Happy Thanksgiving!!!

The Lord listens...

As I struggle through my days this past week or so, with feelings of inadequacy the Lord whispers to me that he is faithful. And He reminds me that He has me right where He wants me...even if I'm not enjoying every minute of life. Struggles are opportunities for growth and times of discipline. Ewwww...the thought of being stuck in the middle of a thick mud hole and struggling to break free from its uck is pictured in my mind. Spiritual growth can be difficult. The Lord gave me a verse yesterday...and I continue today to meditate on its deeper meaning as it relates to my life right now. "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Phil 1:6. I believe the Lord is patient with me always...especially during growth and discipline. Its me who is not patient nor kind to myself. I allow satan to rip into my thoughts and tear at the things I know to be Truth. I allow him to cause confusion and chaos. All to be kindly reminded that God is sovereign and victorious over satan and He is bigger than any obstacle I may face on this earth. *Big Sigh* What a relief!

THANKSGIVING!

Its been a very early day for me. The Lord woke me up bright and early...4am...I honestly asked for it though. These past several weeks and have been quite difficult for me and I have asked the Lord to help me to put Him first everyday...before computer time, before everyone else wakes up, etc. Its been quite the morning. Satan badly wants to destroy the work of the Lord. I can't tell you how many things have screamed for my attention already this morning. Nonetheless...I got in some good time with the Lord. As I was journaling I was reading through 2 Peter and I'm reminded of the world around us and the false teachers which inhabit this earth with us. How true today, as it was 2,000 years ago. All you have to do is turn on the TV to get...not just a glimpse of immorality, but a big "splash in the face dose" of it. (Duh...and to think I contemplated getting cable to watch "John and Kate plus 8.") I'm also reminded that the Lord is returning and Peter reminds us to live "spotless, blameless" lives. (2 Peter 3:14). And to grow in the GRACE and KNOWLEDGE of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Do you think much about how you grow spiritually? A friend reminded me this week how important it is to be in God's word...everyday! The adversary is always waiting for us to loose perspective and he jumps like a cheetah on prey. I probably have the growing in GRACE understanding better than the "in KNOWLEDGE" part. And we are reminded to test everything against the unchanging truth of God's Word. How often do I loose sight of that!?! I should even be testing my thoughts! It says EVERYTHING. (I know I'm jumping all over the place, I'm just sharing with you the things that were laid upon my heart and that I took note of).

The most reassuring thing I read this morning...2 Peter 3:8-9. God's timing is perfect and even though we don't understand it...he does know what he is doing. He is patient, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. Also understood to me as...The Lord's patience mean salvation to many. That's heavy! The Lord is patient, sovereign and loving...waiting for His children to fall at His feet. Fall daily!!!

I am Thankful for so many things...

Most importantly for my Savior Jesus Christ...without Him, I am nothing!

For the gift of eternal salvation. For Grace and Mercy neither which I deserve.

For my husband...whose love and devotion is more than I could ever wish or ask for.

For my three beautiful healthy children...they are so precious. And I thank God for entrusting them to Brett and I to raise for His glory.

For my parents

For my Grandparents...those still here and those that have passed. They each have added so much to my life. I would not be who I am today w/o their influence on my life. I lost two this year...they will be greatly missed during the Holidays. They brought so much to my family...and have left an everlasting impact on many of us. (Grandma Judy above at Caydee's 4th Birthday).

For health and wealth. Thank you Lord that I was born and raised in America where I am free to worship You!

I am thankful for my siblings. And especially Tabitha this past week, who bravely volunteered to take my little ones so I could have some time to myself. Thanks...you brave soul! (she had mine plus hers = 2 under one, a full of energy almost 2 year old, and a five year old!

Thanks for my church family...Salisbury is my church home. For Pastor Scott and Karen who help me grow in Truth.

Enjoy your families this year and pray for those who are less fortunate. :) God Bless!!!

New Video

Hey I finally figured out how to save video in a usable format from my digital video camera. Here's a little snippet from Noah's 1st birthday party of Eli!

Random Photos for you to enjoy!

Having fun at Fox Ridge State Park! We got attacked by Lady Bugs!
My beautiful girls...swinging!

All three of my kids...swinging!

My precious baby girl. Its amazing the joy each child brings into your life.

Eli and Daddy play in the leaves!

Eli with Uncle Dave!

We all went bowling while Aunt Ashley and Uncle Dave were visiting. Here Eli carries a six pound bowling ball, all by himself!!!!! Such a big boy! Check out his cool shoes!

Go Eli!

Zahavah and Uncle Dave!

Aunt Ashley, Uncle Dave & Zahavah

Many different Zahavah faces!

Brrrrr...its cold outside!

Exploring the barn at Agape!

One of my favorite photos...I loved playing at my Grandpa's growing up...some of the best days of my life!

Trystan and his Mommy

Notice the cross in the background

Awww...my little Eli saying "Daddy"...thats the only way to get a smile out of him!

So little!

And little Tin Tin

This is too funny...I got Eli coming down the hill and as I was getting to snap the photo...he fell!

ITS FRIDAY!

Outside my Window...Cool but sunny and beautiful!
I am thinking...Can I please just get a minute to myself?
From the learning rooms...I'm so proud of Eli!
I am thankful for...for my faithful husband...and Savior!
From the kitchen...Yummy homemade bread! Way to go me and Keri! And Eli and Trystan.
I am wearing...Cozy sweats and Nike sweatshirt.
I am reading...I have no time to read but when I do...The Love Dare.
I am hoping...This new president of ours can do the country some good...even though he lacks all the morals I believe in.
I am hearing...Elmo
Around the house...Let's see...clean dishes in the dishwasher, a load of laundry needing to be done, and tons of clothes to be put away...my job is NEVER done.
One of my favorite things...Coffee, which I currently lack.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...Brett is racing tomorrow, then maybe a little browsing the mall, dinner at my Aunt's on Sunday and I would love to get some photos of my children before all the beautiful leaves are gone!

Happy Halloween!

TRUNK OR TREAT AT SALISBURY!

Eli's favorite trunk was not his Big Pappy's Snoopy Peanuts theme...it was the trunk w/ the bubbles...he stayed there a long time! Guess what is going on his Christmas Wish List! That's right...a bubble machine...bathtime will be so much more fun!
Cousin Noah grabbing Eli's tail...they are both Monkeys...although Eli looks like a mouse.

Another bubble pic...the best one for sure!

He liked this trunk too...the sword anyway!

Big Pappy decorated up our van w/ Snoopy / Peanuts! I thought it was one of the cutest!

Zahavah and Launah!

Darn...I wish Tab and her kids would have made it for this pic!

My little Monkey / Mouse

My upset Jack-O-Lantern!

We really enjoy reading to Eli. Every night before bed we read at least one book. And every morning and after most naps we find him in our reading spot....all by himself with a book! He is such a great little guy.

PHILLIES WON THE WORLD SERIES! MY HUBBY SNAPPED THESE PHOTOS!