75 Is Not Enough...

I ran out of Christmas Cards. I didn't even send any to our new friends at Will's school and sent very few to our old friends in Dothan. Several other friends got shafted, sorry. Well in case you read the blog... Merry Christmas and please accept this electronic version of our Christmas Card!(And no you aren't 76+ in importance, we do Christmas cards in groups, work, church, etc, the order is quite random for the most part....You can click on the picture to get a closer look) Laura Ann is calling as I write this post. Will I ever get to upload some pics and catch you guys up?

I'm about to go get Laura Ann and try (in reliance upon my Savior) to prepare for our Christmas celebration keeping in mind what truly matters. It isn't gifts, a perfect meal and decorations or even the new acceptable idol of family. (I've heard on several occasions this season that Christmas is about family) A king born in a stable that died on a cross as payment for my sins, that is what matters.

Giving gifts, time with family, and a well cooked meal are all good things that can glorify God. Let us worship the giver of good things this Christmas and not the gifts.

Merry Christmas!!!

A Post Is In The Making....

I hope that you like the title picture change. This is Will and Laura Ann last year about this time. Oh how I miss her mohawk!! I have many pics to post from the Fall season but just can't justify doing it until I get a little more caught up on my housework. I've already been playing with my playlist and changing the pic, so I'd better get to it!! Laundry here I come!

Better!!

Sweet Baby Girl is better. She went to church on Sunday as well as Small Group on Sunday night. Thanks to those who prayed!

103.7

That was little baby girl's temp when she woke up from her nap.Rapid breathing, flush cheeks, and a limp girl were my clues before I even touched her hot skin. The Tylenol brought it down. I bought her some Pedialyte, came back home, picked Will up from school (we thought that Daddy was going to but he worked over) and then took her to the doctor. He did a chest xray to make sure that it wasn't pneumonia. He thinks that it is probably a sinus infection. She is on antibiotics and seems to be improving. She actually ate some yogurt and cereal this morning. She loves the YoBaby yogurts with fruit and cereal. She likes to point at the baby on the cup.
Last night was rough. She had another fever in the evening and was up a good bit last night (she was not up without her buddy Mama). We are both tired. I am thankful that she seems to be improving and that we have a good doctor and that we have health insurance. I am thankful that Daddy came home last night and held his little girl so that I could finally go to the bathroom alone!

The Headlights Are On

I couldn't sleep last night. I got up and did some Bible Study and reading. So, while I'm sleepy, the headlights are on.
Laura Ann now drinks whole milk. She is still using a bottle because she seems to just sip from a cup. She drank 9 ounces of milk after some coaxing. She didn't want to drink yesterday. So, like I said, she drank her milk after some coaxing this morning. Well, only a few minutes later... She threw up all of that milk, all over her, all over me, and some was even in my chair that I protect from dirty little football players. We were off to the shower together. Mothers, isn't that a major talent we have? I would have opted for the bath but she is congested and could use the mist.
You want to know what really makes me feel bad? Well, last night at church, Laura Ann and another little baby were playing on the floor and spilling Goldfish and Cheerios all over the floor. We were having small group and didn't have any organized babysitting. Well I opted to let my child eat the Cheerios and Goldfish that had fell on the floor. Mind you this isn't a common occurrence, I just know how successful that I would be trying to keep her from eating the food that I knew that they would continue to spill. So, the pediatric nurse let her child eat off the floor and her child is now vomiting. I know it isn't from that, it is too early. Also, she was exhibiting symptoms by not wanting to drink before that. I had just already started feeling bad after recalling how another Mom was pointing out how dirty that floor must be!
Well the baby is sleeping in her crib. I'll listen to her chest when she wakes up. Her cough got better but now seems to have worsened. Please pray for my little sweetie.
It is so good to have the headlights on!

Blessed Be Your Name

Blessed be Your name
In the land that is plentiful
Where the streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be Your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed be Your name
Every blessing You pour out, I'll
turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say...
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name
Blessed be Your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's 'all as it should be'
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name
Every blessing You pour out, I'll
turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say...
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name
You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord Blessed be Your name
Every blessing You pour out, I'll
turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I'm gonna say...
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name
You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord Blessed be Your name

OK, I'm pretty down this week. I decided that today is the right day to at least start my long promised post about the title of this blog and the song Blessed Be Your Name. I am quite frankly mourning what seems to be the loss of a great friend, not by death.

Blessed Be Your Name

I am wondering if I will ever again experience the level of fellowship with believers I enjoyed a couple of years ago.

Blessed Be Your Name

I am just tired. I wonder if our holiday plans will satisfy mine or Bill's family. This has been a source of stress since our marriage. You know the where to go when and how long to stay kind of thing. I'm sure I'm not the only one worrying over that. (Yes I know worry is sinful, but I'm honest, it has far past the line of concern)

Blessed Be Your Name

I am thankful that my husband truly finds me beautiful, even though it has been a year and a half at least since I have had a haircut!

Blessed Be Your Name

Blessed Be Your Name is a special song for Bill and I. We have left two homes (and two rentals), three congregations and many friends in the past three years. God has given many beautiful blessings to us and has taken away many blessings as well. Our bank account has went up and down. Our level of patience with life in general has went up and down. God is constant. He is always who He is. Circumstance does not alter that. This is of great comfort. I have to be reminded of how His mercies are new each morning. There are times that I do not dwell in the Word. These times are so dark for me. I guess it is like going through life with the headlights off. I have had one of those weeks where my Bible Study has been sparse. It shows. Sure there are things in life that have me down: I continue to be concerned for my parents and little sister. My father broke his leg last week. There are many things that I pray for them. I just know that when I am not in the Word, I despair. That is just it. Where are we without God's promises? We are without hope!

So... Blessed Be Your Name.

I guess it was about a year and a half ago, Bill and I were singing this song in Alabama during a church service. At that time in our life, we were finishing up the remodel of our now beautiful home next to the lovely school Will was to attend first grade (before the move). I was pregnant with a sweet baby girl who did not have Down Syndrome despite the "high likelihood" of this from a blood test. We looked around at a church who had really shown love to especially me. Wonderful friends: Meals when you are sick, pack your boxes when you move, and make you get your butt up and move when you're whining kind of friends. Pray with you, I mean really pray with you, kind of friends. We were singing this song. I was looking around at the people that I was about to move away from. I thought of my newly remodeled home. I thought of the blessing of my child's health. Then, I remembered. I remembered just how sad I was to come to this place that I now loved. How I looked around at the congregation in another church with tears streaming down my face. How that even to this day I haven't returned to my first home because it pained me so much to leave it. God got me through that didn't He? He gave me another group of people that love Him to cherish. He provided another home. He got me through living in a rental that had mice and roaches and I survived. I survived horrible depression and had a greater knowledge of my utter dependence on Him.

Blessed be Your name, on the road marked with suffering

though there's pain in the offering

Blessed be Your name

He has shown His faithfulness over and over. He LOVES me! Yes, we were yet again about to leave friends, family, home, school, church, job... It was heartbreaking and still is at times..

You give and take away

You give and take away

But God was with us. He gave us each other and two children, one that was still in the womb.

My heart will choose to say

Lord blessed be your name

A few days ago, a church wide email went out asking for prayer for my father and asking for prayer for Bill and I as we try to show love and concern across distance and through a strained relationship (with my father). That very day, my new friend brought chicken and dumplings and the yummiest Broccoli and Cheese Casserole ever. She also brought hot chocolate mix! Again, I remembered the pastor at that first church that I cried about leaving. "Misty, God's people are everywhere."

I don't get five hugs before I can make it into the sanctuary as I did a few years ago, but that took time. Here was a sister in Christ, showing me love. Praise God.

Every blessing you pour out I'll turn back to praise

Sometimes it is hard to wait for relationships to mature and life to finally be settled again.

When the darkness closes in Lord still I'm gonna say

Blessed be the name of the Lord

Blessed be Your name

I know my God and I know the plans that he has for me.

Jeremiah 29:11

11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

I am reminded of perspective as I talk about the people and things that we have been called to leave behind. One of those friends that I moved away from has lost two babies during pregnancy. She will not hold them until she goes to meet her God in heaven. This song is precious to her. She remembers singing it in that same church the first time she returned to worship after the death of one of her babies.

Also, there is Job. After learning of many losses he is finally told that his sons and daughters have now perished. This is his response:

20Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped,
21And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.
22In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly. (Job 1:20-22)

You give and take away

You give and take away

I have not suffered losses like these. I have seen pain. I have lost people I love. I have worked to build and then sold or sometimes had to give away possessions. I have seen the refining power of God in this pain.

I have been richly blessed. Foremost in my salvation through Jesus Christ. I have a husband ... I cannot put into words how much God has blessed me by giving my husband to me, Oh how God has used Bill for my good. I have been blessed with children. All of my needs are met.

I do not know if I am about to be richly blessed or be called to suffer. All I know is.....

Blessed be the name of the Lord.

I talked to the friend that lost the babies yesterday. She is pregnant for the second time since those two losses. The first pregnancy brought a healthy boy and I prayed with her across the miles for the health of this little one.

Blessed be the name of the Lord.

No matter where I am or who or what I have...

Blessed Be Your Name

Please listen to the first song on the playlist.

Whatever is true...think about such things.

8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (Phillipians 4:8-9)

Happy First Birthday Laura Ann!

October 26, 2008

A great day!

(Blue= Bill speaking) Today was a great day! You already know from below that Laura's birthday was today and we had a little party planned. So we woke up a little earlier than usual and got things going. Sunday School starts at 9:30 and we were a little late. That's only a concern for Will's elementary assembly that starts promptly at 9:30. Our class doesn't seem to get going until @ 9:50 or so! We were all in a good mood all through the morning wishing Laura a "Happy Birthday!" over and over.

Sunday school was very good. One of our Elders is leading a study on Joel. It is very interesting how Joel illustrates the locust invasion and the reason for it! We were blessed to see some people back in class that have been ill or absent for some time. We have been praying for each of them and I felt it was an answered prayer.

On to church. Today we had a special service that gave recognition to the anniversary of the beginning of the Reformation on 10/31. All of our Pastors went over each of the reformer's five solas; Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone), Sola Fide (Faith Alone), Sola Gratia (Grace Alone), Sola Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone), and Sola Christus (Christ Alone). Each subject section began with Scripture that emphasized that point, then the Pastor gave a homily on it and then we sang a hymn or song that emphasized the point. All of them were great and it made for an intriguing Sunday worship service.

Now, on to why I'm posting in the first place: the fifth point, Sola Christus (Christ Alone). We covered this near the end of the service so the song we sang was our closing song. We sang "In Christ Alone" (of course!) which was written by Stuart Townsend and Keith Getty. If you've listened to Contemporary Christian music in the past few years, you've probably heard the version I have on the playlist to the left sung by the Newsboys.

I have to tell you, this is one of the most powerful songs EVER written to me! I know a lot of Christian songs and hymns, but to me none of them speak the whole gospel so well and succinctly as this song. It's not the most powerful music or melody, it is the words. Listen to it. Please!! Misty and I were clutching each other near the end where it says, "Jesus commands my destiny.". Tears streamed down my face as I sang of Jesus standing in victory after taking on my sin. Me, my sin. Why? How? How could He? Why would He? Because He loves me (+you) that much! How awesome! How humbling. How can I not devote everything I do to His glory? Because I am a sinner. I want to write out the lyrics for you, but that would be a lot of space here. PLEASE, I don't think you get the full effect by listening. Do a search for the lyrics and read them as you hear/sing.

In the afternoon we had Laura's party. We were expecting many that couldn't make it. That's OK, some folks that we hadn't expected came. My Dad and Mom came from LA (Lower Alabama) and my brother and nephew came from Auburn, AL. One church friend and her daughter and one neighbor stopped by. It was great! Laura had a blast! Everyone was clapping with and for her! She was laughing and smiling the whole time! Will loved seeing his sister enjoy herself. The weather was wonderful to top it all off. Will got to throw his football with his "Pa", Uncle Jack and cousin John Cooper.

Lately I have questioned God as to why I am where (geographically) I am. I made a prayerful decision a couple of years ago to move my family back to the Atlanta area. Since then I have not seen the clear acknowledgement that what I did is what He wanted me to do. Maybe He will never give me that clarity. Today fortified a truth to me that gives me peace: if I pray to do the correct things and act on what I feel I am led to do, God will honor my prayers. That no matter where I am or what I do, "No power of hell, no scheme of man, can ever pluck me from His hand". That God will prosper me and make me grow in Him no matter where (geographically) I am. I have two healthy, beautiful children, a healthy, beautiful, loving, forgiving, wife that cares for those two children and I am healthy and have a job that I love. We live in a very nice neighborhood and attend a healthy church with other believers that wish to give God the glory He deserves.

Now let's remember all these things this week. Praise the Lord!

Almost One

She will turn one tonight as she sleeps. This little baby girl I love. She had a fun bath with lots of splashing fun. I have spent the day preparing for a drop in Birthday Party tomorrow. At first I thought that it might just be our little family, but it seems that we might have quite a few people here tomorrow.

A Year Ago Tonight

I was to be induced, but was already in labor. We're on our way to Atlanta Medical Center to deliver a beautiful baby girl!

Powerful

A friend posted this on her blog. It speaks for itself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdXX6lzbo78

Pictures From Our Walk

In my last post I took a stab at an experiment with exhortation. So far I've had no takers on comments. I was asking for people to comment on one thing that they have prayed about and feel is beneficial to stop and "make happen". You know, one of those "I've really got to do that" things.

Well I took that walk. Not a very big deal, I guess. It was a big deal for me. I had wanted to stop and breathe in this little part of creation around me instead of just driving through it. I wanted to let my sweet girl look at the wonders of trees , flowers, and a bright sun. We spend some time outside, but this was intentional. I wanted to get those walking muscles going again. I prayed and this I believe was beneficial. I listened to my Ipod part of the way. I was singing My God's Enough and Never Alone by Barlow Girl and Agnus Dei by Third Day.
I certainly don't want us all to be bogged down by our little lists nor do I think that we have to cross off all of the things on that list. I just think that there are certain things that we, especially those of us that seem to procrastinate, should "make happen". Even this Stay At Home Mom of two kids, one in school, is pretty busy, but I want to intentionally ask God to show me the things that I should "make happen" and free me from those things that are unnecessary.



Here are a few pictures from our walk:

Starting Out

Across The Street From Our House

The Neighborhood Swing
(Laura Ann is too little just yet. She is working on removing her footie.)
I loved the way these trees looked against the fence.

Almost Home

Happy After Our Walk

A Challenge And Offer For Prayer

Today I plan to take Laura Ann on a stroller ride through our neighborhood. We have wonderful sidewalks and even a golf cart path into the next neighborhood. I have walked with the entire family but haven't taken Laura Ann on my own. When I lived in Dothan, I was a regular walker. It helped to have some really wonderful sisters in Christ to walk with. I remember when it got really cold and I thought,"Surely we won't walk today, because of the children" (my friend's children -Will was in school). Well Amanda said: "I'll meet you at the mall today" Might I add that she bundled her weeks old baby in the stroller and we soldiered on outdoors for a while before that!!
I got out of the habit of walking when I got pre-eclamptic (high blood pressure and related issues) again in probably the 5th or sixth month of my pregnancy with Laura Ann. The doctor actually told me to stop walking. This was the doctor in Dothan. My doctor here probably would have had me running and lifting weights the hour before I delivered! I'm just joking, I think. He really wants me to "build muscle!".
Walking with Laura Ann in the neighborhood is one of those things that I have been letting slip through the cracks. You could say that I haven't been a good steward of a good gift that God has given me. Walking with my little girlfriend is one of those "I've got to do that" things. I have a lot of them. Finishing baby books, putting pictures in albums, figuring out how to fully utilize my expensive (to me) digital video camera, reading something besides assigned school and church work with my son, going on a date with my husband... the list goes on and on. I'm sure that we all have some lengthy lists. I'm sure that there are some things that we shouldn't really bother with, but what about those things that are from the Holy Spirit's prodding? Today I'm picking this one thing. I'm sure something in the daily routine will not get done. It is OK. Laura Ann will enjoy some time outside with just her Mama. God has given me a gift in a beautiful daughter, legs that can walk, lovely sidewalks in a great neighborhood, no job outside the home that competes with my time to walk with her (unless you count my volunteer lunch lady job :)) and a neat stroller that my sister gave to me.

What is on your list? I challenge you to pick something. Pray for the Holy Spirit to enable you to do it if it is beneficial. Pray that the burden to do unnecessary things is lifted. I plan to pray that right now.

I would love to get some comments from anyone about the one thing on your list that you have prayed about and feel led to do (or just spend 10 minutes starting the process) this week. I know that there are some readers that I don't know personally, but comment away. I would love to pray with you about it! As you can tell I don't get that many comments and I probably have partially selfish motives for requesting them but if prayers are sent up that is great!

Now for my prayer... I'll let you know if we go on that walk. I believe that we will!

While I Was Blogslacking......

The boys attended a "big football game". I hope that Bill will get a chance to post on this later.

Will had his first girlfriend, a blonde cheerleader.

I had my worst Sunday morning ever. Bill was out of town for a golf tournament and both kids were screaming crying as my liquid makeup exploded all over me and the floor.
I got to church anyway!!!!

We celebrated Bridget's 18th Birthday.

My lunch hit the floor, I'm not sure what day it was now!

ALL of these people spent the night in our house(minus two of the adult men and maybe one of the boys). That's 30 souls, and it was a blast!!! (Girl Scout Field trip to Atlanta)

Will was FDR for a day at the little White House in Warm Springs, GA for a school project.

The cocktail sauce hit the floor on the Thursday that I planned to post. I mopped with old fashioned Lysol in the brown bottle and my house smells like a hospital.

And life went on and on and on.... We are striving to live as followers of Christ in a busy hurried world.

Life is fun, hectic, hurried, exhausting, rewarding, exciting and hopefully lived to the praise of His glorious grace. Well duty calls, Someone doesn't want to take an evening nap and my threshhold for crying time has been hit. Now I will scoop her up and comfort her and try again at bedtime for sleep. She will turn one next Sunday. More thoughts on that later......

OK so I failed!

I wanted to post and catch up on things so I put a stay tuned on my last post for accountability. Well, it didn't work. When I get to post the pics (one taken yesterday) you'll see how I keep getting tripped up!! My little sister showed up last night so I really need to hang out with her until she leaves for the youth retreat this afternoon. It will be a joy to post whenever it happens! I marvel at you bloggers that seem to keep up your blogs so well and live such full beautiful lives. Maybe I'll be that organized one day!!

I haven't left.....

I haven't left, I'm just a blogslacker. I've been doing silly things like cleaning and unpacking boxes, Bible study and the like. (That's sarcasm.... I'm told that my joking is somewhat unclear at times) OK, so my goal is to post something by (hmmmm) Thursday night!!! My baby is in only a diaper after her bath and is crinkling some plastic packaging (too small to do any harm and I am watching her!)Ok I just had to finger sweep a sticker from a package out of her mouth. (She loves to eat paper) (I apparently love writing in parentheses). I really have to put some clothes in the dryer and try to get enough laundry done so that I can justify going to buy some liquid makeup. I sing with praise team Sunday and I really need some make-up to cover the new crop of bumps that I have. Some of us go through that part of puberty quite late I guess! Hope to see you by Thursday!!!

What Life is Like

No, I didn't put her in the basket. She accomplished that all on her own.

Will LOVES football! He told the coach "Don't you know that they play college football in the rain?" the day that he had to cancel practice because of a tornado watch. He even wants to play football in the yard with Bill when he has spare second even though he has practiced for hours that week in the heat. His handwriting is improving (when he takes his time) and he has a wonderful teacher yet again.

Confession time... I know the words to several ACDC songs. Bill once hid his Thunderstruck cassette from me in his glovebox when we first started dating. I don't think that he wanted his new girlfriend to get the wrong impression about him. We now rock out with Third Day instead of ACDC. I mention this because Bill picked Will up from school the other day looking like this. I couldn't find a great picture of Angus from ACDC but you get the picture. By the way, Will doesn't go to school looking like that but he sure comes home differently than we send him a lot of the time!

July 27th, 2008

July 27th

Laura Ann's Baptism

21 "As for me, this is my covenant with them," says the LORD. "My Spirit, who is on you, and my words that I have put in your mouth will not depart from your mouth, or from the mouths of your children, or from the mouths of their descendants from this time on and forever," says the LORD.
(Isaiah 59:21 NIV)

39The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call."
(Acts 2:39)

An excerpt from "How Our Children Come to Faith"

by: Stephen Smallman

"If you are not part of a tradition that baptizes children, you can at least respect the sincere conviction that lies behind that practice. It is true, unfortunately, that baptism is misused. In too many instances, the water of baptism is given virtually magical powers to transform a child. For others, the baptism of children is little more than a family celebration. But there are also many, many examples of parents' bringing their children to Christ as an act of faith to ask for his blessing on them. As they see the water applied outwardly, they trust that the Spirit will also be at work inwardly. It is God who will save our children, not baptism, and we can pray that he will start that work in their hearts early in their lives."

In case you read this one day my dear Laura Ann,

You must know how awesome our God is. You only have to look around you or to the intricate workings of your own body to see it. We promised in humble reliance on our Lord Jesus Christ to raise you in the love and admonition of the Lord Jesus Christ on the day that you were baptized. You have been set apart. You are special and have a special purpose to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. The first time that I knew that you were growing inside of me I wanted you to be a woman of God and trusted His promises for you. Your father, brother and I love you very much, but the love of Christ far outweighs our love. We will disappoint you at times but He will not. He is always with you. Your father and I pray often for your relationship with Christ and we even pray for your future husband if God wills that. You are asleep in your crib, unable to get out without being scooped up. This is how salvation works. "He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters" Psalm 18:16 I know that God will finish the work that He has begun in me. I fall so short of being the woman of God that I want to be and always will until glory. I continue to pray that my life will be a living sacrifice. I pray that by God's grace the sanctification process will have produced many more fruits of the spirit in my life by the time that you are able to understand this. I have been sharpened by my relationships with godly women and I pray to be an example to you of how Christ's work in our hearts can enable us to live as becomes followers of Christ.

I love you but more importantly God loves you.

Sincerely, Mama

Take Heart

Please click on "In my Arms" by Plumb and listen. I found it on a friend's blog just this morning as I was contemplating motherhood and God's grace. This song has a dual meaning for me. I want to be just the mother that God wants me to be. I believe that includes being a safe soft place to fall for my children as well disciplining them. The song also makes me think of our heavenly father's promise to never leave us or forsake us. We are truly safe in His arms, and only through that can we attempt to provide any real comfort or safety to our children.

I still have plans for many posts about football practices, baptism, life in general for the past few weeks. I still plan to do the post about Blessed Be Your Name. I wanted to interrupt my plans to have chronological posts for this one.

This morning I was trying to plan our Fall schedule... football, church, school for a 2nd grader, a nine month old, a 17 year old little sister, a 40 year old man in college.......

I wasn't sure how much that I could handle and still be the mother and wife that God calls me to be. I want to be a good mother. I love both of my children very much and now feel even more of motherly responsibility to my little sister (who now lives with us). Our son Will has been at the forefront of my mind. This is part of an email that I sent to my husband this morning:

"He is so important to me. I want to do even more for him. These years will pass by like lightning. I only have one chance to do this. Oh what an awesome responsibility. Only through Christ can I even attempt it."

He replied with this:

“Take Heart”
Posted: 01 Aug 2008 12:00 AM CDT

“God’s grace means that I can rest assured that I’ll have everything I need to be what he wants me to be and to do what he wants me to do in the situation in which he’s placed me.
I’m no longer restricted to the limits of my own strength and wisdom. By his grace, I’ve a new identity and a new potential. I’m a child of God; the risen Christ now lives inside of me. I need no longer fear people or circumstances; I don’t have to feel weak in the face of suffering or temptation, because I no longer rest in the resources of my own ability. I’m in Christ and he’s in me.
This new identity gives me new potential as I face the realities of life in this bent and broken world. God’s grace gives me reason to ‘take heart.’”
—Paul David Tripp, “Psalm 27: Take Heart”

.

.

My prayer is that I provide the safe place that the children that depend on me need while doing all of the things that God calls me to do. May they feel safe with me because we are all clinging to Jesus. I pray that I reflect on God's grace as the anxieties of this world and our enemy call on me to stand down.

My Father in heaven, may I truly find my rest, safe in your arms.

.

.

Psalm 27

1 The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, [a] when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.
3 Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident.
4 One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.
5 For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.
6 Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD.
7 Hear my voice when I call, O LORD; be merciful to me and answer me.
8 My heart says of you, "Seek his [b] face!" Your face, LORD, I will seek.
9 Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior.
10 Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.
11 Teach me your way, O LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.
12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence.
13 I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
14 Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.

Exhausted....

I have many things to post. I cannot, however post them at this time. I must get dressed!! It is 11:46AM. NO, I didn't just get up. I was up at 3AM. No, I can't blame it on little Laura Ann. I plan to get dressed and empty at least one box today and I pray to be patient and loving though my mood does get less than beautiful with little sleep. I just posted a playlist/link to the song "Blessed Be Your Name", also the title of this blog. Listen and enjoy. It is a preview of a post that I look forward to writing in the future (after I catch up on many events!)
Blessed be the name of the Lord Jesus Christ!! Sleep or no sleep!!
M

Trip to D.C.

The Wright Flyer
ME 262

(German Messerschmidt)

Airplanes, Kisses, and Milk

Well,the boys are off to D.C. Bill is taking the little guy to the Air and Space museum, particularly the WWII section today. I can't wait to post some pictures. A lot happened before the sun rose, the travelers were up and Will's cereal and milk were spilt all over the jeans that it took us 10 minutes to find. (They grow quickly at 7 and always seem to have their knees on the ground!) Well Will wasn't happy with a comment I made. I had just told Bill that I wasn't going to kiss him anymore. Yes, I said it. Well, Bill likes to conserve dishes. He had a snack of cereal last night and rinsed the bowl afterward and then used the same (dirty according to me) bowl this morning as I was trying to get a clean one out of the cabinet for him. It's not like we were camping or didn't have a clean bowl. It was milk! Will was just about to jump up to defend his buddy when his hip hit the straw part of his straw bowl and kaploosh! Well we found some other jeans that actually looked better.

Will loves all of us very much. I am particularly touched by how he loves his father. He has so much fun with him. "I'll ask Daddy, he'll know about this" is heard quite often around here. (I say it, too.) I love to see the boys worship in song together. I see them both tear up at about the same time. Bill does his best to include Will on projects. My heart is full as I just watched my guys pull out of the driveway for an adventure that I'm sure will not be forgotten. I am so thankful that I have a husband and father to my children that first and foremost is a man of God and from that flows his love for us. He shows father-like love to my little sister, too. He met her when she was two. He has taken her to Disney World, springs, etc... He takes time to counsel her and I hear him pray with Will every night for her. He wants his children well taken care of and is man enough to discipline them and actually LEAD this family, which is no easy task. (I've been told that I have a strong personality). Well I guess I've made my point, I could go on and on. Just one more thing, the smile that Laura Ann reserves for her Daddy. You should see how she reacts when he comes home.

So.... I will kiss him again and again and again. I think Will knows that, too. He has to see the light in my eyes as I look up at that tall handsome man.

Happy Independence Day!

The Best Of The Best

Yep, that's my boy with a Blue Angel Pilot. I am so thankful that my little guy got to meet and get autographs from most of them. He even got career advice from a couple of them. The Meet the Pilots night was by invitation only at the Saturn V area of the space center. We had Hors D'..... (Appetizers) heavy enough for supper and Will saw his first 3D movie. We had a blast! Laura was once again a great girl. We had to get another battery after church on Sunday. We had the minor inconvenience of having to be jumped off Saturday night. That was the first time in 15+ years of marriage that we were on that end of the jumper cables. Thankfully the Space Center had some kind of charge pack.

A quick note on your next breath. It is not guaranteed. Only God knows the number of our days. Every breath and heartbeat is from Him. The Sunday that we left Huntsville the air show was scheduled to wrap up. A storm burst blew in without warning. A little 5 year old boy died as the wind blew a generator over on him. If you are waiting to have a relationship with Jesus Christ, don't. It is just that simple. This is not scare tactic evangelism, just the truth.