tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-869371588295293112024-02-19T09:46:36.367-06:00 ARROWSPRINGSChildren born during one's youth are like arrows in a warrior's hand...blessed is the man whose quiver if full of them
Psalm 127:4-5
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00466442501025166891noreply@blogger.comBlogger538125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86937158829529311.post-53583878782787324032013-08-03T19:16:00.000-05:002013-08-03T19:16:00.549-05:00<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
It's been well over a month since I last posted. I have no intention of re-entering the blog world but I realize that there are people who like to know how things are and how we are doing. I have pretty much cut myself off from cyber world. It has been a long time coming and I thought I would hate it and feel I was missing out on something! I guess that "something" turned out to be not so much! I feel a freedom and I am in a place that is good. We are still growing and learning. Times have NOT been easy! A valley one might say. Many valley's at one time actually. A deep, dark place as I have never known before. I have grown up and God has continued to display His great mercy and grace upon me and our family. Things are changing and it has not been pleasurable or easy. I know we still have not "arrived" and we never will until we reach our final destination, Heaven! But the journey is growing us closer to Him and sad to say as my flesh continues to die to itself, I have resisted but my loving Father has gently taken my hand and captured my heart with more truth. I don't have many answers and in fact sometimes I feel my questions are much greater. The things I once knew, I no longer understand and it is pushing me towards a stronger and higher place. Nothing in and of myself but a place of freedom and less pride. A place of grace for others and less demands on myself because God is showing me that HE wants priority in my life above EVERYTHING! I have fought it! It has been eye-opening to say the least but He has kept me and continues to stretch me into those closed places where I built walls. I am being vulnerable and it is not an easy task! I fight it and resist it but in the struggle, I am finding peace because my guard is down and my walls have crumbled. Scary? Yes! I have desired for years and years more of Him and less of me and so now, his favor of chastising continues to pour out. Not the way I thought or wanted, but HIS way! As I let go of the former and cling to the present, I will continue to cling to all I have ever known....my Jesus loves me and He is fighting for me and will not rest until I have given all of myself to Him. Quite a place to be!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00466442501025166891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86937158829529311.post-68868649206149214612013-06-28T10:27:00.003-05:002013-06-28T10:28:40.635-05:00<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
What we have been up to....</div>
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getting used to my husbands new job hours</div>
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making schedule changes after 20 years of doing it the same way, a change is in order</div>
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enjoyed my oldest daughters graduation open house</div>
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playing outside</div>
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going to baseball games</div>
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watching my baby girl grow up WAYYYYY to fast!</div>
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having fun doing my own mobile SPA business</div>
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going to summer Campmeeting at church</div>
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preparing a women's spring gathering</div>
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preparing a "Thankful for men" dinner at church</div>
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growing up spiritually from being the parent of 2 official adults</div>
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realizing that a grown child's heart pain is the WORST pain a parent can ever feel</div>
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learning about the power of prayer more and more</div>
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learning to be content....again</div>
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learning to have more faith....again</div>
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sometimes knowing the days can seem long but the years go by sooooo fast</div>
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desiring another baby after the loss of 2 in a row</div>
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things I used to take for granted, are suddenly becoming so sacred</div>
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picnics</div>
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parks</div>
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endless walks with kids discovering Gods creations for the first time</div>
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being more creative with homeschooling with summer activities because I choose to do it all year round </div>
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free summer kids bowling....everyday!</div>
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endless baseball playing with boys and mom</div>
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learning that I actually CAN hit a ball but I still flinch and duck every time a ball comes towards me (yes... the boys laugh every time!)</div>
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enjoying friendships</div>
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loving my kids and husband in a deeper way than I ever thought possible because Christ has revealed Himself in wonderful new ways!</div>
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Just learning to be thankful for all things.....</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00466442501025166891noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86937158829529311.post-14576346358753315352013-05-09T16:22:00.001-05:002013-05-09T16:22:04.113-05:00Some pics....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMcf4Cgtvp8-dnTGPrp3eUpsgXO6XpntH-UgzbX7zHTIyaj5cBSLIkN1l8h1oJlVQ7CUPNoHHv6HFDl-AOhZoLRMe6WCienwmNI-Ta74YjjJbXOD_QhZEaTqhaMlznijHApJxO7mEwe-8/s1600/P5070531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMcf4Cgtvp8-dnTGPrp3eUpsgXO6XpntH-UgzbX7zHTIyaj5cBSLIkN1l8h1oJlVQ7CUPNoHHv6HFDl-AOhZoLRMe6WCienwmNI-Ta74YjjJbXOD_QhZEaTqhaMlznijHApJxO7mEwe-8/s320/P5070531.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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My oldest girls</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjrzEy9m_i5b_18_WHg80UXlwJl31sr_wXrhEapyPx7hzoTtcrv_8zLuXofD2Kkk3dA5Ni7_xRhyphenhyphenNqgyA4npbvaLdQsFIwqohYeEfmtXrnQv7XwJ8BiEhe3lLpeVs8Q089R_ZFaHcyEZQ/s1600/P4200295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjrzEy9m_i5b_18_WHg80UXlwJl31sr_wXrhEapyPx7hzoTtcrv_8zLuXofD2Kkk3dA5Ni7_xRhyphenhyphenNqgyA4npbvaLdQsFIwqohYeEfmtXrnQv7XwJ8BiEhe3lLpeVs8Q089R_ZFaHcyEZQ/s320/P4200295.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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My baseball players</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR3xyPlVsNyjmkRqR8eXXeLYafYHMolH9AkK9u0EBtdEUYPiR8-Q86XvPOy4nFYwr_SrBaK4YxfQ4fEzgUBxHTUcN7CCkpMEl3l3d3M3AUMT9TwJ_j8xqA2RtZwSqXC-sDnCBRe0QVpjI/s1600/P5060192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR3xyPlVsNyjmkRqR8eXXeLYafYHMolH9AkK9u0EBtdEUYPiR8-Q86XvPOy4nFYwr_SrBaK4YxfQ4fEzgUBxHTUcN7CCkpMEl3l3d3M3AUMT9TwJ_j8xqA2RtZwSqXC-sDnCBRe0QVpjI/s320/P5060192.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Just for fun</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbsQu9jDx__zt6UyxHvOVuJBZvPADx9ciLP4Y79IKqybZ_uJYk44qxxKN1Pjk9DNIvNE_MN7dDh7PklXNvb9dshHr2yxJfYOtgkZB8n6i2E7OQ1vSkTgsmlI9hg1z-lAY5REoqFR-EXN0/s1600/P3310244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbsQu9jDx__zt6UyxHvOVuJBZvPADx9ciLP4Y79IKqybZ_uJYk44qxxKN1Pjk9DNIvNE_MN7dDh7PklXNvb9dshHr2yxJfYOtgkZB8n6i2E7OQ1vSkTgsmlI9hg1z-lAY5REoqFR-EXN0/s320/P3310244.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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The baby of the family with mama</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00466442501025166891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86937158829529311.post-69439264629356713422013-05-02T20:38:00.003-05:002013-05-02T20:38:44.013-05:00Strength made perfect<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
The verse that comes to mind the past couple of days, "His strength is made perfect when I am weak..." There is also a song that states that verse and then it says, "All that I cling to, I lay at His feet..." Well, this week was a week of clinging. Clinging to things that I wanted. My dreams, insights, my ways and my thoughts. My thoughts, dreams, insights and ways were not necessarily wrong. Wanting a new life in my womb and our home is not wrong...HOWEVER, when I am not willing to lay the things down that I want, then it becomes something that I cling to and the ONLY thing I should be clinging to is my Savior no matter what. I wanted that sweet little life inside of me to be in my arms someday and I don't know why Jesus choose to take him/her home before that happened but I do know that the past 48 hours has been an amazing journey for me. I have never been in a place of complete, perfect strength. I know it is nothing I have done! I know that if it were only me, I would be in a much different place emotionally, spiritually and physically! I have the peace that passes ALL understanding and I am truly amazed at how Jesus has come to me so perfectly. </div>
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When I released MY plan to His perfect plan, it all began to unfold. I usually like my way and I think I know LOTS more than I really do! I remember asking God Monday night why He thought I was this strong. How could He think I could take anymore? How much more did He really think I was capable of? Well, His answer to me was that I am not strong and I could not do it and I was NOT capable of doing this without Him! </div>
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Yesterday I woke up in total perfection! I am not exaggerating! Even physically! My 15 year old daughter met me in the kitchen and was just sure I was going to be a mess in every way. She stated that she could not believe how strong I seemed. I had no explanation but God! We took the boys on a picnic, went on the bike trail, played catch, and watched their oldest brother do some fishing. It was an AMAZING day with constant reminders of how good I have it and how blessed I truly am. I was not sad, I knew my sweet baby was in the arms of Jesus and I was there too! What more could I want! Today, the peace has continued and I am awestruck at the abundance we can live in IF we allow God to be God! I can't say it was by my choice that all of this happened. It was probably one of the hardest times in my life! Monday night my choice would have been to have a perfect little heartbeat beating in that perfect little tiny body inside of my womb, but it did not happen MY way! God's way was to teach me a lesson on letting go through the pain and to remember that HIS strength is perfect. I called on Him and He has been there. He has never left me nor forsaken me! I am at rest in His arms! </div>
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Thank you for your prayers! I know that is what has been my saving grace! God has heard you and He has answered in so many ways! This is a beautiful journey and I can't wait to continue with HIS plan whatever that may be!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00466442501025166891noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86937158829529311.post-84748244690576397382013-04-30T21:41:00.001-05:002013-04-30T21:45:44.683-05:00It's been a while....<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
I would love to write this saying that all is well but really today, it is not. I am sorry my faithful readers that I have not been around much. 8 weeks ago, we were celebrating the news of number 13 on his/her way.</div>
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On Monday I went for my normal check-up and was thrilled with anticipation to see the heartbeat once again on ultrasound. As I lied there watching the screen excitedly, as I always do when a little life is in my womb... the fully formed, perfect baby was still with no heartbeat. Only about 3 days before, it seems that it's little soul passed out of him/her from my body to Jesus' arms.</div>
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Tonight, my heart, I am sure has blisters on it and the dark seems so dark. The mountain in front of me seems so great and my faith seems so small right now. I DO know who I cling to and I know that right now, He is holding my baby and me in His precious arms. </div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"A BABY'S SECRET"</span></strong><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm just a little person who didn't make it there;</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I went straight to be with Jesus,</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">but I'm waiting for you here.</span></em><br />
<em><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don't you fret about me, Mommy,</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm of all God's lambs most blessed;</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'd have loved to stay there with you,</span></em><br />
<em><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">but the Shepherd knows what's best.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Many dwelling here where I live,</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">waited years to ent...er in;</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Struggled through a world of sorrow,</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and their lives were marred with sin.</span></em><br />
<em><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, sweet Mommy, don't you sorrow ~</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wipe those tears and chase the gloom ~</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I went straight to Jesus' bosom</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">from my mother's womb.</span></em><br />
<em><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thank you for the life you gave me ~</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was brief, but don't complain...</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have all of heaven's glory...</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">suffered none of earthling's pain.</span></em><br />
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<em>- <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">by Sandi Johnson</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I WILL be back and this has given me a reason to write again. It is so healing. Thank you for listening and please pray for my heart to heal.</span></em><br />
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<a href="http://api.photoshop.com/home_f19b373ce8f0463582035ef005ee08ff/adobe-px-assets/ed4445219e244a04817150d1284a6320" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="right" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" border="0" height="75" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_f19b373ce8f0463582035ef005ee08ff/adobe-px-assets/ed4445219e244a04817150d1284a6320" style="border: 0px currentColor;" width="80" /></a><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/62/6F40174660B450F29F8A4B2047C0D336.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00466442501025166891noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86937158829529311.post-60429229985847840422013-02-18T21:05:00.001-06:002013-02-18T21:05:31.032-06:00Some wedding pics...<div style="border: currentColor; clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
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The girls and I had a bridal shower brunch for the bride to be...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheIO4117vT7DC37K84patEBM8Rq6sLe3vRGKo1fELvdioeJ9LdfZOpFNadqBebIdBWUS-oAkoWej9iB7RY0kV4QHzKwGM2UVIHymW6EgbzMl2jJetdEsOIVu8Ib4DZLQ0bRLb4w4vgLws/s1600/P2020008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheIO4117vT7DC37K84patEBM8Rq6sLe3vRGKo1fELvdioeJ9LdfZOpFNadqBebIdBWUS-oAkoWej9iB7RY0kV4QHzKwGM2UVIHymW6EgbzMl2jJetdEsOIVu8Ib4DZLQ0bRLb4w4vgLws/s320/P2020008.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKhlOfpK9QXmkaBkvqVoqQfp_lDyTZsIKXXdg4UGloMO0DifF2mozEW1Vv-48r-GDfaN-ttVkhSojnYrh4yvansMsf2x0cZalIOYJXGGdcg7-ZIynF1f0cUOoM6RKk6CIu4JesY6sVE9I/s1600/P2020019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKhlOfpK9QXmkaBkvqVoqQfp_lDyTZsIKXXdg4UGloMO0DifF2mozEW1Vv-48r-GDfaN-ttVkhSojnYrh4yvansMsf2x0cZalIOYJXGGdcg7-ZIynF1f0cUOoM6RKk6CIu4JesY6sVE9I/s320/P2020019.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Muffins and egg casserole</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiQ2hPOJI_nHO7xQmfhMPvTd6MMdqS93uLuACfg4nYBWVOopRXmaZur6aJ9B7chfchvm1Nrh_P75M0uCxxJNoipcUv-A8B4rvayl6UaNgbIvX2r6RrzPUS-BOjRrC_XJffPkOmspIop8o/s1600/P2020021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiQ2hPOJI_nHO7xQmfhMPvTd6MMdqS93uLuACfg4nYBWVOopRXmaZur6aJ9B7chfchvm1Nrh_P75M0uCxxJNoipcUv-A8B4rvayl6UaNgbIvX2r6RrzPUS-BOjRrC_XJffPkOmspIop8o/s320/P2020021.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And cake of course!</div>
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The colors were black, white with red accents</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi54VGijic8t-n2ppu6KWY7EEVqtZYfoUMpOrD66gbGW7so678N4hiBU8zXndJHQgy9ArdMkUPrLPOY1p_rgPBSbYF1BWhjAZPmdlayFi1dS7BeTqY4ueMR6eb5CgjJF6hiqzcc8ebaQZI/s1600/P2020026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi54VGijic8t-n2ppu6KWY7EEVqtZYfoUMpOrD66gbGW7so678N4hiBU8zXndJHQgy9ArdMkUPrLPOY1p_rgPBSbYF1BWhjAZPmdlayFi1dS7BeTqY4ueMR6eb5CgjJF6hiqzcc8ebaQZI/s320/P2020026.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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serving table</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWvPRftzbjT2r7tUPlXsSyG_8kFhA9fuBNX8CfYy1IsqSWakURJuF-EOekyh0rSt5yeiOVVNq-T-onsyrD_nQWsCHjMGzPCRY2dUIdR66z0h-a3hwimgGAPow77wAGQRBre8DThvXfdo/s1600/P2020040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWvPRftzbjT2r7tUPlXsSyG_8kFhA9fuBNX8CfYy1IsqSWakURJuF-EOekyh0rSt5yeiOVVNq-T-onsyrD_nQWsCHjMGzPCRY2dUIdR66z0h-a3hwimgGAPow77wAGQRBre8DThvXfdo/s320/P2020040.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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One of the brides gifts</div>
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A week later...</div>
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The wedding!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA4iHKpQQaE_B-uB8bfa0ppoYqeYX-d7oC6R_Ri6su3DjbxsN00_eb0UZTXXWDsDZ-UTWy-3Oltn3A7pOUPyeHrrQGEf-Jx0nXwwZZP86zcIy7BQRwzwcCfeoz1OsIeoeMufqtaxQHhFE/s1600/P2090096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA4iHKpQQaE_B-uB8bfa0ppoYqeYX-d7oC6R_Ri6su3DjbxsN00_eb0UZTXXWDsDZ-UTWy-3Oltn3A7pOUPyeHrrQGEf-Jx0nXwwZZP86zcIy7BQRwzwcCfeoz1OsIeoeMufqtaxQHhFE/s320/P2090096.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We made the wedding cake/cupcakes</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgAbms71cb_ch_MGbgYXraYJ04YO82bBPzYP_S2TC7_fQXOA3aUe0JRFiD2vku64GsgRkjQznH7Scnxxfj1kPswHrPLGO284fw5HySGFB04XbMsnTqWiLSw9lmPNec4u7GRxLZzQZDB7c/s1600/P2090097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgAbms71cb_ch_MGbgYXraYJ04YO82bBPzYP_S2TC7_fQXOA3aUe0JRFiD2vku64GsgRkjQznH7Scnxxfj1kPswHrPLGO284fw5HySGFB04XbMsnTqWiLSw9lmPNec4u7GRxLZzQZDB7c/s320/P2090097.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Red-velvet with one design</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxDYarR33xTE-XvkrPU8hmAbcnucX3yo4j1GyF6Iw2QHNMj5ZKGQihv9rjtijLrgHwzJW8_Jteh-NgnvO91VTsFqowLiAS4yVh70DsNK90LbOXRW2L3MSbLStHqvLAlGUOh9Z71CyBrKA/s1600/P2090098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxDYarR33xTE-XvkrPU8hmAbcnucX3yo4j1GyF6Iw2QHNMj5ZKGQihv9rjtijLrgHwzJW8_Jteh-NgnvO91VTsFqowLiAS4yVh70DsNK90LbOXRW2L3MSbLStHqvLAlGUOh9Z71CyBrKA/s320/P2090098.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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And another</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Fmr-K35UZF1tBAhuQlIb5VZOzSaBX5ulupV-hJo0jUoacb80aVf2ZS1mdJMSGkvODUj9fJGB45xxoT9sII_oF2uRt2bqhDbRYapvSeCfPMCEeGX9A4HInU6jXcgUv4OYEbWYOP-5Pec/s1600/P2090102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Fmr-K35UZF1tBAhuQlIb5VZOzSaBX5ulupV-hJo0jUoacb80aVf2ZS1mdJMSGkvODUj9fJGB45xxoT9sII_oF2uRt2bqhDbRYapvSeCfPMCEeGX9A4HInU6jXcgUv4OYEbWYOP-5Pec/s320/P2090102.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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The tiers</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsLMrdvFqizeRmCxBfKq0B2AkOurjMoVupuCDQZS-pBpI9z355VGzoDnpL7DCi88RXcuF1QFJFZWJLAZyifPbUo3CBT1WoEpC4oeJYMp8nFpGr1IhvR-jO6I5xldzC0qJ5UT3A6mecBEA/s1600/P2090109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsLMrdvFqizeRmCxBfKq0B2AkOurjMoVupuCDQZS-pBpI9z355VGzoDnpL7DCi88RXcuF1QFJFZWJLAZyifPbUo3CBT1WoEpC4oeJYMp8nFpGr1IhvR-jO6I5xldzC0qJ5UT3A6mecBEA/s320/P2090109.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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3 of the girls were in the wedding</div>
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Are they beautiful or what?!!!</div>
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The happy bride and groom after the wedding</div>
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The infamous cake feeding</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3FQ0oudlk-rOVejJZbD7pTwrpVVLvEEighWAhJvkLqAb29zegnj90-b03C9jSmCNF1nyPNeGc_rR_N21uprBoa3EMIdJl23r7ra-KpCNKLJF1MUUyoMgR6d-9zCNbVW2PO9xmXsnJYQ/s1600/P2090154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3FQ0oudlk-rOVejJZbD7pTwrpVVLvEEighWAhJvkLqAb29zegnj90-b03C9jSmCNF1nyPNeGc_rR_N21uprBoa3EMIdJl23r7ra-KpCNKLJF1MUUyoMgR6d-9zCNbVW2PO9xmXsnJYQ/s320/P2090154.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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The first dance</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxBldsjBx3O6g4AnzyG0XrZk7kceodFKE5boSEF0I9ibR3TUGpqxca5EH3myqdosOkiXXV1PcRWttkf_BlFgqaE56drge21iKjaaJy2ic2cFNLoSfJ48ppE_Lc02h7I5xTAQTbdVlqgnA/s1600/P2090169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxBldsjBx3O6g4AnzyG0XrZk7kceodFKE5boSEF0I9ibR3TUGpqxca5EH3myqdosOkiXXV1PcRWttkf_BlFgqaE56drge21iKjaaJy2ic2cFNLoSfJ48ppE_Lc02h7I5xTAQTbdVlqgnA/s320/P2090169.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Mom and dad of the groom many years and dances later!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimDcqfuKQWHGLvpPYBVGtFAgFaDuTpOFj_sDzO2XvNMVmNe3BwuN1bpOgQvksNRxKriMSiQJyInTP6WXggw-iy0bqj2uzesXwZQUyiXyoXDlfFQvo_OIvJZPFFXNGhgHJhiI4rzhgtMLc/s1600/P2090182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimDcqfuKQWHGLvpPYBVGtFAgFaDuTpOFj_sDzO2XvNMVmNe3BwuN1bpOgQvksNRxKriMSiQJyInTP6WXggw-iy0bqj2uzesXwZQUyiXyoXDlfFQvo_OIvJZPFFXNGhgHJhiI4rzhgtMLc/s320/P2090182.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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The baby made her wedding debut with such cuteness! </div>
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It was a beautiful day and we are so thankful for the woman our son has chosen to spend the rest of his life with. </div>
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I prayed since my son was a newborn in my arms for his future wife.</div>
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God has blessed us with a Christian girl to add to our family. We are so blessed! </div>
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Don't ever forget to pray for your children's future! It will happen before you know it! </div>
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The blink of an eye and they will have a family of their own! </div>
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Make the years count!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00466442501025166891noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86937158829529311.post-67140039297764215712013-02-12T17:58:00.002-06:002013-02-12T19:38:22.901-06:00<div style="border: currentColor; clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
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<a href="http://api.photoshop.com/home_f19b373ce8f0463582035ef005ee08ff/adobe-px-assets/ed4445219e244a04817150d1284a6320" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="right" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" border="0" height="75" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_f19b373ce8f0463582035ef005ee08ff/adobe-px-assets/ed4445219e244a04817150d1284a6320" style="border: 0px currentColor;" width="80" /></a><br />
Should I continue to post about my latest post ORRRRR post the wedding pictures of my oldest son's wedding this past week? What to do, what to do...<br />
Hmmmmmm........<br />
<br />
Any advice?<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00466442501025166891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86937158829529311.post-20310241376315422052013-01-22T14:05:00.001-06:002013-01-22T14:08:10.026-06:00Being Thriftful...<div style="border: currentColor; clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
I get so many comments on wondering how I do it...<br />
<br />
-How do you shop for that many?<br />
-How do you cook for that many?<br />
-What kind of meals do you make?<br />
-What do you do for snacks?<br />
-How often do you go grocery shopping?<br />
-How many gallons of milk do you buy a week?<br />
And the list goes on and on...<br />
<br />
Well, I have been so often helped by others that I often think what I have to say is not that important or helpful but as I was driving today, I began to think that if I could help just one person find something that might help them, then that would bless me! <br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>My average grocery bill is about $125-$150 a week...that is for 13 people</li>
<li>I do not freeze many meals, I make them on a daily basis- I have tried other ways but it is just easier for me to make them everyday. I will on occasion make a double batch of something and freeze it.</li>
<li>So far, my family eats about a 9x13 and a 9x9 dish at meals. We ALWAYS have sides with our meals such as fruit and/or veggies and a bread of some type</li>
<li>I make casseroles about 3 times a week for dinners</li>
<li>I usually start with what my meat will be and let that simmer in a crock pot and do the add-ons later in the day</li>
<li>Lunches are sandwiches or tortilla wraps with fruit and crackers</li>
<li>We don't snack except for rare occasions and then we have popcorn or apples with p-nut butter and raisins</li>
<li>I shop once a week for the bulk and then 2 other times for fill-ins</li>
<li>We go through about 6-7 gallons of milk a week</li>
<li>We make most things from scratch</li>
<li>We hardly ever buy desserts...my husband LOVES his chocolate so my girls are GREAT at making him treats quite often! :)</li>
<li>We do not drink pop or juices. Water most of the time with a cup of milk for one meal a day</li>
<li>Cheese is our big expense and we go through MUCH of that in a week! Like 20 cups or so!</li>
<li>I buy flour, sugar, spices and oatmeal in bulk at our Amish store about once a month</li>
<li>I use pasta, potatoes,eggs and rice often! They are GREAT fillers!</li>
<li>Hamburger and other meat I use lightly...about 1 lb per recipe. I usually just double up on other ingredients that are less costly...ground turkey is also very reasonable!</li>
<li>Biscuits are so versatile and we use them often! Pizza boats, homemade donuts, baked sloppy joes, etc.</li>
<li>Once a week I make about 60 pancakes or french toast to use the rest of the week for another meal</li>
<li>I fry hamburger up all at once and freeze it in 1 lb packages to save time</li>
<li>Breakfasts are our lightest meals...my kids seem to eat very little at that meal</li>
<li>Dinner is our biggest meal but if dad is home during lunch, we change that around</li>
</ul>
I am going to keep going a little bit on this subject. Please tell me some things you would like to know and I will try to accommodate! If you have any insight, I would love that also!</div>
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<a href="http://api.photoshop.com/home_f19b373ce8f0463582035ef005ee08ff/adobe-px-assets/ed4445219e244a04817150d1284a6320" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="right" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" border="0" height="75" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_f19b373ce8f0463582035ef005ee08ff/adobe-px-assets/ed4445219e244a04817150d1284a6320" style="border: 0px currentColor;" width="80" /></a><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/62/6F40174660B450F29F8A4B2047C0D336.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00466442501025166891noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86937158829529311.post-62118886652323073262013-01-09T15:43:00.002-06:002013-01-09T15:44:33.329-06:00I can breathe- I think<div style="border: currentColor; clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sometimes...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It seems as if the air has been sucked out of me</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not always a "bad" thing!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just sometimes that realization of motherhood</span></div>
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</div>
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Like...</div>
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</div>
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~When your oldest son is getting married </div>
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and you realize that you are no longer the only "woman" in his life</div>
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</div>
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~When you go with your daughter to try on bridesmaid dresses </div>
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and all of the sudden it hits you that WAY too soon, SHE will be the one looking for a wedding dress!</div>
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</div>
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~When you go to your son's room and look at the mess </div>
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and you realize that you should have complained less in the previous years because now, there will be no mess from him in your home anymore and it is something you knew would happen but one time it seemed so far away and you NEVER dreamed you would miss it but you already do</div>
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</div>
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~When you know that family plans may not always include ALL of your children anymore</div>
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</div>
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~When you realize that once the first one leaves home, it's just the beginning of the next one, and the next one and so on...</div>
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</div>
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~When you pick up your "baby" and you realize she is really not a baby anymore</div>
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</div>
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~When you think of your age and remember when your parents were that age you thought they were SOOOOO old!</div>
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</div>
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~When you realize that your years as a grandma are possibly closer than you ever thought possible!</div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I am going through a new phase in my life. Sometimes I get confused because I have SO many little ones to still focus on and the realization what is about to take place in my life in about a month, hits me like a ton of bricks. No time to really just sit and think about how I am going to have to let go of my oldest boy, it has just crept up on me! I can give him advice, but what he does with it now, is up to him. In some ways there is freedom in that and other ways, I want to tell him what to do knowing that I still have more years on him! If I could just sit with him on the couch and stroke his hair and chat.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Then I am reminded that wherever this journey of motherhood has ever lead me, God's grace has ALWAYS seen me through. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Tears?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Yes!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Many!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">However, I know that God has ALWAYS kept me and He too will keep my son and in this new territory of his journey! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Knowing that, I can rest knowing although this is uncharted territory for me, God has already gone before me! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Then I take a deep breath and the air fills my lungs and realize,</span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I can breath again...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">stronger and better than ever!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span> </div>
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</div>
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</div>
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<a href="http://api.photoshop.com/home_f19b373ce8f0463582035ef005ee08ff/adobe-px-assets/ed4445219e244a04817150d1284a6320" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="right" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" border="0" height="75" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_f19b373ce8f0463582035ef005ee08ff/adobe-px-assets/ed4445219e244a04817150d1284a6320" style="border: 0px currentColor;" width="80" /></a><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/62/6F40174660B450F29F8A4B2047C0D336.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00466442501025166891noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86937158829529311.post-1425262520728774892013-01-07T12:22:00.001-06:002013-01-09T15:46:22.087-06:00Update...<div style="border: currentColor; clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
It has been 2 whole months! Time has slipped by and SO many things have happened in my life! Life changing and monumental in some ways! <br />
<br />
~ I was for the first time, on the other side of delivering a baby! I am now looking into becoming a certified doula! I will just say I was SO in my element! <br />
~ Thanksgiving came and went and we had a beautiful day with family<br />
~ I had the opportunity to help a VERY needy neighbor in a great time of need (more to come about that!)<br />
~ Started a new business with Spa Products! They are AMAZING! :) Go to <a href="http://shop.beauticontrol.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ContentView?storeId=10551&langId=-1&catalogId=10551&pageID=BChome&showBG=2">go here</a> to see for yourself and PLEASE let me know if you are interested! The products are all botanically based and literally change your skin from the first day of use!<br />
~ I have watched my oldest son make life-changing decisions<br />
~ I have met the soon to be newest member of our family (no I am not pregnant yet, unfortunately!)<br />
~ My son became engaged on December 13th so we have a new daughter to welcome into our family!<br />
~ We have stayed away from all the illnesses going around <br />
~ I have watched my daughter play AND sing in her first guitar recital<br />
~My son and his fiance played Mary and Joseph and the baby whom I witnessed his birth, played baby Jesus in our church Christmas presentation<br />
~ We had a wonderful Christmas with much less material things than previous years but also had much soul searching and had the ability to teach our children many things through it<br />
~ Hubby still no permanent job but he did have a few interviews with all of them sending rejection letters :/ Many lessons learned through those times!<br />
~ Realizing continually day in and day out, that Jesus MUST be source for EVERYTHING!<br />
~ I have had a HUGE prayer answered after many years that God would send me a friend who I could be with, in my area. I have a dear lady that has taken up a place in my heart and we have such kindred spirits! So Blessed to have her in my life! We have grown towards God because of each other!<br />
<br />
I am so thankful for all the provision God has given us in 2012! I remember wondering where I would be last year at this time in 2013. We were getting ready to move, I had just had a miscarriage and my life was spinning out of control right in front of me! (So I thought...)<br />
<br />
We have come full circle and I now see much more clearer of the things God was desiring for us to learn:<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> -This life is NOT about "stuff" and what this world has to offer</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- The enemy would like to help us focus on those things and what we can get for ourselves</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- It is SO tempting and easy to get caught up in what we DON'T have</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- God's ways are not our ways</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- But when we focus on Him and rest in HIS plan, our desires do begin to fall in line with His</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- His concern is people and their eternity</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- That is what our focus should be!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- We don't have to go outside of our country to be missionaries!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- We are called to be missionaries day in and day out in our homes and our little "world" around us</span><br />
<br />
I will tell you I have by NO means "arrived" yet, but I am so thankful for the grace God gives and the road He has lead us down to see His heart. I pray I will continually look at His heart and focus on HIS ways not follow my selfish desires. I hope to live this life for Him so when I meet Him face to face He will say to me, "Well done my good and faithful servant!" I wonder what this year is going to hold! I do not know, but I take rest in knowing He knows and I will follow wherever He leads! <br />
<br />
</div>
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<a href="http://api.photoshop.com/home_f19b373ce8f0463582035ef005ee08ff/adobe-px-assets/ed4445219e244a04817150d1284a6320" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="right" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" border="0" height="75" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_f19b373ce8f0463582035ef005ee08ff/adobe-px-assets/ed4445219e244a04817150d1284a6320" style="border: 0px currentColor;" width="80" /></a><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/62/6F40174660B450F29F8A4B2047C0D336.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00466442501025166891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86937158829529311.post-45623627904314265212013-01-02T12:06:00.002-06:002013-01-02T12:06:36.180-06:00<div style="border: currentColor; clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
Yes, I have taken a break from blogging...I have not really missed it but yet I have so many things to share.<br />
<br />
SOOOOO....<br />
<br />
I will be coming back soon! MANY things have happened in the past 2 months and I can't wait to tell you all about it!<br />
Stay tuned...</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00466442501025166891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86937158829529311.post-30250471943259924912012-11-20T11:39:00.001-06:002012-11-20T11:39:45.120-06:00Thankful...<div style="border: currentColor; clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">T<span style="font-size: small;">wo are better than one</span></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">H<span style="font-size: small;">usband who does so much for us</span></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">A<span style="font-size: small;">rrows that have filled a quiver with maybe room to spare</span></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">N<span style="font-size: small;">eeding my Savior</span></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">K<span style="font-size: small;">nowing He is ALWAYS there</span></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">F<span style="font-size: small;">inding rest and fufillment in Christ alone</span></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">U<span style="font-size: small;">nmerited favor~ GRACE</span></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">L<span style="font-size: small;">earning who I am in Christ</span></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><em>For these things, I am TRULY thankful!</em></span></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Hope you have a blessed time with family and remembering all the love that is ours for the taking for those who are in Christ!</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">Happy Thanksgiving!</span></strong></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00466442501025166891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86937158829529311.post-52082531168025929032012-11-09T13:07:00.003-06:002012-11-09T13:07:41.403-06:00Knowing...<div style="border: currentColor; clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; height: 440px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 288px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
...feelings just don't matter sometimes, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God is suffcient</div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
...when we feel alone,</div>
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we never are</div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
...when we feel chewed up and spit out</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God cares</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
...this world will suck the life out of you</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but God gives life</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
...life's burdens are weighing on us</div>
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God wants to carry them for us</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
...we may feel God is silent</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but we know He is everpresent</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
...God is working all things together for good</div>
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for those who love Him</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
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...He is MORE than enough!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00466442501025166891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86937158829529311.post-33622331636902608222012-11-05T12:57:00.003-06:002012-11-05T12:57:29.227-06:00The time change...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp25JrytZ7LT8E-QETCsU5ZhNU88eSrNMyJMbEiEDdk3Kj900eKhtun9siZAueWMy2Q1z3NRDYWOhcBjDo03z4owIzs4yKUWjgrr0XTKd-WTZVNwB59C2kpp6DYaehgxvG5hPMoBu-kQw/s1600/PA201041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp25JrytZ7LT8E-QETCsU5ZhNU88eSrNMyJMbEiEDdk3Kj900eKhtun9siZAueWMy2Q1z3NRDYWOhcBjDo03z4owIzs4yKUWjgrr0XTKd-WTZVNwB59C2kpp6DYaehgxvG5hPMoBu-kQw/s320/PA201041.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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The time change is NEVER easy on me! </div>
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I do not recieve the extra hour of sleep than some claim to get!</div>
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I ALWAYS lose at least an hour because kids just seem to have that internal clock that does not reset easily! They have all been up rarin' to go by 5 the past two mornings! </div>
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Uhg!</div>
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I have realized mine does not reset easily either...</div>
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I have gotten more done by 8 this morning than I get done in an entire morning some days!</div>
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I get sleepy by 8 so I am considering just keeping my internal clock the same and not changing it! </div>
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I won't need to retrain myself, it is already established! More prayer time in the morning, and hopefully lots more will get accomplished before anyone gets up...</div>
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Now if I can get them to get into a new routine and I don't wear myself out keeping up with their new clocks!</div>
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This will be interesting for all of us but somehow it always works out! :)</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00466442501025166891noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86937158829529311.post-1060740003209186352012-10-31T10:23:00.003-05:002012-10-31T10:23:53.552-05:00The WORST time of the year!<div style="border: currentColor; clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
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<img alt="" class="framed" height="199" src="http://www.visionforum.com/news/blogs/doug/2008_scariest_thing.jpg" title="" width="400" /><br />
<em>The fear of the Lord is to hate evil. (Proverbs 8:13)</em><br />
By Doug Phillips<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our country is in the grip of a fear crisis. The tension because of this fear is almost palpable. There is fear over the election, fear over the economy, and fear over hundreds of other issues ranging from the environment to terrorism.</span><br />
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For more, go <span style="background-color: white; color: blue;"><a href="http://www.visionforum.com/news/blogs/doug/2008/10/4556/">HERE</a></span>...</div>
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<a href="http://api.photoshop.com/home_f19b373ce8f0463582035ef005ee08ff/adobe-px-assets/ed4445219e244a04817150d1284a6320" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="right" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" border="0" height="75" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_f19b373ce8f0463582035ef005ee08ff/adobe-px-assets/ed4445219e244a04817150d1284a6320" style="border: 0px currentColor;" width="80" /></a><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/62/6F40174660B450F29F8A4B2047C0D336.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00466442501025166891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86937158829529311.post-56745129036986956412012-10-29T06:00:00.000-05:002012-10-29T06:00:15.406-05:00Does Jesus play 'Words with Friends'?<div style="border: currentColor; clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
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I got hooked! It happened quickly and am thankful it was a short lived addiction! I began playing the game on the internet, "Words With Friends". I thought I was pretty intelligent until about after 2 turns! I decided either I was not as smart as I thought I was or I had just gotten really dumb from lack of exposure to anything involved with academics about 6th grade! </div>
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Anyway, I was playing one night and my letters came up...</div>
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(For those of you who don't play, they are the letters at the very bottom and they randomly are sent to you)</div>
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It was close to the final round. I looked down and saw it right in front of me! I giggled and was just so amazed at what I saw! I finished my game and began to retrospect. (I do that alot!) I don't believe in coincedence! I wondered if God was having fun or if He was trying to show me something by something SO obvious! I decided He was having fun with me and it blessed my heart! I also, without guilt, decided that I could have been doing something better with my time than playing a game on the internet! I realized that although it is fun, the few quiet times I have, I could be spending it MUCH more wisely! If I can find time to sit and play on the computer, I can find time to catch some moments with Jesus! So I gave it up...I no longer play games on the internet anymore. It was shortlived...I really did not enjoy it much but it did become something I kept going to. A time stealer! So many things in this life can become that! The enemy wants to rob us of our time with God because those are the times we draw strength and get equipped to live in this fallen world! If I even sit for 3 minutes 10 times a day in the word, that is 30 minutes of my time that can be used in such a mighty way! (I find it very easy to do that on the internet without a second thought!)</div>
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Yes, God had fun with me that day playing "Words With Friends" but He also in His sweet, loving spirit, convicted me of how I spend the time He has given me! Do I use it for Him or do I waste it away? I am once again remided, that even just a moment at His feet satisfies my soul better than anything this world has to offer me! Then I am ready to face the world! So thankful for His parenting skills! :)</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00466442501025166891noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86937158829529311.post-20000437107310492712012-10-26T09:20:00.002-05:002012-10-26T09:20:36.537-05:00Foto Friday~ Blue bears and cowboy hats<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I LOVE pictures of my kids sleeping! </div>
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Maybe because for once they are still and motionless...</div>
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I appreciate those times! :)</div>
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I would not want it that way ALL the time but...</div>
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it can be so sweet!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0_aTh3jBcwIsgDFrxtn_pf9ST4OVhyphenhyphentxhaCn7iJq7TMDTY81FDDGF_WYUY3n2S_LzKrRN4d1zFiwV64EyNp2nIhx7CqmR-ZcMGA6HQhIZtIvt-SOsDp0I77FEMabhApZDA1mmXRy74Qk/s1600/P8150876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0_aTh3jBcwIsgDFrxtn_pf9ST4OVhyphenhyphentxhaCn7iJq7TMDTY81FDDGF_WYUY3n2S_LzKrRN4d1zFiwV64EyNp2nIhx7CqmR-ZcMGA6HQhIZtIvt-SOsDp0I77FEMabhApZDA1mmXRy74Qk/s320/P8150876.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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My four year old got up this morning with his 6 year old brother and thought it was time to get up!</div>
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...At 2:45 am!</div>
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I sure am glad he had a blue bear and a cowboy hat to meet him when he went back to bed!</div>
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Enjoy your weekend! </div>
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Relax and remember to rest in Jesus!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00466442501025166891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86937158829529311.post-58522608328232118112012-10-25T12:48:00.004-05:002012-10-25T12:48:50.176-05:00I have issues...<div style="border: currentColor; clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
I can have issues with:<br />
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<li>muddy boys </li>
<li>dirty floors </li>
<li>potty-training</li>
<li>not being able to find that one shoe</li>
<li>matching socks</li>
<li>staying disciplined</li>
<li>saying no</li>
<li>saying yes</li>
<li>making meals</li>
<li>shopping on a TIGHT budget</li>
<li>constant laundry</li>
<li>understanding activity level of boys</li>
<li>selfishness</li>
<li>time management</li>
<li>following through</li>
<li>keeping my mouth quiet</li>
<li>running errands </li>
<li>keeping up with everyone and everything...</li>
<li>And MANY more! </li>
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The one thing I have to remember is that even with all of these issues, I have a place to go. It's a resting place like no other. No vacation, drug, spa, calgon, "me" time, or a cup of "Joe" or even a Coke, could give me what just a few moments at Jesus feet can give me. <br />
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When my "issues" become a battle for me and my focus changes to what <strong>I</strong> have to give up, I remember that I need to once again, decide that I can't do this alone. This job of mothering is hard but I know that Jesus knows what it is like to deal with 12 selfish, greedy, self-centered people! I must see that I too am teaching "disciples" to go out and live a Godly life and I am the example that Christ was for HIS disciples when He walked this earth. <br />
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My disciples are watching and I hope that when my "issues" become an issue, I turn to the one who was PERFECT at discipiling HIS disciples!! That means minute by minute, I look to Him. I will always have "issues" but if I learn where my humanness leaves off and where His grace begins, (at the beginning), I will be equipped to lead my disciples to Him! What a job, but I am so thankful for it and even glad I have issues because I have learned the answer to resting in my Savior!<br />
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Psalm 132:14<br />
“This is my resting place forever; here I will dwell, for I have desired it.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00466442501025166891noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86937158829529311.post-22548617877667771512012-10-19T13:25:00.001-05:002012-10-19T13:25:46.122-05:00To the oldest...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yes my oldest...</div>
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You have been the trial of our many errors! </div>
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We look back and know that it is true...</div>
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Kids are pretty resilient to parents mistakes!</div>
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You are so strong and loving and it truly has been a joy to raise you!</div>
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Although I wish so many times I could turn back the clock and...</div>
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read you one more story,</div>
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play one more board game with you,</div>
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look at your lego creations a little longer,</div>
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appreciate your creative art sculptures made from wood,</div>
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not worry about bedtime,</div>
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appreciate God's outdoor creations going on hikes,</div>
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and receive ONE more crayon drawing when I was the best thing in your world!</div>
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However...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEof2PXO-4BCxT-gB6y2suOGLhZrmin-cIYuOhyphenhyphen8Z4ahhp_IcHxtde-FPdt68DLd0YiVOfa_7Iwh6xC397JKfPxiLE7NwMS1ACY3A5js3Bv9jyKKmazCWnkw5aQHLusvgSfbtrWtY6H9k/s1600/P7280122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEof2PXO-4BCxT-gB6y2suOGLhZrmin-cIYuOhyphenhyphen8Z4ahhp_IcHxtde-FPdt68DLd0YiVOfa_7Iwh6xC397JKfPxiLE7NwMS1ACY3A5js3Bv9jyKKmazCWnkw5aQHLusvgSfbtrWtY6H9k/s320/P7280122.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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seeing you become the man you are becoming and</div>
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watching the fruit of my labor </div>
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is rewarding and I would have it no other way!</div>
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I love you and I anticipate many amazing things to happen in the coming year!</div>
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You are God's gift to me and I am so thankful that I was choosen to be your mom!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijwVfNBrBQydsbmuTPMKv9XmV29MwJ_mqhJXv1enjacMxyu-ei0jxqjlUJPf3ynVBtOaUJvCNRiO2s3A7TDYGddM0aW8vG5XG88-GIbWViN6BEt_7S1cAgYlGoWfIdSx_CFqWF3_uwvvQ/s1600/P7280125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijwVfNBrBQydsbmuTPMKv9XmV29MwJ_mqhJXv1enjacMxyu-ei0jxqjlUJPf3ynVBtOaUJvCNRiO2s3A7TDYGddM0aW8vG5XG88-GIbWViN6BEt_7S1cAgYlGoWfIdSx_CFqWF3_uwvvQ/s320/P7280125.JPG" width="214" /></a></div>
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I love you son!</div>
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Happy 19th Birthday!</div>
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No matter where you go or what you do,</div>
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I am always here to support you and be your biggest fan!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00466442501025166891noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86937158829529311.post-1099211705825526512012-10-11T20:04:00.000-05:002012-10-12T11:37:32.040-05:00Foto Friday ~ Remind me...<div style="border: currentColor; clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
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I am going to miss these days! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3CHvoiwhy8HWgLhcyas_M3mzIXJOCp77msuniRiB5Tut8EfR1ImWhbMleJfUaS0dUeIPs6kmk67wfxj0k_Yc1UdkbGmFWKSR3Tu66yVgduZEpcQrL0U0wK_AFGxR1dRvJGZGVxu117Uw/s1600/P9240451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3CHvoiwhy8HWgLhcyas_M3mzIXJOCp77msuniRiB5Tut8EfR1ImWhbMleJfUaS0dUeIPs6kmk67wfxj0k_Yc1UdkbGmFWKSR3Tu66yVgduZEpcQrL0U0wK_AFGxR1dRvJGZGVxu117Uw/s320/P9240451.JPG" width="251" /></a></div>
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in about 8 years,</div>
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I will have 6 teenage boys living under one roof, MINE!</div>
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Sometimes, the days can seem so long</div>
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BUT...</div>
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the years are going by SO VERY fast!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtLWbmSkz_NpU8pHwZ1yEYjL8yd4cSTEcjuQAYk3-c5FPOtCFYzkc8MSoePwVmg2UI7kLfqXyOUOsd5G_eRvyUgnJSglkP6EsPZQTIofsyv26DpFPtjg3-MUqQC_ojnIebDdD50CvsSMQ/s1600/P9240594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtLWbmSkz_NpU8pHwZ1yEYjL8yd4cSTEcjuQAYk3-c5FPOtCFYzkc8MSoePwVmg2UI7kLfqXyOUOsd5G_eRvyUgnJSglkP6EsPZQTIofsyv26DpFPtjg3-MUqQC_ojnIebDdD50CvsSMQ/s320/P9240594.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I will miss boys giggling and looking out of a bird watch area</div>
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pretending it is a hideout...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3n-AfRW1eWo8kKu8BFwk2Z9Nw2hNhHmG_sSq14eakF3SDrT33Tony-YiOl8_mxUyZoaBTbSUA-wO2jnLEwiL-YdAWwaTzmUkeVWCmt73b8kquz1vvLKVo34bG-7RDG0Nodhicqhl1DoQ/s1600/P9240599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3n-AfRW1eWo8kKu8BFwk2Z9Nw2hNhHmG_sSq14eakF3SDrT33Tony-YiOl8_mxUyZoaBTbSUA-wO2jnLEwiL-YdAWwaTzmUkeVWCmt73b8kquz1vvLKVo34bG-7RDG0Nodhicqhl1DoQ/s320/P9240599.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Moments of seeing big brother and little sister enjoying watching the world go by </div>
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just because </div>
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nothing else is filling their time and that it is enough for the day</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEAfeTHrd0gP5Ut0xiYyzGa9qrImg19aOi6v0CGih5lbP4QgW_3fxlHjh2LmaV6qNYsV94Rr14ngtGGJSz8LVzgBD5IQslIXb4hs1Js00or4zFZAdEjkrO15ph0C-PM8YwszxfoQp5w74/s1600/P9240476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEAfeTHrd0gP5Ut0xiYyzGa9qrImg19aOi6v0CGih5lbP4QgW_3fxlHjh2LmaV6qNYsV94Rr14ngtGGJSz8LVzgBD5IQslIXb4hs1Js00or4zFZAdEjkrO15ph0C-PM8YwszxfoQp5w74/s320/P9240476.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I love knowing that for now...</div>
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A hiking trail and the great outdoors is all we have to do</div>
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if we want to...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhHbiyCoQdkUZM6yDBf3gJv_g5aYLcicMgXr7amO7SsXr8hVtor1guUAJOK68Y2NIvAH0zvVCocEjn1W3KX9cRU1ndcm38en1X2Rok2G4dKfhymZc6Vmkm4lj0uXxFvJb9Lidqwsp2Vzo/s1600/P9240494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhHbiyCoQdkUZM6yDBf3gJv_g5aYLcicMgXr7amO7SsXr8hVtor1guUAJOK68Y2NIvAH0zvVCocEjn1W3KX9cRU1ndcm38en1X2Rok2G4dKfhymZc6Vmkm4lj0uXxFvJb9Lidqwsp2Vzo/s320/P9240494.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Yes.,.</div>
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I'm going to miss this someday!</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">God...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">please help me to enjoy today and savor these sweet, precious times </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">and not hurry my days.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I know that it is YOU who has been so gracious to me and </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">to even fathom that you would trust me with all these beautiful gifts is to great for me to comprehend...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I know I fail and I gripe and complain sometimes because it is so hard to put "self" last and I have moments of wondering if I can do it another day! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> Then I am rememeber you did it for me to the point of death </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">and it reminds me that I CAN'T do it alone you and you don't intend for me to!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I ask that you carry me when I can't take </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">one more spill,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> more bad attitudes, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> another load of laundry, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">kids arguing AGAIN, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">another meal to make</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> and I could go on and on and on...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"> but you gently remind me that you already know my short-comings </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">and love me anyway.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Remind me that there is nothing I can't do without you!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">...Even raise 12 kids!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I thank you for all of these moments and I ask you to help me day in and moment by moment to appreciate these times because it all goes WAY to fast! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Someday I WILL miss this but remind me TODAY...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">To thank you for the privilege of being a mom to all of these blessings and to savor their growing up and consider it a joy not a burden!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Amen!</span> </div>
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<a href="http://api.photoshop.com/home_f19b373ce8f0463582035ef005ee08ff/adobe-px-assets/ed4445219e244a04817150d1284a6320" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="right" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" border="0" height="75" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_f19b373ce8f0463582035ef005ee08ff/adobe-px-assets/ed4445219e244a04817150d1284a6320" style="border: 0px currentColor;" width="80" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00466442501025166891noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86937158829529311.post-26944711668745235692012-09-28T11:38:00.001-05:002012-09-28T11:38:26.540-05:00Foto Friday ~ Hunting time...<div style="border: currentColor; clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
It is hunting season and it is not just the boys that enjoy it at our house! My 15 year old has a passion for it also! I think it is so fun that she can enjoy this with her brother's and grandfather!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPxdQm9fbk7bhDXKHZ0lMKujHhYQ3jnYZMWWOugtmSf4lJGqsx1jhVsO_Yy2L6zgc5lQOpmMSRQcVEa1ql-W2plm_0cD0gUSr7JJ4R9iIOP4tALt87IsLZOHCrnEdj4J3_4bJ8AJZyrU4/s1600/P9240396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPxdQm9fbk7bhDXKHZ0lMKujHhYQ3jnYZMWWOugtmSf4lJGqsx1jhVsO_Yy2L6zgc5lQOpmMSRQcVEa1ql-W2plm_0cD0gUSr7JJ4R9iIOP4tALt87IsLZOHCrnEdj4J3_4bJ8AJZyrU4/s320/P9240396.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCmS8_B39DIHbUHes2CFvNC287sQUxEgWsZ95MB3_Azrf721abZxNAtVNCy2kLtGeAZrPZsyBv7TM7uZ_60GDNnwJOBrvj_jbKJT3WuYOZw7KWS12rXe5gclqVnKXkjGSSZywNxUgzLU/s1600/P9240398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsCmS8_B39DIHbUHes2CFvNC287sQUxEgWsZ95MB3_Azrf721abZxNAtVNCy2kLtGeAZrPZsyBv7TM7uZ_60GDNnwJOBrvj_jbKJT3WuYOZw7KWS12rXe5gclqVnKXkjGSSZywNxUgzLU/s320/P9240398.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Ay1vuJAQoIOvmM2esGPBKgbE95viJu8X0AKsxgsecg-o-iPJVpDBdIAa0CtoPiQpj-y1ZTrXkdD5dcDEsXwMUw-k5TvVVMWzL4t5PNf-pGhAc-AyaDMPAiAR0xAizIMHL2uO1VopC64/s1600/P9240410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Ay1vuJAQoIOvmM2esGPBKgbE95viJu8X0AKsxgsecg-o-iPJVpDBdIAa0CtoPiQpj-y1ZTrXkdD5dcDEsXwMUw-k5TvVVMWzL4t5PNf-pGhAc-AyaDMPAiAR0xAizIMHL2uO1VopC64/s320/P9240410.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's in her blood!</div>
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We are hoping for a big buck in her future!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00466442501025166891noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86937158829529311.post-77016222117813227362012-09-26T13:10:00.003-05:002012-09-26T13:14:06.009-05:00How Blessed Am I...<div style="border: currentColor; clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
God has blessed me so many times in my life with amazing friends! For a few years after we moved, I really had not ONE! I prayed for just one! I had the phone to catch up with "old" friends but not one that I could see face to face or have coffee with. I felt so lonely! It was a time of leaning on God as a friend and my relationship with Him grew into something that was so amazing! He was my friend...He showed me His heart and I desired to have His heart! I am so thankful for that time! How blessed am I!<br />
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Now, after years of praying for a "friend" God has abundantly blessed me! I have some people that he has placed in my life for this moment and this time that have been EXACTLY what I needed! I have learned to continually run to God first but I also now have some ladies I can share my heart with and they love me just the way I am. I feel so privileged and honored to be in their lives! They have become my sister's and we have the same Heavenly Father and we share the same heart...to have the heart of our Father's! How blessed am I!<br />
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Over the years, my mom became a friend to me. I realized she knew WAY more than I thought she did! I began to share my love for God and she shared her love for Him with me. ALL the time by living it and I observed it knowing I wanted what she had! She passed that longing for God down to me and it grew in my heart. That is where it all began! I could NEVER repay her for that! It is why I live and breath! How do you thank someone for that? I can't even begin to show her, but mom...thank you! Because of you, mom...I want so much to have the heart of Heavenly Father! How blessed am I!<br />
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My daughters are also becoming my "friends"! They are 17, 15, and 13 and growing up! It is so fun to share the things of God! We cry together, laugh together and yes, even have those little moments of 'ARGH..." with each other but it is so very precious! I wonder can your daughter's be your sister's in Christ? I think so! What a joy to discover that and after all the years of raising them, you begin to see the rewards! I have pointed them to God and now...they have the heart of their Heavenly Father! How blessed am I!<br />
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My husband is my BEST friend and words cannot express the love we share! I am overwhelmed at the way he loves and accepts me and how much he has sacrificed for me! I can tell him my deepest longings and dreams! He does not laugh at me when I talk about things that sound crazy. He just sits and listens and nods his head in agreement. He has seen my joy and my tears and loves me with a love I never thought I would find on this earth! He is my friend and we share one desire...to have the heart of our Father! How blessed am I! <br />
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My heart is overflowing with joy because He has given me the gift of friendship in so many ways! Not because He had to but because He has choosen to and He knew it would bless my heart! Friends who point me to Him and the cross! I hope I can be the friend God has called me to be and when this life on earth for me is through, I will have blessed other's because I have had the heart of my Heavenly Father! <br />
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To all of you I have considered my "friend" through all these years...thank you, I am honored to know you and so thankful God has given you to me!<br />
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How blessed am I!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00466442501025166891noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86937158829529311.post-68323945766314050832012-09-23T20:51:00.002-05:002012-09-23T20:52:15.293-05:00What little girls do...<div style="border: currentColor; clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
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It's been about 10 years since I have had a chance to watch a little girl mother a baby doll. </div>
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Oh how I have missed it! </div>
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Our baby of the house is SO into dolls and caring for them and she is just shy of 18 months! </div>
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It is so very precious! </div>
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Sunday morning before church, she was in her room putting her baby "nigh nigh" then wiping her nose and putting a blanket over her. </div>
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For some reason she thought the blankie was to go over the doll's face but hey...you gotta start somewhere! </div>
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I have come to find out through the years, this nurturing for little girls is inborn and such a joy to watch! </div>
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I just had to share our morning with you, I know you will be saying, "Awwww, how cute!" </div>
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It would be impossible to think any different! Enjoy!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpWLdJgX9rp9cYlRv5-w8PxgomfcAy2Ng24MFMHrbG8uzGpKd82S9ZZ5qoknd2A-qkTeMtvRSoSQjFHW7wFUEyy34UzlgVAixti6Jtc-zGkGKNozHgvhud6oxyZLfC8E5V6EtjkN3Blk/s1600/P9230254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEpWLdJgX9rp9cYlRv5-w8PxgomfcAy2Ng24MFMHrbG8uzGpKd82S9ZZ5qoknd2A-qkTeMtvRSoSQjFHW7wFUEyy34UzlgVAixti6Jtc-zGkGKNozHgvhud6oxyZLfC8E5V6EtjkN3Blk/s320/P9230254.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Mommy with the REAL baby!</div>
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She spy's HER baby</div>
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She is in love</div>
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Yes...kisses</div>
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Putting on the final blankie</div>
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"Mommy, are you sure that it goes on her tummy?"</div>
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She thinks it goes over her face</div>
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Ending it with a final kiss!</div>
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It's just what little girl's do!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00466442501025166891noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86937158829529311.post-76268079035428239882012-09-19T06:00:00.000-05:002012-09-19T06:00:18.959-05:00The WORST/BEST day ~ Part 2<div style="border: currentColor; clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
Okay, so the best is yet to come!<br />
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It is now the same night that I left off in Part 1...<br />
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I sit down at the computer really, no I mean REALLY ready for bed but thought I would check my e-mail. I can hardly see because I had been crying so hard all day and my head is throbbing. A sweet girl that I have come to love very much and have been praying for to be saved, wants to chat. Now, I must admit I was so very tired and wanted to go to bed but I quickly said hello and we made some small talk and I tell her I had to get to bed. We were going to talk on the phone but her cell phone was dead so we continued on our computers. The rest of the converstion went like this...(This was all written and it is the REAL conversation so grammatical errors are many):<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Me: God has always been my rock and always will be but it's a good thing I don't have to do this all alone because I would be done!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Taylor: i have just been having a really hard time knowing where my great grandma is. austin and i were talking and he said lots and it really made me think about my great grandma she was a cathloc and idk where she is and i want to go where she is. ik deep down she was amazing and should b in heaven but they say cathlics dont go there a lot</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Me: </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That is not true at all! </span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God has the best plan for you....your eternity is what He is concerned about so live for Him and the rest will fall into place</span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Taylor: i just want to know where she is and i pray and pray but never feel like i get an answer to where she is. i just want to end up where ever she is i would do anything to b with her when its my time</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Me: </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well, after I gave my heart to God, He layed it on my heart that my grandpa was in heaven</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Taylor: may i ask how u did that? i want god to have my heart and i feel like he doesnt have it fully and i hate the feeling of knowing god doesnt have my full heart</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Me: </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The only place you really want to be is in eternity WITH Jesus</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Taylor: </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">i want to be one that goes to heaven i fear everyday i dont do enough to get there</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Me: </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well, the only way you can really know is if you ask Him into your heart...you are saved by His grace. Nothing you can do but ask Him into your heart then you are forgiven and become His</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times;">Taylor: </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">i want to let him know i need him</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Me: You can't do enough! None of us can! It is only through His blood that was shed and through our faith...Jn 3 :16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only son that whoever believes in Him will have eternal life.You have to believe He did for you on the cross and He does the rest! It is that easy!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Taylor: </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">i pray at night but i dont always feel like its going to him idk its something i have always had trouble with and never talked with it to anyone bc i dont want to b judged</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Me: <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He always hears His children but maybe He just wants to know He has your whole heart! He will do the rest! </span>I would NEVER judge you!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Taylor: i just want to know where she is its been so hard for me everyday i get up and say where r u god? and nothing comes. thats y i told u</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Me: </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I just know you have to rest in God and He will take care of the rest!</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Taylor: i will. i want god to have my heart and have time to listen to my prayers. i need him with me in my life</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Me: </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He always has time! His wants that too! Taylor that is all it takes! He will come in and flood your soul! Ask Him and tell Him you have the faith to believe He died for you!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Taylor: </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">i will</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Me: </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then, He comes in and you will never be the same! Some things you will have to seek Him more and wait on HIS answers but it will be worth it! If you call me, you can pray a prayer with me or you can do it on your own! It's up to you!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Taylor: </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">i have tears in my eyes....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Me: </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That a good sign of the cleansing of the soul!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Taylor: </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">i just prayed and when i said i believe you died for me i had tears and i saw something but i dont know what it was</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Me: </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Expect Him to release you and enter your heart! Keep talking to Him and tell Him ALL your fears!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Taylor: i think hes closer than i think he is</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Me: There is nothing you have to do and you can't be good enough or act perfect because it is only by His grace we are all saved! Not by works! He is always right by your side</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Taylor: ok. i feel something. i feel wrapped up and now I feel something has been released. that was something i felt with my gradmas dream but i feel like this one wont leave me and i enjoy it i feel like i am being held</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Me: That is how He shows us His love! He is your Heavenly Father! As much as your earthly father loves you, God loves you even more!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Taylor: this is the most amazing feeling ever</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Me: Yep! Walk in that peace!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Taylor: thank u so much! i feel him around me i love it</span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Me: That is it Taylor! You got it! He will NEVER let you down and He will NEVER let you go!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Taylor: i dont feel alone anymore like i have my whole life! thank you so much</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Me: You will never be alone EVER again! Man can do nothing to you because you are a daughter of the King!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Taylor: im in shock! i feel like i have finally gotten to him through so many prayers i finally have reached him! this is AMAZING</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Me: I am so happy for you Taylor! Don't let go of it! Walk in it and know that He would have died for just you! That is how much He loves you!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Taylor: </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">i cant even explain what im feeling besides the thought that i am loved, accepted and wanted. i still feel it and i hope. I didn't do anything but ask for help!</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times;"></span></span></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Me: He gives grace to the humble Taylor! That is His way! He can get through to us when we give it all to Him! Jesus made your life! Now, you never have to fear death because you will never die! You will spend eternity with Him!</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Taylor: i cant thank u enough for this</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Me: Please, thank HIM! I did nothing! It was Him and you! <span class="emote_text">:)</span><img alt="smile" class="emote_img" height="1" src="http://static.ak.fbcdn.net/images/blank.gif" title=":)" width="1" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our conversation ended and I looked at my 13 year old who was in the room with me and said to her, "All of the terrible, BAD that happened today, I would do it all over again to lead someone to Christ! It has allllll been worth it! In the midst of all of my pain, God allowed me the privilege of leading somebody to the Him! Boy does that take the focus off of yourself in a hurry! I then got in the shower. I was SO over blown with awe and joy! My mourning had turned to gladness because I witnessed a new name added to the Lamb's Book of Life! God then began to show me something...it was SO intense that I could hardly take it! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">He began to so clearly reveal His heart to me from the happenings of my day. The thought of losing my children to DHS, is what He goes through everyday because He is losing HIS children to the world and satan! The pain that gripped my heart, is but a tiny example of the pain that He has because He is losing HIS children! The pain that I had earlier told my daughter I would do all over again, is why HE endured the cross! It was all worth it to Him because He loves us so very much! I began to weep because it became so clear how much He cares and wants to have His children living with Him in eternity! It gave me such a deep desire to go and seek the lost and tell them about Him! There is an urgency! Time is running out! If we don't go, who will? I can't use my excuses anymore! It is a matter of obedience! I can't bear the pain because I love my Heavenly Father so very much and I want to do what I can to be a witness to those He loves! I want to stand before Him someday and hear Him say, "Well done my good and faithful servant!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">During the night, I had a dream. Someone came to take my little 3 year old from me and all my other children were safe and sound in their beds. I got up and ran out of my door chasing them and screaming for them to give me my child back! I woke up and very relieved it was a dream...I began to pray. God asked me a question to reveal MORE of His heart. "If they took only one of your children, would you just let them take him knowing you have 11 other's who are safe in your keeping?" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">"Of course I would not, God! I would fight to my death to get him back! "</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">God spoke again, "That is how it is with me! I cannot just sit back and let the lost ones go! I have to reach out to them and ask other's to help me reach them! There is not one who is of greater importance to me than the other! Just as your children are to you!" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">WOW! I was once again in awe of His heart! How amazing to have been given the chance to for a moment, feel His heart! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">People, we NEED to go and show other's His love! He is crying out to us to share with other's His heart before it is to late! My children were not taken from me and it seems that they let everything go because there was no grounds of anything for them to charge us with. (I knew they had nothing to go on but it was scary just the same!) God DID act on our behalf but there are GOD'S children who will make the choice to not spend eternity with HIM and He is not willing to let them go without a fight!! He died for them and you!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Will you commit to God and ask how you can help and what you can do to be His servant and have His heart! He is calling those who know Him, to go! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Will you?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">So the circumstances of our day can have a GREAT effect on us and we can even go through some really bad things and God does care! But it really made me see that God is wanting to reach His lost children so badly that He will do what He can to get our attention to teach us how to draw near to His heart so we will have His heart! The focus of His heart is His children and He wants ALL of them to choose Him! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">My worst day of pain in my heart became one of the most joyous days because God allowed me to take the focus off of myself and share in the joy He finds when one lost soul turns their heart to Him! He can handle even the worst day of my life and turn it into joy and make it one of the best day's of my life! I am hoping for MANY more "best day's" as I continue to share Christ's love with those around me! </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00466442501025166891noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86937158829529311.post-42190437958733912182012-09-17T16:11:00.002-05:002012-09-17T18:21:36.450-05:00The WORST/BEST day ~ Part 1<div style="border: currentColor; clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
The worst/best day of my entire life happened about 3 weeks ago. We were all inside starting our day. It was after bible time and I was helping all the "big" kids get their school assignments in order as I always do. My husband was in the shower getting ready to go to work and things seemed to be going pretty well. My 13 year old walks in and says, "Mom, there is a lady outside that is REALLY mad because A---- (our 3 year old) was out on the curb right by the street. She wants to talk to you." About 3 minutes before that, my 3 yr old was sitting on my lap. I assumed he got up to get a drink, I did not dream he went outside and I especially did not know he would go out of our fenced in yard! However, he is 3 and I would think most people would know that it is not uncommon for a 3 year old to disappear within seconds! <br />
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Yes, he is sweet but he is fast!</div>
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So I got up and went outside and she was gone! I continued our day of schooling and thought nothing else about it. About 2 hours later, a policeman shows up at our door stating that a lady called and said there was a little boy at this residence wandering around by the street. My husband told him that everything was ok, and we were aware of it and will keep him inside. I once again went on with my daily activies and my husband went to work. After I put the little ones down for nap, I left my 17, 15, and 13 year old daughters to babysit while I took the 5 older boys bowling. I recieved a call from my 15 year old about a half an hour into bowling, that DHS had showed up asking all kinds of questions. The BIGGEST nightmare a mother, and especially a homeschooling mother can have! WAY to many horror stories have been read and heard of things happening with court cases and children taken from the home because of neglect. I called my husband and told the boys to get their shoes on because we needed to leave right away! I was shaking and wondering what to do. <br />
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There was a garage sale about 3 houses down from us and there were children's items in the yard and I KNOW my little guy had his eye on them and decided to check them out which lead to him wandering out of our yard. A lady who happened to be leaving the sale, decided to call the police unstead of just walking him up to the house and letting me know. Gone are the days when people want to help others. It seems everyone is out to get someone. Now, don't get me wrong, I do not EVER think it is okay for people to mistreat children and if they are playing in the street, it is life and death matter so it needs to be taken seriously but to call the police and then leave before you even can talk to the mother! That seemed a touch extreme to me! <br />
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Well, my husband informed me that he talked to our lawyer and he told us what to do and that they would be coming Saturday to talk to us (my husband and I) and see our little boy. I was mortified! I could not believe this was happening! Of course the worst ran through my mind! What if they took our kids away?! What kinds of questions would they ask? Would they question our homeschooling and then another can of worms would be opened? I had never felt so alone! I really felt like I was living someone else's life! I cried out to God asking Him to take this all away! Why was this happening? I knew God would act on our behalf but how bad were things going to get?! What was He trying to show me in this? I felt violated, intruded on and it hurt! I love my children as most mother's do...until it hurts! I needed something to cling to! Oh am I soooo thankful I have my heavenly Father! I turned to Him first and foremost and then I called a dear sweet friend of mine. I cleaned the house better than I had ever cleaned before just in case they would come in. My house is usually clean. As clean as it can be with 14 people living under one roof anyway! But this was an intense, deep cleaning experience! We had until 9 AM the next morning to get it all done. The thought of losing my children overtook me and I could hardly breathe! I felt as if someone was sitting on my chest all day long. I could hardly breathe or function...was my life changing forever because of this lady? <br />
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Part 2 coming/ the BEST is yet to come!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00466442501025166891noreply@blogger.com3