Counting Sheep Blessings

This was me this morning at 2:30 a.m. Seems as if a couple of infections were stalking me! (Then today the doctor said Jonah and Glory both have ear infections.)

But hey....there's so much to be thankful for!

Like antibiotics.

Like this beautiful scene on Saturday.

Like a dinner with my family last night.

So....count those blessings. It makes such a difference!

Waiting is Weaving

You may remember that In my ladies’ bible study group we are studying “Women of the Bible.” Each week we study a different one. We have learned so much through our fellowship and studying together.

Our next lady to study is Elizabeth. I wanted to share something that has already jumped off the page. It is in reference to Christians having to WAIT. Yes, we sometimes don’t like to do that.  But we have to remember that God sometimes has awesome surprises awaiting us! Our challenge is to faithfully follow and trust Him as we do so.

Read what the author says.

“Are you waiting on God about something now? Remember, He cares about the smallest thing and is working all within the big picture of His redemptive plan that includes you. Trust His timing, and His goodness….God is never late; nor is He ever too early. He is always on time, working according to His timing that is always perfect.

With God, waiting is weaving----weaving the full beautiful tapestry of His will.”

Don’t you just love that?

High Fiving the Weekend!

 1. Cooler temps

 2. Time with Glory

 3. Genealogy luncheon with distant family (and M)

 4. Church

 5. Special testimony

 6. Mexican food

 7. Workday at our mission home building project

 8. Dinner with Jenna

 9. Drag races with Rick

10. Keelie taking a division title in a 5K

Learning From Other Women

This is the bible study we are doing now. It is a continuation of learning life principles from biblical women. Last fall we did the first book. Each book is a 12-week study focusing on a different female character every week.

Each week, we discuss.......

Her place in God's divine plan
Her challenges along the way
Her faith
Her flaws
Her victories
And then finally, how we can apply what we've learned.

We are all part of God's divine plan. How exciting is that?!

Timing

by Charles R. Swindoll

Psalm 31:14-15

In September, Terry Shafer was strolling the shops in Moline, Illinois. She knew exactly what she wanted to get her husband, David, for Christmas. A little shop on Fifth attracted her attention, so she popped inside. Her eyes darted toward the corner display. "That's it!" she smiled as she nodded with pleasure. "How much?" she asked the shopkeeper.

"Only $127.50."

Her smile faded into disappointment as she realized David's salary as a policeman couldn't stand such a jolt. Yet she hated to give up without a try, so she applied a little womanly persistence. "Uh, what about putting this aside for me? Maybe I could pay a little each week, then pick it up a few days before Christmas?"

"No," the merchant said, "I won't do that." Then he smiled. "I'll gift-wrap it right now. You can take it with you and pay me later," he said. Terry was elated.

Then came Saturday, October 1. Patrolman David Shafer, working the night shift, got a call in his squad car. A drugstore robbery was in progress. David reacted instantly, arriving on the scene just in time to see the suspect speed away. With siren screaming and lights flashing, he followed in hot pursuit. Three blocks later the getaway vehicle suddenly pulled over and stopped. The driver didn't move. David carefully approached the suspect with his weapon drawn. In a split second, the door flew open as the thief produced a .45-caliber pistol and fired at David's abdomen.

At seven o'clock in the morning a patrolman came to the door of the Shafer home. Calmly and with great care, he told Terry what had happened.

Stunned, Terry thought how glad she was that she had not waited until Christmas to give her husband his present. How grateful she was that the shopkeeper had been willing to let her pay for it later. Otherwise, Dave would have surely died. Instead, he was now in the hospital---not with a gunshot wound, but with only a bad bruise. You see, David was wearing the gift of life Terry could not wait to give---his brand-new bulletproof vest.

Within the movement of events is the Designer, who plans and arranges the times and the seasons, including the minutest detail of life. You question that? Many do.

But unless I miss my guess, David and Terry Shafer don't. It's funny . . . people who survive a calamity don't have much struggle with sovereignty.

Behind the maze is the Master.

Going With The Flow

The treat bags I shared with you had homemade goodies in them~~~pralines, cookies, and brownies!

Here is the recipe for the pralines.

The following is taken from Victoriously Frazzled. I believe if we can all take it to heart, the frazzle meter will go WAY down.

"I'm getting better at 'allowing' God to order the events of my day. That's not to say I don't plan. It's just when things don't go according to my plan, it's more okay than it used to be. God is teaching me that He wants to be in charge of all the ins and outs of my day. When the unexpected happens, He's teaching me to relax in Him and go with the flow."

Have a great Thursday, and remember......go with the flow.

Who's Frazzled?

Tomorrow night we complete our study Victoriously Frazzled. It is amazing how twelve to fourteen ladies were brought together for a purpose that only God could design!

We have studied, eaten, prayed, shared, and laughed---all the things we women do so well when we get together.

I put these little treat bags together to give them tomorrow night as we celebrate being......Victorious Frazzled Females!

Can you guess what I put in them?

Sharing Sunday....

After our worship service this morning, we had our luncheon. Potlucks are the best! My chocolate cake was all gone. Love it when you get to bring home an empty dish.

This afternoon I brought out the quilt squares ("My Twenty-Four Piece Puzzle") I shared with you a couple of months ago. I started on sashes and borders. I'm hoping to get more done this week.

Then a walk outside to take in the colors...

Enjoy your evening!

Here, Lord! 

During our study last week of Victoriously Frazzled, we were talking about dealing with life when it's driving you crazy, hectic or whatever! Thought I would share a paragraph out of one of the day's lessons.

"When things are going smoothly in life, it's easy to shine the love of Jesus, isn't it? The real test comes when life is driving you crazy and that sinful nature kicks in. You know--that nature that's filled with worry, anger, fear, and STRESS! That's when "the world" is really watching, especially unbelievers. They're looking to see if our walk matches our talk. They're searching and hoping that Jesus does make a difference, because they're not too sure about the whole Christianity thing. During those times, God makes His appeal through us."


God can and will take control but....we need to ask for His power. His power can change our reactions, our facial expressions, our words, our tone of voice, or whatever when life smacks us in the face. Let's ASK!

Color My World

Wow! How gorgeous was our weekend! I wanted to share with you what I am seeing out in our fields behind the house.

The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, 

and all who live in it.  (Psalm 24: 1)

Oh Happy Day!

May your day be filled with 

joy and blessings

from above.

It's Over!

Thanks to all of you for your thoughts and prayers on my behalf. I am doing well. This time around is so much better than the first time I had this same surgery. Thank the Lord for answered prayer! And...big hugs to you.

Victoriously Frazzled

Can't wait to start this in April. It's our next ladies bible study book.

“Victoriously Frazzled will help any worn out, burned out, and stressed out woman understand the Spirit God has given her. The goal is to lead women into the presence of God—right in the midst of their ‘frazzledness.’ By doing so, women will gradually pull back from confusion and doubt, from fear and self, and allow God’s Spirit to have His way in their lives.”

(Taken from Lifeway site)

Everyone Needs a Little

Come all ye weary and ye broken
Come to the table of the Lord
Come sing the song of the forgiven
Come lay your burden on the Word

Come and find
Peace everyone needs a little
Rest everyone needs a little
Joy and a song to sing in the darkest night
Life even when it gets you down
Hope will turn it all around
But love is the greatest of these
Everyone needs a little

Sing all ye saints and ye sinners
Call upon the mercy of the Lord
Come sing the song of redemption
Sing about the hope that is to come

He will lift you up
He will lift you up higher than sorrow
He will lift you up
And cover your soul with healing.

(Sung by Kari Jobe)

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My friend, Erin, just sent this my way. She is just too sweet and cute!

A Birthday and A Busy Ant

Happy 29th Birthday, Justin!!

Justin is at the station today. But we wanted to wish him a great birthday. We have a party planned for Friday. We love you!

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Water wears away stones. — Job 14:19 NIV

Where would you like to be in six months or a year? And how will you get there? Just as the ant picks up one grain of sand and moves it, then the next one, then the next one—and because of its long obedience in the same direction builds a city—one year from now, we will all be different. We don’t get to stay the same, but we do get a choice in how we will have changed, whether it’s for the better or not.

In your spiritual lives, too, as you “play the movie forward,” where do you want to be in a year’s time? If you want to be growing in your faith, closer to God and bold in your prayers, then day by day follow the example of the little ant and set your face in that direction by spending time in God’s Word and in worship and prayer every day.

Everything that has value is worth intentional, daily commitment and obedience. I know that it’s not easy, but just take the first step, then the next and the next, and before you know it you’ll be much further down the road. Understand it can take time. All good things do. But that’s okay, because the journey is worth it.

— Sheila Walsh

Excerpted from Get Off Your Knees and Pray © 2007 by Sheila Walsh. Used with permission. All rights reserved. Published in Nashville, Tennessee, by Thomas Nelson.

In Christ Alone

(words by Stuart Townend and Keith Getty)

This song blesses me so!

In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song;
this Cornerstone, this solid Ground,
firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
when fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All,
here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone! who took on flesh
Fulness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones he came to save:
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied -
For every sin on Him was laid;
Here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain:
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave he rose again!
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me,
For I am His and He is mine -
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.

No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath.
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.

Praising Texan

Holy is the Lord

(Chris Tomlin)

We stand and lift up our hands
For the joy of the Lord is our strength
We bow down and worship Him now
How great, how awesome is He

And together we sing

[Chorus]
Holy is the Lord God Almighty
The earth is filled with His glory
Holy is the Lord God Almighty
The earth is filled with His glory
The earth is filled with His glory

It's rising up all around
It's the anthem of the Lord's renown

And together we sing,
Everyone sing.

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It's so fun when you come across bloggers from your home state! I always get excited when I stumble upon another one.

So please do me a favor! I am working on a list of all my blogging friends who live here in Texas or have roots here. (Family members, I know you are here!) Please either email me or leave me a comment if you are one of those; I just want to make sure my list is complete. (In the future, I'm also going to compile a list of all you others who are scattered across--got 'em from Canada to my brother who is living in Cambodia.)

Yeah, I know this is probably a little crazy. But humor me!

Thanks and have a great week.

Christmas Hangups

Our children at church presented this great Christmas musical the weekend. They were so cute and did a fantastic job.

The story takes place just before Christmas, and the tree ornaments have been awakened from their yearly hibernation by the movement of the storage boxes. It's time! As they begin to prepare for another season on the family Christmas tree, they are greeted by a rather strange and “un-Christmassy” ornament: A hula-girl. The Star, the Snowman, the Angel and others don't understand what she has to do with Christmas and give her a rather cool reception.

However, a significant figure from the mantelpiece shows up to explain to all of them what Christmas is about and how they each have significance in God's amazing plan of redemption through His Son.

++++++

Now.......Webster defines "hangups" as (1) a psychological or emotional difficulty or (2) an inhibition or obstacle to smooth progress or development.

Don't let some hangups with the hustle, bustle, and craziness of the season cause you to lose your JOY during Christmas. Or more importantly don't lose sight of the fact that NO ONE is insignificant to Jesus!

A Song and a Slice of Sweetness

Regardless of how many times I hear this song, I am over taken with thanksgiving, joy, and praise each and every time!

You Are My King

(Chris Tomlin)

I'm forgiven because you were forsaken
I'm accepted, you were condemned
I'm alive and well
Your spirit is within me
Because you died and rose again

Amazing love how can it be
That you, my king would die for me
Amazing love, I know its true
It's my joy to honor you
Amazing love how can it be?
That you, my king, would die for me
Amazing love, I know its true
Its my joy to honor you
In all I do I honor you

You are my king
You are my king
Jesus, You are my king
Jesus, You are my king

Amazing love, how can it be?
That you, my king, would die for me
Amazing love, I know it's true
Its my joy to honor you
Amazing love, how can it be?
That you, my king would die for me
Amazing love I know it's true
Its my joy to honor you
In all I do I honor you
In all I do honor you.

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Red Velvet Cake

Cake
1 ½ sticks (3/4 c.) butter, softened
1 ½ cups sugar
¼ cup cocoa powder
1 t. baking soda
1 t. salt
1 t. vanilla
2 eggs
1 cup buttermilk
2 T. red food coloring
2 t. white vinegar
2 ½ cups flour

Frosting
2 bricks (8 oz. each) cream cheese, softened
2 sticks (1 c.) butter, softened
2 jars (7 or 7 ½ oz each) marshmallow cream

PREPARATION
1. Heat oven to 350°F. Coat two 9 x 2-in. or 8 x 2-in. cake pans with baking spray (nonstick spray with flour).

2. Cake: In a large bowl with mixer on medium-high speed, beat butter, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt and vanilla 2 minutes until creamy. Beat in eggs, 1 at a time, until blended. Stir buttermilk, food color and vinegar in a 2-cup measure until well blended. With mixer on low, beat in flour in 3 additions, alternating with buttermilk mixture in 2 additions, beating just until combined. Spread 3 cups batter in each prepared pan.

3. Bake 30 to 33 minutes for 9-in. layers, 40 to 43 minutes for 8-in. layers, until cakes pull away from sides of pans and a pick inserted in center of cakes comes out clean. Do not overcook. Cool in pans on a wire rack 5 minutes before removing from pans onto rack to cool completely.

4. Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter in a medium bowl with mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Add marshmallow cream; beat until smooth and fluffy, about 1 minute.

5. To assemble: Place 1 layer on serving plate; spread with 2 cups frosting. Top with remaining layer; frost sides, then top with remaining frosting.

Weekend Wonders

Just wanted to share a few of the highlights of our weekend. 

We took Jonah, the RV, and went to the lake for a quick camping trip.

There was a great playground right around the corner of our campsite. 

I love this! Jonah worked on his bike--for real.

Our wonderful view at sunset! 

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Grace Greater Than our Sin

Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured,
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilled.

Refrain:
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin!