Heartsong

Chewing a bug

2012-02-16T08:21:00.001-08:00

Well, I've been chewing a bug for a while now. I had to decide whether I was going to stay in my corner and chew my bug or move on. I've decided to move on.
Chewing a bug is not all it's cracked up to be.
Life is tough.
People are made of clay.
They let you down and hurt you.
I have friends that have broken my heart and left me wounded and afraid to trust again.It is really painful to be mistreated and misjudged. I continually seek to love them and continue to pray for them despite the hurt.
My husband just hurts me. My relationship with him is a source of continuous pain.
But I refuse to be stuck on these two issues for the rest of my life.
I will move on.
I will love as God intended for me to love and serve Him.
God is always there and ready to help and to help you be all that He designed you to be.
I am seeking to be all He created me to be to His glory.
Enough bug chewing for a while.
Thank you, Lord, for never giving up on me.
Thank you for Your new mercies every day!

Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous;
love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly;
it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered,
does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth;
bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails...But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7,13
Love is patient,
True love is unconditional, that is, it does not depend on the attributes or lack thereof of the person loved, therefore, it is willing to give as much time necessary, and as much space as necessary for that person to grow.

love is kind and is not jealous;
Love seeks to give others something of benefit for their welfare, and consequently, rejoices when they do benefit.

love does not brag and is not arrogant,
To lift one's self up in reference to others leaves no room for unconditional, graceful love.

does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own,
To act inappropriately, shamefully (morally, especially in the area of sexual purity) is not in accordance with true love. Love never seeks it's own gratificaiton but rather the interests of others.

is not provoked,
Selfishness seeks to manipulate others by stimulating certain selfish emotions. Love will not do this to others, nor will it let it happen to itself.

does not take into account a wrong suffered,
Forgivenss. Let it go. Bitterness is the acid. You are the container. Get rid of it or it will kill you.

does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth;
Love does not somehow gloss over things that are going to be hurtful. True love originates from the truth.

bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
If love really is unconditional, it will hold any weight, face any doubt, persist through hopelessness, and last any trial

Love never fails...
If it did, would it be love?

But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.
Someday, faith will not be needed, for we will see God. Hope will not be needed, for when everything is fulfilled, there is no need for hope. But love, yes, to it there will be no end. If it did, it wouldn't be love.

I am not happy with my husband. He does not make me feel loved. He throws me a crumb every once in a while.
Our marriage has been the most difficult thing I have ever done.
There are worse men, much worse, but they are not the ones that hurt me. He does.
That said, I am responsible for loving him the way God intended whether he loves me or not.
I am going to attempt to be brutally hones with myself about this issue. It won't be pretty.

I am not and have not been always kind.
I have allowed bitterness to enter my heart over this issue and have to root it out.
I used to be able to hope for the future and let the past go. For quite a while now, I have kept a record of wrongs and stacked them up. I have to topple that stack.
I have been patient.
Help me, Lord, to choose Your best for us.
I love you,
Cheryl

Claim It!

2011-09-16T23:15:00.000-07:00

Isaiah 55:11:

So is my Word that goes out from My mouth:
It will not return to Me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

Sometimes We Need Rescuing

2011-09-06T16:00:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we need rescuing...
That was on Ann Voskamp's blog today.
http://www.aholyexperience.com/2011/08/organizing-head-heart-to-homeschool/
It was a release, permission....
I need rescuing.....
And Satan wants me to beat myself up for it. Or better yet, to deny it.... And I oblige....
But God wants to rescue me....
He loves me...
He's there.
He will.
Thank you, Lord, for being my salvation. For saving me from my sins, both in the past and in the present. Thank you for loving me even when I am singularly unloveable. After decades of pratice, I can hide that I am hurting, angry and bitter from everyone else. But I can't hide it fromYou...
And the longer I hide it and dont' deal with it, the more it festers and becomes a boil of nasty germs that would eat me up from the inside.
But You are there.
You see.
You know.
And You say, "Come to me... I love you... I care.... I will help..." When no one else is there, You are... When no one else cares, You do.
My heart hurts so much. I need You, Lord. You are the only one that can fill this empty space insideand I feel so empty, so needy.
Rescue me....

2011-09-03T04:38:00.001-07:00

9/12/11 Monday

40 clove garlic chicken

http://susannesspace.blogspot.com/2007/04/slow-cook-thursday40-clove-chicken.html

garlic mashed potatoes

green beans

salad

Special Spinach Salad (from my Sister-in-Law)

1/4 Cup Sugar
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1 bunch of romaine, torn
1 pkg (6 oz) fresh baby spinach
1/2 lb. sliced mushrooms
3 cups shredded swiss cheese
1 med. red onion, sliced
1/2 lb. sliced bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 can 15 oz mandarin oranges, drained

Poppy Seed Dressing:
1/3 cup white vinegar
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 tbsp. dijon mustard
3/4 tsp. salt
3/4 cup canola oil
2 tsp. poppy seeds

1. In a small heavy skillet, melt sugar low heat add almonds and stir to coat. Spread onto a greased sheet of foil; break apart if necessary.
2. In a large bowl combine romaine, spinach, mushrooms, cheese, red onion bacon and oranges.
3. For dressing, in a blender, combine the vinegar, sugar , onion, mustard and salt cover and process until blended. While processing, gradually add oil in a steady stream, stir in poppy seeds.
4. Pour dressing over salad and toss to coat. Sprinkle with sugared almonds

Menu 9/5/11

2011-09-02T10:39:00.000-07:00

Menu 9/5/11 Monday

Breakfast

Omelet

Lunch

Chicken Corn Chowder

http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/quick-chicken-corn-chowder-10000000521745/

Nutritional Information

Amount per serving

· Calories: 257

· Calories from fat: 28%

· Fat: 8.1g

· Saturated fat: 4.4g

· Monounsaturated fat: 2.4g

· Polyunsaturated fat: 0.8g

· Protein: 19.1g

· Carbohydrate: 28.6g

· Fiber: 1.9g

· Cholesterol: 52mg

· Iron: 0.4mg

· Sodium: 668mg

· Calcium: 165mg

Nutrition Guidelines for Healthy Living

Ingredients

· 2 tablespoons butter

· 1/4 cup chopped onion

· 1/4 cup chopped celery

· 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced

· 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

· 3 cups 2% reduced-fat milk

· 2 cups chopped roasted skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about 2 breast halves)

· 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (about 3 ears)

· 1 teaspoon chopped fresh or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

· 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper

· 1/8 teaspoon salt

· 1 (14 3/4-ounce) can cream-style corn

Preparation

· Melt the butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and jalapeño; cook for 3 minutes or until tender, stirring frequently. Add flour; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Stir in milk and remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil; cook until thick (about 5 minutes).

Supper

Thai Curry

http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/2008/07/crockpot-thai-curry-recipe.html

13.5-oz can coconut milk
- 1 T brown sugar
- 1 T soy sauce (La Choy is gluten free, and so is Tamari wheat-free)
- 1 T Thai red or green chili paste, or more to taste (I used red, and went with 1.5 T)
- 1 t fish sauce (optional. I put it in because I was thrilled to have another use for fish sauce!)
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1/2 large eggplant
- 1 sweet potato
- chicken thighs (I used 5 frozen boneless, skinless)

And! 1-inch knob of ginger, peeled and grated. I bought this. I totally forgot to use it. It's probably for the best, since we aren't huge ginger people.

The Directions.

Combine the sauce ingredients: coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar, chili paste, and fish sauce in the bottom of your crockpot stoneware. Taste. If you think you need more chili paste, add some, carefully. It's hot stuff!

Add the chicken pieces to the sauce, flipping them over a few times so they get nice and saucy.

Wash and cut the vegetables, and add to the crock.

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 4-6. This is done when the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables have reached desired tenderness.

I cooked ours on high for 5 hours. The vegetables were soft, but not squishy, and the chicken was cooked, but still had shape.

Serve over white rice.

Menu 9/6/11 Tuesday

Breakfast

Lunch

Left over Chicken Corn Chowder

Salad

Fruit

Supper

Crock Pot Roast Beef

http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/2010/10/old-fashioned-pot-roast-slow-cooker.html

Menu 9/7/11Wednesday

Lunch

French Dip Sandwiches

Carrot Sticks

Fruit

Supper

Beef and Broccoli

http://erincooks.com/beef-and-broccoli-with-oyster-sauce-for-two/

Beef and Broccoli with Oyster Sauce for Two (Reprinted with permission. Originally published in the April 12, 2007 edition of Cooks Illustrated)

1/2 pound flank steak, cut into 2-inch-wide strips with the grain, then sliced across the grain into 1/8-inch-thick slices
1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons dry sherry
1 tablespoon low-sodium chicken broth
2 1/2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
3 medium cloves garlic, pressed through garlic press or minced (about 1 tablespoon)
1/2 inch piece fresh ginger, minced (about 1 1/2 teaspoons)
2 tablespoons peanut oil or vegetable oil
2/3 pound broccoli, florets cut into bite-size pieces, stems trimmed, peeled, and cut on diagonal into 1/8-inch-thick slices
3 tablespoons water
1/2 small red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut into 1/4-inch pieces
2 medium scallions, sliced 1/2-inch thick on diagonal
Note: I also cooked white rice to serve with the dish

Combine beef and soy sauce in medium bowl; cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 10 minutes or up to 1 hour, stirring once. Meanwhile, whisk sherry, chicken broth, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and cornstarch in measuring cup. Combine garlic, ginger, and 1/2 teaspoon peanut oil in small bowl.

Drain beef and discard liquid. Heat 2 teaspoons peanut oil in 12-inch nonstick skillet over high heat until smoking. Add beef to skillet and break up clumps; cook, without stirring, for 1 minute, then stir and cook until beef is browned around edges, about 30 seconds. Transfer beef to medium bowl.

Add 2 teaspoons peanut oil to now-empty skillet; heat until just smoking. Add broccoli and cook 30 seconds; add water, cover pan, and lower heat to medium. Steam broccoli until tender-crisp, about 2 minutes; transfer to paper towel-lined plate. Add remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons peanut oil to skillet; increase heat to high and heat until just smoking. Add bell pepper and cook, stirring frequently, until spotty brown, about 1 1/2 minutes. Clear center of skillet; add garlic and ginger to clearing and cook, mashing mixture with spoon, until fragrant, 15 to 20 seconds, then stir mixture into peppers. Return beef and broccoli to skillet and toss to combine. Whisk sauce to recombine, then add to skillet; cook, stirring constantly, until sauce is thickened and evenly distributed, about 30 seconds. Transfer to serving platter, sprinkle with scallions, and serve.

Thursday 9/8/11

Lunch:

Leftovers/Salad

Supper:

Fish Tacos

Cilantro Slaw

Garlic, Jalapeno, Cilantro Mayonaisse

Mexican Rice

1 onion, chopped

1 clove garlic, pressed

1 small can tomato sauce

yellow rice (use tomato sauce as part of water mix)

Beans

1 onion

1 clove garlic, pressed

1 tsp taco seasoning mix
refried beans or other beans

Friday

Lunch

Sandwiches/Leftovers/Cheese Quesadillas/tomato soup

Supper:

Italian

Lasagna
Salad
Bread

Live Uncaged

2011-08-24T23:25:00.000-07:00

I am ready to put the past to rest. I am ready to move on to my future without the burden of the past weighing me down. I am so grateful that my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, can heal me of the wounds of the past and give me a future more beautiful than I could ever imagine.
Forgive me, Lord for hanging on to the past for so long. I thought I had laid it to rest, but thank you for showing me how deeply marred I am. Thank you for empowering me to move on even if my present stays the same. That is the kicker.
I am in relationships that are going to be here even if I want to put the past to rest. Some of them cause me pain on a regular basis. It is that ongoing pain that I have had the most trouble with. I can't make it not hurt. The offenses are there. But I can be empowered by Jesus to let the offenses go even as they occur and even before, and STILL MAINTAIN THE REALTIONSHIP. God is powerful....
I can be so certain of who I am in Christ; I can be so certain of how God is going to meet my needs; I can be so full of the Holy Spirit, that those slings and arrows bounce right off of me and are met with unconditional love. Thank you, Jesus!

Hide the Word

2011-08-19T10:30:00.001-07:00

Phl 1:6 For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. (NASB)
1 Jn 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (NIV)
1 Th 5:16-18 Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (NASB)
Ep 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. (NASB)
Phl 4:13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength. (NIV)
2 Co 4:17-18 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (NIV)
1 Co 10:13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. (NIV)
Mt 11:28-30 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (NIV)
Ro 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (NIV)
Pr 1:10 My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them. (NIV)
Pr 19:11 A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense. (NIV)
Ro 8:1 ...there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (NIV)
Col 3:23-24 Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. (NASB)
Ro 8:32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all-how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? (NIV)
Phl 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. (NIV)
Ps 56:3-4 When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me? (NIV)
Jas 1:2-3 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. (NIV)
Pr 19:20 Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. (NIV)
1 Pe 2:24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. (NIV)
Je 1:12 "...for I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled." (NIV)
1 Jn 4:10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. (NIV)
Isa 41:10 'Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you...' (NASB)
Je 7:23 ...Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people. Walk in all the ways I command you, that it may go well with you. (NIV)
Ga 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control... (NIV)
Dt 10:12-13 And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the LORD's commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good? (NIV)

A Ranson for Many

2011-08-19T10:29:00.001-07:00

Je 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.
Ro 3:23-24 ... all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
Isa 26:12 LORD, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us.
1 Jn 3:16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.
1 Ti 2:5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus
Ep 2:4-5 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-it is by grace you have been saved.
2 Co 5:21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Mk 10:45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Isa 30:18 Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!
Ro 1:16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes...
Ro 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Isa 53:5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
Isa 46:9-10 ...I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.
1 Ti 1:15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners-of whom I am the worst.
Jn 14:6 ..."I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Ps 75:6-7 No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt a man. But it is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another.
Pr 21:1 The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.
1 Jn 3:1 How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!...

Once for All - Forever Grateful

2011-08-19T10:28:00.001-07:00

1 Chr 29:11 Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exalted as head above all. (ESV)
2 Co 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! (NIV)
1 Co 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. (ESV)
1 Pe 3:18 For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit. (NIV)
Ps 33:14-15 from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth--he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do. (NIV)
Je 31:3 "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness." (NIV)
Co 1:19-20 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. (ESV)
1 Co 15:3-4 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. (ESV)
Php 2:3-4 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. (NIV)
Is. 54:17 no weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall confute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD and their vindication from me, declares the LORD." (ESV)
Ps 13:5-6 But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me. (NIV)
1 Co 13:4-7 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (ESV)
Ro 8:29-30 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. (NIV)
Ps 95:2-5 Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. (ESV)
Is 55:3 Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David. (NIV)
Ac 4:12 "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." (NIV)
1 Co 10:31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (ESV)
Php 2:12-13 "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." (ESV)
Ac 17:24-25 "The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else." (NIV)
Jn 6:37 All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. (NIV)
Ezek 36:26-27 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. (NIV)

Refuge and Strength

2011-08-19T10:27:00.001-07:00

Philippians 4:6-7 ...do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Isaiah 42:3-4 ...a bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. 4 He will not grow faint or be discouraged till he has established justice in the earth...
Lamentations 3:21-23 But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Isaiah 40:11 He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.
Hebrews 13:5-6 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So we can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?"
Numbers 23:19 God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?
Hebrews 2:14-15 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.
Jeremiah 32:40 I will make with them an everlasting covenant, that I will not turn away from doing good to them. And I will put the fear of me in their hearts, that they may not turn from me.
Hebrews 1:1-2 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.
Psalm 46:1-3 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.
Titus 2:11-13 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ
Proverbs 3:5-7 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.
1 Peter 5:6-7 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
2 Timothy 1:12 ...for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me.
Galatians 6:14 But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
1 Peter 4:8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.
Romans 10:9-11 ... if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, "Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame."
Zephaniah 3:17 The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.
1 John 5:11-12 And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life

Word of the Cross

2011-08-19T10:26:00.001-07:00

1 Corinthians 1:18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
Isaiah 26:3-4 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.
Habakkuk 2:14 For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.
1 Corinthians 2:1-2 And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.
Colossians 1:13-14 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Jude 24-25 Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.
Jeremiah 9:23-24 ..."Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD."
Galatians 6:9-10 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Philippians 4:8 ...whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
1 John 3:2-3 Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.
Isaiah 40:31 ...they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 66:2 ...this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.
Revelation 5:9-10 ..."Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth."
Proverbs 4:23 Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.
2 Timothy 2:24-25 ...the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth.
Matthew 7:7-8 "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened."
Galatians 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us-for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree."
Isaiah 55:10-11 "For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it."
James 1:19-20 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness that God requires.
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Weight Of Glory

2011-08-19T10:25:00.001-07:00

For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
Oh, fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack! The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing. Psalm 34:9-10
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. John 10:27-28
The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. Psalm 16:5-6
The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands. Psalm 138:8
But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. Hebrews 10:12-14
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39
...I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:19-20
For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. Romans 5:10
Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. John 5:24
"...If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:31-32
Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain! Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways. Psalm 119:36-37
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. Revelation 21:4
...you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 1 Peter 1:18-19
Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world Philippians 2:14-15
And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 1 Peter 5:10
I am the LORD your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it. Psalm 81:10
Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:1-3
For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6

Not One Falls

2011-08-19T10:24:00.001-07:00

Walk Humbly

2011-08-19T10:23:00.001-07:00

Through the Waters

2011-08-19T10:22:00.003-07:00

2011-08-17T15:37:00.000-07:00

Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:12)

2011-08-16T10:17:00.001-07:00

Ring the bells that still can ring.
Forget your perfect offering.
There is a crack in everything.
That’s how the light gets in.

-Leonard Cohen

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2011-07-30T14:45:00.001-07:00

I am accepted . . .

John 1:12 I am God’s child.
John 15:15 I am a friend of Jesus Christ, as His disciple.
Romans 5:1 I have been justified.
1 Corinthians 6:17 I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit.
1 Corinthians 6:19–20 I have been bought with a price and I belong to God.
1 Corinthians 12:27 I am a member of Christ’s body.
Ephesians 1:3–8 I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child.
Hebrews 4:14–16 I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ.

I am secure . . .

Romans 8:1–2 I am free from condemnation.
Romans 8:28 I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances.
Romans 8:31–39 I am free from condemnation. I cannot be separated from God’s love.
2 Corinthians 1:21–22 I have been established, anointed, and sealed by God.
Colossians 3:1–4 I am hidden with Christ in God.
Philippians 1:6 I am confident God will complete the good work He started in me.
Philippians 3:20 I am a citizen of heaven.
2 Timothy 1:7 I have been given a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind.
1 John 5:18 I am born of God, and the evil one cannot touch me.

I am significant . . .

John 15:5, I am a branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine, and a channel of His life.
John 15:16, I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit.
1 Corinthians 3:16, I am God’s temple.
2 Corinthians 5:17–21, I am a minister of reconciliation for God.
Ephesians 2:6, I am seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenly realm.
Ephesians 2:10, I am God’s workmanship.
Ephesians 3:12, I may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.

Which one of these promises did you need to hear most today? What lie do you need to replace with truth as you reaffirm your significance, security and acceptance based not on what you say or do, but on what Jesus said and did for you!
When you’re tempted to measure up today, focus “up” instead and remember Whose you are and who you are – in Him!
Slip me a note and let me know what’s on your heart as you read this and/or my devotion through Proverbs 31 Ministries today. Simply click on “share your thoughts” below this post and your note will be placed in the drawing for our…
“Contagious Confidence” give-away which includes a copy of “A Confident Heart” along with “Confident Heart” sticky notes that have quotes and promise from my book and a Starbucks gift card — for 3 of you! Also, I’d love for you to share today’s post by clicking on “Tell a Friend” button below. I’m praying HIS confidence will become contagious!

___________

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2011-07-23T22:14:00.000-07:00

From Renee Swope's 7 Day Doubt Diet
Lord, I want to rely on—and live in—the power of Your promises. Please show me when something triggers my self-doubt, and then help me focus on Your thoughts about me instead of my thoughts about myself. I’m so thankful that Your grace is sufficient for me and Your power is perfected in my weakness. Although my flesh and my heart may fail, You are the strength of my heart and my portion forever! In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen. (See 2 Corinthians 12:9; Psalm 73:26)+
(2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NIV) But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. ¹⁰ That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Psalm 73
²³ Yet I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand.
²⁴ You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.
²⁵ Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
²⁶ My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.

2011-07-22T20:07:00.000-07:00

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? (Rom. 8:31 NIV)
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.(Deut. 31:6 NIV)
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, ¹⁹ and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength ²⁰ he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, ²¹ far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. ²² And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, ²³ which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. (Ephesians 1:18-23)
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.(1 Peter 2:9)
For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.” (Deut. 20:4)
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. (Romans 8:37)

And from the 7 Day Doubt diet comes the following prayer by Renee Swopes.
Lord, thank You that in Christ I am a chosen woman, a royal priest, a holy daughter, a woman belonging to God. When doubt tries to bully me, remind me that I have been called out of the darkness to declare Your glorious light. I pray that You would teach me how to rely on the power of Your promises and remember that You, my God, go with me to fight for me against my enemies of insecurity and inadequacy. You give me victory. In all these things, I am more than a conqueror through Him who loves me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen. (See 1 Peter 2:9; Deuteronomy 20:4; Romans 8:37)

verses

2011-07-21T07:57:00.000-07:00

But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. Jeremiah 17:7 NLT
Isaiah 49:23, “Then you will know that I am the LORD. Those who hope in me will not be disappointed.
Romans 10:17 tells us that “faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ” (NASB
“I am working all things together for good, because you love me and are called according to my purpose.” “All things are possible to [her] who believes” (Isa. 43:19; Rom. 8:28; Mark 9:23 NASB).
“This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us” (1 John 5:14 NASB)
Romans 10:17 tells us that “faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ” (NASB), so let’s pray these promises out loud again and again.
“Those who hope in me will not be disappointed” (Isa. 49:23).

“See, I am doing a new thing!” (Isa. 43:19). “And we know that
in all things God works for the good of those who love him,
who have been called according to his purpose” (Rom. 8:28).

“All things are possible to [her] who believes” (Mark 9:23 NASB).

Anger and bitterness

2011-07-21T06:14:00.000-07:00

Father,
I am struggling with anger and bitterness again. Things that I thought I had laid to rest keep resurrecting themselves or I keep resurrecting them, one or the other.
Father, I want to be empty of all anger and bitterness. I want to be a vessel to be used for Your glory.
As an act of my will, I once again, lay down this anger and bitterness at the foot of the cross. Your precious Son defeated sin and death once and for all. I am free from the power of anger and bitterness by His sacrifice. I forgive all who have hurt me and release it to You.
Thank you, Father for receiving this burden.
I love you so much.

2011-07-21T06:10:00.000-07:00

Started my 7 day doubt diet today. I had no idea that in doubting myself, I was doubting God's ability to overcome my obstacles to success. I want to remove the boundaries I am setting for Him. He can do all things through me. He is able.
I don't think I knew I was struggling with self doubt. I don't think I thought that doubting myself was something that I needed to correct, something that was keeping me from doing all God has for me to do. I don't often doubt Him. But I doubt myself and in doing so, I am doubting His ability to overcome my obstacles... to success. I just didn't realize it. What an eye opening devotional!
I love Him so much. He is everything. His love, compassion, faithfulness, mercy, joy, light, hope, peace....fill my empty spaces. I am so empty without Him. And so humbled that He loves me and you. We know how undeserving we are.
I want to do and be all He has called me to do and be, to His glory...

And I label this self doubt.... humility....
It's true. I am base and lowly without Him. I am empty without Him. I am nothing. But He fills our emptiness with all good things and is able to do great things through us. We just have to submit to His power and glory and allow Him to work. Philippians 4:19, "I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13, "And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches and glory in Christ Jesus."
It's true, He has given me talents, gifts and ablities that He can use to His glory. But they are worthless without Him. That is still true.
But letting a false humility prevent Him from using them is so sad.
It's not humility, it's doubt. I just didn't realize it.

Check out The 7-day Doubt Diet

2011-07-18T21:12:00.001-07:00

Check out The 7-day Doubt Diet

I did it again

2011-07-18T20:50:00.000-07:00

Well, I did it again.
I was mad and upset with the someone in my life that rubs me the wrong way. They deserved it. For sure.

But it wasn't God's will.

He isn't interested in my rights or the violation thereof, as such. He is interested in my obedience. In that, I show that I love and fear Him. Fear Him, not like the horror flick kind of fear, although He is capable of mayhem much worse than any horror flick could dish out. But fear Him, revere Him, respect Him, honor Him. submit to Him, bow down to Him. I do, but not because of the power He could unleash, but because of the love He has shown me. He is worthy of my reverence and respect and honor and submission. He is my Lord.

I wrote a post and referenced a Lisa Terkeurst post about the woman of the rare word. I have failed to be that woman in tongue and in attitude.

I'm sorry Lord. I love You. Please, I want to pour myself out so You can fill me up. Show me Your way and help me to correct my steps sooner next time.

One year old

2011-07-05T15:20:00.000-07:00

One year old

She loves kitties and puppies!
If you talk about the puppy, she looks at Rachel's picture she drew of a puppy on the mantel and she says, "arf"
She says arf every day when she wakes up(She's said "arf" for a couple of weeks on waking, but for a about a month, she said "mow.")
She loves peek a boo and will try to pull down the pillow or crawl behind the partition.
She loves ice cream, and she calls it "ah oo" or "ah um"
She calls ta tat "ah oo"(They are both milk products!LOL!)
She loves watermelon
She commando crawls with her "rudder" in the air
She loves to pat Precious. She will grab her if we are not careful.
She scoots on her bottom to where she wants to go when sitting
She started holding our hands and walking on July 3rd.
She loves to walk
If I want her to go to William, Rachel, or David and she thinks she want to stay with me, she will go if they start singing OLD MCDONALD.
She loves Jesus Loves Me, Jesus Loves the Little Children, and Old McDonald.
If she is crying in her car seat while we are driving, those songs and Silent Night will make her stop.
She loves singing and music and tries to sing with Rachel.
She likes to swing on the back porch.
She loves to read her animal books
She loves her barbells
She is still the light and joy of our lives
God knew what He was doing when He gave this precious little girl to us! What a blessing she has been for us all!
She had such fun with cousin Sydney at Beth's fourth of July party. They took each others crackers, banged similar spoons and cups, fed each other crackers, opened Isabella's presents together and had so much fun.
Janey made Isabella a cake and it was so cute!-

memory verses

2011-06-29T12:59:00.000-07:00

Continue steadfastly in prayer,

being watchful in it with thanksgiving.

At the same time, pray also for us,

that God may open to us a door for the word,

to declare the mystery of Christ...

that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak...

making the best use of the time.

Let your speech always be gracious,

seasoned with salt,

so that you may know

how you ought to answer each person.

~ Colossians 4:2-6

~ full of meaningful interruptions ~

The great thing is, if one can,

to stop regarding all the unpleasant things

as interruptions in one's "own" or "real" life.

The truth is, of course,

that what one regards as interruptions

are precisely one's life.

~C.S.Lewis

Keep my eyes open for opportunities.

...making the most of every opportunity...

~Ephesians 5:16

Memory Verses

2011-06-28T12:10:00.000-07:00

Ephesians 4:32 (ESV)

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Psalm 145: 18-19

The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth; He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him; He hears their cries and saves them.

Psalm 19:14, “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.”

Philippians 4:6-7, " Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God which surpasses all comprehension shall guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

2 Corinthians 10:3-5, "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ..."

Philippians 4:19, "And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus."

2 Corinthians 12:9, "But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."

Colossians 1:9, "For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you^d to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. 13For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14in whom we have redemption,^e the forgiveness of sins."

Isaiah 26:3, "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you."

Isaiah 12:2 Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation."

Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace

John 14:15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments."

John 14:25 “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. 26But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. 27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid

Think on these things!

2011-06-23T12:53:00.000-07:00

I was convicted this morning of tearing my house down with my own hands. I am often irritated with my husband because he is often inconsiderate. And I allow his lack of consideration to justify my irritation.

But God spoke to me this morning. He said,
"Encourage one another and build each other up."1 Thessalonians 5:11.

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.

"Do everything without complaining or arguing." Philippians 2:14

"The wise woman builds her house, But the foolish tears it down with her own hands." Proverbs 14:1.

"Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear." Ephesians 4:29

"Speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love. " Ephesians 4:15

"Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you." Ephesians 4:32

I am going to borrow the eloquent words of Lysa TerKeurst from Proverbs 31 ministries, whose devotion dealt with the same topic with a broader application today.

'The Rare Word by Lisa TerKeurst (http://lysaterkeurst.com/)

Psalm 19:14, “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
We live in day and time where our rights sometimes takes precedence over our pursuit of righteousness.
So quick to offer a complaint when things don’t go exactly right.
So forgetful with our thank you’s when things go well.
And I am challenged by this.
My husband owns a restaurant. If there was ever a man who cared to the depth of his being about serving his customers well, it’s my man. To him it’s not just about serving a great chicken sandwich. It’s about serving a life. It’s his opportunity to hand them a sandwich with a smile, a kind word, some kind of second mile gesture and for that brief moment make their day a little brighter, a little better.
And he never qualifies his kindness.
The grumpy customer gets the same kindness as the happy one.
He inspires me.
He is a man of the rare word.
It’s so easy to extend pleasantries to the person who is treating me right. But what about that moment when things aren’t so right. Might I see even that as an opportunity? An opportunity to reach past my feelings, my comfort, my rights and pursue righteousness in that moment?
Might I dare to be a woman of the rare word?
And might I even be so bold as to not just make kindness come out of my mouth but also be the meditation of my heart?
It’s not easy. But it is good.
My rights- Make me feel accepted, good, and treated fairly.
My righteousness- My choice to make right choices that honor God daily.
So here’s the challenge I’ve issued myself- find the good.
In every situation, in every interaction, in every day- be a noticer of the good. Even when the good has nothing to do with the circumstances and everything about how God will teach me through them- find the good.
And be a woman who is lavishly expressive of that good… who rarely, rarely, rarely utters the complaint.'

Anxious

2011-06-23T05:45:00.000-07:00

How easily a little bit of anxiety slips in...
It's so easy to forget how completely God loves us. He loves us so completely that there is no need for fear of anything.

1 John 4:18
Perfect love casts out fear.

I was anxiously thinking and praying this morning about how to handle something that is on my heart for my children. I so easily slip into that sort of nervous thought. Forgetting My Lord. I didn't really even notice that I was anxious. Then I found peace. And I realized I had been anxious.
Thank you, Father, that I can cry out to you.

Matthew 11:28
Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.
Philippians 4: 6,7
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God which surpasses all comprehension shall guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Psalm 37:4
Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.

Oh Lord, I seek to be yours wholly and completely. I ask that I be a vessel for your use. Your are worthy. Thank you for loving me. I see how completely I fall short of the mark. It hurts my heart. Help me to put aside the sins that so easily entagle me that You may use me and fill me completely.

When You Fall

2011-06-20T11:28:00.000-07:00

When you fall, get up!
When you fall, get up!
The enemy will tell you that you will never succeed! He will tell you that you are a failure and that is all you will ever be. That is not what God has to say about His child...
You are a vessel for the Lord Jesus Christ!

2 Chorinthians 4:7

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.

Psalm 37:23-24
The steps of a man are established by the Lord, and He delights in his way. when he falls, he will not be hurled headlong, because the Lord if the One who holds his hand.

Listen to His promise in Psalm 37:23-24 and as you read it insert your name in the blanks: “The steps of ____________ are established by the Lord, and He delights in ____________ way. When ____________ falls, __________ will not be hurled headlong, because the Lord is the One who holds ________ hand.” (NASB)

Philippians 1:6 He who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus!
Philippians 3:12-14
Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that ^]for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. ¹³ Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, ¹⁴ I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Philppians 4:13
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
Luke 1:37
For nothing is impossible with God.

Verses for fear

2011-06-20T11:15:00.000-07:00

Just a note! Fear is from the enemy and is the antithesis of faith. If you are afraid, refuse consent to fear and remember who God is. He spoke and the universe came into being. And He loves us.
How amazing is that!
Psalm 56:3 When I am afraid, I will trust in you.

2 Timothy 1:7 For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, discipline and a sound mind.

Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he [it is] that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God and the peace of God ;which surpsses all comprehension shall guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19 And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

If we lived our lives remembering who God really is every moment of every day, our lives would be radically changed.
I remember sometimes, but not all day long every day. That's what I want, to remember all day long, every day, who God is and live each moment in light of that.

2011-06-17T07:24:00.001-07:00

Verses Every Girl Should Know!

Jesus is wild about us; we just need to KNOW that!
One way that we can do that is by replacing lies with His truth.

"The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)

"My lover is mine and I am his..." Song of Solomon 2:16a (NIV)

"You are altogether beautiful, my darling, and there is no blemish in you." Song of Solomon 4:7 (NASB)

"The king is enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord." Psalm 45:11 (NIV)

"God decided in advance to adopt us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do and it gave him great pleasure!" Ephesians 1:5 (NLT)

11 months!

2011-06-08T05:00:00.000-07:00

I can't believe ithas been almost a year!
Isabella's favorite things!
Her people:
Rachel
William
Dad
Mom

Loves the swing and Blaze and Precious and Faramir-!
Today I took her up to see Faramir. He rubbed all around her, circling her little body and rubbing against it over and over! She loved it! She loves for Precious to come in and "pet" her. It's nice to have a cat that pets herself on you.

Singing: She loves to be sung to. If she is crying in the car, Old McDonald, Jesus Loves Me, Jesus Loves the Little Children, Silent Night(duo by William and Rachel),Amazing Grace, and others will usually do the trick. She likes to be sung to sleep, also.

Also, if I am holding her and want someone to take her and she doesn't want to transfer, if they start singing and hold out their hands, she will reach for them. Sometimes they have to sing the right song, often, Old McDonald.

She wakes up every morning, smiles, and says, "Mow" Sometimes she says,"e-mow" for the cat.

She's gotten really fast with her scoot, crawl. I need to get a video of it today.

Her favorite words are meow and ah-um. She meows all day long and looks for her red book with the picture of the baby lion on the front. She will crow like the rooster, eh-eh-eh, and bark like the dog, arf, arf if you do it first.

She loves food and will eat almost anything! She eats a whole slice of pizza, loves watermelon, ice cream, squash, sweet potatoes, green peas, green beans, spinach, applesauce, etc!

She babbles all the time!

Plays peek a boo, eskimo kisses and loves to head butt!

Likes to touch my face when she nurses and play with my mouth and nose.

Really only likes the right side.

Still a port a baby.

She weighs approximately 17 pounds and is approximately 26 inches long as of a couple of weeks ago.

She is the light of our lives!

first words

2011-06-03T04:21:00.000-07:00

5/31/11 Tuesday, Isabella started making the animal sounds that we make when reading her little books. And yesterday, she asked for ice cream, ah-um, her favorite food for the first time! She said "ta ta" yesterday, also.
We are so proud of her and she looks amazed when we cheer her on. She gets a little grin and a little look of wonder.

meow
oink
ah-um

2011-05-27T08:15:00.000-07:00

5/12/11
Isabella at 10 months!
Likes puppiees and kitties!
Loves ice cream!
Loves pizza and will eat her own piece!
Is a good little eater!
Is scooting! But will stretch long and hard before she goes an extra inch!
Fusses for William, Rachel and David now when I am holding her and they pass by! She loves ALL her people!
Has the sweetest little grin!
Loves to swing!
Loves RAchel's singing!
Likes to head butt!
Likes to eskimo kiss!
Plays peek a boo!
Loves her books!
Is still a portababy!
Twirls when she is sitting!
Says Dada and Mama!
Says Unh unh!

Power verses

2011-05-23T12:24:00.000-07:00

FEAR
Deuteronomy 31:6, 8, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (NIV)

Luke 12:6-7, “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.” (ESV)

HE'S NOT DONE WITH YOU YET

Philippians 1:9
For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.

HE WILL RESCUE YOU

Psalm 145: 18-19

The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth; He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him; He hears their cries and saves them.

OBEDIENCE

Romans 6:16, “Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey — whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?” (NIV)

“And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands.” 2 John 1:6a (NIV)

HUMILITY

“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble…” 1 Peter 5:5 (NIV)

1 Peter 5:5b-6, “…All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” (NIV)

Luke 6:37, “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” (NIV)

CONFIDENCE AND LOVE
HE MADE YOU!

Psalm 139:14-15, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 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,” (NIV)

Psalm 139:1, “O, Lord, you have searched me and you know me.” (NIV)

ANGER

Matthew 19:14,”But Jesus said, ‘Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.’” (NLT)

Psalm 4:4, “In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Selah.” (NIV)

“In your anger do not sin.” Ephesians 4:26a (NIV)

GOD'S POWER

Luke 18:27, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” (NIV)

Psalm 40:1-2, “I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and the mire; He set my feet upon a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.” (NIV)

Philippians 3:10-11, “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.” (NIV)

JOY AND SUFFERING

James 1:2-3, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trails of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” (NIV)

Romans 5:3-5, “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” (NIV

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” 2 Corinthians 4:7 (NIV)

SELFISHNESS AND HUMILITY

Philippians 2:3, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” (NIV)

Romans 12:3, “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.” (NIV)

GODLINESS
THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)

John 8:31-32, “To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’” (NIV)

1 Timothy 4:7, “Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourselves to be godly.” (NIV)

Psalm 133:1, “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!” (NIV)

“Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4 (NIV)

FORGIVEN, PRECIOUS TO HIM, AND SANCTIFICATION

“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5 (NIV)

Deuteronomy 14:2, “For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. Out of all the peoples on the face of the earth, the LORD has chosen you to be his treasured possession.” (NIV)

Isaiah 43:18-19, “Forget what happened long ago! Don’t think about the past. I am creating something new. There it is! Do you see it? I have put roads in deserts, in thirsty lands.” (CEV)

Isaiah 45:3, “I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name.” (NIV)

THE LORD IS YOUR HELP
HE BEARS YOUR BURDENS
HE CAN DO WHAT YOU CAN'T
GIVE IT TO HIM
IF YOU CAN'T DO IT, BRING IT TO HIM

Philippians 4:6-7
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God and the peace of God which surpasses all comprehension shall guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

“Bring them here to me.” Matthew 14:18 (NIV)

Psalm 115:11, “You who fear him, trust in the LORD — he is their help and shield.” (NIV)

Psalm 116:7, “Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you.” (NIV)

RETURN THE CALL-DO YOU HAVE GOD ON HOLD? IS HE WAITING ON YOU? YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM SHOULD TAKE 1ST PLACE

“Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer.”

Psalm 4:1 (NIV)

Psalm 91:14-16: “The Lord says, ’I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.’” (NLT)

Psalm 46:10, “Let be and be still, and know (recognize and understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth!” (Amplified)

WHAT'S THAT SMELL?

HOW DO YOU SMELL?
BE THE AROMA OF CHRIST!

“Live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

Ephesians 5:2 (NIV)

2 Corinthians 2:15, “For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.”

9 months

2011-04-18T09:15:00.000-07:00

At 9 months, Isabella sits for long periods of time playing with her toys on the floor.
She loves her books.
She loves to swing on the back porch.
She loves the dog.
She has enjoyed hikes in the Moby wrap in the woods at Bonita Lake holding a cheeto and drinking water and the occasional ta while I site on a stump.
She is a great traveler and went to St Louis for Rachel's appointment without any problems, stopping to nurse every 2 or 3 hours and playing happily in her car seat for hours at a time. She was happy at every restaurant as long as she could have something to eat or play with. We call her our portababy.
She loves her da and said da da one day last month on the same day she said mama.
She says mama all the time now.
She began babbling last month about mid March and carried on long conversations for a few weeks.
She finally likes tummy time and will play on her stomach on the floor.
She loves real food.
It constipates her.
We have added frequent servings of prunes!
She has 4 teeth.
I forgot to post her teeth as they came along! Bad Mama!
She loves to be sung to and it will quiet her in the car and just about anywhere else.
David finally started singing to her too because it works so well and she likes it so much.
She likes it when he sings "What a wonderful world"
She likes it when he says, "Roscoe P Coltrain"
She nurses through the night. I will be glad when she sleeps all night again, which she did from about 3 months until mid January.
I can't believe how much joy she brings to every day for us!

2011-04-01T15:07:00.000-07:00

Isabella has been scooting backwards for about a week. Yesterday and today, I saw her make forward progress. Yeah! Go sweet baby!

7 months

2011-02-09T11:43:00.001-08:00

At seven months, Isabella is ever changing.

Sat for about a minute alone yesterday without support.
She has a ready smile.
She can roll both ways.
She loves her cookies this month!
She loves to be sung to. She likes singing as well as ta ta. If she is crying,it will usually make her stop.
Loves the song Brand New Key by Melanie Safka.
Likes ham, apples,ritz, guacamole and tortilla chips.
Laughs a lot
Loves to go "A" and have you go "A" back.
HATES TUMMY TIME.
Loves her Da, William and Rachel and her ta, of course.
Likes her little seat in the middle of the table and likes to play with her toys.
Drinks from a cup.

Almost 6 months

2010-12-23T03:31:00.001-08:00

At 6 months, Isabella continues to be the source of continual joy for our household.
Some things that started the week before Christmas,
Sat unassisted for 30 sec or so 12/19/10

5 months old

2010-12-06T11:01:00.000-08:00

At 5 months, Isabella is a joy.

When she smiles, she ducks her head shyly.
When she smiles, her whole face lights up and her eyes shine.
When she complains, she changes the tone of her coo.
She rarely cries.
She has great head control.
She still hates tummy time, but can raise her head feet and trunk.
She loved eating her dresses this month.
She loves spoons the past couple of weeks.
She loves the measuring spoons and her links.
She does crunches when lying down or back.
She laughs often.
She loves her bath.

5 months old

2010-12-06T10:51:00.001-08:00

At 5 months, Isabella is a joy.
She loves to talk and play.
She still doesn't really like tummy time, but will tolerate it for a little while.
She had her first ear infection.
She had her first Thanksgivng and despite being sick, enjoyed all the activity and people. She especially enjoyed Keely, Krisenda and Kelly.
She has great head control and is very strong
She likes to stand in your lap
She hates to sit back and does crunches when leaned back or lying down.
She is nursing pretty well and often can just nurse and go an hour or two after.

2010-12-06T10:49:00.000-08:00

Isabella's hand eye coordination is really taking off. She has been holding fingers and her clothes and blankets for over a month now, but the past couple of weeks, she has held spoons and rattles and rings, etc.Week before last, I gave her a little spoon to hold while Rachel and I were in the kitchen and she loved it. She put it in her mouth and held it for a long time. Last week I gave her the measuring spoons and she loved them. We went to China palace on Monday or Tuesday and she played with a spoon the whole time we ate.

Isabella was diagnosed with her first ear infection on last Thursday, December 3rd. Lee looked at her Thanksgiving Day, but I think she had it then even though he said she was OK. She has been pretty miserable for a while. She started feeling better on Sunday. She is eating better and much happier. It was a long haul. She started feeling bad on Monday or Tuesday before Thanksgiving. I wish I had gotten her rechecked earlier.
Last night she was about to jump out of the tub she was kicking so hard and having soo much fun.
She goes for her well baby check today.

Tummy

2010-12-01T02:16:00.000-08:00

Isabella hates tiummy time. I began to wonder if she would ever stay happily on her stomach so she could learn to crawl and roll over. Today, she played on her tummy for 5 minutes and was pretty happ y. Somehow, her muscles for this have gotten stronger anyways as she has gotten older. When I put her on her tummy today with a neck pillow for support and her piggy rattle and rings for toys to reach for, she was happy for about 5 minutes. Then she layed on Rachel's legs for several minutes, too. Go Isabella, I hear youhave some catching up to do.

Thanksgiving

2010-11-30T09:32:00.000-08:00

Isabella had her first cold the week before and during the Thanksgiving holiday. She did pretty well with it at first, but had a really hard time over the holiday. She got so stopped up some days that she couldn't eat, breathe, nurse, or sleep. She was really having a hard time.
On a brighter note, that was mainly during the evenings except for Thanksgiving Day itself, that day she felt bad all day.
Brenda's son Greg, his wife, Kelly, and daughters, Keely and Krisenda, came for the holidays. We enjoyed them sooooo much. Isabella adored the girls and Kelly. Kelly was great with her and helped me a lot. The girls were great with her too and helped me a lot, too. Keely spent my birthday with me and Isabella the day after Thanksgiving. We played cards and took care of the baby. She picked out outfits for the next couple of days and pajamas for the evening. Isabella loved her. She got Isabella to sleep when she was fussy and I needed to get a shower and get ready to go to Beth's for a birthday dinner.That night, Isabella sat at the table in Keely's lap or Krisenda and loved watching them play cards. She stared at the cards and was happy being in the middle of the action.
I counted my blessings for the year on Thanksgiving Day. It was a bang up year. God gave us Brenda and her family, Bryan, Sydney Grace and Isabella. I am overwhelmed with the blessing of it.
William once again spent Thanksgiving playing with LJ, Caleb and Sarah Elizabeth. He horses around with them every year and they love it.
Isabella was laughing last night at David on the changing table when he made funny noises at her. Her cold is better, but I am not sure she doesn't have a secondary infection. It has been 12 days and she still has some congestion and is still pulling off her bottle and breast sometimes. Lee looked at her Thanksgiving Day for me and she was still OK then, but if she has anymore problems today, I am going to take her again.

2010-11-13T20:36:00.000-08:00

Isabella is really coming along. She loves to watch her feet. She can't stand to lie back. When you lie her back, she does crunches trying to sit up. And as soon as she is sitting, she tries to stand up. She won't sit down. She loves to cruise the house with you and will sit and watch any activity you are doing. I just describe what I am doing to her and tell her what everything is. We went to a barn yesterday. She enjoyed seeing the horses, dogs, cats, and the barn. We talked about the sounds everything makes. Day before yesterday, we cruised around town. We went to see Gina and Carma and she went for her first visit to Daddy's office. This past weekend she and I spent the weekend together. Everyone else was in Batesville. I enjoyed having her to myself. There was very little time to bathe or eat, but it was nice to have an excuse to play with her instead of handing her to someone else to play with while I tried to get something done. I think she realized how much I like her. She has been much more secure and grinny since then. For weeks she has calmed when I pick her up and prefers me when she needs comfort, but this week she is grinning at me the most. I love her grins. She grins all the time now.
She was on the back porch with Blaze, William, Rachel, Grant and Morgan today. She was out there for a long time with them on the swing. She acted like she was a big girl.
David had her on the changing table and put her clothes over her face. He said, "Where's Isabella? There she is!" and she grinned big everytime.
She was adorable in her little bouncy seat today. She was batting at her toys vigorously and would kick her feet at the same time and grin. William got a little video, I think.

Nursing success

2010-11-04T09:10:00.000-07:00

4 months. 4 very long months. An endless cycle of nursing, pumping, bottle feeding. For 3 hours, every 3 hours(that means almost nonstop)
Today. Today, Isabella nursed her breakfast in an hour and I didn't need to pump her a bottle to take.
Last night, she refused a night time bottle and nursed herself to sleep. I think we may have nursing success, finally.
Thank the Lord!

2010-11-02T08:46:00.001-07:00

After 4 months of very little sleep, I am still enjoying every moment with Isabella. I get tired, but not tired of her. I am so grateful to God for her. I am so blessed to be missing my sleep!

2010-11-02T07:33:00.000-07:00

Isabella is talking to us all the time now. She even complains in a coo! She just changes the intonation of the coo!
We went to Batesville this weekend and she showed out for Pappaw, Brenda and Gigi.
She loves to scoot on her changing table on her back by pushing her legs against your stomach and she loves to study her feet in her bath.
She loves to splash in her tub at bathtime.

laughs

2010-10-22T12:33:00.001-07:00

Isabella has been laughing this week. I just now am posting it. She was in her bouncy seat and batting at her toys and kicking her little feet jubilantly and laughed as William hid himself with a blanket and revealed himself again.

first chuckle

2010-10-12T13:16:00.001-07:00

I tickled Isabella today and she gave a little chuckle. "Huh-huh"

2010-10-11T22:24:00.001-07:00

Made plastic bag toy to put under Isabella's feet today. She loved it. She waved her arms wildly as she moved her feet and delighted in the crinkle of the bags.
She was really grinning at funny faces today.
Went antiuqing for a changing table today and saw Bonnie Busbee.

2010-09-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

Isabella was grinning up a storm this morning. She grinned at everyone that talked to her. We are going to worry her to death for those grins! We'll have to try to catch one on the camera to post. She really follows us around with her eyes now as we move around the room.
She definitely knows me now. She quiets every time I get her, no matter how distressed she is. She loves to nurse, but has not mastered the techinique for getting her meals that way. I am still nursing, incessantly pumping, and bottle feeding her. It's tiring, but worth it for her to have breast milk.

First Smile

2010-09-21T10:58:00.003-07:00

Isabella smiled at me today. The first one I count as real and wide awake. Yeah!

First Smile

2010-09-21T10:58:00.001-07:00

Isabella smiled at me today. The first one I count as real and wide awake. Yeah!
She has rolled over several times since she was born, back to front in the first week in her crib on the little positioner, which has a little incline to it that probably aided the roll, later back to front on our bed when Rachel had to set her down for a minute, and today on the floor front to back, with the aid of my hand to push off of. She was on a slippery blanket on the floor. Every time I put my hand close to her feet, she pushed until she turned over.

Wholehearted Joy

2010-09-09T22:27:00.000-07:00

I am wholeheartedly praising God because she is wholehearted!

Isabella had her echocardiagram yesterday. It was three long hours long, but after 2 solid hours or more of looking at her heart and vessels, the doctor decided that her heart was OK. He heard an aortic stenoisis, but couldn't find any physical evidence of it. That was why they studied her so long. I am wholeheartedly relieved that she is wholehearted! Big brother, William held her and comforted her through the whole procedure, doing an amazing job of keeping her peacefully asleep. Thank you my big boy!
After crying for the first 5 minutes of the echo, William gave her a bottle and got her to sleep. My big boy held her in a very uncomforatble position (for him) for those 2 hours, and worked to comfort her so that she wouldn't wake and cry again as they poked around. They couldn't study her heart with her crying so it really was a necessity. They needed her to be quiet and still to do the procedure. By God's grace, she stayed asleep. He is good even in the details. Can you imagine that visit if she hadn't slept.?

I am so grateful!

After our doctors appointment, we treked by the nursing home to see Laura's parents, my best friend while growing up. I learned so much of what I know of life and how to live it from them and from her. She is one of those friends that I will eternally be grateful to GOd for. I never would have navigated many of the trials of my life without her help.
It was such a blessing to see them. They ate Isabella up. I love them so much . Some of my best memories of childhood are with them. I praise my sweet God that I got to share Isabella with them today. It brought tears to all of our eyes, theirs and mine. It was so precious to see them hold my sweet baby and love her.

Of course the appointment was in Jackson, which is 2 hours away. It takes me forever to get everything I need for a day together, pump, pump supplies, diabetes supplies for William, all of Isabella's stuff, etc. By the time I did her last feeding before going to bed and got bottles sterilized and filled, the requisite load of laundry, pumped one last time before going to bed, etc. it was 2 AM. We got up at 4:30 to feed, pump, get ready and load up, so I really only napped for a couple of hours that night . I went by Babies R Us to pump and feed again at 9 AM, pumped and fed in a hotel parking lot at 3PM after the appointment , and then pumped as I drove home after our visit with the Colemans, LOL! I bought a nursing apron at Babies R Us and draped myself so I could drive and pump. I cut a sports bra up to use as a harness when I pump so I can be relatively hands free! Do you think that's what they mean when they say multitasking?

Supply

2010-09-08T16:17:00.000-07:00

OK, I pumped 2 or 3 times an hour today to get my supply back up to almost 2 oz every 3 hours. I am going to keep it up as long as I can. Hopefully, I can get enough milk that Isabella doesn't have to work for it so hard.
Thinking of supply...............
I love that God promises to supply alll my needs. Not only does He promise to supply them, but abundantly, according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. He loves me. I need to be loved. It makes me feel safe when I think about it. I helps all my problems to think about His love and His promises to supply my needs.

That means that when I have a problem with one of the children, I can come to Him. When I have a problem in my marriage, I can come to Him. When my world has fallen apart, I can come to Him. And I have in each of those instances and He, He has not disappointed me.
He has carried me through earth shattering marital crises.
He has carried me through life threatening illnesses with my children.
He has carried me through the death of those closest to me.
He has carried me through the spilt milk and endless laundry and chores that overwhelm a mother's day. And He has made my work joy.

He has made my trials a blessing and given me peace and joy in the raging storms of life.

Father,
I love you.

Cheryl

First visit with Gigi

2010-09-07T14:47:00.000-07:00

This week we went to Jackson to a doctor's appt. I went to an MD that specializes in breastfeeding. She prescribed fenugreek to increase my supply and watched to make sure Isabella's palate was not too hight for her to nurse. She gave me a different size shield to use when pumping and advised me to nurse her when she wasn't frantically hungry. Still not much luck. I couldn't really nurse this weekend with all the company. We were getting the hang of it before we left. I hope I can accomplish that this week.

We went by to visit my dear friend, Laura, after we went to the doctor's. We always laugh when we call each other "my oldest friend" now. My birthday and Laura's are only a few days apart in November.
It was so much fun to watch Kimberly, Kaitlyn, Laura and Harry hold Isabella. . Ealier this year when Kimberly, her youngest, found out I was expecting, she told Laura and Harry to go do what they needed to do right now to get her a baby, LOL! That afternoon Kimberly again said she wanted a baby. Laura told her they didn't have anywhere to put a baby. Kimberly responded, "I have a whole shelf next to my bed!" LOL!

We visited Gigi this weekend. It was the first time she has seen Isabella.

It was precious. Gigi ate her up and Isabella loved Gigi. They gazed at each other for hours both days as Gigi talked and talked to her. William Lee came by to visit, too.
I took pics. I'll have to post them and a video. More later.

This was also the first time that Janie, Stacey, Lee, Andy, Jan, Bob,
Amy, and Mark saw her.
It was fun to share my sweet baby with our loved ones.

17 years

2010-09-07T08:20:00.000-07:00

Today( August 27th) is Willliam's seventeenth birthday. I remember this day 17 years ago very well and it really only seems like a few years.
He is such a precious boy. I am so grateful for him.
He still hugs on me and holds my hand no matter where we are. His love language is definitely touch.

We didn't do a whole lot today. We got cake and snacks from Sam's. He had Jake and Tucker to spend the night and play video games. He went to the movies and Books a MIllion with Collin the next day.

And he said to me," Thanks, Mom. This was the best birthday ever."

I am so glad that the little I could accomplish was more than enough for him.
Precious boy.

Perfect

2010-09-07T08:16:00.000-07:00

I know you find that you struggle a lot, with many things, with all the things that you wish you could fix about yourself. We all do. Whether you want to have more patience with your children, want to be joyful and peaceful all the time, want to be more organized, want to have more discipline in any area of your life, want to be more Christlike, and the list goes on....
I find comfort in this. ..
"But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29 so that no human being [3] might boast in the presence of God. 30 And because of him [4] you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31 so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1: 27 - 31.
I am foolish and weak. Sometimes I feel like a "not". There are so many things about me that I wish were better.
2 Corinthians 12:9 "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
He accepts me and uses me as I am. My weakness allows His strength to shine and makes me grateful to Him that He will use me just as I am. He takes what I am and makes it beautiful.

Rest in Him. Look to Him. Don't strive so hard.

2010-08-18T16:48:00.001-07:00

2010-08-18T16:42:00.000-07:00

Everyone is enjoying Isabella!
She is a joy to hold. We love all her little baby sounds. We love all her little baby moves. We all oooh and aah over her all day long. There is never a shortage of arms wanting to hold her.
The cuddling, the snuggling, the feeding, all so much fun. We excalim over her all day long.

Today, she demostrated a new talent.... Projectile pooping.
Rachel was changing her and had just put a new diaper on, but it was not yet closed.
Isabella pooped all the way across the room. We could hear Rachel's exclamations and all went to see.
We all laughed heartily.
William got the clean up joh. He is the one that pooped all over the carpet at 18 months and it was David's birthday. Rachel couldn't because she was gagging. Lol.

Grateful

2010-08-04T10:09:00.000-07:00

I am thanking God for all the wonderful people He brought into my life as a result of carrying Isabella to term with an uncertain diagnosis. He brought beautiful women of faith along side me to encourage my heart, women that walked the same road and turned their trials into a ministry of faith, Monica Rafie, Louise Flannagan, Laura Dawson, Julie Stahl, Amy Beth, Katie Butts and others.
All of my friends that have prayed for us. I want you to know that each prayer strengthened and encouraged my heart. Thank you for lifting us up. God is always good, even when His answer is no. I am grateful for His "Yes!"
I look forward to the new friends we will make as we travel the journey He has planned for us. I hope to honor and glorify Him as He is worthy of praise and devotion.
Please pray for Katie Butts and Ellie, from the blog, http://www.baseballsbutterfliesblessings.blogspot.com/

Katie is due to have Ellie on August 17th. This has been a difficult and uncertain pregnancy. Ellie will be medically fragile and have to endure many tests and treatments if she survives to term.

You will be blessed by her posts.... Her first child, Will, was born a congenital amputee. He makes me laugh and nothing holds him back.

Katie is a woman after God's own heart.See More

Baseballs, Butterflies, & Blessings

http://www.baseballsbutterfliesblessings.blogspot.com/..

Please welcome and pray for my new friend, Meghan Beauman Bell, and check out her ministry, Cross Healed Hearts.

http://crosshealedhearts.blogspot.com/?spref=fb

And I have been remiss in not posting the site that first gave me hope when I found out that Isabella had very little chance of survival.

http://www.benotafraid.net/

Thank you my friends. I love you all

2010-07-18T17:31:00.001-07:00

Welcome Isabella!

2010-07-10T15:10:00.000-07:00

Written July 2010

Hey Baby!

You're here! God is so good! I get to keep you! I dare not even say the words out loud because if I did I would burst into tears! I can't even write them without sobbing! These are happy tears! My heart is so full it could burst!
They decided on Saturday, July 3rd that my eclampsia was severe enough to keep me overnight. They did 2 ultrasounds on you that day and at the time you were OK. Jill Acosta, my friend, was our nurse. She was so worried. On Sunday they decided to induce you because the PIH was reaching levels that were of concern, mainly my reflexes were so hyper. My BP was erratic.
On Saturday night, I began to have contractions. I had a good deal of pain. I wonder if that was when your placenta abrupted.
By God's grace, He kept you safe until your delivery on Monday afternoon with a placenta that was 25 to 30% abrupted, 40% is fatal. I am still overwhelmed at how close I came to losing you.

OK your delivery was pretty funny. I kept telling them that I went fast after 5. Now granted, I didn't go as fast as I usually do at 5. I waited until 6 to go from 6 to 10 in seconds. Misty was checking and felt it go from 6 or 7 to 10 in seconds. The call button didn't work. She sent your dad for help. You were crowning. He WALKED to the nurses station for the doctor. Dr. Nelson came in and was asking Rachel to hold my leg for me to push when I had another contraction and you popped out(head, shoulders and tail) like a champagne cork, one whole baby in a second. You should have seen the look on Dr. Nelson's face. It was a good thing the table was up!

Oh Isabella, I can't tell you how much I thank God for you. He has blessed me beyond comparison, beyond my wildest dreams.

2010-06-16T23:20:00.001-07:00

Well the preeclampsia seems to be better. I am feeling a lot better. Today was the first day that my blood pressure has been relatively normal all day and it is the first day that i haven't had a headache in almost 3 weeks! I also feel like moving around a bit, which I haven't.
I am grateful to God for restoring me and helping Isabella one more time.

What an unimaginable journey. I never could have dreamed the last few months. If I had dreamed them, I wouldn't have understood and would have thought of it as a nightmare. But I don't now. I see things so differently than I did, it's hard to imagine where I started.

2010-06-13T19:58:00.000-07:00

Isabella,
I am dreaming of rocking, nursing and snuggling. I am dreaming of swingsets and playgrounds. I am dreaming of teaparties, playdates and ABC's.
I can't wait to meet and hold you.
I'll confess that I am not even thinking about sleepless nights. I am dreaming of staring at you in the wee hours and listening to the wee sounds you make as we rock the night away.
Rachel has a new camera. I know we will get some great shots of you at your birth.
Would you please get in birth position. I am waiting.
I love you, Baby.
Mama

2010-06-03T10:30:00.001-07:00

Dear Lord,
My blood pressure is up again. Please hold of any eclampsia and keep Isabella safe.
I love You.
In Jesus Name and By the Power of His Blood.
Cheryl

2010-06-02T06:47:00.000-07:00

My dearest most precious Isabella,
Who knew that monitoring you would be so fun? You were a crack. I love you, baby. You have a fiesty little personality that has served you well during this difficult time. I thank the Lord that He blessed you with some of your mother's obstinance. My closest friends and family have labeled me as stubborn and I agree. It has served me well. Sometimes our strengths can be our faults. I am sure that sometimes my stubborn determination extends itself to that degree at times. I try to be reasonable, but if I am sure, I am sure.

I prefer another name for it. It sounds better. Perseverance.
Never give up!

Sometimes I label it optimism, determined that if I never give up, I haven't failed yet. Not only that, but with God all things are possible!
Sounds reasonable to me.

Did I remember to tell you that you threw a little fit during your nonstress test monitoring yesterday? They couldn't keep the monitor on you. You weren't having any of it. Every time it touched you, you squirmed out of the way. After almost an hour, you finally gave up and consented to the little monitor touching you. LOL!

I was so encouraged by your determination to avoid that monitor. It seemed very healthy to me.

I can't wait to meet you, hold you and love you...... I am dreaming daydreams of nursing, rocking and singing (I am choosing to forget sleepless nights, but will confess that I will praise God for every one if He lets me keep you.)I am dreaming of swingsets, sandboxes and strollers.
I am dreaming of loving you for a long time. I think this is one of the first times that my heart has been able to go there, precious. Keeping you is one of the deepest desires of my heart. The reality that I might not get to has been all too real. (Father, keep her safe.)

Must be prayers lifting me up and encouraging my heart.

I feel better this week. If labor and blood pressure problems will hold off, I will fix you a nursery. I can't wait.

I love you so much!

Mamma

2010-06-01T22:22:00.000-07:00

My blood pressure is officially up. I can't get it down unless I am lying down. I started some Aldomet, but I don't know if it will help yet.
They did some tests for preeclampsia today and I will do a 24 hour urine tommorow. All my blood work came back OK, but I have retained a lot of fluid over the past week.
Then, when I went to work, I had contractions the entire time I was on my feet. They stopped when I got home and started resting, but I don't know how many more strikes I can take and keep on. I sure do hope I can keep going at least another week. But I will listen to what they tell me.
The good news is that Isabella passed her NST. I was relieved that her heartrate was good when she was moving. And she decided she did not like that monitor on her at all. She moved a lot! LOL! She threw a little fit when they started. She was all riled up. The very idea of anyone fooling aroung with her. I am so careful to pay attention to the things she indicates she hates. She doesn't like tight pants. She hates for me to bend over. She really doesn't like for me to poke around on her, but I confess that sometimes I do because I like to watch her kick. She really has not been crazy about me lying on my left side, but I found out that that is the only way to get my blood pressure down, so I have ignored her on that one. She has adjusted.
They were so sweet on the OB floor and told me to come back anytime I was the least bit worried about her. Better safe than sorry. Since I have been worried on the days she is not very active, that made me feel better.
Thank you, Lord that I made it through this day of work after the monitoring. Please continue to bless me and Isabella. Keep her safe until it's time for her to make an appearance.
Again, You know the desire of my heart.I pray that she would be perfectly healthy.
I know that You are able and I am not ashamed to ask.( "Ye have not because ye ask not." That doesn't mean He will say yes, only that I should ask. If I were perfectly in tune with His will, I would know what He wills and ask for that. But I am not there. I don't know if I ever will be. Sometimes I hear Him very clearly on some issues. And sometimes I can't make it out at all.
I have been almost sure many times in this pregnancy that He was saying "no" and then we passed another month that I didn't think we would make. I obviously was not hearing Him correctly, thank heavens!)
Lord, I know you give us enought light for the step we are on and ready for.
Thank you for all You are and all You do.
I love You. I really do.
Lord, bless my marriage.
This pregnancy, the wedding, and working have strained things greatly. He really didn't want to deal with what was already on his plate, much less anything new. He has really hurt my feelings with a lack of care and consideration. I need Your healing power. I need the strength to save up forgiveness until he is able to want it.
I need Your love to pour through me, unmerited and undeserved, to him.
Fill my heart with what You would. Shape me as You would. Help me to be ready for molding and shaping into what You would have me to be.
I can't change anyone but myself and I am only responsible for myself.
Thank You for that too!
In Jesus Name and by the Power of HIS HOLY BLOOD,
Cheryl

2010-06-01T05:58:00.000-07:00

Father,

I am so grateful. I am humbled and grateful that You always see me through the blood of Your Precious Son. Those words don't really encompass how I feel about that.
It's Your Grace.
Unmerited favor.
Love beyond measure, totally underserved.
Given.
No way to earn it. But no need, thank goodness.
You're always there... Trying to help me see... Trying to help me grasp...Leading me...Loving me... Guiding me...
I want to share You with a dying world and help them see the God I see.
I want them to know the God I know.
They don't know how much You love them.
Lord, help me to become a purer vessel for You, help me to forsake the sins that beset me and get in the way of Your desire to live through me.
I want so badly to be a vessel for You. It's pretty obvious how far I fall short.
Thank You for You unlimited patience, love and forgiveness.
Thank You for Your unlimited ability to do above and beyond all that I ask or can envision.
Forgive me for all the ways I fail You.
Thank You for that forgiveness.

Please let me work this week to keep some of my income until Isabella is here. Thank You for allowing me to work until now. Forgive me for the times I have complained about doing too much. I am grateful for how You have provided.

Help me to be the wife, mother, and friend that You have created me to be.

Help me to remember Your unlimited power and love as I go through my day.
Keep me in constant prayer. Help me be with You as I go through my day. If I worked harder at walking with You instead of my misguided attempts to live for You(As much as I would like to think it does, it does Not come naturally! Unless You are constantly living through me, I am walking in my own power... No wonder I am not seeing the results I would like to see.)
I love You and am so grateful to be Yours.

In Jesus Precious Name and By the Power of His Precious Blood,
Cheryl

2010-05-31T21:09:00.000-07:00

Jeremiah 29:11
I recited that verse tonight. I needed a word from God. He knew my heart was floundering a bit.
The past few days have been hard days. My blood pressure has been up except when I am on my left side. Isabella didn't move much Saturday or Sunday. Enough to keep up a kick count, but not enough to relieve any anxiety about her.
Sometimes I lose hope that I will hold her here. And I want her for a lifetime. Sometimes I get discouraged that I may not have her for a lifetime. God already knows His plans. I know I should pray, but I am too discouraged to pray.
Heavenly Father,
I'm sorry I wasn't just throwing myself at your feet. I want this so badly and I don't want You to say no. I know You still love me if You say no... This is hard to put in words.
I am pleading with You for Your blessing. I am pleading for this child. I am pleading for a healthy child.
I am tired, Lord. I need to cast my burdens on You and let You carry me.
I come to You now.
I will praise You no matter what, but You know what I want with all my heart.
Thank You that you have plans to proper me and not to harm me. Thank you that You have plans for hope and for a future.
Help me to see the ways You want to use me and be faithful to pursue those to Your glory.
Thank you for being there.
In Jesus Name and through His blood,
Cheryl

Mom

2010-05-29T20:52:00.000-07:00

Today I miss mom again. Sometimes it takes me by surprise... Out of the blue, I think of her and start sobbing. I guess you never really quit missing a mom.............

2010-05-29T10:06:00.000-07:00

Lord,
Thank you today for answered prayer.
Thank you that Ellie Grace was better. My heart needed that.
Thank you that Isabella's kidney is still functioning.
Thank you for these precious babies.
I can't wait to meet her. Keep her safe, Lord. Bring her safely into this world for me to meet.
Lord, help me to be the wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend that you created me to be.
Help me to see with my eternal eyes and thank you for always being there, holding me up, guiding and protecting me.
Love,
Cheryl

2010-05-29T10:02:00.000-07:00

Wednesday May 26th

Isabella,

Today you and me and Rachel swam in the pool. You like the pool. You like the lack of gravity. I wonder if it feels cool to you through my belly.
We watched Jacki Chan in The Spy Next Door and made Chicken Alfredo. It was a nice day.
Then We watched August Rush and you kicked on the couch. I wouldn't take anything for your kicks. I am so blessed to carry you.
I love you.
Tomorrow I find out if everything is going OK or not. I may find out more about whether or not I am going to have a lot more time with you or not.
No matter what, you are precious to me.
I love you.
Mama

2010-05-28T05:19:00.000-07:00

Heavenly Father,

I am so grateful that You spoke and the universe came into being.
I am so grateful that You love us so deeply.
Reminded of Your power and Your love, I quietly come in praise and adoration for all that You are and ask Your divine touch on Isabella and Ellie.
Thank you for gracing us with daughters.
I know You are able. I pray with all my heart that it is Your plan that they be with us for a long time.
This is so hard.
I know you are teaching me to see with my eternal eyes. Something I thought I was pretty good at until now.
"Keep your eyes on the things above and not on the things of this earth, for you have died and your life is hidden with God in Christ Jesus."
Thank you so much for the reduction of fluid in Ellie yesterday. My heart needed that. I needed to know Your heart. I needed a hint that she could survive. Thank you so much. I am pleading.
Love,
Cheryl

2010-05-27T17:35:00.001-07:00

2010-05-25T20:57:00.000-07:00

“But the eyes of the LORD are…on those whose hope is in his unfailing love.” ~ Psalm 33:18

“I have hope… Because of the LORD’s great love…his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness…The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him…” ~ Lamentations 3: 21-25

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” – Hebrews 11:1

“…And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” – Romans 5:1-5

“But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.” Psalm 39: 7

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

1 Peter 4:10

Isaiah 40:28-31

God gives. God takes. God’s name ever be blessed. ~Job 1:21

You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy... ~Psalm 30:11

Do not mourn like those that have no hope. ~1 Thes. 4:13

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

Cast all your cares on the LORD and He will sustain you. ~Psalms 55:22

Cast all your anxiety on Him for He cares for you. ~1 Peter 5:7

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ~Matthew 11:28

…though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith…may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. ~1 Peter 1: 6-9

Be still and know that am I God. ~Psalm 46:10

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. ~Proverbs 3:5,6

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. ~Joshua 1:9

But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” ~2 Cor. 12:9

Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. ~Ephesians 3:20

But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. ~1 Cor. 1:27

“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” ~Philippians 4:11-13

Yet I still dare to hope
when I remember this:

The faithful love of the Lord never ends
His mercies never cease.
Great is his faithfulness;
his mercies begin afresh each morning.
I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance;
therefore, I will hope in him!”

The Lord is good to those who depend on him,
to those who search for him.
So it is good to wait quietly
for salvation from the Lord.
And it is good for people to submit at an early age
to the yoke of his discipline:

Let them sit alone in silence
beneath the Lord’s demands.
Let them lie face down in the dust,
for there may be hope at last.
Let them turn the other cheek to those who strike them
and accept the insults of their enemies.

For no one is abandoned
by the Lord forever.
Though he brings grief, he also shows compassion
because of the greatness of his unfailing love.
For he does not enjoy hurting people
or causing them sorrow.

~Lamentations 3:21-33

2010-05-25T08:44:00.000-07:00

Isabella,

Sweet baby, I lay on the couch for an hour this morning. I lay there with you and savored every kick and squirm. You are so cooperative!
Big kicks, little kicks, squirms....at a steady pace... I delight in every little move you make.
If this is the only time we get, I want to savor it. I want to remember it. I want to treasure it so completely that I don't feel like I never really got to be with you, baby.
I love you so much.
Thank you for being your sweet precious little self.
My friend, Katie had a girls day the other day. She has inspired and helped me to enjoy you.
I never enjoyed being pregnant with a baby more. Isn't it special?
You are so special to me. My heart is full to overflowing with the joy of being your mother. I love it. I feel so blessed.
And I am grateful to God for the privelege. I am grateful once again that He has brought me to a place where I can...
Praise Him for you no matter how much time we get together.

It's good I feel this way today.

Thursday, we may get bad news and we may not. I know if I do, I will be overwhelmed with it. Remind me of today then.

I love you so much.

Mamma

2010-05-24T02:58:00.000-07:00

My sweet newlyweds are home safely! They had a great time!
I am grateful to family and friends that provided for a great honeymoon! I am grateful to God for keeping them safe and providing the lovely time they had!

I am grateful that for the past couple of days, Isabella has been lively and kept me smiling with kicks and squirms. These are so precious to me. I love you Isabella Grace!

2010-05-22T22:51:00.000-07:00

Habakkuk 3:19: The Lord is my strength! He will make me as surefooted as a deer and bring me safely over the mountains.

"Be still and know that I am God" (Ps 46:10)

"In Him, and through Him, I live, and breath, and have my being and only in Him do I find my rest"

Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

1 Chronicles 16:34: "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; His love endures forever."

Psalm 47:6 "Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises."
Acts 17:28 "... in Him we live and move and have our being."

Hebrews 4:16 "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

Psalm 139 v 13-16: "For you created my inmost being you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 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 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."

''Behind my life the Weaver stands and works His wondrous will - I leave it in His all wise hands and trust His perfect skill.''

Isaiah 41:10: ''Fear not, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed. I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.'' -

Psalm 103:1. “Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name.” Psalm 103:1-2

Psalm 6:9: "The Lord has heard my cry for mercy; the Lord accepts my prayer"

"Be still and know that I am God..." (Ps 46:10) Ps 43:4 "I will put my hope in God, and once again I will praise Him, my Saviour and my God." We give thanks to God for He is good; His mercy endures forever!"

2010-05-20T06:43:00.000-07:00

I have been a little lost the past few days. Full of grief and lost my focus.
God is always so good to help me find it again. I love Him.

Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done (1 Chronicles 16:8).
Let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found (Psalm 32:6).
Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near (Isaiah 55:6).
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened (Matt. 7:7-8).
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer (Romans 12:12).
Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints (Ephesians 6:18).
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God (Philippians 4:6).
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful (Colossians 4:2).
Pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone (1 Timothy 2:1).
I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing (1 Tim. 2:8).
Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray (James 5:13).
Build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit (Jude 20).

It is clear that our Father wants his children to pray to him, a commitment which his Son modeled throughout his life and ministry: "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed" (Mark 1:35). Before choosing his 12 apostles, "One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God" (Luke 6:12). Another time, "Jesus was praying in private and his disciples were with him" (Lk. 9:18).

After feeding the 5,000, Jesus "went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone" (Matthew 14:23). Later "he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray" (Lk. 9:28). The night of his arrest, " Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, 'Sit here while I go over there and pray'" (Matt. 26:36).

Luke tells us that "Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed" (Lk. 5:16). The writer of Hebrews adds that "during the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission" (Hebrews 5:7). Now Jesus "is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them" (Heb. 7:25).

2010-05-17T22:52:00.000-07:00

I reread the words to My Shepherd Will Supply My Need a minute ago. I know that He will. I can do what I have to . I will praise Him. He is always worthy of praise. At all times. I want to be faithful to praise Him always. I want to be faithful to have joy in the midst of my grief.

1. My Shepherd will supply my need:
Jehovah is His Name;
In pastures fresh He makes me feed,
Beside the living stream.
He brings my wandering spirit back
When I forsake His ways,
And leads me, for His mercy's sake,
In paths of truth and grace.

2. When I walk through the shades of death,
Thy presence is my stay;
A word of Thy supporting breath
Drives all my fears away.
Thy hand, in sight of all my foes,
Doth still my table spread;
My cup with blessings overflows,
Thine oil anoints my head.

3. The sure provisions of my God
Attend me all my days;
O may Thy house be my abode,
And all my work be praise!
There would I find a settled rest,
While others go and come;
No more a stranger, nor a guest,
But like a child at home.

2010-05-17T22:43:00.000-07:00

My oldest, Sarah, got married Saturday. It was a beautiful day filled with beautiful memories.
She is only 20, but when she met Bryan, it wasn't long before she knew he was the one. He is an amazing man.
He loves the Lord deeply. He loves Sarah deeply.
She was as calm as anyone could have been for her big day.
She and Brian waited to have their first kiss at their ceremony.
He cried as she walked down the aisle. They both had a wonderful time. They are so excited to start on their lives together and commited to serving the Lord.

I have prayed my children's entire lives for the right mates. I have had them praying for a long time for their future mates.
I was so grateful to God for answering that prayer in such a powerful and unmistakeable way. I know that we are blessed and I know Who blessed us.

The day could not have been more joyful or perfect.

Coincidence or not, Rachel sings to Isabella at home, and when Rachel sang "My Shepherd Will Supply My Need" during the ceremony, Isabella started kicking vigorously and kicked the entire time she sang. She didn't do that again the entire day. I was happy to be so concious of her presence there with me. My heart was full of all of my girls.

It is amazing that God sent such an amazing blessing in the midst of heartache. It is amazing how my heart can be full of joy at the same time that my heart is so heavy with heartache over Isabella.

I have been researching ultrasound pictures of trisomy 18 and 13 babies. I just couldn't quite bring myself to believe that she really might have those fatal trisomies, and yet I knew that Dr. Tucker wouldn't exaggerate the probablity to me. I found enough information to support his statements.

I know that because she had a large cystic hygroma, has a polycystic kidney. has a short femur, has swollen looking feet and has growth in the 25% percentile, those are very real possibilities. I found that some babies with trisomy 13 or 18 look normal on ultrasound. It is so hard to admit to myself that it is a real possibility. I wanted to tell myself that since no cardiac abnormalities had shown up, since her fists weren't clenched, and she doesn't have microcephaly that those were not what I was looking at.

I know God didn't close His eyes when He formed her.

Pray that I will be faithful to praise Him for His plan.

I know you understand when I say that that particular plan breaks my heart. It is really hard to get to joy in the midst of my grief.

I love God and I trust Him and I don't want that plan.

I don't want to pray for the best and plan for the worst. If I plan for the worst it is so real for me that I can't stand it. No one else really considers the worst for us. I can tell they don't go there.

How do I do this?

I am really having a hard time. Tonight, I just can't stop crying.

I know My God loves me and her. I do trust Him even when my heart is breaking. I will praise Him no matter what happens. I know Who He Is.

But my heart is broken tonight. I am grieving. If anyone has any words of wisdom to throw my way, I am open.

My shepherd will supply my need

2010-05-16T16:46:00.000-07:00

Artist: Isaac Watts
Album: other songs
Buy other songs CD
Lyrics: My Shepherd Will Supply My Need

My Shepherd will supply my need:
Jehovah is His Name;
In pastures fresh He makes me feed,
Beside the living stream.
He brings my wandering spirit back
When I forsake His ways,
And leads me, for His mercy's sake,
In paths of truth and grace. 2. When I walk through the shades of death,
Thy presence is my stay;
A word of Thy supporting breath
Drives all my fears away.
Thy hand, in sight of all my foes,
Doth still my table spread;
My cup with blessings overflows,
Thine oil anoints my head.
3. The sure provisions of my God
Attend me all my days;
O may Thy house be my abode,
And all my work be praise!
There would I find a settled rest,
While others go and come;
No more a stranger, nor a guest,
But like a child at home.

2010-05-15T07:48:00.001-07:00

Precious Heavenly Father,

I have to say thank you again today. You have blessed us so immeasurably.

Today, my oldest gets married. My heart is full to overflowing with joy. Joy because I am sure the man she is marrying is a man of God, who will love her as she deserves to be loved and lead her in a life that honors and glorifies You. You pray their entire lives for this kind of blessing. So all I can say is thank you, Father. I know Who accomplishes good in my life and hers. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

If I had time this morning, I would say much more. Thank you that no matter what befalls in our lives, You fill us with Your Presence and I KNOW that I am BLESSED.

I love you,

Cheryl

Answered prayer

2010-05-13T18:18:00.000-07:00

I haven't listed one of my biggest blessings: my future son in law, will be son in law on Saturday!
I have prayed for my children to find a spouse that loves the Lord for their entire lives. My prayers are sometimes audible and sometimes take the form of trusting God because He knows my hearts desire. He knows that I want, above all, I want my children to live their lives to His glory, to honor and glorify Him because He is worthy or honor and praise. Because He alone is the source of all Good and All Good Things.
Bryan loves the Lord and he loves Sarah. I adore him and am thrilled to add him to our family. I praise God for bringing them together and answering one of the greatest desires of my heart.
Dad always says the two most important decisions a person can make are accepting Jesus as Savior and Lord and marrying the right person.
Sarah has now accomplished both.
Life has bumps.
Life is unpredictable and nothing is certain.
But the two most basic things you need for a happy marriage are to love the Lord and love each other.

As a bonus, Bryan is responsible and has impecable character.His heart is to serve the Lord.

I am overjoyed to turn Sarah over to him!

I am delighted that she will be his responsibility!

I will always be here for them, of course, but what a big rock to put in my stack!

Thank you, Lord for answered prayer. You are truly amazing. If I forgot to thank you before now, let me say:
I praise You for all You do. I praise You for accomplishing this. I thank You for Bryan.

He loves me

2010-05-13T16:50:00.001-07:00

When Rachel was about 18 months old, she became very ill. For a couple of weeks she was in the hospital running temps of over 105 even dosing either Tylenol or Motrin every 2 hours, and using tepid baths at 105 in between.
At the end of 2 weeks, her blood work looked odd and her lymph nodes were enlarged. We were sent to University Medical Center in Jackson for about 2 weeks. We spent Easter there. They ran almost no tests for about a week and a half, other than a nasal swab for an adeno virus. When she quit nursing or playing at all and was just lying in the bed, I was standing on my head trying to get someone's attention. They did a CAT of her sinuses(where did that come from, is all I can say). At the end of that week, her temps were down to 102 and they let us go home, saying that although she did not test positive for adeno virus, that must be it and she would recover.
About a week later, her belly looked like she was starving in Africa; it was huge. Her temps were over 101. I called my pediatrician again and he had us come in for some blood work. He and Dr. Massengill consulted together and came in to tell me that it looked like she had leukemia. They were sending her to Birmingham the next day.
I cried all night. Heartbroken and angry. Angry at God.
Over the next couple of days, I asked Him how He could love us and let this happen?
How could He give her to me and take her away?
His answer was almost audible to my heart......
"I gave my only Son so that you could be together for an eternity. You can never lose her. How can you question my love?"
He told me that when my heart was breaking, His was too. I was His child.

I understood what He was saying.
I haven't questioned His love since. I know that whatever befalls, He loves us without question. He made the ultimate sacrifice of His only Son.

Over the next week, they ran tests for all sorts of infections: cat scratch fever, psitacosis, toxiplasmosis, Ebstein Barr, CMV and others.
They tested for autoimmune disorders such as Juvenile Rhuematoid Arthritis, Lupus, etc.
They did CAT scans of her huge liver and spleen for neoplams. They did a bone marrow for Leukemia.
She was diagnosed with CMV and Mono(Ebstein Barr). She had an unusual reaction to two ordinary illnesses.
She would live and be fine.
I love her so much. What a great kid. I am so grateful He let me keep her here.

But through the whole ordeal, He blessed me with the certainty of His love. I have been grateful for the lesson more than once.

2010-05-11T18:52:00.000-07:00

"I love the Lord, because He hears
My voice and my supplications.
Because He has inclined His ear to me,
Therefore I shall call upon Him as long as I live."
— Psalm 116.1,2

“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not look anxiously about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you with my righteous right hand.”

Isaiah 41:10

Our word from the Lord today is Isaiah 43:1-3 “Now this is what the Lord says—the One who created you, and the One who formed you, Israel. Do not fear, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by your name; you are Mine. I will be with you when you pass through the waters, and when you pass through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. You will not be scorched when you walk through the fire, and the flames will not burn you. For I the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, and your Savior give Egypt as a ransom for you.

"The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth."
— Psalm 145.18

Psalm 23

Jeremiah 30.17 For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD; because they called thee an Outcast, saying, This is Zion, whom no man seeketh after.

Matthew 9.22
Jesus turned and saw her. "Take heart, daughter," he said, "your faith has healed you." And the woman was healed from that moment.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Isaiah 30:26 The light of the moon will be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun will be seven times brighter, like the light of seven days, on the day the LORD binds up the fracture of His people and heals the bruise He has inflicted.

Jeremiah 33:6 'Behold, I will bring to it health and healing, and I will heal them; and I will reveal to them an abundance of peace and truth.

Psalm 107:20 He sent His word and healed them, And delivered them from their destructions.

2 Cor 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

Optimism

2010-05-11T15:14:00.000-07:00

In pondering things over the past week, several trains of thought have taken root in my mind.
1) God didn't close His eyes when making Isabella. If He made her with trisomy 13 or 18, He made her that way for a perfect reason. Selfishly, I would like to have her for a long time. But I understand that He has eternal purposes to accomplish. He can take her to heaven in the eternal perspective to accomplish thisngs on earth that I can not fathom. If he give us a witness that touches someone's heart, He may have a plan to save many babies. He may have a plan of eternal salvation for someone. How could I say that I wouldn't want Him to accomplish those things. I can't. He is good. That I know. I love Him. I know that, too. He loves me. I am sure. He loves her. I am sure. I can never loose her. I just may not get to keep her here.
If she is a testimony to the value of every little life He creates, no matter how brief, if that is His plan, I value that also. She is a beautiful baby. Precious in His sight and mine. I love her so much.

2) He may still have a plan to allow me to keep her. I don't know. I won't know before she is here, probably, since I elected not to have an amnio.

She beat the 95% chance that I would miscarry in the first trimester because of my age.

She beat the greater than 90% chance that her huge cystic hygroma would be fatal.

There is up to a 50% chance that she has a fatal chromosomal abnormality. Those are the best odds she has had.

3) God is not bound by any statistics.

I am determined to have Joy. Nothing can take the Lord from us and He is our joy. Even if I cry.

I trust Him. He is worthy of praise always. That sounds so lame because it is such an understatement of what our Precious Lord is.
He is God. Nothing is beyond Him or out of His hands.At a word the heavens and earth were created. We can not comprehend Him.

Healing my broken heart: Blessed

2010-05-09T17:15:00.000-07:00

Better today.
I am determined. Determined to be blessed. Determined to count my blessings.
God knows what is happening in my life and has planned it for a perfect reason.
He planned Isabella Grace. He planned her just as she is for His glory. Whatever her defects or imperfections, fatal or not.
She is to His glory and I am determined to count every day with her as a blessing.
Every moment, whether months or years, to count them as blessing. I am choosing Joy.
I am choosing Him.
I read Katie Butts blog. She is counting every moment with Ellie. I wondered how she could do that and not be overwhelmed with grief. I wondered how she could build a nursery that might never hold a baby. It was beyond my ability.
But I prayed the other night that I might choose Joy. I prayed that He would heal my hurting heart and fill it again with Joy. He has. I don't know how. I didn't think it was possible.
But the realization that every moment of this pregnancy is planned by Him helped me to realize that every one should be joyful.
Some of my biggest regrets in life are when I didn't coose joy. It is always a choice. A choice to rest in the arms of our incredible God and let Him carry us through our trials confident that He has our best interest at heart.
Know the plans I have for y0u, plans for good and not for evil, plans to give you a hope and a future.
Today is not all we have. It is only a vapor in the eternity of our lives and I am determined to live it as such. To see my trials as so tempory as almost nonexistent.
I am determined to enjoy my baby for the time given me with her and to love her as He loves me and to trust her to my precious God.
Now if I can just give another area of my life to God like that that I have been holding on to, I will be headed in the right direction.
Katie said that God sometimes blesses us in the midst of our worst nightmares. That is just another way of saying what I have always believed: The weight of glory far outweighs the weight of the suffering.
God has always sent my biggest blessings in the midst of trials. Trials that I would have avoided if I could choose. Trials that I might still not choose, could I choose even now. But trials that enriched my life immeasurably, that taught me Who He was. That taught me His love and faithfulness.

It took me by surprise Wednesday when Dr. Tucker said that Isabella's defects could be fatal. I knew the hygroma was a fatal condition. I knew the odds of overcoming that, but I thought when we got past that that we would be free and clear. To find that I was still in the position of waiting for my baby to die was more than I could accept joyfully. He had to help me. I had to know where I was to get where I needed to be. I guess since I was waiting for the hygroma to be over I was sure that when it was over, we could move on and if it wasn't she would be gone because of it.

So welcome Isabella Grace. I love you so much. You have filled my heart now for 6 months. I have waited for you to be mine forever, holding my breath until the obstacles were over.
Now I find that they my not ever be over. I may never hold you as a healthy child, physically whole. I may never get to rest in the peace that comes with a healthy child.
But I hold you now. I love you now. For now that is enough.

None of this took our God by surprise. He holds us both and we will enjoy one another for as long as we have each other here.
Then if it is His will, I will wait to hold you again in heaven. And if it is His will, I will have you here for a long time.

But you need to know how much I love you.
I love your kicks and rolls and wiggles. I love that I poke you and you move. I love to carry you. You have blessed me with your sweet little presence. I love you immeasurably.

Thank you, Precious Lord, for precious Isabella Grace. Hold her carefully. If its Your will, heal her and let me hold her for a long, long time.

Baby Isabella

2010-05-08T05:22:00.000-07:00

Dear Lord,

I just found out again that I may not get to keep her. I know you love her more than I do. If she goes to your arms before she comes to mine, I know I will meet her in heaven.
I want her so much. It is hard to process my thoughts.
My heart is broken.
I know Your eyes were not closed when You formed her lovingly in my womb. I am not sure of Your plan for us. I know I trust YOu with that.
My internet friend, Ellie's mom, is making a concious effort to enjoy her days with Ellie. I have enjoyed every little kick and roll, every ultrasound, every precious sign of her precious little life.
Life has been so busy for me. Working full time, Dad's wedding, Hugh's funeral, taking care of the house and kids, planning Sarah's wedding, doctor's appointments, all keeping me exhausted. I am going to make a conscious effort to be conscious of everything I am doing with Isabella. I am going to treasure my time with her. I am going to live in the moment and not wait for the future because today is all I have for sure and I don't want to regret how I spent today.
I hear You speaking to me, Lord, help me to hear.

2010-05-02T19:04:00.000-07:00

Joy.
I have had a singular lack of it lately. No time in the word.
Worry.
I have been doing too much of that lately. No time in the word.
Planning.
None.
Organization.
None.
I need the Lord in my every day life.
Can't believe I let busyness push Him out.
Rectifying that tonight.

2010-05-02T18:58:00.001-07:00

Gratitude. Forgiveness. Love. Joy. Peace.
Things of eternal significance.

2010-05-01T17:57:00.000-07:00

I am having a really hard time today. Really tired and fretting about the baby. She is in an odd position. I can't feel her movements as well in this position and it makes me worry that something is wrong. I can't wait until Wednesday.

2010-05-01T17:54:00.001-07:00

2010-04-30T17:32:00.001-07:00

goodies for the rooms

food for my house for before the rehersal.

Invitations to my house for before the rehersal.

Confirm guests

Office guests

Menu for rehersal dinner

guest count

tablecloths

siverware

napkins

serving pieces

candles

candleabra

flowers for table

Boston Butt

Baked Beans

Slaw

Potato Salad

Cheesecake

Shrimp

Remoulade

Salad

Fruit

Cheese

Meatballs

Spinach Dip

Artichoke Dip

Soft Drinks

2010-04-28T04:26:00.000-07:00

I like 99 balloons, Better than I ever imagined, and The Atypical Life, beautiful blogs.

2010-04-27T11:00:00.000-07:00

Things to do

Plates, napkins, silver for reception and rehersal dinner.
Serving pieces
Tablecloths
Invitations
Help for both
Punch
Drinks
Candles
Lights
Cleanup
Clean House
Plant Yard
Tables
Set up chairs and tables for both
Tablecloths for both
Flowers for both