A few days ago I experienced the most amazing things! God placed me
in two situations within an hour where I was able to help total
strangers. There are no words I can use to describe to incredible feelings I had in my heart. It wasn't for what I had done, it was for what I had witnessed and experienced.
I've helped strangers in the past. Even though I was sure
God had a hand in it, I always chalked it up to "being in the right
place at the right time". This was different. I didn't physically hear
Him say "do this" but it was just as clear. I knew exactly what I was
supposed to do, and there was no hesitation and no doubt in my mind.
I'm
not looking for praise or anyone to comment on what I did, so I'm not
going to say exactly what happened. That's not the point of this. The
point is- small miracles took place, and I feel SO incredibly blessed to
be a part of it... and not just ANY part of it, God chose me to make it
happen. To be able to carry out a plan in His name, an act of love in
the name of God our Father is an AMAZING feeling!
Afterward
I felt like I was floating! I came home and told Jason (my husband)
what had happened, and at that point I couldn't contain my joy. I was so
overcome with emotion and the tears overflowed. Days later I am still
incredibly overwhelmed and wondering how those people are today.
Two days after the first experience, God called on me again. This time one of my
nine-year-olds was with me and she simply said, "we have to help them".
And so we did.
"I will praise You in this storm."
It
wasn't my storm this time, but often it has been. I am still learning
to praise God in my storms. I am thankful for the opportunity to be
available for others during their storms.
I hope
God will call on me again; small ways, big ways, any way He chooses. I
hope He calls, and I hope I am listening so I never miss an opportunity
to assist in His work.
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Saturday, October 12, 2013
Can I Be Sure?
How can we ever really be sure of anything? If you can't hold
it in your hand, see it, taste it, smell it... somehow physically prove
it... how do you ever really know?
Take for instance your spouse. Do you know what your spouse does when you're not with them? No, you don't.
What about the gas gauge in your car? Do you know for sure that it's accurate? Nope. Much like your spouse, you just trust that it's telling you the truth.
Now the biggie... what about God? How do we know He's really there? Can we prove it?
That question is actually going to be left for another day. This blog is about our kids. How do we know that we have done not just an adequate job, but a GOOD job of raising them before sending them off into the world? How do we know we've prepared them?
Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
~Proverbs 22:6
Both my boys were baptized shortly after they were born. We promised before God and the church to raise them in Christian homes, teaching them about God and His Word. The same minister at my home church in Florida baptized them both. Since they are 7 years apart, much had changed since the eldest was born. Our minister, Fred, had just retired when we asked him to baptize our youngest son, and as a favor to our family he said "of course" he would!
When we lived in North Carolina we attended a wonderful church that baptized by submersion. We were at a point in our lives when our entire family was renewing our faith and becoming much closer to God. We spoke with our pastor and decided to be baptized again as a family. It was a wonderful experience! Our youngest, who was then a very intelligent 5 year old, fully understood that he was committing his life to the Lord and proclaimed his love for Jesus as he was dunked in the river. It brought tears to my eyes! Our oldest was 12, and all of him was baptized except his broken right arm which stayed above water in a cast and plastic bag.
Children make mistakes. It's very hard for me to reconcile the fact that my teenager has choices, and the choices he makes, good or bad, are his alone, and at this point do not reflect upon my parenting directly. He has been raised with values and morals, in a Christian home with a solid upbringing. I don't always agree with his choices, but I guess that's a given. At one point both of his ears were pierced and he was wearing his hair longer than I would have liked. In the past he has dated a few young ladies that I found rather questionable. Could I have kept him from piercing his ears? Sure! I was actually the one who took him to do it. Could I have cut his hair shorter? Absolutely! In the big picture, there are much more important things! He doesn't drink, he doesn't smoke, and he doesn't do drugs... and that is WAY more important than a couple of earrings and long hair.
Still, sometimes his decisions leave me scratching my head. Where did I go wrong? That's just it though, I didn't. This isn't about ME. This is about HIM, and HIS life... and the decisions that HE makes for HIS life. I have done what I was supposed to do. I taught him right from wrong, took him to church, he knows what God expects of him, he knows what we expect of him and he knows that he has a choice to make- it's up to him to choose right or wrong. What he does with that is completely up to him.
In eight (very short) months he could be off to college and making all of his own decisions. Most of the time he makes sound judgment calls... but how do I know that will be the case when he is not at home? Can I be sure he has what he needs to go out into the world and make it on his own?
It all falls back to FAITH. I have to have faith in the job we have done as his parents, faith in the Lord to keep a strong hand on him while he navigates his life, and faith that he will remember he can always turn to us if he needs help finding his way. FAITH.
Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates. ~Deuteronomy 11:18-20
Even when you can hold something in your hand you can be deceived. You can kiss the lips of a snake believing it's a prince. Poison may taste and smell sweet, but it's still a poison. A "friend" may not be a friend after all. The devil will try to beguile us, do not give him the pleasure! His methods are meant to make you doubt. Do not allow him into your head! We have to have faith in ourselves and in our God. He will see us through.
I feel that we have done our best as parents to instill morals and values in our children, to set good examples for them and try to set them on a good path. Have we made mistakes? Of course! Hopefully we've learned from them and used them as examples, so our children can use them as examples with their children. We only want each generation to be better and have more than the last.
We pray for their future, we hope we've done enough to prepare them, and live with the faith that the Lord will guide them and the certainty that He will ALWAYS be with them. God gave them as precious gifts to us, and we raise them to glory and honor Him. As children we taught them the song "Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so...". Jesus DOES love us, and would do anything for us, even die for us. We can always be sure of that.
Take for instance your spouse. Do you know what your spouse does when you're not with them? No, you don't.
What about the gas gauge in your car? Do you know for sure that it's accurate? Nope. Much like your spouse, you just trust that it's telling you the truth.
Now the biggie... what about God? How do we know He's really there? Can we prove it?
That question is actually going to be left for another day. This blog is about our kids. How do we know that we have done not just an adequate job, but a GOOD job of raising them before sending them off into the world? How do we know we've prepared them?
Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
~Proverbs 22:6
Both my boys were baptized shortly after they were born. We promised before God and the church to raise them in Christian homes, teaching them about God and His Word. The same minister at my home church in Florida baptized them both. Since they are 7 years apart, much had changed since the eldest was born. Our minister, Fred, had just retired when we asked him to baptize our youngest son, and as a favor to our family he said "of course" he would!
When we lived in North Carolina we attended a wonderful church that baptized by submersion. We were at a point in our lives when our entire family was renewing our faith and becoming much closer to God. We spoke with our pastor and decided to be baptized again as a family. It was a wonderful experience! Our youngest, who was then a very intelligent 5 year old, fully understood that he was committing his life to the Lord and proclaimed his love for Jesus as he was dunked in the river. It brought tears to my eyes! Our oldest was 12, and all of him was baptized except his broken right arm which stayed above water in a cast and plastic bag.
Children make mistakes. It's very hard for me to reconcile the fact that my teenager has choices, and the choices he makes, good or bad, are his alone, and at this point do not reflect upon my parenting directly. He has been raised with values and morals, in a Christian home with a solid upbringing. I don't always agree with his choices, but I guess that's a given. At one point both of his ears were pierced and he was wearing his hair longer than I would have liked. In the past he has dated a few young ladies that I found rather questionable. Could I have kept him from piercing his ears? Sure! I was actually the one who took him to do it. Could I have cut his hair shorter? Absolutely! In the big picture, there are much more important things! He doesn't drink, he doesn't smoke, and he doesn't do drugs... and that is WAY more important than a couple of earrings and long hair.
Still, sometimes his decisions leave me scratching my head. Where did I go wrong? That's just it though, I didn't. This isn't about ME. This is about HIM, and HIS life... and the decisions that HE makes for HIS life. I have done what I was supposed to do. I taught him right from wrong, took him to church, he knows what God expects of him, he knows what we expect of him and he knows that he has a choice to make- it's up to him to choose right or wrong. What he does with that is completely up to him.
In eight (very short) months he could be off to college and making all of his own decisions. Most of the time he makes sound judgment calls... but how do I know that will be the case when he is not at home? Can I be sure he has what he needs to go out into the world and make it on his own?
It all falls back to FAITH. I have to have faith in the job we have done as his parents, faith in the Lord to keep a strong hand on him while he navigates his life, and faith that he will remember he can always turn to us if he needs help finding his way. FAITH.
Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates. ~Deuteronomy 11:18-20
Even when you can hold something in your hand you can be deceived. You can kiss the lips of a snake believing it's a prince. Poison may taste and smell sweet, but it's still a poison. A "friend" may not be a friend after all. The devil will try to beguile us, do not give him the pleasure! His methods are meant to make you doubt. Do not allow him into your head! We have to have faith in ourselves and in our God. He will see us through.
I feel that we have done our best as parents to instill morals and values in our children, to set good examples for them and try to set them on a good path. Have we made mistakes? Of course! Hopefully we've learned from them and used them as examples, so our children can use them as examples with their children. We only want each generation to be better and have more than the last.
We pray for their future, we hope we've done enough to prepare them, and live with the faith that the Lord will guide them and the certainty that He will ALWAYS be with them. God gave them as precious gifts to us, and we raise them to glory and honor Him. As children we taught them the song "Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so...". Jesus DOES love us, and would do anything for us, even die for us. We can always be sure of that.
Friday, October 11, 2013
Chaos As Usual...
The bags under my eyes should have "Samsonite" stamped on them because they have packed and ready for a vacation for a while now! My lists have lists. I put the milk on top of the fridge and then later asked Jason if he'd finished it because I couldn't find it.
A long time has passed since I last blogged. Most of you know what's been going on with us. Our family has increased by two children, and that has been one of our biggest changes! We are enjoying our larger family and all the challenges it brings.All the kids are adjusting beautifully, and I couldn't be more proud of them.
Our oldest will be graduating by the end of the year. He's looking into colleges and my heart is already breaking into a million tiny pieces at the thought of him leaving home. We are together every day and have become so close. I can't imagine what it will be like without him here. The other kids are not excited about him leaving either. They've all grown very close.
Photography is kicking back up and that makes me very happy! I've had several shoots lately and one next weekend! My full-time job is also keeping me busy and we will be preparing to sell the business soon in preparation for transfer next year. Every time I think about it, it makes me cry because I absolutely LOVE my job and all that comes with it!! Being the "boss" is amazing and exhausting, but working with the children is the best!
Obviously the blog is back in business and I will be doing my best to try to keep up! Stick with me! I'll try to keep you entertained. ;o) In the meantime, catch up on all the old ones you missed. LOL
{{{HUGS!}}}
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Prayer Requests
I have a few prayer requests I'd like to put out there... Thanks in advance.
My Mother-In-Law had knee surgery and is still in the hospital due to blot clots that have moved to her lungs. Please keep her and the doctors who are treating her in your prayers.
My childhood friend, Stephanie, lost her Grandmother last week. Grandma Donn was always very kind to us, and we stayed at her house a lot. Please keep their family in your prayers.
Our family has something weighing on our hearts and we feel we've been called to action by the Lord. Please help us pray that we are doing the right thing and that we have everything we need to follow through.
Please pray for my brother, Chad, as he in a time of transition.
Amen.
My Mother-In-Law had knee surgery and is still in the hospital due to blot clots that have moved to her lungs. Please keep her and the doctors who are treating her in your prayers.
My childhood friend, Stephanie, lost her Grandmother last week. Grandma Donn was always very kind to us, and we stayed at her house a lot. Please keep their family in your prayers.
Our family has something weighing on our hearts and we feel we've been called to action by the Lord. Please help us pray that we are doing the right thing and that we have everything we need to follow through.
Please pray for my brother, Chad, as he in a time of transition.
Amen.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Trophy Wife
By standard definition, a "Trophy Wife" is a charming young woman who is typically quite attractive, both physically and facially. She casually marries a much older man who has a good deal of money. Despite his age, he is rich and/or powerful enough to attract her. She becomes a "trophy" for him to show what he has earned; her affection via his wallet.
I am a trophy wife. Certainly not by the standard definition, because my husband I are the same age, he is far from wealthy (sorry, Babe) and I don't fall into that "extraordinarily beautiful" mold that society seems so fond of these days. (I can be pretty charming though!) LOL
So, how am I a "Trophy Wife"? Well, I'm so glad you asked!
I am not on a shelf to be admired from afar or glanced at every now and then. I am wrapped in his arms, adored and cherished... and it's the best feeling in the world!!
I am proud to be a Trophy Wife, and just so you know, I have a Trophy Husband to match. My trophy is his heart. I guard it tenderly and protect it in every way I can. He loves me more (and better) than I ever could have imagined! Loving him faithfully, wholly and endlessly is the least I can do! The richness of a marriage with true love and deep commitment is an amazing thing and we are very lucky to have found it. It makes us quite the power couple! ;o)
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Project 2:10
So I briefly mentioned Project 2:10 the other day. What is it? Where did it come from? What will it do? I can't wait to tell you!!
What is it?
Project 2:10 is a company that my husband and I started. We are buying vehicles (motorcycles at the moment) at auction and repairing them, making them shine like new and giving them a new chance at life. We are then selling them. Half of the proceeds from the sale will be donated to charity. The other half will be put back into the business so we can continue to grow and give more.
Where did it come from?
The idea actually started with Jason. He loves motorcycles and has rebuilt a few with friends. He also had to fix his own after a "somewhat minor" accident in the Blue Ridge Mountains in 2009. He has often discussed owning a "bike shop" when he retires from the Coast Guard so this was just a little push start.
One Sunday we had a sermon on making a difference. Our pastor, Brother Larry, talked about how we could make a difference in this world and the things we can do to change the lives of others. God has abundantly blessed us. We have never gone hungry or cold. We have always had a roof over our heads and clean clothes on our backs. We have struggled, but we have always had enough. That cannot be said for everyone.
Through Compassion International, our family sponsors a boy named Kelvin in Tanzania. We have donated to several charities such as The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Paralyzed Veterans of America and a few others. What breaks my heart is when they keep sending letters in the mail, thanking us for our help and asking us to donate again. I always want to do more, but we can't always donate to every cause, every time. Jason started putting the pieces together and came to me one day with a plan. We talked it over, decided we could do it, that we should do it and most importantly that we had a responsibility to help others.
"If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother."
-Deuteronomy 15:7
-Deuteronomy 15:7
When it came time for a name, Jason left it up to me. He says I am better at things like that. ;o) I turned to the Bible.
For we are God’s workmanship, His masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus so we can do the good works He prepared for us long ago. -Ephesians 2:10
And so, "Project 2:10" was born.
What will it do?
We ARE God's masterpiece, and just as we are restored, we are restoring these machines and giving them new life and new purpose. Everyone, everything, every BODY deserves a second chance (human body or mechanical body). So God's masterpieces will now create their own, for His greater good, for His purpose, to care for His people.
The money will go to both local and nationwide charities that help many groups of people; the homeless, disabled, unwed mothers, crisis centers, and more. We will keep everyone posted when money is donated. We are SO excited to be able to do this and we look forward to seeing it grow.
We bought our first bike at auction last week and without half the work done, it already has a potential new home! We are making many new business contacts and have spread the word about our mission. Love, hope and compassion are guiding Project 2:10 and with God at the helm we can't wait to see where He leads us next!
________
HERE ARE THE "BEFORE" PHOTOS:
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Inspiration!
For me, inspiration often comes from the wind! I will be sitting somewhere and *POOF*, an idea!! I swear it came in on a breeze! OK, so maybe it wasn't the wind. Maybe I'm just listening a little deeper these days and allowing God to guide me in the direction He wants me to go. (i.e Project 2:10, but we'll get to that tomorrow)
I've also been drawing inspiration from Pinterest, as I has mentioned before. That site is genius! I now have quite the gathering there and it's so much fun to share ideas and "finds"! I used to look at the amazing pictures of all the creative crafts and rooms in magazines and think, "I can't do that". But now I AM doing "that", AND I'm taking the photos, too! (Pssst! You can do it, too!!)
Lately I've seemed to notice a lot more of what's around me, too. Maybe it's just that I can take pictures of everything with my new iPhone 4s (shameless plug here, LOL) but things I see in stores, on the street, everything seems to be a source of another idea!! The problem I have now is having the time and money to put all these ideas into play! I have about a million crafts I want to make and home projects I'd love to do!
I've been very pleased and honored to see that this blog has been a source of inspiration for some of you. I'm so glad you've tried (and loved) the pumpkin muffins and many of you have since joined Pinterest!! :o) I also greatly appreciate the feedback on other subjects, and religious inspiration. (You know who you are.)
So, be inspired! Listen to that inner voice, wherever yours originates, and do something creative at least once a week! You'll be glad you did.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
With heavy hearts...
We were very sad to hear the news today about the loss of Italian MotoGP rider Marco Simoncelli. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
At church this morning, we learned that a young man who is friends with several members of our youth group committed suicide over the weekend. He was a senior in high school.
As we were pulling in the driveway after church, my son's girlfriend got a call from a close friend of hers. The friend just found out she has a tumor in her brain the size of a quarter. This young girl is only 16 years old.
We are in prayer today for many other reasons, but these are brand new. I ask you all to join us and pray to God for comfort and strength, for whatever lies ahead in the lives of these families.
Thank you, and have a blessed week.
At church this morning, we learned that a young man who is friends with several members of our youth group committed suicide over the weekend. He was a senior in high school.
As we were pulling in the driveway after church, my son's girlfriend got a call from a close friend of hers. The friend just found out she has a tumor in her brain the size of a quarter. This young girl is only 16 years old.
We are in prayer today for many other reasons, but these are brand new. I ask you all to join us and pray to God for comfort and strength, for whatever lies ahead in the lives of these families.
Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. -1 Peter 5:7
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. -Matthew 5:4
Thank you, and have a blessed week.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Get Ready!
PROJECT 2:10
Because every body deserves a second chance.
For we are God’s workmanship, His masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus so we can do the good works He prepared for us long ago. -Ephesians 2:10
More info coming soon. ;o)
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Busy, Busy!!
Oh WOW this week has been a wild one!
Jason is home on leave (vacation) so we've been enjoying a little extra time together. I've been working like crazy between my two jobs, studying for my certification exam, volunteering at B's school, editing pictures from my last two shoots (one for fun, one for money) and I have another shoot for senior portraits this Saturday. I am really excited! I like staying busy, especially in this situation, because "crazy" means "money"! ;o)
Speaking of money, we won the lottery last night!! Yep! I bought $8 worth of Power Ball tickets on my way home from work yesterday and we hit the Power Ball!! Well, one number and the Power Ball. But hey! We won $20, and I can still say we won the lottery! LOL We just didn't win BIG! ;o)
While Jason was cooking dinner the other night, I made another batch of the Pumpkin Muffins, but I used Spice Cake this time instead of the Vanilla Cake. They are REALLY good! The kids said they like these even better! You guys really HAVE to try these!!
And speaking of Jason... he will complete his Bachelor's Degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University this December! We are so incredibly proud of him! It's been a long time coming but he's worked very hard to get here, AND has maintained "honors" status the entire way!!!
Ok, off I go! Today is my "off" day, so that means it's another volunteer day at B's school to work on reading and comprehension with the kids. LOL (But I love it!)
See you on the next one!
Jason is home on leave (vacation) so we've been enjoying a little extra time together. I've been working like crazy between my two jobs, studying for my certification exam, volunteering at B's school, editing pictures from my last two shoots (one for fun, one for money) and I have another shoot for senior portraits this Saturday. I am really excited! I like staying busy, especially in this situation, because "crazy" means "money"! ;o)
Speaking of money, we won the lottery last night!! Yep! I bought $8 worth of Power Ball tickets on my way home from work yesterday and we hit the Power Ball!! Well, one number and the Power Ball. But hey! We won $20, and I can still say we won the lottery! LOL We just didn't win BIG! ;o)
While Jason was cooking dinner the other night, I made another batch of the Pumpkin Muffins, but I used Spice Cake this time instead of the Vanilla Cake. They are REALLY good! The kids said they like these even better! You guys really HAVE to try these!!
And speaking of Jason... he will complete his Bachelor's Degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University this December! We are so incredibly proud of him! It's been a long time coming but he's worked very hard to get here, AND has maintained "honors" status the entire way!!!
Ok, off I go! Today is my "off" day, so that means it's another volunteer day at B's school to work on reading and comprehension with the kids. LOL (But I love it!)
See you on the next one!
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