Be Like A Tree

Psalm 92:12-15

The righteous will flourish like a palm tree,
they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon;
planted in the house of the Lord,
they will flourish in the courts of our God.
They will still bear fruit in old age,
they will stay fresh and green,
proclaiming, “The Lord is upright;
he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.”

As we traveled to the beach the boys wanted to listen to some of their praise music. The following song is one of my favorites from their collection of music, it makes me want to sing and dance, and I thought I would share the lyrics with you. When they were smaller we would listen to it and sing and dance in their room, but as we traveled and I listened to and pondered on the words, it spoke to my heart. The message is really simple but has deep spiritual meaning if you ponder on it.

Be Like A Tree

I've gotta be like a tree
Planted by the water
Trusting in the Father
To keep me strong

I've gotta be like a tree
Planted by the water
Trusting in the name of the Lord

I've gotta be like a tree
Planted by the water
Trusting in the Father
To help me grow

I've gotta be like a tree
Planted by the water
Trusting in the name of the Lord

The deeper the roots go
The better the fruits grow
The blessings bloom out
For all to see
The deeper the roots go
The more my life shows
That Jesus is the Lord of me
Lord of me

I've gotta be like a tree
Planted by the water
Trusting in the Father
To keep me strong

I've gotta be like a tree
Planted by the water
Trusting in the name of the Lord

I've gotta be like a tree
Planted by the water
Trusting in the Father
To help me grow

I've gotta be like a tree
Planted by the water
Trusting in the name of the Lord

John 15:4-9

"Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.
If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.
This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love."


So I have come back from the beach with a renewed desire to abide more and more in My Lord, in His Word, and in His presence. I desire for my roots to grow deep, the fruits to grow out, and for Jesus to be the Lord of all of me. How about you? What are you abiding in?

Family Vacation

We have been to the beach for a week, and I thought I would share my top 10 highlights from our family vacation. Here they are:

1. A week with my husband and children without any plans except family fun!

2. Eating out for lunch everyday!! My sweet husband does not like for me to have to cook on vacation, so we went out for lunch everyday (lunch is cheaper, and it gets us off the beach at the hottest time of the day). Our favorite restaurant is DeSoto's (we went 4 times) and our favorite dessert was the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip pie from Oyster House!

3. Lazy afternoons hanging out on the beach watching the kids play. Everyday after the boys napped (and us too!!) we would head back out to the beach. It was the perfect time of day, not too hot, and most people were going in to get ready to go out to dinner.

4. Not having to do one bit of housework!! And not having to bathe the boys!! They did get showers, which they took with daddy!!

5. Traveling in our new mini-van!

6. Seeing our boys have loads of fun in the ocean, running from the waves, jumping over and into them!

7. Going to sleep and waking up to the sound of waves crashing!

8. Watching the boys play with their daddy in the pool!

9. The beauty of God's creation! How can anyone be at the ocean and not think of God? I always think of the song by Sheila Walsh "Love vast as the ocean".

10. Time alone by myself on the beach to read! I read 2 books by Karen Kingsbury, my daily Bible readings so I am not behind, and Desperate Housewives Passionate for God!

Thankful Thursdays

“… Give thanks to Him; bless His name. For the LORD is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting, and His faithfulness to all generations.” Psalm 100:4-5



Today I am thankful for the following:
• For God’s provisions in my life, both spiritual and physical
• For the indwelling of His Holy Spirit and for the power, counsel, and guidance He gives through His Holy Spirit in my life
• For my new (to me!) mini-van!
• For the beauty and majesty of sunrises
• For soldiers who serve our country and for their safe return home!
• For warm summer days and for air conditioning
• For peaceful moments throughout my day, not matter how fleeting they are, at least I have a few!
• For friends old and new and the times of fellowship we have
• For my family
• For coupons for free milkshakes from Chick-Fil-A!

So what are you thankful for today?

For more Thankful Thursday posts head on over to Sting My Heart.

Word-Filled Wednesday

I just love the wording of Psalm 23 from the Amplified Bible and wanted to share it today. May God's Word minister to, comfort, and encourage you!


Psalm 23

The LORD is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack.

He makes me lie down in [fresh, tender] green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters.

He refreshes and restores my life (my self); He leads me in the path of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him - not for my earning it, but] for His name's sake.

Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my [brimming] cup runs over.

Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord [and His presence] shall be my dwelling place.

For more WFW posts visit 160acrewoods.

Wordless Wednesday #16

Unexpected Desire Fulfilled!

Last month I wrote a post about Desires.I shared that God had spoken to me regarding which desires in my life were driving me. Were my spiritual desires or my earthly desires driving me? While I have many earthly desires, I honestly do not feel driven by them the majority of the time. I have tasted of the things this world has to offer, and I have tasted of life with God at the helm, and life with God is tremendously better and more fulfilling.

I also shared this post as a devotion with some of our ladies from church at one of our ladies nights out. I asked them what some of their desires were, earthly desires, and I gave the example that I would love to have a mini van; that it wasn't a necessity or really something I had to have, I just would really like to have one, to be a "mini-van mom!"

Well, I just wanted to share with you what a personal God we have, and how sometimes He will provide for that earthly desire we have just because He wants too! My husband works for Drivers Way and cars are frequently traded in there and he watches for a good deal to come through. Both of our cars are in need of replacing, mine has 241,000 miles, and his has around 150,000, so he has been watching closely. The Lord sent a great Camry across his path that we were most likely going to buy, which would have been great, but... I currently have a Camry (we both do), so it wouldn't be very exciting to get the same type car, with the same basic body style, and the exact same interior. However, I told him that it would be fine, I would be happy with it. And I really would have, it just wouldn't have been "exciting" and it wasn't my hearts deepest desire. I never complained and I never grumbled, I just thanked God for providing for us.

While the car was being worked on, God sends a mini-van across my husbands path that catches his eye. It is a one-owner van, in great shape with only 75,000 miles. And it is now mine!! Parked in my garage, got the tag for it today. I am so excited and my boys are loving riding in it! And we are most likely going to get the Camry also, to replace his car! Isn't God just amazing in how He provides! We both get "new" vehicles, and we still will not have a car payment!! Now that is a God thing and another answered prayer I can mark off in my prayer notebook!

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Gentleness

“Let your gentleness be evident to all...” Phil. 4:5

My Lord has been speaking to me through this verse for about a week now. It all started last week when I saw a gorgeous picture put to this verse for a WFW post. It seemed as if my Lord spoke to me so gently and said, “Is your gentleness being seen by all, but more importantly is it being seen by your children and your husband?”

Ouch! My God was asking me if those that see the real me inside my house are seeing my gentleness. My honest answer was “Not all the time Lord, and lately not much at all.” It is not that I have not wanted to be gentle, but I have had a huge struggle with letting the gentleness out and keeping the frustration and irritation away. It is like Paul says in Romans (I think), I do what I do not want to do, and that which I want to do I do not do (my paraphrase).

So I have struggled the past couple of weeks with wanting to be gentle with my family (during those times where it is soooo hard to be gentle) rather than reacting out of frustration and irritation. I do have 2 4-year olds! And they definitely are testing their mommy right now and trying to help God develop some character in me, with all the disobedience, backtalk, and disrespect!! However, God would not have given them to me to raise if He had not planned on equipping me to be a Godly mother.

God convicted me that I was trying to do it all myself. I was trying to be supermom and superwife out of my own power. I do not think I was consciously saying “I can do all this myself.” I just wasn’t taking the time to stop when the difficult times would arise during my day and call on Him for help then and there. I was having my quiet time in the mornings very faithfully and consistently, but then I was forgetting to call on Him in my times of need throughout the day. So for the past couple of days I have made a conscious effort to call on Him when the difficulties arise, when one or both of my children have a fit, when they respond to me disrespectfully or with a bad attitude. I have asked Him to fill me to overflowing with His precious Holy Spirit, for wisdom in knowing how to deal with the situation, for a gentle and quiet spirit, and for understanding of my children (why are they acting this way). And God has answered! As He always does if we acknowledge Him and call upon Him! God has given me a gentle and quiet spirit with my children, wisdom in knowing how to deal with them, and He has given me peace instead of strife and frustration.

And just today while I was doing the dishes and thinking about all of this, it is as if my Lord spoke to me ever so gently again and said, “If you will just find your contentment in Me and not in how well your children behave or act, then you will have peace and will have a gentle and quiet spirit, and your gentleness, which is a fruit of my Holy Spirit in you, will be evident to all.”

Isn’t our God just awesome? Have you heard Him speak to you lately? Are you listening?

The Invisible Woman

I found this to be so encouraging, may it encourage you as it has encouraged me!

Thankful Thursdays

Philippians 1:3-5
“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now,”


Today I want to give thanks for the people God has used mightily in my life to encourage me in my walk with Him and to help me grow spiritually…

Marisa – a Godly woman who loves the Word of God, she lives it and breathes it! God used her to teach me His Word, and to give me a hunger and thirst for His Word and for more of Him in my life! She is also a powerful prayer warrior who guided me in the beginning stages of my prayer life.

Charles – a Godly man who prays as if he knows God inside and out! He taught me soooo much about prayer and about boldly approaching the throne of grace. I spent many hours praying with him in the prayer room, and what a blessing those hours have been to me!

Denise & Kim – Two Godly single women whom I spent many hours and weekends with during my single days. We would get together and spend our time digging into God’s Word and spending time on our knees in prayer about anything and everything going on in our lives. Those were some of the best times, we really had no worries and no huge responsibilities; we could just spend hours “soaking” in the presence of the Lord. How wonderful those times were!

Craig & Jamie – a Godly couple who love Jesus with all that they are! Craig prayed over my first date with my husband, and then he and Jamie became our “unofficial mentors” as we dated. We spent many hours in prayer with them in the prayer room at our church on Sundays. It is very fitting that he was the one to marry us and pronounce us “man and wife.” We were the first wedding ceremony that he performed!!

Elaine – another Godly lady God placed in my life for a short season, but meaningful none the less! Elaine was the first teacher I sat under after having children, and boy did I need to learn what she had to share! I thank God for teachers of His Word who speak the Truth with boldness and without fear! The words she spoke pierced my heart and helped me to allow God to work on me to make me a better wife and mommy.

DeeDee – a precious Godly lady whom God is currently using in my life! I have sat under DeeDee’s leadership for several Bible studies now, and God always speaks something to me through her that draws me to Him and makes me hungry for more of Him in my life. DeeDee shares from her heart and from her life, and her love for Jesus is so very evident in how she cares for her family and for others. She has taught me countless things, and I am blessed to have her in my life!

So, who has been an instrument in your spiritual life that you would like to give thanks for? I would love to hear from you!

For more Thankful Thursday posts visit Iris over at Sting My Heart.

Word-Filled Wednesday

"Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow."
Psalm 51:7

I thought this was a great visual of how absolutely filthy we are from our sin when we come to Christ, but praise be to God that He can wash us and make us whiter than snow! And I also praise God for waterhoses, soap, and water!!

For more Word-filled Wednesday posts go to 160acrewoods.

Wordless Wednesday #15

Are you willing to be inconvenienced for God?

Melanie, over at Fruits of the Spirit, has written a post about being willing to be inconvenienced for God. I would encourage you to stop by and read it, it has really made me think and examine my willingness or unwillingness to do what God calls me to do when I feel I do not have time to do it.

I tend to be selfish with my time, my schedule, and my agenda. I am a list maker, I am organized, and I like to consider myself productive. But sometimes God, the creator of everything, has different plans for me than what is on my "to do list". Imagine that, the God of this universe wants me to take time away from "my plans" to do something that He has planned for me. He wants me to take part in His bigger plan!

I am sad to share that sometimes I choose my plans over His... Why do I do this? I know that the times that I have chosen His plans over mine, I have been so fulfilled and energized because I have participated in what God called me to do. And you know what else, all those things that I thought would not get done if I did what God was calling me to do, somehow got done. God always provides, and He always gives us time to do all that He has planned for us.

So why do I often choose not to be inconvenienced for my God. I am inconvenienced for my family all the time without it really bothering me. I cook for my family when I get to have a night out and don't have to cook for myself, I wake up in the night when my children need me, I bathe my children 2 or more times a day because they get so dirty playing outside (not everyday now!), I do things to help my husband even when I don't always want to because he needs me to, and on and on. I do these things out of my love for them.

So why is it hard to put down my plans and follow what God is calling me to do? I say I love God more than I love my family. Sometimes it is the uncertainty, sometimes it is pride, sometimes the fear of man, sometimes it is feeling unequipped or unprepared, sometimes I am just tired, and sometimes I just want to do what I want to do (I get that from my kids:)).

Thinking about this reminds me of something I heard Beth Moore teach about at a conference last year. She spoke about what drives us... do the comforts of this world drive us, or are we driven by the love of Christ? After that conference I really began praying for God to reveal to me where in my life I was driven by comfort rather than the love of Christ. God opened my eyes, and he gave me boldness to step out and do what He was calling me to do; and when I did what He was calling me to do, I had overwhelming joy, a lasting peace, newfound strength, and encouragement.

Somewhere along the way these past few months I have forgotten to continue to ask God to show me what is driving me. So I am going to start asking Him that again. I plan to consciously choose to be more inconvenienced for God and to be driven by the love of Christ rather than the comforts of this world and the things that are just convenient for me to do.

Father God, Please reveal to me the motives in my heart, whether I am driven by the love of Christ or by what is comfortable to me. Please alert me through your Holy Spirit and through Your Word when I am allowing "the comfortable" to drive me rather than the love of Christ. Give me the desire, the energy, and the strength to be willing to be inconvenienced for You, to take part in Your plans, and to share the awesome love of Christ with others. Thank You, that You, the God of the universe, even considers having me come alongside You in Your Kingdom work! What an awesome privilege! In Jesus name, Amen.

2 Corinthians 5:13-15 "For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are of sound mind it is for you. For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, that they who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf."

Happy Mother's Day!

Kisses for Mommy!!



Me and my mom!

I hope all you mothers out there had a wonderful Mother's Day!

Boys, Dirt, & Love!!!

Since it rained A LOT yesterday, we had a wet and rather muddy backyard today. I had planned to not let the boys play out back today so they would not get filthy, but after a few hours stuck in the house with some miserable kids I decided to let them go have fun out back so I could have a few moments of peace!! As you can tell from the photos they had a blast. At one point David was absolutely covered in mud; I had to wash him down with the water hose.

We had lunch on the porch, (I wasn't about to let them in the house!!), and then they played out there for about another hour before nap. It was after lunch that they discovered the water hose! I almost told them NO!! but decided they needed to be washed off anyway, and they were having more fun washing each other off than I would have had washing them! They had a blast, enjoy the pictures!









These are some precious cards the boys came home with from 3-K on Thursday.


Paul's said: I Love You Mom! I love my mommy's light and long hair, and blue eyes. I love my mommy because she prepares good food for me like chicken. I like to help mommy by pushing the buggy to find flower that like the hot. My mommy is 10 years old and she weighs 30 pounds.

David's said: I Love You Mom! I love my mommy's black hair, and blue eyes. I love my mommy because she prepares good food for me like chicken and muffins. I like to help my mommy by buying stuff at Wal-Mart. My mommy is 8 years old and she weighs 10 pounds.

I just LOVE my boys, DIRT and ALL!!!

Thankful Thursdays

"In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:18




Today I am giving thanks to God my Father:

• For answered prayers!!
• For the fact that my God is the God who works wonders! (Ps. 77:14)
• For the fact that God gives us of His Spirit without measure! (John 3:34) (I know that I desperately need an unlimited supply!!)
• For the wonderful ways that my husband provides for our family!
• For the way God works in my life through trials and hard times...
  
• For the pure joy that my boys find in just simple everyday things... Last night David went on a short trip to Wal-Mart with me, just me and him, and he had the BEST time! He was so excited to be all by himself with mommy!!
• For our wonderful home!
• For my roses that are blooming! They were previous gifts for Mother's Day and birthday, and they are the gift that keeps on giving! I love cutting them and putting them in vases around the house!
• For modern conveniences like dishwashers, washers, and dryers...
• For good books to read...

So, what are you thankful for today? I know you can find something to be thankful for!

For more thankful Thursday posts head on over to Sting My Heart.

Word-Filled Wednesday

How wonderful that the Word of our Lord stands forever!!

We can always have hope in His Word, we can always find peace in His Word, we can always draw strength from His Word, we can always receive guidance and instruction in His Word, we can always find Truth in His Word.

God's Word is a treasure, have you dug through it today?

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

Wordless Wednesday #14

Awana Awards!

Sunday night Paul & David participated in the Awards Night for Awana. They have been in the cubbies class this year and have absolutely loved it! You can see their cubbies vest in the picture above; they achieved their badges by memorizing scriptures. I am so proud of my boys, they memorized 31 verses this year!! Isn't that great for 4 year olds!! They got an award for completing their book for their class.

It really amazed me that they could memorize scripture so easily. We really did not have to spend lots of time working on their verses before they knew them. They just picked it up really quick!

My goal for the summer is to review all of the verses they learned, in hopes of keeping them in their heart. I also have plans to work on memorizing a larger portion of scripture with them, either Psalm 23 or the Lord's Prayer, I haven't decided which one yet. Who knows, they may do one so quickly that we will be able to do both, haven't thought about that until know.

So, do you have anything you plan to work on with your children this summer? I sure hope I stick to my goal; pray for me that I will be diligent and will follow through with my intentions. We all have these grand plans but sometimes they never come to fruition because we don't make steps to make them happen. I don't want to look back at the end of the summer and say, "Wow, that was a great idea, I sure wish I had followed through with it."

Thankful Thursdays

"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!"
2 Corinthians 9:15




Today I am giving thanks for:

• My salvation and my relationship with my Lord & Savior! I am so glad that He knows me and I know Him, I just long to know Him better, deeper, more!!
• I am thankful for the help, love, and support of my Lord and Savior; "Unless the LORD had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death. When I said, 'My foot is slipping, ' your love, O LORD, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul." from Psalm 94
• The fact that I won the blog design contest hosted by Blessed! I can't wait to get my new look!! Keep checking back so you won't miss it!!
• For our screened in back porch, for the nice weather that allows us to eat our meals out there, and for the fact that my kitchen table and floor stay much cleaner when we get to eat on the porch!!
• For my sweet husband who just called to see if we could eat lunch together!! (the boys are at 3-k right now!!)
• For precious friends who leave sweet comments on my blog that make me cry!
• For the opportunity to exercise outside everyday before my husband leaves for work, and the motivation and energy to do so!
• For my children, for their abundant love, hugs, and kisses!!
• For all the artwork on my refrigerator and everywhere! (They can tell if one is missing so I do not dare remove one without their permission!)
• For Publix!! My favorite grocery store!

Don't forget to be thankful today! It just does something for your heart to sit and think about all that you are thankful for, and to acknowledge Him who gives you all things for which you are thankful! For more thankful Thursday posts head on over to Sting My Heart. What are you thankful for today?

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?