I thank you for giving us your Son Jesus Christ. During this season help us not to get caught up in the weather and hustle and bustle of the holiday. But help us to focus on what is important, the birth of your Son. You are the Prince of Peace, Lord of Lords and the perfect Counselor. You deserve all our praise and worship, there is no other God like you, no other God as loving, as gracious, as merciful. I give my life to you, you are the potter and I am the clay, make me as you want me. Now there may be a little resistance at times but I know you will help me work through it.

Thank you for what you have done, for what you are doing, for what you will do.
Amen

We are never alone.

1st Weeks Results

Ok, I know it's Monday and I said I was weighing in on Saturday. Well I did weigh in on Saturday I just didn't get the results posted. I may have been a little zealous with my first goal and "No" I didn't achieve it, however, I did lose 1.5 pounds. So - first week down.

My sister-in-law, J, visited this last weekend, she brought her Wii Fit. Who would of thought that a video game could get your heart rate up, work on your balance and strength and be fun at the same time.

We invited friends over Sunday for a round or two of Wii and had a great time. Exercise doesn't have to be mundane and boring and the Wii Fit is a great example. When it's colder outside then it is in our freezer who wants to go out and play. Now I just have to find one of my own.

In the mean time, goals for this next week:

• Lose another 1.5 pounds
• Continue to try and increase my water intake to a minimum of 8 glasses a day
• And continue to try and move my body for at least 15 minutes a day.
  

J left her Wii here until next Sunday when we will get together and celebrate Christmas. What a wonderful gift, the use of her Wii.

We are never alone.

Eeeekkkk

Eek, I got a little over zealous with my goals for this week. Here it is Thursday and I have maybe lost 1 pound if that. I have not been feeling well so I haven't exercised, I have some, but not much. And the salt tooth has taken over. Ok, the entire junk tooth has taken over. I'd like to blame the week on illness but that was only a small portion. I chose what to eat.

As I said before, when we fall we must get up, brush ourselves off and keep moving forward. That is what I am going to do, we'll see what the scale says Saturday.

Lord I pray for strength to fight this war on food. I need to learn - eat to live not live to eat. Be with me when I am tempted and give me another way out. Amen.

Living Healthier

According to a report put out by the American Heart Association:

71% of non-Hispanic white men are over weight or obese and 57.6% of women.
67% of non-Hispanic black nen are over weight or obese and 79.6% percent of women.

Out of control schedules and the ease of driving through some where to get a quick bit has contributed to these numbers, I know it has in my situation. With the advancement of televisions, computers, and video games it makes it so easy to sit on our fannies after dinner and do nothing to burn the calories we have eaten through the day. That is so true with me, and the more it sit around and do nothing, the more I want to do just that-nothing. I have gotten myself into a terrible position.

I have a hard time taking a deep breath sometimes and my family asks why I am breathing so hard when I am sitting still. That can't be a good sign. The muscles in my legs start to yell just walking across the parking lot and I feel like I have no strength in my arms. Even housework can turn into a challenge. What have I done to myself, I used to be a fairly fit person?

I have tried several times to lose weight and some of them successfully only to put the weight back on. I have come to the conclusion that diets don't work. In today's world the word diet has become a four letter word. We need to change our definition of diet.

According to Webster "Diet" is defined as - food and drink regularly provided or consumed.
Simple and basic, to lose weight there is no miracle cure it's simply -

Calories in vs Calories out.

The true goal is to get fit, the weight loss is an added benefit. It has to be a life change.

Take baby steps, don't change too much too soon. Set small goals for the week and those goals need to be reasonable goals for ourselves, each one of us is different. If we don't set reasonable goals for our own lifestyle we'll get frustrated and quit. For me I am going to set my over all goal so I know where I am going. Then I am going to concentrate on weekly goals.

Starting this life change during the holiday season will be hard but beneficial. I may or may not lose weight but I hope to keep from gaining. Remember, this has to be a life change and we have to be realistic.

My Goal for this next week: Lose 5 pounds. That is a lot of weight in one week, however, I have not been drinking water like I should and I have been pretty inactive.

Plan to achieve goal: Drink 8 glasses of water, move my body for 15 minutes each day and limit snacks between meals.

We are never alone, God has led me to a new blog this week. I am proud to say that I now have a new friend and online weight support pal. You can follow her progress at Mumblings From Troy, Ohio.

Getting fit and taking weight off is hard, rewarding work, but we can't lose our sense of humor during these challenging times. If we fall - we get back up, dust our self off and continue forward-tomorrow's another day.

Man's Best Friend

This is Jake, he came to live with us in February of 2007. He was rescued from the Capital Humane Society. Yup, Jake's a pound puppy. He started out as my dd's dog (and still is, and one day I am sure he'll move out with her, sad day) but he has won a spot in all of our hearts. When Jake came home with us he weighed about 20 pounds, today he's a 60 pound lap dog.

Jake appreciates the little things in life, a romp in the snow, a nap on a warm blanket, a tummy rub, and a good bone. He lives in the moment and doesn't worry about tomorrow.

He shows unconditional love when we come home, sometimes too much love, and is quick to forgive us when we get mad at him. He is a protector, always on guard listening to every sound and alerting us to potential intruders. We do need to teach him that every car door he hears is not for our house nor does he have to tell us when ever someone walks by.

And how is it that dogs can always sense when you don't feel good. They lay beside you, give you a loving nudge and even lick your face and wake you up once you've finally fallen asleep :)

Jake has ate several blankets, comforters, and pillow shames. He's had accidents in the house and barks his fool head off at nothing in the back yard. And we won't even talk about what happens when he get loose in the front yard, let's just say he stretches his legs. Basically, Jake is a good dog that does naughty things once in a while but we still love him.

As it is with God, sometimes we do naughty things but God still love us. He has an unconditional love for us and blesses us more then we could ever deserve. He is our protector, our savior, and our redeemer; He is slow to anger and quick to forgive.

God is in the little things of everyday life. He is in the snow that is falling, the flower that is blooming and the smile on a young child's face; we should enjoy the beauty of that snow, the wonderful fragrance of the flower that only God can create and strive for the pure joy seen in that child's smile. We need to stop worrying about tomorrow, as it says:

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34,

So, learn to bloom where you're planted and appreciate what God puts into your life. Look at Jake, he had absolutely nothing to say about being adopted but yet he has adjusted and has made our home his home.

Over the last 2-3 weeks I have come to love and have faith in the following verse; thank you Susan for showing it to me.

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

Little Birdie Secrets: how to make a napkin card

This is such a clever idea. I'm thinking of making a few as Christmas cards. I will post a picture as soon as I make one. You should visit this website they have a lot of great ideas.
Little Birdie Secrets: how to make a napkin card (and be the hit of your own party)

An Interview With God

Click here to read an "Interview with God."

Pray First

Well it's swim season again, our 4th season. This is always a busy time a year for us. Mixing Thanksgiving, Christmas, 5:30 am practices and 2 a-day practices during holiday break makes for some challenging times. Getting people here and there (on time) and taking care of every day life takes planning, patients, and lots of prayer. It's during those times that we need to make sure to start and end each day with prayer.

During that prayer time we need to ask God for discernment - how to prioritize our day. We can't be so busy being busy that we lose site of what is truly important - Jesus. During the this holiday season stop and smell the evergreen. Take time to enjoy the true meaning of the holiday. Spend time with family and friends for they are a special gift from God.

What has God blessed you with this holiday season?

I want to thank my friend Dee at jumping tandem for showing me the Wordle website which was used to create the Gator word picture above.

Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars

Don't these look yummy ! You can get the recipe here.

Remember, we are never alone; sometimes God sends help via the internet which is where I found this wonderful recipe. What useful things have you found on the internet? Just remember - just because it's in print doesn't make it true, use good judgment.

Jeremiah 29:11

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

Flat Tire

On a previous post I said I was going to search out God in the small, everyday things.
Well here is a small everyday blessing:

I got a flat tire today, no that's not the blessing though I suppose God could use that situation some way. The tire that went flat is on the front passenger side. I would have never noticed it on that side. A friend at work told me about the flat.

Here's the blessing, the person who parked beside me and told me about the flat usually parks on the street not in the lot where I was parked. Had that person parked where he normally does I would have drove home on the flat and maybe ruined my tier.

Thank you God for the small everyday things you do for us.

The Shack

I just finished "The Shack" by William P Young. Thank you Dee for loaning me your copy.

Even though this book is a story of fiction, I want to believe that the author did a great job of capturing God's love and how He works... sometimes, and how we are never alone. Click here to read more about the book, the author and The Missy Project.

Great reading, I can't wait to discuss this book during the Women's Ministry Holiday Party and Book Club Kickoff, Friday, December 5, at 7:00 pm.

Dark Times

Again I am drawn to:

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says:
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heaven:...

I know there is a time for everything; without sorrow we would not appreciate joy, without the hard times we would not appreciate the good times. And I know that during ALL times God is walking right beside us; even carrying us from time to time. But knowing and believing all that doesn't make the darkness go away. Some would say it's because my faith is not deep enough, I don't believe that for a minute. Do I have room to improve my relationship with God, YES by leaps and bounds but the faith and trust doesn't waver.

I am going through a dark period of time right now. I've gotten to the point where I would just rather stay home and not go anywhere. I know what's causing part of it, but not sure what to do about it. Ok, yes I know what I need to do about it, but I was hoping I wouldn't have too. So I will keep praying for discernment. I am sure there is a lesson for me in all of this. God has just choosen not to reveal it to me yet, or I just plain have not opened my eyes/heart to hear the lesson.

Until that time I need to take better care of myself. In today's world we don't eat the way we should (or at lest I don't) and with all the processed food we don't get the vitamins we need. I don't take the time to exercise and I am starting to feel like one of those weebles that wobble but don't fall down, which is a good thing because I don't know if I would be able to get back up? Maybe this is part of my "darkness". Why is it during these times we know what we need to do but just can't seem to do it?

I was reading on "The Hatched Egg" about vitamin D deficiency and the importance of vitamin D as well as other suggestions for taking care of ourself. So until I can discern God's lesson in all of this I have decided to conduct a two week experiment. The experiment is taking baby steps to improving my health - spiritually, mentally, and physically. As of today, my plan is to start taking a vitamin D supplement along with my daily vitamin (which doesn't always get taken either). Stretching out my muscles everyday and walk the treadmill for at least 10 minutes a day. That last part, even though it sounds simple enough, will be a challenge because I just don't feel like doing anything once I get home.

I love having my quite time, reading devotions and reflecting on what I read. I just haven't done much of that lately. God is with me always, even if I can't get to that physical reading I want to do, I will search Him out in all areas of my life. I will look for the small signs in everyday life and reteach myself to appreciate the little things and the many blessings He gives me each and every day. I love God so deeply for His love and everything He has done/is doing/and will do that I will never be able to express it enough. But one step towards that expression will be to get my act together, put others needs ahead of mine and share the love of Christ.

I want my family and friends who are reading this to keep me accountable to my two week challenge. That is why I have posted it here, when you're the only one that knows it's easier to blow it off and just forget it.

Make it a GREAT day !

Grab your favorite mug, fill it with your favorite hot beverage and enjoy the day.

God Loves You ! ! !

Shortest Distance

The shortest distance between a problem and a solution is the distance between your
knees and the floor. For the one who kneels to the Lord can stand up to anything!

It's not was we are dealt in life, but what we do with it.

Click here to see an amazing video about not giving up.

The Lighthouse-The Ultimate King

Lighthouses are used to mark dangerous coastlines, hazardous reefs, and safe entries into harbors.

The Word of God is like a lighthouse, it shines serenely through the darkest nights and brings us to safe harbors.

It's to that lighthouse that I am looking to right now. On the eve of the most historical election for our country I find myself not sure who to vote for. I am not politically savoy and I am afraid that I am not educated enough in this election to cast a vote. In my heart I know I need to vote so I will keep looking toward the Light of God to direct me. I pray that when this election is over, regardless of who is elected into office, we can come together as a united nation with a common goal.

As my pastor said yesterday, and yes Harry I was listening, irregardless of who is put into office, God is the Ultimate King.

So Pray, then Vote.

Fw: Cat on basket ball

Testing mobile posting.

Colors Of Fall

Even though I don't like the colder weather that's on it's way, I do LOVE the colors of fall.

Happy Halloween

Trick or Treat.

Time Stealer

What is with this "time" thing. I know, I know, we all have the same amount of time each day. It's what we do with that time. But I am here to tell you, someone is stealing my time!

I decided this morning that once I no longer have children to get out the door on time for school I will probably always fight to get to work on time. That is not my natural tendency. I am the one that would much rather be 1/2 hour early then risking be late.

The kids are on fall break this week, yea for them no 7:00 am band practices, rushing to get out of the house on time. Yea for me, I don't have to get up with the chickens (or before as it feels) to make sure they get out of the house. In reality, boo for me, lets see....hummmm....how late can I lay in the nice warm bed dozing in and out before I HAVE to get up? 7:02 a.m. in NOT the answer when you have to be at work by 8:00 a.m., and each morning this week it's getting later. I'm already putting my make-up on at work, what's next just going in my pj's and getting dressed there too?

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says:
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heaven:.....

Due to work, cross country, marching band, cheer, family, and church this past week I, along with my husband, have been gone more then 14+ hours a day for 5 out of the 7 days. Don't misunderstand I'm not complaining (ok, during that time I was complaining), but really how does one get their underware cleaned with that schedule. Some of the events were out of our control some were not. I am happy to say with the arrival of fall our schuedle has just slowed down tremendouly. But, what will I do with that time?

I could do all sorts of things, I could blog my heart out, I could read, clean my house and yes laundry is number one on the list. I could even find the time to spend with God, there's a noval idea. As I was laying in bed this morning, dozing on and off, I can't tell you how many times I started my prayers. I didn't even change the prayer, I just kept starting the same way over and over. I guess I was REALLY thankful for the warm comfortable bed that was going to make me late for work.

We can list all sorts of things that steal our time, and come up with all sorts of excuses but the biggest time stealer of all is - Satan. He loves it when we preoccupy ourselves so much that we don't take time to be in prayer as we would like, spend time in the Word, and mediate on what God would like us to do. We are so "busy" that we miss God and Satan is loving that. As I look back on this last week, I am sure I made him very happy and it makes me want to cry. Look at everything God has done for me, the mercy and grace that He has shown, and I repay that with a quick simple prayer. Yes, I meant what I prayed but was it really from the heart or just done in rote?

Well I am DONE making Satan happy. God is a marvelous father who only wants the best for His children. He made the biggest sacrifice anyone could make - His son Jesus Christ. He deserves all our praise, worship, prayers.......

I hate feeling tired and I don't push through it very well and Satan knows that and uses it against me all of the time. This morning was a good example, I never got my morning prayer finished because while in bed I kept falling asleep and once I realized what time it was I was too rushed to pray, big mistake. The enemy actually kept me from my prayers this morning using sleep and time against me....ugggggggg.

It's time I learned to say no more often, to slow down and aim for simplicity in my life. We don't have to be busy to be important or to feel like we are accomplishing something. God just doesn't work that way.

What does "No" look like? I'm not quite sure because we all have responsibilities to God, church, family, children, and other organizations that we enjoy. Maybe the first "No" is to decide if the organizations we are giving our time to really bring us joy.

For me the biggest and most important "No" goes to Satan. I am not going to let him steal my time. I can eat better and exercise which will help take care of the fatigue and sleepiness. I am a born planner through and through but the "busy" has redirected my path in that respect also. It's time to get back on the right path and that path is walking with Jesus.

There will be times when we will be "busy" and no way to get out of it. In those situations we need to go to God first and ask Him for his help to get us through it, don't wait until we are waist deep.

Deuteronomy 6:5
Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

Who me, would I be up to something?

The Morning Sun

Coming into work today I notice the sun. It was very large, just coming up over the horizon. A magnificent shade of blended oranges and yellows upon a blended blue/white sky. It really didn't look like the sun but a hole in the atmosphere leading to another dimension.

Friends

Yesterday I was blessed with spending the afternoon with good friends, good food, and good times.

Now that's a Sunday.

"The Power of Your Love"

This song just says it all.

Lord I come to You
Let my heart be changed renewed
Flowing from the grace that I found
In You

Lord I've come to know
The weakness I see in me
Will be stripped away
By the power of Your love

Hold me close
Let Your love surround me
Bring me near
Draw me to Your side

And as I wait
I'll rise up like the eagle
And I will soar with You
Your Spirit leads me on
By the power of Your love

Lord unveil my eyes
Let me see You face to face
The knowledge of Your love as You live
In me

Lord renew my mind
As Your will unfolds my life
In living every day
By the power of Your love

Hold me close
Let Your love surround me
Bring me near
Draw me to Your side

Going through the hard times

We all go through hard times; God never promised us it would easy - and he was right. But it's what we do with those hard times that matters.

Let's take David for example, he never asked to be king or to have the Spirit of he Lord leave Saul and be replaced with a spirit that tormented him. By no fault of David's Saul became jealous and wanted to destroy him. It appears that David was a victim of circumstance. David feared so much for his life that he was driven to leave his land and move into the land of the Philistines, once an enemy.

Let's look at this;

• Saul, the father of his best friend, is trying to kill him.
• He moves into the land of the Philistines which were once enemies.
• He fights for the Philistines,brings back the plunder to them only to have the Philistine leaders not trust him to go into battle with them against Israel.
  
• They send him home where he finds his home burned to the ground and his wives, children, and all his belongings gone.
  
• And after all this, his men were blaming him for what happened.
  

Can things really get any worse? I can't even begin to imagine what he was feeling or how I would react. Everything he had was gone and the kicker of the whole thing is, the men who did this to him were supposed to be destroyed already by Saul.

When things go wrong my first instinct is to try to take care of it myself, especially if it involves my children. I call it the "Momma lion protecting her cubs." Isn't that what God our Father wants to do for us, protect us?

Even David cried until he had no more strength, but then he turned to God and asked for guidance. He lead David to the Amalekites where he defeated them and recovered everything that was taken by them-nothing was missing.

God will give us the strength to keep going during those hard times and He will let us know what to do next, we just need to pray and truly listen for Him.

How can you quiet your world down so you may hear your Heavenly Father?

Sometimes you just have to laugh

I was just sitting here reflecting on the realities of life:

• Duct tape can fix most things.
• You can hammer in a screw.
• While shoes are very essential part of our wardrobe they don't work will on the screw.
• Dishwasher soap and Dish soap are not interchangeable.
• When applying for a job, don't take your mother.
• Cats don't appreciate flee dips.
• You can always guarantee that your dog will show off his talent by scooting across the floor on his butt when you have company.
• Cell phones do not like toilets, pagers don't either.
• Little kids will see how much they can flush down the toilet.
• Ice cream bars do not travel well in a suit case.
• Your plastic popcorn bowl doesn't fair too well on a hot burner.
• You must look before you turn and run; you may be standing in front of a wall.
• Before scraping the windshield, shut off the wipers.
• Don't laugh at the dog when she slides on the ice, you may go down too.

Taking the time to understand

Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me. Redeem me from the oppression of men, that I may obey your precepts. Psalm 119:134-135

Have you ever read a beautiful Bible passage only to get to the end and only think you know what the word means. You proceed to look at the bottom of the page only to find out that it talks about the verse before and after the one you need some clarity on.

For me this morning it was "precepts". That is not a word that is used in everyday conversation, or at least not mine. So, thanks to Google here it is:

"A commandment, instruction, or order intended as an authoritative rule of action."

God has shown me this morning not to just read the words but to truly take the time to understand what the words mean and then what He saying to me.

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you so much for watching over us through the night. I pray that you will go before us today as we journey through life, and I am thankful to know that should we stumble and fall you will be there to pick us up, brush us off, and set our feet on your path once again. Amen

Thank You God

For those few of you who know I started this blog, I am sorry that up to this point it has been blog-less. I don't even know if that is a real word, but for today it is.

I want to take this time to publicly thank God for everything he has done, is doing, and will do for me, my family, my friends, my church....the list is endless.

Over the last couple weeks I have been trying to step back and look for God in my life on a day to day basis and guess what, He's there. We only have to slow down and look for Him. I have seen many blessings in those couple of weeks. I have made new friends from Africa, spent time with present friends as well as friends from my past, and spent quality time with family. He has help to relieve anxiety, dry tears and help me put events of my life (that I didn't handle so well) into perspective.

God has blessed me with a wonderful, faithful, God fearing husband and two wonderfully healthy children. I have a roof over my head, a warm bed to sleep in and food to eat (at times-too much food to eat).

God is always with us, we are never alone. So when your having a hard time, stop and look for Him. He is there, we just have to look for Him and trust.

My goal is to deepen my relationship with God. I need to slow way down, be quite and listen. Enjoy the simple pleasures He offers us. God is not an on again off again kind of god. We shouldn't be an on again off again follower-just when it fits in our schedule. Our lives are busy, and with the type of schedules we have we can't afford not to start and end our days with the one who gets us through them.

God, I love you and I am dedicating this blog site to YOU to use as you see fit. I pray for inspiration and wisdom that I may reach those YOU want me to reach with the words YOU want me to use.

John 15:1-8