Absolute Surrender

b"US"y

2012-01-19T18:17:00.001-06:00

busy..... It's a four letter word that can imply so much in one person's life. But when you take that word and begin multiplying it by however many people live in your little house, WHOA! It can seem to take over and begin running the train right off the track. My discretionary time is very limited and so I always feel like I don't know what to choose when it comes, but spending some time on

Hello India!

2011-11-19T19:52:00.000-06:00

Wow- yesterday felt like the longest day ever. We kept saying "when we got here yesterday" but actually it had been that morning! God was so good and we were upgraded to business class on our flight from London and we all felt that we had rested well. Such a blessing- the flight from Dallas to London was over booked and packed like sardines. We have seen so much and the city is so very very

On the other side of the world.....

2011-11-16T11:06:00.001-06:00

Aletheia Banjara School in Andrah Predesh, Inida is a place where seeds of hope are being planted. Where the lives of over 300 children are being impacted with the truth that there is One true God that loves them and offers an unshakable hope for them and their future. God is at work in this place! Will you please join in prayer for me and five others as we travel and serve the teachers at the

Vulnerable

2011-11-11T17:43:00.001-06:00

vulnerable ~ exposed, open, sensitive These are not words we tend to gravitate towards in a positive way. In fact, I am sure that each of us has a way of setting up boundaries so that we do not expose too much of ourselves to others. Fear and uncertainty can plague us and in turn cause us to keep the "real us" at a safe distance. First, I want to say that I believe it is incredibly

The Bigger Picture

2011-09-20T16:41:00.002-05:00

We all have something that we said we would never do. You know that list that includes things like..... get married, have kids (definitely not more than two!), go to Africa as a missionary, go back to school, pay off all your school debt, adopt a child, learn a foreign language, run a marathon.... The list goes on. But, unfortunately, most of the time so do we. Life moves forward at a rate

Chiseling Away

2011-09-17T17:33:00.000-05:00

God has been at work in me, refining and chiseling away all that is not good. (A lifelong process!) I am amazed at the many different ways He chooses to open our eyes to new truth, or rather truth packaged in a way we have not seen it before. His Truth is never new, it is timeless and never-changing, how wonderful to really count on something in this crazy world! Right now, this book is

SHE

2011-09-15T12:31:00.000-05:00

She knows your heart. She knows your shortcomings. She knows your kids...really knows them! She knows why you make the kind of choices you make. She knows what you need even when you may not be sure. She knows she can say that "one" thing to you, because, well...it's her and she can! She knows how to pray for you. She sometimes remembers your birthday. (Which you actually love about her!) She

Devotion? {s}

2011-05-31T20:58:00.003-05:00

I remember a few years ago, as I was listening to a radio-talk show interview a Christian author about motherhood she re-told one of her favorite "real-life" learning moments.One morning she was awoken early and decided to get up and spend some much needed time with the Lord. It had honestly been a few weeks since she really spent some time before Him. She quietly walked to the kitchen and made

Note to Self....

2011-05-27T07:47:00.015-05:00

I too often say.....Just a minute..... When I get finished I will come..... Not right now..... I don't have time for that at this moment..... No...... I'm busy right now.....Jesus said......Permit it at this time.... (Matt 3:15) I will come and heal him. (Matt 8:7) Come! (Matt 14:29) Let the little children come to Me.... (Mark 10:14) Let us go...... (Luke 8:22)...for today I must....

Always Worth It

2011-05-10T06:00:00.001-05:00

The day began with pancakes, singing and cards from all my men. This day that bears the name of so many women all over the world. Mothers Day, a celebration of the women that have had profound impact on our lives in various ways and for so many reasons. It is also a day that many say, "A day just for me!" I am sure that in some way we all feel an aspect of this thought.This year, Mother's Day

Decals & Decisions

2011-03-14T23:00:00.004-05:00

This post has been heavy on my heart for the past year and I have been in prayer about what to say as well as keeping a journal of thoughts on what I see around me and what I am always learning to be true of what God asks of us as parents. Yet, parenting is one of those very personal topics that many people do not like talk about. Everyone does it different, everyone thinks different types of

Library Book List

2011-03-11T11:33:00.010-06:00

Hello! It has been awhile since I have posted our monthly library list of books we have been enjoying! We have also been adding art projects with the books in which we really love the art. Enjoy!My First Little House Books by Laura Ingalls WilderB is for Bear by Roger Priddy (A perfect size touch & see book for very young children.)Hurricane by David Wiesner (A fun adventure book about two

On the Horizon

2011-03-01T21:30:00.000-06:00

It's ten o'clock in the morning and the phone rings. I know who is at the other end of the phone, because he is there every morning at this time. He (my mr. wonderful) calls to check-in and see how the day is going so far. He always asks how my quiet time was, how the boys are doing and what are plans are for the rest of the day. It's nice. It keeps us connected. I like it because I don't

Happy Birthday Bug

2011-01-27T15:59:00.013-06:00

Seven years ago, I was actually sleeping right now at this very moment (thanks to a half epidural) and resting after having been in natural labor for 8 hours. However, soon I would awaken to strong contractions and the birth of my very first child. A son....You were 7 lbs. 8 oz. and 20 inches long. A son....I could hardly believe how beautiful you were. Daddy and I were filled with so many

Happy Birthday Ladybug!

2011-01-08T10:13:00.010-06:00

One year ago today we were blessed with this precious gift....We affectionately called you "Ladybug" as we waited for the day to arrive when we would finally meet you! Mama was sick up to 33 weeks, then went into labor at 36 weeks, but waited and waited and waited for you to come. Nana came for your birth on December 31 and we were still waiting. On January 8, 2010 (two days before your due

Just stay and linger awhile....

2010-12-13T06:00:00.003-06:00

I feel like this doesn't happen enough.....And my head is thinking, "Why in the world not?" I am crazy about this guy. I love him more now then I did when we married one another, nearly 12 years ago. I know the obvious reasons... I know that this season of life, with my precious small children, is taxing and requires much of me. Still I cannot quiet that longing in my heart for more time with

Unexpected

2010-12-10T22:10:00.008-06:00

Today started out like most other days....I was up early to get some work done and then study. Wesley and I were on the couch reading together at 7:00am, the boys were still sleeping....... wait! Did I just say Wesley was home? Well, truth be told we had an appointment this morning, so he stayed home to attend that with us and then go in to work. Then it looked like it was going to be one of

Humbled

2010-12-06T03:46:00.015-06:00

Last month, God was so good to me once again. You see, He has this wonderful way of carving out unexpected, non-planned time with my very dearest friend. Even when we try to spend time together and work out the scheduling of our seven children, husbands home and a time and place....it rarely actually comes together in the end. But then on a random Sunday afternoon, we will both show up in a

Living out Galatians 6:2

2010-11-29T15:42:00.009-06:00

Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2I believe that in everyone's life there is a season, if not more than one, where the burdens of this life we live become too much for one to bear. We are not completely defeated because our hope is in Christ, but completely weary is a reality.My precious family has been in a season like this for the past 6

Mumble-Jumble

2010-11-23T07:27:00.006-06:00

We have all had those days where many decisions of motherhood seem to be difficult and soon we get near the end of our day feeling ready for God's mercies to be new the next morning! Our hearts cry out to God to redeem lost time and use the mumble-jumble of our day to somehow lead our children to Him. Our gratefulness lies in the fact that God does the heart work. We know the day was not a

He's on the move!

2010-11-16T20:03:00.016-06:00

Well hello there! I really cannot believe how long it has been since I've posted.... No excuses, just the reality of the season of life we are wading through right now! I have had some things on my heart that are posts in my mind, I am praying that soon God will allow me some "extra" time to put them down here. But for now, some fun pictures to bring family and friends up to date with the

A little family update....

2010-09-28T05:00:00.001-05:00

Hello! Here are some new pictures of my sweet men :)Eli's first day of first grade:My silly Luke:My growing little man Evan:We are finally getting into a new routine with first grade and K1 for Luke. Evan is still a quiet and happy little boy. He is busy all over the house and thinks he can walk....hence the bruise on his head, which stays there most of the time! He is 18 pounds and 8 months

Transparency

2010-09-26T04:25:00.001-05:00

To be vulnerable and authentic is to lay open one's heart for the process of refinement. Each time we share the condition of our hearts with a trusted friend or group of friends, we are inviting change. We are saying out loud that we want to be held accountable, we want to see something real happen in our lives that will make us different than before.Recently I shared my heart with some friends,

Do it now, not later

2010-08-03T23:44:00.011-05:00

Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. James 4:14For the past few days my mind has been repeating, "Do it now, not later." Needless to say, I have been getting much done around here including laundry, writing, playing games, cleaning up outside, washing cars, reading chapter books with my boys,

Choices

2010-06-14T20:40:00.019-05:00

To me, life is a mix of different colored threads that are constantly being woven together. Even when I am sleeping the Master is at work. HE is Sovereign and in the moments of life when everything seems to shut down and you are left with this ache... remembering that HE is still on the throne gives you just enough air to take another breath and move forward.HE is in control, yet HE allows me

Sweet dreams

2010-05-24T21:35:00.013-05:00

When it comes to bed time I am a no nonsense kind of gal. We have a good routine and I stick to it! We get our jammies on, have family worship, brush teeth, go potty and I have built in for all the other things that usually come up at bedtime..... having one drink of water, asking one question, giving each other hugs, giving Evan hugs......then we climb into bed and say prayers. Then, (when it

Out of the mouth of babes...

2010-05-20T22:00:00.004-05:00

I have always called Wesley "my Mr. wonderful"~ yes it may be cheesy, but it just came out one day in a sincere way and it has stuck. So when Wesley comes home, we are making something for him or Eli is writing him a card he refers to him as "our wonderful daddy." I am sure this has been influenced from my calling him "my Mr. wonderful" for as long as Eli has been around!Which of course, then

Journal Writings 2

2010-05-07T23:26:00.007-05:00

Lies. They creep in and slowly begin to control your thoughts, your point of view and eventually your actions.Lies. They can lead you astray so quickly. They set you up to fail, because they are rooted in evil.Lies. We have all believed them.Lies. They destroy us from the inside out. They cause us to feel defeated.Truth. It changes us from the inside out. It sets us up for success because

Journal Writings...

2010-04-29T06:11:00.008-05:00

forgivenessthe stillness of a new morningfresh dewlaughterconvictionprovisionnew opportunities to servethe simple acceptance of a childfresh beginningsThe darkness of the human condition, the knowing of your own shortcomings and barriers to complete allegiance to Him, makes HIS goodness hard to grasp. His grace is extended to me at all times, yet in the stimulation of all that surrounds me, I

I'd like to thank the Academy....

2010-04-26T08:19:00.006-05:00

Ok, just kidding! My sweet friends Corrie and Anna over at My First Friend and Me awarded me the Master of Karate and Friendship Award...So I am now supposed to share six things that I am a master at doing~ so, here goes! By the way, this is really out of my box, because I do not like to toot my own horn....even saying master is giving me heart palpatations! But, I love Corrie & Anna and so I

Full Hands

2010-04-22T17:32:00.009-05:00

So, it was about a month ago and I went into Lowes with my three little men. As we approached an aisle, the two big boys stopped in front of me to let a lady pass by in front of us and as I approached she said, "No you go ahead, you have your hands full." This of course was said with "that look." I of course just smile and say thank you every time I get "that look." Fast forward about 2 1/2

Easter Celebrations

2010-03-29T08:12:00.029-05:00

UPDATED: 5.5.10 with picturesYesterday, Eli came up to me and said, Mommy, I want to draw a big cross on April 2nd and hang it up so we remember what Jesus did for us. Then on April 4th, I want to hang up a picture of how he rosed up and we can celebrate!"These words were an encouragement to me because I do not want to at all forget why we do celebrate Easter Sunday! I also cannot waste this

Somewhere over the rainbow...

2010-03-25T05:21:00.020-05:00

Well not quite, but look at what the boys and I made Monday!!Oh! Don't they look yummy? Eli loves to give and do special things for others and for school on Tuesday he wanted to take these for snack. So here is how we made them! 1. You will need these ingredients: (white cake mix, food coloring & frosting)2. Mix the cake, then separate into six bowls, using about 3/4 cup of batter per bowl.

Library List

2010-03-22T17:18:00.006-05:00

Welcome back library list!My boys and I love the wonder of so many stories waiting for little imaginations to join them. The many colorful books that call us to pick them up, sit down and enjoy their story~so check out some of these titles that we have enjoyed this past week!A Book of Sleep by Il Sung Na A beautifully illustrated book about a little owl's world; awake while everyone is sound

Grazers

2010-03-18T21:04:00.012-05:00

Grazer is a good word to describe me and my eating habits. I typically eat small snacks and small meals all day long. I am not a fan of a big meal, except at dinner time. So, when I went with a friend this past Wednesday to a MOPS group, I was so excited that the speaker was talking about children's nutrition. She had so many helpful things to suggest and hints to help with what to be feeding

An American Classic

2010-02-22T09:35:00.003-06:00

Eli's kindergarten class memorized Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost and recited it for all the parents~ *Just a note for those who visit my blog~ most of our family lives far away and it is easier for some of them to visit my blog for pics & updates with the boys, so there will be some more family posts in the future!

From Pie Pockets to a Post

2010-02-12T22:18:00.001-06:00

It all started with this recipe for Pear~Raspberry pie pockets. They looked delicious and fun to make, so I had some "free-time" (ha ha!) early one morning and decided to give them a try!As I worked with my hands, mixing together all the ingredients, rolling out the dough and cutting out the hearts; so many thoughts came to mind. Each one of them centered around these verses, Proverbs 31:13b &

Just so grateful...

2010-01-30T14:49:00.009-06:00

There are so many blessings in my life that God has been so gracious to allow me to have! Here's to my precious family that make my life more full! I thank them for their unconditional love & support. ~ Love you!(By the way...there is a fun song with this, but sometimes I have to scroll all the way to the bottom for it to start playing!)

Life with Boys....

2010-01-24T10:12:00.017-06:00

Here are some snapshots of life here in our house with three boys! Always an adventure and so much joy! As I am learning more and more about our sweet baby, I see ways in which God has prepared me to be the mother of boys. I see reasons why he has chosen Wesley and I to raise men and I am so grateful~ HIS plan is perfect and I love being able to fully trust in that alone. We love our

Surrendered Servant

2010-01-22T06:30:00.002-06:00

I have been thinking the past few days about Christ and his perfect example of being a surrendered servant. If He, the perfect spotless Lamb of God, did not view Himself as one who was above serving, then how could I ever think I am above serving those around me? I can not. Philippians 2:6-7 says this about Christ, "who although existed in the form of God, did regard equality with God a thing

Committed or Surrendered?

2010-01-14T12:06:00.026-06:00

Commitment carries the idea that you are choosing to remain. Whether it be in a relationship, a contract, a diet, a belief system (the list goes on)~ you are making the choice to actively remain a part of that commitment. Now, it may not always be easy to remain committed to something because of our own attitude or because of challenges brought by others around us, but you can still choose to

Our New Addition!

2010-01-11T21:26:00.005-06:00

We are praising God for the safe arrival of our precious new son!

Abundant Joy: The Legacy I want to Leave

2009-12-22T16:38:00.001-06:00

Proverbs 31:26 She opens her mouth in wisdom and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. I once heard the illustration of a mother being compared to a protractor. When you use a protractor,

Abundant Joy: Family, The Legacy left to me

2009-11-11T20:02:00.000-06:00

Family is one of those words that when mentioned in a crowd of people, you are sure to find a vast difference in what comes to mind to each person there. Legacy is a word that people either misunderstand, find intimidating or know and greatly value. God's original family was created in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve. But, we all know how long the ideal lasted and how much the ideal

Trying to get back in touch....

2009-11-08T21:42:00.006-06:00

Hello! I am so sorry I have been MIA... We have been fighting illness in this house and my "little blog that could" has become the "little blog that isn't"!I am going to be catching up with the Abundant Joy study in the next few days, so check back! Thank you for your patience! :)

Abundant Joy Pages!

2009-10-27T20:25:00.005-05:00

The first layout is for pages on "Bits & Pieces"~The second one is for "A Look Inside Me"~

Abundant Joy: A Look Inside Me

2009-10-19T19:54:00.001-05:00

"For you formed my inward parts, you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made." Psalm 139:13-14Here again we see God's sovereignty displayed, only not in the vast comprehension of creating the universe and holding all things in His hand. No, this is an intimate picture of the God of the universe, "knitting me together in my mother's womb."

Abundant Joy: Bits & Pieces

2009-10-12T20:58:00.015-05:00