Love...

Love

9 Love must be honest and true. Hate what is evil. Hold on to what is good. 10 Love each other deeply. Honor others more than yourselves. 11 Never let the fire in your heart go out. Keep it alive. Serve the Lord.
12 When you hope, be joyful. When you suffer, be patient. When you pray, be faithful. 13 Share with God's people who are in need. Welcome others into your homes.
14 Bless those who hurt you. Bless them, and do not call down curses on them. 15 Be joyful with those who are joyful. Be sad with those who are sad. 16 Agree with each other. Don't be proud. Be willing to be a friend of people who aren't considered important. Don't think that you are better than others.
17 Don't pay back evil with evil. Be careful to do what everyone thinks is right. 18 If possible, live in peace with everyone. Do that as much as you can.
19 My friends, don't try to get even. Leave room for God to show his anger. It is written, "I am the One who judges people. I will pay them back,"—(Deuteronomy 32:35) says the Lord. 20 Do just the opposite. Scripture says, "If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. By doing those things, you will pile up burning coals on their heads." —(Proverbs 25:21,22) 21 Don't let evil overcome you. Overcome evil by doing good.

I think I got myself a new bible teacher!

On Friday Jacob and I were completing his studies for the week. When I looked at what we had to do for bible I felt like I didn't have that in me for that day. I had tired boy and busy day and decided to ask our bonus dad for help. He and Jacob did it Friday evening and after that we talked about him covering Jacobs bible a few times a week on the evenings we are together. I believe that every young man needs the influence, instruction and teaching from Godly men especially as they enter into adolescence. Jacob and I will start each day with scripture, prayer and a devotional however Trae is by far the better bible teacher so we are hoping to find ways more often for him to do so.

Priceless $

Homemade favorite family dinner by mom-$7.84

Morning spent going around to yard sales with son-$32.00

Tylenol for my pregnancy headache-$2.79

Friday night being tucked in at home with your family enjoying a meal, conversation and relaxing evening together-Priceless

If I ever had a little girl.....

This is what I would want her room to look like! I found this on a really fun blog and just loved it. Sure pink is pretty but this is just so fun, unique and homey!!! However we are having a baby boy and I really need to get busy thinking about his room. We have done nothing in there and time is ticking. The walls are freshly painted so we do have a clean slate. I know I don't want a theme room. I want to find 3-4 colors, patterns that I love and have more of a classic look.

Encouraged....

I love to be encouraged! Don't we all? I have been encouraged several times this week and wanted to give thanks to the Lord as when I am encouraged I often think of how he is loving on me! It might seem rather small but encouragement in any dose helps!!! At least it does me.

Things that have encouraged me this week:

1. A phone call from a old friend out of the blue.
2. It is only the 16th of the month and my husband has already met his quota!
3. Actually finding a way to make our study work so that 3 of us can share that space.
4. Answered prayer about swollen pregnant ankles.
5. Hearing the hearts of dear friends.
6. Being blessed my a sweet group of homeschool moms.
7. Great school days with my son.
8. Someone that I have only met a few times sent me a prayer booklet so that had scriptures in it so that when I struggle with fear or listening to lies I will have the truth handy!!!
9. Jacob is getting stronger and stronger and his OT and PT are seeing great progress!!
10. Lots of baby movement!! Oh I just love that part.

Struggle....

We all have them. I think mine have changed over the years. I am not who I once was and I find that I struggle with different things. I know that Christ has come to set me free!!! I don't feel very free when I am bound in a struggle. Yet, I still sometimes find myself there. I struggle the most with.....fear, perfection, can't handle clutter, loud and crowded environments (can't stand em) and sometimes fearing the future for my youngest son. I know God is in control so why do I worry? The Lord has come through for me in amazing ways in my life it makes me feel childish to doubt. I am being honest and just sharing a weak place in my heart.

Be strong, courageous, and firm; fear not nor be in terror before them, for it is the Lord your God Who goes with you; He will not fail you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31: 6

A boy and his pup.

Really Sparky is anything but a pup. He is 13 and Jacob and he are so fond of one another. They have a very sweet relationship and I am grateful for the bond they share. Jacob is sure that dogs will be in Heaven and that Sparky will be heading up before us to make sure we have a great mansion with a wonderful yard. Tis sweet.

Simple yet often the hardest path to take.....

"Jesus said love one another. He didn't say love the whole world." -Mother Theresa

Yep I am the mama of a driver!!!

It is hard to imagine that I have a son driving! He got his license last week and is loving it! His dad blessed him with a vehicle and we are helping Andrew with most of his car insurance which is no small thing on a 16 year old young man! We are happy for him and feel as though he is ready for this freedom. He actually turned 16 in April however due to law changes he had to wait 6 months after receiving his permit. It is a different season. It is a huge letting go. Part of it I welcome....and the other part is hard knowing that we are never going back to the way things were. He is growing up. I am proud of him for so many reasons.

Relaxed, carefree and easy in the kitchen day.

Oh how I love a relaxed Sunday. We went to church this morning and experienced our combined service with the Hispanic church. It was a good morning and reminded me of what it would be like someday in heaven. We went to our favorite barbecue joint after lunch and enjoyed our favorite freedom fries! They are a pregnant woman's dream! I crave comfort food big time during this pregnancy. We came home and both took a 3 hour nap. It was wonderful!!! I love that my husband values naps as much as I do. We were blessed that our boys would be returning just in time for a late dinner. I fixed a totally easy hodge podge meal that was loved by all and easy on the cook! Our evening is filled with making sure we are prepared for the week, a game of croquet (a Target clearance find that I knew Jacob would love!), homework for the big guy and just enjoying a pocket of family time that as our kids grow up is harder and harder to find. Thank you Lord!

A few words...

The more talk, the less truth; the wise measure their words. Proverbs 10:19

I remember a few years ago I was at retreat and at this retreat you had a period of silence that lasted about 15-16 hours. At first I thought well this is stupid. Yeah, I did. I wish I had a more lovely, Christlike response but that was my first thought. As the evening went on I was amazed at the peacefulness that surrounded me. It was amazing. I was able to communicate during that time but it involved a smile, a pat, a hug or some kind of gesture that didn't involve sound or talking. It really was a profound experiment for me and something that I grew and learned from. My daily life doesn't afford me to live such a life and I don't believe the Lord desires that step. However, I am reminded often of the power of my words.

Amazed....

I am amazed at Gods faithfulness. It blows me away, knocks my socks off and makes stand in awe because no words could express my gratitude.

When I was a single mom a dear friend of mine used to say I think you are Gods golden child. She too was in awe of how he provided for me again and again. I used to say he *just* loving on me!

This many years later I am still blown away. I am so grateful and moved.

The truth is we are all his golden child. Truth is something he placed in my heart very strongly over the years and I have hung onto it again and again in the midst of fighting for my freedom and fighting for the hearts of others.

Thank you Lord! To God be the Glory!!!

Wordless Wednesdays

Inspiration for my year ahead....

http://aholyexperience.com/2008/08/how-would-jesus-teach.html

I can't figure out how to make a link correctly but if you have children I think you will gain something from visiting this post on one of my favorite blogs.