Merry Christmas from my Family to yours!!!

Personalize your own greeting

Darius Rucker - It Won't Be Like This For Long

THIS IS AN ADD ON TO MY PREVIOUS BLOG POST

The last time.....

 As a new mom, I was fixated on my twins "firsts." Their first smile, first word, first steps, even first tooth were diligently recorded in the baby books and immortalized in picures. I took hundreds of pictures a day, positive that I wasn't missing anything!  I'd be suprised if my boys thought they had a camera for a mommy, as it was always in front of my face. I was determined to do things right and shoulder the burden of being both a mom and a dad. It was my fear to be lacking in anyway as a mom to these precious little minis that God gifted to me.

But as these little angels grew into rough and tumble boys I began to realize something....I was missing out on their "lasts" The last time they mispronounced their cousin Morgan's name. The last time they would sit in a highchair or eat baby food. The last time they would need my help to fix something to drink or help brush their teeth or tie their shoe. And as they grow more "lasts" will be paraded in front of my eyes. The last time they say "fridgefrater" instead of refridgerator....the last time they will hug without being embarrassed and with wild childlike abandon....The last time they need me to kiss a bobo to make it better...They last time they will need me to drive them anywhere because they can drive theirself. So I've started looking and noticing "lasts" Its hard to learn that I will have to let go of my babies one day. So I challenge you...Your childrens "firsts" are important, but don't neglect to notice their "lasts". And love..Love and treasure them with  everything you have...fill your heart with love.

THE CROSS IN OUR BODIES

I recieved this email and wanted to share

The Cross in Our Bodies


This is a pretty neat story and an interesting thing that few of us know. It's brief, so please read. (FROM A DOCTOR)



A couple of days ago I was running (I use that term very loosely) on my treadmill, watching a DVD sermon by Louie Giglio... And I was BLOWN AWAY! I want to share what I learned.... But I fear not being able to convey it as well as I want. I will share anyway.



He (Louie) was talking about how inconceivably BIG our God is... How He spoke the universe into being... How He breathes stars out of His mouth that are huge raging balls of fire.. Etc. Etc. Then He went on to speak of how this star-breathing, universe creating God ALSO knitted our human bodies together with amazing detail and wonder. At this point I am LOVING it (fascinating from a medical standpoint, you know.) . And I was remembering how I was constantly amazed during medical school as I learned more and more about God's handiwork. I remember so many times thinking..'How can ANYONE deny that a Creator did all of this???'



Louie went on to talk about how we can trust that the God who created all this, also has the power to hold it all together when things seem to be falling apart...how our loving Creator is also our sustainer.



And then I lost my breath. And it wasn't because I was running my treadmill, either!!!



It was because he started talking about laminin. I knew about laminin.. Here is how Wikipedia describes them: 'Laminins are a family of proteins that are an integral part of the structural scaffolding of basement membranes in almost every animal tissue' You see.... Laminins are what hold us together... LITERALLY. They are cell adhesion molecules. They are what holds one cell of our bodies to the next cell. Without them, we would literally fall apart. And I knew all this already. But what I didn't know is what they LOOKED LIKE..



But now I do. And I have thought about it a thousand times since (already)....Here is what the structure of laminin looks like... AND THIS IS NOT a 'Christian portrayal' of it.... If you look up laminin in any scientific/medical piece of literature, this is what you will see....

Now tell me that our God is not the coolest!!! Amazing. The glue that holds us together.... ALL of us.... Is in the shape of the cross. Immediately Colossians 1:15-17 comes to mind.



'He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created; things in heaven and on earth, visible And invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or Authorities; All things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him All things HOLD TOGETHER.'

Colossians 1:15-17



Call me crazy. I just think that is very, very, very cool. Thousands of years before the world knew anything about laminin, Paul penned those words. And now we see that from a very LITERAL standpoint,we are held together... One cell to another.... By the cross.



You would never in a quadrillion years convince me that is anything other than the mark of a Creator who knew EXACTLY what laminin 'glue' would look like long before Adam breathed his first breath!!
 
 
 
 
Its me again...Isn't it amazing? Psalm 139 says " For you created my innermost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;your works are wonderful. I know full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body." A cross holds our body together..how can we deny the existence of God and his love for us?
Be blessed.

Dear God,

You are more than the choices that you've made,


You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,

You are more than the problems you create,

You've been remade
 
 

Dear God,
 
 
Please be with me....stay by my side. I need strength. I need courage and someone to hold my hand when I think I can't go on. I am a single mom...its hard. I know that it isn't gonna be easy always, but with you by my side I will endure. I crave the love that you give so freely..even to a sinner such as I. I want to fill my heart up with the essence of you. I want to be coveredd by your grace. I want to shout with joy and dance like A child with exuberence, just because I have your love. You love me even when I stumble . You whisper into my heart and guide me. A change has occured in me, I became a Jesus freak. I feel free. I want to be a light for others.Help me to be worthy of You.....
 
 
Love,
Me

These are the words I would say

My children are my life and my joy...even when they drive me crazy :) Everytime I hear this song I see my boys face. I want to tell them these words. I pray I can teach my boys to walk in the light of God. As for the chaos in my house...well....it can wait till another day.



The Words I Would Say lyrics




Three in the morning, and I'm still awake

So I picked up a pen and a page

And I started writing just what I'd say

If we were face to face



I'd tell you just what you mean to me

Tell you these simple truths



CHORUS

Be strong in the Lord

And never give up hope

You're gonna do great things

I already know

God's got His hand on You

So don't live life in fear

Forgive and forget

But don't forget why you're here

Take your time and pray

These are the words I would say



Last time we spoke you said you were hurting

And I felt your pain in my heart

I want to tell you that I keep on praying

That love will find you where you are



I know cause I've already been there

So please hear these simple truths



CHORUS



Say... from one simple life to another

I will say... come find peace in the Father



Be strong in the Lord

And never give up hope

You're gonna do great things


I already know


God's got His hand on You


So don't live life in fear


Forgive and forget


But don't forget why you're here



Take your time and pray

And thank God for each day

His love will find a way

These are the words I would say

Life's lessons learned...the hard way!

Somewhere along the way, during these 5 years of my children's life, I have neglected some very important motherly duties. I have been forgetting to impart ( in that nagging - because I'm your mother thats why- voice) the little important life lessons that every child needs to learn. I've covered; no spitting, don't bite your brother, you can't fly so don't jump of the slide, the dog is not horse, so no you can't ride her and don't stick that in the electrical socket!

Look at them..don't they have mischief written all over their faces? They have an answer for every question and so of course....they know everything. Or at least they thought so until today. See, the one lesson I forgot to impart tomy children is this, " Never lick a cold metal surface." Example: Don't stick your tongue to the metal shelf in the deep freeze!!!

Wellll...Aidan learned it the hard way....


BET HE DOESN'T DO THAT AGAIN! :)

Your Grace Is Enough by Chris Tomlin

The Song says it all..God's Grace is enough! We are never alone and we always have his grace. When you are in a difficult situation, remember that with Gods Grace..you are going to be ok!! Even when it seems like noone cn help..lift up your hands to God...offer him him your hurt and sorrows. He will enfold you in his loving arms. " Your grace is enough. Heaven reaching down to us. Your grace is enough for me. Your grace is enough. Im covered in your love. Youre grace is enough for me!!

Queen of Questions

I am the Queen of questioning. You can call me Your Highness..lol. I have a problem questioning everything. I question "why things happen" and "why they don't".  I came to realize I'm questioning God. I know He understands because He made me, but I have to stop and listen for the answer if I'm ging to ask the question! I have an even worse habit of questioning myself and who I am. Well when I logged on to Facebook this morning..I saw a post I'd like to share..maybe I can learn not to question anymore.

You dont have to base your identity on what another person thinks about you. You are special because you are a child of God. Because He made you. Because He saved you. Because He loves you. It is your relationship with God that makes you what you are, who you are and enables you to be everything you can be.If you werent important to another soul in the world, you would still be special. Not because youre you but because you are HIS!

Francesca Battistelli - Free To Be Me .I'm Baaaack

It's been a while since I've blogged. My computer has crashed. I've been the MOPS Convention in Orlando, Fl ( I will do a seperate blog on that), I have joined a new and amazing church, Grace Fellowship, MOPS has started again and we have had some very heart rending losses within our group of moms. Its alot to take in and way to much to blog about in just one blog..I just wanted those that follow me to know I am back.

With a soul filled with love and hope for what God will do in my life and the life of my children. I can feel the change in me. I can feel it my heart opening up like a flower..exposing all the hurt and pain and fear of rejection that has been coiled in the center..offering it up to God for healing. "For even there your hand will guide me" Psalm 139







So its gonna be a process and its not gonna be easy, but I am guded by somethimg mighty and loving. I have wonderful friends WHO I LOVE..and are my support and comfort. So I will leave you with a song...

It's What You Scatter....

I recieved this email this morning and it inspired me and uplifted me. I would like to share it with you!



"IT'S WHAT YOU SCATTER"

I was at the corner grocery store buying some early potatoes... I noticed a small boy, delicate of bone and feature, ragged but clean, hungrily apprising a basket of freshly picked green peas.

I paid for my potatoes but was also drawn to the display of fresh green peas. I am a pushover for creamed peas and new potatoes.

Pondering the peas, I couldn't help overhearing the conversation between Mr. Miller (the store owner) and the ragged boy next to me.

'Hello Barry, how are you today?'

'H'lo, Mr. Miller. Fine, thank ya. Jus' admirin' them peas. They sure look good.'

'They are good, Barry. How's your Ma?'

'Fine. Gittin' stronger alla' time.'

'Good. Anything I can help you with?'

'No, Sir. Jus' admirin' them peas.'

'Would you like to take some home?' Asked Mr. Miller.

'No, Sir. Got nuthin' to pay for 'em with.'

'Well, what have you to trade me for some of those peas?'

'All I got's my prize marble here.'

'Is that right? Let me see it' said Miller.

'Here 'tis. She's a dandy.'

'I can see that. Hmm mmm, only thing is this one is blue and I sort of go for red. Do you have a red one like this at home?' the store owner asked.

'Not zackley but almost.'

'Tell you what. Take this sack of peas home with you and next trip this way let me look at that red marble'. Mr. Miller told the boy.

'Sure will. Thanks Mr. Miller.'

Mrs. Miller, who had been standing nearby, came over to help me.

With a smile she said, 'There are two other boys like him in our community, all three are in very poor circumstances. Jim just loves to bargain with them for peas, apples, tomatoes, or whatever..

When they come back with their red marbles, and they always do, he decides he doesn't like red after all and he sends them home with a bag of produce for a green marble or an orange one, when they come on their next trip to the store.'

I left the store smiling to myself, impressed with this man. A short time later I moved to Colorado , but I never forgot the story of this man, the boys, and their bartering for marbles.

Several years went by, each more rapid than the previous one. Just recently I had occasion to visit some old friends in that Idaho community and while I was there learned that Mr. Miller had died. They were having his visitation that evening and knowing my friends wanted to go, I agreed to accompany them. Upon arrival at the mortuary we fell into line to meet the relatives of the deceased and to offer whatever words of comfort we could.







Ahead of us in line were three young men. One was in an army uniform and the other two wore nice haircuts, dark suits and white shirts...all very professional looking. They approached Mrs. Miller, standing composed and smiling by her husband's casket.

Each of the young men hugged her, kissed her on the cheek, spoke briefly with her and

Moved on to the casket. Her misty light blue eyes followed them as, one by one; each young man stopped briefly and placed his own warm hand over the cold pale hand in the casket. Each left the mortuary awkwardly, wiping his eyes.

Our turn came to meet Mrs. Miller. I told her who I was and reminded her of the story from those many years ago and what she had told me about her husband's bartering for marbles. With her eyes glistening, she took my hand and led me to the casket.

'Those three young men who just left were the boys I told you about.

They just told me how they appreciated the things Jim 'traded' them. Now, at last, when Jim could not change his mind about color or size....they came to pay their debt.'

'We've never had a great deal of the wealth of this world,' she confided, 'but right now, Jim would consider himself the richest man in Idaho ..'

With loving gentleness she lifted the lifeless fingers of her deceased husband. Resting underneath were three exquisitely shined red marbles.

The Moral:

We will not be remembered by our words, but by our kind deeds. Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath.



Today I wish you a day of ordinary miracles ~ A fresh pot of coffee you didn't make yourself...

An unexpected phone call from an old friend....

Green stoplights on your way to work....

The fastest line at the grocery store....

A good sing-along song on the radio...

Your keys found right where you left them.

Share this with the people you'll never forget. I just did...






IT'S NOT WHAT YOU GATHER, BUT WHAT YOU SCATTER THAT TELLS WHAT KIND OF LIFE YOU HAVE LIVED!

Sing in the Dark, Laugh in the Rain

                                                               
TAKE THE TIME:

 Live in the moment. Hug Someone. Act silly with your children.  Smell the flowers. Play board games with your friends. Call a friend.

READ A BOOK.

Sing aloud. Watch cartoons. Read the funnies.

DANCE.

SMILE AT A STRANGER.

REALIZE:

Life is short. Tomorrow is not promised. Real love is unconditional. There is nothing to fear when you have God.

                                                      FAITH IS NECESSARY.

Pictures keep memories alive. True friends are forever. Laughter is the best medicine. Eyes are windows into the heart.              
                                                  MUSIC HEALS THE SOUL.

     LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE, AND PRAY.

SING IN THE DARK, LAUGH IN THE RAIN!

An Undivided Heart

Lord, Give me an undivided heart.
This is my prayer
My wish.

My plea.

I suffer from the curse of a divided heart. Its almost like
having a split personality. I know my mind, but my heart is a mystery. I want to be unselfish and leap into the
abyss trusting the Lord to catch me. Yet, my heart, my always divided heart, questions. I have faith, but not enough. I love but not well enough. I'm  a good mom, just not good enough. The devil attacks and no matter how strong my mind resolves to be, my heart weakens and falters. I stumble and fall. 

I watched the sermon of my (hope to be) new church home by live feed Sunday. It was about truth to God and yourself. It was about having an Undivided Heart. God seemed to be speaking to me.  Psalm 51:6  " Surely You desire truth in the inner parts; You teach me wisdom in the inmost places." God wants me to be true to him on the inside and true to my self...in that chamber of Truth, He will teach me the wisdom of an Undivided Hearts..

Psalm 86:11 " Teach me your way O Lord, and I will walk in Your truth; give me an undivided heart that I may fear Your name.

Seeking logic in the chambers of the heart is a fool's errand

Image via Wikipedia

Which one leads you? Your head or your heart? Are you passionate or analytical? I for one am always analyzing, but that is because my heart and head hash it out quite often. There is no logic in emotional response. No matter what the relationship.


When it comes to my children my mind tends to shut down and pure emotion reigns. If my children are hurt or somebody is bullying them..my momma tiger claws come out. I can't help it!It's purely instinctual. My children are my "cubs" and I am the overly protective lioness.



What about my other relationships? I am an emotional person. How my family and friends put up with me I will never know! I wish I could think more with my brain, but my heart tends to hold the reins in most situations.
Ive read some articles on emotions that I'd like to share.

Related articles by Zemanta

• Managing Emotions (teachstreet.com)
• Choose Your Feelings (teabreak.pk)
• Can Happiness Save Your Health? (ohmyachesandpains.info)
• Broken heart syndrome and the flagellated heart [Brazillion Thoughts] (scienceblogs.com.br)
• How to Listen to 'Women's Intuition' (beliefnet.com)

The last article is my personal favorite. So after reading these articles..Do you lead with your head or heart?
You might be suprised at your answer! :)

All things Change....guess its my turn

Change is scary. It doesn't matter how small or mundane it is...it can scare the hell out of you! The relationships and friendships in your life are in a constant flux of change. Heck as your children grow ( and change) that relationship changes too. My boys will soon be 5 and ready to start school. I don't know if I'm ready for  change.

Its a change I can't control. But I can control the changes in myself. I can be healthier. I can play with my kids more. I can spend time with people I know  love and care about me. I can stay home more. I can read my Bible more and set a better example. I have decided..just today in fact.....to start going to Grace Fellowship and see if it feels like home. I feel, empty and lost at times. I don't want my children to feel that.
So its time for BIG CHANGES. Time to go for that job I want..finish school...oh and dye my hair back natural. Everyone says they love it, and I like it too. I just feel that small change will help get the ball rolling....


Psalm 34:18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. I take this as another promise from God.

For rememberence :)

Happy 4th of July!

Image via Wikipedia

MMMM.. BBQ.    I can smell it cooking. I can hear the kids playing. Its the 4th of July!  But this holiday is about so much more than food and family...Its about Freedom!! We are so lucky to be American. So many men and women have fought for the freedom we enjoy. Many have also died.









My grandfathers were military, several uncles, a few aunts, cousins and many, many friends. They all wrote that blank check made payable to the U.S.A. up to and including their life that they may keep us safe and free! GOD BLESS AMERICA!!

So remember our brave...and remember our fallen.

Have a safe and happy 4th of July!

Catzilla...King of the Felines

You probably are wondering why I write about my pet Moishe. Well, because he is a part of my life..Its like having another child :) Moishe is a Yellow Seal point Siamese. He weighs 13+ pounds and is slightly cross eyed. Seriously, this cat is amazing. He was the runt of the litter when my mom rescued him and brought him home and now hes weighs more than most newborn babies!


Moishe posses and intellect not seen in most animals. When he wants out, he tells you. He has a specific Meow and goes to the back door and waits for me to let him out. He sits on his haunches and begs for food. He "talks" back when you talk to him.
He is just a remarkable animal. I feel lucky to have him as a part of my life.


Animals bring such joy into the lives of others. They are companions, children, and unconditional love. However, Cats own you, you do not own cats. "Thousands of years ago, cats were worshipped as gods. Cats have never forgotten this." - Anonymous



Cats Sleep Anywhere
Cats sleep anywhere, any table, any chair.
Top of piano, window-ledge, in the middle, on the edge.
Open draw, empty shoe, anybody's lap will do.
Fitted in a cardboard box, in the cupboard with your frocks.
Anywhere! They don't care! Cats sleep anywhere.

Eleanor Farjeon (1881 - 1965

Blueberries, Friends, Summertime, and Stinkbugs :)

Yesterday I went blueberry picking with two great friends. It was this great blueberry patch owned by an elderly lady. The blueberries were plump and juicy and the price was amazing..60 cents a pound. You won't find a price like that in any grocery store or even a farmers market! I can just imagine all the goodies that can be made out of these delicious berries.
The company was also fabulous...just us girls..no children. We laughed so hard that my jaws still hurt. It felt really good and freeing. Just imagine, uninterrupted conversation..no " Mom..mom..mooooom..momma!!! Hey " :) Even though one of my friends thought it would be funny to flick "unworthy" berries at me and later on flicked a huge bug on me too, it was a blast. The humidty killed, I was soaked to the skin within minutes, but what else would you expect in Southern Alabama?
The stinkbugs were huge and stinky :) Of course!
Yet, despite the heat and bugs, this is one of the moments I will treasure the most. A truely perfect summer day,spent with wonderful friends, sweet treats and yes even the bugs. :)
Now whose gonna make some blueberry crisp?

In this Life you need 3 things to suceed..a wish bone, a backbone and a funny bone

As I sit here...blogging..of course...I am surrounded by a whirlwind of chaos and noise. Its a wonder I can even think. :) I only have two children, twins, but they are like having mini tasmanian devils in the house. However, these children changed my life for the better. I was guided from the wrong road and lead to set my feet upon the solid rock. "Your word is like a lamp to my feet and a light for my path" Psalms 119: 105. Yet I still have doubts and all the worries that I have learned through other mothers actually do have( see its not just me! :) ) through a wonderful organization called MOPS - Mothers of Preschoolers. We recently held a Leadership summit and learned about what our worst fear was and also what our passion was...My fear was failure. I fear failing God, my children, myself, my family and friends and people in general. My Passion was Happiness...I long to be happy...happy with my life, myself, my relationships, my walk with God. I also discovered a longing or calling in my heart for humanitarian services...maybe one day. I will pray about it and maybe God will send me the answer. So this blog is about me trying to live with Simple Courage in the everyday. I will live with Passion and not be passive! We will see how it goes! :)