Hot and Bothered

Do you ever get irritable? I mean, grumpy beyond the point of all reason? I mean, so that nothing can unfurl your eyebrows or soften the growl that's coming from your throat?

That's been my week. Hot and bothered.

Yuck.

But, do you know what I discovered? All of myself was filling all of my thoughts. What I wanted (or didn't want), what I expected (or didn't expect), what I needed (or didn't need)....Me, me, me. Like a selfish toddler, I only had eyes for me. And who's winning when my eyes are on myself? Not me, because I can't be satisfied...not my family, because they, though they try, just can't seem to measure up when I can't be satisfied...and most certainly not the Lord, Who deserves to have all of my attention, and my focus and my devotion. Nope....it is the adversary who is winning when my eyes are fully on myself. * After all, then the Lord is not receiving the glory that He's due.

The Bible tells me to resist the devil and he will flee. "Resist" is not a very passive word, is it? Nor is it inwardly focused. To resist is active and steadfast. To resist requires perseverance. To resist requires the strength (the wisdom, the stamina, the armor) that only the Lord can provide.

And so, here I sit, putting on my garment of praise to dispel that ugly spirit of heaviness. Who needs to be hot and bothered when they have the hope of a bright future? Who needs to be grumpy when they are empowered to fight for the advancement of God's glorious Kingdom? Who needs to be irritable when all of his/her needs are met in the Person of Jesus Christ?

Not me.

Praise the Lord.

I need to go find my shield.

(* Disclaimer: The adversary never will win. He's a loser.)

God's timing, God's plans

So often it is easy to question the timing of the Lord, and why things happen the way that they do. But we know that He is all-knowing and all-powerful, and His plan is perfect, even when we don't quite understand it. Thank you to those who rejoiced and prayed for my friend, Heather. Please visit her site for an update.

Abundantly more...

It tells is in 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18

Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.


I have a friend. Her name is Heather. For 8 years, she has longed for something...a baby. For years she has trusted a promise that she believes the Lord has given her...a baby. But, for years, her womb has remained empty. Together with her husband Rob, she has prayed and believed, prayed and believed. They have embodied this Scripture, being cheerful no matter what, praying all the time, and being thankful to God month after barren month. They have humbly depended on the love and prayer of the body, which rallied around them.

Well, today, sitting in the bleachers of the public pool, my dear friend heard over the phone the words she has long dreamed of: "You're pregnant!"

Much rejoicing, crying, praying, phone-calling and giggling filled this day, which is the first day of an incredible journey for their expanding family. But the need for prayer has not ended...this is simply the beginning of a precious new life. And this baby needs to be supported in prayer just as his/her parents have been for so long.

I thank you, precious Lord, for this unbelievable gift for my friends. I pray for quickly multiplying hormone numbers. I pray wholeness and strength, peace and health, contentment and thankfulness, hope and steadfastness. You are so much more than we can even imagine, and You have already given abundantly more...

Visit her site to celebrate with her.

Praise You, Lord!

Scott's First Wedding

We attended another beautiful wedding on the weekend. Cale and Nicole (Bull) Jones were married on Saturday morning, out-of-doors, in the beautiful sunshine. This was special for us for more than one reason. First, they are a couple we appreciate very much. But secondly, it was Scott's first time officiating a wedding. He did an amazing job, and the ceremony was exquisite. I was very proud of him!! Cale and Nicole were very calm and peaceful, and my friend Heather (matron of honor) was radiant! :)

We celebrate with you, Mr. and Mrs. Jones!!

We're off to sweet Beulah-land in the morning...only one day later than predicted! :)

Cool Slideshows!

Grace's Spa Day Birthday Party

We finally had Grace's Birthday Party, only 8 days late! We had a makeover party with several of her little friends. We did manicures, pedicures and Candice Jackson came and did their hair. It was a ton of fun! We had what every girl loves - brownies and ice cream - for B-day cake. Grace had a blast, and felt like a really big girl, I think.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GRACE!!!

Cool Slideshows!

Beautiful Friends, Beautiful Wedding, Beautiful Flower Girl

We immensely enjoyed celebrating Candace and Andy's wedding week with them. They are very special to our family, and it was an honor to be a part of their preparation and celebration. We loved their wedding, and their hearts of peace and humility throughout the weeks leading up to their wedding. Grace was a beautiful flower girl, and the boys enjoyed being in Candace's Kids' Choir. It was a super day!!

Cool Slideshows!