Word-Filled Wednesday

Psalm 68:4-5,19-20,32-25

Sing to God, sing praise to his name,
extol him who rides on the clouds -
his name is the LORD -
and rejoice before him.
A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows,
is God in his holy dwelling.
God sets the lonely in families,
he leads forth the prisoners with singing;
but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.

Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior,
who daily bears our burdens.
Our God is a God who saves;
from the Sovereign Lord comes escape and death.

Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth,
sing praise to the Lord,
to him who rides the ancient skies above,
who thunders with mighty voice.
Proclaim the power of God,
whose majesty is over Israel,
whose power is in the skies.
You are awesome, O God, in our sanctuary;
the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people.

Praise be to God!

This picture is actually one I took, and I was so excited to figure out how to get text onto it!! I am not very computer savy so I was very proud of myself for figuring out how to do this, in a short amount of time also!!

Have you spent time in God's Word today?

For more Word-filled Wednesday posts go to 160 Acre Woods

Wordless Wednesday #13

Desires...

This morning during my quiet time a verse from Psalm 73 just really jumped off the page at me, and I spent most of the time on that verse. I feel led to share what God spoke to my heart this morning.

Psalm 73:25-26
"Whom have I in heaven but Thee?
And besides Thee, I desire nothing on earth.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."


Can I honestly say as the psalmist said, "And besides Thee, I desire nothing on earth."? The NIV words it as "And earth has nothing I desire besides You." That is a mighty big statement, to be able to desire nothing of this world and only God. Can you say that you desire absolutely nothing, nothing more than God?

I made a list of earthly things that I desire: nice, pretty clothes, a mini-van, nice things for our home, a playground for our boys to play on out back, books, music, milkshakes from Chick-Fil-A, dinners out, nice, long vacations to places I have never been, etc (the list really could go on and on). But isn't that normal, to desire this and that, I mean, we are human and we do live on the earth.

Then I made a list of spiritual things that I desire: to have more of God's Word hidden in my heart, to be more like Jesus to my family and to the world, to be more consistent in praying through my prayer journal, to journal more consistently, to have a deeper understanding of God's Word, to be so full of the Spirit that the fruits of the Spirit are very evident in every role in my life, (this list also could go on and on.)

I realized that I do desire lots of things this world has to offer, but I also realized that the majority of the time that I am not driven by those desires. I do not spend lots of time sitting around thinking about this and that that I would like to have, and I do not want something just because others have it. You see, I can honestly say that I am content, with what I have and with who I am in Jesus. All of my needs are meet, and lots of my desires are graciously granted, not that I deserve any of them. What I think truly drives me is my desire to know God and to be known by God. The Lord is my life and I try to center my life around Him and not around this world. I learned the hard way a long time ago that the things of this world only bring you heartache, despair, and anguish. But God brings you peace, comfort, joy, love, strength, and hope! Who wouldn't want the things of God over the things of this world!!

I did a word study on the word desire, the Hebrew word is "chaphets" and it means to find pleasure in, to take delight in, to be pleased with, to have an affection for, to desire, to choose, to bend, to bow. So this week I will be examining myself, to see what it is that I take pleasure in, what delights me. Do I find lasting pleasure and delight in my Lord, my God, my Savior, or do I find fleeting and temporal pleasure and delight in the things this world has to offer? My prayer is that my desire for God would increase more and more, and that my desire for the things of this world would weaken and lessen.

So, does anyone have any thoughts you would like to share?

Thankful Thursdays

Psalm 107:21-22 "Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare His works with rejoicing."


Today I am thankful for:

• A good night's rest last night!
• The power of God's Word to change my attitude and focus!
• For a fun day shopping and out to lunch with a friend!
• For Edgar's chicken salad & yummy desserts!!
• For my boys starting to say their "own" prayers rather than memorized prayers, they are so precious!
• For my husband, who seems to be planning some sort of surprise for me, maybe, we'll see!!!
• For beautiful weather!
• For the fact that I can carry my Bible with me wherever I want to!
• I continue to be thankful for good praise and worship music! (Thanks to all who shared their favorites with me last week!)
• For my salvation!

So, what are you thankful for today? Leave a comment and let me know, and for more thankful Thursday posts head on over to Sting My Heart.

Word-Filled Wednesday

Psalm 71:15-24

My mouth will tell of your righteousness,

of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure.

I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, O Sovereign Lord;

I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone.

Since my youth, O God, you have taught me,

and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.

Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God,

till I declare your power to the next generation,

your might to all who are to come.

Your righteousness reaches to the skies,

O God, you who have done great things.

Who, O God, is like you?

Though you have made me see troubles,

many and bitter, you will restore my life again;

from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up.

You will increase my honor and comfort me once again.

I will praise you with the harp for your faithfulness, O my God;

I will sing praise to you with the lyre,

O Holy One of Israel.

My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you—

I, whom you have redeemed.

My tongue will tell of your righteous acts all day long,

for those who wanted to harm me have been put to shame and confusion.

For more Word-filled Wednesday posts go to 160 Acre Woods

Wordless Wednesday #12

I'm Glad I'm A Mom!

In honor of Mother's Day, there is going to be a giveaway of a new book that has been released, called I'm Glad I'm A Mom. All you have to do to enter the giveaway is to do a blog entry about why you are glad you are a mom, then go over to Extravagant Grace, download the button to put on your site, and leave a comment that you have blogged about "Why I'm Glad I'm a Mom!"

So here is my post!

Why I'm Glad I'm a Mom.... (and a mom of twins at that!)
I am glad I'm a mom because:

• I get double the love, hugs, and kisses!
• I love hearing the little pitter patter of their feet as they play around the house...
• I love playing tickle and hearing their laughter...
• I love lazy days of just playing outside with my boys...
• I love tight hugs around my neck, when they hug me so tight and say "Mommy, I never let you go!"
• I am the one they want to comfort them when they are hurt, sad, or sick...
• Sometimes they tell me "Mommy, you are so cute!"
• I treasure seeing the excitement and joy in their eyes when they experience and learn new things...
• It blesses my heart to hear them sing praise songs while they play, just because they are in their heart!
• I get to tell them about Jesus and His love for them!
• I get to see how excited they are when Daddy comes home!
• I enjoy sitting back and being a spectator as they have fun and laugh with their Daddy.
• We get to go do fun things while Daddy works, like go to the zoo, park, lake, storytime, ...
• I like to have them sit in my lap while I read the same book over, and over, and over...
• They like to play beauty shop and make me pretty for when Daddy comes home!
• It gives me someone to take pictures of and make scrapbooks of!
• I get to cry tears of joy as I see them participate in cute little programs!
• I have the privilege of praying over and for them daily...
• Of the joy I have when I hear them talking about God and wanting to pray to Him for themselves and for others...
• Of the precious way they say the blessing at our meals, and sometimes rather loudly in restaurants so that everyone looks!
• And because I love to hear them say, "Mommy, I love you too!"

Well, I could go on and on, but I will stop here, you might get tired of reading. So, if you are a mom, tell me what makes you glad about being a mom, I would love to hear!

Yummy Apples!!!

The boys were coloring and drawing at the kitchen table and they said they wanted to draw an apple. So I thought I would put an apple on the table for them to look at and draw. I left them coloring and drawing and went to do a few things.

Well, the next thing I know Paul is eating the apple!! Now this is really a miracle. He is SUCH a picky eater, and does not willingly try very many things. So the fact that he picked up the apple, tasted it, liked it and kept eating it just made me so happy.

I took this little video and thought it was too cute not to share, so enjoy! And go eat an apple!!

Thankful Thursdays

"Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing; Thou hast loosed my sackcloth and girded me with gladness; That my soul may sing praise to Thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to Thee forever."
Psalm 30:11-12


Today I am giving thanks:

• For the fact that "My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and earth."
• That God is my great I AM; He is exactly what I need when I need it!
• That my husband loves to spend time with us as a family and makes it a priority!
• That my husband is so helpful with the kids just when I need it the most!
• For God's Word and for prayer warriors!
• For wonderful weather!
• For people using their God-given talents for His Honor and Glory! I am so ministered to by praise and worship music, and I am thankful for the men and women who have chosen to use their talents to honor God so that through them He can minister to me!!
• For chocolate cake!!
• For reliable transportation!
• For strawberries! They are my favorite fruit and the boys and I plan to go pick some soon. We have done that the past 2 years and it was great fun!!

So what are you thankful for today?

And on a side note, what praise or worship song ministers or speaks to you? I just downloaded some new songs on my ipod and the Lord ministered to me so sweetly during my walk with Him this morning. Share your favorite with me, it may be one I need to add to my collection, thanks!

For more Thankful Thursday posts visit Sting My Heart

Word-Filled Wednesday

O taste and see that the LORD is good;

How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!

Psalm 34:8

Psalm 34

I will bless the LORD at all times;

His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

My soul will make its boast in the LORD;

The humble will hear it and rejoice.

O magnify the LORD with me,

And let us exalt His name together.

I sought the LORD, and He answered me,

And delivered me from all my fears.

They looked to Him and were radiant,

And their faces will never be ashamed.

This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him

And saved him out of all his troubles.

The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him,

And rescues them.

O taste and see that the LORD is good;

How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!

O fear the LORD, you His saints;

For to those who fear Him there is no want.

The young lions do lack and suffer hunger;

But they who seek the LORD shall not be in want of any good thing.

Come, you children, listen to me;

I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

Who is the man who desires life

And loves {length of} days that he may see good?

Keep your tongue from evil

And your lips from speaking deceit.

Depart from evil and do good;

Seek peace and pursue it.

The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous

And His ears are {open} to their cry.

The face of the LORD is against evildoers,

To cut off the memory of them from the earth.

{The righteous} cry, and the LORD hears

And delivers them out of all their troubles.

The LORD is near to the brokenhearted

And saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Many are the afflictions of the righteous,

But the LORD delivers him out of them all.

He keeps all his bones,

Not one of them is broken.

Evil shall slay the wicked,

And those who hate the righteous will be condemned.

The LORD redeems the soul of His servants,

And none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned.

This is one of my favorite Psalms, and the Lord used it this week to encourage me, comfort me, and bring me peace. Isn't His Word just awesome!

For more Word-filled Wednesday entries visit the 160acrewoods

Wordless Wednesday #11

Little Boys are Getting Big...

My little boys are getting to be big boys, and I am very excited for them but it makes me a little sad. You see, they have learned to ride their bikes without training wheels!! And they are so proud of themselves!!

James took them to the park on Saturday and David did great right from the start, he rode around the whole walking path at our city park with really no help at all (I think it is about 1/2 mile). Paul was a little shaky on Saturday and was a little more hesitant. But tonight you should have seen him! James helped him get started and off he went. He rode for quite a distance before stopping. When he got off he had the biggest grin on his face, and ran towards me, saying "Mommy did you see me!!" and gave me the biggest hug!

They are both so proud of their accomplishment! They were grinning ear to ear and talking about how soon they can go ride at the bike track at the local state park. Now I think that is a ways off but it does give them something to look forward to.

But can you believe that both times I have forgotten the camera? I take pictures of everything so I can not believe I have forgotten both times. I will definitely remember next time!

So my little boys are getting bigger, but they still like to snuggle with me and give me lots of hugs and kisses. I hope they never get to big for that!

A Teachable Moment

Last night as I was gathering the trash to take out, I walked past the boys playing on the floor with their legos, and we had the following conversation:

David looked up at me and said, "Mommy, they had a baptize."

"Who had a baptize?"

"At cubbies, they had a baptize."

"Oh, you saw the baptistry."

"No, It was a baptize."

"No, sweetie, it is called a baptistry."

"No, it is a baptize!"

(at this point I decided not to agrue with a 4 year old about the correct name...)

"Did you see someone get baptized in the water?"

"No, but Bro. Hal got in it."

"Oh, he did."

"Yes, the water washes your sins away. "

"David, water can't wash our sins away, only Jesus can wash your sins away."

(I tried to explain a little about baptism being a symbol of the fact that Jesus is your Lord and Savior and you wanting to live for Him. David goes back to playing with his legos.)

After he and Paul had played with their legos a few more minutes, I restarted our conversation...

"So David, who is the only one who can wash your sins away?"

"Jesus can."

"Can you tell Mommy something that is a sin?"

At this point Paul and David both begin answering...

"Lying..."

"Hitting someone..."

"Taking toys away..."

"Talking ugly..."

"Hitting Bootsie (our cat) ...."

They came up with all of these on their own, but of course I had to throw a few more examples out there, like not obeying Mommy and Daddy and talking disrespectfully.

I just think it is so precious how during the mundane things of life God often opens up an opportunity for us to share with our children about His marvelous grace and love. I fear that all too often I let those opportunities slip by, but my prayer today is that I would be extra sensitive to the leading and prompting of His Holy Spirit, and that I would be eager and willing to stop what I am doing and spend some time teaching, training, and instructing my children. The housework will get done, and if it doesn't, that is ok!

So what about you? Are you taking advantage of those precious teachable moments with your children and letting them know about the marvelous grace and love of our Savior?

A Quote to Think On...

My husband and I watched the Hiding Place tonight, about the life of Corrie Ten Boom. There was something her sister said in the midst of the horror of the concentration camp that has really stuck with me, and then Corrie repeated it at the end of the movie. I just thought I would share it...

"There is no pit so deep, that Jesus is not deeper still." Corrie Ten Boom.

No matter what pit you find yourself in, Jesus is deeper than your pit, and has the power to lift you out!! Praise God!!

Thankful Thursdays

Psalm 107:8-9
"Let them give thanks to the LORD for His lovingkindness, and for His wonders to the sons of men! For He has satisfied the thirsty soul, and the hungry soul He has filled with what is good."

Today I am thankful for the following:

• For the Lord speaking to me through His Word today during my quiet time
• For an impromptu picnic lunch with my husband (just me and him!) beside a nice, peaceful stream
• That my boys still take naps and give me some quiet time in the afternoons!
• For the beauty of springtime
• For friends
• For our cat, Bootsie
• For contentment and satisfaction in Christ
• For God's hand of protection upon me and my family
• For the laughter of my children
• For the love & affection of my husband

For more Thankful Thursday posts visit Sting My Heart

What are you thankful for today?

Word-Filled Wednesday

Isaiah 54:9-10 "...'So have I sworn that I would not be angry with you, nor rebuke you. For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, but My kindness shall not depart from you, nor shall my covenant of peace be removed,' says the Lord, who has mercy on you."

photograph taken from www.wallpaperdave.com

For more Word-filled Wednesday entries visit the 160acrewoods

Wordless Wednesday #10

Boys & Bugs!!

Well, I am officially inducted into the world of boys and bugs!

This afternoon Paul was playing on the porch and excitedly called to me, "Mommy come see what I found." I go out there and he has caught a ladybug in his hands, and he is soooo excited! He wants to hold it and watch it, and he wants to carry it around in the house. I really didn't mind him having it inside, but I started thinking; if I let him carry this ladybug around in the house, what else is he going to want to bring inside and carry around later!

So I told him he needed to keep it on the porch. That did not make him very happy, he wanted to keep it close so he could watch it. Then I remembered an empty jelly jar that we still had so I got it out, poked holes in the lid, and in went the ladybug. That little ladybug has entertained them for about an hour now! And now they are out back trying to find him a friend! Oh my, I wonder how they will take it if their little ladybug doesn't survive this adventure. Hopefully we can let it go when daddy gets home and sees it.

Enjoy your afternoon!

I've Been Tagged!

Melanie from The Fruits of the Spirit has tagged me for a meme.

Here are the rules of the game:
1) Link to your tagger and post these rules on your blog
2) Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3) Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.
4) Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

So here are 7 facts about myself that you may not know:
1. I went to a military school for my last 2 years of high school and graduated as Valedictorian of my class.
2. I worked as a camp counselor one summer during college and loved it.
3. My husband and I are both left-handed, but our children our right-handed.
4. I participated in Alabama's Junior Miss as Perry County's Junior Miss.
5. Growing up I wanted to be a ballerina and a veterinarian, I became neither.
6. I met my husband at a car dealership, (but I did pray before going in that I was available for God's plans and purposes only for going in; I just meant regarding purchasing a car, not finding a husband!)
7. My husband thinks I am the world's best cook!

The following can consider yourself tagged:
1. DeeDee
2. Krista
3. Marsha
4. Darlene
5. Jenifer
6. Julia
7. Faithful Chick

Can't wait to learn something new about all of you! What most surprised you about me?

Strength in Him

"And David found strength in the Lord his God." 1 Samuel 30:6

The Lord used this verse to speak to and minister to me in my quiet time this morning and throughout my day today. And this afternoon I have had the following song in my heart, I know only the Lord can give me the strength that I have had today and the joy that is in my heart even in the midst of the storm.

My life is in You, Lord

My strength is in You, Lord

My hope is in You, Lord

In You, it’s in You

I will praise You with all of my life

I will praise You with all of my strength

With all of my life

With all of my strength

All of my hope is in You

In You, it’s in You

In You, it’s in You

In You, it’s in You

May you find what you need to get you through whatever is happening in your life in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He is the great I AM! He is what we need!

Thankful Thursdays

Well, it is amazing how your life can change so in just a week's time, but how comforting it is to know that God's faithfulness and lovingkindness never change. Even though life brings change, some good and some bad, we can and should always give thanks.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God and the peace of God with transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:6-7

Today I am thankful for the following:

• The Anchor that holds in spite of the storm
• The power of praise and worship to my Lord and Savior
• The power of prayer
• The fact that I can pray anywhere at anytime
• The peace of God that surpasses all understanding
• His Grace that is sufficient
• The fact that when I am weak He is strong
• That my God is the Father of all comfort
• My husband
• Friends close and far away who lift me to the throne of God
• My church family

So what are you thankful for today? No matter what you are going through, remember to give thanks to our God and Father!

Word-Filled Wednesday

Psalm 62: 5-8
"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him. He alone in my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and honor depend on God; He is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. "

Psalm 61:2
"When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I."

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

God has used these verses to minister to me this week. What verses has He used to minister to you?


For more posts on this Word-FILLED Wednesday, visit The 160 Acre Woods.

photograph taken from http://wallpapers.russian-women.net

Wordless Wednesday #10

My Lord Is...

Today my Lord & Savior Jesus Christ is for me:

• My peace in the midst of the storm
• My comforter
• My counselor
• My refuge and my strength
• My fortress
• My provider of abundant grace
• My hope
• My all and all
• My joy
• The sustainer of my life
• The Truth that sets me free
• The Word of Life that speaks to my soul
• The Bread of Life that feeds and nourishes me
• The One who intercedes for me at the right hand of God

What is our Lord to you today?