Longtime...no blog

Wow, it has been so long since I have written a blog. It has been just over a year. Honestly, I didn't think it had been that long. So, I am not going to go into detail everything that happened this last year. But I will say that God is FAITHFUL. We have had struggles just like many others in the world today, but God has blessed our family. He has provided for us. He has comforted us. He has covered us from all areas. It still amazes me that He is so generous when we are so undeserving.
If I had to share a lesson that I learned this year, it would be not to expect so much from people. Everyone is human. I am terrible at expecting people to do things exactly the way I've done them or better. The fact is, no one does anything EXACTLY alike. Even when we say "I do the same exact thing," there is always something different. It's usually the feeling behind it. Those feeling are what push us to be who we are. And if who are isn't full of grace, forgiveness and Christ's love, then are we really doing our job? No. God gives us chance after chance. We have to do the same thing. No one is perfect and no one should be. If we were, what was the cross for?

Faith Battle.....God WINS!!

God is so good!!

In March, my little brother left to go to Iraq. It was an extremely difficult time for our family. My brother had been down a very rough road and signed up for the National Guard. Although he lives in Arkansas, this was the longest we had gone without seeing him and the farthest he had been away.

There was alot of praying involved and of course alot of crying, but God gave me such a peace. I knew that God would bring him home safely. There were trying times when we wouldn't hear from him or his girlfriend, but God would remind me of his promise. He came home in November for a couple of weeks. Then had to go back. While he was there, a woman commited suicide by blowing herself up just feet away from the checkpoint he was working. He saw the whole thing. There was an election there and people were trying to scare everyone. I know there was a bomb blown up too. This was the worst it had been the whole time he was there. We were worried, but My God had made a promise and I knew who was in control.

I am proud to say that there is a sweet boy sleeping on my Mom's couch. He isn't the little toot that played barbies with my sister and I anymore. But he is a Hero and someone that I am very honored to call my brother.

God is so very faithful. He is deserving of all honor and glory. And I give it to him. Without his peace, I would have been a mess. And for anyone that knows me, I am usually a mess in one way or another. So, thank you God, for being who you are!! And THANK YOU for Kyle's safe return home.

ChristMAS

It's that time of year again! And I for one am super excited about all the holiday cheer. I love the crisp winter air. The smell of smoke coming out of chimney's. (I firmly believe this should be the next scent of a candle, if it's not already!) All the hustle and bustle of busy little shoppers trying to meet the deadline. And I love the generosity and friendliness that all the humbugs adapt around this time of year. It's more than just the "Spirit of Christmas" and shopping and drinking hot chocolate and flavored creamer for your coffee. It's about the sweet the gift that God gave us thousands of years ago and continues to give us everyday. His unconditional lYve. Jesus. Without him, there would be no Christmas. There would be no reason for giving and receiving gifts or putting up a tree. In all honesty, if we weren't so selfish, we wouldn't see a need for those things either. But I, like everyone else, enjoy getting presentse and I love to see a full, pretty Christmas tree all decorated with love and lights. It's those things that make the holiday fun. But more importantly, it's the giving. Whether it's your child opening up his most desired toy for 2008, or your spouse ripping open the surprise gift they told you not to get, or the unfortunate being thankful for the little given to them. It matters. It all matters. God has done miraculous things and he started with impregnating a virgin. When I think of Christmas this year, I want to remember all that has been done for me, physically and spiritually. And I want to have more of Christ. In Spanish the word MAS means more. I truly believe that Christmas means MORE OF CHRIST. Share more of him, his story and his love. Share the light that he has put inside of you. Share the gift of giving.

Paint

I am hanging out with my cousins today. We had a painting party last night and it was just super fun!! We are finishing up today and will hopefully be through early, so we can SHOP!! We all know how I loooooooooovvvvvvvvveeee to do that. I have really just enjoyed spending time with my family. My sister came, too. It's just fun to be around people you can share things with that know you and don't judge you. We really need to take a look at ourselves before we make assumptions about people. Even people we think we know, they may just surprise you!!

Something to get fired up about!!

This was sent to me today from my Mom. I thought it was very interesting and should definately be seen. Please, read on!

Poem to MOM

My son came home from school today, With a smirk upon his face.
He decided he was smart enough, To put me in my place.

'Guess what I learned in Civics Two, that's taught by Mr.. Wright?
It's all about the laws today, The 'Children's Bill of Rights.'

It says I need not clean my room, Don't have to cut my hair
No one can tell me what to think, Or speak, or what to wear.

I have freedom from religion, And regardless what you say,
I don't have to bow my head, And I sure don't have to pray.

I can wear ear rings if I want, And pierce my tongue & nose.
I can read & watch just what I like, Get tattoos from head to toe.

And if you ever spank me, I'll charge you with a crime.
I'll back up all my charges, With the marks on my behind.

Don't you ever touch me, My body's only for my use,
Not for your hugs and kisses, that's just more child abuse.

Don't preach about your morals, Like your Mama did to you.
That's nothing more than mind control, And it's illegal too!

Mom, I have these children's rights, So you can't influence me,
Or I'll call Children's Services Board, Better known as C.S.B.

'Mom's Reply and Thoughts Of course my first instinct was
To toss him out the door. But the chance to teach him a lesson
Made me think a little more.

I mulled it over carefully, I couldn't let this go.
A smile crept upon my face, he's messing with a pro.

Next day I took him shopping At the local Goodwill Store..
I told him, 'Pick out all you want, there's shirts & pants galore.

I've called and checked with C.S.B . Who said they didn't care
If I bought you K-Mart shoes Instead of Nike Airs.

I've canceled that appointment To take your driver's test.
The C.S.B. Is unconcerned So I'll decide what's best.

'I said 'No time to stop and eat, Or pick up stuff to munch.
And tomorrow you can start to learn To make your own sack lunch.

Just save the raging appetite, And wait till dinner time.
We're having liver and onions, A favorite dish of mine.

'He asked 'Can I please rent a movie, To watch on my VCR?
''Sorry, but I sold your TV, For new tires on my car.

I also rented out your room, You'll take the couch instead.
The C.S.B. Requires Just a roof over your head.

Your clothing won't be trendy now, I'll choose what we eat.
That allowance that you used to get, Will buy me something neat.

I'm selling off your jet ski, Dirt-bike & roller blades.
Check out the 'Parents Bill of Rights', It's in effect today!

Hey hot shot, are you crying, Why are you on your knees?
Are you asking God to help you out, Instead of C.S.B..?'

Now, when I first read this, I was thinking that I would have laughed in that kid's face and busted his behind until the only thing he wanted to do was pray. But then I realized the Mom in the poem had the right idea!! Today, there are so many kids that do not realize how lucky they are to live the life they have. I know there are kids dealing with things that are unimaginable, but for those that aren't, they should be appreciative. I am praying for a turn around in the youth of this generation. I am pryaing that Kids today will stand up for what is right, instead of what they think will get them attention. I am praying that Kids today will stand firm in what they are taught and believe instead of being easily swayed. I am praying that someone, if only one, will be a light to this dark world and share the kindess and peace that Jesus stood for. I love kids, absolutely adore them. But I want to see a hunger and a desire for Jesus in them that is desperate that I can't stand them. I want them to be a fanatic, an addict, a rebel for Jesus Christ............................

My first time...

This is the first time I've ever had a blog...In honor of this I would like to ponder on the many firsts we experience. The first time you look into your newborn's eyes and the overwhelming feeling of love and joy that leaps into your heart...the first snowfall of the year...the first time you drove a car!!!!...the first time you truly felt loved...the first time you truly fell in love...the first time you rip your pants falling down...the first time you said goodbye to a loved one...your first pet!...your first pair of fancy shoes...your first prom dress...the first time someone close to you dies...your first best friend...your first crush...your first experience with God...the first time God really moves you to do something...etc. These aren't things that mean something to everyone, but they are things that mean something to me. I know there are more important firsts in this world, but taking the time to remember the small ones make you appreciate all the moments in your life!!