"Merry Christmas"

When I was a child, I could not wait for Christmas! It was always such a special time and I loved everything about it! My mom made Christmas so special! Even with 5 children and finances being extremely tight, Christmas was always exciting and memorable for each of us. I can’t remember the gifts I received from year to year, but the things I remember are the special times that we experienced as a family. I loved waking up on the days preceding Christmas and hearing the Christmas music playing, smelling the wonderful goodies mom had cooking, and seeing my mom on the couch reading her Bible!

There was one Christmas that will forever me embedded in my heart! This was a particularly hard year financially for our family and we were not able to afford a Christmas tree. Well, my mom still made it so special for us as we were preparing to head to Virginia to be with our family. Just a few days before we left, I went to the grocery store with my mom, and as we left we noticed the leftover Christmas trees that were still out front. There was one that was very small and didn’t have many branches. Most people would have laughed at it, but we noticed that it was only $1.99 and my mom said we could get it! We were so excited! We took it home, propped it up on a table and decorated it so special! We still, to this day, call it our “Charlie Brown Christmas Tree”! A very special Christmas!

When I was 9 years old we moved away from Virginia where all of our extended family was, so at Christmas, we would travel back and stay with my grandparents. We would go to my dad’s parent’s house for Christmas Eve with that group and put on shows with singing and acting with my cousins! Then open presents and enjoy that time with them. Then we would stay at my mom’s parent’s house and all 7 of us slept upstairs. It was a little cramped, but they are memories I will never forget! Lol! My parent’s had one bedroom and the other bedroom consisted of all 5 of us kids! Good thing we all liked each other! Haha! My 3 sisters slept in 3 twin beds, my brother on the floor, and me, well, I slept in the baby crib they had in there! Yes, that’s right! Even at 10 years old, I slept, all cramped up in that baby bed! I used to sleep with a watch and a flashlight because I was so excited to get up early! I couldn’t wait to wake up Christmas morning and see what Santa had left for me! When we all got up, the rule was we couldn’t go downstairs until all 7 of us had gone to the bathroom. What torture! Seven people using one bathroom took an eternity!

After we opened our gifts, my Granny would make breakfast and my Granddaddy would read from the Bible! Even through all the chaos of Christmas get-togethers, we all settled down and listened as my Granddaddy read to us about the meaning of Christmas!

As a child, I would get caught up in the materialism of Christmas but foundations were being set by my mom & grandparents of what Christmas really was all about. Not the gift that was wrapped under the tree, but the Gift that came in the form of a baby! That Gift was the Messiah!

Luke 2:11 “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.”

Even before I was born, God knew I needed a Savior and he sent his son!

As an adult, it can be easy to get caught up in the materialism of Christmas. Are there enough presents for everyone?; Did I get what everyone wanted? But, as a parent, I want to set the foundations for my kids as well! I want my children to know what the true meaning of Christmas is!

Oh sweet Lord, forgive me for getting caught up in the chaos! Christmas is all about you! You are the Reason for the season and all glory goes to you and you alone!

My heart is overwhelmed as I sit here this morning and read my Bible! In the quietness of this moment, with the Christmas lights on, I have a love for my Savior that goes beyond any love I could ever have for anyone or anything! He came for me in the form of a baby and walked on this earth and endured death and the cross only for one purpose…for me (and you)!

So on this eve of Christmas, I let go of everything and grasp on to my special Gift…my sweet Savior! He set the standard for giving and receiving and I will focus on him! My prayer for all of you is the same! May you relish this Christmas in the true meaning and find sweet peace in your wonderful Savior!

Merry Christmas!

Allison

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

I really love this time of year!  I am one of those people who could listen to Christmas music and enjoy the tree lit up all year long!  The older I get, I still feel like a child at Christmas!  I enjoy the Christmas spirit of those around me and I love spending time with family and friends.  I love giving gifts, having “cookie day” with my mom and sisters, and spending hours watching every Christmas movie that was ever made.  Yes, I really am a sap for those cheesy, romantic, Christmas movies!  I love seeing the joy on my children’s faces as they open their gifts and snuggling with my husband by the beautifully lit tree as we listen to Christmas music. For me, it really is the most wonderful time of year!

But today, I sit here with only two weeks left before Christmas and my mind ponders the question,

What was going on in the minds of Mary and Joseph with only two weeks before the birth of their son, the Savior of the world?

Wow!  They didn’t have the comfortable surroundings that most of us had before the births of our children.  They were on bumpy, uncomfortable roads traveling around 70 miles by donkey to a town to pay taxes.  For me, at nine months pregnant, I wasn’t traveling 70 miles anywhere by luxury car much less on a donkey.  But here they were, on the roads alone and I wonder what the conversation was like.  Were they talking about what color to paint the baby’s room or where they were going to send him to preschool?  These are the questions most of us new parents were discussing, right?  Oh no, I cannot even imagine the conversation.  Knowing that they were about to become parents of the Messiah had to be a somewhat overwhelming and humbling experience.  Their thoughts were probably making sure that they were following God’s plan.  Knowing that they were about to give birth to the One that would eventually die for them and all mankind.  What a beautiful lesson in faith and trust!  They weren’t concerned with having the perfect gifts for everyone or were there enough lights on the Christmas tree or that they attended every Christmas party they were invited to. No! They were concerned with carrying out the will of God and making sure that the precious Gift had a place to enter this world and carry out the will of his Father.

I don’t know about you, but this sure puts things in perspective for me!  

Luke 2:1-7

“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn."

The Messiah made his entrance to this world in a lowly stable surrounded by animals in a non-hygienic manger.  He didn’t have the royal entrance that he deserved but he came in humble surroundings and lived an amazing life serving his purpose that ultimately led him to Calvary nailed to a cross dying for you and me.  But the best part of this story is that he rose again and is preparing a place for us in glory with him!

So, I ask you,

 With only two weeks till Christmas, where will you put your focus?

For me, making sure everything is perfect is not an option.  It is about making sure that Christ is glorified and honored in the way he deserves.  It is about remembering what happened that glorious day that Jesus was born and all he did for me following his birth.  He came for me, he died for me, and he is coming back for me!  Hallelujah!  My thoughts are of making sure that I carry out the will of my Father, to have the faith and trust as Mary and Joseph, and that the real meaning of Christmas is shared with those around me!

The greatest story ever told is right here for us! May we take this beautiful story of love and share with those around us that they may have the hope that we do!  This Christmas, make it your heart’s desire to focus on the real meaning of Christmas.  That when Jesus came, there was hope and everything changed!

"Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord."

Luke 2:11

A Depleted 'Mom' Tank and A Teachable Moment

There are times as a parent when I am just spent! I'm sure all you parents reading this can understand where I'm coming from. 

During one of those particular weeks not too long ago, God showed me just how blessed I am by those precious children he entrusted me with! The schedule of the week had us home late every night running from activity to activity and, of course, it was a week when my husband was working out of town (or out of the country, I don’t remember. Lol!). But, its just LIFE and you do it! 

Well, one morning as we were about to leave for school I had a “moment”…. a moment where God allows you to see that even in those draining instances of parenthood, everything will be okay.

Caleb had been having tough time that year. School had been very challenging for him and he was becoming more of a daddy's boy, which made it even harder because his dad had been traveling quite a bit. During our bedtime routine the evening before, he was a little weepy because he was missing his dad a little more than normal. Well, me being "mother of the year" kissed him goodnight and told him to go to sleep. It was one of those days when, as a mom, I was completely drained. I had nothing else for the day and I was ready to get in my king-sized bed and go to sleep. My compassion tank was empty!

When we were about to leave for school the next morning, Ben came downstairs looking very tired. I hugged him and asked if he was all right and he just said he was sore and didn't sleep very well. I assumed it was from playing so hard in his game the night before but what he told me next brought me to tears.

He proceeded to tell me that after I left their room that night, Caleb was still crying so he just took his pillow and slept on the floor beside Caleb's bed to comfort him. Wow! Talk about a dagger through my uncompassionate heart! My 6 ft. tall, teenage son, after a long day of school, ball games, and homework, slept on the floor in the tiny space between his bed and his little brother’s bed so he could console him. I was touched by his selfless act of compassion.

God reminded me in that moment what a blessing Ben is! I was so proud and humbled by him and his tender heart! It was a glimpse of the man he is becoming and how God is using him in a mighty way. God used my depleted tank to show me that He will provide the needs of each one of us! He is using my children in mighty ways and I am incredibly blessed by their compassion for others and their obedience to the Holy Spirit's prompting in their lives!

What an amazing God! 

"Don't you see that children are God 's best gift? The fruit of the womb his generous legacy? Like a warrior's fistful of arrows are the children of a vigorous youth. Oh, how blessed are you parents, with your quivers full of children! Your enemies don't stand a chance against you; you'll sweep them right off your doorstep."

Psalm 127:3-5 (MSG)

First Sunday of Advent

Last night we began celebrating this season of Advent! We read scriptures aloud and talked about the first Advent, which was the birth of Christ and we are also anticipating Christ's glorious return in the Second Advent. Callie and Caleb led us in prayer that we will keep our focus on what is truly important this Christmas season and that God will change our hearts as we seek him more.

We lit the first purple candle, the prophet's candle or the candle of hope, as we anticipate his return. Just as God revealed to the prophets about the first coming of the Christ child, we know that He is faithful and will fulfill his promise of the second coming of the Messiah!

Lord, we worship you! We praise you for sending your Son and with hearts of expectation; we look forward to your glorious return! Amen!

Jeremiah 33:14-16, Isaiah 11:1-10, Luke 1:26-38, Luke 21:25-36, Isaiah 7:10-14, Matthew 1:18-24, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13

Beginning Advent Season

On this first day of Advent, may we celebrate the true meaning of Christmas...the birth of the Messiah! Let's put our focus and attention on what that means for us today. God sent his Son down to earth as a baby, in flesh and blood to fulfill his purpose. That purpose was to pay the penalty for you and me on the cross. He took our sin, died a cruel death but then defeated death and the grave and IS returning for us one day soon! That's right....he came not just as a baby but as a mighty Rescuer! Hallelujah!

As we truly begin the Christmas season, make time to celebrate with your family. Read the scriptures together, pray together, and worship together. Don't let this season slip by as just another Christmas. Prepare today for worshiping our Savior in a way like never before. Ask God to renew afresh this season of Advent.

Let's celebrate the birth of Jesus, the precious Christ child, but let's also look with hopeful anticipation of His second coming....when He returns for HIS children!

~ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.~

Luke 2:10-11 (NIV)

Celebration of Advent

Our family began a new tradition last year to celebrate Advent. We have always focused on the true meaning of Christmas in our home, as this is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Messiah, in Bethlehem. Sure, we have our fun traditions of Christmas and will continue. We love to bake cookies, sing fun Christmas songs, and buy gifts.  But this was a way to focus our attention even more on the celebration of Jesus birth, the first coming, and also look in great anticipation for his second coming, when he returns for his bride!

I am excited to begin this again tomorrow on the first Sunday of Advent. It was a wonderful time as a family last year as it made us pause and share scripture together, pray together, and celebrate together what God has done and is doing now. A beautiful time of expectation and remembrance!

Here is a little video by LifeWay that explains a little about the Advent season.

Click on the link below:

Advent Video

Thanksgiving Eve!

One of my absolute favorite days of the year has begun! The day before thanksgiving may not sound like anything significant to you but for me, it is a day at home with my amazing husband and awesome kiddos, cooking all day, preparing for a celebration of thanksgiving with all our family. This morning I got out of bed and tiptoed downstairs for a special rendezvous with my Jesus and had to maneuver around children sleeping in the living room. Yes, Callie and Caleb decided to have a camp out downstairs last night and watch movies together. So, I quietly tiptoed past them and took my place off the kitchen where I could spend some quiet time reading my love letter from my Lord and telling him all the things he is to me.

O, there is nothing quite like being in the presence of Jesus! When I open this precious book, I read his promises to me and know exactly how he feels about me....his daughter. As I bow my head in honor before him and share out of a heart of thanksgiving for all he is to me, the tears flow. Not tears of sadness, but tears of joy because he is so good to me. Even through trials and dark days, my God is so good to me. He has carried me through some dark days this year but he has also celebrated with me on many mountaintops. Life is hard, but God is good! No matter what the circumstance, my God has been right there. At. All. Times!

In just a few minutes, I will be in the kitchen cooking breakfast, preparing my station for a day of cooking, and getting ready to welcome a couple extra kiddos for the day. I will play my Christmas music or watch a Christmas movie as I cook and I will enjoy the lights of my Christmas tree as I prepare our thanksgiving feast. (If you're wondering, it is possible to celebrate and honor the thanksgiving holiday even with Christmas decorations up. ) It will be a day to praise God with a truly thankful heart for the many blessings he has bestowed on us this year.

Thanksgiving..thankfulness..not just a day but truly an attitude that we should take on. Gratitude..to my God..for his blessings..for his goodness..for his faithfulness..for his love..for his provision..for his grace..for his mercy..for his protection..for his Word..for salvation.

Abba Father, I love YOU and I thank YOU!

"I will praise You, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvelous works. I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High."


Psalms 9:1-2 (NKJV)

My Prayer Today

Lord, today, help me keep my focus on YOU! This world is a dark place filled with hate but I am reminded of what you did on Calvary where love overshadowed all hate any human could muster. By stretching out your arms on a cross and feeling the sting of death all because of my sin and my ugliness, you displayed a love that conquered hate. Your sacrifice is the reason I live and am free today to walk this earth and share your love with others. A love that will overwhelm our souls and help us understand that there is hope. YOU are HOPE! Your love is better than life and today, precious Lord, I praise YOU! You tell me in your word that there will be a day where there are no more tears, no more sadness and today, I am reminded that this world is NOT my home. I am just passing through on my way to eternity with you my Abba Father. Help me to be a light in this dark world until you call me home or return for me. This world needs more light. This world needs more hope. This world needs more Jesus.

Today, sweet Lord, help others see YOU in me. You are Peace. You are Love. You are Hope. You are LIFE and today....I PRAISE AND WORSHIP YOU!

"But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all."
Isaiah 53:5-6 (NIV)

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 (NIV)

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”
Revelation 21:4 (NLT)

“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven."
Matthew 5:14-16 (MSG)

The Week of Thanksgiving!

Here it is! The week of Thanksgiving! I have so much to be thankful for and all praise and glory goes to my Father in heaven. This morning I sit at my kitchen table in the quiet and praise God for all that he is to me. Holding his precious Word in my hands and my heart overflows in thanksgiving. I praise him for salvation and the gift of his grace. I am a life transformed by that precious gift and I love him so much.

Today, sweet Savior, I sing YOUR praises and thank YOU for your mercy and love!

"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations."


Psalms 100:1-5 (KJV)

A Moment of History

November 19, 1863, 151 years ago, President Abraham Lincoln stood before the people and delivered one of the most famous, albeit very short, speeches of all time. Though before him a very popular speaker had just delivered a 2 hour eloquently written speech, it was Lincoln that delivered a message that still resonates in our hearts today.

I thought I would share it with you today, as I will have my kids research it for their homeschool, to honor those who gave their lives for our freedom and remember what our forefathers stood for. Take this part of our history and remember today and pray for our country.

"...that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."

~ Abraham Lincoln

______________________________________________________

The Gettysburg Address

November 19, 1863

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth, on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate—we cannot consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they here gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

Happy 14th Birthday Callie

Happy 14th Birthday Callie!

November 13, 2000, at 7:51 in the morning, Matt and I welcomed our beautiful baby girl into this world and we could have never fathomed what an incredible journey it would be! Callie brings so much joy to our home with her vibrant personality and love of life! It blesses my heart to see her growing every day into a beautiful young woman that loves her God and desires to be a light for Him! I am eternally grateful that God chose me to be her mom and count it such an honor to raise a young lady after God's own heart.

Callie, we are so proud of you and love you for the special, unique, beautiful, loving, passionate, joyful, charming, and fabulous girl you are! I am certain that this world is a sweeter place because you are in it and I cannot wait to see all that God has in store for you!

Happy Birthday sweet girl! I love you!

Honoring our Veterans

Today I get the honor of staying home with my kiddos! Though I LOVE my job immensely, there will never be a "job" more precious to me than that of mom to the three most amazing kids in the world. So, I'm going to treasure this day! I'm thankful to be able to cook them breakfast, share a devotion in God's Word with them and then help them with school (in the morning this time. Lol!) Then an afternoon digging deep in the Word of God. Oh, how I love His Word! I love the freedom we have in Christ and the freedom we have in this country to open that precious Book whenever and wherever we choose!

"Set them apart in the truth; your word is truth."
John 17:17 (NET)

Thank you to all the men and women who serve in our military to make these liberties possible. Yes, it's a day off for me, but it it is a reminder of the sacrifice and service of each person who serves our great country. Their service comes with a great price and I am humbly grateful.

So, to the countless heroes of our country. Today, I honor YOU!

~ Down a Country Road ~

I love living out in the country! Now I am, by no means, a country girl, but I do love the peace and serenity of living out here in the country. I can look out my front window and see a beautiful field that grows different crops each year. The first year in our home, the field across the street was growing cotton and it was spectacular to watch it go through the different stages. At dusk you can see the deer congregating in large groups and it is just a beautiful sight! You see for me it is win/win situation. Out here in the country I have the beauty and peace of nature and spacious landscape but in as little as two shakes of a lamb's tail (okay, so I am a little bit of a country girl, haha!), I can be right in the heart of the city shopping at Mayfaire orTarget or sipping my “cup of joy” at my favorite little coffee house, Starbucks! How perfect is that?

As I ride down these country roads, I pass a number of old homes that have been abandoned. Some of those homes have been demolished recently and some are probably next in line for it, but I can only imagine that at one time, those homes had life in them. When I pass I try to make up a story for that home based on its character. I know, this may sound crazy, but I can’t help but think that at one time real people lived there and that home had a story. I just think one up myself. I passed a particular home one day that really caught my attention. It was so adorable and had so much character that I’m sure it had beautiful memories. I could almost here the laughter of children and picture a big family kitchen table where lots of family dinners were shared. I even imagined that the front porch definitely saw it’s share of guests as people congregated there maybe swinging on a porch swing and sipping sweet iced tea on a warm summer night. I could see families gathered there as they sang old hymns and prayed together to give God glory! I just knew that home had such happy memories! What a warm cozy feeling I had as I let my imagination run wild!

As I got home that day, the Lord started pricking my heart about the homes I pass by everyday that do have life in them now. From the outside that home could look completely normal. Beautifully manicured yards, white picket fence, nice cars in the driveway, but what really goes on behind those doors? Behind those doors, there could be heartache, pain, and lost souls. Do those souls know the real joy of living? Do they know my Jesus? I found that as I rode by I was convicted to pray for those who live in those houses. So many times we see people that look “normal” on the outside but on the inside could be in real pain and in need of a Savior. Appearance can be deceiving and I began to pray that God would open my heart to be more sensitive to those I pass everyday.

We live in uncertain times. Jobs are scarce, money is tight, the world is a mess but my God is a God of hope, joy, comfort, provision, compassion, love, forgiveness, and on and on I could go! What I do know is that my God loves the hurting, the broken! He desires to see those lives come to know him and love him. In these uncertain times, the ONE thing we can be certain of is that God has our futures planned for us. It is a plan of hope and joy. One of my favorite passages of scripture is:

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Oh, if only people would know that they have real hope! That hope is my LORD! We need to be the ones that tell them! We who have experienced this hope, this joy, this forgiveness, should be the ones who shout it from the rooftops that there is HOPE and his name is JESUS! Hallelujah!

From a drive down my country road the Lord showed me that those I pass by daily need this hope.

Sweet Heavenly Father, may I be the vessel that shares and prays for those in need of you. May the hope and love that I have experienced through your forgiveness be the light that touches souls and helps them see that hope is there for them as well. Lord, mold my heart and use my words as a testimony of your unfailing love! You are the breath I breathe and life is so much sweeter being filled with your Spirit!

Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. "

As you begin your week, stay open to the Holy Spirit’s leading of a home in need of him. As you pass those homes daily, be in prayer for the souls that abide there. What awesome power is in prayer!

Blessings~

Allison

Celebrating my Mom!

Today, I am so thankful for my mom!

She is the picture of grace and love and I always know that she will lead me straight to scripture in any situation I face. Whether we talk several times a day or if it's been several days since we talked, she is never quick to judge or condemn but only to encourage and lift up. She gives daily to her family, her friends, her church and those she doesn't even know because her heart is to share the love of Christ with all. Though her means are not vast, she gives so freely of what she does have and her time is spent in constant ministry to the needs of others. Her wisdom and guidance truly exemplify the heart of Jesus and God uses her in mighty ways in my life and the lives of so many others. If there was ever a human being born without a selfish bone in their body, it would be her.

You may be asking why am I writing all this?

Well, because my mom has touched my life so deeply and set such an example of what a woman of God should be. But also this week she will celebrate her 70th birthday and I just felt it necessary to share some of the amazing things about my mom. My mom is not on Facebook but I can tell you this....her face is always in "the Book". Her love for God and his Word have made a huge impact on my life. I love calling her up to share what the Lord has shown me in the Word and being able to share that excitement with my mom. I love that she always points every situation in my life back to scripture, whether good or bad. I love that she loves my husband as her own son and is an incredible granny to my children, even Louie. Ha! I love that she has such an open home to all who need a place of rest or comfort. I love that she doesn't let her past and hurts define her but chooses to walk in victory of what God has done in her life. I love that she has embraced this modern technology of texting (even though it has been hard. Haha!) and is quick to send me text of encouragement and scripture almost daily. I love that she embraces this life that God has blessed her with. Even though many things in her life most would not see as blessings, she has found the blessing in it all.

I have looked back over her life in preparation of her special day and my heart fills with gratitude to my God for blessing me with the MOST AMAZING mother but also blessing the world with her presence. This world is definitely a better place because she is in it. She is the epitome of the Proverbs 31 woman and I am blessed immensely. My prayer today is that I can be even a portion of the amazing woman of God that she is and that others will see Christ in me as I see in her.

Mom, I love you and I thank you for just being YOU!

"Her children arise and call her blessed"

"She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy."

"She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come."

"She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue."

"She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness."

"Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."

"Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."

Proverbs 31

Pure Worshsip

On the way home from church, Caleb was telling me all about his night in Rt. 56 and how he just felt like he needed to raise his hands in worship to God. I told him that was the power of the Holy Spirit and he was praising his God! Then I get home and one of those amazing leaders sent me this picture of Caleb tonight. My heart is full and I thank God for his work in each of my kids' lives! I pray they follow their God always!

~ God-Comfort After a Turbulent Week ~

I love those special moments with my Jesus! Time to get away from the craziness of life and just bask in his presence. O, how He is welcomed to this weary soul after an exhausting week!

It was one of those weeks where challenge was at every corner, fires were popping up everywhere and Satan's fiery darts took great aim at the large target on my back. Thankfully God has given us direction to be armed and ready for battle!

God's Word tells us how to prepare for battle:

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people."

Ephesians 6:10-18 (NIV)

I praise God for His Word that brings comfort and guidance. When trials and difficulties arise, He is quick to remind me of scripture to cling to. My heart sings His praises because I know that no matter how turbulent the storm is, He comforts this child in the midst of the storm.

There is no doubt that we live in a fallen world and the evidence of that grows more apparent with each day. But, today, I choose to cling to the hope I have in Christ that "greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4) and look expectantly for the glorious return of my Savior!

“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End."

Revelation 22:12-13 (NIV)

No matter what lies ahead, I will serve Him faithfully and trust His ways. In him I have hope! In Him I have peace! In Him I truly LIVE!

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9 NLT)