I'm Dreaming Of A White....Easter??

Yes folks...I woke up this morning to a white Easter...snow was on the ground. So much for spring I guess. I always say God has a sense of humor...I think it was just God's way of reminding us how with the death and resurrection of our Lord and the sacrifice He made for us...if we accept Him as our Savior, He will make us white as snow. Interesting how God tries to get His point across though isn't it??

Hope you have had a happy Easter...our family just took advantage of some relaxing, naps, and just enjoying each other...and I even got to scrapbook a little today!! HOORAY!!

Many blessings to you!

I Will Give You Rest...

Hanging on to this scripture at the moment...

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:27-29

Long night last night....Colton is sick. Temp. of 102.2 Just got back from the doctor. He has a cold and an ear infection...possibly strep throat too. Luckily Austin is feeling better though other than a slight cough.

Momma is tired...thank goodness for Tim Horton's English Toffee Capp...wouldn't be functioning at the moment.

So I have the couch bed unfolded, movies are playing, boys are watching, boys are home until Tuesday. So I'm coming to you Lord. My prayer is that You would grant me the scripture above after I get my pile of laundry folded and dishes washed in the sink...Lord just give me a nap...I'll be happy with just a nap. ;-)

Thanks for all the prayers too folks about the last post...you are all so awesome!

It's difficult in the valley...

Sometimes life comes at you and you just wonder why and how and all those questions. I usually try to keep things here light and I try to point to the good things. I hate making this a place to dump all my junk but sometimes it's theraputic to "write" things out...maybe in writing out the "junk" it will help find the sunshine.

Lots of things going on right now....my heart is heavy...I'm physically tired...emotionally tired too.

Hubby's situation at work hasn't gotten any better. Still working lots of hours and only getting paid for 8-10 hours tops...it's been hard. I just like having my family all together, especially for dinner time...now if we do that it's only maybe on Sunday's. Hubby has been stressed, I've been stressed. We've both been a little tempermental with each other even though we aren't trying to direct it AT each other...it's hard. It's much easier raising kids as a team than on your own and it feels like it's been that way for a while. God bless single momma's! They deserve a lot of respect for doing things on their own.

My middle son Brennan has developed some tics over the last month...he does this weird thing with his neck and sniffs his hands a lot...we have an appointment next week with the doctor...I'm worried of course. I know it's all in God's hands and He is in control. It's just that this little guy has been through so much in his life...he always seems to be the one that struggles the most, has the most obstacles and just seems to get the short end of the stick and as a momma it breaks my heart. I'm afraid of him becoming self conscious of himself and others picking on him...he's such a sweet little boy and I know God has a plan for him just the way he is...after all Moses stuttered and he did great things! But I am just a concerned and worried Momma...it breaks my heart. If you find a few minutes please pray for my little guy.

My other two boys are starting to come down with colds. Hoping they aren't sick for Easter.

It seems like things are all piling up at once, people needing me to do this or that...I really should be doing other things in fact than being on here, but if I don't let this out I'm not sure what I'll do. Just have to vent it out.

Thanks for being my sounding board, my soft place to fall.

Things that make me happy right now...

Things that are making me happy right now:

* How God used me in church today...Sometimes I struggle leading worship, but when I give it over to God and allow him to work through me...it's amazing what He can do.

* Watching the kids sing a hip version of "Nothing But The Blood Of Jesus" in church today.

* Eating fresh strawberries and pineapple today...though Strawberries aren't quite in season yet they were a nice change of pace for a change.

* Colton telling me yesterday after he got done combing his hair and brushing his teeth as we were getting ready to go to my nephew's birthday party..."O.K. mom I'm ready to party!" The stuff that comes out of that little guys mouth lately...so funny.

* Not allowing some little things get to me...and allowing God to work...He's in control anyway right?!!

* Reading this book and being totally inspired...after Lent I am going on a scrapbooking FRENZY!! ;-)

* Seeing some sunshine today, even though it is still bitterly cold.

* Updating my MP3 player...it now has cool wallpaper on it!

* Thinking about how truly blessed I am and thanking God for those blessings.

Have a wonderful Sunday!

More of the blasted white stuff...

Yes...while others are claiming to see spring flowers...I woke up this morning to about an inch of snow...SPRING WHERE ART THOU?!?!? Needless to say, boys are home from school because of the snow...driving me nuts fighting over the Playstation as usual...It's going to be an interesting day....

Just a little blurb about AI...So BORED by the guys...There wasn't one that totally Wowed me, Chris Sligh and Blake were the only ones I would have even given the priviledge to move on. The girls are owning this season in my opinion...and if a guy wins this competition, then it's obviously rigged. So, I was watching the news today and there is apparently some controversy (When isn't there with AI...I think in many ways they do that on purpose) I guess there is something about Antonella Barba having "questionable" pics on the internet of herself. Supposedly there was another contestant from a past season who was booted off AI for the same reason and the question is out there about whether or not Antonella will get the boot...what do you think...should she get booted for these pics or be allowed to stay?? I know my opinion, but would love to hear yours.

On a final note....have you ever had someone question you about how you worship, and if it is truly genuine?? Kind of ran up against that this weekend...was directed at a group of us, which things like that always make we question my worship...which I hate because when it comes to music that IS how I worship. I may joke around and be the one to lighten things up a bit, but when it gets to the brass tacks...I love to worship the Lord through music. Again, not sure if the comment was meant for me, but I wish people would just have the guts to pull that one person aside and question them instead of directing it to a whole group...in my opinion it just makes everyone feel that they are doing something wrong. Maybe I'm just being sensitive, but it really bothers me when people question how I worship. To me that's between myself and God...am I wrong??

Hope you are having a good (minus any snow) day :-)

I survived...

I survived the weekend. Boy's party went well...was a long day, but it went well. My song at church went well too...I sang Chris Tomlin's version of Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)....such a cool song. The Pastor asked me to sing it again at the end of the service...it is such a powerful song...so many people came up to me after the service and thanked me for the song...It always amazes me as to how God works through me. After all He was the one who gave me the gift to sing...I'm just more than happy to use it for Him and to touch His people...I love to sing. May not enjoy doing it in front of others (I get nervous) but I just can't keep from singing...it's a part of me.

On other things...if you notice off to the right there is a badge there with a pic of a cute little boy on it...that adorable guy is my nephew who was diagnosed with Autism at an early age. I signed up to help raise money on behalf of the Autism Speaks Foundation. Autism impacts 1 out of every 150 children most of those being boys. With those kind of stats there needs to be a cure for this...please if you find it in your heart to donate to this cause, please do so...I'm not one to usually beg for money, but when it touches someone in my family...it means something, so if you feel so inclined I and I know my sister and nephew would most appreciate it. Oh....And the 6 degrees website is offering a grant of $ 10,000.00 to the charity that raises the most number of donations by March 31st....even more reason to give. ;-)

Well...it's 10:15 and believe it or not I'm exhausted...so I think I'm going to call it a night. Have a great week!

Ever have one of those weeks...

where you just can't help but shake your head and ask yourself...where did the week go??? Pretty much how this week has been. Kid's finally had a full week of school, meetings this week...hubby working LOTS of hours...just tons of little things really going on...glad it's Friday.

Hubby and I watched a really good movie last night...If Only. A nice romantic movie about a couple who after a tragedy, gets a second chance. I'm not much of a crier...this one made me cry for some reason. Check it out. Also if you know if there is a soundtrack or CD where I can find the song that Jennifer Love Hewitt sings in this movie...please let me know....gotta have it! Here's a video of the song from this movie:

Love Will Show You Everything

I don't know if it's been the books I've been reading and the movies I've been watching lately, but I've been thinking a lot about life, how fleeting it is, what my purpose is, about heaven and what's in store for me, and just all things on that tangent...like the Bible says...we are vapor...merely here for a moment...here one minute and gone the next. We are here for a purpose. I've heard all these things before, but for some reason it's finally hitting home into my blonde little brain. There's more to life than just me and my tiny little bubble I'm in. God is so amazing...He has an amazing plan for all of us and even if we may not be obedient to His plan He will fulfill His plan with or without us...how cool is it when we ARE obedient and become a part of that grand plan.

Like I told my hubby last night....several several months ago I really struggled with MY purpose. Couldn't quite see what my purpose was and why I was here...now I know that my purpose is to be the best Mom that I can and to raise my children the best way I can with God's help. And also to be my husband's best friend and complete him for lack of a better term. Once I came to terms with that, it made me feel better about me and what my job is in this life. Stay at home mom's get a bad rap in my opinion...we have one of the most important jobs in the world IMO.

On that tangent...I usually try to read the Bible to the boys before they leave for school in the morning. My middle son Brennan was in one of his moods the other day and told me...Mommy I don't know why you read that...I never remember what you read. Kind of broke my heart and made me wonder if I was wasting my time...after some prayer and reflection I will not stop reading to them even if it may seem that I'm wasting my time...The devil wants me to be discouraged...and yes maybe they won't remember what I read, but maybe just maybe a tiny seed will be planted and something will sprout from my efforts. It doen't have a chance if I quit now does it?!!? So devil...try all you want...I'm not stopping. I know that God is going to allow something to get through to them...and even so...hopefully when they look back on their lives they will remember the times that their Mommy read God's word to them. Just had to share that.

On a different note...another season of American Idol has begun...unfortunately because of a lengthy meeting I missed seeing the guys sing...but what I saw of them (recap after the show...I wasn't overly impressed...though I kinda liked Chris Richardson, Chris Sligh, and though I wasn't impressed with his performance Brandon Rogers was good during the auditions. As far as the ladies go...WOW...in fact hubby was impressed and even voted...he's never voted before. Our fav thus far...LaKisha Jones...blew everyone else away...and her story touches my heart...I really like her. Also two other favs were Stephanie Edwards and Melinda Doolittle. I think they will go far in this competition. So as far as those who got cut...didn't see that show either, but I'm surprised most that Antonella Barba made it through...I was surprised when she made it to the top 24 honestly. I thought her performance was karaoke at best. Maybe it's just her looks that are helping her through. Just my opinion. Don't get me wrong, she has a nice voice...the song was wrong and I'm just not sure that she's cut out to be a professional. Again my opinion. Also don't care for Sundance...another one that I was surprised to see make it through...and thought he should have gone.

I know this was a weird and rambly post, but I've got three 4 year olds running around me...that may be why ;-) But I just had to share my week...even if it wasn't the most opportune time.

Have a great weekend and may you never forget God's purpose for you!

God works in mysterious ways...

I need to quit with these once a week posts...I miss it I do...just not much to write lately...but I have to say God has worked in mysterious ways in my life this past week.

First of all as I had mentioned earlier this year I have begun reading my Bible...the whole reading your Bible in a year thing. Still doing well...a day behind right now, but that's OK...I'm still OK...God understands...and I think this may be where this is all stemming from...I'm feeling closer to God and understanding even more His commitment to His people...I'm in the book of Leviticus right now.

In our Women's group Tuesday I mentioned again during prayer time about Brennan having trouble in school and with his teacher. Ironically (or may be not so) a new lady that has been attending our grou works for the School Superintendent. She gave me some things that I could possibly do to help Brennan and his situation with his teacher. Then on Wednesday Brennan comes out of school all smiles because his teacher FINALLY moved the desks around and he's no longer sitting by the kids who have been distracting and picking on him. We've been on his teacher to move him since November. God thing maybe??

Then I got a call from the library about this book I reserved for my hubby that he wanted to read (which my hubby does not like to sit and read a book BTW)...it was in, so I went to pick it up...it was this book: Don's description of heaven just again reaffirms for me God's love for us...and the beauty that I will someday behold.

Then we missed church yesterday (which I hate missing church) but it was for a good thing. Kevin's step-grandma Gerri was celebrating her 83rd birthday. We went up to visit her and participate in her party. The night before I thought about her present (I know great time to think of that)...hubby didn't have anything for her, and I really wasn't sure about what to get a woman who was in a nursing home and honestly we weren't even sure if she would make it to this day. Then I remembered Kevin's stepmom had given me these crocheted granny squares that she told me that Gerri had once made but never put together. I then had this overwhelming urge that I had to make something for her out of these...I didn't hesitate...didn't second guess or talk myself out of it...so at 10 p.m. on Saturday night I sat down...watched a movie and sewed these squares together...about 35 in all...I was up until 3:30 a.m., yet I was determined to finish it...almost like I was on a mission, yet not sure why. So then yesterday we had to be on the road by 9 a.m. so we could be there by 11 a.m. and there I was in the van crocheting the edge around this little lap afghan. I got it done in time. Thank God. My hubby presented it to her and told her about the blanket and how the squares were the ones that she had made...she looked at the squares with tears in her eyes and said that she didn't make those squares...they were made by her mother. This feeling just swept over me of how much more precious this gift must have been to her...she even said that I couldn't even know how much it meant to her. She was truly touched. And I was truly humbled. Here was a woman who in all honesty doesn't have much time left, and something I (and I say I loosely cause I know it was a God thing) did touched her heart...WOW...God works in some mysterious ways. Sometimes you just need to listen to that still small voice inside you and not question it...lesson learned. I give God praise for that moment...and I will cherish it. The picture is of me with Grandma Gerri and her brother and sister...those granny squares were made by their mother.

Then we came home and our Pastor was having a Family Communion, which is where we as a family would come into the church and he would personally serve our family communion and then pray for us as a family. It was a true blessing to have communion and share that sacred moment as a family...with my boys.

God is so amazing.

God and worship

Wow what a week! After last weekends stress God gave me such a nice week...thank you Jesus.



So the highlight of my week...I got to attend the WinterJam concert with our Youth group...I don't usually get the chance to do these things but what a great opportunity. To attend a great Christian concert for only $ 10.00!! It was truly an awesome experience. Hubby unfortunately couldn't go...couldn't find anyone to watch the boys so he opted for me to go and he and the boys had a Star Wars night together instead. I am thankful....I have a great hubby who realizes when I need some time for me. Got to hear bands like Newsong, Hawk Nelson, Steven Curtis Chapman and this great guy.....Jeremy Camp!!

If you haven't heard this young mans music...you MUST!! He is one of my and hubby's favs...and I actually got to meet him!! One of my best friends (actually its the mom of the twins I watch) stood in line for me so I could meet him and get his autograph. How cool is that! I got to watch his concert AND meet him too! He put on an awesome concert...his first song was one of my favs off his Restored album "Lay Down My Pride". Love his music and his message...awesome performer. If you have the chance to see him in concert...GO!!

Steven Curtis Chapman was awesome as well playing one of my favs of his "Magnificent Obsession"...so love that song. Missed hearing Sanctus Real play, but Newsong was really good too. Hawk Nelson was a bit different for me...definitely geared more towards the (dare I say it) younger crowd...but I got more blessing watching those teens jump up and down in the name of Jesus...it truly warmed my heart.

Ironically, we had a missionary speak at our church yesterday and he touched on the subject of music. He was once a Pastor before becoming a full-time missionary and he talked about one of the saints in his church who commented to him about how she was bothered by the guy who played guitar in their praise team, how he wore jeans...and not only that, they were torn. This young man was a new christian and the Pastor commented to her about how moved he was by the way this young man was worshipping...tears in his eyes, playing his music with such passion...and the comment he made to her was this

I mean no disrespect...but you were concentrating on the wrong thing.

WOW!! I wanted to hug this man...this seems to be a silent undercurrent in our church is the music...and being on our Praise Team it can be frustrating...if I let it. Not enough hymns, too many hymns, music is too loud, need more upbeat music, music is too fast, never a happy medium. Now I like hymns...even myself who doesn't care much for country type music can tolerate a little southern gospel now and then...why do we think that the music we worship to in church is all about us?? And who is the judge that says only hymns can be used to worship God?? I'm sorry but even though I wasn't totally into Hawk Nelson at that concert and it may not have been totally my type of music I like best, you can't tell me that those teens weren't worshipping God to that music. I think Satan uses this debate to his advantage to put a wedge between the generations at church and the sad thing is that some are too stubborn to see what he is doing. In my opinion I don't care if you bang on a tin can and sing off key...as long as in your heart you are worshipping and praising God...that is all that God cares about. And yes we as a church body we may have to be tolerant of a hymn, a contemporary Christian song, or even a little southern gospel...all for the sake of worshipping God and for your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. After all, it's not about us anyway right?

Sorry about that....I'll get off my soapbox now. I'm just so glad that there are so many ways to praise and worship our King?? What is your way to Praise and Worship Him???

Snow...finally and God is SO good!

We finally got some snow yesterday...about 5-6 inches to be exact...here are a few pics of us playing in the snow with the neighbor girls.

First of all I have to say what an amazing God I serve...He is so AWESOME! Saturday we went to see Kevin's step-grandma in the nursing home. She isn't doing so well, having some trouble breathing, so we went up to visit...we haven't seen her in several years. We had a very nice visit and was very pleasant. We then went to hubby's Uncle's house for dinner. Also very nice. For our trip I allowed the boys to take their Gameboys since I wasn't sure what we would run into and I wanted to keep the boys occupied while we visited Grandma...I told myself that I would make sure I knew where they were at all times (we had already lost one Gameboy in the last year...not wanting to lose another). To make a long story short, when we finally got home Brennan's was missing. And to make matters worse his was in the case that held all the games...which I didn't want him taking in the first place. Needless to say I was devistated...hubby was very upset...made for a bad night. I cried to the boys...I was so disappointed in myself...I wasn't so much upset about losing the system (though there was plenty of $$ lost in that), I was much more upset at myself because I felt like I let my boys down. I was pretty sure I walked out of the nursing home with it, but from that point I had no clue what may have happened to it. I cried that night...I cried when I got up that morning...then found out I had to lead worship...I honestly wasn't much up to it and even thought of backing out of that...but I trusted God to get me through...I told the Pastor about my situation...I know it sounds stupid, please pray that my son's gameboy is found, but I believe God hears all our prayers, petty or not. I prayed during Sunday School, I went to the altar to pray during worship...I just prayed that God would just hear me...well when I got home after church I was still downhearted, but felt uplifted being in church. When I got home my boys greeted me with "Mommy...it's been found...it was at Daddy's uncle's house." I was so happy...I was praising the Lord all over the house...I was so thankful...God does listen to a broken heart...and yes my heart was broken...any time I feel like I let my boys down my heart does break. Thank you Jesus for answered prayer. Now the system isn't back in our hands just yet, but hopefully when we go back up in the next couple weeks it's soon be home safe and sound. Still not sure how it ended up in hubby's uncle's house, but I just praise God that it is found. God is SO good!

Hope you are having a happy Monday!

Life...

Well I hope your 2007 is going well...It's hard to believe that we are already in the 9th day of this month...time flies.

Been doing very well with my Bible reading in a Year challenge. More than halfway through Genesis...I have so enjoyed it. Though I usually read my Bible daily, it's usually just a few verses here or there...I have njoyed going through the stories again and just really getting into it.

So, on one of the blogs I puruse (Ali Edwards) she challenged us to come up with one word to be the word we carry with us all year...me being me I couldn't just come up with one so here are mine:

Organize ...this is the year for organization for me...I NEED to do this...Not that my house is in bad shape, just for my peace of mind I NEED to do this.

Change...I know this year is going to be a year of change for me...I'll be turning 40, Colton starts school in the fall and I'll be without children at home for the first time in many years. Not sure where life will lead me and where God will lead me.

Reinvent...I feel along with Change that I'm in the process of reinventing myself. Finding out my purpose, why God has me here, find peace and joy...I'm excited and scared all at the same time.

On other things...I'm sort of struggling with one of my boys and his ability to focus...he lost all his recess yesterday and just having a very hard time staying on task. He has the same problem at home too...always has in a way. Not sure what to do...I'm very discouraged. He's so sweet and loving, just very laid back...which at times can be frustrating. Just praying for strength and that somehow we get through this together.

Got my craft room somewhat cleaned last night...I can see my table! First time since before Christmas...It's a nice feeling. If I wasn't so tired I'd go scrapbook right now, but I think bedtime is calling.

On that note I think I'll close for now. I hope you are having a good week!