Beck's Blog

Fear Factor

2012-01-11T22:57:00.002-05:00

No, not the TV show (not a fan of that show....ewww!) The thing that holds me back way too often. The thing that can unexpectedly paralyzes me out of the blue. The thing that is mentioned to "do not" 365 times in the Bible (one for each day). The thing I hate, hate, hate.

The thing?

Fear.

I stumbled across a precious blog last week called Unveiled Wife. I love how the blog's goal is to encourage wives in their marriage while always pointing us to Christ. There are many neat things on the blog from "Surprise Date Night" Challenges to prayers.

Ten years ago, I went through a horrible battle with panic attacks. Unless you have ever experienced one, you have no idea how horrible they are. In an effort to keep this short, The Lord delivered from that time in my life. I will be honest and admit there are still times when fear, "what if...", or worse case scenarios rear their ugly head and try hinder me. It is only through God's faithfulness to me, His Word and much prayer that I can walk in victory from fear when it shows up uninvited to visit me.

Sunday's post on Unveiled Wife's blog was a prayer that spoke to my heart. I have decided to print it and tape it in my prayer journal because I want this to be my prayer for 2012.

God,

We run to you today! We lift up all of our fears and ask that you help us not to be afraid anymore. Help us to trust you more with our lives, with our families, with our finances, with our everything. Sometimes worry will cause so much stress we become paralyzed, fear cripples our ability to thrive, and our joy is stolen from us. Please help us to be stronger. Fill us with confidence and an unwavering faith. No matter what may come our way, no matter what the unknown holds for us, please help us to remain confident in you! May we not only overcome fears, but encourage others to overcome theirs, and that we testify that because of you we no longer fear. Thank you for being our strength, our provider, our everything! We love you Lord! AMEN

I Stand Amazed

2011-12-30T11:10:00.000-05:00

This past week has been one of celebration. Our family traveled to visit our new grand-daughter, Little Miss Zoey. Of course, love at first sight.

My heart about exploded with grand-ma love when I asked Miss Jaelynn if I could hold the baby and she shook her head "no". After a while of coaxing, I held Zoey to which Jaelynn responded by putting her hands in the air and saying, "MiMi!". She wanted my undivided attention. Made my heart melt.

(Jae is not sure about Mimi holding the baby......)

I never knew two little girls could rock my world so much.

(Big sister and baby "WuWu"...how Jaelynn says Zoey)

Or that my heart could have enough love it in for ALL my girls!!

Also hard for my mother's heart to believe that my baby is 19. Just yesterday she seemed as small as Zoey

Auntie Jo and Baby Zo

Tuesday was my birthday and while visiting with my girls on Monday night, Amanda and Jaelynn surprised me with a birthday cake, and of course, we had icecream!

(Amanda doesn't even look or act like she just had a baby. She even drove to the store two hours after being discharged from the hospital to get my cake! She is Superwoman! )

Jaelynn helped me pick the frosting flowers off with her fingers.

Last year Jaelynn lived far away but sent me a picture for my birthday, This year I was able to celebrate with them in person.

(Looks like Jaelynn is signing "thank you". I can't take credit for that..I think she was being silly.)

It is simply amazing what can happen in a year. So much can change. Loved ones pass away and new ones are born. Nothing is the same. Yet, as I think back to all that happened in 2011, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. A dear friend and I were chatting on Facebook last night and she put it perfectly, "I cry all the way home--just thanking Jesus for his grace and all he saved me from, not just eternally, but in this life, because I don't deserve his salvation, yet, I have it! "

Here's to another year. I pray my heart will be filled with gratitude for all He has done and all He will do.

Happy Birthday Jesus (and Zoey!)

2011-12-25T16:54:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the world, our little Christmas Blessing!

Our second granddaughter, Zoey Maria Rivera was born at 2:15am on December 25th. Mom and baby are doing fine. (big sister and Daddy are doing great too!!)

Santa's not the only one arriving......Day 23

2011-12-24T14:56:00.000-05:00

Day 23 of Christmas Praise and Celebration

Oh my goodness!! I just received a phone call from my daughter, Amanda. Her water just broke. She is on the way to the hospital. A Christmas baby! (we are hoping the baby will be born before midnight as today is Memaw Burton's birthday.)

Praying for Amanda and for Baby Zoey's arrival.

I am ever so thankful!

(My youngest daughter took these pictures of Amanda over Thanksgiving. I jokingly told Jordyn she is a photographer prophet! Loved the lighting (natural light not edited) on these shots).

Mama Walrus - Day 22

2011-12-23T14:47:00.000-05:00

Day 22 of Christmas Praise and Celebration

Today we enjoyed lunch at Cracker Barrel with Pepaw Burton (my dear father-in-law). I had not been to Cracker Barrel since last December when Jim and I went with PePaw and MeMaw Burton. So much has changed since that visit to Cracker Barrel. This is PePaw's first Christmas in 61 years without his "bride" (as he lovingly called her). We had a great visit and recalled many memories of MeMaw. She always ordered the Chicken-N-Dumplins from Cracker Barrel, so Jordyn kept the tradition alive and well and enjoyed the dumplin's.

I am so very thankful for the many years of memories our family made together. One memory in particular that I have is super silly (or gross...depending on if you are high-faluting or not). Tomorrow (December 24th), is Memaw's birthday so I will share in her memory--I know she wouldn't mind.

One thing MeMaw and I always enjoyed doing was eating. She was a great cook but in her later years she was too sick to cook so she loved to eat out--and it was always her treat. We would eat until our bellies were stuffed beyond stuffed and then we'd pile on dessert. Memaw and I both have a little....uhh...habit...or uncontrollable response to our food at times. You see, we both *burp* (okay...belch) very loudly. It just happens. No warning. Nothing--just a loud NOISE followed by embarrassment (or laughter depending on your company). The first time I remember this happening, MeMaw went to say something and accidentally *burped* at a restaurant and it was so loud I immediately responded, "you sound like a walrus". We both laughed until we almost wet ourselves. So the phrase, "Mama Walrus" (for her) and Baby Walrus (for me) was termed.

I am thankful for silly memories. Happy Birthday a day early to Memaw aka Mama Walrus.

PePaw and MeMaw Burton Christmas 2010

Let Loose - Day 21

2011-12-22T13:49:00.001-05:00

Day 21 of Christmas Praise and Celebration

I am thankful for the Message Bible's paraphrase of Luke today. I have been reading it the past few days and letting it resonate with me.

Have you taken time to worship and praise Jesus this Christmas season?

I want to worship like Mary did (Message Bible Luke 1)

^46-48And Mary said,

I'm bursting with God-news;

I'm dancing the song of my Savior God.

God took one good look at me, and look what happened—

I'm the most fortunate woman on earth!

What God has done for me will never be forgotten,

the God whose very name is holy, set apart from all others....

I want to let loose like the shepherds did in these verses (Message Bible Luke 2:12-20):

-12There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God's angel stood among them and God's glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, "Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you're to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger."

13-14At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God's praises:

Glory to God in the heavenly heights,

Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.

15-18As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. "Let's get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us." They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the sheepherders were impressed.

19-20Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself. The sheepherders returned and LET LOOSE, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they'd been told!

If you have time, I encourage you to read Luke Chapter 1 and 2 in The Message Bible.

Fruitcake - Day 20

2011-12-21T23:51:00.000-05:00

Day 20 of Christmas Celebration and Praise

Today finds me thankful for being off from work and enjoying a rainy afternoon with my parents enjoying Chirstmas music along with a cup of coffee and two of my favorite Christmas yummies:

Yep - fruitcake and Chocolate German Gingerbread Cookies.

(please refrain from the fruitcake comments! ha ha)

8 Crazy Nights - Day 19

2011-12-20T12:55:00.001-05:00

Day 19 of Christmas Praise and Celebration

Today I am thankful for Hanukkah. Happy to Hanukkah to all my Jewish friends.

In case you are curious why I have a menorah, you can read this blog post from a few years ago.

Oh How He Love Us - Day 18

2011-12-19T00:02:00.000-05:00

Day 18 of Christmas Praise and Celebration

God loves each of us as if there were only one of us.

~ Saint Augustine

Bella The Elf - Day 17

2011-12-18T23:44:00.000-05:00

Day 17 of Christmas Praise and Celebration

According to reliable sources, December 18th is "International Answer The Phone As Buddy The Elf Day". Being an elf myself, I just had to give it a try this afternoon when the phone rang. My precious mom was the recipient of my "Buddy The Elf, What's Your Favorite Color?".

You see, I am thankful for a mom who never ceases to make our family laugh with her Pat-ism and misunderstandings of words. Our all time favorite line to date of mom's is when Jordyn's cell phone was on vibrate and my mom exclaimed, "your phone's wiggling!!".

My Mom has only seen Elf once (unlike me who has seen it a bazillion times) and can't quote the lines like yours truly can. Therefore, I found it totally hysterical when I had to call mom later tonight to ask her a question and she answered her phone by saying, "Bella the Elf, what color you like?" Another classic Pat-ism moment.

I am thankful for my mom who loves Jesus but knows how to love life and have fun too!

Give Me Liberty - Day 16

2011-12-17T22:56:00.000-05:00

Day 16 of Christmas Praise and Celebration

Whether you were a fan or not, the late Jerry Falwell, Sr.-- had a vision. His vision? Liberty University. A college "with a vision to train Champions for Christ". Our family is thankful for this college that is 'un-apologetically Christian'. A place where parents can have peace knowing there are NO co-ed dorms on the 6,000 acre campus. A place where classes are started with prayer requests. A place where each student is prayed over every day by prayer teams. A place where the name of Jesus is lifted high. A place I am proud to support as a parent.

Thank you Liberty University!!

Feeling Flakey - Day 15

2011-12-16T12:46:00.000-05:00

Day 15 of Christmas Praise and Celebration

(clears throat) - ready, sing: I'm dreaming of a white Christmas. Just like the ones... (voice trails off with a discouraged tone.)

The temperatures are a bit mild in my area for a white Christmas. I better keep on dreaming (and praying)!

Until Suzie comes to visit I'll make snowflakes with coffee filters and this uber cool site: Popular Front Snowday.

Of course, I will enjoy the snowflake decor hanging from my ceiling.

My point? I'm unashamedly thankful for the white stuff when it comes my way!

My King - Day 14

2011-12-15T17:14:00.000-05:00

Day 14 of Christmas Praise and Celebration

I'm thankful for my King. Thankful that He stepped down from His throne. All for me. All for you.

I adore this song by Downhere, "How Many Kings" (lyrics below). Beautiful video too!

Follow the star to a place unexpected

Would you believe after all we’ve projected

A child in a manger

Lowly and small, the weakest of all

Unlikeliest hero, wrapped in his mothers shawl

Just a child

Is this who we’ve waited for?

Cause how many kings, stepped down from their thrones?

How many lords have abandoned their homes?

How many greats have become the least for me?

How many Gods have poured out their hearts

To romance a world that has torn all apart?

How many fathers gave up their sons for me?

Bringing our gifts for the newborn savior

All that we have whether costly or meek

Because we believe

Gold for his honor and frankincense for his pleasure

And myrrh for the cross he’ll suffer

Do you believe, is this who we’ve waited for?

How many kings, stepped down from their thrones?

How many lords have abandoned their homes?

How many greats have become the least for me?

How many Gods have poured out their hearts

To romance a world that has torn all apart?

How many fathers gave up their sons for me?

Only one did that for me

All for me

All for you

All for me

All for you

Climb Every Mountains - Day 13

2011-12-14T16:51:00.000-05:00

Day 13 of Christmas Praise and Celebration

I've had a mountain that I have been avoiding in my personal life. In fact, I have been avoiding it for about a week. One night last week I realized I could no longer continue to ignore the mountain or it was soon going start taking control of my life. Instead of avoiding the ginormous task I faced, I thought I would give myself an incentive/reward to help deal with what was the inevitable. I decided to make a deal with myself. I would receive a reward after, and ONLY after, I had dealt with this mountain. My "incentive to self" was a success.

I am please to report I dealt fiercely with my mountain and in less than an hour I was enjoying my reward.

My mountain: (of laundry. It was as tall as the back of my recliner. No lie. And it is just the two of us here this week.)

My reward: Homemade sugar cookies with glazed icing. (Only captured a picture of the mess I made making the cookies. They didn't turn out too cute--so no after pictures...but they sure were delicious!) If you want cute sugar cookies be sure to visit Sweet Bella Bakery.)

Once again this week, I am sad to report the mountain is back. I guess I'll be baking another batch of sweet incentives for myself in the very near future.

All that randomness to say that today I am thankful for abundance. An abundance of clothes (that leaves me a mountain of laundry). Even an abundance of food (thus the luxuary of making sugar cookies just because I "want some"). I realize many in this world don't have these luxuries of abundance. My we never take for granted the blessings we have been given.

5 Golden Rings - Day 12

2011-12-13T22:33:00.002-05:00

Day 12 of Christmas Praise and Celebration

I was searching my pictures tonight when I randomly came across the following video.

My mother-in-law (MeMaw) and I had a yearly Christmas tradition where we would sing The Twelve Days of Christmas as off key as possible. (Well, MeMaw actually sang on key--I was the "off key" one.). For as long as I can remember, each Christmas Jordyn would play the piano and we would sing our hearts out. Every year without fail we would sing and pause our way through this song trying to remember each verse/day by memory. I don't think there was ever a year that we got the verses in the correct order (except for the "five golden rings" part) but we would laugh until we cried at our attempt.

This year MeMaw is with Jesus. I miss her. I will miss singing "The Tweleve Days of Christmas with her but Jordyn and I will continue this tradition in her honor.

I am thankful for the memories I had with my precious mother-in-law. She was amazing. A few years ago one of our friends took this video and I am thankful I found it tonight...on my Day 12 of Praise and Celebration.

Aww, shucks! - Day 11

2011-12-12T22:00:00.000-05:00

Day 11 of Christmas Praise and Prayer

My dear friend introduced me to a little taste of heaven this weekend (thanks Christ!). Two bags in two day and three pounds later (I'm not kidding) finds me thankful for this amazing stuff:

Even more thankful that it is all natural and gluten free!

Furry Babies

2011-12-11T21:51:00.000-05:00

Day 10 of Christmas Praise and Celebration

Thank for my two little buddies and their unconditional love for me!

La La La La - Day 9

2011-12-10T06:47:00.000-05:00

"The best way to spread Christmas Cheer, is singing loud for all to hear." Buddy The Elf

Spreading a little Christmas cheer by singing loudly (a little too loudly) this afternoon is what I was doing as I strolled the aisles of my local major retailer. In fact, I didn't even realize I was singing until another 'aisle stroller' starred at me with a not-so-friendly-Christmas glare. Oops!

How could I not sing along? One reason why I love, love, LOVE this time of year is because of lyrics to some of the Christmas songs. What other time of year can we hear lyrics proclaiming Jesus is Lord blaring in stores area wide? Or how about the words "Joy to the Word, The Lord is come. The Savior reigns?" Only at Christmas do we hear Pop-stars, Country singers and everyone in between belt out songs on the radio stations (who have put "political correctness" aside for a short month) to play songs with lyrics like these:

Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!

Today, Day 9 of Christmas Praise and Celebration, finds me thankful for the precious Christmas songs that proclaim the true meaning we celebrate Christmas.

(What's your favorite Christmas song?)

Getting Hit in the Head - Day 8

2011-12-09T11:34:00.001-05:00

Day 8 of Christmas Praise and Worship

My youngest girl has been under the weather this week. Her constant coughing has taken its toll on her voice. The timing (as with any sickness) is never welcome as- in addition to finals - she was facing a "one time...do or die" audition Tuesday Night which involved singing. I assured her I would be here at home praying fervently for her and encouraged her just go, do her best and leave the rest to The Lord.

"Lord, give her strength as she is weak" resonated over and over within me and became my prayer for her. After a while of praying the same thing over and over, I felt (note the "I" emphasis) I should find "more verses" to pray (as if one wasn't enough I seemed to think more verses were needed). Quickly becoming obsessed with the amount of verses "I should" pray (again--note "I"), I decided ("I decided" as in I decided to stop listening to the leading of The Spirit) to randomly flip open my Bible to see what other verses I could find to pray. One random open turned right to this page in my Bible:

I love when God just hits me in the head with a 2x4 when "I" decide to walk away from His Voice and do things "my" way. I am also thankful for His mercy, grace and confirmations that put us back on the right track when we need it!

(*update to the audition - she was called back twice this week but will not know more until later in the weekend. Regardless of the result, our faith was increased as she sang with power in her voice and was not hoarse. )

Today I am joining my buddies over at Company Girl!

LOL (all caps, underlined and in bold)! - Day 7

2011-12-08T11:17:00.000-05:00

Day 7 of Christmas Praise and Celebration

I am thankful for laughter and fun! Our family certainly loves to laugh and have fun (goofy, silly fun!).

We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, "What amazing things the LORD has done for them." Yes, the LORD has done amazing things for us! What joy! Psalms 126:2-3 NLT

Yes, I love technology - Day 6

2011-12-07T23:16:00.000-05:00

Day 6 - Christmas Praise and Celebration

As Kip sang in Napoleaon Dynomite, "Yes, I love technology but not as much as you, you see!". (Did I just quote Napoleon Dynomite? Oh dear. My husband has brainwashed me! )

I just disconnected my video camera and I am fill with thanksgiving that we live in the day of Skype so I can keep in touch with my girls when they are far from home.

God Winks - Day 5

2011-12-06T22:16:00.000-05:00

Day 6 - Christmas Praise and Prayer

God Wink - when something happens that makes you smile in a way that only God can. It seems as if He is looking right at you with a smile and a wink as if to say, "That little blessing is JUST for you! I love YOU!" *wink*.

Well, that's my definition. Hopefully, you get the point.

I totally love when I get a God wink. God knows my heart and He knows exactly what and when I need some encouragement. I am always thankful for each random "God wink".

**Preface to my recent God wink: My nickname for my grand daughter is Pepita. (Here's why). Pepita means little seed in Spanish. Hold that thought.**

Last week I drove my daughter back to college. My man had a wedding and was unable to make the road trip with me. So, as they say I was "riding solo" which meant I would be traveling back home alone at night for a few hours. I didn't mind but I must admit driving alone that far (at night) was a little out of my comfort zone. I asked a few of my dear prayer warrior buddies to pray and off I went on my adventure.

After delivering my girl to her dorm, nature decided to call so I made a quick stop at the College Bookstore before hitting the road back home. While at the bookstore, I picked up a little snack for the road. I decided on trail mix since it was a good source of protein. I turned the bag over to read the ingredients (didn't want added sugar) and imagine my delight when I got a little "God Wink".

It was as if He was saying to me, "You'll be just fine on this trip home, Beck. I'm with you. You know how much you love your little grand-baby, Pepita? Well, I love you MORE than that. You are MY little seed!"

What God-winks are you thankful for?

Monday Morning Dance Party - Day 4

2011-12-05T21:51:00.001-05:00

Ding Dong. ( followed by banging on the front door)

"Hi Miiiiiimiiiii!"

That is what I heard first thing this morning as a little visitor came by to see us before she returned home to NC. She entered our house bright and early with tons of energy and an equal amount of giggles. Her mama (my oldest daughter) enjoyed a cup of coffee and a moment of quiet before hitting the road. I enjoyed a unexpected Dance Party with my precious little Pepita.

Jaelynn a.k.a. Mimi's Pepita

Day 4 of Christmas Praise and Celebration finds me so thankful for life and for God's Miracles. Jaelynn is nothing short of a miracle. (click here for her story).

Church Lady - Day 3

2011-12-04T22:48:00.000-05:00

Here is the church, here is the steeple, open the doors and see all the people.

Day 3 of Christmas Praise and Celebration finds me full of gratitude for Church. Not a particular church. Not a building. Not a denomination. The Church. The Body of Christ. Christians. The collective church that is made up of many people worldwide with many backgrounds from various denominations. That Church.

Photo credit: Kathryn Fincher "Here's the Church.."

This morning, I had the honor to visit the church where I received my Christian foundation for many years. The church where I met my husband and the one both of my daughters grew-up in and attended every week--everytime the door was open. I was invitied to interpret for the Deaf at the early service of my former church and I was excited to be able to return to serve. When I arrived I was bombarded with love and hugs. It was such a blessing to see precious brothers and sisters I had not seen in quite a while. Many of those precious people spent years investing in me and my husband in teaching us and demonstrating Godly lifestyles for us in our early years of our Christian walk. Needless to say, it was a fantastic reunion this morning.

After the service as I was walking across the parking lot to my car, I couldn't help but to think how amazing heaven will be. When all Believers will be together and re-united. All denominational barriers will be gone and we will be in unity worshiping Christ together. With that thought, I proceeded to drive to my current church--the one my husband pastors. The one where I found many more big 'ol hugs awaiting me from even more precious Christian people.

I experienced two very different worship services this morning in two different locations. The common denominator that I experienced was the love of Jesus at both places. Though differing in many ways, both are part of the Church universal. Oh, the anticipation as I think of how many more Christians gathered together this morning in churches through out the world. All that make up the body of Christ. The Church. What a day of rejoicing it will be when we all see Jesus (as the song says) and we are united together around the Throne.

The Gift of Java - Day 2

2011-12-03T19:11:00.000-05:00

Day 2 of my Christmas Praise and Celebration finds me super thankful for this:

photo from Keurig.com

I totally heart my Keurig. We received ours as a gift last year from my brother and super SIL. My faithful Mr. Keurig makes getting up to go to work at 6:00am on a cold Saturday morning much easier. Did I mention, I heart my Keurig?

Oh yeah--throw in a few of these K-cups and it is guaranteed to make one happy (and wide-awake) Beck!

greenmountaincoffee.com

In case you think coffee is not "spiritual" enough to qualify for a post , need I remind you of the "Hebrews" joke? Okay--here goes:

Q: How do we know that Jesus made coffee?
A: It says so in the book of He Brews (Hebrews).

Only A Mom - Day 1 Gift

2011-12-02T11:06:00.000-05:00

Christmas Praise and Celebration - Day 1

They are not mine. They belong to Him. Yet, my heart overflows with thanksgiving that He loaned them to me to nurture and raise. They make me laugh. They make me cry. They are the reason for my grey hairs (kidding). I miss the days when they were little but I am so proud of each of them and the beautiful, Godly young women they have become.

I am thankful for the gift of being a mother.

Some things only a mom can do. Only a mother can powder a baby’s behind with one hand and hold the phone with the other. Only a mom can discern which teen is entering the door just by the sound of the key in the lock. Only a mom can spend a day wiping noses, laundering enough socks for the Yankees, balancing a checkbook down to $1.27, and still mean it when she thanks God for her kids. Only a mom. Some things only a mom can fix. Like Hamburger Helper without the hamburger.Like the cabinet door her husband couldn’t and his bruised ego when he found out that she could. Broken shoelace? Broken heart? Breaking out on your face? Breaking up with your sweetheart? Moms can handle that. Some things only a mom can fix. Some things only a mom can know. The time it takes to drive from piano lesson to Little League practice? She knows. How many pizzas you need for a middle school sleepover? Mom knows: How many Weight Watcher points are left in the day and days are left in the semester? Mom can tell you. She knows. We men usually don’t. The kids are usually clueless.

Moms are a breed apart.

~ Max Lucado (pg. 89 - Next Door Savior)

Also, today I am thankful to link up with my buddies at Company Girl. I have missed them!

Christmas Praise and Celebration

2011-11-29T22:36:00.000-05:00

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17

The most wonderful time of the year has arrived. Preparations are underway. The hussle and bussle has started. The traffic is crazy and the lines in the stores---even crazier. The hunt for finding the perfect gift for friends and loved ones continues again this year. (You know, the "one" gift they will love and remember for years to come.) We wrap the gifts with foil paper and large bows and place them under the tree to ultimately have hidden treasure in each box revealed. The Lord has been impressing upon my heart this season to look for the delightful treasures and gifts He has daily given me.

I believe Our Lord is the Ultimate gift giver and His perfect gift to each of us is His Son, Jesus Christ. As we prepare to celebrate Christ's birth this year I want to take time out each day during this Christmas season and reflect on the gifts He has given me. No matter how big or small, obvious or not-so-obvious this gift may seem, I want to take time this Christmas to give Him intentional daily praise and thanksgiving. I hope you will join me during this time of Christmas Praise and Celebration as we give thanks.
(Feel free to copy the picture (above) and chime in on your blog. There is no right or wrong way. Just Celebrate Christ with Praises and Thanksgiving!)

Merry CHRISTmas!

November Re-cap

2011-11-26T11:08:00.001-05:00

My mouth is filled with your praise, and with your glory all the day. Psalms 71:8

To say time is going faster than I am would be a massive understatement. I have been rather neglectful in posting but I'm ready for a fresh start. Sometimes we need to pull back from the busyness of life and just "be still". I thought I had just become lazy with my blog, however, after a short hiatus I realize I needed time away to re-focus. I have been really praying and seeking The Lord the past few months for direction and clarity in my life. Being an "empty nester" has been a challenging and tough season for this mother's heart. (I hope to share more in later posts). During these past few months I have enjoyed a sweet time of seeking Him and He has been faithful to hold me, guide me and teach me.

During this time The Lord worked and convicted me of my lack of praising Him. Especially here on my blog. Last year I posted everyday in November listing thanks each day for 30 days. I am sad I missed that opportunity this year, however, with Thanksgiving reflecting in my heart I realize it is never too late to give Thanks to Him! A fresh start!

I believe this is the most wonderful time of the year and my personal goal will be to post each day during the Christmas season something that I am thankful for. I want to take time to recognize the precious gifts I have been given each day. I plan to taking time to slow down, enjoy the season, love my family and reflect on the gifts The Lord has given me. I hope you will join me too (so check back if you want join it!)

Here is a glimpse of the past few weeks in the Burton house and just a few of the things I I am thankful for:

(~~First, no picture for this one but I passed my state interpreting test! Thanks to all who prayed for me as I took my two-part test and waiting for my results!~~)

Having all my family with me on Thanksgiving Day
Josh, Jaelynn, Amanda, Jim, Me(front), Jordyn, Mom (front), Dad, Ryan, Holly (front)

The sheer delight on Jaelynn's face about her candy cane reminds me to enjoy the simple things in life everyday!

Sums it all up! Celebrate God for all He has done!

My baby girl turned 19 this month. We were thrilled she was home from college to celebrate with us!

Can you tell that I truly can not get enough of my grand daughter?

Enjoying Jordyn being home for 9 days from college. How I have missed our girls time.

Odd, I know. But my favorite number is "11"!!

Goofing off with my oldest, Amanda and her precious pregnant belly. Baby Zoie will be here in 6 weeks! Maybe she will make it in time for Christmas (or Mimi's birthday!)

My man was a bit under the weather over Thanksgiving and didn't want to get close enough to anyone to have pictures taken. I was able to capture this a few weeks ago. I love this picture of his handsome self. Shows his serious, yet almost cracking a silly smile, side.

Monday Morning Update Complete with Planking

2011-10-10T13:52:00.001-04:00

Just like the seasons change during the year, seasons of life change too. The season of "empty nest" has been a time of adjustment for us. If you follow my blog, you know one of my favorite things in life is being a mommy (only second to being a wife). Though I will always wear my 'mommy' hat , my daily responsibilities have changed now that our baby has gone to college. One change in recent months is that I started working a neat little part time job in June. The job was a God-send for us and I am so thankful, especially in light of the current job market. Besides, in addition to adjustment, the "empty-nest" season also brings a little thing called college tuition! Working, while only part time, and being a wife to a man in the ministry has limited my blog time. I'm still a blog stalker and miss my friends in Blogville but I think of you and pray for you often.

I had a few minutes this morning to log-in for a quick update. If you are seeking random (my usual) then skip ahead to the second-to-last point:

Jordyn came home for Fall Break this weekend. To say we were delighted to see her would be an understatement. She is doing great and is loving college. She is diggin' her Theology class and is praying about a Theology/Philosophy major with a music minor (she has her dad's brains and musical abilities).

My precious little grand-baby is doing great! Jaelynn is getting ready for her own little adjustment. Her baby sister (Zoie) is due in January.

Still waiting for the results of my state interpreting test. It's been 4 months so they should arrive any day.

Saturday night I double-dog dared my sister-in-law to plank with me! It was my first attempt and might be my last (I'm injury prone and I don't think my Chiropractor would approve!)

If you want a good sermon, you have to check out "Bulls, Lions and Dogs" (Sept. 25th) by Pastor Jim Cymbala of The Brooklyn Tabernacle. I tried to embed the sermon but I was unsuccessful. Take the time to go to the link, find it and listen. I was totally bawling the entire message. I pray this will touch your heart as it did mine!

TGIF

2011-09-02T09:17:00.001-04:00

Today is Company Girl Friday!! I miss you all but life has been a little "weird" here in Virginia lately. Got my girl settled in college. Cried my eyes out then it got really wild around here! The past week here in Virginia has been interesting to say the least! We experienced a 5.8 earthquake a week ago and this past weekend we found ourselves face to face with Hurricane Irene. Irene did minimal damage to my home, however, we lost our electricity for a few days. We were blessed as many in our area were not so fortunate. We still have many families in our community without electricity, as well as, trees down in their yard and even on their houses. Please continue to pray for our area.

Hope to be back soon with a fun blog post!! I've been praying for you all the past few weeks.

Just in case you don't know what Company Girls is all about go here and join in on the weekly Friday fun: Company Girls 9.2

It's time to fly

2011-08-15T23:40:00.001-04:00

To quote my hubby from earlier today, "The little bird is about to leave the nest.". Indeed. Indeed. I couldn't help but take a quick picture today of this cute sight from her room:

Meet Scruffy. Scruffy is Jo's BBF (best bear forever.). If Scruffy could talk he could share some major stories. Scruffy use to follow Jo around everywhere. He's gone on a gazillion trips and he even went to Europe with her on two mission trips. Like any best buds, Jo and Scruffy have been through thick and thin together. And of course, as one might expect they have been through countless childhood illnesses. Through it all, they made it; Jordyn through life's growing pains and Scruffy through many wash cycles. After today, I am happy to report it looks like they are off on another adventure together. It sure makes this mom's heart happy knowing my baby won't be alone at college. If I can't go with her, I'm glad Scruffy can. Glad to know she's not flying solo.

Speaking of flying solo, I randomly just realized my Editor-in-Chief (that's Jo) will no longer be sitting by me in on the sofa when I need a quick proof on my blog. (Oh dear...I need the Kleenex again.....) so I hope the typo's are not too many in future posts. Please bear with me (bear with me!....I crack myself up at times.)

In all seriousness my soon to be empty-nest is nothing compared to the many trials and hardships many are facing right now. So many are struggling with job loss, health problems, marital issues, financial woes, etc. If you read my blog regularly then you know I am a huge believer in the supernatural power of prayer. I want to pray for you. If I can intercede for you in any way, please just leave me a comment or shoot me an email and I'll be praying for you. You are loved!!

Whoa Summer!

2011-08-02T23:19:00.001-04:00

Photo by Jordyn Burton.
(My vacation God-wink: Finding a heart shaped , purple shell!)

"August 1st? Whoa, summer. Where have you gone? I thought we were friends!"

That was my daughter's facebook status yesterday. Flown by? Indeed the summer is zipping faster than I am. Can I get an "Amen"? Amen! Our family had the privilege of recently enjoying a nice vacation at the Outer Banks in North Carolina. I was beyond blessed to have my entire family with me this year. My man, my parents, my brother and sister-in-law, along with my precious girls (all four of them...........did you catch that? FOUR? Yep! Amanda is having another girl! We just found out this afternoon. And, no, that's not a pig you hear but that's me squealing with much delightl!)

Photo by Jordyn Burton

Vacation ended and we were catapulted straight into reality. My youngest daughter is preparing to leave for college (someone PLEASE pass the Kleenex and anti-depressants) in a few short weeks. We have been trying to get our 'ducks in a row' as she prepares to leave. Jordyn has served in our church praise team and has been our church keyboardist for the past six years. This past weekend CCF was honored to have Jordyn perform a farewell concert for us. In addition to my hubby singing with Jordyn, our niece, Sarah Burton Troutman, and her husband (Will) drove up from SC to be part of the concert. Sarah is an amazingly talented young woman too.

Photo by Will Troutman

In case you are interested, here is the video from Saturday night's concert.

"jordyn burton - a night of music " July 30,2011 from CCF Media on Vimeo.

That's just a snipped of what has been going with me the past month. I'd love to hear what you are doing this summer!

This is how we grow

2011-07-03T17:50:00.002-04:00

For years I have had a deep desire to move. I would love to live "out" on some land. Complete privacy. No neighbors. The simple life. Old Farmhouse. John Deer tractor to cut the grass. Simply, rustic cottage decor. Ahhhh..... Let me pop back to reality because the simple fact is that I live in the city. Always have. And the way it looks, probably always will.

My dream of country living has always given Jim a good (hearty) laugh. For some reason, as if to say I remind him of Eva Gardner, he hums the Green Acres theme when I start my country living rants. (Just maybe the fact that 'I get allergic smelling hay' and that I own a Yorkie add to his laughter?)

picture from Hulu.com

I am glad I can provide him a chuckle every now and then. After twenty one years together, he knows his little city gal who dreams of living in the country looks through rose colored lenses (often). This year the rose colored lenses had me dreaming of planting my own garden. After announcing I wanted a garden this year and then "mentioning it" each day, ten times a day...he finally gave in. (It also helped my case when I won a super-sweet gardening set complete with seeds. Can we say "Godwink"? wink wink.) So, my man decided we would give it a "go". He helped me square off a little section of the land and he helped me to plant away.

I am not sure who has had more fun this summer watering, weeding and waiting for our 'little' garden to grow. Each day we are like two little kids running out to check the overnight growth. (This is the part that makes ME laugh because my man grew up in the country and his parents always had a humongous garden).

We both got a good laugh yesterday when I told Jim our garden is like the Duggars. 19 tomatoaes and counting.....

Yeah, I even planted two tomato plants in a pot just in case the garden failed.....

This is my own little sanctuary area. My favorite place to take my coffee and Bible every morning.

Our little guard dog helps keep the squirrels from invading our garden.

Well, my man and I may have underestimated our garden's growth this year but never fear--we are in talks about our expansion for next year's garden. All in all, I think we make a great team. And who knows, maybe next year my John Deer tractor could be a reality....

Report from Camp

2011-06-26T19:39:00.001-04:00

Camp Mimi was a huge hit! (Well, at least I thought so!). We were delighted to see our little grand-baby and her parents this week. Here are a few shots my youngest daughter took while they were here:

Click here for more photos

Yep...she's wondering what is inside Mommy's tummy? We'll find out in 6 months.......

My heart could not have been more full spending precious moments with my grand daughter for a few days. Here are a few of my shots (unprofessional at best) from our week:

(I had no time to fix my hair this day! how do you mommies do it all???? )

Of course, we had ice cream at Camp Mimi

Poor gal, we took lots of pictures this week. She was super patient.

Well, we took so many pictures she was "over it" by mid-week.

I sure am sorry to see my little precious leave town, but I know we will see her again soon!! I had a blast but now this Mimi needs a NAP!

(btw--I am still waiting on my results from my state interpreting testing. Thanks to you all who have asked and prayed. I won't know anything for a few months.)

Camp Mimi

2011-06-16T21:53:00.001-04:00

My to-do list this week looks something like this:

Monday - Toddler proof my house (and get some rest while I can)

Tuesday - Toddler proof my house (and get some rest while I can)

Wednesday -Toddler proof my house (and get some rest while I can)

Thursday - Toddler proof my house (and get some rest while I can)

Friday - Toddler proof my house (and get some rest while I can), text Amanda to see how close to home they are. Get the camera ready. Check the clock. Text Amanda again. Check the clock again. Text Amanda. Toddler proof my house. (~~get some rest while I can~~ ah, heck...forget resting! I'm like a kid at Christmas!!)

Yep--after a long seven months (SEVEN MONTHS!) it is time for me to be reunited with this little piece of preciousness (my grand-baby!!)

Poor baby took a tumble and has a boo-boo on her nose

You can bet your bottom dollar I'll post some pictures next week (when I find time)! And for all you mommies of little-ones...I'll be praying for you.

Oh, by the way - have you heard this new, amazing song by Natalie Grant? Love it!!

Have been away from my Company Girls the past few weeks. It is so good to reconnect with these amazing ladies today!! (*love to you all and you have been in my prayers even though I have not been around blogville recently!!*)

Have a great weekend! I'm going back to try to get "Camp Mimi" ready to open it's doors!

Thinks

2011-05-27T08:22:00.000-04:00

Seems the schedule has been wide-open recently. Too much to cover so I thought I'd give a brief update of happenings. Once my test is complete (see below) I hope to be back with regular posting. Until then, here's what is happening in my neck of the woods:

Thinking Thinks, or at least singing them - Oh The Thinks you can Think has been playing in my mind the past two weeks (which is ironic because I can’t think of a THINK to blog about recently). Our family has been speaking in rhyme most of the time (see…proof in point!) as Jordyn performed in Seussical the with CYT. This was her final production with CYT. She was an orange bird gal and the performance was fantastical.

Cramming my life away (when I’d rather be dancing my life away) - I have been busy trying to study, study and study some more as I prepare for my upcoming performance test (sign language) next Friday (June 3^rd). I’d appreciate your prayers . To say I am nervous would be an understatement. I truly need The Lord’s SUPER to meet my natural for a supernatural result. (I'll keep you posted but it will be a few months before I know how I did.)

Taking in my daily dose of cuteness - Amanda has been sending me daily pictures of my little precious grand daughter (who is now walking!) Fingers are crossed that we may be able to see them sometime in June!!

Jaelynn hates her hair bows

Rejoicing that it is here! The season has arrived. The sun is hot, the garden is growing and that can only mean one thing. Nope, I’m not referring to bathing suit season (*insert major dread moment right here!*). Not even referring to summer. The season is here. One of the most wonderful times of the year - ICE CREAM season. Found an amazing new place in my area called Rita’s. Yummy. If you don’t have a Rita’s then try one of these bad boys.

Magnumicecream.com

Finding time to pee and unplugging some – I bet that got your attention! I loved Gypsy Mama’s recent blog post about her recent experience of being unplugged (off line) for almost two months. Click here to read. Helps keep everything in perspective. Thanks Gypsy Mama!

Today I am linking up with my buddies over at Company Girl. (I've missed you all but I have been praying for you and stalking your blogs each week.)

Have a great weekend!

What's a girl to do??

2011-05-19T10:37:00.000-04:00

I recently had a conversation with a friend where I stated "I wish God would email me and just TELL ME WHAT to do.....give me some specifics (bullet points would be helpful) for my next step!!" I am sure you have felt that way too at times. We all know The Lord will guide us in our ways if we just keep asking Him and seeking His face. I found great encouragement in a recent blog post I read by Lysa TerKeurst. (instead of sending me an email, maybe I was sent a blog post?? Hmmm.)

On Tuesday, May 10th Lisa wrote this encouraging post:

We all have those times in life where we wish the voice of God would audibly speak so loudly there’s no way we could miss it, “THIS IS THE DIRECTION I WANT YOU TO GO.” Then we’d know whether to stay the course or quit and head off in a new direction. Have you ever wished for this kind of supernatural interaction with God?
I have.
We want to know what to do.
Sometimes we stay in a place too long.
But I think the greater loss happens in those times we quit too soon. And we live with this nagging sense of what if. What if I’d persevered one more year, one more month, one more day.
What if David had been so put off by his Dad’s brush off, that he refused to come in from the field and see Samuel? (1 Samuel 16)
What if David had assessed whether or not to face Goliath based on the shadow of his opponent rather than the shadow of the Almighty? (1 Samuel 17)
What if Abigail’s pride or fear had stopped her a few steps shy of bowing low before David? (1 Samuel 25)
Knowing when to stop and when to keep on keeping on is a crucial life lesson. One I want to learn well.
In Matthew 11:28 Jesus encourages us, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
I used to get so frustrated when I heard this verse because I thought, I don’t want rest. I want reassurance! I’m burdened by this decision I have to make. I don’t want to mess up my life by missing a cue from you, God.
But the gift of the rest Jesus is offering here is not a spiritual Ambien. The Greek word for this kind of rest is Anapauo which has as one of its definitions: “of calm and patient expectation.”
In other words, Jesus is saying if you come to me, I will take your exhaustion and uncertainty and turn it into a calm expectation.
But how?
My friend Jennifer Rothschild does this enlightening exercise at some of her conferences. She tells the audience to imagine her writing two different words on a large chalkboard. She then speaks the letters as she draws the first word into the air… R-E-S-T. She does the same for the second word… R-E-S-I-S-T. Then she asks what’s the difference?
The difference is, of course, “I.”
I don’t know what to do. I can’t figure this out. I’m worn out. I’ve tried everything I know to do. I’ve given all I have to give.
I’m familiar with these “I” statements because I’ve said them myself.
We can only find Anapauo rest- fresh hope- as we stop running ragged and simply take on the next assignment Jesus gives.
In verse 29 of Matthew 11 Jesus gives us this assignment- take on his yoke and learn from Him. Ask Jesus to show you just the next step. Not ten steps. Not the whole path. Not the Google map with the highlighted route. Just the next step.
Complete that step with excellence and an open, humble heart. Listen and look for all Jesus wants to teach you in this next step.
This is your part of the equation.
But after the assignment, comes the reassurance in verse 30, “my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” We don’t have to have all the answers. We just have to stay connected to the One who does. Where our strength ends is the exact point where His will begin.
This is God’s part of the equation.
I must do all I can do. Then God will do what only He can do. My pastor, Steven Furtick, says, “You bring the natural. God will then bring the super. And that’s what creates supernatural.”
Should I stay? Should I go? Maybe the better question is, “God, what is the next step I’m to take today? I’m going to do my part. And trust the rest with You.

Motherhood should come with.......

2011-05-06T10:03:00.003-04:00

Here's wishing all you mommies (and spiritual moms) out there a blessed Mother's Day weekend full of celebration and enjoyment (and hopefully some much needed rest and relaxation--yes, I live in a dream world! *smile*) I plan to take a run to Maggie Moos to do some celebrating myself.

In addition to my Company Girls, I decided to join up with Five Minute Friday today since the topic totally made me laugh!

So, here is my take on the topic of:

Motherhood should come with........

· A “How to for Dummies” manual.

· A pay check (just saying!)

· A big bucket to catch all the shed tears from pain when we feel like we've failed or when we can't "fix-it" for them times.

· A do-over clause especially for the first born who I refer to as my precious little guinea pig.

· A pause button to slow things down because it goes way to fast (it may start slow and sleepless but it increases in speed as the years go by).

· A life time supply of hair color to cover all the grey hairs that sprout in the teen years.

A lifetime supply of cleaning supplies for all the messes we have to clean.

· A huge flashing sign (a neon sign would work) permanently fixed above your head that flashes "Clean your room, get off the computer, Stop hitting your sister, etc." so you don't have to repeat yourself so often and waste precious breathe.

· A cool title with a set of business cards to hand out for all the people that look at your with utter disgust (as if we were lazy or something—puh-lease!) because we answer the famous question of “What do you do (meaning your job)?” with “Oh, I’m a stay at home mom”.

· Confetti and party hats because it truly is a daily celebration to have the honor and privilege to be entrusted by The Lord to raise children. (After all, they belong to Him and are just on loan to me for a short time).

my precious daughters

me and my mommy

my amazing, dear mother-in-law. We miss you MeMaw but know you are dancing with Jesus this Mother's Day!!

A Royal Friday

2011-04-29T06:13:00.003-04:00

The day has finally arrived for a wedding of royal-fashion. While some could care less, I am personally excited to see this event as it unfolds. The dress, the shoes, the entourage, the hats, the CAKE....oh my!! It's almost too much for this romantic heart to endure....(enough for me being melodramatic). At the end of last year, I wrote about my own royal appointment. Since it may be possible that I will be glued to the TV watching along with millions of other viewers, I will share my thoughts from my previous blog post:

Recently I heard a friend describe her memories of her mother’s daily quiet time. She told me her mother would make time for prayer and Bible reading each day. If her children would whine about her leaving them to go be alone, the mother would simply - but confidently tell them she had “an appointment, --an appointment with The King”.

There is much talk about the upcoming Royal Wedding that will take place next Spring. I hate to admit this but Royal weddings have always interested me. Imagine for a moment receiving an invitation to the Royal wedding next year. If it were my invite, I'd be instantly thinking about what I was going to wear, who would be there, would I have a spot of tea (though I'd prefer a cup of java) with the Queen?

Of course this is silly but my ever wondering mind ponders scenarios like this from time to time. After amusing myself with this non-sense I immediately remembered the Royal invite that I (and you) have been extended on a daily basis. The King of kings has extended an invitation to spend time with me (and you) at HIS THRONE at any given time. He is not just a king but THE King. Yet, often I am guilty of neglecting my royal invitation on a regular basis as I hurry on to things that are temporal.

Oh how thankful I am that the invitation has been extended. We are invited to enter His courts through prayer to tell Him our deepest fears and our most painful struggles. We can even enter His royal court and just cry, if needed. He is always there to meet with us and He eagerly awaits our time together.

Will you join me in being intentional with our schedules and appointments - especially with the daily Royal Appointments?

And just for fun on this Royal (and fun) Friday, if my man and I planned a big royal style wedding (or vow renewal) this would be my dream dress:

photo from Dizzie Lizzie

Linking up with my buddies at Company Girls over at Rachel's blog.

Gifts

2011-04-25T14:51:00.004-04:00

I’ve been trying to read more lately. If it wasn’t for words, I’d like reading. Words. I don’t much like them. I’ve said before if we could communicate in pictures life would be easier for me.

My issue is not really reading but more comprehending and remembering. I like to read-- I just don’t do it well. I do it very slowly. **Insert Dr. Phil moment here – I remember being placed in the First Grade Red Bird reading group (Advanced Readers) only to find myself weeks later in a meeting with my mom and teacher in which I was re-assigned to the Blue Bird Reading Group (slow readers)**.

Obviously, I’m not at a lack for words. I can write my random musings in a novel fashion. Shoot--I could carry on a lengthy conversation with a wall. Proof in point, I am now rambling.....

Back to reading. I am currently reading a few books at one time (and yes, that can get a wee bit confusing at times). Currently, I am reading books by Francis Chan, Angela Thomas and Ann Voskamp.

I have almost finished reading “One Thousand Gifts” (by Ann Voskamp). I have found it intriguing. Ann's writing is deep, wordy and descriptive yet heart piercing. I am slowly making my way through the book and it is challenging me to be more grateful in all things in life with the end result being joy. The website onethousandgifts.com explains more but a quick summary from the site says:

One Thousand Gifts is a celebration of grace and a recognition of the power of gratitude.

Each Monday on Ann's website people link-up to share their list of gifts (working toward a list of 1,000). Last week, I started a One Thousands Gifts journal. I plan to keep most of my journal personal for my own reflection, however, on this Monday following Easter I want to share some of me weekend's gifts of gratitude. I am grateful for:

My dad seeing his great grand-daughter Easter Sunday through Skype

Another Easter shared with my amazing husband (who delivered a powerful sermon of Truth yesterday on Easter Sunday)

Receiving a phone call Sunday afternoon from my daughter asking me if it had snowed in VA? Reason being, she woke up and took her baby girl to church (by her own choice and not mom making her) to celebrate the resurrection .

My baby girl who is WAY taller than her mom.

Hearing this song for the first time on the 2011 Dove Awards last night. I think most can relate. Click here for Jason Crabb's Sometimes I Cry

The beautiful transparency of Vicki Courtney on her recent blog posts: A Godly Sorrow and a celebration of New Life.

What is on your gratitude list today?

"The feeling of joy begins in the action of thanksgiving." ~T. Peckover

Silly girls full of joy and hope

2011-04-22T09:00:00.005-04:00

(I am linking up with my buddies over at Company Girls today. I missed them last week.)

A week ago I was traveling to Lynchburg, VA with a group of 25 women from my church. We went to see Priscilla Shirer at her Going Beyond Conference. It was a truly amazing weekend. We were challenged by the powerful Word and we left changed women.

I was bummed that I didn’t get to meet Priscilla, but some of our group had their picture taken with her Friday night. (**funny how they didn’t bother to tell me they had met Priscilla until I SAW this picture on Facebook! Thanks friends!! joking, but I'm jealous. Lol)

photo courtesy of Jennifer Hasty

We did meet her brother and Worship Leader, Anthony:

After the Friday night session, we all had a chance to visit Sweet Frog in Lynchburg. (It was yummy but Maggie Moos still has my heart captured). Fatigue and too much sugar can leave a group of women a bit punchy by the end of the night.

photo courtesy of Jennifer Hasty

We even thought we witnessed a frog pulling someone's hair.....(most certainly too much sugar THAT night.)

It was a blessed time to get away and have girl time with some amazing Christian ladies to praise The Lord and receive a word from Him together. Yep, we laugh and we cry a lot last weekend. I do know one thing for sure after our weekend retreat:

Amazing Worship + Dynamic Bible Study + Fatigue + Too much sugar = a lot of silly church gals.

Oddly enough, this silly state may not be the result of too much estrogen at a women's conference, or a sugar high from fat free yogurt (it was fat free, right?) but it may be an answer to a recent prayer of mine.

At the beginning of the year I shared about a book I was reading called Brave by Angela Thomas. On page 208 of the book, she writes about her grandma Ima. One of my favorite parts of the book is when Angela describes her grandma.

She writes:

Grandma Ima was a woman of hope. The Spirit of God danced all about her. …nothing stole her joy. She trusted Him even when she couldn’t see. She was a beautiful combination of reverence and fun and silliness.

"The Spirit of God danced" around her. I love that statement! I have actually been praying lately while thinking of this description of this precious woman that The Spirit of God would dance around me too!! I've prayed that nothing would steal my joy. Prayed that I would trust Him more no matter what. Have I really been praying to be silly? Nah, I've already got that covered. I do pray that my life will scream Jesus's love, joy and hope to all. Angela said her Grandma was a "woman of hope". I believe that is the key!

Hope.

The source of joy is Hope. Our source of joy. Do you have hope? I have Hope. His name is Jesus. He is alive. He is NOT dead. As we reflect back to the cross this weekend and think of His blood that was poured out for us, we can have joy. We have Hope. I am cleansed because of what He did for me on the cross. I have hope that three days later the grave was found empty. Hope that I am only passing through this world. It is not my final destination. I have the promise of eternal life with Him.

On this Good Friday I celebrate in the fact that because of Christ, I am free. I am FREE! That alone makes me want to dance!

Speaking of dancing, I may not be doing The Hopperana this weekend but I may dance along Sunday morning as I sing one of my all time favs:

If that didn't get you up off your feet singing and dancing, then this video may just have do the trick. It might even find you jumping and shouting praises to Him:

I pray you will rejoice this weekend as you celebrate this holiday. Have a blessed (and silly-in-a-reverent-way) weekend!!

Happy Resurrection Day!

Today is her big day!

2011-04-12T00:12:00.001-04:00

It's time to light the candles....well, maybe not all the candles but just ONE candle. It's time to celebrate.

Happy Birthday to my precious, miracle grand-baby! Today is her 1st birthday. Yay. clap, clap, clap!

I don't know where the year has gone but I do know her Mimi (that's ME!!!) LOVES her and misses her tons!! (Our baby is many states away but thankfully for Skype, I can at least watch her open her presents today. Maybe I'll have some cake and ice cream while I watch....in her honor of course! *grin*)

Happy Birthday Miss Jaelynn Isabella Rivera--also known as Mimi's little Pepita. You have captured our hearts and we are thankful to Jesus for you and your life!

If you met me (I'm always running behind)

2011-04-09T10:36:00.002-04:00

I'm always a day late and a dollar short as they say. I have been interested in Gypsy Mama's 5 Minute Fridays for a while and am finally going to take the plunge (a day late....*sigh*).

1. Write for 5 minutes flat for pure unedited love of the written word.

2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. Go leave some comment props for the five minuter who linked up before you.

Okay, so here I go.......

This week's topic: If you met me:

If you met me you’d know I love people. I love to make them feel loved. But beware, I’m a HUGGER! (I realize some people are not and it does create for an awkward moment.). If you met me, you’d see I LOVE to have fun and silly always rocks in my world. And laughing is my favorite. I think I’m a kid stuck in an adult body as I love ice cream, watching silly movies and simple things. I still wish I could color with crayons (maybe I should take a painting class). If you ever met me then you will know I cannot SING a lick but I can do a mean church-lady-voice imitation and it is always out of tune. (If you met me, I’d sing Happy Birthday to you loudly and in my best church lady voice on your special day!!)

If you met me you’d know I love to dance. I dance around the house and whenever the mood hits me.. (I have to be careful because I have a bad back…so if you ever met me and saw me dancing, you might see me grab my back in pain and laugh at the same time.) 'Dancing Through Life' is the ringtone on my phone.

If you met me you would realize I do not have everything together and I get insecure and have fears (too often more than not).

If you met you then you would know that I love Jesus. I adore Him and though I love fun and silly I always want to be reverential to Him and His ways (but I think He likes to dance too!) If you met me you would understand my odd sense of humor and that I really do think Jesus dances. Lol.

STOP! Time's up. What would I learn about YOU, if I met you???

Are You My Mother?

2011-04-07T17:42:00.009-04:00

Photo: Amazon.com

Amanda was five, Jordyn was a newborn. Me? I was at my wits end.

In obedience to what The Lord had called me to do, I had just quit a promising career to be a stay at home mommy. I can remember thinking that unlike the song, mama NEVER told me there would be days like these. On that particular day 19 years ago, nothing had been accomplished and a shower and make-up was only in my dreams for that day.

My first born is the typical strong willed child. At that season in her life she thought “mommy” knew everything, so she tried to ask me everything (as opposed to the teen years when they think mom knows nothing). Every question that came to her mind she would ask, and each question always started with “Hey mom.."

I had about hit the wall and after hearing “hey mom” umpteen million times that morning, I turned to her in a frazzled state and loudly declared:

“My name is NOT mom!!”

Amanda: “Yes it is!”

Me: (in my best ‘I-can-act-five-years-old-too’ tone) I hollered: “No it’s NOT!”

Amanda: (laughing hysterically at her mom…which made mom even more frazzled) managed to ask through the laughing: “Hey mom, what’s your name?”

Me: (in tears at this point) “My name is not mom…my name is…um…my name is JOE! I’m Joe.”

Amanda, never missing a beat, pushed her glasses up on her nose, tilted her head in amazement and said very confidently,

“Well, okay…..Joe, I want some more juice. Thanks Joe!” and she skipped off to her room. You guessed it, for the remainder of the day (and weeks to follow) she started all her questions with “Hey Joe…”

As you can see, I survived that day and many more frazzled mommy days that followed. (Speaking of frazzled stories, have any of you moms ever initiated a game of hide and seek with the kids just so you could hide and have a few minutes alone? Yep! Me too!!)

All this reminiscing brings me to share this ad that I recently saw in a local magazine:

The ad was not for a local gym but for a plastic surgeon. Really??? Wow.

I have threatened to change my name but never my body as a result of being a mom. Let me be honest and say that of course my body has changed as a result of being a mom, but it has also changed as a result of eating ice cream every night. I am certainly not going to blame either for the changes.

Like every woman I know, there are things that I dislike about my structure. Yet underneath it all I realize and understand that this body reflects a seal of proof to motherhood:

I embrace my silvery stretch marks as a badge of honor that represent life. Two lives to be exact. The two that I carried in my womb.

I laugh at the sagging skin (that goes lower with every passing year). What now sags was ever faithful night after night as I rocked and nursed my baby.

My aching hip reminds me of the times I carried my chubby little toddlers on my hip because they were "too tired" to walk.

The wrinkles and grey hairs remind me I have raised two teenagers (I’m half joking…if you don’t have a teenager yet then you will understand this one day) and how many times I have laughed with them and cried with them.

These cracking knees remind me of the many afternoons running behind a bike as the girls were weened off their training wheels.

My waning eyesight takes me back to memories of reading books hour upon hour with them (of course, we enjoyed our fair share of Dr. Seuss and Bernstein Bears books).

Amanda sent me this picture today of Jaelynn reading one of our family favorites, "Are you My Mother?"

My forgetful mind is full of mommy memories:

Kool-aid kisses, all night prayer spent with a sick child, hours upon hours of Barney videos, dust bunnies that grew to enormous sizes while we spent time outside swinging, innumerable quantities of popsicles we devoured every summer, Spaghetti-O's stained clothes (theirs, not mine), lemonade stands, bubble blowing, bike rides, dress-up, skinned knees, tea parties…….

I’m thankful for what I see in the mirror. While some may see their after baby body as disgusting and needing repair by a surgeon’s hand, I see it as a beautiful thing. A beautiful reminder. The beautiful imperfections that represent the many years of joy, happiness, frazzled-ness (is that a word?), bewilderment, tears and laughter that only a mom can know.

I am thankful to My Lord for the privilege He gave me when He entrusted these children to me to raise in His ways, and for His glory. Through the years I have constantly remind myself that my girls do not belong to me. They are His and He loaned them to me. Thank you, Jesus, for the honor.

In bringing up children, spend on them half as much money and twice as much time.

~Author Unknown

I am linking up with Company Girls for our weekly blog party!! We'd love for you to join us.

TuTu Much

2011-04-04T09:45:00.001-04:00

It is hard for me to believe a year has gone by since I wrote a post called "grandma fever" sharing how I had made a TuTu for my grandbaby-to-be. I was so excited at my crafty accomplishments and the anticipation of my future grand-daughter that I enlisted a baby doll do the posing for the finished product:

March 2010

A year was worth my wait to receive this text picture from my daughter showing me THE real doll baby posing in her 'hand-made by Mimi' Tutu:

Jaelynn blowing kisses! April 2011

Time for my "other" family

2011-03-31T22:30:00.004-04:00

I'm thrilled to link up with two great blogs today. Of course, I'm linking-up with my buddies through Company Girls. (see link at end of post). These ladies are my sisters-in-Christ and like "other family" to me!! (Hey Company Girls, how cool would it be to have a Company Girl conference where we can all come together, meet and have Rachel Anne speak for us like she did at CiCi's?)

The other blog I am linking with is over at Kelly's Korner for this post. Kelly has asked us in Blogville to talk about our church. Yay! This is super exciting to me. Not only do I think my Pastor is a hot, I also think my church (Community Christian Fellowship) is simply amazing. (**insert a shout out to all my CCF'ers: hey ya'll!!**) As for the Pastor comment, no need for me to repent because I'm married to him!!

I am reposting a blog post that I wrote for our church when we celebrated our 5th anniversary last year:

20 people + 2 dogs in a den = A church

Today is January 9, 2010. It is a precious day to me. Today is Community Christian Fellowship’s 5th anniversary. So what’s the big deal? Many churches have anniversaries. That is true. Yet-today finds me misty eyed and filled with gratitude for all The Lord has done.

About eight years ago, The Lord started speaking to me and Jim about starting a church. To be quite honest, it freaked us out! This was not the avenue of ministry we had seen ourselves serving in. Missionaries in a foreign country, quite possible. But a church? Really God? “Yes, really”, He said. God had spoken and we must go forth. Like the story of Abraham we had no idea where we were going or what would happen (and we still don’t!). We just knew we were to leave what was comfortable and what we had known and “go”. Regardless of the cost, we wanted to obey The Lord with everything in us.

After years of praying, seeking Godly counsel, praying, praying (and did I mention praying) on January 9, 2005 a group of 20 people and two dogs met in our den. Community Christian Fellowship began. The verse about God choosing the “unwise and lowly” of the earth instantly had new meaning! A small group of people coming together with a vision. We had no denominational support. No resources. Nada—not even a building. But the one thing we had was the only thing we needed and that was The Lord. This little group of 20 people believed that prayer was the engine that drives the church. No amount of planning or strategizing mattered if we were not on our face seeking what The Lord wanted from us. So, together we cried out to Him for His guidance and direction. He answered.

As with any church we have experienced our ups, downs and in betweens. We have seen miracles, healings and provisions too numerous to count. In October 2008, CCF had everything we owned (in a trailer) stolen that was never recovered. However, The Lord provided and replaced above and beyond what was stolen. This is just one of many stories I could share of His faithfulness.
The Lord has shown us things that have left us in “awe” of Him. Lives transformed, addicts delivered, people healed, babies born, marriages mended. Of course, we have experienced loss. Loss so deep our hearts broke. Loss so deep we didn't think we would be able to keep going. There were times we have asked “why?” but we still believed. Through these times, once again, The Lord has left us in “awe” of Who He is. He has kept us under His protective wing.
I am thankful for the amazing group of people The Lord has placed at CCF. Just a group of real and transparent people:

Men and Women
Old and Young
Black and White
Married and Single
Hearing and Deaf
Tattooted and non-tattooted
Bald and Mohawks
Educated and Uneducated

People from all walks of life. Each with a testimony to share. Our common denominator is that we are all sinners in need of a Savior’s grace. It is the bond of our Lord and Savior, Jesus, that ties us all together. This is my family and I love them! We laugh together, cry together. Rejoice together, hurt together. We bear with one another in love (thank you for bearing with me!). I know if I have a need for anything that I can call on my CCF family and they would be here for me. Why? Because the love of Jesus is in them. The Holy Spirit is guiding them.

Five years has come and gone. Five years later we are still a group of people who believe in the power of prayer. We continue to cry out to God for direction and guidance. What an amazing journey it has been. Even though we now have more than 20 people (no dogs--though an occasional one show up from time to time), we still have no denominational support, not many resources and still no a building (we meet in a school). But these things are okay. Together we have unity through Jesus Christ. And He is the only thing we need. He will not fail us, nor forsake us. He is faithful. As the world seems to have gone mad from time to time, we have each other to encourage and love on.

Community Christian Fellowship is His work and He alone receives all the praise and glory. As Jim has said many times through the years, “It is ALL God’s work and we just have front row seats!”

It is an honor and privilege to serve Him at CCF. I am so thankful for the past five years. I look forward to the next five. Thank you Jesus!

Have a blessed weekend!! Feel free to join us at Company Girls!! Here's our blog-party link:

Zoo-wee Mama it's Friday

2011-03-25T09:58:00.001-04:00

Yippee!!!! It's Friday. Finally. Though when you are in the ministry (married to a Pastor) Friday doesn't really mean it is the start of the weekend with a few days off but it's more the start of the work week. Basically Fridays=Mondays to those in the ministry. Nonetheless, Fridays are still fun.

This Friday in March finds me a bit excited. Here's a few reasons why:

Excitement Reason 1: I'll give you a clue: Zoo-wee Mama.

That's right Greg Heffley, Diary of a Wimpy Kid Movie 2 starts today!! That can only mean one thing. Yep, a Burton family date night SOON!!! I can already smell the movie theater popcorn. Mmmmm. The first movie cracked me up and of course made me think back to those dreadful middle school years.

When I was in Middle School "E.T" and "On Golden Pond" were on the big screen. Olivia Newton John and Dolly Parton had chart topping songs and some of the fashion styles from the day have actually resurfaced in stores again, such as skinny jeans. (As a side note I don't wear skinny jeans. I wore them plenty back in the day. Been there. Done that. Had babies. Enough said. )

Here's a little glimpse of my awkward middle school years:

It was obvious I had no clue what hairstyle (or color) I was going for back then.

Excitement Reason 2: I'm getting stronger!!! I bet you are too! Recently, I've been talking to many who are going through challenging times and trials. My heart breaks for some of you all and your current situations. I have been hit with some trials recently as well but I am to thankful that my morning devotional time reminded that we should not be surprised when trials happen but to actually embrace them.

Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. ¹³ Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world. (1 Peter 4:12-13)

I love the Message Bible's paraphrase of 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever.

May we be reminded that these trials are being used to make us stronger (and more like Christ). Speaking of stronger....

Excitement Reason 3: Have you heard Mandisa's new song? I LOVE it! LOVE it!

Excitement Reason 4: Coffee time! It's Friday so that means it is time to link up with my Coffee Girls over at Rachael Anne's Home Sanctuary. I love these ladies and have missed the past few weeks. (**Hey coffee gals, I'm curious--are any of you going to be at the Going Beyond conference in April at Lynchburg, VA??? Would LOVE to meet you in person.**)

Hope you have a blessed weekend. You are loved and prayed for!

Oh The Thinks You Can Think

2011-03-23T15:37:00.001-04:00

photo from: Amazon

I wish I could say I have been away the past 10 days on a cruise or island vacation and that is why I have ignored my blog. But no! No reason for the lack of blog love. Yet, tons of excuses! You know those times in your life where you feel like you are standing in the middle of an interstate and life is an 18-wheeler barreling down the lane at you? Yep. That's me. I've thought about writing but couldn't seem to come up with anything. Could it be a writer's block? I actually " puzzled and puzzed 'till my puzzler was sore" and still came up with nothing for a blog.

Not sure why I was drawing a blank because I believe:

From there to here, from here to there, funny things are everywhere. ~ Dr. Seuss

Then it happened. This morning it hit me and I thought of something to share.

If things start happening, don't worry, don't stew, just go right along and you'll start happening too. ~Dr. Seuss

Jordyn just finished her first ever CTY musical. What a great time and experience for her.

Of course she was sad when it was over, but I reminded her as best as a loving mother could:

Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened. ~Dr. Seuss

Less than a week after the curtain closed on Aladdin, little Miss JoJo auditioned for another production with CYT. This production is her last chance to be involved with CYT due to her age so she went for it, gave it her all and....guess what? She's in!! And I have to say I am a tad bit excited! In case you missed the hints through the above quotes, Jordyn is going to be involved in ....(insert drum roll here)

Seussical The Musical!

Ahh--good 'ol Dr. Seuss. Since I was a child Dr. Seuss has been my all time favorite. I'm sure my love for The Cat in The Hat comes as no surprise to you from the gobs of slang and colloquialism that make up my writings.

Dr. Seuss doesn't have anything on me. I have my own cast of characters too! Jordyn is a Bird Girl and here are my very own Thing 1 and Thing 2

Amanda and Jaelynn being silly girls!

In case you are like my precious man and you are wondering who on earth Thing 1 and Thing 2 are then here they are (aren't they precious?)

So, after a 10 day hiatus, I'm back on the bloggity blog cycle. I'll be sure to file this post under the "really random" file but after all, that's me! Really Random Rebecca.

Photo from Etsy to order print click here

Live It

2011-03-11T22:52:00.002-05:00

I recently learned that Dr. Richard Swenson will be one of the keynote speakers at our upcoming state homeschool convention in June. I have heard of Dr. Swenson's books but have not read any of his writings (yet). Yesterday I visited his website and found an excerpt that really hit my heart deeply. I want to share the article with you on this day when all of our hearts are burdened by the devastation in Japan. You can read the original excerpt here on his site.

A Minute of Margin by Richard A. Swenson, MD

REFLECTION 1 - Priorities

One September Morning on the 103rd Floor
If you attempt to talk with a dying man about sports or business, he is no longer interested. He now sees other things as more important. People who are dying recognize what we often forget, that we are standing on the brink of another world. William Law

The skies were partly cloudy, the temperature was 68 degrees, the wind was out of the west at 10 mph. A beautiful day. At 8:45 AM, people working on the 103rd floor were pouring their morning coffee, straightening their desks, reviewing their Tuesday appointments, bantering with office mates, glancing at the harbor . . .

One minute later, none of that mattered. Twenty floors below, a 757 transected the building leaving the 103rd cut off, trapped, hopeless. But not yet dead.

When you have ten minutes to live, what are your thoughts? What is important in the last seconds? As a tribute to those nameless faces staring down at us from the smoky inferno, can we stop what we are doing long enough to listen to them? Seeing death from this perspective is not morbid: on the contrary, it can help us see life.

Those who found phones called--not their stock brokers to check the latest ticker, not their hair stylists to cancel the afternoon’s appointment, not even their insurance agents to check coverage levels. They called spouses to say “I love you” one last time, children to say “You are precious” one last time, parents to say “Thank you” one last time. Through tears they called best friends, neighbors, pastors and priests and rabbis. “I just want you to know what you mean to me.” And surely those standing on the brink of another world thought of God--of truth and eternity, judgment and redemption, grace and the Gospel.

Imminent death has a commanding power to straighten life’s priorities with a jolt. At such dramatic moments, people suddenly realize that priorities matter. Tragically, however, chronic overloading obscures this truth. How we live influences how we die, and misplaced busyness leads to terminal regrets. If we don’t move to establish and then guard that which matters most, the breathless pace of daily overload will blind us to eternal priorities, until one day we too stand at such a window and look down. Perhaps with regret.

Rx: Slow the pace of living until you again remember that day. If that were you on the 103rd floor, what would have been important? Live it. Don’t hide behind the excuse of overload. Daily make space in your life for the things that matter most.

The afternoon knows what the morning never dreamed. Swedish proverb

None of us are promised our next breath. We can leave this world at any time and in any way. I urge any of you reading this blog today to be sure of your eternal future. Make your final destination your first priority in life. Cry out to The Lord today. Don't delay. Romans 10:9 says, "If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

********************

On another note, Today is Friday and that means I am linking up with my Company Girls. Have a blessed weekend!

Relentless 2.0

2011-03-08T16:44:00.001-05:00

Today I am continuing to think about being Relentless in prayer. I thought I'd share a personal testimony to provisions through prayer and then open the floor up to you to respond with your testimony.

To this day, I vividly remember a time in our life from 18 years ago when I was pregnant with Jordyn. Jim, Amanda and I lived in a small two bedroom home. We were struggling financially and living pay check to pay check. (Perhaps this is where the family motto “Beans and rice and Jesus Christ" started.) It was a Sunday afternoon and we had just arrived home from church. I was in the kitchen preparing to warm up left over spaghetti, bread and salad from the night before. It was a small amount of food but just enough for the three of us. I heard a knock at our door and much to our surprise it was two of our friends who were hungry and in need of some food. This precious couple was worse off financially than we were back in the day but we were close enough in our friendship that they felt comfortable coming by for an unannounced meal.

I felt panic strike as Jim invited them in and warmly told them “we’d LOVE to have you join us for lunch!” Jim was clueless to our lunch menu (and in that moment I wasn’t sure what was going to be on the menu either!). I recall greeting my friends and then returning to the kitchen looking at the small amount of leftovers . Being eight months pregnant, I could have easily scarfed up the small portion of food on my own but I realized this food was all we had to offer and it would need to be divided between not only three people, but five!! In desperation and with tears in my eyes, I mumbled a heartfelt prayer and asked The Lord to please help us. To please help our friends who had no money and to pretty please help our spaghetti. (yep, I prayed for spaghetti).

We all gathered around the table as I served the leftovers. Our small luncheon that Sunday afternoon was filled with much laughter, Scripture sharing and precious fellowship. It was not until the end of lunch when I started to clear the plates that I realized The Lord had heard my innocent prayer. I was astonished as I saw leftovers from the leftovers! We had each eaten until our bellies were full and we still had extra food. I was in awe at our spaghetti -increasing God. Not only had He heard my cry for “help” from my kitchen, He had provided and multiplied our food that Sunday afternoon AND more importantly-- He had shown himself to me as Jehovah Jirah, our Provider.

I knew He cared about every hair on our head (Luke 12:7) and that Sunday afternoon I learned that also He cared about every noodle on our plate.

Stormie Omartian writes in her book The Power of Praying Book:

God wants to do great things through us if we would just step out in faith when He asks us to. That’s why He lets us go through some difficult times. Times when we feel weak and vulnerable. He allows certain things to happen so that we will turn to Him. It's in those times, when we are forced to pray in greater faith, that our faith and our lives are transformed.

Stormie's suggested Prayer: Give me faith so that I can pray in power. Help me to pray and believe for great changes in myself. Transform me by the power of your Spirit.

It's your turn! What has The Lord done to show Himself as Jehovah Jirah (Provider) in your life as a result to your prayers?

May we seek Him with Rentless prayers in all areas of our life. The big things and the small things.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:6 NLT

I don't know why you say goodbye. I say hello

2011-03-04T09:02:00.004-05:00

My Mr. Brown plastic coffee thingy doesn't know why I say goodbye,

photo from www.copco.com

Maybe it is because yesterday I found the perfect accessory for my purple pinky:

So, I say hello, hello, hello! Isn't she lovely?! A perfect fit. I've toted my brown coffee carry along for a year now (coffee in hand is a must..I admit I'm addicted to my caffeine). I've seen pink and blue but never a purple Copco. As you can only imagine it was love at first sight. In addition, kudos to my local Kroger for having my new purple lovely on sale for just $4.99 this week! (Maybe I should have picked up more than one.....)

I love going green when it is so, well, so.... purple!

(During my little impromptu photo shoot, Zuzu decided she wanted to play with my new cup and hide her bone in it!)

My purple Copco is perfect timing for Company Girls Coffee!

That's right, it's Friday and I am linking up with that gals over at Rachael Anne's Home Sanctuary. These gals are amazing!! Feel free to grab a cup of coffee and join us.

**Oh one last random thing (you know me and random!) I'm looking for a good recipe for healthy wheat bread. If you have one will you let me know? Thanks!

Swimmies

2011-03-03T11:15:00.000-05:00

Last night, as I was preparing for bed I started feeling overwhelmed, tired worried, and fearful. The Lord is leading me in a few new directions in my life. While I am excited I feel a bit anxious and am battling the famous "what if I can't" thoughts. I was prinking (my word for praying + thinking) about these new adventures when I had a vision (in my mind's eye) of being in the deep end of an Olympic sized pool. Olympic swimmers were doing laps around me. I was unable to swim but was treading water with everything I had to stay afloat. Treading left me tried and overwhelmed in the "deep end" of the pool. In my mind's eye vision, 'swimmies' appeared on my arm to keep me afloat. I stopped fighting and just started floating.

Photo from Amazon.com

I knew the Lord had given me this picture as He was reminding me that He alone is my help, my refuge and my strength if I will just stop fighting, let go and trust Him.

This morning my friend and prayer warrior buddy (Hi Cane!) sent me a link to check out. It was very timely and it confirmed what The Lord was speaking to me last night.

Blogger Sara (over at Gitzengirl ) is the guest writer today for (in)courage. Please take a second and hop over there and check out what she wrote entitled "Helpless". I believe it will speak to you too!!

Have a blessed and happy "Thankful Thursday!"

Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track. Don't assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil! Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life! Honor God with everything you own; give him the first and the best. Proverbs 3:5-7 The Message

Relentless 1.0

2011-03-02T00:00:00.001-05:00

Relentless. This word has been coming to my mind a lot the past few days. The Learner’s Dictionary defines the word as: 1 : continuing without becoming weaker, less severe, etc 2 : remaining strict or determined

My four pound Yorkie barking at the neighbor’s cat = Relentless

My baby girls watching toy commercials at Christmas time = Relentless

Telemarketers at dinner time = Relentless

Grey hairs popping up on my head = Relentless

My prayer life =

Oh, how I desire for the above blank to read "Relentless".

My first experience with prayer was when I was about 8 years old. My parents were diligent to take me to church every Sunday and teach me the basics of the Christian life. It was during this time I confessed The Lord as my personal Savior.

My family had a precious friend (my dad’s best friend)that I called “uncle”. Uncle Curtis spent every Sunday afternoon with our family, every holiday and family event that happened--he was there. When he was not at our house, he would call to check on us. He was single and he considered us his family. We considered him part of our family too.

As a child I didn’t truly understand the full meaning of the word "cancer" but that is the word my parents used when they explained to me why Uncle Curtis had been admitted to the hospital. All I knew was it sounded scary. He was in pain and very sick. That made my child's heart sad. I wanted to fix-it but something told me I couldn’t. Deep inside I knew there was One that could help Uncle Curtis and I knew I needed to get “ in-touch” with Him and talk to Him about Uncle Curtis. One night, I remember laying in bed and I decided to "pray". I had heard about prayer at church. Now it was my time to cry out in prayer as best as an 8 year old could. My prayer was as simple as it could get: “Dear God, please help Uncle Curtis feel better and if he can’t feel better please let Him come live with You”. The next morning I awoke to our phone ringing and the next few minutes that followed hurt my heart deeply. I could hear my mom crying as she told my dad the news. Uncle Curtis had died early that morning. My mind quickly recalled my prayer the night before. I knew at that very moment that I had gotten “in-touch” with my God. I had prayed and He had heard me. That was just the beginning of my understanding about the power of prayer.

I have prayed countless prayers since that night when I was 8. Prayers about everything. Yes, everything. Prayers for sick people, well people, sick animals, prayers for bills that needed to be paid, prayers for guidance, prayers for souls, prayers for peace. I have even prayed for food to multiply (that will be the next blog post). There have been many times when I didn’t know what to say or how to pray so I just cried out for help. And He always heard me. He has always answered. He always will.

Prayer is a very important part of my life. Is my prayer life relentless? I'm not sure I'd say "yes". However, I do want to continue without becoming weaker and I want to be determined as the definition states. I need to improve. I believe we all have room for improvement in this area of our lives.

I like what Pastor Jim Cymbala shares in his book, Breakthrough Prayer:

"Because we are God's children...we can bring our needs to him with certainty in prayer.... Prayer is not some kind of heavenly lottery. Nor does the Bible counsel us to pray with an 'I hope this will work'...attitude. Instead...prayer brings us before the throne of grace as children seeking the help of their heavenly Father. That's the heart of breakthrough, successful prayer--the bold confidence that we are talking to the Father who delights to supply our needs. "

I plan to write more about being "Relentless" in prayer. I hope to share some of the things that I have seen The Lord do through answered prayers in my life and the lives of others as a means of encouraging you in your prayer life. I will also share some of the resources that I have helped me in my prayer life over the years (books, prayer journals, prayer wall, etc). I am not an expert in this area and I don't have it all figured out, however, my heart's desire is to share with openly and I pray that something I say (or have done) will encourage you to pray relentlessly too!
Also, I'd love to hear from you too. Please feel free to share your personal testimonies to the power of prayer and the faithfulness of The Lord in your life.

May we be relentless together in prayer.

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonian 5:16-18).

Today, I am linking up with Courtney at Women Living Well

A Whole New World

2011-02-28T21:24:00.002-05:00

This was the sight in my bathroom a few hours ago.

It was a black hair dye extravaganza! You see, I've decided to go gothic.
Just kidding. (did you think I was serious?)
Here is a picture of my finger in it's current state.

(Don't worry purple pinky I am not replacing you) My purple pinky is intentional but the black ring finger is not.

Jordyn is preparing for the upcoming CYT performance of Aladdin this weekend and true to form for a theater gal she must get into character. So mom had to assist with a little "temporary" hair color this afternoon. I didn't realize there was a hole in my glove until all was said and done. I guess we will see how temporary this temporary color is when it fades from my finger. Guess I'll be explaining this one to my M.O.P.S. group tomorrow.

I was searching for some things tonight and I came across a few articles from 2006. Jordyn was featured in Girl's Life magazine's annual "Back to School" issue. She had written them a letter expressing her displeasure on how home school kids were often left out at back to school time. Much to her surprise, they called her, interview her and featured her in their magazine. They sent out some really cool photographers to do a photo shoot with her too. (here is the Back-to-school article and here is another that our local paper did as a result of the interview.)

Five years ago Jordyn needed me for different things in her life like lesson planning, Algebra lessons, preparing "school" lunches at Beck's Cafe' among other things. Tonight mom was needed in "Beck's salon". You know what they say: Any mother could perform the jobs of several air traffic controllers with ease.

Jordyn getting into character

I am thankful for each moment I have had with my girls (even if it left my fingers black). Time goes faster each year. Every moment with our family is a true gift from The Lord so be sure to cherish them!

I'm off to scrub my finger some more so I'll close with one of my favorites by Erma Bombeck:

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER by Erma Bombeck

I would have talked less and listened more.
I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded.
I would have eaten the popcorn in the "good" living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.
I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather rambling about his youth.
I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage. I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains.
I would have cried and laughed less while watching television, and more while watching life. I would have gone to bed when I was sick, instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment, realizing that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner."
There would have been more "I love you's" and more "I'm sorry's"
. . . but mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute . . .
look at it and really see it . . . and never give it back."

I heart Fridays

2011-02-25T11:48:00.000-05:00

Whoa? It's Friday again? Where does the time go? Friday is good because that means it's time to link up with my buddies at Company Girl.

My youngest daughter is in an upcoming production of Aladdin presented by Christian Youth Theater. Tech week begins this week and while it will be wide open around our home, I know all the hard work Jordyn and the other cast members have put into the show will be worth it. (I'll post pictures soon).

With all the recent 'drama' and talk of theater that has been a buzz in our home the past few months, I keep reflecting on a quote I heard from Priscilla Shirer in her "He Speaks To Me" video. She said,

"On the stage of life, if you are too busy playing someone else who is going to play you?"

This hit home for me. Like many women, so many times I find myself comparing my life to others. Of course I know better but I still do it! Even when looking at blogs, I find myself wishing I had better writing skills, or wanting to be more crafty so I could post one of those cool "how to tutorials". (I could post a "how-to-burn-everything-you-cook-and-make-the-smoke-detector-go-off-every-meal tutorial". lol). Seriously, I am thankful for the recent reminder I have received. God made me "fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalms 139) for His purposes. I am unique and I am His original. You, too, are fearfully and wonderfully made in a unique and special way for His plans (and He has plans for each of us!!) I pray I can keep my eyes focused on Him and obey what He has called me to do so I can glorify Him in every part of my life. I pray this for you too!

I'll close with one of my favorite quotes by John Mason:

You were born an original. Don't die a copy.

**By the way, thank you all for the kind comments regarding the exam I took last week. I passed!!!! I am still in shock and I give The Lord ALL the credit as I had not taken an exam since I was in high school. I have one more portion of testing to go through in a few months. Lord willing, my goal is that at the end of this journey I will be state leveled and will be able to freelance as an interpreter for the deaf and hard of hearing. I'll keep you posted and I appreciate your prayers. I trust The Lord will lead and direct my steps in this area of my life.

Shake, shake, shake

2011-02-22T18:10:00.001-05:00

photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net

My Bible reading has found me in Colossians this week and has left me churning some of my favorite verses:

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:5-6 (NIV)

I have really been examining my speech to be sure I am, as the Message translation of these verses says:

Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out.

One of my man's favorite preachers/teachers is Ravi Zacharias. (**Jim's other favorite Preacher/teachers are Jim Cymbala and Francis Chan. You can imagine his excitement when we received this information from Brooklyn Tabernacle yesterday about their upcoming conference. Dude, it was like Christmas day all over again around here!**)

A few years ago, Jim shared this story with me that he had heard Ravi share. It is one of my all time favorites and I have been thinking about it this week along with my Colossians verses:

There was once a glass saltshaker. And in this saltshaker lived –you guessed it!- thousands and thousands of grains of salt.

Life was great for the salt inside this saltshaker: all the grains of salt were surrounded by other grains of salt, and they all lived happily in the saltshaker – protected from the unknown of the outside.

One day, two of these grains of salt struck up a conversation with each other (as grains of salt tend to do).

One salt said to the other: “Boy, isn’t life GRAND?! We’re here, in this saltshaker on this kitchen table, without a care in the world! Everyone in here looks, thinks and acts just like us! This is SO GREAT!”

To this, the other grain of salt replied: “What are you happy about? Don’t you realize that, every once in a while, a giant hand comes out of the sky, lifts up this saltshaker, and SHAKES it into a giant bowl of soup? Every time that happens, some of us fall out and are never seen again! Who knows what happens to them? They are shaken into that soup and we have NO IDEA where they go from there!”

At this point, a wise old grain of salt came up and interrupted them. “Guys,” he said, “don’t worry about it. That giant hand may one day shake us into a giant bowl of soup, but one thing is certain: that soup will never taste the same again.”

I want to be "salty". I want to make people thirsty for Jesus. My prayer is that when I leave a conversation that I can point the person to Jesus in such a way of Truth and encouragement that they will never be the same again. It is a tall order, however, with the help of The Holy Spirit we can be obedient and "salty". Do you want to be "salty" too? Let's be ready. Never know when it will be time for that "shake, shake, shake!"

Give-away Winner!!

2011-02-20T18:28:00.000-05:00

Drum roll please......the winner of my Angela Thomas Book give away is Lea over at Cici's Corner!

Yay Lea!!!