~Crazy Weather~

We are experiencing the craziest weather this year in Arkansas!

Two days ago, I could have been wearing shorts and flip flops with temperatures in the high 70's and today...it is snowing.

We had gone to my mom's today and while we were there, it started snowing. This is a picture of what it looked like when we drove back home.

This is my yard just two hours later.

Tyler is now outside with his friends looking like the abominable snow man :-0

Have a wonderfully blessed day!

Show and Tell Saturday

Welcome to Show and Tell Saturday...our host, Kim at Homesteaders Heart has set the theme this week as a book that has inspsired you to be better than who you are (other than the Bible). Hopefully, I'm not the only one who is cheating but I can't pick just one book...it has taken several to help me to be a better wife, mother, friend and Child of God.

My picks today are for becoming a better wife: His Needs Her Needs by Willard E. Harley, Jr., and Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian. As a better mother of a teenager: Every Day I Pray For My Teenager by Eastman Curtis and as a friend and Child of God: Total Forgiveness by R. T. Kendall. The other book...A Book of Prayer by Stormie Omartian is a book of all the prayers that Stormie Ormartian has written in The Power of a Praying Woman, The Prayer That Changes Everything, Just Enough Light for the Step I'm On, The Power of a Praying Wife and The Power of a Praying Parent. This is an awesome, handy little book...packed full of prayers for praying the Word of God over your situation.

The book for praying for you teenager...is not just for teenagers but can be used for children of all ages and adult children as well. This is an awesome scripture filled, very powerful prayers on every single subject or situation that involves our teenagers and what they are facing in our world today. It has 5 sections: Spiritual Life, Bondage-Breaking Prayers, Relationships, School Needs and Life Skills. Example topics: Spiritual...The Call of God, Confidence, Grace and Favor, Renewing of the Mind and Resisting Temptation (29 in this section). Bondage-Breaking...Abortion (had or contemplating), Addictions, Anxiety, Cult Influence, Gangs, Hate, Promiscuity and so many more (42 in this section alone). Relationships...Acceptance, Controlling Sexual Desires, Dating Standards, Disloyalty From Friends, Future Spouse and Peer Pressure (34 in this section). School Needs...Academic Achievements, Cheating, Choosing a College/Major, Favor Among Peers, Favor in Sports and Teacher Relationships (15 in this section) and Life Skills...Budgeting Finances, Career Choices, Employer/Employee Relationships and Preparing for the Future (12 in this section).

If you are battling with unforgiveness or if you are angry for "no" reason...check out this book...Total Forgiveness. I have blogged about it and how God delivered me from many things that I never thought I had a problem with concerning forgiveness. Awesome book! To read more about my battle with forgiveness...click here.

I will just ordered yesterday from Amazon another copy of Every Day I Pray For My Teenager and A Book of Prayer to be used as a giveaway coming soon.

I also pre-ordered Stormie's new book The Power of Praying for Your Adult Children Book of Prayer...due out in July. I know many of us have adult children that aren't living for the Lord and I think this book will be an awesome tool in praying effectively for our adult children.

Have a wonderfully blessed day!

Then Sings My Soul Saturday ~ Never Let Go

Yeah...it's Saturday again and time for more Then Sings My Soul Saturday!

I absolutely love this song and the message that it delivers. There have been many seasons of my life that I felt like I was hanging on by a thread. I wanted to give up, quit and/or wish I would just die...I just wanted the pain to stop.

I got through those times only because I knew that Jesus would "Never Let Go" of me and He was holding my hand through every storm that blew my way.

Regardless, of what you are going through today...Jesus is right there with you in the midst of your storm, your pain, your loneliness, your heartache...you are NEVER ALONE because He will NEVER LET GO!



For amazing and wonderful...TSMSS...visit our host, Amy at Signs, Miracles and Wonders.

Have a blessed weekend, my friend and rest in Him knowing that He is in control and He is holding you in His arms today.

Have a wonderfully blessed day!

Friday Funnies

Hallelujah! It's Friday again!!! I love Fridays for many reasons but one is...Friday Funnies! After a long, hard week...we all need a good laugh!

Here is mine today...these are funny and the scary thing is...some of them are so true whether we want to admit them or not AND I only had 2!


BIRTH ORDER OF CHILDREN
1st baby: You begin wearing maternity clothes as soon as your OB/GYN confirms your pregnancy.
2nd baby: You wear your regular clothes for as long as possible.
3rd baby: Your maternity clothes ARE your regular clothes.

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Preparing for the Birth:
1st baby: You practice your breathing religiously.
2nd baby: You don't bother because you remember that last time,
breathing didn't do a thing.
3rd baby: You ask for an epidural in your eighth month.

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The Layette:
1st baby: You pre-wash newborn's clothes, color-coordinate them, and fold them neatly in the baby's little bureau.
2nd baby: You check to make sure that the clothes are clean and discard only the ones with the darkest stains.
3rd baby: Boys can wear pink, can't they?

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Worries: 1st baby:
1st baby: At the first sign of distress--a whimper, a frown--you pick up the baby
2nd baby: You pick the baby up when her wails threaten to wake your firstborn.
3rd baby: You teach your three-year-old how to rewind the mechanical swing.

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Pacifier:
1st baby: If the pacifier falls on the floor, you put it away until you can go home and wash and boil it.
2nd baby: When the pacifier falls on the floor, you squirt it off with some juice from the baby's bottle.
3rd baby: You wipe it off on your shirt and pop it back in.

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Diapering:
1st baby: You change your baby's diapers every hour, whether they need it or not.
2nd baby: You change their diaper every two to three hours, if needed.
3rd baby: You try to change their diaper before others start to complain about the smell or you see it sagging to their knees.

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Activities:
1st baby: You take your infant to Baby Gymnastics, Baby Swing, Baby Zoo, Baby Movies and Baby Story Hour.
2nd baby: You take your infant to Baby Gymnastics.
3rd baby: You take your infant to the supermarket and the dry cleaners.

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Going Out:
1st baby: The first time you leave your baby with a sitter, you call home five times.
2nd baby: Just before you walk out the door, you remember to leave a number where you can be reached.
3rd baby: You leave instructions for the sitter to call only if she sees blood.

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At Home:
1st baby: You spend a good bit of every day just gazing at the baby.
2nd baby: You spend a bit of everyday watching to be sure your older child isn't squeezing, poking, or hitting the baby.
3rd baby: You spend a little bit of every day hiding from the children

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Swallowing Coins (a favorite):
1st child: When first child swallows a coin, you rush the child to the hospital
and demand x-rays
2nd child: When second child swallows a coin, you carefully watch for the coin to pass.
3rd child: When third child swallows a coin you deduct it from his allowance!

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GRANDCHILDREN: God's reward for allowing your children to live! LOL!

Have a wonderfully blessed day!

Thankful Thursday ~ God's Provision In The Storm

I am so excited and look forward to Thankful Thursday each week. It gives up another opportunity to reflect on God's goodness.

I was watching a program yesterday and hear another one that was on today about two different families who's lives were changed drastically with one event that happened to them that was out of their control. This event ruptured their comfort zone, stole their peace, self-worth, disrupted their lives, instilled fear, stole the only world that their children had ever know and life wasn't the same...all because of one event.

After watching this program, I realized that it happens more than we want to admit and that it could be us next...we could be that family. You know, the family who's primary or sole provider loses their job. On the average, most families don't have enough money saved to sustain them if they lost their jobs. In the state of our economy, before it is over, I think loss of a job, loss of a home, unable to feed our children...just might hit someone that we know personally, not just someone we see on TV.

Oh, we might survive on our own for a couple of months...but, without another job coming quickly...we would be like these two families...homeless. I am talking about if we were depending on ourselves to survive...not, Jesus Christ to provide.

One family lived in Colorado and it was in the dead of winter. They were living in a homeless shelter...father, mother and 4 children. This was only temporary as they could only live there for 3 months and after that, they were on the streets again. The shelter closed during the day and they had to be on the streets from 7-5pm every day. They would ride public transportation during the day just to stay warm before returning to the shelter for dinner and a warm bed.

God, help me to never take for granted my job or my husband's job again. But, if this were to happen to us...we would still praise you and thank you for your goodness and mercy. You are our provider...not this world or our jobs. All that we have belongs to you anyway. You own the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50:10). You are our strong tower where we can run to in and be safe (Proverbs 18:10). We find our peace and hope in you, not our economy.

Thank you, Father today that we both have jobs, roof over our head, clothes on our back, food on the table and a warm bed to sleep in at night. There are many who don't have that luxury today.

I am so thankful for the blessed conveniences that I take for granted daily...they are only temporary and could be gone tomorrow. I am thankful that my hope, trust, peace and contentment is in Jesus Christ.

Count your blessings today, my friend...I am! For more hearts of thanks...visit Iris at Grace Alone.

Have a wonderfully blessed day!

New Blog Button Size

I had someone tell me that my blog button was posting too big on their site...so I tried to fix the problem.

If you picked up my button today...please pick this one up and switch them out...see if it post smaller on your sidebar.

Thanks!

Have a wonderfully blessed day!

Update on Dr. Pierce

Good Morning Again!

I have already posted my regular post for the day but wanted to share with you all the email that I just received on Dr. Trent Pierce's condition.

Please continue to pray for him and his family as he has a very long road ahead. He is still not out of danger yet and each surgery holds a great risk above an beyond the normal risks involved with any surgery.

Sunday, February 22, 2009
7:00 PM

Trent had another five hours of surgery on Friday. They did surgery on the left eye and put in a temporary prosthesis. The plastic surgeon did some plastic surgery around the eye and fractured cheek areas and felt that all the procedures went very well. After a very difficult recovery from all the anesthesia, Trent seems more alert than ever. He looked really great today and wanted to know all about his health. Typical of Trent, he seemed more worried about Melissa, the kids, and the office than himself. When I came into the room he could see me and wanted to know that everything was being taken care of. After I explained that everything was fine, he gave me a thumbs up. He was very grateful for everything that is being done to help his family while he is in the hospital. He was overwhelmed at the generosity of all the doctors who are covering his practice. Tyler headed back to work today and Trent was able to raise both arms and hug him before he left.

With no surgeries planned in the next few weeks, Trent should continue to heal and improve.

The reward fund is now at $15,000. Anyone who would like to contribute can send a check to Fidelity National Bank, 330 West Broadway, West Memphis, AR 72301, 870-735-8700. Make check payable to Crime Stoppers/ Trent Pierce Fund. Any money that isn't used for a reward for Trent will be returned. Hopefully, this will in some way help arrest the person responsible for this.

Again, thanks for everything that is being done to help Melissa from the cards and food to the many errands and prayers.

Scott Ferguson

Have a wonderfully blessed day!

What's In A Name? The Name Game :-)

Thanks Moms The Word...I was able to create a button with the link you gave me! Whooo Hooo! Grab my button, ladies...if you would like too! :-) Ok...maybe that doesn't sound very nice *blush*

I found this over at Kim's place last week and Laurie emailed it to me as well. I thought it was fun and oh, my...some of my names! LOL!

I). YOUR ROCK STAR NAME (first pets name and current car)---Major Malibu (LOL) Sounds like trouble...Hollywood style:-)

2). YOUR GANSTA NAME (favorite ice cream flavor and fave cookie)--- Butter Pecan Oatmeal Raisen...ok...I would be terrified of this gansta!

3). YOUR FLY GUY/GAL NAME (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name)J-Woo

4). YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal)-- Brown Dog...now that's original! LOL!

5). YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born)---Leigh West Memphis...sounds like...leave West Memphis. LOL!

6). YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first)---Woo-Je

7). SUPERHERO NAME: (”The” + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink)--- The Red Diet Dr. Pepper

8). NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers)---Roy James

9). DANCER NAME: ( the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent, favorite candy)--- CK Sour Worms...I'm scared of that!

10). WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names ) --- Olivia Coker

11). TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter)---Baldwin Baltimore

12). SPY NAME/BOND GIRL: (your favorite season/holiday, flower)--- Summer Rose

13). CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”)
Banana T-Shirtie

14). HIPPY NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree)--- Oatmeal Magnolia...uck!

15). YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: (”The” + Your fave hobby/craft, fave weather element + “Tour”) The Gardening Rain Tour

Have a wonderfully blessed day!

What I've Learned This Week

It is time for another week of "What I've Learned This Week". It seems like I didn't learn enough last week, so this week was another round of lessons. So, here goes!

1. The more time that I have alone with my hubby, the more I want
2. Because of #1...I'm never satisfied :-)
3. The more trips that I take with my hubby, the further I want to go with him
4. My hubby and I can find the greatest pleasures in the simpliest things...window shopping, riding and sightseeing, sitting & talking or just doing nothing
5. My hubby's patients very seldom ever wears thin, even with age
6. Where as mine...well, you could read through mine and its gets worse with age.
7. I take foregranted the respectful ways our children treat us until they are disrespectful toward us
8. We are our childrens parents, not their friends
9. Kids today have a harder time keeping the two seperate...parent/adults vs. friends their own age
10. My child might drive me crazy somedays, let me be away from him for a couple of days...boy, do I miss him...with teens...it takes a couple of days because days 1 & 2 are used for recovery, then the missing him sets in.

For more fun things that we have learned this week...join our host Jo-Lynne at Mushings of a Housewife.

Have a wonderfully blessed day!

Happy 18th Anniversary, My Love!

Our wedding songs are the first two songs playing on my playlist today!



18 years ago today, my life changed forever. This was the day that my prince charming rode in and changed the course of my life forever and for the better.

You see, I had a terrible first marriage that blessed me with a beautiful son named Brandon but the marriage couldn't be saved. To read about that part of my life...check it out here.

However, I had been divorced for 4 years when I met Roger. He was handsome, charming, sweet, attentive, gentle and my knight in shining armor...my prince. Read that story...here.

He was my 28th birthday present from my Heavenly Father. He was send down from heaven just for me. Read that amazing story here.

We dated for 3 months before he asked me to marry him. We were engaged on December '90 and were married 2 months later on February 23, 1991.

We began our life together, blending his family and mine. Roger brought two beautiful daughters into our union...Sommer (12) and Ryan (10) and I brought my precious son, Brandon (nearly 5). We had no idea what life would be like blending our two families together, being a step-parent or the parent of a step-child. There were many years of heartache, joy, progress and setbacks but God sustained our marriage and He was always faithful.

If you want to read my life story...My Love Story...begin here and read backwards. I tell everything...the good, the bad and the oh, so ugly.

With every test that our marriage has gone through, there has been tremendous growth. We are a team, we are united and we have to stick together and sometimes, together you have to fight against all odds to stay married in the world that we live in.

I know, there were many people that were skeptical due to our short courtship and marriage but when God brings two people together...you know, it was meant to be.

You see, Roger was the answer to my prayers. He had every quality that I longed for in a man, in my future husband and he is still that wonderful man today.

Has our marriage been without its ups and downs? Heavens, NO! But, we are here 18 years later to testify that it can be done, inspite of today's standards, tears, fights, financial problems, emotional changes, issues with our children...our love grows stronger and great each and every day.

Roger, you are the love of my life!

I know that I don't always show it or express it but you are the best thing that has every happened to me. I am in this marriage for the long haul, my love. We are a team and a team is united...they stand together through adversity and they have each other's backs. I love you with all my heart and I look forward to each new day, each new adventure and the many days ahead as we grow old together.

Happy Anniversary, Sweetheart! I had a wonderful weekend with you :-)!!!

Matthew 19:6
So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate."

I wanted to share a few pictures of us through the past 18 years of our marriage...all but 1, was taken on our anniverary. Yes, I was a blonde at one time...this isn't Roger with another woman! LOL!



















Have a wonderfully blessed day!

Then Sings My Soul Saturday~God You Reign

Congratulations to Mel at A Voice for Moms and Amy at The Kings Table for being the winners of my 1st blogoversary giveaway! Ladies, email me with your mailing address and I will get your cross in the mail this week.

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It is Then Sings My Soul Saturday again! I love this day, this meme and this song that I have chosen for today.

In the midst of the storms of your life, the busyness of life, children, marriage, finances and all that life throws at us...God You Reign!

I am so thankful that I can put my trust in Him, I will trust Him in everything and worry about nothing!

**Scroll down and pause my music first**

Enjoy this beautiful song by Lincoln Brewster...God You Reign...yes, He does!!!



Enjoy this beautiful day that the Lord has made, rejoice and be glad in it. I am having a wonderful weekend alone with my husband, out of town to celebrate our 18th wedding anniversary on Monday, the 23rd. God is good, so very, very good!

Thank you Simone and Jody for taking care of Tyler on Thursday night and thank you Mom to taking care of him for the rest of the weekend. I love you and appreciate you both so much!

Have a blessed weekend!!!

Have a wonderfully blessed day!

Friday Funnies

Today Is My Blogoversary!!!

1 Year of Blogging and Making Precious New Friends!

Don't forget to leave me a comment...today is the last day to get your name in the drawing for 1 of 2 beautiful wall crosses to celebrate my 1st year blogging.

I am giving away these beautiful wall crosses to two randomly drawn names of anyone who leaves a comment on my blog...first time visitor or regular visitor.

I posted a picture in my sidebar of the crosses.

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Welcome to Friday Funnies hosted by Kim at Homesteaders Heart. Everyone needs a good laugh after a long, busy or stressful week. So, check out more Friday Funnies over at Kim's Place.

Billy Graham was returning to Charlotte after a speaking engagement and when his plane arrived there was a limousine there to transport him to his home. As he prepared to get into the limo, he stopped and spoke to the driver.

"You know" he said, "I am 87 years old and I have never driven a limousine. Would you mind if I drove it for a while?"

The driver said, "No problem. Have at it."

Billy gets into the driver's seat and they head off down the highway. A short distance away sat a rookie State Trooper operating his first speed trap.

The long black limo went by him doing 70 in a 55 mph zone.

The trooper pulled out and easily caught the limo and he got out of his patrol car to begin the procedure.

The young trooper walked up to the driver's door and when the glass was rolled down, he was surprised to see who was driving.

He immediately excused himself and went back to his car and called his supervisor.

He told the supervisor, "I know we are supposed to enforce the law... But I also know that important people are given certain courtesies. I need to know what I should do because I have stopped a very important person."

The supervisor asked, "Is it the governor?"

The young trooper said, "No, he's more important than that."

The supervisor said, "Oh, so it's the president."

The young trooper said, "No, he's even more important than that."

The supervisor finally asked, "Well then, who is it?'"

The young trooper said, "I think it's Jesus, because he's got Billy Graham for a chauffeur!"

Have a wonderfully blessed day!

Update on Dr. Pierce~He Can See

Don't forget to leave me a comment until February 20th when I celebrate my 1st year blogging.

I am giving away two beautiful wall crosses to two randomly drawn names of anyone who leaves a comment on my blog.

I posted a picture in my sidebar of the crosses.

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I received this email tonight~God is so good and is still in the healing business.

Thursday, February 19, 2009
11:30 AM

He Can See!

Sorry that many of you were inadvertently deleted from the group list. Feel free to forward this e-mail to those who are interested. E-mail is much easier for eveyone than repeating the same information over and over and hopefully it prevents a lot of misinformation.

They removed Trent's facial bandages and shaved him. His face looks so good that they don't think they will have to do any grafting. They also removed the eye patch and he can see out of his right eye. Things are a little foggy now but he can recognized people and could read a poster that some children made for him. Eddie thinks these problems will clear up as soon as the blood has cleared from the eye.

Trent will have some surgery on his left eye tomorrow and should get the ET tube out in a few days and be able to talk. He is whispering and trying to talk over the tube.

Trent continues to defy all odds and recover beautifully. He has had exceptional medical care at The Med.

I will keep you informed about the surgery tomorrow. Continue to pray for both Trent and Melissa.

Scott Ferguson

I know you are shouting praising to our Heavenly Father just like I am!!! Please continue to pray!

Have a wonderfully blessed day!

~Thankful Thursday ~ The Little Things

Don't forget to leave me a comment until February 20th when I celebrate my 1st year blogging.

I am giving away two beautiful wall crosses to two randomly drawn names of anyone who leaves a comment on my blog.

I posted a picture in my sidebar of the crosses.

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Welcome to another Thankful Thursday!

I am thankful for the wonderful people in my life that stepped up and willingly, do things for my family that will enable Roger and I to have some alone time...a little getaway.

Our anniversary is February 23rd and we always go off for a long weekend. My mother has always taken care of my children that would allow us to have some "us" time, but with her still recovering from her broken hip/thigh bone...she isn't driving yet. That is where my friends and family have come together... and together we will get it all done and Ty taken care of from today through Sunday.

It is going to take the help of 4 people to pull this trip off and it begins this morning (Thursday)! One will pick the boys up from football practice, one will take care of Tyler on Thursday, get him to school on Friday and then again that afternoon until my sister can pick him up and take him to my mother who will be taking care of him the rest of the weekend.

I know, I know, he would hate for me to say "that someone has to take care of him" because it sounds like they are "babysitting". He would say it like this..."I'm hanging out with my friend on Thursday and part of Friday, then...I'm going to my grandma's for the weekend".

Interpetation...someone is giving me a place to stay, giving me a ride to school and something to eat...it's all cool! You know, the teenage thing!

I am so thankful for my family and friends...Simone, Kelley, Lana and my mom. I couldn't do it without you guys! I love and appreciate each of you so very much.

Sometimes, other people do what they feel are "little things" but they have a "big impact" on our lives. This is only one example of me being thankful for the "little things" in my life. If I listed all of them...I would never get out of town.

Happy Thankful Thursday!!! For more wonderful thankfuls...visit Iris at Grace Alone.

Have a wonderfully blessed day!

What Is Our Testimony Saying?

Don't forget to leave me a comment until February 20th when I celebrate my 1st year blogging.

I am giving away two beautiful wall crosses to two randomly drawn names of anyone who leaves a comment on my blog.

I posted a picture in my sidebar of the crosses.

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Can you remember back to when you were a new Christian and the hunger that you had for God? What was your life like prior to becoming a Christian?

Maybe you were already living a "good" life, going to church and not committing any major "outward" sins for all the world to see. So much so that when you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, it was something that made your family, friends and co-works think...hmmmm, what is different about her/him? She/he seems to have a different attitude, smiles more and/or is happy. Maybe the changes weren't that drastic for you, as it was for others.

You might have been the one that was living a pretty "rough" life that might have included drinking, drugs, sex, cursing and/or worse. When you became a Christian and the Light of Jesus Christ began to shine through you, it was like "wow, look at the change in her/him, they are so different, going to church, reading their Bible, they have been delivered from their addictions, stopped cursing and instead, began to witness to those that were living the same life as you were previously.

Regardless, of which scenario best fits the change that Jesus Christ made in your life, at the moment of salvation, we began to build a different kind of testimony. We began to care about what others thought, how we reacted to stressful situations, we wanted to let others see Christ in us...we wanted to be different. We wanted to be a witness for Jesus Christ that was pleasing to Him.

But, what about after you have been a Christian for awhile...did the passion and eagerness to please God start to wane? Did you continue to serve Christ but relaxed just enough that when the enemy threw a stumbling block in our path that the "old" you slipped through the cracks that the enemy of our souls created?

As Christians and witnessed for Jesus Christ, you can be assured that others are always watching you to see how you will react to adversity. Even when you think that no one is looking or sees you...someone usually does (other than Jesus).

All it takes is one or two slip ups as a Christian to wreck your testimony for Jesus or at least, to cause serious damage to it. The ones that are watching us the closest are usually non-believers. How can we witness to them, tell them that Jesus will make a difference in their life...if we act like we did when we were of this world.

All the right actions and Christ-like testimony can be wrecked by just one or two slip ups...maybe in a moment of weakness. If we repent, ask forgiveness...then, Jesus promises to forgive us of our sins and it is to be remembered no more. He cast our sins into the sea of forgiveness and post a NO FISHING sign there.

But, what damage have we done to our testimony? How easy is it to repair for those who are watching you or those who you have been witnessing to?

Just something to think about today...it has been a question that I've asked myself a lot lately.

Revelation 12:11
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. (KJV)

Proverbs 18:21
What you say can preserve life or destroy it; so you must accept the consequences of your words. (Message)

Have a wonderfully blessed day!

What I've Learned This Week

Don't forget to leave me a comment until February 20th when I celebrate my 1st year blogging.

I am giving away two beautiful wall crosses to two randomly drawn names of anyone who leaves a comment on my blog.

I posted a picture in my sidebar of the crosses.

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Welcome to...What I Learned This Week and our host, Jo-Lynne.

What have I learned this week...where do I start?

I've Learned:

that there is drama, regardless of what stage of life you are in

that when your child hurts, you hurt

that the love you have for your child doesn't change with the choices that they make in life...you might be disappointed but your love never ceases, only increases as does your prayers

that we have to help our children guard their hearts because they haven't fully developed that ability yet in their lives

raising a teenager is harder in 2009 than it was 8 years ago when I had my last teenager at home in 2001

that none of this is a new revelation to me, but I have been on a refresher course since last week

Have a wonderfully blessed day!

Amazing Testimony

Don't forget to leave me a comment until February 20th when I celebrate my 1st year blogging.

I am giving away two beautiful wall crosses to two randomly drawn names of anyone who leaves a comment on my blog.

I posted a picture in my sidebar of the crosses.

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I have been struggling all day with what to post today...many times today, I wanted to post what was on my mind but I knew it was not what was laid on my heart. Yet...nothing feels really right or especially laid on my heart until now.

This has nothing to do with me but I want to encourage each of you to visit this amazing lady and an extraordinary testimony of God's grace and mercy. I just visited her and once again, my heart is so encouraged...I just had to encourage you to check it out.

Let me introduce to you...Roberta at For HIS Glory. Please visit her and read her testimony from the beginning. She is on part 12 but they are short, easy reading and will leave you sitting on the edge of your seat longing for more. For those of you who don't know...she is Kim at Homesteaders Heart's mother.

Each post that she writes blesses my heart and encourages me so much. Go and get your encouragement today...it is well worth the time to visit her.

Have a wonderfully blessed day!

Please Pray For Dr. Piece~Update

Don't forget to leave me a comment until February 20th when I celebrate my 1st year blogging.

I am giving away two beautiful wall crosses to two randomly drawn names of anyone who leaves a comment on my blog.

I posted a picture in my sidebar of the crosses.

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I received an update this morning from my friend who received a call from a close friend of the family this morning.

Rumors are flying that he died but he did not! He is so far from being out of the woods at this point and is still very critical. His daughter said that he was having a good day so far today.

Pnemonia has set in and they almost lost him on Friday, but Praise The Lord...he made it through and is still fighting. It was not his time to go and the Lord still has work to do with him and through him.

He is totally sedated because he is so agitated and in so much pain. The prognosis of his eye is still unclear at this point.

Please pray for him and his family! I can't imagine what he is going through with all that has happened to his body...the pain, the shock of it all and the recovery road ahead. There are more surgeries that lie ahead for Dr. Pierce. There is absolutely no way that I can begin to know or understand what his precious family is going through right now...not knowing from day to day if their husband/father will survive, the fear of returning to the house for sleep, clothes or to live again would be like.

The house has 24/7 security from the WM Police Department as does his office and the hospital. They still don't know (that I know of) if this was random or a targeted attack, who did it or better yet....WHY!

Thank you for your prayers from Dr. Pierce and his family. They need each and every one that you can carry to the throne room of God for them.

Have a wonderfully blessed day!

Then Sings My Soul Saturday ~ Walk By Faith

Don't forget to leave me a comment until February 20th when I celebrate my 1st year blogging.

I am giving away two beautiful wall crosses to two randomly drawn names of anyone who leaves a comment on my blog.

I posted a picture in my sidebar of the crosses.


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This is not the one that I had originally posted but it has been changed and it was not viewable. This is my second choice and I hope you enjoy it.

Walk By Faith ~ Jeremy Camp

Happy Valentine's Day! For more wonderful music videos and songs...visit Amy at Signs, Miracles and Wonders.


Have a wonderfully blessed day!

Then Sings My Soul Saturday ~A Greater Yes ~ The Whisnants

Welcome to Then Sings My Soul Saturday. For more wonderful music videos and songs...please visit Amy at Signs, Miracles and Wonders...http://signsmiraclesandwonders.blogspot.com. I'm sorry that I can't link this today or put the button on my site but the embed code has been disabled and this is the only way for me to post this to my blog.

This song holds such a special place in my heart. I have prayed and prayed for God to answer a certain prayer request and the answer doesn't come in my time. It is hard to understand when you are in the midst of the storm to understand why He isn't answering but He really is.

I hope you enjoy this beautiful song...A Greater Yes!

Happy Valentine's Day to each of you and may you have a wonderful day full of love and God's love.

~Awards Day~

Don't forget to leave me a comment until February 20th when I celebrate my 1st year blogging.

I am giving away two beautiful wall crosses to two randomly drawn names of anyone who leaves a comment on my blog.

I posted a picture in my sidebar of the crosses.

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Awards Day

I am sorry that I seem to always be behind in getting awards posted. Wheee...I'm not sure where my days go but wherever it is...it's fast.

Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. Proverbs 31:30

Beauty recommends none to God, nor is it any proof of wisdom and goodness, but it has deceived many. The fear of God reigning in the heart is the beauty of the soul and it lasts forever. A beautiful woman of God is a woman who can reflect with comfort when she becomes old. A woman who will rejoice in the world to come and she will be a blessing to the people around her.

I received this one from Bogie of Bogie's Wonderland ....thank you so much, Bogie!

I am presenting this award to:

Beth @ I Am Heading Toward My Destiny,

Roberta @ For HIS Glory

Debra @ Clothed With Scarlet

Beth @ warmHarte

Pam @ Pam's Journey of Grace.

Each of you ladies are beautiful inside and out...your blogs bless me tremendously!

The Emblem of the Helping Hand award created by Sojourner's Place as a symbol of help, support, and encouragement to up, and coming bloggers and appreciation, for those who mentor those new to the blogosphere.

Here are the rules: Select 10 bloggers: 5 you consider your blogging Helping Hand, then "Pay it Forward" by extending your "Helping Hand" to 5 additional bloggers, in support and encouragement for their efforts. In passing on the Emblem, each recipient must provide the name of blog, or blog author with a link for others to visit.

Each recipient must show the Emblem, and put the name and link to the blog that has given it to her or him.Link the Emblem to this post: Helping Hand: Much Obliged and Paying it Forward so that others will know it origin and impetus. If you have not already done so, show your recipients some love by adding them to your blog roll, Technorati Favorite list, or in any other way to further let them know that their blog voice is important to you and being heard. Add your name to The Helping Hand meme at my new blog entitled The Emblem of the Helping Hand and don't forget to leave a comment as a permanent record of all Helping Hand recipients.

I received this one from Denise at Shortybear's Place. Thank you so much, Denise!

I am passing this award on to:

Laurie Ann @ A Magnolia's Heart Beats

Alicia @ Confessions of A Snowflake,

Lorie @ Encouragement From My Heart,

Laurie @ Women Taking A Stand,

Lisa @ Speak On It With Lisa S/Shariing Life With Lisa,

Bogie @ Bogie's Wonderland,

Lisa Ann @ Life With Lisa Ann,

Shelly @ Sit A Spell,

Amy @ The King's Table and

This blog invests and believes the PROXIMITY - nearness in space, time and relationships. These blogs are extremely charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give attention to these writers!
Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly written text into the body of their award.

I received this from Beth at I'm Heading Toward My Destiny...thank you so much, Beth!

I am passing this award on to:

Denise @ Shortybear's Place/Free To Be Me

Heather @ A Day In My Life

Tricia @ It's All About Him

Mimi @ He & Me + 3

Mel @ A Voice For Moms

Kim @ Homesteaders Heart

Melanie @ The Fruits of the Spirit

Tammy @ Not Mine But God's Story

Each of you ladies are a real jewel and I am so honored to have gotten to know you and get to know you better with each entry. God bless you all!

Have a wonderfully blessed day!

Show and Tell Saturday

Welcome to Show and Tell Saturday with Kim as our host from Homesteaders Heart...our theme this week is your favorite shoes. For me...it is definitely plural.

As much as I love shoes, I have a hard time wearing them. I was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis about 8 years ago. It is a very painful foot problem that causes severe pain in the heel and arch of the foot. Actually, it feels like you are walking on broken glass. My orthopedic doctor has tried several treatments and none have been completely effective. I go through "seasons" that I am pretty much pain free...like right now. (A 30 lb. weight loss...I'm sure would help...LOL!) I get the best results and pain relief when I wear my New Balance athletic shoes and sleeping in a boot.

Saying all of that to say...I have 5 pair of favorite shoes...not just one. My summer pair are sandals or flip flops for everyday wear and for church, I love my corked heel Mia shoes. For winter, I love my Born...black mules/clogs...they are so comfortable. My feet do not hurt in these shoes for some reason. Plus, I am short and my jeans are always too long so I have to wear a heel in the winter.







My all time favorite one are my every day shoes...my New Balance athletic shoes...see they are on my feet right now.

I wear a 7 1/2 to 8, but my foot is very narrow. I don't spend a lot of money on shoes...I buy them where ever I find the cutest and most comfortable ones...Shoe Carnaval, Rack Room Shoes and Target. Oh, Kim...I will be checking out the flip flops at Sam's Club this year...thanks for tip.

For more cute shoes...visit Kim at Show and Tell Saturday.

Have a wonderfully blessed day!

Friday Funnies

I thought these were so cute! Hope you enjoy them as much as I did. For more Friday funnies...visit Kim at Homesteaders Heart. Happy Friday!

























Have a wonderfully blessed day!