Singing Sweet Praises

Psalm 147:1- “Praise the Lord! How good it is to sing praises to our God”

In the car, at work, at home, or on the head set, I just love Christian music. It lifts up my spirit and gets me in a great mood. Sometimes, I find myself singing so loudly with joy and times tears fill my eyes from conviction. There are many ways of giving praise to the Lord. One great way is through singing. I try to sing as if I am singing directly to Jesus. Giving him thanks and calling him worthy of my life. Sometimes I feel the Holy Spirit all over me while I am singing. You do not have to have a star struck voice, Jesus just wants to hear your praises. If it is coming from the heart, that is all that matters.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for Christian music. It is a nice way to celebrate you. Singing joyous praises to your name. I pray that I have the desire burning in me to praise you all of my days. I love you and thank you for saving me.
Amen

Are ya feeling like Helda?

I just love this little Halloween Cartoon.

If you don't know GOD, don't make stupid remarks!

This is a good one!

If you don't know GOD, don't make stupid remarks!!!!!!!
A United States Marine was attending some college courses between assignments. He had completed missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. One of the courses had a professor who was an avowed atheist and a member of the ACLU.
One day the professor shocked the class when he came in, he looked to the ceiling and flatly stated, "God, if you are real, then I want you to knock me off this platform, I'll give you exactly 15 minutes."The lecture room fell silent. You could hear a pin drop. Ten minutes went by and the professor proclaimed, "Here I am God, I'm still waiting." It got down to the last couple of minutes when the Marine got out of his chair, went up to the professor, and cold-cocked him; knocking him off the platform. The professor was out cold. The Marine went back to his seat and sat there, silently.
The other students were shocked and stunned and sat there looking on in silence. The professor eventually came to, noticeably shaken, looked at the Marine and asked, "What the heck is the matter with you?" "Why did you do that?" The Marine calmly replied, "God was too busy today protecting America's soldiers who are protecting your right to say stupid stuff and act like an idiot, so, He sent me."

Don't look now ~ It is the weekend!

And another busy weekend ahead. I am so tired and still won't get any rest this weekend. Maybe I need some energy pills. It is homecoming weekend. Big game tonight, parade early in the morning and home to clean my horrible looking house. Of course everyone else has plans already so I will be doing it alone (as if the is any other way, right?). Maybe I can be really motivated to get something, or should I say A LOT done! With PeeWee football over now (Praise God) that frees up my Saturdays again. YEAH!

Junior High had a home game last night and here is Lauren cheering.

That stunt right there scares me every time. I am so afraid that they are going to over throw her and then she would go head first into the fence.

Hopefully I can get some pictures of the parade in the morning. We are all going to be in it. Chris's new truck will be in it for Dustin's girlfriend, Alicia, who is a FCA Duchess's, Dustin is on the FB Float, Lauren is on the Fire truck with the Cheerleaders, Wes is either going to ride a float with the PeeWee FB players or in Chris's truck, and Lane and I are going to be on the Awana float for the church. This is the first time that all of us are in the parade. I bought an extra bag of candy since we will be throwing it out this time instead of picking it up as a spectator.

Update on Colleen. She is at home recovering from surgery. She came home Tues. It has been painful but she tells me there has been real improvement. Lots of healing to do! Keep her in your prayers, she needs it!

The lord is leading Chris and I in a different direction as far as work. There is alot going on with the company he works for and they are expanding to a 2nd shop here in Kirbyville. There is alot to be discussed and decided. It is happening so quickly. We have alot to be praying for! (and to be thankful for). We are trying to follow the lord's direction and turning to him for answers. He will not put too much on us that we can't handle, and he will be right there with us through whatever happens! Praise God! He will never fail us.

"Today, I walk by the Spirit and do not fulfill the desires of my flesh." Galatians 5:16

"Come Rest in Paradise"

We had a Luau Women's Fellowship at church a couple of Saturdays ago. It was so good. The theme was luau, but we titled it Come Rest In Paradise. "Come away by yourselves to a remote place and rest awhile." Mark 6:31

There were about 30 ladies there. All different ages. We ate, played games, had fellowship, drew door prizes and had a devotional. It was also very beautifully decorated. He are a few pictures.







If you aren't involved in your church's women's ministry I urge you to do so. And if you church doesn't have one yet I would hope you would pray about that. There are alot of needs for women out there. There is tons of information about how to start a women's ministry on the net.

Christian Acronyms

BIBLE - Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth
CIA - Christians In Action
HOPE - He Offers Peace Everyday
JOY - Jesus first. Others second. Yourself last.
PRAY - Praise. Repent. Ask. Yield
TGIF - Thank God I'm Forgiven
WWYD - What Would You Do? (We know what Jesus would do)

Praying for a Smooth one!

Wow, what a weekend. My sister did well through surgery and is in the hospital recovering. She should be home tomorrow. I spent all weekend at her house cleaning and tending to her kids. My family was here and there all weekend and we all came back together at home on Sunday evening. I was running like crazy to get to church by 4:30 for my bible study class. Because this week was so crazy with the stomach virus and being out of town all weekend, I really didn't prepare a lesson to go over. But needless to say I think it still went well. We had a small class this time so that worked out. I just felt guilty for not finding the time to get a lesson done. I kept praying all week that the lord would give me the lesson and time to prepare it. But the only time I had free was when it was time to hit the sack!
After our study we had a special service, a worship service. HisSong, a southern gospel group, was there. It is my second time to see these guys. They are wonderfully talented and full of the lord. Here is their link if you would like to check them out. http://www.hissongmusic.com/ Of course there were lots of tears and smiles through out the church. I was really broken last night and crying out to the lord. At the end of the service there was an invitation and I was like the 2nd one down at the altar. I just sobbed and cried so hard. I prayed for some much needed healing in my life. They had prayer warriors going around and praying over the people down there. It was wonderful. So many people were touched last night by HisSong. By the time I got home, my head was killing me. I took some Tylenol and took a hot bath. I don't think I have ever had a migraine before, but I am quite certain I did last night. My head was hurting so bad. I couldn't get comfortable, I was crying and felt nauseous. Finally I took a pain pill and was able to go to sleep. Today my head is actually sore.
Praying for this week to be smooth sailing. I really need a break from rough weeks. Lane has a hearing test today. I am curious as to how that will turn out. Chris will be taking him. After all it is his day off. Speaking of Chris, he is sick too. Sore throat and no voice. Luckily I have some extra antibiotics at the house!


"Today, I rejoice in the Lord, whether circumstances are good or bad."
Philippians 4:4

NEW DO!

Well I went today on my lunch hour and got a new do. I am so busy lately that all I do is pull up my hair and go. I wanted a change and something quick and easy. Here it is. I love it and it feels so good.

It is different from the yuck that I had. Maybe I will be forced to do something with it now and not look so homely!

How well do you know me?

Have you ever felt like you have known someone when in fact you really haven't known "THEM"?

I am the oldest of 3 children. Myself, my sister (4 yrs. younger), then my brother at (6 yrs younger). My sister and I have had a pretty close relationship growing up. You know there was your typical sibling rivalry, but for the most part we have been best friends. After our parents separated we became very close and more so after our mom was killed in a car accident 7 years ago. There is a family history of addiction in our family. Drugs and Alcohol have been a way of life for my dad and my brother. So much that I don't really expect anything different from either of them. But when I found out that my sister was addicted and abusing Prescription Drugs, it really did a number on me. I just couldn't understand it.
She had a back/hip injury when she was a teen and it has just progressed over the years.
Now after drugs have just tore up her family and she is facing possible jail time she is finally coming clean with things. I learned last month that she has actually been addicted for about 8 years. Come on, I only knew about the last 2 years or so. That really surprised me.

Today she has been clean for a few months and she is in surgery right now to correct her back problem. I am glad that she is having it done, I just pray that it is successful and she can live pain free. She was in high spirits about having it done. She is just looking forward to that day that she can be free of daily pain. Will she even know how to live her daily life as she knows it. She has been in pain for so long that ever thing she is use too will be different.

Our relationship has really been effected by this and needs alot of mending. I pray that now we can work on our friendship. I am ready to start our new life together too.

Sick of the Sickies!

When will the illnesses/ sickies let up. I am so tired of doctors, pharmacies, sick kids, and hospitals. Now we have had the stomach virus at the house. Chris, then Wes, and Dustin. Who will be next? These last few months have been a strain on me from dealing with sick ones. Myself included.
The Enemy attack our family with this all at one time to get us down. He has really done a number here but it is nothing that the good Lord won't pull us through!

Sunday afternoon my son spent the day with his girlfriend. Now this is something to make mom proud. He is such a goof!

My over grown Baby Bumble Bee!

Your battle is already won! Praise Jesus!

This is so powerful and just the way you feel when you are fighting the spiritual battles within. I hope it blesses you!

Tired, Tired and more TIRED!

Did I mention that I am so tired this week? It has been a busy week and it is not over yet. Long day tomorrow and a full one at that. I am hoping to get a little rest Sunday afternoon, after morning church and before evening bible study.



Lane has also been given me a fit this week on going to bed. He just doesn't want to go to sleep. All week he has been up past 10p.m and last night it was after 11 pm. I was having to keep my eyes opened with toothpick just so I wouldn't fall asleep before him. God forbid he be the only one awake in the house. Could you imagine, it would be horrible. Might even turn out something like this......

Or only if we were lucky it might only have this much damage..........

He got out of bed (for like the 20th time) at 11 pm last night and walked into my room with this on. I just had to get up, turn on the light and take a picture of this. Then sent him back to his bed to go to sleep....... Laughing of course.

All week I have been dosing off at work and can't concentrate at all. In other words, I just really want to go home and get a 3 day nap! No such luck on that one though!

We have a little festival going on in town this week and of course everytime we drive by Lane is hollering to go to it. So tonight is the night. We are going to take Wes and Lane while the other 2 older kids are across the road at the high school football game.
Oh yes I forgot to mention that I am taking Dustin this afternoon to take his drivers test for his permit. OH Goodness. That means that he will be driving soon and by himself! Scary. He is a good driver, but being on the road as a teenager just scares the day lights out of me!
He is so excited. We have to do it today and hopefully he doesn't fail the written test. He has to have his permit for at least 6 months and practice driving before they will issue the Drivers license at 16. Well next week, starting Monday, he will be cleared to go back to sports and that would mean I would have to get him out of school early or he would miss practice. So with that said we are going directly after school today and going to attempt this test!
GOOD LUCK DUSTIN!

What are we here for?

Living life as we all call it. But what are we living for? What are we doing with our lives?
I have been a daughter, sister, friend, wife, mother, and a Christian. Pretty much in that order, too. I have been through alot in my years. Times of trials, heartache, hurts/pains,change, Love, warmth, happiness.
Me, well that changed not so long ago. I can now add Servant to that list. I have been a Christian for 11 years now and I have not ever really served my lord until recently. I did the in and out of church thing, but I am a much happier person now that I put the Lord first and serve him.
Although I will say he is still teaching me on a daily basis. There is much to learn about him and what I am here for.
What am I living for? Well it isn't about me.
It is about Jesus. Living for him. Learning about him. Loving him. Praising him. Telling others about him. Letting him show in my live. It is all about him. We are only here temporarily anyway. The real life will be in eternity anyway.

"Today, I rejoice in the Lord whether circumstances are good or bad." Philippians 4:4

Prayers of a Wife

Prayers of a wife

Proverbs 31:12- “She will not hinder him but help him all her life.”

All little girl’s dream of finding their true love, having the fairy tale wedding and living happily ever after. As a wife we want what is best for our husband. As a wife of a non-believer you pray for his salvation daily. You live your life Christ-like, praying for your husband to turn his life over to the Lord. Sometimes this may take years. As time passes you might grow weary of it happening. Never give up and stay in constant prayer for him. I recently witnessed the power of a praying wife. After many years of praying for her husband’s salvation, he was saved and they joined the church as a family.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you that my husband knows and loves you. But there are many wives whose husbands are lost. Keep her strong and help her to pray for him daily. Help her to grow strong in you and lead her live as a Godly wife.

Boys will be Boys!

Since Lane has Pneumonia, Chris stayed home with him on Friday. School was also out so that means Wes was there too. This is what Lane chased down in the house.

Then this is what they did with the little lizard.

Poor Wes! He actually had a little blood mark on his ear from where the lizard was latched on to him. My boys are what you call "All Boy". I am sure this was instigated by their daddy.

I spent my day in the car Sunday driving to get Dustin and Lauren from their dad's. I hate making that drive. It calls for 11 hours in the car. Stopping for gas, something to eat on the way home, and pit stops only. After a day in the drivers seat my knees, hips, back, and rear end are killing me. Plus it just wears me out mentally from concentrating that long on driving. I do how ever get 5.5 hours of me time. Just to think, Pray, talk on the phone, or listen to my music. Yesterday, I brought 4 cd's with me. They are from Marriagetoday.org/ I Learned about being a Good Wife, Divorce proofing my marriage, Having a Blessed Marriage, and the Secret to being Best Friends. I really learned a lot. And I plan on using the things I learned to improve my self and my marriage. I actually listened to a couple of them twice.

Well I have a call into the doctor beings that Lane is still coughing and sounds the same as last week. He took his last dose of Antibiotics this morning and I really hope he doesn't want to see him in the office. That is an hour away. I just do not have any sick time left.

What? Are you kidding me?

Well Lane has Pneumonia. What? I tell you what, I either take them to the doctor too soon or way too late. He gave him some meds and he stayed home with daddy today. I am all out of sick time at work. I got an assessment form to fill out on Lane and also one for his babysitter to fill out. Child behavior Checklist for ages 1.5 to 5. Boy most of that stuff on there is him to a tee. There are even a few things that I need to add. After those are completed we will schedule an appt. to sit down with the doctor to talk. I am also going to get an appt with an audiologist to have his hearing tested. Mainly because he talks so loud. Just want to be certain since he will be starting school next year.
Took Dustin back to the surgeon and he is released as of Oct 15. Whew. That is over, what is next. Wednesday night at church he was stepping over a chair that collapsed on him and hurt his knee. My Lord! Any other doctor in town you want to see this year? But the Surgeon took a look at it yesterday and says it just looks to be bruised. There really isn't any swelling at this point. Maybe he will be fine by the 15th.

God is in control even of our children

I had a really nice day yesterday. I was full of life and joy for most of the day it seemed. I only took half my lunch so I could get off at 4:30. Wes had Football pictures at 5 and I also had to pick up Lane. My Lane, woo, that child is a complete had full. I say he has 4th child syndrome. Momma is too tired to deal with the 4th one. Or he has got to be Bi-Polar. After I picked him up yesterday the Usual happened with him. The ride home from the sitter is so awful. He threatened to take off his seat belt as usual, but he didn't stop at that this time. He actually opened his door as I was driving down the road. What on earth was he thinking? I freaked out. Threw the car into park. Got out in the middle of the road (in front of houses) and whipped his butt. Then I activated the Child Safety Lock on his door.
I could not believe that he did that. The child that has tried every thing else I shouldn't put anything passed him.
He is going to the dr. for croupy cough tomorrow So I think it is time to talk with him about the issues we have been dealing with. If nothing else give me some ways of handling the matters.
I have raised 3 others through the toddler stage and none of them or combining them even compares to the things he throws our way.
Just last week I don't know who was crying worse Me or him leaving WalMart. It was the most horrible experience I have ever had with him in public. I know that the Lord is in control of all things, including my children. Praying for some answers here, Lord.

BUZZZZZZZZZZZZ!

The lord laid this on my heart a while back and boy is this my life. I am such a busy body. But in all my craziness, I am trying so hard to follow the lord and see what he wants me to do.
Hope you enjoy it.

Are you a “Busy Bee”?

2 Thessalonians 3:11 “We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies.”

Work, school activities, ballgames, practices, grocery shopping, dinner, homework, clothes to wash, dishes to do, baths, phones ringing, lunches to prepare, feed the dogs…. Wow what a day! Finally, time for bed. Wait! What about God? In all the busyness of the day you have forgotten to spend time with the Lord, again. Sometimes just our daily lives can rob us of our quiet time with him. Now you might have said your morning prayer as you were brushing your teeth. I am sure you asked your blessing for your meals and gave him praise when your child made an “A” on their test today. Just as we commit to our family, job and community, we are to commit to the Lord first. He should be the first and last on our to do list for the day.

Prayer: Lord please forgive me for not putting you first in my life. You are worthy of much more than I give to you. Help me to structure my life around you and spend quality time with you daily.
In Christ’s name, Amen

Time passes too fast!

OMG! I feel awful I just looked at the calendar and Today is Oct. 1 Yesterday marked the 7th year for my mom being gone. I can't believe i missed that. Yesterday was really busy for me and with it being the 1st time for me to lead the Bible study I guess the Lord didn't want me down.

Wow Seven years, time has really past fast. You can see her website here

www.geocities.com/amy041774



here is a tag that my friend Jen made me in honor of Mom a few years ago.

Just a little ramble

Friday Night was a blow out for our Football team. We won 21-6 to our rivals. We are now 4 & 0. We are so excited. We, being the town and school. I didn't go to the game but Chris, Dustin and Wes did. They said it was a great game. We lost another player though, He broke his ankle. That is 6 players we have lost this season to injuries. Too bad Dustin is not released to play, he would have a good shot at being 1st string. (He goes to the Dr. Thrus. Hopefully to get released)
My weekend was pretty dull. I didn't do much of anything. Cleaned a bit on Saturday and spend the day with Lane. Pretty much all weekend with him. He stayed home with me on Friday night and all day Saturday too. Every one went to the the race track on Saturday except for me and Lane. But that is typical. They all go out there and I stay home with Lane. Then being that my DH has to shut down the track, it is wee hours of the morning before they get home. This is really getting to me though. Not that they go out there but the fact that he stays out there all day and most of the night. That means that no one wants to get up for Church on Sundays. I would like to go as a family but that hasn't happened but 2 times since the summer started back in June. I have really been praying about this to change. Like this Sunday I left for Church at 9am and everyone was still sleeping because they didn't go to bed til after 4 am. and when i got home at 12:30 they were still sleeping with the exception of Lane and Wes. When i had to leave again at 3:30 to go back for the evening bible study they were still sleeping. What a wasted day!
I go to church and pray for my family, mostly Chris, when I come home I have great intentions of talking with him about this but most of the time he is either still sleeping or so pissed off because he is tired and the kids are on his nerves. I really need to confront this issue.
I, on a good note, had a great day at church. We had our first study yesterday evening and I am the leader. I was really nervous! I thought for a bit that i was going to throw up but I didn't and I was sweating through out the first half of the lesson. Nevertheless it went really well. I enjoyed it too. We aren't going to meet this next week since I will be making the dreaded trip to get Dustin and Lauren from their dad's house. I absolutely hate that drive. It is so long in the car for one day. Straight there and Back, stop for gas and dinner but that is it. 11 hours in the car makes my butt go numb! At least I won't make it again til Thanksgiving weekend.
Ok off my soap box . Not too much going on right now So I will post it again tomorrow!!