thankfulness challenge - week 4

i know all 1 or 2 of you have been anxiously awaiting my thankfulness challenge conclusion...h:)

22 - the Holy Spirit
i am thankful for the presence of the Holy Spirit nudging me; changing me; convicting me. it must be lonely without this Holy Presence....when i act on the Holy Spirit's prompting the result is always good. why don't i listen more?

23 - the Body of Christ
i was moved to tears this morning listening to the Christian radio station. the dj lifted people like me up in prayer. what a wonder that Christians can pray on the behalf of people they don't even know or may never meet.

24 - ancient words
this morning i came across this verse:
"my soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, i will never be shaken." Psalm 62:1-2
this verse was in my head all day - giving me strength. that's the power of God's word - it is timeless - His character; His power; His promises never change.

25 - biblical teaching
today i was reflecting on the theme of sunday's message. when making tough choices the first question we should ask is: " will this bring glory to God?" that's all i need to be concerned with - not my pride; not retribution; not fairness. God will handle all that. my purpose is to reflect His presence in my life and bring Him glory.

26 - my home, husband and kids
we had a low-key thanksgiving...i didn't even get dressed. it was a lot of work preparing everything and cleaning up, but as i was doing the dishes i thanked God that i was able to provide a good meal for my family and enjoy it in our warm home. there are so many who weren't able to enjoy thanksgiving the same way. i was also blessed by riley's prayer before we ate. i am so thankful that she knows who to thank for the blessings in her life.

27 - contentment
biggest shopping day of the year. we are cutting back HUGE this year. i could feel sorry for myself and be distracted by thoughts of disappointment, jealousy and resentment but i find myself being able to focus my attention so much more on celebrating the ultimate gift of Christ's birth - do i really want anything else?

28 - the miracle of the sun
the sun was out today. i love when the sun shines, but don't often reflect on the true miracle the son is - it is millions of miles away yet it warms us, boosts our mood, helps things grow, begins and ends our days and provides us with important vitamins. it's one of the things that when i really think about it i wonder how anyone could possibly deny the existence of a creator God.

29 - the advent
as a Christian i celebrate the event of Christ's birth as well as look forward to the event of His second coming.
"but the angel said to them, "do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:10-11
"you too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near." James 5:8

30 - Christmas break (not "holiday recess" or "winter break")
only 18 more school days!

thankfulness challenge - week 3

another tough week. having trouble seeing the bright side some days (not to mention some sleepless nights). that's why i did this blog though. there is always a bright side because i am a child of God and my hope is in Him alone.



15- family time
i love when i have time to reconnect with my family. it's a good feeling when i'm with people who care about me and i can just be myself. love the laughter, silliness and fun.



16 - my sister
i am so thankful i have a sister to share my life with. there's nothing like having a sister to hang out with, chat with, laugh with. we can communicate with a look...a smile...an eye-roll....i hope megan and riley can share a similar bond as they grow up.

17 - God's love
i was up in the middle of the night reading my new book (thanks kristen) crazy love. i was reflecting on how wonderful it is that the mighty, holy, Creator of the universe, God Almighty, loves me. although He doesn't need it - He longs for my time, my service, my love, my heart. He is jealous for me....it's a humbling thought and boy does it put all our puny little problems in perspective

18 - my mom
i've been worrying a lot again lately. and i can't really talk about it to people. but my mom knew something was bothering me and she asked me about it. she didn't let me blow her off either. although it was hard to talk about - it felt good to say the words. and i know that she will pray for me which is comforting.

19- prayer
i love that i can pour my heart out in the middle of the night. i can say whatever i need to say and He still loves me. He knows just how i feel and His "advice" is always right on.

20- hope
wow. friday was a hard day. could it have been worse? yes. i'm thankful my bad day ended when the sun went down. i still had my home, my health and my family.

21- warm sunny november days
we had a nice family day hanging out in a local downtown area. raymond hung Christmas lights and they look beautiful.

thank you my Lord...

thankfulness challenge - week 2

although there were some ups and downs this week (as always) i tried to keep a spirit of thankfulness.....

8 - my friends
i don't have a lot of friends. i have a few close friends and lots of "others". my "go-to girls" can brighten my day, make me laugh, push my thinking; they are talented, giving, and tell it like it is.

9 - i'm living in God's will
although my future is uncertain - my job, my finances, my health; i can't control the choices others make - my kids, my husband, the school board, the president - i am right where God wants me. i do not fear the future. what a relief to be able to pray about something and give it all to God.

10 - the small everyday blessings
making cookies with riley, having a skipping contest, reading in bed with riley, the warm weather and sunshine, brady clapping and learning to kiss...

11- living in america
yes, this country has problems and it doesn't look like it will get any better soon. we do have certain freedoms though that improve our quality of life. i can't imagine living in a country where i couldn't freely attend church or bible study. it makes me want to take more advantage of my freedom and speak of the gospel more often. thanks for those who gave their lives to protect our freedoms.

12 - my faith
today at work i was sitting in on a class that was discussing historical fiction. a student asked, "is the bible historical fiction?" the teacher responded, "well...the bible is a leap of faith" and then explained that although the bible has great "stories" it wouldn't be appropriate for the purposes of this unit. no. it wouldn't. since the bible is not fiction. what a "no brainer" for those of us who have taken that leap of faith. i heard riley's little voice in my head saying, "the bible is God's true words." i was trying to picture what would happen if something like this happened in one of riley's classes somewhere down the line. would she speak up and say the words that come out of her mouth so easily now?

13- family
my mom and dad were on vacation for about a week and riley hadn't seen them in awhile. before she saw them she was overflowing with excitement and joy. the reunion brought a smile to my face for sure (and brady didn't even cry....) she is the same way when she knows she is going to see her cousins. she is beginning to make connections about why families are special. and we're looking forward to more family time this weekend when we see kristen and kids :)

14 - slow saturday mornings
i am thankful that there is one day a week i can get up with the kids, delay breakfast and a shower and stay in my pj's all morning.

thank You for these blessings...

thankfulness challenge - week 1

it's november...and i'm thankful

for this month i want to choose one thing a day to be thankful about and thank God for it.

1 - my church
it's not perfect but it is filled with people who love God and each other. it's right where i need to be.

2 - Christian music
i love music. i love the old hymns and worship music. it really helps to keep my mind on the things of God and not get bogged down in worldly thought.

3- my nanny
jodi is an answer to prayer and a blessing to our lives. she has a servant's heart and makes being away from home easier for me.

4 - my dad
my aunt lost her dad this week. as i heard stories and read some comments about him it seemed evident was that he loved the Lord. i know what a blessing it is to have a Godly dad.

5 - God's timing
the day my cousin was to attend her grandpa's funeral her son was born. it's a God thing for sure.

6 - God answers prayer
i wrote down a prayer request at church last sunday and God showed me that He answered! it was not the way i expected but what do i know?

7 - alone time
i like to be alone. i also like to spend "alone time" with each person in my family. i cherish the alone time i get with my husband and each one of my kids.

thank you God for these blessings

choices

i recently read a blog about a woman who was in a tough, unhealthy relationship. she knew she had to leave. she packed up her two kids and drove 9 hours to go stay with a christian family she had never met. she left in the middle of the night. she didn't want anyone to try and stop her. she needed to leave.

she found her safe haven. she (re)dedicated her life to Jesus.
as i was reading the part of how- although it's not easy- she's walking with God, i sensed an overwhelming sense of peace and relief in her tone. she had finally chosen to submit to God's will and her life was better.

i've learned that when God tells me to do something i need to obey.

i was recently convicted by something a pastor said about disobedience in the christian life. he said that disbelief is manifested by disobedience....ouch...i thought it was just stubbornness and pride (which are still sinful)....but disbelief??

when i don't obey- i don't believe in God's plan; i don't have trust; i lack faith. and where does that leave me? a christian without faith?

although we are saved by faith through grace (and not works) our faith is evident by our deeds.

In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. James 2:17 & 26

i think back to a time God was speaking to me - telling me what to do. I chose to disobey. My strong will was doing battle with my weak faith. i didn't believe that God would provide.

the next time God told me to make a major change I chose to obey. it wasn't easy and i was scared, but this time my faith grew stronger as my own will was crushed.

and although things didn't turn out perfectly or exactly the way i wanted, God has made provisions and He has blessed me.

it is important to me that my actions reflect my faith- not only that i believe in God, but my belief that God is control and He knows what is best for me. i know that His wonderful plan for my life could not even be compared to anything i could come up with.

i have a choice....

mother's prayer

dear Lord,
i thank you and praise you for my daughter riley. thank you that you love her more than even i can imagine. i am so thankful that i already see that she has a heart for worship. oh how i love to hear her sing her heart out for You. please continue to guide me in fostering her love for You.

i lift her up tonight Lord as she begins a new phase in her little life. she is starting her first day in public school. thank you for giving me peace about this decision for this year. give her courage; help her feel safe and cared for. help her make contact with the kids that will be positive influences on her and will make good friends.

i also lift up her teacher, mrs. griffin. give her a good night's sleep and help her feel prepared for this very demanding first week of school. give her patience, joy and a purpose for showing up at work everyday.

and tonight Lord, i ask for peace and joy in my own heart. give me courage and help me trust that riley will be safe and cared for this new school year (...and that she will love learning....). i pray that our night is restful and our morning will go smoothly. protect me from satan's weapons of worry, fear, mistrust and pride.

bless our day Lord and i praise You for all you have done and all that you will do in our lives through this experience.

in Your Precious Holy Name...

amen

fear

i am thankful for this verse (and so many others like them...)

Hebrews 13:6
So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

right now i am struggling with fear. i'm afraid of someone new coming into my home to take care of my kids. oh...how i wish it were me....

a good friend of mine helped me put this fear in perspective. she reminded me that God loves my kids even more than i do...wow. i meditated on that for awhile and was blessed with an overwhelming sense of peace. so often i think of them as "my kids" when in reality... they are HIS.... and i've only been given the privledge of being their mom here on earth. of course He loves them more than i do. He created them....in His own image....

she also believes that God will honor the prayers that i've been storming heaven with for so many months.....Lord please bring the right person to care for my kids....help me find someone who loves You and will care for them and grow to love them....please let them be safe and secure in someone else's care.

i think i've found the right person. i pray that she is everything i've prayed for and will be a blessing to me and the kids.

this is a big step for me. i feel my faith and trust in God is being tested. i need to believe that even when i'm not here God is loving my kids and watching over them even better than i can.

i continue to covet prayers regarding this situation. please pray my heart will be filled with peace rather than fear and sadness.

contentment

i find myself contemplating happiness a lot lately. happiness seems to be the goal of so many people; not only for themselves, but for those they love. "i just want to be happy...." "i want my kids to be happy...." "...whatever makes you happy...." "i'm happy if you're happy..."

what's with all this "happiness" crap?

should happiness be the ultimate goal? does it last? does it really make life better? can anyone truly be "happy" all the time?

the way i see it - the pursuit of happiness has broken up relationships, torn apart families, ruined businesses, ended lives, created selfish, self-centered kids who only repeat the cycle.

it's not that i'm not happy or don't enjoy happiness...i'm just saying - it's not all about happiness

i recently heard that contentment is knowing that God will never leave me or forsake me. no matter my circumstances. whether or not i am happy.

the things in life that often bring happiness are things that will indeed leave us and perhaps forsake us.

clothes, cars, toys (ipods, computers, big screen tv's), our homes, our careers, vacations....

...our friends, our kids, our spouses....

it's hard to think about losing these things. would i still be happy if i did. no. could i still be content? i would like to think that i could. would i rather have the assurance that i would never lose these things/people or would i rather have assurance that my God will never leave me or forsake me? when i consider this... happiness doesn't seem so important.

another thought...can those who don't have a relationship with God ever be content? is that why they are chasing happiness?

thank you God for contentment in a happy-crazy world.

why?

lately i keep asking God "why?"

i think it's my human, sinful nature that needs answers/solutions to all of life's little (and big) trials.

no, life isn't perfect
no, it's not the way i want it to be
yes, i've made mistakes
is God ever going to answer all my "why's"

i have a choice. wallow in the "why's" of all my challenging situations or start asking "how?"

how?

how can the trials in my life bring God glory? for this is the ultimate answer to "why?"

let Me help you through it; let others see Me in you; bring others closer to Me; learn more about Me; know me; love me; lean..on...Me;

how can i bring God glory in my current trials?

i will not let satan use my weaknesses (pride, worry, control) to draw me into myself. i will reach out to God (day by day, hour by hour, moment by moment) and give him control over my worries, my hurts, my pride, my will.

i love when my focus on God becomes sharper, the focus on myself becomes blurry. how much more am i able to cope when i am clearly focused on the right target? not only cope, but actually become joyful?

how?

to Him be the glory

unchanging

i am thankful that God never changes

imagine that. imagine being perfect and never slipping, falling, stumbling.

for some reason i haven't been reading my bible a whole lot lately. it happens. something always draws me back though.

worry has had a terrible hold on me recently. it started keeping me up at night. sometimes i pray and pray until i fall back asleep. the other night i had to get up and read my bible though - i needed to hear Him a little better.

i asked God to show me where He wanted me. here are some highlights.

i opened up to 2 Timothy. i was encouraged about the outcome of a faithful mother and grandmother.

in Titus i was reminded to love my husband and children; "to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind..."

Hebrews 13:5 was especially encouraging as i struggle with living within a budget: "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God said, Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."

then i smiled as i read the next verse; "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid." riley has this verse posted right across from her bed so she can read it at night and has memorized it.

and i ended my time in The Word with:"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Heb. 13:8

i thanked God that although.... i fail, friends and family disappoint, spouses struggle, kids disobey, bosses accuse, co-workers gossip,....i slip...i fall...i struggle....God never changes. He is perfect in His actions, words, thoughts, intentions, plans and His love for us.

lessons learned

i am thankful for my dad and the lessons i've learned from him.

my dad spent most of his career as an engineer, but his first career was teaching. and although he left the field of education he never stopped teaching.

thanks dad for being one of my first and most important teachers.

i have learned...

to enjoy swimming and bike riding

the value of a dollar

to be a discerning shopper (and it's ok to take things back)

to give genuine compliments

that a smile and a hug can lift your spirits

the importance of encouragement

how nice it is when your friends like your dad

to work hard and with integrity

to value my education

to set goals and work hard to accomplish them

to be a better writer and communicator

that I am a work in progress- always learning and growing

to take care of those you love

to be kind to people - even strangers

more about my Heavenly Father through the character of my earthly dad

to keep my priorities in line (e.g.spending time with your kids/going to church is more important than sleeping in and/or tackling that to do list)

to honor my commitments

that morning can be the perfect time to spend with God

that discipline is an act of love and not meant to evoke fear

you can be a leader without being aggressive, selfish and dishonest

to find joy in daily life and count my many blessings

that love is not just an emotion, but actions

to say " i love you... i'm sorry..... will you forgive me?"

that life is less about what you accomplish and more about how you've touched people's lives

i've learned... to love, hope, grow and pray... and i've learned...a lot about the qualities i want to see in my son.

happy father's day dad. i love you.

motherhood- new life

i am thankful i am a mom

5 years ago i got to meet my first child - riley rose. we celebrated her birthday today. each year the night before her birthday i write her a letter. i enjoyed reading the last 4 letters. i always have trouble sleeping the night before her birthday. i am overcome with emotions, memories, hopes and wishes for my little girl. i was reflecting on how much she has grown. i also noticed how i have grown as a mother.

i am the mother who almost wasn't.

i wasn't sure i wanted kids. what? i know, i can hardly belive it either. i thought a lot of things back then that don't make sense to me now.

thankfully, God changed my heart. i know when it happened too. june 3rd 2000. i held my nephew in my arms - my sister's first baby. i saw her with him and my heart began to ache. all of a sudden i knew...i wanted motherhood...i wanted to hold my own baby in my arms.

it wasn't an easy road. God taught me so much that next four years. His timing is so perfect.

after riley rose was born, my life had new meaning. shortly after her birth, i returned to church and rededicated my life to my Heavenly Father. how could i possibly be a parent without the divine guidance of My Father?

riley's birthday always reminds me of my renewed commitment....my new life....

happy birthday baby girl...

on the job

believe it or not, i'm thankful for my job

it's like this....
we are not in a position to live on one income (yet...) so i need to work.
so here's the bright side...

i have a job that i can work part time and still make good money
i have a job in education - the only field i can imagine working in
i have a job that matches my strengths - reading, writing, speaking, helping others
i have a job that is challenging without being overwhelming
i have a job that can be life-changing without taking over my life

i get extended time with my kids during the summer, at Christmas and in the spring; i have skills that help me teach my kids; evening work and weekend work is optional, although often necessary; no traveling

i continually learn, reflect, change, grow

i have opportunities....
to be part of the solution instead of part of the problem
to reflect The Light instead of darkness
to pray for those who don't know Christ

although working is not what i would choose right now, i'm thankful that-once again-God provides

You give and take away

i am thankful for my sunshine girl and my joy boy

i am thankful that i had my sunshine girl during the terrible time of my grandma's sickness and death. although it was a terribly sad, emotional time i just had to look at my beautiful, happy daughter and my spirits were lifted. from the time she was a newborn i would sing, "you are my sunshine" to her. it just seemed to fit.

grandma only saw our sunshine girl a handful of times. i know she loved her though. i know that she would love her now; she would make her laugh. it will be a happy day when those two meet up again.

then there is joy boy. before he was born, i questioned the timing of his life. why now, God? i had pretty much given up on having another baby. i made peace with the fact that it would be just the 3 of us. then it happened. huh? really? ok, God - i trust you.

not long after we found out we were having a baby, our family suffered a tragic loss. i wondered why these two things would happen so close to each other. i questioned God's timing at first, but then i said, "ok, God. i trust you."

our joy boy was born in january- the beginning of a new year. i don't have so many questions anymore. he brings us so much happiness.

the sadness is still there, but thank you, thank you, thank you for my sunshine girl and my joy boy.

blessed be the name of the Lord

thanks mom

as i was feeding brady tonight i was wondering if he will ever know how much i love him. i wonder if my kids will know that i would do anything for them. and that even though i lie down exhausted every night i wouldn't change a thing- even if i never hear "thanks, mom". here's my chance to say "thanks"....

here's some of the "little things" that i may have never said thanks for:

thanks for...

holding me, rocking me, singing and reading to me

taking care of me when i was sick (especially at night)

dressing me up in pretty clothes

taking pictures of me

reading the same book over and over and over

holding me when i had nightmares

playing with me even when you had a million other things to do

all the trips to the park, the zoo, the pool, Greenfield Village

the family vacations

finding fun things for me to do

putting my needs before your own

teaching me it's ok to be silly and laugh, laugh, laugh

helping me with my homework (especially those poems)

talking to me when i couldn't sleep (and letting me stay up and watch tv with you)

taking me to church and sending me to camp

caring about who my friends were

staying with me in the hospital (as a child and an adult)

loving me even when i was unlovable (...horrible, that is)

making sure i was close to my extended family - especially my grandparents

picking me up from school when i didn't feel good

getting me out of bed when nobody else could

saying "no"

saying "yes"

taking me to BSF

knowing when i need advice or just someone to listen

letting me always come "home"

praying for me....loving me, my husband and my kids

showing me what motherhood is all about....

happy mother's day

what's the plan?

i am a planner. i don't like when things don't follow my plan; when things go wrong. i get frustrated, confused and sometimes angry. isn't it great that my plan isn't important?

i am thankful that God has a plan for my life

the other day i was so comforted by the thought that God is not surprised by anything that happens in my life.

the last year has been full of unexpected events for me. but not for God. He knew they were going to happen. not only did He know - but He made provisions for me in the wake of all these unexpected circumstances.

here's another amazing thought: He knows when i am going to sin. He knows when i will obey and repent and He knows when i will be stubborn and refuse (and refuse, and refuse). He pursues me until i obey. He knows how it will end. He knows when and how and why i will face my sin. and He's there waiting...

so what's the plan? for once, i don't really have a plan. i'm on the waiting, and listening and obeying plan.

it's good enough for me that He knows.

grace

i am so thankful that i don't get what i deserve

i am sinful, unfaithful, disobedient, unforgiving, judgemental, full of pride

i am cleansed, forgiven, reconciled

i am...loved...unconditionally

health

thank you Lord for good health

what a blessing it is to be in good health. i am able to get where i need to go and do what i need to do with little effort.

i've thought of that several times this week. i've noticed many people - mostly strangers who have a health condition that compromises their mobility.

especially on a day like today. i was able to enjoy the beautiful spring day with my family without any physical limitations.

i have no chronic conditions. i do not take any prescription medication regularly.

it would be easy for me to take credit for this. i take reasonably good care of myself...eat food that is good for me....try to limit the junk....i don't lay on the couch and watch tv for hours and hours (or sit at the computer)...

so what?

every once in awhile the pride sneaks in...then it hits me....

it's by God's grace and abundant blessing that i am healthy.

i am also so thankful for my healthy husband and healthy children. i am grateful that i can fall asleep without the burden of caring for someone who is chronically/seriously/permanently sick.

recently, it seems, that the Lord has laid it on my heart to pray for others in this situation.

i know it may not always be this way...stay tuned to my next blog for more thoughts on that.

the real Easter

i am thankful that Easter means so much more to me than...
pretty dresses, eggs (both colored and candy), flowers, bunnies, baskets, a nice dinner, an even better dessert, hanging out with family, going to church

although i enjoy all of these things - what if Easter was only these things? it wouldn't mean a whole lot. it would be easy to get lonely, down, or depressed if you didn't have the money or family to make it special. i was battling some negative feelings on this beautiful Easter day until i put things into perspective and focused on the "real" Easter....
the cross, my sins, the resurrection, my eternal life

i am also thankful that my daughter seems to understand and accept the truth about Easter.
here is a smippet of the conversation we had yesterday while i was making potato salad and she was "doing" the dishes...

"mom, do people in china celebrate Easter" - she is somewhat obsessed with china since the olympics

"yes- some people in china celebrate Easter. but did you know that there are many countries where most people don't celebrate Easter because they don't believe in Jesus?"

"we believe in Jesus"

"yes, we do"

pause...."well...i think we should pray that other people will believe in Jesus like we do and then they can celebrate Easter"

"yes. we should."

i also explained that the Easter Bunny is not the one bringing her eggs and a basket. why not? she said. i said it's because he wants to be at church on Easter celebrating the "real" Easter instead of hiding eggs and delivering baskets.

"...the JOY of the LORD is my strength..."

hope

i am thankful my hope is in Christ

hope allows me to....
stay focused on my future and not dwell on the past
forgive those who reject me, disappoint me, hurt me
depend on God to fulfill me
maintain an attitude of thankfulness
think of heaven as my home
know that my trials will bring God glory
be confident that whatever God has planned for me is far better than what I could plan
claim the promises of God - here are the ones i'm especially thankful for today....

"do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. and the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Jesus Christ" phil. 4:6-7

"...the Spirit helps us in our weakness. we do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express." romans 8:26

"i can't..."

i am thankful for the "bright side" to the "i can'ts" in my life

i can't eat and drink certain things because my baby depends on me for his food

i can't sleep in because i have kids that need me and want to be with me

i can't stay home full time, use my credit card, drive a lease car (after this year), get my hair done every 6 weeks, eat out 2-3 times a week, indulge my wants, etc, etc, etc because i am committed to becoming debt free

i can't watch certain tv shows or movies because i choose to think about "...whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable..." phil. 4:8

i can't stay home on sunday mornings because worship, biblical teaching and fellowship are important to my faith and it sets a good example

i can't withhold forgiveness because i have been forgiven

i can't let unconfessed sin separate me from my Savior because He is a Holy God who requires repentance

i can't go long without pondering hell because there is still work to be done in the lives of those close to me

i can't not pray because God is faithful and answers prayer

trust and obey

i am thankful for straightforward commands

it doesn't get much clearer than this. when things feel out of control; when I'm overwhelmed; when i feel a little lost it's time to go back to basics~trust and obey. if i listen closely i can hear Him whisper...trust me...obey me...

i can only imagine...

today i am thankful for heaven

as i get older, i think about heaven quite a bit. how wonderful and amazing that God created such a place for us to spend eternity! our limited imaginations can not possibly prepare us for what we will experience. sometimes i wish for heaven, but then i remember God's sovereign grace...he wants as many of us there as possible.

i love songs about heaven. singing about it somehow makes it more real. here are a few of my favorites:

Amazing Grace
"when we've been there 10 thousand years
bright shining as the sun
we've no less days to sing God's praise
then when we first begun"

My Jesus I Love Thee
"in mansions of glory and endless delight,
i'll ever adore thee in heaven so bright,
i'll sing with the glittering crown on my brow,
if ever i loved thee Lord Jesus 'tis now"

I Can Only Imagine
"surrounded by Your glory
what will my heart feel?
will i dance for You Jesus?
or in awe of You be still?

will i stand in Your presence?
or to my knees will i fall?
will i sing "hallelujah?"
will i be able to speak at all?

i can only imagine..."

and one of riley's favorites - thanks to auntie and the cousins

"heaven is a wonderful place
filled with glory and grace

i wanna see my savior's face
cuz heaven is a wonderful place!

i wanna go there!"

feel free to post your favorites - would love to see them!

the first one

thank you Lord for saving me...

i've got a pretty great life considering all the mistakes i've made. the good things in my life have nothing to do with me. it's taken me awhile to learn that since i have some control issues and struggle with pride. life is so much easier when you learn to give up control and give thanks.