Some Highlights 2015 #1

Engage #5 Family

I had my nephew over night and Blake had football practice. I was trying to come up with a plan to keep him entertained while Blake was away at practice. 

Here is what he did.

It was so fun to hear his story about how he studied about the Titanic.

I was quite impressed with his art! 

Redemption, Restoration and Healing

Yesterday was raw and real. Emotions of that day came flooding back as though a raging wave had pulled me under. Guilt and shame overwhelmed my heart, and all of those icky moments flashed before me.

 At first I tried to pray it away...begging God to let me forget about it and dwell in thanksgiving that He had brought us 6 years from that day. But then a conversation I had recently with a friend came to my mind, 

"Have you mourned it, acknowledged it?". When I talked to her I truly believed I had. Years, upon years I had tried to erase that day in my mind. It was a LONG six years! I was not equipped for that day. I never in my mind, believed that what happened, would go as far as it did! If I had known...let me just say, I would have done things very, very differently! 

BUT, GOD KNEW.

God knew all that would transpire those six years. God was there the entire time. ....each step, each victory, each milestone, each heartbreak, 

all of it!

Little by little God reveals his purpose in it. There is nothing more that I want other then for God to use it for His glory. God is in the business of REDEMPTION & RESTORATION & HEALING. 

I pray that we can move forward to a new chapter.

HEALING

Philippians 3:13-14

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Daily Reflections Journal

The Weather- Beautiful blue skies

In the news- So many fires in our state from this very dry summer.

Family Happenings- This week has been full of appointments. Granny has a raging bladder infection and is still recovering from being in the hospital. We are still trying to sort out finances for Austen's upcoming first year of college. 

I am exited about- The weekend and having hubby home!

I am concerned about- Grandmas health & college tuition for Austen.

Physically & mentally I feel- Pretty good! I can tell the weather is changing but no current flares...PTL!!

What I am learning today-  to put full trust in God for direction and answers to prayer.

People/things that brightened my day- Thankful for a great friend, Ana Nelson!

What I did that brightened someone else's day-  Gave grandpa a haircut, sat on the patio this morning having coffee with granny.

Goals/Ideas for a better tomorrow- Attitude change reflecting my trust in my Savior.

Don't Be A Fool! #GoodMorningGirls #Proverbs

A Fool

Proverbs 17

Good Morning Girls Bible Study

#Proverbs

http://womenlivingwell.org

Proverbs 17:7

Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.

Proverbs 17:10

A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.

Proverbs 17:12

Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.

Proverbs 17:16

Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?

Proverbs 17:21

He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.

Proverbs 17:24

Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of the earth.

Proverbs 17:28

Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.

___________________________________________________________________

Verse 17:10 stands out to me the most today

What is my response when someone calls me out on my sin?

How does a FOOL act when he is confronted with his sin?

What a great verse! There are times I really struggle when I am confronted with someone telling me I am in sin. It most hurts when it's from a close family member. The Bible tells me that a wise man will listen, consider, and make it right.

Lord, I pray that you would keep this verse in mind this week. Many times you use others to speak you word into my life. I pray that I will hear clearly and that I will repent and make things right. Thank you for the people you have put directly in my path and for the Holy Spirits guidance. In Jesus Name.

Amen

GMG Bible Study Proverbs 16 Monday July 6th 2015

http://womenlivingwell.org

The verses I picked for today.

This verse speaks to me about my thoughts. Sometimes they feel out of control. I need to COMMIT them to the Lord so that he can help me control them. 

This verse makes me think of the many times I have had conversations with my oldest about people who he thinks dislike him. When we do the 'right' thing God says even our enemies will be at peace with us. We need to stop and ask God FIRST if our ways are pleasing to Him.

Oooh...Ouch

We can not rely on our OWN thoughts/ways. It may look right to us but does it measure

 up to what God says? He sees through it all, he weighs our spirit. 

ENGAGE #4 Life Groups

Word of the Year- ENGAGE

"Christianity means a lot more than church membership."-Billy Sunday

We had been attending Lifepoint Church for 6 months before I decided I would take another step in faith and join a Life Group. Because our church is over 1000 members they put a program in place to help build community. Small groups are vital in a church this size. I had so many reservations knowing I would be attending alone (because my husband doesn't go). But, I also knew if I didn't reach out then I wouldn't get to know others and build relationships here. 

I remember the first time I attended, Angela (One of the group leaders) happily greeted me at the front door. She was very friendly and approachable and made me feel really comfortable. What I found so intriguing though was that she was very transparent sharing her testimony the first day. I have learned after years of moving how comforting this can be for a newcomer. It can take months to cultivate friendships but I felt like this was going to be a real friendship from the start. She shared that she is a speaker and a writer. What a blessing to find such a genuine gal and the best part is that she is in my small group. Our group has a vast mixture of ages and people from different walks of life, all coming together once a week to study God's Word and build community as a family of God.

Angela was the first sweet lady that met but in time I got to know several wonderful ladies and gents in the group. Each of them bringing a different dynamic to our group. I love how God brings us together. God works through others in such an awesome way. I come out each week challenged and motivated to live my life out as a new creature in Christ. Not only should we get encouragement but we need to GIVE encouragement. I think this group is great at that!

I had to choose to 'Engage' in a small group. Thankful I did!

ENGAGE #3

inˈɡāj,enˈɡāj/

verb

1. 
   

   occupy, attract, or involve (someone's interest or attention).

           participate or become involved in.

   
   

   
   

   
   

   One thing that I have really enjoyed since we have become a multigenerational family is DINNER TIME.

   
   

   ENGAGE

   
   

   It is a time almost every night we all sit at the table and have great conversation while we share a meal together. My grandpa (by marriage) was in the military and served in 2 different branches. Being 82, he has so much wisdom. As I listen intently to him, I soak up all there is to learn. 

   
   

   It seems the days rush by and we sometimes forget to stop and take the time to engage in the moments. 

   Thankful for these precious moments at dinner time.

   
   

   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   

   
   

20 Years and Counting ....

Sunday February 22, 2015

Engage-Week 1

                                                         en·gage

inˈɡāj,enˈɡāj/

verb

1. 1. 

   occupy, attract, or involve (someone's interest or attention).

   2.         participate or become involved in.

   
   

   Parenting

   
   

   This week one of the ways I have been working on ENGAGING is spending

   
   

    time with Blake. He has been wanting to go to the local skate park so we

   
   

    took a few hours after school and went to Battleground. This new season in

   
   

    our lives has been a bit challenging but we are learning to enjoy the simple

   
   

    things in life.

   
   

   
   

   
   

2015 Word of the YEAR

Word of the Year

ENGAGE

Next...

How do I engage?

LPC Van February 15th 2015

Prayer for my marriage-

Graphic made by me

Prayer from Unveiledwife.com

Today...Psalm 19